Jackson Votes Absentee, Plans No Election Party

While he has been absent from his congressional district for several months, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has somehow found time to vote.

Jackson voted absentee and has no plans to hold an election-night event, political consultant Kevin Lampe told the Tribune. The congressman is seeking re-election despite a tumultuous year of federal investigations and time-spent at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

Jackson has been on medical leave since June 10 and has mostly dodged the public eye all the way through October. 

Jackson was seen sitting with former Congressman Patrick Kennedy in August and more recently was seen drinking at a bar in Washington D.C. before returning to the Clinic, according to the Tribune. It was reported in August that Jackson was diagnosed with bipolar depression and gastrointestinal issues.

Opponents Marcus Lewis and Brian Woodworth have called for Jackson to come out of hiding as the district has "no voice." Lewis has already cast his vote, displaying a photo of his marked ballot on his campaign Website.

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