Opponent Says Congressman Jackson is Like a 'Hermit' and 'Recluse'

Does Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s recent make him unfit to serve the Second District? His Independent opponent, Marcus Lewis, said it does.

"This man is disqualified," Lewis said in a phone interview Thursday. "If you need medication to keep this in check, then yes, you can live a normal life, but not as a congressman."

Lewis likened the situation to if the public found out the president of the United States was suffering from a mood disorder, saying that people would not be OK with being led by someone with such a disorder. 

"(Jackson) is dealing with worldwide issues, making important decisions," Lewis said. "We can't judge him the same way we would anyone else."

Jackson's recent medical leave turned heads, partly . Lewis said he believes Jackson will continue to be invisible to the public in the future.

"He's more like a recluse," Lewis said. "He’s like a hermit. He’s not the outgoing be-in-front-of-the-camera guy anymore."

Lewis criticized Jackson's handling of the medical leave situation, adding that it makes the congressman unelectable. Furthermore, the candidate strongly disagreed with political analyst . "Dick Simpson is basing that on a name," he said. "He does not know about Marcus Lewis." 

In response to Republican candidate , Lewis was skeptical. 

"He's never going to debate," Lewis said. "He never has."

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