Jesse Jackson Jr. announces run for old Illinois seat
Jesse Jackson Jr. breaks silence on comeback bid in live interview with FOX 32
After over a decade away from public office?and time served in prison?Jesse Jackson Jr. joins us live in studio to explain why he's running again, what he's learned, and what?s at stake for Illinois' 2nd District.
CHICAGO - Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. announced Wednesday he is running for his old seat in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District.
Jackson, a Democrat, launched his campaign on his father’s 84th birthday, calling it a symbolic moment to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s legacy of public service and activism.
What they're saying:
"I’ve chosen this day to make a special announcement — the 84th birthday of a man who inspired my life to public service," Jackson Jr. said in a campaign video. "A man who blessed me with his name."
The backstory:
Jackson Jr. served in Congress from 1995 until he resigned in 2012, later pleading guilty to federal charges of misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses, including luxury items and memorabilia.
In 2013, he was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, while his wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, received a one-year sentence for related tax offenses. Jackson was released from prison in 2015
Jackson said he plans to focus his campaign on economic revitalization, job creation and expanded access to healthcare in the district, which includes parts of Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - DECEMBER 17: Jesse Jackson Jr. attends the Victorino Noval Foundation Christmas Party on December 17, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images)
Jackson’s campaign video also referenced his father’s 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, saying its message of humility and perseverance continues to guide him.
"I am not a perfect servant. I am a public servant," Jackson Jr. quoted. "Doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet."
The Source: The information in this articlecame from Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress and previous FOX 32 reporting.