Jesse Jackson Jr. Medical Leave: Is It Time For The Congressman To Step Down?

Is It Time For Jesse Jackson Jr. To Step Down?

Nearly four months have passed since Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) withdrew from the public eye and, it was later announced, began a medical leave of absence as he sought treatment for severe depression and gastrointestinal issues.

Last month, the congressman's Washington D.C. home was listed for sale, then subsequently withdrawn after the listing attracted media attention.

But despite the lingering mysteries and limited updates surrounding the 47-year-old Jackson's condition, the congressman remains on the November ballot and stands little risk of losing his seat in five weeks.

Though the odds appear to be in his favor, a question remains: Should Jackson step down, given his lengthy recovery period?

Two candidates attempting to unseat Jackson next month -- Republican candidate Brian Woodworth and independent write-in challenger Rev. Anthony Williams -- joined a lively HuffPost Live conversation on the congressman's condition Tuesday. (Watch highlights of the discussion above.)

If Jackson is to step down in the coming weeks, the Democratic Party chairmen in the counties he represents -- Cook, Will and Kankakee -- would have just more than a week to choose his replacement.

Before You Go

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot