The Ballad of the Ballot: Should Jesse Jackson Jr. Resign?

With everything going on in Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s life, does he really have the time, energy or fortitude to make national legislative decisions?

Jesse Jackson Jr. has spent the second half of 2012 out of the public eye. Most of his constituency has not heard a word from him since June. But still, he remains on the ballot, and one has to wonder why. Now the subject of two federal-level investigations, Jackson is under the microscope in a way that transcends this election. Discussions about what to do in Peotone have gone by the wayside as talks of mental health and ethical character dominate the Second District Congressional election.  Republican Brian Woodworth, a former professor at Olivet Nazarene University with a background in law, has a fighting chance now. Independent Marcus Lewis, a passionate longtime postal worker, has Jackson's seat in his cross-hairs.  Regardless of his …

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U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Under Criminal Investigation for Campaign Spending

The Wall Street Journal says the federal government is investigating the congressman's campaign spending.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is getting FBI attention for his campaign spending, according to the Wall Street Journal. The congressman is reportedly under federal investigation for accusations of misusing campaign money to decorate his $1.3 million Washington D.C. home. The WSJ cites sources "familiar with the matter" and says the U.S. attorney's office and the FBI are "in the final stages" of the investigation. Read the story "Jackson Is Subject of Criminal Probe" in the Wall Street Journal Jackson's opponents, Brian Woodworth and Marcus Lewis, have both questioned the congressman's ability to lead after he was absent for several months and diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. Jackson's office announced he was home from the Mayo Clinic in …

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Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Undergoing Treatment for Depression at Mayo Clinic

After six weeks on medical leave, U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been admitted to Mayo Clinic for treatment of 'depression and gastrointestinal issues,' Sun-Times Media reports.

After six weeks on medical leave from Congress, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is now being treated for depression and gastrointestinal issues at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Sun-Times Media reports. Prior to his admittance into Mayo Clinic, it was reported that Jackson, 46, was receiving intense medical treatment for a "mood disorder" at an undisclosed location. According to the most recent Sun-Times Media report, Mayo Clinic offered a statement on Jackson's behalf, noting that he had been transferred to the clinic for "extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues."

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Video: Jackson and Halvorson Explain Why They Deserve Your Vote

The Second Congressional District incumbent and his opponent each tell us about their strengths.

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The Southland Issues: Jobs, Economy and Education

General Assembly and congressional contenders from the south suburbs spoke to voters over the weekend at an open forum hosted by Team HOPE and the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs.

Jobs, transportation, education — and the need to make sure the Southland's issues get a fair hearing in government — were front and center in a weekend open forum for primary candidates. Hosted by Team HOPE and the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs in Hazel Crest, Southland residents heard several candidates for state and federal office speak Saturday. In the 2nd congressional district primary, challenger Debbie Halvorson questioned U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s ability to get things done. Jackson, in turn, touted his efforts on behalf of the third airport project. Patch towns in this district include Homewood, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights and Olympia Fields. In the primary for 19th State Senate District, Tinley Park Village trustee …

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