Despite medical, personal and ethical problems that have kept him off the campaign trail Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. holds a commanding 58 to 27 percent lead over his GOP opponent Brian Woodworth, according to a new poll from
We Ask America.
Independent candidate Marcus Lucas trails with 15 percent support in the south Chicago seat.
Jackson has been on medical leave from Congress since June after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He hasn’t actively campaigned.
News reports last week indicated that Jackson plans to return to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for more treatment of his sickness. He had left Mayo in September, returning to his home in Washington, D.C. Also last week came reports that that federal prosecutors are looking into whether Jackson misused campaign funds.
Jackson’s Democratic Illinois colleague, Rep. Bobby Rush, offered a somber assessment of Jackson’s condition after visiting him over the weekend.
“He looks well, but he doesn’t feel as well as he looks,” Rush told the Associated Press. “We have to give him some time and space to heal. He will then again rise up to the level of what he’s capable of. Right now he’s in a fragile state.”
But We Ask America said that despite his difficulties, voters are sticking with their congressman. "Clearly, Jackson enjoys the support of the voters he represents, and perhaps it's time for those who continue to express incredulity to get over it. Jesse Jackson Jr. is safe at home."
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