Rep. Jesse Jackson is prepared to quit his seat in Congress on the condition he receives a government disability package,
according to a report.
WFLD-TV in Chicago cited unnamed sources who said the Illinois Democrat has already applied for the benefits package, which could be his only source of income if he resigns.
The request by Jackson, who was recently re-elected to his tenth term in a landslide victory, is expected to be considered by Congress in the coming weeks, according to the Fox affiliate.
Jackson is reportedly in plea talks with federal law enforcers regarding his alleged improper use of campaign money to furnish his Chicago home, according to the station.
He also allegedly forked out $40,000 in campaign funds to buy a Rolex watch for a female friend.
Sources close to the family told WFLD’s Darlene Hill the congressman may report the use of some space in the basement of his home as his campaign headquarters. But officials said campaign finance law prohibits the renting of campaign space in a candidate’s home.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Jackson is no longer a patient at the Mayo Clinic, where he was being treated for bipolar disorder.
Chicago Sun Times columnist Mark Brown is urging Jackson to make a decision by December 12 because it would allow time for a special election to coincide with elections in other Illinois counties.
“That would save taxpayers some money in replacing him, which Jackson might find a useful gesture to mention when he asks a judge to accept whatever plea arrangement he is reported to be negotiating with federal prosecutors,’’ Brown writes.
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