Country Club Hills, Illinois — As Jesse Jackson Jr. campaigns for his old seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Chicago-area churches, banquet halls and black radio shows, he often takes a moment to address the obvious issue clouding his political comeback.
The son of a civil rights icon tries to put it first: a scam in the 2013 campaign Belief He ended his 17-year political career.
“It’s now part of my story,” Jackson told pastors, elected officials and retirees who gathered on a recent Saturday to hear his lofty plan to revitalize Chicago’s crumbling south suburbs. “I’ve cried enough. I’m divorced now. I lost my house to foreclosure. I’ve been through everything that comes with that process.”
Jackson, 60, has launched an enthusiastic campaign in the majority-black district where he began his career, saying his fresh perspective makes him an ideal candidate at a time when voters have accepted him. President And others with serious criminal records. The theme of redemption through his return to the Democratic district is woven firmly with stories about prison, scattered job opportunities, and caring for his ailing father. Rev. Jesse Jackson.
But the effort to reclaim a name that belongs to one of the country’s most famous political families has not been without shouts and jabs from candidates in March’s crowded primaries, who say Jackson got his chance in a district plagued by political turmoil. corruption.
“I think what matters is that trust has to be earned,” Jackson told The Associated Press while on the campaign trail recently. “I’m aware of that.”
The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s eldest son now wears thick round glasses and gray hair. He remains a skilled orator like his father, a disciple of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and a two-time presidential candidate. another son, JonathanHe is also a congressman from the Chicago area.
Looking at times like a preacher and at other times like a college professor, Jackson Jr. walks among poster boards illustrating his vision for a third airport in Chicago. The proposal Partnership between the public and private sectors To boost economically depressed areas outside Chicago hasn’t seen momentum in years.
But this is not clear from the way Jackson described it.
Nearly 50 people came to a suburban school gymnasium to hear how a hypothetical airport could one day compete with O’Hare and Midway.
“The only thing missing in this congressional district is access to the global economy,” Jackson said, describing daily trips to Hong Kong.
The impromptu talk included biblical references and warm shout-outs to locals in the audience. Attendees were handed thick packets documenting the nearly $1 billion in federal money Jackson had received over the years. Throughout the room were church-style banners with pictures of Jackson under the slogan “New Hope.”
David Jones (52 years old) praised Jackson’s “perseverance” and “consistency.” The Flossmoor resident has voted for Jackson before and will do so again. He felt the former congressman had been humbled by the prison sentence.
“Will this affect some people? Maybe,” he said. “But at the same time, to his point, we have a president with 34 convictions who is still president of the United States. So, if that doesn’t stop people from voting on this, why should that stop you from voting for him?”
Soon the crowd was cheering the 10,000-foot tarmac, Jackson directing the recitation like a conductor.
Attendees lined up for blue and white yard signs. Its most popular word is one word: “son.”
Jackson was first elected in a special election in 1995. He has easily won every re-election, though 2009 Achieving ethics related to the previous Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Jackson was not charged.
However, in 2012 Jackson He disappeared from the public eye, even missing the night of his re-election. It was revealed later Treatment of bipolar disorder At Mayo Clinic. He resigned in November amid a federal investigation.
The following year, Jackson pleaded guilty to charges that he participated in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on luxury items including Bruce Lee memorabilia. His then-wife, Sandy Jackson, a former Chicago alderman, also pleaded guilty.
he Servant 30 months.
Jackson’s time behind bars was lonely. He said he used the time to learn from the inmates and write his third book. While he was in prison, his relatives waited for the revelation that his father had been diagnosed with a neurological disorder.
“Emotionally he didn’t think I could handle it,” Jackson said of his father.
After Jackson was released Struggle Personally and financially.
His 37-year marriage ended. Lawyers in his country 2018 divorce He revealed that he received Social Security Disability Insurance payments for extended medical leave from Congress.
Finding work was difficult. A university rescinded a job offer due to his conviction.
“I couldn’t escape the evil of Google search,” he joked.
Early voting begins Thursday for the March 17 primary.
The 2nd District seat is open because Rep. Robin Kelly is running for Senate Dick Durbin retires. The district includes city neighborhoods, working-class suburbs, and some rural areas.
Ten Democrats are participating in the election, including Donna Miller, the county commissioner who is leading the fundraising effort. It brought in about $1 million last quarter and has a lot more on hand. Meanwhile, Jackson had raised about $100,000, nearly matching his spending.
Jackson said fundraising in the area has always been difficult. He believes that the path to victory lies partly in registering new voters; He said his campaign has registered nearly 2,000 people. It also reaches disenfranchised voters, including black men who have “abandoned” the party.
Jackson says he relates more to voters now.
Juveniles often begin by asking who has been incarcerated or knows someone in prison. Raising hands is usually strong. He has been open about managing mental health, crediting his doctor, tight social circle and martial arts.
When his father took his turn at the hospital in November, Jackson wrote about caring for elderly parents for USA Today. The priest suffers from progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder. He communicates through hand movements because he has lost the ability to speak.
Jackson listened to his father’s speeches before officially announcing his candidacy on his father’s 84th birthday in October.
“I feel very emotional knowing that those speeches belong to the ages now,” he said.
Political opponents exploit Jackson’s prominent, comfortable upbringing.
State Sen. Willie Preston likes to highlight Jackson’s fashion choices with Ferragamo shoes as evidence of someone who hasn’t reformed his spending habits.
“When you live a lifestyle of luxury and celebrity because you got rid of that, I imagine you want to get it back,” Preston said.
Jackson ignored the criticism. When it comes to shoes: “I wear shoes that fit my feet.”
Others say the area needs change.
Before Jackson, two members of Congress left office over allegations of misconduct, including… Mel Reynoldswho was convicted of fraud and criminal sexual assault.
“We are ready for a new chapter,” said candidate Yumika Brown, Matteson Village Clerk. “Voters have the right to expect honesty and accountability.”
While listening to the former congressman, 71-year-old Warren Cottrell heard the pastor’s voice.
“He seems articulate, just like his father,” the Homewood retiree said. “I believe in second chances.”
Jackson says it’s a second chance for him with his kids, too. He has consulted with both about running: his daughter, Jessica, who lives in France, and his son, Jesse III, who is in college.
“It is important for them to see their father stand up and fight for the dignity of their name,” he said.