Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) today submitted his letter of resignation to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).
“For seventeen years I have given 100 percent of my time, energy, and life to public service. However, over the past several months, as my health has deteriorated, my ability to serve the constituents of my district has continued to diminish,” the letter states. “Against the recommendations of my doctors, I had hoped and tried to return to Washington and continue working on the issues that matter most to the people of the Second District. I know now that will not be possible.”
Jackson dropped off the radar in June and eventually began receiving treatment for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic.
“My health issues and treatment regimen have become incompatible with service in the House of Representatives,” Jackson continued. “Therefore, it is with great regret that I hereby resign as a member of the United States House of Representatives.”
He acknowledged that “during the journey I have made my share of mistakes.”
“I am aware of the ongoing federal investigation into my activities and I am doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept responsibility for my mistakes, for they are my mistakes and mine alone. None of us is immune from our share of shortcomings or human frailties and I pray that I will be remembered for what I did right.”
Even though he hadn’t been in Washington in months 2nd District voters apparently thought he did something right — he was re-elected earlier this month with 63 percent of the vote.
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