Sandi Jackson may run for husband`s seat in Congress
Posted:
Updated:
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
DNAinfo.com Chicago reports Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th), wife to former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., may consider running to represent Illinois' 2nd district in Congress and fill his seat. But she has not made a decision yet.
Mrs. Jackson said the position should be filled by someone who understands how Congress works, knows the value of bipartisan solutions and will remain engaged in avoiding the looming fiscal cliff. She said her experiences as an alderman, staffer and congressman's wife have given her a unique perspective on how to get things don on Capitol Hill.
She also said that being a congressional representative takes a toll on the person doing the job - and the pressure shouldn't be taken lightly.
But in the end, Sandi Jackson said family comes first. Although the public may be posturing about her next political moves, she told DNAinfo that her husband's health and the welfare of their children is her first priority.
But Ald. Jackson will be present at Wednesday's City Council meeting in Chicago. As of Monday, she had no plans to deviate from representing the constituents of the 7th ward. She has had to split her time between taking care of her kids and her husband in Washington and performing her duties in Chicago.
But Mrs. Jackson remains devoted to her husband, especially as he continues to work at improving his health. She told DNAinfo that she does not plan to divorce him.
Jackson Jr. resigned from his seat last month, following a six month medical leave of absence. Weeks after Jackson had disappeared from work, staffers announced he was being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for bi-polar disorder.
During his absence, federal investigator began looking into alleged misuse of his campaign funds. The allegations include purchasing an expensive watch for a female friend, and decorating the couple's home using campaign money.
Jackson Jr. is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding whether or not he was involved in the sale of President Obama's Senate seat by convicted former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, when Obama was elected in 2008.
The primary election will take place on Feb. 26, 2013.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's billionaire Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:26:18 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.