Rep. Jackson At Mayo Clinic For Depression, Internal Disorder
CHICAGO (CBS) -- U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been on medical leave this summer, is being evaluated at the Mayo Clinic for depression and a possible gastrointestinal disorder, the Rochester, Minn. medical facility said Friday.
"Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has arrived at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues," the clinic said in a written statement Friday. "Congressman Jackson and his family are grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that have been received throughout his care."
The statement represents the most specific information to date about the medical issues plaguing the embattled South Side congressman.
The Sun-Times reported Jackson had flown in a private aircraft this week from an Arizona facility to Rochester. Earlier this month, Jackson's office said the congressman was being treated for a "mood disorder" and was expected to recover, but offered no details.
Jackson, son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., has been on medical leave since June 10 and has missed several votes in Washington.
The congressman's prolonged absence has stirred debate over how private a public figure's personal issues should become. Once a rising Democratic star, Jackson Jr. has more recently received wide, unwanted attention over allegations that a fund-raiser tried to secure a U.S. Senate appointment for him by raising campaign money for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich was convicted of federal corruption charges, and the fund-raiser has been indicted on unrelated tax charges.
Jackson Jr. has denied any wrongdoing.
The congressman's mother recently said publicly her son has experienced "enormous disappointment" in recent years.
