Report: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. releases robocall, tells supporters 'I am human'

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) sent out an automated message to constituents in his district on Saturday, asking voters to stick by him through his recent spate of difficulties.

“Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they have been difficult to sort through,” Jackson says in the call. “I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all.”

The Chicago Sun Times reported earlier in the day that Jackson is returning to the Mayo Clinic for treatment of bipolar depression.

That report cited an anonymous source who said the press made it impossible for Jackson to continue treatment while living at his home in Washington, D.C.

“Jesse wanted you to know he is finding it difficult to continue his treatment because the press is staking out his home and making access to his doctor, who is within a short walking distance from his home, incredibly hard,” the source said.

In June, Jackson took a leave of absence from Congress to be treated for the disorder. His office initially explained his absence as a break from stress and exhaustion, but later came forward to say the congressman actually was actually receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for bipolar disorder.

“I am starting to heal,” Jackson says in the robocall. “The good news is my health is improving, but my doctors tell me the road to recovery is a long one.”

More recently, Jackson has returned to Washington, D.C., and continued receiving treatment. The lawmaker has not appeared on Capitol Hill since he returned, however, despite assurances from his office that he is running for reelection and intends to stay in Congress.

On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that federal investigators are conducting a criminal probe over allegations that he used campaign donations to decorate his house.

Despite his mounting troubles, most political analysts believe Jackson is a safe bet to win reelection next month in his highly Democratic district.

“For nearly 18 years I have served the people of the second district,” he continues in the robocall. “I am anxious to return to work on your behalf, but at this time it is against medical advice, and while I will always give my all to my constituents, I ask for your continued patience as I work to get my health back.”

--Daniel Strauss contributed to this report.

--This report was originally posted at 9:24 a.m. and last updated at 7:07 p.m.

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