Jackson Jr. fails to get big endorsement due to absence

By Pete Kasperowicz - 10/11/12 03:03 PM ET

The Chicago Tribune, one of the most-read newspapers in the country, announced on Wednesday that it is not endorsing anyone in the race between Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) and Brian Woodworth (R) because Jackson has been absent from work for more than four months while being treated for bipolar disorder.

"We make no endorsement in this race, a decision that could be revisited closer to Nov. 6 if Jackson makes clear to the public he is able to serve," the Tribune wrote in a Wednesday op-ed.

The op-ed indicated that it would prefer to endorse Jackson but said voters are faced with an "open-ended question" about whether Jackson will ever be able to return to Congress.

"Family and staff members assured us his ailments — bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal problems — are temporary and treatable, and his continued presence on the Nov. 6 ballot signals that Jackson would like to continue to serve," the newspaper wrote. "We'd like that, too.

"But Jackson has been out of commission for four months," the editorial said. "Sandi Jackson's remarks to reporters last week are the strongest indication we've seen that the congressman will not soon be himself. It's not fair to expect his constituents to go without representation indefinitely."

Despite this imposition on voters, the paper declined to endorse Woodworth, even though it says Woodworth "could serve capably." It also noted that Marcus Lewis is running for Jackson's seat as an independent but did not endorse him either.

The op-ed concluded with a statement summarizing the confusing nature of Jackson's candidacy, given that he is an incumbent but has not been on duty since June and has not actively run for his office again even though he is on the ballot and still expected to win.

"What to make of the candidate with 16 years of seniority in the House, the seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, the champion of a third airport for the Chicago region? That candidate is on the ballot, but he isn't running."