Facing tough primary, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. misses votes for ‘business in his district’

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) doesn’t miss many votes, a fact that was noted by the Chicago Tribune earlier this year. Citing data from GovTrack.us, the paper reported that Jackson missed fewer than 1 percent of roll calls in 2011. 

The first votes Jackson missed this year were last week on Feb. 27 and 28, though he was granted a leave of absence for “business in his district.”

Could that business have anything to do with the primary challenge he faces from former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) on March 20? 

It’s unclear. Jackson’s office didn’t comment by press time. 

---