WASHINGTON–Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Sunday the political career of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), under treatment at an undisclosed location for a serious “mood disorder, ” is not over.
Durbin–who earlier urged Jackson to reveal details about his situation–was asked about Jackson by David Gregory on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“I don’t have any inside information here. I called Reverend Jackson, his father, this week and said that our prayers are with his son’s family. We want him to get well and get home soon. I think my colleague, Senator Kirk, has set the right standard by talking about his rehabilitation and the progress he’s making. I hope very, very soon that Congressman Jackson can tell us what he’s facing. I think the people of Illinois and this country are going to embrace anything he’s doing to put himself back in a good, strong position to return to his family and to Congress,” Durbin said.
Gregory asked Durbin about Jackson’s political future. Jackson is running from an overwhelmingly Democratic district against a little known GOP opponent.
“Oh, no, I wouldn’t say that at all. I don’t know what his specific challenge is, but let me tell you, members of Congress in both parties, men and women, go through a lot of trials, physical and mental trials.. …and they emerge from them stronger. American people and the people of Illinois will stand behind a congressman who is facing his challenges head on and they’ll support him.”