Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Submits Letter of Resignation

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner says he has received letter of resignation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.  Boehner's spokesman Michael Steel said Wednesday the Speaker's office received a letter of resignation from Jackson. Boehner's office did not immediately comment beyond acknowledging they'd received the letter.  Jackson was easily re-elected earlier this month to a ninth term despite not having appeared in public since quietly taking medical leave in June for treatment of bipolar disorder.  

The House Ethics Committee has been looking into whether Jackson was involved in discussions about raising money for imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.  There also have been reports of a federal investigation into possible misuse of campaign money.

In his resignation letter, Jackson admits to “his share of mistakes”.  Jackson says he is doing his best to address the situation responsibility, cooperating with investigators and "accept responsibility for my mistakes."  He also says his constituents "deserve a full-time legislator in Washington," something that wasn't in his future because of his health issues.  Many voters in his district have agreed with his decision to resign.   

Meanwhile, election officials in Cook County say they may seek court permission to schedule a special election to fill Jackson Jr.'s congressional seat sooner rather than later.  Cook County Clerk David Orr told reporters Wednesday that he wants the election held on the same day as previously scheduled elections for municipal officials in February and April. Orr says to hold an election on other days could cost more than $1 million. Orr says officials must seek court permission because candidates would have less time to file petitions and other paperwork.

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