Jesse Jackson Jr at Mayo Clinic for Depression

Congressman releases statement on his absence
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 28, 2012 5:13 AM CDT
Jesse Jackson Jr at Mayo Clinic for Depression
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. speaking in Chicago on March 20, 2012. Jackson has been admitted to the Mayo Clinic for "depression and gastrointestinal issues."   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

More than two weeks after Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. dropped out of sight, on medical leave for "exhaustion" and a "mood disorder," the congressman issued a statement saying he had checked into the Mayo Clinic “for extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues,” reports the Chicago Tribune. Jackson's office refused to give more information about the congressman's condition, except to deny alcohol or drug abuse were involved.

A House Ethics Committee is investigating Jackson over accusations that his longtime friend, Raghuveer Nayak, offered millions of dollars to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to help Jackson take over President Obama's Senate seat. Jackson denied having any connection to the Senate seat scandal that put Blagojevich away for 14 years. For the next couple of days at least, Jackson's office says no further updates are expected. (More Jesse Jackson Jr. stories.)

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