A statement released Thursday from Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s office indicates that he will be on an extended leave of absence due to "physical and emotional ailments."
Jackson, 47, who was first elected to office in 1995, is being treated as an inpatient at an undisclosed medical facility. However, his condition is now being reported as far more serious than a week ago, when his office said in a terse statement that he was dealing with exhaustion.
"Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed," the most recent statement said. "Recently, we have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time. At present, he is undergoing further evaluation and treatment at an in-patient medical facility."
Meanwhile, Jackson is facing a House ethics investigation aligned with his ties to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich who is in prison.
Jackson is a nine-term Democrat, representing Illinois' 2nd District and its Southside neighborhoods. He has denied any wrongdoing and has never has been charged.
