CHICAGO (WLS) — Is former congressman Jesse Jackson Junior planning a political comeback?
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He has been out of office for years and served a two-year prison term. But now, he could be eyeing a return to Washington.
Jackson says he is testing the waters by talking to residents and certain community leaders.
Sources tell ABC7 he was approached by people to give it another political try.
“Run Jesse Run” is what supporters of Jesse Jackson Junior are encouraging him to do.
The former congressman of the 2nd district is considering running again for the seat he held for 17 years prior to his conviction for a federal campaign finance violation, which resulted in his imprisonment.
“He has served his sentence and fulfilled his obligations, and now seems like the right moment for his return to Congress,” expressed Activist Hermene Hartman from N’Digo Media. “The political landscape has evolved significantly since his last tenure in Congress.”
Hartman is one of several people, including former Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush, who is pushing Jackson to run.
His old seat is currently held by Congresswoman Robin Kelly. She is running for U.S. Senate – leaving the race wide open.
“He possesses the ability to collaborate across party lines, effectively negotiate, and understands governmental procedures, which is why I believe this is an opportune time for him to pursue a congressional run,” Hartman stated.
Jackson told ABC7 he was unavailable for interviews, but he is spending his time listening to residents in a district that includes urban, suburban and rural areas.
Despite his criminal past, ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington predicts voters will give Jackson the benefit of the doubt.
“I think this is a period in American history where people are very fond of thinking of redemption and thinking of people paying a price and then moving on to future success,” Washington said.
As the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson Sr, Washington said Jackson has the benefit of name recognition.
His brother, Jonathon Jackson, easily won Illinois’ first Congress Congressional district.
“His brother was a shoe in because of his name, he has no track record or very little way of political track record,” Washington said.
Illinois State Senator Robert Peters has already announced his candidacy for Kelly’s seat. While he would not answer the question directly about Jackson, Peter’s said he is the right person to fight against Donald Trump’s policies.
“My hope is to be represent the future moving forward when it comes to this district, and that’s someone who has a track record of fighting for working people,” Peters said.
Besides Peters, there are at least three others running or weighing a bid for the Democratic primary in the 2nd District. Jackson is likely to make a decision on his future political plans soon.
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