Medical bills force Jackson to sell home

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Healthcare expenses related to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s treatment for bipolar disorder is forcing him to sell his Washington home, his aides say.

The Victorian-style home is on the market for $2.5 million, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday.

Jackson chief of staff Rick Bryant said in a statement that, "Like millions of Americans, Congressman Jackson and Mrs. (Sandi) Jackson are grappling with soaring healthcare costs and are selling their residence to help defray costs of their obligations."

Jackson went on medical leave June 10 and was treated at a Tucson clinic before being admitted to the Mayo Clinic.

The Sept. 8 real estate listing said Jackson's four-bedroom, three-bath, two-half-bath home was built in 1921. The 2,936-square-foot house has five fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, a sun room and a rooftop deck with a Jacuzzi. It was purchased in 1998 for $575,000.

Jackson has not returned to the Capitol since he became ill. Aides say he is now recuperating in Washington.