CHICAGO, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is not expected to return to Congress due to his mental health concerns and a federal investigation against him, officials say.
On Tuesday, Jackson checked out of the Mayo Clinic, where he was treated for bipolar depression since last month, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. It was the second stint at the Minnesota medical facility for Jackson, who has been on a leave of absence from his job June 10. Initially, he sought treatment at an Arizona facility.
Jackson, 47, who was re-elected this month despite his health problems, also is under federal investigation over how he used his campaign funds.
"It's hard to imagine him coming back at this point but I suppose anything's possible," said U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill. "I think that this will be coming to a head very soon, it's just my hunch as this is playing out. ... I'll leave it to the voters of the district to figure out how that happens. I do think this will be coming to a head soon."
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"I wouldn't want to dash Jesse Jackson Jr. back onto the floor of the House until he was ready to be there," said U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill.
Asked whether the district had reached the point where Jackson needed to step down and a special election be held, Davis said: "I think we will get to that point. I don't think, it's pretty obvious we haven't necessarily gotten to that point. Nobody can demand that the congressman do something. And there's no such thing as recall in the state of Illinois. I think we have to wait. But I also think we have to give enough time."
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn called on Jackson to address his constituents.
"I really feel he should address the people of his district about the situation and I think that's the appropriate thing to do," Quinn said.
