The story isn't really the interesting part. The comments on WSJ are priceless, though. :lol:
Source (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323713104578133293635963784.html)
QuoteCHICAGO—U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has notified congressional leaders that he has resigned from office, just two weeks after winning re-election.
Mr. Jackson in a resignation letter sent to House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) on Wednesday wrote that he's resigning "effective today, in order to focus on my health."
He also makes reference to a federal probe, saying in the letter that he is cooperating with investigators and doing his best to "accept responsibility for my mistakes."
Mr. Jackson, 47 years old, was first elected in 1995 and represents a district on Chicago's South Side. He has stayed out of the public eye since the spring. He has said he is suffering from depression and gastrointestinal issues, seeking treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The congressman is the subject of a criminal probe into allegations he misused campaign money to decorate his house, according to people familiar with matter. The resignation announcement isn't related to any imminent action in the criminal probe, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
Illinois law requires the governor to set a date for a special election when a congressional seat becomes vacant. A spokesman for Gov. Pat Quinn said his office is required to make a decision on that date in the next five days.
I LOLed when I heard that he got re-elected.
My brother met the real Jesse Jackson a couple weeks ago. He claims he addressed him as Rev. Sharpton but I'm suspicious.
Nice. Now they can spend money on another election in a few months.
What sort of shenanigans is he connected to? I've heard (read: DailyKos) his excuse of "poor health" is a cover for being implicated in some Chicago-style politics. Is he accused of stashing money in his freezer like my nigga Dollar Bill Jefferson or something?
Quote from: Fireblade on November 22, 2012, 12:28:52 AM
What sort of shenanigans is he connected to? I've heard (read: DailyKos) his excuse of "poor health" is a cover for being implicated in some Chicago-style politics. Is he accused of stashing money in his freezer like my nigga Dollar Bill Jefferson or something?
Uhm, it says so in the article. :huh:
You have to remember that fireblade is from Arkansas. :Canuck:
My bad. :Embarrass:
Lavish Lifestyle of a Lawmaker Yields Federal Charges
'Jesse L. Jackson Jr., the former Illinois congressman, used about $750,000 in campaign funds to buy items like a $5,000 football signed by United States presidents, a $43,350 gold-plated men’s Rolex watch, two hats that once belonged to Michael Jackson — including a $4,600 fedora — and an $800 cape.
Mr. Jackson was elected to Congress in 1995 at age 30 after his predecessor Mel Reynolds was convicted on charges of having sex with a teenage campaign volunteer.
Reynolds has announced his candidacy to replace the recently resigned Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the Illinois's 2nd congressional district special election, 2013.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/us/politics/jesse-jackson-jr-charged-in-misuse-of-campaign-money.html
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.nyt.com%2Fimages%2F2013%2F02%2F16%2Fus%2FJP-JACKSON%2FJP-JACKSON-thumbStandard-v2.jpg&hash=e530258cf21388db6596a2681a052390de7d0f3a)
My my, isn't this surprising.
Quote from: derspiess on November 21, 2012, 10:59:50 PM
My brother met the real Jesse Jackson a couple weeks ago. He claims he addressed him as Rev. Sharpton but I'm suspicious.
They all look alike.
Quote from: derspiess on November 21, 2012, 10:59:50 PM
My brother met the real Jesse Jackson a couple weeks ago. He claims he addressed him as Rev. Sharpton but I'm suspicious.
When he spoke outside at Stanford to perhaps 50 or so people - I stopped momentarily and then rolled my eyes on my way to my dorm.
'Former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that could send him to prison for roughly four years.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/politics/jesse-l-jackson-jr-pleads-guilty-to-wire-and-mail-fraud.html
Quote from: Phillip V on February 15, 2013, 11:25:14 PM
Lavish Lifestyle of a Lawmaker Yields Federal Charges
Mr. Jackson was elected to Congress in 1995 at age 30 after his predecessor Mel Reynolds was convicted on charges of having sex with a teenage campaign volunteer.
Reynolds has announced his candidacy to replace the recently resigned Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the Illinois's 2nd congressional district special election, 2013.'
:lmfao:
Quote from: fahdiz on February 20, 2013, 12:48:21 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on February 15, 2013, 11:25:14 PM
Lavish Lifestyle of a Lawmaker Yields Federal Charges
Mr. Jackson was elected to Congress in 1995 at age 30 after his predecessor Mel Reynolds was convicted on charges of having sex with a teenage campaign volunteer.
Reynolds has announced his candidacy to replace the recently resigned Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the Illinois's 2nd congressional district special election, 2013.'
:lmfao:
Well considering that Mel Reynolds one re-election when the charges were pending, why the hell not? :D
What law is broken when you fuck a teenage campaign volunteer? :hmm:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 20, 2013, 01:04:50 PM
What law is broken when you fuck a teenage campaign volunteer? :hmm:
I think they convicted him for rape.
http://articles.latimes.com/1994-08-20/news/mn-29168_1_mel-reynolds
Quote from: Phillip V on February 20, 2013, 12:26:03 PM
'Former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that could send him to prison for roughly four years.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/politics/jesse-l-jackson-jr-pleads-guilty-to-wire-and-mail-fraud.html
Wow, not gonna even fight the charges? Must have had a mountain of evidence against him.
Quote from: Phillip V on February 15, 2013, 11:25:14 PM
Lavish Lifestyle of a Lawmaker Yields Federal Charges
'Jesse L. Jackson Jr., the former Illinois congressman, used about $750,000 in campaign funds to buy items like a $5,000 football signed by United States presidents, a $43,350 gold-plated men's Rolex watch, two hats that once belonged to Michael Jackson — including a $4,600 fedora — and an $800 cape.
Really, was buying such crap really necessary?
What a jerk. He and his wife had a good thing going, a Senator with all its perks, benefits and retirement, etc. Now all just gone.
Are you really surprised that Jesse Jackson would have a son who's a jerk? :hmm:
Quote from: KRonn on February 21, 2013, 10:34:22 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on February 15, 2013, 11:25:14 PM
Lavish Lifestyle of a Lawmaker Yields Federal Charges
'Jesse L. Jackson Jr., the former Illinois congressman, used about $750,000 in campaign funds to buy items like a $5,000 football signed by United States presidents, a $43,350 gold-plated men’s Rolex watch, two hats that once belonged to Michael Jackson — including a $4,600 fedora — and an $800 cape.
Really, was buying such crap really necessary?
What a jerk. He and his wife had a good thing going, a Senator with all its perks, benefits and retirement, etc. Now all just gone.
Also, the wife was a Chicago alderman earning $110k salary + benefits until she resigned last month for tax fraud.
Quote from: Caliga on February 21, 2013, 10:38:40 AM
Are you really surprised that Jesse Jackson would have a son who's a jerk? :hmm:
You're not going to find a *good* cape for under $800 :rolleyes:
Quote from: derspiess on February 21, 2013, 10:51:11 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 21, 2013, 10:38:40 AM
Are you really surprised that Jesse Jackson would have a son who's a jerk? :hmm:
You're not going to find a *good* cape for under $800 :rolleyes:
:D
That's actually probably true. :nerd:
That's beside the point. Who the fuck needs a cape? What is he, Count Blacula? :rolleyes:
Quote from: Caliga on February 21, 2013, 11:01:01 AM
That's beside the point. Who the fuck needs a cape? What is he, Count Blacula? :rolleyes:
Pimpin' ain't easy. Nor is it cheap.
Quote from: derspiess on February 21, 2013, 10:51:11 AM
You're not going to find a *good* cape for under $800 :rolleyes:
:lol:
:menace:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Prosecutors-Want-4-Years-for-Jesse-Jackson-Jr-210609311.html
Quote
Prosecutors Seek 4-Year Prison Term for Jesse Jackson Jr.
By Phil Rogers & Lisa Balde
| Friday, Jun 7, 2013 | Updated 4:02 PM CDT
Federal prosecutors are recommending former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. get four years in prison for misusing $750,000 in campaign money.
In a sentencing memo filed Friday, federal prosecutors asked Judge Amy Berman Jackson to sentence former Jackson Jr. to 48 months in prison and to order him to pay $750,000 in restitution to his campaign fund, as well as a forfeiture money judgment of $750,000.
"When one views the Defendant's history and characteristics, his financial condition at the time of the conspiracy, the nature and circumstances of the offense, the seriousness of the offense, and the need for avoiding unwarranted sentencing disparities, there can be little doubt that a sentence of 48 months is appropriate," prosecutors wrote.
They suggested Jackson's wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, get 18 months for filing false joint federal income tax returns and restitution of $168,550.01.
"[Sandi Jackson] was not simply a beneficiary of her husband's theft. [She] stole," prosecutors said. "In fact, she stole a lot."
Prosecutors want the couple to serve staggered sentences for the sake of their children with Sandi Jackson serving first.
Jesse and Sandi Jackson pleaded guilty in February and were warned they could be sentenced to nearly five years and two years, respectively.
Jackson's lawyers say he accepted full responsibility for his actions. "He is remorseful and has agreed to repay all the funds he misappropriated and to forfeit items he purchased with them."
They only ask for a "below guidelines sentence." They do not ask that he be spared prison time, but do note that "his mental health may well worsen under the stress of incarceration."
Jackson's father wrote to the judge appeal "for mercy."
"I am not sure at what point Jesse Jr. began to foil his own ambitions," Jesse Jackson wrote, "whether the depression began to set in, whether the duodenal bariatric surgery, which requires strict medical discipline, or where the bipolar disorder fit into the trajectory. But I do know that when we as a family realized this, he has been under substantial medical treatment for recovery and in honoring his doctor's prescription."
Prosecutors noted that at the time of the offenses, Jackson's salary as a United States congressman put him in the top 10 percent of household incomes in the country.
On top of that, he was paying his wife $5,000 per month as a campaign consultant, a total of $340,500 during the 84 months prosecutors say the conspiracy lasted. The government notes that starting in 2008, she also was drawing a Chicago aldermanic salary which grew to $114,913 last year.
"Before defendant and his wife stole a dime, they received substantial incomes," the prosecutors noted. "In 2011, their combined income from their salaries and her consulting fees was $344,556. In 2011, that household income would put the Jacksons within the top four percent of household incomes in the country."
The government notes that the recommended sentence amounts to .64 months per $10,000 stolen. It says Jackson was "contrite throughout the process" and that his cooperation in the investigation saved the government not only the expense of a trial but also saved them time.
Prosecutors said Jackson spent thousands of campaign dollars on fan memorabilia, including $4,000 on a Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen guitar. Other charges included more than $4,000 for a cruise, $2,300 at Walt Disney World and $5,600 at a spa on Martha's Vineyard.
Court documents show Sandi Jackson failed to claim about $600,000 on her income tax returns between 2005 in 2011.
They are scheduled to be sentenced July 1.
Prison time should be a minimum 10 years.
I could save the world with $750,000.
Quote from: derspiess on February 21, 2013, 10:51:11 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 21, 2013, 10:38:40 AM
Are you really surprised that Jesse Jackson would have a son who's a jerk? :hmm:
You're not going to find a *good* cape for under $800 :rolleyes:
Just use a blanket. :P
So four years until he's re-elected, then.