Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr resigns

Amidst ongoing personal health issues and a federal investigation regarding how he spent a significant amount of donated campaign money, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr has announced his resignation from public office. There have been rumors that this resignation was part of a plea agreement related to the investigation. Consequently he will not be sworn in for his next term that he won this month. The governor of Illinois will call a special election that must be completed within 115 days of the seat becoming vacant. While there are multiple potential candidates for the congressman’s seat, it is certain that his successor will be a Democrat as the district, over 82% of which voted for Obama on Election Day, is considered a “safe zone” for the Democratic Party.