Congressman Danny Davis says fellow Chicago representative Jesse Jackson, Junior, should not run for mayor next year. This follows newspaper reports that tied Jackson closer to the Blagojevich scandal, and raised questions about his relationship with a restaurant hostess.
Jackson denies offering campaign cash in exchange for a Senate appointment, but acknowledges a private marital issue. Asked about the reports, Congressman Danny Davis said the allegations about Jackson are “most unfortunate,” and said his colleague is “one of the most able and talented individuals [he] knows.”
DAVIS: And so I just hope that the allegations are not true. I hope he can move ahead and get re-elected, and continue to serve the people of Illinois and of the nation.
Jackson had been publicly considering a campaign for mayor, though Congressman Davis said he should abandon it for now.
DAVIS: I don’t think in all likelihood that in this kind of atmosphere and environment that it would be a good time for him to run for mayor.
Davis himself may run for mayor, and has started circulating petitions to get on the ballot.