Ald. Sandi Jackson sidesteps questions about husband's leave - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

One of the several mysteries in this Case of the Missing Congressman is why his staff waited until Monday evening to reveal that Jesse Jackson Junior took a unilateral "leave of absence" way back on June 10. It turns out they issued their statement only after the Illinois Board of Election's deadline had expired for independent candidates to challenge Jackson.

His spokesman called the timing "coincidence," but would not answer questions. Nor would the congressman's wife, whose previously admitted problems in their marriage.

"I love my husband very much. That's the first thing. The second thing, as a wife, my primary concern is that of my children. I just want to make sure that they're taken care of and provided for," Ald. Jackson (7th) said.

While at City Hall for part of Wednesday's Council meeting, Ald. Jackson declined to shed any light on her husband's condition. She wouldn't say where he is, whether he's getting medical treatment nor even how long he may be absent from Congress. After rarely missing a vote since 1995, he's missed dozens since June 10th.

That might seem like an opening for Jackson's Republican challenger, but Brian Woodworth told me party officials haven't yet offered any help.

"I haven't had any support from the Federal or State committees yet. But the point isn't necessarily to win this because of the state or federal, but because of the grassroots. It's about the people," said Woodworth.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he had spoken to Ald. Jackson briefly about the situation.

"She is trying to hold her family together. My thoughts are with her," Emanuel said. "I told her I was thinking about her and her family."

Jackson first won office in 1995 and represents Illinois' 2nd District. He defeated a primary challenge this year despite being the target of a House ethics investigation.