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Jesse Jackson Jr. Takes Leave for Exhaustion

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) is taking a leave of absence from Congress, citing exhaustion.

Jackson, 47, was not in Washington, D.C., last week.

A statement from his office said he is “on a medical leave of absence and is being treated for exhaustion.”

“He asks that you respect his family’s privacy,” the statement said. “His offices remain open to serve residents of the Second District.”

The statement said Jackson has been on leave since June 10. His last recorded vote was June 8.

Jackson’s name was dragged into the ongoing drama over former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision-making process on filling an empty Senate seat. Jackson has repeatedly denied authorizing anyone to approach Blagojevich on his behalf.

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