Unless he's convicted of a felony, former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. could be eligible to receive his federal pension.
The congressman resigned last week amid a federal investigation into his campaign finances and an ongoing health battle. He has not been charged with a crime.
The Chicago Tribune first reported the angle of Jackson's pension, reaching out to the National Taxpayers Union. A representative there estimated Jackson's annual pension could be between $31,500 and $45,000 per year.
In his resignation letter, which was read aloud to Congress on Tuesday, Jackson acknowledged the federal investigation.
"During this journey I have made my share of mistakes," he wrote. "I am aware of the ongoing federal investigation into my activities and I am doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept the responsibility for my mistakes for they are my mistakes and mine alone. None of us is immune from our share of shortcomings or human frailties and I pray that I will be remembered for what I did right."
At the same time, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, citing sources, that federal authorities believe Jackson was tipped off to the probe even before he left Congress in June.
Residents in the 2nd Congressional District are effectively without representation until a new representative is elected. Lawmakers returned to Springfield on Tuesday in a push to adjust the dates for the special election.
Several candidates are said to be considering making a run for the vacant seat.
A congressional clerk is currently managing Jackson's former office in Washington, D.C.
