Sandi Jackson Not Running for JJJ's Seat

Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson addressed reporters Tuesday in an effort to set the record straight on the many rumors swirling around her proffessional and personal life.

Jackson was greeted warmly by fellow members of the city finance committee and reiterated that she remains committed to the 7th Ward and has no plans to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat vacated by her husband, Jesse Jackson, Jr.

"When and if that day comes, you all will hear from me first hand," Jackson said. "I will finish my term. I intend to finish my term. Unless something catastrophic happens -- I could step outside and get hit by a bus today."

Jackson also discussed her husband's recovery from mental and physical health problems including bipolar disorder.

"It's been a very exhausting period for me. It's been tough on the family watching Jesse go through the transition that he's gone through," Jackson said. "He is at our home in DC with our children, but he may be making his way back to Chicago at some point in time, we haven't made a decision about that. He's staying close to his doctors."

Jackson's statements came after conflicting reports about whether she planned to run for Congress.

This comes after some conflicting reports from Jackson's camp about her intentions for the seat. The same day she told DNAInfo she hasn't ruled out a bid, her chief of staff told the Chicago Sun-Times there's no question that Jackson isn't running.

“Never say never” was Jackson's answer to whether or not she'd seek the seat. Jackson chief of staff Keiana Barrett said Jackson meant that, as a politician, she needs to keep her options open.

Barrett told the Sun-Times Jackson is even scheduled to attend a meeting as a committeeman to slate former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s replacement.

Ald. Jackson has been a repeated no-show at City Council meetings since Jackson Jr.'s medical leave. Jackson Jr. resigned on Nov. 21 in a letter to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, citing ongoing health concerns and acknowledging a federal investigation. Jackson Jr. previously won re-election by a wide margin, despite being absent from office since early June.

Multiple people have since jumped on the bandwagon to run for the spot, from convicted former Rep. Mel Reynolds to former opponent Debbie Halvorson.

Jackson said she has not decided who she will support.

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