Jesse Jackson Jr.’s wife rules out run for his former seat

{mosads}Jackson added that she intended “to finish my term, unless something catastrophic happens — I could step outside and get hit by a bus today.”

Jackson was asked if her husband being sent to jail for allegedly using campaign dollars to decorate her home would constitute “something catastrophic.”

“I’m not going to entertain questions like that, I really am not,” Jackson responded.

The Jacksons have remained in Washington as the former congressman continues to consult with doctors over treatment for his bipolar disorder. His wife said she believed her constituents understood why she had been missing meetings back in Chicago.

“I think my constituents understand this. I’m not going to respond to one or two people who have some angst about my attendance in City Council,” she said. “This has been a tough year for me, there’s no doubt about that.”

Jackson said the family had also not decided yet whether to move full-time back to Chicago.

“What I’m doing right now is concentrating on delivering the best city services possible to the ward,” Jackson said. “When that decision is made I’ll be sure to let you know.”

The race for the 2nd District congressional seat is expected to be competitive. Two former House members, Rep. Mel Reynolds and Rep. Debbie Halvorson, have announced that they will seek the Democratic nomination. They will be joined by state Sens. Toi Hutchinson, Napoleon Harris and Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale. 

The Democratic primary — which will likely decide the election in the heavily liberal South Side district — will be held on Feb. 26.