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The Once-Promising Political Career Of Jesse Jackson Jr.

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This May 2011 file photo shows Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Chicago. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)
This May 2011 file photo shows Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Chicago. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

The jockeying to fill the seat soon to be vacated by Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. has begun.

Jackson, the son of the civil rights leader of the same name, resigned last week, acknowledging treatment for bipolar disorder, and a federal investigation into his campaign spending.

He's also the focus of a House Ethics Committee investigation into his connection to former Governor Rod Blagojevich's attempt to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

A friend of Jackson offered Blagojevich a large campaign contribution if Jackson were to be appointed to the seat. Jackson has said he was unaware of the offer and denies any wrongdoing.

Yesterday, Illinois' current Governor Pat Quinn announced that a special primary election would be held in February to fill Jackson's seat.

Guest:

This segment aired on November 27, 2012.

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