Former Illinois Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (left) and Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (right) are running against each other in the 2012 Democratic primary in the 2nd District. (Credit: Brendan Hoffman/Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO (CBS) – Congressman Jesse Jackson has received a most graceful let down from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who said Tuesday he has not yet made an endorsement in the 2nd District race against former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson.
As WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports, Jackson has issued a list of people who have endorsed his re-election bid, a list that includes the names of President Barack Obama and Emanuel.
Jackson has acknowledged neither Obama nor Emanuel has endorsed him publicly, but have given him private assurances and he expects their public endorsements soon.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports
However, on Tuesday, Emanuel said he considers Jackson a good congressman and a good friend, but the time’s not yet right for an endorsement in the Democratic primary race between Jackson and Halvorson.
“Jesse Jackson Jr. is a former colleague of mine and a friend,” Emanuel said, adding that they’ve worked together on issues like mass transit.
But he said the Democratic primary race is a contest between two good people. Halvorson, who lost a re-election bid in the 11th District two years ago, is now running in the recently redrawn 2nd District against Jackson.
“He is a good congressman for the people he has represented and they will make the choice, not me, whether he will continue,” Emanuel said.
Emanuel stressed he’s not angry with Jackson, saying he has Emanuel’s support, which isn’t the same as an endorsement, exactly.
“I understand he’s also said that about President Obama. I’ll make the choice of when and where I do that,” Emanuel said. “I understand what he’s trying to do and I get the politics. That doesn’t bother me, I understand that.”
Emanuel said he respects Jackson.
“We worked together as colleagues, served together for six years and I’ll make my statement when it’s necessary. I don’t get drawn into politics when I don’t think it’s the time or the place.
The mayor said both Jackson and Halvorson have been good congress members. He said he recruited Halvorson to run when she first ran for Congress, but said he’s not endorsing either Jackson or Halvorson yet.
An Obama campaign official has confirmed the president told Jackson privately last fall that he would endorse Jackson’s re-election bid.
7 Comments
If he endorses Jackson, he’ll be a one-term Mayor!
January 17, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Here is Obamas way of showing support for Illegals
Onyango Obama, an illegal immigrant, briefly appeared in Framingham District Court on Thursday
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/12/lawyer-for-obamas-uncle-questions-cops-driving-in-drunken-driving-case/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fus+%28Internal+-+US+Latest+-+Text%29#ixzz1jgaWXFOj
January 17, 2012 at 11:45 pm
If Emanuel supports jesse jr then he’s probably a crook, too.
January 17, 2012 at 7:57 pm
,” Emanuel said. “I understand what he’s trying to do and I get the politics.
It’s Gawdam lies people wake up! Jesse lide and is busted Rahm understands the lie and thinks it’s okay to do so To Hell With Both of them Recall this ass hole mayor
January 17, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Emanuel has to support Jesse Jr. If he does not, he loses the black vote in Chicago
January 18, 2012 at 2:36 am
I like Jessie but he has been involved in too much Zhit lately. I also do not like the idea that he wore a wire and the role he played in gettng Rob all that time. Maybe, his time is up. As I think about it maybe I will not vote for him. To much baggage.
January 18, 2012 at 6:44 am
Jesse be to fake he be black on the outside but on the inside he be all green he gonna die with his riches, maybe he can ware a wire and get God kicked out of heaven so he can have the great throne. I won’t be voting for him
January 18, 2012 at 9:34 am