For years, if you went to the corner of 71st and Yates, you’d see a shrine, of sorts.
Spanning three enormous window panels were life-sized photos — one of Sandi Jackson and one of Jesse Jackson Jr., an American flag in the backdrop, beside dozens of campaign signs covering adjacent windows.
This was ground zero of the joint campaign offices for the once politically powerful couple, a constant reminder to the community that the Jackson name, and all the clout that went with it, was part of this neighborhood.
Go down just one block, on either side of the street, and find what that clout got their constituents.
Owners had been kicked out, foreclosed on.
The contrast was probably the clearest sign that there was a staggering disconnect between the Jacksons and the people they’re supposed to be serving.
Today, the Jackson name that could have represented so much promise and change is instead added to a lengthy list of corrupt Illinois politicians.
What the Jacksons’ conduct amounts to is what prosecutors on Wednesday characterized as a massive betrayal of trust.
For seven years, the Jacksons racked up more than 3,100 transactions from their campaign account for their own gain, which is against the law. Jackson Jr. also is accused of taking $25,000 in “gifts” from third parties. Through it all, the Jacksons went to great lengths to hide their conduct.
While representing this South Side and suburban district, Jackson purchased four fur coats on a single day that cost a total of more than $5,000. He bought a gold-plated $43,000 Rolex watch. She used campaign money to buy dresses and shop at Costco.
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Posted by Libergirl
TheConfirmationFiles 
Gee, Jackson. I don’t know what to say. I felt sorry for him, thinking he really had a breakdown.
He was sick alright caught with hand in hand in the cookie jar. Sad… And so shameful of him.