The circumstances surrounding Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s release were left unexplained by the Mayo Clinic. Jackson left the hospital with his parents, ABC7 News has learned. However, their destination is unknown.
The congressman's Washington D.C. and south suburban staffs were unaware that their boss had been released.
The Mayo Clinic statement came Tuesday morning, after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Jackson's wife, 7th Ward Alderman Sandi Jackson, was also under investigation for misusing campaign funds.
She is paid $5,000 a month for her role as a consultant in her husband's political organization.
Investigators want to know her role in the purchase of furniture to redecorate the couple's Washington D.C. townhouse.
"I think it's time for him to speak," Governor Pat Quinn said.
Quinn joined a chorus of Democratic party leaders who are demanding that the congressman, who was re-elected by an overwhelming margin last week despite undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic, make a public explanation.
"I think that given that the election is over, I think it's important to tell his constituents and tell the public where he stands," he said.
ABC7 News saw three people working in Jackson's Homewood office. No one would comment.
The Jacksons' Chicago home was quiet with no comings or goings Tuesday afternoon.
Alderman Jackson was absent from one of her appointed City Council committee meetings.
Meanwhile, high profile defense attorney Sam Adam, Jr. said he has been approached to run for the seat should Jackson leave his Congressional seat for legal or health-related reasons.
"I was approached by a number of people interested in seeing what happens if Mr. Jackson steps down," Adam said.
"If I were to take this, that's what I'd be thinking about: fighting for the people of the 2nd District," Adam said. "Going out there, really learning, listening, sitting down and finding out what they really need. Just want to take my time and think it through. First and foremost we have to wait for Jesse to step down, if that's what's going to happen."
Adam is the first person to publicly announce an interest in running for Jackson's seat should he resign.
Adam is well-known because of his courtroom work in the R. Kelly and Blagojevich cases. The Democratic Party establishment is reeling with the possibly that a high-profile outsider such as Adam might enter a primary, if there is one.
