Phil Rogers reports on the location of Illinois’ missing congressman.
The Jesse Jackson Jr. camp Wednesday night released only the barest of details of the congressman’s purported illness.
“The congressman is receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder,” says a statement attributed to Jackson’s doctor. “He is responding positively to treatment…”
The congressman’s office quickly added, “The rumors about him being treated for alcohol or substance abuse are not true.”
But a family friend tells NBC News tonight that the congressman’s problems run much deeper. That he has severe clinical depression, a drinking problem or a problem with alcohol with treatment at a facility in Arizona.
Earlier Wednesday NBC News reported that missing Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. had been found.
Andrea Mitchell reported that sources told her the 2nd District Congressman reportedly has been In Arizona receiving treatment for alcoholism.
Jackson Jr. went on hiatus from congress a month ago, on June 10, and his office released a statement nearly two weeks after that saying he was being treated at an undisclosed location for exhaustion.
Following the NBC News report, Jackson Jr. spokesman Rick Bryant said the information was not 100% correct.
Bryant said he was not being treated for substance abuse, but didn't dispute other specifics of the report.
"Information regarding the congressman's treatment is protected by federal law under the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"). The name of the attending physician and treatment center will not be disclosed in order to protect his continuing privacy. His physician makes the following statement: 'The congressman is receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder. He is responding well.'"
Chicago Politics
This is the first information as to his whereabouts since the office issued that statement.
Jackson's wife, Sandi, a Chicago alderman, also told NBC Chicago that Jackson Jr. was not in rehab but would not elaborate.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
Be among the first to know when political news breaks. Text WARDROOM to 622669 and follow us on Twitter @Ward_Room
