Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) said in a statement Tuesday that a matter between him and a "social acquaintance" was a private matter between him and his wife, Sandi, a Chicago alderman and he was sorry if he disappointed supporters.
The statement comes following a Tuesday Chicago Sun-Times story about his fund-raising for convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and how one of his fund-raisers bought tickets for a woman who was a "social acquaintance" to fly to Chicago. This also comes as Jackson and his wife were both mulling having one of them jump in the Chicago mayoral race.
Updated story here.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JACKSON
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. released the following statement about today's Chicago Sun-Times article:
"The allegations about fundraising and the Senate seat are not new. I've already talked with the authorities about these claims, told them they were false, and no charges have been brought against me. The very idea of raising millions of dollars for a campaign other than my own is preposterous. My interest in the Senate seat was based on years of public service, which I am proud of, not some improper scheme with anyone.
"The reference to a social acquaintance is a private and personal matter between me and my wife that was handled some time ago. I ask that you respect our privacy.
"I know I have disappointed some supporters and for that I am deeply sorry. But I remain committed to serving my constituents and fighting on their behalf."
Lynn Sweet is a columnist and the Washington Bureau Chief for the 
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So much for taking the moral high ground...
Does anybody really think that congressman Jackson is really interested in public service? he has and always will be interested in furthering his own agenda.
I think Jesse's done. Between the senate seat and the waitress, no way does he get out of this one.
Of course there is no real interest in public service on Jessie's part. I is only intereted in Jessie and what makes him feel like a big man. The issue with the social faux pas is NOT a personal issue, between he and his wife. Public figures DON'T have private lives, where has he been all these years?