AP Exclusive: Jackson Jr says 'everyone has erred'

Jackson also faced criticism from voters over the female acquaintance and from community leaders and Republican opponent Isaac Hayes for not showing his face enough in the district. Jackson didn't even hold an Election Night party in November after he won an eighth full congressional term with 80 percent of the vote, opting to make brief appearances at other politicians' parties.

The congressman, who first won his seat in a special election in 1995, dismissed the criticism. He has said he will continue his pet project of trying to bring a third airport to the Chicago area.

Saturday's event, where he spoke alongside his father, fellow Democrat U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and prominent Chicago clergy, was a glimpse into the younger Jackson's once highly visible political persona. He was a national co-chair of the Obama presidential campaign.

Speaking with the charismatic style often associated with his civil rights icon father, Jackson gave a wide-ranging address quoting Martin Luther King Jr. and discussing education, the economy, jobs and even imperfection.

He told the detainees: "Everybody's falling short of the glory of God."