Jockeying under way to replace Jackson Jr. in Congress

CHICAGO — The jockeying to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. began before the ink was dry on the former congressman's resignation letter.

Among those expressing an interest: Chicago aldermen, a former NFL linebacker and a defense attorney who represented R&B singer R. Kelly and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

But as the field of would-be successors grows to a dozen or more names — one of whom may be another member of the Jackson family — party leaders and political analysts say a stampede of candidates could pose risks for the Democratic stronghold. Spread the field of candidates too thin, they say, and it becomes easier for a more conservative candidate — or anyone else party leaders don't want — to pull off a win.

The possibility so worried Democratic Congressman Bobby Rush, a close friend of the Jacksons, that within hours of the resignation he had these words for anyone thinking of running: "Cool your jets."

"My fear is that there is going to be so many wannabes blinded by ambition … that we could find a tea party (candidate winning)," he said during a news conference. "That would be a travesty."

In a resignation letter sent Wednesday to House Speaker John Boehner, the 47-year-old son of a famed civil rights leader cited his ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder and admitted "my share of mistakes." He also confirmed publically for the first time that he is the subject of a federal probe and is cooperating with investigators.

Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Jackson's possible misuse of campaign funds. The House Ethics Committee is investigating his dealings with Blagojevich, who is serving a prison sentence for trying to sell President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.

Jackson has not been charged with wrongdoing. Attempts by The Associated Press to locate him for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.