Jesse Jr.: I'm the real deal - let courts settle fight

Jesse Jr.: I'm the real deal -- let courts settle fight

"We don't have to steal. Jesse Jackson Jr. is the real deal," said Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) who Sunday said he has proof that a 68-year-old Robbins candidate, bearing his namesake, doesn't exist and will be booted off the ballot. He said he will pursue civil and criminal sanctions for voter fraud.

Jackson lawyers, led by attorney Burt Odelson, today is filing an objection to the "impostor," Jesse L. Jackson, who lives in Robbins, Ill., with the State Boards of Election.

Odelson, who last November went to Florida to help now President Bush win that ballot confusion race, said "Jesse Jackson Sr. registered to vote in 1983 as Jesse Jackson Sr. Jesse Jackson Sr. changed his registration in February 2000 signed as Jesse Jackson Sr."

Odelson said the Robbins candidate running against Rep. Jackson was born in Mississippi in 1933 as Jesse Jackson. "And, for the first time in Mr. Jackson's life when he signed his statement of candidacy, he signed as Jesse L. Jackson.

"There is no such person Jesse L. Jackson that signed this statement of candidacy and is registered to vote in the state of Illinois. It is a fraud. It's a fraud on the people, and it will be proved in the objectors case."

During his Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.'s weekly radio/TV broadcast held at Dr. King's Workshop, the congressman said: "I'm running on my record. Since 1995, I've gone to work every day on your behalf. I've only missed one vote in six years," he said ticking off a list of his accomplishments.

Rev. Jackson said he believes his son is under attack because someone fears he'll run for mayor.

The congressman said: "I'd rather win my race right rather than lose it wrong. I'd rather lose a race for congress fighting a good fight than to lose trying to deceive or confuse voters."

During Sunday's press conference held at the Federal Building, 219 S. Dearborn, Jackson was flanked by his wife, Sandi, a lawyer, several witnesses and his legal team which included attorneys Burt Odelson, Mark Huddle, Leroy Martin, the son of former Police Supt. LeRoy Martin Jr., Larry Rogers Sr., Marilyn Posley, a witness, Vickie Pasley, Jackson said he was surprised to learn that someone filed more petitions than he did.

Pasley said she has filed a petition in court as a precursor to a civil action against several defendants who have been served, with some already being deposed.

Martin said he is seeking criminal actions against those who intentionally mislead voters to sign petitions of the Robbins candidate, believing it was for the congressman.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Jesse Jackson, Jr.)