HispanicBusiness

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. left the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on Tuesday, clinic spokesman Nick Hanson said.

"He is no longer a patient here," Hanson said. "I don't know where he is."

The Illinois Democrat, who is reportedly under federal investigation for alleged misuse of campaign funds, has been on a leave of absence from Congress since June. He won re-election a week ago, issuing a statement of thanks from Mayo.

Members of the House of Representatives are scheduled to return Tuesday to Washington for votes scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST. It is unclear whether Jackson plans to participate.

Jackson suffers from bipolar disorder. He re-entered Mayo in October after spending weeks there last summer. He initially was treated at Sierra Tucson in Arizona after beginning his leave of absence.

At Mayo, Hanson said Jackson's congressional office may have additional information.

In Washington, Jackson spokesman Frank Watkins had no immediate comment.

Jackson's father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, was contacted by the Chicago Tribune and said he was unaware that his son had left Mayo.

"He's still there, as far as I know," the elder Jackson said. "I know he's still there."

But Mayo confirmed that the congressman had indeed left.



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