Despite Medical Absence, Jesse Jackson Jr. Holds Big Lead

Despite a prolonged leave of absence while he grapples with bipolar disorder, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) is strongly favored for reelection, according to a poll released Monday.

Jackson held a 58-to-27 percent lead over Republican challenger Brian Woodworth in the survey from WeAskAmerica. Independent challenger Marcus Lucas carried 15 percent of those surveyed.

Jackson's lead came primarily from his district's large African-American population; more than eight in 10 black respondents said they planned to vote for the congressman. Jackson's district, on the South Side of Chicago, is heavily Democratic, with 81 percent of voters backing President Obama in 2008.

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