Jesse Jackson Jr. DC home for sale

September 19, 2012 (WASHINGTON) (WLS) -- Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has put his home in Washington, D.C., up for sale.

A realtor has listed the four-bedroom home for sale for $2.5 million.

The home on O Street also has 4.5 baths and is 2,936 square feet. The listing declares that the townhouse, which was built in 1921, is an "exquisite Victorian style home."

Representative Jackson's office explains the listing by saying in a statement: "Like millions of Americans, Congressman Jackson and Mrs. Jackson are grappling with soaring healthcare costs and are selling their residence to help defray costs of their obligations."

Political watchers say it's the latest sign of uncertainty about the congressman's future

"They're saying he's planning on running for re-election. He has a website. He has a campaign. But there's not much activity and he hasn't been heard from or seen in months. They're saying he's recovering but there's no evidence of that other than their word," said Laura Washington, ABC 7 political analyst.

It's been more than three months since Jackson secretly left on medical leave, and one month since he revealed he was being treated for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic.

Jackson left Mayo earlier this month and returned not to Chicago, but to the family's primary residence in DC. It's where the couple's children go to school.

As for the Du Pont Circle home, the Jacksons bought it in 1998 and paid $575,000. Two years ago, they had a $400,000 mortgage on the home.

Records obtained by ABC 7 reveal the couple fell behind in their property taxes in 2006 and 2007 and had to pay $2,500 in penalties and interest. Just as their latest 5,500 tax bill was coming due, the Jacksons decided to sell their home.

Meanwhile back in Chicago, nearly a half dozen politicians are said to be angling for Jackson's congressional seat if he decides to step down.

"The constituents are going to know last, not first," said Washington. "There's no information coming from him about his future even though he's making future plans and that's very troubling."

Congressman Jackson's office continues its silence on when he may resume a public schedule, let alone campaigning.

There are 47 days until he stands for re-election, but it's in a heavily Democratic district.

Jackson's opponents have called on him to either re-emerge in public or drop out of the race. The concern is a switch in which party bosses, not the people pick person who represents Chicago's South Side and south suburbs.

Late Wednesday, the Jacksons removed the listing for the security of their children, ABC7 is told.

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local, ben bradley

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