Updated story
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., in the midst of a medical leave of absence of more than three months, has put his Washington, D.C. townhouse on the market.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Jackson's four-bedroom Victorian-style home was listed for $2.5 million on Sept. 8. That's one day after Rick Bryant, Jackson's aide, announced that the congressman had returned home to Washington and was "convalescing with his wife and children" after being treated for bipolar disorder at Mayo Clinic.
The listing states that the sellers -- the Chicago Democrat and his wife Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th) -- "need to find a home of choice," according to the Tribune.
The home, located just off Dupont Circle on O Street, is the home base for the Jacksons' two children, who attend a private school in the D.C. area, the Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reports.
A Jackson spokesperson released a statement later Wednesday to the Sun-Times after the congressman's office initially did not respond to multiple inquiries from multiple media outlets concerning the matter:
"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. The Congressman would like to personally thank everyone who has offered prayers on behalf of his family.”
The Zillow.com listing reports that the five-level home was built in 1921 and come equipped with three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, five fireplaces, a sunroom, a rooftop deck with a jacuzzi and a patio. Photos of the home can be seen in this video slideshow.
The news of the listing was first reported by the Crew of 42 blog early Wednesday.
Despite being missing in action from Congress since early June, Jackson remains on the ballot in the fall election -- even as his absence has raised questions as it lingers on. His opponent, write-in candidate Anthony W. Williams, told the Sun-Times this week that he was urging Jackson "to campaign or resign. You can't have it both ways."
Last month, the Mayo Clinic announced that Jackson was being treated for Bipolar II, defined as periodic episodes of depression and hypomania. The treatable condition is a less serious form of mania.