Reynolds to take on Jesse Jackson Jr.

[nn2004]

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2003/10/08/news/local_illinois/35418c9c443750f786256db900050371.txt

Despite convictions for campaign fraud, obstruction of justice and criminal sexual assault involving a 16-year-old, former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds thinks he can beat incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr.

Reynolds announced his campaign Tuesday for the April Democratic primary.

He touted a poll of 400 voters in the 2nd District that shows him trailing the four-term congressman and son of a civil rights leader by 8 percent, with 22 percent of the electorate undecided.

In 1995, Reynolds was sentenced to five years in state prison for obstruction of justice, criminal sexual assault and other sex-related charges in connection with engaging in sexual relations with a 16-year-old former campaign worker.

In 1997, Reynolds was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison for concealing debts to obtain bank loans and diverting money for voter registration drives to his election campaign.

During his last days in office, President Clinton commuted Reynolds' sentence after he served more than five years in prison. After receiving clemency, Reynolds served the last two years in a halfway house.

[davidinalameda]

1. why doesn't he crawl back under his rock

he is an embarassement to the party--maybe the Repukes will take him

[XNASA]

2. He's gonna what?

Take on JJJr.?

Bwahhhhhhh!!!!!

[ProfessorGAC]

3. Mel, Take Your Ritalin

This guy REALLY needs to just go home and get back some semblence of a normal life.

A convicted felon with pedophilia problems thinks this poll that has him trailing is a good thing? The 22% undecided just are waiting until they care enough to pay attention. When they do, Jesse Jr. will get 21.9% of that. Mel is toast.
The Professor

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. Perhaps Clinton shouldn't have pardoned this guy

[dobak]

5. he didn't pardon him

He just commuted his sentence, which means that he is still guilty of the crimes, but his sentence can end early.

There is not much of a difference, but the difference is important.

[jiacinto]

6. I doubt it

Jackson will beat him.

[Rich Hunt]

7. what a joke

Don't worry - Jackson is my guy, and there's no way he's going to win.

He's delusional, JJJr. is insanely popular around here.

[kwolf68]

8. That's because

He kicks ass. I'd like to see Congressman Jackson, Jr. become a more focal point of the party. He's sharp.