Jesse Jackson Jr. Update: Congressman 'Responding' To Therapy, Father Reports

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) is reportedly on the road to recovery from his emotional and physical problems and is "responding" to therapy at the Mayo Clinic.

Jackson's father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, told the Chicago Tribune Tuesday that his son is "responding as he seeks to regain his strength." Jackson further urged for peoples' patience as the congressman continues to recover.

"I'm sure that at the appropriate time you'll hear from the doctors there. I didn't delve into medical things, frankly," Jackson continued, when pressed for further details about his son's medical condition.

Sandi Jackson, Jackson's wife and a Chicago City Council member, told the Chicago Sun-Times last week that her husband's depression was "debilitating." She revealed that the congressman, who has been off the job for eight weeks, collapsed at their home in Washington in June.

Sandi Jackson further noted that she expects her husband to return to work "but not a day before the doctor says it's OK."

Meanwhile, speculation surfaced Wednesday, via a New York Post story, that Rev. Jackson is laying the groundwork for his youngest son, Jonathan, to succeed Jesse Jr. in office should the congressman decide not to run for reelection in November.

"The Reverend and Mrs. Jackson have an agenda that may not be Jesse Jr.’s . . . return to Congress," an anonymous source told the Post.

Rev. Jackson denied the Post report.

The congressman initially took a leave of absence from Congress in July for undisclosed medical reasons, setting off rumors about his condition. Late last month, the Mayo Clinic announced that he was being treated there for depression and gastrointestinal issues.

"I come to this as a father who loves his son very much and wants him to get the best medical care and the time he needs to regain his strength," Jackson Sr. said in a HuffPost Live interview last week.