Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. admits to campaign finance violations

[No Elephants]

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. admits to campaign finance violations

By Andrew Rafferty, NBC News

Updated at 2 p.m. ET: Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has signed papers in a plea deal with federal prosecutors in which he admits to violating campaign finance law, according to sources familiar with the case.

In the papers, signed within the past several days, Jackson admits converting campaign contributions for personal use. Some of the violations include using campaign funds for a $40,000 Rolex watch, travel expenses for a friend and furniture purchased for his Washington, D.C., home. Under the terms of the deal, Jackson's sentence would be decided by a federal judge and could range from probation to prison time.

ackson resigned from the congressional seat he held for 17 years on Nov. 21, 2012, acknowledging a federal investigation and citing health issues.

"During this journey, I have made my share of mistakes," Jackson wrote in his resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. "I am aware of the ongoing federal investigation into my activities, and I am doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept responsibility for my mistakes, for they are my mistakes and mine alone. None of us is immune from our share of shortcomings or human frailties and I pray that I will be remembered for what I did right."

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/08/16900082-former-rep-jesse-jackson-jr-admits-to-campaign-finance-violations?lite

Buying yourself a $40,0000 Rolex with campaign donations is not a "mistake."

[Enthusiast]

1. Buying a $40,0000 Rolex with campaign donations

demonstrates extremely poor judgment. Human frailties? The guy is unfit to hold office.