Sandi Jackson, wife of former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., resigned from her position as an alderman on the Chicago City Council. In a letter sent to Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Jan. 11, she said that "very painful family health matters" are preventing her from giving her South Side constituents the level of service they deserve.

"After much consideration and while dealing with very painful family health matters, I have met with my family and determined that the constituents of the 7th Ward, as well as you Mr. Mayor, and my colleagues in the City Council deserve a partner who can commit all of their energies to the business of the people. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as Alderman of 7th Ward, effective January 15, 2013," reads the letter.

Her resignation, effective Tuesday, comes nearly two months after her husband stepped down from Congress. In addition to seeking treatment for bipolar disorder since last summer, the former congressman also is under federal investigation for the alleged misuse of campaign funds.

In response to speculation over whether the alderman was considering a bid to replace her husband in Congress, Jackson said she fully intended to serve out her term on the city council.

"I intend to finish my term," she said at the time. "Unless something catastrophic happens – I could get hit by a bus today."

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(Photo: Alex Garcia/ Chicago Tribune/MCT)