CHICAGO – With Election Day three weeks away, things could hardly be worse for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.: He hasn't been to work in months as he recovers from hospitalization for depression. There are whispers he's under investigation for misusing campaign donations. Headlines announce he's been spotted at a Washington, D.C., bar, downing drinks.

It would be enough to send most campaigns into full crisis communications mode. Yet the Jackson camp has maintained the same, often baffling approach: virtual silence.

To political observers and strategists, the long stretch of Jackson scarcity is as unusual as it is surprising. Since he quietly went on leave in June, Jackson, 47, has made no statements or appearances to publicly explain his health status or his plans for seeking re-election and maintaining the congressional seat he has held for 17 years.