UPDATE Nov 3, 2017: Finally the rumors have been confirmed, almost seven years later
Confirmed by a source in Olympia, 49th legislative district representative Jim Jacks, Democrat, has tendered his resignation.
I am also told there will be a special election held in November.
Jacks claiming “personal reasons, he does not want publicly stated”
Initial speculation was the reason might be health related. His name has been pulled from the roll-call, his web page has been taken down and he has vacated the House.
The Olympian is reporting, “House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, put out this statement, which confirmed rumors heard after Jacks failed to show up for committee hearings yesterday:
“Rep. Jacks has been a good legislator for the people of his district and a productive member of our caucus. However, we understand his decision to put his family first, and we are accepting that decision.”
Read more: The Olympian
UPDATE: I’m now hearing it alleged that Jacks has been “dealing inappropriately with members of legislative staff of the opposite gender.” Will post more as I hear it.
Seattle Station KOMO News says,
“He said he needed to take care of some things at home,” said Democratic Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, who refused to divulge any more details. “There’s not much more to say about it.”
The resignation raises more questions than answers. His departure came to light as a leadership statement accepting his resignation. There was no official announcement of his quitting.
A call to Jacks’ cellphone by The Associated Press was not immediately returned. His official legislative website has been shut down and his legislative aide did not arrive at the office Friday.
KOMO also updated, “Sen. Craig Pridemore, a Democrat who serves in the same district, said his resignation had been discussed for a couple of days.”