The usually reliable Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun Times reports that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is talking about a plea deal with federal prosecutors relating to his alleged misuse of campaign funds:

"No one has pled guilty, but plea discussions are ongoing," said a top Sneed source, who said Jackson is still undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic.

Sneed is also told Jackson, who returned to Mayo Clinic after undergoing outpatient treatment in the seclusion of his home in Washington, D.C., is not only being investigated for allegedly using campaign funds to decorate his Washington home - but also Sneed hears he may also have used campaign funds to buy a $40,000 Rolex watch as a gift for a female friend.

An heir apparent to the beneficence and largesse of the Jackson dynasty, Jackson has been immersed in a cloud of federal scrutiny for the past three years.

In late 2008, Jackson, who desired the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he became president, was also mentioned in connection with the "pay to play" sale of that Senate slot that led to the conviction of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Jackson has always denied involvement and was never charged.

Jackson never campaigned in 2012 and was re-elected despite returning for additional treatment to the Mayo Clinic.