Et tu, Jesse Jr?

I was reading a Chicago Tribune story about Jesse Jackson Jr. and his decision not to run for Chicago mayor.

It’s a big surprise.

As the Trib reported, Jackson, 45, has “long contemplated a run for mayor, even toying with the idea when it meant a challenge to Daley.” Hmm. Something, I thought, is not adding up.

Sure enough, Jackson allegedly had an extramarital affair with one Giovana Huidobro, a DC restaurant hostess (whatever that is) and former model (inevitably). She’s the one pictured above with the “come hither” look. The Trib said Jackson and his wife are “working on their marriage.” Which, to me, kinda takes the “allege” out of the “alleged” affair, which Jackson has not denied.

What is it with pols and their libidos? Otherwise rational men risk it all for sex. Granted, certain types of women throw themselves at the powerful, not caring a whit about marital status. Most are as alluring as Ms. Huidobro, the kind of woman many men dream about. And granted, it’s consensual and probably the best sex these pols have ever had.

Still, the cost-benefit analysis never, ever adds up. Which, in the end, means Henry Kissinger is right: “Power is the great aphrodisiac.” And given his once infamous street cred as a “ladies man,” he ought to know.