Ford accused Frist, a heart surgeon with financial ties to the managed care industry, of failing to support broad patients' rights. Ultimately Ford decided not to make the race, deterred by Frist's war chest and Gore's need for Tennessee ambassadors to travel the country promoting the Democratic ticket. Ford Sr. was indicted in 1987 for receiving allegedly illegal loans from political backers. He lost a key subcommittee chairmanship and went through two trials before he was finally acquitted in April 1993. Ford Jr. says his father's difficulties never put him off a career in politics.
Most people go through tough times.
It by no means ever diminished my desire or willingness to be involved in public life. Click here to read more of Congressman Jackson's Issues and Positions.