for the once rising political star. here's athena jones with more. >> reporter: disgraced former congressman jessie jackson jr. s preparing to spend 30 months in prison. now he's asking for redemption. >> i still believe in the power of forgiveness. i believe in the power of redemption. today i manned up and tried to accept responsibility for the errors of my ways. >> reporter: the charge, misusing $750,000 in campaign funds as his personal treasure chest. spending the money on nightclubs, lounges a a watch, and even michael jackson memorabilia. his wife will spend 12 months in prison for filing false tax returns. >> this has been a difficult time for our family. i speak today as a father.