Rev. Jesse Jackson Throws His Support Behind Sensata Workers

FREEPORT - Reverend Jesse Jackson joins the list of civil rights activists offering support for soon to be unemployed workers at Sensata Technologies in Freeport.  He focused his speech, Monday on the issue of foreign policy and its relation to jobs; a direct shot at Monday night's presidential debate.

Jackson took the stage at the protest camp, "Bainport" located on Stephenson County Fairgrounds.  He made an appearance after a weekend visit from Rev. Al Sharpton. 

The Reverend joined roughly 150 Sensata workers on their quest to get severance pay and possibly their jobs back.  But Jackson framed the struggle in a new light, claiming he wasn't just there for Sensata jobs, but for all jobs being outsourced from what he deems as "corporate greed."

"Don't give our jobs to exploited Chinese workers and say they took our jobs," Jackson said in a call and repeat fashion, much like he would address a congregation.

"End the lies, tell the truth, prepare an even playing field for the American worker."

After his speech, Jackson marched with Sensata workers to their factory like they did last week.  The workers' previous efforts landed 17 year-old, Wes Hoyer, in handcuffs.  He says he was supporting his mom.  She lost her job when the Sensata factory was owned by Honeywell and they shipped her job overseas.

"I've been involved in politics for a long time now, just watching the news and following that sort of thing, and I just wanted to put my money where my mouth was," said Hoyer, a Dakota High School student.

Hoyer says he won't be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, but he says he'll be watching alongside Jackson.  He says both Jackson and himself were looking for the same thing out of Monday night's debate.

"I want them to at least acknowledge what's going on, more than they did last time," said Hoyer.  "They don't need to mention us by name, just admit that there's a problem and it really needs to be fixed."

"We'll see who has the best corporate policy to stop jobs from leaving, plants from closing and drugs and guns from coming," said Jackson, when asked what he was looking for from Monday night's debate.

Both Obama and Romney were asked about China and jobs in a round about way toward the end of Monday night's debate.  The candidates agreed that China needs to start playing by the rules.  Romney said he'd label China as a "currency manipulator."  Obama called out Romney for outsourcing jobs at companies he'd previously managed, however no mention of Sensata in Freeport.

Reverend Jackson declined to comment on his son, U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. about his election status.  He has been on medical leave since June with no signs of returning soon.  Jackson Sr. declined to comment.