Primary to Watch: Jackson Jr. vs. Halvorson
Time for Jesse Jackson Jr. to go? Would Debbie Halvorson better serve the 2nd District in the House? You tell us.
Debbie Halvorson may challenge congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. in 2012.
Official Portrait
Photos (1)
Photos
It's "game on" in the 2nd Congressional District, and Debbie Halvorson is pulling no punches in challenging Jesse Jackson Jr. in the Democratic primary.
The onetime congresswoman and former state senator blasted Jackson's ethics in announcing her campaign, and said he spends too much time in Washington, D.C., putting him out of touch with the district. She also criticizes him for not standing with President Obama on his jobs bill.
Halvorson launched her campaign last Thursday at Bloom High School, her alma mater. Sun-Times Media reporters dubbed hers a "scorched earth" campaign at the start.
There's much bad blood between Halvorson and Jackson. They've sparred over the third airport project, which Jackson championed even though it was in Halvorson's former district, the 11th, prior to this year's redistricting. In the spring, Jackson urged the governor not to appoint Halvorson as the state's transportation secretary, a job she was up for after losing her House seat. Jackson said the third airport project would be at risk.
Jackson has served in Congress for 16 years. But revelations about an extramarital affair and his testimony during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trial have damaged his reputation. Halvorson, the first female Senate Majority Leader in the state senate and a one-term congresswoman who's been in politics for 20 years, said it's time for Jackson to go.
What do you think? Is Jesse Jackson Jr. not delivering for his district? Have the congressman's recent problems changed your view of him? Is he still your champion, or would Debbie Halvorson better serve the district? Tell us in the comments. And respond to our poll.
Joe O'Hara
9:22 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
We met Mr. Jackson on numerous occasions while Blago was 'deciding' on who he would 'appoint' to be Senator. Told him that the Governor would be remiss if he wasn't the one 'chosen'. We expressed confidence in him being the guy for the job.
When word began to come out that the Senator position was up to the best or highest bidder, among others, I was shocked.
I have never beed convinced since then that Mr. Jackson did NOT offer the $1.000.000 for the appointment as it was suggested in the press.
We lost all confidence in Jesse Jr. at that point.
Joe O.
J.J.
10:39 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
Halverson would be better then Jackson, but she could not win...the Chicago Political Machine will make sure of it.
Nextel
1:01 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Congressman Jackson has done a lot for the South Suburbs. However, his recent association with the convicted Illinois Governor and his domestic situation draws questions about his decision making. I will reserve my endorsement until I see what Ms. Halvorson has to say.
Chicagoheightsmike
3:11 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Still waiting huh Nextel.
eliyoyo
10:33 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
What is needed, I believe is a democratic alternative to Jr.
Ms. Halverson as a Republican would simply be her kissing the the teabagger Republigressors, with her "NO NO NO" to any democratic proposal. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Homewood education, our excellent fire and police departments and any local social programs, would be decimated. As stated before we need an alternative to Jr., for reason expressed by other critical thinkers as a reply.
The Demo Machine, locally, regionally and statewide will support Jr. So as a replacement for politics as usual, you know 500 dollars to golf with Jr., 1,000 to fish, and an "in" in Chi politics with Sandi, and da Rev (happy boitday Rev.) on the liquor franchise, halleluhaha front, So my dear friends, what can be done, I ask ya????
Homewood Jim
10:45 am on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Politicians are like underwear. You need to change them on a regular basis.
eliyoyo
10:58 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I understand Ms. Halverson was a Democrat, and if she is the alternative to Jr. as a Democrat, my previous comment needs to be corrected. So my dear friends, what can be done to change the corrupting influence of DemoPolitics? What can be done, I ask ya?
Michael ... "A New Voter in the 2nd District"
8:18 am on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Greetings,
Please be aware that Debbie Halvorson IS a Democrat. She has served the public on the Local, State, and Federal level. Debbie wishes to continue her commitment to service and the people of Illinois, by representing the new 2nd Congressional District. I for one, look forward to offering her my support.
Tim
10:31 am on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Let's just keep voting for the Demo's to keep spending our money. Wake up people, the Demo's have caused this state to become on of the most in debt states in the country. When are people going to realizee you can't spend more than you take in?
eliyoyo
7:58 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Just great. When you are down and out, go to the no no repulicrats. Ask them for a pick-me-up....they will hang you out to dry....or kick you to the curb, sayin' if not for me....nothing for you. Or die or pray....haleyluhah!!
. Social services are what differentiate the all for one and one for all.... from the do for none republicrats.
Juvenal
1:27 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011
oh please if she was committed to "public service" she'd take a job as a DCFS case worker or a teacher. She wants power and a nice, close to $200k paycheck she could never command in the private sector, just like most of them.
Chicagoheightsmike
3:09 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Halvorson is a product of the Machine. It used her up and spit her out. As stated want to help people. Become a social worker. But wait than you can't give contracts out to family huh!