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Second District Congressional Candidates: Who Are These Guys?

A quick run-down of what issues are most important to the candidates.

 

Brian Woodworth - Republican

A lawyer and college professor from Bourbonnais, Woodworth has trailed far behind incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. in the polls, but has maintained higher numbers than Republicans typically get in the Second District. 

Woodworth says he is "not a Washington insider." Here are some of his plans for the Second Congressional District, if elected:

  • Education. Woodworth says the federal government puts too much pressure on educators and hopes to allow families to choose which public schools their children will attend. Woodworth says standardize tests should not be the only way to judge a school.
  • "Government needs to get off the backs of businesses," Woodworth says. The candidate wants to move the federal government away from policies that discourage business creation. Woodworth says this will in-tern bring about more jobs and a stronger economy.

To learn more about these plans and more, visit Woodworth's campaign Website, Brian Woodworth: Republican for Congress. 

Marcus Lewis - Independent 

A longtime postal worker from Matteson, Lewis has been an active voice on Patch for months, responding articles and drawing attention to his campaign. Of all the candidates, Lewis has been the most openly critical of Jackson, most recently accusing him of secretly campaigning through a pastor in the South Suburbs . 

Lewis touts himself as "the clear choice." Here are some of his plans for the Second Congressional District, if elected:

  • Jobs. Lewis says he wants to see Works Project Administration-style programs.
  • More grants for college students 
  • No Peotone Airport. Lewis says he would rather see the Gary/Chicago International Airport built-up.
  • A moratorium (or suspension) on foreclosures with a bailout of the housing market. 

To learn more about these plans and more, visit Lewis' campaign Website, Marcus Lewis for Congress 2012 . 

Anthony W. Williams - Independent (Write-In)

A pastor from Dolton, Williams will not appear on the general election ballot but may be familiar to longtime Second District constituents. This is Williams sixth time trying to unseat Jackson, noting that he doesn't think the congressman has done anything to curb urban violence. 

Williams says he will be a "sincere voice for everyone." Here are some of his plans for the Second Congressional District, if elected:

  • The prevention of violence affecting young people.
  • Passing legislation to save private and public pensions.
  • Universal health care for all citizens.
  • Expungement for non-violent ex-offenders.
  • Education, re-education and apprenticeship programs.

To learn more about these plans and more, visit Williams' campaign Website, Anthony W. Williams for U.S. Congress . 

Jesse Jackson Jr. - Democrat (Incumbent)

Jackson's story for the past few months has been highly publicized and reported on in Patch. Instead of wasting anytime rehashing it here, check out our JJJ topics page about what's been going on with the congressman.

Jackson's campaign Website has not been update in several months .

Related Topics: Congress, Election, Jackson, Lewis, Second District, Williams, and woodworth

Joe Lake

7:41 am on Monday, November 5, 2012

Nov. 6, 2012. Time to vote. Joe Lake, Chicago

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Joe Lake

10:35 am on Monday, November 5, 2012

Jr. Who thwarted the ambitions of Jesse Jackson's son, New York Magazine, Nov. 4, 2012. http://nymag.com/news/features/jesse-jackson-jr-2012-11 Joe Lake, Chicago

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Todd

11:24 am on Monday, November 5, 2012

Wow, this article is enlightening. Let me breakdown my interpretation. It appears that Marcus Lewis wants the nice parts of Second District to pay for the rest of the community. Anthony Williams is running on principles that every beauty queen has asked for....world peace. Honestly, no representation by JJJ might be better than a really, really bad voice. I choose Brian Woodworth

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Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.

10:02 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Good assessment Todd! I could not have said it better.

Michael Wright

11:50 am on Monday, November 5, 2012

People have to start doing their homework and shake-up the status quo. The reality is: the majority of voters in the 2nd Congressional District are African-American Democrats. People need to remember Dr. King's words: "I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." We The People need to quit voting for a poliltical party or a color/ethnicity. We The People have to start voting for what's going to be best to turn our economy around. The only color that should matter is the color of money and how our long-forgotten south suburbs are constantly ignored by the decision-makers at the State-level and the cold-hard fact is: The Illinois General Assembly is controlled by Democrats. Our State is in terrible shape and it's time for a change. I understand by making that statement, the "change" might indicate going from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, but not necessarily. The current "leaders" need to be voted out. These long-term, lifetime politicians need to go find real jobs and quit playing ego, power and control games with our tax money. I pray that current Congressman Jackson, Jr. gets healthy, but he shouldn't be re-elected, not this time around. He needs to step back and heal. We The People need to vote someone new in who can best represent us. With all due respect, I don't believe that person is Rep. Jackson, Jr.

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NotBuyingIt

2:46 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus Lewis is not the answer either. He has shown himself on many many occasions to not be qualified to hold public office. Only one clear choice in this race and it is Brian Woodworth. Let's have a REAL change take place. Let's vote corruption OUT for a change.

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Marcus Lewis

3:20 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS ON NOV. 6th!

I AM READY, QUALIFIED, IN MY RIGHT MIND AND HAVE A PLAN TO GET OF OUT OF THE MUD!

"HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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Denice

4:08 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Michael Wright, for the record not all African-American Democrats in the 2nd Congressional District support JJJ. I am an AA Dem and I have NEVER voted for JJJ or his father when he ran for president. I've surveyed my siblings and parents and none of them have ever voted for the JJs either.

I believe it is an affront to democracy to cast your vote based on race or gender bias. In fact, even though I'm a registered democrat, I can't remember the last time I voted a straight democratic ballot. Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I believe this country would be a better place if we cast our ballot for the candidates that best respresent the issues/causes that our important to us----irregardless of that candidtates political party.

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Michael Wright

11:16 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

In reply to Denice and Maureen's comments: Please note I never said/typed that "all African-American Democrats in the 2nd Congressional District support JJJ." (extract from Denise). My point is that the majority numbers in this district are African-American Democrats (and there's nothing wrong with that; it's statistically a fact). My point is that historically, people of all colors/ethnicities keep voting in the same political circles and will never vote or think outside the proverbial box. It's time We The People start taking some cold, hard looks at who keeps getting voted in and why. I'm AA and voted for JJJ. I think he has done good for our 2nd Congressional District. But given the current situation regarding his health, I personally think he should take a break from all that is causing him to seek treatment for his medical condition and get healthy. There is no shame in choosing to become whole; he can always choose to get back in the game and my support for him might just be there. But not now. And the more I think about how Democrats have always ruled Cook County (and how my own parents are probably spinning in their graves), I've been leaning towards a Republican point-of-view when it comes to the economy. Dare I say, my own family might not speak to me, but I don't believe the current crop of Dems controlling our State and County have done any of us any good. I think it's time for a drastic change and perhaps we need to reassess who represents us.

Marcus Lewis

3:21 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS ON NOV. 6th!

I AM READY, QUALIFIED, IN MY RIGHT MIND AND HAVE A PLAN TO GET THE DISTRICT OUT OF THE MUD!

"HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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Marcus Lewis

3:23 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS ON NOV. 6th!

I AM READY, QUALIFIED, IN MY RIGHT MIND AND HAVE A PLAN TO GET THE DISTRICT OF OUT OF THE MUD!

"HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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Juvenal

3:50 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus, can you please fill us in on your educational background, especially your formal training in such disciplines as economics, law, history, philosophy, political science, rhetoric, organizational management, etc.? Much appreciated!!

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Marcus Lewis

3:57 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

ASK THE SAME QUESTIONS TO JJJ.

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Juvenal

4:08 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Well his background is pretty well known, BA, MA Divinity and a JD (but never took the bar exam). Woodworth has a BA and JD at least. Yours, however, is not.........

NotBuyingIt

3:59 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Good People, I ask you: When was the last time you have EVER heard a qualified candidate for public office espouse as one of his virtues that he is in his "right mind"???? I think that proves my point as to how unqualified for office Marcus is!!!!

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Veronica

3:29 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Agreed. Obviously some problems upstairs. But to you and Todd. Check out Williams website. He has been around and works with real issues not just during campaign time. And Todd, I don't get the "Beauty Queen" reference esp considering his what he has already done. I, too, don't vote on party/color but for the person I feel has my best interest. There is one candidate, I won't mention his name who started with a FB site for his website filled with videos of JJJ and vote for me. This candidate who had no plans on his FB got a website not long before election and suddenly had all these plans reworded from someone else's site. It is so obvious..... Read what each candidate wrote after the election. I want to comment now, but until you all read them, it would be pointless. One should just have tongue and fingers removed so he can no longer embarrass his family. I could invite friends over, for drinks and a reading comedy show BECAUSE THIS GUY IS SERIOUS!

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Juvenal

4:09 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

LLJJ (Ladies LOVE Jesse Junior....)

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Blackhawks Fan

4:20 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus ~ I must say that your constant spamming and your limited message has made it quite clear to me that you are not what our district needs. I consider myself a moderate and an Independent voter and I will be voting for Brian Woodworth.

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Todd

4:48 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus, it is wrong to sterotype. Just because BlackHawk Fan can read and form intelligent responses does mean that he is a Republican it just means that is not one of your supporters.

Denice

4:45 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus, really? That's not a proper response from a congressional candidate. It comes across as very juvenile, especially when BlackHawks Fan clearly states that he is an independent voter. Don't resort to such behavoir just because someone disagrees with your methods or your tactics.

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Marcus Lewis

4:56 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

I will remember the Patch as a forum that lets all matter of speech fly out with little or no standards.

As I said before, the person withholding his real name that refers to himself as Blackhawk Fan is a republican. You don't vote with the republicans if you don't believe what they currently stand for. Thats not 'juvenile" that's common sense.

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Blackhawks Fan

8:01 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus~ This is something we can agree on; you are a perfect example of the Patch letting all matter of speech fly without any standards!!!! My advice to you is don’t quit your day job!!!

Marcus Lewis

4:58 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Denise, seriously, he can say what he wants about himself all he wants, but he is a republican.

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Blackhawks Fan

5:38 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

I do not blindly follow any party or ideology but I base my opinions on facts and vote for who I think is best for our economy regardless of their political affiliation. I research all candidates, their beliefs and vote on both sides of the aisle mostly because I believe that we need a balance of power and we need people that are able to work together for a greater United States. I also take that same mind frame when voting for school boards and village politics.

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mary commerford

5:43 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

I'm curious about Williams. Does anyone here know anything about him?

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Veronica

3:43 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

www.voteanthonywwilliams.com Worked with Peotone and lots of others and he didn't just start during this election. He is worth a read and vote in my opinion. That's why some have re-worded portions of his plans as their own. No other candidate equals his accomplishments. All facts, articles and videos to boot. You can also call him too. His number is on a few sections on his website which has been up for years. You will be able to determine that. He is sincere. Call him. You will be glad you did. I am going to work with him during the special election.

Marcus Lewis

6:05 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

PEOPLE...NOW IS THE TIME!

WE MUST CONTROL A SEAT OF POWER TO BE A PLAYER AT THE TABLE OF THE POWERFUL.

Place Marcus Lewis as a voice in Washington’s corridors of power IF YOU WANT THE THINGS WE DESPERATELY NEED!

THIS IS OUR MOMENT! LET GO OF THE DUMB STUFF!

VOTE AS A UNITED BLOCK FOR MARCUS LEWIS ON NOV. 6TH

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SHUSSBAR

8:43 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Please stop using Caps, it s not right in a cyber forum. Thanks. Spamming is another annoying thing by the way.

Marcus Lewis

6:23 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

THIS IS IT FOLKS!

THIS IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL VOTE FOR ME ON NOV. 6TH OR WE WILL SUFFER FOR ANOTHER 40 YEARS! ALL WE HAVE IS RIGHT NOW! STOP PLAYING AND SEE THIS AS IT IS...

IF WE CONTROL NOTHING OF POWER TO BRING THE THINGS WE NEED AMD THE REPS BEFORE NEVER BROUGHT THEM THEN WHEN AND HOW DO WE GET ACCESS TO THEM? BY VOTING FOR MARCUS LEWIS WITHOUT THINKING ON NOV.6TH CAUSE OUR FUTURES DEPEND ON THIS ELECTION HERE IN THE 2ND DISTRICT.

BE BIGGER THAN WE ARE.

STEP HIGHER THAN WE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE DOING.

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY...

VOTE IN MARCUS LEWIS AS YOUR NEXT CONGRESSMAN!

IT ISN'T ABOUT ME. IT'S ALL ABOUT "WE"!

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NotBuyingIt

6:33 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Marcus writes, "IF WE CONTROL NOTHING OF POWER TO BRING THE THINGS WE NEED AMD THE REPS BEFORE NEVER BROUGHT THEM THEN WHEN AND HOW DO WE GET ACCESS TO THEM? BY VOTING FOR MARCUS LEWIS WITHOUT THINKING ON NOV.6TH CAUSE OUR FUTURES DEPEND ON THIS ELECTION HERE IN THE 2ND DISTRICT." I wish I could highlight or underline where he says "voting for Marcus Lewis without thinking..." See!!! Right there!!! This is the exactly why a person should NOT vote for you!!! Asking folks to vote without thinking?!?!?!? You are part of the problem. You are nobody's solution. You are, quite simply, a BUF -wait for it- FOON!!!!

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Veronica

3:59 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

And to think nearly 30k did so. People, we must take care to READ, research and not grasp at anything just because it is on the ballot or in our faces. Notbuyingit. I had to video his speech because of what he said. I will do this one as well. Winding down from working evenings, he makes me laugh. If he wasn't serious he could be a comedian. I am praying for his full recovery.

Joe Lake

6:37 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

JJJr returns to Mayo Clinic, again with a tune in his head, Jailhouse Rock. http://youtu.be/plaDFJpOfMs Joe Lake, Chicago

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Marcus Lewis

8:14 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

NotBuyingIt is a republican. And if people would vote republican without thinking he would have no problem with that. I am on this ballot not a man hiding behind a fake name who is only looking for the attention he lacks in his life. This is the life of a troll.

But for right now, VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS WHILE WE HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY. REMEMBER, IT COSTS YOU ONLY YOUR VOTE.

THE PLACE TO PARK THAT VOTE WAS ALL ON ME.

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Marcus Lewis

8:23 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Now Lord God, I give this campaign to you. Thank you for this opportunity you have permitted and I ask that as I Bless Your Holy Name and I Lift You Up Above The Earth, Draw All Voters unto me so I may help someone.

In Jesus' Name.

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NotBuyingIt

8:44 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Marcus, some things should remain private...

SHUSSBAR

8:46 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

Good luck to you Sir but won t be with my vote. Quite annoying to have no one to vote for. I am not Repub and the dems or independent all have issues. I guess i ll write my name.

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Marcus Lewis

9:24 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

That is sad to hear you have no one to vote for. Your problems will not go away. Whatever you think of me, this campaign is one of a kind. I hope that if you have not yet voted I am a common man who stuck his neck out to simply help you and others that are in dire straits. This campaign is for them.

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Chicagoheightsmike

9:32 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Hey Marcus, when are you going to be at the Bar? Me and a few of the guys will buy you a drink.

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Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.

10:23 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

This is simultaneously sick and comical.

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Dinkum

10:59 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

It really doesn't matter who these guys are because the Demo machine and misguided, uninformed D2 voters will ensure MIA Jackson is back in. But I've got a long term solution to this. Leaving IL for good next year. And my recollection of Cook County politics will just be a faded, bad, memory.

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Michael Wright

11:25 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Exactly! This is what I'm also saying. Too many voters are going to blindly give their vote to the wrong candidate today. There's enough blame to go around and both parties have let our State and County down, but the current crop has been Democrats and it's time for a change. I'll stand by my words if it were the Republicans in office for too long messing things up: Then again, it would be time for change...hopefully, positive change. We The People must stand up for what is right and economically, the Democrats that control our Illinois General Assembly and rule our County of Cook are NOT doing right by us. And they can blame the Republicans all they want, but it's on the Dems' heads. That doesn't mean the Republican Party is without fault or political agendas that conflict with my own views, but there must be change moving forward or we're going to continually live in "Crook" County and I agree with Dinkum's comment that leaving IL and Cook County will be the only solution. We The People, the honest, legal, hard-working, tax-paying citizens will take our tax dollars and go somewhere else. And sadly, "Crook" County really can't afford to lose us. However, We The People will be just fine without "Crook" County. They ALL need to go.

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