We now have a much clearly picture of what at least part of the ballot will look like for 2nd District voters this February, with 17 Democrats and five Republicans having filed their petitions before the Jan. 7 deadline.
The list has plenty of notable South Suburban names, including state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, whose office is in Chicago Heights. Hutchinson announced her candidacy in a Local Voices post on Patch and has been considered a front-runner by some.
Then there's former U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, of Crete. She lost to former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. in last year's primary election for the same seat. Are her chances any better this year?
Former state Rep. Robin Kelly, of Matteson, is another contender. She recently left her position as chief administrative officer for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and has been focusing her efforts on the race.
On the Republican side, there is James H. Taylor Sr., of Bradley, who ran against Brian Woodworth in last year's primary. Lenny McAllister, of Maywood, is running as a Republican, though some of his views lean more to the left than the right.
Of the 22 candidates, 14 are in the South Suburbs. Who will you be voting for on Feb. 26?
Democrats:
- Toi Hutchinson, of Olympia Fields
- Anthony Williams, of Dolton
- Joyce Washington, of Chicago
- Patrick O. Brutus, of Chicago
- Ernest B. Fenton, of Markham
- Robin Kelly, of Matteson
- Anthony Beale, of Chicago
- Mel Reynolds, of Dolton
- Fatimah N. Muhammad, of Chicago
- Larry D. Pickens, of Chicago
- Clifford J. Eagleton, of Harvey
- Victor Jonathan, of Country Club Hills
- Gregory Haynes, of Lynwood
- Debbie Halvorson, of Crete
- Napoleon Harris, of Flossmoor
- Charles Rayburn, of Dolton
- John Blyth, of Chicago
Republicans:
- Lenny McAllister, of Maywood
- Paul McKinley, of Chicago
- James H. Taylor Sr., of Bradley
- Eric M. Wallace, of Flossmoor
- Beverly E. Reid, of Chicago
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Michael ... A Voter, in the new, 2nd Congressional District
If Debbie was such a tireless worker and cared about our district why hasn't she spoken out on any of the issues affecting us from the time she lost the seat? This goes for the rest of the contenders. I support Anthony W. Williams who does work tirelessly unlike those currently in office, the newly elected and others running. When have they personally advocated for us on any issue? Did they advocate for Rocky when his school insurance capped and the state was about to yank benefits from him: the state stealing from retirees' pensions, closing mental health clinics, hospitals? Yet silence among those who say they will see that we receive justice. I guess not one issue was important enough to anyone except Anthony W. Williams resulting in Clark keeping insurance status, 40k coming forward and retirees receiving refunds. Williams was blocking projects in Englewood, etc. before Gardner. Think how much more he would do once elected! Don't vote for people just because "they have been there, they are there or they say what they will do when they get there. Go by what they have and are doing. Give votes to those who have EARNED them.
However, I am not in agreement with his initial focus on "key issues", Here's my take. Traffic ticket deductions from state refunds and checks from the City? Sure, fight the Mayor on that one. Good luck. Reduce violence by cracking down on the sale of handguns and more jobs programs? The way to reduce violence is to support in school counseling programs (see UC study) and increase school engagement. Airports? No matter what Quinn says Peotone will never happen. OK, kill it once and for all. No brainer. Finally, the reason felons cannot get jobs is not because they have a record. Most are high school dropouts and lack work skills which is why they couldn't get a job in the first place. AW, the key to a better future for our children is school. Put that on your key issues list.
Who does Halvorson represent?
Pick the biggest thief and that's who will be given the seat.
Gotta let the record reflect what else happened at Monday's candidates forum in Matteson, IL hosted by the beautiful people of Victory Apostolic Church and sponsored by AARP / WVON / V103 / AM-1390. The event started at 2pm as scheduled. After we, the 11 participating candidates, took our seats (btw, I was seated in the middle with Robin Kelly on my right) -- the following text messages were sent to/from my mobile phone. 2:04pm - "ASA. If you're serious about a future in politics you should consider giving your support to Robin Kelly at todays Candidates Forum. Matthew" 2:04pm - (my reply) "Timing ?" 2:10pm - "You got the media today and can make yourself look good on stage with Robin" 2:28pm - "Each candidate usually gets a final comment. Wait until then to make your dramatic and heartfelt announcement of support. Then we need to make sure her campaign website acknowledges your support" Everybody and the media recordings already reflect that I did not comply. ...whew, still smh :-)