Second District Congressional Candidates: Who Are These Guys?

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 .