Halvorson to run for Jackson seat

Former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) is running to replace Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) in the upcoming special election for his seat.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting the former one-term lawmaker, who challenged Jackson in the primary this year, will make the bid.

Jackson easily defeated Halvorson and went on to win handily in the heavily Democratic 2nd district, despite his ongoing health issues and a federal investigation into his alleged misuse of campaign funds.

Those same issues were what he cited in a resignation letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) last week as his reasons for being unable to continue to serve. A special election for his seat will now be held within the next four months.

Halvorson indicated in an email to The Hill last week that she had been asked to run, noting that her phone had been "ringing off the hook" with supporters' pleas.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must set a date for the election on Monday, but by law, the election must take place within 115 days of Jackson's resignation, or no later than March 16.

Local officials have been pushing to hold the special election on April 9, with a primary held on Feb. 26, as there are already elections scheduled for those days.

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