Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Vacated Seat Set for Illinois Special Election

A special Democratic and Republican primary contest will take place in February

Illinois officials aren’t wasting any time in replacing the ailing Chicago congressman, Jesse Jackson Jr., who last week resigned from his seat weeks after being re-elected on Election Day. Gov. Pat Quinn announced Monday that a special primary election to replace Jackson in Congress will be held in February. A general election for the seat is set for March 19. A number of potential candidates have already come forward and have begun shopping financial and political backing. Jackson himself had won the seat in a crowded special election in 1995. Given the Democratic leaning of Illinois' Second District, which includes part of the Chicago’s South Side and southern suburbs, the seat is expected to stay within the party. (New York Times)

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