Governor Pat Quinn will announce today the dates of the special election to fill the 2nd Congressional seat that was once filled by former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
By law, Governor Quinn had five days to set dates for a primary and general election. Those events must be held by mid-March.
Jackson Jr. resigned on Wednesday after 17-years in office. He has not been seen in the 2nd District since taking medical leave in June. In his absence, he has undergone treatment for depression and bi-polar disorder.
Nearly a dozen names have surfaced since Wednesday as potential contenders for the 2nd District seat. Former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorsonhas announced her bid to take the seat. She ran and lost against Jackson in the March 2012 primary.Others considering a run include former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, and his successor, Toni Preckwinkle, State Sen. Donne Trotter, State Sen. Toi Hutchinson and Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church. Attorney Sam Adam Jr., who once represented former Governor Rod Blagojevich, says he may also be interested in the seat.
