There are 18 people in the running to replace the seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr in Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District.
Jackson resigned in November. The resignation came after he took medical leave last June, for bi-polar disorder.
This story has 10 updates
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02/11/13
by WGN Web Desk
From her humble beginnings as a nurse’s candy striper to her present position as the President and CEO of a management consulting firm, The Washington Group, Joyce Washington brings a wealth of healthcare experience to this race. Washington was a candidate for Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor in 2002 and for U.S. Senate in 2004, so she is no stranger to the race for political office.
Jobs/Economy
- The number one issue is jobs.
- Invest in small businesses, the healthcare industry, and infrastructure.
Peotone Airport
- A way to create jobs.
- Supports a means of creating jobs.
Gun Control
- Ned background checks and ban on assault rifles.
- Must give more attention to the mental health issue.
Immigration
- Supports the DREAM Act.
- Need a comprehensive plan immediately.
Lenny McAllister’s life experience “runs the gambit of what you see in the Second Congressional District”. From a deli clerk to a computer programmer, McAllister maintains that he is in touch with what the constituents need and that he is the only hardcore conservative candidate in the field.
Jobs/Economy
- The number on issue is Jobs.
- Need to find a way for businesses to invest in the District and create jobs.
Gun Control
- Application of background checks.
- Keep weapons from criminals and straw buyers.
Immigration
- Secure the boarder is the number one objective.
- Need to take a multifaceted approach to the issue.
As the owner of his own Group Health Insurance Company, John Blyth is not a politician. It is this fact, Blyth insists, that makes him the best candidate for the Second Congressional District Seat. The Second District presents myriad new opportunities and John Blyth wants to be part of them.
Jobs/Economy
- The number one issue is jobs.
- Infrastructure improvements would bring jobs to the district.
Peotone Airport
- Supports the project if there was enough money to complete it.
Gun Control
- Supports background checks.
Immigration
- Supports a path to citizenship.
A self-proclaimed independent thinking man, Marcus Lewis believes that the Second District needs a Representative who is not part of the Chicago Machine. An employee of the United States Postal Service, Lewis asserts that only a common man like himself can properly represent the common person and the needs of Second Congressional District constituents.
Jobs/Economy
- Job Creation is a Key issue.
- WPA style programs – WPA stands for ‘Work Program Administration’ programs which President Franklin D. Roosevelt put over 8 million unemployed Americans back to work in the Depression from 1935 to 1943.
Peotone Airport
- Does not support the project.
- Lack of major airlines committed to flying into Peotone.
Gun Control
- For personal ownership of firearms.
- Ban on military style weapons.
Immigration
- Supports the DREAM Act.
Since his debut as the 13 year old director of the acclaimed documentary “Ghetto Life 101”, LeAlan Jones has remained active in the realm of politics and, in 2010, he ran for Senate as the Illinois Green Party candidate. In Jones’ estimation, voters are looking for a change and the Illinois Green Party can bring that change.
Jobs/Economy
- Energy Independence and sustainable energy can create economic growth.
Gun Control
- Supports 2nd Amendment Rights.
Immigration
- Supports a pathway to citizenship
Gregory Haynes has 30 years of experience as a workforce development professional. Through his work with the Department of Employment Securities, the Statewide Veterans Program and Local Veterans Employment Programs, Haynes deals with the economic plight of citizens on a frequent basis.
Jobs/Economy
- The number one issue is Jobs.
- Self-proclaimed “Jobs Candidate”.
Peotone Airport
- Supports the project.
- Could create jobs.
Gun Control
- Supports an assault weapons ban.
Immigration
- Immigrants could contribute to the tax system once they become citizens.
As a candidate for Illinois’ Second Congressional District Seat, Dr. Victor Jonathan seeks to implement his 30 years of experience as a businessman and a pastor into his campaign. Dr. Jonathan is concerned with the lack of jobs and high crime rate in the Second District and believes that he can help to rectify these issues.
Jobs/Economy
- The number one issue.
- Would create legislation to discourage the outsourcing of jobs.
Gun Control
- Supports the 2nd Amendment.
- Supports a ban on assault weapons.
- Supports criminal and mental health background checks.
Immigration
- Simultaneous amnesty and increased border security.
Eric Wallace feels that Illinois’ Second Congressional District is in need of good representation. As the CEO of Wallace Multimedia Group and the former Chairman of the African American Republican Council of Illinois, Wallace looks to bring a wide array of experiences to bear on Illinois’ Second Congressional District. Currently serving as the Co-Chairman of the Cook County Republican Party and the Vice President of the Rich Township Republicans, Wallace has experience in the realm of politics.
Jobs/Economy
- Economy, taxes and a number of issues are interrelated.
Gun Control
- In favor of Concealed Carry
- It is reasonable to restrict automatic weapons.
Immigration
- Must secure the boarder first and foremost.
A veteran in the political world, Debbie Halvorson has served in government on local, state and national levels. As a 12 year Illinois State Senator she was the first woman to serve as majority leader. In 2008, Halvorson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served for 2 years in Congress.
Jobs/Economy
- The number one issue.
- Will bring high paying jobs to the District – not just minimum wage jobs.
Peotone Airport
- Supports the Peotone Airport Project.
- Project will generate more business.
Gun Control
- Does not believe in passing more laws.
- Open to banning automatic weapons.
- Must pay more attention to Mental Health Programs.
Immigration
- Voted for the DREAM Act.
- Secure borders and give immigrants a chance to earn citizenship.
Story Summary
Meet the candidates running for Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District
18 people are in the running to replace the seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr in Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District.
The primary is February 26 and the general election is April 9.
