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The Voter’s Speakeasy featuring unbiased reporting and insight into life at Vote Smart from our staff, interns, and volunteers.

Primary in Illinois' 2nd District Special Election

2013 February 26

by Ben Raker

Six days after Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to the misuse of campaign funds, voters in his long-held district go the polls to begin the process of finding a replacement. The newly opened seat which Jackson had held for 17 years attracted a multitude of contenders – 22 in all, 17 Democrats and 5 Republicans for today's primary. Only three candidates took our questionnaire and demonstrated their Political Courage, roughly 14%, which is, sadly, par for the course when it comes to congressional candidates.

UPDATE: Robin Kelly wins Democratic primary, Republican candidate still uncertain.
 
Ben Raker is currently the project manager for Project Vote Smart's data categorization and coding project, which is laying the groundwork for more data visualizations and an easier user experience on the site. If you have questions about this project or anything we do here, please call 1-800-VOTE-SMART or email comments@votesmart.org.  

 
 
 
 

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A  20-year study of over 15,000 congressional candidates and their willingness to answer questions on the major issues

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 Sign up now to receive a copy of this monthly publication.

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Project Vote Smart is putting a BIG GUARD DOG onto the political playing field. Today VoteEasy will go national with the attached release.  It has not been easy to create and we need your help to build on it. Even if you be a contributing member or volunteer, please use it to defend yourself from the political nonesense that frustrates and often disgusts us all. 

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2008 May 24 - Tony

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