Seven candidates file petitions to run for Jackson’s old congressional seat
BY ART GOLAB Staff Reporter/agolab@suntimes.com January 3, 2013 4:50PM
Updated: January 4, 2013 9:00AM
Seven candidates filed petitions in Springfield on Thursday, officially joining the chase for the seat formerly held by Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2nd Congressional District.
It was the first day candidates could file with the Illinois State Board of Elections for a special primary to replace Jackson, which will be held February 26th.
More candidates are expected to enter the crowded field before the January 7th filing deadline.
Candidates who have filed so far are: Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale (9th); State Representative Toi Hutchinson, of Olympia Fields; State Sen.-elect Napoleon Harris, of Flossmoor, a former Northwestern University and NFL football player; Ex-con and former Congressman Mel Reynolds of Dolton, who was replaced by Jackson; Former State Representative Robin Kelly of Matteson; Victor Jonathan (formerly Victor Onafuye), of Country Club Hills, a South Side pastor; and Clifford Eagleton, of Harvey.
Beale, Kelly, Hutchinson, Eagleton and Harris were all in line in Springfield by 8 a.m., making them eligible for a lottery Tuesday for the top spot on the ballot.
