Biggert, Foster clash over Keystone pipeline stock

Longtime U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert has been a vocal champion for the Keystone Oil pipeline that President Barack Obama has, at least for the moment, killed.

Biggert, who represents parts of Aurora and Naperville, backs the pipeline to pump oil from Canada through Nebraska to …

Thomas campaign launches ‘listening tour’

AURORA — Aurora will be the first stop in what 11th Congressional District candidate Juan Thomas is calling his “Listening Tour” sessions.

Thomas said he will be talking to voters about community priorities and issues that concern them, starting with a session from 6 to …

Opponent says Landek shouldn’t be mayor and state senator

State Sen. Steve Landek wears one hat too many, his political opponent says. Raul Montes Jr., is running against Landek, who is also Bridgeview’s mayor. Montes, 37, thinks Landek shouldn’t be allowed to hold both jobs. Montes has scheduled a news conference at 10:30 a.m. …

Jon Huntsman drops out of GOP race, endorses Mitt Romney

Jon Huntsman abandoned his once-promising campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on Monday and endorsed Mitt Romney as the man “best equipped to defeat Barack Obama’” in the fall. The former Utah governor coupled his announcement with an appeal to the remaining contenders to stop attacking one another in television commercials.

New Hampshire heckler jabs Romney over ‘I like to fire people’ remark

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Mitt Romney, long expected to glide to a smooth victory in New Hampshire’s Republican presidential primary, bumped through a rough patch on voting day, trying to deflect his rivals’ portrayal of him as a business vulture who enjoys laying off workers.

When …

Hannon to run for state Senate

Greg Hannon made it official.

The longtime Tinley Park village trustee kicked off his run for the 19th District state senate seat, announcing his candidacy during a press conference at village hall Tuesday night.

Hannon, a 24-year trustee, looks to take over for the district’s …

Michele Bachmann ends campaign, says she’ll fight for issues

Michele Bachmann announced Wednesday that she has “decided to stand aside” and is suspending her bid for the Republican presidential nomination after her last-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.

Phil Kadner: Your chance to replace incumbents in Illinois

If only we could replace all those elected incumbents ... You hear that a lot whenever people complain about the government. They seem to believe there are some miracle workers out there, people with no political experience, who could come in and do what no …

Former NFL linebacker seeks Senate seat

Former NFL linebacker Napoleon Harris plans to run for the state Senate.

Harris filed nominating petitions in Springfield on Monday to run for the 15th District Senate seat, assistant James Jones said.

The Rev. James Meeks, current senator for the district, is not seeking re-election. …

Halvorson to decide on run by end of week

Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson said she will decide by the end of the week whether she launches a primary election challenge against U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd). “My phone has been ringing off the hook with people saying they want to help,” Halvorson …

Sims to run for U.S. rep in 1st District

Jordan Sims, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park area, has announced his candidacy for Congress in Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. The recently redrawn district includes part of Chicago’s South Side, Evergreen Park, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Mokena, Manhattan and other towns. “I am running …

Don Gould to run for re-election to Will County Board

Don Gould of Shorewood said he will run for re-election to the Will County Board next year.

Gould, an attorney in Will County for 22 years, led the board’s once-in-a-decade redistricting effort this summer. He is also chairman of the Will County Public Health and …

Halvorson to challenge Jackson in 2nd

Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson said Friday she has filed a statement of candidacy to run for the congressional seat now held by fellow Democrat Jesse Jackson Jr.

Former Sen. Rickey Hendon owes IRS $31,531

Former state Sen. Rickey Hendon — who represented Chicago’s West Side in the Legislature before retiring in February — owes $31,531 to the IRS in unpaid federal income taxes and penalties for 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007, according to a lien the agency has filed …

Cicero spends $120,000 at hot dog stand linked to board member

When Town of Cicero officials need to buy hot dogs to feed their residents and workers, where do they go? Often, they skip the hot dog stands in town and call on a fast-food restaurant on the Northwest Side of Chicago called the Dog Stop.