The list of candidates running in the race to fill former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s seat grew again on Sunday.
"I'm running for all the women and men in our communities living paycheck to paycheck," said former state Rep. Robin Kelly on Sunday during the official announcement of her campaign to fill the vacant seat in the 2nd Congressional District during.
Kelly currently serves as the chief administrative officer of Cook County. Before serving in Cook County, she was chief of staff to former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. She ran unsuccessfully to replace Giannoulias in 2010, losing to Republican opponent and current state Treasurer Dan Rutherford.
On the same day Kelly made her announcement, Gov. Pat Quinn set the date for the special general election to determine who will fill Jackson's empty seat. The election will be held on April 9, 2013.
But before Kelly can think about the general election, she'll have to get past the primary election on Feb. 26, 2013.
So far Debbie Halvorson, Sen. Donne Trotte, Ald. Antony Beale, Sen. Toi Hutchinson, former Congressman Mel Reylnolds, and James Hickey have officially declared plans to run in primary election.
Making the announcement is only half the battle. Candidates will still have to turn in a certain amount of signatures to appear on the ballot. The State Board of Elections has not announced the number of signatures needed, but will likely release the number on Monay.
Last month, Jackson resigned from his seat in a letter to the U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner, citing ongoing health concerns, and acknowledging a swirling federal investigation. His resignation came weeks after winning reelection to the 2nd U.S. Congressional District, which he did without campaigning in person.
