Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley will have not one, but two, challengers when it comes to the November elections- facing Republican opponent Vince Kolber and progressive candidate Nancy Wade.
Quigley, the 5th District Congressman from Chicago’s North Side, was elected to Congress in April 2009, replacing former representative and current Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Quigley is a strong supporter of environmental issues, human rights, gay rights and universal healthcare.
As an advocate for immigrant rights, Quigley pushed for an extension of the visa-waiver program to Poland in hopes to benefit the large Polish population in Chicago.
Earlier this year, he visited Ukraine as part of a U.S. delegation led by Vice President Joe Biden.
The 5th Congressional District is a competitive one, and it can be pricey.
Nancy Wade of the Green Party serves as a teacher for Chicago Public Schools and as an activist in Chicago, organizing groups like the First Amendment Freedom Chicago.
She previously worked as an activist amid the feminist movement, in a community watchdog group in the Horner Park West Neighborhood Association and on the MoveOn 5th District Council Organizer.
Her campaign focuses on social and environmental issues, though her June 30 FEC report showed that she’s raised less than $7,000 compared to Quigley’s $674,725.
Also challenging Quigley is Chicago business executive Vince Kolber.
Kolber is the founder of RESIDCO, an equipment leasing business focused on the transportation industry.
He is running on a platform of job creation, regulating government, and eliminating tax breaks for the privileged in favor of lower tax rates.
The 5th Congressional District is regarded as highly democratic with very little possibility of being overturned. The Rothenberg Political Report indicated Quigley is "safe" in the upcoming election, but Kolber’s funds could give Quigley a run for his money.
