The number of candidates running for the 2nd district congressional seat has dropped again. State Senator Toi Hutchinson officially pulled out Sunday, after concerns were raised about campaign funds paid to her mother.
Hutchinson says that her mother simply helped her manage her campaign responsibilities, such as getting her places she had to be and helping her with not missing play dates, Hutchinson paid her mother $57,000 over two years as her campaign scheduler.
Since dropping out of the race, Hutchinson has endorsed former State Representative Robin Kelly, saying "Robin is a friend, and has captured momentum in pulling our community together. I am simply unwilling to risk playing a role going forward that could result in dividing our community at a time when we need unity more than ever."
"I truly appreciate Senator Hutchinson's support, but really the race is not about me or endorsements. It's about the citizens of the second congressional district, and moving the district forward," Kelly said.
Kelly dismissed charges from other candidates that she's a pawn for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose anti-violence super PAC has spent over a million dollars on ads targeting Kelly's opponents, especially former congresswoman Debbie Halvorson. Halvorson says that a behind the scenes closed door meeting was struck between Hutchinson and Kelly, and that the voters of the 2nd congressional district deserve better.
"We are letting a New York billionaire and the mayor of New York City dictate the terms and possibly the outcome of the 2nd district special election," said Alderman Anthony Beale, another candidate for the district.
There are now 15 candidates remaining in the race to fill the seat that once belong to Jesse Jackson Jr.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's billionaire Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:11:08 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:08:47 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:17 GMT
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:04:36 GMT
Rescue crews aren't the only ones heading to help tornado victims in Oklahoma. Addison's Lutheran Church Charities sent ten comfort dogs to Moore on Tuesday, to help console victims.
Rescue crews aren't the only ones heading to help tornado victims in Oklahoma. Addison's Lutheran Church Charities sent ten comfort dogs to Moore on Tuesday, to help console victims.
