CHICAGO (AP) - Nearly two dozen candidates have filed to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress, including his one-time Democratic primary challenger former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson.

The filing deadline with the Illinois State Board of Elections was 5 p.m. on Monday. At that time the office had 22 candidates listed on its website, including 17 Democrats and five Republicans. Jackson won re-election, but resigned Nov. 21 citing health problems and an ongoing federal investigation.

Democratic candidates include former state Rep. Robin Kelly, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, state Sen.-elect Napoleon Harris and former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds. Republican candidates include conservative commentator Lenny McAllister.

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CHICAGO (AP) - The filing deadline is looming for candidates who want to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress.

The Illinois State Board of Elections will stop taking candidates on Monday at 5 p.m. So far the board says that 14 people have said they are running for the 2nd District Congressional seat. Jackson won re-election, but resigned Nov. 21 citing health problems and an ongoing federal investigation.

The field includes eleven Democrats and three Republicans.

Democratic candidates include former state Rep. Robin Kelly, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, state Sen.-elect Napoleon Harris and former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds. Republican candidates include conservative commentator Lenny McAllister.
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