Story by 89 WLS reporter Bill Cameron
In the campaign to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is endorsing state Senator Toi Hutchinson rather than her longtime friend and aid Robyn Kelly, “Ya know, it’s not necessarily about the person you know best or have known the longest, but the person who is the strongest candidate and will win. And I think that’s Senator Hutchinson.”

Former congresswoman Debbie Halvorson is leading some of the polling in this race.
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CHICAGO (AP) - Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says she's endorsing state Sen. Toi Hutchinson in the race to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

Preckwinkle tells The Associated Press it was a difficult decision because the candidates are qualified and include former state Rep. Robin Kelly who once worked for her. Preckwinkle says Hutchinson is well placed to win because her legislative district is within the 2nd Congressional District.

She says it's nothing against Kelly, who was Preckwinkle's former chief administrative officer. She says Hutchinson is simply the "strongest candidate."

Preckwinkle's endorsement is the highest profile one so far in the Feb. 26 primary. Other candidates included former Congressmen Debbie Halvorson and Mel Reynolds.

Jackson resigned in November citing health problems and acknowledging he's under investigation.
Copyright © 2013 Associated Press
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