Dems Start Lining Up to Run for Jackson Jr.'s Seat

Normally you'd say, "The seat is still warm," but given he's been gone for health reasons for months ...

Former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) on Monday became the first formal candidate for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s congressional seat, but a wide and diverse slate of contenders are expected to announce bids in the coming days.

Jackson (D-Ill.) announced his resignation last week, citing health problems. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) has set a special primary election for Feb. 26 and a general election for March 19, although he's trying to get the court to allow him to push that date back to April 9, when there are municipal elections already scheduled.