Debbie Halvorson
A newly-blue seat targeted for GOP take back
Cong. Debbie Halvorson’s decisive 2008 victory confirmed that Illinois’s 11th congressional district was ready for change. She’s a leader in Congress on such issues as clean energy and veterans’ health. But Republicans want this seat back and have made defeating Halvorson a top priority.
A giant-toppler with trajectory
A mom and community activist, Halvorson burst onto the Illinois political stage by knocking off an 18-year GOP state Senate incumbent in 1996. She quickly rose though the ranks to become first chair of the Democratic caucus, then the first woman Senate majority leader in Illinois history.
A Tea Party Young Gun gunning for this swing seat
Halvorson’s opponent, Tea Party favorite Adam Kinzinger, has been named to the National Republican Campaign Committee’s “Young Guns” program, which translates into cash and political resources – and he also just picked up the endorsement of Sarah Palin. Halvorson will be counting on support from EMILY’s List to keep this seat blue in November.
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