15 Democrats have filed ballot petitions for the March 3 special election to replace Rahm Emanuel in IL-5. (The Democratic Primary is March 3, the general election is April 7, but in this district, the Dem Primary IS the election.) Chicago's Northside Democracy For America (NDFA) is hosting a forum at DePaul University, 1PM on Sunday, Feb. 1 where we will grill most of those running for the seat (the event ends at 3PM, so you'll have plenty of time to get to your Super Bowl party). The forum is moderated by Chicago Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Sweet.
This could be your one chance to get to know the players in this race. If you go to the website we have created for the event, you can even submit your own question(s) for consideration: http://www.illinois5th.com/
For more details, and to let us know you're coming, visit our event page on the Democracy for America web site: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/...
Full details on the event, and a complete list of the Democratic candidates, after the jump....
5th CD Democratic Candidates Forum
Moderated by Washington D.C. Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet
Sunday, February 1st, 1:00 p.m.
DePaul Student Center
Lincoln Park Campus
2250 North Sheffield
Multi-Purpose Room
The event will begin with short opening statements from each candidate followed by a question and answer period. Questions will be asked by moderator Lynn Sweet; some of questions she will ask will be questions submitted by forum attendees or sumitted online at the event website. For more details about the event, the candidates, the election schedule and to submit a question go to: http://www.illinois5th.com/
The event is sponsored by:
DePaul Democrats
IVI-IPO
Northside Democracy for America
43rd Ward Democrats
Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century
Progress Illinois
Progressive Democrats of America
Greater Chicago Caucus
The Democrats who have filed for the seat are:
Sara Feigenholtz
John Fritchey
Justin Oberman
Charles Wheelan
Victor Forys
Pete Dagher
Jan Donatelli
Frank Annunzio
Carlos Monteagudo
Paul Bryar
Roger Thompson
Tom Geoghegan
Cary Capparelli
Mike Quigley
Patrick O'Connor
For updates on this race, check out the IL-5 category on the Progress Illinois web site, which is doing a terrific job of covering it.
Bear in mind that this is no ordinary Congressional seat. Recent past incumbents have become the Chairman of the most powerful committee in the House (Ways and Means -- Dan Rostenkowski), Governor of Illinois (you know who), and Chief of Staff to the President.
Please use the comments to offer your thoughts on this race.