Special Election date set
Updated: December 3, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- A Special Election to fill former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s seat has been scheduled for April 9.
It'll coincide with the local elections already happening here in Illinois.
Governor Quinn is pleased with the decision. He says it'll be easier for voters already heading to the polls and will help save the state millions of dollars.
The process for picking the new date wasn't an easy one. Lawmakers had to change current state law and Quinn had to sign it. The State Board of Elections says, had a separate Special Election been held, it could've cost taxpayers more than $2.5 million.
Jackson, Jr., stepped down because of health issues. He's also under investigation by the FBI for allegations of misusing campaign funds.
There's been a lot of talk about who might try to run for his seat. Some who have expressed interested include Rod Blagojevich's former attorney, Sam Adam Jr., and former U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson. The primary for the Special Election will be held February 26.
Governor Quinn is pleased with the decision. He says it'll be easier for voters already heading to the polls and will help save the state millions of dollars.
The process for picking the new date wasn't an easy one. Lawmakers had to change current state law and Quinn had to sign it. The State Board of Elections says, had a separate Special Election been held, it could've cost taxpayers more than $2.5 million.
Jackson, Jr., stepped down because of health issues. He's also under investigation by the FBI for allegations of misusing campaign funds.
There's been a lot of talk about who might try to run for his seat. Some who have expressed interested include Rod Blagojevich's former attorney, Sam Adam Jr., and former U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson. The primary for the Special Election will be held February 26.
