Halvorson served only one term in the 11th district which abutted Jackson’s district. Since maps have been redrawn, the 2nd district now includes much of the territory in her former 11th. She was defeated, at the conclusion of her first term, by newcomer U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger. She rode into Congress in 2008 on President Barack Obama’s coattails. The Republican takeover by the tea party in 2010 swept her back out of office. 

Halvorson is a long shot, though she may be the most viable candidate that has ever challenged the entrenched Jackson. 

Still, her announcement to run again is no surprise because that is what politicians do. There are never losers in politics—unless you really ruffle the wrong feathers and end up indicted or die in office. 

The truth of the matter is that there are rarely losers in politics, especially in Illinois politics. Once connections are made, promises given, and bucket loads of cash ensures ‘a friend in the factory,’ often times the same people run over and over again, sometimes for the same and sometimes for other posts. When it becomes impossible to convince the public to vote for them, they are usually appointed to a government job. It is as if holding elected office is the step to getting a high-paying cushy government job with all the benefits taxpayers will give. Halvorson is no exception. Once she was rejected by voters, she sought an appointment to head Illinois' transportation department, but Governor Pat Quinn had other plans. So, for now, Halvorson will have to forego a big bucks political job in favor of being a congresswoman again, if she can convince voters to take another chance on her.

The Peotone Airport battle

While the two were colleagues, Halvorson and Jackson battled over the proposed Peotone Airport, but not the fight that should have been waged. As the project was located in the 11th congressional district, Halvorson should have represented her constituents, the majority of which have proven countless ways that they opposed the airport. Instead, she chose to pay her allegiance to the unions in Joliet who salivated over perceived jobs and contracts. She sided with the huge concrete and asphalt companies who contributed campaign cash over the people who only had their votes to give.

Her battle with Jackson was over who would control an airport if and when it is ever built.

Both took a pro-airport position despite Halvorson’s first public position being against it.

In 1996, Halvorson was a virtual unknown in the political realm. She was a Mary Kay salesperson and was appointed Crete Township Clerk. She rose to political stardom in 1996, however when she defeated the popular Senate Majority Leader Aldo DeAngelis when she defeated him for 40th district senator.

Halvorson was once anti-airport

Halvorson ran as a no-airport candidate. I know because I was at her campaign headquarters the night the votes were counted. I and many others were elated when this seemingly down-to-earth woman, who was on our side, defeated the godfather of the Peotone Airport. Little did we know that the minute she set foot in the capital in Springfield that she would become a DeAngelis clone.

Saying all the right things to all the right people, Halvorson ascended rapidly to become Illinois’ first Senate Majority leader.

It will be interesting to watch the battle between these two. As far as I’m concerned—they are evenly matched. Neither has been able to get what they want.

Just days into her campaign and already Halvorson is sniping about Jackson’s ethical issues, which includes a House investigation over Jackson’s alleged attempt to buy Obama’s senate seat and his marital infidelity. Political theater is always a spectator sport.