Democrats have their eyes on five Illinois congressional districts as part of their ultimate plan to regain control of the House of Representatives during the November elections. This afternoon, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced the first-round of candidates in its Red-To-Blue program, which "highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support," according to the web site.
Five of the 18 seats on the Red-To-Blue district list were in Illinois, including that of Tea Party sweetheart U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (R-8).
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As we mentioned earlier, low turnout today
has the potential to destabilize competitive races across the state. Yet
even with the increased level of uncertainty, some candidates still
seem close to a sure thing. 
Last night, Illinois legislators joined their counterparts in the House to vote on the debt ceiling deal, which calls for cutting at least $2.1 trillion in spending over the next decade. The bill passed the House 269 to 161 and Illinois House members voted in a split fashion.
With only four days left for Congress to avoid defaulting on the nation’s debt obligations, a new TV ad is hitting the airwaves today -- and it will send Illinois residents a clear message: If your Social Security checks, Veterans’ benefits and military pay are not in your mailboxes come August 3rd, you can thank U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-17th) and his fellow congressional Republicans. 