Former congresswoman Debbie Halvorson sees an opportunity to beat incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2) in the results of a new poll. The independent query of 600 voters in the district showed that 35 percent of them would vote for Jackson Jr., while 18 percent saud they'd opt for Halvorson. When it comes to name recognition Jackson Jr. had Halvorson beat as the congresswoman was known amongst 54 percent of respondents.

“Ninety-three percent say they know him, but only 35 percent want to elect him,” Halvorson told the Sun-Times. “There is a path to victory to beat him. He’s never had a real race since being in office.”

Halvorson added that she has "plenty of time" to get the word out on who she is to 2nd congressional district constituents. Jacksoon Jr. has been re-elected by 2nd congressional district constituents nine times and says 75 percent of his old district remains as such under the remap.

“I’m working very hard to create jobs for the people of the Second District,” a Jackson spokesman told the newspaper. “I have what I believe is the largest jobs plan in the state of Illinois, and I will continue to push for that.”