House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi recommended Saturday that Illinois 2nd District voters side with incumbent U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) for a very practical reason — Jackson is the lone Illinois representative on the House Appropriations Committee, and so has the clout needed to bring money to the Land of Lincoln. Pelosi is the latest powerful Democrat to endorse the 17-year incumbent. Other backers include President Barack Obama and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Challenger Debbie Halvorson, who served two years in Congress, took issue with Jackson Jr.'s high-profile national endorsements. "Last time I looked, Nancy Pelosi doesn't live in the 2nd District," Halvorson told the Tribune.

Jackson Jr. has arguably taken control over the race, he enjoys a 21-point lead in one poll and has put Halvorson on the defense about her Congressional voting record. Check back with Progress Illinois for more on this story.