Debbie Halvorson has opened a campaign office in Steger, IL for her special election in the vacated Congressional seat most recently held by Jesse Jackson, Jr. The office located near the center of the district at 15 West 34th Street (which is also known as Steger Rd.). Campaign phone 708-898-0550. The primary election will be held in February 2013 and the special general election will be in April.

A one-time single mother and cosmetics salesperson, Debbie Halvorson became the first female Illinois state senate majority leader before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. She advocated for health care reform, alternative energy development, and veterans’ benefits during her term.

Jackson resigned last month from Congress on the heels of an easy re-election despite not campaigning amid his being on medical leave since June. The congressman had sought treatment for bipolar disorder and is the subject of an ongoing federal investigation into his campaign spending.

Other candidates in the race include state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, former state Rep. Robin Kelly, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale and former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, whose record includes convictions for having sex with a minor and fraud.