Filling staff positions in President Obama’s new administration has lead to a flurry of special elections and appointments.  One high profile race is the 5^th Congressional District seat vacated by chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.  The 5^th district covers much of Chicago’s North Side and Northwest Sides and parts of the near northwest suburbs. 

ElectWomen Magazine has been covering this important race, in particular female Democratic candidate, Sara Feigenholtz.  Sara is running in the primary that includes 12 Democrats  and several well-entrenched men from the Democratic establishment in Chicago.  Sara has served in the Illinois House of Representatives for 15 years and has been a champion for quality health care coverage and services. 

If elected, Sara will join a very small group of women in the halls of Congress.  Just 17% of the over 500 Representatives and Senators are women.  Sara believes “women possess a fabulous set of skills unique to gender; we are natural problem solvers.  Women are very focused on getting the job done and with strong mentors and resources, we can indeed elect more women.”

To follow election results, visit: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/elections/