CHICAGO — From Hyde Park to West Pullman, residents said they plan to make it a priority Tuesday to cast their vote for a new U.S. representative for the 2nd Congressional District.
"Not sure who I will be voting for, but I definitely plan on voting. The 2nd District needs more retail stores, more jobs and more police," said Lorette Taylor, 52, of South Shore. "It is unfortunate what happened to Jesse Jackson Jr. I voted for him, and I am not disappointed in him. I wish him and his family well."
There are 15 Democratic candidates running in a special election to replace Jackson, who resigned in November shortly after winning re-election.
In Hyde Park, Nancy Powers, 56, said she likes candidate Robin Kelly.
"She seems OK. The last two congressmen were men and left under a scandal each time. Perhaps a woman would do a better job," Powers said. "I doubt if she could do any worse than sleeping with an underage kid or misusing campaign money."
Serita Sewell, 57, said she would not be voting for Ald. Anthony Beale (9th).
"I am not sure who I will vote for, but it won't be Beale. Every time I call his office to ask for assistance with something I am told he is not available," said Sewell, a retired Navy veteran who lives in Roseland.
Beale said he has done plenty to improve his ward since being elected alderman in 1999.
"Creating jobs has always been priority one for me as an elected official. I am the only candidate with a history of job creation," Beale said. "If elected, I plan to meet with every alderman in the 2nd District regularly to create a working partnership to improve the district."
Linnel Blount, 29, lives in South Chicago and said he is looking for the next congressman to help him find a job.
"Whoever can get me a job has my vote," he said.
Ossie Trice, 69, who lives in Pullman, said she thinks Beale would do a great job as congressman.
"He is honest, hardworking and cares about people," Trice said. "What more could you want from a politician these days?"
