Turnout A Factor In Many Congressional Races

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CHICAGO (WBBM) - Turnout for Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama may be a factor in some local Congressional races today.

Perhaps the marquee contest is the rematch between incumbent North Shore Republican Cong. Mark Kirk and Democratic challenger Dan Seals.

Seals has worked to tie the moderate Kirk to the policies of the unpopular President George Bush.

Seals has not been able to benefit from campaign appearances by Barack Obama the way he did when he almost unseated Kirk two years ago, and Kirk has run a vigorous media campaign. But arguably the Iraq War and economy have improved his chances. 

In a West suburban race, Hinsdale Congresswoman Judy Biggert is trying to fend off a challenge from well-funded Democratic businessman Scott Harper. Biggert is also a GOP moderate, but—like Dan Seals—Harper has labeled his opponent a Bush stalwart.

In the far South Suburbs, and parts farther South, Republican Cong. Jerry Weller is retiring under the cloud of an ethics investigation.

Republican businessman Martin Ozinga is hoping to succeed him.

Democratic State Senator Debbie Halverson is also in that race, but she’s high on State Senate President Emil Jones leadership team and may face some fallout from his support of Governor Blagojevich.

But, Ozinga has contributed to Blagojevich so that may be a wash, and Democratic turnout will be a factor.

That could also be the case in the western suburbs, where incumbent Republican Peter Roskam is facing former U.S. Army Colonel--and Blagojevich homeland security adviser--Democrat Jill Morgenthaler.

Freshman Democratic Cong. Bill Foster fought hard to win the special election for the seat once held by Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert. It’s a traditionally GOP District.

Foster faced Republican Jim Oberweis then, and does so again. Oberweis has had unsuccessful runs for Governor and the U.S. Senate in the past.

Democratic Cong. Melissa Bean is trying to hold onto the seat she wrenched away from Republican Phil Crane. This time, she’s facing Republican businessman Steve Greenberg.

In Peoria, there’s another race of significance. 27-year-old Aaron Schock, who’s the youngest State Representative, is seeking to become the youngest member of Congress. The Republican lawmaker is battling Democrat and longtime broadcaster Colleen Callahan for the seat now held by the retiring Ray LaHood.