Hotline On Call

Illinois state Sen. Toi Hutchinson announced her candidacy in the special election triggered by former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s, D-Ill., resignation last week.

"Families in the South Suburbs and the southside deserve a representative who understands their concerns and who will work alongside President Obama to create new jobs, rebuild our roads and schools, and protect the gains we've made on equal pay, health care and civil rights," said Hutchinson in a statement released by her campaign.

Just hours after Jackson announced his resignation, Hutchinson had expressed interest in the seat.

Hutchinson joins a growing field of Democratic candidates in Illinois's Second District: Already running are former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (who lost to Jackson in this year's primary), former Rep. Mel Reynolds (who announced yesterday and has a criminal record from the 1990s), Alderman Anthony Beale, and state Sen.-elect Napoleon Harris. A number of other names are still floating around as potential contenders, including Jackson's wife and brother.

The release notes that Hutchinson's state Senate district covers most of the second Congressional district. Hutchinson formerly served as chief of staff for Halvorson when she was state Senate Majority Leader.