Debbie Halvorson

	Debbie Halvorson
	Candidate for
	U.S. House, Illinois, District 2
Party	Democratic
	Prior offices
	United States House of Representatives, District 11
	2009-2011
	Illinois State Senate
	1997-2009
	Crete Township Clerk
	1993-1996
	Education
High school	Bloom Township High School
Bachelor's	Robert Morris College, Prairie State College
Master's	Governors State University
Other	Darden School for Emerging Political Leaders at the University of Virginia, Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University
	Personal
Birthday	March 1, 1958
Place of birth	Chicago Heights, Illinois
Religion	Lutheran
Websites
	Campaign website
	Debbie Halvorson campaign logo

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Debbie Halvorson is a former 2013 Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House in the special election for the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois.

Halvorson was a 2012 Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House representing the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois. Halvorson is a former Democratic representative of the 11th district of Illinois.^[1] Halvorson was defeated by incumbent Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. in the Democratic primary on March 20, 2012.^[2]

Biography

Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights
Robert Morris College
Prairie State College
Governors State University, Master in Communications
Darden School for Emerging Political Leaders at the University of Virginia
Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. ^[3]

Career

1993-1996: Crete Township Clerk^[3]
1997-2009: Illinois State Senate^[3]
2009-2011: U.S. House of Representatives^[3]

Issues

Campaign themes

2013

Halvorson's campaign website lists the following issues:^[4]

Economy

Excerpt: "In just two years, I secured over $651 million for the district that put thousands of people back to work while investing in our first responders, transportation infrastructure, and local schools."

Gun Control and Gun Safety

Excerpt: "I have long advocated for all parties to be at the table in reaching a resolution on the matter. This includes the Gun Control Advocates, the NRA and Congress. I feel that I’m the best candidate in this race to assist in brokering a deal that is fair for all sides."

Transportation

Excerpt: "Our diverse infrastructure and our strong workforce provide an opportunity for the 2nd District to be the driver of economic development for the region. I will fight for projects like the I-294/I-57 interchange, Illiana Expressway and the South Suburban Airport that provide opportunities to bring economic development to the area and put people back to work."

Education

Excerpt: "A quality education strengthens our community and our workforce. I will continue to fight to ensure that the next generation—as well as those wanting to go back to school—have access to a good, quality education options."

Seniors

Excerpt: "Social Security and Medicare ensure that no one that has contributed to the system their entire life is left in the cold as they enter their later years. Seniors deserve peace of mind and secure retirements, and that is what I’ve worked to deliver throughout my career."

Veterans

Excerpt: "In Congress, I was the only member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee from Illinois. I stood with our veterans in their fight for increased funding for veterans services, proper access to health care and greater opportunities in the civilian world."

Health Care

Excerpt: "Growing up we didn’t go to the doctor unless it was an emergency. I know that this is reality for far too many of us in the 2nd district. That’s why I voted for the Affordable Care Act, and why I continue to support it."

Energy

Excerpt: "Illinois can be a leader in green energy, and the 2nd District can provide the workforce to build the green energy infrastructure. I will continue to fight to bring the resources we need to our communities to support green jobs."

Women

Excerpt: "I will continue to fight to ensure my children and grandchildren have more opportunities than I had, just like women that came before us made it possible for our generation of women to live their dreams."

2012

On her campaign website Halvorson has 8 leading issues that she is concerned about. In comparison, Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., her Democratic Primary opponent, lists 5 issues. Halvorson lists the following issues: ^[5]

Economy

Excerpt: "In just two years, I secured over $651 million for the district that put thousands of people back to work while investing in our first responders, transportation infrastructure, and local schools. Together with partners in government and the private sector, we created over 7,000 new jobs with the development of the CenterPoint Intermodal facility."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: a

Transportation

Excerpt: "In just two years, I fought to bring home over $651 million to create thousands of jobs by investing in our communities and our local infrastructure. Our diverse infrastructure and our strong workforce provide an opportunity for the 2nd District to be the driver of economic development for the region. I will fight for projects like the I-294/I-57 interchange, Illiana Expressway and the South Suburban Airport that provide opportunities to bring economic development to the area and put people back to work."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: d

Education

Excerpt: "I stood with President Obama and supported the Recovery Act that provided millions to save teachers’ jobs and invest in our schools’ crumbling infrastructure. Our kids can’t possibly learn in an environment where the school is crumbling around them and there are too few teachers to give individualized attention...A quality education strengthens our community and our workforce. I will continue to fight to ensure that the next generation—as well as those wanting to go back to school—have access to a good, quality education options."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: a

Seniors

Excerpt: "I supported healthcare reform that closed the Medicare Part D "Donut Hole" and lowered prescription drug costs. I have a record of working to strengthen Social Security and Medicare and have been supported by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Thanks to the new healthcare reforms, Medicare will be stronger than ever, and I will fight any effort to privatize and weaken Social Security. Our seniors have invested in these great programs, and they expect them to be there when they need them most—I will work hard to ensure we deliver on that promise."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: d

Veterans

Excerpt: "In our own ways we each honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I would like to honor their service and sacrifice by returning to Congress and advocating on their behalf. I will work tirelessly to fight for our veterans, just as they have done for all of us."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: d

Health care

Excerpt: "In Congress I fought to ensure everyone has access to affordable, quality health insurance. I campaigned on that promise, and helped deliver on that promise when President signed the healthcare reform law. Now, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions or drop coverage simply because someone gets sick. The bill ensured that the same healthcare choices that Members of Congress enjoy, will be available to everyone else... Now as the healthcare reform bill is implemented, I will continue to support measures that provide 2nd District residents with the peace of mind that comes with access to affordable, quality healthcare for you and your family."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: a

Energy

Excerpt: "From Illinois to Washington, I have proven to be a leader that achieves results: results in funding for next-generation wind turbines to power our cities, results in funding for job training to get our families ready to compete, and results in investment in biofuels and nuclear that creates jobs, powers our communities, and brightens our future."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: a

Women

Excerpt: "Although we have come a long way in terms of equality for women, women still make a fraction of what men make while doing the same job. That is unfair and unacceptable. In Congress, I worked hard to ensure equal pay for women by supporting the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that was signed by President Obama and provided relief for women who were facing pay discrimination in the workplace. I also supported the Paycheck Fairness Act that put gender discrimination on par with other types of discrimination. I have strongly opposed efforts to take away a woman’s right to choose, including the Stupak amendment that forces women to add a separate supplement to their health insurance plans to covers abortion services. This amendment significantly limits a women’s right to choose and effectively eliminates the right of low- and moderate-income women to choose."

Leading issue for opponent Jesse L. Jackson: d

Voting Record

Frequency of voting with leadership

According to a July 2010 analysis of 1,357 votes cast from January 1, 2009 to June 16, 2010, Halvorson has voted with the House Democratic leadership 92.2% of the time.^[6] That same analysis reported that she also voted with party leadership 93.6% of the time in 2010.

Washington Post Analysis

A separate analysis from The Washington Post, concluded that she votes 93.0% of the time with a majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives.^[7]

Specific votes

Rep. Halvorson voted for the stimulus bill.^[8] 57% of U.S. voters believe that the stimulus has either hurt the economy (36%) or had no impact (21%). 38% believe the stimulus helped the economy. ^[9]
Halvorson also voted in favor of the "Cash for Clunkers" bill.^[10] According to a June 2009 Rasmussen Reports poll, 54% of likely U.S. voters opposed Cash for Clunkers, while 35% supported it.^[11]
Halvorson supported the "Cap and Trade" bill.^[12] Just after the bill’s passage, 42% of likely U.S. voters said that cap and trade would hurt the economy, while 19% believed it would help. 15% said that the bill would have no impact.^[13]
Finally, Halvorson voted in favor of the health care reform bill.^[14] 57% of likely voters at least somewhat favor repeal of the health care reform bill, including 46% who strongly favor repeal. 35% of likely voters oppose repeal. 51% of likely voters believe the health care reform bill will be bad for the country, while 36% believe it will be beneficial.^[15]

Tornadoes, 2010

Halvorson is quoted as saying she'd commit herself to getting to help needed to her constituents affected by the tornadoes of June 2010, Illinois Statehouse News reported.^[16]

Campaign tactics and controversies

A supporter of Jesse Jackson, Jr., Halvorson's Democratic Primary opponent, stated Debbie Halvorson's campaign was "driven by demonic forces". In response to this claim, Halvorson stated, while also commenting on Jackson's job as a congressman: “If he had been doing his job, there would be no need for me to run. Whoever said my agenda is demonic is wrong. The people and those who are supporting me are happy I’m running and there’s finally going to be a choice in this race.”^[17]

During the week of February 19, 2012, Halvorson called for the investigation of the company that has a contract to build an airport in Chicago that was proposed by Jesse Jackson, Jr. According to reports, the company, SNC Lavalin, has faced scrutiny under allegations that it had business ties to Libya after a consultant was accused of trying to smuggle Muammar Gaddafi’s son into Mexico. Jackson has since stated full faith in the company.^[18]

Polls

2013

Illinois' 3rd Congressional District, Democratic primary
Response	GBA Strategies (January 3-7)	Normington-Petts (January 8-10)	Average
Debbie Halvorson	25%	16%	20.5%
Toi Hutchinson	16%	12%	14%
Robin Kelly	15%	8%	11.5%
Napoleon Harris	9%	7%	8%
Mel Reynolds	8%	7%	7.5%
Anthony Beale	10%	5%	7.5%
Other	2%	5%	3.5%
Undecided	15%	40%	27.5%

Number polled	500	400	450
Margin of error	+/-4.4	+/-4.9%	4.65%
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

2012 Election

A poll released by the Halvorson campaign in January 2012 showed the following results between Democratic Primary opponents Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. and Debbie Halvorson.^[19]

A second poll was released at the same time, by Lake Research Partners, showing similar results to the previous one.^[19]
- Neither polls released a margin of error, therefore, the chart shows zero until those numbers are obtained.

Lake Research Partners released another poll on March 13, showing Jackson with a considerable lead over Halvorson.^[20]

Illinois' Congressional District 2, 2012
Response	Debbie Halvorson campaign (January 10-12, 2012)	Lake Research Partners (January, 2012)	Lake Research Partners (March 8-11, 2012)	Average
Jesse Jackson Jr. (D)	48%	44%	59%	50.33%
Debbie Halvorson (D)	35%	30%	23%	29.333%
Undecided	17%	26%	18%	20.333%

Number polled	400	496	496	464
Margin of error	+/-0	+/-0%	+/-4.9%	1.63%
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Elections

2013

See also: Illinois' 2nd congressional district special election, 2013

Halvorson ran in the 2013 special election for the U.S. House, representing Illinois' 2nd District. The election was held to replace Jesse Jackson, Jr.. Halvorson lost in the Democratic primary to Robin Kelly.^[21]

Gun control came to the forefront in the race with a tv ad tageting Halvorson and her prior voting record with respect to guns. The ad came from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA.^[22] Some in the field are upset by this external influence, including Clifford Eagleton (D). In a press release submitted to Ballotpedia he said, "“As a citizen and as a candidate I am outraged and alarmed after viewing the 'super PAC' attack ad last night against one of my opponents. This arrogant, brutish well-polished propaganda is meant to confuse and persuade our citizens with misinformation, thereby corrupting the election.” He went on to speak out against the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, stating that it needs to be overturned or legislation needs to be passed "to protect the integrity of elections and democracy in America."^[23] David Axelrod took to Twitter to comment on Halvorson's lead in the polls and pro-gun stance, saying that it is "ironic, given carnage in 2d CD."^[24]

As reported on February 13, 2013, the super PAC Independence USA has spent $1.3 million in the special election, which is twice the amount spent by the top candidates. The entirety of this money has been used to target Halvorson for her "A" rating with the National Rifle Association.^[25]

Democratic Primary

Illinois 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2013
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Anthony Beale	11%	0
John Blyth	0%	0
Clifford Eagleton	0%	0
Ernest Fenton	3%	0
Debbie Halvorson	24%	0
Gregory Haynes	0%	0
Robin Kelly	52%	0
Victor Jonathan	0%	0
Fatimah Muhammad	0%	0
Larry Pickens	0%	0
Charles Rayburn	0%	0
Mel Reynolds	1%	0
Joyce Washington	4%	0
Anthony Williams	1%	0
Total Votes		0
Source: 100% of precincts reporting; vote totals will be added once they are official

2012

See also: Illinois' 2nd congressional district elections, 2012

Halvorson ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Illinois' 2nd District. Halvorson sought the nomination on the Democratic ticket. ^[26] The signature filing deadline was December 27, 2011, with the primary taking place on March 20, 2012. Incumbent Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. is seeking re-election on the Democratic ticket.

Incumbent Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. defeated Halvorson in the Democratic primary.^[2] Candidate Brian Woodworth won in the Republican primary, defeating James H. Taylor, Sr..^[2]

U.S. House, Illinois' 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jesse Jackson, Jr. Incumbent	71.2%	56,109
Deborah Halvorson	28.8%	22,672
Total Votes		78,781

2010

On November 2, 2010, Adam Kinzinger won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Deborah L. Halvorson (D) in the general election.^[27]

U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois' 11th Congressional District, General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Adam Kinzinger	57.3%	129,108
	Democratic	Deborah L. Halvorson Incumbent	42.7%	96,019
Total Votes				225,127

2008

On November 4, 2008, Halvorson won election to the United States House. She defeated Republican Marty Ozinga and Green Party candidate Jason M. Wallace in the general election.^[28]

U.S. House, Illinois District 11 General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Debbie Halvorson	58.4%	185,652
	Republican	Marty Ozinga	34.5%	109,608
	Green	Jason M. Wallace	7.1%	22,635
Total Votes				317,895

Personal

Halvorson is married to Jim Bush. They have four children and four grandchildren. ^[3]

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