An advocacy group says immigrants could be a deciding voting bloc in at least eight Illinois congressional races where they make up more than 12 percent of the population.
An advocacy group says immigrants could be a deciding voting bloc in at least eight Illinois congressional races where they make up more than 12 percent of the population. The report was released Wednesday by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Among the tightest races mentioned in the report are the 10th District where Democrat Dan Seals is challenging GOP Congressman Mark Kirk. The district has long been held by Republicans. But experts say it may be trending Democratic based on recent presidential elections. The report says about 19 percent of the district’s population is made up of foreign-born residents who are now U.S. citizens, making them eligible to vote. The district covers portions of Lake and Cook counties. AP ______ Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.