Pictured from left: Gail Mahome, Dr. Willie Wilson and Dr. John Gray, applaud as they join other members of the International Ministers & Community Alliance in endorsing former Illinois state representative and Democratic U.S. Congressional hopeful Robin Kelly, right, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Chicago. Kelly is part of a large field of candidates who hope to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional seat. AP Photo/M. Spencer Green
Two Democratic Illinois congressmen have endorsed Robin Kelly in the race to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
U.S. Reps. Bobby Rush and Danny Davis appeared Sunday at a news conference with Kelly.
Rush says Kelly is a woman of integrity and conviction. Davis says Kelly has the pragmatism needed to get results in Washington.
Last week, Kelly picked up the endorsement of an alliance of ministers.
Kelly is a former state representative and one-time aide to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Other candidates in the running include former Congressman Debbie Halvorson, state Sen. Toi Hutchinson and Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale. The 2nd Congressional District spans several neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side, south suburbs and some rural areas. It’s Democratic-leaning territory.
Jackson resigned in November, citing health problems and acknowledging that he’s under federal investigation, reportedly for misusing campaign money.