Debbie Halvorson

Debbie Halvorson lost 43% to 57% against Republican Adam Kinzinger in Illinois's 11th Congressional District.

Debbie Halvorson (D) is running for re-election for her 2nd term in Illinois’ 11th District.  She faces a general election race.

Halvorson was one of the Democratic Party’s top freshmen recruits to the U.S. Congress in 2008.  She was a superstar in the Illinois State Senate, making history by becoming the state’s first female majority leader.

Halvorson’s race has been targeted this year by anti-choice groups like the Susan B. Anthony List, who have endorsed her opponent and claim to have raised 2 million dollars for races like this one in Illinois.

Background:
●    In 1996, Halvorson was elected to the Illinois State Senate from the 40th district.
●    In 2008, Halvorson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin
●    In Congress Halvorson serves on the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Small Business, the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs and influential Steering and Policy Committee
●    Halvorson earned a 100 percent from NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2009

Halverson’s Position on Key Issues:

• Women’s Rights:Supports constitutional equality and equal pay.  She worked in the House against multiple attacks on women during the passage of the health care reform bill and has voted in favor of anti-discrimination legislation.
• Reproductive Rights: Halvorson supports a women’s right to choose.
• LGBT Rights:  Halvorson voted for the Mathew Shepherd Hate Crimes Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crimes statutes.

General Election Opponents: Halvorson will face Republican candidate and Tea Party favorite Adam Kinzinger, an Air Force pilot, in the general elections.  He has been named one of the Republican Party’s “Young Guns”, which translates to more campaign dollars and political resources.  He just received an endorsement from Sarah Palin.

Prospects: Halvorson turned her district blue in 2008 but Republicans are intent on winning the seat back.  Two internet polls recently commissioned by Kinzinger’s camp show that Kinzinger has gained a sizable lead.

Endorsements: Feminist Majority PAC, Women’s Campaign Forum, EMILY’s List, National Rifle Association