On October 4, Congressman Jerry Costello of Illinois’ 12^th Congressional District, announced that he will not seek re-election in the fall of 2012.  He plans to finish out his eleventh term and support a democratic candidate for his district in the next election.

Congressman Costello, the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s subcommittee on Aviation, has been supportive of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s long-time effort to modernize the river transportation system.  Illinois corn farmers thank him for his encouragement of their efforts to secure authorization and appropriations for locks and dam upgrades.

“Jerry Costello has always had his door open to Illinois corn farmers,” said Illinois Corn Growers Association Vice President Jeff Scates.  “As a downstate farmer, I have appreciated his work to listen and support the efforts of downstate agriculture and I am sorry to lose his wisdom and experience on the Illinois delegation.”

“We certainly wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Scates.

KINZINGER TO FACE MANZULLO

The latest Illinois Congressional District map lines have Freshman Congressman Adam Kinzinger facing the tenured Congressman Don Manzullo.  This unique Republican against Republican face off will be interesting to watch unless a lawsuit filed by Republicans succeeds in tossing out the map.

Early indications are that Kinzinger will proceed to run against Manzullo.  ICGA expects more information later this week.

HALVORSON TO FACE JACKSON, JR

Today, former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson announced that she will run in the 2^nd District against fellow Democrat Jesse Jackson, Jr. 

 “Our families are facing serious challenges, and they need a serious member of Congress who can get things done," the Democrat from Crete said in a campaign email to the press. "Our neighbors don’t need rhetoric, they need results."

She served as a representative for the 11th from 2009 to 2011, when Adam Kinzinger unseated her. She and Jackson have gone head-to-head in the past, namely over a third airport Jackson wanted near Peotone.