The former congresswoman and one-time Mary Kay saleswoman dashed up to the pulpit of the black megachurch and offered stories of growing up poor and raising two children on her own as she tried to win the congregation’s support for her bid to unseat Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd). Debbie Halvorson, who is white, is giving the son of the iconic civil rights leader his first real competition in a district that has been held by a black congressman for three decades. Halvorson, of Crete, believes recent ethics scandals have made him vulnerable, and a new congressional map has added more white and rural voters to his district — along with a large chunk of the area Halvorson represented until she lost the 11th District to Adam Kinzinger, a Republican with strong tea party support in 2010.

Joliet, IL – The Will County Democratic Central Committee has announced the recipients of their annual “Salute To Courage Awards.” This year’s award winners include Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, and J.D. Ross, Executive Director of the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic. The awards will be presented at the party’s annual dinner to be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the IBEW Local 176 Hall in Joliet. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 per table of ten. Ticket prices include dinner. A cash bar will be available. The event is open to the public. The evening will also include a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers. “We will be honoring some outstanding people this year,” said Dennis Grosskopf, Chairman of the Will County Democratic Party. “It will be a great evening that will pay tribute to some very special people for their deep commitment to the community.” In addition to the “Salute to Courage Awards” the event will present their “Outstanding Volunteer Award” to Steve Magruder, Business Manager of IBEW Local 176. “Steve has done so much for the community and our organization” Grosskopf said. We’re extremely proud to honor him.” For complete event information, sponsorship details, or to order tickets visit www.willcountydemocrats.com or call 815-690-1677. ####

The Will County Land Use Department has been recognized nationally for its efforts in bringing government to the people and enhancing the transparency of its operations. The Department was notified it had won the American Society for Public Administration’s 2012 Public Integrity Award, which will be presented March 6 during the ASPA awards ceremony in Las Vegas. “This is a very important achievement,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “Land Use Director Curt Paddock, and his staff have worked very hard to bring transparency, commitment and caring to all that they do for the citizens of Will County. This is something we expect of all our departments and I applaud these public servants for raising the bar of expectations of what is now the standard for WillCounty.”