Democrat Robin Kelly claimed victory tonight in a low-turnout contest to decide the successor to former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in a 2nd Congressional District with a history of scandal-plagued representation.

With 77 percent of precincts counted, the former state lawmaker had about 73 percent of the vote to about 19 percent for Republican Paul McKinley, an unemployed political activist and ex-convict. The rest of the vote went to a Green Party candidate and three independent candidates who made the special general election ballot.

“Yes, we’ve seen some tough times and some setbacks. I know for some of you, your faith in your leaders is a little shaken,” Kelly told supporters at a Matteson hotel. “I thank you for that and I promise I will work very hard not to let you down.”

Kelly, who launched her campaign on a strong gun-control theme, was joined at her victory party by Nathaniel and Cleopatra Pendleton, the parents of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old band majorette killed by gunfire on the South Side little more than a week after performing in Washington during President Barack Obama’s inauguration weekend festivities.

“Watch us take on the NRA, the tea party and anyone else standing in the way of safety,” Kelly said.

Click here to read more on this story from the Chicago Tribune

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, pleaded guilty today in what prosecutors said was a conspiracy to siphon about $750,000 in federal campaign funds for their personal use.

Jackson Jr. entered a negotiated plea of guilty this morning on one felony count of conspiracy to commit false statements, wire fraud and mail fraud. He could face years in prison when he is sentenced this summer.

Sandi Jackson pleaded guilty this afternoon to a single charge of willingly filing a false tax return, tied to the same allegations that the couple repeatedly tapped the ex-congressman’s campaign fund, used the money for personal use and then made fraudulent campaign and tax disclosures to cover up the misconduct.

Both Jacksons, wearing dark suits in court, had the opportunity to make short statements to the judge about their wrongs. But unlike her husband, Sandi Jackson merely answered the judge’s questions with a string of “Yes, sirs” and eventually sniffled loudly and dabbed her face with tissue as it came time to make her plea.

“Guilty,” she said in a tiny voice, choking back tears.

Click here for more on this story from the Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson pleaded guilty this morning to a conspiracy count involving misuse of more than $750,000 in campaign cash, a crime that is expected to land him in prison.

Jackson entered the anticipated plea in Act One of a two-part drama playing out in federal court not far from the House chamber where he served. Act Two is on tap this afternoon, when his wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, is expected to plead guilty to filing false tax returns.

Click here to read more on this story from the Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was charged today with violating federal law by misusing campaign funds.

Jackson, 47, a Democrat from Chicago, was charged in a criminal information with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements. Typically, federal prosecutors use an information to charge defendants when a plea deal has been negotiated.

Jackson faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and other penalties, according to federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., where the charges were filed.

His wife, Sandi Jackson, was charged in an information with one count of filing false tax returns. She faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and other penalties.

Jesse Jackson is accused of diverting $750,000 in campaign funds for personal use.

Jesse Jackson Jr. indictment

Sandi Jackson indictment

Click for more on this story from the Chicago Tribune.

Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics and Arthur Rubloff Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University, joins Mike to discuss immigration, Sandy Jackson, school consolidations, pensions and various other topics.

Paul Green