CHICAGO | Here's a look at Illinois' two newest members of Congress. Republican Aaron Schock, a young state representative, and Democrat Debbie Halvorson, an influential state senator, bring loads of local political experience to their new jobs.
DEBBIE HALVORSON
Halvorson, of Crete, is the powerful majority leader in the Illinois Senate, the No. 2 position in the chamber. A former cosmetics saleswoman, Halvorson has been in the state Senate since 1997. Her new job is to represent Illinois' 11th Congressional District, which stretches from Chicago's south suburbs to the farms of central Illinois.
Halvorson, 50, won the once reliably Republican district -- current GOP Rep. Jerry Weller opted not to seek an eighth term amid ethics questions -- with the help of strong financial backing from national Democrats.
"It's going to be a swing district forever," Halvorson said.
Halvorson has touted her strong local ties to the area, including formerly serving as the Crete Township clerk. She holds three college degrees, an associate's from Prairie State College and bachelor's and master's degrees from Governors State University. She and her husband have four children.
Halvorson campaigned on issues from affordable health care -- she wants small businesses to bargain collectively for lower premiums -- to the Iraq war, where on her Web site she has called the U.S. commitment there "not open-ended." Halvorson's stepson was recently wounded while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
AARON SCHOCK
At 27, Schock's win on Tuesday earns him extra notoriety as Congress' youngest member. A Peoria resident, he is leaving behind his state House district in central Illinois to take over the 18th Congressional District spot that retiring GOP Rep. Ray LaHood is vacating.
Schock is accustomed to making news because of his age. At 19, he unseated Peoria's School Board president after a write-in campaign. And at 23, he toppled a Democratic state representative to become Illinois' youngest lawmaker.
As a newbie member of the minority party heading to a Democrat-controlled Washington where Barack Obama will be the new president, Schock figures his age can work to his advantage until one day his party is back in control.
"If I eat right and stay healthy, I can outlast them," Schock said.
A self-styled conservative, Schock opposes abortion and campaign contribution limits and has sponsored a bill to allow concealed-handgun ownership in Illinois.
