Politics

CHICAGO (CBS) ― A primary election is set for March 3 and a general election for April 7 to fill the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rahm Emanuel.

Illinois Republicans say the special election could be also be a chance to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Emanuel is leaving Congress to become Obama's chief of staff.

On Tuesday, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) will announce her intention to run, and Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (D-10th) has already done so. Others reportedly interested include aldermen Patrick O'Connor (40th) and Eugene Schulter (47th), and State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago).

The race has also attracted several political newcomers, among them Justin Oberman, son of former 43rd Ward Ald. Marty Oberman; peace activist Matt Reichel; marketing consultant Cary Capparelli; University of Chicago public policy teacher Charles Wheelan; medical doctor Victor Forys; former commercial pilot Jan Donatelli; bar owner Joey Vartanian; and Israel Vasquez.

On the Republican side, Tom Hanson, who ran against Emanuel in 2008, and Illinois Minuteman Project founder Rosanna Pulido are among those reportedly interested.

Several potential candidates are quick to say they are eager to support Emanuel's new boss.

"I think it's a unique opportunity in history to come in with President Obama," Fritchey said.

"I want to go to congress and help him pass his agenda," Feigenholtz said.

The candidates have little time to campaign, and name recognition is likely to prove very important.

Quigley has been in the news taking on County Board President Todd Stroger.

"Before you ask someone what you'll do as congressman you should ask what have you done the last 10 years," Quigley said.

Oberman is not well known, but touts his experience as a top official in the federal transportation department.

"To hit the ground running to make sure we're taking steps to fix our economy, fix our transportation systems in Chicago and around the country," Oberman said.

There's been speculation the new congressman or woman could be merely a seat-warmer for Emanuel, should he decide to leave the White House in a couple of years and return to the U.S. House.

"They're going to have to pry us out of there. I think it's a mistake and I think it's an insult to the public that you ask someone to just serve for two years," Quigley said.

Newly elected Illinois State Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago) announced intentions to run a short time after Emanuel was picked by Obama, but later changed her mind. Mell is the daughter of Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) and sister-in-law of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Ald. Tom Allen (38th) was also considered a contender for the seat, but is now out.

All the candidates have little time to raise campaign funds, and that may be even harder because some big donors are nervous about the political scandals here, according to one source.

Meanwhile, Illinois GOP party chairman Andy McKenna says Illinoisans should also choose a Senate successor for Obama on April 7.

Democrats initially backed a special vote for the open Senate seat after Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 for allegedly trying to cash in on his power to appoint Obama's successor.

But lawmakers backed down from the idea. Republicans say it is because Democrats fear they will lose the seat.

CBS 2's Jim Williams contributed to this report.

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