All eyes on suburban races in redrawn districts

November 5, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- The Democrats who control the state legislature have redrawn many suburban Congressional districts. That means several Republican incumbents find themselves facing new challengers and a new electorate this election.

In the northwest suburbs Monday night, volunteers are on track to make 10,000 calls supporting one candidate: a Republican on the ropes.

"This district was drawn for Duckworth by very powerful people. We've made it close because of all of this volunteer energy and that's all we're doing in the final day or two," said Rep. Joe Walsh, (R) 8th Congressional District candidate.

Walsh's Democratic opponent Tammy Duckworth received some high-profile help Monday making her calls. President Obama recorded a message touting Duckworth's work on veterans' issues.

In the North Shore's 10th Congressional District, volunteers are also dialing for votes.

"We've got 13 offices across the district with the same thing going on, so I'm really excited about where we are and how far we've come," said Brad Schneider, (D) 10th Congressional District candidate.

Both Brad Schneider and incumbent Republican Bob Dold claim to be moderates in their respective parties.

"I've been ranked as one of the most independent, bi-partisan members in the U.S. Congress and I think that's what people are looking for," said Dold.

In the western suburbs, one current and one former member of Congress are now battling for the same seat. Republican Judy Biggert finds herself in a redrawn district that only includes 48 percent of her old one.

"The court said it was blatantly political but they weren't going to change it. But this is the district and we have the momentum," said Biggert.

"Congresswoman Biggert was an enabler of all the Bush politics. She voted for every single one of them," said Bill Foster, (D) 11th Congressional District candidate.

The common thread in all of these races is money. Just a few years back a winning Congressional candidate might spend a million dollars or so on their campaign. This year with the addition of outside super PAC money, we'll see $10 to $15 million spent on a single race.

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politics, ben bradley

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