Ill. GOP facing long odds for gains in legislature

Associated Press

JOHN O'CONNOR, AP Political Writer

Updated: Oct 13, 2012 1:45 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republicans seeking majority control of the Illinois General Assembly have several campaign issues. Unemployment is above 9 percent. Democrats have been in charge as budget and pension deficits soared.

But they also have to contend with a new legislative map drawn by Democrats to favor Democrats.

The GOP needs to pick up 12 seats — six in the House and six in the Senate — to win majority control of either house for the first time in a decade.

They're running against Democrats they say have overspent and shortchanged public pensions even after raising income taxes.

But their gains two years ago — during a landslide year for Republicans nationally — were relatively small. This year there's an unfavorable map and home-state President Barack Obama leading the ticket.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.