LaHood, Mellon Square Off in Special Election Today

voteIllinois voters in the 18th Congressional District will head to the polls today to decide who will take over a vacant seat and become the next U.S. Representative.

Today’s special election comes at a bit of an odd time in mid-September, but today’s result will end the vacancy left by former Congressman Aaron Schock who resigned in March amid a spending scandal.

The contenders today include Republican State Senator Darin LaHood of Dunlap and Democratic Quincy Teacher Rob Mellon. If a Republican victory takes place today, LaHood will following in his father Ray LaHood’s footsteps. If Mellon is seated, he will be the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1939.

In multiple interviews with WGIL, LaHood has weighed on his support of conservative issues. He has said Republican leaders need to be doing more, especially with the Republican majorities in the House and Senate. LaHood has also said that fiscal responsibility in the State of Illinois is his number one priority.

Mellon has indicated his support for issues such as work equality, the Affordable Care Act, and spending an additional $1 Billion on veterans benefits.

The winner of today’s race will become only the fourth person to be seated to the position since 1957.

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