1st District: Rep. Bobby Rush, who has one of the most liberal voting records in the House, has had his share of political setbacks of late. But he merits praise for his efforts for gun control and the Earned Income Tax Credit. He is endorsed in the Democratic primary over Caleb Davis, a real estate broker who makes a practice of running for political office.

3rd District: Businessman Jim Nalepa of La Grange waged a spirited race in 1994 against Rep. William Lipinski, and he's back for another go. First, he has to fend off two GOP primary challengers. Nalepa is an easy choice over Arthur Jones, who has gained notoriety for racist and neo-Nazi activities, and Ed Schumann, a teacher from La Grange who last popped up in 1994 as a Democrat running for state comptroller. Lipinski has no Democratic opposition.