Saturday, they had a chance to learn more about the men and women competing to fill former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s seat during a candidate forum in far south suburban Peotone, Ill.
Those who attended answered questions about such topics as a farm bill, ethanol, and the committees they would like to serve on if elected.
"In order for the farmers to get exactly what they need they need to have that ear. I'm that ear," said Republican candidate Paul McKinley.
"I would fight for the small farmer. I will fight for the small businessman. I will fight for the small manufacturer," Democratic candidate Clifford Eagleton said.
"Sometimes, giving subsidies that have strings attached from the federal government may not always be the best route," Republican candidate Eric Wallace said.
"Corporations kill family farms because they're always concerned about profits growing every single quarter," said Fatimah Muhammad, a Democratic candidate.
The Chicago Tribune has endorsed Robin Kelly in the Democratic primary and Eric Wallace for the Republicans.
