For elected officials in Illinois - attending Donald Trump's Inauguration Friday is a political event. And their presence or absence is a political statement. Several congressmen who represent parts of Chicago are skipping the events. But their reasons vary depending on who you talk to.

President Barack Obama's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland was born in Chicago. While attending Niles West High School in nearby Skokie, he was involved with student government, drama and debating.