What Democrats say they're organizing around — or more accurately against — is Rauner's "Turnaround Agenda." His wish list includes giving businesses a better shot at defending against lawsuits, making companies pay less to take care of injured workers, and limiting how many times people can run for election to the Illinois House and Senate.

Illinois Republicans want to make sure Mark Kirk is re-elected to the U.S. Senate - in one of the most-watched races in the country.  But Kirk is absent from the traditional start of the campaign season--political days at the Illinois State Fair.

The campaign from the 8th District Democrat could represent one of the best opportunities for the party to pick up a seat as they battle to regain Senate control.  She's serving her second term in Congress.

The Congresswoman and Iraq War Veteran who formerly headed Illinois' Department of Veterans Affairs is looking at a potential 2016 Senate bid.