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  Halvorson: From cosmetics sales to Congress
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Last EditedCOSDem  Dec 07, 2008 11:39am
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News DateFriday, December 5, 2008 05:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionWhen Barack Obama wanted to be a U.S. senator, he sought and got the backing of powerful Illinois Senate President Emil Jones -- a story that many heard during the presidential campaign.

Perhaps the better tale involves Jones and an ever-so-friendly town clerk who's now headed to Washington.

Democratic Rep.-elect Debbie Halvorson remembers their meeting almost 14 years ago. She had won her first public office in Crete two years earlier, and Jones asked her to run for the state Senate.

"I looked at him like he was crazy," she said. "He asked me to see him the next day. I just never showed up."

Jones eventually got his way, after calling and sending campaign aides to her home. In the 13 years since, Halvorson has upset a veteran GOP state senator, become the state Senate majority leader and last month defeated a Republican businessman to succeed GOP Rep. Jerry Weller, who is retiring after seven terms amid ethics questions
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