After serving one term in the Illinois House of Representatives, this Democratic Party politician was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Illinois' 2nd District.

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After earning bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology from Bradley University (Peoria, Illinois), she directed the Crisis Nursery at Illinois' Crittenton Care and Counseling Center.

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In the early 2000s, she earned a doctorate in political science from Northern Illinois University.

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In a 2013 special election, she filled Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s spot in the U.S. House of Representatives. Source.