Giannoulias, Wilson Fight for Seats in Illinois & New York

Alexi Giannoulias heads for victory in Illinois senatorial race. Greek American Harry Wilson runs for N.Y. State Comptroller.

Boosted by the presence of President Barack Obama and other prominent Chicago politicians, including Mayor Richard Daley, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias makes his final push to win Obama’s old seat in the U.S. Senate. The race is tied, with polls showing Giannoulias’ opponent Mark Kirk with a slim 2 point advantage. But Giannoulias campaign hopes that Obama’s presence will encourage the Democratic voters – especially African Americans and Latinos – to vote on Tuesday.

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Illinois Treasurer and candidate for the US Senate Alexi Giannoulias at an outdoor Democratic Party election rally near his home on the south side of Chicago, Illinois.

“Chicago, I need you to keep on fighting. Illinois, I need you to keep on believing,” Obama said to a huge crowd in the Midway Plaisance at the University of Chicago.

President Barack Obama tried Saturday night to encourage the voters in a hometown rally to overcome forecasts of a Republican wave of victories that would end the Democrats’ one-party control of Washington.

“If you’re willing to step up, if you’re willing to try … we will restore our economy. We will rebuild the middle class and we will reclaim the American dream for another generation and generations to come.”...www.greeknewsonline.com