Democrats for Obama's old Senate seat to debate

Democrats running for President Barack Obama's old Senate seat are squaring off in a debate.

The candidates will talk about major issues in the race during a Tuesday night debate at WLS-TV in Chicago.

Democrats in the race are former Chicago inspector general David Hoffman, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Urban League leader Cheryle Jackson, attorney Jacob Meister and physician Robert Marshall.

They are vying for a chance at Obama's old Senate seat that is now held by Sen. Roland Burris.

Burris was appointed to the seat by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but he is not running for a full term.

There is a crowded field of Republicans in the GOP Senate primary. Polls show suburban Chicago Congressman Mark Kirk with a wide lead.