Chicago mayor endorses Jackson Jr.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is supporting Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. in his congressional primary bid.

Emanuel said in a statement Tuesday that Jackson is a “progressive fighter” who works hard for his constituents.

The mayor says Jackson's role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee has benefited the city, including construction projects in downtown Chicago.

Jackson first won office in 1995. He faces his first credible challenger from former one-term congressman Debbie Halvorson.

The Democratic primary battle in the 2nd Congressional District is one of the most heated in the March 20 primary election.

The newly mapped district runs from neighborhoods on Chicago's South Side, through south suburbs and beyond Kankakee. It also includes parts of Halvorson's old state legislative district.

Two Republicans are also on the ballot.