Teachers endorse Democrat Seals in 10th District

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Federation of Teachers has endorsed Democratic business consultant Dan Seals for the state's only open congressional seat.

Seals faces Republican businessman Robert Dold in the district that covers suburbs north of Chicago.

The 10th District race is being closely watched by both national Republicans and Democrats.

Neither candidate has held public office.

Seals has run three times for the seat held by Republican Mark Kirk for about a decade. Kirk is running for U.S. Senate.

In Tuesday's endorsement, the federation cites Seals' experience as a teacher, saying he knows the needs of students and teachers. The union represents more than 100,000 members.

Dold received an endorsement from the Electrical Contractors' Association, which represents 800 Cook County contractors.