CHICAGO – Republican Congressman Joe Walsh has responded to political ads that he's a "deadbeat dad" by featuring his son at a news conference.

Walsh, of McHenry, faces Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth in a redrawn, Democrat-friendly 8th District that no longer includes any part of McHenry County. It's a closely-watched race as Democrats believe it's a potential pickup in their fight for control of the U.S. House.

Duckworth's campaign ads refer to Walsh's past child support battle. One mailer says "Deadbeat Joe, it's time to go."