CHICAGO – Just a few blocks from a courthouse where he was convicted of fraud and a few miles from another where he was convicted of having sex with a minor, former U.S. Rep Mel Reynolds announced Wednesday he is running for the congressional seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr.

The former congressman is just the latest entry in a race that has unleashed a frenzy of ambition, with politicians from every level seeing their once-in-a-lifetime shot at Washington – or a chance at redemption.

Among others considering a run is Sam Adam Jr., a verbose defense attorney best known for representing former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and R&B star R. Kelly. Jackson's brother, Jonathan Jackson, is too.