CHICAGO – The candidates vying to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. spent the weekend trying to mobilize their base as they head toward Tuesday’s special primary election.

Fourteen Democrats and four Republicans are looking to face off for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Because the district – which stretches from Chicago’s South Side to parts of Will and Kankakee counties – is heavily Democratic, it’s likely the candidate who wins the Democratic primary also will take the April 9 general election.

Three Democrats are considered front-runners: Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale, former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson and former state Rep. Robin Kelly.