Voters ponder guns, ethics in Jackson Jr. district

CHICAGO (AP) — Candidates in the race to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. are making their final push in a special primary contest where voter turnout is expected to be low.

The Democratic front-runners are former state Rep. Robin Kelly, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale and former Congressman Debbie Halvorson. Since it's heavily Democratic territory, Tuesday's winner is expected to sweep the April 9 general.

Guns and ethics have been the main issues, particularly with Jackson's legal saga. He's pleaded guilty to spending campaign funds for personal use.

Candidates have focused on gun control, particularly with $2 million in ads supporting Kelly from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC.

Election officials say voter turnout will be low. In Chicago, it was only 28 percent in a 2009 special primary.