AmySue Mertens

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Democratic candidate for Illinois' 5th congressional district
AmySue Mertens

Election date November 4, 2008
Incumbent	Rahm Emanuel

Political party	Democratic
Residence	Near West Side of Chicago
Alma mater	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Website	www.amysuemertens.org

AmySue Mertens is a candidate for the 2008 Democratic primary election for the 5th District of the Illinois Senate. The incumbent is Rickey R. Hendon.

AmySue Mertens has held public affairs, communications, and development positions with local direct service and statewide public policy non-profit organizations. She has worked with issues including adult and family literacy, drug-use and ex-offender re-entry, and homelessness and affordable housing. She currently works for U of I Extension, the community education and outreach arm of Illinois' land grant institution, historically known as U of I's cooperative extension service.

Mertens is a West Loop Community Organization board member; is Vice Chair of the Whitney Young High School Local School Council; and is on the Advisory Committee for the Community Building Initiative, a public/private partnership with the City of Chicago. She is also on the planning committees for Chicago's Green Festival and Science in the City, and is a member of the Publicity Club of Chicago, City Club of Chicago, and the League of Women Voters of Chicago and Illinois.

Mertens earned both her bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Leading up to the February 5, 2008 election, she earned the political endorsement of both the Chicago Tribune ("We endorse Mertens, who is experienced, passionate about public service and knowledgeable about the district.") and Chicago Sun Times ("We endorse AmySue Mertens...who has a long history working for community-based organizations on housing, literacy and education issues. We like her energy and commitment to serve as an independent.").

She was also endorsed by EMILY's List, the Fraternal Order of Police, AFSCME Council 31, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and more than 10 other organizations throughout the Chicago area.

She was defeated 62%-25% by incumbent State Senator Rickey R. Hendon.