A southern Illinois congressional candidate is welcoming a civil rights icon to the region for a rally to get out the vote.
Brendan Kelly is the democratic nominee for the 12th congressional district. He will be joined in East St. Louis by Congressman John Lewis from Georgia, who is known for his leadership on civil rights and a close relationship with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Kelly says Congressman Lewis is someone who literally put his life on the line to ensure people have the right to vote.
"I'm very encouraged that he'll be able to encourage other people to get out there and make sure they exercise that right to vote. It's a great, great historical visit."
Kelly and Republican incumbent Mike Bost are going to rely on a solid turnout from their supporters to decide the outcome. That's why Kelly says he's hosting the rally.
"This election is not going to be about my power, or Mike Bost's power, or the power of any politician. This election is going to be about the power of the people. If it comes down to the people, I think we're going to be able to be very successful and be able to fight for southern Illinois."
The democratic nominee for Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, is also scheduled to attend.
The rally will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at New Life Community Church in East St. Louis.
The Green Party's Randy Auxier is also a candidate in the 12th district race.
