When Illinois Democrats drew their dream map in 2012, they tried to carve themselves 13 of the state's 18 seats. But after the 2014 GOP wave, they only hold ten. Republican Reps. Robert Dold (IL-10) and Mike Bost (IL-12) unseated Democratic incumbents, and Democrats didn't even come close to unseating Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13). If there was any consolation for Democrats, it was that Rep. Cheri Bustos hung on in the 17th CD. One reason 2014 was such a dreadful year for Illinois Democrats was Gov. Pat Quinn's woeful unpopularity and his decisive defeat. But there's no guarantee Democrats will bounce back in 2016, especially given President Obama's unpopularity Downstate. Democrats may well defeat GOP Sen. Mark Kirk next fall, but only one House Republican, Dold, sits in the Toss Up column. At the moment, Democrats are still searching for candidates in the Downstate districts of Bost and Davis, but both Republicans start out 2016 in good shape despite the fact Democrats drew their districts to elect Democrats. The hottest action in next March's primary may be in the 8th

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