Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Republican challenger Jim Oberweis go head-to-head in Chicago Tonight’s Senate Forum.

As the latest polls show the race between Sen.  Dick Durbin and his challenger Jim Oberweis tightening, the long-serving Illinois senator joins us to discuss the Senate race, congressional dysfunction, and other hot-button issues.

The Illinois Senate passes Mayor Rahm Emanuel's pension reform bill. View our interactive graphic to see how Senate members voted.

Voter turnout for Tuesday's March Primary Election has been low, and less than 9 percent of registered voters in Chicago have cast ballots as of 6:00 pm. Voters today will determine who will appear on the November ticket for Republican and Democratic races ranging from governor to the state legislature. Read an article.

Downers Grove businessman Doug Truax and entrepreneur Jim Oberweis are competing in the Republican Primary for the opportunity to take on incumbent U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Truax joins us. Oberweis has declined our invitation to participate. Read an article, and view bios and career timelines of the candidates.

Welcome to Chicago Tonight’s online coverage of the 2014 race for the U.S. Senate. You can read profiles of the candidates, view timelines of their careers, and catch all of their appearances on Chicago Tonight. Wednesday, Oct. 22: U.S. Senate Candidate Forum

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton is projecting a $3 billion shortfall in the next state budget, and he's asking the Republican gubernatorial candidates to step up with ideas to close it. We break down some of the challenges faced by lawmakers.

Senate President John Cullerton joins us to talk pensions, the upcoming session and midterm elections.

Jim Oberweis is throwing his hat in the ring to become Illinois' next U.S. Senator in 2014.

Doug Truax is throwing his hat in the ring to become Illinois' next U.S. Senator in 2014.

The Illinois Senate passes pension reform by 30-24-3. View an interactive vote graphic to see how each member voted.

The four legislative leaders in the Illinois General Assembly say they have struck a long-awaited deal to reform the state’s woefully underfunded public pension system. Read an article.

Have Illinois leaders, at long last, come to a pension deal? Will it pass? Paris Schutz has the story.

Senate leaders announce they've reached a deal to end the government shutdown. Carol Marin and her guests have analysis.

We take a look at the current state of fiscal talks in the U.S. House and Senate. Will Congress beat the debt limit clock? Or is the United States facing default? Our panel has analysis.