Erica Harold

In Illinois, Erica Harold is running for the 13th Congressional District Seat as a GOP candidate against Rodney Davis, a GOP freshman Representative. Many have argued that she is exactly what the GOP's image needs; she's a former Miss America winner, African American, and a Harvard Law graduate. Further, she's been involved in politics, recently working touring nationally with Ed Gillespie in 2004. This Politico article talks about the backlash she's been getting from the GOP party, particularly locally, including an email from a GOP County Chairman calling her "a streetwalker". Also, the article offers perspective into the role that parties are playing on a local level to influence and determine campaigns.