Challengers vie for seats in U.S. House with no incumbent on the ballot – Chicago Tribune/MSN

The three districts are connected by races that lack incumbents, but otherwise offer a study in contrasts in their history and geography. The 17th has drawn national attention as one of the closest of the 435 U.S. House races across the country. By contrast, it would be an upset if the Democratic candidates didn’t win the 1st, the 3rd and the 13th congressional races.