CHICAGO – The campaigns to win Illinois’ most competitive congressional races are coming down to the wire, featuring negative ads, shifting positions and millions of dollars pouring in from national organizations. It all underlines the stakes involved as Democrats try to undo Republican gains in 2010 and help their party with a shot at winning back a majority in the U.S. House.

The Democrats are banking on a new, more favorable district map they drew last year, and both sides are counting on turnout from the contest between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney. Below, a race-by-race look at the seven most-watched campaigns:

8TH DISTRICT: Tea party talker and the veteran