Incumbents lawmakers rarely lose legislative seats in Illinois. Since the maps drawn during the 2001 redistricting process went into effect, incumbents seeking re-election have won 536 of 547 contests, netting a 98 percent retention rate. Still, 2010 is not a typical election year. Illinois Statehouse News identifies 15 races this cycle as competitive, nine for open seats and six in districts that lean Republican, but which Democrats won over the past decade. The GOP would need to win 11 House races to take back control of the lower chamber. Read about some of the pick up opportunities here.