Illinois Democratic Rep. Debbie Halvorson, whom Republicans are targeting for defeat in the 2010 election, on Thursday got some fundraising assistance from Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

According to a press pool report, Biden appeared with Halvorson before about 150 supporters at a Chicago restaurant. Halvorson’s 11th District takes in some outer suburbs south of that city and some rural territory closer to Peoria and Springfield.

“We cannot afford to lose this seat,” Biden said. “They’re going to come at her.”