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The next election for governor of Illinois is not until November 2018, but already Chris Kennedy is making the rounds for a possible campaign, sources told NBC Chicago.
Kennedy, the eighth of 11 children of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, has lived in the Chicago suburbs for nearly 30 years.
He had previously considered a run for the U.S. Senate in 2009, but opted out shortly after. Instead, Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Kennedy Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. […]
“I have heard that Chris is more serious this time,” said Eric Adelstein, a Democratic strategist. “Look, I think we have a unique situation, and here’s why — I believe Rauner is a failed governor.” […]
If Chris Kennedy does run, it would be the 50th anniversary of his father’s 1968 campaign for president. “Chris is a guy who will not just run on that name, I think he’s going to run on accomplishments and a vision,” Adelstein said.
“Not just” run on the name? OK, but the name will play a huge role if he does jump in.
* But, man, the guy has been floating his name for so many offices for so many years it’s difficult to believe this one.
Kennedy is the chief funder of what was supposed to be a liberal alternative to the Illinois Policy Institute. But the group never had enough money to really get going. They’re reportedly planning a re-launch soon. We’ll see if they get it together this time. But if Kennedy cheaps out on a gubernatorial bid, things won’t end well. And he’s never had to take a real hit on a campaign trail, so we don’t know if he can handle it. Plus, he’s been in business a long time, and as we found out with the Rauner campaign, the oppo could be… well… interesting.
* On the plus side, Kennedy has plenty of charisma. You can’t buy a personality like that. His family name is so much larger than life that it’d be tough to credibly claim he’s a Madigan pawn. He could conceivably raise some big bucks. And he does seem interested in policy.
It’s just way too early to tell. Frankly, I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee.
*** UPDATE *** Greg Hinz…
Kennedy, 52, whose name repeatedly has come up in past election cycles, seems more interested this time. I’ve confirmed that he’s met with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, among others.
None of those pols now appear prepared to back him, but it looks like none of them blew him off, either. For instance, Preckwinkle’s spokesman confirms the meeting and says, “It’s early in the process, but she certainly appreciates the contributions Mr. Kennedy has made in his role as chair of the county’s sustainability advisory council.”
Cullerton told me Kennedy “obviously would be a strong candidate,” but he needs to make a decision soon and “not keep others hanging.”
One obvious draw: In a contest in which Rauner could again open his wallet and effectively self-fund a re-election campaign, Kennedy, the scion of America’s best-known political clan, might do so, too.
* Related…
* How The $1 Billion Kennedy Family Fortune Defies Death And Taxes
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:29 am
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I honestly hope you are trolling with that Quinn stuff. Only Arne Duncan could trigger a more profound gag reflex.
Also, rather a Kennedy than a Daley or Quinn, since we only get to pick from the Irish-American gene pool.
Comment by Blue Bayou Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:35 am
I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee. .Huh? Why encourage? We know you are tryin’ to have some fun,P* off all the magooes who voted against PQ, etc.
Some were goin’ for Arnie Duncan till he got hooked into the Lucas Museum scam.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:36 am
–I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee.–
Quinn has run statewide in every election cycle since 1986. It’s what he does.
He ain’t afraid to lose and every now and again he wins.
Anyone who thinks he can be intimidated out of a rematch with Rauner simply hasn’t been paying attention.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:37 am
not just a well known family name and money, but a great guy and a huge heart.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:38 am
+1. Chris Kennedy would be a great nominee. His celebrity would off-set a good share of Rauner’s financial advantage.
I think Quinn will run, but I don’t think he’ll be able to beat a credible alternative. The African-American vote is huge in a Democratic primary, and while black voters know Quinn, I think they see the same short-comings in him as we all do. That’s where Kennedy’s family brand can make a huge difference for him: he’s already been introduced to the black community, by his dad and his uncles. He needs to work it, but he’ll start from a position of strength.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:38 am
===The next election for governor of Illinois is not until November 2018,…===
Yep. Might as well be 100 years from now.
Lots of names floatin’, but unless Democrats decide that a primary against a man who will spend $100 million is critical I winnin’, the rest is just a table waiting for Quinn, who is going to run, and probably be beaten. Again.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:42 am
Another businessman with no electoral experience. Goody. /s
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:42 am
–I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee.–
If you had said “were the 2014 General Election ‘re-voted’ now, the result would be a Quinn victory” then I don’t think I could refute it. But I suspect the 2018 General Primary will feature a pretty robust pool of other Democratic candidates.
Comment by titan Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:46 am
I thought Quinn’s political career is over.
Comment by Levois Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:47 am
===If you had said “were the 2014 General Election ‘re-voted’ now, the result would be a Quinn victory” then I don’t think I could refute it.===
I doubt that. Even today I couldn’t vote for Quinn. I left the race blank because Quinn was so terrible back then, nothing now makes me think Quinn would make a better governor now.
It’s tough beating an incumbent governor. Rauner, in a “re-vote” would still be the odds-on favorite.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:49 am
Great article on avoid estate taxes. Sam Walton set up Walmart with each of his children owning 20%. The estate taxes savings was tremendous.
Kennedys were effective in probating Rose Kennedy’s estate in Florida, even though she hadn’t lived there in years.
Comment by Downstate Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:51 am
We probably need a Kennedy or Rockefeller. Chelsie Clinton perhaps?
Although I would still like to see Sen Raoul run. A level-headed guy like Kwame is what the state needs.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:52 am
Most people under the age of 50 hear the name Kennedy and they think sex scandals and drunk Uncle Ted. Gonna need more than a last name to bank on.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:54 am
I can’t believe what I just read.
To the post,
I had a chance to talk to Chris Kennedy once back when his name was floating around for running for Congress in the 10th - I was pretty impressed and not just because of the family. But yeah, he’s flirted with public office far too often.
It’s hard to picture Rauner getting reelected - indeed, I think his expectation that he won’t be reelected explains a lot of his behavior - but if it’s Quinn all bets are off.
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:54 am
(Don’t jump all over my comment- it is said with humor intended.)
Won’t Sasha be just about out of high school by then???
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:55 am
Thanx for the Kennedy link. I enjoyed it mutely.
Comment by Niblets Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:58 am
Chris Kennedy is floating his name for public office? Again? Perhaps Bill Daley took a private pass. Pat Quinn would be a marvelous candidate … for the public sector unions only.
Comment by Georg Sande Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 10:59 am
Liberals will pay no attention to Kennedy’s wealth and tax havens because he’s a democrat.
Comment by downstater Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:00 am
Maybe Patti Blagojevich can be talked into running.
Comment by Angry Republican Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:05 am
I don’t really like term limits, but the argument that resonates with me is possibly seeing more people advance to higher offices. with term limits, might we have had a Governor Jesse, Lisa or Judy? Then I think, we could have had a Governor Judy, but we decided to re-elect Rod. So I go back to disliking term limits again.
Comment by Earnest Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:19 am
African-American voters will not vote for Chris Kennedy simply because of his last name. Anyone who believes they will don’t know much about them. Like all voters, they will assess who is the best candidate and vote for that person.
Comment by Michael Westen Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:20 am
Anonymous - “Most people under the age of 50 hear the name Kennedy and they think sex scandals and drunk Uncle Ted. Gonna need more than a last name to bank on.”
More like the guy the airport in New York and highway is named after and where the Obama’s got their dog.
Comment by CLJ Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:21 am
**Pat Quinn would be a marvelous candidate … for the public sector unions only.**
Yea… AFSCME and Pat Quinn got along SO well. *rolls eyes*
Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:26 am
I bet Speaker MJM occasionally misses the old days with good old Pat Quinn on the second floor. Many others do. Even some who “loathed” him.
What a wake-up 2014-16 has been for lean-democrats.
Comment by Handle Bar Mustache Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:29 am
Chris Kennedy and Pat Quinn? I hope either or both or correct for far different reasons.
Comment by A guy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:30 am
- AlabamaShake -
Don’t feed the trolls…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:30 am
I think…think mind you - that Illinois has finally learned their lesson about picking candidates whom are all about self aggrandizement and short on policy or governmental experience. Thus for me the Kennedy question is a non-starter. What we really need is two statesmen (global connotation) one from each party that are running on their ideas rather than their checkbooks and lets be done with “poster politics” that only educate people on what the word narcissist means…
Pat Quinn in 2018??? - not a chance, since he’ll be on a speaking tour for Rosetta Stone on “Latin - the dead language for politics and pleasure.”
Comment by Captain Illini Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:30 am
==Frankly, I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee.==
That’s the most depressing thing I’ve read this week.
Comment by AC Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:31 am
“I thought Quinn’s political career is over.”
It is, as far as everyone other than Pat Quinn is concerned.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:32 am
noblesse oblige…..a Kennedy trait. He would win hands down against Rauner, Quinn wouldn’t have a prayer in a primary contest. Even Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar would support him. It would be a political tsunami. For my part, his looks alone bring to tears to my eyes. How many lives lost in Viet Nam because we lost his father? At his age, 53, he could do 8 years as governor and then take a big step up…POTUS The situation in Illinois is an unparalleled opportunity. No carpet bager, he goes deep into Illinois.
Comment by an independent Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:34 am
“Frankly, I still think that Pat Quinn is gonna be the nominee.”
I love and respect Pat Quinn, but will do everything I can to keep him from being the Democratic nominee.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 11:47 am
Rich lol
You couldn’t help yourself. You had to bait the “Oh no, not Quinn again” bear.
Comment by walker Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:05 pm
In his long electoral history, Pat Quinn has had a knack for gaining name recognition, and selecting the right races to enter where he could win at least the primary on name recognition against relatively unknown and/or underfunded opponents. Now, I have to wonder if his name recognition has reached the tipping point where he is well known in a more negative than positive light to prevent winning such races. Also you’re not going to see the types of opponents he is used to beating in a Democratic primary for Governor in 2018.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:08 pm
Most people in the media and Dem political circles in Chicago know Chris Kennedy is a Madigan guy. Those ties won’t be difficult to highlight as they go back to the time Kennedy first hit town 30 years ago. Some of the people pushing hardest for a Kennedy run are also Madigan people.
This is an interesting quote from the Forbes article: “We are a very public family with a very private investment philosophy,” Kennedy said.
Tailor made for a direct mail piece.
Interesting no one is floating Lisa Madigan’s name. Must mean Mike Madigan has no intention of going anywhere.
Comment by Sample Sizer Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:21 pm
= Chris Kennedy would be a great nominee. His celebrity would off-set a good share of Rauner’s financial advantage.=
Did U of I have any scandals or problems while CK was Chairman of the U of I Board of Trustees?
If it had anything like a clout list, overpaid and corrupt administration or other problems like that it could be used against him.
Comment by Qui Tam Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:33 pm
Bustos for Gov?
Downstater not tied to the “mess in Spfld”
Comment by 85Bears Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:37 pm
= Pat Quinn would be a marvelous candidate … for the public sector unions only.=
You must be new to Illinois Georg. Pat Quinn railed against all public servants including union members, He pandered to the tribbies by running around with Squeezy -blaming workers for Il’s structural deficit, retaliated against whistleblowers, reneged on agreements with AFSCME, and signed on to a clearly unlawful anti-worker pension bill.
Welcome to Il and the blog Georg!
Comment by Jo Dirte Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:40 pm
Kennedy came in after the “clout list” scandal and was there during the cleanup. Deserves credit for a lot of things, but on the negative side would have to defend himself from: 1.) massive tuition increases during tenure; 2.)Failure to get the state to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars owed to the school despite a friendly legislature and governor; and 3.) Offsetting the lack of funding by admitting more and more international, full tuition students (mainly Chinese) at the expense of Illinois kids.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 12:41 pm
Kennedy/Manar?? Kennedy/Bustos?
He will need some downstate help.
Comment by Just Remember Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:15 pm
he’d have to win out over Lisa
Comment by flea Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:16 pm
He would have signed off on very bad deals for many in the athletic department, costing millions. Administration has been a mess, the Phyllis Wise deal.
Much to answer for during his tenure.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Downstaters would welcome Chris Kennedy for many reasons, not the least of which is that he has no Springfield ties. He’s a Democrat who could help inspire a state desperate for that type
of leadership.
Comment by Downstate Dem Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Mike Frerichs will be the next Governor of Illinois. Being Cullerton’s guy not Madigan. Unions will endorse anyone but Quinn and downstate will come out for a Non-Chicago Democrat. Game over.
Comment by Winning Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:56 pm
Kinda takes the whole rich guy with no government experience arrow out of the quiver for the Dems.
The Cook County Democratic endorsement- which still matters- will be stacked in the Latino and Black communities favor. Do not sleep on a Minority candidate being the nominee. If only a Latino woman was running statewide…
Comment by Come on man! Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 1:58 pm
Of all the names that have been floated on the Dem side, I think Kennedy and Tom Dart make the most sense.
Both have no connection to the current mess in Springfield — which is a must-have attribute for any Dem candidate. And both have high name recognition in the Chicago media market. Not having to introduce a candidate to 70 percent of the state’s voters with an expensive summer ad buy is important given the fact that Rauner will again out-spend his Dem opponent more than 2 to 1.
Comment by For less Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:02 pm
Frerichs just needs to cut a deal with Mendoza saying he will endorse her for Senate in 2020.
Look I solved the Democratic primary for Gov 2018 and US Senate 2020- Your welcome everyone.
Comment by Winning Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:02 pm
You are.
Comment by Winning Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Oh good grief How many times we gonna fall for the “Chris Kennedy is coming…Chris Kennedy is coming.” He’s not. He likes having his name discussed. And when he had a chance to do something meaningful with Innovation Illinois, he declined to actually write the big check to allow them to start off right.
I’ve heard he’s a great guy, but I’m not buying it. Bring on Durbin.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:12 pm
Winning, just what will cure this state, more Dems in charge. Good grief, are you trying to make this state into Puerto Rico???
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Qui, I had to hit the Google to confirm this, but Kennedy was nominated to the U of I BoT after PQ had asked the then current board to resign in the wake of the clout list scandal.
Take that one off the list, but add the hiring of egomaniac bozo Hogan from Connecticut with zero due diligence done out East on his terrible reputation and management style. His “one university” idea is still being unwound.
I’m also in the “Quinn runs” crew.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Good grief Charlie Brown, look what has happened with GOP leadership- a mass exodus of our youngest and brightest because in Rauner world only the rich can have higher education. Only the rich should have tax breaks, be able to crush worker’s with no collective bargaining, state services should not exist, let the old and poor die off if they are not rich enough to survive. After all, that’s how Rauner made all his money in the first place. So please yes, Durbin, Frerichs, Mendoza- any of them are preferable and yes any D because there are no good Republicans in Illinois. Tell Snoopy I’m sorry Mike Bost shot his brother Rusty all those years back. Good grief, you must be a rich person or just a wanna be rich person.
Comment by Winning Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:28 pm
Winning, that is a lot of drama queenery!!!
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Please, no Frerichs…
Ugh. Awful idea.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Second that, OW.
Frerichs is off to a good start as Treasurer. He’s got some time.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 3:07 pm
I have been telling myself that Pat Quinn is “yesterday’s tomatoes” but all the comments here and Rich’s “endorsement” make me think yes, you’re right.
He’s Pat Quinn, he has nothing to lose. Heck half of the old Team Quinn doesn’t even have anything to lose. Why? Why not!
I think Kennedy would be a good candidate for the Dems. He’s not part of that machine and he’s articulate and mature. But he should get serious and start to look serious if he wants to do this.
Otherwise he’ll have to deal with more Quinn and probably a few state senators floating their names next.
Comment by siriusly Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 3:28 pm
Not sure Quinn will be able to help himself but to jump in. And he’ll have plenty of his former staffers who’ve lost all their clout egging him on.
It would be ideal to find someone from downstate who has a hands on understanding of how the process works in Springfield and can appeal to cook county voters. A get it done type…no drama…someone Dem electeds respect and can rally around. Does someone like that even exist?
Comment by Shytown Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 3:47 pm
It is so odd that on this off all days Chris Kennedy’s name is brought up. How many died because his father died on this date. As a Viet Nam veteran and a son of a Worl War II tank commander, June 6 is a melancholy day. Also remembering Theodore Roosevelt Jr, Omar Bradley’s hero on Utah Beach.
Comment by an independet Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 5:04 pm
=Frerichs just needs to cut a deal with Mendoza saying he will endorse her for Senate in 2020.=
Schock could return Mendoza’s favor and endorse her instead. I hope her siding against the 18th comes back to haunt her. She deserves it.
Comment by Qui Tam Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 5:10 pm
Given Kennedy’s vote against granting Bill Ayres emeritus status at UIC, I wonder if Kennedy is too thin skinned for the rough and tumble of an Illinois Gubernatorial campaign.
Comment by Southside Markie Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 5:56 pm
Pat Quinn is the only Democrat who would be a serious underdog to Bruce Rauner. Please go away Pat. Pretty please with sugar on top.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 6:34 pm
Ich bin ein Kenilworther!
Comment by Shark Paws Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 6:40 pm
–One obvious draw: In a contest in which Rauner could again open his wallet and effectively self-fund a re-election campaign, Kennedy, the scion of America’s best-known political clan, might do so, too.–
One obvious problem with that theory: Chris Kennedy doesn’t have Rauner-type money. Not even in the ballpark. That’s just loopy.
Old Man Joe had real money. He also had nine kids who never made any money, and most of them had a passel of kids who never made big money, either.
For crying out loud, in 1994, Ted Kennedy had to take a second mortgage on his home to finance the stretch run against Romney.
There ain’t no Kennedy fortune to tap.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 6:51 pm
I find it hard to believe Quinn could win in a primary. Too many thorns under his sadle.
Comment by Big Foot Monday, Jun 6, 16 @ 6:57 pm