An adviser says Democratic businessman Chris Kennedy plans to run for Illinois governor in 2018 against Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner.
Hanah Jubeh, a Kennedy campaign adviser, told The Associated Press Wednesday that Kennedy is running.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Kennedy just called me to confirm the report. He’s in the race.
He said something interesting about the “Because… Madigan!” angle used by the Republicans here. “We may think it’s unique,” to Illinois, he said, but the Republicans are “using it everywhere” to suppress the vote. People are told over and over that “government is broken” and there’s nothing that anyone can do. So, people choose to just tune out, basically, and stay home.
“I can battle that better than just about everybody,” he said. “I can give people reasons to vote.”
The challenge, he said, is not “simply to get more union members or [other demographics] to vote Democratic,” but to “get more people to vote,” and the Democrats will win.
As he was winding down from those remarks and trying to move on to his next call, I asked him to quickly comment on the Senate’s grand bargain. Gov. Rauner, he said, “should show some leadership.”
Anyway, it was a pleasant call and we’ll be sitting down for a more formal interview soon.
* Meanwhile, here’s his announcement video. Rate it…
*** UPDATE 2 *** Formal statement…
Today I will file my formal paperwork to the State Board of Elections, launching my campaign for Governor of Illinois.
What once made our country different from any place on earth was the notion that anyone could make it here - that America was the land of opportunity. But today, if you’re born poor in America, you will almost certainly stay poor. The American Dream is slipping away and it’s up to us to keep this fundamental promise.
I love this state, and I’m running for governor because we can do better. Together we can restore the American Dream in Illinois in a single generation. Watch the video below to learn more, then share it with your friends and family to encourage them to join our campaign.
We have a tough task ahead: taking on a governor who has put Illinois in the worst shape it’s been since I moved here thirty years ago. I feel called to serve at this moment because I know we can do better. Through my previous work at The Merchandise Mart, through Top Box Foods, the nonprofit hunger relief organization I co-founded with my wife Sheila, and through my involvement in dozens of civic and service organizations, I have brought people together to solve complicated problems for a common good.
Compromise is not surrender. We can fix the immediate budget crisis facing our state. If we are willing to work together, mothers and babies will have early access to health care and nutrition. Early childhood education for all Illinoisans can be a priority again, and K-12 education can be paid for at the state level so every child in our state receives an equal, quality education. I want to give everyone access to higher education or trade school, and prepare the next generation of Illinoisans to be productive members of a healthy economy. If we can put stubbornness aside, we can act on a shared vision for making Illinois a place where everyone can succeed.
We can restore the future and keep the promise of this state. Let’s get to work.
Thank you for joining me on the journey ahead,
Chris
84 Comments
- State Sen. Clay Davis - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:40 am:
I am leery of businessmen, without public administrative experience, becoming office holders. Some of those folks don’t make good state or national office holders.
Despite the continual drive-bys that tout Kennedy at times that I seemingly douse with water, I’m actually and hibestly looking forward to this run by Kennedy. I think Kennedy has a great deal to add to the discussion and my sincere hope is that the constant drive-bys here will add to the discussion so my hope isn’t diminished by “Kennedy-bot” trite remarks. If that silliness continues, how will Kennedy be seen as more thoughtful to any discussion?
To the monies…
Lemme see the $30-50 million raised by THIS state fair, then I’ll be more impressed.
good announcement, will be interested in seeing how he proposes dealing with state’s dysfunction,m corruption and bankrupcty. he said “compromise is not surrender. does that mean he’s distancing himself from the speaker’s no-concessions-to-Rauner stance?
I also am sick of rich guys thinking they want to be in politics and want to start at the top. However if going after Rauner you better have Scrooge McDuck money. Be very entertaining primary if Kennedy vs Pritzker. And first anti Kennedy ad by 5pm today?
I think it was a very good piece and needs to be followed by a state wide tour from Chicago to Cairo to galena and everywhere in between. This is a marathon race with the pace of a 100 meter dash
==Over two minute video with absolutely no specifics about how to fix Illinois problems. He will fit in perfectly with the Democrats in Springfield. ==
It’s an announcement video. You’ll have plenty of time to get your whining in later. It’s like a broken record with you. Always the victim.
+++++++++++++++
I thought the video was pretty solid for an announcement video.
If this turns into a “battle of the bucks”, then we all lose. There is plenty of ammo out there to use against Rauner, especially when he deflects and denies involvement in things that can easily be traced back to his support (Proft and Co. for instance). And if Rauner plays the “give me reforms or no budget” once again this year after some sort of bipartisan, bicameral “grand bargain” makes it out of the GA, then how does the “Blame Madigan” continue to resonant? It’s early folks, and we need to see how the next couple of weeks play out. One of the big questions I have for the IL Dems contemplating running is, can you get Rauner on the defensive and spending money on multiple fronts while the Dem Party develops a cohesive plan toward 2018?
Read Mc Kinneys article about the Speaker’s tenure and get back to all of us how Illinois has been well served by his 40 years as Speaker.
Why do tough votes like tax increases take place in lame duck sessions? Because many of the office holders are not worried about reelection.
Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns.
I’m looking forward to the campaign visits from his many famous relatives.
The Kennedys are able to attract great staff. Who wouldn’t want to work for American royalty. So it may not matter if he’s not all that into the nuts and bolts.
–The challenge, he said, is not “simply to get more union members or [other demographics] to vote Democratic,” but to “get more people to vote,” and the Democrats will win.–
That’s the Great White Whale for Illinois Dems in off-prez elections. Check out the spreads between GOP/Dem candidates in the last two general elections.
2016 Clinton: 3.1 million
2014 Quinn: 1.7 million
2016 Trump: 2.1 million
2014 Rauner: 1.8 million
Think the Dems might try “A Vote for Rauner is a Vote for Trump” strategy to motivate those 1.4 million voters who showed up for Clinton but not Quinn?
===Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns===
At the end of the video is what appears to be his window/yard sign design, it has a blue background with orange horizontal bars above and below his name. University of Illinois colors. You don’t often see orange in campaign sign design so it was noticeable.
There is a presiding lack of interest in this race for governor, for me, because I would vote for a potato over Bruce Rauner. Whoever wins the Democratic primary…sure, good enough.
He was indeed mediocre at the Board of Trustees, and probably made some liberal enemies over the way he treated James Kilgore. I’m under 50, and the Kennedy name doesn’t guarantee him my vote in the Dem primary. He needs a good platform, and a strong vision that he puts out on a frequent basis (Facebook Live?).
If he’s going to propose a tax increase, he also needs to talk about local government consolidation (including school consolidation) and budget cuts he’s going to make. Not what a politician wants to do, but necessary.
==Smart move to call Rich right from the get go.==
Yeah, that was unexpected.
==Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns.==
Unless one of those termed-out legislators wants to run for another office, or get a job with one of those special interests, or disagrees that the bill is “for the good of the state”, or is swayed by leadership…
Basically, you’re overrating term limits’ abilities to turn men into angels.
===Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaign
Instead of worrying about interest group donations term limited pols are worried if the interest group will hire them. It makes it worse plus less knowledge about govt
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:39 am:
Were I he, I would not be using the beloved Orange and Blue as my campaign colors. His tenure on the U of I BoT may be mostly criticized about inside academic politics, but paying people in the aggregate millions of dollars to hit the bricks rings most everyone’s bell.
That’s also the first time I’ve heard a Kennedy admit that Ethel and her family were Republicans.
—Munger lost by 4 points. That’s good news for Rauner, given a POTUS cycle
Except there us a Republican in the White House who is historically unpopular already and has activated the Democratic base. I don’t see a path to reelection for Rauner without a drastic change in the national calculus.
===Except there us a Republican in the White House who is historically unpopular already and has activated the Democratic base. I don’t see a path to reelection for Rauner without a drastic change in the national calculus.===
Your analysis of my one line forgot this too…
===Munger should both scare and give solace to Rauner… based on turnout.===
The party in the White House in off-year usually faces uphill runs. I think, no, I know, “scare” speaks to that. If you asked why I felt both, I would’ve told you.
=If he wins the primary, I think he easily beats Rauner.=
Not a chance, there will be nothing, absolutely nothing, “easy” about beating Rauner. IN fact, Rauner will do much of the beating. To win, a candidate will have to withstand the onslaught and have a clear message that resonates across party lines.
=Terms limits and fair maps is incredibly popular with bipartisan majorities.
Ever wonder why?=
Not really, most voters do not take the time to look past the catchy phrase or challenge the 30 second sound bite.
There really are not any quantifiable numbers to support the ideas. fair maps probably do not change the landscape much and term limits still require elections and campaign money. You might, just maybe, get honesty and public service in the final term.
- lake county democrat - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:12 am:
Welcome Chris! I understand some of the Dem hesitancy above, but you got to ask “Kennedy compared to ____?” - if a big name, big money guy (or gal) doesn’t get in the race, you could have the counterpart to Brady’s nomination several years ago (winning a splintered primary with 20something percent of the vote - Pat Quinn’s best chance).
I wonder if Pritzker, not having the stomach for a campaign let alone holding Office, joins forces with Kennedy to at least match if not surpass the money Rauner will spend on his campaign?
The Kennedy name should be enough to swing a lot of voters. I no doubt, if he was now Governor we would have worked out a budget.
Rauner looks like he wants to chase windmills until the next election.
The Kennedy name/magic is a fading ‘asset’. It will have minimal impact, either because those under 50(?) don’t give a hoot about the name, and those who do are diminishing in number.
Willy, I choose anonymous because I’m too lazy to re-enter my nickname. But I get your point, sing ed, ‘LazyAss.’
Entire election will center on taxes. Low tax candidate will win. An income tax increase (or any increase for that matter) that impacts the majority of Illinois residents will produce furious voters.
A lot of people downstate and many U of I alums of both parties do not think highly of Mr. Kennedy. I was surprised myself. I thought he’d be more effective than he turned out to be as chairman.
I can’t wait for Kennedy to come out firing(?) On easy access to guns as being the culprit in Chicagos murder spree. This will insure that the trade union conservative Dems stay with Rauner. Or maybe he will jump on the Lisa MJM ship and make Illinois a sanctuary state. Might be 3 in 5 households in 2018.
My capfax colleagues, I really don’t know anything about Kennedy or Pritzger or any of the others. You might not be comfortable answering this but whom do you envision me supporting? I feel so disillusioned that I don’t even have a gut instinct. Who do you think Honeybear would be for?
You better bust the caps as soon as possible. 1.4% has a monster war chest that he is going to dip into with both hands. He has his vertical propaganda machine tuned and humming like a well oiled machine.
Suggest you read a book titled “Confrontational Politics” by HL Richardson.
Jerry Costello II. Someehat conservative Dem state rep. Got a good handle on things. Not as liberal as his old man. I like him and he’s going to have a hard time hanging onto his seat in what’s becoming a tea party,evangelical district. He might as well go for broke.
Honey Bear - Use your primary vote as a tool to vote against a candidate. If 1.4% gets a primary opponent, pull the republican’t ballot to vote for the opponent. Then use your general election ballot to vote for the Democratic candidate.
Hug, I did that with the guy who ran against Rauner. I pulled a R ballot. I guess I just fantasize about liking/believing in someone again. It was a pleasant thought but OW is correct. I just wondered if the was that “special someone” for Honeybear. Lol
It’s true! It’s true! The crown has made it clear.
The climate must be perfect all the year.
A law was made a distant moon ago here:
July and August cannot be too hot.
And there’s a legal limit to the snow here
In Camelot.
The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it sounds a bit bizarre,
But in Camelot, Camelot
That’s how conditions are.
The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight, the morning fog must disappear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it gives a person pause,
But in Camelot, Camelot
Those are the legal laws.
The snow may never slush upon the hillside.
By nine p.m. the moonlight must appear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
VOTE KENNEDY ‘18 !
- State Sen. Clay Davis - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:40 am:
Announcement video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj34HIm8tm8
- Joe M - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:41 am:
I am leery of businessmen, without public administrative experience, becoming office holders. Some of those folks don’t make good state or national office holders.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Despite the continual drive-bys that tout Kennedy at times that I seemingly douse with water, I’m actually and hibestly looking forward to this run by Kennedy. I think Kennedy has a great deal to add to the discussion and my sincere hope is that the constant drive-bys here will add to the discussion so my hope isn’t diminished by “Kennedy-bot” trite remarks. If that silliness continues, how will Kennedy be seen as more thoughtful to any discussion?
To the monies…
Lemme see the $30-50 million raised by THIS state fair, then I’ll be more impressed.
- very old soil - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Joe M
Can you cite any examples to support your assertion? s/
- Norseman - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Show me the Kennedy money?
If not, go away!
- Quiet Sage - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:47 am:
Enormous advantage with Democrats, to this day, in being a Kennedy.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:48 am:
Well, he cut his hair, and that looks much better.
OK, fine, that was a pretty good announcement video. But woe be upon you if you can’t nail your damn announcement video.
- Chicagonk - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:49 am:
If he wins the primary, I think he easily beats Rauner.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:50 am:
I’ve been wondering when the long arms of this generation of the Kennedy clan would reach beyond the East Coast and run for office.
- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:56 am:
That was a solid video. I think Chris can be a formidable candidate.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:57 am:
Which elevator will he be holding his first press conference in?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:57 am:
==“I can battle that better than just about everybody,” he said. “I can give people reasons to vote.”==
OK, well, you’ve got your shot now, so let’s see it. Saying you’ll give people a reason to vote ain’t the same thing.
==Gov. Rauner, he said, “should show some leadership.”==
At least there’s some unified messaging developing.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:58 am:
If there was any doubt, the 2018 campaign has officially started.
- jim - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:59 am:
good announcement, will be interested in seeing how he proposes dealing with state’s dysfunction,m corruption and bankrupcty. he said “compromise is not surrender. does that mean he’s distancing himself from the speaker’s no-concessions-to-Rauner stance?
- Chairman McBroom - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:59 am:
Never forget: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn1fQC3hpKg&t=4s
- Fax Machine - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 9:59 am:
I’m honestly surprised he didn’t have a picture of him with Barack Obama in his video.
- Fax Machine - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:01 am:
Rich,
Have you gotten the oppo drop email from IRP yet?
- Bring Back Chief Illiniwek - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:01 am:
Hopefully he gets grilled on his mediocre, at best, tenure as chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
- don the legend - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:02 am:
From Rauner in 3 2 1… Chris Kennedy, Boss Madigan’s boy….
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:02 am:
The video is nice, warm and fuzzy, but no coherent message that I can discern other than “I’m running for governor.”
Grade: B
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:03 am:
I also am sick of rich guys thinking they want to be in politics and want to start at the top. However if going after Rauner you better have Scrooge McDuck money. Be very entertaining primary if Kennedy vs Pritzker. And first anti Kennedy ad by 5pm today?
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:04 am:
Over two minute video with absolutely no specifics about how to fix Illinois problems. He will fit in perfectly with the Democrats in Springfield.
- Progressive labor democrat veteran - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:04 am:
I think it was a very good piece and needs to be followed by a state wide tour from Chicago to Cairo to galena and everywhere in between. This is a marathon race with the pace of a 100 meter dash
- Stark - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:06 am:
Lucky, could you provide specifics for how term limits will fix Illinois’ problems?
- Saluki - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:06 am:
That is the best announcement video I have ever seen.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:06 am:
==Over two minute video with absolutely no specifics about how to fix Illinois problems. He will fit in perfectly with the Democrats in Springfield. ==
It’s an announcement video. You’ll have plenty of time to get your whining in later. It’s like a broken record with you. Always the victim.
+++++++++++++++
I thought the video was pretty solid for an announcement video.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:08 am:
If this turns into a “battle of the bucks”, then we all lose. There is plenty of ammo out there to use against Rauner, especially when he deflects and denies involvement in things that can easily be traced back to his support (Proft and Co. for instance). And if Rauner plays the “give me reforms or no budget” once again this year after some sort of bipartisan, bicameral “grand bargain” makes it out of the GA, then how does the “Blame Madigan” continue to resonant? It’s early folks, and we need to see how the next couple of weeks play out. One of the big questions I have for the IL Dems contemplating running is, can you get Rauner on the defensive and spending money on multiple fronts while the Dem Party develops a cohesive plan toward 2018?
- Trolling Troll - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:09 am:
Hey “Lucky” P
Two minutes of no specifics is better than two YEARS of doing less than nothing.
- Rahm's Middle Finger - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:09 am:
And it begins… Smart move to call Rich right from the get go.
Very impressive video. He’s going to be a formidable candidate. Don’t see where there is space for someone like JB against Kennedy.
- the647 - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:10 am:
Pass
- Piece of Work - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:10 am:
Hey Chris, tell us about that gig as head of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. How did that turn out??
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:10 am:
Read Mc Kinneys article about the Speaker’s tenure and get back to all of us how Illinois has been well served by his 40 years as Speaker.
Why do tough votes like tax increases take place in lame duck sessions? Because many of the office holders are not worried about reelection.
Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns.
- Centenial - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:12 am:
There’s a point there where his voice hits a certain cadence and he sounds like a Kennedy. Find that sweet spot (and $100M) and he may bring it home.
- Card table - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:15 am:
Kennedy folds like a card table. Once an opponent announces- especially one with more $$$ than he has
- Cassandra - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:15 am:
I’m looking forward to the campaign visits from his many famous relatives.
The Kennedys are able to attract great staff. Who wouldn’t want to work for American royalty. So it may not matter if he’s not all that into the nuts and bolts.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:18 am:
–The challenge, he said, is not “simply to get more union members or [other demographics] to vote Democratic,” but to “get more people to vote,” and the Democrats will win.–
That’s the Great White Whale for Illinois Dems in off-prez elections. Check out the spreads between GOP/Dem candidates in the last two general elections.
2016 Clinton: 3.1 million
2014 Quinn: 1.7 million
2016 Trump: 2.1 million
2014 Rauner: 1.8 million
Think the Dems might try “A Vote for Rauner is a Vote for Trump” strategy to motivate those 1.4 million voters who showed up for Clinton but not Quinn?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:19 am:
===Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns===
Opinion, no measurable rate of return.
Good try, though.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:19 am:
At the end of the video is what appears to be his window/yard sign design, it has a blue background with orange horizontal bars above and below his name. University of Illinois colors. You don’t often see orange in campaign sign design so it was noticeable.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:20 am:
There is a presiding lack of interest in this race for governor, for me, because I would vote for a potato over Bruce Rauner. Whoever wins the Democratic primary…sure, good enough.
- Lynn S. - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:21 am:
He was indeed mediocre at the Board of Trustees, and probably made some liberal enemies over the way he treated James Kilgore. I’m under 50, and the Kennedy name doesn’t guarantee him my vote in the Dem primary. He needs a good platform, and a strong vision that he puts out on a frequent basis (Facebook Live?).
If he’s going to propose a tax increase, he also needs to talk about local government consolidation (including school consolidation) and budget cuts he’s going to make. Not what a politician wants to do, but necessary.
- Liberty - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:22 am:
Good video, basic intro the candidate. He comes across well and it hits the issues. The Republican Skacles is a nice touch.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:24 am:
- wordslinger - is On It.
It will be a turnout election come November 2018, at first blush.
The lower the turnout, overall turnout, “Chicago” turnout, just plain turnout, statewide, the better shot Rauner has.
Munger lost by 4 points. That’s good news for Rauner, given a POTUS cycle.
Munger should both scare and give solace to Rauner… based on turnout.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:31 am:
==Smart move to call Rich right from the get go.==
Yeah, that was unexpected.
==Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaigns.==
Unless one of those termed-out legislators wants to run for another office, or get a job with one of those special interests, or disagrees that the bill is “for the good of the state”, or is swayed by leadership…
Basically, you’re overrating term limits’ abilities to turn men into angels.
- Archpundit - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:37 am:
===Term limits would have the same effect. Legislators voting for the good of the state, cutting spending raising taxes all difficult things that aggravate the interest groups that fund their campaign
Instead of worrying about interest group donations term limited pols are worried if the interest group will hire them. It makes it worse plus less knowledge about govt
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:39 am:
Were I he, I would not be using the beloved Orange and Blue as my campaign colors. His tenure on the U of I BoT may be mostly criticized about inside academic politics, but paying people in the aggregate millions of dollars to hit the bricks rings most everyone’s bell.
That’s also the first time I’ve heard a Kennedy admit that Ethel and her family were Republicans.
- Nieva - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:44 am:
He won’t run well in the south with his ultra liberal policies.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:45 am:
—Munger lost by 4 points. That’s good news for Rauner, given a POTUS cycle
Except there us a Republican in the White House who is historically unpopular already and has activated the Democratic base. I don’t see a path to reelection for Rauner without a drastic change in the national calculus.
- Archpundit - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:46 am:
Not a bad introduction, but I still don’t see what makes him compelling. Generic dem, vote for him in the general, but nothing to get behind. C.
- Archpundit - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:47 am:
Anon 10:45 is me. Sorry
- Mad Brown - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:49 am:
My pop used orange and blue in his campaign years ago. They are also Chicago Bears colors.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:50 am:
” - Anonymous - ” (Ugh)
===Except there us a Republican in the White House who is historically unpopular already and has activated the Democratic base. I don’t see a path to reelection for Rauner without a drastic change in the national calculus.===
Your analysis of my one line forgot this too…
===Munger should both scare and give solace to Rauner… based on turnout.===
The party in the White House in off-year usually faces uphill runs. I think, no, I know, “scare” speaks to that. If you asked why I felt both, I would’ve told you.
Thanks.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:52 am:
- Archpundit -
No worries. It gets “frustrating” all the ” - Anonymous - ”
Your point is valid, as I said, it can scare too, given Rauner’s record and if Trump drags on midterms.
Respectfully.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:54 am:
Terms limits and fair maps is incredibly popular with bipartisan majorities.
Ever wonder why?
http://www.gallup.com/poll/189281/illinois-residents-least-confident-state-government.aspx
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 10:56 am:
- Lucky Pierre -
Popular doesn’t make it good policy.
It’s like asking 3rd graders, blindly to any real return on health, well-being, and overall nutrition…
“Who wants ice cream every meal?”
How will that poll? Is that the best plan? What the return on doing that?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:07 am:
–My pop used orange and blue in his campaign years ago. They are also Chicago Bears colors.–
They were Oak Park-River Forest High School colors first.
Coach Zuppke brought them from Oak Park when he took the Illini job. Halas adopted them after he graduated and founded the Bears.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:11 am:
=If he wins the primary, I think he easily beats Rauner.=
Not a chance, there will be nothing, absolutely nothing, “easy” about beating Rauner. IN fact, Rauner will do much of the beating. To win, a candidate will have to withstand the onslaught and have a clear message that resonates across party lines.
=Terms limits and fair maps is incredibly popular with bipartisan majorities.
Ever wonder why?=
Not really, most voters do not take the time to look past the catchy phrase or challenge the 30 second sound bite.
There really are not any quantifiable numbers to support the ideas. fair maps probably do not change the landscape much and term limits still require elections and campaign money. You might, just maybe, get honesty and public service in the final term.
- lake county democrat - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:12 am:
Welcome Chris! I understand some of the Dem hesitancy above, but you got to ask “Kennedy compared to ____?” - if a big name, big money guy (or gal) doesn’t get in the race, you could have the counterpart to Brady’s nomination several years ago (winning a splintered primary with 20something percent of the vote - Pat Quinn’s best chance).
- northshore cynic - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:32 am:
Do we really want more Governors…or Presidents who have never held office before? just askin’
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:32 am:
==Terms limits and fair maps is incredibly popular with bipartisan majorities==
Maybe we can work out a budget first because neither one of those things does anything to solve that immediate problem.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:38 am:
I wonder if Pritzker, not having the stomach for a campaign let alone holding Office, joins forces with Kennedy to at least match if not surpass the money Rauner will spend on his campaign?
- Mokenavince - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:39 am:
The Kennedy name should be enough to swing a lot of voters. I no doubt, if he was now Governor we would have worked out a budget.
Rauner looks like he wants to chase windmills until the next election.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:47 am:
The Kennedy name/magic is a fading ‘asset’. It will have minimal impact, either because those under 50(?) don’t give a hoot about the name, and those who do are diminishing in number.
Willy, I choose anonymous because I’m too lazy to re-enter my nickname. But I get your point, sing ed, ‘LazyAss.’
- Joe M - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:47 am:
With so much money going into the next Governor’s race, it might be a good time to invest in media company’s stocks?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 11:47 am:
“Signed’.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
northshore cynic-
I would vote for a potato that has never held office over BVR.
- BK Bro - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 12:09 pm:
Entire election will center on taxes. Low tax candidate will win. An income tax increase (or any increase for that matter) that impacts the majority of Illinois residents will produce furious voters.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 12:10 pm:
A lot of people downstate and many U of I alums of both parties do not think highly of Mr. Kennedy. I was surprised myself. I thought he’d be more effective than he turned out to be as chairman.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-04/opinion/ct-edit-ui-0303-20120304_1_michael-hogan-admissions-scandal-veteran-administrator
- Rahm's Middle Finger - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 12:32 pm:
BK Bro- Tell that to Pat Quinn, who was also running after being an impeached Governor’s Lt. Governor.
- blue dog dem - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:03 pm:
I can’t wait for Kennedy to come out firing(?) On easy access to guns as being the culprit in Chicagos murder spree. This will insure that the trade union conservative Dems stay with Rauner. Or maybe he will jump on the Lisa MJM ship and make Illinois a sanctuary state. Might be 3 in 5 households in 2018.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:07 pm:
My capfax colleagues, I really don’t know anything about Kennedy or Pritzger or any of the others. You might not be comfortable answering this but whom do you envision me supporting? I feel so disillusioned that I don’t even have a gut instinct. Who do you think Honeybear would be for?
- blue dog dem - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:08 pm:
But based on declining union membership, that represents less than it used to.
- blue dog dem - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:09 pm:
Honey. Little Costello?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:10 pm:
==whom do you envision me supporting?==
Hell with it, just run yourself.
It’s a long primary. They’ll all make their cases and you can get on board with one from there.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:13 pm:
- Honeybear -
The bottom line is this…
“Anyone but Rauner” - for Labor.
Afyer the Primary, that’s the ball game. The rest is intramural, but November is the importance.
The very last thing is to align with “X”, and “Y” wins, and then not see that “Y” beating Rauner, in your instance, is… everything.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
BBD who is little Costello?
- Huh? - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:25 pm:
Dear Chris
You better bust the caps as soon as possible. 1.4% has a monster war chest that he is going to dip into with both hands. He has his vertical propaganda machine tuned and humming like a well oiled machine.
Suggest you read a book titled “Confrontational Politics” by HL Richardson.
Good luck,
Huh?
- blue dog dem - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:26 pm:
Jerry Costello II. Someehat conservative Dem state rep. Got a good handle on things. Not as liberal as his old man. I like him and he’s going to have a hard time hanging onto his seat in what’s becoming a tea party,evangelical district. He might as well go for broke.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:31 pm:
Honey Bear - Use your primary vote as a tool to vote against a candidate. If 1.4% gets a primary opponent, pull the republican’t ballot to vote for the opponent. Then use your general election ballot to vote for the Democratic candidate.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 1:53 pm:
Hug, I did that with the guy who ran against Rauner. I pulled a R ballot. I guess I just fantasize about liking/believing in someone again. It was a pleasant thought but OW is correct. I just wondered if the was that “special someone” for Honeybear. Lol
- A.J. Hidell - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 2:26 pm:
It’s true! It’s true! The crown has made it clear.
The climate must be perfect all the year.
A law was made a distant moon ago here:
July and August cannot be too hot.
And there’s a legal limit to the snow here
In Camelot.
The winter is forbidden till December
And exits March the second on the dot.
By order, summer lingers through September
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it sounds a bit bizarre,
But in Camelot, Camelot
That’s how conditions are.
The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight, the morning fog must disappear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
Camelot! Camelot!
I know it gives a person pause,
But in Camelot, Camelot
Those are the legal laws.
The snow may never slush upon the hillside.
By nine p.m. the moonlight must appear.
In short, there’s simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.
VOTE KENNEDY ‘18 !
- Carpetbagger - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 7:23 pm:
The name about says it all.
- huey - Wednesday, Feb 8, 17 @ 8:30 pm:
Monarchy is so yesterday–Aren’t they?
- taxpayerdointhemath - Thursday, Feb 9, 17 @ 11:19 am:
What kind of new revenue streams are you for? If you can support a Progressive Tax and a Financial Transactions Tax, you have my vote.
- ''Ole yellerstain - Thursday, Feb 9, 17 @ 1:42 pm:
I’ve been saying for over 50 years what this country needs is another Kennedy