* The State Board of Elections’ website is down (again), but the last time I checked Hardiman didn’t have an active committee.

Press release…

Democratic Candidate for Governor, Tio Hardiman has selected Patricia Avery from Central Illinois as his running mate for Lieutenant Governor. Avery will bring her governmental experience, and her ability to work with people from all walks of life to the ticket. “Power, money, and influence are drowning out the voices of everyday people. That is why Tio Hardiman and I are running the “People’s Campaign,” representing all citizens and giving voice and the power back to the people of Illinois.”- Patricia Avery

“It’s a great honor to have Avery on board because she brings a wealth of experience and her passion for public service to the ticket. The primary election is crowded but we will never under estimate or take for granted the voters of Illinois and their desire for change. Illinoisans over the past three years have witnessed a Governor whose “turn around agenda” has left Illinois in the ditch, with a six billion dollar deficit, and with no real solutions. Our citizens are hurting, and left with nothing but empty promises. Avery and I, with the people’s help aim to bring back the sunshine with our strong ticket and put Illinois back on track. This is what you call a match made in Illinois -Powered by the People.” – Tio Hardiman

We will make our announcement on at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 10, 2017 in West Side Park, near the Lincoln monument, 400 W. University, Champaign, IL 61821

* From Avery’s bio…

Patricia Avery is a transformational leader whose life’s work has been in public service, community organizing and advocacy. Her work in activism covers every student rights to a quality education, equity, and excellence, and economic, racial, social, and juvenile justice.

Patricia currently serves as the Executive Director for the non-profit Champaign Urbana Area Project, whose mission is juvenile delinquency prevention, and is also the current President and CEO of the Champaign County NAACP. As Executive Director of CUAP, Patricia began the now international Mentoring Young Sisters Program, with programs in Hawaii, Canada, and other cities in the United States. She also founded the Cuper Star Performing Arts and Enrichment Program celebrating its 10th consecutive year.

More here.

* Related…

* Tio Hardiman talks LGBT rights, gun violence