* Press release…
Attorney General candidate Erika Harold proudly announced the endorsements from the following Illinois Republican Congressmen:
Congressman Mike Bost
Congressman Rodney Davis
Congressman Randy Hultgren
Congressman Adam Kinzinger
Congressman Darin LaHood
Congressman John Shimkus
“It is an honor to have the support from the members of our congressional delegation,” said Erika Harold. “As leaders from across our state, our congressmen know how important real reforms are to our state. I look forward to continuing the fight for reforms that will put the people’s interests ahead of the interests of the powerful political class.”
“Erika Harold is exactly who we need to take on the political machine. A Harvard educated lawyer and a national leader combatting school violence, Erika Harold tells the hard truths and always stands up for those in need. I know she’ll take on the corruption in state government.”– Congressman Rodney Davis
* The Tribune claims the endorsement could “potentially clear the field” for Harold, but notes the one absent voice…
Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton said Tuesday evening that Kane County State’s Attorney Joseph McMahon has an interest in seeking the GOP attorney general nomination and is waiting to see what transpires. Kane County is part of Roskam’s 6th District
* News-Gazette…
Among those backing Harold: Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville, who was challenged by Harold in the 2014 Republican Party primary in the 13th Congressional District. Davis won districtwide, 55 percent to 41 percent, but Harold beat Davis in Champaign County, 70 percent to 28 percent.
The two ran polite campaigns in that race, never getting personal and agreeing on most major issues, such as opposition to abortion, support for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one woman and one man, elimination of the estate tax and giving federal judges more leeway in sentencing. They debated only once, at a Bloomington radio station eight days before the primary.
Davis is now one of her biggest supporters.
- DarkHorse - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 10:07 am:
Not sure this is a surprise - Rauner backs Harold 100% and the rest of the party will fall in line. The competitiveness of this race will hinge on how much money Rauner actually deposits in Harold’s account, and how much she - as compared to Team Rauner - controls her messaging.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 10:15 am:
DH, has Rauner come out and said he’s backing Harold? Did I miss that? Serious question, no snark.
Despite all his recent FUBAR, Rauner is still the GOP bank unless someone else steps up in a big way. Really big way.
- DarkHorse - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 10:19 am:
wordslinger - fair point, but I’m making the assumption that the state GOP wouldn’t have already contributed 34k to Harold’s campaign if Rauner wasn’t behind it. why do you think he’s holding back?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 10:25 am:
DH, I’m not sure it’s possible to logically rationalize Rauner’s actions the last few months. They’ve been rather unpredictable and contradictory at times.
- don the legend - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 10:29 am:
Is it possible that HB40 has kept Rauner from publicly supporting Harold and risking hard core pro life support for Harold?
- Ha! - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 11:09 am:
Kudos to Davis for being a team player
- Red Rider - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 11:13 am:
New concept Republicans vote for Republicans.
- Harry - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 11:22 am:
“Davis is now one of her biggest supporters.”
Well, sure, if she’s AG she won’t run for Congress again.
- Chris P. Bacon - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 11:25 am:
Bunch of aging, mostly do-nothing white guys trying to hide their dullness within the wholesome goodness of the former Miss America.
- Rocky Rosi - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 11:35 am:
Peter is a great person but I don’t understand his thinking on this. Harold is good for the IL GOP and party.
- Black Balled - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 12:37 pm:
First they ruin the ILGOP through McKenna, drained Mark Kirk, had a couple years at the state trough on Rauner’s staff and now they have taken over the Harold campaign. Didn’t Ibendahl support Ms. Harold for Congress. Truly interesting to see the former Rauner staffers joining forces with Doug on this race. Or are they? I hope voters really research this one. It is important to know who is pulling the strings on this campaign. Pretty sure you will be surprised.
- DuPage - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 12:46 pm:
Peter keeps a close watch on which way the wind is blowing, and adjusts his actions accordingly. He doesn’t want to stick his neck out too much. When in doubt, he tends to change the subject to IRS abuses and how he has cut their budget.
- The Muse - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 1:08 pm:
Nothing like getting rid of a potential opponent by trying to put them in a different elected office.
- Galena Guy - Wednesday, Oct 4, 17 @ 1:16 pm:
Roskam - a man too afraid to face his constituents in town halls.