* Why are you voting for your candidate for governor? And, please, no arguing. Thanks!
126 Comments
- I Miss Bentohs - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:49 pm:
I am voting for not the Rauner (whoever runs against him). I am a Republican and I have no faith in him ever becoming one. Also, I am fiscally responsible which are two words he seems to detest.
- Because I said so.... - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
I have never been this undecided this close to an election and I have paid close attention. Still deciding between JB and Kennedy.
Although I always pulled a Democratic ballot, I’m going with whoever I think has the best chance of defeating Rauner. Rauner has to go!
For the first time in my life, I’ll be entering the voting booth perplexed by my choices. I still don’t know, and lots of my politically engaged friends feel the same.
I am proudly voting for JB Pritzker for Governor. Throughout JB’s life, he has fought for the progressive causes that I care about including abortion and gay rights. Additionally, JB has a proven track record of results as demonstrated by the establishment of 1871 and the Holocaust Museum. JB is also the only candidate that can beat Rauner in the general election.
Much to my surprise, I’m voting for Kennedy. JB is too compromised, and I really hoped to vote for Biss, but he’s faded. Timing is everything, and Kennedy seems to be hitting his stride.
I early voted for Kennedy. But I am not thrilled with any of the candidates. JB seems like the status quo candidate, too cautious to really talk about the reforms our state will need. Rauner did not bring meaningful results. His approach won’t be successful if repeated.
I’m voting Rauner. All the goofy antics aside he is a Republican who wants to reform the public employee union system, is not a social conservative warrior, and (ideologically) wants to lower property taxes. As a rank and file fiscal conservative, what other sane choice do I have?
I’ll be voting for Ives, knowing full well she’ll lose & deserves to, but I have a family member further down the R ballot who deserves my support, & am not missing a chance to vote against Incompetent Bruce.
I just voted for Chris Kennedy this afternoon. Kennedy aligns with my progressive values, and demonstrates an integrity that is so often lacking in our politics today.
I will vote for Ives in the primary. I do not support either Rauner or Ives, but it is my personal attempt to knock Rauner out of the race however futile that may be.
I do not personally identify with a party but see any of the three leading Democrats as a better option than the two Republicans, if Ives wins I think it will be an absolute Democrat victory.
I first met J.B. Pritzker back in 1991 or 92, when he created DL21C, a group to get younger people involved in politics. While I don’t think the group took off the way he hoped, its alums are now serving in elected office across the state. They know who they are.
I am not trying to overstate any relationship between us, because there isn’t any. It’s just that I can personally vouch for his commitment to Democratic politics for a long, long time, and I can state, unequivocally, that he is not a bored billionaire looking for a new hobby. This is no vanity campaign. He’s toiled in the vineyards of Democratic politics for a long time, from the ward level to national politics.
He’s also comfortable in his own skin. Yes, he’s unbelievably wealthy, but he won’t wear costumes or use props or talk down to the “folks.” He’s going to be himself, and like I said, he’s pretty much the same guy I met when I was working on a House race and he was a donor/volunteer for my candidate. He was knocking on doors then like he is now. Same J.B.
I am comfortable with any of the three leading candidates, each would be a much better governor than Bruce Rauner. But for me, yes, his wealth is the single biggest factor in his current support, but it is far from the only factor. But also yes, his wealth does two things that I like: it tells me he will go toe-to-toe with Rauner and Griffin and Uihlein, and that he won’t allow himself to be defined out of the gate. That is what I fear most about voting for Biss or Kennedy. By the time they’ll be able to respond, this thing could be over.
Secondly, and it’ll sound like a cliche, but I think his wealth insulates him from some of Madigan’s influence, and the influence of other well-funded special interests. He will be his own man and that, for me, is probably the most important thing.
I have a good sense where he’ll be on policy, he’ll be forward looking, with an investor’s eye for emerging trends. But he is not about to turn back the clock on collective bargaining rights. If Janus goes against the unions, electing J.B. will be more important than ever.
I am not anti-Biss or anti-Kennedy, they are both good men and outstanding Democrats. I am simply pro-Pritzker. If you look past his wealth, admittedly difficult for many, he is a genuinely decent guy who is smart, affable, and ready for the job.
- Robert the Bruce - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:05 pm:
Daniel Biss.
Because I really, really want someone to replace Rauner, and I think Biss has the best chance to do so.
Each of the three main D candidates have weaknesses that Rauner will exploit, but I think Biss’ main vulnerability is less of a concern than the others’. Here’s how I see their main electoral weaknesses:
Pritzker: the Blago tapes
Biss: flipflopper
Kennedy: prone to big gaffes
I voted for JB Pritzker, his policy positions align with mine and I appreciate his strong vocal support of organized labor. His willingness to invest in and build a truly statewide Democratic party was the ultimate tipping point. All the others can talk about how bad Madigan is etc, Pritzker is the only taking action to build something out side of him.
I’ve been trying to decide between Biss and Kennedy. I was pretty much JB up until the last month and the Blago tapes made me begin to listen to both Biss and Kennedy more carefully. If the election were today, I’d probably vote Kennedy. Whoever wins the D primary will get my vote in November.
I will be voting for Pritzker. Undecided until his his speech at Stone Temple Baptist, in which he stated, “…I know I can’t promise you that I’ll get it right all the time. I know I won’t. But I can promise you this, when I get it wrong, I will take responsibility…”
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:14 pm:
I will wait until the 20th. I’m leaning JB. I’ve had a chance to chat with JB, Kennedy, Biss, & Diaber and I like them all and have concerns with each as well.
On the whole, Pritzger seems to be the best suited for the office. He’s well organized (with a big organization) and seems to have a solid understanding of most of the issues.
Kennedy’s disorganization is a huge concern. Biss is so much of a technocrat that he does not seem to appreciate broader concerns. Diaber would somehow need to go from ROE to Governor; that’s a huge jump.
I’m a long-time independent who has pulled both D and R ballots in different primaries and voted for both D and R candidates in the general. I’m voting for Daniel Biss. I don’t agree with some of his progressive agenda, but I do find that he is the most genuine, thoughtful, and smartest candidate among ALL of those running. I also like his experience in the Senate, his analytical skills, and his willingness to listen to alternative points of view. He’s also been willing to admit some of his faults.
I’m tired of politicians that will say anything to win votes and then not follow through once they get in office. Biss may not win, but he’s earned my support.
Rauner. He’s the only chance to beat a democrat in the general, and attempt to preserve a legislative redistricting blow out by MJM. A pro-life candidate cannot win the Governor’s office in Illinois.
JB- only JB has the financial resources to go toe to toe with Rauner. Labor is on the line. Rauners vertical integration of media will destroy any other candidate I believe.
Look, any Governor is going to go after labor.
I get it
But Bruce Rauner wants to
Eliminate labor
Kennedy doesn’t show up and runs from conflict
Biss was integral to SB1
Neither can match Rauner money
And labor doesn’t have the clams this year
47th Ward @ 4:05 said it well; having met JB a coupletwo times in person, that’s the sense I get from him, too. I’ll be gladly voting for him on the 20th and again by Nov. 6.
No idea who I’ll pick in the AG race yet, but I’m 99 and 44/100ths percent certain it’s between Raoul, Rotering and Fairley.
I have said I am voting Biss. Kennedy turned me off a while ago and in choosing between Biss and Pritzker, both of whom I see as flawed, I have been more concerned with Pritzker’s judgment/character flaw of association with Blago and his refusal to use his wealth to be independent from the Madigan/Berrios machine than Biss’s policy flaws on past votes. I also did not like Pritzker skipping the WCIA debate. If it were not for my total indecision on the AG race I’d already be in the bank for Biss. However, now that Biss appears to be fading and Kennedy has a surge I may in the end go JB reluctantly. Too close to call.
Pritzker, for many reasons. I was considering Kennedy but he lost me along the way, seemed ill-prepared very often and we already have one of those. I just never really got a clear picture of Biss, always has seemed in the background. Frankly, I mostly want Rauner gone. He has done more than enough damage to this state and its people.
- Original Rambler - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
In the primary, likely JB. CK has an outside shot. Not Biss. Liked the S-T endorsement. In the general, I’m voting against BVR. There are many others like me who in the general it will be anybody but Rauner.
I already voted JB, Whoever wins on the democratic side will get my vote, but JB has done the party building and outreach that is going to be necessary to make democrats sucessful in the fall when we retire Rauner and many other republicans
I am still undecided and will likely wait until the 20th to vote.
As a democrat, I would happily vote for whomever wins the primary in the general, but as for the primary itself I flip between Pritzker and Biss.
Pritzker for the framework he’s built throughout the state. We need a robust democratic party statewide. The Blago tapes are troubling, and the fact that no one knows what else could be out there frightens me.
Biss for the fact that he’s held elected office in the state before. I think that experience matters. He’s solidly progressive. I’m not well versed in the history of his pension stuff, but that seems troubling, and would be the reason why I could not solidly back him.
For what it’s worth, I was an early supporter of Pawar. Unfortunately he couldn’t continue in the primary fight, and I’ve been lost since.
First off, I think he has the best chance of beating Rauner.
Second, my sister in Cleveland would kill me if I voted for Kennedy. (Google “Kennedy” and “Medical Mart”)
Third, I think Biss is a fraud. He talks a good game, but his record is otherwise. Besides, as a former state employee, he offends me. Said so himself.
Kennedy is my candidate. Although some view them skeptically,, Kennedy’s family heritage and values are a big plus to me. The Kennedy tradition of inclusion, equity and caring for the least among us are highly important to me.
I appreciate the fact that Kennedy has demonstrated independence in his campaign. He has also demonstrated backbone, integrity and grit.
Kennedy is a tenacious man who will win in the general election.
I’ve attended 2 candidate forums and heard all the Dem candidates.
Unless something happens in the next 2 weeks, I’m voting JB. His money doesn’t bother me,and I feel he’s laid out the strongest set of policies, policies that I would love to see adopted in Illinois.
I’d consider Kennedy if he actually laid out an actual set of proposals. Tax appeal attorneys and his father’s legacy aren’t enough (although as a high school junior in 1968, I would have jumped off a cliff if Bobby K asked).
There’s something about Biss that I find untrustworthy.
In years past, I’ve voted for some Republicans. Never again. Between Trump and the wealth inequality the Reactionary Party has brought us there’s nothing there for me.
As a lifelong Democrat, I voted for Kennedy in the primary. I wish he would be a strong advocate for pot legalization.
Virtually certain to vote for Rauner in November as he still appears to be the only candidate that truly cares about all of Illinois’ people and not primarily government workers and pols.
Illinois government is a kleptocracy of and for the pols and unionized public workers.
Not that hard: Pritzker. Most polished. No record. Willing to spend. Organized. Will get things done (more likely to than his competitors).
Rauner wants the other guys. He doesn’t want to give up his money advantage, and he wants someone who is all over the place or has an Evanston voting record.
None of the candidates excite me. This year I’ll pull a D ballot and vote for Pritzker because I believe he has the best chance of beating Rauner. As a State employee I detest Biss and Kennedy’s heart just ain’t in it.
he was way out in front months ago calling out the property tax mess that Berrios runs, and not in a flyby way. Money is key to solving so many problems so this was an important speech. It was his first major issue speech and it was in depth, and in an African American neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, which was hurt by the Berrios approach. Chris does not hesitate to include Madigan in the criticism on that issue or others. Kennedy has an edgy style that is honest and bold.
- Duke of Normandy - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:37 pm:
I’ve got to go with JB. He has the best shot to beat Rauner by cancelling out Rauner’s only real asset. Biss’ record speaks louder than his statements and I like Kennedy, but I don’t think he has the resources or the apparatus to compete in this cycle.
Thanks for asking this question and thanks to everyone for their thoughtful responses. I used to laugh at undecided voters, and now I’ve become one of them. I’ve been staring at my mail-in ballot for weeks now just because of this race.
In the general, I’d be voting for a chicken with its head cut off if it had a “D” next to its name, but I dislike all three of the viable D candidates in the primary. I can’t forgive Biss the unions issue, I expected Kennedy to run a much stronger campaign given his pedigree, and those Blago tapes are pretty damning for Pritzker. I keep hoping for “the” reason to arrive to vote for one of them, but so far, it hasn’t.
- Veil of Ignorance - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:39 pm:
Voting for Biss. He’s thoughtful and has a comprehensive progressive viewpoint on our state’s economy. He’s definitely not beholden to the Speaker or the Machine and will be more accessible to communities as he’s been his whole career (he’s a fantastic listener). When he makes mistakes, he’s willing to own it, which is refreshing. Pritzker winning and partnering his bank account with the Speaker is a huge threat to progressives and anti-Machine Dems. Game over in a more decisive way than anything Rauner could pull off. I respect Kennedy, but I’m weary of untested wealthy candidates with little first-hand experience with government or politics. Too much at stake. Given the moment, MONEY will not be the determining factor this year, but those Blago tapes could be…has the Trib released everything they have? I wouldn’t bet on it…
Illinois is facing population loss, one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the nation with terrible ROI on those taxes and very slow job growth.
Unfortunately, none of the candidates will likely be able to fix this until the kleptocrat in chief, Madigan is gone.
Rauner. He’s a moderate Republican and has advocated for economic reforms that the state sorely needs. I have not seen that from the Democrats. Plus, him winning in November would really stick it to Madigan, and I’m all for that.
I voted for JB because I believe he has the best shot to defeat Bruce Rauner. I believe he will help get more democrats elected in the GA as well.
You might hear some republicans say “I’m voting Rauner so he can hurt that Union guy” or “I’m voting Rauner so he can hurt that immigrant etc etc.” but as a democrat I am voting Jb because we need a Governor in office to help everyone and work for the people. We don’t need a Governor hell bent on hurting certain groups of people as Rauner is.
I never voted for Rauner the first time, and I won’t vote for his re-election. Rauner has been tearing IL apart.
I will support the Dem whom wins the primary.
- Return to Sender - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:50 pm:
I can’t understand the narrative that Kennedy doesn’t show up.
The bottom line: He doesn’t always show up where JB happens to show up. JB doesn’t dictate what events are priorities for the Kennedy campaign to show up for over other events where Kennedy shows up.
Also, to reference Kennedy’s candor and unpolished political charm as a reason not to vote for him, while at the same time excusing JB’s lack of independence/poor judgement/flawed character and still consider voting for him doesn’t make a ton of sense. But, it’s your vote.
I’m voting for Chris Kennedy because he’s everything I’m looking for in a leader. Independent, vocal, honest, accessible. The political bubble in Illinois needs to burst. It’s all I laughed at when I left Illinois and it’s all I’ve longed for since I’ve returned.
Daniel Biss. I will support whomever wins the D primary, natch. But I want it to be Biss. To me it is important for the person who governs my state to have an idea of what life is like for the majority of their constituents. Sure, anecdotes are helpful & nothing is more powerful than a personal story. But I rather have a governor who has had to make and keep a household budget, like me. A governor who has legit wondered “am I going to be able to pay car payment/insurance/rent/mortgage this month?”. A governor who works hard for their money, like me. A governor who believes that a campaign of small donations and many people is a more accurate representative of a constituency than million dollar donations from oneself, like me. A governor who is willing and able to evolve on positions when compelling evidence is presented, like me. A governor who has released their tax returns, like me (if I was ever asked to). A governor who has made mistakes and learned from them, like me. A governor who doesn’t have to pay someone to ‘do the math’ on issues because they are a math professor & can do it themselves, okay, decidedly *not* like me. I’m all in for Biss.
I plan on voting for JB Pritzker. Though I think that Chris Kennedy is a good man and has called out some problems that we face, his campaign just hasn’t coalesced. Therefore, I think that Pritzer has the best chance of defeating Rauner so Pritzker gets my vote.
I’ve known JB for a long time and know he’s the real deal. I could give you about 50 reasons why I’m voting for him over Biss and Kennedy, but the most important is that he listens and is a masterful consensus builder. I’ve seen him up close get people in strong disagreement to work together for a common purpose.
People who dismiss him because he’s rich or who vote for him because he’s rich are missing the big picture. This is a great guy, honorable, relatable and an all-around mensch. I view him like Obi Wan Kenobi - he really is the only hope to turn our state around.
I plan on entering the voting booth, taking a deep breath, holding my nose, closing my eyes, and voting for JB Pritzker. He has become, ironically enough, the “least offensive” viable candidate for Governor.
Kennedy has run an abysmal campaign, and his erratic comments on the trail portend a poorly-run and chaotic administration. He expects to coast entirely on his last name, and his family treats Illinois as if it’s some backwater flyover state full of bumpkins, just because it isn’t Massachusetts.
Biss lost my vote during the Rosa debacle, when he decided to play footsie with the DSA wing of the party. His campaign rhetoric has not helped, and I fear a Biss administration will hamper much-needed economic growth in the state.
Following this race these past few months has been a joyless slog. If only Andy Manar or Kwame Raoul (or even Nancy Rotering!) had run, this would be a much more exciting and inspiring race.
Come November, no matter who wins, I will be proud to cast an ABB (Anyone But Bruce) vote.
Kennedy because as a black voter, he comes off as most genuine in helping the community, will call out Berrios/Madigan and I believe has the best chance of beating Rauner come general, since once can draw a SHARP comparison, whereas Pritzker and Rauner have odd similarities. Pritzkers operation just seems like a money racket to be honest and the energy isn’t there. I encourage other AA’s to take a hard look at Kennedy over Pritzker as well. He also called Obama medicore which is a BIG turn-off.
- I'm voting for Biss - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:01 pm:
Biss is an easy choice for me, for experience, policy depth, and the willingness to push the envelope and tackle difficult problems.
I respect the fact that he’s been in the trenches trying to fix the state, even when it meant making unpopular choices.
I don’t like the precedent of one inexperienced billionaire following another, and I really don’t like the precedent of spending more money (especially inherited money) on a gubernatorial primary than on a general presidential election.
I worry about Madigan controlling Pritzker, who won’t know what he’s doing, and having even more power than he has now. I also worry about Pritzker’s electability vs. Rauner.
Kennedy is not qualified, and seems to ride largely on his family’s name.
Biss. He is a progressive through and through. He has taken a lot a flack for his pension reform vote, but here is the thing. The pension payment needs to be addressed, and he at least tried.
That growing pension payment is crowding out human services, its stopping our schools from being funded, its hurting universities and growth in southern Illinois, its hurting our cities and villages as their LGDF is cut.
Anyone that votes to continue the pension madness is prioritizing that over all these other progressive causes.
I’m undecided between CK and JB. Both have strengths, both have flaws - amply noted by others already. Both their programs are sufficiently progressive, and both seem like decent men who genuinely care about their state and its citizens.
JB’s got the money to go up against Rauner, and he’s used that money well to put in place field offices esp. downstate. That’s good. Plus he has long experience in IL Dem politics - that, of course, could play out either way.
CK has not run a tight/organized/focused campaign. That’s bad, and it worries me a bit about his admin if elected - would he be disorganized as gov? That seems a distinct possibility.
OTOH, in contrast with others, I have appreciated his bluntness and straight-from-the-heart talk - and I’ve agreed with most of the contents, too. Is he a courageous man? I think he might be, if tested. He is shy and not so charismatic in some election settings, so it’s hard to gauge how he’d react in crises.
I’m voting for Pritzker more as the result of a process of elimination than anything else. I would never consider voting for Biss because he’s a flip-flopper, and his role in the attempts to gut the pension system disgusts me. Between Pritzker and Kennedy I was undecided for a long time, but Pritzker put together a more comprehensive and detailed platform while Kennedy is more vague in a lot of areas.
I will say that while I was a reluctant Pritzker supporter at first, I’ve warmed up to him some as the campaign has progressed. I now have moderately high hopes for his tenure. If he gets a sizeable hike in the minimum wage and a state income tax implemented he’ll have been a good governor in my opinion.
He has the money to compete with and beat Rauner.
Policywise, he’s a solid Democrat.
In presenting himself, he is clear, confident, humble, and consistent.
Kennedy has the best chance against Bruce, Pritzker has the money but it comes with too much baggage
- Red fish blue fish - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:16 pm:
I will proudly vote for Kennedy.
I’ll admit he’s had his stumbles in the past year. I was confused and frustrated when he praised Rauner for example.
However, throughout his campaign, I have never questioned Kennedy’s integrity or commitment to middle and working classes. He didn’t get many union endorsements, but I know that Rauner’s “right to work” platform makes Kennedy’s blood boil. Chris comes off as a man of deep conviction– to the importance of family, the need for opportunity, the value of dignity, and the belief that with a little compassion and integrity Illinois can become the best state in the union.
Kennedy may not be perfect, but he is the best candidate to defeat Bruce Rauner and go on to lead our state with competence, compassion, and integrity.
Many of you said supported your candidates well here. I still don’t know who I’m voting for (in the Democratic primary). Judging from the responses, all of the votes are going to matter this time too. The margin of victory could be very small.
I appreciate the comments about the character of the 3 leading candidates. No one is perfect after all. I’d hate for Biss to turn out to be a waffler. I’d hate for Kennedy’s inexperience to result in another 4 years of ineffective governing. I’d hate for Pritzker to be another rich guy buying a political office. But the comments from the Pritzker’s supporters here have me leaning his way.
I am voting for Ives. Want Rauner out and would be so great to see look on his face. Also have down ballot judges I want
I fully expect a Democrat to win in November. Always thought Kennedy would be good but I think entrenched politicians would eat him alive. Biss is becoming more and more disappointing so in general I would go with JB and hope his money helps him build a coalition to get something good done
As a state employee, Biss would NEVER have my vote. That I got into a heated debate with a member of his campaign on just how he’d “come to his senses” post-pension vote only solidified my low opinion of him.
As a millennial, Kennedy would seem the obvious choice. But his weak stance on marijuana legalization, among his many foibles I’ve read about here, has turned me off of his candidacy completely.
At this point, it’s JB or bust. He’s well-funded and the most capable candidate in the general. It’s an absolute necessity that we be rid of Rauner in the fall.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:29 pm:
Bruce Rauner. Needs to stay on script and not ad-lib. Has walked back enough ad-lib comments to wear out a dozen fitbits since the great failed experiment with the Illinois Policy Institute of last summer.
Needs to also continue to out-stubborn the perpetually stubborn Speaker of the House.
It’s time someone did it, and so far he has, and I don’t see Ives, Pritzker, Kennedy or Biss up to the task.
I’m voting for Pritzker. The overriding priority is to beat Rauner.
While Rauner’s chances of winning are slim, it’s possible his money could overwhelm an opponent .
He couldn’t do that to Pritzker who can match him dollar for dollar.
Kennedy and Biss have given me no reason to want to take a chance on them.
Beating Rauner is the number one priority and with enough money on our side, Rauner will be a one-termer.
Jb is someone I can’t trust. He is a corrupt person and even racist. Biss I would be ok with but isn’t a strong message. Which leaves me with
Chris Kennedy
Biss: Actual relevant experience in government. Proven ability to work with others to get things done. Willingness to compromise is a strength, not a weakness. All Dems have almost identical platforms, so this experience is the key.
Just look at the last pool Kennedy is surging. He has most integrity. And his anti establishment campaign is exactly what this state need
I am proudly voting Kennedy
Pritzker is the real deal, and he can self fund against Rauner. This frees up funds to counter well funded plutocrat attacks against Democratic house and senate candidates. The people need to first counter Citizns United, then get money out of politics, so regular people can run and have a chance to get their message out, Pritzker is not only and outstanding candidate in his own right, he counters the Koch Brothers preferred candidate, Rauner.
@chicagoan
The only reason. Look my vote goes to Kennedy cause I read his policies and agree with them. There can’t be just one reason but agree that Kennedy is our candidate to succeed.
Early voted for Kennedy. His campaign in the early months of this race wasnt very organized. However, for the past 5 months I think hes gotten his head in the game. Plus, love all the calling out of Rham, Madigan, and Berrios. He isnt afraid of a fight against his own party unlike JB. Also, Ra Joy (Lt. Governor) great speaker met him twice and spoke to him very connected to the people. However, will support whoever wins primary Rauner needs to go.
- Champaign of Beers - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:56 pm:
Kennedy.
Because Democrats finally have a chance to chart a new course. Because he actually has a grasp of the issues. Because in ed-board meetings, he didn’t fall back on rehearsed talking points. He engaged, he fought for his ideals and he stood up against the wrongs in his own party. That inspires confidence that he’ll do the same in office.
JB has the money. I get why the party establishment sorely wants his backing against Rauner. But I honestly can’t tell you anything about his convictions, his courage or his heart. It doesn’t come through… or maybe it just hides behind a really well paid, but generally boring campaign message.
Fighting for Kennedy, even without all of JB’s money, will ultimately be better for the long term viability of the Democratic Party than to surrender to the inevitability of the battle of the billionaires. We all lose that battle in the end, and Democrats shouldn’t be the ones to allow Rauner’s big money playbook to win the day. We can beat him without BEING him.
Casting my first vote against the “Worst Republican Governor in America”, and the Worst Governor in Illinois History, and the guy who single-handedly reduced every GOP belief and idea into a farce.
Rauner is proof that winning with the wrong guy is worse than losing an election.
Got to go with Kennedy. He seems to be independent minded and not a slickster.
I admire Biss’s campaign but the Northshore liberals give me the jitters.
Nothing against Pritzker but I feel he is being played for his money. I worry the media keeping him in to spend his millions but weAK enough to be beat. I worry about more tapes.
If Kennedy wins the primary, he could go on vacation till December and come back to govern.
@gooner
I would vote Kennedy. He is willing to fight corrupt party members for our values
- not alex jones - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:23 pm:
I’m voting for Ives because she is the only candidate talking about the fact that the twin towers came down in a controlled demolition and they produced chem trails which pointed towards, you guessed it, Kenya, the birthplace of barack husain obamacare which is also the largest fluoride producer in the world and also the only country which mines for Jack Rubies which were also used in the CIA’s MK ultra program that was a false flag program against the moon which we never landed on because we’d have to launch not only up but over the flat earth and we all know the only way to walk off of the flat earth is through the pizza gate. Also, I like her stance on cross dressers.
In the primary it’s Kennedy. I don’t have any strong reasoning but on the issues important to me he has satisfactory plans and I just like him better than the other two Dems.
I’m not excited about Kennedy but he’ll be a big upgrade from Rauner. Then again, I could probably randomly pick a person in the shopping mall and they’d have about a 97.8% chance of being an upgrade from Rauner.
I was a part of the 21st Century Democrats and personally met JB a number of times at various meetings of this group back in the 90s. He was always very sincere, down-to-earth and encouraging, and had sense of vision to make a positive difference. I have not spoken to JB for many years now yet I fondly remember this period of time. I am presently a publicly elected officeholder in Lake County, Illinois and am on the March 20th ballot running as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman. I am supporting and will be voting for JB.
I know this is not qod topical but I’m wondering if anyone is monitoring this il primary. The Ag is outgoing and vested, so probably is the States Attorney.I m not casting aspersions just wondering. Is there a way to monitor soft money or paying political help. Precinct Captains are few and far between so how will the machine get out the vote.
Pritzker because he seems to have ideas and has union backing. I first was for Kennedy but he says he wants to go to Springfield and fight Madigan. I’m sick of fighting and want to see solutions, not four more years of fighting. Will never vote for Biss because although I am not a state retiree, I am a retiree and won’t vote for anyone who cheats any other retiree.
I am supporting Bruce Rauner for governor. It seems like he hasn’t done much in office, but I think that is mostly due to the influence and power Mike Madigan has over the Illinois legislature. The taxes in Illinois are ridiculously high and Rauner is the only one fighting to lower them so living in Illinois can continue to be accessible to the middle class.
All I want, politically, is Rauner gone due to his wanton destruction of the state’s finances, universities, and social services. He’s so bad, he’s making me like Madigan for standing up to Rauner.
I even considered voting Ives just to spite Rauner, but her reprehensible ad stopped me.
I voted Biss because I’d like a gov. with governing exp. and who is not purchasing the office. That said, if kennedy or JB wins the nomination I’ll vote for either of them with glee because Rauner.
Daniel has come a long way. I’ve seen him learn and grow. I’ve seen him own his mistakes (especially on pensions) long before he was running for governor. He is smart and thoughtful and truly cares about doing what’s right AND what is needed.
He has been an excellent Legislator - and experience should matter. I wouldn’t let a billionaire that bought the hospital performance surgery on me. I don’t want the billionaire who night the governor’s mansion to run the state.
But he’s also legitimately a good person. He cares about people. He cares about this state. He has earned my respect and my support.
But, also, I refuse to buy into the argument that we need to fight their billionaire with our billionaire. It’s dangerous for our party. And it’s dangerous for our state. We have Biss a with real experience in state government and policy. And we have two guys with inherited wealth and name, and no experience in government. We can do better than that.
JB. Blago was the one doing all of the incriminating talking on those tapes ten years ago. JB was playing along with him like i play along with my nitwit boss.
JB has the money to beat bvr. if bvr is re-elected it will be four more years of stalemate and our already low bond ratings will plummet.
CK has no coherent plan. we need money from taxing weed and he is the only D against it. i think CK could be worse than bvr. i don’t think he has any relevant experience. he is no bobby or ted or jack.
I early voted for Biss. I don’t have a good reason really. I don’t like JB and I had a bad impression with Kennedy.
I attended the DuPage Dems gala last year and candidates for Governor where there. All of them where greeting folks and taking pictures with them at the beginning of the event. Kennedy seemed rushed and very disheveled. His shirt was untucked and he was just all over the place. When it came time for the candidates to speak he was no where to be found when they called him up. He was given 10 minutes to make it up to the podium but it turned out he had already left the event.
Long story short Kennedy left me with a very bad impression and I haven’t been able to shake it. My decision ended up coming down to not liking Kennedy because of that Gala impression and I just don’t like JB.
At the end of the day, I’m overall disappointed with the candidates. I really wish there was a different mix.
- Trump will lose - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:20 pm:
Chris Kennedy, because.. “ Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say, why not?”
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:44 pm:
Bliss is the pompous teacher who wouldn’t grade on the curve and whose class no one really wanted to take; Kennedy looks and sometimes acts like a Monty Python Upper Class Twit of The Year candidate (sorry don’t have the computer wherewithal to do a link, see earlier post about geezers); JB is the Pillsbury Doughboy - in more ways than one. On the 20th looking towards November looks like I’ll be going for JB.
So I counted up the people who said they were voting in the Democratic primary (with myself voting for Biss) and so the results of the first very scientific CapitolFax poll is in:
Pritzker 37.5, Kennedy 31.25, Biss 17.5, Undecided 13.75
So then I took all the undecided people and split them between who they were considering (a third each if completely undecided, a half each if deciding between two candidates):
Rauner - the only one who has (or will) stand up to Madigan and state unions. The only one who really understands how bad the state fiscal situation is and has tried to do real fiscal reform - less successfully than folks want (but more actively than any other has)
Rauner. I like his stance against Madigan. I hate his support of pro choice. But Ives couldn’t beat the Dem candidate for governor.
- James R. Anderson - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:04 pm:
I voted for Bob Daiber because I’m working for his campaign - but the reason I agreed to work for his campaign is that he’s a decent man who cares about people - especially regular people, working people. He doesn’t have to hide who he is. He has experience in government. If he had a mere $2 million he’d win this thing. He’s what everyone always says they want.
There are too many local Republican races for me to pull a D ballot. So it’s Ives. She might be pretty far to the right for my liking, but she’s not wrong about Rauner. He is the worst.
Eight months ago, I never would have said this, but:
Rauner.
His breakup with the Proft nutball wing of the party is reassuring, and he’s done a poor job in many regards, but is still a better option for change than any other candidate in the field.
It’s JB for me. I like what he has done for early childhood education and school breakfasts. He did not respond to Rauner’s classeless bashing after he bailed out Diana’s Ounce. He has been building a party infrastructure throughout the state. And JB ran a positive campaign until he was attacked by Biss and Kennedy and he had to respond.
-experienced
-progressive
-not uber-rich (basically, concerned about things other than money)
- Lucky than Good - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
Not party affiliated and vote based on issues and positions.
I believe the most important issue facing me personally and the state of Illinois as a whole is the scorched earth policies of our current governor. I will be voting for whoever isn’t BVR. At this point, I believe our best bet is JB. He has the best shot of beating BVR. I believe he will be able to make deals and get stuff done. I would like to see Causation get passed at some point but am not willing to endure another 4 years of Mr. Scorched Earth to get it.
I’m voting for Ives because, in 3 terms as a State Rep, she has a perfect voting record of supporting the taxpayer.
She is a West Point grad, majored in Economics. She was an Army Captain. Her whole life has been about leadership, and service.
She is the Governor Illinois needs to pull us out of this death spiral of lowered credit ratings, and exodus of businesses and taxpayers.
- I Miss Bentohs - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:49 pm:
I am voting for not the Rauner (whoever runs against him). I am a Republican and I have no faith in him ever becoming one. Also, I am fiscally responsible which are two words he seems to detest.
- Because I said so.... - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
I have never been this undecided this close to an election and I have paid close attention. Still deciding between JB and Kennedy.
Although I always pulled a Democratic ballot, I’m going with whoever I think has the best chance of defeating Rauner. Rauner has to go!
- Illinois Resident - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:51 pm:
I am voting for JB Pritzker because I like his policies and feel he has the best chance to beat Rauner.
- Rufus - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:53 pm:
JB, he has come off better than Kennedy, and the others just don’t have enough money to compete effectively. Thanks Citizens United! (Snark)
- WSJ Paywall - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:53 pm:
For the first time in my life, I’ll be entering the voting booth perplexed by my choices. I still don’t know, and lots of my politically engaged friends feel the same.
- Lunchbox - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:55 pm:
I voted for Biss because I think prior elected experience matters when running for the state’s highest office.
- therom - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:55 pm:
I am proudly voting for JB Pritzker for Governor. Throughout JB’s life, he has fought for the progressive causes that I care about including abortion and gay rights. Additionally, JB has a proven track record of results as demonstrated by the establishment of 1871 and the Holocaust Museum. JB is also the only candidate that can beat Rauner in the general election.
- DarkHorse - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:55 pm:
Much to my surprise, I’m voting for Kennedy. JB is too compromised, and I really hoped to vote for Biss, but he’s faded. Timing is everything, and Kennedy seems to be hitting his stride.
- Nick - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:56 pm:
Anyone of these Biss. Kennedy or Pritzker
Anyone that’s not raiuner
Rauner only goal in life is to destroy unions and ruin state employees lives. I’ll take my chances
- George - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:57 pm:
Pritzker. He seems to be the most pragmatic and reasonable person. We might as well give those qualities a try for a change.
- Sputnik - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:58 pm:
I early voted for Kennedy. But I am not thrilled with any of the candidates. JB seems like the status quo candidate, too cautious to really talk about the reforms our state will need. Rauner did not bring meaningful results. His approach won’t be successful if repeated.
- GreatPlainser - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:58 pm:
I’m voting Rauner. All the goofy antics aside he is a Republican who wants to reform the public employee union system, is not a social conservative warrior, and (ideologically) wants to lower property taxes. As a rank and file fiscal conservative, what other sane choice do I have?
- Mason born - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:59 pm:
I’ll be voting for Ives, knowing full well she’ll lose & deserves to, but I have a family member further down the R ballot who deserves my support, & am not missing a chance to vote against Incompetent Bruce.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:59 pm:
I just voted for Chris Kennedy this afternoon. Kennedy aligns with my progressive values, and demonstrates an integrity that is so often lacking in our politics today.
- rutro - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:02 pm:
Kennedy, least amount of pandering. Pritzker’s toilet really bothers me for some reason. Biss stands against nothing.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:02 pm:
Voting for Rauner primarily for the same reasons GreatPlainser outlines.
- Evanstonian - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:03 pm:
Either Kennedy or Biss. Whoever puts himself in a position to beat Pritzker.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:03 pm:
I will vote for Ives in the primary. I do not support either Rauner or Ives, but it is my personal attempt to knock Rauner out of the race however futile that may be.
I do not personally identify with a party but see any of the three leading Democrats as a better option than the two Republicans, if Ives wins I think it will be an absolute Democrat victory.
- Terry Salad - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:03 pm:
I think I will vote for Biss. I think we have had enough plutocrats. I’ll happily vote for anyone but Rauner/Ives in the general.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:05 pm:
I first met J.B. Pritzker back in 1991 or 92, when he created DL21C, a group to get younger people involved in politics. While I don’t think the group took off the way he hoped, its alums are now serving in elected office across the state. They know who they are.
I am not trying to overstate any relationship between us, because there isn’t any. It’s just that I can personally vouch for his commitment to Democratic politics for a long, long time, and I can state, unequivocally, that he is not a bored billionaire looking for a new hobby. This is no vanity campaign. He’s toiled in the vineyards of Democratic politics for a long time, from the ward level to national politics.
He’s also comfortable in his own skin. Yes, he’s unbelievably wealthy, but he won’t wear costumes or use props or talk down to the “folks.” He’s going to be himself, and like I said, he’s pretty much the same guy I met when I was working on a House race and he was a donor/volunteer for my candidate. He was knocking on doors then like he is now. Same J.B.
I am comfortable with any of the three leading candidates, each would be a much better governor than Bruce Rauner. But for me, yes, his wealth is the single biggest factor in his current support, but it is far from the only factor. But also yes, his wealth does two things that I like: it tells me he will go toe-to-toe with Rauner and Griffin and Uihlein, and that he won’t allow himself to be defined out of the gate. That is what I fear most about voting for Biss or Kennedy. By the time they’ll be able to respond, this thing could be over.
Secondly, and it’ll sound like a cliche, but I think his wealth insulates him from some of Madigan’s influence, and the influence of other well-funded special interests. He will be his own man and that, for me, is probably the most important thing.
I have a good sense where he’ll be on policy, he’ll be forward looking, with an investor’s eye for emerging trends. But he is not about to turn back the clock on collective bargaining rights. If Janus goes against the unions, electing J.B. will be more important than ever.
I am not anti-Biss or anti-Kennedy, they are both good men and outstanding Democrats. I am simply pro-Pritzker. If you look past his wealth, admittedly difficult for many, he is a genuinely decent guy who is smart, affable, and ready for the job.
- Robert the Bruce - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:05 pm:
Daniel Biss.
Because I really, really want someone to replace Rauner, and I think Biss has the best chance to do so.
Each of the three main D candidates have weaknesses that Rauner will exploit, but I think Biss’ main vulnerability is less of a concern than the others’. Here’s how I see their main electoral weaknesses:
Pritzker: the Blago tapes
Biss: flipflopper
Kennedy: prone to big gaffes
- Concerned Dem - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:06 pm:
I voted for JB Pritzker, his policy positions align with mine and I appreciate his strong vocal support of organized labor. His willingness to invest in and build a truly statewide Democratic party was the ultimate tipping point. All the others can talk about how bad Madigan is etc, Pritzker is the only taking action to build something out side of him.
- anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:07 pm:
I’m voting for Rauner. Ives is a disappointment. She either wasn’t the right candidate or her campaign team is guilty of political malpractice.
- Flat Bed Ford - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:13 pm:
I voted for Kennedy. An outsiders Democrat who isn’t goofy like Biss or an old boy network guy like JB.
- Dupage Bard - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:13 pm:
Ives-
Rauner is a complete dumpster fire. He’d be a Democrat had the price been cheaper to own it all back in 2014.
- Steve Rogers - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:13 pm:
I’ve been trying to decide between Biss and Kennedy. I was pretty much JB up until the last month and the Blago tapes made me begin to listen to both Biss and Kennedy more carefully. If the election were today, I’d probably vote Kennedy. Whoever wins the D primary will get my vote in November.
- Flip357 - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:14 pm:
I will be voting for Pritzker. Undecided until his his speech at Stone Temple Baptist, in which he stated, “…I know I can’t promise you that I’ll get it right all the time. I know I won’t. But I can promise you this, when I get it wrong, I will take responsibility…”
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:14 pm:
I will wait until the 20th. I’m leaning JB. I’ve had a chance to chat with JB, Kennedy, Biss, & Diaber and I like them all and have concerns with each as well.
On the whole, Pritzger seems to be the best suited for the office. He’s well organized (with a big organization) and seems to have a solid understanding of most of the issues.
Kennedy’s disorganization is a huge concern. Biss is so much of a technocrat that he does not seem to appreciate broader concerns. Diaber would somehow need to go from ROE to Governor; that’s a huge jump.
ANY of the four would be better than Rauner.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:15 pm:
Because the three-state plan is the only solution.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:15 pm:
I’m a long-time independent who has pulled both D and R ballots in different primaries and voted for both D and R candidates in the general. I’m voting for Daniel Biss. I don’t agree with some of his progressive agenda, but I do find that he is the most genuine, thoughtful, and smartest candidate among ALL of those running. I also like his experience in the Senate, his analytical skills, and his willingness to listen to alternative points of view. He’s also been willing to admit some of his faults.
I’m tired of politicians that will say anything to win votes and then not follow through once they get in office. Biss may not win, but he’s earned my support.
- jwk - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:17 pm:
I have met all of the candidates I really like Bob Daiber but will vote for Kennedy
- N'ville - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:18 pm:
Rauner. He’s the only chance to beat a democrat in the general, and attempt to preserve a legislative redistricting blow out by MJM. A pro-life candidate cannot win the Governor’s office in Illinois.
- Al - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:18 pm:
Tio because I respect his left jab.snark
JB has plans including a plan for hundreds of millions in New Cannabis revenue the State could use. 90 percent sure going for JB.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:18 pm:
JB- only JB has the financial resources to go toe to toe with Rauner. Labor is on the line. Rauners vertical integration of media will destroy any other candidate I believe.
Look, any Governor is going to go after labor.
I get it
But Bruce Rauner wants to
Eliminate labor
Kennedy doesn’t show up and runs from conflict
Biss was integral to SB1
Neither can match Rauner money
And labor doesn’t have the clams this year
- Northsider - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:20 pm:
47th Ward @ 4:05 said it well; having met JB a coupletwo times in person, that’s the sense I get from him, too. I’ll be gladly voting for him on the 20th and again by Nov. 6.
No idea who I’ll pick in the AG race yet, but I’m 99 and 44/100ths percent certain it’s between Raoul, Rotering and Fairley.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
I have said I am voting Biss. Kennedy turned me off a while ago and in choosing between Biss and Pritzker, both of whom I see as flawed, I have been more concerned with Pritzker’s judgment/character flaw of association with Blago and his refusal to use his wealth to be independent from the Madigan/Berrios machine than Biss’s policy flaws on past votes. I also did not like Pritzker skipping the WCIA debate. If it were not for my total indecision on the AG race I’d already be in the bank for Biss. However, now that Biss appears to be fading and Kennedy has a surge I may in the end go JB reluctantly. Too close to call.
- State Worker - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
Pritzker, for many reasons. I was considering Kennedy but he lost me along the way, seemed ill-prepared very often and we already have one of those. I just never really got a clear picture of Biss, always has seemed in the background. Frankly, I mostly want Rauner gone. He has done more than enough damage to this state and its people.
- Original Rambler - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:23 pm:
In the primary, likely JB. CK has an outside shot. Not Biss. Liked the S-T endorsement. In the general, I’m voting against BVR. There are many others like me who in the general it will be anybody but Rauner.
- JmJ - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:25 pm:
I already voted JB, Whoever wins on the democratic side will get my vote, but JB has done the party building and outreach that is going to be necessary to make democrats sucessful in the fall when we retire Rauner and many other republicans
- Nishi - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:26 pm:
I am still undecided and will likely wait until the 20th to vote.
As a democrat, I would happily vote for whomever wins the primary in the general, but as for the primary itself I flip between Pritzker and Biss.
Pritzker for the framework he’s built throughout the state. We need a robust democratic party statewide. The Blago tapes are troubling, and the fact that no one knows what else could be out there frightens me.
Biss for the fact that he’s held elected office in the state before. I think that experience matters. He’s solidly progressive. I’m not well versed in the history of his pension stuff, but that seems troubling, and would be the reason why I could not solidly back him.
For what it’s worth, I was an early supporter of Pawar. Unfortunately he couldn’t continue in the primary fight, and I’ve been lost since.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:28 pm:
Pritzker.
First off, I think he has the best chance of beating Rauner.
Second, my sister in Cleveland would kill me if I voted for Kennedy. (Google “Kennedy” and “Medical Mart”)
Third, I think Biss is a fraud. He talks a good game, but his record is otherwise. Besides, as a former state employee, he offends me. Said so himself.
- Hiawatha - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:28 pm:
Kennedy is my candidate. Although some view them skeptically,, Kennedy’s family heritage and values are a big plus to me. The Kennedy tradition of inclusion, equity and caring for the least among us are highly important to me.
I appreciate the fact that Kennedy has demonstrated independence in his campaign. He has also demonstrated backbone, integrity and grit.
Kennedy is a tenacious man who will win in the general election.
- truthbetold - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:31 pm:
I’ve attended 2 candidate forums and heard all the Dem candidates.
Unless something happens in the next 2 weeks, I’m voting JB. His money doesn’t bother me,and I feel he’s laid out the strongest set of policies, policies that I would love to see adopted in Illinois.
I’d consider Kennedy if he actually laid out an actual set of proposals. Tax appeal attorneys and his father’s legacy aren’t enough (although as a high school junior in 1968, I would have jumped off a cliff if Bobby K asked).
There’s something about Biss that I find untrustworthy.
In years past, I’ve voted for some Republicans. Never again. Between Trump and the wealth inequality the Reactionary Party has brought us there’s nothing there for me.
- Ron - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:33 pm:
As a lifelong Democrat, I voted for Kennedy in the primary. I wish he would be a strong advocate for pot legalization.
Virtually certain to vote for Rauner in November as he still appears to be the only candidate that truly cares about all of Illinois’ people and not primarily government workers and pols.
Illinois government is a kleptocracy of and for the pols and unionized public workers.
- Armando Finicky - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:34 pm:
Not that hard: Pritzker. Most polished. No record. Willing to spend. Organized. Will get things done (more likely to than his competitors).
Rauner wants the other guys. He doesn’t want to give up his money advantage, and he wants someone who is all over the place or has an Evanston voting record.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:36 pm:
None of the candidates excite me. This year I’ll pull a D ballot and vote for Pritzker because I believe he has the best chance of beating Rauner. As a State employee I detest Biss and Kennedy’s heart just ain’t in it.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:37 pm:
Chris Kennedy.
he was way out in front months ago calling out the property tax mess that Berrios runs, and not in a flyby way. Money is key to solving so many problems so this was an important speech. It was his first major issue speech and it was in depth, and in an African American neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, which was hurt by the Berrios approach. Chris does not hesitate to include Madigan in the criticism on that issue or others. Kennedy has an edgy style that is honest and bold.
- Duke of Normandy - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:37 pm:
I’ve got to go with JB. He has the best shot to beat Rauner by cancelling out Rauner’s only real asset. Biss’ record speaks louder than his statements and I like Kennedy, but I don’t think he has the resources or the apparatus to compete in this cycle.
- Embarassingly undecided - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:38 pm:
Thanks for asking this question and thanks to everyone for their thoughtful responses. I used to laugh at undecided voters, and now I’ve become one of them. I’ve been staring at my mail-in ballot for weeks now just because of this race.
In the general, I’d be voting for a chicken with its head cut off if it had a “D” next to its name, but I dislike all three of the viable D candidates in the primary. I can’t forgive Biss the unions issue, I expected Kennedy to run a much stronger campaign given his pedigree, and those Blago tapes are pretty damning for Pritzker. I keep hoping for “the” reason to arrive to vote for one of them, but so far, it hasn’t.
- Veil of Ignorance - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:39 pm:
Voting for Biss. He’s thoughtful and has a comprehensive progressive viewpoint on our state’s economy. He’s definitely not beholden to the Speaker or the Machine and will be more accessible to communities as he’s been his whole career (he’s a fantastic listener). When he makes mistakes, he’s willing to own it, which is refreshing. Pritzker winning and partnering his bank account with the Speaker is a huge threat to progressives and anti-Machine Dems. Game over in a more decisive way than anything Rauner could pull off. I respect Kennedy, but I’m weary of untested wealthy candidates with little first-hand experience with government or politics. Too much at stake. Given the moment, MONEY will not be the determining factor this year, but those Blago tapes could be…has the Trib released everything they have? I wouldn’t bet on it…
- Ron - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:41 pm:
Illinois is facing population loss, one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the nation with terrible ROI on those taxes and very slow job growth.
Unfortunately, none of the candidates will likely be able to fix this until the kleptocrat in chief, Madigan is gone.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:41 pm:
Rauner. He’s a moderate Republican and has advocated for economic reforms that the state sorely needs. I have not seen that from the Democrats. Plus, him winning in November would really stick it to Madigan, and I’m all for that.
- Real - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:42 pm:
I voted for JB because I believe he has the best shot to defeat Bruce Rauner. I believe he will help get more democrats elected in the GA as well.
You might hear some republicans say “I’m voting Rauner so he can hurt that Union guy” or “I’m voting Rauner so he can hurt that immigrant etc etc.” but as a democrat I am voting Jb because we need a Governor in office to help everyone and work for the people. We don’t need a Governor hell bent on hurting certain groups of people as Rauner is.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:42 pm:
I voted for the person I’d like to see as the Democratic nominee in the primary. I will vote for whoever the Democratic nominee is in the general.
Because Rauner.
- Ron - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:43 pm:
Rauner signed one of the most progressive immigrant laws in the US. I love him for it.
- Mama - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:46 pm:
I never voted for Rauner the first time, and I won’t vote for his re-election. Rauner has been tearing IL apart.
I will support the Dem whom wins the primary.
- Return to Sender - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:50 pm:
I can’t understand the narrative that Kennedy doesn’t show up.
The bottom line: He doesn’t always show up where JB happens to show up. JB doesn’t dictate what events are priorities for the Kennedy campaign to show up for over other events where Kennedy shows up.
Also, to reference Kennedy’s candor and unpolished political charm as a reason not to vote for him, while at the same time excusing JB’s lack of independence/poor judgement/flawed character and still consider voting for him doesn’t make a ton of sense. But, it’s your vote.
I’m voting for Chris Kennedy because he’s everything I’m looking for in a leader. Independent, vocal, honest, accessible. The political bubble in Illinois needs to burst. It’s all I laughed at when I left Illinois and it’s all I’ve longed for since I’ve returned.
- LoyalVirus - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:51 pm:
Daniel Biss. I will support whomever wins the D primary, natch. But I want it to be Biss. To me it is important for the person who governs my state to have an idea of what life is like for the majority of their constituents. Sure, anecdotes are helpful & nothing is more powerful than a personal story. But I rather have a governor who has had to make and keep a household budget, like me. A governor who has legit wondered “am I going to be able to pay car payment/insurance/rent/mortgage this month?”. A governor who works hard for their money, like me. A governor who believes that a campaign of small donations and many people is a more accurate representative of a constituency than million dollar donations from oneself, like me. A governor who is willing and able to evolve on positions when compelling evidence is presented, like me. A governor who has released their tax returns, like me (if I was ever asked to). A governor who has made mistakes and learned from them, like me. A governor who doesn’t have to pay someone to ‘do the math’ on issues because they are a math professor & can do it themselves, okay, decidedly *not* like me. I’m all in for Biss.
- Christopher - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
I plan on voting for JB Pritzker. Though I think that Chris Kennedy is a good man and has called out some problems that we face, his campaign just hasn’t coalesced. Therefore, I think that Pritzer has the best chance of defeating Rauner so Pritzker gets my vote.
- Armando Finicky - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
People are entitled to their opinions……but FDR was rich and did OK for people who weren’t rich. Come on, people.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:54 pm:
I’ve known JB for a long time and know he’s the real deal. I could give you about 50 reasons why I’m voting for him over Biss and Kennedy, but the most important is that he listens and is a masterful consensus builder. I’ve seen him up close get people in strong disagreement to work together for a common purpose.
People who dismiss him because he’s rich or who vote for him because he’s rich are missing the big picture. This is a great guy, honorable, relatable and an all-around mensch. I view him like Obi Wan Kenobi - he really is the only hope to turn our state around.
Oh, and everything 47 said above.
- TKMH - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:57 pm:
I plan on entering the voting booth, taking a deep breath, holding my nose, closing my eyes, and voting for JB Pritzker. He has become, ironically enough, the “least offensive” viable candidate for Governor.
Kennedy has run an abysmal campaign, and his erratic comments on the trail portend a poorly-run and chaotic administration. He expects to coast entirely on his last name, and his family treats Illinois as if it’s some backwater flyover state full of bumpkins, just because it isn’t Massachusetts.
Biss lost my vote during the Rosa debacle, when he decided to play footsie with the DSA wing of the party. His campaign rhetoric has not helped, and I fear a Biss administration will hamper much-needed economic growth in the state.
Following this race these past few months has been a joyless slog. If only Andy Manar or Kwame Raoul (or even Nancy Rotering!) had run, this would be a much more exciting and inspiring race.
Come November, no matter who wins, I will be proud to cast an ABB (Anyone But Bruce) vote.
- ILDemVoter - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:00 pm:
Kennedy because as a black voter, he comes off as most genuine in helping the community, will call out Berrios/Madigan and I believe has the best chance of beating Rauner come general, since once can draw a SHARP comparison, whereas Pritzker and Rauner have odd similarities. Pritzkers operation just seems like a money racket to be honest and the energy isn’t there. I encourage other AA’s to take a hard look at Kennedy over Pritzker as well. He also called Obama medicore which is a BIG turn-off.
- I'm voting for Biss - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:01 pm:
Biss is an easy choice for me, for experience, policy depth, and the willingness to push the envelope and tackle difficult problems.
I respect the fact that he’s been in the trenches trying to fix the state, even when it meant making unpopular choices.
I don’t like the precedent of one inexperienced billionaire following another, and I really don’t like the precedent of spending more money (especially inherited money) on a gubernatorial primary than on a general presidential election.
I worry about Madigan controlling Pritzker, who won’t know what he’s doing, and having even more power than he has now. I also worry about Pritzker’s electability vs. Rauner.
Kennedy is not qualified, and seems to ride largely on his family’s name.
- ugh... - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:02 pm:
Biss. He is a progressive through and through. He has taken a lot a flack for his pension reform vote, but here is the thing. The pension payment needs to be addressed, and he at least tried.
That growing pension payment is crowding out human services, its stopping our schools from being funded, its hurting universities and growth in southern Illinois, its hurting our cities and villages as their LGDF is cut.
Anyone that votes to continue the pension madness is prioritizing that over all these other progressive causes.
- dbk - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:03 pm:
I’m undecided between CK and JB. Both have strengths, both have flaws - amply noted by others already. Both their programs are sufficiently progressive, and both seem like decent men who genuinely care about their state and its citizens.
JB’s got the money to go up against Rauner, and he’s used that money well to put in place field offices esp. downstate. That’s good. Plus he has long experience in IL Dem politics - that, of course, could play out either way.
CK has not run a tight/organized/focused campaign. That’s bad, and it worries me a bit about his admin if elected - would he be disorganized as gov? That seems a distinct possibility.
OTOH, in contrast with others, I have appreciated his bluntness and straight-from-the-heart talk - and I’ve agreed with most of the contents, too. Is he a courageous man? I think he might be, if tested. He is shy and not so charismatic in some election settings, so it’s hard to gauge how he’d react in crises.
- Angel's Sword - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:04 pm:
I’m voting for Pritzker more as the result of a process of elimination than anything else. I would never consider voting for Biss because he’s a flip-flopper, and his role in the attempts to gut the pension system disgusts me. Between Pritzker and Kennedy I was undecided for a long time, but Pritzker put together a more comprehensive and detailed platform while Kennedy is more vague in a lot of areas.
I will say that while I was a reluctant Pritzker supporter at first, I’ve warmed up to him some as the campaign has progressed. I now have moderately high hopes for his tenure. If he gets a sizeable hike in the minimum wage and a state income tax implemented he’ll have been a good governor in my opinion.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:05 pm:
Kennedy. The only candidate who seems to point out what is wrong with the system
- James - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:06 pm:
JB Pritzker.
Agree with 47th, Honeybear, JoanP, et.al.
He has the money to compete with and beat Rauner.
Policywise, he’s a solid Democrat.
In presenting himself, he is clear, confident, humble, and consistent.
- anon - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:13 pm:
Kennedy has the best chance against Bruce, Pritzker has the money but it comes with too much baggage
- Red fish blue fish - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:16 pm:
I will proudly vote for Kennedy.
I’ll admit he’s had his stumbles in the past year. I was confused and frustrated when he praised Rauner for example.
However, throughout his campaign, I have never questioned Kennedy’s integrity or commitment to middle and working classes. He didn’t get many union endorsements, but I know that Rauner’s “right to work” platform makes Kennedy’s blood boil. Chris comes off as a man of deep conviction– to the importance of family, the need for opportunity, the value of dignity, and the belief that with a little compassion and integrity Illinois can become the best state in the union.
Kennedy may not be perfect, but he is the best candidate to defeat Bruce Rauner and go on to lead our state with competence, compassion, and integrity.
- Experience please - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:16 pm:
Daniel Biss. I want my governor to know what he’s doing in Springfield.
- Lefty Lefty - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:20 pm:
Many of you said supported your candidates well here. I still don’t know who I’m voting for (in the Democratic primary). Judging from the responses, all of the votes are going to matter this time too. The margin of victory could be very small.
I appreciate the comments about the character of the 3 leading candidates. No one is perfect after all. I’d hate for Biss to turn out to be a waffler. I’d hate for Kennedy’s inexperience to result in another 4 years of ineffective governing. I’d hate for Pritzker to be another rich guy buying a political office. But the comments from the Pritzker’s supporters here have me leaning his way.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:22 pm:
I am voting for Ives. Want Rauner out and would be so great to see look on his face. Also have down ballot judges I want
I fully expect a Democrat to win in November. Always thought Kennedy would be good but I think entrenched politicians would eat him alive. Biss is becoming more and more disappointing so in general I would go with JB and hope his money helps him build a coalition to get something good done
- Pundent - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:23 pm:
Pritzker. He’s the candidate that Rauner clearly fears the most.
- RoscoeRatMatt - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:27 pm:
As a state employee, Biss would NEVER have my vote. That I got into a heated debate with a member of his campaign on just how he’d “come to his senses” post-pension vote only solidified my low opinion of him.
As a millennial, Kennedy would seem the obvious choice. But his weak stance on marijuana legalization, among his many foibles I’ve read about here, has turned me off of his candidacy completely.
At this point, it’s JB or bust. He’s well-funded and the most capable candidate in the general. It’s an absolute necessity that we be rid of Rauner in the fall.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:29 pm:
Bruce Rauner. Needs to stay on script and not ad-lib. Has walked back enough ad-lib comments to wear out a dozen fitbits since the great failed experiment with the Illinois Policy Institute of last summer.
Needs to also continue to out-stubborn the perpetually stubborn Speaker of the House.
It’s time someone did it, and so far he has, and I don’t see Ives, Pritzker, Kennedy or Biss up to the task.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:31 pm:
Kennedy Kennedy
- Truthteller - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:31 pm:
I’m voting for Pritzker. The overriding priority is to beat Rauner.
While Rauner’s chances of winning are slim, it’s possible his money could overwhelm an opponent .
He couldn’t do that to Pritzker who can match him dollar for dollar.
Kennedy and Biss have given me no reason to want to take a chance on them.
Beating Rauner is the number one priority and with enough money on our side, Rauner will be a one-termer.
- Hank - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:32 pm:
Jb is someone I can’t trust. He is a corrupt person and even racist. Biss I would be ok with but isn’t a strong message. Which leaves me with
Chris Kennedy
- Molly Maguire - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:33 pm:
Biss: Actual relevant experience in government. Proven ability to work with others to get things done. Willingness to compromise is a strength, not a weakness. All Dems have almost identical platforms, so this experience is the key.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:34 pm:
Just look at the last pool Kennedy is surging. He has most integrity. And his anti establishment campaign is exactly what this state need
I am proudly voting Kennedy
- Fat guy - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:36 pm:
Hmmmmm…. Kennedy. I want corruption gone.
Kennedy sees the mistakes. The others and to loyal to madigam
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:39 pm:
Kennedy is the peoples candidate. Nothing else said
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:43 pm:
Pritzker is the real deal, and he can self fund against Rauner. This frees up funds to counter well funded plutocrat attacks against Democratic house and senate candidates. The people need to first counter Citizns United, then get money out of politics, so regular people can run and have a chance to get their message out, Pritzker is not only and outstanding candidate in his own right, he counters the Koch Brothers preferred candidate, Rauner.
- Chicagoan - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:44 pm:
The only reason why I voted Kennedy is cause I can’t trust the other 2.
- Politics - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:48 pm:
@chicagoan
The only reason. Look my vote goes to Kennedy cause I read his policies and agree with them. There can’t be just one reason but agree that Kennedy is our candidate to succeed.
- Tapwater - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:51 pm:
Early voted for Kennedy. His campaign in the early months of this race wasnt very organized. However, for the past 5 months I think hes gotten his head in the game. Plus, love all the calling out of Rham, Madigan, and Berrios. He isnt afraid of a fight against his own party unlike JB. Also, Ra Joy (Lt. Governor) great speaker met him twice and spoke to him very connected to the people. However, will support whoever wins primary Rauner needs to go.
- Champaign of Beers - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 5:56 pm:
Kennedy.
Because Democrats finally have a chance to chart a new course. Because he actually has a grasp of the issues. Because in ed-board meetings, he didn’t fall back on rehearsed talking points. He engaged, he fought for his ideals and he stood up against the wrongs in his own party. That inspires confidence that he’ll do the same in office.
JB has the money. I get why the party establishment sorely wants his backing against Rauner. But I honestly can’t tell you anything about his convictions, his courage or his heart. It doesn’t come through… or maybe it just hides behind a really well paid, but generally boring campaign message.
Fighting for Kennedy, even without all of JB’s money, will ultimately be better for the long term viability of the Democratic Party than to surrender to the inevitability of the battle of the billionaires. We all lose that battle in the end, and Democrats shouldn’t be the ones to allow Rauner’s big money playbook to win the day. We can beat him without BEING him.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:00 pm:
Casting my first vote against the “Worst Republican Governor in America”, and the Worst Governor in Illinois History, and the guy who single-handedly reduced every GOP belief and idea into a farce.
Rauner is proof that winning with the wrong guy is worse than losing an election.
- Bobio - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:01 pm:
Got to go with Kennedy. He seems to be independent minded and not a slickster.
I admire Biss’s campaign but the Northshore liberals give me the jitters.
Nothing against Pritzker but I feel he is being played for his money. I worry the media keeping him in to spend his millions but weAK enough to be beat. I worry about more tapes.
If Kennedy wins the primary, he could go on vacation till December and come back to govern.
- Gooner - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:13 pm:
Still undecided. I’m leaning Biss, but it could still be J.B. I haven’t ruled out Kennedy, but that is doubtful.
In all honesty, I may just do what the Committeeman suggests. If he believes one of the three is better for the ward, I will take that seriously.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:20 pm:
@gooner
I would vote Kennedy. He is willing to fight corrupt party members for our values
- not alex jones - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:23 pm:
I’m voting for Ives because she is the only candidate talking about the fact that the twin towers came down in a controlled demolition and they produced chem trails which pointed towards, you guessed it, Kenya, the birthplace of barack husain obamacare which is also the largest fluoride producer in the world and also the only country which mines for Jack Rubies which were also used in the CIA’s MK ultra program that was a false flag program against the moon which we never landed on because we’d have to launch not only up but over the flat earth and we all know the only way to walk off of the flat earth is through the pizza gate. Also, I like her stance on cross dressers.
- CrazyHorse - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:29 pm:
In the primary it’s Kennedy. I don’t have any strong reasoning but on the issues important to me he has satisfactory plans and I just like him better than the other two Dems.
I’m not excited about Kennedy but he’ll be a big upgrade from Rauner. Then again, I could probably randomly pick a person in the shopping mall and they’d have about a 97.8% chance of being an upgrade from Rauner.
- LakeCountyGuy - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:40 pm:
I was a part of the 21st Century Democrats and personally met JB a number of times at various meetings of this group back in the 90s. He was always very sincere, down-to-earth and encouraging, and had sense of vision to make a positive difference. I have not spoken to JB for many years now yet I fondly remember this period of time. I am presently a publicly elected officeholder in Lake County, Illinois and am on the March 20th ballot running as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman. I am supporting and will be voting for JB.
- Bobio - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:43 pm:
I know this is not qod topical but I’m wondering if anyone is monitoring this il primary. The Ag is outgoing and vested, so probably is the States Attorney.I m not casting aspersions just wondering. Is there a way to monitor soft money or paying political help. Precinct Captains are few and far between so how will the machine get out the vote.
- Streamwood Retiree - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:52 pm:
Pritzker because he seems to have ideas and has union backing. I first was for Kennedy but he says he wants to go to Springfield and fight Madigan. I’m sick of fighting and want to see solutions, not four more years of fighting. Will never vote for Biss because although I am not a state retiree, I am a retiree and won’t vote for anyone who cheats any other retiree.
- Val - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:55 pm:
I am supporting Bruce Rauner for governor. It seems like he hasn’t done much in office, but I think that is mostly due to the influence and power Mike Madigan has over the Illinois legislature. The taxes in Illinois are ridiculously high and Rauner is the only one fighting to lower them so living in Illinois can continue to be accessible to the middle class.
- hexagon - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 8:01 pm:
All I want, politically, is Rauner gone due to his wanton destruction of the state’s finances, universities, and social services. He’s so bad, he’s making me like Madigan for standing up to Rauner.
I even considered voting Ives just to spite Rauner, but her reprehensible ad stopped me.
I voted Biss because I’d like a gov. with governing exp. and who is not purchasing the office. That said, if kennedy or JB wins the nomination I’ll vote for either of them with glee because Rauner.
- SaulGoodman - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 8:17 pm:
Biss. Without question.
Daniel has come a long way. I’ve seen him learn and grow. I’ve seen him own his mistakes (especially on pensions) long before he was running for governor. He is smart and thoughtful and truly cares about doing what’s right AND what is needed.
He has been an excellent Legislator - and experience should matter. I wouldn’t let a billionaire that bought the hospital performance surgery on me. I don’t want the billionaire who night the governor’s mansion to run the state.
But he’s also legitimately a good person. He cares about people. He cares about this state. He has earned my respect and my support.
But, also, I refuse to buy into the argument that we need to fight their billionaire with our billionaire. It’s dangerous for our party. And it’s dangerous for our state. We have Biss a with real experience in state government and policy. And we have two guys with inherited wealth and name, and no experience in government. We can do better than that.
#BissPleass
- Patrickincary - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 8:27 pm:
Kennedy. I had been Planning to vote for J.B., but now think it likely there are more “tapes” that don’t really position him well to defeat Rauner
- thornwood - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 8:45 pm:
JB. Blago was the one doing all of the incriminating talking on those tapes ten years ago. JB was playing along with him like i play along with my nitwit boss.
JB has the money to beat bvr. if bvr is re-elected it will be four more years of stalemate and our already low bond ratings will plummet.
CK has no coherent plan. we need money from taxing weed and he is the only D against it. i think CK could be worse than bvr. i don’t think he has any relevant experience. he is no bobby or ted or jack.
- al - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:11 pm:
I early voted for Biss. I don’t have a good reason really. I don’t like JB and I had a bad impression with Kennedy.
I attended the DuPage Dems gala last year and candidates for Governor where there. All of them where greeting folks and taking pictures with them at the beginning of the event. Kennedy seemed rushed and very disheveled. His shirt was untucked and he was just all over the place. When it came time for the candidates to speak he was no where to be found when they called him up. He was given 10 minutes to make it up to the podium but it turned out he had already left the event.
Long story short Kennedy left me with a very bad impression and I haven’t been able to shake it. My decision ended up coming down to not liking Kennedy because of that Gala impression and I just don’t like JB.
At the end of the day, I’m overall disappointed with the candidates. I really wish there was a different mix.
- Trump will lose - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:20 pm:
A good old 3 way race in the democratic primary
- downstate commissioner - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:33 pm:
Ives, then whoever the dems put up, hopefully JB. Strong member of the ABR club…
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:36 pm:
Ives because she’s the smartest one and has the most “testicular fortitude” out of all the candidates. And she’s not constantly lying in her ads.
- Southwest Burbs - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:43 pm:
Chris Kennedy, because.. “ Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say, why not?”
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:44 pm:
Bliss is the pompous teacher who wouldn’t grade on the curve and whose class no one really wanted to take; Kennedy looks and sometimes acts like a Monty Python Upper Class Twit of The Year candidate (sorry don’t have the computer wherewithal to do a link, see earlier post about geezers); JB is the Pillsbury Doughboy - in more ways than one. On the 20th looking towards November looks like I’ll be going for JB.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:52 pm:
Pritzker is a bad candidate.
Biss is a good candidate.
Kennedy is the best candidate.
Looks like I will vote Kennedy
- Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 9:57 pm:
If the CapFax is an indicator. Rauner isnt going to be reelected.
- Pollster - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:10 pm:
So I counted up the people who said they were voting in the Democratic primary (with myself voting for Biss) and so the results of the first very scientific CapitolFax poll is in:
Pritzker 37.5, Kennedy 31.25, Biss 17.5, Undecided 13.75
So then I took all the undecided people and split them between who they were considering (a third each if completely undecided, a half each if deciding between two candidates):
Pritzker 43.34, Kennedy, 35.21, Biss 21.45
- ILLANOYED - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:22 pm:
Rauner - the only one who has (or will) stand up to Madigan and state unions. The only one who really understands how bad the state fiscal situation is and has tried to do real fiscal reform - less successfully than folks want (but more actively than any other has)
- Robert - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:22 pm:
If pritzker wins I wonder how many of the democratic voters who voted for Kennedy and biss will vote against him.
- AaronMac - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:37 pm:
Pritzker. He will lead this state forward.
- justacitizen - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:04 pm:
Rauner. I like his stance against Madigan. I hate his support of pro choice. But Ives couldn’t beat the Dem candidate for governor.
- James R. Anderson - Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:04 pm:
I voted for Bob Daiber because I’m working for his campaign - but the reason I agreed to work for his campaign is that he’s a decent man who cares about people - especially regular people, working people. He doesn’t have to hide who he is. He has experience in government. If he had a mere $2 million he’d win this thing. He’s what everyone always says they want.
- VillageLady - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 8:08 am:
Daiber — Is in the race for all the right reasons. He is the person we need in Springfield.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 8:30 am:
There are too many local Republican races for me to pull a D ballot. So it’s Ives. She might be pretty far to the right for my liking, but she’s not wrong about Rauner. He is the worst.
- Truth Squad - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 9:07 am:
Eight months ago, I never would have said this, but:
Rauner.
His breakup with the Proft nutball wing of the party is reassuring, and he’s done a poor job in many regards, but is still a better option for change than any other candidate in the field.
- Bootleg Carhartt Designer - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 9:08 am:
It’s JB for me. I like what he has done for early childhood education and school breakfasts. He did not respond to Rauner’s classeless bashing after he bailed out Diana’s Ounce. He has been building a party infrastructure throughout the state. And JB ran a positive campaign until he was attacked by Biss and Kennedy and he had to respond.
- Iggy - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 9:14 am:
=If the CapFax is an indicator. Rauner isnt going to be reelected.=
it isnt… lol. Same group of people that believed Rauner had no organized ground game. look what happened there. yeesh.
- 47 - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 9:40 am:
Voted Pawar
- Anonymous - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 11:03 am:
I’m voting for Biss because he’s
-experienced
-progressive
-not uber-rich (basically, concerned about things other than money)
- Lucky than Good - Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
Not party affiliated and vote based on issues and positions.
I believe the most important issue facing me personally and the state of Illinois as a whole is the scorched earth policies of our current governor. I will be voting for whoever isn’t BVR. At this point, I believe our best bet is JB. He has the best shot of beating BVR. I believe he will be able to make deals and get stuff done. I would like to see Causation get passed at some point but am not willing to endure another 4 years of Mr. Scorched Earth to get it.
- Douglas - Friday, Mar 9, 18 @ 9:32 am:
I’m voting for Ives because, in 3 terms as a State Rep, she has a perfect voting record of supporting the taxpayer.
She is a West Point grad, majored in Economics. She was an Army Captain. Her whole life has been about leadership, and service.
She is the Governor Illinois needs to pull us out of this death spiral of lowered credit ratings, and exodus of businesses and taxpayers.