After 10 years in Congress, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) announced Friday that she will not run for reelection in 2022.
“Today, I’m announcing I will not seek reelection after completing this term,” Bustos said in a video statement first obtained by HuffPost. “It will be a new decade, and I feel it’s time for a new voice.”
It’s not clear what Bustos plans to do next.
In an interview on Friday, Bustos told HuffPost that nothing in particular was driving her decision to go. She said she tends to make big changes every 10 years ― she worked as a reporter and then an editor for about two decades, and then in health care for 10 years ― and felt it was time for another shift.
We see this a lot right before remap elections. Making matters more difficult for Bustos was that she barely won her last reelection campaign and the remap is gonna be tough for her.
The following statement is from Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, thanking Congresswoman Cheri Bustos for her decade of service in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“There’s no better champion for Illinoisans than Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. Cheri has championed causes for Illinois workers, families, and farmers for a decade in Congress and I know she will continue to be a strong advocate for our state wherever her next chapter leads her. This is a big loss for the Illinois Congressional delegation, but we cannot thank Cheri enough for her countless contributions to our state.”
Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) announced she would not be running for re-election:
“Representative Bustos has served as, and will continue to serve as, an excellent representative for her community—she’s a hard worker who listens to her constituents, delivers tangible legislative wins for working families and provides stellar constituent service. I’ve enjoyed working with her on critical issues facing our state, such as supporting the Rock Island Arsenal and the agricultural community, protecting roadside first responders and making sure that National Guard troops receive the pay they earned. I have no doubt she will continue to get results for her district over the remainder of her term. I thank her for her leadership and know that we will miss her voice in the next Congress even as I am confident that she will continue to serve the Illinois community in the years to come.”
IDCCA…
Today Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL 17th) announced her intention to not seek reelection in 2022. IDCCA President Kristina Zahorik released the following statement:
“Cheri Bustos is a genuine and caring person. Her commitment to her district is unparalleled, particularly to the hard-working middle class and rural communities. The “Cheri on Shift” program showed she was willing to roll up her sleeves and walk a mile in her constituents’ shoes. On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs, I would like to personally thank Cheri for her service and commitment to Illinois.”
“I also applaud her early drive to train the next generation of Democrats through her Build the Bench series. The IDCCA was proud to partner with her. Build the Bench trained hundreds of Democratic candidates who have gone on to be elected throughout Illinois. We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to seeing what she has in store next.”
Sen. Durbin…
Following is a statement from Sen. Dick Durbin in response to U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos’ announcement that she would be retiring as Representative of the 17th Congressional District:
“When Cheri Bustos called last night to tell me her decision, I knew we were losing one of our best. She is honest, effective, and part of the new wave of women changing Washington.
“And for Loretta and me, her departure is personal. We have known her all of her life and we were proud to help launch her political career.
“Whatever her next choice in life, we know she will be a positive force for change.”
BFC…
Today, IWIL Training Academy President Barbara Flynn Currie released the following statement on the retirement of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IWIL Class of 2006) at the end of her current term in Congress.
“This past Wednesday, Americans witnessed a historic moment as the first woman Vice President and first woman Speaker of the House stood behind the President of the United States during an address to Congress. Without the tireless leadership of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, that moment would not have been possible. She is a shining example of the hope and possibility we believe exists in all of our alumnae. Congresswoman Bustos has made the supporters who make our program possible and the enormous community in our state who fights to level the playing field for women in public life very proud.
Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy congratulates her on her service to this country and to the people of Illinois’ 17th District. We look forward to following Congresswoman Bustos as she embarks on the newest chapter in her life of service when she completes her term in 2023.”
Comptroller Mendoza…
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos leaves on top after a decade representing northwest Illinois. I had the honor of serving with Representative Bustos on the Anti-Harassment, Equality, and Access Panel and her insights and leadership were invaluable. Of course her colleagues chose her to lead their re-election efforts in the last cycle because she has won their trust and admiration. Wherever she goes next, I’m sure she will continue to make Illinois proud. Thank you for your decade of dedicated service to Illinois!
You draw her old seat “red”… make Kinzinger’s seat far more “blue”?
Still keeps that neat 13/4 ratio…
- Almost the weekend - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 11:52 am:
Botched her chance at leadership last cycle and took her congressional district for granted. Factor in having to work a new and more conservative district. Transition to the private sector. Be very interesting to see who comes out for this open seat.
- Scott Cross for President - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:04 pm:
Thank you, Congresswoman Bustos.
You fought the good fight against Donald Trump for four years. And we need your energy for the remaining 20-months of your term to deliver roads, bridges, broadband and infrastructure to rural IL.
Congressional pension is a pension made available to members of the United States Congress. As of 2019, members who participated in the congressional pension system are vested after five years of service. A full pension is available to members 62 years of age with 5 years of service; 50 years or older with 20 years of service; or 25 years of service at any age. A reduced pension is available depending upon which of several different age/service options is chosen. If Members leave Congress before reaching retirement age, they may leave their contributions behind and receive a deferred pension later.[1] The current pension program, effective January 1987, is under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which covers members and other federal employees whose federal employment began in 1984 or later. This replaces the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for most members of congress and federal employees.
Rep. Bustos will be greatly missed. She represented the rural, small town, farmer, working class Democrats, not the urban Progressives. We need more like her, not less. I wish she was staying, but…I now look forward to seeing what her next decade brings.
==* help Kinzinger by heading WAY more west but then try to offset that red given to Kinzinger by heading deeper and more pointed to “blue” areas south.==
That would likely include Chambana and BloNo–much of those areas were in Kinzinger’s 11th during his first term. Maybe the south side of Peoria too (the area in the current 17th) too.
===Why would the Dems eliminate a Dem district?===
Because the trend is not their friend. The Democratic map will probably make 3 burning red districts, 3 swing districts, and 11 blue districts. This makes their job a lot easier.
Before I moved into her district I never thought much of Bustos. Then I saw how she worked her district. She was impressive. I was also impressed with her legislative efforts.
Compare her to Derwood LaHood, yikes. He is as empty as a living human can possibly be.
If the Dems think they can’t keep 17, then the Dem parts can be used to shore up others. Rockford goes to 14, Peoria adds to 13 and they both become presumed Dem wins. 17 and 18 merge, and all the R districts get large swaths of rural area to balance out the population.
But really glad the mapmakers don’t have to worry about trying to save her seat anymore. The trends are not Dems friends when it comes to keeping a Northwestern Illinois district in the Dem column.
Would love an I-74 Central Illinois seat that scoops up Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, and Peoria.
Does Underwood’s district now move west, include Boone and Winnebago counites, including all of the city of Rockford to make Underwood more solid, plus force competitors to compete in at least two media markets?
All this talk of “districts” getting eliminated completely misses the mark of what really happens during redistricting. The entire state is a blank slate to meet the legal requirements and then political goals of those drawing. Past district lines are irrelevant.
Cheri should run for Governor (or Lt Governor even). Would love to have another option on the table over JB. It’s well past due that we get some reasonable options on the ballot.
Just want to add that the Rock Island county dsm chairman this week announced he won’t run for another term as the head of the county party. I’m not saying he’s running for the seat but that something is going on with local politics and the party around here
You really think the House will be 13-4? As usual Dems can’t ever lose in your mind
I would hate to be running as a moderate Dem in a swing district next midterm defending the largest expansion of the Federal government in US history with 4 trillion is extra spending that will not be paid for by just the millionaires and billionaires
If it’s Ives and Oberweis types running with a Dem map…
Are you so blinded that the recruiting has been atrocious
I mean, look at who has lined up to run against Kinzinger in a primary. The lot of them aren’t close to grasping what it might take to win in a competitive district.
=== I would hate to be running as a moderate Dem in a swing district next midterm defending the largest expansion of the Federal government in US history with 4 trillion is extra spending that will not be paid for by just the millionaires and billionaires===
While Biden is polling above 50%, the policies and the rhetoric is polling well in the 60% area.
This is Illinois, not Alabama.
Tell me more about Mary Miller types that will win in competitive districts too…
It’s not that Dems can’t lose. They certainly can. It’s that Republicans in Illinois don’t know how to win particularly in the collar counties but certainly statewide. Blame lousy candidates for that.
- AD - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 11:49 am:
Senator Bustos?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 11:51 am:
You draw her old seat “red”… make Kinzinger’s seat far more “blue”?
Still keeps that neat 13/4 ratio…
- Almost the weekend - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 11:52 am:
Botched her chance at leadership last cycle and took her congressional district for granted. Factor in having to work a new and more conservative district. Transition to the private sector. Be very interesting to see who comes out for this open seat.
- DuPage - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
10 years. Is that enough for the pension?
- Dan Johnson - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:02 pm:
What a bummer. She was great.
- Central Illinois Centrist - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:03 pm:
Would think this could be good for Kinzinger, no?
- Scott Cross for President - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:04 pm:
Thank you, Congresswoman Bustos.
You fought the good fight against Donald Trump for four years. And we need your energy for the remaining 20-months of your term to deliver roads, bridges, broadband and infrastructure to rural IL.
Looking forward to your next chapter.
- 10th Ward - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:05 pm:
Congressional pension is a pension made available to members of the United States Congress. As of 2019, members who participated in the congressional pension system are vested after five years of service. A full pension is available to members 62 years of age with 5 years of service; 50 years or older with 20 years of service; or 25 years of service at any age. A reduced pension is available depending upon which of several different age/service options is chosen. If Members leave Congress before reaching retirement age, they may leave their contributions behind and receive a deferred pension later.[1] The current pension program, effective January 1987, is under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which covers members and other federal employees whose federal employment began in 1984 or later. This replaces the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for most members of congress and federal employees.
- McGuppin - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:05 pm:
One of the best….
Thanks Cong. Bustos, for your decade of service!
- City Guy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:07 pm:
Too bad. I always respected her.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:07 pm:
=== Would think this could be good for Kinzinger, no?===
They can…
* make Kinzinger’s district “blue”, trade a fading Bustos district and make it lean “red”
* help Kinzinger by heading WAY more west but then try to offset that red given to Kinzinger by heading deeper and more pointed to “blue” areas south.
Swapping districts is an easier fix(?)
It’ll be interesting, can’t see Dems saying… “meh, we have 13 now, making 12 districts isn’t all that bad”
Nope.
- Rabid - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:07 pm:
Jesses replacement
- Suburbanon - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:09 pm:
Rep. Bustos will be greatly missed. She represented the rural, small town, farmer, working class Democrats, not the urban Progressives. We need more like her, not less. I wish she was staying, but…I now look forward to seeing what her next decade brings.
- Soapbox Derby - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:11 pm:
In a year where Biden won by over seven million votes, she almost lost the House as DCCC Chair.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
==* help Kinzinger by heading WAY more west but then try to offset that red given to Kinzinger by heading deeper and more pointed to “blue” areas south.==
That would likely include Chambana and BloNo–much of those areas were in Kinzinger’s 11th during his first term. Maybe the south side of Peoria too (the area in the current 17th) too.
- papak - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:17 pm:
this is probably the eliminated district, most of the turf around her is safe red maybe the old Rockford centered 16th come back?
- Candy Dogood - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:17 pm:
This is the right way to let everyone know there is going to be an open seat — giving people plenty of time to organize a primary campaign is ideal.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:23 pm:
=== this is probably the eliminated district===
Why would it make more sense than to eliminate Mary Miller’s district?
- Rich Miller - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:24 pm:
===Jesses replacement ===
lol
Yeah, because the governor is gonna appoint a Durbin person.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:25 pm:
===this is probably the eliminated district,===
Why would the Dems eliminate a Dem district?
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:40 pm:
===Why would the Dems eliminate a Dem district?===
Because the trend is not their friend. The Democratic map will probably make 3 burning red districts, 3 swing districts, and 11 blue districts. This makes their job a lot easier.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:40 pm:
=== The Democratic map will probably make 3 burning red districts, 3 swing districts, and 11 blue districts.===
Explain the Voters Rights Act.
Thanks.
- JS Mill - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:42 pm:
Before I moved into her district I never thought much of Bustos. Then I saw how she worked her district. She was impressive. I was also impressed with her legislative efforts.
Compare her to Derwood LaHood, yikes. He is as empty as a living human can possibly be.
- Anyone Remember - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:45 pm:
===… she almost lost the House as DCCC Chair.===
Butos didn’t say “defund the police.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cedric-richmond-defund-the-police-democrats-house-seats-election-face-the-nation/
- Jibba - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:49 pm:
If the Dems think they can’t keep 17, then the Dem parts can be used to shore up others. Rockford goes to 14, Peoria adds to 13 and they both become presumed Dem wins. 17 and 18 merge, and all the R districts get large swaths of rural area to balance out the population.
- Third Reading - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 12:57 pm:
I saw IL Politico tweeted this and it made me immediately believe that Bustos was in fact announcing a re-election bid.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:01 pm:
Best of luck, Cheri.
But really glad the mapmakers don’t have to worry about trying to save her seat anymore. The trends are not Dems friends when it comes to keeping a Northwestern Illinois district in the Dem column.
Would love an I-74 Central Illinois seat that scoops up Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, and Peoria.
- Goliath Slayer - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:14 pm:
I wonder if John Schweppe will come back and run for the seat? I remember lots of people wanted him to run in the 71st district back in 2014
- John Lopez - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:15 pm:
Does Underwood’s district now move west, include Boone and Winnebago counites, including all of the city of Rockford to make Underwood more solid, plus force competitors to compete in at least two media markets?
- Soapbox Derby - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:40 pm:
== anyone remember ==
Well if Cedric Richmond says it . . .
- dirksen - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:44 pm:
All this talk of “districts” getting eliminated completely misses the mark of what really happens during redistricting. The entire state is a blank slate to meet the legal requirements and then political goals of those drawing. Past district lines are irrelevant.
- ;) - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 1:45 pm:
Cheri should run for Governor (or Lt Governor even). Would love to have another option on the table over JB. It’s well past due that we get some reasonable options on the ballot.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:06 pm:
“Explain the Voters Rights Act.”
Why? Did I infer something about racial gerrymandering? With the Supreme Court to the right, it is open season for gerrymandering.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:09 pm:
=== Why? Did I infer something about racial gerrymandering?===
You only see 11 seats as safe, given the makeup now of the collars especially?
That’s all. Nothing more.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:11 pm:
Yes. 11 might be a stretch. You know how bad midterms can be for Democrats. My gosh, Oberweis almost won.
- QCman - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:16 pm:
Just want to add that the Rock Island county dsm chairman this week announced he won’t run for another term as the head of the county party. I’m not saying he’s running for the seat but that something is going on with local politics and the party around here
- Lindenhurst - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:18 pm:
In terms of potential replacements my 17 goes into lasalle so Yednock could be a threat, also Gordon booth could run
- jimbo - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:21 pm:
~~Because the trend is not their friend~~
Huh? Have I missed something? Because from where I sit, the ILGOP has utterly lost the collar counties over the last 30 years.
Has a bunch of farmland turned redder? Sure. But farmland doesn’t vote.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:23 pm:
You really think the House will be 13-4? As usual Dems can’t ever lose in your mind
I would hate to be running as a moderate Dem in a swing district next midterm defending the largest expansion of the Federal government in US history with 4 trillion is extra spending that will not be paid for by just the millionaires and billionaires
- Fred Frankville - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:31 pm:
= I wonder if John Schweppe will come back and run for the seat? I remember lots of people wanted him to run in the 71st district back in 2014 =
I’ve heard this too, but I think Morthlander edged him out and made him scared to run.
I bet he would seriously consider it this time if he can get the donors lined up.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:38 pm:
=== As usual Dems can’t ever lose in your mind===
Show me the candidates.
If it’s Ives and Oberweis types running with a Dem map…
Are you so blinded that the recruiting has been atrocious
I mean, look at who has lined up to run against Kinzinger in a primary. The lot of them aren’t close to grasping what it might take to win in a competitive district.
=== I would hate to be running as a moderate Dem in a swing district next midterm defending the largest expansion of the Federal government in US history with 4 trillion is extra spending that will not be paid for by just the millionaires and billionaires===
While Biden is polling above 50%, the policies and the rhetoric is polling well in the 60% area.
This is Illinois, not Alabama.
Tell me more about Mary Miller types that will win in competitive districts too…
- Pundent - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 2:44 pm:
=As usual Dems can’t ever lose in your mind=
It’s not that Dems can’t lose. They certainly can. It’s that Republicans in Illinois don’t know how to win particularly in the collar counties but certainly statewide. Blame lousy candidates for that.
- Perplexed - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 3:25 pm:
Rep. Bustos can’t possibly hold any statewide office because, according to her, she cannot be expected to tell the truth outside the 17th District./s
Eric Zorn explained what he called her bogus “I didn’t really mean it and since I didn’t say it to voters it wasn’t a promise” excuse: https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-bustos-busted-oped-zorn-0924-20140923-column.html
- Anonymous - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 3:51 pm:
Esther Joy King is due. Second time a charm.
- Graduated College Student - Friday, Apr 30, 21 @ 3:56 pm:
Bustos taking the DCCC chair pretty much ended her career. Wow.