* Hannah Meisel has a really good tracker of Illinois Democrats who have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s her list as of 7:45 pm…
US Reps. Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Delia Ramirez, Chuy García,
Sean Casten, Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider, Bill Foster, Mike Quigley and Nikki Budzinski, plus Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Hannah links to every statement, so again click here.
* Gov. JB Pritzker has not yet taken a position. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and NC Gov. Roy Cooper have already endorsed Harris. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will apparently endorse her Monday.
* US Rep. Eric Sorensen, who called on Biden to step aside, has not yet endorsed anyone.
* Neither US Senator from Illinois has yet endorsed Harris.
* State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) reached out to tell me he is backing Harris.
…Adding… Reuters…
All 50 Democratic party state chairs have thrown their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s new presidential nominee, according to sources familiar with the matter. [See update below.]
…Adding… Illinois AG Kwame Raoul has endorsed VP Harris…
…Adding… That Reuters story above is incorrect. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez just told me that she abstained.
I asked why. Still waiting on a response. But the governor hasn’t endorsed Harris either and he backed Hernandez for chair.
…Adding… Crain’s…
Soon after, the Democratic Party of Illinois emailed delegates with a statement issued by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, a Pritzker ally who chairs the state party and secured the position with his backing, to “use as messaging guidance.”
“Our recommendation is that you hold tight and outside of thanking Biden for his service, you hold back from reacting publicly at this time,” the email said. “If needed, please refer to our statement.”
…Adding… Widespread rumors that Gov. Pritzker will make a statement tomorrow. “Tomorrow morning will be less than 24 hours, and it is perfectly acceptable for everyone to take a beat,” says a top Pritzker insider.
…Adding… Tribune…
State Rep. La Shawn Ford, a convention delegate from Chicago’s West Side, said he believed Harris was in the best position to give Trump “the greatest challenge in such a short time.” He also said he wanted to see Pritzker as her running mate. […]
State Rep. Theresa Mah, another convention delegate from Chicago, pointed to a statement from the Asian American Caucus, a group of elected officials from different levels of government in the state that she belongs to, and its endorsement of Harris, saying it’s “time to rally together” to “elect our first Black, Asian and woman President!”
Another delegate, former Democratic state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, of Chicago’s South Side, also said she supports Harris to be president since she’s spent the last three and a half years in the executive branch and has the “intellect and the stamina” to bring in younger voters and is “the best advocate and spokesperson” on abortion rights.
“Speaking as not only a delegate but as a Black woman, I feel that she’s deserved the opportunity to take on the Trumpsters,” Collins said. “But I believe that as many know by now that Black women, really, they are the foundation of the Democratic party, and I think it’s going to energize a whole segment of individuals, Democrats who might have felt that they were going to sit it out.”
The Asian American Caucus’ members list is here.
…Adding… No mention of Harris in State Rep. Anna Moeller’s statement…
President Biden has once again proven what true leadership is. His decision to step down from the presidential race exemplifies his profound commitment to the well-being of the nation. This cannot have been an easy decision for anyone. But he did what he knew was best for the people of this great country. This pivotal moment is a testament to President Biden’s dedication to democratic principles and the greater good, and it fills me with hope and optimism for the future.
His selfless act paves the way for fresh leadership and new ideas, ensuring that the party remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of the American people. This is an exciting time for our country as we pick a leader that can inspire; a leader who can unite; a leader who believes in the rule of law; and a leader that upholds a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking America. I am truly energized as we go into the next few weeks. Our nominee will be the option our country needs as we choose between civility and, of course, the unthinkable. Our future is bright.
…Adding… Sun-Times…
It’s noteworthy that Pritzker, Democratic leaders overseeing the Illinois General Assembly and the state Democratic Party did not jump on the Harris bandwagon in their statements. […]
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, were in lockstep with the Harris omission, instead focusing on Biden’s leadership and selflessness.
