Question of the day
Monday, Aug 19, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* US Sen. Tammy Duckworth was asked today what she thought about Gov. JB Pritzker running for a third term. He’s said in recent days that the decision was kinda up to his wife, MK. Here’s what Duckworth said…
I think would be great if he’d run again. Remember that we’ve had six balanced budgets and nine credit upgrades under this governor. We were named the Midwest hydrogen hub. We’ve got the new quantum center that we brought in. He’s been a real partner to me and [former deputy governor] Christy George in particular has even traveled with me internationally to attract foreign investment into Illinois. So I’m really excited with what he’s done. And the work that he’s done also with the state legislature. The partnership, there has really allowed our state to come forward in terms of, you know, being a a bastion for reproductive healthcare, for raising the minimum wage, all the stuff that we’ve done for working families. So I urge him to run again.
Please pardon all transcription errors. Also, video is here.
* House Speaker Chris Welch was asked what the legislature’s large Democratic super-majority and a third term for Pritzker would mean to the state and to his working relationship…
I think it means stability. I think it means continued progress. We will continue to move Illinois forward. You know the governor has said those comments to me several times before. So I’ve had an opportunity to kind of lobby his wife a few times and say, ‘Hey, I’d love for him to go for a third term.’ And I think I got a smile and a wink and an OK that he could do that. And so I’m certainly hoping that he continues to be our governor.
* The Question: Do you think Gov. Pritzker should run for a third term? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Also, I’m not asking if you think he will run, I’m asking if you think he should run.
- ChicagoBars - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:29 am:
Yes. After the prior 20 years in the Governor’s office a full decade of fiscal stability and basic competence in Governor’s office would be divine (insert banned punctuation)
- Chicago Voter - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:30 am:
I voted yes. He has been a solid Governor and the state has done well under his leadership.
- Arsenal - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:31 am:
I think he should.
1) He’s young enough.
2) He’s been pretty successful.
3) He has reasonably decent relationships with his party.
4) It’ll stave off a primary civil war for his party.
5)If he still wants to think about POTUS, better for him to have something to do in the meantime.
- Thinking - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:34 am:
Yes-for all the reasons Senator Duckworth mentioned plus his handling of Covid crisis.
- Original Rambler - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:35 am:
Yes, mostly for fiscal stability and economic initiatives.
- OneMan - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:36 am:
Voted yes, I figure if the opportunity opens up in 4 years to run for President, being Governor for one more term helps. If not, being governor isn’t a bad gig.
If the senate seat opens up, however…
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:36 am:
===If the senate seat opens up, however===
From what I know about him, there’s no way he’d do that. He’d shrivel in the Senate.
- thunderspirit - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:41 am:
I voted yes. Senator Duckworth outlines the reasons quite succinctly.
- JoanP - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:45 am:
I voted “yes”.
He’s been a great governor. He’s getting Illinois back on solid financial footing after the disastrous Rauner years. He’s a strong and pragmatic progressive.
And he plays well with others.
- So_Ill - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:46 am:
Voted “yes.” He’s been a great governor.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:47 am:
I voted yes, for purely selfish reasons. I like him and think he’s done a tremendous job as Governor. I’d love for him to run again and again.
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:48 am:
Yes. Pritzker has been a very good governor, especially on the financial side of the picture.
- low level - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:48 am:
Yes. Best governor since JRT. Hope he continues.
- clec dcn - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:49 am:
No I would like to see someone else with a different social agenda. He did fine with the finances hopefully someone can fill in those shoes and yet have a better outlook on some policies.
- GoneFishing - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:49 am:
Yes, probably the best governor in quite some number of years. Also a bonus that he has done everything above the line without any hint of an issue.
- a drop in - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:50 am:
Yes. I couldn’t think of anyone else I would vote for if he runs again.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:55 am:
Yes, he has brought some much needed stability to state government after almost two decades of constant uproar. I still think he managed COVID better than most other governors. That being said, I could see him in Harris cabinet in the commerce slot or as an ambassador to the UK or France.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:55 am:
Yes.
Mostly because his actions over the past two terms have completely changed my opinion of him. I had originally preferred Biss for governor, but JB has shown by his own actions and integrity why he was always the correct choice, and that I was in error in my original assessment of him.
In my eyes, He’s earned as many terms as he wants to have.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:56 am:
Voted yes. He has been a good governor. The chaos of a gubernatorial primary without him is intriguing, though. Lt Gov, comptroller, Secretary of State, treasurer, maybe a congressman, some state senators all vying to succeed him… would be a fun time. And I certainly don’t mind giving republicans 4 extra years to find some sanity and maybe give us an actual choice.
- PublicServant - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:58 am:
Yes. He’s smart, business-oriented, and a proven leader.
- Aaron B - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:02 pm:
Voted yes. As long as Harris will be the incumbent in 2028 I think Pritzker will likely run again in 2026. Assuming Harris wins in 2028 then Pritzker probably won’t run for a 4th term in 2030 so that he can concentrate on a presidential run in 2032.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:04 pm:
===then Pritzker probably won’t run for a 4th term in 2030 so that he can concentrate===
Thanks, Carnak.
- levivotedforjudy - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:06 pm:
I voted yes. After Blago, Quinn and Rauner, JB is a stable, huge breath of fresh air. I think we are just seeing him at his best, making big ideas become reality and bringing business into the state. COVID, which he navigated really well, sort of stole his first term.
- Original Rambler - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:09 pm:
I’m seeing some comments about how JB can have as many terms as he wants. That brings to mind how there appeared to be similar sentiments in Chicago for RMD who then left the city in tatters his last term. One term at a time.
- Leap Day William - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:10 pm:
Voted yes, emphatically.
I’ve never experienced such stability in Illinois government during my adult life, and I think that’s largely attributed to his steady leadership. Still can’t believe that I’m all-in for a billionaire for governor, but that’s the world we live in now. If he’s considering a POTUS run in in 2028, which only happens if Harris somehow loses, staying Governor is a far better use of his talents. He’s an executive and a leader; serving as a senator doesn’t play up his strengths; neither does a cabinet position.
- TJ - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:18 pm:
My hunch is that he runs for, and easily wins, a third term as governor unless he gets offered a cabinet slot in a Harris administration if she wins. I think he’d jump at his sister’s old job as Commerce Secretary or as Director of OMB in a heartbeat.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:19 pm:
I voted yes. Who out there would be better? And he certainly would have experience which no one else has
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:21 pm:
Yes. I would hope that JB Pritzker would run for another term as governor. As governor, Pritzker provides stability, security, and economic development for Illinois.
JB’s policies towards healthcare and support for education are essential in Illinois. Also, JBP speaks extemporaneously on policies related to Illinois and its citizens.
- Baloneymous - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:33 pm:
From 1998 through 2018 Illinois suffered from corrupt and/or ineffective leadership in the Governor’s office. JB has brought back the mundane yet normal features of being Governor such as stability, fiscal responsibility, credit upgrades, promoting our state for jobs and investment, paying our bills on time and so on. I used to feel embarrassed being a state employee because of all the drama and negative attention from bad governors. Now I’m actually happy saying I work for the state of Illinois and feel good about our future. I hope he runs for a third term.
- We’ll See - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:38 pm:
Yes, JB should seek another term. I appreciate that he truly believes in Illinois’s success. I also think that if Harris wins he may be up for a cabinet post and I would not begrudge the man for considering his options.
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:41 pm:
Yes-the man appears to actually enjoy the gig.
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:47 pm:
Agree with Rich’s observation @ 1136 . . . adding that JB seems a natural fit for the governorship of a state like Illinois. The right skill set, business sense, good staff work, personable, and feisty when he needs to be. He’s done a fine job handling both the routine and the urgent. Hope he does run again. Not sure he’d do as well on a national stage.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:52 pm:
Yes. The one point I’d add is that 2026 is likely going to be a major shuffling of the decks with other constiutional officers (unless Senator Durbin and Congressman Davis decide to run again). Pritzker running again (possibly with a new running mate if Lt. Gov. Stratton tries for something else) would help avoid an expensive, bloody fight in that primary.
- Anonymous - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:11 pm:
Voted no
Another Democrat should have step up and spend the 350 million dollars required to become the next Governor of Illinois
Business sense?
Did you miss the Stellantis backtracking on their timeline to reopen the Belvidere facility and the fact Chicago’s 6.2% unemployment is the highest among the 50 largest metro areas in the US?
- TJ - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:12 pm:
== Yes. The one point I’d add is that 2026 is likely going to be a major shuffling of the decks with other constiutional officers (unless Senator Durbin and Congressman Davis decide to run again). Pritzker running again (possibly with a new running mate if Lt. Gov. Stratton tries for something else) would help avoid an expensive, bloody fight in that primary. ==
At least in regards to the senate race, expensive is how Raja will want it. He’s been building an enormous war chest clearly planning to run for the Senate when Durbin retires, and nobody short of Pritzker himself can match his dough. Especially if a lot of Dems throw their hats in the ring, that’ll be a divided battle that only Raja has the legs to weather, and he knows it.
- Siualum - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:14 pm:
I voted yes. I think his overall impact as governor has been very positive, considering most of his predecessors’ impact. If he’s up for another term, he should.
- Retired SURS Employee - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:32 pm:
I voted yes. He has been a very good Governor, unlike some of his immediate predecessors.
- Arock - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:45 pm:
Higher taxes and Covid money from the Federal Government and yes anybody could have presented a balanced budget.
- Evanston - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:48 pm:
I think with how effective he’s been he’s more than earned the right to seek higher office, if that’s what he wants. But he has without a doubt been both the most effective and the most progressive Governor in my lifetime, so it would be great for the State if he ran for a third term.
- Huh? - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:58 pm:
H..l yes. What 47 said x2
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:21 pm:
I voted yes, but I have mixed feelings. His track record is very good, stability is nice, the campaign resources are solid. However, I worry about complacency (in the gov’s office and across the Dem Party) as well as opportunities for rising leadership. I’m good with a 3rd term, but I’d like to see a bit of succession planning as well as places for rising stars to learn, shine, and progress into new roles.
- @misterjayem - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:22 pm:
He was MrsJM’s candidate in the primary, not mine.
Since his election I’ve enjoyed little as much as I’ve enjoyed finding myself wrong, wrong, WRONG about him.
I don’t know if he “should” run again, but I sure hope that he does.
– MrJM
- Blazzzer - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:33 pm:
I voted yes, but I could easily see him in the Harris Administration. I have a working theory that part of the reason Pritzker has been so successful is that he is self-funding. This allows him to be free from certain political pressures in order to successfully execute his policy agenda. We’ve seen another billionaire governor who was self-funding, but the difference is that Pritzker wasn’t “sent” by anyone who wanted him to protect their interests (Ken) and just generally cares about doing the right thing for the people of Illinois.
- Dotnonymous x - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:34 pm:
Yes…I think he should…for the good of Illinois.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:47 pm:
Yes, best governor since Ogilvie. Let’s not forget much of what JRT and Edgar did was founded upon $$ available from underfunding pensions. JBP has nothing like JRT’s 60% of payout or Edgar’s Pension Ramp.
- Proud Sucker - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:48 pm:
Voted yes. I’m in the camp the he actually enjoys the job and is doing what he thinks best for all the people of the state - even those named Griffin who still reside here.
- Glengarry - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:56 pm:
Pritzker studied the Jim Thompson era, and how Thompson was an effective governor. 3 terms seems like a natural fit.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:10 pm:
Absolutely, if he wants it. He has improved Illinois very tremendously, very strongly, more than anybody’s ever seen. But there’s more improvement needed, which creates challenges and opportunities that can stimulate interest in running for the job again.
- Apple - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:19 pm:
Strong yes. We need a fiscally responsible governor who will balance budgets, pay down debts as much as possible, and own decisions of whether to cut(or not do) wanted spending or increase revenues. Pritzker has been that.
My favorite thing about him is the groundwork he has done for future success in terms of bringing industries to the state with the potential for growth over time.
I also credit the House and Senate, but the QOD is on Pritzker.
- Amalia - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:19 pm:
Yes. the state is in a much better financial situation, everything seems more organized and professional with state government even if there are problems. his comms staff and chief of staff are fantastic.
- Kyle Hillman - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:30 pm:
We all have things we want Illinois to finally address and refor. However, this guy has been the best governor in my lifetime and I see no compelling reason for someone else to run in 2026
- Cosgrove - Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:46 pm:
His success and leadership speaks volumes as to why he should certainly run again.