Some US Senate stuff
Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Finally, a little chippiness in the US Senate race. From Capitol News Illinois…
While the three candidates agree on many issues, Stratton has injected contention into the race by pledging not to take money from corporate political action committees.
“I want to make sure that I’m centering the voices of Illinois families and not corporate special interests,” Stratton said.
Stratton raised $1 million in the first quarter of her campaign as of the end of June, but the balance is dwarfed by the $22 million in Krishnamoorthi’s campaign fund and $2 million in Kelly’s. Both Kelly and Krishnamoorthi have received contributions from corporations.
“She’s also hoping for a super PAC to come to her rescue and so it’s very rich for her to accuse others of somehow being beholden to other interests,” Krishnamoorthi said of Stratton.
He’s not wrong.
* Meanwhile…
While Pritzker seeks a third term, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is not running for reelection, opening up his seat for the first time in 30 years. The three most high-profile candidates vying to replace him appeared at the State Fair Wednesday to explain why they deserve to replace the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate.
“I wouldn’t even begin to pretend like I could somehow replace him, but I aspire to build on his legacy of great progress,” U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi told reporters.
Raja did not elaborate on what that “legacy of great progress” actually entailed.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 9:51 am:
“pledging not to take money from corporate political action committees”
She’s the only one in the position to be able to say this, because of being the Pritzker-sponsored candidate. However, if she wins and has to stand on her own in the future she may regret this position.
Why this could work: Krishnamoorthi can be defined by the question of “what does he owe the big-dollar donors who he has amassed such a large war chest from?” His refusal to take real positions on issues can be tied by Stratton to being the “corporate” candidate. She needs money to make that case, however…
- Larry Bowa Jr. - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 9:59 am:
‘Raja did not elaborate on what that “legacy of great progress” actually entailed.’
There were chairs kept warm and now shattered Senate norms protected. Probably also some tours given. It’s a lot to live up to!
- Steve - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 10:04 am:
Unions are corporations because they are incorporated: Julie sure likes their money.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 10:12 am:
Stratton and Kelly - who drops out first?
- Responsa - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 10:18 am:
These three candidates are going to need a lot more than inside baseball chippiness to get voters excited about any of them.
- Johnny B - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 10:31 am:
I am fine with taking money from billionaires but not one cent from corporations
A distinction without a difference
- Retired School Board Member - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 10:59 am:
“Unions are corporations because they are incorporated…”
Nope. They are legal entities yes. But they are structured as Non Profit Organizations Type 501(c)(5).
- Alton Sinkhole - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 11:07 am:
==He’s not wrong.==
But he’s only telling half the story. A Dem Super PAC is, on average, a lot better for the nation than a lot of the Corporate PACs Raja is taking $$ from.
I’d rather none of these Super PAC or Corporate PACs exist but there’s levels to it.
- Johnny B - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 11:12 am:
Illinois Democrats certainly thought Dick Durbin had a legacy of great progress
No one dared run against him until 2020
Since running for the open seat in 1996 against Pat Quinn he has only had one challenger for the nomination
In 2020 Ann Stava Murray withdrew here candidacy before the primary
- Old IL Dude - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 11:21 am:
Raja has more cash and name recognition.
Stratton has very little money and next to no name recognition.
- Norseman - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 11:41 am:
As we enter a period warning of Dems propensity to unilaterally disarm themselves, Stratton disarms for the sake of perception. Someone is not reading the moment.
- Keyrock - Thursday, Aug 14, 25 @ 11:55 am:
Larry Bowa Jr. pretty much nails it.