* Politico…
More than a decade after narrowly losing her suburban Chicago seat in the Tea Party wave of 2010, former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean is considering a return to Congress in the 8th District seat now held by Raja Krishnamoorthi, who’s running for Senate.
Bean, a Democrat, is expected to make a decision “in the next week or two,” according to a person familiar with her plans. Her entry into the race would reshape an already crowded Democratic primary.
Bean has been eyeing a return to politics since President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on unraveling the work she accomplished on the Affordable Care Act.
Bean first won Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in 2004, defeating Republican stalwart Phil Crane. Her victory was a signal of the Democratic Party’s growing viability in suburban districts that had been GOP strongholds for decades.
* NBC Chicago…
NBC 5 Investigates has learned the Trump administration plans to reassign more than 600 military attorneys to temporarily serve as immigration judges. […]
“Trump is doing something very dangerous here. He is attempting to take over a part of the court system,” said Dan Tully, a U.S. Army Reserve judge advocate who spoke to NBC 5 Investigates Wednesday.
Tully is one of nine Democrats in a field of 10 candidates that includes one Republican vying to become Illinois’ next 8th District Congressman, replacing incumbent Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi who is running for U.S. Senate.
His argument against this move by the Trump administration is that assigns military legal officers who normally handle military misconduct cases to now act as immigration judges. He says that flies in the face of what they signed up to do and distracts from there already important role.
* More from the 8th Congressional District…
Sanjyot Dunung, Congressional candidate for Illinois 8th District, received the endorsement of Vote Common Good, a leading national organization mobilizing faith-driven voters toward candidates who prioritize the common good. This endorsement, in addition to the recent ASPIRE (Asian Congressional Caucus of all 20 members) endorsement, marks a significant moment for Dunung’s campaign as it continues to gain momentum among voters seeking commonsense solutions, responsible change, and shared common values.
Said Robb Ryerse, political director of Vote Common Good, “Sanjyot is precisely the kind of leader our movement seeks to uplift. Her commitment to people, her passion for community service, and her vision for an America where all voices are heard align perfectly with our mission. We believe she will champion policies that serve not only Illinois’ 8th District, but the common good of all Americans.”
Vote Common Good, known for its commitment to inspiring people of faith and conscience to push beyond partisan divides, selected Dunung after a thorough review of her campaign priorities, community engagement, and vision for 21st-century governance. The organization’s endorsement process is rooted in principles of justice, empathy, and service, aiming to spotlight candidates who are committed to “loving your neighbor through your vote.”
* Sen. Willie Preston’s congressional campaign…
Black grassroots anti-crime leaders and elected officials from Chicago’s South Side and their supporters are scheduled to gather at NOON THURSDAY at Ryan Harris Park - named for a victim of brutal street crime - for a rally to urge President Trump to choose investment over the imminent invasion of their city.
The speakers will include 2nd District Congressional Candidate and Illinois State Senator Willile Preston; Mark Hamberlin, Chicago Police District Council member; Tamar Manasseh, founder of Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killing; Christopher Watts, executive director of the Kindness Campaign, and Joshua Coakley, Target Area Development Corporation executive director.
These leaders - all of whom have directly been affected by gun violence in Chicago - will urge President Trump to coordinate with local and state officials to promote proven solutions such as investment in small businesses, trade schools and jobs training as an alternative to the promised occupation of Chicago by federalized National Guard troops.
Preston’s press conference will be streamed here.
* US Rep. Bill Foster has endorsed Biss for the 9th CD…
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) announced his endorsement of Daniel Biss for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. Rep. Foster joins Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06) in supporting Biss, the only IL-09 candidate who has been endorsed by any member of the Illinois Congressional delegation to date.
Rep. Foster’s support comes on the heels of last week’s endorsements from Chicago City Council members Andre Vasquez (40th Ward), Matt Martin (47th Ward), and Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward), as well as the Bricklayers Administrative District Council 1.
“Our people and our planet are under direct threat right now from Donald Trump and his right-wing MAGA allies. We need scientific leaders like Daniel Biss in Congress who understand the issues facing our communities and have the right approach and technical background to fight back and win,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “As a mathematician, a state lawmaker, and a local mayor, Daniel has proven he will not only take on powerful interests, but also build the coalitions necessary to win change. He will be a valuable addition to Illinois’ Congressional delegation.”
* US Rep. Mike Bost…
Click here for the full list.
…Adding… 8th CD candidate Kevin Morrison…
In a major development in the race for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, Cook County Commissioner and Democratic candidate Kevin Morrison today announced that Congressman Mike Quigley, three additional members of Congress, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and more than 50 local leaders and elected officials are endorsing him. Alongside the more than 100 leaders and elected officials who have already endorsed, today’s endorsements mark an unprecedented level of support and make clear that Kevin Morrison is the only candidate in the race who can build the broad coalition necessary to win in the Northwest and Western suburbs.
“As a lifelong resident of the Northwest suburbs, Kevin knows firsthand the challenges hard-working families in his community face every day,” said Congressman Mike Quigley. “Kevin is an exemplary public servant who has delivered results time and again, and I know that he will continue being a fierce champion for his District as a member of Congress. I’m proud to endorse Kevin, and I look forward to working with him to put more money in the pockets of working families.”
“When the right to choose was on the line, Kevin didn’t hesitate—he fought back,” said Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint. “As a member of Congress, I know he will continue being the kind of fighter that we need right now. He is a strong warrior who also understands the importance of listening. I’m proud to endorse him for Congress. At a time when reproductive freedoms remain under continuous assault, we need to elect thoughtful, caring people like Kevin who won’t shy away from a fight.”
…Adding… Sen. Robert Peters…
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), a leading progressive voice in Washington, D.C., endorsed State Sen. Robert Peters for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd District on Thursday.
“From taking on the healthcare industry’s predatory practices, to ending the inequitable cash bail system in Illinois, Robert Peters is the kind of progressive organizer we need more of in Congress,” said Khanna. “I’m excited to fight alongside him.” […]
Rep. Khanna co-chaired Sen. Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, for which Sen. Peters was an Illinois delegate.
US Rep. Khanna endorsed Kat Abughazaleh in the 9th CD in July.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 10:48 am:
== U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean
I appreciate Melissa’s work at the time but I’m not sure she has the gene to fight that we need right now. However, we could set up a rematch with her and Walsh in the primary. Just for old times sake.
- Excitable Boy - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:01 am:
- I’m not sure she has the gene to fight that we need right now. -
Seconded. We don’t need more Rahm Democrats who fight amongst themselves instead of fighting the Republicans.
- Torco Sign - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:02 am:
Bean got stuff done. Sorry if that irritates some people who’d prefer MSNBC clips.
- New Day - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:32 am:
We are in nasty combat these days and Dems need fighters, not conciliators. More like Sean Casten. I say this as a moderate who likes getting along with people. That’s not this moment. Not sure Melissa’s up to the task.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:45 am:
I was there when Melissa knocked off Phil Crane.
She is a fighter and she worked.
For those leftists who want to get rid of “Rahm Democrats,” us “Rahm Democrats” win outside of the blue of the blues.
Move to the burbs and try the purity tests.
You’ll only elect Republicans.
- Remember the Alamo II - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:57 am:
We are seeing a lot of commentary from progressives about how they want a fighter in office. I am not sure I know what they mean when they say that though. What are some of the things you want a Congressperson to do? Go to “No Kings” protests and issued harshly worded rebukes?
What is the plan to get back the folks that abandoned ship to side with Trump last time?
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 11:57 am:
===Sorry if that irritates some people who’d prefer MSNBC clips.
Nice strawman there. What irritates many of us who are skeptical of Bean was what she tried to get done
—Reducing the Estate Tax
—Continuing Bush Tax Cuts that ballooned the deficit without benefit to the economy as a whole
—trying to pass a Presidential Line Item Veto which would have tilted power towards the Executive even more
—voting against the 9-11 first responders assistance
—Restricting liability for gun manufacturers
—Requiring Picture ID for federal elections
She was fine, but hardly the best that Democrats can do in that district.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:00 pm:
===You’ll only elect Republicans.
Except we have elected more liberal candidates in the district she is looking at and in 14 which is more area where she ran the first time. It’s simply not true.
- low level - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:01 pm:
==don’t need more Rahm Democrats who fight amongst themselves instead of fighting the Republicans.==
No. Thats what leftists like you do.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:03 pm:
I literally gasped when I saw Melissa Bean’s name. Having a “what year is it?” moment.
She was a doer, which the party needs desperately (lots of empty suits being sent from the Illinois delegation lately), but I have to wonder if it’s time for new blood.
- Downstate - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:12 pm:
“Rahm Democrats” are more interested in winning a large plurality the next time around, not these razor-thin wins and not ignoring competitive districts too many Dems disregard.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:15 pm:
I lived up in the burbs when Melissa Bean was in Congress. I was a very partisan republican at that point. I got to meet her one day when she came into where I worked. Awesome person. I really liked her, but I wasn’t too sure I was going to vote for her. Then I met David McSweeney, who was running against her. Needless to say, I voted for her. She was and would be an excellent congresswoman.
- Excitable Boy - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:19 pm:
- not ignoring competitive districts too many Dems disregard -
You obviously know nothing about the actual history of Rahm’s leadership at the DCCC. Several of the seats the Dems won were ones the DCCC ignored, and he pumped enormous resources into some big losers.
Do some reading and give up the myth.
- Excitable Boy - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:20 pm:
- No. Thats what leftists like you do. -
I’m not an elected official, and I vote for Democrats I don’t really like all the time. I also recognize failure when I see it, you should try it.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:22 pm:
===“Rahm Democrats” are more interested in winning a large plurality the next time around,
Can we stop rewriting Rahm’s legacy. He won in 2006 based on a remarkably strong year for Democrats. He specifically thought Tim Walz was a horrible candidate who didn’t deserve support besides Walz holding that seat for 12 years.
Rahm wanted to avoid health care in 2009, helped create a horrible immigration strategy for Dems that allowed all immigration to be demonized, and then he covered up a murder by police.
He’s bad at the politics, he’s bad at policy, he’s bad at morality.
- Far South - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:23 pm:
Bost in running scared.
- Kelly Cassidy - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 12:49 pm:
Yes, she flipped a seat back in the day. She also described marriage as being between a man and a woman and had to be dragged kicking and screaming to vote to repeal don’t ask don’t tell. Meanwhile, she’s been silent as we’ve seen wave after wave of attacks on reproductive health and the fall of Roe. These are the positions of the current administration, not what you’d expect from a Democrat who will restore rights that are currently being stripped away before our eyes. We don’t need a retro retread.
- Torco Sign - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 1:10 pm:
Ha — yes, purity test for people not in elected office. And you wonder why Democrats lose national elections.
- City Zen - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 1:11 pm:
Ro Khanna also endorsed Junaid Ahmed.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 1:18 pm:
Point of order, here. The 8th CD is pretty strongly Democratic. Harris won by 7, but Pritzker won by 13 and Biden won by 15.
The second midterm of a Republican president in suburban Illinois does not structurally favor the GOP.
So, maybe calm down a bit.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 1:20 pm:
…Also, it doesn’t appear that any viable, seriously lefty candidates will be on the Democratic ballot in that district.
- Pundent - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 1:44 pm:
As OW used to say “run ‘em all.” Ultimately the primary voters will sort out who’s electable and who isn’t. If the voters have moved away from candidates like Melissa Bean we’ll know soon enough.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 3:39 pm:
=As OW used to say “run ‘em all.” Ultimately the primary voters will sort out who’s electable and who isn’t.=
Can I get my nomination in early for the best commentator golden horseshoe? @Pundent is so on point.
- John Lopez - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 4:57 pm:
What’s really going on in the 8th Congressional District: National Democrats are nervous as Republican Jennifer Davis gets ready to launch her campaign for IL-08 a week from Saturday.
The top Democrats (Cristina Castro, Anna Moeller) took a pass to run for Congress, and the progressive left dominates the Democratic ballot of the 10 Democrats who’ve filed paperwork with the FEC.
Melissa Bean, a former 3-term congresswoman, is seen by many as the best person to stop the 8th District from being flipped in 2026 to Davis should she win the Republican nomination as many expect.
Bean would be the only Tier 1 candidate going into the Democratic primary, and while Democrats are not worried about 2024 Republican nominee Mark Rice running again (he lost to Raja Krishnamoorthi by over 14 percentage points last fall), they are genuinely concerned about Jennifer Davis.
- low level - Thursday, Sep 4, 25 @ 10:30 pm:
==and I vote for Democrats I don’t really like all the time==
At least we agree on that. I do the same.