* Daily Herald…
The three Democratic front-runners vying for the U.S. Senate in the March 17 primary focused on core issues like affordability, improving health care and standing up to President Donald Trump at a Wednesday debate. […]
[US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi] also wants to make “sure people feel they’re on the path of the American dream.” That includes properly funding a law he authored that assists Americans without a four-year degree obtain a “world-class post-secondary education.”
[US Rep. Robin Kelly] platform is “people over profits,” which involves taxing millionaires, billionaires and corporations. “They need to pay their fair share so we can invest in affordable housing, so we can invest in health care, so we can invest in child care … so we can invest in economic development.”
[Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton] was asked about the war in Ukraine. “Ukraine is our ally, and we should always stand with them. (Trump) tells our allies America can’t be trusted. Then he talks to our adversaries and tries to cozy up with them. We need sturdy leadership and that’s the kind I’m going to bring,” she said.
Click here to watch the full forum.
* Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton…
Over 20 leaders from Champaign County have endorsed Juliana Stratton in her bid for U.S. Senate. Champaign County has become a major Democratic stronghold in the state, and Juliana’s support includes County Democratic Party Chair Mike Ingram, mayors of both Champaign and Urbana, Deborah Frank Feinen and DeShawn Williams, and 13 county executives. […]
- Champaign County leaders endorsing Juliana:
- Mike Ingram - Chair, Champaign County Democrats
- Deborah Frank Feinen - Mayor, Champaign
- DeShawn Williams - Mayor, Urbana
- Steve Summers - Champaign County Executive
- Susan McGrath - Champaign County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Laurie Brauer - Champaign County Coroner
- Byron Clark - Champaign County Treasurer
- Jennifer Locke - Chair, Champaign County Board 9
- Emily Rodriguez - Vice Chair, Champaign County Board 8
- Jenny Lokshin - Champaign County Board 4
- Elly Hanauer-Friedman - Champaign County Board 4
- Matt Sullard - Champaign County Board 5
- Bethany Vanichtheeranont - Champaign County Board 5
- Dennise Arres - Champaign County Board 6
- Eric Thorsland - Champaign County Board 7
- Stephanie Fortado - Champaign County Board 8
- Kathy Shannon - Champaign City Council
- Leah Taylor - Champaign Township Supervisor
- Cedric Stratton - President, Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners
- Ashley Withers - Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners
- Kevin Sage - President, East Central IL Building Trades
Illini Democrats at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
* Raja Krishnamoorthi…
Today, a coalition of elected officials and community leaders in Jackson County announced their endorsement of Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate. Their endorsements join the long and growing list of downstate supporters backing his Senate bid, reflecting Raja’s broad appeal and growing momentum statewide. They join former Lt. Governor Sheila Simon of Carbondale, who backed Raja’s bid for Senate earlier this month. […]
Today’s Jackson County endorsements include:
- Former Jackson County Board Chairman & Current Member John Rendleman
- Jackson County Board Member Christine Snyder
- Carbondale City Council Member Dawn Roberts
- Carbondale City Council Member Nathan Colombo
- Makanda Township Supervisor Michael Holub
- Makanda Township Highway Commissioner Ed Hoke
- Former Jackson County Treasurer Sharon Harris-Johnson
- Former Jackson County Board Chair Gary Hartlieb
- Former Carbondale Township Supervisor Karen Hartlieb
- Former Democratic State Central Committeeman Kathy West
- Former Jackson County Board Member Frank Riley
- Former Jackson County Board Member Tom Redmond
- Former Jackson County Board Member Paulette Curkin
- Community Activist & Leader Mary O’Hara
* Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie…
* Press release…
Today, Greg Bovino and Customs and Border Patrol returned to Evanston, Chicago and the surrounding area to terrorize and abduct residents. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, confronted Bovino on two separate occasions, once at a gas station and again at a Home Depot, demanding that he leave Evanston and ripping him for his racist, violent actions.
WATCH: Biss confronts Bovino at a gas station, more footage
WATCH: Biss explains the interaction, warns local residents
WATCH: Federal agents try to intimidate Biss at a Home Depot
WTTW: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss Confronts Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino as Immigration Enforcement Continues
BLOCK CLUB: Bovino Leads Caravan Through Chicago Before Clashing With Evanston Mayor
Daniel Biss released the following statement regarding the incidents:
“Greg Bovino and his thugs need to get the hell out of Evanston. I said it straight to Bovino’s face: the violence, racism, and brutality that his agents are inflicting on the Chicago area are unacceptable and un-American. Bovino’s agents tried to intimidate me, but I won’t back down, and I won’t stop fighting against this fascist reign of terror.”
* More from Evanston Now’s Eadie…
* 9th CD Candidate Bushra Amiwala…
On Thursday, March 17, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continued their raids in Evanston at a gas station and a Home Depot parking lot. They allegedly abducted two people.
Agents reportedly manipulated local business owners near Green Bay Road and Oakton Street by asking if they could enter to use the restroom and purchase refreshments. Outside, a group of protesters urged border patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino to leave Evanston.
Bushra Amiwala, elected Skokie School Board member and candidate for Congress in IL-09, released the following statement:
“Agents of chaos are once again in our midst. They’re here with a mission: to make life miserable for minorities and anyone who opposes Trump. My neighbors are snatched indiscriminately from the streets, their businesses and even their own homes.”
“This is our horrific new normal. Children go to school each day not knowing whether their parents will be there when class lets out. People can’t go to work, go shopping for groceries or even go for a walk without the fear of being violently captured at gunpoint.”
“ICE is notoriously secretive, but we know what happens to people who are abducted. There is no due process and no mercy. They are kept in inhumane conditions without adequate food, water or sanitation. Then they are shipped to prisons hundreds of miles away, deported to foreign nations and even subject to torture.”
“I call on every ICE agent to save your conscience and quit your job. You are working for an evil force. And to everyone else: stay vigilant and know your rights. This assault on our neighborhoods is not over yet.”
* The New Democrat Coalition Action Fund has endorsed 8th CD candidate Melissa Bean…
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund endorsed Melissa Bean in the race for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District seat. Melissa previously served as a New Dems Vice Chair.
Statement from NDAF Chair Greg Stanton:
“New Dems are proud to support Melissa Bean, an experienced lawmaker with an exceptional track record of delivering for the people of Illinois. As a former Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, Melissa knows better than anyone how to campaign on commonsense policies, earn the trust of hardworking Illinoisans, and deliver real solutions to lower costs and grow the economy in Congress. Now with 10 endorsed candidates, New Dems will continue to ramp up our work to support the strongest candidates in the toughest races to take back the House in 2026.”
* Justice Democrats have endorsed Junaid Ahmed…
Justice Democrats, the national grassroots organization dedicated to electing bold progressive leaders to Congress, announced their endorsement of Junaid Ahmed in Illinois’ 8th district.
In endorsing Junaid’s campaign, Justice Democrats recognized his unwavering commitment to affordability, universal healthcare, and climate action. Like the progressive leaders Justice Democrats has helped elect across the country, Junaid is building a grassroots, people-powered campaign that does not accept corporate PAC money.
“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of Justice Democrats and thrilled to stand alongside a movement that believes our government should work for working people, not corporate donors or political insiders,” said Junaid Ahmed. “Justice Democrats represents the kind of honest, people-driven politics our district deserves and together we will win the fights for affordability, justice, and a livable future.”
* More…
* Press Release | Congressman Sorensen Slams Trump Administration for Plans to Break Up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado: “The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado is one of the most important organizations for the understanding of atmospheric science in the world,” said Congressman Sorensen. “In my previous career, I’ve worked at NCAR to learn from some of the most brilliant minds in Meteorology. But now the administration’s attack on science may put this in jeopardy, sending these important researchers to other countries. This is not how we put America first. Instead, it puts us dead last as we fail to develop strategies and policy to combat man-made climate change. As the only meteorologist in Congress, I will lead the charge against this radical anti-science agenda which puts the lives of my neighbors and our national security at great risk.”
- Tom - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 10:42 am:
The amount of staff time spent rounding up all these endorsements probably isn’t justified by what they ultimately produce in actual votes.
- King Louis XVI - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:10 am:
–The amount of staff time spent rounding up all these endorsements probably isn’t justified by what they ultimately produce in actual votes.–
Donors are also targets. They help answer the question “Who else is supporting you?” before the check gets written. It helps if a friend is among the backers or just the depth to inspire confidence.
- Payback - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:19 am:
Confronting the Border Patrol is a dream come true for GenXer’s like Dan Biss who weren’t alive in the 1968 riots to stick it to The Man.
Meanwhile Laura Fine keeps it real hiding out in Glenview walking her dog.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Thursday, Dec 18, 25 @ 11:59 am:
That’s a lot of “formers” on the Raja list…..