* Robin Kelly just rolled out a new ad…

Rate it.

* The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association sent out this pro-Juliana Stratton mailer recently…

One small problem: Rep. Marcus Evans has not endorsed Stratton. Evans told Rich he asked to be taken off the mailer a week before it went out. His name stayed on anyway. Oops.

Click here for the full mail piece.

* Moving on to the 9th Congressional District. Politico…

A political forum that began politely turned raucous Wednesday evening when Mayor Daniel Biss accused state Sen. Laura Fine of accepting dark money and donations from Trump supporters. The exchange escalated when former FBI agent Phil Andrew pointed his finger at the candidates, all but declaring that’s what’s wrong with government. […]

Tensions rose when candidates were asked about the U.S. response to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, an issue in which they have nuanced differences. Fine said, “I believe firmly in a two-state solution.”

Donor dispute: Biss said he also supports a two-state solution, as well as the Block the Bombs to Israel Act. Then, he quickly pivoted to criticize Fine for accepting political donations he says are from supporters of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Donald Trump. […]

The tense moment was interrupted by Andrew, who gestured toward Biss and Fine, saying, “What’s absurd is how you are seeing two career politicians use an incredibly critical political and nuanced issue as a political football.”

The audience applauded. And later, when Biss again attempted to attack Fine on the issue, some in the crowd booed.

Click here for the press release Biss sent out after the forum.

* In the 8th CD, Kevin Morrison responds to the pro-Melissa Bean super PAC ad we told you about yesterday….

“These ads are absurd. Obamacare has been under constant attacks from Republicans for the last 16 years while Melissa Bean has been cashing in on Wall Street. While she’s been MIA for nearly two decades, Kevin Morrison has been doing the work on expanding access to health care - including mental health care - on the Cook County Board. 8th district voters won’t be bought by misleading TV ads rewriting history. Our voters are looking for a new generation of leadership, not a rerun from the past.”

Click here for a refresh on the pro-Bean ad.

* Press release…

Last Wednesday at a restaurant in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood where Byron Sigcho-Lopez once taught GED and financial literacy classes to adults, he launched his candidacy for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District as an Independent.

In the one week that followed his campaign announcement, between Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Feb. 3, Sigcho-Lopez received 612 individual contributions.

“Our movement is resonating with people who share our unyielding beliefs that voters deserve an actual choice rather than a handpicked successor, that working families must come before corporate billionaires on both sides of the aisle, and that we need a representative in Congress who has the courage to stand up to the Administration,” said Sigcho-Lopez, who refuses to take money from corporate PACS or lobbyists. “Our supporters know that we’re not tied down by the Democratic Party and we have what it takes to transform the baseline standard of dignity for people in our community, including working families, seniors, teachers, veterans and federal workers.”

* More…

* Evanston Now | Andrew, Biss go on offense in lively forum: State Sen. Mike Simmons, who was not in attendance Wednesday but in Springfield for a three-day legislative session, had also released a list of Fine’s donors with histories of supporting Republicans this week, writing in a statement, “Neighborhoods like the one I grew up in are never going to see real progress if we elect Democrats who accept contributions from Republican megadonors.”

* Evanston Now | Fine on Super PAC: ‘I would love to know who’s funding it’: “I don’t know what the extent is,” Fine said, but when asked if she supports the group disclosing its donors, even before it’s required to by the FEC, she said, “Absolutely. I mean, transparency.” The Super PACs aren’t legally required to disclose donors until Mar. 20, three days after Illinois’ primary elections.

* Fox Chicago | Illinois Senate primary debate: Submit your questions for the candidates: Among the large field of Democrats are three frontrunners who are slated to join Fox Chicago on Monday, Feb. 16, for a live debate about the major issues facing the country.

* Press release | Statewide Coalition of Leaders Endorsing Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate Grows: “I am honored to have the backing of these local leaders who fight day in and day out to improve the lives of working families in their communities,” said Raja. “With their partnership, I look forward to bringing the needs and priorities of all Illinoisans — from Coffeen to Rockford — to the floor of the U.S. Senate.”

* Press release | Collinsville Democrats and Tri-Cities Democrats Endorse Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate: Today, the Collinsville Township Democrats and the Tri-Cities Democrats (representing Democrats from Granite City, Nameoki, Venice, and Chouteau in Madison County) both announced their endorsements of Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate, strengthening a rapidly growing coalition of Metro East leaders and downstate organizations rallying behind his campaign. Their support underscores Raja’s deep connections to downstate Illinois and his commitment to delivering results for working families in every corner of the state.

* Press release | Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses Juliana Stratton for US Senate: Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) endorsed Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate. Senator Warren is the third sitting member of the U.S. Senate to endorse Juliana, in addition to Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “Lieutenant Governor Stratton is a champion for working families with a strong record of delivering results — increasing pay for workers, lowering costs like health care, and expanding educational opportunities. I’m proud to endorse Juliana Stratton as the next U.S. Senator for Illinois,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “She is progressive fighter who is not taking a penny of corporate PAC money. We need real fighters in Washington right now, and I am confident that Juliana Stratton is that fighter for the people of Illinois.”

* Daily Northwestern | Illinois Federation of Teachers endorses Biss for Congress: The Illinois Federation of Teachers endorsed Mayor Daniel Biss in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District race Thursday, adding to Biss’ repertoire of statewide and Chicago-area union supporters. IFT also announced that it would endorse Democrats Patrick Hanley for Illinois Senate and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate.

* Press release | Laura Fine Endorsed By REALTORS® PAC: “We are proud to endorse Laura Fine for Congress. She is committed to supporting affordable housing by increasing housing supply and building in communities that need it most,” said Carrie Little, the 2026 RPAC Trustees Chair. “Her thoughtful leadership in the state house has helped make the communities she has served stronger and we know she will continue that great work in Congress.”

* Press release | Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider Endorses Democrat Donna Miller for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd District: Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced his endorsement of Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, citing her proven record of leadership, commitment to health care access and ability to deliver results for Illinois families “Donna Miller understands Illinois communities and knows how to get things done,” said Congressman Brad Schneider. “As Cook County Commissioner, she has led with integrity and delivered real results, especially when it comes to health care, economic opportunity and standing up for seniors and working families. Illinois needs leaders like Donna Miller and I’m proud to support her.”

* Press release | Unbought, Unbossed, Unafraid: IL-07 Congressional Candidate Anabel Mendoza Receives Catch Fire Movement Endorsement: Today, Catch Fire Movement announced its endorsement of Anabel Mendoza in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. Catch Fire, a national organization dedicated to advancing a foreign policy rooted in peace, diplomacy, and human rights, praised Anabel’s leadership, values, and unwavering commitment to working people.

* Press release | Congressman Scott Peters endorses Melissa Bean for congress: Statement from Congressman Scott Peters: “New Dems are committed to breaking through gridlock to deliver real results for the American people, and that ethos is more important today than ever before. In a time of chaos, we need pragmatic leaders who know how to get things done – Melissa Bean embodied that spirit during her time in Congress, and I’m thrilled to support her as she runs to represent the people of IL-08 once again.”