* Raja’s closing TV ad…

Script…

[RAJA] Running for office takes thick skin. I get that.

But my opponent’s lies about me ignore something you need to know.

I’m an immigrant myself.

It wasn’t easy, but when things got tough our neighbors had our backs.

That’s why stopping Trump and ICE’s attacks on our communities is deeply personal to me.

It’s why I won’t give Trump’s ICE another nickel.

And I’m the only one with a real plan to hold Trump accountable.

I’m Raja Krishnamoorthi. I approve this message.

People can lie and call me names.

But as always, you can just call me Raja.

Your rating?

* WGN’s Tahman Bradley asked Raja about the Tribune report alleging mistreatment of staff…

“Did you take that stress out on staffers?”

So… yes? pic.twitter.com/icYxsyng17

— Allison Janowski (@ajanowski02) March 12, 2026

Click here for the full interview.

* The American Prospect…

In Illinois’s Eighth Congressional District, a former investment banker is attempting a political comeback after a stretch as perhaps the most conservative Democrat in Washington. Against a field of grassroots challengers, big money is pouring in to assist the return of “Wall Street’s Favorite Democrat” to Congress.

There are eight candidates in the race, but with less than a week to go until the March 17 primary, the two main contenders are Melissa Bean, the aforementioned former Blue Dog member of Congress, and Junaid Ahmed, a progressive backed by Justice Democrats (the group behind the “Squad” in Congress). […]

Elect Chicago Women, the innocuously named AIPAC shadow PAC, has spent nearly $4 million in support of Bean’s campaign already. The pro-AI PAC Think Big, which is also backing Jesse Jackson Jr.’s campaign in Illinois’s Second District, has spent over $1 million. Bean is also backed by the New Democrat Majority PAC, which supports centrist Democratic candidates; she was a member of the New Dems and the Blue Dog Coalition in her first stint in Congress. […]

Bean, who represented the Eighth District from 2005 to 2011, is hoping to regain her seat now that incumbent Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is stepping aside to run for Senate. She’s backed by a staggering amount of super PAC money, including from an AIPAC shadow PAC and a pro-AI group. Pro-crypto PACs have also pledged to spend $1 million in the race.

* Justice Democrats Communications Director Usamah Andrabi…

AIPAC/AI/Crypto-backed Melissa Bean is literally lying in her mailers to #IL08 voters saying she was an "architect of Obamacare" when she almost tanked the whole bill. https://t.co/6IDoqUD8mn pic.twitter.com/P2nQsUMJuV

— usamah andrabi (@usamahandrabi) March 12, 2026

* Fairshake, a Crypto-backed super PAC, attacks Rep. La Shawn Ford again…

NEW: Fairshake, the crypto super PAC, has dropped another intense attack ad against La Shawn Ford in IL07. The ad accuses him of being a slumlord who evicted tenants, and says he voted to raise taxes in Springfield while failing to pay his own property taxes. pic.twitter.com/xawnpwCsgY

— Frank Calabrese (@FrankCalabrese) March 12, 2026

* 9th CD candidate Bushra Amiwala claimed a recent Evanston Roundtable poll allowed people to vote multiple times…

I hear you, and I have an update. pic.twitter.com/fx5eWSh5sx

— Bushra Amiwala (@bushraamiwala) March 11, 2026

Sen. Fine repeating the same claim…

Don’t ride the pollercoaster. pic.twitter.com/bynLzugYKl

— Laura Fine for Congress (@laurafineforIL9) March 12, 2026

* Evanston Roundtable reporter Alex Harrison says Sen. Fine is lying….

* More…

* Press release | Indivisible Skokie–Morton Grove–Lincolnwood Endorses Bushra Amiwala for Congress: “From fighting the ICE terror machine, to standing against voter suppression, to opposing Trump’s unconstitutional war in Iran, Indivisible has been a fearless voice for justice at a critical moment for our country,” said Amiwala, an elected member of the Skokie District 73.5 School Board. “I’m honored to earn their endorsement and grateful for the grassroots organizing they bring to our district.”

* Press release | Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Junaid Ahmed in the 8th Congressional District: As Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses Junaid Ahmed, she joins a growing grassroots progressive coalition rallying behind Junaid, who is taking on millions of dollars in outside spending from corporate and special-interest super PACs backing Melissa Bean. In a new article published today, The American Prospect highlights how groups aligned with AIPAC, pro-AI interests, and other corporate-backed super PACs are pouring massive sums into the race to boost Bean. The report notes that an AIPAC-aligned group alone has spent nearly $4 million supporting Bean, with additional spending from pro-AI and pro-crypto PACs attempting to shape the outcome of the Democratic primary.

* The Daily Herald | U.S. Rep. Casten continues to outraise and outspend Ruzevich in 6th District’s Democratic showdown: Casten, who’s seeking a fifth term in Congress, had nearly $1.2 million in his campaign coffers as of late February, federal documents show. That’s more than 50 times the $21,573 challenger Joey Ruzevich’s campaign reported having. Casten and Ruzevich filed financial reports with the Federal Election Commission late last week detailing donations received and purchases made between Jan. 1 and Feb. 25. Ruzevich’s team submitted an updated report Wednesday after being alerted to discrepancies by the Daily Herald.

* Press release | Daniel Biss and Sen. Elizabeth Warren to Hold Get Out the Vote Kickoff Event in Evanston: Tomorrow, March 13, Congressional candidate Daniel Biss (IL-09) and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) will gather with supporters and volunteers for a get out the vote kickoff event in Evanston. Illinois 9th Congressional District Candidate Daniel Biss and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, with supporters and volunteers.