* I got the ol’ pontoon out of winter storage this week and my lake club’s bar is open this weekend, so I hope the motor actually runs (last year was kind of a nightmare in that regard) and the weather stays nice…
After 10 years in Congress, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) announced Friday that she will not run for reelection in 2022.
“Today, I’m announcing I will not seek reelection after completing this term,” Bustos said in a video statement first obtained by HuffPost. “It will be a new decade, and I feel it’s time for a new voice.”
It’s not clear what Bustos plans to do next.
In an interview on Friday, Bustos told HuffPost that nothing in particular was driving her decision to go. She said she tends to make big changes every 10 years ― she worked as a reporter and then an editor for about two decades, and then in health care for 10 years ― and felt it was time for another shift.
We see this a lot right before remap elections. Making matters more difficult for Bustos was that she barely won her last reelection campaign and the remap is gonna be tough for her.
The following statement is from Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, thanking Congresswoman Cheri Bustos for her decade of service in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“There’s no better champion for Illinoisans than Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. Cheri has championed causes for Illinois workers, families, and farmers for a decade in Congress and I know she will continue to be a strong advocate for our state wherever her next chapter leads her. This is a big loss for the Illinois Congressional delegation, but we cannot thank Cheri enough for her countless contributions to our state.”
Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) announced she would not be running for re-election:
“Representative Bustos has served as, and will continue to serve as, an excellent representative for her community—she’s a hard worker who listens to her constituents, delivers tangible legislative wins for working families and provides stellar constituent service. I’ve enjoyed working with her on critical issues facing our state, such as supporting the Rock Island Arsenal and the agricultural community, protecting roadside first responders and making sure that National Guard troops receive the pay they earned. I have no doubt she will continue to get results for her district over the remainder of her term. I thank her for her leadership and know that we will miss her voice in the next Congress even as I am confident that she will continue to serve the Illinois community in the years to come.”
IDCCA…
Today Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL 17th) announced her intention to not seek reelection in 2022. IDCCA President Kristina Zahorik released the following statement:
“Cheri Bustos is a genuine and caring person. Her commitment to her district is unparalleled, particularly to the hard-working middle class and rural communities. The “Cheri on Shift” program showed she was willing to roll up her sleeves and walk a mile in her constituents’ shoes. On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs, I would like to personally thank Cheri for her service and commitment to Illinois.”
“I also applaud her early drive to train the next generation of Democrats through her Build the Bench series. The IDCCA was proud to partner with her. Build the Bench trained hundreds of Democratic candidates who have gone on to be elected throughout Illinois. We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to seeing what she has in store next.”
Sen. Durbin…
Following is a statement from Sen. Dick Durbin in response to U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos’ announcement that she would be retiring as Representative of the 17th Congressional District:
“When Cheri Bustos called last night to tell me her decision, I knew we were losing one of our best. She is honest, effective, and part of the new wave of women changing Washington.
“And for Loretta and me, her departure is personal. We have known her all of her life and we were proud to help launch her political career.
“Whatever her next choice in life, we know she will be a positive force for change.”
BFC…
Today, IWIL Training Academy President Barbara Flynn Currie released the following statement on the retirement of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IWIL Class of 2006) at the end of her current term in Congress.
“This past Wednesday, Americans witnessed a historic moment as the first woman Vice President and first woman Speaker of the House stood behind the President of the United States during an address to Congress. Without the tireless leadership of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, that moment would not have been possible. She is a shining example of the hope and possibility we believe exists in all of our alumnae. Congresswoman Bustos has made the supporters who make our program possible and the enormous community in our state who fights to level the playing field for women in public life very proud.
Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy congratulates her on her service to this country and to the people of Illinois’ 17th District. We look forward to following Congresswoman Bustos as she embarks on the newest chapter in her life of service when she completes her term in 2023.”
Comptroller Mendoza…
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos leaves on top after a decade representing northwest Illinois. I had the honor of serving with Representative Bustos on the Anti-Harassment, Equality, and Access Panel and her insights and leadership were invaluable. Of course her colleagues chose her to lead their re-election efforts in the last cycle because she has won their trust and admiration. Wherever she goes next, I’m sure she will continue to make Illinois proud. Thank you for your decade of dedicated service to Illinois!
