Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Del Mar gets his plum
Next Post: It’s more than just a website and e-mails
Posted in:
* Just stay away from elevators, Chris, and you’ll be fine…
Businessman Chris Kennedy is interviewing potential pollsters and consultants as he moves toward a possible 2018 gubernatorial run, sources close to Kennedy told POLITICO Illinois.
Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, has increased his public profile since the spring and has publicly discussed the possibility of running for governor — without making commitments.
Top Illinois Democrats who have met with Kennedy say they would welcome his candidacy but were not sure if he’ll actually make the run, given his flirtations with higher office in the past.
But a top aide to Kennedy told POLITICO Illinois on Tuesday that he is preparing to file papers with the state board of elections “in short order … some time in the next month.”
Kennedy doesn’t have the cash of someone like Bruce Rauner or JB Pritzker. He’s got money, but he’s not OMG rich. Case in point was his backing of Innovation Illinois, which was supposed to be a counter to the Illinois Policy Institute. But Kennedy never put nearly enough money into it or raised enough outside funds and it fizzled.
So, we’ll see how he does on his first fundraising report.
We’ll also have to wait and see if he decides to venture out to experience how large this state really is. We’re essentially Boston, MA to Richmond, VA in length (and in politics). And Quincy to Danville (our widest point) is about 230 miles. He’s been to Springfield and the Quad Cities, but there’s a whole lot of Illinois beyond that.
The guy has floated his name so many times for so many offices that it’s difficult to believe he’ll actually follow through. And, of course, he failed bigtime when confronted by an aggressive reporter during the Democratic National Convention. Does he have what it takes to endure a statewide bid? Maybe we’ll find out.
* Meanwhile…
After being elected to a leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus Monday, Rep. Cheri Bustos is primed to shape outreach and communications efforts for a party that suffered a series of pivotal losses in November’s election.
Bustos was tapped to co-chair the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee after winning every county in her downstate swing district last month. […]
During Tuesday’s interview, the congresswoman also looked ahead to the 2018 Congressional elections.
“We have a lot of opportunities in two years to hopefully win back some seats and spread what we think is important to working families,” the congresswoman said. “Spread that at a deeper and broader level throughout the country, and that will be part of what I hope to play a part in.”
Bustos dropped by some state lobbying associations lately to let them know she’s interested in running for governor. But she doesn’t yet have an active state campaign account and that new DC role could mean she’ll be otherwise occupied.
…Adding… Good point from a commenter on the new Bustos gig…
It could also just be one of those “everyone gets a title” things that caucuses, especially minority caucuses, do nowadays.
Agreed.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 9:59 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Del Mar gets his plum
Next Post: It’s more than just a website and e-mails
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Kennedy needs to show a very significant apt to get a fundraising network like Rauner did. The monies Rauner raised before the avalanche of dollars he and Diana put in, that was something we never saw in Illinois, and with the reach.
That’s the real challenge, since Kennedy going $40+ million like Bruce and Diana did, that’s probably not “possible”
I’ll be interested. I am interested.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:05 am
Old Joe Kennedy’s fortune got chopped up and spread thin over a couple of generations.
When Ted Kennedy had a real race with Romney, he took a second mortgage on his house to finance a late TV buy.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:05 am
A Kennedy. Be still my heart. Seriously, the bench is pretty full, someone just needs to run who has an argument that isn’t related to their family name and/or personal bank account.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:05 am
===Old Joe Kennedy’s fortune got chopped up and spread thin===
I think Chris Kennedy’s mom is the one with the real money. Old man Skakel had a ton of dough. But Ethel is still kicking it.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:09 am
This is a little ineffable, but for some reason Pritzker seems to have more upside than Kennedy to me. But any of the Electeds who have been mentioned would be preferable to either/both.
== that new DC role could mean she’ll be otherwise occupied==
Yes, it could. It could also just be one of those “everyone gets a title” things that caucuses, especially minority caucuses, do nowadays.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:09 am
Neither Kennedy nor Bustos are legitimate candidates. One is a regular tire kicker (who is more than a little strange) and other a trained professional politician looking to raise money and her low profile.
Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:28 am
While the Dems salivate maybe one of them can explain how he or any liberal type can fix the State’s problems. Madigan had carte Blanche between 2003 and 2014 and how is it we are still in such disastrous shape?
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:28 am
I was impressed when Chris came out west to run the family’s Merchandise Mart and stayed in the Chicago area to make his home and raise his children. I always looked at that as both a a smart business and personal move to separate and differentiate himself from his Kennedy/Skakel relatives out east who have had many problems and have made (too) many headlines for various things. In other words, I see Chris Kennedy as a quality guy.
Than said, I think he should stay out of politics and I really hope he does not run for Governor of IL.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:29 am
I view Cheri Bustos much more as Durbin’s replacement in Senate if he retires.
Too bad money matters so much. Would love to see a Downstate female governor.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:32 am
@Sue - You must have amnesia if you think MJM had carte blanche all of those years. Rod was nuts.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:38 am
Watch ILGOP emails start dropping tying Pritzker & Kennedy to Madigan. If either of them made one donation ever or a company they invested in hired him to appeal their property taxes, we’ll be hearing about it nonstop for months.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:38 am
= how he or any liberal type can fix the State’s problems. Madigan had carte Blanche between 2003 and 2014 and how is it we are still in such disastrous shape?=
Madigan is not a “liberal” in the classical sense of the word. In many ways he is apolitical.
The parallels between Madigan and Richie Daley are becoming more and more clear to me over time.
Both men were more about the power, control, and gamesmanship/strategy than they were about any social or political platform.
Both men have left/will leave huge debt behind them as well. But, they had a lot of help with that, many compliant politicians.
In Madigan’s case, there is also a long list of republican’s that are complicit as well. Long list.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:40 am
What about Pat Quinn? I bet he will run again.
Comment by Blogman Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:50 am
= how he or any liberal type can fix the State’s problems. Madigan had carte Blanche between 2003 and 2014 and how is it we are still in such disastrous shape?=
Do you read at all? Know anything about other states at all? Have an education and/or intellectual curiosity?
I suggest you google the fiscal and economic situation in Minnesota and California and get back to us.
Comment by Chucktownian Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:56 am
If Pritzker and a current elected end up in, Kennedy may have some serious trouble raising money.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 10:58 am
I don’t think the Kennedy fortune has truly bankrolled a campaign since 1960.
But Rich is right. The Skakel family was loaded, thanks to a Chicago-based coal and carbon company Ethel’s father started (hey, maybe that will play in Southern Illinois!)
I think Chris Kennedy’s real test is, as OW alludes to, whether he can he raise other people’s money.
Comment by Roman Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:03 am
–What about Pat Quinn? I bet he will run again.–
Likely, but most of the noise he’s been making lately has been against Rahm. If there is one thing he has been generally pretty good at, it’s picking his battles, especially in primaries. If there is no “clear the field” type candidate, he might see an avenue just based on name recognition alone. It’s worked before.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:05 am
With the Kennedy name - I would suggest he does a thoughrough opposition research on his own background
Comment by Lech W Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:08 am
I am keeping an open mind and have no preferences at this time.
My deciding factor, aside from the the serious money that will need to be raised to counter the BVR multi-millions is this - how will any of these prospective candidates campaign and poll in Southern Illinois?
Comment by illini Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:10 am
A whole lot less competition getting promoted when your party is in the minority, eh Cheryl?
LOL
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:17 am
Chris is another good guy but this 2018 gubernatorial race will be based on public ideas each person has backed and $$$ resources. Both items Chris falls short on.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:19 am
Bustos makes sense as the Dem candidate in a few ways. Rauner strikes me as the kind of alpha-male candidate who would have difficulty running against a woman. And not having anything to do with Springfield is asset any Dem candidate should possess.
But her name recognition is nil, which means she’ll have to raise several extra million just to introduce herself. And outside of Durbin, downstate Dems have not done well in top-of-the-ballot primaries for a generation now.
Comment by TJ Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:22 am
I hear the sad kazoo of Pat Quinn echoing in the distance, awaiting his chance to grab headlines….soon…
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:38 am
Chris Kennedy would be a good choice for Democrats.
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:44 am
Part of the problem here I’m worried about, is that money will be huge in the Dem primary, but less of a factor in the general.
For off year general elections, the key for a Dem in the general will be turnout and mobilizing support from some of the most-likely-to-dropoff groups (younger voters, including especially younger African Americans and Latinos).
Pritzker and Kennedy might be able to barrel through the primary on the strength of their cash, but I’m not sure either one is an ideal candidate to mobilize turnout in the general. Dislike of Trump and Rauner -might- be enough, mind, in 2018; it’s all speculative still.
But you don’t have to match Rauner $ for $ , in the general election; you just need to get to competitive level, and then have a candidate who inspires Democrats to get out and vote, and play into your natural partisan advantage in IL.
I don’t know if Pritzker or Kennedy get the blood rushing. Can we do better?
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 11:44 am
I’ll be in the corner. Yawning.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:04 pm
moving to Bustos moving up as Schakowsky leaves. here’s hoping.
Comment by amalia Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:35 pm
Anon 10:38 called it on Chris Kennedy
Comment by Grand Avenue Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 12:57 pm
One huge plus for Kennedy is that he’s not part of the Washington or Springfield establishment –he connects well with upstate and downstate — he has been a job-creator — he’s got good name ID.
Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:40 pm
===–he connects well with upstate and downstate — ===
Well, Kennedy is starting from the Ground Floor, and while he has had his Ups and Downs, the Doors Closing on him hasn’t happened. I know he’s being Chased, but there’s no Emergency Button to push.
Follow?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:51 pm
O..W.. Yes, I follow, and those who lined up to meet Kennedy in Southern Illinois, Springfield, the Quad Cities, and so on, were not disappointed with the substance of his remarks and his ability to connect with folks. And not having Springfield and Washington experience wrapped around his neck - in this political season - is good, I think.
Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:57 pm
- Downstate Dem -
You didn’t follow me. Purposely.
What a shame.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 2:59 pm
So he can speak to friendly audiences but not take questions from the media, despite wanting their coverage to further his candidacy? OK.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 3:57 pm
I give Kennedy three months before he’s out, if that. He’s only still in because he has folks whispering in his ear that he can beat Rauner, which won’t happen. The Kennedy name is not what it used to be and definitely not the money, sorry.
Comment by shytown Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:12 pm
O..W .. apologies, maybe another day when I feel more creative … sorry … Mr. Burgundy, sorry you weren’t in Springfield when Mr. Kennedy sat alongside former Gov. Jim Edgar for an hour, discussing the election and issues that dominate our politics … Afterward, Chris Kennedy took questions from Statehouse reporters for about 20 minutes .. I know people want to judge him for one morning in an elevator but there’s more to this than that … that’s all
Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:14 pm
1) Bustos is not “downstate”. Get a map.
2) Bustos was just promoted by Pelosi who polls just below Madigan and Rauner. She would get drilled statewide in 2018 or 2020.
3) Kennedy has been to Southern Illinois- those folks love Kennedy- Catholic coal miners- etc. But can he raise money?
4) Kennedy has ZERO name recognition. He had never held office- and the whole Bush/Clinton family legacy crap shows voters are sick of electing political dynasties.
5) Pritzker is your dark horse. The guy has the money- enough money that he should be a Republican. Imagine a billionaire campaigning to raise taxes on himself and his rich friends. Could show up Rauner for the fake that he really is.
Comment by Clear Thoughts Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:24 pm
- Downstate Dem -
I don’t think you’ll get it or me then either. Like I said, It’s a shame. Oh well…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:30 pm
–Mr. Burgundy, sorry you weren’t in Springfield when Mr. Kennedy sat alongside former Gov. Jim Edgar for an hour, discussing the election and issues that dominate our politics … Afterward, Chris Kennedy took questions from Statehouse reporters for about 20 minutes .. –
Good for him. Which do you think got WAY more coverage?
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 4:31 pm
Check this kid out….. Alex Paterakis
https://www.facebook.com/paterakisalex/?ref=bookmarks
Comment by Ralph Lundgren Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:18 pm
Clear … If Kennedy were running on his name, he would have done that 25 years ago, right? He’s spent 30 years investing time in building up non-profits that help the poor, schools, job creation, etc.
Burgundy … You made my point - which is why I was trying to balance out the media issue. A few seconds in the elevator vs. 15 minutes fielding questions from Statehouse reporters.
Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Dec 7, 16 @ 5:23 pm