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Question of the day

Posted in:

* Which Democrat do you think should run for governor? As always, explain your answer. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:42 pm

Comments

  1. Tom Dart.. carries Chicago/Cook really big, can compete downstate better than PQ..

    Comment by Wow Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:45 pm

  2. One with a 100 million dollars.

    Comment by tobor Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:47 pm

  3. Lisa Madigan. She may be in a weaker position than had she run in 2014, but if she runs in 2018 it’ll give the Speaker a good reason to retire without admitting defeat. Removes that avenue of attack from Republicans on all Democrats, and she’s established her independence from the name for a long time.

    Comment by First Gentleman Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:48 pm

  4. I kind of agree with Dart, if for no other reasons than his monosyllabic name pairing and that, well, he’s handsome.

    Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:50 pm

  5. TOBOR

    Correction…Someone who will SPEND A 100 MILLION DOLLARS

    Comment by MOON Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:50 pm

  6. Mike Madigan. He has high name recognition in this state.

    Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:51 pm

  7. Lisa Madigan. Capable, and it would mean another certain nagging issue in this state has been resolved.

    Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:51 pm

  8. Cheri Bustos. Laser focus on jobs. Works across the aisle. Got the train to Moline and kept the Nuclear plant open. She has conviction. She understands that people are struggling. She cares. She empowers. And I’ve only met her once.

    Comment by Biker Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:52 pm

  9. Diana Rauner, if she could just find the checkbook it would be a win win

    Comment by Rabid Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:52 pm

  10. Barack Obama.

    Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:53 pm

  11. (no explanation necessary)

    Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:54 pm

  12. No Pat Quinn takers?

    Comment by Highland Il Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:56 pm

  13. –No Pat Quinn takers?–

    Where should we take him? *rimshot*

    Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:56 pm

  14. Representative Bustos:

    1) She represents areas outside of Chicago
    2) she won her district in an area that voted for Trump
    3)She is a high octane, reasonable individual can govern on all fronts
    4) She could also ride a wave of first female governor in Illinois.

    Comment by Jc19pd2 Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:57 pm

  15. Kwame Raoul. He’ll get the black vote. He’s intelligent, friendly, has a good demeanor.

    also because the great Ameya Pawar will immediately drop out. or if he stays in, will receive 5% of the vote.

    Comment by GOP Truth Squad Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:59 pm

  16. The person will have to be someone with a vision that can attract Illinois voters in every part of the state and someone that can give an increasingly skeptical electorate the confidence that they are not corrupt or part of politics as usual in Illinois. It will be a difficult chore to find such a person, and I currently do not know who that would be.

    Comment by Mahna Anon Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 2:59 pm

  17. “Got the train to Moline and kept the Nuclear plant open”

    Umm…she did neither of those things. The Amtrak service was in the works before she was elected, and pretty sure the bailout was being driven by state actors. And I’m sure campaigning on a rate hike for everyone in the State to keep a power plant open in Cordova will play real well in a statewide campaign as one of her accomplishments.

    But I guess to the actual question, I guess I’ll throw out Theo Epstein’s name. If only because as a White Sox fan, it may bring a little more parity for the other side of town.

    Comment by Juice Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:01 pm

  18. It has to be somebody who has or can raise the kind of money ($50 million+) that Rauner has. But I really wish it was Barack Obama. (Has a President ever run to be a Governor after he left the White House?)

    Comment by Christopher Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:02 pm

  19. -she’s established her independence from the name for a long time.-

    hahaha

    Comment by Southern Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:05 pm

  20. Squeezy.

    Solid record of pension squeezing. Doesnt take himself too seriously. Can raise money cause he’s married to the monopoly man’s daughter. And no scandals except when he ate PQ’s briefcase.

    Heavens to Betsy.

    Comment by Abe the Babe Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:05 pm

  21. Can Bustos raise an 8-figure sum of cash?

    Easily?

    In a crowded Primary? With possibly one self-funder?

    Where will Labor fall in a crowded Primary? Will Labpr want to waste resources against a Dem willing to self-fund? Isn’t that counter-productive?

    Maybe the question I have is who can clear the field enough, and can win come November… and bring $80-90-100…120 million in the end?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:05 pm

  22. Jack Franks.

    He beat the Republicans for McHenry County Board Chairman.

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:06 pm

  23. I wish Tom Dart would run. Not only do I think he would be a smart candidate for the Dems to nominate, but I think he’d be a good governor.

    Dart has good political instincts and knows how to frame an issue with the media — which is important considering how badly he’d be outspent. Despite being around for a while, he’s developed a reputation as a unconvential reformer-type. He could conceivably run a Sanders or Trump type insurgent campaign.

    He knows there’s a big state out there south of I-80 and west of Aurora, having run statewide before. He understands how Springfield works — won’t need on the job training. And anyone who was around in the late 90’s knows he also did his fair share of fighting with Madigan when he was a member — which will be a real political asset on the campaign trail.

    Comment by TMT Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:07 pm

  24. Blue Dog Dem ?

    He definitely knows downstate, seems to be a fiscal conservative which we need, and is skeptical about the current power brokers, which makes him an outsider.

    Only question is if he can raise the needed money?

    Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:09 pm

  25. Daniel Biss

    Comment by MissingG Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:11 pm

  26. “Got the train to Moline and kept the Nuclear plant open”

    Umm…she did neither of those things. The Amtrak service was in the works before she was elected”

    @Juice if you remember correctly one of Bobby Schilling’s first actions as a congressman representing the QC was to kill the train coming to the QC. So, yes she deserves credit for getting it back on track (pun slightly intended).

    I like Cheri, I also think Mike Frerichs fits the downstate criteria. So does Andy Manar. All three need money and lots of it. Also, their name recognition means they need to start working hard now if they are making a run.

    Comment by UISer Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:12 pm

  27. Blago.

    He has the conviction.

    Comment by Blue Bayou Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:12 pm

  28. Someone mentioned Cheri Bustos.

    Could not disagree more based upon my experience with her.

    She is ethical, attractive and earnest. But a real lightweight. And when you try to get a response from her on a specific issue all you get is a form letter run around.

    The Democrats can do better.

    Comment by Federalist Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:13 pm

  29. Obama. While about 17 Governors became POTUS, no POTUS has later become Governor - could be a first…

    Comment by Reformed Public Servant Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:15 pm

  30. Jerry Costello II.

    Comment by blue dog dem Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:17 pm

  31. With Dillard as LtGOV - repayment for “the commercial” that cost Dillard the office in 2010

    Comment by Reformed Public Servant Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:17 pm

  32. He has the money and the ability to raise it. Somewhat conservative Dem. Gun rights advocate and hunter.

    Comment by blue dog dem Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:18 pm

  33. Jesse White. He has statewide name recognition and has done a good job with his Secretary of State responsibilities.

    Comment by Earnest Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:19 pm

  34. Hillary Clinton, she could win in this state.

    Comment by Magic carpet ride Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:20 pm

  35. Diana Rauner. She’s proven she can raise money from people like J.B. Pritzker, she knows where Bruce Rauner’s skeletons lie, and she wouldn’t have to move if she wins.

    Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:21 pm

  36. Tom Dart or Lisa Madigan.

    But I think neither of them will. :(

    I don’t think I’d be opposed to Chris Kennedy or Robin Kelly.

    Throwing it out there: Tammy Duckworth? She has great popularity right now and she would be able to choose her own replacement.

    Comment by QCLib Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:23 pm

  37. If ANY-thing…

    Diana Rauner owes the Democratic Nominee $60 million to offset her “funding” the destruction of her “party”

    “I’m a Democrat”

    lol.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:25 pm

  38. “Run” or be the nominee? ‘Cause I’m pretty happy with everyone who’s running right now (and don’t kid yourself, just about everyone mentioned is running right now). Some of them I’d never vote for in a million years, but I’m happy they’re in the debate.

    If it’s about who should actually be the nominee…is this a complete fantasy draft, with everything on the table? ‘Cause my unrealistic hopes are an Obama, Preckwinkle, and Dart. I think Preckwinkle and Dart could run some very compelling campaigns, but they don’t seem interested at all.

    Of the options actually mentioned frequently, I’m torn between Bustos and Manar. I think Bustos cuts a good profile. Manar seems to know as much about IL government as anyone.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:26 pm

  39. No on Cheri Bustos. A good friend of mine had to utilize her office for constituent services and they completely snubbed her. When the friend kept following up with her office, they basically gave her the run around and then stopped returning calls and emails.

    If she can’t even handle constituent services properly, good luck when she has to actually do something difficult.

    Comment by QCLib Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:28 pm

  40. ==I like Cheri, I also think Mike Frerichs fits the downstate criteria. So does Andy Manar. All three need money and lots of it.==

    Seems like a Congresswoman may have access to money the other two wouldn’t. You would think, at least.

    Manar is a good fundraiser for a state senator, but there’s really no way of knowing if he could size that up.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:28 pm

  41. It’s OK to diss a candidate, but only if you put someone else’s name forward. Last and final warning. Thanks.

    Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:29 pm

  42. Bustos for the reason that Federalist stated… she can spin just as good if not better than Republicans.

    Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:29 pm

  43. I thought Bustos, but can Democrats hold her seat if she wins? The seat in Congress means more to me that the gov, although given re-districting, I reserve the right to re-think that position between now and when it is time to start writing checks.

    Regarding Kennedy and others, I’m not sold on the idea that we need a self-funder. That is a big deal with unknown candidates. Rauner is now well known. He money helps, but he’s already been defined and I’m not sure any amount of money will make a big difference.

    This remains a blue state though, so a quality Dem can still defeat him. With that, I’m sort of reluctantly going with Tom Dart. I would prefer somebody from outside the county, but I’m not seeing much of a bench.

    Dart will be tagged as “Madigan’s boy” but so will anybody else running.

    He is a decent candidate running in a Dem leaning state so he will have an excellent chance of winning. I’m not enthused, but he will be a heck of a lot better than Rauner. For now, that’s good enough.

    Comment by Gooner Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:29 pm

  44. I don’t know his or her name but they should be an everday person and also a billionaire.

    Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:30 pm

  45. ==Maybe the question I have is who can clear the field enough==

    Without Durbin, I don’t think that field clears. Office is just too powerful.

    And that’s OK, Dems need to stop doing the stupid thing where they try to avoid serious primaries.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:31 pm

  46. I’m a fan of Dart but the guy hates to campaign. He’s been great once in office but it’s a big state that would take considerable time away from his young family. He doesn’t seem willing, at this point, to do that.
    Since some names mentioned are pure fantasy, I’d like to see Durbin run. That would be a good fight.

    Comment by Because I said so..... Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:39 pm

  47. UISer, that was a vote on the House GOP budget plan that never actually became law, so the funding was never taken away to be restored.

    (Since I already threw a name out, I assume I don’t have to come up with a second one.)

    Comment by Juice Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:42 pm

  48. Recently impressed with Frerich’s knowledge of what’s wrong and could be right with the state, business expertise, and energy. Might be early for him, though.

    Comment by walker Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:43 pm

  49. Gooner - you’re right, every Dem will be called “Madigan’s boy.”

    But, just for the record concerning Dart, a little known fact: Madigan opposed Tom Dart’s endorsement by the Cook County Democratic Party when he was slated to replace Mike Sheehan as sheriff in 2006. It raised a lot of eyebrows in the Bismarck Hotel.

    There’s a long, complicated history between Dart and Madigan. I hear they’ve smoked the peace pipe in recent years, but there’s some scar tissue.

    Comment by Jim Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:46 pm

  50. Ya Boy Andy Manar.

    Comment by Stark Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:52 pm

  51. I always got the sense when Dart for Treasurer that he did little to try and capture the flag. I could be wrong but that was the perception I got.

    Raoul makes the most sense. He will be midterm and can keep his seat if he loses. Manar & Biss will both be up for reelection and would have to decide one or the other, and Frerichs would have to do the same.

    Manar will also have a dog fight on his hands. If a candidate as lackluster as Linda Little gave him a run for his money BEFORE all of the Rauner cash then I would assume the Senate GOP will have a laser focus on the 48th Senate District.

    Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:53 pm

  52. I was always a little disappointed Dan Hynes lost to Pat Quinn. Likewise, I was disappointed that Brady beat Dillard, I hate to live in the past, pondering what could have been, but that was an election where the obvious two best candidates lost in the primary.

    Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:54 pm

  53. Erica Borggren: a great Veterans Affaires Director, cleaned up IDOT during the short time she was there. A West Point graduate, a Rhodes Scholar, a combat veteran. Brilliant, beautiful, a terrific communicator, is the kind of candidate who would be popular downstate, and in Chicago. A JFK style Democrat with style and substance. She could win, if she decided to run.

    Comment by Horst Cabal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:55 pm

  54. If the person is not a billionaire (or close), they would need to come in with excellent downstate name recognition AND the ability to counter a year’s worth of very nasty ads. So, realistically: Tammy Duckworth, Lisa Madigan, Dick Durbin, Mike Frerichs, & Susana Mendoza (in that order) are decent choices.

    I put Duckworth at the head of the line because she has the fewest negatives and they would be recent old news in 2018. Also, Duckworth doesn’t have to give up her office to run.

    Lisa Madigan would be a great candidate, but I think the constant ads against her father have damaged the name.

    Whatever ground Bustos might gain downstate would be more than offset by Rauner’s ability to define her in a very negative way in Chicago & the burbs.

    When it comes to progressive billionaires, who knows? The big problem is that with non-existent track records, its hard to know how they will come across…

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:56 pm

  55. ==If a candidate as lackluster as Linda Little gave him a run for his money BEFORE all of the Rauner cash then I would assume the Senate GOP will have a laser focus on the 48th Senate District.==

    Manar won that race by 11%.

    Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 3:59 pm

  56. Adding…I would have put Mendoza 3rd (or higher) on my list, but so much depends on what she does over the next six to eight months. She has a lot of potential, but August is not much time…

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:00 pm

  57. RNUG should run. He knows the laws. Capitol Fax could fund him. /s

    Comment by MAMA Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:13 pm

  58. ==If a candidate as lackluster as Linda Little gave him a run for his money BEFORE all of the Rauner cash then I would assume the Senate GOP will have a laser focus on the 48th Senate District.==

    In addition, that 11% winning margin shows how talented he is at winning votes in conservative areas, not the other way around. Outstanding retail politician.

    Comment by Stark Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:13 pm

  59. Anyone with a ton of money, and heart and understands how the legislative process works.

    Comment by MAMA Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:16 pm

  60. Andy Manar he can win the downstate battle with Rauner which BR has to have…Manar is polished enough that if the Dem Party gets behind ($$$$$$$) him he would have a good a chance as anyone else and he can walk the walk/talk the talk.

    Comment by the Cardinal Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:18 pm

  61. Juice, there are many hands lifting on the train to Moline, but to deny Rep. Bustos’ role in keeping the project going is re-writing history. Simply google “train Moline Bustos.”

    Comment by Biker Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:22 pm

  62. Arsenal - yes but Andy still had to work hard and late polling in 2012 and 2014 showed both margins closer than they wound up. He also outspent Linda Little. What happens when $2 or $3 million is spent against him?

    Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:22 pm

  63. Stark - he drew his own district. Half of the district is “conservative” but the east side of Springfield and the meat of Decatur are certainly not.

    Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:23 pm

  64. Tom Dart has the experience and message. But, he would need J.B. Pritzker to openly support him via his wallet.

    Comment by LevivotedforJudy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:25 pm

  65. Christie Hefner. Money, friends, and name recognition. And although she was married to a state senator, I think she can play outsider and business person toe to toe with Bruce Rauner

    Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:34 pm

  66. Tom Dart or Chris Kennedy would be great. Both have independence, both smart, both in this business for the right reasons. But you have to want to self promote and campaign 24/7 - not sure either want that. Both have achieved a lot. So we end up with people who love to self promote and campaign (like Bustos, Manar, Biss).

    Comment by Northern Lights Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:36 pm

  67. Preckwinkle. Would add substance to any debate.

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:37 pm

  68. Sen. Daniel Biss.

    The problems in Illinois are big enough that we really do need the smartest guy around. He can rally the base, raise eight figures, and neutralize Rauner in the suburbs.

    Comment by State Sen. Clay Davis Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 4:39 pm

  69. Dart has his eyes on da mare’s office…I think.

    Pritzker is filthy rich, but didn’t impress me when he ran for Congress. Hopefully he’s improved a bit since that long ago time.

    America’s tallest treasurer?

    If Lisa Madigan wants to be Governor she needs to wait till her dad retires. Don’t hold your breath.

    I personally vote for the Bubbly Creek Hamlet–Bill Daley.

    Comment by IrishPirate Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:10 pm

  70. Oswego Willy should run. He is a good story teller and he knows his way around the statehouse. I’m sure Rich would fund him.

    Comment by MAMA Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:16 pm

  71. Doesn’t anyone want Roland Burris?

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:20 pm

  72. What did we learn from the last election?

    The public hates anyone with experience, they want someone who has been successful in life and they want good paying jobs.

    Comment by MAMA Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:20 pm

  73. - MAMA -

    While I appreciate the thought, I’m a Jim Edgar Republican, not a Raunerite, or a Democrat.

    The Democrats will find their way.

    - Norseman - may have an announcement pertaining to me and a candidacy for governor come September.

    I said… too much.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:23 pm

  74. I think a better question is what can any Democrat who might run be able to get done with Madigan/Cullerton that Paul Quinn couldn’t for 6-years?

    Comment by Hay-anonny-nonny Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:43 pm

  75. Three words: Scott Lee Cohen.

    Comment by Ben Marc*m Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:43 pm

  76. of those in the mix thus far, I’d say Cheri Bustos. Downstate. Downstate. Downstate. Female. Fresh face. the Hillary idea is a great dream!

    Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 5:56 pm

  77. ” the Bubbly Creek Hamlet–Bill Daley.”

    Well played, Pirate.

    I think Rauner is the kind of candidate who would have difficulty running against a woman, so the idea of Bustos appeals to me. I also like the fact she has no connection to the mess in Springfield — that’s a must-have attribute for any Dem nominee. But I’ve never seen her in action so I’m not sure if she has the chops.

    I’m still waiting to find out who the one candidate Oswego Willie has his eye on. He’s been teasing this blog for months.

    Comment by Roman Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 6:05 pm

  78. - MAMA -

    Little tough to run as a D when I pull an R ballot in the primaries.

    Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 6:23 pm

  79. Andy Manar and Tom Dart both came to U of I to speak. Dart would make an amazing candidate. However the buzz on him was running for mayor. He’s wicked smart, has real passion for good and is funny and charming. My ideal picks are Dart and Manar. I don’t think money is as important as a message. Being a billionaire (pritzker/kennedy) takes away a really big line of attack against Rauner. I think Frerichs, Manar, Dart are best chances to win, in that order.

    Comment by UIUC Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 7:19 pm

  80. Anyone but Quinn or Bustos…cmon people this is the era of self funded plutocrats…

    Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 7:20 pm

  81. Barack or Michelle. Though I doubt she’d want that.

    Comment by Cheryl 44 Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 9:13 pm

  82. Kwame. This idea that you react to political setbacks by trying to symbolically move to the other side’s base (nominate a Downstater, etc.), is superficially attractive but I think voters ultimately see through it, -if- the candidate’s not genuine. Nobody can say Kwame’s not genuine. He’d be a fine governor and voters would see it, and he’d get the Democrats we need out and voting. He’d just need to find the cash from somewhere.

    Comment by ZC Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 9:32 pm

  83. The nominee should have deep pockets, strong & positive name recognition, and the competitive drive to run a tenacious campaign.

    Michael Jordan.

    Comment by Just do it. Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 10:11 pm

  84. I vote for OW. If anyone can utter the words ==I’m a Jim Edgar Republican== (who endorsed Rauner) and keep a straight face should be a Democrat.

    Comment by Spin Control Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 11:42 pm

  85. - Spin Control -

    That all makes sense and all…

    … ‘cept for all that dismissin’ and undercuttin’ by Rauner when Edgar makes sense and refutes Rauner… that’ll probably make your drive-by look more foolish than the history of that already happenin’ with Edgar and Rauner…

    So, how do ya reconcile all that? Put a think on it, get back to me.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 5, 17 @ 11:49 pm

  86. OW, having trouble sleeping?

    Comment by blue dog dem Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 3:05 am

  87. Sleep is overrated.

    Not really, actually I could use more sleep.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 8:36 am

  88. Manar. Downstater, dedicated public servant, knowledgeable, but will he be able to raise enough cash to offset Rauner spending?

    Comment by illinoised Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 8:40 am

  89. Tobor

    If each person that took a democratic ballot in the 2016 primary gave $50 to the democrat candidate they would have over $100,000,000.00 to fight for Illinois middle class.

    Comment by Publius Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 8:54 am

  90. ==he drew his own district. Half of the district is “conservative” but the east side of Springfield and the meat of Decatur are certainly not.==

    Now you’re arguing against yourself.

    Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 9:06 am

  91. I almost wish Speaker Madigan would run. That would be the closest thing to a statewide referendum that we’d get as to whose “vision” the voters prefer. Then maybe we could move on.

    But who am I kidding . . .

    Comment by Shawshank Red Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 9:32 am

  92. Arsenal - conservative does not equal Republican. Dan Beiser and Brandon Phelps are “conservative”. Gary Forby and John Sullivan are “conservative”. Andy is not some liberal running in a conservative-leaning area. The area currently represented by Avery Bourne was represented for decades by Gary Hanning, and the other half of the district is almost non-competitive for the Republicans. Sorry but my point stands and I still think that a well-funded challenger in 2018 can take him out given the controversy over AVR & school reform and the potential for low turnout in 2018.

    Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 9:34 am

  93. Team Sleep - Fair, but it’s also true he maintained a double digit margin of victory in an off presidential year in a southern senate district. He has the retail skills.

    Comment by Stark Friday, Jan 6, 17 @ 12:42 pm

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