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* The rumor mill kicked up hard after McCann filed an A-1 late last night showing he’d raised about $68K from unions in the past few days, including almost $54K from the IEA’s committee.
State Sen McCann on challenging Rauner in GOP Primary: "I am considering it. I have not made a decision." #IlGov18
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) July 18, 2017
* The Question: Should Sen. McCann run for governor in the GOP primary? Click here to take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:25 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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A challenger should rise, but I don’t believe McCann should be the one
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:28 pm
He absolutely should run. He’d be an option for republicans that are’t flying their Gadsden flags and regurgitating IPI talking points.
Comment by BattleAxe Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:31 pm
Give the GOP an option outside of Raunerism. Who cares if McCann wins or gets anywhere? It’s about ideas, specifically defending Moderate Republicanism in one of the last states that it exists [existed?] in the US.
Comment by Dick Butka Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:31 pm
There HAS to be a Party Primary challenge (not that Wm Kelly dude), Otherwise, it means Rauner owns the whole of the party…something no one should do. And, no, not something Madigan does.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:33 pm
Yup. BattleAxe +1
Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:34 pm
Maybe IEA just bought McCann a brand new $61,146.00 2017 Ford Expedition XLT instead of a statewide campaign.
http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/ItemizedExpend.aspx?FiledDocID=9inpZ7jFYwE5GVe%2fGURl7Q%3d%3d&ExpenditureType=lapu4St7dmFkjjry0TYb%2bhUGjXsU1t9dTW5yEniOYqs%3d&Archived=VUYa7knnZTba0g9oBtSiQQ%3d%3d&OrderBy=VaquNL9OzTulWObUjdk%2bkIhQn5vlVSWPsC77cLvHsuGnBqmJ2poKaQ%3d%3d&ItemizedExpendFrom=1oC01Bqc%2fR9UDwXO7ZUlrNm0EA4SCUEC6CS3ONHVS%2bnojTaAPlOqig%3d%3d
Comment by Chairman McBroom Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:34 pm
“Should Sen. McCann run for governor in the GOP primary?”
Yes, because the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather hype/fight will be over on August 26.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:34 pm
Would I like Rauner to be challenged in primary? Yes. Do I think Sam is the guy? No. He needs to realize he’s ok right where he is. Sam, enjoy the flattery and then get back to running for reelection.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:35 pm
Kirk Dillard 2.0. Like Dillard Sam is a fine legislator, moderate conservative, well respected amongst those in Springfield. Dillard would have won handily, imo, had the unions organized further out than what they did. If the dems settle their pick early, look out. A strong union led campaign to pull republican ballots could definitely beat Rauner.
Comment by Hit Em With The Hein Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:36 pm
Sure, why should Rauner get a free pass
Comment by ILGOV2018 Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:38 pm
I will say he would be a big improvement over the current occupant. I like Sam and have voted for him, but I’m not sure it is his time. He does have a loyal base in his district. But I don’t think he can raise enough money to be a serious threat.
Having said that, I would enjoy watching it. Might distract the new team a bit. And, if he does, I will write a check to him and consider it an amusement tax.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:39 pm
Dillard was a workable moderate who went right in attempt to get the nomination. It would have been easier and sooner for folks to rally around him if he hadn’t shifted his approach.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:40 pm
Voted “yes” just because it would be fun. But Sam is up for re-election this cycle (which probably explains the IEA cash) so he would have to give up his seat. And no one is going to beat Rauner in a primary unless he pulls and about face and signs HB 40.
Interesting that HB 40 hasn’t been sent to the Guv yet. If they hold it til after the filing date and he doesn’t get an opponent, Rauner might just sign it.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:40 pm
No.
1) He will lose badly. It won’t be close.
2) A challenge to Rauner from his left just gives him a foil for his messaging while the Dems are too busy worried about their own primary, it will be a great opportunity for Rauner to reinforce his message.
3) You may ask why it matters what I (a Democrat) think about a Republican primary, afterall it’s your primary and I should stay out. Fair, but McCann will be expecting my party’s money to fund it. That would be a colossal waste of money that we could much better spend elsewhere.
Do not want.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:40 pm
I voted Yes, on the assumption that he wants to run. I’m a “let everyone run” kind of guy. Plus, divisions in the Republican Party serve my broader interests.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:40 pm
McCann should run. There are many Republicans like myself that are seeking an alternative.
Comment by Saluki Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:40 pm
While I said yes, because I think Rauner and the GOP deserve a primary, Chris Radango would be my pick. Not saying it would happen or she would necessarily win. Just my pick.
Comment by Centennial Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:41 pm
Not sure. I’m not sure many Dems/Labor would be willing to vote for him and pass on the chance to pull a Dem ticket in the primary. Maybe an “unofficial trial ballon” to see how things look?
Comment by W.S. Wolcott Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:41 pm
Moderate and labor friendly Republicans have generally run well in this state and for the most part have been decent governors.
Comment by Tough Guy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:42 pm
McCann is seen as a good legislator and as a viable statewide candidate only … in this space.
Nowhere else.
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:42 pm
Yes, because the public sector unions prefer to have both candidates in their hip pocket.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:42 pm
- Norseman -, thanks for filing my D-2 last night, I know it was close, and my fault, but once again you prove to be a first rate campaign manager.
To the Post,
===Should Sen. McCann run for governor in the GOP primary?===
My vote is “No”
“Why?”
Taking this question as a true snapshot of today, and nothing more or beyond this question at this moment, it’s “No”
When Labor, late, but fairly organized and thoughtful to that organization, decided to go with Dillard, he already had signinficant statewide experience, name recognition, and an apparatus to piggy back a strong Labor push.
All that said, Dillard, again fell short, even with a surging finish.
Right now, McCann is known within the “knowing” but unknown, generally speaking, to the GOP voters that may just casually observe process, politics, and governing.
Unless there is a strong, continual reach to GOP voters like me and that reach shows McCann can at least make Rauner sweat or give Rauner hits that couldn’t be discussed without McCann, I see no reason for McCann, “today”, as a viable option, or a credible choice for GOP Primary voters
Show me, Labor…
Show me, Sen. McCann…
Show me… disheartened GOP operative…
Show… me.
Until then, I’ll stick with my vote.
My vote is “No”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:45 pm
I don’t think he’s the best candidate for the job, but one that would make for a very interesting primary, Mark Kirk. He has some name recognition statewide and has a whole lot of former staffers that just got canned by Rauner that may be willing to help.
Comment by No Clue Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:46 pm
I voted NO
BVR is the leader of the IL GOP. He is best fit to lead the state and GOP. McCann is a good man but this is not his time.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:48 pm
Yes, he might get a lot of Democratic crossover support. I’m a Dem and I crossed to vote for Dillard, and I’ll cross to vote for McCann.
Comment by Steve Rogers Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:49 pm
Given his wit and knowledge about how Rauner operates I’d like to see Goldberg stage a run.
Now THAT would be fun to watch.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:49 pm
I voted ‘no.’ I don’t think he’d be a strong candidate. I would like to see a Republican primary candidate who is not anti-union though. I think there are a lot of Republican union members out there who would like someone they can support.
Somewhere in an alternate universe, Michael Madigan is the multi-billionaire and he is channeling money into the Illinois Opportunity Project #2 to fund Republican gubernatorial candidates who want to implement unspecified reforms to help middle class Illinoisans.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:50 pm
As I personally vote, today, “No”
As has been my thoughts… “Let them all run” is what a primary is.
If a field is cleared, ok, but you wanna run, have at it.
Doesn’t mean I agree with any run or all runs, especially against incumbents, nope, doesn’t mean I’m cool with it, but, “let em run”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:50 pm
Yes. Because, he would be the only Republican running in the primary.
Comment by Dublin Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:52 pm
Voted yes. You reap what you sow. Rauner tried to take McCann out and failed. Payback time. Rauner will clearly win the primary but at least he’ll have to work at it if there’s an opponent.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:52 pm
Voted yes.
Republican voters need to know that all GOP does not approve of Rauner. And Rauner needs to know that all republican voters don’t approve of him.
Comment by Real Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:57 pm
I voted “No”. Illinois needs a governor with executive branch experience, not legislative. Dan Cronin of Du Page County or Aaron Lawlor of Lake County are two rising stars in the GOP that would get my vote.
Comment by GA Watcher Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 1:59 pm
Sam McCann…Just can’t even get my head to even think about this. That would be a resounding “no”.
He wouldn’t waste any paper listing any colleagues endorsing him though.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:01 pm
I too voted yes if just to regain some appearance of the GOP in the midst of a Rauner hostile party takeover.
Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:01 pm
No.
Not Sam.
Bob Dold could do it.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:02 pm
While it might be fun, he’s not the right guy, and running as a Republican with union backing isn’t the greatest strategy. If you somehow manage to win the primary they drop you like a hot potato in the general.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:05 pm
I voted no, McCann wouldn’t do well statewide, he’d get some mid-state votes, but I can’t see him garnering many votes up north or down south.
Also, if a far right candidate, a Walsh for example, runs, McCann and Rauner are going to split the moderates, possibly putting the far right candidate on the November ballot.
Comment by Swift Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:06 pm
I voted “yes” because, as economics teaches us, competition is best for the consumer (citizen). I care more about having the best person for the job not the best person in a field of limited choices.
Comment by Mean Gene Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:08 pm
Sam is a friend of mine. He has been for a number of years. I would tell him bot to do this now. While he is a good guy and well liked in his and other close districts, he has very little statewide credentials. Rauner will throw the entire kitchen, not just the sink at him. I am not sure the money could be generated to counter the onslaught. But Sam is a proud man and do what he thinks is possible. Good Luck my friend. You can count on my help.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:10 pm
Sure. I’d pull an R ballot again for Sam. But that has more to do with me not sure of who to support in a Dem primary. Oh wait, no it doesn’t. We have the worst governor ever (in my opinion).
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:13 pm
McCann and Radogno should both run.
Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:17 pm
===McCann and Radogno===
Then she’d be up against two men who stabbed her in the back.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:18 pm
There should be a challenger, but based on my experience (he is my senator) he is not the guy.
Comment by SouthernGirl Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:18 pm
===Then she’d be up against two men who stabbed her in the back.===
“Settling all family business… ”
If be more surprised, right now, if Ms. Radogno ran than if Mcann ran.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:20 pm
Sufferin’ succotash
Comment by Bobcat Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:21 pm
It would be a great way to troll Rauner right back.
Comment by Glengarry Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:25 pm
The ultimate difference between Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump is that Rauner put his money where his mouth was and bought the party in accordance with a hostile takeover.
It’s Rauner’s ILGOP now. The odds of a Baar Topinka/Dillard acolyte prospering on a statewide level are slim to none.
McCann may very well run, but should he? No. He’d going to get clobbered with no upside.
Comment by TKMH Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:33 pm
No. I like Sam and wish he was my Senator. Maybe with the next re-districting map? He at least represents his constituents.
But unless Rauner runs as the IPI Libertarian that he is, I think Sam would be more helpful right where he is.
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:46 pm
No. Reasons:
(1) Rauner owns this next election, literally and figuratively. Resources for challengers would be too small to make much if any dent, and I think they’d be better spent on down-ticket primaries to ensure IPI-backed candidates don’t make it onto the ballot in Nov.
(2) For Dems who would crossover vote for him: the Dem primary is shaping up as a free-for-all (unless JB has wrapped it up by then) and would be ill-advised to spend a precious primary vote on a Republican.
Comment by dbk Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:48 pm
Well, if McCann (or anyone else) is all out to destroy Rauner, then yes - because the longer anti-Rauner ads/messenging runs, the better for the Democrats. If he isn’t, I’d say save your sanity and your and your friends’ money.
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:49 pm
Yes. Anything to weaken Rauner, even a little, is good in my book. A lot of people that rich don’t like spending their money so make him spend a little more, even if he won’t miss it.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:49 pm
Yes. Someone should challenge Rauner in the primary.
Comment by Flynn's mom Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 2:53 pm
No. I think Sen. McCann should run for re-election to make it tougher for the IPI/Gov. Rauner to purchase the 50th Senatorial seat.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 3:12 pm
I know little about McCann.
However, I think Rauner somehow managed to make himself the most incompetent IL governor of my lifetime (yes, worse than Blago) and I’m not thrilled with J.B. or Kennedy as strong alternatives.
I would love to have a real choice.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 3:13 pm
As much as I like him, I voted no. Someone should run against Rauner to provide an alternative for the many, many R’s who are appalled and disappointed with the Governor. But McCann should sit tight in the Senate and serve as proof that Rauner CAN be defeated. If he runs and loses, it bolsters the Rauner narrative that money can buy anything.
Comment by NoNews Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 4:04 pm
Probably not a good move. I am curious if any other Republican would be willling to take a shot.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 4:04 pm
Downstate folks will vote for Sam McCann just because he is not from Chicago. Go for it Sam, but hire the best staff to help you run. I hear Goldberg & crew is looking for a job. Remember to cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s. Hope you found your paperwork for your military service. Remember Rauner’s crew will be watching your campaign funds closely.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 4:36 pm
Sam needs to focus on paying his personal debts. He pays his bills about as well as the state.
Comment by downstater Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 4:37 pm
Would Thompson run for governor again?
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 4:39 pm
Yes. He has already been opposed by Rauner in his last election, so why shouldn’t he run on his convictions ? Plus, this will open the door to other candidates. More people participating in the democratic process is good.
Comment by peon Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 5:18 pm
I really believe Proft, oh I’m sorry Rauner is going to get a primary
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 5:57 pm
I voted yes. Also NBC reported that sources say McCann would run as a pro Trump and pro Union candidate. Rich, I’m sure if voters had that information the numbers in favor of his run would be much higher. This would also force Rauner to make a position on Trump.
Comment by Real Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 6:49 pm
Sources say McCann would run as a pro-Trump, pro-union Republican. He said he will wait until the school funding issue is solved before making his decision
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republican-state-senator-sam-mccann-weighs-run-against-rauner-435230603.html
Comment by Real Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 6:52 pm
I can’t claim any deep knowledge of the state GOP, but as a Democrat in a district represented by one of the 10 GOP stalwarts, I’m probably going to cast a GOP vote for my GOP rep anyway rather than voting on the Democratic side, and pretty much anyone running against Rauner would get my vote. Those 10 districts hardly cover the state, but they are a start to moderating the GOP primary electorate.
Comment by Doc Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 10:41 pm
I voted yes. I have talked to him a few times. He is a conservative, but is reasonable and knows that compromise is the way we will move forward in this state.
Comment by Me Again Tuesday, Jul 18, 17 @ 11:22 pm
Dillard would win it.
Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Jul 19, 17 @ 8:46 am