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* UPDATED x1 * Wilson, spokesperson test positive

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U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Willie Wilson and his campaign spokesman have tested positive for coronavirus, his campaign confirmed Thursday.

Wilson and spokesman Scott Winslow both tested positive and the rest of his campaign is now being tested, Winslow said Thursday morning.

Wilson is running under the “Willie Wilson Party” against incumbent U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat, and four other candidates.

It remains unclear how Wilson may have contracted the virus or how severe his symptoms are.

…Adding… Meanwhile…

The real victory for Wilson will be if he can get 5 percent of the vote, which would make his Willie Wilson Party a permanent fixture on Illinois ballots, just as the Green and Libertarian parties have.

Scoring 5+ percent does not give parties permanent ballot spots. The Green and Libertarian parties are on the ballot this year because of the coronavirus and a federal judge’s munificence.

*** UPDATE *** From the candidate…

I recently tested positive for COVID-19. Like so many of my fellow Americans, I am not immune from COVID-19. This is a disease that does not discriminate. Since the beginning of this pandemic I have distributed more than 40 million face masks to first responders, senior citizens, churches and individuals.

While we have taken precautions by wearing face masks and social distancing this disease is highly contagious. I join the ranks of the more than 7 million people in America that have tested positive for Coronavirus.

I am experiencing mild symptoms at this time. However, I am confident that we will beat COVID-19. I have begun the 10-day quarantine and will bounce back from this stronger than before. I am suspending all in person campaigning for the United States Senate the next 10 days while I quarantine. I thank God for great doctors and first responders that care for all of us.

I am praying for all of those impacted by COVID-19 in Illinois and our country at this time. I believe in America and our ability to overcome COVID-19.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:33 am

Comments

Wish Dr. Wilson a speedy recovery.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:39 am
Get well soon Dr. Wilson!

Comment by Fire Lightfoot Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:40 am
As a buddy on Twitter noted: “Willie Wilson Parties have long been known as super-spreader events.”

https://twitter.com/babystew/status/1314209795730141184?s=19

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:48 am
All those masks he was giving out, he should have kept a box or two in the car

Comment by Someone you should know Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:49 am
My best to Dr. Wilson to an easy and speedy recovery

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:52 am
Somebody has to give props for the use of “munificence”. Well done!

Comment by Murph Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:53 am
If I remember correctly, that 5 percent benchmark needs to be maintained from election to election; else, the Illinois Solidarity Party would still be on the ballot.

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:58 am
Hi… I’m Willie Wilson of the Willie Wilson party asking you to vote for Willie Wilson of the Willie Wilson party. This message paid for by Willie Wilson. Did I mention I’m Willie Wilson?

But in all seriousness, I hope he and his staff have a quick and complication-free recovery.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:10 am
Definitely wishing Dr. Wilson the best. I hope he takes this VERY seriously….unlike the POTUS.

While seemingly little threat on the 2020 ballot, 2022 is a different story. It doesn’t require a “Big Thinker” to know that the Willie Wilson Party could be problematic for the top of the ticket in 2022. Especially in a close race - which I’m expecting.

Comment by Welp Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:12 am
=== else, the Illinois Solidarity Party would still be on the ballot===

Correct.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:13 am
=== else, the Illinois Solidarity Party would still be on the ballot===

And why the Greens weren’t on the ballot in the 2014 Governor’s race (Rich Whitney only got about 2.7% in 2010).

Comment by Chatham Resident Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:15 am
I hope he fully recovers.

Comment by walker Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:23 am
they all fully recover.

Comment by walker Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:23 am
How well is the Hal McRae Party polling?

Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:24 am
40 million masks. That’s 191,000 per day since March 19. I call BS.

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:37 am
It’s currently unknown if anyone has fully recovered from COVID 19…for a fact.

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 10:54 am
== How well is the Hal McRae Party polling? ==

.290 lifetime

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 11:06 am
Isn’t Willie Wilson already a fixture on the ballot?

Comment by ChrisB Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 11:19 am
Rich Hill they are polling just above the Freddie Patek Party. Not as good as the John Mayberry Party tho.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 12:34 pm
==I have begun the 10-day quarantine==

What? Pretty sure 14 days is the standard and that he will need to meet a few criteria before being released from quarantine.

I wish him and his staff well, but they are looking at 14 days plus a thumbs up from the medical professionals.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 2:22 pm
According to C.D.C. guidelines, people with mild to moderate cases of Covid-19 most likely “remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset.”

Comment by CDC Friday, Oct 9, 20 @ 4:02 pm