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Within days we’ll also see what other Republicans might jump into the governor’s race. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin is expected to get in.

“He’s got charm and charisma. Twice elected mayor in a racially mixed city, he demonstrates broad appeal,” writes Laura Washington in this Sun-Times’ analysis piece.

Don’t be surprised if Irvin, who is Black, announces his entry in a symbolic way. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a week from today.

Gary Rabine, who’s already entered the GOP race for governor, has picked his lieutenant governor: Aaron Del Mar, a businessman and Palatine Township Republican committeeman.

Who won’t be gathering petitions (at least this time around): Todd Ricketts, the Cubs co-owner and former national GOP finance chairman. “Todd has no current plans to run for office but is certainly interested in the future of his community, his state and his country,” spokesman Brian Baker said.

From what I was told, Griffin wanted to show respect for Ricketts and wait until he came to a decision before acting. Irvin is back at the top of the list. Published reports have indicated that Rep. Avery Bourne will likely be the lt. governor pairing.

* Press release…

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky today announced her endorsement of Nancy Rotering for the Illinois Supreme Court, 2nd District.

“I am happy to join nearly 100 elected officials and leaders in Illinois’ legal community who have made an early endorsement of Nancy Rotering because we know she is the best candidate for Illinois Supreme Court Justice in the 2nd District. Nancy’s lifetime commitment to advocacy and justice and her broad range of legal experience make her the most qualified candidate in the race,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “With the balance of the Illinois Supreme Court to be decided in 2022, and so many critical issues at stake, we must nominate the strongest candidate for the general election to ensure the Justice from the 2nd District shares our Democratic values - and that candidate is Nancy Rotering.”

* Press release…

On Sunday, the campaign of Nabeela Syed, candidate for State Representative in Illinois’s 51st House District, announced the endorsement of neighboring State Representative Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), also the Wheeling Township Democratic Committeeman.

“We need leaders in Springfield like Nabeela – she’s smart, energetic, passionate about her community, and understands the struggles families face daily,” said Walker. “I look forward to creating new solutions addressing property taxes, restoring trust in government, and recovering from the pandemic with a new generation of leaders like Nabeela.” […]

Nabeela Syed has also been endorsed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Theresa Mah – an indication that Democrats are eyeing the district, currently held by a Republican.

* Press release…

This morning, State Representative Tim Butler announced his plans to run as a Republican in the newly drawn 95th House District, which includes Sangamon, Christian, and Macon Counties as well as communities of Springfield, Rochester, Chatham, Edinburg, Kincaid, and Boody. […]

Butler is also pleased to announce that his campaign for re-election is endorsed by the three local Republican County Chairmen in the district. “We enthusiastically endorse Tim Butler for re-election in the new 95th house district. Tim is a fighter for our conservative values and beliefs. After working with him for many years, we know he will be an asset to our county parties to help Republican candidates win up and down the ballot next fall.” said Dianne Barghouti Hardwick (Sangamon), Seth McMillan (Christian), and Bruce Pillsbury (Macon).

* Sunday…

Today, Democrat Karin Norington-Reaves announced her bid for Illinois’ First Congressional District. She would be the district’s first woman and woman of color to hold the position. For the past decade, Karin has served as the CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the nation’s most extensive and effective publicly-funded workforce development system.

“Our district needs a representative that uplifts all of its people, listens to their voices, and is a tireless advocate for their needs. Today I’m announcing my candidacy to serve our community as that representative,” said Norington-Reaves. “As a job creator and workforce development expert, I’ve witnessed firsthand how investments in people transform lives. But we must do more. As our next representative, I’ll fight for systemic change to create quality jobs, improve public education, and make our communities safer.”

…Adding… Press release…

Since announcing his campaign for the Illinois’ 14th Congressional District on November 15th 2021—a mere eight weeks ago—Koolidge for Congress has raised over $100,000 via over 150 donations. This impressive and enthusiastic support sends a clear message that Mike Koolidge is the frontrunner in the race to defeat Lauren Underwood.

“I am tremendously grateful and humbled for the support I’ve received since announcing my run for Congress,” said Koolidge. “With equal parts rural, suburban and urban, there are few districts in America as representative of the country as the 14th District of Illinois. This is the race to watch in November. The road to Republicans retaking the House and removing Nancy Pelosi as Speaker runs through our pivotal district.”

Making Koolidge’s fundraising milestone all-the-more impressive is that he’s a first-time congressional candidate who has only been fundraising for half a quarter. Not only that, but this fundraising occurred during the holiday season, historically a more difficult time for candidates to fundraise. By comparison, Underwood raised only $75,379 in her first-ever (full) fundraising quarter in 2017.

…Adding… Media advisory…

Tomorrow, Paul Schimpf, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor, plans to announce his 2022 running mate in Crystal Lake, followed by a statewide announcement tour.

Who: Paul Schimpf and 2022 Running Mate

What: Official Press Announcement of 2022 running mate in Crystal Lake followed by a three-day statewide announcement tour to share the campaign’s plan to fire Pritzker and renew Illinois.

When & Where:
January 11th
Official Running Mate Announcement: 10am—Raue Center for the Arts (26 N. Williams St), Crystal Lake, IL

* More…

* Illinois 2022 GOP Congressional primary races to watch

* Tom Kacich: Miller holds Trump card over Davis in 15th District primary

* Davis has edge over Miller despite Trump’s nod, experts say

* Jim Dey: Battle for secretary of state heats up in both parties

* Who is running for secretary of state? Here’s a look at recent race developments

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 1:59 pm

Comments

Irvin/Bourne - A ticket the Pritzker team needs to be worried about.

Rabine/Del Mar - Not so much…

Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:01 pm
Dear Avery Bourne,

Once you’re out, you’re likely out for a while.

You lose, then you wait… unless you wanna lobby, make dollars, “move on”

Coming back after losing statewide is tough.

Ask Leader Durkin, or better, learn how Durkin came back.

I dunno… and for LG… at your age… yep, I dunno.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:05 pm
Dear Avery Bourne … Do what you love, take the challenge of running statewide and embrace it. An Irvin/Bourne ticket looks very appealing right now. Don’t let OW mansplain to you his reality.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:10 pm
“Both of the current GOP candidates — Mary Miller and Rodney Davis — are incumbent members of Congress who portray themselves as solid conservatives who are disciples of Trump.” - Tom Kacich

“Disciples of Trump”…is a most frightening and dangerous misuse of the English language.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:13 pm
===mansplain===

“Sure, Jan”

I’d give the same exact advice… SAME… to a 30ish male that can be a leader in the party only to be cast aside after taking the hit to run and lose.

Like I said, I hope she talks to Durkin.

But… make it about me.

(Sigh)

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:14 pm
dear Rotering supporters. the post she is running for….now…is to be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois. Not AG, not a post where she can write laws, but a post where laws are interpreted, evidence interpreted. can’t wait until she debates actual judges.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:26 pm
“He’s got charm and charisma. Twice elected mayor in a racially mixed city, he demonstrates broad appeal,”

Undoubtedly. But, in a Republican primary???

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:28 pm
Fascinating that Irvin wants to light his career on fire like this but hey I guess enough money will convince anyone to do crazy things.

Avery Bourne is a gift to Pritzker. Irvin is a more palatable general election candidate but oooof the contortions he will put himself through to win that primary while the Pritzker camp just collects snippets for general election ads.

Pritzker will win ultimately. Frankly it’s the Secretary of State race the Dems need to worry about.

Comment by Anchors Away Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:35 pm
==Avery Bourne is a gift to Pritzker. Irvin is a more palatable general election candidate but oooof the contortions he will put himself through to win that primary while the Pritzker camp just collects snippets for general election ads.==

Eh. Irvin was going to have to make those contortions regardless of his running mate. And no one votes according to the running mate, anyway.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:37 pm
Just how do they sell Irwin on Republican Primary Voters? This guy has a number of flaws just read Washingtons article in todays Sun Times. She makes a comparison to Alan Keyes run years ago and can’t say I disagree

Comment by Long Time Independent Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:37 pm
===She makes a comparison to Alan Keyes run===

That guy was a bizarro disaster who wouldn’t know Lincoln County from a horseshoe.

Not a fair comparison for a general.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:40 pm
==Just how do they sell Irwin on Republican Primary Voters?==

Well, it’s more like buying, right? With, what, $150M, $300M?

But I take your point. Guy even did some sanctuary city stuff. They’re gonna need every penny.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:41 pm
= Griffin wanted to show respect for Ricketts =

Some sentences can induce a visceral nausea simply by reading them.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:42 pm
Sure no one votes based on an LG candidate but the first rule of a running mate is so no harm (see Dan Biss and his 1st LG pick) in 2018.) Irvin will get asked about wacky position and vote of Bourne’s and again - the contortions…well I for one will enjoy watching. I’ll say it again - I think Irvin actually has a future and if I were him I’d be worried about getting thrown out to do Ken Griffin’s bidding in what I think will be a losing effort.

Comment by Anchors Away Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 2:56 pm
Well it should all make for an interesting spring. We haven’t seen how Griffin’s checkbook stacks up against party purity and where loyalties lie - the party and it’s voters. Looks like we’re about to find out soon enough.

Comment by Pundent Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:04 pm
Richard Irvin would be a great general election candidate.
Richard Irvin would be a bad Republican primary candidate.

Comment by Roman Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:06 pm
Irvin has $$$ (assuming Griffin favors him), charisma, and what is shaping up to be a Republican year. Way crazier things have happened. Balance that against: the Governor has $$$ and has done a good job and Illinois is more blue than not. Until Irvin shows he can win primary voters without losing everyone else, “likely Dem” seems like a fair rating. But fortune favors the bold.

Comment by natty lite Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:17 pm
=Dear Avery Bourne …=

LOL. She will drag down the moderate ‘publican in the general. Even if people don’t vote for a LG.

She is another Raunerite. How’d that end?

Comment by JS Mill Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:23 pm
Pretty sure GOP Primary voters won’t be pleased with Mayor Irvin when his free spending ways in Aurora, and praise for Pritzker’s COVID policies come to light.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:36 pm
===Pretty sure GOP Primary voters won’t be pleased===

It’s gonna be fascinating.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:47 pm
Griffin is a big part of this election anyway, because Pritzker is running on the massive Rauner/Griffin damage he’s fixing, including starving violence interruption programs and making homicides rise.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:54 pm
Bourne had a chance to be a young leader. Instead, she has chosen to cling to the Raunerites and their party positions. As one of her constituents, I will not mind her being gone one bit.

Comment by historic66 Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 3:55 pm
===It’s gonna be fascinating.===

I mean, could it be like Rauner/Ives and in the end who exactly might be coming home as Irvin reaches across to be the attractive suburban candidate, and option other than Pritzker…

The contrast alone… a suburban mayor, AA, believer in science, and keeping the wing of the party that’s in all actuality “the base of the cult” from deciding that not showing up isbt an option in November?

Should be interesting… if Irvin is first “in” then gets the “win”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:00 pm
Lets look at this through a forward looking lens. Avery Bourne is young and Irvin is young - they get a guy with a lot of money to present their names statewide. Lets say they lose - what is the harm? Irvin goes back to being Mayor and Bourne can position herself to run for another statewide/congressional office in the future and build on the statewide name id right now. I see no downside to this pairing.

Comment by Paul S Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:02 pm
===Irvin is young===

I’m sure Irvin appreciates that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:05 pm
Is Rotering approaching Ray Wardingley status yet? And Schakowsky endorsement moves Lake County voters how?

Comment by Original Rambler Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:08 pm
=== Lets say they lose - what is the harm?===

None really from Irvin, Bourne, she loses her seat, kind of like anyone risking it, then outside.

So yeah, Bourne is risking, Irvin, not so much.

Irvin and Pritzker are both 51, BTW

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:13 pm
My bad… flipped through Wiki too quick.

Pritzker is 56

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 4:20 pm
Painting Avery as some wack-a-doo zealot won’t work. She may not be my cup of tea but she always comes across composed, well prepared and comfortable in her own skin.

Comment by Aye-Carumba Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:01 pm
The big question remains: How does a GOP candidate win their primary without making themselves unelectable in a statewide general election?

To date, none of these candidates have an answer to that question.

– MrJM

Comment by MisterJayEm Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:12 pm
===How does a GOP candidate win their primary without making themselves unelectable in a statewide general election?

To date, none of these candidates have an answer to that question.===

The embarrassingly large sum of money attached to this endeavor will be… whew.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:19 pm
===she always comes across composed, well prepared and comfortable in her own skin.===

If abortion becomes a major player in the politics of 2022, all that will be tested as Roe will be something Bourne could face questions on, given the SB40 questions she asked and her take on abortion.

Fascinating things could be ahead.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:40 pm
Republicans are down so bad that they need ken to fund a guy who votes in democratic primaries… YIKES

Comment by Wildcat Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:42 pm
In re Bourne, the problem isn’t necessarily that she runs and loses. It might be that she runs and wins.

The LG office is no man’s land. Responsibilities are skant other than waiting for the Gov to die, resign, or be impeached. Ask Evelyn Sanguinetti how life as a former Illinois LG is working out? More like “Evelyn Who?”

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 5:52 pm
== Rep. Avery Bourne will likely be the lt. governor pairing.==

Given all of the dumb things Bourne has said over the years, I’ll bet oppo researchers cant wait to get busy pulling transcripts.

Comment by low level Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 9:17 pm
Still can’t understand why a person with Milhiser’s legal chops is not running for Attorney General. I guess when ya take take Ken Griffins money , ya slot where you are told. 🤑

Comment by Lonesome Rhodes Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 9:25 pm
Man Irvin and Bourne should just wait until 2026, I know alot can happen, but the Dem party is kind of a mess and will only be worse when JB is gone. Patience is a virtue in politics.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Jan 10, 22 @ 10:18 pm
=the Dem party is kind of a mess and will only be worse when JB is gone=

I would agree that for the ILGOP there’s nowhere to go but up. But they seem to be perpetually wandering around looking for an elevator. What exactly will change within the party by 2026? And if you think that somehow the Dems will fall to the GOPs level of incompetence, well they’ve got a long ways to go.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jan 11, 22 @ 7:45 am