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Question of the day

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* US Sen. Tammy Duckworth was asked today what she thought about Gov. JB Pritzker running for a third term. He’s said in recent days that the decision was kinda up to his wife, MK. Here’s what Duckworth said…

I think would be great if he’d run again. Remember that we’ve had six balanced budgets and nine credit upgrades under this governor. We were named the Midwest hydrogen hub. We’ve got the new quantum center that we brought in. He’s been a real partner to me and [former deputy governor] Christy George in particular has even traveled with me internationally to attract foreign investment into Illinois. So I’m really excited with what he’s done. And the work that he’s done also with the state legislature. The partnership, there has really allowed our state to come forward in terms of, you know, being a a bastion for reproductive healthcare, for raising the minimum wage, all the stuff that we’ve done for working families. So I urge him to run again.

Please pardon all transcription errors. Also, video is here.

* House Speaker Chris Welch was asked what the legislature’s large Democratic super-majority and a third term for Pritzker would mean to the state and to his working relationship…

I think it means stability. I think it means continued progress. We will continue to move Illinois forward. You know the governor has said those comments to me several times before. So I’ve had an opportunity to kind of lobby his wife a few times and say, ‘Hey, I’d love for him to go for a third term.’ And I think I got a smile and a wink and an OK that he could do that. And so I’m certainly hoping that he continues to be our governor.

* The Question: Do you think Gov. Pritzker should run for a third term? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Also, I’m not asking if you think he will run, I’m asking if you think he should run.

online polls

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:24 am

Comments

Yes. After the prior 20 years in the Governor’s office a full decade of fiscal stability and basic competence in Governor’s office would be divine (insert banned punctuation)

Comment by ChicagoBars Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:29 am
I voted yes. He has been a solid Governor and the state has done well under his leadership.

Comment by Chicago Voter Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:30 am
I think he should.

1) He’s young enough.
2) He’s been pretty successful.
3) He has reasonably decent relationships with his party.
4) It’ll stave off a primary civil war for his party.
5)If he still wants to think about POTUS, better for him to have something to do in the meantime.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:31 am
Yes-for all the reasons Senator Duckworth mentioned plus his handling of Covid crisis.

Comment by Thinking Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:34 am
Yes, mostly for fiscal stability and economic initiatives.

Comment by Original Rambler Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:35 am
Voted yes, I figure if the opportunity opens up in 4 years to run for President, being Governor for one more term helps. If not, being governor isn’t a bad gig.

If the senate seat opens up, however…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:36 am
===If the senate seat opens up, however===

From what I know about him, there’s no way he’d do that. He’d shrivel in the Senate.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:36 am
I voted yes. Senator Duckworth outlines the reasons quite succinctly.

Comment by thunderspirit Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:41 am
I voted “yes”.

He’s been a great governor. He’s getting Illinois back on solid financial footing after the disastrous Rauner years. He’s a strong and pragmatic progressive.

And he plays well with others.

Comment by JoanP Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:45 am
Voted “yes.” He’s been a great governor.

Comment by So_Ill Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:46 am
I voted yes, for purely selfish reasons. I like him and think he’s done a tremendous job as Governor. I’d love for him to run again and again.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:47 am
Yes. Pritzker has been a very good governor, especially on the financial side of the picture.

Comment by JS Mill Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:48 am
Yes. Best governor since JRT. Hope he continues.

Comment by low level Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:48 am
No I would like to see someone else with a different social agenda. He did fine with the finances hopefully someone can fill in those shoes and yet have a better outlook on some policies.

Comment by clec dcn Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:49 am
Yes, probably the best governor in quite some number of years. Also a bonus that he has done everything above the line without any hint of an issue.

Comment by GoneFishing Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:49 am
Yes. I couldn’t think of anyone else I would vote for if he runs again.

Comment by a drop in Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:50 am
Yes, he has brought some much needed stability to state government after almost two decades of constant uproar. I still think he managed COVID better than most other governors. That being said, I could see him in Harris cabinet in the commerce slot or as an ambassador to the UK or France.

Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:55 am
Yes.

Mostly because his actions over the past two terms have completely changed my opinion of him. I had originally preferred Biss for governor, but JB has shown by his own actions and integrity why he was always the correct choice, and that I was in error in my original assessment of him.

In my eyes, He’s earned as many terms as he wants to have.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:55 am
Voted yes. He has been a good governor. The chaos of a gubernatorial primary without him is intriguing, though. Lt Gov, comptroller, Secretary of State, treasurer, maybe a congressman, some state senators all vying to succeed him… would be a fun time. And I certainly don’t mind giving republicans 4 extra years to find some sanity and maybe give us an actual choice.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:56 am
Yes. He’s smart, business-oriented, and a proven leader.

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 11:58 am
Voted yes. As long as Harris will be the incumbent in 2028 I think Pritzker will likely run again in 2026. Assuming Harris wins in 2028 then Pritzker probably won’t run for a 4th term in 2030 so that he can concentrate on a presidential run in 2032.

Comment by Aaron B Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:02 pm
===then Pritzker probably won’t run for a 4th term in 2030 so that he can concentrate===

Thanks, Carnak.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:04 pm
I voted yes. After Blago, Quinn and Rauner, JB is a stable, huge breath of fresh air. I think we are just seeing him at his best, making big ideas become reality and bringing business into the state. COVID, which he navigated really well, sort of stole his first term.

Comment by levivotedforjudy Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:06 pm
I’m seeing some comments about how JB can have as many terms as he wants. That brings to mind how there appeared to be similar sentiments in Chicago for RMD who then left the city in tatters his last term. One term at a time.

Comment by Original Rambler Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:09 pm
Voted yes, emphatically.

I’ve never experienced such stability in Illinois government during my adult life, and I think that’s largely attributed to his steady leadership. Still can’t believe that I’m all-in for a billionaire for governor, but that’s the world we live in now. If he’s considering a POTUS run in in 2028, which only happens if Harris somehow loses, staying Governor is a far better use of his talents. He’s an executive and a leader; serving as a senator doesn’t play up his strengths; neither does a cabinet position.

Comment by Leap Day William Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:10 pm
My hunch is that he runs for, and easily wins, a third term as governor unless he gets offered a cabinet slot in a Harris administration if she wins. I think he’d jump at his sister’s old job as Commerce Secretary or as Director of OMB in a heartbeat.

Comment by TJ Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:18 pm
I voted yes. Who out there would be better? And he certainly would have experience which no one else has

Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:19 pm
Yes. I would hope that JB Pritzker would run for another term as governor. As governor, Pritzker provides stability, security, and economic development for Illinois.
JB’s policies towards healthcare and support for education are essential in Illinois. Also, JBP speaks extemporaneously on policies related to Illinois and its citizens.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:21 pm
From 1998 through 2018 Illinois suffered from corrupt and/or ineffective leadership in the Governor’s office. JB has brought back the mundane yet normal features of being Governor such as stability, fiscal responsibility, credit upgrades, promoting our state for jobs and investment, paying our bills on time and so on. I used to feel embarrassed being a state employee because of all the drama and negative attention from bad governors. Now I’m actually happy saying I work for the state of Illinois and feel good about our future. I hope he runs for a third term.

Comment by Baloneymous Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:33 pm
Yes, JB should seek another term. I appreciate that he truly believes in Illinois’s success. I also think that if Harris wins he may be up for a cabinet post and I would not begrudge the man for considering his options.

Comment by We’ll See Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:38 pm
Yes-the man appears to actually enjoy the gig.

Comment by Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:41 pm
Agree with Rich’s observation @ 1136 . . . adding that JB seems a natural fit for the governorship of a state like Illinois. The right skill set, business sense, good staff work, personable, and feisty when he needs to be. He’s done a fine job handling both the routine and the urgent. Hope he does run again. Not sure he’d do as well on a national stage.

Comment by Flapdoodle Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:47 pm
Yes. The one point I’d add is that 2026 is likely going to be a major shuffling of the decks with other constiutional officers (unless Senator Durbin and Congressman Davis decide to run again). Pritzker running again (possibly with a new running mate if Lt. Gov. Stratton tries for something else) would help avoid an expensive, bloody fight in that primary.

Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 12:52 pm
Voted no

Another Democrat should have step up and spend the 350 million dollars required to become the next Governor of Illinois

Business sense?

Did you miss the Stellantis backtracking on their timeline to reopen the Belvidere facility and the fact Chicago’s 6.2% unemployment is the highest among the 50 largest metro areas in the US?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:11 pm
== Yes. The one point I’d add is that 2026 is likely going to be a major shuffling of the decks with other constiutional officers (unless Senator Durbin and Congressman Davis decide to run again). Pritzker running again (possibly with a new running mate if Lt. Gov. Stratton tries for something else) would help avoid an expensive, bloody fight in that primary. ==

At least in regards to the senate race, expensive is how Raja will want it. He’s been building an enormous war chest clearly planning to run for the Senate when Durbin retires, and nobody short of Pritzker himself can match his dough. Especially if a lot of Dems throw their hats in the ring, that’ll be a divided battle that only Raja has the legs to weather, and he knows it.

Comment by TJ Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:12 pm
I voted yes. I think his overall impact as governor has been very positive, considering most of his predecessors’ impact. If he’s up for another term, he should.

Comment by Siualum Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:14 pm
The question is “should” and I voted No.

Here’s a few reasons why:

1) He is 59 now, he would be 65 at the end of a third term. He only has so many years left, and he should not spend them all going to the office every day. He should be scratching off that bucket list of places he has always wanted to see, and preparing for grandkids.

2) Capfax today hopefully erased any delusions anyone from JB entourage has of riding his coat tails to the White House. It’s not happening. Not this year, not in four years or eight. Give those folks a chance to hop on-board Team Harris.

3) Either you leave in your prime, or you leave when the public gets sick of you. If you wait, you leave no legacy.

4) JB can still play kingmaker as a hobby. indeed, he probably has a chance to line up behind Mendoza, Stratton, and Alexi for Mayor, US Senate and Governor in a way that would be impossible if running for re-election.

Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:24 pm
I voted yes. He has been a very good Governor, unlike some of his immediate predecessors.

Comment by Retired SURS Employee Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:32 pm
Higher taxes and Covid money from the Federal Government and yes anybody could have presented a balanced budget.

Comment by Arock Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:45 pm
I think with how effective he’s been he’s more than earned the right to seek higher office, if that’s what he wants. But he has without a doubt been both the most effective and the most progressive Governor in my lifetime, so it would be great for the State if he ran for a third term.

Comment by Evanston Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:48 pm
H..l yes. What 47 said x2

Comment by Huh? Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 1:58 pm
I voted yes, but I have mixed feelings. His track record is very good, stability is nice, the campaign resources are solid. However, I worry about complacency (in the gov’s office and across the Dem Party) as well as opportunities for rising leadership. I’m good with a 3rd term, but I’d like to see a bit of succession planning as well as places for rising stars to learn, shine, and progress into new roles.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:21 pm
He was MrsJM’s candidate in the primary, not mine.

Since his election I’ve enjoyed little as much as I’ve enjoyed finding myself wrong, wrong, WRONG about him.

I don’t know if he “should” run again, but I sure hope that he does.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:22 pm
I voted yes, but I could easily see him in the Harris Administration. I have a working theory that part of the reason Pritzker has been so successful is that he is self-funding. This allows him to be free from certain political pressures in order to successfully execute his policy agenda. We’ve seen another billionaire governor who was self-funding, but the difference is that Pritzker wasn’t “sent” by anyone who wanted him to protect their interests (Ken) and just generally cares about doing the right thing for the people of Illinois.

Comment by Blazzzer Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:33 pm
Yes…I think he should…for the good of Illinois.

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:34 pm
Yes, best governor since Ogilvie. Let’s not forget much of what JRT and Edgar did was founded upon $$ available from underfunding pensions. JBP has nothing like JRT’s 60% of payout or Edgar’s Pension Ramp.

Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:47 pm
Voted yes. I’m in the camp the he actually enjoys the job and is doing what he thinks best for all the people of the state - even those named Griffin who still reside here.

Comment by Proud Sucker Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:48 pm
Pritzker studied the Jim Thompson era, and how Thompson was an effective governor. 3 terms seems like a natural fit.

Comment by Glengarry Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 2:56 pm
Absolutely, if he wants it. He has improved Illinois very tremendously, very strongly, more than anybody’s ever seen. But there’s more improvement needed, which creates challenges and opportunities that can stimulate interest in running for the job again.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:10 pm
Strong yes. We need a fiscally responsible governor who will balance budgets, pay down debts as much as possible, and own decisions of whether to cut(or not do) wanted spending or increase revenues. Pritzker has been that.

My favorite thing about him is the groundwork he has done for future success in terms of bringing industries to the state with the potential for growth over time.

I also credit the House and Senate, but the QOD is on Pritzker.

Comment by Apple Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:19 pm
Yes. the state is in a much better financial situation, everything seems more organized and professional with state government even if there are problems. his comms staff and chief of staff are fantastic.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:19 pm
We all have things we want Illinois to finally address and refor. However, this guy has been the best governor in my lifetime and I see no compelling reason for someone else to run in 2026

Comment by Kyle Hillman Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:30 pm
His success and leadership speaks volumes as to why he should certainly run again.

Comment by Cosgrove Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 3:46 pm
No vote. I believe that Pritzker wants to be appointed to a Cabinet position should Harris win.
Plenty of emergency Federal dollars helped Illinois out. Not sure if Pritzker can produce the same results once the relief money is gone.

Comment by Gravitas Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 4:04 pm
Yes- he’s a good Governor. He has advanced more for the Democrat platform in Illinois than any Governor before him.

Comment by Frida's boss Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 4:28 pm
Vote “yes” ’cause why not. Next election probably by acclamation because the GOPie whacks will be fully imploded, broke and hidin’, another term would give him a chance attend some ribbon cuttin’for the various projects that are stillllll being worked on and he can focus on makin’ SOX/Cubs/Bears/Haks/Bulls/Fire/Sky/Red Stars, etc. winners

Comment by Annonin' Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 4:39 pm
I voted no. He has done his job stabilizing the state and he should go out on a high note. If Harris loses things change obviously.

Comment by regular democrat Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 5:22 pm
Yes, he should run if he is so inclined. He is an excellent governor and his leadership seems to me what Illinois needed after Rauner.

Should he be offered a cabinet position, Commerce (noted above) or Energy, perhaps.

If offered an ambassadorship, I would hope it would be a crucial one (say, China) as opposed to one of the symbolic ones often given to wealthy party supporters.

I’m happy to have my initial, instinctive take on the Gov confirmed - he is all of what’s been noted above but for myself it was his essential humanity that stood out.

Comment by dbk Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 6:01 pm
Thomas Devore is ask his followers on Facebook to vote no on the poll.

Comment by John DOE Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 6:33 pm
No if Kamala loses.
Yes if she does not.
So I voted yes.

Comment by Lurker Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 6:49 pm
I voted no because I think we over-invested in quantum computing which does not seem to have much practical use and I think the main reason he wins is because he has the most money. But people love people with money I guess.

Comment by Mike Gascoigne Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 7:04 pm
This state and city are still broke. Just not quite as broke as they used to be. Say, how are we doing on funding those pensions? Is it better? Marginally. Are things fixed? No way. Imagine how much better it could be if the Dems could quit finding new and creative ways to spend the tax dollars they are raising. I think we’ve had enough of JB. He should go and stimulate the economy by spending some of his billions.

Comment by Tim Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 7:59 pm
===Say, how are we doing on funding those pensions? Is it better? Marginally. Are things fixed? No way.===

Based upon that comment, presuming you don’t think JRT & Edgar were better?

Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 8:11 pm
I’m conservative and don’t agree with some of his policies, but overall JB has been good for the State. Even if he has aspirations for higher office, he should run for a 3rd term. It’s easier to step from Governor to Senator or President than to be a private citizen, albeit a rich, well known one.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 8:40 pm
LOL. Devore’s Facebook doofuses are trying to tilt the poll https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=8706667896014113&id=100000129683794&mibextid=oFDknk&rdid=VR5qFFPRKDE4OXvx

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 10:03 pm
I voted yes. After Ryan, Blago, Quinn, and Rauner…JB has been a breathe of fresh air and is surrounded by good people. This state needs a good caring consistent Governor. No more chaos or corruption.

Comment by Scoot Monday, Aug 19, 24 @ 10:28 pm