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* I’ve been saying for a while that there’s not much difference between the three major Democratic US Senate candidates. So, I decided to ask them all the following question, figuring there wouldn’t be a whole lot of space between them, but thinking maybe there might…
If elected, would you vote for Chuck Schumer as the Senate’s Democratic/chamber leader (depending on the outcome of national races)?
Answers are presented here in the order they were received.
* Raja Krishnamoorthi…
“Right now, I’m laser-focused on talking to everyday Illinoisans about the challenges their families are facing. If I’m fortunate enough to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate, I will happily discuss with Senator Schumer his vision to hold Trump accountable and restore the American Dream for millions of families who are struggling in the Trump economy, and go from there,” said Raja Krishnamoorthi.
* Juliana Stratton…
Juliana does not agree with every decision Senator Schumer has made – particularly his approach to the budget vote, which she made very clear at the time. If she has the opportunity to vote for Senate leadership, she would want to hear from all of the candidates to make sure that they are the best person to fight for the people of Illinois. As Juliana talks to voters across the state, they are making it clear: Democrats need to stand firm and fight back. Her responsibility as a Senator would be to represent all Illinoisans and be a voice for them in Washington, especially when it comes to pushing our party and our leadership to do the right thing. That’s what Juliana will do in the Senate.
* Robin Kelly…
“I am focused on fighting for working people across Illinois. I have worked with Leader Schumer on a variety of initiatives, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. I am not aware of his plans for the future and we haven’t always agreed, but I appreciate his leadership through challenging times.”
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 10:57 am
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None are awful political answers, but this fits the pattern of none of them standing out. it’s a boring off with a base that wants some zing.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:01 am
🙈🙉🙊
Comment by NotRich Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:12 am
+1 Stratton
Comment by Dirty Red Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:14 am
On first review, none of these answers will stand out to your average primary voter. People want strong opinions one way or another. Carve out your lane and go after a base of support. The safe middle road is a dead end. Notice that Trump inspires both hate and love, but he also wins elections.
Comment by Incandenza Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:17 am
Thank you for asking this question, Rich.
I am rather disappointed though that none of them could just say that while they appreciate Schumer’s service they think it’s time for fresh Senate leadership after 10 years.
You wouldn’t even need to point out Schumer’s failure to hold the Senate or his contribution to the national Dem brand being so poor.
This could have been a chance for one of them to lock in my support.
Well back to the drawing board.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:20 am
Now probably isn’t the best time to have a Senate leader who uses a set of imaginary best friends to justify not doing things to improve the lives of the poor, working class, lower class, and middle class.
It’s one thing to actually have a meaningful friendship with someone other thank your political donors and supporters, and it is another thing to have imaginary friends that give you an excuse to undermine the people who were relying on you for leadership.
In the 21st Century it should be disqualifying.
Perhaps his Canadian girlfriend should tell him to resign from office.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:21 am
A simple no would be great.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:27 am
=== I am rather disappointed though that none of them could just say that while they appreciate Schumer’s service they think it’s time for fresh Senate leadership after 10 years. ===
I get your point on this, but I feel like these types of questions are always designed to drum up controversy or internal strife. Making a statement like that would give the media an opportunity to turn up the heat on Schumer, which may not be appreciated at a time when the Democratic caucus in the Senate is trying to focus on the havoc being wreaked by the Trump Administration. I am sure that’s not satisfying to voters looking for clarity on the issue, but at this point, it does not really benefit any candidate to rail against the existing Democratic leadership in the Senate.
Comment by Remember the Alamo II Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:29 am
words words words - a non-answer answer
I was reminded of when candidates would get asked- will you support Mike Madigan as Speaker?
Comment by Frida's Boss Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:32 am
This is a cautious field of candidates.
Comment by Quad Cities Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:33 am
Stratton is probably the only one who doesn’t need to care about getting money from Washington. Not that there will be a ton of money given IL’s Dem advantage. As for fresh leadership - a need I agree with, you’ve got to be careful about burning bridges.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:34 am
===at a time when the Democratic caucus in the Senate is trying to focus on the havoc===
Admittedly, I don’t watch the US Senate nearly as much as the Illinois Senate, but I ain’t seeing much of that.
What I am seeing in DC is a calcifying and poorly aging leadership.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:35 am
Though I agree with pretty much everything negative said about her, these answers make me wish this was the office for which Kat Abughazaleh was running. Thank you so much for asking the question Rich.
Comment by Apple Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:39 am
@Remember the Alamo Ii -
I, a Democratic Party primary voter, said I would have pledged my primary vote to the candidate who said they were good with throwing a retirement party for Schumer (who will turn 75 years old this year). So actually there would have been at least some benefit to one of them staking that position.
I could care less if a Dem Senate primary candidate from IL joining the Dem Senate candidates from other states saying Schumer should go caused Schumer a second of discomfort in a D.C. press conference.
Dems beimg wimps about being willing to take the car keys away from grandpa because it would hurt his feelings was a mistake that was made in the 2024 cycle. It does not need to be repeated in the 2026 cycle.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 11:55 am
Thanks for asking this, Rich.
While the answers aren’t surprising for this bunch, they sure are disappointing.
IIRC, you said a month or two ago there was room in this race for a candidate on the left. We also could use a candidate who is ready to meet the moment. A shame there isn’t one.
Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:01 pm
Has anyone announced against Schumer? Doesn’t make much sense to alienate your party leader if there isn’t an alternative.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:09 pm
===Doesn’t make much sense to alienate your party leader if there isn’t an alternative. ===
Hmm. Where have I heard that one before?
Oh, yes, it was in Illinois, in late 2020.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:21 pm
The irony is that Schumer saved the Dems for immense political damage had they shut down the government - much of the economic unease that is pushing GOP poll numbers down would have been blamed on them.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:25 pm
===it was in Illinois, in late 2020.===
Fair point.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:25 pm
3 younger Durbins
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:36 pm
Our country is much worse off as a result of Schumer leapfrogging Durbin. So much worse off.
Comment by Macon Deliberations Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:39 pm
===What I am seeing in DC is a calcifying and poorly aging leadership. ===
What, you don’t think the Trump administration is moved by strongly worded letters?
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 12:46 pm
All three answers shows there is room for disagreement and frank discussion in the Democratic Party, something certainly not found in today’s GOP.
Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 1:06 pm
You can almost read the thought balloons over these candidates’ heads before they gave their answers:
“Don’t want to tick off Schumer. Don’t want to tick off the DNC. Don’t want to tick off voters…Now, how bland can I afford to sound while still seeming like a fighter?”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 1:46 pm
Chuck Schumer’s net worth is estimated to be over $50 million…let that sink in… dollar by dollar?
Comment by Dotnonymous x Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 1:58 pm
===Now, how bland can I afford to sound while still seeming like a fighter?===
We have a winner.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:00 pm
First let me say this about that…taking into consideration that my answer depends on a wide variety of factors including both political and moral imperatives…taking all of those into consideration, I believe the answer will be forthcoming at the proper time and will be quite clear at that important point…and then, at that point?… we will go from there…clearly.
Comment by Dotnonymous x Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:06 pm
== uses a set of imaginary best friends to justify not doing things to improve the lives of the poor, working class, lower class, and middle class.==
He is in the MINORITY. There is nothing he can do. He doesnt have the VOTES. This isnt rocket science, Candy.
Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:33 pm
Moreover, even if he could pass something, it would be vetoed by Donnie. But I know, people like you would rather spend your time fighting allies then Donnie and the GOP.
Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:36 pm
- Doesn’t make much sense to alienate your party leader if there isn’t an alternative. -
It does if you want that party leader to step aside or an alternative to emerge. Democrats need to stop treating leadership as a seniority based reward and start promoting members with talent who want to fight.
Schumer has neither quality, and I’m starting to wonder if any of the Illinois hopefuls do.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:39 pm
- There is nothing he can do. -
I get so tired of this. The GOP fights tooth and nail to stop the Democrats at every turn when they’re in the minority, often fairly successfully.
Schumer on the other hand voted for Trump’s spending bill giving him more time to ram through his agenda. The difference is night and day.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 28, 25 @ 2:43 pm