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With four Democrats now formally filing to challenge state Sen. Ira Silverstein, the first to receive an endorsement from one of Silverstein’s Senate colleagues is Ram Villivalam. Democratic State Sen. Laura Murphy tells NBC 5 “I’ve known Ram for 10 to 12 years and I’ve watched him work campaign, after campaign, after campaign.”
Villivalam, is the former political director for Rep. Brad Schneider and has worked for SEIU. Murphy adds “I believe it’s possible for Ram to win the seat.”
She’s also calling for Silverstein to step down because of the allegations from a victims rights advocate who says Silverstein sexually harassed her. Murphy says “elected officials are held to a higher standard, we all know that.”
This is becoming a very crowded race, which will benefit the incumbent. The latest to jump into the contest is Chicago attorney David Zulkey, who serves on the board of the Sauganash Community Association. Alison Leipsiger and Caroline McAteer-Fournier are also running.
Villivalam, however, is the only challenger to report any contributions so far (a bit over $40K). Silverstein had about $75K in the bank at the end of the last quarter and has reported raising $12K since then.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 9:15 am
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Rich - normally I would agree with you but in this instance and with the seemingly never-ending cavalcade of sexual assault/harassment claims that may literally never stop Silverstein is not your “normal” incumbent in a crowded field. He has garnered far too much negative press for him to hide in the woodwork and hope no one is paying attention - and unlike other political scandals du jour his issues will be brought up again and again.
Comment by Curl of the Burl Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 9:36 am
Sen. Murphy is a wonderful person. Nice endorsement.
going to be a divisive race because of ethnic sides.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 9:57 am
Multiple candidates may mean Silverstein survives the primary. Got to agree with Rich on this one.
Comment by Wait and See Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:00 am
Multiple candidates benefit Silverstein. Unless there is real money for message against him that will be at the doors in February most folks are just going to remember they’ve heard his name before and he’s a Democrat.
$40k doesn’t win a race with 4 other candidates and a long term incumbent who’s wife is a sitting Chicago Alderwoman in that district.
I’m guessing his wife will be with him on all literature and any ads being run saying he’s a good man.
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 11:48 am
surely, Silverstein can get a plurality with all those opponents.
Comment by jim Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 1:30 pm