IL-10

New Campaign Vids: Quinn, Hamos, Giannoulias, Hoffman

Josh Kalven — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:20:08 -0800

Lots of new campaign advertisements and web videos out in the past few days. Here's a rundown ...

Gov. Pat Quinn has a new ad out, titled "Finally," which hit the airwaves yesterday, according to Capitol Fax:

After yesterday's fiery debate in Rockford, the Quinn campaign also released this clip from the governor's remarks (under the title: "Quinn wins at Rockford Forum"):

You can read the Hynes campaign's take on the debate here.

In the 10th Congressional District primary, Julie Hamos is airing a new biographical spot on the cable airwaves:

U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias also has a new web ad up today, highlighting how the treasurer's Employ Illinois program helped a Springfield child care center create jobs:

Finally, fellow Senate candidate David Hoffman offers up some clips from his recent meet-and-greet at a bar in Aurora:

Full Disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, has endorsed Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary for governor and Alexi Giannoulias in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

2010 Grab Bag: Quigley Endorses Quinn, Kirk Reports Raising $1.6 Million (UPDATED)

Josh Kalven — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:44:41 -0700

The latest from the 2010 electoral landscape ...

IL GOVERNOR

This morning, Rep, Mike Quigley formally endorsed Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn in the 2010 gubernatorial primary, saying that "the best indication of future behavior is past performance." Watch an excerpt from Quigley's remarks:

The Quinn campaign has also posted some highlights from UNITE-HERE's recent endorsement, which you can watch here.

U.S. SENATE

This morning, Republican Senate candidate and congressman Mark Kirk announced a $1.6 million third quarter fundraising haul:

Five-term GOP Congressman and Navy veteran Mark Kirk, the leading Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Illinois, today reported his campaign set a new single-quarter fundraising record for federal Republican candidates in Illinois raising more than $1.6 million. That brings the campaign’s total receipts for the election to more than $2.9 million with $2.3 million in the bank.

The quarter ended last Wednesday and all federal candidates must file their reports by October 15. So far, Kirk is the only U.S. Senate candidate from either side of the aisle to announce his totals. Politico also reported Friday that the North Shore Republican continues to get help from Sen. John McCain, who has provided "counsel" to the campaign and apparently handed over his list of donors as well.

Rep. Danny Davis held a candidates forum on Chicago's West Side this past Saturday, with contenders from a variety of races appearing. Here is Democrat David Hoffman's 10-minute speech to the crowd, posted by his campaign:

We're hoping to get video of some of the other candidates' presentations as well.

Finally, Alexi Giannoulias appeared on WLS Radio's Don Wade & Roma today to discuss his Senate campaign, the ongoing Bright Start settlement negotiations, as well as his effort to crack down on predatory debt settlement companies. You can listen to the full segment here.

(UPDATE, 2:45 pm: Hoffman announced this afternoon that he raised $400,000 in his first month of campaigning and leant his campaign another $500,000 in personal funds. Meanwhile, Giannoulias campaign spokesperson Tom Bowen responds to Kirk's release: "Alexi Giannoulias is the first U.S. Senate candidate in Illinois history to refuse contributions from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists. Mark Kirk has taken over 3.5 million dollars from PACs in his career and they own him. ... Voters should ask why Kirk is covering up the facts and why he won't release his total contributions from federal lobbyists and corporate PACs.")

COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT

Pat Quinn recently appeared before voters at a forum in Chicago's 4th Ward, where he had some extremely positive things to say about local alderman and Cook County board president candidate Toni Preckwinkle. From Sam Cholke's September 30 article in the Hyde Park Herald:

"We don't want people when they hear Illinois to think greed and corruption. We've got to do it the Toni way: honestly," Quinn said. The current governor was complimentary of Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th Ward) and supportive of her bid for the Cook County board but stopped short of an official endorsement.

Preckwinkle, who joined the governor for several campaign stops on Saturday, said she only has high praise for the work the governor is doing in Springfield.

10th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Late last week, Democratic State Rep. Julie Hamos also announced healthy fundraising totals for the third quarter. From a press release:

The Julie Hamos for Congress campaign raised more than $545,000 this quarter. Donations were received from more than 1,000 individuals in nine weeks.

This preliminary number accounts for fundraising from July 28 through September 30 and is subject to change as reports are finalized. The deadline for submitting reports to the Federal Elections Commission is Thursday, October 15.

The campaign also reports that 565 people have signed up to become volunteers.

Hamos also confirmed last week that she has officially moved from downtown Evanston to a new home in the 10th District.

14th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

An Illinois-based conservative group, the Economic Freedom Alliance (EFA), has erected a billboard advertising the following URL: DoNotLetBillFosterKillJobs.com. The website criticizes Rep. Bill Foster's support for the Employee Free Choice Act and is part of a broader campaign that similarly targets 11th District Rep. Debbie Halvorson and three other Midwestern members of Congress. The Beacon News reported over that weekend that EFA has hired Karl Rove and former House Speaker Dennis Hastert as consultants on the project. Hastert's son, Ethan, is attempting to challenge Foster next year. He told the paper that he had no idea about his father's involvement in the EFA effort:

[EFA President Ron] Gidwitz said Hastert's involvement has been ongoing.

"Denny Hastert and Karl Rove have been involved since we got started back in November, early December and have been advising us all the way," he said.

This surprised Ethan Hastert.

"I didn't know that," the younger Hastert said when told of his father's EFA involvement. "News to me."

Meanwhile, the Hill reports on the emerging GOP primary battle in IL-14 between Hastert and State Sen. Randy Hultgren.

Electoral Grab Bag: Rasmussen Polls IL-SEN and IL-GOV, Davis Reelection Uncertainty Persists (UPDATED)

Josh Kalven — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:07:38 -0700

The latest from Illinois' 2010 electoral landscape ...

U.S. SENATE

Rasmussen Reports released their first poll on the IL-SEN race yesterday, measuring head-to-head general election matchups between GOP Rep. Mark Kirk and Democratic candidates Alexi Giannoulias and Cheryle Jackson. The toplines show Kirk and Giannoulias in a toss-up, while Kirk posts a considerable lead over Jackson:

Giannoulias (D): 38
Kirk (R): 41
Other: 4
Undecided: 17

Jackson (D): 30
Kirk (R): 47
Other: 6
Undecided: 17
(MoE: ±4.5%)

The poll registered 83 percent name recognition for both Kirk and Giannoulias and 74 percent for Jackson. Giannoulias was recognized by 70 percent of respondents in an April poll, so it seems feasible that he could his name ID could have jumped in the months since. Kirk's numbers seem extremely high for a member of Congress who has never run for statewide office. That being said, he probably gets more media coverage than any other Illinois representative. Then there is Jackson's 74 percent name ID, which just seems unrealistic considering she's never run for office, let alone been on a statewide ballot.

In short, wait for a few other surveys to surface before putting too much stock in this poll.

In other U.S. Senate news, Jackson is facing questions about her role in the Blagojevich administration's Loop Lab School debacle. Meanwhile, Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington yesterday described the Jackson "playbook" as she sees it:

Rake in some heavy green. While her profile will attract some soft-focused free media, this political unknown needs money big time for TV commercial time.

Jackson's got to play the race and gender cards. She is assiduously wooing Emily's List, the powerful national PAC that backs women candidates. As Giannoulias has done in the Greek community, she must cultivate a national profile among prominent women and monied Democratic liberals.

The black "keep-the-seaters" are an unpredictable bunch, but they could come in handy, as well.

IL GOVERNOR

The Rasmussen poll also measured favorability for Gov. Pat Quinn, Comptroller Dan Hynes (who plans to challenge Quinn in next year's Democratic primary), as well as the various Republican contendors. Here's what they found (favorable/unfavorable/not sure):

Pat Quinn (D): 53/43/4
Dan Hynes (D): 46/26/28

State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R): 22/27/51
State Sen. Matt Murphy (R): 17/24/59
State Sen. Bill Brady (R): 29/21/50
Dan Proft (R): 17/20/62
Robert Schillerstrom (R): 18/21/62

7th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

For some time now, we've been skeptical about Rep. Danny Davis' so-called bid for Cook County Board President. Our doubts that he would actually pull the trigger were only reinforced when we learned that he is collecting petitions for both the county board race and his congressional reelection. As ABC 7's Charles Thomas reports, the resulting uncertainy is starting to annoy some of his would-be successors, such as State Rep. La Shawn Ford. Watch it:

COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT

The Sun-Times' Michael Sneed "hears" that Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's "resolve to seek re-election is weakening big-time." Greg Hinz talked to Stroger directly and added this:

Embattled incumbent Todd Stroger says he is running for a new term, despite heavy buzz that he's under pressure to give up the presidency and just run for a board seat now held by Bill Beavers.

News stories like this one can't help but ratchet up that pressure.

Also, Comm. Larry Suffredin has announced that he will run for reelection, rather than make a bid for board president or county assessor. Jeff Smith gives his thoughts over at Prairie State Blue:

In a season where "stay put" is the option many are opting for, this move by my Commissioner (Larry holds the seat I ran for in '94) could be see as a proverbial "smart play. It's also important for the Board to have some continuity, with both Claypool and Quigley gone come 2011. Because Larry had built up a countywide fundraising base and name recognition, undoubtedly this was a difficult decision, and one in which personal and family considerations weighed as well.

Finally, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown -- a candidate for board president -- is accused in a class action lawsuit of creating a "slush fund" out of advertising revenue generated by a court website.

10th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

An interesting tidbit from the Swing State Project:

[National Republican Campaign Committee] recruitment wiz kid Kevin McCarthy parachuted himself into the Chicagoland area on Saturday in order to survey the recruitment progress in race to defend GOP Rep. Mark Kirk's open seat. He met with a small batch of prospects, including stock market analyst Dick Green, attorney Bill Cadigan (a former staffer for ex-Rep. Jon Porter, who held the 10th District for two decades prior to Kirk), and businessman Bob Dold. Interestingly, that list didn't include any of the district's deep bench of Republican state legislators. I'm not sure if we should read that as a tea leaf that state Rep. Beth Coulson may not be serious about running, but it appears that the GOP is preparing for the prospect of defending this seat with a political newcomer.

UPDATE: Roll Call reports that state Rep. Beth Coulson plans to announce that she'll make a bid for the 10th District seat on August 24.

REMAINDERS

State Sen. Terry Link is running as a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. (There had been some specualation he might jump into the IL-10 primary).

And Alan Cottrell has posted video of Giannoulias chief of staff Robin Kelly's announcement last week of her campaign for state treasurer. Watch it:

IL-10: Seals Releases Poll, Hamos Cites $250K In Pledges

Josh Kalven — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:01:49 -0700

Yesterday, Swing State Project got ahold of a poll conducted for 10th Congressional District candidate Dan Seals by Anzalone Liszt. The survey shows Seals (the Democrats' IL-10 candidate in both 2006 and 2008) with much higher name identification than State Rep. Julie Hamos (83% to 18%, respectively). Not surprisingly, he is also way, way ahead of her at this early juncture:

Dan Seals: 63
Julie Hamos: 8
Elliot Richardson: 2
Undecided: 27
(MoE: ±4.9%)

Despite Seals' built-in advantage, Hamos has a good amount of time to introduce herself to the district -- though she'll need to raise a good amount of early money to do it. Head over to SSP to read the full polling memo, which is clearly intended to discourage her from pursuing the seat.

Speaking of which, Hamos appeared on Bill Cameron's WLS show on August 2 and had an extended conversation about her personal history, the upcoming campaign, and the issues of the day. During the interview, she noted that her campaign has so far secured $250,000 in donation pledges (up from the $200,000 figure she cited in her recent interview with Progress Illinois). Listen to the entire WLS segment here.

IL-10: Schakowsky Endorses Hamos, Dubs Her "The Best Of The Best"

Angela Caputo — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:14:16 -0700

State Rep. Julie Hamos is ramping up her newly-announced bid for the 10th Congressional District seat and today added a big name to her list of endorsements and today added a big name to her list of endorsements. At a news conference this morning, Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her support for Hamos, calling her "the best of the best" and citing her record of crafting meaningful public policy. "Given the challenges that our country and our people are facing today," Schakowsky said, "we need real problem-solvers in Washington." Watch some excerpts from the event:

IL-10: Hamos Kicks Off Campaign, Cites $200K In Pledges

Josh Kalven — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:57:05 -0700

This afternoon, State Rep. Julie Hamos is officially announcing her entry in the race for the 10th Congressional District seat being vacated by Republican Mark Kirk in 2010. Yesterday, I had a chance to chat briefly with her about the race and her policy priorities if elected to the House of Representatives. "This is an incredible opportunity to take an important district and turn it over [to the Democrats]," she said. "And I think I'm a strong candidate to be able to do that."

Reflecting on her years in Springfield, Hamos said, "I have a very strong and fertile record that I'm very proud of." Specifically, she cited her work building coalitions around "local food" initiatives and advancing efforts to reform Tamms Correctional Facility. Transportation remains one of her main areas of interest as well. "On the first day [in Congress], I would ask to be on the transportation committee of one sort of another because I will want to continue to work on that." The environment and consumer credit regulation are some of her other priorities.

When asked what she views as her skill set, Hamos had this to say:

"Over the years, I have often begun by building coalitions around agendas. And the coalitions continued down the path of creating really important public policies. So one of those examples is children's mental health. My work on domestic violence early in my career is an example of that. This local food and farm job development is an example of that. I believe that I will continue as a congresswoman in the same vein, bringing people around the table and building coalitions. I think it's the most empowering way to do this kind of policy work -- empowering for people to really get engaged." [...]

"One of my strong suits is that I don't just introduce bills, send out a press release, and it's over. I like to really track the progress and effective implementation of laws after they're passed."

On the major issue of the day -- health care -- she said she supports President Obama's push for a public option, but expects that particular debate to have subsided by the time she reaches Washington. She also mentioned taking a trip with Dr. Quentin Young to observe the Canadian health care system about 20 years ago. Young is a fervent single payer advocate, so I asked for her thoughts on that approach to reforming our broken health care system:

"After my many years of working in the public policy realm, I think I can blend a sense of the grand vision with a sense of what is practically possible. And I think at this point in time, it's just not possible to create a single payer system, which would, in a sense, blow up the insurance industry. I don't think we can get there at this point in time."

One issue that may arise over the course of the campaign is the fact Hamos lives outside of the 10th District (along with two of the other Democratic primary candidates). In response, she noted that about a third of her legislative district overlaps with IL-10. "For four elections, they've elected me from the 10th Congressional District," she said. "So I feel like I certainly have that kind of touchstone and connection with the district." She added that she plans to move into IL-10 in the near future.

Finally, Hamos described the enthusiasm she sees around her bid and highlighted some initial fundraising figures:

"I think we're building a great base of support in the 10th District already. You know, I was encouraged to run by some of my colleagues from the 10th Congressional District and that was meaningful to me. We're now building on that and building a great base of local support. [...]

"We've already received pledges of over $200,000 in just the one week that I've been making phone calls. I think that's a great start and I think it shows again the strength of my support."

Electoral Grab Bag: Kennedy Vids, Hendon For Congress, Hamos' Open Seat, And More

Josh Kalven — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:04:07 -0700

We've got a bunch of new tidbits on the 2010 electoral landscape.

U.S. SENATE

While the big news here is Alexi Giannoulias' announcement yesterday, the question still remains whether Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy is going to jump in this race (or any other, for that matter). Over the weekend, a PI commenter left us a link to the following video. It's unclear who produced it, but it's coming from the left and is clearly meant to let Kennedy know what type of opposition research would be used on him in the primary:

The same YouTube account posted a similar video back in May.

On the Republican side, Politico shines a light on Republican candidate Mark Kirk's continued backtracking on his support for the cap-and-trade legislation in the U.S. House. That position provoked outrage from the right-wing and the blowback clearly rattled the North Shore congressman.

7th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

We hear there are still doubts about whether Rep. Danny Davis will officially enter the race for Cook Co. Board President. Nonetheless, State Sen. Rickey Hendon is wasting no time laying the groundwork for a congressional campaign in the 7th District. Appearing on Fox Chicago Sunday yesterday, he told the co-hosts that he has filed the necessary paperwork for a federal run. During the interview, he had some harsh words for the military effort in Afghanistan. "All we're getting out of Afghanistan is cheap heroin on the streets of the city of Chicago that is destroying our communities," he said. "We need to bring our troops home. That will help the economy." He added, "Just because I like Barack, doesn't mean I'm always going to agree with him." Watch it:

10th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Following reports of an impending "announcement" last week, State Rep. Julie Hamos disclosed today that she will be officially entering the race for the 10th Congressional District tomorrow afternoon. More on that to come.

Speaking of Hamos, one progressive candidate seeking to replace her in the statehouse is Jeff Smith. Here's some video of him addressing the Northside DFA earlier this month, courtesy of Illinois Media Progressives (IMP):

COMPTROLLER

The SouthtownStar's Phil Kadner profiled State Rep. and possible Democratic lieutenant governor candidate David Miller over the weekend:

"I just think the the time is right to take advantage of the opportunity to move on to higher office. I've put in my time in the Legislature. I'm looking for a new challenge and a bigger job." [...]

He was first elected in 2000 when he upset 29th District state Rep. Willis Harris, who was backed by Dolton Mayor William Shaw, by 50 votes.

Miller, who had the support of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), won another tough race two years later when redistricting forced him to run against state Rep. Bob Ryan (D-Lansing).

Since that time, the 47-year-old Miller has gained both seniority and respect in the state Legislature as one of the leaders of the black caucus.

He even managed to pass an income tax hike/school funding reform measure out of a House committee, a rare feat. But he could never get the bill called for a full vote of the House.

Sitting Comptroller Dan Hynes is expected to announce a primary challenge to Gov. Pat Quinn any day now, at which point Miller would likely jump in.

LT. GOVERNOR

Also at that Northside DFA event mentioned above was Justin Oberman, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Watch his remarks, via IMP:

IL-10: Hamos To Announce Next Week

Josh Kalven — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:17:49 -0700

David Ormsby is reporting that State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) is planning to announce her bid for the open 10th Congressional District seat early next week, "according to a Democratic source." In doing so, she will join a Democratic field that currently includes State Sen. Michael Bond, former two-time candidate Dan Seals, Elliot Richardson, and perhaps State Sen. Terry Link.

We've written extensively about Hamos' legislative efforts on this site. But her impending candidacy raises an important question: Why is so hard to find qualified Democratic candidates who actually live in the 10th District?

Seals resides just outside the IL-10 boundary and that fact was brought up constantly by GOP Rep. Mark Kirk in both the 2006 and 2008 campaign battles.

Hamos, meanwhile, lives in downtown Evanston, a couple of miles from the district line. Rep. Susan Garrett recently told Roll Call that Hamos would likely move into the 10th if she decides to run.

My understanding is that Bond lives in the neighboring 8th District. It's not clear if he plans to relocate.

Granted, there are many examples on both sides of the aisle of candidates residing outside of the district they are vying to represent. Nonetheless, it invites an easy line of attack from their opponents. And in the case of the 10th District primary, it's getting a bit ridiculous.

All Eyes On IL-10 (UPDATED)

Josh Kalven — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:12:41 -0700

Now that GOP Rep. Mark Kirk has officially launched his U.S. Senate bid, the race is on for his soon-to-be-vacated 10th Congressional District seat. Having poured substantial sums of money into last year's unsuccessful challenge by Dan Seals, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) likely would have stayed away from the race in 2010 if Kirk had stayed put. But with the seat open, you can bet they'll be targeting it once the general election rolls around. The question is this: Who will emerge as the Democratic candidate?

Well, as Capitol Fax reports, Seals announced via email today that he plans to take a third shot at the district:

I am running to help the families of our community get back on solid ground. I have been struck by how this economic downturn has hit people of all communities and economic strata. I will work to make healthcare and energy costs more affordable, while focusing on job growth for our community. I know that President Obama shares these values, and I look forward to the opportunity to join President Obama in working towards a brighter future for our children and our community.

We wrote recently about State Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake), who began raising money for a 10th District bid less than two months ago. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) is another state lawmaker thought to be considering a bid. However, Roll Call reports today that she is staying put and Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) is looking at the race:

National Democrats have tried to recruit state Sen. Susan Garrett (D) in the 10th district for the past few cycles, but she has resisted a bid each time. In a phone interview Monday, Garrett said she has decided not to run for the open-seat race.

“I made the decision this weekend, albeit it wasn’t easy,” Garrett said. “I’m here to stay for a while.”

Garrett is close with state Rep. Julie Hamos (D), who she said will move from Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s (D) neighboring district into the 10th district to run. Hamos did not return a call for comment on the race, but Garrett said she would be likely to support her at some point in the campaign.

Hamos was previously thought to be gearing up for an attorney general campaign (in the expectation that Lisa Madigan would run for higher office). A potential bid for lieutenant governor is another possibility. In the first six months of this year, she raised $233,000, though none of that money could be used in a congressional race.

Roll Call has more on the potential GOP candidates, including State Reps. Beth Coulson and Ed Sullivan, businesswoman Patricia Bird, and businessman Bill Strong.

UPDATE (2:30 pm): Greg Hinz writes that "some think" Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy might take a look at a 10th District run, rather than a Democratic bid for Senate.

Second Quarter Fundraising Figures

Progress Illinois — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:27:13 -0700

The federal filing deadline for the second quarter of 2009 passed this week. Below you'll find the relevant totals for the U.S. Senate race as well as several potentially competitive House races:

Giannoulias' $1.6 million in cash-on-hand has already attracted some headlines, particularly considering that the other talked-about Democratic contenders -- Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson and Merchandise Mart Properties CEO Chris Kennedy -- have yet to start fundraising.

Meanwhile, State Sen. Michael Bond's lackluster fundraising numbers in the 10th Congressional District also raised some eyebrows. But as Capitol Fax noted yesterday, that total only represents a month's worth of fundraising and he plans to pick up the pace once Kirk officially launches his Senate bid on Monday:

Bond told me today he hopes to push hard and fast after Kirk finally announces and quickly report new fundraising numbers. That’s an absolute must.

You'll also notice that both Democrat Scott Harper and Republican Ethan Hastert (son of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert) have begun raising money for their respective campaigns in the 13th and 14th congressional districts. Both are off to a slow start, but we'll have to wait and see what they bring in during the 3rd quarter.