Former GOP Chairman: Gov. Pritzker’s campaign donations suggest he’s seeking a second term

Posted on June 9, 2021
Former Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady spoke with WJBC’s Marc Strauss. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Gov. Pritzker continues to dodge questions about seeking a second term; however, former GOP Chairman Pat Brady says the nation’s wealthiest office holder’s recent campaign donation tells a different story.

Back in March, the Democratic Governor donated $35.4 million into his 2022 campaign fund. Brady says that’s a sign that the Governor is rerunning.

But, speculation continued last week after Pritzker hinted at not rerunning during an interview with a Chicago TV news station.

“I think he sincerely struggles with what he’s put his family through, and there (have) been some pretty negative comments made about his kid that I thought were out of bounds,” Brady told WJBC’s, Marc Strauss. “But, I think he’s running. There are other signs that make me think he is. He’s already moved $35 million to a campaign account. You know his campaign team is put together, starting to be put together. I’d be very, very surprised if he didn’t run.”

The Governor, who has been known to make lofty political donations in the past, could use the millions to support another candidate.

“But, again, I don’t think he’s insincere on expressing doubts about what he’s put his family through,” added Brady. “But, I can’t believe that he wouldn’t be running. With that being said, if he didn’t run, man, you are going to see a Civil War amongst the Democrats for who their nominee might be because there’s kind of a war right now with (former Illinois House Speaker Mike) Madigan being gone with the far left-wing of the Democratic party really asserting itself. And I think that would be a big battle.”

Speculation also continues on the Republican as State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) told WJBC’s Scott Miller he would make a decision this summer.

LISTEN: State Sen. Jason Barickman spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. 

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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