Straw poll out for potential Democratic candidates

Posted on February 5, 2017

 

 

State Sen. Daniel Biss is the leading candidate among Democrats to challenge the incumbent in next year's election according to a poll done by the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)
State Sen. Daniel Biss is the leading candidate among Democrats to challenge the incumbent in next year’s election according to a poll done by the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By RFD Radio/WFMB

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association has released results of an early online straw poll on potential Democratic candidates for governor next year.

A straw poll of more than 5,300 responders shows State Sen. Daniel Biss garnering support of 25 percent of them. That is well ahead of the next closest competitor, Chicago alderman Ameya Pewar with 15 percent.

Democratic County Chairmen’s Association Executive Director Dan Kovats said Biss has the name recognition which could make him a formidable opponent against Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018.

“Senator Biss has been pretty outspoken on a lot of different issues (against) the governor,” Kovats said.

Kovats said Pewar is enjoying the benefits of publicity that goes with being the first to enter the race.

Meanwhile, an announcement is expected soon from businessman Chris Kennedy, who has strong political bloodlines..

“A lot of our members have thought very highly of the Kennedy family in the past,” Kovats said. “It just goes to show how someone with name ID can play in an activist poll like this.”

Pewar is the only candidate to enter the race so far. Kennedy gets 12 percent support in the straw poll. Quad Cities Congresswoman Cheri Bustos received 11 percent, billionaire J.B. Pritzker 10 percent, and State Sen. Andy Manar picked up 7 percent. Congresswoman Robin Kelly received four percent support, State Sen. Kwame Raoul received two percent and Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers brings up the rear with one percent support.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…