In an interview with WBEZ, Sen. Dick Durbin said that he has spoken to more than a dozen people who are exploring runs for his Senate seat. | Jim Vondruska/For Sun-Times
Reporting by Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney | WBEZ
Durbin derby: One of the most competitive Senate primary races Illinois has seen in decades kicked into gear following Sen. Dick Durbin’s announcement that he will not seek reelection for the seat he has held since 1996. Durbin said more than a dozen people have expressed interest in the role.
Stratton steps in: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first prominent Democrat to launch a bid for Durbin’s Senate seat, painting herself as a new leader who can speak for the “working people” and stand up to President Donald Trump.
Who else to watch: Expect Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Lauren Underwood to launch bids soon. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs are also expected to jump into the race. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said he’d be open to running for a local post, though he’s got his eye on the governor’s race should Gov. JB Pritzker opt out.
Money matters: The question for Stratton is whether she can compete with Krishnamoorthi’s $19 million and counting campaign war chest — and whether Pritzker will pour in a little or a lot to support her. Should she lose the Senate bid, Stratton is also in a position to run for governor in the future.
GOP push: Republican donors, party officials and elected officials are encouraging U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood to run in the Republican primary race to succeed Durbin — and he’s interested.
The stakes: Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Underwood could lose their House seats if they go all in on the Senate race and lose. For now, the three could circulate petitions for both positions, then make a game time decision before a deadline later this year. With polling in full force, they would be able to decide whether to hold onto their House posts.
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