Chris Kennedy to run for Illinois governor, says 'compromise is not surrender' in Rauner dig

[Stellar]

Chicago Tribune

Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy will join the Democratic race for Illinois governor, officially filing paperwork with the state later Wednesday, said campaign aides to the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy.

"Today I am announcing my run for governor because I love Illinois," Kennedy said in a statement. "But we have never been in worse shape. We don't need incremental improvement. We need fundamental change in state government."

Kennedy said it was time for "Illinois to again embrace the American Dream, the notion that we are a country and a state where anyone can make it and where unlimited opportunity is the promise of our country."

A video the campaign posted shows images of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who plans to seek re-election next year. Kennedy doesn't mention Rauner by name but says that he believes "in working with others, not telling them what to do" and that "compromise is not surrender." Rauner has been locked in a lengthy budget stalemate with Democrats who control the General Assembly.


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Kennedy previously had considered bids for state office only to abandon them. But in his current effort, he has worked to gear up on staff prior to an announcement.

He is the second announced Democrat to challenge Rauner's expected re-election bid in 2018. Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar also has announced, but several other Democrats are considering a run — including another Chicago businessman, J.B. Pritzker.

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EDIT to Add : Rauner contributes $50M to his re-election campaign fund
Chicago Sun-Times

Although he’s been coy publicly about his re-election campaign, Gov. Bruce Rauner made a big-money statement about his desire to serve a second term, contributing $50 million to his campaign fund this week.

It’s a surefire sign the 2018 gubernatorial campaign may become the most expensive on record. And a Rauner operative called the massive contribution “a first installment.”
Rauner contributed $50 million on Tuesday to Citizens for Rauner, Inc, his campaign committee, according to filings with the state’s Board of Elections.

The contribution is the largest individual contribution in Illinois history. The second largest is also from Rauner, when he donated $10 million to his campaign in 2014, according to Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Brune also noted the timing and amount is also unprecedented in Illinois elections.

The Illinois Republican Party is already launching attacks on potential gubernatorial challengers, including Democrats Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker. A top Rauner operative said having a good chunk of early money allows them to determine when to begin the race and gives them “tactical flexibility.”

Hanah Jubeh, a Kennedy consultant, countered that the contribution is not a surprise.

“It’s no surprise that the governor is attempting to buy his re-election, because he sure hasn’t earned it,” Jubeh said. “If he believes his Christmas gift to himself intimidates anyone, he’s sorely mistaken.”

[OnDoutside]

1. One would have thought he will attract the support of President Obama ?

[Blue_true]

2. Money won't be a problem for Kennedy or Pritzker.

The latter is a multi-billionaire and the former a longtime influential business person in Chicago. Kennedy has the more impressive civic involvement accomplishment list. K is 54, P is 52.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. He doesn't share his brother's anti-vax POV I hope/