The competition replace former House Speaker Michael Madigan as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party is heating up.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and several members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation are supporting Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who represents Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs.
Gov. JB Pritzker supports the other remaining candidate, Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris, whom he calls a “great person” and savvy political organizer who can get people to the polls to support Democrats.
Supporters of Harris have produced a legal opinion casting doubt on Kelly’s ability to hold the state party spot because it would involve raising state campaign cash. A Kelly ally, Congressman Jesus “Chuy" Garcia, disputes that conclusion.
The Illinois Democratic Party’s state central committee is expected to make a selection Wednesday evening.
Both Pritzker and Durbin have downplayed any suggestion there is bad blood about the disagreement.
Madigan, a veteran state lawmaker and influential political figure, stepped down as party chairman shortly after resigning his House seat. He has been linked -- but not charged with a crime -- to a scheme to trade jobs for legislation favorable to ComEd.
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