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Democratic County Chairmen Endorse Their Own Billionaire For Governor

jb-pritzker.com

J.B. Pritzker won another big-ticket endorsement in his campaign to win the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor.

The Democratic County Chairmen’s Association met in Springfield over the weekend and picked Pritzker from the large field of candidates. Association President Doug House says Pritzker — a billionaire who’s self-funding his campaign — is the only candidate who can build the infrastructure to take on Gov. Bruce Rauner next year.

"Even as we speak here today, hundreds of volunteers are out across our state, in virtually every county, knocking on doors, working on behalf of J.B. Pritzker and to help us defeat Governor Rauner," he said. 

Pritzker also emphasized his commitment to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket. 

“I want to be clear that this election isn’t just about beating Bruce Rauner," he said. "It’s a lot about beating Bruce Rauner. But it isn’t just about beating Bruce Rauner — it’s about electing every Democrat, everywhere in this state.”

Pritzker won the support of party chairmen in 65 of the state’s 102 counties. Chris Kennedy came in second with 17. The other counties chose not to endorse or didn’t vote. 

Other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination include state Sen. Daniel Biss, Chicago Ald. AmeyaPawar, Madison County Regional School Supt. Bob Daiber, and anti-violence activist TioHardimann. 

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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