IL AG: Lisa Madigan out, the People's Pat returns

[Donerail]

Does Mendoza make the jump from Comptroller to AG?

She doesn't have a JD, so I'd assume not. Most likely Dem candidates are State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Sheriff Tom Dart (D-Chicago). State Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) may also drop down from the governor's race. Other Dem names, though less likely than Raoul or Dart, could be State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Mike Cabonargi (D-Chicago), State Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Tinley Park), State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Westchester), former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Zachary Fardon (D-Chicago), former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman (D-Chicago), or perhaps a member of Madigan's office like Chief Deputy AG Brent Stratton or Chief of Staff Ann Spillane.

This does open up a window for Republicans, who will likely run someone higher-profile than their current candidate, former IL-13 candidate Erika Harold—I've heard State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), and former State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) mentioned. State House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is another possibility.

This is bizarre. Her campaign was gathering signatures last week and by all accounts seemed to be gearing up for a big race, so this seems like a snap decision. No clue why, but coming on the heels of Barbara Flynn Currie's retirement announcement yesterday this feels very weird.

[Donerail]

Does Mendoza make the jump from Comptroller to AG?

She doesn't have a JD, so I'd assume not. This does open up a window for Republicans, who will likely run someone (I've heard State Sen. Jason Barickman) higher-profile than former IL-13 candidate Erika Harold.

This is bizarre. Her campaign was gathering signatures last week and by all accounts seemed to be gearing up for a big race, so this seems like a snap decision. No clue why, but coming on the heels of Barbara Flynn Currie's retirement announcement yesterday this feels very weird.

Oh, duh. Jeez. Sorry.

On the same note, Lisa's definitely not planning to run for governor, right?

She's said she won't run for Governor as long as her father stays on as Speaker, and she's said she won't be running for any office in 2018. Doesn't mean she won't run in 2022 or 2026 though.

[Donerail]

She's said she won't run for Governor as long as her father stays on as Speaker, and she's said she won't be running for any office in 2018. Doesn't mean she won't run in 2022 or 2026 though.

I have no idea why she'd not run, she was practically guaranteed another term.  But It might be that she's trying to go into federal politics, and that could mean a 2020 Bustos v Madigan senate primary, which would be very fun to watch.

This would seem most likely, but she's also been in the mix before—she met with Obama about running in 2010 and had an opportunity in 2016—and never pulled the trigger. No idea what her plans are. Perhaps Governor in 2022 if Rauner wins re-election, maybe a run for Supreme Court if he doesn't?

I wonder what other Republicans will get in.

Barickman and Cross are probably most likely.

[Donerail]

Raoul is basically in already:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Donerail]

What does this mean for Mike Madigan?

Not much. As the posters above demonstrate, there's a visceral reaction among some to the Madigan name, but in truth Barbara Flynn Currie leaving will affect his power much more than Lisa.

[Donerail]

Charlie Freeman is rumored to be retiring soon. I expect Madigan will angle for his seat, or the governorship if it is open in 2022.

[Donerail]

Dart is OUT

[Donerail]

Dart is OUT

Why didn't he run for Gov?

Personally, I think it's just because he's happy with his current job.

This is what I've heard from folks that know Dart.

As for Drury, I don't expect he'll do well. Nothing changed from the governor's race.

[Donerail]

Quinn claims a PPP internal has him leading.
Quinn: 28%
State Sen. Kwame Raoul: 12%
Chicago Park District Board President Jesse Ruiz: 5%
State Rep. Scott Drury: 4%
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering: 3%
COPA head Sharon Fairley: 2%
Cook County MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos: 2%

White voters: Quinn 30%, all others <30%
Black voters: Quinn 25%, Raoul 23%, all others <23%
Hispanic voters: Quinn 32%, Ruiz 31%, all others <31%

The poll doesn't include attorneys Renato Mariotti or Aaron Goldstein, both of whom have declared; Spyropoulos has not yet declared.