The two top self-funders of the 2022 midterms, Illinois Gov. No one in politics spends like Pritzker. ILLINOIS (WMBD) Making a run for Governor, former State Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-IL) is hoping to unseat Gov. Its going to be a downstate farmer in Republican Darren Bailey. Darren is just the man to take on and defeat one of the worst governors in America, J.B. Pritzker. J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire who easily won the Democratic nomination and who spent millions trying to get the rival he wants and increase his already sizable advantage in the state this fall. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Here he is last night, giving his own victory speech to a roomful of supporter at a downstate Effingham convention hall. Plus, Pritzker, as a successful businessman and an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, has the luxury of nearly unlimited resources to spend as he sees fit politically even, conceivably, on a presidential run. Mother Teresa would look like the Dark Knight if she was in [Irvins] position. Pritzkers power, of course, stems not only from his pragmatic approach or his fighting spirit or his meme-ability. personally invested significant amounts of her wealth, nable to win an almost assured shot at becoming Nebraska's next governor. Rian Johnson, Halle Berry, and More Share Their Inspiration, From the Archive: The Man Who Kept Marilyns Secrets (1991), Listen toVFsLittle Gold MenPodcast for Unrivaled Awards-Season Coverage, 2023 Cond Nast. Irvin had gotten $50 million in backing from hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin, but he appeared to be headed for a third-place finish. They are LitesaWallace, of Rockford; Jonathan Logemann, of Rockford; Jacqueline "Jackie" McGowan, of Rockford; Angie Normoyle and Eric Sorenson, both ofMoline; and Marsha Williams, who resides in Peoria and Channahon. Republican voters get final say in Tuesdays primary. Illinois Gov. What kind of campaign do you see him running against Bailey? Pritzker is the well-heeled establishment: an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, the wealthiest elected official in America, someone steeped in Democratic politics, a national cochair of Clintons 2008 presidential campaign. WebIn the general election, Pritzker won re-election with 54.9% of the vote, 0.4% better than he won in 2018. The future of the Illinois GOP and how far right it may go lie with this months primary. J.B. Pritzker goes after billionaire Ken Griffin and his candidate, Richard Irvin. (L-R) Richard Irvin, Darren Bailey, Jesse Sullivan, Paul Schimpf and Gary Rabine. Pritzker was at least willing to stand up to Trump, the billionaire then in the White House. J.B. Pritzker. Illinois Republicans have chosen conservative state Sen. Darren Bailey to take on Democratic Gov. Those candidates areJerry Evans, Andrea Heeg, Catalina Lauf,Susan Hathaway-Altman, Cassandra Tanner Miller and Mark Joseph Carroll. The governor also accused Bailey of siding with the January 6th insurrectionists, being an election denier and wanting to severely tighten abortion restrictions in Illinois. January 25, 2022, 6:34 PM. The former TV doctor skyrocketed to fame with the help of Oprah Winfrey. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Two Republican candidates for Illinois governor blasted Gov. Two Republicans are seeking nominations in the 89th District: State Rep. Tony McCombie, of Savanna; and Victoria Onorato, of Bryon. Dowd received under 75,000 votes in California's jungle Senate primary. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. What's happening: The Democrat is slated to speak at the Granite State's annual party convention on Saturday, fueling speculation that his sights are set on "I feel great about our prospects in November, and Im excited to take on these Trump-backed Republicans and beat them," said Pritzker. ", Joe Berstein, from the northern Chicago suburb of Highland Park, voted for Pritzker: "So far I think hes doing a good job.". Mary, these were much lower-profile races that are still important spots. Asked at a forum last year if he would support Trump should he run for president in 2024, Griffin replied, "I think its time for America to move on," adding that Trump had been "pointlessly divisive.". He and incumbent Gov. Tell us about who Kathy Salvi is. Rob Portman. NBCUniversal Media, LLC One of the most contentious races in the 2022 general election will decide Illinois next governor, as incumbent Gov. JB Pritzkers campaign is urging Republican rival Darren Bailey to vow to accept the results of the Nov. 8 Foster is running against Republican Catalina Lauf. We also wanted to know or did we? Pritzker, 57, won the Democratic primary against former Army Major Beverly Miles with 93% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Along with Newsom, hes acted as the kind of Democratic answer to Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis. Put another way: self-funding candidates have spent more money than the nation of Palau's most recent GDP or just enough to buy Colorado's Major League Soccer team. Russia's foreign minister gets laughed at over Ukraine remarks at a global conference, 'Wait Wait' for March 4, 2023: With Not My Job guest Malala Yousafzai, Photos show double blow of war and earthquakes in regime-held Syria, The earthquakes have prompted Arab states to re-engage with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. I wasnt wishy-washy about itPeople knew what they were getting, or at least in me. While there are only a few Democratic candidates for governor, there are eight Republicans who have filed to run against incumbent Gov. In boosting Baileys conservative credentials, Pritzker cleverly portrayed Irvin as out of touch with the GOP base. Dont tell me Im not allowed to attack back., Vanity Fairs 2023 Hollywood Issue Welcomes You to the After-Party of Our Dreams, Inside the New Rights Next Frontier:The American West, The Strange, Sexually Charged Genesis of Gloria Swansons Legendary Memoir, King Charles Reportedly BeganEvicting Harry and MeghanAfterSpare, NetflixsMurdaugh Murders Team Say Theyve Uncovered New Crimes, Trumps Relationship With Jared and Ivanka Is About to Get a Lot More Awkward, The Cringey Sexcapades of a Horny Billionaire, What Is Cinema? Two Republican candidates for Illinois governor blasted Gov. The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Illinois on June 28, 2022. Hubbard was present during the January 6th insurrection but was never charged. J.B. Pritzker. "We were outspent by tens of millions of dollars in the primary and look what happened tonight. Republican incumbent Lori Gummow, of Loves Park, is being challenged by Michael Delgado, of Rockford. Beverly Miles is a lifelong resident of Chicago, according to her campaign website. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. He injected millions into his ultimately. Let me analogize this to the early days of the end of the Weimar Republic, Pritzker tells, The 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time, The 25 Best Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now, Exclusive: Inside the S--tshow That Was the Trump-Biden Transition. Not pictured is Max Solomon. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said Pritzker is helping opponent Darren Bailey by funding negative ads because Pritzker is scared to run again him. Left: Darren Bailey, Illinois State Senator, 55th District and Gubernatorial candidate listens as a speaker discusses an abortion ban during a press conference, Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He failed to win the Senate nomination. Very importantly, we have two Supreme Court seats that are the targets that Republicans relish the most. There were other races last night. Beverly Miles is running against Gov. Weve become a laughing stock. J.B. Pritzker. But as Insider reported in February, McCormick may have actually saved $1 million by not winning the Senate seat. I was being attacked, he said. An investment banker, Gibbons was a leading contender in the raucous Republican primary to replace retiring Sen. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He was first elected on November 6, 2018, on a joint ticket with lieutenant governor Out in the western suburbs, candidate Richard Irvin cast his ballot at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Its going to be a downstate farmer in Republican Darren Bailey. The future of the Illinois GOP and how far right it may go lie with this months primary. In 2018, then-candidate Pritzker spent nearly $172 million of his own money to win the governorship. Tim Zink, a 70-year-old retiree, wore a National Rifle Association T-shirt as he cast his ballot in the northern Illinois town of McHenry for Bailey. Downstate lawyer Tom Devore held a lead last night in a three-way primary. Richard Irvin launches new message in battle for GOP governor nomination: A vote for Bailey is a vote for Pritzker. County board member Steve Schultz, R-3, of Roscoe, and Rockton resident Randy Johnson are running against each other in the Republican primary for county treasurer. Griffins camp insisted Irvins slumping popularity had nothing to do with the decision. Web22 candidates have together pumped nearly $433 (and counting) of their own money into 2022 midterm races. B. Pritzker walks through the lobby at the Westin Hotel in Portland on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the start of a three-day National Governors Association conference. Withdrawn or disqualified candidates Emily Johnson (R) Christopher Roper (R) Keisha Smith (R) Cheryl Erickson (R) Lieutenant Governor General election General election for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Results will begin to display after polls close at 7 p.m. CLICK OR TAP TO RETURN TO MASTER ELECTION RESULTS LIST. The contribution amounts reflect both direct self-funding contributions and personal loans from candidates to their campaigns. Illinois House of Representatives 90th District. The three billionaires Pritzker, Griffin and Uihlein have a long history of clashing politically in Illinois and elsewhere. He pledged to outwork his opponent and stand up for regular, working people across Illinois. But heres the reality: Pritzker spent $170 million to get elected in 2018, and right now, Bailey doesnt have any hope, short of winning the lottery, of being able to invest that kind of money into his campaign. JB Pritzker, a hotel heir, easily leads the group, followed by US Senate candidate Mehmet Oz. The overall margin of victory in 2022 for Pritzker was 12.5% while in 2018 Pritzker won by 15.7%, which is a 3.2% decrease for Pritzker. Pritzkers swing through New Hampshire also included a range of East Coast stops, including rallying for Maine Gov. Griffin spent about $50 million against a constitutional amendment Pritzker proposed that would have implemented a graduated income tax. Pritzker, who is running against West Side native Beverly Miles, joined his Lieutenant Governor Tuesday, greeting voters all over Chicago. Sometimes, we do need to battle it out. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Illinois Gov. Heres a look at the Rock River Valley's contested races and a list of referendums and advisory questions that will be before voters. To some extent, Pritzker embodies the somewhat quaint idea that politicsand politicianscan be part of the solution. The money has funded a monthslong barrage of ads that have attacked Irvin and propped up Bailey, the opponent Pritzker would rather face in November. Pritzker signed a law earlier this month pushing back the primary election to June 28, 2022, due to pandemic-related delays in census data. And we also now know who Democratic U.S. owes part of his fortune to hawking bull semen. JB Pritzker easily tops the list. Vision for Rockford's 'people's park' calls for demolition, major renovation downtown, Rockford area early voters greeted with unusual warning with their ballots, Illinois summer primary election gives parties less time to forgive and forget. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 8:00 PM CST until WED 4:30 AM CST, Newton County, until MON 6:00 AM CST, Lake County, Kenosha County, from SAT 12:00 PM CST until WED 6:00 AM CST, Jasper County, is in effect, Porter County, Jasper County, from SUN 6:00 AM CST until MON 6:00 AM CST, Lake County, Newton County, defeated five other Republicans to win the nomination, Lightfoot loses re-election bid, this is the date she will leave office, 2 Chicago men charged in Douglas Park murder, Police investigate 4 smash-and-grabs in Chicago suburb, Chicago man, 18, charged with murder in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, Jury finds Aurora gang member guilty of first-degree murder in case of mistaken identity, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Chicago man charged in fatal South Shore shooting, Man critically injured after falling down elevator shaft on North Side, 2 men stabbed during fight in River North: police. On Monday, Bailey finished the final leg of a 102-county swing through the state, offering a case study in political hustle and a contrast to Irvin, who engaged in an almost Rose Garden-like strategy seemingly designed to fortify his chances in the fall. JB Pritzker (Juliana Stratton) faces Democratic challenger Beverly Miles (Karla Shaw). Anarchists for JB Pritzker. And I can assure you that ever since those days, Illinois has plummeted. The results of that poll, in a word: Oof. The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Illinois on June 28, 2022. Stefanowski lost in his rematch againstLamont. Some forged their business success themselves. Good morning, Dave. Its going to be a downstate farmer in Republican Darren Bailey. His current term ends on January 11, 2027. You cant look at the polling and not recognize that there are challenges in his approval rating for Democrats, Pritzker said. Pritzker (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for Governor of Illinois.He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.. 2023 www.rrstar.com. Three Republicans so far have entered the fray for the GOP nomination . Its shaping up to be one of the most cash-flush gubernatorial campaigns in at least a quarter century of American politics, thanks to the deep pockets of Illinois richest men. Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel, dumped $50 million into Richard Irvins campaign, but polls show it could be for naught. Three Republicans so far have entered the fray for the GOP nomination . Wilson made his money over decades at some of Wall Street's top firms. Beverly Miles is a lifelong resident of Chicago, according to her campaign website. Thats ridiculous. Tell us about what the fall campaign looks like for the Illinois secretary of state. But he taps into the policies that we care about and does the right thing.. Those are the dangers.. Jesse Sullivan, 37, is seeking the Grand Old Party's nomination in an effort to unseat incumbent Gov. This was the best raw percentage of the vote received by a Democrat for governor since 1960. Bailey is a Bible-quoting Springfield novice who hit Pritzker on the economy and crime and believes his big primary showing amounts to serious momentum that Pritzker ought to fear. Republicans have dragged the center to the right, and we want to drag it back. Miles is the first Democrat to challenge Pritzker. Duckworth looks like a heavy favorite and last night hit Salvi as an ultraconservative who wants to enact a national abortion ban. Hes one of the worst, Trump bellowed to more than 2,000 supporters at a thunderstorm-shortened campaign rally near Quincy as Bailey stood alongside him, News:Vision for Rockford's 'people's park' calls for demolition, major renovation downtown. Oct. 17, 2022, 5 a.m. CT. President Joe Biden greets Illinois Gov. The two top self-funders of the 2022 midterms, Illinois Gov. Now that Bailey has won, who is he and what kind of campaign is he going to run against Pritzker? But despite Griffin sinking $50 million into Irvins campaign, he was damaged by repeated attacks from his rivals, including Pritzker. Three Republicans are running forBoone County Sheriff to succeedDave Ernest, who is not seeking re-election. Thanedar made his fortune in chemical testing companies. Look back into Illinois and find out when the last time Illinois had a conservative, Republican governor who actually stood and did something. Gov. We are running a tough campaign against them for the general election. He was part of a group of east-central Illinois lawmakers known as the Eastern Bloc, a group that seemed to want little to do with the GOPs long-entrenched establishment wing and that regularly thumbed its nose at Pritzker as too far-left. The weeks after our interview would bear that out: In quick succession, Biden would sign a landmark climate, tax, and health bill; the party would get a second wind; and Republicans would find themselves consumed by Trumps suddenly grave legal problems. A founder of a government industry and certification standards firm, Johnson launched his doomed bid with a Super Bowl ad, per Bridge Michigan. Hes one of the 10 richest people in the state he leads; his cousin Thomas Pritzker is one of the six richest. Irvin argued that he was the only GOP candidate who could beat Pritzker in November because he could win votes from Republicans, independents and some Democrats. The overall margin of victory in 2022 for Pritzker was 12.5% while in 2018 Pritzker won by 15.7%, which is a 3.2% decrease for Pritzker. Griffin spent about $50 million against a constitutional amendment Pritzker proposed that would have implemented a graduated income tax. This was the best raw percentage of the vote received by a Democrat for governor since 1960. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. J.B. Pritzker. Herbster won former President Donald Trump's endorsement, but he was unable to win an almost assured shot at becoming Nebraska's next governor. Pritzker, who is running against West Side native Beverly Miles, joined his Lieutenant Governor Tuesday, greeting voters all over Chicago. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican, blew out Valentine in Missouri's US Senate election, holding the seat that Sen. Roy Blunt is vacating. Beverly Miles is a lifelong resident of Chicago, according to her campaign website. J.B. Pritzker goes after billionaire Ken Griffin and his candidate, Richard Irvin. He doesnt pretend to be an outsider, or a blue-collar billionaire, as Donald Trump Jr. once described his own father. JB Pritzker, a Democrat who has already announced he is running for reelection in 2022. Ken Griffin, the Chicago billionaire who runs hedge fund giant Citadel, says he's "all-in" to back a candidate to defeat Democratic Gov. In a concession speech Tuesday, Irvin criticized Pritzkers "meddling" in the primary and wished Bailey well in the general election. The future of the Illinois GOP and how far right it may go lie with this months primary. In life, as in meme, he has a genial way about him. Generations of politicians have run on the idea that politics is the problem. It also comes from the supermajorities he commands in Springfield, the preservation of which could determine whether Illinois remains an oasis of reproductive freedom in a region of the country where abortion access has been severely curtailed or eliminated entirely. J.B. Pritzker is taking the weekend to campaign in New Hampshire. He wore a dark suit, a light blue shirt, and a bright pink tie, with a pin on his lapel of the Illinois and United States flags. Thats ridiculous. During a contested GOP primary, Michels spent nearly $1 million a week before beating former Lt. Gov. SPRINGFIELD Republican voters in Illinois will choose from six candidates to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Expect Bailey to keep up that intensity through the fall. McCormick lost to Oz by under 1,000 votes, a razor-thin margin that follow Trump's endorsement of the former TV doctor. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat seeking her first full term. Senator Tammy Duckworth will be facing in the fall. Irvins supporters stood by their candidate, even though a stony sense of reality appeared to have set in because of his lackluster showing in the polls. Rebecca Kleefisch. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Pritzker (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for Governor of Illinois.He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.. I guess Im a good straight man, he told me on a recent afternoon in his Chicago office. (The Center Square) Though the gubernatorial primary isnt until June 2022, Republican candidates vying for their partys nomination are already looking for who will be their lieutenant governor. Methodology: To compile this list, Insider reviewed and analyzed state and federal campaign finance data through November 2, 2022, as well as campaign finance data compiled by OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan research organization. ILLINOIS (WMBD) Making a run for Governor, former State Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-IL) is hoping to unseat Gov. Contact him atjhagerty@rrstar.comand@jimhagerty. A top lawyer during Trump's first impeachment, Goldman beat out Rep. Mondaire Jones in a crowded primary field that once included former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio after Jones tried to switch seats following redistricting. The 2022 Illinois primary election is almost here. ILLINOIS (WMBD) Making a run for Governor, former State Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-IL) is hoping to unseat Gov. Web22 candidates have together pumped nearly $433 (and counting) of their own money into 2022 midterm races. "People say J.B. Pritzker wants me to win this primary because he believes that Im the easiest opponent to beat," Bailey said during a campaign stop at a restaurant. Baileys surge in GOP support was first evident in the Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ poll, taken June 6 and 7, that showed him 15 percentage points in the lead over the Aurora mayor. More election coverage:Rockford area early voters greeted with unusual warning with their ballots, United States House of Representatives 17th Congressional District. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois. The newly drawn district includes Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. I want you to battle it out.. United States House of Representatives 16th Congressional District. Republicans furiously point fingers after the collapse of Richard Irvin, a candidate once advertised as the best bet to compete against billionaire Gov. Jesse Sullivan, 37, is seeking the Grand Old Party's nomination in an effort to unseat incumbent Gov. Bailey has built a reputation during three years in the Legislature as an uncompromising conservative unafraid to take people on. They are related to the North Park Fire Protection District, Northwest Fire Protection District, River Bluff Nursing Home, Pecatonica/Seward Assessment District, Village of Durand, City of Loves Park, Lena-Winslow School District Board of Education, and the Orangeville School District. Aviation Administration told Insider that the passenger "did not breach" the cockpit Does he have a chance of winning against the governor? Bailey upended early political prognosticating that Irvin would be the hands-down favorite in the race by virtue of Chicago hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin declaring Irvin as his choice to unseat Pritzker this fall. That said, the Peach State has remained her focus thus far, as she sought the Georgia governorship for a second time in 2022, ultimately being defeated. Theres a lot of talk about even in a blue state like Illinois that Republicans could have a strong year because of Joe Bidens unpopularity and the bad economy. J.B. Pritzker in the Democratic primary for governor. Two Republican candidates for Illinois governor blasted Gov. In 2018, then-candidate Pritzker spent nearly $172 million of his own money to win the governorship. The 2022 Illinois primary election is almost here. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune who is seeking his second term, and the Democratic Governors Association spent heavily on advertising to help Bailey win the GOP primary, including with ads noting he is "100% pro-life." JB Pritzker in the upcoming June 28 primary. And not only those on Socialists for Pritzker, the Twitter account that cast him as an unlikely leftist hero and spawned a host of semi-ironic jokes about the Illinois governors political appeal. Republicans Larry Jogerst, Clayton Zimmermanand Brooke Deininger-Wagner are running for two board seats in District F. Republicans Nicole Baker, Garrett Millerand Steven Fricke are running for two seats. In a concession speech Tuesday, Richard Irvin criticized Gov. Whats more, the ads that were run in the primaries were all ads that I could run today in the general election, he said. And Sullivans extensive final weeks of campaigning show hes doing his best to try to make that happen, including attending the Trump rally in which the former president opted for Bailey. McCormick, a Trump Treasury Department official and former CEO of one of the world's largest hedge funds, competed vigorously for the former president's stamp of approval. Polis made his fortune from founding tech companies, including an online florist that is now owned by FTD. J.B. Pritzker in the Democratic primary for governor. As with many politicians, his attempts at relatability can sometimes veer into how do you do, fellow kids? territory, like when he invoked Gilead at one point in a condemnation of the GOPs antiabortion politics. Lasry dropped out of Wisconsin's US Senate primary less than two weeks before Election Day. Polis easily prevailed over Republican Heidi Ganahl. Bailey has done much of his communicating to voters with a daily chat on his Facebook page, which is a mix of personal quips about his day, Democrat-bashing and old-fashioned Sunday school built around Scripture readings and prayer. The Illinois governors race is now set after last nights primary elections. DeVore, 53, of Greenville, a small town in Bond County located about 50 miles east of St. Louis, is a father of 19-year-old triplets. Polling Place: Is Patrick Kane the greatest Blackhawk ever? Pritzker, 57, won the Democratic primary against former Army Major Beverly Miles with 93% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. According to Forbes, Pritzker is the richest politician in the nation with an estimated wealth of $3.6 billion. J.B. Pritzker defeated GOP state Sen. Darren Bailey in Illinois' gubernatorial race. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. B. Pritzker of Illinois speaks to the crowd at an abortion rights rally on June 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Joe Biden was struggling to get his agenda through the gridlock of Capitol Hill; Donald Trump appeared as Teflon-like as ever; and Republicans were counting down the days until the midterms. What's happening: The Democrat is slated to speak at the Granite State's annual party convention on Saturday, fueling speculation that his sights are set on Taking the stage at his victory party, Pritzker told the crowd, "Im going to beat Donald Trumps candidate for governor, Darren Bailey.". Pritzker is expected to win against one challenger: Beverly Miles. Assuming Devore is declared the winner of this race, hell be up against first-term Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Six candidates are running against each other in the Republican primary for the U.S. House 11th District in Illinois. J.B. Pritzker goes after billionaire Ken Griffin and his candidate, Richard Irvin. Republicans furiously point fingers after the collapse of Richard Irvin, a candidate once advertised as the best bet to compete against billionaire Gov. As Insider reported in July, Valentine has personally invested significant amounts of her wealth in health insurance companies while pledging to "stand up" to health insurers. Shes married to former state Representative Al Salvi, who was the GOPs nominee for U.S. Senate way back in 1996, when Dick Durbin had his first successful Senate run. But hes wowed me and a lot of other people., I think his appeal for those of us on the left, we keep seeing the country pushed to the right, Halperin said.