Our endorsement goes to Rep. Bobby Rush, a fascinating American figure whose political strategies and alliances have traveled over the decades.
The onetime Black Panther, for example, is today a staunch supporter of Mike Bloomberg —the well-heeled former New York mayor — for president, which is giving Rush’s more progressive allies the willies. Rush explains his evolution this way: He goes to where he can best “help people.”
As much as we like Rush, we also believe the 1st District deserves a more hard-working representative. A change is overdue. So, to a considerable extent, we are endorsing Rush again today for lack of a better choice — maybe next time.
Also running are Sarah Gad, a law school student and founder of a nonprofit that focuses on substance abuse; Ameena Nuur-Matthews, a community activist, and Robert Emmons, a nonprofit manager who has a bright future in politics if he sticks with it.
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
