WASHINGTON – Rep. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill., will announce a 2016 Senate bid likely on Monday, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. She is aiming to win the Democratic nomination to run against Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.
On Monday evening, Duckworth gathers some of her top donors at a home in the Hancock Center in Chicago to discuss securing the Democratic nomination to run against Kirk, who is seeking a second term.
In the letter to Duckworth’s best fundraisers about the Hancock event they were told, “contributions are encouraged but not required. We realize it is early in the election cycle, but we are asking our top supporters to consider a donation. The maximum an individual can give before March is $5,400. If Tammy decides to not to run for Senate, we will offer you a refund. If she does run, this support will be key in keeping up with Senator Kirk’s $2 million and counting campaign war-chest.”
Duckworth jumps in the Democratic primary as three other U.S. House Democrats from Illinois are considering a run: Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. Robin Kelly and Rep. Cheri Bustos.
Kirk spokeswoman Alissa McCurley said in a statement, “While he looks forward to a vigorous campaign, the senator believes there will be plenty of time for politics, and he is focused on fighting for veterans who have not received the treatment and respect they have earned from our government, as well as advocating for policies that encourage economic growth and job creation.”
My column on Duckworth raising money for a Senate run is HERE.
