Dem candidates Kennedy, Pritzker announce debate schedule

SHARE Dem candidates Kennedy, Pritzker announce debate schedule
pritzkerkennedy.jpg

Illinois gubernatorial candidates J.B. Pritzker (left) and Chris Kennedy chat before the Progressive Gubernatorial Forum on Oct. 8. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Democratic gubernatorial candidates Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday released their upcoming debate schedules, which include a series of televised forums throughout the state.

The governor’s race is turning out to be one of the most hotly contested in recent years, and may also become the most expensive in Illinois history.

While the schedules differ slightly, both Kennedy, a businessman and son of Robert F. Kennedy, and Pritzker, a billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur, plan to participate in the following six debates and forums:

  • Jan. 23: NBC Chicago/Telemundo
  • Jan. 30: Daily Herald and Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  • Feb. 21: State Journal Register/WMAY-AM
  • March 1: Politico/University of Chicago Institute of Politics
  • March 2: ABC 7 Chicago
  • March 14: WTTW

Kennedy also plans to participate in a March 5 televised debate on WCIA-TV, which covers Springfield, Decatur and Champaign.

State Sen. Daniel Biss’ campaign said he is ready to participate in those debates as well.

“Daniel Biss is looking forward to participating in any debate, anywhere at anytime,” Biss spokesman Tom Elliott said.

Madison County Schools Supt. Bob Daiber, Bob Marshall and Tio Hardiman round out the list of Democratic candidates in the hotly contested March 20 primary. Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday picked up an official Republican challenger in State Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton.

The Latest
The man was found unresponsive in an alley in the 10700 block of South Lowe Avenue, police said.
The man suffered head trauma and was pronounced dead at University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
Another federal judge in Chicago who also has dismissed gun cases based on the same Supreme Court ruling says the high court’s decision in what’s known as the Bruen case will “inevitably lead to more gun violence, more dead citizens and more devastated communities.”
Women make up just 10% of those in careers such as green infrastructure and clean and renewable energy, a leader from Openlands writes. Apprenticeships and other training opportunities are some of the ways to get more women into this growing job sector.
Chatterbox doesn’t seem aware that it’s courteous to ask questions, seek others’ opinions.