(Rep. Jan) Schakowsky takes a pass on Senate race

[sabra]

Source: Chicago Trib

Rep. Jan Schakowsky said Monday that she has decided to seek re-election to her U.S. House seat, passing up a bid for the U.S. Senate and a potentially crowded Illinois Democratic primary.

Schakowsky, who has served in the House since 1999, conducted polling and sounded out potential staff about running for the seat currently held by embattled Sen. Roland Burris, under scrutiny for the circumstances of his appointment by now-ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

But she told supporters in an announcement on YouTube that she did not want to invest the significant time for "I feel confident I that could raise the $10 million needed for a primary race -- and the $16 plus million needed for a general election campaign, but to do it I would have become a telemarketer five to six hours each day," she said in her video announcement.

She added that, "next two years present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make progressive change," but she couldn't do that if she campaigned for the Senate.

Read more: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/06/schakowsky-takes-a-pass-on-senate-race.html

[Arkana]

1. That leaves...Giannoulias?

For God's sake, someone has to get Burris OUT. If he's the nominee we lose the seat. Plain and simple.

[jaysunb]

2. Sorry to hear this

I always thought she was the best candidate.

[PassingFair]

4. She IS the best candidate! I'm sorry to hear it, too.

I'm not in Illinois, but I watch
her votes, and she almost makes
me want to move to Illinois, and
I say this as someone who is represented
by Levin (s)!

I have never seen a bad vote from her and
would have gladly sent her what I could for
a Senate run.

If she says the Progressives need her where
she is, though, I'll trust that she's right.

[chicago legal pro]

3. Chris Kennedy will run

Burris is hoping for a split vote between Kennedy and Giannoulias. He thinks he can get a solid African-American vote and win the primary.

[surrealAmerican]

5. I think she made the right decision.

As much as I agree with her on issues, this state is not that liberal. She may well have lost in the general election.

[Cha]

6. Bless her heart..she'll be helping

us in the House for sure.