One of the elder statesmen of Illinois politics is optimistic about Democrats’ prospects, despite the continued presence of former President Donald Trump.
Former Congressman, onetime Democratic gubernatorial nominee, and former Southern Illinois University president Glenn Poshard says Illinois Democrats can withstand a red wave.
“I think we’ve got to look at the good side of things at the federal level,” Poshard said. “There’s been an infrastructure act that my end of the state needs badly. The governor’s done well in our end of the state. We’ve had several projects that he has come and supported.”
Poshard said Trump will remain a threat, though he believes Democrats will keep the White House in two years.
Saturday’s Democratic Central Committee meeting, at which State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) was elected chairwoman, included some comments about how now-former chairwoman U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) surprised people around Illinois by showing up to see him. Former Illinois Senate president John Cullerton was asked about that point and the unspoken part that Kelly’s predecessor, former House speaker Mike Madigan, did not do that sort of thing.
“I’d think the former speaker would tell you the same thing,” Cullerton said. “He actually used the committee to benefit, primarily, House Democrats. I can tell you that, as being Senate president, we didn’t get a lot of money from the Democratic Party of Illinois.
“So, that is just the role he played.”
Democrats will be back in Springfield for Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair August 17. Republicans’ political celebration is the next day.