Illinois Democrats display united front — at least on hopes Chicago will host 2024 convention
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison’s visit to Chicago comes as U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly faces opposition as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, with advisers to Gov. J.B Pritzker and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch recruiting state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, to replace her.
By Tina Sfondeles
Updated Jul 26, 2022, 7:59pm CDT Democratic leaders on Tuesday touted Chicago’s diversity, ability to attract union-friendly jobs and “unified leadership” in their pitch to secure the 2024 Democratic National Convention — despite an intramural feud over who should lead the state’s own party apparatus.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison’s visit to Chicago comes as U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly faces opposition as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, with advisers to Gov. J.B Pritzker and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch recruiting state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, to replace her.
But Pritzker downplayed the intraparty battle, claiming “we’re all standing here in unison, standing up for a Democratic convention for Chicago and for the state of Illinois.” The Democratic Party of Illinois plans to vote on its chair on Saturday in Springfield, creating some unfortunate timing for the DNC visit.
Harrison joined the DNC’s convention site selection team at a glitzy West Loop news conference, with the Willis Tower in full sight, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and his tumblers in tow, and Pritzker, Kelly and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot making their pitch for the city to host the 2024 convention.
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2022/7/26/23279355/dnc-party-democratic-national-convention-chicago-2024-unity-pritzker-kelly-hernandez-welch-lightfoot