Illinois: Pritzker Maintains Edge

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute of Southern Illinois University conducted a survey for the state’s upcoming March 20th primary election.  According to the data (2/19-25; 1,001 IL registered voters; 472 likely Democratic voters; 259 likely Republican primary voters), the results appear consistent with other recent research studies.  The Simon Poll finds venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker, who has already spent $56 million for his campaign, leading state Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Chicago) and businessman Chris Kennedy, son of the late Attorney General and US Senator Robert F. Kennedy, 31-21-17%, respectively. 
 
Though Mr. Pritzker continues to maintain the edge and is the favorite heading into the final campaign stretch, his margin is less impressive when considering the amount of campaign money expended. 
 
On the Republican side, Gov. Bruce Rauner tops state Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), 51-31%.  But, the overall news is not particularly good for the Governor.  When the Republican incumbent is paired with Mr. Pritzker in a pre-primary general election heat, the Democrat jumps out to a 50-35% major advantage.

--Jim Ellis