Illinois: Final Poll; Primary Today

A newly published Victory Research poll (Released 3/13-16; 1,204 IL voters) finds venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker holding the lead in the Democratic primary, 32-26-22%, over businessman Chris Kennedy and state Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Chicago), respectively.  As people vote in today’s primary electon, it appears that Mr. Pritzker, who has spent more than $63 million of his own money in his race to date, is favored to capture the nomination and is fortunate that he has two opponents of basically equivalent strength.  It appears certain that if only one were in the race, either Mr. Kennedy or Sen. Biss, the front-running Mr. Pritzker would likely lose to either of them. 
 
The Republican numbers from the Victory poll were not released, but Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is favored for re-nomination over state Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton).  The Governor, himself a billionaire like Mr. Pritzker, has spent a similar $57 million in his own race.   This Illinois Governor’s race could become the most expensive statewide political campaign in American history.  The latest estimates suggest that the combined spending for the race could exceed $300 million.
 
For a more detailed report on the Illinois primary, see today’s BIPAC Daily Column at: https://vote.mmp2.org/syndicated/tag/bipacdaily

--Jim Ellis