The Democratic field for United States Senate in Illinois just got a little more crowded this morning, as Emily Cahn of
Roll Call Politics reported that Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) is "exploring" a run for Senate and "doing her due diligence." Rep. Kelly joins a growing field with three other members of the Illinois delegation considering bids, including Democratic Reps. Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) and Bill Foster (D-11).
“I’m just doing my due diligence to look at if there is a pathway in the Senate race,” Kelly told Emily Cahn in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon. “If I feel like I find a pathway for me then I will do it, irregardless” of who else runs."
Roll Call had been reporting on the potential races since a Democratic victory one of the bluest of blue states could recover a seat, inching closer to regaining the majority in 2016, a Presidential election year. Rep. Cheri Bustos told Emily Cahn she is "not closing the door on running for Senate in Illinois in 2016." Rep. Bill Foster is also known to be exploring a run and he "represents a key geographic region for success in a general election. He has also extensive personal resources to fund a campaign, ranking the 51st wealthiest member of Congress."
Prior to Rep. Kelly's possible entry in the race, Rep. Tammy Duckworth would have to be considered the early favorite. According to Emily Cahn, some Democrats describe Duckworth's triumphant personal story — she lost both her legs and sustained damage to her arm when a helicopter she co-piloted in Iraq was shot down in 2004 — as a positive in a statewide race. In addition, Democrats believe Duckworth’s profile also makes for a strong match against Kirk.
Rep. Kelly also brings much to the table as far as having a strong base right out of the gate. Emily Cahn says that Kelly "represents a majority minority district, would have an advantage with the roughly 30 percent of black primary voters in the state." Kelly is also the only candidate in the field to have run statewide in Illinois for Illinois State Treasurer in 2010, and also has strong ties outside of the 2nd Illinois' Congressional district.