Chicago Sun-Times endorses in Dem primary battle

A major Chicago newspaper on Friday endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Andrea Zopp over her primary rival, Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), ahead of the March 15 primary in Illinois.

The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board threw its support behind the former president of the Chicago Urban League, pointing to Zopp’s broad range of experience and policy interests.

{mosads}“We believe Zopp has what it takes to be highly effective in the U.S. Senate, where the rules of power and advancement are as arcane as in any boardroom,” the board wrote.

“Her top three legislative priorities are good ones, especially for Chicago and Illinois — criminal justice reform, rebuilding the middle class and immigration reform,” the editorial continued.

While the paper endorsed Zopp, the editorial called Duckworth a “qualified candidate” and noted that the congresswoman has more campaign funding and higher name recognition than Zopp has.

“Duckworth is to be admired for her military service, her indomitable spirit in the face of devastating injuries and her work on behalf of veterans. Either Zopp or Duckworth would be a credible challenger against incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk in the November general election,” the editorial said.

The editorial mentioned state Sen. Napoleon Harris III, who’s also running for the Democratic nomination, but noted that he is “not in the same league as Zopp or Duckworth.”

Duckworth is the prohibitive favorite for the nomination and has enjoyed a number of high-profile endorsements, including from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin. 

But Zopp has also landed support from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, an influential player in Illinois politics, and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.).

The Democratic nominee will go on to face Kirk, a Republican, in what is considered to be one of the most competitive Senate races this year.


Kirk does not have a serious primary opponent, though businessman James Marter is challenging him from the right.