Down-ballot candidates try to get some attention ahead of Tuesday

Down-ballot candidates try to get some attention ahead of Tuesday
Robin Kelly is running for Illinois treasurer. Photo courtesy of Robin Kelly’s campaign
Down-ballot candidates try to get some attention ahead of Tuesday
Robin Kelly is running for Illinois treasurer. Photo courtesy of Robin Kelly’s campaign

Down-ballot candidates try to get some attention ahead of Tuesday

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Candidates in Illinois are entering their final weekend of campaigning before next Tuesday’s election, and those running for lower-profile jobs are just trying to get some attention. Some are barely sleeping, or - like Democrat Robin Kelly - are losing their voices.

“Oh, I’m all over the place,” Kelly said Friday during an interview on her cell phone. “I’m on my way to Schaumburg now, actually. We’ll be at a rally in Chicago Heights.”

Kelly is currently chief of staff for Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. With Giannoulias running for U.S. Senate, Kelly is going for the office’s top job. In this crowded election year, she acknowledges most of the spotlight is elsewhere.

“I know people are more interested in the governor’s race and the Senate race, but I feel like I’m holding my own,” Kelly said.

Kelly is running against Republican state Senator Dan Rutherford, the Green Party’s Scott Summers and James Pauly from the Libertarian Party.

Illinois voters next Tuesday are electing all statewide offices, members of Congress, all state representatives, a third of state senators and hundreds of county officials and judges.