GALESBURG – A rumor buzzing around Illinois political circles suggests Congresswoman Cheri Bustos is toying with the idea of challenging Governor Bruce Rauner in 2018. Bustos is close to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin – whose name has also been mentioned for 2018 – and entered the Illinois Democratic Party's scene with the blessing of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
That idea that she may be seeking a more exciting political office didn't set well with her 17th CD Republican opponent Patrick Harlan.
"Congresswoman Bustos needs to commit to serving a full term for the office she is seeking," Harlan said. "If she is plotting to climb the political ladder and run for governor in 2018, her constituents in the Illinois 17th District have a right to know."
Harlan called on Bustos to sign a pledge indicating her intent to serve out her full term if elected in November.
"I am requesting that Congresswoman Bustos make a pledge that, if she were to be elected in November, she would uphold the duties of representing the constituents of the 17th District without resigning to run for Governor of Illinois and requiring a special election. If Bustos is not willing to make this reasonable pledge to her constituents, then we shall be safe to assume that she is going to deny her responsibilities to serve us as a representative, and we demand that she withdraws her candidacy for the November election."
Earlier Wednesday, when Congresswoman Cheri Bustos' campaign was asked about the rumor that she might run for governor in 2018, her campaign manager stated, "2018 is a long time away — her focus right now is on 2016, representing her district to the best of her ability."
But when pressed further about how Bustos might be able to compete with Rauner, her campaign manager proceeded to attack Rauner's record.
Sounds like they're more focused on the governor than Patrick Harlan.
