IL AG Race still a dead heat
Madigan up 1. This race will probably go down to the last minute. I would argue the most likely outcome is low Republican turnout and a victory for Madigan. The problem is the Illinois State Rifle Association is starting to campaign actively for Birkett. A problem for Madigan? No, a problem for Birkett. The ISRA isn’t nearly as powerful in the state as it is in other states. Illinois is a strong gun control state and Birkett would be better off with the ISRA staying out of it. Birkett has avoided clearly answering how he feels about concealed carry legislation and that is one issue that can cut hard against him in the general.
Rich Miller is predicting a close race. I don’t necessarily disagree with his assessment of Blago or J-Ry, but I think there are a couple differences. Blago isn’t caught up in the same sort of scandal that G-Ry was. Additionally, the Da Mayor and Da Speaker are going all out–Da Speaker for other reasons. While I don’t predict a 20 point win, a 10-15 point win is likely. Predictions and endorsements this weekend.