CHICAGO (AP) — The Latest on the first televised forum between the Democratic candidates for Illinois governor (all times local):
8:30 p.m.
The Democratic candidates for Illinois governor have faced off over taxes, accusations of pay-to-play politics and who would be the strongest nominee on the November ballot and to lead the state.
The candidates met Tuesday for a rapid-fire forum at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. It was the first televised meeting ahead of the March 20 primary.
Businessman Chris Kennedy and state Sen. Daniel Biss went after billionaire J.B. Pritzker, questioning his ties to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and conversations captured on FBI wiretaps between Pritzker and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Pritzker directed his fire squarely at Biss, saying he has supported Madigan and “I don’t think you’re one to lecture here.”
Regional superintendent Bob Daiber, community organizer Tio Hardiman and physician Robert Marshall also participated in the forum.
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5 a.m.
The Democrats running for Illinois governor are scheduled to square off in their first televised forum ahead of the March primary.
The round-table discussion Tuesday evening will be hosted in Chicago at WMAQ-TV.
Six Democrats are vying for the chance to unseat Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner on March 20.
The 2018 governor’s race is expected to be one of the most expensive in U.S. history.
The Democrats running are billionaire J.B. Pritzker, businessman Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss, educator Robert Daiber, physician Robert Marshall and activist Tio Hardiman.
The candidates have appeared in smaller forums and editorial board sessions, including a livestreamed session at the Chicago Tribune last week.
Telemundo, the Chicago Urban League and the Union League Club of Chicago are also hosting the one-hour event.
