Democratic Rep. Cheri Bustos has made an endorsement for who should be the next leader of Illinois’ Democratic Party after Michael Madigan last week stepped away from the job he’s held since 1998. Madigan also recently gave up his longtime role as Speaker of the House and State Rep for the 22nd District. Bustos favors a fellow Congresswoman, Robin Kelly. Kelly was first elected to Congress in 2003 and after two terms left to be Chief of Staff for the-Illinois Treasurer, Alexi Gianoulis. Kelly also ran for Illinois Treasurer but was defeated by Republican Dan Rutherford. Bustos says that she values political leaders who “intentionally works to broaden the Democratic base in all areas of the state.” Bustos’ 17th District is Illinois’ only district not covering a part of Chicago or its suburbs that is represented by a Democrat.
