Toi Hutchinson Drops Out of 2nd District Race
The state senator now pledges to put her support behind Robin Kelly for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s former seat.
Toi Hutchinson announced Sunday that she has withdrawn from the race for the 2nd Congressional District seat, and will be backing Robin Kelly to oppose former congresswoman Debbie Halvorson.
"Robin is a friend, and has captured momentum in pulling our community together," said Hutchinson in a release. "I am simply unwilling to risk playing a role going forward that could result in dividing our community at time when we need unity more than ever. In the wake of horrendous gun related crimes all across our country, I agree with Robin that we need to stand together to fight gun violence, but Debbie Halvorson been (sic) wrong headed in her refusal to moderate her views on banning dangerous assault weapons."
Hutchinson recently came under criticism by Kelly after a past National Rifle Association questionnaire revealed 'A' ratings. Hutchinson said the Sandy Hook shooting changed her mind, though Kelly said in a release that her mind was only changed when "she entered a race for Congress where her past support of the NRA’s agenda was no longer politically convenient.”
Hutchinson also faced criticism from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Independence Public Action Committee in regard to gun control, according to Sun Times Media.
Kelly noted in the same statement about Hutchinson's withdrawal from the 2nd District race that she and Hutchinson "haven’t agreed on everything, we have a strong mutual respect, share a passion for public service and dedication to the people in Chicago and the Southland."
Hutchinson's withdrawl also brings Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle into Kelly's support camp, as she originally was backing the state senator.
"I’m proud of Toi for agreeing to put voters before her own ambitions," Preckwinkle said in the same statement. "She is young and has a bright future ahead of her. I did not want to see her campaign close with negative attacks at a time when Robin Kelly is surging with momentum to capture the Democratic nomination for Congress."
Preckwinkle also criticizes Halvorson's stance on gun control and other positions in the statement.
"During Debbie Halvorson’s one term in Congress, she opposed President Obama on dozens of issues including critical Wall St. reform and extending benefits for the long term unemployed," Preckwinkle said in the statement.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky also weighed in on Hutchinson's decision in the same release, describing the 2nd District race as "too important for the party to remain divided."
"I applaud her for doing what is best for the Democratic Party today and joining the Kelly campaign so Robin can go to Washington to work with me and President Obama for common sense gun safety laws," Schakowsky said in the statement.
This latest added support for Kelly follows endorsements from Illinois congressmen Bobby Rush and Danny Davis.
Representatives for Halvorson said a statement on Hutchinson's withdrawal is expected later Sunday.
Return to Patch for more updates.
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Blackhawks Fan
9:50 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Somethings never change!!!
"Hutchinson's announcement comes in light of a recent news report detailing Hutchinson's alleged payments to her mother as a campaign consultant." From NBC article.
Joe Lake
9:55 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Since the ballots are already printed, absentee and early voting votes cast for Candidate Hutchinson won't count as well as any votes cast on election day, Feb. 26, 2013. It's too late for write-in votes to count. There are still 15 in the Democratic primary and 5 Republicans in the Republican primary. Joe Lake, Chicago
Jai Drake
12:22 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Wow... So the people that took the time to early vote for her-- their votes won't count! No wonder citizens are so disenchanted with the election/voting process!! This is a disgrace!! Toi and Toni Preckwinckle should be ashamed of themselves!
James Taylor
10:04 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
February 16, 20132
City News Rescinds Endorsement of Senator Toi Hutchinson
For the first time in forty-two years of publication and making political endorsements The Kankakee City News is forced to rescind it’s endorsement of Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson for U.S. Congress Illinois 2nd District.
Learning of the unethical, if not illegal, spending of campaign funds by Senator Hutchinson to her mother for as, “events scheduling”, the editorial board of the Kankakee City News has no alternative but to rescind it’s previous endorsement of Hutchinson.
“We believe that a public servant should exercise honesty and sincerity in the performing of all duties related to the office for which they have been elected and we believe that the secret practice of Senator Hutchinson in the paying of funds to her mother as her official scheduler violates the public trust. We see no practical difference between the actions of Senator Hutchinson in this practice than we do in that of former U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Chicago 7th Ward Alderwoman Sandy Jackson as both acts are in our collective opinions a violation of the public trust.”
It is for that reason that the editorial board of the Kankakee City News announces the formal endorsement of candidate for U.S. Congress Illinois 2nd District Robin Kelly.
,
James Taylor Sr. Publisher.
Pam
1:39 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
You still got the endorsement wrong!
When will you stop yelling,"Give Us Barrabus?"
Like Governers State University, who tried to sneak Robin Kelly in through the back door after she arrived late, well after the 5:45 p.m. cut off for their candidates forum; your paper has now lost it's credibility and your endorsement dosen't even amount to "Monday Morning Quarterbacking.
On Tuesday, February 26, 2013 your new mistake will come up short; because "The Arc of the Moral Universe Is Long, But It does Bend twords candidate CHARLES RAYBURN."
June Whitehand
10:28 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
So, how is the endorsement of a disgraced candidate a good thing for Kelly? Seems like it would paint her with the same unethical brush....
Pam
1:45 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
June, you are finally listening to candidate CHARLES RAYBURN and even thinking a little like him, even though you wasted your precious vote on what's her name; who by the way also has an "On Time Problem."
Keep watching "Leave It To Beaver" and pay special attention to June Cleaver like candidate CHARLES RAYBURN suggested and maybe some day you will be a June Cleaver.
June Whitehand
8:20 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Well, "Pam", no idea what you think you know about me....but if you are the type of deep thinking person that Rayburn attracts, yet another reason not to vote for a child who abuses volunteers and throws tantrums when he does not get his way.
Absolutely NOT the type of person the 2nd district wants representing them nationally.
Luckily we have several people in this race who are professional, honest and mature!
jason amos
10:57 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
She should be investigated like the Jackson's!
Also the people that have helped her,and you know who you are.
LaShun Parker
11:59 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
all about the MONEY AND POWER not the PEOPLE!
Pam
1:51 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Yes LaShun, it definitely appears that after Robin Kelly lost her former bosses endorsement (Toni The Rat Pratwinkle) that Robin Kelly sold her sole to the lowest bidder; (New York Mayor Bloomberg).
Now she's trying to sell the 2nd congressional district to the devil.
Tom
1:44 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Having Bloomberg's superpac backing is enough in and of itself to convince me that Kelly isn't worth my vote either, explain to me why the mayor of New York is so totally interested and committed to a congressional race in the second district here? hmmmmmmmm something is starting to smell like a barnyard around here. He's dumping millions of dollars to back a machine politician, amazing isn't it?
Pam
1:56 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN is still standing, floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, cause ain't nobody going to Washington from the 2nd district but ___.(more to come)
Tired of Trolls
2:01 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Oh, stop it.
Juvenal
3:27 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
And here people thought it was a bad idea for me to raise the issue of candidate incomes generally, and Ms. Hutchinson's prior financial malfeasance generally. Clearly she is a broke-ass dumbass paying hee mommy with campaign funds -- to replace a guy who indicted for paying his wife AND girlfriend with campaign funds. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose........
Pam
2:00 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
A little too much, even for "TEAM RAYBURN" considering the fact that we are all considered innocent until proven guilty.
cliff eagleton
6:44 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
The one-party Democratic Party with media assistance distract the voters while the District declines daily, weekly, monthly. I welcome all Toi supporters to join our movement to turn this nation in a new direction. My Democratic Pary has abandoned me and the ordinary people of our district. I will bring back representation. I welcome all Toi supporters to join our movement towards a new direction. Eagleton4congress.com
Why are other Illinois representatives sticking their noses in our election to sway the result. Such a despicable strategy will not work this election. The people are going to vote for the right guy.
Pam
2:13 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Cliff, the right guy is CHARLES RAYBURN.
He is married to the same women for more than (32) years, and sent all (3) of his children to college:
Candidate RAYBURN is currently an Insurance Producer for the State of Illinois that took the insurance exam within weeks of Richard J. Daley Jr.. CHARLES RAYBURN passed his exams, first time around and we all know that Daley Jr. fluncked his: Candidate RAYBURN is required to take and pass in class ethics courses before he can have his license renewed every two years:
As a "Blue Perk Card Carring Security Officer," candidate RAYBURN has passed a FBI background check:
And as an Educator Mr. Rayburn has passed a State Police Background check and sent thousands of our children to college. (more to come)
June Whitehand
8:22 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Oh wow, Rayburn is allowed to carry a gun? I am very scared now.
Bullying little volunteers to make his point---thank goodness he did not have a gun that night!
Sheila Devall
9:52 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Lenny Mcallister is the perfect fit for real change for the 2nd CD and the State of Illinois. He is running neck and neck with Eric Wallace in the Republican primary but Wallace does not have the relationships, rhetorical skills or solutions to offer that Lenny Mcallister does. Go to www.lennyforcongress.com or www.lennymcallister.com
Pam
2:27 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Not true!
Eric Wallace has one problem that he will not overcome. Mr. Wallace is running as a Republican.
Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN has spoken to Mr. Wallace as well as all of the other candidates at every debate.
Lenny Mcallister never shows up because he has the radio show that refusses to give candidate CHARLES RAYBURN equal time as required by FCC law; and therefore smooth talking Lenny is unethical.
Four star General Colen Powell, a republican; stated that the republican party still look's down on minorites; that the republican party still does not use people of color; and that the republican party has a dark vain of intolerance and needs to take a very hard look at itself.
Why would anyone vote for a republican, after a republican war hero of color has warned people of color about their people of color policy?
cliff eagleton
7:30 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Toi Hutchison supporters. Will you join with me to bring government and leadership backto our District and people? This District belongs to the people, not to special interests and privileged elites who are trying to buy the election. cliff eagleton, 2nd position on the ballot.
Dan
8:43 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
The Chicago dems have settled on Robin as their girl and are leaning on the other strong black candidates do drop out. They are worried about splitting the urban vote.
Halverson is their main foe. There has been considerable money spent to trash her with mailings and negative TV ads. Up until now she has been the only target of negative ads. They know she has suburban support.
James Taylor
9:37 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Pam, I certainly do understand how you may feel about this 2nd District race. I am not above acknowledging that Hutchinson pulled the wool over my and my board's eyes, but I am also not above saying we were wrong. Our record over the past 40 plus years in endorsing good candidates is about 98% good. We believe Robin Kelly will be a good and ethical Congresswoman and we also believe Toi Hutchinson was right to drop out of the race but we also think perhaps, based on the facts, concerning the paying of $57,000 to her mother for what amonts to babysitting, that she may need to resign her State Senate seat as well. Honesty, in and of itself is very important in an elected official! I respect your views, can't you respect ours as we all want the best for the district?
James Bond
10:12 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Mr. Taylor, I have respected you and your paper for many years. But I think very strange that you were seeking to run for this office a few times, yet you step back and Endorse Senator Hutchinson than jump ship and endorse Robin! I was under the impression you were a Republican, Correct? You were also accused of working deals out with Former Congressman Jackson and his Dad. You have in the past supported and endorsed Mayor Dwight Welch of Country Club Hills over great candidates. Did your paper "I" team know about Dwights shady ways? Yet you still endorsed him over other qualified candidates. I hope you are not one who sales to the highest bidder. Kelly and camp has some pretty big high rollers involved with this campaign. Nothing is free and payback will come in the form of expense of the taxpayers. Remain with some code of ethics sir and not just for what you can get.
James Taylor
9:42 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
Following what may become a very critical slice of information, our City News "I" Team, Investigative Team, has discovered that in addition to getting $57,000 for what we consider babysitting (at best) Senator Hutchinson's mother was not actually in the state of Illinois during much of the time she was being paid! Hutchinson's office staff have revealed that she was not seen at their offices but a few times at best. Toi Hutchinson has gottern a lot of rewards from voters in exchange for a good line of rap and a great smile! But as is often said, "enough is enough and to much stinks!"
James Taylor
11:33 am on Monday, February 18, 2013
James, I have high respect for Dwight and the people of Country Club Hills and the idea of "qualified" is a matter of opinion. No, we don't sell to the hightest bidder, we were taken in by Hutchinson's great rap and smile and for that we have acknowledged and resciended our endorsement of this woman! I, sir, respect your opinions and value your years of respect for our newspaper. I will be seeking to get Toi Hutchinson removed from the Illinois State Senate, we have far more folks like her in government than we need. The State Senate should investigate her spending of campaign funds on her mother as should the Federal Elections Commission.
Pam
12:10 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
June, wake up and smell the roses.
The United States Constitution guarantees all of it's citizens in good standing and good mental health the right to bare arms; including you.
However, get the facts straight. Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN chooses NOT TO CARRY A GUN.
June, there is a fallacy in your logic. You WRONGFULLY ASSUMED that because candidate CHARLES RAYBURN is a "BLUE PERK CARD CARRING SECURITY OFFICER that Mr. RAYBURN carries a gun. HE DOES NOT, so take your best shot, it only shows how ignorant you really are, and that you speak emotionally rather than reporting the facts, so let me school you.
There are ARMED SECURITY OFFICERS and UNARMED SECURITY OFFICERS. In order to become an ARMED SECURITY OFFICER, you have to take and pass ARMED SECURITY OFFICER courses and even then you can STILL function as an UNARMED SECURITY OFFICER.
Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN is functioning as an UNARMED SECURITY OFFICER that has passed an FBI, and State of Illinois Police Background Check; NOT an ARMED BULLY. (more to come after June appoliges for reporting false information about Candidate RAYBURN.) (June, your false statements have been turned over to my legal team.) (more to come)
Dinkum
12:56 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
OK Pam or whatever your other pro CR Patch names are enough is enough.
The Constitution does not "guarantee" nor does it say anything about "good mental health" so stop making this stuff up. YOU are the one who needs to go back to school.
Did you really write "so take your best shot" when going after June about CR carrying a gun? I'm sending that line over to a head shrink. More to come...
I have also turned over your false information on the Constitution to my head of Security (that would be Zoe, our dog). More to come...
James Bond
1:17 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
LMAO , Dink could have not said it better myself. And if this is the type of person Mr. Rayburn has as followers, I think he would bail out not too. I think she is a self appointed spokesperson. Blame the State of Illinois for cutting mental health programs and centers.
Big Tommy
3:59 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
If her mom was making $57,000 -I wonder what her sister was making!