After Illinois Sen. Richard J. Durbin announced his retirement plans last year, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi dug into his substantial war chest, becoming the first candidate in the race to air television ads, building an early lead for a Senate seat that hadn’t been open in nearly 30 years.
But with days until Illinois Democrats pick their nominee for Senate next Tuesday, Krishnamoorthi has faced attacks over who has donated to his campaign and his immigration policies from Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, one of his top rivals for the nomination, who has sought to build momentum in the final months of the campaign when most voters are tuning in.
Heading into the March 17 primary, Krishnamoorthi, Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly lead a Democratic contest that is likely to decide Illinois’ next senator, given the state’s partisan tilt. In all, 10 Democrats seek their party’s nomination, while six Republicans do.
