CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is in the process of selecting potential running mates as he prepares to launch his campaign for a third term.
On Monday, Pritzker already talked about a short list of candidates.
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Voters might not typically focus on the lieutenant governor choice when voting for the governor. However, Pritzker’s choice of running mate in this third campaign holds added interest, especially with the potential of a presidential run in two years.
While Pritzker signed several education-focused bills on Monday, deciding on a running mate will be among his next major considerations as he gears up for his reelection effort.
“Look, the number one qualification is, can you do the job of being governor? Because if you’re lieutenant governor, that may come to you,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker, who announced he was running for a third term just last week, said he also wants a lieutenant governor who has a heart for all of Illinois.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s decision to run for Senate opened the door for Pritzker to pick a new running mate.
The potential candidates include Pritzker’s former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, current Deputy Governor Andy Manar, House Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gorden Booth and Illinois Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez.
“Terrific people recommended to me a number of, just, excellent candidates to choose from,” Pritzker said.
But how much might diversity on the ticket factor into Pritzker’s decision? And would his potential presidential ambitions influence the choice?
“In the Democratic Party, you always have to look at diversity, especially racial and ethnic diversity. And I can’t imagine a white male candidate running for president without having some of that diversity in terms of his administration, in terms of his current running mate in Illinois,” said ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington.
“Well, I think beyond just diversity, I think it’s important to have someone with perhaps different lived experience and skill set. I think good leaders want to surround themselves with people who broaden their perspective and not just echo it,” said The Strategy Group Democratic Strategist Aviva Bowen.
The vetting process, according to sources, includes researching the backgrounds of potential candidates for things they have publicly said and policy positions they have taken.
There will also be multiple interviews with high-level administration officials, including the governor.
A number of political observers said privately that they believe Mitchell, who is currently a vice president at the University of Chicago, is the front runner.
The vetting process is already well underway for those candidates meeting the governor’s requirements.
“The ones, at least, that are on my short list meet all those standards,” Pritzker said.
Insiders told ABC7 that the governor has already had conversations with some candidates and a decision on his next running mate is expected to be announced soon.
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