Jackson backed by Davis

Cheryle Robinson Jackson received a key endorsement for her candidacy for the United States Senate seat now held by Sen. Roland Burris, and it came from someone who once was considered a top contender for the seat – Cong. Danny Davis.

Davis called a news conference last Sunday at MacArthur’s restaurant on the West Side to announce his support for Jackson, who is on leave from her post as President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.

Davis, who is running for Cook County Board President and for reelection to his House seat, said Jackson has “the most experience dealing with issues, problems, hopes and aspirations.” According to campaign financial filings, Davis had already given $2,000 to Jackson’s campaign.

The endorsement is another in string of fairly high-profile endorsements for Jackson, who is a former press secretary to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

She has also received the endorsement from Davis’ colleague, Cong. Bobby Rush, and from Emily’s List and the Cook County Democratic Women’s Organization.

Also in attendance at the rally were State Reps. Annazette Collins and LaShawn K. Ford, and Cook County Commissioner Bobbie Steele.

Jackson is the only Black candidate in the race, which also has State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias seeking the post. Jackson is counting on strong support in the Black community, especially in vote-rich Chicago, and her familiarity with other parts of the state to bring her victory. So far, Jackson has raised $367,000 and had $318,000 on hand, according to campaign finance reports filed with the federal election commission. She spent $49,250. Giannoulias reported $2.4 million raised, and Chicago attorney Jacob Meister had $1.04 million in his account – nearly all of it borrowed. Former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman had $837,000 in the bank, including a $500,000 loan to himself.

The endorsement is another in string of fairly high-profile endorsements for Jackson. She has also received the endorsement from Davis’ colleague, Cong. Bobby Rush, and from Emily’s List and the Cook County Democratic Women’s Organization.

Rush endorsed Jackson in late August.

“Cheryle is exactly who Illinois needs in the U.S. Senate,” said Rush. “Like many of us, she worked her way up to become a force for change and progress for everyday people. She understands from personal experience how important quality health care, education, and access to good jobs and opportunities are to Illinois families. She’ll take that fight to Washington.”

Illinois State Senator Rev. James Meeks, pastor of South Side mega church Salem Baptist Church, has been backing Jackson’s candidacy since its beginning.

“Cheryle brings people together from across the economic and political spectrum to solve problems facing everyday people: working and middle-class, poor and unemployed, entrepreneurs and small-business owners, the under and uninsured. She doesn’t wait for permission to lead – she just leads.”

Cook County Democratic Women President Rikki Jones called Jackson a candidate who,” can truly represent the interest of women and their families in the U.S. Senate.”

“We endorse Cheryle Robinson Jackson for her grasp of the issues, her track record of service and accomplishment, and her leadership to make sure everyone has the right to a good education, quality health care, to grow a business or have a job.

“We know she will stand tall for women and families.”

Jackson welcomed the endorsement and is pleased with the support her campaign is receiving as she begins to talk to people around the State.