Democrats Court Ex-Congressman for Rematch
Former Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., visited Capitol Hill this week to meet with party leaders about a potential rematch in 2016, according to a House Democratic official.
Schneider was on Roll Call’s list of the 10 most vulnerable members in 2014 . He ultimately lost re-election to Rep. Robert Dold, R-Ill., by a 2.5-point margin in November. But Democrats hope Schneider will run again in suburban Chicago’s 10th District — a prime pickup opportunity for the party in 2016.
According to the official, Schneider had meetings with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Luján, former DCCC Chairman Steve Israel, House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.
Hoyer told Schneider “his voice is missed on Israel issues,” said the official.
Schneider’s former House colleagues have also been in close contact with him following his November loss.
“He and I had had a conversation and I said, either way, whichever way you go, I will support you,” Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., told CQ Roll Call earlier this month. “I think it would be fantastic” if he ran again.
The Democratic official noted Schneider, despite his loss, remains popular among Democrats in the district. According to internal Democratic polling in the final weeks of the campaign, Schneider had a 70 percent job approval rating among the party’s faithful.
But Schneider could face a primary if he decides to run again. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rodkin Rotering, a Democrat, is mulling a bid, according to multiple Illinois Democratic operatives.
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