7 Democrats running for Illinois governor will square off at forum in Mount Prospect

Seven Democratic candidates for Illinois governor will square off Oct. 18 in a breakfast forum hosted by the Daily Herald, Daily Herald Business Ledger and ABC 7.

The event is scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Victoria in the Park in Mount Prospect and will focus on business issues facing Illinois and, in particular, the suburbs.

The event, sponsored by the Lake County Federation of Teachers, Local 504, is one of the first public candidate forums in the gubernatorial race. The Democratic primary is March 20.

“This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the Democratic candidates running for governor,” said M. Eileen Brown, vice president of strategic marketing for the Daily Herald Media Group. “We know this will be a lively exchange of ideas and we are really pleased that all the candidates have agreed to participate.”

Confirmed participants are state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston, Madison County superintendent Bob Daiber of Marine, Chicago activist Tio Hardiman, Kenilworth businessman Chris Kennedy, Vernon Hills business owner Alexander Paterakis, Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar and Chicago businessman J.B. Pritzker.

Moderating are Jim Slusher, deputy managing editor for opinion at the Daily Herald, and Craig Wall, political reporter for ABC 7.

“Everyday voters have had few opportunities to get to know who the individuals are who want to be the state's next governor,” Slusher said. “This forum will be a chance to see and hear them in person, learn their goals and platforms and begin assessing what qualities each person could bring to the top leadership position in the state.”

A $25 admission includes breakfast, networking and the forum. Tables of eight are available for $20 per ticket. For more information, or to register, click here.