Illinois Democratic nominee says she wouldn’t support Schumer as Senate leader

Illinois Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton, the Democrat favored to win the race to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), says she won’t support Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to serve another term as Senate Democratic leader.

“I’ve made it clear that I would not support Chuck Schumer as leader of the Democratic caucus because I think right now what I’m hearing from voters all across the state of Illinois is that they are fed up. They’re fed up with what’s happening in Washington,” Stratton told progressive YouTube commentator Jack Cocchiarella in an interview.

Stratton said voters are “fed up” with “business as usual and the status quo.”

“I can say that they are telling me very clearly that they’re looking for fighters and not folders. They want people who are going to stand up, fight for what’s important,” she said. “I see my role as a senator to be, of course, to pass common sense, good legislation to improve the lives of the people I represent.

“But there’s also a real desire and certainly a role that I want to help take on to push our party to be more courageous because that’s what people are looking for,” she added. “They’re looking for leaders who will meet this moment. We do not have a normal president.

“We need real fighters in Washington and I’m proud that I can look people in the eye on this campaign trail and let them know that I will be that fighter,” she said.

Stratton said if elected to the Senate in November she will oppose all of President Trump’s nominees.

“I made it very clear I will not confirm any Donald Trump nominee or appointee whether this is to the Cabinet or to the Supreme Court or anywhere else,” she added.

Stratton touted herself during the Democratic primary as the only candidate who would not support Schumer serving another term as Democratic leader while her two opponents, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), were undecided on the issue.

Schumer was elected Democratic leader in November of 2016, succeeding Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

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