July 30--State Sen. Tom Cullerton of Villa Park announced Thursday morning he was withdrawing his bid for the Democratic nomination in the northwest and west suburban 8th Congressional District race for the seat being given up by Rep. Tammy Duckworth.
Cullerton's move represents a significant advancement for Schaumburg businessman Raja Krishnamoorthi, already the fundraising leader in the Democratic contest. State Sen. Michael Noland of Elgin is also seeking the nomination.
In a statement, Cullerton said he determined the best way for him to continue in public service was to remain a state lawmaker.
"The state of Illinois is surrounded by both challenges and opportunities. Springfield needs leaders that know how to confront the challenges of partisanship and stand up for middle class workers.That's a role that I humbly accepted when I was elected as state senator," Cullerton said.
Krishnamoorthi said he already was looking forward to working with Cullerton "to address the challenges facing constituents" in the congressional district.
Krishnamoorthi lost a 2012 primary bid for the seat to Duckworth, who ultimately won the post but is now vying for the Democratic Senate nomination and the right to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.
Krishnamoorthi reported he had $596,296 to start July in his bid for the nomination. Campaign reports filed with the Federal Election Commission showed Cullerton had raised $134,760 from April to June and had $101,501 in his campaign bank account at the start of July. Noland's FEC report showed he raised $64,515 in the three-month reporting period and had $61,587 to start July.
rpearson@chicagotribune.com
