Evanston Rep. Jan Schakowsky is collecting evidence to show she would be a formidable candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010.
Schakowsky, who has represented Illinois’s 9th Congressional District for 10 years, commissioned a poll two weeks ago that puts her in a virtual tie in a potential run for the Democratic nomination for the seat.
Schakowsky has never received less than 70 percent of the vote in six re-elections. The Senate seat is currently held by Roland Burris, who was appointed in December by then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich following Barack Obama’s election to the presidency. He was seated in January after an extended confrontation with Senate leadership.
Though Schakowsky has not yet made an official announcement, the reason for the poll is clear.
“She is seriously considering a Senate run,” said Trevor Kincaid, an aide to Schakowsky.
According to reports, the poll gives Schakowsky a 22 percent to 24 percent lead over Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Thirty-six percent of the sample is undecided, and Burris received 18 percent.
Burris has not announced his intentions for 2010 yet.
Schakowsky has said she will announce whether she will seek the seat by June 8.
