Local DNC delegates like Harris’ pick Gov. Tim Walz’s chops as veteran, congressman, quipster
Suburban delegates to the Democratic National Convention praised Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for her running mate as a strategic choice that would shore up moderates.
“Great guy,” delegate Brian McPartlin of Palatine said Tuesday. “Definitely appeals to the moderate Democrat. Older. Seasoned. As Joe Biden was to Barack Obama, he could be the Joe Biden to Kamala Harris,” McPartlin said.
Delegate and state Rep. Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates noted, “when you look at (Walz’s) record in Congress, he was one of the most bipartisan legislators. And he's also considered a moderate, which I think is key for the Democrats. (Also) I think someone with a military background is key.”
The former teacher, football coach and Army National Guardsman grew up in small-town Nebraska and served six terms as a congressman.
“I’m happy to see Vice President Harris finds the governor’s Midwest values and plain-spoken manner will complement her campaign to become the first woman president and defeat Donald Trump,” state Sen. and delegate Laura Murphy of Des Plaines said.
Former state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake noted Walz’s characterizations of GOP nominee and former President Donald Trump as “weird,” had “caught fire.”
“I’m excited. He’s a great pick,” said Bush, an alternate delegate.
Walz, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly were among the finalists Harris considered.
Pritzker in a statement praised Walz’s “unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working families and to lifting up the most vulnerable.”
“Tim is a friend and fellow Midwestern governor, and I’ve been proud to serve alongside him,” Pritzker said.
Democrats also cited Walz’s longtime commitment to labor unions as a positive.
“I’m happy (Harris) selected a person who supports a women’s right to choose, common-sense gun safety, working families and the middle class,” said delegate and union organizer Mark Guethle.
“As the governor of Minnesota and the land of 10,000 lakes, Gov. Walz understands the effects of climate change. With 25 years serving in the National Guard he will be strong on national security,” said Guethle, chair of the Kane County Democrats.
Illinois Democratic State Central Committeewoman Kristina Zahorik called Walz “a strong solid down-to-earth-pick for vice president. As a Midwesterner, a dad, a husband, a former coach, a veteran, and as a leader who has a track record of improving the lives of working families, he can connect with folks,” added Zahorik, an alternate delegate from McHenry County.
Preliminary results from a Daily Herald survey of elected DNC delegates in the Northwest Suburbs showed Pritzker and Kelly were popular veep choices.
But state Sen. and delegate Adriane Johnson of Buffalo Grove, whose top picks were Pritkzer and Shapiro, said Walz “is able to work effectively across the aisle. He is witty, and you need a sense of humor.”
Meanwhile, state Sen. Julie Morrison of Lake Forest commented, “one outstanding trait that he has (as) a progressive problem-solver is a proven ability to work with Republicans. In Washington that could be the difference between a deadlock and progress.”
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi described Walz as “another radical leftist from a deep blue state who will continue the disastrous Bidenomics policies crippling the nation's economy as we speak.”
Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash, however, called Walz “someone who has an incredible background with incredible breadth of lived experience.”