Vi Daley, Tammy Duckworth, Dick Durbin, and David Orr Endorse Ald. Knudsen in April 4th Runoff
New Ads on Fiscal Stability and Reproductive Rights Launched by Knudsen Campaign
Alderman Vi Daley Pens Letter to 43rd Ward Voters
Chicago — Four steadfast leaders spanning local, county and statewide levels of our government are rallying behind 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen’s runoff campaign. Former 43rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, and government reform expert and former Cook County Clerk David Orr endorsed Knudsen late last week in the April 4th runoff.
“43rd Ward voters have an important decision to make on April 4th about who they trust to lead our ward and city in a better direction,” said Alderman Timmy Knudsen. “The coalition around this campaign has only grown stronger each day, and I am incredibly proud to have the support of these fierce leaders in our community.”
The Knudsen campaign also released four new ads that showcase Ald. Knudsen’s commitment to advancing fiscal stability and reproductive rights as alderman.
“Fiscal Responsibility” highlights Ald. Knudsen’s approach to sensible city budgeting. The last city budget invested in critical services like public safety and made an advance pension payment, all without increasing property taxes.
“Budget Accountability” heightens the focus on oversight of city agencies when it comes to budgeting and reporting to City Council. Ald. Knudsen co-sponsored two ordinances to compel CTA and CPS leadership to appear before City Council more regularly.
“43rd Ward Democrats” demonstrates Ald. Knudsen’s work to advance progressive causes over the years alongside five female leaders who have endorsed his campaign.
“Reproductive Rights” speaks to the work that Ald. Knudsen has done to advance reproductive rights alongside leaders like JB Pritzker, Lucy Moog and Sara Feigenholtz. As Alderman, he’s voted to increase funding for reproductive healthcare and protect those seeking reproductive or gender affirming care from discrimination and retaliation.
NEW ENDORSEMENTS
Vi Daley served as 43rd Ward Alderman from 1999 to 2011. A resident of the Old Town Triangle neighborhood, she became a leader in the effort to create Cummings Playground, the popular playground across from the entrance of the Lincoln Park Zoo. Daley was also executive director of the Friends of Lincoln Park and was the president of the Mid-North Association.
With Daley’s endorsement, all six previous 43rd Ward alderpeople are supporting Alderman Knudsen in the April 4th election.
“Over the course of the campaign, it has become increasingly clear that there is only one candidate who has shown the ability to work collaboratively with residents and colleagues and is best suited to represent the 43rd Ward. That candidate is Alderman Timmy Knudsen,” said Ald. Vi Daley, who served from 1999 to 2011. She penned a letter which is being sent to 43rd Ward voters, which can be found below.
“Alderman Vi Daley is revered for her commitment to our community and her steady hand. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her personally as a neighbor and admire her a great deal,” said Ald. Knudsen. “With her support, I am incredibly proud to have every former 43rd alderperson behind my campaign — a testament to my consensus building leadership style. I’m grateful to be able to learn from the five decades of expertise that each of my predecessors offer me and our entire ward.”
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin lead our state’s congressional delegation. Duckworth has championed the issues facing working mothers and veterans, and Durbin has led on a myriad of issues facing our nation, including immigration reform. In the summer of 2013, Knudsen had the honor of clerking on Durbin’s Senate Judiciary Committee during the weeks leading up to the Committee's bipartisan approval of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
“When I clerked for Senator Durbin’s Senate Judiciary Committee, I was inspired by his leadership and true dedication to service,” said Ald. Knudsen. “Having the encouragement of leaders that I admire like Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth means the world to me as I work to bring a new generation of leadership into City Council.”
David Orr served as the chief election authority in one of the largest election jurisdictions in the country and has found innovative ways to reform how government works. He served as Cook County Clerk from 1990 to 2018 and was instrumental in remaking election law in Illinois. He previously served as 49th Ward Alderman from 1979 to 1990 and as Vice Mayor under Mayor Harold Washington.
“David Orr has made our government work better for all of our residents, and I’m grateful that he believes in the independent approach I’m taking as alderman,” said Ald. Knudsen.
The following is a selected list of endorsements earned by Alderman Timmy Knudsen:
Current Officials Representing the 43rd Ward
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative Margaret Croke
State Representative Ann Williams
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer
Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog
Former Alderpeople
Michele Smith (2011 to 2022)
Vi Daley (1999 to 2011)
Chuck Bernardini (1993 to 1999)
Edwin Eisendrath (1987 to 1993)
Marty Oberman (1975 to 1987)
Bill Singer (1971 to 1975 in the 43rd Ward and 1969 to 1971 in the 44th Ward)
Dick Simpson (1971 to 1979 in the 44th Ward)
David Orr (1979 to 1990 in the 49th Ward, and 1990 to 2018 as Cook County Clerk)
Former Candidates for 43rd Ward Alderman
Rebecca Janowitz
Wendi Taylor Nations
Caroline Vickrey
Organizations
Better Streets Chicago Action Fund
Citizen/Action Illinois
Chicago Federation of Labor
Chicago Association of Realtors
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Equality Illinois
Personal PAC
Young Democrats of Chicago
To view the complete list — including several other officials and organizations which have announced their support — visit our endorsements page here: https://www.knudsenfor43.com/endorsements.
FROM THE DESK OF ALDERMAN VI DALEY
Dear Neighbors,
While I had every intention of not endorsing in the 43rd Ward aldermanic race, it has become difficult for me to sit on the sidelines.
Over the course of the campaign, it has become increasingly clear that there is only one candidate who has shown the ability to work collaboratively with residents and colleagues and is best suited to represent the 43rd Ward. That candidate is Alderman Timmy Knudsen.
When Timmy was appointed, he hit the ground running. In his short time in office he has led efforts to assist people in need, whether they're here in our ward or in our broader community. His credentials are first rate and Timmy lets his actions speak for themselves, while always keeping an open door to hear those who may have other views. These are all qualities which are vital for public service.
I've known Brian and his family for years, which made this decision one that I wrestled with. The actions I've witnessed during the campaign have made it clear that it's Timmy who has the character, judgment and independent mind to best serve our ward. I've put a great deal of thought into this decision and feel that it's only fair that I share my full recommendations of Timmy Knudsen for Alderman - someone that we all can be proud of.
Sincerely,
Vi Daley
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