Syverson Gets Primary from Winnebago GOP Chairman
Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) celebrates with supporters after winning a member vs. member primary in 2012. Syverson likely faces another primary in 2022.
Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) is no stranger to a primary after a remap. Ten years ago, he was drawn into the same district as then-Sen. Christine Johnson. He defeated her by some 11-points in the 2012 primary.
Now, under a new map, it appears Syverson is getting another challenge.
(Disclosure: I worked with Sen. Syverson while I was on Senate GOP staff in 2013-2014 and we remain friendly.)
Winnebago County GOP Chairman Eli Nicolosi is set to officially announce his entrance to the race next Monday, but he’s already set up a campaign committee and a website.
He didn’t confirm his plans to the Rockford Register-Star and he didn’t return our message Monday, but his intentions appear clear.
There’s a political angle and a personal angle to this.
Syverson, 64, keeps about 65% of his current district under the remap (assuming it holds up in court and Dems don’t make changes later this year). He’s a known commodity, popular, by all accounts, has good relationships with most unions, and was key to bringing the Rockford casino to fruition.
We’re told by some folks in the area that there are a couple of building trades who have a beef with Syverson and have promised Nicolosi cash.
Syverson just filed this week with $301,000 cash on hand. That’s another tough hill to climb starting from zero.
Syverson also has an A+ rating from the NRA, a 100% pro-life voting record, and has been endorsed by the Farm Bureau 10 times.
The personal issues here between the two men are interesting. Syverson’s insurance company has actually used Nicolosi’s web design firm, supported him for Winnebago County Chairman, and supported him during his Winnebago County Board race in 2018.
Don’t be surprised if this one gets ugly.
Syverson said Monday night he’s proud of the work he’s done in the Senate.
“I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished over the years in passing key legislation and bringing dollars back home. I’m most proud of our constituent work that we’ve done that has helped thousands of individuals who get caught in the maze of state government, especially this year with unemployment and FOID card issues that have been so bad.”