Latest challenger to Danny Davis is beyond delusional
Why not start with the LSC instead of Congress?
No one would probably hold it against you if you said you never heard the name Nikhil Bhatia, especially if you don’t work in the Chicago Public Schools system. Bhatia, a math teacher, whose never held elective office, is making his foray into politics by planning to run against longtime 7th District U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis. Besides Davis, Bhatia, if he gets on the ballot also is likely to face Chicago City Treasurer Mellisa Conyears-Ervin
Bhatia stumbled right out of the gate talking about the kind of Congressman the district needs, yet never explaining why he is that person. The main slam he offered against Davis is the Congressman misses a lot of votes.
He cited a Pro Publica article that Davis came in the bottom third of voting in Congress-400 out of 435. He also mentioned the incumbent raises “thousands of dollars from corporate PACs (political action committees); yet the Federal Elections Commission website lists Davis with having a paltry $110,000 on hand.
Every Congressional election cycle there are rumors Davis, who is 81 years old, will retire. His chief of staff asserted that he will seek re-election next year. Davis, who also is a former Chicago alderperson, will be pursuing his 15th term in office.
Bhatia also made references to Davis’ age but attempted to blunt those comments by stating it wasn’t the primary motivation to run. The challenger faces an uphill battle as the district is predominantly Black and race plays a key role in West Side elections. Exactly 33 percentof the residents are at least 45 years old-an extremey active and consistent voting bloc.
Another political veteran, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin apparently has expressed interest in running for the seat, although it is not clear whether he will challenge Davis.