It’s not all fun and games at the State Fair — especially for Illinois politicians who have launched their campaigns, tried to win voters over, and taken shots at one another on the fairgrounds. Today, we’re recounting some of the more memorable fairs and what to expect this year.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and then–U.S. Sen. Barack Obama at the Illinois State Fair in 2005. (Tim Boyle / Getty)
Standout Political Moments
From the 1854 Lincoln–Douglas exchange to the near assassination of JFK in 1962, the Illinois State Fairgrounds have long been political in its 170-year history.
Tribune reporter Rick Pearson told WILL that former Republican Gov. George Ryan made waves in the early 2000s when he lashed out at his own party who he felt was tarnishing his legacy. (He later was convicted on fraud and racketeering charges.) And in 2012, public union workers heckled Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn because of his efforts to change their pensions. (He was trying smash a pork sandwich.)
It was just last year when then–GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey doubled down on calling Chicago a “hellhole.”
Gov. JB Pritzker at the 2022 Du Quoin State Fair. (Armando L. Sanchez / Tribune / Getty)
What to Expect at the 2023 Fair
Both parties have continued the tradition of going after each other and bringing national players to the fair stage.
- This year on Governor’s Day on Aug. 16, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will be the keynote speaker at Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch.
- Republican Day on Aug. 17 will include rallying from conservatives in the state and a BBQ with the public.
And you thought the State Fair was just for deep-fried delicacies and livestock pageantry. …
