CHICAGO — His rival said his time has come and go but Congressman Danny Davis said in Washington, seniority matters and there's a lot more he wants to do.
Facing four challengers in the March 19 primary, Davis' campaign literature is reminding voters he's introduced hundreds of bills and brought billions home to the district.
"I don't know anybody who over these years has been closer to the community than I am," Davis said.
Davis, like President Joe Biden, is hoping to overcome voters' concerns about age.
"I've been very fortunate," Davis said. "My health is good. I go to the Mile Square Health Center. The doctors look after me. My mind is sharp, as sharp as it can be. I remind people that I'm not running to be on the relay for the Olympics. I'm running to be able to make serious decisions affecting the movement of our country and the lives of millions of people."
With less than a month left in the campaign, Davis is taking aim at his primary rivals, including Kina Collins, a community organizer nearly half his age.
"I see this as an opportunity that Congressman Davis should have been mentoring me or someone else to take the seat," Collins said.
"I haven't seen Ms. Collins in the community since the last election," Davis said. "Ms. Collins talks about her great work. Never heard of her before she was running for office."
Davis spoke candidly about Melissa Conyears-Ervin, another opponent. She's Chicago's treasurer and married to powerful Ald. Jason Ervin.
"They came to me and said 'Look, we hear you may not run,'" Davis said. "Well, that's true, but I'll let you know. A few weeks went by, then they called again and said, 'Well, let’s meet again. We hear that you may not run.’ ‘Yeah, I may not run, but I’ll let you know.’ The next thing I know I’m hearing all kind of things. I’ve cut a deal with the Ervins. What kind of deal could I cut with the Ervins?"
Kouri Marshall and Nikhil Bhatia are also on the ballot.
The endorsements in this race are pouring in. Davis said he expects Pritzker will do an event with him next week.