Politics & Government

Candidate Says She Was Urged to Support Robin Kelly: 2nd District Race

Fatimah Muhammad says she received text messages from someone named Matthew, telling her to endorse Kelly.

Second District candidate Fatimah Muhammad said she was sitting next to Robin Kelly at a forum in Matteson when she received text messages urging her to support Kelly.

Muhammad said she was participating in a forum at Victory Apostolic Church on Monday, Feb. 18, when she received a text message stating, "ASA. If you're serious about a future in politics you should consider giving your support to Robin Kelly at today's candidates Forum. Matthew"

Muhammad sent the rest of the exchange in an email:

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2:04pm - (my reply) "Timing?"

2:10pm - "You got the media today and can make yourself look good on stage with Robin"

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2:28pm - "Each candidate usually gets a final comment. Wait until then to make your dramatic and heartfelt announcement of support. Then we need to make sure her campaign website acknowledges your support"

The candidate did not announce her support for Kelly at the forum.

Robin Kelly's campaign manager Jonathan Blair said the texts did not come from anyone working Kelly's campaign, adding that "Robin would never go for that."

With the election on Feb. 25, Kelly and Debbie Halvorson have consistently led the polls. 

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