Kenneth Dunkin
Kenneth Dunkin was a representative on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in Illinois. He was appointed to the board by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in May 2018.[1]
Dunkin was a 2018 Democratic candidate for District 5 of the Illinois House of Representatives. Dunkin previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives, representing District 5 from 2003 to 2017.
Biography
Dunkin earned his A.A. from Harold Washington College, his B.A. in political science from Morehouse College and his M.A. in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. His professional experience includes working as a Consultant with the Chicago Department of Health and Department on Aging, a community advisor/liaison, and Director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.[2]
Committee assignments
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Dunkin served on the following committees:
| Illinois committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Appropriations-Higher Education, Chair |
| • Appropriations-Public Safety |
| • Elementary & Secondary Education School Curriculum Policies |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Health & Healthcare Disparities |
| • Insurance |
| • Tourism & Conventions, Chair |
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Dunkin served on the following committees:
| Illinois committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Appropriations-Higher Education, Chair |
| • Elementary & Secondary Education |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Insurance |
| • International Trade & Commerce |
| • Tourism & Conventions, Chair |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Dunkin served on the following committees: Appropriations for General Services
| Illinois committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Appropriations-Higher Education |
| • Elementary & Secondary Education |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Insurance |
| • State Government Administration |
| • Tourism & Conventions, Chair |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Dunkin served on the following committees:
| Illinois committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Appropriations-Higher Education |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Insurance |
| • International Trade & Commerce |
| • Juvenile Justice Reform, Vice chair |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Illinois House of Representatives District 5
Lamont Robinson Jr. won election in the general election for Illinois House of Representatives District 5 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Lamont Robinson Jr. (D) | 100.0 | 35,388 | |
| Total votes: 35,388 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 5
Lamont Robinson Jr. defeated Dilara Sayeed, Kenneth Dunkin, and Felicia Bullock in the Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 5 on March 20, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Lamont Robinson Jr. | 40.8 | 7,230 | |
| Dilara Sayeed | 27.4 | 4,844 | ||
| Kenneth Dunkin | 18.3 | 3,246 | ||
| Felicia Bullock | 13.5 | 2,387 | ||
| Total votes: 17,707 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Tregg Duerson (D)
- Johnae Strong (D)
2016
Elections for the Illinois House of Representatives were held in 2016. The primary election was held on March 15, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was November 30, 2015.[3]
Juliana Stratton ran unopposed in the Illinois House of Representatives District 5 general election.[4][5]
| Illinois House of Representatives, District 5 General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic |  Juliana Stratton (unopposed) | |
| Source: Illinois State Board of Elections | ||
Juliana Stratton defeated incumbent Kenneth Dunkin in the Illinois House of Representatives District 5 Democratic primary.[6][7]
| Illinois House of Representatives, District 5 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Juliana Stratton |
68.03% | 19,790 | |
| Democratic | Kenneth Dunkin Incumbent | 31.97% | 9,300 | |
| Total Votes | 29,090 | |||
2016 primary
- Main article: Battleground Illinois primary elections, 2016
Race background
Along with the Senate District 50 race, the House District 5 race was hotly contested. According to the Associated Press, "The outcome of the races could have ramifications beyond their districts."[8]
In September 2015, Dunkin skipped a vote to override Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of legislation limiting the governor's role in negotiating the contracts of public sector unions such as AFSCME Council 31, Illinois' largest public union. The override vote failed despite the Democrats having a 71-seat veto-proof majority in the state House. "Had Mr. Dunkin been here, there would have been 71 Democrats voting to override," said House Speaker Mike Madigan (D).[9]
Dunkin said that he made it clear he would be "out of town" during the vote and argued that Madigan and party leaders knew of that beforehand. Rauner denied that he asked Dunkin to miss the vote, but said that he and Dunkin often discussed issues with each other.[9][10]
Describing his relationship to Speaker Madigan, Dunkin said, "Sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's warm, sometimes it's cold. But guess what? I'm not down there to make sure that Mike Madigan is happy for Ken Dunkin."[11]
In November 2015, Dunkin was the sole Democratic member to not cast a vote on a Madigan-backed measure to reverse the governor's changes to social service programs. Dunkin defended his actions, saying that he and the governor "worked out a compromise" that satisfied both sides and eventually became law. He later said, "I expect–and my constituents certainly expect–us to work out a compromise and solutions."[11]
Since those votes, the race between Dunkin and Stratton was viewed as "a choice between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Mike Madigan," according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Dunkin had been open about collaborating with Rauner on certain issues, particularly those affecting the Black community, but insisted he was not "Rauner's guy." Stratton said that Democrats should stand up to Rauner's agenda but insisted she would not "rubber stamp" Madigan's agenda, either.[12]
On March 7, 2016, President Barack Obama (D) endorsed Stratton over Dunkin, narrating in an ad for Stratton that she "will bring a new voice to Springfield as State Representative."[13]
Campaign finance
According to Reboot Illinois, "the Dunkin-Stratton race was poised to become one of the most expensive state legislative primaries in Illinois history, with a total of $2.2 million in contributions." Both candidates recorded some of the highest donations of the 30 days before February 24, according to Illinois Sunshine, which tracks campaign contributions.[14]
As of March 11, 2016, Dunkin's campaign had received $987,312 in campaign contributions. The campaign received $800,000 from the Illinois Opportunity Project, a free market-oriented 501(c)(4) nonprofit. The group decided to support Dunkin in light of "the onslaught he is facing from House Speaker Mike Madigan and his public sector union allies in the March primary election," according to the group's website.[14][15][16]
As of March 11, 2016, Stratton's campaign had received over $1.2 million in campaign contributions, mainly from unions. The campaign received $138,900 from AFSCME Council 31, the public union that negotiates its contract with Gov. Rauner. The campaign also received $122,247 from SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana PAC, which is associated with the Service Employees International Union, a public union.[14][17]
2014
Elections for the Illinois House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 18, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was December 2, 2013. Incumbent Kenneth Dunkin ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Collin Johnson ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Dunkin then defeated Johnson in the general election.[18][19][20][21]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kenneth "Ken" Dunkin Incumbent |
82.6% | 22,440 | |
| Republican | Collin Johnson | 17.4% | 4,715 | |
| Total Votes | 27,155 | |||
2012
Dunkin won re-election in the 2012 election for Illinois House of Representatives District 5. He defeated Dori Collins in the Democratic primary on March 20, 2012, and was unopposed in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[22][23]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kenneth Dunkin Incumbent |
100% | 36,210 | |
| Total Votes | 36,210 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Kenneth Dunkin Incumbent |
78.3% | 8,200 |
| Dori Collins | 21.7% | 2,267 |
| Total Votes | 10,467 | |
2010
Dunkin won re-election to the 5th District Seat in 2010 with no opposition. He defeated David Schroeder (3,643 votes), and Gwen Drake (2,330 votes) in the Democratic primary on February 2nd. The general election took place on November 2, 2010.[24]
| Illinois House of Representatives, District 5 (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Kenneth Dunkin (D)
|
19,273 | 100.0% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Democrat Kenneth Dunkin won the election to the Illinois House of Representatives District 5. He ran unopposed receiving 30,964 votes.[25]
| Illinois House of Representatives, District 5 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Kenneth Dunkin (D)
|
30,964 | |||
2006
On November 7, 2006, Democrat Kenneth Dunkin won re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives District 5 receiving 17,958 votes ahead of Republican Keely Drukala who received 2,853 votes.[26]
| Illinois House of Representatives, District 5 (2006) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Kenneth Dunkin (D)
|
17,958 | |||
| Keely Drukala (R) | 2,853 | |||
Campaign themes
2014
Dunkin's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[27]
Jobs
- Excerpt: "Nothing is more important than creating good paying jobs for the hard working citizens of my district. I support the implementation of a capital improvement plan which will create thousands of sorely needed jobs rebuilding our outdated schools, roads, other infrastructure needs. I have worked tirelessly to secure funding for local programs including: $128 million for CTA improvements, Fuller Park, Children's Memorial Hospital, Dearborn Park and many worthy projects. I am committed to ensuring companies that get tax breaks from the state of Illinois keep jobs in the state of Illinois. I was a leader in implementing the film production tax credit, which not only has brought thousands of jobs, but has shown off our great city in such popular movies as Batman: The Dark Night, the Vow, Transformers and many others. I helped overhaul our outdated workers compensation system and to institute a two-tiered pension system for new employees, saving businesses millions of dollars a year. These last two reforms were specifically requested by the business community, and promise to make Illinois a more competitive, business-friendly state."
Education
- Excerpt: "As the chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee and former social worker, I take the issue of educating our youth very seriously. I was a leader in creating SB 7, which allows for schools to have more control over the evaluation, and eventual hiring and firing of teachers. No longer will reductions in the educational workforce be based primarily on tenure. The best teachers will be retained and promoted, the poorest will be re-evaluated. I support a longer educational school day so children can maximize their opportunities to learn. And even in these difficult times for our state's budget, I secured level funding for many critical education programs."
Budget
- Excerpt: "During these difficult economic times, everyone must share in the sacrifice, especially our government. As chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, I worked with my colleagues going line-by-line through the budget making the tough choices on which programs to keep, reduce or eliminate. We cut over $2 billion from the governor's request, and $4 billion from the previous year's budget in what is the most responsible stewardship of the people's money in many years. It has taken decades of unsound budgeting by my predecessors to get us to this point. I am working hard to get us back on track, but it's a process that cannot be completed overnight. I have proven my willingness to cut the budget and lower the deficit. I will do this again during the upcoming session."
Protecting Seniors
- Excerpt: "I am a strong supporter of maintaining funding for Social Security and Medicare. Unlike other legislators who want to cut the budget for these vital programs, I am steadfast in my belief that these programs remain adequately funded. Furthermore, I have helped uphold such critical senior assistance programs as: circuit breaker, Illinois Cares Rx, the senior homestead exemption, free rides for seniors, and C.E.D.A. These programs are often times the only means of support, or so important to the livelihood of residents that their absence would have a devastating impact on our seniors."
Crime
- Excerpt: "Crime has a devastating effect on our neighborhoods. Once vibrant communities, many of my residents live in fear daily. I have taken a tough stance on crime. Over the past 10 years, I have built strong relationships with police chiefs, the cops on the beat, and local residents to help fight crime where it happens and keep our communities safe. I have sponsored legislation to increase the penalties for sex offenders, requiring lifetime supervision for the most dangerous child sex offenders. Additionally, I voted to require those convicted of sexual assault of a child to wear an electronic monitoring band, so the public can be protected at all times."
Pensions
- Excerpt: "Illinois, like many other states, faces a difficult situation regarding our state's pension funding obligations. We all know that the current path is unsustainable. I voted to create a two-tiered pension system for new employees which will save the state billions of dollars moving forward. Furthermore, I want to make this clear, I have not voted to cut the benefits of current pensioners. However, even with these changes, we are on an unsustainable fiscal path in regards to our pension obligations. As a former social worker, I believe in the power of discussion and working together to solve problems. I call on current pensioners to step up to the table and discuss with the state viable solutions to our pension problem."
Ethics Reform
- Excerpt: "Illinois has an all too recent and sad history of serious ethics problems. I am committed to cleaning up Springfield and ensuring that the people's government works openly and honestly. I voted to impeach former governor Blagojevich. I have worked to eliminate pay-for-play in Illinois. Furthermore, I voted to institute the most comprehensive set of campaign finance reforms in the history of Illinois, which place strict spending caps and transparency requirements for all candidates and lobbyists."
2012
Dunkin's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[28]
- Healthcare
- Excerpt: "I envision a healthcare system that is affordable and accessible to all people without exception."
- Crime Prevention
- Excerpt: "With a sudden increase of shootings targeted at Chicago Public School students, I worked with the Office of Governor to bring together local ministers and community leaders to stop the violence."
- Senior Citizens
- Excerpt: "Our older residents built our cities, our neighborhoods, and defended our nation in times of war. They deserve to be taken care of in the same manner they have taken care of us."
- Tourism
- Excerpt: "As Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and Conventions, I am actively involved in promoting Illinois’ attractions."
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Illinois scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2017
In 2017, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 11 through May 31. There were also special sessions. The 1st special session was June 21-July 6. The 2nd special session was July 26-July 31. During the 3rd special session, the Senate met on August 13, and the House met on August 16. The 4th special session was on August 28-29. There was a veto session from October 24-November 9.
- Legislators are scored on votes on bills that the organization believes show "dedication to social and economic justice as well as protecting Illinois’ consumers."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that "help or hinder Illinois citizens with developmental disabilities access more included lives in their homes and communities."'
- Legislators are scored on their votes on manufacturing issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 13 through May 31.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 14 through December 7 (extended session).
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 29 through June 2.
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2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 9 through May 31.
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Illinois State Legislature was in session from January 11 through May 31.
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Illinois Opportunity Project
The Illinois Opportunity Project, "an independent research and public policy enterprise that promotes legislative solutions in advance of free markets and free minds," annually releases its Legislative Vote Card, grading all members in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly on the basis of their support of "pro-growth economic policies that increase personal freedom and reign in expansive government."[31][32]
2012
Dunkin received a score of 12.50 out of 100 in 2012 for a grade of F according to the IOP’s grading scale. His score was tied for the 111th highest among all 120 members of the Illinois House of Representatives included in the Vote Card.[32]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Dunkin and his wife, Yolanda, have three children. He is a member of the Chicago International Film Festival Associate Board, Lawson Young Men's Christian Association, and Near North Health Services Corporation.[2]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Kenneth + Dunkin + Illinois + Legislature
See also
| Cook County, Illinois | Illinois | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Illinois House of Representatives
- House Committees
- Illinois State Legislature
- Illinois state legislative districts
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2018
- State legislative special elections, 2018
External links
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Dunkin's website.com
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Profile from Open States
- Ken Dunkin on Facebook
- Ken Dunkin on Twitter
- Campaign contributions: 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002
Footnotes
- ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "EDITORIAL: Bug out, Gov, and let the voters decide who runs the Water District," May 24, 2018
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Project Vote Smart, "Rep. Dunkin," accessed February 20, 2014
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Election and Campaign Finance Calendar," accessed November 30, 2015
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Candidate list: General Election - 11/8/2016," accessed August 8, 2016
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Election results, General election 2016," accessed December 15, 2016
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Candidate Filing Search," accessed January 3, 2016
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Election Results: GENERAL PRIMARY - 3/15/2016," accessed August 8, 2016
- ↑ The Associated Press, "Primaries test loyalty, party sway amid Illinois budget spat," March 2, 2016
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 ABC 7 Chicago, "Dem Dunkin Talks after Missing Key Vote in Springfield," September 10, 2015
- ↑ Chicago Tonight, "State Rep. Ken Dunkin: ‘I Don’t Work for Mike Madigan,’" September 4, 2015
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Chicago Tonight, "State Rep. Ken Dunkin Breaks Ranks With Democrats Again," November 11, 2015
- ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "State house race pits Dunkin vs. Stratton, Rauner vs. Madigan," accessed March 2, 2016
- ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Obama endorses Stratton in 5th district campaign against Dunkin," March 7, 2016
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Reboot Illinois, "Michael Madigan vs. Bruce Rauner Proxy War Breaking Primary Spending Records," February 24, 2016
- ↑ Illinois Opportunity Project, "IOP Invests $500,000 in State Representative Race," accessed March 2, 2016
- ↑ Illinois Sunshine, "Friends of Ken Dunkin Committee," accessed March 11, 2016
- ↑ Illinois Sunshine, "Friends of Juliana Stratton Candidate Committee," accessed March 2, 2016
- ↑ Illinois Secretary of State, "Official candidate list," accessed March 18, 2014
- ↑ Illinois Board of Elections, "General Primary Election Official Canvass," April 18, 2014
- ↑ Illinois Secretary of State, "Official general election candidate list," accessed March 18, 2014
- ↑ The Chicago Tribune, "Results List (Unofficial)," accessed November 5, 2014
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Candidate List," accessed December 5, 2011
- ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, “Official Vote - November 6, 2012 General Election,” accessed December 31, 2012
- ↑ Illinois Elections Division, "Illinois Official 2010 General Election Results," November 2, 2010
- ↑ Illinois House of Representatives official election results for 2008
- ↑ Illinois House of Representatives official election results for 2006
- ↑ Official campaign website, "Legislation," accessed February 20, 2014
- ↑ Campaign website, "Legislative Issues," accessed May 15, 2014 (dead link)
- ↑ Citizen Action Illinois, "99th General Assembly Legislative Scorecard 2016," accessed July 11, 2017
- ↑ Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities, "2016 Illinois Community Living Report," accessed July 11, 2017
- ↑ Illinois Opportunity Project, "The Project," accessed February 21, 2013
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Illinois Opportunity Project, "Legislative Vote Card home page," accessed February 21, 2013
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Illinois House of Representatives District 5 2003–2017 |
Succeeded by Juliana Stratton (D) |
