State Sen. Napoleon Harris announces US Senate bid

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Three Democrats are now in the race to try to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

State Sen. Napoleon Harris of Harvey - a former professional football player - announced Tuesday that he's running. Harris represents the Democratic vote-rich south suburbs and, win or lose, he will be a major factor the party's U.S. Senate primary campaign.

Surrounded by friends, family and south suburban politicians, the 36-year-old state senator announced his candidacy at his alma mater Thornton Township High School.

"This is the place that embraced me when I had nothing but a dream," State Sen. Harris said.

Harris was an honor student and football star who later graduated from Northwestern, played professional football and now owns pizza restaurants.

"Napoleon is a celebrity but he is a celebrity with substance," said State Sen. John Cullerton, D-IL Senate President.

"With the support of these men behind me, there's no question that I'm going to be very effective and be the next United States senator," Harris said.

"The more people in the Democratic Primary talking about the fact that Mark Kirk has not done his job as a Senator," said Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-U.S. Senate candidate.

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, who also is running for the U.S. Senate welcomed Harris into the primary campaign, as did Andrea Zopp - the former Urban League president who touted her candidacy as the only non-politician in the race.

"I have a track record of getting results on the issues that matter to working families in Illinois and I think that's what voters in Illinois are going to respond to," Zopp said.

The south suburbs - where Harris grew up and now represents in Springfield - generate more African American Democratic votes than any comparable region in the state.

"Napoleon lives here and he's our guy because of his presence in our community," said Frank Zucarelli, Thornton Twp. Democratic Committeeman.

Harris did not appear concerned that he and Zopp could split the black vote.

"I think it's going to be important for the people to decide. That's what makes the race, makes it the democratic process," Harris said.

"I haven't thought about why he decided to run. That's his decision. I'm focused on my race," Zopp said.

Zopp recently added U.S. Congressman Danny Davis to her list of endorsers. Tammy Duckworth is supported by the National Senate Democratic Campaign Committee.

Senator Kirk is unopposed in the Republican primary.