Democrat Chris Kennedy drops out of tonight's debate, citing back injury during morning workout

Democratic governor candidate Chris Kennedy will not participate in Wednesday night’s debate in Springfield after he injured his back while exercising Wednesday morning, his campaign said.

Dr. Joseph Alleva, chief of the division of physical medicine and rehabilitation at NorthShore University HealthSystem, said in a statement released by the campaign that in order for Kennedy to “fully recover, he cannot travel” to the forum.

“The travel would only cause the condition to worsen,” Alleva said. “With our treatment strategy, I am confident Chris will be able to resume a full campaign schedule in the next few days.”

Kennedy’s campaign said the candidate spoke to the forum’s organizers and “sent his regrets.” The campaign also said more than a dozen debate viewing parties had been organized.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-democratic-governor-debate-pritzker-biss-kennedy-20180221-story.html