Federal Election Commission members Ellen Weintraub (left) and James “Trey” Trainor pressed attorney Samuel Brown for answers about a proposal that would make special accommodations for the Democratic Party of Illinois, which in March named U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly as chair.

The Federal Election Commission on Thursday signaled a willingness to work with the Democratic Party of Illinois to make special arrangements that could allow the party to raise money for state-level candidates while U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is at the helm.