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* From the Windy City Times…
A former marine sergeant who was kicked out of the military for being gay has formed his own political action committee to rally support for the passage of SB10. His group will concentrate mainly on building support in communities of color.
Marquell Smith said that being in the Marines had taught him the importance of sacrifice, and he hoped that his new PAC, Inclusive Community Project ( ICP ), would impart that relevance to members of the public who want to see same-sex marriage brought to Illinois.
At ICP’s inaugural gathering Oct. 3 at the Sheraton hotel & Towers, 301 N. Water St., Smith said that when he was let go from the service under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, he was offered an honorable discharge only if he promised not to fight the charges. But he refused to keep quiet about them.
The PAC hasn’t yet reported raising any money. It does have a website, however.
* Meanwhile, Paul Caprio of Family PAC has formed a new political action committee called Illinois Families First. It’s only contribution so far is $25,000 from Richard Uihlein.
* A recent backgrounder from Crain’s…
Lake Forest businessman Richard Uihlein doesn’t want government getting its paws on his money. To stop it, he’s giving big chunks of it to conservative Republicans and their tea party allies instead.
In the last two and a half years, the low-profile CEO has outspent Chicago hedge-fund tycoon Kenneth Griffin to become Illinois’ largest GOP donor nationwide, according to Sunlight Foundation, a campaign finance watchdog group in Washington. He has contributed nearly $4 million to national tea party candidates and their super-PAC juggernaut, plus almost $1.8 million to the most conservative candidates and causes in Illinois.
“I’m a conservative Republican, and I’m trying to help people who believe as I do in limited government and free markets,” says Mr. Uihlein, 68. “I’m not one to hide from that.” […]
Mr. Uihlein scoffs at the idea that GOP contributors should support more moderate Republicans who have a greater chance to win, particularly in a Democratic-leaning state such as Illinois. That means “it’s terrible to be principled,” he says. “You’ve got to be principled.” He’s appalled that a conservative could “be labeled an obstructionist because you’ve got principles, for Christ’s sake.”
Like most of the other rich guys in the state, Uihlein is backing Bruce Rauner for governor.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:16 pm
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== Mr. Uihlein scoffs at the idea that GOP contributors should support more moderate Republicans ==
== Like most of the other rich guys in the state, Uihlein is backing Bruce Rauner for governor.==
Social class trumps political ideology. No one would call Rauner the most conservative guy in the primary.
Comment by reformer Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:25 pm
Conservatives open their mouths far wider than their wallets. Unless that changes they stay on the path to defeat.
Comment by otoh Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:30 pm
Uihlien is old Midwest money. The family made their first fortunes as owners of Schlitz. For decades, they were the world’s largest brewer in Milwaukee, and shipped all over the country from Chicago.
With that beer money, they got into a lot of other businesses as well.
A lot of that dough was made back before the trust-busters went after the brewing industry. Schlitz produced, distributed and retailed its brew at its own bars.
There are a number of Schlitz “tied houses” still in Chicago. Schuba’s and Southport Lanes in Lincoln Park are examples.
Schlitz screwed the pooch when they went cheap on their recipe in the 70s. They never really recovered and Busch and Miller swamped them.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:34 pm
How can you have principles and still provide big chunks of cash to Dan Proft. Really, Dan Proft? I guess he did represent the principled Cicero gobvernment.
Comment by 4 percent Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:40 pm
So glad this Uihlein guy who shook down Wisconsin state and local taxpayers for millions to move from Waukegan across the border in 2010 and 2011 has taken such an interest in the politics of Illinois. Maybe when Rauner is governor he can get millions from Illinois to move his company headquarters back across the border.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 12:48 pm
My guess is that Uihlien, like Jack Roeser, likes to back losers. That they both support Rauner means either Rauner is a loser too - as out of touch with the electorate as they are - or Uihlien & Roeser will win one for a change. I take the former.
Comment by Veritas Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 1:08 pm
Go ahead and be principled….have fun with that when you’re in the super-minority.
Comment by Just Me Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 1:08 pm
=== Like most of the other rich guys in the state, Uihlein is backing Bruce Rauner for governor ===
I don’t get it. How can the 1% think they can win a majority? (friday snark)
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 1:44 pm
Mr. Uihlein isn’t that conservative if he is backing Rauner. From what I can tell, Rauner is last on the list who conservatives are backing. I think it has something to do with Rahm.
Comment by Just Sayin' Friday, Oct 4, 13 @ 4:38 pm