* Michael Hastings is a Democratic state Senator from Tinley Park. I’ve altered the image to take out his address, but a buddy sent this to me today and it’s already going around…

“I have a lot of petitions out,” Hastings said today, confirming that he’s also passing petitions for attorney general.

“I don’t intend to run against Jesse White, I’ll tell you that right now,” he said, adding that he’s only circulating petitions because he’s heard the same rumors we talked about yesterday, that secretary of state petitions are being circulated for Ald. Walter Burnett, who is Secretary White’s guy, and that White would drop out late in the game and Burnett would be ready to go. Secretary White’s office flatly denied those rumors.

* So, I got ahold of Ald. Burnett. “I’m not passing petitions,” he said.

“Mr. White is not playing no games. He’s running. I’m not,” Burnett said. “Mr. White is running and I’m supporting him and if somebody is trying to do that they’re trying to manipulate something.”

“I haven’t seen the petition,” he continued. “I don’t even know if there really are petitions. The ‘alleged petitions,’ I have nothing to do with them.”

* Anyway, back to Sen. Hastings. He’s an attorney and complained today that “We don’t have any suburban representation,” on the statewide slate. He sounded very interested in running for AG.

…Adding… There’s some speculation that because White isn’t on the party slate’s petitions that this somehow means he isn’t actually running. Lisa Madigan also opted out of the slate petitions (when all incumbent candidates appear on the same petition), and people are putting two and two together and coming up with five. But the White people claim they always do their own petitions. Also, White hired Rocco Claps as his new political director a couple weeks ago or so. Everyone probably needs to take a breath here. And while I can understand Hastings not wanting to take any chances, I don’t think the secretary is amused, from what I’ve been hearing.

       

39 Comments - Come on Man! - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:22 pm: Hastings has a good bio. Will be interesting if he jumps in. - 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:26 pm: Maybe Goldberg can work for him. - Deft Wing - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:27 pm: “I have a lot of petitions out.” That’s certainly one way of endearing yourself to your Democratic colleagues. I guess. - 47th Ward - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:28 pm: ===Mr. White is not playing no games.=== My grade school English teacher taught us about double negatives, so Hastings is being prudent. Strange things happen in Illinois, especially in Chicago’s many mysterious Ward organizations. Jesse White learned from the late George Dunne and White taught Walter Burnett. They are all part of the same team. With respect, allowing Alderman Burnett to run unopposed for the Democratic nomination for SoS would be a monumental disaster. - Grand Avenue - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:29 pm: Chris Kennedy or Dan Biss would be “Suburban Representation” - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:31 pm: ===“I have a lot of petitions out,”=== Usually that’s someone who files for 832 judicial slots then tries to parlay that to one where he/she and others try to manipulate it so NO one has a primary. But, that’s another animal entirely - Grand Avenue - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:34 pm: I think after this hubbub, the Republicans should probably find someone at least semi-credible to run for SOS just in case Jesse does have a change of heart. - 360 Degree TurnAround - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:41 pm: ===I think after this hubbub, the Republicans should probably find someone at least semi-credible to run for SOS just in case Jesse does have a change of heart.=== I am for Jeanne Ives for Republicans SOS. Can you imagine how many drivers she would try to revoke their drivers’ licenses? It would be fun. - ;) - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:43 pm: Would only be fitting for Hastings to take charge of the office that has General in the title lol…the guy has one of the best work ethics and discipline under the Dome, save only that of the Speaker. Give em hell, Mike - IL would be well served with you in higher office - TopHatMonocle - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:44 pm: If they really want to pull this swap off, White and Burnett really just need a Dem to win for Governor. White will get re-elected in a landslide, retire, and the new Gov could appoint Burnett. Who knows if they would appoint him if that were to happen, but it’s more straightforward than trying to sneak in like it’s rumored. Also, this makes me feel like Hastings is a hack regardless of how great his bio is. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 4:52 pm: Even on “Seinfeld”… no one has successfully pulled off… The Switch. JERRY: The point is I intend to undertake this. And I’ll do it with or without you. So if you’re scared, if you haven’t got the stomach for this, let’s get it out right now… And I’ll go on my own. If not, you can get on board and we can get to work… Now what’s it going to be? - The Captain - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:06 pm: Jesse has faced down an opponent from the Orland/Tinley area before, he’ll be fine. - DuPage Bard - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:07 pm: I’m thinking Hastings may not have thought this through. Coming out in September, even if the fix was in for Burnett, is not going to make you popular with the Black Caucus. He better hopes he wins for SoS if not he may catch an African American opponent in 2020 who may think WIIFBP. Hastings district, while suburban, is probably 50% African American. And you forcing the hand of the most popular, only statewide, African American official isn’t going to move the ball forward in your favor. - 10th ward - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:10 pm: @THM..how is a guy who served our nation in the US Army, been a solid state senator a “hack”? cmon Jesse should have retired years ago. He over 80 years of age. give up the office to someone new..although Burnett is not THAT guy. He would be a bad SOS. - TopHatMonocle - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:15 pm: “Political hack” is a negative term ascribed to a person who is part of the political party apparatus, but whose intentions are more aligned with victory than personal conviction. Does he want to be Secretary of State, or Attorney General? Or does he just want to be opportunistic so he can win some higher office? If the shoe fits. Not denigrating his service, this just isn’t a smooth move. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:15 pm: Willy: nobody can file 832 judicial petitions anymore. They closed that game a couple two tree cycles ago. Now, you get one county wide and one suncircuit, and you gotta withdraw one before the challenge period. - Under Influenced... - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:16 pm: What’s wrong with being prepared? Anyone guess the AG would be in play two weeks ago? If Jesse is indeed running, no harm done. If he’s out, Mike will be a strong candidate. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:18 pm: ===…nobody can file 832 judicial petitions anymore=== Whew. Good thing I meant it as snark as an option and the “832″ number I randomly used didn’t clearly make it seem like a snarky thing. Thanks for clarifying that I shoulda made sure it was labeled as snark. - Anon22 - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:23 pm: If you’re looking to not get caught with your pants down when Sec. White decides to retire and put his guy in, that’s called smart political strategy. Already liked Hastings a lot before this (nothing but good interactions under the dome) but this may have solidified respect for his political savvy. - Smart move - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:27 pm: Hastings is a super elected official with a really bright future. I think he would be a great sos. - Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 5:40 pm: –If they really want to pull this swap off, White and Burnett really just need a Dem to win for Governor. White will get re-elected in a landslide, retire, and the new Gov could appoint Burnett.– And lose a lot of the goodwill he has built up with the public over the decades leaving in such a cynical fashion. - Anon22 - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 6:20 pm: =White will get re-elected in a landslide, retire, and the new Gov could appoint Burnett.= What makes you think the new Gov would do a favor of that size for a retiring politician? - Raisins - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 6:44 pm: Mike Hastings is a combat veteran, JD/MBA, D-I football athlete seeking higher office and gets labeled a hack due to the unforeseeable opening at AG? Has anyone made these arguments against Scott Drury? I forget his pedigree but recall he had some high profile position before entering the legislature .. - SuburbanRepublican - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 7:16 pm: Are the Republicans fielding any candidates for SoS, Treasurer, and Comptroller? What an embarrassment that the ILGOP couldn’t find anyone to fill those slots. - Hab - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 7:42 pm: This looks like a setup from the Hastings campaign. The only people who have seen these alleged Burnett petitions are Hastings guys, then Hastings circulates petitions based on what he (and only he) saw. Sounds like he is trying to get his name out there. Or maybe waiting for the leaders to offer him something to leave the race. This has caused lots of problems in the party. - Hab - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 7:42 pm: This looks like a setup from the Hastings campaign. The only people who have seen these alleged Burnett petitions are Hastings guys, then Hastings circulates petitions based on what he (and only he) saw. Sounds like he is trying to get his name out there. Or maybe waiting for the leaders to offer him something to leave the race. This has caused lots of problems in the party. - That time - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 7:52 pm: Are you thinking what I’m thinking. Is the fact that the map’s coming due precipitating a lot of these moves. - old time golfer - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 7:54 pm: Suburban Republican- I heard they are looking hard for someone from Suburban Cook or Du Page with a high name recognition to take on Mendoza…. - Nick - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 9:01 pm: So, let me get this straight: Hastings thinks it a smart political move to alienate the state’s most popular elected official. I must question his judgment and would now classify any Hastings statewide run as DOA. - Raisinettes - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 10:40 pm: ======Mike Hastings is a combat veteran, JD/MBA, D-I football athlete seeking higher office and gets labeled a hack due to the unforeseeable opening at AG?===== To the previous post, I just looked up his election stats. 76% win in Democratic primary in ‘12 & 82% win in ‘16. Any person who thinks he’s a hack probably is a hack themselves. Watch this guy, he’s on to something. - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 10:44 pm: ==Hastings thinks it a smart political move to alienate the state’s most popular elected official. I must question his judgment and would now classify any Hastings statewide run as DOA. == Folks love Jesse White, but I’m not sure that love is transferable. If White does not run and Hastings is on the ballot with some other newbie, it’s hard to see how Hastings would be DOA. - TopHatMonocle - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 11:06 pm: Sorry I didn’t realize Hastings was the second coming of Abraham Lincoln. If he wants to run for AG he should do so. But circulating for Secretary of State at the same time, right after Jesse White announced he’s running again no less, is a horrible move no matter how great you think this guy is. And if he’s wrong and White is in fact running for re-election, I think this hurts his AG campaign before it even gets off the ground. - ;) - Wednesday, Sep 20, 17 @ 11:18 pm: I guess Team Hastings has a lot more motivation now after reading all of these comments from the naysaying amateur strategists and pundits on the blog. Just remember - he was right about something like this once before, and he’s no slouch when it comes to political acumen. I’d caution anyone casting doubt or throwing shade…his inaugural party will be one hell of a party you won’t want to miss an invite to. - Been There - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 2:19 am: ====If he wants to run for AG he should do so. But circulating for Secretary of State at the same time, right after Jesse White announced he’s running again no less, is a horrible move no matter how great you think this guy is.=== I think people need to chill out. Circulating petitions means nothing. Filing them is another story. - Roman - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 7:50 am: I believe Hastings was considering running for SoS back in the days when we were told Jesse White was not seeking re-election. Once Jesse said he was going again, Hastings and many others folder their tents. There is now some anecdotal evidence that Jesse White might be playing petition games. Nothing wrong with Hastings playing some games of his own. I’m glad someone is positioned to block a White/Burnett switcharoo if it is in the works. - Eire17 - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 8:28 am: Remember when Stroger was ill and everyone in Cook said he was fine until after the election? When it turned out he was basically in a coma? I don’t blame Hastings one but for being ready. - Uh oh - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 8:39 am: =Hastings thinks it would be a smart political move to alienate the state’s most popular elected official= I don’t think this is his plan at all. Like someone else said, everyone relax. Circulating petitions means nothing until they are filed. Mike is far from a hack. The guy is a work horse who has devoted his life to helping others. - Shield - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 8:41 am: Liz Doody Gorman should run for Comptroller. Close with the Gov and would probably receive unlimited $$$$ from him. Not sure you could get her to leave the private sector. - Good Grief - Thursday, Sep 21, 17 @ 2:31 pm: Shield - the state definitely doesn’t need a Gorman in charge of writing its checks. We are all better off if she and her husband stay put in the private sector. To the post - Hastings is smart for considering both offices and doing the work to be positioned to make a decision that fits best. Plus, it doesn’t hurt for us to have a decent secondary option should Jesse White not file his papers; Burnett would be awful. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.