* Sun-Times on March 3rd…
If Illinois Democrats are looking for help in deciding among the dwindling field of presidential candidates, they shouldn’t look to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
With just two weeks before the Illinois primary, the governor said Tuesday that he has no plans to join other Democrats across the country making endorsements.
“I’m for the Democrat,” Pritzker said. “I don’t know who is going to win in Illinois. I don’t know who is going to win the nomination. But I know one thing — Donald Trump has got to go.”
* Today…
Governor JB Pritzker is proud to announce his endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden for President. After witnessing the decisive winnowing of the field of Democratic candidates, Gov. JB Pritzker believes it’s time to unite and focus on ending Donald Trump’s presidency.
“As our nation faces some of the biggest challenges of our time, I know Vice President Joe Biden is the right candidate to beat Donald Trump and lead us into a new era,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It’s time to unite as Democrats to restore respect to our nation’s highest office. Joe will stand on the side of working families and serve as a partner to us in Illinois as we work to create good paying jobs, expand healthcare and invest in education. After four years of Donald Trump’s failure to lead with honor, tell the truth, or stand up for the middle class, we need a steady hand and a President who is ready to move our nation past the divisiveness and vitriol that have become the norm in 2020. I trust Joe to lead with his head and heart, to do what’s right, and to get things done for the American people.”
* Tina Sfondeles had the scoop…
But by Sunday, Pritzker’s political team said the governor was making the endorsement, in part, to remind voters elections are still important, even as the nation and state grapple with the coronavirus outbreak. Despite some concerns over voter turnout, Pritzker on Sunday said the election would not be delayed.
“Democracy must continue,” Pritzker said at a Chicago news conference Sunday. “We have to elect leaders, even in less than ideal circumstances.” […]
Biden now has the backing of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and three African American members of Congress from Illinois — Rush and Reps. Danny Davis and Robin Kelly, whose districts have the highest concentration of black voters in the state.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:54 am:
Worst keep secret in history that our billionaire Governor is not Bernie Bro.
I guess that wealth tax proposal is a bridge too far
- In 630 - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:43 am:
In light of all the cancellations and restrictions, and the risk to many older election judges it is genuinely baffling that we are proceeding with this primary as planned.
- Pundent - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:51 am:
=In light of all the cancellations and restrictions=
The cancellations and restrictions became necessary because people wouldn’t heed the advice to avoid mass gatherings. Having the polls open should not present any more risk than having places like our grocery stores and other establishments open. The goal is to minimize contact not to have everyone hide in place. To the extent that any election judges feel vulnerable or at risk they should stay home.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:53 am:
=== The goal is to minimize contact not to have everyone hide in place===
Exactly right. Unnecessary activities need to be avoided. It’s not necessary to go to a bar or restaurant, for example. It is necessary to vote.
- In 630 - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:00 am:
While voting is necessary, voting in person is clearly not- we know this because vote by mail exists.
The problem may just be the lack of a mechanism to make it so, but this should be converted to a mail election, where people have until the “close of polls” tomorrow to request a mail ballot.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:01 am:
=== this should be converted to a mail election===
In 31 hours?
“Ok”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:03 am:
The election is a necessity, eating at “TGI Friday’s” is not a necessity.
States like Georgia and Louisiana are not… Arizona, Ohio, or Florida who are also holding elections tomorrow.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:06 am:
=== but this should be converted to a mail election===
On what authority?
- Archpundit - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:12 am:
Not only would an all mail election be a problem from the perspective of authority, but trying to do it in two weeks simply wouldn’t work. We might want to have it as a contingency for November though.
- Northsider - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:15 am:
My wife and I voted on Saturday, which took an hour at our Chicago precinct. Everyone was civil and keeping as much distance as they could while standing in line, and the polling station had plenty of hand sanitizer available.
I will, however, definitely sign up for vote-by-mail for November. Perhaps Illinois should adopt universal VBM, a la Oregon, for all future elections?
- Moishe the Beadle - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:17 am:
Rich, have you talked to any doctors about how bad this virus really is?
I dont even believe that Pritzker is doing enough.
We need to do mandatory quarantines like are going on in other countries.
- Collinsville Kevin - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:28 am:
Sorry J.B., I’m going to vote for Bernie tomorrow.
- Pundent - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:43 am:
=Rich, have you talked to any doctors about how bad this virus really is?=
Rich has been one of the best sources for accurate and reasoned information.
What do you propose that Pritzker should be doing that he’s not? Simply saying “mandatory quarantines” with not specifics or protocol would be irresponsible at this point. Pritzker has done a very good job under the circumstances particularly given how botched this has been handled federally. We should have been on top of this as a country weeks ago. Thank god that many of our governors across the country have stepped up.
- a drop in - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:16 pm:
Vote and bring your own pens. And the touch screens work with light gloves on for your information.
- Seats - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
Seems like JB would have been better not making an endorsement if the goal is to be one of the most progressive Gov’s in the United States.
A donation to Biden after he wins the primary could have mended any hurt feelings from Joe.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
Pritzker is progressive/liberal enough himself to not have to worry about purity tests from the far left.
Probably not a very consequential endorsement, as the cake seems already baked.