* Not unexpected…
* Meanwhile, on the Democratic side of this SoS race…
With Congressman Chuy Garcia at his side yesterday, Alexi Giannoulias surprised a crowd of supporters in Pilsen when he took to the podium and spoke Spanish. […]
Giannoulias told yesterday’s crowd he understands the challenges faced by Latinos who aren’t fluent in English. After more than a minute he switched to English, saying: “The secretary of state’s office needs to do a better job of providing services to those who don’t speak perfect English,” Giannoulias said, adding he remembers he and his brothers having to translate for his parents who didn’t speak English well. “They faced enormous challenges in accessing government services and even more challenges starting their respective small businesses.” […]
Along with Garcia, Giannoulias is endorsed by state Sens. Celina Villanueva (11th), Cristina Castro (22nd), state Reps. Barbara, Hernandez (83rd), Edgar Gonzalez (21st) and Jaime Andrade (40th), and Chicago council members George Cardenas (12th), Ray Lopez (15th), Michael D. Rodriguez (22nd), Silvana Tabares (23rd), Ariel Reboyras (30th), and Felix Cardona (31st).
Valencia, who does not speak Spanish, says the race isn’t about “collecting endorsements” but “demonstrating how candidates have been consistently showing up for the Latino community.”
Among her backers are Latino Victory Fund, state Reps. Eva Dina Delgado (3rd) and Lisa Hernandez (24th), and council members Andre Vasquez (40th) and Roberto Maldonado (26th).
I did not know that Valencia doesn’t speak Spanish.
*** UPDATE *** Valencia campaign…
Today, in light of Republican Dan Brady’s intent to run for Illinois Secretary of State, Anna Valencia’s campaign issued the following statement from Campaign Manager Cheryl Bruce:
“Dan Brady is running because he is confident that he can beat Alexi Giannoulias. Last time Alexi ran statewide, he lost President Obama’s senate seat to a Republican, and just this summer, a poll showed Brady trailing him by just five points. As Republicans nationwide try to subvert democracy, we cannot take this race for granted. Anna Valencia is the best candidate to deliver a Democratic win next November.”
- Jack - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:22 pm:
Not sure if Ortiz was not included or hasn’t committed. Very interesting. He also has a vote as Committeeman.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:22 pm:
Any questions about “Comienzo Brillante” or “Banco de Broadway?”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:23 pm:
To Brady…
My curiosity is… well, my curiosity is curious.
I’ll sit back and watch a bit, thanks.
- Cool Papa Bell - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:27 pm:
Nice subtle flex by Alexi.
Nothing that wins elections big gives you peak into the politics of politics.
Little know fact our State Treasurer can speak in Mandarin.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:31 pm:
==After more than a minute he switched to English, saying: “The secretary of state’s office needs to do a better job of providing services to those who don’t speak perfect English,” Giannoulias said==
Um, the Rules of the Road booklet has been available in Spanish and Polish editions for years.
And the printout of last year’s proposed Fair Tax amendment the SOS produced was also available in Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, and Urdu translations.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 2:43 pm:
-Um, the Rules of the Road booklet has been available in Spanish and Polish editions for years.-
Right. If this was a campaign against Jesse White, his campaign would have been out with a statement already saying “we already do all of this.”
- Raul - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 3:01 pm:
==Um, the Rules of the Road booklet has been available in Spanish and Polish editions for years.==
Nothing like telling people asking questions at a DMV to step aside and refer their issues to a piece of paper
- Eastsider - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 3:02 pm:
Excited to see Brady stepping up. He’s as hard working as they come and can work both sides of the aisle. Also, doubt he has his eyes on anything bigger so he’ll really focus on creating an efficient, customer-focused operation…which is sorely needed at SoS
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 3:12 pm:
Dan Brady is a nice guy but he has absolutely nothing to offer SoS. The SoS office is big and he does not have the skill set to manage that large of an operation. He could win a primary but he has zero name recognition north of Mclean County.
- Sharia Capo - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 3:57 pm:
==I did not know that Valencia doesn’t speak Spanish.==
Neither did I, but is this the default assumption? She’s, what, third generation?
- Frank talks - Wednesday, Nov 10, 21 @ 4:43 pm:
So the Brady district is now in play. Wonder who Barickman will choose as successor?