* The word “Griffin” is not mentioned once, of course. How are they gonna fund these candidates? Irvin has just $164,888.35 in his municipal campaign account. Such a mystery…
Illinois Republicans have joined together on an organized statewide slate of candidates behind Richard Irvin for Governor and Avery Bourne for Lieutenant Governor. They will be joined by John Milhiser (Secretary of State), Tom Demmer (Treasurer), Shannon Teresi (Comptroller), and Steve Kim (Attorney General) in an effort to end the culture of corruption that has permeated Illinois government through the Madigan Machine politicians that have filled our state’s top executive offices for decades.
The announcement of the slate of candidates comes on the heels of Irvin’s historic campaign kick-off earlier this week, promising to not only clean up corruption in Springfield, but also fight crime and cut taxes and spending.
“I’m the only candidate for governor to take on Mike Madigan and win, and I know that Madigan will keep running our state until we replace his allies with true public servants,” Irvin said. “That’s what this slate brings to the table: candidates with the experience and qualifications necessary to take our state back.”
Irvin’s running mate, Avery Bourne, believes this slate will restore public trust in government, something that has been waning for decades but especially over the last few years as federal indictments have continued to fall on elected officials.
“Each candidate on our slate has the experience and dedication Illinois needs to root out the corruption that is so ingrained in this state,” said Bourne. “Together, we are committed to fixing our state. We will work together to reduce crime, fight corruption, and return fiscal responsibility for the people of this great state.”
John Milhiser is running for Secretary of State and previously served as the Sangamon County State’s Attorney and the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, overseeing federal investigations in 46 counties. He was confirmed with bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, including Senators Durbin and Duckworth. John has investigated and prosecuted corrupt politicians, murderers, violent criminals, child predators, drug dealers, embezzlers, and human traffickers. As Secretary of State he will make sure we never go back to the history of corruption for which that office has been a crucible.
“Illinois state government has had a pervasive culture of corruption for decades,” Milhiser said. “It’s past time for our state to be led by individuals who will work to rebuild public trust in our leaders. That’s why I support Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne. Richard has a strong record of working for the betterment of his community, has honorably served our nation, and will be a governor the people of Illinois will be proud of.”
Tom Demmer serves as Deputy Republican Leader in the Illinois House, representing the 90th District. As the Republican caucus’ expert in exposing Madigan-Pritzker budget gimmicks, he is a leading voice for meaningful fiscal reform that will put Illinois back on the right path. An innovative, out of the box thinker, Tom’s experience will be crucial in guiding the state’s financial future as our next Treasurer.
“Richard Irvin understands that the tax burden on Illinois families is a primary reason why we are losing more and more people to neighboring states every year,” Demmer said. “Avery Bourne is a tremendous leader, an advocate for Illinoisans, and someone whose love for this state is palpable. Richard and Avery are the people we need in Springfield to fix our broken finances, provide tax relief, and guide us into the future.”
Shannon Teresi is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Fraud Examiner, an internal auditor, and currently serves as the McHenry County Auditor. Under her leadership, the county has cut fraud and abuse out of the budget, and consistently earned AAA bond ratings. As the next Comptroller, Shannon will ensure that the financial reporting of our state is appropriately audited, will cut out corruption just as she has done in McHenry County, and will make sure that taxpayers know exactly where their dollars are going.
“The Madigan Machine and their career politicians have had the opportunity to change the trajectory of this state, and instead have stood in the way of progress for their own benefit,” Teresi said. “Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne will bring new, innovative leadership to our state government, reducing our tax burden and meeting the needs of families like yours and mine. Together, we will root out the corruption that has become a way of life for Madigan Machine Politicians and I’m proud to stand with them for the future of Illinois”.
Steve Kim is running for Attorney General because crime in this state is out of control. He has advised leaders at all levels of the Illinois government, including Senator Mark Kirk and Governor Jim Edgar. He has adjudicated hundreds of civil rights cases in his position on the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Steve works with companies all over the globe, and has seen the importance of anti-corruption policies, the rule of law, and public safety. Steve’s wide ranging experience makes him the ideal candidate to bring new ideas to the table on curbing the crime and corruption for which Illinois is globally known.
“Richard Irvin will be a governor who understands that public safety and reducing crime has far reaching benefits to our communities across Illinois, especially immigrant and minority communities which are most impacted,” Kim said. “Crime in this state is out of control. Richard has stood with law enforcement to curtail violence and has a proven track record in Aurora. I know that Richard will fight corruption and rein in crime for the betterment of all Illinoisans, and that’s why I’m honored to stand with him.”
Irvin’s new campaign committee, by the way, has the same treasurer as most of the rest of the slate. Les Williamson of Houston, Texas is a professional fundraiser with The Larrison Group.
Irwin’s 2021 municipal budget proposal ever so slightly reduced the Aurora police department’s spending below 2020 levels, but the funding appeared to increased very slightly by the time it passed.
* Gov. Pritzker went to Aurora last year to sign HB562 into law…
“I applaud the 102nd General Assembly for taking decisive and life-saving actions that will, among other things, strengthen enforcement and hopefully prevent unnecessary tragedies in the future,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvine. “As the Governor signs HB0562 today, may we remember the lives and legacies of Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner who devastating lost their lives at Henry Pratt. While we can’t change the past, we can change laws for the future, and I do hope this brings some measure of comfort to their families, knowing that their lives were not lost in vain.”
But the bill was opposed by most Republican legislators…
Chesney Opposes “Anti-Gun” Amendments to House Bill 562
State Representative Andrew Chesney voted NO, and urged his colleagues to do the same, on an anti-gun bill sent the Illinois House for consideration during a special session on June 16th.
“I filed legislation to fix the FOID problems by eliminating the unconstitutional FOID system,” said Chesney from Springfield on Wednesday. “Instead, gun-grabbing politicians are doubling down on bloated bureaucracies that serve no one well; especially the unprecedented number of innocent Chicago residents hunted down by freed felons in gun-free zones.”
*** UPDATE *** DPI…
Today, billionaire Ken Griffin’s slate of Republicans announced their coordinated effort to take Illinois back to the Rauner years. And while the slate isn’t shy about their desire to drag our state backwards, they are being shy about making any actual appearances in public.
As opposed to making themselves available to voters and the media, this silent slate has hidden from the public for weeks. Not a single candidate has done an interview or public event since announcing and have instead chosen to hide behind consultant-crafted videos and meaningless social posts.
It is patently unacceptable that those seeking to lead our state would hide from reporters because they don’t want to answer basic questions like: Did you vote for Donald Trump? Do you want to overturn Roe v Wade? What promises has Ken Griffin made you?
Instead of proposing real policy solutions that help working families, these candidates are more of the same. Empty words, incendiary rhetoric, and no clue how to make Springfield work for working families.
The public deserves to know who is really pulling the strings of the Rauner Reboot. Each day the Griffin Slate continues to avoid scrutiny, we can only assume they have something to hide.
- Red Ketcher - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:10 am:
“Each candidate on our slate has the experience ……. said Bourne. ”
( should maybe say: Except Me )
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:13 am:
Is the official message of the Irvin campaign, “but Madigan?”
===I know that Madigan will keep running our state until we replace his allies with true public servants===
Does he think that Mike Madigan is Emperor Palpatine and is clinging to some JJ Abrams level of nonsense?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:13 am:
===Except Me===
Bourne has been a multi-term legislator, serving in state government in one of the three branches.
Lt. Governor Stratton had less experience… Rauner’s choice was a trustee in a town before being elected LG.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:13 am:
“As the next Comptroller, Shannon will ensure that the financial reporting of our state is appropriately audited, will cut out corruption … .”
Isn’t OAG auditing financial reporting currently? Aren’t OEIG / prosecutors investigating corruption on an on-going basis?
- Chicagonk - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:14 am:
The biggest challenge will be convincing suburban voters and even some city voters to pick up a Republican primary ballot instead of a Democratic one.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:14 am:
“The Madigan Machine and their career politicians have had the opportunity to change the trajectory of this state, and instead have stood in the way of progress for their own benefit”
The Madigan Machine? Lol, Democrats themselves helped push Madigan out around a year ago. Who writes this stale drivel? Must be the same people who turned the ILGOP into a super-minority party.
Madigan is out of the picture, Griffin is not. That’s why bringing Raunerism into this election is most relevant.
- Frank talks - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:16 am:
Imagine living rent free in an entire party’s head even after your gone. All these intelligent smart people and they’re stuck saying Mike Madigan over and over.
This is literally Bruce Rauner’s campaign all over. Except 8 years ago there were 2 Madigan’s in office now there’s none.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:21 am:
I would like to thank whoever wrote this tantrum for proving what I have long asserted.
For some, Madigan will be pulling strings from the grave.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:22 am:
Still going with “Madigan bad” I see. Barring some extreme gaffes by the incumbents, I don’t see how this slate wins with this message.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:25 am:
“But Madigan! But corruption!”
Sheesh
- MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:25 am:
And Kermit and Miss Piggy rarely acknowledged Jim Henson and Frank Oz.
It ruins the illusion, Rich.
– MrJM
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:26 am:
Is one of Tom Demmer’s out of the box fixes “a grand bargain”? Asking for a friend.
- Roadrager - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:26 am:
Everyone lining up dutifully with their hand out in a display of modesty, just like in the old days with Bruce and his stack of checks on the House floor.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:30 am:
To the post,
For me, and the slate, it begins and almost ends, frankly, with SoS and Treasurer, and winning races that are winnable.
It almost ends because of the “because Madigan”.
I look at this slate, and what been put together and compare to the 2018 “nominees” that in actuality probably had no business running and voters rejected all, including the failed Bruce Rauner.
This slate is about two things, for me;
It’s a outright anti-Trump slate, borrowing words or phrases, sure, but not “cult-y” by any measure, just ask Darren Bailey.
It’s a resetting of Republican type thinking past Trump, and candidates focused on Illinois things, and Illinois thoughts.
The icky is the “Madigan” part of Illinois centric, which might work in a primary, or keep base voters engaged or thoughtful to the slate…
…but changing the “t” and the “l”… slate… can be quite stale.
They will have the financial wherewithal to drive any message as often or as hard as they want. Madigan isn’t moving me to first be excited, or last feel excited. It’s not exciting, but as a placeholder to a base… “sure?”
The 2018 nominees… versus this slate…
It’s for real right now. What that real is, they’re kinda telling it, but will that make the suburbs… excited?
Dunno.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:41 am:
I’d echo all the laughter about “because Madigan”, but I’m also interested in how they structured this announcement. The Griff Gang clearly has an order of importance/expectations, and poor Terisi and Kim are at the bottom of it.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 10:44 am:
== How are they gonna fund these candidates?==
Even if Griff wants to play some kind of “prove it” game, there’s no reason the other major Republican donors can’t start feeding these guys.
- walker - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:04 am:
“”It’s a outright anti-Trump slate”"
bingo
- Friendly Bob Adams - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:07 am:
“I’m the only candidate for governor to take on Mike Madigan and win…”
What exactly is Irvin referring to here?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:09 am:
==What exactly is Irvin referring to here? ==
His first victory for mayor.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:20 am:
Well Monday Ken Griffin was looking forward to meeting Irvin and today he’s on the slate. Must have nailed that audition.
- So_Ill - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:23 am:
==His first victory for mayor.==
Mike Madigan ran for mayor of Aurora??
- Jibba - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:28 am:
Four mentions of Madigan before the first mention of JB. Thy may have forgotten who they are running against.
Trumpy candidates don’t stand a chance in the general. This anti-Trump slate at least has a chance, especially SOS, assuming they make it that far. Maybe not a good one, since JB has done a decent enough job, but at least there will be a contest.
- Watchful eye. - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:58 am:
Good people. But a “slate” overwhelmingly not supported by elected gop members of house and senate and done in secrecy with little to no input from anyone but the consultants
Sounds like old school ward boss stuff. Maybe that explains their fixation on Madigan. Ha ha
- low level - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 12:07 pm:
Seriously LOL with all the Madigan mentions. His choice to replace him as Democratic Party of Illinois chair lost last year. His campaign office on Pulaski is now a ghost town.
But he’s somehow still running the state? Right.
- Kane Connection - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 12:08 pm:
Defeated Linda Chapa LaVia (remember her?) in his first successful run for mayor in 2017. She couldn’t even make it out of the primary because we knew she was a lightweight before everyone in the state figured that out.
- low level - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 12:13 pm:
*Adding - Madigan’s preferred replacement as state Representative served all of 2 days.
Such power he still has / s. But dont let facts get in the way of your obviously poll tested rhetoric.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 12:59 pm:
== Maybe that explains their fixation on Madigan.==
Well, Rauner’s biggest problem with the Madigan Machine was it wasn’t run by Bruce Rauner, so that kinda checks out.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 1:20 pm:
I gotta admit, the Irvin thing fascinates me in a political science-y sort of way. Will conservatives support him? The last guy that Griff and the state party pushed on conservatives ended up winning, but he was a very wealthy white bidnessman and kinda fit the mold. But, it turned into a debacle for them when Rauner signed HB40. No, they never really cared about fiscal conservatism or the damage he caused to the state economically - but the abortion bill was a serious affront to them.
Now you have the same group telling Illinois conservatives “here you go, an African-American big city mayor who supported Black Lives Matter, sanctuary cities, and who is on the record stating what a great leader JB Pritzker is (all within the last few years). But we swear he’s a republican. Now go vote for him”. Do they line up behind him despite what happened last time? Revolt and support Bailey instead? Probably isn’t a big enough race that trump would get involved on Bailey’s behalf, but I can’t imagine Irvin would be the first (or second or third) choice of conservatives downstate where the most primary votes are. Then again, I’m sure they also realize Bailey can’t win a general but Irvin might be able to, especially since Biden and the dems in DC are such a dumpster fire. I know there are few actual conservatives here, but any of you want to offer an opinion?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 1:22 pm:
==Do they line up behind him despite what happened last time?==
My guess is they don’t so much “line up behind him” as settle for him bc they have no real other option. Bailey just doesn’t have the money to compete.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 1:39 pm:
===Irvin thing fascinates me in a political science-y sort of way===
Same.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 1:58 pm:
== I’m the only candidate for governor to take on Mike Madigan and win,==
Seriously? Still with the Madigan stuff?
Despite Irvin’s words and Rauner’s obsession, the only candidate for Governor that was able to contribute to the end of Madigan is Pritzker.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 2:11 pm:
== settle for him bc they have no real other option==
Possibly, but over the past few years we’ve seen conservative bases revolt in similar situations. GOP state parties in Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma and Georgia over the past several years have experienced hostile takeovers for much less, usually a minor snub to trump in some way. Same thing happening right now in Massaschussetts and Maryland with Baker and Hogan leaving office. Are conservatives here willing to risk another HB40 situation, just because Ken Griffin says so? Bourne has some conservative bona fides, but she’s not a Mary Miller-type that can excite the base all by herself.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 2:47 pm:
=Despite Irvin’s words and Rauner’s obsession, the only candidate for Governor that was able to contribute to the end of Madigan is Pritzker.=
Yet another example of succeeding at something Bruce Rauner failed at. And Rauner could get no closer than 16% running a “but Madigan” campaign - almost exclusively.
And I suspect that when it’s all said and done the former President will make his presence more known in this race than the former Speaker. And that involvement doesn’t even have to be direct. It can be accomplished by mere association.
- Jesse - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 3:23 pm:
I love to see Republicans supporting fellow Democrats…
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 3:23 pm:
I worked in Springfield when Bourne was a freshman legislator. She seemed nice enough. I was 4 years older than her (I suppose I still am), on my second job as an attorney, and wholly aware that I didn’t know the first thing about almost anything.
Does anyone really believe she is qualified for the job she is running for?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 3:25 pm:
=== Does anyone really believe she is qualified for the job she is running for?===
Bourne has more experience now than Stratton had as a candidate, and more than Rauner’s running mate had as well.
I’d add Simon too, but you can see the pattern, hopefully.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 3:59 pm:
==I was 4 years older than her (I suppose I still am)==
Don’t assume. You don’t know. Maybe she time-traveled.
==Does anyone really believe she is qualified for the job she is running for? ==
Eh, as far as the traditional qualifications for LG go, she’s got ‘em. I would probably agree that, by watching her in action, she would not be ready to take over the whole of state government, and maybe that gets exposed over the course of the campaign, but I think it’s a pretty typical resume.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 4:01 pm:
==Possibly, but over the past few years we’ve seen conservative bases revolt in similar situations.==
I might argue that those conservative bases were more powerful than the conservative base is in IL. But I won’t deny that the danger is there. It’s absolutely there. I just think it’s slightly more likely that Griffin overcomes it than not.
- Phineas Gurley - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 4:50 pm:
I trust this page (and Mr. Kennedy) will be watching the elections site for an Irvin cash infusion late Friday afternoon.
- Furtive Look - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 4:52 pm:
Avery’s the shining light of the Illinois GOP, but I wouldn’t trust her to babysit my cats.
- Rabid - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 9:24 pm:
Bum rush the primary before filing, that’s thinking out of the box
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 9:36 pm:
== I might argue that those conservative bases were more powerful than the conservative base is in IL.==
True, but they also had steeper hills to climb. IL republicans have made progress since immediately after Rauner’s departure, but they’re still in pretty bad shape. This slate looks real good in Kendall County, and I think Irvin has a good shot in a general against JB (depending on oppo and/or McAuliffe-type gaffes of course) but it’s basically Kentucky down here. There are still trump flags everywhere. After HB40, I think these primary voters are going to be a heck of a lot more skeptical than they were in 2014.
- low level - Wednesday, Jan 19, 22 @ 11:08 pm:
==Irvin’s new campaign committee, by the way, has the same treasurer as most of the rest of the slate. Les Williamson of Houston, Texas is a professional fundraiser with The Larrison Group.==
They couldn’t find anyone within the state of Illinois to be campaign treasurer? IL GOP operatives must be thrilled about that. LOL