* Press release…
The Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board voted today to endorse several candidates for the Democratic Primary Election in June. The endorsements are considered early, as the organization’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) meets in April to consider all primary election endorsements.
The IL AFL-CIO endorsed incumbents U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Gov. JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and Comptroller Susana Mendoza for the June 28 Primary.
Also endorsed today were Supreme Court candidates Elizabeth Rochford (2nd District) and Mary Kay O’Brien (3rd District).
“We feel it’s important to get a jump on some races where there will clearly be large sums of anti-union money being spent bankrolling opponents,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “These endorsements reflect the fact that they have been there for working people. We’re going to be there for them.”
State legislation was approved last year that drew new Supreme Court districts – the first redistricting since the 1960’s. Rochford and O’Brien’s races represent union member dense areas that voter turnout will play an important part.
“As we’ve seen play out nationally and here in Illinois, a fair and impartial judiciary is vital to not only workplace rights, but our democracy,” Drea said. “We have to get it right. Mary Kay O’Brien and Elizabeth Rochford are perfectly suited for the Supreme Court.”
Rochford is up against Democrat Nancy Rotering, among others.
- ;) - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 3:44 pm:
Excellent choice.
- just the facts - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 3:47 pm:
If these two women win, Illinois will join a short list of states that have a Supreme Court with a female majority. Currently there are 3 women and 4 men. Both seats up for election are currently held by men who were appointed.
Wisconsin(6/1), Arkansas (4/3), Minnesota (4/3), New Mexico (3/2, Ohio (4/3), Oregon (5/2), Tennessee (3/2), and Washington (7/2)
- Shytown - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 4:01 pm:
Great choices all around.
- Belden Ave - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 4:12 pm:
No Secretary of State endorsement?
- Blue Dog - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 4:23 pm:
Surprise. Surprise. Yet union membership is now down to 10.3% nationally. Maybe we ought be spending dollars on education so that union folks buy and support union built goods and services.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 5:08 pm:
“We feel it’s important to get a jump on some races where there will clearly be large sums of anti-union money being spent bankrolling opponents”
Yep, that’s the right proactive approach, against what will be the Griffin-funded astroturf movement of Rauner Reboot. That’s a lot of grassroots support for Democrats, especially with the union rights amendment on the ballot. JB will easily be seen as pro-union, with the capital bill, settled state employee contract situation and other pro-union stuff.
- Amalia - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 5:37 pm:
Elizabeth Rochford is a judge and is quite experienced. Good endorsement of an excellent candidate.
- Unconventional wisdom - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 6:43 pm:
And these endorsements are a surprise? LOL
- Twisted Knickers - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 6:52 pm:
The lack of Secretary of State endorsement speaks volumes here. Bad for Alexi, huge for Anna.
- Another Guy - Monday, Jan 24, 22 @ 7:01 pm:
Hmmm…I thought Alexi has been touting he “has this in the bag”…I guess that is not true.