* Press release…

Today, The People’s Lobby announced their endorsement of Kina Collins’ campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. The People’s Lobby is a grassroots organization made up of Chicagoans focused on advocating for policies that center racial and gender justice and put the needs of the people and our planet over the interests of big corporations and the very rich.

“Too many leaders have been corrupted by the super wealthy and corporate interests,” said Kina Collins. “I’m running to change that and bring the voices of working-class, everyday Chicagoans to D.C. I’m so proud to have the support of The People’s Lobby, a group of Chicagoans who are putting in the hard work to make our city and state more just and fair. I look forward to fighting for our communities—not corporate interests—together in Congress.”

“The People’s Lobby is proud to endorse Kina Collins for Congress because she gets things done,” said Abbey Lewis, a member of The People’s Lobby in IL-7. “She’s proven time and again that she can deliver progressive policy at home and on a national level. Her energy and passion are exactly what we need to help our communities as we continue to work for Medicare for All, reimagine public safety, transition to a green economy, and further invest in our communities.”

* Press release…

Today, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 399 announced its endorsement of Judge Elizabeth Rochford in her campaign for the Illinois Supreme Court’s new Second District. IUOE Local 399 represents over 9,000 members across the state of Illinois and parts of Indiana, including skilled employees responsible for the maintenance and repair of building operating systems and heavy equipment operators focused on earth moving in the construction field.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the hardworking men and women of IUOE Local 399 in my campaign for Supreme Court,” said Judge Elizabeth Rochford. “Nothing is more important than ensuring everyone is treated fairly under the law, and that’s exactly what I will strive for as Supreme Court Justice. I’m humbled that IUOE Local 399 and so many others have put their faith in me as the right person for this seat on the bench.”

Last week, Judge Rochford was endorsed by Secretary of State Jesse White, and has previously earned endorsements from the Illinois State AFL-CIO, UFCW Local 881, Plumbers Local Union 130 UA, the Lake County Building & Construction Trades Council and its 18 local affiliate trade unions, and the McHenry County Building & Construction Trades Councils and its 26 local affiliate trade unions.

* Politico…

Gil Villegas has been endorsed by United Here Local 1, Plumbers 130, and ATU 308 in his bid for Congress. In a statement, Karen Kent, president of United Here Local 1 said, during the pandemic, “Alderman Villegas’ efforts on behalf of our members have ensured that dedicated and long-serving hospitality workers can return to their jobs as guests come back to our city.”

— SOS campaign is wide open for the first time in 24 years: Can money, labor endorsements and presumably volunteer manpower be enough for former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias to edge out Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and 17th Ward Ald. David Moore? And for Republicans, is state Rep. Dan Brady’s experience enough to win against former U.S. Attorney John Milhiser’s expected financial support? Eric Krol digs in to the race for Center for Illinois Politics.

— Anna Valencia has won the endorsements of eight county Democratic parties in her bid for secretary of state. Mason, Henderson, Logan, Christian, Wabash, Hancock, Mercer, and DeWitt Democratic parties are backing Valencia, according to the campaign. “Anna is a strong Democrat who has always fought for our values and our candidates,” Jay Briney, Mason County Democrats Chair said in a statement.

— Monica Gordon has been endorsed by Service Employees International Union Local 73 in her bid for Cook County Commission in the 5th District. The SEIU organization represents more than 22,500 public service workers in Illinois and Northwest Indiana, according to her campaign.

* Press release…

Illinois Secretary of State candidate David Moore received some love this Valentine’s Day when 45 statewide clergy agreed to endorse him for the open seat being vacated by longtime officeholder Jesse White.

The clergy said after taking time to reflect on who would be the best person to replace White, they decided on Moore who they know to be a man of faith from his long association with Chicago’s Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Moore became a deacon under the late Rev. Clay Evans. He continues to serve Fellowship’s current pastor, Rev. Reginald Sharpe.

“I support some candidates because of their minds and I support some candidates because of their hearts. I trust the heart of David Moore,” says Rev. Sharpe, who became pastor of Fellowship three years ago. “He has been an advocate and an ally of the disinvested residents of Chicago for many, many years. He’s a Christian man with Christian values that align with making sure the marginalized communities are taken care of and protected.”

Sharpe says it is because of Moore’s heart that it is easy to support the ideas and plans that come from his mind.

Another of Moore’s long time spiritual leaders, Rev. Stephen Thurston of New Covenant M.B. Church says the 17th Ward alderman has prepared himself for this position.

“He’s been a great and marvelous individual as an alderman and he’s prepared to do the same thing for the people of Illinois,” states Thurston.

West Side clergy, Rev. Michael Eaddy, of People’s Church of the Harvest C.O.G.I.C, says Moore has been active in the community even before he decided to run for office.

“I believe he has a commitment to people in Chicago and I believe he will be sensitive to the needs of all Illinoisans,” explains Eaddy. “I believe that David Moore has the acumen and the compassion to fill the role of secretary of state.”

Borrowing from a biblical quote, Chief Apostle William McCoy, of Brothers Keeper Outreach Church in Chicago Heights says he believes this is Moore’s season.

“There’s a time when everything needs to be fresh and renewed and I like the vision and enthusiasm of David Moore and most of all the faith. He is a man of faith,” emphasizes Apostle McCoy.

Moore says he is honored to receive the ringing endorsement of so many clergy and hopes more will support his candidacy.

“I have been traveling the state for nine months meeting with as many people as possible. It means a lot to have the clergy see me as one of their own and are vowing to spread the word about their support,” Moore responds.