A subsidiary of AT&T led by a former top aide to ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan could face a criminal charge as an apparent offshoot of an ongoing federal investigation into the dethroned Chicago Democrat, the company revealed in a federal regulatory filing.
The telecommunications giant reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission that a consulting contract executed in 2017 by Illinois Bell Telephone Company LLC is the focus of a previously undisclosed federal investigation led by U.S. Attorney John Lausch in Chicago.
Recently, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois informed us that they are considering filing a charge against one of our subsidiaries, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, LLC (Illinois Bell), arising out of a single, nine-month consulting contract in 2017 worth twenty-two thousand five hundred dollars.
Since 2019, Illinois Bell has been cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office concerning their widely reported investigation of certain elected Illinois politicians and related parties for corruption. Based on our own extensive investigation of the facts and our engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we have concluded that the contract at issue was legal in all respects and that any charge against Illinois Bell or its personnel would be without merit. We cannot predict the outcome of the government’s investigation, which could (i) result in criminal penalties, fines, or other remedial measures, (ii) adversely affect our reputation with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders, and (iii) impact our existing federal and state government contracts and our ability to win new contracts in the future.
This could be a lot of things. AT&T’s own lobbying contracts are labeled as consulting contracts.
The same day ComEd and Lausch’s office agreed to the deferred prosecution deal, Madigan’s state office received a far-reaching federal subpoena seeking records concerning AT&T, Walgreens, Rush University Medical Center and a host of operatives and lobbyists inside Madigan’s political orbit.
That subpoena sought “any and all contracts, agreements, letters of engagement and correspondence related to the retention, hiring or engagement of any person to provide services, including lobbying, consulting or other services to AT&T of Illinois of any of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliated business entities.”
* In other news, Judge Leinenweber took some action today. Here’s Crain’s..
Former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore and three other defendants will face trial after a federal judge today rejected their motions to dismiss the charges.
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber ruled against several motions aimed at undermining the feds’ charges that the four had participated in ComEd’s admitted scheme to curry favor with former House Speaker Michael Madigan in order to win lucrative state laws over nearly 10 years. […]
They did win one concession from the judge. He agreed that prosecutors should give them more specifics on acts and statements that comprise its conspiracy charge. In addition, he put off ruling on defendants’ demand that prosecutors remove reference in their indictment to actual passage of the laws that ComEd and Exelon supported and which were the alleged focus of the scheme.
A bill of particulars is appropriate when the indictment fails to sufficiently apprise the defendant of the offending conduct, and additional information is needed in order for the defendant to be on notice prior to trial. […]
The Court finds less specificity in the conspiracy count. The Government has not provided any notice as to the nature of the false statements for the ongoing, eight-year scheme alleged in Count One. For a complex eight-year conspiracy at a public company, alleging general concealment and false statements, even with some identified example documents, does not allow Defendants to prepare for trial. The Indictment sets these false statements in general terms, alleging Defendants “created and caused the creation of false contracts, invoices and other books and records to disguise the true nature of certain of the payments and to circumvent internal controls.” (Indict. ¶ 3.) Because “[t]here is a good chance that the government will offer at trial false statements and bad acts that are within the scope of one or more of these general allegations,” the Court grants Defendants’ Motion for Particularization as to the false statements requested for Count One.
Finally, Defendants move to remove the surplusage in the indictment under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 7(d). Defendants argue that the paragraphs describing the favorable legislation passed in the State of Illinois legislature is too attenuated to the rest of the indictment and may be prejudicial to the jury. The Court finds the Motion to be premature prior to the Government’s presentation of its case-in-chief. The Court denies the Motion, but Defendants may renew it prior to the jury receiving a copy of the Indictment.
* But the very, very bad news for the defendants and for folks who may be acting in the gray area, was in the denial of motions to dismiss…
Defendants take Sun-Diamond’s requirement on specificity and uses it to argue there must be a completeness of understanding between Public Official A and Defendants.
However, the plain text of the statute demonstrates there does not have to be proof that the agent of local government received the illegal gratuity with requisite intent, only that the person attempting to provide the illegal gratuity ‘corruptly gives, offers, or agrees to give’ a thing of value. (”It was not necessary for the government to prove as to these counts that [the legislator] actually received the bribes”). Defendants mistake these components of the law as having interchangeable standards. They do not.
From one of the smartest lawyers I’ve ever known…
His interpretation of 666 means you don’t have to have a quid pro quo. The member doesn’t have to get something specifically. The mere thought someone would do something that could be beneficial, if done so with corrupt motive, would be criminal. If two lobbyists discuss ways to “persuade” a member, that could be illegal. The member doesn’t need to even know about it. Doesn’t have to be tied to a bill. Doesn’t have to be tied to any act.
* The Illinois House just voted to remove Republican Reps. Sosnowski, McCombie, Wilhour, Halbrook, Niemerg, Welter, Friess, Miller and Chesney from the chamber for refusing to wear face masks during session. The refusal is a violation of House rules…
Most House Republicans then walked out of the chamber with their evicted colleagues.
Republican Leader Jim Durkin says the HGOP will accept the consequences if his members are kicked out, but calls for hearings to examine the Governor’s pandemic restrictions. pic.twitter.com/YNsLkbw51c
So much for Leader Durkin’s pledge to accept the consequences of the vote. Sheesh.
…Adding… Republicans requested a caucus. Democrats will also caucus. The House is now in recess for approximately one hour.
…Adding… There’s a roll call coming up. Stay tuned…
The House is back in session. Rep. McCombie remains maskless on the floor in defiance of the order for her to leave. It appears the House Speaker has decided not to physically remove her. Unclear yet if she’ll be allowed to vote while in violation of House rules. pic.twitter.com/tAdT50xmXQ
Later in the day, attorney Thomas DeVore, who has a temporary restraining order against the governor’s mask mandates in schools, filed suit against House Speaker Emanual “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, in Bond County Circuit Court. The lawsuit, DeVore said, is on behalf of his state Rep. Blaine Whilhour, R-Beecher City, and himself as an individual.
“Speaker Welch has no authority whatsoever to place quarantine measures on the peoples’ representatives to keep them out of that chamber,” DeVore told The Center Square. “It doesn’t even make any sense.” […]
“They’re gonna say ‘you put a mask on or we’re going to exclude you from a foundational principle of representing your constituents,’” DeVore said. “They’re playing those games and completely eradicated [McCombie’s] district from the process. There’s no way the courts are going to stand for that.”
On the heels of her husband’s historic election as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch has announced her intention to fill the vacant 4th Subcircuit Judgeship.
“I am on an incredible mission to serve the people of my community and my district,” said Raines-Welch, who has spent nearly a decade as an attorney litigating civil rights, labor, and employment law matters. She also serves on numerous boards and volunteers across the 7th District. “My ties to the 4th Subcircuit are deeply rooted. I grew up here. I am still here, and I am seeking to bring diversity and a committed focus to the judge’s seat as the first African-American and first female to serve.”
Raines-Welch specializes in legal work for municipal governments, including cities, school districts, park districts, and other local taxpayer-funded public bodies at an established municipal law firm. She has defended police officers in frivolous civil rights cases and represents local school districts.
A 2009 graduate of the John Marshall Law School, Raines-Welch began her legal career as a plaintiff’s attorney handling personal injury claims involving auto accidents, premise liability, FELA claims, and other general torts.
Her experience covers many aspects representing both plaintiffs and defendants and all aspects of courtroom litigation. When questioned about her husband, Emanuel Chris Welch’s support of her campaign, she says she is fortunate to have her family and community’s backing.
“I know that my husband’s name will be evoked in this election many times. It’s the challenge of having a high-profile family and husband. It’s the challenge of professional women everywhere. The way I see it, Chris is creating his imprint on history, but it in no way vanishes mine. I believe in justice–using laws to fairly judge and determine consequences especially in black and brown communities. I also believe in inclusion– the practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources to all. My work is my own, and I look forward to making a difference for my children and all of the families in the 4th Subcircuit.”
Raines-Welch is married to Emanuel Chris Welch, the Speaker of the Illinois House, and they have two children, Tyler and Marley.
Raines-Welch is running for a vacancy in the 4th Judicial Subcircuit of Cook County, filling the vacancy left by Patrick Rogers. The 4th Subcircuit includes 37 municipalities, including Bridgeview, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Lyons, and Willow Springs in the all of Lyons, Riverside and Stickney Townships, and portions of Leyden (western half), Palos (northeastern half), Proviso (west and South half), and Worth (northwest half) townships. Raines-Welch will hold her kick-off fundraiser on March 9th, 2022. To learn more, visit https://raineswelchforjudge.com/.
A pack of progressive candidates have crashed this year’s Democratic primaries, hoping to unseat incumbents and push the party to the left. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the fifth-ranking Democrat in the House, has other plans.
Jeffries and two of his House Democrat allies on Wednesday rolled out the first slate of endorsements from Team Blue PAC, a political action committee intended to protect incumbents from intraparty attacks. The endorsements and their attendant $5,000 campaign contributions are the strongest demonstration of support yet from Jeffries and his allies — and serve as a warning shot to primary challengers seeking to unseat incumbents as Democrats fight to hold onto their fragile majorities. […]
The lawmakers united in an effort to provide resources to the increasing number of House Democrats who face primary challenges — in particular, from the left. That circumstance faces the five incumbents who received endorsements on Wednesday: Reps. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.), and Dina Titus (D-Nev.). Davis and Maloney face opponents backed by Justice Democrats […]
“Democratic leadership should be spending every dime of our party’s resources on helping frontline incumbents in swing districts and protecting our majority instead of coming into a deep-blue district that is clamoring for new leadership,” says Kina Collins, who’s challenging Davis.
$5K ain’t much. Just sayin…
* DGA…
GOP Megadonors Take Opposing Sides, Escalating IL GOP Infighting
Far-right megadonor Richard Uihlein donated $1 million to Darren Bailey’s GOP primary campaign yesterday, just days after Ken Griffin confirmed he’d bankroll Richard Irvin at the top of his Rauner Reboot ticket.
Uihlein’s involvement fulfills the Chicago Tribune’s warning that Griffin’s backing of Irvin was “opening the door to further divisions within the state GOP.”
With the two megadonors taking opposite sides, Bailey and Irvin are set on a collision course that’s sure to escalate the already nasty GOP primary infighting. “Backing Bailey will put them at odds with Illinois’ richest billionaire, Ken Griffin,” wrote FOX 32.
Bailey has already slammed Irvin for not knowing his Republican talking points well enough, alluding to his flip-flopping on issues like abortion and supporting Gov. JB Pritzker.
Uihlein and Griffin both gave millions to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner as he decimated social services and tanked Illinois’ finances — and now they’re each hoping their chosen candidate will help drag Illinois backward.
The Uihleins’ non-profit has spent millions funding Big Lie candidates and bankrolling “right-wing extremist organizations, including ones designated as hate groups.”
It’s no surprise that Uihlein is now backing Bailey, who won’t answer whether he thinks the 2020 election results were valid. Last week, he refused to answer a reporter’s questions about the January 6th insurrection and whether he would accept the results of this year’s election.
“Richard Uihlein and Ken Griffin may be torn on which empty suit will best carry out their far-right agenda — but one thing they can agree on is wanting to undo Illinois’ progress,” said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. “As Darren Bailey and Richard Irvin spout their donors’ talking points, they’ll have to duke it out with each other and the rest of the crowded field to win over a deeply divided base.”
* From Lynn Sweet…
On the Thursday “At the Table,” the Sun-Times political show I co-host with Laura Washington, we’ll be talking about Biden’s upcoming Supreme Court pick with author and CNN host and legal analyst Laura Coates, out with a new book, “Just Pursuits,
plus former Gov. Jim Edgar and WBEZ’s Dave McKinney. At 6:30 p.m. Chicago time. One click link to watch:
*** UPDATE *** This could be important in the Republican primary against Rep. Mary Miller (R-No Relation)…
Farmer trustees representing county Farm Bureaus in the 15th Congressional District are endorsing U.S. Representative Rodney Davis for re-election.
County Farm Bureau leaders meeting as trustees for Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR® – the organization’s political action committee – unanimously endorsed Rep. Davis for his outstanding voting record and many other efforts in the 117th Congress on behalf of farmers in his district.
Congressman Davis has been a true friend of agriculture while serving in Congress. He continues to lead efforts on behalf of Illinois Farm Bureau to improve the lives of Illinois Farm Bureau members. Rep. Davis serves on the Subcommittee of Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research and the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit.
15th District ACTIVATOR® chairman Terry Ferguson said, “our trustees are proud to announce Rep. Rodney Davis will receive the Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR® endorsement. He has been a leading advocate for Illinois farmers. Not only has he been a voice for us on the two most recent Farm Bill conference committees, but over the years Rep. Davis has brought many agriculture leaders to the district to hear directly from us.
Rising input costs, supply chain crises and opportunities to expand the biofuels market are areas that need to be addressed. We are confident Rep. Davis is a fighter that will get the job done. Voters in the 15th congressional district should choose Rodney Davis.”
The endorsement by Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR® places Congressman Davis in a group of select individuals in the state. They understand the leading role Illinois agriculture plays in the global marketplace and the far-reaching benefits of its products. It proves he recognizes that agriculture’s benefits go beyond the vital function of feeding Illinois, the nation, and the world.
Are units at Pontiac prison going to be closed, maybe taking jobs with them? The governor’s office said it’s only in discussion. […]
(A) spokeswoman for the governor said the document was “a draft plan” assembled for discussion within the agency.
“It was not presented to the Governor’s Office for final approval because it is a draft that is expected to be updated after more discussions,” Press Secretary Jordan Abudayyeh said in a statement. “The Department is always interested in considering new ideas to better serve their population and this draft plan is an attempt to spur discussion about ways to improve services.”
[IDOC chief of staff Camille Lindsay] said in an email the department has not started moving people in order to reduce the populations in these facilities.
That claim was disputed by a representative from AFSCME Council 31 – the union that represents IDOC officers.
“The department began moving offenders out of Pontiac last week with no advance notice to the union, the employees or the individuals who were moved,” said Anders Lindall, public affairs director for AFSCME Council 31.
Lindall noted that the union subsequently received notice of IDOC’s intent to reduce populations at Vandalia and Pontiac with a target date of March 16 for the first phase with additional unit closures to be completed by the summer.
Some may consider it a bit of a moonshot, but a drive is under way in Springfield to make Illinois a competitor in the race to win new semiconductor chip factories.
At the behest of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Oakbrook Terrace, has introduced legislation to offer potentially huge tax credits to manufacturers who set up here, as opposed to going to Texas, California or any of the other usual-suspect states.
Hilton’s bill already has cleared the Senate Revenue Committee, and though it will have to return for some technical changes, the measure appears to have a pretty good head of steam.
Hilton said the bill is quite similar to a bill passed last year offering a wide range of employment, utility-tax and other credits to electric vehicle makers and suppliers. The measure, designed to boost the impact of automakers like Rivian that already are in the state, hasn’t yet paid dividends, but state officials say it should prove a success in months to come.
On Feb. 16, State Senator Sally Turner’s (R-Beason) legislation designed to provide additional privacy protections for victims of child sex crimes passed unanimously out of the Illinois Senate.
“This legislation will empower judges to grant additional privacy to victims of child sex crimes who chose to testify by allowing the judge to use their discretion to remove non-interested parties from the courtroom,” said Sen. Turner. “This will help ensure that these vulnerable victims are not forced to speak about one of the worst moments of their life in front of countless strangers.”
Senate Bill 2942 clarifies that a judge can use his or her discretion to clear disinterested parties, excluding media, from the courtroom during the victim’s testimony even if the victim is over 18 years of age as long as the crimes were committed while the victim was still a minor. To safeguard the constitutional rights of defendants, the judge must find that particular parties do not have a direct interest in the case and must put their basis for that finding into the record.
“I am pleased to see the Senate unanimously recognize the importance of providing as much privacy protection as reasonably possible to every victim testifying about their abuse as a child,” continued Sen. Turner. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for the victims of these horrendous crimes as this legislation moves through the process.”
While Senate Bill 2942 was in committee, Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz and McLean County State’s Attorney Don Knapp testified in support of the legislation and addressed its importance. The legislation now heads to the House for further consideration.
The courts in Illinois are allowed to operate largely outside the prying eyes of the press and public because the state’s Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them.
The judicial branch can deny access to the same sorts of records that other local and state government officials are legally obligated to release upon request.
But a bill introduced last month in Springfield would change that.
The bill’s sponsor is Democratic state Rep. Curtis Tarver II of Chicago.
He told WBEZ it was long past time to shine more sunlight on the inner workings of court systems across Illinois.
A measure to make the capitol complex more accessible for visitors with disabilities clears an important hurdle thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).
“The Capitol grounds belong to all of the people,'’ said Peters. “Everyone, regardless of ability, should be able to freely move about the Capitol and be able to navigate their way through our public spaces.”
Senate Bill 0180 requires the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to each appoint an accessibility coordinator to work in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol to address accessibility needs for each chamber.
The measure also creates the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force, which will include members appointed by each legislative leader and a chair jointly appointed by the Speaker and the President. Other appointees would include individuals with a disability or advocates for people with disabilities. The task force shall examine issues concerning accessibility of the General Assembly to persons with a disability. The task force must submit a report of their recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2023.
“This task force will address a critical lack of inclusion in the very center of democracy in this state,” Peters said. “I hope that after the task force completes its recommendations, that we are able to make our capitol grounds more accessible to all.”
The measure passed the Senate Executive committee on Wednesday.
* Senate Resolution 633 is entitled “CVS Awareness Day.” But if you read the resolution’s synopsis you might think Walgreen’s is actually behind the proposal to help wreck its top competitor’s brand. Yuck. /s
A bill that would allow Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize is advancing in Springfield, though obstacles remain a year after a similar effort stalled.
Chicago principals have long complained they don’t have a voice in their working conditions or district policies, but a school administrators union has never existed in the city because state law hasn’t allowed one.
House Bill 5107 would change that, amending the Illinois School Code and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act to make principals, who are supervisors, eligible for collective bargaining exclusively in Chicago. […]
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. William Davis, D-Harvey, passed the House Labor and Commerce Committee by an 18-9 vote Wednesday to advance to the full House. A similar bill passed the House last year and made it out of a Senate committee but wasn’t called for a vote before the full Senate.
A bill that would bring equity to Chicago principals’ salaries and help CPS recruit and retain quality leadership for students has been blocked in the Illinois House of Representatives after misleading pressure from CPS lobbyists.
House Bill 5405, which was set to be called in committee today, was pulled from the agenda at the last minute after CPS lobbyists convinced leadership that the legislation would “preempt ongoing negotiations” with the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association.
“There are no ongoing negotiations, and there never were. That’s exactly why we need this state law to make sure that CPS gives school leaders fair compensation, and doesn’t undercut us behind closed doors,” said Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. “Today’s maneuver makes it clear just how vulnerable Illinois and its leadership is to anti-union tactics from CPS, and ultimately students are hurt the most as CPS continues to lose school leaders year after year.” […]
CPS’s own data shows that one out of every two teachers is paid at a higher hourly rate than the principals who supervise them. This means that teachers who are interested in becoming assistant principals and later principals have to take a pay cut to do so while also giving up the 12 weeks off teachers have over the summer.
(a) The salary schedule for school administrators in the school district must be set so that:
(1) the average hourly rate of pay for an assistant principal is at least 7.5% greater than the average hourly rate of a regular teacher with more than 5 years of experience; and
(2) the average hourly rate of a principal is at least 22.5% greater than the average hourly rate of an assistant principal.
Illinois’ General Assembly is poised to be the next battleground in the fight over COVID-19 public health requirements in schools. Republican lawmakers have filed several bills about masking and vaccine mandates in schools that would limit decision-making by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state board of education, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
HB 4083 by Rep. Adam Niemerg, would prevent the state board of education, local school districts, and schools from requiring school staff or students to wear masks. The Parental Medical Choice Act, HB 4149, sponsored by Rep. David Welter, would prevent the state or any local government or institution from requiring a child to receive a public health service.
HB 4575, sponsored by Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, would block the state board of education from revoking or removing a school district’s recognition, a tool the state board used at the beginning of the year to pressure districts into implementing the state’s mask mandate. Removing state recognition pulls state funding from schools and blocks students from participating in events sponsored by state athletic associations.
Several House Republican legislators have also signed onto the COVID-19 Religious Exemption Act, HB 4239, also sponsored by Niemerg, which would expand the definition of “religious exemption” and offer more loopholes for those who do not want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
It is unclear how far some of these bills will go in the legislature — some are still waiting to be assigned to committee. But the efforts have garnered considerable attention, with thousands of witness slips, and echo debates in school districts across the state and country, where COVID mitigations in schools are seeing pushback from parents and Republican lawmakers.
There’s little to nothing “unclear” about their respective fates. They’re all almost assuredly dead. The House’s committee deadline is tomorrow. Rep. Niemerg’s bills have been assigned to the House Executive Committee, where they will die. Rep. Mazzochi’s bill has no co-sponsors.
* Yesterday, Bailey told his Facebook audience that he and his people “weren’t allowed in the room” when Irvin spoke to the Illinois Sheriffs Association in Peoria, even though Bailey had spoken ahead of Irvin…
But can you imagine what the mayor of a sanctuary city, what the mayor of someone who has propped up and praised everything Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have done, what the mayor of anyone who has indeed, pushed back on his police force, could you imagine what he could have possibly said to the Illinois Sheriffs Association?
Yet there are some sheriffs who have who have signed on to this slate, this slate of people who are running with Mayor Irvin. Friends, get that list. Find out if your people in your community, elected officials are on that list, and go talk to them and ask them what on earth are they thinking? And here’s what they’re going to tell you. They’re going to tell you well, he’s probably going to win because he’s got more money. That’s all they’re going to tell you. And that’s really all they probably care about is the money. Friends I’ve been telling you from day one, money is not going to win this election. Grass roots is going to win this election. We have the grassroots by the grace of God ever since I sued and won against JB Pritzker on July 2nd of 2020, ever since I stood up against the mask mandate, and got kicked out of General Assembly in August of 2020, the grassroots movement has been building because I and others have been standing for you since day one. People understand that. So that’s why we have over 100,000 followers on our Facebook page, continue to share and push out and get people to come along and join our group. That’s why we have over now well over 10,000 active workers throughout the state people out distributing signs, setting up meet and greets, gathering petitions.
— Richard Irvin & Avery Bourne For Illinois (@IrvinBourne4IL) February 17, 2022
* But this was more serious…
The Richard Irvin for Illinois Campaign today is calling on J.B. Pritzker to disclose the actual recommendation he received from the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) in a case where the governor pardoned a convicted arsonist with Democratic political connections, clearing the path for the arsonist to become a fire chief.
“The governor owes an explanation to every firefighter, first responder and family in Illinois as to why he would clear the path for an arsonist to become a fire chief because it defies all logic,” said Irvin Spokesperson Eleni Demertzis. “Given the arsonist’s Democratic political connections, the governor should immediately release the recommendation he received from the Prisoner Review Board.”
Under statute, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board is not allowed to publicly disclose their recommendations to the governor, however, the statute imposes no such restrictions on the governor.
The Governor’s Office had no problem releasing the full PRB file to The Capitol Fax Blog yesterday, so there is no reason the governor cannot release the recommendation of the board.
The PRB recommendations are confidential, and always have been.
* I told subscribers about this earlier today. Press release…
Statement from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
Endorsing Anna Valencia for Secretary of State
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Illinois Secretary of State and I thank the people of Illinois for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve them for an unprecedented six terms. I am proud of what we have accomplished during the past 23-plus years. Through our efforts, we have made Illinois roads safer, improved customer service and cleaned up an office that had been under a cloud of controversy and corruption prior to my tenure.
Since announcing I would not seek another term, I have been frequently asked who I would support as the next Secretary of State. It was important to me that such a person would be committed to good government and public service, that they would take on the job and the responsibility that goes with it, and that they would have the credentials and character that the people of Illinois richly deserve representing them in such an important office.
The Democratic Party is fortunate to have three strong candidates running for this office. However, I believe, one candidate stands out above the rest.
That’s why I am proud to announce my endorsement of Anna Valencia for Secretary of State.
I have known Anna for many years. I am impressed by her energy, commitment to public service and her dedication to getting the job done. As Chicago City Clerk, she has successfully modernized the office and made day-to-day customer service a number one priority. She has the ability and understanding to deliver important services to the public in a consistent, organized and effective manner.
Anna’s personal history gives her a unique ability to relate to Illinoisans of all backgrounds and regions. She grew up in a strong family with a commitment to the Labor movement and they continue to share the values of helping working men and women and improving society for all.
Like me, she comes from the Metro East region – a downstate area across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Anna currently makes her home in Chicago.
Anna is an excellent fit as Secretary of State. She will be a champion of road safety, working to build on our record of saving teen lives and combating drunk driving. She will be a strong advocate for good government and enhanced customer service—keeping up with rapidly changing needs and technologies.
And as it was in 1998, this year’s election for Secretary of State will also be historic.
I made history as the first African American to be elected Secretary of State. And Anna will make history as the first woman and first Latina to be elected Secretary of State.
I believe in my heart that Anna Valencia will be an outstanding Secretary of State and I am deeply proud to offer her my unwavering endorsement.
It goes without saying that this puts her squarely in the game.
Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia released the following statement today after Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed her to succeed him:
“I am humbled and honored that Secretary White has endorsed me to carry on his legacy for the people of Illinois. He made history as our first Black Secretary of State, and I look forward to earning the votes of Illinoisans to make history as the first woman and first woman of color to hold the office. Secretary White is admired, respected and beloved in every corner of Illinois because he consistently shows up and delivers for all communities. I plan to build on his legacy by bringing my experience to the Secretary of State’s office to keep making government more accessible, innovative and open. I am grateful that Secretary White is putting his faith in me, and I will never stop fighting for working class families, women, communities of color and immigrants who need a champion in their elected leaders. I am ready to carry on the torch that Secretary White is passing on to me.”
…Adding… Ald. Moore…
While I am disappointed that Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White chose to endorse one of my opponents in the race to replace him, it is not a surprise. Secretary White has a long history with Senator Dick Durbin and his pick comes out of the organizations of both elected officials.
Again, I am the only candidate in the race who helped circulate petitions for White in his first run for secretary of state in 1997. I believed he was the best person to change the perception of the office from a political steppingstone marred in scandal and corruption to one of customer service and integrity.
I will continue to travel the state to touch as many Illinoisans as possible to share my vision for how to build on the foundation White has put in place during his tenure and how to modernize and improve the secretary of state’s office for the future.
I asked if he was canceling tonight’s fundraiser, and will let you know if I hear back.
…Adding… Sen. Durbin…
“Secretary of State Jesse White’s endorsement of Anna Valencia to be the first woman to hold this statewide office is a game changer. White not only has been our most effective Secretary of State, he is hands down the most popular Democratic statewide official in modern history.”
“I am happy to join him and my colleague Tammy Duckworth in supporting Anna’s campaign to be our first woman Secretary of State.”
…Adding… Alexi Giannoulias campaign…
We’re proud of the more than 200 endorsements Alexi’s campaign has received from elected officials, Democratic groups and organized labor – including SEIU, which has more than 2,500 employees in the Secretary of State’s office, the Cook County Democratic Party and Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association. Alexi’s broad-based, grassroots organization is a clear signal that his message of modernizing the office to reduce long lines and wait times, protect voter rights and increase opportunities to register and to reimagine libraries to increase access and equity is resonating with Illinois voters.
…Adding… Media advisory…
One day after Secretary of State Jesse White offered his “unwavering” endorsement of Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia, Secretary White and Valencia will campaign together TOMORROW, February 18 at 11am CST at Manny’s Deli. After greeting voters, they will hold a media availability.
WHO:
Secretary of State Jesse White
Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia
WHAT:
Campaign stop and media availability
WHEN:
TOMORROW, February 18th
11am CST
WHERE:
Manny’s Deli
1141 S Jefferson Street
Chicago, IL 60607
…Adding… Sen. Duckworth…
As the first statewide elected official to endorse Anna Valencia’s campaign to be the first woman elected as Illinois Secretary of State, I’m thrilled that our current Secretary of State—who knows better than anyone the kind of grit and work ethic needed to serve in this critical role—sees what I’ve always seen in her too. Jesse White has been one of our state’s best and most effective leaders for decades, and he knows what I know: Anna Valencia is the best candidate in this race, and she will be a fantastic Secretary of State for all Illinoisans when she is elected.
…Adding… From Ald. Moore’s spokesperson…
Thank you for sending the state statute. Currently, David Moore is an announced candidate for Illinois secretary of state. Until petitions are filed and the candidate’s name makes the ballot, he is not an official candidate. Also, David’s birthday fundraiser was planned a year ago. He’s held a birthday fundraiser for the last 10 years. So, he does not plan to cancel it.
“Candidate” means a person who has filed nominating papers or petitions for nomination or election to an elected State office, or who has been appointed to fill a vacancy in nomination, and who remains eligible for placement on the ballot at either a general primary election or general election.
