* Mark Maxwell…
A Republican businessman running for governor says taxes are too high in Illinois. If he wins, Gary Rabine would take over a state agency that has unsuccessfully tried to collect more than $10,000 in delinquent taxes from one of his dissolved companies.
“My accounting firm is a great accounting firm, and we’re very seldom actually delinquent,” Rabine said in an interview.
Tax records show the Illinois Department of Employment Security filed a tax lien for $10,262 against Rabine Utility Pavements, LLC, in 2017. Rabine dissolved that company in 2019, according to records filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, but the bill remains unpaid.
When we asked Rabine to explain the delinquency, he said he was unaware of the outstanding debt until we asked him about it. His campaign aides claimed it never showed up in a rigorous financial background check.
“You found the needle in the haystack,” Rabine said in an emailed statement, before blaming the state for failing to properly notify him of his company’s debts.
* Politico on the Democratic state central committee races…
Pritzker doesn’t have a slate of candidates, per se, but he is expected to support Rep. Margaret Croke in the 5th District and lobbyist and political insider Liz Brown-Reeves in the 15th.
There are state reps running for central committee seats, too, including Rep. Delia Ramirez, who’s separately running for Congress in the new 3rd Congressional District.
In the central committee, Ramirez is challenging Cook County Clerk of the Court Iris Martinez, a longtime committee member who also has served on the Democratic National Committee’s Hispanic Caucus.
“I’m very disappointed that Delia would challenge me. It shows some disrespect for people like me who have opened doors for women,” Martinez told Playbook. “I’m ready for the fight. And it’s going to be a fight that spills into the 3rd Congressional District race.”
Ramirez countered in a separate interview, saying, “It’s sad that a woman in this seat for almost two decades is upset that another woman dares to run for that seat. We should be celebrating. We need more women to run.”
Other contested central committee seats: Senate President Don Harmon is challenging Rep. Danny Davis. And Rep. Bobby Rush, who is retiring from Congress but wants to keep his central committee seat, is being challenged by state Sen. Elgie Sims, state Reps. Marcus Evans and Lamont Robinson; and Anthony Hargrove.
* Sullivan looked silly trying to dodge these questions, but governors cannot “outlaw” cannabis or reverse minimum wage laws on their own…
Sullivan’s campaign subsequently walked back the minimum wage remarks.
* Speaking of Sullivan…
Sullivan, who was joined by his running mate, Kathleen Murphy, said the move to file on the last day was “strategic.”
“We had more than enough signatures at the beginning of this whole week,” the Petersburg resident told reporters outside the board’s headquarters, apparently meaning the beginning of the filing period.
“We decided that for strategic purposes, we wanted to hold off,” Sullivan said before entering the building. “We kept collecting signatures all the way to the end.”
Sure, Jan.
* Brenden Moore…
Two candidates, Terry Martin, a Republican, and Ellis Taylor, a Democrat, filed to run in the 13th Congressional District. Democrats Nikki Budzinski and David Palmer, and Republicans Regan Deering, Matt Hausman and Jesse Reising filed last week.
State Rep. Sandy Hamilton, R-Springfield, and businessman Bill Eddington filed to run as Republicans in the 48th Illinois Senate District. State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Springfield attorney Kent Gray, who was Illinois state director for former President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, filed to run against state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, in the 95th Illinois House District Republican primary. […]
Democrat Sharon Chung, a member of the McLean County Board, filed Monday to run for the 91st Illinois House District. She will face Karla Bailey-Smith in the Democratic primary. Republicans Scott Preston, a member of the Normal Town Council, and James Fisher will face off in a primary.
Attorney Thomas DeVore, who has been at the center of several COVID-related lawsuits against the Pritzker administration, filed petitions to run for Illinois Attorney General. He will face Steve Kim and David Shestokas in the Republican primary. Incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul is unopposed in the primary.
DeVore has been in Florida since last week. Sen. Jason Plummer filed his petitions for him.
* Press release…
Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) announced that applications are open for the inaugural Illinois Local Candidate Training Cohort. The Training Cohort is an intensive 12-week program run in partnership with the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) for Democratic candidates running at the countywide level or below to learn the skills necessary to win local elections and lead in their communities.
“Local elected leaders are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and the DPI is committed to supporting Democratic candidates at every level,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. “Local candidates are often running for office for the first time and do not have the resources or capacity of state or federal campaigns. This Local Candidate Training Cohort is a way for us to build the bench in a sustainable, real-time way for candidates who are running for office right now. The DPI is proud to lead this critical effort along with our Democratic partners in Illinois.”
“The IDCCA recruits, trains, and elects Democratic candidates at every level throughout the state, but we know more can be done building the bench and ensuring good people who share our values are governing. This partner program dovetails with our efforts already underway to support local candidates, which includes our annual Boot Camp.” said Kristina Zahorik, President of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association. “This expanded work with DPI will ensure our candidates get the best possible preparation to win in November. I am excited to partner with DPI because together, we are laying the foundation for the next generation of Democratic leaders in Illinois.”
“We’ve seen it time and time again: a strong investment in training local candidates yields big electoral dividends down the road,” said Kelly Dietrich, founder and CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee. “It is encouraging to see Illinois Democrats continue to invest in their local candidates, and we’re excited to bring this program to the Land of Lincoln.”
Candidates included in the training cohort must be actively running for office in the 2022 midterm elections and cannot be running in a primary against another Democrat. The free training program will cover all basic campaign strategies and tactics. It will take place online weekly in the evenings to give cohort members real-time feedback on the challenges and opportunities faced on the campaign trail. Candidates will continue to receive support after the cohort concludes through their victory in November.
More information about the program, including application information, is available at www.ildems.com/cohort. The application period closes April 1.
* More…
* As Candidate Filing Closes in Illinois, Some Want System Reformed: A candidate would approach a voter and ask if they’re a registered voter within that district. If the voter agrees to “do democracy a solid,” as Cassidy puts it, and agrees to sign the petition, “I hand you my tablet instead of my clipboard. I’ve just pulled you up in the voter file. You verify that that’s you, you check a box, you sign, it verifies that your signature is relatively the same — because we all know what we do on those electronic things too … and bada-bing, bada-boom.” Cassidy says it would mean elections attorneys would lose some business, and incumbents like her would see more competition.
* More Senate, congressional candidates file petitions on last day
* As race for Republican gubernatorial nominee begins in earnest, will endorsements matter?
* Jesse Sullivan rounds out governor’s candidates as filing ends
* DPI: QAnon Followers, Big Lie Believers, Trump Acolytes, January 6 Truthers Highlight 2022 ILGOP Line Up
* NARAL Endorses Nikki Budzinski in IL13: Today, NARAL announced their endorsement of Nikki Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. NARAL is a national organization that works to organize their 2.5 million members nationwide for a pro-choice, pro-reproductive freedom agenda. NARAL has 19,364 members in Illinois.
* DuPage County Board incumbents gearing up for primary competition: Contested Republican primary races are expected in three of the six county board districts. Democrats will have two competitive races on the spring ballot.
* Kane County Clerk, some board members face challengers in primary: Former Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen, an Aurora Republican who also served in the state senate for 20 years, is running for county treasurer.
* Big field in Democratic primary for Lake County Board with eight races: With the weeklong filing period now closed, the primary race for sheriff will feature Democrat William C. King challenging incumbent John Idleburg. On the Republican side, Mark A. Vice II, John K. Van Dien II and Jonathan “Jon” Harlow will square off to represent the party in the November election. Only the race for Lake County sheriff will have primaries. The offices of Lake County treasurer, clerk and regional superintendent of schools also are up for contest this year, but none will have a primary race. One wrinkle in the Lake County clerk’s race is that incumbent Robin O’Connor switched parties and is running as a Republican. In November, she’ll face Democratic nominee Anthony Vega, Idleburg’s chief of staff.
…Adding… Press release…
State Representative Sam Yingling’s campaign for Illinois State Senate continues to gain momentum as the Illinois State Conference of the Transport Workers Union of America joins the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois with their endorsement.
“Ilinois’ Labor Unions built the middle class. The Transport Workers Union and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois give their members a voice in their workplace, protects their rights, and make our communities stronger. I will continue to be a strong voice for Illinois Labor in the State Senate. I am honored to have their support,” said Yingling.
“On behalf of the thousands of Transport Workers Union members in the great state of Illinois, we officially endorse Sam Yingling’s candidacy for the Illinois State Senate. We believe he is the right choice for working men and women because of his continued efforts to protect working families in Illinois. We proudly endorse his candidacy and recognize his advocacy for working families.”
“Our members and their families are under increasing pressure to make ends meet in the face of worsening economic pressures. Having elected officials who understand these challenges and will fight to ease the burden on workers is central to our success. We are confident that Sam Yingling will continue to work for our members and their families, as he has previously done in the past working with our Transport Workers Union Locals in Illinois,” said Terry Daniels, Illinois State Conference Director Transport Workers Union.
“Sam Yingling’s support of issues affecting professional firefighters in Illinois has earned our endorsement. The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) represents more than 15,000 professional firefighters in 224 affiliates across the State. We wish him the best in his campaign and look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead,” said Chuck Sullivan, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
…Adding… Press release…
Norma Hernandez submits the most signatures in the 77th House District
Melrose Park, IL - Norma Hernandez released the following statement after filing the most signatures for Illinois’ 77th House District. Her campaign submitted over 1,200 signatures in the first day of filing; three times the amount required.
“After yesterday’s close to the filing period, we confirmed that we have the greatest momentum in the field. We went door-to-door and connected with the most voters, and collected the most signatures of any other campaign in the 77th. I am ready to become the first Latina to represent Illinois’ 77th House District! With Latinos making up almost 60% of the population in the district, it is important they have the opportunity to elect someone who understands them, speaks their language and shares their experience. We are looking forward to the next phase of the campaign.”
Hernandez was amongst the first in line at the board of elections on the first day of filing. Also submitting on the first day, incumbent Representative, Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) who turned in 936 signatures. The two will have their names drawn next week to decide ballot position in the Democratic ticket. Later in the week, perennial Republican candidate Anthony Airdo submitted 1,000 signatures.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:39 am:
Two steps forward, two steps back for Sullivan.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:45 am:
It’s an interesting tidbit, Plummer filing for DeVore.
I find it pretty interesting to dots, and connecting said dots.
- I-72 Blues - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:47 am:
Turn them near the deadline, you’re at the bottom of the ballot. In a crowded field, if you’re not on top, be on the bottom.
- Here we go - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:49 am:
Wait - Terry Martin of “Illinois Channel” is running for Congress as a Republican? Wonder if he has to step down from his media job?
- Back to theFuture - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:51 am:
Noticed that Beverly Miles filed on 3/14 at 11:26 to run in the Democratic Primary for Governor.
I remember her announcement, but not much news since the announcement.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:52 am:
= blaming the state for failing to properly notify him of his company’s debts =
God forbid he should keep track of his own finances.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:57 am:
The government is responsible for informing us of our financial obligations?
Not been my experience, comrade.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 9:59 am:
Steve Kim needs to get DeVore knocked off the ballot, or he’s going to have a miserable spring.
Fortunately, it’s DeVore, so good chance his signatures are bad.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:00 am:
“No, I am not interested in repealing legalized cannabis nor the minimum wage. I am interested in etc.”
Man, some of these cats make this way too hard, which tells me they aren’t all that.
- Virginia - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:03 am:
I’m not sure why Gov Pritzker or any statewide candidate would take sides in a contentious Democratic Primary this year - especially a Primary with a date so close to the General Election. Isn’t he inviting Kn Griffin to work against him indirectly?
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:06 am:
“…Pritzker doesn’t have a slate of candidates, per se,…” but he seems very concerned with who controls the party.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:15 am:
== Isn’t he inviting Kn Griffin to work against him indirectly? ==
There’s not really any upside for Griffin to play in Dem Central Committee races.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:16 am:
The thing about Sullivan;
He has all these plans and ideas, ok, and some are written down, or put in a list, or seemingly thoughtful to policy…
… but Sullivan isn’t serious to any of it, as it’s a list of talking point gumbo that Sullivan may, or may not, even believe in or wants to happen.
Sullivan is a Rauner type empty vessel, less the agenda and pretending that agenda is hurtful so there’s a need for costumes.
I don’t think Sullivan flip flops, I do think Sullivan says whatever pops in his mind, then tries to make the mess seem like a stance of some sort.
Amateurs do this.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:21 am:
“Man, some of these cats make this way too hard, which tells me they aren’t all that.”
Exactly. All that dodgin’ and spouting of talking points when they should just answer the questions and move on. For example, did they vote for Trump? Just answer and move on. It’s the least we can expect from those who base their campaigns on standing up to violent criminals.
- Club J - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:30 am:
I found it rather odd Tom DeVore had Jason Plummer file his petitions for him. This is his first election other than the School Board he ran for and the whole “window licker” scandal broke out. You’d think he’d want the fanfare and his chance to be in front of the reporters.
Maybe when that big stack of petitions he had his picture taken with ends up being only one signature per page. He can spin it that somehow there was a mixup and Pritzker got ahold of them and got him disqualified. All while he’s at Disney with Goofy filing lawsuits.
- TheInvisibleMan - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:34 am:
“Sen. Jason Plummer filed his petitions for him”
You know, I don’t recall ever seeing a carpetbagger who actually lives in the area.
- New Day - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:45 am:
“Wait - Terry Martin of “Illinois Channel” is running for Congress as a Republican? Wonder if he has to step down from his media job?”
Terry is an activist Republican on his social media channels and has been for years. That said, if I had to guess I’d say it’s probably a different Terry Martin. If it’s not, he’s got some ’splainin to do.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 10:57 am:
=== I’d say it’s probably a different Terry Martin===
lol
- Red Ranger - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 11:16 am:
In fairness to DeVore, its been 85 and sunny down in Naples for the last couple of days, so why come home now? In fact, most meetings are on Zoom now, so he can even be a “remote” AG. I think this guy is on to something.
- vern - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 11:19 am:
Ok I thought you all were kidding about Devore being in Florida, but he really left the state before getting his petitions turned in? This guy’s life sounds exhausting. Starting to get strong Avenatti vibes here, he might be headed for an epic crash and burn.
- Sir Reel - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 11:22 am:
Looks like Rabine’s pavement company is very seldom actually in business.
Does he know that?
- The Hills 60010 - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 11:35 am:
- Arsenal - “== Isn’t he inviting Kn Griffin to work against him indirectly? ==
There’s not really any upside for Griffin to play in Dem Central Committee races.”
No, there is no upside for Griffin to get into the weeds the Governor has waded into, but did any ever stop to think about what happens if just enough aren’t inspired to get out and work to get the vote out and then take the time to vote? Not all voters votes, and good will, can be purchased. Some can wait cycles out, but we might end up losing some Blue Wave gains that party leads must be taking for granted.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 11:48 am:
==Springfield attorney Kent Gray,==
They should have said “Springfield attorney and perennial candidate Kent Gray.”
- Torco Sign - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 12:03 pm:
Democrats have been improving in Lake County but I have a feeling a lot of those incumbents, particularly on the county board, are going to lose. They were swept into office because of Trump not because of any message about themselves or the Republicans they beat.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 12:44 pm:
====When we asked Rabine to explain the delinquency, he said he was unaware of the outstanding debt until we asked him about it. His campaign aides claimed it never showed up in a rigorous financial background check.
====“You found the needle in the haystack,” Rabine said in an emailed statement, before blaming the state for failing to properly notify him of his company’s debts.
I just found it in about 5 minutes. https://mytax.illinois.gov/_/Retrieve/0/Dc/OlORA1k57b3qIuA4OpvVCw__?FILE__=Print2&PARAMS__=3205348369803323797
I don’t think rigorous means what he thinks it means.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 12:47 pm:
===DeVore has been in Florida since last week. Sen. Jason Plummer filed his petitions for him.
Is he visiting Andy Martin?
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 1:36 pm:
==but did any ever stop to think about what happens if just enough aren’t inspired to get out and work to get the vote out and then take the time to vote?==
I hope so. And if they did, I hope they concluded that primaries for the state central committee won’t have any effect on Democratic enthusiasm in the fall.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Tuesday, Mar 15, 22 @ 2:16 pm:
SJ-R is reporting that within a four-home range of Leland Grove, there are two candidates for County Board Dist. 24, Chairman Andy Van Meter and Democratic opponent Maureen Bommarito. Also George Preckwinckle (no relation to Toni) lives next door to Van Meter but falls within new District 25.
The article also mentions another perennial Springfield candidate is challenging incumbent Rose Ruzic in the District 18 Democratic primary, none other than our old friend Sam Cahnman.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2022/03/14/leland-grove-neighbors-vie-sangamon-county-board-seat/9432058002/