* Sen. Darren Bailey talking to WMBD’s Matt Sheehan, who asked if he thought he would get former President Donald Trump’s endorsement…
I am the only America first candidate. I am the only true conservative. And I believe at the end of the day that’s going to earn Trump’s endorsement. There’s a possibility that he may be coming to the Quincy area before the primary and that, yes, we have very high hopes that we will be receiving his endorsement.
50 Comments
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:51 am:
This is only slightly more specific than his previous predictions of a Trump endorsement, and those were basically wishes, so I’ll believe it when I see it.
I don’t think they’ve thought too much about a path come July, if they win, which is good, one election at a time, but this cycle, even when Trump won in 2016, there’s little thought outside of the micro-focused races at any cost to “after”
Gotta win to face those general election challenges. Yep.
That being said, if Bailey (or any of them) *can* get a Trump endorsement, somewhere within the last six weeks before election day is the best time to drop it.
I’m thinking that new WGN TV poll was very good for Bailey’s chances of a Trump endorsement.
Trump is not irrational these days when it comes to handing out endorsements. He wants to seem like a kingmaker, and a candidate who’s just a little behind, but who can show signs of closing the gap, where polls show a Trump endorsement would be helpful, and who’s willing to kiss Trump’s ring … Well, it worked for JD Vance, anyways. Only bonus points would be if (like Vance) Bailey could ingratiate himself into someone within Trump’s inner circle willing to lobby hard on his behalf. (Maybe he has for all I know).
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:06 am:
Did Bailey ever say he actually voted for Trump? Did a quick search but didn’t find. Is there a fear among most of these candidates (even the most “conservative”) to say they voted for him? They should be asked, too, if they weren’t already.
This seems pretty far fetched to me. The national media covering Trump haven’t mentioned this race at all, and there’s very little evidence of Bailey making headway.
Trump has had a big Illinois-shaped blind spot since his 2016 UIC rally and generally shows very little interest in safe blue seats. There also hasn’t been much of a proverbial (or literal) bidding war here. Every candidate in OH-Sen, PA-Sen, etc flew down there multiple times to kiss the ring. Might be hard to pique Trump’s interest if there’s no one for him to humiliate.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:08 am:
==Quincy makes sense for a rally because it’s in the new 15th district.==
And it’s in the heart of the Western Bloc (aka Forgottonia).
One election at a time, the Trump endorsement would help in the primary, if nothing else for a ton of free media.
I am looking forward to the DGA ads pointing out he got the Trump endorsement.
Just what does this Republican plant,
Think he’ll get what the other’s ones can’t?
Everyone knows a Trump rant,
Still leaves winning scant.
But he’s got HIGH HOPES (refrain).
“I believe”…”There’s a possibility”…”he may”…”we have very high hopes”
That’s a lot of qualifiers. Almost like he really has no idea.
Do we really know if he has any real “connections”. So far he’s been seen at a fundraiser and gotten a picture that anyone who writes a big enough check could’ve gotten. That would’ve been a great time for an endorsement, no? It apparently was for Mary Miller. Maybe Bailey’s check just hasn’t cleared yet.
It’s not just about the viability of the candidate in the primary, even though I think the recent poll helps Bailey get this endorsement. Trump already publicly accused Griffin of hiding money after his divorce, because, presumably, Trump was angry at Griffin for giving money to every other candidate but him in 2016. Instead of a public snub, helping to ensure that Griffin’s +/- $50 million dollar investment in Irvin was wasted would be more effective retaliation.
-I’m thinking that new WGN TV poll was very good for Bailey’s chances of a Trump endorsement.-
I tend to agree. This is a classic money versus enthusiasm battle shaping up. Is there anyone out there really excited or motivated to go vote for Irvin? I’m skeptical. Money can bury the opposition, but money doesn’t vote.
It’s also the middle of the Summer, and the Tuesday before 4th of July weekend. How many people are even going to be thinking or caring about an election in late June? How many are going to be away from home on vacation that week? It’s a dynamic we really don’t see much in Illinois.
I grew up in Quincy (70’s) — and then went off to college. It’s definitely Trump country from all the signs in the yards (including the burma shave signs on the way into Quincy) — but good grief. Of all things — Trump in Quincy.
Good luck, buddy. And BTW — go to Sprout’s on N 12th, on account that’s where the little old lady was who kept telling Rauner (!!) to stay strong, stay the course.
Is there anyone out there really excited or motivated to go vote for Irvin?
-
This is correct. Despite millions he still lacks a base and the few that say vote him are the ones that are saying Griffins money to compete with Pritzker is the only reason why.
Ron - I can answer your question although I can only speak for myself. I am not excited to go vote for Irvin. But I will, most likely. Why? A smart guy once said you go to war with the army you have, not the army you wish you had. The only candidate who seems to excite anyone is Bailey, but I can’t imagine a scenario where he can win the general election. Of the remaining members of the platoon, only Irvin has a ghost of a chance, and only if he can pick up some momentum. But it’s still a ways to the primary, never mind the general, and there are volatile issues percolating that could change the landscape.
Most of the other races where Trump endorsed were competitive for Republicans. This one isn’t. Pritzker will beat whoever the candidate is. Why get involved if you’re Trump?
With 1/3 of the primary voters on the fence, and potentially 50% being influenced by what the former President might do, the issue looms large. And for Bailey the next best thing to getting a Trump endorsement is to create the appearance that he would otherwise get his endorsement (assuming Trump doesn’t weigh in). Irvin knows this is a real threat which is why he’s put resources behind portraying Bailey as a Democrat. But that carries it’s own consequences. If Bailey loses, after being cast as a Democrat, he’s quite likely to take the Jeanne Ives scorched earth route. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy that will get behind the Republican nominee regardless of who it is particularly if that nominee runs as a moderate in the general.
For the same reason that Trump gets involved in anything these days. To stay relevant, to be part of the conversation in 2024, to broaden your base of defenders, to mitigate and minimize the impact of the select committee hearings. Trump isn’t helping any of these candidates as much as he’s helping himself.
Only if Metro Chicago disappears. And Missouri invades the metro east.
Then yes.
I think the data tells us that the trump endorsement within the ilgop voter block would be a big deal. I pray on everything sacred that bailey gets the nod and wins the primary. I want to see bailey in the general simply for the crazy he will bring. When he comes north he looks like a fish out of water, he doesn’t even sound like he is from Illinois.
A bailey win will also hurt the down ballot ilgop candidates. I know the trouncing of rauner by the largest margin in recent memory did nothing to change the message, but one more cycle of getting hammered might, at least that is what I am hoping. I have given up on the national party but hope someday that the ilgop will be relevant and have some ideas I can get behind.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:37 pm:
=Why would tramp ever come to Illinois?=
He came here while he was President and famously snubbed BVR, so…
Would Bailey stand a snowball’s chance against JB?
Every loser Trump backs chips away at his kingmaking creds. Not that the $25 MM+ Griffin has thrown at Irvin is big dough for him, but an endorsement of Bailey would cost Trump little to nothing in $$.
Mr. JM has it right. Lots of wishin’ and hopin’ by Bailey (hat tip to BR for the g droppin’).
“He promised me he’d have it for me in two weeks.”
Takes time to print, sign, and mail the fund raising pictures.
- The Ford Lawyer - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:54 pm:
No excited about voting for Irvin, however, I am excited about having someone to vote for who is not Darren Bailey and seems to ahve a chance of beating him. Winning the general? Not so much, but one election at a time….
Bailey made the pilgrimage to Mar-A-Lago, but the REAL question is: did he pay the freight? Trump’s endorsement these days requires ring-kissing, yes, but also the spending of cash at Mar-A-Lago. Bailey strikes me as too cheap and/or too proud to pay.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:51 am:
I think the DGA would pay for Trump’s trip.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:52 am:
Talk about winning the battle to lose the war.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:53 am:
Likely a “game changer” in the primary.
Likely a “game ender” going forward in the general.
If the goal of the exercise is to win a primary, it’s the best possible happening for Bailey, a gift.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:55 am:
===Likely a “game ender” going forward===
Does he have a path, period?
One election at a time.
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:56 am:
This is only slightly more specific than his previous predictions of a Trump endorsement, and those were basically wishes, so I’ll believe it when I see it.
- Roadrager - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:57 am:
“He promised me he’d have it for me in two weeks.”
- Marty Funkhouser - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:57 am:
Say what you will about Trump, but he can smell a loser.
- Out Here In The Middle - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:57 am:
“True Conservative”? Not sure that Ronald Reagan’s ghost would understand how that term is used today.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:58 am:
If you listen carefully you can hear Jim Durkin slowly bang his head on his desk.
- Real - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 9:58 am:
For a man being outspent and having connections with Trump why would he not use it to separate it from other GOP candidates in the primary?
- Lake Villa Township - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:00 am:
Quincy makes sense for a rally because it’s in the new 15th district.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:00 am:
===One election at a time.===
Yep.
The goal of the exercise is to win the primary.
I don’t think they’ve thought too much about a path come July, if they win, which is good, one election at a time, but this cycle, even when Trump won in 2016, there’s little thought outside of the micro-focused races at any cost to “after”
Gotta win to face those general election challenges. Yep.
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:05 am:
==having connections with Trump==
Objection, assumes facts not in evidence.
That being said, if Bailey (or any of them) *can* get a Trump endorsement, somewhere within the last six weeks before election day is the best time to drop it.
- ZC - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:05 am:
I’m thinking that new WGN TV poll was very good for Bailey’s chances of a Trump endorsement.
Trump is not irrational these days when it comes to handing out endorsements. He wants to seem like a kingmaker, and a candidate who’s just a little behind, but who can show signs of closing the gap, where polls show a Trump endorsement would be helpful, and who’s willing to kiss Trump’s ring … Well, it worked for JD Vance, anyways. Only bonus points would be if (like Vance) Bailey could ingratiate himself into someone within Trump’s inner circle willing to lobby hard on his behalf. (Maybe he has for all I know).
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:06 am:
Did Bailey ever say he actually voted for Trump? Did a quick search but didn’t find. Is there a fear among most of these candidates (even the most “conservative”) to say they voted for him? They should be asked, too, if they weren’t already.
- vern - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:08 am:
This seems pretty far fetched to me. The national media covering Trump haven’t mentioned this race at all, and there’s very little evidence of Bailey making headway.
Trump has had a big Illinois-shaped blind spot since his 2016 UIC rally and generally shows very little interest in safe blue seats. There also hasn’t been much of a proverbial (or literal) bidding war here. Every candidate in OH-Sen, PA-Sen, etc flew down there multiple times to kiss the ring. Might be hard to pique Trump’s interest if there’s no one for him to humiliate.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:08 am:
==Quincy makes sense for a rally because it’s in the new 15th district.==
And it’s in the heart of the Western Bloc (aka Forgottonia).
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:11 am:
==Trump has had a big Illinois-shaped blind spot since his 2016 UIC rally and generally shows very little interest in safe blue seats.==
Trump also seems a little cowed by Pritzker, so may not be all that interested in putting his head on a pike.
- OneMan - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:11 am:
One election at a time, the Trump endorsement would help in the primary, if nothing else for a ton of free media.
I am looking forward to the DGA ads pointing out he got the Trump endorsement.
- Jocko - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:12 am:
::cue up Sinatra::
Just what does this Republican plant,
Think he’ll get what the other’s ones can’t?
Everyone knows a Trump rant,
Still leaves winning scant.
But he’s got HIGH HOPES (refrain).
- fs - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:14 am:
==having connections with Trump==
“I believe”…”There’s a possibility”…”he may”…”we have very high hopes”
That’s a lot of qualifiers. Almost like he really has no idea.
Do we really know if he has any real “connections”. So far he’s been seen at a fundraiser and gotten a picture that anyone who writes a big enough check could’ve gotten. That would’ve been a great time for an endorsement, no? It apparently was for Mary Miller. Maybe Bailey’s check just hasn’t cleared yet.
- Montrose - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:14 am:
I think Bailey is just hoping that if says the words “Trump endorsement” enough times, people will just assume he got it and vote accordingly.
- AC - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:16 am:
It’s not just about the viability of the candidate in the primary, even though I think the recent poll helps Bailey get this endorsement. Trump already publicly accused Griffin of hiding money after his divorce, because, presumably, Trump was angry at Griffin for giving money to every other candidate but him in 2016. Instead of a public snub, helping to ensure that Griffin’s +/- $50 million dollar investment in Irvin was wasted would be more effective retaliation.
- fs - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:17 am:
Also, if there is an endorsement close to the primary date, that means it would be weeks after early voting starts.
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:25 am:
==it would be weeks after early voting starts==
Might not be a big deal. Trump has discouraged early voting, and obviously undecided voters aren’t going to have voted yet.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:26 am:
-I’m thinking that new WGN TV poll was very good for Bailey’s chances of a Trump endorsement.-
I tend to agree. This is a classic money versus enthusiasm battle shaping up. Is there anyone out there really excited or motivated to go vote for Irvin? I’m skeptical. Money can bury the opposition, but money doesn’t vote.
- fs - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:31 am:
It’s also the middle of the Summer, and the Tuesday before 4th of July weekend. How many people are even going to be thinking or caring about an election in late June? How many are going to be away from home on vacation that week? It’s a dynamic we really don’t see much in Illinois.
- Mr K - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:36 am:
Trump in Quincy would be the weirdest thing ever.
I grew up in Quincy (70’s) — and then went off to college. It’s definitely Trump country from all the signs in the yards (including the burma shave signs on the way into Quincy) — but good grief. Of all things — Trump in Quincy.
Good luck, buddy. And BTW — go to Sprout’s on N 12th, on account that’s where the little old lady was who kept telling Rauner (!!) to stay strong, stay the course.
- Moe Berg - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:39 am:
There is a potential Trump - Griffin proxy-war angle here.
Griff is backing FL Gov. Deathsantis big time, and sees him as an alternative to Trump.
Trump’s got an opportunity to send a message by helping defeat Griff-backed cipher Irvin.
- Real - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:40 am:
Is there anyone out there really excited or motivated to go vote for Irvin?
-
This is correct. Despite millions he still lacks a base and the few that say vote him are the ones that are saying Griffins money to compete with Pritzker is the only reason why.
- AC - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:45 am:
It just isn’t worth commenting sometimes, but if you google Trump Griffin hiding you can connect the dots.
- Captain Obvious - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 10:49 am:
Ron - I can answer your question although I can only speak for myself. I am not excited to go vote for Irvin. But I will, most likely. Why? A smart guy once said you go to war with the army you have, not the army you wish you had. The only candidate who seems to excite anyone is Bailey, but I can’t imagine a scenario where he can win the general election. Of the remaining members of the platoon, only Irvin has a ghost of a chance, and only if he can pick up some momentum. But it’s still a ways to the primary, never mind the general, and there are volatile issues percolating that could change the landscape.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:06 am:
Captain - You are a rational, thoughtful, pragmatic, involved voter. Unfortunately I think you are outnumbered.
- MisterJayEm - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:10 am:
Sounds like somebody who just read ‘The Secret’ and is trying to ‘manifest’ his vision board.
– MrJM
- Real - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:11 am:
It just isn’t worth commenting sometimes, but if you google Trump Griffin hiding you can connect the dots.
-
Very interesting. And Trump loves to get even.
- Langhorne - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:15 am:
As rapacious as trump is, who pays his travel tab?
- Almost the Weekend - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:23 am:
It’s going to be hilarious when he talks about the beautiful Trump Tower in Chicago when he’s in Quincy. He defies all logic, it’s amazing.
- don the legend - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:48 am:
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
I think we are going to be amazed at what is yet to happen in this primary race and maybe others. (Miller vs. Davis)
- My 2 Cents - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:51 am:
Most of the other races where Trump endorsed were competitive for Republicans. This one isn’t. Pritzker will beat whoever the candidate is. Why get involved if you’re Trump?
- 47th Ward - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:55 am:
“Help me Obi-Don, you’re my only hope.”
- Pundent - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:05 pm:
With 1/3 of the primary voters on the fence, and potentially 50% being influenced by what the former President might do, the issue looms large. And for Bailey the next best thing to getting a Trump endorsement is to create the appearance that he would otherwise get his endorsement (assuming Trump doesn’t weigh in). Irvin knows this is a real threat which is why he’s put resources behind portraying Bailey as a Democrat. But that carries it’s own consequences. If Bailey loses, after being cast as a Democrat, he’s quite likely to take the Jeanne Ives scorched earth route. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy that will get behind the Republican nominee regardless of who it is particularly if that nominee runs as a moderate in the general.
- Pundent - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:16 pm:
=Why get involved if you’re Trump?=
For the same reason that Trump gets involved in anything these days. To stay relevant, to be part of the conversation in 2024, to broaden your base of defenders, to mitigate and minimize the impact of the select committee hearings. Trump isn’t helping any of these candidates as much as he’s helping himself.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:18 pm:
Why would tramp ever come to Illinois? The republican’ts have no chance at any statewide elected position.
Beetle isn’t good looking enough, influential enough, nor ever been a “star” on TV or in the movies to attract tramps eye.
The only reason tramp has had anything to do with beetle is beetle paid for a picture.
Beetle is a super minority state legislator from a rural district. There is no reason for tramp to expend any effort on beetle’s behalf.
- JS Mill - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:36 pm:
=Does he have a path, period?=
Only if Metro Chicago disappears. And Missouri invades the metro east.
Then yes.
I think the data tells us that the trump endorsement within the ilgop voter block would be a big deal. I pray on everything sacred that bailey gets the nod and wins the primary. I want to see bailey in the general simply for the crazy he will bring. When he comes north he looks like a fish out of water, he doesn’t even sound like he is from Illinois.
A bailey win will also hurt the down ballot ilgop candidates. I know the trouncing of rauner by the largest margin in recent memory did nothing to change the message, but one more cycle of getting hammered might, at least that is what I am hoping. I have given up on the national party but hope someday that the ilgop will be relevant and have some ideas I can get behind.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:37 pm:
=Why would tramp ever come to Illinois?=
He came here while he was President and famously snubbed BVR, so…
- Baloneymous - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:07 pm:
===I want to see bailey in the general simply for the crazy he will bring.===
This x 1000.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 2:04 pm:
Would Bailey stand a snowball’s chance against JB?
Every loser Trump backs chips away at his kingmaking creds. Not that the $25 MM+ Griffin has thrown at Irvin is big dough for him, but an endorsement of Bailey would cost Trump little to nothing in $$.
Mr. JM has it right. Lots of wishin’ and hopin’ by Bailey (hat tip to BR for the g droppin’).
- Huh? - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:39 pm:
“He promised me he’d have it for me in two weeks.”
Takes time to print, sign, and mail the fund raising pictures.
- The Ford Lawyer - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:54 pm:
No excited about voting for Irvin, however, I am excited about having someone to vote for who is not Darren Bailey and seems to ahve a chance of beating him. Winning the general? Not so much, but one election at a time….
- Eastern Bloc Gulag - Friday, May 13, 22 @ 8:37 am:
Bailey made the pilgrimage to Mar-A-Lago, but the REAL question is: did he pay the freight? Trump’s endorsement these days requires ring-kissing, yes, but also the spending of cash at Mar-A-Lago. Bailey strikes me as too cheap and/or too proud to pay.