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Question of the day
Monday, May 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a Washington Times story entitled “Bar association threatens judge with ‘Not Recommended’ rating over ‘political’ questionnaire“…
A conservative judge running for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court says the state bar association has threatened him with a “Not Recommended” rating if he doesn’t fill out its “political” questionnaire on diversity and LGBT issues.
Judge John A. Noverini was elected to the16th Circuit Court in Illinois in 2008. In 2014, the Illinois State Bar Association gave him a “Recommended” rating, but now it is threatening to publicly announce he is “Not Recommended” if he fails to fill out the group’s questionnaire to evaluate judicial candidates.
Judge Noverini told the association he won’t be participating in its review this year because it presents a conflict of interest to have an endorsement from a group that represents lawyers. He also said threatening judges into participating in the questionnaire — or else get a “Not Recommended” rating — is a form of “bullying.” […]
“The left-leaning ISBA has a vested interest in who sits on the Supreme Court. Accepting endorsements or ratings from organizations that represent attorneys crosses the line and brings into question the fairness and impartiality of our judicial system. Labeling a candidate as ‘not recommended’ for choosing not to participate in the evaluation process is a veiled threat and a subtle way of bullying. Participating in the judicial evaluation is inappropriate and it’s why I respectfully declined to engage with the evaluation and requested that my name not be associated with this process,” he said.
* Questions asked by the State Bar…
• “Do you belong to any business or social clubs, organizations, unions or associations which use race, gender, sexual orientation or national origin as a basis for determining memberships or the privileges of membership?”
• “How important is it to you to have inclusion from people of a different race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or sexual orientation than you as a lawyer and/or judge in the legal profession?
• “What efforts, if any, have you made in your community to include people of a different race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or sexual orientation than you as a lawyer and/or judge in the legal profession?”
Seems fairly standard. If a judicial candidate belongs to a club that excludes Jewish people, for instance, voters should know.
* I asked the ISBA for a response…
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) evaluates candidates for judicial office as part of its public service mission. Informed voters make better decisions in Illinois judicial elections.
Candidates for the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Court outside of Cook County are evaluated by an independent ISBA committee. The committee emphasizes integrity and transparency in its process, which is nonpartisan and equitable to all candidates. The committee uses 12 criteria that are considered to be vitally important characteristics of good judges. They are: litigation experience; professional experience; health and age of the candidate; legal knowledge and ability; integrity; sensitivity to diversity and bias; judicial temperament; diligence; punctuality; impartiality; professional conduct; and character.
The committee process involves many steps. It includes: a 40-point questionnaire; investigations that involve interviews with lawyers knowledgeable about the candidates; a formal interview with candidates; and thorough review and finalization of ratings by the full committee.
Candidates are not required to participate. However, those who decline to participate are informed that they will receive a “Not Recommended” rating because the committee has no basis to assign any other rating. When the results are publicly released, an explanation of the “Not Recommended” rating of candidates who do not participate is provided.
* The Question: Do you think the questions above are reasonable or not? Please make sure to explain your answer. Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
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Campaign notebook
Monday, May 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A June 28 primary has no precedent in Illinois’ political memory, so, yeah, Ruttenberg could very well be right. From Kate Walter at the Daily Northwestern…
While primary elections usually take place in March, the Illinois General Assembly voted to push the primaries until June 28 to account for delayed 2020 census data.
Rachel Ruttenberg, the board president for the Democratic Party of Evanston, said she is worried that this delay could impact voter turnout in Evanston.
“Even though I know that Evanstonians are typically politically active and passionate about governance, I am concerned that we will be challenged to turn out the votes in late June,” Ruttenberg said.
* From Pearson’s story on the revamped Democratic Party of Illinois…
The modernization of the party also is reflected in a comprehensive post-primary campaign for Democrats across the November ballot that is expected to be unveiled in coming days. Funded and led by the billionaire Pritzker, the coordinated campaign will also enlist the state party organization, the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association and other ancillary groups.
“You know, this is a challenging year and we shouldn’t take anything for granted,” Durbin said. “So let’s all get it together.”
The party’s evolution from the Madigan era also is seen in the development, from scratch, of a digital program, something Witt called a “core part of how campaigns need to communicate in 2022.″
Witt said Kelly “had this vision for a modern professional party” and how it communicates its message, as well as “trying to engage volunteers and organizers and activists who will get that message to their network.” The party is six months into developing its email program, and its mailing list now totals more than 100,000 people, she said.
They definitely have some major knots to untangle during the primary season to get their thing ready for November. But they’re also not alone in that.
* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin was asked by WCIA last week about his support for Richard Irvin in the GOP primary…
Q: What is it about the rest of the field that you believe makes them unable to beat Gov. Pritzker?
A: We’ve got to be able to win in the suburbs and also in Chicago. None of them have that type of quality or appeal that is strong enough as Richard’s to be able to reach into areas where we traditionally have not won. So that is why I think Richard, on balance, is clearly the strongest candidate to compete against JB Pritzker. And here’s also why: The DGA, the Democratic Governors Association, is not running TV ads against Darren Bailey, or Gary Rabine or Jesse Sullivan. They’re running against Richard Irvin. They are scared of Richard. They don’t want to run against Richard. That is why they’re making this huge investment.
Q: So you’re saying Democrats aren’t scared of any of the other candidates, only Richard?
A: No. Clearly. They’d be running television commercials against them as well.
He ain’t wrong.
* Speaking of Richard Irvin, this mailer is from the same guy who hasn’t yet said, despite being asked multiple times, for whom he voted for president in 2020 and 2016, or, for that matter, in any of the many Democratic primaries he took part in…
* Politifact says congressional candidate is telling the truth…
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau claims the village’s crime is the lowest it has been in 27 years.
Since Pekau first announced his GOP bid last year for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District, he has repeatedly touted Orland Park’s low crime numbers.
“We’ve reduced crime to its lowest level in 27 years,” Pekau said in a recent Facebook campaign ad with more than 88,000 views. […]
Pekau claims crime in Orland Park is at its lowest level in 27 years. Index crimes are currently at their lowest, but the crime problems in some areas remain. Pekau also did not mention the high number of violent crimes reported in 2017, the year he took office.
We rate this claim True.
* On to the SoS race…
Secretary of State Candidate David Moore is proud to receive the endorsements of two people who are synonymous with good government and integrity. At a news conference Monday, May 2, 2022, 10 a.m., at the Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph St., Orpheum Room, 3rd Floor, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (7th CD) and former Chicago Alderman Dick Simpson will endorse Moore as their choice for the next Illinois Secretary of State. Both men believe Moore’s record of integrity and good government are the two most important characteristics for the person seeking to replace Secretary Jesse White, who is retiring after this term.
At the news conference, Moore will outline his plans to keep the office transparent and accountable to prevent it from returning to a political seat instead of a servant’s seat.
The recent media revelations showing elected officials using their political positions to enrich themselves is why the secretary of state’s seat must remain a servant’s seat and not a steppingstone for people’s political resumes or ambitions,” says Moore, who also serves as Chicago’s 17th Ward alderman.
* Illinois Family Action has traditionally been the hardcore of the hardcore on the far right…
Jim Marter for Congress (IL-14) Receives Illinois Family Action Endorsement
Oswego, IL (April 30, 2022) – “I’m excited and grateful to receive this important endorsement from Illinois Family Action. Their mission in part is to make sure our politicians and representatives honor the values of family, faith and freedom. For too long, we’ve confined the voice of people of faith to their houses of worship. Then, we started seeing big government locking them out of their churches. Pro-family, pro-faith, regular Americans, deserve a voice in Congress and in society. They pay taxes, make their communities better and try to raise their kids as productive citizens who love America and their fellow man. I share these values and I hear their voice. Freedom, family and faith are pillars of our society and policies should favor them, not undermine them,” said Marter.
* National poll…
* The education culture war is raging. But for most parents, it’s background noise: That satisfaction extends to hot-button topics. In the poll, 76% of respondents agree that “my child’s school does a good job keeping me informed about the curriculum, including potentially controversial topics.” “It really is a pretty vocal minority that is hyper-focused on parental rights and decisions around curriculum,” observes Mallory Newall of Ipsos, which conducted the poll. Just 18% of parents say their child’s school taught about gender and sexuality in a way that clashed with their family’s values; just 19% say the same about race and racism; and just 14% feel that way about U.S. history.
* From the poll: More parents believe their child’s school is teaching about race and racism, the impact of slavery, and sexuality and gender identity in a way that is consistent with their values than not. However, a sizeable portion – roughly one in three – indicate they don’t know. Republican (26%) parents are more likely than Democratic (11%) and independent (17%) ones to say their child’s school is not teaching about sexuality and gender identity in a way that is consistent with their values. This is the only issue in the survey where there is a significant difference in opinion between Republican and Democratic parents.
…Adding… We’ve already discussed the Jesse Sullivan endorsement, but here are other Lake County GOP endorsements…
1. Governor/Lt. Governor: Jesse Sullivan/Kathleen Murphy (68%);
2. Attorney General: David Shestokas (60%);
3. Secretary of State: Dan Brady (84.6%);
4. U.S. Senator: Kathy Salvi (92.3%);
5. U.S. House (CD-5): Maggie McGonigal (100%);
6. U.S. House (CD-11): Mark Carroll (60%);
That AG candidate has not yet reported raising a single thin dime.
…Adding… Planned Parenthood made just one endorsement in the SoS primary…
Democratic Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia announced today that she has earned the endorsement of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Action (PPIA), a major endorsement that highlights Valencia’s unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing reproductive rights. In previous elections, PPIA has endorsed multiple candidates in races, but is only endorsing Valencia in the primary for Secretary of State.
“The Planned Parenthood Illinois Action board of directors is proud to endorse pro-choice champion, Anna Valencia, for Secretary of State,” said Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Action. “Valencia is a stalwart supporter of sexual and reproductive health and in this moment, when access to essential health care is on the line, Illinois needs leadership that has strong pro-choice values.”
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* First up, Richard Irvin…
Another weekend of violent crime in J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois – with nine people killed and 26 wounded in violent attacks across Chicago and surrounding areas. This weekend’s news included a man who was fatally shot in a downtown hotel Sunday morning just one mile away from Pritzker’s own residence. The day before, a woman was murdered and another man injured at State Street and the Chicago River. On Sunday night a theater performance was canceled due to a shooting in the Loop.
Crime on the Chicago Transit Authority continues to pose a threat to citizens, with two separate attacks occurring less than an hour apart Saturday night. In one incident, a man was struck with a knife to the head and pushed onto the tracks at a Green Line station. In a second incident, a man riding a Blue Line train was attacked with a knife by an unknown man.
A Wall Street Journal report uncovered that some Chicago neighborhoods are fed up with Pritzker’s dereliction of duty in keeping communities safe and have hired their own private security companies to patrol their neighborhoods. P4 Security Solutions LLC has been hired by at least five neighborhoods on the north side of Chicago, most of these in affluent communities where residents can afford to pay for extra safety measures.
“With a governor in office who prioritizes criminals over communities, violent crime will continue to escalate,” said Irvin for Illinois campaign spokesperson Eleni Demertzis. “Communities across the state are desperate for leadership that will empower our law enforcement to combat skyrocketing crime.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** This Sun-Times story illustrates why it’s so tricky to try to politically capitalize on specific crime incidents before the full story is known…
Two men were wounded near the Theater District in the Loop when the victims of a robbery opened fire at the thieves and hit them instead — prompting the cancellation of a Sunday evening performance of a musical nearby.
The robbery had occurred at a Taco Bell near the 100 block of North Wabash Street late Sunday afternoon, according to Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan. The victims began chasing the robbers and firing at them, he said.
Two men, 27 and 55 — described by Deenihan as “unintended targets” — were shot in an alley on the block.
* ILGOP…
How’s that tourism push going, JB?
Tragedy once again struck the city of Chicago over the weekend as criminals had their way. Several individuals became victims in places once thought to be immune from such thoughtless violence, including a man on the second floor of a Streeterville hotel.
CWB Chicago…
“Officers responded to calls of shots fired on the second floor of Sonesta ES Suites, 201 East Walton, just before 5 a.m. They found the victim in the hallway with gunshot wounds throughout his body, according to CPD.
The man died a short time later at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”
…
“The victim is the 13th person shot on the Near North Side so far this year and the fourth person shot since Friday morning. He is the second murder victim in the neighborhood this weekend.
By comparison, there were three shooting victims on the Near North Side at this point last year and four as of May 1, 2020.
On Saturday morning, a woman was killed and another injured when a man shot them during an argument on State Street near Marina City.
Friday morning, a man claimed that home invaders shot him inside his high-rise apartment on the first block of West Elm. The circumstances of that incident remain under investigation.”
Getting shot and killed in a hotel on the Near North Side might put a damper on Pritzker’s recent tourism push in which he declares Illinois in “The Middle of Everything.”
Perhaps not the parallel Pritzker was thinking when his team devised that slogan, but it sure seems like Illinois’ global city is at the heart of lawlessness, and pro-criminal policies that have prevailed in Democrat politics over the last few years. It’s time Governor Pritzker stopped catering to the radical anti-police fringe in his party and started protecting the public from violent criminals.
* From the state GOP chair’s weekly newsletter…
Prosecutors speak out against Pritzker’s plan to end cash bail
Under Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has become one of the most radically pro-criminal, anti-police states in the nation. So, it’s no surprise that state’s attorneys - the top prosecutors in each of their respective counties - are no fan of Pritzker’s new criminal “reform” of eliminating cash bail.
As reported by WGEM, even a Democrat state’s attorney, Will County’s James Glasgow, has serious concerns about the new law as he relayed a frightening scenario. “If someone murders a person, and that’s the only person that we’re aware of that they’re a danger to, that doesn’t fulfill the burden,” Glasgow said. “I mean any normal sane person would say that’s insane, that’s absurd, that’s ridiculous it can’t be in the law but it’s in the law.”
You’re right, James. Any “normal sane person” would say a law immediately releasing violent criminals onto our streets to commit more acts of violence is “absurd” and “ridiculous.” More importantly, it doesn’t keep our communities safe.
Governor Pritzker has the abnormal and insane governing philosophy that prioritizes the thoughts and feelings of violent criminals above law enforcement and public safety.
Four more years of JB Pritzker is dangerous for Illinois.
Governors own. Get used to it, even though this is all just way over the top and it’s a national issue…
With violent crime increasing in many parts of the U.S., Republicans see a winning strategy in portraying Democrats as soft on crime ahead of this year’s elections. In ads, campaign appearances and interviews, the GOP has ripped liberal policies and blamed Democratic lawmakers from the White House to city councils for the violence.
But in Oklahoma, where Gov. Kevin Stitt is being targeted for mass commutations and a crime that involved cannibalism, the attacks are different: Stitt is a Republican.
In one ad, a woman’s voice says Stitt commuted the prison sentence of a man who later “brutally murdered his neighbor, then tried to feed her organs to his family.” The ad, paid for by a group called Conservative Voice of America, concludes, “Oklahomans deserve a governor who cracks down on violent criminals, not one who lets them go.”
I guess it could always be worse.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of $113 million in funding opportunities for community organizations working on violence prevention and interruption across the state. This funding builds on $73 million already distributed by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to organizations in FY22 as well as an additional $71.8 million in the pipeline, with grant agreements expected to be finalized prior to the summer.
These grant applications are part of a series of funding opportunities to reduce firearm violence by implementing evidence-based solutions.
“This is an unprecedented effort to stop the cycle of violence in our communities and invest resources in the communities where they are needed the most,” said Governor Pritzker. “From expanding summer jobs, to investing in behavioral health programs and youth development, we are bringing historic levels of funding to proven programs that prevent violence and keep people safe.”
The Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) is a three-year, multi-pronged approach to violence prevention that calls for research-backed services like summer and afterschool programming, job training and placement, high-risk youth intervention services, violence interruption, case management, trauma-informed mental health care supported by Medicaid, and more.
The funds are available in neighborhoods that have experienced concentrated firearm violence, including 42 areas across the state — 26 in Chicago and 16 in the suburbs and downstate. The effort is designed to support both short-term needs and address long-term causes of firearm violence to safeguard impacted communities through research-based violence prevention methods.
Community-based organizations that provide services in any of the 42 eligible communities (and follow GATA guidelines) can apply. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis to expedite funding.
Organizations interested in this second round of violence prevention funding are encouraged to use free IDHS resources, including navigator and technical assistance programs, webinars, and a GATA app. These resources are available at www.DHS.illinois.gov/Grants.
“These investments are designed to build on past work and create enduring change. Illinois is carrying out an historic commitment - in resources and programs to combat violence. In addition to the anti-violence work of Reimagine Public Safety, IDHS is also strengthening and deepening existing youth development programs,” said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services.
“The experts in our communities that do this work understand that when you invest in people—especially youth, teens and families—you are invested in violence prevention,” said Chris Patterson, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. “We invite all qualified community-based organizations to join us and apply for funding.”
“Today, communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence with this round of funding being made available. We are encouraging all communities to apply, get GATA certified so we can work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at risk youth, supporting survivors and working from a grass roots level. We want every single community to get the public safety everyone deserves,” State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).
“Many Illinois communities have been impacted by an increase in gun violence,” said State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). Real public safety demands that we address the root causes of violence at the grassroots level. This next round of funding will allow for communities to get the financial resources needed to make impact and change.”
IDHS is focused on bringing resources into communities to address the epidemic of firearm violence that has impacted too many Illinois communities.
“The state’s investment is welcome recognition of the comprehensive, urgent, and often-unsung work community organizations have been doing to strengthen and expand community-led violence prevention infrastructure in Illinois,” Soledad McGrath, Executive Director, Northwestern Neighborhood & Network Initiative, Research Professor, Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University.
Additionally, the administration is launching a statewide a series of community roundtables. Community conversations will take place in Rockford, Champaign, Peoria, and East St. Louis with local community advisors, faith-based leaders, and elected officials. The Reimagine Public Safety Act requires the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention to convene Local Advisory Councils (LAC) in the 16 RPSA eligible service areas outside of Chicago.
To apply for funding, visit www.dhs.illinois.gov/rpsa.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Natalie Edelstein at the Pritzker campaign…
Make no mistake, Republicans are exploiting tragedy for political gain while providing no solutions other than shouting “lock them up.” It is not only cynical and counter-productive, it is wrong.
The governor has taken steps to address crime at every level: solving crimes that have occurred and addressing the root causes.
The Republicans yelling the loudest about public safety concerns—including Avery Bourne and Darren Bailey—are also those voting against the budget and for defunding violence prevention programs.
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Having it both ways
Monday, May 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Jim Stahly Jr. at WGLT…
Sullivan described his candidacy as a calling from God, and he said he believed the key to solving the states problems was deepening our relationship with God. He says he doesn’t seek endorsements from politicians, but would rather receive support from law enforcement.
* Press release…
This weekend, Jesse Sullivan and Kathleen Murphy received the coveted endorsement of the Lake County Republicans, the third largest county in the state. The Lake County Republican Central Committee endorsed the Sullivan / Murphy ticket on the first ballot, with a convincing 68% of the vote.
Jesse Sullivan released the following statement in response:
“I am honored by the support and the trust placed in me by the Lake County Republicans, as we continue to spread our positive conservative outsider message throughout the state,” Sullivan said. “We are building an incredible coalition of families, taxpayers, law enforcement, parents, and concerned citizens who are ready for a change – and that’s exactly what we’re going to deliver. We’re going to build on this momentum all the way to November, when we Save Illinois from J.B. Pritzker and corrupt insiders!”
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“Winners do the work”
Monday, May 2, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
I’ve mentioned before that House Speaker Chris Welch has said since the day he was elected to his chamber’s top job last year that he is fully committed to protecting all of his incumbents, whether in the primary or in the general election. That wasn’t always the case with his predecessor, Michael Madigan.
None of Welch’s candidates have yet faced a voter since he made that pledge in January 2021, but Welch has so far tried to clear the paths for some members facing primary challengers (with varying degrees of success), and he has put together nominating petition drives for incumbents who didn’t do enough (or any) work for themselves.
But I’ve been hearing two very different things lately: One, that Welch will make sure members win their primaries and generals no matter what effort they put into their own campaigns, and two, Welch will not help those who don’t or won’t help themselves.
Which is it? I checked in with the House speaker to find out.
Welch pointed to a March 19 political caucus meeting when he said he told his members: “We need to get back to the basics and focus on how to win elections. That’s door knocking and direct communication.”
Welch said he also told his caucus, “If you don’t hit it hard back home after the session is over, then I’m not sure that there’s any amount of money or paid communication that can overcome what we’re about to face.”
The House speaker was, of course, referring to the enormous political headwinds facing Democrats this year.
He continued: “And then I said to them, ‘And so far, I’m not impressed with quite a few of you and what you’ve shown us.’ And then I said to them, ‘Do not be surprised if we don’t continue to invest in you if you’re not investing in yourself.’ Now, that message was received very well from our caucus.”
Up to that point in the interview, I hadn’t mentioned any names. But when Welch claimed his “get to work” message had been received, I asked him if he was sure about that. I’d been meeting with people and making a lot of calls, and some folks have been complaining that Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is still not on the program.
Harper just barely survived a strong challenge to her petitions, mainly because she relied on others to pass petitions for her, and Welch had to come in at the end. And then some legal heroics by her attorney Mike Kasper kept her from being tossed off the ballot.
Harper faces Chicago Police Officer Carolynn Crump in the primary. Crump is expected to receive top billing from the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and will likely attack Harper, who chairs the joint House/Senate Black Caucus, over the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform law. If Black Caucus Chair Harper should lose a Democratic primary in a Black district to a Black police officer and criminal justice reform is an issue used against her … well, all heck might break loose.
Welch wouldn’t address Harper’s specific situation because, he said, “I’m treating Rep. Harper like I’m treating every other incumbent. All of them are being treated equally.”
Welch then reiterated that he and his team are committed to protecting incumbents. “But it’s not a blank check,” he warned.
“What we have asked everyone to do is to be committed to themselves, to be committed to their districts and to show us that they’re working.”
“We’re keeping track, we’re going to be paying attention throughout the course of these primary campaigns. We’re going to invest in campaigns and candidates that are investing in themselves. We’re not going to just have a spigot that keeps on running, especially for persons that haven’t invested in themselves. And that applies to any of our incumbents.”
Welch said he and his caucus have a “mantra” that he’s used since he was elected House speaker: “Winners do the work.”
He also claimed he’s been hearing his members use the phrase more and more. “They’re starting to believe in that. Winners do the work. This is a simple formula. Winners do the work. If you work, you win. And we’re going to invest in those who are working.”
We’ll see.
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