* Lynn Sweet…

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent with ties to key backers of Democratic congressional candidates Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson, is endorsing them, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. […]

In a statement, Sanders said, “Ramirez has been a champion of working families in Illinois. As a state legislator, she has expanded Medicaid for all seniors regardless of legal status, has secured millions of dollars for affordable housing and defended reproductive rights by codifying Roe Vs Wade in Illinois. I am proud to endorse her campaign for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.”

* Not really an “ad,” but DeVore says it is…

Tom DeVore IL Attorney General

🚨 NEW AD ALERT - The past two years, the PEOPLE have been paralyzed by FEAR and allowed J.B. Pritzker to rule as a KING. I'm running for Attorney General to Educate, Empower, and Equip the PEOPLE to take back their GOVERNMENT and restore the power where it belongs… within the hearts and minds of the PEOPLE of this great state. The time is NOW to restore the POWER to the PEOPLE and Law and Order to society.

Posted by Thomas DeVore on Thursday, June 9, 2022

* Uncritical coverage…

With gas prices hitting record numbers in Illinois, local Republican lawmakers addressed the pain at the pump and potential solutions.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey held a press conference on the state’s soaring gas prices. He said one of the biggest issues is Illinois’ gas tax.

In 2019, the gas tax doubled and now sits at 39 cents per gallon. Bailey said the first step toward relief is cutting out the taxes that he said are exacerbating the problem.

* CD1…

Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund announced its endorsement of Karin Norington-Reaves to represent Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. Karin announced her run following Rep. Bobby Rush’s decision to retire from the House of Representatives.

A third-generation Chicagoan with an unparalleled passion for workforce development and decades of experience as a law professor, advocate, and non-profit leader, Karin is uniquely qualified to represent the families in Illinois’ 1st District. She recognizes the potential of individuals and communities in Illinois and has dedicated her life to connecting Chicagoans with economic opportunities. Under Karin’s leadership as the CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, roughly 100,000 people have been placed in lasting careers. She will be a fierce advocate for Chicago workers, families, and businesses in Congress.

“Over her 30 year career as a public servant and change agent, Karin has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to creating economic opportunities for all Chicagoans,” said Congressman Brad Schneider, Chair of the NewDem Action Fund. “In Congress, Karin will be a strong voice for strengthening the middle class and ensuring every American can climb the economic ladder.”

“My life’s work has been to create jobs and connect people to pathways to economic empowerment, giving them the hope and opportunity to better themselves and care for their loved ones,” said Karin Norington-Reaves. “With innovative solutions and hard work, I’ve seen that these jobs create thriving, safer communities. Being endorsed by the NewDem Action Fund is recognition that my work is making a difference, and that my experience is needed in Congress. When I’m elected to office, I will continue supporting working families and finding new ways to support economic growth in the 1st District.”

The New Democrat Coalition is the largest ideological caucus amongst House Democrats, counting more than forty percent of the caucus as members. The 98 NewDems represent a central core of the Democratic Party and advocate within Congress, and the party as a whole, for innovative approaches and constructive solutions to move America forward. Formed by Members of the New Democrat Coalition, the NewDem Action Fund helps re-elect NewDems and elect new, like-minded leaders who can help develop a positive policy agenda and message.

* SJ-R…

The state chair for former President Donald Trump’s 2016 Illinois primary campaign is challenging a member of the state Republican leadership in the Illinois House in a battle of contrasting styles in the new 95th District.

Kent Gray, a local attorney who has served as a Republican operative, member of the Lincoln Land Community College board and member of the advance office in two separate presidential administrations, is challenging state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, in the June 28 Republican primary in the newly redrawn district.

Gray is positioning himself as a more conservative, Trump-friendly option to Butler, who is a relatively moderate member of Republican leadership in the General Assembly.

Gray and Butler have known each other for 30 years, but the key difference between the two comes down to a fundamental matter in the modern Republican Party: to what extent should one support Donald Trump, in his prior, present and future roles in American society?

* CD1…

Alderman Greg Mitchell of Chicago’s 7th Ward is announcing his endorsement of Pat Dowell for Democratic Nomination for Congress in the First District of Illinois.

“Ald. Dowell and I share a vision for safe streets, quality schools, and economic development that ensures every community - especially those longest denied - thrives. I know she will be a workhorse in Congress to deliver resources to every corner of the district. It has been a pleasure to work with her on City Council to build coalitions and implement solutions that deliver real results for people. I look forward to continuing to work with her when she is in Congress,” said Mitchell, 7th Ward Alderman.

“Everyday Alderman Mitchell and I give voice to the residents of our wards. We have worked together to find solutions and then make sure those plans are turned into action,” said Ald. Pat Dowell, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District.

* More…

* GOP candidates for secretary of state offer contrasting messagesin bid for a post their party hasn’t held for more than two decades : In an interview, Milhiser offered few specifics about his vision for running the office, aside from improving technology and streamlining services for customers. Instead, he emphasized a need to “restore faith in government,” something he said he learned was needed, in part, from his most recent job teaching at the Lawrence Education Center in Springfield. … While praising White, Brady said the secretary of state’s office needs better computer systems and a greater focus on cybersecurity to more effectively prevent driver’s license or state ID data theft. With the secretary of state being Illinois’ official librarian, Brady has also talked about developing a better system for broadband Internet connectivity in libraries throughout the state, especially those in rural areas. He’s also called for more mobile driver’s services for senior citizens.

* 13th Congressional District hopefuls meet in candidate forum. Here’s what they said