* I’ve received several press releases about petition filings today, including this one…
Early this morning, after collecting over 17,000 petition signatures, nominating papers were filed to secure ballot access for statewide incumbents Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulous and Treasurer Mike Frerichs. The impressive haul was the result of a coordinated effort by the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA).
* So far, two releases were sent by Democrats running for comptroller. First up, Rep. Margaret Croke…
Today, on the first day of filing for the 2026 election cycle, State Representative Margaret Croke filed 10,000 signatures, the maximum allowable by the Illinois State Board of Elections, as the next step towards getting on the Democratic ballot in March in the race for Illinois State Comptroller.
* Sen. Karina Villa…
Surrounded by supporters and volunteers, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), candidate for Illinois State Comptroller, today officially submitted over 15,000 petition signatures to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
One of Villa’s supporters had to be separated from a Darren Bailey backer this morning. Harsh language warning…
Nice de-escalation job by Illinois State Board of Elections spokesperson Matt Dietrich.
* The guy in black appears to be “Pizza Joe.” Sen. Villa featured him in a video this morning (click here if the video is no longer available). Joe Smith owns a pizza place and has irritated Republican customers, and Republicans in general, with his Facebook posts.
…Adding… From Sen. Villa…
I was disappointed to hear about it. While emotions can run high during campaigns, there’s no excuse for physical confrontation. I want to be clear that our campaign believes in respectful, civil debate. We’re building a movement for transparent, progressive fiscal leadership that lifts working families and represents all of Illinois.
He’s not a paid staffer and Villa said he didn’t travel to Springfield with her and she didn’t know he would be in town.
* Not everyone was so amped up today. The governor, for instance, showed some grace to the Bailey campaign…
We were just talking about the terrible loss that the Baileys have suffered. He thanked me for the words that I had for the Baileys. And, you know, we just talked, I think, you know, one father to another about what they must be going through.
[Asked to elaborate about what this means for the campaign]
Well, I mean, I again, I cannot imagine what they’re going through. And I know that the funeral is coming up, and I think it’s, of course, appropriate for all of them to maybe take some time. And I just again, I think the kinds of things that people go through when they lose family members, and particularly when you lose a son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. I only know that it’s going to take time. Grief is difficult to get past.
The Karina supporter was obnoxiously bobbing her sign right behind the Governor’s head as he was taking questions. You can see JB security trying to politely get the guy to back up. He wouldn’t budge.
His shop in Glen Ellyn is a few miles down the road from work. He has a known antipathy towards guests who disagree with his political views, which he shares widely with customers.
- Anon62704 - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:30 pm:
The behavior of Villa’s supporter was obnoxious. Glad the police removed him from the site.
- Central - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:33 pm:
The Karina supporter was obnoxiously bobbing her sign right behind the Governor’s head as he was taking questions. You can see JB security trying to politely get the guy to back up. He wouldn’t budge.
- Dotnonymous x - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:34 pm:
More sauce, please.
- Dotnonymous x - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:39 pm:
Pritzker and Trump are both members of the upper class…but only one of them has class…most obviously.
- Amalia - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:44 pm:
the guy in black is in the wrong. good luck Sen. Villa.
- Think again - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 2:56 pm:
=Pizza Joe=
His shop in Glen Ellyn is a few miles down the road from work. He has a known antipathy towards guests who disagree with his political views, which he shares widely with customers.
- Shytown - Monday, Oct 27, 25 @ 3:33 pm:
Karina’s “really good friend” pizza Joe says everything about who she’s surrounding herself with.