|
Catching up with the federal candidates
Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Raja’s closing TV ad…
Your rating? * WGN’s Tahman Bradley asked Raja about the Tribune report alleging mistreatment of staff…
Click here for the full interview.
* Justice Democrats Communications Director Usamah Andrabi…
* Fairshake, a Crypto-backed super PAC, attacks Rep. La Shawn Ford again…
* 9th CD candidate Bushra Amiwala claimed a recent Evanston Roundtable poll allowed people to vote multiple times…
Sen. Fine repeating the same claim…
* Evanston Roundtable reporter Alex Harrison says Sen. Fine is lying….
* More… * Press release | Indivisible Skokie–Morton Grove–Lincolnwood Endorses Bushra Amiwala for Congress: “From fighting the ICE terror machine, to standing against voter suppression, to opposing Trump’s unconstitutional war in Iran, Indivisible has been a fearless voice for justice at a critical moment for our country,” said Amiwala, an elected member of the Skokie District 73.5 School Board. “I’m honored to earn their endorsement and grateful for the grassroots organizing they bring to our district.” * Press release | Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Junaid Ahmed in the 8th Congressional District: As Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses Junaid Ahmed, she joins a growing grassroots progressive coalition rallying behind Junaid, who is taking on millions of dollars in outside spending from corporate and special-interest super PACs backing Melissa Bean. In a new article published today, The American Prospect highlights how groups aligned with AIPAC, pro-AI interests, and other corporate-backed super PACs are pouring massive sums into the race to boost Bean. The report notes that an AIPAC-aligned group alone has spent nearly $4 million supporting Bean, with additional spending from pro-AI and pro-crypto PACs attempting to shape the outcome of the Democratic primary. * The Daily Herald | U.S. Rep. Casten continues to outraise and outspend Ruzevich in 6th District’s Democratic showdown: Casten, who’s seeking a fifth term in Congress, had nearly $1.2 million in his campaign coffers as of late February, federal documents show. That’s more than 50 times the $21,573 challenger Joey Ruzevich’s campaign reported having. Casten and Ruzevich filed financial reports with the Federal Election Commission late last week detailing donations received and purchases made between Jan. 1 and Feb. 25. Ruzevich’s team submitted an updated report Wednesday after being alerted to discrepancies by the Daily Herald. * Press release | Daniel Biss and Sen. Elizabeth Warren to Hold Get Out the Vote Kickoff Event in Evanston: Tomorrow, March 13, Congressional candidate Daniel Biss (IL-09) and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) will gather with supporters and volunteers for a get out the vote kickoff event in Evanston. Illinois 9th Congressional District Candidate Daniel Biss and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, with supporters and volunteers.
|
- Jr. Neef - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:00 pm:
The Raja ad is at least a B+. Candidate speaking and addressing the issue that he is getting attacked by his opponents Super PAC over.
- Pundent - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:13 pm:
I’d rate the Raja ad a B. Nothing spectacular but that’s really been the hallmark of his campaign. He’s used his monetary advantage to sell a relatively safe and consistent message. He may not be the best candidate but he’s run the best campaign.
- Not Affiliated - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:25 pm:
The school district board Amiwala sits on is facing a $3.5 million deficit, laying off staff and teachers, and delaying school improvements. As a member of the finance committee on the board, seems like she’ll fit right in in Congress and their approach to fiscal management. But glad she has time to complain about online poll settings.
- New Day - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:39 pm:
And that answer from Raja is really weak. This wasn’t one isolated staffer complaining. I’ve literally heard this from people locally and at the DCCC and DNC. It’s a problem and his failure to acknowledge and apologize for it is so on brand for him.
- Sox Fan - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:41 pm:
The WGN interview with Raja is just terrible. Not a single question about issues affecting voters, just horserace navel gazing.
- Steve - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 1:45 pm:
The Raja add is a B. He comes off as likeable.
- Dan Johnson - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 2:11 pm:
Crypto scammers must be scared La Shawn is likely leading.
- JR - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 2:54 pm:
Remember, the Raja ad isn’t for us political hacks. It’s for the masses. The clever ending deserves an A rating. It goes, “But as always, you can just call me Raja” which effectively reinforces his name to voters, making him more memorable. Please keep in mind Barack had a unique name. It acts as a mnemonic device, helping candidates stand out in a crowded field. Job well done, Raja team.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 2:55 pm:
- It’s why I won’t give Trump’s ICE another nickel.-
Tripling down on “Trump’s ” ICE…but not ICE itself…to be clear?
- Skokie Man - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 2:55 pm:
=== The school district board Amiwala sits on is facing a $3.5 million deficit, laying off staff and teachers, and delaying school improvements. As a member of the finance committee on the board, seems like she’ll fit right in in Congress and their approach to fiscal management. But glad she has time to complain about online poll settings.===
Skokie SD 73.5 is currently owed roughly $2M from Cook County in property taxes. The Trump Administration is refusing to pay out $6B in k-12 funds that were authorized by Congress.
In response, the board chose not to go forward with an expensive plan to build a new $105M elementary school, instead opting to repair and maintain the buildings they have. They also cut administrative positions and are considering additional staff cuts.
I trust you know all of that, because that info comes from the same article that you used to frame your disingenuous attack:
https://www.therecordnorthshore.org/2026/02/13/facing-financial-stresses-skokies-district-73-5-moves-to-lay-off-staff-halt-improvement-plans/
Here’s a recent Chicago Tribune article detailing how badly local school districts have been hit by the Tyler Technologies property tax fiasco:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/12/late-tax-bills-cook-county-school-districts-nearly-122-million/
Amiwala and her board are making fiscally responsible choices and you’re complaining about it. I’m eager to hear your proposal for what they should do instead.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 2:58 pm:
It’s all about Raja…it seems.
- deaddog - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 3:00 pm:
I’m in the 7th and may vote for Ford, primarily because of MCE’s ethical record, and because I think it’s a 2 person race..
But, that said, I’m not sure that ad is false - or the other ads that Ford claims are “defamatory”. His indictment and plea are public record. And, yes, he didn’t plea to the 17 felonies - instead a single misdemeanor- but I’ve never heard him deny the facts alleged in the indictment.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 3:02 pm:
=== I’m not sure that ad is false===
The problem with that prosecution is that with all the very real bank and financing fraud at the time, they chose to go after a little guy. And a Black guy at that. It was a huge federal over-reach and saner heads eventually prevailed.
- Dave Ristau - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 3:21 pm:
RE: Ford … He plead guilty to underpaying US 1040 Taxes by $ 3,200. Otherwise, he was clean. I just voted for Ford. He works hard in a tough hood.
- Warmest - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 3:51 pm:
I will give the Raja an A minus. The minus is because I do not think it’s his best delivery. But you talk about burning in. You can call me Raja, from the opening ad till the closing, hats off to his team. It makes him sound like an everyday man. And with a hard-to-pronounce name, walking in and seeing his name in print on the ballot will be easy. Kudos again.
- low level - Thursday, Mar 12, 26 @ 5:09 pm:
Raja Ad - A++. Great close. Looking forward to Tuesday.