* Bloomberg…
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker slammed the Republican midterm convention, arguing that it “can’t paper over the fact that Republicans have done nothing to earn your vote.” […]
“His trade war is killing costs for families at the grocery store. His war in Iran is killing ranchers and farmers and their way of life and his war on people, the working families of this country, are raising the costs of healthcare and housing,” Pritzker said.
The billionaire this week launched the Ready for the Fight political action committee, which will fund Democratic candidates around the country. Pritzker on Wednesday deflected questions about his plans for 2028, saying he was focused on his reelection bid at home. […]
Pritzker also accused Republicans of trying to “rig” the election by redrawing congressional districts and seeking to change voting rules. He added: “But Republicans can’t rig the election if voters overwhelm them at the polls.”
* The governor was asked during the press conference was asked what brought him to Texas if he wasn’t running for president…
Reporter: What’s the point of coming to Texas beyond what you already said about helping Democrats. Is there any point in coming if you’re not running for president? And can you tell us about aspirations?
Pritzker: I care a great deal about what happens in Texas. Voters everywhere in the country should care about what happens in Texas. So I’m pleased to be here for that reason. If I can advance the cause, that’s why I should stand here. Let me also say that when Texas Democrats in the House chose to come to Illinois, I got to know many of them and I got to know Leader Wu. I have to say, these are some real fighters. These are people who are, as I often say, there’s a divide in the country between Team Fight and Team Cave, then these are folks are on Team Fight, and so are Texas Democrats. So I’m very pleased to stand with them. It’s where I stand in this battle, on Team Fight. We’re going to have to win if we want to preserve our democracy. But very importantly, to fight for working class families in this country, they need Democrats to win and push back on the policies of MAGA Republicans in Congress.”
Reporter: And do you see this as an opportunity to raise your national profile?
Pritzker: I can tell you that first I’m running for reelection in Illinois. So I absolutely could be in Illinois right now. But here’s what I think. What’s good for people in Illinois is if Democrats win across the country and the congress becomes a Democratic congress. Because we’ve seen the people of Illinois have their Medicaid taken way, have their SNAP benefits taken away. We have people who are losing their homes because their jobs are going away because of tariffs. And nobody going to the gocery store can’t notice that everything has gone up in price because of the trade ware that Donald Trump has initiated. So it is challenging.
* A reporter tried again later…
Reporter: How much are you prepared to spend on the midterm? I know the number cited was 20 million. Will you go above that? And second, is there a timeline for your presidential decision?
Pritzker: First of all, I’m running for reelection as governor and I do want to serve as governor of the state of Illinois and any decisions that get made after that are going to be about whatever is best for the people of our state. I will tell you that I’m working hard to help the PAC raise dollars.
