* Subscribers were briefed this morning. The Associated Press…
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sharply criticized fellow Democrats on Sunday for not doing enough to oppose President Donald Trump, drawing a clear divide between himself and other high-profile Democrats seen as future presidential contenders.
Pritzker delivered the keynote address at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, the latest and most high-profile in a series of speeches this year.
While Pritzker continued to attack Trump, he also focused on what he says are shortcomings in his own party, assailing Democrats for listening to “a bunch of know-nothing political types” instead of everyday Americans. Without naming names, he called out Democrats “flocking to podcasts and cable news shows to admonish fellow Democrats for not caring enough about the struggles of working families.”
“Those same do-nothing Democrats want to blame our losses on our defense of Black people, of trans kids, of immigrants, instead of their own lack of guts and gumption,” Pritzker said.
* The Washington Post…
The billionaire Democratic governor repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet with acidic attacks on the morals and ethics of the president, adviser and top donor Elon Musk, as well as members of the president’s Cabinet. He slammed their efforts to dismantle government programs that the most vulnerable Americans rely on and said the Democratic Party must “abandon the culture of incrementalism that has led us to swallow their cruelty.” It is time for his party, he said, to “knock the rust off poll-tested language” that has obscured “our better instincts.”
Pritzker was most searing in his condemnation of what he cast as the Trump administration’s infringement on the rights enshrined in the Constitution, stating that it should be easy for Democrats to say “it’s wrong to snatch a person off the street and ship them to a foreign gulag with no chance to defend themselves in a court of law.”
“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now,” Pritzker said to a standing ovation accompanied by whistles and cheers from the audience. “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. They must understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soap box and then punish them at the ballot box.” […]
One of Pritzker’s advantages among the potential White House aspirants is his ability to swing at Trump from a solidly blue state where the legislature is controlled by Democrats. From the outset, he took a more combative approach than other potential rivals such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Democrats who represent narrowly divided states and initially emphasized their interest in bipartisan collaboration with Trump.
Pritzker also has not faced the same kind of constraints as other top contenders such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was one of Trump’s top antagonists in 2024 but now needs Trump’s cooperation to help him secure the nearly $40 billion in federal disaster aid that he has requested to rebuild Pacific Palisades and Altadena after the devastating fires in January.
* New York Times…
Mr. Pritzker, of course, rebuffed any suggestion that his appearance on Sunday night in Manchester, N.H., represented the opening bell of the 2028 Democratic primary race. He said he was focused on backing the party’s efforts in next year’s midterm elections. […]
“I’m one of the people leading the fight, and that is my role,” he said in an interview before his speech. “We’ve done an awful lot in Illinois, and we can be doing those things in other states.” […]
“The main divide within the Democratic Party is not between left and right — it’s whether you think this is a constitutional crisis or this is politics as usual,” said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of the progressive activist group Indivisible. “Pritzker is really demonstrating what it looks like to lead an opposition party against the overreaching authority of the federal government.”
In recent months, Mr. Pritzker has preached a gospel of staunch resistance to some of the most engaged Democratic activists across the country, delivering the keynote speech at party fund-raisers in Illinois and Austin, Texas, and at an annual gala for the Human Rights Campaign in Los Angeles. Next month, he is set to speak at a fund-raising dinner in Detroit for the Michigan Democratic Party.
* WMUR New Hampshire…
In a one-on-one interview with WMUR Political Director Adam Sexton, Pritzker said he is fully focused on helping Democrats in the 2026 midterms.
“It is wrong to snatch people off the street with no chance to defend themselves in a court of law,” he said. […]
Pritzker brushed off any talk of a 2028 presidential run. News 9 asked if he thinks Democrats should restore New Hampshire to the top of their primary calendar.
“I don’t know what the DNC is going to do. I don’t have any control over that. I’m not on the DNC. But New Hampshire is very important because it’s an example of a place where you can come, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, you can meet people, and they’ll be the judge,” he said.
* More…
Thoughts?
…Adding… ILGOP…
Pritzker Calls For Violence Toward Republicans
While world leaders meet at the Vatican for the Pope’s funeral to discuss the goal of peace, Governor Pritzker calls on us to do the opposite: “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”
CHICAGO — Last night, JB Pritzker’s attempt to woo New Hampshire Democrats as he barrels towards the 2028 Democrat primary was full of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. Pritzker’s obsession, to insult and to chastise President Trump, showed forcefully as he stoked the crowd in calling for political violence against Republicans.
“JB Pritzker’s ego-driven obsession with becoming President is putting Illinois, and Republicans across the country, at risk,” said ILGOP Chairman Kathy Salvi. “His inflammatory and dangerous speech is focused on further dividing our country and I hope to see Illinois Democrats condemn his call for violence.”
“Last night, Pritzker showed us that instead of helping hardworking families, he would rather raise their taxes, defend MS-13 gang members and watch businesses flee Illinois,” Salvi continued. “It’s become clear that Pritzker’s only priority is what’s best for him and his presidential bid. This weekend’s trip to New Hampshire is further proof that he’s already left Illinois behind.”
Don’t forget that Pritzker is an old pro at this shtick, considering how he’s attempted to become the leader of the Democrat party for the last three years. See for yourself:
FIRST: Pritzker traveled to New Hampshire in 2022 to raise his profile and set up a future presidential run.
THEN: Pritzker refused to quash rumors that he would leave Illinois to run for president when Democrats launched their soft coup against Joe Biden.
THEN: When Kamala Harris was announced as the Democrats’ preferred choice, Pritzker launched a full-court press campaign to become her vice president.
THEN: After failing to earn the nod as the vice-presidential nominee, Pritzker immediately pivoted and is working to become the Democrats’ choice for president in 2028.
NOW: Pritzker is in New Hampshire, wooing Democrat donors and soft launching a presidential campaign focused on lies, division and insults.
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* Capitol News Illinois…
Standing on his backyard deck Thursday – the same place where he declared his 1996 candidacy for U.S. Senate – Illinois’ senior Sen. Dick Durbin reflected on his decision to retire after four decades in Congress.
“I’ve done this my way, making decisions based on family needs and personal needs, and what I thought would serve our state well,” Durbin told reporters with a crowd of staff, family and friends listening in the background. […]
Durbin said he doesn’t believe age has ever gotten in the way of his job.
“I had to project forward,” Durbin said. “The campaign’s going to last two years, and then you’re going to serve six years. So are you ready to make an eight-year commitment? That’s the truth and reality of the United States Senate.”
* Journal Courier…
“I didn’t think at this point it was the right thing to do,” [Sen. Durbin] said. “I think it’s the right thing to pass the torch off to another generation.”
“Now we have an opportunity to move forward with the election of a new United States senator,” Durbin said, reiterating the statement from Wednesday’s announcement that the Democratic Party has a “strong bench” of potential candidates.
* WCIA…
Now with an end date in sight, Illinois’ senior senator said he will lobby his Republican colleagues to stand up against Trump’s administration, including his tariffs and trade policy.
“I’m gonna beg them to stand up and fight with us to protect the constitutional authority of the United States Senate,” Durbin added. “We can’t give this away… In an emergency situation, [the Constitution] would delegate [trade] to the president. This president is declaring an emergency that doesn’t exist.”
He also said he isn’t giving up on the DREAM Act. He wants to pass the bill that would protect children and young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status before he leaves in early 2027. He first introduced the bill in 2001.
* Meanwhile… Tribune…
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker is expected Friday to endorse his running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, for the U.S. Senate, a move that could serve as a politically powerful warning to the rest of an emerging field seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Pritzker’s announcement, scheduled for Friday morning at a church in the Bronzeville neighborhood where Stratton grew up, comes only two days after Durbin made public his decision not to seek a sixth term and just one day after the two-term lieutenant governor formally declared her Senate candidacy.
In prepared remarks shared with the Tribune by sources, Pritzker is expected to describe Stratton as a “tested and steady leader who leads from a place of integrity, pragmatism and dedication” as well as a “passionate and compassionate advocate able to get big things done.”
“At this perilous moment in Washington, Juliana’s fighting spirit and dedication to improving lives is exactly the type of representation Illinoisans need, and I’m proud to endorse her for the United States Senate,” Pritzker’s prepared remarks say.
* Center Square…
Outside his home in Springfield Thursday, Durbin said he isn’t endorsing anyone, but has had conversations.
“I did have a conversation with Juliana and she told me that she was interested but she wasn’t going to run against me and others have done the same and when it came to J.B., I gave him a call before I made the announcement yesterday,” Durbin said from his backyard. […]
Durbin laid out at least one quality he would be looking for in a candidate.
“I think that person who is successful in running for this office is going to understand they’ve got to not only represent the entire state, they have to work the entire state,” Durbin said.
The SJ-R reported Sen. Durbin saying he may endorse a candidate in an “extreme case.”
…Adding… Pritzker’s endorsement video…
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois’ Hannah Meisel is on the ground…
* More…
* Sun-Times | Rep. Darin LaHood considering GOP primary bid for Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat: LaHood is considering and is open to a primary run for the U.S. Senate seat, according to a source with direct knowledge of the congressman’s thinking. The congressman has about $5.8 million cash on hand to help a potential bid, and he’s seen as one of the few Republicans in the state with the ability to raise significant amounts of money.
* Sun-Times | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton becomes first major Democrat to launch Senate bid to replace Durbin: In an interview, Stratton said she’s “not at all” worried about incoming attacks about the Pritzker administration’s policies. She also tried to differentiate herself from the sitting members of Congress who are expected to announce runs. “I certainly feel like the old playbook that we’ve had in Washington just isn’t working, and I think that people are looking for new voices, new leadership, new energy, quite frankly,” Stratton said. “I think we’re hearing that over and over again.”
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* Here we go…
More from Seidel…
The key note: “The jury cannot come to a unanimous verdict on all three counts. No one is willing to surrender their honest beliefs.”
(The other note was a clarification from the juror with a work conflict Friday.)
Judge Wood notes that, depending on how you read this, it could mean they have a verdict on one or two counts, but not all three. Or it could mean they can’t reach any verdict.
AUSA Prashant Kolluri suggests the judge ask the jurors what they mean by their note. Defense attorney Victor Henderson asks for a five-minute recess to speak with Jones.
Judge Wood says, “I’ll allow five minutes.” But she’s still talking through logistics.
Judge Wood points out that “the jury, to this point, has not been informed that a partial verdict is an option.”
The judge goes on to explain that jurors should be told a partial verdict would be a final verdict as to the count in question.
She notes that some jurors might be uncomfortable with that — and could decline a partial verdict.
Court’s in recess for what’s supposed to be five minutes.
Judge Wood is back on the bench.
This post will be updated.
…Adding… More from Seidel…
[AUSA Prashant Kolluri] asks the judge to send the jury a note that says, “has the jury reached a verdict on any count?”
Judge Wood counters with “has the jury reached a unanimous agreement as to any of the counts?”
Defense attorney Robert Earles asks Judge Wood to ask the question orally, with jurors in the courtroom.
So they’re debating a note, versus Judge Wood asking the question out loud.
Kolluri argues a note would be more efficient.
Henderson says the “solemnity of the proceedings” would be advanced by an in-court oral question.
Judge Wood is going to bring the jurors in.
Here they come.
…Adding… Back to Seidel…
Judge Wood to the jury: “In a moment I will ask you to go back to the jury room and provide some clarification as to whether the jury has reached unanimous agreement as to any of the three counts.”
Jurors are headed back to the jury room.
…Adding… Seidel…
The jury’s response: “The jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict on any of the three counts.”
Wow.
Hannah Meisel reports: “Judge is giving the parties another 5-10 mins to decide on how they want the court to respond.”
Stay tuned.
…Adding… Seidel…
[Prosecutor] Kolluri tells the judge prosecutors want the jury to keep deliberating.
Kolluri also says prosecutors “attempted to confer” with defense.
Doesn’t sound like it went well.
Kolluri asks the judge to send a note asking if any juror thinks “further deliberations would be …”
Judge Wood interrupts: “No. I’m not going to do that.”
Judge Wood says that, if jurors are going to be polled, it should be individually.
Henderson agrees that the jurors should be polled one-by-one in court. Seems likely to happen at sidebar, with the white noise machine on so we can’t hear them.
Hannah Meisel: Judge: I think my position is I ask each juror comes in individually and ask two Qs
1) do you think progress has been made since yesterday?
2) do you believe more deliberations would be fruitful?
After govt worries about public nature, judge says it could be done at sidebar.
…Adding… Seidel…
Judge Wood: “Only two of the jurors indicated that they felt any progress had been made since yesterday.”
Judge Wood: “One further defined ‘progress’ as ‘we talked more about it, went back and forth,’ but that juror also could not say that any person actually changed their mind about anything.”
Court’s in recess while the lawyers talk about it.
…Adding… More Seidel…
Judge Wood is back.
Prosecutors ask for a mistrial.
Defense objects to mistrial
…Adding… More…
Defense attorney Joshua Adams explained to the judge, for the record, that “the lack of unanimity in the jury room is evidence that the government has not met their burden beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Hannah Meisel: Judge Wood, though, cites some case law and points out that Adams’ reason is not a factor.
Discussing the factors required for a mistrial, Judge Wood estimates that the jury has been deliberating for around 24 to 26 hours.
She says they likely heard 30-34 hours of testimony.
Kolluri argues, and he says they learned while speaking to the jurors that there are “multiple jurors on each side that are entrenched.”
Hannah Meisel: Prosecutors are now laying out their arguments for the judge to declare a mistrial. “Nothing more the court can do” and risks exhaustion of jury. Defense rests on their previous objection [meaning they’re not going to explain their position further].
Judge Wood says it “appears” jurors hadn’t taken a formal vote on Count 2 [interstate commerce] when they sent their note Wednesday.
Judge Wood: “I do think the factors here weigh in favor of a mistrial.”
…Adding… Hannah Meisel…
[Judge] “I do think the issues here are more complex than they may seem at first blush…”
…So considering all the factors … risk of exhaustion…fact that they’re deadlocked on all 3 counts…
“I do think it’s appropriate at this point to declare a mistrial. So that is what I will do.”
* Sun-Times…
The federal bribery trial of Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III ended in a mistrial Thursday after jurors told the judge they were “unable to reach a unanimous verdict on any of the three counts.”
The jurors delivered their news in a note that followed nearly 23 hours of deliberations over four days. They had warned U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood on Wednesday that they’d potentially deadlocked on two of the three charges, which have loomed over the South Side Democrat since 2022.
Their disagreement appeared to have worsened after another day of deliberations Thursday.
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* Yesterday, Sen. Dick Durbin said at least a dozen names have expressed interest in his seat. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton was the first out of the gate this morning to declare her candidacy…
* Sun-Times…
Stratton currently oversees the administration’s Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative and chairs the board of the Restore, Reinvest and Renew Program, which reinvests a portion of cannabis tax revenue into communities experiencing high rates of shootings, unemployment, child poverty and incarceration.
Her campaign touted her work in the Ag Connects Us All Initiative, which helped to highlight the ways in which the agriculture industry could address inequities and food security. It’s also been a way for her to stay connected to the more rural areas of the state.
Last year, Stratton led a Black maternal health initiative that invested $15 million in closing the maternal mortality gap through expanding home visits, capital dollars for community-birth centers, a free diaper program and a child tax credit for low-income families.
Among the potential contenders, Stratton can boast that she’s a statewide official — meaning she’s traveled across the state and has had a visible presence at events with Pritzker for more than six years. She can also take credit for many progressive policies passed during Pritzker’s two terms, including expanded abortion care, an assault weapons ban and raising the minimum wage. That may also serve as easy fodder for a Republican opponent, who could challenge her on some of the administration’s most liberal policies.
…Adding… The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association…
(DLGA) endorses Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in her campaign to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate. With the endorsement, the DLGA is proud to commit seven figures in support of her campaign.
DLGA Chair and Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis released the following statement:
“The Democratic Lt. Governors Association is proud to commit to making an impactful investment to support Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in her run as Illinois’ next U.S. Senator. Democratic lieutenant governors are the Democratic Party’s bench, and with these types of investments, we look forward to helping to elect the next generation of Governors and Senators across the country.”
…Adding… Governor Pritzker was asked about the announcement at an unrelated news conference this morning…
Reporter: Your colleague, Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor, has announced her bid for US Senate to take over the Dick Durbin seat, what’s your reaction to that? And do you plan on endorsing her for Senator Durbin’s seat as his successor.
Pritzker: I apologize to my colleagues for the off topic question. […] In Illinois our senior Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement yesterday. Our Lieutenant Governor in Illinois announced this morning that she’s going to be running for US Senate.
Well, I think you know, Jeremy, how I feel about her, and she is truly one of the most accomplished people that’s ever held the job of Lieutenant Governor. She’s done so much as a partner in governance of the state. As you know, I think very highly of her. She’s somebody who not only cares deeply, is passionate and compassionate, but again, highly accomplished.
That’s all I can say for now. And you know, I just, I feel strongly about her, and think very highly of her, and I think the voters will too.
…Adding… Earlier this month, Congressman Krishnamoorthi announced he had $19 million cash on hand…
Thoughts?
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