Donald Trump’s closest Hill allies are privately lobbying the former President to get involved in a Republican-on-Republican matchup in Illinois, a potentially messy scenario that has sparked internal strife in the party and prompted GOP leaders to launch a counter-campaign aimed at keeping Trump on the sidelines.
At the center of it all is freshman Rep. Mary Miller, a member of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus who has been left without a seat after redistricting. Now she’s deciding whether to challenge fellow Illinois Republican Reps. Rodney Davis or Mike Bost. Hoping to boost Miller’s political prospects, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia — another controversial firebrand who is close with Miller — has been talking her up to Trump and encouraging him to throw his weight behind Miller, according to multiple GOP sources.
A Trump endorsement would turbocharge the intraparty battle and potentially make things even stickier, something GOP leaders are eager to avoid. So House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has worked behind-the-scenes to head it off: he has urged Trump to stay out of the primary race, telling the former President that Bost and Davis — who are poised to become committee chairmen if Republicans reclaim the House after next year’s midterms — are both good members, sources said. […]
And Miller has created other heartburn for McCarthy and the party. In particular, Republicans are upset that Miller has spread disinformation about a bipartisan bill that passed the House to bolster how vaccination records are maintained and shared. Miller attacked the 80 Republicans who backed the measure, and later told the conservative outlet Breitbart News that the bill would “track” unvaccinated Americans who “will be targeted and forced to comply with Biden’s crazy ‘global vaccination’ vision.”
* And Mark Maxwell points out that Miller voted against a pre-Christmas pay raise for members of the US Armed Forces…
* Meanwhile, Miller is sure to be asked about Darren Bailey’s new running mate Stephanie Trussell and her myriad anti-Trump posts on her social media accounts, so they’ve been busily posting this pic to prove she came around…
Indeed she did. There’s also this from just a few months ago in praise of Democrats pushing the vaccine…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Looks like Rep. Miller just upped the ante…
Rep. Miller: The January 6th commission hates President Trump because he exposed the corruption of the DC establishment here in the swamp. pic.twitter.com/OmjSxSEllM
*** UPDATE 2 *** Rep. Miller is listed as not voting on the Jan. 6th “Commission” legislation. Hilarious.
*** UPDATE 3 *** US Rep. Rodney Davis’ comms director points out that there is no such thing as a “January 6th Commission” and obliquely accuses Rep. Miller of being “misinformed”…
Hey Rich.
Saw your updated post. I just wanted to point out that there’s no “1/6 Commission,” which some misinformed people often conflate with the 1/6 House Select Committee initiated by Speaker Pelosi. The makeup and powers of the proposed bipartisan 1/6 Commission versus the currently-active, partisan 1/6 Select Committee are very different. The proposed 1/6 Commission, styled after the 9/11 commission, never made it into law after it failed to advance in the Senate. There were individual votes on both the commission and the select committee.
As we have seen, the sham 1/6 House Select Committee has been a partisan circus, which is what Congressman Davis expected to happen with a Select Committee, and that’s why he voted against it. You can find the roll call of that vote here. The only Republicans to vote in support of the 1/6 Select Committee were Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger. I will note that according to the House Clerk, there were 19 Republicans who are listed as “Not Voting” on the 1/6 Select Committee resolution, including Rep. Miller.
One other thing I will note, Rep. Miller and nearly every House Republican (there were six listed as not voting) voted for the creation of a 1/6 commission in a procedural motion earlier this year. The vote occurred in a motion to immediately bring the bipartisan 1/6 Commission legislation to the House floor for a vote. A no vote on the procedural motion is basically a vote to advance the 1/6 commission bill, i.e. support the bill. You can find a roll call of that vote here.
More than happy to provide additional info if you need.
Illinois Department of Public Health records also show 748 of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are in intensive care beds.
According to IDPH figures, the last time the state saw more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients was exactly 11 months ago.
Since IDPH last reported updated COVID-19 figures Friday, 105 more deaths from the virus have been recorded throughout Illinois and 19,515 new cases have been diagnosed. […]
The state also recorded nearly 500,000 test results over the past three days as well, including 233,784 results returned Saturday, the most ever in a single day for the state.
The state’s seven-day case positivity rate has dropped to 4%, the lowest it’s been in two weeks. Three days ago it was at 4.3%, IDPH records show.
352 people are in the ICU, the most since January 20th. Statewide, just 12 percent of ICU beds are open.
* So many deaths and so much destruction of our medical infrastructure could’ve been prevented…
On the very day that an eager nation began rolling up its sleeves, Dec. 14, 2020, the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 300,000. And deaths were running at an average of more than 2,500 a day and rising fast, worse than what the country witnessed during the harrowing spring of 2020, when New York City was the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak.
By late February total U.S. deaths had crossed 500,000, but the daily death count was plummeting from the horrible heights of early January. With hopes rising in early March, some states began reopening, lifting mask mandates and limits on indoor dining. Former President Donald Trump assured his supporters during a Fox News interview that the vaccine was safe and urged them to get it.
But by June, with the threat from COVID-19 seemingly fading, demand for vaccines had slipped and states and companies had turned to incentives to try to restore interest in vaccination.
It was too little, too late. Delta, a highly contagious mutated form of coronavirus, had silently arrived and had begun to spread quickly, finding plenty of unvaccinated victims.
Last week at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, 34 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest number since the pandemic began.
“Patients we have in the hospital are due to the fact that we have many community members that are not vaccinated,” said AMITA Health Regional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kalisha Hill. “99% of the patients in our hospital in both Joliet and Kankakee that are COVID Positive are unvaccinated.”
And yet some workers at the town’s hospitals are suing because they don’t want to be vaccinated. Ridiculous.
As the coronavirus pandemic approaches the end of a second year, the United States stands on the cusp of surpassing 800,000 deaths from the virus, and no group has suffered more than older Americans. All along, older people have been known to be more vulnerable, but the scale of loss is only now coming into full view.
Seventy-five percent of people who have died of the virus in the United States — or about 600,000 of the nearly 800,000 who have perished so far — have been 65 or older. One in 100 older Americans has died from the virus. For people younger than 65, that ratio is closer to 1 in 1,400.
*** UPDATE *** Not unexpected…
The Supreme Court has rejected two challenges to New York's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers. The challengers sought religious exemptions to the mandate. The court denied the challenges in one-sentence orders on the shadow docket. Thomas, Alito, & Gorsuch dissent. pic.twitter.com/Zz8qsKgDe9
Governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for counties across central and southern Illinois that were impacted by recent storms and tornadoes. A disaster proclamation grants the State of Illinois the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel, or equipment, and allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to procure additional resources to help communities recover from the storms.
“My administration is committed to standing with Edwardsville and all of the surrounding communities affected in every aspect of the immediate recovery, as well as on the road to rebuilding,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Yesterday, I authorized a state disaster proclamation for Madison County, as well as all storm-impacted counties, to facilitate recovery efforts as well as the pursuit of additional federal resources. We are working directly with the White House and FEMA to ensure access to all federal resources for this community. And as local entities work to secure federal reimbursements and recovery dollars, we will assist every step of the way.”
In addition to high-speed winds that led to downed trees, powerlines, and other damages, six tornadoes were confirmed throughout Illinois. In Madison, the tornado caused the roof of a private business to collapse resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries.
In response to the severe weather, the governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Through the SEOC, multiple state agencies are offering assistance on the ground including Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois Department of Public Health. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Edwardsville Community Foundation, and other nonprofits are also providing services to local residents.
“Since Friday’s tragedy at the Amazon warehouse, local organizations and teams of first responders have worked tirelessly to provide stability and comfort to the Edwardsville community,” said State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “By enacting a disaster proclamation, the state is taking action to make resources readily available to assist residents during the recovery process.”
“As our community looks ahead following the devastating storms that hit our region last weekend, now is a time for us to come together to support each other and heal,” said State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for deploying resources to our region to help those who were directly impacted by the storms recover.”
“The disaster proclamation will provide our region additional resources and funding needed to help our community recover following Friday’s nights storm,” said State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg). “I appreciate everything our first responders and volunteers have and continue to do to help the region recover. I know this has been a difficult time for those impacted. I encourage anyone needing assistance to contact my office at 618-433-8046.”
“We in Madison County are still in shock and mourning. We appreciate the immediacy of the response from the State and Governor,” said Madison County Board Chair Kurt Prenzler.
Counties included in the disaster declaration include: Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford.
Lot of Eastern Bloc counties on that list.
…Adding… Press release…
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12) today led every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging the White House to support Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for an Emergency Declaration for 28 counties. The letter follows severe weather and tornadoes this past weekend that led to six fatalities from the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois.
“We are writing in support of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the following Illinois counties to assist in the response to extensive tornado damage: Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford,” wrote the lawmakers.
“Governor Pritzker has determined that this incident is of such severity that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments, and the State is in need of Public Assistance to continue responding to and recovering from this tragic disaster,” the letter concluded.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed legislation paving the way for $250 million in state funding to community groups that are working to reduce gun violence in Chicago’s hardest-hit neighborhoods and other parts of Illinois suffering the ripple effects of a nationwide crime spike.
The Reimagine Public Safety Act, which created a new state office for firearm violence prevention, was part of the budget Pritzker signed in the spring.
The trailer bill that was signed Friday — which state lawmakers advanced during the fall veto session — gives officials in the Illinois Department of Human Services more leeway in issuing the millions in grant funding and expands eligibility for groups already working to “interrupt” violence, according to Pritzker’s office.
Before signing the bill at a Washington Park news conference, Pritzker outlined Chicago’s most recent spate of fatal shootings — including that of a 71-year-old Chinatown resident who was apparently targeted at random earlier this week — and committed to investing in “neighborhoods that have been truly forgotten.”
“There are the countless children who have been taken from us far, far too soon. Too much tragedy. Too much loss. We are all here to say enough is enough,” Pritzker said, noting “the scourge of rising violence” has extended well beyond Chicago.
* A bit more from an administration press release…
In November, the Governor declared gun violence a public health crisis, launching a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence. The administration pledged a $250 million state investment over the next three years to implement the plan in partnership with community-based organizations. The RPSA builds upon this initiative by requiring the state to pursue a data-driven approach to high-risk youth intervention programs and technical assistance and training. This will be administered by IDHS, in partnership with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) and the Firearm Violence Research Group.
* From a very different Friday press release…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on Governor Pritzker’s signing of legislation that will further weaken the criminal justice system.
“While violence in Illinois is at unprecedented levels, Governor Pritzker, the Illinois legislative Democrats and States Attorney Kim Foxx have created a “consequence free” Illinois for organized street gangs and criminals. Their collective dismissal of victims and law enforcement during this time will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to the thousands of victims of crime that our government continues to fail.”
* Pritzker administration response…
Leader Durkin’s empty talking point is devoid not only of a serious approach to reducing crime but also suggests a lack of reading comprehension of the law. This law strengthens the Reimagine Public Safety Act, a data-driven, community based initiative designed to prevent and interrupt gun violence and fund violence reduction efforts. Violence reduction efforts are essential for having fewer victims of crime. If Republicans truly cared about reducing crime and helping victims, they wouldn’t have decimated mental health, victim support services and after school programs – and they would’ve voted for budgets and legislation put forward by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly that fund proven violence reduction.
Discuss.
…Adding… From Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago)…
Leader Durkin has a history of picking the wrong time to speak up. He was silent while Bruce Rauner was destroying the very communities that the Reimagine Public Safety Act - which passed with 52 votes in the Senate - will invest in. I want to thank my Republican colleagues for stepping up on this occasion to reimagine public safety.
BREAKING: @DarrenBaileyIL will announce Stephanie Trussell as his running mate this morning. The former WLS conservative talk show host is in Lisle with Bailey for the announcement before they go on a bus tour across Illinois. #twill
“Students will travel to Jefferson Middle School, observe a teacher and then have a question/answer luncheon and discuss the importance of considering education as a career as a person of color,” the flier reads.
…Adding… Trussell promised that she and Bailey would deliver a tax cut at the end of their second year in office.
*** UPDATE 1 *** There were a couple of video problems, but here’s her speech. As always, please pardon all transcription errors…
What an amazing country we live in a place where a woman born on the west side of Chicago, who spent her high school years working at the Maywood McDonald’s can stand here today as a candidate for lieutenant governor of our great state. I love our country and I love Illinois. It’s the heartland of America, but its political leaders and political class have failed us. That’s why I’m so excited to join Darrin Bailey’s campaign to restore Illinois. … With a Bailey Trussell ticket, we will bring our great state back. My mom had me when she was barely 17 years old. Yet through her hard work and sacrifices, she was able to send my sister, my brother and me to private schools, scouts, dance lessons on Michigan Avenue and church youth group. She was determined to give us the opportunities that she never had, laying the foundation for us to become successful adults. One of the most important lessons she taught me was work ethics. Nobody worked harder than my mom and that’s her back there.
I got my first job at 14 at Pick and Pay. It was my best friend’s family’s corner store. At 15, I started working at McDonald’s, even though I was only 15. I started working there anyway. At 17 I was a crew chief, by 18. I was a manager. I learned early the value of hard work. Years later my eyes were open to how Democratic and progressive policies that were supposed to help me were actually hurting me, making things worse. I kept working and fighting and eventually my husband and I moved to Lisle, the best kept secret in DuPage County. We immediately felt welcome. As I worked hard as a mom raising five children, I also enjoyed serving my community. I have been everything from a Cub Scout leader, a room mom, to that taxiing mom with a minivan filled with kids, driving them to and from practice. But what I really love about my town is sitting in the stands cheering for the Lyons Lions. I was there when the boys basketball team played in state in 2004. I was there when my daughter played on the basketball team in 2005 when they made it to Sweet 16. I love my town. Darren’s life story and my own are a testament that no matter your background, no matter where you start, you are defined by choices you make and the work you’re willing to put in.
Our work for the people of Illinois is just beginning. While we love this great state we all know Springfield is broken. It’s so self evidently true that it’s almost not worth arguing the details. Over the last decade, hardworking people have fled Illinois in droves. The majority of those left looking for better jobs. 20% of them left because they couldn’t find affordable housing. Sadly, many are leaving because they no longer feel safe. In the 70s we played outside even after dark as our parents sat on the porch. We felt safe. Today murder and crime rates in Chicago are the highest they’ve been in two decades. Taxes, the cost of living, crime on the street. These are real problems that we all know JB Pritzker can’t, hasn’t and won’t fix. We need real common sense policy solutions. We need leadership who will fight to defend our police not defeund them. We need to get the woke left political agenda out of our classrooms for once and for all. It’s time to teach our kids to chase their dreams not to be a victim or hate one another.
Darren and I will demand a zero based budget that freezes spending with no tax increases. Every department will start at zero and will have to make the case for every cent of its funding. We have to stop passing budgets that spend tax dollars automatically. We’ll implement an honest review of each spending item. By the end of our second year, we intend to deliver a tax cut to the Illinois families. After all it’s your money.
Friends, better days are ahead for Illinois, but only if you make real conservative changes. Pritzker is a failure. We can’t afford four more years of failure. It will kill this great state. Let’s put the days of slick politicians and rich elites who don’t understand our problem is behind us. My story has made me the conservative that I am today. Growing up on the west side, the best side, getting my first job as a young teenager, raising my five kids. All this didn’t come without some obstacles. But together all of us the hardworking people of Illinois, we can solve challenges and turn our home around. Darrin Bailey is the governor we need for Illinois.
*** UPDATE 2 *** DPI…
Today, Stephanie Trussell, a right-wing talk show host and Trump loyalist, announced she will run for lieutenant governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey in the divisive Republican primary. Trussell’s bizarre, wildly out of touch views make her a perfect addition to the growing field of radical candidates.
“The first lieutenant governor candidate announcement is in line with what we’d expect from this anti-choice, anti-science field of extremist, far-right candidates,” said Abby Witt, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. “Illinois Republicans want to overturn Roe, rip needed health care from hundreds of thousands of people, deny the science on COVID-19, and take us backwards.”
Trussell, who called Donald Trump “the greatest president of our time,” wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and rip health coverage from more than 600,000 Illinoisans. She has espoused extremely harmful anti-choice views and compared Planned Parenthood to the KKK. She’s repeated a number of dangerous, reckless conspiracies about COVID-19 and has shown she is unfit to serve. Trussell’s far-right, extreme views do not belong anywhere near the governor’s office.
Today’s pick sends a clear message that the Republican primary for governor is going to be a messy race to the bottom.
I don’t care what he has to say he is he is a man of very little character. He’s uncouth, he’s disgusting. And it saddens me that he’s the front runner. He does not represent the values of the Republican Party.
A whole lot of people who have endorsed Bailey are going to have an interesting decision to make now.
