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*** UPDATED x1 - Pawar responds *** Biss implies Pritzker union endorsements were about Speaker Madigan

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Biss for Illinois campaign manager, Abby Witt, regarding today’s labor union endorsements of JB Pritzker today…

“The fact that these endorsements were given out to a candidate who is only weeks into his public life, who has no voting record on union issues, but does have a family business with a history of anti-union behavior — and without so much as an endorsement questionnaire or interview — tells you all you need to know about these announcements. While this is the way business is done in Springfield, the working men and women of Illinois deserve better.

“Daniel Biss is never going to be the choice of the billionaires or Mike Madigan because our campaign is building a movement of ordinary people ready to take their state back from money and the machine.”

Like I said earlier today, the gloves are coming off.

*** UPDATE *** From Sam Hobert of the Pawar campaign…

Ameya Pawar will always be a steadfast supporter of organized labor and collective bargaining rights and his partnership with labor to pass paid sick leave, raise the minimum wage, and combat wage theft are a reflection of his commitment to labor and working people–endorsements or non-endorsements won’t change that.

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*** UPDATED x1 - Raw audio *** “Targeted” CPD officers shot with a high-powered rifle

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tribune…

Chicago police were questioning three people and were searching for others after two plainclothes officers were wounded Tuesday night in the Back of the Yards when gunmen began firing “indiscriminately” at them, authorities said.

Both Deering District officers were shot by a “high-powered weapon,” police said. One officer was hit in the arm and hip, the other in the back.

They were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they were in serious condition but stable. Officials said their injuries were not life-threatening.

The officers were sitting in an unmarked car in the 4300 block of South Ashland Avenue around 9 p.m., following up an earlier investigation, when they saw someone in a silver van shooting at another vehicle, according to preliminary information from police.

“The occupants began firing shots indiscriminately in the direction of the officers,” the Police Department said in a statement. “The officers returned fire.” It is not believed they hit anyone.

* NBC 5…

Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said both officers “were targeted” and “there are high security concerns” for both men.

* Sun-Times…

Multiple security cameras are in place around the intersection where the shooting occurred, near 43rd Street and Ashland Avenue. […]

Multiple weapons were recovered in the area, as well as a vehicle possibly used in the shooting, Johnson said. […]

The vehicle the officers were in was “riddled with bullets” from what police believe was a high powered rifle, he added. […]

Hundreds of officers from across the city had swarmed the area in the hours after the shooting. Dozens more congregated at the hospital. Mayor Rahm Emanuel visited the officers and their families before leaving about 10:35 p.m.

*** UPDATE *** The CPD dispatch audio is horrifying…

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*** LIVE *** Session coverage

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

Follow all the action (or inaction) in real time right here with ScribbleLive…

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*** UPDATED x1 - Pritzker campaign responds *** Question of the day

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The ILGOP reacts to JB Pritzker’s new TV ad buy…

Hotel Scion Pritzker Using Inherited Wealth on Inherited Agenda
Pritzker’s Advertising Follows Gov. Rauner’s Action

Today, J.B. Pritzker launched an ad campaign that aims to mirror Bruce Rauner’s actions as Governor.

He’s using his inherited wealth to push for an inherited agenda.

Pritzker’s ad claims he helped 55,000 kids get school breakfasts and touts his support for early childhood education.

What J.B. won’t tell you is that Gov. Rauner signed a bill providing 175,000 children with school breakfasts last year.

As Governor, Bruce Rauner increased education funding by $700 million since taking office, including a $100 million increase for early childhood education.

If J.B. Pritzker wants to take real, impactful steps to fix our state, he should use his fortune to encourage Mike Madigan to come to the table and pass reforms.

* The Question: How would you rate the phrase “using inherited wealth on an inherited agenda”? Don’t forget to explain your answer.

*** UPDATE *** From Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara responding to the above release…

“Yesterday it was reported that early childhood education programs were at risk of getting cut because of Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership.

“This is laughable. The only person Rauner’s convinced that he’s making a difference when it comes to these issues is unfortunately himself.”

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Pritzker goes up with new TV ad: “Think big”

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Today, the JB Pritzker for Governor campaign released its first TV ad, a 60-second spot called “Think Big.” The ad will air in markets across the state.

“Think Big” highlights JB’s progressive record of getting things done, including his work to bring new, good paying jobs to Illinois by helping build 1871, a non-profit technology small business incubator, by working with non-profits like Share Our Strength and Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide school breakfast to 55,000 Illinois kids, and JB’s work as a national leader in early childhood education.

“Today, I’m excited to release our campaign’s first TV ad and continue introducing myself to people across Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “As I’ve traveled across the state, I’ve visited organizations and met with Illinoisans who are paying the price for Governor Rauner’s failure every day. It’s time we fight for what’s right and get our state back on track. By working together, I know that we can get real results for Illinois families and our communities.”

* Rate it…

…Adding… More where this came from…

@capitolfax $435k Buy Rich. And they are 60's, i.e. Long.

— Edward Marshall (@edmarshallcbs2) May 2, 2017

…Adding More… Greg Hinz…

In the spot, Pritzker takes only a passing shot at incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, saying that, under him, “things have only gotten worse” in Illinois. And he completely ignores other rivals for the Democratic nomination.

Instead, under the theme of thinking “big,” Pritzker talks about how he founded a successful tech incubator and worked to arrange funding for early-childhood education and nutrition programs. “Small ideas won’t help Illinois’ future,” he concludes.

But the “big” line is used to self-deprecating purpose, too. I’m not sure if he’s ever been skinny, and the spot depicts him walking down a street, stomach bumping above his belt, hammering on the “big” line.

Kinda cute, I thought. But look for yourself. At least we’re starting what likely will be a bitter campaign on a humorous note.

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*** LIVE *** Session coverage

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The House, in its infinite wisdom, is on break this week (the first time I can remember that happening in May). The Senate convenes at noon with an approp committee meeting this morning at 9. Follow everything in real time right here with ScribbleLive…

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