Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Rauner to receive lifetime achievement award from National Black Chamber of Commerce, gets shout-out in new Chance single

Thursday, Jul 19, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the May 21st edition of the National Black Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter…

There is no elected official in our nation who is showing the commitment of Governor Bruce Rauner, Governor, State of Illinois. His recent Executive Order [to establish parity for African-American contractors] should be used as an example for all mayors, county executives and governors throughout our nation. We, the federation of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, should show our appreciation and recognize his wisdom. We are preparing a thank you letter and, hereby, ask for all NBCC chapters and other business associations to join in.

That item was forwarded to this publication the day that Gov. Rauner took heat for replying “Exactly” when asked “Hold on, Governor. You said you did more than any other governor for black folks?”

* So, today’s event could dredge that up all over again. From the governor’s public schedule…

What: Gov. Rauner receives Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award, addresses the National Black Chamber of Commerce 26th Annual Conference
Where: U.S. Senate Hart Office Building, Room SD-106, 120 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Date: Thursday, July 19, 2018
Time: 10:45 a.m. CDT/11:45 a.m. EDT
Note: No additional media availability. Media should enter building on Constitution Avenue.

…Adding… Press release excerpt…

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) today gave its prestigious Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. The award is conferred on leaders who, in NBCC’s estimation, have demonstrated an undeniable commitment to diversity in the procurement sector.

The award was presented by Larry Ivory, a previous Fletcher Award winner and the CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce.

“In this decade, there has been no elected official who has done more for the development of Black-owned businesses than Gov. Bruce Rauner,” said Harry Alford, NBCC co-founder and CEO.

“His example is one for all elected officials to emulate,” added NBCC co-founder Kay DeBow. “His sheltered markets program and his recent executive order addressing procurement fairness for Black-owned businesses in Illinois demonstrate his dedication to diversity and the role that business plays in achieving enterprise and, ultimately, social objectives.”

* Meanwhile, you have probably seen the story this morning about how Chance the Rapper bought the assets of the defunct Chicagoist…

On Wednesday night, fans of Chance the Rapper were treated to a surprise release of four new singles.

The songs, available on all streaming platforms, include “Work Out,” “Wala Cam,” “65th and Ingleside” and “I Might Need Security.”

But within the NSFW lyrics of “I Might Need Security,” there was an even bigger surprise waiting to be discovered.

“I bought the Chicagoist/just to run you racist b—-es [rhymes with witches] out of business.”

* The relevant lyrics…

I don’t get no paper I gotta sign at the bottom
Still in my bag like the fries at the bottom
And I can’t do nothing right, they gon’ always be at me
I missed a Crain’s interview, they tried leaking my addy
I donate to the schools next, they call me a deadbeat daddy
But Sun-Times get in that Rauner business
I got a hit-list so long I don’t know how to finish
I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist [rhymes with witches] out of business
Speaking of racist, [rhymes with buck] your micro aggressions
I’ll make you fix your words like a typo suggestion
Pat me on the back too hard and Pat’ll ask for your job
And in unrelated news, someone’ll beat your [rhymes with sass] at your job
I’m the real deal

Chance and Rauner do not have a great history.

* Text from a pal…

I think that he’s saying that the Chicago newspapers are going after him so he bought the Chicagoist. He’s telling the Sun-Times to focus on Rauner instead of him I think.

…Adding… Word is that Chance may believe that Rauner or his people planted an unfavorable Sun-Times story about his child support payments after the two men had their public spat.

* More lyrics…

And Rahm you done I’m expectin’ resignation
An open investigation on all of these paid vacations for murderers

24 Comments

There are upsides to having your own billionaire

Thursday, Jul 19, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

*
Mary Hansen…

Some Republicans say Rauner’s support helped revive the party and make it more competitive. Though Democrats have accused him of using this money to intimidate lawmakers to follow his agenda, which Rauner has denied. […]

For one thing, there’s not a power vacuum atop the Democratic Party — Speaker Madigan retains a firm grip. And Democrats have majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. This leaves less room for a wealthy donor to come in and assert influence.

Brendan O’Sullivan, a Democratic strategist and fundraiser in Illinois, remembers one particular donation, a $9 million check from Rauner to support a few House and Senate races in October of 2016.

“It was a deflating to say the least for me to see that,” he said. “It was on a Friday night. And I thought, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I have to figure out how to bring in a new $9 million over the last weeks of this election.” […]

“I think there’s a sense of relief on the Democratic side that we have someone who can help us match what Gov. Rauner decides to spend,” he said.

I believe a lot of elected Illinois Democrats feel relieved that they won’t be outspent this time around.

Not everyone thinks it’s a great idea, though. Read the rest for that perspective.

[Reporter’s name was changed because of an error at the other end of the original lin, which was also changed.]

* Related…

* New Pritzker investment fund takes in $1.8 billion: Conscious of the conflicts that might seem to exist given J.B. Pritzker’s political run, Tony Pritzker said that the only Illinois investors in the second fund are family members. “J.B.’s not involved in PPC Partners and we didn’t solicit nor do we have any Illinois investors,” Tony Pritzker said. “J.B.’s very careful about this stuff.”