As always, if you see something I missed, please speak up in comments. Thanks.
…Adding… If you were wondering why that judicial remap bill took so long…
Rep. Jonathan Carroll (Northbrook), Rep. Daniel Didech (Buffalo Grove), Rep. Joyce Mason (Gurnee), Rep. Rita Mayfield (Waukegan), Rep. Bob Morgan (Deerfield), and Rep. Sam Yingling (Grayslake) released the following statement:
The Lake County Democratic House Delegation is proud to announce that we successfully negotiated historic judicial maps that will for the first time bring real diversity to the Lake County courts. For too long, our community has been deprived of truly equitable representation at the judicial branch of government. As soon as this year, we expect to see the first two minority judges elected in Lake County history. This only happened because of our dedication to building productive working relationships with all of our colleagues in Springfield, and our commitment to ensuring that every single person in Lake County had a voice in our state’s Capitol.
…Adding… The House has canceled next week’s session. Senate President Harmon told members earlier to not expect to return next week.
Senate GOP is using this attendance issue to protest the Democrats’ judicial maps and technical changes to the updated election law, not to mention the ongoing “Zoom legislature” that’s going on its third year with rules that allow video conference calls and remote voting.
I’ve been asking for a statement from Leader McConchie explaining why he’s doing this for well over an hour.
* Just before noon, after hearing multiple rumors of a lack of a quorum, I asked the Senate Republicans how many of their members were at the Capitol and their spokesperson said this…
Right now, only Leader McConchie is in the Capitol.
The Senate Democrats were clearly short on their attendance. The chamber was supposed to convene at 11 o’clock, but that was moved back to 2 o’clcock while they tried to convince members to get their rears to town. As long as the Republicans stayed out of the building, they could stop a quorum.
* It seems clear that the Republicans are quite upset with the way the subcircuit remap bill is being jammed through. And Leader McConchie had this to say after the bill was debated in Senate Executive Committee this afternoon…
I will just say that I’m, again deeply disappointed at the redistricting process on a number of levels. I will say mostly in regards to the lack of transparency in regards to this process, and I mean, this is something that not only have I raised, but also the courts have raised, also government groups have raised on multiple levels. I just think it is counterproductive to I’ll say small d democratic process. At the end of the day, our goal needs to be for the people of this state to have faith in government. And I would say that the manner in which this has been done, as well as many other things, seems to cause people to not have that faith. And so, at some point, I hope that we’ll be able to figure out the mechanism and the majority will actually welcome a robust debate and full transparency in regards to anything that we do here in this building.
Anyway, the Senate Democrats are holding a caucus meeting at 2 o’clock, so we should know more soon.
There’s also been a delay in getting SHIELD covid test results back for several members, I’m told (but that was from a House member).
*** UPDATE 1 *** Senate President Don Harmon just told his members during caucus that they have 29 Democrats in Springfield, with a couple more driving down. That would give them a quorum, but two members have issues and can’t be on the floor (you can probably guess what that is). So, we’ll see what happens next.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I guess he doesn’t believe what Harmon told his members…
The current situation indicates that the Senate Democrats do not have of a quorum of their own members at this time. While the situation unfolds, here is a statement from Leader McConchie:
“Senate Republicans continue to stand up for democracy as they have throughout the entire redistricting process. Unfortunately, Democrats have clearly had only one thing in mind and that is power at all costs, even at the expense of democracy. As was stated today in committee, partisanship was a factor in drawing the sub circuit maps. Our caucus will not assist in any effort to corrupt our judicial system through partisan gerrymandering. If the Democrats want a power grab of our courts, they can do it on their own. The judicial branch, above all, should be held to a higher standard than this sort of politicization.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** The House Republicans were off the floor during the attendance roll call. But the Democrats had 62 votes. They have a quorum…
Republican Rep. Mark Batinick then walked onto the floor and requested a Republican caucus for an hour. They’ll be back in action sometime after 4 o’clock.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Senate now has a quorum. Several members were also allowed to participate remotely, including Sen. Bailey.
Right now, even as we speak, factions of the Republican Party are trying to handpick the ‘yes people’ that they want to put into office. There’s a lot of good people out there that have decided to run and they’re being discouraged, borderline bribed, whatever you want to call it, not to run. And this has got to be exposed and talked about as well because these days of Illinois governance where we’ve came from, where we’ve been, what we’ve been doing and why we are here has got to end.
We keep hearing the talk about a slate coming up of Republican governor, lieutenant governor and all the way down the line. Friends, this is nonsense. And you’re going to be able to see right through it. Whenever you see a liberal-minded governor candidate pop up from the Illinois Republican Party and then you see maybe someone to the right or to the left of them. That’s why I chose Stephanie Trussell to be my running mate. Because Stephanie Trussell is rock solid. She stands up, she speaks out for what she believes in and she will not waver. These people coming up from this slate, they’re going to be bought and paid for candidates and friends we cannot allow that anymore in the state of Illinois. So make sure to speak with your voice now when you see these people and make sure to speak up with your vote later. Please join our team.
Just sayin’ but Trussell most definitely wavered on Donald Trump, going from 110 percent opposition to support.
On the Republican side, a political action committee with support from billionaire Ken Griffin is reportedly backing former U.S. attorney John Milhiser. […]
Griffin’s potential involvement has little to do with the secretary of state office. Griffin wants to defeat Gov. JB Pritzker, and if he can’t do it this year, the Citadel CEO may want to put Milhiser in a strong position to run for governor in four years.
For now, Giannoulias and Milhiser face primary contests, so fundraising is far from over. Their opponents all have uphill battles to beef up their campaign accounts.
Um, “little to do with the secretary of state office”? One could say that about other candidates, too. Anybody think Giannoulias will be content to be SoS for 20 years? Team Grif may indeed be setting up Milhiser for a future bid for even higher office, but that would require winning the race in November. And, more to the point, the people running this experiment despise Giannoulias from their time running the Mark Kirk US Senate campaign. They were obviously very intent on finding a candidate to make a stark contrast with their planned attack on Giannoulias.
A 36-year-old child protection specialist with the Department of Children and Family Services was stabbed to death while performing a home visit in Thayer on Tuesday afternoon. The Sangamon County Coroner’s office performed an autopsy on Wednesday morning, and plans to identify the woman after completing the autopsy.
Six children, ages 1 to 7 years old, were present in the home in the 300 block of West Elm Street, according to Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell. Officers investigated the stabbing in the small rural town just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police officers from Pawnee, Divernon, Auburn, and deputies from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene and had to force their way inside the home where they found the victim’s body, but no sign of the suspect.
Later that night, Decatur police took 32-year-old Benjamin Reed into custody in connection with the stabbing. Officers located him at a hospital in Decatur where he was seeking medical treatment for a minor wound. Sangamon county detectives traveled to Decatur and interviewed Reed about the incident. Reed was due in court for a bond hearing Wednesday morning.
Approximately 15 minutes later arriving officers noticed something that appeared to be blood near the door of the home.
Once they were inside they found the body of a 36-year-old woman.
A search of the home helped authorities identify Reed as the possible suspect.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Marc D. Smith, Director of DCFS…
The Department of Children and Family Services is deeply saddened by the tragic death of our colleague, Deidre Silas. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time. Social work is more than just a job, it is a calling. Deidre responded to this call and dedicated herself to the children, families and communities she served, and we will be forever grateful for her work. She was an incredible person, and her brightness and positivity will be missed not only by her family and friends, but also her second family at DCFS.
*** UPDATE 2 *** AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch…
“We are heartbroken at the loss of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator and AFSCME member Deidre Silas of Springfield, murdered Tuesday while responding to a report of children in danger.
“The perpetrator of this unspeakable crime must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Deidre dedicated her career to helping young people. Prior to joining DCFS in August 2021 she worked in behavioral health and for more than seven years with the Department of Juvenile Justice where she was a union steward.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that frontline DCFS employees like Deidre do demanding, dangerous and essential jobs every day, often despite inadequate resources and tremendous stress.
“AFSCME will carefully study the facts of this incident as they emerge and press for any necessary changes to DCFS operations. One death in the line of service is too many.
“Our union is providing support to Deidre’s coworkers to help them process this trauma and aid their grieving.
“The hearts and thoughts of every AFSCME member are with Deidre’s loved ones, especially her children, in the wake of their profound and senseless loss. In her name we rededicate ourselves to our vigilant advocacy to improve workplace safety for all.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Gov. JB Pritzker…
“Today, the State of Illinois mourns the loss of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker and a hero, taken from us in the line of duty. There is no higher calling than the work to keep children and families safe and Deidre lived that value every single day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our most vulnerable are safer because she chose to serve. I can think of no more profound legacy. MK and I send our deepest condolences to her colleagues at DCFS, her family, and all who loved her.”
* Illinois Collaboration on Youth…
The entire child welfare community mourns the tragic death of Diedra Silas, who was killed yesterday while trying to protect children at risk. We are heartbroken that her commitment to children’s safety has cost her life, and left her own two children motherless. We will keep Ms. Silas and all who loved her in our hearts and thoughts.
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
Today is a day for everyone in Illinois to stand with the selfless workers at the Department of Children and Family Services who give so much of themselves to keep our children safe. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Deidre Silas, killed as she checked in on children who she cared so deeply about. She gave voice to children who needed a hero to protect them. May she rest in peace in all of God’s glory.
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
“Today, our Illinois family mourns the loss of DCFS caseworker Deidre Silas, who was killed on the job while trying to make a difference. She was a brave, essential worker dedicated to helping children, their families, and their communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Our state is a better place because of Deidre Silas. My family and I are sending our prayers and condolences to her family, DCFS coworkers, and everyone whose life she touched.”
* Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie watched in horror as events unfolded on January 6th last year. He was moved to write an op-ed that was published in the Sun-Times the following day under the headline “The Republican Party must find its way back home.” Here it is…
Along with the rest of our nation, today the Republican Party stands at a crossroads. There is no denying that the GOP that opposed slavery, sent President Abraham Lincoln to the White House and was the catalyst for granting women the right to vote has lost its way.
On Wednesday, I watched in horror as domestic terrorists stormed our nation’s Capitol, threatened the lives of our democratically elected representatives and vandalized our sacred ground. I was devastated to see the most striking symbol of division — the Confederate flag — paraded through our Capitol’s hallowed halls.
In helping foment current national divisions, there is no longer any doubt that our Republican president has abdicated the principles of freedom, law and order and a democratic process that has for so long enabled the United States to be the leader of the free world. We have never seen such a breach of law and order in the seat of our hallowed republic.
Unlike so many citizens of other countries, I have never before had to question whether my president was inciting violence or sedition. It is up to us to defend our country against lawlessness and those who would tear down the core values upon which our democracy has been built.
This riotous activity could understandably cause an instinctual reaction to abandon the party claimed by the president and the people who put him in the position to abuse his power and encourage this chaos. But, to those who want to write the Republicans off forever, I implore you to reconsider.
Wednesday’s attack vividly illustrates that what America needs most right now is reunification around the principles and values that have made us the leader of the free world. And we are not now, nor should we ever be, a single-party system. We require the checks, balances and discourse of a two-party system to be a strong and free nation.
While we should never abandon our values, beliefs or advocacy, we must stop perceiving the opposition party as our enemy. We are all equals, dedicated to participating in the political process that is essential to maintaining our status as a great nation.
And our state needs the millions of Illinoisans who voted for President Donald Trump in November, just as we need the millions who voted for President-elect Joe Biden, to work together for the common good. We need every citizen, from every corner of the state, and every background to work together to solve our state’s problems by empowering the people rather than the political elite or the well-connected.
Now is not the time to tear down — it is the time to rebuild. The Republican party is not, and has never been, one person. It is a collection of values such as liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of worship and economic opportunity for all. Here in Illinois, the GOP is centered around rooting out the corruption that festers in the halls of our government and restoring the public’s faith in our representative democracy. It is this shared value system and dedication that will be the cornerstone of our renewal.
As with all sorrowful crises, this moment carries with it an opportunity of tremendous magnitude for our nation and the Republican Party. But the opportunity is meaningless unless we seize it.
Let’s come together as a new GOP that has learned from its past and seeks to build a brighter future for all of those we hold so dear.
* McConchie has released this statement ahead of tomorrow’s one-year anniversary…
In the year since the devastating attack on our nation’s Capitol, I am sadly reminded of the divisive political culture that Americans have come to expect. However, we can once again become the American people that respect and value one another, no matter our differences.
As I stated following last year’s attack, ‘We need every citizen, from every corner of the state, and every background to work together to solve our state’s problems by empowering the people rather than the political elite or the well-connected.’
I still believe that strongly today and will continue to work to ensure our democratic system operates in a manner that values all perspectives and ensures all voices are heard.
…Adding… US Rep. Kinzinger…
I will continue to say what few others in my party have the courage to say. As we near the anniversary of Jan 6 we must reflect on the failures that lead to that day. It’s time for leaders to lead. To prove we can be better. My message: https://t.co/IR27ysZNvqpic.twitter.com/ExtkXjTMVX
With cases across the state and within the district surging, CPS reported 35,590 tests were completed between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, but 24,843 were ruled “invalid,” according to data posted on the district’s website. […]
CPS has encouraged parents to get their students tested for COVID-19 over winter break, with the district distributing about 150,000 take-home test kits to schools in communities hit hard by the pandemic. […]
The deadline to return those kits was originally set for Dec. 28, but was extended to Dec. 30 after parents and the Chicago Teachers Union reported overflowing drop boxes that left some families scrambling.
So, out of 150,000 tests, CPS winds up with just 10,747 valid results? That’s about 7 percent. CPS non-charter enrollment is 290,000 kids. So, those valid results represented about 3.7 percent of all CPS students.
Chicago Public Schools classes are canceled Wednesday as the Chicago Teachers Union voted to refuse in-person work, defying district plans because of post-holidays COVID-19 concerns.
The cancellation came despite a last-minute proposal from city leaders that introduced improved testing and safety measures but wasn’t enough to avoid upending in-person schooling for about 290,000 students at non-charter schools exactly 12 months after another CPS-CTU fight over pandemic safety measures left families in limbo for weeks.
Even remote learning is not an option for some students at a growing number of suburban schools, where the spike in COVID-19 cases this week has sidelined teachers and staff, suspending classroom instruction amid a critical statewide shortfall of school employees.
At Elgin-based Community Unit School District 46 — the second largest school district in Illinois — officials announced that five of its 57 schools were closed Tuesday because of staffing shortages, which unlike previous classroom shutdowns, does not include pivoting to online instruction. […]
Staffing shortages due to COVID-19 also forced officials at Niles Township School District 219 to halt their plans to resume in-person, classroom instruction this week, and instead, the district will move to a remote learning, adaptive pause through Jan. 14. […]
Staffing shortages across New Lenox-based Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 also prompted officials to close buildings, and switch to online instruction through Friday.
After a fall semester of relative normalcy across much of the United States, Covid-19 made itself felt on Monday in school districts nationwide.
A vast majority of U.S. public schools appeared to be operating as planned this week, including those in New York City, the country’s largest district. But the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, along with labor and testing shortages, has led to a growing number of educational disruptions.
Districts in Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Newark were among those announcing that their schools would switch to remote learning for periods lasting from a few days to several weeks.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Senator Darren Bailey Releases Statement in response to Chicago Teachers Union Voting to Not Teach Students in Classrooms
“The Chicago Teachers Union is out of control, and Pritzker needs to stand up and demand in-person education for our children or work with CPS to find teachers who want to teach our kids and ensure they don’t fall behind.”
Bailey continued, “Our children are not political pawns, and their education should not be held hostage by big, politically motivated unions who despise parental involvement in education. When J.B. Pritzker shut our schools down, our students fell behind.
Schools across the nation are attending in-person with masks optional; there is no reason for this. It’s time to end the nonsense and ensure our schools prioritize our children again. As your next Governor, I’ll always stand up for parents and students. I’ll fight to remove the extreme policies from classrooms, and I will remove Pritzker’s mandates and restore local control. We must improve education and prepare our children to chase their dreams and accomplish their next step.”
Democrat candidate for Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias finished the recent end-of-the-year fundraising quarter strong with more than $4 million in his campaign fund, he campaign announced today.
Giannoulias, the former Illinois State Treasurer who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the statewide office, reported raising more than approximately $655,575 during the fourth quarter that ended December 31, increasing the current total in his campaign fund to approximately $4,025,000 million on hand after expenses.
“I’m proud to have received such a strong showing of support from Illinoisians who want to modernize the office and make it responsive to their needs, health and safety concerns and busy schedules,” Giannoulias said. “Our fundraising total shows that our message is resonating with Illinoisians who share our priorities and expect action when it comes to a government that works better for everyone by improving access and delivering services faster, easier and more conveniently for them.”
In addition to his campaign’s fundraising success, Giannoulias has outlined a series of policy initiatives his administration would undertake that address issues of statewide concern, including: protecting voter rights and making it easier to register and vote; strengthening ethics reforms among government officials and lobbyists; increasing opportunities for women and minority business owners establish and grow their businesses; improving the State’s library system to provide more equity and access; and reducing recidivism by easing the transition for ex-offenders to successfully reintegrate into society.
Since launching his bid for Secretary of State a year ago, Giannoulias has received endorsements from a broad array of Democrats representing more than 200 elected leaders, organized labor and political groups, including the Cook County Democratic Party and the Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association.
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia has about $820,000 on hand, Ald. David Moore, about $105,000, and Dowell has $520,000. Should she run for federal office, Dowell could return those funds and then see them donated back for a congressional race.
Republican Dan Brady, who’s been endorsed by party leaders across the state, has nearly $300,000 after announcing his bid just six weeks ago.
The surprise decision of Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., to not run for a 16th term sparked a chain reaction Tuesday, with Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) on the verge of dropping her bid for secretary of state and switching to a House run, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.
Dowell told the Sun-Times she will soon decide — it could come within a day or so — whether she will make the switch.
“I am seriously considering a pivot from the secretary of state race to the congressional seat that would be opened by Bobby Rush’s retirement,” she said.
*** UPDATE *** From Pat Dowell…
First, I want to recognize the numerous contributions of Congressman Bobby Rush in his lifetime of service to further civil rights and protect underserved communities, particularly those of color. Congressman Rush has led the fight for racial justice and inspired many.
After careful consideration and many conversations with family and supporters, I am announcing that I will run for Congress in Illinois’ 1st District. Congressman Rush has created a legacy of fighting for others that I will strive to honor and uphold. I am grateful for the support people have given me in my run for Secretary of State. Recent events, both here in Illinois and across the country, have led me to decide to make this run for Congress.
In Congress, I will work every day to ensure Chicago and all the communities of the 1st district receive their fair share of federal resources, safeguard voting rights and access, be a strong voice for gun control, protect Social Secuirty and Medicare, and provide healthcare for all.
* David Moore…
In less than a week, petitions will start circulating for candidates to get on the ballot for the June 28 primary election. As we see in the secretary of state’s race to replace the retiring Jesse White, nothing is constant except change. Alderman Pat Dowell’s decision to end her bid for secretary of state and run for congress changes the race significantly.
I am the only candidate in the secretary of state’s race who circulated petitions for candidate White to run for secretary of state in 1997. Although he had served as a state legislator and Cook County Recorder of Deeds, he did not receive the party’s endorsement.
I believed then, as now that candidate White was the right person for the job—given the office was mired in scandal and corruption. His long service has underscored the need to keep the secretary of state’s office a “servant’s seat,” driven by service to Illinois constituents and not by political ambition.
My record of standing with working families is unassailable, both as a private citizen and elected official. I will build on White’s rich legacy and run the office with great integrity and character while professionally conducting the business of secretary of state, as I stated in my announcement speech on the campus of Western Illinois University in Macomb nearly eight months ago.
* As is often the case, the Sangamon County GOP didn’t go along with the program. Instead of appointing someone favored by the Senate Republicans who would use the time in office to set up a run against Democratic Sen. Doris Turner this year, they chose Sandy Hamilton…
When asked why she applied, Sandy Hamilton, the newly sworn-in representative for the Illinois 99th District, turned the question around.
“A friend called me and asked me about it and after a couple of days of talking it through with my husband, Bob, the real answer was why not? Why not do this?” said Hamilton, a real estate broker at RE/MAX Professionals and former volleyball coach at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School.
Hamilton emerged from a group of 20 candidates to claim the vacancy created by the resignation of Rep. Mike Murphy, a Republican from Springfield. […]
Hamilton said she would be open to running for reelection. Barghouti Hardwick previously said “it would be good” if the candidate was interested in running for that office again or interested in seeking another office.
Hamilton, who lives on the west side of Springfield, would be in the 95th district if she ran in 2022.
Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, who also attended the swearing-in, said he planned to run for reelection, but hadn’t made a formal announcement.
Um.
* Press release…
Today the Villegas for Congress campaign released a preliminary estimate of the total funds raised in the 4th Quarter of 2021, the first fundraising quarter since Alderman Gilbert Villegas entered the race for the newly created Third Congressional District of Illinois. Villegas announced his candidacy on the Marine Corps birthday, November 10th, 2021.
The campaign expects to file more than $382,000 raised once all final contributions are received and tallied. The campaign also expects to report approximately $360,000 cash on hand once accounting for expenses.
Campaign manager Magdalena Fudalewicz released the following statement:
“Alderman Gilbert Villegas’s service as as a Marine, working class background driving trucks for the Teamsters, and public service is clearly resonating with supporters across the district. We’re thrilled that in just seven weeks and with several major holiday breaks, we’ve seen such a tremendous response to this campaign,” said Magdalena Fudalewicz.
* Press release…
Today, Nikki Budzinski announced that her campaign raised over $475,000 in the fourth quarter of 2021. Budzinski raised an additional $455,000 in the first five weeks of her campaign in the third quarter. Since announcing her campaign 133 days ago, Budzinski has raised over $930,000. Budzinski’s fundraising numbers are fueled by grassroots supporters from across Central and Southern Illinois and put her in a strong position to run an issues-based campaign and win in November.
Budzinski made the following statement: “I am honored and humbled by the support I’ve received since announcing my campaign in August. I am committed to being a champion for working families in Central and Southern Illinois, who for too long haven’t had a voice in Congress. The support I have received allows me to be laser focused on running the kind of issues-based campaign it will take to reach voters and win this district back for working families this November.”
* This is Courtney Parella’s first day on the job as the NRCC’s regional press secretary…
Hi there –
The Chicago Teachers Union is threatening to prevent students from returning to the classroom.
The union’s 25,000+ members are voting today to only work virtually, despite the devastating negative effects school closures have on students and families.
Will Sean Casten and Marie Newman stand by their teachers union donors and allow schools to be shut down?
NRCC Comment: “Sean Casten and Marie Newman refuse to stand up to their teachers union donors, despite the well-documented challenges for children and families that come with school closures. When will Democrats end their war on children?” – NRCC Spokeswoman Courtney Parella
— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Former Democratic Congressman Jerry Costello is endorsing Alexi Giannoulias for secretary of state in the Democratic primary. Costello served 12 terms before retiring from Congress in 2013, and before that he served eight years as St. Clair County Board chairman.
— State Rep. Maurice West announced his re-election campaign to the 67th District in the Illinois House. “Since 2019 I have focused my efforts in bringing opportunities and progress to the west, south and southeast sides of Rockford.” West, a Democrat, said in a statement.
— State Rep. Tom Bennett announced his re-election campaign to the 106th District in the Illinois House. “I’m proud to work on issues important to this region, including improving roads and infrastructure, increased funding for K-12 schools, economic development, and supporting public safety,” Bennett, a Republican, said in a statement.
— Former state Rep. Mary Edly Allen announced her run for the newly drawn 31st District seat in the state Senate. State Rep. Sam Yingling, a fellow Democrat, is also running for that seat.
— Grayslake Trustee Laura Dias is running for the IL-62 seat being vacated by state Rep. Sam Yingling.
— Justice Liam C. Brennan of Wheaton has announced his bid for the 3rd District Appellate Court vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Vicki Wright. Brennan was unanimously appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to the 2nd District Appellate Court in March 2020. He is now running for the 3rd District Appellate seat as a result of recent remapping of the appellate districts. The new 3rd District Appellate Court encompasses DuPage, Will, Kankakee, Iroquois, Grundy, LaSalle, and Bureau County.
…Adding… Subscribers know more about Dordek…
Facing one of the most important election cycles in its 33-year history, Personal PAC has named a new chairperson.
Natalie Federle replaces Eileen Dordek, who resigned the post after announcing her candidacy for Illinois’ 13th state House District this week. Federle’s appointment comes as Personal PAC welcomes an unprecedented influx of young volunteers, further evidence of a national trend of Millenial and Gen Z voters galvanizing over restricted access to reproductive rights.
Federle, 38, is a Chicago attorney with a background in employment law. Currently the General Counsel of Sermo, she has practiced law in Chicago since 2011, beginning her career at DLA Piper.
In addition to her legal practice, Natalie has served on the Board of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, and has volunteered for many years as a voter protection attorney on election days.
Natalie has two daughters, a rescue dog, and is married to Julian Federle, the Director of Government Affairs at United Airlines.
She has been involved with Personal PAC since 2014, joining the board in 2017 before becoming vice chair in 2019.
“My time spent working on behalf of Personal PAC has been some of the most rewarding work of my life and I’m honored and excited to step into a leadership role,” Federle said. “The 2022 elections across the state and down the ballot are crucial in fighting back against the Federal attack on abortion rights. We must ensure Illinois elects a pro-choice Supreme Court, Governor, and General Assembly in November.”
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Mary Miller’s infamous quotation of Adolf Hitler and her vote not to certify electoral college votes - one of the main drivers of the January 6 insurrection – President Kristina Zahorik of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association released the following statement:
“A year ago Mary Miller quoted Adolf Hitler to make a political point, and later could not even unequivocally apologize after being repudiated by both Republicans and Democrats for it. A day later, she acquiesced to the demands of the insurrectionists who attacked police and the U.S. Capital, and voted against certifying electoral college votes lawfully electing President Joe Biden.”
“While the news cycles may be shorter, our memories must remain long – Mary Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.”
* I went over this race with subscribers this morning, so here’s the press release…
John Milhiser today announced that he is running for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Jesse White as Illinois Secretary of State. Milhiser has dedicated his life to public service as Sangamon County State’s Attorney and United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, where he received unanimous bipartisan confirmation from the United States Senate, including support from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.
“It is a privilege to run for this office and continue to fight to make our state a better place to live. I am running because we can do better in Illinois. We can have good government. We can have safe communities, and we can rebuild trust in our leaders,” says Milhiser. “As the next Secretary of State, I will continue to work to end the culture of corruption that has been fostered for decades in this state. Together we can forge a new future for Illinois unencumbered by the last half century of back room deals that have led our state down the wrong path. We must move forward, not backward, and away from the corruption that has plagued our state for so many years.”
Milhiser is not a politician. He is a public servant, who has dedicated his life to improving his community by leading a state prosecutor’s office, a federal prosecutor’s office, and most recently, a classroom. As Secretary of State, Milhiser’s goal will remain the same, to work each day to make a difference and have a positive impact on the citizens of Illinois.
As United States Attorney, Milhiser successfully prosecuted murderers, violent criminals, child predators, drug dealers, embezzlers, and human traffickers. Most recently, he gained bipartisan praise for leading the prosecution of an elected official on charges of fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion related to his alleged misuse of campaign money for personal expenses. Milhiser has a long history of investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and other crimes against the public.
Prior to serving as United States Attorney, Milhiser was a prosecutor in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office for 16 years where he was known as a champion for victims. He prosecuted serious felony cases, including First Degree Murder, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated DUI, and the Attempted Murder of Police Officers.
John Milhiser’s commitment to justice and public service will help to restore faith in state government and our leaders. With a Governor and statewide officials who continue Speaker Madigan’s culture of corruption, Illinois needs someone of utmost integrity. John Milhiser will operate the office with zero tolerance for corruption and demand efficient and effective service to taxpayers.
The Secretary of State employs more than 4,000 employees, with a portfolio ranging from drivers’ services and the Illinois State Archives and Library to motor vehicle theft investigations and the Capitol Police Department.
For over 25 years, Milhiser has called Illinois home and has served our community. He has served on the board of the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, Helping Hands Homeless Shelter, Memorial Behavioral Health Mental Health Centers, Sangamon County Juvenile Justice Council, and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. Milhiser is a past President of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association and a former adjunct professor at Springfield College in Illinois/Benedictine University.
Currently, Milhiser is teaching high school government, history, and English at Lawrence Education Center in Springfield. Milhiser met his wife, Gail, at the University of Illinois College of Law. They have been married for 24 years and have two daughters.
Learn more about John Milhiser and his campaign for Secretary of State at johnmilhiser.com.
This is apparently the first candidate in the rollout of the unified “business” ticket. Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) didn’t make the cut. There’s still apparently an open House seat available not far from his home. We’ll see what he does, but he won’t be able to outraise Milhiser.
Also, this Milhiser guy is squeaky clean. No oppo issues. The Democrats should probably keep that in mind.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Dan Brady campaign…
Dan Brady today announced the endorsements of numerous state representatives, state senators, and members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation, including Congressmen Rodney Davis, Darin LaHood, and Mike Bost, for his Secretary of State campaign. These endorsements represent deep statewide support for Brady.
“I am thankful to have the support of so many of my colleagues from the General Assembly,” said Brady.” It has been an honor to serve the people of Illinois and I appreciate the guidance that my colleagues will be able to share with me about how Secretary of State services can be improved in their parts of the state. I am looking forward to campaigning across the state with my House and Senate colleagues to share my vision for a more efficient and effective Secretary of State office.”
“Having Republican lawmakers’ support and guidance behind me is significant,” Brady said. “Their support will allow us to build an effective campaign infrastructure from Cairo to Waukegan as I prepare to share my message with voters in the months ahead.”
Illinois lawmakers who endorse Rep. Brady in his Secretary of State campaign include:
Representatives:
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin
State Rep. Michael Marron
State Rep. Amy Grant
State Rep. Norine Hammond
State Rep. Brad Halbrook
State Rep. Patrick Windhorst
State Rep. Brad Stephens
State Rep. Paul Jacobs
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer
State Rep. Randy Frese
State Rep. Charles Meier
State Rep. Seth Lewis
State Rep. Chris Bos
State Rep. Steve Reick
State Rep. Chris Miller
State Rep. Tim Butler
State Rep. Dan Swanson
State Rep. Tom Bennett
State Rep. Dan Ugaste
State Rep. Tom Weber
State Rep. Dave Severin
State Rep. Tony McCombie
State Rep. David Friess
State Rep. David Welter
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi
State Rep. Jackie Haas
State Rep. Jeff Keicher
State Rep. Amy Elik
State Rep. Joe Sosnowski
State Rep. Keith Sommer
State Rep. Mark Luft
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin
Senators:
State Senator: Brian Stewart
State Senator Chapin Rose
State Senator Don DeWitte State Senator Dave Syverson
State Senator Jason Barickman
State Senator Jil Tracy
State Senator Neal Anderson
State Senator Sally Turner
State Senator Steve McClure
State Senator Sue Rezin
State Senator Terri Bryant
U.S. Congress:
Representative Darin LaHood
Representative Mike Bost
Representative Rodney Davis
*** UPDATE 2 *** DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement regarding the announcement that Republican John Milhiser will run for Secretary of State:
“John Milhiser is the first pawn in the latest political game from Bruce Rauner and Ken Griffin. Rauner and Griffin are most famous for waging a disastrous four-year war on good government in Illinois, decimating our social safety net and nearly plunging our state into junk status. Rauner and Griffin are now back, choosing their own slate of handpicked puppets instead of letting voters to have their say.
“Of course, Rauner and Griffin’s first failed adventure in state government ended when they were overwhelmingly rejected by voters, but we know that won’t stop them from picking a slate of candidates to do their bidding — like Milhiser and their rumored gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin. Unfortunately for Milhiser, Irvin, and any others, Illinois voters are smart enough recognize a Rauner-Griffin reboot when they see it.”
And the same is true in Peoria, Joliet and all over Illinois.
Our government should act that way too.
But for years in Illinois, they left bills unpaid, ruined our credit, and racked up over a billion dollars in interest penalties.
As Governor, I was determined to help fix the financial mess.
Now, Illinois is keeping its promises by passing real balanced budgets.
We’re cutting costs, paying bills on time and paying down our debt––saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
And our credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in twenty years.
We’re on the right track, and I’ll work every single day to keep it that way.
Because you deserve nothing less than a state that works as hard as you do.
*** UPDATE *** ILGOP…
As crime and COVID-19 surge across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker’s focus is on politics, launching a new political ad that laughably tries to convince Illinois families “we’re on the right track.”
The new ad conveniently ignores three years of Pritzker/Madigan corruption and policies that are driving people out of Illinois in droves including:
• Claiming credit for paying bills while ignoring the massive federal bailout that rescued the state from years of Democratic mismanagement.
• Signing a disastrous crime bill that puts criminals onto the streets while tying the hands of law enforcement.
• Attempting to pass the largest tax hike in Illinois history, while committing to do it again.
• Breaking promises and partnering with Mike Madigan to keep insiders in control of Springfield.
“Not even a week into 2022, and JB Pritzker is already attempting to rewrite history hoping voters forget he signed a disastrous crime bill that lets criminals onto our streets, pushed for the largest tax hike in Illinois history and partnered with Mike Madigan to keep Springfield insiders in power,” said ILGOP Spokesperson Joe Hackler.
* I tipped subscribers to the possibility of some of this happening earlier today, but I’m told it came down to the wire…
The House and Senate Redistricting Committees today released updated Cook County Judicial Subcircuit boundaries that reflect suggestions gathered during the public hearing in December. Additionally, the Committees released proposed redrawn subcircuits for the 16th and 19th Circuits, as well as the proposed creation of subcircuits in the 3rd, 7th, 17th and 18th Circuits to allow for greater opportunities for diversity on the bench. Redrawn subcircuits for the 12th and 22nd Circuits will be forthcoming.
Noteworthy revisions to the Cook County boundaries include consolidating Niles Township and extending greater Chinatown further south down to Pershing Road. These improvements, offered through public testimony, will better reflect the population and demographics in these communities.
The creation of new subcircuits in DuPage, Sangamon and Madison counties will give minority communities a better opportunity to elect candidates of their choice and influence elections. These new subcircuits will help improve the diversity of opinion and background of judges, while giving everyone a voice in electing a bench of judges they feel best represent their communities.
The proposed drawing of subcircuits will not impact the tenure of current circuit court judges.
Members of the public may provide testimony or offer suggestions through email at redistrictingcommittee@hds.ilga.gov and redistrictingcommittee@senatedem.ilga.gov. If anyone wishes to submit their own proposals, they may do so through the online map portal located on the House and Senate redistricting websites. For that tool and to view the proposed maps, visit www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting or www.ilsenateredistricting.com.
The 3rd includes Madison (click here and here to see how they’ve divvied it up), 7th includes Sangamon (click here and here, 17th includes Winnebago (here and here) and the 18th is Dupage (here and here). There was a push for Champaign and Peoria as well, but those apparently didn’t make the cut
Legislative Democrats have released proposed maps that would carve the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which includes Sangamon and several neighboring counties, into three subcircuits… one made up of Springfield’s inner city, the second comprised of the rest of Sangamon County, and the third that consists of the remaining counties in the circuit. Democrats say the creation of an urban subcircuit will improve chances for minority representation on the bench.
But GOP Representative Tim Butler thinks it’s a move to “pack the courts” with Democratic judges, and wants more details on the plan, including how much extra it would cost to implement.
Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., the former Black Panther, ex-Chicago alderman, member of Congress and a minister, told the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday that he will not seek another term.
Rush, first elected to Congress in 1992, said in an interview he intends to stay active in his ministry and find ways to use his remarkable life story — a trajectory from a 1960s radical to House member — to inspire younger generations. […]
Rush told me he finalized his decision not to seek another term in the last several weeks and it came after a conversation with a grandson, Jonathan, 19, who said he wanted to hear more about his grandfather.
“I don’t want my grandchildren . . . to know me from a television news clip or something they read in a newspaper,” Rush said.
…Adding… Also, as I told subscribers this morning, be wary of stories like this one which float endless names of people who may or may not actually be interested. It’s not news. It’s pure speculation, particularly about those who would have to give up their gigs to run in a potentially crowded primary.
Illinois State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who shares his district with U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Chicago), released the following statement in response to Congressman Rush’s announcement today that he will not seek re-election:
“As a kid on Chicago’s South Side, I had the privilege of growing up with Bobby Rush as an example of a fearless and righteous leader who helped make our city and our country a better place for everyone.
“Congressman Rush – and his impact on advancing racial justice – will endure far beyond his nearly 40 years in public office. He helped found the movement that’s made a half century of progress toward civil rights possible – a movement that has grown across communities, at all levels of government, and continues today.
“With this news, we can all benefit from starting the new year by taking a step back to reflect on – and find inspiration from – Congressman Rush’s lifetime of work toward fairness, and equity. We know the work isn’t done, but Bobby Rush has shown us there’s nothing that we collectively cannot do.”
…Adding… DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the announcement that Rep. Bobby Rush will not run for re-election:
“Bobby Rush has dedicated his entire life to serving his community. An instrumental figure in the civil rights movement, his passion and determination in the fight for justice serves as an inspiration to us all. As a 15-term congressman, Rep. Rush has worked selflessly for the people of the South Side of Chicago and beyond, passing numerous pieces of critical legislation to strengthen public safety and promote equality in American society. On behalf of all Democrats in Illinois, I thank him for his years of service and wish him well as he begins his next chapter later this year.”
Building on efforts to protect state employees and people in the State’s care or custody from the threat of COVID-19, Governor JB Pritzker today announced that the Arbitrator in the State’s Vaccine Mandate Interest Arbitration determined that the State can and should require vaccinations for Illinois Department of Correction (IDOC) guards and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) staff
This decision will ensure employees in State Correctional Centers and Juvenile Justice facilities are protected with the COVID-19 vaccines. Employees subject to this decision will be required to get their first shot by January 31, 2022 unless they are approved for a religious or medical exemption.
“The recent surge of cases brought on by the Omicron variant has brought a serious threat to our state, and I’m glad that this ruling will protect nearly 10,000 state workers and all of the people at these facilities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Protecting the health and safety of workers and residents across the state remains a top priority for my administration and I look forward to continued discussions with our labor partners as we move forward with the task of keeping our employees and residents of our congregate facilities safe.””
Vaccination is the key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. All Illinois residents over the age of 5 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine.
The administration has taken extensive measures to make the COVID-19 vaccine equitable and accessible. Governor JB Pritzker recently directed the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to enhance its partnerships with local health department mass vaccination operations throughout the state to help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Individuals can visit http://www.vaccines.gov to find a nearby location to receive a vaccine or booster dose. Testing locations can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing.html, including information on the days and hours for free Community-based Testing Sites.
* Meanwhile…
To prepare for a likely surge of post-holiday Omicron COVID-19 cases and to prepare for a potential shortage of staffed ICU beds, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association are urging hospitals to take every possible measure to maintain and expand bed capacity, including postponing non-emergency surgeries and other procedures as needed and without risking patient harm.
The state and hospitals throughout Illinois are continuing to work in concert to prevent the state’s healthcare infrastructure from being overwhelmed by the ongoing Omicron variant surge of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. By working closely together over the course of this pandemic, this partnership has prevented Illinois from exceeding capacity, unlike other states.
Throughout Illinois, hospital admissions are rapidly increasing, further diminishing ICU bed capacity. Holiday gatherings are anticipated to drive an increase in the coming weeks, placing an additional strain on Illinois’ hospitals and healthcare workers.
In particular, hospitals should continue to follow the Illinois Department of Public Health’s guidance on when to consider postponing elective surgeries and procedures that physicians believe can be rescheduled without risking patient harm. Some hospitals have already delayed non-emergent procedures to increase capacity, and the Governor and hospital leaders urge all hospitals to take needed steps to ensure sufficient capacity in the coming weeks.
“We are preparing for a continuing post-holiday surge, and with hospital staff already working so hard, I appreciate the work hospital leadership is doing to assure capacity, including postponing non-emergency surgeries and procedures to ensure their ability to handle serious COVID cases and other emergencies without putting patients at risk,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To all Illinoisans: please understand that the nation is experiencing high COVID transmission rates, and some surgeries in Illinois will be postponed. We’re asking our residents to temporarily hold off on important medical care like tonsillectomies, bariatric surgeries and hernia repair. As we work to keep ICU beds open, I continue to applaud the efforts of our hospitals and healthcare workers across the state, who have been heroes for us all.”
“We are currently seeing approximately 500 new admissions a day to Illinois hospitals due to COVID-19, and approximately 90% of those are unvaccinated,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “There is a health care worker shortage in Illinois, in the U.S., and across the world. We’re seeing health care workers leave the profession because they are burnt out after watching people suffer severe illness and even death for almost two years now. We want to make sure that there is a hospital bed available for anyone for any reason - cancer complications, appendicitis, stroke, heart attack, car crash, or COVID-19. Please get vaccinated and get boosted, for all of us.”
With the Governor’s encouragement, hospital leaders continue implementing other strategies to further free up availability in Illinois hospitals. This includes utilizing telehealth technology, reallocating staff resources, and expanding ICU capacity. In an effort to increase staffing to ensure care is available, the Governor has already extended state waivers to allow out-of-state healthcare professionals to work in Illinois. The State of Illinois has invited hospitals to participate in its staffing contract so that they can bring in additional available staff when needed to ensure capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. The Governor also supports hospitals and healthcare facilities that choose to implement new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance accelerating return-to-work timeframes. The Pritzker administration is also working with Illinois’ federal partners, seeking federal assistance to address healthcare staffing shortages.
However, healthcare experts emphasize that getting vaccinated, boosted and following recommended social distancing and masking guidelines remains critical.
“Hospitals continue to be on the front line of this fight, and are doing everything in their power to maintain access to healthcare for all patients. But we need your help. Wear a mask. Social distance. Avoid large gatherings. And please get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Karen Teitelbaum, President and CEO of Sinai Chicago Health System and Chair of the IHA Board of Trustees.
“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his continued partnership and collaboration with the hospital community during this pandemic. The overwhelming majority of the 5,000 COVID patients currently in our hospitals are unvaccinated. Hospitals cannot end this pandemic on their own. They need the continuing help and support of the public,” said AJ Wilhelmi, President and CEO of the IHA. “The best way to support your hospitals is to get vaccinated.”
Ted Rogalski, Administrator at Genesis Medical Center in Aledo and incoming 2022 Chair of IHA’s Board of Trustees, appealed to the public.
“Healthcare workers need your help,” Rogalski said. “This pandemic has taken a mental and physical toll on those who see the worst side of this virus every day. They are exhausted, but still standing tall. Please support your community healthcare workers and all frontline responders by taking all precautions to prevent sickness.”
On December 29 Arbitrator Edwin Benn ruled against AFSCME members in the interest arbitration regarding the State’s plan to require COVID vaccinations for employees in IDOC and IDJJ (see below). AFSCME had invoked the right of security employees to interest arbitration when the State broke off negotiations with the Union over the mandate and was prepared to unilaterally implement its terms.
In the arbitration, as at the bargaining table, AFSCME opposed the State’s rigid vaccine mandate, arguing that employees who do not wish to be vaccinated should have the option of testing weekly for COVID—a protocol in place for all school districts in the state. Benn did not agree and instead affirmed the State’s position that a crisis exists that requires the most robust possible response. He set January 31 as the date by which employees must receive a first vaccination shot.
Interest arbitration relies on a tripartite panel which in this instance includes the neutral arbitrator (Edwin Benn) who serves as chair; a union representative (Ed Caumiant, AFSCME Council 31 Regional Director) and an employer representative (Ed Jackson, DHS Labor Relations). The panel effectively functions as a sole arbitrator, since the employer and the union panel members invariably vote in opposition to each other, leaving the neutral arbitrator to be the deciding vote. The AFSCME representative on the panel has filed a formal dissent from the decision at the Labor Board (see below).
The arbitrator’s initial ruling only pertained to the core question of whether the mandate could proceed. He remanded all related issues—e.g. time off for COVID-related quarantines—to the parties to resolve by January 7. He retained jurisdiction to rule on any outstanding issues that cannot be resolved within that timeframe.
* In November of 2020, Illinois hit its all time peak of 6,175 covid hospitalizations. If you’re keeping track, we’re only 486 away from that number right now…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 128,246 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including an increase of 386 deaths since December 23, 2021.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 2,149,548 cases, including 27,821 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since Thursday, December 23, 2021, laboratories have reported 1,260,179 specimens for a total of 44,469,630. As of last night, 5,689 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,010 patients were in the ICU and 565 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 23-29, 2021 is 10.2%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 23-29, 2021 is 14.4%.
A total of 19,176,277 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 46,046 doses. Since Thursday, December 23, 2021, 322,324 doses were reported administered in Illinois. Of Illinois’ total population, more than 72% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 64% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html.
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
Also in November of 2020, ICU usaged peaked at 1,224, so we’re not too far away from that, either.
Plaintiffs in these three consolidated cases, McConchie, Contreras, and East St. Louis NAACP, challenge Illinois’ legislative redistricting map1 and ask this Court to order alterations that would create additional districts featuring majorities of either Latino or Black voters. All Plaintiffs bring statutory claims, arguing that the redistricting map impermissibly dilutes minority votes in violation of § 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, et seq. Contreras and East St. Louis NAACP Plaintiffs also present constitutional claims, contending that several legislative districts were racially gerrymandered in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
On § 2 Voting Rights Act claims, the Supreme Court has admonished that “[f]ailure to maximize cannot be the measure of § 2” because “reading § 2 to define dilution as any failure to maximize tends to obscure the very object of the statute and to run counter to its textually stated purpose.” Johnson v. De Grandy, 512 U.S. 997, 1016–17 (1994). Nearly three decades later, those principles animate this Court’s analysis of these three challenges to Illinois’ legislative redistricting map. Many of Plaintiffs’ proposed districts barely surpass the 50% mark. For all but one of the districts in SB 927, Latino voters maintain a census voting age population of 42.7% or higher, which Legislative Defendants insist allow for additional opportunities to form coalitions with voters of other races to elect their candidate of choice, enhancing the overall political power of Latinos in Illinois.
In light of these figures, these three cases are not about “the chance for some electoral success in place of none.” Johnson, 512 U.S. at 1012–13. Rather, for many of the challenged districts, these cases are about “the chance for more success in place of some.” Id. at 1013. This disagreement also reflects competing views about how to guarantee Latino and Black voters, in their respective districts, equal opportunity to elect their candidate of choice when minority voters could form different permutations of majority-minority, coalition, and opportunity districts.
Although there is debate about how to achieve the guarantees of the Voting Rights Act, one thing is clear: A federal court is not the arbiter of that dispute unless Plaintiffs carry their burden to prove that an elected legislature’s approach violates the law. […]
As to the constitutional claims, Contreras Plaintiffs allege that House District (“HD” or “House District”) 21 and Senate District (“SD” or “Senate District”) 11 constitute racial gerrymanders, and East St. Louis NAACP Plaintiffs allege the same for HD 114. But neither set of Plaintiffs has proved that race predominated in the configuration of any of the challenged districts. Indeed, the record could not be more clear that partisan politics—a legally acceptable criterion—controlled that decision. The second part of this opinion lays out our evaluation of those constitutional claims.
For the reasons that follow, we uphold the General Assembly’s redistricting map under SB 927 and reject in full all three Plaintiffs’ remedial proposals, denying Plaintiffs any further injunctive or declaratory relief.
…Adding… Press release…
House Speaker and Senate President Statement on Federal Court Decision to Uphold Fair Map
“From the beginning we have been guided by the goal of creating a fair map that recognizes the true diversity of the people of this great state. We appreciate that the court recognized and affirmed our efforts to ensure all communities across Illinois receive equal representation,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
We would like to thank Chairs Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez and Sen. Omar Aquino, Vice Chairs Rep. Curtis Tarver and Sen. Elgie Sims and the bipartisan Redistricting Committees for their work, as well as members of the public who offered testimony and insight throughout this redistricting process.”
* And…
Leader Hernandez’s Statement Regarding Federal Court Decision on Legislative Map
“From the beginning of this redistricting process, we have sought to reflect the diversity of this great state. Today’s ruling confirms that our map is constitutional, adheres to the Voting Rights Act and preserves Illinois’ reputation as a model for the nation when it comes to minority representation,” said Rep. Lisa Hernandez, Chair of the House Redistricting Committee. “I want to thank our bipartisan Redistricting Committee, community organizers, advocacy groups and the general public for their participation in this long but important process.”
…Adding… From the plaintiffs…
“This ruling is a disappointment, but that does not mean we will ever stop fighting for independent maps in Illinois,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). “While we didn’t get the outcome we believe the people of Illinois deserve, the fact remains that Gov. Pritzker and his cronies broke their promises and failed Illinois families.
“It didn’t have to be this way. Gov. Pritzker could have kept his promise to support independent redistricting, but instead signed a map that was ruled unconstitutional and another that was opposed by voting rights groups throughout Illinois. Gov. Pritzker and his Democratic allies have made their allegiance clear: they are more committed to protecting the same political insiders who have been wrecking our state for decades than defending voting rights in Illinois.”
“We are disappointed at the three-judge court’s decision today,” MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz said in a statement. “In particular, we believe that the court reached conclusions about the extent of crossover voting by non-Latinos to support Latino-supported candidates that are not accurate under the law. Nonetheless, the legislatively-drawn districts will be in effect as a result of today’s decision, and MALDEF will be carefully monitoring electoral outcomes in the districts we have challenged.” […]
MALDEF staff attorney Ernest Herrera said the decision means Latino voters will continue to be underrepresented in Springfield.
“The Court unfortunately agreed with Illinois’s legislative leaders that their map was just good enough for Latino voters for technical reasons, despite the facts that Latinos remain underrepresented in the General Assembly and continue to be left behind in education, housing access, healthcare, and income,” Herrera said in a statement. “Rather than provide Latinos equal opportunity to choose candidates who best represents their interests, today’s decision signals to the Latinos of Illinois that they remain significantly dependent on the purported munificence of the current majority political party.”
* From House Speaker Chris Welch’s chief of staff Tiffany Moy…
Members,
I hope everyone is having a nice holiday break and that you and your families are healthy and well. This email contains several important announcements relating to session activity over the next few weeks:
1) The House and Senate will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 5. Session will be canceled on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Thursday, Jan 6. We will continue to monitor the public health emergency and will make a final decision on the week of January 11-13 in the very near future. The attached joint release will be sent to the media shortly.
2) Please hold Tuesday, Jan. 4 at noon for a virtual caucus. Additional information will follow.
3) SHIELD Illinois testing will be available in the Stratton Building on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning next week. The available dates/times and the registration information for those who have not previously registered for testing is below: [Redacted]
House Members will not be required to test, but I very strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of the SHIELD testing upon arrival to/departure from Springfield during session weeks. If testing upon arrival is not feasible, I strongly encourage obtaining a PCR or rapid test before coming to Springfield.
Additional information on testing and protocols are in the attached memo, and will also be reviewed in Tuesday’s caucus.
4) There is no intention to extend any of the existing deadlines. As a reminder, the deadline to submit legislation for drafting is Friday, January 14. The deadline to file legislation is Friday, January 28. Your Issues/Legislative staffer will be following up to ensure your drafting requests are submitted and processed before the deadline.
Thank you all for your patience as we work through this, and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
For the week of January 3rd ONLY, evening testing on Monday will be canceled and instead take place on Tuesday, January 4th from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
* Press release…
The Illinois General Assembly will be in session Wednesday, Jan. 5, but the Tuesday (Jan. 4) and Thursday (Jan. 6) session days are being canceled, legislative leaders announced.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon also said the following session week (Jan. 11-13) is likely to be canceled amid the ongoing global pandemic.
“In the past 2 weeks, Illinois’ daily average of COVID-19 cases increased 130% and hospitalizations have risen 50%. This pandemic is not over,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “We must take necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus, reduce the burden on our health care systems and keep each other as safe as possible. We know how important the people’s work is and we are committed to getting that work done in a safe way. Please take advantage of the free and widely available vaccines and boosters because we know it is our best tool in this fight.”
“We continue to monitor the situation in an effort to protect our colleagues, our staffs and everyone else who is part of a legislative session day,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon. “We have work to do, and we’ve proven that we can do it, minimize exposure and keep people healthy and safe. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the vaccines and booster shots available to protect themselves and those around them.”
* Meanwhile…
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing that all Secretary of State departments will not conduct in-person transactions – including Driver Services facilities – from Jan. 3, 2022, through Jan. 17, 2022. All departments and Driver Services facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 18. White is encouraging the public to visit ilsos.gov for online services. Online transactions will remain open for all departments to conduct office services, including, but not limited to the following:
• Renewing a license plate sticker.
• Renewing a driver’s license or ID card for those who qualify (individuals may call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility or to obtain their PIN).
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.
• Obtaining a driver record abstract.
• Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports.
In addition, the Drivers and Vehicles Services hotline phone number will remain open at 800-252-8980. Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may email adminhearings@ilsos.gov or call 312-793-3722 or 217-782-7065.
…Adding… It’s pretty widespread, but mostly mild for those who are vaccinated and boosted…
I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have mild symptoms and will isolate as I recover.
I’m so relieved to be fully vaccinated and boosted. If you have yet to do so, please get vaccinated, your booster and wear a mask.
