* Block Club Chicago…
A Logan Square community activist has been arrested for allegedly storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Lawrence Ligas, 62, was charged with four counts in a criminal complaint released by federal authorities Wednesday. Charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and parading in a capitol building.
According to an FBI affidavit, someone who used to know Ligas saw him quoted in an NPR article titled “Trump Supporters Storm U.S. Capitol, Clash with Police.” In the article, Ligas says, “We’re not moving on … We are not Republicans. We are the MAGA party. We are patriots.”
Authorities were later able to identify Ligas based on YouTube videos and surveillance footage of him inside the capitol. The FBI also interviewed Ligas in 2017 about a separate matter, and the special agent who conducted the interview confirmed his identity, as well, the affidavit states.
Accompanying pic…
* Now, this was posted to Darren Bailey’s Facebook page on October 31…
 >
Click the link and you’ll see it’s tagged as being in Chicago. There are other photos, too.
* Bailey’s campaign website advertised a fundraiser on October 31 and the contact person is Lawrence Ligas…
* Bailey’s own Facebook page had a reference to the October 31 fundraiser, but it was deleted. However, it does show up in a Google search…
* On Target Radio’s Facebook page…
Ligas was also spotted by a couple of people I know at the Illinois State Fair this past summer as a Bailey supporter.
I’ve reached out to Bailey’s campaign and Ligas for comment. I’ll post whatever I get as soon as I hear back.
…Adding… Hmm…
…Adding… OK, I remember him now. Very weird dude…
* Pic on the bottom right…
…Adding… DPI…
Today, Lawrence Ligas of Chicago was arrested and charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. As reported on CapitolFax.com, Ligas has been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for governor. Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement:
“The January 6 attack on our democracy was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Now, we find out that one of the attackers has since been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor. When it comes to the traitors of January 6, there must be no equivocation: Darren Bailey must immediately denounce Mr. Ligas and revoke any and all association with him at once. The governor’s office is no place for associates of traitors to this great nation.”
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Flash Index rises slightly
Wednesday, Dec 1, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Institute of Government and Public Affairs…
The University of Illinois Flash Index in November rose slightly to 105.5 from its 105.4 level last month. However, the reading from November does not reflect the economic impact of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.
“This suggests the economy may remain in a twilight world for some time in which concerns about the virus remain unresolved,” said University of Illinois economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the monthly index for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
But, Giertz said that longer-term prospects for the economy remain positive. “There is strong pent-up consumer demand, although the picture is clouded by supply chain problems, the threat of inflation and, now, the new virus concern,” he said.
All the components of the Flash Index (individual income tax, sales tax, and corporate tax receipts) were up slightly compared to the same month last year after adjusting for inflation. The Illinois unemployment rate fell to a post-recession low of 6.0% compared to the 8.1% rate a year ago. The Illinois rate is still well above the national level of 4.6%.
The Flash Index is a weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, and retail sales taxes. These are adjusted for inflation before growth rates are calculated. The growth rate for each component is then calculated for the 12-month period using data through November 30, 2021.
Even though more than a year has passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, ad hoc adjustments will still be needed for some time because of the timing of the tax receipts resulting from state and Federal changes in payment dates both this and last year.
More here.
* Meanwhile, I found this piece interesting because it upends so much conventional “wisdom.” From Matthew Boesler, Joe Deaux and Katia Dmitrieva…
Fattest Profits Since 1950 Debunk Wage-Inflation Story of CEOs
In the past two quarters, U.S. corporations outside of the finance industry posted their fattest margins since 1950 — one reason why stock markets keep hitting all-time highs.
On earnings calls, plenty of executives complained about the squeeze from rising costs of labor as well as materials. But overall, profits were up 37% from a year earlier, according to data out last week from the Commerce Department.
Businesses have been paying out more cash to their employees too, with total compensation up 12% in the last quarter from a year earlier. That’s partly because millions of Americans went back to work — but also because many got a raise when they did so. Hourly earnings broadly kept up with the fast-rising cost of living, and in some low-pay industries like leisure and hospitality they comfortably outpaced it. […]
U.S. consumer prices rose 6.2% in the 12 months through October, the most since 1990. The new data on corporate earnings suggest business can comfortably pass on all its higher costs, which means there may be more inflationary pressure to come.
That seeming willingness by businesses to pass along higher costs rather than try to keep prices low and, therefore, eat into their record profits is likely gonna trigger action by the Federal Reserve.
…Adding… I meant to add these stories and forgot…
* EV versions of Dodge muscle cars may be on track for Belvidere factory. The expected move to build the Charger and Challenger where Stellantis now manufactures Jeep Cherokees is part of a reshuffling of plants as the automaker develops a new platform for its electric vehicles.
* Finally, a tech sector Chicago can call its own. Why the city appeals to startups and giants in the growing agriculture technology sector.
* Natural gas plunges on demand-killing weather outlook. Forecasts shifted warmer through the middle of next month, allaying concern about tight domestic natural gas supplies.
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* Sun-Times…
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is in DC through Friday, kicking off her visit on Tuesday night with a dinner Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., hosted for the delegation in his Capitol office, and – to my surprise – since usually only Democrats show up at this sort of thing – in walked GOP Rep. Rodney Davis. […]
Before he left, Davis made a bold political prediction […]
Not so fast on that 14-3 outcome Democrats are claiming they will have [with the new congressional district map], Davis told me. […]
Some of those 14 districts have Democratic supermajorities; the Democratic edge in two or three other districts outside of Chicago is much thinner, and I asked Davis – we were out of earshot from the others - about their potential as swing districts.
“I’ll be happy to say very loudly here, we are going to compete in a lot more districts then what the Democrats in Springfield who drew this map thought we would,” he said.
The only people who are publicly saying this is a 14-3 map are some discredited DC “experts” who have said all sorts of weird and flat-out false things since the remap process began.
It’s probably 14-3 in an optimal Democratic cycle, but I don’t know anyone who believes that the Democrats will reverse the overwhelming historical trend and actually gain seats nationally next year.
* Look at the off-year numbers on this chart…
Remember, 2018 was a great year for Democrats in Illinois because it was an off-year for an unpopular Republican president and the Republican governor up for reelection here was a walking dumpster fire.
I tend to look at the AG results, the closest of the bunch. There are three “Democratic” congressional districts on this chart where Kwame Raoul won by about 3 points. That’s the best place to start: Casten/Newman, Foster and the new 17th (formerly Bustos). And then go from there, perhaps even to the 2016 comptroller’s special election. Factor in a likely Democratic slump, and you can see that anyone who claims this is definitely a 14-3 map might wanna lay off the weed.
* Here’s what Rodney Davis told Dave Dahl when asked about that purported 14-3 split…
I certainly hope the Democrats thinks that. I certainly hope that the Illinois Democrats believe that that Republicans are only going to have three members of Congress after this next election. Because I think they’re going to be shocked, just like many in the media might be shocked.
We’re going to win. We’re gonna win more seats than the three that they’ve planned. Esther Joy King will be a member of Congress in the 17th district. We will have candidates in all of the districts that we see that are competitive, be it the new 13th district, we will have Republican candidates there that will be able to compete and win that district. And then the suburban districts. We saw in Virginia, we saw in New Jersey that even safe Democratic districts are no longer safe in a year where the American people are very frustrated with the Democrats lack of willingness to address the violent crime that’s plaguing our major cities in our country right now.
…Adding… McHenry County Blog…
On Monday, Cook Political Report with Amy Walter issued its initial ratings for the 2022 congressional elections for Illinois’ 17 congressional districts.
Based on Cook‘s estimated partisan voting index (PVI) of the new districts, the following ratings were assigned:
IL-17 (open): Tossup, estimated PVI of Democrat +3
IL-13 (open): Leans Democrat, estimated PVI of Democrat +4
IL-14 (Underwood): Leans Democrat, estimated PVI of Democrat +4
IL-06 (Casten & Newman): Leans Democrat, estimated PVI of Democrat +5
IL-11 (Foster): Likely Democrat, estimated PVI of Democrat +5
All 12 other districts are rated “safe” district, based on the Democrat or Republican incumbent representing them currently or who’ve declared their reelection.
Cook’s famous PVI is based on presidential election years, however.
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Springfield Rep. Murphy to step down today
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Not a surprise…
State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) will step down from his position representing the 99th House District in the Illinois House of Representatives effective 11:59 p.m. today, following his final constituent services event later this evening. Below is a farewell message from Murphy to the citizens of the district:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this farewell message. When I entered the Illinois House of Representatives, I could not have imagined the impact the last few years would have on my life.
I said from the beginning that my goal was to get things done and do what’s right for the people of the 99th District. To me, that’s always meant standing up to bad policy when I had to, but also finding ways to work across the aisle when there was an opportunity to benefit the constituents I was elected to serve. This mentality is why I voted for the 2019 capital bill and 2019 state budget.
Besides the obvious need for infrastructure improvements in the 99th District and statewide, the 2019 capital bill has been a catalyst for the $360 million rail relocation project in Springfield to move the tracks from 3rd Street to 10th Street. More than $100 million was included in the capital bill for this project, and once completed in 2025, it will have a transformational impact on Springfield and Sangamon County. Not only will it improve traffic and congestion issues, but it will finally allow the medical district to expand and grow jobs.
Similarly, the 2019 state budget contained a series of compromise provisions to support our businesses, small and large, and help spur job creation. To this day, I carry around the list of the major priorities we achieved: the Blue Collar Jobs Act, data center incentives, eliminating the franchise tax, reinstating the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit, preserving Invest in Kids, stopping a cap on the retailer’s discount, putting a hold on the Livestock Management Facilities Act, stopping the trade-in cap, stopping the tripling of the real estate transfer tax, and stopping several other taxes. I’m also proud I was able to work on a change to our sales tax structure for brick and mortar businesses to provide a level playing field for them to compete with online retail giants like Amazon.
Doing what’s right for our communities also means promoting career readiness for the next generation. I’m honored I was able to serve as the lead sponsor of legislation to change Illinois’ high school math requirement to give our students the opportunity to take courses for integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, or career and technical education that prepares them for a career readiness path.
While getting things done in the legislature is often measured by legislation passed, I hope residents will remember my office for the work we did to serve constituents. First and foremost, my duty as a Representative was to serve, and this was made even more pressing when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. Working alongside the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, we were able to institute a low-interest bridge loan program to help small businesses stay afloat as the shutdown began.
After the unprecedented surge in natural gas prices last winter threatened many central Illinois communities, we worked with the Governor and the Illinois Finance Authority to help. The resulting relief program assisted impacted municipalities by allowing them to spread the payments across a more manageable timeframe without placing an overwhelming burden on residents or businesses.
The true credit for constituent services goes to my dedicated staff – my District Director, Ryan Melchin, and my Legislative Aide, Courtney Ausmus. If you’ve ever called my office, you have likely spoken to one, or both, of them. Whether helping constituents through the IDES process, FOID card renewal, coordinating constituent service events, and many other issues, I cannot thank them enough for all their work. Likewise, I have to thank my Communications Director, Joel Sikes, and the entire House Republican Staff. In all my years, I have never been more impressed by the hard work and dedication of these people. They have all worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help me serve the people of the 99th District.
As with everything in life, thank you to my family – my loving wife Cindy, along with my children and their families. I cannot thank them enough for their unwavering love and support.
Finally, I must thank the citizens of the 99th District for trusting and allowing me to serve as your State Representative. This has been the best experience of my life and I sincerely thank you for this opportunity.
With Sincere Thanks,
Mike Murphy
P.S. Feel free to stop by and help us pack up!
He was mapped into the same district as fellow GOP Rep. Avery Bourne, so this takes care of another remap problem for the HGOPs. Still, I hate to see him go. Good guy.
…Adding… Makes sense…
…Adding… Lots of inexperienced legislators these days…
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* Cook County Record…
A federal judge has explained he recently refused to block the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor from forcing COVID-19 vaccinations upon Chicago city workers, saying the workers’ evidence against the value of vaccines was “slim” and the city’s evidence in favor was “substantial.”
Judge John Z. Lee, of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, issued the explanation Nov. 24, declaring the workers “do not have a fundamental constitutional right to refuse COVID-19 vaccinations.”
On Oct. 21, a group of employees of Chicago’s fire, water and transportation departments asked Lee to stop Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot from ordering them to be vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 or risk losing their jobs. The workers claim the mandate trespasses on their rights to bodily autonomy.
They also argued they are being denied due process, because they are not given the right to show they do not need the vaccine because of natural immunity. Further, they asserted it is almost impossible to obtain a religious exemption.
* I’m going to post several excerpts because it’s a very important opinion…
According to Plaintiffs, requiring them to be vaccinated and submit to regular testing as a condition of employment infringes their fundamental right to bodily autonomy. More specifically, Plaintiffs argue that the vaccination and testing requirements violate the fundamental right to refuse unwanted medical treatment as articulated in Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990) and Washington v. Harper, 495 U.S. 210 (1990). From this, they assert that, because they have identified a fundamental right at stake, the Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992), require the Court to apply strict scrutiny to the vaccination orders. […]
As an initial matter, Plaintiffs’ argument that the Defendants’ vaccine orders infringe their fundamental right to bodily autonomy runs squarely in the face of the Seventh Circuit’s recent decision in Klaassen v. Trustees of Indiana University, 7 F.4th 592 (7th Cir. 2021). There, the Seventh Circuit upheld Indiana University’s recent vaccination, masking, and testing requirements against a challenge from a group of students, who asserted nearly identical substantive due process claims. … The students, like Plaintiffs here, argued that the vaccine requirement comprised an invasion of bodily privacy that merited strict scrutiny.
The Seventh Circuit in Klaassen soundly rejected that argument. It instructed that the Supreme Court’s decision in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 197 U.S. 11 (1905), “shows that plaintiffs lack” a substantive due process right not to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Klaassen, 7 F.4th at 593. The court further noted that the University’s testing requirements “cannot be constitutionally problematic” considering the sweeping vaccine mandates that Jacobson authorized. […]
Plaintiffs alternatively argue that Jacobson, which figured heavily in Klaassen’s analysis, should not guide the Court’s due process analysis because “it is part of a bygone era in American jurisprudence” akin to the Supreme Court’s discredited decisions in Buck v. Bell, 274 U.S 200 (1927), and Korematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 (1944). But the Supreme Court has given no indication that Jacobson is void, and this Court cannot ignore binding precedent simply because Plaintiffs find it to be antiquated. Indeed, just this past year, Chief Justice Roberts cited favorably to Jacobson. […]
Plaintiffs’ reliance upon the Supreme Court’s right-to-privacy cases does not support their claim that Defendants’ policies infringe a fundamental right. As Defendants point out, the issues at stake in Roe, Casey, Cruzan, and Harper were “rights to individual bodily autonomy [that] do not impact the public health.” […]
The core flaw with Plaintiffs’ claim that refusing vaccination is a fundamental right, then, is not that there is no privacy interest implicated when someone is required or coerced to take a vaccine that they do not want. There certainly is. Rather, the problem is that, when a person’s decision to refuse a vaccine creates negative consequences (even life-threatening at times) for other people, that interest is not absolute. […]
On the present record, Defendants have demonstrated that their vaccination policies have a rational justification. Defendants have submitted a substantial amount of evidence supporting the public health necessity of vaccination and testing in abating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. […]
For example, Dr. Arwady notes that City employees are “approximately twice as likely” to be infected with COVID-19 than residents of Chicago as a whole. […]
In response, Plaintiffs argue that Defendants’ vaccination policies have no rational basis, because there is evidence that “natural immunity” against COVID-19 is more effective than vaccine-created immunity in preventing transmission. And to support this contention, Plaintiffs rely upon two academic sources. The first is a study that, while showing that prior infection from COVID-19 results in some degree of immunity, does not compare natural immunity with vaccine-created immunity. The second is an unpublished, non-peer reviewed study conducted in Israel in January and February 2021, to which Defendants have raised serious questions regarding its methodological rigor and reliability. This is the sum total of Plaintiff’s evidence. […]
For a government regulation to have a rational basis, the state need not prove the premises upon which it based the action to a degree of scientific certainty. Rather, the government need only show that its rationale is supported by a “reasonably conceivable state of facts.” Minerva Dairy, Inc. v. 16 Harsdorf. This is a low bar. And, in relying on federal and state public health recommendations, credible academic sources, and the expertise of its own health officials, Defendants have met this burden, even if there might be some scientific disagreement on the issue. […]
Second, many of Plaintiffs’ employment contracts are governed by collective bargaining agreements between the City and public employee unions. Thus, any alleged procedural deficiency in the alteration of Plaintiffs’ employment contracts is properly aggrieved under Illinois labor law. […]
Plaintiffs are correct that they have “the right to hold specific private employment and to follow a chosen profession free from unreasonable governmental interference,” Greene v. McElroy, but the vaccine policies in question are not unreasonable, because they satisfy the rational basis test. […]
But no Plaintiffs have been denied a religious exemption on grounds other than failing to adequately articulate their individual circumstances, as the City Vaccination Policy requires. […]
Plaintiffs’ [Illinois Healthcare Right of Conscience Act] claims against the Governor must be dismissed at the outset, because Governor Pritzker has properly invoked sovereign immunity. […]
(B)ecause Plaintiffs lack a fundamental constitutional right to decline vaccinations during times of pandemic, see Klaassen, 7 F.4th at 593, they cannot rely upon the abridgment of that right to establish irreparable harm. […]
The Seventh Circuit has indicated that there are circumstances where termination of employment may lead to irreparable harm, but only when the particular injuries alleged “really depart from the harms common to most discharged employees.” Bedrossian v. Northwestern Memorial Hosp.. Plaintiffs here have not alleged any such extraordinary injuries. [Emphasis added.]
Plaintiffs are also in Cook County court on the state labor law issue…
Unions for city workers have made headway, in separate court actions, to block the vaccine mandate on grounds it goes against collective bargaining agreements. The unions have argued the mandate didn’t let them arbitrate grievances concerning the mandate. Those cases remain pending. However, the city has told a Cook County judge it expects to have arbitration on the unions’ vaccine related grievances completed before the Dec. 31 COVID vaccine mandate deadline.
If you see any other excerpts that should be posted here, let me know in comments. Thanks.
Also, interesting that they cite the landmark Roe v. Wade, the Japanese-American internment case and the inmate sterilization case. So dramatic. We’re talking about a vaccine, for crying out loud.
…Adding… A commenter boiled this opinion down to one succinct sentence: “It’s not all about you.”
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Unclear on the concept
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Heart of Illinois ABC…
Illinois state senator, Darren Bailey, joined the Tenth annual Tent-A-thon hosted by Pastor Corey Brooks. The Tent-A-Thon is a part of Pastor Brooks H.O.O.D foundation (Helping Others Obtain Destiny). The program consists of fifteen projects focused on violence prevention, entrepreneurship, and job training.
Pastor Brooks invites community leaders, politicians and parents to camp out on his roof Tent-A-Thon to bring awareness to violence.
Senator Bailey camped out and held a press conference the next morning about his experience.
“We were camping out in a tent at the end of this platform last night. At two o’clock in the morning we heard gunshots. These gunshots less than a hundred yards over. I’m laying there thinking, okay that surely was something else. About fifteen minutes later I heard a female voice screaming he’s been shot,” said Bailey.
He apparently didn’t call the police, which is odd. I think if I heard a nearby woman screaming that somebody had been shot, I’d call 911.
* But let’s get to the point, which is that Bailey is apparently unaware that the state is already doing something that he wants it to do, and is actually increasing the funding.
Here’s what Bailey said at yesterday’s Project H.O.O.D event…
Government has got to start working with 501(c)(3)s, with non for profit organizations. This is how we change Illinois. This is how we change our society. Government is not the answer.
Except, that’s exactly what government does. The state doesn’t directly employ violence interrupters. It awards grants to groups like Communities Partnering 4 Peace, a project of Metropolitan Family Services. Those groups vet neighborhood organizations’ programs and award them money.
From the Project H.O.O.D website…
With newly gained funding and partnership with CP4P, Project H.O.O.D. has launched a new violence reduction initiative that targets the Woodlawn community.
* According to the governor’s office, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has awarded $6,094,300 to Metropolitan Family Services for its violence reduction projects starting in 2019. Of that, $5.87 million has gone to CP4P. If you look at the CP4P website, you’ll see that Project H.O.O.D. is one of 28 neighborhood groups that have received grant money for anti-violence programs.
And, as this Project H.O.O.D. video claims, the group is having success with its crime reduction programs.
* Pastor Brooks is raising money to help build a new facility. He was close to Gov. Rauner, and even got an appointment to the tollway board. Todd Ricketts, who recently resigned as RNC finance chair, is a recent contributor. Republican gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine is also a recent camper. And Jesse Sullivan is a supporter as well.
Nothing wrong with any of that. More power to the man if he’s raising money for a good cause. They can afford it for sure. But he allowed Bailey to take some campaign shots yesterday, so just keep all that in mind.
* From the governor’s office…
• In his first year in office, Gov. Pritzker increased investments in programs to interrupt and prevent violence by $50 million. In addition, this year’s budget invests $128 million in violence prevention and summer youth employment programs.
• The General Assembly passed and the Governor signed legislation to create an Office of Violence Prevention.
• Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the State Police started a gun violence task force. Governor Pritzker is also adding hundreds of new troopers to the depleted ranks of the State Police, building a new state-of-the-art forensics facility to investigate crimes and tackled the rape kit backlog left behind by his predecessor.
• The Governor continues to offer and make available Illinois State Police and has invested in increased state police patrols of the highways, cameras, forensics labs and in reducing evidence backlogs that assist substantially in solving crimes.
• On top of rebuilding our social safety net, the budgets signed by Gov. Pritzker have provided hundreds of millions of additional dollars to local governments and community-based organizations to support vulnerable communities.
Maybe Bailey ought to start reading state budgets before voting against them and then literally shooting them for fun.
…Adding… This would’ve been a much better headline…
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* This is not even a little bit of a surprise since the Democrats gave him such a favorable district…
Rodney Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, announced today he is running for re-election to Congress in the newly-drawn 15th Congressional district, which includes his home in Taylorville and much of the district he currently represents. He is the only incumbent member of Congress who resides in this district following the Congressional redistricting process.
“My family and I are excited to announce that I am running for re-election to Congress,” said Rodney Davis. “I’ve been proud to fight hard for and work on behalf of central Illinois families in this district for many years, both as a member of Congress and as a staffer to my good friend and mentor, former Congressman John Shimkus.”
“Democrats in Washington have put our nation in crisis with their big government, socialist schemes and dreams,” Rodney continued. “Republicans are primed to retake the House next year, and I’m ready to work with a new Republican majority to finally fire Nancy Pelosi and hold the Biden Administration accountable for their massive failures. I look forward to campaigning hard and earning every vote in this district over the next year.”
“Karen and I wholeheartedly endorse Rodney Davis for re-election to Illinois’ new 15th District. While the boundaries are new, Rodney knows this area well. He is a trusted and respected leader on rebuilding our roads and bridges, on farming and the needs of small businesses, and advocating for working families. Rodney knows us, and we know him.” - former Congressman John Shimkus, IL-15
“Rodney Davis is a great friend, and I’m proud to support his re-election to Congress. We’ve worked together frequently to help the people we serve, including working with President Trump to pass the Republican tax cuts. Rodney is a strong conservative who is committed to making Washington work for Illinois families, and I know he will represent central and west central Illinois well.” - Congressman Darin LaHood, IL-18
“2022 will be the year we finally retire Nancy Pelosi, and we need strong conservatives like Rodney Davis to get the job done. That’s why I’m proud to support Rodney for Congress. I look forward to serving with Rodney in the majority in the next session of Congress so we can put a stop to the Democrats’ march to socialism.” - Congressman Mike Bost, IL-12
“As Republican leaders in downstate Illinois, we are excited to endorse Rodney Davis for Congress in the 15th District. We know that Rodney shares our values, fights for our communities, and is standing up to the Democrats’ tax-and-spend, far left, socialist agenda. He is a leading Republican voice in Congress and has a proven track record of getting things done for Illinois families. We urge Republicans in the 35 counties that comprise the 15th District to get out and vote in next year’s primary and support Rodney.” - IL-15 Republican County Chairmen
IL-15 Republican County Chairmen Endorsing Rodney:
Randy Pollard, former President of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association and former Fayette County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dave Bockhold, Adams County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Patrick Simon, Calhoun County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Terry Blakeman, Cass County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dee Shonkwiler, Champaign County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Seth McMillan, Christian County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dustin Peterson, DeWitt County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Scott Harris, Douglas County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Doug Cochran, Edgar County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Matt Hall, Fayette County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Spangler, Fulton County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dan Armold, Greene County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Kathy Sparrow, Hancock County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Reilly, Henderson County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Kevin Ayers, Jersey County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jim Drew, Logan County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Bruce Pillsbury, Macon County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Ray Wesley, Madison County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Shawn Sievers, Mason County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Mary Brookhart, McDonough County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Jason Huffman, Menard County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jeremy Conaway, Mercer County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Terry Richmond, Montgomery County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Steve Hardin, Morgan County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dave Kinert, Moultrie County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jim Ayers, Piatt County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Birch, Pike County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dianne Barghouti Hardwick, Sangamon County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Jeff Ervin, Schuyler County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Brad Jefferson, Scott County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Mary Suprenant, Vermillion County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Cory Burgland, Warren County Republican Central Committee Chairman
IL-15 Republican State Lawmakers Endorsing Rodney:
Jil Tracy, District 47 State Senator and ILGOP State Central Committeewoman for IL-18
Sally Turner, District 44 State Senator
Jason Plummer, District 54 State Senator
Steve McClure, District 50 State Senator
Avery Bourne, District 95 State Representative and ILGOP State Central Committeewoman for IL-13
Tim Butler, District 87 State Representative and Deputy ILGOP State Central Committeeman for IL-13
C.D. Davidsmeyer, District 100 State Representative
Amy Elik, District 111 State Representative
Randy Frese, District 94 State Representative
Norine Hammond, District 93 State Representative
Mark Luft, District 91 State Representative
Mike Marron, District 104 State Representative
Charlie Meier, District 108 State Representative
Mike Murphy, District 99 State Representative
* Hannah Meisel…
(W)ithout having to worry about a serious electoral threat in the new 15th district, Davis could focus a long-term goal — if the GOP takes back control of the House.
“Hoping to [stay in Congress] and be, eventually, the chair of our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to work in a bipartisan way to bring resources back to Illinois,” Davis told reporters in August.
Presented with the chance to vote for a massive infrastructure package earlier this month, however, Davis and all but 13 Republicans voted against President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package. Davis panned Democrats for tying the infrastructure package to the passage of an even larger social spending plan dubbed “Build Back Better,” though its parameters are still being negotiated. Even so, Davis dubbed it “reckless.”
With no substantial Democratic challenger, however, Davis could still face a contest from his own party. Freshman U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Oakland) is the only Republican in Illinois’ congressional delegation who hasn’t announced her plans for 2022, and could challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) in the much-expanded 12th District or mount a contest against Davis in the 15th district.
I’m told that US Rep. Miller has recently polled both the Davis and Bost districts.
* Miller’s spouse, state Rep. Chris Miller (no relation), has already signaled that the couple is moving out of their current house. Their house is close to the congressional district borders, so they could move into either district pretty easily. From Capitol News Illinois’ recent profile of GOP state Rep. Adam Niemerg…
Niemerg’s new district is almost entirely different. It now covers an area stretching from Lawrence County all the way to Champaign County.
To add onto that, the new area Niemerg is running in, District 102, is also home to Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland.
“The boundary line for the 101 can’t be 200, 300 yards from my property line,” Miller said, referring to an adjacent district with no incumbent lawmakers in it. “The reasonable thing for them to do would be for them to move that line 400 yards east.”
Illinois law allows for incumbent lawmakers to run either in the district they live in or in a district which contains part of their previous district.
“Adam, (state Sen.) Chapin Rose and I have talked about this a good bit,” said Miller, adding that the three have come to an agreement where Niemerg will run in District 102 and Miller will run in District 101. Rose, R-Mahomet, will run in the Senate district that covers the same area.
And maybe now we know why Chapin Rose isn’t on the Rodney Davis endorsement list.
…Adding… Politico…
— Congressman Darin LaHood has secured endorsements of all 21 GOP county chairs in the new IL-16. The 21 county party chairs “represent a key coalition of grassroots Republican support as LaHood launches his re-election campaign,” according to a statement from his team.
— Since announcing his run for IL-03 three weeks ago, Gil Villegas has raised $105,000, according to a source familiar with the campaign’s fundraising efforts. The word “overwhelming” was dropped. Villegas is a Chicago alderman who has advocated for greater Latino representation in Illinois since the latest census figures show an increase in the Latino population. […]
— Secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias has secured a new labor endorsement and a high-profile donation Tuesday. United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 11 has endorsed Giannoulias, the former state treasurer. The 2,700-member union, which covers most of northern Illinois, represents all segments of the roofing and waterproofing industry. Giannoulias also reported $100,000 in donations Monday, including $6,000 from Bulls owner Michael Reinsdorf. He’s raised about $300,000 this quarter.
— Secretary of state candidate Pat Dowell has expanded her campaign team. Thaddeus Walls will serve as campaign administrator and oversee the day to day operations. Nick Daggers and J.R. Patton of the 1833 Group will handle fundraising activities. And Nora Brathol of Arka Pana Consulting will direct social media. Walls has worked for the campaigns of John Ossoff, Stacey Abrams, Fritz Kaegi, Lamont Robinson, and Lori Lightfoot. Daggers and Patton have raised funds for candidates and progressive causes across the country.
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* Subscribers were just sent an interview with Leader Harris…
Following 15 years of service as a state representative, Majority Leader Greg Harris announced he will not seek re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives.
“When I stepped into this office 15 years ago, I was committed to making change. I wanted to improve the lives of LGBTQ folks, support our immigrant community, increase the diversity of our caucus and fight for those who for so long have been ignored. As I look back at my time in Springfield, I can confidently say that I was fortunate to do that and more. Therefore, while I will finish the rest of my term and continue leading our caucus through the annual budget process, I will not be seeking re-election,” said Leader Harris.
Harris is leaving office with a litany of legislative achievements to his name. Harris was the chief sponsor of the law that delivered marriage equality throughout Illinois. Following this, Harris became the first LGBTQ person in Illinois history to be in legislative leadership. Additionally, despite Gov. Rauner’s heartless efforts, Harris successfully protected funding for critical human services programs. Early in his tenure, Harris successfully spearheaded legislation reducing economic disparities in mammograms and breast cancer treatment. He is also credited with numerous laws cutting red tape in Illinois’ health care system and lowering the costs of prescription drugs.
“As a proud member of the Democratic Caucus, I can say we stood together and worked toward change over the course of eight General Assemblies, four Governors, two recessions and a global pandemic. I am proud to have worked with dedicated colleagues, staff and activists. I am immensely proud to have served with Speaker Welch, our state’s first African-American Speaker. And finally, I’m most proud to have served my district and demonstrated that good government matters—that, with thoughtful policy, we can improve lives and make a more just society together,” said Leader Harris.
Other major bills Leader Harris has sponsored include:
· Legislation providing that Transgender Illinoisans can correct their birth certificates;
· Legislation preventing consumer reporting agencies from imposing a fee for credit freezes;
· Legislation reforming anti-consumer practices in prescription drug pricing.
“I’m making this announcement now so people considering running for office have time to think and prepare. There is much more to accomplish and we have a young, diverse group of leaders who are ready to take the reins and lead. It’s time to give them the opportunity to do so,” said Leader Harris.
“I want to thank my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—who have worked tirelessly alongside me. I have learned many lessons, created countless memories and cemented life-long friendships. This has been an honor of a lifetime, so thank you,” said Leader Harris.
* From House Speaker Chris Welch…
Greg Harris embodies public service, and throughout his fifteen year career he has been a passionate advocate for what’s fair and just. His command of a wide range of public policy issues, particularly Medicaid and our state budget, has been such a vital asset to the entire state. Greg led the way to deliver marriage equality, protected social service programs during the budget impasse and helped lower medical costs for everyday families. As a values-oriented leader and as the first openly gay majority leader, Greg has given a voice to so many who have continuously felt left out of state government. I am grateful for Leader Harris’s support as I’ve navigated my first year as Speaker. I look forward to his continued guidance throughout the 102nd General Assembly, but I will forever be blessed to call him a friend.
…Adding… Greg Hinz…
Harris not only lasted through the politically rough final years of Madigan’s reign without tarnishing his reputation or being caught in continuing legal probes into the former speaker, he was held over as majority leader by Madigan’s successor Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Harris’ forte has been budgets and fiscal matters. But as the highest-ranking openly gay person ever to have served in state government, he says his proudest accomplishment was serving as chief sponsor of the bill allowing same-sex marriage in the state, an action that came years before the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that nationally.
Harris also lists as top accomplishments helping break the budget impasse in which former Gov. Bruce Rauner tried to slash state spending on social programs, something Rauner said was needed but Democrats bitterly opposed.
I’m remembering it differently.
…Adding… DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the news that Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris will retire at the end of his current term:
“Greg Harris represents the very best of Illinois. His fearless advocacy and commitment to service on behalf of the people of his district and the entire state sets an example that the rest of us can only hope to follow. From healthcare to LGBTQ+ rights to the state budget, Leader Harris consistently demonstrated an unparalleled command of policy and the legislative process that will be deeply missed in Springfield. And he did it with humor and a warm demeanor that brought people together in common cause. Because of Greg Harris, our state is a better place for all its residents. Congratulations, Leader Harris, it was an honor to serve with you and I wish you well in the next chapter of your life!”
…Adding… Terry Cosgrove…
Greg Harris is a hero to many of us for a long list of reasons. Had I called central casting and asked for a legislator who embodies all the best qualities, I would have been sent Greg Harris. It has been my honor and privilege to learn from and work with him over the past 15 years. And now his retiring responsibly should come as no surprise.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Nov 24, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My brand new laptop died today. How’s your morning going?
…Adding… And all of a sudden, it started. Not sure what, if anything, I did wrong. Bizarre morning, but Ray Wylie Hubbard said it best…
The days that I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, I have really good days.
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