* Press release…
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is donating more than 3,000 pieces of protective equipment, including body armor, ballistic face shields, and ballistic helmets to help the Ukrainian citizens enduring the Russian invasion. By U.S. standards, this equipment can no longer be used by ISP or any other law enforcement agency within Illinois. Most body armor in the U.S. has a standard five-year life span. However, it will still offer some protection to civilians, humanitarian aid workers, and others in the Ukraine. This surplus equipment must be disposed of if it is not donated to the Ukraine.
ISP coordinated the donation with the Illinois National Guard, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Commerce, and the United States Department of State to transport the equipment as well as ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
I’ve asked which entity is receiving the equipment.
* WICS…
The police department at the University of Illinois Springfield is donating surplus body armor to Ukrainian citizens.
They boxed up 8 ballistic vests today and they are now headed on the journey overseas.
The vests will go to the US/Ukrainian resistance foundation which will be given to the ministry of defense of Ukraine.
Thoughts?
…Adding… From ISP…
Hey Rich,
ISP donated to the same non-profit working directly with humanitarian groups in Ukraine as UIS.
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Campaign notebook
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Darren Bailey spoke to his Facebook followers this morning about Richard Irvin’s press conference…
The man has been hiding in his basement for over two months. And just like they were doing with Biden, they’re trying to prep him, they’re trying to make him and help him say the right things. It was an absolute disaster. And what made it even better is he had his RINO club with him. He had his head his tax hiking, tax hiking club with him. Avery Bourne was with him and a senator and another representative were with him. It was supposed to be a LaSalle Veterans Home press conference, like I did, actually very timely, last Thursday, when the news broke. But unfortunately, you know, he doesn’t know anything about this stuff. So he’s got to be prepped, and it took him almost a week to try to memorize a statement. And, wow, four minutes into it and the press started asking him where he stood at on life. He would not answer the question. They asked him where he stood at on Trump. He would not answer the question. Please watch this video, the man began to break out in a sweat he stuttered, he tried to get it back to why he was supposedly there. Anyway, we’ve got some interesting days on our hands ahead of us and only if we unite and activate and get this message out. That’s how we win. So that’s why I need your help.
* But here’s what Bailey told Mary Ann Ahern when asked whether he thinks about a federal law banning abortion…
I believe that it is the life within the womb that must be protected. That is a life. However, with that being said, just an all outright ban on abortion, that’s not gonna solve anything, because people are still going to go you know, JB Pritzker is wanting to open the floodgates.
Um, a federal ban would override a state law.
Bailey also pointed his followers to a favorable opinion piece written by this guy…
* I think Krishnamoorthi does a good job, but he put too much emphasis on raising money and that can lead to trouble…
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) has been investigating the Washington Commanders from his perch as chair of a House oversight subcommittee. He’s also raising money for his reelection.
Those two facts collided on Monday.
Krishnamoorthi abruptly canceled a fundraiser scheduled for Tuesday night after POLITICO approached his office with questions about the event. The issue: whether it was inappropriate for a pair of lobbyists, Mike Manatos and Tom Manatos, to explicitly invite donors to the event to discuss with the congressman the probe of the football team and its owner, Dan Snyder.
Linking pleas for campaign dollars to specific legislative actions is a no-no, and Krishnamoorthi’s camp quickly acknowledged as much.
“The Congressman is grateful that his efforts to stand up to some of the most powerful interests in Washington, from Big Tobacco to organizations like the Commanders, has generated enthusiasm from the public and some of his supporters,” a spokesperson for his campaign said in a statement. “However, we did not authorize any correspondence or outreach conducted for this general meet and greet event for Raja’s re-election campaign.”
“Out of an abundance of caution,” the statement added, “this event has been canceled.”
* Press release…
In a recent event hosted by former State Representative Roger Eddy in Robinson, Illinois, Paul Schimpf, GOP Candidate for Illinois Governor focused his remarks around the need for the Illinois Republican Party to offer solutions in order to unify the people of Illinois and defeat JB Pritzker. Schimpf expressed concern regarding the destructive nature of primary elections and stated there must be an end to the internal party bickering that divides the party and keeps voters at bay. Schimpf went on to highlight his campaign focus on parents’ rights, safe families, and restoring trust in government, all of which he described as American values.
Schimpf concluded his remarks by stating, “Illinois needs a Governor who will listen, learn, and lead us in a way that unites and recognizes that the strength of Illinois is its people, not its government.”
* Tina Sfondeles…
Rep. Mike Quigley is opting out of the Chicago mayor’s race, but that’s not stopping him from weighing in on the heated contest to succeed retiring Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.
The Northwest Side congressman is endorsing former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, campaign officials told the Chicago Sun-Times. In a video announcement, Quigley said Giannoulias, like himself, “is committed to restoring the public’s trust in government.”
“That’s why when he was state treasurer, he put in tough ethics laws and ended pay-to-play right out of the gate,” Quigley said. “I know Alexi will be a great secretary of state, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting him.”
Quigley’s endorsement is the ninth that Giannoulias has received from a current or former Democratic member of the U.S. House or Senate, including Representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider.Former House members Luis Gutierrez and Jerry Costello Sr. and former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun are also backing his candidacy.
* All but three are Black legislators…
Today 16 members of the Illinois State Legislature endorsed Kari K. Steele for Cook County Assessor on the heels of endorsements from organized labor.
Majority Caucus Whip Omar Aquino, D-Chicago
Majority Caucus Chair Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago
Deputy Majority Leader Emil Jones, Jr., D-Chicago
Senator Tony Munoz, D-Chicago
Senator Patricia Van Pelt, D-Chicago
Representative Kam Buckner, Chair of the Illinois House Black Caucus, D-Chicago
Representative Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago
Assistant Majority Leader Marcus Evans, D-Chicago
Deputy Majority Leader/Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria
Representative Sonya Harper, Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair, D-Chicago
Representative Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago
Representative Bob Rita, D-Blue Island
Representative Lamont J. Robinson, D-Chicago
Representative Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago
Representative Nick Smith, D-Chicago
Representative Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago
“After four disastrous years of Kaegi’s mismanagement, we need a competent manager in the Assessor’s office,” said State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. “Kari Steele has been a dedicated Commissioner at the Water Reclamation District for over 10 years and President for over three years, managing a billion-dollar budget and a AAA bond rating. Unlike Kaegi, Kari understands how late property tax bills will hurt seniors in my district and others on a limited income. Kari is the person we need right now to lift the Assessor’s office out of chaos.”
“Small businesses across the County are struggling under high assessments,” said State Representative Lamont J. Robinson. “Our communities need more economic development, not less, and when small businesses are forced to close, we lose jobs, our economic anchors and communities become less safe. We need an Assessor who understands the needs of our communities.”
“I’m proud of the support I have from our legislators,” said Kari Steele. “As Assessor, I will work with state and local governments to find real solutions to problems that require all of us to come together and solve. Problems like delayed tax bills due to mismanagement, ineffective incentives for economic development and mounting tax pressure on communities that are already struggling.”
* ABC is generally thought of as the non-union contractors group…
The Irvin for Illinois campaign announced the endorsement from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Illinois, a national construction industry trade association that represents more than 21,000 members and prides itself on their merit shop philosophy of helping members develop people, win work, and deliver work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of communities.
In their endorsement, ABC Illinois President Alicia Martin noted that Richard Irvin is the best candidate to take back the state of Illinois from crime, corruption, taxes and burdensome regulation that have crippled businesses and communities under J.B. Pritzker’s leadership. Irvin’s running mate, State Representative Avery Bourne, has also been a longtime advocate of ABC, supporting ABC’s Illinois issues in the legislature throughout her tenure.
* Tribune…
Enough Chicago aldermen are in agreement on a new map of the city’s 50 wards that they will avoid a ballot referendum next month that would have let voters choose from between competing maps, sources said Monday.
The proposed map will create 16 wards with Black majorities and 14 with Latino majorities, sources said. That’s one fewer Latino ward than the City Council Latino Caucus spent months fighting to secure.
The reformers are bitter.
* Press release…
This evening at 5 pm, Winnebago County Republican Chairman and candidate for the 35th Illinois Senate District, Eli Nicolosi, will be holding a press conference in response to the increasing calls for him to step down.
Nicolosi has been under scrutiny since it was revealed that there was an emergency order of protection filed against him by his wife of 15 years. The order of protection has since been dropped by Nicolosi’s wife, however, some local Republicans have questioned whether or not Mr. Nicolosi is fit to serve as chairman of the party. Nicolosi has stated that he plans on addressing these concerns during tonight’s press conference.
“It’s despicable that someone would put out private information for political gain in what should be a private family matter,” Nicolosi said. “The allegations are 100% untrue, and because I am running against a 30-year establishment incumbent, Springfield sadly drags my wife and 4 children into the public eye. My family is going through a tough time, and while we as adults can handle this, my children simply cannot defend themselves.”
Nicolosi is running against 30-year incumbent Dave Syverson in the Republican Primary election on June 28th. The press and the public are welcome to attend, and Chairman Nicolosi will be available for questions.
I’m guessing he won’t be withdrawing.
…Adding… I thought I posted this, but apparently I didn’t, so my apologies to Leader Brady…
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge, representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired law enforcement officers, has endorsed Dan Brady, a Bloomington Republican, in his bid for Illinois Secretary of State in the June 28 primary election.
“We back Dan Brady because of his unwavering lifetime support for law enforcement,” said FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “This support spans from the time he was a county official working closely with local police agencies, through his current tenure in the Illinois General Assembly where he stood by the men and women of law enforcement regardless of the way the political winds were blowing.”
“In addition, Brady passed legislation that has helped to make Illinois’ roads safer and to save lives,” Southwood said. “This is exactly the kind of philosophy-in-action that we need in our next Secretary of State.”
Brady has been a member of the Illinois House of Representatives since 2001.
“I am very honored to have the endorsement of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge. I have always supported the men and women of law enforcement and will continue to do so as Illinois Secretary of State,” Brady said. “I thank the FOP for their vote of confidence in me.”
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* Petrella at the Tribune…
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman, a Republican who two decades ago became only the second woman to sit on the state’s highest court and later was the second woman to serve as chief justice, will retire in July, the court announced Monday.
Garman, who was appointed to the seven-member court in 2001 to replace retiring Justice Benjamin Miller and then was elected the following year, would have been up a for a once-a-decade retention vote in November. Instead, with Garman’s retirement effective July 7, a little more than a week after the primary election, the court will appoint a replacement to fill the seat until the 2024 election.
Her departure comes at a moment of upheaval for the court, which in 2020 saw a sitting justice, Democrat Thomas Kilbride, rejected for retention by voters — the first time that’s happened since retention elections were adopted in 1964.
The Democratic-controlled legislature, in an effort to protect the party’s 4-3 majority on the high court, subsequently redrew the boundaries of the state’s judicial districts and instituted new campaign finance restrictions for those running for the bench.
Rarely is the game played straight when it comes to the Supreme Court. Appointments are the norm, and the redistricting, while long overdue, was obviously political.
* Release from Justice Garman…
Trailblazing Justice Rita B. Garman has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court effective July 7, 2022. Justice Garman, 78, has served on the Supreme Court since 2001 and retires as the longest serving judge in Illinois. She served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 2013 to 2016. Justice Garman’s full statement on her retirement is available here.
“There is no doubt that I have had the role of a lifetime, a privilege to serve the people of the state of Illinois as a member of the court system at every level,” Justice Garman said. “But this is the right time for me to step back from my public role and allow someone else to assume this all- important position. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Illinois.”
The Supreme Court has constitutional authority to fill interim judicial vacancies and has appointed another trailblazing justice, Fourth District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White, to fill Justice Garman’s seat.
“Rita has been my close friend, mentor, and role model since I joined the bench in 2006. I have so much gratitude for her service to the Illinois judiciary,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said. “No words can describe her loss. However, she has provided hope for the future by nominating for her replacement a wonderful woman who will be able to step right into her shoes. It is a pleasure to welcome Justice Holder White to the Court.”
Justice Holder White, whose term is effective July 8, 2022, through December 2, 2024, will be the first Black woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.
“Being appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court is the honor of a lifetime. I am humbled by the confidence Justice Rita B. Garman and the entire Court have placed in me,” Justice Holder White said. “My service to the judiciary for the past 21 years has helped prepare me for this historic moment. I look forward to the privilege of resolving matters my fellow citizens bring before the Court.”
After her appointment to the appellate court, Justice White ran unopposed as a Republican in the 2014 primary.
Interesting times. It’s possible that Illinois could elect its first Black governor this year, who is also running as a Republican.
* Meanwhile, in other Supreme Court news, here’s a press release excerpt…
Judge Elizabeth Rochford announced today that the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) rates her as ‘Highly Recommended’ for the office of Justice of the Supreme Court. As the premier legal association in the state, the ISBA represents approximately 30,000 Illinois lawyers.
“I am honored to receive the highest recommendation possible from the Illinois State Bar Association, which includes the most respected lawyers in Illinois. It means so much that my colleagues have faith that I am the right person for this seat on the bench. As a member of the Illinois Supreme Court, I will carry forward the ISBA’s commitment to legal excellence for the people of Illinois,” said Judge Elizabeth Rochford.
The ISBA ranks candidates using a comprehensive Judicial Evaluation process. These evaluations are initiated by the candidate’s submission of a thorough written application, and then followed by a detailed background investigation by members of the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee (JEC) and an in-person interview of the candidate. The JEC then rates the candidate or judge: Recommended, Highly Recommended or Not Recommended. Judge Elizabeth Rochford received the highest recommendation possible in receiving ‘Highly Recommended.’
The ratings are here.
Fellow Democratic candidate René Cruz was given a “Recommended” rating. Republican Daniel B. Shanes was also given a “Highly Recommended” rating, but fellow Republican John Noverini was given a “Not Recommended” score.
The three candidates who were removed from the ballot (Rotering, Curran and Hurchinson) were not rated, but will be if their names are restored. They’re appealing.
In the 3rd District, Supreme Court Justice Michael Burke was given a “Highly Recommended” rating and Democratic appellate court justice Mary K. O’Brien was given a “Recommended” rating.
...Adding… Press release…
Illinois Chamber of Commerce PAC Announces Endorsements of Judge Daniel Shanes and Justice Michael Burke for Illinois Supreme Court
(Springfield) – The political arm of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce announces its endorsement of two outstanding candidates to fill new positions on the state’s highest court.
Representing thousands of Illinois small, medium, and large employers, the Chamber of Commerce advocates for the election of candidates that understand the impact of government decisions and legal precedents on a healthy economy. Judge Shanes, running in the newly drawn 2nd district and Justice Burke, running in the new 3rd district, are just the kind of judges all Illinoisans concerned with our future prosperity should support.
“The Chamber Board considered impartiality and fairness, knowledge and experience, and unquestioned integrity as the hallmarks of judicial candidates worthy of job-creators’ endorsement. Judge Shanes and Justice Burke represent the best choices for voters in all three areas,” said Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
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* Fox 32…
After the news conference, Sullivan issued his own response, accusing Irvin of running a “campaign that seems to have no relationship whatsoever with the truth.”
“Richard Irvin yet again ducked important questions on abortion and his own Democrat voting record, distorted his own background, and blatantly lied about Jesse Sullivan,” the downstate venture capitalist’s campaign wrote.
Bailey tweeted out that he is “the only proven conservative leader in this race.”
“A lot of script reading & nervous dipping and dodging from the Irvin basement today,” Bailey’s campaign tweeted “Why did it take him several days to face the public? We need a Governor with the courage to lead and the integrity to tell the truth.”
It’s not like either of those two guys have held regular or even more than occasional press conferences. Maybe practice what you preach, fellas. Show us your stuff.
* It appears from this Mike Miletich report that I may have miscounted…
Irvin cut off many questions by yelling “hold on” and “let me finish.” In fact, Irvin said “let me finish” at least 25 times during the 10 minutes allowed for questions.
* Sun-Times…
But after Monday, it’s unclear when they will see the next news conference.
It gets easier with practice and the only way to do that is to face reporters instead of hiding behind Ken Griffin’s wall of money.
* Craig Wall…
“Did you vote for President Trump, and would you support President Trump if he ran again?” I asked him.
“That’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants,” Irvin said.
“Can you answer the question?” I asked.
“That’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants,” Irvin repeated.
“Can you answer the question?” I asked again.
“That’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants,” Irvin answered. “He wants to be talking about anything other than his failures and his record.”
The general election begins June 29, mayor.
* More Craig Wall…
North Central College Political Science Professor Stephen Caliendo listened to the news conference and said Irvin tried his best to stick to his agenda.
“I don’t think his team is probably scrambling right now saying, you know, how do we deal with that disaster of a press conference we just had,” Caliendo said. “Certainly they’re going to want to talk to him about handling things a little bit differently. But he got, he said the things he wanted to say.”
The problem with Professor Cliendo’s analysis is that, while Irvin was able to say some things, the message received was heavily cluttered by his constant dodging of pretty simple and basic questions.
For example, here’s the Tribune’s hed and lede…
GOP candidate for governor Richard Irvin holds a news conference, but dances around questions on abortion, Trump
Republican candidate for governor Richard Irvin met with the media Monday for only the second time since announcing his candidacy, but deflected questions of likely interest to voters that ranged from his past presidential votes and the prospect of another presidential bid by Donald Trump to whether Roe v. Wade should be overturned.
WTTW…
Aurora Mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin slammed Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s handling of a COVID-19 outbreak at a state-run veterans’ home during a Monday press conference – and repeatedly avoided questions about whether he voted for Donald Trump and his stance on Roe v. Wade potentially being overturned.
Center Square covered it straight, of course, but Irvin’s message was lumped in with the other Republican candidates.
Also…
After getting just one question about the LaSalle Home, Irvin ended the news conference.
* Politico…
As the saying goes: Any press is good press.
If that saying was actually true, nobody would ever need to hire any public relations staff.
…Adding… “Any press is good press”…
The Irvin campaign mantra up until now has been “No press is good press.” You gotta figure they may wind up going back to that.
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* WalletHub…
With President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address calling for the nation to “fund the police” with better training and resources, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022’s Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer, as well as accompanying videos and expert commentary.
In order to determine the best states to pursue a career in law enforcement, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 key indicators of police-friendliness. The data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per 1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.
Life & Work for Cops in Illinois (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
13th – Law-Enforcement Officers per Capita
1st – Median Income for Law-Enforcement Officers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
8th – Median Income Growth for Law-Enforcement Officers
8th – State & Local Police-Protection Expenses per Capita
22nd – Police Deaths per 1,000 Officers
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.
For the full report, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669
…Adding… If you click here and scroll down, Illinois has the lowest percentage of homicide cases solved of any state plus the District of Columbia.
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* Lynn Sweet…
The first Hispanic member of Congress from Illinois – ex-Rep. Luis Gutierrez — and the second — Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia — are endorsing different candidates in the Democratic primary virtually certain to yield the third Hispanic member of Congress from the state.
The Chicago Sun-Times has learned that Gutierrez on Monday will endorse the Democratic primary bid of Ald. Gil Villegas (36th) at an event at the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.
Villegas will also pick up the support Monday of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, the highest-ranking Hispanic elected official in Illinois. […]
Villegas “represents the future of the Democratic party,” Gutierrez told the Sun-Times. He is critical of Democrats and groups — such as the Working Families Party which supports Ramirez — who identify with the “defund the police” slogan and movement. […]
Gutierrez said, “I don’t want to send another congressman (to Washington) who is going into the defund the police caucus.I want a Congressman who is going to hold the police to a high level of accountability but is also going to guarantee they are better trained, better equipped and better understanding of the (impact of) escalation.”
* But it’s not just the groups that have endorsed Ramirez talking about defunding the police. Rep. Ramirez herself called for defunding the police less than 2 years ago…
When asked for comment by the Sun-Times, Ramirez pointed to votes she took during the spring session to increase police funding. I’ve asked for the full statement and will post it when I get it.
…Adding… The Ramirez statement…
As State Representative, Leader Ramirez voted to secure over $300 million in evidence-based approaches like expanding mental health resources, violence prevention, and domestic violence programs, as well as supporting major efforts to reduce the rape kit backlog. And she voted to invest resources into creating corresponder programs along with providing more than $100 million in funding training and pension benefits for police officers and first responders. Leader Ramirez wholeheartedly believes that investing in people and the root causes of violence, namely poverty, and racism, is the best approach to reckon with the violence we face.
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Manufactured silence
Monday, May 9, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
Almost every weekday since the beginning of February, the Richard Irvin campaign has sent at least one press release to reporters about a host of issues, from crime to taxes to corruption to former House Speaker Michael Madigan to, well, you name it.
Last week, however, the Irvin campaign was conspicuously silent for 24 hours. While pretty much everyone in both political parties felt the need to be heard the day after a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked, the Irvin campaign hit the mute button. No comment would be forthcoming, the campaign told reporters.
It goes without saying that Irvin is attempting to win a Republican Party primary without saying or doing anything that could derail his chances in a general election. Abortion rights are generally popular in Illinois but unpopular with Republican primary voters.
Obviously, the decision was made to protect the candidate and not give his rivals within or outside his party any ammunition to use against him before or after primary day. Again, pretty basic.
Irvin’s Republican opponents are so hapless and cashless that they haven’t yet been able to force him out of his protective shell, including last week on an issue that has, along with gun rights, defined the GOP for decades. Darren Bailey posted a standard milk carton meme on his social media accounts that tried to press the issue, but it was pretty vague and contained a misspelling of the word “statement.” At least he tried, I suppose.
The Chicago-area news media, which dominates coverage in this state, has spent more time focused on the 2023 mayor’s race than the 2022 contests and, perhaps understandably, hasn’t shown much interest in helping a gaggle of ultimately doomed far-right candidates whack a Black and seemingly moderate Republican who has an actual chance of winning in November.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Democrats have spent big bucks on ads trying to deflate Irvin and promote Bailey. Aside from pushing a hoped-for Bailey win, the Democratic Governors Association ads are designed to hit back at the well-funded Irvin, who has focused much of his advertising on Pritzker, which is a surefire unifying force among Irvin’s targeted GOP primary voters and also helps keep the governor’s numbers from rising as the Republicans argue (albeit tepidly to date) among themselves.
From the start, this whole Irvin thing has had the vibe of a campaign apparatus seeking out and building a candidate instead of the usual other way around. The Irvin campaign, of course, denies this. But we’re at about the halfway point between when Irvin formally announced his candidacy in March and nomination day, and his campaign has so far managed to only present what it wants the electorate to see, with just a couple of memorable candidate flubs.
The problem is the Irvin GOP primary strategy is to essentially gaslight Republican voters. In Irvin’s manufactured world, Bailey and Jesse Sullivan are closeted liberal Democrats who hate Donald Trump, despite the fact that Irvin has taken numerous Democratic primary ballots and won’t say if he voted even once for Trump. And I dunno about Sullivan, but I’ve covered Bailey for quite some time now and he ain’t any kind of liberal.
Also in Irvin’s world, the candidate who claims to be pro-life won’t specifically define what that means or what he would do about it if elected. That’s really not much different than any other important issue. Irvin makes a claim, obfuscates when he’s asked to define it, then won’t say what he’d do about it come January 2023.
The gaslighting was elevated to new heights last week when Irvin promised in a television ad that he would refuse to commute Madigan’s sentence if the indicted former House Speaker is convicted. As I pointed out to my blog readers, the pledge is utter nonsense. Madigan is under federal indictment. A state’s governor can’t do anything about that.
Irvin’s campaign has literally created a fantasy world where an ultra-right, anti-vax Republican state senator is a secret Democrat, where a mayor can call out the National Guard to put down rioting and a governor can commute a federal prison sentence. It’s just bonkers, but it’s also brilliant so far because almost nobody else is effectively calling him out on it.
* Meanwhile…
MEDIA ADVISORY: IRVIN, BOURNE AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS REACT TO LASALLE VETERANS HOME AUDIT REPORT
WHO: Aurora Mayor and Gubernatorial Candidate Richard Irvin and his running mate, State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville), Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris), and State Representative David Welter (R-Morris).
WHAT: Irvin, Bourne and legislative leaders to discuss the Illinois Auditor General’s report that shows J.B. Pritzker’s team and senior leadership at the Illinois Department of Public Health were well aware, in real time, of the Covid-19 epidemic at the LaSalle Veterans Home and failed to take quick action to address the outbreak that ultimately took the lives of 36 veterans.
WHEN: 11:30AM on Monday, May 9th
WHERE: Irvin for Illinois Campaign Headquarters, 1 East Benton Street, Aurora, IL 60505
…Adding… I’ve posted several of these from the ILGOP, so here’s one from DPI…
With only 50 days until the primary election, Richard Irvin still hasn’t answered basic questions of critical importance about his background and his campaign for governor—from who he voted for when he pulled Democratic primary ballots in 2014, 2016, and 2020 to if he thinks Roe v. Wade should be overturned.
As Irvin heads to his first press conference in months, major unanswered questions remain top of mind for voters:
• Does Irvin think Roe should be overturned?
• Does Irvin support the increasingly widespread Republican efforts to enact a nationwide abortion ban? What restrictions on abortion would he like to see in Illinois?
• Will Irvin consider vetoing the state budget to enact his personal agenda like Bruce Rauner did in 2015?
• Who did Irvin vote for in the 2016 and 2020 Democratic primaries? Did he ever vote for Donald Trump for president? And why is he hitting his opponents for pulling Democratic ballots when Irvin himself did the same?
• Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly?
• Was the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol “legitimate political discourse?”
• Does Irvin support the minimum wage increasing to $15 an hour?
• Is Aurora still a sanctuary city?
• What does Irvin have to say about reporting that shows your campaign donors getting big city contracts in Aurora?
Irvin’s endless flip-flops also deserve explanation. Despite requiring vaccines for city workers in Aurora and imposing penalties against businesses that failed to comply with mask mandates, on the campaign trail Irvin now says he is “against all mandates.” He also went from a “strong and passionate supporter” of the Black Lives Matter movement to saying Donald Trump’s favorite phrase, “All Lives Matter.”
It’s time for Irvin to finally come clean with Illinoisans and truthfully answer basic questions about his record. His first press conference in months would be a great place to start.
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Campaign notebook
Friday, May 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Says the guy who took Democratic ballots in local and statewide primaries in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021…
Also, note the limp wrist imagery. Sheesh.
* Griffin money roundup…
* Billionaire Ken Griffin adds $25 million to his investment in Richard Irvin’s GOP bid for governor: By doubling his financial commitment to Irvin, Griffin appears to be showing confidence in a campaign strategy that has been high in the use of TV ads and mailers while low in public contact and visibility.
* Ken Griffin dumps another $25 million into Republican Richard Irvin’s campaign: “It takes a lot of money to compete in a GOP primary when you’re a pro-abortion Democrat running on lies and misinformation from your basement,” Bailey campaign spokesman Joe DeBose said.
* Ken Griffin Gives $25 Million to Illinois GOP Governor Candidate: The $45 million investment in Irvin’s campaign would be the biggest expenditure he’s made on behalf of a single candidate.
* Ken Griffin puts another $25 million behind Irvin for governor: “Richard Irvin is the best candidate to tackle the severe problems facing our state,” Griffin said in a statement. “Richard will create jobs, fight corruption and reverse Illinois’ economic decline. As a former prosecutor he also has the expertise to reduce the senseless violence that is tearing apart our communities. Unlike the current governor, Richard will put people ahead of politics, which is what every citizen of Illinois wants, needs and deserves.”
I have no knowledge of this, but I’m guessing that some of that cash might be used to boost the rest of the Grif slate.
* Speaking of Griffin, here’s a question for Irvin from Shaw News…
Should the wealthiest Illinois residents pay more or less in taxes? Please explain.
With taxes already high and inflation out of control, the hardworking families, small business owners and family farmers across this state need us to come together to control spending and cut taxes. We can absolutely make that happen – lowering taxes for all families in Illinois. According to news reports, billionaire J.B. Pritzker hides his fortune in the Bahamas to avoid paying U.S. and Illinois taxes. He’s also under investigation for property tax fraud. It’s time to vote out a tax-avoiding billionaire who campaigns to raise taxes on everyone in Illinois.
tl/dr: No.
* DPI…
It’s now been 4 days since the Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked and Ken Griffin’s handpicked gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin still hasn’t told Illinoisians where he stands on protecting reproductive rights.
Instead, Irvin has been taking in baseball games and a new influx of $25 million dollars from Ken Griffin.
Does Irvin think Roe should be overturned? Would he seek to institute a harsh abortion ban like we’ve seen in Texas and Oklahoma? Does he agree with his running mate Avery Bourne that there should be no exceptions to abortion, including in cases of rape and incest?
Irvin’s silence is deafening and Ken Griffin knows it. Will $25 million more be enough to drown out Irvin’s flailing strategy of avoiding voters and the press?
Irvin’s campaign team found the time to comment on baseball this week, but can’t be bothered to weigh in on women’s fundamental rights. Illinois voters deserve more.
* Still with Irvin…
Today the Irvin for Illinois campaign is rolling out a new list of co-chairs; a group of over 50 grassroots Republican leaders who are endorsing Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne’s campaign to take back Illinois from out of control crime, corruption, and Democrat overspending. The new list adds to the continuous growing support of now over 200 leaders — including 18 current or former county sheriffs, 27 current mayors, and 17 state legislators. […]
The following have endorsed Irvin for Illinois as co-chairs for the campaign:
Edgar Alvaredo, Barrington Township Trustee, President Barrington Township GOP
Emily Bastedo, Elmhurst Alderman
Barry Bebart, 39th Ward GOP Committeeman
Sonia Berg, Former Moline Alderwoman, IHDA Board Member
Rocco Biscaglio, Leyden Township Supervisor
Shannon Bumann, Superintendent, AlWood Schools (Woodhull)
Nick Caiafa, Mayor of Schiller Park
Thomas Cauley Jr, Mayor of Hinsdale
Steve Chirico, Mayor of Naperville
Gina Cunningham, Mayor of Woodridge
Chris Curtis, Mayor of Kankakee
Nick Cuzzone, Mayor of Villa Park
Frank DeSimone, Mayor of Bensenville
Darren Duncan, Vermilion County Treasurer
Andy Ezard, Mayor of Jacksonville
John Farney, Former Champaign County Auditor and Former Treasurer
Dave Guerin, Mayor of River Grove
Jeff Hamilton, Livingston County Sheriff
Sandy Hamilton, Illinois State Representative (HD 99)
Greg Hart, DuPage County Board
Chuck Hernandez, 38th Ward GOP Committeeman
Mark Hosty, Illinois Republican Party State Central Committeeman 7th CD
Mike Houston, Former Mayor of Springfield
Katherine Keefe, McHenry County Circuit Clerk
Todd Koehn, Grundy County Treasurer
Jennifer Konen, Mayor of Sugar Grove
Jake Leahy, Vice President Bannockburn School District 106 Board of Education
Scott Levin, Mayor of Elmhurst
Mike Marron, Illinois State Representative (HD 104)
John McPeek, Mayor of Harrisburg
Roger Orozco, Police Officer, School Board Member
Ruben Pineda, Mayor of West Chicago
Terry Prillaman, Former Mayor of Rossville
Don Puchalski, DuPage County Board
Tom Rader, Mayor of Riverton
Greg Ridenour, Grundy County Board
Ruben Rodriguez, Kendall County Board Member
Paul Santucci, Naperville Township Trustee
Frank Saverino, Mayor of Carol Stream
Skip Saviano, Mayor of Elmwood Park, Former Illinois State Representative
Jeffrey Schielke, Mayor of Batavia
Mark Senak, Mayor of Glen Ellyn
Jeffrey Sherwin, Mayor of Northlake
John Simonton, Lee County Sheriff
Brad Stephens, Illinois State Representative (HD 20), Mayor of Rosemont, Leyden Township GOP Committeeman
Steve Streit, Mayor of Lockport
Phil Suess, Mayor of Wheaton
Jason Taylor, Johnson County Commissioner
Tom Templeton, Former LaSalle County Sheriff
Lee Trejo, Roselle Trustee, Former DuPage Young Republican Chairman
Frank Trilla, Mayor of Willowbrook
Kevin Turner, Jo Daviess County Sheriff
Kerri Urbanski, 45th Ward GOP Committeeman
Kevin Wallace, Mayor of Bartlett
Andy Wheeler, Kankakee County Board Chairman
* SoS…
With the U.S. Supreme Court on the verge of potentially overturning Roe v. Wade next month, Democratic Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia today joined Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, women elected officials and community leaders in vowing to fight to protect women’s fundamental right to make their decisions about their bodies. Valencia also highlighted the clear choice in the Democratic primary.
“With access to reproductive health under attack, I am fired up even more to ensure that we don’t go back,” said Valencia. “So let me be clear about who my opponent is. While we were fighting the Rauner administration, my opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, was nowhere to be found. When we were fighting the Trump administration, Alexi was nowhere to be found. He has been absent for the biggest fights facing our communities over the last 12 years. The one time he did pop up to speak out, it was to urge us to work with Donald Trump—are you kidding me, Alexi?
“Donald Trump’s presidency is the reason we find ourselves in the crisis we face today. The three Justices he placed on the Supreme Court are about to take the rights of women across our country away. And you wanted us to get behind his presidency? No way, no how,” said Valencia.
“Now you want to be our Democratic nominee here in Illinois. Where have you been, and what have you done? I’ve been here, standing up for women and all of our communities. I’ve used my voice and my platform to speak up for our rights. I’ve been in the streets marching for our freedoms. And I will continue to do whatever I can to use my platform to fight like hell to protect women’s right to choose,” said Valencia.
Valencia was joined by PPIA Chair Jennifer Welch, State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Grit and Grace CEO Cheryle Jackson, State Representative Ann Williams, MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita and several other women leaders who highlighted why Valencia is the best candidate in this race and why it’s critical to elect leaders for statewide office who will always stand up for women’s reproductive rights. In previous elections, PPIA has endorsed multiple candidates in races, but is only endorsing Valencia in the primary for Secretary of State.
* CD17…
Today, Jonathan Logemann, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 364. IBEW Local 364 represents nearly 800 workers in northwestern Illinois, and this endorsement marks Jonathan’s 12th endorsement from local labor unions representing workers in Illinois’ 17th congressional district. With more endorsements from local labor unions than all other candidates in the race combined, Jonathan is showing that he is the best choice for working families and organized labor.
* Media advisory…
Villegas to Announce Key Endorsements in Race for Congress
Chicago, IL - On Monday, May 9th, the Villegas for Congress campaign will hold a press conference at Plumbers Local 130 Union Hall to announce two new key endorsements in the race for Illinois’ newly created 3rd Congressional District.
Who:
Alderman Gilbert Villegas, two new key endorsements, and officials who have endorsed or are supporting his campaign. This list includes Cook County Clerk Iris Martínez, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Sen. Cristina Castro, Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, Rep. Marty Moylan, Mayor Skip Saviano, Mayor Rodney Craig, Members of the Joint Council 25 of the Teamsters Union, Members of Local 130 of the Plumbers Union, Members of SEIU Local 1, and more.
* Politico…
— Gil Villegas has been endorsed by the Latino Victory Fund, which works to elect progressive Latinos to Congress. Villegas is running in the newly created 3rd Congressional District.
— Former Congressman Luis Gutiérrez has endorsed Karin Norington-Reaves in her bid for the 1st Congressional District seat.
— Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has endorsed Abdelnasser Rashid for 21st District state rep seat. Schakowsky cited Rashid as being “100 percent pro-choice.”
— Pat Dowell has been endorsed by SEIU Local 1 in her bid for the 1st District Congressional seat.
* DPI…
Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois formally indicated it intends to submit an application to the Democratic National Committee for Illinois to be selected as a “pre-window” state for the 2024 presidential nominating process, meaning it would be one of the first five states to hold its primary election. Click HERE to see the letter of intent sent to the DNC by the Democratic Party of Illinois today.
…Adding… With a hat tip to a commenter…
**** PRESS RELEASE ****
As your next Attorney General, I am proud to stand with the men and women of law enforcement,…
Posted by Thomas DeVore on Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Also, DeVore has filed a motion to withdraw from the Bailey vs. Pritzker case. Click here.
13 Comments
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* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker today applauded S&P Global Ratings’ upgrade of Illinois bonds. This latest action means that Illinois has now received two-notch bond rating upgrades from the three major credit rating agencies in the last year – a total of six upgrades in less than a year. This fiscal progress was attained due to strong fiscal leadership by Gov. Pritzker and Democrats in the General Assembly, despite a global pandemic and the economic challenges left by previous administrations.
S&P Global Ratings announced on Friday its second upgrade of Illinois’ bonds since July 2021. Fitch Ratings upgraded Illinois’ bonds by two notches this week, the first Fitch upgrade for Illinois’ General Obligation bonds since June 2000. Illinois received an upgrade from Moody’s Investor Service last month, the second such upgrade by Moody’s in 10 months.
“These achievements bear repeating: balanced budgets four years in a row, paying the state’s bills on time, early repayment of pandemic-related borrowing, clearing out debts left by previous administrations, making higher-than-required pension payments, setting aside $1 billion in savings for a rainy day. After more than 20 years without receiving a credit upgrade, the rating agencies are taking notice of our tremendous progress,” said Governor Pritzker. “Along with our partners in the General Assembly and my fellow constitutional officers, we will continue to build on our success and lead this state in a fiscally responsible manner.”
“The upgrade reflects what we view as improvement in the state’s financial flexibility and monthly revenue reporting transparency, continued timely budget adoption and elimination of the bill backlog, as well as recent surplus revenues being used to promote what we view as longer-term financial stability, although credit pressures remain,” S&P Global stated.
S&P last upgraded the state’s bonds in July 2021, and today’s analysis credited stronger-than-forecast tax revenues and transparent reporting both from the Comptroller and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget aiding in addressing longstanding credit weaknesses.
The Governor thanked House Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, Leader Greg Harris, Senator Elgie Sims, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Treasurer Michael Frerichs for their ongoing commitment to Illinois’ fiscal well-being.
The upgrades follow the enactment of the state’s fourth balanced budget in a row, while providing $1.8 billion in tax relief to the working families of Illinois and marked Illinois’ first contribution to a Rainy-Day Fund in 18 years, as well as a $500 million extra payment toward the state’s pensions. The historic budget places Illinois it its strongest financial position in a generation while funding key investments for education, human services, law enforcement and violence prevention.
S&P Global upgraded Illinois’ rating on its General Obligation bonds to BBB+ (stable outlook) from BBB (positive outlook), and also upgraded Build Illinois sales tax bonds to A- (stable outlook) from BBB+ (positive outlook).
Fitch upgraded Illinois’ rating on its General Obligation bonds to BBB+ (stable outlook) from BBB- (positive outlook), and also upgraded Build Illinois sales tax bonds to A (stable outlook) from BBB+ (positive outlook).
Moody’s upgraded Illinois’ rating on its General Obligation bonds to Baa1 (stable outlook) from Baa2 (stable outlook), and also upgraded Build Illinois sales tax bonds to Baa1 from Baa2 while maintaining their stable outlook.
The rating of a state’s bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
Between 2015 and 2017, the State of Illinois suffered eight credit rating downgrades and sat at the top of many analysts’ lists of the worst managed states in the nation. At its worst, Illinois’ bill backlog hit nearly $17 billion.
Key Actions – Responsible Fiscal Management
Fiscally responsible choices over the last three years have resulted in historic progress toward financial stability in Illinois.
Illinois’ FY2023 budget:
· Deposits $1 billion to the Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF) across FY2022 and FY2023 - the first deposits in 18 years. Also creates ongoing, permanent funding for BSF for the first time.
· Contributes an additional $500 million directly towards state unfunded pension liabilities, reducing long-term liabilities by an estimated $1.8 billion.
· Pays down $4 billion in debts across FY2022 and FY2023, including eliminating the payment delays in the employee and retiree health insurance program through $898 million in FY2022 supplemental appropriations.
· Keeps pace with payment of the state’s bills, with estimated bill payment delays at the lowest levels since before the Great Recession, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions in unnecessary interest costs.
...Adding… Speaker Chris Welch…
“Another day, another credit upgrade. The consensus is clear— Illinois is getting its fiscal house back in order. Instead of the typical defer and delay we grew accustomed to under previous administrations, Democrats are facing our financial challenges head on and it’s paying off.”
…Adding… From S&P…
The upgrade reflects what we view as improvement in the state’s financial flexibility and monthly revenue reporting transparency, continued timely budget adoption and elimination of the bill backlog, as well as recent surplus revenues being used to promote what we view as longer-term financial stability, although credit pressures remain. […]
The upgrade reflects our view that Illinois’ enacted $46 billion fiscal 2023 budget, along with the state’s plans for using fiscal 2022 surplus revenues and deploying federal aid, will likely support its trend of financial stability. […]
Although Illinois’ fiscal 2023 general fund budget is balanced in terms of current-year obligations, we do not view it as structurally balanced due to the treatment of pension obligations. Overall, the budget is 3.9% larger than the fiscal 2022 initially adopted budget, but 5.0% smaller than estimated general fund final spend in fiscal 2022. […]
Upside scenario
If the state continues to improve pension, OPEB, and BSF funding levels, while shrinking the statutorily created structural deficit without experiencing meaningful deterioration in other credit factors, we could raise the rating. Although not required for us to consider an upgrade, a return to a more abbreviated audit-release period would be in line with that of higher-rated peers.
Downside scenario
We could lower the rating if a structural deficit were to increase, derived from economic uncertainties; worsening revenue collection; or increases in pension, OPEB, or other fixed-cost obligations.
…Adding… Comptroller Mendoza…
A 6th upgrade in less than a year proves Illinois is on the right path toward fixing its finances.
S&P Global Ratings praised Illinois’ responsible budget as it raised the state’s rating Friday – the second time in less than a year it has upgraded the state’s rating. All three major ratings agencies have now raised the state’s ratings two notches in less than a year. This comes after 20 years of downgrades – the bulk of them – eight – under the previous administration.
“These upgrades are good news for Illinois taxpayers because they lower the costs for public works projects like roads and bridges that taxpayers pay for,” Comptroller Susana Mendoza said.
In her six years in office, Comptroller Mendoza has paid down bills and shortened the time state vendors wait to be paid.
“I’ve paid the backlog down from $16.7 billion to an accounts payable of $2.5 billion today,” Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “The oldest bill in my office is 14 working days old, down from 210 business days when I took office. In all their upgrades, the rating agencies have noted that progress.”
Comptroller Mendoza also championed a series of transparency reforms that passed the General Assembly by unanimous or near-unanimous margins, opening the state’s books for taxpayers, legislators and the rating agencies to see.
“Stronger-than-forecast tax revenues and transparent reporting both from the comptroller and the governor’s office of management and budget aiding in addressing longstanding credit weaknesses,” S&P said in its announcement Friday.
S&P, like Fitch ratings on Thursday, praised the responsibility of this budget passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pritzker that included savings championed by Comptroller Mendoza. It included $1 billion for the state’s Rainy Day Fund and $500 million in additional payments to the pension fund, lowering that fund’s shortfall by $1.8 billion.
Comptroller Mendoza supported an effort to require regular ongoing payments into both funds. The budget includes $45 million a year for the Rainy Day Fund, but Comptroller Mendoza will continue seeking to raise that number.
“Six upgrades in less than a year make it clear that Illinois is continuing on the right path that the Comptroller’s Office, working together with the Governor’s Office and the legislative leaders, began when I took office to make strategic and fiscally responsible cash management decisions,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “I’ve been laser-focused on transparency of fiscal information, paying down the state’s debts, and prioritized saving for a rainy day. Let’s keep it going.”
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Boeing move coverage roundup
Friday, May 6, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Background and more react is here if you need it. Sun-Times…
Boeing said Thursday it plans to move its headquarters to Arlington, Virginia, close to the nation’s capital. It said the new location also will serve as a research hub.
“We are excited to build on our foundation here in Northern Virginia. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said. The Wall Street Journal first reported the move.
Boeing said it will maintain a significant presence at its Chicago location and surrounding region but did not offer specifics. “We greatly appreciate our continuing relationships in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We look forward to maintaining a strong presence in the city and the state,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun offered thanks to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., for their support. Details about local incentives were not immediately known.
Boeing has had about 500 employees in Chicago at the 100 N. Riverside Plaza headquarters, but the number of people present there fell dramatically during the pandemic.
* Tribune…
The move will not lead to major Chicago job cuts or relocations, and the company will continue to employ more than 400 people in the city, Boeing spokesman Paul Lewis said. Still, the company will cut office space, needing less as telecommuting has led to more flexible work options.
Boeing is the latest company to shrink its space in Chicago, as the city’s downtown and office market reel from two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In December, United Airlines announced it would move 900 employees — more than a quarter of its downtown workforce — from its Willis Tower headquarters to Arlington Heights. […]
Boeing’s downsizing will now open another hole in the downtown Chicago office market. The company occupies 285,000 square feet on 13 floors in the 36-story riverfront tower, which totals more than 1.1 million square feet, according to CoStar Group.
And even though thousands of office workers recently began streaming back to the Loop for at least several days a week, more empty spaces keep popping up in 2022, a sign that the market still hasn’t recovered from the two-year-old pandemic. The downtown vacancy rate jumped to 19.7% by the end of March, according to a report from commercial real estate firm Colliers International, up from 17.9% at year’s end.
My own opinion is downtown was over-built during Rahm Emanuel’s tenure.
* Joe Cahill at Crain’s…
Critics often complain that Boeing itself brought relatively few jobs for the tens of millions in subsidies state and city leaders shelled out. And it’s true that the Boeing corporate headquarters only employed a few hundred.
But the parade of companies that came in Boeing’s wake boosted that total many times over. Eventually, companies were moving here without getting a dime of taxpayer money.
The main benefit of Boeing’s move was reputational. It’s hard to put a price on it, but the value is undeniable. […]
Boeing’s exit comes as Chicago’s reputation has plummeted to lows we haven’t seen since the 1970s. The city and state have become known globally for uncontrolled crime, surging taxes, corruption and fiscal disarray. Downtown office buildings that drew new tenants in the last two decades haven’t been able to reverse the exodus of workers during the pandemic, and Loop landlords are handing the keys to lenders.
* Washington Post…
A new headquarters across from Washington will allow Boeing to assert itself in the world of national security, with more than half of the $62 billion it generated in sales last year coming from military contracts. The Arlington location will place top executives near political leaders, many of the nation’s top defense contractors and a stone’s throw from one of Boeing’s top clients: the Pentagon.
Boeing’s decision “shows that the Commonwealth is the premier location for aerospace companies,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said in a statement.
Boeing is also planning to develop a research and technology hub in Arlington “to harness and attract engineering and technical capabilities,” according to a company statement. The hub will focus on developing innovations in cybersecurity, autonomous operations, quantum sciences, and software and systems engineering. […]
Youngkin’s administration has been working with Boeing for the past couple of months to lure the company to the state, according to three people familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the company had planned to wait until next week to make the announcement. They said the governor, a former Carlyle Group executive, has a personal relationship with Calhoun.
The state did not offer Boeing any “significant” financial incentive, according to the three people. Arlington County offered no incentives.
Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) had long casually nudged Calhoun and senior Boeing leadership about moving to Virginia. But he said he had a more serious conversation with Calhoun about the benefits last year, pointing to Virginia drawing major tech and defense companies, such as Amazon and Northrop Grumman. Warner also credited Virginia Tech, noting that the university’s new innovation campus — slated for nearby Alexandria in 2024 — likely also was appealing as Boeing plans its research hub.
Gov. Pritzker has been pushing to make Illinois a quantum research hub, so this can be seen as a blow to that effort as well.
* Mayor Lori Lightfoot…
Chicago is a world-class city and in the last year, 173 corporations relocated or expanded here, and 67 corporations have made that same decision since the start of 2022. While Boeing has decided to move their headquarters to another city, they will still maintain a presence in Chicago. We have a robust pipeline of major corporate relocations and expansions, and we expect more announcements in the coming months. What remains to be true is that Chicago is a major hub for global corporations that recognize our diverse workforce, expansive infrastructure, and thriving economy.
* Richard Irvin campaign…
Chicago’s business community took yet another hit yesterday as Boeing announced it is moving its headquarters out of Illinois to Virginia. The loss of Boeing adds to the growing list of businesses, big and small, fleeing the state, and creates more vacancy in the downtown area that has already been struggling to bounce back since the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the official line is that Boeing executives wanted to be closer to Washington D.C., it should be lost on no one that the undercurrents of J.B. Pritzker’s pro-criminal policies are clearly not helpful. The police beat that includes Boeing headquarters had 43 public batteries, 29 assaults, 27 robberies and 29 motor vehicle thefts last year alone. Just last weekend, nine people were killed and 26 wounded including a man who was shot and killed in a Streeterville hotel and a woman who was murdered at State Street and the Chicago River.
“Another day, another company heads for the exits on J.B. Pritzker’s watch - make no mistake his pro-criminal policies and anti-business agenda are the undercurrents driving businesses to greener pastures,” said Irvin for Illinois campaign spokesperson Eleni Demertzis. “Illinois businesses and families need a leader who will make this state a better place to live and thrive, and that simply is not possible with a governor who chooses criminals over safety in our communities.”
…Adding… Jesse Sullivan…
Sadly, news about leaving Illinois barely qualifies as “news” any more. For families, neighbors, and businesses big and small, Democrat leadership in Chicago and Illinois has made workers feel unsafe and businesses feel unwanted. Jesse Sullivan, outsider candidate for governor, released the following statement:
“Boeing’s departure is the latest example of how Democrat leadership is completely failing Chicago and Illinois. Temporary tax bribes to companies cannot paper over decades of fiscal mismanagement and the worst tax burden of any state. Add in rising crime that makes workers feel unsafe, as well as a corruption tax and politicians who care more about the next election than the jobs of the future, and we’re in for a lot more stories like this one. We need a change.
“For businesses, we need regulatory reform and a long-term commitment to growth to move Illinois from a temporary stopover to an attractive forever home to new families and businesses.
“For workers and families, we need to clean up our streets, crack down on corruption, and fix our worst-in-the-nation tax burden, or we’re going to keep leading the nation in losses, not growth.”
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