* The original post was accidentally deleted. Sorry about that. Not sure what the heck happened. Here’s Fran Spielman…
Newly-retired Jesse White, the first African-American elected as Illinois Secretary of State, is endorsing Paul Vallas, giving Vallas a leg up in his quest to claim the 20% share of the Black vote he needs to win the April 4 mayoral runoff against Brandon Johnson. […]
An African American elected official, who asked to remain anonymous, predicted White’s endorsement would have a domino effect on other establishment Black elected officials and, more importantly, on older, more conservative Black voters.
“It’s a huge first step toward Paul galvanizing support he needs desperately in the Black community,” the politician said.
“Jesse White is loved throughout the entire state. Senior citizens listen to him. The seniors who stuck with Lori Lightfoot or went with Willie Wilson are gonna start gravitating toward Paul because of his message on public safety, his expertise on budgeting and their fear that Brandon Johnson would defund the police and impose a head tax, a hotel tax a commuter tax — whatever tax. The city can’t take it.”
The hope is that White’s endorsement will lead to endorsements from Alds. Burnett, Harris, Dowell, Ervin and maybe even US Rep. Danny Davis.
*** UPDATE *** Here we go…
…Adding… An aide confirms that Jesse White is a CTU member. That’s gotta sting.