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Chicago Sky open thread

Monday, Oct 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I know many of you are fired up about the championship win, so have at it [multiple exclamation points]

…Adding… Press release…

– The City of Chicago will celebrate the 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky on Tuesday, October 19 with a downtown parade and rally. The parade will begin at 11AM when the team departs from Wintrust Arena, arriving at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for a celebration rally starting at noon.

“The City of Chicago could not be prouder of our winning Chicago Sky,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “We are thrilled to throw a celebration worthy of this historic moment in Chicago sports and congratulate the Sky for bringing our city its first WNBA title. Let’s get ready to paint the town #SkyTown!”

PARADE ROUTE
The official parade starts with the team leaving Wintrust Arena at 11AM, traveling north on Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt Rd. to Randolph St., and heading east to Pritzker Pavilion. Fans are encouraged to cheer on the Sky along the parade route.

RALLY
A Celebration Rally will take place at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park starting at noon.

The rally is free and open to the public. All attendees must pass through security screening at select entrances off Michigan Ave. and Monroe St. Guests are encouraged to leave bags at home. For security, health, and safety information, please visit MillenniumPark.org and “Plan Your Visit.”

While attendees are not required to be vaccinated to attend, it is highly encouraged. Please do not attend if you do not feel well or recently tested positive for COVID-19.

  15 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** More remap stuff

Monday, Oct 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* New York Times

Illinois Democrats on Friday proposed a new set of highly gerrymandered congressional maps that would consolidate Democratic power in the state’s congressional delegation, most likely cutting the number of Republican seats in the state to three from five.

Only if you’re looking at presidential results…


2022 is an off-year election and President Biden’s trend ain’t the Democrats’ friend. And many (not all) congressional Dems underperformed Biden last year. Not saying that this map wouldn’t result in 14-3, but it ain’t a slam dunk when you factor in reality. A bunch of those districts could be tossups.

* Not sure why counties are always supposed to be kept together, but OK…


* Koutsky has close ties to a top Durbin person

Yet if Republicans found that map absurd, they will be even more offended by a new proposal.

Crafted by Zach Koutsky, a longtime Illinois Democratic operative, it appeared on the state Legislature’s online portal late Friday night.

The more aggressive map is even more contorted than the first — though perhaps more effective at delivering seats for Democrats. It was crafted in consultation with national Democrats, according to a source familiar with its origin.

In this proposal, Bustos’ northwest Illinois district stretches across the state’s northern border, grabbing the city of Rockford and dipping into Lake County to pick up some of the city of Waukegan. It also loops the Democratic-leaning cities downstate into two districts: one snaking from East St. Louis to Springfield to Decatur, and another that stretches from Peoria to Bloomington to Champaign.

That would leave just two deep-red seats for the state’s current Republican members. Democrats could conceivably take 15 of the 17 districts in the next election under this map.

* Wasserman, who is better at numbers than political analysis, wasn’t impressed by the effort…


* Question from Crain’s

Will the Dems’ new map survive the week?

This is not intended to be the final map. The chair of the House Redistricting Committee specifically called the proposal a “first draft” on Friday. So, no, it won’t survive. By design.

* The truth is, anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can submit a map, and several will before this is over…


* And some tweeters actually thought this obvious spoof was for real, which I thought was hilarious…


*** UPDATE *** AP

A lawsuit seeks to block new Illinois state legislative district maps, saying Black residents of East St. Louis were unconstitionally split up into multiple House districts to help white Democratic incumbents in neighboring districts win reelection.

The federal lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of the East St. Louis Branch NAACP, the Illinois State Conference of the NAACP and the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations. It says race played a role in the redistricting of House District 114, which is currently represented by Rep. LaToya Greenwood, who is Black. According to the lawsuit, one-fifth of the district’s Black voting-age population was moved into two nearby districts under the new legislative maps that Democrats approved and Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law last month as part of redistricting. Thousands of white voters were added to District 114, which the plaintiffs say jeopardizes the prospects of a candidate preferred by Black voters. The district has been represented by a Black legislator for decades, the lawsuit states.

…Adding… The filing is here.

  35 Comments      


*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Monday, Oct 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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Billionaire governor and spouse reported just $2.2 million in federally taxable personal income last year

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the governor’s campaign…

Attached are the state and federal tax return summaries for JB and MK Pritzker for 2020.

    According to the information provided by the trustees, in 2020, trusts benefitting JB Pritzker paid $16.3 million in Illinois taxes and $69.6 million in federal taxes.

    JB and MK Pritzker made $2.8 million in personal charitable donations last year.

They never disclose much of anything about the trusts, so we have to take their word for it.

Anyway, click here to see what they are willing to disclose.

…Adding… Good stuff here…


  13 Comments      


*** UPDATED x5 *** New congressional maps released

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

The House and Senate Redistricting Committees have released a proposed map of new congressional boundaries designed to comply with federal law and ensure the broad diversity of the state is reflected in the elected officials sent to represent Illinois in Washington D.C.

The release of this draft comes after a series of public House and Senate hearings held across the state intended to collect as much input and testimony as possible. The proposal can be viewed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting and www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during additional hearings that will begin next week.

“This proposal is an excellent first draft that amplifies diverse voices and gives every person in our state a say in government,” said Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, Chairperson of the House Redistricting Committee. “I look forward to ongoing discussion with members of the public, advocacy groups, and community organizations as we continue this effort to ensure our congressional boundaries reflect the diversity of this great state.”

“Population changes over the last decade meant many of the current districts were unbalanced. This proposed map is an effort to ensure every community across our state receives fair and equal representation in Washington,” said Sen. Elgie Sims, Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “We thank those who have taken time to participate in this process and look forward to receiving continued feedback from voices across Illinois.”

Finalized hearings for the House and Senate are as follows:

    · House Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 114
    · Senate Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 212 (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Additional hearing information will be forthcoming as dates and locations are finalized. These will be hybrid hearings with the opportunity for in-person and virtual testimony. Those wishing to provide testimony, submit electronic testimony or submit electronic witness slips can do so in advance of the hearing via the General Assembly website www.ilga.gov or through email at redistrictingcommittee@hds.ilga.gov and redistrictingcommittee@senatedem.ilga.gov. The General Assembly is expected to vote on new congressional boundaries by the end of the scheduled fall veto session.

Demographics are here. As expected, there’s only one Latino district.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Democrat Marie Newman and Republican Adam Kinzinger are in the same district (CD3).

*** UPDATE 2 *** Republicans Mary Miller and Darin LaHood are in the same district (CD16).

Also, US Rep. Robin Kelly’s district now goes south to… Ashkum in Iroquois County, and even further west it goes south past Fairbury in Livingston County.

…Adding… ILGOP…

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy released the following statement in response to Democrats unveiling their proposed congressional redistricting map:

“Illinois Democrats, led by Governor JB Pritzker, have made it clear that they are willing to disenfranchise Illinois voters and break repeated campaign promises to do the bidding of Nancy Pelosi and DC power brokers. Call this new Illinois map the Nancy Pelosi Protection Plan. It’s appalling that fair representation, keeping communities of interest together, and transparency in the mapmaking process in Illinois all had to take a back seat to the demands of national politics. No one has done more to degrade the Democratic process here in Illinois and add to the issue of hyper-polarization of elected representatives than JB Pritzker.”

…Adding… Durkin…

Below is a statement from House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) on the recently released Illinois Congressional maps:

“In another insult to Illinois voters, Democrats drew more partisan maps to benefit their incumbent politicians and protect Nancy Pelosi’s failing majority.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** You can view this map as a series of messages to some Democrats and Democratic constituencies. For instance, the message to Newman seems to be: You have a choice between running against Kinzinger with relatively few Chicago precincts or you can represent a Latino district. I’m told Newman made huge demands and was generally uncooperative.

…Adding… Kinzinger…

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after Illinois Democrats in Springfield released their proposal for the state’s congressional map:

“I have proudly served six terms in the U.S. House and it has been an honor to do so. Following the release of the new congressional maps for Illinois, my team and I will spend some time looking them over and reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House.

“This redistricting process has been anything but transparent, which comes as no surprise to anyone. I believe the people of Illinois deserve better.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Rodney Davis currently lives in what will be the 15th District, which does not appear to lean Democratic, despite what some other outlets are reporting. Tribune

The map would put Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Mike Bost of Murphysboro into their own districts, though Davis’ district would lean Democratic.

Crain’s

Davis’ district would be converted into a skinny Democratic-tilting district in which he might have a difficult time winning re-election.

Both of those articles appear to claim he’s in the 13th CD. Nope. Click here to look up Davis’ home address, then click here and input that address into the map search and see for yourself.

…Adding… Leader McConchie…

“This week, the Speaker’s Office confirmed that the Governor’s Office was a part of drawing the gerrymandered maps released today,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). “There is truly nothing you can trust about this Administration anymore. It is a sad day for democracy in Illinois.”

…Adding… Rodney Davis…

As expected, our lying Governor teamed up with state Democrats to draw a shameful, partisan gerrymander in a desperate attempt to keep Nancy Pelosi in power. This proposed map, along with this entire redistricting process, is a complete joke. It’s clear Governor Pritzker and the Democrats will stoop to any low if it means they can keep their corrupt system going.

…Adding… US Rep. LaHood…

When I served in the Illinois State Senate, I was proud to support a Fair Maps redistricting process because Illinoisans have made it clear that they are tired of politicians picking their voters. Illinois Democrats and Governor Pritzker have shown with their proposed map that they care more about doing the bidding of Nancy Pelosi than giving Illinois voters fair representation in Washington. The proposed maps are a slap in the face to good governance everywhere. Illinois voters deserve much better than this non-transparent, corrupt process.

…Adding… A very unhappy Democratic incumbent…

Representative Marie Newman (IL-03) released the following statement in response to the Illinois congressional map proposal that was released today:

“While our team continues to review the draft congressional map that was released earlier today, it is abundantly apparent that what has currently been proposed for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District is not only retrogressive but substantially diminishes the diverse and progressive voices of Chicago’s Southwest Side and suburbs. I know that IL-03’s constituents will ensure their voices are heard loud and clear at these public hearings over the coming days.”

“I look forward to continuing to represent the constituents of Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.”

  99 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 - ILGOP gloats *** ILGOP actually raised more federal/state/local cash than DPI during third quarter

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Politico

The Democratic Party of Illinois’ third-quarter fundraising numbers aren’t remarkable for their size: The party raised a total of $286,000 during the July-through-September period. What is impressive is where the money came from.

Without sharing data (the party hadn’t yet filed with the Federal Election Commission), DPI executive director Abby Witt said “numerous donors” have given to the Democratic Party “for the very first time” and from across the state — 65 cities total.

“The party is charting a new course that includes more people, more voices and a renewed commitment to serving all Democrats across our state,” she told Playbook.

Over the three-month period, the party raised $186,00 in federal funding, Witt said. The party raised about $100,000 in local funding and in-kind donations, not a particularly remarkable number though Democrats are putting a positive spin on it given local fundraising didn’t start until halfway through the quarter.

DPI’s state report showed the party raised just $65K in cash during the quarter. The other $35K came in the form of in-kind IT services contributions from several individuals at a data company in Delaware.

* The Illinois Republican Party reported raising $75K in cash during the quarter, but reported no in-kinds. Two years ago, DPI reported raising $334K in cash and the ILGOP raised $36K.

…Adding… ILGOP spokesperson Joe Hackler points out that the Republican Party also outraised DPI on the federal level, pulling in $223K to the Democrats’ $186K. Hilarious.

Also, the state DPI committee transferred $70K to its federal committee, but I’m not sure if that was double-counted above or not.

* Back to the story

Party chair Robin Kelly, who is not allowed to raise money personally for local races because she is a member of Congress, has established a separate fundraising committee within the party to focus on those contests. “Building Leadership, Unity, and Equity,” or BLUE, was started midway through the quarter in late August, so it’s still too early to analyze whether the fundraising mechanism is working.

Witt says BLUE is now funding support services that Democrats statewide can utilize, including data services, communications programs (that list Democratic accomplishments and talking points to counter Republicans) and helping individuals run their campaigns.

“These are the changes people wanted to see in their state party and this is just the beginning,” she said.

Thoughts?

*** UPDATE *** Heh…

After bringing in a record haul last quarter, the Illinois Republican Party will report raising more than the Democratic Party of Illinois for the second quarter in a row. The ILGOP raised a combined $297,977 between our state and federal accounts. Despite some fuzzy math, the DPI was still only able to report raising roughly $286,000 total for this quarter.

“It’s safe to say Democrats in Illinois are in complete disarray with a state party in shambles, lacking leadership and vision. It could not be more clear that momentum is on the Republican side heading into 2022. The people of Illinois are fed up with a state government ran into the ground by corrupt and incompetent Democrats. Our fundraising strength is a testament to that momentum. We can’t thank every donor enough in partnering with the ILGOP in saving Illinois.” - ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler

  15 Comments      


Harmon’s chief of staff Jake Butcher recovering from “mild” breakthrough case

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced Friday that Chief of Staff Jake Butcher is recovering from a mild breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Butcher experienced symptoms earlier this week. He immediately self-isolated and sought testing. Contact tracing was implemented upon receiving the result.

Butcher was vaccinated this spring.

Harmon, who had a mild breakthrough case in August, reminded the public to remain vigilant against virus.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated but to also continue to take safety precautions and not let their guard down as we try to get back to normal,” Harmon said.

…Adding… Click here for the Senate’s veto session protocols.

  3 Comments      


*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Catching up with the congressionals
* Do better
* Big Beautiful Bill roundup: Pritzker says special session may not be needed, warns 330,000 Illinoisans could lose Medicaid; Planned Parenthood of Illinois pledges to continue care despite cuts (Updated)
* RETAIL: The Largest Employer In Illinois
* 'The Chosen One' tones himself down
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Selected press releases (Live updates)
* Live coverage
* Selected react to budget reconciliation bill passage (Updated x3 - Comments open)
* Yesterday's stories

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