* I told you Friday about the PPP poll taken for Our Revolution Illinois/Chicago that had Fritz Kaegi leading Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios 44-27. The group, which supports Kaegi and appears to be leaning toward Sen. Daniel Biss, did not release its full poll, however. It also surveyed the governor’s primary…
If the Democratic Primary Election for Governor were held today and the candidates were JB Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, and Daniel Biss, who would you vote for?
JB Pritzker 31%
Chris Kennedy 25%
Daniel Biss 22%
Not sure 22%
Keep in mind that these are only Cook County Democratic primary voters.
If that poll is accurate, then Biss absolutely has to find a way to appeal to the state’s largest county’s African-American voters or he cannot win. And, remember, neither Biss nor Kennedy are yet advertising in Downstate markets.
Also, Kennedy has done almost nothing to target younger Democrats, but if this poll is accurate then his “change” message is certainly resonating with them.
Joe Berrios has been fined $41,000 recently by the Cook County Ethics Board for taking political contributions from those who do business with his office. They have received massive tax breaks while property taxes for homeowners have skyrocketed. He has taken pay-to-play to a whole new level.
More likely 6%
Less likely 69%
Doesn’t make a difference 15%
Not sure 11%
* Meanwhile, the Chicago Reader’s Adeshina Emmanuel made a big splash with his new column about that infamous FBI wiretap recording…
When I first heard the audio recording there was something that struck a chord in me, something I know I’m not alone in feeling.
Beyond the coded language, as the two men brainstorm ways to mitigate or eschew black political power, a smug and mocking tone permeates the conversation.
It’s like they’re both in on some joke.
It feels like one of them is about to laugh and say, “You know how n****rs are.”
* In other news, word has been going around for days that Rep. Jeanne Ives is about to get another $7 million or so from GOP moneybags Dick Uihlein. That would put her at $10+ million and she therefore may very well be in the hunt. She’s still the underdog, but don’t count her out if the cash comes through. Ives’ new TV ad…
* Script…
[Screen text: Brian McCann - Brother was murdered by an illegal alien]
My brother – Denny, we called him – he was crossing Kedzie Avenue…
Saul Chavez, who was severely inebriated, hit my brother and dragged him the better part of a block.
[Screen text: Dennis McCann - Killed on June 8, 2011]
My brother died a violent death.
Saul Chavez bonded out and he absconded to Mexico, where he remains to this day.
[Screen text: Governor Rauner made Illinois a sanctuary state. He stands will illegal immigrants over Illinoisans. Jeanne Ives stands with you.]
* Related…
* J.B. Pritzker continues apology tour at Black Women of Illinois forum: Martese Chism, a South Sider who attended the forum, said she didn’t accept the apology and that “the great civil rights leaders weren’t ‘safe blacks.’” Chism is a board member of National Nurses United, which endorsed Biss. “Pritzker is young, so to hear him say that after all these great leaders have done is unbelievable,” Chism said. “If he wins the primary, I’d vote for him, but he would have to invite ‘unsafe blacks,’ people who are outspoken, to a meeting and put those same people in cabinet positions. That’s how we get our fair share.” Deborah Cosey-Lane also attended the forum and said Pritzker’s focus on the labor movement, “reforming our prison system and protecting the environment” help make him the only candidate who can get the state back on track and beat Gov. Bruce Rauner. “JB acknowledged that he made a mistake and I stand with him and know that he will fight for all working families as governor,” Cosey-Lane said.
* On apology tour, Pritzker pledges an administration with ‘African-American leaders at all levels’: More than just speaking about issues of race, Pritzker went further to make a commitment of large-scale participation in his administration if he becomes governor. Saying his campaign is one “where the voices of every community are heard,” Pritzker pledged that “we will build an administration like that, with African-American leaders at all levels making the decisions that guide us forward and the decisions that affect the economic health of the African-American community.” … During a Friday appearance before the Crain’s Chicago Business editorial board, Pritzker said he believed that people “understand that you can make a mistake, but that you’re actions over decades are really what speaks louder than a single conversation.” “I’m not going to get every vote in the African-American community, but I feel very strongly that I’ve earned the support and (am) receiving the support of many, many people,” he said.
* Under siege, Pritzker rips Rauner but is vague on Madigan: If elected, Pritzker said he would submit legislation to impose term limits for top legislative leaders. But asked about what he would do to insure that the new maps are not gerrymandered like current ones, Pritzker said only that he would back an eventual constitutional amendment and “work with the Legislature” in the short run. He did not say he would hire his own remap consultant, hold public hearings or submit his own plan. But, in an answer to a question from Crain’s, he did say he’d consult with Republicans.
* Democratic Candidates Attend Church Services to Shore Up African-American Support: Today, Bishop Trotter told his congregation why he told Pritzker he was no longer welcome at Sweet Holy Spirit. Trotter says “we have an insult level” and “what he did was wrong.” Pritzker has asked Trotter to pray for him and hopes to meet this week with Trotter. Trotter said “I decided to un-invite him” because “if you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.” … [Kennedy] said “dignity comes with the job, dignity that comes with respect” and told the Holy Spirit parishioners that he sees government’s role is to “bring everyone along” and “we see government as an extension of that family.” … [Biss] also introduced Wallace, who spoke of the candidates who are “coming up on our television screens… with empty promises” and “never every come back and never being held accountable.” Wallace noted that in the African American community she and Biss want to “amplify their voice” because “we deliver votes time and time again; get nothing that’s promised back to us.”
* Gov. Rauner was asked by the Decatur Herald & Review today about his comment yesterday that his administration had handled the situation at the Quincy veterans’ home “exceptionally well and we would not do anything different.” Rauner’s response…
Gov. Rauner: I feel horrible. These are our heroes, I feel devastated. It’s heartbreaking that a veteran would pass away. Goodness gracious. in my whole life, as a private citizen and as governor, I’ve worked hard to support our veterans and do everything possible to help them, protect them, keep them healthy. My point is, there’s a lot of false political attacks right now, second-guessing. The reality is, we brought in as soon as we found somebody got infected we actually found the cause… And we brought in the national experts immediately and we immediately implemented every one of their recommendations. […]
Reporter: So, you stand by your comment that you don’t regret any of your handling or your administration’s handling of the situation in Quincy.
Gov. Rauner: We’ve done everything that experts have recommended and we’ve gone beyond what the experts have recommended.
They’ve “immediately” implemented “everything” the experts recommended? Hmm.
* Earlier this week, the Capital Development Board released its “Legionella Response Plan” for Quincy. There are several references to an August, 2016 report submitted to CDB by BRiC Partnership, LLC…
August of 2016, BRIC was asked to develop additional measures that could be taken to further reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence, knowing that not all measures were taken in the initial response. BRiC produced a report, entitled IVHQ Legionella Response Plan 2016, Proposed Project Elements, dated August 5, 2016.
So, does the highlighted text mean they didn’t do everything they could in 2015?
I dunno, but whatever the case, BRiC’s 2016 report was never made public. The AP tried to obtain information about any capital plans for the Quincy facility last month after WBEZ broke its big Quincy veterans’ home story in December, but its FOIA was denied.
* The secret report also appears to have been shelved without much action taken. In January, the month after the WBEZ investigation became big news, the Rauner administration went back to BRiC and asked for a new report. From that aforementioned CDB report this week…
In January of 2018, the Capital Development Board asked BRiC to update the August 5, 2016 document, with particular focus on replacing all site and building piping and any other work item we believed would present synergistic benefit.
We have been tasked with updating our cost estimates from the August 5, 2016 study and to provide a construction cost estimate to replace building piping in all buildings on campus.
…Adding… Man, if I knew the DGA was putting together a complete transcript and a video snip from the Decatur newspaper appearance, I might’ve saved myself some time and energy. Click here.
…Adding More… The governor’s office claims that Rauner was referring to the Centers for Disease Control when he talked about the experts. He never said that today, but that’s what they’re saying now.
* I asked all attorney general campaigns in both major parties this question yesterday…
What is your candidate’s reaction to FBI wiretaps of JB Pritzker’s discussion with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich about potential African-American US Senate appointees?
I asked them this because I hadn’t seen many of them asked about it and, frankly, I was curious what they had to say.
* Their deadline was 11 this morning. All candidates except Rep. Scott Drury provided an answer (I even reminded Drury about it this morning). ADDING: Drury says he was out shoveling snow and missed the deadline. I’ve granted him a one-time, weather-related extension.
Responses are in the order they were received. Mayor Nancy Rotering…
“There’s no place for this kind of commentary. I was surprised and saddened to hear JB’s comments but appreciate his commitment to ‘doing better.’ Now more than ever, we need a leader who prioritizes inclusive government, making sure all voices are heard, and that civil rights are supported and respected.”
* Gov. Pat Quinn…
“I’m very disappointed in JB Pritzker’s comments. I know Senate President Emil Jones very well, and he has been a drum major for justice during his entire public life.
“In our democracy, everyone has the duty to promote a more perfect union in word and deed. The Governor of Illinois and every aspirant for Governor must treat every single person with civility and respect at all times.
“As President Barack Obama said in his Farewell Address in Chicago on January 10, 2017, ‘Democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one.’”
* Renato Mariotti…
“Pritzker’s comments were disappointing and disrespectful, and he was right to apologize for them. One problem with Illinois politics is that insiders decide the future of our state and party in private phone calls amongst themselves. We should have more decisions made by people, not by insiders and billionaires.”
* Gary Grasso…
“This is another example of typical Cook County Democratic insider politics, the type that destroys people’s lives and property values. This behavior and lack of leadership must end for Illinois for prosper again.”
* Jesse Ruiz…
“In his apology, JB said the conversation caught on tape did not reflect his “best self” and I agree with that assessment. Those comments certainly don’t reflect the guy I’ve gotten to know over the past 23 years. I think his work in the African American and Latino communities, especially on behalf of children, speaks far louder about who he is.”
* Erika Harold…
“The released FBI recorded conversations between J.B. Pritzker and Governor Blagojevich are yet another example of why Illinoisans have lost faith in our state government. Government cannot be for sale and government officials and candidates for office cannot marginalize groups of Illinoisans whether they believe anyone is listening or not. I am running for Attorney General to be a voice for the people and not the powerful political class.”
* Aaron Goldstein…
The JB Pritzker recording is a sad reflection of our politics. The African-American community is not taken seriously by politicians except when election time comes, because the Democratic Party only sees African-Americans as a means to political victory. But when it’s time to stand up for justice, the Party cowers. This happens all the time and this conversation is just a reflection of what happens every day. “Give us your vote” but when the election is over, the African-American community is abandoned. The political powers are so cynical that they believe that all that matters is having a certain number of African-Americans in power satisfies the needs of the community. We must look beyond this cynicism and focus on what all politicians will do for the African-American community.
I have spent my life and legal career fighting for the liberation of all African-Americans. Rarely is it a popular position but I do it because it is right. When my colleagues graduated law school and chased the money at corporate law firms, I worked for the Cook County Public Defender’s Office because I knew the criminal justice system was racist and I wanted to be on the front lines defending the victims of this racist system. As a candidate for attorney general, I am the only candidate who will obtain a consent decree against the Chicago Police Department and give the community enforcement power. I am the only candidate who will form a racial justice division within the office. I am the only candidate who will fight against this racist drug war and mass incarceration. All the other candidates refuse to attack the root causes of this unfair system. This entire campaign has been about fighting for racial justice for all of Illinois. I am fighting for racial justice because that is what I believe in publicly and privately.
As a Democratic Committeeman I strenuously objected to endorsing JB Pritzker for governor and advocated for an open primary to let democracy play out and let the people decide. I was overruled because the Party was overwhelmed with the money that Pritzker had. I was told that Pritzker “was the only one who could win.” Our democracy is flawed if we as a party believe we have to force a candidate down the voters’ throats. I unfortunately saw this in my race. Just a few weeks into the race for Attorney General, the Cook County Democratic Party, without vetting any candidates, and not believing in democracy, endorsed a seriously flawed candidate. I believed so much in the democratic process that I voted to not endorse any candidate.
* Sen. Kwame Raoul…
“The exchange between former Gov. Blagojevich and JB Pritzker was deeply disturbing. Unfortunately, this exchange is an unfiltered look at the conversations that take place daily about the black community without black voices in the room. Over the course of this campaign, I’ve asked Illinoisans to speak out against injustices being committed on their watch and JB failed to do that during his conversation with the former Governor.
“To his credit, JB personally called me to apologize and understood my unique perspective on this issue - not just as a black man who was appointed to fill an Obama vacancy but as someone who fought alongside Senate President Jones on behalf of the black community. During our conversation, JB expressed regret that he didn’t push back on the tone and substance of the exchange. He also acknowledged that he should have done more than simply laugh it off. His call was an appropriate gesture but in no way diminishes his actions.”
* Sharon Fairley…
“The content is deeply concerning and inappropriate. Negative campaigning is why so many Illinois voters don’t believe in our political system. Studies show that negative campaigning adversely impacts black voter turnout. We must bring back integrity, reform and transparency to Illinois government so that it works for everyone and not just the state’s powerful and elite. As a black woman running to be the people’s lawyer I find all of it very insulting.”
…Adding… Scott Drury…
Mr. Pritzker’s comments were disturbing and disrespectful, and I’m glad that he has publicly apologized. However, this conversation — and these tapes — show the ugly side of Illinois politics. Mr. Pritzker’s conversation was caught on tape, but how many similar conversations between other insiders take place on a regular basis without any repercussions? We all know the answer to that — a whole lot. This recording is a real-life example of why so many people in Illinois don’t trust politicians. The tone is set at the top. As we saw with the #MeToo movement in the Capitol, those at the top largely turn a blind eye to issues like these until they get caught.
* Gov. Bruce Rauner at Crain’s Chicago Business yesterday morning about avoiding yet another stalemate during the upcoming session and state budget talks…
“I will negotiate in good faith, make compromise, find common ground in every way that I possibly can. And I’ve done that so far.”
* Gov. Rauner speaking at the annual Sangamon County Lincoln Day Dinner last night…
Rauner said the main goal for Republicans this year is to defeat longtime Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, calling him a machine politician who was destroying the state.
“It is a cancer that is eating us from the inside, sucking our vitality, sucking our quality of life to enrich himself and his friends inside government,” Rauner said.
…Adding… This is what the governor told the Sun-Times earlier this week about President Trump…
“I’d say my biggest concern is the rhetoric. The rhetoric, the tone, the words.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Democratic Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit, who is a military veteran…
It is clear that there are things that should have been done differently. Legionella is preventable and 13 people have died and over 60 sickened. That is not a record he should be proud of. One thing that should have been done differently is that residents, their family and staff should have been properly notified.
This is another reason why the administration needs to release all the emails regarding the Quincy Veterans home.
Illinois officials admit they were caught off-guard by the wave of Legionnaires’ at their veterans’ home in Quincy.
With 12 dead among 54 who contracted the disease in the past few weeks, the death toll now equals the number of fatalities during New York City’s worst-ever Legionnaires’ outbreak this summer. […]
“What we did discover is that we need to have an increased amount of treatment in our water. Um, we did not have, um, we were not aware of the level of vulnerability,” said Erica Jeffries, director, Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs. [Emphasis added.]
*** UPDATE 3 *** Chris Kennedy campaign…
It’s horrifying to hear the leader of our state say he wouldn’t have done anything differently to prevent the loss of 13 lives at the Quincy Veterans Home. Bruce Rauner’s operating principle of self-preservation above all else has no place in our state government.
He needs to cooperate with an independent investigation so our Veterans and their families can get the answers they deserve. Unfortunately, his lack of humanity and his lack of morality are preventing that from happening.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Rep. Dave McSweeney…
It’s outrageous for Governor Rauner to say that his Administration did exceptionally well and wouldn’t do anything differently. There are 13 dead veterans and spouses. Instead of patting himself on the back, the Governor should be working to secure funds to construct a new facility at the Quincy site. If he were a real leader, he would have met with President Trump and legislative leaders to develop an immediate action plan. The Governor’s comments are disgraceful.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Pritzker campaign…
“Thirteen Illinoisans died because of Bruce Rauner’s fatal mismanagement in Quincy, but this failed governor refuses to take responsibility,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “After three years of constant crises and services decimated for over a million people, Illinoisans are suffering while Rauner continues to fail this state.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Ives campaign…
“Rauner is a press release, photo-op Governor,” said conservative reform gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives. “He would’ve never made it in the military, where you are charged to take care of the people under your charge and held accountable for what happens on your watch.”
“The only thing more shameful than the disastrous results of his absentee governorship is his complete unwillingness to answer to the Illinois veterans, and their families, whom he failed,” said Ives.
*** UPDATE 7 *** The DGA sent this out yesterday and I neglected to post it…
“Bruce Rauner’s refusal to acknowledge mistakes is exactly why he’s a failed leader,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Thirteen people died at a state-run facility and Rauner refuses to admit his administration should have done better. And now, Rauner’s administration is hampering an investigation instead of working to find out what went wrong. Rauner needs to be honest and transparent with the public about how his government can function better, not hide behind empty statements.”
*** UPDATE 8 *** Sen. Tom Cullerton has been chairing joint committee hearings on Quincy veterans’ home…
“I am truly disappointed and saddened by the governor’s comments about his mishandling of a situation that resulted in 13 deaths. I’m disappointed because the governor is completely unaware, entirely out of touch and willing to turn a blind eye to serious issues within his own administration. I’m saddened for the families that continue to have to listen to the governor’s ignorant and callous comments. For the sake of Illinois it’s way past time for the governor to do better.”
*** UPDATE 9 *** Sen. Michael Hastings is a military veteran…
“Thirteen people dying over three years is a leadership failure in my humble opinion. Since the Governor is not in charge, he should re-evaluate who he puts in charge. However, when a task is “over-broad and burdensome,” he chooses to do nothing.
* An e-mail forwarded to me which was sent this afternoon by Sen. Chris Nybo to his Senate Republican colleagues…
From: Chris Nybo
Date: Thu, Feb 8, 2018 at 3:18 PM
Subject: John Tillman Non-Profits
To [Senate Republican Email Distribution List]
Hello Everyone,
I am very troubled by the reports about John Tillman’s non-profits that are starting to emerge. I am going to schedule a call with staff to discuss whether we can draft a Joint House Senate Resolution asking for investigations by the FBI, the IRS, or the Attorney General’s Office (as appropriate). Please let me know if you have an interest, and I will include you in the group. Also, this is somewhat sensitive, so I would ask for the courtesy of respecting the confidentiality of caucus communications.
Thanks, Chris
Background is here and here. I’ve asked Mr. Tillman for comment and will post it as soon as I see it.
Man, the knives are really out today.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From John Tillman…
My personal comments:
Sen. Nybo is obviously doing the governor’s bidding. This response and the governor’s response are entirely political theater. Gov. Rauner is well aware of our entire coalition. He was briefed twice on what we’ve built including once at the mansion. He was so impressed with what we’ve built, he hired some of our top staffers. And speaking of the governor’s staff and the repeated turnover, that is an indictment of his ability to lead.
Regarding the Sun Times story, the transactions described were reviewed by our legal and financial counsel, and withstand both legal and ethical scrutiny. It is important to note that the journalists describing them became aware of them specifically because of our scrupulous adherence to both the letter and spirit of the law: they are all publicly disclosed on our required financial forms.
The real intent and purpose of this story — from a union-owned newspaper — is to attack and smear one of the most powerful and compelling threats to the status quo in Illinois. It raises serious questions about the motivation for publishing such a purposely misleading story.
John
*** UPDATE 2 *** Sen. Nybo…
Mr. Tillman’s response reeks of “thou doth protest too much.” I haven’t spoken with the Governor in nine months. This is about good government. And if John, Dan Proft, and their crew are so confident in the lawfulness of their operations, then I expect them to be big supporters of any legislative request to have the FBI, IRS or any other law enforcement agency examine everything. They should, after all, have nothing to worry about, right?
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Circular Firing Squad is locked and loaded…
You know anyone can file a complaint with the Illinois Election Board against Senator Nybo's campaign committee. I'm sure the good senator has nothing to hide so he would welcome the thousands of dollars in legal fees he'd pay to defend himself.
Gov. Rauner: Well, I can tell you I would absolutely not give them another nickel, I can say that. I’ve been a longtime funder of efforts to bring free market principles to Illinois and to America. They used to be an advocate there. But I’m very troubled, very troubled by what I’ve learned. And I certainly would not give them any more money.
Reporter: Can you elaborate on what you’re troubled by?
Gov. Rauner: Based on what I’ve seen, I have not studied the whole article that’s come out, but based on what I’ve been told and what little I’ve learned about it, it sounds like there’s been improper structure there and improper, um, uh, benefits.
Reporter: Do you think the attorney general’s office should take a look at Tillman?
Gov. Rauner: I’ll leave that to the attorney general, but I’m troubled by what I’ve seen.
I’ve asked the attorney general’s office for comment and will post it when I get it.
*** UPDATE *** From the attorney general’s office…
We’re reviewing the information and will determine if we need to take a next step.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Tillman’s response…
Assuming that’s because Diana won’t allow him to donate to us. Regardless, we wouldn’t accept his donation. Our members believe in balanced budgets, responsible gov't and reducing taxes on Illinois’ middle class – all of which @GovRauner has failed to achieve since taking office
The two had a good thing going and didn’t even know it, but then they just had to ruin it by firing Goldberg, et al and moving those Policy Institute employees into the governor’s office, which, in my opinion, led directly to Rauner’s signature on HB40, which totally blew everything up.
Question: “[inaudible] Is there a message there, though, that budget stalemates going two years without a budget is not a good idea?”
Rauner: “It’s a terrible idea.”
Question: “So you’re promising there will not be another stalemate like that?”
Rauner: “Haha, you know what? Speaker Madigan has already indicated, he’s already told members of his caucus that he would love to see another budget stalemate this year. The speaker thrives on that sort of disagreement. That sort of disruption. This is his goal. He views that as politically advantageous for him. That’s a fact. He would love to see that stalemate. I don’t want to see a stalemate. I want more economic growth and truly balanced budgets.”
Question: “Well are you willing to make the kinds of concessions that would be needed to avoid a stalemate. You say you want to repeal this tax, he doesn’t want to repeal this tax.”
Rauner: “So, I was overridden last summer in a massive tax increase with no reforms and a still out of balance budget. Still, even after a massive tax hike, there is still deficit spending, our unpaid bills are still climbing. As they have for years and years and years. This system is broken, Mike Madigan has rigged it to be this way. He’s been in power for 35 years. And he’s run the system for his political benefit rather than what’s good for the people of Illinois. And this is what we need to unite together to change. I believe a new speaker, someone who’s there for the right reasons, not to get rich from high property taxes, which is what Mike Madigan does. Someone who’s there for the right reasons, we can work on a bipartisan basis to get balanced budgets. I know there are Democrats in the General Assembly who’ve I’ve met with who’ve said, “Governor, you’re right. We’d like to work with you but we’re scared….”
Question: “Alright, but if you don’t get a new speaker, are you willing to make the kinds of concessions on repealing the tax, whatever, to avoid another one of these budget stalemates?”
Rauner: “I will negotiate in good faith, make compromise, find common ground in every way that I possibly can. And I’ve done that so far.” [Emphasis added.]
Um, he’s “done that so far”? That might be news to former Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno and the House Republicans who voted to override his budget and tax vetoes, but whatever. Then again, he did say “in every way that I possibly can,” so maybe that’s his out.
* Anyway, I sent a quick text message to 15 House Democrats asking them if they’d heard Madigan say he’d love to see another budget stalemate this year. I’ve heard back from 13 so far and they all said a version of “No.”
Here’s a few of the texted replies I’ve received so far. I talked to one on the phone because she was driving. Some texts, as you will see, are ever so slightly edited…
F— no. What a liar… You guys have to call him out on that s—.
Nope! We haven’t even discussed the budget yet. We have had two caucus meetings and they have focused on the hospital assessment and sb444. He’s making s— up again
He’s lying
No. Nothing like it
Absolutely not.
Uh no!! And all the members are wanting a budget as far as I know. What a weirdo.
No - we just talked about the Hospital Assessment in Caucus. I’ll check around. The consensus we have is he wouldn’t do that in an election year. [And then several minutes later] Called a few folks I trust and it’s a negative on that statement that I could find. I’ve never heard the speaker say that. Honestly, a budget impasse makes the rank and file look bad as well
He has not said that to me or in caucus. That would not be well received and I do not believe he would say that.
…Adding… Steve Brown says Madigan hasn’t said what the governor claimed. Also, too…
I'll say it on the record. @GovRauner is lying. In no way or form did Speaker Madigan say or hint to House Democrats that he wants a budget stalemate repeated. Rauner should apologize to the Speaker. He's unfit to occupy the Governor's office. https://t.co/6wPqLMPaVf@capitolfax
* Pritzker’s latest 15-second TV ad on Daniel Biss…
* Script…
Dan Biss says he’s a proven progressive. But he’s taken money from big banks. And Biss voted with Republicans in Springfield and voted to let the state garnish wages when people fall behind on student loans.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Authorizes the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to deduct from the salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses of any employee in this State and, as otherwise permitted, any employee outside the State of Illinois by serving a notice of administrative wage garnishment on an employer for the recovery of a student loan debt owned or serviced by the Commission. Provides that levy must not be made until the Commission has caused a demand to be made on the employee such that the employee is provided an opportunity to contest the existence or amount of the student loan obligation. Effective immediately.
In a desperate attempt to change the subject away from his racially offensive discussions about African-American elected officials with disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich, JB Pritzker is once again attacking Daniel Biss. The new attack ad comes on the same day polling shows Biss is the stronger candidate to beat Governor Bruce Rauner in the general election.
“Pritzker’s panic continues,” said Abby Witt, campaign manager for the Biss campaign. “In JB’s latest sloppy attack ad, the billionaire venture capitalist claims to be better on reducing student debt and college costs than the middle-class father whose family recently finished paying off student loans and who passed the Student Loan Bill of Rights into law this year.
“It’s clear JB will say anything to deflect attention from the constant drumbeat of negative stories about him. JB can reinvent Daniel’s record all he wants, but voters know Daniel is a proven progressive who’ll fight for working families. The same can’t be said for JB Pritzker, whose record remains as elusive as his tax returns.”
OK, except notice the Biss folks didn’t address the substance of the ad.
Billionaire JB Pritzker is the wealthiest candidate ever to run for Illinois governor and likely the most philanthropic, laying claim to at least $152 million in donations in recent years to children’s programs, universities, hospitals, a state Holocaust museum and much more.
Some of those donations have gone to causes tied to politicians and social activists now endorsing Pritzker’s campaign. Also In late 2016, he gave $250,000 to the non-profit bankrolling restoration of the governor’s mansion in Springfield, the same residence Pritzker soon after began campaigning to occupy.
Pritzker’s largesse is a major selling point of his bid for governor. But a Better Government Association examination shows that charity comes at little real cost to the candidate himself but considerable expense to federal and state treasuries.
Records show Pritzker has funded his charitable giving almost exclusively with inherited proceeds, much of it filtered through offshore tax havens and then deposited in a tax-exempt nonprofit he controls, the Pritzker Family Foundation.
The result is that Pritzker’s philanthropy, and any accolades that go with it, have been bankrolled with what is essentially found money. He did little to earn the proceeds and paid no taxes on the bulk of it before giving it away.
Pritzker’s record as a philanthropist is a central element in a campaign that asks Illinois voters to put him in charge of their tax money. In ads and speeches, he stresses how he has used his money to do good and make a difference.
But the complete story is more complex. Most people who make charitable donations do so out of earnings or savings on which they have already paid taxes. Pritzker, on the other hand, did no work for most of the money he has given away or pay taxes on it.
Go read the whole thing. Pritzker has basically admitted doing this for a while, saying he doesn’t pocket money from overseas family trusts and donates it to charity. But the BGA story is another, less, um, charitable, way of looking at it.
* Pritzker campaign response…
JB is very proud of his work with charitable causes across Illinois. Everything from expanding school breakfast programs to 235,000 low-income kids, to helping create a non-profit technology incubator that’s created over 7,000 jobs, to standing up for wrongly convicted men and women behind bars and building a museum that every year teaches 60,000 Illinois kids and teachers to stand up to hate.
The fact is the trusts referenced in today’s story were set up generations ago by relatives of JB, but it was JB who made the decision that all distributions made should be given entirely to charity. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars have gone to support meaningful programs across Illinois.
The suggestion that JB’s commitment of countless of hours of time and millions of dollars in support to these organizations is not genuine, and even worse, questioning the sincerity of the motives of people supporting his campaign like Barbara Bowman and Holocaust survivors who personally worked with JB to build the museum is not only incorrect, it’s insulting.
Pritzker has played a major fundraising role for construction of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center museum in Skokie, and his foundation donated $9.9 million to the effort. Two Holocaust survivors, leaders of the drive to build the museum, appear in another Pritzker campaign ad titled “Standing Up to Hate.”
Slayen said the donations and endorsements reflect long standing relationships and shared interests, not political tit-for-tat.
“To be clear, the implication you’re making is both ridiculous and offensive,” Pritzker’s spokeswoman said. “And if you are seriously asking if Holocaust survivors, a champion for early childhood education, and a decades long public servant are trading their endorsements for charitable contributions then the answer is unequivocally no.”
* The Pritzker campaign would like you to see their full response…
And if you are seriously asking if Holocaust survivors, a champion for early childhood education, and a decades long public servant are trading their endorsements for charitable contributions then the answer is unequivocally no. It is incredibly insulting to the lives these people have led and the impact that they’ve had on their communities to even make such an accusation. We are honestly dumbfounded that an organization like the BGA, which again, has received significant contributions from JB’s Foundation, would attempt to connect nonexistent dots.
The poll — which has a 2.82 percent margin of error — surveyed 1,209 likely Democratic primary voters on Tuesday and Wednesday and has Pritzker ahead by just more than three percentage points. […]
Of African-American voters polled, 28.1 percent said they still supported Pritzker; 22.9 percent supported Kennedy and 20.3 percent said they’d vote for Biss. There were still 18.2 percent of American-American voters that were undecided, according to the poll.
The poll also asked specific supporters whether there’s still room to change their mind ahead of the primary. Of Pritzker supporters, 56.7 percent said they might switch their votes; nearly 41 percent of Kennedy and Biss supporters said they might also change their minds.
Voters were also asked who their second choice would be for governor. About 46 percent of Pritzker voters chose Kennedy; 21.5 percent chose Biss. Of Biss voters, 17.8 percent chose Pritzker and 66.1 percent chose Kennedy. Of Kennedy voters, 24.4 percent said their second choice was Pritzker, while 52.3 percent chose Biss.
*** UPDATE *** Man, I have had such a horrible morning. I was thinking of another firm when I posted this story. Click here and here for some unflattering background on the pollster.
