* From 32nd Ward Democratic Committeeperson Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeperson Lucy Moog to Cook County Central Committee Chair Toni Preckwinkle…

August 2, 2021

Toni Preckwinkle Chair
Cook County Democratic Party 134 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60602

Dear Chairwoman Preckwinkle:

On June 5, the Cook County Democratic Party held a candidate forum for IL Secretary of State. When the candidates were questioned by the Committeepeople, former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was asked whether he had ever endorsed a republican candidate; and specifically, whether he did so, in the 2014 race for Illinois Treasurer of Mike Frerichs vs. Tom Cross. Mr. Giannoulias replied that he said a few nice things about Tom Cross but did not endorse.

We are reaching out today to ask a formal request of the party to explore and determine whether an endorsement was made in 2014 by then Treasurer Giannoulias. If a candidate for the Democratic nomination were to have endorsed a republican in the past, this would be critical information for our fellow Committeepeople to know before going into the Party slating process this fall. Just this past year, we investigated and sanctioned one of our own Committeepersons for supporting a republican candidate for countywide office, recognizing our duty and importance of supporting the Democratic ticket.

We are available to answer any questions about this this request and hope that a subcommittee can get to the truth of what transpired in the fall of 2014. To keep a strong and vibrant party, we need to make sure everyone is playing for the same team with commitment and loyalty.

Thank you for your consideration.

Waguespack has endorsed Ald. Pat Dowell for SoS. Moog has endorsed Anna Valencia.

* Preckwinkle’s reply…

August 11, 2021

Committeepersons Waguespack and Moog:

We are in receipt of your letter dated August 2 in reference to a statement made by Secretary of State candidate Giannoulias at our June 5 forum. The Executive Committee met on August 9 and chose to provide this response.

Mr. Giannoulias’ actions regarding the 2014 race for state treasurer were widely covered at the time in local media outlets, so additional research on our part is unnecessary. Articles appeared in both the Chicago Tribune (https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/chi-democrat-giannoulias-backs-republican-cross-for-state-treasurer-20140921-story.html) and Chicago Sun­ Times (https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2014/9/21/18592294/giannoulias-a-democrat­ backs -republican-cross-for-treasurer). We have also searched the Illinois State Board of Elections and have not found any records of Mr. Giannoulias making a donation to Republican Tom Cross. Please feel free to share this public information as you see fit.

Thank you for your inquiry.

* The linked stories…

* Democrat Giannoulias backs Republican Cross for state treasurer: Former Democratic state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Sunday endorsed Republican Tom Cross over Democrat Mike Frerichs for the job of managing Illinois’ money.

* Giannoulias, a Democrat, backs Republican Cross for treasurer: Former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat, is throwing his support behind Republican Tom Cross in the current race for treasurer, opting to not support fellow Democrat Mike Frerichs.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Hanah Jubeh…

Seven years ago, Alexi said something nice about a candidate from another party. It was not an endorsement and it is certainly not what voters care about. Alexi is running to protect voter rights and modernize the office so we can reduce the lines at driver’s license facilities across the State. These false attacks are exactly what’s wrong with politics today and are what frustrate voters. Right now, people want to elect candidates who care about public service, are committed to restoring faith in government and will work hard for them to make a positive impact in their daily lives.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Greg Hinz got Frerichs on the record…

“He called me this spring, and apologized for endorsing Cross,” Frerichs told me. And Giannoulias did use the word “endorsed” in their talk, Frerichs said. “From my perspective, this all is in the past now.”

Boom.