* Press release…

Attached is a summary of the results of a statewide poll CHANGE Illinois commissioned which found that an overwhelming 75 percent of voters support the creation of an independent commission to draw political maps.

The poll of 603 likely Illinois voters was conducted by Fako Research and Margin of Era Opinion Research.

The poll also found voters strongly agree — 74 percent — that Gov. J.B. Pritzker should work to help push for getting a question about the creation of such a commission on the November general election ballot.

Additionally, survey results show that in our current polarized political environment, a third of likely voters would have a more favorable view of the Governor if he were to actively engage in pushing for the question to be placed on the November ballot.

The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.99 percent.

CHANGE Illinois leads a coalition of 30 diverse organizations statewide that support the Fair Maps Amendment.

Please also find attached a collection of some of the governor’s actions and statements supporting an independent redistricting commission during his campaign and since taking office.

The poll results have been shared with the Governor’s office. We have asked to meet with the Governor to persuade him to fulfill his previous pledges and statements and to help us actively advocate for votes on the Fair Maps Amendment.

The executive summary is here. And click here for collected Pritzker statements on the topic.

The poll was conducted over a month ago, February 4-6. Mobile phone users accounted for 67 percent of weighted respondents.

* Fako is the goods, so I give his results some credence. According to this poll, Pritzker could use the boost that would come from backing Fair Maps…

JB Pritzker

Substantive Recognition: 95%
Rated Positively: 39% (14% Very Positive)
Rated Neutral: 19%
Rated Negatively: 36% (25% Very Negative)

The Governor is universally known. His most favorable ratings arrive out of Chicago (58% Total Positive, 22% Very Positive) and Suburban Cook County (46%, 11%). Pritzker is rated more critically in Southern Illinois (54% Total Negative, 43% Very Negative) and Northern Illinois (47%, 34%).

The State’s Independent voters are net negative about Pritzker (29% Total Positive to 39% Total Negative), with Independent men being more critical of the Governor than Independent Women.

Donald Trump

Substantive Recognition: 99%
Rated Positively: 38% (29% Very Positive)
Rated Neutral: 5%
Rated Negatively: 56% (51% Very Negative)

Donald Trump is universally recognized . His ratings are significantly more positive in Southern (56% Total Positive) and Northern (52%) Illinois. His most negative ratings arrive from Chicago (83% Total Negative) and Suburban Cook County (64%).

Trump’s ratings diverge by gender, with men being more positive about him (46% Total Positive, 37% Very Positive) and women more negative about him (66% Total Negative, 60% Very Negative).

The State’s Independent voters are net negative on Trump (31% Total Positive to 57% Total Negative).

Whew, those southern Illinois numbers are bad for the governor.

* Greg Hinz…

The amendment plan recently introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Melissa Bush, D-Grayslake, has picked up 31 sponsors, enough to pass if it’s called for a vote. Identical language has been introduced in the House.

But Doubek conceded that the Senate’s new president, Don Harmon, has not promised to bring the matter up for a vote and has not yet agreed to meet with her group.

Harmon’s spokesman said the request is “under review.” […]

Doubek said she’s been seeking a meeting with the governor since last fall but has heard nothing. Pritzker “isn’t living up to his promises and pledges,” she said, a remark that may not help her secure that meeting.

Um, 31 is not 36, which is the actual number required to pass the Senate.

And Greg’s probably right about that meeting. As I wrote recently in Crain’s, the activists need to remember they’re trying to pass legislation, not agitating on a street corner.