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* Tribune…
Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers will hold a 10 a.m. news conference. The advisory from Summers’ campaign team indicated Summers will make a “press conference announcement.” The ambitious Summers has held out the possibility he will run for the Democratic governor nomination and indicated a decision was coming soon. The field already has five announced candidates, including Chicago billionaire J.B. Pritkzer.
Think he’ll get in?
*** UPDATE 1 *** Nope…
Kurt Summers has told supporters he will NOT run for governor. Announcement expected shortly.
— Mark Brown (@MarkBrownCST) April 26, 2017
*** UPDATE 2 *** Interesting…
City treasurer Kurt Summers, long a rumored candidate for governor, is expected to announce Wednesday morning that he will not seek that office and instead endorse billionaire J.B. Pritzker, a source told the Sun-Times.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Look who showed up today…
JB Pritzker gets Summers endorsement, summers not running #ILGov18 pic.twitter.com/dygZt3Arma
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) April 26, 2017
*** UPDATE 4 *** Pritzker also got some aldermanic endorsements. From a press release…..
Today, Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers announced his support for JB Pritzker for Governor at Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville. Joining Kurt in endorsing JB were Alderman Pat Dowell (Ward 3), Alderman Roderick Sawyer (Ward 6), Alderman Mike Scott (Ward 24), and Alderman Emma Mitts (Ward 37). […]
“JB is the right candidate to lead the fight against Governor Rauner and to clean up the mess that’s been created in Springfield and across our state,” said Kurt Summers. “I’ve known JB for over a decade. I’ve seen up close his values, his expertise and his relentless passion for helping others. JB understands that the best way to lift up our communities is through job creation and real investment, and I trust that he will bring back stability to Illinois.
“JB’s past experiences prove he is the most committed and the most capable person to govern our state and deliver on the promise to improve the lives of working people and low-income communities. He is the person we need to lead Illinois, prioritizing those who are most vulnerable among us. I know JB will fight every day for the people of this state, especially for black and brown communities that have suffered from disinvestment and have been disproportionately affected by Governor Rauner’s lack of leadership. JB will work hard to earn every single vote – and truly represent us all as governor.”
“Today, I am honored and humbled to accept the endorsement of Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers,” said JB Pritzker. “Kurt is someone who shows up every day and fights for all our city’s children and families, especially for communities that are too often left behind. And, unlike Governor Rauner, Kurt gets results and we’re all better off because of it. We’re just twenty days in to this campaign, and I’m thankful for the strong showing of support we’re receiving from leaders across Illinois.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…
Chris Kennedy, Democratic candidate for Illinois Governor, released the following statement on Kurt Summers’ announcement that he would not be running for Governor.
“I made it clear where I stand when I spoke to the Cook County Democrats in March. This race is not about politicians endorsing other politicians or what might be happening behind closed doors. This race is about restoring the promise of the American Dream to the people of Illinois. Voters want to see the depth of our ideas and the vision we bring to rebuilding the promise of this state. My focus will be on earning the trust of the voters of Illinois and making Springfield finally work for their future.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:15 am
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No. My gut says mayoral aspirations.
Comment by Lobo y Olla Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:17 am
SOS?
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:18 am
No. Holding out for 2019 should Rahm walk away.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:18 am
Seems like a “why I’m not running” press event.
Comment by Conn Smythe Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:26 am
Yes. He has the best shot to win the nomination if he enters.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:26 am
He’s certainly motivated to get out in the
Chicago community .. visiting Chicago’s 77 communities in 77 days. City slicker has no name recognition downstate, so more likely to inherit the wind from Rahm.
Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:27 am
Not a chance. I’ve seen less waffling in the frozen breakfast aisle at Jewel. This gives him time to rack up an actual achievement during his tenure as Treasurer because aside from bungling and hacking the Mayor (worst appointee ever) and others off he’s done ZERO. I mean his resume looks right and he kind of talks the talk but he’s really not the droid you’re looking for..
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:28 am
Would be pretty lame to hold a presser not to
Comment by Name/Nickname/Anon Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:29 am
“Listening Tour” announcement, “not ready to announce anything quite yet, but to make clear I’m going to travel the state and listen to the people of Illinois”
Translation?
Audition for LG for either Prtizker or Kennedy.
Lose? Run city-wide… again.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:32 am
He might be angling for LG and reaping the benefits of fundraising for Gov. He’d meet a running mate need for any one of the other 5.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:33 am
I suspect Rich may have had this article in mind when he posted this story about Mr. Summers http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-kurt-summers-city-club-speech-story.html It was a real beating of a report.
Comment by Rod Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:35 am
I feel like we’d have heard more about a campaign structure by now if he was building one. Though hell, maybe someone else here has. “Angling for LG” makes sense to me, though I’m not sure any of the G candidates want to add another Chicagoan to the mix.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:47 am
Summers won’t get in. He’s not dumb.
A few things:
- Kurt’s own poll had him at just 7% right now polling against Kennedy and Pritzker. Even though he’s the only elected official in the race.
- With informed positives, he still only gets to 28%. That’s his ceiling. Kennedy only loses a point in the informed poll. Looking at Kurt’s own polling, it shows that the idea that Kurt cuts into Kennedy’s numbers is wrong.
- That poll also didn’t include Biss and Pawar.
- Michael Sacks and anyone else who would give money to Kurt is behind JB. He doesn’t have unique donors that aren’t close to Rahm. He only has $250K in the bank. He raised just over $100k last quarter, even while saying he was exploring for Governor. I don’t see how he raises enough to be viable.
- Most importantly, running for Governor requires hard work and raising money. Two things Summers doesn’t particularly care for.
Comment by The Noid Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:57 am
He’s not in. His meetings with the other candidates were more about sussing out what his fit could be as an LG candidate. Guessing his thought was LG to G or US SEN. Given that he’s in office solely as the appointee of an unpopular mayor, who he immediately starting gunning for, humility has never been a club in his bag. Pride before the fall, yada, yada.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 9:58 am
It might also be helpful for him to just once refer to the African-American community as ‘our community’, whether he likes it or not. Tough to have it both ways on that issue. Not impossible but pretty tough.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:06 am
To the update: Oops.
Not surprising that Summers is supporting Pritzker. But Kurt Summers alone won’t be enough to bring the AA community on board. Wondering where Danny Davis and Bobby Rush will land. Guessing the black vote will be splintered among the white candidates.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:11 am
Presser advance copy:
I grew up surrounded by activists.
People from around the state have been asking me to run.
There is so much work to be done.
I’ve never had specific ambitions, I’ll run where needed.
I want to build on the progress I’ve made as City Treasurer.
I’m going to continue to work on issues important to the people.
Trust me, I’m not going anywhere, I’m loving the attention.
Contributions can be made to…
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:13 am
To the UpdateS…
Backing Pritzker boxes Summers in early. It also removes Kennedy and Biss from the mix as possible connections for the long term goals.
Or… as I actually “see” this, to Summers…
“Noonan ain’t wrong”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:14 am
All this will he or won’t he kind of makes me nostalgic for Jim Edgar.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:24 am
How unique… the former Goldman Sachs and Grosvenor banker backs the Billionaire in the race. Yawn.
Summers is just a puppet of Rahm and Michael Sacks. He’ll never run for anything difficult. I’d bet any amount of money he’s back in the private sector in the next 4 years.
Comment by The Noid Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:28 am
Also, the idea that he’s angling for Lt. Governor seems like a poor fit. If you find the job of city treasurer unsatisfying wait until you find out what the Lt. Governor does. Summers used to work in the Governor’s office, he knows, I’d be very surprised if he wants that.
Speaking of which, when’s the last time anyone has seen or heard from our current Lt. Governor? I honestly can’t recall seeing her name mentioned in a year or two.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:34 am
To Update #3…
Pritzker showing up… It’s Noonan’s premise, and Pritzker giving a chit for Summers to cash, at some point, and how large a chit will be seen after March and maybe November.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:34 am
Summers will be Pritzker’s running mate. He clearly was the top catch, being a young black elected official with a big electorate (elected citywide) and no negatives (at least none reported).
The more interesting question is whether this is an indication that Toni Preckwinkle is supporting Pritzker (Summers is her former chief of staff)
Comment by Fax Machine Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:44 am
===… no negatives (at least none reported).===
Rahm appointee?
Hmm. Just saying.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 10:49 am
Rahm appointee is not a positive correct.
Another good thing about picking Summers as a running mate is that he is an elected official without having to have a voting record to answer for (like Pawar & Biss will have to if they pipe up in the polls)
Comment by Fax Machine Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:01 am
Summers’ endorsement and those from these Aldermen are a nice coup for Pritzker. He needs to build on it, sure, but this gives him a head start in winning over African-American voters in Chicago. Nicely played.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:03 am
Now that the Sebate President race is called off, expect Chris Kennedy to camp out in front of Kwame Raoul’s house begging him to be his running mate.
Raoul got elected to a 4 year term in 2016 so he can run without giving up his seat.
Comment by Fax Machine Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:07 am
If I where JB I would say thanks and stay far away from Summers. He doesn’t need a side show that could derail his campaign.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:23 am
It seems as if Pritzker has started calling in favors. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the first in a wave of endorsements from local leaders. Expect a gaggle of local mayors and state legislators next.
Comment by TKMH Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:38 am
=== This race is not about politicians endorsing other politicians or what might be happening behind closed doors===
Ugh.
So how will Kennedy explain when “politicians” support him?
Why even respond? Why respond as to antagonize people Kennedy should be trying to court or have endorse at some time in the next 10 months.
Total amateur hour.
I’ll look forward to Kennedy asking politicians NOT to endorse his candidacy.
Ya don’t need to respond like a wet behind the ear rube to every endorsement someone else gets.
It’s 4 aldermen and Summers. Get a grip.
“This race is not about politicians endorsing other politicians or what might be happening behind closed doors.”
Don’t tout political endorsements when you may get them. This will be remembered.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 11:58 am
Excellent points Willy. I always understand the temptation to respond, but it’s best to think it all the way through and not just to participate in the news cycle.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Whoops the update answered my question
Comment by wndycty Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 12:26 pm
@Fax Machine, You obviously do not know Raoul, he doesn’t want to go down badly when he has his sights set on bigger offices than Lt. Gov. Has any of the Lt Gov candidates (not the winners like PQ)gone to Gov or US Senate. Maybe a back bencher like Christian Mitchell, but he’s Kwame Raoul! He ain’t interested in no stinkin’ Lt Gov crap.
Comment by 10th ward Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 12:34 pm
It is a smart move for Kurt to not run for Governor. It’s wise since it would be tough to win this race especially downstate where he isn’t as known as he is in the Greater Chicago area.
My only thing is that I would’ve held off in endorsing this early to Pritizker since, particularly in the African American community, J.B. candidacy is more of the same in terms of having money to become governor.
Comment by Just a kid from the South Side of Chicago Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 12:56 pm
(Tips cap to - Chicago Cynic -)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 1:01 pm
Kwame Raoul now becomes the most sought after man in Illinois Politics
Comment by Franklin Delano Bluth Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 1:32 pm
Pritzker has hired some strong political staff. Has money to spend.
Comment by walker Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 1:32 pm
To The Update:
So, when a half dozen pro-life, pro-gun county chairmen from Southern Illinois endorse Kennedy, It is a REALLY BIG DEAL, but when major black elected officials from the state’s Democratic stronghold endorse his opponent, he wants us to dismiss them?
Wrong tone, Mr. Kennedy.
Comment by Free Set of Steak Knives Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 1:37 pm
I wonder if he and Poshard will bump into one another at all of those chicken dinners.
Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 3:02 pm
===Voters want to see the depth of our ideas and the vision we bring to rebuilding the promise of this state.===
And voters so far have seen that Kennedy is a myopic puddle with little to offer but his family name.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 26, 17 @ 7:24 pm
I agree with Summers in not running for governor . The time isn’t right and his resume is not built for governor . I think once his economic plan (Fund 77) starts to show growth and expansion to communities that heavily need a resurgence in job /economic opportunities , he can become a proven candidate for mayor . Summers backing of Pritzker has nothing to do with any behind the scenes politicians endorsing politicians BS , I genuinely believe that the people from Illinois want to see progressive politics in which he state starts to flourish . Our budget has been in shambles since Raurner took office and nothing has been deemed effective for the people of Illinois . Summers will be a great ally to the governor but the vision of mayor of Chicago should be the forefront for his next political moves in which I believe Summers will be profound and accomplished in this position .
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 28, 17 @ 3:43 pm