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Harmon to give away FOP contribution, won’t accept more

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Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has signed on to a pledge urging elected officials to reject political donations from the Fraternal Order of Police, joining a slew of political leaders around the country who say they won’t take money from police unions. […]

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon received $2,000 from the police union in February.

On Thursday, the Oak Park Democrat said he’d be donating that contribution to groups helping West Side communities.

“I won’t be accepting any contributions from the FOP and I will donate the contribution my committee received earlier this year to West Side community organizations working to lift up our community,” Harmon said in a statement.

It’s not like the FOP would’ve ever given any money to Foxx anyway, but the Harmon move is interesting.

More reaction and information at the link.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:35 am

Comments

The FOP endorsement is obviously a big reason why criminal justice reform gets stalled. If people want meaningful policy change we start by deflating their ability to influence elections. Kudos to Harmon.

Comment by Dancing Bears Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:42 am
They aren’t really big spenders (once in the while they spend to get a member elected Alderman but not always)

What is more interesting is whether pols stop applying for their endorsement, like some Democrats had boycotted the Tribune endorsement a few years ago.

Their endorsement had been a big deal in local and judicial races but maybe not as much with a far right Trump guy running the show.

Comment by Marquee Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:45 am
Is Harmon suggesting that the donation affected his public policy decision making? If that’s the case, why are any contributions appropriate?

Don takes huge amounts from the Cannabis industry. Are those contributions changing his views on weed?
Hypocrites often quickly jump on an issue only to be shown as an opportunist down the line.

I can’t wait to hear how they justify the FOP contribution to the Senate Democrat fund.

Comment by Altgelds Ghost Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:49 am
Politicians saying no thanks to your endorsement is one thing.

A politician saying no to your money is like an attorney saying no to your money.

You’ve got problems.

Comment by efudd Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:50 am
Police unions are thisclose to becoming latter day versions of PATCO. And John Catanzara and Chris Southwood aren’t as media savy as Robert Poli (for all the good it did him).

Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:51 am
Foxx pledges to reject campaign contributions from an organization that has been her most prominent critic.

In other news, Peter Breen announced today he won’t accept the support of Planned Parenthood.

Comment by Roman Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:57 am
The relationship between CPD and CCSAO is incredibly toxic right now. I have no problem with Kim Foxx not taking money from FOP (especially with their current leadership), but she needs to realize that there will always be people that are going to attack her from the left and she will not be able to satisfy the far lefts demands.

Comment by Chicagonk Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:58 am
The FOP, with the new leadership is seemingly clueless to their own new normal to how they are seen, how they are taken, and most importantly, how they have decided to portray themselves.

As with the coronavirus, there’s no going back, Black Lives Matter, and posturing in *any* way that is seen as overtly/covertly/any “ertly” against systemic and institutional racism by any group won’t be tolerated.

You look at CTU, you look at FOP, how the public understands their roles as labor is now coming back to pols too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 9:58 am
Is now a bad time to ask Kim about the Illinois Justice & Public Safety PAC?

==Don takes huge amounts from the Cannabis industry==

Harmon just recorded a $50,000 contribution from FanDuel yesterday. We all have our vices.

Comment by City Zen Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:09 am
This shows how toxic the FOP has become. I’m old enough to remember a time when FOP’s (and CTU’s for that matter) endorsement was coveted in certain circles.

Comment by SAP Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:15 am
Not accepting public sector union money and support? Or not accepting certain public sector union money and support? Who is next?

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:16 am
=== Or not accepting certain public sector union money and support? Who is next?===

Oh - Louis G Atsaves -,

Are you saying the FOP are needlessly singled out?

“Who is next?”

Which straw man is this supposed to be?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:19 am
Boycotting FOP $ works well in liberal Oak Park. But the “justice” versus “law and order” makes for an interesting debate.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:26 am
Ridiculous. Stigmatizing the police.

Comment by Decaturland Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:29 am
=== Stigmatizing the police.===

… and yet the world sees it different.

There’s no going back, change is here and this idea that the police are being “stigmatized” is part of the problem the FOP is pushing, tone deaf to the cries globally.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:35 am
Pretty easy for State Attorney Foxx to sign onto a pledge refusing donations from FOP. I very much doubt they were planning to cut her any checks.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:38 am
“Who’s is next?”

As there doesn’t seem to be other unions fighting against disciplinary actions remaining on an officer’s record longer than five years, probably no one.

Seriously, you’re a lawyer?

Comment by efudd Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:38 am
== “The unique relationship between elected officials and police calls for added levels of transparency, accountability, and independence,” Foxx said. ==

It deeply pains me to side with Louis G Atsaves over Oswego Willy, (like to the point where I want to jump off a bridge.) But Foxx leaves herself wide open to Louis’s shot with that quote. The same logic can be applied to taking contributions from other public employee unions. It could also be applied to her taking contributions from defense and plaintiffs attorneys. I think she would be better off saying something like the FOP has strayed beyond any standard of political reasonableness and just leave it at that.

Comment by Telly Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:39 am
Why on earth would the FOP support Black Lives Matter’s demand to defund the police and abolish prisons?

Senator Harmon represents Austin that has a homicide rate ten times higher than other parts of the city.

How exactly is racism systemic in the Chicago criminal justice system
when the Mayor, County Board Chairman, State’s Attorney, Police Chief and Chief Judge of the Circuit court are all African American?

Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:46 am
Good for Harmon. His constituents want effective policing- not an occupying force. The FOP knuckle draggers were always wrong- people are finely refusing to be intimidated.

Comment by West Sider Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 10:54 am
=== No the world does not see it different. Only the left leaning mob that wants to stigmatize all cops.===

No, the Premier League… *in England*… every player… Black Lives Matter on their jerseys and the back.

That’s one example of global. Keep up.

===The silent majority===

You know that’s signaling racist, right?

You think it’s a majority? Polling please…

=== Easy to talk when you live in a community far from the crime in the city. As a city dweller, I welcome the police===

Are you Black, since you are concerned about “me”… I’m not black.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:04 am
Good move by Harmon.

You don’t want the new president of the Chicago FOP at your event. You don’t want to talk with him, you certainly don’t want to shake his hand, and God help your political career if you take a photo with him.

That guy is toxic.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:16 am
=Now we live by polling?=

Nobody said as much. When you surround yourself with people that look like you, think like you, and sound like you it’s easy to delude yourself in thinking that you hold the majority view (silent or otherwise). But yet we continue to see people and organizations across all spectrum’s acknowledging systemic racism and a failed criminal justice system.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:19 am
=== No I am not concerned about you.===

LOL

=== Easy to talk when you live…===

This ain’t Facebook. K? Keep up or stop with the phony.

=== Now we live by polling?===

Then why racially signal “silent majority”?

You think there’s a majority that would poll supporting systemic and institutional racism?

=== How is Trump president then ?===

The Electoral College. Trump lost the popular vote.

Are you even trying?

=== Love how you see racism in opposite points of view.===

No, listening to what Black Lives Matter means, learning about how policing (not officers in the micro) has systemic and institutional racism… you are ignoring or cheering that racism. Things need changing.

=== The Left is for freedom of speech only as long as the speech agrees with their view.===

(Sigh)

I was a full tilt Republican.

Rauner ruined that for me with his attacks on labor and Reagan Democrats… while holding a state hostage.

Trump smashed that for me with DECADES of racist, homophobic, xenophobic thoughts, and now policies and governing.

I’m proud I was a Reagan/Bush/Bush Republican.., I have NEVER been a Rauner/Trump zealot.

Find your political tribe on Facebook, “both sides”, “silent majority”, “all lives matter” isn’t a GOP thingy, as Trump infected the party, it’s Trumpkins using a shell of a party he corrupted to ruin the two party system by embracing bigotry.

Good luck

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:21 am
==Police unions are thisclose to becoming latter day versions of PATCO.==

I can see this happening very easily. For those who don’t know, here’s the background https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Air_Traffic_Controllers_Organization_(1968)

Comment by Monadnock Pigeon Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:27 am
More and more… it’s a smart move by Harmon, but it the moral move to what the FOP… and its current leader as their face of that union… seems to want to been seen.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:31 am
=== Why on earth would the FOP support Black Lives Matter’s demand to defund the police and abolish prisons?===

I know you’ve gone “full on Trump” - Lucky Pierre -, but isn’t *you* who touted Rauner prison reforms? I can find those if you like…

As to defunding police… dedicating more funding towards social needs to help in policing is not “defunding the police”… like buying 10 armored vehicles… versus social programs that help with crime and community.

To just defund the police, yeah, I’m not even close to agreeing on any aspect of that, in any manner, to eradicate police, and see, the thing is… it’ll never pass as anything close to that.

=== How exactly is racism systemic in the Chicago criminal justice system…===

If pleading ignorance so you can continue to support racism and racist policies and polls works for you… keep trying to think it’s a “them” problem not a global society problem.

Your schtick is tiresome, and now pro-Trump, which is sad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:37 am
Yes there were 104 people shot and 14 fatalities. Are the police going to clear many of them? If not might it be because the police are not trusted in those communities even to give informal information to?

The police simply cannot act like an occupying army and then do their main job which is to solve crime and prevent crime.

And their union chief is pretty much the poster child of someone who cannot be trusted.

Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:40 am
=== There were 104 people shot, 14 fatalities last weekend in my city. That’s the outrage.===

You can only have ONE outrage?

Defeating systemic racism can’t happen right now because I have but ONE outrage?

=== why don’t you come and march here against that.===

Are you?

How do you *know* what I’ve done, my family, my friends?

Where are the Raunerites walking to denounce that?

I know it troubles you that you have racist thoughts, but racist thoughts they are.

===Us black conservatives understand the difference between good cops and bad cops.===

You support the FOP as a Black conservative?

Like I said, good luck.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 11:42 am
Let’s see Senator Harmon of the Granola People in Oak Park do something real, like sponsor a bill with criminal penalties for police who fail to report crimes committed by other police. Or Harmon can get together with his fellow Senator, now AG Kwame Raoul and make body cams mandatory for police.

Like Raoul in the Senate, Harmon did nothing to contest the Duty to Inform in Brandon Phelps’ 2013 concealed carry bill, which allows police to execute armed citizens like Philando Castile in Minnesota. Harmon’s House counterpart LaShawn Ford opposed the DTI on the record in floor debate, while most of the Reps. were in bed with the police unions that put it in the bill, knowing it would be used against the black population.

Comment by Elmer Keith Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:03 pm
There was mixed reaction among Chicago cops when Catanzara was elected FOP president. Some were attracted to the belief he’ll be a ruthless fighter during contract negotiations. Others were put off by his fight first approach and disciplinary record. When was the last time you read an article about him that didn’t mention his history of citizen complaints?

Elections have consequences and Catanzara might be the wrong guy for the current climate. He’ll never win a PR war, but I think we’re way past that if you’re a cop these days.

Comment by Father Ted Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:07 pm
No one is against racism and I admire the peaceful protest. But then I’m subjected to weeks of news footage of looting and other criminal behavior. It seems every politician wants to cow tow to the progressive agenda no matter how radical it seems to the average tax paying home owning citizens. I for one want law and order. The political pendulum will swing and hopefully we’ll have a redefined police force that can protect everyone including the victims of lawless savagery. And before anyone pigeon holes me, I’m a lifelong Chicago homeowning minority who has experienced every form of racism tenfold. My grown kids went to Chicago public schools and they’ve experienced it too.

Comment by Too da loo mf Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:10 pm
=== no matter how radical it seems to the average tax paying home owning citizens.===

Really-Really re-read that sentence.

I mean, break it down. It’s like Sen. Cotton “explaining” the difference between Wyoming… and Washington DC… and the “other side” that is troubled by this unlike them.

And i grabbed the above… and it’s puzzling if this…

===I’m a lifelong Chicago homeowning minority who has experienced every form of racism tenfold. My grown kids went to Chicago public schools and they’ve experienced it too.===

I guess…

===…that can protect everyone including the victims of lawless savagery.===

… my honest question with the mixed thoughts and your story… do you support Black Lives Matter, and expand that thought?

The only way I can learn is if I can listen, but mixed messages within a comment is confusing to me.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:17 pm
== Wow. The Left is for freedom of speech only as long as the speech agrees with their view.==
Timeless, the “left” is anyone who disagrees with you? And how has your freedom of speech been taken away?

Comment by Fly like an eagle Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:22 pm
=It seems every politician wants to cow tow to the progressive agenda no matter how radical it seems to the average tax paying home owning citizens.=

Every politician favors looting and criminal behavior? I didn’t know that was the progressive agenda and I certainly haven’t seen any politician come out in favor of it. Maybe you should subject yourself to a different news channel.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:24 pm
How exactly is racism systemic in the Chicago criminal justice system when the Mayor, County Board Chairman, State’s Attorney, Police Chief and Chief Judge of the Circuit court are all African American?

Friendly advice: Next time, do a google search for the definition of “systemic” instead of parading your ignorance out in public for all the world to see.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:25 pm
=== Every politician favors looting and criminal behavior? I didn’t know that was the progressive agenda and I certainly haven’t seen any politician come out in favor of it.===

Well said.

The premise of this post Rich has up is pols, like President Harmon not taking FOP monies as they, in their decisions, re-evaluate the current FOP, it’s leader, and what - Father Ted - wrote;

=== Elections have consequences and Catanzara might be the wrong guy for the current climate. He’ll never win a PR war, but I think we’re way past that if you’re a cop these days.===

Both comments are showing the thoughtful to Black Lives Matter, the current phony wants to try and make this about looters and the bad not one logical or thoughtful person supports, and the FOP with its choices dealing with the new normal with a new leader.

The only collective reality is accepting and acknowledging systemic and institutional racism, and what side *you* are on, and how pols and the FOP see that collective reality.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:31 pm
===I’m a lifelong Chicago homeowning minority who has experienced every form of racism tenfold. My grown kids went to Chicago public schools and they’ve experienced it too.===

I guess…======

I guess is your response to this Willy? Then followed by “the only way I can learn is listen”.

a) reject the need to comment and be the mediator on every issue and post. Listen. Just listen. Quietly. Take it in. You come off as a know it all and a bully Willy.

b) the experience of people of color varies as widely as the experiences of any other group. The fact that you are confused isn’t the hard part . . . . .you go there often. Offering your perpetual “take” on an experience that you have not experienced exhibits arrogance and a need for “quiet” self reflection.

The fact that you cannot shut up for 5 minutes and simply listen . . . .that is the confusing part.

Comment by On Point Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 12:56 pm
==I have no problem with Kim Foxx not taking money from FOP (especially with their current leadership), but she needs to realize that there will always be people that are going to attack her from the left and she will not be able to satisfy the far lefts demands. ==

What a curious statement. Are you suggesting that the CCSAO should bond with the FOP regardless of where the FOP goes because they’re somehow more reliable than “the left”?

Any candidate should expect to be hit by both sides at different times in their career, if they are lucky enough to have a career.

The only way through is to be true to oneself. After all, when offices are separately elected, there are no permanent allies, only agreements, alliances, and collaborations.

Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:01 pm
=== I guess is your response to this===

No, LOL… it was “this”

=== I guess…

===…that can protect everyone including the victims of lawless savagery.===

… my honest question with the mixed thoughts and your story… do you support Black Lives Matter, and expand that thought?===

If you can’t be honest to thoughts, how can I remotely take you seriously in *any* discussion.

New paragraph, new thought;

=== The only way I can learn is if I can listen, but mixed messages within a comment is confusing to me.===

Your phony chiding was;

=== Then followed by “the only way I can learn is listen”===

But it wasn’t, was it?

See, skipping my ask, is like editing a film clip… context matters, friend. Nice try.

=== a) reject the need to comment and be the mediator on every issue and post. Listen. Just listen. Quietly. Take it in. You come off as a know it all and a bully…===

Those supporting systemic and institutional racism by them saying “be quiet and let our racist thoughts be unanswered” really isn’t helping anyone. It’s not “moderating” you may not like being called on your thoughts….

=== The fact that you are confused isn’t the hard part . . . .===

No, the fact that two different thoughts seemingly not parallel in thinking to things, including Black Lives Matter is something to question… unless it’s simplicity like “I want racist thoughts, these reasons let me have them”

It’s no different than questioning those who have had family members, friends die of coronavirus and *still* they won’t wear a mask or social distance. The confusing mixed messaging is to bring clarity, again, if you don’t like to to defend your thoughts…

=== The fact that you cannot shut up for 5 minutes and simply listen . . . .that is the confusing part.===

You can skip my comments…

Stay well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:08 pm
=== In your haste…===

You forgot…

Do you support Black Lives Matter, and expand that thought?

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:18 pm
Willy - totally . . . with my time, talent and treasure. In ways that a gentleman that has not lived a single second of this experience could not possibly understand.

Thanks for asking.

Comment by On Point Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:21 pm
=== All lives matter.===

I don’t think that means, in context, what you think that means.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:26 pm
=== is tucked away nicely in his far away suburb. Doesn’t have a clue to the crime we face on the city.===

(Sigh)

Take that up with your Alderman.

While you’re there, ask about systemic and institutional racism and what’s being done.

Aldermen can handle more than one issue

Be well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:29 pm
=== silence is golden.===

So you won’t teach.

Again, to the post,

If the discussion is “All Lives Matter”, be it to counter or hedge on the FOP way they want to be seen, the pols will find having FOP support might not be worth the hundreds of dollars and the endorsement.

Stay well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:33 pm
Willy knows all about racism from living in Oswego. LOL

Comment by Long Gone Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:41 pm
=== knows all about racism from living in Oswego.===

I dunno if you’d call Oswego diverse.

I think *that’s* the point. Why Chicagoland is seen with such a lack of diversity.

See, you get it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 1:47 pm
– Stigmatizing the police. –

Seems to me the police have been stigmatizing themselves pretty capably lately.

Comment by Flapdoodle Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:19 pm
I agree on the listen more …..and pontificate less thing thing for some specific participants…..

Comment by SIU Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:53 pm
Good call by Senator Harmon and good example of leadership.

Comment by Scott Cross for President Friday, Jun 26, 20 @ 2:58 pm