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A year before primary day, Giannoulias continues piling up the endorsements

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Illinois

* Today…

Several Black elected officials – including state legislators, mayors and committeepersons – announced their support today for Democrat Alexi Giannoulias in the race for Illinois Secretary of State.

The elected officials from Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs that endorsed Giannoulias include: Hazel Crest Mayor and Bremen Township Democratic Committeeperson Vernard Alsberry; Alderperson Anthony Beale (9th Ward); Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin; State Rep. Will Davis (D-30); State Sen. Emil Jones III (D-14); Calumet City Mayor and State Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-29); Rich Township Supervisor and Committeeperson Calvin Jordan; State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-38); State Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-60); State Rep. Curtis Tarver II (D-25); and Bloom Township Committeeperson Lori Wilcox.

“As we continue to address issues of equity, increase economic opportunity and achieve social justice, it is essential that we have leaders – like Alexi – who are not afraid to speak out and challenge unfairness and discrimination,” said Rich Township Supervisor and Committeeperson Calvin Jordan. “Alexi has supported our values throughout the years and is dedicated to protecting the rights that we all hold dear.”

“We are proud to endorse Alexi because we know he’s committed to enfranchising more voters and making sure the right to vote is protected to ensure everyone’s voices are heard,” said Bloom Township Committeeperson Lori Wilcox. “His leadership, his experience and his understanding of how to get things done along with his desire to fight for those left behind is needed now more than ever.”

“Alexi’s policies for Secretary of State mean increasing opportunity for diverse businesses to secure state contracts, equipping our libraries with more resources to offer more learning for our children, and strengthening the office’s Securities Division to crack down on those who prey on vulnerable citizens for financial gain,” said Hazel Crest Mayor and Bremen Township Democratic Committeeperson Vernard Alsberry. “We’re proud to support Alexi who will build on Jesse White’s remarkable legacy.”

“I’m honored to have earned the support of these strong leaders who are fighting for more opportunity in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “They represent progressive voices who are committed to fighting on behalf of the working families and improving the lives of Illinoisians. We are working hard on this campaign to ensure that people come before politics in Springfield, and I am grateful that these leaders are standing behind our campaign and supporting our vision for a better Illinois.”

Giannoulias served as State Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. During that time, the State Treasurer’s Office achieved full “parity,” for the first time that meant the staff fully reflected the population of the state. He also appointed now Congresswoman and Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Robin Kelly as his chief of staff – the first African American to hold that position in a constitutional office.

In addition, Giannoulias also: implemented policies requiring that state banks sign community reinvestment pledges before receiving state deposits; removed barriers for disadvantaged families to open bank accounts in Illinois; increased community and economic development in minority communities through state “linked deposits” at below market rates; launched the nation’s first-ever female- and minority-owned investment option offered through a state-sponsored college savings plan; and instituted the Finally Home program enabled homeowners to refinance their mortgages before they miss a payment, preventing foreclosures.

* Friday in the Tribune…

Former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Friday received the backing of Teamsters Joint Council 25, a significant show of support as he continues to try to consolidate union support more than a year ahead of the Democratic primary contest for secretary of state.

The Teamsters represent 100,000 Illinois workers across many industries and Terrence J. Hancock, the joint council’s president, said Giannoulias “has a long history of standing with unions and workers on the job site.” […]

Giannoulias previously received the endorsement of the politically active Service Employees International Union State Council, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 881 and Local 1546, 14 locals in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union, Painters District Local Council 30, Plasterers and Cement Mason’s Local 502 and the Illinois Pipe Trades Association.

Valencia has the backing of another politically potent union, UNITE HERE Local 1, as well as Painters District Councils 14 and 58.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 9:22 am

Comments

Very good idea to get them early and often.

Comment by flea Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 9:46 am
Unreal that this guy is going to be the candidate. GOP has a huge opening for this office now if they can get a decent candidate. Dan Cronin, Tom Demmer…where are you guys at?

Comment by ;) Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 9:52 am
==He also appointed now Congresswoman and Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Robin Kelly as his chief of staff – ==

You might want to tiptoe around that one a little bit, Alexi, while the smoke is rising and DPI is waiting for the fire to be put out.

Comment by Responsa Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 9:55 am
Holds the job for three months before announcing his US Senate run to replace Durbin. Wonder if I can get odds on that at Rivers?

Comment by Frank talks Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:04 am
Robin Kelly is NOT the DPI chair.

Paperwork says it’s so

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:10 am
The growing list of endorsements is impressive, which surprises me. The reason it’s hard for me to understand why all of these people are endorsing him is because Giannoulias isn’t impressive. His record, his story, his ability are all suspect. His endorsers are helping to hold up his empty suit.

Sorry, I just don’t understand the appeal.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:12 am
If Democrats really want people to question their judgement, then by all means, please endorse this dude. I am embarrassed for them.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:17 am
I still don’t get it. Don’t see anything positive about this guy. But clearly others do.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:20 am
Obama was such a pal he didn’t take Alexi to DC and wasn’t all “enthused” about Alexi as a Senate candidate

Maybe Obama knows things these others don’t?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:21 am
If Alexi can figure out a way to have the lines at SOS offices not wrap around two sides of the building, he’s got my vote.

Comment by City Zen Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:23 am
Measure the room. And the quality of opponents. You’ll see Alexi bests this bunch by a mile. Could there be a tough race against a quality Republican opponent in a midterm year? Sure. But it better be a great opponent.

Comment by Boomerang Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:24 am
===You’ll see Alexi bests this bunch by a mile.===

I know. When this guy is considered a key part of the Democratic bench, then you know the farm system is empty. And now I have to wait an entire year to vote against him.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:29 am
=== Measure the room.===

Alexi is a poor excuse of a Pritzker or Rauner.

The state would be better, hand has been better served, without Alexi in a statewide office.

But, some Dems see a room needing a privileged white candidate who’s bank had “things” and connected to seedy folks as well.

Maybe the room needs reading glasses?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:30 am
As a senate candidate I gave this guy money. He won’t get my vote for SOS.

Comment by Blue Dog Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:30 am
OW, still factually wrong, still peddling the same error.

Comment by The Captain Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:32 am
- The Captain -

=== More than a month after the Democratic Party of Illinois elected Congresswoman Robin Kelly as the new chair of the party, her name still does not appear on official organizing documents at the state or federal levels while attorneys seek input from the Federal Election Commission.

The new party leaders did file updated documents to report Michael Dorf had taken over as treasurer, but did not report Kelly’s new role. The curious omission reveals how carefully the Congresswoman’s team is reviewing the fine print in election laws to avoid attracting any scrutiny from federal authorities.

Instead, state campaign records list Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Yarbrough took over the role from former chairman Michael Madigan on an interim basis while the party leaders in the State Central Committee staged an election between Kelly and Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris. Kelly narrowly won by one vote, overcoming objections from the Harris camp that a sitting member of Congress could not run a state party and control its fundraising or spending decisions without running afoul of federal campaign finance laws.===

Has this changed?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:35 am
I’m with 47th, only more so.

Comment by walker Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 10:41 am
List of Democrats Alexi helped since 2011:
1. Alexi Giannoulias

Comment by Springfieldish Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:09 am
If Madigan was still active Alexi would not have half these endorsements.

Alexi is for himself and no one else.
The SOS is just a holding place for this self centered political lightweight.

Comment by MOON Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:17 am
===If Madigan was still active===

Yep. But he ain’t. So get over it.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:23 am
Also - The Captain -…

Kelly is now in the negotiating phase of *becoming* a Chair, which isn’t guaranteed.

You know that too, your cite explains it, clearly.

To the post,

Why is Alexi working so hard? Easy. Alexi is about Alexi, and being a team player, be it for a party or this state, Alexi is one who cares about… one.

Labor is betting on him. That much is certain.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:24 am
This is so disappointing. Alexi is really the best we have?

Comment by K3 Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:32 am
== Sorry, I just don’t understand the appeal.==

Absolutely 1000% agreed. Have never understood his “appeal”.

Comment by low level Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:35 am
Why? Why this dude?

I thought the Dem party the leader in progressive, fresh ideas, moving forward.

There is no other candidate in the Dem party, within the State of IL, who can better serve in this role?

1 term only folks…remember that.

“I played pick-up b-ball with Obama…I’m a leader too!”

Comment by Pizza Man Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:49 am
It obviously seems like Congresswoman Robin Kelly is making calls as IL party (ceremonial) chair…

“Look Alexi..maybe not the brightest, but you picked me as CoS when you were state Treasurer and I was little known state rep.”

Comment by Pizza Man Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 11:51 am
All these endorsements won’t mean anything. He’s not winning this primary.

Comment by low level Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 1:30 pm
Rich

Your comment is petty and if I have to explain my comment at 11:17 you are lacking common sense and knowledge.

Comment by MOON Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 2:09 pm
===Your comment is petty===

Poor you. The past is over. You sound like a grumpy old man.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 28, 21 @ 2:10 pm