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*** UPDATED x2 *** Former US Attorney John Milhiser to run as Republican for secretary of state

Posted in:

* I went over this race with subscribers this morning, so here’s the press release…

John Milhiser today announced that he is running for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Jesse White as Illinois Secretary of State. Milhiser has dedicated his life to public service as Sangamon County State’s Attorney and United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, where he received unanimous bipartisan confirmation from the United States Senate, including support from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.

“It is a privilege to run for this office and continue to fight to make our state a better place to live. I am running because we can do better in Illinois. We can have good government. We can have safe communities, and we can rebuild trust in our leaders,” says Milhiser. “As the next Secretary of State, I will continue to work to end the culture of corruption that has been fostered for decades in this state. Together we can forge a new future for Illinois unencumbered by the last half century of back room deals that have led our state down the wrong path. We must move forward, not backward, and away from the corruption that has plagued our state for so many years.”

Milhiser is not a politician. He is a public servant, who has dedicated his life to improving his community by leading a state prosecutor’s office, a federal prosecutor’s office, and most recently, a classroom. As Secretary of State, Milhiser’s goal will remain the same, to work each day to make a difference and have a positive impact on the citizens of Illinois.

As United States Attorney, Milhiser successfully prosecuted murderers, violent criminals, child predators, drug dealers, embezzlers, and human traffickers. Most recently, he gained bipartisan praise for leading the prosecution of an elected official on charges of fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion related to his alleged misuse of campaign money for personal expenses. Milhiser has a long history of investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and other crimes against the public.

Prior to serving as United States Attorney, Milhiser was a prosecutor in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office for 16 years where he was known as a champion for victims. He prosecuted serious felony cases, including First Degree Murder, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated DUI, and the Attempted Murder of Police Officers.

John Milhiser’s commitment to justice and public service will help to restore faith in state government and our leaders. With a Governor and statewide officials who continue Speaker Madigan’s culture of corruption, Illinois needs someone of utmost integrity. John Milhiser will operate the office with zero tolerance for corruption and demand efficient and effective service to taxpayers.

The Secretary of State employs more than 4,000 employees, with a portfolio ranging from drivers’ services and the Illinois State Archives and Library to motor vehicle theft investigations and the Capitol Police Department.

For over 25 years, Milhiser has called Illinois home and has served our community. He has served on the board of the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, Helping Hands Homeless Shelter, Memorial Behavioral Health Mental Health Centers, Sangamon County Juvenile Justice Council, and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. Milhiser is a past President of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association and a former adjunct professor at Springfield College in Illinois/Benedictine University.

Currently, Milhiser is teaching high school government, history, and English at Lawrence Education Center in Springfield. Milhiser met his wife, Gail, at the University of Illinois College of Law. They have been married for 24 years and have two daughters.

Learn more about John Milhiser and his campaign for Secretary of State at johnmilhiser.com.

This is apparently the first candidate in the rollout of the unified “business” ticket. Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) didn’t make the cut. There’s still apparently an open House seat available not far from his home. We’ll see what he does, but he won’t be able to outraise Milhiser.

Also, this Milhiser guy is squeaky clean. No oppo issues. The Democrats should probably keep that in mind.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Dan Brady campaign…

Dan Brady today announced the endorsements of numerous state representatives, state senators, and members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation, including Congressmen Rodney Davis, Darin LaHood, and Mike Bost, for his Secretary of State campaign. These endorsements represent deep statewide support for Brady.

“I am thankful to have the support of so many of my colleagues from the General Assembly,” said Brady.” It has been an honor to serve the people of Illinois and I appreciate the guidance that my colleagues will be able to share with me about how Secretary of State services can be improved in their parts of the state. I am looking forward to campaigning across the state with my House and Senate colleagues to share my vision for a more efficient and effective Secretary of State office.”

“Having Republican lawmakers’ support and guidance behind me is significant,” Brady said. “Their support will allow us to build an effective campaign infrastructure from Cairo to Waukegan as I prepare to share my message with voters in the months ahead.”
Illinois lawmakers who endorse Rep. Brady in his Secretary of State campaign include:

*** UPDATE 2 *** DPI…

Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement regarding the announcement that Republican John Milhiser will run for Secretary of State:

“John Milhiser is the first pawn in the latest political game from Bruce Rauner and Ken Griffin. Rauner and Griffin are most famous for waging a disastrous four-year war on good government in Illinois, decimating our social safety net and nearly plunging our state into junk status. Rauner and Griffin are now back, choosing their own slate of handpicked puppets instead of letting voters to have their say.

“Of course, Rauner and Griffin’s first failed adventure in state government ended when they were overwhelmingly rejected by voters, but we know that won’t stop them from picking a slate of candidates to do their bidding — like Milhiser and their rumored gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin. Unfortunately for Milhiser, Irvin, and any others, Illinois voters are smart enough recognize a Rauner-Griffin reboot when they see it.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:31 am

Comments

  1. Been a long time since Milhiser faced the voters. Even longer since he had a serious challenge. Doesn’t mean he’s rusty or not ready for prime time or anything, but it might be interesting to see.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:35 am

  2. Well his website doesn’t work so that’s a great start

    Comment by Wildcat Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:40 am

  3. Has (R) after his name, so won’t vote for him.

    Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:43 am

  4. Huh?

    That’s exactly how I feel. I used to be a split ticket voter (Edgar, Percy, Judy). No more.

    Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:45 am

  5. Wildcat, I had the press release and was told it was going out to everyone at 10:30. The release wasn’t sent yet, so I kinda jumped the gun by accident.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:50 am

  6. === Has (R) after his name, so won’t vote for him. ===

    This.

    Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:51 am

  7. Good. Sounds like a normal person. I hope that is so and if it is I hope it is the beginning of a trend for Republicans

    Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:59 am

  8. As an independent who lately tends to vote Democratic, I would vote for him* over Giannoulias in a heartbeat.

    *This assumes Milhiser does not turn out to be a Trumpster.

    Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:59 am

  9. “As the next Secretary of State, I will continue to work to end the culture of corruption that has been fostered for decades in this state.”

    This message will be hard to sell against Jesse White’s legacy as Secretary of State. What culture of corruption has Jesse White fostered? The last major corruption scandal in that office I remember was fostered by a republican Secretary of State.

    Comment by Steve Polite Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:02 am

  10. Sorry but I will never choose to vote simply based on party. While I may choose more Democrats than Republicans, that’s a truly thoughtless and careless way to cast votes.

    Comment by White dynamite Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:03 am

  11. I just tried it and the site is live now https://www.johnmilhiser.com/

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:06 am

  12. I’m “encouraged” by this candidate, it’s an out of the box, non-legislator that has a reputation in his field and in public service.

    If Alexi is the nominee, this will be a tough nominee for Alexi to beat, insofar as a real seen contrast between them, and Alexi will need to figure how exactly can he go after Milhiser, as a Trump appointee, while staving off Alexi’s own oppo that will be very target-rich.

    I’m quite encouraged.

    I want to see more.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:08 am

  13. “Has (R) after his name”

    If we didn’t have that mentality about both (R) and (D), he wouldn’t need a letter after his name at all. That would be an especially good office NOT to have a letter after the name. Ah well, if wishes were fishes.

    Comment by Liandro Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:08 am

  14. The guy sounds like a good candidate should he be able to survive the GOP primary. He certainly seems to be unlike any of the other GOP “luminaries” out there, although there is little competition. I don’t vote for Republicans (with few, few, few exceptions) but he is interesting.

    Comment by Paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:08 am

  15. Vote for me “because Madigan”? LOL

    Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:09 am

  16. == This message will be hard to sell against Jesse White’s legacy as Secretary of State. What culture of corruption has Jesse White fostered? The last major corruption scandal in that office I remember was fostered by a republican Secretary of State.==

    I like Jesse (quite a lot) but that office is a massive patronage mill.

    Comment by Well Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:13 am

  17. ooh, perfect timing with the Durbin endorsement for someone other than Anna to bring up the clean candidate question. Dems, if you want to win, go for someone without questionable issues.

    Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:20 am

  18. ===massive patronage mill===

    Jim Edgar and George Ryan agree

    The office itself has that feature, it’s not a bug, and it could be critical for actual growth of a GOP “post cult” existence… that and Treasurer… and part and parcel of that is the patronage.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:21 am

  19. Well - I like Jesse (quite a lot) but that office is a massive patronage mill.

    Agreed, but that’s why people run for the office! Kind of like Willie Sutton when he was asked why he robbed banks - because that’s where the money is.

    If we were to ask any candidate why they wanted to be SOS and they gave an honest answer it would be because that’s where the patronage is.

    Comment by Paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:23 am

  20. No vote from me unless he disavows what todays Republican party stands for. So saying no because he is a Republican is a responsible thoughtful approach. Unless he can stand against the conspiracy laden big lie fraudulent
    stand his party is taking and can side with Cheney Romney and Kinzinger no one should listen to him.

    Comment by Banish Misfortune Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:26 am

  21. The acid test of his candidacy will be his answer to the question: Did Trump lose the 2020 election due to massive fraud?

    Comment by King Louis XVI Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:30 am

  22. Seems as if Alexi was given two very strong suggestions that this will be a long year if he chooses to push forward here. And for the party, at least for this office, if he gets through the primary. It’s going to be interesting, to say the least.

    Comment by fs Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:33 am

  23. Sounds like a guy who should be running for Attorney General, not Secretary of State. Milhiser never said one thing about the Secretary of State Office or what he may do. Maybe Mike Z. (Rauner’s old Chief Of Staff) has not told him what to say yet.

    Comment by Kevin Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:35 am

  24. “”the unified “business” ticket”"

    Will be interesting, if it isn’t actually the “Don’t tax me, I’m rich” ticket expected from Griffin.

    There are people who don’t work primarily for patronage, power, or fame — but actually for public service. Hopefully this guy’s one of those.

    Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:38 am

  25. ===Did Trump lose the 2020 election due to massive fraud?===

    When Biden asked for the resignations of all US Attorneys, he immediately complied. That doesn’t answer your question directly, but his response indicated he respected the transition.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:46 am

  26. Rep. Dan Brady is a nice guy. People like him.

    Will it be enough to win the primary?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:48 am

  27. == Sorry but I will never choose to vote simply based on party. While I may choose more Democrats than Republicans, that’s a truly thoughtless and careless way to cast votes.==

    Ignoring the party and it’s ideology is incredibly thoughtless. Far more so than any blanket declaration against either or both parties. Refusing to vote for any member of one or both parties is a declaration against whole ideologies. Ignoring those ideologies leaves you voting based on personality which seems pretty useless if you ask me

    Comment by SWIL_Voter Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:49 am

  28. Wow. Cap fax has a direct line to the business slate. Quick response

    Comment by Watchful eye. Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:49 am

  29. === Quick response ===

    Um, no. I saw it happen in real time while everyone was talking about whether Chicago’s US Attorney should stick around. Milhiser just said, ok, here you go. https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/us-attorney-john-c-milhiser-announces-departure

    United States Attorney John C. Milhiser announced today that he has submitted his resignation to the President, to be effective Feb. 28, 2021.

    Mr. Milhiser thanked Senators Duckworth and Durbin, and Representatives Davis, LaHood, and former Representative Shimkus for their support in recommending him as a nominee to President Donald J. Trump.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:53 am

  30. == Rep. Dan Brady is a nice guy. People like him.

    Will it be enough to win the primary?==

    A competitive primary will depend on a few things, not the least of which will be money and campaign operation. A list of names is one thing, but a list of people who actually push for you is another thing entirely. We don’t know any of those answers yet.

    Comment by fs Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 11:54 am

  31. My quick math counts 8 women on the Brady endorsement list.

    Comment by hmmm Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:12 pm

  32. — Ignoring the party and it’s ideology is incredibly thoughtless. Far more so than any blanket declaration against either or both parties. Refusing to vote for any member of one or both parties is a declaration against whole ideologies. Ignoring those ideologies leaves you voting based on personality which seems pretty useless if you ask me-

    Look man not everybody has that ideology that is Republican. Do you know where he stands? Quit making assumptions and blanket generalizations.

    Comment by White dynamite Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:12 pm

  33. ==When Biden asked for the resignations of all US Attorneys, he immediately complied. That doesn’t answer your question directly, but his response indicated he respected the transition. ==

    Milhiser was an entirely “normal” Republican as Sangamon County SOS. Maybe he turned Trumper, or maybe he always was and it was just an act, but maybe 100 other things, too.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:14 pm

  34. == ooh, perfect timing with the Durbin endorsement for someone other than Anna to bring up the clean candidate question. Dems, if you want to win, go for someone without questionable issues. ==

    Amalia, are you confident that Alexi is the only Democratic candidate with “questionable issues”? I’m guessing everybody has baggage. We’re very familiar with Alexi’s because of the Madigan oppo dump on him in 2006 and the same by Republicans during the Senate race. If Valencia/Dowell/Moore have issues, you can be sure we will hear about them as well.

    Or maybe they’re all Milhiser-clean?

    Comment by McGuppin Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:16 pm

  35. And for the record, I never said ignoring the party or their ideology was part of the process. Simply voting by party is thoughtless.

    Comment by White dynamite Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:16 pm

  36. Brady’s list of endorsements is interesting. You obviously shouldn’t be too impressed with HGOP and SGOP’s political skills, but the fact that they’re not interested in the Griffin ticket is fascinating.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:16 pm

  37. ===Brady’s list of endorsements is interesting.===

    Brady is likable. Does that translate to winning? Dunno.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:18 pm

  38. == Simply voting by party is thoughtless.==

    And I’m saying that’s an incredibly dumb and thoughtless thing to say. Yours is the generalization. My statement is that plenty of reasonable people arrive at the perfectly rational conclusion that you share the ideology of the party banner you run under. Other people might decide this or that candidate eschew the ideology and vote for them nevertheless. But assuming a candidate running under one party or another will behave like other members of that party is certainly a rational conclusion.

    Comment by SWIL_Voter Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:23 pm

  39. One has to ask why someone with these qualifications and credentials would want to run for SOS? Not that a Republican is likely to win but Illinois should be so lucky to have folks with this type of experience in public office. To compare him to the Dems running is an insult

    Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:34 pm

  40. ==that office is a massive patronage mill.==

    Surprised Pat Quinn didn’t try to give SOS (or any other race) another go round this year. He’s loved patronage for almost 50 years.

    Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:37 pm

  41. So someone that votes for a Republican candidate is necessarily a Trumpster? And you will vote for any Democrat without knowing anything about that individual? Got it

    Comment by White dynamite Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:38 pm

  42. To the people who feel the need to tell us they will never vote for anyone from a particular party: I respect your decision, but maybe keep it to yourself. It doesn’t add to the conversation here at all. Facebook or Twitter might be more up your alley.

    Now, get back on topic.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:41 pm

  43. ===someone that votes for a Republican candidate is necessarily a Trumpster?===

    The cult has its favorites

    If you vote for someone who supports Trump… I mean, as a party, being anti-Trump is akin to be anti-Republican.

    Got *that*?

    I’d ask Kinzinger if you need more clarification

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:41 pm

  44. I’ve worked directly with and around Milhiser for well over a decade — all-in-all, he has always struck me as someone who genuinely tries to do what he thinks is right in any situation, rather than merely what is expedient. It’s why I supported him when he was the State’s Attorney, and why I was happy with his being picked as the United States Attorney for the Central District. And, for what it’s worth, he always treated people with respect and dignity in my experiences around him, regardless of their background.

    That said, I have to echo the sentiment of several other commenters:

    If he doesn’t reject Trumpism openly and clearly (ala Kinzinger), then despite all the things I like about the man on a personal level, my vote will never go to him again.

    Comment by Chambananon Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:41 pm

  45. To close the loop, how one may feel about Trump and those candidates who support Trump will be a thing in the primary, ask Mary Miller, she hopes that is true.

    I’m encouraged by this candidate. I’ll wait and see how the days ahead will play it out.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 12:43 pm

  46. HEY CERMAK

    I used to be a split ticket voter (Edgar, Percy, Judy).

    Those are three Republicans…

    Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:01 pm

  47. Seems like AG might have been the better race for him.

    Comment by de Gaulle Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:03 pm

  48. ===AG might have been the better race===

    Forgo an open seat and run against Kwame?

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:09 pm

  49. @RM

    Spares him a primary that he probably won’t get through.

    Comment by de Gaulle Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:13 pm

  50. ===Spares him a primary that he probably won’t get through.===

    The goal of the exercise is to win offices, not win primary races.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:14 pm

  51. ===Spares him a primary that he probably won’t get through===

    Right. lol

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:15 pm

  52. @OW

    Agreed. His resume just seems to say “AG” more than “SOS”.

    Comment by de Gaulle Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:18 pm

  53. === His resume just seems to say “AG” more than “SOS”.===

    SoS is the more winnable race. Politics is like that sometimes

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:20 pm

  54. Just wait until Mary Miller and Darren Bailey tell Donald Trump that Ken Griffin’s CEO gave $50K to Joe Biden.

    These GOP primaries are going to be a riot.

    Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:33 pm

  55. @OW

    We won’t ever know for sure but I suspect that is not the case for this particular candidate.

    Comment by de Gaulle Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:34 pm

  56. ==Brady is likable. Does that translate to winning? Dunno. ==

    On it’s own, probably not, unless Milhiser like, turns out to be massively unlikable (and from personal experience, I’d be surprised if that happens). What interests me right now is the GA Republicans’…let’s call it “hesitation” to embrace the Griffin Gang.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:35 pm

  57. My personal suspicion on Milhiser is that he’s pretty apolitical. There’s a long list of lawyers in Sangamon County who only put an R next to their name so that they can be a judge someday. Many of them were pretty dissatisfied with Trump. But I dunno, I never talked to Milhiser about this stuff.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:37 pm

  58. ===GA Republicans’…let’s call it “hesitation” to embrace===

    Yeah, well, they’ve been doing everything possible to get the attention of Grif for months, so I’m thinking this pre-existing list might shrink.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:38 pm

  59. ===I like Jesse (quite a lot) but that office is a massive patronage mill.===

    As long as it uses a “Merit Commission” rather than a “Civil Service System” it will be.

    Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:45 pm

  60. Why would the list shrink? So longtime friends of Brady are going to rescind their endorsement to go with the Raunee candidate. What am I missing here?

    Comment by Watchful eye. Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:50 pm

  61. =What culture of corruption has Jesse White fostered?=

    None that I can see. But he’s not running against Jesse. And if his opponent is Alexi the message could really help. Could get some people off the fence to put their support behind Valencia.

    Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:52 pm

  62. Better ask pet owners if a Brady from Bloomington is all that likeable.
    BTW is Durkie thumbing his nose at Team Griffie? Very bold

    Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 1:58 pm

  63. If Alexi thought his attacks against him in 2010 were unfair just wait until the General going against a data coordinated campaign with social media now. There’s no way he wins.

    Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:01 pm

  64. I am telling you this much - if Alexi emerges victorious during the primary election, Illinois will for sure have a Republican Secretary of State. Giannoulias is a flawed candidate. I am voting for Anna Valencia.

    Comment by David Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:03 pm

  65. This might be great news for Valencia because she can push the belief that Alexi has no chance of winning the General Election against Milhiser

    Comment by Long Time Independent Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:05 pm

  66. === not everybody has that ideology that is Republican ===

    True. But, nowadays, when you have an R after your name, if you want people to understand that you’re in the Kinzinger/Liz Cheney wing of the Republican Party, you need to make that crystal clear.

    Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:12 pm

  67. Sorry, the above was me.

    Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:13 pm

  68. Commonsense in Illinois,

    I know I pointed them out to say I would split my ticket (I think I figured with a name like cermak_rd clearly most of my votes would be going to Dems). Unfortunately I can say that I voted for Blagojevich and Lipinski the elder (the younger, I chose the Green party member. Thankfully I was revectored into Gutierrez, now Garcia’s, district)

    Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:17 pm

  69. I feel bad for Dan Brady. He is a nice guy.

    But on the other hand, the ILGOPs privatized their political party. Sold it to a venture capital huckster and a hedge fund founder. Ken Griffin is the party now.

    Decisions have consequences.

    Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:34 pm

  70. ===…so I’m thinking this pre-existing list might shrink.===

    I’m guessing it already has.

    Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:37 pm

  71. 47th ward. How has it shrunk? Seriously how. This endorsement rolled out this morning ?

    Comment by Watchful eye. Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:44 pm

  72. === This endorsement rolled out this morning===

    Do you think they all signed on this morning?

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 2:46 pm

  73. ==So longtime friends of Brady are going to rescind their endorsement to go with the Raunee candidate. What am I missing here? ==

    It’s certainly possible. Politics ain’t beanbag. OTOH, announcing things like this can sometimes lock someone in bc the process of…un-endorsing?…is just so ugly.

    Either way, if Brady didn’t do his due diligence to double check that they were on board in the face of a new candidate jumping in the race, shame on him.

    Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:08 pm

  74. ===didn’t do his due diligence to double check===

    Pretty sure he was told multiple times that a well-funded candidate was on the way.

    Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:13 pm

  75. === Pretty sure he was told multiple times that a well-funded candidate was on the way.===

    Yeah, these choices are not made in a void or vacuum, some folks just wanna run, and I’m all about “let em all run”, but each candidate has to weigh the field they may face when deciding to run themselves.

    It’s the Griffin Slate in the Republican Party, so if one decides to run against that slate, do so knowing the risks including losing, let alone how bruising it could be.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:17 pm

  76. Right. Now all these guys rescind their endorsements because Z said so? Based on the roll out today- no money so far? And the team that brought sanctuary cities and HB 40 have endeared themselves with downstate Republicans. None of this makes sense except consultants cashing in

    Comment by Watchful eye. Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:22 pm

  77. I agree with Oswego Willy–11:08am–I also am encouraged with this Candidate. If Milhiser comes off on camera well… and is financially backed…I like the chances of a former US Attorney any day running against a tainted Alexi Nominee. I also feel Valencia is late….but back in the Game….if she secures SOS White’s endorsement. This race is getting interesting.

    Comment by The Swede Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:27 pm

  78. === Now all these guys rescind their endorsements because Z said so?===

    What exactly do all these folks bring to Dan Brady?

    Organization? Cash? Infrastructure?

    I dunno if, collectively, working against the Griffin Slate makes sense for Durkin, McConchie, et al.

    It’s names on a sheet… today.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:28 pm

  79. A lot of folks I’m guessing resentful of one guy trying to tell everyone what to do. Too much strong - arming. Not enough tact. Democrats statement today pretty effective.

    Comment by Watchful eye. Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:36 pm

  80. ===resentful===

    The checks cash the same, resentful or not.

    Durkin and McConchie are gonna need deep pockets, heck House Dems recently got $2 mil from Pritzker. How’s Durkin doing on that front?

    The ILGOP went from a penny stock… to a bought brand… to owned caucuses… to now a penny stock again.

    Griffin wants his Slate.

    “Be resentful after you take my EFT”

    - Ken Griffin, maybe

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:41 pm

  81. =A lot of folks I’m guessing resentful of one guy trying to tell everyone what to do.=

    I kind of thought this was the norm in the GOP these days. Old school politicking seems like a quaint notion of a bygone era. And if you’ve just awaken to the idea that a politician can be bought or sold or strong armed by a cult of personality, well welcome to the party. If the ILGOP stood for anything Ken Griffin and his money would be merely a distraction. But alas there is no ILGOP. It’s whatever Griffin wants it to be. And you can thank the party for that.

    Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 4:57 pm

  82. John is great guy. Hope he has the energy.

    Comment by BTO2 Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:02 pm

  83. I chuckle about all those folks who claim to be ticket splitters say if he doesn’t repudiate “Trumpism” then they won’t vote for him. They won’t consider Milhiser on his merits or issues.

    Based on vote totals, these same folks didn’t repudiate Blago when they re-elected him over Judy.

    Comment by 4 percent Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:24 pm

  84. Just a reminder about political contributions:

    “Son, if you can’t take their money, drink their whiskey, … , and then vote against ’em, you don’t deserve to be here.”

    multiple attributions but likely first said by Jesse Unruh (D-CA). Also attributed to Sam Rayburn (D-TX) and,less likely, Molly Ivins (political columnist - TX).

    Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:25 pm

  85. === didn’t repudiate Blago===

    Narrator: Blago is a Trumpkin. They are not with Blago now.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:32 pm

  86. I can’t understand why someone with Mr. Milhiser’s background wouldn’t run for Attorney General instead.

    As Connie Francis once said: Everybody is Somebody’s Fool.. ( *cough* Ken G and Bruce R ) 🤑

    Comment by Lonesome Rhodes Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:48 pm

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