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* Press release…

Congressman Bobby Rush announced his endorsement of Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for Illinois Secretary of State along with a group of African-American elected officials who had previously endorsed Alderperson Pat Dowell for the statewide office.

Rush made his endorsement in a video, stating, Giannoulias has “always been there for our community. He knows our community. He understands our community. He knows what we need. He will be a partner to solve some of the issues that we are confronting…He will be with us and for us.”

Meanwhile, several present and former elected officials who had endorsed Dowell are now pledging their support Giannoulias as the Democratic nominee to replace Secretary of State Jesse White who is not seeking re-election in 2022. […]

The list of new endorsements includes: Ald. Howard Brookins (21st); Committeeperson Preston Brown Jr. (34th); State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd); former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr; former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun; MWRD Commissioner Kimberly Neely Du Buclet; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Ald. Rod Sawyer (6th); and Ald. Christopher Taliaferro (29th).

The video is here.

* He announced his reelection on January 6th? Sends a message…

State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, is running for reelection to the Illinois House in the new 101st district, he announced Thursday.

Miller’s announcement comes a year to the day he attended a Washington, D.C., rally where President Donald Trump spoke, an event that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and earned Miller the ire of his Democratic colleagues.

“As Democrats continue their assault on our way of life, I am eager to stay in the fight to preserve our freedom in this state and to push back on J.B. Pritzker and the Chicago Democrats’ hostile takeover of Illinois,” Miller said in a statement.

* Press release…

Today, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union announced their endorsement of Nikki Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The Ironworkers (IW) represent 120,000 members in North America. The union represents ironworkers who work on bridges, structural steel, ornamental, architectural, and miscellaneous metals, rebar and in shops across North America.

The Ironworkers’ endorsement is the latest in a broad coalition of support that Budzinski is building, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois AFL-CIO, EMILY’s List, State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Rep. “Chuy” García, Rep. Sean Casten, Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Christopher Belt, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, House Democratic Caucus Chair LaToya Greenwood, State Representative Katie Stuart, UFCW Local 881, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), SEIU State Council, United Steelworkers (USW), IBEW Locals 51, 146, 193, 309, 601 and 649, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers’ Union, Heat and Frost Insulators, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 8, Elect Democratic Women, Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, County Chairs Bill Houlihan (Sangamon), Mark Pohlman (Jersey), Paul “Snow” Herkert (Calhoun), Ben Curtin (Christian) and Pam Monetti (Macoupin).

* Politico has a story on Wednesday’s elections bill passage…

Five new [Cook County] subcircuit court districts were created, which will include judges that serve under the county’s purview. That means that over the next 10 years, some 55 judicial vacancies will no longer be countywide seats. They would be in a subcircuit court district.

The goal of the bill carried by Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez and Senate President Don Harmon is to create smaller judicial districts that better represent communities and allow for more minority candidates in judicial seats.

But yesterday, a day after the bill passed both chambers and was sent to the governor, lawmakers realized the measure might have some unintended consequences.

Because those seats would move out from under the purview of Cook County, the Cook County Democratic Party would lose power to slate — or endorse— some judicial candidates. Getting slated means the party promotes candidates on glossy fliers, makes robocalls and knocks on doors. It’s difficult for candidates not slated to compete against that kind of muscle. Those who get slated, judicial candidates and everyone from the governor to water reclamation commissioners, pay $40,000 each for the perk.

Last month, for example, nine judicial candidates were slated for vacancies, which comes to $360,000 in the Cook County Democrats’ coffers.

Along with decentralizing the judicial process, the bill could see Cook County Democrats’ coffers depleted. So there’s already some talk about reworking the bill.

Harmon, though, says the concerns are overblown. There still should be plenty of judicial vacancies filled by the county, he told Playbook. “Our intent was to follow the model from 1991, where some but not all judicial vacancies were assigned to subcircuits. If people are reading it differently, we would certainly correct it.”

…Adding… Press release…

Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy and Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden (49th Ward) have announced their endorsement for Illinois Secretary of State Democratic candidate Anna Valencia. Cassidy and Hadden now join Women for Valencia—a growing coalition of more than 50 prominent women leaders across the state, including U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Ulta Beauty Chairwoman Mary Dillon and more—in calling for Illinoisians to rally behind Valencia, now the only woman remaining in the race.

“With another Republican candidate entering the Illinois Secretary of State’s race this week, we need to make sure the Democratic Party puts forth its best candidate. There is too much at stake,” said Representative Cassidy. “I am endorsing Anna Valencia because her unparalleled passion for public service and unwavering commitment to fighting for women and other marginalized communities is needed at the state’s table. I encourage Illinoisians to join me in the critical support of a proven leader, who can guide the Secretary of State’s Office into the next era.”

“Anna Valencia’s impressive record as City Clerk of Chicago speaks for itself—from streamlining and modernizing government services, to her innovation and leadership on the CityKey ID program for residents with barriers of access to government-issued identification,” said Alderwoman Hadden. “I am proud to endorse Anna, a qualified woman of color with strong experience, leadership and ethical values, who will give the Democratic Party the best chances at winning in November.”

Cassidy and Hadden’s support come on the heels of a momentous week for Valencia’s campaign, which just secured the support of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on Tuesday. Following the news, fellow U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth reinforced her support for Valencia with a call to action for Illinois voters and donors.

“Now as much as ever, we must do everything we can to ensure women, including women of color, are represented at all levels of government,” said Senator Duckworth. “I urge Illinoisans to join me in helping elect Anna Valencia. As the first woman to serve as our Secretary of State, I know she will help us build a better, more equitable Illinois for everyone.”

Valencia entered the race in June 2021. In just six months, the Granite City, Ill. native has built a strong statewide coalition of support from a robust slate of highly-respected elected officials, business leaders, political groups and labor unions—including the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) and Illinois Nurses Association - The Nurses Union (INA). Valencia has also secured support from the national Latino Victory Fund and other influential organizations and leaders from across the state and nation.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:24 am

Comments

Slating judges used to be a means to reward the party faithful for circulating petitions and doing the workhorse chores that the party elites view with scorn and disdain. But with the fall of patronage and the need for money, judicial slating has transformed as a means to fleece lawyers, mostly in private practice, to subsidize up ballot races that like those glossy, yet dated, mailers that many voters toss in the garbage. The party prefers subcircuits because individual committeemen can shake down candidates for far more money to put into their personal campaign war chests. Meanwhile, a smaller slate increases the party’s chances of getting more candidates across the finish line — and increase the value of slating — because would-be challengers (translation: women with ethnic sounding names, like Jackson, Fernandez or O’Brien — will have to pile into fewer races, diluting the vote to help the slated candidate win. It happened last cycle and will likely happen this cycle.

Comment by Slating Ain't What It Used to Be Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:35 am
Chris Miller and his wife is one of the reasons I’ve switched my travel plans for the 2024 eclipse. I was originally going to southern Illinois, but I have no interest anymore of giving them any tourism dollars ever again.

I’ll be going to the west coast of Mexico instead, which is a little closer to the central point of the eclipse path.

Every once and awhile I dwell on that, a decision that Mexico is now seen more favorably in my eyes than southern Illinois. It really encapsulates the ‘changes’ over the last few years.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:45 am
Yet another inexplicable endorsement of Giannoulias.

Comment by Senator Clay Davis Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:47 am
When people tell you who they are…

Comment by Jibba Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:47 am
Democrats continuing to shoot themselves in the foot by bandwagoning a candidate that they think is “safe” and “electable” when they may not be either. Alexi excites no one (at least not in a positive way).

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:57 am
BTW in the radio roundup box BlackTopGary told Tom Miller “no thanks” to Griffie $$$. He seemed to think Griffie wanted something for his cash and he wasn’t takin’Don’t think Miller was suggesting Griffie even knows who BlackTopGary is.

Comment by Annonin' Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 10:59 am
Here’s what Miller said during the debate over his censure:

“I had no part in the violent events at the Capitol that day, and I condemn any and all violence. I can assure you that my dedication to the safety and security of our state and our country’s citizens is second to none.”

Now he’s announcing reelection on the anniversary of that violence, claiming that Democrats winning elections constitutes a “hostile takeover” of Illinois. Really effective condemnation, I’m sure those rioters don’t feel any support from your corner /s

Comment by vern Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:05 am
=== Along with decentralizing the judicial process, the bill could see Cook County Democrats’ coffers depleted. So there’s already some talk about reworking the bill. ===

So let me get this straight. The Cook County Democratic Party only cares about diversity on the bench so long as they can continue to extort judicial candidates? These candidates mostly pay for their campaigns out of their own pockets and unless they go to every fundraiser and political event, they will not likely be slated. Then when they are slated, they extort another $40k from these candidates to “pay their fair share” of the costs for promoting the slate. The fact of the matter is that judicial candidates have been used to subsidize party activities for years. If the Cook County Democratic Party (which represents one of the largest Democratic strongholds in the country) cannot raise money without extorting money from the pocketbooks of judicial candidates, then maybe that is not a party worth supporting. Just a little food for thought.

Comment by What the?!? Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:08 am
Giannoulias has “always been there for our community.” -Rush

Really? I thought he was on vacation through the Rauner and Trump years besides an occasional vulgar tweet.

Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:14 am
“Giannoulias has “always been there for our community”

If that community is political insiders, bankers and members of his family.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:18 am
Daylight is burning, Alexi is churning, who exactly will be threatening?

The Jesse White endorsement will be significant, but will it be maximized and utilized with enough lead time?

It’s not even close to being “too late”, but one must recognize… daylight is burning.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:20 am
Indeed, “when someone tells you who they are… “

Miller fully understands what it means to announce, “on some random Thursday” and by complete happenstance was the anniversary of an insurrection he was, all by happenstance, in DC for his wife speaking.

No coincidences…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:26 am
When he was president of the bank how much did hr help the african american community? How much was he there for the community? Im sure his opponents will let us know and i believe we wont be too surprised about the results

Comment by Regular democrat Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:27 am
==When he was president of the bank how much did hr help the african american community?==

Likewise, were there members of the African-American or other minority communities that lost their jobs as a result of Broadway Bank’s failure? Not to mention those who might have been denied the opportunity to attend college of their choice with his Bright Start mismanagement.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 11:46 am
I only know Chris Miller based on his actions from 1/6/21 and his participation as a member of the Eastern Bloc. But when I hear this:

“As Democrats continue their assault on our way of life…”

It frightens me knowing what I know about this way of life.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 12:46 pm
Also scratching my head on these empty comments by Bobby Rush. Giannoulias was has been MIA for the last 10 years or so through Trump, rauner and a slew of other moments in time that disproportionately impacted the Black community. It doesn’t matter how many times various endorsers say that Alexi has “been there for us”. It doesn’t make it true.

Comment by Shytown Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 12:59 pm
==Giannoulias was has been MIA for the last 10 years or so through Trump, rauner and a slew of other moments in time that disproportionately impacted the Black community.==

He was probably too busy making money.

Plus he did endorse Cross against Frerichs for Treasurer in ‘14.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 1:18 pm
“As Democrats continue their assault on our way of life, I am eager to stay in the fight to preserve our freedom in this state and to push back on J.B. Pritzker and the Chicago Democrats’ hostile takeover of Illinois,” Miller said in a statement.

Hostile takeover??? Yea, they’re called elections.

Comment by New Day Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 1:28 pm
oooh Mary Dillon endorses Valencia??? Ulta is a key for women, an amazing business located in Illinois and operating nationwide with stores and in several Targets. Dillion is known as very good to the employees who were happy she stayed around when she moved out of the CEO spot. this is a very good endorsement for Valencia.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 2:20 pm
I like the fact that Anna is still some names, and good to see not every insider see Alexi as the MVP. I don’t dislike the man as a person, just not very politicly inspiring. Take a Susan Mendoza interview, where she can talk about bond issues, and turn it to family matters in seconds.

Comment by City remap Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 2:46 pm
I somehow did not realize Ulta had its HQ in Illinois until this post. I will try to shop there more.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 3:57 pm
Alexi continues to thrive. Valencia is doing a great job at doing what she should have been doing all these years: getting out there introducing herself to the masses and truly mixing it up with citizens.

She’ll come out of this stronger.

Comment by Hang in there y'all. Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 4:10 pm
@hisgirlfriday, rewards club, several times a year 50% off deals per day (in one now) check out the website. and Mary Dillon is a very nice person. more words from Mary about Valencia will boost.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jan 7, 22 @ 4:15 pm