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* UPDATED x1 * Irvin sits down with two reporters (post includes oppo dump)

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* Mary Ann Ahern sat down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin for a few questions. Here he is on his Democratic primary voting record…

I voted in some down-ballot local races to make sure in this Democratic stronghold I’m in, as a Republican and a conservative, that we continue our conservative values here. Let me tell you who who agrees that I’m a Republican, Barack Obama, when he came here to campaign against me in 2005.

As I’ve said before, I agree with him on this.

* “Does Donald Trump represent the Republican Party as you know it?”…

Listen, what we’re talking about here is the state of Illinois. And the state of Illinois, once I become the Republican governor, I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.

Nice dodge, but I’m not sure he can keep that up as the question begins to change.

…Adding… DPI…

As the positive reviews roll in for Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address, Rauner Reboot centerpiece Richard Irvin tip toed out from hiding for his first television interview. The results were…not great. Irvin admitted to voting in several Democratic presidential primaries, admitted it was in fact the governor who has the power to dispatch the National Guard, and was conveniently mum about Ken Griffin’s support of his campaign.

But Irvin’s most uncomfortable moment may have been when he danced around a straightforward question about whether Donald Trump represents the Republican Party. Instead of answering, Irvin desperately tried to pivot away from Trump and declared himself the “head of the Republican Party in the state of Illinois.” Irvin’s uncomfortable answer was reminiscent Bruce Rauner’s infamous “focus, Amanda, focus” debacle when the failed governor nervously tried to dodge questions about Trump.

We’ll see if Irvin can step his game up once he feels ready to hold a press conference or talk to actual voters, but if the first interview was any indication, he’s got a lot of work to do before he’s ready for prime time.

* Since only the governor can call out the National Guard, why did he take credit for doing so in his TV ad?…

JB Pritzker doesn’t know to come to Aurora and address the crime and what was going on in our riots and our looting, pillage and plunder unless I called. I had to call for them. So absolutely I called out the National Guard

He also said he is vaccinated, but opposes mandates.

* Marni Pyke at the Daily Herald also scored an interview…

Despite an influx of cash from wealthy donors, Aurora Mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin said “I am nobody’s pushover” when asked about the contributions during an exclusive interview Wednesday with the Daily Herald.

“I’m a combat veteran of the United States Army,” Irvin said. “I’m a former prosecutor, a person who put violent criminals behind bars. I’m the mayor of the second-largest city in Illinois with a proven record of results getting things done. […]

Regarding Griffin, “I think we’d all agree he’s done a lot for the state of Illinois,” Irvin said. But “it’s just one person, one vote, and I look forward to listening to all the residents of Illinois about what we can do to take the state back.” […]

“As a community-based prosecutor, I worked side by side with police officers to root out crime — arresting drug dealers, gangbangers, wife beaters,” Irvin said, “addressing quality-of-life issues in neighborhoods, just like the one I grew up in … where there wasn’t a whole lot of hope and (there was) a whole lot of drugs and gangs in my community.”

Griffin may have just one vote, but he also has $20+ billion.

* And while Irvin undoubtedly did all those things when he was a prosecutor, he’s now a criminal defense attorney with his own firm. From his firm’s website…

Abuse and neglect: We represent parents who have a petition to terminate parental rights for abuse or neglect brought against them by the state of Illinois. We work extensively with Catholic charities and the Illinois Department of Family Services to reunite families.

It’s the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and it’ll be interesting to see if he’s defended any really bad parents.

* And…

Kane County Heroin Possession Attorneys

Possession of heroin, in any amount, is a felony. If you face felony charges for possessing heroin in Illinois, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect you from harsh consequences such as lengthy jail sentences. The Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates represents clients charged with heroin possession in the Aurora area.

Everyone deserves effective counsel and that’s probably OK in a general election, but it’s definitely not so good in a Republican primary.

* And…

Felonies. At The Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates, we represent clients charged with felonies such as burglary, forgery, reckless homicide and many others.

Ibid., Primary.

* And…

Aurora / Elgin – Drug Possession With Intent Attorney

Whether you were arrested for allegedly selling drugs to an undercover police officer or following a traffic stop, our lawyers will take aggressive steps to mitigate the charges against you. If the police officer who arrested you did not have probable cause to do so, we will pursue a motion to suppress, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges against you.

If the office did have probable cause, we are prepared to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges to a lesser offense. As a former prosecutor, attorney Irvin understands how prosecutors view a case. This experience makes him an effective negotiator. He is prepared to defend your constitutional rights and your freedom. The sooner you reach out to an Aurora possession with intent to distribute attorney, the better your chances for a fair and favorable outcome will be.

Ibid., Primary. See also: “arresting drug dealers, gangbangers.”

* And…

Kane County Domestic Battery Attorney

If you are charged with battery, you can face devastating consequences following a conviction. It is important to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

At the Law Office of Richard C. Irvin & Associates, we understand that emotions can run hot in many relationships. Whether it is a dating relationship, a marriage or a relationship with a shared child, tempers can flare. When those tempers or arguments lead to threats, or physical violence, legal consequences can soon follow. If you have been charged with battery, our Aurora domestic violence attorneys will zealously defend your rights.

There are several circumstances in which a domestic battery charge can be successfully defended, including:

• If the victim is the only other person present when the battery occurs, and the victim does not appear in court, the state cannot prevail in the case.
• Most individuals will claim that the battery occurred in self-defense.

A charge of domestic battery can be considered a felony under certain circumstances. If an individual is charged with domestic battery and has a prior domestic battery charge on his or her record, or if the victim received an injury that can be considered harmful or egregious, the battery charge can be a felony. If an individual is convicted of the felony charge, the consequences can include prison time. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to begin your defense immediately.

Defending that work in a general could be challenging. See also his above comment about “wife beaters.”

*** UPDATE *** Irvin was also interviewed by Craig Dellimore…

Dellimore: What would Richard Irvin say to voters in Illinois who supported Donald Trump?

Irvin: And that’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants us to be talking about, anything other than his record in the state. You know, we got to look at my record, my record, as mayor of the city of Aurora is one of success. I grew up in Aurora, I grew up in public housing and raised by a mother, 16 years old, and in an environment where it seemed like there was no hope. And I served my country and got out of that environment, went to the military. I joined when I was only 18 years old, served my country in time of war, came home, became a prosecutor putting criminals behind bars. And then I became the mayor, the second largest city in the state, first African American mayor, as I pointed out, in 180 years. I’ve got a record of success. The minute I became mayor, I added more police officers to our police department to drive down crime. The minute I became mayor, we started to do economic development. We did more economic development in the last four years, my first four years as mayor than the city has seen in 40 years. And I don’t just say that tooting my horn, there have been buildings that have sat empty in the city, running and ruin and dilapidated for 20 years, 30 years, one 40 years. A building that hadn’t seen its lights turned on in 70 years. All of that is being redeveloped as we speak. There’s not an empty building left in the city of Aurora. All that happened in the first four years and because of it, we’ve created excitement. And we’re now doing new development. There’s not a portion or quadrant of the city that’s not seeing new development right now. What I’ll bring to the state is proven success and will do that and more for the state of Illinois. We will take our state back.

Nice filibuster.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:19 am

Comments

In his commercial he says he is tough on crime and will arrest everyone as Mayor. However in his other job he is trying to get them off. Not sure how he is going to explain that one. Sounds like he is tough on crime to provide himself business. Sounds like a conflict of interest.

Comment by Publius Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:25 am
Much of the narrative coming from the ILGOP these days seems to focus on an unwillingness of Democratic States Attorneys (specifically Kim Foxx)to bring charges. A candidate with a history of lessening those charges or having them dismissed might not go over well. If nothing else it could make it difficult for Irvin to reconcile his tough talk on crime with his legal practice. I suppose the argument is that everyone deserves a competent defense. But that runs a bit counter to the current GOP narrative which is to lock em’ all up.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:33 am
defender of crime and violence, is trying to get in charge

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:33 am
Irvin took the questions from two respected reporters with aplomb, lets please dispense with the “he’s hiding” claims.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:33 am
The law client stuff is not good. Everyone deserves fair defense 100% but you get some of those specific cases out in the open and if any of the clients were repeat offenders…. that will be in ads.

Comment by Perfect Blue Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:34 am
I wonder how often conservative politicians who promise to go after crime ever publicly promise to go after tax evaders, wage thieves, willful dumpers/polluters, etc. You know, criminals whose actions have much wider effects on society as a whole than low level drug dealers.

Comment by Homebody Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:35 am
I guess being tough on crime is good for business.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:36 am
Hopefully the next tier of reporters actually conduct a better interview process. Ahern was exceptionally weak in her questions and her follow ups.

Comment by Wow Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:37 am
Definitely not a GOP voter here– but is anyone else tired of the constant DPI/Pritzker campaign messaging that compares the opposing candidates to Rauner? The dude has been out of office for almost four years now. I understand the context and whatnot, but it might be time to get a new line.

Comment by Free unsolicited advice Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:39 am
My personal take on the phrasing of his solicitation for the business of alleged wife beaters who simply got “hot” would get caught in moderation.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:39 am
“Regarding Griffin, “I think we’d all agree he’s done a lot for the state of Illinois,” Irvin said. But “it’s just one person, one vote, …”
Perhaps we could ask for a roll call. Besides spending zillions on art(some bafflingly ugly), sending his lawyer to ComEd to sign off on the sprawling probe and getting Ray LaHood’s gag order lifted so he could be the face of trashing Tom Kilbride there is little of any real merit.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:48 am
I’m still waiting for the court records of who he represented the last couple of decades. and the disposition of the cases. How many of these drug dealers and gang bangers are back on the Aurora streets now?
I think a few.

Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:49 am
“The dude has been out of office for almost four years now. I understand the context and whatnot, but it might be time to get a new line.”

Sounds great. Except the campaign team and funders are all from Team Rauner. And as time has gone on we really got to see how badly Rauner destroyed our state. So yea, get used to it. More is coming.

Comment by New Day Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:49 am
Until this post I didn’t realize he was a criminal defense attorney. That’s gonna be some tough jujitsu when the base of your platform is crime. Yikes.

Comment by New Day Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:50 am
The claims of a legal “conflict of interest” are laughable. Especially from folks who vaunted MJM as a legislative leader. I’m sure they think that Madigan & Getzendanne just happened to be the most lucrative tax appeals attorneys in the state due to hard work.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:50 am
http://www.irvinlawoffice.com/repeat-offense-dui/

Paging Tony La Russa.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:51 am
Will be fascinating to see how JB tries to make hay of Irvin’s defense law career. I’m not sure how that needle can be threaded from a Dem pol, tbh.

I guess that’s why the good Lord invented c4s and dark money!

Comment by SWSider Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:52 am
Will be fascinating to see how JB tries to make hay of Irvin’s defense law career. I’m not sure how that needle can be threaded from a Dem pol, tbh.

I guess that’s why the good Lord invented c4s and dark money.

Comment by SWSider Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:52 am
=I understand the context and whatnot, but it might be time to get a new line.=

Possibly. And if you’re opponent is Darren Bailey you probably don’t need to talk much about Bruce Rauner. But if you’re running against Richard Irvin with Ken Griffin’s backing it would seem highly relevant. That is unless you buy into the notion that Griffin isn’t looking for an ROI on his investment or is no longer interested in eliminating public sector unions and holding the budget process hostage to accomplish that objective.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:53 am
I think Ken Griffin may be looking for a new penthouse to buy, in lieu of funding this candidate.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:53 am
Does anyone one have the money to combat his message if Griffin goes all in? Is Rabine messaging this? How about Sullivan(still no Lt. Gov)? Does Bailey have the money to get the message to voters?

These all sound good and should be used for sure but without the resources what is it really, a footnote?

Comment by Tomorrow is yesterday Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:54 am
I could see the Aurora Police Department becoming an issue in the general if Irvin makes it. It’s kind of distasteful because there is a lot of genuine work out there in the world, but it is the nature of things.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:59 am
Rich, thank you for using “ibid.”

Underused but vital word.

Looking forward to a GA Member dropping it in the chat during an online committee hearing.

Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:02 am
== We work extensively with Catholic charities ==

That’s not as strong as a callout as he thinks it is. It may have been a few years ago, but at least in some parts of the suburbs the perception of catholic charities has gone down quite a bit as some of their actions and policies that have come to light the past few years have been less than stellar. There is a growing perception that these services need to be provided by a non-faith based alternative, as some of the faith-based policies of catholic charities are starting to be recognized as directly causing more harm than good in the area.

I’ve talked with some people who run non-faith-based non-profits for these same services, and they are frankly amazed that Catholic Charities is still even allowed to operate the way they do.

Irvin may want to check in with what happened in Joliet last month with Catholic Charities and a recent vote by the city council. Joliet and Aurora are similar in size. The winds have quickly changed direction, and he doesn’t seem to have noticed yet.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:03 am
http://www.irvinlawoffice.com/felony-dui/

“Our job as Aurora felony DUI offense attorneys is to take steps to get the charges reduced from felony to misdemeanor charges. As a former prosecutor, our founding attorney Richard C. Irvin understands how opposing counsel thinks, and applies this knowledge to each case he handles.”

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:04 am
If I could interview him, I would ask, “Mayor Irvin: As a candidate for governor, who you accept former President Trump’s endorsement and also what powers does an Illinois governor unilaterally have to combat crime in Chicago?” To quote the great Joe Louis, “you can run, but you can’t hide.” But he’s trying.

Comment by levivotedforjudy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:05 am
Irvin hasn’t run or worked at his law office since he became mayor. He transferred his cases to his partner. In Aurora, as in Chicago, the mayor is the full time CEO. He doesn’t just go to ribbon cutting and preside over City Council like Steve Chirico.

His opponents in the last two mayoral races tried to play the evil criminal defense attorney card in mailings and such. Didn’t work obviously. May be more effective in a statewide GOP primary for those who don’t know him.

Comment by David Agnew Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:07 am
Irvin is a defensed attorney. His job is zealous representation. Being charged is not the same as being guilty. Representing people in DCFS termination cases is important and although best interest of child is goal sometime it might actually be reunification. People hate attorneys until they need one. I think criminal defense is the most noble career path in law. Way off topic remember when Hillary Clinton was excoriated for representing a rapist? Now Irvin will be dogged with defending people. God forbid a Public Defender runs for office. Also off topic this is why I hope Biden choses the woman with PD experience for Supreme Court. Live in the real world.

Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:08 am
Trump and abortion will be a tough dodge… as Kinzinger is still one that is lighting rod… in Illinois too… can’t avoid Trump with Kinzinger still on the stage.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:09 am
In one of Irvin’s commercials, he takes the time to make the point that his dad was out of the picture. Great way to reinforce white GOP tropes about Black fathers. He also mentions that he grew up in Section 8 housing, but don’t most Republicans oppose Section 8? So would he have been better off homeless?

Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:14 am
I’m tough on crime.
If your charged with said crime, I can defend you.

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:15 am
I get tired of the constant Rauner messaging too. All I can figure is maybe they think it’a a double hit that not only damages him amongst people who blamed Rauner for the budget impasse AND hurts him in the primary amongst folks who saw Rauner too liberal on abortion and immigrants.

Would not call Irvin’s response to the Trump question a “nice dodge.” There are so many live issues when it comes to Trump and as of now he is the 2024 frontrunner.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:18 am
Not sure that Irvin’s current occupation, especially as described in the quotes above, blends very well with the tone recent GOP-sponsored crime bills. Who was responsible for vetting Irvin as a candidate in a campaign where crime and police support promise to be major issues? Could they not see what was being handed to both primary and general elections oppo? Not a good look.

Comment by Flapdoodle Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:19 am
What great things has Griffin done for IL?

Comment by Chicago Blue Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:19 am
=== What great things has Griffin done for IL?===

A patron of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, for one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:21 am
It can be unfair, but any defense attorney who runs for office is vulnerable to this line of attack.

However, most defense attorneys who run for office don’t portray themselves as the second coming of Elliott Ness, as Irvin has. Which makes this counterpunch completely fair game.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:25 am
===I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.===

That is precisely why the Trump questions should never go away. There is every indication that Trump will run again, and the voters of Illinois deserve to know if the potential next leader of the Illinois Republican Party supports Trump, believes Biden is the legitimate President, and isn’t going to mess with election laws to undermine voting rights and the electoral process.

Looks like Irwin is going to need to keep the training wheels on for a while.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:25 am
Glancing at the Kane County Democratic primary results from 2020, I see a few races between moderate Dems and lefties but no one I would really call “conservative.” I assume he voted Biden over Bernie or left presidential blank. There was the Bill Foster-Rachel Ventura race, which wasn’t particularly close, Barbara Hernandez’s 80-20 primary, and Corinne Pierog’s primary for Kane county board. Maybe he had strong feelings on the states attorney race or his county board race? If so I’d like to hear him talk about it in more detail. Mary Ann is a great reporter, I hope there’s more than just that 2 minute clip coming.

Comment by vern Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:29 am
The biggest fear, “maybe”, is if Irvin decides to wade too far in on Trump, in either way, and it taints him after June or it allows the likes of a Bailey to get a Trump endorsement and barn storm all over downstate, like a televangelist with a tent, merely reminding folks, “I’m Trump’s chosen candidate”

I mean, Rabine claims the Trumps as friends and such too.

A real derailment could be being a Trump person who agrees with the SCOTUS cases if they are pro-life leaning decisions or even a view that they (there’s more than one case, remember) all but overturn Roe.

Moderates, women, suburbs… they might be areas not as fruitful for Irvin.

Crime is safe. Being mayor abd talking about that is safe.

The tens of millions (likely) upcoming are going to try to play “look at this shiny thing” fir as long as they can on the Irvin bio, which that video on Irvin, that was one of the best seem to introduce a candidate.

It’ll be fascinating, lots of folks making lots of money too… trying to aid these messages.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:29 am
One man one vote one slate

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:31 am
Give Irvin credit for staying on message. But he can’t win a general election without disowning Trump, and he can’t win a primary if he does. I don’t think he will be able to finesse the issue for long.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:31 am
I vote the shared interests of Democrats, and as a result, have occasionally voted in Republican primaries. So that argument doesn’t bother me. As to switching from prosecutor to defense attorney, most of the stuff above does not bother me.

But he lost me with Domestic Violence. That is a deal breaker, and difficult to justify. Had he said, I will help you minimize the consequences, and left it at that, perhaps. But “If you have been charged with battery, our Aurora domestic violence attorneys will zealously defend your rights,” implying he will get you off” is offensive. It will not play well in any election.

Comment by H-W Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:32 am
===I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.===

“Is Adam Kinzinger, should Adam Kinzinger be, a welcomed member of the Republican Party of Illinois, in your eyes?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:32 am
Irvin is an attorney making a living defending people from whatever, as I see it there is no shame in that. And as far as I know, its not like he creating class action suits to get paid.

Comment by NorthsideNoMore Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:34 am
Ok. First try vaporized.
Let’s also check to see how RichieRich did on plea deals — either as a prosecutor or defense lawyer. Look for deals with sleeze bags who reviolated. That derailed BrickHeadJoe back in the good old days.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:36 am
-drug dealers, gangbangers, wife beaters-

You know, my livelihood. Except the ones I represent are just “alleged.”

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:38 am
-I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.-

Apparently Trump is now “He who must not be named” by Irvin and Sullivan. When they get the opportunity, it would be political malpractice for Bailey, Rabine, et al not to directly confront them on that and make them utter his name.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:40 am
=I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.=

If Richard Irvin is our next governor, due to Ken Griffin’s backing, there will be no doubt who the head of the Republican Party is in the state of Illinois. And it won’t be Richard Irvin.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:42 am
==please dispense with the “he’s hiding” claims.==

He’s out, but his jukes on the questions about Trump and Griffin were Barry Sanders-worthy.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:46 am
===Who will be First Lady===

If you’re already drilling down to that, odds are you aren’t voting for Irvin anyway.

“Look, I’d vote for Irvin, sure, but… “

This is in-law uncle type angst.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:46 am
Running for governor or head of the party?

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:47 am
=I’ll be the head of the Republican Party here in the state of Illinois.=

This doesn’t smell like oppo, it reeks of desperation.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:53 am
Alright OW, I’ll bite on the answer Irvin should give. Adam Kinzinger is welcome as a member of the party in our state. We’re strong enough to tolerate diversity of opinion amongst our party members and we don’t suppress free speech like the totalitarian governments abroad such as China and Russia. You’re welcome to follow your conscience on issues that are the most important to you as a Republican official in Illinois.

Comment by Middle Way Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:58 am
==Defending that work in a general could be challenging==

I think it can be finessed, but it’s going to be really hard to run a “tough on crime” campaign with that out there.

==Will be fascinating to see how JB tries to make hay of Irvin’s defense law career.==

What you do is you go after the flip-flopping, not the career. Irvin says he’s tough on crime, but he makes his bones defending criminals.

And Irvin has already set this up with flip flopping on running, on BLM, on JB Pritzker…

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:01 pm
===Adam Kinzinger is welcome as a member of the party in our state. We’re strong enough to tolerate diversity of opinion amongst our party members and we don’t suppress free speech like the totalitarian governments abroad such as China and Russia.===

You just lost most of downstate… by those words Irvin would utter.

The state party was “this/close” to condemning Kinzinger, don’t forget. Tracy had to stop them from going full bore.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:01 pm
Getting back to Irvin’s website, this comment struck me as quite odd.

“If the victim is the only other person present when the battery occurs, and the victim does not appear in court, the state cannot prevail in the case.”

Is the inference that the law firm will discourage victims from appearing? I can’t see how not having a victim show up constitutes “successfully defending” a matter. Unless the attorney or defendant are taking specific steps to keep that from happening.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:03 pm
In Irvin’s defense, it’s not like his clients were Rod Blagojevich or George Ryan. The accused have rights and without criminal defense attorneys we would not have a system of justice.

Comment by J Chiles Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:09 pm
Has Richard C. Irvin’s legal practice followed the path of a Chicago favorite…Michael Monico. Asking for a friend.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:09 pm
==Who will be First Lady if Irvin elected Governor.==

Under Pat Quinn, we didn’t even have a First Lady.

It was the least of Pat Quinn’s problems.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:10 pm
===I guess that’s why the good Lord invented c4s and dark money===

And Republican primaries.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:11 pm
OW, as a practical matter you’re absolutely correct and I’ll be popping the popcorn to see what the RNC will do today and tomorrow with their proposal to remove Kinzinger and Cheney from the House Republican Conference. However, as David Foster Wallace stated in his essay on John McCain, “A real leader is somebody who can help us overcome the limitations of our own individual laziness and selfishness and weakness and fear and get us to do better things than we can get ourselves to do on our own.”

Comment by Middle Way Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:11 pm
==Adam Kinzinger is welcome as a member of the party in our state. We’re strong enough to tolerate diversity of opinion amongst our party members and we don’t suppress free speech like the totalitarian governments abroad such as China and Russia. You’re welcome to follow your conscience on issues that are the most important to you as a Republican official in Illinois. ==

It’s a good answer for the general election, at least if you’ve successfully convinced the party that they have no choice but to back you, but it would cause a lot of indigestion among those downstate county chairs who censured Kinzinger.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:12 pm
@Watchful eye… plenty to hit him on, borderline dog whistling ain’t it, chief.

Comment by SWSider Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:13 pm
===Being charged is not the same as being guilty===

Agreed. Now tell that to GOP primary voters and see where that gets ya.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:15 pm
===Is the inference that the law firm will discourage victims from appearing?===

Or possibly a hint, hint to prospective clients?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:15 pm
===However, as David Foster Wallace stated in his essay on John McCain===

Do you think the average GOP voter, who overwhelmingly as a group in polling supports Trump, will look at that and think “Kinzinger is good for our party?”

Elections are won by addition, Irvin embracing Kinzinger… in a primary… that’s subtracting support.

Make sure you save popcorn for me. Be well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:18 pm
OW, again completely correct, but your making the case for why, if we want more healthy politics, we need to go to a top four open primary system like they’re doing in Alaska in the upcoming cycle. The time has come for that and/or ranked choice voting to help break the race to the extremes in primaries.

Comment by Middle Way Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:27 pm
What’s he going to tell downstate GOP primary voters about Trump when they ask him, as they most assuredly will.

Comment by Marty Funkhouser Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:31 pm
Why won’t Irvin answer the simple question of whether he voted for Trump? Is he ashamed? Did he really vote for Biden? It’s an easy question. He is being purposely evasive, just like Rauner. It looks like he’s not his own person and is ralphing up his talking points.

Where is the Bailey campaign or Bailey himself to pounce on this? Not having a quick response from his crew or him does not look so good. Irvin’s dodge is a good counter that Bailey can use in the right wing purity battle that’s going on over candidates’ voting history and taxes. He should be able to go to town with it downstate.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:32 pm
===we need to go to a top four open primary system like they’re doing in===

60/71, 30/36, signature.

Would be an interesting bill, the how and who to it too

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:34 pm
There is sooo much that’s wrong in the website detail of the Irvin firm, that the tough on crime pitch is already defeated. Has the language come down yet?

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:37 pm
==Where is the Bailey campaign or Bailey himself to pounce on this?==

Is it just me, or has Rabine done a way better job attacking Irvin?

Not that it matters, no one has seen the attacks from either candidate.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:39 pm
Running as a candidate for governor while representing defendants accused of crime is quixotic. Like wearing a tuxedo with brown shoes. Not a good look.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:42 pm
=== This state has been a nightmare for a long time and that’s because of decades of poor leadership and corruption on both sides of the aisle. Rauner was one of the worst of all in terms of sheer incompetence, but let’s not pretend he’s the only person to blame here.===

By nearly every measure, Illinois was worse off with Bruce Rauner…

- Crain’s attributed

===I fail to see how the average voter would care even a little bit about Irvin’s staff being filled with Rauner people.===

Ever met a Jeanne Ives voter? They actually do vote and it would matter to them.

Enough to sink Irvin? Dunno, but Ives sank Rauner after the primary.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:47 pm
Rebuttal, have you criticized the GOP for still running against Madigan?

Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:48 pm
==What’s he going to tell downstate GOP primary voters about Trump==

Irvin can/will be a conduit to a post-Trump GOP candidate. He can court Trump voters without actually being linked to the past president, by supporting an IL GOP built on lower taxes, strong LEO support, and a limited government that is transparent and corruption-free.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:53 pm
“Rauner was one of the worst of all in terms of sheer incompetence”

Feature, not a bug. That is why he keeps getting brought up. Bruce Rauner tried to destroy the state government. His money man was Griffin. So my assumption, and I would love for Ken Griffin or any of the anointed to refute my hypothesis, is that anyone who is part of the Griffin slate also wants to destroy the state government. If you’re sick of hearing about that, blame Ken Griffin.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 12:58 pm
==I fail to see how the average voter would care even a little bit about Irvin’s staff being filled with Rauner people. That’s pretty much how campaigns work. ==

I don’t think that the average voter really knows “how campaigns work”, or considers that an apt justification for pretty much anything.

I do agree, tho, that the average voter won’t focus too much on someone who isn’t even on the ballot (unless that person is the sitting President). But, then, the Pritzker communications meant for a wider audience don’t talk about Rauner as much. The “Rauner Reboot” stuff is meant specifically for insiders. At least right now.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:13 pm
From his own website. “….we understand that emotions can run hot in many relationships.” is bizarre.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:13 pm
JB’s crew could also respond to Irvin’s Raunerization process. Like showing the Rauner and Irvin video clips together, the exact same talking points/evasiveness on voting for Trump (I’m focusing on Illinois), as a “Rauner Reboot” thing.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:14 pm
Irvin’s gonna have to talk…faster.

Irvin: Listen

Reporter: No, you listen…I’ll repeat the question…(repeats the question).

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:24 pm
Dellimore: What would Richard Irvin say to voters in Illinois who supported Donald Trump?

Irvin:

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:29 pm
To the “filibuster” by Irvin… I got a Rauner flashdance flashback. At some point somewhere, Irvin won’t be able to run the interview clock out with stories of his life. The “T” question will have to be addressed if not to a reporter, then in any debate he might end up participating in with other candidates. And, yes he could deflect there as well, but it will be red meat especially for Bailey, as well as for Pritzker if Irvin survives the primary.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:32 pm
Oof, that Dellimore answer is *not* going to help put the issue to bed.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:32 pm
==Under Pat Quinn, we didn’t even have a First Lady.==

Squeezy filled in as First Lady starting Nov. 19, 2012.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:35 pm
Irvin is a Republican, but his point that he pulled those Democratic ballots the same way my liberal relatives in Alabama pull Republican ballots is a joke. Let’s not pretend that in Kane or DuPage the Democratic primary is tantamount to election the way it would be in Cook. In 2014, Irvin pulled a Democratic ballot. In that year, there was a Democratic gubernatorial primary. On the Republican side, there were primaries for US Senate, Governor, State Treasurer. These Republican primaries were at least semi-competitive. The other cycles that Irvin pulled a Democratic ballot are somewhat similar.

Comment by Nuke The Whales Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:36 pm
===And that’s exactly what JB Pritzker wants us to be talking about===

Not ready for prime time. He could have made a great GOP-unity outreach to Trump voters right there, but his brain was set for “evade” instead. Is it too early to call his candidacy floundering?

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:40 pm
-What would Richard Irvin say to voters in Illinois who supported Donald Trump?-

Irvin: *Nothing to do with Donald Trump*

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:40 pm
Apparently being groomed to be the gubernatorial candidate, hiring Rauner’s crew, mindlessly reciting Raunerite/ILGOP talking points, looks like bringing a candidate closer to receiving massive Griffin money. Once that happens, the candidate fully wears the Carhartt and costumes of the disastrous Rauner legacy. Raunerization is complete.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:43 pm
===He also was not the only governor that got us in this mess.===

Before Rauner, in 1991 under Edgar employee paychecks were about a week late. Late Blago, employee pay checks were about a day late. That was the extent of late payments. Under Rauner, how long did the social service agencies go without payment? (While state employees got paid.)

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:58 pm
Who thought “non-Democrat pulls Democratic primary ballots in severely gerrymandered state” was a gotcha?

Comment by City Zen Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:07 pm
==There’s not an empty building left in the city of Aurora.==

Richard Irvin must be getting that 2 for $6 Whopper deal at Burger King.

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:09 pm
==Who thought “non-Democrat pulls Democratic primary ballots in severely gerrymandered state” was a gotcha? ==

Can’t gerrymander a statewide race.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:09 pm
- Nuke The Whales - Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 1:36 pm:

There was no competitive Democratic gubernatorial in 2014. If Richard Irvin though there was, that raises even more questions about his political judgment and basic intelligence.

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:11 pm
=== Can’t gerrymander a statewide race.===

“Aaannnddd… scene”

Victimhood can’t be propped up with statewide losses saying otherwise to things.

That “slate” in 2018, the GOP nominees… how many can folks name now? Actually, how many could folks name back in 2018?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:12 pm
I just hope no one has ever used that lawyer’s advice about domestic abuse as a pointer to indimidate or disappear a partner before they can testify.

I wouldn’t have put that line in public for that reason.

Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:24 pm
=Or possibly a hint, hint to prospective clients?=

Talk like that could get a fella banned. I was trying to moderate myself. But certainly recognize how his “defense strategy” could be interpreted in a sinister way.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 2:46 pm
=== I wonder how often conservative politicians who promise to go after crime ever publicly promise to go after tax evaders, wage thieves, willful dumpers/polluters, etc. You know, criminals whose actions have much wider effects on society as a whole than low level drug dealers. ===

Irvin is all about personal freedom, don’t-cha-know, and “effects on society as a whole” sounds collectivist/communistic to me. /s

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 4:36 pm
Irvin spoke with Greg Hinz, too.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/gop-governor-candidate-richard-irvin-questioned-donald-trump-ken-griffin

Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 5:27 pm
Remember a couple months ago when someone was whining about not seeing enough comments here?

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:03 pm
Ken Griffin should sue the political operatives who pushed Irvin as a candidate for malpractice.

Comment by Robbie Gould Fan Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:22 pm