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* Josh Lamberty at WQAD…
Two Illinois Republican gubernatorial hopefuls visited the Quad Cities area on Wednesday, making another pitch to voters ahead of the June 28 primary election. […]
Both candidates believe, however, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is trying to influence the Republican primary election with recent advertising.
“For a Republican to win as governor of the state of Illinois, that Republican’s going to need Republican support, independent support, and democratic crossover support. J.B. Pritzker knows I’ll be able to get all those,” Irvin said.
“I think it’s obvious Governor Pritzker thinks I’m the easiest candidate to beat and my message to Governor Pritzker is be careful what you wish for because it’s coming right toward ya,” Bailey said. “So, the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. They’re ready for something different.”
Discuss.
…Adding… The Bailey campaign’s spokesperson texted me this afternoon to say Bailey’s comments were “cut off” by the paper, but didn’t respond when I asked what else Bailey said.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:17 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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==So, the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. They’re ready for something different.==
Speak for yourself. I’m neither fed up nor ready for the something different Bailey has to offer.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:21 am
Just because it backfired on Hillary doesn’t mean that lightning will strike twice.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:21 am
If Bailey has polling to back up his words…
I dunno if polling, head to head, would show folks are both fed up AND see Bailey as the answer.
I guess if Bailey wins, we’ll see.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:22 am
Strong “misunderestimated me” vibes
Comment by Sterling Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:23 am
I’ll have what Beetle’s having.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:24 am
Geesh, Bailey: JB is surely losing sleep over the general in Nov. Rrrright.
Comment by Pizza Man Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:24 am
Actually the least stupid thing I’ve heard from Bailey. Acknowledges reality, lays down the gauntlet.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:24 am
That’s maybe not on message, but its also not off message. Bailey’s voters are clearly more interested in purity tests than winnability. So I see no risk in him saying the obvious. It’s no secret that JB has pushed for Bailey.
Comment by north shore Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:26 am
Nah, Sullivan is the easiest to beat, but it’s beyond even JB’s team to get him the nomination.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:28 am
For Bailey’s goals it a good move. It draws more parallels to Trump in the eyes of his base. Underdog that no one took seriously.
If he can hammer on that message it might help with increasing his voter turnout from people who wouldn’t bother because they don’t believe he has a shot.
If 2020 taught us anything, people will show up for elections if they believe their vote can make a difference.
Comment by twowaystreet Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:28 am
Bailey’s views of Illinoisan’s being fed up are as deviated as his septum. Yes, I’ve heard the commercial.
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:28 am
Yes, JB thinks Bailey is most beatable and no, we will not be careful what we wish for cause he is the most beatable.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:29 am
Well Bailey has to win a primary first. And if does he’ll need to convince the other roughly 60-65% of the Republican voters that he was the right choice. And then he can move on to convincing the rest of us.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:32 am
=== They’re ready for something different. ===
Perhaps
But are they ready for an anti-abortion, pro-gun, trumpster(i.e., big liar) as governor? True believers gonna believe, but it’s way difficult to get there from here. We already have a state rock.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:34 am
Credit to him for saying that JB thinks he is the easiest to beat.
I mean what do you expect the man to say “Oh, yeah I am unelectable in the general election”
Part of what is going to have to do is convince those who may be “JB hesitant” that is a viable option to consider.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:37 am
Mark Kirk. Jim Edgar. Judy Barr. George Ryan. Bruce Rauner. Dan Rutherford.
These are not far right republicans. These are candidates who have won elections statewide in Illinois. Darrin Bailey will be blown out by JB Pritzker in November.
Comment by Needs Deleted Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:38 am
This is a very smart strategy and, I hate to say, a potentially winning one. Grabbing the outsider/underestimated/underdog mantle and owning it will rally and mobilize his base.
The “No one believes in us!” message is on-brand, allows him to easily paint Pritzker and the media/polls with the same brush. By openly acknowledging the role Pritzker has played in the primary he will make it easier for supporters of the other GOP candidates to focus their disappointment and anger towards Pritzker instead of Bailey.
Comment by Skokie Man Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:40 am
I bet even Bailey, in his heart, knows he’s easier for JB to beat than Irvin.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:41 am
” I’m the easiest candidate to beat…”
I can’t disagree with that idea.
Tho, I also think Bailey will be the most entertaining candidate, by far.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:42 am
Strange campaign tactic -
Raising your hand and saying “I’m the easiest to beat”
But, you do you, Bailey.
Comment by Teacher Lady Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:45 am
What Irvin said is nonsense. I agree with Bailey that if the people want something different it will be Bailey over a corrupt candidate who happens to be no Democrat or Republican but only an opportunist with his soul for sell.
Comment by Real Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:49 am
You’re partly right, Darren. But you’ll also be, by far, the most fun candidate to beat.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:53 am
“Hillary Clinton thought she couldn’t be beat, Richard Irvin thought he couldn’t be beat, and JB Pritzker thinks he can’t be beat.”
Bailey should just stick to the simple David v Goliath storyline.
Still hard to believe this amateur is beating Mike Z.
Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:54 am
“…They’re ready for something different.”
Didn’t we get that in Bruce Rauner?
Just because they like Trumpy candidates where Bailey’s from, that doesn’t mean the majority of the state does.
If Bailey manages to make it past the primary, I think his right wing agenda WILL make him the easiest candidate for Pritzker to beat. This is Illinois, not Texas.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:56 am
“the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. They’re ready for something different.”
Budget surpluses, rainy day contributions, making full pension payments, increased credit ratings after two years of Rauner-induced budget standoffs, infrastructure work–yeah, Bailey is right, I want something different. /s
Comment by Steve Rogers Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 10:59 am
Well Bailey has his little buddy Tom DeVore with him now to the weekend. I couldn’t tell if he’s allowing DeVore on the bus or he’s just following behind in his car with signs. As DeVore says “Jay Bob better watch out we’re coming for you”.
Comment by Club J Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:01 am
Are Bailey and DeVore running for statewide office or challenging for the WWE Tag Team Championship?
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:07 am
Only thing Irvin is saying is that Griffin wants him to play both sides.. just make sure you get my special interest agenda pushed thru most importantly. Give the liberals some abortion protection but you be hell bent right on worker issues. No thanks
Comment by Real Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:08 am
Can’t wait to hear the Pritzker/Bailey debates…delicious.
Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:13 am
With Bailey as governor, Illinois government grinds to a halt. Remember the Rauner years? Bailey adds his layer of social right-wingerism to Bruce’s anti-unionism.
Comment by up2now Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:22 am
Will there be a third party candidate that takes away more votes from Pritzker than from the Republican nominee? Or will the reverse be true?
Comment by BCOSEC Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:32 am
‘Riffie & TrickyDick roll out Karl Rove today is WJS with a lame piece whining about DGA meddlin’
It is a great sign of the polls being accurate. Might also enhance the JB POTUS non campaign swing.
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:40 am
What happened to republicans being tough guys, standing on their own 2 feet and making the case about how they will make people’s lives better? Irvin and Bailey don’t talk about themselves or their plans to make this state better. They just whine about JB.
JB is the center of their universe and they are just barren rocks orbiting around him. Irvin is simply JB’s worst nightmare. Bailey is JB’s preferred candidate. Any question they are asked that they don’t want to answer, they dismiss as that’s what JB wants to be taking about.
Uncle Hulka called people like this “gutless punks”.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:46 am
=Will there be a third party candidate=
No.
=“the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. They’re ready for something different.”=
No.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 11:58 am
===Irvin is simply JB’s worst nightmare===
Candidate Irvin certainly wasn’t, and even Mayor Irvin might have been only a challenge. It’s all about the numbers, and JB has the Dems fairly solidly behind him, and that is all it takes.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:17 pm
I feel relieved knowing that we only have twelve more days of Bloviating Beetle Bailey on the campaign trail.
There’s no way he does well enough outside the southernmost thirty-five or so counties, which have roughly 10% (and that’s being very generous) of the state’s population to beat Irvin.
Comment by Osborne Smith III Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:20 pm
== Will there be a third party candidate that takes away more votes from Pritzker than from the Republican nominee?==
Certainly possible, maybe as a form of payback from Ken Griffin for JB’s involvement in the primary to take down Irvin? Griffin funds an “independent” candidate that runs to JB’s left (ideally a female POC), and draws support from far-left activists and voters. Problem is that the filing deadline is coming up fast, it’d be almost impossible to get enough signatures in time. If gas is still $5-6 a gallon, inflation is still high, Covid comes roaring back and the economy gets even worse, it might be enough to make JB sweat.
Then again, Griff has never struck me as a social issues warrior like Uihlein and so he probably has no interest in helping Bailey.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:23 pm
-There’s no way he does well enough outside the southernmost thirty-five or so counties, which have roughly 10% (and that’s being very generous) of the state’s population to beat Irvin.-
I’m sure the polls were compromised of people from all over the state and not just the most southern counties.
Comment by Real Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:34 pm
Kind of strange to see admitted, but I like it. Obviously any Republican has a major uphill battle to win the selection for governor given the Republican split. He is trying to embrace it
Comment by Seats Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:37 pm
The WSJ today has an opinion piece on the Democratic Party ‘s efforts to weaken better R candidates and promote the more fringe contenders in multiple races including the Illinois Gov race. Here is the problem. It may not matter in true Blue Illinois where JB is likely to prevail BUT in other jurisdictions the D’s facing a lousy national landscape may succeed in electing more Marjorie Taylor Green types which won’t help anybody. In some races the R will win no matter what so helping elevate nut jobs will only further polarize our national polirics
Comment by Sue Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:52 pm
=Will there be a third party candidate that takes away more votes from Pritzker than from the Republican nominee?=
They have less than a month to gather enough signatures and right now there’s no one making any noise that they’re doing so. And an independent candidate would likely only be a consideration for disenfranchised Republicans who can’t stomach Darren Bailey. And that group isn’t going to get you elected to anything. If Ken Griffin can’t convince Republican voters that he has a viable candidate, who won’t have any success in convincing a subset of them.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:53 pm
=== There’s no way he does well enough outside the southernmost thirty-five or so counties, which have roughly 10% (and that’s being very generous) of the state’s population to beat Irvin.===
Not one campaign has disputed the public polling with Irvin down, generously, only by double digits.
Irvin trying to be a consensus type of candidate 10+ days out is quite the thought process. I don’t think Irvin has figured out how to chase in these last days.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 12:54 pm
==They have less than a month to gather enough signatures and right now there’s no one making any noise that they’re doing so. And an independent candidate would likely only be a consideration for disenfranchised Republicans who can’t stomach Darren Bailey. ==
What about disaffected voters on the left, perhaps the ones who supported Sanders in ‘20? Any chance a Green considers a third party run? Would Rich Whitney himself consider a political “comeback” and run for Governor for the first time in 12 years?
Comment by Just Sayin Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:11 pm
=What about disaffected voters on the left, perhaps the ones who supported Sanders in ‘20? Any chance a Green considers a third party run?=
Anything is possible. But it won’t change the outcome. Democrats, even the disaffected ones, we’ll be just as energized to defeat Darren Bailey. And I’m not seeing a ground swell of folks that are looking for that viable option. Otherwise we would have been hearing more from the likes of Dan Biss and others. Pritzker’s support amongst Democratic and Independent voters seems to be holding up reasonably well and the ground game pretty solid. He might not be in the same position he was in 2018, but he likely doesn’t have to be.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:22 pm
It was a good reply from Bailey. Again, taking away another path from Rauner/Irvin. Let’s hope the Z Team is involved with an Independent effort or any Illinois Republican candidate for that matter. True republicans will just have to let voters know of their involvement again. They tried to sell a democrat candidate in our primary and have lost all credibility. Always ask who is behind the candidate or organization. We know the ultimate destruction this crew Carrie’s as baggage.
Comment by Primate Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:25 pm
Sorry. Carry as..:
Comment by Primate Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:29 pm
===True republicans===
Who are these true Republicans that you speak?
So I know whom you are speaking.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:34 pm
==What about disaffected voters on the left, perhaps the ones who supported Sanders in ‘20? Any chance a Green considers a third party run? Would Rich Whitney himself consider a political “comeback” and run for Governor for the first time in 12 years?==
What would a voter on the left possibly be mad at Pritzker for?
Comment by So_Ill Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:35 pm
So_Ill, forget it, he’s rolling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLZubB22edw
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:39 pm
S.E. Cupp looking at the big picture and potential negative ramifications of this strategy.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2022/6/15/23169996/democrats-risky-bet-on-trump-republicans-darren-bailey-column-se-cupp
Comment by Original Rambler Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:45 pm
- Original Rambler -
Meh.
Pritzker’s education plan on Bailey allows suburban women, people of color, those who like in the “H&ll Hole” of Chicago…
Very few downsides in Illinois.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 1:48 pm
What if - and hear me out here - Pritzker actually…hasn’t…done…poorly? And, like, in the parts of the state that are populated…people kinda like him?
I mean, I know it’s a wild thought, but it just came to mind.
Comment by Concerned Observer Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 3:08 pm
Whoever ‘On Here’ has spent the last couple of days subtweeting about a third party candidate…as others have pointed out, they’d never get the signatures. It’s honestly a silly idea.
But okay. I’ll humor you. Who is your mythical unicorn candidate? The one who can unite the faction you believe exists, of people so frustrated with the governor that they would vote him out but who also aren’t comfortable just voting for Bailey? This candidate also has to self fund a 30-50 million dollar campaign, already have name recognition high enough that people would take them seriously, be incredibly media savvy, not have any baggage, and be power hungry enough to put their regular life on hold for the next 4.5 months.
Oprah already moved away, so…seriously, who ya got?
Comment by Concerned Observer Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 3:28 pm
If Bailey wins, J.B. will be thrilled. Would save him about $50 million in the fall.
Comment by Just a guy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 3:36 pm
Obviously true, so it’s weird Darren Bailey also believes it.
What is equally true is that JBP will (or at least should) regret elevating Bailey because he just handed a huge, huge megaphone and a stage to spew dangerous rhetoric and likely put a number of folks in harms way. It is certainly possible Bailey could have done this damage by himself, but anyone who helped him get there deserves responsibility for the fall out.
Comment by SWSider Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 3:45 pm
== “So, the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. ==
So what would that be ?
A real budget ?
Not closing more not for profit help orgs ?
A real sane functioning government ?
Sorry. Been there. Don’t need more of that. Ever.
Comment by sal-says Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 3:55 pm
=== JBP will (or at least should) regret elevating Bailey because he just handed a huge===
Yep. There are Democrats who want a GOP that looks more like Bailey than Topinka. And they could very well live to regret this.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 4:02 pm
===There are Democrats who want a GOP that looks more like Bailey than Topinka. And they could very well live to regret this.===
It works, elevating Bailey in a short term “sugar high” type of thing, but one reason I kinda stay around the GOP is first and foremost that the fifth largest state in America needs, requires, two functioning political parties with both having rational actors.
The ILGOP needs to rebound to help the state actually function. Diana Rauner, the Democrat, all but helped with Bruce, the demise of functioning ILGOP
Illinois needs two parties.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 4:13 pm
=Illinois needs two parties.=
Agreed. And I’d like to see both parties focus more on what unites us than divides us. Both parties.
But specifically to Pritzker, I think it is disappointing because he doesn’t have to involve himself in the Republican primary at all. His record is such that he should be able to beat any of his Republican opponents. Run on that.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 4:31 pm
OW - Let’s start with the requirements in the counties needed to be a Republican Chairperson/ Committee person (varies by county bylaws) or to be on the Republican SCC - which Irvin doesn’t even meet. I have a thingy where I believe our candidates should meet these minimal thresholds. Then, candidates that vote Republican consistently and support other Republicans. This is no where to be found with the Rauner/Irvin campaign. Next up would be operatives who work for the aforementioned candidates and don’t attempt to elect democrats in our primary. Whereas the other operatives are in the game for power and money alone. Most important are the Republican voters who rely on leaders to be honest, understand the platform (not just agree or disagree with it), support those that strengthen the core values of the party and have good intentions for all Illinois citizens. Sure, there are other factors that can come into play. This is just the basics while not diving into litmus tests. There are exceptions where the basics outlined above are met but the individuals/ candidates, claiming to be Republican, hold extreme/inexcusable beliefs that go against common sense (racist beliefs, illegal activities and so on). We should all agree that these have no place in politics, as an elected official or in society. This is what I believe a True Republican is. Others have their own beliefs which I respect and value. Of course, this is just my opinion alone. Pretty low bar to attain though.
Comment by Primate Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 4:40 pm
- Primate -
The Reagan Rule of 80% seems like a better measure.
Reagan was once a Democrat, and once led a Union.
===Let’s start with the requirements in the counties needed to be a Republican Chairperson/ Committee person (varies by county bylaws) or to be on the Republican SCC - which Irvin doesn’t even meet. I have a thingy where I believe our candidates should meet these minimal thresholds.===
Litmus Tests are still… Litmus Tests.
This ain’t no religion. The purity of “legally required” makes that voter universe mighty small.
Don’t like who one has working for them in a campaign, or a candidate, don’t vote for them.
Your little paragraph is as damaging as the MAGA cult requirements of purity.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 4:55 pm
I disagree. Nice try on the legal requirements. I said it is my thingy. You saying that my little paragraph is as damaging as the maga cult requirements is so comical that a response is not needed. Funny thing is that I do respect your opinion. You must have missed that part. You be you…
Comment by Primate Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 5:14 pm
=== I said it is my thingy. You saying that my little paragraph is as damaging as the maga cult requirements is so comical …===
Purity tests don’t help build a party, that’s my point. Big tent. Otherwise there’s no room for growth
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 5:18 pm
=== Again, you be you. I will be me.===
A party that has an 80% rule allows for that.
Just saying.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 5:26 pm
“it’s coming right toward ya,”
Well, make sure you have the correct address in the gps, keep the yellow line on the left, the white on the right. Fill the gas tank before you head out. Wear your seat belt.
Try not to get lost. /s
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 5:49 pm
Agree 100%. This rule doesn’t apply to a democrat running in a republican primary. Also, I did say, “you be you. I will be me” This comment must have been deleted or something.
Comment by Primate Thursday, Jun 16, 22 @ 5:57 pm