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Pritzker takes ILGOP heat for Florida trip

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who is running for reelection this year, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Leadership Blue Gala that Florida Democrats will hold this Saturday in Tampa.

On the rise— Pritzker’s appearance comes nearly two weeks after the mass shooting in Highland Park thrust him into the national spotlight. Pritzker’s reaction — where he said he was angry and furious about gun violence in the nation — was seen by some as an illustration of the type of passion Democrats need heading into the midterms and 2024.

Here to help— Pritzker’s decision visit to Florida will also be sure to stoke longrunning whispers about a possible presidential bid, especially since he’s spending time in the home state of Gov. Ron DeSantis, himself a potential GOP presidential candidate. “Florida is in dire need of a pro-choice, Democratic governor, and Governor Pritzker is proud to support the Florida Democratic Party in their efforts to flip the state blue,” campaign spokeswoman Natalie Edelstein said in a statement sent to Shia Kapos, author of POLITICO’s Illinois Playbook. […]

Pritzker’s keynote speech will come on the heels of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s splashy decision to air ads bashing DeSantis and urging Floridians to move to his state. In that case, DeSantis has fired back and is now even fundraising off Newsom’s attacks. Expect his campaign team to fashion their own greeting for Pritzker.

* ILGOP…

A normal person following Governor JB Pritzker’s extensive travel schedule in recent months would be racking up the frequent flier miles. Luckily for our trust-fund billionaire governor, Pritzker has private jets to whisk him around the country - and even overseas - as he continues to give a wink and a knowing nod to the idea he may be just what national Democrats need in order to keep the White House in 2024 as Biden stumbles mightily.

After a recent trip to Europe to stump for Green New Deal policies, and political stops in New Hampshire (wink, wink) and Maine, Pritzker is headlining an annual Democratic gala in Florida this week. His spokeswoman said, “Florida is in dire need of a pro-choice, Democratic governor, and Governor Pritzker is proud to support the Florida Democratic Party in their efforts to flip the state blue.”

“Illinoisans don’t care what Florida needs and neither should Governor Pritzker at a time when working families are drowning under historic levels of inflation and high gas prices,” said ILGOP spokesman Joe Hackler. “Illinois has the highest taxes in the nation, highest gas prices in the midwest, an economy lagging far behind our midwest neighbors, and the imminent threat of power outages across almost all of the central and southern parts of the state. If Pritzker wants to run for President, he should start by doing his current job as Governor of Illinois - and doing it better.”

Frankly, I don’t think anyone in their right mind should be going to Florida in July. Yuck.

* Greg Hinz…

“Out-of-touch trust-fund billionaire J.B. Pritzker doesn’t have to worry about the cost of gas or groceries, but Illinois families are paying through the nose thanks to Pritzker’s tax increases and record-breaking inflation,” GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey said in a statement. “Instead of coming to Springfield to do his job, Gov. Pritzker is gallivanting with his rich friends in Europe, New Hampshire, DC, Maine and Florida.”

Added Bailey, “Illinois families have a message for J.B.: Repeal the Pritzker gas tax hike. Stop campaigning for president and do your job.”

The Europe reference is a trip the governor took to England last November to promote policies designed to curb climate change.

Bailey wants Pritzker to call lawmakers back into session to deal with inflation and gas prices. Lawmakers are expected to meet around Labor Day to deal with abortion-rights legislation and perhaps new gun-control laws—not gas prices, though.

So, that’s three trips in 9 months.

…Adding… Natalie Edelstein with the Pritzker campaign…

“Florida is in dire need of a pro-choice, Democratic governor, and Governor Pritzker is proud to support the Florida Democratic Party in their efforts to flip the state blue. As a lifelong Democrat, Governor Pritzker is committed to supporting his party in every corner of our country. If the governor can play even a small role in helping Florida Democrats elect a Black woman to the US Senate, flip the governor’s office, and elect pro-choice, pro-science, pro-worker candidates to the legislature––he will gladly do so.”

The governor was apparently invited in April to speak at the event by the state party chair.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:25 pm

Comments

==should start by doing his current job as Governor of Illinois - and doing it better==

He’s doing the job infinitely better than the last guy in office who was . . . a Republican.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:27 pm
Like half of their party is based in Florida. They all made a pilgrimage down there a few months ago. Dan Proft is running millions of dollars worth of PAC spending from Naples. Even for ILGOP, this is insulting to everyone’s intelligence.

Comment by vern Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:32 pm
Well if he’s gallivanting then I don’t like it!

Comment by TradedUpForMitch Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:34 pm
Florida residents get to see what a real Governor looks like with Mr. Pritzker. When did DeSantis (aka Marco Rubio/ Chris Christie v2024) legalize marijuana or sports gambling? Oh that’s right, he hasn’t. Total chump.

Comment by Hot Taeks Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:36 pm
Between Rauner, Proft and Griffin, the ILGOP should look at Pritzker bring in Florida as another day that Pritzker abd his crew aren’t taking down the Illinois cult.

Then again, we here are rating a new Pritzker ad so Illinois voters shouldn’t feel too abandoned

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:36 pm
As to what the IL GOP has to say, they can take a long walk off a short pier.

As to what Rich has to say, couldn’t agree more. Especially for those of us who are on the bigger end of the spectrum.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:37 pm
JB should just say he’s doing some bipartisan outreach to Ken Griffin, Bruce Rauner, Dan Proft, Jim Oberweis and all the other Illinoisans in Florida.

Also, if you can’t stand the heat, stay out of Florida in the summer.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:41 pm
Just so we are all clear, when Darren Bailey was at Mar-a-Lago like two months ago, there was absolutely no gallivanting with rich people there. None. Zero.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:43 pm
Someone who has the right gravitas should apprise the Governor that his chances of ever becoming president are only slightly greater then zero.

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:43 pm
Pritzker must have a large ego and a lot of yes men in his corner if he thinks he has a shot at becoming president

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:43 pm
“that’s three trips in 9 months”

Compare that with DeSantis or Youngkin travel and get back to me, ILGOP.

I’m happy that an Illinois Governor is actually getting out there on a national stage again…presidential campaign or not. We’re a big state and we need to start acting like one. That includes our leadership lending voice to national issues.

Frankly, I wish our senior senator would spend more time on that national stage and serving as a leader in the Senate, rather than wasting his time on state politic disputes here.

Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:44 pm
==Well if he’s gallivanting then I don’t like it!==

Traded UP,

I thought he was gadabouting, and we all know how the ILGOP hates that!

Maybe JB can have mai-tais with Griffin while he’s down there and plead with him to come back. /s

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:46 pm
I have zero interest in the “insights” of the GOP. But it is simply politics as usual, so no one should have a cow about gallivanting or accusations thereof.

BTW, it would not be strategic for JB to run in 2024…if Biden is perceived as a failure, it will tarnish the next candidate. 2028 is far more believable.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:52 pm
I say let the man test the presidential waters, even if it is extremely unlikely. JB is an Illinois politician first and foremost, but let’s see if he can make it work nationally.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:54 pm
yeah they hate that a popular Il Dem Gov is helping the national party. whatever. go back to being out of touch team R.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:54 pm
What does Greg Hinz think the state government should do about gas prices? What actions should the governor and legislature take? Let’s hear from the big brains at Crain’s. We shouldn’t be letting all this public policy expertise go to waste.
Or are they just laundering republican talking points again and calling it journalism.

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:58 pm
==I say let the man test the presidential waters, even if it is extremely unlikely. JB is an Illinois politician first and foremost, but let’s see if he can make it work nationally. ==

It’s also worth pointing out that pols who aren’t running for President visit other states to support local parties and candidates all the time. Ted Lieu was just here, Joe Neguse is coming in August. There’s no rule that says you have to be polling first in Iowa to go speak in another state.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:02 pm
==Someone who has the right gravitas should apprise the Governor that his chances of ever becoming president are only slightly greater then zero. ==

Why should they lie to him? Pritzker’s chances are remote for 2024 because Biden is overwhelmingly likely to run. But “ever” is a mighty long time, and if the Democratic nomination is open, a popular and successful midwestern Governor is a perfectly reasonable candidate.

I think you should take your “it’ll be hard so don’t try” advice to your preferred candidates and see what they say.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:10 pm
At any given time… there are 535 folks working in DC, and 50 others working/living in Executive Mansions across America who feel 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a likely address for them.

Just saying…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:13 pm
I guess this is confirmation that Bailey has no plans to cross Illinois state boundaries before November. Or even travel to Chicago or Cook County since he doesn’t feel it is or should be part of Illinois.

Has Bailey even tried to reach out to one African-American church in Chicago to pretend he thinks he can even win this thing? Even Rauner did that much. Does he have even one unifying message, besides crime or gas prices, to think the suburbs are going to turn his way? He has downstate wrapped up, but that’s like saying Mississippi is going to vote anything but red.

===Bailey wants Pritzker to call lawmakers back into session to deal with inflation and gas prices===

Because House Republicans can control or impact global or national inflation or global oil prices? Why do I even take the time to post about these guys. Durkin did absolutely nothing to reign in the cult. It’s impossible for me to even imagine Bailey has even a remote chance to beat JB. It’s just silly at this point.

Comment by Baloneymous Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:19 pm
===Has Bailey even tried to reach out to one African-American church in Chicago ===

Several

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:21 pm
===Several===

So Bailey actually believes Chicago is part of Illinois and votes in Cook County count in a gubernatorial election. You learn something new every day. Now it’s a matter of will he cry stolen election when Cook goes for JB. /s

Comment by Baloneymous Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:29 pm
===What does Greg Hinz think the state government should do about gas prices?===

Uh, do what they did in Georgia, suspend all state taxes on gasoline? And Georgia is a lot cheaper than filling up the tank in Illinois. One local claimed the price dropped by 25 cents a gallon overnight. And our gas taxes are higher.

Last week I paid slightly over $94.00 to fill up the tank on the old Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most I have ever paid to fill up a tank of gasoline since my 1965 Chevy Corvair Monza back when a gallon sold for 29 cents. This morning I paid $91.85. I saw the Tweet from the Illinois Democratic Party this morning bragging about gasoline prices in Illinois declining. That loud laugh first thing in the morning came from me.

What will tomorrow’s tweet say? Inflation last month hit yet another record high? Can wait to see their spin on that one. Or will they pivot to DCFS contempt citation no. 12?

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:29 pm
=Compare that with DeSantis or Youngkin travel and get back to me, ILGOP.=

How often did trump travel to gold at his own resort? Say, compared to Obama? And they are complaining about Pritzker. Lots of chutzpah from the ilgop.

=“Illinois families have a message for J.B.: Repeal the Pritzker gas tax hike. Stop campaigning for president and do your job.”=

The math seems to disagree with you Darren. Pritzker is more likely to speak for Illinois families than you are. I guess you will find out in November for sure.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:29 pm
- Louis G Atsaves -

What countries around the globe have cheaper gas?

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:49 pm
Arsenal- having been around more pols then I care to acknowledge- the problem with most of them is they are surrounded by opportunists who see riches for themselves if their guy/ gal can elevate themselves. If you recall one of our more recent former 2nd floor occupants was being enticed that he had a national future. That guy at least got to reside in federal housing though not the one at 1600 PA Avenue😆😆

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:55 pm
==One local==

Some great evidence you’ve got. One person in a state of over 10 million.

Comment by Google Is Your Friend Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:03 pm
==the problem with most of them is they are surrounded by opportunists who see riches for themselves if their guy/ gal can elevate themselves==

Sure, but some of them *can* and *do* elevate themselves.

==If you recall one of our more recent former 2nd floor occupants was being enticed that he had a national future.==

So since one guy, over a decade ago, wrongly thought he could be President, a completely different guy a decade later has no chance? Make it make sense, Sue.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:08 pm
==That loud laugh first thing in the morning came from me.==

I didn’t hear it. But the tweet was correct, gas prices are dropping, as your own personal experience reflects.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:11 pm
They have already temporarily suspended the sales tax on fuel. They temporarily suspended the automatic scheduled inflation adjustment to the fuel tax. I don’t see them doing any more adjustments to the fuel tax unless State Representatives include a list of infrastructure projects they want to delay or scrap. Maybe some of those projects they voted against but tout as accomplishments during recent campaigns?

Comment by From DaZoo Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:13 pm
FWIW I saw an even bigger drop in my gas bill this week, but then I took some responsibility for my own budget and got a car that can at least get out of the teens in MPG.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:17 pm
==I don’t see them doing any more adjustments to the fuel tax unless State Representatives include a list of infrastructure projects they want to delay or scrap.==

This is a good point. I was in Georgia last month, and woo boy, Illinois roads ain’t great, but GA’s were even worse.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:24 pm
===Illinois roads ain’t great===

Yeah, but drive to Chicago on I-55 and you’ll encounter almost constant construction zones. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:28 pm
==Yeah, but drive to Chicago on I-55 and you’ll encounter almost constant construction zones.==

Sure, which is its own annoyance, lol.

But yeah, I hope that means they’ll be better in a year or so, and I think that’s more likely than not.But everything has trade offs, it’s never as simple as just “cut the gas tax”. Gotta cut something with it, too.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:31 pm
Still waiting for anyone in GOP to complain about Trump taking more vacations than any president in history ( which taxpayers paid for at Trump’s resorts! ). And they worry about JB taking 3 trips this year? Sheesh.

Comment by Tired Teacher Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:44 pm
===But the tweet was correct, gas prices are dropping, as your own personal experience reflects.===

Let me know when it gets back to $45-$50 per fill up. In the meantime, I remain unimpressed that the last fill up was $2.15 less. And I can afford to pay it. Lots of people out there can’t.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:58 pm
=== And I can afford to pay it. Lots of people out there can’t.===

I know, your concern for others.

It’s so phony, if that was true you woulda cared when Rauner crushed social services… but you didn’t

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 5:01 pm
===Let me know when it gets back to $45-$50 per fill up===

You see that happening soon, given the global prices of fuel (gas) are exorbitant too.

What should be done here domestically to get you to your $45-$50 fill up?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 5:23 pm
There’s going to be a Democratic candidate somewhere in Illinoisth at loses a race in November and they are going to say that if Pritzker hadn’t been traveling around to presidential primary states he could’ve helped that Dem candidate win.

Comment by Divebar Diva Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 6:39 pm
===== And I can afford to pay it. Lots of people out there can’t.===

I know, your concern for others.

It’s so phony, if that was true you woulda cared when Rauner crushed social services… but you didn’t==

Louis G, Ouch that’s gonna leave a mark.

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 6:59 pm
===There’s going to be a Democratic candidate somewhere in Illinoisth at loses a race in November and they are going to say that if Pritzker hadn’t been traveling around to presidential primary states he could’ve helped that Dem candidate win.===

Name the race(s) and maybe you won’t sound like drive by. Most people outside of Capfax won’t even know JB left the state for a day or two. You think a down ballot Dem candidate is going to be bombarded by tv ads by a Republican opponent about JB leaving the state for a couple days that will impact their race? If a Dem candidate is going to lose, downstate anyway, it’s going to be about Trump and the cult not JB going to Florida.

Comment by Baloneymous Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 7:11 pm
Why shouldn’t he be allowed to travel where he wants? It IS the United States of America regardless of his views. I’m just curious why he has made a statement on the agg producers strike (outside of the letter Omar Osman signed) to the agg producers only and copied 150 on instead sending the same demand letter to Sweeney and demand a settlement fair to not only both sides but the taxpayers, too. Let the guy travel and spread his beliefs. We still do live in a free country…and Rich is correct, it’s HOT down there but with really cool lightning shows, though.

Comment by Huckleberry Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 7:42 pm
“Frankly, I don’t think anyone in their right mind should be going to Florida in July. Yuck.”

The diving in the Keys and other places was often great that time of year.

Comment by Odysseus Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:17 pm