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* The original post was accidentally deleted. Sorry about that. Not sure what the heck happened. Here’s Fran Spielman…
Newly-retired Jesse White, the first African-American elected as Illinois Secretary of State, is endorsing Paul Vallas, giving Vallas a leg up in his quest to claim the 20% share of the Black vote he needs to win the April 4 mayoral runoff against Brandon Johnson. […]
An African American elected official, who asked to remain anonymous, predicted White’s endorsement would have a domino effect on other establishment Black elected officials and, more importantly, on older, more conservative Black voters.
“It’s a huge first step toward Paul galvanizing support he needs desperately in the Black community,” the politician said.
“Jesse White is loved throughout the entire state. Senior citizens listen to him. The seniors who stuck with Lori Lightfoot or went with Willie Wilson are gonna start gravitating toward Paul because of his message on public safety, his expertise on budgeting and their fear that Brandon Johnson would defund the police and impose a head tax, a hotel tax a commuter tax — whatever tax. The city can’t take it.”
The hope is that White’s endorsement will lead to endorsements from Alds. Burnett, Harris, Dowell, Ervin and maybe even US Rep. Danny Davis.
*** UPDATE *** Here we go…
Vallas and Brandon Johnson are now able to accept unlimited contributions through the runoff.
— Reform for Illinois (@Reform4Illinois) March 2, 2023
…Adding… An aide confirms that Jesse White is a CTU member. That’s gotta sting.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:00 pm
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I know what I did now. Ugh.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:06 pm
I’m gonna replace some of the comments that got deleted.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:07 pm
Will be interesting to see if Brandon Johnson is smart enough to not say anything dumb about Jessie White. Just sorta keep your mouth shut or say something very generic and complimentary about him
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:08 pm
Jesse White’s endorsement is a big get for Vallas.
Comment by Herbflus Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:08 pm
Shocked by this… can’t wait to hear what Jesse sees that I don’t.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:09 pm
Some people raised an eyebrow when he endorsed Alexi so maybe this is not such a surprise.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:09 pm
And wholly agree with the consensus here, many saying it in so many words;
Let it go, don’t go after Jesse.
Amateurs would go after Jesse White in this. Let the cycle today play out.
The bigger concern is Jesse, ads with Jesse, Jesse campaigning with Vallas… attacking Jesse isn’t helpful, it highlights
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:09 pm
Dowell has already endorsed Brandon…
Comment by Local Person Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:10 pm
Unlike most “coerced” or “leveraged” endorsements, this one is big. Jesse is a bridge builder with massive bipartisan respect. In his retirement, Jesse no longer needs to curry favor or keep from rocking the boat. This one is from his heart and a huge bump for Vallas.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:10 pm
Interesting to see. Not yet convinced this will necessarily move the needle though.
Comment by Left of what Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:10 pm
=Not yet convinced this will necessarily move the needle though.=
With that sentence, you have demonstrated that you have no clue where and how this race will be fought and won.
Comment by Anon 12:43 Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:10 pm
==Interesting to see. Not yet convinced this will necessarily move the needle though.==
Wishful thinking
Comment by Sad Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:11 pm
===Interesting to see. Not yet convinced this will necessarily move the needle though.===
Vallas and Trippi will analyze, scrutinize, size up all Valencia did with Jesse’s endorsement and do the exact opposite of how Valencia handled this prize.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:11 pm
It’s Joever. Mayor Vallas it is.
Brandon Johnson should look towards running for Danny Davis’ seat.
Comment by Hot Taeks Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:11 pm
Jesse White is no Charles Thomas
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:12 pm
Not many endorsements have the desired impact, but this one will. Jesse White is one of the most respected politicians (if not the most respected) in Illinois. When he endorses it usually moves numbers.
=In his retirement, Jesse no longer needs to curry favor or keep from rocking the boat. This one is from his heart and a huge bump for Vallas.=
First, he never needed to curry favor politically. As many here have stated, going after Jesse WHite is a political hazard in Illinois. In all of the years he has served, even republicans didn’t go after him. Most tried to curry favor from Jesse White.
Second, you now speak for Jesse’s heart?
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:12 pm
Wow, as others have pointed out a big get for Vallas, think this helps him in lots of communities and helps with the ‘he is kind of a Republican stuff’.
Also wonder if this helps JB out of the race.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:12 pm
If comparisons were made, a Jesse White endorsement is like getting a nod from the Cardinal of Illinois politics.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:12 pm
Becoming an uphill climb for Mr. Johnson.
I’m not enamored with either candidate, but am grateful to both for their part in ousting Lightfoot.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:13 pm
Whoa, way to start the game swinging for the fences by Vallas. It neutralizes so many arguments and I agree on how a Jesse White endorsement makes it OK for others to back him. And as we have learned, no one, regardless of party, should ever trash Jesse White.
Comment by levivotedforjudy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:15 pm
Oh my. This must have been in the works for awhile. If that is so then the Vallas campaign is on the ball and planning more of these “gets”. Hopefully (as OW says) the Brandon campaign has to not react publicly. But start looking at a list of other possible “gets”. Eeek.
Comment by SouthSideGT Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:16 pm
Hopefully it works as well as his endorsement of Valencia.
Comment by the 647 Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:18 pm
I keep telling my ultra liberal progressive friends that Paul Vallas is not a racist and is not a Republican. Maybe they will listen now.
The former SoS likely remembers how CPS was termed the worst school district in the US and Vallas helped turn it around.
Dowell, Burnett and Erwin wont endorse Vallas. Indeed, Dowell is already w Johnson. It wont matter though. A good number of their constituents will vote for Vallas regardless.
Comment by low level Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:19 pm
My bad, Jesse endorsed Valencia. But if his endorsement didn’t matter for his own replacement maybe it doesn’t carry the weight some place on it.
Comment by Big Dipper Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:19 pm
I think Johnson is smart enough to either say nothing or only respectful things about Jesse. If he isn’t, then then my assessment of his judgment is way off.
If White puts a lot of face time with Vallas in communities/does an ad for him, that is a huge upside for Vallas’ campaign.
Comment by Montrose Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:20 pm
I’m not sure why people are surprised a guy who endorsed Joe Berrios would endorse Vallas. But yes, this is big - blunts the only strategy I’ve heard come from Johnson’s side (attack Vallas as closet GOP and at least tollerant of bigots).
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:21 pm
Guessing Johnson’s campaign will be smart enough not to say anything dumb. Johnson’s progressive supporters, on the other hand, are already attacking White on social media. Not a great look, especially when almost all of them are white.
Comment by R.J. Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:23 pm
Rich, I think the Dowell mention is incorrect. She was on the stage with Brandon for his victory speech, so I doubt she would flip.
Comment by Juice Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:30 pm
Are we in for a month of “Will be interesting to see if Brandon Johnson is smart enough…” and “I think Johnson is smart enough…”? Are you going to start calling him “articulate” next?
Comment by Change Agent Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:32 pm
===Are we in for a month of “Will be interesting to see if Brandon Johnson is smart enough…”===
It’s not often the most popular politician (of any party) in the state endorses your opponent only hours after a primary.
It’s fair speculation, given the very same speculation was given to Alexi when Jesse endorsed Valencia.
Being aggrieved by political speculation “here” isn’t a smart way to read the room, as I recall after Alexi had only good things to say about White, further speculation to the “handling” ended.
You only speculate or scrutinize folks you are taking seriously.
If you’d like, not taking Brandon seriously going forward is on the table… let’s just see how today plays out.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:38 pm
Change Agent, I’d refer to the Vallas campaign in exactly the same way (”Is the Vallas campaign smart enough to do such and such,” and so on).
Separately, I don’t think the Anna Valencia comparisons make sense. She was facing a major scandal over her husband’s lobbying, which made the White endorsement less of a factor.
Comment by R.J. Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:38 pm
===I don’t think the Anna Valencia comparisons make sense===
lol
Choosing not to exploit the endorsement, the biggest asset of that campaign “because her husband” is not only fair, but that Valencia campaign was arguably the worst run campaign that entire primary season, bar none… and that’s saying something given contenders for “worst run”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:41 pm
==Not a great look, especially when almost all of them are white.==.
Yes. They are not doing Brandon Johnson any favors. However, being tone deaf, know it all Bernie Bro types, they are convinced of the righteousness of their cause and act accordingly
Comment by low level Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:41 pm
=Are we in for a month of “Will be interesting to see if Brandon Johnson is smart enough…” and “I think Johnson is smart enough…”? Are you going to start calling him “articulate” next?=
You raise an interesting point, and most assuredly not the one you were trying to make.
We don’t know Brandon Johnson. He has been elected to office all of ten minutes and on the payroll of the CPS before that. So, no, it’s not out of the question to ask “what would Brandon do?” because we don’t have a clue.
So spare me the thought that by questioning what he would do or if he has the political sense not to do something that it somehow serves as some sort of racist dog whistle.
Comment by Anon 1:43 Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:43 pm
==the worst run campaign that entire primary season==
Definitely agree. The question now is which one was worse Chuy or Anna?
Comment by Wowie Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:43 pm
I’m still surprised Valencia and Conyers-Ervin were unopposed. I remember when those were considered plum jobs. Inside work, no heavy lifting, decent salary and benefits. Not really stepping stones, but they are comfortable gigs.
No one was interested? Strange.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:44 pm
OW and RJ - I have no problem with political speculation generally (that’s why we’re all here, after all) or with speculating about whether Johnson’s *campaign* is smart enough. (R.J., I was completely fine with your 1:23 comment.) Speculation about whether Brandon Johnson as a *person* is smart enough on the other hand…
Comment by Change Agent Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:45 pm
To the responses about my skepticism, there are two fairly distinct choices ideologically even though both are dems. Endorsements dont mean as much in crowded media environments like the current political climate. It’s about what’s salient and ideology trumps in this case. I still agree with the sentiment yesterday that Vallas has a higher floor but lower ceiling and this is because of his ideological stances.
Comment by Left of what Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:48 pm
===as a *person* is===
Like I said, aggrieved.
Where do you find this speculation?
Like I said, deciding not to take Johnson serious is on the table.
We’ll see how today goes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:48 pm
=My guess is that this is transactional. Vallas probably agreed to take care of Jessies’ people and/or fund his pet projects. Nothing more, nothing less.=
This is an outrageous comment. You don’t know Mr. White at all, do you?
Comment by Anon 1:50 Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:50 pm
To put a sharp point on it?
===Being aggrieved by political speculation “here” isn’t a smart way to read the room, as I recall after Alexi had only good things to say about White, further speculation to the “handling” ended.===
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:51 pm
==Where do you find this speculation?==
DuPage Saint at 1:08 and Montrose at 1:20.
Deciding not to take Johnson and his campaign seriously could be on the table for some people. There’s a word for speculating about the intelligence of an accomplished Black man…
Comment by Change Agent Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:52 pm
- Change Agent -
Good luck.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:54 pm
===which made the White endorsement less of a factor===
Nobody could’ve saved her at that point.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 1:55 pm
“worst run” goes to Richard Irvin all day long Losing by 42 points to Darren Bailey is not a resume item.
Comment by Always something Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:01 pm
+DuPage Saint at 1:08 and Montrose at 1:20.+
For me, I was using “Johnson” as shorthand for the campaign. I think of the candidate and their campaign as one in the same at this point in the game.
Comment by Montrose Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:03 pm
I certainly don’t expect this to be the last big establishment Democrat to support Vallas.
I think a lot of people aren’t recognizing how far left Brandon Johnson is ideologically. Not even getting into his tax plan, I would suggest watching his WGN interview following the looting in 2020. He’s obviously sympathetic to the looters and brushes off business and safety concerns because they have insurance. The idea of him on the 5th floor and his response to looting if it were to occur in the summer of 2023 or 2024 is frightening.
I have to imagine a whole lot of establishment Democrats, moderate and liberal, feel the same way.
Comment by Bob Cobb Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:06 pm
===“worst run” goes to Richard Irvin all day long===
Sorry, no, and no.
You have the most popular Illinois politician endorsing you, for the job he currently holds, and that Crew couldn’t figure out their own oppo, ran abortion ads as their staple, and were outmaneuvered by Alexi getting the unions and drying up any cash.
By any measure, underutilizing assets, not understanding their own oppo, outflanked with unions… it’s not close.
Bailey is the GOP. It’s says more about the party that Bailey beat out 6 folks with over 56%
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:08 pm
Anna Valencia’s failure to put Jesse White in an ad may go down as the single greatest act of political malpractice in the 21st century so far. Anyone who says Jesse’s endorsement was not impactful doesn’t understand politics.
I fully expect Burnett and others to follow in rapid succession. And I fully expect the Jesse ad to hit the airwaves in 3…2…1…
Comment by New Day Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:21 pm
Some very interesting old guard vs new guard maneuvering afoot
Comment by Nick Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:30 pm
In the 2020 WGN interview Brandon Johnson called corporations making profits “looting” and called for defunding the police during the heart of the civil unrest in Chicago.
He said the businesses who were concerned about being looted won’t leave Chicago because the have insurance and assurance
He articulated his positions very clearly in this interview
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VadFYX0xSo4
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:44 pm
Spending $52 million and getting 3rd by definition makes it the worst run campaign in Illinois history. Not to mention that crew failed to win even one race. Malpractice 101
Comment by Always something Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:48 pm
the thought of Jesse White always makes me hit the way back machine in my mind, to George Dunne, his ward committeeman of old days. what a crazy last few years that guy had before not running for his County Bd. Pres seat. and yet he stayed in that Ward Comm spot. oh the days before Me Too.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:59 pm
===Spending $52 million and getting 3rd===
“Sure, Jan”
Losing by 19 points after getting endorsed by the current officeholder who is the most popular politician in the state to a guy who was missing for 10 years is an utter embarrassment.
Jesse White couldn’t save Valencia… how is that not an indictment to the bad?
You also ignoring that Bailey carried 56%+ in a primary where his own defining traits and the party alignment was a mitigating issue to the race dynamic.
Valencia couldn’t even get an ad with Jesse White to help.
Which, to this post, to bring it back…
Vallas won’t be as silly or foolish as not use Jesse White as often as he can, wherever he can, however he can to offset where Vallas needs help… the exact opposite as Valencia did.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 2:59 pm
Vallas has money to run Jesse ads. Valencia did not have money. She ran a crap campaign. Vallas is running a stellar campaign which, to be honest, is unreal to be saying.
Comment by Tom Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 3:09 pm
===Vallas is running a stellar campaign which, to be honest, is unreal to be saying.===
If he wasn’t afraid of flying, he might have beaten Rod for the 2002 Democratic nomination.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 3:37 pm
The guys running the campaign thought Irvin was a good candidate. I’m basically not disagreeing with you. Point is they thought Irvin could beat Bailey, sold a major donor on it and got creamed. So, the choice of candidate and campaign win hands down for most imcompetent
Comment by Always something Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 3:45 pm
===sold a major donor on it===
It’s the opposite.
Now, move along. Stop hijacking a post that has nothing whatsoever to do with that campaign.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 3:47 pm
On election night Brandon Johnson spent the second half of his speech ripping on Vallas, even calling him a January 6th insurrectionist.
Vallas in response counters with a strong Jesse White endorsement of his candidacy.
Tough to sneer at that endorsement and its timing.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 3:59 pm
Vallas came this/close to becoming Governor in 2002, but got outmaneuvered by Rod particularly in lining up endorsements downstate (not to mention he didn’t want to campaign downstate).
Reeling in Jesse White may be evidence that he learned from his 2002 campaign.
Comment by West Wing Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 4:05 pm
Given the diminishing number of democratic primary votes downstate, I think its fair to say that Paul Vallas was simply a man ahead of the times. /s
Comment by Juice Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 4:23 pm
=Some very interesting old guard vs new guard maneuvering afoot=
I didn’t know the CTU was new
Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 4:59 pm
Two days in a row agreeing with Louis Atsaves. But when you are right you are right.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 5:59 pm
===If he wasn’t afraid of flying, he might have beaten Rod for the 2002 Democratic nomination.===
It’s one of things, it’s such a crazy way that race closed, plum didn’t go because of a fear of flying.
Yep. - Louis G Atsaves - has this on point…
===Tough to sneer at that endorsement and its timing.===
Perfect timing, and the caps off, probable influx of cash… it’s a big deal.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 6:09 pm
I certainly did not mean to imply any ne sums d from now on I will say campaign of so and so. But will the campaign be smart enough to not criticize White and that includes tweets that some intern sent out and Campaign did not authorize?
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 6:22 pm
Sunday schedule: Vallas and Jesse do churches together with a video crew.
Monday: New TV ad with Jesse at the pulpit praising Vallas
Tuesday: Valencia whispers, “So that’s how you do it.”
Comment by Anna Valencia's Digital Team Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 7:36 pm
Somebody suggested Johnson didn’t get endorsed by any County Board colleagues. Will be interesting to see if that holds.
But I checked - guy lost his own precinct to both Lightfoot and Wilson. That doesn’t suggest we’d get a Mayor who is any better at bringing people together
Comment by Phineas Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 7:38 pm
@Phineas
Bill Lowry endorsed Johnson.
Suburban Commissioners Britton and Morita endorsed him too.
Did Preckwinkle endorse Johnson ?
Comment by Minnie Pearl Jam Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 8:05 pm
My sources say Mendoza is the next Vallas endorsement. She’s no Jesse White but still not a bad get.
Comment by Michael Westen Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 8:33 pm
Strong opening move. Game on.
Comment by Dirty Red Thursday, Mar 2, 23 @ 10:26 pm