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‘Establishment candidate’ slated by establishment over defiant Dem with Republican ties

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Illinois

* Leigh Giangreco at Crain’s on how not to get slated by the Cook County Democratic Central Committee…

As party leaders gathered Tuesday and conducted a question-and-answer session before deciding which candidate to back, [state’s attorney hopeful Eileen O’Neill Burke] snapped at committee members who questioned her over fraternizing with Republicans across the state. Much of what played out between O’Neill Burke and the committeemen felt like a repeat of the mayoral campaign for Paul Vallas, a relative conservative whose Democratic loyalty was challenged after comments he made likening himself to a Republican. […]

“We are a party organization, we want to know where people stand,” Martwick said. “The reason is . . . every Democratic primary opponent I have ever faced, every single one, has been a Republican running as a Democrat.”

Before Martwick could finish, O’Neill Burke shot back.

“Are you accusing me of being a Republican, Rob?” she said.

* A.D. Quig at the Chicago Tribune…

Martwick noted that O’Neill Burke’s campaign treasurer, Thomas Glasgow, had “only voted in Republican primaries every year since 2002,” which O’Neill Burke confirmed. “What do you have to say —,” Martwick began, before O’Neill Burke jumped in.

Glasgow “is a criminal defense attorney. I have been friends with him for three decades. He’s good with money. I asked him to be my treasurer. He’s not controlling my campaign; he’s merely my treasurer. But good job, Rob. Really thorough vetting on that one,” she said, as committee members murmured. Martwick muttered, “Wow.”

“What else do you want me to say, Rob? I am not a Republican, I have voted in every Democratic primary since I was 18,” she said.

“Justice, I think you’ve said it all,” Martwick replied.

* She was also asked about a small contribution to a Republican candidate for the appellate court. Here’s Craig Wall at ABC 7…

Alderman Michael Rodriguez, another Preckwinkle ally, quizzed Burke about her support for a Republican judge. Burke said the Democrat was rated not qualified.

“I have been a lifetime Democrat. I have supported Democrats but I also think it’s important to look at someone’s qualifications and not just do a litmus test,” she said.

When it came time for a vote, Harris won a unanimous endorsement.

She’ll run as the outsider, they’ll call her a Republican.

* Some background on Clayton Harris from Mitchell Armentrout at the Sun-Times…

Harris, a Washington Park resident, was a prosecutor under former Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine; an intergovernmental affairs assistant to former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley; and lead counsel for the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Harris went on to the Illinois Transportation Department and eventually became the final chief of staff to Blagojevich late in the tenure of the governor who was later convicted on corruption charges.

In a 2012 letter to a federal judge, Harris — who was never accused of wrongdoing — described “chaos” in Blagojevich’s office, including “an episode where I was directed to fire the entire legal department because they lacked the professionalism that the governor believed should have been exhibited.” He also said Blagojevich ordered him to hire an unemployed lawyer “he met in line at Starbucks to be chief legal counsel of the state of Illinois!”

Harris didn’t follow up on either request, but he “did allow [Blagojevich] to believe” that he would do so because that was the best way to refocus the governor’s attention on more important matters, Harris wrote. […]

More recently, Harris served as executive director of the Illinois International Port District from 2016-2020 and then as public policy director for the ride-hailing giant Lyft through 2022, according to a LinkedIn profile. His teaching at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy has focused on “the possible solutions available to change how race is policed.”

* WGN’s Tahman Bradley recently talked with Harris…

WGN News asked Harris if he would want Foxx’s endorsement.

“I would absolutely appreciate Kim Foxx’s endorsement,” Harris said.

Harris already has the backing of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, almost guaranteeing him an influx of campaign cash and volunteers. He told WGN News that he has no problem being labeled the ‘establishment candidate.’ In fact, Harris believes a Preckwinkle endorsement ‘absolutely helps’ his campaign.

“She’s the president of the county. Her support, her backing is very influential, and she’s teed me up so that we can move forward,” Harris said. “I’m looking at garnering a large tree myself so that there are multiple branches on there from all walks of life.”

* Meanwhile, the party also voted yesterday to back Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham over Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes. Here’s Dan Hinkel and Alejandra Cancino at Injustice Watch…

Cunningham’s challenger, Reyes, sought the party stamp again after losing against the party-endorsed candidate in a 2020 bid to become the first Hispanic judge on the highest court. Reyes urged committee members to make history by giving Hispanic residents a “seat at the table of justice.”

“I’m merely a reflection of the Latino community’s dreams and aspirations of having a place on the bench of our state’s highest court,” said Reyes, who was endorsed by U.S. Reps. Jesus “Chuy” García and Delia Ramirez, both Chicago Democrats.

Cunningham, a former state appellate court justice and onetime president of the Chicago Bar Association, rejected that narrative in an interview, calling it divisive and saying she is a justice for all Illinoisans. On Monday, Cunningham introduced herself to the party as the daughter of immigrants from Panama and the Cayman Islands. Her father held two jobs, and she worked as a critical care nurse during law school, she said.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 8:44 am

Comments

If I recall correctly, it was very obvious Blago was corrupt as sin the last few years of his administration. You’d have to be pretty craven or stupid to be his Chief of Staff to begin with.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 8:53 am
Well at least we know who Kim Foxx supports

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:02 am
This reminds me that Democrats are often not much different from Republicans, at the party level. When reaching across the aisle to build community is a mortal sin, the raison d’etre for having competing parties is to deny others a voice.

I have friends who are Republican. I am a Democrat, and pray my friends feel the same about me. We belong to the same community, pay the same taxes, attend the same schools. We have the same needs.

At the state level, cooperation assures many needs are met. Antagonism assures contempt for others based on their group identity, regardless of their character.

I am of the mind we have gone far enough down this road. While I will always remain a Democrat, I am for “No Labels,” and “Country First” principles. We can become a better state, a more inclusive state if we choose to accept each other and work toward common interests.

Yes. There are lunatics with microphones in the Republican Party at present. But are we so different since becoming the party of cigar smoke filled, backroom negotiations?

If Burke wants to hire a life-long friend to help with her campaign, that individual’s background should matter less that the platform espoused by each candidate.

Comment by H-W Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:02 am
It is incredible to see that a candidate, who is a life long Democrat, could be torpedoed over the choice of her campaign treasurer.

Bipartisanship is dead.

Comment by Gravitas Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:09 am
Typical garbage from the Cook County Dems. Burke is by far the superior candidate here. I think she can definitely win in spite of not getting the party’s endorsement.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:10 am
===She’ll run as the outsider, they’ll call her a Republican.===

Republicans have let “alternative facts” become who they are, they are “whataboutism”, they refuse to call an insurrection what it was, and still believe the 2020 election was rigged.

See, here’s the sitch.

“We’ll, I don’t believe any of that, and I’m a Republican”

“Have you condemned those in your leadership that embraces those things?”

“They can believe…”

Yeah, I stop them there.

The Republicans that are wholly cowards and also embrace Mary Miller types, or support the indicted leader of an overthrow of a fair and free election… just stop.

There are two sides, as US Grant said perfectly. There are traitors and patriots. In our own 21st century divide, we don’t agree on the facts but differ on the policy… we have two sets of facts and policies that either protect American freedoms… or those who want to control women, re-educate children, and re-imagine history, a white-washing to placate racial fears.

Yeah. It matters. Like those who supported Pritzker but “couldn’t support” Johnson over Vallas… it matters.

Grant would be heartbroken. There are no nuances to being a traitor to the American ideals, or to absolving those who support the tearing down of the Republic.

Don’t let strangers in your house.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:17 am
“fraternizing with Republicans”

Perish the thought.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:27 am
Wow , traitors

Comment by Hank Sauer Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:35 am
===Wow , traitors===

If the refusing to call insurrection by its name fits…

You can’t be “a lil traitorous”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:38 am
===the superior candidate here. I think she can definitely win===

Not saying your opinion is right or wrong, but keep in mind this is a Democratic primary in a presidential year.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:41 am
===I am for “No Labels,” and “Country First” principles. We can become a better state, a more inclusive state if we choose to accept each other and work toward common interests.===

The Republicans believe, as a party without divisive discussion, that there was no insurrection and they welcome those who still openly say the 2020 election is rigged. No thanks. This isn’t forgiving a slight or “foul language”

How this applies to the post?

Surrounding yourself with those who politically can see the “law” far different with alternative facts or thoughts, “why take a chance”… what, there was no one without a Republican background that can do D-2’s and deposit checks?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:42 am
===Bipartisanship is dead.===

Narrator: it’s a partisan primary.

===“fraternizing with Republicans”

Perish the thought.===

Odd choice of word for you… “Perish”… as you openly stated deaths by guns are “regrettable”

It’s a partisan primary. Keep strangers out of parties, especially those willing to pull at what makes your party different.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:46 am
“But are we so different since becoming the party of cigar smoke filled, backroom negotiations?”

Is that what “we’re” the party of? Nobody told me.

I agree though, Republican hurt feelings is certainly a far more important political consideration than whether your party tried to suborn democracy itself. Way to keep your eyes on the ball.

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 9:52 am
==Bipartisanship is dead.==

She said this:

“I have supported Democrats but I also think it’s important to look at someone’s qualifications and not just do a litmus test”

This isn’t about bipartisanship. This is about someone wanting to run as a Democrat who has admitted to voting for a Republican. Not a good look.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:13 am
Like many states now, Illinois is essentially a one party dominant state. Democratic party slaters have every right to know the partisan political backgrounds of everyone involved in the process.

Comment by Steve Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:17 am
@ OW

=== The Republicans believe, as a party without divisive discussion, that there was no insurrection ===

Of course you are right. I personally find that party’s politics, ideology and platform too problematic today, and dangerous. Hence, I remain a Democrat at the ballot box. Like you, I conclude “No thanks.”

I was simply suggesting I long for a return to the principles of Country over Party (or at least movement toward that principle). We are a far cry from it at present in the U.S., and in various regions of our state.

@ Larry Bowa Jr.

I could be wrong about closed-door negotiations by the leadership of the Democrat Party. But my sense is that in Chicago, the Democrat Party operates more like a “machine” than a fluid, open party. I would suggest the same at the national level.

At the state level, backroom negotiations translate into no real fiscal support for candidates for the legislature espousing progressive and liberal ideals in clearly “Red” regions.

As a democratic voter, I find that problematic (offensive?) for a couple reasons. First, it tells democratic voters in such places, we are second-class members of the party when it comes to the legislature. Second, the failure to invest in such “Red” places (like Macomb, IL) is short-sighted. Some townships are in fact Blue. The surrounding community is fertile ground for changing hearts and minds going forward, if not Representatives at present. Build these communities today, and tomorrow they will become more moderate.

But as I said, I could be judgemental about backroom decision-making by the party leadership. It simple feels as if we Democrats are largely ignored in West Central IL.

Comment by H-W Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:18 am
@ Larry Bowa Jr.

I am not sure what to make of your last line. I have not and would not suggested Republican feelings are more important than the insurrection and the attempt to suborn democracy. I am actually offended when people suggest the election was stolen, that there were voting problems, etc. I call those explanations lies, not opinions.

Perhaps a misreading of my comment?

Comment by H-W Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:23 am
==If Burke wants to hire a life-long friend to help with her campaign, that individual’s background should matter less that the platform espoused by each candidate.==

Agreed. I’ll be voting for Burke.

Comment by low level Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:26 am
Personnel (including “volunteers” in key campaign roles) *IS* policy.

So… there’s that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:28 am
This shows a “street gang” mentality regarding political party affiliation and it is a big part of the problem here and in D.C.

Comment by levivotedforjudy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:48 am
I don’t think Clayton Harris will have too much trouble defeating Eileen O’Neal with the party’s backing. He is an accomplished professional, and incidentally has some bipartisan relationships from his days at IDOT and the port district.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 10:55 am
If she wasn’t expecting and prepared for this line of questioning from the members of the Democratic Party leadership then shame on her. I don’t know how she runs her courtroom but if this is how she responds to predictable questions how is she going to be when she would face the press in office or when she would appear before the county board or in Springfield?

Comment by Anonish Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:12 am
=== I don’t think Clayton Harris will have too much trouble defeating Eileen O’Neal with the party’s backing. ===

On the contrary, I think he may have a lot of trouble beating her. At this point, I think its a toss-up. He may win, but its not going to be easy.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:32 am
“Are you now or have ever been a _______________ (fill in the blank)

Comment by Earl Hickey Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:47 am
===“Are you now or have ever been a _______________ (fill in the blank)===

Are you now or have ever been a supporter of the insurrectionists?

Do you believe Joe Biden won.

Yep, two questions I ask… often.

I guess your responses would be… problematic… for me.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:51 am
can’t wait for Foxx to endorse Harris, which in effect has already happened since he says he would welcome that endorsement. that entire side should remember, play with fire and you could get burned.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:54 am
I think Burke’s response showed above all that she isn’t ready for primetime.

She was surprised that a room of potential opponents would find issues with her bipartisan choices? And instead of taking the time to craft an appropriate and professional answer…she lost her mask and started sniping.

Burke could have spun any number of answers to the positive but she let her emotions get the best of her and displayed ironically bad campaign temperament.

To everyone reading and writing that Burke is the better choice, only im your individual perception of resumes so far because the first big hurdle was a complete embarrassment.

Comment by sewer thoughts Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:57 am
Harris worked for Blago and thinks the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners is President of the County. (Of course Preckwinkle probably thinks that too.) There are a couple reasons not to vote for him.
Don’t know when O’Neill Burke supported the Republican judicial candidate, but that shouldn’t make a difference if the Democratic candidate was not qualified. Plenty of not qualified people became judges with party backing back in the Greylord days and no attorney who tries cases wants a return to that.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 11:59 am
Harris worked for Blago? and wants to appear with Kim Foxx…endorsement. wow. talk about not ready for primetime.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 12:09 pm
=== I think Burke’s response showed above all that she isn’t ready for primetime. ===

No it doesn’t. It just shows that Martwick is a grandstanding jerk.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 12:39 pm
=== It just shows that Martwick is a grandstanding jerk.===

That’s a tough needle to thread here, given it’s about a partisan endorsement in a partisan primary and the response to the personnel (volunteer) choice seems like an odd flex

It should be tiring for Dems seeing, at times, Republicans as part of the primary with Dem candidates claiming “their support of me doesn’t change the idea that…”

See: Vallas, Paul

I haven’t even gotten into qualifications, but a party that is pushing back hard on the Vallas types in Cook County should take pause that the “only” person that can file D-2s or deposit and write checks for a candidate is a Republican? Republican since Rauner/Trump hasn’t meant mere policy differences with agreed facts.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 12:46 pm
Bar groups rate many unqualified people qualified and vice versa. So Burke’s excuse for donating to a Republican doesn’t hold water.

Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 2:13 pm
=== Bar groups rate many unqualified people qualified and vice versa. So Burke’s excuse for donating to a Republican doesn’t hold water. ===

That I agree with. The Bar ratings process is just as political (albeit small “p” political) than the Cook County slating process. If they want to tank a judicial candidate, its easy to do so via the bar associations.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 2:18 pm
some bar associations are less professional than others. if the ratings for the Republican came from the ISBA I would not discount them.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 16, 23 @ 2:38 pm