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* Illinois GOP fundraising email…
Friend,
Have you ever heard of a Chinese company called Gotion, Inc? If you’re concerned about the encroachment of CCP’s influence in our economy, this is a copy you need to know about!
CCP in Illinois
They are a company that builds batteries for electric vehicles, and they just so happen to be building a new manufacturing facility right here in Illinois, and RIGHT NEXT to a military base.
Does that not raise some red flags for you?
The Chinese Communist Party has had complete control over China’s economy and government for over seven decades, and they have been no friend to America.
From trade deficits, stealing our intellectual property, and threatening our allies abroad; the Illinois Republican Party stands firmly against CCP’s influence in our economy, and we are calling on all Illinoisans to vote out the Democrats in power in our state so that we can get this issue under control.
2024 will be a pivotal year, and the CCP would love nothing more than for Illinoisans to maintain the status quo. You can help flip the script with a contribution of any size and help us reach out to voters and put the CCP on notice
>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>
Keep in mind that this deal has the goal of creating 2,600 good-paying jobs in a House district represented by a Republican (Jackie Haas). Haas has a far-right primary opponent who is just the type to use this sort of nonsense against her.
Nice job, ILGOP.
* Also, I reached out to the state party to ask which military base is “right next” to the Manteno site. I never heard back, but according to Crain’s, an Illinois National Guard training base is 15 miles away in Kankakee and a US Army Reserve training facility is in Joliet, which is about half an hour away. The horror! “All your base are belong to us!”
More from Crain’s…
“If there’s a big military base around here, they’ve been operating secretly, because we’re not aware of them,” [Manteno Mayor Timothy Nugent] said. Even the notion that the Chinese Community Party would select tiny Manteno as its midcontinent spying center is “a bit of a stretch,” Nugent added in a phone interview. “We’re really not interested in (attracting) anyone who’s engaged in espionage. But is Manteno really the center? This is kind of a laid-back, rural community.” […]
Officials in the Pritzker administration, who worked hard to attract the plant as an anchor for the state’s emerging EV industry, have noted that while Gotion is a subsidiary of a Chinese firm that like all companies in that country interacts with its government, the battery operation is headquartered in California, is one of the largest producers of EV batteries worldwide and its biggest shareholder is Volkswagen. […]
Mark Denzler, CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, added that the plant, like a related facility in Michigan, will need to obtain certification from the U.S. Treasury Department that it poses no risk to U.S. national security, something that already has happened with the Michigan plant.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 10:49 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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The modern day GOP is exhausting.
Comment by Lulu in Lake Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 10:58 am
–“All your base are belong to us!”
No fair winning the comments in the original post.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:00 am
From Rauner to today;
Stop progress from happening that helps… but blame Dems anyway, that it is coming, stopping it from coming, and/or making it coming a bad thing.
Raunerites devolved to Cultists Trumpkins that have a need to burn it all down, blame Dems, but at the same time keep old, angry, white, “rural” folks… angry
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:02 am
If there were Chinese spies, why would they need a battery factory? Wouldn’t a old ice cream truck work?
Comment by Betty Draper’s cigarette Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:04 am
All for EV Revolution 10000%, a foreign company, much less a foreign company based within an adversary, taking advantage of tax credits is insane.
Comment by Lake villa township dem pc Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:04 am
At a minimum the deal needs to be vetted by the US agency that oversees all such foreign investments. Why treat it any differently. If approved- great. If not - then make it subject to whatever oversite is necessary
Comment by Sue Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:05 am
>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>
This is the sort of crystal clear, sharply targeted messaging that has made the Illinois Republican Party into what it is today.
Comment by Roadrager Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:07 am
More manufactured outrage. Their leader loves the North Korean communist dictator and tried to overthrow our government. The Chinese didn’t do that.
Maybe they’re mad the “Democrats are bad for business” talking point is kaput, because if Illinois doesn’t get an EV battery plant under Pritzker, he and Democrats would be attacked for it. Let the super-minority party whine away.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:07 am
Maybe they think Rantoul is still operatin’
Sounds a lot like the day when GovJunk “forgot” his administration helped Rivian reopen the plant in Bloomington.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:09 am
===Why treat it any differently===
Literally NOBODY is asking for that. Nobody.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:10 am
=At a minimum the deal needs to be vetted by the US agency that oversees all such foreign investments.=
You should read the post once in a while.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:11 am
Reason number 5,283 that Illinois Republicans will continue to maintain their super minority status.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:12 am
The Illinois GOP should also come out against selling Illinois corn and soybean to China. No more John Deere and Caterpillar tractors or Illinois coal exports to China either. After all, these products only help prop the communist regime.
Let’s see how that goes over with their base.
Comment by Roman Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:24 am
I can’t stop shaking my head how, on both the state and national level, they’re committed to the Bizarro platform.
It’s like having a sibling that just wants to aggravate you.
Comment by Jocko Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:25 am
=with their base=
The base doesn’t care. Never let facts get in the way of a poorly constructed argument.
Comment by a revelator Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:32 am
=== Why treat it any differently ===
Unless ILGOP sends out histrionic emails opposing every foreign-owned company doing business in Illinois, they’re the only ones treating it differently.
It’ll be interesting to see how Leader Haas responds to her own party’s attempt to sabotage her district.
Comment by vern Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:38 am
==At a minimum the deal needs to be vetted by the US agency that oversees all such foreign investments.==
And it’s going to be, as everyone acknowledges.
But it’s weird to go from Rauner’s “everyone must take a paycut to attract outside investors” histrionics to THIS when we finally actually get some outside investment.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:41 am
I’m pretty sure the can of chinese food has a camera spying on me that I bought at the multi-national grocery store chain I shop at.
(sarcasm intentional)
Comment by Jerry Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:45 am
–which military base is “right next” to the Manteno site.–
Also, the Joliet Army Ammunition site while no longer used today and has mostly been turned into a large protected prairie, was a major ammunition manufacturing facility for the Army back in WWII. It’s about 5 or 10 miles from the Manteno city limits. Which lines up with the period of time the ILGOP seems to be stuck in.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:46 am
These are good paying, future focused jobs that Illinois desperately needs. Our tax base will benefit and more families will be able to afford to stay here.
Of the numerous political messaging opportunities available to the ILGOP…this is what they target. Amateur hour.
Comment by Mr. Middleground Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:51 am
So the fear is that the CCP will spend millions and millions of dollars to build a facility that will spy on a National Guard facility?
If you have an adversary willing to spend that kind of money to spy on a facility like that, you should be thankful you have an adversary willing to be that foolish with their resources.
It’s like the ILGOP sees something the GOP is doing elsewhere in the US and is working to apply it here, regardless of the facts or logic.
At least try and be a little more creative. There has got to be something Illinois-centric you can accurately complain about.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:57 am
“Vote red “ better red than dead
Comment by Rabid Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 11:58 am
=But it’s weird to go from Rauner’s “everyone must take a paycut to attract outside investors” histrionics to THIS when we finally actually get some outside investment.=
Cognitive dissonance at its’ finest.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 12:02 pm
>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>
Oh lord
Comment by Frida's boss Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 12:16 pm
>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>
Something is very broken with whoever wrote this.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 12:18 pm
===>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>===
Whelp. Brain officially broken.
Comment by Suburban Mom Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 12:40 pm
Its a world economy. They’ll pay taxes.
Comment by Siualum Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 12:42 pm
I have concern with this incredible amount of tax incentives going to a CCP company but yet we can’t afford a $75million credit for invest in kids?
Comment by Whitehat76 Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 1:02 pm
Appreciate the concern of over a half a Billion tax dollars going to a company like this one with its connections to the CCP.
Of course, leave it to the ILGOP to do a poor job of presenting their concerns.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 1:08 pm
=== but yet we can’t afford===
Has any legislator said that?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 1:14 pm
To maintain their purity, there is no Illinois Republican who owns anything made in China.
They’re so noble. /s
Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 1:18 pm
>>VOTE RED, KEEP THE REDS OUT >>
The ILGOP has moved beyond self-parody to some new paradigm level of bizzare that has no name yet.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:32 pm
Everyone rushing to their “made in China” devices to express their opposition to China.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:33 pm
=yet we can’t afford a $75million credit for invest in kids?=
We can, we don’t want to.
It is not the citizens of Illinois job to subsidize private and parochial schools that follow a different set of rules and have exclusionary enrollment practices.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:48 pm
===We can, we don’t want to.===
Winners. Make. Policy.
It was a “give” when the program was created. It’s not a want to the larger ideas of Democratic policies, so it seems.
Why aren’t these schools who crave these monies ask donors to forgo the program and altruistically just give to the schools so kids can go?
Why aren’t these schools touting the program discussing it… that if funding does end, as a safety, to help “the kids”?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:52 pm
To finish my thought to bring it back to the post…
Winners make policy and when policy can create jobs, help local economies.
The problem with a past governor’s policies was they couldn’t get 60/30, no “gives” towards them… because the policy was “allowing” Dems to *raise* taxes after gutting labor.
This post is about policy and winning when we see what happens in governing to the winner’s policy
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:55 pm
@Whitehat “we can’t afford a $75 million credit for Invest in Kids?”
It’s not a matter of affording, it’s a matter of deciding whether or not the political will is there to reach 60, 30, and 1.
So far with the way CTU is pounding city politicians and suburban IEA members are pressuring suburban legislators, there may not be the political backbone to continue to keep the program. Don’t for any reason think that $75 million out of a $50 billion dollar budget isn’t something the legislature couldn’t accomplish if they wanted to.
If they wanted to keep it they would keep it.
Comment by Frida's boss Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 2:56 pm
===So far with the way CTU is pounding city politicians and suburban IEA members are pressuring suburban legislators, there may not be the political backbone to continue to keep the program===
So the Dem legislators are wanting the program to continue but are afraid? Really? Which legislators?
Your want of this spin to CTU wholly ignores that the policies of the party and legislators seemingly are not wanting the policy, not the other way around, scared to be for it.
If you have a cite to this, please share.
The continuation of the program lacks support. It definitely doesn’t lack spin trying to deflect that.
===If they wanted to keep it they would keep it.===
Winners make policy. The want lacks, the fear isn’t driving it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 3:04 pm
As to the post, winners do make policy.
Whether or not it is good policy or bad policy remains to be seen.
Certainly the General Assembly could have a hearing on this use of taxpayers money. The GOP could make its case in an open hearing and Pritzker could make his case. Why not have a vote so GA members could go on the record on this particular investment?
This is a lot of money and the issues around the involvement of the CCP in this venture should have an open public hearing.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 3:35 pm
=== the issues around the involvement of the CCP in this venture should have an open public hearing.===
Can the governor and the state do what they are doing?
A hearing seems needlessly redundant and plays into the hands of the minority, empowering them needlessly and setting a precedent needlessly too
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 3:39 pm
Not sure a majority of taxpayers in Illinois would give 536 million dollars to a corporation allegedly controlled by the CCP.
Lot’s put a little light on this Pritzker policy.
What is the harm in having a hearing and have Team Pritzker explain under oath the due diligence that went into this decision?
Maybe we could have gotten a few more “benefits” if we brought North Korea, Russia or Iran into the process.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 3:53 pm
=== What is the harm in having a hearing===
Needlessly having hearing will detract from other businesses looking to Illinois because of needless red tape.
=== Not sure a majority of taxpayers===
We are all taxpayers, the voters elected a governor to be the executive.
=== Maybe we could have gotten a few more “benefits” if we brought North Korea, Russia or Iran into the process.===
Thank you for proving the point that it would be a needless circus of grandstanding buffoonery designed for the politics not the policy.
(Sigh)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 3:57 pm
@Back to the Future:
How about you try reading the post. The post specifically states that they will “need to obtain certification from the U.S. Treasury Department that it poses no risk to U.S. national security.” So you and the Republicans can stop your hyperventilating. Your comments are absolutely absurd and show you aren’t a serious person.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 4:20 pm
=== The post specifically states that they will “need to obtain certification from the U.S. Treasury Department that it poses no risk to U.S. national security.”===
Was on “Strike Two”, but glad you cut this thinking to the quick.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 4:22 pm
May be headed to Strike Three, but believe that folks have a right to be concerned about this transaction and the best place to deal with those concerns is in our own Illinois General Assembly or the US Congress rather than an administrative agency.
I actually did read the post and appreciate the reference to the Treasury Department. Of course, their may be National Security issues, but really think this is about who you choose to invest taxpayers money with. Frankly a CCP controlled group would not make my top 10 list.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 4:59 pm
===Frankly a CCP controlled group===
You really need to take a pause from the media you’re watching.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 5:12 pm
===the best place to deal with those concerns is in our own Illinois General Assembly or the US Congress rather than an administrative agency.===
That’s like asking your fast food server if the food they are serving meets FDA approval. Sure, they can say so, but it sure ain’t no FDA.
You can’t trust the Department of Treasury now?
Friend, you have bigger problems than me… and my in-law uncle.
The politics to it?
Next election, if all things stay equal, don’t vote for Pritzker
Problem solved.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 5:15 pm
==
Not sure a majority of taxpayers in Illinois would give 536 million dollars to a corporation allegedly controlled by the CCP.
Lot’s put a little light on this Pritzker policy.
What is the harm in having a hearing and have Team Pritzker explain under oath the due diligence that went into this decision?
Maybe we could have gotten a few more “benefits” if we brought North Korea, Russia or Iran into the process.
==
You see, those are, in many ways, legitimate questions and a persuasive argument for some. But they didn’t go in the direction of ‘Subisides for a CCP company’, did they? Nope, they didn’t.
They went with an easily debunked argument that made them look foolish.
==
They are a company that builds batteries for electric vehicles, and they just so happen to be building a new manufacturing facility right here in Illinois, and RIGHT NEXT to a military base.
==
Because for most folks of a certain age, Manteno was the home of the state mental hospital. Not some military base.
If you are the Illinois GOP, you should go ahead and reference the WTTW story (along with others) about the subsidy.
https://news.wttw.com/2023/09/08/battery-manufacturing-plant-coming-illinois-530m-incentive-deal
Then ask, is this the sort of company Illinois wants to give a subsidy to? You have an argument (and a more compelling fundraising argument, IMHO), but instead, you go with something that sounds silly to anyone who knows where Manteno is.
They are gonna spy, no kidding, they are going to spy no matter what or where. We will give hundreds of millions of dollars of subsidies to a company that may have links to the CCP, which is a much better pitch. It brings in the whole ’subsidies to large companies and how they often don’t result in the gains expected’ and ‘red communists’ all at one. All sorts of better arguments to make than ‘it’s next to some imaginary military base.’
The spies everywhere might get you $5 from grandma, but you need a lot more cash than that.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 6:07 pm
@Back to the future- have you ever shopped at Walmart,Amazon, bought a car or TV? Ever been a consumer in the last 50yo are?
Spoiler alert, you have been helping China.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 7:10 pm
Appreciate your concerns and advice.
Hope this turns out ok. We could always use more jobs.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 7:31 pm
@OW- I don’t really need to prove conversations, just listening to what I’m hearing. Not everything needs to be a media source to have a substance that actual conversations from both sides are happening, and that both sides want what they want. You would be playing ignorant if you think either side is just sitting on their hands and hoping their position wins by the time veto is done.
Now will it change anything… can’t say, as I said before without 60, 30, and 1 it ends.
That said you usually have all the answers so enlighten us if the Invest in Kids people have given up or if the CTU and IEA are so confident that they aren’t making the rounds.
Comment by Frida's boss Monday, Sep 25, 23 @ 8:17 pm
===I don’t really need to prove===
This…
===Now will it change anything… can’t say, as I said before without 60, 30, and 1 it ends.===
Again, any discussion to this idea that CTU is running anything over any Dems when it’s the policy of Dems that have been against it, and it was a “give” deal, not a policy want… it’s tough for you to state…
===So far with the way CTU is pounding city politicians and suburban IEA members are pressuring suburban legislators, there may not be the political backbone to continue to keep the program===
… it’s utterly ridiculous to say “backbone” is what you are hearing, that would be an opinion to the tactic, not an observation of the lobbying.
There’s a difference.
Until it’s seen that CTU is holding off an organic 60/30, that observation is inaccurate, no what what opinion exists.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 26, 23 @ 7:27 am