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* Bloomberg’s John McCormick interviewed JB Pritzker this week…
“If I ran, I would self-fund,” said Pritzker, an investor, philanthropist and heir to the Hyatt hotel empire, who has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Pressed on how much of his own fortune he’d be willing to spend, he said: “Whatever it will take to run a winning campaign.” […]
Pritzker, 52, downplayed his own family’s status in the party, while offering what could be viewed as a subtle jab at a likely future primary opponent.
“I don’t consider my family name to be a super high-profile Democratic name,” said Pritzker, who is a major Democratic donor nationally and one of the top supporters to groups backing Clinton in 2016. “I don’t come from a political dynasty.”
Pritzker declined to discuss timing for a possible announcement, but said he’s bullish about his prospects if he enters the race. “I’m going to work to elect the most viable candidate running, and if I’m running, I think I’ll be the most viable candidate,” he said.
Not much there, but it’s still early.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 9:33 am
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===“I don’t consider my family name to be a super high-profile Democratic name,” said Pritzker, who is a major Democratic donor nationally and one of the top supporters to groups backing Clinton in 2016. “I don’t come from a political dynasty.===
Pretty nicely framed subtle shot.
That’s sounds like someone coached to the question, asked or “inserted by response”.
It caught my attention.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 9:36 am
Now, we all know Pritzker doesn’t really believe that
Comment by John Rawl Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 9:47 am
Why is he the most viable candidate? Other than Alderman Pawar who has been very specific about his plans for a New Deal with no cuts and increased taxes, neither Kennedy or Pritzker has offered any specifics or created any daylight between themselves and the unpopular policies of Speaker Madigan.
None of the three have assigned any blame for the budget impasse or Illinois problems to the Speaker and the Democrats who have had total control of state government for 12 years before Rauner’s election.
Chris Kennedy says all the Governor needs to do is sit down with the individual members of the House and Senate to work out a compromise. For someone who has lived in Illinois for decades and been politically active he is displaying a striking naivete on how things work in Springfield.
A deal will be done with the leaders or won’t happen.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 9:47 am
Not much there?
Actually he answers question # uno
And he has a ttrack record of success unlike BigBrain who crushed thousands in the private sector and ran off like a scared 3rd grader and denies his fundin’ of political hit groups.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:00 am
we all know that JB is smart, has lots of money, and a recognized name (yes, JB, it is.) but his personality can be off putting. moving along having a fine conversation and suddenly arrogance appears. it’s not elitism, it’s a personality thing. we currently have a governor who tries to play nice personally but whose heart is clearly closed. JB may not be the person whose heart is open enough to people to do what a public servant needs to do, lead with warmth and heart.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:01 am
JB’s rationale is simply… “I can self fund.” Which may be appealing to donors who’d prefer to save their money, but it’s not a good enough reason to run. He was an awful candidate against Jan Schakowsky, getting creamed in own backyard. And how are Dems supposed to differentiate with two venture capitalists?
If he really wants to be helpful, he’d back someone else for Governor.
Comment by Wizzard of Ozzie Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:03 am
Yep he’s all in to beat The tar out of Rauner, your not buying this round
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:17 am
You had me at “self-fund”.
-fake Michael J. Madigan
Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:19 am
I better take on a loan, to match cash with muscle.
Comment by Alex Paterakis Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:24 am
So far, Pritzker is doing a far better job responding to the press than Kennedy is.
Comment by progressivedem Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:27 am
Political Powerhouse Al Dixon runs against Money Powerhouse Al Hofeld. Winner: Carole Mosley Braun.
Well known republicans Kirk Dillrad, Jim Brady, and Andrew McKenna run for governor. Winner: Downstate niche candidate Bill Brady.
The only way I can imagine Rauner winning in 2018 is either a total Chicago meltdown that frightens suburban voters that they’ll be forced to pay for bailout or he gets to run against a niche candidate (or heaven help us, Pat Quinn).
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:27 am
==“I don’t consider my family name to be a super high-profile Democratic name,”==
Seriously and frankly, I think this is a fair statement on his part. It’s actually a very well crafted sentence that meets the immediate objective.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:27 am
Chris Kennedy has better name recognition downstate and seems to really want the job. I still don’t think JB will enter the race. Both the primary and the general are going to be bruising elections. He’s got to be willing to shake hands downstate.
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:34 am
progressivedem-
Kennedy did a statewide blitz of all Chicago and central Illinois media and dominated coverage last week. JB did a friendly interview with Bloomberg… which won’t be read by anyone other than through this blog. I’m not sure what metric you’re using.
Comment by Wizzard of Ozzie Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:41 am
Oh - Lucky Pierre -
In the end, “Bruce Rauner failed”
That’s going to be the ball game. That, and Rauner running in Trump’s midterm.
Rauner is trying to paint everyone “with Madigan”
Meanwhile? Rauner has no budget, no accomplishments outside Criminal Justice reform, no funding for Higher Ed, Social Services closing weekly, The Ounce getting funding from the Pritzkers…
What is Rauner going to run on for his re-elect?
“No governor has never not funded Higher Ed, but I did ” - Fake Gov. Rauner.
“No governor has had the pleasure of watching and helping social services crumble like I have!” - Fake Gov. Rauner
What is the real reason to re-elect Rauner, to continue the Rauner status quo? lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:59 am
OW, who is the most unpopular politician in the state by far?
Who more than anyone currently in office is responsible for Illinois problems?
Who has made zero effort towards compromise with the other party?
Thanks I will hang up and listen for your answer.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:09 am
Wizzard,
With all due respect, Kennedy’s blitz didn’t hit my radar. That’s not a shot. But, being fairly well read, and politically active, I didn’t see any coverage. (Again, just from my perspective.)
Certainly acknowledge that Kennedy name recognition is a plus. But Blago wrote the book on “defining your opponent” early and often, when he ran against JBT. Pretty certain that Rauner will use a similar strategy against the Dem nominee.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:11 am
===…who is the most unpopular politician in the state by far?===
Rauner isn’t running against Madigan. With no accomplishments, Rauner can’t run on his record either, LOL
“Pat Quinn failed”
Welp…
“Bruce Rauner failed” - Skyhook, in reverse.
I notice you couldn’t refute the closing of social services under Rauner’s watch, and the refusal of Rauner to fund Higher Ed. Your silence on that… noted.
Right? Exactly right.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:17 am
Rauner isn’t running against Madigan?
I think you would agree that is categorically false.
Now the ads will link Kennedy or whoever the nominee to the Speaker, especially because they all make no attempt to disassociate themselves from him or his unpopular policies.
The Speaker failed to work with the Senate on a budget last session
The Speaker failed to work with leader Durkin on any issues
The Speaker failed to work with Governor’s from his own party
Why do you think a Republican Governor would be able to work with him?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:24 am
===Why do you think a Republican Governor would be able to work with him?===
Because Jim Thompson, Jim Edgar, George Ryan all did… so there’s that, lol.
===Now the ads will link Kennedy or whoever the nominee to the Speaker, especially because they all make no attempt to disassociate themselves from him or his unpopular policies===
“Bruce Rauner failed”
You don’t think those are a-coming?
===Rauner isn’t running against Madigan?
I think you would agree that is categorically false===
Mike Madigan is running for Governor?
“Categorically”? - in a way that is unambiguously explicit and direct.
Madigan ain’t runnin’ for governor.
You need to learn what words mean.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:29 am
If you mean the Speaker worked cooperatively with Republican Governors more than 15 years ago overspending and pushing debt on future generations I agree whole heartedly.
That was the easy part and both parties were willing accomplices.
How coopertative has be been digging us out of the hole we are in?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 11:59 am
===Why do you think a Republican Governor would be able to work with him?===
LOL, asked and answered.
You don’t like the answer. I get that. Can’t spin your “ask”.
It only works if you acknowledge Rauner is a Raunerite.
That’s actually true.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 12:10 pm
==Seriously and frankly, I think this is a fair statement on his part.==
Yup, and mostly accurate, at least compared to Kennedy. They’re a bit of a Chicago name, but only in the “have their name on some stuff” sense. No one’s really paid attention to their politics.
==Kennedy did a statewide blitz of all Chicago and central Illinois media and dominated coverage last week.==
It was his opening week, he’d better dominate coverage.
==None of the three have assigned any blame for the budget impasse or Illinois problems to the Speaker and the Democrats==
Sorry, but “viable candidate” isn’t defined as someone who confirms all of your particular partisan prejudices.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 12:33 pm
He will never run!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 5:11 pm
All of them need to unite and throw their money behind the best candidate.
Bury rauner.
Comment by Property of IDOC Wednesday, Feb 15, 17 @ 10:30 pm