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* Tribune, September 21, 2014…
Former Democratic state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Sunday endorsed Republican Tom Cross over Democrat Mike Frerichs for the job of managing Illinois’ money.
“While I’m not in politics anymore, and who I’m friends with and who I think would be a good leader is probably not important to a lot of people, I do appreciate the fact that Tom Cross has done his homework on the office of treasurer,” said Giannoulias, a senior director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and chairman of the Illinois Community College Board.
Appearing on WGN radio, Giannoulias said Cross “understands the role (of treasurer) and when we talk about people willing to break with their party and do what’s right, I think he represents one of those people.”
* Sun-Times, September 21, 2014…
Former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat, is throwing his support behind Republican Tom Cross in the current race for treasurer, opting to not support fellow Democrat Mike Frerichs.
I also wrote about the endorsement. It was big news.
* All three of the above links were sent out by Pat Dowell’s campaign for secretary of state along with a news release…
At a Secretary of State’s Forum held by the Cook County Democratic Party on Saturday, June 5, candidate Alexi Giannoulias was asked if he had ever endorsed a Republican. He said that he had not. In fact, in 2014 he endorsed Republican Tom Cross for statewide office against a Democrat. This was widely reported at the time by outlets including The Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times, and Capitol Fax.
Alderman Scott Waguespack reacted, saying, “I am very troubled by Alexi Giannoulias’s statements at the forum over the weekend. He was asked a direct question from committeemen and lied about it. He tried to brush it off, claiming he only said ‘nice words’ about Cross. But when it was reported as an endorsement then, he didn’t say anything to the contrary. If he’s lying about something that can be so easily fact-checked, what else can we expect?
“I am endorsing Alderman Pat Dowell for Secretary of State because she embodies honesty and integrity and hard work. We need these qualities in Illinois public servants,” said Alderman Waguespack.
Alderman Pat Dowell said, “I promise the people of Illinois that I will work hard for them, innovate the Secretary of State’s office, and provide the best service to the public. And I will always be honest — that is who I am.”
* From about the one-hour mark…
Susan Sadlowski Garza: I just need to know a little bit about your, your past history. Is it true that you endorsed a Republican for statewide office?
Alexi Giannoulias: The answer is no, I didn’t. I did say good things about Tom Cross who was in the legislature [and running for] state treasurer. I think that no one should question my commitment to the Democratic party.
Tom Cross wasn’t just a legislator. He was the House Republican Leader.
And then Giannoulias went on to talk about Presidents Obama and Biden and skipped the Rauner era.
* Meanwhile, Greg Hinz…
One candidate to replace White, Chicago businessman and former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and other Latino leaders. A second candidate, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, responded with support from influential labor groups, including the painter’s union and Local 1 of Unite Here, which represents workers in the hospitality industry.
Meanwhile Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, a few days earlier rolled out support from prominent Black officials, including U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago; Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough; and council colleague Jason Ervin, 28th, head of the City Council’s Black Caucus. […]
Some insiders clearly have noticed, with Giannoulias winning endorsements from Garcia and, notably, the Illinois Council of SEIU. “These early endorsements are big news, and, more importantly, they demonstrate the momentum that our campaign is experiencing and our success at building a broad-based coalition of support from across the state,” Giannoulias said in an email to backers. […]
The fourth Democrat known to be running, state Sen. Mike Hastings of Tinley Park, was not available to comment, but he has his own labor backing, from the Chicago region Carpenter’s Union. Hastings also has a somewhat different story to tell as an Iraq war veteran and Illinois Senate majority caucus whip.
The Carpenters recently moved over $933K into a campaign fund. Sure looks like they’re readying to make a big move.
* Rachel Hinton…
City Clerk Anna Valencia officially launched her bid to succeed outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on Monday, promising “everyone will have a seat at my table.”
Before White’s time leading the office, Valencia said it used to be a place where “people with special connections could land jobs” or a “campaign contribution could buy you special treatment or a permit.”
White changed that “pay-to-play” culture, Valencia said, pledging to build on the changes the longtime secretary of state made.
“Running an office that serves all people — Chicago, downstate, in the suburbs, everyday working class people of all races, just like my family — requires the highest standards of integrity and an honor,” the Granite City native said. “That has been the hallmark of my career, and it will be the hallmark of my service as secretary of state.”
She said her father, Joe, “proudly stripes … streets” currently as a member of Painters District Council 58, which endorsed Valencia Monday.
* Related…
* City Clerk Anna Valencia joins crowded Democratic field to replace Jesse White as secretary of state
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:12 am
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There’s nothing wrong with crossing party lines to endorse a member of the other party. At the same time we also see what it leads to especially for the most partisan.
Comment by Levois J Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:18 am
It’s not *entirely* clear that insufficient loyalty to Mike Frerichs will cost you much in a Democratic Primary.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:24 am
That’s the nice thing about the Cook County Democratic Party — they have short memories and have to be reminded about one-hit wonder candidates who are only Democrats because it is a means to achieving their selfish ends. Alexei thought he was out of the game and could curry favor with Tom Cross because it would help him personally. But then Frerichs pulled out the narrowest of wins and now the boy wonder banker wants back into politics. Well, welcome back. History and records can be a beast. Being caught in a lie is hardly the worst sin in politics. But losing, especially losing as big as you did (statewide) is. Good luck!
Comment by Svengali Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:26 am
Years ago, I donated money to this rummy. What was I thinking.
Comment by Blue Dog Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:29 am
1) It’s okay to endorse someone from a different party. Or it should be once again.
2) I’ll never understand this Giannoulias thing and the momentum it is gaining. What is going on behind the scenes? Why him?
Comment by Ace Laredo Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:33 am
Dude. Just own it. You endorsed Cross. Say some nice things about the work Frerichs has done since he won. Just don’t try to gaslight us. I am so tired of politicians (and everyone else) gaslighting us.
Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:35 am
Alexi: “Well I didn’t mean it what I says back then..”
Per Alderman Scott Waguespack: “I am very troubled by Alexi Giannoulias’s statements at the forum over the weekend. He was asked a direct question from committeemen and lied about it.”
This says much about the potential SoS nominee as he seeks to take over the baton from SoS White. I think this speaks volumes about the candidate.
I don’t think the Dems should move forward with Alexi. He should do a U-Turn and bow out.
He already has some past issues he will need to address; Broadview, college savings program, failed U.S. Senate bid, etc.
I think SoS White will really have to think this one over…run for re-election (at the last min) or endorse anyone but Alexi.
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:37 am
Any Democratic leaders or unions familiar with the history of Broadway Bank and all the unsavory characters in its orbit who think that nominating Giannoulias for Secretary of State is anything other than an own goal need to have their heads examined.
An incredible gift to Republicans if he gets the nomination.
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:39 am
Very disappointed with Rep. Garcia constantly striking deals with “establishment” politicians. What does anyone gain from this shady guy winning the nomination?
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:43 am
Alexi is doing a masterful job of creating an inevitability narrative. Securing endorsements of Chuy was key for him. But…
Alexi is a fatally flawed candidate with a spotty record and problematic past. Republicans are licking their chops at the thought of winning an office most often viewed as a stepping stone to the governor’s mansion by most office-holders other than the current one. Sec/State is about three things: 1) Integrity, 2) Innovation, 3) Attention to detail and the systems of the office. Do these things say Alexi? Good luck with that.
Comment by Southern Skeptic Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:50 am
== It’s okay to endorse someone from a different party. ==
It’s okay to endorse whoever you want. In a close general election, that action might even gain you some respect. Hard to make that case when running a primary though. Pretty sure the parties have specific rules against such things. At least at the precinct level they do
Comment by SWIL_Voter Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:50 am
There might be a path for a guy like Hastings if he runs a good campaign and gets his name out there.
Comment by Regular democrat Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:52 am
Alexi has been an opportunist without conviction since he stepped into the fold.
Nice enough guy.
Especially bad look considering how competent Frerichs has been.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:57 am
I think it’s time for Jesse to say he is running again.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:01 pm
Sen. Barickman, Rep. Demmer are ya listening?
This should be an easy but a highly rewarding office to win should the Dems anoint Alexi… just sayin’
Feeling bad for Anna Valencia who most likely would do a much better job at SOS (than Alexi) and who probably had hoped for Chuy’s endorsement…(aka the ‘Guterriez vote’ who Hispanics would run to when running for office in the past).
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:05 pm
Two things can be true.
Alexi endorsed Cross. That’s a fact, Alexi isn’t prone on being at all honest
Frerichs was not the best choice, and with Frerichs wanting discussions on taxing retirement income, Alexi seems to have been right about Frerichs too.
All said, Alexi isn’t at all that great of an eventual nominee.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:05 pm
Keep your eye on Anna Valencia. Alexi might be getting the big endorsements, but Valencia is doing the retail politics. She’s meeting with other local politicians, already getting her ground game going. I have no idea what anyone sees in Alexi.
Comment by FIREDup!! Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:05 pm
This primary for SOS is going to be nasty and if somebody wins with 33% it might be even worse. If I’m GOP I convince Barrickman to run. He can look like the adult in the room while the Dem candidates brawl it out.
If Pritzker runs again find a sacrificial lamb, if you get Barrickman in SOS, he’s a good chance to be next governor.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:07 pm
OW, can do me a favor and run to the golf course and ask Tom Cross to run for SOS?
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:19 pm
=== can do me a favor and run to the golf course and ask Tom Cross to run for SOS?===
Was there Friday and Saturday, no Cross. I’ll run over there after 4, that’s his standing tee time.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:21 pm
You mean Alexi has changed his story . Like when he was the financial genius and decision maker at Broadway but then was just a gopher and blamed his brother for the downfall of the bank. Or how he was running for governor then changed to senate. Like how when treasurer he bragged the student funds were doing great but when that crashed he blamed it on his predecessor and the manager for not investing the funds where they should have been even though it was his job to oversee the portfolio and make sure they were? Like how he wasn’t going to take advantage of a loophole to allow him to raise money for the race to complete the remainder of the senate term and also fundraiser for the full senate term because that was wrong and then started telling people they could donate to him twice via the loophole? I could go on, but I will let others take part. Rich should start a thread with this theme.
Comment by BigLou Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:27 pm
Sorry about the italics, don’t know how I did that.
Comment by BigLou Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:28 pm
Alexi does raise a very challenging existential question: “What does it mean to endorse and how does one actually endorse?”
I applaud him for bringing our political discourse to this heightened sphere of philosopher kings and believe Illinois voters will reward such an evolution.
Comment by JP Altgeld Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:31 pm
=Sen. Barickman, Rep. Demmer are ya listening?=
No, they are busy appealing to the raunerites/trumpsters.
=If Pritzker runs again find a sacrificial lamb, if you get Barrickman in SOS, he’s a good chance to be next governor.=
There was a time when Barrickman had my vote. He took a principled stand on gay marriage. But then he went all in on Raunerism and continues to move farther right with his attacks on Pritzker.
he loses to pritzker in the general everyday.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:40 pm
….-and who probably had hoped for Chuy’s endorsement—
Chuy endorsed 9 candidates for alderman in 2019 and he went 0-9.
Comment by Barstool from Hamel Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:43 pm
=== Sen. Barickman, Rep. Demmer are ya listening?===
No. They’re not.
When it mattered most, both Barickman and Demmer continually, routinely, and consistently voted against their districts, the state, and forced Illinois not to have a budget for two years, a whole General Assembly.
Until they get a conscious and admit their own complicit and purposeful choices were wrong, they are as phony as Alexi
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:46 pm
Alexi is trying to get by with the fact that it appears he never said the word endorse. Dude you did it in basically every other way. By trying to dance around the issue twice is making this more of a story.
I am truly amazed at how he has been able to rally this support so quickly. I don’t know what his 10 year plan is, but I highly doubt it is to still be the IL Secretary of State.
Comment by Anonish Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:47 pm
Once again we are reminded that Giannoulias carries antibodies that protect him from honesty.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 12:54 pm
==Very disappointed with Rep. Garcia constantly striking deals with “establishment” politicians==
Garcia is a SEIU guy. Were you expecting him to counter their endorsement of Alexi?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 1:33 pm
==Chuy endorsed 9 candidates for alderman==
Well lucky for Alexi that he isn’t running in a ward race.
==0-9==
Might want to revisit those results
Comment by Jon Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 1:47 pm
“Keep your eye on Anna Valencia.”
100%
“Chuy endorsed 9 candidates for alderman in 2019 and he went 0-9.”
Yup.
Would she have preferred his endorsement? Sure. Can she win without it? You bet.
Way way way way way too early to make declarative statements about how this race will pan out. Alexi has a robust closet and doesn’t wear well over time.
Comment by Southern Skeptic Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 1:49 pm
=== “Keep your eye on Anna Valencia.”===
Who?
What are her statewide ID numbers… how does she expect folks to know who she is?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 1:51 pm
Have never understood why anyone would be attracted to AG in a primary.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 1:54 pm
I’d like to know whom the state treasurer is endorsing for SOS.
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:03 pm
=== I’d like to know whom the state treasurer is endorsing for SOS.===
Wanting the Frerichs endorsement is like advocating for taxing retirement income… it’s probably something wise folks would steer quite clear… maybe
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:05 pm
Why didn’t Chuy endorse Anna? Serious question. Her entire claim in this race seems to be “I’m a Latina and I’m a progressive”.
Comment by McGuppin Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:10 pm
===Why didn’t Chuy endorse===
1) Don’t make no waves, don’t back no losers
2) Why stick your neck out for a person with “limited” statewide name ID
3) “Other”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:12 pm
I get #1 and #2….curious about #3…”other”
Comment by McGuppin Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:15 pm
Kudos to the Cook County Dems, especially committeepersons O’Keefe and Coleman, for organizing the forum. I thought it was a substantive, helpful discussion. There’s something to be said for politicos asking the questions instead of reporters in these forums. It is nice to hear an emerging discussion and vision of a revamped Secretary of State’s office. That office can do a lot of good.
I hope there are more of these where each candidate gets a good 15 minutes with some legit difficult questions from supporters of other candidates but plenty of time to make their pitch directly. Other county parties should do it. Probably DPI too. And since the primary is so late, it would be nice to have a more sedate summer with time for lots of stakeholders to think about what they want from the office. Maybe a public bank should operate there so working people can cash their checks for free.
And libraries. Nice to see everyone thinking about what a 21st century state library ought to be. (Secretary of State is the chief librarian. We have this gorgeous building in downtown Springfield that is empty most of the time.)
Comment by Dan Johnson Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:16 pm
=== curious about #3…”other”===
It’ll play itself out. It always plays itself out.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 2:17 pm
Correct OW on Anna Valencia…why would Chuy give his endorsement when she has no statewide id??
She has long ways to go. But there is someone who can alter the ‘political calculation’ for Anna…possibly getting Mendoza’s endorsement which may be a better nod than Chuy’s.
I don’t think Mr. Frerichs will “supporting,” “liking,” “advocating,” “encouraging” Alexi anytime soon. Remember Alexi didn’t ‘endorse’ Cross.
Alexi pulled a Slick Willie from the 90’s…with his vocabulary…just sayin
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:06 pm
Republican Tom Cross may be elected State Treasurer with Democrat Alexi’s support. This should be good news for other right wing pro Trump Republican candidates running for office in Illinois. Might attract a better Republican candidate for Governor. Gotta love silver spoon Alexi.
Comment by Frumpy White Guy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:10 pm
I’m a committed Democrat and, with I suspect a lot of other committed Democrats, the only republican I’ve voted for in the last decade was Mark Kirk over AG. For the absolute life of me, I do not get his appeal. From Broadway Bank to . . . whatever it is he does now, he doesn’t seem to have ever been successful in a real job in the private sector. His whole schtick seems to be, “I’m wealthy (ish) and good looking (ish) and . . . that’s that.” Not too different from Beto, I guess, but that’s not enough for me.
Anyway, after Kirk and then the Trump administration, I pretty much thought I was done voting for Republicans at all. If the dems nominate AG, I will likely once again opt for the Republican candidate. Being basketball buddies with Barack Obama is not a qualification for higher office.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:11 pm
===Republican Tom Cross may be elected State Treasurer with Democrat Alexi’s support. This should be good news for other right wing pro Trump Republican candidates running for office in Illinois.===
What does this even mean?
Re-read it, expand. Yikes.
===She has long ways to go. But there is someone who can alter the ‘political calculation’ for Anna…possibly getting Mendoza’s endorsement which may be a better nod than Chuy’s.===
After losing so handily for Mayor, Mendoza staying in her lane and winning re-election against some unknown GOPer is prolly a good game plan.
Also see reasons 1) and 2) above.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:31 pm
=== Frerichs wanting discussions on taxing retirement income, Alexi seems to have been right about Frerichs too. ===
Instead of endorsing Frerichs, Alexi endorsed a guy who wanted to {checks notes} eliminate retirement income?
Cross was not just A Republican, as Rich pointed out, he was Republican Leader. He supported the elimination of state pensions, he backed every anti-union effort in the legislature, and he voted not once but twice for the now infamous Com Ed bill, over the opposition of…The AARP.
The list of anti-woman, anti-gun control, anti-minority votes by Cross is unfathomable, and a fair ad can tie Alexi to all of them.
And Alexi didn’t just endorse Cross, he went on Rick Pearson’s radio show to brag about endorsing Cross.
I cannot think of any conceivable way that endorsing Tom Cross helps Alexi.
The smart thing to do would have been to admit it and say that in hindsight it was a mistake.
Comment by Double Cross Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:45 pm
=== What does anyone gain from this shady guy winning the nomination? ===
Jobs. The SOS has more political appointment jobs than any other office other than the governor (and maybe more than the governor)
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:47 pm
- Double Cross -
It was tongue and cheek and to remind folks…
In the end, Frerichs sees things, at times, with the Illinois Policy Institute.
Alexi is a guy who can *be* seemingly right …but can’t help but find himself constantly wrong… with hubris
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:50 pm
===Jobs===
Ball game.
That… and a huge stepping stone, with an army of jobs to help, to move up and out too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 3:52 pm
@ Anonish…”I don’t know what his 10 year plan is, but I highly doubt it is to still be the IL Secretary of State.”
Like OW indicates…the SOS gig is one “huge stepping stone” to higher office with (legally) high visibility statewide. The SOS official gets to blast his or her name about anywhere their an office, in every license/id, including state-funded/grant-issued libraries I would think.
And no, Alexi, would not be in this role for 10 years…he would be aiming for higher office after 4-5 years.
Alexi: “Hey, I got to play b-ball with Prez. Obama!’..’that’s an endorsement for my SOS candidacy, right?’”
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 4:12 pm
Alexi could have said “I pride myself on independence but it hindsight, it was a mistake and I think Frerichs has done a great job.” Kills every bird with one stone.
Instead he now creates another issue (honesty) that is fair game.
Alexi needs better advisors.
Comment by de Gaulle Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 5:34 pm
900 Million Vanishes NO PROBLEM,
Endorse an R Problem, REALLY
Comment by Big Tom Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 8:44 pm
I think I’ll just call him Ew-lexi.
Comment by SubRosa Tuesday, Jun 8, 21 @ 11:38 pm
Anna who? Last I checked Alexi had about twice the money of all the others combined, diverse endorsements and statewide name ID. Dems need a winner.
Comment by Selene Wednesday, Jun 9, 21 @ 10:23 am
=== Dems need a winner.===
Alexi gives Republicans the best chance to take the office back,
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jun 9, 21 @ 10:25 am