| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award | Happy Monday, Illinois. I hope you had a great week. Mine was filled with sun, sleep, family, friends, daily Wordles and a big Greek Easter dinner that I didn't have to cook. Thank you, Rita Pyrillis!
|  | TOP TALKER | | The wild ride to get on the June 28 ballot is still underway, and a few Illinois Supreme Court candidates are hanging on for dear life. Late last week, the Illinois State Board of Elections ruled Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering , former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and Appellate Court Judge Susan Hutchinson didn't have enough signatures to get on the ballot. They filed an appeal in court over the weekend and have requested an expedited hearing to challenge the decision. Rotering is a Democrat, and Curran and Hutchinson are Republicans all running for the open 2nd District Supreme Court seat formerly held by Justice Robert Thomas. The decision was unusual because the Elections Board overruled a decision made by a hearing officer that the candidates could stay on the ballot. "We are disappointed that the Illinois State Board of Elections acted contrary to its own candidates' guide and the recommendations of its hearing officer and general counsel," a spokeswoman for Rotering said in a statement. Hutchinson explained the drama in a similarly worded statement, saying she's "confident" she will appear on the ballot. At issue is whether signatures should be based on the current district, which is smaller in population compared to the previous district. The candidates kicked off the ballot used the smaller district population to determine how many signatures to gather. Rotering, for example, believed 334 signatures were necessary and filed 669. Candidate Elizabeth Rochford , a circuit court judge, challenged her, saying 791 signatures should be required. Rochford also challenged Kane County Judge Rene Cruz in the Democratic primary battle. But Cruz secured 800 signatures, so the challenge was withdrawn. The court hearing will determine whether Rotering, Curran and Hutchinson will get on the ballot. Their exit would be a boost for Republicans in the November election who see Rotering as a strong Democratic challenger with high name ID and Curran, who also has high name ID, as a weak Republican candidate because he leans so far right. On the primary ballot now are Republicans Daniel Shanes and John Noverini, both circuit court judges, and Democrats Rochford and Cruz. RELATED Far-right conspiracy theorists knocked off Illinois GOP primary ballot — but they insist 'We are not done' : "Six Chicago-area candidates running for office on a platform of baseless claims about fraud in the 2020 election came up short on their nominating petitions, officials say. But the group's gubernatorial candidate countered that they 'would be embarrassed to be on a fake ballot with fake politicians,'" by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout
| | THE BUZZ | | MAP WARS: Watch for two high-profile alderpersons to throw shade at the Latino Caucus' efforts to gain one more seat on Chicago City Council. Alds. Michele Smith and Scott Waguespack are holding a press conference this morning where they're expected to stand up for the redistricting map backed by the Black Caucus. They will say it's a choice about ethics. They question the Latino Caucus map because Victor Reyes is the group's attorney. Reyes' name has popped up in the indictment against former House Speaker Michael Madigan and his connection to ComEd. Reyes has not been charged but he and his firm have lobbied for ComEd over the years. There was a time last year when Smith and Waguespack were willing to work with Reyes and the Latino Caucus if that group had put the Lincoln Yards project in Waguespack's ward. They even sat with Reyes and the Latino Caucus' map-maker, Frank Calabrese, to draw their wards in the Latino Caucus' Coalition Map. The Latino Caucus, however, went out of its way not to move big projects from one ward to another — so Lincoln Yards was kept in Ald. Brian Hopkins' ward. That's part of why Hopkins supports the Latino Caucus map. And Smith and Waguespack are now aligned with the map supported by the Black Caucus. It has been drawn by Mike Kasper, who's been described as the Kanye West of the remap process. He's talented but comes with baggage: he's the longtime attorney for Madigan. SPOTTED: Alds. Daniel La Spata and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa were in Logan Square over the weekend talking to neighbors about the redistricting map they support, saying it "keeps neighborhoods together by drawing clear, straight lines," via Twitter. ENDORSEMENTS: The Black Caucus' Chicago United map has been endorsed by IBEW Local 134, Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers, and the Chicago Laborers' District Council. OPINION | Remap gives Lightfoot a real chance to lead — as only a mayor can: "If they're going to vote on the shape of the city's wards, Chicagoans deserve a real choice. But they aren't likely to get it unless the mayor takes a risk and does the right thing," writes Crain's Greg Hinz. Have a news tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? I'd like to hear from you: skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: Nominations are open for the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award, inspired by the service of former Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat, and former Governor Jim Edgar, a Republican. The award is presented each year to an Illinois elected official at the state or local level who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship. Help us celebrate Illinois statesmanship. Submit your nomination by June 1. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At Catalyst Ranch at 6 p.m. for a political endorsement event with abortion rights leaders.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Republican Richard Irvin's campaign for governor is getting a boost from the Illinois Troopers Lodge #41. It's the campaign's first big law enforcement endorsement. Troopers Lodge #41 is the largest statewide police union in Illinois, representing some 3,200 sworn and retired Illinois state troopers. — Republican Bailey's forecast for 'political climate' of Illinois: A 'storm' is coming: "Darren Bailey's conservative campaign is targeting those he says have been forgotten and left behind. "The Republican establishment and the Democrats, they don't have any idea some of these people exist and what they're thinking," he told the Sun-Times. 'I think that what we do here in Illinois, not just on June 28, but the first Tuesday in November is going to send shockwaves,'" by Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles. — Bailey's GOP bid for governor picks up support from anti-abortion leaders — and big bucks from Republican mega donor, by Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles — Pritzker and Griffin are the twin titans of Illinois campaign finance: It's unusual that a billionaire is on each side of the governor's race. "It means Illinois could very well be on its way to surpassing the $260 million spent in the 2018 governor's race, $181 million by Pritzker and $79 million by Griffin's candidate, former Gov. Bruce Rauner," reports Derrick Blakley for Center for Illinois Politics. — Citadel's Ken Griffin pours millions to back Aurora mayor for governor: "Aurora has a special meaning to Citadel and other financial firms because the city is home to a massive exchange. Griffin has said Irvin only came to his attention a few months ago, but the mayor has been a presence in Citadel's world for some time. Irvin, 52, has served as a sort-of gatekeeper for high-speed traders — firms that author Michael Lewis dubbed "flash boys" — seeking to access the CME data center," by Bloomberg's Nick Baker. — In congressional races, Sean Casten has money lead over Marie Newman, while Gilbert Villegas is ahead of Delia Ramirez, by Tribune's Rick Pearson. — Delia Ramirez has been endorsed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the Illinois Democrat's bid for the newly drawn 3rd District Congressional District. — DART BOARD: The Cook County Board of Elections will hear a case regarding the law enforcement qualifications of Carmen Navarro Gercone, a Democratic candidate for sheriff and a 26-year veteran of law enforcement. The hearing comes from a challenge by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart who is trying to get Gercone knocked off the ballot. — Mike Koolidge, a Republican congressional candidate for IL-14, has been endorsed by conservative Jeanne Ives, the former state rep and candidate for governor. — Scott Gryder, the Kendall County board chairman and Republican candidate for Illinois 14th Congressional District, raised $67,712 during the first quarter of this year from 41 individual donors. Gryder reported $39,741 cash on hand. He jumped in the race Feb. 24.
| | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | THE STATEWIDES | | — Gas group fights "political message" at pumps: "The trade group that represents gas stations across Illinois has voted to file a lawsuit over a new requirement that politicians get credit for suspending the state's gas tax," by WGN 9's Ben Bradley. — INVESTIGATION | The state took his kids three times. And three times it gave them back: "In Southern Illinois, many families suspected of neglect cycle through the child welfare system. Too often they don't get the help they need," by Molly Parker for The Southern Illinoisan and Vernal Coleman and Haru Coryne of ProPublica. — DCFS director faces 9th contempt charge: The agency has "failed to place children in settings that comply with the agency's recommendations and court orders. The latest case involves a 15-year-old boy with special needs who remains in a locked psychiatric unit despite a medical release on Jan. 31," by Capitol News' Beth Hundsdorfer. — 6 kids speak out about hair discrimination, via The New York Times. — Illinois Facebook users: Your $397 privacy settlement check should be in the mail beginning May 9, by Tribune's Robert Channick — Covid-19 rates low, but continue to climb across Illinois, by State Journal-Register's Andrew Adams
| | MAYOR'S RACE 2023 | | Bill Conway for mayor? "Former state's attorney candidate says business and union leaders are fed up with Lightfoot, urging him to run for mayor — and he's listening," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman.
| | CHICAGO | | — Chicago Bulls on the brink of elimination after losing again to the Milwaukee Bucks, by Tribune's Julia Poe — Ethics chair proposes sweeping package of reforms: "The changes include ending the privilege that has allowed former Council members-turned-lobbyists to work the floor during City Council meetings and a big increase in potential fines," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Natural gas bills hit Chicagoans hard: "Peoples Gas, despite record profits, has the most customers struggling to pay their bills of any Chicago-area utility, with the South Side and West Side hit hardest," by Sun-Times' Stephanie Zimmermann. — Ald. Sigcho-Lopez, advocates say city's Covid-19 relief money has largely gone to contractors: "They're leaving our communities to bleed." Sun-Times' Tom Schuba reports. — Security cameras scarce in parks with most reported crimes: "Only 16 of the 600 parks in city neighborhoods have security cameras, but many of them are in white, wealthy neighborhoods without much of a crime problem. Many parks in higher-crime areas, including more neighborhoods of color, have no cameras at all despite requests from residents," by Better Government Association's Sidnee King. — Park District has a history of racism allegations: "From federal lawsuits to scathing reports, the administration of the city's greenspaces has for decades come under fire on grounds that underserved communities are treated unfairly," by Better Government Association's Sidnee King. — Chicago's guaranteed income pilot opens today. Here's how to apply, by WBEZ's Esther Yoon-Ji Kang — FOP president at center of controversy is defeated in bid to extend his term, by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman — Actor Harry Lennix gets $26M from Illinois for his 'Black version of Lincoln Center' in Bronzeville, by Tribune's Chris Jones — $2.7M initiative to spur real estate development on South and West sides, by Sun-Times' Cheyanne M. Daniels — Fred Hampton's childhood home gets historical landmark status, by The Associated Press
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Naperville native, 18, aims to be youngest U.S. woman to top Everest, by Daily Herald's Kevin Schmit — After settlement, details of Semaj Crosby's death remain out of public view, by WGN 9's Sam Charles
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award:   | | | | | DAY IN COURT | | — WHAT-A-QUOTE | Teamsters boss bragged 'you can cut my fingers off, I wouldn't talk' years before deal with feds: "It's yet another made-for-Hollywood scene straight out of real-life Chicago corruption, according to an FBI affidavit recently obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. It happened more than two years before John Coli struck a deal with the feds and admitted he'd taken $325,000 in cash payments from Cinespace Chicago Film Studios between 2014 and 2017," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Cocaine seizures soar in Chicago, surrounding states, as DEA 'snow' forecast comes true, by Sun-Times' Frank Main — Dozens of convictions vacated in final push to drop cases connected to convicted former Chicago police sergeant , by Tribune's Megan Crepeau
| | Reader Digest | | We asked how you handle all your emails after returning from vacation: Chicago Teachers Union organizer James Cavallero starts from his first day on vaca and works his way up, giving "priority to members who have contacted me. Hopefully if it was urgent they followed my out of office instructions on who to contact."... Irv Leavitt of Able Mouse Media says, "wait to communicate until you actually come back. I remember checking, while still on vacation, the planning for a future news story and got myself hornswoggled into doing it right then from a Dad's Root Beer stand somewhere in Indiana or Kentucky." … City Club's Ed Mazur sets aside "several minutes each day" while on vacation to keep up with correspondence. Illinois Playbook editor Darius Dixon skims his inbox at the end of each day (or two) — emphasis on the end — and flags emails for post-vaca follow-up without necessarily opening them. If Illinois' petition process were a song, what would the title be? Email skapos@politico.com
| | RUSSIA-UKRAINE | | — Heavy weaponry pours into Ukraine as commanders become more desperate: "Russian forces are attempting a pincer movement on Ukrainian forces in the Donbas. Will Western artillery, tanks and drones get there in time?" by POLITICO's Christopher Miller and Paul McLeary. — Ukrainians in Chicago celebrate Orthodox Easter in the shadow of war, by Tribune's María Paula Mijares Torres
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — What Sarah Palin really wants out of her return to politics, by POLITICO's Joanna Weiss — Emmett Till's relatives seek his accuser's prosecution in the 1955 kidnapping, by the AP's Jay Reeves — Abortion advocates' strategy depends on pills. An information gap threatens their efforts, by POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein and Megan Messerly — Macron reelected but Le Pen's big score shows France increasingly divided, by POLITICO's Clea Caulcutt — Orrin Hatch, long-serving Utah senator, dies at age 88 , by The Associated Press
| | | | JOIN US ON 4/29 FOR A WOMEN RULE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN IN TECH : Women, particularly women of color and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have historically been locked out of the tech world. But this new tech revolution could be an opportunity for women to get in on the ground floor of a new chapter. Join POLITICO for an in-depth panel discussion on the future of women in tech and how to make sure women are both participating in this fast-moving era and have access to all it offers. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | TAKING NAMES | | — On the verge of his 80th birthday, here's what an under-the-radar Richard M. Daley is up to, by Sun-Times' Michael Sneed — Barack Obama takes on a new role: Fighting disinformation: "The former president has embarked on a campaign to warn that the scourge of online falsehoods has eroded the foundations of democracy," via The New York Times. — Michael Strautmanis has been appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to the Illinois Finance Authority, pending approval. Strautmanis currently serves as the executive VP for civic engagement for the Obama Foundation. Before that he was chief of staff to then-senior advisor Valerie Jarrett in the Obama administration. More appointments here, including to the Prison Review Board. — Mark Maxwell says farewell from his Capital Connection chair and explains why you might not know his politics.
| | Transitions | | — Darby Hopper has been promoted to be chief of speechwriting and associate comms director for Gov. JB Pritzker. She most recently was director of speechwriting for the governor. — Kamaria Morris is now associate communications director for Gov. JB Pritzker. She most recently was public information officer at the Illinois Capital Development Board. — Haley Wint is now press secretary/digital director for Rep. Lauren Underwood. She most recently was chief clerk/comms aide for the House Veterans Affairs Committee. — Kate Sarna is now comms director for Rep. Bobby Rush. She previously worked for the Virginia House Democratic Caucus.
| | TRIVIA | | APRIL 15's ANSWER: Congrats to Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and Chicago Buildings Commissioner Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that the Greektown and Little Italy neighborhoods where the University of Illinois-Chicago campus was built pushed out 14,000 residents and 630 businesses. Another neighborhood was indirectly affected by the campus being built: Garfield Park, which had been a possible location site. It was in decline and spiraled further from neglect. TODAY's QUESTION: Which visiting dignitary required then-Mayor Richard J. Daley to walk two steps behind them? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: The annual Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award is presented to a former or current elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.
Former Governor Jim Edgar and John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, invite you to nominate an Illinois state or local elected official who has displayed this kind of exceptional leadership.
We created the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award to shine a spotlight on remarkable public service that is taking place in our state and local communities. Please join us as we celebrate the Prairie State's best traditions. Nominate an Illinois statesperson by June 1. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | First assistant deputy governor Lizzy Whitehorn, Cook County Forests Preserves governmental affairs director Delio Calzolari, Blackthorne Capital Management CEO Peter Layton, criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Larry Beaumont, City Bureau deputy editor Alejandra Cancino, author and journalist Carol Felsenthal, comms strategist Melissa Musiker, and Politico Playbooker Bob Turnbull. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment