Tuesday, May 10, 2022

POLITICO Illinois Playbook: City remap deal reached, with strong-arming

Presented by CVS Health: Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln
May 10, 2022 View in browser
 
Illinois Playbook

By Shia Kapos

Presented by CVS Health

Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. Here's a story that's out of this world: Ken Griffin paid $8 million to ride Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, but he's donating the seat to a New York City teacher instead.

PANCAKES WITH PLAYBOOK: Come talk about Illinois politics over coffee (and pancakes!) at the Cracker Barrel in Lincoln on May 20 at 8:30 a.m. — right after Illinois Playbook posts. Your Playbook host and a few special guests will be on hand to talk about the contested Republican primary in the 15th Congressional District, the intrigue in the governor's race, and the ever-looming Trump factor. Sign up here

TOP TALKER

MAP DEAL REACHED: Chicago City Council members tentatively resolved their disagreement on how to redraw the city's 50 wards, with some members of the Latino Caucus agreeing to a map backed by the Black Caucus. The move would stave off a referendum.

The deal creates a map with 16 majority Black wards , 14 majority Latino wards, and an Asian ward. If approved by the council, it will be one seat less than the Latino Caucus sought after 2020 census figures showed Latino population rose dramatically in the past decade.

Defections disappoint: "The largest minority population in Chicago won't be fairly and accurately represented as such," the Latino Caucus said in a statement. "We're disappointed some of our colleagues chose to save themselves over the Latino community. This 'Welcoming City's' elected representatives have proven that they'll let us in, but our voices do not count."

On the other side: "I'm thrilled my colleagues have come together in compromise in what has been a long and challenging process," Ald. Michelle Harris, a Black Caucus member and head of the Rules Committee said in a statement after announcing that at least 41 alderpeople agreed on the city map.

Mayoral moves: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been meeting with both sides in recent weeks, encouraging an agreement. "Not everyone got exactly what they wanted, but forging a compromise and avoiding a referendum is in everyone's best interests," Lightfoot said in a statement to Playbook. Full statement here.

Behind the scenes: Sources said it was Michael Madigan's machine that steamrolled Latino Caucus members into supporting the Black Caucus map. The council faced a May 19 deadline to approve a map to avoid a referendum letting voters decide.

Powerful unions aligned with Madigan's 13th Ward operation, including the Chicago Teachers Union and United Working Families, said it would be in the Latino Caucus members' best interests to align with the Black Caucus.

Madigan connections: The Latino Caucus had been critical of the Rules Committee map that was backed by the Black Caucus. Running the operation was Michael Kasper, a longtime Madigan attorney. Anne Schaefer, who drew the map, also worked for Madigan. Harris was Madigan's choice to head the Illinois Democratic Party (a job that ultimately went to Rep. Robin Kelly). And Harris' comms team worked for Madigan and the Illinois Democratic Party when he was House speaker.

The Madigan ties went even deeper. It included beefing up the ward of Ald. Marty Quinn at the expense of Ald. Silvana Tabares. Quinn is so close to Madigan they still share an office. Quinn has been concerned he can't win in a ward with a large Latino population, and Madigan's team made sure to accommodate those concerns.

Tabares was an ally of Madigan, too, until she rejected his choice for successor. In the new map, Midway Airport was moved out of her ward and into…drum roll…Quinn's ward. She did succeed, however, in picking up some of Ald. Ed Burke's precincts in the new map.

The council member who really got the brunt of Madigan's wrath is Ald. Gil Villegas, who led the effort to get more Latino representation on the council. His 36th Ward may be the most gerrymandered of all. Check out the map

The Tribune's John Byrne writes that the agreement "could still fall apart before aldermen vote on it, but it seems likely the political uncertainty of the referendum will convince enough of them to join together to avoid it."

CHANGE Illinois Action Fund, which had worked with the Latino Caucus on a less-gerrymandered map, called the resolution "disheartening," adding, "This Madigan/Kasper map serves the Chicago Way and nothing more. The people deserve far, far better."

THE BUZZ

Richard Irvin tries to control the narrative of a press conference Monday, May 9, 2022, in Aurora, along with running mate Avery Bourne, left, state Sen. Sue Rezin and state Rep. David Welter.

Richard Irvin tries to control the narrative of a press conference Monday, May 9, 2022, in Aurora, along with running mate Avery Bourne, left, state Sen. Sue Rezin and state Rep. David Welter. | POLITICO's Shia Kapos

AURORA — A press conference organized by Richard Irvin's campaign went a little sideways yesterday when the candidate couldn't control the narrative.

It started fine: Irvin, who's running in the Republican primary for governor, called attention to Gov. JB Pritzker's handling of a deadly outbreak of Covid-19 at the LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020. A report last week cited mismanagement from the governor's administration.

After Irvin's remarks, reporters peppered him with questions about whether he sought Donald Trump's support or voted for him in previous elections. Irvin wouldn't say. And reporters asked for his views on the pending decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and whether there should be a federal law to outlaw abortion. Irvin said only that he opposes abortion except for cases of rape, incest and where the health of the mother is at risk.

It was duck and dodge after that: When reporters pressed for specifics, Irvin tried steering the conversation back to Pritzker or his GOP rivals. His answers sounded so much like the TV ads that reporters tried cutting him off, prompting Irvin to say "Let me finish" again and again.

Trump rap: The press conference, which was his first in two months, ended after 25 minutes. Irvin's team appeared frustrated, and one consultant asked why reporters must always ask about Trump. The answer: He's still head of the Republican Party and its candidates still clamor for his praise.

In the eyes of the beholder: Later, a source close to the campaign called the press conference a success because it accomplished the most important goal of all: calling attention to Pritzker's handling of the veteran's home outbreak.

As the saying goes: Any press is good press.

NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern: GOP opponent Darren Bailey says Irvin "dips and dodges" like he's in a dodgeball match.

WGN's Tahman Bradley: After staying off the radar for two months, Irvin "insists" he'll keep meeting with the press.

Tribune's Rick Pearson : Irvin complains that "reporters were following a script" set by Pritzker.

Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles: "Irvin takes reporters' questions, but doesn't answer most of them."

ABC 7's Craig Wall: Irvin "frequently found himself on the defensive."

New ad questions Irvin's Republican credentials. It's paid for by commentator Dan Proft's PAC, which is funded by wealthy conservative donor Richard Uihlein.

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

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WHERE'S JB

At the State Capitol at 10 a.m. to give remarks at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial… At Peoria Civic Center at 1 p.m. to sign the Co-Responder Pilot Program bill.

WHERE'S LORI

On Green Street at 10 a.m. to mark the opening of the headquarters of FTX US, the US-based affiliate of the cryptocurrency exchange platform FTX.

Where's Toni

At Willow Springs' Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center at 10 a.m. to preside over a meeting of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

CAMPAIGN MODE

Quigley endorses Giannoulias in heated Democratic primary: 'I know Alexi will be a great secretary of state': "In a video announcement, Quigley said Giannoulias, like himself, 'is committed to restoring the public's trust in government.' Quigley's endorsement is the ninth Giannoulias has received from a current or former Democratic member of Congress," by Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Samantha Steele has been endorsed by Iris Martinez, the clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and by former Cook County Clerk David Orr, in her bid for a Board of Review seat. Steele is trying to unseat incumbent Michael Cabonargi. It's a big endorsement but not a complete surprise. Martinez defeated Cabonargi in 2020 for the clerk of the court seat.

Illinois congressional candidate's hunting ads questioned: Attorney Jesse Reising dresses like a hunter for TV ad, via KSDK's Mark Maxwell.

Tazewell County Treasurer Mary Burress is running for the 87th House District in the GOP primary, by WGLT's Maggie Strahan

— Litesa Wallace has been endorsed by the national Higher Heights for America PAC in the crowded Democratic primary to replace outgoing Rep. Cheri Bustos.

— Rachel Ventura has been endorsed by township supervisors Gary Marschke in DuPage and Angel Contreras in Joliet. Ventura is running for the 43rd state Senate seat.

— Chris Butler has been endorsed by ministers Bill Dukes, James Ford, and E. Charles Moodie in his bid for the 1st Congressional District seat.

— State Rep. Rita Mayfield (60th) has endorsed Thomas Maillard in his bid for the 62nd state representative seat

BIG GIFT

Griffin and Sacks team up to give $27.5M to train police leaders: The two behind-the-scenes political players have joined forces to support an initiative at the University of Chicago Crime Lab to train police managers and community violence intervention experts. "Griffin gave $25 million and Sacks gave $2.5 million to get the academies launched," reports Crain's Ally Marotti.

 

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

 
 
THE STATEWIDES

Republican Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman to retire in July: "With Garman's retirement effective July 7, a little more than a week after the primary election, the court will appoint a replacement to fill the seat until the 2024 election," by Tribune's Dan Petrella.

— HIGHER-ED | Historically Black Lincoln College to close, hurt by pandemic and ransomware attack: Illinois school "will cease operations Friday after 157 years, having failed to raise millions to recover from the pandemic and a cyberattack that originated in Iran," via New York Times.

Hospital safety grades: One Illinois hospital earns an F, Northwestern earns a C, by Tribune's Lisa Schencker

CHICAGO

Some aldermen say not so fast on casino deal: "Mayor Lori Lightfoot is hoping for a committee vote before the end of May, but some aldermen are pumping the brakes. Especially since, they said, they just received an ordinance from the mayor's office (Monday) afternoon," ABC 7's Sarah Schulte.

Lightfoot pledges $500,000 to help pay for women needing abortion care: "The mayor, other city and state leaders vow to fight potential overturning of Roe v. Wade," by Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito.

In Chicago, advocates and providers brace for influx of patients if abortion rights are rolled back, by Sun-Times' Elvia Malagón.

Parents struggle with baby formula shortage in the Chicago area. 'It's kind of scary.' Tribune's Lisa Schencker reports

COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS

Cook County program providing legal help for immigrants starts taking cases: "In Chicago, there are more than 110,000 pending cases in immigration court, including more than 56,000 cases where people aren't represented by an attorney, according to a data analysis from Syracuse University," by Sun-Times' Elvia Malagón.

Agreements will enable Waukegan casino to feature sportsbook; 'It will be an integral part of the casino, ' by Lake County News-Sun's Steve Sadin

Aurora police now fully outfitted with body-worn cameras; new squad cameras coming soon, by Daily Herald's Susan Sarkauskas

DELEGATION

Illinois congressman probing NFL Commanders cancels fundraiser over ethics question: "A pair of lobbyists pitched donors on a chance to chat with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi about Washington's NFL team and its owner, Dan Snyder," by POLITICO's Daniel Lippman.

 

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DAY IN COURT

Jacob Blake drops civil rights lawsuit against Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer who shot him: "Attorneys for Blake and for Officer Rusten Sheskey didn't say in court filings why the suit was dropped," by the Associated Press

Reader Digest

We asked what personality traits make Chicagoans different from other folks: 1833 Group's JR Paton: "Chicagoans are hard working. We know exactly how to get the job done."... John Straus: "Certainty and sureness on just about everything." … and Andy Shaw notes: Chicagoans have a "visceral rage over ketchup on hotdogs" that the rest of the world doesn't seem to have.

What's the summer festival you're already planning to attend? Email skapos@politico.com

RUSSIA-UKRAINE

Ukrainians unearth horrors near Kyiv, a month after Russian retreat: "Mass graves are still being found, underscoring the scale of atrocities committed by Vladimir Putin's forces in Ukraine," by POLITICO's Christopher Miller.

Hill leaders strike deal on nearly $40B in Ukraine aid : "Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said that the impasse over Biden's plans to lift migration constraints is still stymieing a bipartisan solution on a coronavirus aid bill," by POLITICO's Sarah Ferris and Burgess Everett.

 

DON'T MISS DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED:  Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today.

 
 
THE NATIONAL TAKE

Wisconsin doctors consider opening an abortion clinic over the Illinois border if Roe v. Wade is overturned, via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Republicans splinter on how to handle a post-Roe world, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine and Burgess Everett

50-50 chance planet will temporarily overshoot 1.5 degrees before 2026, by POLITICO's Karl Mathiesen

Alito's home draws latest abortion-rights demonstration after Roe opinion breach, by POLITICO's Nancy Vu

TRANSITIONS

Gordon Saint-Denis is now managing director, head of sports finance at Monroe Capital LLC. Saint-Denis previously was a managing director in the sports advisory and finance group for Citizens Bank.

EVENTS

Today at 7 p.m.: Candidate forum for the 1st Congressional District at Freedom Temple COGIC. Among the candidates confirmed to attend: state Sen. Jacqui Collins, Ald. Pat Dowell, Rainbow Push's Jonathan Jackson, as well as Karin Norington-Reaves, Jonathan Swain, Charise Williams, Jahmal Cole, and Chris Butler. The event is organized by more than a dozen grassroots community groups led by Neighbors Who Vote and Voices of West Englewood. The forum will also be livestreamed on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA MATTERS

Tribune and BGA win Pulitzer Prize for local reporting: "The Failures Before the Fires," a collaboration between Cecilia Reyes of the Tribune and Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association, was awarded the Pulitzer for local reporting Monday, by Tribune's Robert Channick.

TRIVIA

MONDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to public affairs consultant Brian Bernardoni for correctly answering that the Tribune coined the worrd Adlai-burger after a scheme was discovered to sell horse meat mixed with beef.

TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the former realtor who became mayor of Chicago? Email skapos@politico.com

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, former state Rep. John Bradley, actor and retired Cook County Judge Gloria Coco, policy expert  Katharine Eastvold, media relations expert John Gorman, political strategist Adam Gunther, Curren Media Group's Erik Curren, legislative chief of staff Ivan Gonzalez, and southern Illinois coordinator for Comptroller Mendoza's office Josh Downs.

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Shia Kapos @shiakapos

 

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