| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. Here's to comfortable shoes and lots of water for the last weekend on the campaign trail.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Ken Griffin announced Thursday, June 23, 2022, that his Citadel companies would move headquarters to Miami. | Larry Busacca/Getty Images for The New York Times | It takes months to plan a corporate relocation like the one Ken Griffin announced yesterday for Citadel, which will move its HQ from Chicago to Miami. Still, the timing was awkward. Griffin, who poured $50 million into Republican Richard Irvin's campaign for governor, made the announcement after polls showed Irvin is trailing in the primary contest. With the primary now just days away, the quick take had Griffin packing up in a huff because he lost his war with Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker — Griffin blames the fellow billionaire for high taxes and crime problems. (FYI, Miami ain't Mayberry.) For his part, Pritzker pushed back at Griffin's political move to put Irvin in the governor's mansion by funding millions of dollars in ads to help Irvin's far-right competitor, Darren Bailey, secure a lead in the GOP primary. The conventional wisdom is that the conservative Republican will have a tough time beating Pritzker in the general election. Open secret: In reality, Griffin has been talking about leaving Chicago since before Irvin was a glimmer in our political eyes. Announcing the company's departure before the election — instead of after — means critics can't say Griffin's leaving because Irvin may have lost. It stings either way for Illinois, which has benefited from Griffin's philanthropy to the tune of $600 million — including putting his money where his mouth is and funding $35 million in crime-fighting technology and education programs. Griffin's exit to Florida (his home state) also follows news that Caterpillar and Boeing companies are moving their HQs out of Illinois, too. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot were quick to remind that companies are still moving into Illinois. Kellogg Co., for example, announced earlier this week it's opening its HQ here. The big question for Playbook readers: Will Griffin still be engaged in Illinois politics? It will depend on the primary, a person told Playbook. As the Tribune points out in its thorough report : "Since 2002, Illinois State Board of Elections records show, Griffin has contributed $179 million to state and local candidates, mainly Republicans, and organizations. But Griffin also was a financial supporter of Chicago Mayors Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel." Even while living in Illinois, Griffin had his fingers in political races across the country, making him the No. 1 Republican donor in the country. Griffin is also the top individual donor to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for example, giving him $5.75 million ahead of the 2018 election and another $5 million in 2021. Is it the end of the battle of the billionaires? Maybe not. Imagine if all that speculation about Pritzker and DeSantis as presidential candidates comes true. We'd call it the battle of the billionaires 2.0. — Griffin's email to employees, obtained by Playbook — Griffin's move to Florida only latest blow to local philanthropy, by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman
| | THE BUZZ | | A Trump preview: Former President Donald Trump will be in central Illinois tomorrow for a "Save America" rally to campaign for Rep. Mary Miller, who's in a fierce primary battle with fellow Republican Rep. Rodney Davis. Trump told Greg Bishop of the conservative Center Square media outlet he supports Miller because she's "a high-quality person." Trump also praised Darren Bailey but didn't (yet) offer a full endorsement. Bailey is scheduled to be on hand and possibly share the stage with Trump tomorrow. Bishop asked Trump if he were to testify before the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, what would he tell the committee members and does he "bear any responsibility for the actions of the rioters?" The former president ignored the second question but said if he were to testify, "I'd say the committee is a disgrace." 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
| | WHERE'S JB | | At Howard Brown Health on Clark Street at 10 a.m. to celebrate LGBTQ advances and his recent bill signings expanding access to PrEP/PEP.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | At BMO Tower at 9:30 a.m. for a ribbon cutting.
| | Where's Toni | | At Swissotel Chicago at 3 p.m. for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference…. At Ignite Glass Studios at 6 p.m. to keynote the Communities United 20th Annual Celebration.
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | | 
Illinois Democratic political consultant Ron Holmes, left, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Robin Kelly, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Democratic Party of Illinois officials Abby Witt and Jake Lewis make their pitch for an early primary. | Screen grab | — Illinois Dems pitch state's diversity to move up date of presidential primary election in 2024: "They also were put on the defensive by party leaders concerned about Chicago's costly media market and that constant battles between the Chicago Teachers Union and City Hall might become side issues party presidential candidates would be forced to address," by Tribune's Rick Pearson. Here's the Illinois Democrats' VIDEO presentation. — Republicans taken to task for "morally corrupt" political ads: Ads his political season are "beyond the pale of what is expected and acceptable," James Rule, chairman of the Tazewell County Republican, said in a letter to fellow Republicans. "Campaigns need to revisit their strategies when it comes to campaign tactics. Candidates need to take charge of their campaigns and be insistent on running campaigns which are ethical and not morally corrupt."
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Leading Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidate protested at the Capitol on Jan. 6: "If Peggy Hubbard wins the GOP primary June 28, she'd be among more than 100 candidates across the country who embrace the false claim that Trump won the 2020 election," by WBEZ's Dave McKinney. — In IL-01, Opponents criticize Jonathan Jackson's crypto campaign donations, by NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern — In primary races for Cook County Board, a new map and 3 retiring commissioners boost competition, by Tribune's Alice Yin — JUICE in IL-14: Underwood's fundraising again tops Republican hopefuls', by Daily Herald's Russell Lissau — Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez — AOC — just announced she's endorsing Delia Ramirez in the newly drawn 3rd congressional district. — Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller has been endorsed by state Rep. Dan Caulkins in her reelection bid against Congressman Rodney Davis. — Steve Kim, a GOP attorney general candidate, has been endorsed by Dan Rutherford, a former state Treasurer who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014. Kim was his lieutenant governor running mate.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Springfield law enforcement officials worry about Illinois ending cash bail: "They fear the landmark criminal justice legislation will result in more crime even as it addresses the injustice of poor people remaining in jail pretrial while people who can afford bail are released," by Illinois Times' Dean Olsen. — With Roe at risk, a new Illinois nonprofit provides free flights for patients traveling to get an abortion : "The new nonprofit works with established abortion networks to connect with patients, according to the website," by Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos. — Illinois' solar industry is looking to train a new generation of clean-energy workers: "One organization that is looking to ramp up workforce training in the solar space is the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, the state's largest carpenters union," by Daily Herald's Jenny Whidden. — How Illinois gas prices stack up to other states, via Tribune
| | CHICAGO | | — Lightfoot says Chicago cops have 'incredible amount' of time off, disputes criticism they're overworked: "Lightfoot said she understands 'there's a lot of stress and strain on being a police officer, part of that is inherent in the job but ... the department has taken extraordinary steps to try to ease that burden on individual officers and their families particularly during what I think, as I said before, is probably the most difficult time to be the police,'" by Tribune's Gregory Pratt. — Chicago Pride Parade 2022: The parade is back Sunday — what you need to know, by Sun-Times' Satchel Price … Ald. Tunney 'deeply concerned' about Pride Parade security, wants more officers, he tells top cop, by Block Club's Mack Liederman — Oversight agency finds no evidence race was a factor in confrontation between Chicago cop and woman at North Avenue Beach: " The agency said it reviewed past complaints against Officer Bruce Dyker but 'couldn't establish a pattern of misconduct directed at or disproportionately impacting members of a protected group such as African Americans,'" by Sun-Times' Emmanuel Camarillo. — City launches new dashboard to track 911 alternative response program , by WTTW's Matt Masterson — Park District security cameras aren't doing the job, Ald. Michele Smith, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, parks advocates say, by Better Government Association's Sidnee King — South Side alderpersons condemn Gresham Aldi closure: 'You have to do right by all of Chicago,' by Sun-Times' Mariah Rush — Beale: Lightfoot's 'dictatorship' over City Council must end, by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman reports — Pilgrim Baptist Church gets $2.1M toward rebuilding the worship space and creating a gospel museum, by Tribune's Tatyana Turner — Free things to do his summer, via WBEZ
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — During election season, Toni Preckwinkle touts no new taxes or layoffs in 2023: "The Cook County Board President says she's expecting an $18.2 million budget hole next year, the smallest gap since she took office," by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch. — Mount Prospect green-lights $2.5 billion tech campus on United property, by Daily Herald's Steve Zalusky — Temporary Waukegan casino starting to take shape; fall opening now projected, by Lake County News-Sun's Steve Sadin — Column: Veterans in Aurora fired up over change of Fourth of July Parade to 'procession,' by Aurora Beacon-News' Denise Crosby
| | TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES | | — Reduced and delayed CTA trains and buses spark Chicago City Council resolution, by Tribune's Jake Sheridan — Arlington Heights trustees and commuters rail against Metra for cutting express trains, by Daily Herald's Christopher Placek.
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | Former Grayslake chamber leader charged with six counts of wire fraud: "Federal authorities accuse Karen Christian-Smith of issuing checks from the chamber's bank accounts to herself and depositing them into her personal accounts from 2013 to 2019," by Daily Herald's Scott C. Morgan.
| | TAKING NAMES | | Title IX played a big part in Laura Ricketts' life: "The impact is immeasurable," the Chicago Cubs co-owner and MLB groundbreaker says. Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports.
| | Reader Digest | | We asked what worries you or encourages you about Roe v. Wade likely being overturned: Barry Tusin: "I'm worried the decision would open the door for the court to challenge any and all previous decisions and 'settled law.'" ... Gail Morse worries "mayhem and violence" would be unleashed by "the straight, white, Christian, male autocracy" that opposes abortion rights…. Dave Evans: "I am fearful for the health outcomes for women who will get abortions without a doctor present to immediately address complications." ... Warren Silver worries about "A return to coat hanger abortions in many states — thankfully, not here in Illinois — for now." Which actual candidates, as opposed to campaign staff, have knocked at your door? Email skapos@politico.com
| | IN THE SPOTLIGHT | | | 
Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to reveal its findings of a year-long investigation, Thursday, June 23, 2022. | AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite | — Multiple House Republicans on defensive over Jan. 6 panel testimony that they sought post-riot pardons, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Nicholas Wu — DOJ searches home of former official who aided alleged pro-Trump 'coup,' by POLITICO's Betsy Woodruff Swan, Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney — 'Say it was corrupt': Trump's pressure on the DOJ is detailed by Jan. 6 panel, via POLITICO VIDEO
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Supreme Court strikes down New York gun law along ideological lines, by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein — 'Unwilling to accept defeat': How Sinema and Murphy clinched guns deal for Dems, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Marianne LeVine — House Democrats rush to preserve access to abortions for troops, by POLITICO's Lawrence Ukenye — Education Department unveils Title IX rule boosting protections for transgender students, by POLITICO's Bianca Quilantan
| | IN MEMORIAM | | Wayne Whalen, a noted attorney and font of Illinois political history, has died. Here's a brief obit. Watch for more next week.
| | SPOTTED | | Republican Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker was in Chicago yesterday for a fundraiser at the Four Seasons. Among the attendees: Cubs co-owner and former RNC finance chairman Todd Ricketts and policy expert Sylvie Ricketts, business development exec David Walsh, former Ald. Bob Fiorieti, Bears' legend Jim McMahon, businessman Vince Kolhber, and Washington Senate candidate Tiffany Smiley.
| | WELCOME TO THE WORLD | | Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Loreen Targos welcomed Rumiñahui, Killari and Atziri, the 25th Ward's newest residents, pix and story via Block Club
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | StreetWise is giving their vendors a raise for the first time in nearly 15 years, the nonprofit said in a statement. "Chicago's award-winning street magazine that supports the homeless will raise its cover prices from $2 to $3 per issue, effective June 27."
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to John McCabe for correctly answering that Angelo Towhead is the island located in the southernmost point in Illinois. TODAY's QUESTION: Who founded the first mail order retail business in the country and where was the company's warehouse located? Email skapos@politico.com
| | KUDOS | | On Sunday, Bruce DuMont celebrates his 42nd anniversary headlining the weekly Beyond the Beltway political talk show. It began as Inside Politics on WBEZ Radio in 1980 and changed to its current name in 1995.
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: State Sen. Omar Aquino, Illinois Speaker of the House spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll, former state Rep. Joe Lyons, Chicago Department of Buildings' Grant Ullrich, Illinois Department of Insurance's K.C. Stralka, and Doejo branding's Phil Tadros, comms strategist Michael Tirrell, and The New York Times' Adrienne Hurst, a POLITICO alum. Saturday: former state Sen. Mike Jacobs, Democratic consultant Aviva Bowen, businessman James Crown, philanthropy professional Francee Harrington, former Illinois Supreme Court Commission executive director Jayne Reardon. Sunday: A Better Chicago CEO Beth Swanson, West Monroe marketing exec Christina Galoozis Hill, former state Board of Investment Chairman Marc Levine, political guru Bernie Schoenburg, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association marketing director Conor Gee, and comms consultant Graeme Zielinski. And belated birthday candles to Chynna S. Hampton, who celebrated Thursday. -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