| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Good Wednesday morning, Illinois. It's hard to imagine, given this week's fabulous weather, that 18 years ago we saw an F-4 tornado sweep across Roanoke.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker addresses reporters on April 7, 2022, in Springfield, Ill., about a budget deal reached among Democrats. | AP Photo/John O'Connor, File | Gov. JB Pritzker will headline Florida Democrats' annual Leadership Blue Gala on Saturday, adding more fuel to the talk of his presidential aspirations. The speech puts the Illinois governor in front of Democrats in what was once the swingiest of swing states because of its size and diversity. But Florida has become increasingly Republican territory in recent years. Pritzker wants to change that. "Florida is in dire need of a pro-choice, Democratic governor, and Governor Pritzker is proud to support the Florida Democratic Party in their efforts to flip the state blue," campaign spokeswoman Natalie Edelstein said in a statement to Playbook, referring to Gov. Ron DeSantis — who's making headlines with suggestions of his own presidential hopes. Florida Playbook's Gary Fineout, who scooped Pritzker's speech , expects DeSantis to fuel his fundraising efforts off of the Illinois governor's comments — not too different from how DeSantis redirected ads from California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticizing him on his home turf. Pritzker's national moment: Along with traveling the country to rally support for Democratic candidates, he headlined New Hampshire Democrats' annual convention, a place where presidential candidates go to introduce themselves. And he was forced into the limelight last week demanding action after a mass shooting killed seven spectators at a July 4th parade in Highland Park. Pritzker's angry call for change caught the attention of Democrats looking for a similar fire-in-the-belly from the White House. "Florida Democrats are hungry for examples of leadership that can win and that can persuade voters of all different partisan stripes," Florida Democratic political strategist Joshua Karp told Playbook. "What Gov. Pritzker has shown is a path to stand up proudly for a woman's right to choose and how to tackle economic challenges but do it in a way that brings people together." It's only coincidence that Pritzker is going to Florida on the heels of Republican billionaire donor Ken Griffin announcing he's moved there. Pritzker was invited by Manny Diaz Jr., chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, back in April. Pritzker is a Midwestern anomaly. He's a billionaire — he even has a second home in Florida — though he's not at all flashy. And he has a commanding stage presence, but Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, who is running for Senate, has vibrato. So how will he fare in front of a Florida crowd? Just fine, says David Axelrod, the former presidential adviser and political strategist. "I imagine a progressive Jewish governor would be well-received at a Democratic convention in Florida."
| | THE BUZZ | | | 
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the legal consequences of the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision on July 12, 2022. | Francis Chung/E&E News/POLITICO via AP Images | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton testified yesterday before the Senate Judiciary Committee in D.C. about the ripple effects the Supreme Court ruling overturning abortion rights is having on Illinois. "We know that the potential criminalization of patients coming to our state is certainly of top of mind in Illinois," Stratton said during the first in a series of hearings addressing the post-Roe abortion landscape. "But it's not just the patients, it's also the abortion care providers that also could potentially risk that same sort of criminalization." Also appearing before the committee: Colleen McNicholas , chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood on the Missouri-Illinois border. Abortions are now banned in Missouri, so patents are traveling as far as 1,000 miles each way for reproductive health services. Forced 'down a dark, agonizing path,' Illinois needs federal help as 'island' for reproductive rights, Stratton testifies, by Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles 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
| | | | HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ROE BEING OVERTURNED? JOIN WOMEN RULE ON 7/21: Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade , abortion policy is in the hands of the states and, ultimately, voters. Join POLITICO national political correspondent Elena Schneider for a Women Rule "ask me anything" conversation featuring a panel of reporters from our politics and health care teams who will answer your questions about how the court's decision could play out in different states, its impact on the midterms and what it means for reproductive rights in the U.S. going forward. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS AND REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | In Augusta, Maine, for meetings hosted by the National Governors Association.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | In Europe to promote the city as a destination for tourists and businesses.
| | Where's Toni | | At the White House at 9 a.m. to discuss Cook County's American Rescue Plan Act plans in a program led by Vice President Kamala Harris. Event can be seen virtually here at 11 a.m. ET.
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | — RESULTS ARE IN: State Sen. Melinda Bush has won the 10th District Democratic State Central Committeewoman race. In an email to supporters, former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash said late-arriving vote-by-mail ballots have been counted, and "it appears our campaign will come up just short." Out of 50,681 ballots cast, Bush received 50.2 percent of the vote to Gash's 49.8 percent. Bush had the endorsement and financial backing of Gov. JB Pritzker , so political insiders expect she could be his candidate when the central committee meets in the coming weeks to elect the head of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Also in the running will be the current party leader, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who has the support of Sen. Dick Durbin. Gash says 46 percent of Bush's total vote came from her Senate district, which featured a closely-watched state Senate primary race. Gash says she won 61 percent to 39 percent in the rest of the 10th District. "I congratulate Senator Bush and look forward to working with her," Gash said, suggesting she won't seek a recount. Gash was in the Highland Park parade last week, and told supporters in her email, "unity is something I'd strive for now, so asking for a recount is not how I'm leaning." — How Chicago's political conventions have altered American history: "Chicago has shaped American politics through its political conventions, beyond the notorious 1968 Democratic National Convention," by WBEZ's Cianna Greaves.
| | CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP | | — After bucking AIPAC line, Rep. Sean Casten returns $50,000 to right-leaning pro-Israel donors: "The donations were returned after Casten took actions at odds with Washington's right-leaning pro-Israel consensus. Pro-Israel America PAC is closely affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, the flagship Israel lobby group and main enforcer on Capitol Hill of the right-leaning orthodoxies … In the time between the receipt of the donations and their return, Casten strayed from the rigid AIPAC line on Israel policy on a number of occasions," reports the Intercept's Austin Ahlam. — Zalewski defeat included losing his home precinct: State Rep. Mike Zalewski "was beaten badly on his home turf in Riverside, where he has lived for the past 12 years. He only received 40.2 percent of the vote in the Riverside portion of his district, which includes all of Riverside north of the BNSF railroad tracks. Zalewski didn't even win the Riverside Township's 10th Precinct, where he lives. … The seven-term incumbent was defeated by challenger Abdelnasser Rashid, who won just over 52 percent of the vote in an extremely low-turnout election," by Riverside- Brookfield Landmark's Bob Skolnik. — Republican Regan Deering has been endorsed by Elevate PAC in her bid for the 13th Congressional District.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker taps a new public health director to face pandemic and health disparities challenges: "Downstate pediatrician Dr. Sameer Vohra would take over the role of Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who helped lead the state through the Covid-19 pandemic," by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch. — Veterans' home sees increase in Covid-19 cases for veterans, staff: "The Department identified 16 residents and 10 staff positive for COVID-19. Most of the positive residents are presenting with mild symptoms. However, in the last several days, four veterans were transported to the emergency department out of an abundance of caution," by Fox 2's Linda Cook. — A bit of good news on Illinois pensions : "Private-equity returns in one of the state's big funds are the best in the nation. But the fund still is $33 billion short," by Crain's Greg Hinz. — Column | ComEd bribery scandal unfairly zaps employees: "Thousands of ComEd workers—the ones who come to our rescue when the power goes out and who keep the region's electricity buzzing—deserve better from their leaders," by business writer Robert Reed.
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | Judge sets Ald. Ed Burke's racketeering trial for November 2023 — giving Burke a chance to run again: "The feds' case against Burke has lingered for more than three years at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic and a mountain of pretrial motions filed in August 2020 that were only ruled upon last month," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel.
| | CHICAGO | | — Museum Campus improvements make sense whether Bears stay or not, parks advocate says: "Friends of the Parks Executive Director Juanita Irizarry is excited about plans for more green space, which is at least a start on keeping a long-ago promise to move Soldier Field parking lots to the west side of DuSable Lake Shore Drive," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Chicago ranks second on best cities in the world list : "It's also the only American city to make Time Out's top 10," by Crain's Trina Mannino. — Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in London yesterday talking about Chicago during the Fintech Week London conference, per the mayor's Twitter feed. — North Coast Music Festival targeted by threat, organizers say: "In the initial tweet warning of violence, screenshots of what appeared to be a Facebook post describing a shooting at the festival included racial slurs and a mention of violence," by Sun-Times' Mary Norkol. — $5M loan fund created to help owners of South Shore condos, co-ops pay for maintenance and repairs, by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman — Off-duty officer left paralyzed from waist down after shooting in Beverly; three men held without bail, by Tribune's Shanzeh Ahmad
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — 8 kids have died in last 8 months under Illinois DCFS' watch, Cook County public guardian says: "The embattled state agency that is supposed to protect endangered children is being hauled into federal court" today, reports ABC 7's Craig Wall. — Cooper Roberts, 8, sees condition worsen after being paralyzed in Highland Park parade mass shooting, by Sun-Times' Brett Chase — Inmate exits Stateville Correctional Center a month after chance encounter with Cook County state's attorney, by Tribune's Megan Crepeau
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Chicago police make arrest nine months after killing captured on camera: "The arrest brings relief to a family that couldn't understand why police didn't make an arrest quickly when the evidence was handed to them," by WBEZ's Patrick Smith. — Assessor's office employee pleads not guilty to federal fraud charges alleging he took sports tickets and home improvements to change assessments , by Tribune's Jason Meisner — Former Chicago Police Department detective alleges retaliation as whistleblower trial begins, by Tribune's Kinsey Crowley
| | | | INTRODUCING POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don't miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked if you've ever snubbed your party's candidate and voted for an independent: Democrat Barry McAnarney , campaign manager for Dick Durbin's 1st Congressional campaign in 1982, voted for John Anderson in 1980. "I thought Jimmy Carter did not deserve re-election and couldn't vote for Reagan. I was wrong on Carter — we need moral politicians more than we need 'smart politicians'" ... Democrat Joe Desparrois: "In the 2008 presidential election, I voted for Ralph Nader. Unfortunately, he could not get his message out, and his criticism of Barack Obama was overblown in my opinion." ... Jeff Schoenberg: "Was all in for a fellow reformnik, independent Forrest Claypool, in the 2010 race for Cook County assessor against incumbent and Democratic county party chair Joe Barrios." ... Democrat Sharon Rosenblum switched to run press for Independent John B. Anderson's presidential campaign downstate while at SIU. Do you believe in the impeachment process in the United States? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE FIFTY | | Election officials fear copycat attacks as 'insider threats' loom: "Attempted election security breaches aided by local officials are on the rise. reports POLITICO's Zach Montellaro.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Jan. 6 panel reveals new details of Trump's fringe-driven push to hold power, by POLITICO's Nicholas Wu and Kyle Cheney — The secret support system for former aides taking on Trump: The other women, by POLITICO's Meridith McGraw — How Yellen plans to deplete Putin's war funds, by POLITICO's Kate Davidson — Newsom signs bill allowing suits against gun makers for negligence, by POLITICO's Jeremy B. White
| | TRANSITIONS | | Kara Highfill has been named government relations and comms manager at the Illinois Restaurant Association. She previously was chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer and before that was advocacy director for the Office of the Illinois Treasurer. She also has worked on campaigns.
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | — Judge rules in favor of news outlets in Roosevelt Myles' case: "The ruling ended delays and frustrations for Myles, whose case hit a snag in court when Prosecutor Tom Dombrowski took an entire year trying to subpoena the Discovery channel and Painless Productions, for news material from an aired documentary about the case," by Chicago Crusader's Erick Johnson. — WXRT-FM radio mainstay Lin Brehmer announces medical leave to battle prostate cancer : "Starting Monday, he will begin 'a long period of chemotherapy' that requires stepping away from the microphone he has manned for nearly four decades," by Tribune's Robert Channick — The Billy Goat Tavern on lower Michigan Avenue is getting in the book business, sort of. It's selling "The House That Madigan Built," by Tribune's Ray Long . It's the least the Goat could do given Tribune reporters have been flocking to the hole-in-the-wall for years. You can also buy Ray's book at the Tribune's online store.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | Abbey Pub's Tom Looney, who transformed a modest bar into a music mecca, dead at 81 of Covid: "During the 30 years he and his wife ran the North Side club, it hosted performances by stars as varied as Florence + the Machine, Snow Patrol, Wiz Khalifa, Kris Kristofferson, Wilco, Brad Paisley, Bonnie Koloc and The Ting Tings," by Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell.
| | ENGAGED | | Natalie Edelstein, spokeswoman for the Pritzker campaign, and Will Jarvis, a producer on the podcast Click Here, got engaged in her hometown of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. The couple met in college at the University of Missouri in a journalism class. Pic!
| | TRIVIA | | TUESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Bill Hogan and Mike Miletich for correctly answering that square dancing is the Illinois state folk dance. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the minister born in Maine and responsible for the Underground Railroad Station in Princeton? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Former state Sen. Suzi Schmidt, Illinois Restaurant Association president Sam Toia, Farm Credit Administration's Michael Stokke, and Brimm Communications president David Brimm. -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 | | | | |
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