| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. It's Block Party weekend and I'm gearing up for the jello shots.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Abdelnasser Rashid is a progressive who won the Democratic race for a state House seat in the suburbs in the June 28 primary. | Rashid campaign photo | Progressives had a moment during last month's primaries. A notable victor was Abdelnasser Rashid, who if elected in November would become the first Palestinian and first Muslim American elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He edged out seven-term state Rep. Michael Zalewski in the 21st District and will face Republican Matthew Schultz in the general election. Along with knocking out a powerful lawmaker, Rashid's victory is significant because of how he won: using his full name and showcasing his ethnicity, including his wife in full hijab. The 32-year-old Chicago-born community organizer had run unsuccessfully in previous races — for Cook County Commission in 2018 and Cook County Board of Review in 2020. In both those races, he was advised to Americanize his name to "Nas," a nickname he sometimes uses, and to downplay his background. The thinking was that he needed to be palatable to voters who might have prejudices against Arabs or perceived foreigners. Rashid ignored the advice then and set out on his latest campaign with optimism that voters would accept him for who he is. "We believed that once people got to know me, that they can move past any preconceptions," Rashid told Playbook. Like other successful candidates, he spent countless hours walking the district, "personally knocking on close to 7,000 doors," he said. "There's nothing more powerful than real conversations — not just to share your vision but to hear what's going on in their lives." Political observers see Rashid's success in the 21st District, which includes Cicero and Berwyn, and Delia Ramirez's victory in the newly created 3rd Congressional District, as proof that the suburbs are becoming more diverse. What it means: "We demonstrated that we can win in the suburbs without moving to the right," Ramirez told WTTW. She faces Republican Justin Burau in November. "This was significant because it shows where the electorate is going," said Josh Hoyt , a longtime community organizer who hired Rashid out of college for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights. "This victory was about Abdelnasser Rashid himself." RELATED Ramirez's victory could provide a template for progressive candidates looking to defeat Mayor Lori Lightfoot , reports WTTW's Heather Cherone
| | THE BUZZ | | | 
Bob Fioretti, a former Democratic Chicago alderman, is running as a Republican for Cook County Board president. | Screen shot from 2018 WTTW interview | Bob Fioretti, the former Chicago alderman and 2018 mayoral candidate, is now running for Cook County Board president — as a Republican. He's among candidates across the state in a mad dash to get petitions signed to run for GOP seats that went unfilled during the primary. The deadline is July 28. Illinois election rules say if no one runs in a primary, an established candidate can jump into the general election. Hoping for their moment: Midterms favor Republicans when a Democrat is in the White House (and vice versa), and Illinois Republicans want to capitalize on that. "There's been an awakening of folks who say we've got to get this done," said Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, who heads the county GOP. The effort to get a Republican running for every seat started with a discussion among Cook County Republicans about a year and a half ago, he said, "and then it just grew." State House and Senate Republicans are also working to fill open slots for Republicans to run. Fioretti's name is a big get for Republicans. He was a founding member of the Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council in 2013 and went on to run unsuccessfully for mayor (against Rahm and Lori) and Cook County state's attorney. He also ran against incumbent county board president Toni Preckwinkle in the 2018 Democratic primary. So this would be a rematch. Also on the GOP slate for Cook County offices is Tony Peraica, an attorney who made a career of trying to bring down former House Speaker Michael Madigan by challenging his campaign tactics. Peraica will face county clerk Karen Yarbrough. Attorney Lupe Aguirre is angling to run against county sheriff Tom Dart. Peter Kopsaftis, a Barrington committeeman who ran unsuccessfully in the IL-08 congressional primary, wants to challenge Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. And Todd Thielmann has filed to run for Cook County assessor against incumbent Fritz Kaegi . Thielmann was the chief of staff to Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Tammy Wendt. He was fired after a legal dispute related to nepotism because he's Wendt's cousin. Wendt lost in last month's primary. Thielmann's other challenge: He pulled a Democratic ballot in the primary. State law says once you've declared you're with one party, then you're locked in for the remainder of the election cycle. So many rules. So much fun. 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 | | No official public events.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | ABOUT ABORTION | | — With abortion nearly banned in their state, Wisconsin doctors head to Illinois: "Planned Parenthood in Illinois and Wisconsin have created a partnership that could be a model for providers in states restricting abortion," by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch. — Republican fears of an abortion backlash grow: "The case of a 10-year-old rape victim is highlighting the election downsides of the new wave of abortion bans," by POLITICO's David Siders, Adam Wren and Megan Messerly. — Confirmation of Ohio rape victim's abortion story forces retreat from some conservative doubters, by POLITICO's Kelly Hooper
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — In order to attend a Ph.D. program, he needs Gov. Pritzker's help getting out of prison: "Johnny Pippins has already completed a master's degree while in prison for murder. Now he's seeking clemency so he can continue his education," by WBEZ's Charlotte West. — State adds $100M to Rainy Day Fund: "During the budget impasse when I first took office, the Rainy Day Fund had less than $60,000 — not enough to run state operations for 30 seconds," Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. "The bond rating agencies noted Illinois had the lowest Rainy Day Fund in the country." by WCIA's Cole Henke, Bradley Zimmerman — Pritzker's new rules relaxing who needs Covid vaccinations called a political move, reports NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern. — Watch for it: Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to announce that flags across the state should be flown at half staff to honor victims of the Highland Park mass shooting. This is a proposal suggested by state Rep. La Shawn Ford. — Illinois issues draft renewable energy access plan to prioritize equity in the energy transition, by Utility Dive's Larry Pearl — Representative Meier donates $2,700 pay raise to local nonprofits, by Southern Illinois Now's Bruce Kropp
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | Trial in ComEd bribery probe reset for March due to conflict with R. Kelly case: "The courtroom on the 25th floor of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse has been in high demand during the pandemic and is the only space that can accommodate a jury trial with multiple defendants given the COVID-19 protocols that are still in effect," by Tribune's Jason Meisner
| | CHICAGO | | — What would Harry Carey say? ... U.S. attorney sues Cubs alleging disability law violations with Wrigley Field renovations: "The 19-page suit filed in U.S. District Court comes nearly three years after it was revealed in a separate court action that federal authorities had launched an investigation into whether the Cubs' $1 billion, five-year renovation of the century-old ballpark met the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act," by Tribune's Jason Meisner, Robert Channick and Paul Sullivan. … Read the lawsuit — No more after-hours bars in River North? Ald. Hopkins looks to kil 5 a.m. licenses as area struggles with shootings: "Bar owners say they're not to blame for shootings, pointing to crowds drinking on the streets and open-air drug deals on corners. 'We're short-handed and being overrun by criminals,'" by Block Club's Melody Mercado and Mack Liederman. — CTA leaders vow to fix unreliable service with more ohiring, improved train and bus tracking : "CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. said the agency is 'aggressively' working to hire train and bus operators. Meanwhile, frustrated riders are starting their own system to keep track of "ghost" buses and trains," by Block Club's Mina Bloom and Alex V. Hernandez. — Police oversight agency releases videos to family of 13-year-old shot by officer: "The videos were released to the family through a Freedom of Information Act request," via Sun-Times. — First citywide plan in half a century seeks to address structural inequality : "We Will Chicago is a draft 10-year framework with goals and objectives designed to address inequities while creating thriving communities," by WBEZ's Natalie Moore. — Ferrero plans to open 'innovation center' in Marshall Field building, by Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito. — Elevator woes at condo building strand Southwest Side woman at home for days, by Sun-Times' Elvia Malagón. — Kimberly Hobson, new CEO of South Side Healthy Community Organization, addresses disparity and equitable health care, via NPR's Maureen Foertsch McKinney — Pitchfork is this weekend: Chicago helped 'first-gen kid' KAINA find her voice. Now she's using it, by Candace McDuffied for WBEZ.
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — A new digital ad from the Super PAC supporting Darren Bailey for governor takes swipes at Pritkzer on economy issues. The PAC is headed by Dan Proft and funded by billionaire Dick Uihlein. — GOP IL-11 candidate Catalina Lauf calls Jill Biden's 'breakfast tacos' remark insulting: "The Woodstock resident who is Hispanic seized on Biden's comment for a fundraising email sent to followers," by Daily Herald's Russell Lissau.
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — After 5 years and $22M, upgraded Fox River lock and dam is fully reopened, by Shaw Local's Janelle Walker — ComEd installs beehives in power-line route through Prospect Heights prairie: It acknowledges "the importance of the threatened pollinators to the health of the ecosystem," writes Daily Herald's Eric Peterson.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Chicago-Kent student gets full-ride scholarship after successfully appealing life sentence, via Chicago-Kent College of Law — Judge tosses murder convictions of brothers who allege framing by former Chicago police detective, by Tribune's Megan Crepeau
| | Reader Digest | | We asked what unusual thing do you find attractive in people, and the answers were pretty earnest. Taylor Pensoneau: "I like to see an engaging personality coupled with integrity in a person." ... Robert Christie: "I look for a good listener." What's your craziest story about a neighbor in one sentence? Email skapos@politico.com
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | — After Highland Park parade massacre, Sen. Tammy Duckworth's lethal attack on assault weapons: "For an 'evil purpose, a semi-automatic rifle is the perfect weapon, because it is lightweight, portable and easy to load with high-capacity magazines,' Duckworth said in a Senate speech pleading for an assault weapons ban," by Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet. — Jan. 6 panel considers holding hearings beyond next week: "Members of the panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack have discussed adding witnesses, but they didn't reveal whether they'll seek testimony from Trump and Pence. 'This is a discussion we have ongoing,' said Rep. Adam Kinzinger," via Bloomberg.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Bidenworld, fellow Dems, dreaming of a Trump pre-midterm announcement, by POLITICO's Christopher Cadelago — How some House Dems are trying to outrun a potential red wave, by POLITICO's Ally Mutnick — Manchin rejects climate, tax elements of party-line Dem bill, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett
| | TRANSITIONS | | Deion Lemelle is now assistant director at the University of Chicago Center for Effective Government. He previously was special assistant and engagement manager at Win the Era, and is a Chasten Buttigieg alum.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Donald G. Lubin, Chicago lawyer who had key roles with Ray Kroc and McDonald's Corp., dead at 88: "He negotiated the sale from the McDonald brothers to Ray," said Harold C. Hirshman, a lawyer with the firm Dentons, where Mr. Lubin practiced for more than 60 years. Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell reports. — Ivana Trump, former president's first wife, dies at 73: She was "a 'charismatic workaholic' and a 'career woman' — working alongside her then-husband as they built the Trump empire," writes POLITICO's Myah Ward.
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to John Straus for being first to correctly answer that Illinois' first attorney general was Daniel Pope Cook, who served for 11 days. He swerved quickly to work in Congress and is the namesake for Cook County. TODAY's QUESTION: How is FEW Spirits in Evanston connected to Illinois history? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr., former Congressman Dan Lipinski, state Treasurer's chief of staff G. Allen Mayer, Illinois Policy Institute marketing VP Austin Berg, Aon apprenticeships director Shay Robinson, Executives' Club comms officer Eva Penar, Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder Jr., and Bloomberg's Liana B. Baker. Saturday: state Sen. Scott Bennett, Jewish United Fund chief of staff Jim Rosenberg, Ways and Means staff assistant Marcus Towns II, American Medical Association comms VP Justin DeJong, leadership consultant Ginny Clarke, ALG Research associate Maddie Conway, entrepreneur Victoria Rivka Zell, New Trier comms director Niki Dizon, and POLITICO cybersecurity engineer Kalon Makle, who always comes to the rescue. Sunday: Ald. Leslie Hairston, SEIU Local 73 political director Mo Green, former state rep turned political consultant Art Turner, campaign consultant Alaina Hampton, and JPMorgan Chase senior associate Melanie Beatus Ettleson. -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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