| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. Reminder, Illinois Playbook won't publish Monday through Monday, Sept. 5. We'll be back on our normal schedule Tuesday, Sept. 6. Enjoy the last days of summer. I know I will.
|  | TOP TALKER | | Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey continues to rub elbows with folks connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. WTTW's Paris Schutz has the story about Bailey attending church or campaigning with two Rockford-area pastors who were part of the rally that occurred right before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. In a statement to Playbook, Bailey said: "I've said that Jan. 6 was a dark day for America. It was extremely upsetting and those who broke the law should be held accountable. But questions about it are an effort to inject national politics into a race that should be all about fixing Illinois." A person close to Bailey's campaign said neither of the pastors is employed by the campaign and they weren't part of the attack, just the protest. It's been two steps forward, one step back for Bailey. Like Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican in a Blue state who snagged a Donald Trump endorsement, Bailey has focused his energy on talking about kitchen table issues and not the former president. That proved a winning strategy for Youngkin, who was elected in 2021. What Youngkin didn't do was hang out with Jan. 6 minions. Meanwhile, Bailey has more than once aligned himself with "stop-the-steal" acolytes. There was the Bailey supporter, Larry Ligas, who for a time was showcased in the campaign web site. Ligas was charged with disorderly conduct and demonstrating at the Capitol on Jan. 6. And David Paul Blumenshine, a "stop-the-steal" activist, was enlisted by Bailey's campaign to focus on "election integrity." In the latest encounters , Bailey appeared on stage during a service with Pastor Brian Phillips at the Grove Fellowship in Poplar Grove, according to Schutz. "We have officially worshiped with you as much as we've worshiped at our home church," Bailey told Phillips in front of his congregation. Bailey also has campaigned with Rockford-area Pastor Steve Cassell, who was at the Trump rally with Phillips. On Sunday, Bailey was apparently unfazed by the screen behind the pulpit that featured an Old Testament phrase: "The Lord is a Man of War." And next to it, reports Schutz, was a symbol of "The Punisher" — a Marvel Comics character that has been appropriated by far-right militia groups like the Proud Boys.
| | THE BUZZ | | Mayor Lori Lightfoot is going negative for the first time in the campaign for mayor, lumping challenger Paul Vallas with Donald Trump when it comes to financial management. Lightfoot's campaign is hitting back at Vallas' remarks to Sun-Times' Fran Spielman this week in which he criticized Lightfoot for saying "tough choices" have helped right the city's financial ship. "She's basically handing off what she inherited from Rahm Emanuel," Vallas said. "After $6 billion in Covid money, after over $800 million in city and school property tax increases, this is what we have to show for it." Lightfoot's campaign punched back: "Republican Paul Vallas giving budget advice is like taking classified document protocol lessons from Donald Trump," campaign spokeswoman Christina Freundlich said in a statement to Playbook. "Vallas has left financial destruction with every budget he's ever touched. His long track record of financial mismanagement, using district funds for personal expenses and leaving his previous campaign a half million dollars in debt should alarm anyone who cares about the city's fiscal health. If you can't balance the books, then you can't run a city." The mayoral campaign season officially begins next week when candidates can start gathering petition signatures. 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
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At John A. Logan Community College in Carterville at 8:30 a.m. on Day 3 of his campaign's Working Families Bus Tour with Southern Illinois mayors lining up to endorse him. Livestream here. — At 5:30 p.m. he'll put on his official governor's hat to give remarks at the Du Quoin State Fair. Livestream here.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | Covid-19 Update | | Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Chicago health chief Dr. Allison Arwady both test positive for Covid-19: " The two join the lengthy list of Illinois officials and politicians who have come down with the virus since March 2020. The 88-year-old White reported mild symptoms, and Arwady said she had "some cold-like symptoms and fever but am otherwise well." Both are fully vaccinated and boosted and working from home, according to statements," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman and Mitchell Armentrout.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — A rare, first-of-its kind Chicago license plate is up for auction, by NPR's Emma Bowen
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — FROM THE DAILY HERALD | Where the Uihleins are spreading their wealth: Billionaire Dick Uihlein "has donated more than $34 million to candidates running for county or state offices in Illinois or to state-based political action committees this cycle," including state Sen. Dan McConchie ($277,137), Kane County treasurer candidate Chris Lauzen ($15,000), DuPage County Board candidate Annette Corrigan ($2,500), and Lake County sheriff candidate Mark Vice II of Round Lake ($3,000). Elizabeth Uihlein has donated $29,000 to county- or state-level campaigns and political groups this cycle, too, reports Russell Lissau. — Mayoral candidate Willie Wilson criticizes Chicago's reduction in voting precincts, saying it could deter turnout: "Wilson said he hadn't heard about the precinct reduction until earlier this week and that precinct closures will inevitably lead to closures of polling places, especially in majority Black and Latino neighborhoods. In a release to announce the news conference, Wilson's campaign accused the board of "using Jim Crow South Voter Suppression Tactics,'" by Tribune's Kinsey Crowley.
| | CHICAGO | | — Relentless string of canceled days off blamed for spike in Chicago Police suicides "pared down significantly," top mayoral aide says: "There were obviously an extra amount of days off canceled throughout this last spring and summer period. That has been scaled back," said Elena Gottreich, Mayor Lori Lightfoot's fourth deputy mayor for public safety," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — City Council committee discusses need for mental health resources for Chicago police officers, by Tribune's Paige Fry — Tavern on Rush closing at year's end: "The Gold Coast staple owned by Phil Stefani announced it's shutting down permanently when its lease expires," via Crain's. — 'No threat' after person jumps fence at FBI Chicago, by WGN 9's Ben Bradley — The limitations of statues: "With the Chicago Monuments Project report in and Columbus Day almost here, time to argue about statues some more," by Sun-Times' Neil Steinberg. — It's Chicago Sky v. Connecticut Sun, again, via ESPN
| | TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES | | — Chicago street takeovers: They're secret, dangerous, illegal — and have a devoted following: " A crackdown has had little impact on the events, which feature cars drifting and doing other stunts. They are organized in minutes across the city through a social network that taps into the culture of street racing," by Sun-Times' Manny Ramos. — NASCAR to set up shop in Chicago as plans for first-ever street race take shape, by Tribune's Robert Channick
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Aurora City Council to vote again on new ward map: "While aldermen, after weeks of discussion, adopted a new map earlier this week, it turns out a last-minute amendment took too many people out of one ward. So, City Council members will try again at a special meeting at 1 p.m. Monday," by Aurora Beacon-News' Steve Lord. — Rockford mayor asks for community's help in lowering property taxes, by WTVO's Jack Baudoin
| | DAY IN COURT | | — 'They were thinking about killing me': Lisa Van Allen takes stand in R. Kelly trial: " Featured prominently in the 2019 Lifetime docuseries "Surviving R. Kelly," Van Allen is now a key witness in an alleged early-2000s conspiracy to recover tapes of Kelly sexually abusing an underage girl and to rig his earlier 2008 child pornography trial in Cook County," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel and Andy Grimm.
| | SPOTTED | | Mayor Lori Lightfoot was the special guest for Congresswoman Robin Kelly's annual LGBTQ fundraiser at Sidetrack on Halsted. Kelly, who was recently pushed out as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, received sustained applause as she thanked attendees for their support. In the crowd: state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Ald. Tom Tunney, consultant Arielle Maffei, former Kelly finance chair Josh Schwartz, attorneys Ed Mullen, Paul Jones, Duke Alden and John Litchfield, political strategist Hope Pickett, AIDS Foundation Executive Director Kim Hunt, Tunney chief of staff Bennett Lawson, Human Rights Campaign's John Gruber, Treasurer's Office COO Aimee Pine and attorney Aimee Koehler, former political candidates Precious Brady-Davis and Jaylin McClinton and entertainers Chilli Pepper and Miss Foozie. Pic!
| | | | 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 about your end of summer traditions: Brent Zhorne, candidate for Knox County Board: "During the summer months, I wear Hawaiian shirts every day. It's kind of my signature. When summer is over, they go to the back of the closet. It's a throwback to when I was a teacher and the Hawaiian shirts signaled the beginning of summer break." Pamela Calvert, co-chair, One Roof Chicago: "My wife and I get ready for flu season — every Labor Day weekend we go get our annual flu shot, and then mark the end of summer with an ice cream." Ed Mazur of City Club: "My tradition is cleaning the closet of shirts and pants that no longer fit or the style belongs in a vintage shop. Then I go shopping to treat myself." Milt McDougald: "For many years, the tradition was a nice quiet picnic in a park under trees, knowing that school was only two weeks away." What's your student debt story? Email skapos@politico.com
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | U.S. labor secretary, Illinois Dems laud pro-union legislation ahead of November election, by Tribune's Jake Sheridan
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Judge orders redacted release of Mar-a-Lago affidavit, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein — Democrat Ro Khanna's apology tour. And why Trump voters love it, by POLITICO's Michael Kruse — Dr. Oz shifts strategy as campaign ails, by POLITICO's Holly Otterbein and Natalie Allison — Congressman's wife died after taking herbal remedy white mulberry leaf marketed for weight loss, diabetes: "Many people assume if that product is sold in the United States of America, somebody has inspected it, and it must be safe," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said when he introduced legislation to strengthen oversight of dietary supplements. "Unfortunately, that's not always true," Kaiser Health News reports.
| | Transitions | | — Heather Wier Vaught and Jay Curtis formed a new government relations firm, Government Solutions Group. Vaught is the former chief counsel to the Office of the Illlinois House Speaker, and Curtis is the former director of legislative affairs for the Office of the Governor. Chad Hoosier and Jessica Fuentes, also experienced in Illinois politics, have joined the firm, too. — Stacey Berdejo is now counsel for Sen. Tammy Duckworth's government office, where she'll lead the senator's judiciary and homeland security policy team. Berdejo had been senior caseworker and outreach coordinator for the senator. — Taryn Williams is joining Bel Brands USA as director of corporate communications. She has been comms director at Advance Illinois.
| | EVENTS | | — Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.: A City Council Election Training Seminar. It's free and open to the public and candidates running for public office. Details — Sunday through Tuesday: The National Association of Community Health Centers conference takes place at the Hyatt in Chicago. CBS Sunday Morning host Jane Pauley is scheduled to keynote. Details — Sunday 2 p.m.: WBEZ airs Prisoncast, featuring songs and sounds requested by people serving time, dedications from family members and friends and resources for prison families. It will also air on Illinois Public Radio stations around the state. Listen here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that lightweight Joe Gans fought featherweight "Terrible" Terry McGovern at Tattersall's, a horse riding arena at 16th and Dearborn in Chicago, in 1900. The heavier and stronger Gans went down for the count in the second round, causing an uproar about a fixed fight. (Gans won the world lightweight crown in 1902, becoming the first African American boxing champion.) The ban held from 1901 until 1926. TODAY's QUESTION: What was the first British regular army unit to enter the Chicago (Chicagou) area and when? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea, Highland Park Councilman Adam Stolberg, Macoupin County Democratic Chair Pam Monetti, Cozen O'Connor member Darren Collier, SIHF Healthcare's Steve Tomaszewski and pathologist and former reporter John Biemer. Saturday: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, DuPage County Board member Greg Hart, lobbyist John R. Daley, Jenner & Block attorney and Playbook trivia master Gail Morse, public affairs consultant Rich Goldberg, Illinois Health and Hospital Association comms VP Amy Barry and POLITICO Associate Editor for States Darius Dixon. Aug. 28: Chicago Ald. Roberto Maldonado, American Bar Association President-elect Mary Smith and PR pro and women's activist Marilyn Katz. Aug. 29: state Sen. Dale Fowler, Circuit Court Judge Nichole C. Patton, Technology and Manufacturing Association President Steve Rauschenberger, women's activist Hedy Ratner, Alexi Giannoulias political director Roberto Sepulveda and IDFPR secretary Mario Treto Jr. Aug. 30: former Lake County Board member Adam Didech. Aug 31: Chicago Ald. Michael Rodriguez, Clayco economic development director Dan Gibbons, and POLITICO Cannabis Editor Paul Demko. Sept. 1: Former first lady of Illinois Brenda Edgar, former state Rep. Barbara Giolitto, Miramar Group CEO Juan Ochoa, and McDonald's civic engagement director Ashli Nelson. Sept. 2: state Rep. Curtis Tarver II, former state Rep. Flora Ciarlo, former state Rep. Andrea Moore, property-tax expert Stella Black, attorney Maura Georges, journalist Jim DeRogatis, and Block Club co-founder Shamus Toomey. Sept. 3: SEIU Political Director Candis Castillo, former Lake County Clerk Willard Helander, 46th Ward aldermanic candidate Marianne Lalonde, Jewish United Fund Chicago's Jason Rothstein and journalist and historian Rick Perlstein. Sept. 4: Former Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, Chicago Plan Commission member Fran Grossman and Diversity MBA Media CEO Pamela McElvane. Sept. 5: former state Comptroller Leslie Munger, Winston Strawn Co-executive Chair Dan Webb, Development Specialists CEO William A. Brandt Jr., Cook County Commission candidate Monica Gordon, M. Harris & Co. CEO and former Tribune columnist Melissa Harris and Comcast government affairs manager Joshua Smyser-De Leon. -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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