Friday, October 14, 2022

POLITICO Illinois Playbook: Bailey makes political hay

Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln
Oct 14, 2022 View in browser
 
Illinois Playbook

By Shia Kapos

With help from Olivia Olander

TGIF, Illinois. The special House Jan. 6 committee offered up a stunner: a vote to subpoena former President Donald Trump.

NEW POLL OUT THIS A.M.: Sun-Times/WBEZ poll shows Bailey's backyard showing fails to cut into Pritzker's double-digit lead

TOP TALKER

Darren Bailey didn't just fall off the turnip truck. The southern Illinois farmer knows politics well enough to understand that abortion is the law of the land in Illinois and most residents like it that way.

Duck and dodge: So, it's no wonder he skillfully avoided questions about abortion during a Crain's editorial board meeting that was broadcast live Thursday. "I'm pro-life," he said, adding, "I couldn't change anything if I wanted to."

That might appease some independent voters worried that Bailey would scrap abortion laws in the state if he were elected governor. He that as long as Democrats control the General Assembly, that won't happen. Democratic insiders, meanwhile, worry that electing a Republican to the governor's mansion would be the beginning of a chipping-away at such rights – or so they say.

The real question is, if Bailey knows he doesn't have the power to end abortion rights, why does he think he can repeal criminal justice reform laws that the General Assembly passed and Gov. JB Pritzker signed?

Bailey sees an opening: Where abortion is an impenetrable issue in Illinois, he says there are enough concerned Democrats to support a repeal of the SAFE-T Act.

In a statement to Playbook: The SAFE-T Act legislation "narrowly passed in the middle of the night, and there is an appetite for change on this policy," Bailey spokesman Joe DeBose said in a statement. "Darren will work with all stakeholders to repeal it and replace it."

Democratic leaders would say when pigs fly. We'll see what voters say.

New poll shows Pritzker's 'coattails' helping Democrats down ballot, via Sun Times and WBEZ

THE BUZZ

WHAT HAPPENS UNDER THE DOME: Democratic State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz is planning to propose legislation that would address bullying in the General Assembly.

It's still going on: She said bullying "happens as much — if not more" than sexual harassment in Springfield, and that more needs to be done to address both issues in the statehouse and in offices statewide, according to a lengthy examination by the Tribune's Ray Long and Dan Petrella.

"It gets complicated under the dome," said Feigenholtz, referring to dynamics at the Capitol.

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

No official public events.

WHERE'S LORI

At Central West Community Center at 10:30 a.m. to unveil a new mural at the People with Disabilities Career Center.

Where's Toni

At the Chicago Club at 9:30 a.m. to deliver remarks and participate in the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act Media Summit.

CAMPAIGN MODE

Dems counting on Tammy Duckworth to help them keep control of the Senate: "The first-term incumbent senator for Illinois and GOP challenger Kathy Salvi are far apart on gun control, abortion and immigration policy," by WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos

Salvi's name left off some ballots in rural county in now-corrected error, by Tribune's Jake Sheridan

Mega donor Uihlein kicks in millions to help elect Republicans who question election results: "More than nine of every 10 dollars mega donors Dick Uihlein and his wife Liz have contributed directly to congressional candidates running in the midterms have gone to Republicans who cast doubt on President Joe Biden's victory in 2020," reports Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles

— In IL-10, Republican Joseph Severino says his new poll by Victory Research shows he's still in the hunt. Though POLITICO's Forecast 2022 has the race as going solid Democrat for Rep. Brad Schneider.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: In IL-11, Congressman Bill Foster raised $957,572 in Q3, ending the quarter with just over $4.1 million cash on hand, according to his team.

— In IL-13, Democrat Nikki Budzinski is reminding folks she's been endorsed by the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents downstate officers. It's a pushback at her opponent, Republican Regan Deering, who's been endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge.

— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: In IL-14, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood raised $1.2 million in campaign funds and has nearly $3 million cash on hand during the third quarter. Underwood's team says of more than 15,000 contributions, 94 percent were under $200.

Daily Herald endorses Mike Frerichs for another term as state treasurer

— The DuPage Board chair race is heated with candidates pulling out all the stops to woo voters. Republican Greg Hart speaks Spanish in a new TV ad in which he addresses taxes and public safety. And Democrat Deb Conroy just announced former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (of that Kennedy family) has endorsed her. Kennedy, founder of the Kennedy Forum on Mental Health and Addiction, cited Conroy's work on mental health legislation.

— Two new ads are out supporting a referendum to invest in the Cook County Forest Preserves. The spots are titled "Jobs" and "Everyone."

TAKING NAMES

Rev. Jesse Jackson won't slow down at 81: 'It's my sense of purpose': "Rev. Jesse L. Jackson turned 81 last week, and will celebrate at a birthday gala on Friday. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017, he told the Chicago Sun-Times he has no intention of taking it easy. Right now, his focus is on registering voters for the upcoming election," by Sun-Times' Mariah Rush.

Chicago entrepreneur Michael Polsky is being honored for his work in the clean energy field by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights nonprofit. Polsky will receive the Ripple of Hope Award alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prince Harry and Meghan, Siris co-founder Frank Baker and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan. Polsky founded Chicago-based Invenergy 21 years ago, and since then the company has been a leader in clean energy, expanding from thermal generation to wind and solar. The company is now working on new ways to store energy and clean water.

CORRUPTION CHRONICLES

Former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes makes first in-person court appearance on charges stemming from ComEd bribery probe: "Among the business attended to during the brief hearing was the postponement of Mapes' scheduled jury trial in January, which U.S. District Judge John Kness said was unavoidable since he is dealing with other trials that month and still needs to get up to speed on Mapes' case," by Tribune's Jason Meisner.

MIGRANTS IN ILLINOIS

— WELCOME: Chicago saw 78 new migrants arrive Wednesday, according to the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. The city has now welcomed 3,069  asylum-seekers bused from the Texas border since Aug. 31.

DHS announces new program for Venezuelan migrants aimed at easing pressure at U.S.-Mexico border, by POLITICO's Myah Ward

Preckwinkle calls for U.S. help as county faces 'considerable' health costs for asylum seekers bused from Texas, by Sun-Times' David Struett

MAYOR'S RACE 2023

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been endorsed by the Local 11 Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers in her reelection bid. The endorsement follows the American Postal Workers Union Local 1 also endorsing the mayor.

CHICAGO

Chicago's $2M precinct consolidation plan denounced as 'voter suppression': "Mayoral challenger Willie Wilson wants a federal judge to block a plan he said 'reminds me of the Jim Crow days down South where I'm from,'" by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman.

Ald. Matt Martin urges City Council to shake off rubber-stamp reputation: " Last month, the 47th Ward Council member introduced a resolution calling for making himself chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, replacing retired chair Michele Smith," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman.

City should have shut down Loop club before weekend killing, 25th Ward alderman says, by Sun-Times' Frank Main and Tim Novak

Artist's work at Art on theMART is a love letter to 79th Street, Black culture: "Jasmin Taylor's "Trap Moulin Rouge" performance piece is among the projections featured on the facade of the Merchandise Mart," by Sun-Times' Mariah Rush.

— NEW FILM: Art Johnston and Jose "Pepe" Peña, owners of the celebrated gay bar Sidetrack, star in "Art and Pep," which details their activism during the AIDS crisis, starting Equality Illinois and building Sidetrack.

— Bad news, Bears fans: Washington Commanders survive late charge to beat Bears in Chicago, via ESPN

...SWAMP THINGS...

Chicago man who wore 'Trump 2020' flag pleads guilty with father to role in U.S. Capitol attack, by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel

TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES

Delay sought in CTA vote on $41M fare box contract: "An Elk Grove Village firm that makes fare boxes says CTA selection process gives other firms an unfair advantage," by Sun-Times' Manny Ramos

COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS

Possible Chicago Bears sportsbook earns key vote from Arlington Heights commission, by Daily Herald's Christopher Placek

Aurora officials: Taxpayers won't foot bill for $50M loan to build new casino, by Daily Herald's Susan Sarkauskas

DAY IN COURT

Tenant denied bail after landlord's dismembered remains found in freezer on Far North Side, by Tribune's Rosemary Sobol

Ex-school clerk admits scamming CPS out of money for Disney cruise in midst of Byrd-Bennett scandal, by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel

What to Read

Jon Meacham is on a book tour for "And There Was Light," which chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln, "charting how — and why — he confronted secession, threats to democracy, and the tragedy of slavery."

 

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.

 
 
Reader Digest

We asked how your spending your family relief check:

Robert Kartheiser: "I lived in SW Florida for 10 years, and my heart goes out to all those families impacted by Hurricane Ian. My family relief check will be going to help them."

Stella Black: "My rainy day fund."

Jimmy Dean: "I will invest it to try and stay ahead."

Mark Heffington: "Most of that check (property tax relief) will go to pay for the increase in my Illinois property taxes this year — no new property, just higher taxes."

Kathy Posner: "I am hoping the amount will be sufficient to buy a pack of gum. Wrigley's, of course, to keep the money in the Chicago economy."

Andy Shaw: "I will use my 'massive' relief check to treat my bride of 50 years to a fancy dinner with a nice bottle of wine. Sadly, it won't cover the tip."

Barbara Rosenberg and John Straus said they'd be putting their money toward political campaigns (that lean left).

Chris White: "I bought a chargeable 'block rocker' PA speaker to use at protests."

How do you handle baseball playoffs when there's no Chicago team in the mix? Email skapos@politico.com

SPOTTED

A 20th anniversary celebration for Illinois Women in Leadership, founded by Sen. Dick Durbin and his wife, Loretta Durbin, drew a crowd of 300 at Maggiano's on Thursday. Founding members in attendance included Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, former state Rep. and Illinois Pollution Board member Barbara Flynn Currie and Ann Kalayil, Linda Hawker and Bonnie Ettinger.

Also in the room: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, EPA administrator Debra Shore, state Attorney General Kwame Raoul, state Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, state Reps. Theresa Mah and Lindsey LaPointe, MWRD Commissioners Kari Steele and Kimberly du Buclet, secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias, Obama Foundation's Tina Tchen.

So many more: former state Rep. and Cook County Assessor James Houlihan , former state Sen. Judy Irwin, former state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, political consultant Hanah Jubeh, Strategia Consulting's Lissa Druss, political adviser and lobbyist Dan Shoman, Our American Voice's Sheila Smith, attorney Gail Morse, City Club's Ed Mazur, comms consultants Rick Jasculca and Jim Terman and political consultant and longtime Durbin cheerleader Nancy Kohn.

THE NATIONAL TAKE

'Bloated and wasteful': Schakowsky suggests cutting Pentagon budget to ease inflation, by Daily Herald's Russell Lissau

House Democrats retrench as GOP money floods the map, by POLITICO's Ally Mutnick and Sarah Ferris

'Ron DeSantis' greatest foe isn't Charlie Crist or Donald Trump. It's hubris,' POLITICO's Michael Kruse reports

The Jan. 6 committee plays truth and dare with Trump, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Nicholas Wu

WEDDING BELLS

— Bart Marchant, chief development officer at Chicago Hope Academy, recently married Alyssa Grabfield, a consultant on health and life sciences at Accenture. The couple, who met on a study abroad program in Madrid in 2009 before finally reconnecting in the summer of 2021, married at Norfield Congregational Church in Westport, Conn. Pic

EVENTS

— Saturday at 10:30 a.m.: Your Playbook host along with Axios' Monica Eng and Chalkbeat's Samantha Smylie headline a discussion about "Women Journalists Working in Non-Traditional Media." We'll be at Grace Place. It's free, but RSVP to amywwhp@gmail.com.

— Thursday Oct. 20: State Rep. Delia Ramirez, who's running for Congress in the 3rd District, headlines a luncheon at Union League Club sponsored by Chicago Area Public Affairs Group. It's billed as off the record. Register here

TRIVIA

THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Freeport City Manager Randy Bukas for correctly answering that DuPage County is the healthiest county in Illinois.

TODAY's QUESTION: What color besides green has the Chicago River been dyed and why? Email skapos@politico.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today: Cook County Circuit Court Judge Tiana Blakely, former state Rep. Patti Bellock, chief of staff for Cook County Treasurer Bill Kouruklis, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition State Director Liliana Scales, Northwestern professor and former Obama speechwriter Cody Keenan and Crain's reporter Danny Ecker.

Saturday: Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Robert Harris, policy adviser Ted Cox, RNC Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson, Firstup founder Jim Larrison, Revolution Global's Jeremiah Green and Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette columnist Jim Dey.

Sunday: MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita and United comms exec Anel Ruiz.

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