| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by CVS Health | Happy St. Patrick's Day, Illinois! May your coffee be strong and your day short.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Illinois state Sen. Melinda Bush isn't seeking re-election, but she's staying in the political game. | AP file photo by John O'Connor | State Sen. Melinda Bush isn't running for reelection to the General Assembly, but she's shaking up the Democratic political scene in Lake County. The three-term lawmaker is embroiled behind the scenes in a high-stakes Democratic primary for her state Senate seat, backing former state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville. Bush is also waging a battle for a seat on the Democratic State Central Committee — running against Lauren Beth Gash, who is backing state Rep. Sam Yingling of Grayslake for the state Senate job. Call it a tag team primary. "It's important to me that the person who replaces me works hard and is ethical and someone who is there for the right reasons," Bush told Playbook about her reason for endorsing Edly-Allen for the 31st District seat. Bush says running against Gash in the central committee isn't personal. "I have respect for the time Lauren's put in. It has to do with understanding that the way you grow a better party is when you care about bringing more people in. It's about mentoring and growing leaders," she said. Both have powerful political bases. Bush is president of Lake County Democratic Women, and Gash chairs Lake County Democrats. In the Senate race, electability is an issue. The district is conservative, consisting of 17 communities led by 17 Republicans and women have rarely held the positions. It's a district that leans farther right than Yingling's House district. In 2018, Edly-Allen won her House seat by 373 votes — defeating Republican Helene Miller Walsh (who had been appointed to the position after her predecessor, Nick Sauer, abruptly resigned when POLITICO reported on his alleged computer-porn proclivities ). In 2020, Edly-Allen lost by a little more than 1,000 votes to Republican Rep. Chris Bos. Still, the close contests have prompted some elected officials in Lake County to endorse Yingling for the open Senate seat. Edly-Allen says she's not worried about endorsements. "I'm about the hard work and ground conversations with voters," she said. "The most powerful endorsement is the sitting senator. She's worked her ass off in this district. She knows this district. She's passed big bills. She has a great reputation. And she's ethical." Bush was among the first representatives to call for Michael Madigan to resign as speaker and party chairman in light of his connection to a federal corruption probe. Yingling, meanwhile, has been elected soundly for five terms. He says he's unfazed at facing a primary. "I appreciate the democratic process and look forward to talking to voters about why I'm the best candidate and have the best skillset to represent them in the state Senate," he told Playbook. Democratic insiders, however, worry that the party infighting creates too much upheaval when the focus should be on the General Election that has Adam Solano as the only Republican running. Why force a primary when the November election could be difficult, they say. "Why not challenge?" says Edly-Allen. "When we don't challenge, we get stagnation." Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com
| | THE BUZZ | | ETHICAL TWIST & TURN: A complaint has been filed anonymously with the City of Chicago Board of Ethics claiming Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and her lobbyist husband Reyahd Kazmi "both violated the Governmental Ethics Ordinance by failing to disclose Monterrey Security as a city contractor on their statements of financial interest where Kazmi derived reportable income," according to the filing obtained by Playbook. The filing seeks "immediate investigations and enforcement actions" and follows a report by NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern on the couple's failure to disclose the information. It's the latest twist in the competitive race for secretary of state, and another signal that ethics issues will play a role in the leadup to the June 28 primary. Also Wednesday, Valencia called out Alexi Giannoulias, who's also running for secretary of state, for his work in the banking industry. Aides to Valencia "say they suspect Giannoulias put some of his clients into gun-maker Smith & Wesson as BNY Mellon itself did and point to possible coal investments by BNY Mellon," reports Crain's Greg Hinz. Giannoulias' team says he "never invested any money or directed any investments. [He was] a wealth director whose role was to develop new business."
| | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in Illinois and communities across the country, CVS Health has been there. We've opened more than 4,800 COVID-19 test sites, administered 41 million tests and given 59 million vaccines. We've expanded access to prenatal and postpartum care via telemedicine, increased remote access to mental health services and invested in affordable housing to help build healthier communities. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. Learn more. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At Taylor Electric Co. in Chicago at 2:30 p.m. for a campaign stop with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Taylor Electric CEO Kendra Dinkins.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — FOP's Catanzara threatens political retribution against three of police union's strongest City Council supporters: "Catanzara wants three former firefighters now on the council — Nick Sposato, Anthony Napolitano and Jim Gardiner — to back Erin Jones, a CPD detective challenging state Sen. Rob Martwick, a favorite of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielmn. — PRODIGAL PROFT: Conservative businessman Richard Uihlein of Lake Forest has given $1 million to the People Who Play By the Rules PAC, headed by Dan Proft, the right-wing radio talk show host and former GOP candidate for governor (in 2010). Uihlein had previously funded political efforts and campaigns pushed by Proft but then stopped in 2020 after seeing little return for his buck. Profit currently lives in Naples, Fla., though you can hear him on the radio in Illinois. — Monica Gordon has won the endorsement of Secretary of State Jesse White in her bid for Cook County commissioner in the 5th District. Gordon heads government affairs and community relations at Chicago State University. Full list of endorsements — Pete DiCianni, a Republican candidate for DuPage Board chairman, has been endorsed by Elmhurst Community District 205 President Shannon Ebner and Addison School District 4 President David Williams. Full list here — Greg Hart, a Republican candidate for DuPage Board chairman, has been endorsed by former board chairs Bob Schillerstrom and Gayle Franzen.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker pulls another Prisoner Review Board appointment, calls for Senate action: Max Cerda was convicted of a double-murder as a teen, served time, paroled and appointed to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 2021. "He was the first ex-offender to serve on the 15-member board that decides who will be released from prison and under what conditions," by Capitol News' Beth Hundsdorfer. — In the next decade, all new cars will carry technology that monitors for impaired drivers: "The auto companies would have a maximum of three years to make sure that they're in all new cars," Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (D-Illinois), who worked to get the safety measures included in the $1 trillion federal infrastructure package, told WTTW's Amanda Vinicky. — Oak Park building is one of three in the state to prove it creates as much energy as it uses: "There are 150 zero energy buildings in the United States, up from 33 in 2011, according to the New Buildings Institute's database, which tracks only nonresidential buildings. They include buildings that house offices for state agencies, airports, libraries and nature centers, among others," by Tribune's Nara Schoenberg. — Illinois Asian American Caucus members decry hate, affirm importance of TEAACH Act, by State Journal-Register's Tiffani Jackson — The Shamrock Pub in Dixon is ranked third in the United States for top-rated Irish pubs, according to Google Maps, which bases its findings on the locations with more than 100 reviews. Shamrock Pub follows Hartley's and Barry's Old School Irish, both in New York, and beats out Standhill Public in Tampa, Fla.
| | | | SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL SECURITY DAILY : Keep up with the latest critical developments from Ukraine and across Europe in our daily newsletter, National Security Daily. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could disrupt the established world order and result in a refugee crisis, increased cyberattacks, rising energy costs and additional disruption to global supply chains. Go inside the top national security and foreign-policymaking shops for insight on the global threats faced by the U.S. and its allies and what actions world leaders are taking to address them. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | CHICAGO | | — Board rejects Chicago union bid to block lifting of school mask mandate: "The state labor board voted 3-2 on Wednesday to deny the union's preliminary injunction request that, if granted, would have sent the case to a circuit court judge. The labor board's vote increases the likelihood that the district's mask-optional policy will remain in place for the remainder of the school year," by Chalkbeat's Mauricio Pen. — Plan to create position of legislative counsel stalls again: "Unless she is re-elected, Mayor Lori Lightfoot may never face a council with its own parliamentarian to counter her rulings from the chair. On Wednesday, a new and improved legislative counsel ordinance championed by Ald. Anthony Beale was held in committee," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Aldermen who called special meeting to challenge Lightfoot's vaccine mandate fail to draw enough colleagues for a quorum: "The aborted meeting followed a contentious exchange of letters between Lightfoot and aldermen who raised concerns about police staffing being affected by her vaccine mandate," by Tribune's Gregorry Pratt and Alice Yin. — Alderman behind anti-gentrification ordinance lists house near the 606 Trail for $2.4M: "Despite rumors to the contrary, Ald. Roberto Maldonado said he's running for reelection next year. He's selling his house to help fund his kids' education, he said," by Block Club's Mina Bloom. — Park District will hold public meetings on plans prompted by the lifeguard scandal, by WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos — Soccer dad Ken Griffin joins Cubs owners in Chelsea FC bid: "The owners of the Chicago Cubs and billionaire Citadel owner Ken Griffin have teamed up for a takeover bid for Chelsea Football Club," via Bloomberg. … Local fans knock bid by Chicago Cubs owners to take over storied English soccer club Chelsea: 'They don't understand the sport.' Tribune's John Keilman reports — American Blues Theater raises the curtain on plans for a permanent home, by Sun-Times' Miriam Di Nunzio. — America's favorite nun is back: Sister Jean returns to March Madness with Loyola-Chicago, via USA Today
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | Bears hire architect, other firms to prepare Arlington Heights stadium plans: "The team has hired at least three firms as part of its due diligence process for the 326-acre site it has under contract in Arlington Heights, a team spokesman told the Daily Herald Wednesday night," by Christopher Placek.
| | SMOLLETT FALLOUT | | Appellate court orders Jussie Smollett released from jail pending appeal of 150-day sentence: "The order comes just two days after Smollett's attorneys asked the appellate court to release the actor from jail while his appeal is pending, arguing that Smollett's time in custody could put his mental and physical health at risk." Smollettt's attorney "said the actor did not eat during his six days in custody, though he declined to say why. 'Ice water, that's been his food and liquid,' he said. 'I can only imagine if I was in jail for something I didn't do, I wouldn't be eating.'" Tribune's Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau report.
| | | |   | | | | | SPOTLIGHT | | Designed to reduce Cook County Jail population, some say electronic monitoring system may produce false readings: "This one case is not an anomaly," said Radiance Ward, a Cook County assistant public defender who represents people on electronic monitoring. "It is something that happens enough where we need to address it." Reported by Carol Marin and DePaul's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence via WTTW.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Police officers seldom charged in fatal shootings: "Kim Foxx's decision this week not to charge officers involved in the killings of Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez was not unusual, experts said," by Sun-Times' Andy Grimm. — Civil filing accuses former Chicago Police Supt. Phil Cline of lying in murder case as a lieutenant: "A man exonerated after 33 years in prison for double murder says records prove then-Lt. Philip Cline lied to jurors during his trial about taking his confession in 1987. He is suing the city," by Better Government Association's Dan Hinkel and Tribune's Jason Meisner, — Special Olympics sues to halt use of its name by Special Children's Charities in Chicago: "A lawsuit claims Special Children's Charities wrongly told donors it is a Special Olympics entity. The complaint does not allege any misuse of funds. Rather, it says the Chicago group does good work, and its more than 50 years of support 'are much appreciated,'" by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — CTA murder case that included two trials and once saw the defendant represented by his brother ends with 25-year prison sentence, by Tribune's Megan Crepeau
| | POT-POURRI | | — Illinois pot sales have fallen sharply since hitting record-high in December: "The recent dropoff raises concerns that limited supply and sky-high prices could be pushing consumers into the illicit market, one expert said," by Sun-Times' Tom Schuba. — Judge makes it official, clears way for 60 new craft cannabis grower licenses in Illinois, by Tribune's Robert McCoppin
| | Reader Digest | | We asked when you decided to cut bait because something was no longer worth your time, trouble or energy: Chicago Department of Law Assistant Corporation Counsel Kalpana ("Kali") Plomin: "I quit my associate position at a big law firm, I was tired of working hard to make the 1 percent richer." What's the best perk of your job that's not part of the job description? Email skapos@politico.com
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | Rep. Chuy Garcia, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a co-chair of the House Future of Transportation Caucus, led a letter to Gov. JB Pritzker, encouraging him to use the transportation funds for Illinois from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "Illinoisans deserve a transportation system in which everyone can affordably, reliably, and safely reach their destinations — a progressive, forward-thinking vision that centers working people's needs including a more equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation system that leaves no one behind," according to the letter.
| | | | DON'T MISS POLITICO'S INAUGURAL HEALTH CARE SUMMIT ON 3/31: Join POLITICO for a discussion with health care providers, policymakers, federal regulators, patient representatives, and industry leaders to better understand the latest policy and industry solutions in place as we enter year three of the pandemic. Panelists will discuss the latest proposals to overcome long-standing health care challenges in the U.S., such as expanding access to care, affordability, and prescription drug prices. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | RUSSIA-UKRAINE | | — China finds itself in a tricky position — stuck between the White House and the Kremlin, by POLITICO's Phelim Kine — Russia: We've got hundreds of your planes. What you going to do about it? POLITICO's Mari Eccles reports
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Sanders camp quietly pushes Khanna presidential bid, by POLITICO's Holly Otterbein — Republicans try to out-hawk Biden on Ukraine aid, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett, Olivia Beavers and Andrew Desiderio — Top Trump ally gears up for Romney primary challenge, by POLITICO's Natalie Allison and Daniel Lippman — Senate panel advances Powell, other Fed nominees after Raskin debacle, by POLITICO's Katy O'Donnell
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | Electricians union calls strike at WTTW: "The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said the station wants changes that will erode union jurisdiction and job protections," by Sun-Times' David Roeder.
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Climate Jobs Illinois (CJI) has named Chynna Hampton as equity director and Mia Korinke as campaign mobilization director. Hampton previously served as director of workforce development at HIRE 360, and Korinke was a strategic researcher for American Federation of Teachers. CJI is a statewide coalition of labor unions affiliated with the Chicago Federation of Labor and AFL-CIO's efforts to diversify the state's renewable energy industry. The organization helped get the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act across the finish line last year. — Peter Prommer has joined the intellectual property practice group of the Michael Best law firm's Chicago office. Prommer previously was a partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, where he handled a range of global patent, trademark and copyright matters.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Marilyn Miglin, cosmetics queen, former Home Shopping Network host and wife of slain real estate developer, dead at 83, by Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek — Merri Dee, 'homegrown, broadcasting legend' who used her powerful voice to speak for crime victims, dead at 85: "After she survived a violent 1971 kidnapping, Ms. Dee rallied state politicians to draft the nation's first Victims' Bill of Rights in 1992, legislation that was then followed by other states. 'Merri Dee has truly made a positive and indelible mark on our city and inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps,' Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday," by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout. — Physicist Eugene Parker, the namesake of a NASA probe, dies at 94: "Eugene Parker theorized the existence of solar wind and became the first person to witness the launch of a spacecraft bearing his name," via Associated Press
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY'S ANSWER: Surprise! Rep. Kelly Cassidy was a contestant to be queen of the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. Everyone's allowed to have fun sometimes. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the alderman, ward committeeman, and mob lawyer who notoriously helped a pair of cop killers beat a murder rap? Email skapos@politico.com
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Healthier Happens Together. Learn more. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, GOP gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Darren Bailey, Wayne Township Supervisor Randy Ramey, Durbin senior policy adviser Joe Bushong, lobbyist Mark Peysakhovich, political consultant Chris Shaffer, Gavel Public Affairs president Larry Farnsworth, real estate guru Kathleen Weiss Boyle, and Sun-Times' Maureen O'Donnell. -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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