POLITICO Illinois Playbook: Ives goes in for Bailey as Trump factor looms

Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln

Mar 04, 2022 View in browser   By Shia Kapos TGIF, Illinois. And happy birthday, Chicago! Still going strong at 185. TOP TALKER Republican Jeanne Ives endorsed Darren Bailey in his bid for Illinois governor during an announcement at the Palatine American Legion offices on Thursday, March 3, 2022. | POLITICO's Shia Kapos PALATINE — Former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, the most powerful Illinois Republican who doesn't hold an elected office, announced yesterday she's backing Darren Bailey in his run for governor. Speaking at the Palatine American Legion, Ives said she "wholeheartedly" endorsed Bailey for his experiences as a farmer and businessman and for spending time in state government, first as a state representative and more recently a senator. There are others in this race, she added, "who could have run for a legislative race to try to change the trajectory of Illinois, but they didn't. Now they believe they're ready to be governor, when some of them have no depth of knowledge of the fiscal problems of Illinois and the systems that created these problems." The endorsement puts Bailey in a strong position to win over conservative voters in the June 28 primary, though nothing's a sure thing in a crowded race of possibly six candidates on the GOP ticket. Bailey is also hoping for the endorsement of another notable Republican who's out of public office: Donald Trump. The Illinois Republican said he spoke to the former president in December. "I was with him for several hours and I asked for his endorsement. I'm still waiting," Bailey told Playbook. "He doesn't like to lose. He knows Illinois is a tough state, and he's still exploring that option." In the meantime, Bailey's thrilled to have Ives on his side. He told the crowd gathered at the American Legion about being inspired by Ives' work "breathing fire" in Springfield when she served from 2013 to 2019. After the announcement, Ives told Playbook she talked to all of the Republican candidates but Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who has the wealth of billionaire Ken Griffin behind him. Ives decided Bailey's experience in state government gave him the edge. Ives also took advantage of the moment to talk about the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. She said it sets the stage for 2022 to be "the most consequential year for Illinois in a half century," a hint that Republicans could make inroads where they are a minority at all levels of state government. "It's the start of ridding the machine politicians that have morally bankrupt[ed] the state," Ives told the crowd. In an interview with Playbook, she argued that Illinois corruption and the managing of Covid would play a bigger role in 2022 than Trump. Along with her endorsement, Ives brings a financial ally to Bailey's camp. Conservative businessman Richard Uihlein, who helped fund Ives' unsuccessful run for governor in 2018, recently gave Bailey $1 million. What Ives didn't talk about: Her longtime ally Kathleen Murphy, who's the running mate of another GOP governor candidate, Jesse Sullivan.  Sun-Times' Taylor Avery has more on the GOP governor's race THE BUZZ CORRUPTION CHRONICLES: There's more fallout from the 22-count indictment of former House speaker Michael Madigan . Much of it has to do with hand-wringing over how this will play in the primaries and the general election. — Madigan's indictment adds corruption to crime and Covid as election-year issues for Dems: "Republicans have tried to use Madigan to target Democrats for years with little success. Now, his indictment provides the GOP an opportunity to resurrect the former speaker as the state's political boogeyman and the face of Democratic corruption," by Tribune's Rick Pearson. — Three white collar criminal defense attorneys, including Patrick Collins, talk about the indictment, via WTTW's Brandis Friedman VIDEO — Madigan case a study of how Illinois' cozy politics morphs into alleged crime, by Tribune's Ray Long and Jason Meisner — In a now-disavowed memo, Democrats were urged to criticize the feds' Madigan case: "The memo came from the office of Madigan's successor as House Speaker, Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, and it also encouraged members to say, 'Despite my misgivings regarding this case, I want to reiterate that Speaker Welch has my full support.' But Welch's aides say they instantly disavowed what was merely a draft memo from an inexperienced staffer, sent out without authorization," reports WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos. — Wiping out Madigan: Republican Rep. Andrew Chesney has proposed a bill that would ban any images or symbolic references of former House Speaker Michael Madigan from the state Capitol in wake of the indictment against him. Chesney so far has a handful of Republicans on board for the mostly symbolic gesture. Madigan's name would remain on all official documents. Chesney thought he'd get some support from Democrats, given many have been outspoken against the corruption laid out in the indictment. Mind you, so far Madigan hasn't been convicted of anything. So far no one is signing on — not even any of The 19 Dems who stood against Madigan, ultimately keeping him from winning the speakership last year. — Solis zoning shenanigans outlined in Madigan indictment latest sign of abuse of City Council members' control over zoning: "Mayor Lori Lightfoot could use the Madigan indictment to finally deliver on her campaign promise to eliminate aldermanic prerogative. But even the mayor's staunchest allies are warning Lightfoot not to even try," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — OH, THE IRONY: An interesting name in the indictment of Michel Madigan is Victor Reyes, an attorney hired by ComEd with a nod from Madigan. He's also the attorney representing the Coalition Map, which is supported by the Latino Caucus and others who want to increase the number of Latinos on the City Council. On the other side of the map debate is Michael Kasper, the former legislative attorney for Madigan (who is not mentioned in the indictment). For months, Coalition Map supporters have grumbled about Kasper being part of the process. Now, you could say, they're even. Tuesday at noon: A virtual discussion about the 22-count indictment of Mike Madigan. Political reporters Mary Ann Ahern of NBC 5, Mike Flannery of Fox Chicago and Tribune's Rick Pearson will discuss with WGN TV's Ben Bradley moderating. Sponsored by the Lincoln Forum and Union League Club of Chicago. Registration is free Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: skapos@politico.com   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER:  The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     WHERE'S JB No official public event. WHERE'S LORI No official public event. Where's Toni No official public event. THE STATEWIDES — Illinois spreads widen as risk-shy investors exploit liquidity: "While Illinois's credit outlook has improved, investors increasingly are showing a desire to raise cash and avoid risk in the $4 trillion municipal bond market, traditionally a credit haven, said Dan Solender, director of tax-free fixed income for Lord, Abbett & Co., which holds Illinois securities as part of $35 billion in muni debt. "Illinois is an example of a large issuer with a lot of liquidity on the lower side of investment grade," Solender said in an interview. "It kind of moves down faster at the beginning of a down market because it gets traded more actively,'" Bloomberg's Shruti Date Singh reports. — More remote workers moving to small towns like Quincy that better match their lifestyles as pandemic reshapes the workplace, by Tribune's Ashley Capoot — Some Barnes & Noble stores add 'banned book' sections amid recent controversy, by Nexstar Media's Daisy Ruth TAKING NAMES — SCOOP | Illinois' top doctor Ngozi Ezike is being wooed to lead a Chicago health system: "The Sinai board of directors has been authorized to negotiate an offer with Ezike, WBEZ has learned. Ezike would replace Karen Teitelbaum, who is stepping down after steering Sinai since 2014," by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch. — 'I'm humbled that it made a significant difference': Ezike reflects on her time as Illinois' top doc, by WGN 9's Ben Bradley CHICAGO — Search for new watchdog for Chicago 'coming to a conclusion,' says Lightfoot: "The five-member search committee charged with reviewing applications from those who want to investigate allegations of wrongdoing and malfeasance by city employees, contractors and vendors was working diligently to recommend finalists for her consideration, Lightfoot said. 'We need to find the right leader for the inspector general's office.'" The position replaces former Inspector General Joseph Ferguson, whose last day was Oct. 15. WTTW Heather Cherone reports. — As the fighting in Ukraine intensifies, Chicago's Jewish community rallies in support: "Jewish Chicagoans are pouring their anxiety over the conflict into prayer, protest and packing supplies for the war-torn country," by WBEZ's Alexandra Salomon. — Leader of Italian American group demands apology from Lightfoot over crude remarks alleged in lawsuit: "A former Chicago Park District attorney says the mayor berated him with obscenities over an agreement to have a Christopher Columbus statue displayed during the Columbus Day parade," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — 2 police officers shot on the West Side after gunman drops weapon in front of them, then opens fire, Sun-Times' Mohammad Samra — Decade of investment boosted household income, homeownership in Woodlawn, according to report: "The national nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing is credited with attracting more than $400 million in investment to Woodlawn since 2011, according to a report by Case Western Reserve University and the University of Illinois Chicago," by Sun-Times' Manny Ramos. — In rare move, principal at highly rated Chicago H.S. reveals bitter battle with LSC: "Jones College Prep Principal Joseph Powers wrote to families this week about the local school council's effort to oust him after 13 years at the selective enrollment school," by Sun-Times' Nader Issa. — Standard Club building sold to hotel investor: "The deal tees up what could be a dramatic repositioning of the 96-year-old building," by Crain's Danny Ecker. BUSINESS OF POLITICS Robin Kelly reflects on first year as state Democratic party chair: "This is a new party," Kelly told Lee Enterprises in an interview. "My vision for the party is different than the former chair and we see our role as providing support and infrastructure to all Democrats, but we aren't directly running campaigns or anything like that." Kelly has subsequently asked Michael Madigan, who she replaced, to resign from the position he still holds on the state central committee. Brenden Moore reports   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.     CAMPAIGN MODE — MAKING IT OFFICIAL | State Sen. Jacqueline Collins launches run for Rep. Bobby Rush seat: backed by pastor Michael Pfleger: "Collins is one of 17 Democrats registered with the FEC for the 1st Congressional District seat Rush will be vacating after 15 terms," by Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet. — ENDORSEMENT: Delia Ramirez has been endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and state Sen. Ram Villivalam in her bid for the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District. "Now more than ever, it is important that we elect to Congress folks who have been at the forefront of the fight to protect women's right to choose. Delia Ramirez has done just that in Illinois," Schakowsky said in a statement. — ENDORSEMENT: State Rep. Kathleen Willis (IL-77) has endorsed Gilbert Villegas for Congress in the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District. Willis, a member of the 19 Illinois state representatives who opposed Michael Madigan's reelection as Speaker of the House, said in a statement that she's "proud to support" Villegas "because integrity matters." The endorsement creates an interesting dynamic. Willis is being challenged in her own primary by Norma Hernandez, who's backed by Congressman Chuy Garcia — who also has endorsed Villegas' main challenger, Delia Ramirez, who voted to keep Madigan as speaker. — Democratic Rep. Sean Casten has been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters in his reelection campaign. This is the league's first endorsement in a member-on-member primary. Casten faces fellow Dem Rep. Marie Newman. In 2020, the league endorsed both Casten and Newman in separate districts. At the time, Newman was challenging then-Rep. Dan Lipinski, who had opposed the Green New Deal. — Nikki Budzinski won the endorsement of the Sangamon County Democratic Party in her campaign for the 13th Congressional District. — Republican Pete DiCianni has won endorsements of more than 25 municipal and community leaders and organizations in his bid for DuPage Board chairman. Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan is DiCianni's campaign chairman. Here's the complete list COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — How one town created its own building boom: It's a DIY strategy. "Bellwood has an unusual program, with enough success in its first 10 years that it could serve as a model for other towns whose housing stock needs a refresh but whose demographics aren't high enough to attract private builders. It may also work for those that need to enhance their supply of affordable housing," by Crain's Dennis Rodkin. — Prayer as 'spiritual warfare': Palatine churches hold 2-mile pilgrimage for Ukraine, by Daily Herald's Elena Ferrarin DAY IN COURT — 'Serial stowaway' Marilyn Hartman pleads guilty, sentenced to more than 3 years in prison: "Hartman said she was "she was "happy to move on with my life," after pleading guilty Thursday to felony counts of criminal trespass at O'Hare Airport and escape," by Sun-Times' Matthew Hendrickson. — The real-life 'Narcos' agents on the hunt for drug lord Pablo Escobar, the Netflix series and Chicago's place in drug trafficking: "Retired DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña say Netflix took some liberties. But Peña acknowledges unwittingly working with a death-squad leader to locate Escobar," by Sun-Times' Frank Main. — Cop who told Tribune she guarded boss' block during 2020 civil unrest files suit claiming retaliation , by Tribune's William Lee — Five months ago her son was killed on camera. His killer is still free, by WBEZ's Patrick Smith Reader Digest We asked for your go-to method for breaking writers' block: Writer Nancy Shepherdson (also State Central Committeewoman candidate), says start small. "Just write one paragraph and then quit. By the time I'm finished with that paragraph, writers' block is usually gone. Just begin." … Attorney Graham Grady says "start with the ending."... And Playbooker Robert Christie takes a walk, weather permitting, or watches "mindless sports on TV" to clear his head. What additional ethics reforms would you like to see Illinois enact? Email skapos@politico.com FROM THE DELEGATION — Sen. Dick Durbin and Reps. Danny K. Davis and Brad Schneider, all Dems, announced their support of legislation that would extend the waiver of interest payments on federal unemployment loans during the pandemic to help Illinois and other states respond to the dual economic and health crises. The legislation is called the Continued Waiver of Interest on State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act. — Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate Minority Whip, and Rep. Cheri Bustos met virtually with Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman to discuss the need for progress on the Quad Cities to Chicago Passenger Rail Project. The effort has been delayed for years. Durbin, Bustos, and Osman also spoke about how to best use the more than $17 billion in funding allocated to the state through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to a statement about their meeting. THE NATIONAL TAKE — 'It's almost like a secret society': The perils of being Democrat in a Trump town, by POLITICO's Christopher Cadelago — U.S. tech giants don't have much money on the line as they split from Russia, by POLITICO's Emily Birnbaum — Senate votes to end Covid-19 emergency declaration, Biden threatens veto, by POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein TRANSITIONS Khari (Matthew) Humphries will join Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot administration as senior director of youth policy in the Mayor's Office of Education and Human Services. Humphries previously served as executive director of school age strategies for Thrive Chicago and before that was senior manager of community life for The Community Builders Inc. in Bronzeville. IN MEMORIAM Chatham Village Trustee Matthew Mau and passenger killed in accident in Shelby County, by State Journal-Register's Steven Spearie TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Patricia Watson for correctly answering that Millennium Park exceeded its originally proposed budget of $150 million. The final cost was $475 million. TODAY's QUESTION: What Illinois settlement was originally called Miller Grove? Email skapos@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Federal Judge James Zagel, McLean County Board member Shayna Watchinski, Dem State Central Committee member Al Riley, state Senate Parliamentarian and chief legal counsel Giovanni Randazzo, Chicagoland Chamber CEO Jack Lavin, The Prairie Group Consulting CEO Fred Lebed, Dentons law firm partner Ben Weinberg, business development leader Deborah Ziskind, Metropolitan Group senior executive VP Kevin T. Kirkpatrick, McDonald's comms exec Jesse Lewin, and business analyst Bob Sallinger. Saturday: Ald. Matt Martin, Calamos Investments CEO John Koudounis, former state Rep. Jim Sacia, 270 Strategies' Lauren Kidwell, Evanston policy coordinator Alison Leipsiger, food and lifestyle curator Wendy Pashman, and dance therapist Joan Erenberg. Sunday: Eli's Cheesecake president Marc Schulman, city Project Manager Art Andros, state Rep. Suzanne Ness's District director Hannah Cook, and Executive Service Corps CEO Rachelle Jervis. -30-   Follow us on Twitter Shia Kapos @shiakapos   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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