| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award | Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. If Elon Musk owns Twitter, does that mean we'll see Donald Trump tweeting again? Republicans hope not, according to national Playbook.
|  | TOP TALKER | | Donald Trump is hosting a fundraiser for Republican Rep. Mary Miller on Wednesday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach — and the former president is expected to sit down with GOP governor candidate Darren Bailey, too. Miller and Bailey are in separate heated primary races and see Trump's support as a key component to winning in contests conservatives are expected to dominate. Miller has already won the former president's coveted endorsement, but she has lagged in fundraising against veteran Rep. Rodney Davis for the 15th Congressional District seat. The Mar-a-Lago event could help Miller turn a corner in that effort. "Conservatives in downstate Illinois are fired up to defeat" Davis, Isaiah Wartman, Miller's campaign spokesman, told Lee Enterprises' Brenden Moore about the primary. Wartman called Davis a "Republican in Name Only" for supporting measures like red flag gun laws and protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as young children, Moore reports. Davis voted with Trump 89 percent of the time — leaving the right to raise questions about the other 11 percent. Bailey, who is attending the Miller fundraiser, hopes he can secure Trump's support in the contested GOP governor's race. The Illinois Republican already has the conservative seal of approval with the endorsement of Jeanne Ives, but Trump's official endorsement would secure the far-right stamp to help woo primary voters. Bailey also has the financial backing of conservative billionaire Richard Uihlein, who just pledged $2.5 million to Bailey's campaign, on top of $1 million he already donated. Bailey faces five other candidates in the Republican primary, including the well-funded Richard Irvin, who has pitched himself as a conservative but is generally seen as a mainstream Republican trying to eke out a victory in the primary. RELATED DEBATE DRAMA: Five of the six top Republican candidates for governor appeared at a Washington, Ill., forum last night to address a range of issues, including the economy and Second Amendment. Darren Bailey, Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, Jesse Sullivan, and Max Solomon all attended. The biggest applause came toward the end of the event when Bailey walked across the stage and pointed to an empty chair where Richard Irvin would have been seated. "I want to talk about this empty seat," Bailey said, pausing for the audience to cheer for a while. Bailey then accused Irvin of "grossly" lying while on the campaign trail. Bailey said Irvin may talk about cutting taxes, "but he raised taxes in Aurora." And Irvin's running mate, Avery Bourne, once told Bailey to put on his mask while he was fighting the mask mandate in the General Assembly. "Friends, enough is enough," Bailey said.
| | THE BUZZ | | FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Alexi Giannoulias is debuting a new cable TV ad that takes a jab at corruption in Illinois politics, though it's the joke at the end that really grabs you. "The political corruption, the scandals. It doesn't have to be this way," Giannoulias says in the 30-second spot titled "Pep Talk." "No more cozy relationships between lobbyists and politicians," Giannoulias continues in the ad that was made months ago — well before fellow candidate Anna Valencia drew scrutiny about her husband's lobbying work. It's the third ad in a series featuring Giannoulias teaching children the fundamentals of basketball. Another good ad: Darren Bailey is out with a new ad in the competitive Republican governor's primary. "Safe Hands" might be considered novel because it's positive. Big ad buys: Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker just spent nearly $80,000 for a statewide cable TV ad buy that runs now through May 2. And Republican Richard Irvin put down $73,000 for ad buys during the same period. 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
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: Nominations are open for the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award, inspired by the service of former Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat, and former Governor Jim Edgar, a Republican. The award is presented each year to an Illinois elected official at the state or local level who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship. Help us celebrate Illinois statesmanship. Submit your nomination by June 1. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | At the Chicago Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Mayor's Medal of Honor ceremony.
| | Where's Toni | | At Provident Hospital at 10:30 a.m. to announce a $1 million scholarship fund to support students pursuing health care careers who are from, and committed to caring for, underserved communities.
| | Covid Update | | COVID RAVAGED CHICAGO: Life expectancy in Chicago fell by two years, to 75, as a result of the pandemic, according to new data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch examined the data , which shows the drop in life expectancy is "the largest single-year decline on record." Black, Latino and Asian communities were hardest hit by the pandemic, according to the data. "Overall, deaths among Chicagoans climbed 30 percent. By racial groups, the death rate among Latinos increased more than 60 percent, while 18- to 44-year-olds had the biggest spike in death rates among all age groups, with a 45 percent increase," Schorsch reports.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Gil Villegas has been endorsed by SEIU Local 1 in his bid for the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District seat. SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup credits Villegas with using his "influence to help successfully win a good contract for the Window Washers when they went on strike." — Jacqueline Collins has been endorsed by philosopher and political activist Cornel West, an advocate of economic and social welfare policies "that reduce inequality and expand opportunity." — Litesa Wallace, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois' 17th District, was endorsed yesterday by SEIU Illinois, which represents more than 170,000 janitors, security officers, public employees, and healthcare and home care workers statewide. — Becky Levin, a gun-rights advocate, has dropped out of the race for the 13th state rep seat that's now held by Democratic Majority Leader Greg Harris. That leaves Eileen Dordek as the only woman in the race with four men. Dordek has $200,000 cash on hand, while her four opponents have a combined $90,000 or so. Yesterday, Dordek was endorsed by Sen. Dick Durbin, the AFLCIO, and Personnel PAC, the abortion rights group. — Dixon Mayor Li Arellano Jr., a Republican candidate for the Illinois House District 74, has been endorsed by state Rep. Tom Demmer, former state Sen. Tim Bivins and Lee County Treasurer Paula Meyer. — State Rep. Kelly Cassidy has endorsed Jaylin McClinton in his bid for Cook County Commissioner in the 5th District.
| | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | THE JUICE | | — Rep. Darin LaHood raised $570,000 in the first quarter of the year. He's raised $2.65 million for the 2022 cycle, and has $4.54 million cash on hand. LaHood is in a primary with three other Republicans for the 16th Congressional District seat. There's no Democrat running, so the primary will determine the winner. — Rep. Brad Schneider raises nearly $500,000 more for reelection bid while GOP challenger stands pat, by Daily Herald's Russell Lissau
| | DATELINE D.C. | | LATE-BREAKING: President Biden is granting clemency to a Chicagoan: "Abraham Bolden is an 86-year-old former U.S. Secret Service agent and was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. In 1964, Mr. Bolden was charged with offenses related to attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file," according to a White House statement. Bolden's first trial resulted in a hung jury, and following his conviction at a second trial, even though key witnesses against him admitted to lying at the prosecutor's request. Bolden was denied a new trial and ultimately served several years in federal custody. He has "steadfastly maintained his innocence" and since his release from prison has spoken out against the racism he faced in the Secret Service in the 1960s.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Changing dynamics about crime and politics have wide-ranging influence on prison board: "Much of the debate has centered on older individuals who have been incarcerated in state prisons but are eligible for parole through so-called en banc hearings, which are specific hearings for aging prisoners who were given indeterminate sentences decades ago for serious crimes, such as first-degree murder," by Tribune's Jeremy Gorner. — Cases of antisemitic hate reach historic levels across U.S., Illinois, new report finds: "When you think about the trends that we're seeing right now, and that we have for a number of years, we're clearly operating in an environment where Jews are being targeted," said David Goldenberg of the Anti-Defamation League. Sun-Times' Tom Schuba reports — State Rep. Gordon-Booth highlights millions of dollars coming to Peoria for public safety, by CIProud's Demetrios Sanders — IDPH issues warning about three potential cases of severe hepatitis in children in Illinois : "Two cases were in the suburbs. And one was in Western Illinois," by Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek. — The nine sub-states of Illinois: "Illinois lacks a single, distinct statewide identity. In fact, we'd argue it's nine personalities in one," writes Chicago magazine's Edward McClelland. — Jesse White announces 21,000 historic photos now accessible online, via Crusader
| | CHICAGO | | — Labor groups join aldermen in critique of casino plans over lack of living wage guarantees: "The president of the Chicago Federation of Labor said none of the proposed casino operators has agreed to negotiate union contracts," by Sun-Times' David Roeder and Fran Spielman. … City looks to select a winner 'within a month,' by Tribune's Robert Channick — Cities want to return to prepandemic life. One obstacle is transit crime: Chicago is among large cities seeing a rise in crime while downown is trying to rebound, reports the New York Times. — Chicago sees most violent weekend this year: 37 hurt and 7 killed by gunfire: "In January, just days after Chicago closed the books on its deadliest year in a quarter-century, Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared 2022 a 'make-or-break year' for tamping down surging violent crime. This weekend, however, proved to be the year's first major stumbling block," by Sun-Times' Katie Anthony and Tom Schuba. — Chicago Teachers Union tells labor board CPS violated Covid-19 safety agreement, by Tribune's Karen Ann Cullotta — City is ending its contract with an upscale hotel to house homeless residents, by WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel — Revitalizing North Lawndale will require more stores, education, to keep dollars in the community, report says, via Tribune's Brian J. Rogal — Ald. Nicole Lee talks to City Cast before her first City Council meeting Wednesday
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award:   | | | | | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Palatine woman abused in foster care leads legislation on DCFS, by Daily Herald's Maria Gardner — Elk Grove Bowl rolls its last frame this week, by Daily Herald's Christopher Placek
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | — Former Crestwood Mayor Louis Presta sentenced to 1 year for bribery: "The judge lowered Presta's sentence because of several letters of support written on Presta's behalf as well as Presta's ailing health," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Hiring scandal: The nepotism case involving Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Tammy Wendt hiring her cousin goes before the Cook County Board of Ethics today. Here's the background
| | DAY IN COURT | | IL Supreme Court rules employers can be liable for accidents, even if their employees aren't negligent, by Cook County Record's Dan Churney
| | Reader Digest | | We asked if Illinois' petition process were a song, what would the title be: Public Policy Analyst Mark McCombs: "You're the Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly," by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. … Bill Hogan: " If We Only Have Love," (Johnny Mathis version) ... And Joe Desparrois picked "Who Can It Be Now," by Men at Work. What's your tip for winning a political endorsement? Email skapos@politico.com
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Former Congressman Ray LaHood argues for a return to civility: "I do think it is about as acrimonious and as divided as we've had in a long time," says LaHood, who also weighs in on how Sen. Dick Durbin managed the recent Supreme Court confirmation process. WGLT's Colleen Reynolds reports — State Sen. Rachelle Crowe nominated for U.S. attorney in Southern District : "Crowe has served in the Illinois Senate since 2019, representing much of Madison County and parts of St. Clair and Jersey County. She is the chairwoman of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, and she has also chaired the Illinois Elder Abuse Task Force and the Special Committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement," by Sanford J. Schmidt in the Edwardsville Intelligencer. — Stacy Davis Gates won't back down: "The Chicago Teachers Union's heir apparent sees herself as a righteous champion of not just educators but of students. And she's not about to let anyone stand in her way. Including the mayor," by Heidi Stevens for Chicago magazine. — Chicago Community Trust CEO stepping down to lead historically Black women's college in Atlanta: "Dr. Helene Gayle is leaving to become president of Spelman College," by Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek. … We called Gayle the "vaccine whisperer." — Julie Frantsve-Hawley has been recognized by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry with the group's president's award for her advocacy work in dental public health. Frantsve-Hawley is the recently named executive director of The Aspen Group's new dental clinic, which is set to open this summer and will offer free dental care to low-income residents. Last year, the state enacted a bill sponsored by state Rep. Lakesia Collins and state Sen. Mattie Hunter that authorized the opening of the center. — Jeffrey Baker is joining Intersect Illinois' board of directors. Baker is the CEO of Illinois Realtors, the trade association representing the commercial and residential real estate industry throughout the state.
| | | | JOIN US ON 4/29 FOR A WOMEN RULE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN IN TECH : Women, particularly women of color and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have historically been locked out of the tech world. But this new tech revolution could be an opportunity for women to get in on the ground floor of a new chapter. Join POLITICO for an in-depth panel discussion on the future of women in tech and how to make sure women are both participating in this fast-moving era and have access to all it offers. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | READING ROOM | | — New book: Sen. Duckworth pushed back after Biden rejected her for VP over concerns about Thailand birth: "I've beaten every a--h--- who's come after me with that," Duckworth told Biden, recounted in "This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden and the Battle for America's Future." Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reports on other revelations in the book about Mayor Lori Lightfoot, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. Lightfoot "grew so frustrated with the pressure to slash police spending that she told fellow mayors she had threatened to pull the cops entirely out of two aldermanic districts where lawmakers were hectoring her administration with demands to defund the police. ... In her telling, the left-wing officials backed down quickly." — SPEAKING OF DUCKWORTH: Chicago magazine lists10 reasons Tammy Duckworth should run for president, by Edward McClelland.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — How Elon Musk learned the ways of combat in Washington, by POLITICO's Emily Birnbaum — Courts could short-circuit Democrats' border battle with Biden, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Marianne LeVine — Global Covid fight is slowing, by POLITICO's Erin Banco
| | Transitions | | — Leah Beardslee is now an account executive at Larson Communications. She most recently was deputy press secretary for Gov. JB Pritzker. — Analia Mireles is now confidential assistant for the Office of Management and Budget. She most recently was a legislative correspondent for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. — Amy Doehring has been named office managing partner in Chicago for Akerman LLP. She's been with the firm since 2018.
| | EVENTS | | — May 13: Sen. Dick Durbin holds court at a fundraising discussion where he'll address "Ukraine, federal judges, climate change, mental health, violence, Covid and the list goes on." Register here for the live event at the Union League Club of Chicago. — Today at 6 p.m.: Rep. Dan Brady, who's running for secretary of state, is holding a reception at La Dolce Vita in Lemont. Contact dan@votedanbrady.com or 309-663-4184. — Today at noon: Rep. Justin Slaughter is hosting a fundraiser at Haymarket pub on Randolph Street. Contact LZarco@HDemsIL.com. — Today at 5 p.m.: Rep. David Friess is holding a meet-and-greet and fundraiser at Pat's BBQ in Murphysboro. Contact jshamilton02@gmail.com or 618-681-0070.
| | TRIVIA | | MONDAY's ANSWER: Tradition required that Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley walk two steps behind Emperor Hirohito when the Japanese leader visited Chicago in 1975. TODAY's QUESTION: What's symbolic about the Chicago Fire Department Academy? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award: The annual Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award is presented to a former or current elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.
Former Governor Jim Edgar and John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, invite you to nominate an Illinois state or local elected official who has displayed this kind of exceptional leadership.
We created the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award to shine a spotlight on remarkable public service that is taking place in our state and local communities. Please join us as we celebrate the Prairie State's best traditions. Nominate an Illinois statesperson by June 1. | | | | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | State Sen. Robert Peters, Village of Coal City trustee Tim Bradley, University of Illinois state relations assistant director Nolan Drea, journalist and "Ali" author Jonathan Eig, comms specialist Maura Possley, AKPD Message and Media's Larry Grisolano, Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky, and Pensions & Investments executive editor Julie Truck Tatge. -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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