POLITICO Illinois Playbook: Jim Edgar: There's only one issue now

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

May 05, 2022 View in browser   By Shia Kapos It's Thursday, Illinois. And Chicago is set to join the casino crowd. TOP TALKER Former Gov. Jim Edgar says the draft Supreme Court opinion that Roe v. Wade will be overturned is going to "change the landscape" of the 2022 elections. | Screenshot Former Gov. Jim Edgar says the political landscape leading up to the June 28 Illinois primary and November election has been upended with POLITICO's report of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. "Abortion is going to suffocate every other issue. It will be hard for candidates to talk about anything else," the former Illinois Republican governor told Playbook in an interview. Edgar remembers Roe's passage and how Republicans at the time embraced it. It wasn't until the Christian right latched on to the issue that the GOP veered away from abortion rights, at least publicly, he said. Recent polls indicate most Americans support Roe v. Wade. "One of the good things Roe v. Wade did was take [abortion] off the front burner. Now, it's the whole burner," he said. "This will motivate both sides but it's probably going to help Democrats most by motivating their base," Edgar said. "It will have a huge impact, and I don't know that it will be good. It's going to be a one-issue campaign" in statehouse and congressional campaigns. Edgar sees overturning Roe as being as consequential as the Supreme Court's "one person, one vote" decision in 1964 that ruled states must draw congressional and statehouse districts so that populations are represented equally. "It's going to change the political landscape and what people talk about and what people worry about," Edgar predicted. He expects it may be the issue that finally rallies young people to vote, particularly young women who haven't cared much before now about voting. "People who lose take action, and the winning side gets complacent," he said. "The right-to-life movement won and that's going to activate the pro-choice movement." RELATED — Roe draft supercharges battle for state control: "Campaigns are already conducting polling related to the impact of a court ruling on the general election," by POLITICO's Zach Montellaro and Holly Otterbein. — Dems grasp for a foothold on voter anger over abortion, by POLITICO's Sarah Ferris — Draft abortion opinion renews urgency on over-the-counter birth control, by POLITICO's Lauren Gardner — Abortions for out-of-state women are climbing in Illinois, by Daily Herald's Jake Griffin — Abortion statistics by state: Maps, trigger laws, and possible bans: "If the court adopts the initial draft opinion, the retreat on abortion rights would be sweeping," by POLITICO's Dan Goldberg. Statistics. | Compiled by POLITICO THE BUZZ ROLLING THE DICE: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is announcing the city's pick for a casino, and a good bet would be on Bally's. "That's the word from City Hall insiders after a series of last minute meetings, lobbying and other scurrying about involving city officials and the three casino finalists: Bally's, Hard Rock and Chicago casino mogul Neil Bluhm's Rush Street Gaming," reports Crain's Greg Hinz. Bally's CEO Soo Kim landed in Chicago yesterday to meet with the mayor, according to the Tribune's four-bylined story. From the Tribune: "Rhode Island-based Bally's, which owns and manages 14 casinos across 10 states, is hoping to make its proposed $1.74 billion casino, hotel and entertainment complex at the Freedom Center printing plant the flagship of its chain. The proposal has apparently bested rival bids to build a Rivers casino in the South Loop or a Hard Rock casino on the Near South Side." 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 the State Capitol at 10:15 .m. to sign a bill extending the pension buyout program and lowering cost liabilities. … At the Illinois State Library at 11 a.m. to attend an Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony. WHERE'S LORI At the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council at 9:45 a.m. to announce the final selection for the Chicago casino. Where's Toni At Thurgood Marshall Elementary in Bellwood at 5 p.m. for a town hall in the 1st District. SPOTTED Governor candidate Richard Irvin had great seats for the Crosstown Classic. | Screen shot Republican governor candidate Richard Irvin is a White Sox fan, his campaign confirms. He was spotted sitting with his son and Illinois Republican National Committeeman Richard Porter at the Crosstown Classic between the Sox and Cubs at Wrigley Field last night. Porter, who was a Donald Trump committeeman, was an early supporter of Irvin. And oh yes, the Sox won. CAMPAIGN MODE — NEW POLL: A poll of the GOP race for governor shows Richard Irvin leading the pack, though 25 percent of respondents are still unsure. And here's a look at the regional match-up and the methodology, via Cor Strategies. The poll's margin of error is ±3.78 percent. — Dem Debate | Casten, Newman, Hughes debate shows how aligned they are: They agree on backing abortion rights and the United States' continued support of Ukraine against its Russian invaders. "At times, though, they differed in the details," reports Daily Herald's Russell Lissau. — OPPO | Miller campaign volunteer was convicted for luring young boy for sex: "The conservative firebrand quickly made a name for herself in Congress purporting to protect children from ideas she considers offensive," by KSDK's Mark Maxwell. — OPPO | As mayor, Richard Irvin and his donors backed effort giving him more control over who appears on Aurora ballot : "Irvin, along with a group of his political allies and donors, made up the vast majority of funding behind the Close the Commission political committee, according to public records. That committee worked to get voters to back the idea of abolishing the Aurora Election Commission, which they did by a margin of more than 1,400 votes," by WTTW's Nick Blumberg. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Gilbert Villegas has been endorsed by the Police Sergeants' Association, United Steelworkers, and Heat & Frost Insulators Local 17. Villegas, a Democratic Chicago alderman, is running in the newly created 3rd Congressional District. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Secretary of State Jesse White is endorsing Willie Preston in the Democratic state Senate primary in the 16th District. The seat has long been held by state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, who is running for Congress. — Top rival to Sheriff Tom Dart vows appeal after being tossed from ballot over controversial provision in new law : "The removal of Carmen Navarro Gercone from the June 28 ballot leaves Chicago police Officer Noland Rivera as Dart's sole remaining primary opponent," by Tribune's Alice Yin. — Anna Valencia, a Democratic candidate for secretary of state, is being endorsed by the Illinois Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association. Valencia is also holding a presser today to showcase her endorsement from Planned Parenthood of Illinois. — Gun safety endorsements: A group of gun violence prevention organizations has endorsed Illinois candidates based on their records (if they're elected) or their questionnaires ahead of the June 28 primary. A stand-out on the list is Kevin Olickal, who was endorsed for the 16th House District over incumbent Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback. She received a "C" grade on Gun Violence Prevention PAC's 2021 Gun Safety Report Card after failing to vote for legislation to block illegal ownership and an effort to "fix the FOID." Full list of endorsements here — State Comptroller Susana Mendoza is endorsing Nabeela Syed, candidate for state representative in the 51st House District. — Jaylin D. McClinton has been endorsed by state Rep. Will Guzzardi, co-chair of the Illinois House Progressive Caucus. McClinton is running for Cook County commissioner in the 5th District. — Early voting for June 28 primary starts May 19. Here's what you need to know, via State Journal-Register's Andrew Adams THE STATEWIDES — Illinois pension funds are slow To pull out of Russian assets: "Despite a public outcry following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, legislation designed to force divestment languished unpassed in the Spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. Lawmakers say they intend to take the issue up again in the Fall," by Better Government Association's Jared Rutecki. — The state's tax revenue soared in April : "For the year to date — Illinois' fiscal year ends June 30—individual income tax receipts are up $3.91 billion, or 18.8 percent, and corporate income taxes are up $1.973 billion, or 56.5 percent," by Crain's Greg Hinz. — Raoul's letter to Biden: Attorney General Kwame Raoul is among the state attorneys general who have written a letter to President Joe Biden requesting that he forgive federal student debt. "Without action, the student loan crisis will continue to get worse, stifling economic activity and weighing down families with mountains of debt that they cannot afford to repay," Raoul said in announcing the letter. The AGs say Biden has the authority to cancel the debt through executive action, though that issue has been up for debate. — Civil engineers give Illinois infrastructure a C- but say spending could bump the grade, reports State Journal-Register's Andrew Adams — Downstate lawmakers, manufacturers concerned about future energy supply, by WGEM's Mike Miletich — CEOs reeling from one hot-button issue after another face the toughest of all: aborrtion, by Crain's Steve Daniels. — Those who advocate for Safe Haven laws worry about aborrtion rights, too, by Sun-Times' Manny Ramos — Illinois joins lawsuit to force U.S. Postal Service delivery fleet to go electric, by WTTW's Nick Blumberg   INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED:  Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today.     CHICAGO — New research detects the most likely criminal 'crews' inside CPD: "An analysis of public data on Chicago cops finds that their misconduct, often portrayed as a matter of 'bad apples,' is a group phenomenon," by WBEZ's Chip Mitchell — Theaster Gates' arts incubator breaks ground in Grand Crossing: "The 40,000-square-foot incubator, located in the former St. Laurence elementary school, has some big-name backers," by Crain's Corli Jay. — Chicago's Virtual Academy will return this fall, but little is known after its first year: "It's been a black box." Chalkbeat's Mauricio Pena reports — The 'Sodfather' confirms the obvious: This Chicago spring — with its 'brutal' weather pattern — has been the worst, by Tribune's Paul Sullivan — FOOD FOR THOUGHT : Entrepreneur Nick Kokonas, whose Tock restaurant reservation platform was sold for $400 million, has some ideas on how to transform Chicago. One thought: "The Chicago beachfront is under utilized. In cities like Barcelona there are beachfront bars / restaurants that are unique but identical, he says via Twitter. COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — First 16 Evanston Reparations Beneficiaries Begin To Receive $25,000: "Most of the first recipients of grants from Evanston's reparations program for Black residents plan to use the money for home improvements," by Patch's Jonah Meadows. — Bears dismiss Willie Wilson idea of keeping Bears in Chicago, by Daily Herald's Jim O'Donnell — Buttigieg joins local officials to hail new Joliet transit hub for Pace, Metra and Amtrak, by Tribune's Clare Spaulding — Baxter looks to ditch Deerfield HQ, by Crain's Danny Ecker DAY IN COURT — Witness in murder case sues after Cook County judge orders her jailed in 'fake subpoena' flap: "The suit alleges prosecutors have been systematically abusing the subpoena process by threatening witnesses with contempt and jail time if they fail to comply, even though the case was not on trial on the day they were being ordered to give testimony," by Tribune's Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau. Reader Digest We asked what's the best part about being back in the office? And public health advocate José Che-Che has it right: "I get to eat lunch by the Chicago River!" What were the best seats you've ever sat in for a sporting event? Email skapos@politico.com POT-POURRI Illinois' cannabis license residency requirement faces court challenge: "The litigation is just the latest in a series of lawsuits that have kept much of the state's legal cannabis industry in limbo. But there are signs the logjam may be breaking," by Tribune's Robert McCoppin Covid Update The return to normal marches on, leaving behind the exhausted caretakers of young kids: "With no vaccine and cases rising again, parents and the child care centers that support them are navigating another confusing COVID moment on their own," by Sandra Guy for WBEZ. THE NATIONAL TAKE — A Biden-Trump rematch is increasingly likely. But neither side wants to move first, by POLITICO's Jonathan Lemire and Meridith McGraw — Oath Keepers leader sought to contact Trump on Jan. 6, court papers indicate, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney — Indiana GOP lawmakers hold off most hard-right primary challengers, by The Associated Press IN MEMORIAM Patrick Spilotro, who helped the feds nab Joey Lombardo after his brothers' murders, dies at 85: "Patrick Spilotro told a judge in 2009 that, 'the deaths of my brothers, as significant as it was, is not what defines this family. Family is what defines this family. And anyone with a family knows no one is perfect,'" by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. TRANSITIONS — Jonathan J. McGee has been appointed director for the office of business and workforce diversity at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He previously served as director of Regional Economic Development at Illinois Department of Commerce. — Kristen Boike named Honigman's Chicago office managing partner, via statement. — Amy Doehring has been named Chicago office managing partner at Akerman LLP. EVENTS — Saturday morning: Richard Irvin will headline a Township Meet & Greet on with House Minority Leader Jim Durkin. — May 12: A virtual Democratic candidate forum for the IL-17 seat now held by Rep. Cheri Bustos will address "climate, equity and jobs." Candidates Jackie McGowan, Eric Sorensen, Litesa Wallace and Marsha Williams are scheduled to participate. The event is sponsored by the One People's Campaign. Link to save a spot. — May 14: A GOP candidate forum in Belleville will feature Darren Bailey, Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, Max Solomon, and Jesse Sullivan. Missing: Richard Irvin. TAKING NAMES — Is billionaire Ken Griffin enriching democracy with all his political spending? Probably not, writes Curtis Black, a journalist and researcher for Good Government Illinois in The Reader. — Why Saba thinks hip-hop should be taught in college and how it feels to come home: "The West Side hip-hop artist has had one of the most celebrated releases so far of 2022, drawing inspiration from a deep well of triumph and tragedy. He gets honest ahead of a May 5 show at the Aragon," by WBEZ's Alejandro Hernandez. — Secretary of State Jesse White to receive honorary doctorate from NIU on May 13 , via announcement TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Peyton Bernot, with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, for correctly answering that former state Rep. Lou Lang had some fun presiding over a 2017 debate about seafood labeling. Instead of asking "Have all voted who wish?" Lang said, "Have all voted who fish?" And everyone took the bait. TODAY's QUESTION:Which Illinois governor also served as a probate judge in Macoupin County? Email skapos@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY Federal judge Robert W. Gettleman, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joe Panarese, businessman and former state Rep. Dwight Kay, 1st Congressional District candidate Charise Williams, 11th Congressional District candidate Catalina Lauf (who turns the big 29), attorney Bryan Sugar, attorney Drew Beres, and journalist Mark Caro. -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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