| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy Thursday, Illinois. Twitter is apparently down as we post, so let's consider ourselves lucky for a short while.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Jose Durbin, 27, is campaign manager for Illinois Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey. | Bailey campaign photo | A lot has been written about Democrats meddling in the GOP primary for governor so that Darren Bailey got on the general election ballot. But Bailey's campaign operation , with its 111,000 Facebook followers, was obviously central in getting the Republican candidate over the finish line in a crowded race to challenge Gov. JB Pritzker in November. Behind that effort has been Jose Durbin, the 27-year-old campaign manager who's never worked on a statewide race but guided Bailey to a 58 percent victory in a contest with five other candidates, including a mayor backed by a billionaire. Your Playbook host talked to Durbin, who paused the interview to change his daughter, who was born just a few days after the primary. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. How did you get your start in politics? "I was in 6th grade when my family moved from southeastern Missouri to Harrisburg, IL. From my earliest days I remember watching the news. I was a fan of politics. I went to Harrisburg High School then studied political science at Southeastern Illinois College." Did you ever run for office? "When I was 18, I ran for the library board and lost. Then I ran for the county board and lost. It was a good experience, but I think generally voters don't like young people. They get set in their ways. They don't like change." How did you come to meet Darren Bailey? "For a few years, I worked for [former state Sen.] Kyle McCarter as his legislative aide and chief of staff. He asked me to go to Kenya with him," where he served as an ambassador during the Trump administration. "But my wife refused. To be fair, she was getting her undergrad degree to be a teacher. … Then Kyle introduced me to Darren. I'm his longest staffer," having worked on his state House and Senate campaigns before the governor's race. The biggest challenge? "Darren being an outsider. When I'd start talking to people about Darren for governor, people would say a candidate from southern Illinois didn't have a chance. They'd say, 'He's a great guy, but he can't win.'" What's your take on the Democratic Governors Association ads that described Bailey as far right? "I didn't like the meddling. More than the DGA, it was help from the Super PAC [headed by Dan Proft and funded by Dick Uihlein] that really made a difference. … We tried not to pay attention to that and just kept our noses to the ground." What strategies helped you in the primary? "Facebook was huge, but it didn't start as a campaign strategy. When JB shut down the state [because of the pandemic], Cindy [Bailey's wife] went on Facebook to pray with people. Then Darren started going on and talking about different subjects and it just blossomed. We don't spend a lot of money on it. Darren had to get used to it. But now, if you ask Darren Bailey one thing, he'll tell you he loves social media." Bailey's Restore Illinois Bus tour: "We said we would go to every one of the 102 counties. And we did. Darren made it to 73 and Stephanie Trussell [his running mate] did 34. Some they attended together. … Facebook and the bus tour helped us with volunteers. We have people in every county. People who aren't paid. They're doing it because they believe in Darren Bailey." Asked how Bailey's campaign will address guns and abortion rights issues, both key talking points for Pritzker's reelection campaign, Durbin pivoted to rhetoric. "Darren is a principled man and voters will respect that. They will know this race is about JB Pritzker's failures on crime and the economy and that Darren will always fight for all Illinois voters, not just Pritzker's elites." What's the biggest challenge going forward? "Pritzker's money. But honestly, I don't think money wins the race. We have a great staff. We won't be outworked. We'll leave everything on the ground." 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
| | THE BUZZ | | | 
State Sen. Melinda Bush is retiring from the Illinois Senate but is staying involved in the Democratic Party, serving on the party's state central committee. | John O'Connor/AP file photo | BUZZ KILL: State Sen. Melinda Bush says she has no plans to run for chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, and she told party chair Rep. Robin Kelly as much in a phone call yesterday. "I want to be part of moving the party forward and be part of electing really good Democrats. That's how you increase the Democratic Party," said Bush, who's retiring from the state Senate and has won the down-to-the-wire race for a seat on the Democratic Central Committee. After mail-in ballots were counted, she edged out former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash. Speculation had grown for weeks that because Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Bush's candidacy, he was angling for her to also run as party chair. Bush said that's not the case and that Pritzker didn't make any quid pro quo requests either. "I am a very independent representative. I have always done what I believe is right. No one owns me. It's insulting for people to say that I'm going to do what JB Pritzker wants me to do," Bush told Playbook. Bush said she respects the work accomplished by Kelly since she took over the party after longtime chairman Michael Madigan's exit. Bush said she's waiting to see who the candidates are for party chair before she makes an endorsement. Newly elected central committee members will meet in the coming weeks to vote on who will lead the party for the next four years.
| | | | HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ROE BEING OVERTURNED? JOIN WOMEN RULE ON 7/21: Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade , abortion policy is in the hands of the states and, ultimately, voters. Join POLITICO national political correspondent Elena Schneider for a Women Rule "ask me anything" conversation featuring a panel of reporters from our politics and health care teams who will answer your questions about how the court's decision could play out in different states, its impact on the midterms and what it means for reproductive rights in the U.S. going forward. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS AND REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | Attending meetings in Augusta, Maine, for the National Governors Association conference.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | In Europe, promoting Chicago tourism.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Bailey says Pritzker is 'out of touch' with Illinois: The Republican governor candidate is criticizing Gov. JB Pritzker's plan to address Florida Democrats this weekend. "We have a governor who is so out of touch that he would think that he needs to be campaigning for president when we've just started campaigning for governor," said state Sen. Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee for governor. … A spokeswoman for Pritzker's campaign responded and said that this weekend's speech in Florida at a Democratic fundraiser is about this fall's midterm elections," via Fox 32. — DGA coming for Bailey: The Democratic Governors Association is out with a new ad on social media calling attention to Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey's comments on guns.
| | THE JUICE | | Hey big spender: Citadel CEO Ken Griffin tops the list of billionaires who have spent the most so far in the 2022 election cycle — for either party. Griffin has donated more than $28 million to Republican super PACs, according to Business Insider.
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | What's happening in Williamson County? Democratic State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti is resigning, which is causing some handwringing. His last day is July 22, but if he had waited three more days to step down, until July 25, then his appointed replacement would be a fellow Democrat who wouldn't have to run until 2024. Now, the seat will be up for grabs in November, making it easier pickings for a Republican. Williamson County Democratic Party Chairman Tom Caliper told the Southern that he was "not real crazy about it." Caliper didn't return POLITICO's call. We're wondering why he didn't have a say in how Zanotti would make the exit. Democrats behind the scenes are worried the seat will be lost given Republicans already hold most elected seats in the area.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker ends Covid vaccine mandates at colleges as he tweaks many statewide pandemic restrictions: "The Pritzker administration billed the changes, which come amid the governor's bid for a second term, as part of its plan to "carefully unwind" his Covid-19 mandates, which have been in effect for more than two years," by Tribune's Dan Petrella and Karen Ann Cullotta. — Pritzker names state's first electric vehicles coordinator : "Megha Lakhchaura will lead the state's push to put 1 million EVs on the roads by 2030 through a number of incentives and the rollout of expanded charging infrastructure. She previously served since 2018 as the director of policy in North America for EVBox, an electric vehicle supply equipment company based in Amsterdam," by Capitol News' Jerry Nowicki. — State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford has called on Gov. JB Pritzker to order flags at half staff as a show of unity and remembrance for all of those lost to gun violence. The request comes in wake of the Highland Park mass killing. — OVER THE MOON: Astronomers from Northwestern, U. of Chicago got time with the James Webb Space Telescope , by Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek
| | MAYOR'S RACE 2023 | | Mayoral challenger Willie Wilson takes aim at violent crime: "We will take the handcuffs off the police and we will put the handcuffs on the people who are victimizing" residents, Wilson said. "If police officers continue to be like they are right now, I'm gonna move out of Chicago myself." Sun-Times' Fran Spielman reports
| | | | INTRODUCING POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don't miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. | | | | | | | CHICAGO | | — City's 10-year planning proposal aims to address old wrongs: "The draft of 'We Will Chicago,' shaped by meetings held over two years, proposes broad goals for the city's future," by Sun-Times' David Roeder. — Analysis | Skipped votes in City Council and remote meetings vs. in-person: "A Better Government Association Policy Team analysis of City Council's voting patterns found a sharp increase in missed votes after meetings went remote during the pandemic." — Space-shedding keeps downtown office vacancy at record high : "Demand for offices grew in the second quarter, but so did the crowd of companies trying to shed space on the sublease market," by Crain's Danny Ecker. — CPS has restricted parents' access to their kids' schools. "But there's no policy and no formal way to appeal," writes Tribune's Tracy Swartz. — Officer accused of punching activist at 2020 Columbus statue protest resigns; COPA releases findings, by Tribune's Paige Fry — Tourism could return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, industry leaders say, by Tribune's Sarah Freishtat — With suspect in custody, North Coast Music Festival no longer under threat, police say, by Sun-Times' Mary Norkol
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | — Will Burke seek encore for 53-year Council run — or bow out before voters give indicted pol the hook? Ald. Edward Burke's brother hopes he retires. "The last election — under these very adverse circumstances, he pulled it off. He walked the streets at, what was he, 76 at the time?" said former state Rep. Dan Burke. "Do the math. Seventy-eight years old. Come on. When is enough enough?" Sun-Times' Fran Spielman reports — Ex-Cook County official Patrick Doherty pleads guilty to several corruption schemes: "The case against Patrick Doherty is tied to multiple individuals who have already been charged as a result of the feds' aggressive public corruption investigations. Most have already pleaded guilty," by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel.
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Naperville looking into prohibiting the sale of semi-automatic weapons: "The Naperville City Council on Tuesday night will begin discussions of a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the sale of such firearms and large-capacity magazines. If approved, the ordinance would take effect on Jan. 1," by Daily Herald's Alicia Fabbre and Katlyn Smith. — Highland Park mayor leads residents in vigil at City Hall : "More than 1,000 people gathered and lit candles in honor of the seven people killed and dozens more wounded in the Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park last week," by Sun-Times' Mary Norkol. … Daily Herald's take says 500 attended. … Attorney for parents of man charged in July 4th massacre says they're cooperating with authorities, defends dad's consent on FOID application, by Tribune's Robert McCoppin … Scammers targeting Highland Park mass shooting victims, attorney general says, by Tribune's Jake Sheridan
| | Reader Digest | | We asked whether you believe in the impeachment process: crisis response advocate Mary Ann Pantle wrote: "Conceptually, yes. There needs to be a formal method outside of our elections to remove leaders who abuse their power, but given the history of the impeachment process, it does make a person wonder how effective it is." … Jenner & Block's Gail Morse: "No. Thanks to Mitch McConnell, a process meant to protect democracy protects only cheaters at the expense of democracy." What unusual thing do you find attractive in a person? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — How one House Republican voted to impeach Trump and (maybe) kept his seat, by POLITICO's Olivia Beavers — Dems agonize over election-year tax increases, by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Sarah Ferris — Senators in both parties want to prevent the next Jan. 6. They're not looking for the select panel's help, by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine — The one word Biden won't say in Israel , by POLITICO's Alexander Ward, Nahal Toosi and Jonathan Lemire
| | TAKING NAMES | | Laura Ricketts in talks to invest in Chicago Sky: The co-owner of the Chicago Cubs had early discussions with Chicago Sky principal owner Michael Alter, according to Tribune's James Kay. "One source said Ricketts and her wife, Brooke Skinner, are considering the opportunity because it aligns with their philanthropic mission."
| | TRANSITIONS | | Ebony (Scott) Anderson has been named the inaugural external affairs director of the Inclusive Economy Lab at University of Chicago. She previously served as executive director of the Spark nonprofit. Before that she was the Midwest director for UpTogether (formerly known as Family Independence Initiative) where she helped establish guaranteed income pilots across the region.
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | Former Tribune exec Colin McMahon joins StartupNation as COO: "McMahon will oversee the day-to-day functions of StartupNation, directly supervising the editorial and product teams while working closely with sales and marketing," via statement on NewsWire.
| | IN MEMORIAM | | Sam Greenlee, acclaimed Black radical writer, poet and Chicago enthusiast, celebrated with day in his honor, by Sun-Times' Mariah Rush
| | EVENTS | | — Today at 6:30 p.m.: Panel discussion on microplastics and "forever chemicals": "what's happening, why we should be concerned, and what we can do about it. Headlining: MWRD commissioner Kimberly Neely du Buclet, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center senior chemist John Scott, Illinois Environmental Council programs director Iyana Simba, and Shedd Aquarium conservation policy exec Andrea Densham. Location: The Plant at 1400 W. 46th Street in Chicago. The discussion will continue after 8 p.m. over drinks at Whiner Beer Co., which is at the same location. — Sunday at 5:30 p.m.: Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) will headline a fundraiser hosted by Democratic donors Fred Eychaner, Mark Ishaug, Micah Krohn, and Eric Janssen. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Jim Nowlan, Janet Mathis and Roger Flahaven for correctly answering that Owen Lovejoy was the minister born in Maine and responsible for the Underground Railroad in Princeton. Thanks to Leo Driscoll for the question and Ted Cox for the insight about Owen's brother Elijah. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the first Illinois Attorney General and how long did he hold office? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Educational consultant William Hogan, Descript content marketing director Brandon Copple, Crown Family Philanthropies program officer Rachel Giattino, attorney James Gleffe, Codeverse co-founder Katy Lynch, journalist Phil Rosenthal, and POLITICO alums Tina Sfondeles of the Sun-Times and Daniel Strauss with New Republic. -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 | | | | |
Comments
Post a Comment