| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy Tuesday, Illinois. Take-away from the "Better Call Saul" finale: S'all good, man, because love conquers all.
|  | TOP TALKER | | As Democrats and Republicans gather in Springfield this week to rally their parties — on separate days at the State Fairgrounds, of course — the men leading their respective tickets are making plans to debate. Republican Darren Bailey's campaign says he's committed to debate Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker on Sept. 22 on NBC 5. Pritzker's campaign hasn't confirmed that face-off, though a spokeswoman for the campaign told Playbook that "yes," Pritzker is planning to debate Bailey. In the meantime, Bailey's campaign has stumbled into another social media quagmire. WGN's Tahman Bradley has uncovered more disparaging comments made by Bailey's running mate, Stephanie Trussell. The lieutenant governor candidate used homophobic language about Caitlyn Jenner, who is transgender, and politicians connected to what Trussell called a "gay agenda." Attacking Obama: "Since Bill Clinton was called the first Black president can we call Barack Obama the first gay president?" Trussell tweeted in 2015, according to Bradley's report. In a statement to WGN, Trussell deflected, saying, "Crime is skyrocketing and jobs and families are fleeing under JB Pritzker's watch. But his campaign and the media are making a big election about old social media posts." This isn't the first revelation of Trussell going afield on social media. After first joining Bailey's team, news reports called her out for comparing Planned Parenthood to the KKK. Crain's Greg Hinz documented Bailey's social media blunders, including the Republican state senator posting that Islam "is not a religion of peace." And there was the Facebook comment after the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park, in which he said, "Let's move on and celebrate." To his credit, Bailey pulled back on the comment, issuing a statement: "I apologize if in any way we diminished the pain being felt across our state today." It's all the kind of fodder that fuels attack ads — and debates.
| | THE BUZZ | | When Democrats gather Wednesday for their big political brunch in Springfield, they'll be meeting for the first time at the BOS Center instead of the Crown Plaza Convention Center. It's about capacity. "We had a really good relationship with the Crown, but we were finally at a point where we had outgrown the facility," Dan Kovats, executive director of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association, which organizes the event, told Playbook. For many years, the event was held in a Crown grand ballroom that allowed for participants to sit at tables to enjoy brunch and hear the speeches. In 2018, when the group grew to around 2,000 guests, organizers switched to a theater style room that required guests to hold their breakfast plates on their laps. Kovats said Wednesday's brunch will see close to 2,500 attendees, all seated at tables of 10 people. Guest speaker is Congressman Joe Neguse. Though he's little known Illinois, Neguse is an up-and-coming politician. It's familiar territory for the event. In 2018, Joe Biden was scheduled to speak but fell ill. At the last minute, Pete Buttigieg, an Indiana politician, took Biden's spot. It was a coup for Illinois Democrats because Buttigieg later that year announced his run for president. Wednesday, all statewide elected Democrats will have a part of the program, which will include some videos. Newly named Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez will also address the crowd for the first time since she was elected last month. Party Builder Awards: Kane County Democratic Party Chair Mark Guethle, MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita and Ullico CEO and former LiUNA International VP Ed Smith. Country music clarification: Chris Young will be playing at the Director's Lawn at the fairgrounds after Wednesday's brunch, not the BOS Center. Events today in Springfield: Democratic Party leaders will elect officers to work with new party Chair Lisa Hernandez. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) will host a Farm Bill roundtable with state Sen. Patrick Joyce at the fair at 11:30 a.m. The Illinois AFL-CIO Vote Yes for Workers Rights group is having a cookout. Darren Bailey headlines a GOP Unity Event at Mariah's Steakhouse & Pasta. And Senate President Don Harmon and the Senate Democratic Caucus will rally at the Illinois Association of Beer Distributors. 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 Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. to kick off Agriculture Day — At the Animal Protective League at 1:30 p.m. to support rescue pet adoptions — And at the Coliseum at the fairgrounds at 5 p.m. for the Governor's Sale of Champions.
| | WHERE'S LORI | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events.
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Secretary of state candidates weigh in on contentious license plate reader decision: Alexi Giannoulias , the Democratic nominee, wants legislation to protect abortion-care data that could be obtained through license plate scanners. Republican Dan Brady doesn't think it's necessary, reports NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern. — Esther Joy King, the Republican candidate for the IL-17 congressional seat, launched her first digital ad of the campaign cycle. The spot was strategically launched on the one-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul and features a young woman who King says she helped rescue from Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal from the country. King is a former aid worker in Afghanistan and now a JAG officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. The ad says King "used her contacts … to help 51 people escape the Taliban." — Congresswoman Mary Miller sent followers an email embracing right-ring rhetoric that runs counter to the Republican law-and-order mantra. Miller, the Republican nominee for the newly re-drawn IL-15, called the Justice Department's investigation into former President Donald Trump holding on to classified government documents "a total abuse of power." She accused the Justice Department of "engaging in partisan politics by smearing" the former president. — Rich Janor is scheduled to be introduced today as the new Republican nominee for state representative in the 41st District. Janor will join House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and state Sen. John Curran on the steps of Naperville City Hall for the announcement. Janor will replace Jennifer Bruzan Taylor, a Naperville city councilwoman, who dropped out of the House race earlier this month for personal, family reasons. Janor will face Democratic incumbent state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr in November. The 41st District includes parts of Naperville and Warrenville and spans DuPage and Will counties. — The People Who Play By The Rules PAC has launched a new TV ad focusing on crime in Chicago. The 30-second spot features Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot talking about "the summer of joy" in Chicago and the ad blames the governor for statewide "lawlessness." — Democratic Congressman Sean Casten has been endorsed by the Illinois AFL-CIO in his bid for the newly drawn IL-06. — Judge Elizabeth Rochford has been endorsed by the Illinois AFL-CIO in her bid for the Illinois Supreme Court's Second District seat.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker wants to sell off Damen Silos, industrial site that once served as a backdrop in 'Tranformers' movie: "Officials said selling Damen Silos will relieve the state of a financial burden, and a buyer could transform it into a data center, telecom facility, cannabis business or an industrial complex, giving surrounding neighborhoods an economic lift," by Tribune's Brian J. Rogal — Pritzker announces new funds to improve downtown areas across Illinois, via Fox 32 — Amazon employees say company retaliated after charges of racially hostile work environment, by WTTW's Nick Blumberg | | CHICAGO | | — Residents near Douglass Park want a voice in permits for big music festivals: "Residents demand an end to the festivals, but local aldermen have supported the events and taken campaign cash from festival organizers," by WBEZ's María Inés Zamudio. — The Mag Mile's vacancy rate is pushing 29 percent. Recent moves will push it even higher: "Swiss crystal and jewelry maker Swarovski is returning. … But the Mag Mile is losing luxury jewelry retailer Cartier" and Timberland has closed, too, reports Crain's Alby Gallun. — New South Side center sets out to provide community, support for homeless young adults, by Sun-Times' Mariah Rush — A wave of development, including a new senior housing complex, is transforming the Northwest Side's Six Corners area, by Tribune's Brian J. Rogal — Pat Quinn calls on Lightfoot to release Little Village implosion report: "The former governor, who is exploring a run for mayor, says a watchdog investigation into the botched 2020 smokestack implosion should not be kept secret," by Sun-Times' Brett Chase. — Watch for Lightfoot to announce the appointment for the 43rd Ward seat being vacated by Ald. Michele Smith to be made on Sept. 12.
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Highland Park City Council calls for federal, state assault weapons ban as Democrats in Springfield ponder next move: "Senate Republicans in Congress are against assault weapons restrictions; Democrats in Springfield hold supermajorities in the state House and Senate," by Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet. — Highland Park students seeking 'some sort of normalcy' as class resumes after mass shooting: "Administrators are preparing for everyone — whether they're still struggling or seem fine — and paying attention to both students and staff," by WBEZ's Susie An. — 'Absolutely political theater': Naperville gun shop owner questions motives behind sales ban ordinance, by Daily Herald's Kevin Schmit
| | DAY IN COURT | | — Jury selection in R. Kelly's federal trial begins with judge dismissing many who said they would have trouble being impartial, by Tribune's Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau — South Shore hit-and-run that killed 3 outside noted Black gay bar Jeffrey Pub was intentional, CPD says, by ABC 7's Chuck Goudie, Cate Cauguiran, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner
| | HIGHER-ED | | Elite colleges — including UChicago and Northwestern — lose bid to end suit alleging admissions collusion: "The schools, including Notre Dame, will now face antitrust litigation," via Bloomberg.
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked for favorite concert memories at the BOS Center (formerly Prairie Capital Convention Center): Gail Purkey remembers seeing Hall & Oates there in the 1980s with Marshall Crenshaw as the opening act. We were hoping someone would remember Elton John's Sept. 28, 1999, show. What's a political debate you'll never forget? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Two wings of the GOP confront their political futures in Tuesday's primaries, by POLITICO's Zach Montellaro — A new, powerful signal that Dems' midterm hopes aren't lost, by POLITICO's Jessica Piper — Why Donald Trump's declassification claim might not be that outlandish, by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney — Iran delivers deadline response to draft nuclear deal, by POLITICO's Stephanie Liechtenstein and Nahal Toosi — COMMENTARY: There may never be justice for Emmett Till, writes Tribune's Laura Washington
| | TRIVIA | | MONDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to DuPage County political observer Janice Anderson and Joyce Foundation education director Stephanie Banchero for correctly answering that former federal court judge James Zagel wrote "Money to Burn," a fictional thriller about a plot to rob the Federal Reserve Bank. TODAY's QUESTION: What Illinois journalist did Frank Sinatra once call a "pimp" and why? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, Illinois Appellate Court Judge Cynthia Cobbs, former Veterans Affairs chief Linda Chapa LaVia, BNSF Railway government affairs exec Peter Skosey and Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater. -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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