POLITICO Illinois Playbook: Snopes, Sims and the SAFE-T Act

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

Sep 16, 2022 View in browser   By Shia Kapos TGIF, Illinois. I'm headed out of town for the weekend, so behave yourselves while the vice president is visiting. TOP TALKER Republicans across the country are using data showing rising crime rates as a campaign talking point leading into November's general election. In Illinois, Republicans are trying to use misinformation about the SAFE-T Act, the criminal justice reform law that goes into effect Jan. 1. An element of the law eliminates cash bail, and Republicans are in an uproar about it. If you were to believe some candidates, there would be rapists and murderers running through the streets when the law goes into effect. It's enough to scare anyone. But it's not true. There's so much misinformation about the SAFE-T Act that fact-checking website Snopes has written a whole entry on the subject. Snopes says: "While this act does aim to reduce the number of people detained in jail while they await trial, pretrial release can still be denied when any defendant 'poses a specific, real and present threat to any person or the community.'" Democratic state Sen. Elgie Sims, taking part in a 2018 committee hearing, is trying to dispel the myths about the SAFE-T Act. | AP Photo/John O'Connor State Sen. Elgie Sims, an author of the law, explains it better: "A person charged today with murder, rape, sex offenses or gun crimes can use cash to pay for their release and be back on the streets." Under the new law, a person charged with those offenses "cannot buy their release no matter how much money they have," he told Playbook. And. no, Illinois police won't be banned from removing trespassers from your home. Here's Sims' own fact-check CIProud also is out with an extensive fact-check. "A judge will have the power to determine whether a person should be released based on a public safety evaluation rather than the size of the defendant's wallet," reports Maggie Strahan. RELATED Republican Tom DeVore criticizes Democratic AG Kwame Raoul for not blocking SAFE-T Act from becoming law, by WGEM's Mike Miletich THE BUZZ SCORECARD ALERT: The National Rifle Association's political action committee is out with its candidate scorecard based on incumbents' voting records on Second Amendment issues — or if they're challengers, how they filled out the questionnaire. Predictable: The NRA says it casts a blind eye to party affiliation, but of course all the Democrats were given F's (and one D). Top of the gun class: Two Republicans, Congressman Darin LaHood and Congresswoman Mary Miller, received A's. And Congressman Mike Bost earned an A-, of all things. Republican challengers who filled out the questionnaires received AQ's (A on questionnaire). Worth noting: In a year that's been plagued by mass shootings, including in Highland Park, there are some Republican candidates who didn't fill out the questionnaire at all. One Republican candidate who did answer is Chris Dargis, who's running in the 8th Congressional District against Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (He got an F from the NRA.). Krishnamoorthi's campaign has written a letter urging Dargis to publicly release the questionnaire so voters know why he got the A. Dargis' campaign dismissed the letter as a "political ploy." 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   DON'T MISS - MILKEN INSTITUTE ASIA SUMMIT : Go inside the 9th annual Milken Institute Asia Summit, taking place from September 28-30, with a special edition of POLITICO's Global Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive coverage and insights from this important gathering. Stay up to speed with daily updates from the summit, which brings together more than 1,200 of the world's most influential leaders from business, government, finance, technology, and academia. Don't miss out, subscribe today.     WHERE'S JB At the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) at 1 p.m. to join Vice President Kamala Harris and other legislators and advocates for a roundtable on protecting reproductive rights. WHERE'S LORI With the governor and VP at UIC. Where's Toni In Glenwood at 9 a.m. along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly and other officials for the ribbon cutting of Morrison Container Handling Solutions' new facility. THE STATEWIDES — Pritzker lifts final classroom Covid-19 mitigation, ending testing requirement for unvaccinated school workers: "After lifting the statewide school mask mandate at the end of February and lifting vaccination requirements on college campuses earlier this summer, the Democratic governor called it the latest part of his plan "to carefully unwind the state's Covid-19 executive orders,'" by Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout. — Comptroller Mendoza wants to ramp up rainy day fund: "A target of $3.25 billion would still fall short of the 35-day mark, but state Comptroller Susana Mendoza — whose office manages state bill, debt, and pension payments — said it would provide sufficient cushion to manage paying obligations during future economic downturns," by Bond Buyer's Yvette Shields. — New vote to dissolve townships is heading to Springfield City Council, by WAND TV's Carlee Bronkema — Saudi-backed LIV golf series lands at Rich Harvest Farms, bringing drama (and bare legs) to Illinois, by Tribune's John Keilman MEDIA MATTERS — Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders is a new podcast coming out next week. The preview grabs you. Tribune's Stacy St. Clair and Christy Gutowski "uncover new and critical clues in law enforcement's latest — and possibly last — attempt at closing one of the nation's most infamous unsolved cases," according to the promo. The podcast and corresponding newspaper series will launch Sept. 22 and is already being eyed for TV adaptation, according to the Tribune. — Third World Press marks 55 years in the publishing business with an open house on Oct. 8 at its headquarters, 7822 S. Dobson Ave., from noon to 1 p.m. On hand will be Third World Press' poet-editor-publisher Haki Madhubuti, whose mission is to share the Black experience in America from the perspective of Black writers. A program by the Institute of Positive Education will follow. 2023 MUNICIPAL RACES — Clobbered in race for Illinois secretary of state, Valencia will seek reelection as city clerk: " After taking July off to catch up on sleep, vacation with her husband and reconnect with her 2-year-old daughter, City Clerk Valencia chose to shake off the ethics scandal centered around her husband's lobbying activities," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — After experiencing 'ghost' buses firsthand, mayoral challenger Kam Buckner unveils transportation plan: "Buckner said he wants to improve service, add dedicated bus lanes and possibly a new Metra line," by Sun-Times' Manny Ramos and Fran Spielman. — Kim Walz, who's running for the 46th Ward City Council seat, has been endorsed by state Rep. Margaret Croke (IL-12), whose district previously encompassed part of the 46th Ward. CHICAGO — Private booters could soon operate citywide in Chicago: "If approved by the full City Council, merchants across the city would be allowed to contract with private companies to patrol private lots and prevent motorists from parking in spaces reserved for their customers," by Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — 17 City Council members to forgo inflation-tied pay raise of nearly 10 percent as of deadline, including indicted Ald. Ed Burke: "The top pay for aldermen is expected to grow to $142,772 next year, when an increase of about $12,500 kicks in. Not everyone on the council earns the same because of some forgoing past raises," by Tribune's Alice Yin. — 'What is the plan?' McDonald's CEO asks about city's crime problem: " The company is adding 100 jobs to its West Loop headquarters, but the city's crime is making recruiting talent difficult, McDonald's President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Wednesday," by Sun-Times' Mitch Dudek. — Don't shake the art, please: NASCAR race worrying Chicago's museums: " The Art Institute, the Field, the Shedd and others want to know: What'll happen to priceless artworks and relics with race cars tearing around downtown? And how will patrons even reach them on a busy holiday weekend?" Crain's Greg Hinz reports — Chicago Police Board votes to fire officer who fatally shot apparently unarmed man in 2018: "The board voted unanimously in favor of firing Officer Sheldon Thrasher," by Sun-Times' Emmanuel Camarillo. — The 'mistake on the lake' gets a retake as agency seeks to re-envision Lakeside Center: "The MPEA said it is seeking new ideas that would lead to the redevelopment of all or parts of the 51-year-old building," by Sun-Times' Lee Bey. COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Cook County sheriff's deputy's boyfriend and his sister hit with federal drug charges: "Sean Dwyer and his sister Bridgett Massey are accused of conspiracy and cocaine possession. Dwyer also faces a federal gun charge," by Sun-Times' Frank Main. — Naperville sustainability consultant chosen to fill vacant District 5 seat on DuPage County Board: "After weeks of reviewing applicants, DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin chose Amy Phillips to fill the seat previously held by Amy Chavez, who resigned a month ago because she was moving out of state," via the Naperville Sun. — Water main breaks in Dixmoor, the latest of nearly 15 in a month, village president says, by Tribune's Maddie Ellis — Debbie Smart, former Illinois library trustee of the year, stepping down in Arlington Heights, by Daily Herald's Christopher Placek DAY IN COURT — Project Veritas faces off in court with Democratic activist: "The lawsuit stems from an undercover video operation that penetrated progressive organizations during the 2016 presidential campaign," by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein. — Attorneys make closing arguments about exposure to cancer-causing ethylene oxide in first case against Sterigenics, by Tribune's Michael Hawthorne — R. Kelly's crimes leave many grappling with the question about what to do with his music: "For years, R. Kelly's music has been a staple at Black family gatherings, graduations and weddings. Should he be erased from the R&B canon?" by WBEZ's Natalie Moore — Here are the counts R. Kelly was found guilty of — and the ones he wasn't, by Sun-Times' Jon Seidel   Join POLITICO Live on Tuesday, Sept. 20 to dive into how federal regulators, members of Congress, and the White House are seeking to write the rules on digital currencies, including stablecoins. The panel will also cover the tax implications of crypto, which could be an impediment to broader adoption and the geopolitical factors that the U.S. is considering as it begins to draw regulatory frameworks for crypto. REGISTER HERE.     Reader Digest We asked about your favorite private golf courses: Bob Clifford, the noted attorney: Shoreacres. Andrea Darlas, broadcaster: "Merit Club and Medinah, although both are extremely challenging!" Steve Smith: "I was a long time member of Olympia Fields. The North Course has hosted U.S. Opens. The South is also terrific and favored by members. Glorious place." Michael Stokke: "Crestwicke Country Club is across the street from my house so I have played there several times." United, American or Southwest? Email skapos@politico.com THE NATIONAL TAKE From 2000 to 2020, major cities with significant Black populations have turned decidedly less Black. | Illustration by Beth Suzanna | Photos by Patrick Cavan Brown for POLITICO — The next great migration: The radically different visions of Black power vying for control in Georgia, by POLITICO's Michael Kruse, Brittany Gibson and Delece Smith-Barrow — Martha's Vineyard joins list of Blue cities welcoming migrants shipped from Texas, by POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky, Sue Allan and Gary Fineout — Meet the Brooklyn judge now at the epicenter of the Mar-a-Lago records case, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin — Trump warns of 'problems' like 'we've never seen' if he's indicted, by POLITICO's Myah Ward and Andrew Desiderio KUDOS Lav Varshney has been named a White House Fellow, working with the National Security Council. Varshney, of Champaign, is a professor of engineering, computer science and neuroscience at the University of Illinois, where he conducts scholarly and "technological innovation," according to the White House. TAKING NAMES — 'Saturday Night Live' adds 4 cast members for Season 48, including Chicago standup Molly Kearney, by Tribune's Nina Metz EVENTS — Ongoing: The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is presenting a "Dialogue" series focused on "public." Speakers will examine the "public" as open, free and accessible — and as a closed, unfree and inaccessible world of the private sphere." Details here TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Ashvin Lad for correctly answering that the Confederate Mound in Oak Woods Cemetery is said to have the largest mass grave in the western hemisphere. More than 4,000 names are etched into the monument. Confederate soldiers buried there died at nearby Camp Douglas. TODAY's QUESTION: What's the oldest 18-hole course in North America and where is it located? Email skapos@politico.com and h/t to Hilary Denk for the question HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Des Plaines Ald. Malcolm Chester, and Cook County Circuit Court Judge Toya Harvey. Saturday: state Rep. Mike Halpin, Edelman GM of Capital Markets Katie Spring, TransUnion Strategic Initiatives Director Tracey Lazos, comms consultant Grace Vargas, former Bulls Coach Phil Jackson. Sunday: GrowthPlay co-founder and women's advocate Amy Dordek. -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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