| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Presented by McDonald's | TGIF, Illinois. Did everyone watch two screens at the same time last night? Breaking late: Special counsel's report has President Joe Biden defending his mental fitness, via POLITICO
|  | TOP TALKER | | | | 
Clayton Harris III and Eileen O’Neill Burke, Democrats running for Cook County state's attorney, debate on live TV on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. | Screen shot/ABC 7 | TELEVISED DEBATE: The digs were pointed but polite during the exchange Thursday between the two Democratic candidates running for Cook County state’s attorney. “If you think things are going just fine right now, I’m not your candidate. Mr. Harris is your candidate,” Eileen O’Neill Burke said about Clayton Harris III, who has been endorsed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and is an ally of outgoing State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Voters might have a hard time finding differences between these two candidates who both want to improve morale and streamline processes in an office where employees are spread too thin. But there are differences. One area is retail theft, a constant worry of businesses in Chicago. O’Neill Burke said she would apply a $300 threshold but consider easing up on first-time offenders. Harris said he would make sure to better enforce the current law, which is a $1,000 threshold. Harris said he would create a special division to focus on organized crime, and he’d eliminate the paperwork required to expunge drug convictions. O’Neill Burke would create a Choice Protection Unit to focus on the anti-abortion activists who have ramped up their actions in Illinois since the Dobbs decision struck down Roe v. Wade. The most tense moment: Harris attacked O’Neill Burke for a 30-year-old case in which she prosecuted an 11-year-old whose conviction was later thrown out. Harris said it was due to mistakes by O’Neill Burke. She countered that her prosecution was never in question but that a false confession was the issue. Both candidates have the chops. Harris is a former state’s attorney and governor’s chief of staff who now lectures at the University of Chicago, and O’Neill Burke is a former criminal defense lawyer, judge and appellate court justice. The winner of the March 19 contest will face Bob Fioretti, the Republican candidate. There’s buzz in conservative circles that some Republican voters might cross parties for the primary in order to vote for O’Neill Burke. ABC 7’s Craig Wall called the race “one of the most closely watched” in the spring primary. Tribune’s Rick Pearson called the debate mostly “civil.”
| | THE BUZZ | | GIMME A “T” FOR TAX BREAK: Two state lawmakers on opposite ends of the political battlefield agree on one thing: People who make Illinois their home deserve some tax breaks. Democratic state Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s HB5152 would benefit people who relocate to Illinois “as a result of attacks on health care access and free speech in their home states.” Under her bill, any taxpayer who relocates to Illinois as a patient or household member of a patient is eligible for a $500 tax credit. The bill also provides the same credit for licensed healthcare providers or teachers and their households. Cassidy has been a strong proponent for legislation that has made Illinois an oasis for reproductive rights, so this latest proposal fits in her wheelhouse. Republican state Sen. Seth Lewis is championing legislation that rewards businesses who are staying put in Illinois. His Senate Bill 2075 calls it a “legacy tax credit.” It gives $100 for each year the taxpayer owner of a sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation has been headquartered in Illinois. There would be a limit to 10 percent of their state income tax obligation, says Lewis, a small business owner as a State Farm agent. Lewis supported giving Gov. JB Pritzker funds to help sweeten deals to get large businesses to move to Illinois. “We always chase the shiny object, but what about the small business owners who have weathered the storm of changing regulations and have stayed?” Lewis told Playbook. “Let’s recognize their contribution.” If you are Bob Fioretti, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $3.2 billion to Illinois’s economy, supporting over 50,000 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout Illinois generated nearly $700 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Illinois and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/il. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | At Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley in Villa Park at 10 a.m. and later at First United Methodist Child Care Center in Champaign at 1:15 p.m. to highlight Smart Start investments.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S GOVERNORS SUMMIT: Join POLITICO on Feb. 22 to dive into how Governors are wielding immense power. While Washington remains gridlocked, governors are at the center of landmark decisions in AI and tech, economic development, infrastructure, housing, reproductive health and energy. How are they setting the stage for the future of American politics, policies and priorities? How are they confronting major challenges? Explore these questions and more at the 2024 Governors Summit. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | — NEW NUMBERS: Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias isn’t running for office, but he’s raising money like he is. His political team just reported raising $200,000, including $68,500 each from the Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor-Management PAC and Laborers' Political League Great Lakes Region. Giannoulias has $1.6 million cash on hand at the end of 2023. He’s a little over a year into his first term as secretary of state. — Democratic Party of Illinois launches new fundraising push: Chicago insurance executive Charles Smith, an ally of Chicago’s mayor, will helm the initiative called InvestBlue, by Crain’s Leigh Giangreco. — Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has been nominated to serve as a committeeperson for the Evanston Democratic Party. The Cook County Democratic Party is expected to approve the appointment at a meeting next week. He would replace Eamon Kelly, who stepped down from the position. — Dean Alonistiotis has been named president of the 39th Ward Democrats, a position that works alongside the ward committeeman, state Sen. Ram Villivalam. In his day job, Alonistiotis is chief of staff to state Rep. Kim du Buclet.
| | | 2024 WATCH | | | — In IL-12, Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund. Bost faces Darren Bailey in the GOP primary. — In IL-11, Qasim Rashid, has been endorsed by Common Defense, a grassroots veterans organization, in his bid to challenge incumbent Congressman Bill Foster. — Regan Deering, a Republican candidate for state rep in the 88th District, has been endorsed by Illinois Farm Bureau Activator. She’s running against Chuck Erickson in the GOP primary to replace state Rep. Dan Caulkins, who isn’t seeking reelection. There’s no Democrat in the race.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — SPOTLIGHT: In crisis, she went to an Illinois facility. Two years later, she still isn’t able to leave: “The state of Illinois is asking for the end of court oversight of its system of care for people with developmental disabilities. But some advocates say it’s too soon,” by Capitol News’ Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer. — Advocates, lawmakers hope Illinois will become 11th state to legalize ‘right-to-die,’ by the Sun-Times’ Tina Sfondeles — ComEd giving $57M to governments, businesses for electric vehicles, by the Sun-Times’ Audrey Hettleman and Brett Chase — HISTORY LESSON: How Jarrot v. Jarrot officially ended slavery in Illinois, by KSDK’s Sydney Stallworth
| | | | A message from McDonald's:   | | | | | CHICAGO | | — Johnson eyes ways to cut red tape for real estate developers, by Crain’s Justin Laurence — Mayor in a sprint to remake Chicago’s public schools, by the Sun-Times’ Nader Issa and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp. — No migrants camped out at O’Hare for first time since summer, as funding questions loom, by the Tribune’s Alice Yin and Nell Salzman. — City approves new hotel design for Bally’s Chicago casino site — but location of additional 400-room tower still up in the air, by the Sun-Times’ Mitchell Armentrout — Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael to be inducted to NFL Hall of Fame amid battle with ALS: “Former Bears Devin Hester, Julius Peppers also among Hall of Fame inductees,” by ABC 7’s John Garcia and Ryan Chiaverini — Keith Urban, The Black Keys and The Chainsmokers headline NASCAR Chicago 2024, by the Block Club’s Mack Liederman
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Former VP Mike Pence was in Chicago and stopped by former Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin’s law office to say hello. “I have the greatest admiration for him for his actions on Jan. 6. He saved our democracy on our darkest day as a nation,” Durkin told Playbook. Pic! — Matthew Beaudet, the Chicago building commissioner and a citizen of the Montaukett Tribe, was named a founding board member of the Native American Code Officials. The nonprofit's mission is to establish building code standards to enhance health, safety, economic development and investment in tribal communities and promote tribal sovereignty. — Former state Rep. Sandy Hamilton returns as a high school volleyball coach, by the State Journal-Register’s Ryan Mahan
| | MEDIA MATTERS | | — An in-depth look at WTVP's future and criminal investigation: “I’ve seen enough information that if I was chairman at that time, I would've filed charges as well. That's probably the strongest comment I can make.” the Peoria Journal-Star’s JJ Bullock reports.
| | | | YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS: From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked what your dream car would be if money weren’t an issue. Brian Berg: “A Big-Tank 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.” Vincent Brandys: “DMC DeLorean.” Brady Chalmers: “A Pagani Zonda F. It's the only supercar that deserves a cape.” Paul Colgan: “A Duesenberg Model J.” Linda Davenport: “1983 powder blue Riviera.” Kent Gray: “1932 Martin Walter Daimler Double Six 40/50.” Kevin Lamm: “A 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser, 3B turbo diesel, four speed ... with a few extras.” Marilynn Miller: “A white jaguar, hopefully a convertible or with a sunroof.” Jeff Nathan: “A 1967 Chevy SS. Fastest car I ever owned.” Barbara D. Stubblefield: “A Lamborghini Countach — starting price is $2.64 million.” Maggie Trevor, a Cook County commissioner: “A reinstated 696 Pace bus.” NEXT QUESTION: If Illinois politicians could sing, who would you want to see host the Super Bowl Halftime Show and what would they sing? Email skapos@politico.com
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | — Congresswoman Delia Ramirez is part of a roundtable discussion on border legislation. “Democrats want Ukraine funding, but it cannot be at the cost of people at our border, and immigrants,” she says, via In These Times’ Natascha Elena Uhlmann.
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — A very un-Trumpy performance delivers for Trump at Supreme Court, by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein — The week Trump seized unmatched control over the GOP, by Christopher Cadelago and Adam Wren — Special counsel: Biden’s classified document mishandling doesn’t warrant charges, by POLITICO’s Betsy Woodruff Swan — Palestinian American brothers from Lombard taken in Israeli raid of their Gaza shelter, family says, by the Sun-Times’ Nader Issa
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Attorney who fought the good fight for city retirees dies at 74: “Clint Krislov crusaded against the widely despised Chicago parking meter deal, fought for retired city workers whose benefits had been stripped away by a cost-cutting mayor and championed consumer causes,” by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman.
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Candace Moore has joined Race Forward as senior strategic adviser. She's an attorney who had been chief equity officer for the City of Chicago. Race Forward is a national nonprofit that advocates for racial equity.
| | | | A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of Illinois, contributing over $3.2 billion to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 38,900 Illinoisans and supporting an additional 12,800 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 4 independent McDonald’s operators in Illinois began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to call Chicago and Illinois our home, supporting public schools, parks and more through the nearly $700 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $2.3 million raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 23,000 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in Illinois. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Illinois and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/il. | | | | | EVENTS | | — Feb. 21: The “Open to Debate” program features four legal experts on the topic: “Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?” At Northwestern Law. Details here — Feb. 29: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch headlines a discussion titled “How the State Budget can be Used to Address Historical Inequities and Structural Racism”. The event is sponsored by Center for Tax & Budget Accountability. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Kim Morton for correctly answering that Harry Bryant Hershey was a Taylorville mayor who also ran for governor and then served on the Illinois Supreme Court. TODAY's QUESTION: What did Sloan Draper say about the wealth of Illinois? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Illinois Secretary of State Chief Deputy of Administrative Operations Aimee Pine, lobbyist Scott Marquardt, attorney Karen Anderson and public affairs consultant Alejandra “Ale” Moran. Saturday: ComEd comms manager Lauren Huffman, Arctaris Impact Investors Managing Director Ben Bornstein, PBS’ John Yang, IDOT photogrammetrist and avid birder Jarod Hitchings and Playbooker Matthew Feldman. Sunday: Center for Illinois Politics cofounder Susan Garrett, Bank of America VP David Stern, Small Business Advocacy Council Executive Director Elliot Richardson, D.C. insider Mark Palmer, public-relations pro Kim Shepherd and London School of marketing exec Federica Ferrari. -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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