Friday, March 30, 2018

Rauner Dismisses Questions, Claims

Chicago, IL – As Bruce Rauner stumbles into his reelection campaign, the failed governor is under fire after a new audit exposed widespread fiscal mismanagement in his own office.

The audit of the governor’s office revealed the administration had been overstating assets by $7 million while also having other agencies pay staff salaries to disguise the true cost of the governor’s office. Rauner reacted to news of the systemic mismanagement with a dismissive, “everyone in the government is human” as he proceeded to praise the team responsible.

“Bruce Rauner decimated the state economy, manufactured a 736-day budget crisis, and now it’s revealed Rauner can’t even manage the finances of his own office,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “The staggering extent of this failed governor’s mismanagement is only exceeded by his proclivity for lying about it to anyone who is still listening.”

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Friday, March 30, 2018

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement three years after Bruce Rauner’s “Good Friday Massacre:”

“Three years ago, Bruce Rauner revealed his true character and moral compass by decimating our state’s social services on Good Friday,” said JB Pritzker. “In his first months in office, Rauner targeted our most vulnerable residents and slashed $26 million in funding for tools that help Illinoisans build better lives. From gutting immigration, autism, and epilepsy services to eliminating addiction prevention and after-school programs, this disgrace of a governor failed so many communities on that dark day in 2015. Illinoisans deserve better, and when I’m governor, I will work with communities to rebuild the programs that Bruce Rauner viciously cut so every Illinoisan can reach their full potential.”

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Chicago, IL – Political commentators are making it clear that Bruce Rauner has a tough shot at re-election after his party is in shambles with last Tuesday’s primary results. NPR Illinois took an in-depth look at what the failed governor faces ahead on the campaign trail:

NPR Illinois: Rauner’s Uphill Climb To A Second Term

Commentary: Insights from the 2018 primary election

“Is this embattled Republican governor toast?” — Natasha Korecki, Politico

“Is Gov. Bruce Rauner a lame duck limping?” — Chuck Sweeny, Rockford Register Star

“Illinois Gov Bruce Rauner is dead meat” — Dennis Byrne, ChicagoNow

November 6 is still quite a ways away, but as the writers and pundits suggest, Gov. Bruce Rauner has a long uphill climb in front of him if he hopes to convince Illinois voters to give him a second term after narrowly escaping Rep. Jeanne Ives’ upset bid in the GOP primary. […]

For those keeping score at home, that’s two big strikes against Rauner:

— A likely national Democratic wave, boosting Pritzker and other candidates of a unified party.

— Ugly divisions within Republican ranks, especially among more conservative voters who took Rauner at this word that he had no social agenda when he first ran in 2014 and also among partisans who think governors shouldn’t lie to legislators or churchmen. Trust is easy to lose, but next to impossible to regain.

An equally difficult challenge for the governor will be to convince voters that four more years will be any more productive for the state and its citizenry than the last three. Rauner’s mantra in 2014 was simple– Pat Quinn is a failed governor. Yet Illinois is worse off in many respects after three-plus years of Rauner. The state’s budget deficit is larger, its bond ratings worse, its social service safety net shredded and universities threatened by a 736-day budget stalemate.

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Chicago, IL – After revelations that the Illinois Department of Public Health’s chief of staff took a leave of absence to perform campaign work during the Quincy Veterans’ Home crisis, Bruce Rauner now claims that it was “perfectly appropriate” for the chief of staff to leave.

As news of his fatal mismanagement continues to break, Rauner has consistently shown his indifference to the health of Illinois’ Veterans. The latest comments come after the failed governor claimed, “these things happen” and after emails revealed his administration prioritized public relations spin over taking immediate steps to protect Veterans’ home residents.

“Even after Veterans and their spouses lost their lives, Bruce Rauner’s administration sent one of the highest-ranking officials at the Department of Public Health to campaign instead of taking immediate action to address the Legionnaires crisis,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is as ‘perfectly appropriate’ as Rauner failing to take charge of this state.”

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Chicago, IL – Despite pleas from immigrant rights groups, Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump’s latest attack on immigrant communities in Illinois and across the country.

The Trump Administration announced it would ask respondents of the 2020 census whether they were U.S. citizens, which experts warn would severely reduce the response rate in immigrant communities and undercount the national population.

“Donald Trump is launching a direct attack on immigrant communities in Illinois with the full support of his local partner Bruce Rauner,” said JB Pritzker. “By using the U.S. Census as a political weapon, this bigoted president wants to keep immigrant families in the shadows. As Trump and Rauner seek to divide and attack, I will make Illinois a welcoming state and protect every resident as governor.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker won 98 of Illinois’ 102 counties, and community newspapers from across Illinois are reporting on the Election Day victory:

Northwest Herald: More McHenry County Democrats voted early than Republicans

Unofficial election results show that 47,515 McHenry County residents voted in the governor primaries – 25,450 of them voted Republican, and 22,065 voted Democrat.

Billionaire J.B. Pritzker earned 38 percent of the McHenry County vote against his five Democratic opponents, and he now will face Gov. Bruce Rauner in November.

McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks, the first popularly elected Democratic chairman in the board’s history, said Rauner had a lot to do with the county’s shifting numbers.

“It shows a lack of enthusiasm on the Republican side because of the failed leadership of Bruce Rauner, and enthusiasm on the Democratic side because they see an opportunity to take over the governorship,” Franks said.

Riverside-Brookfield Landmark: Pritzker carries Brookfield, North Riverside in guv race

Pritzker carried Brookfield and North Riverside.

In Brookfield, Pritzker received 35 percent of the vote to 33 percent for Biss and 29 percent for Kennedy. Pritzker carried North Riverside by a bigger margin, but still less than his statewide margin. Pritzker received 40 percent of the vote in North Riverside, compared to Kennedy’s 30 percent and Biss’ 27 percent.

Statewide, Pritzker seemed to do best in less affluent areas, piling up huge margins in predominately African-American wards in Chicago.

The Beverly Review: Voters in 19th Ward support Pritzker, Ives

Rauner edged challenger Jeanne Ives, a state representative from Wheaton, in the Republican primary election on March 20, and Pritzker enjoyed a comfortable win over Daniel Biss, Chris Kennedy and three other challengers in the Democratic race. […]

Although Rauner survived to run for a second term, Ives won the 19th Ward with 65 percent of the vote.

Pritzker earned 40 percent of the vote in the 19th Ward, ahead of Kennedy (37 percent) and Biss (19 percent).

Forest Park Review: Forest Park favors Pritzker

Forest Park voters followed the statewide outcome in its support for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, who defeated opponents Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy in last week’s gubernatorial primary. […]

Forest Park Democrats sent 38 percent of their votes to Pritzker. Kennedy, who came in second to Pritzker, barely edged out Biss by just 14 votes.

Lincoln Courier: 2018 Logan County Primary Election Recap

Logan County Democrats were more divided in their selection of a gubernatorial candidate with 474 voters (48 percent) selecting J.B. Pritzker. Chris Kennedy, the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, received 203 (or 20.88 percent of) votes, while Daniel Biss took 24.69 percent with 240 votes.

Tonica News: Vote totals announced from March 20 primary

J.B. Pritzker, Democratic candidate for governor, carried LaSalle County with 49.46 percent of the votes. Chris Kennedy received 25.76 percent; Daniel Biss won 21.76 percent; Bob Daiber had 1.4 percent; Tio Hardiman received 0.5 percent; and Robert Marshall had 1.13 percent.

Statewide, Pritzker won the Democratic nomination with 45.2 percent of the vote.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

“Sloppiness Cannot be Tolerated”

Chicago, IL – After two state audits revealed Bruce Rauner mismanaged over a hundred million dollars in Medicaid payments, the State Journal-Register slammed the failed governor in an editorial:

State Journal-Register: Our View: Illinois Can’t Afford These Mistakes

Illinois remains a state with unrivaled financial woes. Its governmental agencies can’t just leave millions sitting on the table.

Yet two state audits — of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services — found that Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration didn’t recoup $76 million in overpayments to private Medicaid-program insurers dating back five years, as well as paid $71 million for Medicaid services without checking whether the clients were still eligible.

Given that the payments involve Medicaid managed care organizations, it’s critical this doesn’t happen again. MCOs, private insurance-run system for low-income and disabled residents, now handle 80 percent of the state’s 3.4 million Medicaid cases. Sloppiness cannot be tolerated when so many people are dependent on MCO-provided services. […]

We are not a state that can play fast and loose with money when Illinois remains in such a perilous fiscal condition. The state must move to recover the overpayments and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.

“While Bruce Rauner mismanages $76 million here and $71 million there, Illinoisans are still reeling from a manufactured budget crisis that cut off vital services across the state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Illinois can’t afford a failed governor who wrecks state finances and destroys our safety net.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Social Workers endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. NASW-IL advocates for over 20,000 licensed social workers in the state of Illinois, 6,000 of which are active members. The endorsement comes after JB Pritzker secured the Democratic nomination for governor and Democratic candidates from across the state came together to defeat Bruce Rauner and put Springfield back on the side of working families.

“From protecting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to their staunch advocacy for human services in Illinois, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois chapter will be a vital partner in our statewide, grassroots campaign,” said JB Pritzker. “I look forward to partnering with social workers as we fight to beat Bruce Rauner and make sure Illinois’ working families have the tools they need to build better lives.”

“The last few years under the failed governorship of Bruce Rauner has been devastating to social services and clients our members serve,” said NASW-IL spokesman Kyle Hillman. “Never again should the safety of our most vulnerable be used as a bargaining chip for right-wing anti-middle class ideology. We stand with JB Pritzker, and look forward to working with him to not only restore our most vital services lost under the current administration — but to tackle some of the tough issues that for far too long Illinois has pushed aside. It is time to think big, it is time for a new direction. Our best chance for a new Illinois is under the leadership of JB Pritzker.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Sends Public Health Aide to Campaign Instead of Managing Crisis

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, it was revealed that Bruce Rauner put politics before people yet again when his administration dispatched a key Department of Public Health aide for campaign work during the Quincy Veterans’ Home Legionnaires’ crisis.

The revelation comes as Bruce Rauner has been under fire for his fatal mismanagement of the ongoing crisis, which began in 2015 and has claimed 13 lives. Throughout the crisis, Rauner’s administration has continuously focused on the politics of the issue before the people affected, with emails detailing his administration strategizing on public relations while failing to create a real plan to address the problem.

“As the Legionnaires’ crisis at the Quincy Veterans’ Home spiraled out of control, Bruce Rauner’s administration put politics over people, letting key administration staffers go off to campaigns instead of taking charge to address his crisis,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “For almost three years, Rauner has put our state’s heroes at risk, lied to their families, and done everything in his power to dodge responsibility for his crisis and it’s time he be held accountable for his failure.”

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new video, “A Real Fight Ahead,” highlighting JB and Juliana’s commitment to fighting for working families in Springfield. At their election night victory party, JB and Juliana passionately laid out why they choose to fight for every community across Illinois.

WATCH:

“This campaign is about a fight for economic security – jobs and wages, healthcare, education, and human services for working families across Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “I will fight today, tomorrow, and every day of this election and every day after. I won’t let Donald Trump have an inch of Illinois, and I will take every inch of Illinois back from Bruce Rauner. We have a real fight ahead of us and I know that working families across Illinois are ready for that fight.”

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Chicago, IL – One week ago, Bruce Rauner barely made it out of a brutal primary against an insurgent challenger. After squeaking away with just a three-point win, the failed governor faces an uphill battle to keep his campaign and party from falling apart. Let’s take a look:

• CLOSE CALL: Three years of failure crept up on Bruce Rauner. After nearly being defeated by Jeanne Ives in the primary, political observers are wondering: Is Rauner toast?

• ZERO UNITY: Rauner’s Republican Party is in shambles after Jeanne Ives refused to endorse or even talk to Bruce Rauner. The infighting continues to divide the party and prevent any semblance of unity.

• FORCED PARTICIPATION: The campaign trail is a tough place to be if you’re a failed governor. At one Rauner campaign stop, “one plant worker said employees had been ordered to attend, and were made aware that they’d be part of campaign photos and videos.”

• UNDERWATER POLL: Rauner is 30 points underwater in favorability and trails in a general election matchup by 18 points.

• RATINGS CHANGES: Two national analysts downgraded Rauner’s chances of being re-elected, with Roll Call and Sabato’s Crystal Ball moving the Illinois governor’s race to “Leans Democratic.”

“Bruce Rauner is the worst governor in America, and his three years of failure caught up with him last Tuesday,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “While this failed governor still reels from a close call and vicious party infighting, JB Pritzker has united Democrats and is ready to beat Bruce Rauner and win up and down the ticket in November.”

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Monday, March 26, 2018

Chicago, IL – After a pair of state audits revealed Bruce Rauner has failed to recoup $76 million in overpayments to private insurers, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“While costs skyrocket for his secret Medicaid overhaul, Bruce Rauner is negligent in recouping tens of millions of dollars in overpayments to insurers,” said JB Pritzker. “This fiscally-irresponsible, failed governor proves his inability to run state government on a daily basis. Incredible sums of taxpayer dollars are falling through the cracks, and there’s no one in charge to stand up for hardworking Illinoisans. We must defeat Bruce Rauner in November so our government can start working for the people again.”

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Monday, March 26, 2018

Chicago, IL – After building a statewide operation and sharing his vision for Illinois on the campaign trail for nearly a year, JB Pritzker won the Democratic primary with a large margin of downstate voters and now leads a unified Democratic Party ready to beat Bruce Rauner. Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news:

From Fox 32 Chicago:

From WTTW Chicago Tonight:

Belleville News-Democrat: Pritzker hopes to unify Democrats after contentious primary:

J.B. Pritzker, who on Tuesday won the Democratic Party nomination to run for governor, said he’s confident he’ll be able to unify the party following his contentious primary race.

Pritzker received a plurality of the vote on Tuesday, topping five other candidates running for the Democratic nomination. […]

Pritzker said he has spoken since Tuesday with state Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy and Madison County Regional Office of Education Superintendent Bob Daiber, who were among those to seek the party’s nomination. They expressed their support for him winning in November, Pritzker said.

State Journal-Register: Downstate holds key to J.B. Pritzker’s blowout win in primary:

The quick call confirmed what early election night returns had suggested: that Pritzker was on his way to a surprising landslide victory in the Democratic primary, putting to rest a narrative that his opponents were closing in during the final days of the campaign.

The night would not be as joyous for incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, however. Challenged in the Republican primary by state Rep. Jeanne Ives, a social conservative with little statewide name recognition, Rauner narrowly avoided what would have been one of the biggest upsets in Illinois political history.

The AP confirmed that Rauner would live to fight another day at 10:29 p.m., by which point Pritzker’s victory celebration had long been over.

The results from that night show a knockout punch for Pritzker buoyed by the strength of his support downstate while Rauner struggled in many pockets south of Springfield and in the collar counties.

“I have seen with my own eyes how (Pritzker) values downstate voters,” said state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill. “And I’m a tough critic of (candidates’ commitment to downstate), and of the Democratic Party. We have one state and a voter in downstate Illinois should be just as important in the minds and the strategies of statewide candidates as a voter in Chicago.”

Capitol Fax: Pritzker and the black vote:

 By my count, Pritzker won every African-American ward in Chicago by an average of 60.3 percent. He got 66 percent in three wards, 65 percent in one and 64 in two. His only plurality was in the 5th, where he scored 49 percent to Biss’ 26. He did just as well in African-American suburban townships and received 76 percent in East St. Louis.

Also, I gotta say that his running mate Juliana Stratton gave one of the most intense speeches I have seen in a while Tuesday night. She is a major asset to that ticket and not just with the black community. Click here to watch it. Very, very impressive.

AP: Democrats Giddy About Odds of Retaking Illinois’ Top Job:

Billionaire J.B. Pritzker received almost 575,000 votes on Tuesday, consolidating support from Democratic voters who turned out in midterm numbers not seen in more than a decade to defeat his closest rival by 20 points. Pritzker’s vote total was about 200,000 more than Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner received against a conservative state lawmaker who had huge disadvantages in fundraising and name recognition but still finished within 3 points of him.

Pritzker said the results are an indication of how motivated Democrats are across the U.S. since President Donald Trump was elected, and how unhappy people in Illinois are with Rauner’s leadership.

“I’ve been involved in politics a long time and I’ve never seen Democrats as enthusiastic as they are right now,” Pritzker said. “I think it means in the fall we stand a real good chance of beating Bruce Rauner.”

Chicago Sun-Times: J.B. Pritzker runs away with Democratic nomination for governor:

Backing by Democratic strongholds and unions helped to spread his message. Pritzker thanked U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, as well as Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza in his speech to supporters.

The Pritzker campaign said there was strong enthusiasm amongst the Democratic base particularly with African-American voters, downstate Democrats and women. And they cited a record Democratic turnout — more than 200 percent higher than in 2014 and 30 percent higher than in the last competitive race in 2010.

“Bottom line: the Democratic base came out,” the campaign said.

Crain’s: Pritzker soars, Rauner survives, setting up November battle:

Pritzker captured the Democratic nomination by a surprising margin, getting roughly 46 percent of the vote to 26 percent and 24 percent, respectively, for state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston and North Shore businessman and social activist Chris Kennedy.

That margin may ease Pritzker’s task in uniting his party…

“I’m J.B. Pritzker, and I’m going to beat Bruce Rauner,” he declared to cheering supporters. “Get some sleep, but not too much, because the general election begins right now.”

Pritzker suggested he would take a populist stance seemingly at odds with his personal wealth, calling for a $15 minimum wage, expanded health insurance, guaranteed union rights and a progressive income tax.

Politico: Is this embattled Republican governor toast?:

It was a high-turnout but relatively low-conflict affair, with Pritzker showing strength up and down the state — he won 98 of 102 counties, a testament to his robust statewide campaign infrastructure.

On Wednesday, Pritzker told POLITICO that both of his top opponents, state Sen. Daniel Biss and Chris Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy’s son, have already told him they’d back him in the general election.

“It’s clear that the Republican Party is completely divided and Democrats with a reasonably common message were able to bring out voters,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker held his first general election news conference Wednesday with banners that read “Rauner Failed” — and he had five people with him on stage to represent those who he said the governor had “failed” since taking office in 2015.

WBEZ: Gentlemen, Start Your Engines:

Democrat J.B. Pritzker won his party’s nomination for governor handily. Strong turnout from Democratic voters offers Pritzker signs of encouragement. […]

The African-American community really came out strong for J.B. Pritzker. He was winning in some wards on the South and West sides of Chicago with two-thirds of the vote over Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss. That’s a huge number for Pritzker, and he’s got to be encouraged by that.

From Chicago Tribune:

Pritzker did well in Chicago and the suburbs. With nearly 90 percent of the city’s precincts counted, Pritzker had 45 percent of the vote to Biss’ 27 percent and Kennedy’s 24 percent. But Pritzker also was holding at least 40 percent of the vote in the suburbs and racking up 60 percent of the vote or more in several smaller Downstate counties.

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Monday, March 26, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the Sierra Club endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. The Sierra Club represents 100,000 members and supporters across Illinois ready to defeat Bruce Rauner in November.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Sierra Club. Together, we will make Illinois one of the greenest states in the country,” said JB Pritzker. “Unlike Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner, I stand on the side of science and will work to combat climate change as governor. One of my first acts will be joining responsible leaders across the country in signing onto the U.S. Climate Alliance and honoring the Paris Climate Agreement in Illinois. I will bring all stakeholders to the table to put our state on a path toward 100% clean, renewable energy, and I’ll invest in clean water infrastructure, expand energy efficiency efforts, and support the agencies that protect our environment. Climate change is a real threat, and we have a responsibility to our children to act. I’m ready to do that as governor.”

“JB Pritzker will take action on climate change to protect our children and the future of our state, and the Sierra Club is proud to endorse him for governor,” said Sierra Club Illinois Deputy Director Kady McFadden. “Time and again, Bruce Rauner has failed to stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks on the environment and it’s time Illinois had a governor who believes in science and fights to protect our environment. The stakes have never been higher, and with JB in the governor’s office, we will create good jobs in clean energy, clean water, and protect our environment for future generations.”

Read JB’s priorities for protecting the environment HERE.

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Saturday, March 24, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, Democratic candidates from across Illinois came together at a unity breakfast hosted by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and the Illinois AFL-CIO. At the breakfast, they highlighted the need to take on Bruce Rauner, elect Democrats up and down the ticket, and put Springfield back on the side of working families.

“With the Illinois AFL-CIO and unions across our city and state, with Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, with the passionate Democrats who campaigned for governor, with the strongest statewide ticket Illinois has ever seen, we are united and ready for the fight,” said JB Pritzker. “We’re going to be beat Bruce Rauner. We are going to win up and down the ticket. This is a statewide, grassroots operation ready to pound the pavement in all 102 counties. We are united and we are ready to win.”

“We can continue to let Bruce Rauner divide our state with his poisonous politics filled with hate and divisiveness or we can stand together to create a future abundant with opportunities for all,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “JB and I are ready for the fight. It’s going to be a fight like we’ve never seen. And to win it, we need to stand together and fight for Democrats up and down the ticket, in every corner of this state. Together, we’re going to take down our failed governor, Bruce Rauner.”

“Few people can remember an election that generated more grassroots energy and quality candidates than our recent Democratic Primary,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “Now we need to unite our party and give Illinois voters an opportunity to elect a Democratic governor and Democratic legislative majority that can put our state back on the right track — and elect Democrats at the federal level who can stand up to Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda.”

“With a president in Washington who cannot govern and a governor in Springfield who says he’s not in charge, the Democratic Party is stronger than ever and energized to take back our state and country,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “We are ready to fight for working families, to champion women’s rights, and to keep immigrant families together. With JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton leading our ticket, Democrats are poised to replace Bruce Rauner with leaders that will stand up for ordinary people.”

“Governor Bruce Rauner is a failed Governor who has offered Illinois no real leadership in the last 4 years,” said Congressman Bobby Rush. “I supported Chris Kennedy in the Democratic primary. JB Pritzker is the Democratic nominee and he has my full support. I will do everything within my power to defeat Governor Bruce Rauner. The time to unify is now.”

“Governor Bruce Rauner has failed Illinois because his policies are in conflict with the needs of the people of Illinois,” said Congressman Danny Davis. “I endorsed Chris Kennedy in the Democratic primary. I support JB Pritzker because he ran a great campaign. I support JB 100%. JB proved he can win in Chicago, the collar counties, and downstate Illinois. We need to be united headed into this general election. JB has my full support because I believe he will be a great governor and I am going to do everything I can to get him elected.”

“Bruce Rauner is a failed governor and we’re working together to ensure he and his ticket fail this November,” said State Senator and candidate for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “While Rauner’s Republican Party is divided, Democrats are uniting behind JB Pritzker, Juliana Stratton, and a strong slate of candidates running statewide. With Democratic enthusiasm growing across our state, we’re ready to win up and down the ballot in 2018.”

“After a long primary season, we have a slate of Democratic candidates of which we can all be proud,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Don Harmon. “I know JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton will put our state back on course, stand up for all Illinoisans, and pass a progressive income tax when we send them to Springfield in November.”

“I congratulate JB Pritzker on winning the Democratic nomination and I will be working hard to defeat Bruce Rauner in November,” said State Representative Ann Williams. “In the coming weeks, I look forward to continuing the conversation about our community’s priorities including gun violence prevention, public education funding, and fighting for progressive values.”

“Having worked with Juliana Stratton to reform our criminal justice system, I am excited to partner with her and JB Pritzker to win back Springfield this November” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. “JB will unite our state and together we’re going to beat Bruce Rauner and elect Democrats up and down the ticket.”

“Bruce Rauner failed our state, and so many of our communities felt pain because of that failure,” said Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar. “Democratic voters have spoken and I’m proud to join people across our state coming together to support our nominee. JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton will lead our state in a new direction, and with all of our help, they will beat Bruce Rauner and his divisive agenda and put Springfield back on the side of our communities.”

“Our most important task in November is to defeat Bruce Rauner,” said Cook County Commissioner Chuy Garcia. “That’s why we need to come together to support JB and Juliana.”

“We can all agree that Bruce Rauner is not the leader Illinois needs to protect our environment,”said Sierra Club Illinois Deputy Director Kady McFadden. “With Donald Trump taking apart the EPA, attacking science, and building walls that divide us, the stakes have never been higher. If we stand together, we can create good jobs in clean energy, clean water, and win the healthy future we all want for Illinois.”

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Friday, March 23, 2018

Unions Representing 150,000 Working People Across Illinois Unite to Defeat Bruce Rauner

Chicago, IL – Today, the SEIU Illinois State Council endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. The state council includes SEIU Local 1, SEIU Local 73, and SEIU Healthcare, and represents over 150,000 working people across Illinois.

“I’m so honored to receive the endorsement of the SEIU Illinois State Council and the 150,000 hardworking Illinoisans they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has made attacking unions and hurting working people his top priority, I will proudly stand with our state’s labor movement as governor. I will fight for a $15 minimum wage, for the rights of all workers to organize, and for the right to collectively bargain. Illinois’ working families deserve a leader, not a failure, in the governor’s office and with the help of our state’s labor movement, we will beat Bruce Rauner and put Springfield back on the side of working families.”

“The janitors, health care and home care workers, security officers, social service workers, adjunct faculty, doorstaff and more of SEIU know JB Pritzker will be the leader working families need in Springfield,” said SEIU Illinois State Council Vice President Greg Kelley. “From his pledge to raise the Illinois minimum wage to $15 to his strong support for expanding affordable healthcare and child care, JB has demonstrated his commitment to stand up for our state’s working families.”

“By every single metric, Bruce Rauner is a complete disaster for working people,” said SEIU Illinois State Council President Tom Balanoff. “Stagnant wages, tepid economic growth, ballooning debt, attacks on working people and a steadfast refusal to do the basics of his job are just a few examples of his failed record and leadership. Illinois working families deserve better than a right-wing ideologue like Bruce Rauner. The working people of the labor movement, including 150,000 SEIU members, are ready to defeat Bruce Rauner in November.”

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Friday, March 23, 2018

Rauner Deficit Increased 52% in FY17 to $14.6 Billion

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s “ballooning deficit” increased 52% in FY 17 to an astonishing $14.6 billion. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Bruce Rauner destroyed our state’s credit rating, wasted $1 billion in taxpayer dollars on late fees and interest, and skyrocketed the budget deficit,” said JB Pritzker. “This failed governor forced our state through a 736-day budget crisis, and Illinois taxpayers are paying the price and getting nothing in return. Over a million Illinoisans saw their services slashed by Bruce Rauner because he refuses to take charge of our state. This is what happens when a governor fails — state finances are wrecked and people get hurt.”

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Friday, March 23, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Jack, a laborer from Goreville, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Jack and his family are proud construction laborers who have been failed by Bruce Rauner’s attacks on working families and workers’ rights. Jack’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement, can be found at the campaign’s website, RaunerFailedMe.com.

READ JACK’S STORY HERE

“Bruce Rauner has led an all-out assault on workers and workers’ rights, attempting to slash the wages and benefits that workers like Jack rely on while letting our infrastructure crumble,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “From his 736-day budget crisis to his Right to Work agenda, Rauner has consistently undermined the tools working families need to thrive.”

“My dad, my mom, my uncle, my brother— they’re all construction laborers,” said Jack Skelcher. “For us, Right to Work sounds like Right to Work for less money. If Bruce Rauner gets his way, that means we’re not going to be paid the same wages and we’re not going to receive the same benefits. I want to see legislation to make unions stronger. We should secure prevailing wage and put money in infrastructure, roads, and bridges because they’re falling apart. I’m supporting JB because I know he’ll do that.”

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Friday, March 23, 2018

Highlights Fractured Republican Party as Ives Battles Rauner

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new video, “In Ives’ Own Words.” The video highlights Bruce Rauner’s primary election opponent, Jeanne Ives, holding him accountable for his failures as governor.

WATCH: “In Ives’ Own Words”

“Jeanne Ives and 48% of Bruce Rauner’s own party know he has been a failure as governor, accomplishing nothing and causing real pain across the state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “As Ives said, Bruce Rauner has ‘lied to everybody about everything’ and Illinois families are ready for change.”

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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Chicago, IL – While JB Pritzker has a clear vision for beating Bruce Rauner in the general election, the failed governor is still fighting with Jeanne Ives and grasping at straws to keep a deeply fractured Republican Party from falling apart.

As Democrats unite to beat Bruce Rauner, “the message JB Pritzker used to win a 19-point victory in his primary campaign will be the same one he focuses on in the general election … including a progressive income tax, lowering health care costs, ensuring quality higher education and improving job and wage conditions.” Meanwhile, on the Republican side, chaos:

• Daily Herald: For now, Ives is promising to deliver only one vote. “I’m a Republican. I’ll vote for him, but I will not endorse him,” she said. “I will not campaign for him. … Maybe if he takes out a million-dollar ad buy and admits he lied about me, maybe we’ll talk.”

• State Journal-Register: Ives was not talking up party unity on a radio show Wednesday. On AM 560 in the Chicago market, she told hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson that Rauner “cannot be elected” this year. “He’s a lame duck governor at this point,” she said.

• AP: In her concession speech Ives didn’t pledge to support Rauner in the general election or call for other Republicans to do so. As of midday Wednesday they had not spoken.

• Politico: Rauner’s first order of business is stitching the broken party back together. But the day after the primary, Rauner and Ives were still squabbling over who should have called whom the night before. Ives remained peeved the governor took the stage to claim victory before the two had spoken.

• NBC 5 Chicago: HEADLINE: Ives Won’t Make Nice After Ugly Primary Battle, Refuses to Speak With Rauner

“While Illinoisans across the state unite to put Springfield back on the side of working families, Bruce Rauner and Jeanne Ives won’t even return each other’s calls,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Rauner is the worst governor in the country, facing attacks from all sides as he desperately tries to hold the party he fractured together.”

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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in their multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Grace, a working single mom who was devastated by Bruce Rauner’s attacks on the Child Care Assistance Program, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Her story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement, can be found at the campaign’s website, RaunerFailedMe.com.

READ GRACE’S STORY HERE

“Bruce Rauner manufactured a 736-day budget crisis and led an assault on the Child Care Assistance Program, devastating the tools that Grace and her children needed to build better lives,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “While Bruce Rauner attempted to wipe his hands of responsibility and said, ‘I’m not in charge,’ children and families across our state paid the price for his failed leadership.”

“I was a single mom making close to minimum wage and with Bruce Rauner’s cuts, I still made too much money to qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program,” said Grace Macedo. “If Bruce Rauner were elected again, more programs that help families like mine would shut down. Instead of cutting programs, JB will fight for families like mine to get the help we need.”

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Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Launches “Rauner Failed Me” Campaign Highlighting Stories of Rauner’s Damage Done

Chicago, IL – The day after winning the Democratic nomination for governor, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton held a press conference with Illinoisans failed by Bruce Rauner’s destructive agenda. At the press conference, they highlighted how Rauner has joined Donald Trump in his attacks on immigrant communities, led an all-out assault on workers, and slashed funding for Veterans’ services, child care, and higher education. These stories and more will be highlighted on the campaign’s new website: RaunerFailedMe.com

“Bruce Rauner forced a 736-day budget crisis on Illinois. He decimated social services, jeopardized funding for our schools, and forced people to flee this state,” said JB Pritzker. “This is what failure looks like and when a governor fails, real people get hurt. I’m running for governor to put Springfield back on the side of working families. I’m laying out real plans to lift up our families, create opportunity for all, and bring real change to Illinois.”

“For four years, Bruce Rauner has ignored the needs of the people he represents, leaving our most vulnerable to pay the price,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “Under Bruce Rauner, our state has suffered real damage and our families have felt real pain. So many of our communities are not being heard by this governor, but JB and I are listening. We are ready to fight for you and with you for a better Illinois.”

“In 2015, when Bruce Rauner took over, I went to an African American history event at the Governor’s Mansion and I asked him personally if he would support Chicago State University,” said Chris Cook. “He told me he would see what he could do. But he didn’t. I’m with JB because of his lifelong support for education. He doesn’t just talk about it — he puts his time, energy, and resources into the education system. Unlike Bruce Rauner, JB will make sure we’re getting all the opportunities to underserved populations by funding scholarships and getting students what they need to succeed.”

“On July 1st, 2017, along with 20,000 of my fellow workers, I was told I was out of work. Because of Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis, my state roadwork job in Bloomington was shut down,” said Brent Williams. “I’m proud to support JB because he recognizes the importance of our labor movement. He’s pro-worker. He opposes Right to Work and will fight for fair wages.”

“I served my country for six years in the Army as a paratrooper, including three combat tours, and when I came home from my service, I was able to start a career,” said JR Hudson. “Bruce Rauner has dropped the ball on reaching out to help Veterans access the services available to them, while at the same time cutting those services. JB has a real plan and he’s going to bring people together to fix our state’s finances and make our state a place that’s more welcoming and livable for everyone. He stands for all of us coming together, moving forward, and progressing as Illinoisans and I’m proud to support him.”

“We in the immigrant advocacy community had a big, strong network,” said Laura Garcia. “In just a few years, Bruce Rauner hacked through the system and decimated the programs we had worked so hard to build. Donald Trump has done the same. I support JB because he will reverse the damage Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump have done to Illinois.”

“I’m a single mom with two little kids,” said Emily Whelan. “Last year I only made about $25,000, and $7,000 of that went to child care. Between the cost of child care and the uncertainty of the job environment, being a laborer and fighting to make sure my family has what we need really just feels like I’m always fighting against Bruce Rauner. JB cares about what I care about, so when I talk to people about him, it’s really just talking about what working families like mine care about; getting fair wages for working an honest job so we can take care of the people we love.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Wednesday, March 21, 2018

New Ad Highlights Bruce Rauner’s Failure to Take Charge of Illinois

Chicago, IL — Following a decisive primary election victory, the Pritzker campaign released its first general election ad, “Four Years of Failure.” The new ad highlights Bruce Rauner’s four years of damage, crisis, and pain as the worst governor in America failed to take charge of Illinois.

WATCH: “Four Years of Failure”

“As we enter the general election, it’s important that Illinoisans understand the true damage Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership has done across our state. From unleashing a 736-day budget crisis on Illinois, to slashing funding for social services and letting a Legionnaires outbreak spiral out of control, Bruce Rauner is a failure,” said JB Pritzker. “For four years, this governor lurched our state from crisis to crisis, doing irrevocable damage to Illinois while claiming he’s not in charge. Bruce Rauner caused real pain to children and families across this state and it’s time to turn the page. I’m running on a record of bringing people together to get big things done with real plans to put our state back on the side of working families. Together, I know we can defeat Bruce Rauner, bring real change to Springfield, and move Illinois forward.”

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Wednesday, March 21, 2018

New Multimedia Campaign Highlights the Faces Behind Rauner’s Failure

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign launched “Rauner Failed Me,” a multimedia campaign highlighting the real people that have been hurt because of Bruce Rauner’s failure as governor.

Five people from across Illinois will introduce the campaign by sharing their personal stories about how Bruce Rauner has hurt children, immigrants, students, veterans and workers in every corner of the state. The Pritzker campaign will highlight their stories and more on a new website, RaunerFailedMe.com, to bring into focus the human impact of Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement of state government.

RaunerFailedMe.com

“While Bruce Rauner forced a 736-day budget crisis on Illinois and wiped his hands of responsibility, real people across the state suffered the consequences,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “Illinoisans young and old, working families downstate and in Chicago, our middle class and those striving to get there all paid the price because Bruce Rauner failed. The Pritzker campaign is committed to sharing the stories of those who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner and bringing people together to hold him accountable.”

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Chicago, IL – Following their victory in the Illinois Democratic Primary elections, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton released the following statements:

“Tonight, we’ve taken the next step of beating Bruce Rauner and putting Illinois back on the side of working families,” said JB Pritzker. “When I announced this campaign, I chose to stand with Illinoisans across this state and I chose to fight. We are fighting for unions and the families they have so tirelessly defended for so long, Dreamers and immigrants of all kinds seeking a better life, women who deserve their seat at the table and to have their voices heard, and black and brown communities who deserve fairness in enjoying the wealth this great nation denied them for so long. I will fight today, and tomorrow, and every day of this election and every day after to get our state back on track. I will never forget that you elected me to fight. Together, we have built a campaign in all 102 counties and we are ready to unite this state to defeat Bruce Rauner and move Illinois forward.”

“To the thousands and thousands of people across this state who knocked on doors and made phone calls, who shared ideas and shaped our policies, who gave their time, their energy, and their passion to this campaign, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “You’ve demonstrated something that I’ve seen proven true over and over again. Here in Illinois and in communities all across this great state, the wisdom is in the room. We have the wisdom. We have the passion. We have the power. We are building a campaign that is bigger and better and more inclusive than anything this state has ever seen. This is a movement that is going to take down Bruce Rauner and get Illinois back on track.”

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new digital ad, “Election Day,” highlighting JB’s journey to meet voters from every corner of Illinois.

From the day he announced his campaign, through two statewide bus tours, hundreds of trips downstate, and thousands of stops statewide, JB has worked hard every day to excite and unite Illinoisans to defeat Bruce Rauner and put Illinois back on the side of working families. In the new ad, JB and Juliana give voters a behind-the-scenes look at the campaign and show Illinoisans the passion that they’ll bring to Springfield.

WATCH: “Election Day”

“From the day I announced my campaign, I’ve focused on putting our state back on the side of working families, and with Juliana by my side, I’m confident that we will beat Bruce Rauner and bring real change to Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “We have a failed governor who has created crisis after crisis and done real damage in every corner of our state. It’s time Illinois had a team that wakes up every day thinking about the kitchen table issues that matter. Illinoisans deserve a governor and lieutenant governor who will move our state forward by creating jobs, expanding healthcare, and investing in education. As voters head to the polls today, I know that we are united and ready for the fight.”

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Sunday, March 18, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker got out the vote at seven stops throughout Chicago. He began the day attending church services with Secretary of State Jesse White and then proceeded to a meet and greet and volunteer phone bank. At the events, JB highlighted the importance of getting out the vote on March 20 and his statewide, grassroots campaign to put Springfield back on the side of working families.

JB began his day at Family Christian Center with Secretary of State Jesse White:

They then attended All Nations Worship Assembly:

Afterwards, JB and Secretary of State White spoke with voters at Resurrected Life Church International:

They then proceeded to Bethlehem Healing Temple:

And they wrapped up their church visits at Monument of Faith:

JB then attended a meet and greet:

And finished his day at a phone bank with members of Citizens Action/Illinois, Equality Illinois PAC, and Personal PAC:

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Saturday, March 17, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at events in Chicago.

JB began the day at mass at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church:

He then marched in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade:

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Friday, March 16, 2018

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Senator Tom Cullerton, and State Rep. Camille Lilly Endorse JB for Governor

Chicago, IL – With only four days left in the Democratic primary, legislative leaders across Illinois are uniting behind JB Pritzker for governor. Along with those who had previously announced their support, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, State Senator Tom Cullerton, and State Representative Camille Lilly endorsed JB for governor.

“I’m so honored to have support from dedicated public servants across our state and the hardworking Illinoisans they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “I’m running a statewide, grassroots campaign to unite Illinois and put Springfield back on the side of working families. Together, we’re going to win on March 20, beat Bruce Rauner in November, and move Illinois forward.”

“JB Pritzker has been a longtime advocate for early childhood education, including supporting my initiative for universal preschool, and I know he’ll put that work front and center as governor,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford. “JB has also worked tirelessly to expand school breakfast for low-income children throughout Illinois, and he will be a staunch advocate for passing a progressive income tax. I’m glad to stand with JB in this fight. And today, I’m proud to endorse JB and Juliana’s campaign to defeat Bruce Rauner and stand up for our shared values.”

“Now more than ever, we need a governor with JB’s vision and leadership,” said State Senator Tom Cullerton. “Our state has been devastated for over three years as Bruce Rauner forced crisis after crisis. Rauner has led an all-out assault on workers’ rights and his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ home led to 13 deaths. I have fought tirelessly in Springfield to stand up for our workers and for our Veterans, but I need an ally in the governor’s office. I know JB will be that ally and I look forward to working with him to protect collective bargaining rights and to give our state’s heroes the tools they need to thrive.”

“I know JB Pritzker will fight for an economy that works for every community in Illinois,” said State Representative Camille Lilly. “JB’s plan for economic inclusion will make sure black and brown communities throughout our state can move beyond jobs, to building capital and creating true opportunities for those who need it most. Through the funding of a quality and equitable education system, wealth and prosperity will be obtained to build a stronger Illinois.  Also, I agree we must expand affordable, quality healthcare to reach our most vulnerable populations in Illinois. JB’s plan, IllinoisCares, will make sure every resident in our state can access the care they need. I look forward to working with JB to ensure we remain on the side of working and struggling families.”

Here’s a full list of Illinois state legislators who have endorsed JB Pritzker:

• Senate Majority Leader James Clayborne
• Assistant Senate Majority Leader Bill Haine
• Assistant Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford
• Assistant Senate Majority Leader Terry Link
• House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang
• House Deputy Majority Leader Arthur Turner
• Assistant House Majority Leader Luis Arroyo
• Assistant House Majority Leader Dan Burke
• Assistant House Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth
• Assistant House Majority Leader Greg Harris
• Assistant House Majority Leader Jay Hoffman
• Assistant House Majority Leader Sara Feigenholtz
• State Senator Tom Cullerton
• State Senator Mike Hastings
• State Senator Toi Hutchinson
• State Senator Steve Landek
• State Senator Andy Manar
• State Senator Elgie Sims Jr.
• State Senator Heather Steans
• State Representative Kelly Burke
• State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia
• State Representative Deb Conroy
• State Representative Melissa Conyears-Ervin
• State Representative John D’Amico
• State Representative Anthony DeLuca
• State Representative Marcus Evans Jr.
• State Representative LaToya Greenwood
• State Representative Mike Halpin
• State Representative Lisa Hernandez
• State Representative Stephanie Kifowit
• State Representative Camille Lilly
• State Representative Natalie Manley
• State Representative Rob Martwick
• State Representative Rita Mayfield
• State Representative Christian Mitchell
• State Representative Anna Moeller
• State Representative Marty Moylan
• State Representative Al Riley
• State Representative Sue Scherer
• State Representative Carol Sente
• State Representative Justin Slaughter
• State Representative Katie Stuart
• State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant
• State Representative Lawrence Walsh Jr.
• State Representative Chris Welch
• State Representative Kathleen Willis
• State Representative Sam Yingling

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Friday, March 16, 2018

Chicago, IL – At a press conference yesterday, Chris Kennedy reiterated that he’s open to taxing retirement income.

After a reporter asked if he supports taxing retirement income, Kennedy said, “If we had a progressive income tax, which we don’t, and I don’t know what those rates would be, but I think if we means tested it, we can look at that.”

“No amount of desperate political attacks will distract voters from the fact that Chris Kennedy is willing to tax their retirement incomes,“ said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Kennedy is closing out his flailing campaign by lying to voters on the issues that really matter.”

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Venice, IL – Today, JB Pritzker spoke with voters in Venice where he highlighted his statewide, grassroots campaign to put Springfield back on the side of working families and the importance of getting out the vote on March 20.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new video highlighting Chris Kennedy’s hypocrisy at the final Democratic debate last night.

The new video features Kennedy’s line, “you should never hire someone who lies to you during a job interview” followed by Kennedy’s lies about where he stands on critical issues such as legalizing marijuana and taxing retirement income.

WATCH: “Would Chris Kennedy Hire Himself?”

“Whether it’s legalizing marijuana or taxing the retirement income of Illinois’ workers, Chris Kennedy can’t keep his stories straight,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “Even by his own standards Kennedy is failing his job interview with Illinois voters — and they’re taking notice.”

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Chicago, IL – Last night at the final Democratic primary debate, JB Pritzker demonstrated why he is the best candidate to beat Bruce Rauner, holding the failed governor accountable for his damage to the state and highlighting his own plans to take charge as governor.

JB blasted Bruce Rauner for decimating Illinois’ finances and skyrocketing state debt:

WATCH:

He then highlighted his plans to pass a progressive income tax while holding Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy accountable for their plans to tax retirement income:

WATCH:

JB continued by emphasizing his plans to put Illinois on a path to 100% renewable energy:

WATCH:

And finished the debate with a personal story reflecting on his mother and the social justice values she taught him:

WATCH:

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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new statewide TV ad: “Together.” The ad highlights Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor and JB’s plans to take charge, unite the state, and bring real change to Illinois.

WATCH: “Together”

“From manufacturing a 736-day budget crisis, to conducting corrupt business deals out of the governor’s mansion and fatally mismanaging the Quincy Veterans’ home, it’s clear that Bruce Rauner has failed Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “From day one of this campaign, I’ve focused on holding Rauner accountable for his damage done and fighting for the issues that matter to working families. Illinoisans deserve a leader in Springfield who will take charge to create jobs, expand quality healthcare, and invest in education across the board. I am the only candidate in this race with the vision and leadership to defeat Bruce Rauner and move this state forward.”

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Chicago, IL – At the final Democratic gubernatorial debate, Chris Kennedy and Dan Biss battled it out, viciously going back and forth with planned attacks on each other’s records.

Kennedy hammered Biss over his phony progressive record, pension theft, and his hypocrisy on taxing financial exchanges while Biss slammed Kennedy for seeking property tax breaks on his Wolf Point development and courting Mike Madigan’s support.

WATCH:

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Chicago, IL – In the final Democratic debate tonight in Chicago, Chris Kennedy was focused on proving Dan Biss was a bad Democrat as the two contenders desperately fought for second place. While they argued over one another, JB Pritzker focused on defeating Bruce Rauner in November and highlighted his plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in education, creating good-paying jobs, and expanding high-quality healthcare for Illinois families.

“Illinoisans watching this final debate saw why JB Pritzker is the only candidate who can hold Bruce Rauner accountable in November,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “While Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy attacked each other in a desperate struggle for second place, JB highlighted the damage Rauner has done to Illinois’ working families. With less than a week left in the primary, it’s time for Democrats to come together to elect a leader who can take on Bruce Rauner and move our state forward. JB is the only candidate with the leadership and the vision to get this state back on track.”

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Bruce Rauner stripped critical social services from over one million Illinoisans, stood on the sidelines as Donald Trump attacked immigrant families, and failed to call former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke a racist. But Chris Kennedy thinks he should be “applauded,” and said Rauner “is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois.” Following a wave of criticism, Kennedy doubled down, refusing to say if he regretted praising the failed governor.

REALITY CHECK:

• Chris Kennedy said Bruce Rauner should be “applauded” for “trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois.”

• Following a wave of criticism, Kennedy stood by his praise for the failed governor.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Unlike Donald Trump and his partner in Springfield, Bruce Rauner, JB knows climate change is a real threat and that we have a responsibility to our children and to the future of our state to act. As governor, JB will take immediate action to enter the US Climate Alliance, an alliance of states dedicated to upholding the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement. He will also stand up to Trump’s attack on Illinois’ environment, fighting to maintain full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and our regional EPA office.

REALITY CHECK:

• JB will support the Paris Agreement and sign on to the US Climate Alliance.
• JB will put Illinois on a path towards 100% clean, renewable energy.
• JB will invest in clean water infrastructure and expand energy efficiency efforts.
• JB supports bringing environmental and labor stakeholders to the table to combat climate change.
• JB will strengthen and rebuild Illinois agencies to protect our environment, including IDNR, IEPA, and the Illinois Environmental Justice Commission.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Despite now claiming to oppose Mike Madigan, both Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy have taken a much different approach when it suited their own ambitions. During his time in state government, Dan Biss accepted contributions from Madigan, voted for him to be Speaker, and even ran his Super PAC. While exploring runs for office, Kennedy has consistently courted Madigan’s support, asking for his help and trying to get Mike Madigan’s blessing before running for governor.

REALITY CHECK:

• Dan Biss is the only candidate on stage who voted for Mike Madigan to be Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, while accepting nearly $250,000 from the Democratic Party chaired by Madigan, and over $14,000 from Madigan’s account
• Biss also ran Mike Madigan’s Super PAC, Leading Illinois for Tomorrow (LIFT), filling its coffers with millions from Madigan and top allies.
• Chris Kennedy repeatedly asked for Madigan’s help while considering running for office. After deciding not to run for Congress in 1999, Kennedy announced his decision in a letter addressed directly to the Speaker.
• Back in July 2016, Kennedy met with Madigan as he was considering a bid for governor.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

While Chris Kennedy puts “rigged” property taxes at the center of his campaign, his own history is rife with examples of the same “racket” he now criticizes. For years, Kennedy has profited from property tax appeals while using a politically connected law firm for both his own home and business development. Even as Kennedy began his crusade against the property tax system in May, he was quietly pursuing more property tax appeals on his home.

REALITY CHECK:

• While Chris Kennedy was President of the Merchandise Mart, the Assessor and Board of Review assessed the building at $436,068,830, less than half of its appraised value.
• Chris Kennedy’s property tax firm, run by former Cook County Assessor Tom Tully, has donated at least $60,000 to members of the Cook County Board of Review.
• That very same tax firm helped Kennedy and his business partners get $1.5 million in property tax breaks at his luxury Wolf Point development in 2012 and 2013, along with an almost 63% rate slash in 2016.
• As Kennedy began talking about the rigged property tax system, he was actively pursuing a 20% reduction on his own home. He then quietly withdrew the appeal as the issue became central to his campaign.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

While Dan Biss campaigns on a LaSalle Street tax, his record tells a different story. In the General Assembly, Biss voted for millions in tax breaks for financial exchanges like the ones he assails with the LaSalle Street tax. Explaining his vote, Biss noted that it is because an exchange is a “fundamentally extremely mobile business” that could easily pick up and move out of the state. That hasn’t changed, but it appears that Biss’ stance on the issue has.  

REALITY CHECK: 

• In 2012, Dan Biss voted for a bill with $216 million in tax breaks for businesses, with $85 million going directly to tax breaks for financial exchanges.

• Defending his vote, Biss said he supported the tax breaks for a “fundamentally extremely mobile business” like a financial exchange to keep the tax-generating business from leaving the state.

• Financial exchanges are still “fundamentally extremely mobile,” so when and why did Dan Biss change his mind?

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

While Dan Biss says we should have “elections not auctions,” he’s auctioning himself off to the highest bidder in his campaign. Just in the last few weeks, Biss has taken $350,000 from people doing business before state government who also gave money to Bruce Rauner. Biss’ campaign justified the donations as being ok because it’s business as usual in Springfield. Biss has also taken hundreds of thousands more from special interests and bankers and lobbyists and over a half million dollars from Springfield insiders.

REALITY CHECK

• Dan Biss says we should have “elections not auctions,” but in reality he’s auctioning himself off by taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interests and Springfield insiders.
• Biss took over $300,000 from Stephen Schuler, a financial trader and the executive director of PharmaCann, which is “is the largest holder of medical cannabis licenses in Illinois.”
• Biss took $75,000 from Schuler’s company, Final Finish Inc., which also donated to Bruce Rauner this cycle
• Biss also took $100,000 from Dan Tierney, Schuler’s business partner, whose firm Wicklow Capital is a primary investor of Pharmacann and is also behind a fund to invest in medical marjunana.
• Biss’ campaign defended the contributions by saying, “it makes sense that they would give money to the Governor who controls the outcome of their industry in Illinois.”
• Biss has also taken over $500,000 from Madigan, the Madigan-controlled state party, and the campaign accounts of other lawmakers; $28,000 from the pharmaceutical industry; $15,000 from lobbying firms; and allowed lobbyists to spend nearly $10,000 for food, drink, and entertainment for him.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

In 2013, Dan Biss wrote the unconstitutional bill that cut pension benefits for 467,000 state employees, including teachers and nurses, with the support of Chris Kennedy. This followed a 2012 vote where Biss tried to slash healthcare benefits from nearly 80,000 state retirees and retired suburban and downstate teachers. Both of those efforts were opposed by the Illinois AFL-CIO and ruled unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court.

REALITY CHECK: 

• Dan Biss “helped write” the unconstitutional pension bill that cut pension benefits promised to over 467,000 state workers, including teachers and nurses.
• At the time, Chris Kennedy said Biss’ unconstitutional pension theft was “needed.”
• Biss also voted to cut 80,000 state retirees from health insurance coverage, which was later ruled unconstitutional.

• Biss’ attacks on working families in the General Assembly earned him the lowest lifetime rating from the Illinois AFL-CIO of any Democratic State Senator.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Dan Biss claims to be a bold progressive, but his own voting record tells a very different story. Biss helped write and pass unconstitutional pension cuts for downstate teachers, university workers, and state employees. He voted for $1.6 billion in Medicaid cuts, limiting collective bargaining, and hundreds of millions in tax breaks for businesses. Biss also voted to increase funding for charter schools by diverting money from public education and to let state government go after people’s wages if they fell behind on their student loans. Dan Biss’ bold hypocrisy shows he’s far from the squeaky-clean progressive he wants voters to think he is.

REALITY CHECK:

• Dan Biss “helped write” and led efforts to pass the pension bill that was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court because it cut pension benefits promised to over 467,000 state workers.
• Biss voted for $1.6 billion in cuts to Medicaid and to strip some public employees of their collective bargaining rights.
• Biss also voted for $216 million in tax breaks for businesses, including $85 million alone for the LaSalle Street financial exchanges that he assails.
• Biss voted to increase charter school funding in Illinois at the expense of the state’s public schools.

• Biss also voted to let state government go after people’s wages if they fell behind on their student loans in 2012.
• Just this month, Biss missed votes on legalizing marijuana and protecting working families.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

During his time as the chair of the University of Illinois’ Board of Trustees, Chris Kennedy presided over five consecutive tuition hikes. While forcing students and working families to pay more, Kennedy’s Board of Trustees passed out millions of dollars in contracts to administrators and football and basketball coaches. The tuition hike and massive salary for the university president were met with angry protestors flooding the campus.

REALITY CHECK:

• From 2010-2014 Kennedy presided over five tuition hikes at U of I, raising tuition by nearly 30% in total.
• While hiking tuition on working families and students, Kennedy approved a $1.6 million contract for head football coach Tim Beckman and $1.4 million more for head basketball coach John Groce.
• Kennedy also approved a $620,000 salary for incoming president Michael Hogan, an increase of about $170,000 from the previous president.
• “While the board debated inside the Student Union on the UIC campus, protesters gathered outside, angry at the tuition hike and the increase for the president’s job,” according to NBC 5 Chicago.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Despite pointing to his management of the Merchandise Mart as evidence of his business acumen, the reality is that Kennedy left the Mart in worse shape than when he started. Under Kennedy’s direction, the Mart lost millions, earning the moniker of “Worst-Performing Business Segment” of its parent company, Vornado Realty. Kennedy also structured the initial sale of the Mart to Vornado to avoid paying capital gains taxes.

REALITY CHECK:

• In 2010, the Mart Division of Vornado was recognized as the “Worst-Performing Business Segment,” losing almost $13 million over two years on Kennedy’s watch.
• Due to a carefully structured deal, Kennedy avoided capital gains taxes on nearly half the sale of Merchandise Mart to Vornado Realty.
• Kennedy even bragged about the deal at the time, calling it “a very attractive capital gains situation right now.”

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Dan Biss’ voting record is less progressive than he claims on the campaign trail. In his first two years in office, the progressive group Citizen Action/Illinois considered Biss’ voting record “mediocre.” Biss also had the lowest lifetime rating of Senate Democrats from the Illinois AFL-CIO thanks to a number of votes he’d taken to reduce worker benefits and limit collective bargaining rights.

REALITY CHECK 

• Cut Pension Benefits — SB 1: Biss voted to cut pension benefits for 467,000 teachers, university workers, and state employees in 2013. The bill was ruled unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2015.
• Slash Retiree Healthcare — SB 1313: Biss voted to slash healthcare benefits for nearly 80,000 state retirees including teachers in 2012. The Illinois AFL-CIO opposed the bill, and the Illinois Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
• Strip Collective Bargaining Rights — SB 1556: In 2011, Biss voted for what AFSCME called a “union-busting bill” that “effectively strips thousands of public employees of collective bargaining rights,” according to the Illinois AFL-CIO.
• Cut Medicaid — SB 2840: In 2012, Biss voted to cut Medicaid by $1.6 billion, slashing coverage for 25,000 working parents and eliminating a program helping 200,000 seniors pay for their prescriptions.
• Garnish Wages — SB 3800: Biss voted to let state government go after people’s wages if they fell behind on their student loans in 2012.
• Limit Teacher Strikes — SB 7: Biss voted to limited teachers’ ability to strike and the topics about which they could strike in 2011.
• Stall Universal Healthcare — HB 311: In 2011, Biss failed to co-sponsor a universal healthcare bill, and in the years since has not introduced single-payer legislation.
• Increase Charter School Funding — HB 4277: Biss voted to increase funding for charter schools at the expense of neighborhood public schools in 2012. The Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Education Association, Chicago Teachers Union, and Citizen Action/Illinois all opposed the bill.
• Undermine Firefighters’ Workplace Safety — HB 5485: In 2014, Biss voted against a bill that clarified staffing levels for firefighters as a part of collective bargaining, a bill supported by the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
• Restrict Wage Increases — HJR 45: Biss voted for a joint resolution that would not appropriate funds for wage increases for collectively bargained state government contracts in 2012, a resolution the Illinois AFL-CIO opposed.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Chris Kennedy and Dan Biss both support taxing retirement income, one of the few areas Illinois doesn’t tax right now. Both could tax 401Ks, pensions, and even social security. On the other hand, JB Pritzker is against taxing retirement income – and so are 74 percent of Illinoisans.

REALITY CHECK:

• Chris Kennedy said he’s open to taxing retirement income.
• Dan Biss also said he’d consider taxing retirement income.
• A state poll from earlier this month showed taxing retirement income is “widely unpopular, with 74 percent opposing and only 22 percent in favor.”

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Last year, JB Pritzker released three years of his tax returns, revealing that he paid millions in federal and state taxes from 2014 to 2016. JB also released information showing his trusts paid tens of millions in state taxes and over a hundred million in federal taxes from 2014 to 2016.

REALITY CHECK:

• JB Pritzker released three years of tax returns in late 2017.
• In state and federal taxes, JB paid $1,171,224 in 2014, $3,543,722 in 2015, and $4,597,148 in 2016, representing federal tax rates of 37.3% in 2014, 24.3% in 2015, and 27.7% in 2016.
• JB’s trusts also paid $24.95 million in Illinois taxes and $128.97 million in federal taxes from 2014 to 2016.
• Chris Kennedy only released one year of tax returns, showing he paid a federal tax rate of 14%.

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