Friday, February 2, 2018

 

Biss Asked “Can People Trust You Not to Change Your Opinion On Other Things?” at Crain’s Ed Board

 

Chicago, IL – While meeting with the Crain’s editorial board today, Dan Biss gave a flailing response to questions on his 2013 bill to cut pension benefits for 467,000 Illinoisans.

In a heated back and forth, Biss was pressed to answer an important question: “If you can so completely change your opinion on something you spent so much time and energy on, what can people trust you not to change your opinion on, on other things?”

WATCH:

“Dan Biss is flailing as he continues to be pressed on his unconstitutional efforts to cut pension benefits for 467,000 downstate teachers, university workers, and state employees,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Biss can try and ramble and deflect now, but this is someone who needed the Supreme Court to step in before he ‘learned his lesson’ that working families deserve the pensions that were promised to them.”

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TRANSCRIPT:

If the Supreme Court hadn’t objected, if there was not a legal reason, a constitutional reason to do this, would you come back to something like that? Is it appropriate, or do you also have a moral objection now?

No, I think the Supreme Court was right. I think the Supreme Court was right. Um, I think that these pensions were promised to people, and they were told they were promised, and they were told that it’s a guarantee. And, I don’t think it’s appropriate then to go back and change it, and I…um…like I said, that was a long learning process for me, and I wish I’d learned that lesson differently. But I think that it’s a really, really important lesson.

Why this total mindset transition?

Well I think you have to ask the question: was the Supreme Court right or wrong?

What I guess I’m asking is a character question: if you could so completely change your opinion of something you spent so much time and energy on, what can people trust you not to change your opinion on, on other things?

Thursday, February 1, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – New national polling by Morning Consult shows that Bruce Rauner is the least popular Republican governor running for reelection, with a net approval rating of -24.

The new polling comes as Bruce Rauner is facing a strong challenge from his own party, with primary opponent Jeanne Ives holding him accountable while he dodges responsibility. As Rauner flails in his re-election bid, he has desperately attempted to defend his nonexistent record, earning him the title of the Worst Republican Governor in America.

“Bruce Rauner can’t defend his own record, can’t name a single real accomplishment, and has mismanaged the state government with fatal consequences,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “The most vulnerable incumbent in the country is under water as Illinoisans prepare to end his reign of crisis and devastation across Illinois.”

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Thursday, February 1, 2018

 

Carbondale, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker was endorsed by a group of Jackson County leaders, including State’s Attorney Michael C. Carr, County Sheriff Robert Burns, County Clerk and Recorder Larry W. Reinhardt, Regional Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Graff, County Coroner Dr. Thomas W. Kupferer, Circuit Court Clerk Cindy R. Svanda, County Treasurer Sharon Harris-Johnson, PHD., and County Supervisor of Assessment Maureen Berkowitz. They join Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and over 30 individual unions endorsing JB’s campaign.

“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of leaders and public servants in Jackson County,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we’re going to put Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in education and creating jobs in all of our communities. This is a statewide, grassroots campaign and I am thrilled to see leaders and working families in every corner of Illinois coming together to defeat Bruce Rauner.”

“I know JB Pritzker will be a champion for children and families across the state. He is committed to education and has put forward real proposals to invest in our communities. With JB as governor, I know we can get all students in Illinois the quality education they deserve,” said Regional Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Graff.

“JB has the vision necessary to build an economy that works for every community in Illinois. He will be a strong advocate for the entire state in Springfield, with real plans to invest in education, expand healthcare, and grow jobs. JB has demonstrated that he is the leader our state needs and I look forward to helping elect him our next governor,” said Jackson County Clerk and Recorder Larry W. Reinhardt.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker met with workers and a bipartisan committee to discuss Bruce Rauner’s fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home. Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about the Quincy visit:

From KHQA:

From WGEM:

From Quincy Herald-Whig: Pritzker blames Rauner for vets home crisis:

“With 13 deaths at the Quincy veterans home, there is a real crisis that has to be dealt with, and unfortunately the governor and his administration have been slow on the draw and it has caused fatalities,” Pritzker said during a campaign stop in Quincy. […]

During his first visit to Quincy as a candidate, Pritzker called for new buildings, new water lines and a 20-year plan for the Veterans Home. Pritzker also walked a fine line between criticizing Rauner and complimenting workers at the home.

“There are a lot of jobs at stake, but there are lives at stake. We’ve got to make sure that we put (the home) back into a condition where people feel safe living there and where we continue to serve the veterans in the way that they deserve,” Pritzker said.

Beyond the veterans home, Pritzker said he has a plan to support veterans across the state. He said more needs to be done to offer job opportunities to returning veterans.

From KHQA: IL Gov. candidate visits Quincy:

Where is the plan? That’s the question from Illinois Governor candidate JB Pritzker.

The democrat is referring to Governor Bruce Rauner’s promised plan to address issues at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. […]

Pritzker accuses the Rauner administration of waiting too long to address the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.

The democrat also says that whatever has been done to fix the problem is not enough.

“It’s on them to figure out, right away what they’re going to do with the problem. They better deal with it before a new administration comes in. If we have to in the new administration, one of the earliest things I’m going to do, if they haven’t done it under the Rauner administration is make sure we’re securing those veterans and their families,” said Pritzker.

From WGEM: Illinois governor candidate talks vets’ home during Quincy visit:

JB Pritzker met with officials in Quincy to discuss what the general plan is for the veterans’ home. He criticized governor Bruce Rauner for his administration’s handling of the ongoing Legionnaires’ disease issue at the home.

Pritzker said he’s not turning this into a political issue, because Rauner has already done that.

“When people are dying and the governor is running for re-election, I think he turns it into a political issue, especially when he comes and spends a couple of days here, but actually doesn’t come up with a plan,” Pritzker said.

From WTAD: Pritzker praises Vets Home staff, blames Rauner:

The presumed front-runner in the race for the Democratic nomination for Governor in Illinois praised the staff at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy Tuesday, and blamed Governor Bruce Rauner for the outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease.

JB Pritzker made the comments after meeting with Vets Home staff, and with a bipartisan committee of Quincy leaders over their efforts to keep the Home open. Later that morning, Pritzker blamed Rauner for the outbreaks, saying he was “appalled by the callous disregard Bruce Rauner has shown our heroes and their families” in their response to the outbreaks. 13 residents have died of the disease since 2015, including one death last fall. Pritzker’s visit to Quincy is the latest by state-wide figures over the home, after it was learned from a story by a Chicago radio station that families of 11 residents who died of Legionnaires’ in 2015 are suing the state. That story has led to one hearing in the General Assembly, with another one planned early next month.

From My Radio Link: J.B. Pritzker Blames Rauner For Legionnaires At Quincy Vets Home:

The Democratic frontrunner in the race for Illinois governor says Bruce Rauner is to blame the most recent Legionnaires outbreak at the Quincy veterans home. J.B. Pritzker stopped in Quincy yesterday to tell a crowd that the governor has to take responsibility for the latest outbreak that killed a man at the home. Pritzker said the workers at the home are doing a ‘fantastic’ job, but said the governor and his team have been ‘slow on the draw’ to deal with the crisis.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Springfield, IL – In today’s State of the State address, failed Governor Bruce Rauner stuck to his same tired talking points, doubling down on his factual, fiscal, and fatal mismanagement of the state. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“After three years of crisis, broken promises, and statewide damage, Bruce Rauner failed to tell you the real state of the state,” said JB Pritzker. “Today, we saw a failed governor double down on his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ crisis, promise a balanced budget when he has failed to deliver one for the last three years, and tout education reform he twice vetoed. Bruce Rauner is right about one thing – we need to come together as a state, but not to pass his failed agenda. It’s time for new leadership, with real plans to unite Illinoisans and move this state forward. I will be that leader for Illinois.”

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Bruce Rauner promised Illinois a turnaround, and instead gave this state the runaround. For three years, Rauner lurched the state from crisis to crisis, failing to accomplish anything of note on his agenda and wreaking havoc on Illinois families. With Rauner now pressed to explain why a second term will be different than his first, the failed governor is coming up empty. 

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Bruce Rauner manufactured a 736-day budget crisis to force his political agenda on Illinois.
• Rauner has repeatedly been rebuked by his own party, with bipartisan members of the General Assembly overriding his budget and school funding vetoes.
• He was panned for rolling out a sham list of accomplishments, touting items that weren’t finished or that he opposed.
• Rauner was named the “Worst Republican Governor in America” by the National Review.
• At the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Meeting on Monday, Rauner was blasted for talking about the same things for three years with no progress.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Illinois state finances have been decimated by Bruce Rauner’s staggering mismanagement and crisis driven agenda. While lurching the state from crisis to crisis, Bruce Rauner has dragged Illinois’ state credit rating to near junk bond status, tripled the state’s bill backlog while adding $1 billion dollars in late payment fees, and devastating finances for Illinois’ public university system.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Illinois’ bond rating is only one step above junk, the lowest ever for a state in the U.S.
• During Rauner’s administration, Illinois suffered through eight bond downgrades.
• As a result of Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis, the state bill backlog tripled.
• Because of his fiscal mismanagement, Illinois racked up over $1 billion in late payment fees.
• Rauner’s gross mismanagement of state finances was so bad, Illinois taxpayers paid up to 12% interest on state bonds.
• Five Illinois universities have been downgraded to junk status, with others just a few notches above.
• Rauner’s secret MCO scheme could destabilize Medicaid while sending costs skyrocketing.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

As governor, Bruce Rauner has led an all-out assault on public education in Illinois. After forcing devastating cuts to early childhood education, K-12 schools, and Illinois’ colleges and universities with his 736-day budget crisis, Rauner held school funding hostage to force through a back-door voucher program. After vetoing historic legislation, Rauner had the nerve to call the legislation an “accomplishment,” before once again using his veto pen to derail a fix that allows the legislation to take effect. 

 

REALITY CHECK:

• After failing to fund MAP grants, Rauner put over 100,000 Illinois students at risk and sent tens of thousands fleeing the state.
• Bruce Rauner dragged five public universities to junk bond status.

• Rauner’s manufactured budget crisis slashed access to childcare and threatened closure of afterschool programs across the state.
• After vetoing a historic school funding formula, Rauner manufactured a K-12 school funding crisis to force a back-door voucher program.
• Rauner followed up his veto of his ‘accomplishment’ with a veto of a fix to the formula, throwing school funding back into crisis before striking a last minute deal with people he appointed.
• Rauner proposed a 31.5% cut to Illinois universities in his 2015 budget.
• Illinois universities were forced to lay off hundreds of employees and cut dozens of programs because of Rauner’s budget crisis.

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Wednesday, January 31 ,2018

 

13 Veterans and spouses died from a Legionnaires crisis at the Quincy Veterans’ Home that was fatally mismanaged by Bruce Rauner. Sadly, this was just the latest disaster for a governor whose historic budget crisis devastated veterans’ services. Rauner’s misplaced priorities and failed leadership left many of our state’s heroes without the care that they deserve.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Bruce Rauner’s 736-day budget crisis halted construction of a 200-bed Veterans’ home on Chicago’s Northwest side and forced cuts to critical Veterans’ services.
• His fatal mismanagement of the Legionnaires’ outbreak at the Quincy Veterans’ Home led to the deaths of 13 Veterans and spouses with families still waiting for answers from their failed governor.
• Rauner refused to take moral responsibility for the deaths, and instead pulled a political stunt as he continues to fail to get the crisis under control.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

After campaigning on a message of good government reforms, Bruce Rauner has dodged transparency at every turn. Between lying to the public about his business dealings, handing out questionable no-bid contracts, appointing lobbyists to key regulatory positions, and the still unexplained departure of his chief general counsel, Rauner’s administration has been anything but transparent and ethical.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• This past week, Bruce Rauner was caught lying to the public after it was revealed he held private business meetings at the governor’s mansion.
• Rauner appointed former coal industry lobbyist Alec Messina to head the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
• Bruce Rauner still refuses to explain the departure of chief legal counsel Dennis Murashko who abruptly resigned after laying out ethical guidelines for interactions between the governor’s official and political offices.
• The state’s chief procurement officer voided a $13 million no-bid consulting contract  after Rauner’s administration broke state procurement laws.
• The Rauner administration has consistently violated FOIA laws, improperly redacting, stalling, and not responding to dodge accountability.
• Rauner abruptly fired DCFS Inspector General Denise Kane after she wrote a scathing review of Rauner ally George Sheldon’s corruption at the agency.

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Under Bruce Rauner, Illinois’ economy has seen dismal growth with his failed leadership directly to blame. Rauner’s manufactured crises and disastrous mismanagement of state government have hurt Illinois’ working families, leaving the state with above average unemployment and minimal wage increases. Even when he travels abroad to recruit businesses, Rauner can’t help but bad mouth Illinois and the economy he ruined.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• On a trip to Asia trying to drum up business, Bruce Rauner bad mouthed Illinois’ business and regulatory climate.
• Job growth has plummeted during Rauner’s time in office.
• Illinois’ unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation.
• Rauner recently chose to hire a Boston-based company over three Illinois providers for a $1.2 million contract to run an opioid crisis hotline.

###

 

 

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new, statewide digital ad slamming Bruce Rauner in the words of his primary opponent, Jeanne Ives.

Ives “crushed” Rauner’s failed record at a meeting with the Chicago Tribune editorial board, demonstrating exactly why this failed governor refuses to take responsibility for his mismanagement of the state. The significant digital buy will target voters who need to hear about Rauner’s real record and make sure they see a member of Rauner’s own party calling out his failures.

WATCH: “Done Nothing”

“Bruce Rauner’s disastrous performance in front of the Chicago Tribune demonstrates exactly why this failed governor is running scared: even by his own metrics he has failed this state,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Rauner can’t defend his record, can’t present any accomplishments, and is getting taken to task by his own party for refusing to take charge as Illinois families pay the price.”

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At the second Democratic gubernatorial primary debate in Carbondale, JB Pritzker demonstrated why he is the only candidate with the leadership and vision necessary to move Illinois forward. JB clearly highlighted his plans to create jobs in Illinois and relentlessly held Bruce Rauner accountable for his destructive, crisis driven agenda.

JB presented his vision to get the economy back on track and create jobs statewide:

JB also made it clear that Bruce Rauner is the problem, and while Chris Kennedy applauds the failed governor, he is ready to defeat him:

“Tonight, JB Pritzker showed Illinois why he’s the only candidate capable of moving our state forward from the damage done by Bruce Rauner,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “JB made his case with clarity, and showed why Bruce Rauner is already trying to distract from his failure as governor. JB took charge and highlighted his statewide vision and real policy plans to get Illinois back on track. Illinoisans saw the vision and leadership JB will provide to bring people together and get big things done for this state.”

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

 

Quincy, IL – Today, JB Pritzker met with workers and a bipartisan committee to discuss Bruce Rauner’s fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home.

“Today, I met with leaders in Quincy to discuss the Legionnaires’ crisis, and I’m appalled by the callous disregard Bruce Rauner has shown our heroes and their families,” said JB Pritzker. “The obligation we have to our Veterans and their families is sacred, but they’ve been treated with gross negligence by a governor who chooses not to be in charge of this state. We need to take immediate action to get the families who lost loved ones the answers they deserve from this failed governor. This is an unconscionable moral failing at the highest level of our state government, and we must demand accountability from those who are responsible.”

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Sunday, January 28, 2018

 

South Holland, IL – This weekend, JB Pritzker spoke to volunteers at two canvasses for the JB for Governor weekend of action. At the canvass kick-offs, JB highlighted the campaign’s statewide, grassroots field operation and his plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families by creating jobs, expanding healthcare, and investing in education.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Saturday, January 27, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton hosted a panel with DACA recipients to discuss the policy changes needed at the state and federal levels to protect immigrant communities and help families thrive. As JB and Juliana moderated the panel, they learned about the obstacles DACA recipients face pursuing a college education, obtaining work permits, and securing healthcare for their families.

“Illinois should be a welcoming state where everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said JB Pritzker. “But right now, immigrant families across our state are under assault by a racist, bigoted president and his partner in Springfield, Bruce Rauner. We can’t remain silent, we need to listen to immigrant communities and stand together to protect the people of our state. There is no doubt DACA recipients deserve every opportunity to thrive in Illinois and when I’m governor, immigrant families will never have to question if they have a partner and an advocate in Springfield.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Friday, January 26, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Chris Kennedy’s flailing gubernatorial campaign has been plagued with a series of missteps. This past week alone, Kennedy praised failed governor Bruce Rauner for “speaking truth to power,” spewed factual inaccuracies at a press conference, and ungraciously stumbled through his first debate.

Let’s take a look at Chris Kennedy’s week in review:

• Kennedy made headlines by applauding Bruce Rauner, the Worst Republican Governor in America.

• Kennedy kicked off the week holding a press conference essentially attacking himself by railing against the same property tax practices he exploited for profit.

• Just a few days after heaping praise on failed governor Bruce Rauner, Kennedy couldn’t muster a single nice thing to say about a Democratic opponent:

WATCH:

• Following the series of disasters, commentators took notice. Here’s what Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn said:
  • When reporters asked Kennedy to name his greatest weakness, he replied, “my honesty.” No. Not in this context… Kennedy’s greatest weakness is that he simply isn’t ready to play the game at this level.

• And ABC’s Craig Wall came away with a similar conclusion:

WATCH:

• Chris Kennedy’s terrible week wrapped up with Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller asking, “Is Kennedy just not ready for primetime?”

“Chris Kennedy applauded the Worst Republican Governor in America, couldn’t muster a single compliment of a fellow Democrat, and held a press conference attacking himself,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “It’s clear that ‘Camelot has become goofalot’ as people across the state lose faith in Kennedy’s flailing campaign.”

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Thursday, January 25, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton spoke about their plans to address gun violence and create economic opportunity at a community meeting and panel on the West Side of Chicago. During the event, they highlighted their plans to treat gun violence as a public health epidemic, build safer communities, and increase firearm safety and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while addressing the root causes of systemic disinvestment in communities.

“I’ve worked with community leaders and advocates to put forward real plans to address gun violence in our communities,” said JB Pritzker. “There are deep rooted causes here that have led to economic despair and a lack of jobs. We have to recognize that a history of systemic racism and disinvestment has kept some neighborhoods from attracting businesses and investment dollars. It’s time we brought not just jobs into this community, but true wealth and prosperity. I’ll fight every day to bring economic opportunity to every corner of our state. I will make it my mission to create jobs, provide a quality education for every child, expand healthcare coverage, and bring hope back to Illinois families.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Thursday, January 25, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB for Governor campaign released a new digital ad, “In Charge,” highlighting Bruce Rauner’s failure to lead and JB’s commitment to standing up for all Illinoisans and taking charge when he’s governor.

WATCH:

 

“Bruce Rauner unleashed a budget crisis on our state, and after all of that, he has the nerve to look you in the eye and say, ‘I am not in charge,’” said JB Pritzker. “If I’m elected governor, when the Dreamers need my protection, when people of color need my commitment to justice, when the LGBTQ community needs my voice, and women everywhere need me to say, ‘we believe you,’ I will be in charge. Illinois deserves better than Bruce Rauner. Illinois deserves a leader.”

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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

 

On Legalizing Marijuana, A Clear Difference Between Pritzker and Kennedy

 

Chicago, IL – At last night’s debate, JB Pritzker highlighted his commitment to legalizing marijuana while Chris Kennedy desperately attempted to hide his opposition to the commonsense policy.

In the past, Kennedy has called legalization a “public health hazard” and claimed further scientific research was necessary before legalization, despite the harmful impact the policy continues to have on communities of color. While Kennedy went out of his way to imply otherwise last night, his opposition to marijuana has been steadfast throughout his campaign.

“Despite his attempts to mislead voters last night, Chris Kennedy has been firm in his opposition to legalizing marijuana throughout his flailing campaign,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “This issue is too important and the impact on Illinois communities too severe for Chris Kennedy to distort where he really stands on legalization.”

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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – In the first Democratic debate, JB Pritzker clearly laid out his vision for Illinois while holding his opponents accountable for records that don’t match their rhetoric.

Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about the NBC 5 / Telemundo debate:

 

From Chicago Tribune:

Billionaire investor J.B. Pritzker and state Sen. Daniel Biss tried to change the dynamics of the Illinois Democratic governor’s race Tuesday night, attacking each other during the first televised debate and relegating businessman Chris Kennedy largely to the sidelines. […]

Pritzker responded that Biss was “the only candidate on this stage that voted for Mike Madigan for speaker of the House, that ran Mike Madigan’s super (political action committee) in 2016, and you’ve accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from Springfield insiders and bankers and lobbyists.”

“So I don’t think you’re the one to lecture here,” Pritzker said to Biss. “I think you should just be who you are and stop criticizing others.”

Biss served in the House for one term and backed Madigan for speaker before moving to the Senate. In 2016, Madigan’s personal campaign fund gave $500,000 to Leading Illinois for Tomorrow, a federal PAC Biss ran that made about $10 million in independent expenditures, mainly for TV ads seeking to link Rauner to then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

 

From Chicago Sun-Times:

Just days after he said Gov. Bruce Rauner “should be applauded” for running attack ads and being “willing to speak truth to power,” Democrat Chris Kennedy on Tuesday declined to say anything positive about Democratic rival J.B. Pritzker.

The dramatic moment came as the six Democratic candidates for governor faced off in their first televised debate, tackling thorny issues such as ties to controversial Democratic party heads — and even whether to compliment, or not compliment, one another.

Demonstrating the rough nature of the campaign, Kennedy — of the Kennedy political dynasty — was unable to list a “positive thing” the billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur had contributed to the campaign.

Kennedy first paused when it was his turn to answer moderator Carol Marin’s question, then he criticized the perceived frontrunner.

 

From Politico Illinois Playbook:

It was the compliment not heard around Illinois.

In the first televised debate of the Democratic gubernatorial primary, NBC moderator Carol Marin posed a question not infrequently asked at candidate forums.

Marin, turning to J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy asked: “Can each of you name a positive thing your opponent has brought to this race?”

J.B. Pritzker: “I admire very much the work that Mr. Kennedy’s family has done on behalf of the Special Olympics, it’s something very important for us to recognize. I want to congratulate him and his family for the work they have done.”

Mr. Kennedy?: …. Dead air for one-one thousand … two-one thousand … three-one thousand … four-one thousand … then Kennedy began: “I’m challenged in this election because I think that as Democrats we believe government can be our ally and when J.B. emerges as the poster child of all that’s wrong with the corrupt system in our state, it’s difficult for me to heap praise on him,” he said. “And that’s, unfortunately, where I need to end it.”

The moment revealed Kennedy’s deeply-held contempt for his competitor just days after he praised Gov. Bruce Rauner for speaking “truth to power.”

 

From AP:

“I’ve been an independent leader and an independent thinker my entire life and that won’t change when I become governor.”

He blasted Biss for supporting Madigan in the legislative election for House speaker and for running a super political action committee on Madigan’s behalf.

 

From CBS 2 Chicago:

The six Democratic candidates for Illinois governor skirmished Tuesday during a fast-moving, televised forum, with billionaire JB Pritzker absorbing most of the blows but also launching a few of his own. […]

It was against Biss that Pritzker chose to return fire.

“You’re the only candidate on this stage that voted for Mike Madigan for Speaker of the House,” he said of Biss, a state lawmaker.

 

From NBC 5 Chicago:

While the candidates have been regularly conducting internal polls, the general public has yet to see any results since October. The forum gave each of the participants a chance to make a major impression and gave voters an idea of just where each candidate, as well as the race as a whole, stands.

Kennedy was asked why he has turned his criticism to Mayor Rahm Emanuel even tho he had supported him.

All of the Democrats favor sanctuary cities, only Bob Daiber has a Firearm Owners Identification card to carry a gun, and he also supports a gas tax.

Biss had to explain his vote that would have cut pensions.

The most awkward moment was the silence from Kennedy at first when asked to say anything positive about Pritzker.

“It’s difficult for me to heap praise on him,” Kennedy said.

 

From ABC 7 Chicago:

Each candidate was later asked to say one good thing about the other. Only Chris Kennedy struggled.

“I mean I’m challenged in this election because I think that as Democrats we believe government can be our ally and when JB emerges as the poster child of all that’s wrong with the corrupt system in our state it’s difficult for me to heap praise on him,” Kennedy said.

Afterwards, Kennedy said he regretted his response and apologized to Pritzker. Both Pritzker and Biss said after the forum that they felt being attacked was a good thing.

Pritzker postured that maybe it meant his opponents feel they need to make up some ground.

 

From WEEK:

On the discussion of higher education, J.B. Pritzker believes those who can pay for college should pay., but he, along with several candidates, support options for free higher education for students.

“Those who cannot afford it, deserve to be able to go to college no matter what their income level is,” Pritzker said.

 

From WREX:

J.B. Pritzker knows bringing gifted workers to the state is a priority, but emphasizes the importance of knowing the entire state will profit from this deal.

“Talent is what companies are looking for and we’ve got to invest in that. But we’ve got to make sure there’s a real return on investment for the taxpayers for the state of Illinois and that the benefits that we get don’t just go where that headquarters goes but gets spread throughout the state of Illinois,” said Pritzker.

 

From The Daily Northwestern:

The candidates also discussed Amazon’s bid to build its new headquarters in Chicago. Pritzker said the state needs to ensure there is a return on investment for taxpayers in Illinois and that benefits from the deal would be spread across the state.

The proposal could add up to 50,000 jobs to the state economy, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“It has become a race to the bottom, unfortunately, around the nation … where municipalities and states are offering huge tax benefits to bring companies to their state,” Pritzker said. “Remember what Illinois has to offer.”

The candidates did come together on the issue of immigration — all six said they would risk federal funding to retain Illinois’ status as a sanctuary state.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At last night’s debate, JB Pritzker made the choice clear in the Democratic primary for governor. JB highlighted his priorities for lifting up Illinois families and spoke about his real plans to move Illinois forward. While other candidates flailed as they were held accountable for their records that don’t match their rhetoric, JB presented himself as the only candidate ready to take on Bruce Rauner in November.

JB highlighted his real plans to expand quality, affordable healthcare for Illinois’ working families, ensure a strong return on investment for all Illinois communities if Amazon HQ2 comes to the state, and invest in Illinois communities that have suffered from decades of disinvestment.

WATCH:

JB also held his opponents accountable, blasting Biss for his hypocrisy on Mike Madigan. Biss was the only candidate on stage who voted for Mike Madigan to be Speaker and ran his Super PAC. JB also pointed out Biss’ effort to undermine pensions for Illinois’ working families.

WATCH:

And while JB praised Chris Kennedy for his family’s work on the Special Olympics, Kennedy refused to name one positive thing about JB. Kennedy would rather praise the Worst Republican Governor in America and parrot his desperate talking points.

WATCH:

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – While Chris Kennedy has been “applauding” Bruce Rauner for the past few days, he couldn’t muster a single nice thing to say about a Democrat running for governor at the NBC 5 / Telemundo debate tonight.

On Friday, Kennedy said, “I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois,” and praised Rauner’s “willingness to speak truth to power.” But when asked to name something positive about JB, Kennedy paused for six seconds before resorting to his desperate Rauner playbook of attacking JB.

WATCH:

“While Chris Kennedy has heaped praise on Bruce Rauner for speaking ‘truth to power,’ in a stunning display of ungraciousness, he refused to name a single positive thing about JB,”said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “JB praised the Kennedy family for their work on the Special Olympics, but Chris would rather praise the Worst Republican Governor in America than a Democrat running for governor.”

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At the first televised debate among Democratic candidates for governor, JB Pritzker demonstrated why he is the only candidate ready to take on Bruce Rauner. JB clearly laid out his vision for Illinois and spoke about his plans to expand healthcare, pass a progressive income tax, and invest in communities that have suffered from decades of disinvestment.

“Tonight, JB Pritzker showed Illinois why he’s the only candidate capable of beating Bruce Rauner,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “With focus and force, JB made a clear case for his candidacy and proved why this failed governor is already running scared. JB took charge, laying out his vision for Illinois and his real policy plans to get this state back on track. Illinoisans watching across the state saw JB for the strong leader he is – ready to bring people together and move Illinois forward.”

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

In 2013, Daniel Biss helped write legislation to slash pensions for hundreds of thousands of workers, earning him the lowest lifetime AFL-CIO rating of any Democrat in the Senate. Were it not for the Supreme Court stepping in and ruling Biss’ bill unconstitutional, the bill would have had a devastating effect on Illinois workers.

 

REALITY CHECK: 

• Daniel Biss helped write legislation to cut pensions for more than 467,000 downstate teachers, university workers, and state employees.

• Biss also voted for $1.6 billion in cuts to Medicaid and to strip some employees of collective bargaining rights.

• Biss’ attacks on working families in the General Assembly earned him a 62% lifetime rating from the AFL-CIO through 2015, the worst of any Democrat in the State Senate.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

JB is committed to defending the progress we’ve made under the Affordable Care Act and building on that progress to ensure all Illinoisans have quality care. JB was the first candidate in this race to put forward a comprehensive plan to expand healthcare for Illinois’ working families. In early August, JB introduced his plan, IllinoisCares, which would allow every Illinois resident to have access to quality, affordable healthcare through a public option. If implemented, Illinois would be the first state in the nation to expand healthcare in this way, at little to no cost to the taxpayer.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB’s plan for healthcare, IllinoisCares, would be a first-in-the-nation program allowing Illinois residents to buy into the state’s Medicaid program.

• The Medicaid buy-in option would expand quality, affordable healthcare for Illinois’ working families across the state.

• JB has also been a fierce advocate for President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, running a statewide ad campaign to encourage Illinoisans to sign up after Donald Trump slashed the advertising budget and shortened the enrollment period.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

Unlike what he said tonight, Chris Kennedy is against the legalization of marijuana despite the fact that it could bring in $350 to $700 million annually in much needed revenue. Kennedy said it’s “dangerous” to legalize recreational marijuana, calling it a “public health hazard.” However, studies show legal marijuana can actually help combat opioid addiction, and is less harmful than tobacco or alcohol. If Kennedy’s preference for decriminalizing marijuana instead of legalizing was all that was implemented, it could mean fines and jail time that would disproportionately impact communities of color.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Chris Kennedy called legalizing marijuana “dangerous” and a “public health hazard.”

• While Chris Kennedy supports decriminalization, this alone could still mean fines or jail times that disproportionately impact communities of color.

• A variety of studies have found that marijuana can be legalized safely, including a University of British Columbia study that found, “using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits.”

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

Despite trying to put daylight between himself and Mike Madigan now, Daniel Biss is closer to the House Speaker than he’d like to admit. Biss accepted Madigan’s help to get elected to office in 2010 and then voted for Madigan for Speaker the following year. Biss accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Speaker’s state party. In 2016, he even ran Madigan’s Super PAC. While Biss uses anti-Madigan campaign rhetoric on the campaign trail, his years of loyalty to the Speaker tell a much different story.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• In 2010, Daniel Biss accepted Madigan’s help to get elected, receiving $14,374.35 in in-kind contributions from Friends of Michael J. Madigan.

• In 2011, Biss voted for Mike Madigan to be Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.

• Over the years, Biss has accepted nearly $250,000 from the Democratic Party chaired by Madigan.

• In 2016, Biss also ran Mike Madigan’s Super PAC, Leading Illinois for Tomorrow (LIFT), filling its coffers with millions from Madigan and top allies.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

JB Pritzker has a four-point plan to reform our criminal justice system and give all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential. JB’s plan focuses on legalizing marijuana and modernizing sentencing practices, reducing recidivism rates, reforming the juvenile justice system, and treating gun violence like a public health epidemic. With these reforms, JB will help build a criminal justice system that delivers justice to victims, rehabilitates individuals, and builds safer communities after decades of systemic disinvestment.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB’s plan will legalize marijuana in a safe way and modernize sentencing laws to reverse the foundational causes of mass incarceration that disproportionately impact communities of color.

• To reduce the recidivism rate, JB will prioritize rehabilitation and re-entry services for incarcerated people and create economic opportunities in all of our communities.

• JB will promote rehabilitative alternatives to prosecution and incarceration in our juvenile justice system with a focus on restorative justice.

• JB will address gun violence as a public health epidemic and hold police more accountable to the communities they serve.

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

On the campaign trail, Chris Kennedy has all but declared war on Rahm Emanuel, but he has a closer relationship with the mayor than he’d like to admit. In 2014, Kennedy praised Emanuel’s leadership and donated $5,000 to his re-election campaign. Kennedy even sought Emanuel’s endorsement prior to his run for governor. And while his primary criticism of Emanuel is his “strategic gentrification plan” to push African Americans residents out of Chicago, Kennedy himself skirted requirements to include affordable housing units at Wolf Point.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Chris Kennedy donated $5,000 to Rahm Emanuel’s re-election campaign in 2014 and praised Emanuel’s leadership in a speech in front of Wolf Point, even comparing him to Joe Kennedy.
• Despite claiming Emanuel has a “strategic gentrification plan” that pushes African Americans out of Chicago, Kennedy hired zoning lawyers to avoid affordable housing unit requirements at his luxury Wolf Point development.
• Chris Kennedy even asked Emanuel for his endorsement in the governor’s race.

###

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, a group of African-American lawmakers endorsed JB Pritzker for Governor. The group includes State Senator Donne Trotter, State Representative Elgie Sims, State Representative Al Riley, and Alderman Howard Brookins. They join Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois AFL-CIO, Citizen Action/Illinois, and over 30 individual unions statewide in support of JB Pritzker.

“I am so honored to have the endorsements of State Senator Donne Trotter, State Representatives Elgie Sims and Al Riley, and Alderman Howard Brookins,” said JB Pritzker. “By working together, we’re building a statewide, grassroots campaign to take on Bruce Rauner in November and put Springfield back on the side of working families. As governor, I look forward to partnering with these leaders to create jobs and invest in our communities. We face some enormous challenges, but I know that by standing together we can get our state back on track.”

“I’m proud to announce my support of JB Pritzker for governor,” said State Senator Donne Trotter. “JB is the best candidate in this race to stabilize Illinois’ budget, create good-paying jobs, and grow the economy in communities throughout the state. It may take years to clean up Bruce Rauner’s mess, but I know JB has the leadership and vision to move our state forward and put Springfield back on the side of working families.”

“Because of JB Pritzker’s commitment and proven track record of creating economic opportunities for all communities across our state, his focus on comprehensive health care and support for vulnerable populations, and his plan to reform our state’s criminal justice system, I’m confident JB will be a governor who will fight for all of our communities and bring real change to Illinois,” said State Representative Elgie Sims.

“I support JB because of his belief in building up a strong Illinois Democratic Party. Democrats cannot be divided headed into the general election,” said State Representative Al Riley.

“I’m honored to stand with JB Pritzker in the fight for Illinois’ working families,” said Alderman Howard Brookins. “His whole life, JB has fought for Illinois, creating thousands of jobs and working to fight against discrimination and injustice. With JB as governor, I know we can build a better Illinois by reforming our broken criminal justice system and creating good-paying jobs in communities throughout our state.”

###

Monday, January 22, 2018

 

Chris Kennedy: “I Don’t Know the Answer”

 

Chicago, IL – Today, Chris Kennedy held a press conference where he provided more property tax rhetoric that is at odds with his record, refused to say if he regretted “applauding” Bruce Rauner on Friday, and said “I don’t know the answer” to basic questions about his own plan.

Most notably, the basis of Kennedy’s “plan” is the idea that the building he was standing in front of was assessed for a fraction of what a bank valued the same building. However, Chris Kennedy’s Merchandise Mart benefitted from this same practice during his tenure.

THE FACTS – In 2007, while Chris Kennedy was President of the Merchandise Mart:

• The Merchandise Mart was appraised at $917 million in documents used to obtain a loan.

• That same year, the Assessor and Board of Review assessed the Merchandise Mart at $436,068,830, less than half of its appraised value.
• The Cook County Assessor at the time, James Houlihan, is now a major donor and fundraiser for Chris Kennedy’s campaign.

“Chris Kennedy held a press conference to attack himself, railing against the same practice he exploited to get millions in property tax breaks at the Merchandise Mart,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “For Chris Kennedy, it is do as I say not as I’ve done for millions of dollars in property tax breaks.”

###

Monday, January 22, 2018

 

Once Again, What Chris Kennedy Says as a Candidate Doesn’t Match Up with His Record

 

Chicago, IL – Today, candidate Chris Kennedy announced a press conference to present ideas about how to reform the property tax system. But for years as a real estate developer and businessman, the same Chris Kennedy has taken advantage and made millions off the very system he now decries as part of his campaign.

 

Here’s a reality check for Chris Kennedy:

• Kennedy rails against buildings like the Sears Tower for being assessed for half of what it was sold for, but Kennedy’s Merchandise Mart was assessed at less than half of what banks said it was worth in 2007. As a result of a lower assessment, for years, Kennedy avoided paying millions in property taxes.

• Kennedy regularly criticizes “connected” property tax lawyers, but Kennedy used those very same property tax attorneys to get himself and his business partners millions in tax breaks at Wolf Point — $1.5 million in 2012 and 2013, and $1.5 million in 2016.

• Kennedy now calls the property tax system rigged, but Kennedy sought a 20% property tax reduction on his own home, and quietly withdrew the appeal only after making the “rigged property tax system” central to his campaign.

“Chris Kennedy’s rhetoric doesn’t match his record on property taxes,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “While he must be desperate to distract from his recent praise for Bruce Rauner, Kennedy’s past is rife with examples of him trying to benefit from the same ‘racket’ he now criticizes.”

Sunday, January 21, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, Citizen Action/Illinois voted to endorse JB Pritzker for Governor. Citizen Action is led by Lynda DeLaForgue and William McNary, and is the state’s largest public interest coalition, fighting social and economic justice campaigns and holding elected officials accountable at the state and national levels. Citizen Action has led progressive, grassroots campaigns to create a fair tax system, expand affordable and high-quality healthcare, reform our insurance and campaign finance system, and create stronger environmental protections. Citizen Action joins Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and over 30 individual unions in support of JB Pritzker for governor.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois and the independent, progressive voices they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “For over a decade, Citizen Action has been leading grassroots, progressive campaigns to fight for critical policies that help Illinoisans build better lives. Together, I know we will be able to put Springfield back on the side of working families by expanding healthcare, raising wages, and investing in quality education for every Illinoisan, no matter their zip code. I’m proud to have Citizen Action standing with me as we bring Democrats together and build a statewide, grassroots campaign ready to take on Bruce Rauner in November.”

###

Saturday, January 20, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton spoke to supporters at a pre-Women’s March rally with State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, State Representative Sam Yingling, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Alderman Pat Dowell, 48th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Carol Ronen, and Personal PAC Executive Director Terry Cosgrove. Together, they marched in solidarity with thousands of women across Illinois at the Chicago Women’s March.

 

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Saturday, January 20, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – In response to Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans shutting down the government, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“This shutdown is what happens when the political party that controls both chambers of Congress and the White House cedes their values to Donald Trump,” said JB Pritzker. “With healthcare for millions of children on the line, with the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrant families at stake, Donald Trump and Republicans failed in their basic obligation to do their jobs and defend our values. This is a page right out of Bruce Rauner’s crisis creating playbook, so it should come as no surprise that this failed governor has remained silent. With our values under siege in Washington, Illinoisans deserve a governor who will never cower from the fight — and that’s exactly what I’ll do in Springfield.”

###

Friday, January 19, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Following the Chicago Tribune Editorial board session Chris Kennedy said: “I think Bruce Rauner is trying to do what he thinks is best for the state of Illinois. And we may disagree on what that is, but his willingness to speak truth to power, to take on the powers that have been strangling our economy for decades in this state is something that I think he should be applauded for.”

As governor, Bruce Rauner is responsible for nearly 1 million people losing access to social services, vetoing a historic equitable school funding formula, holding funding for children and families hostage to his far-right, Koch brother funded agenda, standing by while Donald Trump attacks immigrant families in Illinois and health insurance for children and families, and just this week failing to call former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke a racist… or as Chris Kennedy sees it, speaking “truth to power.”

“The Worst Republican Governor in America unleashed devastation across this state and is standing in silence as the lives of immigrant families and healthcare for children hang in the balance, but don’t worry, because according to Chris Kennedy, Bruce Rauner is just speaking ‘truth to power,’” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Throwing bombs and creating crisis is not speaking truth to power, but it’s clear that Chris Kennedy has failed to understand that throughout this campaign.”

###

Friday, January 19, 2018

 

JB Details How He Will Grow the Economy, Invest in Higher Education, and Legalize Marijuana as Governor

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker met with the Chicago Tribune editorial board and laid out his bold plans for growing the Illinois economy, legalizing marijuana, and undoing Bruce Rauner’s damage to our higher education system.

BALANCING THE BUDGET AND GROWING THE ECONOMY

On the budget, JB focused not just on revenue and expenditures, but on the growth Illinois needs to get back on track. He talked about how Bruce Rauner’s instability and crises have hurt job growth in this state and his own plans to bring stability back to Springfield, pass a balanced budget, and attract businesses and jobs to Illinois.

INVESTING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

JB blasted Bruce Rauner for his destruction of higher education in Illinois and talked about his own plans to invest in these critical public institutions.

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

JB spoke about the importance of legalizing marijuana in a safe and regulated manner to bring much needed criminal justice reform and revenue to this state, and pointed out a key difference between himself and Chris Kennedy who does not support legalizing marijuana.

“JB Pritzker has bold plans to bring real change to Illinois, and he clearly laid that out today at the Chicago Tribune editorial board,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “From legalizing marijuana, to growing the Illinois economy and investing in higher education, JB demonstrated that he is the only candidate with big ideas and real plans to get things done. After three years of constant crisis under Bruce Rauner, his time in Springfield is up, and it is clear that JB is the leader who can beat Rauner in November.”

###

Thursday, January 18, 2018

 

Pritzker Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Rauner’s Abundance of Failures — Just This Week

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new ad responding to desperate attempts by failed governor Bruce Rauner to meddle in the Democratic primary.

The ad highlights the growing list of blunders, missteps and failures that the Worst Republican Governor in America struggles to address as he launches an attack strategy that was recently called “prematurely desperate.” Just this week, Rauner created school funding uncertainly, thousands of Illinoisans saw their healthcare disrupted, an auto plant chose to break ground in Alabama instead of Illinois, and Rauner was forced to distance himself from embattled Missouri Governor Eric Greitens and couldn’t answer a simple question about former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke being racist.

 

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker demonstrated why he is the best candidate to take on Bruce Rauner and get Illinois back on track at the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board interview. JB highlighted his record of getting big things done for Illinois’ working families and standing up for progressive values while consistently holding Bruce Rauner accountable for his failed leadership. JB laid out his plans to reverse Rauner’s systemic disinvestment in Illinois communities and grow the economy statewide, demonstrating he is the candidate with the vision and leadership to move Illinois forward.

WATCH:

“JB is the only candidate in this race ready to take on Bruce Rauner and he made that clear at the Sun-Times today,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “With his record of standing up for progressive values and his plans to grow the Illinois economy and create jobs statewide, it is clear that JB has the vision and leadership to move Illinois forward. JB was proud to hold that record up to Bruce Rauner’s record of failed leadership and will continue to make that message clear throughout this campaign.”

###

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Following Bruce Rauner’s failure to name Donald Trump’s blatant racism yesterday, JB Pritzker released the following statement in response:

“Donald Trump built his political career on pitting our communities against each other and now spews vile, hateful language from the White House on a daily basis,” said JB Pritzker. “From casual private conversation to tweets seen around the world, Trump’s racist views and words sadly represent our country. Strong state leaders have pushed back and defended the communities that are under attack by this president, but Bruce Rauner is sitting on the sidelines. To have the governor of this state remain silent and refuse to call Trump what he clearly is — a racist — is an embarrassing insult to communities across Illinois. Bruce Rauner’s corrupt pact with Trump, ratified by his silence, must end.”

WATCH: Rauner dodges questions on Trump’s racism five times

###

Monday, January 15, 2018

 

JB Attends Rainbow PUSH Breakfast, Community Renewal Society Forum

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton attended the Rainbow PUSH Scholarship Breakfast for MLK Day. JB then spoke at the Community Renewal Society Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Throughout the day, JB highlighted his commitment to criminal justice reform, creating jobs for all Illinois communities, and standing up to hate and injustice.

“With systemic disinvestment in communities across our state, with black communities still shut out of basic access to jobs, housing, healthcare, and education, with opportunity still so often reserved for too few, the fierce urgency of now is upon us,” said JB Pritzker. “It’s time we brought not just jobs into our communities, but true wealth and prosperity. Now is the time we demand children in every community get the quality education they deserve. Now is the time to lift up the community organizations and social service agencies that strengthen the communities they serve. Dr. King taught us to fight for justice and as governor, I will strive to live up to his ideals.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Sunday, January 14, 2018

 

Rockford, IL – Today, JB Pritzker was joined by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos to open a new JB for Governor campaign office in Rockford. This is the eighteenth office officially opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide movement. While speaking at the opening, JB discussed his priorities for putting Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in education, expanding healthcare, and creating jobs.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker joined State Senator Heather Steans and 48th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Carol Ronen at a medical marijuana dispensary Friday to reiterate his support for legalizing marijuana in Illinois.

JB highlighted that no more studies are needed to show that it’s time for Illinois to safely move forward with legalizing marijuana. Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news:

From WQRF:

From WQAD:

From CLTV:

From WTVO:

From Chicago Sun-Times:

Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker said Friday he would “intentionally include black and brown entrepreneurs” in running legalized marijuana dispensaries and production facilities as a way to address “historically systemic racism.”

In his first press conference of the new year, the billionaire businessman signaled he intends to make marijuana legalization an even bigger centerpiece of his Democratic campaign for governor.

For Pritzker, the issue has the advantage of differentiating him from one of his main competitors in the March 20 primary, Chris Kennedy, as well as from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Kennedy has taken a more cautious position, supporting marijuana decriminalization but seeking more studies on the effect of outright legalization, while Rauner has said legalizing marijuana would be a mistake.

Pritzker emphasized the benefits to minorities of pot legalization on both economic and criminal justice reform grounds. He also said he would review and commute the sentences of people incarcerated for marijuana offenses.

From Chicago Tribune: 

Pritzker said one major way to differentiate himself and Kennedy was on the issue of legalizing, taxing and licensing the recreational sale of marijuana. Kennedy has said he supports decriminalization and an expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program, but wants further medical and scientific study before legalizing it.

“I want to end the injustice by legalizing regulating and taxing marijuana. Chris Kennedy does not. There are those like Kennedy who say that this should wait. But the truth is, for far too long, marijuana laws have led to discrimination and injustice,” Pritzker said.

From WQRF:

Democratic candidate for Governor J.B. Pritzker wants to legalize the use of recreational marijuana in Illinois.

Currently, only medical marijuana is legal in the state.  Eight other states including most recently California have legalized the purchase and use of recreational marijuana.

Pritzker was joined by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Lake Forest) and 48th Chicago Ward Democratic Committeewoman Carol Ronen at a press conference to support legalization, in part to end the criminalization of possession of marijuana and  to generate tax revenue.

“Our state should legalize marijuana,” said Pritzker in a statement. “In the name of criminal justice reform, consumer safety, and increased state revenue, Illinois needs a governor who is ready to legalize marijuana in Illinois … Most importantly, it is a step forward in reforming our broken criminal justice system. Criminalizing marijuana hasn’t made our communities safer. What it’s done is disproportionately impact black and brown communities. The criminalization of cannabis never has been and never will be enforced fairly, and it’s time to bring that to an end.”

From WMAY:

More people are getting on board the bandwagon to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Illinois.

Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker held a news conference Friday to reiterate his support for legalization… a position that stands in contrast with opponent Chris Kennedy, who does not favor legalization.

From Vandalia Radio:

Candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker says he’d push to legalize marijuana for recreational use if he’s elected.  At news conference today, the Democrat said no further studies are needed to show that it’s time to move forward safely with legal pot.  Pritzker emphasized that regulating and taxing marijuana will generate much needed revenue for this state. He also pledged to modernize drug laws and move Illinois towards a criminal justice system that gives all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential.

###

Saturday, January 13, 2018

 

JB and Juliana Attend Criminal Justice Forum, Organizing Event

 

Peoria, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton were back in Peoria for State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth’s Justice Reform and Economic Opportunity Forum and to attend a grassroots organizing event at the JB for Governor Peoria field office.

JB and Juliana began the day at Jehan Gordon-Booth’s forum where JB highlighted their plan to reform Illinois’ broken criminal justice system by legalizing marijuana and modernizing sentencing, reducing recidivism, ending the criminalization of children, and treating gun violence like a public health epidemic.

They then attended a grassroots organizing event at the JB for Governor Peoria office. While there, they discussed their statewide, grassroots campaign and plan to put Springfield back on the side of working families by expanding healthcare, creating jobs, and investing in quality education.

###

Friday, January 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner just announced his support for imposing work requirements for Illinois Medicaid recipients, just a day after Donald Trump issued new guidance encouraging the radical policy change. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s backwards, deeply discriminatory policy is an attack on working families and has no place in Illinois, but of course Bruce Rauner is supporting it,” said JB Pritzker. “This failed governor cowered to Trump once again, and is working to impose additional, unnecessary barriers to vital healthcare services for those who need access the most. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege and we should be working to expand healthcare across Illinois so that all families can access affordable care. That’s exactly what I will do as governor.”

###

Friday, January 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker was joined by State Senator Heather Steans and 48th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Carol Ronen at a press conference to lay out the importance of legalizing marijuana in Illinois and standing up to Donald Trump’s attacks on Illinois communities.

JB highlighted that no more studies are needed to show it’s time for Illinois to safely move forward with legalizing marijuana. He outlined how he would modernize drug laws and move Illinois towards a criminal justice system that gives all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential. JB also discussed the importance of regulating and taxing marijuana to generate much needed revenue for this state.

“Our state should legalize marijuana,” said JB Pritzker. “This is not a moment for a governor who stands with Trump. In the name of criminal justice reform, consumer safety, and increased state revenue, Illinois needs a governor who is ready to legalize marijuana in Illinois. There is an abundance of evidence that shows we can legalize marijuana in Illinois in a safe way. There is an abundance of evidence that shows the real benefits this would have on our state. Most importantly, it is a step forward in reforming our broken criminal justice system. Criminalizing marijuana hasn’t made our communities safer. What it’s done is disproportionately impact black and brown communities. The criminalization of cannabis never has been and never will be enforced fairly, and it’s time to bring that to an end.”

“With Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions attacking our communities, Illinois needs a governor who will do the right thing and stand up for legalized marijuana,” said Senator Heather Steans. “JB knows there have been enough studies on this. We know marijuana can be legalized in a safe way, and it’s time we do it. It will raise revenue for our state, and will help the communities devastated by the war on drugs. It’s time we elect a governor who will move our state forward on this issue, and JB is the leader to do it.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Friday, January 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Following a whirlwind of DACA negotiations that ended Thursday with the President of United States using vulgar and hateful language to describe immigrants from Haiti and Africa, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Donald Trump is a racist and a xenophobe who has never had the dignity to be in the White House,” said JB Pritzker. “After unilaterally moving to end DACA and upend the lives of 800,000 young immigrants, including more than 41,000 in Illinois, Trump is resorting to offensive tactics to score a political win with his base. First, he insisted his senseless wall be part of an immigration deal and now Trump is spouting vile profanities about Haitian and African immigrants from the Oval Office. America deserves better, and when I’m governor, I’ll protect immigrant families and make Illinois a welcoming state for all.”

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Thursday, January 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner-ally Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens is under fire after KMOV published a shocking and disturbing report: “In a recording obtained by News 4, a woman says she had a sexual encounter with Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and that he tried to blackmail her to keep the encounter quiet.”

Rauner is closely allied with Greitens, airing campaign commercials featuring the Missouri governor badmouthing Illinois and previously contributing $100,000 to his political campaign. After these disturbing allegations, will Bruce Rauner ask Eric Greitens to resign?

“Our failed governor is a close ally of Greitens, but Bruce Rauner has quietly pulled ads featuring him from TV, while remaining silent on the Missouri governor’s behavior,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Eric Greitens is accused of engaging in disgusting conduct that disqualifies him from holding public office, but will Bruce Rauner call for his resignation?”

###

Thursday, January 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, Personal PAC endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. For nearly 30 years, Personal PAC has fought to protect and advance reproductive rights for women in Illinois. With the endorsement, Personal PAC joins Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and over 30 individual unions in support of JB Pritzker.

“With Donald Trump trying to dismantle women’s rights in Washington, and with Bruce Rauner failing to stand up to him in Springfield, we are in the fight of our lives to defend women’s rights in Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “I am so proud to stand with an organization on the frontlines of that fight. The women and men at Personal PAC are fierce and unwavering advocates for women’s health and the right to choose. When HB 40 came before Bruce Rauner’s desk, we stood together and demanded that Bruce Rauner sign it into law. Together, we will keep fighting for women’s rights in every corner of this state. Personal PAC knows how to win and that’s exactly what we’re going to do in this election.”

“Personal PAC is proud to join U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos, Mike Quigley and Luis Gutierrez, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, HB 40 Sponsors Senator Heather Steans and Representative Sara Feigenholtz, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers, Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), Illinois Education Association (IEA), Illinois Democratic County Chair’s Association and many others throughout Illinois in uniting behind JB Pritzker as the strongest pro-choice candidate in the Democratic primary and November general election,” said Personal PAC Board Chair Melissa Widen. “JB understands that reproductive rights are under attack in Illinois and across the country, and he has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting pro-choice candidates, organizations and legislation. JB was a strong advocate for HB 40 and his campaign led a coordinated effort to pressure Gov. Rauner to sign the bill. Illinois needs a real pro-choice Governor who can be counted on to protect women and families at every turn.”

“It has become extremely clear to Personal PAC and most people in the State of Illinois that Bruce Rauner simply can’t be trusted to tell the truth,” said Personal PAC President & CEO Terry Cosgrove. “While Governor Rauner eventually did the right thing by signing HB 40, he took every conceivable position on the bill in the space of months, told different people different things at the same time, caused pro-choice advocates to spend countless hours and dollars getting him to keep his original written promise until he finally signed the bill. There is not a single pro-choice advocate in Illinois who can say with any certainty that if Gov. Rauner were re-elected, he would oppose the efforts to repeal HB 40. He sadly cannot be trusted to keep his word from one day to the next. On the other hand, Personal PAC has every confidence that JB Pritzker’s unwavering commitment to reproductive justice over several decades will ensure that Pritzker will be a pro-choice Governor that Illinois will be proud of every single day.”

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