Category: News

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Democrats Agree: Pritzker is Madigan’s Candidate For Governor

While other Dem gov candidates go on the attack against Madigan, Pritzker dodges and maintains his silence on Madigan

“While the Democrats running for governor all touted their same old tax-and-spend policies at Sunday’s forum, they all came together and agreed that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor. Pritzker all but admitted it while dodging questions concerning his close relationship with Madigan, even as his Democrat opponents attacked Madigan for overstaying his welcome and conflicts of interest.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

On Sunday, the Democratic candidates for governor came together at the Chicago Teacher’s Union headquarters to discuss their plans to increase taxes and spend more without real reform – the same strategy Illinois Democrats have used for decades.

The candidates may not have agreed on everything, but they all came together behind one clear fact – J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

Pritzker was asked point blank about his relationship with Madigan, and he completely dodged the question, refusing to criticize Madigan. Other candidates like Chris Kennedy took the Madigan question as an opportunity to highlight Madigan’s stunning conflict of interest – serving simultaneously as a property tax appeals attorney and state representative who influences property tax law.

Meanwhile, Pritzker said nothing on Madigan, opting to keep quiet rather than attack his political patron.

The Democrats may disagree on how high to raise taxes or who is more beholden to special interests, but they can all come together and agree that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s pick for governor.

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As Expected, Madigan Front Group Endorses Pritzker

IL Dem County Chairs Assoc. continues trend of Madigan subservience by endorsing Madigan’s candidate for governor

“The IDCCA has done it again. Their endorsement of Pritzker today is the latest chapter in a years-long pattern of bending to Madigan’s will. The IDCCA has long been an instrument to support Madigan’s vulnerable House members, and now they’re being used by Madigan to coronate Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

As expected, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association voted today to endorse Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker.

Today’s decision is yet another example of the Madigan Machine working to clear the field and install a loyal Madigan ally like Pritzker in the Governor’s Mansion, but the IDCCA endorsement is unsurprising – they have long been a front group for Mike Madigan.

House and his predecessors have done Madigan’s bidding for years, using the IDCCA to funnel campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats.

After taking big campaign checks from politicians special interest groups associated with Madigan, the IDCCA turned around and funneled that campaign cash to House Democrats and Madigan-enablers.

The IDCCA endorsement is nothing more than what we’ve already seen in this race: Mike Madigan pulling out all of the stops to coronate Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.

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Soda Tax Opposition Reaching Fever Pitch

Less than a week to go, and the chorus of opposition to Preckwinkle’s failed Soda Tax continues to grow

“The audacity of Chicago Democrats who’ve claimed they ‘listened to their constituents’ after months of burying their heads in the sand is astounding. Illinoisans have been voicing their opposition to the Soda Tax before it even passed.” – ILGOP Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

It’s looking like Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle is losing her battle to dig into taxpayer’s pockets now that many of her loyal votes have turned on her.

In a new development, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Preckwinkle’s own floor leader, is now a supporter of repeal. Convenient that as soon as Mike Madigan opposes the tax, Garcia begins to “listen to his constituents” while Garcia’s candidate for governor Chris Kennedy fundraises on the repeal effort after months of inaction.

Illinois voters have been clamoring for the tax to be repealed since Toni Preckwinkle cast the deciding vote to put it in place, and now that repeal is inevitable, the Chicago Democrats are finally starting to open their eyes.

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In a Nod to Madigan, Longtime Madigan Front Group Expected to Endorse Pritzker

IL Dem County Chairs Assoc. has funneled campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats for years

“ILDCCA President Doug House is taking orders from Madigan – that’s why tomorrow’s expected endorsement of J.B. Pritzker comes as no surprise. For years, Madigan has used the ILDCCA to funnel campaign cash to his allies and vulnerable House Democrats. Now, Madigan is using the ILDCCA to bestow Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Tomorrow, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association will be conducting a vote to endorse a gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Democratic primary. In a nod to Speaker Mike Madigan, the ILDCCA is expected to endorse J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

ILDCCA President and Madigan front man Doug House has already stated he will be casting his endorsement vote for J.B. Pritzker. House’s endorsement comes as no surprise – he’s already urged his fellow Democrats to “play nice” and not upset Madigan, as Madigan continues to steer support to Pritzker.

House and his predecessors have long done Madigan’s bidding and used the ILDCCA to funnel campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats.

After taking big campaign checks from special interest groups associated with Madigan and allies of Madigan in the General Assembly, the ILDCCA turned around and funneled that campaign cash to former House Democrats and Madigan-enablers like Kate Cloonen, John Bradley, and Mike Smiddy.

It’s clear the ILDCCA is one of many Madigan front groups.

Now, Madigan is using the ILDCCA to bestow Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor. The fact that Madigan will do anything to ensure Pritzker wins the nomination should worry Illinois voters, particularly Democrats.

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Preckwinkle Comes Clean: Soda Tax All About The Money

After months of criticism, Chicago Democrats reveal the truth, but Dem gov candidates remain silent

“The worst kept secret in politics is out: Chicago Democrats enacted a tax so they could just keep spending. Toni Preckwinkle finally admits she’s been lying to residents of Cook County, lauding the supposed health benefits of the Soda Tax, when instead it was just another Chicago Democrat money-grab. The taxpayers have known the truth for a long time, yet the Democrat candidates for governor continue to keep quiet and disrespect taxpayers.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

As Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle is set to unveil her budget today, she revealed the truth behind the wildly unpopular Soda tax she enacted.

“‘We chose as a revenue generator a sweetened beverage tax…’ she said. ‘But first and foremost, for the revenue.'” – From the Chicago Sun-Times.

Despite a vocal majority calling for the tax to be repealed, Democrat candidates for governor continue their inaction, choosing to build support within the Chicago Machine rather than stand with the voters and taxpayers who are paying the price. Opposition has gotten so strong that voters are refusing to sign petitions to reelect the Democrat candidates.

With less than a week to go until the Soda Tax repeal hearing, it’s clear that Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss have no interest in standing up for Illinois taxpayers.

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Deafening Silence from Democrat Governor Candidates Before Soda Tax Repeal Hearing

As Madigan and Dem legislators push for repeal, Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss reject taxpayers, maintain silence

“The silence from the Democrat candidates for governor speaks volumes about their respect for taxpayers. Rather than offer relief after backing Madigan’s 32% tax hike, Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss are keeping quiet on the unpopular soda tax in a desperate attempt to curry favor with Chicago Democrat insiders. Taxpayers won’t let the Democrats’ deafening silence drown out their cries for help.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Days before the October 10th hearing of a plan to repeal the hugely unpopular soda tax, the Democrat candidates for governor – Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss – are maintaining their silence in a desperate attempt to curry favor with Chicago Democrat insiders like soda tax-loving Toni Preckwinkle.

Poll after poll after poll has revealed that support for the soda tax will quickly sour relations with voters, but that hasn’t stopped the Democrat governor candidates who are eager to push their tax hike agenda.

Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss will do anything for support from the Chicago Machine, even if it means keeping quiet as beleaguered Cook County taxpayers cry for help after being whacked with massive income, sales, and property tax hikes.

Even as Madigan and vulnerable House Democrats join Republicans in opening up a new front in the war against the soda tax, Pritzker, Kennedy, and Biss are staying the course and staying mum.

The silence from the Democrat candidates for governor speaks volumes about their respect for taxpayers; in that, they have none left.

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Chris Kennedy Boasts Endorsement From Soda Tax Supporter

Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, staunch Preckwinkle ally and supporter of the Soda Tax, endorses Kennedy, tying him to the Chicago Democrat money-grab

“Garcia and Kennedy are a perfect pairing because they are both clearly out of touch with Illinois voters. Garcia’s support of the Soda Tax despite 87% of Cook County residents’ disapproval just goes to show that Chicago Democrats like Garcia and Kennedy are wrong for Illinois.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

On Thursday, Chris Kennedy held an event to highlight his endorsement from Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, Toni Preckwinkle’s loyal floor leader on the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Kennedy’s willingness to showcase support from someone who voted for the Soda Tax overwhelmingly opposed by his constituents makes it clear that he does not care about Illinois families and taxpayers.

Instead, Kennedy is spending his time courting more members of the Madigan Machine, trying to curry favor with Chicago insiders.

The people of Illinois are watching. Chris Kennedy should be worried if he continues to choose Chicago insiders over Illinois families and taxpayers.

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ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider Statement on HB40

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement after Governor Rauner announced he will be signing House Bill 40 into law:

“I am disappointed in the Governor’s decision to sign HB40 as the Illinois Republican Party opposes taxpayer-funded abortions.

“While I am frustrated and saddened, I also know that Speaker Madigan and the Democrats are trying to use this issue to divide our party and elect a Madigan-backed candidate for governor.

“As Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, I will not let that happen. Our state faces great challenges, and we are focused on the issues that unite us as Republicans and as Illinoisans. There is no daylight between Governor Rauner and the Illinois Republican Party and we will continue working hard to ensure his reelection and finally defeat Mike Madigan once and for all.”

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Susana Mendoza Repays Her Debts to Madigan, Endorses Madigan’s Candidate for Governor

Mendoza’s endorsement of J.B. Pritzker is the latest order she’s taken from Mike Madigan

“Mike Madigan made Susana Mendoza’s political career by backing her campaign and clearing the field of her opponents. Now, she’s repaying those debts by endorsing J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s favorite candidate for governor. Madigan is steamrolling all opposition to Pritzker, and Susana Mendoza is playing her part as a cog in Madigan’s corrupt Chicago Machine.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

In the latest example of Mike Madigan doing whatever it takes to ensure J.B. Pritzker wins the Democratic nomination for governor, Madigan ally Susana Mendoza endorsed Pritzker’s campaign for governor.

It’s well established that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s chosen candidate for governor. That is why Mendoza’s endorsement comes as no surprise – she’s been showering Madigan with praise and doing his bidding for years.

Mendoza thinks Madigan is a”brilliant politician, tactician, and public servant and a great man“. Mendoza even said Madigan is her “political mentor“.

Just a day after voting for Madigan’s massive 67% tax hike, Susana Mendoza seconded Madigan’s nomination for Speaker, ensuring yet another disastrous two-years of his reign over Illinois. In her speech, Mendoza said this of Madigan:

“It’s also my sincere honor to second the nomination of Michael J. Madigan for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. I’ve had the privilege to serve under his unparalleled leadership for 10 years now, only a quarter of the time that Illinois has benefited from his almost 40 years of stewardship. Over the last decade, I have witnessed his skills as a leader and a man who time and time again has demonstrated his passion and love for this state and has consistently put Illinois first.”

And in 2015, Madigan pushed Daniel Biss out of the race for comptroller to clear the field for Mendoza, preventing a contested primary and ensuring an easy nomination.

Over her long career in politics, Susana Mendoza has racked up a lot of debts with Mike Madigan. Now, Mendoza is repaying her debts to Madigan by endorsing his favorite candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker.

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Soda Tax Backlash Grows as Repeal Vote Approaches

Chicago Democrats continue to turn a blind eye to the overwhelming opposition to Preckwinkle’s folly

Widely seen as a complete disaster, Toni Preckwinkle’s Soda Tax has squandered the confidence her constituents had in her. Citing public health as cover for her tax-and-spend policy, it remains to be seen if the soda tax has any effect on the community besides hurting Cook County families and small businesses. In fact, the tax has had a “disproportionate impact on people of low socioeconomic status.”

Meanwhile, Democrats running for Governor have yet to lift a finger for Cook County’s residents.  They appear to be just as clueless as Preckwinkle about what voters think of the soda tax, who was surprised that 7 in 10 county residents oppose the tax.

Now, with a repeal vote scheduled for next month, questions about the soda tax’s efficacy are rampant.

From the Chicago Tribune:

As political calculations go, this one backfired in a big way.

A botched rollout coupled with a huge public backlash fueled by general tax fatigue and the beverage industry’s well-funded pushback campaign has made the pop tax the biggest issue in county government in nearly a decade.

…While the tax was meant to apply to all sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages, pop drinkers demanded to know why diet beverages were hit. The rules also meant that some restaurants taxed free refills, which diners found particularly irksome.

In Philadelphia, a soda tax was applied to distributors, meaning it didn’t show up on store receipts. But here, county officials said the Illinois Department of Revenue ruled the pop tax had to be applied at the cash register. And so store owners opted to list the new tax on receipts, a reminder to consumers that the case of soda they’d purchased now cost an additional $2.88.

“From messaging to implementation to rollout, anything that could go wrong with this tax did go wrong,” said Commissioner John Fritchey, a Chicago Democrat and co-sponsor of the repeal ordinance.

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