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Today during a press conference, Governor JB Pritzker gave his clearest signal yet that he will go back on his 2018 campaign pledge to veto a new redistricting map drawn by partisan politicians. After months of numerous vague statements that he would veto an undefined “unfair” map, Pritzker was asked about his specific pledge today. 

His response (Watch the Video) was clear: he has no intention of following through with his specific promise and will instead happily sign the partisan gerrymandered map that Democrats in the House and Senate will send him. It turns out his promise in 2018 was a BIG LIE.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy has released the following statement in response: 

“The people of Illinois fundamentally do not trust our leadership in Springfield to spend their money wisely, to do the right thing, or to reform our system. Absolutely nothing fuels that fire more than politicians who say one thing to get elected and then do another once in power. Governor Pritzker lied to the people of Illinois and promised to turn our partisan and corrupt system of redistricting over to an independent commission. 

The Governor should come to his senses and keep his word by vetoing the politician’s map. A man is nothing without his word. Pritzker still has the chance to keep his.”

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A Chicago public employee pension bill was just signed into law that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and business groups opposed, “arguing that the cost to taxpayers would be too high.” 

Dan Petrella of the Chicago Tribune reports…

Lightfoot sent a letter to aldermen on April 1 urging them to oppose the bill. She said it would double pension costs by $18 million to $30 million each year.

“If the governor does not veto this bill, the city will have to find a means to address the increased cost since the legislation does not provide a way to pay for these increase costs,” Lightfoot wrote.

“During the 2022 budget season, it will then fall on the members of the City Council to make difficult decisions to pay for these additional costs.”

She said “the obvious revenue solution, another property tax increase…”

The bill passed in Springfield was signed by the Governor and Tax-Avoider-In-Chief himself, JB Pritzker. As a Chicago resident, Governor Pritzker should be sensitive to the ever-growing tax burden the city inflicts on its residents, but since he has a history of dodging taxes that others have to pay (stashing his fortune away in offshore accounts, ripping out toilets of his Gold Coast mansion to lower his property tax bill, begging Biden to lift SALT cap), Pritzker likely doesn’t mind because he’ll just find a way to avoid paying it.

“The Governor’s lifestyle is so far removed from the average working family in Chicago he may be under the assumption everyone has a second mansion they can rip toilets out of to lessen their tax burden. Well, he’s wrong,” said ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler. “At a time when the pandemic has hit small businesses and workers the hardest, the last thing Chicagoans need is the Governor stepping in to hike their property taxes. Take it from Mayor Lightfoot, Pritzker’s legislation will raise property taxes.”

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It was revealed recently that Governor JB Pritzker joined with six other Governors from high-tax Democrat-led states in penning a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to eliminate the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions (SALT cap) – a provision of the 2017 Republican tax cuts. 

A study from the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that if Governor Pritzker – champion of the so-called “Fair Tax” – were to get his way and the SALT cap was lifted, 62% of the resulting benefits would go to the top 1% of income earners. And 86% of the benefits would go to the richest 5% of Americans. Governor Pritzker is in the top 1%.

The 2017 Republican tax law was a tremendous boon to the middle class because it nearly doubled the standard deduction for single and joint filers, while the SALT cap is not applicable for the vast majority. Governor Pritzker is begging Biden to end the SALT cap that primarily targets the richest Americans, including himself.

ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy released the following statement in response to Pritzker’s letter:

“Governor Pritzker begging Biden to lower his tax bill and that of his billionaire buddies is not surprising given his history of trying to avoid taxes. But this time, instead of writing a work order for a contractor to rip out the toilets in his mansion, he wrote a letter to the President. JB needs to answer how many thousands of dollars he stands to save if Biden grants his wish.”

State Representative Avery Bourne of the 95th District was elected to represent the 13th Congressional District on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. The Committee is the governing body of the Illinois Republican Party and is composed of members elected from each of Illinois’ 18 Congressional districts. 

Bourne’s election followed a vacancy on the Committee after the resignation of former State Central Committeeman Fred Floreth.  Avery was elected unanimously by a vote of Republican County Chairman throughout the district. 

Applications to the position were made open to the public after Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy declared the position vacant early this week. The Republican county chairmen in the district convened today to hear testimony from each of the applicants to the position, followed by a question and answer session. After deliberation, the county chairman elected State Rep. Avery Bourne to the Illinois Republican State Central Committee.“I’d like to thank the Republican County Chairmen of the 13th Congressional District for running a smooth and transparent process to fill the vacancy. The Chairmen’s swift action ensured the 13th congressional district’s representation on the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy. “State Representative Bourne has been a strong conservative and taxpayer champion for her constituents in the 95th District. Avery is a rising star in the party and her courageous defense of the unborn on the House floor in 2019 has earned her praise from leaders around the state. We are delighted to add State Representative Bourne to the leadership team of the ILGOP.”

Yesterday, Bustos voted against an amendment to COVID-19 relief legislation that would open up federal funds to biofuels producers who face unexpected market losses due to the pandemic

When she’s back home in her district, Illinois Democrat Congresswoman Cheri Bustos likes to pretend that she’s fighting for farmers and supporting ethanol, but when she’s voting on legislation in Washington, Bustos sides with Democrats who block much-needed aid for rural America.

Yesterday, Bustos voted against an amendment offered by Illinois Republican Congressman Rodney Davis to COVID-19 relief legislation that would allow producers of ethanol and other biofuels to receive direct federal financial assistance (Amendment #10, Vote #6). The assistance would be available to biofuels producers who face “unexpected market losses as a result of COVID-19.”

Ethanol is critically important to the Illinois and IL-17 economies, creating over 4,000 good-paying, full-time jobs and over $5 billion in economic impact for the state, according to the Illinois Renewable Fuels Association. The pandemic has hit the agricultural economy and biofuels producers hard. Estimates from last year show that roughly half of the ethanol industry shut down due to COVID, destroying huge demand for Illinois corn growers. Biofuels producers have not recovered since, with losses upwards of $10 billion nationwide.

“Cheri ‘Beltway’ Bustos has turned her back on Illinois farmers and the critically-important ethanol industry. It’s no surprise because Bustos always sides with liberal Washington Democrats like Nancy Pelosi who continue to block much-needed aid for rural America. That’s why Pelosi put Bustos in her inner circle. For Bustos, it’s all about her Beltway connections and power – she has sold Illinois farmers out.” – ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler 

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All corners of GOP applaud the selection of Don Tracy, leader of and major donor to the anti-progressive tax and numerous successful campaigns

Within hours of the announcement, the selection of downstate businessman and attorney Don Tracy as the new ILGOP Chairman was earning rave reviews from all corners of the party in Illinois as the right choice to unite Republicans. 

Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13):

“My good friend Don Tracy will be a great Illinois Republican Party Chairman. He understands good policy and has been active in our Party for years. Don’s unifying leadership will lead our Party to victory against Pritzker and Madigan’s Democratic Party in 2022.”

Congressman Darin Lahood (IL-18):

“Don brings a tremendous skill set, passion and a thoughtful conservative approach to the job. I wish him much success and look forward to working with him to WIN in 2022!”

Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12):

“Illinoisans have had enough of the Democrats’ destructive policies in Springfield, and I know Don’s conservative leadership will help put the GOP on a path to help fix the many challenges our state faces. I am excited to work with Don and unite our party for victory in 2022!”

Not only does the Illinois Republican congressional delegation stand behind Don, State Reps. Brad Halbrook, Blaine Wilhour, Dan Caulkins, Chris Miller, and Adam Niemerg – members of the “Eastern Bloc” – released a statement saying in part, “Despite some news reports, Don Tracy is Chairman of the Illinois Republican party because several of the most conservative legislators in the state who represent the areas with the most weighted vote were involved and backed him…Make no mistake about it- the election of Don Tracy as State Party Chairman is a big win for conservatives.”

And new Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie added, “I am confident that Don’s business and political experience will be of great value to our party as we begin to rebuild and grow the GOP in our state.”

These great legislators join House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Paul Caprio of Illinois Family-PAC – all three of whom submitted endorsement letters during the application process – in supporting Don Tracy as leader of the party. 

In addition to elected officials and party stakeholders voicing their support, Tracy is heralded as a major player in getting some big wins for Republicans in the last election here in Illinois. One such effort was toppling Governor JB Pritzker’s signature policy proposal, the so-called ‘Fair Tax.’

Jason Heffley, the Executive Director of the Coalition to the Stop the Tax Hike Amendment, explained, saying, “As a major donor to the cause, Don Tracy was instrumental in helping us bring our message of stopping Pritzker’s tax hike amendment to voters. And through his leadership and advocacy for Illinois taxpayers, he was also able to bring others on board our coalition.”

Chairman Tracy has also been a major bundler and financier for Congressmen Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood and was asked to join the Republican Governors Association in 2019 – a group that helped win 8 of 11 targeted Governor’s races in 2020. His success in helping winning candidates and causes is what led to his decision to run for Chairman.

Chairman Tracy was appreciative of the show of support: “I cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words. In my time being involved in winning some tough and important races for Republicans, a united team with everyone rowing in the same direction was absolutely crucial. So, it’s heartening to see my message of being a Chairman for ALL Republicans resonate so quickly. The opportunities before us in 2022 will require us standing together.”

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Springfield businessman and lawyer becomes the first downstate chairman since 1988

In December of 2020, outgoing Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider announced a transition plan in which there would be an open and transparent process for the selection of a new chairman. Today, after lengthy interviews with the three finalists, spirited discussion, and a weighted vote amongst the ILGOP State Central Committee, Don Tracy of Springfield has been chosen as the next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and has unanimous support from the committee.

Tim Schneider immediately offered his resignation, and Don Tracy accepted the role of chairman to fill the remainder of Schneider’s term until May 2022.

Chairman Don Tracy released the following statement in response to his selection:

“I am truly honored and excited to have been chosen by the State Central Committee to serve as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. I want to thank each member for the opportunity to serve. I promise to lead with honesty, integrity, and the vigor we need to turn Illinois around. I also want to thank the other two finalists – Mark Shaw and Scott Gryder – for their tireless work on behalf of the Republican Party. I look forward to working with them to elect more Republicans. 

I ran for this position because I love Illinois – it’s my home – and I believe the ILGOP can be a tremendous catalyst for change in this state. The upcoming election cycle can be monumental if we seize on the tremendous opportunities before us. We have a weakened Governor who can be defeated; we have a US Senate seat to win; we are well-positioned to win back Congressional seats; we can claw back seats in the state legislature if we recruit the right candidates; and lastly, we have an historic opportunity to elect a fourth Republican to the state Supreme Court for the first time ever.

The only way we can capitalize on these opportunities in 2022 is if we unite the party. My number one priority is to give every Republican a seat at the table and give every Republican a voice. Regardless of our differences, Republicans are the only hope for turning Illinois around and keeping it from becoming a depopulated, over-taxed, and anti-police financial basket case. There’s too much at stake in 2022 to be anything less than a united band of brothers and sisters in the fight to save Illinois.

So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live – if you want to fight corruption, restore fiscal sanity, grow our economy, and stand for law and order – you’re on our team. It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”

Don Tracy is a successful businessman and lawyer from Springfield, Illinois. Born and raised in rural Mt. Sterling (Brown County, Illinois), he is the oldest of twelve children. Don and his eleven siblings own the thriving family business, Dot Foods, Inc., a national redistributor of food and related products, and other national businesses. Headquartered in Mt. Sterling (population: 2,025), Dot Foods, Inc. was founded in 1960 by Don’s father and currently employs 6,000 people across the United States and Canada.

Don is the first chairman of the Illinois Republican Party from outside Chicago and the collar counties since 1988.

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After a series of caucus votes, Illinois House Democrats have finally chosen Representative Chris Welch to be the next Speaker of the House. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement in response:

“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation. 

It’s now clear that House Democrats are doubling down on allowing Madigan’s corrupt machine to continue running state government. In Madigan’s stead, they have promoted a serial harasser and assaulter of women. But in spite of that, Welch passed the most important test this fall – he’s been a loyal Madigan ally for years but performed most recently as Madigan’s human shield in legislative hearings investigating the sweeping corruption scandal that ultimately brought Madigan down. 

This decision is a travesty for the people of Illinois, and we will make sure every voter understands that House Democrats just can’t quit Madigan.” 

Welch a top Madigan Ally

FOX 32 Chicago…

“Madigan loyalist Rep. Welch a front-runner to replace longtime House speaker”

Rep. Welch is a Madigan Loyalist indeed. In just the most recent example, Welch headed up the House investigative committee formed last year to look into Mike Madigan’s role in the ComEd bribery scheme involving multiple Madigan lieutenants. The Chicago Sun-Times reported “[the] committee looking into Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s dealings with ComEd did not find he did anything wrong in a vote that split along party lines, concluding its work after convening three times and hearing from one witness.”

You read that right. The committee met a total of three times and interviewed one witness. Welch performed his duty as a human shield for his boss Mike Madigan, refusing to subpoena the Speaker and allowing him to not testify. 

In the aftermath, Mark Brown of the Sun-Times wrote, “[a] trio of Illinois House Democrats dug in their heels, buried their heads firmly in the sand and did their best Tuesday to ignore a litany of damning evidence against House Speaker Michael Madigan.”

That trio of House Democrats was led by Rep. Chris Welch.

Alaina Hampton, former Madigan staffer who sued the Speaker for retaliation, said it best when she tweeted about the news of Welch’s ascension: “Madigan 2.0”

Welch Accused of Assault, Harassment, and Retaliation

If being a top Madigan loyalist wasn’t enough, Rep. Welch over the years has also been credibly accused in court documents of assault, harassment, and retaliation against women.

Chicago Tribune…

“A 2002 police report indicates that officers in west suburban Hillside were called to Welch’s home, where an ex-girlfriend told them that Welch slammed her head into a kitchen countertop numerous times after she called him “a loser.” The woman did not press charges after talking it over with a relative of Welch’s, the report states.”

“Welch also faced a 2010 federal lawsuit for sexual harassment and retaliation in which a different woman alleged she lost her job at Proviso Township High School District because she broke up with him while he was president of the school board.”

Hannah Meisel of NPR Illinois…

“Welch was also the subject of two harassment/retaliations suits, one the Trib details, but another that was filed pro se in 2011/terminated in 2012 from the former Dean of Students at Proviso West, who claims she was punished for not hugging him when he was School Board [President]”

Rep. Welch released a statement but did not deny the allegations.

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