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In Final Debate, J.B. Pritzker Called “Liar” and “Fraud” By Chris Kennedy, Daniel Biss

Pritzker uses offshore shell company to dodge taxes while advocating for tax hikes on Illinois families

Last night, J.B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss squared off in what was their final debate before the March 20th Primary Election, and Pritzker played defense against Kennedy’s and Biss’ attacks.

Yesterday morning, the Chicago Tribune published yet another bombshell report detailing J.B. Pritzker’s use of offshore shell companies to avoid taxes on a for-profit business venture Pritzker owns in Illinois. Pritzker doubled down on previous false claims that all profits from any offshore entities he owns go directly to charity.

Unsurprisingly, that report became the focus of the debate and it dominated news coverage everywhere.

Chicago Tribune: Pritzker called ‘liar,’ ‘fraud’ during final Democratic governor debate

Leading Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker was called a “liar” and a “fraud” by two rivals as the billionaire businessman’s ties to secret offshore shell companies became the focus of the final forum of the campaign Wednesday night.

For his part, Pritzker avoided getting into specifics of his financial holdings, and claimed the offshore companies were investment instruments of family trusts established long ago and that charity was the beneficiary, not himself.

Chicago Sun-Times: In final gov debate, Dems haggle over Madigan, Berrios, taxes and integrity

…Pritzker was forced to defend himself against a Chicago Tribune report that claimed Pritzker and his brother control several offshore companies created between 2008 and 2011 — suggesting that Pritzker may be avoiding paying taxes. The story claims one of Pritzker’s offshore companies is part of a venture that plans to buy land along the Chicago River to launch boat tours downtown.

CBS 2 Chicago: Pritzker, Biss, Kennedy Face Off In Final Democratic Debate

For the final time before next Tuesday’s primary, the three leading Democrats running for governor met Wednesday evening in a televised debate.

And the major topic was whether billionaire J.B. Pritzker has stashed much of his wealth offshore to avoid taxes.

For this entire campaign, Pritzker has maintained overseas trusts were established long ago by his family and any proceeds go straight to charity. But, he was on the defense about whether some of the companies were set up more recently, and whether he’s benefiting.

NBC 5 Chicago: Final Dem Debate For Illinois Governor Gets Heated

…JB Pritzker seemed uncomfortable while Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss were ready to strike on the WTTW-hosted gubernatorial forum.

Kennedy was critical of Pritzker’s explanation after a new Chicago Tribune report disclosed Pritzker’s off-shore companies, investments kept secret and untaxed.

ABC 7 Chicago: Top 3 Democratic candidates for governor square off in final debate

…Pritzker found himself repeatedly on the defensive over a Chicago Tribune report suggesting he was being dishonest about his offshore holdings and trusts that provide tax shelters.

“Remember, those trusts are focused on charitable donations so any distributions that are made go entirely to charity,” he said.

“We just heard this unbelievable mess of word salad in an effort to distract us from what we learned from the Trib this morning,” Biss replied.

“If they’ll lie to you to get the job, they’ll lie to you to keep the job and you do not want a liar as the governor of the state of Illinois,” Kennedy said.

WGN 9 Chicago: Pritzker defends finances; Top 3 Democrats running for governor face off in debate

…The debate started with questions about Pritzker’s offshore trusts and companies.

A new report claimed that Pritzker had a secret offshore bank account to avoid taxes. The Chicago Tribune reported the existence of offshore shell companies created over the last decade wholly owned by J.B. Pritzker, his brother and his business partner or other close associates.

WTTW: Pritzker’s Offshore Holdings Under Fire in Final Governor’s Race Forum

Pritzker has maintained throughout his campaign that all offshore holdings tied to his name were created by his grandfather and used for charitable disbursements. But a Chicago Tribune investigation published Wednesday revealed several shell companies created in the last 10 years owned by Pritzker and funded through offshore accounts. Pritzker insisted during Wednesday’s forum that he had no control over those accounts, but dodged a question about their ownership and claimed they pose no conflicts of interest.

Chicago Tribune Column: J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire with offshore accounts, really isn’t like us

…According to a Chicago Tribune investigation, several offshore shell companies created between 2008 and 2011 — decades after Pritzker’s grandfather died — are either wholly owned by Pritzker or his brother and business partner Anthony Pritzker, or they list other close associates as controlling executives.

Pritzker explained in December that the only money he took out of the offshore trusts went to charitable organizations. He certainly isn’t the only rich politician to keep money offshore, but he’s the only one so far to claim that it helped him become a modern-day Robin Hood. It’s insulting that he would think Illinoisans are stupid enough to believe he has offshore holdings so that he can help the less fortunate.

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In 1998, Rod Blagojevich Compared J.B. Pritzker To President Abraham Lincoln

Pritzker’s close ties to Blagojevich go back over two decades

It is undeniable that J.B. Pritzker and disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich have been “bosom buddies” for decades.

Pritzker fundraised for Blagojevich’s run for Congress in 1996 and Blagojevich helped Pritzker in his failed run in 1998. Pritzker joined Blagojevich’s $25,000 Club with a large campaign check, and Blagojevich later appointed Pritzker to head Illinois’ Human Rights Commission. Then there’s the infamous FBI wiretaps between Pritzker and Blagojevich published by the Chicago Tribune, and that only scratches the surface.

Blagojevich and Pritzker were so close, Blagojevich swooned over Pritzker as early as 1998, talking of his “tremendous future” in politics and comparing him to President Abraham Lincoln.

From yesterday’s profile in the Chicago Tribune:

…He finished third with 20 percent of the vote in a 1998 primary won by Jan Schakowsky, who still holds the seat. Pritzker got campaign help from workers allied with former 33rd Ward Ald. Richard Mell, the father-in-law of future Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Two years earlier, Pritzker had helped Blagojevich win his congressional seat.

“This was a good first start and I think J.B. has a tremendous future,” Blagojevich said in a May 1998 Tribune profile of Pritzker. “Remember, Abraham Lincoln didn’t win his first election, and Mario Cuomo lost several races before he got elected. For J.B., this is only the beginning.”

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After Allegations of Abuse and Criminal Trespass Resurface, Does J.B. Pritzker Still Support Bob Rita?

Pritzker used LLC to secretly funnel $5,400 to Bob Rita in 2016

“Mike Madigan and J.B. Pritzker are bankrolling a Democrat accused of beating a woman and trespassing on her property. When Pritzker says ‘we believe you’ and Madigan says he will ‘personally’ intervene in harassment and abuse cases, they don’t really mean it. J.B. Pritzker will support Mike Madigan at all costs, regardless of how many women Madigan’s corruption hurts.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

First, it was Kevin Quinn. Then, it was Shaw Decremer. Now, it’s State Rep. Bob Rita.

Yesterday, on International Women’s Day, yet another brave woman stepped forward to tell her story of abuse at the hands of a close ally of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Bob Rita.

Rita’s accuser revealed that in 2002, her father, a former legislator, pleaded with Mike Madigan to personally intervene with Rita to keep her safe from his violent attacks. Madigan said he couldn’t get involved and kept the money flowing to Rita’s campaign. Now, Madigan says he can’t recall if such a meeting ever occurred. Rita went on to win his campaign and be a rubber stamp for Madigan’s agenda.

Fast forward to 2016.

J.B. Pritzker used an LLC to secretly funnel $5,400 in campaign cash to Bob Rita, Mike Madigan, and other Madigan-backed Democrats.

Now that domestic battery and criminal trespass allegations against Rita have resurfaced, does J.B. Pritzker still support Bob Rita’s candidacy for the Illinois House?

Additionally, does J.B. Pritzker believe Bob Rita’s accuser or does he believe Mike Madigan?

Whenever J.B. Pritzker says “we believe you” or Mike Madigan says he will “personally” intervene in harassment or abuse cases, they don’t really mean it. Madigan and Pritzker will do anything for power, no matter how many women get hurt.

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Madigan, Pritzker Silent As Democrat Danny Davis Defends Louis Farrakhan, Talks About The “Jewish Question”

Davis says Farrakhan is an “outstanding human being” while brushing aside his anti-Semitism

Last month, Democratic U.S. Rep. Danny Davis of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District called Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan an “outstanding human being.” Farrakhan has a sad history of racially insensitive comments, from blaming Jews for the September 11th terrorist attacks to calling Adolf Hitler a “very great man” and much worse.

When asked about his close relationship with Farrakhan, Davis laughed, saying, “The world is so much bigger than Farrakhan and the Jewish question and his position on that and so forth. For those heavy into it, that’s their thing, but it ain’t my thing.”

What, exactly, did Danny Davis mean by “the Jewish question”?

Chicago Alderman and progressive Democrat activist Ameya Pawar swiftly condemned Farrakhan, but Democratic Party of Illinois Chairman Mike Madigan and his hand-picked candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker, have been silent.

When will Madigan and Pritzker condemn Farrakhan’s hatred and bigotry?

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J.B. Pritzker Still Won’t Call on Mike Madigan to Step Down as Democratic Party Chairman

During tonight’s Democratic Governor debate on ABC 7, J.B. Pritzker again refused to call on Mike Madigan to step down as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois in light of sexual harassment scandals in his political organization. This despite calls for Madigan to go from fellow candidates Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss.

Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot issued the following response:

“J.B. Pritzker said he’d stand up for Alaina Hampton and other victims. But he won’t stand up to Mike Madigan. He knows Madigan is his only hope of winning the primary and he’s not brave enough to upset the apple cart. Instead, Pritzker has questioned the facts surrounding Hampton’s case and is seemingly content with Madigan and his operatives maintaining their status quo. You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Pritzker: either you believe Alaina Hampton or you are protecting Madigan, the man she accuses of covering up her harassment.”

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J.B. Pritzker’s Faux Leadership on Sexual Harassment

After two weeks of bipartisan criticism from lawmakers and the media, J.B. Pritzker was finally shamed into mentioning Mike Madigan’s name tonight during the Democratic debate but refused to say he should step down as head of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot issued the following response:

“It’s been two weeks since sexual harassment allegations were revealed in Mike Madigan’s office, but it took until tonight for J.B. Pritzker to say Madigan’s name. That’s not leadership. That’s being shamed into saying something – anything – to get everyone to leave him alone. But Pritzker is still the only Democrat who won’t call on Madigan to step down as Chairman because he knows Madigan’s machine is his only hope for making it through the primary.”

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Mike Madigan: “I’m Not Resigning.”

With so much baggage, are J.B. Pritzker, House Democrats, and others prepared to run with Madigan as their party leader in 2018?

Mike Madigan has made his position clear: he’s here to stay as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

In a press conference that raised more questions than answers, Madigan said, “I’M NOT RESIGNING,” when asked whether his mishandling of sexual harassment allegations within his organizations meant his time in Springfield is up.

Watch HERE.

The question remains – With so much baggage, are J.B. Pritzker, House Democrats, and others prepared to run with Madigan as their party leader in 2018?

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ILGOP Releases Digital Ad: Unwillingness

As J.B. Pritzker continually refuses to criticize Madigan, The News-Gazette calls Pritzker a “hollow man” who only cares about ambition and “toadying for Madigan”

“J.B. Pritzker is completely incapable of criticizing Madigan – for absolutely anything. Even as Illinois Democrats call on Madigan to resign his top party posts, you’d think a billionaire who claims ‘independence’ from Madigan would have the gumption to join in on the criticism, but no. Pritzker refuses to criticize Madigan because Pritzker owes his candidacy to Madigan and, if given the chance, would work hand in hand with him to maintain their corrupt, broken system in Springfield.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Today, the Illinois Republican Party released a new digital ad, Unwillingness. The ad highlights J.B. Pritzker’s refusal criticize Mike Madigan for his mishandling of sexual harassment complaints within his political organizations. Even as leading Illinois Democrats like Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss call on Madigan to resign his top party posts, Pritzker remains silent. Why?

In their endorsement of Chris Kennedy in the Democratic primary for governor, The News-Gazette gives us a window into Pritzker’s candidacy for governor.

Whether it’s his undying loyalty to Mike Madigan, cozying up to crooked politicians like Rod Blagojevich, or devotion to personal ambition over the public interest, J.B. Pritzker is the status quo candidate who will protect and empower party bosses like Madigan, even as their political organizations are dominated by a culture of sexual harassment and corruption.

Watch the ad HERE.

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Media Calls Out J.B. Pritzker For Refusing To Say If Mike Madigan Should Resign His Top Party Posts

“Pritzker did not answer a panelist’s question of whether Madigan should give up his party chairmanship, his speaker role or both.”

As Illinois Democrats turn up the heat on Mike Madigan for his mishandling of sexual assault allegations within his political organization, one Democrat has given Madigan his tacit support – J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

But media outlets aren’t letting Pritzker off the hook for his refusal to answer a simple question that’s on everybody’s minds – ‘should Mike Madigan resign as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, House Speaker, or both?’

WCIA’s Raquel Martin reported [WATCH] that Pritzker is still reluctant to answer whether or not Madigan should step down from his top party posts. WCIA’s Marx Maxwell also reported that J.B. Pritzker still hasn’t answered said whether or not Madigan should step down. Martin also interviewed [WATCH] Daniel Biss, who confirmed everyone’s suspicions and declared that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Billionaire entrepreneur J.B. Pritzker sidestepped questions Wednesday about whether Mike Madigan should step down as state House speaker and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party in light of the party leader’s handling of sexual harassment allegations within his own political organization.

Pritzker, who is backed by unions and heavy-hitting Democrats — many allied with the speaker — was asked twice during a Downstate gubernatorial debate whether he believed Madigan should withdraw from either role.

“He said he was going to answer the question but didn’t, because he hasn’t gotten permission yet from Madigan to answer that question,” state Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, quipped.

On his second try, Pritzker still avoided the question, saying an independent investigation prompted by Madigan “will determine who the perpetrators are and who is truly responsible.”

…Madigan has become a troublesome issue for Pritzker. The gubernatorial candidate has been slow to question the behavior of the powerful, but increasingly unpopular, party leader.

From the Chicago Tribune:

…Biss indicated he agreed. “It took J.B. Pritzker a week to get permission from Mike Madigan to even name him in talking about this sexual harassment cover-up,” Biss said.

…Madigan has been around “too long,” is “too powerful” and “has been a problem in the state of Illinois” and the state Democratic Party “for quite some time,” Biss added.

But Pritzker did not answer a panelist’s question of whether Madigan should give up his party chairmanship, his speaker role or both.

“He hasn’t gotten permission yet from Madigan to answer that question,” said Biss in noting the dodge.

From the Associated Press:

Pritzker took the brunt of criticism from the other candidates because he has not said whether long-term House Speaker Michael Madigan, also the Illinois Democratic Party chairman, should step aside over his handling of two cases of campaign workers accused by women of sexual harassment.

Either J.B. Pritzker genuinely thinks Mike Madigan is doing a great job as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, or Dan Biss is right and Mike Madigan won’t let Pritzker criticize Madigan on any issue.

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J.B. Pritzker Remains Silent as State Journal-Register, Chicago Tribune and Top Democrats Call on Mike Madigan To Resign State Party Chairmanship

Spineless Pritzker still refuses to buck Madigan and answer a very simple question – ‘should Madigan resign his state party chairmanship?’

“J.B. Pritzker is spineless. Even as top Illinois Democrats and two of Illinois’ leading newspapers call on Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois for his mishandling of a sexual harassment scandal, Pritzker remains silent. Why? Because Mike Madigan is the man behind J.B. Pritzker’s campaign for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

In what may be unprecedented editorials from two of Illinois’ top newspapers, the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune called on Illinois Democrats to force House Speaker Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois in light of Madigan’s mishandling of sexual harassment complaints within his political organizations.

From the State Journal-Register editorial:

…But it took public complaints for Madigan and company to act — an illustration of how unimportant it was for them to have a legislative inspector general until it became politically unpopular for there not to be one.

And now, Madigan faces similar issues about how his political operation is run. Once again, it appears it took negative public attention to push Madigan into motion.

…Organizations reflect their leadership. Even if Madigan was not initially personally aware of these allegations in his political operation, he has allowed an environment to flourish that allowed harassment and bullying.

…The concentration of power that Madigan holds isn’t healthy for Illinois Democrats. They should no longer accept that the speaker can also be the party chairman. It’s time for the state’s Democrats to demand change. They can start by insisting Madigan step down as chairman.

From the Chicago Tribune editorial:

It’s proper that House Speaker Michael Madigan acknowledges his failure to be a leader in the fight against sexual harassment and bullying in Illinois government and politics. It’s also stunning, given his clenched grip on power and his reluctance to take responsibility for the state of this state. We can’t remember the last time Madigan publicly displayed such humility.

…Now we are witnessing a political uprising against Madigan by a force he cannot ignore and may not outmaneuver: Female Democratic politicians — at first disappointingly, almost deafeningly quiet — have begun telling Madigan his promises to change the culture in Illinois aren’t enough. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago wants an independent investigation of Madigan’s organizations to “rip the Band-Aid off” mistreatment. So does state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake. Other Democrats, some in the thick of the primary campaign, are chiming in. Candidate for governor Chris Kennedy wants Madigan to resign as party chairman. So does Marie Newman, running for Congress against Madigan ally Rep. Dan Lipinski.

…It’s on other Illinois Democrats — his caucus members, other officeholders but also voters — to force Madigan’s hand. At minimum here must be an independent investigation of his legislative offices and political operations to detail precisely how he handled allegations of harassment and bullying. Beyond that, Democrats have to decide whether, for the good and reputation of their party and the legislature, Madigan should shed some of his titles.

Top names in the Democratic Party of Illinois are joining the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune in calling for Madigan’s resignation as party chairman as well:

  • State Sen. Daniel Biss: Sen. Daniel Biss has called for Madigan to step down from his dual position as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois
  • State Sen. Kwame Raoul: “Is it time for new leadership in the party? Yea, I believe in passing the baton…”
  • State Rep. Litesa Wallace: Rep. Litesa Wallace says that House Speaker Mike Madigan should resign as Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, and is also questioning whether he can remain as Speaker.
  • State Rep. Scott Drury: Democratic attorney general candidate Scott Drury doubled down on his previous call for Madigan to resign.
  • Sharon Fairley: “Speaker Madigan should step down as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois – and as House Speaker…”
  • Marie Newman: “It is time for Michael Madigan to resign as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.”

Noticeably absent from the Democratic chorus demanding Mike Madigan’s resignation is J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

When will J.B. Pritzker grow a spine and demand Madigan resign his post as party chairman? Most likely never because Madigan is the man behind Pritzker’s campaign for governor.

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