Newsroom

CHICAGO — Yesterday, President Trump joined Bloomberg for a wide-ranging interview on the economy at the Economic Club of Chicago. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris continued her game of hiding from reporters and DECLINED the interview. One thing was clear from President Trump’s Interview: President Trump had the greatest economy of our lifetime and Illinois families were as prosperous as you can be in the nation’s most taxed state.

ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement: “Yesterday, President Trump showed us how important November 5th will be for our country. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, our economy is in shambles and Kamala Harris doesn’t want to do anything differently. Meanwhile, President Trump outlined his vision for America and to turn our country around. Under President Trump our economy was thriving and he’ll do it again as our Commander-in-Chief.”

“Illinois Republicans will play a critical role this cycle in stopping Kamala Harris and JB Pritzker from spreading their leftist progressive policies across the nation.”

CHICAGO —  This week, JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson continue to tout their business records and relationships as they use taxpayer funds to live the high life in Tokyo and London. As both Chicago and Illinois face looming budget crisis’, remember Illinois Democrats REAL business record:

Caterpillar, Citadel, Boeing, Tyson Foods, Guggenheim Partners, and TTX have all left Illinois in recent years as Illinois families flee the prairie state in record numbers.

Bottom Line: As Brandon Johnson spends tens-of-thousands to cheer on the Bears and Pritzker hangs out with his high-dollar friends, don’t forget about the businesses they’ve forced out of the Prairie State.

CHICAGO — Representative Tony McCombie and Illinois House Republicans filed a bill to stand up for ballot integrity and prevent fraud in our election process. As doubt in our elections reaches record highs, this bill will provide an enforcement mechanism for laws that are already on the books in Illinois. 

It is illegal in Illinois to vote as a non-citizen. This bill will require proof of that citizenship, a step in the right direction for a state famous for voting headstones.

Any Democrat who opposes common sense legislation like this is contributing to distrust in our election system and creating opportunities for bad actors to cheat.

Check out more on this bill on Rep. McCombie’s website.

CHICAGO — Illinois Democrats are having a terrible week. It started with a disastrous press conference for the mayor in which he threw the governor under the bus, layoffs for law enforcement to pay for CTU’s pipe dream demands, the kicking off of Speaker Mike Madigan’s long awaited corruption trial, and worst of all..

It is only Wednesday. 

Take a look at the no good, very bad week Illinois Democrats are having:

Chicago Tribune: Editorial: Brandon Johnson’s reckless Chicago Public Schools maneuvering must be vehemently opposed
When Chicagoans elected a neophyte as mayor of Chicago, there was trepidation among those who didn’t vote for Brandon Johnson about what the future held. But many among them, this board included, hoped he would grow into the job after a little time in the office and act as if he represented all Chicagoans, not just those at the Chicago Teachers Union, his former employer.

But it’s clear now that the CTU, which backed Johnson with organizing muscle and millions in donations, viewed his unlikely victory as a green light for its fiscally reckless agenda. Friday’s extraordinary mass resignation of all seven of Johnson’s own, handpicked Chicago Board of Education members, just one month before Chicago voters will elect 10 new board members for the first time in city history, underscored that this mayor shares CTU’s blank-check agenda despite his duty to represent the interests of Chicago taxpayers.

WGN: Mayor Johnson considers layoffs, property tax hike to address $1 billion budget deficit
Johnson is looking to cuts and potential layoffs to tackle the city’s nearly $1 billion budget shortfall.

The Chicago Sun Times reports Johnson has canceled two months of police academy classes as part of the effort to close the gap.

…In terms of trying to fix the billion-dollar deficit, Johnson has told city department leaders to find personnel cuts in their budgets in an “exercise” in case the city has to lay off employees, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) made it clear it does not support a budget plan that includes layoffs and issued the following statement:

“AFSCME will oppose a budget plan that includes employee layoffs or furloughs. The city of Chicago has reduced frontline staffing in recent years and now has imposed a hiring freeze; further cuts to frontline staffing would hurt the city services that residents need. We’re ready to work cooperatively toward a budget plan that keeps Chicago working.”

The mayor has also reportedly considered a property tax increase, which would go back on a campaign promise, but could avoid layoffs and, with them, a disagreement with unions.

Chicago Sun-Times: Brandon Johnson’s public spectacle of grievance is getting old
Respect the mayor. No matter what he says or does.

I’m semi-serious here. As Brandon Johnson boils and accuses and flails about, a certain clarity sets in among the onlookers. Well, me, anyway.

This is not a guy charting a course, but someone reacting to the chaos going on around him, much of his own making. He isn’t building bridges, but burning them. How else could he snap at every single shiny lure dangled in his face?

Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ: CPS board resignations expose Mayor Brandon Johnson’s inability to build consensus, critics say
It is hard to overstate how astonishing a moment this is for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

That much was said to WBEZ as alderpersons and others react to the news that every one of Johnson’s handpicked Chicago Public Schools board members are resigning by the end of the month.

The expected resignations come after months of tension over who – the city or CPS – should pay for pensions for CPS employees who are not teachers, whether to take out a loan to pay for those pensions plus a new teacher’s union contract, and whether CPS CEO Pedro Martinez should be fired for not agreeing to Johnson’s loan idea.

ABC Chicago: Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard booed out of board meeting after making late appearance
That meeting was held at the park district building since Village Hall cannot legally accommodate the crowds at a typical meeting.

But Henyard tried to hold a separate board meeting at Village Hall anyway.

She had to abruptly cancel it after not enough trustees were there.

Henyard then drove a few minutes down the road to where trustees were going through the agenda, but was booed out of the room.

WTTW: Jury Selection Underway in Michael Madigan’s Landmark Corruption Case
Madigan is alleged to have orchestrated multiple corruption schemes, wielding his substantial political power to reward loyal allies and enrich himself.

Among the allegations included in Madigan’s 23-count indictment are claims he arranged contract jobs for his associates – who did little actual work – with Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois, and in exchange he offered political backing on Springfield legislation that was favorable to those companies.

Chicago Tribune: Woman who reported sex harassment in Madigan camp to testify at ex-speaker’s racketeering trial
The Tribune broke the story in February 2018 of Hampton’s #MeToo-era accusations against 13th Ward Democratic insider Kevin Quinn, the brother of Madigan’s handpicked alderman, which led to Quinn’s high-profile ouster. But she likely will testify mainly about her experiences working in the ward, Madigan’s base of power.

Prosecutors had hoped she could also testify about reporting the harassment directly to Madigan, though she would have been instructed not to say she was the alleged victim or that the misconduct was sexual in nature.

But after strong objections Tuesday from Madigan’s defense, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey agreed that to avoid a diversion into irrelevant and “emotionally inflammatory” testimony, the attorneys will instead read a stipulation to jurors saying Hampton reported “misconduct” to Madigan and when.

CHICAGO —  With the Democrat chaos engulfing Chicago as Brandon Johnson puts the Chicago Teachers Union first and taxpayers last, it’s easy to forget Democrats disgusting rhetoric. Over the past year, Illinois Democrats have threatened, criticized and disparaged Israel. In case you forgot, here’s what Illinois Democrats have to say about Israel:

CBS News: Mayor Brandon Johnson casts tie-breaking vote as Chicago City Council calls for ceasefire in Gaza

With Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tie-breaking vote, the Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, amid the monthslong war between Israel and Hamas.

. . .

Critics of the resolution said it doesn’t sufficiently lay out the depths of violence committed by Hamas, or plans to prevent them from committing another deadly attack against Israel.

The Illinoize: Democrat Division Over Attacks in Israel

A group of some of the most progressive Democrats in Springfield have blamed Israel denying Palestinians “basic human rights” for the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israelis.

“We will not be able to achieve peace when millions of Palestinians are denied basic human rights,” the statement reads. “We urge the United States and the international community work toward long-term solutions that end the inequality that is at the root cause of the violence.”

Chicago Sun-Times: Congress backs billions in aid for Ukraine, Israel. How did Illinois members vote?

Three members of the Illinois delegation – Chicago Democrats Reps. Delia Ramirez, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Jonathan Jackson – voted against an aid package for Israel.

NBC News: In Chicago, a mayor with activist roots prepares for a potentially volatile Democratic convention

At the same time, when he was asked about overnight encampments like the kinds that impeded operations on college campuses, Johnson wouldn’t commit to clearing them.

DeWitt Daily News: Gov. Pritzker Weighs In on College Campus Protests

Governor JB Pritzker says his staff has been in contact with university presidents around the state and he wants the rights of both sides to be protected.

Bottom Line: While Illinois Republicans stand with Israel, Illinois Democrats stand with terror groups.

CHICAGO — In case you missed it, Brandon Johnson is STILL proving that he is a tool of the Chicago’s Teachers Union. On Friday, all seven members of the Chicago Board of Education announced their resignation in an unprecedented move.

Now, Brandon Johnson will appoint a new board to support his anti-student will – Issue a $300 million loan to fund the progressive demands of the Chicago Teachers Union and fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.

9th Ward Alderman and Democrat Anthony Beale summed it up best: “I’ve never seen in my 25 years in office the level of dysfunction we’re seeing today. I believe he wants to put a new board of friends in who will do everything CTU wants before a new board takes place.”

Let’s be clear – Brandon Johnson is using an unethical power move by giving his largest donors and supporters $300 million of taxpayer dollars. It’s always been about putting the Chicago Teachers Union first and taxpayers last.

CHICAGO — One year ago today, Israel and the Jewish People suffered their worst attack since the Holocaust. On October 7, 2023, thousands of men, women and children were kidnapped, raped or murdered.

ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement saying, “We must never forget the brutal atrocities committed by barbaric terrorists against Israel. One year later, hostages, some American citizens, continue to be held in Gaza. The United States must continue to do everything possible to support our greatest ally in the Middle East. Illinois Republicans continue to stand firmly behind Israel and will continue to fight anti-semitism in our state.”

Anti Semitic incidents in Illinois have reached record highs including assaults, vandalism and harassment. Over the past year, Democrat leaders have criticized, threatened and turned their back on Israel.

Bottom Line: Illinois Republicans stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.

CHICAGO — Following the vice presidential debate, ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement:

“Tonight, Senator JD Vance exposed leftist Tim Walz’s extreme, out-of-touch agenda with our nation and showed the importance of electing President Trump in November. Tim Walz was clear that a Harris-Walz administration is nothing more than a continuation of the disastrous Biden presidency that’s seen a failed economy, open borders, and out of control crime on the rise. Illinois does not need another far-left governor serving as Vice President to help JB Pritzker raise taxes and drive families away from the Prairie State.”

CHICAGO — Wow! With 39 days to go until Election Day, the Illinois Republican Party’s Swamp the Vote efforts continue to energize voters with over 180,000 pledges to vote early this election cycle.

ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement:

“I am thrilled that over 180,000 Republican voters have committed to voting early this election cycle and helping us Swamp the Vote. Illinois Republicans continue to use every tool available to beat the Democrat Machine and urge voters to vote and bring their family and friends to the polls with them. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines.”

CHICAGO — Early voting is now available across the state as the 40 day countdown until Election Day begins. Citizens across the state begin to cast their ballots, ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement:

“Over the next 40 days, the Illinois Republican Party will work tirelessly to turn our state around and inform voters about the Democratic Machine’s failures: higher taxes, out-of-control crime and leaders that care more about themselves and chasing money instead of helping Illinois families. It’s time for a change. We need all Republicans to vote early. Then, help your friends and family find out how to find their polling place or, even better, get an absentee ballot or vote early. We need all Republicans to vote early and swamp the vote.”