Tag: Kennedy

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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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Illinois Should Be Asking Chris Kennedy A Simple Question

Chris Kennedy has yet to respond to reports of his corrupt, insider dealings

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy is traveling Illinois claiming he is some sort of reformer – but a new Chicago Tribune investigative report details Kennedy’s troubled past as a corporate insider who used family connections to rake in millions, while leaving others to pay for his mistakes.

The Chicago Tribune report sheds light on a botched no-bid contract Kennedy scored in Cleveland through “a longtime family friend.” The plan was to build “a convention center and Medical Mart in Cleveland” which required an unpopular and controversial sales tax to pay for it.

Kennedy told Cleveland residents the convention center would be a “Disney World for doctors” – instead, it turned into a massive failure.

The Chicago Tribune explains, “the project was plagued by accusations of insider dealings, secrecy and failed promises. Kennedy’s company made millions of dollars, while residents are stuck paying more on items they purchase.”

“…the building sits eerily empty most days — the glassy high-tech showrooms of its few tenants unstaffed and deserted.”

Chris Kennedy’s company walked away with millions, shortchanging Cleveland by $20 million while raising sales taxes on hardworking families to pay for his false promises.

So Chris, is this your plan for Illinois? Shortchanging the taxpayers with your empty promises and corrupt dealings?

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Pritzker and Kennedy Continue to Dodge on Releasing Their Tax Returns

Tuesday’s forum highlighted growing pressure on Pritzker and Kennedy to honor their word, release tax returns

Tuesday’s Democrat gubernatorial forum at Aurora University raised questions for the two candidates who have yet to release their tax returns, J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy, drawing criticism from fellow Democrats.

Both Pritzker and Kennedy pledged to release five-year’s worth of tax returns six months ago, though neither has followed through yet. Daniel Biss set up a counter on his campaign website to mark the days since the candidates made the pledge to release their tax returns, as well as lambasting them publicly for avoiding the subject.

The candidates provided no details on a timetable for releasing their taxes other than saying they will be released “soon,” the same answer each has been telling the media for months.

While the Democrats debate who comes from a wealthier family and dodge on releasing their tax returns, they continue to prove that the Democratic gubernatorial primary is a race to the bottom.


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Democrats Opposed Education Program Benefitting Illinois’ Neediest Kids

The first-ever scholarship tax credit program will help families provide a better education for their children

With the landmark education funding legislation that Governor Rauner signed into law, Illinois has its first-ever scholarship tax credit program to help children receive a better education, in addition to the highest level of public education funding ever.

The scholarship program is specifically designed to help Illinois’ neediest children. Only students whose families earn less than 300% of the poverty level are elligible for the scholarships. Programs such as this have been praised by education advocates as empowering for low-income children.

The Democrats running for governor, however, all opposed the scholarship program. And the candidates spoke out in opposition to the compromise bill that passed the legislature and was signed by Governor Rauner.

J.B. Pritzker promised to do away with this program, taking away school choice from the thousands of low-income children it is designed to help. He continues to tout his opposition as well as his running mate’s ‘no’ vote on the compromise.

Chris Kennedy and Ameya Pawar also oppose providing low-income children with the opportunity to choose what educational opportunities are best for them. According to them, providing Illinois’ neediest families with the ability to choose the best education for their children is “wrong.”

State Sen. Daniel Biss not only voiced his opposition, but cast his vote against the compromise bill. Biss called it “absurd” to include a program that directly benefits needy communities in the state.

Time after time, the Democrat gubernatorial candidates have shown that they do not stand on the side of the people. Their united opposition to historic reform is a clear example that their policies are wrong for our children and wrong for Illinois.

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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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Illegal Hiring Making a Comeback: Former U.S. Rep. Phil Hare Endorses Chris Kennedy

Hare thinking Kennedy will dole out government jobs just like Pat Quinn did

“After witnessing Chris Kennedy’s pathetic attempts to court Mike Madigan, Phil Hare must be thinking Kennedy would dole out illegal patronage jobs just like Pat Quinn did. Since he’s failed at running as a political insider, Kennedy is now running as a phony reformer.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Illegal political hiring may be making a comeback after former Congressman Phil Hare endorsed Chris Kennedy’s campaign for governor this past weekend.

After witnessing Kennedy’s pathetic attempts to court Illinois patronage king Mike Madigan (here, here, and here), Hare must be thinking that Kennedy would dole out illegal government jobs for him just like Pat Quinn did.

When Hare lost his congressional campaign in 2010, Pat Quinn took care of him. According to an Office of the Executive Inspector General report on Quinn’s IDOT patronage scandal, IDOT “absorbed” several former staffers from Phil Hare’s Congressional office who were put out of work by Hare’s loss.

News reports said the illegal hirings at IDOT spiked significantly under Quinn and Quinn’s former IDOT secretary even said the “vast majority” of people hired illegally were recommended by Quinn’s office.

It didn’t end there. Quinn’s administration even hired Hare’s son – whose only previous management experience was as assistant manager at a video store – as an assistant warden for the Illinois Department of Corrections. A separate OEIG investigation found that Hare’s son was not qualified for the position.

In Phil Hare’s eyes, Chris Kennedy would run state government like a Chicago political machine.

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Coming Soon! Orange is the New Blago: Illinois’ Tragic New Sitcom

Critics are raving about the newest farce from the Democratic Party of Illinois

This fall’s hottest new series is just around the corner! Orange is the New Blago follows a misfit band of politicians all vying to outdo one another and win the affections of Mike Madigan, head of the yard.

With the return of star-turned-felon Rod Blagojevich, the series is shedding new light on what it takes to survive in the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Featuring old and new faces, Orange is the New Blago resonates with everyone (unless you believe in real reform and responsible government). From Blago Bankroller J.B. Pritzker to Machine Boss Mike Madigan, the series takes a firsthand look at the prison yard mentality it takes to make it in the dog eat dog world of Chicago politics.

Coming March 2018 to a ballot box near you.

And don’t forget the popcorn.

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Democrats Travel to Springfield to Celebrate “Madigan Day” at the Illinois State Fair

Dem candidates for governor line up to showcase their loyalty to Madigan and kiss his ring

“Illinois Democrats are kidding themselves – today is really Madigan Day at the Illinois State Fair. Democrat candidates for governor have nothing to celebrate about Madigan’s record-setting, disastrous reign of terror over Illinois, but that doesn’t stop them from traveling to Springfield to showcase their loyalty and kiss his ring.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

After Speaker Mike Madigan landed the title of “longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history,” Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair is no longer known as Democrat Day – it’s Madigan Day.

At the helm of the Democratic Party of Illinois since 1998, Madigan has used his Chicago machine to accumulate wealth for himself and his cronies, consolidate political power, hike taxes, and squash reform, all to the detriment of Illinois families and taxpayers.

Now Democrat candidates for governor have made the journey from Chicago to Springfield to showcase their loyalty and kiss Madigan’s ring. With loyalists like these, it’s no surprise Madigan wants an ally in the Governor’s Mansion:

J.B. Pritzker

J.B. Pritzker and Mike Madigan have embraced one another from the start. Madigan and the rest of the Chicago Democratic machine have been “steering unions, interest groups, or politicians” to back Pritzker in exchange for assurances that J.B. falls in line. When his campaign was asked how Pritzker would address the heavy handed tenure of Madigan, they mentioned that Illinois Democrats need to improve, but conveniently left out their good buddy Mike Madigan. Behind closed doors, Pritzker voiced his support for Madigan’s tax hike plan: to raise taxes even higher than Madigan’s recent 32% tax hike.

Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy has made no bones about his support for Mike Madigan’s agenda. Kennedy thinks reforms to state government are “bullsh*t” and has backed Madigan’s 32% tax tax hike. When asked if Madigan should be reelected as Speaker, Kennedy was at a loss for words. Madigan loves Chris Kennedy’s loyalty so much, he thinks Kennedy is an “excellent candidate” and “a very good candidate for governor.”

Daniel Biss

Daniel Biss talks a good game about taking on the “money and the machine,” but he has a record of working for both. Biss ran a Super PAC that one Illinois Democrat operative called a “Madigan joint“. That Super PAC took boatloads of cash from Madigan, special interests, and insiders like Pritzker and Kennedy. During his short tenure in the House, Biss made Madigan Speaker for another term and voted for Madigan’s rigged legislative maps. Later in the Senate, Biss voted for Madigan’s wildly unbalanced budget and 32% tax hike.

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Kennedy Proposes “a basket of taxes”

On Top of Mike Madigan’s 32% Permanent Income Tax Hike

For Chris Kennedy, Mike Madigan’s 32% permanent income tax hike is only the beginning.

Just this weekend, Kennedy was quoted in the Journal Standard proposing a “basket of taxes”.

And just days ago, a bumbling Kennedy told the 40th Ward Democrats that “we need to broaden” the income tax.

Watch here.

Kennedy’s tax-hiking remarks all come after Madigan’s 32% income tax hike became law.

It’s clear that Chris Kennedy is just another Madigan Democrat who will take even more of your hard-earned money.

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