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Good Wednesday morning, Illinois. To the nice group of education advocates I met yesterday and signed up for Playbook, welcome to the party. You’re in for a ride today.
TOP TALKER
SCOOP! Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez, a fierce critic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, jumped into the 2023 mayoral race this morning with a tweet: “Chicago: I’m in!”
The Southwest Side alderman is the first candidate to get in — doing so even before Lightfoot has announced her own plans either way.
His entry will make the contest interesting (understatement!). Lopez, who’s led the 15th Ward since 2015, hasn’t been shy about criticizing Lightfoot on how she’s managed crime, balanced the city’s budget and communicated (or not) with council members.
Lopez says criminals have become emboldened since the Chicago Police Department enacted a policy that pulls back on foot pursuits. It was a move enacted after police officers shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez last year.
Lopez, who sometimes aligns with the more conservative side of the council, criticized the expenditures Lightfoot included in her most recent budget, calling it a “$16 billion spending spree” that is “grossly out of balance yet again.”
He sometimes echoes Ald. Ed Burke, another critic of the mayor. It’s created skirmishes with Lightfoot, who has accused Lopez of “carrying the water for Ald. Burke.”
Known for his sharp tongue — some council members call him “Showpez” — Lopez also criticized Lightfoot for not listening enough to council members, saying she’s more comfortable trying to “browbeat them into submission.”
He and the mayor have agreed on a few things, however. They both wanted to keep a police presence in Chicago Public Schools, and they agreed that public school students needed to get back in the classroom earlier this year, in spite of the Chicago Teachers Union’s resistance.
Before politics, Lopez worked for 12 years as a skycap for Southwest Airlines at Midway Airport. He’s active on social media, often tweeting about his husband, his dad and his dogs. And he’s a familiar face in his ward. Lopez walks the streets, shovels snow for seniors, and signs birthday cards for residents since becoming a committeeman a decade ago. He has sometimes confronted gang members and called them and their parents out on Facebook.
Lopez has seen the transformation of the ward as Black residents have migrated out of the city and Latinos have moved in, a point he talked about here.
He is the first openly gay Mexican American to be elected to the City Council and would be facing the first openly gay Black woman elected mayor, if Lightfoot runs for reeelection. (We live in a great city!)
He was a teenager when he got interested in politics, thanks in part to a neighbor, Enrique Munoz, a former member of the Hispanic Democratic Organization. After high school, Lopez became a precinct captain with the 23rd Ward Democrats led by then-Rep. Bill Lipinski. There was a stint in former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office helping with special events before he took the leap to run for office, losing in 2011 before being elected in 2015.
From the beginning, he wasn’t afraid to speak up. Before he was butting heads with Lightfoot, he was known to debate another head-strong mayor: Rahm Emanuel.
BUT BUT BUT…
— Lightfoot will need more campaign cash to overcome negatives, some observers say: “After a first-quarter fundraising frenzy, the mayor has $1.7 million in cash in her primary political account. But veteran political operatives say she may need $15 million to mount a successful defense of her record in a re-election campaign,” by Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman.
— Lightfoot’s big haul: Recent donations to the mayor’s campaign funds: $59,900 from LPAC, a D.C.-based group that supports LGBTQ candidates; $15,000 from the Latino Leadership Council; $12,000 each from Brooke Skinner Ricketts, Spot Hero and Machine Entertainment Group; $6,000 from Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr.; $5,000 from Cinespace Chicago Film Studios; $3,000 each from Ten35 branding company CEO Sherman Wright, and Flying Food Group’s David Cotton; $1,500 from Manny’s restaurant’s Dan Raskin; and $1,000 each from businessman and former governor candidate Chris Kennedy and RM Chin & Associations’ Eileen Chin.
THE BUZZ
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Outside of the governor’s race, there haven’t been any political ads on television in the lead-up to the June 28 primary. That’s about to change.
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is releasing his first TV ads in his bid for Illinois secretary of state. The ads titled Assist and Line Up feature Giannoulias, who played professional basketball in Spain, patiently teaching a group of children the fundamentals of the game. He gives a nod to Barack Obama, with whom he played pick-up basketball during the first presidential campaign.
In the ads, the kids get frustrated during practice, which is a metaphor for the stress the public endures waiting for government services, according to the campaign. Giannoulias speaks in both ads, saying government needs to “step up” so folks don’t have to wait in lines.
They’re cute ads (you can’t go wrong with kids) and a departure from the hit pieces we’ve been seeing in the governor’s race so far.
— Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner has more on the ads
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Former President Donald Trump takes center stage in a $400,000 ad buy supporting Rep. Mary Miller in the Republican contest in the 15th Congressional District.
The ads were paid for by Club for Growth Action, a conservative super PAC. “President Trump needs real allies in Congress. He needs Mary Miller,” according to the TV ad titled Ally. “Trump endorsed Miller because he trusts her to fight for American first ideas. … Miller will never compromise on election integrity. And Miller will fight to stop socialist green energy schemes that are making gas prices soar [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is featured here for effect]. Mary Miller, endorsed by Trump.”
The radio ad echoes the TV spot but with some humor about whether Democrats are listening.
Miller faces Republican Rep. Rodney Davis in the June 28 primary. And while Davis may have an edge in fundraising and infrastructure, he doesn’t have Trump.
Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: [email protected]
WHERE’S JB
At the capitol at 11 a.m. to announce upcoming renovations to the Illinois State Armory.
WHERE’S LORI
At Jackson Park Fieldhouse at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the new Jackson Park Track and Field.
Where’s Toni
No official public events.
LEGISLATION
— Dems offer another anti-crime proposal, this one on carjackings. Pritzker says ‘We are making progress’: “Tuesday’s carjacking proposal came in the form of two measures. One, from Sens. Robert Martwick of Chicago and Michael Hastings of south suburban Frankfort, would allow cooperative groups of law enforcement agencies to target carjackings, with additional support from state grants. The other, from progressive Sens. Robert Peters and Omar Aquino, both of Chicago, would relieve carjacking victims of having to pay red-light camera tickets or towing fees racked up on a vehicle after it’s stolen,” by Tribune’s Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Clare Spaulding.
… State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford recounts chilling details of being carjacked: “My husband told me to run. I was terrified, and I believe that I stopped breathing. I just thought with every step I would be hit with a bullet in my back.” Sun-Times’ Taylor Avery reports.
… House Dems passed series of public-safety bills yesterday and one in the early morning hours of today.
… WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky details the bills
… House Dems’ released a fact sheet
… Responses were along party lines: state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, a Peoria Democrat: “Today we came together to pass a responsible series of proposals that will make our communities safer, support law enforcement, and help crime victims receive the care they deserve. More work remains, but today’s action was an encouraging step.”… Republican Rep. Avery Bourne, who’s a lieutenant governor candidate: “The bills passed today will not change the anti-police, pro-criminal policies created by the so-called ‘SAFE-T Act’; nor will they change the anti-police, pro-criminal culture in Illinois under JB Pritzker.”
— Lawmakers push for legislation addressing funeral and burial expenses for elderly, by CIProud’s Demetrios Sanders
THE STATEWIDES
— Pritzker signs bill giving teachers paid sick leave for COVID-related absences, by State Journal-Register’s Andrew Adams
— In a state renowned for its budget mess, glimmers of a turnaround, by Route Fifty’s Daniel C. Vock
— Pritzker lobbies Biden to help manufacturer of garage door openers stay in business, by Chicago Business Journal’s Wendell Hutson.
— Springfield police officer responsible for posting racist remarks resigns, by State Journal-Register’s Steven Spearie
CHICAGO
— Between a rock and a Hard Rock place? Casino developer hears resident gripes about traffic, crime — and looming ‘millstone’: “Developers of the proposed Hard Rock Chicago casino were met by hundreds of South Loop residents concerned about more traffic, crime and noise in the neighborhood — and the prospect of another massive development next door,” by Sun-Times’ Mitchell Armentrout.
… Hard Rock casino bidders get a grilling: “The pitch that centers on the controversial One Central project was the subject of the first of three community hearings this week, and a NIMBY vibe prevailed,” by Crain’s Justin Laurence.
— Covid cases on the rise, but Arwady says city should ‘be able to evade a very large surge’: “Cases have been on an incline since March 21, but it’s still ‘nothing alarming at this point,’ Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said of the mini-spike that’s being driven by the BA.2 subvariant,” by Sun-Times’ Mitchell Armentrout.
— Dinkel’s Bakery is closing after more than 100 years on the North Side, by Block Club’s Jake Wittich and Kelly Bauer.
— Water Tower Place owner gives up the property, by Sun-Times’ David Roeder.
— Theaster Gates, Prada create incubator to support designers of color, by Sun-Times’ Cheyanne M. Daniels
CAMPAIGN MODE
— OPPO | Richard Irvin’s ex-wife hired by development firm receiving millions in Aurora city incentives: Crystal Rollins “works with a development team that stands to receive up to $15 million in Aurora city incentives, with the potential for millions more… The web of politically-connected companies and individuals involved in the project also includes current Aurora Ald. Ron Woerman” … and Brittany Pedersen, Irvin’s former private practice law partner who’s now running for a Kane County judicial seat, according to WTTW’s Paris Schutz and Nick Blumberg.
— The Chicago Federation of Labor is out with its candidate endorsements for the June 28 primary. The list is noticeable for the Cook County Assessor endorsement. The union is backing Kari Steele, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, over incumbent Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Trade unions are close to the big developers who have been critical of Kaegi’s reforms, arguing he has unfairly shifted the property tax burden onto them. Here’s the full list
— Delia Ramirez has been endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC in her bid for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District. The PAC’s co-chairs are Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, and Jamie Raskin.
— Willie Preston, who’s running for the open 16th District state Senate seat, has been endorsed by Justice Mayor Krzysztof (Kris) Wasowicz. (Current state Sen. Jacqueline Collins is running for Congress.)
THE JUICE
— Congressman Sean Casten has raised more than $784,000 in the first quarter of 2022 in his bid to win the 6th Congressional District. The campaign has more than $2 million cash on hand.
— Nikki Budzinski has raised more than $500,000 in the first quarter and enters the second quarter worth $1 million cash on hand. She’s raised over $1.4 million in her bid for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.
DAY IN COURT
R. Kelly sentencing in N.Y. postponed, but not for the reason his lawyer requested, by Tribune’s Jason Meisner
CORRUPTION CHRONICLES
Portion of grand jury testimony by former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes to be made public in obstruction case: Mapes “has pleaded not guilty to lying to a grand jury investigating sprawling corruption allegations against Madigan, including an alleged scheme by utility giant Commonwealth Edison to bribe Madigan by paying his associates as lobbyists and consultants in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation in Springfield,” by Tribune’s Jason Meisner.
TAKING NAMES
BILLIONAIRE BONANZA | Chicago area gets a greater share in Forbes’ billionaire ranking: Ken Griffin is still No. 1 in the local standings, while insurance investor Patrick Ryan moves to No. 2. Gov. JB Pritzker “checks in at 10th on the list,” by Sun-Times’ David Roeder.
Reader Digest
We asked who you listen to for inspiration in public speaking: House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch “quite often” listens to speeches of the late Georgia lawmaker Maynard Jackson, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Barack Obama … Senate President Don Harmon: “I’m inspired by Obama and Springsteen and hope it comes out as pragmatic as [Sen. Dick] Durbin.”
Rep. Kelly Cassidy: “I remember watching Ann Richards at the ‘88 convention and realizing speeches didn’t have to be boring and stuffy and loving how authentic she was.” … Former state Rep. Kathy Ryg says Sen. Dick Durbin “appropriately shares his indignation and outrage with a powerfully effective demeanor, sometimes even with a smile.” … Political consultant Kevin Lampe likes Obama’s 2004 convention speech because he was on hand for it that night: “I held the backup copy of the script.” (The rousing part of the famous speech starts at 13 minutes.) … Timothy Thomas Jr. likes General George S. Patton’s opening speech to the 3rd Army before the D-Day landings. Movie version here … And Judge James A. Shapiro finds himself listening most recently to Sen. Cory Booker’s “veritable soliloquy” to Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Who do you listen to for inspiration in public speaking? Email [email protected]
THE FIFTY
May governor primaries pose big test for Trump’s control over the GOP: “The former president’s influence on state politics will be on the ballot next month,” by POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro.
DELEGATION
Rep. Rodney Davis doesn’t trade stocks. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to stop other members of Congress who do: “Davis, of Illinois, is the ranking Republican on the Committee on House Administration, which on Thursday will conduct a congressional hearing that will include discussions about whether Congress should ban lawmakers from buying and selling individual stocks,” by Insider’s Kimberly Leonard.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE
— Illinois House approves divestment in Russia over Ukraine war: Lawmakers on Tuesday “unanimously approved legislation to penalize Russia for its war in Ukraine,” via the Associated Press..
— Ukraine says EU road links won’t make up for loss of Black Sea trade, by POLITICO’s Sarah Anne Aarup, Eddy Wax and Hanne Cokelaere
— U.S. struggles to contain a deepening global food crisis, by POLITICO’s Meredith Lee
THE NATIONAL TAKE
— White House to extend student loan moratorium once again, by POLITICO’s Eugene Daniels and Michael Stratford
— Court orders Jan. 6 defense lawyer disbarred, by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney
— Top military leaders split with Biden over nuke cruise missile, by POLITICO’s Connor O’Brien
— DeSantis deploys coveted endorsement to boost his political influence, by POLITICO’s Matt Dixon
TRANSITIONS
Noureen Hashim is now the deputy chief of staff for the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan organzation that focuses on public service, dialogue, and civic engagement. She most recently was deputy chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer.
EVENTS
— Today at 6 p.m.: Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi headlines a virtual town hall to talk about his office. Sponsor is Reform for Illinois. Register here
— May 7: Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch sits down with Ivo Daalder, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former ambassador to NATO. Yovanovitch became a household name when she testified during the Trump impeachment inquiry. The event is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival. Tickets here
TRIVIA
TUESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Mark Palmer, chief counsel to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, and retired Senn High School Principal Rich Norman for correctly answering that Fred Hubbard was the Chicago alderman who vanished for a few months in 1971, only to be arrested in a California betting parlor a week after a special election to fill his seat.
Hat tip to journalist Bill Cameron: “I remember Ald. Leon Despres of Hyde Park would immediately look up to Richard J Daley on the mayor’s rostrum and yell, ‘Ald Hubbard? Where’s Ald Hubbard! Where’s Ald Hubbard!’ It was great City Council theater.”
TODAY’s QUESTION: What popular downstate venue for weddings used to be a garbage dump? Email [email protected]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Former state Rep. JoAnn Osmond, former state Rep. Ed Sullivan, Northfield Township Democratic Committeeperson Tracy Katz Muhl, and civil rights attorney Jeanette Samuels.
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