A new Southern Illinois University poll finds J.B. Pritzker (D) leading Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) in a possible gubernatorial race, 50% to 35%.
In another possible match up, Daniel Biss (D) leads Rauner, 48% to 34%.
In the Democratic primary, Pritzker leads Biss, 31% to 21%, with Chris Kennedy at 17%.
“In an awkward onstage appearance this week, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) drank a glass of chocolate milk to demonstrate his belief in diversity,” the Chicago Tribune reports.
Said Rauner: “It’s really, really good. Diversity!”
Chicago Tribune: “The latest $7 million Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker (D) gave to his campaign puts him at more than $56 million for the primary, surpassing the $50 million ‘first installment’ Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) pumped into his re-election bid in late 2016.”
Newly released FBI wiretaps captured Illinois governor candidate J.B. Pritzker (D) telling then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) that a state lawmaker was the “least offensive” African American he could appoint to a U.S. Senate seat, the AP reports.
Politico: “But Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives, whose campaign produced the ad in her primary election challenge to Gov. Bruce Rauner, is refusing to pull the spot, saying it exposes Rauner’s ‘betrayal’ of GOP voters. The new ad mockingly thanks the governor for clearing a path in support of a series of social issues. Then it taps just about every conservative bogeyman in Illinois politics, and every lightning-rod cultural issue.”
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is officially running for a second term, Politico reports.
Said Rauner: “We can throw in the towel, walk away and leave our future to the same corrupt career politicians. Or we can fight. I choose to fight.”
“In a move designed to lure Bernie Sanders voters in a competitive Democratic governor’s primary, a top-tier candidate, Daniel Biss, chose a far-left running mate who was a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America,” reports.
“Less than a week later, Biss dropped Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa from his ticket, amid criticism over Rosa’s position on Israel. Biss, a state senator from suburban Evanston, made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the two could not reconcile Rosa’s support for BDS, or the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, with regard to Israel.”
“My wife thinks I am nuts. We’ve never been in politics before, and she says, ‘Bruce, I have never seen you so happy in your life, what is wrong with you?'”
— Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R), quoted by the Chicago Tribune.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) “is dumping $50 million into his 2018 race for reelection, an infusion of cash that’s an indication he’s prepared to spend big bucks to win a second term,” Politico reports.
“The investment could be designed to scare off a prospective bid by Democratic venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire who is seen as a potential opponent.”
“In three major states with a governor’s mansion up for grabs in 2018, a big-name, politically active billionaire or multimillionaire is taking steps toward a run — donors looking to take matters into their own hands after 2016’s gutting losses,” Politico reports.
“In Florida, it’s John Morgan, a wealthy attorney who has long been one of the Democratic Party’s biggest swing-state fundraisers. In Illinois, it’s J.B. Pritzker, the businessman and philanthropist with a history of pumping cash and Chicago political support toward Hillary Clinton. And in California, it’s Tom Steyer, the hedge fund manager-turned climate activist who used the 2014 and 2016 election cycles to become one of the left’s single biggest donors, to the tune of over $140 million. And more may be on the way.”
“It’s an unexpected development that stands to inject new life into the Democratic Party — but it also exposes the lack of clear pipeline for young, rising Democrats after a series of losses, at a time when they are down to just 18 governors across the country, from 29 just eight years ago.”
Chris Kennedy (D), son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, is interviewing potential pollsters and consultants as he moves toward a possible 2018 gubernatorial run in Illinois, Politico reports.
“Top Illinois Democrats who have met with Kennedy say they would welcome his candidacy but were not sure if he’ll actually make the run, given his flirtations with higher office in the past.”
Incoming Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) campaigned as a reformer of the state’s often corrupt politics, Reuters reports.
“But watchdog groups say activities surrounding his inauguration Monday are among the priciest of any incoming governor and take advantage of a loophole in campaign finance that allows wealthy special interests to gain access to those who hold political power. These groups say Rauner’s inauguration festival — with a total tab estimated to reach $10 million — is emblematic of a trend in other states. The costly celebrations, funded by private donors, skirt ethics laws and open conflicts of interest for elected officials, the critics say.”
Illinois Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner (R) named 25 people to his transition team, including former Obama White House chief of staff Bill Daley (D), who started a run for governor and quickly dropped out in 2013, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire, one of the earliest and most influential political web sites. He also runs Political Job Hunt, Electoral Vote Map and the Political Dictionary.
Goddard spent more than a decade as managing director and chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City. Previously, he was a policy adviser to a U.S. Senator and Governor.
Goddard is also co-author of You Won - Now What? (Scribner, 1998), a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians from both parties. In addition, Goddard's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country.
Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University. He lives in New York with his wife and three sons.
Goddard is the owner of Goddard Media LLC.
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