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Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln | | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy Thursday, Illinois. It’s Lolla! Here’s the schedule
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson takes questions for an hour from reporters in City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. | POLITICO's Shia Kapos | Mayor Brandon Johnson spent an hour in a no-holds-barred Q&A with the Chicago press corps in his City Hall office Wednesday. His overarching message: He’s not going to make shoot-from-the-hip decisions that he’ll be criticized for later. “It’s important that we’re intentional,” Johnson said. “Too many decisions in this city have been rushed decisions.” Here are seven pressing questions posed to him: — What’s the strategy for the migrant crisis? The city is “still pushing the federal government to lean in a little bit more” to provide support, he said, making a point not to criticize the White House as New York Mayor Eric Adams has. “Transitioning individuals out of police stations is still top of mind. Finding more adequate places for shelter for families is top of mind. Having full wraparound services for families who wish to call the city Chicago their home that is still top of mind,” Johnson said. He revealed that the city is also talking to suburban communities about stepping in. “We see some real support on the horizon,” he said. And he set the record straight about whether migrants were moved from a downtown police station because of Lollapalooza. They weren't, he said. “We are transitioning people into shelters. We do not want people living in police stations.” — What about that weekend teen takeover? It was a question about the 40 teens arrested over the weekend for trashing a convenience store in what the reporter called a “mob action.” The mayor pushed back, saying it’s “not appropriate” to describe children as “baby Al Capones.” He added that police have deterred potential teen takeovers, in spite of the weekend action. “Unfortunately, arrests were made. Unfortunately, some damage was caused. And the level of sensitivity and patience that our officers expressed, I’m appreciative of that. That is constitutional. That is a system of care,” Johnson said. “Having patience is truly a virtue.” — Has he decided on a new police chief? “We’re going through the process now," the mayor said. "We are setting the time to take a very thorough, deliberate, detailed approach to how we make this final decision.” — Was NASCAR in Chicago worth it? “We need to see more. And in all fairness, it was a tough weekend for NASCAR,” Johnson said, referring to the torrential weather that weekend. “So, we're going to continue to assess and analyze.” — What about the so-called “mansion tax” and whether he’s willing to exceed the $1 million threshold for real-estate transfers, he said. “I'm very hopeful that industry and advocates will collaborate collectively.” — Why didn’t he attend the National Night Out, organized by the Fraternal Order of Police? “I’m in the community every day,” not just one set aside for that, he said. ABC 7’s Craig Wall has more — And da Bears? Johnson said he hasn’t yet proposed a specific Chicago site for a new stadium. Take a breath, he said: “This city has become accustomed to these types of decisions being made in a moment’s notice. I’m a different mayor, you all. I am. I’m gonna take my time because getting this right is important.” Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman has more on talks with the Bears.
| | THE BUZZ | | GOP DOLDRUMS: The Illinois Republican Party isn't the only state party feeling challenged. “Michigan’s Republican party is broke. Minnesota’s was, until recently, down to $53.81 in the bank. And in Colorado, the GOP is facing eviction from its office this month because it can’t make rent,” according to POLITICO’s politics team. Those states are especially important because they're battleground states. In Illinois, where Democrats control all the top-tier elected seats, the GOP is plagued by intraparty tensions as the right-wing arm of the party has tried to take control of the current leadership. Making it worse: The party has also lost some of its major donors to Florida, including former Gov. Bruce Rauner and billionaire Ken Griffin. That’s put the Illinois GOP in a financial bind, forcing it to get creative in attracting big donors. Earlier this month, for example, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, headlined a fundraiser for the Illinois GOP. If you are Bears CEO Kevin Warren, Playbook would like to hear from you. Off the record OK, too. Email skapos@politico.com.
| | WHERE'S JB | | At Southgate Market in Chicago at 10 a.m. to call for new rail infrastructure investments — At Habilitative Systems at 1 p.m. to sign Whole Child, Black Caucus Pillar legislation.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | At Southgate Market at 10 a.m.
| | Where's Toni | | At the Wampum Lake Forest Preserve at 9 a.m. for the graduation of 75 high school students of the Forest Preserve Experience program. If you’ve recovered from indictments news, send me a line: skapos@politico.com
| | | | A NEW PODCAST FROM POLITICO: Our new POLITICO Tech podcast is your daily download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy around the world. From AI and the metaverse to disinformation and cybersecurity, POLITICO Tech explores how today’s technology is shaping our world — and driving the policy decisions, innovations and industries that will matter tomorrow. SUBSCRIBE AND START LISTENING TODAY. | | | | | | | THE STATEWIDES | | — More than 47,000 Illinois residents lose Medicaid as the state begins asking recipients to prove eligibility: People lost Medicaid during this first round of redeterminations, after three years of not having to prove eligibility. Those who lost Medicaid “may be able to get insurance through their employers or the Affordable Care Act marketplace, though others may end up without coverage, if they don’t take action,” Tribune’s Lisa Schencker reports. — OPINION: Illinois is the most progressive state: It’s “because it’s a Midwestern state,” writes Chicago magazine’s Edward Robert McClelland. — POT POURRI: Gov. JB Pritzker will keynote at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on Sept. 28 in Chicago. Details here
| | CHICAGO | | — Federal report details a patient’s death at understaffed Loretto Hospital as workers strike: “Hospital union workers are seeking better pay and more staff. The report details how a patient died after being left alone in the emergency room,” by WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch. — More Pilsen residents are filing — and winning — property tax assessment appeals, officials say, by Block Club’s Madison Savedra
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Wilmette village trustees are set to formally signal their opposition to Northwestern University mega-project plans, by Patch’s Jonah Meadows — A Latino player says his Northwestern teammates hazed him by shaving ‘Cinco de Mayo’ onto his head, by The Associated Press’ Claire Savage. — Oak Park leaders move to pursue renovation rather than demolition of historic Village Hall, by Tribune’s Ilana Arougheti
| | TAKING NAMES | | — Jennifer Pritzker, a political donor veteran who’s been vocal against the transgender military ban, is among those named to the Chicago LGBT Hall Of Fame, by Block Club’s Jake Wittich.
| | SPOTTED | | — Party in the city: At Congresswoman Robin Kelly's annual LGBTQ fundraiser at Sidetracks on Halsted last night, the special guest was Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Jacky Couture of the Baton Show performed. Spotted: former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Clerk of the Cook County Court Iris Martinez, Ald. Bennett Lawson, Ald. Lamont Robinson, former Ald. Tom Tunney, state Sen. Natalie Toro, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, Illinois Appellate Court Justice Cynthia Y. Cobbs, the AMA’s Justin DeJong, Retirement Plan Advisors’ Josh Schwartz, Brave Space Alliance’s Channyn Lynne Parker, Haymarket Center’s Dan Lusting and Miss Foozie. — Rally in the burbs: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi held a rally in Elk Grove Village on Tuesday along with local Democratic organizations, Equality Illinois and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action to protest bills passed in the GOP-led Congress that restrict abortion access and ban pride flags at the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Taking the stage: State Sen. Laura Murphy, state Reps. Mary Beth Canty, Michelle Mussman and Mark Walker, DuPage Democratic Chair Ken Meija Beal, Cook County Commissioners Maggie Trevor and Kevin Morrison (the county board’s first openly lesbian and gay commissioners, respectively) and MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis (the county’s first black, transgender individual to serve in an elected office).
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked what you think about Republicans giving to Dems, and vice versa. James Cappleman: “Whenever something doesn't make sense, politics is involved. So, I can understand Republican donors wanting a Democrat (one who could easily be beaten) to win a primary to ultimately lose against their Republican candidate, and vice-versa.” Robert Christie: “If they are doing it because they genuinely respect and support each other that is noble and good, but if they are doing it to support a weaker candidate against an opponent of their party, that cheapens the political process and adds to distrust of politicians.” Lucas Hawley: “The people's votes and donations are always up in the air, and it is up to candidates to convince them they should have theirs, it is not their automatic privilege.” Jane Jerrard: “While donating across party lines is legal and valid, like other aspects of election spending, it has gotten out of hand. I’d like to see how strong campaign finance reform would reshape how voters, PACs and candidates approach elections.” Dave Kimsey: “The more we are able to move from blind support of party labels and back toward supporting individuals based on their own knowledge, abilities and potential, the better.” Andy Shaw: “Donors should contribute to the candidates of their choice regardless of party affiliation.” Judith Weinstein: “It’s great when Dems and Republicans cross party lines to donate. It can keep sane Republicans in races and gets you on mailings to see what crazy mailings their constituents are getting. Important to know this stuff.” What makes a good police chief in any town? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Trump’s court hearing today is just steps from the Capitol his supporters stormed, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney — Trump’s indictment for Jan. 6 turns Mike Pence into a litmus test, by POLITICO’s Adam Wren, Sally Goldenberg and Natalie Allison — Biden world eyes Cornel West and No Labels as potential obstacles for his reelection campaign, by POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein and Jonathan Lemire — Ron DeSantis agrees to debate Gavin Newsom on Fox News, by POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Victor Parra, longtime host of ‘Mambo Express’ radio show, shared passion for Afro-Cuban jazz with thousands, by Sun-Times’ Mitch Dudek.
| | EVENTS | | — Today at noon: Woods Fund Chicago President Michelle Morales joins the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation about efforts to help Chicago communities “advance racial and educational justice.” Free but registration required.
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Senate President Don Harmon and PR pro Gene Reineke for correctly answering that Bob Newhart’s character, Dr. Robert Hartley, on “The Bob Newhart Show” called 5901 N. Sheridan Road home. TODAY’s QUESTION: The recent movie uses poetic incense by having Robert Oppenheimer consult with Albert Einstein about calculations for the atom bomb. Who did Oppenheimer really consult with? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette Meehan, former state Rep. Tom Demmer, EPA regional administrator Debra Shore, former Sen. Roland Burris, Flossmoor trustee Gyata Kimmons, former aide to Bruce Rauner and political commentator Matthew Foldi, Allies for Community Business CEO Brad McConnell, Conagra chief comms officer Jon Harris, Tribune reporter Gregory Royal Pratt and podcaster and former Slate CEO Jacob Weisberg. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |  |
