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Shia Kapos' must-read rundown of political news in the Land of Lincoln | | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. Looks like we made it.
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Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy tells Republicans at the State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, “If we are to win again in Illinois, we have got to win back the suburbs.” | POLITICO's Shia Kapos | SPRINGFIELD — At the Illinois GOP's day at the State Fair on Thursday, Republicans showed unity in spite of their differences and revealed a campaign strategy for 2024 that they hope will put them in the win column. Trump factor: Party leaders sidestepped questions about former President Donald Trump, but spoke up about abortion. The party also hammered on the need to vote by mail and take part in early voting. What they didn't talk about: On stage, party leaders didn't address Trump or the legal battles he's facing. Nor did they mention any of the other Republican presidential candidates, for that matter. Tiptoeing around Trump: “Politics is about the future, not about the past,” said Congressman Darin LaHood said on stage. Pressed about Trump by reporters, LaHood said, “As a former federal prosecutor, I believe in the rule of law but, I don’t believe in the unequal application of the law, and that’s what I think has happened."
|  Congressman Darin LaHood speaks to reporters at Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. | POLITICO's Shia Kapos | The big pivot: Other GOP leaders changed the subject and pointed to the trial in Chicago of former Springfield Democratic aides. Or they redirected questions to focus on President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and his legal quandaries. Even opponents were quiet: Republican National Committee member Richard Porter, one of the few Illinois Republican leaders to speak out against Trump, avoided talking about the former president during his public remarks. He didn’t speak up about Ron DeSantis, whom he supports, either. RINO attacks: In his remarks, Porter urged Republican leaders not to take offense at being called a RINO — or Republican In Name Only. “Everybody’s got to have thick skin to be in this game. If someone calls you a RINO, call them up. Grab a cup of coffee,” he said. Maybe with that in mind, Porter later strode up to conservative congressional candidate Darren Bailey, who likes to criticize RINOs, and they shook hands. Bailey isn’t an elected official so he didn’t take the stage and instead worked the crowd. Capitol comments: House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said, “Why is it all about Donald Trump?” when asked about the Trump factor in 2024. And State Senate GOP leader John Curran added: “Illinois has been out of balance, and that is really where we want to drive the conversation. So whether it’s Donald Trump or any other national issue, it is really the state issues that we want to drive the message.” Still, Trump’s presence hung over the crowd: Dozens of MAGA hats shielded the sun, and many attendees carried Trump placards under their arms. And your Playbook host did catch sight of a DeSantis baseball hat. Rethinking tactics on abortion: “We Republicans must put Democrats on the defensive on abortion,” said Republican National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte, pointing to the successes Biden’s party had in galvanizing support over the end of Roe v. Wade. “Why change a winning strategy? We are the ones that must change,” she said at the breakfast. Pushing back at Dems: DeMonte and other party leaders accused Democrats of scaring voters into thinking Republicans will end abortion in Illinois, knowing that can’t be done because reproductive rights are codified. Suburban spell: “If we’re going to win again in Illinois, we have got to make more of a dent in Chicago — And we’ve got to win back the suburbs,” GOP Party Chair Don Tracy said. “So we’re focusing on that this year.” GOOD TAKES — By ABC 7’s Craig Wall — By Tribune’s take by Rick Pearson and Jeremy Gorner — ‘Trump fever needs to be broken,’ says rare Republican willing to take on former president, by Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet | | THE BUZZ | | DEEP DIVE | Too many vacant lots, not enough housing: “Vacancy becomes a disease, and it’s contagious,” said Bridget Gainer, a Cook County Commissioner and chair of the Cook County Land Bank Authority. The land bank has helped put around 865 vacant lots and more than 1,100 abandoned buildings back on tax rolls since it formed in 2013, a goal pursued by other cities. “The whole idea of panic peddling, of contract sales, of demolition, of water bills — that’s literally the history of parts of Chicago, in all its tragic relief,” said Gainer. Wall Street Journal’s Joe Barrett reports.
| | WHERE'S JB | | At Venice Park District at 10 a.m. to sign legislation addressing food deserts across Illinois.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events. Before you head out to the Air and Water Show, send me a line at skapos@politico.com
| | | | Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here. | | | | | | | 2024 WATCH | | — Congressman Danny Davis has been endorsed by popular retired Secretary of State Jesse White. It’s early for Davis to announce such an endorsement, but 2024 won’t be like any other race for Davis. He will likely face City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who has yet to make an official announcement that she’ll run, and activist Kina Collins, who has twice run against Davis, coming within 7 points in 2022.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Illinois hits record jobs level, finally passes pre-pandemic peak: “The record comes almost a year after the nation passed its pre-pandemic total last September. But gleeful officials in Gov. JB Pritzker's administration trumpeted the news, saying it proves Illinois is on the right path,” by Crain’s Greg Hinz. — Downstate judge dismisses former AG candidate Thomas DeVore’s challenges to gun ban, by Tribune’s Dan Petrella — Convicted felons can apply for nongaming hospitality jobs at Illinois casinos under new law, by Tribune’s Robert Channick — Starting next year, child influencers can sue if earnings aren't set aside, says new Illinois law, by Associated Press’ Claire Savage — State Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet, a Democrat from Chicago, has introduced legislation to designate July 25 as Emmet Till Day in Illinois.
| | CHICAGO | | — Mayoral allies nearing compromise on plan to raise tax on higher-end home sales, but office building owners still not buying in: “The compromise that Chicago voters will be asked to approve in a binding referendum in March is the one that now former Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara floated last month. The changes are expected to reduce the annual revenue by $20 million — from $160 million to $140 million,” by Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman. — As he nears 100 days in office, Johnson says it will take time ‘to right this ship in its entirety,’ by Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman — NEW TODAY | Citi VP, wealth adviser in Chicago accused of steering older clients into money-losing film projects, by David Jackson for Injustice Watch — Safety concerns grow as Friday Morning Swim Club gains popularity, by Sun-Times’ Katie Anthony — A Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Chicago Is Listed for Just $75K, by Arielle Tschinkel for Apartment Therapy
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Northwestern floats modifications to stadium project: “In a message Thursday night, school President Michael Schill said the university is willing to dial back the number of summer concerts at the new Ryan Field to six from 10,” by Crain’s Brandon Dupré. — Fired Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald to volunteer for defending prep state champion Loyola Academy, by Pioneer Press’ Daniel I. Dorfman — Glendale Heights board asks village president to resign in wake of criminal charges: Chodri Ma Khokharis facing criminal charges accusing him of filing false police reports, by Daily Herald’s Susan Sarkauskas
| | | TAKING NAMES | | | — Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan and former Chicago mayor, opens up about life as a diplomat and Japan’s relationship with the United States and China. It’s interesting and entertaining in a Rahm-Emanuel-sort-of-way. Asked about his personality, Emanuel acknowledges, “I’m quick to judgment, that’s both good and probably more times bad. It comes off as imperious at times.” Full interview on the Freakonomics' podcast. — Victor Shi is Joe Biden’s Gen Z hype man: The Illinois native “argues that young people are actually fired up about the president, despite what the polls might indicate. His verve and bravado are held up as proof that Biden’s age does not mean there is a lack of voter enthusiasm for him,” via POLITICO’s West Wing Playbook. — Chance the Rapper exhibit showcases psychedelic journey, 10-year anniversary of ‘Acid Rap’, by Sun-Times’ Jacquelyne Germain
| | CORRUPTION CHRONICLES | | — Feds pile on more secret recordings allegedly showing ex-top aide to Madigan lied to grand jury. ‘Will you be wearing your big boy pants?’ Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel reports
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S TECH & AI SUMMIT: America’s ability to lead and champion emerging innovations in technology like generative AI will shape our industries, manufacturing base and future economy. Do we have the right policies in place to secure that future? How will the U.S. retain its status as the global tech leader? Join POLITICO on Sept. 27 for our Tech & AI Summit to hear what the public and private sectors need to do to sharpen our competitive edge amidst rising global competitors and rapidly evolving disruptive technologies. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked about your weekend-before-school traditions: Matthew Beaudet: “A scenic drive.” Lissa Druss: “School starts Monday??? I guess we should go buy what you need.” Ed Mazur: “A16-inch softball game, of course.” What’s one of your qualities you hope your grandchildren inherit? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Biden’s reelection threatened by poor marks on the economy from voters of color, by POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker — Trump seeks trial on election interference charges in 2026, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney — Why San Francisco is make or break for Gavin Newsom, by POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago and Melanie Mason — Electric cars face ‘punitive’ fees, new restrictions in many states, by POLITICO’s Mike Lee and Adam Aton
| | Transitions | | — Corey McPherrin, newsman who chose Chicago over network TV, retires today, by Sun-Times’ Stefano Esposito — Bethany Martinez is chief talent and administrative officer at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. She was regional talent leader and associate director at EY. — Lisa Kluck Pilotto is chief recruiting officer at Polsinelli. She was director of strategic lateral growth at Eversheds Sutherland.
| | | IN MEMORIAM | | | — James "Jim" S. Montana, who worked in the public and private sectors and was a donor to the recently renovated Governor's Mansion, has died. He was 79. Details here — William Laurino, a longtime Illinois legislator and delegate to the sixth Constitutional Convention, has died. He was 82. Details here
| | EVENTS | | — Aug. 24: Northwestern Professor Mary Pattillo to headline the Ida B. Wells Legacy Committee event. Details here — Aug. 24: Michigan Speaker of the House Joe Tate to headline Illinois House Dems’ Blue Wave Fest. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Gene Daly for correctly answering that in 1945, the City of Chicago proposed that the area now known as Northerly Island be the headquarters for the United Nations. Chicago lost the bid. Instead the area became Meigs Field before it was torn up. TODAY’s QUESTION: Where do many of the baby chicks born at the Museum of Science and Industry go? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Political and nonprofit consultant Kevin Conlon, University of Chicago prof Austan Goolsbee, Lieutenant Governor’s Office senior manager for strategic engagements Nick Davis and former government affairs director Scott Cisek. Saturday: Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts, former state Rep. Monique Davis, Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s political director Ben Head, Cook County Board Deputy Chief of Staff for Comms Nick Shields, Fifth Third Bank senior VP Bernard Bartilad, Overture VC’s Shomik Dutta, Lieutenant Governor’s special assistant Lian Nicholson and government affairs consultant Anamary Torres. Sunday: Congressman Brad Schneider, White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt, Rise Strategy Group CEO and partner Tarrah Cooper Wright, Obama USA leader Dessa Gypalo, PSP Partners external affairs SVP Jim Hock, ACLU deputy federal policy director Pat Collier IV, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism program coordinator Lindsay Shaw, Higher Glyphs Content Group CEO Shannon Travis and WTTW reporter Heather Cherone. -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 | | | | |  |
