THE ILLINOIZE: Should GOP campaigns use Madigan as an issue?

October 8, 2024

Good morning, Illinois.

Four weeks until election day.

Obviously, there are some interesting legislative races, but with the lack of (mostly) competitive congressional races and no statewide races on the ballot, it feels a little quiet out there. What’s happening in your neck of the woods? Drop me a note at patrick@theillinoize.com.

Governor Pritzker is in Japan on a trade mission.

Let’s get to it.

GOP INSIDERS SPLIT ON MADIGAN MESSAGE

As jury selection begins today in the corruption trial of longtime former House Speaker Michael Madigan, it isn’t yet clear if Republican campaigns will return to one of their favorite messaging villains for the final four weeks of the fall campaign.

Numerous GOP insiders are split on the idea of rehashing Madigan, who has been out of office for nearly four years, in front of voters again.