THE ILLINOIZE: Supreme Court ruling on Trump ballot status...Race hits a downstate legislative race (again)...Your questions...answered!...Campaign finance updates
March 5, 2024
Good morning, Illinois.
It’s two weeks to the primary and there is so much to do. I’ll be running around like a chicken with my head cut off for the next 14 days.
The House and Senate are in at noon. Governor JB Pritzker is in Morton near Peoria at 1pm to announce “Illinois EATS” grant awardees.
Let’s get to it.
SUPREME COURT KEEPS TRUMP ON ILLINOIS BALLOT
The Supreme Court ruling Monday that former President Donald Trump could not be removed from the ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment also applies to a Cook County decision last week, essentially guaranteeing Trump will remain on the Illinois ballot in two weeks.
“The Supreme Court has spoken on constitutional procedure, but its decision does not address or override the clear facts: Donald Trump supported and incited the Jan. 6th attack on the Capitol,” attorney Caryn Lederer, who argued the case in Cook County, said in a statement.
We reached out to Trump’s Illinois attorney Monday to see if they’ve determined if any Illinois rulings will still be necessary, as the challenge did involve some state laws. We have not heard back.
Governor JB Pritzker, meanwhile, a supporter of President Joe Biden and Trump critic, appeared unfazed by the ruling Monday.
“My view is that we will beat him at the ballot box,” Pritzker said at an unrelated event in Champaign Monday. “There’s no reason why, you know, politically, someone should be thrown off the ballot. We’re gonna win here in Illinois and beat Donald Trump. I think it will help Democrats that he’s on the ballot.”
A stay of the Cook County ruling remains in effect, we’re told, so early and mail votes for Trump still count.
HOUSE CANDIDATE ENDORSED BY CONVICTED CROSS BURNER
A conservative southern Illinois House candidate under fire for a “racist” radio ad about migrants legally in the United States was endorsed by a former candidate for Sheriff who was convicted of burning a cross.
Cross burning is considered a symbol of hate, often directed by Ku Klux Klan members at Black residents or homeowners.
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