THE ILLINOIZE: Thursday Free for All...Pritzker for President?...The Democrat congressional sweep...Durkin is out as House GOP Leader
November 10, 2022
Good morning, Illinois.
If you missed our Livestream and Podcast discussion with former Rep. Litesa Wallace and outgoing Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) and Brenden Moore of Lee Enterprises, you can watch the video here or listen to the podcast here.
I’ll have more for paid subscribers tomorrow morning on the most likely replacement for outgoing House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs).
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Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s victory speech spurs presidential speculation (Chicago Tribune)
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker claimed victory Tuesday night over a vanquished Republican Darren Bailey for a second term as Illinois governor, he also presented himself as a possible 2024 candidate for the White House if President Joe Biden opts not to seek a second term.
In a speech unsparing in its attacks on the GOP with contours that went far beyond Illinois’ parochial borders, the billionaire progressive Democrat and Hyatt Hotel heir called himself a “warrior” ready to take on former Republican President Donald Trump and Trump allies in the years ahead.
“Here we are, two years into cleaning up the wreckage of Donald Trump’s presidency, poised to watch this man announce his return to national politics within days,” Pritzker said.
“You know why? Because GOP politicians, with the exception of only a few souls, are too cowardly, too simpering to support the best interests of the nation because they’re afraid of being called insulting nicknames by a whiny bully,” Pritzker said.
But there was little doubt Pritzker’s address was aimed at a national audience as Trump looks to announce a presidential bid as early as next week and Democrats voice concerns about a second candidacy by the 79-year-old president.
The intent of Pritzker’s address was evident when he didn’t mention the name of his opponent, Bailey, a Trump-endorsed state senator from Xenia who mounted a regional and religion-based grassroots candidacy that did little to expand the GOP beyond its base.
But Pritzker mentioned Trump twice, as well as twice using the “MAGA” term that the former Republican president has made his signature slogan for “Make America Great Again.” He also lashed out at the hold Trump has over the GOP that encourages “the spelunkers for misery (who) feed off the dark fears that people harbor in difficult times.”
Related: Four more years! Maybe? Pritzker downplays presidential buzz after soaring speech — but won’t commit to serving full term as gov (Chicago Sun-Times)
How the suburbs fit into J.B. Pritzker's decisive win -- and what's next (president?) (Daily Herald)
How did the abortion issue play out in northern Illinois races? (Shaw Media)
Illinois governor eyes legislative allies after reelection (Associated Press)
Blowout win to give Pritzker more power in Springfield, fuel presidential speculation (Bloomington Pantagraph)
Opinion: Buh-bye, Bailey. Don’t let the door... (Chicago Sun-Times)
Opinion: Illinois Remains a True Blue State (Chicago Magazine)
No red wave here: Democratic congressional candidates won big in the suburbs (Daily Herald)
Despite projections of a red wave that would push Republicans into office in Illinois and across the country, Democrats -- nearly all of them incumbents -- swept all eight suburban congressional seats in Tuesday's election.
And though some of the showdowns occasionally seemed close while votes were being counted, none finished that way. The Associated Press was able to declare winners in the last of the races just after midnight.
The closest congressional race was in the 6th District, where Democratic incumbent Sean Casten of Downers Grove fended off a challenge from Republican Keith Pekau of Orland Park. Although the nationally watched, multimillion-dollar race looked like it was neck and neck for a while, Casten pulled ahead for a sizable victory, with nearly 54% of the vote.
The race for the 11th District seat was closer. Democratic incumbent Bill Foster of Naperville knocked off Republican challenger Catalina Lauf of Woodstock with about 56% of the vote.
Lauf was aggressive on social media, bashing Foster and other Democrats on crime, the economy, immigration and other issues.
But the majority of voters still went for Foster.
"People in the suburbs aren't interested in divisive politics," Foster said Wednesday. "They want a clean environment, good schools for their kids, safe communities and a government that functions."
Related: With new map drawn to favor them, Democrats poised to win 14 of Illinois’ 17 seats in Congress (Chicago Tribune)
In a historic first, Delia Ramirez captures 3rd Congressional District seat (Daily Herald)
Budzinski declares victory over Deering in 13th Congressional District race (State Journal-Register)
After victory, Underwood campaign spokesman blasts Republicans, pundits in profane tweets (Daily Herald)
Esther Joy King concedes to Democrat Eric Sorensen in heated Illinois US House race (Rockford Register Star)
Jim Durkin to step down as Illinois House Republican leader (State Journal-Register)
Following a less than satisfactory Election Night for Illinois Republicans, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin announced on Wednesday that he would not be seeking re-election as leader.
A total of 118 House seats were up for grabs Tuesday with 67 of them being contested. Democrats held a 73-45 supermajority before the polls closed, but were expected to pick up only an additional four seats making for a "disappointed" Durkin and the rest of the state GOP.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as leader of the House Republican caucus, but it's time for the Illinois Republican Party to rebuild with new leaders who can bring independents back to the party that are needed to bring change to the state," Durkin said in a released statement.
"I began this journey as a voice of moderation and conclude this journey the same way I started, a voice of moderation," said Durkin. "To the people of Illinois disappointed with these results, don't give up hope. Tomorrow is a new day."
Related: 'Disappointed with these results': Durkin leaves Illinois House GOP leadership post (Daily Herald)
Syed's defeat of Bos in 51st House District bucked trend of incumbent victories in Northwest suburbs (Daily Herald)
Laura Faver Dias wins state House seat, will resign from Grayslake village board (Daily Herald)
Longtime incumbent Wheeler congratulates Hanson on victory in 83rd state House race (Daily Herald)
Millstadt chiropractor claims win in state House over incumbent Democrat Greenwood (Belleville News-Democrat)
Dems take two open state legislative seats in Lake County; Republican state senator narrowly wins reelection (Daily Herald)
Sen. Michael Hastings in close race; Republican challenger Patrick Sheehan ‘confident’ (Chicago Tribune)
Turner claims victory over Hamilton in 48th Senate District race (State Journal-Register)
Harriss claims win over incumbent Tharp in Illinois State Senate race (Belleville News-Democrat)
SOME TOP LINKS FROM THE WEEK SO FAR
Pritzker Dominates to Win Second Term, Ramps up National Speculation
Durkin Out as GOP House Leader, Republicans Hammered Across the State
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