Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (10/7)

October 7, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

As Madigan corruption trial kicks off, focus will be on those three taboo words: quid pro quo

“The recording cuts to the heart of one of the key issues in Madigan’s highly anticipated racketeering trial, which gets underway this week at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse: Did Madigan know ahead of time that private benefits for himself or his friends were being exchanged for official acts?” by the Chicago Tribune.

McLaughlin working to hold on to swing district seat against formidable challenger Peterson   

“The Chicago suburbs have continued to trend toward Democrats in recent elections and now the pressure is falling in on Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) to hold on to his seat and win a third term representing the northwest suburbs. McLaughlin faces a challenging test, however, from Barrington resident Maria Peterson who is hoping to capitalize on a strong performance in a state senate race in 2022 and force out another suburban House Republican,” by The Daily Line.

 

CHICAGO

Johnson announces school board appointments 

Mayor Brandon Johnson held a heated press conference today to announce his new replacements to the Chicago Board of Education following the resignation of the entire board last week.

The six candidates are Olga Bautista, a Southeast Side environmental activist; Michilla Blaise, a longtime political consultant and current chief of staff for Cook County commissioner Frank Aguilar; West Side activist Mary Gardner; Rev. Mitchell Johnson; Debby Pope, Chicago Teachers Union staffer; and Frank Thomas. He initially planned to announce seven new appointments.

A total of 41 alders signed a letter over the weekend voicing concerns over instability to the school district and calling for hearings before Johnson appoints new members on his own.

North Side State Rep. Ann Williams, who sponsored the Chicago elected school board bill, issued a statement Saturday saying, in part, “The level of state oversight necessary for the district will be informed by the decisions made by the Mayor and his administration in the coming weeks and months.”

 

MORE FROM CITY HALL

This year’s NASCAR Chicago Street Race drew more unique visitors, filled more hotel rooms and generated $128 million in economic impact

“The second NASCAR Chicago Street Race, held July Fourth weekend, generated $128 million in total economic impact, a 17% increase over the inaugural event, according to a study commissioned by Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Downtown office landlords keep reeling as vacancy stays at record high

“The share of available office space downtown remained flat during the third quarter at an all-time high of 25.8%, according to data from real estate services firm CBRE,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Brandon Johnson heading to London in an effort to boost Chicago’s economy and tourism

“Johnson will join World Business Chicago and Choose Chicago on a trip that coincides with the Bears playing in the United Kingdom this month,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Committees to consider measures on fire department bereavement policy, pedicab restrictions and federal health department grant funds

“The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations will meet Monday morning and consider the appropriation of federal health department grant funds, and the Committee on License and Consumer Protection will vote on an ordinance to regulate pedicabs. Also, the police and fire committee will meet to consider an ordinance that provides bereavement leave for Chicago firefighters following a uniformed service member’s death,” by The Daily Line.

 

FEDERAL

VP Debate: Midwest Nice, Beltway Briefing 

The vice presidential debate was marked by a civil tone, characterized by politicos as ‘Midwest nice.’ While the Vance-Walz debate may not significantly impact the November election, Senator JD Vance’s polished style contrasted sharply with Governor Tim Walz’s rusty performance. As the Washington echo chamber anticipates a Harris victory, some are feeling an eerie sense of déjà vu from 2016, when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton hit an electoral ceiling. Instead, the question becomes: have roles reversed, will Trump hit a ceiling this cycle? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

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