Are You Weird?—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 64

“Republicans are weird.” Democrats have reached kindergarten-level name calling. 

We’re back for another Smoke-Filled Room with some returning guests and old friends. Sharing their thoughts on everything Illinois and Chicago are Palatine Township Republican Organization Vice Chair and Palatine Township Assessor Bill Pohlman, education policy and advocacy expert Nathan Hoffman, former weekly SFR guest Matthew Duray, Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler, and SFR host Collin Corbett. 

We begin this week’s episode with a debate between Michael and Chris over whether they believe Black voters should be a major focus for Republicans in the November elections. Let us know who you think won…

We then get into what happens in Illinois if Pritzker is actually selected as Harris’ VP pick. Do the Democrats hand Juliana Stratton the nomination or will it turn into a big Primary battle? And if Stratton is at the top of the ticket, does that increase Republicans’ chances in the General Election?

As a township assessor, Bill shares some insight into the rising property taxes in Illinois and how incompetence out of the Cook County Assessor’s Office is leading to huge challenges for taxpayers. As someone deeply involved in education, Nathan talks about the Chicago Teacher’s Union declaring war on Pritzker and big efforts emerging to elect reasonable leaders to the Chicago School Board.

We end this week’s episode talking cost of living, Pat Quinn, and some controversial OG and Clown of the week nominations. 

00:00: Introductions
02:41: Boy, That Escalated Quickly Topic: Black Voters Become Major Focus for November Elections
18:34: Democrats' Latest Message: Republicans Are "Weird"
27:20: What Happens in Illinois if Pritzker Selected as Harris' VP?
42:49: What Is Going on with Property Taxes in Cook County?
51:08: Chicago Teachers Union Declares War on Governor Pritzker
55:07: Money Begins Flowing Against CTU in Chicago School Board Elections
01:02:54: Cost-of-Living Rising: Electric and Water Bills Set to Explode in IL
01:09:40: Pat Quinn is Back Again: Leading Effort to Pass Millionaire Income Tax Surcharge
01:14:10: Illinois Democrats Launch "Organize Illinois 2024" Campaign
01:17:33: OG & Clown of the Week
01:25:10: Closing Thoughts