Republicans Need to Go On Offense—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 95

Ahh…we’re back with another Smoke-Filled Room and, happily, with a cigar in hand for Collin. With early voting kicking off on Monday for local elections and Springfield being in the dead heat of session, we’re going to dive right in.

Joining Collin Corbett this week is State Senator Andrew Chesney, DuPage County Board Member Jim Zay, Illinois Freedom Caucus Director Collin Moseley, and Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler. 

They start by discussing poll results showing voters starting to show unhappiness with Trump’s handling of the economy. It’s early, but what’s lacking is a consistent message all Republicans can get behind. Instead of silence, Republicans should be going on offense. We’re not saying anything, and the narrative is being painted against us.

Early voting begins on Monday, vote by mail ballots will be sent out…eventually…and Election Day is right around the corner. Our guests from around the state highlight which races they’re following. And we close this topic with a good back-and-forth about Richard Irvin in Aurora and other center-right local leaders who are being targeted by Pritzker and the Democrats, who love watching us fight while they elect far-left progressive local officials.

We discussed the homeschool legislation last week but it’s an issue that’s not going away and witness slips are flying. Over 25,000 witness slips have been submitted in opposition. Senator Chesney brings up a great perspective that’s not being talked about enough—homeschool families are still paying taxes, just not using the service. So why is there an issue? This isn’t going away as the next committee hearing will be next week and we’re sure there will be news.

We then discuss the latest announcements and speculations of Republicans running for governor and senate, including one line used by a new candidate that (finally!) has Collin speechless.

Then we dip our toes in the water of what will be a big topic on a future SFR: the potential federal budget cuts. Republicans don’t know what to say so we’re hiding from the issue while we let Pritzker and the Democrats lie and say these are massive cuts to poor and working class families all at the behest of the rich. If we don’t engage, we will lose the message on this fight and that will cost us in 2026.

With session in full force, we’re seeing even more crazy legislation get pushed, so we highlight some bad bills you should be talking about, including Democrats wanting to allow people to attack police, allow child sex offenders to live closer to schools, add a milage tax on top of gas taxes and tolls, and more.

00:00: Introductions
02:20: Voters Starting to Sour on Trump's Handling of the Economy
15:47: Illinois Democrats Pushing Hard for Progressive Candidates in April 1st Local Elections
31:20: Over 25,000 Witness Slips Filed Against Homeschool Act
38:57: Richard Porter Exploring Run for Governor, John Goodman Announces for IL Senate
52:04: Democrats and Media Breathlessly Oppose Every Hint of Cuts to Federal Budget
01:10:46: Chicago Democrats Calling to Legalize Attacks on Police Officers
01:13:30: Three Senate Democrats Want to Help Child Sex Offenders Live Closer to Schools 
01:15:46: Senate Democrats Trying to Add Mileage Tax on Top of Gas Taxes and Tolls 
01:19:08: Democrats Hide Provision Outlawing Gas Cars and Trucks in Transit Funding Bill 
01:22:08: CTA Caught Giving Out Massive Salaries While Crying Poor
01:23:14: Progressive Democrats Propose Huge Cost Increases for State Government Contractors
01:25:40: Two Vulnerable Democrats Side with Trial Lawyers Over Illinois Foster Kids
01:27:02: Illinois Families Now Pay the Highest Combined State & Local Taxes in the Nation
01:30:51: OG & Clown of the Week
01:40:20: Closing Thoughts