Top Concern Among Voters in Nearly Every Demographic: Cost-of-Living—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 79

Which is scarier? A baby shark, someone dressed as garbage man Trump, or a bunch of political junkies? You’ll have to tune in to this week’s Smoke-Filled Room to find out!

With just 4 days until Election Day, we have a lot to cover so we get right into the biggest topics with host Collin Corbett, Safe Suburbs USA President Kevin Coyne, political consultants Deb Detmers and Jim Thacker, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak. 

On both a national and state level, we’re seeing Democrats tempering expectations. Harris’ campaign has become garbage, and in Illinois, Democrats are now expecting to win fewer seats and House Republicans are claiming they will pick up four seats.

After our special “one week to go” Smoke-Filled Room from earlier this week, we got numerous texts, emails, and comments from viewers sharing their reactions to our picks and predictions. We share and discuss the races in HD112, HD97, HD104, HD52, HD81, 3rd Appellate District, and Chicagoland State’s Attorney races.

One Week to Go SFR: https://youtu.be/92r-oCsetgk

Then, Collin releases brand new results from EmpowerToWin’s Quarterly Tracking Poll which show cost-of-living is still the top concern for Illinois voters (and we’re still not talking about it enough) and some movement among emotionally charged issues. Get the full poll results and analysis on EmpowerToWin here: https://empowerto.win/plans/

We close this week’s Smoke-Filled Room talking about Pritzker doubling his efforts to pass abortion amendments nationwide, the ineffectiveness of state Democrats’ efforts despite having all the money, and our permanent clown of the week, Brandon Johnson.

00:00: Introductions
03:09: 2024 Presidential Election Comes Down to Who Is and Isn't "Garbage"
13:37: As Illinois Democrats Start Tempering Expectations, House GOP Says They'll Pick Up 4 Seats
19:52: Audience Reaction: Republicans All In for Jay Keevin in HD112
25:50: Audience Reaction: Gabby Shanahan in HD97 GOP's 2nd Best Pickup Opportunity
27:35: Audience Reaction: Why Is INCS Action Sending Texts Against Brandun Schweizer in HD104?
32:10: Audience Reaction: Marty McLaughlin Frustrating in HD52, But He'll Be Fine
39:27: Audience Reaction: Aaron Porter Will Surprise in HD81
42:12: Audience Reaction: "Win with Skarin," Though 3rd Appellate District Dem Turnout is Concerning
45:37: Audience Reaction: Chicagoland State's Attorney Races Need Even More Attention
48:56: Audience Reaction: Collin Is Smarter Than Chris and Michael
51:14: EmpowerToWin Poll: Cost-of-Living Is Yet Again the Top Concern for Illinois Voters
01:04:02: EmpowerToWin Poll: Emotionally Charged Election Making Some Emotional Issues Play More
01:12:49: Pritzker Doubles National Support for Abortion Amendments
01:18:01: They May Have the Money, but That Doesn't Automatically Make Illinois Dems More Effective
01:24:17: Brandon Johnson Continues to Find Ways to Become Less Popular
01:28:02: OG & Clown of the Week
01:32:49: Closing Thoughts