Working Families Can’t Afford to Elect Democrats—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 75

The theme of this week’s episode: working families can’t afford to elect Democrats in Illinois. It’s a straightforward message we need to yell from the rooftops in these final weeks.

Sharing their expertise on energy, the Chicago Public Schools disaster, and the latest from campaigns around the state include State Representative Paul Jacobs, former House Republican Leader Mark Batinick, The Illinoize’s Patrick Pfingsten, Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, and host Collin Corbett.

There have been topics related to energy that Collin has wanted to cover for weeks, so we start there. Energy costs are rising while reliability is decreasing. Who’s to blame? Pritzker and the Illinois Democrats. Now we’re importing less clean energy from other states, costs are rising for working families and small businesses, and the reliability of our grid is in jeopardy. And as Pritzker courts energy-thirsty industries to Illinois, these problems are only going to get worse.

We then discuss Brandon Johnson’s problems with Chicago Public Schools—the school board has resigned, funding is not adding up, and even the progressives in Chicago are coming after him. Johnson can’t figure out how to have a good week. 

Later we talk about how Republicans need to stay consistent with a message on cost-of-living as voters are just now starting to pay attention. Our plea to Republicans: don’t get dragged off message on Madigan or voter integrity. The only thing that should be in press releases, mailings, and voter outreach should be the unaffordable cost-of-living in Illinois thanks to Democrats.

We close out the episode talking about some key races. Can Phillip Nagel seal the deal in SD40 and take down Patrick Joyce? Mudslinging in HD114 is ramping up between Kevin Schmidt and LaToya Greenwood. Republicans are pouring money into HD82 to make sure Nicole La Ha is reelected. And there’s a potential pickup for Republicans in Illinois’ 3rd Appellate Court District. Plus much more!

00:00: Introductions
02:18: Thanks to Pritzker and IL Democrats, Energy Costs Going Up and Reliability Going Down
11:52: Pritzker Pushing Energy-Thirsty Industries While Reducing Our Energy Supply
21:32: Brandon Johnson Forces Mass Resignation of Chicago Public Schools Board
34:36: With Madigan Trial Starting, Will Republicans Take the Bait?
45:44: Instead of Cost-of-Living, Now McCombie Wants to Talk Voter Integrity
52:49: Democrats Good at Finding Issues That "Make People's Lives Better"
56:52: GOP Poll Claims Nagel Only 3 Points Behind Joyce in SD40
01:06:51: Hits Flying Between Kevin Schmidt and Latoya Greenwood in HD114
01:14:27: Republicans Spending a Lot on Nicole La Ha in HD82
01:22:58: Desi Anderson (HD91) Learns Accusations of Racism Only Work if You're a Democrat
01:27:36: Republicans Have Pickup Opportunity in 3rd District Appellate Court
01:34:30: OG & Clown of the Week
01:41:43: Closing Thoughts