Long9 Studio

Campaign season is here. We dive into 17 Illinois races.—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 69

We’re unofficially officially back in campaign season as we enter Labor Day weekend. You know we’re back in campaign season when we only cover 3 topics because we have so much to say.
Joining host Collin Corbett in the Smoke-Filled Room this week are State Senator Andrew Chesney, The Illinoize founder and WMAY Morning Show host Patrick Pfingsten, and longtime politico and attorney Angel Garcia, along with Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler.
Strap in because we cover a lot of ground in the first topic. Illinois Republicans and Democrats have been polling House districts to determine their November targets and our panel has a lot to say. We share insight, message strategy, and what it’ll take for Republicans to win key races throughout the state. We talk about nearly 20 races so some will be in your backyard!
Senator Chesney and Patrick turn our next topic into our “Boy that Escalated Quickly” topic as they debate the Republicans’ strategy to defeat Democrats in November as Democrats start their mail program with a strong anti-politician theme. 
Then we close with our own analysis of the Democrat’s (and Pritzker’s) Think Big America message analysis they released at the DNC Convention. They telegraph their strategy for Republicans and tell us how they intend to win. Probably a good idea to pay attention.
Agenda:00:00: Introductions03:20: House Republicans and Democrats Polling to Determine Their November Targets05:40: HD82 La Ha v Akhras07:19: HD48 Sanalitro v Vesey08:45: HD79 Haas v Morgan11:15: HD47 Grant v Williamson & HD52 McLaughlin v Peterson11:56: HD104 Schweitzer v Clem & HD114 Schmidt v Greenwood21:26: HD45 Reboletti v Deuter22:02: HD51 Ufodike v Syed22:13: HD112 Keeven v Stuart22:46: HD76 Bishop v Briel32:47: HD91 Anderson v Chung & HD97 Shanahan v Benton33:55: HD81 Porter v Stava-Murray35:02: HD49 Billingsley v Hirschauer35:39: HD61 Mitchell v Mason36:27: HD46 Stevens v Blair-Sherlock39:01: House Democrats Start Mail Program with Strong Anti-Politician Theme50:32: Boy that Escalated Quickly: Chesney v Pfingsten on Whether ILGOP Is Conservative Enough58:17: Dems Are So Cocky, They Published Their 2024 Strategy—GOP Should Pay Attention01:19:30: OG & Clown of the Week01:22:40: Closing Thoughts

Extra! Special SFR Episode Analyzing the DNC in Chicago—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 68

If it feels like everything the Democrats have done over the last few weeks (months?) leading up to the DNC has been manufactured and carefully crafted…it’s because it was. 
There is so much to cover from the Democrats’ convention in Chicago, we’re bringing you an entire extra episode covering takeaways from the convention and what it means for Republicans.
Giving their insight are all returning guests: Executive Director of The Citizen Farmers and Chairman of Ogle County GOP Mike Koolidge, experienced political consultant and operative Abby McCarthy, and policy expert and former Palatine Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson. Plus, Cor’s experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler, and host Collin Corbett.
We saw Democrats roll out new messaging on joy, contrasting themselves from the “gloom and fear” of the Republicans. We discuss how the Democrats’ messaging is focused on Trump and not the issues because they know Republicans win on the issues. At this same time, the Trump campaign and Republicans don’t have a clear narrative against Harris and time is running out to make something stick.
Collin goes on a rant about how Democrats speak and campaign like Republicans, yet legislate like progressives. Will voters be fooled heading into November? They will if we let Democrats get away with it.
Later we discuss the Democrat’s favorite topic: sex (sorry, we know it’s Monday morning). They proudly performed abortions and vasectomies outside of the DNC and continue to try to make November about contraception, IVF, and abortion when polling shows abortion falling to 10th in most important issues, far surpassed by cost-of-living issues, especially the economy.
We end with some quick topics with ties to Illinois: Pritzker admitting Harris is to blame for failures of the past 4 years, Bernie Sanders calling out billionaires buying elections just moments before Pritzker takes the DNC stage, and Adam Kinzinger going full Joe Walsh.
00:00: Introductions03:38: Democrats Leave Chicago with Momentum20:54: Harris and Walz Pushing a Contrast of Joy vs Gloom and Fear31:10: Trump & Republicans Struggling to Find Narrative Against Harris36:41: Democrats Focused on Trump, Not Issues42:35: Democrats Speak Like Republicans, Legislate Like Progressives50:30: Planned Parenthood Offered Free Abortions and Vasectomies Outside DNC01:00:52: Democrats Desperately Trying to Make November About Contraception, IVF, and Abortion01:11:48: Pritzker Admits Harris to Blame for Failures of the Past 4 Years01:14:17: Bernie Sanders Calls Out Billionaires Buying Elections Just Before Pritzker Takes DNC Stage01:18:10: Kinzinger Goes Full Joe Walsh, Speaking at DNC in Support of Harris01:23:30: OG & Clown of the Week01:30:39: Closing Thoughts

Illinois’ Economic Sustainability Relies on Agriculture—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 67

We’re on the road again for this week’s Smoke-Filled Room in Iroquois County, representative of a region that is often overlooked. We’re in the farming heartland of Illinois and our guests share insight on agriculture and other issues impacting eastern Illinois.
Joining for this special Smoke-Filled Room episode includes State Representative Jason Bunting, soon to be Iroquois County State’s Attorney Mike Quinlin, longtime political leader out of Iroquois County Susan Wynn Bence, and candidate for the 2nd Congressional District Ashley Ramos. They’re joined by Cor’s political expert Chris Jackowiak and host Collin Corbett.
Many (most?) political leaders in Illinois are unaware of the importance of agriculture. Our guests share what it’s like being a farmer and connect the dots as to why it’s crucial for Illinois’ economy.
Then we get into political topics and how they impact rural communities. As the Democrat Party moves further and further to the left, where do hard working, rural Democrats go? How do rural communities handle the far-left’s pro-crime policies?
Finally, our viewers get an exclusive look at which issues are most important to Illinois voters right now thanks to EmpowerToWin’s quarterly issue tracking poll.
00:00: Introductions04:18: What Do Illinois Farmers Need Influencers Around the State to Understand?13:07: Protecting Our Agricultural Economy Vital to Illinois' Sustainability19:22: Vulnerable Democrats Used Estate Tax Reform for Good PR But Didn't Actually Pass It25:45: Illinois Ground Zero for the Fight Over "Right to Repair" for Farm Equipment29:31: How Have Democrats' Far-Left Pro-Crime Policies Impacted Central Illinois?39:05: Opioid Crisis Felt Even More Strongly in Rural Communities49:12: With the Democratic Party Moving Further Left, Are Rural Dems Going the Way of the Dodo?54:50: EmpowerToWin: As the Economy Worsens, Illinois Voters Now List It as Their Top Issue01:02:45: OG & Clown of the Week01:08:25: Closing Thoughts

Republicans Have One Goal: Win This November—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 66

A unified Illinois Republican Party heading into the November elections? That was the vibe Republicans portrayed in Springfield during the State Fair and at our special SFR After Dark.
We took our Smoke-Filled Room to Springfield with a packed room of SFR fans to hear State Representative Dan Caulkins, Illinois National Committeewoman and RCCA President Rhonda Belford, ILGOP Co-Chairman Aaron Del Mar, Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, and host Collin Corbett discuss two main topics: Republicans’ plan to win in November and next week’s DNC Convention in Chicago.
Our guests give insight into what they’re seeing and hearing on the ground in key districts, the strategy we need to execute to win, and how we can combat the media bias.
We then discuss the DNC Convention. Our state’s failed progressive policies will be on full display next week in Chicago, even if Democrats try to hide the migrant crisis, homelessness, and crime that plagues Chicago on a daily basis. After next week, our guests believe Democrats won’t be riding so high. 
00:00: Introductions04:30: What's Being Done to Ensure Republican Victories in November?13:37: Citing Harris' Momentum, Speaker Welch Claims 4-6 Republican Districts Are in Play20:50: What Effect Will Trump Have Down Ballot, and Has That Changed Post-Biden?27:58: How Can Republicans Combat the Media Bias?44:30: JB Pritzker Failed to Secure Presidential and Vice Presidential Slots50:19: DNC Coming to Chicago Next Week to Highlight Our Failed Progressive Policies59:31: Pro-Israel and Anti-Israel Split in Democratic Party on Full Display in Lead Up to DNC01:09:25: Kim Foxx to Actually Prosecute Violent Criminals for a Week During DNC01:16:59: OG & Clown of the Week01:23:47: Closing Thoughts

You’re Not a Republican if You Endorse Kamala Harris—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 65

JB Pritzker lost the VP race. Sad for him. What does this mean for Illinois?
We have expert politicos joining us this week to break down what’s been going on inside Illinois politics over the last week. Peoria County GOP Chairman and former state senator Chuck Weaver, Director of the Illinois Freedom Caucus Collin Moseley, and political consultant Jim Thacker enter the Smoke-Filled Room with Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak and host Collin Corbett.
With Pritzker staying in Illinois through the election, what’s next for him? Secretary position if Harris wins in November or a run for Senate if Dick Durbin doesn’t seek re-election? Does he even run for governor again? We’re in the midst of what will be one of the wildest elections in history, and yet we’re already talking about future elections.
There’s no denying Democrats have momentum right now and it’ll likely last through the DNC Convention. But with protests happening outside the convention, Republicans may have an opportunity to seize on intra-party drama just like the Left has tried to do to Republicans. We discuss if Republicans have the right message and contrast to take advantage.
Later, all of our guests have something to say about Jim Edgar, Adam Kinzinger, and Joe Walsh being the headline names for “Republicans for Harris.” Our guests we’re pretty adamant that if you’re endorsing the most progressive nominee for President in the history of the United States, you aren’t a Republican.
We close out the back half of this week’s episode happy to see Katie Stuart woefully behind in running her re-election campaign, pointing to Democrats’ effort to recruit down-ballot candidates in 2025 and how Republicans better be on their game since petitions are going in the field for the consolidated election now, and calling on conservative election security advocates to focus on the Will County Clerk race. We then close out the episode with rapid-fire topics that Republican candidates and organizations should be using to put Democrats on the defensive and motivate volunteers and donors.
00:00: Introductions02:33: Pritzker Loses Veep Sweepstakes. What's Next for Pritzker and Durbin in 2026?15:05: Democrats Have Momentum. When Will It End?23:09: Edgar, Kinzinger, & Walsh Headline "Republicans for Harris"37:05: Joe McGraw Added to "Young Gun" Program as Campaign Gains Momentum in IL-1746:45: Katie Stuart Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign for HD112...in August53:24: Will County Clerk Resigns, Creating Opportunity for Republicans57:38: Democrats Announce Effort to Recruit Down-Ballot Candidates in 202501:05:35: Pro-Criminal Illinois Democrats Propose Cutting All Prison Sentences in Half01:11:59: People Leaving IL at Record Pace While Democrats Say Don't Believe Your Own Eyes01:15:55: Progressive" Cook County Assessor Yet Again Hurting Lower Income Homeowners01:17:40: Democrats' Tax Hike on Sports Books Being Passed on to Customers01:20:42: Illinois Economy Worsens and Unemployment Rises Yet Again in July01:22:11: OG & Clown of the Week01:24:44: Closing Thoughts

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: Introductions02:41: Boy, That Escalated Quickly Topic: Black Voters Become Major Focus for November Elections18:34: 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 Pritzker55:07: Money Begins Flowing Against CTU in Chicago School Board Elections01:02:54: Cost-of-Living Rising: Electric and Water Bills Set to Explode in IL01:09:40: Pat Quinn is Back Again: Leading Effort to Pass Millionaire Income Tax Surcharge01:14:10: Illinois Democrats Launch "Organize Illinois 2024" Campaign01:17:33: OG & Clown of the Week01:25:10: Closing Thoughts

Whose Election is it to Lose? Democrats’ or Trump’s?—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 63

In politics, headlines change fast. This week, the conversation has quickly shifted to talking about Biden dropping out, then who would replace him, then Kamala Harris locking it up, to now the VP choice. Gotta keep up!
Sharing their insight and expertise includes Madison County Circuit Clerk and 13th Congressional District Delegate for Donald Trump Tom McRae, Illinois State Central Committeeman Aaron Del Mar, Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, and SFR host Collin Corbett.
The big question inside Illinois politics is what impact Harris at the top of the ticket has on down-ballot Republican candidates in their races. Will more minorities, women, and swing voters come out now? And if Pritzker is Harris’ VP pick, how does that change the dynamic in this state? This week’s experts analyze those questions.
Then Collin and Michael debate Chris if Democrats actually love democracy as much as they say. They were forced to support Biden for another term and now they are being forced to back Harris without any say. The Smoke-Filled Room panel discusses the smoke-filled back room deals Democrats made, democracy be damned.
Then we close on some Illinois topics. State Representative Jeff Keicher faced an assassination threat after the Democrats resumed their incendiary political rhetoric. Karina’s Law and guns will be a major focus for Illinois Democrats in the coming months. And Illinois unemployment is on the rise again. All this and more on this week’s Smoke-Filled Room.
00:00: Introductions02:40: With Biden Out and Harris (Likely) In, What Impact Will This Have on GOP Races in IL?24:25: Boy, That Escalated Quickly Topic: Democrats Love Democracy...Until It Gets in Their Way36:10: The Sole Focus of the Left and Media: Beat Trump46:02: Will Pritzker Be Harris' VP Choice?53:11: Harris at the Top of the Ticket Likely to Exacerbate Dem Problems with Jewish Voters56:30: Incendiary Political Rhetoric Leads to Assassination Threat Against GOP IL Legislator01:02:34: Dems Plan to Make Karina's Law and Guns Major Focus in Veto Session and Beyond01:13:32: Illinois Unemployment Rises Again, Remains Above National Average01:20:46: OG & Clown of the Week01:23:22: Closing Thoughts

We Were Just Reminded that Words Matter—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 62

Each day since our last Smoke-Filled Room, it seemed like a new headline appeared that could be our lead topic for this episode. It’s been a crazy week.
Diving into the Illinois perspective of everything that’s gone down includes State Representative Joe Sosnowski, Strive Strategies Group President Dennis Cook, political consultant John Giesecke, Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, and our host Collin Corbett.
For years, Democrats have heightened the rhetoric against Republicans to scare Americans into viewing our party as dangerous. On a July Saturday night in Pennsylvania, we caught a glimpse of where this rhetoric is leading our country. Our guests share their thoughts on what happened, then Chris and Collin get into a debate over whether the presidential is now over. Does Chris finally pull out a debate win?
And no less than 48 hours after what unfolded Saturday, Democrats were back spewing their incendiary rhetoric. That’s the subject of our Song of the Week.
We discuss some final convention topics, including Kathy Salvi being introduced as the new ILGOP Chair, Representative Sosnowski giving us a firsthand account of the confidence and momentum he felt while at the RNC this week, and how Republicans have a prime opportunity to make our tent bigger by welcoming union voters and donors into our party.
We close out this week’s Smoke-Filled Room with some state topics before nominating our OGs and Clowns of the Week. 
00:00: Introductions01:43: Left's Deliberate Effort to Scare Americans Works, Trump Nearly Assassinated16:52: Boy, That Escalated Quickly: Is the Presidential Race Over After Saturday?28:46: Illinois Democrats Waste No Time Returning to Incendiary Rhetoric38:01: Kathy Salvi Introduced at RNC as New ILGOP Chair42:04: Republican Confidence and Momentum on Display at RNC48:21: Republican Effort to Court Unions Goes Primetime01:01:52: Illinois Republicans Mostly Tread Water in Q2 Fundraising01:12:40: Pritzker's State Agencies Continue to be Plagued by Dysfunction01:16:45: Chicago Trying to Hide Problems in Preparation for DNC01:21:57: OG & Clown of the Week01:25:08: Closing Thoughts

As Biden Unravels, Are We Wasting this Opportunity in Illinois?—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 61

Today as this podcast comes out, 3 candidates for Illinois GOP Chair make their pitch to the State Central Committee on why they should lead our party into the November elections. With less than 3 months until voting begins, we’re still fighting ourselves…
We have insiders from across Illinois joining us on this week’s Smoke-Filled Room, including former House Republican Leader Mark Batinick, former State Representative Tom Morrison, State Central Committeeman Larry Smith, Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler, and host Collin Corbett.
After Larry and our guests dive into the chairman decision, Collin and Chris get into a bare knuckles brawl over a Jesse Sullivan tweet in our new segment, “Boy, That Escalated Quickly.” Michael was supposed to join Chris’s side but ended up switching to Collin’s side, so they ended up ganging up on poor Chris.
Mark then teases some new polling that shows the Illinois political landscape shifting and how certain districts are in play that may not have mattered before. Tom shares a boots-on-the-ground update in House District 51 and how Republicans like Tosi Ufodike are fighting in winnable districts to flip key seats. 
We close the episode talking about how Illinois’ economy is lagging, Pritzker’s own administration admitting arresting criminals works, Democrats further raising healthcare insurance costs on working families, and more.
00:00: Introductions01:56: Three Republicans Jockeying for ILGOP Chair Position24:17: Jesse Sullivan Tweets Good Christians Shouldn't Be Involved in Party Politics 36:25: Illinois Democrats Struggling to Respond as Biden Spirals48:33: Illinois Political Landscape Shifting54:37: In 2nd Best Pickup Opportunity for Republicans, Tosi Ufodike Running Hard in HD5157:12: Will County Board Republicans Expose Cybercrime by Democratic Leader01:00:21: Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability Admits IL Economy Lagging Badly01:07:21: As Shootings Continue in Pro-Crime Chicago, Pritzker's State Police Admit Arresting Criminals Works01:10:13: As Working Families Struggle, Democrats Boast About Increasing Health Insurance Costs 01:16:16: OG & Clown of the Week01:20:08: Closing Thoughts

JB Pritzker for President?—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 60

We hope you had a fun and reflective Independence Day yesterday!
In honor of the holiday celebrating our freedom, we’re joined by 3 veterans on this week’s Smoke-Filled Room, all of whom served our country in the Air Force. Collin Corbett speaks with State Senator Craig Wilcox, State Representative David Friess, and Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, as well as Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak. 
We don’t just need people in office who are seeking leadership positions—we need leaders who step up to answer the call. Our guests start off talking about their service and why veterans are better equipped to serve in elected office and why we need more stepping up to serve. 
We then get into the juiciest topic from the last week and that’s the presidential debate. Our guests share how what we’ve all known from the past 3 years was put on display for the American people: Biden cannot lead this country. We discuss how Biden’s plummeting poll numbers will impact down ballot races in Illinois and who might the Democrats nominate to replace Biden. Could it be Pritzker?
We close out this week’s episode talking about how pro-Palestinian protests are getting more extreme as we near the DNC in Chicago, how Orland Park proves common sense makes communities safer while the far left pro-crime agenda fails, how Illinoisans are struggling to get by with cost-of-living increasing, and more.
00:00: Introductions02:37: Celebrating Veterans on Independence Day11:42: Are Veterans Better Equipped to Serve in Elected Office?18:33: Biden Debate Disaster Shocks Anyone Not Paying Attention the Past 3 Years28:36: Impact of Biden's Plummeting Poll Numbers on Down Ballot Races in Illinois34:51: Pritzker on Short List to Replace Biden if President Drops Out47:25: Song of the Week: Progressive JB to the Rescue49:41: Springfield Bill Would Ban Flying American Flag Upside Down53:52: Palestinian Protesters March Outside Jewish Congressman's Home at 3am01:02:26: While Pro-Crime Agenda Fails, Orland Park Proves Common Sense Makes Communities Safer01:07:03: As Economy Worsens, Illinois Democrats Keep Increasing Cost-of-Living01:15:32: OG & Clown of the Week 01:22:56: Closing Thoughts