Decision '21: Ald. Harris closer to the chair of D.P.I.

 Yeah been cribbing a lot from the CapFax as of late. Probably should do better but surely Rich Miller doesn't mind that much. He's a good source as far as what's going on politically in Illinois. If you have sources that I should look at for this state or in the city let me know.

Either way Harris is reportedly close to being the new state Democrat chairwoman she's gotten a few endorsements and that translates into weighted votes of the states Democrat committee-people two from each of the state's 18 congressional districts. She's got a slight edge over Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Decision '21: Race for Democratic Party of IL chair

 It seems for now it's going down to Ald. Michelle Harris (Ward 8) and US Rep. Robin Kelly (2nd US Congressional District) a couple of updates for you on Capitol Fax. Just to let you know former IL House Speaker Michael Madigan quit that position earlier this week. It's strange to type that but things must change right?

To start, Ald. Harris picked up the endorsements from US Reps Bobby Rush and Danny Davis. So they didn't endorse their colleague in Robin Kelly I see....

Rush, Davis back Harris for state party chair https://t.co/NJSJgwH4P2

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 24, 2021

This was just posted today as Ald. Harris shared her endorsements, however, in Lake County prominent Democrats there have endorsed Rep. Kelly.

Harris announces some endorsements for DPI chair while some Lake County House Dems back Kelly https://t.co/3DbgynwDfk

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 25, 2021

Like I said some shakeups going on in this state with the changes in leadership. And it's interesting to see some of our local leaders begin to take on more prominent roles in Illinois.

Could Ald. Michelle Harris be the new IL Democrat Party chairwoman?

 Things are changing at a rapid pace right now. First Michael Madigan is no longer speaker of the IL House of Representatives, then just last week he resigns his seat and was able to install his successor an Edward Guerra Kodatt. 

Then yesterday Madigan resigns his longtime chairmanship of the state Democrat Party. He's been in that role for over 20 years.

Madigan resigns chairmanship of Democratic Party of Illinois https://t.co/qQRRD09S3A

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 22, 2021

Jahmal Cole for Congress

When the 34th state representative seat was vacated a few years ago Jahmal Cole was one of many who stepped up to represent this part of the state (of course that distinction went to current state rep Nick Smith). Now he's throwing his hat in the ring to unseat longtime Congressman Bobby Rush. 

Karen Lewis R.I.P.

 

Karen Lewis as President of the Chicago Teacher's Union was very controversial and stepped up to the mayoralty of Rahm Emanuel has died. CapFax has a round-up of stories:

Karen Lewis https://t.co/sZ4Xj2nzQV

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 8, 2021

I was looking through this blog's mentions of Lewis, she was part of an event with the Greater Chatham Alliance back in 2014. Then mentions of her illness which she was diagnosed that same year. And to note she was looking into running against then Mayor Emanuel.

Condolences to Ms. Lewis' family. 

ABC 7 Chicago: Cook County gun sales spike during COVID-19 pandemic, data shows

 

[VIDEO] Just saw this on YouTube this afternoon and decided to share it with you. This is how Chuck Goudie starts off his report:

For months the I-Team has been looking into a nationwide run on guns and especially the appetite for firearms in Illinois, following COVID lockdowns and the violence after the George Floyd killing by police.

Every time a gun is sold in Cook County, the taxpayers benefit because the gun buyer pays a tax. According to Open Records data obtained by the I-Team, business was booming last year.

Total gun tax revenue in Cook County was more than $1.9 million dollars, a tax revenue increase of 56% compared with the previous year.

How many of you have purchased a gun? Are you concerned about these uprecedented and uncertain times? 

Ald. Michelle Harris is Mayor Lightfoot's floor leader

 You might have seen this on last night's news Ald. Gilbert Villegas (Ward 36) resigned his role for the mayor's office on the city council and will be replaced by Ald. Michelle Harris (Ward 8).

The Sun-Times writes about it:

Capitol Fax: Rep. Thapedi to step down

Rich Miller has more about the resignation of state Rep. Andre Thapedi (D-32) on his blog yesterday. As you know this was reported on Sunday evening.

Rep. Thapedi to step down https://t.co/9Huw4GVFMD

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 1, 2021

Not to go too negative on this, but the comments to that post well a few of them discuss how they hate that an incumbent gets elected to their legislative seat then turn around and resign. Some call for special elections to state legislative seats. Especially for house seats.

There should be some discussion on this at the very least. Perhaps even special elections for Alderman upon a resignation, removal or death.