CapFax: Pritzker now won’t define what “middle class income” is

[VIDEO] All I can say to this is ouch Pritzker, ouch. The Democrat nominee for Illinois governor won't define what income levels would be considered middle-class. I suppose this might mean he doesn't have a grasp on those middle-class families who are leaving Illinois.

The video above was provided by CapFax and will share link to that blog post below!

Pritzker now won’t define what “middle class income” is: “It doesn’t matter” https://t.co/oIFToFlsAZ

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 9, 2018

Capitol Fax: Oppo dumps! The connection between Bruce Rauner, Willie Wilson, Ken Dunkin and Maze Jackson

On Sunday Willie Wilson was at New Covenant MB Church giving away cash to those who attended worship services under the guise of "property-tax relief". Guess who also was there? Gov. Bruce Rauner who is in a tough campaign for re-election.

And evidently it's a story that continues even if it's not about Wilson's financial generosity. An oppo dump via Capitol Fax. Wilson is said to be friends with the Governor and he's not the only one.

Oppo dumps! The connection between Bruce Rauner, Willie Wilson, Ken Dunkin and Maze Jackson https://t.co/qDM4Z6vR5c

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) July 26, 2018

There's a video in that post you should check out. A "What's in it for Black People" cookout hosted by WVON personality Maze Jackson with a special guest appearance by one Bruce Rauner. Also it should be noted Rauner has a number of friends among Black politicos though evidently not many in the state's General Assembly.

Willie Wilson gives away cash at church on Sunday

 Very interesting

Willie Wilson said he handed out a whole lot of money Sunday at a South Side church — a couple hundred grand, in fact.

But he insists that’s nothing new. And he said Sunday’s event, attended by Gov. Bruce Rauner, had absolutely nothing to do with his run for mayor. However, it’s already raised more than a few eyebrows on the campaign trail.
...
“Gov. Rauner attended a Sunday service at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church as a guest of Rev. Stephen Thurston,” Will Allison, a spokesman for Rauner’s campaign, said. “The governor has attended Sunday services at different churches across Illinois since he first ran for office, and other elected officials and community leaders are often present.”

The Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation promoted Sunday’s event at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church as “one of the biggest property tax relief assistance” events of the year. On its Facebook page, the foundation said Wilson would be “giving away $300,000 to struggling homeowners.”

In the end, Wilson told the Chicago Sun-Times he gave away closer to $200,000 in checks and cash. In a phone interview, he called it “a normal thing for me.”

“We’ve been paying people’s property taxes for years,” Wilson said, adding that the money was also meant to help people pay for smaller expenses, like food or bus passes.

If you want to see video proof look no further than WGN who had cameras rolling at the New Covenant MB Church at 754 E. 77th Street.

Gov. Rauner is in a tough re-election fight and if you read Capitol Fax the gubernatorial race is predicted to be a likely Democrat pick-up based on a national political newsletter. Although we have a long way between now and November to see the match-up between the incumbent Governor and his Democrat opponent JB Pritzker.

Capitol Fax: Pritzker and the black vote

JB Pritzker had a strong victory in Tuesday's election. It's safe to say the general election in November will see two wealthy men face-off against each other so get ready for Gov. Bruce Rauner versus his challenger Pritzker. With those wiretaps that came out during the course of the primary with long ago conversations with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich proved to be controversial however, not enough to keep Black voters from choosing Pritzker.

Hence Rich Miller's post:

Pritzker and the black vote https://t.co/PKD7DiZaaK

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) March 22, 2018

From Miller's post he shares a tweet that has graphics of who voted for whom in the Democrat primary on Tuesday across Chicago. Most of the areas that voted for Pritzker is safe to say are the mostly Black neighborhoods of Chicago.

Lt. Gov. candidate at 95th on Friday

 QUICK NOTE: If you have a campaign event on the south side you would live for us to share for our audience feel free to send us an e-mail at blog @ thesixthward.us. Feel free to reach out to us on our social media pages facebook, instagram, and twitter.

Ra Joy is running for Lt. Gov. with Chris Kennedy in next week's primary election. You might have seen Ra Joy on CAN-TV as he was one of the rotating hosts of Political Forum that airs on CAN-TV 21. On Friday he was seen campaigning at the 95th terminal shaking hands and speaking with commuters. The video of this was posted to his ig page.

We cannot let machine politics stand in the way of meaningful progress. I enjoyed starting the day at the 95th Red Line station and connecting with voters.

A post shared by Ra Joy (@_rajoy) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:56am PDT

Here's the most recent edition I could find of Political Forum with Ra Joy as host which aired in October 2016. Incidentally he appeared as a candidate on Political Forum earlier this month. Here's a program with him as host. [VIDEO]

Have you seen the lastest Chicago Reader cover?

I didn't share anything about this over the weekend, however, it's time to do it this morning. Now I don't want to beat the dead horse over the revelation of gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker's long ago comments with regards to referring to two well know Black state politicos as crass or safe. This is established and like I said this was just about 10 years ago on wiretaps of Pritzker and disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

In the ensuing few days after the Tribune shared those long ago wiretaps Pritzker has done everything he possibly could to apologies for those remarks with Blago. He's sense gone on to editorial board meetings and some debates. One of his supporters 6th ward Ald. Roderick Sawyer continues to back him and as you see in the video below defends him. [VIDEO]

 The video above took place not longer after the Alderman's speech at the City Club of Chicago.

Pouring gasoline on the fire, what is the Alderman talking about? Here ya go!

When was the last time we've heard from Russ Stewart

In his latest column Stewart looks at two contests. To start he gives us his take on the chances of billionaire Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, especially after some comments made on a long ago wiretap hit the news within the past week.

As has been blared all over the media, Pritzker termed Jones on the wiretap as "crass," Jackson "a nightmare," and White the "least offensive." Pritzker promptly apologized, but Jones, who is supporting Chris Kennedy for governor, went on record as saying that Pritzker considers him to be an "uppity" black.

Jones reportedly was quoted in the Chicago Sun Times as saying, "What he meant by 'crass' is that I'm an uppity black. I fight for my people and, sometimes, that ruffles feathers. What he was saying in comparing me to Jesse White is that Jesse White is a safe black. Jesse White is not going to do what Emil Jones does. Dr. King was a crass black. Harold Washington was a crass black. It was said in a derogatory manner." As I said in this column's first paragraph, stick a fork in J.B.

The billionaire's excuse is that when talking to Blagojevich he was not his "best self" and "should have pushed back" against the governor's comments. Sure. We can really expect him to "push back" against Mike Madigan. As Jones said of Pritzker: "He likes acceptable blacks who are meek and won't say anything."

Polling thus far in the 6-candidate Democratic primary, which includes Pritzker, Kennedy, state Senator Dan Biss (D-9) and three others, has shown Pritzker the leader, which is wholly attributable to Pritzker's willingness to spend his own wealth, which is estimated to be around $7 billion. Democratic politicians, including Speaker Mike Madigan, want Pritzker on their ticket because he can match Bruce Rauner (R) dollar-for-dollar, thus freeing-up money from their base - which is unions and trial lawyers - for other contests. Pritzker was the slated party candidate in Cook County, and the expectation between Democratic ward and township committeemen was that there would be a lot of trickle-down cash. With Pritzker atop the ticket, a lot of committeemen were (and still are) expecting an infusion of $50,000-plus. In Chicago and Cook County, never let it be said that money can't buy happiness.

Stewart also takes on the 2019 race for mayor especially for Emanuel's former Chicago Police chief Garry McCarthy.

The 2019 contest, said McCarthy, will be about "performance," noting that the mayor has not done so. McCarthy told me that his early polling pegs the mayor's "approval" at less than 40 percent and that, in a McCarthy-Emanuel race, they are both just under 40 percent. The candidacy of Paul Vallas barely causes a ripple. There are two keys to the contest.

First, Emanuel's West Coast and Clinton Era contacts will enable him to raise at least $25 million to win a third term. McCarthy's theme is "Get in the Game," and the game in 2019 is to get into the runoff, which means McCarthy must finish second in the February primary and have a one-on-one with Emanuel in the April runoff. In 2015, the non-Emanuel voters broke heavily for the mayor in the runoff. "Next time (in 2019)," said a McCarthy campaign strategist, "they won't," noting that polls show McCarthy with up to 25 percent of the black vote and that white middle-class voters will go overwhelmingly for McCarthy over Emanuel. "He (Emanuel) has no base," said the McCarthy source. "Nobody really wants him for another term, so to win he has to go negative" on his opponent.

And second, that is exactly what will happen, and the Laquan McDonald case will be writ large all over TV, with Emanuel trying to hang it on McCarthy, who was police superintendent at the time of the shooting, during 2014. But it is common knowledge that Emanuel suppressed the video release until after his re-election. The mayor may be in trouble.

So right now at least one year apart, we have two interesting elections to follow. We have to get through the gubernatorial election this year. Then in 2019 time to decided if Emanuel should get another term as mayor.

More Pritzker damage control

Today the CapFax has another round-up on the racial remarks made by Democrat gubernatorial hopefully J.B. Pritzker. Clearly his comments regarding Emil Jones Jr. and Jesse White or even Jesse Jackson Jr. and using the term crass or safe to refer to certain Black politicos aren't going away. Let me remind you those comments were made on long ago wiretaps in 2008 with then governor Rod Blagojevich.

Refer to tweet below and head over the Capitol Fax

Attacks keep coming as Pritzker tries to rebound with apologies, promises of inclusion https://t.co/YnvlDWDZ6H

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 9, 2018

Meanwhile the man whom Pritzker hopes to face in November Gov. Bruce Rauner has released another ad. It doesn't refer to those crass or safe Blacks. It doesn't even have Pritzker's voice on it as the earlier ads. However, one reason Blago is in prison today is because he attempted to auction off President Obama's old US Senate seat.

Apparently Blago claimed that Pritzker wanted to be appointed to Obama's senate seat. The asking price is raising $10 or $15 million dollars for Blagojevich! I wish I knew with whom the former Governor was thinking speaking out loud with. The ad is below. [VIDEO]

h/t to ad from Illinois Review.

And through this ad there's a website for other wiretaps pritzkerblago.com. It's clear that Rauner in order to increase the odds of his re-election as Governor, wants to muddy the waters around Pritzker who is as wealthy as Rauner.

Related

• Capitol Fax: Pritzker hit from all sides
• Capitol Fax: Emil Jones explodes at Pritzker, “safe blacks”; Bishop Trotter disinvites; Staffer quits

Capitol Fax: Pritzker hit from all sides

J.B. Pritzker was caught on long ago wiretaps with former Governor Rod Blagojevich - for those of you that don't remember he had been arrested while governor and then removed from office trying to sell President Obama's old US Senate seat to the highest bidder - you may have heard some of them. These wiretaps were used in ads by our current Governor Bruce Rauner.

The 2008 wiretaps there weren't used in the ad had been released by the Tribune has caused controversy. The problem - JB Pritzker was talking about "safe" Blacks or "crass" Blacks. Unfortunately those long ago comments has engendered a strong reaction by many Black politicos in Chicago.

Pritzker is a wealthy man - his family got rich off of a hotel chain perhaps you heard of them Hyatt. He was poised to be the front runner to run against another wealthy man who just so happens to be the current governor until this current drama starting hitting the news. Here's the latest round-up that you will find on the Capitol Fax via this tweet:

Pritzker hit from all sides https://t.co/HxLuxI2hwc

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 8, 2018

All the same, it's safe to say Pritzker is on damage control said to be calling as many prominent Blacks as possible to apologize for these long ago comments. 6th Ward Ald. Roderick Sawyer was even forced to make a statement regarding these disappoint comments though it's safe to say for now that Ald. Sawyer will remain behind Pritzker.

Capitol Fax: Kennedy alleges 'gentrification plan'

Yesterday from the Capitol Fax, Rich Miller wrote a syndicated column about Chris Kennedy - who's running for Governor in the Democratic primary this year - and further discusses his comments last week with regards to "strategic gentrification". Please give it a read right quick and also do you agree.

Kennedy: “To use the chief of police for political motives… That’s what they do in fascist countries” https://t.co/NfRWXrCDF3

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 9, 2018

To be fair and was noted in the column, the idea of getting "Black folks out of Chicago" is nothing new. A fringe mayoral candidate whom nobody likely remembers said this on her CAN-TV show - that nobody likely watched. So many years ago, and yet it's gotten some traction lately. 

Also the title you see for Miller's post at his blog, it's actually Kennedy's response to Superintendent Eddie Johnson. Kennedy clearly took issue with what he perception that Mayor Rahm Emanuel using his police chief to speak on the issue of crime - which Kennedy did refer to in his comments - as nothing more than political games.

The discussion of "strategic gentrification" continues

This time another angle as shown on the Capitol Fax blog today. Part of this strategic gentrification advanced by Democrat gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy - and yes he's related to the late President John F. Kennedy - at a news conference yesterday. His point, the fact that Black Chicago is in decline due to population because there is a strategic plan involved.

Kennedy “strategic gentrification” blast coincides with CTU’s Englewood protest https://t.co/yO9JW058t7

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 4, 2018

For example the angle in question, the four Englewood high school - which are generally under-enrolled are slated to close at the end of the school year - in favor of a new high school set to open in 2019 for freshmen. One aspect of this "strategic gentrification" are to close schools in minority areas such as Englewood.

As you see over at the Capitol Fax, we see a series of tweets by members of the Chicago Teacher's Union taking on this issue of closing the four Englewood high schools Harper, Hope, Teamwork Englewood & Robeson. The comments Kennedy - who was involved with the massive Merchandise Mart building downtown - has touched a nerve as he specifically directed his comments towards Mayor Rahm Emanuel yesterday. Some of the comments seemed to support Kennedy running for Mayor of Chicago next year.

Also, reported today on the Capitol Fax blog Kennedy appears to be backing down from his statements yesterday. He was on a radio show to somewhat clarify his remarks although he may not have been forceful, he chose to be a bit more artful in his clarification. Though Miller believes that Kennedy his backing away from his comments of course his campaign disputes this.

Kennedy seems to back away from his full-blown conspiracy theory https://t.co/uqJIPmiUcS

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 4, 2018

RELATED

• Black Caucus Chair on the decline of Black Chicago
• Is there "strategic gentrification" in Chicago?

 

Is there "strategic gentrification" in Chicago?

Yesterday at the Capitol Fax we see that Chris Kennedy - and if you want to know yes he's a member of that family Kennedy family related to the late President John F. Kennedy - made some comments. He believes in "strategic gentrification" so guess what in 2018 a return to the "dreaded G word".

From the Sun-Times:

If businessman Chris Kennedy is to have any chance of winning the Democratic nomination for governor, he needs to get black voters excited about his candidacy.

With that clearly in mind, Kennedy turned his sights Wednesday on Mayor Rahm Emanuel, accusing the mayor of being part of a “strategic gentrification plan” to intentionally push black residents out of the city.

“We’re cutting off money for schools, cutting off money for police, allowing people to be forced to live in food deserts, closing hospitals, closing access to mental health facilities,” Kennedy told reporters during a news conference that began as a criticism of the city’s efforts to stop gun violence.

“What choice do people have but to move, to leave, and I think that’s part of a strategic gentrification plan being implemented by the city of Chicago to push people of color out of the city,” he continued.
...
Pressed further, Kennedy said: “I believe that black people are being pushed out of Chicago intentionally by a strategy that involves disinvestment in communities being implemented by the city administration.”

Then he states who he blames for this:

Asked who is behind this alleged plan, Kennedy pointed to Emanuel.

“I believe in the tone at the top,” he said. “I believe the mayor is aware of what’s going on, and I think he is allowing that to occur and in some ways encouraging it.”
...
“And I believe Rahm Emanuel is the head of the city administration and therefore needs to be held responsible for those outcomes.”

What do you all think? Is this all politics? Is this something that will spice up the Democratic primary for Governor this year? Do you think Kennedy is right about "strategic gentrification"?

Also check out the reaction over at the CapFax. We see statements by Rahm Emanuel & Superintendent in reaction to Kennedy's comments. Also check out the comments section, who thinks Chris Kennedy should run for mayor if this Governor's thing doesn't work. Mayor Emanuel needs a challenger. :P

UPDATE: Mayor Emanuel's office compares Chris Kennedy to Trump, Rauner after Kennedy claims deliberate plan to force black people out of city https://t.co/Nu2OPKFqXP

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 3, 2018

BTW, when you think about it sharing this is a great companion to this morning's post about South Loop winning the Curbed Cup 2017. South Loop is a changing neighborhood or we could say gentrifying since the 2000s at least.

ALSO, here's another tweet from WGN's political editor Tahman Bradley

More Chris Kennedy. He says Mayor Emanuel is purposely
disinvesting in certain communities to push out black people.

"I believe that black people are being pushed out of
Chicago intentionally."

— Tahman Bradley (@tahmanbradley) January 3, 2018

Governor's race 2018

JB Pritzker has thrown his hat in the ring as far as next year's Democratic primary is concerned. He won't the only wealth candidate to run, it was in the news that Chris Kennedy - who formerly ran the Merchandise Mart & a member of the famous Kennedy political family - announced that he raised over a $1 million as he himself is running for Governor.

Pritzker who comes from a family that owned Hyatt hotels is far from the first person to enter this race. This is news for us because in a video shown on twitter he's meeting the electorate around the area especially at transit stops. For example you will see he made his way to 95/Dan Ryan to meet with commuters, it's an important stop for politicians apparently with all the traffic going in and out of the CTA terminal there.

Some news: I’m running for Governor of Illinois to fight for a better future for our state. Join me: https://t.co/nSZk3xqsWG #jbforgov pic.twitter.com/oswHXQmpqf

— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) April 6, 2017

With this said, the times we're living in Illinois is certainly an unhappy situation. Whoever runs and ultimately becomes the Democratic nominee for Governor will have to face a wealth first-term Republican governor. They also will have to answer any questions regarding the budget impasse and what they would do differently. Also from whatever damage from the impasse as a result they have to have an answer as to what they'll do to fix the damage.

Did you see last nights governor's debate?

Yesterday I noted GOP candidate for governor Bruce Rauner visited Flecks Coffee on Tuesday - watch this Early & Often [VIDEO]. This was before a debate with Gov. Pat Quinn that aired on CBS 2 last night. If you missed you will be able to see it at the end of this post.

The debate held at the DuSable Museum on Cottage Grove was geared towards Black voters.

I wanted to provide two posts from the Capitol Fax to analyze the recent debate.

• Post-debate spinning - Every candidate after a debate will attempt to paint themselves in the best light
• Some riveting TV -As for this one at the end of this post the discussion was regarding Gov. Quinn's body language

If you saw last night's debate or even if you're just now watching it today, let us know what you think. Who won this debate? Would this influence how you would vote next month on Election Day?

[VIDEO] of the debate is below

EVENT: Meet the candidates forum...

Candidates forum Saturday March 1 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM location is House of Hope located at 752 East 114th St. A number of local politicians were invited and three candidates for governor were invited to attend as well. More information is in the flyer below!

ABC 7: GOP Governor primary race heating up

[VIDEO] Speaking of Bruce Rauner - a Republican candidate for Governor who will be at a meet & greet at Luversia's on Jan. 20th - it appears his comments regarding a minimum wage has made the GOP primary more of a contest. He had been forced to backtrack from his statement where he apparently supported decreasing the minimum wage to the federal level.

The ABC7Chicago video you see above shows other Republican candidates such as Kirk Dillard & 2010 GOP nominee for Governor state Sen. Bill Brady take some swipes at Rauner. Mainly over the minimum wage flap and Dillard became the next Republican governor candidate to make a stop on the south side. As you see in the video he was at a services of Sweet Holy Spirit Church @ 8621 S. South Chicago Avenue.

BTW, Rich Miller of the CapFax noted that while Rauner has made some contradictory statements with regards to his position on the minimum wage so had Dillard. Dillard had stated himself that minimum wage should be set by the market, however, he too attempted to moderate his position on this issue.

So now, when will Sen. Brady and state Treasurer Rutherford will make their appearances on the south side. Not long before the 2010 elections Brady held a press conference on the site of the Chatham Market Walmart on 83rd Street to launch his jobs tour.

BTW, here's a tweet of Dillard speaking at Sweet Holy Spirit which does contain a photo

Enjoyed Sunday service at Church of the Sweet Holy Spirit. Thank you Bishop Trotter for having me & your support! pic.twitter.com/GTD87gs6uB
— Kirk Dillard (@KirkDillard) January 13, 2014

Meet & greet at Luversia's

It's not often that we advertise Republican events but here's one of interest for those of you who like to attend political events in our community.

The 6th Ward Republican Organization and Black Conservatives of America host a Meet and Greet to introduce:

• HONOREE: Jack Roeser 
• Keynote Speaker:  Bruce Rauner

We will also be introducing General Assembly Candidates........Fatimah Macklin, 34th;
Antonio Mannings, 2nd; Tondalaya Nelson, 6th and U.S. Congressional Candidates..........Jimmy Lee Tillman, 1st District, Diane Harris, 3rd District and David E. Williams, 9th District.

LOCATION:  Luversia's Restaurant
                     524 East 79th Street
                     Chicago, IL

DATE:           Monday, 20 January 2012

TIME:            6PM to 8:30PM

Appetizers and cash bar

Please RSVP to 6thwardgop@gmail.com by Tuesday, 14 January 2014 

So Bruce Rauner is coming to our community! He's the first Republican gubernatorial candidate that we know of who's making a stop nearby. Recently on the campaign trail he's been taking a beating on his thoughts on the minimum wage at first it seemed that he wanted to lower Illinois' to the federal limit and then he backtracked. It's not going away either.

Well, perhaps in the future there are other Republicans in our state who may consider a stop in the 6th Ward to make their case.

Candidates' Forum - Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Notice of this event is courtesy of Kari Steele who not only was a candidate for commissioner of the Water Reclamation District, but also Chairwoman of the 6th Ward Young Democrats

• On Wednesday, October 6, 2010, the Chicago Alumnae and Lambda Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Chicago Urban League will host a Candidates Forum to hear from those running for the office of Governor, United States Senate, Treasurer and Comptroller. It will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Chicago Urban League, 4510 South Michigan, Chicago. We recognize the importance of the upcoming election and are committed to increasing political involvement and awareness throughout metropolitan Chicago . 
  
  Please plan to attend the forum and invite your family, friends and neighbors to attend as well.

Remember, the mayoral election isn't until next February. We vote on November 2nd for various offices such as Cook County Board President, County Assessor, Sheriff, Governor and of course US Senate.

You can still register to vote for this election up until Oct. 26th. Refer to this post for more info!

Quinn campaign video

Ald. Lyle is in this video featuring Pat Quinn signing a new gun bill into law right at Cole Park on Monday.

Mayor Richard Daley, Gov. Pat Quinn and a host of other Democratic politicians gathered Monday at a South Side park to boast of a new law mandating prison time for gun-toting thugs -- but ended up facing a barrage of questions about whether they are doing enough to combat crime.

The setting, Cole Park in the Chatham neighborhood, was chosen because Chicago police Officer Thomas Wortham IV recently was gunned down outside his parents' nearby home. The suspects are young men, including one who Daley said was recently paroled on the kind of gun charge targeted by the new law.

The Daley-backed law, signed by Quinn at the park, sets a minimum sentence of one year in prison for someone convicted of carrying a loaded handgun without a state firearm owner's identification card. Previously, probation was possible.

The event was planned in part to honor Wortham, but it took on even more significance after Sunday's fatal shooting of uniformed off-duty Officer Michael Bailey two miles away in another middle-class, 6th Ward neighborhood battling violence.

So the 2010 gubernatorial contest has reached the Chatham neighborhood. This time with Pat Quinn taking on the issue of crime. Bill Brady last fall was on the issue of jobs when he visited Chatham Market, the site of the proposed Chatham Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart on the gubernatorial campaign trail

Bill Brady, the Republican nominee for governor, was in Pullman today with his state Senate colleague Rev. James Meeks in support of building a Wal-Mart in that neighborhood. Back in October, Brady also made a campaign appearance at the Wal-Mart site at 83rd and Steward to discuss his thoughts regarding this issue. This quote is via a press release from Brady's campaign:

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady today stood with Reverend Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago) and Pastor Larry Roberts, Sr. to support an agreement to build a new Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood.  Brady said the agreement would result in thousands of new jobs, more consumer choices, and boost much needed tax revenues for Illinois.

Brady last year introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities from blocking the construction of such stores, and previously visited with local officials in the Chatham neighborhood in support for a new Wal-Mart there.

“I’ve supported this proposal from day one because it means thousands of both union and non-union jobs for communities that desperately need them – and for consumers who deserve them,” Brady said.

“Estimates show this proposal could result in almost 10,000 new jobs, and $500 million in sales and property tax revenues for Illinois.  I was encouraged to hear Mayor Daley yesterday voice his strong support for this proposal, and join everyone here today in urging the zoning board to approve it,” Brady said.

“With record high unemployment, state government should be doing every single thing it can to promote job growth. I don’t believe our Governor is fighting hard enough for this community, and for other food deserts.”

“That’s one of the greatest differences between myself and Governor Quinn – I believe Illinois needs real and permanent jobs – not just temporary jobs that go away when federal funds dry up.  If it weren’t for the Mayor, and for leaders like those here today, this proposal would never have gotten off the ground.”

I really got wind of this visit by Brady via Capitol Fax which posted an earlier press release and Rich Miller also found an article that expresses Gov. Pat Quinn's feelings on the deal to bring more Wal-Marts to the city:

Quinn said Tuesday that he is happy to see so many jobs potentially coming to Chicago. He tried to downplay the politically sticky issue that many of those jobs will not be union jobs, and will pay less than the demanded "living wage."

Quinn instead focused his comments on the need Wal-Mart could fill in providing supermarkets to Chicago-area residents.

"It's a municipal issue for the city of Chicago…It puts people to work, gets grocery stores where they need to be located in every neighborhood, and at the same time helps our economy go forward."
...
"I've said all along that I believe…[in getting] a good wage for employees who work in the stores and for those who build the store," said Quinn.

And the governor hopes that point can smooth over any election year bitterness from labor groups who may be unhappy with a final Wal-Mart deal.

"The person I'm running against, Sen. Brady, he had a home building business that didn't hire union labor that didn't have union contractors. I believe that when we build something in Chicago we build it the right way."

But Quinn said he has not actively taken part in any negotiations. He instead will leave the deal-making to the Chicago City council.

Wait, only union labor and union contractors is the right way to build anything?

Anyway yesterday there was a rally outside of the Daley Center with protestors playing their vuvuzelas (horns that have been made famous by the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa). You can read this write-up or watch the video below.

Finally there is another rally scheduled outside of the Thompson Center tomorrow morning:

Jobs Rally

Aldermen and Community to Rally Before Zoning Vote

WHAT: Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), City Council colleagues, Community & Ministerial leaders, Rhymefest

WHEN: 8 AM
Thursday, June 24

WHERE: State of Illinois Plaza

BTW, if you would like to know more about this rally which I have recieved via e-mail there is some contact information in the e-mail. If you would like to see that information I would be happy to e-mail it to you.

UPDATE 4:45 PM I've got one more link for you to read from Clout Street regarding today's appearance of State Sen. Bill Brady with Rev. James Meeks outside of a vacant Pullman building:

But Meeks, who in the past threatened to run for governor only to be bluffed out by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, stopped short of endorsing Brady, a Senate colleague from Bloomington, or Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Asked by reporters if a Brady endorsement was possible, Meeks, who also is pastor of Salem Baptist Church, responded: “All things are possible. That’s what the scriptures teach us.”

Though Brady and Meeks sought to promote job growth ahead of a critical City Council Zoning Committee vote on Wal-Mart’s future that could take place as early as Thursday, the political picture was one of a prominent city African-American lawmaker standing side-by-side with a downstate white Republican who is vehemently opposed to the Democrats’ fiscal and social agendas.

Brady and Meeks differ vastly on tax policy. Meeks has long championed higher income taxes for schools while Brady is campaigning on a theme of opposing and cutting taxes. Still, both men have worked together on efforts to launch a school voucher program for disadvantaged children.

“I’m not making a commitment or an endorsement at this time of either candidate,” Meeks said. “I support many of the initiatives of Gov. Quinn. Gov. Quinn and I both support a tax increase. Sen. Brady does not. Gov. Quinn and I both support many initiatives. So we’re together on many things.”