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* Press release…
Days after Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White backed Anna Valencia to succeed him, Governor JB Pritzker today announced he has also endorsed Valencia:
“As a veteran, community leader, and elected official, Jesse White has been a model of public service in Illinois for over half a century. The first African American ever elected as Illinois Secretary of State, and one of the most popular Democratic candidates in state history, Jesse will leave behind an unmatched legacy. For decades he has been a powerful voice for those who have been historically underrepresented––something Anna Valencia has dedicated herself to both personally and professionally.
“I am proud to join Jesse White and Senators Durbin and Duckworth and many others in endorsing Anna Valencia for Secretary of State. Anna is a capable leader with a proven record of success, and she represents the bright future of the Democratic party. In this Democratic primary for Secretary of State we are lucky to have three capable candidates. However, I believe Anna is the best choice. I am thrilled to support her history-making candidacy to be the first woman and first Latina to serve as Illinois Secretary of State,” said Governor Pritzker.
“I am grateful for Governor Pritzker’s endorsement, which adds to the growing momentum around our campaign,” said Anna Valencia. “Governor Pritzker has fought for working families like the one I grew up in, advocated for our women and girls, helped me reform our fines and fees system and notched big wins in Springfield that are making a difference in the lives of Illinoisans. I look forward to joining the Governor on the ballot this fall, rallying our diverse coalition of voters and partnering with him as Secretary of State to fight for all Illinoisans.”
Since entering the race in June 2021, Valencia has built a strong statewide coalition of support from a robust slate of highly-respected elected officials, business leaders, political groups and labor unions—including the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) and Illinois Nurses Association-The Nurses Union (INA). Both of Illinois’ US senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, have endorsed Valencia. She has also secured support from the national Latino Victory Fund, EMILY’s List and other influential organizations and leaders from across the state and nation.
I guess the next question is whether the governor will help her catch up to Giannoulias’ fundraising.
…Adding… David Moore…
Again, I’m not surprised by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s endorsement of my opponent. We know that he has a very close relationship with Secretary of State Jesse White. Although, I am an elected official, I am not viewed as part of the establishment. The party establishment didn’t support my candidacy the first two times I ran for alderman. I didn’t ask permission then and I’m not asking permission now. The voters will decide who they want to be the Democratic nominee for Illinois secretary of state.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:49 pm
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And the downward slide of Giannoulias’ campaign continues. The guy is a weak candidate. SOS race is wide open.
Comment by ;) Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:53 pm
==one of the most popular Democratic candidates in state history==
Biggest understatement in the history of understatements. He’s by far the most popular candidate of ‘any’ party in Illinois.
Wonder who else in on the list of ‘one of’?
Comment by A Guy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:55 pm
===I guess the next question is whether the governor will help her catch up to Giannoulias’ fundraising.
Alexi’s money advantage was just obliterated. An entire year of fundraising and front-running and all major statewide politicians basically agree that Giannoulias cannot win the SoS race.
Comment by HonestAbeLives Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:56 pm
Jesse White gives the credibility, will Pritzker fund the credibility message needed to defeat Alexi?
It’s now safe to say the governor really would prefer not to run with Alexi?
The best way to prevent the disaster that is Alexi is to defeat Alexi in the primary.
Then… the only candidate that one can look at as troubling for Dems is the one that stands tall to the discussion of taxing retirement income… Mike Frerichs.
So, let’s play the feud, Alexi being shunned by the statewide electeds like Jesse and Pritzker ain’t great.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:58 pm
=== Alexi’s money advantage was just obliterated.===
Show me the money first.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:59 pm
==Alexi’s money advantage was just obliterated.==
Maybe, maybe not. I kinda doubt Pritzker is gonna cut Valencia a big check right away.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:59 pm
==Biggest understatement in the history of understatements. He’s by far the most popular candidate of ‘any’ party in Illinois.
Wonder who else in on the list of ‘one of’?==
Blair Hull?
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 2:59 pm
==Blair Hull? ==
Well, it’s certainly not Bobby Hull at this point.
Tho they have similar issues…
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:01 pm
so will the JB supporters who already endorsed Alexi change their minds?
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:04 pm
===Show me the money first.
Fair enough but JB has no problem writing checks and definitely views Giannoulias as a liability on the ticket.
Comment by HonestAbeLives Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:05 pm
===JB has no problem writing checks===
Then we should wait… show me the money.
The reality is, easily, Alexi ain’t getting JB Cash. That I know. Today.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:06 pm
My read would be Gov. Pritzker didn’t care about the SoS early on. Now that he is feeling it a little from Ken Griffin and the Rs, he rather have the candidate with less oppo. It is probably worth it for him to give Clerk Valencia some of his many, many dollars to ensure he has the easiest path to reelection.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:10 pm
Alexi’s such bad news he got Pritzker and Durbin singing from the same hymnal?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:13 pm
Now that is an endorsement you can take to the bank. I mean, if you still had one. /s
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:16 pm
==Alexi’s such bad news he got Pritzker and Durbin singing from the same hymnal? ==
Alexi: Bringing people together, the unifier in chief
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:17 pm
Alexi fooled around, and oh is he ever about to find out. Anna Valencia will be the next Illinois Secretary of State, even if the mountains crumble to the sea. Her tenacity and political instincts will never again be questioned in this state, come June 28.
Comment by Graybeard Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:19 pm
Alexi is done. He’s going to stand in front of Jesse White, the governor, and a Latina? That’s a hard sell from someone with such a dirty record.
He should do what’s right for the party and drop out promptly.
Comment by DisappointedVoter Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:20 pm
Well Valencia certainly has a strong tailwind behind her. That’s for sure. Ball’s in your court Grif.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:23 pm
Wondering what it says about all those politicians who endorsed Alexi early on
Comment by Sox11 Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:24 pm
About dang time. Hope it’s not too late and that it comes with some cash. From Durbin to Pritzker, Dems know that Alexi would be a drag on the Dem slate.
Comment by The Real Downstate Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:26 pm
==Ball’s in your court Grif. ==
If this were actually about anything other than weirdo billionaire rivalries, Milhiser could absolutely beat Valencia with Griff’s money. But we’ll see.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:35 pm
In about 4 1/2 months Alexi will have more time for golf with his 2014 buddy Tom Cross.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:39 pm
I hope other Dems are waking up to the fact that Alexi is going to drag this ticket down with him in Nov if he’s on it.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:41 pm
but her emails.
Comment by moving forward Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:42 pm
Momentum building for sure. Still a long time until June.
Plenty of time for bizarre.
Comment by Anonish Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 3:43 pm
===He’s going to stand in front of Jesse White, the governor, and a Latina? ===
I should remind you that, other than his own race and a state legislative primary here and there, the governor’s campaign track record ain’t all that great.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 4:06 pm
It’s easy for me to spend JB’s money, but I have to think he’s going to back his play with a few bucks. Otherwise, why put himself out there. To JB’s campaign track record, noted, but I think Anna is looking to JB for dollars more than door knockers.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 4:14 pm
JB vs Labor will be fun to watch.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 4:19 pm
===I should remind you that, other than his own race and a state legislative primary here and there, the governor’s campaign track record ain’t all that great.
Gov. Pritzker has figured out that layups are easier to make than 3-pointers.
Comment by HonestAbeLives Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 4:45 pm
Unless Pritzker helps fund her campaign how is she going to get the word out.
Comment by BigLou Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 4:45 pm
Alexi would be a drag on the Democratic ticket and is a headache that the governor doesn’t need. And the SOS seat is very winnable for the GOP. So much so that it could attract a lot of Griffin’s. And if Ken realizes that it’s going to be a long game to re-establish relevance for that GOP this might be where he places his bets. We’ll see if that happens and/or translates to JB opening his wallet in a meaningful way.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 5:09 pm
When the red high tide hits, as it assuredly will, both Frerichs and Valencia could go down and the Democratic muckety-mucks will have themselves and their group think to blame. Pritzker will win, but he will also learn not to make nice with the obsolescing Durbin ever again.
By way of example, Valencia’s improper and nepotistic emails are on her; his older banks suffering collapse amid DC favoritism is not on Alexi. You who crave “winners” over technological know-how will get neither in the end.
Comment by Pungent Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 5:31 pm
Cook County Dems have egg on their faces for endorsing Giannoulias
Comment by Scrambled Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 5:32 pm
Alexi has name ID and built in statewide support. Valencia is a city candidate. Unless JB ponies up Valencia is still at a disadvantage. Endorsements are nice, but they won’t win this primary.
Comment by B Team Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 5:45 pm
Why would a Gov, with such low numbers, think his endorsement was a good thing?
Comment by Snooze Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:07 pm
=== Why would a Gov, with such low numbers===
Pritzker is above 50% and thus above water…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:26 pm
@Pungent -
Have you forgotten that an Inspector General found Alexi’s Deputy Treasurer campaigned for public office while on state time and Alexi failed to discipline her?
Or the pictures of Alexi and Blago yucking it up?
In the time it takes you to explain whatever it is you think that Anna Valencia has done, i bet I can say “mob banker” atleast five times. And regardless of whatever you think Alexi’s explanation is, he will always be remembered as a “mob banker.”
Alexi is an albatross and JB knows it.
Comment by The Internet Remembers Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:32 pm
==Alexi is an albatross and JB knows it==
All the more reason to vote for him in the primary
Comment by Bad Goya Vitch Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:52 pm
===Milhiser could absolutely beat Valencia with Griff’s money. But we’ll see.===
Anyone who is any bit honest knows somethings make more sense these days;
The Illinois GOP (not necessarily the ILGOP) can make serious hay with SoS, Treasurer, and gaining Illinois statehouse seats in this off-year.
That would be huge, two statewides included.
Alexi helps Republicans take SoS. An absentee “once was”, lost statewide last time, can’t explain his own past or his own absence these many years.
Alexi and Frerichs help the GOP. The Governor’s endorsement helps Valencia, but it’s a measure seen with dollars as much as anything.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:52 pm
=== All the more reason to vote for him in the primary===
Lemme understand, lol…
… K… you wanna vote for Alexi in the primary, the Dem primary… because it helps defeat Pritzker… as the other primary, the GOP… will be deciding who will take on Pritzker… and you’re cool sitting that out…
Child-like look at how this all works. Almost like a FoxNews silly to things, considering 3 of the 5 GOPers running against Pritzker likely have zero chance of attracting suburban independents or womem voters.
Even the in-law uncle knows, “vote for my guy in my primary” is the play.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 6:58 pm
To be clear, the Grif slate chose Milhiser, a former prosecutor, because they liked the matchup against Alexi. They did not choose Milhiser to run against Anna. I promise they are deeply unhappy with the change in Alexi’s prospects.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Feb 22, 22 @ 7:10 pm
=== Milhiser could absolutely beat Valencia with Griff’s money. But we’ll see===
Milhiser needs to get threw his own primary first.
Comment by Wildcat Wednesday, Feb 23, 22 @ 1:11 am
Don’t forget the Alexi-Robin Kelly connection, even if she wouldn’t endorse him in the primary. More fuel for the Dem state party fire/power struggle.
Comment by Torco Sign Wednesday, Feb 23, 22 @ 2:51 am
===Then… the only candidate that one can look at as troubling for Dems is the one that stands tall to the discussion of taxing retirement income… Mike Frerichs.===
I am just seeing Mike Frerichs as being a liability to the statewide ticket. I do agree that Alexi is a much different story and apparently so does every major Democrat in the state. With the one glaring exception being Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Comment by John Presta Wednesday, Feb 23, 22 @ 3:20 pm