Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: On at least one issue, Illinois leads the rest of the country
Next Post: More new laws
Posted in:
* Chicago Tribune editorial board…
When we asked Bailey if there was “any daylight at all” between himself and the actions of former President Donald Trump, whom this editorial board long has regarded as pernicious to the future of the Republican Party, he answered “none.” Given Trump’s refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the last election, that’s problematic. And, frankly, it is hard to imagine level-headed Chicago Republicans voting for someone who called their city “a crime-ridden, corrupt, dysfunctional hellhole,” all of our self-evident problems notwithstanding. Especially not when the candidate has supported what he calls a “New Illinois” movement, arguing that the rest of the state should separate from Chicago.
“Those of us in rural Illinois have different values and a very different way of life,” Bailey told the political reporter Rich Miller in 2020.
We reject that kind of dangerous, divisive talk and we argue it disqualifies Bailey. Illinois must remain unified. Chicagoans are not different creatures from the rest of the state. Our values have far more in common than Bailey seems to think.
* Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) on WCIA TV...
But I want to also address Darren Bailey, and I think address much of the sort of right-wing views inside our existing parts of the Republican Party, a large part of the Republican Party. The fact of the matter is, dumping on the city of Chicago is not going to make anybody safer, whether they live in southern Illinois, central Illinois or the city of Chicago and Cook County. It’s a fundamental excuse. It is built on a long-standing dog-whistle tradition. And if you want to be governor of the state of Illinois, you have to be governor of the city of Chicago, the governor of Peoria, the governor of Bloomington, the governor of Carbondale, the governor of Champaign, the governor of so many other small towns that exist in the state of Illinois. And your job is to represent everybody. So dumping on a city and playing into the right-wing narratives and the dog-whistle politics of the past isn’t going to make things safer or better for anybody. This is just, again, a long standing tradition, whether it’s coming from some folks in the Republican primary here in Illinois, or whether it’s coming from Governor Abbott, that has existed for decades [including other cities like New York, LA and the Bay Area]. And just like public safety policy over the last few decades, it is built on failure. And so I’m disgusted and annoyed because I want to do whatever we can to make sure that people, no matter their zip code, no matter what part of the state they live in, no matter what part of the country they live in, have the safety, the dignity and the life they deserve. And what we aren’t going to do is build that on the backs of a dog-whistle politics that has been failing us over and over again.
* The Question: Should gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s comments on Chicago be disqualifying? Make sure to explain your answer.
…Adding… Statement from the Bailey campaign…
Senator Bailey has stated multiple times that Joe Biden is the President. We were answering a vague question on what we believed was based on policy where President Trump put Americans, working families, law and order, and taxpayers first. At earlier publicly recorded forums, we were the only candidate who stated we wouldn’t audit 2020, but would instead focus on election integrity measures moving forward. The Board retroactively added the word “actions” into the question to change the meaning. Everyone who answered the question talked about policy. Senator Bailey is a supporter of President Trump and the America First Agenda. He proudly voted for him in both elections, but he is clearly his own man in how he handles himself and sets policy agendas.
…Adding… Also from the Bailey team…
This is a quote from Suntimes from last year and has been Bailey’s stance since the filing.
“Many times when two people are in a relationship or there’s a marriage and someone’s not happy, someone finally says I’m not happy. To me, that’s what that resolution was. It was a warning shot. “I am going to fight to make Illinois stronger from the north to the south from the east to the west as a whole and to make Chicago the great city that it should be,” Bailey said Tuesday. “But unfortunately, it’s being held hostage with liberal terrible ideas.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 12:48 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: On at least one issue, Illinois leads the rest of the country
Next Post: More new laws
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Yes, they should be, and they will be whether in June or November. He has no solutions for the problems Chicago and our other urban areas face, and it’s clear he doesn’t care. If you live in those areas, you are “the Other” to Bailey. If you want to vote directly against your interests and the interests of your community, he’s your man.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 12:57 pm
If we’re in the land of shoulds, most of what Republicans believe should disqualify them from holding any office or position of public esteem. Separatism, racism, homophobia, theocratic rule, book banning, torture of children at the border, all these beliefs are shocking to normal people, but they’re just a day at the office for Republicans.
Comment by SWIL_Voter Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 12:57 pm
“Those of us in rural Illinois have different values and a very different way of life,”
Bailey’s comments on Chicago are not legally disqualifying, but Chicago and collar county voters may find them bigoted enough to change their vote to Irvin.
I think Streator could be considered “rural,” but it too is a mix of differing values. I’m a Christian. Many people here are not. I don’t own any firearms. Many people here do. I believe in instructing children with discipline and manners. Many people here don’t, apparently. I don’t gamble or use marijuana, but many people here do.
But I can’t be self-righteous because I have different values. That’s how Bailey seems.
He seems to be a small, limited thinker. And that disqualifies him to be governor of a large, diverse state like Illinois.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:02 pm
Yes, should be disqualifying, and will be when voters take it upon themselves do so. How can you govern a state as big and diverse as Illinois if you, the governor, wants to disqualify 90 percent of IT? With Bailey in the governor’s mansion, Illinois would grind to a halt. Which would suit him fine, actually.
Comment by up2now Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:04 pm
On the flip side, I’d rather have Bailey say what he actually believes (even if repugnant) than Irvin dodge and avoid answering any question of consequence.
Comment by Hot Taeks Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:04 pm
I kinda bump on the word “disqualifying”, but I think he should lose a *ton* of votes over that stuff.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:04 pm
What hypocrisy, from the Trib editorial board who trashes Illinois. They probably don’t want to be wiped out in November with Bailey and would rather a toned-down spelunker get the GOP nomination.
No, Bailey should stay on. He followed the rules in getting on the ballot. No need for phony pearl clutching from the Trib, Bailey says what many on the right think anyway.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:08 pm
It’s disqualifying, but more importantly it’s functionally self-disqualifying. I’m a bit of a broken record on this, but Republicans will keep losing elections in Illinois until they start competing for the votes of more Illinoisans. Insulting Chicagoans, Cook County residents, and even a lot of collar county voters is a great way to get to super-minority status. That’s the hole Republicans are in now, and the first rule of holes is stop digging.
Comment by vern Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:08 pm
Darren Bailey is a follower and this is the sentiment that the people he listens to hold and believe in. Chicago is the problem until they need roads built or repaved. As we have noted here many times, Illinois without Chicago is North Mississippi.
But is it disqualifying? I wish we had a litmus test, or some accepted norms of political rhetoric, that would help voters understand that speaking in populists memes is dangerous and should be rejected. The fact that so many people in rural Illinois actually believe this tells me it is not disqualifying. I wish that wasn’t the case, but we have to operate in the real world.
Especially in a Republican primary, this is music to the voters’ ears in many places. It is one of the reasons Bailey is polling as well as he is. He has tapped into the nativist sentiment, the secessionist sentiment, because it is good politics.
No sane person would propose getting rid of Chicago, and yet the insane voters count as much as the sane. It’s a sad reflection of the times we’re living in. But unfortunately, it not only isn’t disqualifying, it’s not a bad GOP primary strategy.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:08 pm
You mean where do the comments on Chicago stand on the list of things that disqualify Bailey? Third, I think, after the election stuff and the Covidiocy.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:09 pm
Wait. What? There is a “level headed republican”?
Riiiight. Where? /s
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:10 pm
“but I think he should lose a *ton* of votes over that stuff.”
Just speaking from my own anecdotal personal experience, there is a lot of what I would call “white-collar racism” in the burbs. It only helps him with people that associate the city with crime. Should it be disqualifying? Yes. Is it? Quite the opposite.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:10 pm
==Should it be disqualifying? Yes. Is it? Quite the opposite. ==
I hear ya that there’s a big difference between “should” and “is”. But, OTOH, polling data indicates that it’s not helping Bailey out much right now.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:14 pm
I received a pollster phone call the other day. not sure if it was funded by Irvin or Bailey, but they did ask why I believe DB should not be Governor. I had so many many reasons to give. However, I wanted the pollsters notes to reflect this main concern. and that is, DB is a regionalist. he is unqualified to lead a state when he despises such a significant portion of said state. DB has posted pictures to his social media over the last 6 months “learning about the culture of Chicago”… excuse me, but you’re a full grown adult living in this state, it shouldn’t take a campaign for you to get to learn about the most culturally significant, the most economically relevant region in our state. DB clearly has disdain for the city and the surrounding suburbs, his awww shucks attitude is a scam and he deserves to stay right where he is. State senator for nothingburg, IL
Comment by MaddyMoon Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:18 pm
I would think that Bailey’s conduct and rhetoric would be disqualifying within and for the sake of his own party. But time and time again party leadership is not only silent, but aligns itself with those who hold similar views as Bailey. Endorsements of former President Trump, General Flynn, and Steve Bannon are coveted when they should be rejected. The ILGOP believes it’s viability requires it to accept Bailey and those who’s views align with him. Ultimately the voters will decide if that’s disqualifying.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:21 pm
Yes it should be disqualifying. Of course it wont be but that’s not the question.
It’s totally inappropriate to run for the highest office in the state when you’re publicly ripping a city. And you can replace Chicago with ANY city in Illinois and I’d be saying the same thing.
I’ve sick of being divided in this state into Chicago and Downstate. I love both parts. I love Illinois. I’d like to think our Governor should too - even if they may think it has its share of challenges (which it does).
Comment by Huh Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:28 pm
Someone accurately depicts the state of Chicago and we are asking if this should disqualify him instead of asking how we can address the high crime and police corruption problems in Chicago?
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:28 pm
Saying he is the President and he won the election are two very different things. Senator Bailey knows this. Most of what Senator Bailey says and does should disqualify him from being the standard bearer of the Party. But what do I know? I come from a wing of the GOP that barely exists anymore.
Comment by SuburbanRepublican Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:29 pm
I think “disqualifying” is too strong of a word. However, I do agree that sane Republicans shouldn’t vote for him because of this and other things he has said.
Comment by G'Kar Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:32 pm
===Saying he is the President and he won the election are two very different things.===
Especially when the clean-up statement includes this zinger: “…focus on election integrity measures moving forward.” What would those be and what evidence does Bailey have that our election integrity is threatened?
This is how stupid they think we are.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:33 pm
Let him say what he wants. The qualification comes through voting. Keep blasting the northeast counties that allow most other counties to get back more state funding that they pay in taxes. That has got to be the best method to get more votes and a strong way to unify a state. May work great at the Clay County noon Rotary meeting. The Bailey-Pritzker debates would be a real show. Are Republicans really serious about rebuilding statewide?
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:34 pm
==Someone accurately depicts the state of Chicago==
How do you even evaluate the claim that Chicago is a “hellhole” as accurate or not?
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:35 pm
As a African American resident of Chicago I applaud Bailey for speaking the truth in regards to this topic. Ask anyone living here that are in these crime ridden areas if Chicago is a crime ridden hellhole or a paradise.
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:35 pm
Dangerous and Divisive…definitely. Disqualifying…seems a stretch if the Trib editorial board meant that in terms of kicking him off the ballot. His views as speech on these issues does not rise to any of the disqualifying reasons laid out in the Illinois Constitution. It will be up to voters to “disqualify” him, not an editorial board.
“SECTION 1. DISQUALIFICATION FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
A person convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury or other infamous crime shall be ineligible to hold an office created by this Constitution. Eligibility may be restored as provided by law.”
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:38 pm
How do you even evaluate the claim that Chicago is a “hellhole” as accurate or not?
-
When you have to wonder if you are going to make it back home everytime you leave your home I guess we can call this a paradise.
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:39 pm
I’m pretty biased, I’m pretty solidly left of center (which many might call an understatement but there are a lot of vocal people more to the left than me so I’m keeping the description) but yes I think demonizing like 40% of the state, wanting to break the state up in parts, should be disqualifying from holding public office in said state.
Comment by Perrid Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:41 pm
==When you have to wonder if you are going to make it back home everytime you leave your home I guess we can call this a paradise. ==
So, no answer, huh?
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:44 pm
I go up to Chicago every few weeks to visit family. It’s a fun, though flawed, town.
But, of course, Bailey’s comments weren’t offered for the truth of the matter, but rather to appeal to the baser emotions of the 60% of the primary vote that will come from downstate.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:47 pm
Darren Bailey is a perfect representative for today’s Republican Party and I expect him to be the nominee. Are they disqualifying to represent the whole state? Of course they are but please don’t tell anyone until the General Election. Pretty please.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:48 pm
=As a African American resident of Chicago I applaud Bailey for speaking the truth in regards to this topic.=
So you support the idea of separating Chicago from the rest of the state? Applaud all you want but Darren Bailey has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be your governor.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:53 pm
==Ask anyone living here that are in these crime ridden areas if Chicago is a crime ridden hellhole or a paradise. ==
I feel like most of them would say “neither”.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 1:57 pm
So you support the idea of separating Chicago from the rest of the state?
-My statement was in agreement with Bailey in the topic addressed. Not this additional topic you mention.
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:03 pm
I feel like most of them would say “neither
-Are you living in Chicago to know?
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:03 pm
Sometimes I wish the separatists would get what they want, with the qualification that they’ll get State res commensurate with the proportion of population rural areas of the state represent. No more lion’s share of state highway $. No more State prisons. No more State universities. And so on.
They continue to think they’re getting screwed when in reality they’re making out like bandits.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:03 pm
Doppelganger strikes again at 1:28pm.
Get your own handle bud. I’ve had this one since blago was in office.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:07 pm
Wait–isn’t this the same Chicago Tribune that endorsed Bailey for Illinois Senate in 2020? He was hating on Chicago back then, too.
To the question…as others have said, his comments on Chicago are part of a longer list of things that should disqualify him in the minds of voters. He is a completely divisive person, as his record shows.
Comment by Don't Bloc Me In Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:11 pm
===-Are you living in Chicago to know?===
I am, and I share your concern about the violence. It happens near me almost daily it seems.
If Equity and Inclusion means that violence is now found in every neighborhood and not just on the South and West sides, I’d say Mayor Lightfoot has transformed our city into a more equitable place.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:12 pm
Disqualifying from an acceptability standpoint? Yes. But Trib should name a Republican who has not said anything disqualifying before they have the audacity to eliminate one of these lot.
Comment by Jibba Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:15 pm
Literally everything about Bailey is disqualifying. His wing of Republicanism doesn’t even pretend to care about people different from them. We see this in Trump administration’s active and intentional neglect towards places that didn’t vote for him during the peak of the COVID crisis.
As least in the ‘good old days’ of neocon warmongering Republicans, they at least paid lip service to the idea that they were supposed to be acting in the best interests of everyone, even the people they disagreed with.
Bailey, like Trump, shows that they can’t even be bothered to PRETEND that is the case.
Comment by Homebody Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:15 pm
Chiraq..
Comment by NotRich Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:18 pm
If I take your question in a literal and legal sense then the answer is no. There are limited and well articulated reasons for disqualifying a candidate, being a fool and a hypocrite are not on the list.
Thinking voters should view his many statements as disqualifying though. I will be voting for him in the primary in the hopes of guaranteeing a win for Pritzker.
and this…
=He seems to be a small, limited thinker. And that disqualifies him to be governor of a large, diverse state like Illinois.=
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:23 pm
To the Bailey campaign statement:
-we were the only candidate-
The Royal We.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:30 pm
Disqualification? Nope. He can run all he wants. Winning is a different matter, and he won’t beat Irwin’s money.
I sometimes wonder if the “Trib” should be disqualified from being a newspaper anymore; their long-term look makes them read like a site with a thing in the middle and a square if you catch my meaning. Col. Tribune would be appalled at today’s Tribune.
Comment by thisjustinagain Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:32 pm
I am a conservative and I vote republican because of economic policy> I am not blind and believe that Donald Trump and his words are going to kill the party. I am sure Mr. Bailey is a decent man, but some of his handlers/minions are really FAR OUT THERE. If those are the persons who are going to be placed in key positions in a Bailey Administration, I fear for ALL OF ILLINOIS.
His Eastern Block friends are way off base. As one of them said at Bailey’s announcement for governor: “If there is a GOD in heaven, Darrin Bailey will be governor” That kind of thinking scares me to death and I am a born again Christian.
Comment by The Old Man Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:34 pm
==Are you living in Chicago to know? ==
I thought the assignment was to ask “anyone” living there, but now I gotta actually live there?
And this will somehow prove or disprove that Bailey was “accurate” when he called Chicago “a hellhole”?
FWIW I just texted my friend who’s a PD, living on the south side, working out of 26th and Cali. I asked him if Chicago was a “hellhole” or “paradise”. He typed “lol” and then “something in between”.
(Now we’re talking about the White Sox.)
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:44 pm
Disqualified from running for office? No.
He can say the most revolting things he wants, and still should not be disqualified for office.
Good or bad, he is a representative for his region and the race is open to any resident of the state who meets the petition requirements.
He should probably be censured in his current office for what he is stating, but that’s a different question.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:52 pm
=Are you living in Chicago to know?=
Last I checked Darren Bailey wasn’t living in Chicago either. But roughly 2.7M do and that suggests that not everyone sees it as “a hellhole.”
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:53 pm
well, it’s disqualifying for me….in fact most of his attitude is. but but counties and those counties across the state just love that nonsense. if land could vote, he would be governor. that’s not how it works, thanks democracy.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:59 pm
===if Chicago is a crime ridden hellhole or a paradise===
That’s a question for a child, not an adult.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:59 pm
==Last I checked Darren Bailey wasn’t living in Chicago either.==
Oh, that’s a good point.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:59 pm
Tribune editorial states, “Illinois must remain unified.” My response - please name the parallel universe in which “Illinois is unified.” Nothing wrong with having diversity of thought and expression, and freedom of speech.
Comment by Unstable Genius Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:06 pm
@ Huh? - Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 2:07 pm
Sory I legit had no idea there was another Huh on here. Will switch. Apologies.
Comment by Huh - doppelganger Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:09 pm
“terrible liberal ideas” not “liberal terrible ideas.”
Comment by JustAThought Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:10 pm
Didn’t Bailey day that his lieutenant governor would be the overseer of Chicago?
Comment by historic66 Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:17 pm
===and freedom of speech===
Say what you want, but you shall reap what you sow.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:20 pm
If Darren Bailey is disqualified for his negative, false, malicious narrative about Chicago crime, then Ken Griffin should be as well, and by extension his sock puppet candidate, Richard Irvin.
Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 3:33 pm
I don’t know about disqualifying, however, this would be an opportunity to really talk up Chicago and ways it could be better and to address the crime issue. At this rate, and I sort of like Bailey and his twang he won’t be able to make a dent in the city.
Comment by Levois J Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:13 pm
Yes,
I kind of sick on a personal level that folks outside of urban areas are the “real” America. I am sorry that people who live in a different situation (and don’t own a large amount of land) disagree with you and see the world differently than you wish they did.
All of that besides the “nod and wink” about what he seems to really mean.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:21 pm
“a crime-ridden, corrupt, dysfunctional hellhole,”
While most disagree with the statement, there are alot, I mean alot, downstate who agree with this statement.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:21 pm
As a die-hard Chicagoan and Democrat, Bailey simply never qualified; good on him to confirm my choice.
Comment by Keith Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:22 pm
Disqualifying? Nah. There will always be some candidates that say and do crazy things. I mean, some talk about prayer in school. Others talk about instituting a 9-9-9 tax policy. And then there was Trump. If candidates could be disqualified for speaking, Trump would have been an after thought.
Comment by H-W Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:24 pm
Of course it’s disqualifying. But so is being the empty, bought candidate of Ken Griffin. I have not heard any ideas from any one of the Republican Candidates. They just use dog whistles, or don’t directly answer any question put to them. That, to me disqualifies they all.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:44 pm
No.
“frankly, it is hard to imagine level-headed Chicago Republicans voting for someone who called their city “a crime-ridden, corrupt, dysfunctional hellhole,” all of our self-evident problems notwithstanding.”
Is it?
The days of “level headed Republicans” came to an end with a resounding thud.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 4:48 pm
-freedom of speech-
He is free to call Chicago a hellhole. The many voters in or near Chicago who disagree are free to tell him (literally or at the ballot box) what they think of his opinion.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 5:10 pm
===Thinking voters should view (Bailey’s) many statements as disqualifying though. I will be voting for him in the primary in the hopes of guaranteeing a win for Pritzker.===
How many mischievous Democrats will share JS Mill’s intriguing temptation to mess with the GOP primary to ensure a Bailey win?
Comment by jackmac Tuesday, May 31, 22 @ 5:18 pm