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* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
The political action committee affiliated with the Illinois Network of Charter Schools is always well-funded, well-organized, well-run and often quite successful at electing legislative candidates who support their cause.
But unlike, say, Personal PAC, which focuses almost solely on the issue of abortion in its ubiquitous direct mailers, you don’t often see charter schools even mentioned in the cash-rich INCS Action’s mailers. And “INCS” is the only identifier on its mailers. They don’t mention the full name of the group itself.
There’s nothing illegal or even particularly wrong about that. The group wants more allies at the Statehouse, so they use polling to shape their campaign messaging, instead of using their own core issues, which may not move enough voters. And because they’re an independent expenditure committee, campaign contribution caps do not apply. So they can spend big. And they do.
This year, though, INCS broached an issue that caused them some Statehouse trouble.
“Repeal the dangerous SAFE-T Act,” blares one dot-point in a mailer on behalf of Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich). “Violent Criminals shouldn’t be allowed out on the streets with no cash bail.” It’s the top item in what INCS claims is “Chris Bos’ plan to reduce crime and make our communities safer.”
There’s probably not a huge overlap between staunch charter school proponents and enthusiastic criminal justice reform advocates, but the latter group does have quite a bit of influence in both legislative chambers, which is how the SAFE-T Act was passed in the first place.
Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, who has been one of the SAFE-T Act’s most vocal proponents since the massive pushback against the criminal justice reform law began, issued a statement last week about the INCS mailer.
“It’s disappointing to see this from the charter school industry especially since their own website says they serve 92% of students of color,” Peters’ statement read. “They should support the elimination of cash bail given 87% students are on free and reduced price lunch and are profoundly impacted by the issue. I hope they reconsider their position especially for the families their schools serve.”
Peters was described by the Chicago Teachers Union earlier this year as being a “staunch CTU supporter,” and that union is perhaps the most vocal opponent of the charter school system.
I’ve since been told INCS Action will no longer use the issue in future mailers. Somebody over there just wasn’t thinking things through. It’s one thing to help a super-minority party candidate win, it’s quite another if how you aid that person winds up damaging your core issue with the super-majority party. I figure they’ll find a way to patch things up. They’re usually pretty good at this stuff.
According to disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, INCS has, as of this writing, sent three mailers on Bos’ behalf, at $11,400 a pop. It reported having $1.9 million cash on hand at the end of September.
Bos definitely needs the help. He ended June with just $10,000 in the bank and has since reported raising just $19,000. INCS has already reported spending more money on Bos than the incumbent has available.
Bos is up against Nabeela Syed, a hard-charging opponent who has reported raising about $372,000 between the beginning of July and Oct. 14. Bos isn’t yet a Tier One target, but Syed walks a lot of precincts and convincingly won a Democratic primary, which undoubtedly boosted her name recognition. So, unless the bottom drops out on the Democrats, she could make it a close race, particularly if the House Democrats put her cable ads on Chicago broadcast TV.
What money has been spent by the Republicans has focused mainly on the crime issue, which INCS evidently picked up on. The Republicans have been criticized, however, for using a photoshopped image of Syed that falsely makes her look like she’s holding a sign saying “Defund the police.” The Democrats have been known to do this sort of thing, too, of course.
The House Dems are running two cable TV ads for Syed. One mixes economic issues with abortion.
“Rising prices hurt everyone,” the 15-second ad begins. “I’m Nabeela Syed. I’m fighting to cut property taxes and prescription costs. Extreme politician Chris Bos opposes a woman’s right to choose, no exceptions. I’m Nabeela Syed. I’ll protect your pocketbook and your rights.”
The other 15-second spot focuses solely on Bos, claiming he will “outlaw a woman’s right to choose, even in cases of rape and incest.”
According to Illinois Right to Life Action, Bos is “fully pro-life.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 8:47 am
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In other words, INCS, stay in your lane.
Comment by Flying Elvis'-Utah Chapter Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 8:53 am
Maybe it was years ago but Personal PAC has supported candidates without talking about abortion. The point is to win and get desired legislation, so whatever works. Either people don’t remember that or they’re just playing politics. It’s really a non-issue so to speak.
Comment by Torco Sign Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 9:03 am
Backs a plan to repeal. Do you have the votes to repeal? Magical thinking?
Comment by Rabid Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 9:14 am
“Somebody over there just wasn’t thinking things through.”
And “thinking things through” is supposed to be the job of that somebody.
IMHO, that’s a “we’re going to make some staffing changes in the new year” degree of bungle.
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 9:27 am
A Democratic “fighting to cut property taxes” is about as likely as a Republican reforming pensions….
Comment by 1st Ward Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 9:43 am
INCS’s “lane” is privatization of government services for profit, while leaving the government to pick up the tab for the most expensive services (special needs, etc), just like insurance companies love to do for medicine.
Privatization is a blight, and it is no surprise which party these grifters support.
Comment by Homebody Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 9:45 am
Good read.
The Times is really doing a good job of educating it’s readers on the ins and outs of politics and campaigns in our state.
Not sure what charter schools have to do with crime. Why not spend the money on the merits of charter schools? With the latest test scores I have seen in the state I would think they would have plenty of issues to talk about.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 10:50 am
All this talk about INCS but no mention of Wal-Mart? Most of its cash comes from the Waltons.
Comment by City Zen Monday, Oct 17, 22 @ 11:15 am