Kennedy says Pritzker doesn't 'deserve' to be governor, cites FBI recordings

[TexasTowelie]

Democratic governor hopeful Chris Kennedy on Sunday said J.B. Pritzker doesn't "deserve" to hold the state's highest office, citing comments his opponent made to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during phone conversations recorded by federal agents in 2008.

The FBI recordings, first reported by the Tribune last week, captured Pritzker asking Blagojevich to appoint him state treasurer should the office become open. In one conversation, Blagojevich sought a campaign donation, with Pritzker replying he didn't "think we should even talk about it," but also saying at one point, "I hear ya."

Kennedy, appearing on WGN 720-AM on Sunday, seized on that remark.

"See, a guy like J.B. Pritzker, they catch him on tape and he's talking about maybe swapping money for an appointment with Gov. Blagojevich and he's using insider language, he's using code words like, 'I hear ya, I hear ya,'" Kennedy said.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-chris-kennedy-pritzker-blagojevich-met-0605-20170604-story.html

[3catwoman3]

1. Saturday evening, my husband and I were at the McHenry County...

...Demcrats annual fundraising dinner. Pritzker was one of the 2 guest speakers, both of whom are vying to be the Democratic candidate to run against Rauner. He has a number of slickly produced campaign commercials already. I must confess he didn't really hold my attention that well.

The other speaker was state Senator Daniel Biss. I had already heard him interviewed on WCPT, Chicago Progressive Talk. He was very impressive on the radio, and equally so in person. I would happily vote for him.

Chris Kennedy was supposed to be there, but was not. No reason given.

[Freethinker65]

2. Thinking about going to local meet and greet for Biss this weekend

[3catwoman3]

3. Where in Illinois...

...are you, if you are comfortable answering. I am in Algonquin, in McHenry county. Very red here, and Algonquin was highlighted on NPR back in January as a Republican stronghold in this area.

If I am ever not sure who to vote for because I haven't done my research yet, I just look at the signs in my neighbors' yards and know who NOT to vote for.

[Freethinker65]

4. Western Cook County suburbs.

Politically mixed area. Gerrymandered Democratic.

[Snarkoleptic]

5. Hey neighbor! Another blue speck in this red County.

If you are on Facebook, you might like the group "McHenry County Progressives".

[3catwoman3]

8. I will check it out, thanks.

I do have a FB account, but next to never put anything on it.

[whathehell]

10. Hi 3catwoman3..

I'm also in the 14th district (Wauconda,) and have been to a few McHenry Dem meetings...I'm concerned about the Governor's race as well, and would enjoy meeting up with you & other McHenry DUers sometime.

[Snarkoleptic]

6. Biss was a bit awkward in explaining his vote for pension 'reform'

during his interview with Ben Joravsky on WCPT.
He basically said that he was forced to vote for either cuts to social safety net programs OR pension cuts.
He said that, in retrospect, it was a bad decision and he wished he'd rejected the "either or" choice that was placed before him.

Here's the show- skip to 6:30 to get to the Biss interview.
https://soundcloud.com/chicagosprogressivetalk/the-ben-joravsky-show-6117

If it were between Biss and Pritzker, I'd vote for Biss.

[3catwoman3]

7. We should plan an...

...IRL lunch meet up or something.

[murielm99]

9. I met Pritzker the other night, too.

He appeared at a JFK dinner here in Northern Illinois. It is an annual event, hosted by five county Democratic central committees.

He had someone following him around recording all his interactions with the crowd. My friend sitting next to me is a retired lawyer. She said she knows the family and is not voting for him. She did not elaborate.

I noticed how badly Pritzker was dressed. He did not look like a billionaire. I wondered if he was dressing down for the hicks from the sticks.

I like Chris Kennedy. He was unable to attend our event, so his son spoke for him.