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Archive for the ‘Clown Car’ Category

By Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Wirepoints

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has pursued some of the nation’s most progressive policies while in office and he now claims Illinois is the “most progressive state” in the country. He’s right. Just look at what he’s managed to get passed in his 6.5 years. No cash bailConstitutionally-enshrined government union powers. The elimination of school choice. An “assault rifle” ban. Utility-bill-busting green energy goals. The “most LGBTQ+ friendly” education policies. The Midwest’s abortion capital.

Pritzker is so confident in his policies that he’s gunning even further left to try and win the Democratic primary for president. Just listen to his speeches at Equality Illinois and in New Hampshire, where he all but announced his candidacy.

But few seem to be biting. At least that’s what the latest Emerson College Polling data says. Among the wide list of potential presidential candidates for Democratic primary voters to choose from, Pritzker ranked near the bottom with only 2% support.

And despite all his efforts and “investment” in diversity, equity and inclusion, his support among black primary voters hit just 1%.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Blame Pritzker’s numbers on a lack of name recognition, but his near-zero support is not from a lack of trying. He hosted the DNC. He launched the 2028 presidential cycle with his New Hampshire speech. And he’s spent Think Big millions in other states like Ohio and Wisconsin – all in an attempt to garner national attention.

More here.

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The Barrington July 4th parade is Friday beginning at 10 AM.

Wednesday, July 2

Barrington Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 4:30 PM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot
Kick off the holiday with brats, beverages and community camaraderie.

Concert in the Park: Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Brass & Percussion Concert – 6:30 PM
Location: Robert G. Soule Amphitheater at Citizens Park
Celebrate the holiday with a free, family-friendly outdoor concert featuring the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Patriotic Brass and Percussion ensemble. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs for a relaxing summer evening in the park. This event is generously sponsored by the Barrington Area Community Foundation.

Thursday, July 3 

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 11 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot 

Barrington’s White House 10th Anniversary Open House – 10 AM to 1 PM
Location: Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St.
Originally built in 1898 as a home for John and Julia Robertson Jr., Barrington’s White House has become a cultural cornerstone of the Village since its restoration and opening as a community center in 2015.

Guests will enjoy lemonade and cake, historic games and crafts, face painting, juggling, magic and an appearance by Barrington’s historic fire truck “The Pirsch.” Docents in period attire will lead guided tours of the house, sharing its rich history and architectural charm. This is a summer gathering not to be missed.

Friday, July 4 – Independence Day

Advocate Good Shepherd Family Fitness Run – 7 to 9 AM
Location: Downtown Barrington
Start the day with a healthy and fun family fitness run through downtown. Registration required.

Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet Performance – 8:30 to 9:45 AM
Location: Porch of Barrington’s White House
Arrive early for patriotic tunes performed by the Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet. This local ensemble of accomplished musicians will play American classics to set the perfect tone ahead of the parade. Bring folding chairs and enjoy the concert on the front lawn, weather permitting.

Barrington Fourth of July Parade – 10 to 11:30 AM
Route: Main Street
Join neighbors and visitors as Barrington’s beloved parade brings together marching bands, community groups and festive floats.

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 10:30 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot 

Fourth of July Fireworks – 9:30 to 10 PM
Location: Barrington High School
The festivities continue with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Barrington sky.

Saturday, July 5

Lions Club Brat Tent – Opens at 10:30 AM
Location: Wool Street Parking Lot

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By FOX 32 Digital Staff

The Brief

  • Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday he’s running for a third term, highlighting gains in fiscal stability, abortion access, and worker protections.
  • He launched his campaign with a statewide tour and a video contrasting Illinois’ progress with Washington’s dysfunction.
  • Pritzker, seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, may need a new running mate as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton runs for U.S. Senate.

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday that he will run for a third term, pledging to build on the economic and social progress his administration has made since taking office in 2019.

Pritzker, 60, launched his campaign with a video titled “Keep Illinois Moving Forward,” positioning the state’s gains under his leadership — from balanced budgets to abortion access — as a stark contrast to what he called “chaos in Washington.”

“These days, Illinois is standing at the center of the fight: the fight to make life more affordable, the fight to protect our freedoms, the fight for common sense,” Pritzker said in a statement. “We don’t just talk about problems. In Illinois, we solve them. Because we know government ought to stand up for working families and be a force for good, not a weapon of revenge.

Pritzker begins his re-election push with a two-day tour across the state that includes stops in Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Belleville, and West Frankfort.

Illinois does not impose term limits on governors. The last governor to serve three terms was Republican Jim Thompson, who held office from 1977 to 1991.

More here.

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The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Related: ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – Village of Barrington Hills

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Erin Chan Ding | Courtesy of Kiley Humbert photography

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Candidates are beginning to line up for the Democratic primary in the 52nd House district.

Erin Chan Ding, who retained her seat on the Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board in April, announced Wednesday she is running for the seat currently held by Republican Martin McLaughlin.

Recently, Jesse Rojo, who fell short in his bid for Barrington village trustee in April, declared he is running.

A marathon runner and independent journalist, Chan Ding, a South Barrington resident, said she aims to invest in public education, make child care affordable, fight for livable wages, protect the environment and steward taxpayer dollars responsibly in Springfield.

“I’m a working mom running to bring kindness, respect and real representation to Springfield,” Chan Ding said. “As a twice-elected school board member, I care deeply about ensuring all children and people feel valued and seen — and confident that their local representatives will work for them. Our communities deserve leaders who listen, who uplift every voice and who work tirelessly to build a future in which people from every background can thrive.”

Read more here.

Related:Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026

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Jesse Rojo, Erin Chan Ding and Maria Peterson

Three Democratic candidates have declared, or will declare shortly, their candidacies for the Illinois 52nd District House seat currently held by Representative Martin McLaughlin. McLaughlin has held this seat for four and a half years now having won election three times.

On Tuesday, the Daily Herald posted, “Former Barrington village board candidate running for State house seat,” namely Jesse Rojo. Records indicate Rojo, 29, moved to Barrington in March of 2023 from Des Plaines. His social media pages indicates he will be active this Flag Day at “No Kings” events, so look him there today.

Recently reelected CUSD 220 Board of Education member Erin Chan Ding is hosting a “Launch Party” event this coming Wednesday in Barrington to officially announce her candidacy.

And last, Maria Peterson, who ran in the November 2024 52nd District election against Martin McLaughlin, has announced her campaign kickoff event will be held June 23rd in Barrington. Peterson also ran for office in 2022 against former Senate Senator Dan McConchie in the 26th District.

The General Primary Election is on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2026.

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For those confused about the recent appointment of Darby Hills to the Illinois State Senate, let’s clarify the facts and the legal process unfolding in McHenry County.

The judge in this case was asked to rule on two critical issues. First, whether the Lake County Republican Chairman could retroactively remedy the fact that Ms. Hills was not a Republican after McConchie‘s retirement. Brin appointed Hills as a republican precinct committeeperson —something both she and the chairman acknowledged needed to be done to remedy this deficit. The court allowed the chairman to appoint Ms. Hills as a precinct committeeperson weeks after Senator McConchie vacated his seat, arguably ignoring the statutes requirements and effectively temporarily enabling the appointment.

The second, and more consequential issue—the heart of the lawsuit—is whether Ms. Hills was a Republican at the time of the vacancy. Rather than interpret the relevant statute, requiring a nominee have valid Republican credentials the judge declined to rule on that core question. The case is now on appeal, and the Appellate Court will be asked to determine whether state law was properly followed and whether Hills was legally eligible for appointment under party rules and Illinois statutes.

Regardless of how one defines “Republican,” Ms. Hills’ voting record in Springfield speaks volumes. In just a short time, she has cast key votes that are out of step with Republican principles—votes that were anti-Second Amendment, pro-DEI mandates, anti-business, and in lockstep with teachers’ union interests.

The outcome of this legal appeal will be watched closely. If the Appellate Court finds that Ms. Hills was ineligible for appointment, it raises serious questions:

  • Will she be allowed to retain her Senate seat?
  • Will her votes be invalidated?
  • Will she be required to return taxpayer funds paid in salary during her disputed tenure?

Of course, there remains a straightforward path to public office: campaign, knock on doors, earn support, and win an election—both in a Republican primary and a general contest. But for now, it seems, Ms. Hills has taken a shortcut, bypassing voters in favor of backroom maneuvering.

Observers, constituents, and constitutional conservatives across the state will be following this case closely—not only for what it reveals about one Senate seat, but for what it says about process, transparency, the integrity of some in the Republican party and our electoral system.

Related:Residents deserve full disclosure – an update,” “Residents deserve full disclosure,” “’No more dog and pony shows, please!” “Gun rights advocacy group expresses displeasure with terms like ‘RINO, Backstabbing Traitor’ and ‘Botox Queen’ describing a senator’s vote on Senate Bill 8,” “Darby Hills Sworn In to Represent Illinois’ 26th Senate District,” “Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate,” “’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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In an interview with WBEZ, Sen. Dick Durbin said that he has spoken to more than a dozen people who are exploring runs for his Senate seat. | Jim Vondruska/For Sun-Times

Reporting by Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney | WBEZ

Durbin derby: One of the most competitive Senate primary races Illinois has seen in decades kicked into gear following Sen. Dick Durbin’s announcement that he will not seek reelection for the seat he has held since 1996. Durbin said more than a dozen people have expressed interest in the role.

Stratton steps in: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first prominent Democrat to launch a bid for Durbin’s Senate seat, painting herself as a new leader who can speak for the “working people” and stand up to President Donald Trump.

Who else to watch: Expect Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Lauren Underwood to launch bids soon. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs are also expected to jump into the race. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said he’d be open to running for a local post, though he’s got his eye on the governor’s race should Gov. JB Pritzker opt out.

Money matters: The question for Stratton is whether she can compete with Krishnamoorthi’s $19 million and counting campaign war chest — and whether Pritzker will pour in a little or a lot to support her. Should she lose the Senate bid, Stratton is also in a position to run for governor in the future.

GOP push: Republican donors, party officials and elected officials are encouraging U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood to run in the Republican primary race to succeed Durbin — and he’s interested.

The stakes: Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Underwood could lose their House seats if they go all in on the Senate race and lose. For now, the three could circulate petitions for both positions, then make a game time decision before a deadline later this year. With polling in full force, they would be able to decide whether to hold onto their House posts.

Read more here.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to speak at an event in New Hampshire this month, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run. | Photo: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/AP

Billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois is one of the top Democrats being watched as the party searches for a way out of the political wilderness

By John McCormick | The Wall Street Journal

CHICAGO—If JB Pritzker runs for the Democratic presidential nomination, he will be betting his party’s best prospect is a political punch-throwing heavyset billionaire who inherited massive wealth. While that sounds like President Trump, the two-term Illinois governor would be wagering on himself.

Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, has become one of the most-outspoken critics of Trump at a time Democrats are struggling to counter him. Wealth has long opened doors for Pritzker and there are signs he wants the next one to be into the Oval Office.

The 60-year-old is visiting New Hampshire, traditional home of the nation’s first presidential primary, to speak April 27 at a party fundraiser about what he sees as Trump’s authoritarianism and to call Democrats to action. The trip is likely to boost speculation that Pritzker, among those vetted by Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign as a possible running mate, is interested in the 2028 nomination.

“There is no doubt that he is going to run,” said Chicagoan Bill Daley, who served as President Bill Clinton’s commerce secretary and President Barack Obama’s chief of staff. “The real question is whether he runs for re-election first or just runs for president.”

The governor, who declined an interview, has yet to say whether he will seek a third term. An announcement is expected in the next few months, with the March 2026 primary less than 11 months away.

Read more here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28th, 2025

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills has officially been sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District, bringing a lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate. A dedicated community leader, Hills has served as a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and is the founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, which provides meals to hundreds of children each week.

“I am honored to officially represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate, and my mission is clear— fighting for the families who make this community strong. We must support parents, create opportunities for kids to succeed, and ensure government works for the people, not against them,” said Hills. “I will fight to cut taxes, hold government accountable and advance policies that grow our economy. I will bring the voices of families to Springfield and work every day to build a better future for the next generation.”

Hills’ commitment to public service is deeply personal. Raised in a working-class household by a single mother, she understands the challenges families face and has dedicated her career to making a difference. Through Barrington Children’s Charity, she has helped ensure that 525 children receive meals each week in Barrington-area schools. As a Barrington Hills trustee, she has fought to keep taxes low, rein in wasteful spending, and hold government accountable.

A former Cook County prosecutor and attorney, Hills brings both legal expertise and real-world experience to the Senate. She is also a wife and mother of three, giving her a firsthand perspective on the issues that matter most to families.

As she begins her service in the Illinois Senate, Hills is focused on providing relief for taxpayers, ensuring government is transparent and accountable, and promoting policies that strengthen the economy. She is committed to supporting families, expanding opportunities for children, and making sure the voices of her constituents are heard in Springfield.

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Source

Related:Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate,” “’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

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