Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what’s going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here.
Topspin
Democratic governor hopeful J.B. Pritzker has scored the endorsement of an important Downstate Democratic organization in next year’s primary.
“We met with J.B. and discussed his vision for Illinois,”?Bob Sprague, chairman of the St. Clair County Democrats, said in a statement. “He’s the right candidate to take on Bruce Rauner to create jobs, protect workers’ rights and fix the budget mess. We will support J.B. every step of the way in order to take back our state.”
The endorsement is significant for Pritzker given that St. Clair, located across the river from St. Louis, is one of the largest and most dependable Democratic voting counties outside the Chicago area.
Still, in last year’s presidential general election, of more than 120,000 votes cast in the county, Hillary Clinton scored a relatively narrow 50.4 percent to 44.7 percent victory over President Donald Trump. Four years earlier, with roughly the same amount of votes, adopted home-state President Barack Obama carried the county by about 14 percentage points over Republican Mitt Romney.
Republican support has been evolving in the Metro-East area over decades.
In the 2016 Democratic presidential primary in St. Clair County, just more than 40,000 votes were cast, with Clinton defeating Sen. Bernie Sanders 60 percent to 39.2 percent.
“I am thrilled to have the support of Democrats across the state of Illinois, and St. Clair County is critical to Democrats’ chances of winning the governor’s race,”?Pritzker said in a statement, adding, “Unlike Bruce Rauner, I know pitting Illinoisans against each other won’t help us solve our state’s big problems.” (Rick Pearson)
What’s on tap
*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will announce that a Goldman Sachs education program for small businesses is continuing. He’ll also preside over an afternoon meeting of the Public Building Commission.
*Gov. Bruce Rauner will attend a trio of events in Springfield. He again won’t take questions from reporters.
*The Illinois House and Senate meet.
*The Cook County Board meets.
From the notebook
*Controversial abortion proposal advances: An abortion bill that Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has pledged to veto is one step away from his desk after clearing a Senate panel Tuesday.
The bill, which was approved by the House late last month, would allow women to use Medicaid coverage and state employee health insurance for abortions. Supporters say it also would help ensure abortion remains legal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court by removing a so-called “trigger provision” in current law.
Opponents, including Rauner, contend the state shouldn’t expand taxpayer funding of abortions.
The proposal was approved by a Senate committee with Democrats voting for it and Republicans against. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton said last month that the Senate is prepared to send it to Rauner’s desk and override his veto if necessary.
Abortion rights groups have pressured Rauner on the issue, noting he once expressed support for the ideas contained in the legislation he now opposes. (Haley BeMiller)
What we’re writing
*Chicago alderman stands by comments despite gang threats, police protection.
*CPS says it may fall short on upcoming teacher pension payment.
*Cook County Board mulls $380,000 settlement in alleged jail sexual assault of ‘cute, white’ Minnesota woman.
*Illinois House lawmakers pen letter to vent about lack of a budget.
*Auditor General Mautino should face campaign fine, according to hearing officer recommendation.
*Republican Dold won’t seek fourth rematch for Congress with Democrat Schneider.
*Ethics Board rejects watchdog recommendation that city officials report lobbying.
*New Chicago State leaders offer plans for the future.
*Tribune wins groundbreaking open records lawsuit against College of DuPae, foundation.
What we’re reading
*Shedd to request first price hike in 17 years seeking shorter lines, more free days.
*Cook County Jail inmates can order hot pizza delivered to their cells.
*“You know when people say life throws you a curveball? Well, life threw me a fastball to the head.”
Follow the money
*Secretary of State Jesse White, who’s up for re-election next year to what would be a sixth term, reported more than $51,800 in contributions largely from labor sources, including a $25,000 gift from the Illinois Laborers Legislative Committee.
*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.
Beyond Chicago
*Trump fires FBI Director James Comey.
*Trump OKs arms for Syrian Kurds despite Turkish objections.
*Politico logs visitors to Trump’s White House.
*South Korea elects leader who backs talks with North Korea.
