The Israel-Hamas war hits home

Dec 07, 2023

Happy Thursday, Illinois. We’ve got the winners and losers of last night’s GOP presidential debate.

TOP TALKER

SCOOP: Democratic Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack is going to run as a write-in candidate for the 32nd Ward committeeman seat that he currently holds.

Here’s why: The only guy in the race, Ishan Daya, was caught on video recently tearing down a poster in New York City of an Israeli hostage being held by Hamas.

“Many party members have objected to him based on his actions,” Waguespack told Playbook, adding, he’s filing to run as a write-in after initially planning not to seek reelection. Waguespack had endorsed someone else for the post, but that person didn't file on time — leaving Daya as the only one in the race. Now Waguespack is back in.

It’s a trend: The Israel-Hamas war is seeping into races for all levels of government in Illinois.

20th District state Senate race: After the video of Daya went public, he stepped down as a co-host of a fundraiser for Graciela Guzman, a progressive challenging incumbent state Sen Natalie Toro in the Democratic primary. The war is now a talking point in the race, with Guzman condemning Daya’s actions, and Toro calling them out as “hateful and antisemitic.”

In the IL-06 Democratic primary, Mahnoor Ahmad poked at Congressman Sean Casten this week for not signing a ceasefire resolution. “His inaction on this topic mirrors his inaction on the climate crisis and other areas where he promised to make changes,” Ahmad said in a statement announcing she had filed her petitions.

Casten’s team responded, saying the congressman has “consistently advocated for a lasting, durable peace in the region” and was among the first members of Congress to call for a pause in the fighting. Also worth nothing: Casten has introduced dozens of bills related to the climate crisis, and a number of them have been enacted into law.

In the IL-11 Democratic primary, Qasim Rashid has similarly attacked Congressman Bill Foster for not signing onto a “Ceasefire Now Resolution” introduced by fellow Democratic Reps. Delia Ramirez, Jesús “Chuy” Garcia and Jonathan Jackson.

Foster’s response: He “has been clear that Hamas must be held accountable for their brutal attack on Israeli civilians” but also believes “it is a moral imperative” to bring more humanitarian aid into Gaza and that Israel “do everything possible to minimize civilian harm,” according to a spokesman.

Brace yourselves, folks. With Illinois' large Jewish and Palestinian communities, the Israel-Hamas war will be a tension point in campaigns through November.

CONVENTION ZONE

AT THE TABLE: The Chicago 2024 Host Committee is launching its Business Diversity Advisory Council to make sure diversity is top of mind with the businesses that will be helping put on the Democratic National Convention next summer.

Leading the charge: The council is headed by Jaemie Neely, the executive director of the Federation of Women Contractors, and Jackie Gomez, the executive director of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association.

Why it’s important: Creating the council “is a critical step in ensuring business and individuals from a wide array of backgrounds have a seat at the table where decisions are being made,” Host Committee Executive Director Christy George said in a statement.

Who’s involved: More than 20 Illinois-based organizations focused on diversity and an inclusive workforce are part of the council.

If you are Jaemie Neely, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com

WHERE'S JB

At the Reactivate Community Solar Project on Cottage Grove Avenue at 10 a.m. Gov to join ComEd to celebrate a “solar installation milestone.”

WHERE's BRANDON

No official public events.

Where's Toni

At the Old Post Office at 10 a.m. to spotlight the Plan of Action for Regional Transit — At the White House at 6 p.m. Holiday Reception.

If you survived your company holiday party, email me at skapos@politico.com

CHICAGO

— Report: Bears mulling Soldier Field parking area as new stadium site. Meanwhile, talks resume with schools over Arlington Heights location, by the Tribune’s Robert McCoppin.

— In wake of Brighton Park migrant shelter flap, three Council members call for resignations: ““Chicago taxpayers cannot afford the mistakes being made by these members of your team failing to meet this moment,” says the letter signed by Alds. Raymond Lopez (15th), Anthony Beale (9th) and Anthony Napolitano (41st). The mayor’s office dismissed the idea. Crain’s Justin Laurence reports. Here’s the full letter.

— Aldermen want meetings with CHA boss after investigation revealed vacant, decaying properties, by the Block Club’s Rachel Hinton

— Johnson urged to ‘find solutions that work for the airlines’ to salvage O’Hare expansion, by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman.

— Who should decide the fate of Chicago’s most serious police misconduct cases? “A City Council panel this week could allow the main union for cops to contest firings and long suspensions behind closed doors,” by WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell.

— Chicago hears from Cincinnati and Newark officials on how to speed up replacement of toxic lead pipes, by the Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne

— CPS board to vote on charter renewal for Urban Prep Academies despite ongoing Litigation, by WTTW’s Matt Masterson

COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS

— Cook County state’s attorney’s office replaces head of unit that reviews possible wrongful convictions, rebrands effort, by the Tribune’s Madeline Buckley

SPOTTED

— Former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s holiday party at Luxbar Wednesday night felt like a reunion, according to attendees. Notable names from his administrations or friends of that era (1989 to 2011) were spotted, including, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot (She worked in procurement for Daley.), Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Obama Presidential Center Senior VP Lori Healey, Korn Ferry’s Sheila O’Grady, business consultant Rosemarie Andolino, developer Elzie Higginbottom, Cozen O’Connor’s John Dunn, former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, civic life supporter Peggy Lombardo and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The Trial of Edward Burke

— ‘It felt like a shakedown’; Witness challenged by defense about meeting with Ald. Ed Burke on Burger King renovation, by the Tribune’s Jason Meisner

TAKING NAMES

— Arnold Randall, the general superintendent of the Cook County Forest Preserves, will step down in January “for a new opportunity, with an announcement of his next position expected soon.” Randall was appointed to the Forest Preserves in 2010 by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, who praised him for being “a calm, collaborative and strategic leader.” Deputy General Superintendent Eileen Figel will serve as the interim general superintendent starting in January.

— Illinois Rep. Lindsey LaPointe is one of five state legislators from across the country being recognized as “2023 Legislative Champions” by Mental Health America. The group featured LaPointe for her work to increase funding for mental health and improve behavioral health support for first responders. She also chairs the Illinois Mental Health Committee. Wisconsin state Sen. Jesse James and lawmakers from Mississippi, North Carolina and Pennsylvania were also honored.

Reader Digest

We asked about the company party you can’t forget:

Brent Zhorne sums it up: “The party where my boss boasted to a group of us how he successfully outran police in Iowa in his BMW and then made comments about people in Iowa being a bunch of country bumpkins. He had moved to Cedar Rapids from New Jersey. Alcohol makes people say stupid things.”

For Friday, what do you listen to to get in the holiday spirit?

FROM THE DELEGATION

— Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, joined the POLITICO Tech podcast to discuss digital trade policy, his effort to reverse the Biden administration's digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization and the risks posed by China. LaHood, a Republican, joined Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) for the bipartisan interview.

THE NATIONAL TAKE

— McCarthy plans to resign from Congress by end of year, by POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers and Melanie Mason

— Senators work to revive border talks after foreign aid face plant, by POLITICO’s Burgess Everett

— Trump’s ‘dictator’ remark puts 2024 campaign right where Biden wants it, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire and Myah Ward

TRANSITIONS

— Wendi Taylor Nations is now chief marketing officer of The Conference Board, a non-profit think tank and business membership organization. She has been an executive VP with Hawthorn Strategy Group and ran for alderman earlier this year.

— Michelle Carr has been named CEO of Evergreen Climate Innovation. She has headed The Nature Conservancy's Illinois office for the past 11 years. Carr starts at Evergreen in February, replacing Erik G. Birkerts, who is stepping down as planned at year's end.

TRIVIA

WEDNESDAY’s ANSWER: Susan Brubaker Chokachi grew up in Springfield and was on the Springfield High School Scarlet Line Pom Pon Squad before becoming CEO of Gucci America and marrying David Chokachi of “Baywatch” fame.

TODAY's QUESTION: What was the Twinkie originally filled with? Email skapos@politico.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

State Sen. Dan McConchie, Chicago Ald. Marty Quinn, Chicago Cubs President of Operations Jed Hoyer, Morgan Stanley wealth adviser Joe Silich and Northern Trust data guru Neil Devitt.

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