| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | TGIF, Illinois. The winter weather outlook calls for boots and shovels, via NBC 5.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Balloons drop at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. | Francis Chung/POLITICO | HEY BIG SPENDER: More than a year ago, Gov. JB Pritzker and his wealthy supporters vowed to produce a debt-free Democratic National Convention. Pinky promise: Now, we know they kept their promise. A just-released report shows the host committee for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago raised $97 million and spent more than $83 million, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission. Some in the bank: The committee even wrapped up with an extra $14 million cash-on-hand. Committee spokesperson Natalie Edelstein told the Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet that any money remaining after all the bills and payroll costs are paid will be donated to still undetermined “charitable organizations.” Pritzker was a donor to the effort, along with his sister and former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, businessman Michael Sacks and Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts. The AFL-CIO backed the effort, too. By the numbers : Pritzker contributed $2.6 million individually, and MK Pritzker put in $3 million. Pritzker’s JB For Governor candidate committee gave another $126,543, via Crain’s Justin Laurence. Why it matters: Looming over the planning of the convention was knowledge that not all conventions have been so successful. The 2012 convention in Charlotte, N.C., ended with an $8 million tab. Even better: The Chicago host committee says the economic impact in Illinois was $371.4 million, according to the report. Previous conventions have brought in $150 million to $200 million. Diversity matters : The convention spent nearly half (47 percent) of its discretionary spending on goods and services provided by diverse vendors, including minority- and women-owned businesses. The full DNC Economic Impact Report is here. GOP convention numbers : “The host committee for July’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where former President Donald Trump accepted the GOP nomination for the third straight election, reported raising $92 million while spending $88 million, according to its federal filing,” by the Tribune’s Dan Petrella and A.D. Quig.
| | THE BUZZ | | — SCOOP: State Rep. La Shawn Ford is filing legislation that calls for selling the current White Sox property, “allowing Illinois to pay off debt associated with the White Sox's occupancy, relieving a significant financial burden on the state,” according to a letter he wrote to Gov. JB Pritzker. “By prioritizing a comprehensive assessment of this land and exploring its potential uses, we can unlock value by revitalizing the surrounding area, enhancing educational institutions, and strengthening Illinois' economy,” Ford wrote. Ford’s letter comes on the heels of a report that Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is open to selling the team. Reinsdorf is separately also looking at building a new stadium in Chicago. Ford’s full letter is here. f you are Laura Ricketts, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@politico.com
| | | WHERE'S JB | | | No official public events
| | | WHERE's BRANDON | | | At Garfield Park Conservatory at 12:45 p.m. for a press conference highlighting Chicago Department of Transportation, One Summer Chicago and investments in the 28th Ward
| | | Where's Toni | | | No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email: skapos@politico.com
| | 2024 WATCH | | — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Mayor Brandon Johnson will campaign in Detroit this weekend to support the Harris-Walz campaign. He'll speak at several Black churches in an effort to engage Black men. One of the churches on his calendar is the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, which is led by Bishop John Drew Sheard, who heads the national Church of God in Christ. — Bernie Sanders in Belvidere says climate change is real. Electric vehicles can help, by the Rockford Register Star’s Jeff Kolkey — Election Q&A with University of Chicago’s Heidi Heitkamp, via your Playbook host — Bar groups reconsider ratings of powerful Cook County judge, citing Injustice Watch report: “Running for retention Nov. 5, Judge E. Kenneth Wright Jr. faces criticism from two prominent bar groups after disclosures of inappropriate tax exemptions he took on a house in Will County. Since the Injustice Watch report earlier this month, the veteran judge moved to rescind the tax breaks,” by David Jackson and Kelly Garcia. — Republican state Rep. Nicole La Ha (82nd) has been endorsed by nine local mayors and village presidents. List here — Mariyana Spyropoulos has been endorsed by the Daily Herald in her bid for Cook County Circuit Court clerk, via the Herald — And the Tribune is out with its Cook County endorsements, too — CPS School Board: The race in the Far Northwest Side’s District 1: “Two educators with similar views on school choice and against borrowing — despite one with backing from CTU, the other from charter leaders — vie for this seat,” by WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko. — CPS School Board: The race in the West Side’s District 5: “A prominent activist who went on a hunger strike to keep a school open competes against two write-in candidates, including a West Loop lawyer who wants to retain the CPS CEO,” by WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko. — SPOTTED: State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, state Rep. Ann Williams, Cook County Commissioners Donna Miller, Bridget Degnen and Samantha Steele, and Trade to Trade CEO Deborah Cosey-Lane joined a group of Swifties for Kamala on the North Avenue Bridge on Thursday. Pic! And pic!
| | | THE STATEWIDES | | | — Jury of 12 finally selected in Madigan corruption case: Opening arguments set for Monday, by the Tribune’s Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau — Pritzker: Rockford region, Illinois play 'leading role' in aerospace industry, by the Rockford Register Star’s Jeff Kolkey — A look at the 14 members of the Massey Commission: They’ll hold their first hearing on Monday, by the State Journal-Register’s Steven Spearie — Wet soil, dryer pockets: How climate change is impacting Illinois pumpkin farms, by the State Journal-Register’s Claire Grant — Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum celebrates 20 years in new building, by the State Journal-Register’s Tom Ackerman
| | | CHICAGO | | | — Mayor must break two campaign promises to get budget passed, City Council critic warns: “To solve the budget crisis, Ald. Marty Quinn (13th) said Mayor Brandon Johnson needs to break two campaign promises — raise property taxes he promised to freeze and then renew the ShotSpotter contract to win the votes he needs to get the tax hike through the City Council,” by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman. — Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto eyes Lincoln Yards, 78 and Michael Reese sites for new soccer stadium, by Crain’s Danny Ecker — CPS announces record-breaking graduation rate: The district saw 84.1 percent of students graduating in four years and 86.5 percent graduating in five. “This comes in addition to the district’s second-lowest dropout rates in years,” by the Tribune’s Ikram Mohamed — OPINION: Why the often-overlooked Southeast Side matters to Chicago: “A Chicagoan reflects on his Mexican American family’s journey on the Southeast Side as National Hispanic American Heritage Month comes to a close,” writes comms strategist Jon Paul “JP” Valadez in the Sun-Times. — Nearly $8M awarded to former Acadia restaurant employee targeted in 4-year harassment campaign, by the Tribune’s Louisa Kung Liu Chu
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Niles wants transformation of Golf Mill shopping center to bring people back: “A decades-old mall will be demolished as the village pins its hopes on a new $440 million mixed-use center with quality restaurants, retail and more,” by the Sun-Times’ Abby Miller. — Ryan Field rebuild meets hiring targets, by Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie — Revised plan would keep remainder of Hawthorn mall intact, by the Daily Herald’s Mick Zawislak — Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who also serves as the state librarian, received the Illinois Library Association’s Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award at the association’s recent awards program. Giannoulias was recognized for championing the legislation designed to support public libraries by withholding state grants to libraries that remove books due to doctrinal or partisan disapproval. — State Representative Jeff Keicher , a Republican from Sycamore, was honored this week by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce with the Bridge Builder Award for bipartisan leadership and the Champion of Free Enterprise Award.
| | | Reader Digest | | | We asked for the one most important skill a lawmaker should have. For David Ormsby, Kevin Lampe, Barry McAnarney, John Straus and Emily Spangler, it’s empathy. “Humans become hardened by stress and the perception of what others think of us — we can forget to love others, even when it's hard,” wrote Spangler. Matthew Beaudet: “Empathy for those who didn’t support you.” Bill Cameron: “The ability to tell the truth conversationally instead of trying to fake sincerity.” Christopher Deutsch : “The ability to make hard decisions that are not necessarily going to be popular in the near-term but have the long-term view in mind.” Elena Maria Gottreich: “Humility.” Kent Gray: “Remember names. It’s always impressive.” Lucas Hawley: “Humility.” Patrick Keane: “Listening instead of talking.” Chris Kolker: “Having a thick skin.” Jim Lyons: “Composure during difficult moments.” Ed Mazur: “A warm and welcoming handshake.” Pat McCann: “Listening!” Marilynn Miller : “To be able to talk to people without talking down to them.” Patricia Ann Watson: “Innate courage.” David Ruskin: “Absolutely must be a good listener!” Next question : Who’s the most notable campaigner to knock on your door? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | | — Meet Elon Musk’s man in Washington, by POLITICO’s John Hendel — A new report concludes Secret Service crime-fighting duties pull resources away from protecting top leaders, by POLITICO’s Betsy Woodruff Swan — Dems see warning signs for Harris with Latino men in Pennsylvania, by POLITICO’s Elena Schneider and Holly Otterbein
| | IN MEMORIAM | | — Ethel Kennedy, who was born in Chicago, was eulogized by 3 presidents, celebrities and grandchildren, via The New York Times — Remembering Ty Fahner: A celebration of life will be held Nov. 1 for Ty Fahner , the former federal prosecutor, Illinois attorney general and law firm leader who died last month. The gathering will be at the Shedd Aquarium, where Fahner served as the former chair of the board of trustees. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | THURSDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Josh Mogerman for correctly answering that Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Jell-O, Baker’s Chocolate, Maxwell House and Birdseye, creating General Foods Corp. TODAY’s QUESTION: Whose leg sits behind glass in Springfield? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, State Budget Director Alexis Sturm, Village of Lincolnwood Trustee Atour Sargon, Northwest side Democratic organizer J.C. Strzalka-Steil, attorney J.C. Strzalka-Steil, political fundraising consultant Erica Kelly, MxD’s Senior Comms Director Alyssa Anna Sullivan, University of Chicago professor emeritus Victor A. Friedman, policy and comms consultant Jim Bray and Playbooker Steve Whitmer. Saturday: NRDC Senior Policy Advocate Chakena Perry, business leader Joseph Neubauer, Hispanic Federation Midwest Policy Director Roberto Valdez, Amazon Public Policy Senior Manager Brandon Webb, Hyde Park Day School Development Director Maureen McCarthy and comms strategist Elizabeth Austin. Sunday: Veep Kamala Harris, former Sen. Peter Fitzgerald , former state Rep. Carolyn Krause, former state Rep. Bob Biggins, Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications co-founder Rick Jasculca, political consultant Rebecca Williams, Artisan Partners Regional Director Bart Marchant, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton partner David Ruskin, political historian and author Taylor Pensoneau and Sun-Times editorial board member Lee Bey. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
