Gov. Pritzker for President?

Posted on August 4, 2023
Illinois Governor Pritzker. (Photo courtesy: Gov. Pritzker)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker’s growing national profile is doing little to quell speculation he has his eye on the White House in 2028.

He has been on many national television programs and recently gave a lengthy interview to New York magazine.

“He’s not after the 2024 nomination,” says Brian Gaines, the W. Russell Arrington professor in state politics at the University of Illinois, as Pritzker has pledged to help re-elect President Biden, “but, given biden’s advanced age and, I think, given a fairly widespread feeling that (Vice President) Kamala Harris does not inspire a great deal of confidence, I think that (Gov.) Gavin Newsom of California and JB Pritzker of Illinois are kind of hanging around, just in case there is an emergency replacement needed.”

The Pritzker campaign has confirmed that, unlike in past years, the governor will attend the Governor’s Day brunch during the Illinois State Fair. Gaines says this could be a move to demonstrate Pritzker is still in charge of Illinois Democrats.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…