Gov. Rauner condemns Holocaust denier running for Congress

2018年2月6日星期二

Gov. Rauner condemns Holocaust denier running for Congress

Topspin

Gov. Bruce Rauner condemned a Holocaust denier who is poised to be the Republican nominee for the congressional seat now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski.

"There is no room for Neo Nazis in American politics," Rauner said in a campaign statement Monday. "I condemn this man in the strongest possible terms."

The man is Arthur J. Jones, 70, of Lyons. He's the lone candidate on the March 20 Republican primary ballot for the seat that includes Western Springs, La Grange and parts of the Southwest Side. Because he's the only Republican on the ballot for the primary, he's almost certain to be representing the GOP on the November ballot too.

Rauner's condemnation followed a similar one by an ally, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider.

On the Democratic side, Lipinski is running for re-election against political newcomer Marie Newman.

The statement comes as Rauner's primary opponent, state Rep. Jeanne Ives, was was called out over the weekend by a reporter on Twitter for having retweeted a message of support by a person describing himself as a neo-Nazi.

Ives' campaign quickly moved to renounce the person, posting a tweet that said, "We had a staffer re-tweet this message without realizing who this individual was. It has been removed. We repudiate him. Disavow any endorsement and are returning any contribution."

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will talk about the snow storm at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

*Gov. Rauner will be in Springfield, speaking at a Illinois Bicentennial Legislative Reception and attending the Illinois Pork Expo Reception.

*Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will preside over the board's consent calendar.

*The Illinois House and Senate return to the Capitol.

*Republican State Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard will announce legislation meant to address the new cap on deducting state and local taxes on federal returns.

From the notebook

*"To be or not to be," the question of a candidacy: It was dueling Shakespearean quotes at a hearing Monday to consider whether Andrea Raila should remain on the ballot in her race for Cook County assessor.

"This case is 'sound and fury, signifying nothing,' " Raila attorney Frank Avila said, quoting "Macbeth."

"The candidate 'doth protest too much,' " countered Michael Dorf, one of candidate Fritz Kaegi's attorneys. That was a little bit of "Hamlet."

In the end, hearing officer Christopher Agrella sided with the Dane over the Scot, recommending Raila be removed from the ballot in the challenge to incumbent Joe Berrios. (Hal Dardick)

*Quick spins: Democratic state Rep. Scott Drury's bid to stay on the primary ballot for attorney general continues. An Appellate Court on Monday granted a stay as he appeals a judge's decision on Friday to throw him off the ballot. ... 15th Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez, who last week said he was dropping out of the race to replace U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, made that official Monday.

What we're writing

*New Pritzker-Blagojevich audio from FBI wiretaps sheds light on race issue in governor contest. Hear the audio here.

*Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives says she's "a little bit surprised" about "hysteria" around controversial TV ad.

*Credit rating agency upgrades Chicago debt, says investors face "small risk of loss."

*1 Berrios challenger could be off ballot, leaving a one-on-one race for Cook County assessor.

*Nation's deeply divided views on Trump mirrored in rural Henry Co.

*Sears to receive $14.8 million state tax credit earned before layoffs.

What we're reading

*Early voting may start late in Chicago area.

*Feds reach plea deal amid allegations of white supremacist postings involving Chicago cop.

*Oh, snow.

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