Day after Supreme Court news, Emanuel jokes he'd 'like to pull out of this one nation and one state'

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View In Browser June 29, 2018 chicagotribune.com Morning Spin Topspin Recent setbacks at the national level have Mayor Rahm Emanuel openly joking about an independence push for Chicago or an annexation to Canada. In a joke that's sure to provide grist for his critics, the mayor Thursday offered a couple alternatives to fighting against headwinds from Washington, D.C., to enact policies beneficial to the city. He was sitting for a chat with Chicago Community Trust CEO Helene Gayle about his election-year affordable housing push, when Gayle noted it's sometimes difficult to get things done for the city because "cities are part of states, and states are part of a nation." "Right now, after the last 48 hours, I'd like to pull out of this one nation and one state," Emanuel replied. Though he didn't specify what he meant, the mayor expressed deep frustration Wednesday with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against "fair share" union fees in the Janus v. AFSCME case that gave Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a victory over organized labor. And Emanuel decried Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's insistence that President Donald Trump's nominee to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on the court be treated fairly, after McConnell refused to grant Barack Obama nominee Merrick Garland a hearing in 2016. "We probably don't have that option," Gayle said. "I don't know," Emanuel said. "I'm willing to challenge you on that. Who's here in favor of independence? A show of hands, OK?" "The independent nation of Chicago," Gayle said. "No, I'm going with Toronto," the mayor responded with a laugh. (John Byrne) What's on tap *Mayor Emanuel will announce renovations of Merlo Branch Library, then later hold an event about restoring the Uptown Theatre. *Gov. Rauner will speak at a Women's Bar Foundation luncheon in Chicago with Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. *Aldermen, union officials and workers will hold a Thompson Center news conference to call for a $15 minimum wage. From the notebook *New ads back Raoul: The political action committee Fight Back for a Better Tomorrow is putting $255,000 behind TV ads to support Democratic attorney general candidate Kwame Raoul against Republican Erika Harold. Fight Back for a Better Tomorrow is an independent expenditure committee chaired by James Sweeney, president of the politically active International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers Local 150. As a result of the PAC's declaration to help Raoul, all candidates in the race to succeed Attorney General Lisa Madigan are eligible to accept unlimited contributions from big-money donors. The committee doesn't have to disclose its donors. It played a role in the crowded Democratic primary contest for the office, spending $1.6 million largely on TV ads. That included $910,000 to oppose state Rep. Scott Drury of Highwood, a foe of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, as well as $685,068 to oppose former Gov. Pat Quinn's attempt to return to statewide politics. Of the committee's primary spending, campaign finance reports show $300,000 came from the 13th Ward Democratic Organization, which Madigan runs, and $175,000 from Senate President John Cullerton's campaign. Sweeney and Local 150 also have gotten involved in Republican politics. The union backed a failed primary challenger to House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs and has given money to state Sen. Sam McCann's third-party bid for governor — despite already having endorsed Democratic candidate J.B. Pritzker. (Rick Pearson) *On the "Sunday Spin": Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests Greg Kelly, president of Service Employees International Union Healthcare; Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association; and Dan Montgomery, president and COO of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WGN-AM 720. What we're writing *After losing landmark Supreme Court case, labor splits on what to do next. *In Wisconsin visit, Trump praises Foxconn factory and again warns Harley-Davidson. *Donald Trump Jr. visits Chicago City Hall for meeting about retail space in Trump Tower. *Motion to move Van Dyke trial finally unsealed, alleges "public execution" of indicted officer. *Police call on Pfleger to not shut down Dan Ryan with July peace march. *Aldermen and housing advocates push for measures on affordability. *Judge throws out proposed class-action lawsuit over Cook County bond practices. *Alderman's proposal would once again allow pigeon racing in Chicago. What we're reading *Five dead, others "gravely injured" in shooting at Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis. *Block Club Chicago gets DNAinfo archives, website from WNYC. *How 2 diamonds worth nearly $160,000 were stolen in plain sight from Jewelers Row. Follow the money *Mayoral candidate Garry McCarthy reported $71,500 in contributions. *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Trump and Putin to meet in Helsinki. *Kennedy's upcoming retirement heightens Roberts' role on Supreme Court. *Senate approves farm bill. *California bans local soda taxes.  Unsubscribe   |   Newsletters   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service Copyright © 2018 | Chicago Tribune | 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 ABOUT THIS EMAIL You received this email because you are following the Morning Spin newsletter.