THE ILLINOIZE: National Guard to LaSalle...VFW criticizes Pritzker administration...Why is a COVID vaccine controversial...Devore/Bailey pattern of losses...Help choose the 2020 Illinoisan of the Year

December 11, 2020 Patrick Pfingsten

THE ILLINOIZE: National Guard to LaSalle...VFW criticizes Pritzker administration...Why is a COVID vaccine controversial...Devore/Bailey pattern of losses...Help choose the 2020 Illinoisan of the Year

December 11, 2020

Happy Friday.

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NATIONAL GUARD DISPATCHED TO LaSALLE

Illinois National Guard members have been dispatched to the LaSalle Veterans’ Home, where 32 residents of the home have died since November 1 in a COVID-19 outbreak.

Guardsmen are also being sent to state-run homes in Quincy and Manteno as outbreaks are underway in those facilities.

Currently, 61 residents at Quincy are infected with the coronavirus, out of around 300 residents. The site reported Wednesday 125 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.

Two residents in the Manteno Veterans’ Home in Kankakee County have died as a result of the virus. Since August 21, the site reports 18 residents and 33 employees have tested positive in that facility.

No residents of the facility in Anna in southern Illinois have been infected with COVID-19.

Read our story here.

VFW LEADER COMPLAINS ABOUT LaSALLE TRANSPARENCY

One of the leading advocates for veterans in the state is concerned about the lack of transparency from the Pritzker administration dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak that has killed 32 residents of the Illinois Veterans’ Home in LaSalle.

Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Laurie Emmer of Sycamore in northern Illinois says she was shocked at the rate of growth of the outbreak in LaSalle and what she calls a “concerning” lack of transparency from the Pritzker administration.

“We’re deeply concerned,” Emmer said. “We do ask questions. We are aware that this is under investigation. We’ll be closely watching the outcome of the investigation.”

Emmer says she spoke to Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia about the outbreak, but even a local liaison on the ground hasn’t been able to enter the home since March. Emmer says that has led to limited communication with residents of the home to help advocate for them.

“I’ve actually had to talk to others to find out more information about what’s going on,” said Emmer, “I have been concerned about the transparency. I hope that more will follow as this investigation continues.”

WHY IS A COVID-19 VACCINE CONTROVERSIAL?

There’s no denying there’s a group of people in the state and around the country known as “anti-vaxxers,” people, who, as you may imagine, oppose vaccinations of themselves or their children.

But there appears to be a growing sentiment, from across the political, social, and economic spectrum against the vaccine.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says she’s trying to encourage people that the vaccine is safe.

“I know that there is concern about the COVID vaccine. I want people to know that I will be getting the vaccine when it’s my turn and when it’s available and after approval by the FDA and recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,” she said. “I do trust in vaccines. I trust in the development and approval system that has been created in this country, and from what is known, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine has been evaluated appropriately.”

She says her opinion, as a physician, is to get vaccinated unless you have a medical condition that prevents it.

Governor JB Pritzker says anti-vaccine advocates are attempting to discredit the science behind the vaccine.

Read our story here.

THERE’S A REASON THEY KEEP LOSING

I have an opinion piece up on the website this morning:

For some reason, State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) and his attorney, Tom DeVore, have convinced a segment of the population in the state that Governor JB Pritzker’s executive actions on the COVID-19 pandemic are unconstitutional or illegal.

By my count, with a little organizing help from Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office, there have been at least 27 separate lawsuits filed against Governor JB Pritzker or other officials related to Pritzker’s executive orders or enforcement of those orders.

Also, by my count, the Governor has lost two of those in court. The first was from a friendly judge for State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) in his home county. The second was a temporary restraining order for a restaurant in Kane County in the Chicago suburbs.

But Bailey withdrew his suit before it was surely to be overturned by an Appellate Court in Springfield. The TRO in Kane County was overturned by a Republican Appellate Judge, former DuPage County State’s Attorney and GOP Attorney General nominee Joe Birkett.

So the home team is batting .000.

WHAT THE BLACK CAUCUS ENDORSEMENT MEANS FOR MADIGAN

We mentioned in Tuesday’s newsletter that embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan had made his pitch to the House Black Caucus over the weekend for another term leading the chamber.

On Thursday, the HBC endorsed the 78-year-old Irish guy from the southwest side for another term.

Why would the group of African-American legislators, most, but not all, from Chicago, push for a beleaguered Speaker to get re-elected when the group is potentially more powerful than ever in the House?

It’s simple: because they know Madigan can get things done.

“We need a speaker that will provide strong, consistent leadership and support for the challenges ahead,” the Black Caucus said in a statement. “After analysis, we believe our caucus is in a more advantageous position under the leadership of Speaker Madigan to deliver on our priorities.”

The “candidates forum” attended by Madigan and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), the only other announced Democratic candidate for Speaker, was widely assumed to go Madigan’s way.

But even if every Black member of the caucus votes for Madigan on the House floor (Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) has already said publicly he won’t support Madigan), Madigan still has work to do to get to the minimum required 60 votes to be re-elected Speaker.

Kifowit is a smart, engaging lawmaker, but no political observer we speak to gives her much chance to put a coalition together to unseat Madigan.

As a Republican operative told me about replacing a politically wounded Madigan the other day: “you can’t beat somebody with nobody.” The Black Caucus has decided Madigan is their somebody.

HELP US PICK OUR FIRST ILLINOISAN OF THE YEAR

I know we’ve only been around 3 1/2 months, but I hope you’ll help us recognize a person who has been doing great work throughout the entire calendar year.

I’m asking you to submit your nominations to patrick@theillinoize.com for “2020 Illinoisan of the Year.”

We’re going to keep the guidelines pretty simple:

The winner must be a resident of the State of Illinois
The winner must have made a contribution in politics, government, or for “the greater good”
Try to stay away from overtly partisan nominations (i.e. someone who did pro-gun advocacy or someone who did pro-abortion legislation)
Don’t just send me a name, send me a nomination, explain your choice!

We’ll discuss your nominations and talk to a bipartisan group of friends and advisors and plan to release the winner on December 22nd.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich and former Congressman Luis Gutierrez celebrated yesterday. Today, Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and former State Rep. Elaine Nekritz are celebrating.

AND FINALLY…

Take three minutes to watch this video posted by Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) yesterday. It’s a good reminder not every Republican elected official has lost their mind.

As always, email us your questions, comments, concerns, tough love, tips, and unconfirmed alien sightings to patrick@theillinoize.com.

Have a great weekend.