Crunchy campaign nuggets from around Illinois

It is not every single day {that a} native assessor’s race is hit with accusations of antisemitism.

Why it issues: Eleven Jewish lawmakers despatched a letter to Water Reclamation Commissioner Kari Steele, a Democrat operating in opposition to incumbent Fritz Kaegi for Cook dinner County assessor, about remarks made on her husband Maze Jackson’s WVON discuss present.

What they’re saying: In accordance with the letter, Jackson lately referred to a “Jewish group,” which he alleges “controls” activists who’re a part of the Chicago Housing Initiative.

• “This can be a basic canine whistle, calling forth the time-worn trope that Jews management social establishments behind the scenes,” the lawmakers say within the letter.
• “His reveals’ call-in segments embody vicious, irrational rants stuffed with accusations in opposition to Jews, none of which [Jackson] squelches, challenges, disputes and even interrupts.”

The opposite aspect: “I unequivocally reject any hateful rhetoric and apologize for the feedback made on my husband’s present and the harm they brought about the Jewish neighborhood,” Steele stated in a press release.

• “Callers name in and so they say what they must say and I do not really feel I ought to must put on the jacket for his or her feedback.”

Enjoying the Trump card

Textual content messages present that GOP gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin could not have been a fan of President Trump, opposite to current marketing campaign messages. In 2018, Irvin texted that Trump was “an fool” and a “bigoted racist.”

• Irvin stated in a current assertion that he could not recall the texts and added “the Trump administration delivered constructive outcomes for Individuals like tax cuts.”

Downtown violence

This weekend’s violence downtown has already was marketing campaign fodder for the mayor’s race.

• After Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted from Texas, potential mayoral candidate Paul Vallas replied to her tweet, saying: “Flash Mobs as soon as once more ravaging downtown, our brief handed, restrained & demoralized police are overwhelmed. Count on repeats all summer season. In the meantime, our incompetent Mayor is in Texas fundraising & grandstanding pretending to be powerful. A complete abdication of accountability.”

Advert of the week: Kam Buckner

State Rep. Kam Buckner introduced he is operating for mayor and put out a marketing campaign kickoff video that showcases nice places in Chicago that not often get seen. It even has a pleasant little storyline.

• And he offers us this gem: “I am operating for the folks of Chicago, who love Chicago, who simply need Chicago to like them again.”