Latest news with #BruceRauner
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jim Dey: Multiple Republicans contemplate challenging Pritzker in 2026
Mar. 2—However dire the circumstances, hope springs eternal. It's hard to explain. But some people instinctively perceive that an onrushing train is really a light at the end of the tunnel. Here's proof: Multiple Republicans are making noises about running for governor of Illinois in 2026. Far be it for reality to rain on some people's parade, but that's a tough climb. No Republican has been elected on a statewide basis in Illinois since Bruce Rauner in 2014. He lasted one controversial term before multibillionaire Democrat J.B. Pritzker used his fortune to blow away his primary opponents and then coast to a blowout win in the 2018 general election. Since then, it's been one blowout defeat after another for Republicans running statewide for governor, U.S. senator, treasurer, secretary of state, etc. Politicians like to think in dramatic terms about the years they spend ignored by the general public. They use grandiose phrases like "wilderness years," and they really have been experienced by high-profile career politicians who made dramatic comebacks — Richard Nixon and Winston Churchill to name just two. But Illinois Republicans are not lost in the wilderness. They're trapped in the political equivalent of the Gobi Desert, surrounded by mirages but nary an oasis. Despite that, however, Rich Porter, a Republican who is prominent in GOP circles but nowhere else, has been making noises that he might run. Just this week, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced that he's in it to win it. "Our culture is being eliminated by senseless laws created by our current government that persecutes cops and empowers criminals. I'm here to stop the bleed. To do this, we must have strong leaders with actual law-enforcement experience," said Mendrick. There's another would-be candidate out there who's even less well known than Mendrick. Aaron Del Mar, who was Republican candidate Gary Rabine's running mate in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, is telling political audiences of his intention to seek "higher office." "That's not something that's been a big secret. We're evaluating all the different opportunities and putting together a team statewide," Del Mar told one news outlet. "We're going to each of the 102 counties in Illinois and listening to see what the issues are." One name to cross off the list of potential candidates is Peoria U.S. Rep. Darren LaHood. With a safe U.S. House seat, he's too pragmatic to waste his time on a quixotic run for governor of Illinois. One irony is that the fewer credible GOP candidates there are, the more long-shot dreamers are attracted to get in the race. It's ancient history now, but six candidates ran in the 2022 Republican primary. Whether driven by ego or principle, they all dream, creating in their mind long-shot scenarios that will end in triumph. Meanwhile, on the other side of the partisan line, Pritzker is keeping his plans to himself. His real interest is in seeking the White House in 2028, but he needs to retain a platform, most likely the governor's office. With unlimited funds, solid Democratic turf to run on and a statewide GOP that borders on irrelevant, Pritzker appears invincible if he chooses to seek re-election. But no one should waste their time telling any of the would-be GOP candidates the facts of life. They're too busy thinking about what could be.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers propose repeal of TRUST Act, cooperation with ICE
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — A new bill in the Illinois Senate would require state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and repeal the state's TRUST Act, which places limitations on police action. The TRUST Act, signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) in 2017, prevents state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It was amended by the Way Forward Act, which added additional requirements and protections. 'The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, made Illinois a 'sanctuary state' for undocumented immigrants,' House Republicans in petition posted on its website. 'Currently, the cost of providing services to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers is costing taxpayers an estimated $2.84 billion from fiscal year 2023 through fiscal year 2025, which doesn't even include education costs or other various state and local services. We must repeal the TRUST Act to end Illinois' sanctuary state status and stop the flow of undocumented immigrants into Illinois.' Senate Bill 1313 would reverse the 2017 law and ensure 'undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of a felony are identified, reported, and deported,' according to a press release. The bill was filed by Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia). Freeport Sen. Andrew Chesney (R) and Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) filed the Immigration Enforcement Act, Senate Bill 1203, which looks to . 'Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has not only doubled down on policies that make it virtually impossible for law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities to remove dangerous, illegal immigrants from our streets but has also directed our state's law enforcement officers to obstruct federal law,' said Chesney. 'He's done everything but roll out the red carpet for illegal immigrants, all while tying the hands of law enforcement behind their backs. It's a masterclass in how not to govern.' Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's Office the TRUST Act's purpose is to build trust between law enforcement and migrants residing in Illinois. The repeal bills have been referred to the Rules Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
