DEMS DIFFER ON AMAZON, MADIGAN
All seven support singlepayer health care, a $ 15 minimum wage and strong gun control measures.
But they part company on efforts to lure Amazon and the future of the leader of the state Democratic Party.
The Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls disagreed widely on House Speaker Mike Madigan — with some saying he needs to go and others saying he’s just a Republican “talking point.”
Seven Democratic candidates for governor faced off in a forum Sunday, sharing their thoughts on everything from police brutality to wooing Amazon to Madigan, the chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party.
The hopefuls— state Sen. Daniel Biss ( 9th District); Bob Daiber, superintendent of schools in downstate Madison County; anti- violence activist Tio Hardiman; Chris Kennedy; small- business owner Alex Paterakis; Ald. Ameya Pawar ( 47th) and J. B. Pritzker — pitched their platforms in a two- hour debate moderated by Mary Ann Ahern, of NBC5. More than 1,500 attended, filling overflow rooms and hallways at the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters.
Each candidate got a chance to tackle questions on health care, education and minimum wage.
More than 50 organizations sponsored the first progressive gubernatorial forum in Illinois, including Our Revolution Illinois, a six- monthold chapter of the nationwide movement inspired by Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign.
All seven candidates voiced their support for single- payer health care and for a $ 15 minimum wage. Daiber was reluctant to promise either immediately. Biss emphasized that single payer health care should begin at the state level, and Paterakis drew applause when he said mental health services and addiction treatment should be available to everyone, “not just the rich and select few.”
With a full show of hands, the candidates also agreed to support gun control efforts and vowed to back whichever candidate ends up running against Gov. Bruce Rauner.
On other topics, opinions differed.
When asked about Amazon headquarters coming to Illinois, Daiber said the state should invest in the company, while Hardiman said no infrastructure should be provided.
Biss said “not much” should be given to Amazon and agreed with Pritzker that there needs to be real benefits to Illinois residents. Pawar said no money should be given to Amazon unless it can be matched dollar for dollar for education or infrastructure.
Paterakis said it will bring jobs and encourage college students to stay in Illinois. Kennedy said bringing the headquarters would be “destroying our economy to accommodate a single company.”
The question that seemed to draw the most heated response launched a back and forth between Biss and Pritzker. Ahern asked about candidates’ relationships with Michael Madigan.
Hardiman said Madigan and Mayor Rahm Emanuel “need to go.”
Kennedy said the speaker needs to choose one role: “Either he wants to be a property- tax lawyer or a state representative.”
Biss said Madigan is too powerful.
Pritzker said Madigan has just become a GOP “talking point.”
When asked if Madigan supports him, Pritzker added that he is an independent who won’t be influenced, and called Biss out for voting for the speaker. Biss then responded that Pritzker should be more honest about the speaker’s support.
Pawar pleased several supporters when he responded, “I have no interest in making this about personalities or one boogie man.”