BILL DALEY PICKS SIDES IN POTENTIAL DEM RACE FOR GOV
On the road to the governor’s mansion, which direction is political heavyweight Bill Daley choosing? The signs point to the Kennedy. As in Chris. In an attempt to gauge support for what could be a self- funded gubernatorial run by J. B. Pritzker, a billionaire powerhouse, Sneed is told Pritzker called the politically savvy Daley, former White House chief of staff and U. S. commerce secretary — to gauge his support for a possible run.
Daley’s response: “I told him ( J. B.) if Chris Kennedy decides to run for governor — and I would say Chris gives every indication that he’s in — I would support him,” Daley told Sneed. “Chris is far down the road in the planning stages, but look — he hasn’t signed the papers yet.”
Pritzker, whose resume is solid gold in the business, tech, and philanthropy department, verified the conversation with Daley.
“If anybody had the fire in the belly to run, it would be Pritzker,” said a top Dem source. “He could pull the trigger and self- fund and run.”
It’s become an old political rhubarb Kennedy has opted not to run for office so many times he’s left supporters at the altar with their mascara dripping.
But this time, Kennedy, who detests Gov. Bruce Rauner, wants in.
Both Pritzker and Kennedy, a Chicago businessman and philanthropist with the contacts and cache of a political dynasty, have called tons of politicos, donors and labor leaders seeking support.
Sneed is told Pritzker and Kennedy also called Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez to seek support. “I explained the optics,” said Ramirez. “Kennedy has his own mystique. It’s amazing. And he is really serious. So is Pritzker. He’s determined.”
It’s been suggested Pritzker could do $ 450 million of his own money. “Kennedy couldn’t and wouldn’t do that, relying instead on his platinum donor list to fund his campaign,” the top Dem source said.
However, Sneed is told House Speaker Mike Madigan was disappointed in Kennedy’s ability to raise money for Dem campaigns in the last election gleaned from his donor lists.
“Look, Madigan has been sucking air from the trial lawyers and laborers to get his people elected — and getting tapped out,” said a second Dem source. “Susana Mendoza’s race for state comptroller was expensive. That’s why Madigan told Pritzker and Kennedy to rely primarily on self- funding if they are gonna run.”
Bed head . . .
The reason President- elect Donald Trump opted not to lay over at his Trump Tower in Chicago during his recent trip to Indiana is “because he likes to sleep in his own bed,” a top Trump operative told Sneed. “And he can afford to do so.”
Attention!
Fire alert!
Will someone please haul out the winter clothing for Chicago’s paramedics, whose cold weather uniforms reportedly expired last year.
And it’s getting awfully cold out!
Two classy ladies . . .
News tipped in Sneed’s column M. K. Pritzker, whose husband, J. B., is eyeing a gubernatorial bid against Rauner, had joined the Illinois Executive Mansion Association to renovate the state’s old pile in Springfield, drew this response to Sneed from first lady Diana Rauner, who heads the group.
“We’re delighted M. K. Pritzker has generously devoted her time to the Illinois Mansion Association to renovate the people’s house. As we move into the construction phase, I look forward to working with her and the other board members to preserve this important building in Illinois.”
I spy . . .
Crossing his fingers: Film director Spike Lee, who has donated 1,000 turkeys for St. Sabina’s annual Turkey giveaway for Christmas on Dec. 17, is using his wishbone in hopes his schedule permits him to be there when it happens.
Sneedlings . . .
Former Gov. Jim Thompson and wife Jayne over the moon with news daughter, Samantha, and hubby, Tom Tomazos, are heading back to Chicago from London with beloved first granddaughter, Persephone. . . . Congrats to attorney Marty Healy on being named grand marshal of the 2017 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. . . . Today’s birthdays: Dick Butkus, 74; Donny Osmond, 59, and Kirk Douglas, 100.