Gubernatorial Candidate J.B. Pritzker Lands Key Endorsement From Labor Union
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 6, 2017 9:54PM
J.B. Pritzker / Facebook
Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker landed a key endorsement on Tuesday, as the powerful Illinois AFL-CIO union federation put their backing behind the venture capitalist.
"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO," Pritzker said in a statement.
It is such an honor to receive the endorsement of the @ILAFLCIO and the working families they represent across our state! pic.twitter.com/HWPxkqSiq0
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) June 6, 2017
The coveted endorsement comes hot on the heels of a particularly rocky stretch for the candidate: late last month it was revealed that Pritzker had discussed political favors with now-disgraced Rod Blagojevich in 2008, and earlier in May he was in hot water over $230,000 property tax reduction for his Gold Coast mansion.
The announcement from the federation—which represents some 900,000 workers—came far earlier than usual in the election cycle, a good nine months ahead of the Democratic primaries. AFL-CIO president Michael Carrigan said "an early endorsement is necessary in order to achieve our top priority—defeating Gov. Bruce Rauner, whose anti-worker proposals and refusal to compromise on a budget are destroying Illinois," according to the Tribune.
The camp of Chris Kennedy, another Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, criticized the move, saying in a statement, "It's about a Springfield establishment insider who cut deals and circumvented the normal endorsement process."
Since Pritzker has deep personal pockets and can self-finance a campaign, the union federation would now be able to use its funds toward other races, it appears. Progressive-identified candidates for governor such as state Sen. Daniel Biss and Ald. Ameya Pawar (Ward 47) have hinted that a billionaire-vs.-millionaire race in the general election would only further problematize the state's politics.
Still, Pawar sounded a conciliatory note on Tuesday. "I have always been, and will always be a steadfast supporter of organized labor and collective bargaining rights," he said in a statement. "If elected governor, I will bring that same commitment to supporting labor and working families across Illinois. Endorsements or non-endorsements won’t change that.”