The Latest Breaking News from Jim Durkin

Sun-Times/WBEZ Poll: Pritzker’s ‘coattails’ pull other, lesser-known statewide Democrats along for the ride

Democrats hold strong leads in the races for Illinois secretary of state, attorney general, comptroller and treasurer, according to the poll. “Absolutely, I do think it’s a coattail effect with Gov. Pritzker,” one voter said.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 14, 2022

Record review: Pritzker touts fiscal and crisis management — but critics just see campaign management

The pandemic created political superheroes and villains. In Illinois, Pritzker was both — lauded for stepping up to former President Donald Trump and fighting for COVID-19 resources, and lambasted by those who viewed him as an authoritarian who shut down much of the state.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 30, 2022

State Sen. Emil Jones III gives up leadership posts after federal bribery charges — but not his Senate seat

As Republicans called for the Far South Side legislator to resign altogether, Jones III has yet to publicly address the charges against him.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2022

Young progressives, Trump-affiliated Republicans big winners on election day

Meanwhile, the four Illinois legislative leaders did not have a spectacular primary day last week.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 1, 2022

Who will take on Gov. J.B. Pritzker this fall? Republican voters get final say in Tuesday’s primary

The winner of the primary will determine whether the state GOP continues as a center-right party in Illinois or gets recast as a subsidiary of former President Donald Trump.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 28, 2022

Support for Illinois’ 2019 gas tax hike could come back to haunt Republicans

As the price of gas has skyrocketed, candidates are reminding voters who voted to double the motor fuel tax in 2019.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 17, 2022

Audit faults LaSalle Veterans Home staff, public health department for COVID crisis response

Illinois Republicans were anxiously awaiting the 154-page report, which they said shows ‘when it comes to protecting our state’s most vulnerable’ Gov. J.B. ‘Pritzker is a failure.’ But the governor said, ‘I did hold people accountable, and I did fire people who are in those positions,’

Chicago Sun-Times · May 6, 2022

Illinois Democrats join President Biden in taking aim at specter of elusive ‘ghost guns’

The Illinois measure — which is on its way to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk — requires all firearms, including 3D printed guns, to have serial numbers, which would effectively ban ghost guns. It’s the lack of those identifying numbers that has made the guns undetectable.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 11, 2022

Illinois lawmakers approve crime package, $46.5 billion budget in marathon final day of session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers early Saturday approved a $46.5 billion budget that includes $1.8 billion in largely temporary election-year tax relief and a $1 billion deposit into the state’s rainy day fund.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 9, 2022

Pritzker, Lightfoot, Durkin, other Democrats and Republicans weigh in on Madigan indictment

Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the allegations “a stark violation of the public’s trust” and said “Michael Madigan must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” But House Republican Leader Jim Durkin argued it’s “not just an indictment against Michael Madigan. It’s an indictment against…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 3, 2022