From Cary Caparelli:
The Real JB
Observation is a component of fact. Honest observation is fact.
My late father, who served in the Illinois House from 1971 through 2004, was also a Democrat Ward Committeeman.
In reality, my father was a moderate conservative who was bypassed as a Republican and saw opportunity to run for office as a conservative Democrat in a relatively conservative House District and Ward.
In 1999, following the retirement of Congressman Sidney Yates, J.B. Pritzker, along with State Senator Howard Carroll and State Representative Jan Schakowsky ran in a primary to replace Yates.
The Chicago Ward Committeemen supported Carroll.
Schakowsky, with suburban support, ultimately won the seat in which she still holds today and retiring soon.
As my father told me, Pritzker arranged a meeting with my father to gain support for his candidacy.
My dad mentioned that I was also interested in running and Pritzker responded ‘it’s a Jewish seat’.
He replied it was ‘an American seat’.
In reality, a big part of that district was once represented by Congressman Frank Annunzio.
And, as my father continued, Pritzker was ‘throwing around’ big money to buy support.
And, I understand, other Chicago Ward Committeemen was also offered money from Pritzker too.
None, including my father, supported Pritzker.
Apparently, J.B. has a good memory.
Not long ago I sent him a letter presentation about how the Illinois Athletic Board has failed and how the Executive Director has been an interim assignment since Governor Pat Quinn appointed her over a decade ago.
Pritzker failed to respond despite repeated efforts to communicate with him.
Now, by endorsing his Lieutenant Governor for U.S. Senator, Pritzker is attempting to dictate to voters who should represent Illinois in Washington.
J.B. Pritzker is not the integrity-filled genius and warrior he likes to portray himself.
Some may say he’s just an incapable rich kid full of himself.
