Even earlier than Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ scheduled look in the Chicago suburbs on Monday, news of the Republican’s upcoming go to sparked a response in the Chicago mayor’s race and from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
DeSantis will communicate at an occasion entitled “Law and Order Illinois” in Elmhurst, which is being promoted by – however not hosted by – Chicago Lodge 7 of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Speaking Friday, Pritzker despatched a transparent message about his priorities as governor, whereas leveling criticism in opposition to DeSantis, who’s seen as a attainable contender in the 2024 presidential election.
“I think every elected official and every candidate for office ought to be calling him out and denouncing what he stands for, and I am sure that he’s going to repeat when he comes,” Pritzker mentioned.
FOP Lodge 7, which listed the occasion on its web site, has endorsed Paul Vallas in the race for mayor of Chicago. Vallas on Friday issued a press release denouncing DeSantis.
“There is simply no place in Chicago for a right-wing extremist like Ron DeSantis, and I am disappointed in FOP leadership for inviting him to speak to officers,” he mentioned.
Philanthropist Willie Wilson, who can also be vying to develop into Chicago’s subsequent mayor, mentioned in a press release that “the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 7) invite to have Gov. DeSantis address the group during Black History Month is unwise and sends the wrong signal.”
Even the FOP has distanced itself from the Republican governor.
“We were simply asked to help promote it…that is all we are doing,” mentioned John Catanzara, FOP Lodge 7 president. “This isn’t a left side of the aisle, right side of the aisle issue at all. I know people are trying to make it that.”
DeSantis’ go to is especially notable, as a result of each he and Pritzker are rumored to be presidential hopefuls. Pritzker has prevented questions on any presidential aspirations, and on Friday, mentioned he was centered on his work as governor.
“Number one, we have to to balance the budget,” he mentioned. “That is the number one most important thing to start with… Everything else flows from there.”