Five days before the election, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and his Republican challenger, Darren Bailey, spent Thursday making their closing arguments to voters. They campaigned in Chicago and the suburbs, focusing primarily on the cost of living.
Bailey is hoping to do better than four years ago, when he lost by nearly 13 percentage points. Both candidates are continuing their campaign efforts as the race enters its decisive phase. During a lunch break at Daley’s restaurant in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, Pritzker pointed to unusual enthusiasm among voters who, he noted, want change because they are dissatisfied with White House policies. “I feel very good. Turnout in Illinois is more than 30 percent higher than last year,” said Pritzker, who is seeking a third term. Campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s election, Pritzker greeted customers at the restaurant, introducing himself as “JB.”
Earlier the same day, Bailey campaigned at Patti’s Sunrise Cafe in Burr Ridge, where he appeared alongside other Republican candidates and urged supporters to turn out to vote. “I stand before you today, in complete honesty, assuring you that we are headed toward the goal and winning this race. We will win it if each of you does your part,” Bailey said. As Election Day approaches, affordability remains one of the main issues for both candidates. “It’s first and foremost about affordability. It’s property tax season now, and most residents are just receiving notices of what they owe, and they understand exactly what this is about,” Bailey said. The Republican holds Democrat Pritzker responsible for the financial difficulties residents face.
Speaking earlier at an event focused on affordable housing, Pritzker said his administration is concentrating on lowering costs and increasing household incomes. “One of the things we can do for people is make sure more money stays in their pockets. That’s why we took the right steps, and standing behind me are some of the heroes of this effort: we raised the minimum wage in Illinois from $8.25 to $15 an hour, so residents have more money,” JB Pritzker said.
The governor’s campaign also sought to underscore that Darren Bailey has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Campaign materials have featured the words “Bailey Trump,” with the added line “endorsed by.” “We’re simply publicizing what Darren Bailey says about himself. He was endorsed by Donald Trump. I think voters should know that, if they don’t already,” Pritzker said. Bailey said voters are more focused on Illinois issues than on Trump. “Why are Illinoisans moving to other states? That’s an Illinois problem. Why are businesses relocating elsewhere? That’s also an Illinois problem. That’s what a governor should be dealing with. Instead, he blames Donald Trump for everything that happens in the individual states, because he has presidential ambitions himself,” Bailey said.
In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans, voter turnout could prove crucial for Bailey. For Pritzker, the challenge is keeping his supporters motivated so they don’t assume victory is already guaranteed.
BK
Source: Polski.FM
