Pritzker apologizes for remarks on African-American politicians, says he wasn't 'my b
Pritzker apologizes for remarks on African-American politicians, says he wasn't 'my best self' on Blagojevich wiretaps
In late 2008, then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and J.B. Pritzker had phone conversations that were recorded by FBI agents investigating the governor for public corruption.
Rick Pearson, John Byrne and Monique GarciaContact ReportersChicago Tribune
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Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritkzer apologized Tuesday for remarks he made in 2008 about African-American politicians with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevichduring a discussion about filling Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat.
The apology came less than a day after the conversation, which had never before been publicly revealed, was published by the Chicago Tribune. The chat between Pritzker and Blagojevich came from from secret government wiretaps that were part of the federal corruption investigation of the now-imprisoned former governor.
During the conversation, Pritzker floats the idea of picking Secretary of State Jesse White for the Senate vacancy created by Obama’s election as president. Pritzker tells Blagojevich it will “cover you on the African-American thing” and that White is the “least offensive” among the potential candidates being discussed.
At an afternoon news conference Tuesday, Pritzker stood with White and said he was “not my best self” in the conversation with Blagojevich. Pritzker said he regretted portions of his remarks and offered an apology.
Pritzker’s apology came after his rivals for the Democratic governor nomination condemned his remarks in the recorded conversation.
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J.B. Pritzker apologizes Feb. 6, 2018, about comments he made on a taped phone conversation with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (John Byrne / Chicago Tribune)
Businessman Chris Kennedy, a member of the iconic Massachusetts political family, called Pritzker’s comments “disqualifying.”
“Our true character shows when we think no one is watching. J.B.'s conversations with Blagojevich are disqualifying and they're a reflection of his integrity,” Kennedy said in a statement.
“To use the term 'least offensive' to describe anyone, particularly one of our state's longest-serving African-American leaders, is dismissive and disrespectful. J.B. Pritzker should apologize instead of blaming others,” Kennedy said.
State Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston said the conversation between Pritzker and Blagojevich represents “everything that’s wrong with the connection between money and power.”
“For too long our broken system has allowed the wealthy to have unfettered access to the decision-makers in our government. That’s what breeds corruption. And when that access involves two influential white men making political calculations based on skin color, that’s what perpetuates a racist system,” he said in a statement. Biss also called on Pritzker to apologize.
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Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritkzer apologized on Feb. 6, 2018, for remarks he made in 2008 about African-American politicians with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during a discussion about filling Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.
(Jose M. Osorio, Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
All of the major Democratic candidates for governor are white and have chosen African-American running mates, including Pritzker, who is teaming up with state Rep. Juliana Stratton of Chicago.
Kennedy’s running mate, activist Ra Joy, condemned Pritkzer’s remarks.
“To hear J.B. Pritzker say the words ‘least offensive’ to describe black men in America, black elected officials from Illinois, is beyond offensive,” he said in a statement. “We are more than a 'thing.' We are leaders, we are voters, we are parents, we are sons and daughters, we are neighbors, and we are trying to overcome generations of racism.”
Biss’ running mate, state Rep. Litesa Wallace of Rockford, said “people shouldn’t be reduced to their race.”
“We must stop treating people like commodities and build a world where we have co-governance and a true representative democracy,” Wallace said.
The political director for Jesse White’s re-election campaign, Rocco Claps, said White was standing by his earlier endorsement of Pritzker for governor.
“I think that Jesse has been in politics long enough to know that there is a context for everything, and sometimes that may be bigger than what is obvious,” Claps said.
Pritzker previously has noted during recent debates that he’s “not been accused of any wrongdoing” when his opponents have criticized him on the issue.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...206-story.html