Crusader staff report
A spokesperson for Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker’s says he will release his income tax return by December 4. The announcement came after a new television ad by Daniel Biss surfaced, comparing the billionaire to billionaire President Donald Trump.
The video shows Trump on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in May 2016 saying his unreleased tax returns were “extremely complex.” The footage is followed by a clip at an event where he is asked if he would release his tax returns. He says, “I’m going to. I’m you know, working on it. It’s somewhat complex. We’ll get it done soon.”
In another news clip, Pritzker is shown telling reporters “I’m not, you know, suggesting to you exactly when. I’ll tell you soon, because it will be soon. But that’s the best I can offer because it is somewhat complex.”
The comparison to Trump threatens to discredit Pritzker as a candidate who is blasting Trump as part of his campaign message of transparency and concern for working citizens. Earlier this year, Pritzker tapped State Rep. Julianna Stratton as his running mate, hoping she would appeal to Black voters as a candidate for lieutenant governor.
“As J.B. has said, we’re preparing that information and will be releasing them along with his financial disclosure, by the end of the filing period,” said Pritzker’s campaign spokesperson Galia Slayen, who was quoted in the Chicago Tribune.
That deadline is December 4. Candidates must turn in petition signatures to get candidates’ names on the ballots. Candidates must turn in a receipt to the secretary of state’s office showing that the candidate has filed a statement of economic interest.
Pritzker is an entrepreneur and heir to the Hyatt Hotels dynasty. According to Forbes magazine, he’s worth an estimated $3.4 billion.
Pritzker on Tuesday, November 14 received an endorsement from Northeastern Illinois Building Trades, an organization of trade unions that represents 15,000 union workers.
That same day, Pritzker’s biggest Democratic opponent, Chris Kennedy, was endorsed by Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot.
Police brutality is a major issue in the Black community that has gained increased attention in Chicago in the last several years.
“I think there are very few people who are willing to speak up and take on the powerful, and interest groups in the state,” said Lightfoot.
