Dupage Policy Journal

Republican Congressional candidate Jeanne Ives insists Gov. J.B. Pritzker handling of COVID-19 pandemic is just the latest example of how the state has become its own worst enemy when it comes to its reputation in the world of business.

“The COVID shutdown and riots were certainly bad for business, but Chicago has treated business like a scourge for years,” Ives said. “Chicago State's Attorney Kim Foxx raised the threshold for felony prosecution for shoplifting from $300 to $1,000. Two Target stores that are leaving Morgan Park and Chatham paid a combined $750,000 in annual property taxes. Ten miles from the Illinois border, Target pays $23,892 in property taxes, according to the Lake County, Indiana Treasurer. This is your Reveille, Mayor (Lori) Lightfoot. Why would they stay?”

Running against incumbent Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) in the 6th Congressional District, Ives has long blasted Pritzker has a hypocrite over his handling of the virus, particularly after reports surfaced he had crews working on property he owned in Indiana after warning Illinois residents about the dangers of such actions.

“Illinois, you elected a man who has zero integrity and has never heard the words ‘lead by example,’” she posted on Facebook in the aftermath. “I am sorry, but the governor is acting like a spoiled brat. The rules never applied to him as a kid obviously, and he got away with everything. No one in Illinois should take him seriously.”

Prior to that, Ives ridiculed the governor’s five-phase Restore Illinois plan as a misguided response destined to cause stressed-out residents even more frustration and heartache.

“It’s unworkable,” she said. “The private sector stands to be most hurt.”