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Winnebago County board narrowly condemns governor's New Hampshire remarks; debate splits along partisan lines
Summary
The Winnebago County Board adopted a resolution condemning Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's New Hampshire remarks after a lengthy debate; the roll call vote was 9 in favor, 7 opposed, 4 absent.
The Winnebago County Board voted 9‑7 on June 26 to adopt a resolution condemning remarks made by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at a New Hampshire event. The vote followed a lengthy, at times partisan, debate during which members described the governor's comments as inflammatory and urged restraint in public rhetoric.
Mister Booker, a board member and former law‑enforcement officer, cited the governor's reported remark — "never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, disruption, but I am now. These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace" — and said such language was alarming and could inspire illegal acts. "This is something that should not be made," Booker said.
Mister Michael Thompson urged colleagues to condemn statements he called encouragements to disorder: "I find his statements on calling for disorder and disruption to be inappropriate, unprofessional, and more importantly, harmful to our state." Other board members opposed the resolution as partisan and warned the county should preserve bipartisan relationships with Springfield. Miss Fellers said the county needs "friends in Springfield" and warned against "petty resolutions."
A motion to call the question ended debate; Clerk Gumau recorded the roll call as 9 yes, 7 no and 4 absent. County counsel confirmed none of the Democrats were listed as sponsors on the resolution. The board chair declared the resolution adopted and instructed the clerk to transmit it as appropriate.
