North Cook News

Illinois State Senate District 10 candidate Jon Luers stated, "Since 2010, when the radicals took over the Chicago Teachers' Union, CTU has given over $147,000 to 10th district State Senator Rob Martwick, more than to any other state legislator (almost 9% more than they've given to Speaker of the House Chris Welch, and almost 60% more than to Senate President Don Harmon even)!" Luers made this statement in a Facebook post on June 8.

"Since 2010, when the radicals took over the Chicago Teachers' Union, CTU has given over $147,000 to 10th district State Senator Rob Martwick, more than to any other state legislator (almost 9% more than they've given to Speaker of the House Chris Welch, and almost 60% more than to Senate President Don Harmon even," said Luers, according to Facebook.

In his Facebook post, Luers shared a link to an Illinois Policy article that focused on Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) donations to political committees tied to lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly. According to the article, since 2010, campaign donations from CTU have totaled $1.3 million over the past 14 years. Approximately $620,071 went to current state senators; $662,000 went to current state representatives. The article notes that donations went to 72% of Democrats and zero Republicans.

Screenshot of Jon Luers for IL 10th Senate District June 8 Facebook post | Jon Luers for IL Senate Facebook page

Illinois Policy also reports that CTU supported or opposed at least 480 bills in 2021-2022, getting their opinions recorded more than 1,360 times. In the current session, they supported 33 bills. "Nearly 2 in 3 were enacted," said Illinois Policy in the June 6 piece. The report further indicates that it is not just legislators in the Chicago area who benefit from CTU's support; CTU has donated to 40 current lawmakers whose districts are outside the Chicago School District and the City of Chicago.

Luers, a veteran software engineer with four decades of experience, is now shifting his focus to Springfield as a candidate for the 10th District Illinois Senate. Born in Chicago and holding degrees from Northwestern University, he expresses disappointment in Illinois' and the country's trajectory under Democratic leadership. He believes that an increasing number of people are recognizing Democrats’ lack of genuine concern for their welfare and are ready for significant change. On his website, Luers criticized his opponent, State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), as a clone of Mike Madigan benefiting from a property tax appeals business while taxes increase.

The 10th District encompasses Chicago’s northwest side and North Cook County communities including Norridge, Schiller Park, Rosemont, Park Ridge and Niles. It is currently held by State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). A district map is available on Martwick’s website.