Politics & Government
Vallas Denounces Awake Illinois For 'Hateful Rhetoric:' Report
Chicago mayoral hopeful Paul Vallas criticized the Naperville-based group's recent social media posts despite speaking at their event.
NAPERVILLE, IL — Chicago mayoral hopeful Paul Vallas is speaking out against Awake Illinois for what he calls "hateful rhetoric" after the conservative Naperville group posted on social media calling Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker a "groomer," the Chicago Tribune reports.
Vallas appeared at an Awake Illinois panel discussion in June, just days after the group took to social media to label Pritzker a "groomer" after he spoke in favor of a law that would put sexual education standards in place in Illinois schools.
Immediately following his Awake Illinois appearance in June, Vallas faced backlash amid controversy surrounding the group's comments calling a kid-friendly drag brunch that was planned at UpRising Bakery and Cafe "perverted."
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Vallas officially spoke out against Awake Illinois Monday, saying, “Had I been aware of the hateful rhetoric espoused by a prominent member of the group I would have not accepted the invitation. I will be more vigilant about vetting invitations in the future."
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