Alexi Giannoulias returned to the South Suburbs to talk to voters about why this election is as important as any other. Alexi first talks about his work as Treasurer and his support for his Chief of Staff. He turns to his own race in part 2:
Like just about anybody who could possibly be considered an influence on public opinion (and you can be sure they defined that *very* broadly), I received a ***Media Advisory*** from Kirsten Kukowski last night at 6:13 PM. It declared:
Kirk to Discuss U.S. Senate Race
Congressman Mark Kirk will discuss the U.S. Senate race Tuesday, highlighting his vision for creating jobs, renewing economic growth and tackling the important issues facing our state.
For those who have served in the military, there is nothing worse than claiming medals that one didn't receive -- or awards that one didn't get. Mark Kirk (R-Wall Street) has been "claiming he received the U.S. Navy's Intelligence Officer of the Year award for his service during NATO's conflict with Serbia in the late 1990s." In doing so, he dishonored those who served -- and, especially, those who died in the service of this country.
No one who has met Mark Kirk could express surprise. The very definition of a Washington politician, Kirk will say (and, apparently, do) anything to get what he wants. Kirk would love for us to believe that he didn't recognize the difference between the prestigious Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Award and the rather unknown Rufus Taylor Intelligence Unit of the Year. But this explanation doesn't really fit with Kirk's personality. It's much more likely that he simply lied about it for personal and political gain. This fits with Kirk's pre-existing pattern of using his service in the Naval Reserve *politically* to infer that opponents don't know everything he does.
But, on Memorial Day, we should acknowledge the dishonor to the service that Kirk's false statements have brought.
This is a particularly odious characteristic of Kirk's, claiming personal (and exclusive) credit for something that was due to a unit that he led. The men under his command -- like the jobless in Illinois -- were meaningless, even though it was their work in target acquisition that prompted the award. That Kirk would conflate the unknown (and corporate sponsored) National Military Intelligence Association award with the prestigious Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Award merely shows the vast horizon of Kirk's ambitions.
But it also dishonors those who served with him, and all our military veterans.
On this Memorial Day, 2010, we should call on Mark Kirk to respect the honor and integrity of the U.S. Navy and the United States Armed Forces:
1.) Mark Kirk should apologize to the entire Intelligence Division Electronic Attack Wing at Aviano for his misappropriation of an award that rightfully belongs to them.
2.) Mark Kirk should apologize from the well of the Congress for the false claims that he made "during a House committee hearing in March 2002. In a remark recorded by C-Span, he said, "I was the Navy's Intelligence Officer of the Year," an achievement he depicted as providing special qualifications to discuss national security spending."
3.) Mark Kirk should apologize TODAY to all the veterans of this country, not just those in Illinois, for his repeated mischaracterizations that brought dishonor to the uniform and to the service.
and,
4.) Mark Kirk should apologize to the people of Illinois and the United States for his shameful behavior.
Mark Kirk has proven repeatedly that he would say or do anything to achieve his ambitions, a trait that is certainly typical of a Washington politician but is *not* part of the code for how officers in the U.S. military conduct themselves. On this day, we deserve an apology. Kirk has dishonored the uniform and those who served with him. He needs to make that right.
Republican Congressman Mark Kirk, taking his cues from Karl Rove, wants everyone to know that "people are concerned" about his Democratic opponent, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. One of these "concerns" that people are supposed to have is over Alexi's fund-raising prowess.
You see, Alexi only raised $1.2 million to Kirk's $2.2 million in this quarter. Kirk, of course, has benefitted greatly from his support from Wall Street firms and Big Banks, which he voted to bail out in the fall of 2008. And they are certainly rewarding Kirk for his support for the big banks.
Alexi, though, has taken a different tack. His ethical guidelines prevent him from taking money from corporate PACs, like those who have contributed more than 2 million dollars to Mark Kirk. Alexi is running to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate, not Wall Street. Kirk has already proven he'll sell his vote to the highest bidder (which rarely includes Illinois).
But, like most of Kirk's criticisms of Alexi, this one doesn't stand up, either. Alexi is squarely in the middle of Democratic Senate candidates, both incumbents and non-incumbents. No reason for concern -- unless you're Mark Kirk.
Alexi raised more money than Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Spector -- who's in a tight primary race right now. He raised twice as much as Democratic candidates in New Hampshire, Indiana and Ohio:
NV SEN: Sen. Harry Reid $1.75M
NY Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand $1.6 M
MO Sec/State Robin Carnahan ~$1.5 M
CO Sen. Michael Bennet $1.4 M
IL Treas. Alexi Giannoulias $1.2 M
PA Sen. Arlen Specter $1.16M
NH Rep. Paul Hodes $665 K
IN Rep. Brad Ellsworth $625 K
OH LG Lee Fisher $550 K
LA Rep. Charlie Melancon $543 k
The Chicago Federation of Labor released their local endorsements yesterday. But it was more interesting in what they didn't do rather than what they did.
They withheld endorsement in the Cook County Board President's race, a seeming slap in the face to Board President Todd Stroger. But they also postponed endorsements in the County County Commissioner's races.
From their press release:
The CFL postponed making any endorsements for Cook County Board of Commissioners until after an important budget vote tentatively scheduled for next Monday. The vote would be whether to repeal a portion of the county sales tax creating a budget deficit that would harm county services and the frontline workers who provide them.While the CFL's press release mentions one issue it expects to be considered in Monday's budget meeting ("a vote to ban regulated video gaming in unincorporated Cook County") most people are interested in whether the Board will take up the half-a-cent repeal of Todd Stroger's sales tax increase.
It would be premature for the Chicago Federation of Labor to endorse candidates for the county board with this measure looming overhead,” said CFL President Dennis Gannon. “The county budget is about vital services and the frontline workers who provide them to residents. We cannot endorse individuals who plan to balance the budget by slashing services and laying off men and women for political gain during an election year.”
We look at the commissioners' complete records, including where they stand on balancing the budget on the backs of frontline workers and at the expense of vital county services. Monday's vote does not necessarily guarantee an endorsement or non-endorsement from the CFL. But with the vote just around the corner, it was necessary to hold off endorsing candidates until we have a more complete picture of their records.The only other commissioner that faces a similar dilemma is appointee Edwin Reyes, who replaced Roberto Maldonado, who was appointed as 26th Ward alderman this summer. Reyes faces Xavier Nogueras (who was Maldonado's choice to replace him on the board) in what is likely to be a hard-fought primary.
So what is this about?
The film tells the story of two Albany, Ga., men, physician John Bagnato and accountant Charles Rehberg, who in 2003 blew the whistle on their local hospital, Phoebe Putney. They accused the hospital of overcharging poor people, forcing many into bankruptcy.The next question is how did these two gentlemen found themselves in Illinois and found this phenomenon? Read more...
The hospital denies those claims.
But, Schanberg, 37, says is that the practice is widespread - especially in Illinois.
"I thought the doctors knew about what happened once their patients walked out the door, but they have no idea," says Schanberg, a Chicago resident who also calls New York home.
So I wonder who did Illinois gain its reputation for corruption by her public officials. Indeed one could ask how deep was this corruption. This Trib article should answer some questions.
Corruption has been embedded in Illinois' political DNA since pioneer days. European immigrants found jobs and housing easier to come by if they helped keep the powers-that-be in power.
"The social compact in this state was built on corruption," said Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. "It worked very well for some people."
In the 1880s, the utilities and streetcar companies that helped transform the city into an industrial powerhouse gained exclusive franchises through huge payoffs to public officials. By Prohibition, Al Capone had much of City Hall and the police force in his pocket.
We've put an impressive collection of cheats and boodlers into public office over the decades, and the public outcry has never led to more than a token crackdown by government.That's it? Isn't there more about Rod Blagojevich in this article and perhaps the current enviroment the state finds itself in after the state legislature fired him from his post as Governor.
So why should the curious case of Rod Blagojevich now make things different? One reason, perhaps, is that the December arrest of Illinois' now-ousted governor has reduced Illinois politics to a late-night TV punch line. ("Scumdog Million-Hairs" is Jon Stewart's nickname for the amply maned Blagojevich.)
Rod Blagojevich didn't invent crooked politics in Illinois, though if the charges of rampant shakedowns and hanging a "for sale" sign on a vacant U.S. Senate seat are true—and he insists they are not—he may have raised the art form.Another episode worth noting even though this article offers some statistics on how many Illinois pols; well Cook County Judges, Illinois Governors, Chicago Aldermen and businessmen; have been sent to jail for corruption. I'm sure most of you who read this blog remember this episode.
A decade ago, then-City Treasurer Miriam Santos skipped the nuance and went to prison for ordering a city contractor to "belly up" with a $10,000 contribution—or else. The irony was that Santos tried the squeeze to meet a fundraising quota demanded of her by state Democratic Party Chairman Michael Madigan, who was not implicated.It looks like he may be a part of the change since the former governor was fired from office. Is Illinois truly ready for reform?
As Illinois House Speaker, Madigan is spearheading the legislature's post-Blagojevich reform drive. He has been a Springfield powerhouse for nearly four decades and no one has ever accused him of being a change agent. That may be a secret to his longevity, explained Rutgers University political scientist Alan Rosenthal.I just hope that the actors in Illinois' political system are serious about making a change because we already seen one possible result of corruption at the state's highest level!
"Members are comfortable with the rules they've played by, and when you change those rules there's increased uncertainty and members don't like it," said Rosenthal, an expert on ethics in state legislatures.
If the status quo is finally broken, in a perverse sense we may have Rod Blagojevich to thank.
"Right this moment we have the perfect storm of scandal, public anger, a huge financial crisis and a citizenry not completely sure they still trust the foxes to guard the henhouse. Not to mention we are an international joke." Canary said.
"All of these things combine to give us an opening we've never had before."
John Kramer of BriteThorn.com offers his thoughts on SNL's take on the Blagojevich scandal. He actually claims that SNL has made a laughing stock of his homestate. Take a watch. He says that hopefully there will be some SNL clips posted on their site.
I think it's time that we find ourselves back in the Christmas spirit especially now that there are many big decision to be made. Those decisions will likely affect the future of this state. Inspite of the stories that have broken out this week we might want to remember a festive season
I won't rehash because we all know what happened this week, but allow me the opportunity to give you a look backwards in time. A tourism commercial for State Street provided by FuzzyMemories. And let's remember to have a festive mood even in these difficult times. Hopefully the future will be better!
This surely can't be good news for health-care in Illinois. From the Tribune today...
Unable to find a buyer, the parent of St. Francis Hosptial & Health Center said the Catholic hospital in Blue Island will close at a yet to be determined date.Read more...
St. Louis-based SSM Health Care said the hospital faced "mounting financial losses" and "exhausted all other options -- including giving the hospital away for free," the hospital operator said in a statement.
SSM said the hospital will remain open until SSM "receives necessary approvals for its plans from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and the Illinois Department of Health."
The St. Louis-based Catholic owner of St. Francis Hospital & Health Center in south suburban Blue Island said it plans to sell the 410-bed non-profit hospital to focus on other areas of the nation where it has a larger presence.
SSM Health Care has said it tried to strengthen St. Francis by expanding to Orland Park with a second Chicago-area hospital, but those plans were rejected two years ago by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.The planning board, which regulates hospital construction in Illinois, said the Orland Park area already was well-served by hospitals that had excess bed capacity, so there was no need for a hospital in the growing suburb. Oak Brook-based Advocate Health Care, too, was denied an application to build in the Orland Park area.
SSM officials at the time said they "believed this [Orland Park] facility would not only serve that community but would also strengthen St. Francis' ability to serve the people of Blue Island."
As health insurance companies and government health insurance programs squeeze what they pay hospitals, hospital operators increasingly look to consolidate to gain economies of scale in the regions where they operate.
Hospital operators also try to expand to wealthier suburbs such as Orland Park to attract more commercially insured patients who can pay their bills more easily and provide a steadier flow of revenue. The facilities tend to fare better than hospitals like St. Francis, which serve an increasing number of uninsured patients.
In part because of the rising number of uninsured, St. Francis lost more than $40 million during the past five years, SSM has said.
I watched C-Span's America and the Courts last night and listened to some of the oral arguments in this case. The case is a challenge of DC's gun control laws. So the only reason this is here is whether or not any of you thinks what a ramification of say a ruling against DC gun laws would have towards any local gun control legislation in the state. I could especially refer to gun control legislation in Chicago.
Here's more information for those of you who are following this US Supreme Court case.
ABC7
-- Oberweis and Foster on Newsviews - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/channel?section=news/politics&id=5755449 (Video clips)
NBC5
-- Foster, Oberweis Meet On City Desk - Mary Ann Ahern
http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=224416 (Video clip)
(THE ARTICLE: Jim Oberweis and Bill Foster, candidates in the 14th Congressional District, debate their ideas on City Desk one week before the special election.)
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Oberweis, Foster debate as vote nears Scientist hit on economics, mocks foe for fly-arounds - Mitch Dudek
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/822488,CST-NWS-debate03.article
(THE ARTICLE: Republican businessman Jim Oberweis ripped his scientist opponent Bill Foster as a man who understands the atom but not economics while debating a final time before a March 8 election to fill Dennis Hastert's congressional seat. "I'm afraid that while Bill is very, very smart when it comes to quantum physics, his lack of understanding of how the economy works and the mortgage industry works . . . is pretty limited," Oberweis said. Foster, 52, a Democrat and former Fermilab physicist from Geneva, countered by saying Oberweis is a man who plays on people's fears. He pointed to a notorious commercial in which Oberweis, 61, flew over Soldier Field in a helicopter while saying enough illegal aliens enter the country every week to fill the stadium. "I think [Oberweis] is rather famous for flying around in helicopters and inciting people's passion and irritation," Foster said. The comments were made Friday during a debate that aired Sunday on WMAQ-Channel 5's "City Desk." They are among the many barbs voters will consider Saturday when choosing Hastert's replacement. Hastert retired in the middle of his term, forcing an oddly timed "special election" with just one race on the ballot. Oberweis, of Sugar Grove, is known for his dairy business and unsuccessful bids for governor and U.S. Senate. Both candidates largely support party-line views. Foster wants universal health care, U.S. troops out of Iraq and comprehensive immigration reform. Oberweis wants to make English the official language of the United States, keep troops in Iraq until military commanders suggest otherwise, and strictly enforce current immigration laws. Foster hopes to carry some of the Democrats' nationwide momentum into a heavily Republican 14th District that spans from western DuPage County almost to the Mississippi River. No matter who wins, the two will square off again in November for a full two-year term.)
-- Rezko case may define gov's troubled legacy "New day of integrity" Promises early in 1st term now ring hollow - Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/822367,CST-NWS-blago03.article
(THE ARTICLE: SPRINGFIELD -- Tony Rezko's upcoming trial could show how a governor who rode into Springfield pledging every ethical reform in the book was, at best, neglectful and, at worst, a fraud. Gov. Blagojevich has much at stake in Rezko's trial, beginning with the question of whether the governor himself faces potential criminal liability over an alleged kickback and extortion scheme run ostensibly in his name. But regardless of whether the criminal trial presents a legal threat to the governor, the Rezko trial will be a blinding distraction for this administration. Signs of that have already emerged this year, beginning with the governor's undersize, 20-minute-long speech last month touting a new state budget -- a plan that almost appeared as an afterthought and seems dead on arrival. As Rezko's trial plays out and Blagojevich's legal problems possibly deepen, he very well could carry the air of a lame duck unable to advance even the most basic things in Springfield, including a budget. While Blagojevich continues to struggle, Illinoisans can look back to a legacy that was supposed to be different -- that of a governor who promised to "change business as usual" as successor to the corrupt George Ryan. "The people of Illinois expect a new day of integrity, of openness and accountability," Blagojevich told Illinoisans barely a week into his first term, "and they deserve a government as good and honest as they are." The Rezko trial could end up showing how Blagojevich allowed that promise to go unfulfilled.)
-- Did gov break vow to help church? Bronzeville church wants to know where cash is -- gov cites 'miscommunication' - Jaclyn Brenning and Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/822548,CST-NWS-church03.article
(FROM THE ARTICLE: SPRINGFIELD -- Three days after Chicago's historic Pilgrim Baptist Church was gutted by a fire in 2006, Gov. Blagojevich pledged $1 million in state funds to help rebuild the Bronzeville architectural gem. Blagojevich made his election-year commitment to the ''rebuilding of the Pilgrim Baptist Church'' by stressing the money would have to go toward fixing a destroyed, adjoining church building that housed offices and classroom space but wasn't used for religious services. But in March 2007, that money instead went to a private school that leased space from Pilgrim Baptist but has no other church affiliation. No state money has come to rebuild the charred administrative and school building, as Blagojevich promised, prompting church leaders and at least one state lawmaker to question whether Blagojevich had lived up to his word. ''I still can't believe it. We aren't trying to have a fight with the governor or anything like that, but how can he let this thing happen?'' said Robert Vaughn, chairman of Pilgrim Baptist's board of trustees, who didn't learn of the school grant until after being contacted by the Chicago Sun-Times. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity routed the $1 million grant to Loop Lab School, a private, pre-K through eighth-grade school that has since moved from its burned-out quarters, taking with it money intended to rebuild the destroyed church complex.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: OUTRAGEOUS: Democrat Teresa Puente gives Republican John McCain advice on how to handle the immigration issue
http://www.suntimes.com/news/puente/822558,CST-EDT-puente03.article
-- OUTRAGEOUS: Chicago Public Schools gives bilingual students a break on tougher state tests - Annie Sweeney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/822227,CST-NWS-skul03.article
(THE ARTICLE: As Illinois students who are still learning English prepare to take, for the first time, the same achievement tests given to all other students, Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan said Sunday he will not use their scores to decide who gets promoted. Duncan also said he would put together a team to evaluate what to do if low student scores affect individual school performance. Duncan and other Chicago educators have already criticized the decision to have the students take the tests. Even with about 20 accommodations -- such as a teacher reading scripted test questions or students using a bilingual glossary -- Duncan said the tests will make for a frustrating and difficult couple of days for the students. "We'll have some zeros,'' Duncan said. "It's heart-breaking.'' Duncan also fears that poor scores from the students will put schools into "failing'' status with the state. The new test policy was mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind law. In 2006, federal officials questioned whether the state's test for students in bilingual programs -- which was in English but in simplified language -- was adequate. Then in October, federal officials told the state that bilingual students in public school for more than a year would be required to take the same tests other students do. "There was plenty of time to come up with better solutions,'' Duncan said. Illinois State Board of Education spokesman Matt Vanover said the state worked "diligently'' for 15 months to find a solution after learning in 2006 that the existing exam was not acceptable. Also, permission to delay testing was sought until Friday, but federal officials said Illinois risked several consequences, some financial, if it did that, Vanover said.)
-- Mexico bans U.S. used car imports - except 1998 models - AP (SHOULD THE U.S. COUNTER BY BANNING ALL MEXICAN ILLEGALS - EXCEPT THOSE BORN IN 1988?)
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/822567,CST-NWS-mex03.article
(THE ARTICLE: HIDALGO, Texas -- Some are dented, scratched and rusty. But the '''98'' soaped onto their windshields and a surprise change in Mexican import rules have turned a single year's worth of used cars into pick of the lot. Beginning today, only cars built in 1998 -- none older and none newer -- can be legally imported into Mexico. Until now, used cars 10 to 15 years old were scooped up at auction by South Texas used car dealers and rapidly sold to Mexicans hungry for affordable transportation and ''la novedad'' -- or novelty -- of unfamiliar makes. Cars newer than that were banned from imports as unwelcome competition for Mexican car dealers, and anything more than 15 years old was seen as a potential hazard. But now, under pressure from Mexico's new car dealers who say ''vehiculos chatarra,'' or jalopies, undercut their sales, the Mexican government is allowing only 10-year-old used cars to be legally imported into Mexico. All of a sudden, 1998 Luminas, Astro vans and Ranger pickups are sought-after trophies. The Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors, which pushed for the change, said it was needed to ''stop the accelerated conversion of our country into the world's biggest automotive garbage dump.'' A mile north of the Rio Grande, 80 percent of the customers at Walester Auto Sales are Mexican. ''At this point we have a lot of merchandise that was going to Mexico that now will stay,'' said Elena Garcia, who owns Walester with her husband.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Be American, buy American. Diersen urges all Republican party leaders, Republican candidates, and Republican elected officials to own and drive American nameplate vehicles
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/822364,CST-NWS-cars03.article (Includes PDF map and files with car registrations broken out by counties and by zip codes)
DAILY HERALD
-- Rezko trial may have far-reaching effects - Rob Olmstead
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145996
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Former political fundraiser Tony Rezko may be the man in court today as jury selection starts in his corruption trial, but there is little doubt that his court proceedings are just as much about Illinois' current governor. Whether Tony Rezko is found innocent or guilty will go a long way toward relieving or ratcheting up the pressure on his one-time bosom buddy, Gov. Rod Blagojevich. And he's not the only politician with something to lose. For Blagojevich, the glare of the spotlight flashed even brighter last week after U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve removed any doubt that he is the "Public Official A" identified in court papers as having benefited from the hundreds of thousands of dollars of campaign cash raised by Rezko. Blagojevich, for his part, says it doesn't matter one whit what comes out of the trial; he himself did nothing wrong. And indeed, government prosecutors have not charged Blagojevich with breaking any laws. But at a minimum, a guilty finding in the trial would show that Blagojevich had the same type of pay-to-play shenanigans going on in his administration as that of George Ryan, the former governor now in prison. That is politically damaging -- if not devastating -- for someone who campaigned on cleaning up state government, even if Blagojevich had no idea it was going on, experts say. "I expect (the trial) to probably end the governor's career . . . I don't think he can be re-elected," said Dick Simpson, a political science professor at University of Illinois at Chicago. But Blagojevich is not the only politician at risk from his trial. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, the freshman Illinois senator, has a lot to lose, even if he's never accused of wrongdoing in the case, simply because of his past relationship with Rezko. Obama has returned thousands of dollars that Rezko raised for his political fund. Obama also purchased a piece of land next to his Chicago home from Rezko -- a deal that's been a point of sharp criticism against Obama, who has said he never did any favors for Rezko in return.)
-- Lake County political parties set to choose leaders March 5 Democrat, Republican leaders sure of re-election despite criticism - Russell Lissau
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145889&src=3
(THE ARTICLE: Lake County's Democratic and Republican precinct representatives are ready to choose their local leaders, but the elections come at unsettled times for both parties. State Sen. Terry Link, long the Democrats' county chairman, and Lake Villa Township Supervisor Daniel Venturi, the GOP's local chief since 2006, both stand to be re-elected to their posts. The biennial elections are set for Wednesday night in separate meetings in Waukegan. However, Venturi has been under fire from some conservative Republicans virtually since his election. Although they've been relatively quiet lately, members of the Republican Assembly of Lake County have sparred with Venturi since his ascension to the top of the local party. As for the Democrats, Link has been disparaged in recent months by members of his party, too; earlier this year, he briefly faced a rare primary challenge for his Senate seat from former North Chicago mayor Jerry Johnson until Johnson was knocked off the ballot. Link's under additional scrutiny because of a Lake County state's attorney investigation into complaints about his candidate petition. That investigation has not led to any charges. Despite the controversies, both men are confident they'll retain their party posts. "Last time, it was a contentious race. But even if there is a challenge, I think I would be successful," said Venturi, who defeated Cuba Township Highway Commissioner Tom Gooch to win his post in 2006. "The support is there; the votes are there." Link is seeking a ninth term as chairman and doesn't expect opposition Wednesday despite the recent criticism. The county's Republican convention will begin at 7 p.m. at the Midlane Golf Resort, 4555 W. Yorkhouse Road. It is open to local precinct committee representatives and Republican officials, not the general public. The Democratic event is set for 7 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 200 N. Green Bay Road. It is open to the public, Link said, and admission is free. Only precinct committee representatives can participate in the political proceedings. Raymond True, chairman of the Republican Assembly, said he hasn't heard of anyone coming forward to challenge Venturi. The lack of opposition didn't surprise him. "The Republican Party has been so dismal under his leadership," True said, referring to seats that went to Democrats and decreasing GOP precinct representation. "Nobody wants to take over a sinking ship." Venturi declined to respond. Link hasn't had an opponent for the chairmanship in years. He's pleased the strides Democrats have made in Lake County -- recent victories include the sheriff's and coroner's posts -- and he's excited about the upcoming presidential election. As for his critics, Link said Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no stranger to detractors, either. Nor was former Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley, he said. "If you're doing your job, you're going to have critics," said Link, of Waukegan. "If you don't, it means you're sitting back and doing nothing.")
-- Thomas Tawney wrong on 14th Amendment and children born to illegal aliens - Dave Gorak, Executive Director, Midwest Coalition to Reduce Immigration
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=144990&src=
(THE LETTER: Thomas Tawney is dead wrong when he says in his Feb. 25 letter the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born to illegal aliens. The Supreme Court has never decided the issue. The 1982 court decision Pyler vs. Doe was not about automatic citizenship for children born to illegals; it was about children of illegals brought here and whether they are entitled to a public school education. Further, this decision was not made on constitutional grounds but as a matter of good public policy, the thought being that as long as they are here, they should be educated. (By the way, the ruling never barred the government from deporting these children along with their families.) The U.S. is one of only a few countries left still foolish enough to grant automatic citizenship to children of illegals, and it is high time we joined the rest of those countries who finally got their heads screwed on straight. Tawney shows just how little he knows about this issue when he suggests that Jim Oberweis is aligned with white supremacists because he favors removing a major incentive for people to enter the country illegally. The race card always is played by those who refuse to address the facts in an intelligent manner.)
-- For conservative values, it's Oberweis - William Keck, Sugar Grove
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145948&src=
(THE LETTER: In order to continue with the conservative values of Speaker Dennis Hastert, we need to elect a candidate who shares the same conservative values. That candidate is Jim Oberweis. As a successful businessman, Oberweis recognizes the need for permanent tax cuts. As a concerned citizen, he recognizes the need to secure our borders and protect our freedom. As a family man, Oberweis respects the need to protect innocent life. Please join with me in voting March 8 for Jim Oberweis as our 14th District U.S. House representative.)
-- Ad criticizing Skoien was right on - Louis A. Sands, Palatine
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145961
-- Attacks on Skoien totally unwarranted - Congressman Mark Kirk, 10th District; State Sen. Matt Murphy, 27th District; Mayor William McLeod, Hoffman Estates; Gregg Goslin, Cook County Commissioner; Gene Dawson, state central committeemen, 8th Congressional District; Ruth O'Connell, Wheeling Twp. Republican Committeeman; Linda Fleming, Palatine Twp. supervisor; Kevin O'Connell, Palatine Twp. clerk; Terry Kelly, Palatine Twp. assessor; John Powers, Palatine Twp. Highway Commissioner; Art Goes, Bill Huley and Lisa Moran, Palatine Twp. trustees; Cary Collins, deputy mayor, Hoffman Estates; Ald. Tom Rooney, Rolling Meadows; Sue Quinn, Dist. 15 school board; Tom Donohue, Inverness Park District commissioner
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145962
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sadly, Rosemary Colbert of Schaumburg rejects conservative principles, demonizes conservatives, and argues that conservatives are merely a "wing" of her Republican Party. But in fact, the Republican Party platform is conservative and the Republican Party exists to advance that platform.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=145255
(THE LETTER: Can't conservatives unite with party? - Rosemary Colbert Watching CNN Feb. 6 relating to the Tuesday primaries and McCain's surge in the Republican Party, they showed a segment with Rush Limbaugh railing against McCain, stating why he is such an abomination to the conservative wing of the party. And what is Mr. McCain's great sin, according to Mr. Limbaugh? That McCain dared to try to work across the aisle with the Democrats. This is his great crime, the very nadir of malfeasance being perpetrated against all the conservatives in the country. Now I ask all you religious right conservatives: How on earth do we expect to come together as a nation, when the greatest problem that can beset us is talking across the aisles of our government, trying to establish support on issues that concern all of us as Americans? According to Mr. Limbaugh, anyone who deviates from the ideas set forth by him and his ilk are absolutely not to be countenanced. Does he not realize this very state of mind is what precipitated the Civil War? Those southern hotheads never waited to see what Mr. Lincoln would do before firing on Fort Sumter. They were not about to listen to any ideas but their own, and if it couldn't be their way, well, let's just tear the country apart. Isn't this why we've suffered through this social civil war for the last 25 years, because the social right wing conservatives will not allow for anyone else's ideas but their own? Will we always be red states and blue states, rather than the United States, because of people like Rush Limbaugh, spewing their vitriolic venom across the land? Whatever happened to "united we stand, divided we fall?")
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Rezko team aims to put star Stuart Levine witness under fire - Jeff Coen
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-rezko-strategymar03,0,3488756.story (Includes video clip)
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Antoin "Tony" Rezko is set to go on trial Monday, but the defense is expected at every opportunity to try to put his chief accuser on trial as well. Prosecutors allege that Rezko misused the power he gained from his prowess as a fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, scheming to extort kickbacks from firms seeking state business or regulatory approval. But Rezko's lawyers will attack the credibility of Stuart Levine, the government's key witness, questioning his memory of events because of his alleged heavy use of cocaine, crystal meth and other illegal drugs. "That clearly is the battle line they want to draw," said Zachary Fardon, a former assistant U.S. attorney who was part of the prosecution team that convicted former Gov. George Ryan in 2006. "The defense wants it to be all about Stuart Levine.")
-- DIERSEN AGREES: Governor's surrender Plan to tear down NIU building is selling out to violence - Dennis Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-oped0303byrnemar03,0,5472788.story
NORTHWEST HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: OUTRAGEOUS: Northwest Herald endorses liberal Foster because politicians who claimed to be conservative failed to implement the conservative Republican Party platform
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/03/03/opinion/editorials/doc47cbcf23efd20639178380.txt(THE ENDORSEMENT: It’s no ordinary election year Voters in the 14th Congressional District must be as conflicted as we are. Who should succeed former House Speaker Dennis Hastert: Bill Foster or Jim Oberweis? All else being equal, Oberweis would get the nod because he is a conservative and a Republican in a decidedly conservative Republican district. But all else is not equal in 2008. That is why we endorse Democrat Foster in the March 8 special election to decide who completes Hastert’s term in office. The incumbent resigned in November, in the middle of his 11th term. Foster, 52, and Oberweis, 61, will face off again Nov. 4 for a full 2-year term. Oberweis received Hastert’s early endorsement, which helped him to win last month’s Republican primary. But that backing brings baggage. Hastert was among the signatories of a conservative agenda, “Contract With America,” that Republicans rolled out in 1994 to help them take control of Congress. The concept was embraced by American voters after Democrats had held a majority in the U.S. House for the previous 40 years. Unfortunately, the 12 years that followed – before Democrats took back control in 2006 – were nothing as promised. The contract was breached by congressional scandals, continued pork-barrel spending, and – after Republicans also won the White House – record budget deficits. Those years were, in short, a betrayal of the conservative standards that were promised. And Oberweis hasn’t demonstrated a stomach for the kind of change that Washington needs. Both Foster and Oberweis could take a strong business-like approach to the job in Washington because neither has made a career in politics – although Oberweis has tried for elective office three times before. Foster is a businessman and scientist, formerly with Fermilab of Batavia; Oberweis owns an investment management firm, but he is better known for his family’s dairy business. But for the change we need and hope for, Foster is the better candidate.)
BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADINE: Logic Beacon News uses to endorse Foster makes no sense
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/820410,2_4_AU02_EDIT_S1.article-- Foster v. Oberweis: Mud-slinging does voters a disservice
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/820408,2_4_AU02_EDIT_S2.article(THE EDITORIAL: If we're to believe the mud-slinging, Bill Foster is an extreme liberal who hates babies so much he wants to tax them at birth and Jim Oberweis is a corporate fat cat who wants to take away your health insurance and withhold Social Security until you're on your death bed. Needless to say, neither congressional candidate has raised the level of discourse. We're disappointed that both candidates -- and the national parties supporting them -- have engaged in non-stop attack ads that have skewed their opponent's positions on key issues. The campaign mailers and television commercials have been embarrassing to both sides. The tactics used in this race have done voters in the 14th Congressional District a disservice, and both men should be ashamed that they've spent millions of dollars in personal wealth on such trash talk.)
-- Rick Lawrence announces bid for mayor of Aurora - Andre Salles
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/822047,2_1_AU03_LAWRENCE_S2.article
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Legislators refuse to fold on gambling expansion idea Some believe it will be seriously discussed again - Deanna Bellandi
http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/26252.asp
-- NIU Cole Hall decision comes too soon - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/Opinion/stories/26172.asp
NAPERVILLE SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: With the cooperation of anti-Americans, Mexico has sent millions and millions of its citizens into America illegally. If you want to hasten the day that Americans will not be able to get a job or keep a job unless you speak Spanish, vote for Democrats. If you want to hasten the day that Americans will not be able to get a job or keep a job unless no Mexican citizen wants that job, vote for Democrats. If you want to hasten the day that America formally surrenders to Mexico, then vote for Democrats.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/opinions/822279,6_4_NA03_EDITORIAL_S1.article(THE EDITORIAL: Will immigration be hot button issue in campaign? Last week's debate, a microcosm of the Democratic campaign so far, was a vitally important event for both candidates. Barack Obama had to maintain his momentum and his cool, and it was Hillary Rodham Clinton's last chance to disrupt both before her make-or-break Ohio and Texas primaries. They covered a lot of ground, especially hashing over health care, the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Iraq war. One issue was inconspicuously missing - immigration. It was mentioned once, by Obama, and then only in passing. At the outset of the campaign, immigration was tabbed as the hot wedge issue, especially for Republicans. One candidate, Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., entered the race with immigrant bashing his only issue. Most of the other GOP candidates tried to outdo each other with their righteousness on immigration, the laughable low point coming when Mitt Romney's lawn came under attack for having been mown by illegals. THE ISSUE: Immigration has pretty much been on the back burner during the presidential campaign. OUR VIEW: But given the passions of some of those involved, that may change. The upshot: The almost-certain GOP nominee is John McCain, a champion of the ill-fated immigration-reform bill and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who meet certain qualifications. The Democratic candidates mostly supported comprehensive reform bills along the lines of one proposed by President Bush, and if immigration is remembered at all as an issue on the Democratic side it was during a debate when Clinton tried to have it both ways on whether she supported driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Her answer was notable for being so incomprehensible. (Her campaign said later that she did.) The default position for anti-reform candidates wishing to avoid dealing with the nastier implications of their positions - wholesale deportations, breaking up families, crippling certain industries - has been border security, longer and taller fences. But the fence is losing luster, especially with Texans through whose land it will run, and, as has been pointed out, we're walling ourselves off from the Rio Grande, effectively ceding it back to Mexico. Immigration may come back as a hot issue in the general election. There is a band of the political spectrum that cares about it deeply, passionately and noisily. But its disappearance as a front-burner issue suggests this may not be so with the electorate at large.)
HERALD NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Outrageously, Joliet firemen promote dumping of unwanted babies. What is next? Unwanted sick people? Unwanted disabled people? Unwanted children? Unwanted spouses? Unwanted parents? Unwanted relatives? Unwanted neighbors? Unwanted elected officials? Unwanted candidates?http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/822315,4_1_JO03_SAFEHAVEN_S1.article(THE OUTRAGEOUS ARTICLE: Fire stations to be 'safe havens' for newborns - Brian Stanley JOLIET -- Abandoning a newborn baby raises many questions. But firefighters won't be asking them of anyone who drops off an infant. Over the next week, signs will be put up at each of the city's manned fire stations indicating it is a "Safe Haven." "If someone, man or woman, can't care for a child or just feels distressed, they can give the baby to fire personnel and will not face abandonment charges," Operations Chief Ray Randich said. "We can't stress enough (this doesn't) mean the infant can just be left outside the door. The baby has to be given to a firefighter." Firefighters will give anyone who uses the station as a "Safe Haven" an information packet. The packet contains information about counseling, how parental rights are terminated and the Illinois adoption registry. "There's also forms for medical information, so even if a girl decided she didn't want to have any contact with the baby. She could fill out her family history and mail that in and stay anonymous," Randich said. Infants will be examined by firefighters before being taken to the hospital. The hospital will then notify the Department of Children and Family Services. Police will be notified to confirm the newborn has not been reported missing and will only attempt to locate a parent if the child shows signs of abuse. "If there's someone out there who can't take care of a child or doesn't want anyone to know they've had a child, they can still leave it in safe hands," Randich said. Besides putting signs at the stations, Randich said the department will also be giving information about the program to the city's high schools.)
QUAD-CITIES ONLINE
-- VERY SAD: Civil-union bills pitched in Illinois House and Senate - Andrea Zelinski
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=376798
ST. CLAIR RECORD
-- The deal Republicans should make on school funding in Illinois - Dan Proft
http://www.stclairrecord.com/arguments/208548-the-deal-republicans-should-make-on-school-funding-in-illinois
WASHINGTON POST
-- Obama and the Fixer Rezko - Robert Novak
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/02/AR2008030201858.html
NEW YORK TIMES
-- Why McCain Would Vote For Obama - Stanley Fish
http://fish.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/why-mccain-would-vote-for-obama/?ref=opinion
REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Illegal Immigration From The Front Lines Of Texas: Schools Under Attack - Dodi Smith
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/03/illegal-immigra.html
ALAN KEYES
-- Alan Keyes speaking at the Denton County GOP Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTug7rwy7e0&feature=related (YOUTUBE video clip)
The below letter has been authorized as authentic. Thanks to Marathon Pundit commenter R. Gerritt for submitting it last night under my blog comments section.
Thank you R. Gerritt, and thank you Lieutnenant Governor Quinn.
November 20, 2007
Dr. B. Joseph White
President, University of Illinois
364 Henry Administration Building, MC-346 506 S. Wright St
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Dear President White:
I am writing to express my continuing concern about the University of Illinois' Executive MBA program's treatment of our veterans.
On March 3, 2006, I joined Robert van der Hooning, then Assistant Dean for Professional and Executive Education at the University's College of Business, at a University of Illinois-sponsored luncheon to promote the College of Business' commitment to award free tuition for its Executive MBA Program to Illinois servicemembers who have served in the Global War on Terror. At that time, the University pledged to provide up to 110 full academic scholarships to the 20-month Executive MBA Program, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, meals, and lodging.
Since that promising beginning, I have been deeply disappointed by the University of Illinois' failure to fulfill its promise to our veterans. Instead of honoring our pledge to our veterans, the University ofIllinois has cut back on its promise.
I am writing this letter to formally request a full listing of all veterans who have thus far received the tuition waiver from the College of Business, along with a list of all veterans who have applied for an been denied admission and total enrollment numbers for the Executive MBA program over the last two years. I expect the University of Illinois to make good on its promise and set an example of ethical behavior for all of its students.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Pat Quinn Lt. Governor
cc: Dr. Richard Herman, Chancellor, UIUC
Members, University of Illinois Board of Trustees
I signed up for email updates from many of the presidential campaigns, including Ron Paul's. This one landed in my inbox today. It does not make me feel hopeful for the libertarian-leaning Republican.
November 11, 2007
If we don't get hundreds upon hundreds of signatures immediately in Illinois Ron Paul will have no delegates to send to the National Convention.
PLEASE HELP by doing the following:
1. We have delegates but many of those delegates HAVE NOT sent Jason Acebel [no idea who he is; no doubt a campaign official]their forms. If you are a delegate and HAVE NOT sent in your form contact Jason ASAP at ilpetitions@gmail.com and let him know when your form will be mailed. I
2. If you can take time off work or give 2-5 full days to gathering hundreds of signatures email Jason at ilpetitions@gmail.com with your phone number and best time to call. THIS IS MISSION CRITICAL. Please DO NOT contact Jason if you cannot give this amount of time. Many of you are gathering a few signatures and that is fine. Please keep up the good work but unless we get some major help soon Ron Paul will not have delegates. Jason does not have time to respond to a lot of emails. We need at least 1 person in each of the 19 districts to give us 2-5 days to get the job in that district done.
3. If you can commit full time for 1-3 days to make phone calls for Jason Acebel to call our delegates please email Jason at ilpetitions@gmail.com
Mike McHugh
National Ballot Access Coordinator
Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee
If you haven't read this Chicago Tribune editorial yet, don't wait now. The Tribune believes that voters should be allowed to recall a Governor...
Should Rod Blagojevich remain as governor of Illinois?Read more...
He shows no inclination to resign from office. And while the state constitution does allow for his impeachment by the Illinois House and trial by the Senate, it's doubtful legislators could bring themselves to such drastic action. So the realistic question becomes this: Given the multiple ineptitudes of Rod Blagojevich -- his reckless financial stewardship, his dictatorial antics, his penchant for creating political enemies -- should citizens create a new way to terminate a chief executive who won't, or can't, do his job?
That is, should Illinois join the 18 states that give voters -- as opposed to lawmakers -- the ballot power to remove state officials from office?
The Blagojevich experience suggests that the answer is yes, Illinois should write a recall mechanism into its constitution. Having endured the Blagojevich era, we believe voters never should have to endure another one like it. They instead should have the power to recall an inept governor.
The National Conference of State Legislatures offers a succinct summary of how a recall provision would be useful in a predicament such as Illinois': "Proponents of the recall maintain that it provides a way for citizens to retain control over elected officials who are not representing the best interests of their constituents, or who are unresponsive or incompetent. This view holds that an elected representative is an agent, a servant and not a master." (The NCSL takes no position on whether states should have recall provisions.)
This serious mechanism is rarely used. Only two U.S. governors have been recalled. North Dakotans ousted Lynn Frazier in 1921. In 2003, Californians voted to remove Gray Davis and, in a separate ballot measure, selected Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace him.
It's a constant struggle between the top corrupt states in our fair nation. Is it my own Illinois? Rhode Island? Louisiana? Which state is the most crooked?
Or could it be New Jersey?
Today the Garden State, in an awe inspiring performance, saw two of its mayors, two state legislators, and seven other public officials indicted today on bribery charges.
And I don't think there is a Republican among the bunch.
Because Democrats and Republicans (such as disgraced former Gov. George Ryan of the latter group) have not been shy in taking part in Illinois graft, I still have to declare, with shame, that Illinois is still the most corrupt of America's 50 states.
However, if New Jersey continues to run up the score on indictments, Bobby Bowden style, I might reconsider. But Illinois will probably still come up on top in the end, since US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is still very busy investigating all kinds of things going on in Illinois state government, many of them involving Barack Obama's indicted pal, Tony Rezko.
Since 2003, the Democratic Party has dominated Illinois government, the sole exception was that a Republican served as state treasurer. She ran for governor last year and lost; now a Democrat, another Obama pal with a questionable background no less, is the state's chief investor. Alexi Giannoulias, whose bank his family owns lent money to a convicted mobster, has pledged to raise $100,000 for Barack "New Kind of Politics" Obama.
Let me be real clear on this: Giannoulias came from nowhere to win the Democratic primary for state treasurer last year. Obama's endorsement, and his appearance in a Giannoulias television spot, are the only reasons he won that race, which last year was the only election Alexi needed to win. The Illinois GOP fared much worse than the national GOP in 2006.
Woodrow Wilson was the last man from New Jersey to move into the White House. As for Illinois, my state has to reach back to Ulysses S. Grant for its last Illinos-to-1600 Pennsylvania Avenue transition.
Bad luck? Maybe. But both are populous states where it's pretty easy to raise money. But it could be that both states are tainted with corruption that keeps top state politicos from claiming the top prize in American politics
As far Illinois' Republican Party, now is a good time to get involved. If the party focuses on the basics, which is what I think they should: Clean and efficient governrment, there's no where to go but up.
Start here, at the Illinois GOP Network.
To comment on this post, please visit Marathon Pundit.
The Illinois Civil Justice League today released a mid-session scorecard tracking the voting records - on civil justice issues - of all members of the Illinois General Assembly. This scorecard reflects the roll call votes on the floor of the House and Senate, as well as committee votes on and sponsorships of bills that are important to the Illinois civil justice reform effort.
By looking at roll call votes, committee votes and bill sponsorships, ICJL has produced the most detailed legislative scorecard – on any issue - in the state of Illinois.
“It is important that Illinois voters know where their legislators stand on issues relating to the reform of our state’s troubled legal system,” said Edward Murnane, president of ICJL. “For too long, the personal injury trial lawyers have held too much clout in Springfield, advancing their stealth agenda of increasing their profits at the expense of hard-working Illinois citizens. This scorecard enables the average voter to know if his or her legislator stands with them – or with the trial lawyers.”
The scorecard assigns each legislator a percentage scored based on the number of times he or she supported or opposed a key bill. ICJL then highlighted the best and worst scores through the following groups:
FRIENDS OF FAIRNESS – This group highlights those legislators who exhibited an exemplary voting record on civil justice reform issues by having an aggregate score of 75% or higher. The legislators honored in this group are:
Illinois Senate “Friends of Fairness”
· Senator Bill Brady
· Senator J. Bradley Burzynski
· Senator Kirk W. Dillard
· Senator John O. Jones
· Senator Chris Lauzen
· Senator David Luechtefeld
· Senator Matt Murphy
· Senator Dan Rutherford
· Senator Dave Syverson
· Senator Frank Watson
Illinois House “Friends of Fairness”
· Rep. Suzanne Bassi
· Rep. Bob Biggins
· Rep. Tom Cross
· Rep. Brent Hassert
· Rep. Sidney H. Mathias
· Rep. Chapin Rose
· Rep. Timothy L. Schmitz
· Rep. Ron Stephens
“We feel that it is only right to honor and call attention to those legislators who consistently support common sense lawsuit reform – and reject the trial lawyer agenda,” said Murnane, who added that the scorecard also recognizes those legislators who consistently support trial lawyer-backed policies as members of the “Trial Lawyer Caucus.”
TRIAL LAWYER CAUCUS – Although there were many legislators who supported the majority of trial lawyer measures, the Trial Lawyer Caucus represents those who were especially vigilant in supporting the anti-civil justice reform agenda: those who had an aggregate score of 15% or lower:
Illinois Senate Trial Lawyer Caucus
· Senator Michael Bond
· Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins
· Senator M. Maggie Crotty
· Senator John J. Cullerton
· Senator William Delgado
· Senator Michael W. Frerichs
· Senator Susan Garrett
· Senator Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson
· Senator Don Harmon
· Senator Mattie Hunter
· Senator David Koehler
· Senator Dan Kotowski
· Senator Terry Link
· Senator Edward D. Maloney
· Senator Iris Y. Martinez
· Senator Michael Noland
· Senator Carol Ronen
· Senator Martin A. Sandoval
· Senator Jeffrey M. Schoenberg
· Senator Ira I. Silverstein
Illinois House “Trial Lawyer Caucus”
· Rep. Edward J. Acevedo
· Rep. James D. Brosnahan
· Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie
· Rep. William Davis
· Rep. Mary E. Flowers
· Rep. John A. Fritchey
· Rep. Careen M. Gordon
· Rep. Deborah L. Graham
· Rep. Julie Hamos
· Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez
· Rep. Jay C. Hoffman
· Rep. Kevin Joyce
· Rep. Lou Lang
· Rep. Kevin A. McCarthy
· Rep. George Scully Jr.
· Rep. Cynthia Soto
The full scorecard, with analysis, can be viewed online at http://www.icjl.org/.
The Illinois Republican Party is down, but a long way from being out. As the party rebuilds from the ground up, after a string of disappointing election days, now is the time for bloggers and other interested individuals to take part in the growth process. Illinois is the home state of Abraham Lincoln, and the birthplace of Ronald Reagan, two great Republican presidents. And remember, it wasn't so long ago, 1995 to be exact, when the Illinois GOP controlled each statewide office, both chambers of the General Assembly, and the Governor's Mansion.
And the governor at the time, Jim Edgar, actually lived in the mansion.
As James Thurber once wrote, "You could look it up!"
The good old days were not that long ago, and they could be back sooner than you think.
Where does one start? By networking and building, and the place to do it is at the new Illinois GOP Network Forum.
Click on the above link to get started. I'm already there.
Crossposted on Marathon Pundit.
Received my new Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and discovered something I don’t think I have seen before.
There’s a
“CAUTION: This card does not permit bearer to UNLAWFULLY carry or use firearms.”But, there’s more:
“This does not authorize the carrying of a concealed weapon.”Really.
12,831,970 in the middle of 2006 versus 12,765,427 for the 2000 census.
An increase of 66,543 people.
A growth rate of just a tiny bit over one-half of one percent.
But the nation as a whole grew almost twice as fast--one percent (0.98%).
Still the fifth largest state.
Only one state larger—New York—shrunk in population.
The larger northern states, like Illinois, were pretty stagnant.
All neighboring states grew more than Illinois (+0.52%), except Wisconsin, which tied.
© Blogger template The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008
Back to TOP