Illinois Review

Inspector General opened Froehlich investigation

In light of the news that Democrat State Rep. Paul Froehlich will not seek re-election in 2010, and is considering future political appointments (possibly with Gov. Pat Quinn) we thought we should finally mention that following our series on Rep. Froehlich's activities, Illinois Review requested an investigation of Froehlich be launched by Illinois' Legislative Inspector General Thomas J. Homer.

Below is the email we received from Mr. Homer back on June 15:

Subject: Representative Froehlich

I received in today's mail your request for investigation into matters involving the above-referenced member of the Illinois House of Representatives, bearing a May 27, 2009 postmark. I am not sure the reason for the delay in actual delivery, but wanted to let you know that I have received it and will be opening an investigation into the matter. Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention. I will let you know when the investigation is completed. In the meantime, should you need to reach me, here is my contact information. For faster communication, you may feel free to use the following email address.

Thomas J. Homer
Legislative Inspector General
420 Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Priorities

by Matt Gauntt

If you haven't heard yet, Michael Jackson died.  Shocking, I know. I'm sure that you haven't heard about it yet. Most of us that either write for Illinois Review or read it are consumers of serious news. You probably wouldn't find us staring at the TV watching Entertainment Tonight or similar shows. So, by watching the main stream press, I'm sure this side light has escaped us. Surely you wouldn't find a serious journalist like Anderson Cooper getting caught up in something as trivial.

OK, stop laughing now.

Cross pushes the creation of Jobs and Sunshine in Illinois

from the House GOP:

Springfield - Illinois House Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) urges Gov. Pat Quinn to immediately appoint members to two commissions that could lead to a turnaround in the state's economy and in Illinois' broken budget.

At the request of Cross, the governor signed two executive orders on June 26 that would create the Taxpayer's Sunshine Commission and the Economic Recovery Advisory Commission.

According to the Executive Order 14, The Taxpayer's Sunshine Commission will be an independent advisory body that will "conduct a thorough review of state executive branch programs with respect to the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness."  The commission will submit a report of its findings no later than Nov. 1.

Individual freedom message perfect for students

by Matt Zimmerman, President of Illinois College Republicans

After a series of crushing election cycles, discouraged Illinois Republicans are right to ask themselves the question: “Where do we go from here?”  While much important debate has centered on the ideological path of the Illinois GOP, just as is important are the ways in which we communicate that message.

This problem is especially pronounced on our college campuses. Many mistake the student body as a lost cause, hopelessly liberal. This could not be farther from the truth. People chose to further their education for simple reasons. They want to improve their lot in life, make a better life for their future families. They are entrepreneurs and they want to make their mark on the world and to do it on their own terms. 

The conservative message of individual freedom is made for students.

How to Report Cook County Commissioners for Income Tax Fraud

by David Jenkins

Dear Taxpayers,

Do any of you remember this Fox News Chicago Investigative Report from November 2008? Where each Cook County Commissioner received a $1,200 monthly “contingency” check from taxpayer funds?

And not only was this program in existence for an undetermined number of years, but none of the 17 elected Cook County Commissioners, present and past, had ever brought this into the public spotlight. That includes so-called “reformers” like Mike Quigley, who spent the money but kept his receipts. But he never complained about it. Not once. Meanwhile it took a group of journalists and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a lobbyist group in Springfield, to blow the whistle.

The strategy behind purple-shirted tax hike bullies

Our Republican state lawmakers would be wise to understand the Democratic leaders' mounting pressure to break and vote for a state income tax increase.   By scanning the Internet, it's easy to see how purple t-shirted Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are bullying and threatening lawmakers and taxpayers not only here in Illinois, but other financially-stressed states.

Last week's arrests at the Capitol of protesting SEIU workers and their sympathetic taxpayer-funded activists were simply following successful manipulative strategy advocated by two Columbia University sociologists -- Frances Fox Cloward and Richard Andrew Piven -- that literally broke New York City's welfare system in 1975. A May 5, 2009 American Thinker piece explains in part:

Davis says poll shows he could defeat Stroger

The Sun-Times is reporting today that Democrat U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis "inched closer to a run for Cook County Board president Sunday, saying a poll he commissioned shows incumbent Todd Stroger can't win -- but Davis might."

Washington Dems want Lisa Madigan to challenge Burris

Top Democrats in Washington are pressuring Democrat Attorney General Lisa Madigan to make a run at Barack Obama’s old Senate seat. They believe she’s popular back home, is "untarnished by the state’s political scandals" and is a proven fundraiser.

Gutierrez taking heat for campaign contributions

Democrat Rep. Luis Gutierrez is taking heat for accepting at least $29,900 in campaign contributions from payday lenders while playing a leading role as the Chair of the House panel on consumer regulations.

Gutierrez said he "wants to avoid even the appearance that there is conflict, so [he] will not be accepting any contributions from the payday loan industry." He refused to comment when asked if he would return the money he already raised from them.

Shimkus says "No Thanks" to Cap & Trade

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus had the good sense to vote against the cap and trade legislation. He told the Bellville News Democrate that this is the wrong time to raise the costs of energy and cost people jobs. The economy continues to struggle, and placing this burdensome measure on consumers and business owners would make it that much more difficult to get back on track.

Proft on the Dems' budget ploy

Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft reveals the Dems' cynical fix on IL's budget.

Metro East Insurance to Soar Due to FEMA

The cost of living and doing business in the metro-east could soar next year because of a Federal Emergency Management Agency decision to accelerate the pace at which flood hazard maps must be approved.

Isaac Hayes at Navy Pier Re-Tea Party

IL College Republicans chime in on national issues

from the Illinois College Republicans

The past week and a half has been an eventful one as concerns the direction of our nation. The Illinois College Republican Federation would like to take the time to address the future.

"Cap and Trade" legislation was narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26. Under this bill, industries that produce the most carbon emissions will be heavily taxed for their emissions.  Industries such as agriculture and heavy industry will be forced to either lay off numerous employees to pay the increased taxes or go out of business.  In good economic times, this legislation would be disastrous. In today's economy, this legislation is borderline insanity. Some estimate that this legislation would increase the average family's energy bill by thousands of dollars a year and will drive up the price of all consumer goods.

Reports from 4th of July Tea Parties -- Palatine

The northwest suburban town of Palatine hosted a 4th of July Tea Party ... compliments of Cao's Blog

 

 

Reports from 4th of July Tea Parties -- Homer/Lockport

Steve Balich (far right in photo) reports:

 

The Tea Party July 4th was a huge success. This grassroots movement is about people, not political parties. This is an active historical movement going back to the beginnings of our country where Americans stand up and say no to the government. It is a non-violent way to be heard, as well as a call to vote and get others to vote.

 

About 500 patriots came out in the rain to express their displeasure with the direction our country is moving, with such things as taxes, corruption, medical, and "cap and trade" topping the list. I want to thank Michaleen Rocco, Dr. Steve Spontak, Stephanie Kolvicec, Megan Fox, and Teri O’Brien for speaking to the issues, as well as the Americans who stood in the rain for two hours.

Be a Moderate, Support Obama!

by Sam Pierce

Republicans need to learn their lesson! How can they expect to win without falling in line behind and singing the praises of Barack Obama? How better to beat Obama than to tirelessly support his policies... albeit of course, with some moderation? Why can't Republicans come together and unify behind the politics of racial and ethnic divisions? Why can't all Republicans work toward a single-payer solution to the problems of the people? Only when Republicans realize that the ultra-moderate (borderline Democrat) John McCain's problem was that he was not "moderate" enough, will they know what needs to be done!

The answer to the prayers of "moderates" everywhere is there before them, if only they are willing to watch CNN. The solution lies in perpetuating racism and racist policies like Affirmative Action. The solution lies in unity with Barack Obama. The only answer is presented in the person of General Colin Powell. It was he whose actions indicated that John McCain was not "moderate" enough to be President of the United States. It was he whose actions proclaimed that Barack Obama was "moderate" enough for the job (of course race played no role, how dare you think the obvious!)

Schoenberg reports Schillerstrom to be "pro-choice" and "anti-concealed carry"

Last Sunday, DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom announced he was entering the race to be IL GOP's 2010 gubernatorial nominee.    This week, we learned more about his views on social issues from a conversation with Springfield Journal-Register's Bernie Schoenberg.  Schoenberg says Schillerstrom's public policy on abortion is "pro-choice," although he's for parental notification for minor girls: 

Shilling For Billionaires

by Paul Jacobs of Citizens in Charge

Ever since the Supreme Court endorsed radically expanded use of eminent domain, in 2005's Kelo v. New London, we have witnessed pitched battles between governments eager to trample property rights and citizens fighting to protect those rights.

Among recent efforts is a Missouri initiative to reform the eminent domain process, led by Ron Calzone with Missourians for Property Rights.

Alas, it's all too easy to ignore the suffering of human beings whose property rights are violated by “legal” means when you neither see these human beings nor hear their stories. This is why critics of flipping property from the hands of rightful owners to the claws of rapacious opportunists with political pull must be grateful to the producers of Begging for Billionaires: The Attack on Property Rights in America.

Socialized medicine and global warming on U.S. Senate agenda

Rasmussen reports when the U.S. Senate returns this week, they'll debate on two issues the nation is divided upon:  socialized medicine and global warming.  Illinoisans that assume both U.S. Senators Durbin and Burris will be supporting would be correct:

Voters remain closely divided over the health care reform plan proposed so far: Fifty percent (50%) are at least somewhat in favorite of it, but 45% are at least somewhat opposed. While the overall numbers favor the plan, those with strong opinions tilt the other way. Twenty-four percent (24%) strongly favor the plan, but 34% are strongly opposed.

Likely 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney last week pointed to the state health reform plan he initiated as governor of Massachusetts as a better alternative to the national Democrats’ plan, but Bay State voters beg to differ. Just 26% of Massachusetts voters say their state’s health care reform effort has been a success, while 37% say it’s been a failure. Only 10% of Bay State voters say the quality of health care has gotten better as a result of the plan.

GOP at the Wheaton Parade

Congressman Peter Roskam

 

"Public Enemies" puts Illinois on the big screen

Johnny Depp and Christian Bales' "Public Enemies" hit screens this weekend. The story of John Dillinger was filmed in the Midwestern states of Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois.  Earlier this week, the Homer Sun's Staff listed  filming sites in the southwest suburbs of Joliet, Lockport and Crest Hill. They suggest making a tour of "Public Enemies" featured sites before going to the movie theatre this weekend. Start with: Stateville Correctional Center, Crest Hill. What they filmed: Prison scenes.

What you can do there: 20 to life. Stateville is still an active prison, housing about 2,773 male inmates in maximum- and minimum-security sections. The prison was opened in 1925, making it the perfect site for "Public Enemies."

Signs of the Times

by John F. Di Leo

Summer in Illinois is construction season. No surprise there. So, roads are closed, squeezed, shifted and crumpled, to allow the pouring of nice, fresh pre-cracked concrete all along your route.

As you drive to and from your fireworks, parades, tea parties, and barbecues this weekend – remembering to watch your speed limit and your full stops at red lights in this era of greedy video cameras – you’ll see a new breed of road sign popping up everywhere: "Project Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."

Never mind that the ARRA (the trillion dollar stimulus package we passed to keep unemployment under 8%) usually only funds ten or twenty percent of these projects, with the rest of the funding paid for locally…

Americans still believe in nation's founding principles

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 89% of American adults agree that "we are all endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Only seven percent (7%) disagree on that founding premise.

Seventy-four percent (74%) agree with the assertion that “all men are created equal” while just 23% disagree.

Fifty-six percent (56%) agree with the view that governments derive their only just authority from the “consent of the governed.” Interestingly, one-in-four Americans (25%) disagree.

Some places celebrate Fourth with less bang

Lower tax revenues with unemployment approaching 10 percent have forced some Illinois towns and municipalities to cut back on fireworks, as CNN.com reports:

In Illinois, CNN affiliate WLS-TV reported that Harvey, Berwyn, Elgin, Gurnee and North Riverside had canceled their shows.

Others have found other ways to have a bang on Independence Day 2009:

The Illinois towns of Elmhurst and Wooddale couldn't foot their own shows, so they chipped in funds for the show in nearby Bensenville, WLS reported. Evanston, Illinois, had to shorten its show, and North Aurora forewent its own show in favor of bolstering the celebration in neighboring Aurora, CNN affiliate WGN reported.

And then there's the good people Joliet:

July 4 -- American Minute

by Bill Federer

The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776.  John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled." Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately."

Of the 56 signers: 17 served in the military; 11 had their homes destroyed; 5 were hunted and captured; Abraham Clark had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey; John Witherspoon's son was killed in battle; Francis Lewis' wife was inprisoned and died from the harsh treatment; many, such as Thomas Nelson and Carter Braxton, lost their fortunes; and 9 died during the War.

Why I will miss her presence on stage

by Mark Rhoads

Gloating begin and the chapagne corks pop in the editorial office of Vanity Fair and in Rockefeller Center network newsrooms and in the offices of Dave Letterman at The Ed Sullian Theater. Some on the left will jump for joy tonight that they ran Sarah out of town on a rail.

I saw Sarah Palin just once at a campaign stop last fall and I really liked her as a person, not just because I agreed with her on some key issues that I felt strongly about.

ILGOP staff let go?

Rumors are flying from various sources that the entire staff of the Illinois Republican Party has been given their walking papers as of July 31, 2009.

At this point it is just a rumor. We're following up with Party Leaders and will post any update we get.

UPDATE: Illinois Review has spoken with several Party Leaders and can confirm that there is indeed a staff shakeup going on. Changes in personnel are underway. No definitive reason why. Stay tuned.

Schillerstrom Metro East visit subdued

According to Sanford J. Schmidt of The Telegraph, gubernatorial candidate Bob Schillerstrom failed to attract a large crowd at his Collinsville announcement for governor. The paper noted that only one reporter showed up on time to cover the event, and another showed up 30 minutes late.

The main points of his announcement were:

• If he were Governor he would veto any state income tax increase
• Raising taxes results in more spending and discourage businesses from locating in Illinois
• Medicaid is an example of wasteful spending
• He's run a tight ship in DuPage County

Along with Collinsville, Schillerstrom has made his announcement in Rockford, Moline, Peoria, Springfield, and Champaign.

Tea Party, Liberty, and Responsibility

by Sam Pierce

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our nation's independence and reflecting on the blessings we have enjoyed thanks to the vision and efforts of our founding fathers. We may wonder what the founders would think of the state of our nation as it is in modern times. I imagine their hearts would break at the sight of the encroaching soft tyranny and the apathetic willingness of citizens to become subjects.

Many communities will be hosting tea parties as a means to celebrate the greatness of this nation and call attention to the internal threats to our liberty. If you would like to attend one of these events please check out the links provided at the end of this post to find the one nearest you. If you are near Clay County, IL, you are welcome to attend the Clay County Tea Party which will be held at 2 pm at the gazebo outside the library in Flora.

Froehlich will not seek re-election

The Daily Herald has posted the following:

Democratic state Rep. Paul Froehlich of Schaumburg has announced he won't run for re-election next year.

Implying that another political opportunity may present itself either before or after the end of his current fourth term, Froehlich said he wants to make his decision public before the start of the primary petition period on Aug. 4.

The story does not refer to concerns that have been raised here on Illinois Review about Froehlich's practice of offering to intercede on lower property tax assessments on constituents' behalfs, but only the fact that Froehlich switched parties from Republican to Democrat in 2006.

Sarah is quitting

Sarah Palin is not only not seeking re-election, she's stepping down as governor of Alaska at the end of July. Tribune's Swamp says:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is stepping down, announcing suddenly today will she pursue other means of having an impact in the public arena and fueling speculation about her intentions for another bid for national office.

Palin will step down before her first term is finished, resigning as of July 26, but not offering a clear reason for her withdrawal.

"I know when it's time to pass the ball,'' said Palin, almost tearfully announcing that she would hand the office over to the lieutenant governor. "Some are going to question the timing of this. This decision has been in the works for a while.''

Are you surprised? Or were you expecting this? Did the Letterman episode put her over the brink or what do you think happened? Is she running for President in 2012?

Tell July 4th parade politicians we're "Taxed Enough Already"

Illinois Review wanted to pass along a great idea for the thousands of Illinois taxpayers standing along the parade routes  on the 4th of July: bring along your "Don't Tread on Me" flags and posters with anti-tax messages like "No More Taxes," "Don''t Tax Me, Bro!" or "Taxed Enough Already."  Let them know you expect them to hold tight against more new taxes.

Please share with Illinois Review your Independence Day photos and videos by sending them directly to us at info@illinoisreview.com.  Send us parade, picnic, bbq, fireworks shots and we'll do our best to post them throughout the day.

Schillerstrom camp says no inflation on viewer stats

In response to speculation that the Schillerstom gubernatorial campaign may have inflated the number of people who watched his announcement live on the internet, campaign director Brad Hahn provided Illinois Review a report from their web team.

According to Hahn, "The total number comes from adding the Livestream and Schillerstrom camera (another way to view event). That total is actually 2,970 but we went with “at least 2,900” so as not to inflate. We will continue to try different approaches to reach new audiences and build on this initial success..."

The campaign's report is here: View this photo

Fox News Bill Kristol in Kankakee July 7th

Join The Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce and Americans for Prosperity for a town hall meeting where we will discuss keeping and creating jobs in Kankakee. In today's economic climate it is important to discuss initiatives that can stimulate job growth. The town hall forum will take place July 7th at 5:30PM at the Space Center (1551 East Willow in Kankakee).

Joining us will be FOX News Channel political analyst Bill Kristol, Kankakee Regional Chamber President David Hinderliter, Environmental attorney Gary Baise, and Americans for Prosperity Policy Director Phil Kerpen. Our panel of influential speakers will discuss how policy decisions in Washington are effecting our efforts to revitalize the economy of Kankakee.

Free food and soft drinks will be available for attendees. For directions to the Space Center click here.

Black conservative joins race for Obama’s US Senate Seat

from the Wallace for U.S. Senate campaign:

CHICAGO – With an increasing pool of Democrats scrambling to jockey position to unseat the now scandal-ridden Roland Burris; many feel the time is ripe for a Republican to take back this historical seat. Dr. Eric Wallace is one of those Republicans.

The publisher of Freedom’s Journal Magazine and author of Integrity of Faith Eric M. Wallace believes Illinois’ US Senate seat, once held by Everett Dirksen (R), rightly belongs in Republican hands. “The Republican Party has a better civil rights record than the Democrats. When President Johnson needed help passing the Voting Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1965 he called on Dirksen to gather Republican support to overcome racist Democratic Senators objections. How ironic, that Senators Mosley Braun, Obama and Burris have occupied his Senate seat,” Wallace said at his official candidate announcement during a Republican meeting in Cordova IL.

Kirk hears from angry anti-taxers

Conservative Brand blogger Eva Sorock says the people of 10th CD want a trial separation from their recently-divorced Congressman Mark Kirk.  She writes "Boo hoo for Mr. Kirk" and explains:

Eric Elk, who was hired to “represent conservatives” on Congressman Kirk’s staff, is glumly reporting that both offices are beling deluged with furious messages and emails after Kirk’s vote for Cap$Trade legislation - that would be the vote that put Democrats over the top. Word is that Kirk called former campaign director Mike Morgan today for consolation. Maybe he should look beyond environmentalista and Obama-lover Andrea Hoffman for advice on how to vote. Hey, some conservative politicians actually start out with a set of principles and use them to decide how to vote.

Still, they're hoping he'll do the right thing ...

After the Senate conference process completes the legislation, Kirk will have another chance to vote RIGHT. Let’s hope this week turns out to be an epiphany.

Birkett for Attorney General

Is the honeymoon over, or was it just a lovers' spat?

Prior to Barack Obama's Town Hall meeting yesterday on the topic of health care, two normally very cooperative White House correspondents gave Obama's Press Secretary Robert Gibbs some grilling over the town hall's phony set up for citizens to raise questions. 

Last week, a blogger from the liberal Huffington Post was called the night before a White House press briefing to be told they would be called upon to ask a question about the Iranian protests.  That, plus the way Obama's town halls are programmed beforehand has upset veteran journalists like Chip Reid and Helen Thomas.  Gibbs visibly was shaken and the red shade of his face indicated he was not prepared for the grilling.

Watch it for yourself here, and tell us -- was this the beginning of the MSM turning on Obama?  Have they seen the light?  Are they getting pressure from their editors to ask tougher questions?  What do you think is really going on here, was it a fluke, or is the honeymoon over?  Or is this just a lovers' spat?

McCarthy's disappointing challenger

One of Rod Blagojevich's best friends in the Illinois House -- Orland Park's Kevin McCarthy -- hasn't faced a challenge in the last three elections.  In the past he's been a solid prolife vote, athough he's trending more and socially liberal the longer he's unchallenged.  He's ripe for a solid Republican to take him on in 2010, and there's plenty of bad votes to stock a GOP attack.

That's why it was encouraging to meet Jeffrey Junkas Monday night at the Chicago Young Republicans event downtown.  Cook County GOP Chairman Lee Roupas introduced Junkas, and there was an agreement to meet and talk about the upcoming challenge in the 37th district.  Finally, someone who can take on McCarthy and help the GOP to pick up a House seat. 

So this morning after reading the Southtown Star political writer Kristen McQueary's column on Junkas, we're disappointed and confused.  He's got two major strikes against him -- he's not solidly prolife and he's voted as a Democrat in the last four primaries.  Not the best way to get base Republicans charged up about this race.

McQueary quotes Junkas on a crucial life issue -- how to handle tiny babies in petri dishes:

Illinois ranked one of the worst states for personal freedom

Using a wide swath of comparative data to determine personal freedoms, including alcohol and drug laws, asset-forfeiture rules, and education regulations, the nonprofit Mercatus Center has compiled a list of the top 10 worst and best states for personal freedom.

WORST

1. Maryland
2. Illinois
3. New York
4. Rhode Island
5. Ohio
6. New Jersey
7. Massachusetts
8. Alabama
9. Georgia
10. South Carolina

BEST

Senator Franken's legacy

Steve Benson

Just say no to Gardasil

from Illinois Right to Life

With school physicals right around the corner, parents should be cautious about allowing their daughters to receive the vaccine called Gardasil, a yet unproven vaccine for HPV, a disease only transmitted by sexual activity. The vaccine is pushed as a means to prevent cervical cancer, which has been connected to HPV, but Gardasil does nothing to prevent HPV strains causing 30% of cervical cancers.

Gardasil has developed a track record of unusual and dangerous side effects. The death toll from the drug has reached at least 47. There were also 1061 "serious" reports of complications including 142 classified as life-threatening, 147 spontaneous abortions, and 29 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Is use of this vaccine really worth the risks?

Throw the bums out

by Mark Rhoads

For many decades,far too many members of Congresss from both parties have routinely abused the perk of travel overseas at taxpayer expense for dubious reasons or no reason at all. The Wall Street Journal reports that the cost is up ten times from 1995 and up 50 percent since Democrats won the majority in the House in 2006.

The cost for hundreds of trips, not just for members of Congress but also for their families and staffers,was more than $13 million in 2008 alone. People who work on Capitol HIll who are honest about what is going on know this abuse is a gigantic scam to fund overseas vacations for Members of Congress, their families and staff. Very little if any actual official business is accomplished when hundreds of members and staff travel in a special Air Force plane to the Paris Air Show.

Lake Co GOP to march in July 4th parades

Lake County Republicans plan to comeback this year with strong showings at these parades Saturday July 4. You might want to join them. 

Vernon Hills Parade, 9a Don: 847-275-5542, dcastella@vernongop.org; Deerpath Drive, just south of Townline Rd  |  Antioch Parade, 10a Sherry: 847-707-5885, athomesherbear@aol.com; Main St

Highland Park Parade, 10a 847-926-1006 St. Johns & Laurel  |  Lake Bluff Parade, 10a Glen & Center Ave

Barrington Parade, 10a Barrington High School, Hart Rd & Lake Cook Rd  |  Deerfield Parade, 12p

Mundelein Parade, Saturday July 5, 2p Prospect Ave & McKinley Ave

Righter update on budget talks

Will G.E. Profit From Obama's War?

by Sam Pierce

General Electric has become a detestable entity and I would recommend that when given a choice, one refrain from purchasing any product or service associated with the once great company. As if it wasn't bad enough that the"news" division works so hard on behalf of Obama's assault on liberty, or that with the help of Tom Daschle, G.E. hopes to have a monopoly on America's medical records, I read today that they have hit a new low. From The Wall Street Journal:

GE to Obtain Stem Cells From Geron For Research

Al Franken: The Left's Latest Statesman

by Teri O'Brien

Yesterday, I heard Obama acolyte, MS-NBC’s Chuck Todd gleefully report on the latest manifestation of Palin Derangement Syndrome, an article in Vanity Fair with the classy title “It Came From Wasila,” claiming that the piece portrays her as “self-obsessed, casual about the truth and generally unfit for the Vice Presidency.” MMM …”self-obsessed and casual about the truth?”

If the jug-eared empty suit masquerading as the guardian of our Constitution is any guide, if true, Gov. Palin may not be qualified to be Vice President, but she’s definitely presidential material. On the same show, various Lame Stream Media types breathlessly reported that the 2008 Minnesota Senate was finally over, and the winner is former Saturday Night Live comedian, failed radio host, tax cheat and legendary potty mouth Al Franken!

Republican Bill Black open to tax increase?

A story in today's News-Gazette explains why Illinois conservatives have such a love/hate relationship with Republican House leaders. House Deputy Republican Leader Bill Black first blasts Mike Madigan, then says he's open to a tax increase saying: "I'm not a rock-ribbed, anti-tax, damn the torpedoes, I'll-never-vote-for-a-tax-increase guy. I'm willing to pay my reasonable share of taxes if a couple of things happen: I know where the money goes and I'm reasonably certain it isn't being funneled into what we've seen too much of here in the last three or four years."

It boggles the mind because he first blames the Dems for the budget mess noting: "I just say to them [Democrats], 'Hey, who the hell runs this place?' I get frustrated because it's so hard to tell people what really happens here. They don't want to hear about it."

Dillard absent for key budget votes

Illinois Review has learned that Senator Kirk Dillard - 2010 gubernatorial candidate - was absent yesterday when some key votes were taken on the budget. We did confirm that Senators Brady and Murphy - the other two Illinois State Senators running for governor - were present for all the votes.

Given that yesterday was June 30, there's speculation Dillard may have left or been absent in order to participate in a fundraiser for his campaign. Stay tuned.

UPDATE:

Sen. Dillard's campaign responded to the issue of the votes and to speculation about his absence, stating:

"After listening to Gov. Quinn’s remarks, it was patently clear to Senator Dillard that no action of substance would occur due to the Democratic majority’s ineptitude. Senator Dillard instead opted to support Republican Congressman Aaron Schock at an event in nearby Decatur."

Illinois Review confirmed that Sen. Dillard was indeed at a fundraising event for Congressman Aaron Schock.