Illinois Review

Hats off to Senator Watson

Three Chicago Tribune reporters collaborated on a wonderful piece today focusing on stroke victims, and their challenges and victories in wake of devastating health traumas. On Page 4 of the online version, the story's focus is on former Illinois State Senator Frank Watson, who recounts his own 2008 stroke that forced him to step down from one of Illinois' highest political leadership roles.

The Tribune's must-read account relays the courage it took for Senator Watson to fight physical, mental and emotional battles while he continues to recover.   (Watson is pictured right with his granddaughter)

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" finds way into our inner child

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is an emotional drama in which an 11 year old is forced to face his greatest fears after "The Worst Day" of 9/11. With the help of those he encounters in his search to find answers, the key character, Oskar Schnell, eventually finds hope and encouragement, along with the realization that all have been affected in one way or another by the fallen world in which we live. 

Tea Party conservative Steve Balich squares off against liberal Dan Seals

McConnaughay announces support of pension reform, forgoes legislator pension

From the McConnaughay campaign -

State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay today announced her support for the creation of a tiered state pension system that will move employees to a defined contribution system and away from the unsustainable defined benefit plan that has left the state with an unfunded liability of over $80 billion dollars. “I have great respect for the men and women in public service, and the worst thing we can do is to prop up an unsustainable pension system that will eventually drag down the state’s finances and force radical reductions in benefits,” said McConnaughay. “Moving to the type of retirement plan that the vast majority of Illinois workers have is not just common sense, it is the fair and responsible thing to do,” she added.

LaHood Appointed To Transportation Safety Committee

SPRINGFIELD- In December, State Senator Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap), a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, was appointed to serve on Democrat Secretary of State Jesse White's Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety. Last week, LaHood and the committee met for the first time to discuss a variety of traffic-related issues including abuse of disabled parking placards.

“I am grateful to have been given the chance to continue working with transportation issues in Illinois by serving on the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety,” says LaHood. “Our transportation system is a vital lifeline for Illinois. I am proud to be able to work so closely with an issue that is of such importance to the daily lives of Illinois citizens and look forward to working with the committee to guarantee safety in our transportation system.”

Surges accuses McConnaughay of pay-to-play contributions

From the Surges campaign -

Republican Senate candidate in the 33rd district, Cliff Surges, calls for a stop to pay-to-play politics in Illinois. There have been many allegations made recently, that McConnaughay, while in her current position as Kane County Chairman, received large donations from vendors, at least 80% of her total donations, who have significant contracts with the county. There has been no detailed accounting of these connections from the McConnaughay campaign. While the Surges campaign alleges no specific illegal activity by our opponent, with transparency comes accountability, and she must be held accountable for her conduct while serving in public office.

“My opponent has continued to declare that her campaign donations from companies and individuals that do business with Kane County is above board because she has no direct ‘vote’ on these contracts. This is laughable!  Certainly even Ms. McConnaughay can concede that in her position as Chairman of the County, construction projects, development projects and county contracts do not happen without her oversight and ultimate approval. My opponent has, and continues to accept campaign contributions from individuals and companies that have or currently do business with Kane County.”

Kinzinger: Ener1 bankruptcy is latest example of a jobs program gone bad

Pat Buchanan and the MSNBC gulag

By Sandy Rios -

Pat Buchanan did something dreadful. He said politically incorrect things…incendiary, in fact and faces punishment in a New America where free speech is now applied more to rights to pornography and protections for curse words than to actual ideas.

What exactly did Pat do? He wrote a book, “Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive until 2025?”  He included chapters like “The End of White America” predicting whites will be the minority by 2041. In another, “The Death of Christian America,” he wrote of the assault on Christianity and its values, the loss of a moral compass as exemplified in gay marriage and abortion. He predicted that America is in the “Indian summer of our civilization.”

ILGOP announces 2012 Victory Program

The Illinois Republican Party announced it's 2012 Victory Program this week. The plan aims to maximize resources by using strategically placed volunteer centers to help candidates in races up and down the ticket, including suburban congressional races and Illinois House and Senate races. That effort includes the areas encompassed by the Northwest suburban 10th, 8th, and 11th congressional districts.

More HERE

DuPage mayors: Make cops, firefighters part of pension reform

With rising pension costs putting a financial strain on local budgets, municipal leaders in DuPage County are calling on state lawmakers to expand proposed pension reform so it applies to police officers and firefighters. Reforming the pensions of teachers and state workers is a topic Illinois lawmakers say they want to focus on during the upcoming legislative session, which starts next week. But unless something changes, there are no plans to touch the pensions of public safety employees.

More HERE

VIDEO: March for Life Rally the media didn't show you

WASHINGTON DC - This past Monday, thousands walked in the annual March for Life in Washington DC to honor the over 50 million lives that have been lost over the past 39 years to legalized abortion in America. Here's a glimpse of what happened that you most likely did not see on the nightly news:

IR Interview: Lennie Jarratt - GOP candidate for State Senate Dist 31 - Part 2

ROUND LAKE - Lennie Jarratt is one of four Republicans running to succeed State Senator Suzi Schmidt (R) in the primary election. Jarrett is a local Tea Party favorite and is focused on working to make Illinois' budget make sense, as well as improving our state's failing education system. In Part 2 of the interview, Jarratt talks with Illinois Review about his interest in education reform, his family's choice in educating their two daughters and his personal focus on changing Illinois' government accounting system:

IR: So the problems you found while paying attention to your local school board is questionable behavior in elections and also in budgeting, correct?

Jarrett3a

IR:  What needs to be done first to correct the budgeting issue?

Jarrett3bc 

Pierce: Do I Pull a Republican Ballot March 20?

By Sam Pierce -

My two year stint as Republican precinct committeeman ends on March 20 (I think) when we in Illinois go to the polls for our primary. Given the realization of the futility involved in attempting to be a conscientious person involved with either major party, I am not running for committeeman again. Further, I have realized that I, not the Mitt Romneys and John McCains, was the RINO (Republican In Name Only). The political equivalent of Silly Putty seems to be more suited to being a Republican than one who has values, truly believes in limited government, and doesn’t believe that our children are our loan guarantors.

Quinn denies Sears "sweetheart" deal on Morning Joe

NEW YORK - The tax increase will be used to "pay bills" and "invest in brain power," Illinois' Governor Pat Quinn said today on MSNBC's Morning Joe. He's in New York for the Democratic Governors Association meeting.

Quinn also announced that the revived Dodge Dart will be built here and that Illinois increased exports by 32%. Why then were one of the only states in the union to have unemployment increase while the rest of the nation headed in the opposite direction? 

Hage announces opposition to legislative scholarship program

WHEATON, IL - Former prosecutor and Republican candidate for the 42nd House District Chris Hage announced today that if elected, he will add his name to co-sponsor a bill outlawing the controversial Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scholarship program.

"No special privileges for politicians and no unnecessary spending," Hage said. "Illinois already suffers an embarrassing reputation for political corruption, and a program like this just adds to that perception."

IMA release first primary polling on legislative races

The Illinois Manufacturers Association released the first polling on Illinois Senate and House primaries today, and the results are found on their website HERE. Feel free to comment on your observations.

Barber: The Drudge distort

By Matt Barber -

You're being manipulated. A well-respected, highly influential news source has cast aside all journalistic integrity to shill for the liberal, GOP-establishment candidate in this presidential race.

The New York Times, you say? MSNBC? The Washington Post? No. We all gave up on those "progressive" rags a long time ago.

Regrettably, the latest media outlet to assume a decidedly yellow hue during this heated primary cycle is the Drudge Report. It pains me to even write this. Drudge has always been both my first and last Internet news stops of the day.

It's often said, "Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel." Well, Drudge deals in pixels instead of ink, but the same principle applies.

Still, this is a fight worth having. 

Barber continues at OneNews

Schaumburg GOP Convention Saturday

SCHAUMBURG - The Schaumburg Township Republican Convention will take place this Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Chandler's Chophouse in Schaumburg. All GOP candidates in Schaumburg Township have confirmed their attendance, including Congressman Joe Walsh. In addition, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady will participate and a Presidential Straw Poll will take place.

Gaffney: An Open Letter to David McSweeney

WAUCONDA - State Rep. Kent Gaffney (R-Wauconda) is being challenged by two Republicans in the 52nd State House seat. Primary opponent David McSweeney objected to Gaffney's petition signatures. While several signatures were eliminated, Gaffney had enough valid signatures to remain on the ballot. McSweeney said earlier this week he is planning to appeal the Illinois State Board of Election's decision. Gaffney is outraged with McSweeney's campaign and wrote this open letter asking him to withdraw from the race:

Mr. McSweeney:

I have been astonished with the tone your campaign has chosen to take in your bid for State Representative in the 52nd District. From day one your campaign has been focused on threatening letters that harass citizens and organizations supporting your opponents. That act in itself should be rebuked by the Republican voters in the 52nd District. What surprised me further were the baseless claims you leveled against Danielle Rowe and me when challenging the petitions signatures that secure our names on the ballot.

Nine Congress members from IL join Respect for Rights of Conscience Act

WASHINGTON DC - Nine members of the Illinois Congressional delegation have signed onto legislation that would protect the rights of Americans to act in accordance with their consciences.  As unbelievable as it is in a nation with a constitution affirming the right to practice religion as one of its most precious, federal legislation, H.R. 1179, has been joined by 102 House co-sponsors, including Republican members Randy Hultgren, Adam Kinzinger, Don Manzullo, Peter Roskam, Robert Schilling, Aaron Schock and Joe Walsh.  Two Democrats from Illinois - Jerry Costello and Dan Lipinski have also signed on.

On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed the rule first issued last August that virtually all private health care plans must cover sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception. Non-profit religious employers that do not now provide such coverage, and are not exempt under the rule’s extremely narrow definition of religious employer, are given one year to comply.

300 Tea Party Organizations in 36 States Vow to Campaign for Gingrich

Orlando, FL – In another sign of Newt Gingrich’s surging momentum, 200 additional Tea Party Organizers have joined the coalition Tea Partiers With Newt. This Coalition now represents 300 Tea Party organizers from 36 states who have joined together to help elect a bold Reagan conservative in Speaker Newt Gingrich and defeat Massachusetts Moderate Mitt Romney and then President Barack Obama.

Earlier today Newt2012 announced the endorsement of 47 Florida Tea Party organizers who also joined Tea Partiers With Newt.

Cultra not hopeful about major budget changes in 2012

ONARGA, IL – In advance of the Spring Session and the Governor’s annual State of the State Address, State Sen. Shane Cultra (R-Onarga) spoke with journalists on Jan. 26 about what constituents should expect as the General Assembly returns to the Capitol on Jan. 31.

“Honestly, I do not expect much significant progress on the big-ticket items of budget cuts, pension reform and economic development. I am committed to working with my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Senate Republicans offered a menu last year that amounted to $6 billion in real spending cuts and these were rejected,” Cultra said. “The reality is this -- Speaker Madigan and Senate President Cullerton are not willing to make Illinois competitive with meaningful budget cuts or substantive changes to our job climate.”

Illinois legislators push for regulations on personal dating services

Online dating services in Illinois might soon be required to tell users if they do background checks on singles who subscribe to their services. A proposal by liberal State Sen. Ira Silverstein, would also require the dating services to post dating safety tips on their website.

"Companies doing business in Illionis, they should at least inform the consumer what they are doing and what they are not doing. I know these groups provide a lot of good services. I just think this is more of a consumer protection bill," Silverstein said.

Consumer protection for dating? Sounds like Ira had a bad experience.

Smith: Illinois braces for next step in gay agenda - same sex marriage

By David E. Smith -

Six months after Illinois' "civil union" legislation went into effect, forces committed to redefining natural marriage are already planning their next steps. A recent article in the Huffington Post reports that a "group of Illinois lawmakers have begun laying the groundwork for their latest push to bring marriage equality to the Land of Lincoln," despite the fact that through the civil union law, same-sex couples already receive all the benefits they claimed they wanted.

This meeting included the Illinois General Assembly's three openly homosexual members: State Representatives Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), and Deborah Mell (D-Chicago).  State Representatives Ann Williams (D-Chicago), Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) are also listed as part of the coalition to redefine marriage.

Report shows unemployment still rising in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday in its monthly report on metro unemployment that one of the biggest increases in unemployment was in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville area where the rate jumped from 8.6 to 9.3 percent. That increase was matched in the Illinois section of the St. Louis area where unemployment rose from 9 to 9.7 percent. More HERE

Illinois pays $4.8M in mortgage aid, nearly half of applicants denied

According to the Tribune, almost as many Illinois homeowners are being denied hardest-hit funds as are receiving them, but the program nevertheless distributed almost $4.8 million last year.

The federally funded $345 million program, which began in September, awarded financial assistance to 539 borrowers while denying it to 496 in 2011, according to a report submitted by the Illinois Housing Development Authority to the Treasury Department last week. The overwhelming majority of those funds were disbursed in the fourth quarter.

Illinois to raise license plate renewal $1

An Illinois panel wants us all to go green, but says it needs to raise our license plate fees to start encouraging people to do so.

The Electric Vehicle Advisory Panel is suggesting a one dollar increase in fees to help pay for rebates and grants for alternate fuel vehicles. That would bring the cost of a standard license plate renewal to a hundred dollars a year. The panel says it hopes to get a hundred thousand electric vehicles on Illinois roads within the next three years.

Illinois lawmakers: yes to abortion, no to tanning

Some Illinois legislators wish to ignore the major issues confronting our state and focus on additional ways the government can control our lives. For example, state lawmakers are now trying to make the use of indoor tanning illegal for anyone under 18.

But tanning salon (read: small business) owners object. "To say you're going to ban tanning is silly. Because that's saying you're going to ban people laying by the pool," says tanning salon owner Chris Hartman.

Makes sense. After all, it's a woman's right to choose, isn't it?

Batinick: Why Newt Gingrich is Dangerous to Conservatives

By Mark Batinick -

In the last South Carolina debate, Newt Gingrich apparently scored a major blow for conservatives when he lashed out at CNN's John King, and more importantly ABC. He claimed ABC wasn't "interested" in people that the Gingrich campaign offered to the network to dispute his ex-wife's allegation.  He stated that ABC would "like to attack any Republican". That problem is that he was wrong. The campaign did not offer up anyone other than his daughters from his first marriage.

National media bias against conservatives is real. But if someone claims it falsely, it weakens our argument when it really occurs. Newt Gingrich played the "media card" to his benefit. Unfortunately, it was to the detriment of true conservatives.

Application for gun permits soar in Illinois

The number of people licensed to own guns in Illinois jumped by more than 78,500 last year, possibly fueled by a belief the state was poised to legalize the concealed carry of weapons. Illinois is the only state that doesn't allow concealed carry.

A handful of lawsuits are pending in state and federal court in an attempt bring Illinois gun laws in line with other states. Attorneys involved in one of those lawsuits have been waiting since August for U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough to issue a ruling on whether recent court decisions elsewhere provide the necessary legal grounds to overturn Illinois' ban on concealed weapons.

More HERE

CNN Debate focused on spending ideas

Mitt Romney pushed back on Newt Gingrich's moon colony idea during Thursday night's debate, but Gingrich responded by defending spending ideas based on priorities. Dr. Paul accused Gingrich of "stretching" his budget claims. (see video below)

Illinois would benefit from Keystone XL Project

First run on IR December 15, 2010 -

With so many businesses threatening to leave Illinois due to its outrageous workmen's comp costs, high corporate taxes and trial-attorney-designed tort laws, wouldn't you think Governor Pat Quinn would be doing everything he could to get new businesses in? Then why haven't we heard that Quinn is appealing to his Democrat associates in Congress to get that Keystone XL Pipeline project through Congress?

After all, Phase 1 of TransCanada's planned route ends in Illinois' own Wood River-Patoka refineries. The jobs for Illinoisans would not simply consist of construction jobs, the refineries would become key to midwestern oil distribution. That would be a very good thing and most certainly would boost Illinois' tax revenue and job opportunities.

Kinzinger: Another try for Keystone

MANTENTO - Illinois is one of the states that would benefit from the Keystone XL Pipeline, and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) is cooperating in an effort to force a reconsideration. (video below)

Is Newt a Real Conservative? Yes and No

By Mark Rhoads -

How does one explain the dueling commercials in Florida or the articles in elite conservative magazines that debate the question of the conservative bona fides of Newt Gingrich? Let me make a stab at it. Social psychologists use the term "congnitive dissonance" to describe the discomfort that people feel when they try to hold two competing or seemingly contradictory ideas in their brain at the same time. The idea that Newt Gingrich has been both a conservative and not a conservative at different times is something that causes congnitive dissonance for some people because there is strong anecdotal evidence on both sides of the debate, and it is hard to tell where the prepoonderance of evidence comes down.

Obama's State of the Union fails to note the buildup of storm clouds

By Nancy Thorner -

So much has already been written about President Barack Obama's Third State of the Union Address on the night of Tuesday, January 24, that, as a recipient, I now have an excess of information within me that I must widdle down. As I sat down to write an article, foremost in my mind was what I might say of worth that could add to what Illinois Review readers likewise have been able to discern from post-speech blogs and articles, some dissecting word-by-word President Obama 7,000 word speech.

As posted by Eric Erickson on Wednesday, January 25, John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Continuing, Erickson wrote, "Instead Barack Obama's State of the Union was all about informing the American people that the government is going to do everything for you, and when unable to keep its promises, it will take from the successful and give to you."

Nehrt named acting director of Illinois Commerce Commission

Randy Nehrt has been named acting executive director of the ICC as a search for a permanent director continues. Nehrt replaces Tim Anderson who is leaving the commission to serve as secretary of the Illinois Senate.

Before joining the commission staff, Nehrt was deputy press secretary for Secretary of State Jesse White. He worked on the staff of House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, from 1992-1999.

Anderson is being paid $110,772 annually at the commission, and if confirmed by the Senate for his new post, will make $130,795. Nehrt has been paid $96,060 annually at the ICC.

According to the U.S. Census Burea, the average income in Illinois is $43,159

Juan Williams: Power to the Parents is Heart and Soul of School Choice

Juan Williams spoke about how empowering parents is the heart and soul of school choice during a panel moderated by John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute this week in Deerfield. Williams also said teacher's unions were starkly at odds with student's need for quality education.

50,000 embrace class warfare to avoid paying student loans

WASHINGTON, DC – According to the liberal Change.org, more than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling on Sallie Mae to stop charging borrowers a $50 fee for forbearance on their student loans.

Stef Gray, a recent graduate of a public college who took out private student loans through Sallie Mae, is leading the campaign on Change.org after being hit with the fee when she asked for a forbearance.

“What Sallie Mae is doing is wrong,” said Gray. “For Sallie Mae to tack on these extra fees just to pad their profits is to kick people like me when we’re already down.”

“What Stef has accomplished in just a few weeks is remarkable,” said Change.org Senior Organizer William Winters. “She’s obviously tapped into an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about, especially with student debt rising steadily amid high unemployment among college grads."

Observation: Perhaps if Stef had put as much time into finding a job over the last "few weeks", she wouldn't be defaulting on her taxpayer-funded student loans.

Video: Runaway Slave

H/T: Jameson Campaigne

IR Interview: Lennie Jarratt, GOP Senate 31 candidate - Part 1

ROUND LAKE - Lennie Jarratt is one of four Republicans running in the March 20th primary to succeed retiring State Senator Suzi Schmidt. Lake County GOP Chairman Bob Cook has high praise for Jarratt:

In the past few years of working with Lennie, I have found him credible and trustworthy and his handshake still means you can trust what he says. The State of Illinois could use more people with the integrity of Lennie Jarratt. I will not endorse any candidacy, but I will endorse his integrity.

Illinois Review met with Jarratt at a district restaurant and took a few moments to review his background in Part 1 of this interview. Jarratt tells about his work in the northwest suburban district, grassroots involvement, and commitment to digging up distasteful activities in local governing bodies:

IR: Tell us about you and how you decided to get into this 2012 primary?

Jarrett1a

IR:  How different is the 31st newly-drawn district to the old one?

Jarrett1b

IR: You've been involved in local politics for several years. Tell us about that.

Illinois Citizens for Life endorses Manzullo

Citing his lifetime 100% pro-life voting record, the Illinois Citizens for Life, federal PAC endorsed Congressman Don Manzullo today.

"We are aware that throughout your years in the U.S. House of Representatives, you have had a 100% pro-life voting record. Additionally, we know that you have been a sponsor or co-sponsor of numerous pro-life and child sexual abuse protection legislation," said Ralph Rivera, Chairman of the Illinois Citizens for Life, federal PAC, in a letter of endorsement to Manzullo. "All of these fine accomplishments are what leads us to a determination that you are certainly deserving of our endorsement for re-election in the 2012 elections."

"I am extremely proud of my 100% pro-life voting record and thankful to the Illinois Citizens for Life, federal PAC for their recognition and endorsement," Manzullo said. "My wife, Freda, and I have always maintained that being pro-life means we must also be actively involved in the issue. In the early 1980s, we joined with a group of friends to create Rockford's first crisis pregnancy center, which spawned two other centers in DeKalb and Freeport. The centers provide assistance to women in difficult situations and provide counseling and a host of other services for the mother and father involved, including the babies."

Schilling targets his own pension

MOLINE, IL - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17), who has pledged to reject his congressional pension, yesterday joined several other Members of Congress in testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to tout their legislation that would reform the way congressional pensions are administered. Video and text of Schilling’s testimony can be found by clicking here.

Their testimony received mention in The Washington Post and The Hill. Links can be found below.

Only 4 days left on IL conservative candidate questionnaire

In the corrupt and disheartening world of Illinois politics, candidates often talk about "changing the system" through increased "transparency." But talking about it and doing it are two different things.

Illinois State Legislative Candidates have an opportunity to put their actions where their mouths are. Nine Illinois grassroots organizations and several new media outlets have come together on a candidate questionnaire that was mailed to every legislative candidate on the ballot -- and is available for download here in the right-hand column. The deadline for completing the questionnaire in January 31st.  

Be sure your candidate returns the questionnaire and proves to you that they're serious about transparency.

QUESTIONNAIRE SPONSORS: United to Restore Freedom (URF) | Illinois Review | Will County Tea Party Alliance | Illinois Conservatives Org. | Freedom’s Journal Magazine | Eagle Forum, Illinois | Patriots United | American Majority | Americans for Prosperity, Illinois | West Side Blog | Conservative Brand

Biggert endorses Kalnicky for State Representative

From the Kalnicky campaign -

Bob Kalnicky, Candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 98th district, is proud to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL-13). At a Kalnicky for State Representative event in Romeoville, Biggert offered her public endorsement for Kalnicky - formerly the Field Director for Biggert's 2008 congressional campaign.

"Bob Kalnicky's long track record of public service in Will County makes him uniquely qualified to represent our communities in Springfield," said Biggert. "Bob is a hard worker who is focused on delivering results for the people he serves."

Connelly, Bambenek, Rowe, McCann endorsed by Illinois Tea Party

The Illinois Tea Party has announced its first endorsements, which include State Senate candidates Mike Connelly and John Bambenek, State Rep. candidate Danielle Rowe, and State Senator Sam McCann.

Illinois Tea Party's Denise Cattoni said the endorsements are based on the candidates willingness to "help stop wasteful spending, runaway deficits, and ObamaCare at the federal level." The reasoning for each endorsements is as follows:

Illinois Pro-Life Conference Reclaims America for Life

CHICAGO - A coalition of pro-life organizations will host its annual SpeakOut Illinois conference this Saturday, January 28 in Oak Brook, Ill. The conference is in its 21st year, and welcomes Abby Johnson as its keynote speaker. Abby, a former Planned Parenthood Employee of the Month, is now a senior policy advisor with Americans United for Life.

SpeakOut Illinois brings together more than 35 pro-life organizations from across the state, including the Pro-Life Action League, crisis pregnancy centers, the pro-life law firm Thomas More Society, politically active pro-life groups, and religiously affiliated organizations. Illinois is the only state to have such a broad pro-life coalition.

Wrong way, Illinois: Unemployment rate increased most in the nation in 2011

From Illinois Policy Institute -

One in ten Illinoisans who wanted to go to work this morning could not. Skeptics can try to reason away Illinois’ failure in creating an environment where people can be put to work, but the graphic below says it all.

Referendum vs. Future Vision Election

By Mark Rhoads -

A common self-deceiving talking point of national Democrats has been that President Obama can win re-election if he can change the conversation and make the November vote about competing visions of the future rather than a referendum on the incumbent's first four years. For starters, national Democratic campaign planners already tried this same strategy only 15 months ago and it failed completely. In Novemrber 2010, the GOP won the biggest net gains in several generations including 63 U.S. House seats, 6 U.S. Senate seats, 9 governors, and 680 state legislative seats around the country.

"We Mean Business" PAC focused on Illinois pension reform

CHICAGO - In recent Illinois State Board of Elections filings, Illinois Review noticed a newly-formed political action committee named "We Mean Business," which has raised $142,000 since its formation in December 2011. The secretary of the new PAC is a Patrick Brady. (IL GOP's Jon Blessing says it is not the IL GOP chairman.)

Most of the donors listed on PAC's filings maxed out at $10,000 and are from some of Chicago's wealthiest families - the Crowns, the Pritzkers, etc. 

Crain's Business Greg Hinz found that the pac is the brainchild of former IL attorney general Ty Fahner, and its purpose is to get something done in the IL legislature with pension reform in the upcoming session, which is stirring up furor among the public pension devotees.

The only donation we've found so far is to the GOP opponent of State Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville), who is Minority Leader Tom Cross' floor spokeman. The PAC wrote a check for $20,000 to Brad Halbrook, who's evidently being seen as a viable threat to Eddy in a GOP primary. Eddy has received $60,000 in the past two months from IPACE - the teachers' union PAC.

Wedding bells for Barney Frank

Retiring congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will marry his longtime partner, Jim Ready, according to multiple media reports.

Frank and Ready plan to wed in Massachusetts. Frank's home state is one of six states, in addition to the District of Columbia, which permit gay marriage.

Frank announced in November that he was retiring from Congress after 16 terms to pursue other other opportunities. In 1987, Frank disclosed that he was gay, becoming the first openly homosexual member of Congress.

More at The Hill