Top 2005 Illinois conservative stories

by Fran Eaton

Here's Illinois Review's list of top political stories in 2005:

Big conservative story #1:  The Democrats cut a sweet state budget deal -- without one Republican vote -- built on delaying state employee pension payments.  So confident that they won't need the approval of Republicans for the next year's budget either,  Democratic leaders Emil Jones and Mike Madigan plan the upcoming session to adjourn in early April.

Big conservative story #2:  With the help of every Democrat in the General Assembly, Governor Blagojevich passes nation's most expansive universal health care program with All Kids.  He bypasses the legislature to set up taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research.  He forces pharmacists to disperse so-called emergency contraceptives against their religious convictions. 

Big conservative story #3:  The governor faces accusations of campaign kickbacks and hiring deals as well as a Democratic primary challenger in 2006. 

And concerned that conservatives won't take advantage of the top conservative stories of 2005, a cynical prediction for top 2006 conservative story . . .   

Republican conservatives are unable to take advantage of obvious weaknesses in current administration and unwilling to coalesce around one gubernatorial candidate; Democrats' abuse of power continues as majority increases in both houses . . .

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