GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - July 27, 2007
GOPUSA Illinois Daily Clips for July 27, 2007 include news stories and commentaries on topics such as
- Proposed state cigarette tax hike keeps rising
- State House passes electric rate relief bill
- LaHood not to seek re-election
- Stealth abortion clinic built in DuPage County
and more . . .
DAILY HERALD
-- Proposed smoking tax hike keeps rising -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: With Democratic support possibly wavering on the plan, Senate leaders reached out to DuPage County in hopes of gaining support from that county’s Republican senators. The latest version would let DuPage and every other county in Illinois impose up to a $2-per-pack tax. Currently only Cook County can do that. DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom has spent months lobbying for this, saying a $1 tax there would raise $25 million annually, enough to restore jobs and social service programs cut from the county budget. “We have made a substantial number of cuts in the last year,” Schillerstrom said. “It’s important that we don’t make any more cuts.” . . . To appeal to Republicans, the Democratic sponsors added in the provision for DuPage and other counties and earmarked $60 million of the money for a new fund that would pay down the lingering state backlog of payments owed to doctors, nursing homes and others who care for those enrolled in state programs. The backlog currently tops $1 billion. Although all Republicans voted against the plan in a Senate committee Thursday, the strategy is likely to work with the full Senate. State Sen. Dan Cronin, an Elmhurst Republican, said he supports it, and sponsors said at least two other DuPage senators are also supportive. “On balance, I think it’s the best a guy in the suburbs, a minority Republican, could hope for,” Cronin said.)
-- Flickering flame of smoke tax State raises tax, gets money, loses money, must raise it again -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The state’s newfound interest in cigarette taxes underscores one of the biggest hurdles Republican-controlled DuPage County had faced in lobbying the Democratic-controlled General Assembly for a county cigarette tax to help bail out DuPage spending. The political hurdle is this: If lawmakers are going to take the heat for a tax hike, they want to be the ones spending the money. Initially, the DuPage provision was left out of the deal. But with several Democratic lawmakers expressing trepidation over the tax increase, DuPage was added Thursday in hopes of attracting Republican votes. Every DuPage lawmaker is a Republican. It’s one of many political ironies in the cigarette tax plan.)
-- Smokes, Democrats and DuPage -
(THE ARTICLE: Senate Democrats have cut DuPage County in on the latest cigarette tax deal. As planned, every county in Illinois would be able to impose up to a $2 per pack tax. Only Cook County can do that now. This would be in addition to a 90-cent increase in the state cigarette tax. DuPage has been lobbying for this, in hopes of enacting a $1 tax to offset budget cuts. Democrats hope that by adding DuPage the overall package might lure support from the county’s Republican senators at a time when it’s questionable whether Democrats, who control the Senate, have enough votes to pass it on their own. Schillerstrom was at the Senate’s Revenue Committee hearing Thursday when the latest cigarette tax plan was debated. State Sen. Carole Pankau, a Roselle Republican, asked that “her chairman” be allowed to testify about the plan. However, it appears Schillerstrom, a Republican, and the Democrats have their work cut out for them. After Schillerstrom explained why he supported the plan, Pankau voted “no.” It still passed, but solely with Democratic votes and at least one of those senators – Elgin Democrat Michael Noland -- said he might not vote for the plan on the Senate floor.)
-- Power deal -- how your lawmakers voted -
-- Capital needs, transit still priorities - Editorial
-- Punishment for voice mail doubtful Lake board members criticize Sabonjian for call to judge -
-- Defy racist labels, defend your nation - Billy Michaels, Hoffman Estates
(THE LETTER: The protest in Waukegan on July 16 by supporters of illegal immigrants once again illustrates the looming immigration disaster for America. Taking to our streets are mobs of people who do not belong in the United States, yet are demanding that we accommodate them by disregarding the rule of law that made our nation the greatest civilization in the history of mankind. This time they are insisting that we not press for the deportation of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of violent crimes. It’s insanity! Are we to abandon the system of governance that brought our country to its now endangered height of glory? How much longer will we tolerate being called racists while conniving civil rights attorneys manipulate our legal system and degrade our society by implanting millions of the Third World’s uneducated and impoverished into our neighborhoods?)
CBS2
-- State House Passes Electric Rate Relief Bill - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/local_story_207194708.html (Includes video clip)
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “You think this relief is going to make them happy?” yelled Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville). “You better look at your charts again.” Downstate critics such as Black were not the only ones taking another look at this utility deal. Some representatives complained that the northern Illinois ComEd service area was getting an unfair small share, with ComEd and its corporate parent, Exelon, contributing 80 percent and downstate Ameren only 20 percent of the funds. But the actual rate relief cash was being split 50-50, a net transfer of nearly $300 million from the Chicago area's 3.8 million ComEd customers to Ameren's 1.2 million customers downstate. “I think if you represent a ComEd rate-payer, you have to ask yourself why is the rate-payer in ComEd having to subsidize the rest of the state,” said Rep. Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake). “Wow, are we a long way from a freeze. Isn’t this something,” said Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville).)
-- State Senators Fight For New Cigarette Tax Hike Senate Democrats Hope 75 Percent Increase Will Help Resolve Budget Battle - Mai Matinez
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/local_story_207071825.html (Includes video clip)
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But opponents say another tax increase on cigarettes ultimately could reduce state revenues. "There's already a diminishing return, and at some point it's going to go negative," said Sen. Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora). "People will stop buying cigarettes.")
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- LaHood retiring after 7 terms in Congress - Jan Dennis
-- LaHood says he will not seek re-election -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "He has given his all to public service," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), the Democratic caucus chairman and a longtime LaHood friend. GOP leaders have said in the past they aren't worried about losing LaHood's seat. Democrats say they'll compete seriously to capture it; Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) called the district "Republican-leaning, but not a Republican lock." Two Peoria Republicans said they would consider running to replace LaHood: state Reps. Aaron Schock and David Leitch.)
-- Lawmakers now eyeing 90-cent boost in cigarette tax - Ray Long
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom said he intends to push for a $1 per pack tax if the state legislation passes. Supporters say boosting the state cigarette tax to nearly $2 a pack would generate from $350 million to $380 million a year. The extra 15 cents over the previous proposal to increase the state per pack tax by 75 cents will generate funds that would be used to help pay down the state's backlog of overdue Medicaid bills. Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) said the state's chronic Medicaid debt is more than a billion dollars. Schillerstrom testified that DuPage County needs its own cigarette tax to help pay for health-care programs, such as a convalescent center and drug treatment and mental health programs. Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), who opposed the measure, asked how quickly the proposal will rise again beyond 90 cents.)
-- OUTRAGEOUS: Abortion clinic built in DuPage County under wraps Even Aurora official says he didn't know -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "We will be out protesting with our ugly graphic pictures that everyone hates. People don't want to go shopping or go to the dentist with those pictures out there," Scheidler said. Such tactics are precisely what have residents of the nearby Oakhurst subdivision concerned, said Homeowners Association President Jonathan Lack. The community of 2,200 homes—more than half are single-family residences—could best be described as "conservative and Republican." He predicted that among residents, "very few people are going to be in the 'I don't care' camp. . . . "It is a lightening-rod issue for a lot of people on both sides of it," Lack said. "Having protesters on both sides does not really fit with the neighborhood aesthetic.")
-- GAO preparing its own progress report on Iraq -
(DIERSEN: While he was assigned to GAO's Chicago office, Christoff made it very clear that he vehemently disapproved of Republicans, especially of conservative Republicans like me. FROM THE ARTICLE: The administration's assessments are more nuanced, with grading based on whether Iraq is making "satisfactory progress" or "unsatisfactory progress" on the 18 political, military and economic benchmarks. The GAO is mandated to give a more straightforward "yes" or "no" on whether the benchmarks have been achieved, said Joseph Christoff, a director of the GAO's International Affairs and Trade Team, which will write the report. Christoff expects blunt critiques in the GAO report, based on benchmarks his team has long been monitoring. On Iraq's military, for example, the administration's July report said Iraq is making "satisfactory progress" on providing three brigades for the new U.S.-led Baghdad security plan. But Christoff said the GAO is probing deeper. "For us, it's not just an issue of showing up, but showing up with equipment and logistical support so they can move on their own, and then being effective," he said. The Iraqi military has serious shortcomings, including, according to a Pentagon report, a no-show rate of 33 percent to 50 percent on any given day, Christoff said. "Celebrating 360,000 trained and equipped forces says nothing about their loyalty or effectiveness," he said. On Iraqi politics, a pending law to equitably distribute Iraq's oil income has come to symbolize attempts to address the needs of all ethnic and sectarian communities. The July report acknowledges that the Iraqi government has made "unsatisfactory progress" in passing legislation, but says it is too early to tell what will be enacted and rejects any revision of U.S. plans or strategy. Christoff questions whether that conclusion is giving the Iraqis the benefit of the doubt. Only one of four pieces of legislation required on Iraq's oil sector is before the parliament, and it addresses only who will be responsible for distributing oil, not how revenue will be shared among the communities, he said. A second bill on revenue-sharing is being debated in the Cabinet. But two other basic laws—on creating a national oil company and restructuring the Oil Ministry—have not been drafted, he said. "So much has to be done that it will be difficult to meet this benchmark, even by September," Christoff said.)
-- Recovering Hyde hears an old joke - William Neikirk
(FROM THE ARTICLE: And so Durante went to see his old friend and boss in Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora this week. Hyde, who had triple heart-bypass surgery over the weekend, was sedated, with a tube down his throat. A nurse was trying to wake him up. When the nurse left, Durante stepped up, identified himself and told his heavily sedated friend: "What they meant to tell you, Henry, is that you're at Mercy Hospital and you are at their mercy, I'm here, Henry, to make sure no one is stepping on your hoses." There was an immediate reaction. "Boy, he just smiled away, you know," said Durante, who served as an executive assistant to Hyde and is now Addison Township's Republican chairman. He added that the former congressman, 83, appears to be on the road to recovery.)
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Legislature approves $1 billion electricity rate relief GOP lawmakers blast plan - Whitney Woodward
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/486594,CST-NWS-leg27.article
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "This is not real rate relief," state Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) said. "Our citizens need real rate relief." . . . "It will be wonderful when they get their $8, and $10, and $12 checks. They'll be so happy," state Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) said sarcastically. He nevertheless voted for the plan.)
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "This is not real rate relief," state Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) said. "Our citizens need real rate relief." . . . "It will be wonderful when they get their $8, and $10, and $12 checks. They'll be so happy," state Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) said sarcastically. He nevertheless voted for the plan.)
-- Gov needs compromise or new plan - Rich Miller
-- Cardinal George won't lobby for Gov Blagojevich asked for health plan help - Dave McKinney and Whitney Woodward
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "It's safe to say at this time, the cardinal is not going to be making phone calls," said Robert Gilligan, the Catholic Conference's executive director. After word surfaced Thursday in the Capitol Fax political blog that George had begun calling lawmakers, the Catholic Conference issued a statement insisting the cardinal had not done so and the organization had not endorsed the governor's plan.)
-- SNEED: Smoke 'em . . .
(THE POSTING: The budget battle: Sneed hears state Sen. John Cullerton, who is proposing to raise cigarette taxes 75 cents statewide -- which could add mega-millions to the state's beleaguered budget -- is one foxy fellow. To wit: Cullerton, who has advanced his bill in the Senate, needs the House votes. Vote 'em: DuPage County Board chairman Bob Schillerstrom controls a gaggle of Republican votes that could make the tax happen. $$$$$ DuPage County has a growing population (OF THE NEEDY OUTRAGEOUSLY BROUGHT IN BY DEMOCRATS AND RINOS) that needs tax dollars. Foxy loxy: Cullerton, who was raised in DuPage County, has promised to help Schillerstrom ease DuPage budget pressures by cutting him cash for the county. Isn't politics fun?)
PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Time to move on Ray LaHood plans to announce retirement - Karen McDonald
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Sen. Dale Risinger, R-Peoria, said it's important for Republicans to protect the congressional seat. "Anytime you have the incumbent leave, there's concern. There will be interest. I just heard about it today, so I haven't had time to think about who might run," he said.)
CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Legislature passes rate-hike relief - AP
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republican critics argued that consumers deserve more after seeing their electric bills spike in January, when a 10-year freeze on rates ended. The relief plan doesn't roll back and freeze rates as some lawmakers wanted, allowing for more rate increases in coming years. The plan instead gives rebate checks and bill credits that would roughly cut the price increases in half. The money would be spread out over the rest of the year, meaning small amounts for customers who avoided the worst of the prices increases. "It will be wonderful when they get their $8 and $10 and $12 checks. They'll be so happy," Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said sarcastically. "Shame on all of us." . . . Republicans complained that giving up the lawsuits for a relatively small amount of money made no sense. Some warned that constituents who begged for relief all year will take out their frustrations against Democrats over an unsatisfactory agreement and the ongoing legislative overtime session in next year's elections. "Failure, failure, failure. This is what your party has come to stand for," said Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Greenville. "There will be a price paid.")
CHICAGO SUBURBAN NEWS
-- Lawmakers finally OK electric rate deal - Adriana Colindres
(FROM THE ARTICLE: All 64 House Democrats who were present voted “yes” on the bill, and so did 16 Republicans. Central Illinois House Republicans who supported the measure were Reps. Jim Watson of Jacksonville, Jil Tracy of Mount Sterling, Keith Sommer of Morton, Richard Myers of Macomb, Donald Moffitt of Gilson and Bill Mitchell of Forsyth. “It is time for us to put this thing to bed, to give our constituents some relief and move on and get a budget done,” Watson said. In the Senate, a half-dozen Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in backing the legislation. The six were Sens. Dale Risinger of Peoria, Dan Cronin of Elmhurst, Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, John Millner of St. Charles, Carole Pankau of Roselle and William Peterson of Long Grove. During Senate debate, Risinger said he doesn’t know if $1 billion is “the right figure.” However, he said, “It’s certainly a lot more than we started with.”)
SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWS
-- Liked the elephant? Thank a Republican - David John Diersen, Wheaton
(THE LETTER: Republicans helped make Wheaton's 2007 Independence Day parade an outstanding success. One of the reasons why parents bring their children to parades is to see marching bands and animals. This year, in my roles as the www.gopusa.com Illinois editor, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and a Milton Township Republican precinct committeeman, I had the honor of recruiting Republicans and Republican organizations to sponsor two outstanding parade entries - the Chicago Highlanders Pipes and Drums band and "Big Queenie," a 38-year-old, 10,000-pound Asian female elephant. With the elephant being the proud symbol of the Republican Party, I am very happy to report that Big Queenie won the parade's Best Political Entry award. Outstanding Republican parade entries included Joe Birkett, DuPage County District 4 (Grant Eckhoff, Mike Formento, J.R. McBride and Debra Olson), Mike Fortner, Gwen Henry, Randy Hultgren, Chris Kachiroubas, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee, Ron Paul, Peter Roskam, Steve Sauerberg and Bob Schillerstrom. Big Queenie walked the parade route behind Congressman Roskam's float. Many who stopped by before the parade kicked off took advantage of the opportunity to see the beautiful and very gentile elephant up close and take pictures of her. I hope that Republican sponsorship of Big Queenie and the outstanding Chicago Highlanders Pipe and Drums in the parade will become a tradition. Many thanks again to the following outstanding 30 Republicans and one Republican political organization who contributed from $50 to $250 each for a total of $3,300 to sponsor the Chicago Highlanders and/or Big Queenie: Mary Jo Arndt, Alan Bolds, Fred Bucholz, David Carlin, Roger Claar, Franco Coladipietro, Mike Connelly, Paul Daniels, Dave Diersen, Kirk Dillard, DuPage County Young Republicans, Bob Earl, Jim Flickinger, Mike Formento, Mike Fortner, Mike Gresk, Gwen Henry, Randy Hultgren, Bob Jacobsen, Chris Kachiroubas, Gary King, Mark Kmiecik, Bob Larsen, J.R. McBride, Debra Olson, Mike Prueter, Peter Roskam, Darlene Ruscitti, Leonard Sanchez, Ron Smith, Phil Suess, and Tim Whelan. Also, many thanks again to All Star Printing for printing the many parade fliers that I hand-delivered to every home and business on the parade route.)
-- Tracy Ramsey McDonnell, 31, from Batavia, elected president of Lincoln Series class, the grass-roots Republican women's organization - Kristen Zambo
(FROM THE ARTICLE: As a benefit for the Lincoln Series, a wine and cheese fundraiser is slated for 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fox Valley Winery, 5600 Route 34, Oswego. The cost is $35 per person or $50 per couple. Hatcher said it costs about $8,000 to train women and give them job-shadowing experience during a Lincoln Series class.)
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
-- Senate Democrats increase their cigarette tax increase to 90 cents
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The bigger increase was approved 6-4 Thursday by the Revenue Committee and now goes to the Senate floor. "What's the number going to be tomorrow?" Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, asked sarcastically. "We'd better vote on this quick," responded the sponsor, Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago.)
NATIONAL REVIEW
-- U.S. House Conservatives' Fund takes in $312,175, has $93,456 on hand - David Freddoso
USA TODAY
-- Migration is a two-way street for many Mexicans - Chris Hawley
(FROM THE ARTICLE: "Americans don't understand — many of us don't want to live in the United States," said Faustino, 35, as he attended a welcoming party in his honor in the tiny hamlet of San Jose Buenavista. "What we really want is to make some money, then go home to our families.")
SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
-- Candidate Cox says nation needs outsider -
THE HILL
-- Tancredo says vote on Border Patrol agents highlights GOP rift with Bush - Kara Oppenheim
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/tancredo-says-vote-highlights-gop-rift-with-bush-2007-07-26.html
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Sun-Times’ Jennifer Hunter: Doesn’t check facts and proud of it - Jeff Berkowitz
