GOPUSA ILLINOIS News Clips - December 14, 2007
GOPUSA Illinois Daily Clips for December 14, 2007 includes news and commentaries on the following topics:
- Dennis Hastert, Chris Lauzen, Jim Oberweis
- Republican Party candidates, campaigns, and events
- Republican Party platform issues including limited government, abortion, homosexual activity, immigration, gambling, etc.
- Illinois, Cook County, DuPage County, and Chicago budget problems
and more . . .
DAILY HERALD
-- Hastert wants Oberweis in his job - Lisa Smith
(DIERSEN: The many attendees at the Oberweis press conference included Jim Krenz, Randy Ramey, David Rickert, Larry and Sandy Wegman, Gabriela Wyatt, and Jon Zahm. ABC7 political reporter Andy Shaw asked all most all the questions during the press conference.)
(THE ARTICLE: Both are conservative Republicans in their 60s. Both worked for their families' businesses while growing up in the Fox Valley at a time when it was mostly rural. Both have promised never to forget where they came from. "We have a lot of commonalties," former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert said as he passed the political torch to congressional hopeful Jim Oberweis in their shared hometown of Aurora Thursday, endorsing the dairy magnate for his 14th Congressional District seat. Oberweis is a man of integrity with "the right conservative philosophy that fits our district," Hastert said. "Having built successful businesses, I think Jim has proven that he knows how to lead, how to bring people together, how to work toward a common goal," Hastert said. "I think that if we send him to Washington, he will get things done." Hastert's endorsement was not unexpected, but it does signify a renewed relationship between the veteran politician and Oberweis. Hastert distanced himself from the Sugar Grove businessmen after his controversial 2004 campaign commercial featuring Oberweis flying a helicopter over Soldier Field to show the impact of illegal immigration. That, Hastert said in a response to a reporter's question, was a "different campaign, different time, different tone." Oberweis then was seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate; he lost. Now the two "agree exactly" that securing the border is an integral part of stopping illegal immigration, Hastert said. The pair also agree that the north-south Prairie Parkway needs to be built through Kane and Kendall counties to serve the growing population and business community. Oberweis opponent Chris Lauzen, a state senator from Aurora, staunchly opposes the project. For Lauzen, Hastert's endorsement of Oberweis "crystallizes what this campaign is all about: big money and big insider establishment clout vs. the rest of us in the grass roots." The announcement came as no surprise to Lauzen, who sent an open letter to Hastert earlier this week urging him not to make an endorsement and instead let the voters decide for themselves. Oberweis "has said in his own words several times, 'I will do everything within my power to protect the legacy of Denny Hastert,' " Lauzen said. "You just wonder, gosh, do you mean the deficits? Do you mean the earmarks like the Prairie Parkway?. . .I know you don't mean Mark Foley. So what are you talking about?" The Foley scandal earlier this year tarnished Hastert's reputation when a congressional ethics committee called Hastert "willfully ignorant" of the consequences of exposing underage pages to the former Florida congressman's lewd advances. Also running in the GOP primary election is Michael Dilger, an Evanston resident who has yet to speak publicly about his campaign. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns dropped out of the race after Hastert's endorsement of Oberweis. Democratic primary candidates are Bill Foster, John Laesch, Jotham Stein and Joe Serra.)
-- Hastert's endorsement leads Geneva mayor Kevin Burns to withdraw - Lisa Smith
(THE ARTICLE: He's got style, a quick wit, and oodles of Kennedy-esque charisma. But without the backing of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Kevin Burns felt he couldn't convince voters he's the best man to follow Hastert's footsteps representing the 14th Congressional District. And so Burns has shelved his dreams of heading to Washington and instead will remain mayor of Geneva. "In anticipation of this news, I have consulted with my family and campaign team and have determined that it's in my best interest and the (Republican) party's best interest to suspend my campaign at this time," Burns said Thursday, shortly after Hastert announced his endorsement of Jim Oberweis in the Feb. 5 GOP primary election. That leaves Oberweis, state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora and dark horse Michael Dilger of Evanston. Polls showed Oberweis and Lauzen tied, with Burns expected to earn just 4 percent of the vote. Dilger is an unknown who has yet to speak publicly about his campaign. Burns also trailed in the fundraising race, pulling in just $68,260 in the third quarter of 2007, the most recent period for which financial reports are made public. Oberweis and Lauzen raised nearly six and eight times that, respectively. It's not too late to remove Burns' name from the ballot. The ballots have yet to be printed because the Illinois State Board of Elections certification deadline for the GOP delegate candidates, whose names must appear on Republican ballots across the state, is still a week away. Burns also was the least conservative of the three main GOP candidates, a moderate who described himself as someone who could "represent the diversity of the district." But in announcing his preference for Oberweis, Hastert highlighted Oberweis' staunch conservative stance. Yet Burns appeared undaunted by what some might view as shortcomings. Just four days ago, he turned in 2,010 signatures with his petition to appear on the special primary to fulfill the remaining months of Hastert's unexpired term. Burns thanked his supporters, offered his congratulations to Oberweis and said his relationship with Hastert remains strong. In a letter dated Thursday, Hastert called Burns a "talented candidate." "I'm confident that at some point in the future you will have an opportunity to share your talents by representing even more of us," Hastert wrote.)
-- Lauzen best choice for Congress - Chuck Barr, Jr., St. Charles
(THE LETTER: Chris Lauzen is just the combination of youth, experience, leadership and talent that we need to make an outstanding replacement for Denny Hastert as Congressman from the 14th District. He has served as state senator from Aurora for 15 years. He knows how the legislative system works. He is a graduate of Duke University. He has an MBA from Harvard. He is a CPA and had his own accounting firm for 14 years. He reduced property taxes on VFW and American Legion posts by 85 percent. He was the only senator to speak out against and vote "no" on the two-thirds tuition discounts to sons of illegal immigrants. He started an "Illinois Pork Busters" club in the Senate that seeks to cut $5 million in waste from the state budget. He was a lead co-sponsor of the 50-year solution to the $20 billion unfunded liability problem in the five state wide pension plans. He is a ranking Republican on the Revenue Committee. He has helped create a business climate in Illinois where the private sector can maintain and create more jobs paying higher wages. He more than doubled the state funding for public education in his senate district over the past 15 years. He sponsored, and got passed into state law, the largest employment tax decrease in 15 years which kept over $250 million of excess unemployment insurance premiums in the Illinois economy. Illinois is the 46th worst state in the country for a doctor to be a malpractice defendant in. The State Trail Lawyers Association controls the Democratic Party and they have maintained this very bad lobbyist situation that is driving doctors out of Illinois because of high malpractice insurance rates in the state. Lauzen has fought very aggressively against this control. We need a congressman from the 14th District who is willing to exert leadership in the Congress, not just look for consensus and call it leadership. Lauzen is just the man to do this. There is special primary scheduled for Feb. 5, 2008, which Lauzen has to win to run in the election that will actually decide who will fill out the remainder of Hastert's term. This second election may also be voted on the same day as the primary election. Vote for Chris Lauzen on Feb. 5 and help bring back some leadership in the Congress that is sorely needed.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: New "Pew Hispanic Center" survey indicates that many Hispanics a) disagree with and/or disapprove of America and its citizens and b) will only vote for politicians who promise to give them preference over American citizens
-- Lawmakers not warm to state buying Wrigley Field - John Patterson
-- Naperville trustee Furstenau's lawsuit gets longer Burchard, police union president, city attorney added to lawsuit - Melissa Jenco
(THE ARTICLE: Naperville city Councilman Richard Furstenau is adding former city manager Peter Burchard, police union President Joe Matchett and city attorney Margo Ely to his federal lawsuit that accuses the city and police of a campaign to "jail, silence and politically destroy" him. The three new plaintiffs were added to the suit just days after Matchett, president of the Naperville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42, called for Furstenau's resignation. Furstenau's initial complaint, filed in October, named the city and several police officers for their role in an incident last year in which he was arrested on battery charges against an officer. He was later acquitted. Since that time, Matchett and Burchard have each written open letters blasting Furstenau's conduct toward city employees. Matchett's letter, written Monday, says Furstenau's presence on the council is a conflict of interest. "The only ethical thing for him to do is resign from his position and allow the employees and the City to move forward in their diligent and professional manner," Matchett wrote. Furstenau's attorney, Shawn Collins, said Burchard, Ely and Matchett have been part of a campaign to destroy his client by threatening his supporters, falsely accusing him of misconduct and violating the Open Meetings Act to try to censure him. "All of this is unlawful behavior whose purpose is to punish Dick for suing the city," Collins said. "We understand they don't like the fact that he sued the city. They have a right to feel that way. They don't have a right to retaliate against him because he sued the city." Jim Sotos, attorney for Ely as well as the police officers in the suit, said the allegations against Ely are defamatory and reckless. Ely might countersue, he said. "Dick Furstenau has a long, well-documented history of attempting to bully Naperville staff into helping his political friends. This decision of his to sue Margo Ely, who is a very well-respected public servant of high integrity and character, is just the most recent and most reprehensible example of a person who will go to any length to advance his own personal agenda," he said. Burchard, asked to comment on being added to Furstenau's lawsuit, said, "My goal is to honor the city of Naperville by telling the truth. His goal is different." Meanwhile, Burchard's attorney, Terry Ekl, called Furstenau's complaint "one of the most ridiculous lawsuits I've ever seen." Last week, city council members approved drafting a resolution of censure against Furstenau. They will vote on the resolution Tuesday.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Two Milton Township Republican Precinct Committeemen call for Wheaton Warrenville School District 200 taxpayers to pay $58 million more in taxes
(THE ARTICLE: More support for Hubble move - Jim Fuller In their first public speeches since leaving Wheaton City Hall, former Mayor Jim Carr and former Councilman Alan Bolds this week stood in support of moving Hubble Middle School. Both Carr and Bolds also are former Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board members. They were joined by Milton Township Trustee Jim Flickinger. All three urged voters to support a Feb. 5 referendum question for $58 million and permission to build a new Hubble in Warrenville. The existing building in Wheaton would be sold and likely torn down. Bolds had just returned from work in an impoverished community in Africa when he gave his speech to the school board. He said he saw the hope education can bring children when they have a school in their own community. Warrenville students deserve that same sense of hope, he said. "It is time to move that school," Bolds said. Carr said he decided moving the school is the right choice for two reasons. A new school will provide a better education for the students, Carr said. And, selling the existing building will help bring new commercial growth to Wheaton through redevelopment of the site. "We owe the young people who will come after us the finest education and the best opportunity possible for the future," Carr said. Flickinger said he's believed Warrenville should have a middle school for at least 10 years now. As a one-time school board candidate, he put himself through the commute that many Warrenville Hubble students experience daily. "That is a long way for a parent to have to pick a child up in the evening and for extracurricular activities," Flickinger said. He also added the perspective of the positive changes building a new Longfellow Elementary brought in 2001. "Who would want to go back, even to a renovated Longfellow?" Flickinger said.)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Hastert backs Oberweis, Burns drops out -
(THE ARTICLE: Republican congressional candidate Jim Oberweis got two scoops of good news Thursday: an enthusiastic endorsement from former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and word that a primary opponent had dropped out of the race. The recently retired Hastert endorsed Sugar Grove ice cream chain owner Oberweis as his successor over GOP foe Chris Lauzen, a state senator from Aurora. The news was enough to get a third Republican candidate, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, to bow out. Hastert said Oberweis has the conservative values consistent with the voters in the 14th Congressional District, which Hastert represented for 21 years until stepping down last month. "He has been instilled with a good sense of Midwestern values, something Washington desperately needs," Hastert said, echoing one of Oberweis' campaign slogans. Shortly after Hastert praised Oberweis, Burns withdrew, saying Hastert's endorsement factored into his decision but he did not get out of the race because of it. Burns said he spent two days discussing his candidacy with others and decided to exit the race because he became convinced it was unlikely he would win the Feb. 5 primary. "We're in this thing to win it, not to come in second or to play spoiler to someone else," Burns said. Burns said he believes Hastert's endorsement is powerful in the district, which includes Kane, Kendall and portions of six other counties from DuPage to near the Mississippi River. "I would have been honored to have it, no question about it," Burns said. Hastert "remains the leader of the party in this district. He is well-respected and well-liked on both sides of the aisle." Oberweis said he was "deeply honored and humbled to have the support of someone who has given more than a quarter-century of his life to serving the people of this district." There are four Democratic candidates vying for the right to face Oberweis or Lauzen: Bill Foster of Geneva, Jotham Stein of St. Charles, John Laesch of Yorkville and Joe Serra of Geneva.)
-- Merry Christmas, Governor - Editorial
(FROM THE EDITORIAL: Governors don't burnish their legacies when people they trusted get indicted. Kelly was Blagojevich's liaison to the Illinois Gaming Board during tense deliberations over where to locate a 10th casino. So none of this helps Blagojevich. He and his friends Rezko and Kelly can spend the holidays ruminating about the old days, and pondering the pile of presents Patrick Fitzgerald has delivered.)
-- Where the presidential candidates stand on. . .gay marriage
(FROM THE ARTICLE: THE DEMOCRATS JOSEPH BIDEN: Favors equal treatment for gays, with civil unions and marriage left to the states. HILLARY CLINTON: Opposes same-sex marriage, favors civil unions. Says it's a state issue. CHRIS DODD: Supports civil unions but is "not comfortable" with applying word "marriage" to same-sex unions. JOHN EDWARDS: Opposes same-sex marriage, supports civil unions. Says states should decide. MIKE GRAVEL: Supports same-sex marriage. DENNIS KUCINICH: Supports same-sex marriage. BARACK OBAMA: Opposes same-sex marriage, supports civil unions. BILL RICHARDSON: Opposes same-sex marriage, supports civil unions. THE REPUBLICANSRUDOLPH GIULIANI: Opposes gay marriage but also opposes constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Says New Hampshire's civil unions law goes too far. MIKE HUCKABEE: Opposes gay marriage. DUNCAN HUNTER: Supports constitutional ban on gay marriage. JOHN McCAIN: Opposes gay marriage, says states should control marriage law. RON PAUL: Federal government should leave issue to the states. MITT ROMNEY: Supports constitutional ban on gay marriage. TOM TANCREDO: Supports constitutional ban on gay marriage. FRED THOMPSON: Favors "great leeway" for states to decide on civil unions, says marriage is between a man and a woman.)
-- DuPage County wants say on rail merger Leader fears impact on traffic, safety -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom has asked a federal railroad board for permission to participate in talks on Canadian National Railway Corp.'s proposed railroad acquisition of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co., saying it could have serious congestion and safety consequences for the county. EJ&E operates 200 miles of track in northwest Indiana and northeast Illinois, including an arc from Indiana west to Joliet, north to Barrington and east to Waukegan. If the acquisition is approved, CN would shift some trains from congested tracks in the Chicago area to the lesser-used EJ&E tracks. EJ&E Railway traverses the north-south length of DuPage County near its western boundary and makes grade-level crossings of 26 streets, one sidewalk, four other railroads and four locations on the Illinois Prairie Path, according to a county report.)
COURIER NEWS
-- OUTSTANDING: Hastert running for precinct committeeman seat - Heather Gillers
(THE ARTICLE: Dennis Hastert's name will appear on some Fox Valley ballots this November, just not in the place voters are used to seeing it. Shortly after submitting his resignation last month after serving 21 years as the 14th District's congressman, the former speaker of the U.S. House signed up to run for a third term in the office of Republican precinct committeeman for Little Rock Precinct No. 8. No one is challenging his candidacy. Each of Kendall County's 75 precincts may be represented by two committeemen -- a Republican and a Democrat -- who serve as party foot soldiers, urging neighbors to vote along party lines. Former Kendall GOP Chairman Dallas Ingemunson acknowledged Hastert's advocacy probably carries a little more weight than that of average committeemen, who range from county officeholders to civic-minded residents. The Kendall County clerk's office said Hastert has served two consecutive terms as precinct committeeman in the past four years. Other party members could not recall whether he had held the office at other times in the past.)
-- Carpentersville businessman Jack Roeser rips Hastert's endorsement of Oberweis - David Gialanella
(THE ARTICLE: With former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert announcing his endorsement of Republican congressional candidate and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis on Thursday, at least two local Republicans say they are not surprised by the move. Local business mogul and conservative activist Jack Roeser posted a letter Thursday saying Hastert's "controversial record" will not help Oberweis win his election bid. Roeser goes on to say Republicans should distance themselves from both men. In the letter, Roeser -- who owns Carpentersville-based Otto Engineering and is president of the politically powerful Family Taxpayers Foundation -- blasts Hastert for "unchecked federal spending, selfish earmark legislation and many Congressional corruption scandals -- all of which culminated with (current Democratic House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi taking over the helm." State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, who also is running in the special March 2008 election, circulated a letter of his own Thursday saying Hastert's endorsement "crystallizes what this campaign is all about. . .big money and big insider establishment clout." Earlier this week, Lauzen -- who says he is the true "grassroots" candidate -- sent around a message encouraging Hastert not to endorse anyone, and to let the voters decide on their own. According to CampaignMoney.com, Roeser has contributed money to Lauzen's political campaign, though his letter does not mention Lauzen by name. Roeser and Family Taxpayers Foundation had backed Oberweis' previous campaigns for the U.S. Senate and Illinois governor, in part by making hundreds of thousands in contributions for the 2006 gubernatorial campaign. Roeser also used to support Hastert, his letter states.)
EXAMINER
-- Hastert endorses Oberweis to be his successor, in spite of past criticism - Dennis Conrad
(THE ARTICLE: Dennis Hastert on Thursday endorsed millionaire businessman Jim Oberweis, a three-time loser in statewide contests that the former House speaker has alternately backed and rejected in past races, as the replacement for his vacated congressional seat. Oberweis has "the judgment and temperament" to be a good congressman and the integrity and conservative views that fit the district, Hastert said. Another GOP candidate, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, immediately announced his withdrawal from the race and cited Hastert's endorsement as the reason. "The reality of the 14th District is that Speaker Hastert is very much respected and liked," Burns said. But Kent Redfield, a political scientist at the University of Illinois-Springfield, cautioned that Hastert's endorsement does not offer the usual benefits, given his past criticism of Oberweis. "It's not as clean as Oberweis would obviously like it to be," Redfield said. "It's not going to make Oberweis the prohibitive favorite or anything like that." Hastert last backed Oberweis in 2002 when he was a U.S. Senate candidate and lost the GOP nomination to Jim Durkin, a little-known state lawmaker. Oberweis came under fire from Hastert in 2004 during a subsequent Senate primary race. An Oberweis political ad featured the candidate in a helicopter flying over Soldier Field, claiming the number of illegal immigrants coming into the country every week could fill the stadium. Hastert, in an interview with Chicago's WLS-TV after Thursday's announcement, explained how he had again changed his view of Oberweis, despite the ad. "Different campaign, different time, different tone," Hastert said. "I've looked at the candidates, I've spent a lot of time, because it's a difficult decision to make," he added. "But I thought Jim's ideas on immigration fit best with what we tried to do over a long period of time, and his ideas as far as his belief in sanctity of life, which is something I believe very strongly in. We have a lot of commonality, and that's why I'm making this endorsement today." Oberweis said at a joint news conference in Aurora that he was honored and humbled to have Hastert's support. "I will do everything that I can to try to live up to the expectations that Denny has set and to follow his example while I serve in Congress," he said. Retracing his 2004 campaign, Oberweis said he was right on the issue of immigration but had not expressed himself well in short commercials, and was now prepared to work in Congress "to help bring people together to help address that issue." Another congressional candidate, state Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, who portrays himself as a social conservative and taxpayers' watchdog, said he did not get the endorsement because he has been a thorn in the side of the GOP establishment. "Frankly, I think they're worried about my independence from their decision making," he said, "And I think they're worried they can't control me." Lauzen blasted Oberweis for protecting "Hastert's legacy," which he said included deficit spending, wasteful earmarks and congressional scandals under his watch.)
FAMILY TAXPAYERS NETWORK
-- Hastert loads Oberweis with more baggage - Jack Roeser
(THE ARTICLE: Dennis Hastert surprised few this week with his endorsement of Jim Oberweis for the now vacant 14th District Congressional seat. While some observers may view Hastert’s nod as a plus for Oberweis, a better assessment might involve the old saying “be careful what you wish for.” Although some may see Hastert’s endorsement as a political coup for Oberweis, savvier political analysts understand Hastert’s controversial record comes with it. Hastert brings much additional baggage to a candidate who has already struggled in three failed campaigns for major office. Hastert did much to end the Republican Revolution while frittering away the comfortable majority he was handed in 1999. His reign was characterized by unchecked federal spending, selfish earmark legislation, and many Congressional corruption scandals – all which culminated with Nancy Pelosi taking over the helm. Back home in Illinois, Hastert’s record is just as disappointing. He attempted to block the appointment of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, openly opposed former U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald, and took a lead role in the disgraceful political coup that saw our last truly qualified State GOP Chairman (Gary MacDougal) ousted to make room for the old guard’s tarnished favorite, Judy Baar Topinka. While Hastert worked to make a tidy profit for himself on a much criticized short term land deal, our once proud Grand Old Party rotted in both Illinois and on the national level. Now instead of simply graciously leaving the field, incredible confusion and additional costs are being created thanks to Hastert’s attempt to manipulate the replacement process. I was once proud to support Hastert on many conservative causes. For many years I held out hope that he would rise to the occasion and become a great leader. Similarly, I supported Oberweis last year for Governor, believing he was the best of an otherwise disappointing lot. I was the largest single financial contributor to Oberweis’ gubernatorial bid. I supported Oberweis last year because he ran as a reformer. Sadly, after he came up a little short in that crowded primary, Oberweis changed his tune. He quickly sought to jump back in bed with the very power brokers he previously claimed to oppose. As Abraham Lincoln once said: "Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong." Both Hastert and Oberweis now stand together as two politicians with whom Republicans should part.)
-- FTN articles relevant to the 14th Congressional District race
December 13, 2007
December 12, 2007
December 9, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 3, 2007
November 13, 2007
October 19, 2007
August 24, 2007
Some straight talk about Hastert's legacy
August 22, 2007
August 22, 2007
December 19, 2006
December 12, 2006
November 14, 2006
April 15, 2004
BEACON NEWS
-- Burns bows out of the race in 14th District - Dan Campana
-- Oberweis sued over '06 crash - Dan Campana
BATAVIA SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Jeff Ward constructively argues that anyone who opposes illegal immigration is a racist
SPRINGFIELS STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- 18th Congressional District: LaHood raps Schock’s use of his name Congressman won’t endorse a successor
LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- VERY SAD: Sheriff's deportation power bid under fire Latino group seeks meeting - Ryan Pagelow
SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Gov's pal Chris Kelly nabbed for greed - Kristen McQueary
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Chris Kelly indictment hits close to gov - Rich Miller
-- Naperville officials added to Furstenau's suit Burchard, city attorney, police officer are named - Kate Houlihan
(THE ARTIVCLE: Councilman Richard Furstenau has added former City Manager Peter Burchard, city attorney Margo Ely and Naperville police officer Joe Matchett as defendants in his federal court civil rights lawsuit. "Beginning no later than January 2006, and continuing to today, the defendants have mounted an orchestrated campaign to jail, silence and politically destroy plaintiff Richard R. Furstenau because of the positions he has taken as a Naperville city councilman, and more recently in blatant retaliation for his filing of this civil rights lawsuit," the amended complaint reads. It continued: "They have falsely arrested him; sabotaged his run for state Senate; circulated false information to the press and public; threatened his political supporters by telling them that the City Council would not approve their business projects; tried to pressure him with public 'censure;' and have even spent city resources to research and investigate how to remove him from the public office to which he was elected by the people of Naperville just eight months ago." The suit was originally filed claiming that Furstenau's 2006 arrest for allegedly hitting a police officer was a way to get back at him for speaking out about Naperville Police Department spending practices. Furstenau was acquitted of all charges in May of this year. Initial defendants named in the suit were the city, Police Chief David Dial and officers Michael Cross and Michael Hull. "It is very disappointing to witness how this city's so-called leaders have behaved since Dick Furstenau filed his lawsuit," said Shawn Collins, Furstenau's attorney. "We will not sit idly by as these people try to use the city's good name in reckless pursuit of the destruction of Dick Furstenau. If they keep it up, we will add further defendants and allegations to the lawsuit. We will ask a federal judge and jury to hold them accountable." The suit claims Burchard's open letter of Nov. 30, in which the former city manager outlined instances of alleged mistreatment and misuse of power on Furstenau's part in dealings with city staff, defamed the three-term councilman by blasting him for instances dating back to 2003. "As it respected Furstenau's allegations against the Naperville Police on New Year's Day 2006, Burchard's 'open letter' contained a false and defamatory story concocted by Burchard that Furstenau had admitted to Burchard that he (Furstenau) 'may have tapped Officer Hull,'" the amended complaint reads. "Burchard's 'open letter' went on to level further false, defamatory and exaggerated charges against Furstenau. The fact of the matter is that Burchard, in concert with others, used the 'open letter' to smear and punish Furstenau for the filing of this lawsuit." "My goal is to honor the city of Naperville by telling the truth," Burchard said Thursday. "His goal is different." Threats alleged The suit also claims Ely approached individuals last week "whom she perceived as sympathetic to Furstenau and who have projects which require council approval. Ely told these businesspeople that if they continued to support Furstenau they would not get council approval for their projects." "The allegation that Margo would threaten any business people is completely preposterous and recklessly untrue," said Jim Sotos, the attorney representing Ely and the officers named in the suit. "It's not surprising the lawsuit doesn't name any names. It's an epilogue of worthless attacks and innuendo that reads like a fairy tale." Matchett, who serves as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 42 and who recently penned an open document supporting Burchard's letter and calling for the councilman's resignation, was named in the suit for writing such a note that included reference to the January 2006 incident. "We live in a litigious society," Matchett said Thursday. "The truth is the truth. Facts are facts. It's not personal." The amended suit also now claims recent events at City Council meetings have further violated Furstenau's civil rights. The closed session held before the Dec. 4 meeting, according to the suit, is said to have dealt with not only the lawsuit, but also the discussion of a censure resolution against Furstenau. The suit said Furstenau was not at that session because of the litigation being discussed, but should have been if the censure issue came up then.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Mike Skarr, departing president and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, blasts Naperville officials
Parting local leader urges 'demand more' Officials hit with farewell criticism - Tim Waldorf Another Naperville leader has issued his final thoughts and parting shots. During a Rotary Club of Naperville weekly lunch meeting Thursday at Key Wester Fish and Pasta House, Mike Skarr, departing president and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, delivered a speech chock full of choice words for all of Naperville's elected officials. "First of all, we need to demand more, we need to demand better," he said. "If we're unhappy with some of the goings on in this community relative to governance, we need to start speaking out about it. We cannot just sit back and tolerate some of this craziness, and just turn the other way. That is not how we made Naperville great. That is not how we became the community we are, and we deserve much better." Skarr said he is very concerned for and embarrassed by the Naperville City Council, saying "we've hit an all-time low with the lawsuit that has been filed" by Councilman Richard Furstenau, and the real-estate dealings between him and Councilman Doug Krause. "I was personally disappointed to read in (The Sun) the other day of a very obvious conflict of interest between that council person and another one who failed to acknowledge it or admit it," he said. Peter Burchard's recent decision to resign from his city manager post "is going to make things. . .probably a little more sticky, a little more complex, and perhaps even a little more explosive," Skarr added. Skarr also said "issues of trust" plague the boards of Naperville School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. He stood up for District 203's implementation of the 2002 tax rate increase, saying, "they have done nothing in District 203 that the law did not allow," and that any accusation to the contrary "borders on slander." However, he added, District 203 "has its work cut out" for it with its Feb. 5 referendum proposal. "I think the school district has done a good job, but the issue that will be voted on. . .is trust and integrity," Skarr said. The situation is the same in District 204, Skarr added. "I think they are rightfully, in my opinion, being criticized for a very poorly managed land acquisition plan, and now, unfortunately, we're revisiting the whole issue of 'Do we really need a third high school? Where should it go? Do we need to adjust school boundaries?'" he said. "That is not exactly creating a warm and fuzzy feeling that we've got the best possible governance in place, and I find that troubling." Skarr lamented the fact that he will leave his chamber post without ever having met District 204's new superintendent, Stephen Daeschner. "I think that sends a message as to perhaps his vision of the role of business, and I think that's unfortunate," Skarr said. "I think we've learned from our past that when business and education partner up, great things can happen." Finally, Skarr focused his attention on a Naperville Park District board he described as "basically dysfunctional." "They're all responsible," he said of the board members. "There isn't any one of them that are without sin. I'm just praying and hoping that the new person that they're going to bring in is going to be able to do something about that, because it's going to take some outside intervention for that group to be able to kind of get their act together.")
-- DuPage County: Schiller-Loo, Who? - Paige Winfield
(THE ARTICLE: The Grinch came to DuPage County on Tuesday, though local Democrats say he has been there all along. The six Democratic candidates for the DuPage County Board posed for photos beside a large, green blow-up Grinch on the steps of the county complex in Wheaton. Dubbing the inflatable toy "SchillerGrinch," they attacked a tax increase proposed by County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and other board members. With voter approval on Feb. 5, the quarter-cent sales tax hike will save more than 200 jobs in the county and save public safety agencies from making significant service cuts.)
-- Illinois Republican Party: All in day's work for man walking in 'governor's shoes' - Paige Winfield
(THE ARTICLE: Mike Messuck's stint as "Governor for a Day" will begin in a salon and end at a Chicago Blackhawks game. By giving the DuPage County resident a day of leisure and luxury, the Illinois Republican Party is trying to illustrate what they say is a typical day for Governor Rod Blagojevich. As winner of a party-sponsored drawing, Messuck will be treated to a haircut and massage, a first-class lunch and a tour of Chicago landmarks, before concluding his day at the game. "Hopefully, this serves as a reminder to the people of Illinois that we need a change of leadership in Springfield," said party Chairman Andy McKenna. A native of Westchester, Messuck sells cranes. He said he is excited to walk in Blagojevich's shoes for a day. "If this is a governor's typical work day, I cannot imagine this will be too difficult.")
SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
-- Illinois lawmakers boo talk of state's Wrigley Field purchase - Kurt Erickson
(THE ARTICLE: SPRINGFIELD - Downstate lawmakers unleashed a chorus of boos Thursday after hearing the state may be in the market to buy Wrigley Field from the Tribune Co. "It's just absurd," said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, a Forsyth Republican. "That would be a story that belongs in the Sunday comics," added state Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. Published reports say Tribune executives, who are trying to sell the Chicago Cubs, have discussed the possible sale of the iconic ballpark with Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a passionate Cubs fan. Under one scenario, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority would buy the 93-year-old facility. The authority was created by the state in the 1980s to oversee the construction of what is now U.S. Cellular Field, home to the Chicago White Sox. It is funded by hotel taxes. Lawmakers say the state has too many other immediate problems to even begin talking about buying the facility. For example, cities and towns across the state are facing financial problems because the state is more than $1.8 billion behind in paying out sales tax revenues to municipalities. "It just floored me that we'd even consider it," said state Sen. John Jones, R-Mount Vernon. "I tell people around here that common sense isn't common in Springfield." "To think about the state buying a baseball park is almost unbelievable except when you pause to consider who is actually considering it," said Righter. "With all that Blagojevich has got going on, you'd think he'd be focusing on the mass transit problems facing Chicago, not buying a ballpark," said state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington. "No one is talking about solving the state's real long-term debt problems," said state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville. "This is getting to be ridiculous." "I guess we know where the governor's priorities lie," Mitchell said. In Southern Illinois, Blagojevich did funnel $3 million in state funds toward the construction of a minor league baseball park in Marion. But, state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said there is no comparison between that project and buying a ballpark in Chicago that could sell for hundreds of millions of dollars. "You'd think nothing would shock me after what's gone on this year, but I am in shock," Bost said.)
OBERWEIS CAMPAIGN
-- Hastert: "The Choice is clear -- Jim Oberweis"
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Citing Jim Oberweis's integrity, conservative philosophy, Midwestern common sense, judgment and temperament, former Speaker Denny Hastert today endorsed Oberweis to succeed him in the race for the 14th Congressional district. "Now that I have returned to private life, I'm one of those who must cast a vote to decide who will represent me and my family in the Congress," said Hastert. "In the Republican primary we are blessed with a number of good candidates, but for me the choice is clear -- Jim Oberweis." Hastert explained his decision in the straightforward manner for which he is known: "Jim has integrity. He has the right conservative philosophy that fits our district. He has the right values. And as a lifelong resident of our district, he has been instilled with a good dose of Midwestern common sense -- something Washington very much needs." Hastert continued, "Having built successful businesses, Jim has proven that he knows how to lead, and how to bring people together to work toward a common goal. I think if we send him to Washington, he will get things done. "You know, throughout my years in Congress, I always felt proud when people said of me, 'there's a guy who never forgot where he came from.' Well, I'm confident that if we elect Jim Oberweis to Congress, he will never forget where he came from. Jim, I'm going to be proudly voting for you on February 5th, and I hope many others will too. Good luck to you, and best wishes on a great campaign," Hastert concluded. "Denny, your endorsement humbles me," said Oberweis, "and I pledge to you and to the residents of the 14th District that I'll do everything in my power to live up to the trust you've placed in me. You set a high standard of service during more than a quarter century of service to your constituents, your state, and your nation, and I'll work every day to make you proud of this endorsement. Thank you." The press conference took place at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Bushwood Drive in Aurora, Illinois. FULL TEXT OF SPEAKER HASTERT'S REMARKS Representing more than 700,000 of your fellow citizens in the United States House of Representatives is a great honor. . .and a solemn responsibility. Now that I have returned to private life, I'm one of those who must cast a vote to decide who will represent me and my family in the Congress. In the Republican Primary we are blessed with a number of good candidates, but for me the choice is clear -- Jim Oberweis. Jim has integrity. He has the right conservative philosophy that fits our district. He has the right values. And as a lifelong resident of our district, he has been instilled with a good dose of Midwestern common sense -- something Washington very much needs. I think Jim has the judgment and the temperament to be a good and effective Member of Congress. In my 21 years in the Congress I saw a lot of members come and go. Some thought it was best to talk and to posture, and to be disagreeable in the hope that their constituents would think they were being tough. Those folks didn't last very long. But there were also folks who came there to govern, and to get things done for the American people. Frankly that's a lot harder. You have to stand by your principles and still find common ground. I think the American people expect and deserve that kind of leadership. Having built successful businesses, Jim has proven that he knows how to lead, and how to bring people together to work toward a common goal. I think if we send him to Washington, he will get things done. You know, throughout my years in Congress, I always felt proud when people said of me, "there's a guy who never forgot where he came from." Well, I'm confident that if we elect Jim Oberweis to Congress he will never forget where he came from. Jim, I'm going to be proudly voting for you on February 5th, and I hope many others will too. Good luck to you and best wishes on a great campaign.)
LAUZEN CAMPAIGN
-- Lauzen Celebrates Hastert Endorsement of Oberweis
(THE PRESS RELEASE: It’s not about money, power, or insider clout – it’s about the people. Former Congressman Hastert’s decision crystallizes what this campaign is all about. . . big money and big Insider Establishment clout versus the rest of us in the grassroots. Pro-life, pro-Constitution, including the 2nd Amendment, pro-family, and pro-taxpayer groups have already endorsed me based on my 15-year voting record of independence and traditional, conservative values. The Hastert endorsement may be good for Oberweis (who has lost all 3 campaigns he’s ever run, including the 2002 U.S. Senate Race, also with Hastert’s endorsement), but it’s bad for the people and bad for unity in the Republican Party. Hastert has resigned; Oberweis is running against me; let the people decide. I recognize that the endorsement that matters is the people’s. And, the people have consistently said “yes” to me and consistently said “no” to Oberweis.)
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- Schillerstrom and Thomas among participants at 35th Annual DuPage County Christmas Prayer Breakfast - Dave Diersen
(THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Thomas were among the participants at the 35th Annual DuPage County Christmas Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, December 13, at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale. According to reports, the event was outstanding and attendees included Stan Austin, Patti Bellock, Alan Bolds, Wally Brown, Fred Bucholz, Franco Coladipietro, Dan Cronin, John Day, John Demling, Kirk Dillard, Bob Earl, Grant Eckhoff, Jim Flickinger, Mike Fortner, Dorothy French, Mike Gresk, Chris Heidorn, Paul Hinds, Randy, Hultgren, Joyce Hundhausen, Liz Martinez, Vern McCarthy, Gary Muehlfelt, William Mueller, Carole Pankau, Mike Prueter, Jim Rasins, Darlene Ruscitti, Leonard Sanchez, Carl Schultz, and Pete Siekmann.)
