GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - December 15, 2007
GOPUSA Illinois Daily Clips for December 15, 2007 includes news and commentaries on the following topics:
- Jim Oberweis, Chris Lauzen, Dennis Hastert
- 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 . . .
COURIER NEWS
-- 14th Congressional District candidates sound off on economy - Andre Salles
(THE ARTICLE: ST. CHARLES -- The rhetoric heated up in the 14th District race Friday morning, as five of the seven remaining candidates for Dennis Hastert's seat in Congress discussed taxes, labor costs, housing. . .and each other. The setting was a candidates forum hosted by several local chambers of commerce at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles. Three Democrats -- Bill Foster, John Laesch and Jotham Stein -- joined two Republicans, State Sen. Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis on stage, and all five took questions from the audience. The main topic was the American economy and how to improve it. Candidates answered questions about securing more federal appropriations for roads and bridges, fixing the housing crisis, protecting local businesses from "big box" stores and funding Medicare. But along the way, the tension between Oberweis and Lauzen became clear. On Thursday, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert endorsed Oberweis to succeed him in the 14th District, and only hours later, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns dropped out of the race. This leaves only Lauzen and Oberweis as contenders, with a third Republican, Evanston resident Michael Dilger, who still has not made a public appearance. Oberweis touted the Hastert endorsement in his opening statement, and Lauzen countered with repeated references to his 15 years of experience in the Illinois General Assembly. When Oberweis criticized a piece of legislation drafted in part by Sen. Barack Obama, Lauzen shot back that "it's easy to criticize for someone who's never made a vote." Foster got in on the action as well, taking a shot at Oberweis in his opening statement. Foster jabbed Oberweis for supporting sustained troop levels in Iraq, saying that Oberweis and President George W. Bush are "totally wrong on this, and I could not disagree with you more." Fireworks aside, the candidates did discuss their solutions for economic problems facing the district. Oberweis suggested many of the issues related to state funding could be dealt with by replacing Gov. Rod Blagojevich, while Lauzen spoke out against the state's practice of using gas tax money for general spending, instead of for roads and bridges. Laesch promoted himself as the only fair-trade candidate on the ballot, and advocated lifting other countries up to the United States' standard of living. Stein agreed and suggested that the U.S. include clauses in its trade agreements with other countries that demand basic labor rights and environmental responsibility. The candidates suggested a variety of ways to help pay for the Medicare program. Foster said he would take a hard look at the way the federal government contracts out its work, searching for overspending. Stein suggested instituting a line-item veto, with congressional override, to curb wasteful spending. Oberweis said that cracking down on illegal immigration would save much-needed cash, and Lauzen suggested that the government really needs people who will say no to expanding programs without paying for outstanding commitments. As for the current housing crisis, opinion was split along party lines. Foster, Laesch and Stein suggested new policies that could curb the problem, with Foster calling it "a failure of Congress to act against a predictable mess." But Lauzen and Oberweis advocated keeping the government out of the issue. The candidates will meet at least five more times before the Feb. 5 primary election, with the next public forum scheduled for Jan. 8 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.)
KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: 14th Congressional District: Foster, Laesch, Lauzen, Oberweis, and Stein face off in St. Charles forum; "Barbs were unleashed and platforms outlined"
(THE ARTICLE: Candidates face off in forum - Paul Dailing ST. CHARLES – Barbs were unleashed and platforms outlined in the first forum bringing together 14th Congressional District candidates of both parties. Five of the candidates for the seat previously held by Republican Dennis Hastert met Friday morning for a breakfast sponsored by local Chambers of Commerce. On Feb. 5, because of Hastert’s recent resignation, there will be a primary for the regular election and a primary for a special election to fill the remainder of Hastert’s current term. The breakfast was the first time that both Republican and Democrat candidates faced off, bringing national and partisan issues to the fore. Aside from Iraq, topics included local industry, “free trade,” the tax code, the ongoing legislative session in Springfield, and the proliferation of big-box stores. From the dais Republicans Jim Oberweis and state Sen. Chris Lauzen named simplifying the tax code and reducing government interference as ways to benefit local industry. Democrat John Laesch proposed tax relief for small businesses. “It’s not simply about cutting taxes or cutting regulation,” Democrat Jotham Stein said, citing the example of California’s heavily taxed and regulated Silicon Valley, where he worked for 19 years. Both Laesch and Stein spoke in favor of “fair trade,” requiring countries to raise working and environmental conditions as a condition of trade with the U.S. Both said this would make it more expensive for businesses to move operations overseas, helping keep jobs in the country. Former Fermilab physicist Bill Foster said more funding for education would be a better way to keep skilled jobs in the U.S. Oberweis praised free trade, in which the government eliminates trade barriers with other countries. He said this would benefit American businesses and give jobs to undeveloped countries. “I believe that free trade and open trade gives benefits for both parts of the equation,” Oberweis said. Things turn personal The first verbal poke of the morning came during Foster’s opening statements. He criticized previous statements by Oberweis supporting President Bush’s Iraq policy. “Jim, you and George Bush are completely wrong on this, and I couldn’t disagree with you more,” Foster said, moments before his campaign manager Tom Bowen began distributing to reporters a printed news release headlined “Foster Jabs Oberweis on Iraq.” The release contained the quote. Oberweis criticized Lauzen, R-Aurora, who serves on three Senate appropriations committees. Legislators’ wrangling with Gov. Rod Blagojevich over a new budget has pushed the current General Assembly into its longest overtime session ever. Lauzen said he was not the candidate of “big money and big clout.” Oberweis is a millionaire who on Thursday secured Hastert’s endorsement. Oberweis said he was “not a career politician.” Lauzen has served in the state Senate for 15 years. “It’s very easy to criticize when you’ve never made a vote,” Lauzen said. Oberweis has run unsuccessfully twice for U.S. senator and once for Illinois governor. Laesch, who lost to Hastert in 2006, also referenced Oberweis’ past campaigns during a discussion of slowed funding from Springfield. “Perhaps they should take a second run at the governorship instead of Washington, D.C.,” Laesch said. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, who ended his campaign for the seat Thursday, also attended the event. “I’m still an interested citizen,” Burns said. “I’m curious about what the candidates have to say.” Mike Donahue, Burns’ campaign chairman, said the campaign would be contacting the Illinois State Board of Elections about removing Burns’ name from both ballots.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Kane County Chronicle promotes Maribel Villalobos' car crash charges against Oberweis
DAILY HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: 14th Congressional District: Foster, Laesch, Lauzen, Oberweis, and Stein face off in St. Charles forum; outrageously, the Daily Herald, devastated by Burn's withdrawal, disparagingly calls them "Hastert-wannabes"
(THE ARTICLE: Hastert-wannabes exchange barbs - Lisa Smith At their first public forum together, the five front-runners for the 14th Congressional District exchanged barbs Friday on everything from the Iraq war to government transparency. In his opening statement at a St. Charles event sponsored by local chambers of commerce, Democrat Bill Foster called out Republican Jim Oberweis for his Iraq war stance. "Jim, one of the first things that you said when you announced your candidacy this August was that the right approach was to keep our troops in Iraq for the next 10 years," said Foster, who is calling for a withdrawal of U.S. military troops. "And you don't even discuss any plan to bring our troops home." Foster later went on to criticize Oberweis' proposal to create a public, searchable Web site of all federal spending, saying such a database already is in place. Sponsored by Sens. Tom Coburn and Barack Obama, the Web site created from the so-called Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act launched Thursday at USASpending.gov. In response, Oberweis called that measure "watered down" and "fluff." GOP candidate Chris Lauzen, a state senator, used that comment to point out Oberweis' lack of political experience. "It's very easy to criticize when a person's never made a vote and can spend millions of dollars on these campaigns," Lauzen said. Democrat John Laesch took a jab at Oberweis' unsuccessful campaign record, which includes failed runs for U.S. Senate and Illinois governor. "To hear some of my friends and opponents in the Republican party say that the problems are in Springfield, perhaps they should be taking a second run at the governorship instead of (seeking political office in) Washington, D.C.," said Laesch, who is running his second congressional campaign. He lost to incumbent Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the House, a year ago. Democrat Jotham Stein, meanwhile, stayed above the fray and tried his best to appeal to a crowd he viewed as mostly Republican. "I'm confident that even though I'm a Democrat and maybe many of you here are Republican, what we need is an innovative economy and the only one answer to the question, 'Which candidate. . .can bring strong economic growth for our future in the 14th Congressional District?'" he said. "The answer to that question is Jotham Stein from St. Charles.")
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald a) promotes Burns and Geneva, b) constructively blasts Hastert for not endorsing Burns, and c) decries Oberweis' and Lauzen's "money and connections"
(THE EDITORIAL: A learning experience Kevin Burns will keep his day job and his political job. And the Geneva mayor will still have plenty of time for his family. In the end, that should make his exit from the 14th District congressional race more palatable, as long as his campaign debts -- if there are any -- are low. He made a smart move to bow out once the endorsement from incumbent Rep. Dennis Hastert came down, since getting that honor was about the only way he could have overcome the money and connections that front-runners Jim Oberweis -- who received Hastert's nod -- and Chris Lauzen possess. Now it's back to running a city that had its strong reputation boosted again by a fawning spot on a national TV show this week. Not a bad gig to have.)
-- OUTSTANDING: All bets are off on gambling expansion, for now - John Patterson
(THE ARTICLE: SPRINGFIELD -- The political fallout from the indictment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's friend and gambling adviser began Friday as a potential vote next week on a massive state gambling expansion was canceled. House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, sent a letter to lawmakers saying "in light of subsequent developments this week, the legislative process will be better served by holding session on these topics at a later date." Gambling has emerged as the only politically palatable way to come up with money to finance billions worth of road, bridge and school construction, and that deal is needed to round up support for a bailout of the Chicago area's transit agencies, which face a financial "doomsday" next month if the state doesn't act. A spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich indicated the governor may use his powers to order lawmakers back to the Capitol next week regardless, and tried to steer focus back to the looming transit deadlines. "Sadly, it's not surprising that Speaker Madigan would, at the last minute, cancel a scheduled session to consider a plan to fund the CTA," spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said in an e-mail to reporters. It's the latest back-and-forth between the two Democratic heavyweights with the future of bus and train routes, fares and jobs hanging in the balance. Just a few days ago, Madigan told lawmakers to be at the Capitol on Dec. 17 to consider a possible deal. But on Thursday federal prosecutors indicted Chris Kelly, a South suburban roofing contractor and close personal friend of the governor, on charges stemming from alleged illegal betting and breaking the law to conceal gambling debts. Blagojevich had tapped Kelly, a key fundraiser, to work on past gambling policy. In canceling the session, Madigan said the situation underscores the need for tighter gambling regulation and a "genuinely independent Illinois Gaming Board." He criticized the governor for not endorsing such plans in recent days. "To say the least, this is a puzzling state of affairs," Madigan said in the letter. He urged lawmakers to encourage the governor to support reforms, "so that gambling in this state may operate in a completely above-board manner and without the slightest hint of impropriety, scandal or corruption.")
-- Let mass transit riders cover costs - Philip D. Roos, Arlington Heights
(THE LETTER: The media has been playing up an idea that if the legislature in Springfield doesn't bail out mass transits' financial mess, it will bring about some sort of doomsday. The exact opposite is much nearer the truth. Illinois taxpayers, as represented by the motoring public, have been dumped on with outrageous gas prices at the pump. This heavy burden, accompanied by the tax cost of every hair-brained idea the politicians can dream up, have many gasping for breath already. Isn't it about time the mass transit users pay their fair share of the cost of travel? Not so long ago, with the collapse of the bridge in Minnesota, the powers that be were all clamoring for repairs to be made to our highway infrastructure. These repairs should have been made already with the gas tax that for years motorist have been paying, instead of these funds being siphoned off to provide cheap mass transit. Mass transit in Illinois is already being subsidized. You can only go to the well so many times before the well is dry.)
-- OUTSTANDING: Illinois will back off E-verify system opposition - Emily Krone
(THE ARTICLE: Illinois officials agreed for the time being not to enforce a law that would make it illegal to enroll in the federal E-verify system, which allows employers to check whether a worker is authorized to work in the United States. The state law, passed in August, was set to become effective Jan. 1. The Department of Homeland Security filed a lawsuit in September aimed at declaring the state law invalid. In a filing Wednesday, the state agreed not to begin enforcing the law until the lawsuit is resolved. The filing also indicated legislators are considering a revision of the law that would address the problems raised in the lawsuit. The changes would include a clause that discourages, but does not prohibit, enrollment in the E-verify program, according to a statement from state Sen. Iris Martinez, a sponsor of the original law. And it would declare that the state will not participate in the system until its accuracy is improved, according to the statement. Critics of the system say it incorrectly identifies one in 10 naturalized citizens as illegal immigrants. Some (ILLEGALS AND THOSE WHO EXOPLOIT ILLEGALS?) have pegged the accuracy rate at below 50 percent. A companion state law -- which makes it a civil rights violation to fire or refuse to hire someone based on information from the E-verify system without following certain procedures -- will still go into effect on Jan. 1. E-verify procedures prohibit employers from firing a worker on the basis of an initial check. A final determination must be made first. And employers must use the system in the same way for all new hires, regardless of race or ethnicity. More than 900 employers in Illinois have enrolled in the program, according to Homeland Security statistics.)
-- OUTSTANDING: Alliance Defense Fund, the conservative equivalent of the ACLU, enters Illinois 'moment of silence' fight - Rob Olmstead
(THE ARTICLE: The judge in the fight over Illinois' school moment of silence law had worried that the case lacked a staunch defender of the law. Well, he's got one now. The Alliance Defense Fund, the conservative equivalent of the ACLU, filed a motion this week seeking to weigh in on the matter as a friend of the court. It would join the Illinois attorney general's office in defending the law. The development turns the case into the true adversarial proceeding that U.S. District Court Judge Robert Gettleman on Nov. 14 had complained was lacking in the case of whether a moment of silence in Illinois schools is constitutional. The debate is over whether a state law mandating a school moment of silence, during which students can pray or contemplate the day's activities, is constitutional. If the request is granted, that would bring to five the number of parties with a dog in the fight: The Illinois attorney general on behalf of the state schools superintendent, atheists Rob and Dawn Sherman of Buffalo Grove, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, the ACLU and the ADF. The ACLU is not directly involved but was granted friend-of-the-court status earlier. Jeremy Tedesco, legal counsel for the Arizona-based ADF, said appellate courts around the country are divided over whether such laws are legal. His group believes they are. "It's important that each court that evaluates them gets it right," he said. "What law could be more freedom-oriented than one that says: 'Do what you want in this moment of silence.'?" But Sherman and his daughter, a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School, say that since the law lists prayer as an option during the moment of silence, it's suggestive to students they must consider prayer. They say that's unconstitutional. The next court date in the case is at 9 a.m. Monday before Gettleman.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Jim Thompson promotes Blagojevich again -- If/when Blagojevich is indicted, will Thompson defend Blagojevich for free like he defends George Ryan for free? Why would any candidate running as a Republican want Thompson's endorsement?
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But another politician noted for his media savvy defended Blagojevich. Thompson, the former governor whose law firm represents Blagojevich, said he doesn't think Blagojevich comes across as fearful of public scrutiny. "I think he's out there a lot," Thompson said. "I see him on television all the time.")
-- For Democrat and Republican activists, Iowa's the field of dreams - David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=95942 (Includes a video clip and audio clips)
-- Olympic lobbying in Hastert's future? - Lisa Smith
(THE ARTICLE: It seems lobbying is in former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's future. The retired lawmaker, talking to the media after announcing his endorsement of Jim Oberweis for his congressional seat, said he's been talking to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley about assisting the mayor's efforts to bring the 2016 Olympic games here. "I'd like to be a part of that if I can be," Hastert said Thursday. "That's a good thing for Chicago. That's a good thing for the people of northern Illinois." Hastert was an honorary chairman of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Patrick Sandusky, a spokesman for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid committee, said having the former wrestling coach on board "would be fantastic. He's been very supportive of our bid already. Someone of his stature, as a international leader, as someone from the Chicago area and also someone with a great history and background in sport, we look forward to having any help and assistance we can get from Speaker Hastert." But he's not leaving politics entirely. The Plano Republican is seeking another political office, albeit one with a much lower profile. Hastert's name is perhaps the most recognizable among Kendall County precinct committeeman candidates. He is seeking the GOP spot in Little Rock Township's eighth precinct. He is unopposed.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald a) argues that Hastert statement was a "thinly veiled Lauzen dig" but b) ignores the fact that voters in the 25th Illinois Senate District have elected and reelected Lauzen since 1992
A thinly veiled Lauzen dig?- Lisa Smith In backing Oberweis, Hastert praised the Sugar Grove businessman for bringing people together. Oberweis' main opponent in the primary, meanwhile, has been criticized for failing to build consensus. And state Sen. Chris Lauzen doesn't shy away from his maverick reputation, saying he'd rather be fiscally responsible than popular. But Lauzen's reputation for not playing well with others doesn't necessarily sit well with Hastert. "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," Hastert said Thursday in what could be construed as a thinly veiled dig at Lauzen. "Those folks didn't last very long."
-- Hastert events raise $700,000 - Lisa Smith
(THE ARTICLE: This week's two tribute dinners for the new J. Dennis Hastert Center for Economics, Government and Public Policy at the retired politician's alma mater, Wheaton College, raised $700,000 for the $10 million project, a college spokeswoman said. The center, slated to open in January, "will advance the study of market economies and representative democracies, in both the campus community and the public," according to promotional materials from the college. It also will house some of the former House speaker's political papers and records.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY VERY VERY SAD: According to a new "Pew Hispanic Center" survey, a) "more than half of Latinos" do not want illegals deported; b) "Most Latinos" claim they are discriminated against and "believe language is the main cause of discrimination, followed by immigration status, income and education, and skin color;" and c) "Most Latinos surveyed oppose workplace raids and support issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants."
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH 8.5X6-INCH COLOR PICTURE IN DUPAGE NEW HOMES SECTION: OUTSTANDING: Daily Herald highlights a new home for sale at $1.2 million in Diersen's Wheaton precinct - a home built by Glanville-Koshul at 919 Delles - Diersen hopes that a Republican family purchases it - They will have not only the opportunity, but the obligation to pay high real estate taxes that fund the schools and other governmental entities - According to the Milton Township Assessor, home values in the precinct shot up 9.7 percent during 2006 - Outstanding Republican elected officials who represent the precinct's residents include Congressman Peter Roskam; State Senator Randy Hultgren; State Representative Mike Fortner; DuPage County Board Members Grant Eckfoff, J.R. McBride, and Debra Olson; and DuPage Forest Preserve Commissioner Mike Formento)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- OUTSTANDING: Illinois bends to feds on weeding out illegal workers - Frank James
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: NOT SURPRISING: Chicago Tribune plays up Oberweis/Lauzen sparing and mistakes
(THE ARTICLE: Geography lesson doled out in race to succeed Hastert - James Kimberly During an endorsement interview before the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board today, 14th Congressional District Republican candidates Jim Oberweis and Chris Lauzen were asked about their positions on trade. Oberweis, president and CEO of Oberweis Dairy, said he is in favor of free trade. State Sen. Chris Lauzen said he favors fair trade agreements that hold America’s trading partners accountable to some of the standards faced by U.S. companies. But the interview turned a bit silly when the candidates were pressed on specifics about their stances. Q. “Would you have voted for NAFTA?” “Yes,” said Oberweis. “Yes,” said Lauzen almost simultaneously. Q. “Would you vote for the Peru trade agreement, which is currently pending before Congress?” “Yes,” said Oberweis. “Peru. . .Peru. . .I’m not familiar with Peru,” Lauzen said apologetically. “It’s in South America,” Oberweis quipped. Oberweis smiled to himself as he drained the last of his water glass after making the wisecrack. The candidates also were questioned about their biggest mistake. Lauzen acknowledged his was when he attempted to have his name legally changed to Chris Lauzen, CPA. Lauzen said his thinking at the time was the name change would make his credentials as a former accountant clear to voters. “That was a mistake. I made a mistake. It was right after the (1998) comptroller race. I accepted, and I take responsibility for accepting, some bad advice,” a contrite Lauzen said. Oberweis said his biggest mistake was the campaign commercials he ran during a failed U.S. Senate bid in 2004 on illegal immigration including one in which he hovered over Soldier Field in a helicopter and wrongly declared that the equivalent of a football stadium’s worth of people crossed the U.S. border illegally every week. “While I believe I was absolutely right on the issue of illegal immigration four years ago, people didn’t want to her about it AND our commercials on those issues were too harsh,” Oberweis acknowledged.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: NOT SURPRISING: Chicago Tribune plays up Oberweis/Lauzen sparing; in its print edition, disparagingly calls them "hopefuls" who "get testy"
(THE ARTICLE: 2 in race for Hastert seat trade barbs in debate - James Kimberly The two leading Republicans seeking to succeed retired former House Speaker Dennis Hastert sparred Friday on everything from the Iraq War to the proposed Prairie Parkway, even disagreeing on the length of each other's answers. In a barb-filled joint appearance before the Chicago Tribune editorial board, Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora did agree that there's a need to crack down on illegal immigration and that tax increases are bad. That's where common ground ran out. Oberweis, an investment manager and boutique dairy owner, said he considered his background as a successful businessman the biggest difference between him and Lauzen, who has served in the Illinois Senate since 1992. "I believe gaining the real life experience of building a half dozen companies, of having to balance budgets, meet payroll, pay back loans is very valuable," Oberweis said. "I consider it an advantage not to be a part of the political system." Lauzen said he's walked the walk in office and dug at Oberweis' electoral prowess. "I'm a person who has actively served 15 years as opposed to running several unsuccessful campaigns," Lauzen said, referring to Oberweis' three failed statewide runs. "The people have consistently said 'yes' to me and 'no' to my opponent." Although both oppose an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, they differed on whether they would have voted to authorize the use of military force in Iraq in 2002. Lauzen contends he doesn't know how he would have voted because he has not seen the evidence that was presented to members of Congress. Oberweis said he would have voted for the war based on the evidence presented at the time, even as he acknowledged "some of the intelligence" later was found to be wrong. Oberweis said he would let the military decide whether it was appropriate to torture suspected terrorists for information. Lauzen said he is opposed to torture and would vote to prohibit it. As for the proposed Prairie Parkway, Oberweis favors the highway that would connect Interstate Highways 88 and 80, but Lauzen suggested the $207 million that Hastert secured for the project would be better spent improving existing north-south roads such as Illinois Highway 47.)
CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Madigan cancels legislative session - AP
(THE ARTICLE: Feuding at the state Capitol over gambling expansion and mass transit aid has claimed another casualty. House Speaker Michael Madigan on Friday canceled a planned session for early next week. The House was scheduled to return to work Monday and vote on Madigan's major gambling expansion proposal and funding for the Chicago area's mass transit systems. But Madigan says there's no reason to come back because other leaders haven't yet backed his plans for a revamped, independent Illinois Gaming Board to oversee new casinos. He urged lawmakers to encourage the governor and other "recalcitrant" leaders to support his idea.)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- House cancels next week's session on gambling, mass transit - Ryan Keith
-- VERY SAD: Romney's Rivals Huckabee and Thompson Try Class Warfare
CBS2 & ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: CBS2 & AP promote Maribel Villalobos' car crash charges against Oberweis
HERALD NEWS
-- State government has money tied up Local schools, libraries wait - Bob Okon
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Why is Blagojevich so bashful? - Deanna Bellandi
(THE ARTICLE: CHICAGO - Most politicians would jump at the chance to publicly embrace legislation intended to save lives and honor a college football player who died on the field. Not Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Dogged by a federal investigation and political feuds, the two-term Democrat often skips the warm-and-fuzzy public moments that his job offers. He also avoids reporters' questions on many occasions, choosing not to defend himself or explain his views. On Wednesday, Blagojevich took action on legislation requiring heart defibrillators at outdoor sports and fitness facilities. The measure was named in honor of Rashidi Wheeler, a Northwestern University football player who died during practice six years ago. Joined by a teammate of Wheeler, the teammate’s family and former Gov. James Thompson, Blagojevich issued an amendatory veto that will strengthen the measure if lawmakers agree to it. But Blagojevich did it in the privacy of his office, guaranteeing neither he nor the legislation would get much attention. Similarly, he sent aides to recent events encouraging women to get breast-cancer screening, although that’s an issue he has made a top priority, and to the launch of an anti-violence program. Blagojevich also stayed out of sight after his friend and former campaign finance chairman, Christopher G. Kelly, was charged with tax fraud. Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the administration can’t win. Some people criticize them for not being accessible enough while others complain they’re too focused on public relations and press releases. “We’ll never be able to make everyone happy,” said Ottenhoff, who added that private bill signings are common. She defended his accessibility, noting he met with reporters for an extended question-and-answer session last week. Despite the federal investigations of his administration, John Marshall Law School professor Ann Lousin said Blagojevich should be able to talk to reporters without hurting himself legally. “He could easily say ‘no comment’ anytime,” she said. Attorney Sean Wieber, a former Northwestern player who helped champion the defibrillator bill, said the ceremony was private because it was last-minute. He said it was squeezed into the governor’s schedule because Wieber’s parents were in town and could attend. Not even the sponsors of the bill say they were invited. Rep. Dan Burke, D-Chicago, said Blagojevich missed a chance for some good publicity. “It’s a perfect opportunity for him to get a little something decent out of the media for a change,” he said.)
WHEATON SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Reasons given a) why people with severe health, financial, and other problems come to DuPage County, b) why they need/demand more and more government services, and c) why DuPage County is facing a budget deficit
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Reasons given a) why people who lack education and lack job skills come to DuPage County, b) why they need/demand more and more government services, and c) why DuPage County is facing a budget deficit
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: With the unemployment rate so low in DuPage County, why is DuPage County government facing budget deficits?
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
-- OUTSTANDING: Illinois delays law prohibiting use of DHS employment verification system -
EXTREME WISDOM
-- Why even bother being a "republican" in Illinois? - Bruno Behrend
(THE POSTING: I just got my “Capitol Insider” alert from Tom Cross. The “Action Item of the Month?” “Help a House Republican Candidate!” I wonder if Tom Cross said that to Skip Saviano when Jim Rowe was running for a Senate seat. What a fraud! The Daily Herald just ran an excellent series on the absurd spending of Suburban School Districts. The Tribune just ran an article highlight the obscene pensions an perks of the School Administrators. Does the Illinois Republican Leadership even float an IDEA of a Property Tax Freeze, or a Local Government Levy Cap (no exceptions) that allows only rises limited to inflation plus population growth? The incompetence of these people shocks the conscience. They aren’t interested in good policy or building the party. They merely want to return to the feeding trough. Listen up folks. There is no Republican Party in this state. Some people accuse me of being for a “3rd Party” in Illinois. As I’ve quipped before, I’d settle for a 2nd party. There isn’t one. Note to people who call themselves Republicans. Bashing Blago isn’t a platform.)
HUMAN EVENTS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: More and more women who either cannot find a husband or do not want a husband want government to take care of them
AMERICANS FOR TRUTH
-- VERY SAD: DiversityInc Magazine Publisher Visconti Compares LaBarbera to Slavery Advocate
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DiversityInc magazine co-founder Luke Visconti (lvisconti@diversityinc.com) showed his own (modern) bigotry and disrespect for people of faith by comparing Americans For Truth president Peter LaBarbera to a 19th Century Christian slavery advocate because LaBarbera opposes homosexuality and pro-homosexual corporate policies. The strongly pro-”gay” DiversityInc disinvited the AFTAH founder to a “Religion in the Workplace” panel discussion after pro-homosexual panelists threatened to boycott the discussion if LaBarbera was allowed to participate.)
CONGRESSMAN ROSKAM
-- OUTSTANDING: Sanctuary State Illinois Caves to Federal Pressure on Employment Verification
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) today released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security and Illinois State officials reached an agreement that would effectively allow employers to use E-Verify until the federal lawsuit is disposed of: “While this is a small step in the right direction, it highlights how out of touch the Blagojevich Administration is with the problem of illegal immigration. We must give Illinois employers the necessary tools to comply with existing federal immigration laws. I’m hopeful that our Governor and State Legislature will make today’s measures permanent.” E-Verify is a free, voluntary and easy to use program that is currently the best way to check if prospective employees are authorized to work in our country. Presently, more than 800 companies in Illinois are voluntarily enrolled, with more than 23,000 enrolled nationwide. This system provides real-time, accurate verification based on identity information in federal databases, giving employers assurance that the people they hire are legally able to work in the U.S.)
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