GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - December 20, 2007
GOPUSA Illinois Daily Clips for December 20, 2007 includes news and commentaries on the following topics:
- Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, Dennis Hastert, Jim Oberweis, Chris Lauzen
- 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 . . .
CAPITOL FAX
-- The Illinois Huckaboom - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2007/12/19/the-illinois-huckaboom/ (50 comments posted as of 12:53 AM, Thursday, December 20, 2007)
(THE ARTICLE: A friend of mine and I were talking last night about Mike Huckabee’s surge in Illinois. The Tribune poll showed him essentially tied with Rudy Giuliani here, but the former Arkansas governor has no real presence here. No staff, no advertising, no media coverage. Nothing. The only explanation we could come up with is that some voters are paying very close attention to the Iowa contest and are basing their decisions on that. Imagine. Meanwhile, some very far right fringe candidates have so far been running Mike Huckabee’s campaign in Illinois, such as it is. . . .[Jonathan Wright] was an assistant prosecutor in the Logan County state’s attorney’s office when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the Illinois House in 2001. During his short stint in the House, he backed legislation that would have allowed student-led prayer in public schools. Wright did not seek re-election in 2002 but re-emerged on the political scene during the 2004 election when he made a long-shot bid for the U.S. Senate, running to the right of just about everybody on the ballot. . .Also on board the Huckabee bandwagon is David McAloon of Bourbannais, who is running for a seat in the Illinois House against incumbent state Rep. Careen Gordon, D-Morris. McAloon is listed as chairman of the Slot/Values in Religion to Unite Everyone political action committee, which has funneled money to social conservative candidates over the years. McAloon lost the GOP primary in that district last year. Wright’s Senate bid was pretty pathetic. Joe Wiegand, who ran Jim Oberweis’ 2006 gubernatorial primary campaign, told me today via e-mail that Huckabee is “days away from announcing Illinois Co-chairs.” We’ll see if they move up to a more A-List crowd, but almost all of those people are already on board with other candidates.)
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Sangamon County Republican Party backs Giuliani Candidate may come here before primary - Bernard Schoenburg
(THE ARTICLE: The Sangamon County Republican Party on Wednesday night endorsed former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for president, and county GOP chairman Tony Libri said Giuliani may be the party’s Lincoln Day Luncheon speaker at a special pre-primary date — Feb. 2. The luncheon is usually on Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, but Libri told committeemen meeting at Gardner Township Hall that the Giuliani camp had suggested that “if we’re really going to matter, they wanted us to have an event prior to Election Day.” He said there is a tentative agreement for the speech, and it could be solidified this morning. “It should be a tremendous event,” Libri said, noting that Giuliani is speaking on the evening of Feb. 2 — a Saturday — in East Peoria, so a Springfield lunch would fit the same day. The Sangamon County party’s central committee also heard Wednesday from the three Republicans seeking to be nominated to the 18th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, but decided not to make an endorsement yet. “With the three wonderful candidates, we’re hoping that somebody drops out on their own,” Libri said. Barring that, he said, a January endorsement will be made after more polling and watching how the campaign plays out among state Rep. Aaron Schock, John Morris and Jim McConoughey. Precinct committeemen discussed the endorsements in closed session, but the results were announced in a public part of Wednesday’s meeting. “I think he is the one that has the best chance of winning,” Libri said afterward of Giuliani. As mayor of New York, including when terrorists hit that city in 2001, Libri said, “He proved his ability to lead.” Libri also said at the meeting that while the county organization reached out to several Republican presidential campaigns, “Rudy Giuliani personally called me — he really did.” Libri said he at first thought it was someone impersonating the candidate. “I said, ‘Man, you sound just like you,’” Libri said. “He said, ‘Tony, it’s me.’” Springfield lawyer Dave White, Sangamon County coordinator for Giuliani, thanked the organization for its support and said the campaign sees the county as a key to winning Illinois and Illinois as a key to winning nationally. White noted that former Govs. Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar are both for Giuliani. Their tenure represented “glory days” for Sangamon County and Illinois Republicans, White said, adding, “We can bring those glory days back.” He also said Giuliani would “reshape the electoral map” and make it possible again for Illinois to be in the Republican column. The party did not give its endorsement to a write-in candidate for Sangamon County recorder, Don Gray. While he’s worked for the state GOP and former state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, he also walked in Springfield’s St. Patrick’s Day parade for a Democratic candidate, Barry McAnarney, who was defeated last spring by Ward 10 Ald. Tim Griffin, a Republican. Gray said McAnarney is a family friend, their wives are close, and his only show of support was “I walked for him once in a parade.” Springfield aldermanic races are officially nonpartisan. “I think that’s a major problem,” Libri said, because of the need for loyalty in the party. He said sometimes candidates can work out such situations with the party in advance, but Gray did not do so. Gray, who needs 324 write-in votes on Feb. 5 to get on the November ballot, said he is working hard to make his case for the nomination and election. The Democratic candidate is Josh Langfelder, who is endorsed by incumbent Mary Ann Lamm, who is retiring. The Republican Party organization also endorsed Sangamon County Board incumbents Linda Fulgenzi in District 12 and Jim Good in District 8 over GOP primary challengers Tom Shafer and Jeff Hubbs, respectively. In his presentation, McConoughey touted his farm background, business and economic development experience, and the fact that he has “a little gray hair.” Morris spoke of his conservative credentials and Peoria City Council experience, and by introducing Chris Cearlock, a former Sangamon County committeeman now living in Maryland and on a 15-day leave from his Army National Guard duty in Iraq, generated a standing ovation for the soldier. Schock said his record of winning school board and legislative seats and his experience in government shows he is electable, can do the job and will represent the area’s values.)
-- 18th Congressional District: No YouTube moments for Schock — if he gets his say - Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/Opinion/stories/22253.asp
http://www.sj-r.com/Opinion/stories/22253.asp
-- VERY SAD: Republican State Representative Raymond Poe chomping at bit with harness racing idea - Doug Finke
DAILY HERALD
-- 14th Congressional District: League of Women Voters Candidates' Forum Tuesday, January 8, at 7:00 PM in St. Charles
-- 14th Congressional District: League of Women Voters Candidates' Forum Tuesday, January 8, at 7:00 PM in St. Charles
(THE POSTING: League of Women Voters: Candidates vying to replace Dennis Hastert in Congress as representative of the 14th Congressional District will be featured in a League of Women Voters candidates' forum at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 in St. Charles. The public is invited to attend the forum. Both Democratic and Republican candidates who are running in the Feb. 5 general primary will participate in the event. The forum will be held at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Geneva-St. Charles and the League of Women Voters of Batavia in cooperation with the Daily Herald, Beacon News, and Kane County Chronicle. Within a moderated format, a panel of reporters will direct questions to the candidates, followed by questions from the audience. Immediately after the forum, the audience will be invited to an informal "Meet and Greet the Candidates" session.)
-- Naperville studying recall power - Melissa Jenco
-- Anyone catering to English speakers? - Larry Schneider, Buffalo Grove
(THE LETTER: I don't suppose any of the new businesses catering to foreign language speakers includes classes and schools where you can attend to learn English? (Referring to Dec. 3 article, "Businesses opening line of communication for foreign speakers".) I swear, I'm going to start boycotting businesses whose customer service desks make me request English as my choice of language. Quebec, here we come.)
-- Lawbreakers whine about feeling hurt - Michael Lisak, Carpentersville
(THE LETTER: I am responding to the Dec. 14 article about how Hispanics feel hurt about tougher immigration laws. I am a U.S.-born citizen and I strongly feel if you are in this country illegally and you want the same rights as a U.S. citizen, then you should go through the proper channels and become one. Why should they have protection if they are actively breaking immigration law. The U.S. is an equal opportunity country for all people, but we should be putting legal citizens of the country first for jobs and benefits. If you are illegal and commit a crime in this country, you should be sent back to where you came from. If you feel so strong about your heritage and country, then why don't you just stay there?)
-- Let public transit pay its own way - John Schmitz, Bloomingdale
(THE LETTER: Over the last few months, the politicians in Springfield have been holding "special sessions" to budget supplemental funding for the CTA, Pace and Metra to cover their operating deficits. There has been a proposal to increase the sales tax in our six-county area. Now, they're proposing a gaming expansion to cover the shortfalls. I am opposed to any subsidy for these public transportation systems. If a transportation system is losing money, raise the fares -- let the people using the services pay for it. If an individual route is not profitable, eliminate that route. Last summer, I took the Route 606 Pace bus between the Northwest Transportation Center and the Rosemont CTA Station. The buses were filthy and the return bus was 20 minutes late. One recent Saturday, our family took rapid transit from Rosemont to the Loop. After paying our three dollars in the CTA parking Lot, we were handed a yellow sheet in the station noting a Blue Line "service interruption" between Jefferson Park and Harlem Avenue with a shuttle bus between the two stations. Even though we were assured this wouldn't cause any inconvenience, it still added at least 20 minutes to the trip in each direction and necessitated our family trudging through four extra CTA stations with a two-year old in a stroller. Then, we twice waited outside in 20-degree weather for a shuttle bus that didn't have people standing in the aisles. I assure you, it was inconvenient and was more expensive (here's a novel idea -- how about a reduced fare during the service interruption?) than driving downtown and parking in a public lot. In my opinion, the CTA and Pace are a joke. They are a giant jobs program with incompetent management. I'd like to see the Daily Herald do a story on the Pace and CTA boards -- are they appointees, by whom and how much are they paid? The ratios of supervisory personnel to operating personnel along with typical salaries may also be informative.)
-- Cut DuPage County budget before raising taxes - Michael Oury, Wheaton
(THE LETTER: If I ran my business in the way DuPage County manages this county, I would be bankrupt! I personally would never support a tax increase until I see the some of the doomsday cuts. It's like asking me to stick my finger in the dam to stop the leak!)
ABC7
-- Cook County board making plans for budget cuts - Charles Thomas
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=5845677 (Includes video clip)
NBC5
-- County Board Desperate As Time Running Out Hospital Says It Won't Make Concessions - Phil Rogers
CBS2
-- Presidential Candidates Offer Views On Infidelity
(FROM THE ARTICLE: For the series "Primary Questions: Character, Leadership & The Candidates," CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked the 10 leading presidential candidates 10 questions designed to go beyond politics and show what really makes them tick. For the fifth part of the special series "Primary Questions," Couric asked the candidates: "Harry Truman said, 'A man not honorable in his marital relations, is not usually honorable in any other.' Some voters don't feel comfortable supporting a candidate who's not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Can you understand their position?" See the full interview on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric tonight. Also, check out the candidates' full responses to the previous questions in our "Primary Questions" video library.)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Update: The John Cox campaign - Eric Zorn
(THE POSTING: Chicago businessman John Cox began his speech at last Saturday’s Republicans presidential straw poll in Iowa talking about fairy tales. A local story that really didn't get much attention at all this year was the quixotic bid for the presidency by Chicago businessman John Cox. Cox began campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire in early 2006, visiting both states dozens of times and spending at least $1 million of his own money trying to become a contender in the crowded Republican primary field. When I interviewed him for a column in August shortly after he finished 11th out of 11 candidates in an Iowa straw poll, Cox vowed to “stick it out” through the early caucuses and primaries. But when I called him for an update Wednesday he said he’d closed his campaign offices late last month after having been excluded from yet another Republican debate. “What’s the point anymore?” he asked. “I always knew it was a long shot. But when the media made their decision not to include me, I figured it was a total lost cause.” See: Cox2008.com)
-- OUTSTANDING: Elgin asks for U.S. help Illegal immigrants who commit felonies target of program -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Elgin will soon join Carpentersville and Waukegan in seeking federal help to deal with illegal immigrants, but city officials said they are not sure they want to participate in a controversial program that allows local police to begin deportation proceedings. City officials said they will ask U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, for help in removing illegal immigrants who are involved in Elgin street gang activities, assaults, rape and other felonies. "We are not constitutionally charged with enforcing immigration policy, but through our normal law-enforcement activities when we find persons who have committed serious crimes who are here illegally, we want the cooperation of ICE in making sure those people are permanently removed," Elgin Mayor Ed Schock said.)
-- VERY SAD: Naperville City Councilman reprimanded for allegedly mistreating staff -
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Furstenau has plenty of public supporters. Thirty-one residents, including Furstenau's wife (AND GARY VICIAN), spoke before councilmen took their censure vote, and nearly all urged them not to go through with it. They described Furstenau as having high integrity and being passionate about representing the public's best interests. "It's shameful that you would even consider censuring this man," Elinor Vigh said. "Dick is an equal-opportunity berater who is not afraid to step on the toes of city officials," said Stephen Brockman.)
-- VERY SAD: Appellate Court OKs eminent domain on Robert Sandberg's 109 North Main Street Building in downtown Wheaton
(THE ARTICLE: An appeals court has upheld the city's eminent domain lawsuit to buy a vacant building on Main Street. The 2nd District Appellate Court recently ruled Wheaton acted properly in 2002 when it condemned the 109 N. Main St. property as part of the project to redevelop the city's downtown. A lower court had ruled in Wheaton's favor, but building owner Robert Sandberg appealed, arguing the city improperly applied the law in its condemnation action and Wheaton had not made a fair offer for the property. The appeals court, however, rejected those arguments. Wheaton hired two appraisers who valued the property at about $270,000, and the original trial judge ordered the city to pay $300,000, which matched the figure supplied by Sandberg's appraiser, the judges noted. "The record supports that the city made a good-faith effort to agree on just compensation with the defendant before filing suit," the three-judge panel wrote in its decision. City Manager Don Rose said Monday night that Sandberg has 30 days to decide whether to appeal. If he declines, the city will take possession and pay him $300,000. A call seeking comment from Sandberg was not immediately returned.)
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- The Gov's 'Hannah Montana' freebies State senator DeLeo who got him in says it was 'torture' to sit with '20,000 screaming 11-year-olds' - Dave McKinney
-- VERY SAD: Jamie Lynn Spears' freak show - Stella Foster
(FROM THE COLUMN: THE NEWS of actress Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy can't be that shocking to America. Jamie, the 16-year-old star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101" show and sister of slutima pop tart Britney Spears, has just joined the ranks of the young and unwedded like the 800,000 or more teens that get pregnant every year in this country. So folks. . .don't get your panties or shorts in a bunch. . .because it has been done before. This country pushes sex down kids' throats on a daily basis through reality shows, advertising, music videos, games, etc. And sex education in schools is a total waste of time and money. After all, what do they do for homework? YOU CAN'T expect the Spears girls' parents to really parent. . .They are way too busy trying to stay in the good graces of their cash cow girls! This country's morals went out the window years ago when parents started accepting that their kids, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, on up, were having sex in school and all over the place. . .and they didn't give them stiff consequences for promiscuous behavior. So, no reason to freak over the Spears' girls being freaks. Yeah, I said it!)
-- Presidential Candidates and Sexual Politics
(FROM THE ARTICLE: ''CBS Evening News'' anchor Katie Couric asked the 2008 presidential candidates Wednesday night about a very sensitive issue in campaigns -- marital infidelity. She quoted President Harry Truman saying, "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other," and asked about voters who reject candidates on that basis. Here are the edited responses from a CBS transcript:)
-- Cepeda: "Blacks, Hispanics and Asians don't get along, and they hang with their own kind. Some blacks and Asians are mad because Hispanics are taking their jobs and scoring all the attention these days. Hispanics and Asians are scared of blacks "because they are responsible for most of the crime." This according to a report by an ethnic news organization called New America Media."
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Cepeda wants Democrat candidates to pander to Mexican citizens in America like they pander to black American citizens
(THE ARTICLE: Pregunta del dia - Esther Cepeda The question of the day comes from Cepeda fanatico Eduardo: "I haven't seen Obama or any other candidates talk to Latino voters or go to Latino churches and speak about immigration, poverty or racial discrimination. I know everyone always goes to African-American churches, which is good, but Esther, Latinos make up most of the Catholics in the United States, I believe, and with immigration that number has grown. I hope Latinos become the deciding factor in who wins the Democratic nod." I doubt Hispanics will turn out too much stronger than the 13 percent who voted in the 2006 elections, Eduardo, but I hope every eligible voter gets their apathetic butt out on Feb. 5. Happily for you, on Wednesday Hillary Clinton announced she's setting up Hispanic Leadership Councils in Illinois, Colorado and New Jersey. Obama will probably do something similar. Either way, I know it seems as if immigration is the most pressing concern facing the nation right now -- even I count myself among the 53 percent of Hispanics "worried someone close to me will be deported," according to the Pew Hispanic Center, though all my peeps are legal -- but it's not. No, it's a distant fifth place behind the health-care crisis, economic disruption from home foreclosures, global unrest and the war -- at least on my list. But if you feel ignored, Eduardo, remember your frustration in February.)
-- OUTRAGEOUS: Expand Gambling Horse-trading over slots necessary to get votes for transit - Editorial
COURIER NEWS
-- OUTRAGEOUS: Bilingual residents sought as election judges - Steve Lord
(THE ARTICLE: GENEVA -- John Cunningham might have an idea for students looking for extra credit. If you're taking a class in government, why not get an additional boost in your grade for serving as an election judge? Cunningham, the Kane County clerk, told members of the county board's public service committee he is working to get more juniors and seniors in high school to get election day off to work as judges. State law allows it if the student has a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. "And they get $125," Cunningham said, appealing to the other normally pressing need for students. Cunningham said he wants to contact government teachers in high schools throughout the county to learn whether they have students eligible who might want to serve. The enticement of some extra credit for getting involved in the election process might get more recruits. It could help an even more pressing need of the clerk's office if that student also studies Spanish. Cunningham said the search continues for more Spanish-speaking election judges in certain precincts. The county has 51 Spanish-speaking or bilingual judges lined up, said Joel Gonzales, an employee in the county clerk's office, but it could use 20 more.)
NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Naperville City Council approves Burchard severance package Deal includes loan forgiveness, insurance, $32,000 payout - Kate Houlihan
WHEATON LEADER
-- OUTSTANDING: U.S. News & World Report ranks Wheaton North High School in top 3 percent - Brian Hudson
PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Giuliani will speak at dinner GOP presidential hopeful will attend Lincoln Day event on Feb. 2 in East Peoria - Karen McDonald
(THE ARTICLE: EAST PEORIA - Showing a continued commitment to win the state, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani agreed to be the keynote speaker at the Tazewell County Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 2, just three days before Illinois' primary election. Tazewell County Republican Party Chairwoman Demetra DeMonte, a Giuliani delegate, said she received the confirmation on Tuesday. As the news started to spread, the event, being held in the ballroom at the Embassy Suites hotel and convention center, sold an additional 100 tickets on Tuesday alone for a total thus far of 630 guests. "We are known for wonderful, big events, and I let it be known that if he would come I would do my very best to get a huge crowd," DeMonte said. "He's spent a lot of time in Chicago, so that's why we really pushed to have him come down here. Central Illinois is the place to be." This will be the former New York mayor's first trip to central Illinois since announcing his candidacy, though he has spent time campaigning in the state. He was in the Chicago area within the past two weeks. "The attention (Republican presidential candidates) are showing to Illinois is indicative that they realize that Illinois is going to play a pivotal role in deciding who the next Republican presidential nominee is," said state GOP spokesman Lance Trover. A Giuliani spokesman could not be reached for comment. DeMonte said she's been pressing for Giuliani's appearance for six months. "These things don't just happen," she said. The East Peoria venue can hold up to 1,200 guests. DeMonte said the Tazewell Lincoln Day Dinner typically garners about 450 guests. "We've sold out the event the past four years. So this year, with construction of new Embassy Suites, we have lots more room," DeMonte said. Tazewell County Board Chairman Jim Unsicker said he was "taken aback" when he heard the news. "It's a national candidate, of course I'm excited. It boosts the party locally, and it certainly will boost our Lincoln Day Dinner," he said. Giuliani is one of nine GOP presidential hopefuls. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner starting at roughly 7 p.m. Tickets are $55 each or $550 for a table of 10. "It's probably going to be your least expensive presidential ticket you're going to get," DeMonte said. Anyone interested in attending can send a check payable to Tazewell County Republicans, 1000 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554.)
PIONEER LOCAL
-- 38th Ward: Chicago Republican Party played part in taking Chester Hornowski off ballot - Andrew Schneider
CNN
-- OUTSTANDING: Blagojevich Blinks, Illinois Backs off Ban of E-Verify
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JCDU6puvow (3:23 minute video clip that includes Roskam)
HUMAN EVENTS
-- Endorsements from Hastert and from Lott Pose Questions for Republicans - John Gizzi
(FROM THE COMMENTARY: In election cycles from 2000-06, J. Dennis Hastert was one of the most-sought-after campaigners for Republican candidates. The Speaker of the House, the top Republican office-holder in the nation after George Bush and Dick Cheney, was probably more personally liked among the GOP grass-roots than the President or Vice President. The one-time high school wrestling coach was “The Coach” to county leaders, donors, and party workers -- a loveable, bear-like figure who never said a harsh word about political opponents. He could be counted on to pack a fund-raising dinner with contributors from disparate party factions. With Republicans losing the House in ’06 and Hastert announcing his retirement from Congress earlier this year, it was inarguable that the currency of “the Coach” as party sachem and fund-raiser would be devalued. Indeed, he was the first former House Speaker since fellow Republican Joe Martin of Massachusetts to stay in the House as one of the 435 Members after relinquishing his gavel. Now he has resigned from Congress altogether and the question pundits and pols wonder is what is Hastert’s endorsement worth in his own district? Last week, the former speaker and former congressman weighed in with a strong endorsement of investment banker and dairyman Jim Oberweis as his successor in the Republican primary and special election in February. In past election cycles, Oberweis could not be blamed for checking out homes in the Washington area or interviewing staffers after being endorsed in a primary by Speaker Hastert. What’s different this year is that Denny Hastert is no longer “Mr. Speaker” or “Congressman Hastert” but “Mr. Hastert.” And that could be very different. Oberweis’s leading primary opponent is State Sen. Chris Lauzen, one of the “Fabulous Five” of conservative Republican legislators when he won his first term in Springfield in 1992. Oberweis is also conservative and there is little disagreement on issues save who should be congressman from the 14th District. Following Hastert’s blessing of Oberweis, Lauzen promptly did what would have been the equivalent of laughing aloud in Church in 14th District GOP politics a year ago: he took a whack at Hastert. “Former Congressman Hastert’s [italics added] decision [to endorse Oberweis] is what this campaign is all about,” declared Lauzen, “big money and big Insider Establishment clout versus the rest of us in the grassroots.” “The Hastert endorsement may be good for Oberweis (who has lost all three campaigns he’s ever run, including the 2002 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.” Strong medicine, all right. We’ll know if it works soon enough; the Republican primary will be February 5 -- the same day as the primary for the full term -- and the special election will be held March 8.)
-- Huckabee, Giuliani, McCain All Terrible on Illegal Immigration - Michelle Malkin
NEWSMAX
-- Ann Coulter: Huckabee Like GOP Jimmy Carter
(THE ARTICLE: Conservative pundit Ann Coulter says GOP presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee is the “Republican Jimmy Carter” and nominating him would be a big mistake for the party. Appearing with John Gibson and Heather Nauert on Fox News’ “The Big Story,” Coulter was asked about Huckabee’s recent surge in the polls. “I’m getting tired of this being blamed on the evangelicals,” said Coulter. Huckabee’s rise is actually “bad for the evangelicals,” she asserted. “Mike Huckabee is the Republican Jimmy Carter.” Nominating the ordained Baptist minister “would be a big mistake,” Coulter opined. “He has many good qualities. Unfortunately, the things that are upsetting to the mainstream media about Huckabee are what normal Americans like.” She cited as examples Huckabee’s “religiosity and his questioning of Darwinian evolution.” But she criticized the former Arkansas governor for opposing a bill that would have required Arkansas residents to prove they are Americans before they could vote or get social services. Coulter — whose latest book is “If Democrats Had Any Brains, They’d Be Republicans” — was also asked about Hillary Clinton’s recent decline in the polls. “Hillary really is in trouble, which would be fantastic,” she replied. “But I won’t believe it until we see the dead body.” When Gibson asked if she meant that literally, Coulter declined to answer. But she did go on to declare, regarding the Clintons: “I would love to see this national pestilence finished off once and for all. The primary would be great. If not, I’ll take the general election.”)
NEW YORK TIMES
-- Obama’s Vote in Illinois Was Often Just ‘Present’ - Raymond Hernandez and Christopher Drew
