GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - December 4, 2007
GOPUSA Illinois Daily Clips for December 4, 2007 includes news and commentaries on the following topics:
- Peter Roskam, 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 . . .
CNN
-- CNN Calls Illinois a "Sanctuary State" - Peter Roskam Speaks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHIw-y9OyRM (2:52 minute video clip on YOUTUBE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHIw-y9OyRM (2:52 minute video clip on YOUTUBE)
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- Durante update on Hyde funeral - Dave Diersen
(THE ARTICLE: Longtime aide to Congressman Henry Hyde, Patrick Durante,confirmed moments ago that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has allowed for the use of a plane so House Members can attend Hyde’s funeral Friday morning in St Charles. It is not known at this time which House Members and exactly how many will be in attendance. What is known is that many Members and a few U.S. Federal Judges have asked for space on the plane. More to follow later.)
-- Schillerstrom and Saar speak at outstanding DuPage County Republican Central Committee Executive Committee meeting - Dave Diersen
(THE ARTICLE: Bob Schillerstrom, the DuPage County Board Chairman and the DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC) Secretary, and Bob Saar, the DuPage County Election Commission Executive Director, spoke at an outstanding DCRCC Executive Committee meeting Monday evening, December 3, at DCRCC headquarters in Wheaton. Dan Cronin, an Illinois State Senator and the DCRCC Chairman, conducted the meeting. Attendees included Gwen Henry, the DuPage County Treasurer and the DCRCC Treasurer; Barb Murphy, the DCRCC Chairwoman; DuPage County Republican township party chairmen Pat Durante, Paul Hinds, Mike Prueter, Darlene Ruscitti, and Leonard Sanchez; Ron Smith, the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committeeman for the 6th Congressional District; and Lynn Crane, Tony Cuzzone, Chris Edwards, Bob Grogan, Mark Kmiecik, Dagmar Lofgren, Liz Martinez, Pam Mitroff, Gary Muehlfelt, Al Murphy, and Doreen Nelson.)
DAILY HERALD
-- Services for Hyde start Thursday
(THE ARTICLE: Services for former U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde will begin with a wake from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main St. in St. Charles. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, also at St. John Neumann Church. Patrick Durante, longtime aide and friend to Hyde, said the church was chosen for the wake in order to accommodate the large crowd expected to pay respects to the former congressman. Services for Hyde, who died Wednesday at age 83, are expected to draw elected officials and dignitaries from Washington and across the country, as well as from throughout the 6th Congressional District, which he served for 32 years.)
-- 14th Congressional District: Special primary to replace Hastert will be same day as regular primary - Lisa Smith
(THE ARTICLE: Voters in the 14th Congressional District will have the opportunity to cast two ballots Feb. 5, the governor announced Monday. One will allow them to nominate a candidate to fulfill the remainder of former U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert's term and the other will allow them to nominate a candidate to succeed him. In scheduling the special primary election the same day as the regular primary, Gov. Rod Blagojevich honored Hastert's request to minimize inconvenience -- and expense -- to voters. "It's not a (cost) savings, but it's better than having two elections" on different days, said Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham. "It would be twice as expensive." But the simultaneous elections could cause confusion at the polls, Cunningham pointed out. It also is likely to result in longer lines. More than half of the voters in the 14th Congressional District live in Kane County. The district also includes parts of Henry, Bureau, Whiteside, Lee, DeKalb, Kendall and DuPage counties. Holding a special election in Kane County will cost an estimated $400,000, according to Cunningham. Combined with cost estimates provided by other election officials, the total cost of having a special election on Feb. 5 could top $1 million. The Republican and Democratic nominees determined by the special primary election will compete in a special general election March 8 -- which is a Saturday. That winner will fulfill the remaining 10 months of Hastert's term. It's possible voters could elect a different candidate to succeed Hastert when the general election takes place Nov. 4, 2008. Congressmen are elected to two-year terms. Candidates seeking to compete in the special election can begin circulating their petitions immediately. Filing could begin Dec. 10 and the objection period could begin Dec. 17. The Illinois State Board of Elections is expected to officially set those dates when it meets Thursday. Even those candidates already running in the regular primary must submit new paperwork to run in the special primary. It's unclear whether voters can vote for a candidate from one party in the special and a different party in the regular primary, said Dan White, executive director of the state board. "That's a good question and we think that is permissible," White said. "I think we need to take a good hard look at that." Republican candidates for the regular primary are dairy magnate and businessman Jim Oberweis, state Sen. Chris Lauzen, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and dark horse Michael Dilger. Democratic candidates are Geneva scientist Bill Foster, U.S. Navy veteran and carpenter John Laesch, St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein, and Geneva resident Joe Serra. Most have indicated they plan to run in the special election as well.)
-- OUTSTANDING: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD IN DUPAGE EDITION WITH COLOR PHOTO OF CURRAN: Lake County sheriff Curran steps into immigration issue Department applies to help with deportations - Tony Gordon
-- OUTRAGEOUS AND VERY SAD BECAUSE THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM DISCOURAGES EXPANSION OF GAMBLING: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD IN DUPAGE EDITION: Gaming board to renew quest for final casino license - David Beery
-- GOPUSA ILLINOIS ENCOURAGES ALL ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN ACTIVISTS, CANDIDATES, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND PARTY LEADERS TO WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Look at the positives in the GOP - Daniel Venturi, Lake County Republican chairman
(THE LETTER: It's unfortunate the lack of media coverage given to the recent rebuilding efforts of the Illinois Republican Party. Throughout this year, the party has undertaken unprecedented efforts to rebuild and re-brand. From its multicity reform tour, to the success of its straw poll at the Illinois State Fair to the unparalleled fundraising, the party is on a mission to reform the state of Illinois. Recently, as part of the reform agenda, state party Chairman Andy McKenna convened a leadership training retreat for grassroots volunteers from throughout Illinois. Nationally recognized political consultants from throughout the nation came to Oak Brook and offered training and advice on how to win elections in during the 2008 election cycle. The most notable aspect of the event is that over 300 grassroots leaders from the Republican Party convened in Oak Brook on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to plan for the 2008 election. Clearly, excitement among Republicans was in the air on this Saturday. Unfortunately, very few from the media showed up to cover such a successful event. It would be nice for newspapers to report on some of the positive aspects rising out of the Republican Party and the reform effort that is happening on the grassroots level.)
-- GOPUSA ILLINOIS ENCOURAGES ALL ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN ACTIVISTS, CANDIDATES, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND PARTY LEADERS TO WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Legislators who are ready for reform - Kirk W. Dillard, Republican Whip, Illinois State Senate, Hinsdale
(THE LETTER: In 1998, I sponsored -- with then state Sen. Barack Obama and House Republican Leader Tom Cross -- the most sweeping ethics reforms ever approved by the General Assembly. It was the first major Illinois ethics changes enacted in 25 years. So I read with interest the Nov. 24 letter, "Money can still buy influence in Illinois." A coalition of civic groups guided the passage of the landmark ethics law. It banned the personal use of campaign funds, prohibited officials from receiving gifts from lobbyists, curtailed fundraising on state property, outlawed Springfield fundraisers during legislative session and put every campaign donation over $150 on the Internet. A second law I passed banned fundraising from those a person regulates. Currently pending is HB 1 which has passed the House and is now held hostage by Senate President Emil Jones - even though 46 of 59 senators have signed on as sponsors. HB 1 is aimed at Gov. Blagojevich's "pay to play" politics and prohibits a state vendor which receives over $25,000 in contracts from making political contributions. One cannot legislate morality. However, the General Assembly has continued to take steps toward a better Illinois government. Fortunately too, we have been flanked by an outstanding U.S. Attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald. The incidents cited in the Fence Post letter were before my bills passed. Some of us are trying to clean up Illinois government!!)
-- 56th House District candidate Kegarise knocked off ballot - Ashok Selvam
ABC7
-- OUTRAGEOUS AND VERY SAD BECAUSE THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM DISCOURAGES EXPANSION OF GAMBLING: Legislative leaders close to deal to expand gambling - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5811167 (Includes video clip)
NBC5
-- NOT SURPRISING: Ministers Opposed To Casino: Let Voters Decide
(THE ARTICLE: CHICAGO -- Some Chicago religious leaders opposed to a Chicago casino are demanding a referendum to let the voters decide. The ministers and Jewish leaders held a news conference Monday morning, hoping to send a message to lawmakers. They said a majority of Chicago residents oppose building a casino. The group is trying to force a citywide referendum on the casino issue next November, and they're also demanding that public hearings on casino gambling be held in the African American community.)
CBS2
-- OUTRAGEOUS AND VERY SAD BECAUSE THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM DISCOURAGES EXPANSION OF GAMBLING: Lawmakers Again Consider Gambling To Help Fund CTA Another Vote Could Take Place In Springfield Next Week - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/transit.funding.cta.2.601505.html (Includes video clip)
(THE ARTICLE: The state's top lawmakers and Governor Rod Blagojevich are still trying to agree on a gambling expansion that would pay for a statewide construction program and pave the way for a mass-transit bailout. They hope to reconvene in Springfield next week. As Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, House Speaker Mike Madigan met Monday with Republican leaders of the general assembly. The Republicans had shuttled over after meeting earlier with a man the speaker declined to meet with – Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The vast expansion of gambling that Blagojevich and the legislative leaders discussed once again Monday is a prospect that outrages some. They're demanding a voter referendum first. "They cannot buy the ballot box," said Rev. Tom Grey, a gambling opponent. "What they can buy are state legislators." Opponents argue that before politicians authorize seven new Chicago area casinos -- only Las Vegas would have more gambling -- the people should be given a direct voice. "The massive expansion of public gambling is not what the public wants," said Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn. "In fact I think the public ought to have a chance by referendum to weigh in on whether all this gambling -- enhanced gambling -- is a good idea." "Well that's not the way it's done in Illinois," said Republican Senate leader Tom Watson. "It's done through the legislative process who represent the people from various districts. I'm not comfortable with all the gambling and never have been." The legislative leaders who met with the governor at the Thompson Center Monday said it's their goal to convene the general assembly next week to have a final vote. "The first thing next week to pass the legislation to take care of funding for CTA, Metra and Pace, at the same time take care of the capital needs of the state of Illinois," said Democrat Senate President Emil Jones. Many lawmakers don't want to approve mass transit aid until a deal is reached on a capital program. The problem is Madigan and Jones are as much at odds with each other as Blagojevich and Madigan are. That complicates their ability to negotiate a compromise. It also leaves Republican legislators in the bizarre position of trying to bring the Democrats in Springfield together. Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says the plan is for legislative leaders to meet again Tuesday and then head back to Springfield next week to vote on capital and transit.)
LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran applies for immigration authority 'Not against illegals per se, but the baddest of the illegals' - Jim Newton
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Lake County Sheriff Curran to take 12-week police academy course at the College of DuPage
(THE ARTICLE: Boot camp for Curran In an unusual move, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran has enrolled for police academy training. While it may seem like a school superintendent taking an entry-level class, Curran said the training will help him better understand the work his deputies do. "It's something I wanted to do," Curran said. "I don't believe in asking others to do something I won't do." Curran, 44, has begun jogging and working out in preparation for the rigors of the academy. The sheriff is scheduled to begin the 12-week course at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage on Jan. 7. He said he will remain accessible and in contact with his administration on lunch breaks and after classes end each day. Curran said that while his duties are primarily administrative, and he learned much about police work in his 15 years as a prosecutor, "there are some things I don't have knowledge of.")
BEACON NEWS
-- 14th Congressional District: Special election dates are set - Andre Salles
(THE ARTICLE: Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Monday the dates for the special election to replace U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert. The special primary for the 14th Congressional District seat will be on Feb. 5, the same date as the previously scheduled primary election, and the special general election is set for March 8. The total cost of a special election has been estimated at more than $1 million. Hastert resigned last week after serving nearly 21 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, triggering a special election. Under state law, Blagojevich had until Monday to issue his writ scheduling that election. Hastert, in his resignation letter, said that he picked the date of his exit to allow time for a special primary on Feb. 5, and suggested that date to the governor. There will be two distinct primary elections on Feb. 5. The winners of the special primary will go on to the special general election on March 8, vying to fill the remainder of Hastert's term in office, which expires in January of 2009. The winners of the regular primary, however, will go on to the general election on Nov. 4. The winner of that election will serve a two-year term beginning in January of 2009. Blagojevich sent letters to all eight counties -- Kane, Kendall, DuPage, Henry, Bureau, Whiteside, Lee and DeKalb -- in the 14th District Monday. The timing of the election has caused another dilemma as well. According to Steve Sturm, attorney for the Illinois State Board of Elections, the filing period for the special election will begin Dec. 10, and conclude on Dec. 17. State law says that the filing period can be no more than 57 days before the primary election. That means that the circulation period, during which candidates are allowed to solicit signatures to get on the ballot, has already begun. The law gives a maximum of 90 days for candidates to get their signatures, but in this case they'll have 14 -- if they started Monday. Candidates must gather the same number of signatures for the special election as they did for the general election -- Republicans have to get 793, Democrats 863. And since the date of the special election must be included on the petitions, most of the campaigns waited for the governor's writ to start the process. Still, the candidates are uniformly upbeat about their chances of gathering the appropriate number before the deadline. Candidates contacted Monday -- Aurora dairy magnate Jim Oberweis, State Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, all Republicans; and Geneva scientist Bill Foster, St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein, Yorkville resident John Laesch and Geneva businessman Joe Serra, all Democrats -- all said they were prepared to get their signatures in by the deadline for the special primary. Foster's campaign already has been circulating petitions early -- according to spokesman Tom Bowen, Foster's staff started on Saturday. Bowen said that the campaign printed up petitions for a Feb. 5 election, betting that the governor would call it for that date. "We understood it was a short amount of time, and we planned accordingly," Bowen said. "Any campaign that didn't count backward from Feb. 5 and get ready just isn't prepared." Sturm said that candidates were allowed to circulate petitions before the governor announced the date. The risk, he said, would be that if the election were called for another day, the signatures gathered for Feb. 5 would not be valid. Stein said that giving candidates only two weeks to circulate and submit petitions could be "constitutionally infirm," meaning there is no strong argument for it in the Constitution. Lauzen expressed reservations about the short time period imposed by the governor. But he limited further comments to one sentence: "My mama taught me that if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all." The Beacon News is inviting readers to help shape our coverage of the 14th Congressional District campaign. What do you think are the major issues in the race to succeed longtime Rep. Dennis Hastert? What questions would you ask the candidates? Send your questions and ideas to Beacon News Opinions Editor Dave Parro by e-mail at dparro@scn1.com or fax at (630) 844-1043.)
NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Naperville to set priorities at state level - Kate Houlihan
HERALD NEWS
-- 11th Congressional District: Baldermann stays on ballot - Susan DeMar Lafferty
(THE ARTICLE: NEW LENOX -- Tim Baldermann's name will remain on the Feb. 5 primary ballot as a congressional candidate, the state board of elections reported. Jim Tenuto, a hearing officer for the state board, said he was informed via e-mail by the attorney for the objector, Wong Loi Sing of Mokena, that the objection would be withdrawn. Tenuto said even if all of Sing's objections were upheld, Baldermann still would meet the required 814 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Baldermann submitted 1,221 signatures, and Sing questioned 319.)
COURIER NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Duckworth decries the cost of fighting terrorism
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Hillary slams Obama 'present' votes on abortion, gun laws while he was in the Illinois Senate - Dave McKinney
(THE ARTICLE: White House hopeful Hillary Clinton sharpened her attacks on Democratic rival Barack Obama on Monday, criticizing him for failing to vote yes or no on a series of abortion and gun-control measures when he was in the Illinois Senate. Speaking in Iowa, Clinton singled out nine roll calls in which Obama voted "present." The votes dealt with abortion and gun-control initiatives. "A president can't vote 'present.' A president can't pick and choose which challenges he or she will face," Clinton said. Obama's campaign shot back at the New York senator, touting his support of abortion rights and a Springfield record that included helping reform the death penalty. "Barack Obama doesn't need lectures in political courage from someone who followed George Bush to war in Iraq, gave him the benefit of the doubt on Iran, supported NAFTA and opposed ethanol until she decided to run for president," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. 'The poor guy' One of Obama's "present" votes was on 1999 legislation that would have required teens 15 and older to be tried as adults for firing weapons on or near school grounds. He was among five African-American senators voting present. "I'm for getting guns off the streets, but I'm not for treating these juveniles as adults," said state Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago), who voted "present" with Obama. On the abortion bills, legislators who supported women's rights to the procedure were encouraged to vote "present" on bills that would have required parental notice before minors could obtain abortions and that would have barred what abortion foes call "partial-birth" abortions, a leading abortion-rights advocate said. The goal was to entice moderate Republicans and Democrats to also vote present, helping to defeat the bills. "The poor guy is getting all this heat for a strategy we, the pro-choice community, did," said Pam Sutherland, president and CEO of the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Steve Huntley paints a happy face on liberals and the Democrat presidential primary and a sad face on conservatives and the Republican presidential primary
http://www.suntimes.com (Commentary not posted as of 7:30 AM)
SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Governor skates on thin ice - Rich Miller
BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: OUTSTANDING: Belleville News Democrat urges Illinois voters to enter the Illinois Republican Party "Governor For A Day" contest
(THE EDITORIAL: Too busy to govern Last week, just before the Chicago transit bailout bill crashed and burned in Springfield, Gov. Rod Blagojevich jetted back to Chicago -- at taxpayer expense -- to attend a Blackhawks hockey game. It gave the Chicago TV station doing an expose on the governor's slacker work habits the perfect ending for its report. And it handed Illinois Republicans the perfect opening to launch its Governor for the Day contest. The winner will begin the day whenever he wants, go to a salon for a haircut and massage, eat a first-class lunch, tour Chicago landmarks and then end the day at a Blackhawks game. "While we can't give you a $155,000 taxpayer funded paycheck to do nothing, we will attempt to come close by giving you what we believe one day in the life of Rod Blagojevich might be like," said GOP spokesman Lance Trover. Ha, ha. Might as well laugh because otherwise the political incompetence in Illinois would make you cry. Democrats control the governor's office and both houses of the legislature, and yet the budget was months late and they can't agree on the transit bailout or a capital spending plan. Whoever heard of one-party gridlock before now? Blagojevich is expected to call another special legislative session next week on transit and the capital plan. Maybe this time something actually will be accomplished -- but don't hold your breath. In the meantime, why not enter that GOP contest? E-mail your name and contact information to GovernorforaDay@ilgop.org. The winner is to be announced on www.WeAreIllinois.org at noon Wednesday.)
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chuck Sweeny blasts Fred Thompson; Chuck Sweeny blasts Manzullo for backing Thompson
BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- State lawmakers could vote next week on transit, gambling - Deanna Bellandi
(THE ARTICLE: CHICAGO -- The state's top lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich met Monday to discuss an expansion plan that would pay for a statewide construction program and pave the way for a mass-transit bailout, but one key lawmaker missed the meeting. Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan skipped the discussion at Blagojevich's office with the other top legislative leaders, although the state's two Republican leaders met afterward with him. Senate President Emil Jones, a Blagojevich ally, said it was counterproductive for Madigan to miss the meeting aimed at trying to resolve a logjam that has left transit riders facing threatened service cuts and fare increases. ``He should have been here today,'' Jones, a Democrat, said of Madigan. The speaker had a prior commitment, Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said. Many lawmakers have made it clear they won't approve mass transit aid to help Chicago-area commuters until a deal is reached on a capital program to build roads, bridges and schools around the state. Two short-term bailouts from Blagojevich have propped up the Chicago Transit Authority and its suburban counterparts but that money runs out in January. Jones and Blagojevich have had stormy relations with Madigan throughout a protracted legislative session and Republican House leader Tom Cross has had to serve as peacemaker, something he did again on Monday. After meeting with Blagojevich and Jones, Cross and Republican Senate leader Frank Watson headed out to confer with Madigan. ``We're just gonna go to Madigan's office and try to continue negotiations to get more done,'' Watson said. The plan was for legislative leaders to meet again on Tuesday and then head back to Springfield next week to vote on capital and transit bills, said Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff.)
WBBM780
-- Lawmakers Take Another Crack At Funding Mass Transit - Bob Roberts and Craig Dellimore
CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Leaders to convene again over transit funding - AP
(THE ARTICLE: The state's top lawmakers and Governor Rod Blagojevich are still trying to agree on a gambling expansion that would pay for a statewide construction program and pave the way for a mass-transit bailout. Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says the plan is for legislative leaders to meet again Tuesday and then head back to Springfield next week to vote on capital and transit. Three of the four legislative leaders met with the governor in his Chicago office this morning. The state's top two Republicans then left to meet with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, who skipped the meeting because of a scheduling conflict. Many lawmakers don't want to approve mass transit aid until a deal is reached on a capital program.)
-- Primary election to replace Representative Hastert set for February 5 -
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27315
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27315
(THE ARTICLE: A special primary election to replace retired U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert will be held on February 5, the same date as Illinois’ regularly scheduled primary election next year, with the special general election following shortly afterward on March 8, a Saturday. The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of Mr. Hastert’s term until January 2009, when the winner of the general election in November will be sworn in. Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced the dates today following the former House Speaker’s formal resignation a week ago. The Plano Republican requested the special primary to be held on the same day as the regular primary to reduce inconvenience for voters in the 14th congressional district, which includes parts of Kane, Henry, Bureau, Whiteside, Lee, DeKalb, Kendall and DuPage counties. Former Rep. Hastert, a former high school wrestling coach and teacher, served almost 21 years in Congress and was the longest serving GOP House Speaker.)
(THE COMMENTARY: The late Henry Hyde irked many — me included — with his political stands. But it's hard not to like the sheer cheek of a guy who, confronted with having an affair in his 40s, called it a "youthful indiscretion." Or the craft of someone who, in opposing congressional term limits, wondered if a patient about to undergo brain surgery would ask his physician, "Are you a careerist?" Adieu, Henry.)
POLITICO
-- '08 hot spots for immigration included Illinois' 6th Congressional District - Josh Kraushaar
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Here’s a look at the congressional races in which immigration is poised to become a combustible issue: . . . Illinois’ 6th District. Immigration has emerged as a central issue in the fight for this upper-middle-class suburban Chicago district. Freshman GOP Rep. Peter J. Roskam effectively deployed the issue against last year’s nominee, Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Iraq war hero. The likely 2008 Democratic nominee, Jill Morgenthaler, is going on the offensive, accusing Roskam of neglecting border security. But in a follow-up interview last month, Morgenthaler opened herself up to criticism by suggesting she opposed building a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border.)
CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- Parties Gearing up for Hastert Seat Special Election - Greg Giroux
(THE ARTICLE: The U.S. House seat in Illinois’ 14th District, which former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert recently vacated, will be filled in a special election process that will begin with a primary election on Feb. 5 and conclude with a general election on March 8. Illinois’ 14th has a generic Republican lean; President Bush took 55 percent of the district vote in the 2004 election. But Illinois has been trending Democratic of late, and the district is the most politically competitive of the four congressional districts that are vacant — or soon will be. The Illinois 14 special election could attract national attention and bellwether status early in the 2008 election year. CQ Politics has applied an early rating of Leans Republican, which means that the GOP has a slight advantage but that a highly competitive race is expected. That rating is subject to change. Illinois Democratic Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich set the special election schedule on Monday, exactly one week after Hastert resigned midway through his 11th House term. Hastert had said in August that he would not seek re-election next year in Illinois’ 14th, which takes in suburbs west of Chicago and rural territory much farther west, nearly to the Mississippi River. The Feb. 5 special primary election will coincide with Illinois’ regularly scheduled primary election, in which Illinois voters will choose nominees for a full two-year House term that begins in January 2009. Illinois voters that day also will select their preferences for president. According to Illinois law, candidates who want to participate in the Illinois 14 special must file qualifying paperwork with election authorities between Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.The participants will include many if not all of the candidates who already met a Nov. 5 filing deadline to compete in the regular primary election. The two leading Republican candidates are state Sen. Chris Lauzen, a veteran state legislator, and Jim Oberweis, a wealthy dairy executive who lost Republican primaries for senator in 2002 and 2004 and governor in 2006. Oberweis has spent $977,000 of his own money on the race. The Democratic contest includes Bill Foster, a scientist who party officials consider the leading Democratic candidate, and 2006 Democratic nominee Jonathan Laesch. Foster is personally wealthy, and on Nov. 29 his campaign reported that he loaned his campaign $600,000, bringing his personal spending in the contest to $921,000. The winner of the March 8 special election, which falls on a Saturday, will be able to accrue eight months of seniority before the November 2008 general election, when he or she will be running for a full term as an incumbent member of Congress. The other vacant House districts are Ohio’s 5th and Virginia’s 1st, where special elections will be held Dec. 11 to replace the late Republican Reps. Paul E. Gillmor and Jo Ann Davis, respectively. Republican Rep. Bobby Jindal will resign from Louisiana’s 1st District on Jan. 14 to become his state’s governor.)
TOM ROESER
-- Crowding the Hyde Mourners’ Bench
(THE ARTICLE: No sooner did Henry Hyde die than the “Tribune” rushed out with a story long on laudatory and very-very short on analysis. . .topped by the “Sun-Times” which had more of a story. The difference between the two papers is starting to be this-in obit news of the greats, for the sanitized version read the “Tribune” which is like reading the establishment’s official bio; if you want to learn more than he official typescript you read the “Sun-Times.” Two who crowded the mourners’ bench, burbling their lachrymose tears into their hankies were, predictably, Democratic Congressman Rahm Emanuel who was White House political director for Bill Clinton when Hyde led the House impeachment and the recently resigned (to spend more time with his family, of course) Republican Denny Hastert (good ol’ Denny, his eyebrows waggling up and down, his lips pursed as if to say perhaps major but then thinks better of it). Now that the dead Hyde can’t contradict, Emanuel said that Hyde was like a friendly mentor to him in the House. (This after Emanuel’s service as White House political director when he had looked heavenward in innocence as Larry Flynt and “Salon” detailed a 40 year old story about Hyde in an attempt to destroy him and the charges of perjury against Bill Clinton. You see, everybody does it!). Warm, greathearted old Uncle Henry put a grandfatherly arm around him and--. (Knowing Henry he’d pull that scrawny neck to his bosom so tightly the ex-ballet dancer couldn’t breathe). Then the newly-thin Hastert crowded into the pew with his misty-eyed reminiscence that Hyde was-lo and behold-a mentor to him as well when Hastert was in the state legislature. The “Trib” mentioned nothing whatsoever of any possible connection, even subliminal, between Emanuel and the payback recycled smear on the late congressman. Nor that Hastert refused his fond mentor’s request for an extension of his judiciary chairmanship and then backed a rival to head the House International Relations committee. There is no institutional memory at the “Trib” evidently; not even to remember to look at the Morgue clips or what passes for them these days. It can remember the Flynt charge but nothing else, no Illinois connection. That’s because its Washington staff is largely out-of-town, thus out-of-luck and historically out-of-pocket. If the “Trib” didn’t have John Kass and Dennis Byrne, well, I dunno what it’d be. Over at the “Sun-Times,” Chicago smart Lynn Sweet and Abdon Pallasch gave a revelatory précis-echoing the tabloid’s once great coverage of old-- of what happened as Hyde prepared the bill of impeachment against Clinton. They interviewed Ab Mikva, former Jimmy Carter-appointed federal judge who was Clinton’s ethics chief in the White House (self-adulated “Mr. Ethics” who like the bordello piano player didn’t fathom what was going on in the anteroom of the Oval Office while his chief was being pleasured by a eager and willing to please taxpayer-paid intern). Mikva’s job was to water down House impeachment to censure. He told Sweet real historical news: that Hyde originally was favorably disposed to censure but swerved away from that decision after. . .as Ab said (for the first time I ever read) officially that somebody in the White House orchestrated the leakage of the old affair against Hyde. That’s right: someone in the White House leaked it, Ab said. Never came out before. Great, Lynn! You deserve far more dough than what you obviously must get for that great revelation. And who in the White House. . .? Aw forget it. This is all news to the “Tribune” which has much more staff and resources than the “Sun-Times” but is afflicted with corporate journalistic memory that doesn’t extend beyond the day before yesterday. Like when you’re teaching political science and a kid asks “who was Hubert Humphrey?” Makes you want to swat him. And he asks angrily because he’s bored that you are intruding on his precious relevance with today by bringing the name Humphrey up. But the world cup for vacuous came to me last week. The “Herald” newspaper which covers the northwest suburbs who had someone collecting comments with the tabula raza of somebody who just arrived from Mars. When told the Congressman reflected what few others did-the full nature of the office which goes by the title “United States Representative in Congress” it seemed like fresh news to him but not enough news to print. He copied down the title like it was news to him: United States Repre--. But here’s the payoff. When told that the Congressman on his retirement, after 32 years in the cockpit of House action from Watergate backlash from Jerry Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan. George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton to George W. Bush, having headed two House committees, was savaged by the White House and blocked by his own Speaker after dealing with the first impeachment of a president since Andrew Johnson and going on to defend a war with Iraq all the while doubting its efficacy. . .the kid asked brightly-- “A book? On what?” On gardening, of course.
FAMILY TAXPAYERS NETWORK
-- The day mega-millionaire Jim Oberweis claimed to be broke - John Biver
(THE ARTICLE: Voters in the 14th Congressional District will soon be deciding who they’d like to see replace former Congressman Dennis Hastert. Hastert resigned this past week, having decided not to keep the promise he made to fill out the remainder of his term. FTN is going to have a lot to say about that race in the coming days and weeks. Voters who agree with FTN’s call for change need to elect people they can trust to get the job done. Republican voters all around the country have heard campaign promises for many years from Congressional candidates who say they’re for limited and ethical government. But then we see an explosion of domestic spending and scandals like the one involving Mark Foley despite Republicans holding power. There are times when we get a window into a person’s veracity, and voters in the 14th Congressional District need to consider facts about what took place on Monday, March 13, 2006, eight days before last year's primary election. Jim Oberweis, the mega-millionaire candidate who was running for governor, asked for a meeting at FTN where he then told us he was broke. Yes, you read that right. That Jim Oberweis. The same guy who proudly lists Oberweis Dairy and Oberweis Asset Management on his resume. Fundraising is expected of course, even by wealthy candidates, so that wasn’t the problem. The problem was his claim of poverty and the sheer size of the dollar amount he requested. Now it is well known that Jim has spent upwards of $8 million dollars of his own money running unsuccessfully for office during the past five years. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2002 and 2004, and then for governor in 2006. To keep his streak alive, he’s running for Congress in 2008. Anyone who has heard Jim Oberweis brag about the profitability of his asset management company, or seen his dairy stores popping up all over metro-Chicago, will have a hard time believing he couldn’t come up with $200,000 dollars to cover the planned expenditures in the final week of his campaign. What’s clear is that a week out from Election Day Jim Oberweis just didn’t want to spend any more of his own money. So he said he didn’t have any. Knowing Jack Roeser was committed to reform and to the defeat of the liberal pay-to-play candidate Judy Baar Topinka, Jim came begging. Now, just a year and a half later, Oberweis claims to have money again. Lots and lots of money. In fact he’s bragging that he’s ready to spend several million of his own newly found dollars in the primary campaign alone. His highly paid political consultants are touting Jim’s ability to self-fund in the general election as well. They’re claiming that as the chief reason voters should support him in the primary. A couple of months ago I made it a point to ask Jim Oberweis about his 2006 rags to 2007 riches tale. While he wouldn’t look me in the eye when he answered, he said in so many words that yes, that was his story and he was sticking to it. Now my fellow voters in the 14th Congressional District have to decide what they believe. Those of us who want to see change realize that it’s imperative for us to elect a better class of people. Honesty matters and character is the issue. We all know what most political promises are worth these days. Those who read this should also consider that what makes this episode all the more disgusting is the fact that Jim Oberweis took advantage of the one guy in Illinois politics that has been completely unselfish when it comes to high dollar campaign contributions. Jim Oberweis is just one in a long line of rich people in Illinois history financing their own political ambition. Jack Roeser stands alone as a man who has selflessly helped more campaigns and political causes than probably any other individual in Illinois during the past fifteen years. And unlike most other big givers, Jack expects nothing in return except good, honest government. You can read the campaign disclosures for yourself. While special interest PACs dominate campaign funding, few individuals spend hundreds of thousands on other people’s campaigns. It’s well known that Jack’s expenditures now total in the millions of dollars in this decade alone. Just last year he single-handily stepped in at a late hour to try and save the Protect Marriage Illinois ballot initiative, contributing about $400,000 with no other motive than to advance an important cause. We’ve already written about the fact that Oberweis is no Jack Roeser – you can read it here: Jim Oberweis: missing opportunities, endorsing corruption, embracing failure. The plain fact is Jim Oberweis knew that Jack Roeser had been helping others for many years, and Jim didn’t hesitate to take Jack’s money rather than do the honorable thing and spend his own. When it was over, Jack Roeser’s contributions to the Oberweis campaign totaled well over half a million dollars. Jack even sent out a statewide mailing warning voters about the disastrous consequences that would result if Topinka got the nomination. That train wreck occurred as expected. Based on what Jim Oberweis was saying on the campaign trail in 2006 FTN and Jack Roeser supported his candidacy. In 2008, the principle articulated by Lincoln applies: "Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong." It didn’t take Oberweis long after his defeat in the primary to show that his credibility problems extended beyond his own financial condition. Within a short time Jim showed he really wasn’t being truthful when he claimed to be a reformer. Up next: Jim Oberweis was against corruption before he decided to endorse it.)
ANDY MARTIN CAMPAIGN
-- Andy Martin is surprised as primary opponent fails to show at Chicago Tribune debate. "What was more important than the Chicago Tribune?" Martin asks.
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Republican U. S. Senate candidate Steve Sauerberg Monday snubbed a senate candidates' debate organized by the Chicago Tribune. Republican senate candidate Andy Martin is urging Illinois Republican Chairman Andy McKenna to organize a search party, to look for the missing candidate. 'Maybe we could call it ‘Sauerberg for a Day,'- Martin chortled. 'What was so ‘important' on Sauerberg's campaign schedule that he could not show up at the Chicago Tribune?- Martin asked. 'When you are running for a legislative office, editors want to see how a candidate interacts with other candidates as well as the editors. Is Sauerberg in hiding? 'Is Sauerberg ashamed to confront Tribune editors on his goofy scheme to abolish jury trials for victims of medical malpractice? I guess if I proposed something that loopy I might be hiding too. 'I realize that doctors think they are too important to associate with the hoi polloi, but I never realized that in ‘Sauerberg's World' he feels he can thumb his nose at the Chicago Tribune. It was an amateurish thing to do, but then Steve is an amateur. It shows. I have said Sauerberg is neither a serious nor a credible candidate for the U. S. Senate. Today he proved it,- Martin said.)
YOUTUBE
-- Hyde Tribute Clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBEsWmaKcvE (Fox News - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNlxNisLKWk (CBS2 - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBEsWmaKcvE (Fox News - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNlxNisLKWk (CBS2 - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FubaTrlRJZU (NBC5 - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7CH3KjkfuE (ABC7 - Includes Roskam)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7CH3KjkfuE (ABC7 - Includes Roskam)
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