Illinois Review

Illinois should cut deeper, says AFP

from Americans for Prosperity - Illinois

The Illinois chapter of the grassroots free-market group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IL) applauded Governor Pat Quinn’s announcement today to cut $1 billion in spending, and will continue to push for accountability and transparency in state government.

“This is merely the beginning for Illinois,” said State Director Joe Calomino. “Serious spending cuts, increased transparency, and fundamental reform to pension and education systems are all necessary to put Illinois back on track to economic prosperity.”

Quinn blames others for budget mess

As reported by the Tribune's Clout Street, Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn began his news conference on budget cuts today by ignoring the fact that his Democrat Party has been in control of all levels of government for nearly a decade and telling the assembled audience that he did not create the budget mess. Updates HERE.

Quinn attempted to avoid openness and transparency by not speaking to the media or allowing television cameras. After media protests, he reluctantly began talking to reporters. His cuts can be found HERE.

The Health Care Cash-For-Clunker Program

by Lee Newcom

The government Cash for Clunker car program is dead, maybe. In just one week, for a program meant to last until November 1st (Congress may quickly reauthorize it with more of your money). This was the program where you trade in a car that gets low gas mileage, for a high MPG car, and the government will give you $3,500-4,500. Never has a program been so convincing for those of you who want the government to run health care. The problems with this are numerous and laughable. It is a wonderful demonstration of how a government agency can screw up and make monumentally expensive the most simple of programs.

To Alcohol: The Solution to Every Problem

by Teri O'Brien

Yesterday’s “beer summit” was an attempt to reposition the inexperienced empty suit B. Hussein Obama, a man who built his entire career on exploiting white guilt and otherwise race baiting, and who spent 20 years nodding in agreement with a screeching raving racist lunatic in the Church of the Black Panther, as the Great Uniter, hoping to foster understanding and healing, with the amen chorus of media lapdogs all playing along.

It’s like Perez Hilton presiding as the god-like wise neutral third party over a make-nice beer soiree between Mayor Stu and the angry parents who protested his decision to wear a halter top and mini skirt to address a group of teenagers. (Yes, I said “his” intentionally. If you don’t know the story, please click here.)

Where's Joe Birkett?

As candidates continue to position in preparation for the start of the Primary race this Fall, a question remains: Where's Joe? A month ago Birkett strongly hinted/leaned toward running for Attorney General. That was before Lisa Madigan decided she'd like to retain her position and announced her run for re-election. Since then, little has been seen or heard from the DuPage States Attorney.

With high name recognition and a statewide network, Birkett could be one of the front-runners in the GOP Gubernatorial Primary. We're told he's weighing his options. A decision will have to come soon.

Dillard now says 'no' to video gambling

After voting in May to legalize video gambling in Illinois, State Senator Kirk Dillard now wants Gov. Quinn to find a different source of revenue for the state. Quoted today in the Daily Herald, Dillard said: "I don't like video poker" and "urge Governor Quinn, if he can, to immediately look for a different revenue source."

Asked why he voted for gambling expansion in the first place, Dillard told the Daily Herald that he "was torn in his vote, but wanted to keep his word to labor unions and business groups to support a major public works package." He noted: "I had a gun to my head"; and said that if elected governor "he would reconsider the legalization of video gambling" and would "prefer to see the state use revenue from the sales tax on gasoline" and "grow the economy" in order to bring in additional revenue.

Update 1x: Republicans likely to dub Obamacare as "socialism"

The Republican National Committee is meeting in San Diego California this week, and Illinois' National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte reports to Illinois Review that all three resolutions proposed by the National Republican Conservative Caucus have passed committee, and will be voted on today by the Committee of the Whole. 

DeMonte, a resident of Pekin, has signed on to co-sponsor the resolution she described as "the most important of the three" being voted on today, and that is the following resolution on Obama's proposed health care plan. "This resolution is likely to stir the debate on Obama's health care plan, and we're optimistic that Republicans on the National Committee will be supportive," DeMonte said.

UPDATE 1x:  Mrs. DeMonte reports the Republican National Committee accepted all three proposed resolutions, including the "Obama Czar" resolution she co-authored with Arizona's Bruce Ash.  See HERE for wording.

Most controversial is the proposed resolution's several references to the word "socialism."

Cullerton to endorse Giannoulias

Democrat State Senate President John Cullerton will endorse Democrat State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate today. Cullerton will be the highest-ranking elected official to endorse Giannoulias to-date. More here.

Denny Hastert hits fundraising circuit for son Ethan

Ethan Hastert was in Washington DC earlier this week fundraising for his campaign with his father Denny. Hastert Sr. headlined one event at his law firm Dickstein Shapiro, which cost $500/ticket. Former NRCC Chairman Tom Reynolds co-chaired another fundraiser for Ethan at the Capitol Hill Club; and a third, private event was held by Denny's former chief of staff Sam Lancaster and fundraiser Lisa Wagner.

In case you missed it: Quinn signs capital bill

Illinois Review has been running a series of posts about "interesting" projects in the Build Illinois capital program. We'll continue to do so over the next few weeks. In case you missed Gov. Quinn's comments when signing the bill into law July 13, below is a video. Note the comments Democrats made while signing the 900+ page bill into law. The Governor's press release accompanying the signing boasts the retention and creation of 439,000 jobs over the next six years. Note his emphasis on "green collar" and union jobs, a "Green Chicago and Illinois," and the proposed high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago. Also note his several references to FDR:

Candidates, just be sincere

by Matt Gauntt

Last night I watched the movie "Swing Vote". Sure, it is about as unlikely as you can get, and completely unrealistic (the vote is tied after hundreds of thousands of votes in New Mexico, and instead of a recount, everyone is worried about how one guy votes). To a certain degree, it is a take your brain out of your head and just enjoy it, movie.

What was interesting to me, and very applicable for the upcoming election season was the theme of Sincerity. It was pretty funny to see the Democrat misunderstand what was said and do campaign commercials against illegal immigration and supporting a pro-life position (complete with exploding children) and to see the Republican do the same type of commercials for gay rights and environmental causes (although not as funny if you think of real-life examples).

Biden in Chicago today

Vice President Joe Biden is coming to Chicago this morning. He's scheduled to address the annual National Urban League Conference at McCormick Place at 10:30 a.m. Other speakers during the conference include Rev. Jesse Jackson and Mayor Richard Daley.

Is there co-pay with forced abortion?

by Matt Barber

The president has more "czars" running around than Mother Russia. It's mondo bizarro. Kind of fitting, though; must be a communist thing.

Still, as the debate over Obama's multi-trillion dollar pet experiment in socialized healthcare reaches terminal velocity, one of his newest czars underscores – in permanent marker – the true depth of BHO's deep-seated radicalism. His choice of Harvard professor and self-styled "neo-Malthusian" John Holdren as "science czar" provides the latest and perhaps most troubling example of just how bad America really muffed it last November. It could give us a sneak-peak into the not-so-distant future should this Obamacare-health scare become reality.

O'Reilly to Be Honored at Summit

from Family Research Council

Bill O'Reilly has never shied away from denouncing late-term abortions and the handful of doctors who perform them. In the aftermath of George Tiller's murder, O'Reilly became an easy target for the liberal media who tried to pin some of the blame on Bill, saying he incited the violence by decrying these unnecessary procedures on his show. Despite the unfair allegations, O'Reilly spoke the truth, bringing new light to a gruesome procedure. On behalf of our co-sponsors and millions of values voters, we want to express our gratitude to a culture warrior who uses his national platform to promote life--no matter what the personal or professional costs.

McAloon criticizes Halvorson's pro-Planned Parenthood vote

from the David McAloon for Congress Campaign

Following her unpopular vote in favor of President Obama’s Cap & Trade legislation, Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D), 11th District, has once again taken money out of the pockets of taxpayers by voting against an amendment that would eliminate all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. Representative Mike Pence from Indiana proposed an amendment that would eliminate funding to the tune of $350 million for Planned Parenthood just last week, only to have the proposal defeated in the House. Among the representatives who voted against the amendment – Congresswoman Halvorson.

David McAloon, a formidable opponent vying for the 11th Congressional seat, has seen enough; “It’s time that the people of the 11th district had a representative who will vote on policies and legislation that benefit them. [Halvorson] has shown time and time again that she does not have people’s best interests at heart, only her own political agenda.”

Is Obama a Racist?

by Frances Rice

How do we decide who is a racist? The dictionary tells us a racist harbors feelings of antagonism and superiority based on biological differences, such as skin color. So, what demonstrates that President Barack Obama harbors such feelings toward white people?

Glimpses of Obama’s mindset can be obtained from reading his two books, “The Audacity of Hope” and “Dreams from My Father” where Obama describes his animosity toward white people.

Peoria native to receive Presidental Medal of Freedom

from Congressman Aaron Schock's office:

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) today congratulated Peoria native Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker, for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.  President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.

Schillerstrom blasts Springfield for state's lowered credit rating

from Schillerstrom for Governor Campaign

[Note: Previous post refers to Build Illinois bonds being rated at "AA". This post refers to Illinois' overall credit rating dipping to "A".]

Republican Bob Schillerstrom issued the following statement Thursday in response to Fitch Ratings lowering the Illinois credit rating from AA- to A. In announcing the decision, Fitch noted, "the extent of the current fiscal problem has been clear for several months as revenue estimates were downsized; however, comprehensive solutions have been repeatedly delayed."

Schillerstrom for more than a decade has led a county with more residents than six states and a DuPage County government with a Triple-A bond rating - the highest possible for local government.

Fitch rates IL Build program bonds "AA"

Fitch's bond ratings explanation for its "AA" rating says more than state lawmakers may want to admit as to how dependent this year's $31 billion Build Illinois capital bill is on the sales tax hike on soft drinks, candy bars, alcohol and other consumables. While cheering on the defeat of an income tax increase, Republicans helped Democrats pass a notable sales tax increase on items many won't notice, but which is likely to generate billions in 2009. Fitch writes about the $2.1 billion bond program:

Illinois stimulus website ties with worst in country

Daley admits 2010 will be worse than 2009

Gene Saffold, Chicago's CFO, is admitting that even after the city exhausts the $320 million it got from leasing the parking meters, there will still need to be an additional $520 million in costs savings or new revenue to get through next year.

Flanked by Mayor Daley, Saffold told reporters that new taxes are "a last resort,...but...nothing is ruled out at this point." According to the CFO, they're "looking for innovative solutions which will help [them] address this issue." More here.

What's the frequency?

by Teri O'Brien

Dan Rather wants Barack Obama to save journalism, and if you can think of two guys better suited to that mission, I’d like to hear about it. Think about it: the former is the “legendary journalist” who tried to use forged documents to influence the outcome of a presidential election, while the latter is the object of a bobbysoxer-like crush that caused the entire traditional media to abandon any pretense of objectivity to become slobbering propagandists and de facto members of his campaign.

New Trier school board president eyes 10th District race

Attorney Jim Koch may be adding his name on the Republican ticket with plans to run for congress in Illinois' 10th District.

Koch serves as president of the New Trier High School District 203 Board of Education, and as president of the North Suburban Special Education District. He said he would meet with volunteers this weekend and make a formal announcement about his intentions next week. More here.

Blue Dog Deal? Not so much, Cantor says

Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va) gives an update on the Democrats' Blue Dogs and Obama's health care plan on Fox News this morning:

Illinois' budget gimmicks get national attention

In an Associated Press story about how states are accounting their budget woes during this time of economic downturn, Illinois' Democrat-controlled General Assembly's slick tactics are noted among others. And just a reminder, the story below mentions nothing about this year's $31 billion Build Illinois capital bill scandal still simmering...

• In Illinois, legislators are leaving a record $3.2 billion of the state's bills unpaid for the current fiscal year, making vendors wait longer for their money. Minnesota likewise has stalled $1.8 billion in aid payments to schools, and Colorado lawmakers are delaying $88 million intended for Medicaid and children's health insurance providers.

• Illinois also gave Gov. Pat Quinn authority to cut up to $2.1 billion however he sees fit, booking a boatload of savings without really knowing how it'll happen. The same happened in Rhode Island, where lawmakers told Gov. Don Carcieri to cut about $63 million in operating expenses without explaining how.

Quinn's cut announcements are expected Friday of this week. Can't wait for that press conference!

Schaumburg votes to "green" with $1.5m parking lot

This week, the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition sounded the alarm over a “green” parking lot plans in Schaumburg, and the city council ignored the citizens Tuesday night when they voted unanimously to proceed with the $1.5 million project.

The Old Schaumburg Center parking lot plan “is completely unnecessary, and an unfair advantage to a privileged few businesses at the expense of all other local taxpayers” Brian Costin, the President of the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition, said. “There are hundreds of parking lots in Schaumburg and the overwhelming majority of them were built without taxpayer funds and special property tax exemptions.”

The project receiving attention is an 180-space “green” parking lot to replace an existing municipal parking lot of the same size.

Nation's #1 Ranking Legislative Leader hails from corruption-laden Illinois

The nation's #1 ranking legislative leader is from...you guessed it...Illinois. The National Conference for State Legislators' blogger Karl Kurtz points out that House Speaker Mike Madigan boasts the longest tenure of any other leader in the nation -- since 1983, except for 1995 to 1996 (Remember the 1994 GOP sweep?) So, the unparalled political power of Speaker Madigan in the nation's #1 most corrupt state gets national attention...

The ever-popular question of who the longest-serving legislative leader is has come up again. Since the last time we wrote about this in 2006, the rankings have changed and, as always, the answer depends on the exact wording of the question.

Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan (right) has the longest tenure of any presiding officer. First elected speaker in 1983, he is now in his 21st year as speaker with a two-year hiatus in 1995-96 when he served as minority leader.

Because of that loss of majority status, Madigan does not have the longest consecutive service. That honor belongs to Maryland Senate President Mike Miller, who was first elected in 1987. Miller is the longest serving top senate leader, consecutive or otherwise.

Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan (right) has the longest tenure of any presiding officer. First elected speaker in 1983, he is now in his 21st year as speaker with a two-year hiatus in 1995-96 when he served as minority leader.

Because of that loss of majority status, Madigan does not have the longest consecutive service. That honor belongs to Maryland Senate President Mike Miller, who was first elected in 1987. Miller is the longest serving top senate leader, consecutive or otherwise.

How the GOP wants to fix health care

by US Rep. Tom Price

Thursday marks the anniversary of the most significant piece of health care legislation in our nation’s history. It was on this day in 1965 that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law, ensuring government health care for seniors. Forty-four years later, Congress is debating another monumental act that may affect the health coverage of every American.

Contrary to what the president has tried to convince the American people of, while we oppose his misguided ideas, Republicans are committed to positive health reform. No one in Congress finds the status quo acceptable.

Patients First: What you won't hear from MSM

from Tim Philips, Americans for Prosperity

Joined by hundreds upon hundreds of grassroots activists, we greeted President Obama with our Patients First bus at 4pm today in Bristol, Virginia. Sadly, the President repeated his usual untruths: that bureaucrats will not "get between patients and their doctor"; that government control of health care will "SAVE MONEY"; and that his government takeover will make health care "more efficient."

But we were there to send the President and the national media a clear message that Americans are not buying what he's trying to sell.

Health Care Reform Cost Projections -- are they realistic?

by Nancy R. Mathieson, Institute for Truth in Accounting

In the summer of 1965 President Lyndon Johnson went to Independence, Missouri to be with former president Truman while he signed the bill that created Medicare.  The previous year, his administration had projected that Medicare would cost about $12 billion in 26 years, (including an allowance for inflation).  Confident that this was an affordable plan, the nation was proud to make this entitlement available to its senior citizens.

Now, we are debating nationalizing the rest of health care under the same federal management.  As we do, it’s instructive to check how accurate that original estimate for Medicare’s costs turned out to be.  By 1990, twenty six years after Johnson projected costs, Medicare’s actual tab was $110 billion, or almost 10 times the original projection.  Now, Medicare costs U.S. taxpayers more than $400 billion, every year and, going forward, Medicare is expected to be insolvent by the year 2017. 

Obama discovers the limits of charisma

by Mark Rhoads

President Barack Obama is starting to realize that while he can still charm the birds out of the trees in the most left-wing faction of his own party, there are limits to his effectiveness as an advocate for perhaps well-intentioned spending programs when the money runs out. He can't charm the Blue Dogs into thinking the Congressional Budget Office is wrong and Obama is right about his health care bill costing a cool one trillion dollars. 

Friends of Froehlich -- the net widens

Connect the dots - R. Tamara de Silva, Paul Froehlich, Victor Santana, Joe Berrios, Cook County judge William Taylor. Watch Fox News Chicago's latest investigative report: (click to start)

Kinzinger gets NRCC "on the radar" status

The National Republican Congressional Committee is announcing that 13 House challengers have “On the Radar” status in their Young Guns program (challengers and open seats). The candidates and districts are: Martha Roby, AL-02; Van Tran, CA-47; Cory Gardner, CO-04; Dennis Ross, FL-12; Charles Djou, HI-01; Vaughn Ward, ID-01; Adam Kinzinger, IL-11; Andy Harris, MD-01; Jon Barela, NM-01; Steve Pearce, NM-02; Frank Guinta, NH-01; Steve Chabot, OH-01; and Steve Stivers, OH-15.

Quinn to cut spending, but revisit income tax increase

Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn announced today that he'll provide an outline of major spending cuts on Friday. The cuts are aimed at saving approximately $1 billion, and are intended to close the state’s massive budget deficit.

According to the Tribune's Clout Street, "Quinn said the budget trims will be dispersed across state agencies in a manner that reflects 'shared sacrifice.'" However, the sacrifice will not be shared by public employees (state, county, and local) as they are represented by powerful unions that finance the Democrat's campaigns for office.

Quinn also noted that the cuts he's outlining will be needed even if he "later convinces lawmakers to vote to raise the Illinois income tax."

Quinn, Hynes swap shots

by Cal Skinner

When I saw this Tribune article on Saturday, it was clear that the gubernatorial ambitions expressed by McHenry County Democratic Party State Representative Jack Franks were not being taken seriously by Tribune political writer Rick Pearson. Franks' name does not appear in the story, despite Franks' having been mentioned on Friday morning television shows, including on WGN, owned by the Chicago Tribune. 

It was Governor Pat Quinn attacking State Comptroller Dan Hynes. No mention of Franks.

Miller hides his partisanship behind faux statesmanship

Deaf, dumb and blind to his own party's political gaming of the state budget process, Rich Miller today tried to blame the loss of his beloved income tax increase on the minority party in the House. Citing Tom Cross' recent interview with the Sun Times' Steve Huntley, Miller concludes that Cross kept the House Republican Caucus from voting for a tax increase for purely partisan and electoral reasons.

Fact is, nobody but a handful of greedy Democrats wanted an income tax increase. Poor Rich. He's obviously so jaded from his decades in Springfield, that he cannot conceive of legislators voting (or refusing to vote) on principle.

Obama to critics: stop telling the truth, its scary

Stumping for his government-run health care takeover, Obama again tried to sell skeptical audiences in North Carolina that " no one is talking about some government takeover of health care". He lectured the assembly, telling them, I'm tired of hearing that. I have been as clear as I can be, Under the reform I've proposed, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.''

Speaking to his critics who are trying to inform the American public about the details of the bill, Obama told them to "stop scaring everybody.'' Story here.

Republicans favored over Dems for fifth straight week

If given the choice between a Republican and a Democrat, 42% of voters say they would pick a Republican over 39% picking Democrats, a new Rasmussen poll says. Breaking down the results further,

• Democrats held a six- or seven-point lead over the GOP for the first several weeks of 2009. That began to slip in early February, and from mid-April through June the parties were roughly even. Republicans have now held a lead on the ballot for five straight weeks.

• Men prefer Republicans by a 47% to 34% margin while women favor Democrats 44% to 37%.

• Voters not affiliated with either party continue to heavily support the GOP, 41% to 23%.

Friends of Froehlich: Another chapter in the Board of Review saga

Fox Chicago News is running teasers about another segment by Dane Placko about the Cook County Board of Review's tax appeal process, and its internal investigation into Democrat State Rep. Paul Froehlich's 96 percent success rate with constituent appeals. It will include the Democratic operative Victor Santana and an attorney whose identity they'll reveal tonight.

Stay tuned...Illinois Review will stay on this story.

Two Trillion Tons

Daley to punish those who opt out of video poker

The Sun Times' Fran Spielman covered Mayor Daley's video poker tirade yesterday when he announced that communities opting out of video poker expansion should not be allowed any of the benefits of the new, legalized gambling. In his statement, Daley called opting out 'unfair', and "challenged those who believe video poker would spread the scourge of gambling and be infiltrated by organized crime to 'come up with an alternative and pass it in the [Democrat controlled] General Assembly.'"

Daley asked his City Hall audience 'What else are you gonna do?..What other tax do you have?” However, two weeks ago, Daley said he was so concerned about the 'difficulties in regulating video poker,' that he was drafting an ordinance that would 'penalize businesses that abuse the system.'

Update 1X: Gay set-asides for Chicago?

Democrat Ald. Tom Tunney has re-opened the debate about whether City Hall should establish contract set-asides for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered business owners. Tunney, who is gay, brought up the issue during a Budget Committee hearing that was called to extend a construction set-aside ordinance for minorities and women. Story here.

Update: Mayor Daley announced today that he would support an effort to give preferential treatment in city contracting to businesses owned by gays and lesbians.

Will the value of life matter when it's about you?

Fiscal conservatives ridicule and demean social conservatives all the time for determining who they'll support based on a candidate's views on abortion and human embryo experimentation. It is said over and over that "No one cares about the life issue, people only care about political corruption and vote about their wallets."

Maybe there's some truth about a current lack of public concern about abortion. After all, those embryos scientists are encouraged and paid with tax dollars to experiment upon aren't us. Those little babies nestled in their mother's wombs whose lives end as they are suctioned out in parts aren't us. Those fully formed babies whose little hearts are stopped with poisonous injections just days and weeks from their birthdays aren't us.  

So maybe the beginning of life issues doesn't really matter at all... Then what about the end of life?

Barack's Bar - Suds over Substance

Steve Benson

Is Gerald Ford back in the House and still confused after all these years?

by Mark Rhoads

A few weeks ago the Republican National Committee (RNC) started running one of its famous incredibly stupid commercials with a tag line that said, "Tell President Obama that you want him to work with Republicans." Now House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio)is doing his best to channel Gerry Ford from forty years ago when Gerry held the same job.A wire service says,"House Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said the impasse among Democrats will force party leaders to seek Republican support." “If we’re going to have real health reform, it will have to be bipartisan,” he said in an interview.

Earth to Congressman Boehner. You just don't get it. A bipartisan era of socialism is no better than one brought on by Democrats only, it is far worse because when it all goes south there is no clear line of reponsibility and I guess Boehner will be happy if the GOP can share half the blame with left-wing Democrats. People who love freedom in America have  less to fear from President Obama than they do from stupid GOP leaders who dont know how to effectively criticize him because they don't know what they believe in themselves.

Anger after Bible defaced in British gallery

Anger after Bible defaced in British gallery

Breen to Announce Bid for IL House 41

from the Peter Breen for 41st House District campaign

With Friday's retirement announcement by State Rep. Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst), Lombard conservative leader Peter Breen has declared his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the 41st District. A press conference will be held at Villa Nova Banquets in Villa Park, at 5:30 PM, on Tuesday, August 4th, to formally announce his candidacy.

“Representative Biggins has provided 17 years of dedicated service to the district and the people of Illinois,” said Breen. “He has never wavered from support for innocent human life and traditional marriage, and a pro-business approach to the economy. His vote and voice will be missed in Springfield, so it is essential that we elect someone who will lead on the key issues of our day.”

“Our campaign is about bringing a fresh start to Springfield,” continued Breen. “I will stand up for the people of Eastern DuPage and Western Cook Counties against disastrous taxation and spending by Chicago Democrats. I will not be led by lobbyists and Chicago politicians down the tired old ‘get along, go along’ path.”

U of I trustee bows out

In the wake of the ongoing student application scandal, U of I Trustee Board member Lawrence Epply offered his resignation to Governor Quinn today, reportedly saying, "I offer to be the first to step down as a member of the board of trustees of the University of Illinois effective 90 days from the date of this letter or as soon as a successor is appointed."

Eppley called on the other trustees to also resign, according to the Associated Press. More HERE. The question remains as to what should happen to the elected officials who made requests on behalf of student applicants? Will the repercussions be only on those trustees and employees who did the favors, rather than those who requested them in the first place?

Mitchell ousted from Lake County GOP booth

from the Paul Mitchell for State Rep. campaign

I'm sorry to be cluttering your inboxes again so soon, but I wanted you hear what happened today in my campaign to unseat the RINO Sandy Cole. Following up yesterday's message (quoted below) in which I told you that I planned to be at the Lake County Fair, I wanted to tell you about the funny thing that happened to me at the fair:

I was kicked out of the Republican booth. Traditionally, the Republican booth at the Lake County Fair has been a place where all Republican candidates have been welcome to present their information and make contact with the voters. Even primary challengers to Republican incumbents have historically been welcomed there.

No more.

The Great Escape 2

by Dean Dahlgren

I light of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling in Boumediene v. Bush, I propose I rewrite of Steve McQueen’s epic movie of the largest allied “escape” from Germany. The story reads:.

After massive failures and morale at an all time low, Allied prisoners were ready to give it up and sit out the war. “I couldn’t get the X Organization to even come to our monthly meetings, whined Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett, "Big X", “even with Hilts’ Moonshine on the menu.”