Illinois 2010 Elections: State Rep Candidate Dan Farley Attributes False Quote to Mike Quigley Jabbing Opponent Ann Williams

Dan Farley (right), County Commissioner Forrest Claypool (center), and Ald. Eugene Shulter (left)

(Chicago, IL) — December 22, 2009. It’s a fib.

Democratic state representative candidate Dan Farley yesterday issued a press releasing heralding his endorsement from U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) in his race to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago).

The Farley press release included this quote from Quigley:

“Dan Farley is not a special interest lobbyist.  We need a State Representative who will fight for us and against the special interests who try to control our State. I enthusiastically support Dan Farley to fight the status quo in Illinois.”

The quote takes a not so-subtle swipe at Farley opponent Ann Williams, a former pharmaceutical company lobbyist of Wyeth, which produces, among other things, chapstick.

Funny thing, however, happened on the way to the printer: Quigley never approved the quote. Farley made it up.

Rich Miller at The Capitol Fax reported today that a Quigley spokesperson yesterday said:

“While the Congressman is supporting Mr. Farley, he would not slight another candidate in doing so. Unfortunately, the Farley campaign released an inaccurate statement, and I believe they are issuing a correction shortly.”

For a campaign backed by political professionals, this is amateur hour at its best.

By the way, we are still waiting for the Farley campaign statement correction.

Speaker Michael Madigan Sets Jobs Task Force, 30 Lawmakers Join in 2 Days

Michael Madigan

(Chicago, IL) – December 21, 2009. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) last week created a new, bi-partisan jobs task force to address Illinois’ 10.9% November unemployment rate.

Madigan appointed Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) as chair as the Bipartisan Jobs Creation Task Force.

Lang said the task force will focus on targeted legislative job creation initiatives that can be approved by the Illinois General Assembly during its spring 2010 term.

“This task force will act swiftly to identify legislative fixes that will help and encourage Illinois employers to hire new Illinois employees,” said Lang. “There will be no time wasted on unread reports or undoable grand schemes.”

In two days, 30 lawmakers joined the panel.

Lang cited state permit regulations that can delay new building and factory openings by several months as a potential target for reform.

“Without compromising employee safety, the task force will aim at obstacles that shackle an employer’s ability to get new employees working quickly,” said Lang.

The task force will begins work in January.

“We have no time to waste,” said Lang.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Personal PAC Endorses State Rep Candidates Dan Farley, Ed Mullen and Ann Williams in Race to Succeed John Fritchey

(Chicago, IL) — December 21, 2009. Democratic state representative candidates Dan Farley, Ed Mullen and Ann Williams have all won the endorsement of the powerful pro-choice group Personal PAC in the race to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago).

Mullen and Farley, both attorneys, who are facing Williams, a pharmaceutical lobbyist, will have an easier time of gaining traction with female voters in this progressive district on Chicago’s north side who would be inclined toward the pro-choice Williams.

Mullen’s campaign is likely to benefit slightly more from the Personal PAC nod. Up until now, Mullen’s campaign had been rated as a dark horse by most observers. But no more. Even if he has to share the Personal PAC endorsement, it’s a key boost of credibility to his campaign, including that of Planned Parenthood and others.

“… I look forward to working with Personal PAC in Springfield to pass the Reproductive Health and Access Act protecting a woman’s right to choose,” said Mullen.

Mullen has also knocked on more than 7,500 doors of voters through out the district and generated thousands of telephone calls. His voter contact and canvassing operation is making its presence felt throughout the district.

Farley and Williams underestimate Mullen at their own peril.

Scott Tucker is running in the Republican primary.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Mike Quigley Endorses State Rep Candidate Dan Farley; Takes Subtle Swipe At Opponent Ann Williams

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley

(Chicago, IL) — December 21, 2009. The gloves are off.

In the race to succeed to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) today endorsed former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Farley and took scarcely veiled swipe at one of Farley’s opponents, Ann Williams.

“Dan Farley is not a special interest lobbyist.  We need a State Representative who will fight for us and against the special interests who try to control our State, ” Quigley said in a Farley campaign e-mail. “I enthusiastically support Dan Farley to fight the status quo in Illinois.”

Williams, a former aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, is a former lobbyist at Wyeth, which manufactures chapstick, advil and centrum vitamins as well as pharmaceuticals. She is now a full-time candidate.

Farley’s opening volley clearly indicates the line of attack his campaign will take against Williams, the only female in the three person race, which includes civil rights attorney Ed Mullen. Farley’s early polling undoubtedly reveals that “special interest lobbyist” is a potent rhetorical club in which to hammer Williams and will likely be a staple in all of Farley’s communications going forward. Betcha.

The Quigley endorsement of Farley comes on the heels of last week’s endorsement of Williams by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) whose district abuts on the east side Fritchey’s.

The dueling endorsements by Quigley and Feigenholtz set-up round two by proxy of their earlier political clash in the February 2009 special congressional election to succeed Rahm Emanuel, a contest in which Quigley defeated his fellow progressive lakefront liberal and Fritchey, among others.

In addition to Feigenholtz, Williams has won the endorsements of House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie and House Deputy Majority Leader and Cook County Democratic Party Executive Vice-President Lou Lang (D-Skokie), in addition a slew of other House and Senate lawmakers.

However, Quigley’s congressional district overlaps the state house district in play and the first term congressman still possesses some of his progressive glow among area voters coming off  the recent election. The Quigley endorsement is a higher-order gift for Farley, the son of former State Senator Bruce Farley (D-Chicago).

A Quigley-Feigenholtz grudge match by proxy is a gift for political spectators.

It’s the season for gifts.

UPDATE: Tuesday December 22, 2009.

According to a spokesperson for Quigley, the Congressman never approved the endorsement quote. The Farley campaign invented it.

For the full story, read on …

Illinois 2010 Elections: Sara Feigenholtz Endorses State Rep Candidate Ann Williams for John Fritchey’s House Seat

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

(Chicago, IL) — December 18, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Ann Williams has reeled in a key endorsement from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) for the 11th district House seat being vacated by John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side.

“[Ann Williams] has the experience, smarts, and tenacity to push for solutions that make a real difference in the lives of the people she represents, even when those solutions aren’t popular with the Springfield power-brokers,” said Feigenholtz, hugely popular in her lakefront district which lies adjacent to Fritchey’s.

Feigenholtz broadly expanded her political profile after an unsuccessful run for Rahm Emanuel’s congressional seat earlier this year–without sacrificing her popularity–making the veteran lawmaker’s nod a valuable boost to Williams.

In addition to Feigenholtz, Williams  has also won the backing of other top Democratic lawmakers. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie)–the number two and three leaders respectively in the Illinois House–have endorsed Williams’ candidacy.

In addition to Currie and Lang, Williams has also won the support of State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).

Williams, an attorney and a state government lobbyist, is a former staffer to House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Williams, who last week snagged the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO, is a key contender in the Democratic primary whose other candidates include civil rights attorney Ed Mullen and former Cook County assistant state’s attorney Dan Farley, son of former State Senator Bruce Farley (D-Chicago).

Farley has been endorsed by Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypoll, and he is also backed by powerful 47th Ward Alderman and Committeeman Eugene Shulter.

William’s growing backing by local area Democrats officials is causing heartburn among the male members of Schulter’s organization–and that heartburn is making itself known–which is only emboldening Williams’ female supporters. Schulter’s guys need to take a “Tums“.

Scott Tucker is seeking the Republican nomination.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois Sierra Club Endorses Democrats Todd Connor, Mariyana Spyropoulos, and Kari Steele to Water District Board

Todd Connor

(Chicago, IL) — December 17, 2009. The Illinois Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of three candidates in the February 2nd Democratic Primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago–Todd Connor, Mariyana Spyropoulos, and Kari Steele.

Sierra Club also has endorsed Nadine Bopp in the Green Party Primary.

“The safety and quality of our water supply will be on the ballot on February 2nd, and these are three candidates voters can trust to safeguard our Chicago River and Lake Michigan,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.

The nine-member Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners (MWRD), with annual $1.6 billion budget, provides wastewater treatment services for homes and businesses in the City of Chicago and Cook County. However, the MWRD has resisted calls to install “disinfection” equipment on its plants that discharge to the Chicago River system.

“Todd Connor knows that MWRD can be doing more to protect the health of everyone using the Chicago River system, and he supports swift action to disinfect MWRD’s wastewater discharges into the waters people are using for many forms of recreation,” said Darin.

“As an MWRD Commissioner, Mariyana Spyropoulos puts the public’s interest in clean water first,” said Darin.

Spyrpoulos, appointed to the MRWD board in August by Governor Pat Quinn to fill a board vacancy, has been slated by the Cook County Democratic Party Regular Organization.

“Kari Steele is a chemist and committed environmentalist, and she would bring needed scientific expertise to the MWRD Board of Commissioners,” said Darin.

“For Green Party voters, we are proud to recommend Nadine Bopp as a longstanding environmentalist who has bright ideas for the future of the MWRD, and as someone who will always put our water first,” said Darin.

Voter for these candidates or go soak your head.

Illinois Media: Sun-Times to Alderman Ed Burke “Move on Wal-Mart”

(Chicago, IL) — December 17, 2009. The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board has sent a blunt message to 14th Ward Alderman Ed Burke: Move on Wal-Mart.

In an editorial today, the paper said:

The time for a South Side Wal-Mart has come. Unemployment in the Chicago region hovers above 11 percent, with higher rates among blacks.

City revenues are down 31 percent from a high point in 2007.

Even Mayor Daley, who hasn’t pushed hard for Wal-Mart for fear of alienating the unions, is publicly going to bat for the superstore.

“People can’t get jobs,” Daley said Wednesday. “They’re not only being laid off, they’re being eliminated out of their companies. So I’m calling on everyone — both the alderman, the community, all the unions involved and Wal-Mart — to sit down and come up with some common ground as quickly as possible.”

It’s now up to Ald. Edward M. Burke to make it happen.

Read more …

Let’s see if both Burke and Wal-Mart can negotiate over that most valuable of real estate–common ground.

Illinois Media–Carol Marin: Ex-Senate President Emil Jones’ Stepson Gets $787,000 Contract–No Work Reports Submitted

(Chicago, IL) – December 17, 2009. Chicago Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin has unearthed a doozy of political consulting contracts light on the work, heavy on the wampum:

“A consulting firm headed by former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr.’s stepson John Sterling has been paid more than $787,000 under a Cook County contract funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, despite failing to provide required weekly reports — for 21 months.”

Perhaps the failure to submit the reports is only a paperwork reduction initiative on Sterling’s part.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Probe Launched in State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan’s Call for “Full Investigation”

(Chicago, IL) — December 17, 2009. Democratic State Senate candidate Jim Madigan yesterday issued a reckless personal rant gussied up to resemble a press release, calling, Henny-Penny-like, on generic “authorities” to undertake a “full investigation” of former State Senator Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), the predecessor of his Democratic primary opponent, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago).

Since we at THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER consider ourselves an authority on goofy candidate campaign stunts, last night we jumped on Madigan’s request for a “full investigation” and launched our own comprehensive probe of the Madigan campaign press release.

After a thorough and exhaustive review of the “troubling” issues Madigan raised–the 2 or 3 minutes it took to twice read his press release and to admire the colors of the stationary logo but to lament the ink spilt on the paper–we reached our own authoritative conclusion: “LOL”.

Expect Steans to clean Madigan’s clock on February 2, 2010.

Illinois 2010 Democratic Primary–Governor: Dan Hynes on Pat Quinn Prisoner Early Release: “… [H]is bumbling response and verbal contortions on this issue strain credulity …”

(Chicago, IL) — December 17, 2009. Comptroller Dan Hynes and his family today were handing out food and clothes to the homeless in Rock Island and Rockford in keeping with the holiday spirit, while his communications director Matt McGrath was handing out verbal hand grenades to reporters in Chicago in keeping with the campaign spirit.

The statement takes aim at Governor Pat Quinn’s handling of the state’s prisoner early release program.

The statement barks, er, speaks for itself:

“Taken together with his earlier response on the matter, Governor Quinn essentially said today that he knew about the secret early release program prior to not knowing about it; that he has suspended the program and ordered his chief of staff to conduct a review of the program he has been involved with from the beginning but didn’t know about; and that he wants his staff to tell him what he already knew about this program he didn’t know about.

“Though his bumbling response and verbal contortions on this issue strain credulity, we’ll take Governor Quinn at his word that he believes the state should release violent offenders early, including some convicted of aggravated and domestic battery and assaulting a police officer, from prison for good behavior after only two or three weeks, and often before they had a chance to demonstrate any behavior at all. Dan Hynes does not agree, and that is a fundamental difference between the two candidates in this race.

“The Governor owes it to the people of Illinois and their sense of safety and well being to release a list of everyone released early from prison through this secret program, the crimes for which they were serving time, any previous criminal records, the rationale behind their release, and where these individuals are presently residing. To continue to stonewall and hide behind a forthcoming report is an unacceptable risk to public safety.”

Merry Christmas.

Illinois 2010 Democratic Primary–Governor: Secretary of State Jesse White Endorses Pat Quinn; Dan Hynes Victory Path Narrows

(Chicago, IL) – December 16, 2009. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White today formally endorsed Governor Pat Quinn in the Illinois 2o10 Democratic primary for governor.

And Comptroller Dan Hynes today found the path to victory over Quinn narrowed.

“I am endorsing Pat Quinn for the Democratic nomination because I am confident that he is up to the challenge,” White said during a news conference Thursday in Chicago.

“From the day I took office as Governor, Jesse White has worked steadily alongside me to put our state government back on track,” Governor Quinn said. “He has been a tireless, effective advocate for reform and a strong voice for the education of our young people, and I am honored by his support.”

White, who was first elected in 1998 and is seeking a fourth term in office, is deeply popular among rank-and-file Democratic voters. His endorsement will help Quinn particularly among African-American voters, a key voting-block that the Governor has been heavily courting.

Election day is 48 days away.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Trail Mix: Evanston Democrats Back Pat Quinn in 2nd Round; Keenan-Devlin, Smith, Kelly, Gabel, Moran, Ratowitz, Dillard, Steans, Feigenholtz, Mendoza, Miller, Brady, Ryan, Cohen, and Hynes

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — December 15, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 candidate and cow-pie trail mix…

… After two-rounds of voting, the Democratic Party of Evanston on Sunday endorsed Governor Pat Quinn over Comptroller Dan Hynes with 70% of the vote.

Quinn, who appeared at the endorsement session, had 58% of the vote in the first round –60% is necessary for an endorsement–and Hynes had 37%.

… Though the Evanston Democrats mustered the votes to give their nod to both Quinn and U.S. Senate hopeful David Hoffman, they were unable to endorse one of their own for the state House seat being vacated by State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston). 

Here’s how the Evanston Dems votes on the Hamos successor stacked up: Patrick Keenan-Devlin took 119 votes or 46%; Jeff Smith had 57 votes or 22%; Eamon Kelly collected 47 votes or 18%; Robyn Gabel managed 33 votes or 13%, and Ed Moran, 1 vote or 0%.

David Ratowitz

… GOP U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz (IL-5)—who’s aiming to challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley in November—today got the official endorsement of Republican Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica.

Peraica said, “His grassroots campaign is firing on all cylinders, aiming well beyond the February Primary to retake Illinois’ 5th Congressional District for Republicans in November.”

Can Ratowitz do that on 2-cylinders?

… GOP governor hopeful State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdales) chatted about Illinois’ cratering budget with Ray Hanania on WJJG AM 1530 today. Dillard is trailing in 4th place at 9% out seven Republican candidates seeking the party nomination, according to a new poll by the Chicago Tribune.

… State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) today received the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers over opponent Jim Madigan, a civil rights attorney and gay rights activist.

Sara Feigenholtz, Barack Obama, Susana Mendoza

… State Reps. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) snuggled with POTUS (aka Barack Obama) at a White Holiday holiday party on Monday.

… State Rep. David Miller (D-Chicago) met with Martin Luther King speech writer, Clarence Jones, in Skokie today.

… Illinois Federation for Right to Life endorsed two Republican candidates for governor State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) and former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan.

… Illinois Federation for Right to Life also endorsed a batch of Democratic legislators: State Reps. Joe Lyons, Careen Gordon, Lisa Dugan, Bob Flider, Daniel Beiser, Dan Reitz, John Bradley, Brandon Phelps, and Esther Golar was recommended. Deanna Demuzio was the only Democratic State Senator to get the pro-life group’s backing.

… Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Scott Cohen from Chicago plans to spend $3 million of his own dough in the seven-man race for the Lite Guv Democratic nomination. Cohen thinks, however, that his opponents should limit themselves to raising only $100,000 each. If they have $3 million in between their own sofa-cushions, well, that’s ok to spend. Uh, huh.

You can’t make up this stuff.

… Comptroller Dan Hynes took part in Bishop Dukes’ Hat & Scarf Giveaway, which began at Liberation Christian Center and ended at the Miles Davis Grammar School in Chicago.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Trail Mix: Evanston Democrats Endorse “Whip-Smart, Do-Gooder Lawyer” David Hoffman; Cuba Backs Andy McKenna; Preckwinkle, Spyropoulos, Connor, Schroeder, Dunkin, Harris, Fritchey, Mullen, Rutherford, Steans, McAuliffe, Moffitt, Saviano, Quinn, Hynes, Ryan, Topinka, Feigenholtz, Mendoza, and May

David Hoffman

(Chicago, IL) — December 14, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 candidate and cow-pie trail mix…

… The Democratic Party of Evanston on Sunday threw its support to U.S. Senate hopeful David Hoffman, Chicago’s former Inspector General.

“Evanston Democrats last night endorsed a whip-smart do-gooder lawyer for the US Senate with a whopping 74% of the vote. Sound familiar? No, it’s not Barack Obama — this time it’s David Hoffman,” wrote Evanston Township Committeeman and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) wrote on his Facebook page today.

Schoenberg, who is one of Hoffman’s biggest backers, should be the campaign’s official spokesperson. He’s clever with words.

… The Evanston Democrats also gave their support–with 80% of the organization’s vote–to 4th Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle in her race for Cook County Board President against incumbent Todd Stroger.

… Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and his running mate Lt Governor candidate and State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) on Friday announced the endorsement from the Cuba Township Republican Organization in Lake County. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi and Northfield Township Republican Chairwoman June O’Donoghue have also personally endorsed the pair.

McKenna said, “With the support of Tom Gooch and his organization, Matt Murphy and I will succeed in putting Illinois’ fiscal house in order.”

In addition to the Cuba Republicans, McKenna and Murphy also picked up the endorsements of State Representatives Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington) and JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch). The former Illinois Republican Chairman, who is running as an “outsider” – (insert “LOL” here), is currently running in second place in the Republican primary at 12%–behind former Attorney General Jim Ryan—in a new poll by the Chicago Tribune.

… The Illinois Sierra Club endorsed Democrat Mariyana Spyropoulos‘ campaign for a full term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Spyropoulos, who is also one of the three Democrats slated by the Cook County Regular Democratic Organization, was appointed to the board by Governor Pat Quinn to fill a vacancy.

Todd Connor

… One of Spyropoulous’ opponents in the 10-candidate field in the Democratic primary for the three seats, Progressive Democrat Todd Connor, a former Illinois Inspector General, also captured the Illinois Sierra Club’s backing over the weekend in addition to the Northfield Township Democrats, and the Evanston Democratic Party, emerging as the highest vote-getter in Evanston. Earlier in the week, Connor scored the backing of U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, a key endorsement for any Democrat running Cook County-wide as a “reform” candidate.

… Democratic state representative candidate David Schroeder, who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Ken Dunkin in Illinois’ 5th House district, is hoping to pick-up IVI-IPO’s backing tonight, Monday.

… State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) was named “Legislator of the Year” by Illinois AARP last week.

… Locked in a philosophical struggle with Albert Camus is State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago). Fritchey is not happy with the French philosopher, according his Facebook page: “Upon further review well into the night, Camus can kiss my rear end. There is no contentment in the realization of the ultimate absurdity of our existence. Enlightenment possibly. Begrudging acceptance maybe. Contentment? Hell no.”

Ouch.

Ed Mullen

… Democrat Ed Mullen, who is seeking to succeed Fritchey, continues his relentless canvassing operation. Last week, Mullen, a civil rights attorney, reached a total of 7,500 “knocked on” doors in the legislative district on Chicago’s north side. Mullen’s expending some serious shoe-leather in this race which includes lobbyist Ann Williams and attorney Dan Farley.

Scott Tucker is running in the GOP primary.

… State Senator and Illinois Treasurer hopeful Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa) is now on an official Facebook Holiday: “I do appreciate you following my Fan Page. I want to let you know that I am taking time off over the Holidays & will not be posting again until after the New Year.” We’ll miss you, Dan. Merry Ho, ho.

… State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) this weekend snagged the endorsements of both Illinois AFSCME and the Illinois Sierra Club over Democratic primary opponent Jim Madigan, an attorney and gay rights activist. Steans, who is her first-term, is building an insurmountable political lead over Madigan. It’s her race to lose. Look for a lop-sided victory win by Steans on February 2. Betcha.

… The Illinois AFL-CIO has made more than 100 congressional and state legislative endorsements, but the state’s biggest labor group is backing only three Republicans: State Reps. Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago), Don Moffitt (R-Gilson), and Angelo “Skip” Saviano (R-Elmwood Park).

Governor Pat Quinn

… Meanwhile, Illinois AFSCME declined to endorse either Governor Pat Quinn or Comptroller Dan Hynes in the Democratic Primary for governor. Hynes said the failure of AFSCME to endorse Quinn amounted to a “stinging rebuke”. The non-AFSCME endorsement came on the heels of the Chicago Tribune poll showing Quinn leading Hynes 49% to 23%. Those results probably take some of the “sting” out of AFSCME decision for Quinn.

… former Attorney General Jim Ryan lunched with small businessmen in Springfield today, Monday. Ryan served a little red-meat with the vegetables. Ryan is debating the other GOP candidates on Springfield WTAX radio tonight. Expect the Illinois Rifle Association’s antagonism toward Ryan to seep into the debate.

… Illinois AFSCME also endorsed Illinois GOP Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka for Comptroller, the only Republican to be endorsed by AFSME for a statewide post. Topinka primary opponent Jim Dodge, expressed gentlemanly good grace in recognizing Topinka’s endorsement:

“The organization’s support of Judy Baar Topinka shows that they expect things to be business as usual and we will continue to have pension and salary increases while the rest of Illinoisans see their taxes go up to pay for fiscal irresponsibility.”

Ok. So, maybe he wasn’t gracious.

Mendoza, May and Feigenholtz in D.C.

… State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), State Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago), and State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) are attending a holiday reception at the White House today, Monday.

Before the White House reception, Feigenholtz, Mendoza and May stopped by Old Ebbits Grill in Washington, D.C (left).

Feigenholtz has recently returned from a 10-day holiday in Israel and has been plagued by jet lag. Perhaps nipping on the White House egg nog will snap her out of it. We’ll see.

Illinois 2010 Elections: New Poll Reveals Illinois Republican Governor Hopeful Adam Andrzejewski’s Republican Support Drops Nearly 50%

Adam Andrzejewski

(Chicago, IL) — December 14, 2009. What a difference two weeks make.

Illinois 2010 Republican governor candidate Adam Andrzejewski released a poll of 500 Republican primary voters conducted between November 15-16, 2009 which had the Hinsdale businessman at 2nd place–behind former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan–at 11%.

In approximately two weeks, he lost nearly 50% of his support.

A new Chicago Tribune poll of 600 Republican primary voters conducted between December 2-8, 2009 put Andrzejewski in 5th place at 6%, a 45.4% drop in support.

Interestingly, the other Republican governor candidates held approximately the same position or percentage in both the Andrzejewski poll and the Chicago Tribune poll.

What gives?

Andrzejewski poll Nov. 15-16:

• Jim Ryan 30%
• Adam Andrzejewski 11%
• Bill Brady 11%
• Andy McKenna 10%
• Kirk Dillard 7%
• Bob Schillerstrom 3%
• Dan Proft 2%

Chicago Tribune Poll: December 2-8

• Jim Ryan 26%
• Andy McKenna 12%
• Bill Brady 10%
• Kirk Dillard 9%
• Adam Andrzejeski 6%
• Dan Proft 2%
• Bob Schillerstrom 2%

Perhaps Andrzejeski’s pollster was just goosing his client’s poll numbers a wee bit? Nah.

But the sounds you may be hearing are those of campaigns folding tents–even if the candidates refuse to acknowledge it.

Illinois 2010 Elections: More Democratic Men than Women Support Pat Quinn on Illinois Budget, New Poll Says

(Chicago, IL) — December 14, 2009. In a new Chicago Tribune poll, far more Illinois Democratic men than women approve of Governor Pat Quinn’s handling of Illinois budget issues.

According to the poll, 56% of men approve of Quinn’s management of the Illinois’ budget while only 38% of women approve.

Democratic Men also outpace women in Quinn’s overall job approval: 62% to 54%.

Overall, Quinn has 58% job approval among Illinois Democrats while 18% disapprove.

Quinn is on a roll.

===========================================================

The poll interviews were conducted between December 2^nd and 8^th which included a samples of 600 registered voters. The poll’s margin of error for each sample is +/- 4.0%.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Ok, Alexi Giannoulias for $500

Alexi Giannoulias

(Chicago, IL) — December 11, 2009. Ok, we are in with Alexi Giannoulias for $500.

US Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias is making fund-raising calls today and he reached yours truly, the editor of THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, on our mobile phone to make a pitch for his candidacy.

Giannoulias, who is making calls from his “prison cell” as he refers to it–and as most candidates refer to the fund-raising cubicles to which they chained and which are the bane of a modern candidate’s existence, is all soft sell.

He carefully and casually–as if he had nothing else to do for the afternoon–outlined his campaign’s political strengths, identifying the range and size of his endorsements, including the Illinois AFL-CIO, Citizen Action, Planned Parenthood, and, earlier today, the Illinois Sierra Club.

After listening to Giannoulias–and considering that his opponents David Hoffman, Cheryle Jackson, Jacob Meister have all gleefully promoted polls that show them losing to Giannoulias–we decided to contribute–he made no ask, we offered–to the Treasurer’s US Senate campaign. We did so because we think he has the best chance to hold on to Barack Obama’s former senate seat.

In fact, the polling firm Rasmussen Reports–which always seems to have its finger on the scale in behalf of GOP candidates in its polls–has a new poll out today–with Giannoulias leading Republican Mark Kirk, 42% to 39%. That tells you something.

This is not rocket science, campers. Giannoulias can win.

So we are putting my money where our mouth–and blog–are at.

We are also now refusing the answer the phone for the remainder of the afternoon.

Illinois AFSCME Council 31 to Pat Quinn on Refusing WBEZ Access to St. Charles Juvenile Prison: “… [A]n unacceptable breach of the public’s right to know”

(Chicago, IL) — December 11, 2009. Just ahead of Illinois AFSCME Council 31’s endorsement decision in the Illinois 2010  Democratic primary for governor, the state’s largest union is taking a swipe at Governor Pat Quinn’s refusal to open up Illinois juvenile justice centers in St. Charles and elsewhere to WBEZ radio reporter Rob Wildeboer.

“The Quinn administration inherited a juvenile justice system in disarray,” said executive director Henry Bayer in a statement.

“It’s disappointing that it has not acted to address its problems over the past year. Its refusal to allow the news media to visit the St. Charles youth center is a troubling red flag and an unacceptable breach of the public’s right to know.”

Ouch.

Bayer added:

“In fact, youth centers and adult prisons alike have been underfunded, short-staffed, mismanaged and neglected for years. AFSCME members on the front lines are striving to safely incarcerate and rehabilitate youth and adult offenders despite these most trying circumstances.

“Our union will work with any member of the news media, any advocate and any concerned lawmaker to share the real harm done to the juvenile justice system by the state’s broken budget and management neglect. We call on the Quinn administration to join us in this commitment to openness and accountability.”

You just know Comptroller Dan Hynes‘ communications direct Matt McGrath is sharpening his knives.

Quinn’s spokesman, Bob Reed, responded with the mother of all statement restraint: “As always, we respect AFSCME’s opinion.” No gusty blast of return hot air there. It’s actually pretty funny in an understated sort of way.

Still, what’s up with Quinn’s policy folks?

Open the facilities to the media. Whatever problems they find, blame them on Rod Blagojevich. During his tenure, Blagojevich had shut Quinn out of decision-making. No one can legitimately fault Quinn for earlier mismanagement. He had no part in it. But Quinn can certainly be faulted for trying to hide “it”–if there is an “it” to hide–now. Goofy.

This is politics and good government 101. Transparency.

Good grief, Quinn is running on “transparency”, but his Administration decides to deny access to the St. Charles juvenile prison to the liberal, public radio station WBEZ. How screwed up is that? Are they expecting a better shake from WLS radio?

Let’em in.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Kirk Dillard, Andy McKenna Keep the Door Open to an Illinois Income Tax Increase to Balance Illinois Budget

(Chicago, IL) — December 11, 2009. From the Department of Illinois Income Tax Increase Reality & Nuance, State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna, who are running in the Republican 2010 primary for governor, are keeping the door open–ever so slightly–to Illinois income tax increase if they win the Governor’s Mansion in 2010.

In response to the Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire, asking: “Illinois is struggling to balance its budget this year and may face a $12 billion deficit in 2010-11. Do you support an income tax increase?”

Dillard responded:

“As a State Senator, I have never supported an across the board tax increase. The next Governor needs to first look at every program and expenditure under a microscope and conduct a very thorough audit of state government before taxes or fees should even be considered. From time to time, state user fees do need to be increased on the basis of inflation. The flat rate income tax is one of Illinois’ competitive advantages and should remain in place.”

McKenna responded:

“Today in Illinois, we do not have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem. With a weak economy and growing unemployment, Illinois families are hurting. We cannot ask already strapped taxpayers to do more, when state government has done so little to rein in its out-of-control spending. That’s why I believe there is no need to increase tax rates in Illinois. We need to focus our priority on controlling government spending and balancing the budget with the revenue the state currently collects.”

Neither Dillard nor McKenna refuse to rule out an income tax increase. Dillard says “As a State Senator, I have never supported an across the board tax increase” but declines to make that pledge as governor. Additionally, he applauds Illinois’ 3% flat tax as a competitive advantage but makes no pledge to keep it at 3%.

McKenna said “… I believe there is no need to increase tax rates in Illinois” but, like Dillard, refuses to rule out a Illinois income tax increase. No where in his statement does he flatly oppose one.

Contrast Dillard and McKenna’s answers with their opponents’ flat refusals (Note: the other candidates’ answers are abbreviated, reflecting only their position on an increase):

Illinois 2010 Elections: State Senator Terry Link Rides Lt. Governor Endorsement Wave as AFL-CIO, Other Support Rolls In

State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan)

(Chicago, IL) — December 10, 2009.  State Senator and Lieutenant Governor candidate Terry Link’s political wave machine is operating at full-tilt boogie.

On Tuesday, Link scored the endorsement of the 1,000,000 member Illinois AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor organization, an endorsement that is a potential game-changer in the crowded, seven-candidate Lt. Governor race in the Democratic primary.

The AFL-CIO endorsement, which can help Link raise crucial campaign cash, follows a recent wave of endorsements from elected officials, community leaders, and business and civic organizations representing all corners and crevices of Illinois.

Link, a Democrat from Lake County, has scooped up the support of, among others, former State Senate President Emil Jones, Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool and the Lake County Building Trades Council.

“Terry Link has demonstrated the kind of leadership that we need in the Lieutenant Governor’s office,” said Claypool.

In addition to former Senator Jones, Link has picked up the backing of current and former Senate colleagues from across regions and across political shades in Illinois. They include: Senators James Clayborne, Gary Forby, Bill Haine, Mike Jacobs, Emil Jones III, David Koehler, Ed Maloney, Ira Silverstein, and John Sullivan; and former State Senators Denny Jacobs, Carol Ronen, and George Shadid.

And Link’s support reaches beyond his Senate Democratic colleagues. He has roped in some key Democratic party leaders in some vote-rich Democratic areas, too:

Mason County Democrats Chairman Jay Briney; Franklin County Democrats Chairman Jim Eaton; Kane County Democrats Chairman Mark Guethle; Elk Grove Township Democrats Chairman Brian McPartlin; Alderman Tom Allen, 38th Ward; Committeeman PJ Cullerton, 38^th Ward; Madison County Democrats, and St. Clair County Democrats.

And other top Democrats are helping Link behind the scenes, according to sources.

Link, a close friend and ally to Barack Obama from his state senate days and who recently attended a glittering White House holiday soirée as a personal guest of the President, has been also doggedly criss-crossing the state meeting, listening, and talking to voters at kitchen tables and at diners and at meeting halls as part of his “kitchen table economics” agenda tour.

“There’s no doubt that today, there are far too many politicians in Springfield that are far better at helping themselves than the people they were elected to fight for in Springfield. And this is a problem,” said Link.

It is a problem.

But before he can take aim at the the problem from the Lite Guv’s perch–Link first has to win the Democratic primary.

Link’s top opponents–Deputy House Majority Leader Art Turner (D-Chicago), State Senator Ricky Hendon (D-Chicago), State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline)–are no slouches. They are all experienced politicians. They have the right stuff to win.

But Link has more.

Link fights hard like an underdog. His election to the state senate in 1996 from a heavily Republican district stunned the political world. Grit and determination won the seat. And the same quickly propelled Link from vulnerable incumbent to a safe-seat senator, Senate Majority Caucus Whip, and a powerful Democratic leader in Lake County. It also brought him the 1,000,000 AFL-CIO-member primary endorsement. Not too shabby.

If you underestimate Link in the Lite Guv race, you’re a fool.

And if you have any doubts about Link’s prowess and potential, there’s a guy who knows a little something about being an underdog and who knows a little something about Link whom you can ask–he’s living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Before you just drop by the White House for a chat–get an invitation.

Perhaps Barack’s buddy can help with that.

Illinois 2010 Elections: State Senator Heather Steans Scores Another Big Endorsement Prize over Jim Madigan–Illinois AFL-CIO

State Senator Heather Steans

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. In her re-election campaign, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) is on a roll.

Steans, who is facing gay rights activist and civil rights attorney Jim Madigan in the Democratic primary, won the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO yesterday.

AFL-CIO backing is one of the crown jewel endorsements in Illinois Democratic primaries.

“I’m proud to have the support of the AFL-CIO,” said Steans, who is in her first-term.

“They took the endorsement process very seriously, and understand that Illinois faces many hurdles to get back on track.  I look forward to working with them, particularly to get more folks working across the state.”

In addition to the AFL-CIO nod, Steans has picked up a slew of endorsements. They include: Independent-Voters-Illinois Independent-Precinct-Organization (IVI-IPO), Citizen Action Illinois, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Emily’s List, SEIU, and AFSCME.

Additionally, according to a source, Steans is likely to grab the Illinois Sierra Club endorsement, too.

Madigan, the former interim-Executive Director of the gay rights group Equality Illinois, has so far attracted the support of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, based in Washington, D.C.

Steans has scooped up most leading gay and lesbian political activists, elected officials, community leaders and virtually all other local elected Democratic leaders.

Clearly, by gathering support from both regular, progressive and independent Democratic political forces, Steans, backed by bulging campaign war chest, now holds a commanding position in the 2010 primary contest against Madigan.

It’s her race to lose.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois Federation of Teachers Endorses State Rep. David Miller for Illinois Comptroller

David Miller

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. Citing his many years of leadership on education funding reform, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) today endorsed State Rep. David Miller (D-Dolton) for Illinois Comptroller.

IFT represents over 103,000 teachers and staff statewide, and its endorsement is a critical win in the state’s short primary season.

“David Miller has been a vocal champion for public education since his very first days as a State Representative,” said IFT President Ed Geppert, Jr.

Miller is the chief sponsor of legislation in the State House to address the structural funding inequities in Illinois’ education system.

The IFT endorsement is Miller’s second labor endorsement in as many weeks; last week the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 241, also announced its support.

The Illinois AFL-CIO, however, declined to endorse either Miller or his primary opponent Raja Krishnamoorthi.

The AFL-CIO, like the IFT, is among the crown jewel of endorsements. It propels candidates forward in primaries. Miller will have a longer, tougher slog against Krishnamoorthi.

Stay tuned.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Dem State Rep Candidate Ann Williams Snags Plum AFL-CIO Endorsement

Ann Williams

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Ann Williams, who is seeking the House seat on Chicago’s north side being vacated by John Fritchey,  snagged a hugely important endorsement from the Illinois AFL-CIO on Tuesday.

Williams, who faces attorneys Ed Mullen and Dan Farley in the Democratic primary, adds the AFL-CIO endorsement to the backing she won last week from House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie and Deputy Majority Leader and Cook County Democratic Party Executive Vice President Lou Lang (D-Skokie) and other top lawmakers.

‘With the current state of the economy we must focus focus on the issues most imporrtant to working families affordable healthcare, access to quality education, keeping taxes down and, most importantly–job creation and retention,” said Williams.

“When it comes to job creation and retention, the AFL-CIO clearly determined I was the best candidate.”

Scott Tucker is running in the Republican primary.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois Sierra Club Endorses Robin Kelly over Justin Oberman

Robin Kelly

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Robin Kelly for State Treasurer over Justin Oberman in the February 2, 2010 Democratic primary election.

The endorsement is the environmental organization’s first ever for Illinois Treasurer.

“Robin Kelly is committed to using the power of the Treasurer’s office to create clean energy jobs and give us all a healthier environment,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.

Kelly currently serves as Chief of Staff to State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.  Under Giannoulias, Kelly initiated new environmental programs in the office, including a $1,000 rebate program for purchases of hybrid cars.

Before joining the Treasurer’s office, Kelly served in the Illinois House of Representatives, where she won awards from the Illinois Environmental Council.

Sierra Club will notify its 30,000 members in Illinois about its endorsement and engage its statewide volunteer network in Kelly’s campaign.

”I’m very pleased with the Sierra Club’s endorsement. Their mission … echoes the work I’ve done in the Treasurer’s Office to advance clean energy and a healthy environment,” said Kelly.

State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa) is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

Happy Anniversary Rod Blagojevich–Pat Quinn Signs Illinois Campaign Finance Reform; Dan Hynes Hits Sour Note

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. On the first anniversary of former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest, Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law a campaign finance bill that imposes Illinois’ first-ever contribution limits in Illinois.

“This new law requires politicians to be more candid, open and accountable than ever before. It is a crucial and important move in the right direction,” said Quinn at a Chicago press conference.

Senate Bill 1466, which was sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), also requires more frequent disclosure of large campaign contributions to the public.

Additionally, the new law creates the Campaign Finance Reform Task Force, which will study the impact of contribution limits and make recommendations following the 2012 and 2014 elections.

The task force, which will consist of 11 members appointed by the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly, will also study on the feasibility of implementing public financing for statewide, legislative and judicial offices and make recommendations by September 30, 2012. A final report will be issued by March 10, 2015.

Attending the bill signing ceremony, included: George Ranney, CHANGE Illinois! Co-Chair, President and CEO of Chicago Metropolis 2020; Sheila Simon, Illinois Reform Commission; Cynthia Canary, Director, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform; Dawn Clark Netsch, CHANGE Illinois! and Illinois Campaign for Political Reform; and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Happy Anniversary, Rod.

But Quinn Democratic primary challenger Comptroller Dan Hynes aimed to step on the Governor’s ceremony and hit a sour note:

“One abandoned promise the Governor ought to revisit is his pledge to fumigate state government. A good place to start would be with a full accounting of the 70-plus Blagojevich era hires who remain on the state payroll, despite having been singled out by the U.S. Attorney for being involved in systematic hiring fraud…”

Oh, well. No good deed goes unpunished.

Listen to Quinn discuss the bill and his first year of cleaning up the joint:

Illinois 2010 Elections: Northside Democracy for America Endorses State Rep Candidate Ed Mullen

Ed Mullen

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. Democrat Ed Mullen who is seeking the State House seat on Chicago’s north side being vacated incumbent John Fritchey scored an important endorsement for his campaign in February 2 Democratic primary.

Northside Democracy for America voted 28-7 to endorse Mullen over opponent Ann Williams. A third Democratic contender, attorney Dan Farley, declined to participate in the endorsement process.

Mullen, a civil rights attorney, said, “DFA’s mission is to elect socially progressive, fiscally responsible, and ethical democrats. The voters overwhelmingly concluded that I was the candidate who best met those criteria.”

Mullen, whose campaign has knocked on nearly 5,000 doors in the working-class and yuppy legislative district, also claims that his fund-raising has been robust.

“I am getting significant financial support from the loop legal community, including law firms and non-profit legal providers, the lgbt community and the disability community,” Mullen wrote in an e-mail.

In true grass-roots fashion, Mullen and his campaign canvass district neighborhoods–knocking on voter doors–every weekend 11-5 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday as well as some weeknights. Meeting voters at their door is an absolutely critical tactic in state legislative races because of its powerful impact of the face-to-face contact.

Mullen is the underdog is this race–he lacks–unlike Williams or Farley–big-name political endorsements at the moment, but he has an aggressive ground game. And this ground game makes him a contender.

Scott Tucker is running in the Republican primary.

Stay tuned.

Illinois Politics: “One Year after Rod Blagojevich” with Ray Hanania WJJG 1530 AM Radio

Ray Hanania

(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. Happy Anniversary, Rod Blagojevich.

For you, not so good. For Illinois, pretty damn good.

It’s one year today that Illinois began to celebrate the beginning of your end and the beginning of Illinois’ new start. Your final exit was a little rough–a historical impeachment trial–and Illinois’ new start was a little rough too, as Governor Pat Quinn sought to get his sea legs–but the new start began.

Looking back on the year without Blagojevich, Ray Hanania, radio host of “Mornings with Ray Hanania“ on WJJG 1530 AM Radio today brought on a series of guests to chew on Blagojevich’s ankle, arrest, and his legacy.

The guests included political analyst Monroe Anderson, Illinois StateHouse News editor Scott Reeder, ChicagoTalks.org co-publisher Suzanne McBride, and yours truly, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER editor and Huffington Post/Chicago columnist David Ormsby (insert ‘horn tooting’ here).

Hanania travelled down the long and winding and twisting and political road-kill filled Blagojevich Memory Lane with each of the guests. It’s worth a listen. We were brilliant.

Podcasts of the show are available at “Mornings with Ray Hanania“.

Illinois Budget: Gov Pat Quinn is Planning to Cut Illinois Budget by 14%

(Chicago, IL) — December 8, 2009. If Illinois residents who depend on state services were suffering insufficiently up until now due to earlier Illinois budget cuts, more suffering is on deck.

Governor Pat Quinn’s budget director, David Vaught, is directing state agencies to cut 14 percent from their budget.

Gulp.

The state has an estimated $11.6 billion budget deficit and no dough in the bank.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois AFL-CIO Declines to Endorse Either Pat Quinn or Dan Hynes for Governor

(Chicago, IL) — December 8, 2009. In a major rebuke to both Governor Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes the Illinois AFL-CIO chose today not to make an endorsement in the race for the 2010 Democratic nomination for governor.

The federation of Illinois labor organizations, however, did vote 58-42 in favor Hynes.

“Rather than offering the expected formality of endorsing the sitting Democratic governor, the Illinois AFL-CIO today instead issued Pat Quinn a stinging rebuke by opting not to make an endorsement in the race for the Democratic nomination,” Hynes campaign communications director Matt McGrath said.

Quinn communications director Elizabether Austin is reving her engines for a response. Buckle up.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger Endorses Dan Proft for Governor

Dan Proft

(Chicago, IL) – December 8, 2009. This morning on the Don Wade & Roma Morning Show on WLS-AM 890, former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger endorsed Dan Proft for Governor in the Republican 2010 primary.

Wow.

“I am proud to endorse Dan Proft’s candidacy for Governor because Proft is the only candidate who has properly diagnosed what afflicts state government and is prescribing the right policy remedies,” said Rauschenberger, who is seeking to regain his old senate seat currently held by State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin)

“The other candidates believe we have a management problem in state government. Proft correctly understands that it is a system problem.”

Rauschenberger, a well-respected former member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and lead budget negotiator for the Senate Republicans, cited Proft’s plans to cut taxes and impose statutory spending caps in his endorsement.

“People ask me if Proft’s ideas are workable. Not only are they workable, they are absolutely necessary,” said Rauschenberger, a former National President of the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Rauschenberger has gotta be kidding?

After the pasting Jim Edgar’s former press secretary Mike Lawrence gave on Sunday in the Springfield State Journal-Register on the budget and tax fantasies pushed by Republicans like Proft, it’s mind-warping that someone like Rauschenberger would sacrifice such a well-earned, pristine, and respectable reputation on the nonsense peddled by Proft to grub for a few extra conservative votes in his own race. Too bad.

Chalk up another vote for politics of delusion.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Bill Brady Launches Basic, Powerful TV Ad

State Senator Bill Brady

(Chicago, IL) — December 8, 2009. State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), a candidate for Illinois governor in the 2010 Republican primary, launched his first television commercial of this campaign beginning today, Tuesday.

The 30-second ad will run in cable markets in Cook County, the collar counties and Downstate, primarily on the Fox News Channel in Chicago.

This is a good ad.

The message “a plan” or “blue print” for Illinois is solid, simple and reassuring. The audio and visuals align–absolutely crucial.

If you are preparing dinner, you hear the message. If you are speaking on the phone and have lowered the TV volume, you see the message. The music beat, voice tempo match the graphics’ movements and energy. Basic, powerful.

This ad was designed for real voters living real lives. Real voters may only may catch a glimpse of an ad as their daily lives unfurl. They are not wide-eyed, political junkie-zombies hanging on every word, gesture and graphic design whirl of political ads.

And this ad is head, shoulders, and hair-pieces above rival Andy McKenna’s silly “hair” ad saga, stuffed with insider-allusions to Rod Blagojevich’s alleged corruption and his overly celebrated coif.

Brady’s ad talks to real voters–McKenna’s talks to insiders.

Effective. A+.

Take a look:

Illinois 2010 Elections: U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley Endorses Water District Candidate Todd Connor

Todd Connor

(Chicago, IL) — December 8, 2009. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) yesterday endorsed Metropolitan Water Reclamation District candidate Todd Connor, a former Illinois Inspector General, in the Democratic primary.

The Quigley endorsement, a “must-have” among Democratic candidates seeking to run under a progressive, reform banner in Cook County, joins the growing ranks of elected Cook County Democrats who are breaking ranks with the Cook County Democratic Party’s slated candidates: Michael Alvarez, Barbara McGowan and Mariyanna Spyropolous to back Connor, a former Navy officer.

In addition to Quigley, in recent days, Connor, 31, has added State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough, Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO), and Citizen Action Illinois to his bulging list of endorsements.

But the Quigley nod is clearly Connor’s biggest prize yet.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Citizen Action Illinois Endorses David Schroeder

David Schroeder

(Chicago, IL) — December 7, 2009. Citizen Action Illinois on Saturday endorsed David Schroeder in the Democratic primary for the in the Illinois House 5th District race over State Rep. Ken Dunkin and Gwyendolyn Drake.

Illinois Citizen Action is the state’s largest public interest organization, fighting for Illinoisans on issues as varied as utility rates, health care reform, and ethics.

“I’m tremendously excited about Citizen Action’s decision to endorse me,” said Schroeder.

For a full list of Citizen Action’s endorsements, visit Citizen Action Illinois.

The primary election is February 2, 2010.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Bill Brady Gets GOP Endorsements; Budget Balancing Plan Gets Pasting from Jim Edgar’s Former Press Secretary, Mike Lawrence

From L-R; Darin LaHood, Peoria County Republican Chairman Rudy Lewis, Bill Brady, Tazewell County Board Member John Ackerman, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, and State Rep. Keith Sommer.

(Chicago, IL) — December 7, 2009. State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), one of the seven candidates for governor in the 2010 Republican primary, scooped up an important group of downstate Republican endorsements in Peoria last Wednesday.

Throwing their support to Brady were: State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Clare), State Senator John O. Jones (R- Mt. Vernon), State Rep. Shane Cultra (R-Onarga), State Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill), State Rep. Keith Sommer (R-Morton), City of Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Tazewell County Board Member Jan Donahue (R-Pekin), Tazewell County Board Member Mel “Dutch” Stanford (R-Mackinaw), and Tazewell County Board Member John C. Ackerman (R-Washington).

“The State of Illinois needs to be run like a business, and Bill Brady is the candidate who can do that. His plan to restore fiscal discipline in Springfield and bring jobs back to Illinois will help Illinois businesses and working families throughout the state,” said Jones.

Jones was referring to Brady’s plan to plug the looming $12 billion Illinois budget whole in next year’s fiscal year 2011 budget. Brady’s plan is two-fold–generate jobs and cut Illinois Medicaid costs.

On job growth and Medicaid cuts, Brady lays out a six-sentence “Balancing the Budget” plan on his Web site:

“… [B]ringing back the 700,000 jobs Illinois has lost in recent years, which would ultimately result in a $3 billion annual infusion of tax revenues to the state treasury … [and] a managed care approach to health care for the state’s Medicaid population, a move that would increase access to health care in the system while saving an estimated $1 billion annually.”

In his response to a Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire, Brady’s estimated Medicaid saving were far more generous and he pushed Illinois tax cuts to balance the budget. Brady wrote:

“We need to live within our means, reducing the tax burden on the people and businesses of Illinois and encouraging business investment and a growing economy in our state.

Illinois needs a better managed Medicaid system that gives recipients access earlier in their illness, so patients can see their doctors instead of high-cost emergency room visits. This will save the state approximately $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion …”

Crain’s Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz today says in his blog, “The question for voters is whether his conservative stands add up, both fiscally and politically.”

Mike Lawrence says, fiscally, no.

Lawrence, the former director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University and press secretary to Gov. Jim Edgar, thinks Brady and the other Republican candidates’ budget are, essentially, a hoax.

In a column in the Springfield State Journal-Register on Sunday, Lawrence wrote:

“… Republicans vow to erase a deficit expected to reach nearly $12 billion next year simply by stimulating employment in the private sector and downsizing state government — a proposed remedy that may entice voters but affronts reality. Not allowing facts to intrude upon fetching phrases, a couple of the GOP gubernatorial candidates tout tax cuts to help spur the economic surge they contend would stabilize finances and allow our government to pay its bills on time.

Assume we freeze tax rates and a robust recovery produces revenue growth of 7.79 percent from the sales tax, 13.2 percent from the personal income tax and 41 percent from the corporate income tax — all of which would match spikes over the last quarter century. The yield would be $2.4 billion, only 20 percent of the deficit.”

If one were to assume Brady’s own, optimistic estimates are correct, then his own plan to balance the Illinois budget fall $7.2 billion short. That’s $7.2 billion. Short.  Short like a tree trump–missing the trunk, the branches, and the leaves. A hoax.

But let’s give Lawrence the final word:

“When Illinois needs courageous, forthright leaders more than ever, we will enter this crucial election year courted by pandering Pinocchios.”

Next time you hear Brady talk about his “balanced budget plan”, keep your eye on his nose.

Illinois 2010 Elections: U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Other African-American Elected Officials to Endorse Gov. Pat Quinn

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis

(Chicago, IL) — December 6, 2009–8:01 p.m. U.S. Representative Danny Davis (D-Chicago) and a group of elected African-American officials from Chicago’s West Side will endorse Gov. Pat Quinn at a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7.

Meanwhile, Comptroller Dan Hynes will roll-out a crown jewel endorsement for his campaign on Monday.  Hynes will get the official backing from the Illinois Federation of Teachers which represents 80,000 teachers in Illinois.

Union leaders from its Executive Board will join Hynes for the announcement at the Chicago Teachers Union office in the Merchandise Mart at 10:00 a.m.

At his press conference, Quinn will be rolling-out an impressive list of office-holders.

In addition to Davis, State Senator Ricky Hendon (D-Chicago), who is running for Lt. Governor in the Democratic primary, the other officials endorsing Quinn include:

• State Sen. Kimberly Lightford
• State Representative Annazette Collins
• State Rep. Karen Yarborough
• Democratic Committeewoman Darlena Williams-Burnett
• Cook County Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore
• Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins
• Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele
• Alderman Walter Burnett Jr.
• Alderman Sharon Denise-Dixon
• Alderman Emma Mitts
• Alderman Ed Smith
• Commissioner Barbara McGowan, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
• Commissioner Patricia Horton, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Quinn and Hynes’s dueling endorsement press conferences will put Chicago’s TV stations in a quandary on Monday. Quinn or Hynes?

Of course, the stations may luck-out and avoid having to choose between between either announcement–the Kennedy Expressway might produce a fender-bender.

Illinois 2010 Elections: New Trier Democrats Endorse Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — December 6, 2009. The New Trier Democratic Organization today endorsed Governor Pat Quinn over Comptroller Dan Hynes in the 2010 Democratic primary for governor.

According to Quinn’s hardworking Communications Director, Elizabeth Austin, Quinn won their backing with 71% of the vote.

Quinn snagged a plum endorsement. Yep.

Bill Crowley is the New Trier Democratic Committeeman.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois Federation of Teachers Endorse Dan Hynes for Governor over Pat Quinn

Dan Hynes

(Chicago, IL) — December 6, 2009. Comptroller Dan Hynes on Monday announced a crown jewel endorsement for his campaign for governor in the Democratic primary against Governor Pat Quinn.

Hynes got the official backing from the Illinois Federation of Teachers which represents 103,000 teachers and other staff in Illinois.

Union leaders from its Executive Board joined Hynes for the announcement at the Chicago Teachers Union office in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

“Dan is the right man for this moment — an expert on state finances at a time when that skill is uniquely in demand,” IFT President Ed Geppert, Jr. said.

“As Illinois continues its perilous drift, we need someone with a record of steady leadership and competence to get our state back on track.  I have no doubt whatsoever that Dan will be that governor.

Quinn has annoyed the teachers unions with proposed changes to the state pension system.

The IFT endorsement is a huge boost to Hynes’ campaign.

Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints 25 to Key Education Council, Names Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle as Panel Chairman

Miguel del Valle

(Chicago, IL) — December 6, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn last week made 25 important appointments to the P-20 Council, a key education advisory panel, and named Chicago City Clerk and former state senator Miguel del Valle, as Chair.

The P-20 (pre-school through graduate school) Council will play a role in Illinois’ quest to win approximately $400 million in federal “Race to the Top” education money.

“With these appointments, Illinois is sending a strong signal to Washington that a top-notch education for all students is a foremost priority,” said Quinn.

The U.S. Department of Education “Race to the Top” is a $4.35 billion competitive grant process focused on innovative approaches to education. Illinois could receive approximately $400 million in discretionary funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

That’s a lot of dough. As discretionary money, school systems would have extraordinary flexibility to apply it to innovative programs.

Ron Huberman

The 25 appointments, which includes Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman, made by Quinn include a broad range of individuals.

They include business leaders, teachers, parents, civic groups, university, community colleges and school officials. There are four legislative members on the council and six ex-officio members from state agencies.

Quinn was joined at announcement by Dr. Chris Koch, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent and a P-20 Council ex-officio member; Chris Koch, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent, House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago); and State Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling).

Quinn’s choice of del Valle as panel chair is an inspired choice. In the state senate, del Valle served as Vice Chair on Senate Education Committee and as a member on the Senate Higher Education Committee.

When Mayor Richard Daley originally appointed del Valle to the City Clerk’s office, he said:

“As vice chairman of the Education Committee and a member of the Higher Education Committee, he has been one of the most forceful advocates in the entire General Assembly for the school children of Illinois.”

Good for Quinn.

Good for the P-20 Council.

Quinn’s appointments to the Council:

• Miguel del Valle, Chair
• Joshua Anderson
• Perry Buckley
• Ron Bullock
• Sharon Thomas Parrot
• Traci Cobb-Evans
• Dr. Thomas L. Choice, President, Kishwaukee College
• Glenn Poshard, President, Southern Illinois University
• Ray Hancock
• Ron Huberman, CEO, Chicago Public Schools
• Dr. Erika Hunt
• Debra Kasperski
• Maggie Laslo
• John Luczak
• Dea Meyer
• Fr. Dennis Holtschneider
• Jeff Owens
• Cyntha Plouche
• Laurel Prussing, former State Representative
• John Rico
• Kathy Ryg, former State Representative
• Audrey Soglin
• Robin Steans
• Rick Stephens
• Debra Strauss

Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Rutherford Has Open Mind on Illinois Income Tax Increase; Quinn, Connor, Yarbrough, Hynes, Robinson, Madigan, Steans, Feigenholtz, Lang, O’Brien, Mell, Laiacona, Dillard, Proft, Schroeder, Mendoza, Marin, and Harris

State Senator Dan Rutherford

(Chicago, IL) — December 6, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 elections campaign and cow-pie trail…

… State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa)–who is running for State Treasurer–has a distinctly open mind on the issue of raising the Illinois income tax–unlike any of the GOP candidates running for Governor.

In his response to the Chicago Tribune questionnaire for the February 2, 2010 primary, Rutherford wrote:

“I do not support an Income Tax Increase at the present time. I have never taken an oath to not vote for an increase, but I am not about to until the Medicaid and Pension systems are straightened out.”

Entirely reasonable.

… Governor Pat Quinn was endorsed by the Illinois Sierra Club and the group’s Director Jack Darin hosted a press conference at North Ave. Beach on Saturday to make the announcement. Chilly. Brrr.

…. Speaking of doo-gooder endorsements, Democrat Todd Connor, who is seeking a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board of commissioners, received the endorsement of IVI-IPO this week.

Todd Connor

Connor, a former Illinois Inspector General, took a poke at his potential colleagues on the board at a fund-raiser this week.

The former Navy officer–who knows something about water–noted that at a recent press conference of government agencies on the looming Asian carp crisis–those gigantic, eco system devouring fishies scampering toward Lake Michigan–that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District–in whose sanitary canal the carp are traveling and in whose canal they’re being poisoned to blunt their approach–was a no-show. No kidding.

Why?

The water board says the canal is not a river, so it’s not their problem. Uh, huh. Their careers will eventually be sleepin’ with those fishes.

… State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) and Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough endorsed Connor on Saturday.

… According to Rich Miller at The Capitol Fax Blog, the leaders of the Illinois Federation of Teachers voted to endorse Dan Hynes for governor. Woe. This is a big boost to Hynes.

Jim Madigan

… On Wednesday, Loyola College Republicans and Democrats co-hosted a candidate forum for the Illinois State Senate’s District 7 located on Chicago’s north side. Candidates Republican Adam Robinson and Democrat Jim Madigan appeared. Incumbent State Senator Heather Steans did not participate.

… Madigan and Steans, however, faced each other and took volleys of questions from IVI-IPO on Saturday, December, 5 at Truman College. Steans won IVI’s endorsement.

… State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) has just returned from a 10-day trip to Israel where she celebrated Thanksgiving, feasting on heaps of falafel. It tastes just like turkey.

… Niles Township Democratic Committeeman, Cook County Democratic Party Executive Vice President and House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) is backing Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Terry O’Brien’s bid for Cook County Board President. If O’Brien loses, Lang has extra titles to spare.

State Rep. Debb Mell

… Now that State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) has survived her ballot challenge from opponent Joe Laiacona, Laiacona has issued an invitation to Mell to debate. That oughtta be fun to watch.

… Republican candidate for governor State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) called for a “spending freeze” as he outlined his Illinois budget plan in a keynote speech to the Illinois Bankers Association on Wednesday.

Given that Illinois human services spending fell this year because of massive budget cuts, a spending freeze would be welcomed as relief to the state’s beleaguered providers.

… Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft visited Edwardsville this week, and pledged that, if elected–and we’re talking a big fat, tubby if here–he would cut the state income tax by half, cut the corporate tax by half and eliminate the estate tax.

David Schroeder

In place of those taxes to pay for the Illinois State Police, Fire Marshal and local elementary and high schools, etc, Proft would place little red kettles on street corners across the state.

… Democrat David Schroeder who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) in the primary has a fund-raiser at Vertigo Sky Lounge 660 N State St in Chicago on Monday, December 7, 5:30 to 7:30. Schroeder’s host committee includes former State Rep. Nancy Kaszak (D-Chicago).

… State Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) on Saturday spoke to the Mikva Challenge students as a surrogate for Democrat U.S. hopeful Alexi Giannoulias.

… Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin Saturday said on her Facebook page regarding Quinn and Hynes: “That Feb 2nd primary is getting awfully close…and the makings of a brawl are at hand”. At hand? Heck, you can barely recognize either candidate now through the bruises. Here is Marin’s Sunday column …

… State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) Friday noted on his Facebook page that, in addition to having a cold and being cranky, his winterizing efforts are falling short: “Just in time for winter [and] I have 3 left gloves”.

Phew. There ya go.

Jesse White, Lisa Madigan, John Cullerton, Barbara Flynn Currie, Robin Kelly and Other Illinois Pols Attend White House Holiday Party

Barbara Flynn Currie

(Chicago, IL) — December 5, 2009. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed a group of Illinois Democrats to a glittering holiday party at the White House on Thursday.

A select group.

Heading up the Illinois White House party goers–with an invitation–were: Secretary of State Jesse White, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Senate President John Cullerton, and House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.

With choirs scattered throughout the White House, the group dined on: roast beef, turkey, smoked salmon, and shrimp. Yum.

Missing from the event however–besides Michaele and Tareq Sahali–was a photo line. The invitation and, perhaps, a pilfered cocktail napkin were the souvenirs.

In addition to White, Madigan, Cullerton and Currie, the other Illinois Democrats at the soirée included:

• State Sen. Iris Martinez
• State Sen. Terry Link, a candidate for Lt. Governor
• Former Senate President Emil Jones
• Former Illinois State Rep. Robin Kelly, chief of staff to Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, and a candidate for Treasurer
• Cook County Clerk David Orr
• Cook County Board Member Forrest Claypool
• State Rep. Art Turner, a candidate for Lt. Governor
• State Board of Education Chair Jesse Ruiz
• 4th Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President

Of course, there are names of some “favored Illinois Dems” conspicuously missing from this list, and that creates morsels of speculation as juicy as the shrimp at the buffet table. And you can imagine political folks back home chewing–or stewing–over those crumpets.

Merry Ho, Ho.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Illinois Sierra Club Endorses Pat Quinn At North Ave Beach–Brrrrr

(Chicago, IL) — December 5, 2009. The Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club has endorsed Governor Pat Quinn in the Illinois Democratic primary for governor over challenger Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Jack Darin, the group’s Director, Sierra Club members and Quinn announced the endorsement at a news conference outdoors at North Avenue Beach, Chicago, today, Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

“Pat Quinn is the clear choice for Illinois voters who want to move to a clean energy economy and protect our drinking water and wild places,” said Darin.

According to The Weather Channel, the temperature in Chicago at North Avenue Beach at around 12:00 was 31 degrees–but will feel like 22. Brrrr.

Enjoy.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Seven Reform Cook County Candidates Form Joint 2010 Campaign Coalition–ChangeCookCounty.Com

(Chicago, IL) — Friday, December 4, 2009. Seven Democratic Cook County reform candidates have formed a joint 2010 campaign coalition —“ChangeCookCounty.Com”— to help advance an electoral victory for a “change agenda” in Cook County government.

Todd Connor (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District), Ray Figueroa (Cook County Assessor), Ade Onayemi (1st County Board District), Sheila Chalmers-Currin (5th County Board District), John Fairman (6th County Board District), Xavier Nogueras (8th County Board District), and Dr. Victor Forys (17th County Board District), formed the campaign coalition and hammered out a broad agenda of principles over the last several weeks.

The six candidates will launch their joint campaign on the sidewalk at the south side of the Cook County Government Building handing out coins—“change”—to voters on Tuesday.

Clever.

Illinois Policy Institute Launches New Web Site–IllinoisOpenGov.Org–to Track Illinois Budget Spending

(Chicago, IL) — December 4, 2009. The Illinois Policy Institute has launched a new Web site–IllinoisOpenGov.org–to help Illinois taxpayers pry open a window for a better view of Illinois state government spending.

The IllinoisOpenGov.org site aims to provide “an unbiased look into raw state government spending data collected directly from official government sources,” according to the group’s press release.

Let’s hope the “unbiased look” pledge endures.

IllinoisOpenGov.org offers a comprehensive supplement to the Illinois Accountability Portal, which lists information on state employee pay, state agency expenditures and contracts, professional licenses and corporate accountability by including the following additional information:

• Details of state spending avail-able in easy-to-use, downloadable, Excel or CSV file formats, allowing anyone to re-purpose the data for their own use.
• Salary and benefit information for all Illinois government workers (as opposed to the state’s current site, which at this point does not include information on statewide benefits data or legislative salaries).
• Information on payouts to re-tired state employees.
• Blog with highlights posted regularly from the database.
• Forum for public conversation and offers the option for commenting on individual expense items.

Initially, IllinoisOpenGov.org will list state employee salary, retiree pensions and vendor information; ultimately, the site will include all state spending – providing citizens and the media with a better tool to use in the analysis of state spending decisions.

Improving transparency on government finances is always a welcome initiative.  If the “unbiased look” by the Illinois Policy Institute holds as a central tenet, then they have the makings of a successful project. If the data generated from the Web site is wielded merely as another tool in which to club Democrats, then the project’s credibility will suffer.

Let’s hope for the best.

Illinois 2010 Elections: State Rep. Carol Sente, Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein Clash on Illinois Income Tax Increase

Buffalo Village Grove President Elliott Harstein

(Chicago, IL) — December 4, 2009.  Appointed State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) and three-term Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein–who is challenging Sente in the upcoming Democratic primary–are clashing on the issue of an Illinois income tax increase.

According to their questionnaires submitted to the Chicago Tribune, Sente opposes an income tax hike and Hartstein supports it to balance the Illinois budget this year and fill an estimated $12 billion hole next.

In response to the Tribune question: “Do you support an income tax increase?” Sente, who served as the Vernon Hills Park District Vice President before her appointment to the Lake County seat vacated by Kathy Ryg, responded:

“I do not support increasing the state income tax. As a small business owner, I would treat the state like I treat my own business, making difficult but necessary cuts in spending, including taking a pay-cut personally to make ends meet during this difficult economic recovery.”

Hartstein staked out the opposite political ground on the tax question.

“The extent of the current deficit which needs to be closed cannot be fully addressed with cuts and reforms many of which may take some time to reflect significant savings. I could consider an increase ranging from 1 to 2 % above the current 3% provided the additional provisions … with some form of property tax relief like increases in the Homeowner and Senior exemptions.”

On the question of necessary cuts to the Illinois budget to help bring it back into balance, Sente and Hartstein also supplied different answers.

“I am hopeful that the state will recover its lost revenue as the economy recovers,” Sente wrote. “I do not support a tax increase, but will work with my constituents once we have a more definite indication of what the fiscal and revenue outlooks are for Fiscal Year 2011.”

Hartstein, an attorney, thinks that Illinois’ pension costs, which will account for nearly one-third of Illinois’ $12 billion budget deficit next year, must be brought under control.

“We need to reform our pension system to create long term sustainabilty which needs to be among the top priorities,” Hartstein wrote. “[We] … need to focus on a moratorium on new and increased benefits which we cannot afford. We similarly need to increase the amounts that are contributed by employees toward health insurance which is a big ticket item …”

Openly backing an income tax increase is a courageous, risky move on Hartstein’s part. Voters are in a surly, fearful mood. Whether they will be open simultaneously to the truth and a dose of harsh fiscal medicine to cure what ails the Illinois budget is an open question. But credit Hartstein for speaking it.

Nevertheless, watch for the Illinois income tax to take center stage in the primary election battle between Sente and Hartstein for Illinois 59th district seat. Betcha.

The primary is on February 2, 2010.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Three Unions Totaling 40,000 Workers Back Dan Hynes for Governor

Comptroller Dan Hynes

(Chicago, IL) — December 4, 2009. Three important unions yesterday endorsed Comptroller Dan Hynes’ candidacy for governor, giving the Hynes campaign a crucial boost.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1546, and the International Brotherhood of the Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers Local 1—representing approximately 40,000 workers—all gave Hynes thumbs up.

“Dan Hynes has earned the endorsement of UFCW Local 1546 based on his strong, steady leadership, his plan to create new, sustainable jobs for the future, his clear understanding of how to fix our state budget …,” said Kenneth R. Boyd, UFCW Local 1546 President and International Vice President.

“We’re convinced that Dan Hynes represents our best opportunity to elect a highly capable leader for governor who has a sterling track record of fiscal responsibility, and government accountability,” said Darrell Jefferson, President and Business Agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union – Local 241.

“Our state deserves a governor who will keep his word when it comes to creating jobs,” Boilermakers Local 1 Business Manager John Skermont said.

Skermont’s comment is a not so subtle swipe at Hynes Democratic primary opponent, Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn  took much heat during the legislative session for unexpectedly linking the $31 billion capital construction bill to the fate of his tax increase in final Illinois budget which was approved without the increase Quinn sought.

Meanwhile, the approved construction bill languished in political purgatory for nearly two months before Quinn finally signed it. That delay came at the expense of a lost construction season.

A smaller, $3 billion capitol bill, however was approved in time for projects to begin during the spring construction season.

Currently, a total of 15 unions representing more than 323,000 workers now back Hynes.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Barbara Currie, Lou Lang Endorse State Rep Candidate Ann Williams, Giving Boost to Campaign to Succeed John Fritchey

House Majority Leader Barbara Currie

(Chicago, IL) — December 3, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Ann Williams has scored a major political boost for her campaign to win the 11th district House seat being vacated by John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side.

House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie)–the number two and three leaders respectively in the Illinois House–have endorsed Williams’ candidacy.

“Ann Williams knows how the state legislature works, she knows most current lawmakers, and she knows her voters, “said Lang, who is also the Executive Vice President of the Cook County Democratic Party. “She has knocked on more than 1,500 doors in the district and she knows the number one issue is–jobs.”

In addition to Currie and Lang, Williams has also snagged the support of State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).

Ann Williams

Williams, an attorney and a state government lobbyist, is a former staffer to House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The high-profile endorsements make Williams a powerful contender in the Democratic primary whose other candidates include civil rights attorney Ed Mullen and former Cook County assistant state’s attorney Dan Farley, son of former State Senator Bruce Farley (D-Chicago), who has been endorsed by Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypoll and backed by powerful 47th Ward Alderman Eugene Shulter.

Scott Tucker is seeking the Republican nomination.

Williams is holding a kick-off fund-raiser at John Barleycorn, 658 W. Belden in Chicago tonight, Thursday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Illinois 2010 Elections: New Poll Says State Rep. Ken Dunkin Faces “Classic Signs of an Incumbent in Trouble”

David Schroeder

(Chicago, IL) — December 3, 2009. State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) faces an uphill struggle to keep his seat if Democratic primary opponents attorneys David Schroeder and Gwendolyn Drake gain traction.

Voters in Dunkin’s district have a dim view of his job performance, according to a new poll by Washington D.C.-based Lake Research Partners taken for Schroeder.

The poll* reveals that 32% of voters have a “fair or poor” view of Dunkin’s job performance while just 37%  view his performance as “excellent or good” and 31% have no opinion at all.

Uh, oh.

“These are classic signs of an incumbent in trouble. Despite his several years in office, Dunkin’s image is remarkably thin and his job performance mixed among the Democratic base,” wrote Daniel Gotoff and Jason Kravitz in a polling memo on December 1.

The poll memo authors also note:

“Just 35% of Democratic primary voters would re-elect Dunkin, leaving nearly two-thirds who would either consider someone else (22%), vote to replace Dunkin (8%), or don’t know (35%). The typical range of viability on this metric of an incumbent’s political health is between 40% and 50% – and that is among General election voters.  Dunkin fails even to breach this threshold of support among the primary voters who should comprise his political base.”

However, what the memo ignores is the mother’s milk of polling–the horse race numbers. There are no head-to-head numbers among the three candidates.

Schroeder Campaign Manager Erik Wallenius wrote in an e-mail, “Gwen Drake and David Schroeder, are newcomers … we believe the head-to-head numbers from this poll are not terribly meaningful…”

What that means is that Dunkin is way ahead of either Schroeder or Drake.

Dunkin’s numbers may be dismal, but you can’t beat somebody with nobody. And at the moment, both Schroeder and Drake are nobodies in the minds of the district voters. If Schroeder or Drake expect to overtake Dunkin, they have around 60 days to do it.

In the next 60 days, they have to dump a ton of money into direct mail to raise their profile and credibility and another ton of dough in direct mail to take Dunkin down. It can be done. But it takes money and time.

Schroeder is raising money. Drake is raising money. But will they have enough?

And there is the time. The limited time–the 60 days on the calendar until February 2, 2010–limits their room to grow, communicate their messages, and maneuver.

Time is Ken Dunkin’s key asset in the race.

======================================================================

*Lake Research Partners designed and administered this survey, which was conducted by telephone using professional interviewers.  The survey reached 400 adults, 18 years or older, in Illinois’ 5th Assembly District who are registered and likely to vote in the 2010 Democratic Primary Election.  The survey was conducted between November 3rd and November 9th, 2009.  The margin of error for this survey is +/-4.9%.

Cronin, Froehlich, Kotowski and Lang Get “Champion for Children” Honors

Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang

(Chicago, IL) – December 3, 2009. The Child Care Association of Illinois today bestowed its “Champion for Children” award on four Illinois state lawmakers for their legislative initiatives in behalf of Illinois abused and neglected children and foster families.

Being honored were: State Rep. Paul Froehlich (D-Schaumburg), State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), State Senator Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst), and State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge).

Kotowski and Froehlich sponsored legislation this year to create a new approach to help Illinois abused and neglected children living in residential and group homes get more sophisticated care and avoid hospitalization.

The measure develops a performance-based payment model for the state residential foster care services to be implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

“We are very grateful to Senator Kotowski and Representative Froelich for their aggressive and successful efforts to win approval of the bill,” said Marge Berglind, President of the Child Care Association of Illinois.

Senator Cronin earned his “Champion for Children Award” for his sponsorship of legislation that requires DCFS each year to review cost reimbursements the foster parent cost of care for abused and neglected children and report to the Illinois General Assembly.

“With Senator Cronin’s bill, foster children will benefit by helping to expand the pool of willing and capable foster parents who currently are deterred by the out-of-pocket expenses,” said Berglind.

Finally, House Deputy Majority Leader Lang received the award for his long-time legislative advocacy in behalf of Illinois foster families.

“Rep. Lang has long fought to adequately reimburse Illinois foster parents for the cost of care and more broadly has long been a leader in child welfare reform,” said Berglind.

Good job.

Governor Pat Quinn Signs Bill to Tap $488 Million in New U.S.-Backed Construction Bonds

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — December 3, 2009. December 2, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed a bill that allows the State to issue $488 million in federal-supported bonds to fund critical capital projects, such as roads, bridges and schools.

This funding is part of Quinn’s capital construction bill signed in July. Quinn estimates the capital program will retain and generate about 439,000 jobs over the next six years.

“This important legislation gives us the financing tools needed to move forward with school construction and other capital projects that will put people to work and help get our economy going,” said Quinn.

Senate Bill 1514 allows for the procurement and payment of Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds, programs initiated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The legislation was sponsored by State Sen. Louis Viverito (D-Burbank) and State Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago).

Under the program, the federal government will reimburse Illinois for 35 percent of the bond’s total interest paid to investors. The State expects to issue its first Build America Bonds in the first quarter of calendar 2010.

That’s a good deal.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Us–THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER Jumps from 2 Visits in November 2007 to 8,841 Visits In November 2009

(Chicago, IL) — December 3, 2009. Happy 2nd Anniversary to us.

On November 17, 2007, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER–originally known as Your Two Cents Less-published its first story and generated a grand total of, drum roll here, 2 visits for the month. Yep, 2.

During the month of November 2009, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER published a raft of stories and generated 8,841 visits–our best month yet.

That’s some sort of progress.

As a result, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER now ranks 6th in visitor traffic among the roughly 52 independent Illinois blogs that deliver state political news and commentary content.

Thank you to our all faithful readers and the new readers who land hear each day. Without your eyeballs and interest we would still in traffic rank hell.

And a special thank you to Rich Miller at The Capitol Fax Blog for including us in his blog roll and occasionally featuring some our stories on his site, generating waves of “traffic”–the mother’s milk of blogs–to this publication and providing crucial, early awareness.

Thanks, Rich.

Stop the Presses—A New News Operation–Illinois Statehouse News—Opens in Springfield

(Springfield, IL) – December 3, 2009. A fresh set of eyes and ears will be covering Illinois state government.

Thank goodness.

Illinois Statehouse News, or ISN, is a group of journalists dedicated to covering issues of importance to Illinoisans has placed its stake in Springfield.

“Cash-strapped news organizations are cutting back in many areas including state government coverage, leaving voters less informed. Illinois Statehouse News, or ISN, is committed to helping fill this void with objective, non-partisan news reports,” according to an ISN e-mail announcement.

Veteran journalist Scott Reeder is heading up the operation.

All journalists working for ISN are required to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. ISN is a project of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan organization.

In addition to enhancing state-government coverage, the Franklin Center is working to improve journalism by partnering with college journalism programs to produce joint investigations and creating the Benjamin Franklin Fellows program to train a new generation of statehouse reporters.

ISN will share its reports in audio, video and text formats through the internet, new media and traditional mediums such as newspapers and radio.

Welcome, ISN.

Legislature Needs Governor Blagojevich to Strip Governor Blagojevich of Senate Appointment Power

(Chicago, IL) — Appropriately, the Illinois General Assembly is moving swiftly to strip Governor Rod Blagojevich of his power to appoint a replacement to Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat. But lawmakers will need Blagojevich’s help.

The legislature can repeal the law that grants the governor’s appointive power–but legislators need the governor to sign the repeal. If Blagojevich refuses to sign the bill before the current General Assembly expires, the repeal legislation will die, according to a top House official.

Instead, the General Assembly should make the ‘repeal’ of Governor Rod Blagojevich their top priority. That’s because Blagojevich won’t resign. Are you kidding? This guy will stay put. He needs the paycheck. He needs his delusions, too, apparently.

Lawmakers will need to impeach Blagojevich if they want change the governor’s senate appointive power anytime soon. Giddy yup, boys and girls.

Poll Says IL Dems Support Lisa Madigan for Obama Senate Seat, Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s Backing Goes Up — in Smoke

(Chicago, IL) — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is now the favorite among Illinois Democratic voters to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, according to a new poll.

The poll, taken by Rasmussen Reports on Wednesday, December 10, also reports that U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s support has plummeted since the revelations of his alleged role in Governor Rod Blagojevich’s scheming to sell the Obama Senate seat.

At least 32% of Illinois Democrats support the appointment of Attorney General Madigan to the Senate seat. Last week, her support was 17%.

Rep. Jackson’s support among Illinois Dems has dropped from 36% last week to 18% this week.

Jackson’s chances for the seat are now toast. Crunch, crunch.

Gery Chico Hosts Blagojevich Fundraiser Day Before Arrest

(Chicago, IL) — From the What’s-He-Thinking-Department, attorney Gery Chico, a former top aide to Mayor Daley and president of the Chicago Park District Board, hosted a fund-raiser for Governor Rod Blagojevich on Monday, December 8, the day before Blagojevich’s arrest.

Chico held this fundraiser despite news media reporting days earlier that disclosed the bombshell the FBI had been secretly recording Blagojevich’s conversations in connection with the ongoing gazillion federal pay-to-play corruption investigations of the Blagojevich Administration.

The FBI wiretap disclosure (a.k.a. “blinking red light”) apparently was an insufficient enough signal to Chico to call off the Blagjevich fundraising event. Nor to the contributors. Yep. There were contributors for the Blagojevich fundraiser.

At least they had brains enough to cancel their checks after Blagojevich’s arrest. Too bad they hadn’t the brains to call it off. Or even not schedule it in the first place.

Governor Blagojevich Having Another ‘Up Day’, Spokesman Says

(Chicago, IL) — From the State of Delusion, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is having an up day, according to his spokesman.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero today reports that the governor’s mood as “upbeat” and “positive”. Guerrero said, “There’s a sense of trying to return to normalcy.”

Normalcy? That must mean that Governor Blagojevich is back to indulging his delusions and spinning schemes at full-tilt boogy today. Someone better check to ensure the silver at the Governor’s Mansion is not up on E-Bay today.

Normacy. Jeez. Was Guerrero’s face screwed on straight?

Tribune’s John Kass Takes Unfair Whack at Jimmy DeLeo

(Chicago, IL) –In a game of editorial dirty pool, Tribune columnist John Kass in his Dec. 12 column dinged State Senator Jimmy DeLeo (D-Chicago) and dragged him into the mess that is Governor Rod Blagojevich’s U.S. Senate seat sell-off derby, implying that DeLeo must be hip-deep in the Blagojevich sludge because DeLeo is DeLeo.

Kass’ evidence? None. Except his own innuendo.

In the column, Kass wrote:

DeLeo is also considered by some to be the real governor of Illinois. Blagojevich is the nutty guy who makes the speeches and gets the federal slap. They’re so close that if Jimmy suddenly stopped walking, Rod would

State Senator Jimmy DeLeo (D-Chicago)

chip his teeth on the back of Jimmy’s head.

It’s reasonable to assume that if there’s one fellow Rod would talk to about the Senate seat, it’s Jimmy. And given their relationship, Jimmy could talk to Rahm. I’m not suggesting money was offered. There is nothing illegal about politicians horse-trading to fill seats. Only when such deals are monetized—as the governor is alleged to have done—is it illegal.

I’m just talking about putting political pieces on the board the Chicago Way. A vacant Senate seat and a soon-to-be vacant House seat in Illinois would be a package deal. Consider this mathematical equation: Jimmy/Rod + Jimmy/Rahm = Happy Rod, Jimmy and Rahm. Get it?

No, Your Two Cents Less doesn’t get it. But maybe we’re a little dim.

Where do the F.B.I. transcripts refer to State Senator “A”? Nowhere. And that’s the problem with Kass’ pet theory, which is really a smear in disguise. In fact, the transcipts reveal no Blagojevich conversations with any state lawmakers–because Blagojevich rarely talked to state lawmakers. Get it?

In Springfield, Jimmy DeLeo is considered a smart politician who could talk to all sides and who liked to get things done that matter. DeLeo could talk to Blagojevich. But DeLeo’s good advice zoomed through one Blagojevich ear and out the other.

Had Blagojevich listened to a smart guy like Jimmy DeLeo, had DeLeo been “Governor” like Kass asserts, Blagojevich would not be staring at prison time today. Blagojevich listened princially to Blagojevich. Period. That’s why the fed’s tapes captured no state legislators on tape.

Kass has been a loud–and often loney journalist–braying against the corrosive and corrupting effect of political power in Illinois and Chicago from his own powerful perch. Most of the time he is on target. In this instance, he’s not. He would be wise to recognize the corrupting influence of power is not limited to politicians.

By the way, the autism insurance bill–desperately sought by parents of more than 9,000 austic children in Illinois–that Blagojevich signed after his arrest–it was sponsored by Jimmy DeLeo. He’s a guy who gets things done that matter to people.

Would Kass mention that? Nope.

Illinois Gaming Board Officially Blows $400 Million Hole in Tattered State Budget; Hands Illinois Casino License to Des Plaines

(Chicago, IL) — The Illinois Gaming Board today voted 3-1 to hand over Illinois dormant 10th casino license to Midwest Gaming–for a song–$100 million–officially blowing a $400 million hole in the state’s FY 2009 budget.

State budgeteers had pegged $500 million for the litigation-plagued license.

Midwest Gaming plans to open a gambling den, er, casino in Des Plaines.

License losers Trilliant Gaming,  who sought a Rosemont sight, bid $435 million for the license, and Waukegan Gaming bid $225 million.

In reality, as the Great Recession trundles on, the 10th license is likely worth about $39.95. Midwest will be lucky to pitch a tent, furnish it with a few card tables, a port-a-potty and some used, coffee-stained bingo cards.

In the meantime, state budget officials will be digging deeper in the couch cushions for cash to patch another budget hole.

Mike Quigley Claims Lead in Illinois 5th CD Special Election, But Campaign Weaknesses Loom Large

(Chicago, IL) — Cook County Commission Mike Quigley is bragging about and bemoaning his 5th C.D. campaign in equal measure.  The bragging rights are pretty thin and the bemoaning could soon get much louder.

On January 19, Quigley’s campaign sent out a goofy “good news, bad news” e-mail. In part, the e-mail stated: “Dear Friend, I’ve got some good news for you and I have some bad news. First the good news . . . According to a recent poll in the Fifth Congressional District, we’re leading the field by eight points!”

What the e-mail failed to acknowledge is that Quigley leads his closest competitor State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) 19% to 11%–with 55% undecided.  Big whoop. Those numbers are so puny as to be worthless.

Quigley’s poll pegged State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) in third place with 8%.

In a bizarre twist, Quigley’s email added: “Now for the bad news . . . None of that will matter if we don’t have the resources to get out there and communicate with the voters of the Fifth Congressional District.” Essentially, Quigley admitted his campaign has little dough. Meanwhile, Feigenholtz has already raked in more $300,000 and recently snagged the EMILY’S List endorsement, which means big money.

Weirdly, the next day Quigley issued another boastful e-mail, attempting to gussy-up his campaign’s meagre ability to scrape together only 2,500 petition signatures over 10 days. In a single weekend, Fritchey gathered 6,000 and Feigenholtz 4,000. Quigley’s ground game looks painfully week.

Quigley’s lead–such as it is–to succeed Rahm Emanuel–is based entirely on his commendable efforts before he entered the race. Since he entered the race, he has done precious little to keep that lead.

In Illinois 5th CD Race, Feigenholtz’s Campaign Treasure Chest Grows, Quigley Struggles, O’Connor In But Not “On”

(Chicago, IL) — When State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) announced her candidacy on January 7 for Illinois’ 5th congressional district special election to replace Rahm Emanuel, Feigenholtz revealed that she had already raised $300,000, knocking the silk socks off folks.

Well, that was, so, oh, two weeks ago.

Last night, at a fundraiser for Feigenholtz in Lakeview at the home, er, petit chateau, of Tom Stringer and Scott Waller, she mentioned in her remarks to the well-heeled swells in attendance that she has now raised–$400,000. Yep $400,000.

Meanwhile, Feigenholtz rival Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley seems to be struggling financially. Recently, Quigley issued an email plea for $5,000 and had to follow up with a second request, claiming he had hauled in only half that amount.

Quigley had also claimed as he entered the race that he would have $100,000 by year’s end, but the campaign has gone silent on that claim. What gives? Quigley silent?

Meanwhile, Quigley’s problems have been compounded by the entrance of 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor into the race. According to Quigley’s own poll, with O’Connor in, Quigley takes 14%, Feigenholtz 10%, O’Connor 8%, and State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) 7%. O’Connor’s presence diminishes Quigley’s lead over Feigenholtz by four points.

Speaking of O’Connor, he may be in, but he’s not on. His Web site announces: “Under Construction”. The Alderman better giddy up–there are only 39 days until election day.

Genson Answers Longstanding Blagojevich Mystery

(Chicago, IL) — Governor Rod Blagojevich’s former attorney Edward Genson last week answered a question that has puzzled official Springfield during the six years of the governor’s tenure: whose advice does Blagojevich follow? Who is Blagojevich’s brain?

The answer?

No one.

“I never require a client to do what I say, but I do require them to at least listen,” Edward Genson said.

Rod Blagojevich advised Rod Blagojevich.

Blagojevich pursued his bizzare policy and political initiatives listening to no one’s advice–except his own. There were no crazed political strategists suggesting career-destroying decisions. It was Blagojevich. His aides only aided and abbetted Blagojevich’s warped impusles.

Mystery settled. Feel better?

Let the impeachment trial roll.

With Oberman’s Withdrawl from the Illinois 5th CD Race, Where do His Supporters, Like J.B. Pritzker, Go?

(Chicago, IL) — Justin Oberman, the son of former Chicago Alderman Marty Oberman, bailed from the race to replace Rahm Emanuel in the Illinois 5th CD in a letter to supporters last Friday–but Oberman declined to nudge his supporters, like J.B. Pritzker, behind any of the remaining candidates in his farewell.

During his 12-minute, first-time candidacy, Oberman raised $160,000 and collected 3,000 petition signatures and recruited high-power backers, like Pritzker. That’s not bad in contrast to 10-year Cook County Commissioner veteran Mike Quigley who collected only 2,500 signature and reported came up short on his year-end $100,000 fund-raising goal.

Oberman leaves behind some check-writers and foot-soldiers. Who, if any one, will Oberman endorse? Quigley? State Reprensentative Sara Feigenholtz? John Fritchey? 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor? Attorney Tom Geoghegan?

Smart money says the smart candidates have already called Oberman looking his help with his ex-money. And Pritzker has probably also had a call or two. Or should.

Quigley Seeks Donations of Toilet Paper, Gets Claypool Endorsement

(Chicago, IL) — From the You-Can’t-Make-This-Stuff-Up-Department,  Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, who is a candidate in the Illinois 5th CD special election, on Tuesday issued an e-mail to supporters inviting them to a campaign kick-off chili party, today, Saturday, and requesting, among other things, donations of, well, toilet paper.

In addition to the toilet paper, Quigley asked supporters to donate:

• Clipboards
• Cups
• Handsoap
• Paper Plates
• Paper Towels
• Pens
• Printer Paper
• Snacks
• Surge Protectors

The purpose of campaign messages is to communicate to its audiences a campaign going from strength-to-strength. And since Quigley has remained silent on the current size of his campaign’s war chest, this message communicates b-r-o-k-e.

Fast forward to Friday, Quigley announced the endorsement of Cook County Commissioner Forest Claypool. The Claypool endorsement is an unquestionable plus. But the Quigley communications team ineptly book-ended the week’s endorsement message with a plea for a snacks, paper plates, and toilet paper donations and made the Commissioner look ridiculous.

Quigley needs some strategic communications thinking. Fast.

In the meantime, Claypool will attend today’s chili party at the Quigley campaign office. No word whether Claypool will bring any of the requested donations.

Quigley’s top opponents in the race to succeed Rahm Emanuel include: State Reprensentatives Sara Feigenholtz, John Fritchey, 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor, Attorney Tom Geoghegan, Professor Charles Wheelan and maybe Cary Capparelli. Maybe.

Fritchey, Feigenholtz Camps Slug it Out

(Chicago, IL) — For nearly nearly nines hours on Tuesday–from the first rhetorical grape shot at 12:52 p.m. until the last verbal volley at 8:43 p.m., the dueling partisans backing Illinois 5th congressional candidates John Fritchey and Sara Feigenholtz fired spit-balls at each other through blog posts on Illinois’ most prominent

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

political site–Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Blog.

Welcome to the 21st Century version of a rumble.

But this rumble was populated by brawlers hiding behind “Looney Tunes” character-like names who flailed away on a keyboard.

Despite all the low-brow bric-a-brac thrown, unsurprisingly, no minds were pried open–or a single, authentic voter influenced. But the partisans held each other hostage to the back-and-forth for the day.

“Bill”, “Phineas J. Whoopee”, “Ditto”, “Dropping Knowledge”, “Rosty the Snowman”, and others assaulted, tweaked, and torqued Fritchey and Feigenholtz’s campaigns with a gaping absence of wit.

Other candidates, like Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, were basically ignored in the blog fracas.

The battle errupted over a minor notice of Fritchey’s recent union endorsements by the Teamsters, AFSCME, the Illinois Federation of teachers and the looming SEIU endorsement of Feigenholtz. Pow.

In case you were watching dust fly during this debate, here is an excerpt:

Phineas J. Whoopee – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 1:46 pm:
SEIU is too far left for this district, better to have the Plumbers, Teachers and AFSCME.

Ditto – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 1:39 pm:
SEIU has like 10,000 members in the district, many of whome are women and many of whom vote. Also, SEIU – unlike most of the other unions – have $ to put behind their endorsement for ies and donations to candidates they endorse. As an organization, they’re coming off a great 08 cycle where they put big bucks and resources into Obama’s operation and it paid off for them.

Droppin Knowledge – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 1:51 pm:
Ditto, before blindly touting SEIU money for your boss, re-read my post – in the Congressional race there are strict contribution limits. So union money will have negligible impact. No PAC can give more than $2,400 for the primary.

Bill – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 1:54 pm:
==SEIU has like 10,000 members in the district==
Just another out and out lie from the Sara camp. They would be lucky if they had 1000 and I’d guess most of them are not registered.

Ditto – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 1:55 pm:
PJW – SEIU is too far “left”? That means absolutely nothing. Their members care about promoting health care for all, child care, equal pay, and worker rights. Feigenholtz has been a leader on all those issues and has a compelling story to tell. So that’s not left – that’s fair and it’s a good message for both their members and the entire district. Also, most of afscme’s members don’t even live in chicago.

Ditto – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 2:04 pm:
DP, let me be more clear: yes, you are correct that a group like SEIU can only donate $2400 to an individual candidate. However, their PAC and other union PACS have far more flexibility on the IE side. A lot more. Money may not go into a campaign’s own coffers, but those IE dollars are still part of the package with any endorsement – whether it’s SEIU, AFSCME, AFL, etc.

Phineas J. Whoopee – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 2:07 pm:
Ditto, I appreciate your point, however, this district has been represented for a long time by many unions that have those same views, have thousands of members living in the district and don’t need SEIU telling them how to vote. I’m talking about plumbers, electricians, painters, teachers, police, fire and tons more. Your 10,000 SEIU stats are questionable to say the least and, as Bill says, many don’t vote, however, I’m sure they will be beneficial for her a foot soldiers.

Bill – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 4:58 pm:
… I really don’t disagree with Sara on anything because I don’t think that she really stands for anything. It is pretty difficult to discern her positions when she is content to languish quietly on the back bench. It is much safer to avoid any controversial issues, like public pensions or school vouchers or any of the other important issues of the day just in case you want to run for Congress some day. At which time you can just spout Emily’s list talking points and hope for the best.

Ditto – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 7:05 pm:
Geez bill. Isn’t your venom a little overkill? … Your attacks are not just pathetic, but patently false. Fortunately, those kinds of hits are too little, too late. She’s already got an army of grassroots volunteers who are REAL supporters and aren’t getting their arms twisted by the regular ward orgs to help Fritchey. Speaking of fritchey…is it true that he voted for school vouchers? Who was he standing up for then? And, you’re wrong. SEIU has close to 10,000 members in the district. Get over it.

Ok. You get the idea. You decide if nine hours of this stuff is worth the effort.

Can the Illinois Federation of Teachers Vouch for Fritchey on Vouchers?

(Chicago, IL) — Citing his legislative record, the Illinois Federation of Teachers on February 2nd endorsed State Rep. John Fritchey in the Illinois 5th CD special election to succeed Rahm Emanuel.

“John Fritchey is a fighter for our children and their education,” said IFT President Ed Geppert, Jr. in a press release.

The IFT endorsement of Fritchey ignited a firestorm–ok, not a firestorm, more like a dull-match spark–on the Illinois political Web site of Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Blog.

A comment posted by “FlackerBacker”–an unimpeachable source–alleged that Fritchey has voted for school vouchers and cited Fritchey’s written support for pension schemes–both items that are presumably poison pills to the teacher unions.

Here’s the post:

FlackerBacker – Tuesday, Feb 3, 09 @ 2:15 pm:
Fritchey’s IFT endorsement is certainly surprising, especially given his votes in favor of school voucher’s and outright support for defined contribution retirement plans. State and national teacher’s unions ardently oppose both these efforts. His support for defined contribution was posted on his blog not long ago…

The first question is: has Fritchey voted for school vouchers?

The second questions is: so what? How deeply does IFT care about vouchers?

On the IFT Web site, there are only two items on “vouchers”–a newsletter from 1999 and a poll from 2006. If the IFT gets its knickers in knot over vouchers, the union keeps a lid on it. That may explain, in part, why Fritchey got the endorsement.

But it also speaks to IFT limp noodle opposition to vouchers.

If Fritchey has voted for vouchers, then that creates an opening to other candidates, like State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commission Mike Quigley, Alderman Patrick O’Connor and others to pounce on 5th CD’s teachers.

Go get ‘em.

Fritchey Fouled on Vouchers

(Chicago, IL) — The Illinois political blogosphere is being peddled a claim that State Rep. John Fritchey, a candidate in the Illinois 5th CD special election, has voted for “school vouchers”–an unpardonable sin for

State Rep. John Fritchey

practicing teacher union members.

The vote that purports to be pro-school voucher position was on House Bill 999 in 1999. The bill was a $500 tax credit for parents of kids enrolled in K-12  at any public or private school. The credit was for 25% of  expenses over $250. including tuition, book fees, and lab fees.

Fritchey voted “yes” on the bill. The bill is a tax credit, not a voucher.

In theory, a traditional voucher grants a parent a chunk of dough–usually $2,500 or more–to yank their kid from a public school and send him or her and the money to a private school, starving the public school of kids and cash and causing it to burn and crash. So goes the theory.

HB 999 provided zero incentive to a parent to change schools. Zero.

But the bill aimed to drain money–again in theory–from public schools because it granted the credit to private school parents. That would have been enough to put a bee in the bonnets of the teachers’ unions.

Fritchey’s endorsement on February 2 by the Illinois Federation of Teachers sparked the “voucher” claim. That’s because Fritchey’s chief 5th CD opponent–State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz voted against the bill.

It was no voucher bill, but Fritchey’s vote was no pro-union vote either. That inconvient fact should force the IFT to square their principles with the endorsement of Fritchey over Feigenholtz. That’s a legitimate debate. The voucher thingy is not.

Granberg Fired, Peanut Gallery Goes Crazy for Quinn

(Springfield, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn fired Kurt Granberg as director of the Illinois Department of Natural

Gov. Pat Quinn

Resources on Wednesday, less than three weeks after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich installed him in that post–and Springfield State-Journal Register readers have gone eye-popping wild for Quinn.

Cheers have replaced jeers for an Illinois Governor. Routine SJR reporting on Blagojevich’s latest moves would unleash torrents of reader abuse on Blagojevich in the readers comment section. Quinn today was pelted with verbal rose petals.

Here’s a sample of SJR reader comments. Read ‘em and smile:

walt38 17 hours ago
Hooray for Governor Quinn!!!

abc17 hours ago
Thank goodness someone in this State is starting to see the importance of this department! I just hope they can restore it before too much damage is done. We have already lost years of research under blago.

Hunterdon 16 hours ago
Good for you, Gov. Quinn!!! It should be YOUR choice, NOT our former governor’s choice!
It’s a brand new day for Illinois.

bmrnp 16 hours ago
Congrats Gov. Quinn. Gov. Quinn should take a long hard look at the other agency directors also. Most are all Blago appointees that don’t know the job or don’t even care to know the job. They are there to collect a fat paycheck, while the front line employees are the ones getting laid off. Great move Governor and hopefully there will be more to follow.

ItSeemsToMe 16 hours ago
Wow, our new governor is trying to do the job as a businessman. About time we have someone that cares about the departments of state government.

MrsBrown 16 hours ago
I really hope Gov Quinn doesn’t plan on stopping with Granberg. There are still SEVERAL other Blago apointees in SEVERAL different agencies that need to go! Gov Quinn needs to take a real close look at HFS & DHS. While front line staff were being laid off, Blago was apointing people left and right. It’s time for Gov Quinn to clean house and send ALL of those people packing!

SSD16 hours ago
Thank you Gov Quinn.
Lincolnrocks16 hours agoReport Abuse
Illinoiscitizen-don’t forget the IHPA! That is one of the most brutalized agencies, with closing the historic sites and the director there was right smack in the middle of Rezko’s hiring list!!! Time for these people to go.

Darla sez 16 hours ago
Thank you, Governor Quinn, it is about time DNR quits getting destroyed. Please rebuild the agency in a proper manner when it is possible. Thank you again.

greenlake16 hours ago
Thank you Governor Quinn..Hey..Can we just call you Gov? Every department head and their assistants, Every committee chairman, Everybody who has been appointed by Blago and Ryan, Everybody who doesn’t have to answer to the Governor ,needs to be looked at..I would suggest a committee of 5 but I doubt if that many honest polititions could be found,so how about 3 or you may have to do it yourself..Let the heads rollllllllllll

Shades14 hours ago
I am a Republican and I like this guy already! Way to go but you have more to ax!

Quinn is off to a grand start.

Sara Feigenholtz to Durbin, Burris: Protect Human Service Money in Federal Stimulus Bill

(Chicago, IL) - State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, candidate to fill the 5th congressional district seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel, today called on Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Roland Burris to protect human

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

infrastructure dollars in the final version of the federal stimulus bill.

Feigenholtz sent a letter to Durbin and Burris urging them to fight to keep this dough in the final package, a package which is under GOP siege and dropping in the polls.

According to Feigenholtz, the federal stimulus will provide $2.7 billion to the state, including $1.8 billion for transportation and infrastructure. allocating nearly $860 million for Illinois school and college modernization, and investing $163 million for job training.

However, Senate Republicans have sought to castrate the bill, aiming to eliminate numerous spending projects.

In her letter to Durbin and Burris, Feigenholtz wrote: “The vast majority of workers who provide these services are women, many of whom are single parents,” said Feigenholtz.  “While a stimulus plan focused solely on construction jobs will put many men back to work, it ignores the millions of female workers who provide the social services on which our children, seniors and disabled citizens rely.”

Hopefully, Feigenholtz’s letter will even reach Burris whose office seems unable to even answer the telephone at the moment.

Geoghegan Offers 35-Word Plan to Halt Foreclosures in Illinois

(Chicago, IL) – Illinois 5th CD congressional candidate Tom Geoghegan yesterday called for a moratorium on housing foreclosures in Illinois and nationwide and offered a 35-word plan to achieve the goal.

Attorney Tom Geoghegan

“We’ve given the banks $700 billion in bailout money and all they do is keep kicking people out of their houses. We need a moratorium today on all home foreclosures. This is the essential first step in getting our economy moving,” said Geoghegan.

First, on the facts, Geoghegan, a labor attorney, is wrong on the amount of bailout money spent by the U.S. Treasury so far. The Feds have allocated only $250 billion of the first tranche of TARP money to banks, while insurance giant AIG, Detroit’s Big Three, etc have received the remainder.

The Feds have yet even to release with second $350 billion TARP tranche.

Second, on his plan to halt foreclosures nationwide, Geoghegan devoted a grand total of 35-words to laying out the strategy to secure that objective:

• An immediate moratorium on all foreclosures

• Banks receiving public funds must modify current loans to make them more affordable

• All mortgage originators need to be regulated to ensure equal and fair lending standards

That’s it.

Third, the Geoghegan campaign has no estimate how much this plan would cost in dollars and cents. No idea.

Your Two Cents Less posed this question three times to two different Geoghegan campaign staffers. They had no estimate.

In one answer, campaign spokesman Chris Lackner wrote:

“There would be no further taxpayer cost for this.  It’s much better to renegotiate the loans and get some money from homeowners than to let them fall into foreclosure. The banks will have to take some losses, but they will be less than if they foreclose.”

Oh, good it’s free.

But–the banks will have to take some losses? Those walking Zombies like CitiGroup or Bank of America need to take more losses? How much is some?

A second Geoghegan spokesman insisted that banks simply rewrite all troubled mortages, take their losses, and those that are still solvent after that process should be recapitalized by TARP cash–which is taxpayer money, no? How much TARP money? $50 billion? $350 billion? No idea.

Finally, Geoghegan is widely acknowledged as a smart guy. But his well-meaning, but populist push to save home owners is hardly even half-baked, and unworthy of a smart guy–and clearly unworthy of a congressional candidate.

Geoghegan faces a slew of opponents in the race to succeed Rahm Emanuel: State Reprensentatives Sara Feigenholtz, John Fritchey, 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, Professor Charles Wheelan and Cary Capparelli, sorta.

Fritchey Woos Bloggers in Illinois 5th CD Special Election

(Chicago, IL) — State Rep. John Fritchey is cultivating and tilling the net-roots in Illinois’ 5th Congressional

State Rep. John Fritchey

District special election.

Today Fritchey will be the first of the 5th CD candidates to launch a series of blogger conference calls.

“The Blogger Community has taken an interest in this race and has driven coverage on many of the stories circulating about candidates,” wrote Kathren Coleman, Fritchey Deputy Campaign Manager, in an e-mail announcement to bloggers.

Fritchey’s announcement, however, should yield no surprise. Fritchey is one the General Assembly’s most net-savvy lawmakers.

The 12-year veteran was one of the first legislators to launch a Web site, issue e-mail newsletters, and may have been the first lawmaker with a blog. Moments after key House votes, an e-mail news alert normally rockets out of Fritchey’s computer. And he announced his 5th CD election bid on Facebook.

The campaigns of State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Tom Geoghegan have also been engaged in the care and feeding of bloggers, but Fritchey will be the first to give them a personal, group hug.

For interested bloggers, the conference dial-in number and participant access code will provided upon if they Respondez S’il Vous Plait to kathren@fritchey.com. The call begins at 7:00 p.m. (CST).

Have you hugged a blogger today?

Louanner Peters, Clayton Harris, Lucio Guerrero, Others Fired, Sources Say

(Springfield, IL) — When people enter the capitol building on Wednesday, they should be careful to avoid heads rolling down the corridors.

According to sources in Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration, the newly-minted Governor today fired aides to former Governor Rod Blagojevich including Deputy Governor Louanner Peters, former chief of staff Clayton Harris, former spokesman Lucio Guerro, and others.

Blagojevich named Peters, previously his deputy chief of staff for social services and deputy campaign manager, to the Deputy Governor post on December 11, 2006.

Before Blagojevich, Peters served for 10 years on Capitol Hill as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Gus Savage. Peters also worked on campaigns for U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush and Savage as well as Mayors Marion Barry and Anthony Williams in Washington, D.C.

Harris was appointed Blagojevich’s filet-of-fish shortly after his predecessor John Harris was arrested and subsequently resigned.

Guerro also entered his position near the end of Blagojevich’s tenure.

More to come folks.

Fritchey Grilled by Bloggers, Pokes Feigenholtz, Suggests Other Illinois 5th CD Candidates Spoke to Rahm Emanuel about the Election

(Springfield, IL) — During a conference call on Tuesday night in which State Rep. John Fritchey, a candidate in the special election for Illinois’ 5th congression district, was grilled by local political bloggers, Fritchy suggested other candidates for the post have likely spoken with Rahm Emanuel about the race.

At the tail-end of the 50-minute call, Fritchey was asked why he spoke up about his conversation with Emanuel, the district’s former congressman and now White House Chief of Staff, during a recent candidate forum at DePaul University.

State Rep. John Fritchey

Fritchey responded, “Because Lynn Sweet [forum moderator] asked the question: had anyone talked with Rahm Emanuel?”

Fritchey denied that he disclosed the contact for the media attention that the comment ultimately drew. He claimed the revealed the contact in the interest of being honest.

Fritchey went on to say, “I think it is likely that one or two of the other candidates on stage have had conversations with Rahm about the race, but didn’t admit to it.” He lamented that Sweet did not directly put the question to each candidate, but rather relied on self-disclosure.

In addition to the Emanuel questions, several bloggers cross-examined the veteran lawmaker on his part-time, law-lobbying practice with the City of Chicago, adopting an uneccessary your-guilty-of-something-until-you-prove-to-me-your-not tone.

To Fritchey’s credit, he graciously and meticulously explained; one, that his legal practice–zoning–is a peculiar area of law that requires a lobbyist registration in Chicago; two, that his one-man practice is pretty tiny; and three, that the legislature is brimming with lawyers and other professionals who pursue second careers while in office.

For his part, Fritchey unsheathed a pen knife and poked State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz for allegedly “throwing mud” in the campaign. Fritchey attributed to Feigenholtz a push-like poll that supposedly splattered him with the dirty brown stuff.

He also called out his General Assembly colleague for her name appearing on “clout lists” of former governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Fritchey says she needs to explain her job seeking efforts to secure “jobs”. We know where this is going.

Unfortunately, the zeolous pursuit of all the piddly-squat chewed up a large chunk of the call while attention to Fritchey’s congressional platform got only cursory discussion.

Oh, well. Internet citizen journalism is a work in progress.

Quinn Fires Louanner Peters, Clayton Harris, Lucio Guerro, Sources Say

(Springfield, IL) — When people enter the capitol building on Wednesday, they should be careful to avoid heads rolling down the corridors.

According to sources in Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration, the newly-minted Governor today fired aides to former Governor Rod Blagojevich including Deputy Governor Louanner Peters, former chief of staff Clayton Harris, former spokesman Lucio Guerro, and others.

Blagojevich named Peters, previously his deputy chief of staff for social services and deputy campaign manager, to the Deputy Governor post on December 11, 2006.

Before Blagojevich, Peters served for 10 years on Capitol Hill as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Gus Savage. Peters also worked on campaigns for U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush and Savage as well as Mayors Marion Barry and Anthony Williams in Washington, D.C.

Harris was appointed Blagojevich’s filet-of-fish shortly after his predecessor John Harris was arrested and subsequently resigned.

Guerro also entered his position near the end of Blagojevich’s tenure.

More to come folks.

Feigenholtz Raises $550,000

(Chicago, IL) – State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz today announced that she has raised $550,000 for her campaign in Illinois’ 5th congress district special election.

Reinsert your eyes in their sockets.

In an e-mail message to supporters, Feigenholtz wrote, “I’m so proud to say that since the beginning of our campaign we have raised over $550,000!  Because of your help, we can communicate our message to the voters in the 5th District.”

Unless her competitors like John Fritchy, Mike Quigley, Patrick O’Connor, et al can show a pile of dough in their own piggy banks, Feigenholtz can clearly claim the front-runner’s mantel if she wants. She may not want. But others will surely hoist it on her.

Fritchey Pulls in Between $400,000 and $450,000 Since January 1

(Chicago, IL) — What recession?

One would never know that the U.S. is flirting with another Great Depression based on the cash being hauled in by the candidates in Illinois’ 5th congressional district special election.

John Fritchey’s campaign disclosed today that it has raised between $400,000 and $450,000 since January 1. Campaign Manager Josh Levin says they are still trundling in the sacks and tallying the final amount of their pile.

In an email, Levin writes, “Safe to say that this is a very competitive money race.” Yep, safe.

Fritchey’s top opponent, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, today revealed that she has raised more than $550,000 since she launched her campaign in November. Since it is unlikely Mike Quigley or Patrick O’Connor will report a greater haul, Feigenholtz will likely be the leader in the money chase.

Fritchey and Feigenholtz’s campaigns alone will likely represent the leading edge of any Illinois economic stimulus.

Feigenholtz Goes up on Broadcast TV with Her First Ad

(Chicago, IL) — The Illinois 5th CD special election air war has begun in earnest.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz went up today with her first ad on broadcast TV.

Yes, yes, we know, Charles Wheelan put up an ad of himself gargling in a fish tank or something a couple weeks ago. But he spent something like $17.95 to run it on the Home Shopping Network on a single Sunday evening between 2:15 a.m to 2:30 a.m.–more or less.

However, Feigenholtz announced yesterday that her campaign has raised $550,000. She’s got real dough to go the distance. Her plan is to remain on the airwaves until the March 3rd election.

“We are launching our very first television ad of the campaign and we wanted … our strongest supporters, to see it first,” wrote Campaign Manager Mike Rendina in an e-mail.

The “let’s hug” bio ad, which can be viewed at Progress Illinois, features Feigenholtz and she points to her physician mother as the inspiration for her health care record in the legislature. The ad helps give Feigenholtz street cred on the  issue.

As soothing as this ad may be, Your Two Cents Less, is drooling for the Jack-the-Ripper ads to start.

Feigenholtz Dodging Reporters?

(Chicago, IL) — Inside baseball players in the Illinois 5th CD special election are swinging at balls fair and foul at State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, the race’s front-runner.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

One of the fouls being swung at is a claim that Feigenholtz is dodging reporters.

In Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax Blog, Illinois’ indisputable leading political blog, Miller echoed that assertion by the Chicago Tribune in recent editorial board meeting with Feigenholtz.

“And the Tribsters also made a good point about how she’s not talking to reporters. I’m hearing that a lot. The Trib claims they called “dozens” of times to interview her without success. She’s just far too controlled by her DC-based campaign staff,” wrote Miller on Friday the 13th.

Not talking to reporters?

Did the Tribune editorial board ask Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson who interviewed Feigenholtz for his November 18, 2008 story?  “State lawmaker files paperwork to run for Emanuel congressional seat,” http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/11/state-lawmaker.html

Did the Tribune editorial board ask Tribune reporter John Chase who interviewed Feigenholtz for his January 29,  2009 story? “A politician’s rise, hard fall: Career ends in disgrace,” http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich_falljan30,0,7847396.story

We assume Pearson and Chase are listed in the Tribune directory.

Not talking to other reporters?

Mike Rhee of WBEZ?

• (12/9/08)“Lawmakers urge Blagojevich resignation,” http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=30746
• (01/06/09) “Daley doubts he’ll endorse in 5th congressional race,” Chicago Public Radio. http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=31265

NBC TV of Chicago?

• (1/6/09), “Race to replace Rahm begins,” http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/replace-rahm-emanual-010609.html

Carol Marin of the Sun-Times?

• (1/14/09), “Mad scramble for Rahm’s seat,” Chicago Sun-Times. http://blogs.suntimes.com/marin/2009/01/mad_scramble_for_rahms_seat.htmlc

Amy Wooten of the Chicago Free Press?

• (1/23/09), “Feigenholtz hope to fight for GLBTs on a national level,” http://s22036.gridserver.com/node/3038

Ray Hanania of WJJG 1530 AM?

• (1/29/09)  http://cdn1.libsyn.com/rayhanania/01-29-09SaraFeigenholtz.mp3?nvb=20090212223137&nva=20090213224137&t=0fb6439eba0bc996ff57e

Abdon Pallash of the Sun-Times?

• (1/31/09), “Rival rips Feigenholtz for being on clout lists,” http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1407378,CST-NWS-fifth01.article
• (2/13/09), “Upbringing made health care a priority for Feigenholtz,” http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1429431,CST-NWS-cong13.article

Jennifer Biamonte of the Extra News?

• (2/4/09), “State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz: Working to bring affordable health care to Illinois families,” Extra. http://www.extranews.net/news.php?clan=0&nid=4596

WGN TV of Chicago?

• 1/6/09. http://www.wgntv.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3309301

Laura Washington of the Sun-Times?

• (2/9/09), “GLBT applause-o-meter rings, and pols listen,” http://www.suntimes.com/news/washington/1420002,CST-EDT-laura09.article

If Feigenholtz is dodging the reporters, she’s doing a piss-poor job of it. By looks of that list, reporters will soon be dodging her calls.

Foul ball. Next batter.

Feigenholtz Campaign Piggy Bank Nears $600,000, Grabs J.B. Pritzker’s Support; Quigley Lags

(Chicago, IL) — Last week State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s Illinois 5th CD campaign announced it had raised “over $550,000″ in the race to succeed Rahm Emanuel.

That amount is now old news.

In Feigenholtz’s latest Federal Election Commission “48 Hour” filing, the campaign discloses $43,550 in fresh contributions, pushing its total to nearly $600,000.

Feigenholtz’s report also reveals that J.B. Pritzker, a supporter of former Illinois 5th CD candidate Justin Oberman, has shifted his support to Feigenholtz, contributing $2,400.

Feigenholtz’s chief rival, John Fritchey, disclosed last week that his campaign has so far raised between $400,000 and $450,000. Fritchey has yet no 48 Hour filing.

Lagging far behind is Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley. Quigley raised $132,645 by December 31, and his 48 Hour filing reports $8,400, for a $140,000 total.

Fritchey Joins Picket Line at Chicago’s Congress Hotel

(Chicago, IL) − State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) on Sunday walked the picket line with UNITE-HERE Local 1 workers at the Chicago’s Congress Hotel.  Fritchey was joined at the picket line by Henry Tamarin, President of Local 1.

State Rep. John Fritchey

Fritchey is a candidate in Illinois’ 5th CD special election Democratic primary on March 3rd.

For almost six years, UNITE-HERE Local 1 and employees from the Congress Hotel have been on strike following a wage freeze and benefit cuts imposed by hotel management.  The picket line has received national attention as workers continue to fight for a fair wage.

“In our current economic crisis, it is more important than ever to provide a living wage and benefits for the American worker,” said Rep. Fritchey.

Fritchey, Chairman of the House Civil Judiciary Committee, was chief sponsor of “One Day Rest in Seven” legislation, which set standards for hotel room attendants, requiring specified break periods. He also co-sponsored a bill which allows picketing in labor disputes the use of public rights-of-way to inform the public of the dispute.

In a recent bloggers conference call, Fritchey was dinged for being AWOL in the recent Republic Windows controversy while his opponent congressional opponent Mike Quigley was showboating over the issue. The shuttered Chicago windows factory was the site of a six-day worker sit-in January over severance pay.

In his next blogger grilling, Fritchey will undoubtedly point to this picket hug as symbol of his labor commitment. Ok, fine.

Quigley Backs Bankruptcy of CTA, Willing to Strand Riders

(Chicago, IL) — The Weasel of the Year Award–drum roll here–goes to Cook County Commissioner Mike “Let’em Walk” Quigley for his apparent willingness to tolerate a Chicago Transit Authority de facto bankruptcy–which

Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley

would strand tens of thousands of Chicago residents and his own constituents–to feed his insatiable ambition for elected office.

This weanie, who is masquerading as a serious Illinois 5th CD congressional candidate in the March 3rd special election, attacked opponents in the race, State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and John Fritchey, in a new direct mail piece, disclosed by Progress Illinois, for voting for a .25% sales tax increase in January 2008 to prevent an insolvent CTA from implementing its “Doomsday scenario” of slashing bus and train service across the city.

The CTA’s Doomsday cuts would have stranded tens of thousands of Chicago residents, preventing them from getting to and from work, including Quigley’s own constituents.

Fritchey and Feigenholtz had the courage to take a tough vote to keep the buses and trains running for their and Quigley’s constituents. Quigley–a perennial wanna-be-candidate for any office in sight–had the cowardice to attack them for funding the CTA–just so he could climb the poltical ladder.

Fortunately, thousands black cats will soon be passing under Quigley’s ladder. They’ll be voters dressed up as CTA bus and train riders.

Listen Up Dems, the Peanut Gallery is Pissed and Want Burris Gone

(Chicago, IL) – From the Department-of-Reality-Check to Illinois Democrats, the peanut gallery, er, public is pissed and want U.S. Senator Roland Burris to go.

Whether Burris met the legal standard of perjury on the back-story of his appointment to the U.S. Senate by Rod Blagojevich  no longer matters. The public thinks he lied. He’s now a disgrace. Period. The sooner he’s shown the door, the better.

Have you any doubt what the public thinks?

Here’s a taste of the peanut gallery’s comments on Burris from a story by NBC-TV in Chicago, “GOP Pols: Buh-Bye Burris” on February 16.

• JPD Monday, Feb 16 at 10:57 Personally, I don’t care WHAT his explanation is for this. It is long past time for the taxpayers of this state to demand a vote for that Senate Seat. We need someone squeaky clean in that seat .. where do I send my resume??

• Hey Squarepegroundhole Monday, Feb 16 at 10:17 It’s okay if the brothas get in. I’ve got a good job so I can afford my high taxes to live in my safe neighborhood far away from freeloading trash like you. It’s worth every penny brotha! I’d rather be a taxpaying American and live in a nice home than get everything for free, drive a cadillac, wear furs and bling but live in a slum. HA HA brotha, jokes on you.

• Critic Monday, Feb 16 at 10:04 Is anyone truly surprised?

• squarepegroundhole Monday, Feb 16 at 8:48 What a surprise …… who cares if he lied another brotha got in!!! Payback time! You taxpaying white americans better get a second and third job to pay for the hand outs coming ! HA HA HA

• TOM Monday, Feb 16 at 8:22 ROLAND WAS ATTY GENERAL IN ILLINOIS ONCE. YOU THINK HE WOULD KNOW THE LAWS AND TELL THE TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

• What ever Monday, Feb 16 at 6:36 Hey Danny Davis sayd it’s the Repubicans doing this HELLOOOOO Mr. Davis… NO IT’S ROLAND BURRIS… Yes he changed his story 4 times… or is it he’s black and whoops he forgot… Burrris said he doesn’t remember… that my friend is called Dementia. I think Tom has the right idea.. it’s time for the people of Illinois to vote who ever is in office out..and it’s less than 2 years away.. BUT 1ST BURRIS HAS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! …

• Drew Ahrensw Monday, Feb 16 at 5:09 If Burris forgets the facts about everything else he should remember these words, “the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God” He needs to leave now!

• Anonymous Monday, Feb 16 at 5:05 This is nothing new; Our politicians have been corrupt for a very long time, It’s just finally coming out in the wash…A little bit of house cleaning….it’s not over yet! They still have a lot more house cleaning to do….So don’t let this suprise you this is the oldest trick in america; But now their finally starting to bring these things more out into the open. DIRTY LAUNDRY in the COUNTRY.

• TOM Monday, Feb 16 at 4:55 THE DEMS WILL SIT ON THERE HANDS. THEY CARE WHAT WE THINK THEY KNOW THEY GOT COOK COUNTY AND THE STATE TIED UP.. THE NEW GOVERNOR WANTS TO CLEAN UP ILLINOIS LETS HELP LETS VOTE THE IN’S OUT WE CAN DO IT.

• Sick of this town Monday, Feb 16 at 4:46 Come on, everyone knew this was coming! Why did they let him in the first place?? he was appointed by Blago!!! Anyone tired, anyone appointed by him are dirty!!! Get him out of the senate now before more damage is done!!!!!! OUT WITH BURRIS!!

• Paul Monday, Feb 16 at 4:41 Why would you need your lawyer with you at a press conference? HELLOOO!!!!!!!!

• No More!! Monday, Feb 16 at 1:41 The cloud of suspicion still lingers. In order to make a clean break and, to cleany move forward, Burris should’ve stepped down by now. His appointment will forever be tarnished as long as he’s sitting in that seat. Now, Burris needs to come clean.

• DUH Monday, Feb 16 at 1:36 PM What is this the STate of Il has the most idiots. He says he he never changed his testimony… anyone read what he said on 4 different occasions… A typical attorney .. and Again IL is the lauging stock of American can’t wait for Jay Leon and Letterman… what a complete JackA— GET HIM OUT….NOW but he won’t leave because Bobby Rush will cry discrimination… we won’t have a black senator in the senate… WHO CARES…

• Frank Monday, Feb 16 at 11:27 Here we go again–typical poltician—Burris should resign and let’s make sure he doesn’t get any kind of pension from being a senator. So much for his “clean” record in public office.

And these reader comments are coming in Chicago media. The comments in downstate Illinois media are worse.

Illinois Democratic leaders should give this guy a shove.

Overwhelming Number of Illinois Legislators are Online, New Survey Says

(Chicago, IL) – A recent survey by the Illinois Technology Partnership (ITP), revealed that Illinois lawmakers unanimously agreed that technology has affected their lives, but public policy is lagging behind.

An overwhelming number of legislators are online, and all but one said they use the Internet to communicate regularly with constituents.

State Representative David Miller (D-Dolton) said,  “My constituents and colleagues use cell phones, e-mail, the Internet, and social networking to get in touch with me, so it has become a part of my daily routine as well to keep the lines of communication open and accessible.”

Miller is part of the 50 percent of responding legislators who use social media, such as Facebook.

“Policy and politics will always be about connecting people with their elected representatives,” said Aviva Gibbs , Executive Director of the Illinois Technology Partnership.  “What has changed is how that connection is made, and how immediate it can now be with the right products and services.”

Nearly 80 percent of legislators say they were unable to imagine life without a cell phone or computer. However, State public policy on technology has not kept up, according to lawmakers..

Asked the most important technological issue, nearly a third agreed it was broadband deployment. More than 75 percent said the state should not closely regulate broadband industries because market forces will ensure that prices remain reasonable.

“Having a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ beside your name is less important than an ‘@’ sign,” said Gibbs.

Feigenholtz Pushes Insurance Coverage of Mammograms for Women over 40

(Chicago, IL) – State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, a candidate in the Illinois’ 5th CD special election, pledged today that as member of Congress she will sponsor legislation requiring insurance companies to cover routine, annual mammograms for all women 40 and over.

Flanked by Oncologists and women who have survived breast cancer, Feigenholtz unveiled her proposal

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

today at a press conference.

Feigenholtz said, “I will do for all women in America what I did for women here in Illinois – and that’s to require insurance companies to cover routine mammograms for all women 40 and over.”

Dr. Janet Phillips, a breast oncology nurse researcher with the University of Chicago, said Feigenholtz’s proposal would reduce the breast cancer mortality rate for women 40 and over.

“As a breast oncology nurse researcher, I can tell you that Sara’s plan would literally save women’s lives,” Phillips said.  “…97 percent of breast cancer deaths occurring with women over 40.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, annual mammograms for women 40 and over can reduce mortality rates by 20 to 25 percent over 10 years. Nationally, we spend over $8.4 billion a year to treat breast cancer.

Currently, only 20 states, including Illinois, require insurance companies to cover mammograms for women 40 and over.

Judy Moses, whose own breast cancer was discovered during a mammogram in her 40s, expressed the urgency of expanding access to mammograms to all women 40 and over.

“The clock is ticking for millions of women…,” said Moses.

Geoghegan Calls for Nationalization of Bank of America, Citigroup

(Chicago, IL) – Illinois 5th CD candidate Tom Geoghegan today outlined a “plan” for the government to take into receivership Bank of America, Citigroup, and other troubled banks as a necessary step forward to righting the financial system.

The totality of Geoghegan’s plan to the financial crisis amounts to a 1/2 page press release. It boils down to this:

“The government must step in so that bad assets can be written off, insolvent institutions closed, and healthy institutions can be recapitalized and re-privatized. Receivership is a necessary step forward to righting our financial system and moving toward economic recovery,” said Geoghegan in the press release.

That’s it.

Who knew the answer to the most severe banking crisis since the Great Depression can be boiled down to 40 words.

Geoghegan is a genious.

UPDATE: 12:15 p.m.

After a request from Your Two Cents Less, A Geoghegan campaign aide, Joe Costello, supplied a cost estimate:

“IMF said Swedish plan of early 90s eventually cost 0-2% GDP. If you use that for the US, it would be around 260 billion at high end.”

However, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced on Feburary 10 a $1.5 trillion plan will be needed to save the financial system.

Geoghegan clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

This is the second financial bird-brained scheme he has announced during the campaign. He should stick with what he knows–and knock off the flying-by-the-seat of-his-pants content-poor populism. This schtick is old.

Snubbing Fritchey, Hynes Endorses Feigenholtz

(Chicago, IL) – State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz yesterday got a boost in the Illinois 5th C. D. special election Democratic primary, snagging the endorsement of Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes, while Hynes gave the back of his hand to Feigenholtz rival State Rep. John Fritchey.

“Sara has consistently rejected political gamesmanship in Springfield in order to get things done for people and her passion for health care will make her a great partner for President Obama in Congress to help all Americans get the health care they deserve,” said Hynes.

Hynes is a 5th C.D. resident.  Hynes is also John Fritchey’s constituent.

Meow.

The Hynes endorsement must have completely rattled Fritchey’s bird cage. Wizzing to Sunday’s candidate forum, Fritchey, according to sources at the scene, allegedly zipped past a stop sign and then, backing into the parking lot, whoosh, hit a car.

The car’s owner, fortunately, according to a source, mildly inquired: “Are you a f- – - ing retard?”

Poor John. He has had a bad week.

8 more days.

Is Quigley Fundraising off Feigenholtz’s Donor List Reported to the Federal Election Commission?

(Chicago, IL) — Is Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley trying to raise campaign donations for his Illinois 5th C.D. special bid from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s donor list reported to the Federal Election Commission?

If so, that’s a legal no-no, Commissioner Quigley.

“You’re prohibited from using information that appears in a report for solicitation,” Federal Election Commission spokesman Bob Biersack said in a November 7, 2006 interview on the subject.

Quigley this morning contacted yours truly, the chief scribbler of Your Two Cents Less, a donor to Feigenholtz’s congressional campaign, and he first acknowledged my “relationship to Sara” and then asked for a generic campaign contribution. When pressed for an amount, he asked for “$1,000″.

Quigley made no reference to “donor” or “donor lists”. Let’s be clear.

However, as a politician who has cultivated a “squeaky clean” reputation, Quigley needs to be mindful of federal election law and avoid the appearance of being naughty.

If Quigley is indeed trolling for dollars from Feigenholtz’s donor list, the question may continue to gurgle.

Footnote:

Yes, yes. We know what your thinking. Should an individual blogger contribute to a candidate and cover and comment on an election campaign without disclosure? Here’s our position. If candidate hires a blogger as a “hired pen” then, yes, a blogger must disclose the fact within blog posts that the blogger’s opinions have been rented.

However, should an individual blogger disclose contributions to a candidate?

Your Two Cent Less believes as long as an individual blogger’s personal opinions expressed on their personal blog are unpurchased–thus sincerely expressed–and the candidate discloses the contribution according to law, then an individual blogger, who discloses his or her identity, remains entitled to those personal opinions and analysis and is under no ethical obligation to disclose contributions–which are also personal expressions of opinion–within blog posts.

This debate has simmered for the last week. And Your Two Cent Less appreciates the contribution of Josh Levin, John Fritchey’s campaign manager, to the discussion, a discussion that will likely continue as citizen journalism evolves.

Will this do?

Fritchey Traffics in Promises of Pork, Paczkis

(Chicago, IL) – In the Illinois 5th C.D. special election, State Rep. John Fritchey has pledged, if elected, to bring needed Federal money and projects–pork–back to the congressional district to benefit residents.

In a down payment of sorts, Fritchey is now plying residents with Paczkis.

In celebration of Paczki Day,  Fritchey and supporters today are handing out Paczkis–Polish doughnuts–during the morning rush hour at the Jefferson Park Blue Line Stop on North Milwaukee Ave.

Paczkis are eaten by the barrel prior to the start of Lent.

However, could Fritchey be charged with a crime of bribing voters? Perhaps. But could a prosecutor subpoena a doughnut? The crumbs?

Unfortunately for cartoonists, a court trial would be unlikely. Chicago cops would eat the evidence.

With pork and Paczkis being dangled in front of voters, it could be Fritchey in a landslide.

Quigley Opportunist Redux

(Chicago, IL) — The grasping little opportunist is at it again.

Last week Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, a candidate in the Illinois 5th CD congressional special election on March 3rd, launched a direct mail attack on opponents State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and John Fritchey for voting for a .25% sales tax increase in January 2008 to prevent an

Cook County Commssioner Mike Quigley

insolvent CTA from implementing its “Doomsday scenario” of slashing bus and train service across the city.

The CTA’s cuts would have stranded tens of thousands of Chicago residents–seniors, students, the working poor, professionals–everyone dependent upon public transportation–preventing people from getting to and from work, school, hospitals, and grocery stores.

Thousands of Quigley’s own constituents would have also been marooned.

And what did the sanctimonious little sneak say at the time of the CTA .25% tax debate?

According to a search of the Chicago Tribune archives, Quigley is quoted as saying: ” … ” . The Sun-Times‘ archive yielded this gem: ” … “.

Did Quigley call John Fritchey to express his opposition to the tax? No.

Did Quigley call Sara Feigenholtz to express his opposition to the tax? No.

That’s right. Quigley had zippo to say publicly or privately to Fritchey or Feigenholtz.

But now 13 months later that’s he once again grasping for a higher office? He’s a critic of the CTA rescue.

This week the Quigley campaign dropped yet another attack mail piece on Feigenholtz and Fritchey for their CTA rescue plan vote. And this mail piece, disclosed by Progress Illinois, drops the reference to the CTA altogether and labels the vote as the “Blagojevich tax plan” –even though Blagojevich vetoed the CTA rescue bill.

It’s a distortion.

Fritchey and Feigenholtz had the courage to take a tough vote to keep the buses and trains running for thousands of their constituents and thousands of Quigley’s. Quigley had the cowardice to attack them for it.

Now, of course, this post will likely draw yet another tedious, peevish comment from Quigley campaign manager, Tom Bowen, bleeping on about blah, blah, blah.

Oh, well.

Do Fritchey Allies Need to Go Negative in Birthday Party Invitation?

(Chicago, IL) – From the Department of  Crying Out Loud, do allies of State Rep. John Fritchey in the Illinois 5th C.D. special election allies need to go negative even in a birthday party invitation?

1st Ward Alderman Manny Flores felt compelled to attack Fritchey rival State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz for “desperation” in a Fritchey birthday party invitation. Jeez.

Here’s Flores’ charming note:

Hey Everyone,

I am looking forward to seeing many of your this Thursday at RockIt Bar!

Thursday’s event is more than just a birthday party, it is John’s last fundraiser and it is our last chance to make sure that the campaign has the resources they need before voters go to the polls on Tuesday, March 3rd.

Sara Feigneholtz just loaned her campaign $100,000 and while it is clearly a move of desperation, it can afford her campaign additional resources and it requires us to work even harder to give John’s campaign the resources they need during the final days of the campaign.

Please do everything you can to spread the word about this event and bring as many people along as possible. Thanks for your support!

Manny
Alderman Manny Flores
1st Ward – Chicago

What’s with these guys?  Was Flores unable to rummage around his noodle and find a single, kind word for Fritchey?

Forecast in Illinois Fifth C.D. Special Election

(Chicago, IL) — The forecast in the Illinois 5th C.D. special election is–sunny and mild.

According to ABC-7 TV weather forecast, it looks good for 48-hour GOTV programs and for election day, Tuesday, March 3rd:

Monday: High of 35, Low of 24. Mostly sunny.
Tuesday: High of 42, Low of 28. Mostly sunny.

Good Chicago weather tends to encourage good turnout, and good turnout tends to diminish the edge of Chicago Democratic Ward organizations’ GOTV operations and their candidates.

In this race, good weather helps Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and works against State Rep. John Fritchey and Ald. Patrick O’Connor.

Of course, voters must know an election is occurring. The near invisibility of this race in the mainstream media benefits Fritchey and O’Connor.

Unlike His Predecessor, Fritchey is the Real Deal on Reform

(Chicago, IL) — A Chicago Tribune profile published today on State Rep. John Fritchey, a candidate in the Illinois 5th CD special election, seemed to bend-over backwards to question Fritchey’s reform credentials

State Rep. John Fritchey

in the state legislature.

Tribune reporter Dan Mihalopoulos focused on Fritchey’s predecessor in the General Assembly–Rod Blagojevich–and Fritchey’s backing by and family ties to Chicago Democratic ward organizations.

The article appeared to aim to discredit Fritchey’s reformer claims by allusions to Blagojevich and other political ties.

Rod Blagojevich was a phony reformer. John Fritchey is the real deal.

Fritchey was one of the first state lawmakers to openly take on Blagojevich. He tried at every turn to check the former Governor’s multiple abuses, and finally succeeded with new, anti-pay-to-play legislation, which proved to be Blagojevich’s undoing.

Tribune readers would have benefited more from an examination of Fritchey’s widely acknowledged reform record that helped bring down a corrupt governor than allusions to the contrary.

Quigley Head and Shoulders Above Blagojevich

(Chicago, IL) — Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley likes to prattle on sanctimoniously regarding his political independence and distance from political games.

And he particularly likes to cast aspersions on those he has deemed to have been sullied by their political associations.

In the Illinois 5th C.D. special election, Quigley has repeatedly banged on his tiny, tinny political drum regarding State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s politcal donations to former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Quigley campaign manager Tom Bowen was recently quoted as saying, “… Sara Feigenholtz might want explain her own cynical record of ‘Springfield politics as usual’ …”

Bowen’s remark would lead one to believe Quigley has never lowered himself to “Springfield politics as usual” – but, oh, you would be wrong, brother.

Rich Miller, of Capital Fax Blog fame, noted recently, “Quigley allowed Blagojevich to use him as a pawn during the budget stalemate when he accepted Blagojevich’s invite to speak to a private leaders meeting on the TIF (tax increment financing) issue.”

But Reader cartoonist Keith Mitchell captured Quigey’s ability to remain head and shoulders above “Springfield politics as usual”. Don’t ya, think?

Forecast in Illinois Fifth C.D. Special Election: Update

(Chicago, IL) — The forecast in the Illinois 5th C.D. special election has turned colder.

According to ABC-7 TV weather forecast, it looks good, but chillier for 48-hour GOTV programs and for election day, Tuesday, March 3rd:

Monday: High of 25, Low of 13. Mostly sunny.
Tuesday: High of 35, Low of 23. Partly cloudy.

Monday’s forecast is 10 degrees colder and Tuesday’s 7 degrees cooler than what was forecast on February 25. Precinct workers will need their long undies.

Good Chicago weather tends to encourage good turnout, and good turnout tends to diminish the edge of Chicago Democratic Ward organizations’ GOTV operations and their candidates.

In this race, good weather helps Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and works against State Rep. John Fritchey and Ald. Patrick O’Connor.

Of course, voters must know an election is occurring. The near invisibility of this race in the mainstream media benefits Fritchey and O’Connor.

Daley’s Candidate in the Illinois 5th C.D. Special Election: Feigenholtz?

(Chicago, IL) – Is State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Mayor Richard Daley’s favored candidate in the Illinois 5th C.D. special election on Tuesday?

Is Daley trying to nudge Feigenholtz over the finish line by giving a last minute shove to ostensible Feigenholtz rival 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor, Daley’s un-official City Council floor leader?

Mayor Richard Daley

Rich Miller reported on Friday in his Capitol Fax newsletter that the Mayor is making his move to boost O’Connor’s campaign.

“Word is that a political organization strongly affiliated with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley is sending troops in to help Ald. Pat O’Connor’s 5th Congressional District race.  That move will likely damage Rep. John Fritchey’s campaign because Fritchey is relying on “regular” ward organizations for a big chunk of his support,” Miller wrote.

A Daley push for his long-time ally would no hold realistic expectation that O’Connor could actually win. Without the early hoped-for and overt Daley endorsement, O’Connor has run a virtual ghost campaign. As of Friday, O’Connor had raised only $102,000. And he has mustered only a single, meek cable ad in the TV air war.

In fact, Chicago political analyst Russ Stewart last week predicted that Fritchey would swamp O’Connor and win the race on the back of the Democratic Ward chiefs.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

But Stewart’s prediction gave Fritchey a wafer cookie-thin-and-brittle edge. He allocated 10,250 votes to Fritchey, 9,000 to Feigenholtz, 8,000 to Mike Quigley, 3,100 to O’Connor, and 4,650 to the other nine Democratic contenders.

In theory, mayoral forces would need to flip only 1,251 votes from Fritchey to O’Connor based on Stewarts’s numbers. The votes would need to come from seven key Fritchey wards and O’Connor-friendly territory—several of those committeemen had originally pledged to back O’Connor.

Do you think Mayor Daley’s troops could find 1,250 plus votes in 275 precincts if they pushed and asked pretty please?

In addition, any mayoral effort to heave O’Connor forward will also undermine the other top candidate in the race—Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley.

According to a poll conducted by Quigley early in January revealed that the top candidates stacked up this way: Quigley 19%, Feigenholtz 11%, and Fritchey 8%. However, when O’Connor was included Quigley’s lead shrunk by four points over Feigenholtz to 14% – 10%, And O’Connor edged Fritchey 8% to 7%.

Any O’Connor surge helps Feigenholtz.

But why would Feigenholtz have the Mayor’s favor? Because the other seem to have his disfavor.

Well, during a candidates forum in February all candidates came out against the Mayor’s planned privatization scheme of Midway Airport, but Fritchey was the only one that actually spoke up clearly against the plan. That pluck earned him Daley’s special brand of ire,

And Quigley? The mention of Quigley’s name causes the Mayor sputter all sorts of unpleasantness, according to numerous sources. Quigley has persistently criticized the Mayor’s policy on Chicago’s tax increment financing (TIF) districts, criticism that tap dances on the last mayoral nerve.

Feigenholtz, it seems, has managed to keep her head down.

Who Placed Feigenholtz Yard Sign in Rahm Emanuel’s Yard?

(Chicago, IL) — How did a lawn sign plumping for State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s Illinois 5th C.D. special election campaign end up in White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel’s front yard?

Illinois politicos have been buzzing for a few days on this question.

Emanuel’s spokesperson Sarah Feinberg responded: “Rahm continues to remain neutral in the race,” was Feinberg’s reply late this afternoon.

A highly-place source says the sign was planted at the behest of: Amy Rule–Emanuel’s wife.

There ya go.

Correction: Only 190 Overseas Chicago Votes Cast in Illinois 5th Race

(Chicago, IL) — Chicago Board of Elections Chairman Langdon Neal noted earlier today in a WLS-TV interview that more than 4,000 overseas voters from Chicago have cast ballots in the Illinois 5th C.D. special election.

Neal misspoke.

The number is: 190.

That correction comes from Rich Miller at Capitol Fax who spoke to City officials. Thank you, Mr. Miller.

Candidates  John Fritchey, Sara Feigenholtz, Mike Quigley, Patrick O’Connor, Tom Geoghegan, and Charles Wheelen can stop having heart attacks.

Feigenholtz May Seek Quigley’s County Board Seat, Source Says

(Chicago, IL) — If Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is breathing a sigh of relief that his chief nemesis on the County Board–Illinois 5th C.D. Democratic primary victor Mike Quigley–is about to exit his position–he may not have time to exhale.

Quigley’s defeated rival in the race–State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz–has expressed interest in the soon-to-be-vacant County Board seat and preliminary discussions are underway, a highly placed source says.

In the Capital Fax Blog yesterday, Rich Miller claimed, the County Board will select Quigley’s replacement. However, Josh Kalven of Progress Illinois, says the Democratic committeemen will make the choice.

If the initial talks gain traction, Feigenholtz’s legions of fans may revolt and lobby her against the move. As Chair of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee, Feigenholtz has assumed the role of health care lioness over the years, protecting her health care cubs–HIV/AIDS drug programs, mental health care services, medical information for adult adoptees, mammogram services, foster children, etc–from budget cutting onslaughts or worse–indifference.

Undoubtedly, the County hospital would profit from Feigenholtz’s health care zeal and expertise, and the Board would welcome her peculiar brand of cheeseball charm collegiality. Good for Cook County, bad for Illinois.

Too many depend on Feigenholtz in Springfield. She’s needed there. Your Two Cent Less, for one, hopes that Flip stays put.

Harris Wins Approval of Civil Unions Law from Illinois House Panel

(Springfield, IL) — By a whisker, the Illinois House Youth and Family Committee yesterday endorsed legislation that would permit persons both of the same sex or opposite sex to create a civil union.

State Rep. Greg Harris

The committee voted 4-3 to approve the bill, House Bill 2234, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago). Harris is the also the committee chair.

In addition to Harris, State Representatives LaShawn Ford, Will Burns, and Al Riley voted for the bill. Opposing the measure were Mike Fortner, Michael McAuliffe, and Dave Winters.

The Harris legislation would grant same sex and opposite sex couples the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits bestowed by the law of Illinois to spouses.

Striking a high moral tone, the bill, however, would prohibit the types of traditional, historical unions once regularly practiced by Catholic royalty and blessed by the Vatican–unions between first cousins and uncles and nieces. Philip II of Spain took his niece Anna of Austria as his Queen in 1570, but under Illinois civil union law–that would be a no, no.

The bill’s other sponsors include State Representatives:  Barbara Flynn Currie, Deborah Mell, Connie Howard, Sara Feigenholtz, Harry Osterman, John Fritchey, Lou Lang, George Scully, Julie Hamos, Cynthia Soto, Naomi Jakobsson and Mike Boland.

The bill now heads to the full House.

Stay tuned.

Rich Miller to Headline Blogging Conference for ‘Legislators 2.0′

(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois Technology Partnership has snagged Rich Miller, publisher, editor, and chief scribe of the Capitol Fax newsletter and The Capitol Fax Blog and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times to speak to the role of blogs and other social media tools in Illinois politics at the group’s conference–”Illinois 2.0″– in Springfield on March 25.

Rich Miller

Aviva Gibbs, the organization’s Executive Director, will talk to legislators, staff, candidates, and media regarding reaching larger and targeted audiences, such as constituents, via blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other online gizzmos once the exclusive preserve of whizz-bang college students.

In a recent survey of legislators, the group found as many as 50 percent were already using social networking sites, while another 25 percent expressed interest in learning more.  Gibbs will share some battle-tested best practices and digital “do’s and don’ts”.

“Blogs and social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter have become a much more relevant way for not just college students, but businesses, organizations and the government to connect, interact and share ideas,” said Gibbs.

Miller will comment on the influence of digital media on news coverage and the impact on political and public policy processes.

“While traditional media is cutting back considerably, digital platforms are becoming an influential way to get and write the news,” said Miller. “I break stories all the time on my blog and have hundreds of readers add comments and share posts in real-time.  With social media becoming so popular, I’m seeing more politicians getting in on this than ever before.”

“ Illinois 2.0” will be held  at the Statehouse Inn in Springfield from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. or immediately following session.  To RSVP, contact Gibbs at: aviva@iltechpartner.org or 312-768-4760.

Burns Pushes Bill to Protect Illinois Renters from Forclosures

(Chicago, IL) – Hundreds of Illinois renters have been pushed out of homes or apartments forced into foreclosure and current Illinois law offers no protections for renters in these situations, according to a Public News Service Illinois story.

A bill pushed by State Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) aims to change that.

State Rep. Will Burns

Tamara Draper of Chicago was paying rent on a deteriorating apartment and was unaware the building was in foreclosure until Cook County Sheriff deputies delivered eviction papers. She’s had a tough time finding affordable housing since. And she says she’s not alone.

“The unit was a 48-unit building and we all were having problems finding adequate housing and basically they only referral was to go to a shelter and even the shelters nowadays are hard to get in.”

Burns’ legislation, House Bill 3863, a”Bill of Rights” for renters, aims to maintain rental housing during foreclosure and ensure adequate notice for renters who may need to secure new housing. It was approved, 17-0, by the House Civil Law Committee on March 11.

Nationally, one in every five foreclosed dwellings is rental property. In Chicago, 32 percent of residential foreclosure filings are on two- to six-unit properties.

Some lenders are worried about the responsibility of becoming “landlords” to those living in foreclosed buildings. Supporters of the bill are working to address their concerns, while ensuring tenants are informed of critical information regarding the property, according to the Public News Service Illinois.

In addition to Burns, the bill’s sponsors include State Reps:  Deborah Graham, Lou Lang,  Elizabeth Coulson, Mike Boland, Harry Osterman, Naomi  Jakobsson, Elizabeth Hernandez, Deborah Mell, William Davis, Karen Yarbrough, Kathy Ryg and Sara Feigenholtz.

The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

Carol Adams May Soon Be Out the Door

(Springfield, IL) — Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol Adams may soon be leaving her post. Finally.

Adams, a holdover from disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich’s Administration, is one of the two finalists to head Chicago State University, according to CHI Town Daily News reporter Peter Sachs.

One of the big expectations among social service providers upon Pat Quinn’s ascension to the Governor’s office was that Quinn’s promised “fumigation” of state government would lead a swat team of fumigators to Adams’ door.

Perhaps a gentle nudge by Governor Quinn will do the trick.

But we’ll see. Adams’ departure has been rumoured since the first year of the Blagojevich Administration.

The university will make its decision by the end of June.

Harris Wins House Approval of $1 Million Boost to Help Homeless Youth

(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois House yesterday voted 76-40 to increase state assistance to homeless youth by $1 million. Most Republicans voted no. Naturally.

State Rep. Greg Harris

The measure, House Bill 2469 sponsored by State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), would fund shelter and transitional housing and employment assistance for homeless youth through the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Harris has repeatedly advocated for increased funding for homeless youth services.

DHS, headed by Secretary Carol Adams, however cut youth services programs by more than $6 million in Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget. These programs represent 1.07% of the total DHS general revenue fund budget, but program cuts represent 14.7 % of the total GRF budget cuts.

The kids took it on the chin in the Quinn budget. But they have Harris and an array of powerful supporters in their corner.

In addition to Harris, the bill sponsors include State Representatives: Harry Osterman, Robert Pritchard, LaShawn Ford, Beth Coulson, Deborah Graham, Mike Boland, Esther Golar, Rosemary Mulligan, William Davis, David Miller, Brandon Phelps, Will Burns, Elizabeth Hernandez, Deborah Mell, John D’Amico, Paul Froehlich, Charles Jefferson, Lou Lang and Ken Dunkin.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

However, the real budget battle begins behind the scenes. Harris and his colleagues have a heavy rock to push uphill–winning the new money and restoring the old.

In the meantime, most Republicans will need to unspool their spin to explain why homeless kids are undeserving of shelter and help with a job. Sheez.

Illinois Bankers Association Awards Rutherford Legislator of Year Honor

(Springfield, IL) — State Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) was recently honored by the Illinois Bankers Association, with their annual ‘Outstanding Legislator of the Year’ Award.

Rutherford was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed Assistant Republican Leader.  His Senate career follows a 10-year term in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Rutherford, who unsuccessfully sought to unseat Democrat Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in 2006, is exploring a bid for State Treasurer in 2010.

Incumbent Democrat Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is widely expected to seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by the Blagojevich–appointed Senator Roland Burris. Burris is widely expected to get his tail whooped if he runs.

Got all that?

Rutherford is shown with Joyce Nardulli, Illinois Bankers Association.

Students, Staff Protest Carol Adams Candidacy as President of Chicago State University

(Chicago, IL) – Students and staff at Chicago State University are giving a thumbs down on Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol Adams‘ candidacy for the school’s presidency, according to a Chicago Tribune report by Jodi Cohen.

Secretary Carol Adams

Adams, a leftover from impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich’s Administration and widely disliked among legislators in Springfield, is one two finalists for the post.

The students and staff dislike other finalist, too, Wayne Watson, chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago.

Campus critics say Adams and Watson are political insiders who will offer no new change at the school.

“I think the board made a bad decision with the two picks,” said senior Gread McKinnis. “We are going to be around, so they see us all day. They will know that we don’t approve.”

Springfield watchers are also wondering if Adams is being pushed out the door by Governor Pat Quinn and if Chicago State is the place to which she is being pushed.

Will the Blagojevichs Need a Babysitter Today?

(Chicago, IL) – Speculation is running on steroids that impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich and Mrs. Impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich may soon need to find a babysitter.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s office put out a press release today announcing a release release will be released later this afternoon on yet to be disclosed legal action.

The expectation that has everyone’s hair on fire is that Blagojevich and possibly Patti Blagojevich will be indicted today on a goulash of corruption changes.

The Blagojevichs have two children Amy, 12, and Annie, 5.

What’s $10 an hour multiplied by 60 years?

Quinn Signs Bill to Help At-Risk Youth, But Quinn Budget Cuts Youth Aid

(Springfield, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed legislation that expands the Redeploy Illinois Program which provides critical services for at-risk youth between the ages of 13 and 18.

Redeploy Illinois provides funding to counties for local agencies to deliver services such as therapy, substance abuse treatment, life skills education and victim-related services.

“I am proud to join these legislators here today to help our children by protecting their health and ensuring their bright future,” said Quinn.

The legislation, which was sponsored by Senator Heather Steans (D – Chicago) and House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), will expand from a pilot program to a permanent initiative and allow more counties to be involved.

Quinn’s new budget, however, cuts approximately $6 million dollars or 10% from the Illinois Department of Human Services program that helps, well, at-risk-youth.

Quinn and lawmakers will need to retool the final budget so that at-risk-youth rhetorical claims and budget cash align.

Rutherford Announces Exploratory Committee for Treasurer

(Springfield, IL) — State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa) today announced his exploratory committee for Illinois State Treasurer.

Rutherford made his announcement on YouTube and to his 2,055 friends on Facebook.

Rutherford was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed Assistant Republican Leader.  His Senate career follows a 10-year term in the Illinois House of Representatives.

The Downstate Senator unsuccessfully sought to unseat Democrat Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in 2006.

Incumbent Democrat Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is currently raising money to seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by the Blagojevich–appointed Senator Roland Burris. Burris is widely expected to get his tail whooped if he runs.

Rutherford, a 16-year veteran of the legislature, says in his YouTube announcement that he is not a career politician. That occurs at year 17.

Quinn Manages to be Frugal and Generous Simultaneously

(Springfield, IL) – Governor Pat Quinn continues to outshine his predecessor Rod Blagojevich.

Admittedly, that bar is pretty low. A 7 watt bulb could outshine Blagojevich. But Quinn does it without the

Governor Pat Quinn at Easter egg hunt on the grounds of Governor's Mansion. (Springfield Journal-Register photo)

Blagojevich “razzle dazzle machine” theatrics that House Speaker Michael Madigan’s press secretary, Steve Brown, once ascribed to the former governor.

On Saturday, April 11, the Quinn brand was on full display at the Executive Mansion–both frugal and generous simultaneously.

Quinn organized an Easter egg hunt for Springfield-area children with developmental disabilities. More than 100 children, siblings, and parents attended, the Springfield Journal-Register reported.

In addition to the plastic egg hunt, the Springfield Theatre Centre put on a vignette of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, arts and crafts were made available to the kids, and Quinn read “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” to the folks assembled.

Of course, Quinn is a politician and there is public relations value for staging a kids event like this. So, one is inclined to ask what was the event’s cost to taxpayers? Zero.

Local businesses covered a portion of the expenses–and Quinn paid the rest out of his own pocket.

Quinn’s frugality is legendary. As Lt. Governor, Quinn traveled overseas on state business 10 times in six years. But he billed the state for just two of the trips. And when on other state business Quinn never accepted the $32 daily meal allowance to which traveling state workers are entitled. And he often payed his own hotel bill.

His predecessor? Blagojevich for all his blather about his commitment to kids, he appears to have held no Easter egg hunt, though Patti Blagojevich hosted a hunt in 2006. And during his terms Blagojevich allegedly seemed intent on filling his pockets.

And what’s the reaction of Springfield Journal-Register readers to Quinn and his Easter egg hunt?

• Debi5 Thank you Governor Quinn for doing something wonderful! It is nice to see the mansion being used and opened to the public once again.

• walt38 Great going Gov. Quinn!!

• fourfootedpals Thank you, Governor Quinn, for doing this. Thank you for making the SPARC kids feel very special. I’m so glad you chose these kids instead of a bunch of the legislators kids, grandkids, relatives, and other assorted kids ‘adopted’ for the day just so they could go to the Mansion’s Easter Egg hunt.

• starstruck A very positive event. Thumbs up Gov. Q!

• Lillie Mae Very cool, Governor Quinn, thank-you. Glad all had a good time.

• Ambrose Bee Whethe you agree with his politics or not, this guv is CLASS. Events like this, paying the difference out of his own pocket. Wish the media would do a story on this instead of all the garbage they chase

• Oldman What a difference a NEW Governor can make.

• cubshater Thanks Gov,,,

• Mumps Oldman and others, I’ll add another. What a difference an impeachment makes. We might have had Pat Quinn a few years ago if others had done their jobs instead of choosing to re-elect Blago. That being said, Governor Quinn couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks, governor, for all your efforts. It’s nice to see this event back on the calendar. And Happy Easter, everyone!

How’s that for – razzle dazzle? It’s the kind of razzle dazzle Blagojevich never understood.

Lang, Haine Give Medical Marijuana a Push, Wackos Rush In

(Springfield, IL) – Illinois State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) and Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) tried to shove their medical marijuana legislation forward yesterday. They’re having a tough go.

Appearing at a press conference in Springfield, the lawmakers unveiled two television commercials featuring

State Senate Bill Haine (D-Alton) (left) and Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie)

two Illinois residents–Lucie Macfarlane of Joliet and Lisa Lange Van Camp of Lindenhurst–battling debilitating diseases who rely on doctor-authorized, medical marijuana to ease their suffering.

Macfarlane suffers from neurofibromatosis–a disease in which tumors grow on nerve tissue–and Lange Van Camp lives with osteoarthritis.They both use pot to deaden the pain. The spots, which tell their stories, are now appearing in Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield.

The ad buy aims to help build support in the Illinois House and Senate in behalf of–Senate Bill 1381 and House Bill 2514–to legalize 7 medical marijuana plants per patient. Seven. The program would be administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Studies have shown that marijuana relieves debilitating symptoms including nausea, appetite loss, and severe pain. It has been shown to increase the chances that HIV/AIDs and hepatitis C patients will stay on life-saving medications, according to the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C., which is pushing the Illinois initiative.

Cue the wackos.

Reporters covering the Haine-Lang press conference.

Judy Kreamer, President of the Naperville-based Educating Voices, a faith-based drug prevention-education group noisily opposes medical marijuana to treat the pain and suffering of Macfarlane’s neurofibromatosis or Lange Van Camp’s osteoarthritis.

“The message it will send our youth is that if marijuana is a medicine then it must not be harmful. As a result marijuana use among Illinois youth population will increase,” Kreamer says in a rambling press release–which also warned against Mexican Drug Cartel risks–issued after the Lang and Haine press conference.

No kidding. You can’t make this stuff up.

Seven weed plants and Henny Penny will make the sky fall in Illinois.

Where does one start?

Kreamer’s logic–and apparently her drug education program–overlooks most doctor-prescribed medicine is harmful if the wrong dosage is consumed or if the wrong person consumes it. That’s why warning labels and child-proof safety caps and directions are prominent features on medicine packaging.

For example, chemotherapy medication can cause Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, which induces shock,

Haine looks on as Lang answers a reporter's question.

low blood pressure, and occasionally death. That’s harmful. It’s a medicine. And doctors still prescribe chemotherapy medication to treat a patient’s cancer. Right?

What Haine and Lang want to accomplish with their legislation is to give doctors the medical option to proscribe a treatment–medical marijuana–that is medically necessary and potentially less harmful than traditional opioid painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin.

In a statement by Dr. Leonard J. Paulozzi, Medical Epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on trends in unintentional drug overdose deaths before U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, the doctor said:

“The number of deaths … that involved prescription opioid analgesics increased from 2,900 in 1999 to at least 7,500 in 2004, an increase of 160% in just 5 years. By 2004, opioid painkiller deaths numbered more than the total of deaths involving heroin and cocaine in this category.”

That’s OxyContin and Vicodin.

How many deaths from marijuana overdoses? Zero. Zilch. Zippo.

If Kraemer and crew are keen on educating Illinois youth on potentially harmful drugs–they should set their sights on OxyContin and Vicodin. In the meantime, they should buzz off and let Haine and Lang get their law passed.

According to legislative sources, Haine’s bill has the stronger political momentum at the moment. Backers say they are only two votes shy of Senate approval. Lang’s House bill needs more political spade work. Both need less static from the pea-nut gallery.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 31. The clock is ticking.

Quinn Gives a Blast from His Fumigator and Zaps Blagojevich Appointee

(Springfield, IL) — On Friday Governor Pat Quinn squeezed the trigger on his fumigator and vaporized a former Blagojevich patronage bureaucrat buried in the Illinois Department of Transportation. Zap.

Once the fog lifted IDOT personel manager Scott Doubet was out of his $106,000 a year job. Dang.

Doubet’s principal skill seemed to have been engineering raises for himself. He started at IDOT in 2004 at $55,000 and nearly doubled his pay in five years. A nice trick if you can manage it.

Doubet was one among 11 IDOT managers who snagged last minutes bonuses before the General Assembly booted his patron, Rod Blagojevich, from office. He had begun salary-raising career spree in Blagojevich’s patronage office.

Hooray for Quinn.  Making good on his “fumigation” of state government pledge is always welcome. However, Quinn’s administration is still littered with Blagojevich cronies and incompetents and worse. And the natives in the legislature are restless.

Keep the fumigator humming, Governor.

Our Two Cents: Cullerton Legsislature Salary Cut Idea Needs Polishing, But It’s a Gem

(Chicago, IL) — Illinois Senate President John Cullerton recently floated the idea of imposing a “symbolic and appropriate” salary cut on state lawmakers. Good idea. But the lawmaker pay cut should not occur willy-nilly.

Senate President John Cullerton

It should occur as a matter principled budgeting policy: if the state cuts its payments to its vendors–hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, community mental health providers, child welfare agencies, foster parents, home health aides for seniors–all those on the front-line delivering services on behalf state government but who are the first to get the budget shaft from the state–then elected officials’ salaries ought to get whacked too.

Year-in and year-out the legislature refuses to provide cost of living or doing business increases to these vendors. Meanwhile the Governor’s office–particularly under Rod Blagojevich–imposes cuts by stealth. Blagojevich routinely each year slapped 3% “reserves” on human service provider contracts and never returned the dough. Thus–a cut. And a double whammy.

For example, a Chicago child welfare agency which provides care to HIV/AIDS-affected toddlers has watched its state contract of $780,000 in 2003 wither to $729,000 today–all from gubernatorial imposed “reserves”. And the legislature has refused to compensate agencies like this one in subsequent budget years.

And in the last eight fiscal years, community mental health providers have received only two cost of doing business increases. Two. Just two. Meanwhile, they have been subjected routinely to Blagojevich imposed 3% contract “reserves” or in reality–cuts. As a result, the state now pays these providers only $1.07 for $1.48 of costs.

To pay for state-contracted care, community mental health providers must eliminate privately funded care–fewer visits to home-bound seniors, few school mental health clinics, fewer counselors–to subsidize this deadbeat better known as the state of Illinois. It’s a disgrace.

Meanwhile, the state doles out like clockwork–where the “tick” follows the “tock”–annual cost of living increases to unionized state employees performing the same work as their private sector, non-profit counterparts but who the state cuts almost annually–like clockwork. And its all blessed by the legislature.

How screwed up is that?

This is where Cullerton’s legislator pay idea can come in.  If the legislature refuses to give its vendors a raise, then they forgo a raise. If the legislature or Governor cuts funding for state vendors, then lawmaker and gubernatorial salaries should be cut by an equal percentage. Call it the “what’s good for the goose and gander” policy of budgeting.

You can bet your over-mortgaged house that state vendors would never go begging for a raise again.

Cullerton is on to something. Good for him.

Illinois Swine Flu Gets Ald. Joe Moore to Mug for the Camera

(Chicago, IL) — Chicago 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore today vividly illustrated a politician’s love for his puss before a TV camera.

This morning Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman was before TV cameras explaining the closure of Kilmer Elementary School due a “probable” case of Illinois swine flu and he began his remarks recognizing Chicago Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Mason and the school principal who were standing beside him.

Moore, unseen and feeling neglected, suddenly and silently slid behind Huberman’s right shoulder to position his unacknowledged mug before the camera. One half-expected the guy to wave to mom.

A swine flu risk announcement among elementary school kids is apparently an insufficiently grave moment to suppress a politician’s self-promotion instinct. But it should be.

Flu Likely to Kill 3,500 in Illinois

(Chicago, IL) – From the Department of Reality Check, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports that during the past decade influenza–a.k.a. “the flu”–and subsequent pneumonia have caused an average of 3,500 deaths a year in Illinois. Since 1992, the highest number deaths–4,021–occurred in 1993.

Thus, approximately 3,500 Illinois residents will die of the garden variety flu in 2009.

However, the Illinois swine flu and global swine flu outbreak have so far unleashed a media hype pandemic with news outlets reporting on practically every snot, sneeze, and wheeze of the locals as “suspect” swine flu.

Meanwhile, as of this morning, the World Health Organization has confirmed 257 swine flu cases–globally. 257. There are currently 17 cases in Illinois. 17.

And approximately 1,700 Americans could be infected in a worst case scenario, says Dirk Brockmann, associate professor of engineering sciences and applied mathematics at Northwestern. About 100 of those would be in Chicago.

The media and the public need to take a breath. And it can be safely done–without the mask.

However, once the swine flu outbreak subsides and “the flu” returns to its normal killing rate of several thousand Illinois residents annually, let hope the public health warnings and media coverage don’t return to “normal”.

Perhaps “the flu” can be rebranded.

Illinois Swine Flu Likely Less Risky than “the flu” that Will Kill 3,500 Illinois Residents in 2009

(Chicago, IL) – From the Department of Reality Check, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports that during the past decade influenza–a.k.a. “the flu”–and subsequent pneumonia have caused an average of 3,500 deaths a year in Illinois. Since 1992, the highest number deaths–4,021–occurred in 1993.

Thus, approximately 3,500 Illinois residents will die of the garden variety flu in 2009.

However, the Illinois swine flu and global swine flu outbreak have so far unleashed a media hype pandemic with news outlets reporting on practically every snot, sneeze, and wheeze of the locals as “suspect” swine flu.

Meanwhile, Friday, the World Health Organization has confirmed 367 swine flu cases–globally. 367. There are currently the Center for Diseases Control has confirmed 3 cases in Illinois. 3.

And approximately 1,700 Americans could be infected in a worst case scenario, according to a model developed by Dirk Brockmann, associate professor of engineering sciences and applied mathematics at Northwestern. About 100 of those would be in Chicago.

The media and the public need to take a breath. And it can be safely done–without the mask.

However, once the swine flu outbreak subsides and “the flu” returns to its normal killing rate of several thousand Illinois residents annually, let hope the public health warnings and media coverage don’t return to “normal”.

Perhaps “the flu” can be rebranded.

Giannoulias Public Relations, Blagojevich Déjà Vu

(Chicago, IL) –Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Monday stood before the same phalanx of Chicago news media and at the same podium in the State of Illinois Building that Rod Blagojevich had recently stood.

Giannoulis stood there to defend the use of state money from a flailing college investment fund that his office manages to buy a $26,000 2008 SUV for his office. Rod Blagojevich stood there to defend his appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate.

Both attempted to defend the indefensible. Bad decisions.

In Blagojevich’s case, he had no choice. He had just appointed Burris to the scandal-tarred-and-feathered U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama. Blagjevich had no “retrospect factor” available to justify his decision. He was in the here-and-now. And Blagojevich is undeniably a goof.

In Giannoulias’s case, he had a choice. He had a “retrospect factor”. And Giannoulias is undeniably bright. He could have said the purchase of the vehicle was “boneheaded move” and the absence of a vehicle use log was even a more “boneheaded move”. Admitting to boneheaded decisions has credibility with the press and public. We all make them. We move on. But no.

Instead Giannoulias, 33, decided to aggravate his public relations problem. Like Blagojevich, Giannoulias attempted to defend a decision–the SUV’s purchase–with the typical political patter of rationalizations.

“What I think is important here to understand is that this is a vehicle used by Bright Start marketers to travel the state and talk about the program,” Giannoulias said, quoted by the Chicago Tribune’s Monique Garcia at his press conference. “I think it’s something that over the long term would be a good investment.”

Blah, blah, blah.

Giannnoulias’ statement may indeed be true, but the public hears only platitudes. Giannoulias is talking to a deeply–crater deep–cynical Illinois public regarding its political leaders. And the public is always cynical regarding politicians and their government cars. Political PR 101. Giannoulias has received piss-poor public relations advice from his current handlers.

The public is innately suspicious when politicians purchase cars with government money. They think they’ll be tooling around town on the taxpayer dime, figuratively flipping them the bird. And Giannoulis defended the SUV purchase without any vehicle log to prove that its use was “all business” in behalf of the Bright Start college saving program, a program which has lost $85 million under controversial circumstances.

Giannoulias, who has raised more than $1 million for an expected campaign for Burris’ senate seat and has generated political momentum towards his political goal, is exacerbating a public relations fiasco. It’s a fiasco because a boneheaded answer to a $26,000 SUV purchase may trump the $1 million campaign war chest and blunt the political momentum–and perhaps–derail it.

And that’s too bad. Giannoulias is no Blagojevich. This could have been avoided.

Jan Schakowsky’s Lurking U.S. Senate Bid Has Been Buzzed

(Chicago, IL) – Buzzflash’s Christine Bowman has buzzed Jan Schakowsky’s potential bid for the U.S. Senate. The heaps of rose petals heaved on Schakowsky by Bowman caused no injuries to innocent bystanders.

“She has represented Illinois’ liberal 9th District on Chicago’s north side in Congress since 1999. She has been a bold, outspoken Progressive Caucus member and is vice chair of the bipartisan Women’s Caucus.

Jan Schakowsky serves in the House leadership as Chief Deputy Democratic Whip and serves on the Steering and Policy Committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, the Subcommittee on Health, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Should she give up all that to run for Obama’s, and now Roland Burris’, Senate seat?”

For Bowman’s full Schakowsky buzz, buzz off–to her full analysis.

Bzzzzzzz.

Chicago Tribune’s Triblocal.Com for Citizen Journalists Launches 14 New Web Sites; 3 Newspapers

(Chicago, IL) –The Chicago Tribune’s print product may be shrinking, but it is expanding its online presence, recruiting citizen journalists to team up with Tribune’s reduced pool of reporters.

The Tribune today announced that Triblocal.Com–which serves the six county metro area minus–strangely–Chicago–has launched 14 additional Web sites and three newspapers serving Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Evanston, Skokie, Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Morton Grove, Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights.

Triblocal.Com contributors work “side-by-side” with Triblocal.com’s editorial staff to produce coverage of communities–from police reports and safety alerts to updates on local sports teams and celebrations marking occasions.

According to the Triblocal.Com, “The stories you write and the photos you post will not just appear on the Web, many will be selected for a weekly print edition that soon will be available in your area.”

Free help. Clever.

Citizen journalists–to arms!

Quinn’s 1st 100 Days – Lang, Murphy Comment on Fox-TV

(Chicago, IL) — Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) and State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) comment on Quinn’s 1st 100 days.

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Quinn Promises Major Staff Announcement

(Chicago, IL) — Is the fumigator ready to hum?

Perhaps.

Governor Pat Quinn will hold a press conference at the State of Illinois Building in Chicago on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. to make a “major staff announcement.”

One has gotta a wonder if House Speaker Michael Madigan’s bill to toss out 3,000 gubernatorial employees by former Governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich has lit a fire under Governor Quinn.

Let’s hope.

Quinn Makes Major Staff Announcement – Yawn

(Chicago, IL) – From the Department of Wake Me When It’s Over, Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced Chicago Alderman Billy Ocasio would join his administration as a senior advisor on social justice issues. Yawn.

Nothing against Alderman Ocasio. He’s a decent, bright guy. Yada, yada, yada.

But Governor Quinn’s office yesterday billed yesterday’s press conference as a “major staff announcement.”

And one would think that after House Speaker Michael Madigan lobbed a legislative cannon ball across the gubernatorial bow last week–House Bill 4450–that aimed to toss George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich holdovers overboard that Quinn’s announcement would highlight some plankwalkers. One would think. But no.

The same clowns, cretins, incompetents, and worse with which Ryan and Blagojevich have littered state government remained firmly embedded still merrily marking time and making the same hash of the place as ever before.

On many fronts Quinn is doing a damn fine job of remaking state government’s image. Hardy cheers. But on his pledge to fumigate the joint of Blagojevich cronies–a Bronx cheer.

Come on, Governor. Fumigate.

Commission Gorman, Tax Payers React to Stroger $12K in Back Taxes – Video

(Chicago, IL) — Cook County’s most famous tax deadbeat, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, is getting an earful from a fellow Democrat county commissioner, Liz Gorman, and tax payers.

You gotta wonder who slipped the IRS tax lien info regarding the $12,000 in overdue taxes to the Chicago Sun-Times?

Those records can be found at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. Hmm.

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Chicago Public Schools CEO Huberman Asks Illinois General Assembly For $200 Million

(Chicago, IL) –Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman wants $200 million from the State of Illinois–which is facing a $12 billion deficit–to help fill the schools’ $475 million deficit.

Oh boy.

A beggar is begging a poorer beggar. Not a good sign.

Look for CPS to raise Chicago property taxes. Governor Pat Quinn and the legislature are not going fork over $200 million they don’t have. A CPA tax hike could haul in an additional $80 million.

A reaction to such a move? Well, if it happens, watch for a run on tea bags. Oy.

Quinn Axes IDOT’s “Midnight Raises”

(Springfield, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn has canceled the “midnight raises” of more than a dozen Illinois Department of Transportation administrators granted in Rod Blagojevich’s last days in office, the Associated Press’ John O’Connor reports.

The raises ranged from 8 percent to 31.5 percent.

Good job, Governor Quinn. Nothing more to say.

Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to Host Blogger-Only “Discussion” on Illinois Political Reform – No ‘Real Time’ Questions Allowed

(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will host an exclusive, blogger-only “discussion” on Thursday regarding progress on Illinois political reform legislation.

Scheduled for May 14 at 7:30 p.m., Senators Don Harmon, Jeff Schoenberg, Susan Garrett, Bill Haine and Kwame Raoul will provide a legislative update.

However, the Senate Dems  apparently want the bloggers to go unheard during the “discussion”. They are required to submit no more than three written questions for the “discussion”.  Where, then, is the “discussion”?

Could you imagine the Senate Dems imposing that requirement on the Springfield Press Corps at a Blue Room press conference? Laughable. The press would boycott.

These Senators–who are among the brightest bulbs in the Senate chandelier–should submit to oral questions.

Kotowski Dings Stroger on Sales Tax Repeal Veto

(Springfield, IL) —State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) today dinged Cook County Board President Todd Stroger’s decision to veto a repeal of Cook County’s 1% sales tax increase.

“The people of Cook County are hurting,” said Kotowski. “We need tax relief, and we need it now.”

Well, Cook County actually needed it yesterday. But now will do.

Earlier this year, Kotowski introduced legislation to ease the Cook County Board ability to override the County Board President’s veto, lowering the threshold from a four-fifths majority to a three-fifths majority.

The proposal, Senate Bill 1868, is currently in the Illinois House Rules Committee where it faces an uncertain future. Ok, it’s not uncertain. It’s toast.

But just in case, Kotowski wants  to change the bill’s effective date to–immediately. Is that soon enough?

“Stroger’s decision earlier this week only reinforced the need for an easier veto override process,” said Kotowski.

Bingo.

Joining Kotowski as bill sponsors are Senators Jeff Schoenberg, Don Harmon, John Millner and State Representatives Paul Froehlich, Sid Mathias, Mark Walker, Fred Crespo and LaShawn Ford.

County Board, Quinn Cut Pay; Illinois Lawmakers Should do Same if They Want a Doomsday Budget

(Springfield, IL) –The Sangamon County Board will cuts salary by about 10 percent as a step to fill a projected $2.7 million deficit. The cut would save $28,609.

With Illinois facing a $12 billion deficit, one wonders if the Illinois General Assembly–especially the slash-and-burn Republicans–would propose cutting lawmaker salaries by 10%? or 25%?

Nah. It would tarnish the sterling hypocrisy of the place.

Lawmakers and Governor Pat Quinn are pondering a doomsday budget that cuts nearly 25% from each state agency budget, but lawmakers are certainly not entertaining a cut of 25% to their salaries. Oh no. That’s talkin’ smack.

Of course to Quinn’s credit, in the  face of the staggering budget hole, he is accepting only $150,000 of his $177,000 annual salary and turning the rest back to the state treasury or charity.

If lawmakers insist on a doomsday budget of 25% cuts, Quinn should insist they cut their salaries by 25% too. For their part-time gig, they earn a base salary of $67,000. The geese and gander should stew in the same pot.

That would be quickest route to raise the Illinois income tax.

Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to Host Blogger-Only, Discussion on Illinois Political Reform – Kudos to Cullerton, Dems

(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will host an exclusive, blogger-only discussion on Thursday regarding progress on Illinois political reform legislation.

Scheduled for May 14 at 7:30 p.m., Senators Don Harmon, Jeff Schoenberg, Susan Garrett, Bill Haine and Kwame Raoul will provide a legislative update.

In addition to written blogger questions, Toby Trimmer, Communications Director, says “It is our intent to offer conference call participants a chance to ask questions and receive a response.”

That’s good news.

Senate President John Cullerton and the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus deserve credit and kudos for its outreach to bloggers as the traditonal media implodes. Good job. It’s the first legislative caucus to do so.

Harmon, Raoul, and Schoenberg Talk Ethics, Push Back on Old Media Criticism

(Springfield, IL) –Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing back—gently—but pushing back nonetheless against some Illinois newspaper editorial board claims that the legislature is an obstacle to Illinois political reform.

As part of that push back, and under the shadow of the Collins Commission public relations wave machine,

State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park)

several Democratic senators hosted an exclusive, blogger-only discussion on May 14 to update bloggers on reform progress and to provide—more importantly—historical context and practical challenges to legislating reform.

Though light on details, Senators Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) and Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) gave bloggers a useful political science lesson on Illinois political reform—a lesson that stressed state political reform initiatives began long before the Illinois Reform Commission and crew rolled into Springfield.

With the backdrop of editorial boards blaring their reform horns and exhorting the legislature to act, Harmon dryly noted that the legislature has already acted. Harmon pointed to the comprehensive state pension reform that “did not get the appropriate attention in the mainstream media.”

The state pension boards provided a nest of financial corruption under Rod Blagojevich via Stuart Levine and others. And Senate Democrats fixed it.

State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston)

It was Schoenberg’s legislation, SB 364, that cleaned house. The law kicked out the multiple existing pension board members, bans non-investment professionals—a.k.a. lobbyists—from greasing the wheels between investment houses and state pension boards, and tightens other ethics screws.

This is a big deal. And Quinn signed it into law on April 3—59 days after the bill was introduced and more than a month before Pat Collins even released his report.

That’s warp speed in legislative years. Schoenberg, also a confessed blogger, noted that he had toiled for 15 years until he successfully secured procurement reform at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. But he got it done.

Raoul also provided useful history lesson on another reform topic: public financing of elections. Raoul noted that the Collins report includes a recommendation to provide public financing for Illinois Supreme Court elections.

Great idea. And Raoul introduced legislation two years ago. He reintroduced the same bill, SB 2144, earlier this year, months before the Collins report. Raoul also noted his predecessor, Barack Obama, had sponsored the same legislation, SB 1415, in 2005. Other Senate sponsors included, among others, Schoenberg and John Cullerton.

What did Chicago newspapers editorialize at the time at the time on the Obama bill? Nothing. Couldn’t be

State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago)

bothered.

And so on.

Finally, Harmon said—and Cullerton confirmed earlier in the day—that Senate Democrats will back campaign contributions caps, but they will unlikely photocopy the federal limits of $2,400 per candidate as recommended by Collins.

Harmon and the other senators—who note the federal limit hardly seem to have limited special interest influence in D.C.—want to prevent morphing lawmakers into fund-raising machines that crowd out constituent demands and lawmaking from their schedules, a reality that Collins overlooks.

Finally, Harmon reminded the bloggers for all the editorial commentary criticizing the legislature on ethics there has been no lawmaker subject FBI to inquiry or subpoena or taint from the Blagojevich scandals.

What Harmon left unsaid was that a certain Chicago newspaper critical of the legislature can make no similar claim.

Illinois AFSCME Council 31 Launches TV Ad Campaign to Boost Illinois Income Tax Increase Prospects

(Springfield, IL) — Illinois AFSCME today launched a grassroots and television ad campaign to protect public services, prevent job loss and pay the state’s bills, according to a press release.

• The campaign, Fair Budget Illinois, includes:
• An initial TV ad, “No One Is Here To Take Your Call,” airing on broadcast and cable.
• A first radio ad, “Recession.”
• A new Web site, FairBudgetIL.com, where the public can get information about the budget crisis, access these and future ads, and contact state lawmakers with one click.
• Coordinated grassroots outreach to state legislators by AFSCME members across Illinois , including phone calls, e-mail, petitions and postcards.

AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said. “We urge legislators to support a tax increase to preserve these essential public services, prevent tens of thousands of layoffs and pay the state’s bills.”

The tv ad is so, so. The sole graphic of a ringing, unanswered phone fails to pack any visual punch. It’s good for radio, but not television. It’s doubtful House Speaker Michael Madigan or Senate President John Cullerton’s offices will get many calls from this.

AFSCME Council 31 represents 100,000 active and retired public-service workers across Illinois .

40% of Catholics Say Priests Should be Allowed to Marry

(Chicago, IL) –U.S. Catholics are evenly divided over whether the church should change its policy of centuries and allow priests to marry.

Forty percent (40%) of Catholics say priests should be allowed to get married, while 39% disagree, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty percent (20%) are undecided.

The poll left silent if the support for priestly wedding bells included marriage to both boys and girls.

The sound you here is Hell freezing over.

Delgado Press Release Aims to Criticize Quinn Doomsday Budget Speech But Misses

(Springfield, IL) — An Illinois Senate press aide detailed to State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) issued a curious press release today:

State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) is disappointed with the Governor’s no new revenue budget this fiscal year.

“I have looked over the Governor’s proposal and it is clear that the state cannot function with the cuts that he is proposing. This is the time to create more jobs and aid the people of Illinois with education and healthcare funding, not cut and slash much needed programs and services.”

Huh?

For the record, Governor Pat Quinn submitted a fiscal year 2010 budget proposal to the Illinois General Assembly on March 18 with new revenue proposed. The budget includes a income tax increase from 3% to 4.5%.

The Senator’s ill-written press release is most likely referring to Governor Quinn’s doomsday budget speech on Monday outlining pretty gruesome budget cuts if the legislature fails to approve his income tax hike. It was a speech. There was no actual budget proposal to review.

Senator Delgado deserves press releases written more accurately from the Senate Democratic press staff that reflect well on the man. He didn’t get it.

Last week Your Two Cents stifled a much harsher critique of a rambling press release written for Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge). What gives?

Senate President John Cullerton’s Senate Democrats have good stories to tell. However, they must be well written to get their points across. And that’s not happening at the moment.

Maloney, Brosnahan Send Illinois Nurse Scholarship Bill to Pat Quinn

(Springfield, IL) – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and State Representative James Brosnahan (D-Evergreen Park) that aims to draw more nurses to Illinois by providing scholarships has been placed on Governor Pat Quinn’s desk.

The legislation, House Bill 382, requires that individuals who are awarded a scholarship must practice nursing

Governor Pat Quinn

for two years in the Illinois for every year of the scholarship. The individual must be enrolled in a graduate degree in nursing program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in order to be eligible.

“Our current nursing shortage is jeopardizing the quality of healthcare we are able to provide in Illinois,” said Maloney. “This bill will ease the financial burden of becoming a nurse and retain qualified professionals for years to come.”

A severe shortage of nurses in Illinois has created huge staffing problems for hospitals across the state. In May 2006, then Illinois Public Health Department estimated by 2020 Illinois could be facing a shortage of more than 21,000 nurses.

And too few nurses is a life and death risk for patients. Patients are 31% more likely to die in hospitals where nurses are required to care for 8 patients versus only 4, according to the Aiken study.

The Senate approved bill 58-0 on May 13 and sent it to Quinn.

Brosnahan and Maloney have put their finger on a real problem in Illinois and have offered a solution to help relieve the nurse understaffing. Quinn should sign the legislation. Lives depend upon it.

Other Illinois House sponsors included State Representatives: Paul Froehlich, Kevin Joyce, LaShawn Ford, Lou Lang, Michael Connelly, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Zalewski, Naomi Jakobsson, Cynthia Soto, Will Davis, Marlow Colvin, André Thapedi, Dan Beiser, Linda Chapa LaVia, Eddie Jackson, Mark Walker, Beth Coulson, Edward Acevedo, Elizabeth Hernandez, Susana Mendoza, Ken Dunkin, Fred Crespo and Franco Coladipietro.

Illinois Do-Gooders Establish Official Caucus on Facebook

(Springfield, IL) –They have gone and done it. Do-Gooders of Illinois have formed an official self-help group, er, caucus.

Welcome to the Do-Gooder Caucus of Illinois.

Here’s the the group’s core manifesto:

The Do-Gooder Caucus of Illinois (DGCI) was founded in May of 2009 as a way for folks who identify themselves as such to network, keep in touch, share info, and celebrate victories.

Our goal is to have an ever increasing presence in Springfield during the session, and across the state in the off season.

That’s swell. Then the rest of us can stay home.

Want to join? You can find them on Facebook.

AFSCME Council 31 Fair Budget Illinois Campaign Rolls Out New Radio Ad

(Springfield, IL) — The Fair Budget Illinois campaign, launched yesterday by the AFSCME Council 31, has unveiled a new radio advertisement.

The 60-second spot, “Emergency Responders,” can be heard here at Your Two Cents: Emergency Responders

AFSCME is also airing an initial TV spot, “No One Is Here To Take Your Call,” and a previously-released radio spot, “Recession.” Both can be accessed at www.FairBudgetIL.com.

Fair Budget Illinois is a grassroots campaign that wants to raise the Illinois income tax to prevent union job loss. A fair goal in a state flirting with depression.

AFSCME Council 31 Illnois Tax Increase Campaign Adds 2nd TV Spot

(Springfield, IL) –Illinois AFSCME Council 31 has added another TV spot to its rotation in support of an Illinois income tax increase to maintain union jobs and public services as part of the Illinois budget debate.

AFSCME is running a grassroots and paid media campaign, urging Illinois state legislators to raise taxes to protect public services, prevent union job loss and pay the state’s bills.

“Backlog” is now in rotation with an earlier AFSCME TV spot, “No One Is Here To Take Your Call,” and two radio spots, “Emergency Responders” and “Recession.” All ads are posted at www.FairBudgetIL.com.

Like the first ad, the topic is compelling but the visual in this ad–described as DNA rape kits–are plain white boxes that multiply like bunnies. They represent State Police increasing DNA test backlogs, but multiplying boxes hardly pack a graphic “wow” factor. No fear here.

The ads aim to stimulate the wrong side of the brain.

Will voters flood the offices of House Speaker Michael Madigan, Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President John Cullerton or Minority Leader Christine Radogno with calls? Doubtfully.

But decide for yourself.

Julie Hamos Aims to Boost Pat Quinn’s Reform Agenda and Gets Undercut by, well, Pat Quinn

(Springfield, IL) – Last Thursday State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) hosted a blogger’s only conference call on Governor Pat Quinn’s “political reform” agenda, zeroing in on the need to cap campaign contributions at $2,400 per election cycle.

Hamos, one of Springfield’s leading progressive lawmakers, expressed concern that House Speaker Michael

State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston)

Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) have agreed to cap contributions at levels higher than the $2,400 proposed by Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission chaired by Patrick Collins.

“I think they have cut a deal,” said Hamos, who has launched a statewide petition drive in behalf of $2,400 caps.

The Evanston lawmaker, who is considering a run for Attorney General and has hired political consultant Mike Fourcher, also considers the Republican House and Senate leaders—Tom Cross and Christine Radogno—obstacles to campaign finance limits.

“I think all four leaders like the status quo,” said Hamos.  “We want to see real ethics reform.”

That was Thursday.

What Hamos saw on Saturday was this Chicago Tribune headline: “Donate $15,000 and meet the governor.” Gulp.

During the last days of the legislative session, A Quinn campaign aide, Holly Copeland, had been dialing for dollars to special interest groups—the very groups whose influence the Collin Commission is trying to crush like an unwelcome insect—and had been putting the squeeze on the willing and unwilling for $15,000 to meet-and-greet Governor Quinn. Brazen.

Quinn said it was a “mistake.” I believe him. Sincerely. Still, it’s like discovering Mother Theresa in a brothel.

For 30 years Quinn has earnestly cultivated—and rightly earned—a reputation as a political reformer, and then he allows some clue-less campaign mope to flush that reputation and send it swirling down the porcelain memory hole in a single day. Mystifying.

The Quinn episode exposed the inevitable collision between even a reformer’s principles and the practical politics of an election system that relies on private versus public dough to finance the campaign beast. It’s messy. It looks unseemly even when it is not. And it stains saint and sinner alike with nasty headlines.

And an arbitrary $2,400 campaign contribution cap will not change that. Not a bit. Ask Tom Delay. Only public financing will fix the private interest influence peddling racket.

And—to her credit—Hamos recognizes that fact. Referring to the Collins-endorsed $2,400 caps, she said, “It’s not perfect. And I’m not sure where defeating a [Madigan-Cullerton] caps bill gets us.”

But at this point Hamos must recognize that Madigan and Cullerton suddenly are not her biggest obstacles. That nasty headline is.

CLTV Video: Pat Quinn and the $15,000 Question

(Chicago, IL) – The facts–the fun facts at least–are now well known.

During the last days of the legislative session, A campaign aide for Governor Pat Quinn, Holly Copeland, dialed for dollars to special interest groups—the very groups whose influence Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission is trying to crush like an unwelcome insect—and put the squeeze on the willing and unwilling for $15,000 to meet-and-greet Governor Quinn. Brazen.

Copeland had apparently not received Quinn’s reform memo.

Quinn said it was a “mistake.” I believe him. Sincerely. Still, it’s like discovering Mother Theresa in a brothel.

Last night, Your Two Cents had more to say on CLTV’s Garrard McClendon Live.

CLTV Video: Roland Burris Discusses Wire Tap Flap with CLTV’s Garrard McClendon, Concludes Burris is Clean

(Chicago, IL) — Even one of U.S. Senator Roland Burris‘ shrinking circle of enthusiasts–Garrard McClendon, host of CLTV’s Garrard McClendon Live–is raising questions regarding Burris’ comments to Rob Blagojevich caught on a November 2008 FBI wire tap.

On McClendon’s Tuesday show, the host asked Your Two Cents if the Burris–Blagojevich discussion regarding campaign contributions to ousted Governor Rod Blagojevich’s campaign amounted to “quid pro quo”? McClendon got this answer from Your Two Cents …

When Burris’ friends are raising questions concerning his judgment, you know he’s gotta problem.

On Wednesday, McClendon discussed the wire tap at length with Burris during his show.

McClendon’s conclusion? Burris is clean.

In his most recent blog post, McClendon writes: “He’s clean…he clearly expresses his desire for the senate seat, but he doesn’t clearly state that he would pay for the seat. Game over, leave him alone. Senator Roland Burris is clean ladies and gentlemen.”

Burris needs more media friends like McClendon.

ABC7-TV’s Charles Thomas Reporting House Vote on Illinois Increase Tax Increase Will Fail – Mark Doomsday on Your Calendar

(Chicago, IL) – ABC7-TV’s political reporter Charles Thomas is predicting that the Illinois House will fail to approve Governor Pat Quinn’s income tax increase and that lawmakers will then move to take up a “Doomsday” budget.

Gulp.

From Thomas’ story:

As of 11:30 a.m., there are reportedly not enough votes in the Illinois House to pass an income tax increase. The word is that every single Republican will vote no and that anywhere from seven to 10 Democrats will join them. Those Democrats, mostly from downstate and suburban Chicago districts, are making the difference.

If the House does vote down the tax increase Friday when the vote comes up, they would then immediately begin the work on so-called doomsday appropriations bills that would mean deep cuts for many programs run by the state of Illinois.

Lawmakers would need to slice nearly $7.5 billion–that’s billion–from the state budget, eliminating drug treatment for 98,000 people, mental health care for 45,000, school aid, prison guards, two state drug prisons (2,200 drug offenders on their way to a community near you) state police officers, road salt, 35,000 to 40,000 social service jobs tied to state contracts, etc.

You get the idea. If it’s not nailed down–it’s gone. Taxpayers will get what they pay for–and it won’t be much.

If you depend on state government, you can kiss your behind good-bye.

ABC7-TV Video: Quinn Income Tax Hike Expected to Fail in House

(Chicago, IL) – ABC7-TV’s political reporter Charles Thomas is predicting that the Illinois House will fail to approve Governor Pat Quinn’s income tax increase and that lawmakers will then move to take up a “Doomsday” budget.

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NBC Video: Patti Blagojevich Sent Down the River

(Chicago, IL) — Without State Police bodyguards anymore, Patti Blagojevich found crossing river rapids with a back-pack more difficult than usual.

But being sent down the river was probably less challenging than eating a tarantula without a food taster. Argh. This is life on “I’m a Celebrity — Get Me out of Here!”

Poor Patti.

You gotta wonder if she was wishing Rod was in that river in place of her at the moment–with a sack of rocks in that back-pack. You just gotta wonder.

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News Video: Quinn Fights for Illinois Income Tax Hike; Threatens to Toss Out Babies and Bath Water

(Springfield, IL) – Governor Pat Quinn has begun his “Human Misery Media Tour” around the state highlighting the human carnage that will ensue if the Illinois General Assembly fails to find new money to plug a $7 billion whole in a $28 billion budget.

Now, before Your Two Cents readers are seized by the impulse to yell “cut the fat” from the state budget, consider these facts:

1. Illinois has shed nearly 13,000 state employees through early retirement since 2003 to around 59,000 today from 72,000.
2. The current state payroll is only $3 billion of the $28 billion annually.
3. The required pension payment for retired employees is $4 billion this year.
4. The cost to run prison is $1.2 billion or so.
5. The rest of the dough is allocated to health care, education (elementary, high school and university aid) and human services.

That’s it folks. The “fat” is from human services.

Governor Pat Quinn

The “fat” – the discretionary money – is money, for example, to provide 40,000 home healthcare workers to seniors, workers that keeps seniors out of nursing homes. Gone.

The “fat” – the discretionary money – is money, for example, to provide drug and alcohol treatment services–methadone and a safe bed to sleep–to 65,000 people in the death grip of addiction. Gone.

The “fat” – the discretionary money – is money, for example, to provide child care to 80,000 working parents. Gone.

The “fat” – the discretionary money – is money, for example, to provide mental health care and medication to 175,000 people suffering from mental illness–self-mutilation, teen-suicide risk, pyromania, dimencia, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorders, etc. Gone.

You get the idea.

Cut the “fat” and toss granny out of her house and into a nursing home. Cut the “fat” and toss addicts out of treatment and into the local 7-11 with a .45 caliber in hand robbing the joint. Cut the “fat” and toss toddlers out of day care centers and into unsupervised homes to fire-up the oven to cook dinner. Cut the “fat” and toss the mentally ill out of care and toss them, untreated, unmedicated into your library, your supermarket, your sidewalk.

This is fat in frying pan.

So, the “cut the fat” crowd needs to suggest which of the above slabs of “fat” should be cut and fried. Your prize? The consequences on your doorstep. Have a nice day.

While the “cut the fat” crowd is slicing everyone else’s throats but their own, citizens who believe that a little “fat” is healthy to keep the body warm, you need to cut to chase with your local state lawmakers.

Call them, write them, fax them–whatever–just let them know that neither  tossing granny into a nursing home nor letting untreated addicts wander into town is a good idea. Tell them to grow a pair.

Tell them to relay to House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President John Cullerton, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno that tax payers are unwilling to accept an Illinois doomsday budget but are willing to tolerate a little extra “fat” to keep the body–and granny–whole. Tell them to get the job done.

That means–you will support an income tax increase. Tell them.

Otherwise, I may have to turn my Aunt Joan loose on them. She’ll tell them. And that’ll fix their wagon.

more about “Quinn keeps pressure on for new budge…“, posted with vodpod

Pat Quinn Signs Bill to Provide Illinois Unemployed Workers Cheap Health Insurance

(Chicago, IL) – Despite the approaching Illinois state government train wreck, Governor Pat Quinn delivered some good news to Illinois residents last week–extended health insurance on the cheap.

Quinn signed a law that will make health insurance more affordable for laid-off Illinois

State Senator Susan Garrett

workers of small businesses and their families.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), those who formerly worked at companies of 20 employees or more are eligible for a subsidy that reduces by 65 percent the cost of COBRA health care coverage.

The bill signed by Quinn provides a 65 percent health insurance payment subsidy to those who worked for companies with fewer than 20 employees.

“I am pleased to sign legislation to help those, who through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs and can no longer afford health insurance for themselves and their families,” said Quinn in a press release.

House Bill 2325, sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Highwood) and State Rep. Karen May (D-Highwood), passed unanimously in the House and 55-1 in the Senate.

Only State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington) voted “no”. There must no be no unemployed workers in Duffy’s district. That’s right, Dan?

The bill gives employees of small businesses who lost their jobs after September 1, 2008, and who declined COBRA because of its high costs, a second chance to enter the program. Under this plan, those former workers can continue their health insurance coverage and receive a 65 percent premium reduction. The law also provides up to an additional three months of coverage for many former employees.

An estimated 100,000 Illinois residents are eligible.

The bills other sponsors include: State Representatives: Elizabeth Coulson, Rosemary Mulligan, Monique Davis, Frank Mautino, Greg Harris, Patricia Bellock, Fred Crespo, Julie Hamos, Esther Golar, Karen Yarbrough, Barbara Flynn Currie, Cynthia Soto, Elizabeth Hernandez, Kathy Ryg, Naomi Jakobsson and State Senators: Jeff Schoenberg and Dan Kotowski.

Illinois Doomsday Budget Will Likely Breach July 1 Deadline

(Springfield, IL) — The word circulating–or going around in circles–among House Democrats is no budget resolution will be achieved during the two-day session this week or before July 1.

Hello, Doomsday.

Sources say the week of July 13 seems to be target date that lawmakers and Governor Pat Quinn will finally be able to reel Illinois out of its budgetary abyss.

Budgeteers and budget staff have been hard at work behind the scenes hammering and nailing a deal–but they’re short a few planks for a full budget frame-work.

Whether Senate President John Cullerton sends Quinn the budget–Senate Bill 1157–or the state just runs on fumes is still unknown. Meanwhile, there appears no lifeline will be extended to Illinois human service providers. Just rocks.

The Illinois doomsday budget seems to be on deck.

As Illinois Doomsday Budget Looms, Illinois House Adds Session Days, Week, Sources Say

(Springfield, IL) – The newest word making the rounds–like a drunken sailor on a pub crawl–is that Illinois House lawmakers have been told to be prepared to remain in Springfield until Friday.

A House lawmaker who had planned to attend a press conference in Chicago this Thursday called the organizers today to back-out because of the expected extended session.

Additionally, the word being peddled is that lawmakers are likely to back in Springfield next week, too.

That same well-traveled word also reports that the outline of a budget deal exists but all the required moving parting will unlikely be assembled until week of July 13–beyond the start of the Illinois doomsday budget.

Of course, “the word” has limits to its insight.

It is unknown whether Senate President John Cullerton will send Governor Pat Quinn the budget–Senate Bill 1157–currently idling in the Senate on a parliamentary “hold” or will the state just ride on budgetary fumes after the this year’s budget expires on June 30.

And political conditions could change and reshape the calendar and speed a solution sooner. However, a pre-July 1 solution could deny partisans a potent cudgel to wield–doomsday blame.

There will be no partisan direct mail pieces blaring: “Representative John Doodlefink almost allowed seniors to lose their Meals-on Wheels.”

But if Quinn implements the doomsday budget. Bang. The mailers will fly out the door–absent the word “almost”.

Stay tuned.

Quinn Now Says Tax Hike Vote Could Occur at Month’s End

(Chicago, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn is taking his hoped for vote on an Illinois income tax increase down to the tip of a very live wire.

Quinn told Chicago Public Radio that that vote could take place at the end of the month.

QUINN: “I think we want to keep working and working until it’s the right time to take a vote whether it’s this Wednesday. Certainly by the end of this month we got have a vote.”

Given the basement-level expectations for this week’s session in Springfield to forestall the Illinois “doomsday” budget, the end-of-month tax vote extension at least aligns with reality.

Thank you to Yellow Dog Democrat for alerting Your Two Cents to this report.

Illinois Doomsday Budget to Strip Ill, Autistic Foster Child of Care–Are You Listening Representative Cross and Senator Radogno?

(Chicago, IL) — On July 1, the Illinois doomsday budget will leave the Illinois foster parents–and soon to be adoptive parents–of an autistic foster child with medical issues bereft of care.

To the opponents of Governor Pat Quinn’s efforts to increase the state income tax to pay for state human services–pat yourselves on the back and take a bow.

An Illinois foster mother today left this comment on a iLLINOIS OBSERVER blog post:

“This is terrible. My husband and I are foster parents and getting ready to adopt a little boy.

He has medical issues and now autistic issues. June 19th we get a letter from our agency letting us know that the monthly payment amount we receive for helping this little guy is going to be cut in half, there will no longer be any counseling available for him, he will not be able to go to daycare beginning July 1st and when he is adopted there will be no payment whatsoever to help care for his special needs.

I am absolutely fuming right now.

Like this child needed any more going against him and now this. How do they expect us to help him? How the heck do we get special services for him? Any I have to figure out a daycare plan within a week? What else can they possible take from these kids? I’m almost scared to ask…”

Ah, yes “family values” is a swell slogan, isn’t it?

Are you listening Represenative Tom Cross and Senator Christine Radogno?

Pat Quinn, Madigan, Cullerton, Cross, and Radogno Agree on Key Illinois Doomsday Budget Number

(Chicago, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois General Assembly leaders reached agreement on a single number regarding the Illinois doomsday budget: it began at today 12:01 a.m.

Yep–12:01 a.m. It was the only number to which they agreed. Everything else? Forget it.

Governor Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, House

Governor Pat Quinn vetoes the Illinois doomsday budget.

Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate Minority Christine Radogno and many rank-and-file lawmakers tied themselves in confused knots during many weeks over many of the key competing budget numbers and budget positions and budget plans.

Governor Quinn today vetoed the only budget plan on the table—Senate Bill 1197—the Illinois doomsday budget. But Quinn’s veto does not lessen the confusion. And—unfortunately—the Governor has bred much of that confusion.

Much of the budget confusion in the capitol has hovered over the most fundamental number–the budget deficit’s size. It’s been reduced to “eeny-meeny-miny-mo catch the budget deficit by the toe.”

Here are an assorted of deficit estimates:

• $11.6 Billion – Combined FY 2009 and Quinn 2010 FY 2010 introduced budget – March 2009
• $12.2 Billion – Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability claimed Quinn underestimated the deficit by $860 million.
• $7.2 – Billion – only FY 2010 – Quinn FY 2010 introduced
• $9.2 – Billion – FY 2010 Quinn estimate of legislature’s FY 2010 version
• $7.9 – Billion – FY 2010 Quinn revision – June 2009 (few days ago)
• $6.2 – Billion – FY 2010 Senate Democratic Analysis – June 30, 2009
• $2-3 – Billion – FY 2010 State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)

Take your pick.

House Speaker Michael Madigan

Syverson’s estimate is dismissed even by his GOP colleagues as willfully ignorant. So that one can be tossed. But the rest of the numbers are in play. Still, there remains a vacuum of credibility and–whoosh—chaos and confusion are sucked in–like an industrial-size Hoover zeroing in on a hairball.

Among those remaining deficit number estimates exist large enough differences that can drive significant policy choices and consequences depending upon which is the agreed number. A permanent 67% income tax increase? A permanent 50% tax boost? A temporary 50% tax bump? A $2.2 billion pension refinancing scheme? Quinn has supported all four options. And opposed several of those options. More confusion.

If that is insufficient confusion to whet your budget whistle–try this: the budget term:

• 12 month human service budget at 50% (SB 1197)
• 12 month human service budget at 70%
• 6 month human service budget at 100% – drawn from 12 months of revenue
• 60 day budget patch at 100%
• 30 day budget patch at 100%

Quinn prepared to sign the Illinois doomsday budget before he vetoed it today by sending reduced contracts to human service providers across the state. Various lawmakers and leaders–Cross and Radogno and Cullerton–have tossed out the other options. Quinn has opposed and supported the 30-day version nearly simultaneously. Oy.

Speaker Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton today jointly announced a special legislative session for July 14 to override Quinn’s budget vetoes—otherwise state employees will go unpaid—and try again to pry “new revenue” out of rank-and-file makers.

For any progress, the Governor and lawmakers need to agree on more numbers than: 12:01 a.m.

Tick, tock.

Old Media, Politicians, Bloggers Take Note: Social Media, Video Sites Transforming Internet Usage, Nielsen Report Says

(San Francisco, CA) – Online media use by Internet users is deepening and transforming, according to a new report on the online landscape released on April 22, 2009 by The Nielsen Company.

It is worth a read by bloggers and new media types.

This increased engagement is in part a result of a shift toward video content and social networking as popular online subcategories, according to Nielsen.

“The Internet remains a place of continuing innovation, with users finding new ways to integrate online usage into their daily lives,” said Charles Buchwalter, SVP, Research and Analytics, Nielsen Online.

“In recent years the Internet has changed dramatically as people seek more personalized relationships online. In particular, time spent on social networks and video sites has increased astronomically.”

Since 2003, interests of the average online user have shifted significantly.

Today the active Internet user tends to prefer sites that contain more specialized content. This change in preferences is seen in the fact that video and social networking sites have moved to the forefront, becoming the two fastest growing categories in 2009.

Highlights of the report regarding the two fastest growing subcategories — online video and social networks – include:

• The number of American users frequenting online video destinations has climbed 339 percent since 2003.
• Time spent on video sites has shot up almost 2,000 percent over the same period.
• In the last year alone, unique viewers of online video grew 10 percent, the number of streams grew 41 percent, the streams per user grew 27 percent and the total minutes engaged with online video grew 71 percent.
• There are 87 percent more online social media users now than in 2003, with 883 percent more time devoted to those sites.
• In the last year alone, time spent on social networking sites has surged 73 percent.
• In February, social network usage exceeded Web-based e-mail usage for the first time.

Here, in Illinois, for example, one can see the exploding use of video on Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Blog, the state’s leading political news Web site. Miller, the site editor, publisher, and chief bottle washer, has dramatically expanded self-produced video posting of press conferences, interviews, etc during Spring 2009 legislative session.

The popularity of the video posts is prompting Miller to quickly upgrade his video equipment.

The result? Miller will transform the traditional text-based blog to a full-multi media news site. A boon to his business no doubt. Miller’s upgrade to video is a reflection of the trends Nielsen’s report has identified.

Other Illinois political bloggers should take note.

Nielsen’s full report on the global online landscape can be downloaded on The Nielsen Wire: http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/nielsen-news/online-global-landscape-0409/

Poll: Pat Quinn Vetoes Illinois Doomsday Budget – Who Won 1st Round?

(Springfield, IL) – Governor Pat Quinn yesterday deep-sixed the Illinois doomsday budget–SB

Governor Pat Quinn displays the shiny new veto of the Illinois doomsday budget.

1197–the Illinois General Assembly sent him. But he offered no expectation a different solution would emerge.

Quinn vetoed the budget bill that slashes and gashes funding by 18% to 100% for social service providers, cuts that have drawn nine separate lawsuits against the state. Despite the veto, those social service agencies are firing staff and turning away clients seeking help.

“This bill does not effectively address Illinois’ growing budgetary and economic calamity,” said Quinn in his veto message to lawmakers.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton announced earlier that they would bring the General Assembly on July 14 – to attempt to override Quinn’s veto and continue to pry “new revenue” votes out of reluctant rank-and-file lawmakers.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross and Senate Minority Christine Radogno will continue to do whatever they do–except to help resolve the budget mess.

Quinn remains undecided whether to veto the other budget bills which keep the wheels of state government spinning.

So that ends budget battle round #1. So who won? None of the above is not an option. Choose.

Governor Pat Quinn Appoints Michael McRaith as Director to Newly Created Illinois Department of Insurance

(Springfield, IL) – From the Department of New Departments, Governor Pat Quinn on Monday, July 6 promoted Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Michael McRaith to Director of the newly created Illinois Department of Insurance.

Governor Quinn’s Executive Order 4 split the Department of Insurance (DOI) from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) on June 1, 2009. New boxes on the organizational charts.

In addition, Quinn tapped Brent Adams to serve as Acting Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Before working for the State, McRaith worked 15 years in private practice as an attorney in Chicago.

At IDFPR, Adams has chaired the Mortgage Fraud Task Force and coordinated the Mortgage Relief Project.

When talking behind McRaith’s back, multiple lawmakers give him high marks for professionalism. Good to know.

Gay Rights Activist Jim Madigan Targets Heather Steans Senate Seat

(Chicago, IL) — Attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan has kicked-off a long-shot state senate campaign against State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago).

Madigan, a former executive director of the gay rights group Equality Illinois and a civil rights attorney

Jim Madigan

and an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Law School, unveiled his campaign at the Chicago Gay Pride Parade late last month.

Last year, Steans, who represents the Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods, and parts of the Rogers Park, Lincoln Square, Bowmanville, Ravenswood and Northcenter neighborhoods, won the Democratic primary against Suzanne Elder with 63% of the vote.

Steans was a key supporter to State Senator John Cullerton’s successful campaign to become Senate president. Steans will undoubtedly have Cullerton’s full backing in any primary contest.

Madigan’s entry into the race will, however, will put local pro-gay politicians, who depend on gay voters for support, in a bind. Oh, well. That’s the game.

The deadline to file a candidate’s election petitions is November 2, 2009.

The Illinois primary is on February 2, 2010.

Stay tuned.

Lisa Madigan’s Re-Election Decision Eliminates Illinois Doomsday Budget Resolution Obstacle

(Chicago, IL) – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan‘ decision to seek re-election to her current job next year eliminates a political obstacle to the resolution of the Illinois doomsday budget.

House Speaker Michael Madigan–Lisa’s father–has been pelted with accusations that his handling of the Illinois budget has been tied an expected gubernatorial bid by Attorney General Madigan.

Of course, froth-mouthed critics failed to intelligibly articulate how the Speaker’s support for an income tax increase advanced the AG’s gubernatorial prospects. But intelligible is no criteria for a critic. But that rap is now gone.

The budget negotiations can now proceed with one fewer political distractions–but that complicates the game plan of those whose interests rely on political distractions. And they are legion. But not that all that clever.

So, here’s hoping.

And that tornado sighting in Springfield was Pat Quinn exhaling a sigh of relief.

“There Goes Julie Hamos’ Ambitions”

(Urbana, IL) – From the Central Illinois Gazette:

Lisa Madigan’s announcement today — that she’ll run again for attorney general — calls to mind this story from the April Champaign County Democrats’ spring dinner at which state Rep. Julie Hamos said she was looking at running for AG.

A veteran Democratic state representative from Evanston said …

Tom Cross Meets with Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) – Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross went into a meeting with Governor Pat Quinn approximately an hour ago, according a House GOP tweet.

Well, it’s good to see Cross’ rope-a-dope game continues. Quinn must have had a free hour to indulge him.

Expect no resolution to the Illinois doomsday budget crisis. That’s not part of the rope-a-dope rules.

Pat Quinn’s New Illinois Budget Plan Dumps Tax Increase–For Now–Targets More Pension Borrowing

(Springfield, IL) – From the Department of New Budget Plans By The Minute, Governor Pat Quinn is dumping his plan for an income tax increase from 3% to 4.5%–at least until fall–and now wants a temporary 5-month budget built–which he recently opposed.

Additionally, Quinn wants to float $3.5 billion in 5-year pension obligation bonds instead of the

State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago)

originally proposed $2.2 billion plan, according to a tweet from State Rep. John Fritchey during a meeting with Governor Quinn in Springfield on Friday, July 10.

Quinn’s objective with the new FY 2010 budget scheme is to fund Illinois human service providers at 90% of FY 2009 levels instead of at the 50% level approved by the Illinois General Assembly–SB 1197–a.k.a. the Illinois Doomsday Budget–and vetoed by Quinn.

Even with the extra dough in hand, Quinn still intends to cut the state operations budget by $1 billion, which boots 2,600 state employees out of jobs–1,000 alone from the Illinois Department of Corrections. That move could lead to the politically risky early-release of 6,000 non-violent drug offenders. Oy.

Quinn’s new plan, however, failed to inspire a whiff of confidence in Fritchey. “This meeting with the Gov. and his staff is not giving me a good feeling about session next week,” the Chicago lawmaker tweeted.

Quinn recently and obliquely noted his shifting support from various budget plans. “There are many ways to get to heaven,” Quinn said a few days ago after another flip. Ok, points for optimism.

Quinn and the legislative leaders–House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President John Cullerton, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno meet to continue negotiations in Springfield on Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Perhaps Quinn and the leaders will cobble, paste, and wire together a ramshackle budget deal that will allow the Illinois to sputter and wheeze forward for few months. Or not.

Good News: Pat Quinn Signs New Illinois Budget; Bad News: Pat Quinn Signs New Illinois Budget

(Springfield, IL) – The good news is that Illinois now has a regular fiscal year 2010 budget. The bad news is Illinois now has a fiscal year 2010 budget.

Last night, the Illinois General Assembly approved the new Illinois budget and the Governor Pat Quinn signed the financial beast.

The Illinois budget borrows $3.5 billion to pay the annual mandated state employee pension contribution. Simultaneously, the budget pushes more than $3 billion in payments owed to state services providers into next year. There is no income tax increase.

Governor Pat Quinn

Still, Quinn and lawmakers left the budget unbalanced by $4 billion or more. Who knows? Nice.

But there’s more. At least 2,600 state workers–perhaps more–may still lose their jobs, and Quinn and lawmakers themselves are docked 12 days of pay–even in an out-of-whack “budget”. Ouch.

At least the pension borrowing shovels $2.2 billion to social service providers. This money is intended to offset the 50% Illinois “doomsday” budget cuts that the legislature had previously handed to Quinn. However, Quinn and lawmakers decided to fund human services at only at an average of 86% of last year’s budget.

Additionally, the budget mandates state agencies to set aside $1.1 billion total in “reserves”— read “cuts” –which withholds appropriated money until a “review” later in the year. Budget “reserves” are a fiction. That money is almost never released.

Speaker Michael Madigan

Therefore, if state leaders start claiming that Illinois human services are being funded at 86% of last year’s budget—a generous sounding figure during the Great Recession granted—one can credibly doubt the veracity of the claim.

Welcome to Illinois Doomsday Budget-Lite.

To manage this budget, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno agreed to confer unprecedented spending authority to Quinn to allocate the dwindled $26 billion pile as he see fit.

State agencies received lump sum appropriations, not detailed line item appropriations. The General Assembly declined to appropriate money to division, to program or to line items for the state agencies. Governor Quinn and agency directors, like Illinois Department Human Services Secretary Carol Adams, will need to make decisions on how the 86% funding levels will be distributed and whose ox will be gored and roasted and eaten.

“Essentially by doing this, we have made him the king of Illinois,” Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) said.

Commenting on the budget deal, Quinn said, “This budget tonight is the best we can do to get our work done.”

Cullerton, however, acknowledged that the “best” was not good enough.

“We’re doing this because we have to do it. But it’s wrong to do it, The General Assembly will reconvene in January to address our need for additional revenue.”

However, there appears to be no agreement among Madigan, Cross, Cullerton, and Radogno at this time about the future shape of an income tax increase. Zero. Zilch. Zippo.

Cross and Radogno are actually giddy that they threw sand in the budgetary gears with their rope-a-dope budget negotiating demands, which included changing the primary date and the legislative redistricting process.

“It [the budget] avoids a tax increase,” Radogno said.

It also avoids any sign of real leadership—an observation Radogno left unsaid.

Pat Quinn’s Office Says 86% for Human Services in New Illinois Budget is “Speculative”

(Springfield, IL) – Governor Pat Quinn’s office today said the widely reported 86% funding level for state human services in the new Illinois budget signed by Quinn is purely ”speculative”.

Elizabeth Austin, the communications director at the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, says the 86% number–which is currently swirling and bobbing in the media–is only speculative because in addition to the $2.3 billion the legislature committed to human services there is $1.2 billion available to the Quinn to spend at his “discretion”.

Moreover, Austin noted that agency directors were still preparing budget plans for submission to the Governor’s office; so, the funding level is unknown.

Austin refused to speculate on whether any of the $1.2 billion may be allocated to human services, only to repeat that the Governor could spend that dough at his “discretion”.

Governor Pat Quinn

That emphasis on “discretion” is enough of a signal, however, to human service lobbyists: start your engines boys and girls.

Additionally, Austin was unable to clarify whether and what portion the $1.1 billion in budget reserves–which House Democrat budget documents refer to as “mandated” reserves until new revenue materializes this year (cue the flying pigs)–are included in the estimated 86% human services funding level, except to reiterate that agency budget plans were in formation.

What Austin could confirm, however, is that the state–with a $3.9 billion bill backlog from last year–is now on six-month bill payment cycle. Submit a bill on July 17, 2009; expect payment on January 17, 2010. Ouch.

With those financial institutions formerly known as banks shrinking and shriveling credit lines, that six-month stretch will almost certainly drive many social service agencies into bankruptcy. Poof.

As a result of the new Illinois budget’s plan to push $3.0 billion in money owed to state service provider payments into next year, one state human services association estimated that of that amount, $1.5 billion would be money owed to human services providers.

Austin was unable to confirm that number.

Whatever the human services spending percentage may be, Quinn’s real–and thankless–job is to cut the budget. A lot.

“The Governor is expected to reduce spending by about $2 billion and the legislature granted him the authority,” said Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan.

So, regardless of the $1.2 billion discretionary of money given to Quinn, his bigger problem indeed is cutting $2 billion from the budget in the next 10 days or so. And his biggest problem is bearing the bad news to Illinois voters.

Quinn himself acknowledged today the personal political risk in comments made in a Chicago Tribune story by Ray Long and Rick Pearson.

“I got the honor of cutting the budget by over a billion dollars. Most of the legislators didn’t want to attach their names to those cuts,” Quinn said. “That’s my job. I’ve got the jacket.”

Good luck, Governor.

Madigan vs. Steans – State Senate Money Race Not Close

(Chicago, IL) – University of Chicago-trained attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan, who has jumped into the Democratic primary race against State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), is lagging behind the money race.

Jim Madigan

Yesterday, Madigan–no relation to Attorney General Lisa Madigan or her father House Speaker Michael Madigan–filed his first campaign contributions report to the Illinois State Board of Elections and reported raising $845 and having $445 cash-on-hand.

Steans, who assumed office in February 2008, reported raising $67,458 and having $78,897 cash-on-hand.

In response to a Your Two Cents inquiry on his campaign report, Madigan, a former interim-Executive Director of Equality Illinois and who semi-officially kicked-off his campaign on June 28 at Chicago’s Gay Parade, wrote in an email:

“I completed my tenure at Equality Illinois on June 26, 2009. I pledged that I would not solicit contributions until I completed my service to that 501(c)(3) organization and to the LGBT community.  I fulfilled that promise.”

Madigan also took the opportunity to poke at Steans and her campaign cash stash.

“It is true that I am behind Senator Steans in funds available, but my family and I cannot match the $97,178 that Steans’ family has poured into her campaign in just one year,” Madigan wrote. “I will continue to raise money from private citizens who share my beliefs, not my family tree.”

Steans responded to Madigan’s remarks, “I have always voluntarily limited contribution amounts to my campaign … equal to the federal campaign contribution limits (currently $2,400). Over 500 people have contributed to my campaign with amounts ranging from $20 to the federal limit.”

The freshmen senator, unwilling to cede any group to Madigan, also stated, “People from every walk of life support my progressive, reform approach to Illinois politics.”

Madigan, raised in Niles, Ohio (pop. 20,932), graduated from University of Chicago Law School in 2000, said in a recent interview with Chicago Now, “I’m a person who doesn’t have a lot of money,” he said, “I’m a person who grew up pretty low class.”

Your Two Cents presumes Madigan meant that he has “humble economic roots” rather than he is “pretty low class”. But Madigan’s repeated references to Steans’ reported family wealth contrasted to his own meagre means suggests a line of attack or point of virtue–take your pick–that may unfold on the campaign trail. Its effectiveness remains to be seen.

For voters to hear that message and other messages, Madigan will need, however, like Steans, to raise and possess a substantial amount of money over the next six months–an irony some voters may come to appreciate.

Feigenholtz, Steans, Harris Blast, Lament New Illinois Budget

(Chicago, IL) — To say Chicago Lakefront lawmakers State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, State Senator Heather Steans, and State Representative Greg Harris dislike the new Illinois budget would mock the art of understatement.

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)

“On July 15, 2009 the Illinois General Assembly passed a pitiful excuse for a budget – a haphazard borrowing plan that indiscriminately cuts services and will exacerbate the already grave problems facing the state of Illinois,” Feigenholtz, Chair of the House Humans Services Appropriations Committee, wrote to constituents on July 20.

“It is being … reported that human service providers and grant-funded services will receive 86 percent of their normal funding — this is patently false. In reality, while some providers may be fully funded or see their budgets cut by only 5 percent, others will be faced with cuts of 50 percent or more.”

For the first time in her 15 years as a legislator, Feigenholtz voted against a new Illinois budget.

“This budget is highly irresponsible.  We are essentially borrowing to fund state operating costs, thus delaying, and increasing the size of our problem later,” Steans wrote to her constituents on July 16.

“I could not support such an abdication of our responsibility to Illinois residents for needed services and basic financial responsibility to balance our budget.”

Steans also voted against the budget.

In fact, Steans and Feigenholtz were the only Chicago lawmakers to oppose the new Illinois budget, Senate Bill 1216.

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

For Steans, who is facing a spirited primary challenge from gay rights activist Jim Madigan, her “no” vote will innoculate her against potential charges from Madigan that the wealthy freshman lawmaker is insensitive or out-of-touch with lower-income group needs in the district.

“If you are hoping find good news about our FY10 State Budget, you will not find it here,” Harris informed his constituents on July 17.

“The final action taken by the General Assembly did cobble together a budget, but we have only succeeded in pushing the day of reckoning off until later this fiscal year at the earliest or FY11 at the latest.”

Harris voted for the new Illinois budget.

Harris also concurred with Feigenholtz’s analysis regarding human services funding.

“The 86% funded number for grant-based programs, while true in the macro sense will be very untrue on a program by program basis,” Harris wrote.

Harris thinks human service providers “should be advocating loudly and often to preserve funding at acceptable levels” but he wants advocates to target Governor Pat Quinn.

“This advocacy should be directed to the Governor and his staff, as they have total discretion on the allocation of these funds,” Harris noted.

Despite Harris’ plea, Your Two Cents is certain providers and clients, who are also constituents, will besiege him, Feigenholtz, Steans and other lawmakers to intervene with the Quinn Administration.

Katie bar the door.

U of I Board Chair Niranjan Shah Throws Secretary Under the Bus–Pat Quinn Should Fire Shah: Now

(Chicago, IL) — University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Niranjan Shah threw his secretary under the bus today in the university’s unfolding and unending admissions scandal, Stacy St. Clair reports in today’s Chicago Tribune online.

Shah blamed his secretary for his e-mails in which he sought to grease the application gears for multiple student applicants.

“She put the words together and I didn’t check,” he said.

Whatta gutless wonder. Blaming his secretary?

“She remembers writing these,” he said. “I’m embarrassed.”

And Shah is an embarrassment to the University of Illinois.

Governor Pat Quinn should fire Shah by asking for his resigination. Period. Now.

Shah is disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s appointment to the U of I Board. He’s also a $50,000 contributor to Blagojevich. The disgrace just trickles down. The pay-to-play mentality is alive and well with Shah and throws people under the bus à la Blagojevich.

Quinn has pledged to fumigate Illinois government. Shah should be on top of any fumigation list.

Julie Hamos Set to Announce IL 10th CD Run, Source Says

(Chicago, IL) – State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) will announce her candidacy on

State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston)

Tuesday for the Illinois 10th congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Mark Kirk, according to a Democratic source.

Kirk is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Roland Burris. Burris is not seeking re-election. Fortunately.

Hamos, Chair of the House Mass Transit Committee, had been gearing up for a campaign for Illinois Attorney General. However, Illinois’ brightest political star Lisa Madigan decided recently, rather than to step up from her AG post, to run for a third term. Unfortunately.

State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and twice-former IL 10th CD candidate Dan Seals are seeking the Democratic nomination for Democratic-trending district that Barack Obama won with approximately 60% of the vote in 2008.

State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) is also pondering a bid.

Let’s see, have we left out anyone among the Democrats? Oh, yeah, Tony the pizza boy.

Anyway.

Kick-back and break out the popcorn for the upcoming Democratic mash-up political thriller.

Meanwhile, State Representative Beth Coulson (R-Glenview) is considering jumping into the Republican primary. If so, Coulson’s state House seat would likely fall into Democratic hands next year. With that prospect, Coulson might even get House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) to chair her primary campaign.

Run Beth run.

Greg Harris Endorses Heather Steans in 7th Senate District Race over Gay Rights Activist Jim Madigan

(Chicago, IL) – State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), one of two openly gay and lesbian lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly, today endorsed freshman State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) for reelection in the upcoming Democratic primary over Steans challenger and gay rights activist Jim Madigan.

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

Responding to an inquiry from THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, Harris said, “She has been a strong advocate for lesbian, gay and trans[gender] issues in Springfield, worked hard behind the scenes in the last few months to preserve funding for HIV/AIDS services in Illinois and is well thought of in the district as well.”

Steans, 46, whose Chicago-lakefront senate district overlaps Harris’ house district, commenting on Harris’ endorsement, provided the following statement:

“Greg has been a true mentor and guiding force for me in Springfield.  He is a voice for progressive policy change, most notably in human rights and health care reform.  And I look forward to our continued fight for marriage equality.”

Madigan, 35, a University of Chicago-trained lawyer, is the former interim-Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a statewide gay rights political organization based in Chicago.

In response to the Harris endorsement, Madigan stated, “While I appreciate Rep. Harris’ opinions on this race, I would think he, more than many, would realize how vital it is for all communities to be directly represented.”

“For the record, I did not ask for or in any way seek the endorsement of Greg Harris,” Madigan added. “I look forward to working hard during this election and winning the endorsement of the people of the 7th district.”

In addition to Harris, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER contacted freshman State Representative Deb Mell (D-Chicago), an openly lesbian legislator, regarding her endorsement intentions in the Steans-Madigan race. Mell did not respond for comment.

State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)

Steans, appointed to the 7th District senate seat in February 2008, following the retirement of long-time State Senator Carol Ronen, defeated activist Suzanne Elder nearly two-to one in the February 5, 2008 Democratic primary 21,371 to  12,410 in the overwhelmingly Democratic district.

In addition to endorsements, another key political barometer in the race will be campaign cash.

Madigan–no relation to Attorney General Lisa Madigan or her father House Speaker Michael Madigan–filed his first campaign contributions report last week with the Illinois State Board of Elections and reported raising $845 and having $445 cash-on-hand.

Steans reported raising $67,458 and having $78,897 cash-on-hand.

Madigan, who semi-officially kicked-off his campaign on June 28 at Chicago’s Gay Parade, said:

“I completed my tenure at Equality Illinois on June 26, 2009. I pledged that I would not solicit contributions until I completed my service to that 501(c)(3) organization and to the LGBT community.  I fulfilled that promise.”

Madigan also took the opportunity to poke at Steans and her campaign cash stash.

Jim Madigan

“It is true that I am behind Senator Steans in funds available, but my family and I cannot match the $97,178 that Steans’ family has poured into her campaign in just one year,” Madigan wrote. “I will continue to raise money from private citizens who share my beliefs, not my family tree.”

Steans responded, “I have always voluntarily limited contribution amounts to my campaign … equal to the federal campaign contribution limits (currently $2,400). Over 500 people have contributed to my campaign with amounts ranging from $20 to the federal limit.”

The freshmen senator, unwilling to cede any group to Madigan, also stated, “People from every walk of life support my progressive, reform approach to Illinois politics.”

Money aside, the Harris endorsement of Steans is a huge plus for the freshman senator whose north lakefront district includes a heavy concentration of gay and lesbian voters. Harris is a popular and well-respected lawmaker in the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community.

Madigan’s climb to the state senate just got a little steeper–not unwinnable–just steeper.

Candidates will begin circulating primary nominating petitions on August 4 for the February 2, 2010 primary.

Your Two Cents Blog Morphs into THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER

(Chicago, IL) – The Your Two Cents blog has changed its name. Welcome to THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER.

Publishing since November 2007, Your Two Cents began as a lark. Today, it is still a lark–just less so.

Therefore, keeping with its newly self-imagined and minted august dignity–and the desire to banish eye-rolls and sniggering at the mention of the blog’s former name–THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER is now on the shingle. Get used to it.

While the name has changed, the mission and snark-embedded content will remain the same. Sorry.

David Ormsby
Editor & Publisher
THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER

Illinois Treasurer Alex Giannoulias Announces U.S. Senate Bid, Raps “Political Insiders” and “Kingmakers”

(Chicago, IL) – Democratic Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Sunday officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Roland Burris.

Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias

Prior to his official campaign kick-off, Giannoulias sent out an e-mail to supporters in which he wrote, “You deserve a representative worthy of your vote, one free from the taint of political insiders and kingmakers and one who shares your vision for true change and real progress.”

In his e-mail or his official announcement, Giannoulias, 33, did not identify the “political insiders” or “kingmakers” to whom he was referring.

Yesterday, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER sent two messages to the Giannoulias campaign asking the candidate to name the “political insiders” or “kingmakers”. Ginnoulias or his staff did not respond to either message for comment.

The first-term Treasurer is the only Democrat to declare formally his candidacy for the seat held previously by U.S. President Barack Obama.

Merchandise Mart President Christopher Kennedy has mulled entering the race. Latest word is–he’s still mulling.

Governor Pat Quinn Signs Veterans’ $100 Bonus Bill

(Chicago, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn just signed into law a bill compensating Illinois veterans for their service during the Global War on Terrorism.

Any Illinois veteran who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 is eligible to receive $100.

“We can never fully repay the debt to the service men and women who have fought for our freedom in the Global War on Terrorism,” Governor Quinn said.

The “War on Terrorism Compensation Act” will provide for Illinois veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom the same service compensation that is provided to Illinois Veterans who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Operation Desert Storm.

Eligible veterans must have been residents for at least a year preceding service. Additionally, they also must still be serving, be honorably discharged, furloughed to a reserve, or be retired, and have received at least one of two medals awarded for service in the terrorism effort.

Applications must be made through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“We believe that the ‘War on Terrorism Compensation Act’ ensures that Illinois recognizes all veterans …,” said Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant.

Chicago NBC TV 5 Viewer Comments on Alexi Giannoulias US Senate Announcement Are–Uh–Unenthusiastic

(Chicago, IL) — Chicago NBC TV5 on Sunday reported on Alexi Giannoulias’ U.S. Senate campaign announcement and viewers reported back.

“Being Illinois State Treasurer just isn’t going to be enough for Alexi Giannoulias, politically speaking. And Sunday, he made it official. He wants the U.S. senate seat that belonged to his basketball buddy, President Barack Obama,” the station reported in its lead.”

The viewers had their take:

chitown lady Monday, Jul 27 at 9:01 AM
WON’T GET MY VOTE….Im sorry I voted for him in the first place. He has proved to be nothing but a RICH THUG with connections with SHADY FAMLY BANKS…..No thanks!

STRETCH Sunday, Jul 26 at 10:03 PM
THIS GUY HAS THE MUG OF A THUG…I AM RUNNING AS FAST AS I CAN FROM THE DEMOCRATS…THEY ARE A DEN OF THIEVES!

STOIC Sunday, Jul 26 at 9:41 PM
THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO VOTE THESE JERKS OUT…THIS GUY IS A MACHINE POLITICIAN…LET’S STOP HIM AND HIS ILK NOW!

KDUBBLL Sunday, Jul 26 at 7:09 PM
The cirle of corruption never ends in chicago gangster gov’t.

WhoCares Sunday, Jul 26 at 7:09 PM
He is delicious! I would eat him up if I got the chance! And as for him in the Senate – he’s already suspected of fraud, why not give him the Senate seat? He’d fit right in!

@moron Sunday, Jul 26 at 5:25 PM
Yeah Barak was so last year ? Dummy ! And our crooked Blago Gave it to Bury the Burris Dummy

Therese Sunday, Jul 26 at 5:10 PM
This is not an honest face. Why did we make him treasurer?

moron Sunday, Jul 26 at 4:42 PM
its not Obamas seat it rightfully belongs to Burris Obama was so last year.

Apparently, not all viewers were won over. Giannoulias has some work to do.

More Illinois Children Living in Poverty, New Annie E Casey Foundation Report Reveals

(Chicago, IL) –Illinois children and their families continue to face challenging economic conditions as more children are living in poverty and in families without secure parental employment, according to the 2009 KIDS COUNT Data Book released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The percentage of Illinois children living in poverty increased 13 percent between 2000 and 2007, from 15 percent in 2000 to 17 percent in 2007. During the same time period, Data Book indicators show that the percentage of children living in families without secure parental employment rose from 29 percent to 31 percent.

The Illinois indicators increased at a faster rate than in the United States.

Additionally, the report found that 31 percent of Illinois children live in single parent families.

“Many Illinois families are experiencing unprecedented hardships, losing jobs and homes, watching helplessly as the value of their assets plummets, and losing services on which they urgently rely,” said Voices for Illinois Children Interim President Gaylord Gieseke.

Now in its 20th year, the KIDS COUNT Data Book provides information and statistical trends on the needs and conditions of America’s most disadvantaged children and families.

The Data Book also reveals some encouraging news: Looking across all well-being indicators, Illinois was one of five states with the biggest improvement in its rankings between 1999-2000 and 2006-07. Other states include Connecticut, Maryland, New York and North Carolina.

Among the report’s findings:

• Infant mortality: Illinois’ infant mortality rate decreased 15 percent, from 8.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 7.2 per 1,000 in 2006.Yet, the state’s rate remains above the national average of 6.7 per 1,000 in 2006.
• Teen birth rate: Illinois’ rate of births to teens ages 15 to 19 dropped 19 percent from 2000 to 2006; however, the rate remained the same from 2005 to 2006 at 39 per 1,000 births.
• High school dropouts: Between 2000 and 2007, the percentage of teens ages 16 to 19 who are high school dropouts decreased from 9 percent to 6 percent.

“[M]ore recent economic indicators and real-life stories from communities across Illinois show the true, current challenges families are facing and the reality that our work is far from done,” Gieseke said.

GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Proft Proposes to Hike State Lawmakers’ Income–Grabs Crackpot Crown

(Chicago, IL) – Each political party usually possesses its own crank or crackpot.

In Illinois, the Democrats had until recently Governor Rod Blagojevich. And the Republicans now have gubernatorial wannabe Dan Proft.

Dan Proft

On Wednesday, Fitch Ratings downgraded the rating on $19.1 billion general obligation bonds of the State of Illinois to ‘A’ from ‘AA-’.

Marketwatch stated, “Analysts cited the failure of the state to enact a budget that addresses its spending needs and structural deficit.”

Cue the crackpot.

In reaction to the Fitch move, Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft flame threw a press release out to the news media laying the downgrade at the feet of state lawmakers and proposed, as punishment, to pay lawmakers in state bonds and, in effect—to raise their income.

“Rather than advancing system change ideas, if the Springfield political class believes increasing Illinois’ bond debt is sound fiscal policy, then I propose that state legislators be compensated in state bonds,” Proft said.

However, the public relations consultant cum candidate himself explains, without noting the paradox of his presumed punitive proposal:

“Instead of pursuing a fiscally-responsible, conservative reform agenda, the Springfield political class decided to pile another back-door tax increase on Illinois taxpayers who will now be forced to finance higher interest payments on the state’s outstanding debt.”

Hmm. Higher interest payments on bonds. Money money for bond holders. Duh.

Like most of Proft public policy pronouncements, this one too is nonsense. It is designed only to colorfully illustrate some ideological or political or policy point. But it also exposes Proft’s feeblest of holds on the fundamentals of public policy governance in general and public finance in particular, evidently.

If Illinois were to compensate lawmakers with down-graded state bonds in the Bizzaro World of a Governor Proft, even the most chuckle-headed legislator would agree. That’s because the bonds would be a boon to their income–due to the higher interest rate. Anyone who holds high-interest Illinois bonds would earn more money tomorrow than yesterday.

Apparently stung by the exposure of his own unique chuckle-headedness by that observation regarding his bonds-for-compensation idea, Proft, continued to dig a deeper hole—and wiped away any doubt that the GOP crackpot mantle had found its home.

“Does [David] Ormsby think, in our current fiscal and economic climate, that a politician would accept as payment a bond that pays a high rate of interest, but also has a high probability of default? Do the people who issue these bonds truly believe that they will be redeemed at full value? If so, let’s put it to the test,” Proft’s campaign wrote in a comment below.

Let’s.

Fitch Ratings itself is unaware of any state that has permanently defaulted on its general obligation bonds or tax-backed debt since the Civil War–or of any extended default on a local general obligation bonds since the Great Depression.

In fact, on January 8, 2009, Wall Street Journal reporter Brett Arends noted in a report, “Among states, only Mississippi really defaulted – and that was long before the Civil War [1838]. During the depression, Arkansas renegotiated some highway bonds.”

No state default in 171 years.

Proft’s nonsense idea fails his own test—a pretty mean feat.

However, Proft’ punitive paradox may be just enough of an incentive to energize overwhelming bi-partisan legislative support behind Cicero’s former spokesman’s Quixotic gubernatorial campaign. Heck, they’re thinking, “we might get a raise out of this guy.”

And perhaps Proft will be successful. After all, the Illinois Governor’s office has been a welcoming place for crackpots.

Governor Pat Quinn Will Cut Illinois Department of Public Health by $38 Million to Help Balance Illinois Budget, Source Says

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) – To help balance the Illinois budget, Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration has decided to cut the Illinois Department of Public Health by $38 million, which could reduce some programs by 50% or more, according to a legislative source.

Reacting to looming IDPH cuts, particularly to HIV/AIDS prevention programs, State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago) urged the Quinn Administration to avoid disproportionate cuts that “harm the state’s most vulnerable citizens”.

Harris, recognizing that budget cuts are inevitable to programs due to the deficit, urged “across the board cuts” to spread the budget pain more evenly.

State Representive Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Chair of the House Appropriations Human Services Committee, said, “These cuts [at IDPH] will destroy my life’s work.”

Feigenholtz says public health programs face heavier budget cuts than other line items because they fall outside of “human services” designation adopted by the Quinn Administration. Feigenholtz rejects that classification.

Commenting on the potential IDPH cut, Elizabeth Austin, Communications Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, said, “… [W]e we will announce the Governor’s allocation of the $3.4 billion lump sums tomorrow afternoon [Friday, July 31]“.

New Poll: Ailing U.S. News Media Gets Booster Shot from U.S. Health Care Debate

(Washington, D.C.) – From a July 28 poll by Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, the ailing U.S. news media has received a booster shot from the current health care debate swirling and bobbing in Washington.

According to Mark Jurkowitz, Associate Director, Project for Excellence in Journalism:

“Health care reform, an issue that has long simmered on the media back burner, finally exploded into the headlines last week, accounting for one-quarter of the overall coverage.

Yet late in the week, the health care debate took a back seat to the arrest of a black professor that exposed the “third rail” of American society — race.

Together, the two stories accounted for nearly 40% of the coverage from July 20-26. And in both cases, Barack Obama

The debate over health care legislation filled 25% of the newshole last week and was the top story in four of the five media sectors, according to the Pew … .”

Read the rest of the poll report here.

Pat Quinn Unveils New Illinois Budget–and It Ain’t Pretty, Folks

(Chicago, IL) – July 31, 2009. After the new Illinois budget unveiling descended into a major media kerfuffle, Governor Pat Quinn–who had not originally intended to appear to discuss the budget–held an impromptu press conference today to discuss the financial beast.

Bottom line: the beast is going unfed. From last year’s bills, there is no money for $3.9 billion in unpaid obligations. Additionally, even with all the slicing, hacking, and chopping at this monster–still it comes up $1.4 billion short.

And the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA), for example, lost $32,434,600 and addiction prevention was cut $1,666,000.  These cuts represents 25% of all state money for substance abuse prevention and treatment, resulting in a 18% system-wide loss.

Additionally, the Quinn Administration cut community mental health grants cut $228,375,900 to $180,757,400, a 21% reduction.

““If the cuts stand, thousands of working men and women will lose their jobs. Human services, health care, education and public safety will be harmed. Our communities, families, children and seniors and our environment will suffer,” said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31.

The Illinois General Assembly has bequeathed to Quinn a financial calamity, a looming humanitarian one, and the political jacket for the cuts he has, grudgingly, imposed. Quite a feat.

If want to view the financial gore, visit the Quinn’s FY2010 budget Web site: http://budget.illinois.gov/.

Children under 12 should be discouraged from viewing.

Jim Madigan Begins Roll-Out of Illinois State Senate Campaign against Heather Steans

Jim Madigan

(Chicago, IL) – Civil rights attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan began the official roll-out of his state senate campaign against incumbent Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), beginning with a new Web site.

Madigan, 35, the former interim Executive Director of Equality Illinois, the state’s leading gay rights political group, had informally kicked off his campaign at Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade on June 26.

In addition to the new Web site, Madigan, who has already gathered approximately 40 volunteers for his fledging operation, will formally announce his candidacy on August 8th at his new campaign office, 4802 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Taking charge of Madigan’s political effort will be campaign manager Lauren Peters, a former political manager at the Washington D.C.-based Victory Fund, which provides financial and campaign support to gay and lesbian political candidates.

In addition to Peters, June LaTrobe, the former Trans Community Liaison for the Center on Halsted, will service as Madigan’s chief-of-staff and volunteer director.

Madigan, who filed his first campaign contributions report a couple weeks ago with the Illinois State Board of Elections and reported raising $845 and having $445 cash-on-hand, said he plans to raise “several hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

“We are focused on a six-month fund-raising plan,” the first-time candidate said in an interview or “chat” with The iLLINOIS OBSERVER this week.

Steans reported raising $67,458 and having $78,897 cash-on-hand.

To help reach his goal, Madigan is looking to fill his campaign-war chest at his first major fund-raiser at Wilde restaurant, 3130 N. Broadway in Chicago, on August 18.

Regarding fund-raising, unlike Steans who has self-imposed campaign contribution limits of $2,400 that reflect federal campaign finance laws, Madigan says he will not do likewise. “I will have no self-imposed limits.”

Madigan justifies his position by critically pointing to Steans and her family’s ability to contribute large sums to her campaign.

State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)

“It is true that I am behind Senator Steans in funds available, but my family and I cannot match the $97,178 that Steans’ family has poured into her campaign in just one year,” Madigan says. “I will continue to raise money from private citizens who share my beliefs, not my family tree.”

Steans counters, “I have always voluntarily limited contribution amounts to my campaign … equal to the federal campaign contribution limits (currently $2,400). Over 500 people have contributed to my campaign with amounts ranging from $20 to the federal limit.”

THE iLLLINOIS OBSERVER asked Cindi Canary, Director of the campaign finance watchdog group Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, to weigh in on the Madigan-Steans back-and-forth.

“In campaign finance, I never have thought that unilateral disarmament made much sense,” said Canary.  “If you look back to Glenn Poshard you see that he was crucified for spending done on his behalf by the AFL.”

“In terms of Heather, I guess the question to ask is will she commit not to self fund or to limit self funding, then see if she sticks with it,” Canary stated.  “I wouldn’t penalize her just for having personal resources, it is a question of whether her walk (and his) will match their talk.”

Steans, who is co-chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2850 a measure that prohibits campaign contributions from businesses with state contracts of $50,000 or more to officeholders responsible for awarding the contracts, gets little credit from Madigan on campaign finance reform.

“Heather Steans proposing campaign finance reform is like Jesse James proposing gun control,” Madigan said.

The first-time candidate noted earlier in the interview or “chat”, “I want to be respectful of the Senator.”

Respect is apparently in the eye of the beholder.

(Note to Readers: THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER has had interviews or “chats” with both candidates and outside observers. This page will be rolling out further stories on the candidates’ views and on a range of issues as the race unfolds. Stay tuned).

Poll: 54% opposed “Cash for Clunkers”

(Ashbury Park, NJ) August 1, 2009 – In June, a Rasmussen Reports poll revealed 54% of Americans opposed the “Cash for Clunkers” proposal–a $3,500 or $4,500 discount on a trade-in vehicle–and just 35% were in favor the plan. Twelve percent (12%) were undecided.

In July, consumers stampeded into show-rooms and exhausted 4-months of federal money for the program in just seven days.

Last week, the U.S. House approved a $2 billion supplement to the program. That measure needs U.S. Senate approval.

Money talks.

Gov. Pat Quinn, $100 Bonus Welcome 135 Illinois National Guards

Governor Pat Quinn

(Kankakee, IL) August 2, 2009 - Governor Pat Quinn welcomed home on Sunday approximately 135 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from the 178th Infantry.

The service members of the Company C, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry in Kankakee, who deployed with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), are returning from Afghanistan.

In addition to Quinn, the veterans were welcomed home with a $100 bonus in the new Illinois budget.

Last week, Quinn signed into law a bill–War on Terrorism Compensation Act–compensating Illinois veterans for their service during the Global War on Terrorism.

Any Illinois veteran who served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 is eligible to receive $100.

“We can never fully repay the debt to the service men and women who have fought for our freedom in the Global War on Terrorism,” Quinn said.

Quinn met with members of the unit when he visited Afghanistan last month.

more about “Quinn Welcomes Home Troops“, posted with vodpod

The welcome began at 12:15 p.m. at the Kankakee Community Resource Center, 150 North Indiana Avenue, Kankakee.

Michael Bond Decides to Stay Put in Illinois Senate, GOP Opponent Suzi Schmidt Offers “Welcome”

State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) (top)

(Grayslake, IL) August 2, 2009 — State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) announced on Friday that he will seek reelection to the Illinois State Senate instead of continuing his quest for the IL 10th CD Democratic nomination.

“After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for Congress in the Tenth District, and will instead seek reelection to the Illinois Senate,” Bond said in a statement.

“While I am grateful for the encouragement I have received to run for Congress, I feel an obligation to continue working to address the enormous challenges our state is confronting.”

His congressional effort sputtered and finally fizzled.

Bond raised only $86,000 in the most recent quarter, an itsy-bitsy portion of the millions needed for a high-profile congressional race.

Lake County Board Chairman and Republican senate opponent Suzi Schmidt welcomed Bond back to the senate race.

“I welcome Senator Bond back to the 31st Senate District and look forward to a vigorous debate with him on the direction of Illinois and the best way to improve the quality of life in our communities.”

The Illinois general election is November 2, 2010.

That’s 15 months from today. 15 months.

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Give Pat Quinn Lusty Cheer at Welcome Home Ceremony–It Would Make a Good TV Ad

(Kankakee, IL) August 2, 2009 - Governor Pat Quinn welcomed home on Sunday approximately 135 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from the 178th Infantry.

The service members of the Company C, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry in Kankakee, who deployed with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), are returning from Afghanistan.

The sound of soldiers cheering Quinn’s welcoming remarks should find their way into some good campaign TV ad. And those were not just polite cheers–the gusto was the real thing. That’s because Quinn traveled further than just Kankakee to hail the Illinois soldiers.

Last month, Quinn met with members of the unit when he visited–Afghanistan.

more about “Quinn Welcomes Home Troops“, posted with vodpod

Governor Pat Quinn Accepts Niranjan Shah’s Resigination from University of Illinois Board of Trustees

(Chicago, IL) – August 3, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today received a letter of resignation from Niranjan Shah, chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees who has been caught up in the university admissions scandal–and accepted it.

Commenting on Shah’s resignation, Quinn said in a statement:

“I accept Niranjan S. Shah’s resignation. I thank him for his years of service and efforts to promote diversity at the University of Illinois. A search for his successor will begin immediately.”

Good move.

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Endorses Dan Hynes for Governor

(Chicago, IL) — August 3, 2009. There has been no formal announcement by Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, but that has not stopped the 47,000 member-Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters–they today endorsed Hynes for governor.

Hynes revealed the endorsement on his Facebook page, stating, “Thank you to Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, who just endorsed me for Governor in 2010!”

The first marker in the Democratic gubernatorial primary against incumbent Governor Pat Quinn has been laid. Hynes 1; Quinn 0.

Hynes has approximately $3.5 million in campaign cash in his piggy bank to Quinn’s $700,000. But as the incumbent, Quinn should easily compete in the money chace.

The primary is on Tuesday, Febuary 2, 2010. Six months to go.

Stay tuned.

Carol Marin Targets Illinois Budget Cuts on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight

(Chicago, IL) — August 4. On Monday’s edition of Chicago Tonight, host Carol Marin targeted the impact on drug treatment, mental health care, child welfare and other human services by the Illinois budget cuts imposed by Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly in mid-July.

more about “Carol Marin on Illinois Budget“, posted with vodpod

Art Turner Declares for Lieutenant Governor

(Chicago, IL) — August 4. From the AP, Deputy House Majority Leader, Art Turner (D-Chicago) is running for Illinois lieutenant governor, the post formerly held by Governor Pat Quinn.

Turner announced his candidacy … (read more)

Also running are Republicans State Rep. Dave Winters (R-Rockford) and Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole.

Heather Steans Crushing Jim Madigan in New TIO Poll

(Chicago, IL) — August 4, 2009. State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) is leading Democratic challenger Jim Madigan in a new, exclusive poll by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER.

Steans is leading Madigan 75-25%

The Chicago News Bench, a conservative blog in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, is reporting the results of it’s own exclusive poll, too.

“The voting is craaaa-zy in our exclusive poll of 7th District Illinois State Senate seat support. We opened the poll on July 17, and incumbent Heather Steans was ahead every day until Monday, July 27 when challenger Jim Madigan suddenly pulled ahead. But on Tuesday, Steans was ahead once again – but not for long. This evening, Madigan is way, way, waaaaay ahead.”

Both polls are non-sense.

If one could invent the least scientific and least statistically credible measure of public opinion, on-line blog polls would be perched at the top the list. Then why publish them?

They’re fun.

Enjoy.

GOP Gov Candidate Dan Proft Drops One Crackpot Idea in Favor of — Another Crackpot Idea

Dan Proft

(Chicago, IL) — August 5. If GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft’s campaign could be measured by the volume of crackpot ideas it can crank out–he would be the clear front-runner in the GOP primary.

Last week, Proft proposed to pay lawmakers in Illinois general obligation bonds to “punish” them for a recent Fitch Ratings downgrade of those bonds.

The daftness of Dan’s proposal is that would have the opposite effect–it would raise lawmakers’ income–because downgraded bonds earn higher interest rates.

Therefore, bond holders get more money from down-graded bonds.

Once THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER highlighted the Proft paradox of punition, Proft withdrew that nonsense.

This week, Proft has new nonsense.

Proft now proposes, as governor, to tie state legislators’ salaries to the median household income for an Illinois family. No logical flaw in this one. Just self-interest. Proft neglects to tie the governor’s salary to his salary scheme. Goose and gander are clearly different fowl when it’s your own bird feed.

Go figure.

While the legislative salary proposal–in theory–manages to avoid crackpot criteria by a whisker, it manages to expose Proft’s renowned grubby self-interest–by not dinging his own potential salary.

Fortunately–for the sheer entertainment value of it all–Proft, 35, is seemingly unable to strangle the crackpot strain of his policy proposals.

His revised lawmaker compensation package proposes: “the value of these [legislative] pensions should be tied to the value of the currency they have most control over: Illinois general obligation bonds.”

Back to same crack … pot stuff.

In the Bizarro World of a Governor Proft, the proposal would create the perverse incentive for lawmakers to encourage state bond downgrades because the interest rates on the bonds would continue to climb–thus, so would the value of lawmaker pensions.

In a statement issued on August 3, Proft said, “A Proft Administration would introduce this principle at the top by requiring all members of the General Assembly to feel the brunt of their destructive economic policies.”

Yeah, they would feel it all right–belly-aching from laughter all the way to the bank and on the road to a comfy retirement–rewarded for mismanagement by a Governor Proft. Clever alright.

Has no one in the GOP have a hook for this guy?

Poll: In Health Care Debate, 52% to 30% Support “Public Plan” Option

(Rochester, N.Y.) – August 5, 2009 – One of the key issues in the debate about health care reform is whether or not there should be a new government health plan to compete with the plans offered by the insurance industry to employers and individuals.

A new Harris Poll finds that 52% to 30% majority supports such a plan.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,276 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive between July 9 and 13, 2009.

In addition to the 5-to-3 majority support of the plan, the survey tested the strengths of three arguments in favor of a public, or government plan and three against it.  The three arguments in favor elicited the support of majorities between 68% and 55%:

• A 68% majority thought a public plan would be a valuable alternative to private insurance;
• A 63% majority thought that it would help to keep insurance costs down;
• A 55% majority thought it would help patients to get better care.

So, the public plan option is likely still in play. Stay tuned.

Illinois Politics 2010: Alderman Sandi Jackson Ponders Lt. Governor Bid

(Chicago, IL) — August 7, 2009 – After only two years in the Chicago City Council, guess who wants to be Lt. Governor of Illinois?

Sandi Jackson.

The Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke reported yesterday, Thursday, Aug 6, 2009 that:

“Sandi Jackson is just halfway through her first term as alderman of the Seventh Ward, but she’s looked restless in the City Council from about her second week on the job. Now it sounds like she’s contemplating a run for Illinois lieutenant governor.”

If Jackson jumps into the race, she will face fellow Deputy House Majority Leader Art Turner (D-Chicago) and Justin Oberman.

Illinois Politics 2010: Dan Hynes Launches Campaign for Governor–Meet in the Parking lot Behind McDonald’s

(Chicago, IL) — August 7, 2009 – On August 13, at 5:45 pm, Dan Hynes, newly announced candidate for the 2010 Illinois Democratic gubernatorial nomination, will march in the annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.

Each year, the parade kicks off the Illinois State Fair as participants march alongside floats through the streets of Springfield.

Hynes’ newest Facebook event post encourages supporters to march: “Join Dan as he brings his campaign to rebuild Illinois through our state capital.”

• Position 5
• Meet in the parking lot behind McDonald’s
• 901 N. Grand Ave, Springfield, IL

Please contact Claudia at 312-337-0606 if you have any questions.

Free Big-Macs?

Illinois Politics 2010: State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan Raps Heather Steans’ Video Gaming Vote to Fund Road Construction, School Repair

Jim Madigan

(Chicago, IL) — August 10, 2009 – In his quest for a seat in the Illinois State Senate from Chicago’s north lakefront, gay rights activist Jim Madigan focuses much of his campaign fire against opponent and fellow Democrat State Senator Heather Steans‘ vote to legalize video gaming to help fund a $31 billion state capital construction program.

“It’s a pretty catastrophic vote,” said Madigan in a recent interview with THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, referring to Steans “yes” vote for legislation that would enable potentially 45,000 video gaming machines in bars, restaurants, truck stops, and other locations around Illinois.

“We are beginning to incorporate into our revenue stream a business that has been reportedly included organized crime influence,” said Madigan, a civil rights attorney. “It’s the last thing the district needs.”

For her part, Steans says she equally dislikes video gaming, but construction-starved and economically-battered Illinois needs the repaired roads, fixed schools, and 439,000 jobs that the new capitol construction legislation will bring, legislation partially funded by video gaming legalization.

“It’s not ideal,” said Steans. “I’m not a fan of legalized video poker, but, that said, in June of this year we lost 5,600 construction jobs in Illinois–unemployment here is at an all time high.”

“This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what’s needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Governor Pat Quinn at the bill’s signing. “Illinois Jobs Now! provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities.”

Next Two Fiscal Years, Illinois, Other States Face $350 Billion Budget Shortfall

(Washington, DC) — August 11, 2009 – Washington Post reporters Keith Richburg and Ashley Surdin today outline the budget nightmares states, like Illinois, face this both this year and especially next when federal stimulus money is exhausted.

This year, Illinois and other state budgets accumulated shortfalls totaling $163 billion. Next year, Illinois and other state face $180 billion in red ink and less federal dough. That makes FY 2010 a ‘good’ year. Gulp.

The good news is that much of the pain this year has been cushioned by billions of dollars of federal stimulus money, which has allowed states and localities to avoid laying off teachers, prison guards, police officers and firefighters.

The bad news is that for the next fiscal year, beginning in July, the picture looks even bleaker. Revenue is expected to remain depressed, even if the national economy improves. There will be only half as much federal stimulus aid available, and many states have already used up their emergency reserves.

For the next two fiscal years, the states face a combined budget shortfall of $350 billion, according to the center and the Council of State Governments … read more …

With both a primary challenge from Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes and an even greater Illinois budget deficit looming–one estimate at $10 billion–Governor Pat Quinn will have his hands full next year.

Good luck, Governor.

Governor Pat Quinn OK’s New Illinois Environmental Legislation

State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest)

(Chicago, IL) – August 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed several key environmental friendly bills to prohibit health care institutions from flushing unused medications into public wastewater and to track water usage by high capacity wells.

“Keeping our water safe from unused medications and tracking water usage will help us preserve our waterways for future generations,” said Quinn.

The Pharmaceutical Disposal Act, Senate Bill 1919, sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) and State Rep. Karen May (D-Highwood), prohibits the discharge of any unused medication into a public wastewater collection system or septic system. Violators are subject to a fine.

“For years, disposing unused or expired medicines in wastewater was common, even recommended practice,” said Garrett. “Today, we’re making clear how serious we are at stopping this practice before Illinois faces an environmental or community health crisis.”

Another measure signed yesterday, Senate Bill 2184, increases regulation of high capacity wells. Additionally, high capacity wells must participate in the Illinois State Water Survey’s Illinois Water Inventory Program, reporting water quantity drained from wells and aquifers. This legislation was sponsored by Sen. Garrett and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines).

Quinn also signed House Bill 4035, sponsored by State Rep. Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), which encourages state agencies to procure environmentally preferable supplies and services.

“Clearly, there’s a benefit to everyone when we use environmentally friendly products,” said Tryon.

Governor Pat Quinn Aims to Boot Predatory Credit Cards off Campus

Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias

(Chicago, IL) — August 11, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed a bill to halt predatory credit card marketing practices on Illinois college campuses.

“This legislation cracks down on greedy marketing ploys aimed at getting students to sign up for a credit card while attending college,” Governor Quinn said.

The Credit Card Marketing Act, drafted by Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, bans free gifts and makes contracts between the credit card providers and schools open to the public.

In addition, the new law prohibits the transfer or sale of student names and contact information to credit companies. It also requires colleges and universities to offer consumer finance education to freshmen if credit cards are marketed to undergraduates.

State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Chicago)

Companies use free gifts, coupons and food to entice cash-strapped college students to apply for credit cards, which often carry low introductory rates but also have hidden fees. Often credit card issuers have lured students off campus with free sandwich coupons, but required a completed application before they could eat.

“A free gift or lunch today can cost a student hundreds of dollars in interest years later,” said Giannoulias.

A $375.95 ham-and-cheese? Yep.

This new law coincides with the federal Credit Card Bill of Rights. As of February 2010, no one under age 21 can get a credit card unless a parent, guardian or spouse is willing to co-sign or unless the underage person has proof of sufficient income.

State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Chicago) sponsored the legislation.

Several schools and consumer advocates also backed the new law, including the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges & Universities, University of Illinois, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater Chicago.

Of course, one has gotta wonder if high school home economics courses teach Credit Cards 101. No?

Illinois Politics 2010: Senator Heather Steans to Kick-Off Re-Election Campaign

State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) — August 12, 2009. Freshman State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) yesterday announced the kick-off of her re-election campaign to her north lakefront senate district.

“As you know from your past support of my election efforts, the first major activity of a campaign is obtaining petition signatures to qualify a candidate to be on the ballot,” Steans wrote in an e-mail to supporters. “My re-election campaign will kick-off on Saturday, August 29, 2009…”

In her message to supporters, Steans added:

“In my 18 months in office, it has been my honor to represent the 7th District while impeaching a corrupt Governor, wrestling with health insurers to improve accountability for coverage and treatment, … fighting for ethics reforms, and struggling to balance the state’s budget …”

Steans is expected to face civil rights attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan in the Democratic primary on February 2, 2010.

Madigan, the former interim-Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a Chicago-based gay rights group, kicked-off his campaign on August 9, opening his new campaign office.

The Steans campaign-petition gathering kick-off begins at 5348 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago (Stean’s home) at 9:30 a.m.

New Poll: More Americans Support Health Care Town Hall Protests than Oppose–Cranks, Crackpots and Kooks Up in Public Opinion Derby

(Princeton, NJ) — August 13, 2009. Gallup’s Frank Newport today reports that a new USA Today/Gallup poll finds more Americans support town hall protester views than oppose them.

Cranks, crackpots and kooks are apparently big winners in the public opinion derby

More than two-thirds of Americans (69%) are closely following news accounts of town hall meetings on healthcare reform, and while 34% say the protests make them more sympathetic to the protestors’ viewpoints and 21% say the protests make them less sympathetic, almost half either say the protests haven’t affected their views either way or have no opinion.

A new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted Tuesday night shows … read more of the health care poll.

Video clips of angry protestors speaking up at various town hall meetings held by members of Congress and senators on proposed healthcare reform legislation across the country have dominated news coverage of healthcare reform in recent days.

President Barack Obama’s health care initiative is getting a rough ride. Illinois’ favorite sun needs find himself some rough riders to rescue his top domestic agenda priority from the clutches of lesser angels.

And fast.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Adlai Stevenson Snubs Pat Quinn, Backs Dan Hynes

Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III

(Chicago, IL) — August 13, 2009. Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III yesterday endorsed Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes for governor in the Democratic 2010 primary.

Hynes is challenging Governor Pat Quinn in the primary.

“That somebody of the stature of Adlai Stevenson is stepping out in a primary to say that we need Dan Hynes and he’s the right candidate speaks to how important this election is,” said Hynes.

“I’m suggesting that we can do better with Dan Hynes …,” Stevenson said.

Interestingly, Stevenson secured his career-crowning Senate seat by taking on a un-elected incumbent, such as Hynes is doing with Quinn.

After U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen (R-Illinois) died in office in 1969 and Ralph Tyler Smith was appointed to the seat, Stevenson defeated Smith in a 1970 special election. However, in his quest for the governor’s office, Stevenson failed twice. He lost in 1982 and 1986 to James R. Thompson.

Stevenson, 79, who retired from the U.S. Senate on January 2, 1981, will also serve as co-chair of Hynes campaign.

Home Foreclosures Jump 7% in July; Illinois Foreclosures Among Top 10 States

(Washington, D.C) – August 13, 2009.  In a wake-up call for the ‘Green Shoot’ crowd, U.S. home foreclosures spiked 7% in July over June–and Illinois found itself–unfortunately–among the top 10 states in which foreclosures were the only shoots sprouting.

Banks took possession of more than 87,000 homes in July, up from 79,000 homes in June. Gulp.

Alan Zibel, Associated Press real estate writer, reports the grim real estate story today:

The number of U.S. households on the verge of losing their homes rose 7 percent from June to July, as the escalating foreclosure crisis continued to outpace government efforts to limit the damage.

Foreclosure filings were up 32 percent from the same month last year, RealtyTrac Inc. said Thursday. More than 360,000 households, or one in every 355 homes, received a foreclosure-related notice, such as a notice of default or trustee’s sale. That’s the highest monthly level since the foreclosure-listing firm began publishing the data more than four years ago.

Nevada had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate for the 31st-straight month, followed by … read more

For all stock market watchers drooling over the Dow’s rise and humming Happy Days Are Here Again – you folks need to look for a new tune.

Try the theme song from – Jaws.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Democrat State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan Opted for GOP in 2000, Skips All Local Chicago Elections Since 1997

Jim Madigan

(Chicago, IL) — August 17, 2009. Weighed by a Republican voting history and skipped votes in local elections since 1997, first-time Democratic State Senate candidate Jim Madigan’s challenge to incumbent State Senator Heather Steans for the party’s nomination in the overwhelming Democratic, progressive north Chicago lakefront district becomes a heavier lift.

A civil rights attorney and gay rights activist, Madigan, 35, is an Ohio native who arrived at the University of Chicago law school in 1997 and registered to vote in Chicago on January 23, 1997, according to Chicago Board of Elections records.

Madigan cast his first Chicago vote in the Republican presidential primary battle between George W. Bush, John McCain, Alan Keyes, Gary Bauer, and Steve Forbes in Illinois on March 21, 2000.

Since that Republican primary, Madigan, the former Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a gay rights political group, has cast primary ballots only in the Democratic primary. Since Illinois has no formal partisan registration, primary voting habits determine party affiliation.

While Madigan has also voted in every general election since 2000—he claims to have voted for Al Gore, Madigan has, however, skipped every mayoral and aldermanic election in the City of Chicago since he registered in 1997.

In response to questions from THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, Madigan said in a statement:

“I pulled a Republican ballot in the Spring 2000 primary because the field had virulent anti-gay candidates: Bush, Keyes and Bauer. … Bush was leading in the polls, and that scared me because he was the biggest threat to gay rights and womens’ rights.  I thought Forbes and McCain were more easily beatable, and neither seemed to be the types to blast gay people.”

Madigan neglected to mention exactly for whom he voted in the 2000 Republican presidential primary, but implies Forbes or McCain. Regarding municipal elections, Madigan ignored the question altogether.

The impact of Madigan’s voting history in his upcoming election against Steans divides local analysts.

Lou Lang, Executive Vice President, Cook County Democratic Party

“Jim Madigan will not fly in this district,” said Executive Vice President of the Cook County Democratic Party and Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang.

“With his voting record, he has shown little, if any interest in local government, politics, or even voting. Additionally, his GOP background will not serve him well in a community that is overwhelmingly Democratic and progressive.

“Senator Steans has been a terrific advocate for the district and will not be taken out by a candidate who cannot even take the time to vote in important elections.”

However, Thom Serafin, head of the communication consulting firm Serafin and Associates since 1987 and a local Fox TV News political analyst, has a different take.

“It doesn’t matter when he voted or for whom—the good news is he voted,” said Serafin. We have had too many candidates too handcuffed by party politics and he needs to make that case. Progressives should appreciate that kind of independence.”

But Madigan ignored city elections. And Serafin deftly acknowledges that lack of local voting history presents more of a challenge.

“As far as municipal elections, they are tough,” Serafin said. “But he’ll need to make the case that his interest now presents a new awakening.”

Professor Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics at Roosevelt University and a Crain’s Chicago political columnist, sums up the impact of Madigan’s voting history more succinctly.

“Jim Madigan has little chance,” Green said.

For her part, Steans offered the following observation: “7th District primary voters can decide for themselves if Jim Madigan’s decision to pull a Republican ballot to vote for George Bush or John McCain is relevant to the representation they will receive from him in Springfield.”

Steans is right.

The ultimate “experts” on the impact of Madigan’s voting history will be the Democratic voters along Chicago’s north lakefront.

And they can be an unforgiving bunch.

Kathy Ryg Tapped as Voices for Illinois Children President–Good Luck

State Rep. Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills)

(Chicago, IL) — August 17, 2009. Voices for Illinois Children Board Chairman Craig Culbertson announced today that State Rep. Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills) will join the organization as its new president, effective Sept. 1.

Ryg has served Lake and northern Cook counties since 2003 and is resigning that post, effective Aug. 31.

“Kathy is well-recognized for her commitment to children’s well-being, her record of policy accomplishments and her vision for shaping an even better future for children,” said Culbertson.

In addition to 20 years of public service at the state and local levels, Ryg has experience in direct counseling of persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness and administration of community-based organizations.

Ryg joins a 22-year-old organization that counts among its successes improvements in families’ access to quality early childhood, mental health and health care programs, establishment of the state Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.

“The only way to effect positive policy change is to work collaboratively and forge consensus, characteristics for which Voices is highly regarded,” said Ryg.

“Kathy has a stellar reputation as a champion on children’s issues, mental health and developmental disabilities,” said State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry).

“Kathy Ryg will be an excellent fit for Voices, as Voices’ mission so very well matches Kathy’s own: improvement of children’s lot in life,” said Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago).

Ryg becomes only the second president in Voices’ 22-year history.  The group’s first president, Jerry Stermer, left in February to join Governor Pat Quinn’s office as his chief of staff.

As chief of staff, Stermer has had to preside over Illinois budget cuts to cherished programs that makes Voices officials wince.

And with the Illinois budget likely facing more social service cuts this year because it still is $5 billion out of balance and clearly winking at a $10 billion deficit next year–and no further federal financial support on the horizon–Ryg faces a nightmare scenario.

Her predecessor may need to implement need further budgetary slash-and-burn to Voices’ top agenda items–items that Ryg will look to promote and protect–to staunch the state’s financial hemorrhage.

Welcome to your new job, Ms. Ryg.

Illinois AFSCME and Governor Pat Quinn Meet to Discuss Job Layoffs

(Springfield, IL) — August 18, 2009. AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer met yesterday for 90 minutes with Governor Pat Quinn with the aim forestall 2,600 state employee layoffs due to the Illinois budget crisis.

No concrete results were announced afterwards.

“This meeting was held at our union’s request to urge the governor to rescind the state-employee layoffs he has threatened,” said Bayer. “I told the governor that layoffs will harm vital services that Illinois residents rely on. They will also hurt families and our economy by throwing thousands of men and women out of work.”

AFSCME’s goal remains an income tax hike to replenish the exhausted state treasury.

“AFSCME continues to believe that the only solution to the state budget crisis is comprehensive tax reform that raises significant new revenue,” said Bayer.

The Quinn Administration will meet with union representatives in Springfield in early September regarding layoffs and contract concessions.

The legislature returns to Springfield on October 14 for the fall veto session and may–or may not–attempt further to deal with the $3.9 billion in unpaid bills from last year’s Illinois budget and a festering $1.4 billion hole in this year’s.

Stay tuned.

Governor Pat Quinn Approves Soto, Delgado Bill to Create State Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages Targeting Youth

Governor Pat Quinn

(Springfield, IL) – September 2, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn last week approved legislation that creates a new state advisory council to help state government develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention messages targeting youth.

The legislation, House Bill 3974, sponsored by State Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) and State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) would create the Illinois Advisory Council on Youth HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages to advise the Illinois Department of Public Health on effective prevention messages to deter youth from engaging in risky behaviors that lead to HIV/AIDS infections.

“The percentage of Illinois HIV/AIDS infections that is represented by youth has been growing enormously over the last eight years, and that growth, in part, represents a failure of HIV/AIDS prevention messages to effectively reach youth” said Cathy Krieger, President & CEO of The Children’s Place Association based in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.

“We are grateful to Governor Quinn that he recognizes the problem of youth HIV/AIDS infections and is acting to address the problem.”

On February 27, 2009, at the 2nd annual Illinois Youth & HIV/AIDS Forum sponsored by The Children’s Place Association, the Illinois Department of Public Health presented data that revealed that the youth proportion of reported HIV/AIDS infections in Illinois has grown from 10% in 2000 to 20% in 2008—a 100% increase.

“This is a staggering increase,” said Krieger.

In addition to the IDPH data, new research was presented by Dr. Dexter Voisin, an Associate Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration that examined the attitudes of Chicago-area college students in seven focus groups, including blacks, Latinos, whites, males, females, and gay men—regarding HIV/AIDS prevention messages.

The research findings revealed all groups reported a significant reduction in the intensity, range, and the length of media messages on HIV prevention and testing over the last 5 years.

More specifically, the research showed that young blacks and Latinos in Chicago tend to distrust most sources of government information on HIV/AIDS prevention. And young Latina women in Chicago fear getting an HIV/AIDS test out of concern that they may be labeled negatively as “fast” women.

“The bottom line is that AIDS media prevention messages targeted at young people in Chicago are not working,” said Krieger. “We think the advisory council approved by Governor Quinn is a good step to address the problem.”

Good job, Governor.

Democratic Party ID Shrivels, GOP Grows

(Princeton, NJ) –September 2, 2009. According to a new Gallup poll reported by Jeffrey Jones, in August 2009, an average of 45% of Americans identified as Democrats or leaned to the Democratic Party, while 40% identified as Republicans or leaned to the Republican Party.

This 5-point advantage represents a decided narrowing of the gap between the parties from the 17-point Democratic advantage in January.

Yikes.

Read more …

Illinois 2010 Elections: Tom Dart Set to “Make Some News” Regarding Future

(Chicago, IL) — September 3, 2009. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is set to announce plans for his future.

Dart, in his first term as Sheriff, dangled the following post to his 1,807 Facebook friends: “[Tom Dart] is getting ready to make some news about my future.”

Dart set off speculation among his friends, wondering if he is going to make a bid for Governor, U.S. Senate, Cook County Board President or Chicago Cubs Manager.

Perhaps it’s a non-political future?

We’ll see.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Proft Leads Illinois Governor GOP, Dem Candidates in Web “Eyeballs” Race

Dan Proft

(Chicago, IL) — September 3, 2009. Illinois 2010 GOP governor candidate Dan Proft is currently leading both Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates in the Web “eyeballs” race in July, according to a new Web metrics analysis of candidate sites.

Leveraging Alexa Internet’s basic Web traffic monitoring tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER submitted the Web sites of the leading Illinois 2010 Democratic and Republican candidates for governor to a traffic analysis. The analysis revealed that Proft’s Web site traffic ranks highest of any candidate in July, the most recent data available. Matt Murphy’s traffic ranks the lowest.

All the candidate’s, however, rank pretty low when the number one ranking is, well, 1.

Illinois 2010 Governor Candidate July 2009 Web Traffic Rank:

• Brady, Bill 5,387,593
• Dillard, Kirk 7,209,347
• Hynes, Dan 9,777,962
• Murphy, Matt 10,221637
• Proft, Dan 3,815,627
• Quinn, Pat 4,626,269

To put these rankings in context, the following are the site rankings for the Chicago Tribune and Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Blog:

• Chicago Tribune 1,111
• Capitol Fax Blog 206,748

Before Proft, a public relations consultant, breaks out the champagne, he should know the number of  “eyeballs” is pretty small beer.

Using another Web metrics company analysis tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER estimates the total number of “unique visitors” to Proft’s site in July was 1,675. Dan Hynes had an estimated 789. Data was unavailable for the other candidates.

The Tribune had 2.8 million visitors.

All the candidates have a way to go to stir the souls–and key boards–of Illinois voters.

Barack Obama’s political Web site should provide some incentive–it had an Alex rank of 8,276 in July and had an estimated 1.2 million visitors. That’s a tough act to follow.

_________________________________________________________________________

UPDATED:  November 5, 20009

Ed Scanlan

(Chicago, IL) — November 5, 2009. Illinois 2010 Democratic governor candidate Ed Scanlan of Oak Park is currently leading all Illinois 2010 Republican and Democratic and Green governor candidates in the Web “eyeballs” race, according to a new survey of candidate Web sites.

Utilizing Alexa Internet’s Web traffic monitoring tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER submitted the Web sites of all candidates who filed petitions to run in Illinois 2010 primary for governor to a traffic estimate survey on November 4, 2009.

The traffic estimate revealed that Scanlan’s Web site traffic ranks highest of any candidate at 912,7720, with the number “1″ rank–currently occupied by Google–being the highest possible rank on the Web. Dan Proft (R-Chicago) ranked second, followed closely Adam Andrzejewski (R-Hinsdale) in third place. Jim Ryan (R-Elmhurst) ranked the lowest. Ryan, however, entered the race on Monday.

Kirk Dillard’s Web site traffic grew the most of any candidate over the last 90 days–jumping 7,560,451 places in its global Internet rank and its site visitors zoomed up by 500%.

Governor Pat Quinn and Rich Whitney were the only candidates whose Web sites lost ground over the last 90 days, Quinn’s dropping an estimated 208,604 places in the global rankings. Quinn’s campaign recently announced that it had revamped the Governor’s site.

The Alexa survey data–which can fluctuate on a daily basis–identified the following metrics:

1. Current global Internet rank–with “1″ as the highest possible rank on the Web.
2. Change in global Internet rank–the number of “places” over the last 90 days.
3. Current U.S. rank.
4. % of global Internet visitors who visited the site change over the last 90 days.

(Note: Some data metrics were Not Available for each Web site)

1. Ed Scanlan (D-Oak Park): 1. 912,720–Global 2. N/A 3. 81,949–U.S Rank. 4. N/A
2. Dan Proft (R-Chicago): 1. 1,466,077–Global  2. Up 3,461,834–Places  3. 241,975–U.S. Rank  4.+430%–Visitors
3. Adam Andrzejewski (R-Hinsdale): 1. 1,687,930–Global  2. Up 796,432–Places  3. 299,253–U.S. Rank  4. +70%–Visitors
4. Dan Hynes (D-Chicago): 1. 2,231,962–Global  2. N/A  3. 313,621–U.S. Rank  4. N/A
5. Bill “Dock” Walls (D-Chicago): 1. 2,449,693–Global Rank  2. Up 206,137–Places  3. N/A   4. -2% Visitors
6. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale): 1. 3,787,514–Global Rank  2. Up 7,560,451–Places  3. N/A   4. +500%–Visitors
7. Bob Schillerstrom (R-Naperville): 1. 4,247,191–Global Rank  2. Up 3,271,300–Places  3. N/A  4. +130%–Visitors
8. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington): 1. 4,343,083–Global Rank.  2. Up 6,969,144–Places  3. N/A  4. +300%–Visitors
9. Pat Quinn (D-Chicago): 1. 4,758,017–Global Rank  2. Down 208,604–Places  3. 635,200–U.S. Rank  4. +20%–Visitors
10. Andy McKenna (R-Chicago): 1. 6,506,490–Global Rank 2. N/A  3. N/A  4. N/A
11. Rich Whitney (G-Carbondale):  1. 18,151,610–Global Rank  2. Down 8,936,308–Places.  3. N/A  4. -60%–Visitors
12. Jim Ryan (R-Elmhurst): 1. 18,833,816–Global Rank  2. N/A  3. N/A  4. N/A
13. Richard Mayers (G-Chicago): No Web Site Found

To put these candidate Web site rankings in context, consider the Alexa global and U.S. ranks of various news media and blog Web sites:

• The Huffington Post–254–Global; 49–U.S.
• Chicago Tribune–1,059–Global; 268–U.S.
• Chicago Sun-Times–2,194–Global; 575–U.S.
• Springfield State Journal-Register–48,924–Global; 9,947–U.S.
• WGN Radio–163,308–Global; 40,032–U.S.
• Capitol Fax Blog–247,452–Global; 59,024–U.S.
• Illinois Review–294,850–Global; 98,876–U.S.
• THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER–775,747–Global; 108,481–U.S.

*It is important to note that the Alexa data is only an estimate based on randam sampling of Internet user traffic. The Alexa Web site monitoring functions similar to a standard poll of a sampled of voters in which a margin of error exists in the estimates.

New Poll: Americans Divided on Healthcare Reform; Issue is 800 Pound Gorilla in 2010 Elections

(Princeton, NJ) — September 7, 2009. A new Gallup poll Americans remain people divided on healthcare reform.

Surprised?

The poll finds 39% of Americans saying they would direct their member of Congress to vote against a healthcare reform bill this fall while 37% want their member to vote in favor.

That helps to clarify a congressman’s decision, no?

However health care packs a political wollop as 64% say health care will be a major factor when they cast their vote in 2010.

No division there.

Read more …

Illinois 2010 Elections: Adam Andrzejewski Wins GOP Illinois Governor Straw Poll – at $1,273 Per Vote

Adam Andrzejewski

(Chicago, IL) — September 9, 2009. Ex-phonebook publisher Adam Andrzejewski won the recent Illinois Republican 2010 governor straw vote 116 to 107 for his closet challenger–at a cost of $1,273.95 per vote.

Since the political neophyte Andrzejewski entered the race in early March–and who has been shut out by major news media with exception of some conservative political blogs–he has reported raising $22,293 and loaned himself $481,000, $350,000 of which came on June 30, 2009.

That was the last day of Illinois State Board of Elections campaign finance reporting period, and it was a bid, apparently, to boost his credibility.

It failed. No major media outlet cared to report more than a squib on his loan.

However, from March to June 30, Andrzejewski, who boasts on his campaign Web site that he beat the high school chess champion while still in grade school, reported his spending at $147,779.45.

That’s some serious dough spent.

And that dough has bought him so far the 116 votes from party activists at the United Republican Fund and WIND radio straw poll on September 4–because it has bought him no measurable attention before. Or since.

At the straw poll, Andrzejewski bested the other declared GOP gubernatorial candidates who were let in the door:

• Matt Murphy – 107
• Dan Proft – 96
• Kirk Dillard – 76
• Bill Brady – 46
• Bob Schillerstrom – 21

Dan Proft

As for those other candidates, a clear estimate for the straw vote cost could be made only for public relations consultant Dan Proft. His 96 votes cost $812.33 per vote. Proft has raised $36,579 and loaned himself $67,000 according to his latest campaign finance statement.

State Senators Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) formally organized their gubernatorial campaigns after the June 30 deadline to report to the elections board and, thus, report raising no money so far.

And State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) and DuPage County Board chief Bob Schillerstrom are mixing their gubernatorial campaigns with their long-standing political campaign committees, rendering a clear accounting of finances difficult.

Still, for Andrzejewski, it seems he is getting little for his money. A speck of major media coverage and 116 straw voters. Heck, he has 1,836 Twitter followers and is unable to inspire barely 100 or so of those to give a tweet.

And for the Illinois Republican Party?

To have a guy who hangs his past competitive “wins” hat on a grade-school chess game to record more more cash on-hand than any other Illinois Republican governor candidate–with the exception–barely–of Brady who is $600,000 in debt–is a party standing on the slimmest of political reeds at the moment of greatest political opportunity.

Were Dillard the front-runner as he insinuates, he would soon need to assert that status in some demonstrable fashion before he is left in the dust by a former phonebook publisher or a highly paid pr consultant.

Jeez.

Contact: davidormsby@davidormsby.com

Illinois 2010 Elections: David Hoffman, Jacob Meister Declare for Illinois U.S. Senate 2010 Democratic Primary

(Chicago, IL) — September 10, 2009. David Hoffman, Chicago’s former Inspector General, today his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Hoffman announced his candidacy for Barack Obama’s former senate seat at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. He begins a statewide tour to Springfield, Alton, Carbondale and Champaign via a motor home festooned in his campaign colors of black and yellow, like a bumble-bee–that stings.

Stings?

Could the bumble bee colors be the most subtle of allusions to the stings that Hoffman, 42, jabbed in Mayor Richard Daley’s backside over the years, perhaps? Nah. No politician is that clever these days. Now candidates only bang–loudly–on tiny, tinny drums.

Meanwhile, attorney and political unknown Jacob Meister—an openly gay man on Tuesday declared candidacy for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat, too.

Other candidates scrambling for the seat currently held by Senator Roland Burris include: Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and former Chicago Urban Leage President and Rod Blagojevich‘ former communications director, Cheryle Jackson.

Over-weening ambition of the inexperienced–with the slight exception of Giannoulias–seems to be the new black for fall 2009 and winter 2010.

Rod Blagojevich’s “All Kids” Helps Improve Health Insurance Coverage for Illinois Children

Kathy Ryg, President, Voice for Illinois Children

(Chicago, IL) — September 10, 2009. Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau today show continued improvement in health insurance coverage for Illinois children, due largely to enrollment in the state’s “All Kids” health insurance program initiated by former Governor Rod Blagojevich, according to an analysis of the data by Voices for Illinois Children.

In 2007-2008, the state’s uninsured rate for children was 6.5 percent, compared with 8.1 percent in 2006-2007.  The national average in 2007-2008 was 10.5 percent.  In 2004-2005, the proportion of uninsured children in Illinois was 10.4 percent — about the same as the U.S. as a whole.

The latest data also show the continued long-term erosion of employment-based health insurance.  In 2007-2008, 65 percent of Illinois children had employer-sponsored coverage, down from 66 percent in 2006-2007 and 71 percent in 1990-2000.

“This improvement in health insurance for children is good news.  Still, too many families lack adequate health coverage or are at risk of losing coverage,” said Kathy Ryg, president, Voices for Illinois Children.

The data were released today on the Census Bureau’s website and represent the only data available on state-level health insurance trends over time.  The state-level figures are two-year averages of survey data in order to improve the reliability of the estimates.

Rod Blagojevich

The trends in health insurance coverage for Illinois children reflect the impact of Blagojevich’s signature “All Kids” program, which began in July 2006.

“All Kids”, a state-funded expansion of Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), offers coverage for uninsured children regardless of family income, health status, or immigration status.

Families are responsible for monthly premiums and co-payments on a sliding scale based on household income.  For example, for a family of four at 250% of the federal poverty level, monthly premiums are $40 per child, while the maximum annual co-payment is $500 per child for hospital services.

In December 2008, about 70,000 children were enrolled in “All Kids” expansion.  In addition, there is evidence that All Kids outreach efforts and a unified application process have had positive spillover effects on enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP.

Between December 2005 and December 2008, participation of Illinois children in Medicaid increased by almost 250,000, while CHIP enrollment rose about 65,000.  Since the implementation of All Kids, the total number of children covered under state programs has increased from 1.2 million to more than 1.5 million.

“These findings confirm that All Kids has been a success,” said Ryg.

Cue insufferable crowing from Rod Blagojevich. Cue the gnashing of teeth by everyone else.

Illinois 2010 Elections: New Chicago Tribune Poll Reveals Illinois Voters Overall Lukewarm on Pat Quinn, But Recent Quinn Poll Reveals Stronger Democratic Support

(Chicago, IL) — September 11, 2009. Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson writes in today’s edition that Governor Pat Quinn’s job performance approval among Illinois voters stands at 39%, according to a new Tribune poll.

Not good.

The poll, conducted August 27-31, reveals that 26% disapprove of the job Quinn is doing and 35% have no opinion–zippo.

Meanwhile, poll results released by Quinn’s campaign tell a much different story among Democratic primary voters. The Quinn poll, conducted August 18-26, claims the Governor’s job approval is 68% among partisan Democrats.

That number is not flying off the chart by any stretch of the imagination, but it is enough to give Quinn a 54% – 26% lead over Illinois Democratic governor primary challenger Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Quinn, however, needs to work hard on shaping his image among the 35% of voters who have no clue regarding his performance. If Republicans shape their views first, Quinn is toast. Crunch, crunch. The primary against Hynes provides Quinn that imaging-shaping opportunity.

Fortunately, for Quinn–and the Democrats at large–Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates are floundering without a strong messenger, message or much money behind their candidacies.

In fact, a right wing, 39-year old, former telephone book publisher, Adam Andrzejewsk, who won a recent GOP straw poll vote with a 116 measly votes–besting three state senators and the chairman of the DuPage County Board–is what passes a Republican “front runner” nowadays.

This is Quinn’s ace in the hole. Perhaps, however, for only the moment.

The Tribune’s pollster, Market Shares Corp, polled 700 registered voters and had a 4% margin of error. Quinn’s, Anzalone Liszt Research, polled 751 Democratic primary voters and had a 3.6% margin of error.

Contact: davidormsby@davidormsby.com

Ken Dunkin, Dan Brady Go After Dan Hynes over Burr Oaks Cemetery Scandal

(Chicago, IL) — September 11, 2009. State Reps. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) and Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) yesterday tore into Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes at a hearing in Chicago before a legislative commission established by Governor Pat Quinn to investigate the Burr Oaks Cemetery scandal.

Hynes’ office regulates and oversees the finances of cemeteries in Illinois.

A distinct whiff of gubernatorial politics hung in the air.

Chicago Fox TV’s Larry Yellen provides the story:

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Breaking News: Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Chief of Staff Tamara Hoffman Allegedly Relieved of Duties, Escorted Out of Office, Source Says

(Chicago, IL) — September 11, 2009. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Chief of Staff Tamara Hoffman has allegedly been relieved of her duties, put on unpaid administrative leave, and escorted out of the office, according to a well-placed source.

The action was related to an alleged internal department investigation, according to the source.

Annie Thompson, spokesperson  for HFS–limited by department personnel policy–would only say that “Tamara Hoffman is on a leave of absence”. The leave began yesterday, Thursday.

Update: Saturday, September 12.

Both Hoffman and HFS Director Barry Maram appeared as witnesses at former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial regarding the unauthorized expansion of state health insurance coverage. Neither could “recall” the official who ordered the expansion.

According to THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER source, the speculation is this issue played a role in Hoffman’s suspension, but this point has not been confirmed.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Vernon Hills Resident Carol Sente Appointed State Representative

(Chicago, IL) — September 14, 2009. Vernon Hills Park District board vice president Carol Sente was sworn in as state representative from the 59th district at the Wheeling village hall on Saturday

Sente, a Democrat, fills the seat vacated by Kathy Ryg, who resigned to become president of Voices for Illinois Children.

Sente plans to run in the February 2010 Democratic primary and November general election for a full term.

Meanwhile Lake County Board Republican, Aaron Lawlor, 27 said he too may campaign for Ryg’s seat.

Lawlor, also from Vernon Hills, has been on the county board for a grand total of two months.

Can’t beat experience like that.

In Blog Comment, Patricia Blagojevich Claims “A Widespred Media Attempt to Make a Fair Trial Impossible”

Patricia Blagojevich

(Chicago, IL) – September 15, 2009. It’s the media’s fault.

In a comment on THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER blog, former Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich thinks “the incredible bias of the press in this state” represents an effort “to make a fair trail [trial] impossible” for former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Wow.

Rod is chasing after appearances of WLS-Radio, Howard Stern, The View, David Letterman, the Today show, the Early Show, Glenn Beck, etc. and it is the Illinois press that is scheming to influence the outcome of the trial? Sheesh.

In her blog comment, Mrs. Blagojevich was ostensibly responding to a bit of snark in a story by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER regarding the success of the former governor’s All Kids health insurance coverage expansion that was recently announced and the inevitable former gubernatorial boasting that would ensue–even though the expansion was unauthorized by the General Assembly and one of the impeachment charges.

However, the larger issue of the intense media scrutiny of Rod Blagojevich and its impact on the upcoming trial seem to be perched firmly upon the former first lady’s mind.

These two lines–”Cue insufferable crowing from Rod Blagojevich. Cue the gnashing of teeth by everyone else.”–provoked the following comment from Patricia Blagojevich (with a private corresponding e-mail address and IP address).

I find the last two sentences of your article both childish and offensive. It clearly represents the incredible bias of the press in this state and what could clearly be a widespread media attempt to make a fair trail impossible. It would be refreshing if at least some of you could behave in a fair and responsible way.

If there is a “widespread media attempt” to undermine the former governor’s trial, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER has been left off the invitation list from its colleagues. Dang. Perhaps the spam filter blocked it.

Anyway.

Here is THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER’s response to Mrs. Blagojevich:

Dear Mrs. Blagojevich,

As you may know, the “All Kids” expansion by your husband’s administration occurred without authorization or appropriation by the General Assembly. As a result, it was one of the abuse of power charges brought against him during the impeachment trial.

And as beneficial as the program may be to the children covered, we remain a nation of laws, not men or women, and the law exists as means to protect the very same children against the capriciousness of government officials who maybe less disposed to their well being.

Therefore, any “All Kids” claims of credit by your husband would be indeed be found insufferable by those whose respect of and adherence to the law is equally matched by their commitment to [sic] children. In the making of the American public policy, “means” and “ends” must co-exist within the framework of state and federal constitutions.

Finally, there are many in Illinois who believe that had the former governor himself behaved “in a fair and responsible way” during his term that he would still be governor today.

Thank you for reading.

David Ormsby

It is noteworthy that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Chief of Staff Tamara Hoffman–who oversaw the unauthorized All Kids expansion under Blagojevich–has allegedly been put on unpaid administrative leave and escorted out of the office last Thursday as a result of an internal department investigation, according to a well-placed source, as reported in an earlier story by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER.

No ‘good’ deed goes unpunished.

News Video: Blagojevich Pal Chris Kelly’s Last Days, Hours

(Chicago, IL) — September 16, 2009. Fox TV News video outlines the last days and hours of Christopher Kelly.

Kelly, 51, a former fundraiser for former Governor Rod Blagojevich, committed suicide last week after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges. Kelly was due to stand trial with Blagojevich who, along with his wife Patti Blagojevich, will attend Kelly’s funeral.

Rod Blagojevich claims that federal government “pressure” on Kelly to “lie” about Blagojevich at the upcoming trial helped trigger Kelly’s suicide.

Even death takes no holiday for Rod’s interests.

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New Report: Work-Related Suicides Jump in U.S. – Add Chris Kelly to the List?

Chris Kelly

(Chicago, IL) — September 16, 2009. The timing of a new report on suicide is eery for Illinois in the wake of Chris Kelly’s recent suicide. But here it is.

The report released last week reveals suicides linked to employment increased by 28% between 2007 and 2008 — from 196 to 251 — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

Kelly a former fundraiser for ousted Governor Rod Blagojevich, would seem to fall in the “fatal occupation injuries” category given that federal corruption charges stemmed from his “work”.

According to the report, most of these occurred in the workplace or while the individual was working. However, some occurred off-site or outside business hours but were known to be job-related. This would likely be Kelly.

The demographics of work-related suicide in 2008 resembled that of earlier years. 94% of work-related suicides were committed by men, and 36% were committed by workers between the ages of 45 and 54 — more than any other age group.

Kelly was 51.

New Report: Most Online Ads Are Useless

(Chicago, IL) — September 16, 2009. According to a new study by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi most online banner ads on web pages and ads on social networking sites and search engines generate a meager 0.15% average response rate.

Worst, the study found that 90% of ad respondents are unqualified or not in the target market.

“Today, brands must attract people rather than try to grab their attention and push messages out to them. It just doesn’t work that way anymore,” said Andy Greenaway, Regional Executive Creative Director for South East Asia of Saatchi & Saatchi.

Take that you messager pushers. It’s just not about eyeballs.

What Happens to Kids When Cops Cuff Illinois Parents? Greg Harris Schedules Hearing to Find Out

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) — September 18, 2009. State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Chair of the House Youth and Family Committee, has scheduled a legislative hearing for today to begin a fact-finding effort on the protocols to care for children of arrested and imprisoned Illinois parents, according to the Chicago Tribune’s Lisa Pevtzow.

An estimated 60,000 to 90,000 Illinois children have jailed parents, said Rev. Calvin Morris, executive director of the Community Renewal Society.

And the issue extends beyond Illinois.

Nationally, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, on any one day, about 1.5 million children nationwide have parents behind bars.

In fact, the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, estimates that approximately 7 in 10 women in prison and jail systems have minor children. The department also estimates 72% of women on probation, 70% of women held in local jails, 65% of women in state prisons, and 59% of women in federal prisons have young children

Moreover, researchers have documented the higher incidence of HIV/AIDS among incarcerated persons.

While women are a small minority of all prisoners (6% nationwide), incarcerated women have a HIV prevalence rate that is two times higher than that of incarcerated men and thirty-five times higher than non-incarcerated women.

For example, in Cook County Jail, the largest single site pre-detention facility in the US, 1,250 men and 1,250 women were tested in 2000 for HIV/AIDS and a seroprevalence rate of 2.5% for men and 2.7% for women was documented. However, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average HIV/AIDS prevalence for U.S. adults (15-49) in 2007 was 0.6%–dwarfed by the Cook County Jail rate.

Compounding the trauma of imprisoned or jailed parents, the specter of HIV/AIDS adds itself to a noxious mix of problems faced by children.

In addition to Harris’ Youth and Family Committee, the House Juvenile Justice and Judiciary II committees are participating, which are chaired by State Reps. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago) and Connie Howard (D-Chicago), respectively. The hearing will be held at the James R. Thompson Center, Room 16-503, 100 W. Randolph Street and begins, today, at 12:00 p.m.

Harris, Collins, and Howard are on the right track to help the kids whose parents went off on the wrong track.

Good job.

Rod Blagojevich Finally Sells Seat – for $10,200

(Chicago, IL) — September 18, 2009. Rod Blagojevich sold a seat for $10,200. Finally.

After 67 bids, some fool and his money was his money was parted when the person purchesed the guest seat from the set of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live in which the behinds of Blagojevich, Shaq, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington have all rested.

There is an economic crisis?

Blagojevich was peddling his new comic book “The Governor” on Kimmel’s show.

Here’s what the pitiful fool purchased:

Hearing set for AFSCME Council 31 Suit to Block Pat Quinn’s Planned State-Employee Layoffs

(Chicago, IL) — September 23, 2009. Today in Vienna, Illinois Judge Todd Lambert of the First Judicial Circuit will hear a request from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 for a preliminary injunction to block the September 30 layoff of hundreds of Illinois state employees by Governor Pat Quinn.

AFSCME is seeking an injunction to prevent the state from moving forward with layoffs until the union’s related grievances are resolved.

Outside the courthouse, AFSCME leaders and local elected officials—including State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Vandalia Mayor Ricky Gottman, Vienna Mayor John Simons–will rally and hold a 10 a.m. news conference.

At the press conference, perhaps a reporter may ask Rep. Phelps why he voted against raising the income tax (Senate Bill 2252) that would have produced money to pay for the jobs that he is now looking to protect. Oh, irony.

Perhaps the AFSCME leaders, while they have the opportunity, will ask Phelps if he has changed his mind on an income tax?

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.

UPDATE: 10:42 a.m.

Judge Lambert has denied the state’s request for a change of venue from Johnson County . Hearing underway.

State tuned for more.

Illinois 2010 Elections: GOP Governor Hopeful Bill Brady Proposes to Kick Out Experienced Illinois Legsilators

(Bloomington, IL) — September 23, 2009. State Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor, yesterday unveiled a government reform package — including term limits for Illinois legislators and statewide officials and a return to multi-member districts in the Illinois House.

“The days of full-time legislators, full-time fundraising and career politicians in state government should be days of the past.,” said Brady.

Ah, memo to Senator Brady: Illinois lawmakers are already part-time legislators. Details, smeetails.

Brady’s proposal includes:

Illinois 2010 Elections: Will Obama White House Intervene in Illinois Primary between Pat Quinn and Dan Hynes to Assure Strong Opponent to Face GOP in 2010 General Election?

(Chicago, IL) — September 28, 2009. Will President Barack Obama choose between Pat Quinn or Dan Hynes in the 2010 Illinois Democratic primary for governor?

Perhaps.

In the last week, both the New York Times and the Washington Post report that the Obama White House political operation is picking sides in primaries across the country, and—most notably—trying to push politically enfeebled New York Governor David Paterson out of his state’s primary all together.

Paterson’s job approval rating is hovering at 18% and disapproval at 80%. Ouch.

Here in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn’s job approval rating is at 39% and disapproval is at 26%, while 35% have no fixed opinion, according to a recent Chicago Tribune poll.

Quinn is not now in a Paterson-like danger zone.

But with a 39% approval and a 35% “no opinion” Quinn—who inherited his job after the Illinois legislature ceremoniously booted Rod Blagojevich from office —must have landed on some political health “watch list” in the White House.

AFSCME Council 31 Wins Court Round–Judge Halts Governor Pat Quinn’s Planned Layoffs

(Vienna, IL) — September 28, 2009. Judge Todd Lambert of the First Judicial Circuit Court in Johnson County today ordered a halt to more than 500 Illinois state-employee layoffs that were scheduled to take effect on Wednesday.

Judge Lambert’s order also bars the administration of Governor Pat Quinn from effectuating any further layoff of AFSCME members until the union’s grievances arising from the layoff process have been resolved.

Governor Quinn had threatened to lay off more than 2,500 employees, despite warnings from the union that such cuts would harm vital public services, erode public safety and drive up the state’s overtime costs.

Lambert’s decision came in the wake of a suit filed by AFSCME Council 31.

“The governor’s threatened layoffs would harm essential services, including public safety, and add to the ranks of the unemployed,” AFSCME executive director Henry Bayer said. “We welcome the judge’s ruling today that prevents those layoffs from going forward.

“AFSCME calls on Governor Quinn to use this opportunity to revisit his ill-advised layoff plan,” Bayer added.

“The real root of this issue is the [Illinois] state budget crisis,” Bayer said. “The governor and every state lawmaker should commit to passing comprehensive tax reform that raises adequate revenue to fund essential services and preserve the jobs of those who provide them.”

Illinois Student Assistance Commission Warns Without New ‘MAP’ Money, Take Old Money and “Flush it Down the Toilet”

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — September 30, 2009. Tens of thousands of college students in Illinois have been told that they will get no more tuition funding from the state for the spring semester.

The state fund is broke.

And the state student loan program is talking toilet flush.

Oy.

The Illinois Monetary Award Program, known as MAP, will be out of money by January because of Illinois budget cuts–courtesy of the Illinois state legislature.

Students, however, are showing up at town hall meetings on campuses across the state to tell lawmakers that without the help they’ll have to drop out, many in their senior year.

Andrew Davis, the executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, says many of these students are the first in their family to go to college, and they’ve been making good use of MAP grants every year.

“To abandon them now is to really take that previous investment and flush it down the toilet.”

Davis says the stories the students have been bringing to the town hall meetings have been heartbreaking. One student, whose parents are both unemployed, has been struggling to make it to graduation day.

“This young lady is in her senior year at Illinois Wesleyan. She is working three jobs in addition to carrying a full load of courses. If she has the money, will graduate this spring and be an RN.”

Students look forward to receiving, on the average, 2500 dollars in state grant money each semester. For most students who are eligible for MAP grants, Davis says, that’s a lot of money to raise by the spring semester.

“Generally speaking, the recipients of the MAP grant in Illinois are in the bottom 40 percent, by income, of the state’s population.”

Governor Pat Quinn held a town hall meeting yesterday at the University of Illinois-Chicago to hear from students who are in danger of losing state grants. More town halls meetings are planned in the coming days.

State lawmakers are expected to look for ways to restore the MAP grants during the veto session which begins October 15th.

And they better find the dough. Quick.

Wheels-Up to Madrid

(Fuerteventura, Spain) — 1 October 2009. After two idyllic months in Fuerteventura, Spain, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER is leaving its satellite office here and is wheels-up to Madrid.

During the next few days, we will be reporting on the Madrileños reaction to the 2016 Olympic decision.

After that, it’s back to international headquarters–Chicago. ¡Olé!

Hasta pronto.

David Ormsby

Illinois 2010 Elections: Will Mike Quigley Endorse Pat Quinn Today?

(Chicago, IL) — October 5, 2009. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley and Governor Pat Quinn will appear together at a press conference today in Chicago and a Quigley endorsement of Quinn is the likely subject