Sign-Off…

(Chicago, IL) — November 6, 2009. Shutting down for Friday … off to Spanish lesson and gym.

Hasta pronto, folks.

David Ormsby

Illinois 2010 Elections–Republican Governor Primary: Dan Proft Wins Schaumburg Township GOP Endorsement; Bob Schillerstrom Wins Milton Township Straw Poll

Dan Proft

(Chicago, Illinois) – November 6, 2009. The Schaumburg Township Republican organization yesterday endorsed Republican Dan Proft for Governor.

Proft is polling in head-to-head match-ups in single digits at around 4%.

Despite a crowded field of seven candidates, Proft garnered the required 60% vote of Schaumburg Township GOP precinct captains to secure the endorsement on the first ballot.

He got 24 votes. He needed 23.

“This is a big win for our campaign and I personally am honored by the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization’s endorsement,” said Proft. “I want to thank Committeeman Mike Adelizzi and the entire Schaumburg Township Republican Organization.”

Big win.

Meanwhile, DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom won the Milton Township Republican Organization 2010 Straw Poll for Governor last weekend, beating DuPage County State Senator Kirk Dillard, 142-37. Schillerstrom has chalked up endorsements from 8 of the 9 DuPage County Township Republican Organization Chairmen.

And after stating this week that global-warming is not man-made, Schillerstrom will also likely lock up the Flat Earth Society endorsement, too.

Also competing in the 2010 Illinois Republican governor primary are: Andy McKenna, Bill Brady, Jim Ryan, and Adam Andrzejewski.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Pat Quinn Gets Fritchey, Lang, Silverstein Endorsements–Chicago Tribune Says “…Former Blagojevich Allies”

State Rep. Lou Lang and Gov. Pat Quinn speaking after the press conference today.

(Chicago, IL) — November 6, 2009. Illinois Democratic lawmakers State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), Deputy House Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie), and State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) today endorsed Governor Pat Quinn in the Illinois 2010 Democratic primary for governor over Comptroller Dan Hynes at a press conference on Chicago’s North Side.

Hynes, a constituent of Fritchey’s, had endorsed Fritchey’s opponent, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago),  in the IL 5th congressional special election to succeed Rahm Emanuel in February. Oops.

Fritchey is also the 32nd Ward Democratic Committeeman. He is leaving the state legislature to run for the Cook County Board seated being vacated by Commissioner Forrest Claypool.

Chicago Tribune reporter Monique Garcia at today's press conference.

Lang, who is also the Niles Township Democratic Committeeman and Executive Vice President of the Cook County Democratic Party, had emerged as a critic of Quinn in the State House during the spring legislative session, but Lang has now swung firmly behind Quinn.

The Chicago Tribune’s headline writer, however, cast the Quinn endorsements, which also included 33rd Ward Alderman Dick Mell, as “Quinn gets backing from former Blagojevich allies“.

Ouch.

Monique Garcia, who covered the press conference at the Ann Sather’s restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, wrote a more balanced story lead, referring to the Fritchey and

State Rep. John Fritchey and Gov. Pat Quinn at today's press conference.

the others as the “… Democratic leaders who once hailed and later feuded with his running mate and predecessor, Rod Blagojevich.”

The Tribune editor just provided material for a TV attack ad by the Hynes campaign or the GOP.

In fact, Fritchey, Lang, and Mell were early Blagojevich opponents long before it was politically fashionable. Fritchey and Lang led the impeachment effort against Blagojevich in the House–but get tagged as “allies”.

Oh, well.

Silverstein is also the 50th Ward Democratic Committeeman.

In addition to Hynes, Quinn faces attorney Ed Scanlan of Oak Park and William “Dock” Walls in the Democratic primary on February 2, 2010.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Democratic Primary Governor: John Fritchey, Lou Lang and Ira Silverstein to Endorse Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — November 6, 2009. Illinois Democratic lawmakers John Fritchey, Lou Lang and Ira Silverstein will endorse Governor Pat Quinn in the Illinois 2010 Democratic primary for governor over Comptroller Dan Hynes at a press conference in Chicago at 9:15 a.m.

Hynes, a constitutent of Rep. Fritchey’s, had endorsed Fritchey’s opponent, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago),  in the IL 5th CD special election to succeed Rahm Emanuel in February. Oops.

Rep. Lang had emerged as an early critic of Quinn in the State House, but the Niles Township Democratic Committeman has now swung behind Quinn.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Democrat Ed Scanlan Leads Illinois Governor Race for Web Site “Eye Balls”; Kirk Dillard Web Visitors Soar 500%, New Survey Says

Illinois 2010 Democrat Governor candidate 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.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Pro-Gun Folks are All Negative Tweets over Republican Jim Ryan’s Entry into Governor’s Race

(Chicago, IL) — November 4, 2009. Pro-gun owners are all a twitter on Twitter over Jim Ryan’s entry into the 2010 Illinois Republican primary for governor–and the tweets are negative:

@GoldCountryFNRA: Gun owners beware: Jim Ryan announces run for Illinois Governor http://tinyurl.com/yz2mdee

Here’s a sample of the article the gun guys are pushing on Examiner.Com:

The last time Illinois gun owners heard from former Attorney General Jim Ryan, Illinois government was in turmoil and Ryan wanted to be Governor.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Yesterday, Ryan announced that he still wants to be Governor of Illinois.  Like Mark Kirk, Ryan is a Republican–and like Mark Kirk, Ryan has a history of antagonizing gun owners in order to court anti-gun “moderates” in Illinois.

Ah, not good, Jim.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Jim Ryans Joins Crowded 2010 Illinois Republican Governor Primary

(Springfield, IL) — November 4, 2009. Jim Ryan, the former two-term Illinois General who lost to Rod Governor in the 2002 governor’s election, entered the overflow 2010 Illinois Republican primary for governor yesterday.

Ryan, an Elmhurst Republican, returns after nearly seven years of teaching government and politics at Benedictine University in Lisle.

“The uncomfortable truth is that state government in Illinois has failed us despite the efforts of a lot of good men and women,” he said in front of the Abraham Lincoln statue on State Capitol grounds.

Ryan said as governor he would place a special emphasis on the plight of children, the mentally ill and others mired in poverty. He said he would “would streamline and restructure the state budget without raising taxes”.

Good luck with that.

Ryan will participate in the Illinois GOP candidates forum Thursday night in Chicago and leave on a statewide tour next week.

Ryan faces fellow Republicans Bill Brady, Andy McKenna, Dan Proft, Kirk Dillard, Bob Schillerstrom, and Adam Andrzejewski.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Republican Governor Primary: Is Senator Bill Brady a True Fiscal Conservative?

State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington)

(Chicago, IL) — November 4, 2009. The news today that the State of Illinois owes the University of Illinois $317 million but has paid only $400,000, reported by Paul Wood at the Champaign News-Gazette, must graphically remind Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois legislature that the Illinois budget is cratering under its crushing expenses and dwindling income.

In fact, the Illinois budget has $3 billion of unpaid bills on its hands. The U of I represents only 10% of that debt pile.

That got us thinking.

The Illinois budget’s basic problem–that its expenses exceed its income–highlighted by the University of Illinois’ budget plight–may bring another conservative fiscal scolding by a lawmaker angling for Quinn’s job–State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington).

Brady has branded himself as an ultra fiscal conservative–the spend-only-what-you-earn type.

In March, when Quinn introduced his proposed budget that included an income tax, Brady berated Quinn, citing the families-must-balance-their-budget homily.

“Just as families do around their kitchen tables, state government needs to take full stock of its cash availability and make the necessary cuts to bring that budget into balance,” Brady said on March 18, 2009.  “The people of Illinois today are making do with less.  State government should be no different.”

The funny thing about Brady’s fiscal conservatism is that he–when he had the chance–failed to practice budget-balancing himself.

When Brady for governor in 2006, he so overspent his campaign income that three years later his campaign is still saddled with a whopping $652,762.91 debt. When his campaign expenses exceeded campaign income–Brady borrowed. Just like the State of Illinois has done to pay its bills.

What the difference?

Rather than “… make the necessary cuts to bring that budget into balance” Brady whipped out his credit card to pay the bills. Sound familiar?

To his credit, Brady left no vendors in the lurch. He paid those bills. He owes the money to himself and three banks.

From Brady’s campaign finance statement filed with the Illinois Board of Elections:

• $351,750-Owed to Bill Brady
• $41,047.91–Owed to Commerce Bank, Bloomington, IL–Debt incurred 3/14/2006
• $200,000.00–First Bank, Saint Louis, MO–Debt incurred 3/2/2006
• $59,965.00–Owed to Heartland Bank and Trust, Bloomington, IL–Debt incurred 3/10/2006

If the ‘fiscal conservative’ Brady is, however, willing to ignore his “balanced budget” philosophy on his own campaign and drive it deeply in debt, why should Illinois voters have any confidence he won’t do the same further with the Illinois budget as Governor?

Why believe Brady’s “balanced budget” drivel when he refuses to practice what he preaches?

It’s a question Brady’s opponents–Jim Ryan, Andy McKenna, Dan Proft, Kirk Dillard, Bob Schillerstrom, and Adam Andrzejewski should ask.

And if Brady emerges victorious from the 2010 Republican governor primary, Pat Quinn and Dan Hynes must ask him that question.

Someone should.

Pro-Life-Cherry-Picker “Investigates” State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz’s Receipt of Community Service Award in Cathoic School Basement

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

(Chicago, IL) — November 4, 2009. From the Department of Kid-You-Not, a Pro-Life Cherry-Picker has launched an “investigation” to determine how State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) received a community service award in the school basement of St. Clement’s Church in Chicago.

“Catholic columnist” Matt C. Abbott revealed in a blog post at Renew America on October 30 the emerging “investigation” of the “scandal” from the e-mail of some self-appointed snoop with a knot-in-their knickers.

The black-helicopter conspirator crowd can only froth at the following:

“The Lakeview Action Coalition, reportedly a grant recipient of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, on Oct. 22 gave an award to pro-abortion Illinois State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz at the school associated with the notoriously leftist St. Clement Church.

A source active in the pro-life movement said in an e-mail:

‘After three weeks of phone calls to various archdiocesan offices before the event, the $65.00 per plate fundraiser for the Lakeview Action Coalition took place at St. Clement in Chicago. This is where Sara Feigenholtz received her award [named after the Rev. Gregory Dell, incidentally], despite the recent commitment from Cardinal George to support a ban on big-name pro-abort honors at Catholic churches.

‘I am now in the investigation phase of this matter and getting the big run-around of excuses from bishops, pastors and others of how the matter got missed. So far, it sounds like Jimmy Lago [the chancellor] made the final call to go ahead with the event as he felt it would be a greater scandal to cancel the event soon before it happened. When I originally called St. Clement to verify the event taking place, no one knew anything and it did not show up on their schedule (of course)!’

Frankly, the “It’s too late to cancel the event now” and “We didn’t know anything about it” excuses are getting very old. But, hey, this is the type of thing that occurs when we have spineless, heterodox, politically-connected bureaucrats running the show in some of the dioceses.

Sadly, a pro-abortion politician being honored on parish grounds is apparently no big deal to the powers that be. And, of course, the leftist “mainstream” media don’t give a damn — that goes without saying…”

Feigenholtz received an “affordable housing award.” She got it for her efforts to help secure $144 million for affordable housing construction money during the spring legislative session, money that will create homes for the poor, homeless, and downtrodden served by groups, such as, well–Catholic Charities of Illinois.

That’s worth “three weeks of phone calls”?  “Investigation”? Has this person all their light-bulbs screwed in tightly? Sheesh.

Anyway.

The anonymous Pro-Life Cherry-Picker is picking on Feigenholtz because she is a pro-choice–or “pro-abort” per the picker. Why Cherry-Picker?

Because opposition to the death penalty is the other key plank of the Catholic pro-life agenda.

“We cannot overcome crime by simply executing criminals, nor can we restore the lives of the innocent by ending the lives of those convicted of their murders. The death penalty offers the tragic illusion than we can defend life by taking life.”
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Good Friday Appeal to End the Death Penalty (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1999)

Feigenholtz opposes the death penalty. The veteran-lawmaker and Chair of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee supports an important Catholic life position.

No matter.

For the Pro-Life Cherry Picker, the life glass is half-empty, not half-full. Rather than embrace and cheer a supporter of a key Catholic life agenda item, they berate and “investigate” Feigenholtz and church officials–but for a community service award granted by a secular community group in a school basement?

Uh, huh.

No wonder why Chancellor Jimmy Lago is ducking that call. Smart guy.

Illinois 2010 Elections: 2010 Illinois Candidate Petition Filings Jump 17.3% over 2006

(Chicago, IL) — November 3, 2009. From the Department of Minor Statistics, the number of 2010 candidates who filed primary nominating petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections jumped 17.3% over 2006.

In 2006, 710 candidates filed, and 859 filed this year.

Well, there is a recession under way. People need jobs. Heck, in what other industry can you look for work and claim you have no experience and still stand a reasonable chance of getting hired? None. Just government.

It’s qualification proof.

Illinois 2010 Elections-Blogger Stardom: Dan Hynes Uses Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller as Fund-Raising Magnet

(Chicago, IL) — November 3, 2009. The Capitol Fax Blog’s Rich Miller has become such an “Illinois political institution” that the campaign of Illinois 2010 Democratic Governor candidate Dan Hynes thinks it can even raise campaign off his name.

Rich is being “monetized”. Cool.

In a fund-raising e-mail sent to supporters today, Hynes campaign manager Mike Redina wrote:

Dear Friend,

It was only a matter of time.

Pat Quinn took to the airwaves with an ad so misleading and absurd, it drew catcalls from neutral observers. In the ad, Quinn attacks Dan for …

…

Help us fight back.

…

We’re going to make sure Illinois Democrats have a candidate who reflects the best our party has to offer, with the leadership and competence to see it through.

It’s inevitable.

Thank you for all you do.

All the best,

Michael Rendina
Campaign Manager
Dan Hynes for Governor

PS: Illinois political institution Rich Miller called Pat Quinn’s new spot “the most misleading ad of the season” and said it was “deliberately designed to insult our intelligence.” Help us counter these preposterous attacks by contributing today.

Three cheers, Rich–that’s the sweet mark of a blogger’s success.

Illinois Politics: New Survey: Top 10 Independent Political Blogs in Illinois

(Chicago, IL) — November 2, 2009. A new survey released today by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER ranked 51 independent Illinois-based blogs that cover Illinois politics and government–blogs that are not embedded in or sponsored by major media Web sites such as the Chicago Tribune or the Chicago Sun-Times–and found the Chicagoist headed up the top 10 list.

The survey, which used Alexa’s Web site ranking tool, excluded the blogs on the Chicago Tribune’s blog Web site Chicago Now because no independent ranking of many formerly independently-sited blogs was available. The Chicago Now site ranks 2,488 rank in the United States, with the number “1″ being the highest Web site rank possible.

The Alexa web ranking tool estimates both the global Web site rank and home country rank–ranks that can fluctuate daily. In this survey, all ranks are based on the site’s U.S. rank with the exception when a U.S. ranking was not given. This occurred mostly with blogs with a global ranking in the millions.

THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER attempted diligently to identify as many Illinois blogs as possible that provide Illinois political news and commentary that represent some semblance of ideological and geographic balance. Inevitably, we probably overlooked someone. Our apologies.

If there is some gaping omission or quibble with a selection–quibble away. Let us know and we will consider the quibbles and other sites in our next survey.

According to the Alexa U.S. Traffic Rank on November 2, 2009, the top 10 independent Illinois blogs that provide news & commentary on Illinois politics and government are:

• 1. Chicagoist 9,403
• 2. Windy Citizen 17,591
• 3. Gapers Block 27,388
• 4. Progress Illinois 30,841
• 5. Capitol Fax/Rich Miller 59,031
• 6. Beachwood Reporter 81,702
• 7. Illinois Review 89,845
• 8. Chicago Daily Observer 101,198
• 9. The Illinois Observer/David Ormsby 102,884
• 10. Backyard Conservative/Anne Leary 135,720

Here are how the other 41 Illinois blogs stack up:

• 11. Marathon Pundit 140,695
• 12. McHenry County Blog 151,027
• 13. Illini Pundit 175,939
• 14. Publius Forum 205,452
• 15. District 299: Chicago Schools Blog 217,921
• 16. Quincy Pundit 227,442
• 17. Cao’s Blog 231,396
• 18. Prairie State Blue 279,162
• 19. Tom Roeser 330,654
• 20. Illinois Policy Institute Blog 510,260
• 21. Peoria Pundit 554,288
• 22. Chicago News Bench 618,295
• 23. Lake Effect News 681,890
• 24. 600 Words/Esther Cepeda 764,724
• 25. OpenlineBlog.Com 903,762
• 26. Arch Pundit 930,010
• 27. Illinois Issues Blog 987,725
• 28. Respublica 996,814
• 29. Hyde Park Progress 1,097,044
• 30. First Electric Newspaper 1,190,615
• 31. Community Media Workshop 1,425,854
• 32. Broken Heart Rogers Park 2,668,346
• 33. Illinois GOP Net 3,125,192
• 34. Chicago Justice Blog 3,770,603
• 35. Illinois Campaign Political Reform 3,807,072
• 36. Jan Schakowsky 4,149,289
• 37. Public Affairs/Jeff Berkowitz 4,614,858
• 38. Chicago Argus/Greg Tejeda 4,789,639
• 39. Washington Report/Laura Washington 6,005,080
• 40. The Mobilizer 6,994,331
• 41. Bill Baar’s West Side 7,212,053
• 42. Scotts Big Mouth 7,847,335
• 43. Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Blog 7,880,363
• 43. Progressive Advocacy/Dan Johnson-Weinberger 8,675,704
• 45. The Sixth Ward 9,027,196
• 46. Radio Chicagoland News & Views/Ray Hanania 9,824,604
• 47. Illinois Democratic Network 9,870,667
• 48. Suburban Chicagoland News 13,502,144
• 49. John Fritchey Open House 14,062,100
• 50. One for the Record/Edward Mazikowski 19,817,191
• 51. Russ Stewart 29,913,010

To provide a context for these rankings, here are the Alexa U.S. Web site rankings for some familiar Illinois media outlets:

• Chicago Tribune 206
• Chicago Sun-Times 562
• Springfield Journal-Register 10,039
• WGN Radio 39,934

Additionally, the Community Media Workshop earlier this year released a far more sophisticated and thorough analysis of Illinois blogs and online media, including the blogs of mainstream media, in a their report “The New News”.

Finally, a blog’s political news value is tested by more than it’s Alexa or Compete or Google Page rank. For example, Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax, which focuses exclusively on state politics, is ablaze every day with hundreds of posted comments on the day’s political news, comments that can extend more than 9 hours on a single post. It’s a political water-cooler on the Net.

Other sites, such as the top-ranked Chicagoist, provide other news, including culture and entertainment. The inclusion of state political news, however, landed these sites on THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER survey list.

Again, if you think we overlooked an important independent political news blog–which is possible–or want to be included in the next survey, let us know: davidormsby@davidormsby.com

Illinois 2010 Elections: 7 Candidates in Scramble to Succeed Rep. Art Turner, Including Turner’s Son–Who Filed Petitions Twice

(Chicago, IL) — November 3, 2009. There are seven candidates–all Chicago Democrats–who filed nominating petitions to capture Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner’s 7th district House seat, including Turner’s son, Art–who filed petitions twice.

Rep. Turner is running for Lt. Governor.

The candidates are:

• John Burros (W. Erie Street)
• Keith Jackson (W. Adams Street)
• Arthur Turner (S. Avers Avenue)
• Dorothy Walton (S. Troy Street)
• Jerry Patton (S. Harding Avenue)
• Bruce Jackson (S. Kedize )
• Matthew Harrington (N. Jefferson)

Illinois 2010 Elections–Lt. Governor: Mike Boland Files Last at 4:51 P.M.; 13-Men, 0-Women File

(Springfield, IL) — November 2, 2009. In the 2010 Illinois Lt. Govenor race, like the governor’s race,  13 candidates filed nominating petitions, and of those 13 men and 0 women filed to become the state’s second banana.

In 2002, 10 candidates filed, 8-men and 2-women.

And, unlike the governor’s race where there are only 2 candidates from downstate Illinois, in the Lite Gov’s race there are 6 downstaters. There are 5 from Cook County, 3 of which are from Chicago. There is 1 from DuPage and 1 from Lake County.

Here they are–6 Republicans, 6 Democrats, and 1 Green:

Republicans:

• Brad Cole (Carbondale)
• Jason Plummer (Edwardsville)
• Don Tracy (Springfield)
• Randy White (Hamilton)
• Matt Murphy (Palatine)
• Dennis Cook (Orland Park)

Democrats:

• Rickey Hendon (Chicago)
• Terry Link (Waukegan)
• Arthur Turner (Chicago)
• Scott Cohen (Chicago)
• Thomas Castillo (Elmhurst)
• Mike Boland (East Moline)

Green:

• Don Crawford (St. Elmo)

Illinois 2010 Elections-Governor: Each Party-GOP, Dems and Greens Have a Primary; 13-Men, 0-Women File

(Springfield, IL) — November 3, 2009. There are 13 candidates who filed petitions to run for Illinois governor in 2010. Each party–the Republicans, the Democrats and the Greens have a primary.

• There are 13 men, 0 women candidates.

• There are 7 Republicans, 4 Democrats, and 2 Greens

• There are 6 candidates from Chicago–3 Democrats, 2 Republicans, and 1 one Green.

• There are 4 candidates from DuPage County–all Republicans and 2 from Hinsdale.

• There are 2 candidates from downstate Illinois–Bloomington and Cardbondale.

Here they are:

Republicans:

• Adam Andrzejewski (Hinsdale)
• Bill Brady (Bloomington)
• Kirk Dillard (Hinsdale)
• Bob Schillerstrom (Naperville)
• Dan Proft (Chicago)
• Jim Ryan (Elmhurst)
• Andy McKenna (Chicago)

Democrats:

• Dan Hynes (Chicago)
• Pat Quinn (Chicago)
• William “Dock” Walls (Chicago)
• Ed Scanlan (Oak Park)

Greens:

• Rich Whitney (Carbondale)
• Richard Mayers (Chicago)

Illinois 2010 Elections: Of Statewide Candidates Only 10% are Women, Down from 19.6% in 2002

(Springfield, IL) — November 3, 2009. For the 2010 Illinois elections, 60 candidates filed nominating petitions for the offices of U.S. Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Comptroller and only 6, or 10 %, of those are women, down from 19.6% in 2002.

In 2002, for the same offices, there were 41 statewide candidates who filed–46% fewer candidates than in 2010–but 19.6% of those 2002 candidates, or 10, were women.

In 2010, the 6 lonely gals are:

• Lisa Madigan, Attorney General (D-Chicag0)
• Judy Baar Topinka, Comptroller (R-Riverside)
• R. Erika Schafer, Comptroller (G-Chicago)
• Robin Kelly, Treasurer (D-Matteson)
• Cheryle Jackson, U.S. Senate (D-Chicago)
• Kathleen Thomas, U.S. Senate (R-Springfield)

What’s up with that?

Pat Quinn Appoints Alexander Rorke, John Spring Co-Chairs of New Illinois Economic Recovery Commission

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) – October 31, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named  35 Illinois professionals to the newly-formed Economic Recovery Commission, a panel charged with providing  guidance to Quinn to address the Illinois economic crisis.

“The Economic Recovery Commission will help develop strategies to improve the state’s economic climate,” said Quinn in a press release.

The Economic Recovery Commission consists of Illinois citizens with experience in business, academia, finance, non-profit administration and government.

Quinn named Alexander I. Rorke and John A. Spring as co-chairs of the Commission.

Rorke, of Evanston, is an investment banker with experience working with state and local governments, start up companies and civic organizations. Spring is the Mayor of Quincy. A longtime community activist, Spring was also a school administrator.

This Commission–among the blizzard of new state boards, commissions, panels, task forces, advisory councils empaneled by Quinn during his 10-month tenure–will provide independent, non-partisan information and economic advice to Quinn.

Topic areas include:

• Infrastructure
• Innovation Sustainability
• Global markets
• Education
• Government.

The Commission with submit a report outlining its findings and recommendations to Governor Quinn on or before March 31, 2010.

The first meeting of the Commission will be Monday, November 2, 2009, at 2 p.m. in room 2-025 at the James R. Thompson Center and in the lobby theater at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at 620 East Adams Street in Springfield.

Among the avalanche and maze of newly-created advisory groups, the economic recovery panel–if it works as intended and produces independent recommendations that may be at odds with Quinn’s political imperatives–is one of Quinn’s better inventions.

However, Quinn may soon need to appoint a new panel–The Commission on Keeping Track of New Commissions.

Carol Adams Declines Pat Quinn’s Offer of South Africa Trade Post after AP Reports “No Work Product” from Ex-Chauffeur

Ex-DHS Secretary Carol Adams

(Chicago, IL) — October 31, 2009. Former Illinois Department Human Services Secretary Carol Adams has reversed gears on the Illinois trade representative job in South Africa offered to her by Governor Pat Quinn. She quit.

The Chicago Tribune’s Monique Garcia reports today.

Carol Adams, a former Illinois Department of Human Services secretary, sent Quinn’s office a letter Friday saying she could not accept the job, explaining, “Pressing family medical issues make my relocation to South Africa prohibitive.

Adams’ tenure at DHS came under renewed fire just this week when her former agency revealed that the her state chauffeur performed no other state work, contradicting Adams’ earlier assertions.

The AP’s political reporter, John O’Connor, broke the story–and apparently broke Adams’ chances to hang on to the $110,000 per year trade post:

The Illinois Department of Human Services says it has no evidence that two highly paid ex-employees did any work other than acting as chauffeurs, a position that contradicts earlier statements by former Secretary Carol Adams.

Adams, recently appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn to an international trade post, claimed the two men did more than drive her and her chief of staff when lawmakers questioned her about the matter two years ago. However, she refused to prove it by releasing examples of the men’s other work.

Now, after another request from The Associated Press, Adams’ agency said there’s nothing to release. No work products exist.

Ah, huh.

Either no one at DHS reported that itsy-bitsy nugget to Quinn before he tapped Adams to the high-profile, cushy trade post or Quinn knew and appointed her anyway under pressure from key lawmakers. Either way, it’s a botched, mishandled mess.

Adams claims she has a new job lined up.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Greg Hinz Zaps Terry O’Brian on Water Business Conflcits–Andy Shaw, Todd Connor Pounce

(Chicago, IL) — October 30, 2009. Crain’s political columnist Greg Hinz today zinged Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) President Terry O’Brian on his blog over a perceived whopper of a conflict of interest which is likely to draw blood–O’Brian’s.

From Hinz’s column:

… Terry O’Brien’s job is to maintain the safety of the region’s drinking water by reining in big polluters and making sure their waste is properly treated.

As 50% owner of an environmental consulting firm, the same Mr. O’Brien’s job is to make life as easy as possible for his dozens of corporate clients, some of them heavy polluters. As his corporate Web site puts it in bold-face type, “Our first priority is to our clients.”

Bam.

Hinz drew in Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw for the skewering:

“It’s an outrageous conflict of interest and a dereliction of duty for the head of an agency responsible for ensuring that we have clean water to drink and play in, to work for a company that protects the polluters,” Mr. Shaw said.  “It’s ‘dirty’ politics, literally and figuratively.”

Hinz’s column has already prompted a reform MWRD commissioner candidate Todd Connor to pounce on O’Brian’s business dealings.

“As an agency that spends more money than the CTA, $1.6 billion, represents 5-10% of our property taxes, and has our public health and environment at stake, we need leaders that are solely focused on the public’s interest,” said Connor.

Translation: O’Brian should not be focused on his personal financial interests.

O’Brian is a candidate in the 2010 Democratic primary for Cook County Board President to replace Todd Stroger.

The sludge just flows in all sorts of directions.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Julie Hamos Votes “No” on New Campaign Contribution Limits Bill–Says “Not campaign finance reform… Campaign Finance Redistribution”

State Rep. Julie Hamos

(Springfield, IL) — October 30, 2009. U.S. 10th CD Democratic candidate and State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) yesterday voted against state legislation, Senate Bill 1466, to cap campaign contributions to Illinois political candidates.

In a statement Hamos said:

“I am a staunch supporter of campaign finance reform and I have fought for it my entire career in the General Assembly.  Sadly, Senate Bill 1466 that passed last night is not campaign finance reform. This is campaign finance redistribution – more money, power, and control into the hands of political leaders in Springfield. Our state laws should mirror federal laws that limit contributions and require full disclosure from donors. Anything else is just business as usual.”

Ouch.

Most Illinois House Democrats voted for the bill.

For the first time Illinois–one of only five state without contribution limits–would have limits on the amount of money contributed to political campaigns.

“Setting limits on contributions to political campaigns will be an important step in bringing meaningful reform to Illinois,” said George Ranney, a co-chair of CHANGE Illinois! and President & CEO of Chicago Metropolis 2020.

The bill is not perfect. It imposes no caps on party contributions during general elections. That’s the likely rub for Hamos. And the vote–a “yes” or “no”–could cause her some grief in her battle for the Democratic nomination against Dan Seals for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Mark Kirk.

No one said it would be easy.

Jeff Schoenberg Gives Final Legislative Push to Capture $1 Billion for Illinois Hospitals, Overdue Health Bills

State Senator Jeff Schoenberg

(Springfield, IL) — October 30, 2009. State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) is on the verge of successfully pushing legislation through the Illinois Senate today that could draw $1.15 billion in new federal Medicaid dollars to Illinois to help local hospitals and provide relief to the state’s beleaguered budget.

The legislation, House Bill 542, was approved this morning, Friday, by the full Senate 59-0, according to Schoenberg, who is hopeful the measure will land on the Governor Pat Quinn’s desk by day’s end.

“After a week of manic shuttle diplomacy [at] the State Capitol, my legislation which will snag Illinois an additional $1.15 billion in new federal Medicaid funds to play off outstanding healthcare bills and inject new resources into the state’s hospitals is queued up to land on the Governor’s desk,” wrote Schoenberg on his Facebook page, “by the time I ‘m home for dinner tonight.”

In addition to Schoenberg, sponsors include State Senators: Mattie Hunter, Susan Garrett, and Jacqueline Collins.

The bill heads back to the House for a final vote expected today.

The Illinois House had approved the bill 61-55-01 earlier this year on March 11. State Reps. Dan Reitz and Lou Lang were the House sponsors.

Illinois Politics: “This will create omnipotent leaders, caucus leaders and party bosses in … Illinois,” Rep. Michael Tryon–Really?

State Rep. Michael Tryon

(Chicago, IL) — October 30, 2009. You gotta love the irony of Illinois politics.

“This will create omnipotent leaders, caucus leaders and party bosses in the state of Illinois,” said Rep. Michael Tryon, (R-Crystal Lake).

“Create” omnipotent leaders?  Ah, Earth to Rep. Tyryon–the legislature already has omnipotent leaders. And you’re serving under one of them.

Tryon was denouncing legislation, Senate Bill 1466, capping campaign contributions to Illinois politicians–which House Republicans voted against in mass–at the best of his “omnipotent, caucus leader, and party boss” — House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Owsego).

Do you think the irony of Tryon’s tirade and “no” vote against bossism–at the request of his boss–crossed his mind for one, shining, split-pea second? Nah.

The campaign finance bill caps donations from political parties and legislative leaders during primary election campaigns and imposes no party caps for general elections.

Leader Cross will, of course, be sending House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who sponsored the bill, a thank you note.

The House voted 66-49 mostly along partisan lines.  The Senate will likely vote today, Friday.

Under the bill, individual campaign contributions to a candidate’s political committee would be capped at $5,000, corporations, labor unions or associations would be limited to $10,000a, candidate political committee would be sealed at $50,000.

This is progress. There are no shortage of individual contributions at $10,000, $20,000 and $50,000. Now–under this bill–those super-sized donations are history. Poof.

In addition to Madigan, House sponsors included State Reps: Kevin McCarthy, Eddie Jackson., Linda Chapa LaVia, Jack McGuire, Mary Flowers, Al Riley, Edward Acevedo, Toni Berrios, Elizabeth Hernandez, newly-appointed Carol Sente and Eddie Washington.

If the measure passes the Senate, Governor Pat Quinn is expected to sign the legislation.

The Chicago Tribune, as if on cue and as expected, denounced the bill. Oh, well.

Video of Speaker Madigan on the bill, courtesy of Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax:

New Pew Poll: Fox News Most Ideological Network and 14% Say It Is “Mostly Liberal”

(Chicago, IL) — October 30, 2009. From the Department of No Big Surprise, Fox News is viewed as the most ideological of the news networks, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.

Gosh, really? They paid money for that bit of a priori bit of information?

But Pew needed its poll for this a posteriori nugget:  14% of Americans think Fox is “mostly liberal”. Under which rock did they find those people?

Anywho. Here’s a snap shot of the Pew poll:

The Fox News Channel is viewed by Americans in more ideological terms than other television news networks. And while the public is evenly divided in its view of hosts of cable news programs having strong political opinions, more Fox News viewers see this as a good thing than as a bad thing.

Nearly half of Americans (47%) say they think of Fox News as “mostly conservative,” 14% say it is “mostly liberal,” and 24% say it is “neither in particular.” Opinion about the ideological orientation of other TV news outlets is more mixed: while many view CNN and the three broadcast networks as mostly liberal, about the same percentages say they are neither in particular.

However, somewhat more say MSNBC is mostly liberal than say it is neither in particular, by 36% to 27%.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Water Reclamation District Candidate Todd Connor Files 22,000 Petition Signatures

Todd Connor

(Chicago, IL) — October 29, 2009. Democratic Metropolitan Water Reclamation District candidate Todd Connor filed his nominating petitions on Monday with a whopping 22,000 signatures–a move that will undoubtedly grab the attention of Cook County political insiders.

Candidates for this under-the-radar office need 7,981 signatures–more than required for a gubernatorial candidacy.

Connor, 31, a Progressive Democrat and first-time candidate, was unable to secure official backing from the Cook County Democrat Party regulars but pulled-off an impressive party-like petition drive that will put the slated candidates on notice.

“This grass roots effort highlights the hardworking, energized nature of my campaign.  We are educating voters and talking about new ideas … ,” said Connor, a former Navy officer and Illinois Inspector General.

The Cook County Democrats slated incumbent commissioners Barbara McGowan and Mariyana Spyropoulus and newcomer Michael Alvarez.

Backing Connor is an impressive list of progressive politicians: Alderman Toni Preckwinkle (D-4th), U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (D-Chicago) State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Alderman Tom Tunney (D-44th), former State Senator Carol Ronen (D-Chicago), State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-Evanston), Northfield Township Committeeman Mike Kreloff, Cook County Commissioner Roberto Moldonado (D-Chicago).

Ditto the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

Keep both eyes on Connor.

Illinois Elections 2010: Pat Quinn’s Poll Numbers Sink; Dan Hynes Endorsements, Ad Buys Grow–and Questions that Hynes May Drop Out Drop Off

Comptroller Dan Hynes

(Chicago, IL) — October 28, 2009. Oh, how a few weeks can rewrite the political narrative.

Governor Pat Quinn’s job disapproval ratings have hit 53% and his approval ratings have skidded to 45%, according to a new Rasmussen poll in the Illinois 2010 governor’s race.

Meanwhile, Quinn’s primary opponent, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, upped his TV ad buys to more than $1 million, got endorsed on Monday by the state council of electrical union workers, and on Tuesday snagged the pipe trades unions.

Voilà. A new political day.

A few weeks ago, questions began to bubble on whether Hynes would or should drop out of the race against Quinn. The Governor was on a roll. He was piling up key endorsements, such as the Cook County Democratic Party, the union-heavy weight Teamsters and SEIU, and high profile progressives, like U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky.

No more. The “will Hynes drop out?” questions have dropped off. Gone.

Quinn’s poll numbers have dived while Hynes’ ad buys have increased and endorsements grown. Hynes has no incentive to bug out. Droplets of Quinn’s blood are in the water. And by splurging on his recently retooled ads, Hynes is clearly signaling he’s in the race to stay.

And Hynes’ union allies are drawing more blood from Quinn.

Governor Pat Quinn

Ken Lambert, the chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers state conference, said in a statement on Monday: “When Gov. Quinn had the opportunity to create jobs, he showed he’d rather play politics, and people’s livelihoods suffered for it.”

Ouch.

But Quinn has shown more political deftness in this campaign than many long-time insiders were willing to concede. And it shows. The Governor has been raising oodles of campaign cash, pinching key endorsements, dashing higgledy-piggledy across the state to both official and campaign events, and nearly matching Hynes’ TV buys. Not too shabby.

It’s still Quinn’s race to lose.

He has the incumbency. He has a personal charm that oozes every-man-on-street. He’ll have the money.

But he also has a death-spiral Illinois budget on his hands. In fact, yesterday, he told House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President John Cullerton, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno that he plans to borrow $1 billion more to pay the aging, unwanted, and unpaid stack of bills to vendors. Quinn also borrowed $1 billion in the summer. And the $2 billion borrowed has to be repaid by summer 2010. Good luck on that.

Moreover he has an income tax proposal–raising Illinois’ regressive flat income tax from 3% to 4.5%–lashed to his back that 65% of Illinois voters dislike, according to a recent poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University.

Quinn can win the primary–but Hynes will make him pay for it. And Hynes will stay in the race. Bet on it.

Meanwhile, fire up the popcorn, campers.

AFSCME Council 31 Helps Debunk the “Bloated Waste” of Illinois Government Claim; New Census Data Points to State-Employee Head Count Drop

(Chicago, IL) — October 28, 2009. The claim–usually bellowing from Illinois Republicans–that Illinois state government suffers from bloat–R.I.P.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s annual survey of state government employment shows that Illinois has the nation’s fewest state employees per capita—54 state employees per 10,000 residents, a figure 36 percent below the national average of 85 state employees per 10,000 residents.

As recently as 2002, Illinois maintained a ratio of 70 state workers per 10,000 population.

Not anymore.

Compared to every other state Illinois and the Illinois budget is bare bones operation–and it shows. The bones are protruding from the corpse, er, body.

“Fixing the state’s broken budget is the only way to restore essential state services like public safety, child protection and care for the disabled,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said in a press release yesterday.

“We need comprehensive tax reform like House Bill 174 to raise adequate revenue and rebuild these vital services.”

All following figures expressed as full-time equivalent non-education state employees per 10,000 residents, except where noted

All states average, 2008 – 85

Illinois – 54

Ten Least-Staffed Nationwide, 2008

• Illinois – 54
• Indiana – 54
• Wisconsin – 60
• Ohio – 62
• Arizona – 63
• Colorado – 63
• California – 65
• Nevada – 68
• Florida – 70
• Michigan – 70
• Texas – 70

Ten Least-Staffed, 2002

• Indiana – 60
• Ohio – 60
• Colorado – 63
• Wisconsin – 65
• California – 68
• Arizona – 69
• Illinois – 70
• Michigan – 72
• Nevada – 72
• Minnesota – 76

Sharpest Cut, 2002-2008 [Percentage]

• Illinois – (-22.8%)
• Idaho – (-12.8%)
• South Carolina – (-12.5%)
• Indiana – (-11.2%)
• Texas – (-10.3%)
• Kentucky – (-9.8%)
• Florida – (-9.3%)
• Nebraska – (-8.5%)
• Georgia – (-8.4%)
• Maryland – (-8.3%)

2008 State Employment, Illinois and Neighboring States

• Illinois – 54
• Indiana – 54
• Wisconsin – 60
• Michigan – 70
• Minnesota – 75
• Iowa – 94
• Missouri – 101
• Kentucky – 102

Underlying analysis available by request to alindall@afscme31.org. Comparisons derived from US Census data by government function for each state government.  Figures for 2008 released 10-26-09 at http://www2.census.gov/govs/apes/08stall.xls. Figures for previous years accessed via http://harvester.census.gov/datadissem/. US Census population estimates at http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2008-01.xls.

Next time you hear an Illinois politician claim that state government has to cut the fat ask him–or her–to step out of the buffet line and politely say–liar.

Pat Quinn Tells Madigan, Cross, Cullerton and Radogno He’s Borrowing $1 Billion More to Bail Out Illinois Budget

(Springfield, IL) — October 29, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today told House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Tom Cross, Senate President John Cullerton, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno that he plans to borrow another $1 billion to help pay the state bills, the State Journal-Register’s Ryan Keith reports.

With budget problems climbing, Gov. Pat Quinn says he’ll need to borrow another $1 billion soon to keep state government running this winter.

Quinn emerged from a meeting today with legislative leaders saying he’s looking at another short-term borrowing plan to keep up government’s liquidity – having enough money to pay its bills – between November and February, when tax revenues are traditionally slowest.

Quinn borrowed $1 billion during summer to keep the lights on. The $2 billion must be paid back to banks by the end of the state fiscal year on June 30. Good luck with that.

Watch. Illinois will need a loan to pay the loan, because the probability that the legislature will raise the income tax this spring to prop up the Illinois budget are close to zippo.

Illinois 2010 Elections–1st Illinois Gay vs. Lesbian Democratic Primary Contest: Joe Laiacona Files Petitions to Challenge State Rep. Deb Mell

Joe Laiacona

(Chicago, IL) — October 27, 2009. It’s gotta be first in Illinois politics.

If his nominating petitions survive a potential challenge, openly gay state representative candidate Joe Laiacona will take on Illinois’ first openly lesbian lawmaker State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) in February 2, 2010 Democratic primary.

This would be the first Illinois primary election in which two openly gay candidates squared-off against each other exclusively in an Illinois state legislative race–or in any other Illinois race for that matter.

Both candidates filed their petitions in Springfield on Monday at 8:00 a.m. By 3:59 p.m., Laiacona’s petitions had already been examined and copied for a potential challenge.

Laiacona, a father of two daughters and a former Catholic Seminarian, is a part-time instructor at Columbia College. He also is facing an uphill struggle.

Mell, who is currently serving her first term, has the advantage of incumbency; she has made no job-threatening gaffes in her tenure; and she has carefully looked-out for her constituent interests in Springfield. And she’s no slouch on the campaign trail. Additionally, Mell has her father–Alderman Richard Mell (D-33)–and his formidable political operation behind her.

Mell will be extremely tough to beat.

But it will be fun to watch.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Money Trail: Julie Hamos Hauls in a Bundle–of New Friends; Mell, Biss, and Smith

(Chicago, IL) — October 26, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 elections money trail …

… State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) co-hosted a Democratic fund-raising brunch for IL 10th CD candidate Julie Hamos with Charles Stanford and Bob Messerly at their sprawling, swank home in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood on Sunday, October 25.

The early head count was for 18-20 people–and nearly 70 Prada-heeled swells showed with checks in hand for Hamos.

Also mixing in the room were State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago), Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore, former Deputy Cook County Clerk Brandon Neese, and State Rep. candidate Ed Mullen who’s seeking the departing State Rep. John Fritchey’s seat on Chicago’s north side.

Meanwhile, Hamos has a new health care video out …

… Deb Mell raked-in some campaign cash at Chief O’Neill’s restaurant in Chicago on Thursday night, October 22.

… Democratic State Rep. candidate Daniel Biss, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Beth Coulson (R-Glenview) in Chicago’s north suburbs, is looking to scoop up some dough at Hackney’s on Lake in Glenview on Sunday, November 1. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky is the special guest.

… Evanston Alderman Mark Tendam and attorney Neil Moglin are hosting private event in their Evanston home on Friday, October 30 for State Rep. candidate Jeff Smith who seeking Hamos’ state House seat.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Hamos Successor: Gabel, Keenan-Devlin, Kelly, Moran and Smith File Petitions for Illinois House

(Chicago, IL) — October 26, 2009. In the race to succeed State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), who is giving up her state house seat on Chicago’s north shore to run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Mark Kirk, five Democrats filed nominating petitions early this morning.

Diving head-first into the race are: Robyn Gabel, Patrick Keenan-Devlin, Eamon Kelly, Edmund Moran, and Jeff Smith. All candidates are from Evanston.

Stay tuned.

Illinois 2010 Elections–Fritchey Successor: Dan Farley, Ed Mullen File Petitions for IL House

(Chicago, IL) — October 26, 2009. In the race to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), who is giving up his seat on Chicago’s north side to run for the Cook County Board, two Democrats filed nominating petitions early this morning, Dan Farley and Ed Mullen.

Farley is the son of former State Senator Bruce Farley (D-Chicago) and is backed by Chicago Alderman Gene Schulter (D-47). Mullen, an attorney and an openly gay candidate, filed 1,500 signatures, three times the minimum to access the ballot.

Lobbyist Ann Williams, a former staffer to House Speaker Michael Madigan and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, is also expected to join the race.

Illinois 2010 Elections-Lt. Governor: Cole, Plummer, Tracy, White, Hendon, Link and Turner

(Springfield, IL) — October 26, 2009. Today seven candidates filed nominating petitions to run for Illinois Lt. Governor in 2010:

Brad Cole, (R-Carbondale).

Jason Plummer, (R-Edwardsville)

Don Tracy, (R-Springfield)

Randy White, (R-Hamilton)

Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago)

Terry Link, (D-Waukegan)

Arthur Turner (D-Chicago)

State Rep. Turner’s son filed petitions for his dad’s House seat and Hendon filed to run for Danny Davis’ Congressional seat. Hendon is unlikely to remain in the Lite Guv race.

Stay tuned.

Pat Quinn, Michelle Saddler Roll-Out New $74 Million Child Care Policy

Governor Pat Quinn

(Chicago, IL) — October 21, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn and Michelle Saddler, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, yesterday rolled-out a new $74 million child care policy to help low-income working parents, expanding child care to more than 3,000 kids.

The new policy, which was unveiled at El Valor in Pilsen Little Village, is being implemented with $74 million in one-time child care funding through President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Quinn Administration will use the new federal money to:

• Reduce the share of their co-payment by 15 percent. Families are required to share the cost and are assessed a co-payment based on family size, income and number of children in care.

• Extend time allowed for job search from 30 to 90 days for currently enrolled families.

• Maintain enrollment in the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program open for families needing child care to help avoid a waiting list.

• Help to improve quality of programs caring for children from birth to the age of three by enabling the state to create a statewide network of Infant Toddler Specialists.

“These ARRA funds will help parents keep their jobs and continue to provide for their families during these tough economic times,” said Secretary Saddler.

According to Quinn’s press release, the new money will allow the state to serve more families despite the tight state budget, totaling approximately 1,500 families.

The federal money will be received as a supplemental allocation to Saddler’s agency and will run through September of 2011. After September 2011?

It’s hard to imagine that the Quinn Administration–or a subsequent administration–withdrawing the child care benefits after the federal dough runs out. Cue “budget crisis” for the program on October 1, 2011.

The state Child Care Assistance Program provides help to more than 90,000 low-income, working families.

Illinois 2010 Elections: New Poll Says Dan Hynes Beating “Someone Else” by 2% points; Quinn, Jackson, Giannoulias, Hoffman, Obama, Schoenberg, Schroeder, Dunkin, Proft, Dillard, Brady, Schillerstrom, Andrzejewski, and Preckwinkle

Comptroller Dan Hynes

(Chicago, IL) — October 21, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 candidate and cow-pie trail…

… Yesterday Comptroller Dan Hynes‘ campaign manager, Michael Rendina, sent an e-mail yesterday regarding a new poll in the Illinois 2010 Democratic primary for Governor: “Just last week the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute released an independent poll that showed … Dan had the highest job approval rating among all Illinois elected officials at 82 percent.”

What Rendina left unmentioned was what the Institute’s press release noted, “However, that rating masks Hynes’ low name recognition’ 41% of those surveyed were unable to offer a job approval rating.”

The Simon Institute poll did reveal Hynes is beating “Someone Else” 16.5% to 14.2%. However, Pat Quinn is leading both Hynes and “Someone Else” with 33.9%. And “Don’t Know” is beating ‘em all with 35.4%.

… Hynes released a testimonial TV ad on Sunday, which included former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson. Unlike Hynes’ first ad release, this one well done and gyrates with some energy. Take a look:

… Another candidate promoting a poll in which said candidate is losing the race is U.S. Senate hopeful Cheryle Jackson. Like Hynes, Jackson’s campaign manager, Rodney Shelton, also yesterday e-mailed supporters with the “good news”.

According to a new Rasmussen Reports poll in Illinois, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) is tied with Alexi Giannoulias (D), 41% to 41%.The poll also shows Cheryle Robinson Jackson (D) in a competitive race with Kirk (R) 39% to 43%, and he tops David Hoffman (D), 43% to 33%.

Giannoulias should consider the Jackson e-mail as an “in-kind contribution” to his. Hoffman released last week his own poll which showed him losing the race–so he won’t mind Jackson’s communication.

… A new poll on Illinois’ most famous pol–Barack Obama–reveals that his job performance rating has fallen to 49% in the most recent Zogby Interactive survey, slipping below the 52% he scored late last month.

… State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) is hosting pizza fundraising dinner at Union Pizzeria tonight, Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm in Evanston. Yum.

… Shaking the campaign money-tree last night was Illinois 5th District Democratic State Representative candidate Dave Schroeder, an attorney with Tribler, Orpett & Meyer, who hosted a fund-raiser at the popular gay bar Sidetrack on Chicago’s North Side. Schroeder is challenging incumbent Ken Dunkin in the Democrtic primary. The “uniquely-shaped lake-front district” starts in the 42nd Ward and runs south and runs very, very, very long …

… Union League Club Public Affairs Committee today is hosting a debate with five of 1,789 Illinois 2010 Republican candidates for Governor–Dan Proft, Kirk Dillard, Bill Brady, Bob Schillerstrom, and Adam Andrzejewski.

… Candidate for Cook County Board President, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle issued a press statement yesterday on Todd Stroger’s finger wagging at the County Hospital Board and the statement ran on and on and on and on for 309 words–about 279 words too many.

Greg Harris Pushes Public Hearing on Neurologic and Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago Closure

State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)

(Chicago, IL) — October 16, 2009. The impending of the closure of the Neurologic and Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago, located in the Ravenswood neighbor, prompted State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) to request a public hearing from the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board, which was held at the Sulzer Regional Library on October 9.

“This action, which occurred rather suddenly, would result in a great loss of specialized medical care to the community, the loss of around 300 jobs in a difficult economy,” Harris wrote in a recent e-mail, “and would leave a key structure vacant and deserted on the hospital campus.”

The facility wants to move its operations to the north suburban Evanston North Shore Hospital.

“At this hearing I, along with Alderman Gene Schulter (D-47th) and Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), voiced the opposition of the community to the closing,” said Harris.

“This sale and resulting closing is going to have a disastrous impact on our community,” Schulter said in a previous press release, reported by Lorraine Swanson at Lake Effect News.

Harris noted that residents can still submit written testimony to the state panel by 9:00 am on Nov. 12, 2009 to:

Mike Constantino, Supervisor, Project Review Section
Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board
Illinois Department of Public Health
525 W. Jefferson St., Second Floor
Springfield, IL 62761

Refer to Application 09-045

You can view the information on the application for closure here: http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/hfpb/pubhear.htm#09-045

Illinois Media Round’em Up: Dan Seals Raises $303k; Hinz, Kavlen, Conaty, McDermott, Mastony, McKinney, and Jay

Dan Seals

(Chicago, IL) — October 16, 2009. Here are some Illinois stories from the week that kept both old media and new media journalists banging away on the keys and yammering into microphones…

… Team America 10th C.D. Blog reports that Democratic 10th C.D. candidate Dans Seals has raised $303,391 in the 3rd quarter to Julie Hamos‘ $547,000. And Team America are happy campers.

… Crain’s Greg Hinz reported yesterday that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman released his federal income tax returns for the past five years, and they revealed reported annual adjusted gross income of $247,000 to $630,000 between 2004 and 2007. The former Inspector General of Chicago is, well, loaded — with a net worth of $2.8 to $6 million.

… Progress Illinois‘ Josh Kavlen bent his laser-like gaze on the fundamental political question in the Illinois income tax plan duel between Governor Pat Quin and Comptroller Dan Hynes that is now TV airborne.

Objectively speaking, both proposals have their merits.  The real question is: Which of these candidates can actually convince the legislature to go along? … While this debate appears on the surface to be about who has the better, fairer proposal, it’s really be about who has the ability to move their plan through the Springfield morass.  On this point, Hynes has more to prove than Quinn.

Keep in mind, Josh’s sponsor SEIU is backing Quinn, but that in no way diminishes the powerful point he’s making.

… Fox-TV Chicago’s political reporter Jack Conaty snagged a rare interview with House Speaker Michael Madigan in Springfield and Madigan sliced, diced and curried Illinois Republican legislative leaders Tom Cross and Christine Radogno for their “do nothing” approach to legislating. Ouch.

… The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Kevin McDermott had this tale of former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt speaking in Springfield yesterday about how Illinois might increase government transparency. “Every citizen has a right to know where and how their tax money is being spent,” said Blunt.

McDermott dug out this bit of Blunt hypocrisy:

Unmentioned in the speech was an arguably related topic: The controversy over the Blunt administration’s alleged foot-dragging on providing official information contained in governmental emails.

Go home Mr. Blunt.

… Chicago Tribune reporter Colleen Mastony had a Sunday front-page story on surging alcoholism among women. It is worth a read–but with the lights on.

Her story — of a nightly glass of wine that turned into a nightly bottle and eventually four bottles a day — reflects a growing national trend: Alcoholism, once largely considered a man’s disease, has become increasingly common among women.

At her most desperate, Heather — who asked the Tribune to withhold her last name because of the stigma associated with alcoholism — was drinking around the clock, waking in the middle of the night to pour herself a glass of white wine and regularly driving her son to school while drunk. A doctor told her that she was killing herself with alcohol. She had gone to that appointment drunk; a blood test confirmed that she was over the legal limit by 8:45 a.m. And for weeks afterward, she kept drinking.

Strong stuff.

Jerry Stermer (left) and with his old friend, Pat Quinn.

… Illinois Issues’ Maureen Foertsch McKinney profiles Pat Quinn’s Chief-of-Staff Jerry Stermer in the magazine’s October 2009 issue and zeroes in on Stermer’s key challenge up-front as he walked through the office door:

After 22 years as the state’s top advocate for children, Jerry Stermer became the chief administrator in Illinois government. So instead of advocating for the expansion of child care, he was explaining why such services were in danger of being cut. As his son Dan tells it, “You’re fighting against the man, and then you get a job where you are the man, and it’s like, wait, what are you going to do?”

This is must read piece. You get a sense of the guy who is managing the circus and the tightropes on which he himself is walking while doing it.

… WSIL-TV’s Dana Jay “fact checks” the TV-ad war between Quinn and Hynes over their competing plans to increase the Illinois income tax and concludes both are fibbers by omission. Big surprise.

New Survey: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Flop with Small Businesses

(New York, NY) — October 16, 2009. Reuters’ Ellen Wulfhorst reported on Thursday that small business owners in the U.S. have have mostly avoided social media site such as Facebook and Twitter to promote their business, according to a new survey released Thursday.

Three-quarters of small businesses say they have not found sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn helpful for generating business leads or expanding business in the past year, according to a survey conducted for Citibank Small Business of 500 U.S. businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Also, 86 percent said they have not used social networking sites for information or business advice. Ten percent said they have sought business advice and information on expert blogs.

You then gotta wonder what Facebook and Twitter and the rest are delivering to Illinois political candidates who are signing up online every gadget imaginable? Volunteers? Votes? Cash?

Paychecks to social media consultsants?

Illinois 2010 Governor Race: Dan Hynes’ Tax Plan Would Shield Illinois Legislature, Governor from Tax Hike

Comptroller Dan Hynes

(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2009. Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes‘ Democratic primary campaign for governor has a new income tax attack ad on Quinn airborne.

Hynes contrasts his tax plan with Governor Pat Quinn’s by noting he’ll raise taxes on Illinois incomes only over $200,000. Hynes claims that his plan will protect the middle class incomes–but that plan will also exempt the next governor and all Illinois lawmakers income from a tax hike, too.

The governor’s salary is $177,000 and lawmakers’ base salary is $67,836.

In addition, the lt. governor, treasurer, comptroller, attorney general, secretary of state, speaker of the House and president of the Senate would all be shielded from an income tax increase, too.

If Hynes ultimately were to win the governor’s office and enacts his plan, the entire Illinois governing class would be exempt from an Illinois income tax increase. Oops.

Meanwhile, Quinn’s plan, however, boosts the tax on the governor’s salary and on all constitutional officers. Quinn’s campaign spokesperson, Elizabeth Austin, notes that incomes above $60,000 would witness a “modest” increase. That includes legislators.  Phew.

Under Quinn’s plan of “shared sacrifice”, the people–lawmakers and the Governor–responsible for raising incomes taxes would feel the tax bite like everyone else. Under Hynes plan, they are exempt.

Seems a wee bit unfair, no?

You gotta imagine the quintessential populist Quinn will sooner or later point out this “contrast” between the two plans.

Meanwhile, here’s the Hynes ad.

Illinois 2010 Elections-Round’em UP: Robin Kelly Snags Halvorson; Hamos, Feigenholtz, Malkin, Hoffman, Giannoulias, Jackson, Steans, Quinn, and Hynes

Illinois Democratic Treasurer candidate Robin Kelly

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

… Robin Kelly, current chief of staff to Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, added U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson to her bulging list of endorsements to succeed Giannoulias.

… U.S. 10th CD candidate Julie Hamos and volunteers knocked on more than 1,000 doors in Mark Kirk’s congressional district during the weekend. A lot of cold, sore knuckles followed.

… State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is co-hosting a fund-raising brunch for Hamos with Charles Stanford and Bob Messerly at their sprawling home in East Lakeview on October 25. GPS devices are recommended to find the dining room.

… Conservative columnist Michelle Malkin will be headlining the United Republican Fund’s 75th Anniversary dinner gala at the Chicago Hilton and Towers on October 22. Vegitarians beware. The menu will feature only uncooked, raw, red meat. Yum.

… Illinois U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman’s campaign manager Michael Powell circulated a new e-mail on the results of a new poll without actually revealing the horse race results–unless you follow the trail of tears to the multiple links to a memo–which says: Alexi Giannoulias gets 26%, Cheryle Jackson 12%, Hoffman 5% and Nobody leading–55%

Why share the fact that Hoffman is dead last?

The Hoffman memo argues if–and it’s big, fat tubby if–voters hear his message then he leads: Hoffman 36%, Giannoulias 27%, Jackson 11%, and Nobody 26%. But they aren’t, and he isn’t.

State Senator Heather Steans

… State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) is throwing a fund-raiser at Hamburger Mary’s in Chicago on November 10. Steans, who is facing gay activist Jim Madigan in the Democratic primary, has snagged prominent gay political types for the event’s host committee:

Political consultant and long-time fund-raiser Michael Bauer, State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), activist Kelly Cassidy, Howard Brown Health Center CEO Michael Cook, former City of Chicago Gay & Lesbian Liaison Mary Morten, former Deputy Cook County Clerk Brandon Neese, Chicago House President Rev. Stan Sloan, AIDS Foundation of Chicago lobbyist John Peller, and Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance Michael McRaith. Phew.

… Quinn has cleverly planned no campaign events today. Lawmakers are in Springfield today for veto session. Gotta govern.

… Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes‘ Democratic primary campaign  for governor has a new income tax attack ad on Quinn airborne. Hynes contrasts his tax plan with Quinn’s by noting he’ll raise taxes on incomes only over $200,000. Hyne’s plan will protect the middle class–and the next governor.

The governor’s salary is $177,000. If Hynes wins and enacts his plan, he’ll escape his own tax hike. Oops. Convenient. Quinn’s plan, however, boosts the tax on the governor’s salary.

Here’s the ad.

Uh, Oh–Illinois Budget has a New $900 Million Hole

(Springfield, IL) — October 14, 2009. The Associated Press is reporting that Illinois government is staring at a gaping $900 million budget hole. Yikes.

A new problem for Governor Pat Quinn and state lawmakers.

In an interview Wednesday with the Associated Press, Quinn budget director David Vaught said fixing the deficit will require more spending cuts, additional borrowing and quick action to raise income taxes early next year. Vaught said he now expects income tax revenue to be $850 million lower than projected, largely because unemployment has continued to climb.

The Illinois legislature will be back to searching between the sofa cushions for money to fix this newly sprung leak.

Mark Walker Pushes Illinois House to Strip Todd Stroger of 4/5th Veto Override Power

State Rep. Mark Walker

(Springfield, IL) — October 14, 2009. The Illinois House today voted 95-18-2 to strip Cook County President Todd Stroger–and future board presidents–of the 4/5th of commissioners veto override and reduce it to a more normal 3/5th.

State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) spearheaded the legislation, House Bill 4625, as a response to Stroger’s repeated–and successful–veto of a repeal of his increased 1% sales tax in Cook County which has infuriated tax payers–and many of those tax payers live in Walker’s suburban Cook legislative district.

Under a 4/5th rule, Stroger has been able to sustain his vetoes with a handful of loyalist commissioners.

Good job, Rep. Walker.

The legislation now moves to the Senate. Expect the bill to sprout wings in the Senate.

Illinois 2010 Elections-Round’em Up: Pat Quinn Working on CTA Crisis; Gainer, Hoffman, Connor, Proft, Smith, Stroger, Jackson, Preckwinkle, and Giannoulias

Jay Paul Deratany (left), Greg Jarvis, Governor Pat Quinn, other guests.

(Chicago, IL) — October 13, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 candidate and cow-pie trail …

… The latest installment of a CTA-threatened “doomsday” has already wormed its way onto Governor Pat Quinn’s schedule.

Before arriving at a private fund-raiser, Quinn met last night with anxious CTA bus drivers–many of whom whose routes have been targeted for reduction as part of CTA Chairman Terry Peterson’s plan to close a $300 million budget deficit–and the Governor noted it was a l-o-n-g meeting.

Mayor Richard Daley is looking to Springfield for help, but folks should expect no legislative action during the Illinois General Assembly’s fall veto session that begins today. The curtain on CTA “doomsday” skits falls the moment just before bus drivers are cleaning out their lockers and after the fat lady has passed out–and not a millisecond sooner.

Anyway, Quinn said funding college grant assistance for 138,000 students during the Spring semester–the Illinois Monetary Award Program or MAP–is his veto session priority.

… Quinn was feted by a Gucci-heeled crowd at at the Lincoln Park mansion of Chicago attorney Jay Paul Deratany, who ran for a seat on the Cook County Board of Review in 2008–a seat once held by Quinn himself.

Todd Connor

… Other candidates circulating among the progressive swells included Cook County Board Commissioner Bridget Gainer; U.S. Senate-hopeful David Hoffman, Chicago’s former Inspector General; Jeff Smith who’s angling for Julie Hamos‘ Evanston State House seat; and Todd Connor, 31, a former Navy officer and a former Illinois Inspector General, who’s looking to grab a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

Hoffman worked the crowd and left no guest’s hand unshaken and Connor left no guest unimpressed.

… Speaking of David Hoffman, he has a new poll out that says he’s losing his U.S. Senate race–but that he will win if–and a big fat, tubby if–if enough Illinois voters hear that message he’s crafted. Hope he lifted a few wallets at Quinn’s event.

… Illinois 2010 Republican Governor candidate Dan Proft yesterday blasted an email out to folks to provide “a sample of my media appearances” – and to prove his campaign–slumbering in single-digit polling purgatory–still has a pulse.

… Yesterday, a group of African-American ministers answered Todd Stroger’ prayer and endorsed him for Cook County Board President. Now if Stroger can attach a wing to that prayer–he may have a holy ghost of a chance.

Afterward, primary opponent Alderman Toni Preckwinkle issued a statement saying: “The County includes African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, people of European descent … This isn’t an African-American primary, this is a Democratic primary.” True. But a candidate needs to build a coalition among these groups, Alderman.

… Illinois 2010 U.S. Senate-hopeful Cheryle Jackson reports raising $355,000 for her late-start bid to capture Barack Obama’s former Senate seat. That’s some serious scratch. A couple million more and–bingo–she’s in the hunt.

… Jackson’s Illinois U.S. Senate opponent in the Democratic primary Alexi Giannoulias appeared on CNBC to discuss his plan to rein in debt settlement companies, those good samaritans with the late-night commercials that promise to clean credit problems and really only clean your wallet.

more about “untitled“, posted with vodpod

Illinois 2010 Republican Primary-Governor: Jim Edgar Endorses Kirk Dillard

(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2009. As expected, the wildly popular and mildly successful former Republican Governor Jim Edgar today endorsed his former chief-of-staff, State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), in the Illinois 2010 Republican primary for governor.

Good news for Dillard.

The Illini Pundit–a Dillard booster–has the details …

Illinois 2010 Democratic Primary-Governor: New Dan Hynes Web Video Jabs Pat Quinn Over Taxes

(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2009. No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes today launched a new, quickly pasted together :39 second Web video attack on Governor Pat Quinn over income taxes.

Unlike his paid-vanilla attack ad currently airing across Illinois in which Hynes casually and calmly inserts the knife into Quinn’s rib cage, the new amateur Web-version jabs a jagged piece of broken glass into Quinn by a narrator’s unseen hand to make its point.

The Illinois 2010 Democratic primary race for governor just got a little nastier, bloodier.

Let the good times roll.

Here’s the video:

David Ormsby, davidormsby@davidormsby.com

Illinois 2010 Elections-Round’em Up: Quinn, Hynes, Edgar, Dillard, Proft, Davis, Preckwinkle, Tendam, Connor, Williams, Hare, and Schillerstrom

(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2009. From the Illinois 2010 candidate and cow-pie trail …

… Governor Pat Quinn began swinging back on Sunday at Comptroller Dan Hynes in the Illinois 2010 Democratic governor’s race with his own TV ad to blunt a spot Hynes began running a few days ago whacking Quinn on his income tax increase plan.

Quinn’s slight-of-hand ad refers only to the tax break–not the tax hike–of his plan, but, hey, at least it is visually less of a yawn than Hynes “behind the desk” spot. Zzzzzzz. It will help Quinn staunch the blood drawn by Hynes.

Take a look at both:

… U.S Representative Danny Davis (D-Chicago) apparently had a press conference on Sunday–quelle surprise!–to announce a new poll in his race for Cook County Board President. Davis must be leading. But don’t bother looking for Davis’ campaign Web site for news. It doesn’t exist. The Web site, not Davis.

How do we know?

Primary opponent Chicago Alderman Toni Preckwinkle issued a press release criticizing Davis.

While Congressman Davis continues to focus on poll numbers, I have spent the last nine months speaking with citizens throughout Cook County who have become distrustful of and dissatisfied with County government.

Translation: Davis is beating Preckwinkle.

… Former Governor Jim Edgar will apparently endorse his former chief-of-staff State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) for Governor on Monday. Good news for Dillard. Bad news for the hordes of other Illinois 2010 Republican governor candidates. Can’t wait for a Dan Proft press release on this one.

… Newly-elected Evanston 6th Ward Alderman Mark Tendam and his partner, attorney Neil Moglin, hosted a meet-n-greet/fund-raiser at their swanky, newly-expanded home for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago candidate Todd Connor on Sunday evening.

Connor, 31, a former U.S. Navy officer who toured twice in the latest Iraq War, a former Illinois Inspector General and all-around wunderkind, is looking to capture one of three seats up for election on the nine-member board as a Democrat.

Prepared to be dazzled. Connor is worth watching.

… Pharmaceutical lobbyist Ann Williams circulated petitions this weekend for the state House seat on Chicago’s north side being vacated by John Fritchey who is opting for the Cook County Board. Williams, who worked for House Speaker Michael Madigan and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, has progressives and Madigan Minions alike atwitter.

… U.S. Representative Phil Hare from western Illinois will endorse Quinn on Monday in a day-long, four-stop, all-expense paid junket through west and central Illinois.

… Finally, Illinois Republican governor candidate Bob Schillerstrom, DuPage County Board Chairman, has a new :14 second video–”Bob on More Spending”. It’s cute–and risky. Schillerstrom overestimates that the average voter will “get it” that he is opposed to “more spending”. Doubts?

Ask U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. On Friday, WBEZ radio reported that Durbin’s doorman congratulated him on–winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He had “heard it” on the news.

Of course, only 49 people have seen the Schillerstrom video on YouTube so far–not a lot voters at stake, granted.

Here is Bob’s video.

David Ormsby, davidormsby@davidormsby.com

Pat Quinn Exiles Carol Adams to Africa, Picks Michelle Saddler for DHS Secretary

(Chicago, IL) – October 11, 2009. In a blast from from the fumigator, Governor Pat Quinn on Sunday dumped Carol Adams as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services and named Michelle Saddler, Director of Policy for the Quinn Administration, as Adams’ replacement.

Quinn named Adams, who was appointed by Rod Blagojevich to the DHS post six years ago, as Illinois Representative to Africa. Apparently, the trade rep job to Outer Mongolia was already taken.

“It is a pleasure to appoint these two experienced professionals to these important positions. Both will bring a deep sense of commitment and great vigor to their new roles as they continue to serve the people of Illinois,” said Quinn in a press release.

Boy, Governor, you have no idea of the pleasure that these appointments bring. Pop, pop, pop. That’s the sound of champagne corks ripping across the state.

Before being named Quinn’s policy chief, Saddler held a number of key management and policy positions, including Director of Investments with then-Illinois State Treasurer Quinn.

Saddler earned her Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a Master’s of Management Degree from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Saddler is well regarded by the people who talk behind her back, like lobbyists.

Upon hearing the news, one human services lobbyist said yesterday evening, “Wow. Thank goodness. Saddler is smart, well-liked, and she understands human services. What took Quinn so long?”

Welcome, Madame Secretary.

Good job, Governor.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Proft is Right. Argh.

Dan Proft

(Chicago, IL) — October 9, 2009. Ok, this is going to hurt. A lot. Well, here goes–Dan Proft is right.

Ouch. Damn.

The arch-conservative Proft, one of the 1,789 Illinois Republican candidates running for Governor in 2010, today issued a press release correctly attacking fellow conservative and GOP opponent Adam Andrzejewski’s proposal to issue a gubernatorial executive order to audit state spending of every agency under the Executive branch to tackle the Illinois budget crisis.

“Adam … proposed to spend precious time, 1 million man-hours, and $100 million that we don’t have, on accountants to comb the budget and sleuth for departments that spend too much on paper clips. … As committed as I am to budget cuts, no amount of green eye shade efforts will solve our problem unless we re-order the big-ticket budget items in our state including pensions, K-12 education, and health care. No tinkering at the margins will stop our state’s economic decline.”

Proft is right.

THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER and Dan Proft inhabit the polar opposites of the political spectrum and this publication has mercessly chewed on his earlier policy prescriptions, but Proft correctly identifies that the “big-ticket budget items” are driving the Illinois budget disaster–not the paperclip waste.

Adam Andrzejewski

But Proft is right to ridicule Andrzejewski’s audit proposal for even a simpler reason–audits are already being done. That’s the job of Illinois Auditor General at $6.8 million a year.

Under the leadership of the enormously respected William Holand since 1992, the Auditor General regularly audits each and every state entity that spends a single nickle. The state auditors audit both the agencies’ money and the agencies’ mandated programs.

Unfortunately Proft limited his ridicule to Andrzejeski’s redundant audit scheme. He should have poked at Andrzejeski’s hokey ‘Every Dime. Online. In Real Time.’ mantra. Why? That’s already done, too.

Mr. Andrzejeski, meet the Office of the Illinois Comptroller.

How much is the state contract for Office Depot? Visit the Comptroller’s Web site and you’ll learn it’s $595,298.01. Archer Daniels Midland Company? $111,320.34. B & B Hardware? $6.58. Every dime. Online. In real time.

How much money is in the state checkbook today, on Friday, October 9, 2009? $90,675,160.59. Every dime. Online. In real time.

Adam, another good idea–thank Dan Hynes.

Proft’s attack underscores Andrzejeski’s near total ignorance regarding state government–but the attack also underscores Proft’s growing unease with Andrzejeski’s growing ascendancy among right-wingers.

Proft had positioned himself as the conservative darling. But Andrzejeski is walking away with more straw poll votes and ranking higher than Proft in public opinion polls, albeit both are consigned to the single-digit dungeon.

Proft is right on the policy priorities, but Andrzejeski is winning the politics. Go figure. Expect more Proft attacks on Andrzejeski.

THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER will be waiting–the popcorn is on standby.

Illinois 2010 Elections: Elk Grove Township Republicans Endorse Bill Brady for Governor

(Chicago, IL) — October 5, 2009. The Republican Organization of Elk Grove Township in northwest suburban Cook County on Saturday endorsed State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) for governor in the Illinois 2010 Republican primary.

Elk Grove was the first Cook County township to endorse for the 2010 primary election contests.

The endorsement from Elk Grove Republicans required a super-majority of 60 percent.

For the downstate Brady, this is good news.

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.

Quigley was absent from a big group of progressive Democrats who endorsed Quinn on September 14.

Today could be the day.

Quinn’s opponent in the Illinois 2010 Democratic primary for governor, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes endorsed State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) over Quigley in this year’s special congressional primary for Rahm Emanuel’s vacated House seat. Oops.

Payback. Betcha.

The press conference will be at the Hotel Alegro and begins at 10:00 a.m.

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

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:

“T