Illinois 2010 Elections: David Schroeder’s State Rep Campaign against Incumbent Ken Dunkin Hit with Petition Challenge
(Chicago, IL) — November 11, 2009. A petition challenge yesterday landed on the candidacy of Illinois House 5th District Democratic state representative hopeful David Schroeder.
Schroeder is challenging incumbent State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) in the February 2 primary.
“Today someone filed objections to my petition signatures on behalf of my opponent Ken Dunkin,” Schroeder wrote in a statement. “Ken has repeatedly made it clear throughout his political career that he is not interested in letting the voters have their say on Election Day.”
Schroeder filed four times the number of signatures legally required for the race.
“Ken has a history of running nasty campaigns, including trying to get his opponents knocked off the ballot instead of competing with them in an honest election,” Schroeder said.
Ouch.
Drawn out petition challenges can chew up valuable campaign cash and time, undermining a challenger’s ability to knock off an incumbent.
Stay tuned.
2010 Elections: Voters Back Republicans over Democrats as 2010 Elections Approach, New Gallup Poll Says
(Princeton, NJ) — November 11, 2009. Republicans have surged passed Democrats as the 2010 congressional elections loom, according to a new Gallup poll. Not good news for national–or Illinois Democrats.
Registered voters in Gallup’s new poll on the generic congressional ballot for the 2010 House elections has Republicans besting Democrats 48% to 44%, after being down six points in July and two in October.
Uh, oh.
This voter discontent with Democrats should make both Governor Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes nervous.
Illinois 2010 Elections: Victory Fund Endorses Democratic State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan
Jim Madigan and Campaign Manager Lauren Peters wait in the rain for three hours to turn in Jim's petition on the first day for candidates to file with the State Board of Elections in Springfield, IL.
(Chicago, IL) — November 11, 2009. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed Illinois Democratic State Senate candidate Jim Madigan in his primary race against first-term incumbent Heather Steans (D-Chicago).
Madigan, a civil rights attorney and gay rights activist, announced the news on Friday, November 6 via Twitter.
The Victory Fund endorsement is an important boost to Madigan’s campaign.
This national group identifies, trains and helps elects gay and lesbian candidate to all levels of office across the United States. And it has an impressive track record. In the 2008 cycle, it endorsed 111 openly gay or lesbian candidates – 80 of whom won.
The national endorsement–which also will draw donations to Madigan’s campaign–will also help counterbalance the strong local gay and lesbian backing garnered by Steans in the contest for the 7th district seat on Chicago’s North Side.
In fact, Steans hosted a fund-raiser last night, Tuesday, November 10, at Hamburger Mary’s in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood which included an all-star host committee of gay and lesbian political and civic leaders, including openly gay State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).
State Rep. Greg Harris introduces State Senator Heather Steans during the Nov. 10 fundraiser at Hamburger Mary's.
In addition to Harris, the Steans committe included: political consultant and long-time fund-raiser Michael Bauer, 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.
Additionally, openly gay Alderman Tom Tunney (D-44th), openly lesbian Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore, and Equality Illinois political director Rick Garcia have endorsed Steans.
Madigan, the former interim Executive Director of Equality Illinois a statewide gay rights group, filed his nominating petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield on October 26 with 3,000 signatures, three times the 1,000 necessary to secure a spot on the February 2 primary ballot.
Madigan’s petitions were photocopied by a local political operative which suggested a potential petition challenge, but no challenge emerged. Madigan followed the 3-to-1 petition “rule of thumb”, collecting three times the number of signatures that he legally needed, and he apparently hewed to the arcane ballot access law requirements which routinely torment even experienced candidates.
In fact, State Rep. Deb Mell, the legislature’s first openly lesbian lawmaker and daughter of long-term Alderman Dick Mell (D-33) is facing a stiff challenge to her petitions by her openly gay opponent Joe Laiacona.
In addition to Madigan’s endorsement, the Victory Fund has also endorsed two other openly gay Illinois candidates. Todd Connnor, a Democrat running for one of three open seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and Linda Pauel, a Democrat seeking a judgeship in Illinois’ 1st judicial circuit, also have the Fund’s backing.
Let the show begin.
Illinois 2010 Elections–Democratic Primary Governor: Poll Has Pat Quinn Leading Dan Hynes 34-17, Source Says
Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) — November 10, 2009. A new internal poll has Pat Quinn leading Dan Hynes 34%-17%, according to a reliable source close to the Quinn campaign.
This is a good news-bad news poll.
The good news for Quinn is that he is still beating Hynes 2 to 1 as he was in early September. The bad news for Quinn–and Hynes–is that their support has cratered from the September poll that Quinn publicly released in which he led Hynes 54%-26%.
The nearly $2 million negative ad duel between the two campaigns has apparently managed only to drag each other down rather than lifting either one up.
That slippage could help explain the Quinn campaign’s recent call for an attack ad “cease fire” between he and Hynes. Hynes said no. He should probably reconsider.
It may also explain the new positive video–”Herb the Barber”–launched by Quinn’s campaign as an effort to help rebuild the Governor’s support. Herb, Quinn’s barber for at least 32 years, gives an unscripted, homey–or barber shoppy–endorsement of Quinn for, essentially, his honesty.
“Herb the Barber”–a welcome antidote to “Joe the Plumber”–gets all thumbs up. This has to be the best positive ad of the 2010 season. It’s worth a look. Of course, it needs to be seen by more than the 175 people so far on You Tube to be useful to Quinn.
Anyway.
At this moment, Quinn’s campaign communications director–the fiery and fun-deprived Elizabeth Austin–is likely ready to rocket out an e-mail to THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER at any moment. Seat-belt fastened.
One, two, three … Powering down the Blackberry.
Here’s “Herb the Barber”:
Illinois 2010 Elections–Republican Primary Governor: Jim Ryan Trounced in Milton Township Republican Straw Poll
(Chicago, IL) — November 10, 2009. DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom won the Milton Township Republican Organization 2010 Straw Poll for Governor about 10 days ago, beating DuPage County State Senator Kirk Dillard, 142-37.
And after stating at a recent GOP debate that global-warming is not man-made, Schillerstrom will also likely lock up the Flat Earth Society endorsement, too.
But the real news from the Milton GOP straw poll was that former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan–who jumped into the Illinois 2010 Republican primary for governor a week-ago–got trounced.
Milton Township GOP Straw Poll–Candidate Vote Total:
- Bob Schillerstrom 142
- Kirk Dillard 37
- Adam Andrzejewski 36
- Bill Brady 27
- Jim Ryan 13
- Dan Proft 6
- Andy McKenna 2
Ryan got into the race virtually boasting he was going to be the 800-pound guerilla in race, releasing a poll memo that had him beating State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) by a meager 26-10, and leaving the others in the poll’s single-digit dungeon.
The Milton Township Republicans apparently didn’t get the memo.
Ryan has got some work to do.
Illinois 2010 Elections: Candidate Todd Connnor, Former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt Bash Water District Bond Deal that Flushed $68 Million in Taxpayer Money Down the Sewer
MWRD Democratic candidate Todd Connor
(Chicago, IL) — November 9, 2009. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners last Thursday got a pasting from financial analyst Daniel Kaplan and candidate Todd Connor–who is aiming to join the board’s ranks–over a botched bond deal that cost Cook County area taxpayers $68 million.
The MWRD cleans sludge. Figures.
The AAA-rated MWRD via its elected commisioners unanimously approved and sold $600 million worth of bonds in August at a 5.72% interest rate. Nearly simultaneously, AAA-rated Johnson & Johnson had comparable bonds out there at an implied 5.33% interest rate.
“Had Chicago’s authorities borrowed at the same rate as J&J, they would have saved taxpayers $68.6 million over the lifespan of the bonds,” wrote Arthur Levitt, former Securities Exchange Commission Chairman, on Bloomberg.com on October 22.
Oops.
Levitt noted that District treasurer was “really happy” with the results of the bond sale.
“That’s like a retailer bragging about how it sold out of merchandise priced at a loss,” Levitt added.
In Chicago–that’s politics and bond deals. Taxpayers rarely win.
At Thursday’s meeting, financial consultant, Daniel Kaplan, who offered expert testimony and detailed financial analysis, said: “This was a very lucrative deal for underwriters and investors, and a very poor deal for the taxpayers of the District.”
In Chicago–that’s politics and bond deals. Taxpayers rarely win.
The water district commissioners tapped Mesirow Financial of Chicago to handle the bond deal. Mesirow was, however, apparently out of its league. Mesirow is not ranked among the top 25 firms in the Securities Data Index, and does not usually handle bond deals of this size.
Hmm.
Well, why was Mesirow selected by MRWD commissioners Barbara McGowan, Cynthia Santos Debra Shore, Frank Avila, Gloria Alitto Majewski, Kathleen Meany, Mariyana Spyropoulos (assumed office after the bond deal vote), Patricia Horton, and Board President Terry O’Brien?
Todd Connor, a former Illinois Inspector General and a Democratic candidate for a MRWD board seat, has also been asking that question and banging away on his drum over the $68 million lost by Cook County taxpayers in the Mesirow deal.
“The problem is that these questions needed to asked before the deal was approved, not after the taxpayers money has been lost,” said Connor, frustrated at the Board’s post-game review of the bond deal on November 5.
Horse long gone. Now firmly close barn-door. Typical government response.
“We cannot afford to have elected officials who are interested in backroom business or pinstripe patronage, but rather, we need Commissioners who are able to speak up, ask the right questions and make decisions solely based on the taxpayer’s interest,” added Connor, 31, a former Navy officer.
Connor, who earned his MBA at the University of Chicago and served overseas in the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a navigator on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill, has to be one of the most impressive candidates on the 2010 Illinois campaign trail. He combines brains and campaign savvy.
If this former Illinois Inspector General–who filed nominating petitions with 22,000 signatures–snags a seat on the water district board–which manages a $1.6 billion–that’s “billion” with a “b”–budget that is larger than the CTA’s–he can follow paper trails. He can find where other bond deals are buried.
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, and Cook County Commissioner Roberto Moldonado (D-Chicago).
Connor can clean the water agency’s poop deck and clean up its officers’ mess. He’s got the professional qualifications and the grit. Heck, he has even his own white hat, too. But he needs the help of voters.
Otherwise, we Cook County area taxpayers risk another $68 million loss–or more–on some future bond deal sluicing down the MWRD’s own sewer.
Can we afford that?
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–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 the 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:
- Current global Internet rank–with “1″ as the highest possible rank on the Web.
- Change in global Internet rank–the number of “places” over the last 90 days.
- Current U.S. rank.
- % 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)
- Ed Scanlan (D-Oak Park): 1. 912,720–Global 2. N/A 3. 81,949–U.S Rank. 4. N/A
- Dan Proft (R-Chicago): 1. 1,466,077–Global 2. Up 3,461,834–Places 3. 241,975–U.S. Rank 4.+430%–Visitors
- Adam Andrzejewski (R-Hinsdale): 1. 1,687,930–Global 2. Up 796,432–Places 3. 299,253–U.S. Rank 4. +70%–Visitors
- Dan Hynes (D-Chicago): 1. 2,231,962–Global 2. N/A 3. 313,621–U.S. Rank 4. N/A
- Bill “Dock” Walls (D-Chicago): 1. 2,449,693–Global Rank 2. Up 206,137–Places 3. N/A 4. -2% Visitors
- Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale): 1. 3,787,514–Global Rank 2. Up 7,560,451–Places 3. N/A 4. +500%–Visitors
- Bob Schillerstrom (R-Naperville): 1. 4,247,191–Global Rank 2. Up 3,271,300–Places 3. N/A 4. +130%–Visitors
- Bill Brady (R-Bloomington): 1. 4,343,083–Global Rank. 2. Up 6,969,144–Places 3. N/A 4. +300%–Visitors
- Pat Quinn (D-Chicago): 1. 4,758,017–Global Rank 2. Down 208,604–Places 3. 635,200–U.S. Rank 4. +20%–Visitors
- Andy McKenna (R-Chicago): 1. 6,506,490–Global Rank 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A
- Rich Whitney (G-Carbondale): 1. 18,151,610–Global Rank 2. Down 8,936,308–Places. 3. N/A 4. -60%–Visitors
- Jim Ryan (R-Elmhurst): 1. 18,833,816–Global Rank 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A
- 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–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.
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 GovernorPS: 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 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: 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.
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.
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–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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
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.
Illinois 2010 Elections: GOP Governor Hopeful Bill Brady Proposes to Kick Out Experienced Illinois Legsilators
(Bloomington, IL) — September 23, 2009. State Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor, yesterday unveiled a government reform package — including term limits for Illinois legislators and statewide officials and a return to multi-member districts in the Illinois House.
“The days of full-time legislators, full-time fundraising and career politicians in state government should be days of the past.,” said Brady.
Ah, memo to Senator Brady: Illinois lawmakers are already part-time legislators. Details, smeetails.
Brady’s proposal includes:
Illinois 2010 Elections: New Chicago Tribune Poll Reveals Illinois Voters Overall Lukewarm on Pat Quinn, But Recent Quinn Poll Reveals Stronger Democratic Support
(Chicago, IL) — September 11, 2009. Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson writes in today’s edition that Governor Pat Quinn’s job performance approval among Illinois voters stands at 39%, according to a new Tribune poll.
Not good.
The poll, conducted August 27-31, reveals that 26% disapprove of the job Quinn is doing and 35% have no opinion–zippo.
Meanwhile, poll results released by Quinn’s campaign tell a much different story among Democratic primary voters. The Quinn poll, conducted August 18-26, claims the Governor’s job approval is 68% among partisan Democrats.
That number is not flying off the chart by any stretch of the imagination, but it is enough to give Quinn a 54% – 26% lead over Illinois Democratic governor primary challenger Comptroller Dan Hynes.
Quinn, however, needs to work hard on shaping his image among the 35% of voters who have no clue regarding his performance. If Republicans shape their views first, Quinn is toast. Crunch, crunch. The primary against Hynes provides Quinn that imaging-shaping opportunity.
Fortunately, for Quinn–and the Democrats at large–Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates are floundering without a strong messenger, message or much money behind their candidacies.
In fact, a right wing, 39-year old, former telephone book publisher, Adam Andrzejewsk, who won a recent GOP straw poll vote with a 116 measly votes–besting three state senators and the chairman of the DuPage County Board–is what passes a Republican “front runner” nowadays.
This is Quinn’s ace in the hole. Perhaps, however, for only the moment.
The Tribune’s pollster, Market Shares Corp, polled 700 registered voters and had a 4% margin of error. Quinn’s, Anzalone Liszt Research, polled 751 Democratic primary voters and had a 3.6% margin of error.
Contact: davidormsby@davidormsby.com
Illinois 2010 Elections: Adam Andrzejewski Wins GOP Illinois Governor Straw Poll – at $1,273 Per Vote
Adam Andrzejewski
(Chicago, IL) — September 9, 2009. Ex-phonebook publisher Adam Andrzejewski won the recent Illinois Republican 2010 governor straw vote 116 to 107 for his closet challenger–at a cost of $1,273.95 per vote.
Since the political neophyte Andrzejewski entered the race in early March–and who has been shut out by major news media with exception of some conservative political blogs–he has reported raising $22,293 and loaned himself $481,000, $350,000 of which came on June 30, 2009.
That was the last day of Illinois State Board of Elections campaign finance reporting period, and it was a bid, apparently, to boost his credibility.
It failed. No major media outlet cared to report more than a squib on his loan.
However, from March to June 30, Andrzejewski, who boasts on his campaign Web site that he beat the high school chess champion while still in grade school, reported his spending at $147,779.45.
That’s some serious dough spent.
And that dough has bought him so far the 116 votes from party activists at the United Republican Fund and WIND radio straw poll on September 4–because it has bought him no measurable attention before. Or since.
At the straw poll, Andrzejewski bested the other declared GOP gubernatorial candidates who were let in the door:
- Matt Murphy – 107
- Dan Proft – 96
- Kirk Dillard – 76
- Bill Brady – 46
- Bob Schillerstrom – 21
Dan Proft
As for those other candidates, a clear estimate for the straw vote cost could be made only for public relations consultant Dan Proft. His 96 votes cost $812.33 per vote. Proft has raised $36,579 and loaned himself $67,000 according to his latest campaign finance statement.
State Senators Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) formally organized their gubernatorial campaigns after the June 30 deadline to report to the elections board and, thus, report raising no money so far.
And State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) and DuPage County Board chief Bob Schillerstrom are mixing their gubernatorial campaigns with their long-standing political campaign committees, rendering a clear accounting of finances difficult.
Still, for Andrzejewski, it seems he is getting little for his money. A speck of major media coverage and 116 straw voters. Heck, he has 1,836 Twitter followers and is unable to inspire barely 100 or so of those to give a tweet.
And for the Illinois Republican Party?
To have a guy who hangs his past competitive “wins” hat on a grade-school chess game to record more more cash on-hand than any other Illinois Republican governor candidate–with the exception–barely–of Brady who is $600,000 in debt–is a party standing on the slimmest of political reeds at the moment of greatest political opportunity.
Were Dillard the front-runner as he insinuates, he would soon need to assert that status in some demonstrable fashion before he is left in the dust by a former phonebook publisher or a highly paid pr consultant.
Jeez.
Contact: davidormsby@davidormsby.com
Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Proft Leads Illinois Governor GOP, Dem Candidates in Web “Eyeballs” Race
Dan Proft
(Chicago, IL) — September 3, 2009. Illinois 2010 GOP governor candidate Dan Proft is currently leading both Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates in the Web “eyeballs” race in July, according to a new Web metrics analysis of candidate sites.
Leveraging Alexa Internet’s basic Web traffic monitoring tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER submitted the Web sites of the leading Illinois 2010 Democratic and Republican candidates for governor to a traffic analysis. The analysis revealed that Proft’s Web site traffic ranks highest of any candidate in July, the most recent data available. Matt Murphy’s traffic ranks the lowest.
All the candidate’s, however, rank pretty low when the number one ranking is, well, 1.
Illinois 2010 Governor Candidate July 2009 Web Traffic Rank:
- Brady, Bill 5,387,593
- Dillard, Kirk 7,209,347
- Hynes, Dan 9,777,962
- Murphy, Matt 10,221637
- Proft, Dan 3,815,627
- Quinn, Pat 4,626,269
To put these rankings in context, the following are the site rankings for the Chicago Tribune and Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Blog:
- Chicago Tribune 1,111
- Capitol Fax Blog 206,748
Before Proft, a public relations consultant, breaks out the champagne, he should know the number of “eyeballs” is pretty small beer.
Using another Web metrics company analysis tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER estimates the total number of “unique visitors” to Proft’s site in July was 1,675. Dan Hynes had an estimated 789. Data was unavailable for the other candidates.
The Tribune had 2.8 million visitors.
All the candidates have a way to go to stir the souls–and key boards–of Illinois voters.
Barack Obama’s political Web site should provide some incentive–it had an Alex rank of 8,276 in July and had an estimated 1.2 million visitors. That’s a tough act to follow.
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UPDATED: November 5, 20009
Ed Scanlan
(Chicago, IL) — November 5, 2009. Illinois 2010 Democratic governor candidate Ed Scanlan of Oak Park is currently leading all Illinois 2010 Republican and Democratic and Green governor candidates in the Web “eyeballs” race, according to a new survey of candidate Web sites.
Utilizing Alexa Internet’s Web traffic monitoring tool, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER submitted the Web sites of all candidates who filed petitions to run in Illinois 2010 primary for governor to a traffic estimate survey on November 4, 2009.
The traffic estimate revealed that Scanlan’s Web site traffic ranks highest of any candidate at 912,7720, with the number “1″ rank–currently occupied by Google–being the highest possible rank on the Web. Dan Proft (R-Chicago) ranked second, followed closely Adam Andrzejewski (R-Hinsdale) in third place. Jim Ryan (R-Elmhurst) ranked the lowest. Ryan, however, entered the race on Monday.
Kirk Dillard’s Web site traffic grew the most of any candidate over the last 90 days–jumping 7,560,451 places in its global Internet rank and its site visitors zoomed up by 500%.
Governor Pat Quinn and Rich Whitney were the only candidates whose Web sites lost ground over the last 90 days, Quinn’s dropping an estimated 208,604 places in the global rankings. Quinn’s campaign recently announced that it had revamped the Governor’s site.
The Alexa survey data–which can fluctuate on a daily basis–identified the following metrics:
- Current global Internet rank–with “1″ as the highest possible rank on the Web.
- Change in global Internet rank–the number of “places” over the last 90 days.
- Current U.S. rank.
- % 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)
- Ed Scanlan (D-Oak Park): 1. 912,720–Global 2. N/A 3. 81,949–U.S Rank. 4. N/A
- Dan Proft (R-Chicago): 1. 1,466,077–Global 2. Up 3,461,834–Places 3. 241,975–U.S. Rank 4.+430%–Visitors
- Adam Andrzejewski (R-Hinsdale): 1. 1,687,930–Global 2. Up 796,432–Places 3. 299,253–U.S. Rank 4. +70%–Visitors
- Dan Hynes (D-Chicago): 1. 2,231,962–Global 2. N/A 3. 313,621–U.S. Rank 4. N/A
- Bill “Dock” Walls (D-Chicago): 1. 2,449,693–Global Rank 2. Up 206,137–Places 3. N/A 4. -2% Visitors
- Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale): 1. 3,787,514–Global Rank 2. Up 7,560,451–Places 3. N/A 4. +500%–Visitors
- Bob Schillerstrom (R-Naperville): 1. 4,247,191–Global Rank 2. Up 3,271,300–Places 3. N/A 4. +130%–Visitors
- Bill Brady (R-Bloomington): 1. 4,343,083–Global Rank. 2. Up 6,969,144–Places 3. N/A 4. +300%–Visitors
- Pat Quinn (D-Chicago): 1. 4,758,017–Global Rank 2. Down 208,604–Places 3. 635,200–U.S. Rank 4. +20%–Visitors
- Andy McKenna (R-Chicago): 1. 6,506,490–Global Rank 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A
- Rich Whitney (G-Carbondale): 1. 18,151,610–Global Rank 2. Down 8,936,308–Places. 3. N/A 4. -60%–Visitors
- Jim Ryan (R-Elmhurst): 1. 18,833,816–Global Rank 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A
- 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: Democrat State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan Opted for GOP in 2000, Skips All Local Chicago Elections Since 1997
Jim Madigan
(Chicago, IL) — August 17, 2009. Weighed by a Republican voting history and skipped votes in local elections since 1997, first-time Democratic State Senate candidate Jim Madigan’s challenge to incumbent State Senator Heather Steans for the party’s nomination in the overwhelming Democratic, progressive north Chicago lakefront district becomes a heavier lift.
A civil rights attorney and gay rights activist, Madigan, 35, is an Ohio native who arrived at the University of Chicago law school in 1997 and registered to vote in Chicago on January 23, 1997, according to Chicago Board of Elections records.
Madigan cast his first Chicago vote in the Republican presidential primary battle between George W. Bush, John McCain, Alan Keyes, Gary Bauer, and Steve Forbes in Illinois on March 21, 2000.
Since that Republican primary, Madigan, the former Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a gay rights political group, has cast primary ballots only in the Democratic primary. Since Illinois has no formal partisan registration, primary voting habits determine party affiliation.
While Madigan has also voted in every general election since 2000—he claims to have voted for Al Gore, Madigan has, however, skipped every mayoral and aldermanic election in the City of Chicago since he registered in 1997.
In response to questions from THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, Madigan said in a statement:
“I pulled a Republican ballot in the Spring 2000 primary because the field had virulent anti-gay candidates: Bush, Keyes and Bauer. … Bush was leading in the polls, and that scared me because he was the biggest threat to gay rights and womens’ rights. I thought Forbes and McCain were more easily beatable, and neither seemed to be the types to blast gay people.”
Madigan neglected to mention exactly for whom he voted in the 2000 Republican presidential primary, but implies Forbes or McCain. Regarding municipal elections, Madigan ignored the question altogether.
The impact of Madigan’s voting history in his upcoming election against Steans divides local analysts.
Lou Lang, Executive Vice President, Cook County Democratic Party
“Jim Madigan will not fly in this district,” said Executive Vice President of the Cook County Democratic Party and Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang.
“With his voting record, he has shown little, if any interest in local government, politics, or even voting. Additionally, his GOP background will not serve him well in a community that is overwhelmingly Democratic and progressive.
“Senator Steans has been a terrific advocate for the district and will not be taken out by a candidate who cannot even take the time to vote in important elections.”
However, Thom Serafin, head of the communication consulting firm Serafin and Associates since 1987 and a local Fox TV News political analyst, has a different take.
“It doesn’t matter when he voted or for whom—the good news is he voted,” said Serafin. We have had too many candidates too handcuffed by party politics and he needs to make that case. Progressives should appreciate that kind of independence.”
But Madigan ignored city elections. And Serafin deftly acknowledges that lack of local voting history presents more of a challenge.
“As far as municipal elections, they are tough,” Serafin said. “But he’ll need to make the case that his interest now presents a new awakening.”
Professor Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics at Roosevelt University and a Crain’s Chicago political columnist, sums up the impact of Madigan’s voting history more succinctly.
“Jim Madigan has little chance,” Green said.
For her part, Steans offered the following observation: “7th District primary voters can decide for themselves if Jim Madigan’s decision to pull a Republican ballot to vote for George Bush or John McCain is relevant to the representation they will receive from him in Springfield.”
Steans is right.
The ultimate “experts” on the impact of Madigan’s voting history will be the Democratic voters along Chicago’s north lakefront.
And they can be an unforgiving bunch.
Illinois 2010 Elections: Adlai Stevenson Snubs Pat Quinn, Backs Dan Hynes
Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III
(Chicago, IL) — August 13, 2009. Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III yesterday endorsed Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes for governor in the Democratic 2010 primary.
Hynes is challenging Governor Pat Quinn in the primary.
“That somebody of the stature of Adlai Stevenson is stepping out in a primary to say that we need Dan Hynes and he’s the right candidate speaks to how important this election is,” said Hynes.
“I’m suggesting that we can do better with Dan Hynes …,” Stevenson said.
Interestingly, Stevenson secured his career-crowning Senate seat by taking on a un-elected incumbent, such as Hynes is doing with Quinn.
After U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen (R-Illinois) died in office in 1969 and Ralph Tyler Smith was appointed to the seat, Stevenson defeated Smith in a 1970 special election. However, in his quest for the governor’s office, Stevenson failed twice. He lost in 1982 and 1986 to James R. Thompson.
Stevenson, 79, who retired from the U.S. Senate on January 2, 1981, will also serve as co-chair of Hynes campaign.
Illinois Politics 2010: Senator Heather Steans to Kick-Off Re-Election Campaign
State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)
(Chicago, IL) — August 12, 2009. Freshman State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) yesterday announced the kick-off of her re-election campaign to her north lakefront senate district.
“As you know from your past support of my election efforts, the first major activity of a campaign is obtaining petition signatures to qualify a candidate to be on the ballot,” Steans wrote in an e-mail to supporters. “My re-election campaign will kick-off on Saturday, August 29, 2009…”
In her message to supporters, Steans added:
“In my 18 months in office, it has been my honor to represent the 7th District while impeaching a corrupt Governor, wrestling with health insurers to improve accountability for coverage and treatment, … fighting for ethics reforms, and struggling to balance the state’s budget …”
Steans is expected to face civil rights attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan in the Democratic primary on February 2, 2010.
Madigan, the former interim-Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a Chicago-based gay rights group, kicked-off his campaign on August 9, opening his new campaign office.
The Steans campaign-petition gathering kick-off begins at 5348 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago (Stean’s home) at 9:30 a.m.
Illinois Politics 2010: State Senate Candidate Jim Madigan Raps Heather Steans’ Video Gaming Vote to Fund Road Construction, School Repair
Jim Madigan
(Chicago, IL) — August 10, 2009 – In his quest for a seat in the Illinois State Senate from Chicago’s north lakefront, gay rights activist Jim Madigan focuses much of his campaign fire against opponent and fellow Democrat State Senator Heather Steans‘ vote to legalize video gaming to help fund a $31 billion state capital construction program.
“It’s a pretty catastrophic vote,” said Madigan in a recent interview with THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, referring to Steans “yes” vote for legislation that would enable potentially 45,000 video gaming machines in bars, restaurants, truck stops, and other locations around Illinois.
“We are beginning to incorporate into our revenue stream a business that has been reportedly included organized crime influence,” said Madigan, a civil rights attorney. “It’s the last thing the district needs.”
For her part, Steans says she equally dislikes video gaming, but construction-starved and economically-battered Illinois needs the repaired roads, fixed schools, and 439,000 jobs that the new capitol construction legislation will bring, legislation partially funded by video gaming legalization.
“It’s not ideal,” said Steans. “I’m not a fan of legalized video poker, but, that said, in June of this year we lost 5,600 construction jobs in Illinois–unemployment here is at an all time high.”
“This is a crucial economic recovery initiative that will generate what’s needed most in Illinois: jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Governor Pat Quinn at the bill’s signing. “Illinois Jobs Now! provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities.”
Illinois Politics 2010: Dan Hynes Launches Campaign for Governor–Meet in the Parking lot Behind McDonald’s
(Chicago, IL) — August 7, 2009 – On August 13, at 5:45 pm, Dan Hynes, newly announced candidate for the 2010 Illinois Democratic gubernatorial nomination, will march in the annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.
Each year, the parade kicks off the Illinois State Fair as participants march alongside floats through the streets of Springfield.
Hynes’ newest Facebook event post encourages supporters to march: “Join Dan as he brings his campaign to rebuild Illinois through our state capital.”
- Position 5
- Meet in the parking lot behind McDonald’s
- 901 N. Grand Ave, Springfield, IL
Please contact Claudia at 312-337-0606 if you have any questions.
Free Big-Macs?
Illinois Politics 2010: Alderman Sandi Jackson Ponders Lt. Governor Bid
(Chicago, IL) — August 7, 2009 – After only two years in the Chicago City Council, guess who wants to be Lt. Governor of Illinois?
Sandi Jackson.
The Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke reported yesterday, Thursday, Aug 6, 2009 that:
“Sandi Jackson is just halfway through her first term as alderman of the Seventh Ward, but she’s looked restless in the City Council from about her second week on the job. Now it sounds like she’s contemplating a run for Illinois lieutenant governor.”
If Jackson jumps into the race, she will face fellow Deputy House Majority Leader Art Turner (D-Chicago) and Justin Oberman.
GOP Gov Candidate Dan Proft Drops One Crackpot Idea in Favor of — Another Crackpot Idea
Dan Proft
(Chicago, IL) — August 5. If GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft’s campaign could be measured by the volume of crackpot ideas it can crank out–he would be the clear front-runner in the GOP primary.
Last week, Proft proposed to pay lawmakers in Illinois general obligation bonds to “punish” them for a recent Fitch Ratings downgrade of those bonds.
The daftness of Dan’s proposal is that would have the opposite effect–it would raise lawmakers’ income–because downgraded bonds earn higher interest rates.
Therefore, bond holders get more money from down-graded bonds.
Once THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER highlighted the Proft paradox of punition, Proft withdrew that nonsense.
This week, Proft has new nonsense.
Proft now proposes, as governor, to tie state legislators’ salaries to the median household income for an Illinois family. No logical flaw in this one. Just self-interest. Proft neglects to tie the governor’s salary to his salary scheme. Goose and gander are clearly different fowl when it’s your own bird feed.
Go figure.
While the legislative salary proposal–in theory–manages to avoid crackpot criteria by a whisker, it manages to expose Proft’s renowned grubby self-interest–by not dinging his own potential salary.
Fortunately–for the sheer entertainment value of it all–Proft, 35, is seemingly unable to strangle the crackpot strain of his policy proposals.
His revised lawmaker compensation package proposes: “the value of these [legislative] pensions should be tied to the value of the currency they have most control over: Illinois general obligation bonds.”
Back to same crack … pot stuff.
In the Bizarro World of a Governor Proft, the proposal would create the perverse incentive for lawmakers to encourage state bond downgrades because the interest rates on the bonds would continue to climb–thus, so would the value of lawmaker pensions.
In a statement issued on August 3, Proft said, “A Proft Administration would introduce this principle at the top by requiring all members of the General Assembly to feel the brunt of their destructive economic policies.”
Yeah, they would feel it all right–belly-aching from laughter all the way to the bank and on the road to a comfy retirement–rewarded for mismanagement by a Governor Proft. Clever alright.
Has no one in the GOP have a hook for this guy?
Heather Steans Crushing Jim Madigan in New TIO Poll
(Chicago, IL) — August 4, 2009. State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) is leading Democratic challenger Jim Madigan in a new, exclusive poll by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER.
Steans is leading Madigan 75-25%
The Chicago News Bench, a conservative blog in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, is reporting the results of it’s own exclusive poll, too.
“The voting is craaaa-zy in our exclusive poll of 7th District Illinois State Senate seat support. We opened the poll on July 17, and incumbent Heather Steans was ahead every day until Monday, July 27 when challenger Jim Madigan suddenly pulled ahead. But on Tuesday, Steans was ahead once again – but not for long. This evening, Madigan is way, way, waaaaay ahead.”
Both polls are non-sense.
If one could invent the least scientific and least statistically credible measure of public opinion, on-line blog polls would be perched at the top the list. Then why publish them?
They’re fun.
Enjoy.
Art Turner Declares for Lieutenant Governor
(Chicago, IL) — August 4. From the AP, Deputy House Majority Leader, Art Turner (D-Chicago) is running for Illinois lieutenant governor, the post formerly held by Governor Pat Quinn.
Turner announced his candidacy … (read more)
Also running are Republicans State Rep. Dave Winters (R-Rockford) and Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole.
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Endorses Dan Hynes for Governor
(Chicago, IL) — August 3, 2009. There has been no formal announcement by Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, but that has not stopped the 47,000 member-Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters–they today endorsed Hynes for governor.
Hynes revealed the endorsement on his Facebook page, stating, “Thank you to Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, who just endorsed me for Governor in 2010!”
The first marker in the Democratic gubernatorial primary against incumbent Governor Pat Quinn has been laid. Hynes 1; Quinn 0.
Hynes has approximately $3.5 million in campaign cash in his piggy bank to Quinn’s $700,000. But as the incumbent, Quinn should easily compete in the money chace.
The primary is on Tuesday, Febuary 2, 2010. Six months to go.
Stay tuned.
GOP State Senate Candidate Suzi Schmidt Wants Home Phone, Cell Number and Street Address For E-Newsletter
Suzi Schmidt
(Chicago, IL) August 3, 2009 – Illinois GOP state senate candidate Suzi Schmidt wants a lot of personal information just to receive her senate campaign e-newsletter.
Schmidt, 58, who is currently Chairman of the Lake County Board and is seeking to replace Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) in the November 2, 2010 general election, wants:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Address
- Town
- Zip
- State
- Home Telephone Number
- Cell Telephone Number
- E-mail (obvious)
And if a would be subscriber to Schmidt’s campaign e-newsletter refuses to divulge all that information, her campaign Web site refuses to proceed with the subscription. Take that.
For Bond’s e-newsletter, his Web site requires only:
- First Name
- Last Name
- State
- Town
- E-mail (Obvious)
Schmidt wants too much personal information for an e-newsletter.
Her campaign has no need for a home telephone number, cell telephone number, and, especially a street address for an e-newsletter. She should revise her site to match Bond’s–or–better yet–ask for even less personal information.
(Tip: if, however, you’re busting a kidney to receive Schmidt’s e-newsletter–you can lie. The Web site is unable to tell truth from fiction).
Jim Madigan Begins Roll-Out of Illinois State Senate Campaign against Heather Steans
Jim Madigan
(Chicago, IL) – Civil rights attorney and gay rights activist Jim Madigan began the official roll-out of his state senate campaign against incumbent Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), beginning with a new Web site.
Madigan, 35, the former interim Executive Director of Equality Illinois, the state’s leading gay rights political group, had informally kicked off his campaign at Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade on June 26.
In addition to the new Web site, Madigan, who has already gathered approximately 40 volunteers for his fledging operation, will formally announce his candidacy on August 8th at his new campaign office, 4802 N. Broadway in Chicago.
Taking charge of Madigan’s political effort will be campaign manager Lauren Peters, a former political manager at the Washington D.C.-based Victory Fund, which provides financial and campaign support to gay and lesbian political candidates.
In addition to Peters, June LaTrobe, the former Trans Community Liaison for the Center on Halsted, will service as Madigan’s chief-of-staff and volunteer director.
Madigan, who filed his first campaign contributions report a couple weeks ago with the Illinois State Board of Elections and reported raising $845 and having $445 cash-on-hand, said he plans to raise “several hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
“We are focused on a six-month fund-raising plan,” the first-time candidate said in an interview or “chat” with The iLLINOIS OBSERVER this week.
Steans reported raising $67,458 and having $78,897 cash-on-hand.
To help reach his goal, Madigan is looking to fill his campaign-war chest at his first major fund-raiser at Wilde restaurant, 3130 N. Broadway in Chicago, on August 18.
Regarding fund-raising, unlike Steans who has self-imposed campaign contribution limits of $2,400 that reflect federal campaign finance laws, Madigan says he will not do likewise. “I will have no self-imposed limits.”
Madigan justifies his position by critically pointing to Steans and her family’s ability to contribute large sums to her campaign.
State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)
“It is true that I am behind Senator Steans in funds available, but my family and I cannot match the $97,178 that Steans’ family has poured into her campaign in just one year,” Madigan says. “I will continue to raise money from private citizens who share my beliefs, not my family tree.”
Steans counters, “I have always voluntarily limited contribution amounts to my campaign … equal to the federal campaign contribution limits (currently $2,400). Over 500 people have contributed to my campaign with amounts ranging from $20 to the federal limit.”
THE iLLLINOIS OBSERVER asked Cindi Canary, Director of the campaign finance watchdog group Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, to weigh in on the Madigan-Steans back-and-forth.
“In campaign finance, I never have thought that unilateral disarmament made much sense,” said Canary. “If you look back to Glenn Poshard you see that he was crucified for spending done on his behalf by the AFL.”
“In terms of Heather, I guess the question to ask is will she commit not to self fund or to limit self funding, then see if she sticks with it,” Canary stated. “I wouldn’t penalize her just for having personal resources, it is a question of whether her walk (and his) will match their talk.”
Steans, who is co-chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2850 a measure that prohibits campaign contributions from businesses with state contracts of $50,000 or more to officeholders responsible for awarding the contracts, gets little credit from Madigan on campaign finance reform.
“Heather Steans proposing campaign finance reform is like Jesse James proposing gun control,” Madigan said.
The first-time candidate noted earlier in the interview or “chat”, “I want to be respectful of the Senator.”
Respect is apparently in the eye of the beholder.
(Note to Readers: THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER has had interviews or “chats” with both candidates and outside observers. This page will be rolling out further stories on the candidates’ views and on a range of issues as the race unfolds. Stay tuned).
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Proft Proposes to Hike State Lawmakers’ Income–Grabs Crackpot Crown
(Chicago, IL) – Each political party usually possesses its own crank or crackpot.
In Illinois, the Democrats had until recently Governor Rod Blagojevich. And the Republicans now have gubernatorial wannabe Dan Proft.
Dan Proft
On Wednesday, Fitch Ratings downgraded the rating on $19.1 billion general obligation bonds of the State of Illinois to ‘A’ from ‘AA-’.
Marketwatch stated, “Analysts cited the failure of the state to enact a budget that addresses its spending needs and structural deficit.”
Cue the crackpot.
In reaction to the Fitch move, Illinois GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft flame threw a press release out to the news media laying the downgrade at the feet of state lawmakers and proposed, as punishment, to pay lawmakers in state bonds and, in effect—to raise their income.
“Rather than advancing system change ideas, if the Springfield political class believes increasing Illinois’ bond debt is sound fiscal policy, then I propose that state legislators be compensated in state bonds,” Proft said.
However, the public relations consultant cum candidate himself explains, without noting the paradox of his presumed punitive proposal:
“Instead of pursuing a fiscally-responsible, conservative reform agenda, the Springfield political class decided to pile another back-door tax increase on Illinois taxpayers who will now be forced to finance higher interest payments on the state’s outstanding debt.”
Hmm. Higher interest payments on bonds. Money money for bond holders. Duh.
Like most of Proft public policy pronouncements, this one too is nonsense. It is designed only to colorfully illustrate some ideological or political or policy point. But it also exposes Proft’s feeblest of holds on the fundamentals of public policy governance in general and public finance in particular, evidently.
If Illinois were to compensate lawmakers with down-graded state bonds in the Bizzaro World of a Governor Proft, even the most chuckle-headed legislator would agree. That’s because the bonds would be a boon to their income–due to the higher interest rate. Anyone who holds high-interest Illinois bonds would earn more money tomorrow than yesterday.
Apparently stung by the exposure of his own unique chuckle-headedness by that observation regarding his bonds-for-compensation idea, Proft, continued to dig a deeper hole—and wiped away any doubt that the GOP crackpot mantle had found its home.
“Does [David] Ormsby think, in our current fiscal and economic climate, that a politician would accept as payment a bond that pays a high rate of interest, but also has a high probability of default? Do the people who issue these bonds truly believe that they will be redeemed at full value? If so, let’s put it to the test,” Proft’s campaign wrote in a comment below.
Let’s.
Fitch Ratings itself is unaware of any state that has permanently defaulted on its general obligation bonds or tax-backed debt since the Civil War–or of any extended default on a local general obligation bonds since the Great Depression.
In fact, on January 8, 2009, Wall Street Journal reporter Brett Arends noted in a report, “Among states, only Mississippi really defaulted – and that was long before the Civil War [1838]. During the depression, Arkansas renegotiated some highway bonds.”
No state default in 171 years.
Proft’s nonsense idea fails his own test—a pretty mean feat.
However, Proft’ punitive paradox may be just enough of an incentive to energize overwhelming bi-partisan legislative support behind Cicero’s former spokesman’s Quixotic gubernatorial campaign. Heck, they’re thinking, “we might get a raise out of this guy.”
And perhaps Proft will be successful. After all, the Illinois Governor’s office has been a welcoming place for crackpots.
Greg Harris Endorses Heather Steans in 7th Senate District Race over Gay Rights Activist Jim Madigan
(Chicago, IL) – State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), one of two openly gay and lesbian lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly, today endorsed freshman State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) for reelection in the upcoming Democratic primary over Steans challenger and gay rights activist Jim Madigan.
State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)
Responding to an inquiry from THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, Harris said, “She has been a strong advocate for lesbian, gay and trans[gender] issues in Springfield, worked hard behind the scenes in the last few months to preserve funding for HIV/AIDS services in Illinois and is well thought of in the district as well.”
Steans, 46, whose Chicago-lakefront senate district overlaps Harris’ house district, commenting on Harris’ endorsement, provided the following statement:
“Greg has been a true mentor and guiding force for me in Springfield. He is a voice for progressive policy change, most notably in human rights and health care reform. And I look forward to our continued fight for marriage equality.”
Madigan, 35, a University of Chicago-trained lawyer, is the former interim-Executive Director of Equality Illinois, a statewide gay rights political organization based in Chicago.
In response to the Harris endorsement, Madigan stated, “While I appreciate Rep. Harris’ opinions on this race, I would think he, more than many, would realize how vital it is for all communities to be directly represented.”
“For the record, I did not ask for or in any way seek the endorsement of Greg Harris,” Madigan added. “I look forward to working hard during this election and winning the endorsement of the people of the 7th district.”
In addition to Harris, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER contacted freshman State Representative Deb Mell (D-Chicago), an openly lesbian legislator, regarding her endorsement intentions in the Steans-Madigan race. Mell did not respond for comment.
State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago)
Steans, appointed to the 7th District senate seat in February 2008, following the retirement of long-time State Senator Carol Ronen, defeated activist Suzanne Elder nearly two-to one in the February 5, 2008 Democratic primary 21,371 to 12,410 in the overwhelmingly Democratic district.
In addition to endorsements, another key political barometer in the race will be campaign cash.
Madigan–no relation to Attorney General Lisa Madigan or her father House Speaker Michael Madigan–filed his first campaign contributions report last week with the Illinois State Board of Elections and reported raising $845 and having $445 cash-on-hand.
Steans reported raising $67,458 and having $78,897 cash-on-hand.
Madigan, who semi-officially kicked-off his campaign on June 28 at Chicago’s Gay Parade, said:
“I completed my tenure at Equality Illinois on June 26, 2009. I pledged that I would not solicit contributions until I completed my service to that 501(c)(3) organization and to the LGBT community. I fulfilled that promise.”
Madigan also took the opportunity to poke at Steans and her campaign cash stash.
Jim Madigan
“It is true that I am behind Senator Steans in funds available, but my family and I cannot match the $97,178 that Steans’ family has poured into her campaign in just one year,” Madigan wrote. “I will continue to raise money from private citizens who share my beliefs, not my family tree.”
Steans responded, “I have always voluntarily limited contribution amounts to my campaign … equal to the federal campaign contribution limits (currently $2,400). Over 500 people have contributed to my campaign with amounts ranging from $20 to the federal limit.”
The freshmen senator, unwilling to cede any group to Madigan, also stated, “People from every walk of life support my progressive, reform approach to Illinois politics.”
Money aside, the Harris endorsement of Steans is a huge plus for the freshman senator whose north lakefront district includes a heavy concentration of gay and lesbian voters. Harris is a popular and well-respected lawmaker in the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community.
Madigan’s climb to the state senate just got a little steeper–not unwinnable–just steeper.
Candidates will begin circulating primary nominating petitions on August 4 for the February 2, 2010 primary.
Our Mission
David Ormsby, Editor
The Illinois political blog--THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER–covers state government-related news and politics.
It focuses on the often strenuous and the occasionally senseless efforts of the Illinois General Assembly, the Governor, not-so-special interest groups, hired lobbyists, citizen lobbyists, organized labor, disorganized labor, reporters, think tank thinkers, public relations wizards, and bloggers to shape or misshape public opinion and pretzel-twist public policy.
THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER, ranked among the top 10 of independent Illinois political blogs, follows many of these unending wrangles over policy and political power or, often over, well, nothing. You can follow along, too.
Enjoy.
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- *** UPDATED x2 *** Ask and ye shall receive November 10, 2009 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x1 *** Challenges and withdrawals begin November 9, 2009 Rich Miller
- Question of the day November 9, 2009 Rich Miller
- Campaign 2010 November 9, 2009 Rich Miller
- Blogs – Pat Quinn
- Gov. Pat Quinn concedes his backers may be challenging African ... Obama Chronicles
- Black Dog Hates Skunks: The Mustache Rides, Again. Also Pat Quinn ... Black Dog
- Lowetide: For Pat Quinn Lowetide
- Illinois 2010 Elections–Democratic Primary Governor: Poll Has Pat ... David Ormsby
- Illinois 2010 Elections: Pat Quinn Gets Fritchey, Lang ... David Ormsby
- Pat Quinn's Halloween Costume | NBC Chicago unknown
- OpenlineBlog.com: Corruption of Illinois | Gov. Pat Quinn Aide ... Openline
- Gov. Pat Quinn launches Illinois campaign in 9-city tour - Lynn Sweet Lynn Sweet
- Pat Quinn and the SEIU | Moonage Political Webdream Moonage
- Clout St: Bill to cut seniors' free transit rides stalls Newsdesk
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Recent Comments
- News – Illinois General Assembly
- Elizabeth Double running for Illinois General Assembly House of ... - Quad-Cities Online November 2, 2009
- Gen. John A. Logan Museum to present two programs - Murphysboro American November 9, 2009
- Woman to challenge Moffitt - Galesburg Register-Mail November 10, 2009Woman to challenge MoffittGalesburg Register-Mail... Springfield to establish herself as a Democratic candidate for the 2010 election for Illinois General Assembly House of Representatives for District 74. ...
- Time for campaign finance reform - Chicago Tribune November 6, 2009Time for campaign finance reformChicago TribuneYour editorial denouncing the Illinois General Assembly's recent passage of campaign finance reform is needlessly negative. As someone who has been part of ...
- Haine explains push for bill on Moreth - Alton Telegraph November 11, 2009Haine explains push for bill on MorethAlton TelegraphMoreth had sought the legislation, which was approved by the Illinois General Assembly, signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 8 and became effective Aug ...
- Macomb may consider new primary date - Peoria Journal Star November 11, 2009Macomb may consider new primary datePeoria Journal Star... Liz Wilhelm told aldermen Monday the February city election is stipulated in Macomb's 1882 special charter, approved by the Illinois General Assembly. ...
- AARP Commends Legislature For Saving Critical Health Care Program - Reuters October 31, 2009
- County revamps efforts to ban video gambling - Effingham Daily News November 10, 2009County revamps efforts to ban video gamblingEffingham Daily NewsThe Illinois General Assembly voted this spring to legalize video poker machines effective Jan. 1. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bill July 13. ...
- Bi-state Democratic dynasties bolstered by ACORN/SEIU - Chicago Daily Observer November 9, 2009
- Fund poison control - Chicago Tribune November 5, 2009Fund poison controlChicago TribuneHaving spent over 13 years as a member of the Illinois General Assembly, I fully understand the complexities and the limitations of our state's budget. ...
- Illinois Issues
- Candidates line up in primary races for governor November 9, 2009By Nicole HarbourThe close of the filing period for the February 2 primary last Monday left a large pool of candidates for governor, including seven Republicans, four Democrats and two Green Party candidates. They are:RepublicansAdam Andrzejewski, Hinsdale — Formerly employed by the publishing business he and his brother started, Andrzewjewski sold his share […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Veto session wrap-up and goodbye October 30, 2009By Bethany JaegerThis will be my last post as Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau chief. I am moving on to the private sector to be a management consultant with a Springfield-based firm. Thank you for reading and and for sharing a string of unbelievable experiences with me during the past four years.That said, the legislature completed its annual fall veto ses […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- One more step in campaign finance reform October 30, 2009By Bethany JaegerThe Illinois General Assembly has been here before. Lawmakers are on the verge of making history by approving legislation aimed at limiting the amount of money flowing into political campaigns and reducing outside influence on the lawmaking process.They approved a previous version of so-called campaign finance limits in House Bill 7, but in […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Cemetery bill aims to end hodge-podge regulations October 28, 2009By Bethany JaegerAll cemetery owners, managers and employees, including those hired to trim trees or maintain cemetery grounds, would have to register with the state and carry identification cards to prove their clearance to work on site, according to newly proposed legislation. In an attempt to clarify the hodge-podge regulation exposed in the Burr Oak ceme […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Back to borrowing October 27, 2009By Bethany JaegerGov. Pat Quinn could propose borrowing roughly $1 billion for the third time since May to keep the state operating through the winter. Tax revenues have slowed, while spending pressures have not. Those pressures include unpaid bills, employee health insurance and financial aid grants for low-income college students.While short-term borrowing […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Quinn seeks a full term as governor in 2010 October 22, 2009By Bethany JaegerAt this time last year, Rod Blagojevich was governor and battling with the state legislature to restore funding to human services and to state parks and historic sites. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors continued to indict members of Blagojevich’s inner circle in an ongoing investigation into political corruption, which foreshadowed his impeach […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Operation Board Games gets another witness October 20, 2009By Bethany JaegerAlonzo “Lon” Monk is cooperating in the ongoing investigation into extensive political corruption in former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s office and political campaign. Monk pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to one count of wire fraud.That’s just one of 19 counts leveled on participants in “Blagojevich Enterprise," which the feds allege primarily […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- UIUC chancellor Herman resigns October 20, 2009By Bethany JaegerFallout from the University of Illinois’ clout-heavy admissions process has reached another administrator. Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Richard Herman today announced his resignation, effective October 26.His resignation comes about a month after the Faculty/Student Senate voted 98-55 to urge the board to replace Herman and President B. Josep […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- MAP grant funding up in the air October 15, 2009By Bethany JaegerAntonio Boyzo is one semester away from graduating from the University of Illinois Chicago. Having worked his way up from earning a general equivalency diploma and transferring from a community college to UIC, as well as earning U.S. citizenship in August, he feared Thursday morning that it would all disappear. He feared he would be one of a […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Power to recall governors "up to the people" October 15, 2009By Bethany JaegerWhen voters head to the polls November 2, 2010, they’ll vote on who they want to represent them in the General Assembly, who they want as governor and constitutional officers and whether they want the ability to recall a governor.The ability to recall a sitting governor would require changing the state Constitution, which would require at le […]Illinois Issues Statehouse bureau
- Candidates line up in primary races for governor November 9, 2009
- Blogs – Illinois General Assembly
- Elizabeth Double running for Illinois General Assembly House of ... - Quad-Cities Online November 2, 2009
- Gen. John A. Logan Museum to present two programs - Murphysboro American November 9, 2009
- Woman to challenge Moffitt - Galesburg Register-Mail November 10, 2009Woman to challenge MoffittGalesburg Register-Mail... Springfield to establish herself as a Democratic candidate for the 2010 election for Illinois General Assembly House of Representatives for District 74. ...
- Time for campaign finance reform - Chicago Tribune November 6, 2009Time for campaign finance reformChicago TribuneYour editorial denouncing the Illinois General Assembly's recent passage of campaign finance reform is needlessly negative. As someone who has been part of ...
- Haine explains push for bill on Moreth - Alton Telegraph November 11, 2009Haine explains push for bill on MorethAlton TelegraphMoreth had sought the legislation, which was approved by the Illinois General Assembly, signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 8 and became effective Aug ...
- Macomb may consider new primary date - Peoria Journal Star November 11, 2009Macomb may consider new primary datePeoria Journal Star... Liz Wilhelm told aldermen Monday the February city election is stipulated in Macomb's 1882 special charter, approved by the Illinois General Assembly. ...
- AARP Commends Legislature For Saving Critical Health Care Program - Reuters October 31, 2009
- County revamps efforts to ban video gambling - Effingham Daily News November 10, 2009County revamps efforts to ban video gamblingEffingham Daily NewsThe Illinois General Assembly voted this spring to legalize video poker machines effective Jan. 1. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bill July 13. ...
- Bi-state Democratic dynasties bolstered by ACORN/SEIU - Chicago Daily Observer November 9, 2009
- Fund poison control - Chicago Tribune November 5, 2009Fund poison controlChicago TribuneHaving spent over 13 years as a member of the Illinois General Assembly, I fully understand the complexities and the limitations of our state's budget. ...
