Illinois Review

Coming to Gas Stations and Convenience Stores Near You

2009-07-12T07:45:29-05:00

by Cal Skinner

As we were on our vacation to the Intermountain West the last part of June, my family was amused at my taking photos of gambling signs and machines. Look at the difference in the British Petroleum gas station sign in Minnesota, seen at the left, and the one just across the South Dakota border to the right. (Click to enlarge any image.)

Under the capital construction plan McHenry County's Pam Althoff and Mike Tryon supported, there will be five slot machines (euphemistically called “video poker machines”) in all sorts of establishments that have liquor licenses. Think your neighborhood convenience store. No longer will people have to travel to the Elgin casino to lose their paycheck.

I found my first shot machines at a Wisconsin truck stop where we ate at the Happy Trails Roadside Dinner. (To my surprise, there was nothing about Roy Rogers.) They were located in a little room between the gas station and convenience store and the restaurant. One was called

Treasure Hunt.

My son thought it was neat. The slot machine looked just like the video games younger kids play. In the hall near the lottery stand was a machine I haven't seen since the Caribbean cruise we took about seven years ago. There, the

Pot of Silver

game was in the ship's casino. Clearly, it was a gambling device, luring people by showing racks of quarters which could, oh so easily, be swept into the tray for you to take home. We found the same kind of machine, albeit jammed, at the Dixie Truckers Stop south of Bloomington on I-55.

It was called

Tropical Treasure

there and can be seen sitting to the left of the other slot machines. Governor Pat Quinn is about to break ties to his party's liberals and sign this massive expansion of gambling bill on Monday. I believe I have read that this expansion will make turn Illinois into the biggest gambling state in the United States of America. Somehow, with our sordid history of corruption, that seems appropriate. I don't suppose calls to Quinn's office would make any difference now that he has announced his deal with the devil, but, if you feel strongly about protecting the weakest among us, please give him a call.

Chicago YRs sweep top awards at Indy 2009

2009-07-11T23:01:04-05:00

The Chicago Young Republicans set the standard for excellence in 2008 and were recognized at the national Young Republican annual convention award dinner Saturday night with two top honors -- the nation's Best Large Chapter and the YR's Best Event for 2008.

The Chicago YR's Best Event of the Year was their 2008 Election Night event held directly across the street from Barack Obama's acceptance rally at Grant Park. The Chicago YR event was covered by national and local media, making a point of defiance to the Obama sweep.

National attention to Chicago YRs' awakening and growth began under the leadership of immediate past president Keely Drukala and has continued with current president Jeremy Rose.

Palin plans to stay in politics

2009-07-11T21:28:00-05:00

EXCLUSIVE: Palin plans to stay in politics - Washington Times

Shared via AddThis

IL YR Chairman wins national post

2009-07-11T20:09:03-05:00

Saturday at the national Young Republican convention in Indianapolis, Illinois YRs State Chairman Dennis Cook was elected Auditor of the national YRs.

Pictured to the right with his daughter after today's election, Cook currently serves as Consolidated High School District 230 School Board President and is running in the 2010 Republican race for state comptroller.

The comptroller race, which normally doesn't attract much attention, has becoming more interesting with word that incumbent State Comptroller Dan Hynes is considering a 2010 bid for governor and former State Treasurer Judy Baar-Topinka is now also reportedly considering running for State Comptroller.

Overtaxing the people is immoral

2009-07-11T15:43:02-05:00

by Sam Pierce

Lake County, Illinois-Paul Mitchell, of Hainesville, a candidate for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 62nd District, spoke before an estimated 200 people this past Independence Day at the Palatine Tea Party about the importance of morality in government.

Quoting John Adams famous remark that "Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other," Mitchell told the cheering crowd, "I say, taxing the people into destitution is immoral!” Mitchell went on to stress the importance of morality as an element of the conservative agenda. He told the crowd that they must work for a culture of life, a culture of liberty, and a culture of prosperity.

Mitchell told the crowd, gathered under rainy skies for the demonstration, that they must find conservative candidates to support, even if that meant running for office themselves, as he is doing.

Later, Mitchell explained that he is running against two-term Republican Repesentative Sandy Cole of Grayslake, whom he describes as "a social liberal", noting that she had this session voted in committee for an extremely pro-abortion bill, which later died in the House.

"That bill," explained Mitchell, "would have repealed Illinois' parental notification law on abortion, it would have mandated sex education beginning in kindergarten, and it would have protected abortionists who harm women from malpractice suits, among other bad points. Whether you count yourself as pro-life or pro-choice, that bill was pro-abortion, and extremely so. I don't believe that Lake County voters want a pro-abortion extremist representing them in Springfield."

A spokesman for his campaign said, "Paul Mitchell is a regular guy who is stepping out of his comfort zone to offer an alternative to the arrogance of the entrenched liberals on both sides of the aisle. Paul is “change you can believe in”; changing from a culture of death to a culture of life; from a culture of crushing taxation on the middle class and the poor to a culture of keeping what you earn; from a culture of oppression to a culture of liberty. Three things that always accompany tyranny, he says, are economic depression, a culture of death, and religious oppression, and where we find one of these, the others will be advancing."

We are experiencing that in Illinois, says Mitchell, but it is not too late to turn it around.

Visit his website at http://paulfor62.com

For more on the Palatine Tea Party, see http://www.teapartypalatine.com

For media inquiries, contact: click here to email

IL YRs meetup at national convention

2009-07-11T15:40:59-05:00

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (IL-18) addressed the2009 national convention of Young Republicans at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis Saturday morning, and took time to greet and grab a photo op with members of the Illinois delegation.

Pictured are most of the Illinois YR delegation at the national convention in Indianapolis with Congressman Aaron Schock. From left to right: Aakash Raut, Keely Drukala, Tiffany Chiu, Israel Smith, Jenn Koerner, Amy Cook, Larry LaVanway, Illinois YR Chairman Dennis Cook (behind), Rep. Aaron Schock, Wayne Heusel, Laura Kotelman, Kyle Stone, Jeremy Rose.

Thanks to Chicago YRs Larry LaVanway and Laura Kotelman for the photo.

McClatchy's Tales of Liberal Slime

2009-07-11T15:13:27-05:00

by Sam Pierce

Politics is nasty, which is unfortunate because the politicians have so much power to harm so many. I do not know if the environment (no you Enviro-Statists, I am not talking about that environment) has always been this way, but it is clear that the defined duties of various elected positions are not very high on the priority list used to evaluate candidates. It is also clear that the taste of power is intoxicating and in the wrong hands (those of most politicians) can be dangerous.

They cannot get enough! There is nothing they won't do to grow their power, tighten their grips on the lives of the electorate, and feed their massive egos! Private citizens are pawns to be used and if necessary, destroyed for political gain. Political vermin from both parties, but primarily the one represented by the oh so appropriate jackass, view themselves above all and urinate on the little people.

The grip tightens as their benevolent programs, vote purchasing wealth redistribution, and "for the good of (fill in the blank)" regulations shift reliance from the individual to the government. The bastards (male or female) seize control in a fashion that was once creeping but in the age of Obama, is more like a runaway freight train.

There are two stories on McClatchy that illustrate the political depravity of the left. The first tells the tale of how Obama's minions seek to perform an encore of their 'destroy Joe The Plumber for daring to ask a question' campaign in order to ensure Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to The Supreme Court. The headline is surprisingly candid for an Obama media outlet, "Sotomayor backers urge reporters to pursue New Haven firefighter."

WASHINGTON — Supporters of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor are quietly targeting the Connecticut firefighter who's at the center of Sotomayor's most controversial ruling.

On the eve of Sotomayor's Senate confirmation hearing, her advocates have been urging journalists to scrutinize what one called the "troubled and litigious work history" of firefighter Frank Ricci.

This is opposition research: a constant shadow on Capitol Hill.

Does this mean that the libs in power believe that even their lapdogs in the media need constant direction? Does this indicate that the libs running the country view their propaganda arm as being as incompetent and dull as the rest of the lowly electorate? Does Frank Ricci have divorce records Team Obama can have unsealed?

This firefighter had the audacity to oppose racial discrimination and now he must be destroyed! Obama's nominee might not be able to be confirmed in a climate of racial equality, so something must be done. The case cannot be made for a color-blind judgment of employees or their ability, for if it were, Sotomayor's views might seem inappropriate for a justice. It is very important that the firefighter's character be assassinated as the little people did not seem to learn the lesson from Joe The Plumber reckless behavior (asking a non-planted question of The One!)

The second story is "Boxer faces 'challenge of a lifetime' on climate change bill." No, she is not trying to convince the public that the word "ma'am" causes global warming... or cooling... or seasons... or whatever current condition is the subject of the Enviro-Statists Chicken Little alarm.

"It's going to be a tough slog, but I'm excited about it. . . . I know that my Republican colleagues are going to try to do everything to stop it and distort it," Boxer said Friday in an interview.

Last year, Boxer's standalone climate-change bill fell to defeat, but there's a new strategy this year that will make it harder for senators to reject it. Six committees — Environment and Public Works, which Boxer heads, Finance, Commerce, Energy, Agriculture and Foreign Relations — will have jurisdiction over the bill. Those committee heads have been meeting for months with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who'll help combine their work into one massive bill this fall.

Boxer said the approach was unlike any she'd experienced since she joined the Senate in 1993, and she predicted that it will simplify passage.

"It's a different dynamic, and it will make it easier," she said in the interview. "There will be so much in this bill. There will be investments in transportation. There will be great opportunities for agriculture. There will be great incentives for energy efficiency. There will be so much in there. There will be help for areas that need flood control. It should have a broader appeal. Having said that, it's all difficult."

Babbs, or "ma'am" has learned her lesson. You cannot be honest and straightforward in your approach to imposing crippling legislation upon a nation. You must take a more slippery or even slimy approach in order to have the desired negative impact on your country. You cannot present a bill on its merits, especially if its merits include obvious pain and hardship for the country's little people, citizens, dare I say... slaves? Package the bill with so much crap it cannot possibly be read and lard it up with just enough bribery to buy the support of those who might be waffling.

Babbs Boxer isn't about to see another Hillary Care episode, in which the facts come to light and derail the planned devastation!

California, you have done wonders for your own state. Thank you for sharing idiots like Boxer with the rest of us! You'll be happy to know we in Illinois seem to like your example. We are determined to send a senator next year who will fall in line with the Enviro-Statist no matter the despair it causes the electorate. Why would we do this, you ask? because we think Rep. Mark Kirk (RINO -IL 10) is the Repubican that can compete with whatever Dem mafioso is put up to replace Burris. Either way, we walk away (because you don't want us to drive) with two lib senators and a partridge in a pear tree... except we need to kill the tree because we must stop the emission of Carbon Dioxide! Has anyone asked why the environmental nutjobs hate plants so much that they seek to deny them the CO2 required for photosynthesis?

I suppose the important thing to remember as we enter the brave new world is that reverence for a limited constitutional government is little more than right-wing hate and to attain enlightenment, oppression must be brought upon the electorate and obstacle citizens must be eliminated.

Cross-posted from "The Immoderate Blog"

Kirk co-sponsors Dem's cyberbullying bill

2009-07-11T14:06:04-05:00

Resulting from the tragic situation in Missouri, where a 13 year old girl committed suicide over things being written about her on a social network, "cyberbullying" will be added to federal statutes defined in U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez' HR 1966 as

(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

(b) As used in this section--

`(1) the term `communication' means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and

`(2) the term `electronic means' means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.'.

U.S. Congressman Mark Kirk (IL-10) is the only Republican added on as an HR 1966 co-sponsor to monitor and punish cyberbullying. Added to his lead sponsorship of the Hate Crimes legislation monitoring Americans' thoughts, who can help but wonder why Kirk continues to identify himself as a Republican when he's so against individual rights, limited government, free markets and traditional family values?

Warner Todd Huston has a few things to say about how this bill could be misused and actually shut down political criticism of any kind on electronically communicated. First Amendment out the door ...

This weekend, he's working out difference with IL GOP State Party Chairman Andy McKenna, who let it be known this week he's very interested in running for the 2010 Republican nomination for U.S. Senator. Magazine publisher Dr. Eric Wallace and Rockford businessman Robert Zadek have also declared their intention to fun for the U.S. Senate spot.

Will Roland Burris become a Republican?

2009-07-11T10:46:20-05:00

by Jim Economos

Given the shabby nature the Democratic Party’s treatment of U.S. Senator Roland Burris because he dared buck the elite Democrats by not quitting when they demanded, they quickly abandoned him politically. It’s reported he’s has a meager $20K in his political war chest, a paltry amount in a state rich with Democrat powerhouses. Roland should return the favor, and abandon the Democrats by switching to the Republican Party.

What a political atomic explosion that would be! Certainly it would give Burris the ability to demonstrate his independence from those who did not support him when first took office. Switching parties would be Burris’s way to say, “thanks for nothing,” using the old principle of what comes around, goes around.

While not as dramatic in terms of changing the Senate power balance, it would remove the symbolic, mystical filibuster proof 60 seat majority the media’s fawning over since now seated Senator Al Franken is now the 60th Democratic Senator. To a lesser extent, Burris could be former US Senator “Jumpin Jim Jeffords” all over again when the Dems gained the Senate majority by going from Republican to Democratic majority with Jeffords’ defection in 2001. This greatly limited President George Bush’s ability to advance his agenda in the days after his contentious election.

So, since we are a bunch of grass roots activists, let’s start a campaign to convince Senator Burris to switch political parties for the good of America. It would be a fun to observe, and in politics, anything can happen. .

Cut spending, don't bailout or hike taxes, polls say

2009-07-11T09:53:52-05:00

So the Governor says now he's going to wait until the fall veto session to vote on the so-urgently-needed-crisis-preventing state income tax hike. They'll patch together something to get us through until then, we're told. Let's hope the Dems aren't looking for a federal bailout, because a Rasmussen poll today says Republicans and independents look with disdain upon any more bailouts:

Eighty-two percent (82%) of Republicans and 61% of adults not affiliated with either major political party oppose federal bailout help for states with budget problems. A plurality (42%) of Democrats agree, but 31% think bailing out the states is a good idea.

Republican members of the IL General Assembly should be congratulated if what's being reported is true, and they've stopped a state income tax hike. Against all odds and the Democrats' assumptions the GOPers had no fiscal conservative backbones in them, they defied the Dems and held tight and well, they deserve a round of applause.

Republican lawmakers should take note of a Rasmussen poll released today that says 73% of Americans are saying state budget troubles are best solved by budget cuts, not tax increases.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Americans say their state is experiencing a budget crisis, and 73% of that group say the way to deal with the problem is to cut spending. Only 18% say raising taxes is the solution.

Hate to say we told you so, GOPers, but we were right about holding against tax increases. Hold tight next week when you go back to the Capitol.

And now for something really disgusting, but not surprising...

2009-07-11T08:30:42-05:00

by Chris Robling

"Sotomayor backers urge reporters to probe New Haven fireighter" From McClatchy: "Supporters of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor are quietly targeting the Connecticut firefighter who's at the center of Sotomayor's most controversial ruling."

On the eve of Sotomayor's Senate confirmation hearing, her advocates have been urging journalists to scrutinize what one called the "troubled and litigious work history" of firefighter Frank Ricci.

United Breaks Guitars

2009-07-11T06:00:00-05:00

The Clown Prince of Wales Blames Capitalism for All Woes

2009-07-11T03:29:15-05:00

by Mark Rhoads

Charlie Windsor is an unemployed kid from a rich family who the Brits so amusingly call their "prince" just like in ancient times. "His Highness" as some Brits also insist on calling him in recent years is supposed to have only one role to play in life and that is to somehow stay out of mischief while he waits for Mum to die so he can be the one to ride in the gold Cinderella coach with horses and wear a really big crown designed by Disney imagineers on 'state" occasions.

All that silliness would be bad enough if Charlie did not also try to pass himself off as some grandiose thinker of deep thoughts based on his zero level of economic scholarship. Now, he says "we" as in the world and not the royal we, have only 96 months to save the planet from a free enterprise system, the principal sin of which in historical terms has been to be the most productive supplier of human needs the world has ever known.

Sure sounds like something we should abolish all right. After all, Charlie lives in a country ruled by Socialist buffoons like himself who know nothing about how to create a single job or how to let freedom produce prosperity. The ruling Labour Party never saw a tax it doesn't like or a new government program it did not want to create so it could tax more. The so-called Tories are not any better since they are mostlly socialist-lite.

So Charlie will go on pretending to be a "prince" and pretending to think up all those profound ideas. When will our cousins across the pond give the boot to that idiotic monarchy that claims it is only a figure head? We did it in 1776. For the sake of building morale during World War II, FDR thought he had to make nice to King George V and the Queen Mother. who was a very nice lady and a "commoner" Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon who died in 2002 at the age of 102. After Bowes-Lyon died would have been a perfect time to hold a really big ceremony and let that entire disfunctional family abdicate so British kids in the future could grow up like normal people in a supposed democracy. But then Charlie might have had to look for a job as a salesman in a high-priced men's clothing store and his tailor would be out of work too adding to the UK unemployment problem. And if they had done that, what would the touristas from Canada and the USA have to gawk at when they visit London? The same thing they gawk at now--- nothing.

Washington Post Kirk Story WRONG

2009-07-10T15:26:54-05:00

Illinois Review has learned from Republican Party sources that the Washington Post's "Fix" story is NOT true. In fact, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation have started to endorse Mark Kirk for U.S. Senate, including Rep. Judy Biggert.

Update 1x: Kirk told Roll Call this afternoon that he and McKenna were negotiating over the weekend. Sounds like both McKenna and Kirk want it...and the congressional delegation may be split.

Kirk out for U.S. Senate | McKenna in

2009-07-10T14:58:01-05:00

Kirk out -- McKenna in. Washington Post Exclusive on The Fix: Chris Cillizza reports Illinois Rep. Mark Kirk will not run for the open seat of Sen. Roland Burris (D) in 2010, a stunning reversal from just 48 hours ago when Kirk signaled to National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) that he would make the race.

Here’s a link to the story (full text below):
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/kirk-opts-out-of-senate-race.html

If Cap & Trade doesn't cause our utility bills to skyrocket, SB 1918 will

2009-07-10T14:22:13-05:00

All you tea party ralliers focused on the federal Cap & Trade debacle, listen up -- better focus on what just happened in our own backyard today. Average homeowners won't be able to afford air conditioning next year ...

Governor Pat Quinn just signed into law a bill that caps at 6 percent the amount those at 150 percent of the federal poverty level will be required to pay for utilities. So, if the Obama Administration's Cap and Trade tax doesn't make average taxpayers' utility bills unpayable, making up the difference for what low income Illinois customers don't pay will. It's SB 1918, sponsored by Senator Karen Lightford. Here's who voted for this in the House (what were the Republicans thinking?) and in the Senate (Kudos to the 11 Senators who had the backbone to say "No: to another step in income redistribution).

Here's what Quinn's office has to say about SB 1918:

The bill requires utility companies to participate in bill payment assistance programs for customers through a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The PIPP makes it possible for tens of thousands of low-income households to pay an affordable amount each month for their gas and electricity bills, allowing eligible customers to pay no more than 6 percent of their income towards their energy costs. The program targets households across the state with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level guideline. (Additional information included in attached fact sheet).

"This new law protects the interests of consumers by mandating significant ethics reforms at the agency that sets energy prices and by making it easier for families to invest in energy efficiency programs and bring down the cost of their utility bills,” said Attorney General Lisa Madigan. “This law also creates a critical program to help low-income families manage their utility bills and end the cycle of disconnection and re-connection.”

Second stimulus package!

2009-07-10T12:30:47-05:00

h/t: Drudge Report

GOP wins back trust on taxes, economy and six more issues

2009-07-10T11:13:35-05:00

Rasmussen reports today HERE that Americans trust Republicans more than Democrats on eight of ten essential issues facing the nation.

Republicans in the Illinois House and Senate should pay particular attention to today's stats about taxes. Right now, Americans trust the GOP more than Democrats on the issue of taxes by a 6-point lead. Illinois Republicans should take note that if any Republican breaks loose from the thus-far- firm opposition to a state income tax hike next week when the ILGA returns to Springfield, those Republicans could ruin the GOP's re-emerging trustworthiness with one vote to raise income taxes.

The other national issues Republicans outrank Democrats on the economy, national security, War in Iraq, immigration, abortion, government ethics and Social Security. Democrats are trusted more slightly on health care and education.

Republicans want lieutenant governor post eliminated

2009-07-10T10:49:19-05:00

A group of Republicans in the Illinois House said Thursday that one of their plans to save the state money is eliminating the office of lieutenant governor, which would save the state about $2.5 million. State Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Matt Murphy recently suggested that at the very least the line item for the currently vacant post should be eliminated from the 2010 budget.

Giannoulias takes the lead with $1.8M

2009-07-10T10:40:46-05:00

Lynn Sweet is reporting that Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) has raised $1.8 million for his Senate bid, while his likely Democratic rivals have zero dollars in their war chests.

According to Sweet, Alexi's personal worth is between $13 million and $62 million. Not bad for State Treasurer.

Tax changes to come with HB 255

2009-07-10T10:30:53-05:00

HB 255 is the complicated capital bill Governor Quinn is expected to sign into law next week. It will authorize major capital improvements and be paid for with some taxes on alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other items along with legalizing video poker and internet lottery sales. IR Reader Steve Kaukl took time to clear up some misunderstanding about the tax changes:

Today I was reading Illinois Review's post from May 21, 2009 regarding Illinois House Bill 255. I work for a food retailer with three stores in northern Illinois and am responsible for assigning items to the proper tax rates in our stores. I noticed a few thing which seemed inaccurate in the article based on my experiences with the Illinois Department of Revenue:

1. This bill does not raise the sales tax on alcoholic beverages. It raises the alcoholic beverage tax. A small difference, but never the less a difference. The alcoholic beverage tax is collected by the wholesaler from the retailer as part of the cost of the product. Retailers will still be charging their customers the same sales tax rate on the customer’s purchases. Presumably, the retail prices will increase due to the increase in the price the retailer is paying for the product. The increase is roughly 13 cents on a 750 ml bottle of wine, 80 cents on a 750 ml bottle of liquor and 5 cents on a 12 pack of beer. As always, it doesn’t matter where a tax is levied: The final consumer is always the one who ultimately pays the tax.

2. The sales tax on soda pop is not changing. Prior to this bill soda pop was a high tax item and it will continue to be so if the bill is signed into law. What is changing in the bill is the definition of a soft drink. Prior to this bill the definition of a soft drink was:

“soft drinks" means any complete, finished, ready‑to‑use, non‑alcoholic drink, whether carbonated or not, including but not limited to soda water, cola, fruit juice, vegetable juice, carbonated water, and all other preparations commonly known as soft drinks of whatever kind or description that are contained in any closed or sealed bottle, can, carton, or container, regardless of size. "Soft drinks" does not include coffee, tea, non‑carbonated water, infant formula, milk or milk products as defined in the Grade A Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products Act, or drinks containing 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice.

The new definition of a soft drink will be:

‘soft drinks’ mean non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. “Soft Drinks” do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice or similar milk substitutes, or greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

The differences, based on my experiences with the Illinois Dept of Revenue are: Carbonated Unsweetened Unflavored Water (aka Club Soda) moves from high tax to low tax. Ready to drink tea (Snapple and similar items, if sweetened) moves from low tax to high tax. So, they actually did increase the tax on some types of tea.

3. Grooming & Hygiene Products. These products are all already taxed at the high tax rate. I can see no changes in the tax status of any of these items. All this language appears to do is to clarify that these items are absolutely high tax without exception. The bill lists “soaps and cleaning solutions, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, antiperspirants and sun tan lotions” unless the items are available only by prescription.

4. Candy. This does move from low tax to high tax in Illinois. There is a very unapparent possible side effect to this change which may not yet affect Illinois. In Wisconsin a similar definition of candy is due to take effect on October 1, 2009. Wisconsin becomes a full member of the Streamlined Sales & Use Tax Association (SSUTA) on that date. At this time Illinois is not a member. Part of the SSUTA agreement is that all member states will accept uniform product definitions from the SSUTA. I submitted a request for an interpretation on baking candy. M&M’s baking bits, to be exact. The SSUTA returned an opinion that the use was irrelevant and that the item met the product specification for candy, so it was candy. As part of the conversation, I inquired about chocolate chips and was told that the same ruling would apply to chocolate chips. The SSUTA rulings have no effect in Illinois at this time, but will if Illinois joins the SSUTA.

The new definitions for soft drinks and candy are exact copies of those in the Streamlined Sales & Use Tax Association ( www.streamlinedsalestax.org ). At this point, Illinois does not appear on the list of full or associate members, but I would guess they may be starting to move in that direction.

Steve Kaukl

Who is running for the 10 Congressional District?

2009-07-10T10:29:46-05:00

Yesterday IR reported that there is talk ILGOP Chair Andy McKenna may run for Congress in the 10 Congressional District, which will be vacant when U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk runs for U.S. Senate. Also in the running from the GOP side is recent Mount Prospect mayoral candidate Patricia Bird, and possibly Winnetka business owner Dick Green, or state Rep. Beth Coulson of Glenview.

On the Democrat side, Dan Seals, who lost to Kirk in '06 and '08 is considering another run, as is state Sen. Susan Garrett. State Sen. Mike Bond (pictured) is the only Democrat official in the race at this time.

Burris out for 2010

2009-07-10T10:10:35-05:00

It's being reported that Democrat U.S. Sen. Roland Burris will not seek election to the seat he was appointed to by Rod Blagojevich after the impeached governor's arrest. Alexi Giannoulias, Cheryle Jackson, and Chris Kennedy are rumored to be possible Democrat candidates for the seat.

Bill Brady is qualified and ready to lead

2009-07-10T10:04:40-05:00

by John Ackerman, Tazewell County Board

As many of you have heard by now, the big political news story of the week is that Attorney General Lisa Madigan will not be running for Governor in 2010. As many a commentator has mentioned with this news story, the political scene for 2010 should become clearer in the coming weeks with this announcement as many candidates were waiting to see what she was going to campaign for so they could campaign for something else.

It is with this in mind that I write to you today. While this idea of waiting until a perceived good campaigner decides what to do may be politically wise, I hope you think about the individual that has already announced his objectives. I hope you remember as this flood of new candidates come forward the individual that was ready to run for the office of Governor against anyone because he felt he was qualified and ready to lead. This individual is Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington.

On March 2nd, 2009, I was happy to join several hundred of the Senator's supporters in Bloomington as he flew across the state to announce he was a candidate for Governor. Since then, he has traveled further to meet more individuals and discuss the challenges that face us today. In a recent interview, he stated that he feels that the people of Illinois are looking for "a Governor that they know is beyond the Chicago Ward style politics of corruption; a Governor who will put the peoples interest first and not their own. Someone who will layout not just a short-term solution to budgetary problems but a long-term solution so that Illinois prospers each year. That it becomes a State where our kids, our children can find employment and raise their families."

My wife, Maria, and I are very proud to support the Senator in this campaign for Governor. We both feel he is more than qualified and that he will bring a common sense, downstate voice to the issues we are all facing. As the parade of new candidates come forward over the next few weeks, please take the time to review the credentials of the candidate that was running for the office from the beginning; Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington. You can find more information about his campaign at www.BradyforIllinois.com, or from the link to his website on my website. Also please watch for future updates concerning the Brady Campaign in the news and on both of our websites.

As always, I consider it an honor and a privilege to represent you on the Tazewell County Board and if I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

John C. Ackerman
www.JohnCAckerman.com

GOP House maneuvers heighten tax hike concerns

2009-07-10T09:51:54-05:00

Two Plainfield Republicans are considering challenging House GOP Leader Tom Cross in the February 2010 84th House district primary, the Plainfield Sun reports this am. Both Plainfield township trustee Tony Fremarek and village trustee Garrett Peck said they were unhappy with Cross because he didn't hold to Republican values.

Cross said he'd held firm on fighting Quinn's income tax increase this spring and brushed off the campaign donations he's gotten over the years from abortion providers Planned Parenthood by citing three conservative groups with which he works -- Family PAC, Concerned Christians and Project Reality.

Thursday, questions were being raised as to whether a deal between Cross and Gov. Quinn was in the works for eight possible Republican House votes for the income tax hike when the General Assembly returns next week. Cross' spokesman Kevin Artl said there was no such deal, and spelled out a slightly different take on the story widely circulating Thursday...

"The Governor met with Rep. Cross and told him they'd seen news reports of up to eight Republican House members who have said they might vote for the income tax hike," Artl said. "Tom said, 'You're probably right about that,' and that's all there was to that."

The IBEW 150 put out a press announcement Thursday about the governor's intentions to sign HB 255, this year's capital bill that's partially funded by higher tax rates on liquor, soft drinks and candy bars as well as an historical expansion of gambling by legalizing video poker and internet lottery sales.

Cross' office said there was no deal on the capital bill for eight GOP income tax hike votes because the governor's support for the capital bill was never an issue.

Who are the eight possible GOP votes? We've searched the web over the past few weeks, and have found these possibilities -- State Reps. Bill Black (Danville), Raymond Poe (Springfield), Bob Biggins (Elmhurst), Rosemary Mulligan (Park Ridge), but there's likely to be up to eight.

Whether you live in their districts or not, you might want to give those GOP reps a call before next week's tax hike vote. There's a couple of Democrats who refuse to vote for a tax hike, making the solidarity of the Republican caucus even more crucial as they return to Springfield.

And the Illinois Churches in Action are pleading for calls to the Governor's office to get him to veto HB 255 (the capital bill) and reject the unprecedented gambling expansion it contains.

Get in Shape Sweatin' to the Socialists

2009-07-10T07:59:37-05:00

Meers to announce for 11th CD

2009-07-10T07:30:00-05:00

Sunday at 2 PM, a third Republican will be announcing his bid to unseat Democrat Debbie Halvorson in the 11th CD. 63 year old businessman Henry Meers will kickoff his 2010 GOP primary campaign at his Frankfort home.

Meers will join two others who've made known their intention to regain Congressman Jerry Weller's seat -- Bloomington's Adam Kinzinger and Bourbannais' David McAloon.

Robling talks politics on WGN

2009-07-10T07:24:47-05:00

Illinois Review contributor Chris Robling talks about recent Illinois political developments

UPDATE 1X: McKenna in the 10th | Cross as ILGOP Chair?

2009-07-09T17:16:32-05:00

Sources are telling IR there may be a deal being discussed to run Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna in the 10th Congressional District to replace U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk when he runs for U.S. Senate in 2010. The demographics of the district would lend themselves to McKenna. However, recent "hiccups" regarding the U.S. Senate race may have damaged Andy's standing with key GOP leaders.

Given Kirk's recent vote on Cap & Trade, it may be more likely that Andy is still contemplating a run for U.S. Senate - challenging Kirk in the primary. Washington DC sources are leaking that McKenna is still having meetings out there. About what we don't know. Stay tuned.

An another, related, note, Lee Roupas, Chairman of the Cook County Republican Party, and Tom Cross, Republican Minority Leader in the Illinois House are names being talked about as replacements for Andy should he step down as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

UPDATE: Response from Leader Cross's office:

House Republican Leader Tom Cross is focused on defeating the democrat income tax increase plan, reforming Illinois government and recruiting the best crop of candidates for the 2010 election cycle in order to win a Republican majority in the Illinois House.

Illinois' $500 Million Corruption Tax

2009-07-09T15:41:52-05:00

by Tony Peraica

At the July 2, 2009 Cook County Board meeting, Commissioner Peraica spoke on the rampant corruption that costs each and every taxpayer in Cook County and Illinois ... to which Commissioner Bill Beavers provided an almost (ALMOST) unbelievable response.

Please watch the brief video below:

It's official (kind of) - Kirk for U.S. Senate

2009-07-09T14:16:57-05:00

Knowledgeable GOP sources have revealed that Rep. Mark Kirk has been calling supporters and telling them he's a definite "go" for U.S. Senate in 2010. No word yet on a date for a public announcement - something that was suppose to have happened back in April of this year.

Kirk's sudden courage comes in the wake of Lisa Madigan declining to run for the seat, which seems to have left ILGOP Chairman Andy McKenna red-faced after it became public that he was in Washington DC gearing up to step in for the risk-averse Kirk, who was petrified to run against Lisa.

Durbin the Spook says "let them eat cake"

2009-07-09T13:53:28-05:00

Illinois' own Dick Durbin has admitted to "spying" on Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. In an interview with The Hill on Wednesday, Durbin said he "decided to birddog the GOP leader" after noticing that McConnell was daring to step up attacks against the Democratic's healthcare plan, as well as their decision to close the Guantánamo.

Additionally, Sen. Durbin, who is chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, unveiled legislation yesterday that would give federal employees a 2.9% pay increase in 2010. This while the nation's private, taxpaying sector withers under double-digit unemployment.

The day the Dems dominos fell

2009-07-09T10:09:24-05:00

State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Chicago) has been keeping her options open for a statewide run for months. Most thought she'd jump in the AG race if Lisa Madigan moved on to run for U.S. Senate or governor. Here's how Hamos responded yesterday in an email to her supporters:

We've talked about "when the dominos fall" in Illinois for months. Today was that day.

I want to share with you the same statement I just sent out to the Illinois media:

"Lisa Madigan has been a strong Attorney General and an excellent leader for the state of Illinois. I was pleased to learn that she will continue to provide excellent leadership to our state in these difficult times.

"Over the past few months I have met with Democratic and community leaders and listened to the concerns of voters across Illinois. In the coming days I plan to revisit those supporters and ask for their best ideas on how I can work for the people of Illinois. I look forward to hearing their ideas and input."

In the coming days, I would like to hear from you and your thoughts. As always, you can contact me at http://www.juliehamos.org/contact

Sincerely,

Julie

###

It's almost incredible how much political power AG Madigan has, isn't it? Obviously, with both Republicans and Democrats waiting to learn where she wants her name on the ballot and then making their political decisions based on that is very troubling. Because indeed, it's not Lisa Madigan who's so formidable, it's her Dad and the power he wields statewide.

Speaker Madigan succeeded -- with the former governor's help -- to rid the state of Governor Blagojevich, his arch nemesis. With Blagojevich gone, Senate President Emil Jones retired and Obama in DC, Madigan's regained tyrannical political power. With unchallenged power comes carelessness and sloppiness.

There will be a time come when all the Dems dominos fall, and we learn just how Illinois system dys-functions.

Madigan Likes Dillard Too!

2009-07-09T09:46:30-05:00

by Lee Newcom

So poor ol' Joe Birkett, who announced for Attorney General last Thursday, when we all knew Lisa Madigan was running for Governor or Senator, gets sucker punched by Lisa, spins around and gets it again by Kirk Dillard. As we all know, Dillard is already under fire for cutting a television commercial that helped Barack Obama, at a very critical time in his campaign, to win the Democratic Presidential nomination. On this morning's WLS 890 AM Don and Roma Show, Attorney General Madigan laughingly said Kirk Dillard's fawning endorsement of her for reelection as Attorney General, the previous day, would be used on her mailings into DuPage County during the upcoming campaign against Birkett. Hopefully, if Dillard is the Republican nominee for Governor, he won't endorse Quinn or whoever is the Democratic nominee for Governor.

Cap and Tax Threatens to Get Worse in Senate, Thank You Mark Kirk!

2009-07-09T09:04:18-05:00

by Sam Pierce

Illinois is apparently about to push a hard-charging RINO for the U.S. Senate...any chance the climate change (formerly called global warming, before it became apparent that cooling seems to be occurring) bill will still be there waiting for him? We, as citizens, could not get that lucky. No, the bill for which RINO jerk Mark Kirk voted will likely be gone before he has a chance to support it once again. Representative Kirk will miss the fun of helping to further harm American industry as John Kerry (D(u)-M(b)ass)and his pals intend.

Gigolo John and Babbs (call me senator, not ma'am) Boxer have job killing business to which they must attend when their commitees get their hands on the already bad bill. "Big Brother" Barry doesn't want countries like China to have to compete with American companies on a level playing field so John and Babbs are "reporting for duty!" From CQPolitics, "Senate Finance Likely to Alter Tariff in Climate Change Bill":

Senate negotiators plan to change a proposed import tariff in the House-passed climate change bill, a provision criticized last week by President Obama as a potential blow to free trade, Sen. John Kerry said Wednesday.

The tariff in the House cap-and-trade bill, passed nearly two weeks ago, would start in 2020 and target energy-intensive goods from certain countries that do not make carbon reduction commitments of their own, if the administration found that other U.S. efforts to minimize the impact of the new program on domestic firms had not worked.

The provision reflects lawmakers’ fears that Chinese firms could overwhelm U.S. companies if China fails to undertake carbon reduction plans of its own. Under the House language, insisted upon by Ways and Means Committee Democrats, the president could issue a tariff waiver if the administration thought it was in the national interest, but for the waiver to take effect, Congress would have to pass a joint resolution affirming it within 90 days.

You see, American jobs get lip service from the vile political droppings that litter our nation's capitol, but when the rubber meets the road, they would have their constituents (save the upper crust donors) standing at the off-ramp, begging for food as other nations speed by. It is unfortunate that Mark Kirk will not get to participate in fixing this bill in the Senate, but he should be consoled by the numbers. The Dimocrats have 60 seats, Snowe, and Collins, Mark... they don't need you!

Oh, I know Mark Kirk is a good Republican and he is just the type of RINO we are being told can win the Senate seat. People like me need to shut up and donate to his campaign. The man Politico labeled a "schemer" needs our support!Imagine what would happen if we did not support Mark Kirk for the GOP Senate nomination in Illinois. A conservative might slip in and ruin everything! We cannot, as citizens of Illinois, afford to have candidates for Senate who can be differentiated... other than the alphabetical party identifier, that is. How will Illinois politics maintain its tradition if we allow a conservative to win the nomination?

It is almost too bad that the financial impact of Jerk Kirk's vote won't be felt until after the election.

Cross-posted from "The Immoderate Blog"

Update on Nettelhorst Elementary School and the "Pride" Parade

2009-07-09T08:17:14-05:00

by Laurie Higgins, Illinois Family Institute

On Thursday morning, June 25, three days before the Chicago "pride" parade, I called Nettelhorst Elementary School Principal Cindy Wulbert to ask whether the school was participating in the parade as was reported in the Chicago Tribune. I was told that Principal Wulbert was unavailable and that the school would be participating in the parade.

I asked the woman I was speaking to whether school time was used to make and/or tie the "thousands" of rainbow-colored fabric strips that the Trib reported were adorning the school fence. She claimed that she didn't know and that when she "arrived at school one day, they were just up."

I left a message asking that the principal return my call.

I called again in the afternoon and was told that Principal Wulbert was still not available and that Nettelhorst was not participating in the parade. The new person told me that there are Nettelhorst parents who are members of the gay and lesbian community and that they would be taking their children to march in the parade. She also informed me that Nettelhorst "does not have any school policy that prevents these parents from identifying the school their children attend." This raises the question, what is the difference between officially participating in the "pride" parade and unofficially participating if anyone can carry signs that say "Nettelhorst Elementary School"?

Since Nettelhorst was purportedly not "officially" participating in the parade, I asked her if the school had removed the sign that the Chicago Trib reported was on the school fence announcing Nettelhorst's participation in the parade. I was told that there was no such sign and never had been, and that the statement in the Trib was "inaccurate."

I then asked this new person, who was giving me remarkably different answers from those that I had been given in the morning, about the fabric strips. Lo and behold, I was again given a different answer. I was told that the thousands of rainbow-colored fabric strips had nothing whatsoever to do with the "pride" parade. I was told that "they're always up." She claimed that the fabric strips represent student wishes, and whenever a student makes a wish, he or she ties a fabric strip on the fence. I wonder why the first woman I spoke to, who I believe was a teacher, didn't seem familiar with this longstanding tradition.

This new version of the story contradicts not just the Chicago Trib story but also the account offered by Darius Kemp on the blog "Not in Our Town":

In May, teachers and parents, both gay and straight, collected ribbons and created a rainbow "Pride Fence" with a sign that read: "Each Nettelhorst student has tied a piece of fabric to the fence as a tangible sign of his or her personal intention to create a better world."

Furthermore, to show children and the neighborhood that fighting intolerance and bullying is not a one-time event, parents and teachers from the school will march in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade to demonstrate their support for inclusion in our schools and in our towns.

I called again on Friday to try to get to the bottom of this very curious story by speaking with Principal Wulbert but was told she would not be in the office until Monday. I then asked the gentleman on the phone if he could answer some questions about Nettelhorst and the "pride" parade. He said that he was "not at liberty to discuss that issue." Apparently, the Nettelhorst administration has as much commitment to transparency as they do to truth.

I left yet another message for Principal Wulbert; I'm still awaiting her call.

I had one last pre-parade hope for clarification: Rex Huppke, the Trib reporter who wrote the story on Nettelhorst.

I called and emailed Mr Huppke, leaving detailed messages about who I am, what Nettelhorst told me, and what my questions were. I'm still awaiting his call also. Mr. Huppke is likely very busy writing yet more glowing, transparently biased stories about the LGBT community, some of which you can read here, here, here and here:

I guess we're all just left to figure out the truth for ourselves. Perhaps this disturbing video provided by Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) can shed some light on the darkness created by the Nettelhorst administration and the homosexual activist organizations that promote the depraved "pride" circus:

Two final thoughts:

The dissembling or outright lying engaged in by Nettelhorst public school employees makes one wonder how people with so little commitment to truth can possibly foster integrity in children.

Pay attention to the Log Cabin Republicans' float in this AFTAH video. The GOP must sever all ties to Log Cabin Republicans. The "big tent" must not become so big that its support structures collapse under the weight of pernicious ideas

Why Sarah left is no mystery

2009-07-09T07:52:31-05:00

by Sandy Rios

The reason Sarah Palin resigned her post as Governor of Alaska is really no mystery. And yet we must make it one. A person can never be taken at her word. What did she mean by a “higher calling?” She’s looking for a way to make money. It must be a huge book deal. But wait, she already has a book deal.

She must be getting a talk show on FOX … but FOX has said there is nothing in the works. Then NBC? Maybe taking Katie Couric’s place on CBS? Now that’s a great idea. Or maybe there’s a grand … secret … strategy to take the White House in 2012. It’s a brilliant strategy. It’s a ridiculous strategy. It’s risky … it’s smart. There has to be more to this. What’s the angle? How can we read further between the lines? What’s in this for her?

She is a coward … a quitter. She’s crazy like a fox. She is laying the groundwork for a new political movement. If she can’t take the heat, she should get out of the kitchen—and on it goes, from both sides, ad nauseam.

But maybe there is a logical explanation after all with no mystery involved. Governor Sarah Palin said the following: She is a no-frills governor who wants to get the job done. All the investigations launched, which by the way, have been proven false and have cost the Alaskan taxpayers over two million dollars to respond to the flood of accusations and FOIA requests. Today, most of her time and her staff’s time is spent responding to the constant barrage of criticism and attacks—and the work for the people of Alaska is being neglected.

Based on that alone, she is “passing the ball,” as the good basketball guard she once was, so that the “team,” the conservative movement can win. She wants to keep her focus on what really matters, help the people of Alaska continue on a path of good government, and stop facilitating the time and life-takers of the left.

She said it was difficult. She said it was painful. That doesn’t sound like someone who wants to “quit.” She said her recent visit to the troops was the clincher, referencing their sacrifice and reiterating the theme of remembering what really matters. She was alluding to her own need to step down when she personally didn’t want to, I believe, feeling it was her duty as a statesman and as a duly elected servant of the people of Alaska.

But the higher calling? I don’t think it’s a book deal or a talk show or a new political movement. I believe it’s the heart of a mother who can’t bear to see her children brutalized by a cannibalizing, angry opposition.

What person in public life has ever had her children and family so maligned and attacked so brutally, explicitly and disrespectfully?

Was it Jimmy Carter with his strange little Amy? Or Lyndon B. Johnson with his Bird girls? Or Nixon or Ford or Reagan? Ron Reagan Jr. contributed to his own ridiculousness by appearing in his tighty whities in a parody of Tom Cruise. Jenna and Barbara Bush got a little burnt by reports of underage drinking, but that was quickly stifled. Cindy McCain was trashed for her pain-killer addiction and Teresa Carey for her weird campaign remarks. Barack Obama issued a stern warning to anyone who would ridicule Michelle for her declared shame over the country, but (rightly) not a word was said about his precious girls. Wives and husbands active on the campaign trail are fair game, but not children. That’s the way it has always been and that’s the way it should remain.

Too bad the door was opened wide for debasement, and ridicule, and gutter humor for not just one of Sarah Palin’s children, but for at least three of them. Within days of her selection, Trig was not her baby, but her teenage daughter’s. Then the gleeful news, that Bristol was, in fact, pregnant and unmarried. Throw in a tasteless remark on SNL about Todd committing incest with his girls—things that should not be spoken, much less joked, about have become the norm for the vermin class who hate anyone who loves and tries to represent healthy, whole families.

When the search for sexual indiscretions, pictures, photos, came up short on Palin, she was mocked for her beauty, her voice, her sense of humor and alleged lack of knowledge of public policy. Her interviews were edited, the interviewers powered up to make her look foolish, her McCain “handlers” became her worst enemies … the people she trusted stabbed her in the back.

But the children … David Letterman described Governor Sarah Palin, the ultimate beautiful lady, mother of 5, grandmother of 1, wife of a man who loves her dearly, dressing like a “slutty flight attendant.” But to go yet lower, joked about her 14-year-old daughter being “knocked up” by Alex Rodriguez at a Mets Game. His apology was that he thought it was the 18-year-old daughter, the young single mom, and not the younger. Only a sick mind could tell the difference.

And then the mockery of Trig, baby Trig … Down syndrome Trig. Altering his photo … blogging inexpressibly profane remarks about his birth and leaving them on the Web site for over week, despite complaints. Perhaps this was the last straw.

“I think much of it [her family’s counsel to step down] had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently,” Palin explained in her resignation speech. “By the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we all learn so much from someone like Trig—I know he needs me, but I need him even more … what a child can offer to set priorities right—that time is precious … the world needs more ‘Trigs,’ not fewer, ” she said.

It’s no mystery why Sarah Palin stepped down now to stop the waste of time and money for the Alaskan people and to quench the infliction of pain on her family. If the love of the governor for her state and the mother for her children causes her to step down and become a “quitter,” then may her kind of “quitting” increase.

First published at Townhall.com.
Sandy Rios hosts a daily drive home talk show on 1160 AM WYLL.

Where Have We Seen This Before?

2009-07-09T06:16:00-05:00

by Teri O'Brien

MMM, let’s see …liberal democrats in Congress attacking our intelligence agencies, the president echoing his ten-year old daughter’s concern about nuclear proliferation, displaying a stunning, child-like naivete about America’s enemies and appeasing the Russians …where have I seen all this before? Please scroll down for the answer.

Michelle Antoinette Update: In her continuing quest to answer the question “where’s mine, Sucka?” and get the jump on well-deserved reparations, tacky, no-class, race-obsessed, Her Most Entitled Highness Malignant Michelle has topped even the $540 sneakers and the $775 boots with her alligator clutch purse. Price: Six LARGE. Peta? Bueller? Bueller?

No word on what she had on her ginormous feet as she did her patented Farmer-Brown-Behind-a-Plow stomp across Russia, although those walking behind her in that yellow sheath could be forgiven if they thought they inexplicably had found themselves behind a schoolbus. Love the bling, Mich. What’s next: a diamond grill?

Thought experiment: what would our friends in the Lame Stream Media have said if Laura Bush had carried a $6,000 purse or worn $540 sneakers? Shout out to those vigilant seekers of truth, determined to uncover and shine a spotlight on the hypocrisy of public officials and the phony “just plain folks” packaging adopted by many politicians, perhaps you could do some serious investigative journalism exposing the gaping chasm between the manufactured images of this dangerous pair of grifters, man-god Barack and his James Brown lookalike wife, telling Americans to “sacrifice,” while doing all they can to get for themselves and their cronies while the getting is good, and the reality.

If you need help getting started, you could dust off some of the stories from last fall about the disgusting, sanctimonious behavior of disingenuous diva Gov. Sarah Palin, who claimed to be a regular hockey mom, while spending lavishly on expensive clothes! The nerve of some people!

Suggested poll questions: With unemployment in the United States at nearly ten percent, do you think it’s insensitive for Michelle Obama to carry a $6,000 purse? Did you find it refreshing when you heard that Michelle Obama wore a $140 dress for her appearance on ABC’s “The View?” Follow up: If you knew that Michelle Obama carried a $6,000 purse would it change your opinion?

Final thought: hey David Letterman, any jokes about this girl, now that she has decided to enter the debate about nuclear weapons?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Politics, Pop Culture, the Issues of the Day. The Teri O'Brien Show, Sundays 2-3 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Teri-OBrien

Can’t listen live? Download it from iTunes and listen when you want. Serious Ideas, Irresistible Entertainment."

Congressman Foster - Don't Play Both Sides on Cap and Trade

2009-07-09T02:00:44-05:00

by Matt Gauntt

Since I know from reliable sources that Congressman Foster's Office reads Illinois Review, I thought I would just address Congressman Foster directly. Everyone else, feel free to join in.

I was very pleased that Congressman Foster voted no on the "Cap and Trade" bill that was recently before the House. However, I decided to check out his web page to see what he had to say about it. See what he wrote by clicking here.

Congressman, I appreciate that you are a man of science. It is refreshing to have a scientist in Congress to provide a little bit of balance to the career politicians and the lawyers. However, as a man of science, I have to ask, where is the science on cap and trade?

In Senate hearings, the EPA Head stated that the bill in and of itself will have zero affect on global CO2 levels. Click here to hear for yourself.

Hundreds and hundreds of scientists do NOT believe that global warming is caused by anthropogenic (man-made) sources. The number of prominent scientists that disagree with the global warming hysteria has been steadily increasing as more and more research is completed. Click here to see the information.

Congressman, I could go on, and on, and on about the science behind global warming. If you would like, we can conduct a town hall debate on the subject. I will let you pick the venue, the time, and the date. We can discuss any topic pertaining to global warming that you like. Just you and me. I'm very serious about this, Congressman. If global warming is such a vital national issue, the public should be able to hear a good, healthy debate on the subject. This isn't just a blogger waxing poetic. I'm challenging you to a debate. Heck, since you only live 2 blocks away (although, I haven't seen you around very much) I'll even swing by and pick you up. We can reduce our combined emissions that way.

Congressman, all seriousness here. You did a valiant things by standing up to your party to vote no on this bill. It was a REALLY bad bill. You knew that, and you voted against it. I applauded you for that, and I continue to do so. However, the remarks that you made on your website seem to indicate that you are just itching to vote for a similar bill, as long as it's a little better. Don't do it, Congressman. No amount of lipstick will make this pig pretty. Anthropogenic Global Warming is NOT settled science. Please do some research. BE a man of science. Talk to those that are outside of the global warming cheerleaders group. Read research that has been put together by those that are not so convinced.

One question. If nothing else, please contemplate just one simple question. Be serious about it - just spend 10 quiet minutes contemplating this in your heart. If carbon dioxide levels have continued to increase over the last 8 years, why have average global temperatures leveled off and fallen? I would suggest that a good place to start is to look at how sunspot activity has also plummeted over the last several years. If CO2 levels in the atmosphere were the primary cause of the global warming experienced through the 1990's, then shouldn't temperatures have continued to increase?

While Al Gore predicted a continuing rise in average global temperatures because of carbon dioxide, since the release of his movie in 2006, average global temperatures have actually fallen 0.74 degrees. The trouble is that peer reviewed scientific studies have shown that the computer models used are really bad at predicting global temperatures.

Bad science should not be enhanced by even worse legislation. Congressman, keep doing the right thing. Vote against cap and trade the next time it comes around again.

Campaign Anger Management

2009-07-08T18:11:52-05:00

National Review Online is citing gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft as the "the candidate most likely to choke some people." HERE (see bottom of story)

The Proft campaign told Illinois Review they are "workshopping the tagline".

Murphy only mention in Washington Post story

2009-07-08T17:41:25-05:00

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza ended this morning's post about Lisa Madigan's decision to run for AG by commenting about its impact on the gubernatorial race. Wrote Cilliza:

For Quinn, Madigan's decision gives him a ~~surprisingly clear path~~ to a full term in 2010. National Republicans insist they will make a major push against Quinn despite the strongly Democratic lean of the state. State Sen. Matt Murphy has already declared his candidacy and others may follow, according to GOP sources.

Interesting that only Murphy was mentioned...by "GOP sources"?

Kirk Dillard Biography

2009-07-08T16:11:48-05:00

Illinois GOP musical chairs -- Round 2

2009-07-08T14:49:17-05:00

Instead of drumming up support for himself, perhaps ILGOP Chair Andy McKenna was in Washington DC yesterday raising money for the guy he's campaign treasurer for: Mark Kirk. Politico is reporting that Kirk is telling supporters today he's in for U.S. Senate. That's believable, since Lisa Madigan is out and Kirk's $1 million war chest was the topic of a couple of news stories on Tuesday.

Check back often, kids...this is a fluid situation. If McKenna doesn't run for U.S. Senate, will he remain party chairman and will those IL GOP staffers get their jobs back?

In another race, we're hearing that Judy Baar-Topinka is interested in two races -- either State Comptroller or possibly Cook County Board. Not sure yet if she's looking at commissioner (which would put her head-to-head in a GOP primary with Tony Peraica) or if she's interested in Cook County Board President.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 1X: Dillard endorses Lisa Madigan?

2009-07-08T14:29:24-05:00

from the Chicago Tribune's Clout Street

Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard kicked off his run for governor in Hinsdale today, where Madigan was a topic of discussion.

"She's been a good attorney general and if she wants to stay there, that's fine," Dillard said. "With Lisa Madigan out of the race, it clearly makes this at least an even, if not a Republican-tilting field. Personally, I'm glad she's not going to be my opponent in the general election. I believe my chances are better with Pat Quinn or someone else than Lisa Madigan. I look forward to having Lisa Madigan as attorney general when I'm the governor."

Dillard clearly forgot about his own party's announced candidate for attorney general: DuPage County State's Atty. Joe Birkett.

UPDATE: Illinois Review contacted the Dillard campaign for comment. A spokesman for the campaign elaborated on Sen. Dillard's remarks stating that the Senator strongly supports Joe Birkett and the Republican nominee for Attorney General.

State and Local Governments also Drowning in Debt

2009-07-08T12:31:19-05:00

by Mark Rhoads

The unfunded liability of public-employee pensions in DC and Illinois is a growing problem. Some local police departments in California pay more for pensions of retired officers than they do in salaries to currently serving officers. California cannot find banks to accept its IOUs. The New York Times reports today on pension debts in the Empire State:

ALBANY — Local governments in

New York

State

face an unprecedented increase in pension costs that will force them to triple their contributions to the state pension system over the next six years, according to an analysis prepared by the comptroller’s office.

By 2015, pension costs borne by local governments upstate, on Long Island and in

New York City

’s suburbs will exceed $8 billion a year, compared with $2.6 billion last year, under the analysis, which was circulated to legislative and county leaders and obtained by The New York Times this month.

The analysis predicts that counties will have to contribute an amount equal to nearly one-third of their civilian payrolls to the state pension system and more than 40 percent of their payrolls for police and fire departments.

County leaders fear that the soaring contributions will put heavy pressure on their budgets as they struggle to keep up with retirement promises made in times of prosperity.

Who should succeed McKenna for IL GOP chairman?

2009-07-08T10:57:06-05:00

Yesterday Greg Hinz wrote that IL GOP Chairman Andy McKenna was seriously considering a bid for U.S. Senate in 2010. Last week we confirmed that there is a significant shake-up in the ILGOP staff. So, the IL GOP State Central Committee will be faced with choosing a new chairman (IF McKenna resigns).

Let's get the conversation started -- who should the SCC consider as McKenna's successor? What does this mean for the IL GOP as it enters one of the decades' most crucial election cycles? Let's help the SCC out here with ideas on Illinois Review ...

UPDATE 1X: Madigan to run for AG again

2009-07-08T10:54:00-05:00

Washington Post is reporting this morning that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has decided to run for re-election in 2010, saying...

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) will run for re-election to her current post in 2010, according to a Democratic source aware of the decision, ending months of speculation about whether she might make the leap to a Senate or gubernatorial bid.

Madigan is expected to make her decision public later today.

... With Madigan out of the Senate race, expect businessman Chris Kennedy to quickly announce his candidacy, joining state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the Democratic primary. Madigan's no-go decision also makes it far more likely that Rep. Mark Kirk, by far Republicans strongest candidate, will make the race.

UPDATE: The Chicago Tribune is now reporting a 2pm new conference by Madigan to make it official.

Proft Surprised by Dillard’s Entrance into the Race, as a Republican

2009-07-08T10:53:28-05:00

from Proft for Governor campaign

In anticipation of State Senator Kirk Dillard’s announcement this morning of his candidacy for Governor, GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft issued the following statement:

"I want to welcome Sen. Dillard to the race, though I admit to being a bit surprised he decided to run as a Republican. I want to make it clear from the outset, as a point of differentiation, that I will refuse any offer made by President Barack Obama to appear in Dan Proft for Governor television commercials.

At his announcement this morning, Sen. Dillard will likely tout his 15 years of experience in the Illinois General Assembly and his track record of bi-partisanship. So let’s review both:"

Dillard’s bipartisanship – Endorsement of Barack Obama. Sen. Dillard appeared in a campaign commercial for then-Sen. Obama during the Presidential primary campaign in which Dillard said,
“Senator Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had and he was successful in a bi-partisan way…Republican legislators respected Sen. Obama. His negotiation skills and his ability to understand both sides would serve the country well.”

Sen. Dillard calls this “statesmanship” not an endorsement. I disagree. I would ask Sen. Dillard how well he thinks President Obama’s skills are in fact serving the country after all?

Dillard’s 15 years in the General Assembly – Taxes, Spending, Debt.

• Blago’s $10 billion bond scheme. Sen. Dillard was one of only four GOP State Senators to cross party lines in order to vote for Rod Blagojevich’s $10 billion bond scheme in 2003. This deal doubled the state’s bonded indebtedness in one fell swoop. This insider deal is also famously remembered for the $800,000 fee given to disgraced former GOP National Committeeman Bob Kjellander as part of that deal.

By contrast, I opposed the bond deal in writing and I called for Kjellander’s resignation after the details of this deal came to light six years ago, and was one of the first Republicans in Illinois to do so.

• Sales tax increase to bail out the RTA. Last year, Sen. Dillard was one of only three GOP State Senators to vote to increase the sales tax in Cook and the collar counties to bail out the mismanaged Regional Transit Authority, an entity that is already subsidized by the state for half of its operating budget each year.

By contrast, I am the only candidate for Governor who publicly called out Sen. Dillard and the other two GOP State Senators at the time for voting for this tax increase/bailout: http://www.urqmedia.com/proft/contentview.asp?c=206156

• State Spending. During Sen. Dillard’s 15 years in Springfield, general fund spending in the state has increased at nearly four times the rate of population growth in Illinois (adjusted for inflation). The profligate spending in state government is the primary reason we have “budget crises” like the one we have currently for FY 2010.

By contrast, I am the only candidate for Governor who has proposed statutory spending caps for state government because I understand that fundamentally we have a spending problem not a revenue problem.

It is important to recall that for half of Sen. Dillard’s tenure, the GOP was in the majority in the State Senate so there were plenty of opportunities to propose system change ideas. Sen. Dillard is an affable gentleman. In fact, I like him. But the question for conservatives is this: Are we going to nominate someone who thinks our state’s problems can be solved through closer cooperation with political insiders intent on preserving a fixed system? Or are we going to nominate a candidate who will take the fight to the Chicago Democrats on behalf of people who play by the rules in Illinois?

For Republicans who think our state’s problems can be solved by tinkering on the margins and through closer cooperation with the current power structure, Sen. Dillard is your candidate.

For Republicans who think it is time we un-fix Illinois and who believe we need to re-establish our party as one with big policy ideas that flow from clearly defined first principles and substantively address the pressing issues of the day, I am your candidate.

Durbin taps short list of US attorneys, marshals

2009-07-08T09:03:06-05:00

Democrat U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin sent a list of 10 names Monday to President Barack Obama for consideration in filling four positions for U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals in Central and Southern Illinois.

For U.S. attorney in the Central District of Illinois: Gregory Harris and James Lewis

For U.S. marshal in the Central District of Illinois: Kenneth Bohac, Brent Fischer and Robert Moore

For U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Illinois: A. Courtney Cox and Stephen Wigginton

For U.S. marshal in the Southern District of Illinois: Jack Fox, Don Slazinik and Richard Watson

Two of the incumbent candidates, A. Courtney Cox and Don Slazinik, are Republicans.

Alarm Bells Finally Ringing on Price Tag for All Obama Programs

2009-07-08T08:56:40-05:00

by Mark Rhoads

It took the shocking June jobless report to do it, but finally serious media writers in DC are starting to ask, "Can we really afford all this Obama program money including a new national health program on top?" Here is what Mark Gerson said in the pro-Obama Washington Post today.

"Obama's spending ambitions would have been jaw-dropping even in the best of economic times. Federal spending this year is about 28 percent of GDP -- a figure exceeded only when Franklin Roosevelt was fighting a global war against Germany and Japan. Along the fiscal path Obama has chosen (according to the Congressional Budget Office), our national debt will double in six years and triple in 10."

Gerson says this June jobless report (424,000 jobs lost) is like the ice berg gash below the waterline of the Titanic in 1912 that started to flood the compartments. In recent years the US economy has been the strongest in the world but now, faced with all the new Obama spending on his watch, and not on that of his predecssor, liberals for the first time are asking, "Can the governemnt really afford all this? How do we pay for it when we can no longer borrow and people are fed up withe taxes at the current level let alone any new higher taxes? The "stimulus bill" in February did not work. People who are not working cannot pay federal incometaxes on income they do not earn--therefore what the left loves to call "revenue" is going down as spending goes up. The arithemetic becomes a cruel master to Obama's ambitions. To read the full article re-posted in RCP, CLICK HERE.

EVen Colin Powell who made a big media splash as a "Republican" when he endorsed Obama last fall has the gall to tell CNN this week that he is worried about all the new Obama spending. What did you exepect Colin when you voted for the most left-wing candidate in generations?