-By Beth Shaw
Will a Lloyd Dobler economy save us? That’s the question being asked around the internet today and we can surely expect more of that sort of question as we are seeing more and more headlines of looming economic disaster, both nationally and globally.
What is getting in the way of the United States creating, building, producing and hiring?
Continue reading “
Will a Lloyd Dobler Economy Save Us?”
-By Warner Todd Huston
One of the things that the left has lighted upon to explain away the behavior of Democrat Congressman Anthony Weiner with his Weinergate Twitter mess is typical of the way leftists try to misdirect a debate away from the failings of their own side. Instead of keeping focus on the failures of Weiner to put an end to this controversy, leftists are trying to blame conservative Internet mogul Andrew Breitbart for it all, as if it is all Breitbart’s fault and not Weiner’s. Worse, these same leftists are saying Breitbart, not Weiner, is the “liar” here.
Many on the left, from the DailyKos, to many left-wingers on Twitter are claiming that Breitbart made up this whole Weinergate story and is the one behind it all. Some even on my own blog have chimed in to claim the story was invented by Breitbart. But any fair review of the timeline and the various folks involved shows this not to be true. In fact, even Mediaite says that Breitbart is blameless in the whole Weinergate story.
Certainly Breitbart has launched into this story with gusto and his various “Big” sites have been chock-a-block full of Weinergate stories. But none of these posts have been invented by an evil Breitbartian cabal. They have simply been a discussion of the evidence as the story has progressed. Period.
Continue reading “
Even Lefty Website Mediaite Says Breitbart Did Not Lie about Wienergate”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
The General Assembly has adjourned for the summer. A budget was passed that contained real cuts, but it was still too big. Significant school reform sits on the governor’s desk. Illinois government will be more transparent. And yet so much more remains to be done.
Here are the highlights of the spring 2011 legislative session in Illinois. Over the next few weeks, we will roll out a thorough analysis of all the legislative items, large and small, that were on the Institute’s watch list this year. Stay tuned.
Thank you,
Collin Hitt
Senior Director of Government Affairs
Illinois Policy Institute
We Don’t Want It; You Can’t Afford It
The Institute’s open letter to Congress implores lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to just say NO to any federal bailouts of spendthrift states. Voters in Arkansas, Florida, Nevada, Maine, Colorado and elsewhere shouldn’t be forced to pony up for Illinois’s self-made mess.
Continue reading “
Ill. Budget Cuts: Not Far Enough”
-By Warner Todd Huston
Tim Rutten is a left-wing, hack writer from L.A. He is always good for contemporary left wing trope but the other day we discovered that he is also good for the sort of uninformed blathering that leftists of his ilk pretend is American history. Chiefly that of America’s religious history and the so-called “wall of separation between church and state.”
In a June 1 piece about Mitt Romney, Rutten regaled us with his “reading” of Mitt’s current political reality. Rutten proposed that any question about Mitt’s Mormonism was somehow a threat to the United States.
Before I get to Rutten’s warped take on U.S. history, let’s take this business about the attacks on Mitt’s Mormonism.
Continue reading “
L.A. Times Tim Rutten, Historical Idiot”
-By Warner Todd Huston
At a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday, it was revealed that federal employees spent nearly 3 million hours of official, taxpayer paid time on union activities in 2009. This cost the treasury $129 million, an increase of $8 million over the expenditures in 2008.
The report that fueled the hearing (see .pdf) was prepared by the Office of Personnel Management and prompted a stern comment from House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce Chairman Dennis Ross, (R, Fla).
At at time when our economy is in a recession and budget deficits are at staggering record levels, efficiency is imperative. Taxpayers should not have to continue footing the bill for union welfare, particularly when little evidence exists that official time is improving government productivity.
Of course, I spoke of this nonsensical situation, one where the American people are paying workers not to do any useful work, back in April.
Then I wrote…
Continue reading “
Your Taxes Paying Government Union Members NOT to Work, Part Two”
As we wrapped up the regular spring legislative session this week, Illinois House Republicans drove the General Assembly to a balanced budget by only allowing the Governor to spend money that we estimate we will receive in revenues next year. That number is $33.2 billion—any dime we receive above that number will go to pay down our backlog of bills.
Our spending level is $2 billion less than what Governor Quinn wanted to spend and $1 billion less than what the Illinois Senate originally wanted to spend.
In fact, in a last ditch effort to spend more money, the Illinois Senate sent us legislation that would have tacked on more than $400 million. We rejected that.
Continue reading “
Holding the Line on Spending, Driving Cuts”
From the office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), along with his colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR), introduced the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Continuation Act, H.R. 2068 (download .pdf). This bipartisan legislation would permit a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to continue to serve on the Commission until a successor is confirmed or until the end of the Congress.
Currently, NRC Commissioners serve five-year terms, or are appointed to serve out the remainder term of a Commissioner who resigns or is no longer able to complete their term of service. Upon termination of a Commissioner’s term, they must leave the Commission immediately, which creates a vacancy until a new or re-appointed Commissioner is named.
The Kinzinger-Ross bill permits a Commissioner to continue to serve on the Commission until the date on which the Commissioner’s successor has been appointed and confirmed; or the beginning of the first new Congress after the date on which the Commissioner’s term expires.
Continue reading “
Reps. Kinzinger and Ross Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create More Stable and Efficient Nuclear Regulatory Commission”
-By Warner Todd Huston
This story about Democrat New York Congressman Anthony Weiner sending a photo of his… uh… weiner… to some barely-out-of-her-teens student in Washington State is as ridiculous as it can get. But the leave it to the Old Media to make it more ridiculous yet. Leave it to the venerable newswire service Reuters to turn a Democrat Weiner into a Republican weiner. Because a sex scandal couldn’t possibly be a Democrat’s, right?
In a hot story posted this afternoon, Reuters screams out a headline that says: “Republican Weiner Uncertain Whether Lewd Photo Was of Him,” ‘cuz, you know, them there lewd Republicans see so many lewd photos that they can’t recognize their own package when they see it… right?
I mean, this sex scandal is a Republican type of story, right? Reuters must not be able to conceive of the possibility that a Democrat could be involved. After all, we have a congressman that won’t answer questions about a sex scandal, a guy that’s rude to the media, and a guy that seems to be wholly ignorant of Internet applications. MUST be a Republican Reuters must imagine!
Continue reading “
Now Media Trying to Turn Weiner Tweeter Into a Republican?”
-By Warner Todd Huston
One of the worst aspects of American politics is the often blatantly partisan process of redistricting and Illinois has just clocked in with one of the worst examples in recent memory. Illinois Democrats just finished their effort to redistrict the state and have proven that the will of the voters is meaningless to them with their proposal. The map just yesterday passed by the General Assembly in Springfield is now headed for Gov. Quinn’s signature.
Naturally, the new map is a partisan slap in the face to thousands of Illinois voters. As it happens the results of the 2010 midterm election sent five new Republicans to Washington from the Land of Lincoln. Many of these were GOP upsets where freshman Republicans replaced a Democrat. But despite that the will of the voter tended toward Republicans in these five districts, the new map created by Democrats undermines nearly every GOP district and dilutes the voter’s will by adding to them portions of other districts that vote against Republicans.
Certainly the districts must be redrawn, of that there is no question. According to population stats, Illinois does not rate as many representatives as it had before and one representative was going to be lost for certain. You see, Illinois is failing, losing citizens and struggling thanks to decisions by Democrats but since the Democrats control the state, it was assumed that at least one of those Republicans might lose his district. This goes without saying and, in my opinion, seems assumed — if not a bit annoying.
Continue reading “
Redistricting: Democrat Infested Ill. LegisSLAYture Kills Will of the Voter”
-By Warner Todd Huston
With the latest three votes, the Illinois GOP has shown itself to be little else but Democrat lite and has shown that even planks in its own platform are meaningless when it comes to voting time.
The last Illinois Republican Party platform was produced and approved in 2008 (See .pdf here) and there hasn’t been another one since.
Lets start our scolding with the recent vote to wildly expand gambling in Illinois, a bill that 21 Republicans voted for, shall we?
SB744 passed this weekend with a 65-60 vote in the Illinois House. 21 Republicans voted “yea” on this despite what their own party platform say. That platform says…
Continue reading “
Illinois GOP Betray Own Platform”
-By Warner Todd Huston
In a 61-53 vote in the Illinois House, an Illinois version of the DREAM Act (SB2185) has been passed and will be signed into law by accidental Governor Pat Quinn.
The Illinois DREAM Act will provide free money for the children of illegal immigrants to go to state colleges and universities.
Supporters say that this bill does not use state money, but this is obviously hogwash. While much of the money that will go to illegals for free schooling will come from private sources, the panel that will do this duty is obviously going to be funded by the state.
Once again, the State of Illinois — drowning in debt and losing businesses hand over fist — is creating yet another expensive program to aid people breaking our immigration laws.
Continue reading “
Illinois Legislature Passes DREAM Act Giving Illegals Free College Education”
-By Nancy Salvato
I’m fairly certain that everyone from my generation knows the words to The Pledge of Allegiance by heart.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”
When reciting the pledge, we should focus on the meaning attached to these words, most of which were written by Francis Bellamy, commemorating our history in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day at Chicago’s World’s Fair. I say “most” because the original pledge, as written by Bellamy, was altered. Nevertheless, each word in this final version provides our citizenry an appropriate lens through which we may view our world.
Continue reading “
Notes on Democracy: And to the Republic, for Which It Stands”
-By Doug Ibendahl
Are you upset about Illinois redistricting? Yeah me too.
But frankly I’m a lot less upset with the Democrats for doing the same thing Republicans would have done had we been in charge. We would have drawn maps favorable to our side too. We’ve done it before. Republicans shouldn’t kid themselves.
I’m a lot more disgusted with the awful GOP management that got us here. The new maps are the natural end result of all the rigged party conventions, endless lying to the rank-and-file, selfish misuse of the party franchise, and general unprofessionalism.
So much destruction has been done over the years by the likes of Tom Cross, Skip Saviano, Pat Brady, Randy Pollard, Andy McKenna, Judy Baar Topinka, Bob Kjellander, etc., etc., trying to prevent Republicans from voting – there was finally no party around to win the races necessary to give the GOP a seat at the map drawing table this year.
Continue reading “
Tom Cross Runs out of Lies on SB35″
From the office of Ill. GOP Minority House Leader Tom Cross…
Dems Deny Vote on Fair Map Proposal; Shun Public Input in Favor of Partisan Map
In a stunning reversal of their oft-repeated pledge to lead an open and transparent redistricting process, House and Senate Democrats introduced a brand new partisan legislative map late yesterday which was different from the one publicly released last week. This bait-and-switch follows weeks of public hearings held throughout the state to obtain local citizen input on how Illinois’ new map should be drawn; a mere days after three public forums held within the past week on the original publicly-released map.
So much for transparency.
Continue reading “
Bait-and-Switch: Democrats Unveil New Map”
-By Warner Todd Huston
Memorial Day Parade, Wheaton, Ill– Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam (R, 6th District) walked in the Wheaton Memorial Day Parade to some applause and ended the exercise by speaking to those assembled at the Wheaton Cemetery to commemorate those that have served us in peace and war and those who gave their last full measure so that we could remain the last best hope of the world.
The weather could not have been better as the parade stepped off this morning. The skies were clear and Summer temperatures had finally arrived. As the route rolled on the heat did tend to rise, though. Still, compared to the dismal weather we’ve seen the last few months, this Memorial Day was a welcome respite.
Rep. Roskam had a group of about fifty supporters march with him and I joined them to document the event. As we walked the distance from downtown Wheaton to the Wheaton Cemetery it was obvious that the congressman had many fans along the route. There were surprised smiles and a healthy amount of applause as the congressman and his lovely wife led the contingent.
Continue reading “
U.S. Rep. Roskam Marches in Wheaton Memorial Day Parade”
-By Warner Todd Huston
Over the last few days New York Congressman Anthony Weiner, a Democrat, claimed that his Twitter account had been hacked when it was revealed that “someone” sent a sexually graphic picture to a young woman in Washington State from his account.
The photo, a picture of a briefs-clad man sporting an erection, was sent to a young college student named Gennette Nicole Cordova who is a student at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, Washington. This young woman once Tweeted that Wiener was her “boyfriend.” No one is sure what sort of relationship Weiner has with Cordova if any. But there seems to be some links.
For his part, Rep. Weiner claims his Twitter account was hacked. This does not ring true. Why would a hacker hack Weiner’s Twitter account to send only one photo to some girl in Washington State (who claimed to be his girlfriend) and then just leave without doing other things?
Continue reading “
Weiner’s Weiner: Dem. Rep’s ‘Hacking’ Story Falls Apart”
-By Warner Todd Huston
The Democrats Party of Illinois has released its plans to destroy the current districts and instead dish up a mangled, contorted mess of a redistricting plan meant only to erode every GOP stronghold in the state.
Why did the Illinois Democrats feel so threatened in a state that seems solidly Democrat anyway? Because Illinois sent five new Republican congressmen to Washington D.C. in 2010. This will of the voters is something the Democrats are desperate to quash.
As the official statement of the Illinois Republican Party says, “This proposal appears to be little more than an attempt to undo the results of the elections held just six months ago and we will take whatever steps necessary to achieve a map that more fairly represents the people of Illinois – they deserve nothing less.”
Continue reading “
Democrat’s Redistricting Plan: ‘A Disgraceful Insult to the 12.8 Million People of Illinois’”
From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, ILL)…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Roskam-Lipinski Amendment, recognizing the value of a Korean War National Museum in Chicago, Illinois. The amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act was co-sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, and Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-03).
“A Korean War National Museum in Chicago will be a testament to those brave Americans who fought to preserve freedom and halt the advance of Communism,” said Congressman Roskam. “Almost six million Americans – including my father – fought in this war that has unfortunately taken on the moniker of ‘the forgotten war.’ A National Museum dedicated to the Korean War in the Midwest will ensure future generations remember the sacrifice and valor of all the Americans who fought and died honorably in Korea sixty years ago. I will continue to work to bring this museum to Chicago.”
The Korean War National Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a museum in Chicago that honors the millions of Americans who fought against Communism in Korea. In November 2010, Roskam traveled to Korea to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War. He was joined by his mother, Martha, and father Swede, a Korean War veteran. They attended President Obama’s speech to troops at Yongsan Garrison and ceremonies at the Demilitarized Zone while in Korea.
The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House today, 322-96.
-By Warner Todd Huston
(This interview was originally a part of the RightPundits.com interview series of the incoming GOP freshmen.)
Interview with freshman Representative Todd Rokita of Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District (Rep.-Elect at time of interview).
Being here in Chicago right adjacent to Rokita’s turf, I was already familiar with his work as Indiana’s Secretary of State and so when the RP team offered me an interview with him, I jumped at the chance.
Rokita made quite a stir in the Hoosier state with his idea of requiring voters to present a photo ID before they were allowed to vote. This law was a campaign promise he made as he ran for the Secretary of State’s office. It was a law that he got passed, too, so we already know that he has a history of fulfilling campaign promises.
Rokita was particularly proud of his voter ID law. In our conversation he noted that the left has failed repeatedly to get it thrown out by an act of the courts. “The other side really can’t find the hurt voter. And that’s one of the main reasons they keep losing. You know, we thought it through, not perfectly but well enough to where the courts just keep upholding it.”
Continue reading “
An Interview With Todd Rokita, Indiana’s Fourth District”
From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a pilot in the Air National Guard, offered an amendment to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act on the House floor that saves taxpayers nearly $100 million over seven years which would otherwise be used to “research, develop and manufacture” a new flight suit that is not urgently needed by the Air Force, particularly in this budget environment. Kinzinger’s amendment passed the House by a voice vote.
“Make no mistake, I am a strong supporter of the military and ensuring that our military is the best equipped in the world,” said Kinzinger. “However, we must make tough decisions with regard to military needs and military wants. More than ever, given the difficult budget environment we are in, we must be diligent and prioritize the allocation of taxpayer’s dollars.”
General Schwartz, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, also stated that now is not the right time to develop a new flight suit. On February 17th, 2011, at the hearing for the 2012 Budget Request for the Department of the Air Force, General Schwartz was asked by Congressman Tim Griffin, at Kinzinger’s request, whether the Air Force was developing a new flight suit. General Schwartz stated, “We are not in the business of redesigning our flight suit under the current circumstances.”
Continue reading “
Kinzinger Offers Amendment to Forgo New Air Force Flight Suit Saves Taxpayers nearly $100 million”
FOX Business Network (FBN) has been airing a series called, “Entitlement Nation: Makers vs. Takers.” The last episode will feature a special focus on two of the biggest entitlement programs in the country: Social Security and Medicare.
FBN will interview Illinois House GOP leader Tom Cross and State Treasurer Dan Rutherford to examine how entitlements have affected the Land of Lincoln… I’ll answer that, by the way: badly.
When: Friday, May 27th, 2011; 11 AM/ET
Where: FOX Business Network (FBN)
(AT&T, Channel 211; DISH, Channel 206; DIRECTV, Channel 259)
From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, ILL)…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after House Republicans unveiled a plan for America’s job creators that was built on the Pledge to America governing document.
“It’s no secret that the trillions in stimulus spending and a massive increase in government red tape has destroyed jobs and hurt our economic recovery. More of the same is a recipe for the same results. That’s why House Republicans have designed a plan that will remove barriers to job creation, empowering and helping families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs struggling to create jobs and spur our recovery. The threat of unsustainable government debt, increased regulations written by unelected bureaucrats, and energy policies designed to increase gas prices has cost us jobs and forced families and businesses to pull back from participating in the economy. The House Republican plan will help change that by returning confidence and certainty to job creators across the country.”
From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…
“Social Security and Medicare are the electric third rails of American politics. Touch them and you can expect reprisal. It’s hard to have an intelligent discussion when one side is determined to scare the bejabbers out of people.
“U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, has taken to calling such tactics ‘Mediscare.’ We agree.”
Kankakee Daily Journal Editorial: Years of Security
Adjusting the time payments begin might be one compromise
Continue reading “
Kinzinger on ‘Mediscare’”
From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), last night appeared on “America’s Nightly Scoreboard” on Fox Business to discuss the Senate Democrats’ failure to produce a budget or to work with House Republicans to save Medicare less than two weeks after the bi-partisan Medicare Trustees produced a report that said Medicare will be exhausted five years earlier than anticipated. Kinzinger also discussed job creation in Illinois.
On whether Senate Democrats plan to address entitlements
The big key is it’s been 755 days since Senate Democrats have passed a budget.
This is something we’re supposed to do every year. We have a responsibility out here, a responsibility to pass a budget.
Continue reading “
Congress Must Work Together to Reform and Save Medicare for Future Generations”
This new video from the House Energy Action Team, a group of House Republicans dedicated to pushing the Administration to adopt commonsense energy policies, does a fine job to elucidate some of the problems we face in our energy sector.
More on the House Energy Action Team (HEAT): The Goal is to present a clear message of viable energy policy alternatives that are clearly communicated to the American public. H.E.A.T. will clearly demonstrate that House Republicans are on the side of the consuming public and business community who are increasingly harmed by the high energy prices.
In short: H.E.A.T. will convey that robust domestic energy production creates thousands of good jobs and enhances our national security.
Republican Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R, Calif.) and Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R, Ill) are co-chairs of H.E.A.T.
From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, ILL)…
Roskam: “As our strongest ally and only democratic friend in a deeply troubled region, America must stand with our friend Israel and reject any moves that diminish our special relationship.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to a Joint Meeting of Congress today:
Continue reading “
Roskam Applauds Netanyahu Speech”
-By Daria Novak
Not long ago a car passed me on the highway with a bumper sticker asking: “What Would Reagan Do?” My initial, emotional reaction was a resounding “Yes, this guy gets it.” Then I started thinking what that simple question whispered about America today.
Do we so lack a belief in ourselves and in our own ability to manage our lives and, hence, our great nation, that we are incapable of standing up and taking charge? Shouldn’t we accept responsibility for the problems we created in this country? And further, doesn’t each of us bear an individual responsibility to help formulate our response to these failings?
There are more Ronald Reagan’s among us. If the President was speaking to you now, he would point out he is simply one of us, the embodiment of the American dream, a boy who grew up in the Midwest, who found his voice, and used it to wake up a nation to all the possibility contained within our people.
Continue reading “
Why Ronald Reagan Can’t Save America”
From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, 6th District)…
As I watched the President’s Middle East speech last week, I was pleased to see him affirm America’s support for human rights in the Arab world in light of the Arab Spring.
However, his comments on prerequisites that Israel must offer for peace were downright troubling – and sided squarely against Israel on future peace negotiations. America has always enjoyed a special relationship with Israel, and we simply can’t afford to let this Administration change that.
As the President prepared his speech, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and I penned an op-ed in Politico calling for the halting of U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority, now that Hamas is an official partner of the Palestinian Authority. Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for the death of both Americans and Israelis, and committed to Israel’s destruction.
We need to stand with Israel and stand up to terror.
Continue reading “
We Need to Stand with Israel”
From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, 6th District)…
Recognized for Supporting Economic Growth and Job Creation
BLOOMINGDALE, IL — Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award last week. Roskam received the award for his votes last Congress to create jobs and ensure a more positive environment for economic growth, on Wednesday, May 18th, at Zeigler Motors in Downers Grove.
“The Chamber is honored to recognize Congressman Roskam for helping create an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “He has shown great conviction by standing on the side of business, at a time when it matters most. Today we honor him.”
Continue reading “
Roskam Receives U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award”