Republicans

Barack Obama - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - Freedom - Health - Liberals - President - Republicans - Society/Culture - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Senate Defeats Dem Leader Reid’s ‘Doc Fix’ Plan

October 22, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Roll Call is reporting that the $250 billion extension to the Medicare physician payment program was defeated in the Senate today. Reid couldn’t even get a simple majority losing in a 47 to 53 vote.

Naturally Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev) blames the Republicans. Reid complained that the loss was a result of “activities and actions by the Republican-dominated Washington.” Seriously. A “Republican dominated Washington”? Did Harry Reid miss the fact that the Democrats have majorities in both the House and the Senate as well as holding the White House? How could Washington be “Republican dominated” when the GOP has little capability to affect the debate through the power of majority control?

Roll Call pinpoints the most salient question here, though. If Reid can’t even get this one through with a Democrat majority how is he going to get the rest of Obamacare passed? The GOP, for its part, was ecstatic.
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Senate Defeats Dem Leader Reid’s ‘Doc Fix’ Plan”

Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

New York’s Dede Scozzafava MUST Withdraw

October 22, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

In July liberal Republican DeDe Scozzafava was tapped by the 11 Republican county chairmen of New York’s 23rd Congressional District to run for the seat being vacated by John McHugh, who resigned to take Obama’s offer to become Secretary of the Army.

The NY GOP made a huge mistake with this smoke-filled-room choice. Scozzafava has made a hash of this campaign and should withdraw her candidacy immediately and allow Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman to take her place.

Her lousy campaign aside, the prime reason we want to Dump Dede is because she doesn’t seem to be much of a Republican in a District that could elect a Republican candidate (and traditionally has). Scozzafava has all the wrong positions for a Republican. She is an abortion supporter, supports same-sex marriage and her hubby is a bigtime union leader. Even worse, groups associated with the criminal, left-wing organization ACORN have endorsed her candidacy — not the sort of company a Republican should keep.

Her primary opponent is New York Conservative Party Candidate Doug Hoffman who is most certainly far more like a Republican than Dede. Hoffman has picked up the support of several high profile Republicans such as former GOP Sen. Fred Thompson, Campaign for Working Families founder Gary Bauer, and the Washington D.C. based Club for Growth. It also looks like Former Congressman Dick Armey is coming out for Hoffman, too.

Hoffman is a small government supporter he is against raising taxes and opposes both the stimulus and Obamacare. Hoffman’s message suits the mood of a tea party going nation that is sick of insider politics and big spending liberals.

As I mentioned, Scozzafava is proving an inept candidate. One of the absurd incidents of this campaign happened this week when Dede’s Hubby called the cops on a correspondent from the conservative magazine Weekly Standard. Apparently the candidate did not appreciate writer John McCormack’s questions and decided that his efforts to get the candidate to answer them constituted “harassment.”
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New York’s Dede Scozzafava MUST Withdraw”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

One Down in the 14th District Race

October 21, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Former Aurora alderman Bill Cross has decided to withdraw from the 14th Congressional District race for Congress. Apparently Cross thinks that the race has gotten too crowded and with a list of five other Republican candidates, I don’t blame him.

With Cross dropping his bid, that leaves the following candidates:

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One Down in the 14th District Race”

Chicago - Congress - Conservatives - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Steve Rauschenberger Endorses Bill Cadigan for Ill. 10th

October 21, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Bill Cadigan is running for the 10th Congressional District and former State Senator Steve Raushcenberger was kind enough to make a little YouTube video to express his support for Cadigan’s candidacy.

The 10th District is north of O’Hare airport and encompasses Arlington Heights, Glenview and Wilmette on its southern edge and Waukegan and North Chicago in its northern part.

Cadigan’s campaign website is cadiganforcongress.com.

He also has a FaceBook page.
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Steve Rauschenberger Endorses Bill Cadigan for Ill. 10th”

Anti-Americanism - Barack Obama - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Health - House of Representatives - Liberals - President - Republicans - Senate - Socialism - Society/Culture - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Democrats Still Against Transparency in Congress

October 21, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

According to McClatchy news, in the Democrat’s 2006 campaign book, in the “integrity” section, the Democratic leadership vowed that legislation would be posted online for 24 hours before consideration of the final versions of any bill. That promise coupled with their president’s claims that he’d post all bills online for five whole days — that’s 120 hours in case anyone’s counting — not to mention his now hoary claim that he’d put all debates on C-Span so that we the people could keep tabs on what Congress is doing makes for a facade of a deep interest in government transparency. And facade it has turned out to be for all these promises have been completely forgotten now that Democrats have taken up the reins of power.

Obviously the campaign was “then” and having power is “now.” In the minds of Democrats, the two bear no relationship one to the other showing that campaign promises are so much wind and bombast never meant to be taken seriously. In other words, lies.

In keeping with the light speed at which Democrats are running away from transparency, we find few Congressional Dems supporting the Baird/Walden discharge petition. (I covered this issue last month, and earlier this month) This measure would institute a House rules change and require bills to be posted online for 72 hours before a floor vote.
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Democrats Still Against Transparency in Congress”

Afghanistan - Anti-Americanism - Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Islam - Islamofascism - Journalism - Liberals - Media Bias - Military - Republicans - Security/Safety - Society/Culture - State Government - Terrorism - Warner Todd Huston

Where I Come to Mark Kirk’s Aid

October 18, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

I am not a Mark Kirk fan. For me he is and always has been far too “moderate” on social issues and his now (maybe) retracted Cap and Tax vote sticks in my craw pretty badly. But Steve Benen of the Washington Monthly blog Political Animal unfairly and illicitly slammed Kirk on something he said in an interview with The News Gazette of Danville, Illinois.

Benen was ticked at Kirk’s answer about the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy of the U.S. Military. In an effort to show all his LGBT, or BLGT, or BLT fans… whatever they call themselves this week… Benen jumped on Kirk’s claim that DADT works well and that “keeping that all out of the workplace makes common sense.”

But, Benen’s pandering to the fringe, militant gay lobby isn’t my concern here. Benen’s other jab at Kirk was as follows:
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Where I Come to Mark Kirk’s Aid”

Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. GOP Again Moves to Safeguard Privileges of Leadership

October 17, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The leaders of the Democrat Party in Illinois are elected by their voters. The leaders of the Republicans are not. And the GOP leaders want to keep it that way!

So, once again, we see GOP leader Tom Cross pushing back efforts to give S.B.600 a proper debate and a chance at a floor vote. We reported on Thursday that S.B.600 was slated for a third reading and a possible debate and vote in Springfield, but privilege spoke against the bill once again.

Tom Cross blamed the Democrats. He said they were trying to create “distractions” and that they were “meddling” in Republican affairs by supporting the effort to bring S.B.600 to the floor. Cross said it was “punishment.”
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Ill. GOP Again Moves to Safeguard Privileges of Leadership”

Anti-Americanism - Barack Obama - Britain - Capitalism - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Europe - GOP - Health - House of Representatives - Liberals - President - Republicans - Society/Culture - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Obamacare: Punishing 85% to Help 15%

October 17, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Representative Mike Rogers (R, Mich.) made some great points in his opening statements against Obamacare as the debate heats up in D.C. He began by asking why we are punishing 85% of America because of the problems of 15%? He also told us of how bad the survival rate for cancer in the U.K. is compared to the U.S. but that Obamacare will make our survival rate as bad as England’s.

Great stuff, Mr. Rogers, great stuff.
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Obamacare: Punishing 85% to Help 15%”

Abortion - California - Elections - GOP - Health - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Meg Whitman’s Extreme Pro-Abortion Views

October 16, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

A few weeks ago Jon Fleischman of FlashReport.org was fortunate enough to snag an interview with gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman. But the results of one segment of the meeting left him admittedly non-plussed, or as he termed it “unnerved.” Fleischman was aghast to learn of just how extreme Meg Whitman’s views on abortion really are. And after reading Fleischman’s interview myself, I have to wonder if her views makes her completely unelectable amongst California’s pro-lifers?

In the interview, Whitman was completely upfront about the fact that she stands solidly behind public funding of abortion. She was unequivocal about it, really. Whitman explained why she felt that public funding of abortion was the right decision telling Fleischman, “My view is that if we are going to be pro-choice… that it needs to be available to all women, and whether you are rich or poor, you need to be able to access that right. And it’s unfair to women who can not afford an abortion, and that’s why I support public funding.”

It’s one thing to say that a woman should be allowed to chose abortion — this is quite a common determination among liberals — but quite another, indeed, to say that the taxpayers should have to pay for that abortion.
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Meg Whitman’s Extreme Pro-Abortion Views”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - Senate - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Breaking: Ill. Legislature to Consider Allowing GOP Voters to Pick Party Leaders

October 15, 2009 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

As the law stands right now, Republican voters in Illinois cannot choose their own party leaders. Party leaders now are chosen by Republican committeemen, not the voters. But there has been a bill in the State Senate that has for years been trying to change that. Now it seems that SB600 is a bit closer to finally being allowed a floor debate.

SB600 is on the docket for a third reading and debate tomorrow, October 16. Usually after a third reading a vote is called. This is the furthest the bill has gotten to passage in its years-long journey.

To be sure, it isn’t thanks to the efforts of the Republican leadership. They’ve fought tooth-and-nail to kill this bill and stop the voters from being able to affect their places of privilege. That the voters could place them in their positions of power is anathema to the state party leadership. They have wanted to avoid the voters at all costs.
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Breaking: Ill. Legislature to Consider Allowing GOP Voters to Pick Party Leaders”

ACORN - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Communism - Cook County - Economy/Finances - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - SEIU - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

The Big Score: Springfield’s Subsidies to ACORN

October 15, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

For a little further information on the cozy relationship between the Illinois State government in Springfield and the troubled Association for Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), the sort of corrupt bargain to which we are attempting to bring sunlight, we’ve done a little research into some of the funding distributed from our tax dollars to ACORN. In this case, we have some documents on funds given to ACORN for the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Predatory Lending Database Program (PLD) and related programs.

It isn’t just the taxpayer’s money given to ACORN that is at issue, to be sure. Not only do we see our tax dollars going to this organization that has so often been caught up in instances of criminal voter fraud across the country as well as a $5 million embezzlement controversy, but our state government has allowed this group to help it create government programs and policies, as well.

Why would the state turn to this often times criminal organization to help it create the PLD program? For the answer to that we turn to the 2008 Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan progress report.

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The Big Score: Springfield’s Subsidies to ACORN”

Barack Obama - Blogging - Business - Capitalism - Communism - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - Freedom - GOP - Health - House of Representatives - Inernet - Liberals - Nancy Pelosi - President - Republicans - Socialism - Society/Culture - Taxes - Technology - Warner Todd Huston

Healthcare Conference Call With Representatives Shadegg and Rodgers

October 14, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Today at 4:30PM eastern a blogger conference call was held by Representatives John Shadegg (R, AZ) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA). The subject we spoke about was that of House Republican’s ideas and problems on healthcare reform issues in both the Senate and the House. The following are my notes of the call, any direct quotes are in quote marks but the rest is my summation of what was said.

The call opened with a welcome from Cathy McMorris Rodgers who introduced herself and Rep. Shadegg. Rodgers talked of the situation in the House and reminded us that 44 House Democrats said they’d vote no on the bill if it has public option and 57 said they’ll vote no if it doesn’t have the public option so the Democrats might not have the votes to pass H.B. 3200.

Shadegg reminded us that the CBO score on the Senate bill was made on 10 years of taxes being taken by the federal government but with only 7 years of coverage afforded, so it’s no wonder the bill sounds like it is paid for. Shadegg also warned of the political monkeying that is going on with the Baucus bill in the Senate. He mentioned that Harry Reid is down in the polls back home so he tried to slip through a sleight of hand way for four favored states to get special Medicaid provisions (including Nev., Oregon, Mich.) forcing the other 46 states to pick up the tab. This was Reid’s attempt to find success in his upcoming elections in Nevada.
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Healthcare Conference Call With Representatives Shadegg and Rodgers”

Budget - Business - Chicago - Cook County - Economy/Finances - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Taxes: Which Dillard Are We Talking About?

October 14, 2009 by

Gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft Responds to Kirk Dillard’s Duplicity on Tax Increases

(Chicago, IL) – In response to State Sen. Kirk Dillard’s duplicitous comments on tax increases Monday, conservative Republican candidate for Governor Dan Proft released the following statement:
On Monday, Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass reported that State Sen. Kirk Dillard “insists that raising taxes during a recession, after thousands of private-sector jobs have left for Indiana and other neighboring states, would be economic suicide for Illinois.”

According to Kass, the two met on Monday night, the same day Sen. Dillard held a press conference to accept the endorsement of former Gov. Jim Edgar. When asked about tax increases during that press conference, however, Sen. Dillard said, “I think you have to keep every option open.”
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Taxes: Which Dillard Are We Talking About?”

Anti-Americanism - Business - California - Capitalism - Congress - Economy/Finances - Environment - Free Trade - GOP - Jobs - Liberals - Republicans - Senate - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - The Law - Warner Todd Huston

Carly Fiorina: Looking Like a Good Fit for Conservatives

October 13, 2009 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

Cary Fiorina, former Hewlett-Packard CEO and probable candidate for U.S. Senate from California, is starting to look like a viable choice for conservative voters in the Golden State, giving the GOP two conservatives from whom to chose.

Fiorina’s bona fides have been a question to many California Republicans because she is a relative newcomer to politics and many are not familiar with her political philosophy or what her campaign will stand for. But her recent hard hitting editorial in the Fresno Bee helps bring her ideals better into focus for the voters.

Firoina’s editorial in the Bee focuses on the water controversy of the San Joaquin Valley. As many know, a federal bureaucracy has summarily shut off water to thousands of acres of farmland merely in order to save a fish; the delta smelt. This enviro-activism has shut down thousands of acres of farmland and put thousands of residents out of work. Down the line it will also negatively affect the nation’s food supply because the San Joaquin Valley supplies much of our vegetables and fruits.
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Carly Fiorina: Looking Like a Good Fit for Conservatives”

GOP - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

The NEW GOP Website ‘Something is Happening… and its YOU’

October 13, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Republican National Committee has launched a new website geared heavily towards social media, a good move in an age when these services are becoming increasingly popular with and important to political grass roots movements.

Check it out at http://www.gop.com/.

When you get there, a mini Michael Steele, current Party Chairman, will walk out onto the screen and give you a little introduction to the website ending his presentation by saying, “At GOP.com something new is happening. And that something is you.”

Like I said, there is a great emphasis on FaceBook and Twitter as integral parts of the communication apparatus of the site, so the GOP has done a good thing with that emphasis.

As to graphic presentation, I like it. It’s clean, roomy and easy to read. (One small quibble, when clicking the current video on the main page it launches with no controls, so there is no way to pause the thing)

There is a fun new “GOP Faces” page where, after you’ve created an account, you can upload your photo and tell the world in 128 characters of less why you are a Republican.

I think this is a solid effort. An A+ from me.

Anti-Americanism - Capitalism - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Speech - Free Trade - Freedom - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - Socialism - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Tea Party - Warner Todd Huston

Special Call in Instructions for the Chicago Tea Party Conference Call

October 13, 2009 by

The American Liberty Alliance is announcing their call-in information for the Tax Day Tea Party organizing for Chicago:

We’re gearing up for the next stage of the Tax Day Tea Party and Illinois will have first dibs at the agenda and plan. Please join us for this special planning conference call on Wednesday evening, October 14th at 6:00 PM Central Time.

Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 54447

Talk to you all tomorrow evening!

For Liberty, Eric Odom

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Speech - Free Trade - Freedom - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - Rights - State Government - Taxes - Tea Party - The Law - Warner Todd Huston

Chicago Tea Party: Special Conference Call Wednesday

October 12, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The American Liberty Alliance has announced a special conference call in order to plan the next round of Illinois Tax Day Tea Party events to be held Wednesday, October 14 starting at 6PM central time.

We have some HUGE things on the table for Tax Day Tea Party of 2010. Please check out the links below and make sure you’re plugged in for the upcoming updates.

APRIL 15 TAX DAY TEA PARTY PLANNING CALL
Join us on the evening of Wednesday, October 14th at 6:00 PM Central time.

You can RSVP via Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165494786760

OFFICIAL CHICAGO TAX DAY TEA PARTY WEBSITE
We’re making significant changes to the website over the next few weeks so keep an eye on it and stay tuned for updates.

http://www.OfficialChicagoTeaParty.com

NEW FACEBOOK GROUP
Join us in the new Official Chicago Tea Party Facebook group here.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=152052919129

RSVP for the Chicago Tea Party on April 15th here
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165494786760&index=1

For Liberty, Eric Odom

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Chicago Tea Party: Special Conference Call Wednesday”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Republicans - Society/Culture - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Edgar Endorses Dillard for Gov.

October 12, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The rumors of late last week have proven founded. Former Governor Jim Edgar has, indeed, endorsed State Senator Kirk Dillard for the GOP nomination for Governor.

Mr. Edgar said that Dillard’s experience as his legislative aide during the budget crisis of the 1990s makes Dillard the perfect candidate to face today’s challenges.

In response to the ex-governor’s endorsement, Senator Dillard said:

I am humbled and honored to have the full support of my friend and mentor Jim Edgar. We worked together when times were tough when the governor took office. We inherited a mountain of debt back then and left a surplus in the bank.

State Senator Bill Brady, a rival for the GOP nomination and here-to-for frontrunner, quipped that his candidacy is “about tomorrow, not yesterday.”
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Edgar Endorses Dillard for Gov.”

Chicago - Conservatives - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

The Courier: Rauschenberger a ‘Ray of Light’

October 12, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

There is an interesting editorial in The Courier-News of the Elgin area. It is written by columnist Jeff Ward who finds himself quite excited that former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger has decided to make another run at his old 22nd District Senate seat.

Warning that he isn’t the “liberal Democrat” that many of the readers might imagine — I’ll leave that one alone, myself — Ward sings the praises of Mr. Rauschenberger calling him a “ray of light.”

Thankfully, there is an exception to every rule, and a recent ray of light managed to pierce the political pessimism. It comes in the guise of Elgin resident and former 22nd District state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger announcing a run for his old Senate seat.

Now, I won’t go on as if Ward is some moral authority on local or national politics. He obviously does parrot the ill-informed far, left wacko extreme with his impression of the so-called neo-cons and what they did or didn’t do on the national scene. But, Ward is exactly right about Rauschenberger. Steve is a serious, informed man that would do a great job (once again) as the State Senator of the 22nd District.

So, mark me as standing in agreement with Jeff Ward on at least one thing. Steve Rauschenberger is the best candidate for the 22nd District.

Steve’s FaceBook Page.
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The Courier: Rauschenberger a ‘Ray of Light’”

Capitalism - Communism - Congress - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Liberals - Paul Carlson - President - Republicans - Socialism - Society/Culture

Defect Analysis and Liberalism

October 12, 2009 by

-By Paul Carlson

Liberals won the day in November 2008, and conservatives are working hard to regroup. Unfortunately, many of the voters in the recent election would not be able to define either of those terms, much less describe their underlying history and principles.

What are the primary differences between liberals and conservatives? Readers of the Publius Forum are familiar with many of them, such as groupthink versus individualism, government programs versus private charity, and good intentions versus actual results. In this column I’ll endeavor to present something new.

This is not familiar territory for many readers, so let’s take it in steps. Say you are a factory boss, who manufactures widgets. Your plant employs a hundred people, and accepts a dozen truckloads of raw materials per day. From your freight docks pour forth thousands of top-quality widgets.

Then some trouble develops. There are many more defective widgets than usual, and your assembly line foremen haven’t isolated the problem. Your profits, if not the entire operation, are in danger. For a smart boss, the next step is to call in an expert.
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Defect Analysis and Liberalism”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Mark Vargas: ‘Foster’s Proposal Amounts to a Band-Aid’

October 10, 2009 by

Mark Vargas is running to obtain the GOP nomination for the 14th District’s Congressional seat. Now he’s looking to criticize the Democrat that currently holds that seat.

While the United States continues to suffer through the harsh economic reality, Congressman Bill Foster, Nancy Pelosi, and the Democrat controlled Congress continue to propose superfluous temporary fix-it gimmicks when meaningful reform is needed. While today’s call for an extension of the $8,000 tax credit to first time home owners is intended to stimulate the housing market, the credit only serves as a band-aid rather than address the true causes of the housing crash. During the last year Congress has attempted to skirt the real issues facing our country by offering quick fixes. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and solve the root problems that have led our nation down the wrong path.

For the past 3 years the housing market has been in a free fall, with potential homeowners restricted from purchasing their homes due to fear of job loss. Families are unwilling or unable to make this enormous investment in their future when they are unsure when or where their next paycheck will be coming. It is fitting that Foster chose Aurora for his press conference, a city hard struck by unemployment and foreclosures.
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Mark Vargas: ‘Foster’s Proposal Amounts to a Band-Aid’”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

In Focus: Steve Kim, Republican for Attorney General

October 10, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Mundelein area resident Steve Kim announced his effort to become the next Illinois Attorney General not long ago. Thus far he’s the only Republican candidate announced for the position. In an election where nearly every race, both state-wide and local, has a plethora of candidates coming out of the woodwork, Kim’s entrance in the race as the lone GOP candidate shows how solid the GOP thinks current AG Lisa Madigan’s (D) bid for reelection is.

Initially, long-time GOP DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett was going to run when it was assumed by many that Madigan would vacate her office for a run for U.S. Senate or the governor’s ofice.

The Chicago Tribune reported:

Kim served a fellowship in Gov. Jim Edgar’s administration and went on to work in international trade relations in state government. He also served as Edgar’s advisor on Asian affairs. Later, Kim was elected to the Northfield Township board and held executive positions with the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, AT&T and Time Warner Cable.

Steve Kim is a Korean-American and also belongs to a number of Korean-American groups in Chicago and the Midwest.

Steve Kim’s campaign website: stevekimforag.com.

Steve Kim’s FaceBook page.

For more information on Kim’s race:

Email: info@SteveKimForAG.com

Office Location: Citizens for Steve Kim, 1906 Armwood, Lane Mundelein, IL
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In Focus: Steve Kim, Republican for Attorney General”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Former Gov. Edgar Endorsing Dillard?

October 9, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Well, if it pans out, this would be pretty big news for the Kirk Dillard campaign for the GOP nomination for Illinois governor.

Many sources are now reporting that Republican Governor Jim Edgar is preparing to give State Senator Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale his endorsement. Jim Edgar was the last popular Republican governor and has constantly been floated as a candidate for Senate and other offices since he finished his term in Springfield in 1999.

Mr. Edgar has a much respected reputation on both sides of the political aisle.

Senator Dillard is a former aide of former governor Edgar.

If Dillard secures Edgar’s endorsement this would be a great shot in the arm for a campaign that has thus far not caught fire. Of course, if Dillard gets this endorsement, expect that it will become one more bullet point in his constant droning of his resume at every appearance.

One thing is sure, if Dillard wants to become governor, he’d better start having some actual meat to his campaign. The laundry list, resume recitation is quite tiresome, indeed.

Kirk Dillard’s website.
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Former Gov. Edgar Endorsing Dillard?”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois GOP Chief Sets Aggressive Agenda for Victory

October 9, 2009 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

Earlier this week, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady addressed the City Club of Chicago.

Here is the text of his prepared remarks:

“My rise to the leadership of the Illinois Republican Party and within the Republican National Committee has been fast – and somewhat of a surprise.

Although I never contemplated a leadership role in party politics, I have been active in supporting Republican candidates since 1970 when I first walked precinct 27 in Bloomington with my Dad.

In 1999—after continually working on a variety of races and fundraisers— State Representative Jim Durkin called me at work one evening and asked if I wanted to accompany him and “this guy from Arizona who is running for President” as they tried to fundraise in Illinois. I had met Senator McCain in 1984 and thought even back then he would be a good President — so I agreed to help. This began my 10-year effort on behalf of the McCain for President campaign.
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Illinois GOP Chief Sets Aggressive Agenda for Victory”

Anti-Americanism - Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Communism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - Jobs - Liberals - President - Republicans - Security/Safety - Socialism - Society/Culture - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Chgo Trib: Bush Was as ‘Socialist’ as Obama

October 9, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

In another Obama loving column, Chicago Tribune writer Steve Chapman took pains to assure readers that Barack Obama is no socialist, calling the charge a “fabrication.” To prove that Obama’s attempted take over of the nation’s healthcare and his actual take over of the financial and auto sectors isn’t a step toward socialism, Chapman countered that President Bush, “a conservative hero,” did it too.

Obama, it’s true, has done things that involve enlarging government — bailing out banks, taking over General Motors, proposing a “public option” for health insurance and spending $787 billion to stimulate the economy.

But it was George W. Bush, a conservative hero, who tossed a federal lifeline to financial institutions and automakers, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He also signed the 2008 stimulus package, which was billed as a tax cut but was nothing more than a handout of $168 billion the government didn’t have.

It is amazing to compare the Bush bailout package to Obama’s policy of actually taking possession of business by government as if they were one and the same. But even more ridiculous is to claim that Bush is a “conservative hero” in the context of bail-outs and finances as if it were a true statement.
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Chgo Trib: Bush Was as ‘Socialist’ as Obama”

Budget - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Peraica Wants Investigation Into Stroger’s Hiring of Law Firm

October 8, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Commissioner Tony Peraica posted a notice on Twitter today about the growing controversy over Cook County Board President Todd Stroger’s hiring of the law firm of Mayer Brown, LLP, to investigate the county’s finances.

Peraica posted the following:

NEWS FLASH: Com. Tony Peraica requests SA Anita Alvarez to begin quo warranto proceedings against Todd Stroger over Mayer Brown, LLP hiring.

As the Chicago Tribune reported on October 5, Stroger obtained the funds to pay this law firm by invoking an “emergency purchase” power. The hiring was not presented to the county board for approval.

At that time, Peraica scorned Stroger’s unilateral actions.

“This is, in my view, an inappropriate and wasteful expenditure of scarce taxpayer dollars,” Peraica said.

Mayer Brown was hired to probe the county’s finances after a it was announced that a grand jury had expanded its investigation into county expenditures.
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Peraica Wants Investigation Into Stroger’s Hiring of Law Firm”

Chicago - Conservatives - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Website Lists of Illinois GOP State Wide Candidates

October 7, 2009 by

U.S. Senate

John Arrington – arringtonforsenate.com

Patrick Hughes – patrickhughesforsenate.com

Mark Kirk – kirkforsenate.com

Tom Kuna – w-e-r-co.com

Don Lowery – judgelowery4ussenate.com

Andy Martin – andyforussenator.com

Kathleen Thomas – kathleenthomasforsenate.org

Ed Varga – e-varga.com

Eric Wallace – wallaceforillinois.com

Robert Zadek – robertzadek.com

U.S. House

Peter Roskam – oskamforcongress.com

Governor

Adam Andrzejewski – adamforillinois.com

Bill Brady – bradyforillinois.com

Kirk Dillard – dillardforgovernor.com

Frank Edwards – edwardsforillinoisgovernor.com (Pulled out of race)

Andy McKenna – mckennagov.com

Dan Proft – proft2010.com

Bob Schillerstrom – bobschillerstrom.com

Lieutenant Governor

Brad Cole – teambrad.com

Dennis Cook – citizensforcook.com

Deb Leticia Gordils – debforillinois.com

Matt Murphy – murphy2010.com

Jason Plummer – jasonplummer.com

Don Tracy – tracyforillinois.com

Randy White – randy4ltgov.com

Attorney General

Steve Kim – stevekimforag.com

Secretary of State

Robert Enriquez – enriquez2010.us

Comptroller

Jim Dodge – jimdodge2010.com

William Kelly – friendsofwilliamjkelly.com

Judy Baar Topinka – udybarrtopinka.com

Treasurer

Dan Rutherford – danrutherford.org

Anti-Americanism - Barack Obama - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Health - House of Representatives - Liberals - Nancy Pelosi - President - Republicans - Society/Culture - Warner Todd Huston

Pelosi Thwarting Transparency Measures, Won’t Allow Public to See Healthcare Bill

October 7, 2009 by 3 Comments

-By Warner Todd Huston

On September 25, we reported on the Walden Discharge Petition that Representative Joe Wilson informed us about in a conference telephone call. Wilson told us of a resolution that would force all bills that come before the House for a vote to be posted on the Internet for 72 hours before the members can vote on it.

Now it is becoming clear that the Democratic leadership is trying desperately to stop this effort at transparency.

From Wilson we found out that the rules change for procedures in the House of Representatives was about to be sent to committee but that the Walden Discharge Petition would send the resolution straight to the floor for a vote through the discharge petition process.

Today, Susan Ferrechio of the Washington Examiner details the effort to quash transparency by Democrats in the House.
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Pelosi Thwarting Transparency Measures, Won’t Allow Public to See Healthcare Bill”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Jim Ryan Mulling a Run for Governor?

October 6, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

It’s all over the news today here in Chicago, but former Attny. Gen. Jim Ryan has launched an exploratory committee in order to lay the groundwork for a possible Ryan for Governor campaign.

Ryan last tried to run as the GOP nominee for governor against Democrat Rod Blagojevich in 2002. He’s since served as a distinguished fellow at Benedictine University.

He expects to make a final decision very soon,” said Dan Curry, who was Ryan’s spokesman when he was attorney general and said he was authorized by Ryan to speak on his behalf. “He’s making a final decision with his family.”

I have to say that this is not good news. Oh, I am not necessarily against Jim Ryan. He was a perfectly fine candidate back in 2002. But he is old guard and old guard will not excite the voters in 2010. The Illinois GOP is missing an opportunity to bring a fresh, bold face to the voters if they fall back to another Ryan candidacy.

Just that name “Ryan,” regardless of which Ryan it is assigned to, will cause voters to roll their eyes and envision the same old, same old. This is not a recipe for victory in 2010.
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Jim Ryan Mulling a Run for Governor?”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

5th District Congressional Race: Ratowitz Picks up an Endorsement

October 4, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

From the Ratowitz campaign: CHICAGO — David Ratowitz, a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress (IL-5), has received the enthusiastic endorsement of John J. Curry, long-time GOP activist and committeeman for Chicago’s 32nd Ward.

“Illinois and Chicago have been reeling from continual instances of political corruption. Therefore, it is a time when the Republican Party should promote new leaders with a commitment to freedom and good government. David Ratowitz is just such a candidate. A smart, credentialed young professional, David knows the issues and has been barnstorming the district with energy, motivating a new grassroots powerbase for the Republican Party. He has easily proven his ability as a candidate and as a prospective Congressman. For these reason, I personally endorse David for election in the Republican primary for U.S. Representative in the 5th Congressional District.” – John J. Curry

A third-generation Chicago Republican, Curry has been involved in numerous local, state and national Republican campaigns, include serving as an Illinois congressional district coordinator in 1980 for Ronald Reagan in his first presidential run. Curry was part of the Illinois delegation to both Reagan inaugurations and to the Republican National Convention in 1988. He also served as an RNC delegate in 2004.

A partner in the law firm of Polisinelli, Shalton, Flanigan, Suelthaus, PC, Curry helped found the Chicago Lawyers Division of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy, a Washington, D.C.-based public policy group. He also has been active with Project LEAP and like efforts to combat vote fraud in Chicago elections. Learn more about John Curry here http://www.johncurry32wardgop.com/.
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5th District Congressional Race: Ratowitz Picks up an Endorsement”