Comptroller candidate Jim Dodge of Orland Park is hitting his opponents hard in this ad. Remember folks, our primaries are in just
Chicago
Patrick Hughes: Senate Candidate Calls for Term Limits
A Republican candidate for U.S. Senate is vowing term limits.
Businessman Patrick Hughes says the seat for which he is running has turned over regularly over the last two decades, but that’s not the norm. “What’s happened with this Senate seat is unusual, and maybe beneficial for the people of Illinois, but across this country and in Congress, it’s entrenched interests,” he said. “You know how difficult it is to beat an incumbent typically, and that just leads to people being in Washington for too long.”
Hughes says if he’s elected, he’ll work to enact term limits for everyone. As for himself, he says he wouldn’t serve any more than two terms.
Continue reading “
Patrick Hughes: Senate Candidate Calls for Term Limits”
Rahm Emanuel for Chicago Mayor?
-By Warner Todd Huston
In her Jan 5 column the Washington Post’s Sally Quinn just reported a “rumor” that Presidential Chief of Staff
Here is the relevant graph:
Emanuel, the most political animal in this town, also should understand that keeping Rogers on as social secretary reflects upon the president’s judgment. It’s possible that he has other considerations. Emanuel is said to have told people that the chief-of-staff role is an 18-month job and that he is considering a run for mayor of Chicago. And Rogers is a major social and political player in the Windy City.
Not quite a shocker if true, but interesting news nonetheless.
I say not shocking because Rahm is a well known Chicago strongman having served in Congress from the city and being one that has always looked for that next big power grab. Looking to take the Mayor’s seat would be a very logical effort for diminutive Emanuel.
Continue reading “
Rahm Emanuel for Chicago Mayor?”
Jim Ryan’s First TV Commercial for the 2010 Primary
Jim Ryan, “the independence, the character and the strength it takes.”
Dillard: Ryan’s Blago Like Short Term Solutions
-By Warner Todd Huston
Kirk Dillard, one of the several GOP candidates for Governor, is taking issue with fellow candidate Jim Ryan’s prescription to ease the state’s budget crunch. Earlier today, Jim Ryan proposed that the state lease its tollways to a private company in order to reap a lump sum payment to fill in the holes of the current budget mess.
The tollway idea was among many ideas that Ryan proposed.
State Senator Kirk Dillard released a statement regarding lambasting Jim Ryan’s support of privatizing the tollway.
Continue reading “
Dillard: Ryan’s Blago Like Short Term Solutions”
Guv Candidates on Budget Cuts
-By Warner Todd Huston
The Associated Press asked all the candidates for Illinois Governor about their position on the budget woes facing the state and they found that only one candidate (that would be Dan Proft) is offering much by way of specifics on what they’d do to cut the budget and cap state spending.
One thing that is interesting about the piece is that the AP also quoted former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger, a well known expert on the Illinois budget.
Steve Rauschenberger, a former state senator and a budget expert, said it would require, among other things, cutting school spending and switching to a voucher system, reducing the number of prison inmates by one-quarter, trimming higher education and overhauling Medicaid from top to bottom.
“Any candidate who doesn’t talk frankly about major changes … I don’t think is being realistic,” Rauschenberger said. “You can’t balance this budget simply by looking for easy efficiencies or slight reductions in head count.”
Rauscehnberger is running for his old Senate seat in the 22nd District, but he is not a current candidate for Guv, so it is a bit odd that the AP quotes him in this story. Odd, but welcome. (Steve’s FaceBook page)
It isn’t surprising that most of the candidates desperately tired to avoid specifics, sadly.
Continue reading “
Guv Candidates on Budget Cuts”
Med Marijuana Bill Supported by Some GOP Candidates
-By Warner Todd Huston
It’s pass the dutchie for three GOP candidates for governor. The Chicago Tribune asked the candidates for Governor of all parties if they’d support an expansion of allowing marijuana use for medical purposes and surprisingly found that three Republican supported the idea. Unsurprisingly, all Democrats and the Green nut also agreed with the idea, some even going further saying that marijuana use should be open for everyone, medical or no.
The Trib notes that GOP candidates Jim Ryan, Adam Andrzejewski, and Dan Proft all support the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Those against are Bill Brady, Kirk Dillard, and Andy McKenna.
Naturally the Green nut, Rich Whitney, wants everyone to get high, and the two Democrats support medical use of the plant.
Dillard: Election Day is just 28 days away – are you Registered to Vote?
From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…
Tuesday, January 5, is the last day to register to vote in the February Primary. If you are already registered and have not moved, you don’t have to do a thing. But, if you have never signed up to vote or if have moved since the last election, you need to register in order to cast a ballot on February 2.
You need to register to vote if:
- You are a first time voter,
- You have recently moved,
- You are unsure whether or not you are registered to vote!
As you know, this is one of the most important elections in recent memory. We must elect a Republican nominee who can win in November and begin the difficult task of making Illinois work again. I’m encouraged that my campaign continues to build strong momentum and by voter’s enthusiastic support for my unique experience as former Governor Jim Edgar’s Chief of Staff and as a state senator since 1994.
Continue reading “
Dillard: Election Day is just 28 days away – are you Registered to Vote?”
An Interview With Jim Dodge, Candidate for Illinois Comptroller
-By Warner Todd Huston
The Illinois Primary is coming on fast and furious and voting day, February 2, will be on us before we know it. In fact, it’ll be on us before most voters even understand it’s happening. Because of the urgency of the coming election, I have been able to snag a few interviews with various candidates and will endeavor to get a few more in before the Feb 2 primary. Here is one I did just before Christmas with Comptroller candidate Jim Dodge.
Jim Dodge is currently a trustee on the Orland Park Township Board serving in that position for the past 13 years. In Orland he chairs committees such as the Finance/IT and Recreation board as well as the Public Works and Economic Development boards. He was once vice-chair of the Cook County chapter of Ill. Young Republicans and in 1994 was elected Chairman of the Orland Township Republican Organization. His full bio can be seen here: http://jimdodge2010.com/?page_id=2. His campaign website is /jimdodge2010.com.
I began with the sort of question that can sometimes throw a candidate off guard. Some may recall that in 1980 Teddy Kennedy was asked this question and he so badly muffed it that it is thought it materially hurt his chances to beat out Jimmy Carter for the Democrat Party nomination for president then. The question is “why do you want to run for this position?” I must say, Dodge answered the question well.
Continue reading “
An Interview With Jim Dodge, Candidate for Illinois Comptroller”
Illinois’ Petition Challenge Buffoonery
-By Warner Todd Huston
I’ve mentioned the idiotic practice of petition challenges here in the Illinois electoral process several times in the past and the Chicago Reader just had a great piece by Ben Joravsky that really does a fine job highlighting some of the foolishness that goes on with these challenges.
Joravsky highlights the theater of the absurd that is Illinois petition challenges with two different challenges, one that was beaten back and one that wasn’t, and it reveals the total unfairness of the process with the fact that the whole thing is really little else but a corrupt incumbent protection racket.
The first one featured is the challenge that Deb Mell faced when she filed her petitions claiming that she was registered to vote at what she was claiming was her main place of residence. It turns out, however, she does not live where her registration says she does. This seemed a clear violation of election laws.
Continue reading “
Illinois’ Petition Challenge Buffoonery”
8th Dist. Candidate Joe Walsh: Obama’s Homeland Security Sec. Revealed ‘Shocking Level of Naivete’
From the Walsh for Congress campaign…
Illinois 8th District Congressional candidate Joe Walsh says Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has revealed a shocking level of naivete that provides legitimate reason to question her ability to protect our nation. “Secretary Napolitano’s comments and actions following the failed Christmas Day terrorist bombing reveal genuine reasons to doubt her ability to protect America from a shrewd, inventive enemy.”
Joe Walsh continued, saying, “Americans of all political ideologies are justified in doubting Napolitano’s experience and competence. Her lack of accountability is shocking and we deserve an explanation.” As a life-long advocate for limited government and a vibrant private sector, Joe Walsh intends to be a loud, forceful voice for his constituents. Joe was born and raised in the heart of the Eighth District, growing up in a family of nine children. He and his wife Helene together have five children.
Continue reading “
8th Dist. Candidate Joe Walsh: Obama’s Homeland Security Sec. Revealed ‘Shocking Level of Naivete’”
We Choose Dan Patlak for Cook Board of Review — Sean Morrison is NO Republican
-By Warner Todd Huiston
Fran Eaton has a very good bit of reporting in the SouthTown Star this week about the controversy over the claim by candidate Sean Morrison that he is a Republican. Morrison is running in the primary as a Republican for the Cook County Board of Review and faces Dan Patlak of Wheeling.
As Eaton notes, however, this Morrison fellow has rarely voted as a Republican and, while he’s donated to the National GOP, he’s also donated thousands of dollars to Illinois Democrats. So how is this guy a sudden candidate for Republicans?
Morrison claims he’s always been a Republican and has only donated to local Democrats because where he lives a “viable Republican organization did not exist.” He also claimed he donated to Democrats because of his business interests. Morrison is CEO of Alsip-based Morrison Security.
Eaton diplomatically ends her piece expressing that she still has “questions about Morrison,” but I don’t think I’ll be as gentle. Morrison is no Republican, never was, and is obviously a Democrat plant meant to try and ace Dan Patlak out of his nomination.
Continue reading “
We Choose Dan Patlak for Cook Board of Review — Sean Morrison is NO Republican”
Dillard Campaign: Reminder That Absentee Voting Begins
From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign:
With just 35 days left until the Primary Election Day, the Dillard for Governor Team is in full swing, leading the with most aggressive grassroots operation throughout the entire state! I have been extremely encouraged by the enthusiastic reception my television ad featuring former governor Jim Edgar has received. The faith and confidence my friend and mentor has in my candidacy is both a very humbling experience and a tremendous responsibility.
Republicans finally have an opportunity to elect a candidate who can win the Governor’s office in 2010. Chicago Magazine said I am a Republican who can win a general election — but I need your help!
Continue reading “
Dillard Campaign: Reminder That Absentee Voting Begins”
10th District: No, It’s Dold With a ‘D’ Not an ‘E’
I guess so many people are confusing 10th District Congressional candidate Bob Dold with former Senator from Kansas Bob Dole that they decided to have some fun with the confusion.
Senate Candidate Andy Martin Draws Fire for Homosexual Accusations
-By Warner Todd Huston
Perennial Illinois candidate Andy Martin has done it again. This time Martin has launched a series of radio commercials for his Senate candidacy accusing Representative Mark Kirk (R, Ill) of being a homosexual. The commercials have resulted in a rare rebuke from the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Pat Brady.
In his commercial Martin claims that Raymond True, a well known Republican from Lake County, Ill., once said that Kirk is a homosexual and that he, True, knows Kirk “pretty well.” Presumably Martin is using Ray True’s quote to confirm Kirk’s sexual proclivities. For his par Mr. True told the State GOP Chairman that he denies ever having said this to anyone.
“Mr. Martin did not contact me in any way before making his announcement. The comments attributed to me are completely false. I request through the media that Andy Martin cease and desist from making any additional statements that are incorrectly attributed to me.”
Chairman Pat Brady issued a rebuke of Martin in short order.
“The Illinois Republican Party disavows the statements made today by Mr. Andrew Martin in his statewide radio advertisements. His statements today are consistent with his history of bizarre behavior and often times hate-filled speech which has no place in the Illinois Republican Party. Mr. Martin will no longer be recognized as a legitimate Republican Candidate by the Illinois Republican Party.”
I have to say, this is not cricket as far as I am concerned. Martin should be excoriated for this foolishness. Republicans should not be in a habit of “outing” other Republicans. Sexual proclivities should not be a subject of discussion between candidates, even rival ones and they most assuredly should not form any part of a candidate’s campaign commercials.
Continue reading “
Senate Candidate Andy Martin Draws Fire for Homosexual Accusations”
Jim Dodge for Comptroller: Why the Democrats Want Judy to Win
The Dodge campaign has fun detailing the huge pension that rival Comptroller candidate Judy Baar Topinka already gets even before she might become Comptroller. It’s over 160 thousand dollars! Dodge also points out that Topinka’s claim to be scandal free is not as it seems.
Apparently, Being Dem Means Not Having to Pay Rent
-By Warner Todd Huston
Long time Democratic Chicago Pol Monique Davis hasn’t paid the rent for her offices since 2002. Apparently it doesn’t matter either. After all, she’s a Chicago Democrat and the rules real people have to live by don’t apply to a Chicago Democrat.
And like a true Democrat Davis is blaming everyone else. It isn’t her fault, you see. Remember the scene close to the end of the Blues Brothers where Jake Blues (John Belushi) was on his knees in the sewer pleading with Carrie Fisher not to kill him? Jake Blues told his jilted and angry lover, “I ran out of gas, I had a flat tire, I didn’t have enough money for cab fare, my tux didn’t come back from the cleaners, an old friend came in from out of town, someone stole my car, there was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts…. it wasn’t my fault I SWEAR TO GOD!” Yeah, it’s just like that.
Davis doesn’t deny that she owes the Chicago School Board back-rent for her office space totaling over $75,000. But she also owes taxes of some $157,500 and about $287,000 in penalties. SHe has an excuse, of course.
Continue reading “
Apparently, Being Dem Means Not Having to Pay Rent”
38 Days Until the Primary In Illinois — A Web Resource
-By Warner Todd Huston
Just a reminder, folks. Since Illinois moved its primary up… waaaaay up … we are only 38 days away from primary voting which begins on Feb. 2!
That’s right, folks, 38 days to make up your mind about for which candidate you’ll vote for the GOP nomination for every office up for grabs in 2010.
So, once again, here are the websites of the state-wide offices and the local offices up for election in this mid term season.
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
Continue reading “
38 Days Until the Primary In Illinois — A Web Resource”
Chgo. Mayor Daley’s Bro Pleads for Dems to Return to Center
-By Warner Todd Huston
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley’s brother, William, is warning the Democratic Party that it is going too far left and will end up “in the wilderness” in 2010. William Daley has been a longtime political operative that has been connected with the Clintons for many years but that doesn’t make him an extremist lefty, apparently… at least in his opinion.
Daley wrote an op ed for the Washington Post today where he warns that the Democratic Party is in danger of going over the leftwing cliff.
With the revelation that Rep. Parker Griffith of Alabama is jumping the sinking Dem. ship and has declared that he is now a Republican and with the several Dems retiring from Congress, Daley warns that all the centrists are running away from the party and that will cause it to lose future elections.
In fact, he’s sure its too late to prevent major loses in 2010. He warns that if the party doesn’t return to the center they will lose more than just the next election.
Continue reading “
Chgo. Mayor Daley’s Bro Pleads for Dems to Return to Center”
The Good News About Springfield, Merry Christmas
A Christmas message from Adam Andrzejewski, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor:
In the coming weeks, you’ll most likely share time with friends and family to celebrate Christmas—an end-of-year festival tradition rooted in the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This Christmas, I encourage you to give yourself an extra moment of pause to take inventory of the blessings that have been bestowed upon you by our Creator.
I also encourage you to remember the brave men and women who risk their lives to forge our great nation, and those who have paid the ultimate price for Freedom in America.
It is quite likely that someone you know—a family member or a neighbor—perhaps even yourself, has been laid off and dealt with challenging circumstances as a result. In Illinois, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average, our former governor’s impeachment still looms in recent memory, and our state is hemorrhaging money from a massive budget deficit. In spite of the dark cloud overhead, I encourage you to give thanks and celebrate Our Lord’s birth with rejoicing. And I’d like to suggest there is good news in the New Year. I submit to you that there is good news about Springfield.
Continue reading “
The Good News About Springfield, Merry Christmas”
My Last Straw With Bob Schillerstrom for Governor
-By Warner Todd Huston
For the most part I want my writing, opining and reporting of the GOP field of candidates in Illinois to be relatively even handed. I have avoided too much high strung rhetoric and have not made any obvious endorsements because I want all of our Republican candidates to have this forum and to get their message to Illinois Republican voters. But I will not from this point forward be loaning my forum to Bob Schillerstrom in his quest for the GOP nomination for Governor.
There are some things with which I agree with Mr. Schilelrstrom. He is generally a fiscal conservative which is good. However, he is also a pro-abortion candidate and an anti-Constitutional rights candidate. These two things are enough for me to jettison any further reporting on his campaign.
The final straw comes for me with Schillerstrom’s announcement of getting endorsed by a radical abortion advocacy group, the Personal PAC. This group claims to be “bi-partisan” but is far from it.
Continue reading “
My Last Straw With Bob Schillerstrom for Governor”
The Lobbying Army in Congress for Healthcare
The Chicago Tribune has an excellent resource reporting the number of lobbyists that are involved in the healthcare debate as it winds through Congress.
For instance, did you know that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D, Nev.) has 13 of his former staff members now working as lobbyists for the healthcare industry? Our own Senator, Dick Durbin (D, Ill.) who is also the Majority Whip, has 8 of his former staffers lobbying for the healthcare industry and GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has seen 5 of his staffers quit to lobby for healthcare.
The webpage is interactive and you can search by lawmaker and committee. You can also search by client and download all the data.
It is some very interesting info that you should check out.
The information was assembled by the Trib staff and the Medill News Service of the Northwestern University School of Journalism.
Follow the Elections at the Cook County Clerk Website
With the Primaries coming quick on the heels of New Years celebrations (February 2) I thought it would be a good idea to make sure everyone knows the websites of the Cook County Clerk and the Chicago Boad of Elections.
For Cook County (excluding the City of Chicago) you can go to:
Now, because Chicago is it’s own animal in most things, the city has it’s own website to follow elections. That is:
So, there are your resources to keep you eye on as the Primary unfolds.
Ill. Governor Candidates on Taxes and State Spending
-By Warner Todd Huston
The Associated Press asked the Illinois Gubernatorial candidates where they stand on both taxes and state spending this week. Interestingly, they asked what programs the candidates would cut to save money. With this question it was telling that the Republicans had specific programs that they’d cut while both Democrats dithered, hemmed and hawed on any cuts. Nearly all of them said “Medicaid spending” should be cut, but that doesn’t really answer to the question in my opinion. Of course Medicaid spending should be reformed as it is filled to the brim with waste and fraud, but no one is going to cut the program and cutting of programs was the question.
The AP’s questions on spending can be seen on the CBS Channel 2 website.
The AP also did one on taxes and that one can be seen on bnd.com, here the GOP contenders are interesting for one thing all but one of them said they’d hold the line. Only Dan Proft said he cut the state income tax. Naturally, both big spending Democrats (Dan Hynes and Pat Quinn) said they’d raise taxes.
In any case, both these AP pieces really shows the difference between the GOP and Democrat candidates. The Republicans want to cut spending and at least hold the line on taxes rates if not cut them and Democrats want to hike taxes and spend, spend, spend.
And let me say this about Dan Proft. He is always dead right on his answers to these issues. His points on these two AP pieces are perfect pitch.
Continue reading “
Ill. Governor Candidates on Taxes and State Spending”
Ten Ways to Stop Illinois Corruption
-By Warner Todd Huston
Jerry Agar is a Chicago area radio host and a member of the Illinois Policy Institute, a free-market centric policy center. Agar also has a column on the IPI website often centered around a list of one type of another. Today’s piece is titled, “10 Ways to Stop Political Corruption in Illinois.”
He begins:
Since 1970, more than 1500 individuals have been convicted, and the cost to Illinois taxpayers is estimated at $500 million a year. If we had that money back, instead of just watching an endless perp-walk, we would be in much better shape on several levels.
Agar goes on to list his ten points, but most of them seem to have an aspect of government transparency to them — such as number ten, “Appoint the Sunshine Commission”
Now, I have to say that I agree with an effort at state transparency. DuPage County has done a fantastic job putting all its business transactions, funding, and accounts online for everyone to see. This sort of thing can lead to two things. One, that govt officials might feel less likely to waste and steal tax money if their accounts are so easily discovered by the voters, and two… well, two is that the voters can see what their government is doing.
Still, transparency is not the only thing we can and should do to clean up government. We, the voters, need to be far more careful of who we vote into office in the first place. Being an informed voter is even more important than transparency.
Continue reading “
Ten Ways to Stop Illinois Corruption”
One Out in 10th Congressional District Race
-By Warner Todd Huston
There are still four candidates for the 10th District seat that is currently held by Mark Kirk (who is now running for Senate) but once there was five. Bill Cadigan has announced that he is no longer pursuing the nomination for the 10th. He reports that he just can’t raise the cash for the fight and is suspending his campaign.
Cadigan was endorsed by former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger and former Chairman of the Illinois Reform Commission Patrick Collins. He used to work for Congressman John Porter.
Cadigan has said he won’t be endorsing anyone at least until after Jan.1st.
Continue reading “
One Out in 10th Congressional District Race”
GOP Questions McKenna’s Use of Party Funds for His Own Polling
-By Warner Todd Huston
I meant to mention this story yesterday and didn’t get to it. I guess the reason why I wasn’t so all fired up to highlight it is that it all seemed as no surprise, it seemed like ho-hum news.
Don’t get me wrong, certainly it is big news that Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna is being investigated by the State Party over possible misuse of party money to fund his own first poll to ascertain whether or not his run for Gov. would be viable. No question that this is interesting news on several levels.
It is interesting, for instance, that the state GOP would even bother to investigate their fair hared boy in the first place, so, yes, that is interesting right there.
But it isn’t startling that Andy McKenna might be suspected of doing something underhanded. Here’s what happened:
Back in the summer when McKenna was still the Illinois Republican Party Chairman the party funded a $28,000 poll to flesh out the standing of the various folks on the Republican side that were close to announcing or had announced their intent to run for the party’s nomination for governor.
Continue reading “
GOP Questions McKenna’s Use of Party Funds for His Own Polling”
How the Candidates for Gov. Stand on Guns
-By Warner Todd Huston
The good folks over at icarry.org have compiled a nice little list of statements about the Second Amendment made by our candidates for Governor. On a veto of the so-called assault weapons ban, they found four GOPers stongly in favor, one is wishy-washy, and two oppose it. And on concealed carry they found three Republicans support it and three are against it.
Here is what icarry.org posted:
Continue reading “
How the Candidates for Gov. Stand on Guns”
Peter Roskam: Illinois Deserves Better Than This
A Statement from Representative Peter Roskam:
President Obama’s decision to relocate Guantanamo Bay’s inmates to my home state of Illinois is a misguided decision that will ultimately be regretted. Proponents of the decision have failed to prove how this move will make America safer. Let’s be clear: the Administration is not closing Guantanamo, they are simply moving Guantanamo to Illinois.
The multi-million dollar Guantanamo facility will be left dormant while U.S. courts extend an invitation to expand their reach into national security affairs. The move from a military tribunal to U.S. civilian courts will treat individuals who committed an act of war against the United States as common criminals. It flies in the face of logic, long precedence, and assumes the military is not capable of fairly administering justice.
Illinois deserves a better Christmas present than hardened terrorists.
Continue reading “
Peter Roskam: Illinois Deserves Better Than This”