Illinois

Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Illinois - State Government - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Chgo. Police Union Members Throw Fund Raiser for Officer Involved in Fatal DUI

October 25, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Chicago Police Detective Joe Frugoli was charged with Drunk Driving in an April accident that killed two people. Despite that, Chicago Police union members are throwing a fund raiser at their union facilities for Frugoli’s criminal defense fund despite that they found him at three times the legal limit during the accident.

Police said Frugoli’s blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit when his Lexus SUV struck a car that had pulled over on the Dan Ryan Expressway north of 18th Street. The car exploded into flames and killed Andrew Cazares, 23, and Fausto Manzera, 21.

The Union’s president said that the union itself was not the sponsor of the fundraiser and that it was just planned by some members who “have a right” to use the facilities.

One would think that the union would be smart enough to tell its members that a fundraiser for a criminal cop responsible for the deaths of several young people through his negligence is not such a good idea, especially at union facilities. It casts way too much color of authority and support by the union on behalf of this criminal cop.

Not to begrudge his friends from donating money to him to help him out with his defense fund, but to hold this soiree? That is a step too far. After all, I am not an anti-cop sort of fellow, but this? This is just a little gauche, don’t you think?
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Chgo. Police Union Members Throw Fund Raiser for Officer Involved in Fatal DUI”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Illinois - Liberals - Mayor Richard Daley - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Now Mayor Daley is Floating a Water Sale?

October 24, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

To save his bloated city budget Mayor Daley sold the Chicago Skyway toll road. Then he sold the city parking meters. And now? Now Daley wants to sell the city water system in order to keep paying all his broken nosed pals their monthly stipend.

CBS Channel 2 is reporting that that Chicago is considering leasing its water system.

Apparently there is a local precedent for this idea already in the Will County city of Homer Glen that leased its city water services to a German-owned company.

Amusingly enough, the mayor of Homer Glen is also named Daley (no relation) and he told Channel 2 that his residents pay about three times more for their water than neighboring communities. Just imagine what Chicago’s residents will end up paying if Richard Daley sells off the city water contract!
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Now Mayor Daley is Floating a Water Sale?”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Socialism - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Stealth Daley Taxation: Paying for Parking ‘Thru the Nose’

October 24, 2009 by

Local artist Jeff Strong is obviously not a big fan of Chicago’s new, higher parking meter rates.

He’s designed a T-shirt to communicate his anti-meter feelings.

Strong has taken creative license with the new “Pay to Park” signs for the new pay and display meters that have gone up all around the city.

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

Mark Vargas: Is a decision on Afghanistan above President Obama’s pay-grade?

October 23, 2009 by

-By Mark Vargas

The President said that his decision on Afghanistan could take weeks. Mark Vargas, candidate for the 14th District Congressional seat, recently asked the President to make the decision based facts and the observations of commanders on the ground, not politics. Instead of bending to the whims of special interest groups, the President needs to honor his promise to win the war in Afghanistan or bring our troops home. The year of 2009 has already been the bloodiest year of the Afghanistan operation.

“The President is playing a game with our soldier’s lives.” Mark Vargas noted to supporters. While the President is procrastinating in Washington, the job market in towns like Dixon, Aurora, Elgin, and Sycamore is getting worse. Rep. Foster and the Democrat agenda of hidden taxation, regulation, and nationalizing companies are hurting American’s here and abroad.

Mark Vargas proposes to put pressure on the President and House leadership to follow the advice of General McCrystal concerning Afghanistan. Vargas also calls for Rep. Foster focus on lowering unemployment here in the 14th. “Jobs will be my number 1 priority as your Congressman.” Mark Vargas plans on launching a Jobs Task Force when elected.

Mark Vargas for Congress, 14th District. www.vargas4congress.com

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

Rasmussen Shows Dems Down in Illinois

October 23, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

A recent Rasmussen poll shows that incumbent accidental Governor Democrat Pat Quinn is not doing so well with Illinois voters. It also shows that Illinois voters favor a generic Republican over a generic Democrat.

Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, who succeeded to the state’s top office following Blagojevich’s impeachment, is expected to seek a full term as governor next year. Forty-five percent (45%) of Illinois voters approve of the job Quinn has been doing in his short time in office, but 53% disapprove, including 25% who strongly disapprove. In August [LINK], 47% approved of Quinn’s job performance while 49% somewhat or strongly disapproved.

Just 16% of Illinois voters share a very favorable opinion of their governor, while 18% view Quinn very unfavorably. Those numbers are a slight improvement from August, when only 11% viewed Quinn very favorably and 20% shared a very unfavorable opinion.

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Rasmussen Shows Dems Down in Illinois”

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

IL District 5 Challenger David Ratowitz Statement on Congressional Countrywide Scandal:

October 23, 2009 by

IL Rep. Mike Quigley is Faking Reform

CHICAGO – October 23, 2009 – Republican challenger for U.S. Congress in Illinois District 5 David Ratowitz released the following statement today with regard to the Countrywide Financial scandal currently under investigation in Congress:

“Once again Mike Quigley fakes a stand on reform. As a member of the House of Representatives, Quigley’s statement on an internal Senate investigation has no force or relevance. Quigley’s refusal to weigh in on similar investigations of House members, such as Charlie Rangel (D-NY), where his voice would make a difference, is a stark demonstration of Mike Quigley’s insincerity when it comes to good government.”

Attorney, Army veteran and conservative activist DAVID RATOWITZ is running for U.S. Congress (IL-5) in February’s Republican primary on a platform of limited government, fiscal discipline and accountability, and individual liberty. Learn more about his campaign at www.ratowitzforcongress.com.

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

Ditka NOT Supporting Hughes? What The…

October 23, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Looks like candidate Patrick Hughes has made a big UhOh when he claimed that former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka endorsed him at a fund raiser last month. Hughes put out a press release touting the purported endorsement and featured the announcement on his website, too. In fact, Hughes even claimed that Ditka was ready to serve on the Hughes for Senate finance committee.

As it turns out, Ditka’s office is denying that da coach agreed to serve on any finance committee nor that he even officially endorsed Hughes. A blog called Team America’s 10th District Blog does a good job assembling all the disparate sources and claims of the story.
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Ditka NOT Supporting Hughes? What The…”

ACORN - Budget - Campaign Finance - Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Illinois - Liberals - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

New Stop ACORN TV Ad

October 22, 2009 by

Illinois state government is so mixed up with AORN and the SEIU but the people are left in the dark about the truth. One group wants to launch an investigation into just how much state money these corrupt politicians are giving to ACORN and the SEIU.

SayNoToACRON.com has launched a new TV ad to inform Illinoisans on the threat to their government and taxes.

Budget - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - Freedom - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Institute for Truth in Accounting: Chicago TV on Illinois Budget Woes

October 21, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Sheila Weinberg, Institute for Truth in Accounting founder & CEO, joined WTTW-TV’s Chicago Tonight reporter Elizabeth Bracken on an October 15th panel to discuss the proposed 2011 $32 billion budget, which includes a possible $12 billion deficit. When asked about the exact size of Illinois budget shortfall, Ms. Weinberg stated, “There are a lot of numbers floating around.We want transparency, and they want to continue the accounting gimmicks. “One gimmick identified is when the state “borrows $2 billion and then claims it as revenues.”

Ms. Weinberg’s recommendation is for Illinois to switch from cash based to FACT based, or accrual accounting methods. “Cash based accounting worked when Illinois was each year paying for current services, but when longer-term services such as government employee pensions were added, the accounting became an absolute mess.”
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Institute for Truth in Accounting: Chicago TV on Illinois Budget Woes”

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”

ACORN - Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - SEIU - Society/Culture - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Rep. Biggert Introduces Defund ACORN Bill

October 20, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R, Hinsdale, IL) introduced legislation last week intended to prevent misuse of federal housing counseling funds.

“It’s abundantly clear that ACORN and its affiliates cannot be trusted as a federally certified entity,” said Biggert, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee. “Given the group’s clear links to illegal and inappropriate activities, how can we knowingly give them federal certification to divert precious resources from legitimate housing counselors working overtime to help struggling homeowners?”

For years federal funds have flowed into ACORN’s coffers for services given to low-income home buyers across the country. These services are intended to counsel low-income buyers on how to go about the mortgage process, to inform them of subsides and government services, and to assist the purchase.
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Illinois Rep. Biggert Introduces Defund ACORN Bill”

ACORN - Anti-Americanism - Business - Chicago - Communism - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - Freedom - Health - Jobs - Liberals - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Union Plans Voted Down by Home Healthcare Workers

October 20, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

If CBS News has it right, the majority of in-home healthcare workers in Illinois voted not to join a union despite the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Governor Quinn’s best efforts to force the issue.

Earlier in the year, Governor Quinn signed Executive Order 09-15 that gave away the private information of every in-home healthcare worker in the state to several unions so that they might begin a campaign to cajole these workers into joining a union by calling them on the phone and visiting them at their homes.

In-home healthcare workers receive a stipend from the state in order to help them care for developmentally disabled or medically at risk family members.
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Union Plans Voted Down by Home Healthcare Workers”

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

Joe Walsh Becomes Official Candidate – Leaps to the Front in GOP Fundraising for 8th District Seat

October 19, 2009 by

A late entry into the race for the 8th Congressional District:

Lake Zurich, IL — The Joe Walsh for Congress Exploratory Committee is filing its paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission today. Joe Walsh is now an official candidate for the 8th District seat currently held by Melissa Bean and has begun raising the funds necessary to compete in the February Republican primary.

Mr. Walsh has spent the last few weeks meeting with voters, Republican Party officials, and conservative activists to assess the race. After an overwhelmingly positive response, Walsh formed an exploratory committee, launched a website (joewalshforcongress.com), evaluated campaign staff, and began collecting financial pledges for his potential run.
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Joe Walsh Becomes Official Candidate – Leaps to the Front in GOP Fundraising for 8th District Seat”

Budget - Capitalism - Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Illinois - Liberals - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Suddenly, Mayor Daley is Pandering Against Taxes?

October 18, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Olympics was going to save the day. Then President Obama and wife Michelle made fools of themselves telling the Olympic committee how the Olympics would make them happy because they love sports, and they sat on their daddy’s laps watching sports, and they really, really, really love the Olympics. One vote and out was the president’s reward for wasting millions of the taxpayer’s money flying them to Copenhagen.

This presented a major problem for Mayor Daley, soon to run for reelection. He was hoping against hope that the Olympics would sweep into Chicago and save his floundering budget. The infusion of cash stolen from the American taxpayers and state taxpayers both would have floated King Daley’s criminal enterprises for another few years at least and make his election a dream.

But that pipe dream has gone up in smoke, hasn’t it?
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Suddenly, Mayor Daley is Pandering Against Taxes?”

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”

ACORN - Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Illinois - Liberals - SEIU - Society/Culture - State Government - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Even SEIU Says ACORN is Toxic

October 17, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

In an amusing case of the pot calling the kettle, Anna Burger, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), told Representative Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) that the SEIU had dumped ACORN during a Sept. 30 hearing conducted by the House Financial Services Committee. Apparently Mrs. Burger felt that ACORN was too toxic for the SEIU to associate with.

Certainly it is quite amazing that the SEIU has taken the step to dump ACORN as a vendor. Groups such as SEIU rarely reassess associations preferring to stubbornly stick to their guns in most cases.

During the hearing, Rep. McHenry mentioned to Mrs. Burger that the U.S. Census Bureau, the IRS, and even Bank of America had cut ties with ACORN because of the community organizer’s declining credibility and apparent criminal activities. Burger replied, “SEIU has also cut all ties to ACORN.”
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Even SEIU Says ACORN is Toxic”

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”

Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Illinois - Liberals - Society/Culture - State Government - The Law - Warner Todd Huston

Governor Recall Initiative Approved!

October 15, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The State legislature has approved a governor recall initiative for the 2010 ballot today.

When Illinois voters go to the polls in 2010 they will have the opportunity to vote to amend the Illinois Constitution to allow for a recall of an errant governor… finally.

In November of 2010, if 60 percent of Illinois voters vote “yes,” Illinois will at last be able to rid themselves of the sort of criminals with whom it has so often been saddled.

The current initiative, though, will not create a simple “vote them out” process to eliminate a criminal governor. Several provisions will have to be satisfied to facilitate the removal of a governor. One requirement will be that 30 legislators will have to vote to remove; 20 State Reps and 10 Senators (and no more than half of those voting must be of the same party).

Another one of the provisions is that the citizens must raise signatures on a removal petition counting 15 percent of the total number of voters that voted in the previous election. This petition will have a five month period for the names to be gathered.
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Governor Recall Initiative Approved!”

Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - Illinois - Liberals - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Jim Ryan Launches Website for Gov Race

October 15, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

In a step closer to formally entering the race for the GOP nomination for Illinois governor, former AG Jim Ryan has launched a Ryan for Governor website. Ryan is styling himself the "Anti-Blagojevich."

www.jimryan2010.com/

With a late entrant into the campaign, Ryan’s bid could shake up the field. Ryan’s polling claims that he is running even with Democrat candidate Dan Hynes and trails incumbent Governor Pat Quinn by only five points.

Of course, Ryan’s last name is a drawback. He is unfortunate enough to share the same last name as the now imprisoned former Governor George Ryan (though no relation). Jim Ryan was last involved in state politics when he ran for Governor against Rod Blagojevich in 2002 and his last name dragged him down even then.

There is one other problem with Jim Ryan’s history. Rich Miller reminds us that it is embodied in two words: Stu Levine.

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Jim Ryan Launches Website for Gov Race”

Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Illinois - Liberals - State Government - The Law - Warner Todd Huston

Local Lawmakers Votes on Cook County Tax Repeal Bill

October 15, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Daily Herald posted the votes of the Chicago area legislators on the bill to repeal the Cook County sales tax hike.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House voted 65-51 to reject a plan that would have repealed the Cook County sales tax increase and required voter support for such tax increases. The proposal needed 71 votes for approval.

Local House members voting “yes”:
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Local Lawmakers Votes on Cook County Tax Repeal Bill”

ACORN - Anti-Americanism - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Communism - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Free Speech - Free Trade - Health - Illinois - Journalism - Liberals - Socialism - State Government - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Brave Mom Fights Forced Unionization and Gov. Quinn

October 15, 2009 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

We’ve been reporting to you of the outrageous under-the-radar actions of Governor Pat Quinn and his Executive Order 9-15. This EO both handed the private information of Illinois citizens to unions and set up a payoff for his union supporters by automatically unionizing hundreds of Illinois home healthcare workers whether they want to be unionized or not.

Well, one mother is fighting back. Pam Harris serves as the primary care specialist for her developmentally disabled son and in so doing receives some helpful funds from the state for that purpose. When she found out that Quinn’s EO gave her personal information to several unions she was concerned. And when she later found out that she would have to pay dues to a union even if she didn’t want to join one she became incensed.

In a report on our local Fox affiliate, Harris said, “When my doorbell rings at eleven thirty Sunday morning and there’s two people in purple shirts, one from California, one from Virginia– nice enough young people– nice enough, but that’s an invasion of my privacy.”

Harris is sure that no union will benefit her.
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Brave Mom Fights Forced Unionization and Gov. Quinn”

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?”

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

Gov. Race: Schillerstrom Signs the No-Tax Pledge

October 14, 2009 by

Gubernatorial candidate Bob Schillerstrom recently signed the No-Tax Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform.

Schillerstrom, current DuPage County Board President, joins several other candidates for governor in signing a pledge that promises not to raise taxes once in office. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard have both signed the No-Tax Pledge in the past.

Bob Schillerstrom’s campaign website.

Chicago - Constitution - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Liberals - Society/Culture - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Governor Recall Amendment

October 13, 2009 by

-By Eric Odom

In short… there’s a very good chance we’ll have the right to recall a sitting Governor as soon as November 2010. That is, of course, if the Illinois Governor Recall Amendment (2010) passes.

The Illinois Governor Recall Amendment, also known as House Joint Constitutional Amendment 31, will appear on the November 2010 ballot in Illinois.

The proposal would allow voters to recall the governor and require that at least 20 state representatives and 10 state senators, equally balanced from each party in each chamber, sign a notice of intent to recall the governor before a petition can begin to be circulated.

If Illinois lawmakers approve the recall, voters will make the final decision on the issue in November 2010.

What a novel idea… give the people the decision on this at the ballot box. I would prefer see recall provisions across the board, not just for the Governor, but this is a start.
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Illinois Governor Recall Amendment”

Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Free Trade - Health - Liberals - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Policy Institute: An Obamacare Alternative

October 12, 2009 by

Together with 32 State Think Tanks, Illinois Policy Institute Announces Patient-Centered Health Care Reforms

On Tuesday, October 13, in response to national calls for an alternative to Obamacare, representatives from the Illinois Policy Institute—together with 32 other state think tanks—will announce their “patient-centered” plan for health care reform. The proposal, which is adapted from a national study by public policy specialist Art Laffer, will be described in detail, together with a Q & A, on a conference call open to the national press.


“President Obama and other supporters of government-run health care like to proclaim that there’s no alternative to their plans,” said John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute. “Our patient-centered reform package offers a clear alternative that puts patients, not bureaucrats, first. It protects the doctor-patient relationship, offers viable solutions for the uninsured, and keeps medical care affordable for all Americans.”

Speakers on the press call, which will take place at 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 13, will include:

  • John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute
  • Donna Arduin, Partner, Arduin, Laffer & Moore, Econometrics
  • Arlene Wohlgemuth, Senior Fellow, Center for Health Care Policy, Texas Public Policy Foundation
  • Tarren Bragdon, CEO, Maine Heritage Policy Center
  • Linda Gorman, Health Care Policy Center Director, Independence Institute
  • Roger Stark, Center for Health Care Policy Analyst, Washington Policy Center

The call will cover the details of the health care proposal, as well as the economic impacts of government-run health care, the problems with a Medicaid expansion, Maine’s health care disaster, cautionary tales from Canada, and practical state-based health care solutions. 


The full plan, along with the list of think tank signatories, is available at www.patientcenteredreform.org. In addition, Jerry Agar, the Institute’s Senior Multimedia Fellow, will be releasing a podcast of the call on IllinoisPolicy.org shortly after the event. Also, our CEO, John Tillman, will be appearing on the Don Wade & Roma Morning Show on WLS-AM at 6:20 a.m. tomorrow morning to discuss this event.

Contact Kristina Rasmussen at 217.528.8800 with questions, or visit www.IllinoisPolicy.org.

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’”

Children - Cook County - Crime - Society/Culture - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

GOP Comptroller Candidate’s Offices Burglarized

October 12, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

William Kelly, a Republican candidate for the Comptroller’s Office, found his offices broken into in Chicago over the weekend.

Kelly and his staff were out circulating petitions when he said the burglary took place in the building on North Milwaukee. He says voter maps, a volunteer list and alcohol were taken, and the door frame was damaged.

Kelly did not say outright that political motives were behind the break-in, but he did note that some key documents and political information was taken.
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GOP Comptroller Candidate’s Offices Burglarized”