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.
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Patrick Hughes: Senate Candidate Calls for Term Limits”


Tea Party Debate Continued: My Reply to Steve McQueen of BigGovernment.com

-By Warner Todd Huston

In what I suppose is round three, I’d like to take a moment to reply to the criticism of my Tea Party article which was titled “Tea Parties: The Biggest Mistake We Could Make in 2010.” That criticism is penned by my fellow BG contributor, Steve McQueen whose piece titled “For Tea Parties, Bigger Is Not Better” I think missed my point. Worse I feel his piece helps the left to further splinter the right in a small way.

Certainly we on the right need an open and vigorous debate about what the Tea Parties are and how to make the best use of them, but we should have this discussion in the spirit of cooperative debate instead of the sort of isolated attacks employed by McQueen. What I mean is that if Mr. McQueen had some issues with my piece and questions about my meaning, the proper strategy would have been to email me and ask. We could then have had a debate, and perhaps joined together in a piece for BigGovernment.com that would clarify both our positions in the best effort toward harnessing the Tea Party energy to the best effect. Instead he rushed to print without a single attempt to contact me. This, I believe, only helps the left in that it gives the appearance of internal strife instead of a united front. After all, I would guess that Mr. McQueen and I are both after the same end goal of success of conservative principles in government and society alike.

In my piece I spoke of mistakes and this I think is another one of them. Too many of us Internet pundits are talking past each other and are too quick to look for that next “thing” that will get us noticed. Too often we are “Frumming” each other, in other words always attacking each other. Instead of seeking to find common ground so that we can build up our side we are sniping at each other.

Still, I think McQueen makes a few perfectly agreeable points despite that he so badly misconstrued my actual reason for writing my original piece. But like many out there that only read my provocative headline and didn’t bother to actually read the rest of the piece, McQueen assumed I was attacking the Tea Party movement itself. In fact, there is not one stitch of criticism of the actual Tea Parties in my piece. I have no complaints about them except in as much as questioning how we harness their energy going forward.
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Tea Party Debate Continued: My Reply to Steve McQueen of BigGovernment.com”


Wauconda GOP Organization Withdrawing Kelly Endorsement?

-By Warner Todd Huston

There had been a rumor going around that the Wauconda Republican organization headed up by Bob Cook was going to withdraw its endorsement of Bill Kelly for Comptroller over the revelations concerning the rather outrageous videos featuring Kelly that had been making the rounds. It was thought that some of the Wauconda folks had become embarrassed by the videos. Well the organization recently met yet the rumor mill swirled a different way afterward. After the meeting the withdrawal rumor was modified to one that said the organization was merely not going to put out any Kelly literature and would replace it with that of another candidate.

It is all pretty confusing. Is Wauconda withdrawing its endorsement of Kelly, or are they going to dump his literature in a sort of soft withdraw? I had questions so I gave Bob Cook a call and he settled the question for me, at least for now.
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Wauconda GOP Organization Withdrawing Kelly Endorsement?”


10th District Robert Dold: Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant

From the Robert Dold for Congress campaign…

Now that a new year is upon us and the February 2nd primary election is just 27 days away, the people of the 10th District will soon have the opportunity to bring change to Washington by electing a new Congressman who will stand up and fight on issues such as ethics and government transparency. As President Obama enables Congress to trample public interest by hiding behind closed doors during the final talks of the health care bill, it becomes even more evident that we need to elect Congressional leaders committed to open and accountable government.
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10th District Robert Dold: Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant”


Endorsements for Dan Patlak for Cook Cnty Board of Review Piling Up

Dan Patlak is the obvious choice for the suburban seat (once regarded as the automatic Republican seat) on the Cook County Board of Review. Not only is he the most qualified candidate but he has received the endorsement form almost every Cook suburban GOP organization and group. Here is his announcement of another few added to his column. (We here have also endorsed Patlak, by the way)
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Endorsements for Dan Patlak for Cook Cnty Board of Review Piling Up”


5th District: Twitterview with U.S. House Candidate David Ratowitz

From the Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz (IL-5) is conducting a live Twitterview tomorrow (1/7). The event is open to both media and the public. Find out how David is leveraging the nationwide 2010 conservative comeback and advancing the freedom message in a high-profile, Chicago Machine stronghold like Illinois District 5.
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5th District: Twitterview with U.S. House Candidate David Ratowitz”


Dillard Blames Quinn for U of I Cuts Applauds Ikenberry’s Tough Decisions

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard applauded University of Illinois President Stanley Ikenberry for taking immediate steps to stem the flow of red ink at the University by implementing tough budget decisions, including mandatory furlough days. Dillard noted that the state’s flagship university is in dire straits because Governor Pat Quinn and Democrat leadership have failed to balance the state budget and owe nearly a half-billion dollars to the school.

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Dillard Blames Quinn for U of I Cuts Applauds Ikenberry’s Tough Decisions”


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.
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Dillard: Ryan’s Blago Like Short Term Solutions”


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.
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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.
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An Interview With Jim Dodge, Candidate for Illinois Comptroller”


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.
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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.
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We Choose Dan Patlak for Cook Board of Review — Sean Morrison is NO Republican”


Dillard Blasts Quinn Over Prison Early Release Program

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

What did he know and when did he know it?

Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard today called on Governor Quinn to come clean and tell the truth about his secret program that released inmates from prison early. According to a hastily arranged announcement, the Quinn administration acknowledges that 64 former inmates have allegedly committed new crimes, some violent, since the Administration ordered the secret release without notifying victims or law enforcement. New crimes include assault, domestic violence, and firearm possession by a felon.
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Dillard Blasts Quinn Over Prison Early Release Program”


Dodge Campaign: What Is Kelly Crying About?

-By Warner Todd Huston

On Tuesday, the William Kelly for Comptroller campaign issued a press release demanding that State GOP leaders denounce the candidacy of his rival for Comptroller, Jim Dodge. Kelly was exercised over the “smear tactics” that he claimed that the Dodge campaign was employing to best Kelly at the polls. All of this hullabaloo caused the Dodge campaign to wonder, with no little amusement, what Kelly was “crying about”?

After the ruckus that was raised by another quixotic candidate, that one being Senate candidate Andy Martin, who launched radio commercials outing one of his rivals as a homosexual, the State GOP denounced the outrageous behavior in the ads. This party sponsored denouncement prompted Kelly to call for a similar denouncement of his own rival in his race for comptroller.

Kelly’s press release said that with the aid of well known Chicago conservative activist Jack Roeser the Dodge campaign was engaged in a “smear campaign,” and cited the passing around of some video clips of Kelly’s late TV sports show as an example.
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Dodge Campaign: What Is Kelly Crying About?”


Comptroller: Kelly Calls on Ill. GOP to Disavow Opponent Dodge’s ‘Smear Tactics’

From the William Kelly for Comptroller campaign…

William J. Kelly, Republican candidate for comptroller, is calling on Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady to disavow the candidacy of Jim Dodge and his campaign’s smear tactics.

“I am the only true outsider reform candidate for Illinois comptroller with no government contracts. That is why I am more than willing to open the books and expose the insider deals That is the reason why one of my primary opponents has been engaging in a smear campaign to prevent me from winning the Republican primary for Illinois comptroller. He has been doing this with the help of Carpentersville businessman Jack Roeser, who was recently been named by news reports as part of the smear campaign against U.S. Senate candidate, Rep. Mark Kirk. That is why we are calling on Illinois Republican party chairman Pat Brady to disavow Jim Dodge and his smear campaign against me,” said Kelly.
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Comptroller: Kelly Calls on Ill. GOP to Disavow Opponent Dodge’s ‘Smear Tactics’”


Stop Mark Kirk Rally, Jan 5th

The Folks at ChampionNews.com are supporting a Stop Kirk effort and a rally will be held Jan. 5th in Woodbine, Illinois. Kirk is wrong for this state for sure, so here is the info for the event…

Call the neighbors and wake the kids, it’s time to Stop Mark Kirk

Here’s a group that gets it. The Will County Tea Party Alliance (Joliet Tea Party & Homer/Lockport Tea Party) is hosting a Stop Mark Kirk Rally on Tuesday, January 5th at 7:30 PM at the Woodbine Country Club in Woodbine, Illinois. Admission is FREE.

You can find all of the details here. Mark Kirk’s leading Republican opponent Patrick Hughes will be there.
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Stop Mark Kirk Rally, Jan 5th”


GOP Candidate Called Out for Being a Democrat

From the Dan Patlak for Cook County Board of Review campaign:

Editor: records supplied to me from the Patlak campaign show that Sean Morrison voted Democrat since at least 1996 and has donated to Democratic candidates at least since 2003. You can see those records here:

Political contribution list (PDF file)
Voting Record (PDF file)

Wheeling—As the election for Commissioner of the Board of Review commences its final stages, several individuals within the GOP are challenging Sean Morrison regarding his true Party affiliation. According to records obtained from the Chicago Board of Elections (attached), Morrison is more than just a supporter of the Democrat Party. Morrison, who was registered to vote in Chicago’s 19th ward until late 2008, has donated to the Democrat Party several times over the last two years with the last contribution being in June of 2009. In addition, he has also contributed to a Democrat Aldermanic candidate. While the fact he has taken a Democrat ballot in five of the last seven primaries is shocking (documents attached), the fact that he has never taken a Republican ballot raises several questions, including ones that relate to why he is running on the Republican ticket. Leading the challenge for transparency of Sean Morrison’s true intentions is the GOP endorsed candidate for Commissioner of the Board of Review, Dan Patlak, a long time, well respected Republican leader.
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GOP Candidate Called Out for Being a Democrat”


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!
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Dillard Campaign: Reminder That Absentee Voting Begins”


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.
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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.


Tea Parties: The Biggest Mistake We’ll Make in 2010

-By Warner Todd Huston

It’s the end of 2009, the “aughts” are over, and we are about to embark on a new year — and what else are they but the “aughts”? Well, besides mostly a horrible and thankfully passed decade. In any case, we are at the end of the year and that means two things: lists about this year and predictions for the next. I’ve chosen the prognosticator’s art for this piece with the subject of what will likely be our biggest failure or mistake in 2010: the Tea Party movement.

We all know that just saying the words “Tea Party” is enough to raise American’s blood pressure. Some will become suspicious or even enraged by imagining I am about to attack the Tea Partiers, some on the left will be filled with disgust even thinking about the Tea Partiers at all, and still others will get their blood up thinking about why the Tea Party movement started in the first place. For 2009 “Tea” and “Party” were two words that raised American’s passions in a myriad of ways, for sure. That won’t change in 2010.

But with the Tea Party movement we are likely headed for a huge mistake in 2010, one that I fear will stretch into 2011 and one that has the potential to hurt us all, right, left and center — but especially right.
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Tea Parties: The Biggest Mistake We’ll Make in 2010″


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
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38 Days Until the Primary In Illinois — A Web Resource”


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.
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The Good News About Springfield, Merry Christmas”


Gitmo Lawsuit Could block Thomson Prison Transfer By Feds

From the William Kelly for Comptroller campaign:

GOP Comptroller candidate Kelly’s Attorney Planning to File Class Action Suit for Public Endangerment

(STERLING, IL) – This afternoon, protesters from Band of Mothers and Illinois Tea Party gathered in Sterling, IL to protest the move to transfer the Gitmo detainees to Thomson Prison. Among them was William J. Kelly, the GOP candidate for comptroller. Kelly is planning to file a lawsuit to block the transfer of the Thomson prison site to the federal government to house the Gitmo detainees. Kelly’s attorney, Greg Johnson, is exploring the merits of a class action suit on the grounds of public endangerment to prevent the prisoner transfer. “The public risks associated with the continued detention of war prisoners should not be forced upon the citizens of Illinois without sufficient public input and acceptance,” said Johnson.
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Gitmo Lawsuit Could block Thomson Prison Transfer By Feds”


5th District — Quigley-backed Chicago handgun ban: Negligible results, still unconstitutional

5th District Congressional candidate David Ratowitz responds to Rep. Mike Quigley and Mayor Richard M. Daley’s December 19, 2009, Sun-Times op-ed, “Threat to city’s handgun ban jeopardizes safety of all.”

Rep. Mike Quigley’s December 19 Chicago Sun-Times op-ed piece in defense of Chicago’s unconstitutional ban on gun ownership for law-abiding citizens displays arrogance, disregard for the facts and extremist zeal.
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5th District — Quigley-backed Chicago handgun ban: Negligible results, still unconstitutional”