Bill Baar's West Side

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation « CBS Chicago

2012-02-14T16:26:00.000-06:00

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation « CBS Chicago

Surprise!

Ricketts-backed super PAC targets three Illinois incumbents in Congress - Government News - Crain's Chicago Business

2012-02-14T06:20:00.000-06:00

Ricketts-backed super PAC targets three Illinois incumbents in Congress - Government News - Crain's Chicago Business

Is it something they said about the Cubs?

H/T Illinois Review

Illinois Review: Roskam endorses Lauzen for Kane Co Board Chairman

2012-02-14T06:08:00.000-06:00

Illinois Review: Roskam endorses Lauzen for Kane Co Board Chairman

Now Roskam backs Lauzen for Kane County Board chair. Springfield Senators stick together even after the trip to Washington.

More Minneapolis ties to Shabaab - Threat Matrix

2012-02-09T18:57:00.001-06:00

These stories never seem to make it into Chicago media. If they do, they’re buried deep in the back some where. Feel free to correct me with links in comments.

Today the Justice Department announced that Ahmed Hussein Mahamud, a 27-year-old man formerly from the Minneapolis area, has pled guilty to conspiring to provide money and recruiting personnel for Shabaab, the al Qaeda-linked terror group in Somalia. Mahamud's conviction is the latest in an ongoing three-year investigation into links between Shabaab and the Somali-American community based in and around Minneapolis. From 2008 to February 2011, Mahamud, who was indicted on June 7, 2011, conspired to provide material support to Shabaab in aid of its fight against Somalia's Transitional Federal Government.

More Minneapolis ties to Shabaab - Threat Matrix

Consider Jim Durkin’s comments on a case that did make Chicago news a few days ago. Durkin said of the choice of plea bargaining versus going to trial,

"I think it's impossible to get a fair trial on terrorism charges," said Durkin, a veteran criminal-defense lawyer who has defended several suspects charged with supporting terrorist groups in recent years.

Right, these guys belong in front of Military Tribunals, not civil courts.

Illinois Review: IR Interviews with 2012 candidates

2012-02-06T21:12:00.001-06:00

Some must hear audios for us in the Fox Valley with Cliff Surges and Karen McConnaughay

Illinois Review: IR Interviews with 2012 candidates

Michele Piszczor: Mike Madigan Primary Opponent Graces Pro-Life Breakfast in Crystal Lake

2012-02-06T20:06:00.001-06:00

One brave candidate here: “Madigan is the root of all evil here in our state. He is the weed in our garden.”

---Michele Piszczor

Cal’s got her story below. Send her some bucks because the machine is doing the old tricks of smashing her car…more damage to come for sure.

McHenry County Blog | Mike Madigan Primary Opponent Graces Pro-Life Breakfast in Crystal Lake

Joe Walsh responds to question on the Norquist Tax Pledge

2012-02-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

Walsh explains why he signed Grover Norquist's tax pledge. Note Walsh is on a first name basis with the Progressives in the audience. They're really a part of Walsh's show. They make Town Hall work. Walsh does a lot of this give and take with the audience, and I told him afterwards I had never seen a politican do this before. Walsh said it was probably the school teacher in him. I told him he needed these #occupy folks to make it work, which got a laugh out of him.

Joe Walsh on Immigration at Elgin Town Hall

2012-02-04T19:40:00.001-06:00

Walsh says about 30% of his Town Halls involve questions on immigration.

Q and A with Joe Walsh at Elgin Town Hall 2 Feb 2012

2012-02-04T19:17:00.000-06:00

Walsh responds to a question about bad press. Leads into some nice defense of Conservative Economics. Stuff Romney should be listening too.

Joe Walsh Town Hall Elgin, Illinois 2 Feb 2012

2012-02-04T18:18:00.000-06:00

The conclusion with Congressman Walsh responding to the question how he'll beat The Machine come the general election. More video to come. Was trying out the camera on my new adroid phone and bungled the first opening, but have this conclusion plus some nice responses to question.

Courthouse News Service

2012-02-04T07:38:00.002-06:00

Courthouse News Service

Wonder where this trail leads? [h/t] Bessie... deconstruct it for us please: Such as a State of Illinois facilitiy....

A man claims his business partner, a key witness in the Antoin Rezko and Ron Blagojevich trials, owes him $4 million after lying about their joint real estate projects.

Faysal Mohamed sued lead defendant Ali Ata in Cook County Court. The 6-page complaint describes Ata as "a recently convicted felon associated with 'Tony' Rezko and corruption in the Blagojevich administration. He and the plaintiff were joint venturers in many matters until plaintiff disassociated himself from Mr. Ata."

Mohamed claims defendant Illinois residents Katherine Aglikin and Bassam Salman "aided and abetted Ata in the breach of fiduciary duties Ata owed plaintiff."

Ata testified at both Rezko's and Blagojevich's trials, as part of a plea bargain in which he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and cheating on his taxes.

Mohamed's complaint states: "In 1993 the plaintiff and Ata made an oral agreement that they would purchase property in Cook County and develop the same preferably with an anchor tenant such as Walgreens or a CVS drug store or a State of Illinois agency facility such as the Secretary of State or the State Police.

Duckworth gaining on Krishnamoorthi in 8th District fundraising - DailyHerald.com

2012-02-02T19:44:00.001-06:00

Daily Herald’s Kerry Lester on the money race in the 8th’s Democratic Primary.

Her donor base includes a number of big names from across the country — including consultant/Democratic strategist David Axelrod of Chicago; real estate developer Neil Bluhm, owner of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines; and former tennis pro Billie Jean King.
Krishnamoorthi, on the other hand, saw $274,489 come from individuals and $14,900 from political action committees. His donor list is filled with South Asian community members from around the area and across the country, including Central Clinical Labs president Imtiaz Ahmad of Chicago, Key Management Group CEO Subhash Bhatia of New York and Baywood Hotels Developer Amit-Al Patel of Maryland.

Duckworth gaining on Krishnamoorthi in 8th District fundraising - DailyHerald.com

I fully expect to see Gov Bobby Jindal and Gov Nikki Haley at Walsh's sides pointing out to the 8ths Asian Community that Democrats have looked at Asians as deep pockets to purchase Senates seats while the Tea Party and GOP sees them as proud Americans with strong family and entrepreneurial values contributing to America and rightfully belonging in a party that respects that, and not as folks who,gosh, started speaking in Swarmi as Cong Jackson once put it.

Obama, Netanyahu, and that finger pointing thing

2012-02-01T18:04:00.001-06:00

[H/T] Completely Marchele

Illinois Leads Nation in Wind Energy Turbine Installation

2012-01-31T14:23:00.001-06:00

Illinois Leads Nation in Wind Energy Turbine Installation

Any correlation between one of the most corrupt states, a state that lead the country in job destruction, a state with a ballooning deficit; also leads in subsidizing turbines? They all seem to go hand-in-hand.

Obama Tells Woman Her Husband Shouldn't Be Unemployed According To What He Sees

2012-01-30T21:37:00.002-06:00

Obama Bungles Jobs Numbers

2012-01-30T21:33:00.003-06:00

So much for articulate...

Report Says State Finances in Dire Shape - Chicago News Cooperative

2012-01-30T09:22:00.000-06:00

Report Says State Finances in Dire Shape - Chicago News Cooperative

Civic Federations confirming Illinois's headed off the cliff,

“All governors like to talk about the positive aspects of their administration and certainly Governor Quinn has some positive aspects,” Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said. “But the fiscal reality of the state of Illinois isn’t rosy and it isn’t optimistic.”

The report points to rising pension costs and medical bills for the poor and uninsured as the primary culprits of increased state spending. Among the Civic Federation’s suggestions for reining in state finances are reducing automatic 3 percent increases built-in to retirement pay for government workers and increasing the cigarette tax.

“It’s a very frightening situation,” Msall said. “It’s one that calls for not half measures, not politically massaged answers. It calls for significant, drastic action by the state of Illinois.”

Somehow I think it's gonna take more than dinging the smokers again.

Bratwurst at the tipsy cow madison wisconsin

2012-01-27T19:24:00.000-06:00

Sent from my Android phone on T-Mobile. America's first nationwide 4G network.

Illinois Review: Connelly, Bambenek, Rowe, McCann endorsed by Illinois Tea Party

2012-01-26T18:36:00.001-06:00

The Tea Party’s first set of endoresments: Illinois Review: Connelly, Bambenek, Rowe, McCann endorsed by Illinois Tea Party#more

Raja Krishnamoorthi faces racist attacks in 2012 US elections (really?)

2012-01-26T05:50:00.002-06:00

Geez, more racialism from the Indian press. If Raja loses the primary to fellow Democrat Duckworth, it will be over Bright Star as Don Rose (hardly a “Tea Bagger”) suggested when Krishnamoorth ran for Comptroller. (more from the Chicago Trib on the mess).

Krishnamoorthi needs to tone his followers down. Neither Walsh or Duckworth playing race games. It’s losing peoples College savings Raja’s gotta explain.

via Sulehka.com: Raja Krishnamoorthi faces racist attacks in 2012 US elections - News, Articles, Press Release & News Article on Chicago

Gov. Mitch Daniels Deliver the GOP Response to the State of the Union

2012-01-25T06:20:00.000-06:00

The State of the Union is grave. I think almost everyone knows that in their gut.

Ahead of the State of the Union, Lipinski and Hultgren Urge President to Support Passage of a Transportation Reauthorization Bill to Create Jobs

2012-01-25T06:13:00.000-06:00

A Hultgren presser... Hultgren and Lipinski sat together at SOTU. Makes more sense than a high-speed rail boondoggle.

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Washington, DC - Today, Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Randy Hultgren (R-IL) issued the following joint statement ahead of the President’s State of the Union address, at which they will be sitting together, continuing the tradition of bipartisan seating begun last year in the wake of the shooting in Tucson that killed six and wounded 14, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

“At tonight’s State of the Union, we hope that the President seizes on the opportunity to push for passage of a robust, multi-year transportation reauthorization bill. In a time of continued high unemployment, this bill – which is critical to our state and our nation – is now more than two years overdue, feeding Americans’ frustration with Washington. We understand that investing in critical infrastructure projects to improve our ailing transportation system will create jobs in Illinois and across the country, both in the near-term and in the long-term by reducing congestion and increasing efficiency for workers and for businesses. The President should call for a transportation reauthorization that is responsibly and fully funded, and recognizes the deep need to improve our roads, highways, bridges, public transit and rail system. This should be a bipartisan issue that unites the House, the Senate, and the White House, and we believe that it can be. Recently, after a five-year delay, a compromise was announced that finally paves the way for passage of a multi-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. It’s time to build on that breakthrough and pass a robust, multi-year surface transportation bill.”

Marathon Pundit: Report from the media call with Adam Kinzinger on the State of the Union address

2012-01-25T05:38:00.001-06:00

via the Pundit,

I asked the House freshman about the Republican response to the president's address--a great one, in my opinion--by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. He brought up Social Security reform and made the suggestion that perhaps sending Social Security checks to the very rich is something that should be reconsidered. Kinzinger called it "an idea that is worth talking about."

Marathon Pundit: Report from the media call with Adam Kinzinger on the State of the Union address

Rep. Walsh Questions National Park Service Director About Occupy DC

2012-01-24T19:14:00.000-06:00

[H/T] Marathon Pundit.

Restoring American Exceptionalism – Chicago Townhall « Publius Forum

2012-01-24T19:03:00.002-06:00

Publius Forum with some videos interviewing Juan Williams and Michael Medved at Restoring American Exceptionalism – Chicago Townhall « Publius Forum

Good stuff….

1,000 Days Without a Senate Budget

2012-01-24T18:52:00.000-06:00

[H/T] Heritage Foundation

Kane County Chronicle | County chair candidates clash on taxes, spending, ethics

2012-01-24T18:49:00.001-06:00

KC covers the County Board Debates. I like having all four candidates: Democrat and Republican together for this. Anyways, regarding the ethics code,and Kane County’s lack of one at the moment, Klinkhamer says

Klinkhamer, however, said any ethics complaints should simply be taken to the state’s attorney for action.
“That simple,” she said.
• Read more Kane County Chronicle election coverage by visiting ssm.kcchronicle.com/election.

Kane County Chronicle | County chair candidates clash on taxes, spending, ethics

I sort of get that. I would expect competitors losing on contracts and suspecting foul play would know how to do that. Somehow or another though, I don’t think it’s all that simple. Citzens need a standard, posted on the web, we can use to evaluate the board and chairs actions. We need some lines drawn for us. Not just what’s illegal; but what’s unethical too.

Why the Fed Slept

2012-01-23T05:33:00.001-06:00

Why the Fed Slept

Samuelson's been on a roll with a series of concise columns on the economy. Above on Why the Fed Slept in face of the Housing crisis, and below, the affliction so common to the Knowledge Class: assumptions shoot them in the ass.

But they -- and most private economists -- didn't draw the proper conclusions. Hardly anyone asked whether lax mortgage lending would trigger a broad financial crisis, because America had not experienced a broad financial crisis since the Great Depression. A true financial crisis differs from falling stock prices, which are common. A financial crisis involves the failure of banks or other institutions, panic in many markets and a pervasive loss of wealth and confidence.
Such a crisis was not within the personal experience of members of the FOMC -- or anyone. Nor was it part of mainstream economic thinking. Because it hadn't happened in decades, it was assumed that it couldn't happen.

P J O'Rourke: They Hate Poor People

2012-01-22T17:02:00.002-06:00

They Hate Poor People | The Weekly Standard

On January 1, 2012, Maine became the first state to ban smoking in all low-income public housing. Twelve thousand poor people faced their New Year’s Day hangover without the solace of a Marlboro to accompany their aspirin and coffee.

An old Socialist Party comrade of mine left SDS and began a journey that lead him to a very Orthodox brand of Judiasm. We'd sit in the basement break-room of the Newberry Library, where he worked, smoking Camel straights, drinking coffee, talking about books, writers, and history; while he should have been working.

He was leading the pro-smoking wing of Hasidism and had become an expert on poems about famous Rebbes smoking pipes and the smoke curling skywards to God.

Few things as pleasurable as talk, coffee and a camel straight. I quit. My friend should have. But still, forbidden in your home? That's too much.

Via a Cigarette and a Cup of Coffee.

The Hasidic fondness for cigarettes was well-known, and became the target of criticism from their opponents, the "misnagdim". The Hasidim justified their habit on theological grounds. Smoking was after all a way of elevating the holy sparks.

Some Hasidic masters were conscious that a special privilege that had been granted to their own generations: Tobacco had been unknown to the great "Ari" himself, "because the time had not yet come for the very subtle sparks in tobacco to be released by smoking." But now that almost all the coarser sparks had received their restoration, God sent us tobacco so that the Hasidic masters should elevate these "new" and subtle sparks!

It was told of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem-Tov, the founder of the Hasidic movement, that he once waxed enthusiastic about a student who interrupted his prayers by stooping to retrieve his fallen pipe. The Baal Shem-Tov justified this apparent breach of decorum by explaining that there are subtle souls who can only achieve their perfection through this most ethereal of substances.
The Ba'al Shem-Tov went on to compare cigarette smoke to the "sweet savour unto the Lord" exuded by the sacrifices, and to the incense that was burned in the Temple.

As Rabbi Jacobs understands this story, it alludes to the Kabbalistic belief in reincarnation. Some righteous souls cannot bear to return to earth unless they are allowed to reside in tobacco.

Spring Grove Tea Party Members Rally for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

2012-01-22T16:38:00.002-06:00

Cal posts some great pics of the Tea Party rally for Gov Walker: McHenry County Blog | Spring Grove Tea Party Members Rally for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

Alan Nudo Quits Race for 52nd District State Senate Seat

2012-01-22T15:50:00.001-06:00

File under If you can’t take the heat get out of the Kitchen. A real RINO quits the GOP primary for the 53nd Alan Nudo Quits Race for 52nd District State Senate Seat

Maureen Dowd: Showtime at the Apollo

2012-01-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

Obama's sound odd to Dowd, but we're familiar with it in Illinois. Our first African-American Prez sounds just like Illinois's first Blue-Collar Gov in his famous I gave your grandma free rides on the CTA wiretap. Chicago Pols about as self-centered as a guy (and they're mostly guys) get.

The portrait of the first couple in Jodi Kantor’s new book, “The Obamas,” bristles with aggrievement and the rational president’s disdain for the irrational nature of politics, the press and Republicans. Despite what his rivals say, the president and the first lady do believe in American exceptionalism — their own, and they feel overassaulted and underappreciated.

We disappointed them.

As Michelle said to Oprah in an interview she did with the president last May: “I always told the voters, the question isn’t whether Barack Obama is ready to be president. The question is whether we’re ready. And that continues to be the question we have to ask ourselves.”

They still believed, as their friend Valerie Jarrett once said, that Obama was “just too talented to do what ordinary people do.”

Showtime at the Apollo - NYTimes.com

How Illinois lawmakers failed you - chicagotribune.com

2012-01-22T08:10:00.001-06:00

The Trib’s Editorial on Illinois one year after the Democrat’s tax hike.How Illinois lawmakers failed you - chicagotribune.com

"Our revenue growth is not enough to keep up with pensions and Medicaid. It creates a squeeze for everything else."
Illinois Budget Director David Vaught, Jan. 3, 2012
Think back to 1/11/11, the night Democrats in the General Assembly raised personal and corporate income taxes by 67 and 46 percent. That legislation didn't cut spending by one dime. Never forget the assurances, though, that these tax increases would pay the state's debts and prevent future budget deficits:
Senate President John Cullerton: "The purpose of this bill is to raise enough money so that we can continue to pay our pensions without borrowing the money. To pay off our debt. To have enough money to pay the interest on that debt. And, for the first time ever, establish caps on how much we can appropriate. ... We have just come through the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes. And we have not paid our bills."
And House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie: "Remember, the point of this income tax increase is not to expand programs, not to do brand-new things in Illinois state government. It is only intended to pay our old bills and deal with the structural deficit."
Gov. Pat Quinn antiseptically refers to his fellow Democrats' vote that night on the "revenue bill." Much as he refers to the new borrowing he proposes as "restructuring." One year later, though, stand back with us and look at all their carnage:

And the Trib names the culprits.

HOUSE: Edward Acevedo, Chicago; Luis Arroyo, Chicago; Daniel Beiser, Alton; Maria Antonia Berrios, Chicago; Mike Boland, East Moline; John Bradley, Marion; Daniel Burke, Chicago; Will Burns, Chicago; Michael Carberry, Oak Lawn; Linda Chapa LaVia, Aurora; Annazette Collins, Chicago; Marlow Colvin, Chicago; Barbara Flynn Currie, Chicago; Monique Davis, Chicago; William Davis, Homewood; Anthony DeLuca, Chicago Heights; Lisa Dugan, Bradley; Ken Dunkin, Chicago; Sara Feigenholtz, Chicago; Robert Flider, Mount Zion; Mary Flowers, Chicago; LaShawn Ford, Chicago; Paul Froehlich, Schaumburg; Robyn Gabel, Evanston; Esther Golar, Chicago; Careen Gordon, Morris; Betsy Hannig, Gillespie; Greg Harris, Chicago; Elizabeth Hernandez, Cicero; Jay Hoffman, Collinsville; Thomas Holbrook, Belleville; Constance Howard, Chicago; Eddie Lee Jackson, East St. Louis; Naomi Jakobsson, Urbana; Charles Jefferson, Rockford; Lou Lang, Skokie; Camille Lilly, Chicago; Joseph Lyons, Chicago; Michael Madigan, Chicago; Frank Mautino, Spring Valley; Karen May, Highland Park; Rita Mayfield, Waukegan; Kevin McCarthy, Orland Park; Jack McGuire, Joliet; Susana Mendoza, Chicago; David Miller, Lynwood; Kathleen Moore, Chicago; Elaine Nekritz, Northbrook; John O'Sullivan, Worth Township; Dan Reitz, Steeleville; Al Riley, Olympia Fields; Robert Rita, Blue Island; Michael Smith, Canton; Cynthia Soto, Chicago; Andre Thapedi, Chicago; Arthur Turner, Chicago; Patrick Verschoore, Milan; Mark Walker, Arlington Heights; Karen Yarbrough, Maywood; Michael Zalewski, Chicago.
SENATE: James Clayborne, Belleville; Jacqueline Collins, Chicago; Maggie Crotty, Oak Forest; John Cullerton, Chicago; William Delgado, Chicago; Deanna Demuzio, Carlinville; Michael Frerichs, Gifford; William Haine, Alton; Don Harmon, Oak Park; Rickey Hendon, Chicago; Linda Holmes, Aurora; Mattie Hunter, Chicago; Toi Hutchinson, Olympia Fields; Mike Jacobs, East Moline; Emil Jones III, Chicago; David Koehler, Peoria; Dan Kotowski, Park Ridge; Kimberly Lightford, Maywood; Terry Link, Waukegan; Edward Maloney, Chicago; Iris Martinez, Chicago; John Mulroe, Chicago; Antonio Munoz, Chicago; Kwame Raoul, Chicago; Martin Sandoval, Cicero; Jeff Schoenberg, Evanston; Heather Steans, Chicago; Donne Trotter, Chicago; Louis Viverito, Burbank; A.J. Wilhelmi, Joliet

McHenry County Blog | Illinois Gingrich Campaign

2012-01-21T18:19:00.001-06:00

Update on the Illinois Gingrich campaign: McHenry County Blog | Illinois Gingrich Campaign

Arizona strikes back: State investigates feds over gun-running - Washington Times

2012-01-21T10:21:00.001-06:00

What goes around comes around.

Arizona strikes back: State investigates feds over gun-running - Washington Times

This Is America's Moment, If Washington Doesn't Blow It - Forbes

2012-01-21T09:26:00.001-06:00

Must read by Joel Kotkin. Only thing standing in America’s way our Americans themselves.

A confluence of largely unnoticed economic, demographic and political trends has put the U.S. in a far more favorable position than its rivals. Rather than the end of preeminence, America may well be entering a renaissance.

If we have the guts and sense to seize this moment.

This Is America's Moment, If Washington Doesn't Blow It - Forbes

Time to Leave Afghanistan

2012-01-21T09:04:00.000-06:00

Time to Leave Afghanistan

Michael Yon quits Afghanistan.

McHenry County Blog | Peter Fitzgerald Endorses Chris Lauzen for Kane County Board Chairman

2012-01-21T09:02:00.001-06:00

Cal Skinner with Peter Fitzgerald’s endorsement. Not sure how much that counts in Kane County now. Maybe some with old timers, but I bet for most people it’s just confusion with that other Fitzgerald guy. That might be good too, but not much.

McHenry County Blog | Peter Fitzgerald Endorses Chris Lauzen for Kane County Board Chairman

Marathon Pundit: Exclusive: Obama crony Rezko begins federal prison sentence in Pekin, IL

2012-01-21T08:03:00.001-06:00

Rezko to Pekin….MP has the story: Marathon Pundit: Exclusive: Obama crony Rezko begins federal prison sentence in Pekin, IL

Valerie Jarrett Business Partner Dan Mahru is Disbarred

2012-01-20T06:50:00.001-06:00

A quick link on Jarret’s public housing partner getting disbarred based on his guilty plea on a swindle.

Chicago Daily Observer » Blog Archive » Valerie Jarrett Business Partner Dan Mahru is Disbarred

Illinois Review: Fundraising reports show strengths, weaknesses of GOP Senate candidates

2012-01-19T07:50:00.001-06:00

IR reviews the fund raising to date in thirteen Illinois State Senate primary races.

Illinois Review: Fundraising reports show strengths, weaknesses of GOP Senate candidates

House Speaker Michael Madigan appoints Minority Leader Cross to Chair Special Committee on Pensions

2012-01-18T20:11:00.001-06:00

I hope the Leader knows what he's getting into here on this one. This systems the Democrat's mess, not the GOP's.

House Speaker Michael Madigan has created an Illinois House special committee that will review the investment strategies of the state's pension funds.

Mr. Madigan, a Democrat, appointed Republican House Minority Leader Tom Cross to chair the committee, according to a letter today to House Clerk Timothy Mapes.

Read more: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120118/NEWS02/120119775/speaker-madigan-forms-special-pensions-committee#ixzz1jrkr0bOZ
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Topinka: Little Improvement Seen One Year After Tax Increases

2012-01-18T19:52:00.000-06:00

Topinka: Little Improvement Seen One Year After Tax Increases

Judy's no relation by the way. IR links her report that Illinois's still in a big hole despite the massive tax hike.

Illinois Review: Lauzen, McConnaughay clash over perceived pay-to-play

2012-01-18T19:50:00.000-06:00

Illinois Review: Lauzen, McConnaughay clash over perceived pay-to-play

Unless Lauzen's buying into the Progressive's case on the SCOTUS's Citizen's United ruling, he best let this charge against McConnaughay fade away.

No one's stepped forward saying McConnaughy shook them down. No one has stepped forward saying they were denied county work because they failed to play. The ethics rules in place and no evidence McConnaughy didn't follow them.

This is all smoke Senator.

Solar-panel company lays off 40 employees - Toledo Blade

2012-01-17T17:47:00.001-06:00

More Green financial fiascos…. at our expense.

The start-up company has been plagued by a series of production and staffing delays since it was formed in 2008. It has received millions of dollars in government loans and tax breaks and has been toured by high-profile officials such as Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.
Mr. Cicak said last week that the facility was to reopen Monday after a period of adjusting its inventory. A voice mail message on the company's main phone line said the same thing.
Only 15 cars were in the parking lot at 1:30 p.m. Monday. The office was devoid of activity, and the rows of desks were empty.

Solar-panel company lays off 40 employees - Toledo Blade

Keep It Simple - NYTimes.com

2012-01-17T16:05:00.001-06:00

Solutions are the problem a boss once told me. Jamie Dimon’s no nope. My bet’s he’s right.

What if the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase is not just blowing smoke when he complains that the country — and, indeed, the world — has imposed so many new rules on the banking industry, some of them overlapping, others seeming to contradict each other, yet others whose sole purpose seems to be to weigh down the industry, that they threaten to do as much harm as good? Last summer, you’ll recall, Dimon confronted Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman, at a conference and asked him: “Has anyone bothered to study the cumulative effect of these things?” Just last week, during JPMorgan’s earnings call with analysts, Dimon complained that Europe’s “regulatory policy, government policy, central bank policy — it’s not coordinated. It’s making the situation worse, not better.”

Keep It Simple - NYTimes.com

Marathon Pundit: While bodies pile up at Cook County morgue, Preckwinkle praises Occupy crowd (VIDEO)

2012-01-17T13:12:00.001-06:00

Cook County Board Chair Preckwinkle at Occupy Chicago while the indigent bodies pile up over at the morgue for lack of funds to burry them. Tony Rezko was once Preckwinkle’s Finance Chair… maybe she ought to send him a letter in prison for some advice on how to bail Cook County out of the mess it’s in.

[H/T] John M who’s been covering Occupy, Marathon Pundit: While bodies pile up at Cook County morgue, Preckwinkle praises Occupy crowd (VIDEO)

GOP candidate from Lake County says he prays for gays ‘to repent' - DailyHerald.com

2012-01-17T07:32:00.002-06:00

Illinois's got a lot of problems. Big problems... but a Newspaper scouring facebook for admonitions to repent (which all Christians should do: both admonish and repent!) seems a waste. Perhaps The Daily Herald ought best repent this habit and give us some hard news.

GOP candidate from Lake County says he prays for gays ‘to repent' - DailyHerald.com

Kane County Chronicle | Democrats target Klinkhamer in chairman race

2012-01-17T07:10:00.001-06:00

Looks like Susan Klinkhamer was a Republican before she was a Democrat.

Klinkhamer’s voting record in Kane County shows she voted Republican in six primaries from 1996 through 2006. Then the record shows she voted Democratic in the special and general primary in 2008 and the 2010 primary.
But that, she said, does not prove she is a Republican. It proves that when you are the minority party, you will take the other team’s ballot just to have a voice in who gets nominated, she said.

Kane County Chronicle | Democrats target Klinkhamer in chairman race

Whether or not this amounts to a stealth run by a closet Republican to disrupt the Democratic primary harder to say. I doubt it. She worked for the Democrat Congressman Bill Foster. I take her at her word here.

Illinois Review: What they said about Blagojevich in 2002

2012-01-16T07:59:00.000-06:00

Illinois Review: What they said about Blagojevich in 2002

Don't forget....

Iranian Official Reportedly Threatens Retaliation After Nuclear Expert Killed | Here & Now

2012-01-14T09:41:00.001-06:00

Let’s hope the SecDef knows what he’s doing when he says stuff like this:

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, “we have some idea as to who might be involved.”

Iranian Official Reportedly Threatens Retaliation After Nuclear Expert Killed | Here & Now

Illinois Review: Taxpayers to Gov Quinn: What about the rest of us?

2012-01-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

Illinois Review: Taxpayers to Gov Quinn: What about the rest of us?

IR above reviews the Sun Times Editorial on Quinn's EITC changes.

There's no question what this last-minute EITC doubling is all about. It is the Democrats pandering to low-income Illinois taxpayers. The Dems wanted to muffle at leat some of their angry constituents that will be hit on April 15th.

In the meantime any household that doesn't fit within the EITC's narrow boundaries, get ready for more taxpayer back pain. More than ever before, Illinois' tax burden is on you. 67% more on you, with no relief in sight. And don't forget local property tax hike, the 88% toll increase as well as local sales tax spikes.

So, Democrats that control the Illinois legislature and the governorship, what about the rest of us?

Not to mention the breaks for CME and Sears (AON next?). And the State's still sinking in a fiscal morass.

Occupy Chicago plans week of activities — AustinTalks

2012-01-14T07:53:00.001-06:00

Take a look at the participants: the Cook County Chair, Congressional Reps, State Reps. These people already Occupy Chicago. Their Democrats and have Occupied Chicago my whole lifetime (ant that’s more than a few decades). If you get out to the South and West sides, the city’s a mess. They already Occupy Chicago and best give it up.

Stay tuned to Rebel Pundit for coverage. Events below per AustinTalks.

Occupy Chicago plans week of activities — AustinTalks

Kane County Chronicle | Chairman candidates talk taxes, administration and more during forum

2012-01-14T07:34:00.001-06:00

Good to see all four in the same forum talking. The issue of an administrator came up per below. I’m not an expert on Kane County but it seems to me all the controversy over the years has been the Chair vs department heads (notably the Sheriffs) regardless of party affiliation. An Administrator might bring some rationality to operations and save money despite some of the comments over at the Chronicle.

While Burns said he would support hiring a full-time economic development director to help draw business to the county, and Sarto said he would support funding an entire "economic development program," Klinkhamer went further, pushing for the hiring of a full-time county administrator, overseeing all county departments.
She said it was "still troubling" that Kane County is the only county that does not employ an administrator to run the county's day-to-day operations. She said such a manager could help ease political bickering among county officials, while making the county government more efficient.
Lauzen, however, assailed the notion that Kane should hire an administrator, saying such a hire would place "another layer" between county elected officials and the people.
"I disagree with the idea of elected officials abdicating responsibility of running government," Lauzen said.

Kane County Chronicle | Chairman candidates talk taxes, administration and more during forum

Former mayor enters race for Kane County Chairman | The Fox Valley Labor News

2012-01-13T11:41:00.001-06:00

Via FVLN’s Jennifer Rice on the Democrat’s primary for Kane County Board Chair,

While fielding question from members of the Kane County Progressive Democrats, Klinkhamer confessed she’d sworn off running for another office. “There are so many things you can’t control,” she explained. Her 2 ½ years working at the congressional level was a disappointment and soured her outlook on public service.

“People were just mean on a daily basis, but it has given me a whole new outlook on running for office. I come from a much calmer place. Running for office is like childbirth, once it’s over, you forget about it. And that’s what makes you want to do it again,” she explained, which drew laughs from the crowd.

Former mayor enters race for Kane County Chairman | The Fox Valley Labor News

I appreciate what she’s saying although the sour and thin skinned Bill Foster was no Al Smith like Happy Warrior. The heat in that kitchen may have been from the cook of a Congressman.

Justice Department memo argues Obama recess appointments were legal - TheHill.com

2012-01-12T15:48:00.001-06:00

Wonder if it was the same legal beagle who gave the Administration advice to the EEOC on the Honsana-Tabor case.

Justice Department memo argues Obama recess appointments were legal

Conservatives Remain the Largest Ideological Group in U.S.

2012-01-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

Conservatives Remain the Largest Ideological Group in U.S.

I think Conservative's become a little boarder of a label recently with more Libertarian sorts falling into the bucket. Otherwise, this rings true with me.

Walsh in Elgin to hear about tough times for independent pharmacies - Elgin Courier News

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

Walsh in Elgin to hear about tough times for independent pharmacies - Elgin Courier News: Walsh, who is again seeking the GOP nomination for the 8th Congressional District seat in the March 20 primary, said health care reform is necessary.

“I hear from doctors all the time that interaction with patients is going by the wayside,” he said.

He thanked Scalzitti for sharing his frustrations.

“I do a lot of this to help educate me,” Walsh said. “Congressmen need to be educated. I’m going to sink my teeth into this. When it comes to health care, this is one of those huge issues, and something’s got to be done.”

In the newly reshaped 8th District — which encompasses portions of Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, including parts of Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee and Carpentersville — there will be contests in both the Democrat and Republican primaries.

Democrats who filed for the office are Raja Krishnamoorthi and Tammy Duckworth, both of Hoffman Estates.

Fellow Republicans seeking the nomination are Robert Canfield of Palatine and Richard Evans of Wheaton.

Walsh said the issue of health care is a major one that needs to be tackled by those on both sides of the aisle.

“It’s going to take some time to come together,” he said. “Be patient.”

Raja Krishnamoorthi's First Web Video

2012-01-12T13:03:00.002-06:00

I think he needs to pick up the battle rhythm a bit on this vid. It moves sort of slow for what's supposed to be upbeat (I think); pulling Americans out of our doldrums. He might want to share that detailed plan with Obama as his 2012 budget went down hard in the Senate.

Articles: Patrick Fitzgerald's Rezko Mole Probation Sentence Terminated Early

2012-01-12T12:12:00.000-06:00

Articles: Patrick Fitzgerald's Rezko Mole Probation Sentence Terminated Early

[H/T] Bessie...

Some folks fare well with Fitz.

Giannoulias heads back to banking with post at BNY Mellon | Finance | Crain's Chicago Business

2012-01-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

Good work I suppose if you can get it. I'd rather have him at a bank then doing anything with Illinois government.

It's back to the future for Alexi Giannoulias.

The banker-turned-politician, who won a statewide race for Illinois treasurer and then lost to Republican Mark Kirk in a bid for President Barack Obama's former Senate seat, is joining the Chicago office of Bank of New York Mellon Corp. as senior adviser for strategic relationships. In the newly created post, Mr. Giannoulias, 35, will take on a business-development role for the New York-based bank's new wealth-management business in Chicago.

He also will help BNY Mellon win municipal, state and federal government clients nationwide, the company said. Mr. Giannoulias, who starts his new job today, reports to Michael DiMedio, 44, BNY Mellon's Chicago region president.

Read more: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120111/NEWS01/120119961/giannoulias-heads-back-to-banking-with-post-at-bny-mellon#ixzz1jGYpGZXu
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Democrats abandon state Sen. Collins over residency issue

2012-01-12T10:26:00.001-06:00

Via Austin Weekly News on the race in Illinois’s 5th Senate District,

Fifth District state Sen. Annazette Collins' loss may be Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins' gain.
Residency issues plaguing Collins have caused top Democratic leaders, including Secretary of State Jesse White, to jump ship and throw their support behind Van Pelt-Watkins who's challenging Collins in the March 2012 Democratic Primary.
Collins is seeking to retain the seat she was appointed to in March 2011, replacing former state Sen. Rickey Hendon-he resigned last February after serving nearly two decades. White, the 27th Ward's Democratic committeeman, nominated Collins to replace Hendon but now regrets that decision.

Democrats abandon state Sen. Collins over residency issue

Nice to see Van Pelt-Watkins back. I liked her run earlier run for Mayor.

Now We Will See The Real Obama

2012-01-12T06:26:00.001-06:00

A guy who seems to know the varieties of Chicago Democrats pretty well,

Then there are the Democrats that are the connectors. David Axelrod is a true believer that is a connector. He is good with the turn of a phrase to mask what they truly want and turn it into something saleable to the American public. The Clinton’s had their own machine which some Chicago folks were a part of. But their idea of political combat was a scorched earth policy. Chicago operators are much more pragmatic than that.
Obama’s mission was to ingrain that sort of crony capitalist machine into the fabric of national politics. One look at all the waivers given to his cronies for Obamacare shows you where he is headed. If Obama and his compatriots get there way, every business, man, woman and child will have to bow their head and kiss a ring to get anything done.

Read all of him to get the full panoply of Dems in this town, Now We Will See The Real Obama | Points and Figures

Rowe Wins, State BOE Dismisses McSweeney Challenge

2012-01-11T19:56:00.002-06:00

A press release from Danielle Rowe on overcoming her petition challenge: Rowe Wins, State BOE Dismisses McSweeney Challenge

ADM plans to cut 1,000 jobs | Manufacturing | Crain's Chicago Business

2012-01-11T11:25:00.000-06:00

ADM plans to cut 1,000 jobs | Manufacturing | Crain's Chicago Business

Great...they'll be looking for a break from Quinn too.

AFL-CIO Decides Against Endorsement In 8th District Race | Progress Illinois

2012-01-11T09:34:00.001-06:00

Via SEIU’s Progress Illinois: AFL-CIO Decides Against Endorsement In 8th District Race | Progress Illinois

The AFL-CIO voted not to make an endorsement in the race between Democratic candidates Tammy Duckworth and Raja Krishnamoorthi in the 8th congressional district, according to the Krishnamoorthi campaign. Capitol Fax is reporting that Krishnamoorthi fell a few votes short of winning the endorsement.
Nonetheless, Krishnamoorthi's campaign is pleased with the union's decision, also alleging that "there was a strong, coordinated effort from the D.C. establishment to force local unions to endorse Washington’s favored candidate, Tammy Duckworth," according to a press release

Duckworth’s also picked up an endorsement from Teamsters Joint Council 25 while Krishnamoorthi’s picked up endorsements from Illinois State Senators: Noland, Crispo, and Mussman.

Looks like locals against Washington to me.

SEIU Endorses Duckworth In 8th District Race | Progress Illinois

2012-01-10T10:28:00.001-06:00

Duckworth gets SEIU’s nod: SEIU Endorses Duckworth In 8th District Race | Progress Illinois

Obama Grasps At Employment Straws

2012-01-09T13:00:00.000-06:00

Obama Grasps At Employment Straws

Quite a reach Obama's making...

By rights, "The Discouraged American Worker" should be Time magazine's "Person of the Year". During the first three years of Obama's presidency, the labor force fell by 0.7 million. In contrast, it rose by 3.5 million during the first three years of Bush 43's presidency, when America was also recovering from a recession. The labor force rose by 5.9 million during the first three years of Bush's second term.

December marked the 30th month of Obama's economic recovery. During this time, the reported unemployment rate fell from 9.5% to 8.5%. However, this "improvement" was entirely an artifact of workers giving up and dropping out of the labor force. In fact, if labor force participation had remained constant at the 67.5% level that obtained at the end of the recession (June 2009), December's unemployment rate would have been reported at 10.9%.

During Obama's recovery to date, total employment has increased by 787,000. In contrast, during the first 30 months of the Reagan economic recovery (which started in December 1982) total employment increased by 8.9 million jobs. At this point, in percentage terms, Obama is 12.1 million jobs short of matching Reagan's jobs creation performance. This provides a stark contrast between Reaganomics and Obamunism.

Time grows short for historic North Lawndale synagogue | WBEZ

2012-01-09T12:31:00.002-06:00

Via Lee Bey’s Blog,

A derelict former North Lawndale synagogue could get substantially closer to the wrecker's ball this week as Department of Buildings officials begin putting the edifices' demolition contract out to bid, according to a city spokesperson.
Building Department spokesperson Bill McCaffrey said the agency will bid out the contract to demolish the former temple at 3411 W. Douglas Blvd. within "the next couple of days." Due to the building's size--it is big enough to have once sat 3,500 worshippers--department officials will allow prospective bidders to tour the structure before drafting their bids, McCaffrey said.
The shuttered and deteriorating brick and limestone Byzantine Revival structure was once a center of a Jewish--and later, African American--life in the West Side community. Built in 1913 as Anshe Kenesseth Israel, the former temple was once among the largest synagogues in North Lawndale, a predominantly Jewish community in the early and mid-20th century. And for now, the building belongs to a distinctive, but shrinking collection of architecturally high-quality synagogues, schools and public buildings built during that era.

Time grows short for historic North Lawndale synagogue | WBEZ

And the petition drive here….

The City of Chicago Department of Buildings has taken court action to demolish 3411 West Douglas, an historic synagogue and the former home of Friendship Baptist Church, that has hosted Martin Luther King Jr., when he lived in the North Lawndale community on Chicago's West Side. The building is not structurally sound and poses imminent danger to the local community. The current owners are not able to finance the necessary costs to stabilize and renovate the building, which exceed over $1 million.
With over 1,500 vacant lots, North Lawndale has more vacant buildings and lots than any other community in Chicago, other than Englewood, to the best of my knowledge. The result has been decreases in population, increase in blight, the creation of environments that encourage crime and general reduction in the number of historically and culturally significant buildings. When the cultural assets of a community erode, everything else falls apart. Children’s education becomes less well rounded and relevant and students’ ability to think critically and understand their roles in society decreases. The economic base becomes less diversified, providing fewer opportunities to create a sense of community pride or destinations for tourists, who, in turn would patronize local businesses.
Redeveloping this building could create an anchor for community and economic development around its heritage and culture; connect local community organizations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and Chicago Public Libraries; instill community pride, and create a destination for tourists.

Get to know Len Austrevich: Berwyn native fights cancer with humor

2012-01-08T11:44:00.000-06:00

Get to know Len Austrevich: Berwyn native fights cancer with humor

My step-brothers son, if you know some jokes...

Obama's 2012 Slogan: 'Can't Work With Others'

2012-01-08T08:48:00.001-06:00

Obama's 2012 Slogan: 'Can't Work With Others'President Barack Obama is running for re-election with an unusual pitch: He can't work with others.

He only gets along with yes men. "I refuse to take 'no' for an answer," Obama said last Wednesday of his decision to make a "recess" appointment that placed Richard Cordray as head of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Constitution, of course, gives the president the power to make appointments during Senate recesses. Technically, however, the Senate was in session. The imperial president bypassed Senate rules and years of precedent because he wouldn't or couldn't cut a deal.

Illinois Review: ILGOP chair blames Madigan for Moody's downgrade

2012-01-07T16:14:00.001-06:00

Illinois Review: ILGOP chair blames Madigan for Moody's downgrade

Mike Madigan's been in leadership in the house for over thirty years. He's had a bigger hand in the mess Illinois's in than most.

Salvation Army donations down $285,000 in Chicago

2012-01-07T13:42:00.000-06:00

Salvation Army donations down $285,000 in Chicago

Tough times but I can't think of a better outfit to donate too.

The GOP Needs a Bolder Growth Message

2012-01-07T13:25:00.000-06:00

The GOP Needs a Bolder Growth Message

Important stuff to the GOP from Kudlow.

Message to Republicans? Be bold. Adopt a 5 percent growth target. Don't settle for less. Adopt a clear pro-growth platform that emphasizes aggressive fundamental tax-and-regulatory reform for individuals and businesses. Especially make the case for the energy revolution, where blue-collar employment is vitally involved. Deregulate Obamacare to zero. Work on a sound King Dollar.

Most of all, get government out of the way. Instead, open the door for the animal spirits of risk-taking that could torque the economy. And work harder to make a case for limited government spending and deficit reduction, as Sen. Marco Rubio has just done with a tough letter to the president.

As Rubio put it: "It's a tragic reality, but on (Obama's) watch, more and more people have come to believe that America is becoming a deadbeat nation."

Finally, avoid special preferences for individual parts of the economy that distort economic incentives and actually slow down economic growth. As Kim Strassel writes in The Wall Street Journal, the Reagan plan years ago was an optimistic growth message for everyone, not just targeted classes or economic sectors. So don't mimic Obama. Mimic Reagan. Clarify the goal of growth, growth, growth.

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Wall Street money for Warren

2012-01-07T11:20:00.001-06:00

Lizzy Warrant getting a chunk of Wall Street cash: BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Lone Republican» Blog Archive » Wall Street money for Warren

Indian-origin Raja Krishnamoorthi asks desi community to be active

2012-01-07T10:58:00.000-06:00

via a cached link on The Economic Times,

CHICAGO: Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic candidate of Indian-origin for Illinois' newly created district, has appealed to the South Asian community to wake up and realise their potential as a strong force in US politics.

Raja (38), onetime advisor to President Barack Obama, said , "The Desi community needs to wake up and realise that we are a strong political force."

"South Asians are a rapidly growing demographic and there are already more that 3 million South Asians in the US. If we don't vote, then elected officials will never listen to our concerns or take our issues seriously," Krishnamoorthi said at a local temple here.

This is Krishnamoorthi's first run for Congress, though he did previously run for State Comptroller in 2010, losing the primary election by only 1 per cent of the vote.

He is hopeful to win primary slated for March 20. Krishnamoorthi said he has raised more than USD 1,000,000 for his Congressional run.

"I think we have a very good chance of winning. We have hard work to do. we have roughly seven months before elections. We need to raise money, educate voters and win endorsements," Krishanmoorthi told PTI.

If Krishnamoorthi wins in the March 20 primary he will face Republican senator Joe Walsh, a white Christian Tea party supporter.

Asked if Walsh's religion or colour would help him, Krishanmoorthi said, "We are moving past the time when candidates were discriminated for colour, religion. I have to work very hard to educate people. I am meeting voters on train stations and answering and educating them."

Also, Duckworth gets close to the one million mark.

The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Obama's Tin Ear Returns

2012-01-07T06:59:00.001-06:00

Expect them court. Expect Obama to lose. A very bad move on the Prez’s part for the reason below,

If these appointments are challenged in court and if Obama loses, it would do measurable damage to his election prospects --not just because of the appointments themselves but because it is such a stark reminder that our president is a man who thinks himself and his vaunted goals so important that the rule of law should yield to his will. Other than among the roughly 20 percent of Americans (university professors, union members, and government employees) who strongly approve of Obama's job performance, this sort of autocratic behavior does not play well to the American sensibility. It is a sensibility that is figuratively and literally foreign to Barack Obama, who spent formative years living in anti-democratic places like Indonesia and Columbia University.

The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Obama's Tin Ear Returns

One might add the anti-democratic place of Chicago’s Regular Democratic Organization too, or paling with Red Blagojevich. This move strike’s me as Rod-like from Rod’s final year as Guv.

Court fight over recess appointments 'almost certain,' Chamber says - TheHill.com

2012-01-04T20:49:00.000-06:00

Court fight over recess appointments 'almost certain,' Chamber says - TheHill.com

Not exactly bring us together stuff.

Failed Promises: Iowa Edition

2012-01-03T15:41:00.002-06:00

Medicaid payment backlog cripples supportive living centers

2012-01-03T12:17:00.000-06:00

Medicaid payment backlog cripples supportive living centers

Government run healthcare means the government seeks ever greater control on prices resulting in decreased supply followed by inevitable waits. Markets seek productivity and increased supply while government control does just the opposite. There's no better example than Illinois.

Raja crosses $1M mark - POLITICO.com

2012-01-03T11:38:00.003-06:00

FYI for folks who thought Duckworth would have a cake walk in the primary.

Krishnamoorthi is up against Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth, who has racked up the endorsements from much of the traditional Illinois Democratic machine.
Krishamoorthi ended last quarter with $635,996 in the bank compared with Duckworth's $364,295.
He also turned in more than twice the amount of signatures Duckworth did to be placed on the ballot for the March 20 primary.

Raja crosses $1M mark - POLITICO.com

Update: More thoughts at Prairie State Report....

Establishment v an upstart in a race that was supposed to pit Walsh against a fellow Republican. Speaker Mike Madigan may not be as smart as he thinks he is.

Democrats To Host Congressional Candidates Forum - Cary, IL Patch

2012-01-03T11:29:00.001-06:00

Duckworth and Krishnamoorthi invited…

Palatine Township Democratic Organization will host a Candidates Forum for 6^th and 8^th District Congressional Candidates.
All other candidates are welcome to attend the networking times set aside for voters to meet Democratic candidates.
The forum will be Jan. 21, 2012 at the Palatine Public Library, 700 West North Court. The library is handicap accessible and has underground parking available.
The forum will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and will be moderated by Hal Snyder MD.

Democrats To Host Congressional Candidates Forum - Cary, IL Patch

New Year’s Resolutions for Conservatives

2012-01-02T10:28:00.000-06:00

New Year’s Resolutions for Conservatives

Illinois Review links some very good resolutions for Conservatives in 2012.

Illinois Review: Latino Republican to challenge Democrat Crespo in House 44

2012-01-02T09:57:00.000-06:00

Illinois Review: Latino Republican to challenge Democrat Crespo in House 44

This would be Streamwood

Raja files Petition for Illinois 8th Congressional District — TribLocal.com

2012-01-02T09:35:00.002-06:00

Don’t underestimate Krishnamoorthi against Duckworth. I’m betting he’s got her beat on the ground game, and his supporters are going to have the intensity that Duckworth won’t ignite since that fight against Cegelis.

Krishnamoorthi, collected over 4,300 petition signatures even though only 600 signatures were required. The vast majority of these signatures were collected door-to-door from registered voters, ensuring they are high quality signatures.
“We were able to knock on numerous doors and collect so many signatures in large part due to our significant grass roots operation and formidable ground game,” said Campaign Spokesman Mike Murray.

Raja files Petition for Illinois 8th Congressional District — Niles news, photos and events — TribLocal.com

Chicago's economic outlook: Here's to a mediocre 2012 | In Other News | Crain's Chicago Business

2012-01-01T13:38:00.000-06:00

Chicago's economic outlook: Here's to a mediocre 2012 | In Other News | Crain's Chicago Business

Cheerful stuff...
The Chicago-area economy, which grew only 0.9% last year, should expand at about a 1.6% pace during the first half of 2012 and by about 2% for the full year, Moody's says. That lags its predicted 2.6% increase in gross national output. Moreover, it's significantly less than its prediction six months ago, when the economic research unit of New York-based Moody's Corp. expected the Chicago economy to grow by about 4% in 2012.

The anemic growth won't help Chicago job-seekers much; Moody's predicts the metro unemployment rate will climb to 11.4% in the first half of this year from 10.6% in 2011's second half. Once again, that's a far more bearish estimate compared to its calculations six months ago, when the company foresaw the jobless rate hitting 9.2% in 2012's first half.

First Year in The Senate in Seven Minutes

2011-12-31T17:49:00.000-06:00

The focus on Illinois issues upfront sorta interesting.

Mr. Hanania: We think thou dost protest too much

2011-12-31T16:09:00.002-06:00

Mr. Hanania: We think thou dost protest too much

Follow the link to Ray Hanania's response to Fran Eaton's column on Hanania's original column on Rep. Kevin McCarthy. (A lotta columns I know, but deconstructing Southwest suburban politics an iterative process.)

Geez Ray, there's nothing wrong with being a character in Chicagoland. Our history full of them, Royko for starters; but just about everyone brands themselves in some Chicago-larger-than-life sort of way. There's money in it too (and that's not bad, we all gotta live).

But admirer Cicero's Larry Dominick? Ray, c'mon. You gotta explain that one to us.

Two Democrats file for 7th congressional seat — AustinTalks

2011-12-30T10:20:00.001-06:00

Never heard of Conway before. He’s challenging Davis in the primary: Two Democrats file for 7th congressional seat — AustinTalks

Here’s a bio on Conway. Interesting guy….

Judicial Watch Announces Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2011

2011-12-29T06:55:00.001-06:00

H/T Jim Kouri

AG Holder makes the top ten this year. Picture at left is Holder with now convicted Illinois Gov Rod Blagojevich announcing Holder’s hiring to prove Rosemont Illnois was not a mobbed-up community, and indeed worthy of an Illinois Casino license. The b-girls and bookies on Mannheim Road were tickled to hear his selection I’m sure.

Attorney General Eric Holder: Attorney General Eric Holder now operates the most politicized and ideological Department of Justice (DOJ) in recent history. And revelations from the Operation Fast and Furious scandal suggest that programs approved by the Holder DOJ may have resulted in the needless deaths of many, including a federal law enforcement officer.

Fast and Furious was a DOJ/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) “gun-running” operation in which guns were sold to Mexican drug cartels and others, apparently in hopes that the guns would end up at crime scenes. This reckless insanity seems to have resulted in, among other crimes, the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, who was killed in a shootout with Mexican criminals in December 2010. Fast and Furious guns were found at the scene of his death.

Judicial Watch Announces Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2011 | Judicial Watch

Exodus of IL taxpayers means loss of $26B in taxable revenue

2011-12-27T15:24:00.000-06:00

Exodus of IL taxpayers means loss of $26B in taxable revenue

The sucking sound in Illinois...

McHenry County Blog | Tammy Duckworth Doesn’t File on First Day

2011-12-27T09:37:00.001-06:00

Today’s Duckworth’s last day to file. Cal Skinner found she wasn’t first in line to file:McHenry County Blog | Tammy Duckworth Doesn’t File on First Day and wonders why.

Anshe Kanesses Israel synagogue

2011-12-25T13:17:00.001-06:00

City moves to tear down historic West Side synagogue - Chicago Sun-Times

Terrible loss and one that would harm the eventual revitalization of Lawndale.

Check Brule Laker's photo stream for photos

John Curry: Candidate for Republican Committeeman in 32 | Welles Park Bulldog

2011-12-25T09:18:00.001-06:00

From an interview with John Corry over at the bulldog.

Republican insiders believe that if only 23% of the City of Chicago went Republican, then the state would turn Red. Curry thinks that is very doable, “I think that’s very doable. Not in one cycle,” continuing, “If the party were to deploy people to do target outreach.”

John Curry: Candidate for Republican Committeeman in 32 | Welles Park Bulldog

The Next Russian Revolution? - NYTimes.com

2011-12-24T08:17:00.001-06:00

From a Historian who should know. Robert service in today’s NYT,

The opposition, having suffered from years of harassment at Mr. Putin’s hands, has not yet succeeded in taking advantage of today’s unstable situation. But the recent outburst of public protest has flummoxed Mr. Putin, as he finds that his authoritarian government lacks the pressure valves that allow liberal democracies to anticipate and alleviate expressions of discontent.
Mr. Putin can no longer take his supremacy for granted. It is not yet a revolutionary situation. After all, Mr. Putin, like Mr. Yeltsin before him, can count on the money and pork-barrel politics needed to win the presidency next year; and he has no qualms about letting the security agencies use force.
But Russians, having sleepwalked away from Communism, are awakening to the idea that if they want democracy and social justice, they need to engage in active struggle. Quiescent 20 years ago during Soviet Communism’s final days, they may at last be about to stand up for their rights.

The Next Russian Revolution? - NYTimes.com

McHenry County Blog | Bi-Partisan Coalition Led by Joe Walsh “Saves Christmas” or at Least “Merry Christmas”

2011-12-24T08:01:00.001-06:00

For those who think the Rich run America, here’s a decidedly unrich guy, unloved by the political establishment in Illinois, who managed to connect, get elected, and have impact. Cal Skinner sums it up here: McHenry County Blog | Bi-Partisan Coalition Led by Joe Walsh “Saves Christmas” or at Least “Merry Christmas”

McHenry County Blog | Illinois Gingrich Campaign Surfaces

2011-12-23T13:21:00.001-06:00

Newtonians arrive in Illinois and Cal Skinner’s spotted ‘em: McHenry County Blog | Illinois Gingrich Campaign Surfaces

Indiawest: Congressional Candidates Converge on California

2011-12-23T09:49:00.001-06:00

India West covers Krishamoorthi at a San Francisco fund raiser, and notes this stat about Illinois’s 8th district.

Illinois’ 8th congressional region underwent redistricting earlier this year. Krishnamoorthi believes he has benefited from that exercise: The new district’s population has the highest concentration of Indian Americans – almost 10 percent – of any congressional district in the nation.

Indiawest: Congressional Candidates Converge on California

Chicago Ward Redrawing Part II - The Surprising Case of 19th Ward

2011-12-22T18:42:00.001-06:00

A look a the ward remap in the 19th via strannik01: Chicago Ward Redrawing Part II - The Surprising Case of 19th Ward H/T The Sixth Ward

Alderman Matt O'Shea, who represents the 19th Ward, announced his intention to keep the borders intact. The problem is, given the demographic realities, I am not sure how he intends to accomplish it. The article points out that, during the last redrawing, the residents were successful in keeping the ward intact. What the article doesn't mention is that, at the time, Chicago gained population. Given how much the population dropped, especially in the South Side, the status quo will be harder to justify. As I discussed in the previous post on the redrawing, the African-American Caucus is desperate to keep its numbers intact. They're going to try to grab as much territory as they can possibly get.

On the other hand, Ald. O'Shea is a loyal member of the Old Guard with considerable political experience.19th Ward community organizations have numbers and resources few community organizations in the adjacent wards can match. The sheer number of municipal and union employees in the ward is nothing to sneeze at, either. Even if the 19th Ward residents don't get their way, they will put up one hell of a fight.

Edited to Add: It is worth noting that Morgan Park lost population in all racial categories. White numbers dropped by 8.1 percent. Black numbers dropped by 7.75 percent. Even Hispanics, whose presence was negligible, lost 7.3 percent of the population.

Those population declines are striking. The trends well established and it will have a big impact on Chicago.

Iraqi Authorities Conduct Night Raid on Al-Qaeda Cell in Baghdad and Arrest Its Members

2011-12-22T18:17:00.000-06:00

Iraqi Authorities Conduct Night Raid on Al-Qaeda Cell in Baghdad and Arrest Its Members

Good video from MEMRI....