By: Paul Miller, Washington Examiner - OpEd Contributor
7/3/09
There is something in the air this Fourth of July weekend, but it isn't barbeque, fireworks or freedom - its secrecy.
' [...]
edited by: Douglas Welch,
Illinois Editor
First of all, I know it looks impossible to even say, so let's clear up that last name. It's pronounced An-gee-ef-ski. I know, I know, that means here in Illinois we could possibly go from a Governor Blagojevich to an Andrzejewski. But the difficult last name should [...]
I have taken it upon myself to end the ridiculous notion that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is contemplating a run for the US Senate.
As of the end of 2008 Madigan had approximately $3.5 million in her Illinois campaign account, a total that is sure to grow on July 15 [...]
Chris Brogan knows social media. If you have a long term interest in all things social media I suggest you subscribe to his website feed.I've been getting his stuff via e-mail since the first of the year and his blog has become a must read. For those of you that' [...]
This past week the RNC approved a watered down version of an ill-advised resolution branding the Democrats as “socialists.” The adopted version called on Democrats to “stop pushing our country toward socialism.” While much improved from the original plan, the entire idea was flawed from the start.
While it may be [...]
via e-mail from Illinois Senate Republican caucus........
Ending Illinois’ system of gerrymandering legislative and congressional districts is the goal of a new state constitutional amendment (SJR-CA 69) filed by State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon). Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno has called for a special legislative session in September to take [...]
Here’s some unsolicited advice for Alexi Giannoulias, Jan Schakowsky, Roland Burris and Jesse Jackson Jr.: Just say no.
Don’t run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator in 2010. Spare Illinois the mountain of muck that will surely erupt around your respective candidacies.
More here at the Chicago Daily Observer.
[...]via e-mail from Americans for Prosperity-- Illinois Chapter
Tell Governor Quinn to say YES to transparency in Illinois
State Senate Passes Bill to Shed Light on Illinois Finances
“Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal (ITAP)” awaits Governor Quinn’s signature
Action Alert – Click here to contact Governor Quinn
[...]
As I was attempting to watch the season finale of one of my favorite television shows this week, I came to a commercial break. I was watching in real-time, which I rarely do, so my fast-forward button was useless and I was forced to watch a commercial for the first [...]
Visit the Never Again website here for more details on the others held at Guantanamo Bay.
[...]via e-mail......
We have officially launched our LCYR website! See it a www.LakeCountyYR.com.
Special thanks to Trey Morris, our Communications Director, and Lennie Jarratt, a good friend of the LCYRs, for all their work.
Our Communications Committee will be adding content and features over the coming months, and they need [...]
-By Warner Todd Huston
I hope I have this story all wrong, I really do. But it seems that Representative Mark Kirk has signed onto an effort that could criminalize the free political speech of bloggers or anyone else that uses the Internet to communicate. Kirk, a Republican who [...]
For all of you that have twitter there is a new way to keep in touch with you local and state politicians in Illinois.
This is a great idea on, and no matter if you are a Conservative, Liberal, Republican, Libertarian, Democrat, whatever you are, you can keep up with [...]
Arlen Specter, a Republican Senator in Pennsylvania since 1980, switched parties this week, opting to forego a tough primary battle in 2010 and caucus with the Democrats. In other news, Sasha and Malia Obama have a new Portuguese water dog named “Bo”.
I will not analyze a story that has been [...]
by Kristina Rasmussen --Illinois Policy Institute
Speaker Mike Madigan and House Democrats rejected an opportunity to
inject true reforms into the state budget yesterday afternoon at the
state capitol.
Earlier in the day, Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman joined House Republican Leader Tom Cross at a press conference to [...]
Because of mismangement, higher and higher fees, and an anti-business attitude created by Democrats that have controlled Illinois for 10 years we have lost 727,150 people moving on to find a better life in States that have higher quality of life and more opportunity. Bravo to John Tilman and Rep. [...]
There was a general feeling in Springfield that the dash to the Easter General Assembly recess felt like the final days of the legislative session in May. Bills were presented and passed without sufficient opportunity to analyze them, daily sessions turned into 6-7 hour
marathon events with committee meetings [...]
For Immediate
Release
Rep. Tryon Fights
for Transparent Government
House Passes
Tryon Bill to Create Web Portal, Shed Sunshine on State Finances
Springfield…Today, the Illinois House approved transparency legislation spearheaded by State Representative Michael Tryon that will show taxpayers how their money is being spent. House Bill 35 will [...]
Via e-mail from the Illinois Republican Party
Few defend Rod Blagojevich now, but most of the Democratic establishment backed him for years, helping him edge out primary opponent Paul Vallas and cruise to a second term in 2006.
The indictment released Thursday made it clear that Blagojevich and his inner circle [...]
Complements of American's for Tax reform............
Obama Raises Taxes on Two-Thirds of Small Business Profits
[www.atr.org]
Obama's Trillion Dollar Tax Hike: Breaking Down the Numbers
[www.atr.org]
Contact your state legislators, tell them you oppose HB422/SB1941,the adoption of California's fuel economy standards in Illinois.
Click here to send a custom letter to your local State Representative.
[...]
Here's a Chicago ABC News story that is more of a backhanded compliment than journalism. Watch here.
[...]
I have been saying for some time that we will have our recalcitrant Illinois Senator Roland Burris representing himself... er, I mean us... at least until 2010 and quite probably during the upcoming primaries for those seeking a full term afterward, as well. This weekend more proof to [...]
-By Warner Todd Huston
California has always been a destructive force in American politics. All too often the worst ideas from the farthest Euro-left spectrum have leaked out of the Golden State to blight the rest of America. Just one of those currently destructive ideas is the absurdly stringent fuel economy [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2009
CONTACT: Julie Johnson
(312) 575-9500 (office)
(847) 691-9278 (cell)
MEDIA ADVISORY:
[...]One of my friends is getting a protest group, or rally against the monstrosity called the Stimulus (Porkulus, Kick Back) Bill that is being forced down the throat of the American public. If anyone is in the Illinois area or wants to go to Springfield to join them give me [...]
-By Warner Todd Huston
OK, we all know how corrupt and venal the various governments in Illinois are, right? Well, let's talk about some good news in the Land of Lincoln for a change.
Republican Bob Grogan, County Auditor of DuPage County, Illinois (The populous county just to the west' [...]
If the stakes weren't so high, we might have enjoyed watching Harry Reid and Dick Durbin writhe in their self-contradictions over Rod Blagojevich's attempt to airlift Roland Burris into the U.S. Senate. But the stakes are high, and the performance of Reid and Durbin has been anything but comical.
For almost [...]
The Democratic majority has voted to change the Rules of the House and taxpayers are likely to take a hit in the end.
As the NRCC puts it.....
"While middle-class families are struggling in the face of an economic crisis, Debbie Halvorson, on the same day she was sworn-in to office, ignored [...]
by Emil Franzi
I had several political consulting gigs in Illinois during the ‘90s, working for GOP State House candidates and the Illinois Medical Association. I observed the unique way they conduct political affairs there. I can’t explain much of it but I can describe it. Some of my good friends [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2009
CONTACT: Juliana Johnson
(312) 575-9500 (office)
(847) 691-9278 (cell)
[...]
Well, this does not surprise me at all. An ACORN member here in
the St Louis area was indicted on voter fraud charges. Umm, this
happens every election, so what else is new.
ACORN voter registration recruiter charged with voter registration fraud
By Patrick M. O'Connell
01/05/2009
ST.
LOUIS --' [...]
The people over at Team Sarah
have caught a mole red handed. The loons on the left have tried to
infiltrate Team Sarah and plant racist and other nefarious stuff on
Team Sarah to frame the team as Crazy Right Wing Racists. But they were
caiught and will be [...]
Pamela Davis, blond suburban mother of three, was told that her bra would be the best place to wear the wire that kick-started a long investigation into Chicago graft and that ultimately caught the governor of Illinois trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Davis is the president and C.E.O. [...]
"I don’t want to hog the limelight. This is Roland Burris’ day.”
—Gov. Rod Blagojevich, after selecting Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, Dec. 30, 2008.
“This is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to [...]
Click the logo above to watch the video.
Chicago -- Federal prosecutors say the governor schemed to trade a U.S. Senate seat for a top job; a labor post paying more than a quarter million dollars a year. Investigative reportervia e-mail.....
Our Attorney General must keep her promise to the people of Illinois. She publicly commits to a Special Election and then does nothing. Of
course she did this – 2/3 of the voters want a Special Election. Attorney General Madigan is simply saying what people want to hear.
Spread [...]
The criminal challenges facing Governor Blagojevich continue to dominate national newscasts, as you know, and continue to have a negative impact on Illinois government and our reeling state finances.
Illinois still faces a budget deficit of at least $2 billion and perhaps as high as $5 billion. Just this week, Blagojevich's
[...]
From an e-mail tip I was told to check out this post......
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of IIllinois has been a name frequently associated with the Blagojevich story and is said to have thrown her hat into the ring for President-Elect Barack Obama's now-vacated US Senate seat.
Who is this woman and what do [...]
via e-mail from State Representative Bob Prichard
December 17, 2008
Flip Flops Continue Partisan Politics
Most people are embarrassed by the allegations brought against Governor Blagojevich and the publicity for Illinois style politics. Usually when tragedies occur, people unite and work to make the
best out of the situation. But Speaker Madigan continued [...]
Joint Statement from IL House Republican Leader Tom Cross and IL Sen Leader Christine Radogno
Call Democratic Leader Mike Madigan's office at (773) 581-8000
"Democrats in the General Assembly– led by Blagojevich campaign co-chairmen Mike Madigan and Emil Jones –have thwarted the will of Illinois citizens, skipping town without addressing special [...]
via Press Release
The Illinois Republican Party today disclosed, House Speaker and Democrat Party Chair Mike Madigan, as the newest member of the Blagojevich web on FriendsofBlago.com.
Speaker Madigan, knowing Rod Blagojevich was under federal investigation, willingly chose to endorse Blagojevich and co-chair his re-election campaign. At the time [...]
In response to numerous inquiries, the Senate Republican Caucus has launched an informational website on the impeachment process. The website can be found at www.impeachment.senategop.net.
The website details the history of impeachment in Illinois, provides background on the
procedures and constitutional provisions and outlines the current situation in Illinois.
[...]
Part of a larger statewide grassroots campaign
CHICAGO - As part of its statewide grassroots campaign to inform voters of the need for a special election, the Illinois Republican Party today unveiled, People’s Seat, which will begin running on cable T.V. [...]
Let's replay some of the better uses of this favorite Obama phrase......
"I wasn't aware of Rev Wright's views."
"I wasn't aware of Bill Ayres background."
"I wasn't aware of corruption of surrounding Tony Rezko." aka "That was a boneheaded move"
"I wasn't aware of the poor conditions of the housing projects funded by [...]
Cite conflict
of interest on Attorney General Madigan’s filing
CHAMPAIGN -
Today four Illinois citizens filed suit with the Illinois State Supreme Court to have Governor Rod Blagojevich temporarily removed from office in light of the recent charges filed against him for bribery and conspiracy, citing his inability to effectively [...]
The National Republican Committee points out that newly elected Debbie Halvorson might be spending time in Washington, DC but her Springfield legacy is sure to follow her into the next election. As Ken Spain of the NRCC pointed out late Wednesday.
"Pay-to-play was the pathway laid out in Senate Bill 2063, [...]
Not even in the White House yet and Barack Obama's transition team is going bunker mode. A website set up to allow for questions of the transition also allows people who sign up to vote questions that they don't like to be removed. Many of the questions submitted in the [...]
via e-mail......
By JAMES TARANTO
Illinois Democrat Barack Obama resigned from the U.S. Senate last month after accepting an offer for a better job. Illinois law authorizes Gov. Rod Blagojevich to appoint a successor, who would fill the remainder of Obama's term, which ends in 2011. But Blagojevich had
better act fast, [...]
Illinois GOP Chair urges Resignation and Impeachment. Read here.
Update 2:22pm
Statement from Illinois Policy Institute
GOVERNOR’S ARREST REVEALS DESPERATE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN ILLINOIS,
THINK TANK SAYS
A political newcomer in a traditional Democratic stronghold. In a state that has turned a blind eye to political corruption more so than Illinois. Hard to believe but Louisiana cornered the market on corruption (Huey Long was elected in 1924) a decade before the machice politics of Chicago during the [...]
Lisa Madigan cares about the health of people. She got laws passed that convenient stores would monitor sales to adults of ephedrine (to combat meth production) by making them write down their names address and home phone with every purchase. If a store could not produce a log showing where these people came from and how [...]
VIA E-mail
With the holidays upon us, it’s hard to believe that local elections are right around the corner. On April 7, elections will be held for Mayor or Village President, School Boards, Library Boards, Park Boards, and Township Government offices. You can run for office and make a difference in [...]
Statement
from Party Chairman Andy McKenna on recent
statements from Illinois Democrats supporting the commutation of the
George Ryan sentence:
“This issue is not one of party, but of bringing real change to Illinois by the way we conduct business.
“My heart goes out to Mrs. Ryan and her family during this [...]
"Durbin may ask Bush to commute Ryan sentence"
In eight words this Chicago Tribune headline (Nov. 26) summed up everything you need to know about Illinois politics.
Yes, that is "Durbin" as in Dick Durbin, Illinois' senior U.S. Senator, a 25-year Democrat member of Congress, and the national co-chairman of [...]
Via E-mail from State Representative Bob Pritchard......
Even in this Economy There is Reason to be Thankful
I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving celebration and time with family and friends. President Abraham Lincoln formalized a day for the nation to count its blessings and give thanks during the civil war. It’s even [...]
I can only assign political motive for the Governor and our Senior Senator Dick Durbin for saying that George Ryan should be let out of prison early. It is quite clear that they would be more than happy to open up a new set of headlines to remind votes in [...]
Second only to Independence Day, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. And as an American holiday, it is rooted deeply -- like our nation --in faith in God. The earliest Thanksgivings were celebrated by Americans who were keenly aware that their blessings -- like their rights -- came from [...]
ABC News reminds us just how young Aaron Schock really is.
[...]Please come out for some hors d'oeuvres and
spread some holiday cheer with your fellow DYR's.
We will be collecting unwrapped toys for the
DuPage County Children's Advocacy Center.
Please bring an unwrapped toy to be donated. [...]
The governor of Illinois must turn over federal subpoenas to requesters, an appeals court ruled Thursday. Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration is under federal investigation,and several indictments have been handed down against those close to him. A watchdog group, the Better Government Association, sought copies of subpoenas sent to [...]
From the SIU Carbondale..........
Rep. Mike Bost said Rep. Jay Hoffman suggested holding the bill so the governor could collaborate with members of the House and gain their support." A lot of the proposals were pretty radical, and they didn't have enough votes to get it passed," Bost said. Blagojevich wanted [...]
Catholic Citizens of Illinois calls for Boycott of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
From Catholic Citizens of Illinois
When the Catholic Bishops of the United States established the Campaign for Human Development in 1970, they mandated the Campaign to fund "such projects as voter registration, community organizations, community-run schools, minority-owned cooperatives [...]
Via e-mail..........
LegiStorm has launchedthe latest free LegiStorm resource, a free searchable database to track the explosive growth of legislative earmarks.
The earmarks database builds on other LegiStorm data so users can find important connections between otherwise unconnected facts, such as between earmarks and the corporate-sponsored travel or personal financial [...]
In this week's Newsweek. Required reading.
I know these were not ranked in order of importance but #10 for Rove is in my mind, and will be no susprise to those of you who have talked to me at all in the last 8 years, one of the top three [...]
This is a little chicken before egg type of thing. Do voters hear what interest them where a pop culture that focuses on Red carpet dresses and who got who pregnant in Hollywood ends up finding a interested ear? Or is all the other boring stuff like financial crisis that [...]
I agree. Nuff said. Read the Daily Herald editorial here.
As well, John Ruberry of Marathon Pundit wanted me to share these posts with you........
Obama crony Valerie Jarrett named senior White House advisor Ayers on Good Morning America: Still unrepentant
Melissa Fienstein has done what more should do. Write about volunteering for a political campaign. It's good to see a refreshing look at the process from the mind of a volunteer. It's a great reminder that this process is about
people. People willing to walk a neighborhood, willing to [...]
I shot off an e-mail to conservative bloggers/activists/talk radio hosts from around the State asking for some of their blog posts from this week that you might have missed. Their feedback is posted below.......
_____________________________________
Anne Leary of Backyard Conservative on the nanny state here and Camille Paglia, feminist, on [...]
A New York Times Journalist that writes a book called "Why You Are Wrong about the Right" that's published by Simon and Schuster to boot is our guest this Friday afternoon. Join us as we talk with author and political commentator S.E. Cupp. Her [...]
When the Democrats were running to take back the House in 2006 there was a book written by Rahm Emanuel that explained their vision for America. I frankly laughed at it when I read some of the "planks" if you will but I guess you can't underestimate the marketing [...]
As we go into the new year I anticipate we will be having alot of breaking news, grassroot political projects and special announcements you will want to stay on top of. Click the RSS logo below to subscribe to the Illinois GOP Network RSS feed.
[...]
My fellow internet tech compadres Eric Odom and Allen Fuller have launched the dont go movement.
They have a great website in the making and they launched the site with a BlogTAlk Radio show last night. Click the image below to listen to how it went and get the scoop [...]
[Editor's Note] This was orginally posted to facebook and I asked Mr. Harris if I could post it here. While I do disagree with alot of his sentiment about Reagan it is not an uncommon sentiment since I have see it expressed on RedState and other conservative blogs. The meat [...]
Rahm Emanuel has ties to Freddie Mac. Surprising.
Leslie Carbonanswers the question "Why Does The Republican Party Exists?" I've met Leslie on two occasions and she is as sharp as they come. You should bookmark her blog.
The Webster Dictonary. No, I'm not asking you to read the dictonary. [...]
This post will be updated pretty consistantly for the next 12 hours. If you have an interesting election day item that I need to consider posting then e-mail me at mwj at ilgopnet.com.
11:40 pm
As a political activist/consultant/blogger going on 10 years now I will say that this is the election [...]
Click here to listen live at 4pm CST or use the BlogTalk Radio media player on the left to listen to the podcast at your convenience.
The Final Decision Show will be one to share with your undecided or not so undecided friends before they go vote tomorrow.
Join [...]
Beware of Simple Solutions