GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - June 5, 2008
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- SCHOENBURG: State GOP convention ANDY McKENNA, the chairman of the Republican Party of Illinois, hopes that a two-day state GOP convention this Friday and Saturday in Decatur will help focus the party on the future. “Illinois is facing a tumultuous time within its government,” McKenna said in a pre-convention letter. “We have a failure of leadership in Springfield which has led to gridlock, our government is the most investigated in Illinois history, and financially Illinois is nearing bankruptcy.” Among convention agenda items are electing one man and one woman to the Republican National Committee, a presentation from the presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John McCain, and a hearing and an advisory vote on Senate Bill 600, which would have members of the Republican State Central Committee elected by primary voters, instead of party officials, in each congressional district. Also on the agenda, according to the letter, is establishing “our party’s pledge to the people of Illinois,” including tax and spending reform, ethical reforms, greater transparency in government and more accountability of elected officials, including recall.
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1427985571/Bernard-Schoenburg-Interesting-timing-for-story-on-possible-impeachment
-- Impeachment road has gotten a lot shorter for Gov. Blagojevich - Ryan Keith
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1518489836/Impeachment-road-has-gotten-a-lot-shorter-for-Gov-Blagojevich
-- Ideas of reform far in the past - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1518489751/Our-Opinion-Ideas-of-reform-far-in-the-past
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- JOHN KASS: Rezko is not just Obama's problem—he's the GOP's "The Illinois Republican Party holds its own convention this week in Decatur. The party establishment, which has long been cozy with the Daley Democrats at City Hall, has done little or nothing to rid the Illinois GOP of Kjellander and Cellini influence."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-06jun05,0,3215974.column
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But even as the Republican National Committee uses Rezko to thwack Obama, the RNC has a Rezko problem of its own. And they forgot to mention it on Wednesday. It's a big Rezko problem. A big fat one known as Big Bob Kjellander and Big Bill Cellini. That's at least 500 pounds of angry Republican boss hog, being pestered by the idea that Rezko could cut a deal and talk not only of Democrats but Republicans, too. Republicans like them, I mean. Obama's opponent in the general election, Republican Sen. John McCain, can at least say that Kjellander and Cellini were supporters of Mitt Romney. While campaigning in Illinois, Romney made it clear that he'd get rid of U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald, who authorized the prosecution of Rezko. Kjellander, the former treasurer of the RNC, is currently helping plan the 2008 Republican anti-Barack convention in Minnesota. He was mentioned prominently in the Rezko corruption trial. In trial documents, Rezko friend Kjellander is called, somewhat poetically, "Individual K." He made millions in finder's fees on state bond deals with Democratic Gov. Rod "The Unreformer" Blagojevich. Now Kjellander is putting the chocolate mints on John McCain's pillow at the Republican Convention. Kjellander's political boss is Illinois Republican power broker, asphalt king and casino magnate William Cellini, another featured player in the court papers and in the trial. Though neither Kjellander nor Cellini was charged in this case, both have been implicated. Cellini was named "Co-schemer A" by prosecutors and called "The Pope" by insiders manipulating billions of dollars in state pension fund investments. It's like a Bridge to Nowhere without the ironworkers. The White House Rasputin, Karl "The Architect" Rove, also was mentioned in the trial, as was former House Speaker Dennis "Don't Ask Me About My Land Deal" Hastert, alleged to have been part of an effort by the bipartisan Illinois Combine to get rid of Fitzgerald. To demonstrate their kinship, Cellini and Rezko flew out to Washington on a play date and visited a White House reception with President Bush, where Kjellander joined them. Later in the Rezko trial, two witnesses said that Rezko told them not to worry about the criminal investigation, because the Republicans—Rove and Kjellander—would get rid of Fitzgerald. Hastert would install a friendly federal puppy who wouldn't bother the Combine, according to the testimony. "The federal prosecutor will no longer be the same federal prosecutor," testified Elie Maloof, a Rezko associate who is now a cooperating witness. And a state pension board lawyer who has already pleaded guilty told grand jurors that Cellini told him "Bob Kjellander's job is to take care of the U.S. attorney." The Illinois Republican Party holds its own convention this week in Decatur. The party establishment, which has long been cozy with the Daley Democrats at City Hall, has done little or nothing to rid the Illinois GOP of Kjellander and Cellini influence. "If I owe a response [about the putsch to remove him from his job], I owe it to Congress, first," Fitzgerald said when asked about all this after the verdict. Obama owes us a response, too, about whether or not he'd pardon his real estate fairy. But while we wait for answers, let's not forget that Republicans are just as much a part of the Rezko story as are the Democrats.)
-- Who's who in the Antoin 'Tony' Rezko trial: "Robert Kjellander: Springfield lobbyist and former treasurer of the Republican National Committee. Received $809,000 in consulting fees for the 2003 sale of state bonds, much of which prosecutors believe was funneled through a Rezko associate to Rezko "assignees." Not been charged with wrongdoing." - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-fundraisertrial-k,0,1356951.story
-- Governor shrugs off ally's conviction - John Chase, David Kidwell, and Ray Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-blago.1jun05,0,4759002.story
-- Keeping Patrick Fitzgerald - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0605edit2jun05,0,7335406.story
-- Rezko's guilty. Who's next? - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0605edit1jun05,0,6942189.story
-- Obama and McCain on the record: Fitzgerald stays
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/vox_pop/2008/06/obama-and-mccai.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: All the other countries of the world put their own interests first, but they all vehemently argue that America should not put its own interests first. Philip Hersh argues that those foreign countries will let America host the 2016 Olympics if America elects Obama.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-05-oly-obamajun05,0,7871493.story
-- Rezko scandal already casting shadow over presidential race - Mike Robinson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-fundraisertrial-o,0,1619099.story
-- Court: Blagojevich can call special sessions - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-blagojevich-sessi,0,5644376.story
-- VERY SAD: St. Sabina Parish leaders to meet with Cardinal George over reinstatement of Rev. Michael Pfleger - Manya A. Brachear
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-sabinajun05,0,5345236.story
-- George Ryan and Rezko: Rezko trial was deja vu - Patrick M. Collins
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0605rezkojun05,0,5498322.story
CHAMPION NEWS
-- Reawaken our Illinois Republican Party - Vote for a Return to Direct Elections - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1019
-- AUDIO CLIP: Jack, John and Doug discuss the upcoming State GOP Convention. Special Guest State Senator Chris Lauzen will join the group to discuss his reform efforts in Springfield and the need to restore direct election of the 19-member governing board of the Illinois Republican Party.
http://www.championnews.net/talk/podcast.html
-- This Sunday, Guest Co-Host Jim MacRunnels will join Jack, John and Doug to talk about what happened at the 2008 Illinois Republican State Convention. Jim will also discuss his recent primary challenge to Kane County Board President Karen McConnaughay.
http://www.championnews.net/talk/
ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- McSweeneys support Salvi - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/06/mcsweeneys-supp.html
-- Sauerberg challenges Durbin to commit to Fitzgerald retention - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/06/sauerberg-chall.html
-- Birkett calls for moratorium on Blagojevich pay-to-play system - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/06/birkett-calls-f.html
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH 8X10-INCH COLOR PHOTO OF BLAGOJEVICH: GOP Wastes no time hitting Obama angle Long personal history with Rezko already a point for attack messages - Tim Novak
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/989484,CST-NWS-rezobama05.article
-- Is Blagojevich next target? Getting Close Sources say feds already poring over administration - Natasha Korecki and Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/989351,CST-NWS-blago05.article
-- Rezko goes down. Who's next? Fraud Probe Other insiders may find they're in feds' cross hairs - Editorial
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/989577,CST-EDT-edit05c.article
-- What's he thinking? Did Rezko go straight to jail because he doesn't feel safe on the outside? - Mark Brown
http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/989344,CST-NWS-brown05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Mary Mitchell blasts Cardinal George and promotes Pfleger, again
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/989330,CST-NWS-mitch05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: How much preferential will Obama promise "angry white women" to get their vote?
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/989673,CST-NWS-dropside05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Falsani blasts Cardinal George and promotes Pfleger, again
http://www.suntimes.com/news/falsani/989240,CST-NWS-fals05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Anna Quindlen promotes homosexual activity, again
(Not posted as of 7:30 AM)
DAILY HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Daily Herald constructively argues that if you do not support Obama, you are a racist
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=203091&src=
-- 'It makes us all look bad,' lawmaker says of scandal Lawmakers say verdict hurts Blagojevich - Amber Krosel
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=203251&src=2
-- Conviction raises question of Rezko now cooperating Ex-political powerbroker guilty on 16 of 24 corruption charges - Rob Olmstead and Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=198654
-- GOP quick to exploit Rezko ties to Obama - David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=203276&src=109
-- Blagojevich impeachment talk could reheat this summer - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=202892&src=109
CBS2
-- VERY SAD: Parishioners Petition To Have Pfleger Reinstated - Pamela Jones
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/pfleger.saint.sabina.2.740567.html (Includes video clip)
SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- 11th Congressional District: Millionaire Marty Ozinga makes his pitch pumping gas - Phil Kadner
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/989134,060508Kadner.article
PEORIA JOUNAL STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Phil Luciano gives Blair Hull and Jack Ryan credit for Obama's success. But what about those Illinois Republican Party (IRP) leaders who worked so hard against Jim Oberweis before and after he lost the 2004 primary and refused to let Jim Oberweis fill the Jack Ryan vacancy? What about those IRP leaders who worked so hard against Jack Ryan before and after he won the 2004 primary? What about Peter Fitzgerald for not running again? What about those IRP leaders who have always worked so hard against Peter Fitzgerald and succeeded in getting him to not run again?
http://www.pjstar.com/news_columnists/x1056106639/Luciano-Obama-helped-by-others-missteps
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: LAHOOD AND SCHOCK PROMOTE OBAMA: LaHood: "I think the Obama phenomenon will go down in the history books as an extraordinary political story. . .The country is certainly ready for the message that Obama brings, which is bringing people together to solve problems. He obviously has tapped into the anti-war sentiment in the country and the sentiment that people want folks in Washington to work together to solve problems. . . For Democrats, the dream ticket would certainly be Obama and Clinton, particularly the fact that she has received more votes than he has and shown the ability to get elected in the industrial states which you have to win if you're going to win the White House. He's going to have to set aside any negative feelings he has about Clinton and invite her to be part of his ticket." Schock: "It's a boon for our state to have a resident nominated for the highest office in the nation who could potentially be the leader of the free world. . .But winning a primary is much different than winning the general election. I think he's got a lot of work to do to win over Independent and Republican voters. While it would be nice to serve in Congress with a president from your home state, I'm still hoping for a McCain win."
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1056106733/Official-sound-off-on-Obama-nomination
CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Bullying guv might bite Madigan in the end - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=29686
COURIER NEWS
-- Oberweis optimistic about November election
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/988345,EL04_OBERWEIS_WEB_060408.article
-- Oberweis ready for next round - David Gialanella
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/989155,3_1_EL05_A3OBERWEIS_S1.article
-- Officials defend teacher pensions - Erin Calandriello
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/989206,3_1_EL05_A1RETIRE_S1.article
-- Impeachment talk could reheat this summer - Ryan Keith
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/988135,EL05_IMPEACH_WEB_060508.article
BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- Lawmakers: Rezko's conviction gives state another black eye - Kurt Erickson
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/06/04/news/doc484733300d952247117980.txt
WBBM780
-- McCain Refuses To Concede Illinois To Obama - Craig Dellimore
http://www.wbbm780.com/McCain-Refuses-To-Concede-Illinois-To-Obama/2311496
BEACON NEWS
-- Hastert, Poshard still pushing for capital bill - Dave Parro
http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconblog/2008/06/hastert-poshard-still-pushing.html
TOM ROESER
-- The Oh-so-Gentle Suspension of Fr. Pfleger . . . How Fitting - a Daley In-Law Priest to Sub for Pfleger . . . and Little Cathleen is so P----‘ed Off, Just Like Her Big Sister Carol
http://www.tomroeser.com/blogs/blogview.asp?blogID=24606
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
-- Illinois House Puts Gambling Expansion On hold - For Now - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=33911
ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- Illinois Rezko scandal threatens Obama - Mike Robinson
http://www.mercurynews.com/natbreakingnews/ci_9486216
WASHINGTON POST
-- As Obama Severs Ties, County Pastors Voice Dismay - Hamil R. Harris
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/04/AR2008060402037.html
-- Former Obama Fundraiser Convicted of Corruption - Peter Slevin
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/04/AR2008060402824.html?hpid=topnews
NEW YOR TIMES
-- Ex-Obama Fund-Raiser Is Convicted of Fraud - Catrin Einhorn and Susan Saulny
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/05rezko.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
DETROIT FREE PRESS
-- Democrats take biggest risk yet in Barack Obama - Editorial
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080605/OPINION01/806050348/1069
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
-- VERY SAD: RACE BASED POLITICS: Black sports players cheer Obama's historic win - Matt Gelb
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20080605_Black_players_cheer_Obama_s_historic_win.html
MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL STAR TRIBUNE
-- VERY SAD: RACE BASED POLITICS: For black Americans, Obama's triumph is a shared one - Bob Von Sternberg
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/19552649.html?location_refer=Local%20+%20Metro
LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- VERY SAD: RACE BASED POLITICS: Obama's win hits home in black L.A. Supporters bask in his victory, yet recognize that the Democratic candidate's historic race for the White House is far from completion. - John L. Mitchell
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-blackla5-2008jun05,0,180576.story
-- Former Obama ally Antoin 'Tony' Rezko found guilty - The Illinois businessman and Democratic insider surrenders with plans to appeal after being convicted of using his clout to extort millions of dollars. - Bob Sector and Jeff Coen
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-rezko5-2008jun05,0,864831.story
-- VERY SAD: Barack Obama has captivated the world Newspaper front pages and TV newscasts feature photos and footage of 'the political giant slayer,' who is intensely popular across the globe. But not everyone is pleased with all his positions. - Borzou Daragahi
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-fg-worldreax5-2008jun05,0,3198876.story
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Houston Chronicle promotes Obama
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5819400.html
CBS NEWS
-- Warning Signs For McCain And Obama Past Performance Suggests Barack Obama And John McCain Each Have Unique Strengths - And Weaknesses - Monika McDermott.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/02/politics/main4147229.shtml
WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- Republicans Use Democrats to Attack Obama - Susan Davis
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/04/republicans-use-democrats-to-attack-obama/
-- The Obama We Don't Know - Editorial
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121254834844844045.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- Jindal Excites GOP As a Possible Running Mate Louisiana Governor Of Indian Descent Has Youth and Zeal - Corey Dade and Elizabeth Holmes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121263051303347203.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- Lincoln's Rule: Organization Matters - Karl Rove
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121262224698246807.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
AMERICAN SPECTATOR
-- Obama’s Romney Problem - Philip Klein
http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=13326
TIME MAGAZINE
-- The Unretirement of Reverend Wright - Stephen Gray
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1811674,00.html
TORONTO STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: ONE MORE REASON TO SUPPORT MCCAIN: Toronto Star supports Obama
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/437176
CHINA DAILY
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD BUT NOT SURPRISING: Communists argue that if you do not support their candidate Obama, you are a racist
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-06/05/content_6736361.htm
MCCAIN CAMPAIGN
-- VERY SAD: John McCain 2008 Launches New Spanish Radio Ad in the Southwest
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/
