GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 30, 2008

Only 35 days until the election!

DIERSEN: Conservatism made America great, not liberalism. Conservatism promotes individual responsibility and respect for the rule of law. Liberalism promotes dependency on government, moral relativism, and socialism. The individuals, organizations, and countries that promote Obama promote liberalism. Everyone knows that liberalism will destroy American, and therefore, destroy the world. The current crisis was not caused by conservatism, but by the failure to practice conservatism. Outrageously, Obama promoters are trying to use this current crisis to scare America into abandoning the conservatism that made America great for liberalism that will destroy not only America, but the world.

ABC7
-- Stunning defeat for economy bailout
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=6420112

CBS2
-- Dow Drops 777 Points; Worst Single-Day Close Ever
http://cbs2chicago.com/national/stocks.wall.street.2.828088.html
-- House Rejects Historic Bailout Package House Plans To Reconvene Thursday Instead Of Adjourning For Year As Planned
http://cbs2chicago.com/national/bailout.plan.vote.2.827958.html
-- Leaders, Lawmakers Scramble To Rewrite Bailout House Nixed Historic Measure
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/bailout.plan.vote.2.828845.html
-- Some Conservatives Ask If Palin's Ready To Be Veep - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/sarah.palin.qualifications.2.828561.html
-- Rumors Fly That Rezko's Talking To Feds
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/antoin.rezko.corruption.2.828549.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Disgustingly and insultingly, the Combine promoting, Obama promoting, liberalism promoting, promiscuity promoting despicable Chicago Tribune promotes a nude portrait of Palin. Will the sexist anti-conservative anti-religious Chicago Tribune promote a nude portrait of Joe Biden?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-talk-naked-sarahsep30,0,4944201.story
-- And the public wins! Not so fast on that bailout package - Dennis Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-oped0930byrnesep30,0,5305274.story
-- Obama ups ante on McCain gambling - Christi Parsons and Ray Long
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/obama_ups_ante_on_mccain_gambl.html
-- Obama bets on gaming reports Paper: McCain gambled with tribal officials - Christi Parsons and Ray Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-campaign30sep30,0,6036479.story
-- Revolt in the House Leaders starting over after bout of partisan sniping - Mark Silva
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-tue-bailout-vote-subsep30,0,4337314.story
-- Rezko courthouse visits fuel rumors he's talking - Mike Robinson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-fundraiserindicte,0,2340035.story
-- Illinois lawmakers split 9-9 on bailout - Laura Olson
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/illinois_lawmakers_split_99_on.html
-- Ozinga gave to Blagojevich - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-ozinga-blagojevic,0,3874897.story
-- GOP congressional hopeful explains donation to Democrat Concrete magnate Ozinga says he regrets aiding Blagojevich, denies any ethics violation - Erika Slife and Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-11th-congress_30sep30,0,3772472.story
-- Rescue the rescue - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0930edit1_subsep30,0,5300503.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Illinois delegation all over the map - Lynn Sweet
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1192230,CST-NWS-sweet30.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Mary Mitchell blasts everyone, again
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1192155,CST-NWS-mitch30.article
-- $700 billion bailout or handout? What do you do now? - David Roeder and Francine Knowles
http://www.suntimes.com/business/currency/1192526,CST-NWS-bail30.article
-- White House, lawmakers to seek new bailout deal - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1192928,financialmeltdown093008.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Jesse Jackson Sr. says everything he can to promote liberalism and socialism
http://www.suntimes.com/news/jackson/1192208,CST-EDT-jesse30.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Chicago Sun-Times says everything it can to promote liberalism and socialism
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1192827,CST-EDT-edit30a.article

DAILY HERALD
-- Local lawmakers split on failed bailout - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238983&src=4
-- House vote wounds McCain - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239160
-- House weighs election risk in rejection of bailout plan Bush to make statement Tuesday - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239151
-- Time for action, not politics, on economic crisis - Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239106&src=
-- Bailout is fresh fodder for Congressional challengers - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239130
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Daily Herald urges voters to "do your homework" on candidates, but sadly, the Daily Herald fails to urge voters to become GOPUSA ILLINOIS and GOPUSA subscribers. Since 2000, GOPUSA ILLINOIS has brought many articles of interest to Illinois Republicans to its subscribers' attention free of charge and without any advertising - 34,870 articles since January 1, 2005. Provably, more of those articles came from the Daily Herald than from any other source.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239095&src=5
-- How state candidates view gambling expansion (DIERSEN: The Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform opposes gambling expansion. To not oppose gambling expansion is to reject an extremely important plank in the IRP platform.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239136&src=1
-- Froehlich attacks Forte-Scott's business practices - Chad Brooks
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=239131&src=1
-- Do we know who Obama really is? - Mary Ann Nagel, Buffalo Grove
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231758&src=
-- Constitution must protect marriage - James P. Finnegan, Barrington
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237032&src=
-- Democrats' success is to our detriment - Martin Uttich, Carol Stream
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238930&src=
-- Tax cuts a help for all Americans - Stephen W. DeFilippis, Wheaton
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238931&src=
-- Democrats bent on securing their power - Elizabeth Pearson, Elmhurst
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238932&src=

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Illinois congressmen spilt on bailout bill: 9 YES: Bean, Davis, Emanuel, Foster, Gutierrez, Hare, Kirk, LaHood, and Schakowsky; 9 NO: Biggert, Costello, Jackson, Johnson, Lipinski, Manzullo, Roskam, Rush, and Shimkus; 1 NOT VOTING: Weller
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=31198

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Reform efforts should start with nonpartisan redistricting - Rich Miller
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/miller/1191808,093008miller.article

CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats shout at the homeless day in and day out that Republicans caused all their problems. So of course, Democrats want the homeless to vote, big time
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=29188

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: OBAMA PROMOTERS OVERJOYED: SJ-R wants America to dump capitalism and go for socialism
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x345114327/Our-opinion-No-votes-on-bailout-plan-unacceptable
-- America’s day of reckoning - Patrick Buchanan
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1424436205/Patrick-Buchanan-America-s-day-of-reckoning

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- Shimkus, Costello vote against bailout bill
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/486610.html

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR-- Bailout legislation not dead yet, Congressman Hare says - Adriana Colindres
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x345113624/Central-Illinois-lawmakers-support-failed-bailout-plan

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- Illinois lawmakers divided on bailout vote - Mike Riopell
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/09/29/news/doc48e1522fec378597630106.txt
-- Illinoisans gambling less, state budget takes hit - Mike Riopell
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/09/30/news/doc48e152783d754100738139.txt

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- Manzullo says ‘no’ vote on financial rescue was right - Chuck Sweeny
http://www.rrstar.com/news/columnists/x345114030/Manzullo-says-no-vote-on-financial-rescue-was-right

BEACON NEWS
-- Fox Valley lawmakers split on bailout - Rowena Vergara
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1192692,2_1_AU30_BAILOUT_S3.article

HERALD NEWS
-- Have you seen me? Weller MIA for big vote - Joe Hosey
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1192235,4_1_JO30_BAILOUT_S2.article

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- Bean: Bailout hangs on House GOP support - Jim Newton
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1192338,5_1_WA30_BEANBAIL_S1.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Crime is infinitely higher in areas controlled by Democrats like Cook County, but outrageously, the "Unitarian Universalist Church" holds its "Take Back the Night" rally in Republican controlled DuPage County
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1192170,6_1_NA30_NIGHT_S1.article
-- 96th House District: Debate lets candidates introduce themselves Budget, funding and fuel costs among forum topics - Paige Winfield
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1191164,6_8_NA30_DEBATE_S1.article

PIONEER LOCAL
-- Congressional members split on economic bailout - Kimberly Fornek
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/carygrove/news/1191587,pp-Bailout-092908-s1.article

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Bush's Calls for Financial Reform Ignored - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/bushs-calls-for.html

TOM ROESER
-- McCain Agonistes
http://www.tomroeser.com/blogs/blogview.asp?blogID=24764

CHAMPION NEWS
-- Big Irony: An indicted or impeached Blagojevich doesn't help a visionless IL GOP - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1236

CAPITOL FAX
-- Bailout roll call - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/09/29/bailout-roll-call/

ILLINOIS REASON
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrat Rob Nesvacil blasts Republicans Dan Curry and Dave Diersen, again
http://illinoisreason.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/dupage-county-spokesman-makes-up-obama-fallacy/

CHICAGO FLAME
-- Future of Illinois looks bleak, according to former Governor Edgar - Joel Ebert
http://media.www.chicagoflame.com/media/storage/paper519/news/2008/09/29/News/Future.Of.Illinois.Looks.Bleak.According.To.Former.Governor-3457965.shtml

HUMAN EVENTS
-- Someone Needs to Bail Out the White House - John Gizzi
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28783

ACCURACY IN MEDIA
-- $920 Billion More to Bail Out the World - Cliff Kincaid
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/920-billion-more-to-bail-out-the-world/
-- Socialist “Bailout” Could Spark Collapse - Cliff Kincaid
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/socialist-bailout-could-spark-collapse/

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE
-- Obama's Leftism - Joshua Muravchik
http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.28700/pub_detail.asp

NEWS BUSTERS
-- ABC Highlights 'Palin Problem;' Has Ignored Biden Gaffes - Scott Whitlock
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/scott-whitlock/2008/09/29/abc-highlights-palin-problem-has-ignored-biden-gaffes

AMERICAN THINKER
-- Should Obama's Chicago roots matter? - Nancy J. Thorner, Lake Bluff
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/09/should_obamas_chicago_roots_ma.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- Obama: My Weekly Poker Game With Lobbyists Is Okay, But McCain's Gambling Isn't "On Wednesday nights during Illinois General Assembly sessions, a group of lobbyists and lawmakers used to gather at the headquarters of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association for a weekly poker game. Barack Obama, who represented part of Chicago as state senator from 1997-2004, was a regular."
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODE4MzY5YjIyNWIwMjc5NDZlYjNjODBkMmVkZjFhYWQ=

WASHINGTON TIMES
-- Negative ads everywhere, nowhere Public rarely sees the harsher ones - Stephen Dinan
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/30/negative-ads-everywhere-nowhere/

DALLAS MORNING STAR
-- Jerry Weller: Illinois' lone ranger - Betsy Simnacher
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/09/illinois-lone-r.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- McCain at dead end as House rejects bailout plan - Steven Hurst
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hocXiEYKKd07OxuNLMOX-vvxQ5sQD93GTFSO0

CITY JOURNAL
-- WINTER 2000 FLASHBACK: The Trillion-Dollar Bank Shakedown That Bodes Ill for Cities The Community Reinvestment Act funnels billions to left-wing activists, while threatening to destabilize lower-middle-class neighborhoods. - Howard Husock
http://www.city-journal.org/printable.php?id=477

JIM OBERWEIS FOR CONGRESS
-- Oberweis statement on House vote on $700 billion bailout
http://www.jimoberweis.com/PressReleases.php
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Republican Congressional Candidate Jim Oberweis - after the House of Representatives voted 228-205 to reject the $700 billion bailout for financial institutions - made the following statement: "I support the action taken by the House of Representatives this afternoon in rejecting a flawed bailout plan that would have put American taxpayers at risk for $700 billion. Had I been a Member of Congress, I would have voted 'no.' "Now that the flawed measure has been rejected, Congress can take the time necessary to strengthen the legislation to improve the odds of its success at solving the problem at hand, while reducing taxpayer risk and improving taxpayer protections. It is important that Congress address this very serious economic crisis that we are facing, but it is equally important that Congress address this situation in a way that will subject taxpayers to the smallest loss possible while doing what is necessary to keep our financial system working in a positive way. We must not sow the seeds of future, equally serious problems by trying to solve this situation too quickly. We must do this right with reasonable speed rather than doing this wrong with great speed.")

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Foster's Playground

Foster's bickering ad. This from a guy who knocks our Iraqi allies for having 1,200 year long civil war and failing a political solution.

I just can't get an image out of my mind of Foster on the totlot getting rolled by those tough kids from south of the tracks: Jackson, Rush, and Lipinski over the Wall Street bail out.

So much for bickering, those mean kids play with baseball bats. Maybe time to head back for the Lab Mr. Foster.



xp Bill Baar's West Side

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Do we want to offer police protection only to candidates who can afford it?

I've been neglecting my duties.

Anyone who reads this blog can quickly figure out which politicians I prefer over others.

But I'd like to think that when the candidates I like take positions with which I strongly disagree, I will say so.

I've put off writing at length about the controversy over the "bill" some folks want to charge President Bush of the Aaron Schock Congressional campaign for the $38,000 in police and security services provided during the July 25 fund raiser at Weaver Farms in Peoria.

Frankly, I'm not a fan of Schock. I think Democratic challenger Colleen Callahan would make a better Congressperson.

And I chortled to myself as Callahan and Peoria City Council member Gary Sandberg scored points with the voting public by complaining about the costs the city picked up providing protection during this rather elitist affair.

But I am somewhat amazed it's getting as much traction as it has. Folks, I hate to break it to you, but it is the job of local police to provide assistance to the Secret Police when they are in town protecting the life of the the leader of the free world. This is true whether the event features a lame-duck incumbent raising cash by charging $5,000 a pop for a photograph at a closed-door event, or if it's some junior senator (without a shot in Hell of winning his party's nomination for President) stumping for a former colleague outside the Peoria County Courthouse.

Putting a dollar amount on the services of the men and woman of the Peoria Police Department cheapens their contribution to the city. They are not hired guns. They are not security guards. To be asked by the Secret Service to coordinate and cooperate in the protection of the president of the United States of America is both their duty and their privilege. It has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with protecting the public.

But if you want to take politics into the equation, consider this: Do we really want elections in which candidates have to pay municipalities for the protection they receive? If minor party candidates and independents like Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney or Chuck Baldwin had to pay even a fraction of $38,000 every time they made a campaign appearance, they wouldn't be making a lot of campaign appearances.

During a presidential race, candidates might make eight stops a day. Some of them are fund-raisers not dissimilar to the one we're discussing. Add that up over a year-long presidential campaign, and we're talking about huge sums of money. I'd ask anyone griping about the elites who showed up for Schock's Weaver Farms event to stop and consider how adding millions of dollars to the cost of a campaign will make for easier for non-elites to get involved.

It would be the easiest thing for the Schock campaign to just write a check (which is something I suggested as a way to end the controversy). But I'm thinking now that it would set a precedent, so let's forget that idea.

And don't worry, I'll be going back to giving folks reasons to vote for Colleen Callahan soon.

Crossposted to Peoria Pundit.

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Oberweis on the bailout

Waiting until Thursday seems a pretty good idea to me. I'm with the ice cream man on this one. via his website

(BATAVIA, September 29) -- Republican Congressional Candidate Jim Oberweis - after the House of Representatives voted 228-205 to reject the $700 billion bailout for financial insitutions - made the following statement:

"I support the action taken by the House of Representatives this afternoon in rejecting a flawed bailout plan that would have put American taxpayers at risk for $700 billion. Had I been a Member of Congress, I would have voted 'no.'

"Now that the flawed measure has been rejected, Congress can take the time necessary to strengthen the legislation to improve the odds of its success at solving the problem at hand, while reducing taxpayer risk and improving taxpayer protections. It is important that Congress address this very serious economic crisis that we are facing, but it is equally important that Congress address this situation in a way that will subject taxpayers to the smallest loss possible while doing what is necessary to keep our financial system working in a positive way. We must not sow the seeds of future, equally serious problems by trying to solve this situation too quickly. We must do this right with reasonable speed rather than doing this wrong with great speed."

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How the Illinois delegation voted on the Wall Street bailout bill

Thanks to Larry at Archpundit, here is how the Illinois delegation voted on HR 3997 (the $700B bailout of investment banks):

YEA (for the bailout)

Bean (D)

Danny Davis (D)

Emanuel (D)

Foster (D)

Gutierrez (D)

Hare (D)

Kirk (R)

LaHood (R)

Schakowsky (D)

NO (against the bailout)

Biggert (R)

Costello (D)

Jesse Jackson Jr (D)

Tim Johnson (R)

Lipinski (D)

Manzullo (R)

Roskam (R)

Rush (D)

Shimkus (R)

NOT VOTING 

Weller (R)

So, Illinois had a 9-9-1 vote with the Dems voting 7-4 and the GOP voting 2-5-1.

For my perspective on why voting no was the right thing to do, you can read my blog Progressive Advocacy.

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 29, 2008

Only 36 days until the election!

QUESTION: The Republican Party platform is conservative and the Republican Party exists to advance conservative principles. The Democrat Party platform is liberal and the Democrat Party exists to advance liberal principles. Why have so many Illinois Republican elected officials, candidates, and party leaders been so soft on the anti-conservative Obama?

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Indict or impeach? - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0929edit2sep29,0,6020095.story
-- $700 billion: Your weekend splurge - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0929edit1sep29,0,5626878.story
-- Palin, Obama, McCain: Saturday Night. Live - Mark Silva
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/palin_obama_mccain_saturday_ni.html
-- How Palin can save McCain - Kathleen Parker
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0929parkersep29,0,4256719.column
-- Detroit: Blacks, whites show prejudices along racial divide - Ron Fournier and Errin Haines
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-theracialdivide,0,6522725.story
-- Seals capitalizing on Obama - Deanna Bellandi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-seals-kirk,0,6812290.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Bailout outcome is far from certain Obama, McCain give OK to deal, but outcome is far from certain - Julie Hirschfeld Davis
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1190789,CST-NWS-bail29w.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: NOT SURPRISING: Because most immigrants are Hispanics who will vote for Democrats, Hispanic Democrat Teresa Puente wants the citizenship exam made easier
http://www.suntimes.com/news/puente/1190792,CST-EDT-puente29.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrat candidates for DuPage county offices say they will end "pay-to-play" in DuPage County
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1190394,CST-EDT-vox29.article

DAILY HERALD
-- President Bush meets with congressional leaders, including the presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama, in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Thursday. What's wrong with this picture? - Chuck Goudie
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238826
-- Flare-ups during Lake County state's attorney debate - Tony Gordon
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238854
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce candidates' forum Saturday, October 4, from 9:00 AM to noon
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238825&src=1

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sadly, efforts by people, by organizations, and by counties to drive America's economy down to elect Obama are showing success in Chicagoland
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30633
-- Stocks plunge ahead of bailout vote; market eyes Wachovia deal - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=31191

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Obama, McCain delicately embrace bailout proposal
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1190743,092908bailoutcandidates.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats shout at the homeless day in and day out that Republicans caused all their problems. So of course, Democrats want the homeless to vote, big time
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1190961,092908homelessvoters.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- OK measure to make state accountable - Joe Calomino
http://www.sj-r.com/editorials/x1800998319/IN-MY-VIEW-OK-measure-to-make-state-accountable

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Did police chief pay for $5,000 picture with the President? - John Sharp Karen McDonald
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x976934221/Word-on-the-Street-Did-police-chief-pay-for-5-000-picture

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Obama and McCain, a virtual 2006 debate, and much much more on Tonight's Chicago edition of "Public Affairs" - Jeff Berkowitz
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-and-mccain-virtual-2006.html

SENATOR CHRIS LAUZEN
-- The Day Robin Hood Switched Sides
http://www.lauzen.com/mediacenter/view_voice.cfm?id=177

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Durbin Blames Greenspan for Economic Crisis - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/durbin-blames-g.html
-- Chicago Tribune finally joins Illinois Review in calling for impeachment hearings - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/tribune-finally.html

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- McCain needs to cool it on Bush-bashing during debates with Obama: You can't out-Democrat a Democrat - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/09/mccain-needs-to-cool-it-on-bush-bashing-during-debates-with-obama-you-cant-out-democrat-a-democrat.html

THE BLACK SNOB
-- Obama Is Not A Star in Star Parker's Show; Eric Wallace Agrees
http://blacksnob.blogspot.com/2008/04/obama-is-not-star-in-star-parkers-show.html

ALL HEADLINE NEWS
-- Chicago, Largest City In Illinois, Among Top 10 Worst Polluted Cities In The Nation
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012468474

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- McCain Slams Excessive Executive Pay - Elizabeth Holmes
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/09/22/mccain-slams-excessive-executive-pay/
-- Rescue Tests Bush's (COMPASSIONATE) Conservative Legacy - John McKinnon
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122264902427584171.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- Game Plan for Palin Is Retooled Ahead of Debate Top McCain Aides Oversee Preparation After Recent Flubs - Monica Langley
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122265784614384667.html

TOLEDO BLADE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: By blaming the bailout on capitalism, Obama makes it all the more clear that a vote for him is a vote for socialism
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080929/NEWS09/809290344

INVESTORS'S BUSINESS DAILY
-- Obama: Audacity of Socialism
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/series8.aspx

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- The GOP's real go-to guy What Rush Limbaugh wants, he gets, when it comes to McCain's campaign. - Zev Chafets
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-chafets29-2008sep29,0,3797827.story

NEW YORK POST
-- Obama's dangerous pals Barack's 'organizer' buddies pushed for bad mortgages - Stanley Kurtz
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09292008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/os_dangerous_pals_131216.htm

NEW YORK TIMES
-- SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 FLASHBACK: VERY SAD: Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending - Steven Holmes
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

USA TODAY
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sadly, efforts by people, by organizations, and by counties to drive America's economy down to elect Obama are showing success: 33% of survey respondents say America is in a "depression." The people, the organizations, and the countries that want Obama elected despise conservatism and despise America. They worship liberalism, they worship socialism, and they worship foreign countries. America was able to win WWI, win WWII, and defeat communism because of the prosperity that conservatism had brought. Because Obama despises conservatism and worships socialism, if he is elected, without question, America's economy will go down further, it will never come back, and America will lose WWIII.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-09-28-poll-depression_N.htm

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- Why do anti-conservatives like Bush? - Dave Diersen
www.gopillinois.com
The Republican Party platform is conservative and the Republican Party exists to advance conservative principles. The Democrat Party platform is liberal and the Democrat Party exists to advance liberal principles. Everyone knows that President Bush never ever said that he was a "conservative." He has always said that he is a "COMPASSIONATE conservative." One of the meanest things that one can say about another person is that he/she is not compassionate. History has shown that Bush's definition of COMPASSIONATE conservatism included rejection of many important planks in the Republican Party platform and rejection of many important conservative principles. History has shown that even though Bush ran as a Republican, he outrageously did in fact reject many important planks in the Republican Party platform. History will show that his rejection of those planks caused his problems, caused the Republican Party's problems, caused America's problems, and caused the world's problems. Tragically, because of Bush's attitude toward conservatives, during his leadership, many anti-conservatives were not only able to keep their positions in the party, but they were able to move up the ladder where they could do even more damage to the party. One needs to look no further than the Illinois Republican Party (IRP), the DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and the Milton Township Central Committee. Anti-conservative Republican Party leaders have driven out many precinct committeemen who sought those positions to advance the party's platform. Outrageously, some anti-conservative Republican Party leaders outrageously say that they are "conservative," but their actions show that the more planks in the Republican Party platform that one accepts, the harder they work to demonize you, to denigrate you, and to push you out of the party. Sadly, anti-conservative party leaders, including Jim Thompson, Jim Edgar, George Ryan, Jim Ryan, Judy Baar Topinka, Bob Kjellander, and many IRP State Central Committee members liked Bush because he rejected so many planks in the Republican Party platform. Now, beyond outrageously, anti-conservatives argue a) that Bush always was a "conservative" and b) that the planks in the Republican Party platform that he did accept and that he did advance caused his problems, caused the Republican Party's problems, caused America's problems, and caused the world's problems. Anti-conservatives like Bush because of the planks in the Republican Party platform that he rejected and because of the conservative principles that he rejected. Anti-conservatives like Bush because he gave them so much ammunition to foist blame for all problems on conservatives. Conservatives, including me, like Bush for his success in defending and advancing the planks in the Republican Party platform and the conservative principles that he did accept.

Read more...

Rezko tunes: who else will sing?

Trib writes,

Four attorneys have told the Tribune in recent days that federal prosecutors have telephoned them and other attorneys either with news Rezko is talking, or armed with details only Rezko could know. The lawyers speculated prosecutors are using the preliminary talks with Rezko to shake loose more cooperation from other witnesses.

I'm guessing Feds shaking Ayham Alsammare lose too.

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 28, 2008

Only 37 days until the election!

ABC7
-- Lawmakers report progress on financial rescue deal
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=6417876

NBC5
-- Pelosi: Breakthrough Reached On Financial Bailout Lawmakers Want To Announce Deal Before Asian Markets Open Monday
http://www.nbc5.com/save-money/17571532/detail.html?dl=mainclick

CBS2
-- Lawmakers Reach Tentative Deal On Bailout
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/bush.bailout.plan.2.827103.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Talks continue Saturday about billion-dollar bailout Desperate to rescue markets, Bush, Paulson seek $700 billion -- but talks continue Saturday as Congress and taxpayers say 'Not so fast' - David Roeder
http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/1189887,CST-NWS-curious28.article
Deal reached on financial markets bailout Pelosi announces $700 bailout deal with vote in House today, Senate Monday - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1188493,CST-NWS-bail27.article
-- Who is Henry Paulson? $700 million man Ex-investment banker leads the charge for bailout - Mike Thomas
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1189168,CST-NWS-paulson28.article
-- Andre Grant, a well-known local defense attorney: "Barack has to get aggressive. He has to slap McCain one good time. He doesn't want to be perceived as an angry black man, but a lot of Americans are looking for a 'maverick' "
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1188953,CST-NWS-mitch28.article
-- Rezko, feds reportedly in intense discussions - Natasha Korecki
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1189913,CST-NWS-rezko28.article
-- Rezko saga hits big time in SNL debate - Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1189914,CST-NWS-snl28.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD BUT NOT SURPRISING: Democrat Marin blasts Republican Palin
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1188888,CST-EDT-carol28.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Possible change of heart Rezko talked with prosecutors, may aid probe, sources say - David Kidwell, John Chase and Jeff Coen
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rezko-flip28sep28,0,5691387.story
-- On day after, debate on candidates' performance Obama claims win; McCain works phones - James Oliphant
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-campaign_5ssep28,0,1275162.story
-- Tina Fey reprises role as Palin on 'SNL' parodying GOP VP candidate's interview with Couric - Jake Coyle
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-ap-tv-snl,0,2067434.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Mary Schmich promotes hatred of Palin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-schmich_28_bdsep28,0,4319958.column
-- Playoff tickets no trouble for most politicians Cubs, Sox extend ticket offers to political circles Politicians guaranteed playoff winners Ticket game one in which political wheels know deal While most fans scramble to score seats, many elected officials get tickets at face value from teams - Ray Long and Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-clout-tickets-bd-28sep28,0,4442888.story
-- Smooth sailing for Obama until debate arrived in Iran - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kassdebatemccainobamasep28,0,6575954.column

DAILY HERALD
-- Ups and downs of presidential politics - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238791
-- Chicago machine picks our president? - Roger Dauchy, Wheaton
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238441&src=
-- Where spay-neuter law really belongs - John Culloton, Chicago
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238729&src=
-- Dems exaggerating economic woes - Randy Rossi, Grayslake
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238084&src=
-- Democrats thwarted bids to avert crisis - David A. Caldarola, Hoffman Estates
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238298
-- No news media bias? Let's get serious! - Frank Gabl, Prospect Heights
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238300
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Edward Tobolik of Roselle praises the news media and blames all problems on Republicans
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238443

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Members of Congress: Don't do it. Don't rush. Don't panic - Kristen McQueary
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1187121,092808mcqueary.article
-- University of Illinois memo restricting politics irks some faculty members - Chris Dettro
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1188874,092808uofi.article
-- Illinois long fertile ground for black politicians - Dennis Conrad
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1188851,092808blackpols.article
-- AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY'S STRANGLEHOLD NOT ONLY ON ILLINOIS, BUT ON AMERICA TIGHTENS: Lines growing at food pantries - Steve Metsch
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1187956,092808foodpantry.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- The great mommy debate Local women weigh in on Palin mixing family, politics - Paige Winfield
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1189568,6_1_NA28_PALIN_S1.article

HERALD NEWS
-- Women mixed on career vs. motherhood debate - Christine Moyer
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1189395,4_1_JO28_MURPHY_S1.article

COURIER NEWS
-- The Mommy Debate As Sarah Palin prepares to take centerstage against Joe Biden, local women weigh in on the age-old motherhood controversy - Gloria Carr
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1189661,3_1_EL28_A1WOMEN_S1.article

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: DuPage County Democrat candidates say they would end "pay-to-play" in DuPage County
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/wheaton/letters_to_the_editor/x1824789572/Letters-to-the-editor

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Bernard Schoenburg: Candidates push their messages with e-mail -- lots of it, Schock forums set, Shimkus on the rise?
http://www.sj-r.com/news_columnists/x528255782/Bernard-Schoenburg-Candidates-push-their-messages-with-e-mail-lots-of-it
-- Patrick Buchanan: What did Americans ever do to deserve this mess?
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1836508651/Patrick-Buchanan-What-did-Americans-ever-do-to-deserve-this-mess

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- Let's talk about sex: National family month's focus is on sex education Many schools try to involve parents - AP
http://www.bnd.com/news/education/story/485273.html

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Halvorson v. Ozinga: Buckets o' mud - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30636&seenIt=1

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Berkowitz to join Johnston on Roeser's radio show tonight: the show that dares to raise the issues others won't touch?
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/berkowitz-to-join-johnston-on-roesers.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Blacks Join to Warn About Making Race Top Priority in Election - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/black-conservat.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- Obama and the Debate: Proud of His Country? - Peter Kirsanow
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTUwMTVmNDE5NGNmZTk1NjA0MzU4ODUzZDk1NDM4MGE=

CBS NEWS
-- "I would talk to each one of them and tell them that we've got to do this for the team," LaHood said. "It gives them a little momentum." LaHood himself was the target of some whipping on Saturday, taking an unexpected phone call from John McCain during a round of afternoon votes. McCain asked the veteran House member where he stood on the bailout and what he's hearing from his colleagues.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/27/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4483061.shtml

NEW YORK TIMES
-- VERY SAD: FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: McCain and Team Have Many Ties to Gambling Industry - Jo Becker and Don Van Natta
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html

HOUSTON CHRONICLE
-- Newman also was an avid race car driver. At 82, he finished fourth in the Glen Nationals last year, driving a Corvette with 640 horsepower and a top speed of 185 miles per hour.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6027424.html

CHICAGO GOP
-- Time to defeat Paul Froehlich
https://www.chicagogop.com/MyBlog/Payback-s-a-bitch.-Time-to-defeat-Paul-Froehlich.html

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 27, 2008

Only 38 days until the election!

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Building a slow burn Nominees start out tame on economy, but come roaring back on questions of Iraq, security and diplomacy - Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1188618,CST-NWS-debate27.article
-- Furious spinning on TV after presidential debate - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/television/1189106,debatetv092708.article
-- Each candidate got a little of what he needed - Lynn Sweet
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1188962,CST-NWS-sweet28.article
-- 2 sharp guys would be 2 very different leaders - Mark Brown
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1188964,CST-NWS-brown28.article
-- Bailout progress - Frank sees accord by Sunday Negotiations continue, but GOP, Democrats differ on when deal will be reached - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1188493,CST-NWS-bail27.article
-- Bailout cash is unlikely to be spent wisely - Thomas Sowell
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1188932,CST-EDT-sowell28.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Straightforward debate caps dramatic week Obama, McCain politely spar amid economic turmoil - Rick Pearson and Bob Secter
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-debate-assess_bdsep28,0,3444000.story
-- Conservative columnist Kathleen Parker urges Palin to step aside, declares her out of her league - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-palin-columnist,0,732829.story
-- Rivals stake out differences in foreign policy in debate - Jill Zuckman and John McCormick
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-debate_satsep27,0,4329945.story
-- Advantage: experience - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0927edit1sep27,0,4054010.story

ABC7
-- Illinois lawmakers react to bailout
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6417042
-- Illinois representatives weigh in on bailout plan
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6416032
-- Obama, McCain debate at Ole Miss - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6415861

CBS2
-- McCain, Obama Clash Over Taxes, War In Debate
http://cbs2chicago.com/campaign08/first.presidential.debate.2.826315.html

DAILY HERALD
-- 10th Congressional District ad battle focuses on George Bush - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238525
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald comments on Democrats Foster and Walker
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238078&src=
(THE COMMENTS: A new kind of independence, we guess: Rep. Bill Foster of Geneva has a new campaign ad out depicting his record as bipartisan, which is interesting since 94.8 percent of his votes since being elected to Congress last winter have been with the Democrats, according to washingtonpost.com's Votes Database. Who exactly is the old-style politician? The Democratic Party has sent out a flurry of ugly campaign fliers on behalf of Mark Walker of Arlington Heights trashing his Illinois House opponent, Christine Prochno, as some sort of back ward political hack. She's an Elk Grove Village trustee, for crying out loud, not a Chicago machine politician. Elevate your campaign, Mark, will you?)
-- How can Kirk praise Palin's candidacy? - Karen Fujisawa, Winnetka
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238536
-- Q&A with Biggert
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237661&src=2
-- Q&A with Connelly
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237684&src=2
-- Q&A with Ramey
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237698&src=2
-- Q&A with Sweeney
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237694&src=1
-- Q&A with Mulligan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237713&src=1
-- Q&A with Mathias
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237719&src=1
-- Q&A with Kachiroubas
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237765&src=2
-- Q&A with Sullivan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237587&src=3
-- Q&A with Hatcher
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=238015&src=5
-- Q&A with Munson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237710&src=5
-- Q&A with Cole
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237708&src=3
-- Q&A with Fortner
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237696&src=2
-- Q&A with Senger
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237575&src=2
-- Q&A with Forte-Scott
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237548&src=1
-- Q&A with Campuzano
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237798
-- Q&A with Cassioppi
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237782&src=2
-- Q&A with Olson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237769&src=2
-- Q&A with Sheahan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237736&src=2
-- Q&A with Zay
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237784&src=2
-- Q&A with Larsen
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237816&src=2
-- Q&A with Eckhoff
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237742&src=2
-- Q&A with Schultz
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237770&src=2
-- Q&A with O'Shea
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237754&src=2
-- Q&A with Murphy
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237788&src=2
-- Q&A with Reboletti
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237581&src=2
-- Q&A with Bucholz
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237774&src=2
-- Q&A with Fichtner
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237786&src=2
-- Q&A with Manzullo
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=237589

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Democrats’ affirmative-action time bomb has detonated - Ann Coulter
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1070363616/Ann-Coulter-Dems-affirmative-action-time-bomb-has-detonated

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Court blocks guv’s health care expansion - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=31181

BEACON NEWS
-- Blagojevich health-care expansion denied - John O'Connor
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1188451,2_1_AU27_HEALTHCARE_S1.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Beacon News promotes the political opinions of "two musicians with Mohawk haircuts"
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1188711,2_1_AU27_DEBATELOCAL_S1.article
-- Biggert opposes financial bailout deal - Bob Okon
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1188242,2_1_AU27_BIGGERT_S1.article

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- Roskam said Congress exploring options to $700 billion bailout - Jerry Moore
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/wheaton/homepage/x846665850
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: In light of the Democrats' efforts over the decades to bring people into Wheaton who lack education, who lack job skills, and who have serious health, financial, and other problems, it is surprising that Wheaton has only one employee for every 211 residents
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/wheaton/news/x1800998262/Council-to-trim-budget-residents-could-feel-effects-officials-say

WHEATON SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Tim Whelan among those who spoke against increasing Wheaton's sales tax rate
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/wheatonsun/news/1185063,6_1_NA26_WSSALESTAX_S1.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Furstenau v. Naperville: Shoulda, coulda, woulda -- or no? - Editorial
http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/newsblog/2008/09/shoulda_coulda_woulda_or_no.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Obama Goes Super-Negative - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/obama-goes-supe.html

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- McCain beats Obama in their first debate, in a close contest The Bush/Paulson/Frank/Dodd Bailout - Jeff Berkowitz
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-beats-obama-in-their-first.html

TOM ROESER
-- It Looks Like No Debate but a Deal on the Rescue by Monday . . . Carol Marin is Outraged at Proft’s Salary - What About Hers (Including the One Partially Paid by the Feds?) . . . Axis Sally
http://www.tomroeser.com/blogs/blogview.asp?blogID=24762

CHAMPION NEWS
-- Sarah Palin creating Catch-22 for some in Illinois GOP - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1232
-- America's deadliest battle began ninety years ago today - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1231

UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
-- Poll: Obama won presidential debate 51 to 38 "Women voters gave Obama the win, preferring him to McCain 59 percent 31 percent, CNN said."
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/27/UPI_NewsTrack_TopNews/UPI-95631222516800/

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- Vicious Anti-McCain Ad Questioning His Health Running on MSNBC
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429102,00.html
-- Fact Checking the Presidential Debate - AP
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/27/fact-checking-the-presidential-debate/

NEW YORK TIMES
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Conservatives View Bailout Plan as Last Straw Unwilling to continue bowing to President- Carl Hulse
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/business/27repubs.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- The Ticket's complete McCain-Obama debate transcript, Sept. 26, 2008 This is the complete presidential debate transcript for Sept. 26, 2008 at the University of Mississippi, moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS and including Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/09/debate-transcri.html

RELIABLE PLANT
-- Video: Tour of Corvette America manufacturing plant
http://www.reliableplant.com/article.aspx?articleid=7289

DAN PROFT
-- Responding to Carol Marin, Again
http://thetownofcicero.com/news/default.asp
(THE RESPONSE: Responding to Carol Marin's semi-annual attacks masquerading as investigative "stories" on the Town of Cicero has become a ritual. The conclusion by Carol is always the same, it is simply the target of her Jerry Springer-like sensationalism that changes. If the Dominick administration did nothing to inform residents via the Town News, mailers, the town's websites and the like, Marin would be screeching "Fortress Cicero" and complaining about the town doing things behind closed doors. Because the Dominick administration has devoted the resources to keep residents informed every step of the way, on a daily basis, of important happenings in the town, now the administration is accused of being spendthrifts on public relations. That's Marin's game: heads we lose, tails we lose. Since my media firm was the target of her latest collection of false assertions and ridiculous innuendos in a "story" that recently aired on NBC-5, I wanted to set the record straight in lieu of the rumor-mongering sure to follow from political opponents of this administration. As you know, Town President Larry Dominick is committed to transparency in government and he demands that employees and town vendors share that commitment. The explanation below is in furtherance of that commitment. Carol Marin lie #1: Same old Cicero. Carol Marin wants to do the work of Dominick's political opponents and try to convince you not to believe your own eyes. Carol Marin doesn't live in Cicero. She visits a couple times a year to do her hatchet jobs and than scurries back to her Chicago mansion. But she presumes to tell you about your business and your community. She wants to convince you that nothing has changed in Cicero. Carol Marin wants you to believe that 20 acres of new parks (18th & Laramie and 35th & Laramie) aren't real. Carol Marin wants you to believe that the town's 40,000 square foot Community Center isn't actually there. Carol Marin wants you to believe that gang-related shootings aren't down 60% in Cicero under President Dominick. Carol Marin wants you to belie ve that President Dominick hasn't cut your property taxes by more than $1,100 per year starting this fall and running through the year 2020. Carol Marin wants you to believe the new municipal complex and the new developments coming on Ogden Avenue, 31st & Cicero, 16th & 54th, aren't real. Carol Marin wants you to believe that President Dominick didn't bring in Kerasotes Theater, FAMSA Furniture and a collection of new businesses and new jobs. Carol Marin wants you to believe that all of what you have seen and experienced in the town over President Dominick's short 3.5 years in office really hasn't happened. Who do you believe, Carol Marin or your own eyes? Carol Marin lie #2: Dan Proft failed to respond/the town failed to disclose request documents. In fact, I agreed to an on-camera interview to answer any questions Carol Marin had and provide any documents she desired (the same documents I provided to the Chicago T ribune as the Tribune noted I did in their story). In fact, I confirmed a scheduled interview with Marin's producer, Don Moseley, for 10:00am on Thursday, September 25. Instead, on 4:00pm the day before (Sept. 24), Moseley called me and said they were running with the story that night and effectively cancelled my interview and, thus, the opportunity to respond to their questions. Marin didn't want answers as highlighted by the fact that it was more important for her to get her pre-packaged story on the air with no context, no evaluation of work product (in other words, what is Cicero getting for what the town is paying), and no opportunity for the kind of detailed responses needed (and for which I was happy to provide) from the central target of her "story". And, oh by the way, I have the e-mail to prove up what I say to be the case. I was contacted by Moseley on Monday, September 22. We spoke on Tuesday, September 23, about setting up an interview. On the evening of Tuesday, September 23, I also spoke to Marin directly on the phone and reiterated to her that I was happy to sit down with her and that "I looked forward to it" (doing so). On Wednesday morning, Moseley and I agreed to a sit down interview for Thursday at 10:00am as I outlined above. So who really ducked who? Carol Marin is a bully. Like schoolyard bullies, she doesn't like to be challenged. She preys on fear. I am not and was not afraid to confront any issues Marin desired to raise. Evidence of this is that I freely spoke at length to both the Tribune and to Univision, answering all of the questions posed by these outlets and providing all requested documents. The Tribune got their math wrong, incorrectly attributing pass through costs of subcontractors to my firm among other things, but I nevertheless explained in great detail the monies spent and the work products received for the monies spent. In contrast, Ma rin displayed her cowardice and lack of journalistic ethics--as she did in the "story" about the Town's legal fees that she ran last year--by choosing to run with factually inaccurate suppositions rather than living up to her commitment to get my side and the town's side of the story. Carol Marin lie #3: The contracts are with Dan Proft, Dan Proft makes all the money provided in the contracts with the Town. In fact, it is my firm, Urquhart Media LLC that is the town vendor. In fact, in addition to myself, I have four other individuals in my employ (who I compensate) who do work on our contract with the Town of Cicero. For example, after his first year in office, President Dominick correctly decided that it was cheaper to outsource the town's public relations department. So, my company manages all the printing for the town, the centralization of which has saved Cicero taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. This is in additio n but not limited to: producing the Town News magazine; managing and producing content for the Town's website; designing and placing print advertisement in the town's local newspapers; acting as the town's liaison to utilities like ComEd, Nicor, Comcast, and AT&T; acting as the town's liaison to the many social service providers in Cicero and that serve Cicero families; working on a range of policy issues such as the day laborers' situation at Home Depot or working with representatives from the Latino community on a "Safespace Resolution" and the like; working on programming with various town departments like the town's Waggin' Tails animal shelter; and assisting with the development and programming of special events and festivals in town. Marin wants you to believe I serve only as a mouthpiece, sitting around throwing cards in a hat waiting for her to call. Responding to press inquiries is perhaps the least time-consuming aspect of the work that either I or my firm provide to the town. My firm is paid a fair market hourly rate if you broke down the number of man hours devoted in service to the Town of Cicero and assessed the tangible work products provided. As the principal of my firm, I have worked in and out of state and local government for 14 years. I brought a significant amount of experience to the table when I came to Cicero beyond just an understanding of the media and public relations. I have also run successful referenda campaigns for community colleges in the Chicagoland area so I have some experience with that sector as well. Furthermore, my firm represents a number of different clients, public sector and private sector, which have nothing to do with and have no connection with Cicero. Cicero is a client, an important client to be certain and a client I am honored to have with Larry Dominick at the helm. But those numbers bandied about by Marin as my "salary" highlight only her la ck of understanding the difference between a salaried town employee and a firm (with multiple employees) that serves as a town vendor. I offer this additional background just to provide the context that is routinely discarded by reporters like Marin who want only to report on one half of the equation, the money, without examining the money relative to the goods and services provided. There's an old saying that you don't pick fights with anyone that buys ink by the barrel, meaning you can't fight the big media outlets. The approach of the Dominick administration has been different. This administration refuses to let itself get beat up in a back alley by people or outlets that distort the truth. Carol Marin and Channel 5 have repeatedly demonstrated themselves to be such an outlet when it comes to their coverage of Cicero. The facts are on our side so we're happy to report them and let Cicero residents make up their own minds. An d so we have done precisely that in this case once again. If you have further questions, concerns, or comments about Carol Marin's story or anything else in the news, I personally encourage you to contact me at your convenience and I would offer you the same courtesy I offered Carol Marin: I'd be happy to answer any questions and discuss any matters at length. I can be reached via e-mail at dproft@thetownofcicero.com. You can also call my office at (312) 575-9500 or you can call my personal cell at (312) 446-6488. I welcome any and all discussions that any concerned Cicero resident would like to have.)

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