Mayor Daley Speaks on Aug 25

Mayor Richard M. Daley speaks before the Illinois Delegation to the Democratic Convention in Denver on August 25th. The video is 3:36 minutes long.

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Cong. Phil Hare Talks to the Delegates

Congressman Phil Hare speaks to the Illinois Delegation to the Democratic Convention in Denver on Tuesday, August 26th.

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16th Race Heats Up: Abboud Takes on Manzullo for Debate Statements

Labor Day is the traditional beginning of political campaigns and Robert Abboud, the Democratic Party candidate for 16th congressional district United States Representative Don Manzullo's is taking the opportunity to blast his GOP opponent for things he said in a Thursday Rockford television debate.

Here it is:

Abboud: Let Me Educate You Mr. Manzullo

Abboud Demands Manzullo Answer for his Own Record on Trade, Off-Shoring Jobs, Tax Breaks for Companies Operating Overseas

ROCKFORD – Bob Abboud, Democratic challenger in Illinois 16^th Congressional district, called on his Republican opponent to own up to his clear record of supporting the off-shoring of American jobs, favored nation trading status with China and tax breaks for companies who move their operations overseas, after being accused of misrepresenting facts and needing ‘to be educated’ on facts related to Rep. Manzullo’s record on these critical issues.

During the live debate on WIFR-23 in Rockford, Manzullo repeatedly told Abboud he ‘needed to be educated’ on the incumbent’s record. Abboud wasted no time in calling into question Manzullo’s own grasp of the facts.

“Either my opponent has been in office so long he can’t remember, or he is afraid to own up to the damaging policies he has supported,” Abboud said. “I have the facts, and apparently I must educate Mr. Manzullo. Since he took office in 1992 he has had a clear record of supporting unfair trade with China and corporations who avoid taxation and ship jobs overseas.”

Manzullo, despite claiming the title of ‘Mr. Manufacturing’, has voted repeatedly for tax breaks and trade policies that favor overseas companies and the off shoring of American jobs. Over the past 16 years Don Manzullo has been one of the chief architects of policies that have resulted in the 11 percent unemployment rate in Rockford, the decline in family household incomes and the loss of thousands of jobs in the 16^th District. During his term Manzullo voted for the following:

• The Singapore Trade Agreement which directly led to the loss of 100 Rockford jobs at Hamilton Sundstrand

• Voted 7 times for most favored nation trading status and improved trading status for China

• Voted against restricting nuclear sales to China

• Voted to support international loans for China

• Voted for foreign companies to receive Homeland Security contracts

• Voted against preventing American companies from laying off more U.S. workers than foreign workers

• Voted to give overseas companies federal contracts

• Voted for $12.8 billion in corporate tax breaks, allowing multinational companies with extensive offshore operations to fully use foreign tax credits to offset their tax liability.

“For 16 years Mr. Manzullo has depended upon people looking the other way and his extraordinary talent for duplicity” said Michael Carroll, Communications Director for the Abboud campaign. “He says he wants to support manufacturing and he will give you a long list of tiny accomplishments that he believes proves his support of working families. But the second we turn our backs, Mr. Manzullo is voting to ship our jobs overseas and giving companies that do it a tax break. Enough is enough – the families struggling to make ends meet in our community deserve better, they deserve the truth.”

With documented unemployment in the Rockford drifting further and further into double digits, Abboud says the 16^th District communities can no longer afford to suffer Don Manzullo’s broken promises and failed leadership.

“Our community needs a Congressman who understands how critical manufacturing is, a congressman who has run a business and created jobs,” Abboud said. “My opponent has never run a business and it’s clear he doesn’t understand how important manufacturing is to this district. If we want new jobs then we can’t suffer any more of Don Manzullo’s empty rhetoric and do nothing policies.”

To read Abboud’s economic platform and plan to bring jobs back to the 16^th District, visit www.robertabboud.com.

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On top you see the three candidates for the 16th congressional seat. From left to right are Green Party candidate Scott Summers, Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud and Republican Party incumbent and candidate for re-election Don Manzullo. I do not know the names of the WIRF-23 folks asking the questions.

Posted first at McHenry County Blog, which has a story about Congressman Don Manzullo's talk to NFIB members and Democrats celebrating in a non-union Holiday Inn they boycotted for their Jefferson Day Dinner.

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Congressman Bobby Rush flies with the eagles in his speech before the Illinois Delegation at the Democratic Convention on Wednesday, August 27th. Rush's comments touched Jesse Jackson, Jr considerably and led to Jackson's "hug-a-thon." The video is 11:22 minutes long. You can download it here for viewing on your iPod etc.

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 31, 2008

COURIER NEWS & BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Andre Salles writes about McCain delegates Pat and Julie Brady, Tom Cross, Penny Falcon, Mike Fortner, Dennis Hastert, Tim O'Neil, Ray Pawlak, Keith Wheeler, and Gabriela Wyatt
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1137655,3_1_EL31_A1GOPDELS_S1.article
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1137629,2_1_AU31_GOPDELS_S1.article

THE SOUTHERN
-- Southern Illinois Republicans optimistic - Blackwell Thomas
http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/2008/08/31/local/25668540.txt

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Local delegates ready for convention Central Illinoisans excited about gathering with fellow Republicans in St. Paul - Adriana Colindres
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1886920170/Local-delegates-ready-for-convention

ALTON TELEGRAPH
-- Locals head for "historic" GOP convention - Steve Whitworth
http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/shimkus_17757___article.html/convention_think.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: The Combine controlled Chicago Sun-Times works hard to demoralize Illinois Republicans, again
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/rnc/1137021,CST-NWS-illgop31.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: The Combine controlled Chicago Tribune promotes Jim Edgar, again
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-five-questions-for-edgar_bdaug31,0,5418111.story
-- With Palin announcement, Quayle hunt gets under way - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-rnc-bdaug31,0,7613952.column
-- Palin: A woman changes the game - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0831edit1aug31,0,3927517.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Clarence Page blasts Palin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0831pageaug31,0,5921458.column

DAILY HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: The Combine controlled Daily Herald works hard to demoralize Illinois Republicans, again
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231551&src=152
(FROM THE EDITORIAL: Even with their eyes set on a hopeful future, Illinois Republican Party elders carry the party baggage into the Xcel Center this week. After all, if it wasn't for the state party's implosion during Barack Obama's 2004 Senate bid perhaps the Chicago Democrat wouldn't be the presidential nominee today. When Republican nominee Jack Ryan dropped out of the race amid a sex scandal, party officials couldn't come up with a replacement - leading social conservatives to fly in perennial lightening rod Alan Keyes. Obama trounced Keyes with more than 70 percent of the vote. Keyes is merely the most illustrative example of the state Republican Party's failure to field quality candidates. Most recently, Republicans lost the congressional seat held by retiring U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, the longest serving House GOP speaker. "There is no question the Republican organization got comfortable and there is no question that due to failures in leadership, people got turned off to the party," says Illinois Republican Chairman Andy McKenna. "That has been a challenge." Meanwhile, House Republican leader Tom Cross is defending several more seats this year than he is able to try and win back to his side of the aisle. Most of the contentious ones are in the Northwest suburbs. Cross sees hope, but not a real change until the statewide 2010 elections. "In 2010 - I think it can be a lot better for us," he says. "We are playing defense right now. That is the bottom line." Republican officials are looking at places where the party has done well for inspiration. McKenna points to Peter Roskam's 2006 victory in a fierce, costly fight with Democrat Tammy Duckworth for U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde's old suburban seat. Party officials also see promise in the congressional bid of state Rep. Aaron Schock in Peoria, who was just 23 when he won his Springfield seat in 2005, making him the youngest Illinois lawmaker ever. Then there is Committeeman-elect Brady, of St. Charles. He was nominated by party insiders this summer to replace embattled committeeman Bob Kjellander. McKenna says Brady's background as a former federal prosecutor was fitting given his predecessor's repeated "ethical issues." "I think he is a good example of the contrast with our own past," McKenna says. Kjellander's name came up in the trial of Tony Rezko, who orchestrated a kickback scheme by trading on his clout with Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Prosecutors said conspirators in the case said Kjellander, long close to Bush insider Karl Rove, was working to oust U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Kjellander denies the allegations and has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Regardless, finding fresh faces will be critical to moving the Republican Party forward, GOP officials say. It is clear, though, that settling on the next Republican party leaders will not be easy. In a recent Daily Herald survey, suburban Republican delegates to the convention offered a scattershot of names when asked who they wanted to be the GOP nominee for governor in 2010. Some of the delegates offered as many as three answers. Those most often mentioned included state Sen. Kirk Dillard, House Republican leader Cross, state Sen. Bill Brady, DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett and state Rep. Jim Durkin. Despite the lack of agreement and a general dispirited state, many party faithful remain ready to hit the ground running. They are looking to the convention for direction, but they are more so looking to future elections for redemption. "I know a lot of parties and social events are planned for Minnesota, which is fine," said delegate Mary Jo Mikottis of Elmhurst in a Daily Herald survey. "But I am hoping we also will be taking time and spending resources on working to win elections.")
-- Illinois convention delegates offer diversity of political experience - David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231565
-- McCain choice of Palin brings St. Paul to life - Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231473&src=
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: The Daily Herald charges many DuPage County police officers with racial discrimination. Why doesn't the Daily Herald identify those officers by name so they can defend themselves? The Daily Herald says "Many fellow officers refused to ride with (a black police officer) or back him up on calls. He often endured racial slurs and other bigotry." Needless-to-say, anyone who discriminates should prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231608&src=2
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pro-animal anti-human Brien Comerford of Glenview blasts Palin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231593

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- When politicians hug, you're in trouble - Phil Kadner
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/1136403,083108Kadner.article
-- Southland Republicans like Palin - Nathaniel Zimmer
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1137392,083108palin.article
-- In Cook County, recall alive for November - Kristen McQueary
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1134848,083108mcqueary.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- OUTRAGEOUS: Meeks’ protest deserves a look - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x467283276/Our-Opinion-Meeks-protest-deserves-a-look
-- Illinois economic growth ranks low - Dog Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1577094849/Illinois-economic-growth-ranks-low
-- Don't read too much into that hug - Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x256655514/Statehouse-Insider-Dont-read-too-much-into-that-hug

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- Now it's the Republicans' turn - Larry Eichel
http://www.bnd.com/508/story/454937.html

GALESBURG REGISTER MAIL
-- LaHood praises McCain’s choice for vice president Says picking Palin shows independence - Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.galesburg.com/homepage/x802000268/LaHood-praises-McCain-s-choice-for-vice-president

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Berkowitz to join Republican political consultant Charlie Johnston tonight on Roeser's radio show
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/08/berkowitz-to-join-republican-political.html

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Obama is a "kind and decent man" -- Where's the Proof? - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/08/obama-is-a-kind-and-decent-man----wheres-the-proof.html

NATIONAL JOURNAL
-- Bloggers Plan To Blanket GOP Convention - Winter Casey
http://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080831_6158.php

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Allegedly pro-business Paul Merrion works hard to elect anti-business Obama. Crain's is allegedly a pro-business publication. So why does Crain's employ someone who works so hard to elect anti-business candidates? Who owns Crain's? Is it Obama or the Democrat Party?
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30817
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Greg Hinz editorializes about the Democrat convention, etc.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30484

AFP
-- Palin bump brings McCain 7 million dollars in a day
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWwrOiNi-Adbj8p6lhCMcOwsVm-Q

BLOOMBERG
-- Obama Has Post-Convention Lead; Palin Largely Unknown - Bob Drummond and Nicholas Johnston
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aPKiIjkkwpo8&refer=us

NEW YORK TIMES
-- Palin: Drawing Women’s Attention, Maybe Not Allegiance - Jackie Calmes
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/politics/31women.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

WASHINGTON TIMES
-- Has John McCain become the compleat conservative? - Jennifer Harper
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/31/has-john-mccain-become-the-compleat-conservative/

DETROIT FREE PRESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Detroit Free Press outrageously argues that "hard-core conservatives. . .controlled the Republican machinery for more than two decades."
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080831/OPINION01/808310358/1069/OPINION01

DETROIT NEWS
-- Obama's outrageous vulnerabilities - Michael Barone
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080831/OPINION03/808310301

DENVER POST
-- The Republican Party gets ready - Karen E. Crummy
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10340816

PROVO Daily HERALD
-- The company Obama keeps - Editorial
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/278774/3/

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- Republicans head to Twin Cities with 2 preoccupations: Palin and Gustav Party officials discuss delaying the convention as the hurricane threatens the Gulf Coast. And reaction continues to pour in regarding McCain's surprise VP choice. - Mark Z. Barabak
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-stpaul31-2008aug31,0,831316.story

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 30, 2008

ABC7
-- State GOP leaders praise bold VP choice - Paul Meincke
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6358992 (Includes video clip)
-- McCain taps Alaska governor for VP
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6358505 (Includes video clip)

NBC5
-- Dems Carp On Palin; Bush Calls Her 'Exciting' Alaska Governor Is Self-Styled Political Reformer
http://www.nbc5.com/politics/17323505/detail.html?dl=mainclick (Includes video clip)

CBS2
-- Selection Of Palin Generates Buzz In Chicago - Mike Parker
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/sarah.palin.reaction.2.806155.html (Includes video clip)
-- McCain Picks Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin For Veep
http://cbs2chicago.com/campaign08/mccain.vice.president.2.804819.html (Includes video clip)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Illinois GOP says Palin pick surprising but bold - Monique Garcia
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/illinois-gop-sa.html
-- Sarah Palin's experience: Checkmate - Mark Silva
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/sarah_palins_experience_checkm.html
-- Profile: Fierce competitor, a.k.a. Sarah Barracuda - Tim Jones
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-sarah-palin-profile,0,6192766.story
-- Illinois spent millions securing prison set to close - David Mercer
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-pontiacprison-spe,0,6010030.story
-- Obama campaign commits an Ayer-or - Eric Zorn
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/08/obama-campaign.html
-- High risk, high reward McCain's VP choice gives Democrats ammunition, but Alaska's Sarah Palin offers youthful contrast and a reputation as a reformer - Jill Zuckman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mccain-assess_bdaug31,0,7834901.story
-- A woman changes the game - Editorial
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/vox_pop/2008/08/a-woman-changes.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Carol Marin, someone who has always worked very hard to elect Democrats, paints the Republican Party and McCain in a very negative light and then outrageously gives the Republican Party and McCain advice
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1136762,CST-NWS-carol31.article
-- Look out, Palin The Hillary factor - Michael Sneed
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/1136772,CST-NWS-SNEED31.article
-- 'Hockey mom' gets the nod McCain's choice of Alaska gov as running mate seeks to woo Hillary supporters, beef up appeal to conservatives - Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/mccain/1136275,CST-NWS-mccain30.article
-- Ex-beauty contestant known for toughness 'Sarah Barracuda' Abortion foe, NRA member - John Yaukey
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/mccain/1136274,CST-NWS-bio30.article
-- VERY SAD: Obama bigger than Olympics, 'Idol' - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1136779,CST-NWS-obama30.article
-- Obama & Co. must take high road on Palin Let others question experience, keep focus on McCain, Bush - Mark Brown
http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/1136747,CST-NWS-brown31.article
-- GOP gets jolt it needs Picking Palin carries political risks and opportunities to upstage Obama - Steve Huntley
http://www.suntimes.com/news/huntley/1136765,CST-NWS-hunt31.article
-- Politics trump morals for Obama, Biden - Carl Anderson
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/1136768,CST-EDT-open30.article

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- McCain VP selection full of surprise - Liz Sidoti
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1136204,083008mccain.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- LaHood praises McCain’s choice for vice president Says picking Palin shows independence - Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x801999924/LaHood-praises-McCain-s-choice-for-vice-president
-- Governor: Restrict political donations Amendatory veto would ban contributions from state, local government employees - Ryan Keith
http://www.sj-r.com/state/x467282694/Blagojevich-bars-political-contributions-from-state-local-employees

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Pick surprising but good, supporters say - Erin Wood
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x392055782/Pick-suprising-but-good-supporters-say

DAILY HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: BUSH & CHENEY HATERS OVERJOYED: Jeff Zurawski demonizes Zaruba & Birkett
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231131&src=
-- Tell Congressmen to drill in the U.S. - Julie Ann Schmidt, Co-Chair, Real Change Chapter for the Fox Valley, AmericanSolutions.com, Elgin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230817
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald comments on Foster, Kirk, & Schakowsky voting records
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231431&src=
(FROM THE COMMENTARY: Jan Schakowsky, Ms. Party Line: Last week, we talked attendance in the 110th Congress; this week, it's partisanship. Who votes with his or her party most often? In the suburbs, that's Jan Schakowsky of Evanston, who votes with the majority of Democrats 97.3 percent of the time, according to Votes Database of washingtonpost.com. Bill Foster, Mr. Liberal Too: He's new, after replacing Dennis Hastert in what's supposed to be a moderate or even conservative district, but Bill Foster of Geneva isn't too far Schakowsky in his early voting _ aligning with Democrats 95.5 percent of the time, according to the Web site. Mark Kirk, Mr. Independent:
His opponents try to tie Mark Kirk of Highland Park to President Bush, but the Votes Database shows him voting with Republicans only 81.3 percent of the time, easily the lowest partisanship ranking of the suburban delegation.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD BUT NOT SURPRISING: Democrat Marc Feldstein of Grayslake argues that Republicans caused all past, present, and future problems
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230432&src=

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Illinois GOP welcomes Palin to top of the ticket - Paul Merrion
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30814

CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO
-- Illinois Republicans React to VP Choice
http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28578

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- GOP says budget cuts designed to trigger tax hike - Kurt Erickson
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/29/news/doc48b8704e00aee971644902.txt
-- Illinois Republicans surprised by McCain pick - Kurt Erickson
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/29/news/doc48b86ff81acfd007024849.txt

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- Manzullo on Palin: I’m excited - Chuck Sweeny
http://blogs.e-rockford.com/sweenyreport

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- 'She's a fighter' Lake County GOP reacts to McCain's running mate - Jim Newton
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1135779,5_1_WA30_PALIN_S1.article

BEACON NEWS
-- McCain's VP CHOICE is talk of the town - Erika Wurst
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1136708,2_1_AU30_WOMEN_S1.article

ALTON TELEGRAPH
-- Shimkus surprised by choice of Palin - Steve Whitworth
http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/ticket_17752___article.html/presidential_candidate.html

CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO
-- POLL: Undocumented or Illegal? - Chip Mitchell
http://apps.wbez.org/blog/?p=470

SAUK VALLEY
-- Officials debate Pontiac vs. Thomson - AP
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2008/08/30/news/state/d35779b5de5699e70d84af515e04ac6b.txt

ILLINOIS CHANNEL
-- Sauerberg Uses Obama's Words in Radio Ad Against Senator Durbin
http://illinoischannel.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!B0DB128F5CD96151!4026.entry

WIFR
-- Local Republicans say VP Pick "Excellent Choice"
http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/27671869.html

KHQA
-- U.S. Senate candidate Steve Sauerberg makes a stop in Quincy - Alexis Hunt
http://www.khqa.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=183110

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- DCCC targets Roskam - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/6th-cds-roskam.html
-- VIDEO CLIP: Palin Speech
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/palin-speech.html

CHAMPION NEWS
-- By picking Sarah Palin, McCain’s made the reform crowd the in-crowd - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1164

CAPITALFAX
-- Sarah Palin: The GOP change agent? - Bethany Jaeger
http://capitalfax.blogspot.com/2008/08/gop-change-agent.html

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
-- Obama Offers a Beautifully Packaged Lie - Robert Tracinski
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/barack_obama_offers_a_beautifu.html

HOUSTON VOICE
-- Palin won't work for Hillary-loving gays, women - Rebecca Armendariz
http://www.houstonvoice.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=8/29/08&end=8/30/08

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
-- Is the Republican Party in peril? Conservative thinkers and political historians think the GOP could be at the end of its historic 40-year grasp on power. - Ariel Sabar
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/08/30/is-the-republican-party-in-peril/

AARP
-- AARP Voter Guide: 2008 Illinois, U.S. House District 14
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/politics/voters-guide/voters_guide_channel.response.582.132/
-- AARP Voter Guide: 2008 Illinois, U.S. House District 6
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/politics/voters-guide/voters_guide_channel.response.522.132/
-- AARP Voter Guide: 2008 Illinois, U.S. Senate
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/politics/voters-guide/voters_guide_channel.response.412.132/

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State Employees Get Less Than Teachers Demand

Huntley teachers didn't think 5.43% in the first year and the Cost of Living, plus 0.65% in the next three years was not good enough.

I wonder if Huntley school teachers would have settled for what AFSCME, the state workers' union is presenting it its members:

3.8% a year for four years

That 15.2% is what reporter Doug Finke of Springfield's State Journal-Register is saying is in the AFSCME deal. “When compounded, (the) total (is) 16.3 percent over the four-year term of the contract,” but the raise does not kick in until January 1st.

The article continues,

“Workers will get two raises totaling 4 percent in calendar 2009, two raises totaling 4 percent in 2010, two raises totaling 6 percent in 2011 and a raise of 1.25 percent on Jan. 1, 2012.”

The memo the Springfield paper obtained brags that the net increase is greater than in the last four-year contract.

It was reported somewhere that Governor Rod Blagojevich's negotiators were pushing to get union members to pay for part of their pension or convert it to something like a 401(k). That did not happen.

The proposal also calls for $6 monthly insurance premium increases during the first two years and a $50 deductible for prescription drugs.

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The photo of the Illinois State Capitol was taken from the south. It shows the side on which the Illinois House of Representatives meets.

Posted first at McHenry County Blog, where you can read how Sarah Palin spotlights Barack Obama's biggest sin of omission.

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Steve Shearer defends Schock in "debate debate" tiff

I received the following email responses from Steven Shearer, State Rep. Aaron Schock's campaign manager, to information that Schock will not attend the Peoria Area World Affairs Council debate next month. Callahan has criticized Schock for not agreeing to debates in the race for Congress from the 18th District. The response:

Aaron Schock and his campaign never committed to this proposed World Affairs Council debate in Peoria in the first place. Aaron has agreed to do a World Affairs Council debate in Jacksonville. He already did one for the Peoria World Affairs Council in the primary which was broadcast on radio.

As you can see on the list posted on your blog of the 10 debates Aaron Schock has agreed to do, there is one in October which the co-sponsors, WEEK-TV, the Journal Star and the League of Women Voters, are still working out the date for. This will be held in WEEK's studios and broadcast live on television. WEEK has a very large viewership in the 18th Congressional District, so it is false that Aaron Schock is not willing to debate in a televised debate.

He will also participate in the Peoria Chamber and WMBD's debate which will be broadcast on WMBD radio.

There will be both a televised and a radio broadcast debate. Aaron Schock has agreed to 10 debates, which is a level not many congressional campaigns do. They will be held by diverse organizations that are each well respected; several of the debates have multiple organizations co-hosting the event; they are spread out among the district, and one will be televised and one will be broadcasted on radio. All in all, we feel the line up Aaron Schock has agreed to will allow for a thorough airing of the candidates views on subjects across-the-board. Colleen Callahan can disagree all she wants as to what Aaron Schock should do but she is running her campaign, not this one. Most objective observers will agree that ten debates are a solid commitment.

Debates are an important component of a congressional campaign but not the only component by far. Again, there will only be three presidential debates because Barack Obama has only agreed to three.

Colleen Callahan needs to make the most of these 10 debates and figure out on her own how else she will take her message to the voters. Aaron Schock is not going to walk her hand in hand throughout the district, taking up one third of the evenings left in the campaign.

The Callahan campaign's first press release on the subject of debates wrongly said "Schock has agreed to exactly zero debates." That point was proved flat out wrong. Now, when given ten separate opportunities to debate, Callahan and her campaign clings to another false notion that Schock pulled out of a debate. The bottom line is that she has ten opportunities to debate Aaron Schock, including both a televised and radio broadcast debate.

The Callahan campaign has said the "debates" to which Shearer refers are actually forums and joint appearances, and not true debates in which candidates take turns answering questions. Many commenters have expressed similar sentiments. In the interest of fairness, I asked Shearer to respond:

They all have either questions from the audience which each candidate will answer, or a moderator or panel asking questions. Debate rebuttals will be included in at least the formats of the: WEEK-TV/Journal Star/League of Women Voters televised debate; the Peoria Chamber of Commerce/WMBD Radio debate broadcast on radio; the Jewish Federation of Peoria Debate; the World Affairs Council and League of Women Voters debate in Jacksonville; and the Southwest Kiwanis Debate. AARP has not yet determined its format. Each of the ten events will allow for a side by side comparison of the candidates on the issues.

Cross posted to Peoria Pundit.

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Schock will miss Peoria World Affairs Council debate

State Rep. Aaron Schock will not attend the Peoria Area World Affairs Council debate, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 10, at the Peoria City Council chambers. There's no word yet on whether the debate would proceed with other 18th District Congressional candidates Colleen Callahan (Democrat) and Sheldon Schafer (Green). It's guessing it will, and will post when I find out.

Callahan's campaign manager, Terry Towery, says they were notified by the PAWAC by phone earlier today. No explanation was given. He speculated that Schock may be trying to avoid being videotaped by the television news media during a debate with Callahan.

Towery reiterated the campaign's position that Schock is ducking the debates by either not committing to actual debates or by committing and then not showing up. And Towery said that Schock's campaign manager, Steve Shearer is "playing word games" by citing forums and joint appearances when refuting the accusations.

I've sent an email to Shearer and I am awaiting his reply.

Both campaigns have been trading snippy press releases over the debate debate issue this week.

UPDATE: Elaine Hopkins reports that the debate will go forward with or without Rep. Schock. The debate will be carried on WCBU-FM and streamed over the Internet as well.

Cross posted to Peoria Pundit.

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PJS spreads the blame for District 150 woes

From the Peoria Journal Star's editorial page:

With classrooms now filled in Peoria and other central Illinois schools, our fondest wish for the 2008-09 school year is that everyone involved - students, their parents, teachers, taxpayers, school boards - stop lying, most of all to themselves.

And what follows is a lecture to parents, taxpayers, politicians and school officials to put their agenda's aside and start working to improve the schools.

Mostly, I agree with the points raised. But I must quibble over one: The editorial writer says it's a mistake to blame the lack of the three R's, when lack of parental involvement is the blame. They urge more counseling to combat the issue, and demand that parents get more involved.

Well, that ought to do it. I am sure that all over Peoria, those parents who gave birth to their children and turned them loose to be raised by the village have read this editorial and changed their ways and are now reading the Dr. Seuss to their little darlings after they tuck them into bed at 8:30 p.m. Folks, the parents who are the problem aren't going to be swayed by this.

I encountered this theory a lot when I was school reporter. I think there's a class somewhere that teaches school superintendents to reflexively blame lack or parental involvement and poverty. At least the editorial offers what it thinks are solutions.

What would be accomplished by hiring more counselors? We have to decide as community to what extent we want our schools to be distribution centers for various programs designed to take the place of parents rather than places to send children to get an education. Resources are limited. The more resources we devote to one means less resources we can devote to the other.

It's exactly the same issue teachers face in the classroom: The more time they spend with disruptive kids who've never been taught self-discipline, the less time they have for the other kids, and those students who need and want help suffer the most.

So, while the edit writer complains that throwing money at the problem won't make it go away, it also suggests solutions that cost more money that we have.

It's easier to throw the blame around. It's harder to offer solutions that work in the real world.

Cross posted to Peoria Pundit.

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The GOP change agent?

Illinois Republicans have come to expect the unexpected with U.S. Sen. John McCain, their presumptive nominee for president, but Friday’s announcement about his new running mate was flat out shocking to some members of the Illinois GOP.

Taking attention away from the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where U.S. Sen. Barack Obama accepted the presidential nomination in a stadium of 85,000 people the night before, McCain selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. She’s a virtual unknown who has since been described as an “outsider” to Washington, D.C.

“My first reaction was, ‘Oh no, another Dan Quayle,’” said Illinois Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, McCain’s chairman of legislators. He referred to the former Indiana senator who served as vice president under George H.W. Bush. “I thought, ‘Here’s another unknown, untested — from Alaska — that you question the electoral benefit it brings to the ticket.’”

But Watson said the more he learned about Palin and the more he listened to her speech, the more he believed that she would provide a fresh face with sincere character and an energy that the GOP ticket needs. (It’s easier to see her bio from the Illinois Republican Party’s Web site because her site has been down all day.)

Palin not only brings a whole new level of excitement to the ticket, said state Rep. Jim Durkin, but she also brings the gender issue back into the race.

“Barack Obama’s campaign had an opportunity to put a strong woman on as everybody’s president, and they decided not to do it. On a number of levels, I think it’s a great idea,” said Durkin, McCain’s national legislative co-chair. He added that Palin is a “strong woman” who has “good conservative credentials.”

Obama supporters immediately jumped on the fact that Palin has served about two years as governor and two years as a small-town mayor, saying it negates the argument that Obama lacks experience to run the country.

Illinois GOP delegates countered that by emphasizing her executive experience. “She’s made more decisions as an executive than Barack Obama has ever made in his days as a state senator and in the few moments that he’s been in the U.S. Senate,” Durkin said.

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, a Peoria Republican, said today during a Statehouse news conference that McCain’s pick of Palin, who broke the proverbial glass ceiling as the first female governor of Alaska, is classic McCain. “His pick today proves that he’s going to do what he wants to do and what he thinks is right and what he thinks is best, and not what some poll tells him and not what his consultants or his advisors tell him.”

On the other hand, Christopher Mooney, political studies professor with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Springfield, said Palin’s nomination seems to directly respond to the polls. “It appears, at this point, to be sort of cynical ploy to go after the Hillary Clinton supporters. That seems to be one of the main strategies. They saw a little thing in the polls that suggested that 20 percent of the Hillary supporters are not going to vote for Barack.”

But, Mooney said, she’s got more than youth and the token gender. She also offers expertise in dealing with energy issues and a set of ideals that could help compensate for McCain’s weakness in attracting conservative Republicans. Describing her as “aggressive in a positive way,” Mooney cited her lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for listing polar bears as a threatened species. “She got a public policy perspective. She’s got an ideology. And she’s going for it. She’s not a shrinking violet.”

And, he said, it’s hard to avoid the parallel between Palin and Geena Davis, who played the first female vice president who had to take over the U.S. presidency in the ABC show, Commander in Chief. “It just makes an interesting year that much more interesting. Hang on folks, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 29, 2008

DAILY HERALD
-- Package looks nice, but it's empty - Jim Durkin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231169&src=152
(DURKIN: As the Democrats wrap up their four-day extravaganza, they leave Denver with a nice package, but they don't know how to sell it. Make no mistake, the package is neatly wrapped, with a pretty bow on it, but it's what's inside the package that will cause the Democrats problems come November. Simply put, the box is empty. Voters on Nov. 4 will never have a clearer, more distinct choice between candidates for the highest office in the land. Let's take a moment to look at how these differences may affect your life. Unlike John McCain, who has the experience, vision and leadership to guide this country in turbulent times, the Obama camp is attempting to sell sizzle instead of steak. They don't want the voters to look too closely, because, frankly, there is nothing there. Families are worried about health care. Unlike John McCain's health care plan, which is designed to return more control to the patients regarding their health care needs, Obama's plan would result in higher taxes on businesses and individuals and, in the end, not cover all Americans. Families want relief from high gas prices. John McCain advocates a comprehensive approach to alternative fuels while at the same time not increasing our dependency on foreign oil, which is what Obama's windfall profits tax plan would do. Jimmy Carter initiated a windfall profits tax, to no benefit to the consumer. Barack Obama was wrong about Iraq. His opposition to the surge in Iraq, which saved countless American military and Iraqi civilian lives, only goes to underscore how he lacks the experience to be the commander-in-chief of our armed forces. Trouble is brewing in areas outside the Middle East, especially in the former Eastern Bloc country of Georgia. Is Barack Obama better prepared to deal with this potential threat than John McCain? Or will our adversaries pounce on his inexperience and naiveté? Over the next 10 weeks or so, the voters will slowly open the box that Barack Obama's team has so carefully created. It's always the biggest box on Christmas morning that elicits the most excitement. But, how many times, in the end, do we come to find that it's all packaging?)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Daily Herald promotes Obama, again
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231124&src=
-- Leaders in 14th Congressional District worried about EJ&E sale - Jim Fuller
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231095&src=2
-- Sauerberg skeletons,? Illinois Democrats get to vote twice, Take the show on the road, Convention flashback - John Patterson
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/458
-- WILL HE BRING HIS MISTRESS AND HIS LOVE CHILD? WILL HE SPEAK ABOUT MARRIAGE VOWS AND FIDELITY?: John Edwards coming to U of I - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231021&src=109

CBS2
-- McCain Set To Announce VP Pick Today
http://cbs2chicago.com/campaign08/mccain.vice.president.2.804819.html (Includes video clip)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS AND VERY SAD: ITS ENTIRE FRONT PAGE IS A COLOR PHOTO OF OBAMA AND ITS ENTIRE BACK PAGE IS A COLOR PHOTO OF KING: Chicago Sun-Times constructively argues that if you do not support Obama, you are a racist
http://www.suntimes.com/news/douglas/1134535,CST-EDT-douglas29.article
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1134526,CST-NWS-mitch29.article
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1134541,CST-NWS-dem29.article
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1134529,CST-NWS-sweet29.article
-- Meeks: Boycott is on Pastor to bus students to New Trier in funding protest - Maudlyne Ihejirika and Rosalind Rossi
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1134198,CST-NWS-meeks29.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Fleeting nature of all glory unlikely to be lost on Obama - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-29-aug29,0,1046368.column
-- Republican "venting" in Wrigleyville - Jeff Long
(Not posted as of 7:00 AM)
-- Roskam tops Illinois delegation in mass mailings - Dennis Conrad
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-il-congressionalmail,0,5284826.story
-- No hugs today for Madigan, Blagojevich - Rick Pearson
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/no-hugs-today-f.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Chicago Tribune outrageously fails to acknowledge that everyone who supports Obama outrageously blames older White male conservative Republicans for all problems that younger people, minorities, females, moderates, and liberals had, are having now, or ever will have
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-civil-rights-triceaug29,0,7288721.story
-- WILL HE BRING HIS MISTRESS AND HIS LOVE CHILD? WILL HE SPEAK ABOUT MARRIAGE VOWS AND FIDELITY?: U of I plans October appearance by John Edwards - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-johnedwards-uiuc,0,2697527.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chicago Tribune promotes Duckworth, again
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-5_questions--_friaug29,0,6530970.story
-- Behind scenes, Illinoisans jockey for position Senate vacancies, 2010 governor's race on delegates' minds - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-illinois-delegation-29aug29,0,5753747.story

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Where are Obama’s buddies? - Charles Krauthammer
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1181305669/Charles-Krauthammer-Where-are-Obama-s-buddies

BEACON NEWS
-- Planned Parenthood zoning appeal dismissed again - Andre Salles
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1133993,2_1_AU29_CLINIC_S1.article

COURIER NEWS
-- Illinois needs lawmakers who will give people some relief from taxes - Peggy Brothman, Republican candidate for 44th District State Representative
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/opinions/letters/1130861,3_4_EL28_CCBROTHMAN_S1.article

PIONEER PRESS
-- Kirk recognizes need to drill for oil - Nancy J. Thorner, Lake Bluff
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/lakeforest/news/forum/1131333,Lf-letters-082808-s1.article

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Allegedly pro-business Greg Hinz works hard to elect anti-business Obama. Crain's is allegedly a pro-business publication. So why does Crain's employ someone who works so hard to elect anti-business candidates? Who owns Crain's? Is it Obama or the Democrat Party?
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30793
-- WILL HE BRING HIS MISTRESS AND HIS LOVE CHILD? WILL HE SPEAK ABOUT MARRIAGE VOWS AND FIDELITY?: John Edwards to speak at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30792

CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO
-- Pols React to the Hug Heard 'Round Illinois; McKenna Dismisses Gesture
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28532
-- Hundreds of Chicagoans to Protest in St. Paul
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28560

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Republicans Cavaletto and McCain lead in 107th House District - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/republicans-cav.html
-- (Antoine Members in) The real Obama Country - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/the-real-obama.html
VIDEO CLIP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc6Z807cRFI

ILLINOIS CHANNEL
-- Taxpayer Watchdog Group Ranks Roskam #1 for Fiscal Responsibility in Illinois Delegation
http://illinoischannel.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!B0DB128F5CD96151!3968.entry

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- Obama Performs Racial Balancing Act With Nomination - Bill Sammon
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/28/obama-performs-racial-balancing-act-with-nomination/
-- After Historic Convention, Political Spotlight Turns to GOP
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/29/spotlight-shifts-gop/

NEWSMAX
-- Newsmax Poll: Romney Top Choice for McCain VP - Jim Meyers
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/newsmax_poll_romney_vp/2008/08/28/125949.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- (Obama's) Fairness Doctrine Preview Stanley Kurtz's appearance on the Milt Rosenberg radio program in Chicago (Wednesday) night provided an unsettling look into the authoritarian tactics being employed by the Obama campaign to stifle and intimidate its critics. - Guy Benson
http://media.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZmRhYmE3NzFlMTljNTdmZGQ3MjhkYTVjNzdmMjVhMzE=
-- (Obama is) Shouting Down the Opposition - Shannen Coffin
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODFjOWQyZGViNTRiYmNmZjA0ODEzOGQwNmRiOGVmYTU=
-- Barack Obama, Aspiring Commissar - Editorial
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MmUwOTllNmMzZDNlMTljMGFmY2JkZTllYmQyOTY0ODY=

NEWS BUSTERS
-- Obama Campaign Tries to Shut Down Chicago Radio Show - Warner Todd Huston
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/08/28/obama-campaign-tries-shut-down-chicago-radio-show

INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY
-- GOP Crashes Democrats' Denver Party, Doing Mischief, Undercutting Obama - Sean Higgins
http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=16&issue=20080828

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- Ayers Head - John Fund
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121987452084877651.html

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
-- They only now figured out he's black? - Patrick McIlheran
http://blogs.jsonline.com/mcilheran/archive/2008/08/28/they-only-now-figured-out-he-s-black.aspx

ACCURACY IN MEDIA
-- The Frank Marshall Davis Cover-Up Is Over - Cliff Kincaid
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/the-frank-marshall-davis-cover-up-is-over/

HUMAN EVENTS
-- The RNC Speakers’ Lineup: Well Done - Elizabeth Meinecke
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28278
-- Being Obama Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry - Gary Bauer
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28270

AMERICAN SPECTATOR
-- On to St. Paul - W. James Antle III
http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=13796

NATIONAL JOURNAL
-- A 'Maverick' Nominee, But Still The Same GOP McCain Clinched Nomination Without Winning Over Conservatives, But Party Leaders Doubt Ideological Shift - James A. Barnes
http://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080830_8808.php

THE HILL
-- Reid references McCain’s age - Aaron Blake (DIERSEN: During the almost 29 years that I worked for the federal government, because of Democrat mandates to give preference to younger minorities and to younger females, all my liberal Democrat superiors discriminated against older employees. They discriminated most overtly against the few remaining older White male non-veteran conservative Republicans. They judged their performance harshly, wasted their careers, and forced them to resign or retire.)
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/reid-references-mccains-age-2008-08-27.html
-- On his biggest day, Obama hammered by GOP - Ian Swanson
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/on-his-biggest-day-obama-hammered-by-gop-2008-08-28.html

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- Republican State of the States 2008: Illinois - Greg Giroux
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=weeklyreport-000002941963

EXAMINER
-- Soros poised for payback on his political investment - Editorial
http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/Editorial_Soros_poised_for_payback_on_his_political_investment.html

LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
-- THE JACK AND JERI RYAN DIVORCE FILE: L.A. judge Robert Schnider just did job, changed Obama's fate - Jonathan Dobrer
http://www.dailynews.com/editorial/ci_10329556

BUZZFLASH
-- Illinois Headed for Number One State in D.C. Clout - Mark Karlin
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/469

BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS
-- Corvette Museum celebrating its 14th anniversary with weekend event
http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2008/08/28/features/features2.txt

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Governor Makes Another Stupid Decision

Governor Makes Another Stupid Decision

I know.

I know.

If my son finds out I used that word, I owe a 25-cent fine.

I've just read in Springfield's State Journal-Register that Governor Rod Blagojevich has decided to close the Frank Lloyd Wright Dana Thomas House in Springfield.

I can't find the photos that I took. Must have been before the digital camera.

Governor Jim Thompson managed to find $1 million in the middle of the 1981 recession to buy the Dana Thomas House.

He helped raise $704,000 to buy a lamp designed for the house, but sold off before the state paid the $1 million for the house and furnishings, of which there were many.

Tell me how Thompson could find the money to buy the house and Blagojevich can't find the money to allow the public to see its investment from the inside?

Only 41,045 visitors in 2007, but Blagojevich's people say it will be open for “special events.”

Republican State Rep. Ted Meyer, with whom I served in the 1970's, had as his crusade the keeping of state parks open without charge to the public. I can still hear the Chicago Republican (correction made) saying,

“That's all people get from state government that's free.”

Meyer was the guiding force for restoration of Fort Massac in Southern Illinois. Meyer died in 2004.

I don't think it is appropriate to call public officials names, but a good number are coming to my mind as I contemplate this really stupid decision.

= = = = =
The photos of the Dana Thomas House come from its web site.

The customized warning sign comes from the web site Image Chief.

Posted on McHenry County Blog first.

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Dick Durbin Speaks to the Illinois Delegation

Senator Dick Durbin spoke before the Illinois Delegation to the Democratic Convention in Denver on Wednesday, August 27th. The video is 12:19 minutes long. You can download it here.

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 28, 2008

DAILY HERALD
-- Fine speeches alone do not make Obama ready to lead - Andy McKenna
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230754&src=152
(MCKENNA: Almost four years after the people of Illinois elected Barack Obama to be their junior U.S. senator, he will stand before thousands of fans tonight and accept the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. The speed of his rise in national politics has been impressive by any standard. The question the American people will need to answer will be: "Is he ready to lead?" It's certain that Barack Obama's theme upon acceptance will be "change." The word alone will raise the crowd to their feet. But will the rhetoric once again be empty? Back home, many in Illinois will be proud of their native son giving a great speech on the national stage. However, no matter the pride they may feel, many of Illinois' hardworking men and women are surely asking themselves: what does Barack Obama's idea of change mean? What has he done to bring change to Illinois? After all, it was Barack Obama's Democratic friends like Rod Blagojevich that promised in 2002 to bring unprecedented change to Illinois government. Unfortunately, since that time, Obama's fellow Democrats have brought Illinois nothing less than the most corrupt governor's office in Illinois history, failed to enact tougher ethics laws, voted to raise taxes in Chicago and the collar counties, ensuring Cook County has the highest sales tax in the nation, and presided over unprecedented governmental gridlock. What did Sen. Barack Obama say about each of these failures? He was silent. Why didn't he come back to Illinois and use some of his enormous political capital to demand change from the leaders of his own party? Lack of leadership like this on the part of Barack Obama and Illinois Democrats makes people skeptical of his ability to lead the nation. If Barack Obama has not provided the leadership to change Illinois, how can he bring change to Washington, D. C.? Fortunately, voters have a choice between Barack Obama, who gives great speeches about leadership, and John McCain, who has actually been a leader. While Barack Obama has talked about reaching across party lines, John McCain has led efforts to bring greater bipartisanship to Washington. While Barack Obama travels to Germany and gives great speeches about America's place in the world, John McCain is a hero who has fought to protect our country's security in a dangerous world. Illinois voters, more than anywhere in the country, are seeking change. However, Barack Obama and his Democratic friends have failed to deliver. John McCain has always put his country first and is someone who has proven he can bring real change to this country. Andy McKenna is chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.)
-- BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Blagojevich eyes four more years as Democrats try to hug away dysfunction - John Patterson (DIERSEN: Tragically, Illinois Democrat elected officials promote liberalism, socialism, and corruption. Tragically, those who continue to support them are showing everyone that they favor liberalism, socialism, and corruption.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230759&src=109
-- Blagojevich, Madigan hug. Next up, Cubs win World Series - Joseph Ryan, John Patterson, and David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230526
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune political reporter and GOPUSA ILLINOIS critic, declines a public offer from Blagojevich to "hug." Blagojevich says: “OK, let the record reflect that the governor reached out to the Tribune to give them a hug. God bless Rick Pearson he's just as skeptical and rough and tumble as he always is.”
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/455
-- Thousands protest rail deal at Barrington hearing - Ashok Selvam and Eric Peterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230804
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Duckworth glorifies Obama, demonizes Bush, and demonizes McCain
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230853
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Daily Herald is critical of Democrat elected officials only when they fail to efficiently and effectively advance the Democrat Party platform. Everyone knows that tens if not hundreds of thousands refuse read the Daily Herald, refuse to subscribe to the Daily Herald, and refuse to advertise in the Daily Herald because the Daily Herald focuses on advancing the Democrat Party's liberal platform and electing Democrats rather than reporting the news. The Daily Herald has known for decades what it needs do to do to return to profitability -- stop being an arm of the Democrat Party. But the Daily Herald refuses to do that. Therefore, tragically, every day, the Daily Herald makes it more and more clear that it exists not to report the news, but to advance the Democrat Party's liberal platform.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230611

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Obama v. Stanley Kurtz: Obama campaign confronts WGN radio - John McCormick and Steve Schmadeke
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/obama_campaign_confronts_wgn_r.html
-- Obama's e-mail about WGN-AM Text of the e-mail the Obama campaign sent to supporters:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-obama-wgn,0,3744149.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Duckworth glorifies Obama, demonizes Bush, and demonizes McCain
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-il-cvn-duckworth,0,4007315.story
-- Suburban school districts, police working out protest logistics Officials say they will welcome Chicago students - Tara Malone and Lisa Black
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-school_boycottaug28,0,638615.story
-- Take a break from the hugs, hopium with a good read - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-28-aug28,0,522078.column
-- 5 questions for Jesse Jackson Jr. The congressman on reconciliation, the civil rights movement and a possible vacancy in the Senate - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-jesse-jackson-jr-5-questionsaug28,0,5715874.story
-- Blagojevich: And no footsie. Please. - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0828edit2aug28,0,908273.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Feuding Dems hugging it out Jesse Jackson Jr. spurs embraces among Illinois' top politicians, with one even shared by Blagojevich and Madigan - Abdon Pallasch and Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1131878,CST-NWS-del28.article
-- Hugs replace political back-stabbing For Real? Tears, embraces replace political back-stabbing, for a while - Carol Marin
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1132182,CST-NWS-carol28.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Mary Mitchell does not like it when Obama criticizes "underachieving blacks and irresponsible black parents"
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1132006,CST-NWS-mitch28.article
-- Is Rezko working with the feds? He's been back at courthouse numerous times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1131492,CST-NWS-watchrezko28.article
-- VERY SAD: Billionaire George Soros behind move to decriminalize pot
http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/1131857,CST-NWS-pot28.article

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: The allegedly pro-business Greg Hinz is overjoyed that Illinois Democrat leaders might be resolving their differences so that they can work together more efficiently and effectively to raise taxes, to drive businesses out of Illinois, and to further destroy Illinois' economy.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30765
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Chicago Tribune is critical of Democrat elected officials only when they fail to efficiently and effectively advance the Democrat Party platform. Everyone knows that hundreds of thousands if not millions refuse read the Chicago Tribune, refuse to subscribe to the Chicago Tribune, and refuse to advertise in the Chicago Tribune because the Chicago Tribune focuses on advancing the Democrat Party's liberal platform and electing Democrats rather than reporting the news. The Chicago Tribune has known for decades what it needs do to do to return to profitability -- stop being an arm of the Democrat Party. But the Chicago Tribune refuses to do that. Therefore, tragically, every day, the Chicago Tribune makes it more and more clear that it exists not to report the news, but to advance the Democrat Party's liberal platform.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30772

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Illinois Democrats display unity -- and hug - Christopher Wills
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x2090473595/Blagojevich-Madigan-draw-cheers-for-hug-at-Dem-convention

ABC7
-- Will hug bring peace to Illinois Democrats? - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6354367 (includes video clip)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Duckworth glorifies Obama, demonizes Bush, and demonizes McCain
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6355814

NBC5
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Michelle Obama panders to Hispanics. With Mexico's sending into America millions if not billions of tons of illegal drugs and Mexico's illegally sending into America millions of its citizens, Mexico has constructively declared war on America. To get their votes, how soon will Michelle promise Hispanics that she will force America to give Hispanics even more preference? To get their votes, how soon will Michelle promise Hispanics that she will force everyone in America to read, write, and speak Spanish? To get their votes, how soon will Michelle promise Hispanics that she will force America to apologize to Mexico for causing all its problems, to give southwest America to Mexico, and to completely surrender to Mexico?
http://www.nbc5.com/politics/17316952/detail.html?dl=headlineclick

CBS2
-- Will Hugs Bring Peace To Illinois Dems? - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/madigan.blagojevich.hug.2.804352.html (Includes video clip)
-- Report: McCain Has Picked VP
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/mccain.vice.president.2.804819.html

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- The hug heard even back in the Southland - Lauren FitzPatrick
http://blogs.southtownstar.com/convention/2008/08/the_hug_heard_even_back_in_the.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: McQueary report on the Illinois Democrat hugging in Denver
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1130922,082808mcqueary.article

NORTHERN STAR
-- Roskam speaks to College Republicans - Giles Bruce
http://www.northernstar.info/article/3882/

HERALD NEWS
-- Halvorson and Jackson: Differences pushed aside - Patrick Ferrell
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1131295,4_1_JO28_HALVORSON_S1.article

SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Paige Winfield and her superiors should be honest about it and simply announce that they are Democrats and that their top priority is to elect Democrats who will efficiently and effectively advance the Democrat Party platform
http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/winfield/

CHICAGO DAILY OBSERVER
-- Only Make Believe: Hillary Clinton and Mrs. Barack Obama in Denver - Daniel Kelley
http://cdobs.com/archive/our-columns/only-make-believe-hillary-clinton-and-mrs-barack-obama-in-denver%2C1601/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
-- Manzullo Speaks with NFIB Members - Cal Skinner
http://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2008/08/manzullo-speaks-with-nfib-members.html

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Obama: Acceptance Speech or Coronation? - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/08/obama-acceptance-speech-or-coronation.html

CAPITOLFAX
-- Peace and Love? - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/08/27/peace-and-love/
-- Not to spoil the hugfest, but - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/08/28/not-to-spoil-the-hugfest-but/

ANDY MARTIN
-- The "Emperor Obama" arrives in Denver--and closes an interstate highway
http://www.pr-inside.com/the-emperor-obama-arrives-in-r777127.htm
-- Until Wednesday, prostitutes outnumbered protesters in Denver
http://www.pr-inside.com/until-wednesday-prostitutes-outnumbered-protesters-r777277.htm

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- DIERSEN: THE ILLINOIS COMBINE WANTED OBAMA TO WIN IN 2004 AND THE ILLINOIS COMBINE WANTS OBAMA TO WIN IN 2008. WHO WOULD HAVE WON THE 2004 AND 2008 DEMOCRAT PRIMARIES IN ILLINOIS IF THE COMBINE HAD NOT WANTED OBAMA TO WIN? WHAT IF IN 2004 THE COMBINE HAD NOT DRAWN WORLDWIDE ATTENTION TO JACK RYAN'S DIVORCE FILE? WHAT IF IN 2004 THE COMBINE HAD LET THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY (IRP) STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE FILL THE JACK RYAN VACANCY WITH JIM OBERWEIS? COMBINE MEMBERS WHO SAY THEY ARE REPUBLICAN WOULD RATHER HAVE A DEMOCRAT WIN WHO THEY CAN "WORK WITH" THAN A REPUBLICAN WHO WILL ADVANCE THE IRP PLATFORM. WHY ISN'T THE IRP MORE CRITICAL OF OBAMA? HOW SOON WILL THE IRP DO SOMETHING LIKE THE TEXAS GOP IS DOING?: Texas GOP to Launch Web Video Highlighting Obama’s Links to Questionable Characters
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/27/texas-gop-to-launch-ad-highlighting-obamas-links-to-questionable-characters/

AFP
-- Republicans gleefully mock 'temple of Obama'
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5he-dnQkMc5R-FaZ1v6t_VsNuf0AQ

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats have argued, are arguing, and will forever continue to argue that Republicans caused, are causing, and will continue to cause all problems that minorities have had, have, and will have. How is Democrat Obama going to spin that?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121988620172978319.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
-- The GOP's Alaska Meltdown - Editorial (DIERSEN: In 2002, Jim Ryan said he would not challenge George Ryan if George Ryan wanted a second term. What if the Combine wanted George Ryan to run and win in 2002. Of course, George Ryan would have won the 2002 primary and the 2002 general election.)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121988277457878041.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

BLOOMBERG
-- McCain Will Announce Vice Presidential Pick Friday, August 29, People Say - Lorraine Woellert
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aJEHSh0pSUgA&refer=us

INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY
-- Annenberg Papers: Putting On Ayers?
http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=304729375940845

THE HILL
-- (PRO-ABORTION) Pelosi’s feud with (ANTI-ABORTION) archbishop Wuerl escalates - Bob Cusack
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/pelosis-feud-with-archbishop-escalates-2008-08-26.html
-- GOP demands Pelosi apology for abortion comments - Bob Cusack
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-gop-demands-pelosi-apology-for-abortion-comments-2008-08-27.html

AMERICAN SPECTATOR
-- Obama: The Lucky (OR THE COMBINE BLESSED) One? - Andrew Cline
http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=13782

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Pro-life protests surround Denver convention scene - Bob Unruh
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73563

MEN'S NEWS DAILY
-- Obama’s Mentors - Michael Ashbury
http://mensnewsdaily.com/2008/08/27/obamas-mentors/

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
-- Romney: Democrats using "politics of envy" - Kathleen Hennessey
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/27/politics/p171147D06.DTL&type=politics

BAY AREA REPORTER
-- DISGUSTING: Michelle Obama addresses LGBT delegates in Denver - Lisa Keen
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3273

TENNESSEAN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Outrageously, Democrats argue that GOD is a socialist who does not care about abortion
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS01/808260357/1006

WASHINGTON POST
-- McCain Is Said to Be Set to Unveil Running Mate Tomorrow Poll Shows That Choice of an Abortion Rights Backer Would Be Risky - Robert Barnes, Chris Cillizza, and Jon Cohen
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/27/AR2008082704028.html?hpid=artslot

BOSTON GLOBE
-- The GOP smear machine revs up - Democrat Dan Payne
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/08/28/the_gop_smear_machine_revs_up/

FORT COLLINS NOW
-- DNC: Giuliani Criticizes Obama, Drops Strong Hint that Romney Is McCain's VP Pick - Matt Brady
http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20080827/NEWS/808279981/1062&ParentProfile=1054

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- Republicans find a voice at the Democratic convention In a departure from the past and aided by the Internet, they respond to major speeches, keeping the heat on. The tables are expected to turn next week. - Nicholas Riccardi
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-response28-2008aug28,0,6309969.story

USA TODAY
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Duckworth glorifies Obama, demonizes Bush, and demonizes McCain
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-27-duckworth_N.htm

LIFE NEWS
-- OUTSTANDING: Republican Party Committee OKs Strong Pro-Life Platform Condemning Abortion - Steven Ertelt
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4222.html

WEEKLY STANDARD
-- The New Jews? Asian admissions at the Ivies. - Jennifer Rubin
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/463ufyzo.asp

TAPROOT REPUBLICANS OF ILLINOIS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: George Kocan's outstanding report on TAPROOT's outstanding August 17 picnic
http://www.taprootgop.org/

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Jackson: Democrats will Reconcile, Unify

Cong. Jesse Jackson, following an emotional appearance by Cong. Bobby Rush, gave a very memorable speech to the Illinois Delegates on Wednesday morning. Jackson spoke before the Illinois Delegation to the Democratic Convention in Denver. The video is approximately 15 minutes long.

More coverage of the Illinois Delegation and the Democratic Convention can be found at Prairie State Blue.

Read more...

Rod Blagojevich Speaks to Illinois Delegates

Some people know how to make an entrance. The governor certainly tries hard to!

Now I have to admit a certain bias here. Having worked with a President before, and more than a few presidential campaigns with secret service protection (including this one), I've been around highly protected people. People at that level receive a protection bubble that comes with a certain legal authority. The people providing that level of protection not only take their jobs very seriously, but also have no trouble resorting to their legal authority -- if only to get the "troublemaker" out of the way for a few hours. So there's a certain aura that comes with that kind of protection.

The governor's body guards -- which is what they are (we pay for them) -- aren't at that level. Not even close.

I have no idea what kind of threats our Governor is under, or what perceived threat he feels exists. Obviously, given his political feuds with his father-in-law and the Speaker, maybe he feels we need to spend *a lot* of money to protect him instead of the good people of Illinois. But I'd strongly suggest that they exist for show. They (the people "protecting" him) act like it's for show. When the governor passed by the media riser yesterday, his detail was basically polite when asking the two people next to me, who were having a pleasant conversation and weren't paying attention to the governor (or his detail) at all. Polite. Denver isn't Illinois, and I doubt they have much legal authority (although I've observed them in similar positions inside the state).

Nope, it's a show. Media were allowed in. In fact, the media rushed the governor at several points in his entrance. They aren't a threat. But it does appear that the governor's protection detail is designed merely for the purpose of projecting the fact that this is an important person you are around, and that's it.

These were basically my thoughts when the governor passed by me on the way to the podium. I was musing the absurdity of his protection detail, minding my own business, when he spoke to me.

"How's it going, guy?" the back of his hand touching my arm (just so I'd know he was talking to me, I suppose).

He didn't stop, he was just saying, "hi." I'm not big on the touching thing (outside of the lovely Mrs. Bored). But, heh, it was touchy-feely day, I just didn't know it. The program hadn't really started yet.

This video is 9:26 minutes long. For more coverage of the Illinois Delegation in Denver, go to Prairie State Blue.

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Dan Hynes Speaks before Illinois Delegates

Dan Hynes, state Comptroller, talks to the Illinios Delegation to the Democratic Convention at their Breakfast Meeting in Denver on Monday, August 25th. He spoke the morning before his "big speech" on the Platform.

Note: Rich Miller gave a special dispensation to exceed the normal posting limits. The video is 1:48 minutes long. For more on the Illinois Delegation in Denver, go to Prairie State Blue.

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Gaines' perspective

Editor’s note: This week’s Democratic National Convention in Denver and next week’s Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul are perfect reasons to stop and gain some perspective. Below is a conversation between Brian Gaines, a political science professor, and Craig Chamberlain, the University of Illinois news bureau social sciences editor. Gaines, a frequent contributor to our Illinois Issues magazine, has appointments in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s political science department and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs. He also is a research fellow at the Cline Center for Democracy. Here is an edited version of that conversation:


Questions by Craig Chamberlain of the University of Illinois news bureau:

Many commentators in recent weeks have questioned why Barack Obama is not far ahead of John McCain in the polls, given that issues and circumstances are said to dramatically favor the Democrats this year. Do they have a point or are they missing something? Do you expect a close election in November?

I do. I’ve never bought the argument that this year should be an easy win for the Democrat. The country remains pretty evenly divided, and unpopular incumbents don’t always cast long shadows. John McCain is widely viewed as an independent-minded maverick, so he might be the ideal Republican candidate to withstand a slump in his party’s popularity. Also, retrospective unhappiness with the situation in Iraq doesn’t map neatly into an Obama vote. A lot of voters who wish the U.S. had never invaded still haven’t decided whether Obama or McCain is better qualified to make decisions about Iraq policy in the future.

After every convention, there’s talk about whether the candidate got the expected post-convention “bounce” in the polls. Does this have any significance?

The bounces are usually about the same size, so they’re irrelevant by mid-September. Political scientists are not even sure why they occur. It could be that the undecided get swept up in the enthusiasm of well-scripted love-fests. But it might also be the case that strong Republicans tune out the news (and refuse to talk to pollsters) while the headlines are full of Democratic convention news, and vice versa.

The news coverage of campaigns focuses constant and daily attention on polls, and most often national polls. How and in what ways is this misleading? What should we understand about polls and don’t?

I don’t think the margin of error is well understood. If a poll finds 47 percent saying they plan to vote for Obama, and it is described as accurate plus or minus 3 percent, that is suggesting a level of support anywhere in the range of 44 to 50 percent. And while it is probably true that the actual value (known only by God, not by any pollster) is in that interval, that calculation will fail, just by bad luck, about five out of every 100 times. Moreover, most pollsters do not calculate these intervals quite right. Polls usually need to be weighted to reflect demographic differences — such as in age, gender, or race —between the respondents and the target population.

Such weighting makes the margins of error larger, and so many polls report incorrect margins. There’s even more bad news: Response rates to polls have fallen over the years, and it seems likely that people who are willing to talk to pollsters, or even computers doing “robo-calls,” are different from those who won’t be polled, and in ways much harder to measure than age, gender, or race. The reported margin-of-error assumes that this is not true.

The extremely tight 2000 election, and resulting dispute over the Florida recount, raised some uncomfortable questions about the U.S. voting system. Have we adequately addressed those concerns? Are there other potential issues or controversies waiting in the wings in the event of another close contest?

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a foolproof electoral system. Blunders and fraud can creep into many different stages, from ballot design, to eligibility screening, to tabulation. Recounts often reveal serious problems. New Mexico’s handling of the 2000 presidential election was a shambles, but the state was spared scrutiny because all eyes were on Florida. Washington state had an orderly, uncontroversial recount in its U.S. Senate race that year. The secretary of state crowed that his state managed recounts properly, so watching them was “like watching grass grow.” Four years later, his successor oversaw a tumultuous triple recount in which new, previously overlooked ballots emerged late in the process, reversing the outcome. I’ll hope for a controversy-free election, but if it is as close as I expect, there will probably be serious problems somewhere. Personally, I worry about the huge growth of absentee voting. Hardly anyone ever points out that absentee ballots defy modern practice by not being secret. Secret ballots emerged in the 19th century as the main device to prevent vote buying and intimidation of voters. We’ve quietly rolled back that reform in the interest of boosting turnout, on the assumption that decentralized, non-secret ballots are secure. I’m not confident that’s right, and I expect a blowup over systematic abuse of absentee ballots by some campaign one of these days.

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Mayor Daley Talks about Unity

Mayor Daley spoke this morning before the Illinois Delegation to the Democratic Convention about the importance of unity, publicly thanking Hillary Clinton for her inspiring speech last night.

Daley began a rather unusual lovefest that included Governor Rod Blagojevich, Speaker Michael Madigan and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. More coverage of the Democratic Convention from an Illinois perspective can be found at Prairie State Blue.

Note: Rich Miller gave a special dispensation to exceed the normal posting limits. The video is 5:43 minutes long.

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Radical Make Over for Chicago Tribune

WBBM-Radio has posted a mock-up of a new front page for the Chicago Tribune.

I don't know if you have noticed, but the Tribune has been running more feature stories, articles with human interest angles.

Less hard news.

It's looking more and more like the revised a couple of years ago Chicago Sun-Times.

Fold the picture in half to see what it would look like on the news stand or in a box. Think it would compete with Sun-Times' front pages?

Although I have only seen the Red Eye give away paper the Tribune publishes for people who aren't really interested in hard news, its editor has been named head woman at the Tribune.

Portents of things to come, it seems.

The Tribune told WBBM it is a “work in progress.”

You can also see today's front pages of the two Chicago newspapers. The one from the Sun-Times came from its web site. In the version delivered, the photo of Hillary Clinton on TV is no where near as good. I could not find a copy of the front page of the Tribune on its web site.

WBBM gives the photo credit for the mock-up to Joe Strupp, Editor and Publisher, so I shall, too. Click to enlarge.

Meanwhile, Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Joe Mariotti resigned, according to the Chicago Tribune, saying,

"...sports journalism had become 'entirely a Web site business. There were not many newspapers there.' He added that most of the journalists covering the Games were 'there writing for Web sites.'"

Posted first at McHenry County Blog.

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 27, 2008

GOPUSA
-- Corruption Casts Shadow Over Obama-Biden - Bobby Eberle
http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/?p=765
-- Gosh, I Love The Liberal Media - Tony Blankley
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/tblankley/2008/tb_08271.shtml

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- GOP releases full convention roster - Frank James
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/gops_releases_full_convention.html
-- Democrats plan heavy presence at GOP convention, will greet delegates with Bush billboard - Patrick Condon
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-cvn-gop-convention-democrats,0,6515074.story
-- Files linking Obama to '60s radical a hot commodity UIC library releases Annenberg records - Jodi S. Cohen and Ray Gibson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-obama-filesaug27,0,6063772.story
-- Given a greater voice at convention, people of faith challenge Democrats on core issues - Eric Gorski
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-cvn-democrats-faith,0,1035257.story
-- Rev. Jeremiah Wright resigns from Blagojevich Amistad slavery education commission - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-wright-amistadcom,0,3865720.story
-- Race factor emerges at the convention - Christi Parsons and Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-raceaug27,0,1057914.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Clarence Page continues to argue that all past, present, and future problems that minorities have are caused by racism. Everyone knows that babies born out-of-wedlock are born at a tremendous disadvantage. People who create babies out-of-wedlock know that. Tragically, some 70 percent of African-American babies and some 40 percent of Hispanic babies are born out-of-wedlock. How does racism promote out-of-wedlock birth? Which individuals and organizations promote promiscuity and creating out-of-wedlock babies? Which individuals and organizations discourage promiscuity and creating out-of-wedlock babies?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0827pageaug27,0,1394883.column
-- Forum details enormous cost of caring for Illinois babies exposed to alcohol In Illinois, tab is put at $741,000 a day - Bonnie Miller
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-fetal-alcohol-27-aug27,0,5659293.story
-- Cloud of security swirls around Obama Secret Service protection was ordered earlier than any candidate in history - Stacy St. Clair, John McCormick, and Gary Marx
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-obama-security-both-aug27,0,3524352.story
-- Wisconsin governor compares Obama to Kennedy - Todd Richmond
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-wisconsin-convent,0,1680073.story
-- Warmth from the Daleys defies conventional wisdom - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-27-aug27,0,7997781.column
-- Blagojevich, Madigan thaw---or putting on appearances? - Rick Pearson
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/blagojevich-mad.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Rick Pearson promotes Democrats Durbin, Emanuel, and Obama
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-buddies_wedaug27,0,3474954.story
-- Squeezing lousy schools - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0827edit1aug27,0,7728615.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Alexi Giannoulias and Bill Daley: A run for the Illinois governor's spot? - Mark Bieganskion
http://blogs.suntimes.com/conventions/2008/08/a_run_for_the_illinois_governo.html (Includes video clip)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Increasingly, all past, present, and future problems are blamed on healthy wealthy white male conservatives. How soon will everyone ride free on public transportation except for healthy wealthy white male conservatives? I took public transportation and paid for public transportation virtually every day I worked for IRS in Chicago 1971-1980 and worked for GAO in Chicago 1980-1997.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/1129213,CST-NWS-ride27.article

DAILY HERALD
-- Biden is not change - Just look at his record - Kirk Dillard
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230412
-- GOP view: Yes, Illinois needs change - from Democratic rule - Tom Cross
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230198
-- FRONT PAGE: Illinois Democrats: Bitter race shaping up for 2010 governor - John Patterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230424
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Daily Herald promotes Duckworth, again
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230245
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: David Beery promotes Foster
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230323&src=2
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: David Beery promotes all suburban Democrat congressional candidates
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230309&src=109
-- Even in Denver, unity escapes state's Democrats - Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230415
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Survey shows that consumers distrust auto dealers. Anti-Americans have always demonized American-nameplate autos and have always glorified foreign-nameplate autos. So it would not be surprising if consumers distrust American-nameplate dealers more than they distrust foreign-nameplate dealers.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230382

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Lawmakers willing to debate ethics bill - Ryan Keith
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x560279342/Lawmakers-willing-to-debate-ethics-bill

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Gidwitz: 'I'll face buzz saw with Meeks' - Phil Kadner
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/1128821,082708Kadner.article

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Delegate-watching takes a scorecard; so does rating Monday's speakers - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30736
-- Clinton's Illinois backers to throw Obama fundraiser - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30752
-- UIC opens Ayers records - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30737
-- Blagojevich, Speaker Madigan make nice in Denver
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30759

CBS2
-- Illinois Dems In Denver Discuss School Boycott Sen. Meeks Hopes To Convene State Leaders To Talk About Legislative Plan - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/chicago.school.boycott.2.803936.html (Includes video clip)

THE SOUTHERN
-- Disabled can now ride public transit free of charge - Kurt Erickson
http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/2008/08/26/breaking_news/doc48b46eb4ebdf4920970316.txt
-- Republicans gather at Du Quoin State Fair - Blackwell Thomas
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2008/08/26/local/25619463.txt

COURIER NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Poverty stricken Democrats move out of Kane County?
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1128879,3_1_EL27_A1POVERTY_S1.article

BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Poverty stricken Democrats move out of Kendall County?
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1129141,2_1_AU27_POOR_S1.article

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Poverty stricken Democrats move into Lake County?
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1128583,5_1_WA27_POVERTY_S1.article

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- Cullerton v. Pankau: Absurd rules stifle interest in the democratic process - Jerry Moore
http://suburbanshoutout.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/absurd-rules-stifle-interest-in-the-democratic-process/

PIONEER LOCAL
-- Greenberg lawsuits raise questions - Matt Kiefer
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/arlingtonheights/news/1128641,G5-8thlawsuits-082708-s1.article

CHAMPION NEWS
-- John & Cindy McCain stopping for rally near St. Louis on road to GOP Convention - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1157
-- Jill Stanek: live blogging from the DNC - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1160
-- Reasons why Huntley D158 teachers might reject the contract but still not strike - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1156

EXTREME WISDOM
-- Be Afraid, be very afraid - Bruno Behrend
http://www.extremewisdom.com/?p=1339

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
-- Romney’s got McCain’s back in Denver - Gail Russell Chaddock
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/08/26/romneys-got-mccains-back-in-denver/

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- The RNC Meets to Draft Their Platform: Sparks Fly on the Issue of Illegal Immigration - Shushannah Walshe
http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/the-rnc-meets-to-draft-their-platform-sparks-fly-on-the-issue-of-illegal-immigration/
-- Republican Platform Debate? - Greta Van Susteren
http://gretawire.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/republican-platform-debate/
-- BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Ayers Unrepentant for Radical Group’s Violence in 1960s, 1970s
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/obama-associate-bill-ayers-unrepentant-for-acts-of-terror/
-- Romney Makes Last Pitch to be McCain’s Running Mate
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/romney-makes-last-pitch-to-be-mccains-running-mate/

TOWNHALL
-- Obama: This Historic Candidacy - Mona Charen
http://townhall.com/Columnists/MonaCharen/2008/08/27/this_historic_candidacy

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Obama warns stations not to air 'radical' ad Lawyer's letter, appeal to Justice evoke Kerry's attempt to quash Swift Boat vets
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73448

NEWSMAX
-- McCain ad uses Hillary's famous "3 AM Ad" to attack Obama
http://election.newsmax.com/mccain_3am.html?s=al&promo_code=688A-1 (Includes video clip)

CNS NEWS
-- New Report Calls into Question ‘Man-Made’ Climate Change - Kevin Mooney
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=34576

AMERICAN THINKER
-- Obama: Thy brother's keeper? - Douglas O'Brien
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/08/thy_brothers_keeper.html
-- Obama's Bag of Tricks - Ed Lasky
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/08/obamas_bag_of_tricks.html

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- Romney, Other Republicans Make Their Presence Known in Denver - Adrianne Kroepsch and Molly K. Hooper
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002941263
-- FROM THE ARTICLE: VERY SAD: Kirk Dillard, a Republican in the Illinois state Senate, worked with Obama on the ethics bill and was impressed enough to appear in an Obama presidential campaign TV ad even though he’s endorsing GOP Sen. John McCain. “Sen. Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had and was successful in a bipartisan way,” Dillard said in the ad. “Republican legislators respected Sen. Obama. His negotiation skills and an ability to understand both sides would serve the country well.” Dillard said in an interview he made the ad primarily because of his work with Obama on ethics reform, but also mentioned his cooperation on changes in the state’s death penalty laws. “Sen. Obama, even on a topic more suited for liberals, worked extremely well with conservatives,” he said. Obama collaborated with another Republican, Rep. Sandra Pihos, on legislation expanding the state’s KidCare and FamilyCare health insurance programs.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002941281

ROLL CALL
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Stuart Rothenberg uses the Duckworth example to argue that "national celebrity doesn't equal victory in House elections"
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_22/rothenberg/27600-1.html
-- Illinois Pols (Daley, Davis, Duckworth, Giannoulias, Gutierrez, Hynes, Jackson, Jones, Madigan, Quinn, Schakowdky, White, etc.) Covet Obama’s Senate Seat - Matthew Murray
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_22/news/27646-1.html?ET=rollcall:e2491:80044029a:&st=email

THE HILL
-- VERY SAD: Former GOP Rep. Leach hails Obama in speech - Kevin Bogardus
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/former-gop-rep.-leach-hails-obama-in-speech-2008-08-25.html
-- Bill Clinton in Denver again undercuts Obama - Sam Youngman
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/bill-clinton-in-denver-again-undercuts-obama-2008-08-26.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: MORE OUTRAGEOUS NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING: Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, constructively argues that if you do not support Obama, it is because you are a racist
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/union-leader-racism-keeps-obama-from-building-lead-2008-08-26.html
-- Romney tries out for attack dog role in Denver - Susan Crabtree
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/romney-tries-out-for-attack-dog-role-in-denver-2008-08-26.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Someone who hides behind anonymity blasts Romney, again. People should not give any weight to anything written by someone who hides behind anonymity. People who hide behind anonymity have something to hide. Usually, its their evil motive, bad judgment, lack of courage, and/or lack of ability.
http://frum.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NzhjZTk4MWY2NDY3Njc4NjRlMTYxMWVmYWEwM2Q3ZTU=
-- Obama’s Friend, America’s Enemy - Editorial
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDI4YzUyYmI1ZjA1OWUzMDA5ZDIzNTI4NTk5ZmYwYWY=
-- Bill Ayers: Unrepentant LYING Terrorist - Andy McCarthy
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODk2ZTRmZDIwNWEzOWE2MDNhMTQ0ZWYwYmRiNWZmNDM=

HUFFINGTON POST
-- Republicans In Denver: Ready To Strike
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/25/republicans-in-denver-rea_n_121103.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- Romney, Pawlenty on attack in GOP veep tryouts - Liz Sidoti
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jihHrCRRZzC-rvT1HKiq81CPPoiQD92QA2384
-- GOP 'war room' revs up as Romney hits the airwaves - Andrew Taylor
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jQijV8jdAbO_aEsycqaS-pNljrvQD92QAIO81
-- Number of uninsured drops; poverty holds steady - Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
http://www.kansascity.com/440/story/766848.html

CBS NEWS
-- The Denver Dems Aren’t Making the Sale National Review: A Close Race And Unanswered Questions Put The Pressure On Obama - Larry Kudlow
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/26/opinion/main4386589.shtml

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Gerald Seib argues that the Democrat Party's "left pushes for a seat at the table." But everyone at the Democrat Party table is already on the left. Many of the Democrat Party's successes have come from its not letting people who reject major planks in its liberal platform have party leadership roles. Many of the Republican Party's failures have come from its letting people who reject major planks in its conservative platform have party leadership roles. Virtually all Democrat criticism of Bush is for Bush's rejection of major planks in the Republican Party's conservative platform.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121969145343270091.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
-- Conservative group's ad about Obama's connection to William Ayers
http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2008/08/adhousing.html (Includes video clip)
-- Chicago politics -- and how Obama plays it - Sara Paretsky
http://blog.cleveland.com/pdopinion/2008/08/chicago_politics_and_how_obama.html

WASHINGTON POST
-- Making Progress on Race - Charles Lane
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2008/08/making_progress_on_race.html

NEW YORK TIMES
-- Conservative Group’s Ads Link Obama to 1960s Radical William J. Ayers Jr. - Jim Rutenberg
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/us/politics/28ayers.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- Obama, McCain trade barbs on campaign trail McCain is 'out of touch' on the economy, while Obama is confused on foreign policy, the presumptive nominees declare. Obama is due to arrive at the Denver convention Wednesday. - Michael Finnegan and Bob Drogin
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign27-2008aug27,0,6475573.story
-- Barack Obama's agenda so far is a no-show The Clinton situation is blocking discussion of the economy.- Doyle McManus and Robin Abcarian
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-assess27-2008aug27,0,1507532.story

TIMES
-- It’s not the colour of Barack Obama's skin that is the problem, it’s his political flaws - Gerald Baker
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4615647.ece

SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
-- McCain condemns overspending in San Diego fundraiser - John Marelius
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20080826-2115-bn27mccain3.html

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
-- Democrats' not-so-secret fear: Romney on ticket - Matt Canham
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10309567

DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE
-- OUTSTANDING: College Republicans protest Obama in Denver - Jed Layton
http://media.www.dailyutahchronicle.com/media/storage/paper244/news/2008/08/27/News/U.College.Republicans.Protest.Obama.In.Denver-3405320.shtml
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Students spent a portion of their Sunday afternoon handing out posters and flyers to people waiting in line to see the world premiere of "Hype: The Obama Effect," a documentary on Obama. They also talked with the movie patrons and encouraged them to sign up for volunteer work in the coming election. "Hype" is a film made by Citizens United Productions, which has also produced movies on Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy. It has received attention from various media outlets and its producers define the film as a groundbreaking review of the dark, unknown story of Obama. Will Holley, marketing director for the film, said the movie is important because it gives the real story behind Obama, instead of the glamour shots given by the media. "We are doing mainstream media's job that they haven't been doing," he said. "We have got a candidate that has been unexamined. We went back and talked to senators, folks in Chicago to get the full story." The film included interviews with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee; political commentator Robert Novak; former secretary of state Ken Blackwell; Illinois state Sen. Steven Rauschenberger and a slew of others. The film covers topics from Obama's connection to the outspoken Revered Jeremiah Wright of Trinity Church in Chicago, to his stance on the war in Iraq. Rauschenberger attended the premiere himself. He has been an outspoken critic of Obama since the announcement of his presidential bid. He said the movie presented enough information for the voters to decide for themselves who to vote for. "I am not going to tell anyone how to vote, but I do think they need to know the truth," he said. "If you want to elect Obama, elect him with your eyes wide open." In the movie, Rauschenberger expressed concerns over Obama's lack of experience and what Rauschenberger called lack of effort as both an Illinois and U.S. senator.)

Read more...

A Rousing Attack from a Labor Leader

Laborers International President Terry O'Sullivan talks about the stakes in the 2008 election to the Illinois Delegation at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 25th. The video is 9:51 minutes.

More coverage of the Illinois Delegation and the Democratic Convention can be found at Prairie State Blue.

Read more...

Jan Schakowsky Speaks to the Delegates

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who represents Illinois' 9th Congressional District, spoke before the assembled delegation of Democrats to the convention here in Denver on Monday, August 25th. The video is 7:32 minutes long.

More coverage of the Illinois Delegation and the Democratic Convention can be found at Prairie State Blue.

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 26, 2008

AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION
-- OUTSTANDING: ACU Releases A Conservative Agenda for America's Future While the Denver Assembled Liberal Party Features Liberal Activists like Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Big Labor on Stage, the American Conservative Union Gathers with Republican National Convention Platform Committee Members in Minneapolis to Push for Conservative Agenda
http://conservative.org/pressroom/2008/Platform_Final080826.pdf

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Republicans put their platform on a crash diet; familiar divisions remain - Calvin Woodward
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-cvn-gop-platform,0,4190122.story
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PHOTO OF KASS: Why the GOP has a crush on Hillary John Kass explains from the convention
http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-kass-26-aug26,0,4681226.column
-- Clinton dealmaking and drama precede speech amid a reminder that she thought Obama not ready - Scott Lindlaw
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/conventions/sns-ap-cvn-convention-rdp,0,345380.story
-- Obama's home state contingent struggles to put on a united front, but the Tribune's Rick Pearson finds Springfield bickering and residual Clinton support linger - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-illinois-democrats_tueaug26,0,3273887.story
-- Obama playing the age card unfairly. This time. - Eric Zorn
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/08/playing-the-age.html
-- Ethics bill vetoed, sent back Blagojevich alters it, but override is vowed - Monique Garcia and David Kidwell
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-blagojevich-ethics-working-2aug26,0,2060655.story
-- Obama setting up contrast with McCain - Mike Dorning
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obamaaug26,0,1041854.story
-- Meeks and Gidwitz have new school pilot project Plan ties funding to performance - Carlos Sadovi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-meeks-school-fundingaug26,0,4165957.story
-- Voters should be troubled by Obama's abortion stance - Dennis Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-oped0826byrneaug26,0,4780984.story
-- A governor's charade - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0826edit1aug26,0,6942181.story
-- Keep the drinking age at 21 - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0826edit2aug26,0,7335398.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Jason George argues that women now control American politics. Since at least 1964, more women have been registered to vote than men and since 1980, more women have voted than men. But if women control American politics, why are men still being blamed for all America's problems?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-suffrageaug26,0,4102633.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Obama team wants to smother diehard Clinton backers with respect. Tuesday Clinton speech exercise in group catharsis - Lynn Sweet
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/08/obama_team_wants_to_smother_di.html
-- OUTSTANDING: Wheaton: DuPage County seat ranks 54th in Money Magazine
http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/homes/communities/dupage/wheaton.static
-- Hillary supporters still feeling disrespected And Jones' remarks show more than one rift needs healing - Carol Marin
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1126746,CST-NWS-carol26.article
-- Obama disavows comment; Jones issues quasi-apology - Dave McKinney, Abdon Pallasch, and Mary Mitchell
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1125763,jonesweb082608.article
-- Ethics bill sponsors say they'll override gov's rewrite New version targets double-dippers - Dave McKinney and Kara Spak
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1126380,CST-NWS-ethics26.article
-- No doubt Legislature will nix gov's end run You want ethics reform, I'll give you ethics reform, Blagojevich seems to be saying by rewriting bill - Mark Brown
http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/1126800,CST-NWS-brown_26.article
-- I'll call off boycott with deal: Meeks Wants Jones, Madigan to back $120 mil. plan - Rosalind Rossi
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1126749,CST-NWS-skul26.article
-- Legislature should reject gov's ethics bill - Editorial
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1126791,CST-EDT-edit26a.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Edwards' wife is criticized for silence on her husband's affair, but what about Hillary's silence on Bill's affairs? Not being able to keep a contract with your spouse indicates that you have big trouble keeping contracts, big time.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1126847,edwards082608.article
-- AFFORDABLE/ATTAINABLE HOUSING ADVOCATES OVERJOYED: Chicago area home sales drop, prices slide - Francine Knowles
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1124866,homesales082508.article

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Presidential race factors into Boeing rebid - Paul Merrion
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30719
-- Obama spots answers Ayers ad - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30725
-- Legislators bash Blago’s ethics reform order - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30724

DAILY HERALD
-- Illinois needs change -- from Democrats - Tom Cross
(Not posted as of 5:30 AM)
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Slur shows deep divide between Obama, Clinton camps - John Patterson and Nick Shields
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230099&src=152
-- Blagojevich says rewrite expands ethics reforms, not guts it - Joseph Ryan and Rob Olmstead
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229946
-- Monday convention redux - John Patterson
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/438
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald promotes Hillary, promotes women, and demonizes men
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230102
-- Cook County agency pays $10,000 to dress employees for success Vests, coats meant to instill professionalism, make workers stand out - Rob Olmstead
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229991
-- Funding isn't cause of achievement gap - Joe H. Heater, Palatine
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229962&src=

CBS2
-- Papers May Explain Obama's Links To '60s Radical Education Prof. Bill Ayers Was A Member Of Weather Underground - Mike Parker
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/obama.bill.ayers.2.803163.html (Includes video clip)

ABC7
-- Race complicated subject in Denver - Charles Thomas (DIERSEN: What about gender?)
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6350438 (Includes video clip)

BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: DEMOCRATS OVERJOYED: Abdon Pallasch promotes Democrats Foster, Halvorson, Harper, Morganthaler, and Seals
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1126732,2_1_AU26_DEMS_S1.article

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: News Sun promotes Democrat convention watching parties
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1126561,5_1_WA26_DEMS_S1.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Lupe King ridicules?, blasts?, warns?, threatens? DuPage County Republicans
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1126204,6_1_NA26_HERENOW_S1.article

ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
-- At the convention, Illinois delegation split by racial, gender discord - Kevin McDermott (MCKENNA: "It's a circus.")
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/941681802C83BDD9862574B1001041A1?OpenDocument

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Meeks offers school boycott compromise - Phil Kadner
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/1126419,082608Kadner.article
-- Jones' exits after taking a beating backing Blagojevich - Rich Miller
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/miller/1125768,082608miller.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Blagojevich: Ethics bill will get complete overhaul Governor wants measure to cover all state officials; lawmakers blast plan - Ryan Keith
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x633545772/Blagojevich-Ethics-bill-will-get-complete-overhaul

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chuck Sweeney argues that "disgruntled Hillary supporters" hype the Hillary-Barack 'feud'
http://www.rrstar.com/news/columnists/x633545637/Hillary-Barack-feud-overhyped-by-media-pack

WBEZ
-- Meeks Offers to Call Off School Boycott - Mike Rhee
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28461 (Includes audio clip)

CHAMPION NEWS
-- No Republicans will be harmed in the making of this McCain fundraiser in Illinois next month - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1154
-- Another issue for Republicans: the problem with public sector unions - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1150

CHICAGO DAILY OBSERVER
-- Joe Biden is definitely a character—but does he have character? - Carol Felsenthal
http://www.cdobs.com/archive/our-columns/joe-biden-is-definitely-a-characterbut-does-he-have-character%2C1583/
-- CDOBS from the Convention: Jeff Berkowitz with Emil Jones
http://www.cdobs.com/archive/our-columns/cdobs-from-the-convention-jeff-berkowitz-with-emil-jones%2C1587/

JILL STANEK
-- Good liberal reads on Obama's support of infanticide
http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/08/good_reads_on_o.html

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Obama: Antichrist or Messiah. Question Not Just for Christians any more - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/08/obama-antichrist-or-messiah-question-not-just-for-christians-any-more.html

CAPITOL FAX
-- Jones sort of apologizes, disappeared by Dems, upbraided by Halvorson - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/08/26/jones-sort-of-apologizes-disappeared-by-dems-upbraided-by-halvorson/

URQUHART MEDIA
-- Biden Choice Shows Obama Doesn't Believe His Own Rhetoric - Dan Proft
http://www.urqmedia.com/proft/contentview.asp?c=215146 (Includes audio clip)

MICHELLE MALKIN
-- ACORN Watch, Pt II: Obama hid $800,000 payment to ACORN through “Citizen Services, Inc.”
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/22/acorn-watch-pt-ii-obama-hid-800000-payment-to-acorn-through-citizen-services-inc/

USA TODAY
-- Obama dogged by links to 1960s radical Bill Ayers - Judy Keen
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-25-ayers_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip (Includes video clip)
-- GOP sets up camp, strategy in Denver - Richard Wolf
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-25-gop-denver_N.htm

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE REVIEW
-- Obama to amend report on $800,000 in spending - David M. Brown
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/election/s_584284.html

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- Texas GOP Hits Obama for Story on ‘Lost’ Half-Brother
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/25/texas-gop-hits-obama-for-story-on-lost-half-brother/

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Obama accuses McCain of linking him to 'radical' New ad claims Republicans focusing on 1960s, ignores extensive ties with unrepentant terrorist - Aaron Klein
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73418
-- Obama promoting homosexuality, report card reveals Assessment outlines stark difference in leading candidates' positions
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=73120

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- Michelle Obama’s Two Americas At the convention, a new and radically different message from the candidate’s wife. - Byron York
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MWI2MDM1OGUxZDZjYWQyODhmYTIzZTE2NGRkYWQ3MzM=

THE HILL
-- Republicans spread message of Democrats’ disunity - Sam Youngman
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/republicans-spread-message-of-democrats-disunity-2008-08-25.html
-- Senior Dems concerned over McCain gains - Alexander Bolton
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senior-dems-concerned-over-mccain-gains-2008-08-25.html
-- Washington archbishop rips Pelosi on abortion - Bob Cusack
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/archbishop-pelosis-comments-on-abortion-are-false-2008-08-25.html
-- Potential Obama replacements Giannoulias, Hynes, Jones, and Madigan get their time - Aaron Blake
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/potential-obama-replacements-get-their-time-2008-08-25.html

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
-- Should Democrats Be Feeling Any Kind of Buyer's Remorse? - Stuart Rothenberg
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/should_democrats_be_feeling_an.html

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- Opening Night Speaker Hynes Learned Obama’s Campaign Skills the Hard Way - Greg Giroux
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002940697

GOPUSA
-- Party Unity My, er, Eye - David Limbaugh
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/dlimbaugh/2008/dl_08261.shtml

NEWSMAX
-- Biden Pro-abortion Stance Will Cost Obama Election - George Martin
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/biden_pro_obortion/2008/08/25/124665.html?s=al&promo_code=6878-1

AMERICA'S RIGHT
-- Obama Sued in Philadelphia Federal Court on Grounds he is Constitutionally Ineligible for the Presidency - Jeff Schreiber
http://www.americasright.com/2008/08/obama-sued-in-philadelphia-federal.html

WATCHDOG
-- OUTSTANDING 6.31-MINUTE VIDEO CLIP: The ghost of Thomas Paine and the second revolution
http://www.lawatchdog.com/SecondRevolution071108.html

BLOOMBERG
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE:VERY SAD: Catherine Dodge uses Hispanics focus group participants to promote Obama and to demonize McCain
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a7GNT5eS7ZXU&refer=us

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- Democrats Made No Room on Abortion - William McGurn
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121970947361771229.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- The Crucial Catholic Vote: Does It Exist? - Steven Waldman
http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/08/25/the-crucial-catholic-vote-does-it-exist/?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- Shaky Economy Challenges Ambitious Obama Agenda Stocks and Housing Falter as Democrats' Convention Opens - Bob Davis and T.W. Farnam
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121970803923071113.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- The Racism Excuse - Editorial
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121970808612971117.html

BOSTON HERALD
-- As Democrats gather in Denver, McCain works to undermine their unity - Steven Thomma and Margaret Talev
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1115020&srvc=2008campaign&position=6

CBS NEWS
-- The Thin Man The Weekly Standard: Obama’s Slender Record May Not Keep Him From Winning The General Election - William Kristol
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/25/opinion/main4381648.shtml

TIME MAGAZINE
-- Obama and 'Infanticide' The facts about Obama's votes against 'Born Alive' bills in Illinois. - Jess Henig
http://www.newsweek.com/id/155560

NEWSWEEK
-- So What If He Were Muslim? We haven't fully accepted the notion that all religions should have equal access to the Oval Office. - Ellis Cose
http://www.newsweek.com/id/154909

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
-- Obama-Clinton Rivalry Dominating Coverage Of Convention, GOP War Room Taking Fight To Democratic Convention, Obama And McCain Neck And Neck In National Tracking Polls
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080826.htm

ARCH PUNDIT
-- Vallas a Republican
http://archpundit.com/blog/2008/08/25/vallas-a-republican/

Read more...

Yorktown Pace Bus Ban Demonstrates Public Space Importance

Yorktown's ban on Pace buses is just yet another reminder that commercial shopping malls, no matter how public they may appear, are still privately-owned and largely subject to the whims of the for-profit corporations that own them.

I have never heard of anyone having been given permission to circulate petitions in a shopping mall, the ownership usually giving the reason that such circulation would interfere with patrons' shopping experiences; yet at the same time, they allow the conduct of survey research by organizations who choose to rent space from them.

The disappearance of public spaces to serve as public forums, and their replacement by private spaces, such as shopping malls, is a serious issue that threatens our democracy. The car culture and poor planning is resulting in the disappearance of public spaces. By the time people leave their cars, they are far into the parking lots of the big box stores on private property and beyond the reach of the public forum.

In addition, through laws such as the Postal Reorganization Act, and the drive to privatize the property of the United States Postal Service, we are loosing other traditional public forums and our ability to meaningfully exercise our constitutional right to engage in free speech--political, religious, and otherwise.

Where is this all leading? It is leading to an environment where those who own the land, or the media, exclusively control the public debate. The private owner of a shopping mall simply has no legal duty to allow speech that does not support their private, commercial interests.

In the case referenced above, the owner of Yorktown Shopping Mall may have acted in what it feels is in its own private interest; but it certainly did not act in the greater public interest. Unfortunately, usually the only effective way to make such corporations act in the public interest is to refuse to patronize them and inform them of your reason for doing so. Of course, this approach doesn't always work.

There are arguments that such corporations SHOULD have a duty to act in the public interest. After all, corporations, which are artificial legal persons and creations of the state, are allowed to incorporate and profit with the assumption that they will act in the public interest; and the State rarely revokes a corporate charter for failing to do so.

California actually has a state law which requires shopping malls to allow certain types of constitutionally protected speech, such a petitioning, which is considered a form of political speech. The legal theory is that public shopping malls are largely responsible for the demise of the traditional main street, and they often receive zoning variances, exceptions, and many other value government subsidies.

We should consider a similar law here in Illinois. We should also pay more attention to zoning, planning, and land use issues which result in unwalkable communities, the disappearance of public spaces, and the demise of traditional public forums. Of course developers will no doubt balk at any such attempt, but protecting competition in our marketplace of ideas is far more important than protecting their pocketbooks.

Thankfully, there are already a few organizations working on related issues, notably including the Project for Public Spaces, Congress for the New Urbanism, the U.S. Green Building Council, and several others. Now we just need Illinois lawmakers to start working on the same.

Read more...

Impressions from Monday's Convention

crossposted at Prairie State Blue

It was a really big show! as Ed Sullivan might have said.

I suppose that my final impression from Monday Night's Democratic Convention was really formed before it even began. At the Platform Preview Party, which the DNC put on for contributors et al before the Convention began, I really got a sense that there were a lot more people here for the Convention itself than in Boston. And I suppose this should have been obvious, given the fact the Howard Dean has expanded the base of the contributing class of the party from (basically) Terry McAuliffe's friends to, well, everyone.

So it should have been no surprise that not only was Pepsi Arena full, it was packed. Even when the seats were seemingly all taken (there were empty seats with bad sight lines), the entrances were packed with SRO observes AND the halls outside were pretty congested as well. So believe me when I tell you, being a Democrat is cool. Dude.

I filmed the Illinois speakers from the TV and Camera Stand area. I was literally above the MSNBC suite. So basically, that meant I was on the 3rd floor of a building that had at least 6 floors (Radio broadcasters are up on the 6th floor space). I went down to the floor a few times, including for Ted Kennedy's speech, which was an experience in and of itself.

It was an open secret that Ted Kennedy was in town. The thinking of the Kennedy family, I learned before the night's events, was that this was Kennedy's last convention and there was no way he was not going to show up. He came, I was told, to pass the torch. "And there's been no more deserving recipient than Barack Obama."

Like I said, everyone in the convention knew that Carolyn Kennedy was going to introduce her uncle. So there was an electricity in the air as she was speaking. Everyone was moving towards their position. Not me. We had lots of problems with the exchange of our floor pass, and by the time I got it, I needed it to continue filming from where I was. Josh handed it off right before the Kennedy's spoke, and I was never able to make it to a seat. The floor was just packed. Not that it was any less moving standing up.

As I pushed my way through one entrance while Carolyn was speaking, I could see that there would be no joy down that aisle. Even after I got inside the arena, the aisle was packed. So I pushed my way back and tried one that I could see was less packed.

Until I got there. It must have been me. I could walk down to the floor, but once I was on the floor, movement was exceedingly limited. When Ted Kennedy came to the stage, I basically stopped. What was the point?

The people around me were mesmerized by Kennedy as he talked. Completely focused. Some with tears streaming down their faces. I looked around, as I am prone to do, and every face was turned towards the podium, every conversation suspended, eyes moist and placards held tightly.

I did run into Don Harmon while I was waiting for Josh. I introduced them. Don had volunteered at the Chicago Democratic Convention, but this was his first time as a delegate. And he had been observing from the upper decks before he headed down to the floor. He also mentioned that Matt Fruth, a one-time campaign aide that I had previously come into contact with, was here volunteering at the convention. There are many, many people from Illinois here in that capacity.

My next venture onto the floor ended before it began. The Fire Marshall sent in five people and they stopped letting people onto the floor. So I wondered over to the Blogger's Lounge for a bit. But I did learn that it doesn't make much sense to try to get on the floor after about 7pm local time.

I mentioned before, from my time at the Platform Preview Party, that there were a number of contributors at the Convention. Their Credential reads "Finance Guest" (iirc). On one of my many trips up and down the elevators, a young woman on the elevator asked someone with that credential what it said. She held it up and showed it to the inquisitor. I guess after she realized what it said, she said, "Thank you." Thanks for supporting the Democratic Party. I had heard that, in a more formal setting, before the convention began. But it was interesting to here someone not connected to the party, someone who didn't have to say it, say it. Touching, actually.

There are many spaces where Financial Guests could view the convention. They have their own lounge. They had seating near Joe Biden in the audience. But even with all the extra contributors over what were present in Boston, there were still a lot of people seated on Monday night. I could understand why the Fire Marshalls were concerned. In section after section upstairs people were seated anywhere there was space. If one section tried to enforce the rules, people would complain that other sections in plain sight were not. I suppose it's not that easy to be a volunteer with that role.

In the end, though, it was a good night to be a Democrat. Michelle did a fabulous job -- both Pat Quinn and Jan Schakowsky mentioned that to me. Ted Kennedy was a real shot in the arm, and I seriously wondered whether he didn't go home and collapse after that. Alexi was terrific in his speech. And the convention played it's role. Barack Obama -- it's an American story. Rags to riches, no, no, no. Pulled himself up from his bootstraps, that's it. A real dedication to public service. He's not ambitious, nope. He's just driven to bring real change to this country. And the time was so momentus -- the damage from the Bush Administration was so great -- that it had to be now. Yep, that's what I heard.

Will you remember tomorrow? Will you tell your friends and family? We may live in a celebrity culture, but politics happens the old-fashioned way. As my grandfather used to say, you change the world one heart at a time. I'll never forget those words he spoke from a pulpit in Alpena, MI...


You can find extensive coverage of the convention from the bloggers at Prairie State Blue.

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Sleeper statewide candidate in 2010: Miguel del Valle

Who is speaking in prime time tonight? While the three statewides angling for governor (Lisa, Dan and Alexi) spoke earlier today, a potential new statewide elected official will speak later tonight: Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle.

A 20-year veteran of the State Senate with impeccable reform credentials and education advocacy, Miguel has run the City Clerk's Office with much-needed modern professionalism. Just check out the website. The office is much improved.

The first statewide Latino in Illinois? With all the churn in 2010, Miguel del Valle is the sleeper candidate - especially with Barack Obama's stamp of approval!

Read more...

The devil is in the details with ethics reforms

Gov. Rod Blagojevich could have signed significant campaign contribution limits into law, targeting “pay to play politics” starting January 1 (CORRECTION: Both the legislation and the executive order would not have taken effect until January 1. I regret the error originally published in this post). Instead, he used his executive authority to change the plan, but advocates of the ethics reforms say it's questionable whether his actions have legal teeth that could punish those who break the rules.

But it’s hard to tell either way because the governor’s office has not filed the exact language on public record, yet. (UPDATE: One day later, the governor's veto message is now available here.) Some legislators believe the governor’s actions are controversial and intended to kill, or simply delay, implementation of the underlying bill, HB 824.

Through press release and a Chicago news conference, Blagojevich said he issued an executive order to enact ethics reforms that the legislature unanimously approved in May. (Listen here.) But he also used his amendatory veto power to change the legislation, sparking questions about the constitutionality of his use of executive powers. (Read background about the scope of the amendatory veto here.)

The ethics reforms originally were designed to target contractors who try to influence state business by donating to the political campaigns of elected officials. The idea is to prohibit businesses holding state contracts worth more than $50,000 from donating to political campaigns of constitutional officers who dole out those contracts. According to his news release, Blagojevich also wants to extend the ban to apply to individual legislators, political candidates and statewide political parties, as well.

At the same time, the governor used his amendatory veto powers to add new provisions to the ethics law. Some legislators, including Democratic Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest, said his changes could have merit and should be considered. But some legislators also believe that the way in which he proposes the changes poses a potential constitutional problem. His changes through an amendatory veto would:

• Clarify the process of adopting legislative pay raises by requiring lawmakers to vote “yes” to accept a raise, which targets a confusing system subject to headlines this year;
• Stop legislators from “double dipping” by working in another unit of government at the same time they’re serving in the General Assembly. But he would make exceptions for legislators who are teachers, school counselors, university instructors, police officers, firefighters or “elected officials.” Sen. Mike Jacobs, an East Moline Democrat, said the provision aims directly at Chicago legislators;
  
• And require more detailed disclosure of lobbying work done by legislators or their spouses.

The General Assembly can accept or reject the governor’s amendatory vetoes, but either way, the reforms included in the governor’s executive order will apply to all state agencies January 1.

Cindy Canary said she met with the governor’s office this morning and that while she’s pleased that Blagojevich enacted the provisions within HB 824, she’s also concerned that the executive order lacks teeth and fails to pass constitutional muster. She is director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform in Chicago and helped draft the legislation. Her concern, she said, is that “the legislature doesn’t police how the governor or anybody else implements their executive orders. Those are kind of in-house rules. And they don’t have penalties.”

She also called the amendatory veto an “interesting maneuver” because it would enact brand new policies without allowing the legislature to debate or change the proposals. For instance, she questions the effect of expanding the contributions ban to state political parties. “State parties don’t make contracts using public money. So I’m not sure that it’s a remedy that fits the problem.”

(UPDATE: The governor's veto message, now available, says:

Given that all constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly participate in creating, funding, directing, and overseeing state contracts, this ethics law must bar political contributions to each uniformly in order to achieve the desired goal of a fair and open procurement process, stripped of any conflicts of interest. In addition to the failure to include governmental actors critical to the procurement process, House Bill 824 leaves a gaping loophole, permitting covered state contractors to contribute to political committees of state parties, which are not barred from funneling the contributions back to the government officials in question. Only by strengthening the contribution ban will the citizens of the state gain greater assurance that government contractors will not endeavor to unduly influence the system ... A more comprehensive approach, therefore, not only serves the public interest in eliminating potential undue influence and the appearance of such influence, but also strengthens the state’s interest that is needed to override the business entities’ First Amendment interest in contributing to political candidates.)

Canary added that the so-called double dipping provision seems inconsistent that legislators could work as firefighters or township officials but not sanitation workers. She named many constitutional questions, which could be problematic because legislators can either accept or reject his changes. Because they can’t modify the changes, Canary said, “I really think this is the kind of policy that is better done in a public hearing with a lot of input and thoughtful consideration and very serious scrutiny to avoid the constitutional pitfalls and unintended consequences.”

The timing also is curious, said Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat who is in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. “I find it curious that he’s chosen the first day of the Democratic Convention to do this with most of the Springfield reporters out of town, with most of the legislators and other advocates for different policy considerations in Denver,” Lang said from his cell phone. “He may say it’s a coincidence, but I don’t think anybody’s going to buy that.”

His perception of today's announcement? “The timing is all about trying to make something happen that he thinks will have some repercussions and doing it at a time when he can minimize those repercussions.”

The legislative process also is at play, here. The governor’s office had to act by August 29, or else the bill would have become law without his signature. Brian Williamsen, Blagojevich's spokesman, also said the governor "has been looking forward to taking this positive action for some time."

Senate Republicans perceive the governor’s actions as a potential poison pill, regardless of whether they believe the changes could have merit. “I can’t comment on something I haven’t seen other than it’s controversial,” said Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson. “And what it’s done is jeopardize the whole thing instead of just doing the right thing and signing the bill that the General Assembly put on his desk — and then bringing forth any other ideas he might have.”

The governor, in a news release, said he waited more than three years for the General Assembly to send him a vehicle that he could act on. But one more question remains: Why did he have to wait for the legislature to send him legislation when he could have issued an executive order to prevent pay-to-play with or without legislation on his desk? All other constitutional officers already had used their in-house rules to prevent such campaign contributions.

The one sure thing, Canary said, is, now that Blagojevich publicly stated that he’s enacting a ban on pay-to-play politics, “everybody’s watching.”

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 25, 2008

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- A PLEDGE THAT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT OBAMA WOULD NOT KEEP: Barack Obama pledges tax cut for 95% of Americans in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, speech - AP
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1124081,tax082408.article
-- McCain tries to drive wedge between Obama, Clinton camps Wicked spot attacks Barack for not picking her as running mate - Lynn Sweet
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1124649,CST-NWS-sweet25.article
-- Delegate says Jones called her 'Uncle Tom' 'What did you call me?' Aldermen heard remark but believe Senate president 'said it in jest' - Abdon Pallasch and Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/1124667,CST-NWS-dem25.article
-- Biden has deep ties to Rezko accomplice Joseph Cari 30-year friend of VP pick guilty in kickback scheme - Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1124666,CST-NWS-rezko25.article
-- Gov to target double-dipping House Dems in ethics bill rewrite His changes could kill reform legislation - Dave McKinney and Chris Fusco
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1124646,CST-NWS-ethics25.article
-- Obama doesn't need 'help' from Madonna Comparing McCain to Hitler just gives talking heads ammo - Richard Roeper
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1124642,CST-NWS-roep25.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Roger Simon promotes Obama, demonizes McCain
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1124709,CST-EDT-simon25.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Liberal Democrat Laura Washington promotes liberal Democrats Rick Garcia, Delmarie Coob, and Michael Pfleger
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1124628,CST-EDT-laura25.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-religious Laura Berman promotes teenage promiscuity, again
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1124233,CST-FTR-berman25.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Carol Marin implies that McKenna is encouraging Vallas to switch parties. The 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) convention showed that the Combine continues to dominate the IRP. Because the Combine continues to dominate the IRP, the Combine must want Vallas to switch. Not that the Combine cares about party platforms, but which planks in the IRP platform does Vallas accept?
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1124712,CST-NWS-marin25.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Liberal Democrat Chicago Tribune promotes liberal Democrat Michelle Obama big time, again
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-michelleaug25,0,5029322.story
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Liberal Democrat Chicago Tribune editorializes that the liberal Democrat Obamas will bring Americans together. However, the Obamas' record and the record of those who support them show that is insultingly absurd.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-triceaug25,0,7606939.column
-- To coin a phrase, Chicago is hardly a change machine - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-25-aug25,0,6949201.column
-- Is Hollywood a bad word in Denver? Some wonder whether celebrity fans will help or hurt Obama - Jocelyn Noveck
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-ap-cvn-the-celeb-factor,0,2340210.story
-- McCain hits TV screen in ads—and at church - AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mccain-campaignaug25,0,6590836.story
-- DEMOCRATS PROMOTE DEMOCRATS WHO ARE WEALTHY BUT DEMONIZE REPUBLICANS WHO ARE WEALTHY: John McCain's home count up: Eight - Mark Silva
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/john_mccains_home_count_up_eig.html
-- DuPage County confident of no past election problems Equipment vendor acknowledged software glitch in Ohio votes
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-dupage-elex-aug25,0,7530999.story

DAILY HERALD
-- Unlocking Biden's baggage reveals Blago ticket: Joseph Cari - Chuck Goudie
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229841
-- Conventions tap lobbyists for key roles - John Patterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229851
-- Special interests abound despite Obama's call for change - John Patterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229852
-- A speech for Clinton, but no script for her backers - David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229862
-- Convention pictures - John Patterson
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/422
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/426
-- Durbin: Feuding State Dems owe it to Obama to lay low - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229870&src=109
-- Illinois GOP lending an ear to residents - Kevin Snow, Schaumburg
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229490&src=

ABC7
-- Democrats prepare for start of convention - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6348198 (Includes video clip)

CBS2
-- Protesters Gather In Denver For Anti-War Rally - AP
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/democratic.convention.protests.2.801981.html

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Meet Obama's bundlers - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30705
-- Denver bleacher brawl - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30455
-- ComEd's Springfield power loss - Steve Daniels
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30454
-- Obama camp downplays Clinton backers at DNC
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30708

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- State Capitol Notebook: August 25
http://www.sj-r.com/state/x499362356/State-Capitol-Notebook-Aug-25
-- Jones’ exit causes ripple effect Rare vacancy, power of position mean big impact on legislature - Ryan Keith
http://www.sj-r.com/state/x633544793/Jones-exit-causes-ripple-effect
-- Shimkus: Obama/Biden ticket will fail - Rhys Saunders
http://www.sj-r.com/time_out/x81487303/Shimkus-Obama-Biden-ticket-will-fail

ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
-- Governor who? Blagojevich nowhere in site in Denver - Kevin McDermott
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/78EF4CD2B66A1936862574B00012F963?OpenDocument

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- VERY SAD: 8 Illinois speakers kick off Democrat convention
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/446257.html

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- Why McCain May Beat Obama - Jonathan Morris
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/08/18/why-mccain-may-beat-obama/
-- GOP Opens ‘War Room’ at Democratic Convention
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/25/gop-war-room-dnc/

GOPUSA
-- Obamacide - J. Matt Barber
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/guest/2008/jmb_08251.shtml

BLOOMBERG
-- Germans Overwhelmingly Favor Obama Over McCain, Poll Shows - Patrick Donahue (QUESTION: Which American presidential candidate did the Germans favor in the 1930s and why?)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=ahBy67LgN2lg&refer=germany
-- Democrats Begin Convention With Most Advantages Since Watergate - Indira A.R. Lakshmanan and Heidi Przybyla
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=auFdzt9Pbsrk&refer=home
-- Obama Hope of Audacity Means Race Isn't About Losing Liberals - Julianna Goldman and Kim Chipman
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aIClEOuE9vuA&refer=home

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- A Chance to Reach the Ardent and the Undecided Part of Party Goal: Humanize Obama, Indulge Admirers - Christopher Cooper
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121961301258267331.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- The Democrats Field a Liberal Dream Team - Fred Barnes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121962256899067705.html

AMERICAN DAILY
-- Will Obama Ever Face the Press? - J.B. Williams
http://www.americandaily.com/article/22963

ACCURACY IN MEDIA
-- Obama’s Red Mentor Marshall Davis Was a Pervert - Cliff Kincaid
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/obamas-red-mentor-was-a-pervert/

ROLL CALL-- Parties Bringing Big Guns to Foe’s Convention - John McArdle and Erin P. Billings
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_20/news/27498-1.html?ET=rollcall:e2468:80044029a:&st=email
-- Party Time? Not for Leaders Rules Put Kibosh on Blowouts Honoring Members Tory Newmyer and Erin P. Billings
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_20/news/27505-1.html

AFP
-- Democrats poised to open Obama's convention
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsFIKWALGgjqhGkv_S_YU2Z47mQA

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Obama disguising ties to radical leftist group? ACORN, an organization convicted of voter fraud, pushes 'authoritarian socialist' agenda - Aaron Klein
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73335

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- (DEMOCRAT) Union Officials Worry Racism in the (DEMOCRAT) Ranks Is Hurting Obama - Shawn Zeller (DIERSEN: BUT WAIT, DON'T DEMOCRATS ARGUE THAT ONLY WHITE REPUBLICANS ARE RACIST?)
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002940487

CNS NEWS
-- Biden Has A Pro-Tax Career - Terence P. Jeffrey
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=34516

ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- McCain ad says Obama snubbed Clinton in VP pick - Tom Raum
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jQD-Ub1QQZgszKZ4ddpQBmVCevOQD92ORJL00

CNN
-- Poll: Race for White House tied - Paul Steinhauser
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/24/election.2008.poll/

REUTERS
-- Rice praises Biden as "true patriot"
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2550974520080825

NEW YORK TIMES
-- Tasks for Biden This Fall: Travel and Attack McCain - Patrick Healy
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25MAP.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
-- Obama Aides Defend Bank’s Pay to Biden Son - Christopher Drew and Mike McIntire
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25biden.html
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PICTURE: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Liberal New York Times editorializes that liberal minorities and women worry that the liberal Democrat Obamas will slow down "affirmative action" otherwise known as race and gender based preference giving. However, the liberal Democrat Obamas' record and the record of those who support them show that is insultingly absurd.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25race.html?hp
-- Tracing the Disparate Threads in Obama’s Political Philosophy - Michael Powell
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25ideology.html?scp=2&sq=Michael%20powell%20obama&st=cse

WASHINGTON POST
-- Debating the Wisdom of Choosing Biden - Zachary A. Goldfarb
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/24/debating_the_wisdom_of_choosin.html

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
-- McCain-Romney? Dems fear it could hurt in West - Carolyn Lochhead
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/25/MNDR12HM1O.DTL&type=politics

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Disgusting anti-American religion hating promiscuity promoting liberal white female Democrat Madonna argues that people who support McCain also support Robert Mugabe and Adolf Hitler
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/madonna-mccain.html
-- What Obama needs to do in Denver
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/24/EDEJ12HO6N.DTL

NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE
-- Making the Most of Mom Obama needs to use her story to connect with voters. - Howard Fineman
http://www.newsweek.com/id/155174

TIME MAGAZINE
-- Obama's Convention To-Do List - Mark Halperin
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1835542,00.html

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
-- Democrats Seek To "Humanize" Obama At Convention, Media Starts To Examine Weaknesses In Biden Selection, Mountain West Key To Obama Camp, McCain Camp Seeks To Fire Up Clinton Backers, Obama Has Small Lead In 3 National Polls, Tied In 2
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080825.htm

RENEW AMERICA
-- Doubts, backstabbing, unrest: recipe for Obama-Biden convention--or "Clinton convention"? - Wes Vernon
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/vernon/080825

CHICAGO ARGUS
-- Chicago political influence will be on display throughout Democrat show in Denver - Gregory Tejeda
http://chicagoargus.blogspot.com/2008/08/chicago-political-influence-will-be-on.html

DAILY KOS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Kos blasts Keys. When the Combine ended direct election of Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee (SCC) members in the 1980s, the Combine gained near total control of the IRP. In 2004, the Combine wanted Obama, that is, someone who the Combine could "work with" to be Illinois' U.S. Senator -- not Jack Ryan or Jim Oberweis. The IRP SCC ended up filling the Jack Ryan vacancy with Keyes because the Combine did not want Oberweis to fill the vacancy.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/24/212044/277

COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Liberal Democrat Community Action Partnership discourages individual responsibility, promotes dependency on government, promotes class warfare, promotes socialism, demonizes conservatism, and blames all problems that minorities and women have on Whites and on men
http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/news.asp?id=413

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 24, 2008

COURIER NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pat and Julie Brady to blog for Courier News from the Republican convention
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/lifestyles/1121807,3_5_EL24_CONVENTIONS_S2.article
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Two other novice delegates are former Department of Justice prosecutors Pat and Julie Brady of St. Charles. They will offer updates from the Republican gathering in Minnesota. Pat is an at-large delegate and member of the Republican National Committee who now works as an attorney in the private sector. He has been involved with McCain's campaigns since the Arizona senator ran for president in 1999. A newcomer to politics at this level, Julie is co-chairwoman of the McCain campaign in Illinois. "McCain is the reason I got involved," said Julie Brady, who said his independent character was one thing that prompted her to work for the presumptive nominee.)
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Courier News promotes Obama by promoting those who promote Obama
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1123672,3_1_EL24_A1DEMDELS_S1.article
-- DuPage eyes 45 possible cameras for stop lights - Paige Winfield
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1123637,3_1_EL24_A3REDLIGHT_S1.article
-- Pontiac fights to save prison, jobs - David Mercer
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1123583,3_1_EL24_A5PRISON_S1.article
-- Biden selection: It ends up the media was first to know - John Dunbar
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1123587,3_1_EL24_A6OBAMA_S2.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Dillard feeling fallout from pro-Obama ad Republican to serve as delegate for McCain - Paige Winfield
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1123386,6_1_NA24_DILLARD_S1.article
(THE ARTICLE: State Sen. Kirk Dillard extolled Barack Obama on television, but he's not following the presidential candidate to the Democratic National Convention on Monday. Instead, the Hinsdale Republican - whose district includes Naperville - will head to Minneapolis next week to stand as a delegate for John McCain at his party's national convention. Dillard has been criticized by fellow Republicans for praising Obama's bipartisan style in a TV ad that first appeared in Iowa and ran in several states for nearly a year. The two wrote and successfully passed campaign ethics and racial profiling legislation during Obama's terms in the state Senate. "There are a lot of people in the party who aren't happy about the commercial and (Dillard's) part in it," said state Rep. Jim Durkin, McCain's Illinois chairman. Dillard says he asked the Obama campaign to pull the ad as soon as it became clear that McCain would be Obama's opponent. But he seemed slow to take action when Durkin approached Dillard on the Senate floor in March and urged that the ad be stopped. "Time had passed and the commercials were running, and I had a conversation with Kirk in his office and I told him I thought it would be best if I drafted a letter and he signed it," Durkin said. Despite Durkin's intention, he didn't give Dillard a letter draft until April - at which point Dillard said he immediately and willingly signed the letter. He says he agreed to appear in the ad simply to tell the truth about Obama, not to angle for political favors. "Senators Obama and McCain have indicated they would have people of other parties in their cabinets," Dillard said. "I have no desire to take a federal position. I've said nice stuff about Obama because I've had the privilege of working closely with him." State Rep. Jim Meyer, Naperville, is the other local elected official serving as a McCain delegate. Dillard and Meyer will be joined by six other delegates from the 13th Congressional District, which includes nearly all of Naperville. The delegates include Barbara Dwyer, director of the Community Development Department at Benedictine University. Alternate delegate and Woodridge resident Gregg Abbott agreed to run for the post after Durkin suggested the idea. "It's a lot of rah-rah, try to fire up the troops," Abbott said. "I'm sure that's a lot of what will be going on.")
-- Can cities afford to keep pensions? 19 percent of local tax levy supports retirement plans - Mike Mitchell
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1123422,6_1_NA24_PENSION_S1.article
-- Both sides make case in court for abortion clinic libel suit - Dan Campana
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1123544,6_1_NA24_CLINIC_S1.article

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Suburban life shows its liberal bias again -- it promotes 21-year-old handsome Democrat activist Matt Kennedy but ignores not so handsome 59-year-old Republican activist Dave Diersen
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/glenellyn/news/x766239073/Intern-to-gain-hands-on-experience-at-Democratic-convention
(DIERSEN COMMENTARY: According to Suburban Life reporter Brian Hudson, "One day last week, for instance, (21-year-old handsome Democrat activist Matt Kennedy from Glen Ellyn) was up at 4 a.m. to scour national news stories for any reference to the convention, he said. Those press clippings help frame the press office’s work for the coming day." By way of contrast, since 2004, not so handsome 59-year-old Republican activist Dave Diersen from Wheaton has been getting up at about 3 a.m. each and every morning to "scour" the internet for recent postings of interest to Illinois Republicans. Hudson did not report who or how many rely on Kennedy's work, but hundreds if not thousands of Illinois Republican party leaders, elected officials, candidates, and activists rely on Diersen's work. Since the beginning of 2005, Diersen has brought 32,859 internet postings and information on many upcoming events to the attention of Illinois Republican party leaders, elected officials, candidates, and activists free of charge and without any advertising. Diersen posts copies of his work each and every morning on www.gopillinois.com and www.illinoisreview.typepad.com and the Illinoize page of www.capitalfax.blogspot.com. Kennedy is working on a degree from the University of Chicago. By way of contrast, Diersen has degrees from NIU, Loyola, DePaul, and IIT. Diersen has almost 29 years of experience working for the federal government including almost 17 years working for the Government Accountability Office. In 1979, Diersen passed the CPA examination on his first attempt and in 1981 he passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on his first attempt. Democrat Party leaders and the news media promote Kennedy because Kennedy is involved in politics to advance his party's platform. However, tragically, in Illinois, many Republican Party leaders reject most if not all of the Republican Party platform. Tragically, many of these leaders are Combine members or want to be Combine members or work for Combine members. Combine members are involved in politics to advance their own financial and other interests. Combine members who claim to be Republican would rather see Democrats they "can work with" like Blagojevich, Durbin, and Obama be elected than Republicans who would advance the party's platform. Combine members want to maintain the status quo and vehemently oppose letting Illinois Republicans directly elect Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee (SCC) members. Combine members work hand in hand with Illinois newspapers and television stations to advance their many shared interests. Sadly, Combine types not only do not promote Diersen's GOPUSA ILLINOIS daily emails, they actively discourage Illinois Republicans from reading them and they ascribe bad judgment and evil motive to everything that Diersen does. Outrageously, Combine types who say they are Republican spend most, if not all their time, working against those Republicans who support the Republican Party platform. Outrageously, the more planks in the Republican Party platform that you support, the harder these so called Republicans work against you. Outrageously, the stronger you believe that Illinois Republicans should return to directly electing IRP SCC members, the harder they work against you.)

DAILY HERALD
-- FRONT PAGE WITH COLOR PHOTOS OF BLAGOJEVICH, STROGER, JONES, MADIGAN, & REZKO: Illinois Democrats offer little for Obama to brag about - John Patterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229757
-- Biden fills attack role - AP (DIERSEN: Just kidding: The real reason why Obama picked Biden is that Obama wants to reach out to Corvette owners. Outstandingly, Biden continues to own the 1967 Corvette that his father gave him.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229801
-- Durkin criticizes pay raise system - State Rep. Jim Durkin, Westchester
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229761&src=

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Wide-eyed idealists meet jaded politicos in Denver - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-dnc-bd24aug24,0,6978095.column
-- Web of Illinois connections abound in Biden pick - Rick Pearson
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/web-of-illinois.html
-- McCain calls Biden, then launches ads against him
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mccain-ad_finalaug24,0,2335578.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Liberal Democrat Chicago Tribune gives liberal Democrat Obama advice on how to defeat Republican McCain
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-democrats-goals-dorning_bdaug24,0,5426113.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Minority liberal Democrat Clarence Page promotes minority liberal Democrat Obama and demonizes white Republican McCain
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0824pageaug24,0,7232182.column
-- General Motors is reinventing itself - Renee Rashid-Merem, Director, GM Communications, Detroit
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0824vplettersbriefs0aug24,0,1432974.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Class warfare promoting, if not socialism promoting, if not communism promoting Chicago Sun-Times demonizes the McCains and everyone else who has more than someone else
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1122954,CST-EDT-edit24a.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-religious Chicago Sun-Times promotes abortion, again
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1122956,CST-EDT-edit24b.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Socialism promoting if not communism promoting Chicago Sun-Times promotes Democrat takeover of America's health care industry. When a political party succeeds in taking over a country's heath care industry, it has succeeded in taking over that country's citizens.
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/1123137,CST-NWS-allkids24.article
-- Emil Jones took Obama, the 'pushy' organizer, under his wing - Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1123166,CST-NWS-jones24.article
-- Illinois Democrats' succession battles likely to intensify in Mile High City - Dave McKinney
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/dnc/1123168,CST-NWS-illdel24.article
-- U.S. shouldn't sound like world's nanny - Sowell
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1123136,CST-EDT-sowell24.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Journey begins for Obama, Biden - Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x633544569/Journey-begins-for-Obama-Biden (Includes video clips and pictures)
-- Obama has got to be kidding - George Will
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x2045580996/George-Will-Obama-has-got-to-be-kidding
-- There goes Blagojevich's clout - Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x144225180/Statehouse-Insider-There-goes-Blagojevichs-clout
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: SJ-R promotes Obama by promoting those who promote Obama
http://www.sj-r.com/time_out/x633544562/Voices-from-the-crowd

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Illinois delegation going to Denver amid political intrigue - Dave McKinney
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1122928,082408illdel.article
-- 11th Congressional District: Interrupting baseball for smear tactics - Kristen McQueary
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1121581,082408mcqueary.article

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- GOP: Biden himself said Obama has no experience - Mike Riopell
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/23/news/doc48b0a9915d773714379024.txt

SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
-- Nice theatrics -- now, how about a capital plan? - Editorial
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2008/08/23/opinions/voice_of_the_southern/25580082.txt
-- Obama, Biden kick off joint campaign in Springfield - Kevin McDermott
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2008/08/23/breaking_news/doc48b08a4577c8d454781886.txt

HERALD NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: In America, if a child does not speak English, in all likelihood, the child's parents are in America illegally. Needless-to-say, anyone in America illegally should return to the country that they are a citizen of and they should take their children with them. Once back in the country that they are a citizen of, if they want to, they should apply to come to America legally. Needless-to-say, any money that school districts in America spend teaching English to children of illegals should be billed to the illegals, billed to the country they came from, and/or billed to the individual or to the organization that is currently exploiting them the most (most commonly, the company that is currently employing them).
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1123480,4_1_JO24_FOREIGN_S1.article

BEACON NEWS
-- Self-described grass-roots feminist Gay Bruhn vows vote for a 'woman I believe should be president' - Dan Campana (DIERSEN: Sexism is divisive and destructive. What if a self-described grass-roots "masculinist" vowed to vote for a "man I believe should be president?")
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1123642,2_1_AU24_DEMDELS_S2.article

WJBC
-- Dan Brady: There are pluses and minuses to Biden pick - Jim Fitzpatrick
http://www.wjbc.com/wire2/news/13706_BradyOnBidenWEB_164921.htm (Includes audio clip)

CBS2
-- Chicagoans React To Biden As Obama's Running Mate - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/barack.obama.joe.2.801785.html (Includes video clip)

NBC5
-- Other VP Contenders Weigh In On Biden Obama: Biden 'Uniquely Suited To Be My Partner'
http://www.nbc5.com/politics/17262754/detail.html?dl=mainclick
-- Biden Got Obama Call During Root Canal Clinton Never Seriously Considered, Officials Say
http://www.nbc5.com/politics/17262754/detail.html?dl=mainclick

ABC7
-- Chicago reacts to Obama's running mate - Evelyn Holmes
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6346957 (Includes video clip)
-- Obama introduces running mate Biden - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6346164 (Includes video clip)

EXTREME WISDOM
-- The UIC Library Ayers-Obama cover-up - Bruno Behrend
http://www.extremewisdom.com/?p=1335

AFP
-- Bruiser Biden rips into McCain
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gd25Tchi3hMdl14U0-YeEwTyp_7g

ONE NEWS NOW
-- Obama's great bipartisan moment - Sandy Rios
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=224988
-- Catholic group denounces Obama's pick of Biden for V.P. - Fred Jackson
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Business/Default.aspx?id=225738

LIFE NEWS
-- Republican Party Convention Speakers Include Numerous Pro-Life Advocates - Steven Ertelt
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4166.html

CHICAGO PRIDE
-- Obama skips Clinton, picks Biden as running mate Neither Obama nor Biden support same-sex marriage - Kevin Wayne
http://www.chicagopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/6176089

NEW YORK TIMES
-- A Courteous Call and a Quick Strike From McCain - Elizabeth Bumiller
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24mccain.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1219583347-ZzDvba2vtSOs3i0tPW4qYQ
-- For McCains, a Public Path but Private Wealth - David Halbfinger
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/us/politics/23mccain.html?em
-- The Year of the Political Blogger Has Arrived - Amanda Fairbanks
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/fashion/24blog.html

THE LOPEZ FAMILY
-- SPOOF VIDEO CLIP: Rosanna Pulido for President
http://www.thelopezfamilyonline.com/play.php?first=Rosanna&last=Pulido

Read more...

By-my-side Biden

Illinois’ Old State Capitol got another cameo in the Hollywood-like narrative of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama as he tries to get to the White House as the first African American president. His first appearance with his new Democratic running mate, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, resembled the February 2007 event in downtown Springfield, when Obama announced his candidacy. A larger crowd gathered in the 88-degree heat, the polar opposite of the 10-degree weather last year.

Obama and Biden took the stage on the Old State Capitol grounds about 12 hours after the Obama campaign sent a massive text message to supporters announcing his selection for vice president. Both men emphasized focusing on family, overcoming adversity and repairing economic conditions to about 35,000 people, according to Obama’s campaign Web site.

They attempted to weave common threads through their backgrounds, both coming from meager beginnings and living “America’s story” on the national stage. Obama introduced Biden as a family man who grew from tragedy, when his first wife and a daughter were killed in a car accident several years ago.

Tragedy tests us – it tests our fortitude and it tests our faith. Here’s how Joe Biden responded. He never moved to Washington. Instead, night after night, week after week, year after year, he returned home to Wilmington on a lonely Amtrak train when his Senate business was done. He raised his boys — first as a single dad, then alongside his wonderful wife Jill, who works as a teacher. He had a beautiful daughter. Now his children are grown and Joe is blessed with five grandchildren. He instilled in them such a sense of public service that his son, Beau, who is now Delaware’s attorney general, is getting ready to deploy to Iraq. And he still takes that train back to Wilmington every night. Out of the heartbreak of that unspeakable accident, he did more than become a Senator — he raised a family. That is the measure of the man standing next to me. That is the character of Joe Biden.

Read the full speech here.

Biden framed Obama as the agent for change after eight years of President George W. Bush’s administration.

Barack Obama and I believe, we believe with every fiber in our being, that our families, our communities as Americans, there’s not a single solitary challenge we cannot face if we level with the American people. And I don’t say that to say it; history, history has shown it. When have Americans ever, ever, ever let their country down when they’ve had a leader to lead them?

See U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's comments about the Biden selection here:

Biden is a safe choice for the Obama ticket, according to Christopher Mooney, professor of political studies with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Springfield. “He doesn’t have the big wow factor, but Obama’s got the wow factor. So, it’s not what he needs. He needs somebody safe, and Biden is safe.”

Biden also has foreign policy experience, which has been described as Obama’s weak spot. Biden is serving his sixth term in the Senate, where he started in 1972 at age 29. He chairs the Committee on the Judiciary and serves on the Committee on Foreign Relations. Combatting a potential contradiction in his campaign, Obama said that Biden “has brought change to Washington, but Washington hasn’t changed him.”

Biden twice ran for president, most recently against Obama in the Democratic primary. Biden dropped out of the ’08 race after the Iowa caucus and after making a comment that Obama was “the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy ...” He later clarified that his word choice misrepresented his point that Obama was a storybook candidate.

While Biden joked that he talks “too colloquially” and too much, the vice presidential selection generally doesn’t drastically help or hurt presidential candidates, said Mooney. Nor does it sway many voters. “This is the one time it matters. He’ll go to the convention, and they’ll take pictures. And then they’ll put him on a bus, and he’s going to drive through Nebraska, Kansas and Alabama or wherever they’re going to send him. Unless he says something off the cuff that’s embarrassing, it won’t be a problem.”

Springfield plays a role
Using the Old State Capitol in Springfield as a backdrop is “good politics,” said Tom Schwartz, Illinois State historian at the event. It inevitably draws a comparison between Obama and Abraham Lincoln. Schwartz said Obama is “very much like Lincoln, reminding people that politics is messy and there’s a gamesmanship to it but that at it’s core, it is meant to reflect the ideals of the people that it represents — and that it is participatory, that people need to be part of it. And so, in that sense, he and Lincoln are on the same page.”

And using Lincoln as a backdrop doesn’t hurt when the event attracts national and international media.

Springfield emergency responders also played a role. Individuals stood in lines that wrapped around the downtown area before gates opened, and once they got on the grounds, they waited another two hours for Obama to appear on stage.

The 88-degree heat mixed with sun, humidity and crowded proximities to overwhelm between 30 and 40 people, according to Lt. Bill Neale of the Springfield Police Department. He said heat exhaustion and related injuries led local responders to seek help from the Springfield Fire Department, Riverton emergency services and the American Red Cross.

One person who did not play a role was Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was in Chicago at a deployment event of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry.

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 23, 2008

COURIER NEWS
-- Kane County Board District 20: Elgin Township Republican Precinct Committeewoman Shirley Rauschenberger to take over Wegman's candidacy - David Gialanella
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1122686,3_1_EL23_A3SHIRLEY_S1.article
(THE ARTICLE: Republican precinct committeemen have chosen one of their own, Shirley Rauschenberger, to vie for the Kane County Board District 20 seat in place of withdrawn candidate Larry Wegman, The Courier News learned Friday. Ruschenberger, mother of former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger and wife of now-deceased, long-time county board member John Rauschenberger, filed paperwork Friday afternoon to take Wegman's place in the Nov. 4 general election, according to Kane County Board member Mike Kenyon of South Elgin. Kenyon said there are no legal issues with replacing one candidate with another, as long as he or she is nominated by a majority of area committeemen. Rauschenberger, 81, who is a committeeman for Elgin, recently met with her colleagues, regarding her candidacy, Kenyon said. Wegman pulled out of the race just days ago, stating in a letter that he needs more time to care for his elderly mother. If Rauschenberger's candidacy becomes official, she will run against Democrat Cristina Castro and Green Party candidate Julie Schmitt. Castro defeated incumbent Democrat Jesus de la Isla in the February primary.)

ILLINI PUNDIT
-- JULY 12, 2005 FLASHBACK: Kjellander v. Rauschenberger
http://illinipundit.com/2005/07/12/rauschenberger-v-kjellander
(FROM THE POSTING: I was reminded of this last week when I received a response from Illinois Republican National Committeeman Bob Kjellander to a direct mail fundraising letter sent out from my campaign to prospective Republican donors. Mr. Kjellander took the time to respond to the solicitation. Each of you has a copy of his response. His response, by the way, was discovered by my 78-year old mother who opens all of the campaign mail so I can assure you of the authenticity of this document, the original of which I have here. Mr. Kjellander's response, in addition to declining to make a contribution, was to offer the following comment, "Anybody who gets behind the wheel of a car drunk doesn't belong in the state senate, much less the governor's mansion.")

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- Good to have Obama back in Illinois -- for a change - Editorial
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/23/opinion/132774.txt

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- U. of C. shunning poor patients? Obama's wife, 3 aides tied to plan to free up space - Tim Novak and Chris Fusco
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1122691,CST-NWS-hosp23.article
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Sen. John McCain, Obama's Republican opponent, criticized the Democratic presidential hopeful Friday for having pledged on the campaign trail to expand health care for Americans at the same time his top political strategist "was running a campaign to cut coverage for the poor.")
-- It's time for Obama to prove his passion - Carol Marin
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1122781,CST-EDT-carol24.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- It's official: Joe Biden is Barack Obama's pick as vice presidential running mate Joe Biden would bring considerable foreign policy experience to the Democratic ticket. - James Oliphant and Mike Dorning
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-joe-biden-vice-president-barack-obama,0,1738807.story
-- Obama taps Biden to be running mate - Liz Sidoti and Nedra Pickler
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-veepstakes,0,1144297.story
-- Obama & Ayers: UIC library reverses course on Obama documents Annenberg Challenge information will be released Tuesday
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-obama-library-both-23aug23,0,6077865.story
-- More wary of mixing religion, politics - Katie Fretland
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/religion_politics.html

ABC7
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Kirk Dillard and Paul Green comment on Obama blasting the McCains for owning too many homes
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/media?id=6342970 (Andy Shaw video clip)

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Obama is anti-business, and supposedly, Crain's is pro-business. So why does Crain's want Obama to defeat McCain?
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30696
-- Obama names Biden as his running mate - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30701

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Obama, Biden to share Springfield spotlight
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x2090470155/Downtown-Springfield-prepares-for-national-spotlight

DAILY HERALD
-- Voting machine software glitch affects DuPage County - Jake Griffin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229637
-- Bean a Congressional truant - Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229556&src=
-- Taxes push sales out of Cook County - Larry Maurer, Mount Prospect
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=228834&src=
-- Suburbs should be angry with Meeks - Richard Reuter, Naperville
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229301&src=
-- AP: American automotive industry seeking $50 billion loan from Congress DIERSEN QUESTIONS: How many who demonize the American automotive industry, who demonize American nameplate vehicles, who demonize people employed by the American automotive industry, who demonized those who own stock in the American automotive industry, who demonize those who own American nameplate vehicles, and who demonize America will oppose the loan request? Were it not for the American automotive industry, we would not be speaking English now. We would be speaking German, Japanese, and/or Italian. Are there any vital American industries that the anti-Americans do not want other countries to take over?
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229710

SOUTHWEST NEWS HERALD
-- Jones’ Exit Leaves Democrats with Hope - Rich Miller
http://www.swnewsherald.com/online_content/2008/08/082208ov_mil_jones.php

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- New law drafted by Dillard protects doctors who provide free care
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/westmont/news/x560276371/New-law-to-protect-docs-who-provide-free-care

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Two-handed Froehlich again - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/two-handed-froe.html

CHAMPION NEWS
-- Dennis Miller “Talks the Vote” in Illinois
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1144
-- The church pulpit v. the bully pulpit - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1148

FIDELIS
-- Choice of Biden Re-Opens Catholic Wound
http://www.fidelis.org/press.aspx

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- Quota Quest Of Obama’s vulnerability on racial preferences - John Miller
http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=M2FiN2JiZWRkNWY3M2QyMDk2YjJlODJlNzAwYTdiNDE=
-- Meandering toward Disaster The perils of making a left-wing ideologue commander-in-chief - Andrew McCarthy
http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=NDkyYmY0OGQ2M2FkYzZiYzBhNWYwNzQ5YWNkYjA4Mzg=
-- Senator Stealth How to advance radical causes when no one’s looking - Stanley Kurtz
http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=OWI5NjYwZjg3NzU4MjZkZWI0ZWI5MzEwNzYxNmI4ZGQ=

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
-- Give students the choice to attend charter schools where kids perform well - Collin Hitt
http://illinoispolicyinstitute.org/news/article.asp?ArticleSource=525

INVESTORS
-- Sweet Home Obama - Editorial
http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=304297980806710

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- McCain Campaign Predicts Huge Post-Convention Bump for Obama
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/22/mccain-campaign-predicts-huge-post-convention-bump-for-obama/

REUTERS
-- Does Obama get too much media coverage? - Claudia Parsons
http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/08/22/does-obama-get-too-much-media-coverage/

ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- Is Obama ready for world's toughest job? - Christopher Wills
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbWGkzzdcH6BX_-60uD5NLUrhFngD92NSF8G4

AFP
-- Obama names veteran Biden as VP choice
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ivtfQ7RLPDF8gMsOAf35tDHNtGeg

POLITICO
-- Biden: A statesman known for slips of his tongue - Eamon Javers & Jonathan Martin
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12735.html

WASHINGTON POST
-- Young Evangelical Backs Out of Giving Convention Opening Prayer - Krissah Williams Thompson
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/22/young_evangelical_backs_out_of.html?hpid=sec-politics
-- In Chicago, We've Fought to Stand Together - Sara Paretsky
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202394.html

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What Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Should Do

What Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart Should Do – Part 2
I wrote earlier what I thought Cook County Sheriff should do about the scathing Federal investigator's findings about the Cook County Jail.

To put it briefly,

Tom Dart should throw up his hands, blame the Cook County Board for not providing enough money to bring the Cook County Jail up to standards and ask the Federal Court to take over the jail and make the needed improvements.

Then, he should take credit.

When I wrote my original story, little did I know that Federal Receiver Clark Kelso in California was going to recommend $8 billion over five years be seized from the California treasury to finance prison reforms there, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The argument for seizing the money is buttressed, the Receiver writes, by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's “recent public assertions of extraordinary power to control staste spending regarding state employee salaries and their acknowledgment that the state retains very substantial financial resources to fund necessary programs.” (You may have read that Schwarzenegger is paying state workers the minimum wage because a budget has not been passed.)

The California Receiver goes on to cite concerns similar to the ones brought up by Cook County Jail's Federal investigator:

* Medical care (“It is undisputed, however, that the state was incapable of remedying years of neglect by in the prison medical care system...The state chose for decades to permit the medical system to rot and decay. ”)

* Medical facilities

* Overcrowding

You get the picture.

Where would the money go?

$2 billion to renovate 33 prison clinics.

$6 billion for seven new prisons “for the long-term medical, mental health and dental care of 10,000 inmates.”

The Receiver is also asking $2 million a day in punitive fines, “ increasing by $1 million a day every 10 day, that would set aside for his use,” the article says.

Schwarzenegger included a then-$7 billion request in his budget this year, but Republicans would not support it with an expansion of the state prison system for regular prisoners.

Prior articles about the federal report on Cook County Jail:

Part 1 - Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail - Sheriff Tom Dart's Goals

Part 2 - Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail - 2007 Complaints of Physical Abuse to Inmates

Part 3 - Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail - Causes of and Cures for Physical Abuse

Part 4 - Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail - Medical Care

Part 5 - Pervasive Problems at Cook County Jail - Access to Medical and Dental Care

Posted first on McHenry County Blog, one that does not go to sleep on the weekend.

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GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - August 22, 2008

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- ALL OF FRONT PAGE WITH 10X5.5-INCH COLOR PICTURE OF OBAMA AND REZKO: McCain plays the Rezko card McCain thinks he'll get more mileage from insider's conviction than Hillary did - Lynn Sweet
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1121096,CST-NWS-sweet22.article
-- Jones' son given spot on November ballot Legislator offers different candidate - Chris Fusco
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1121352,CST-NWS-jones22.article
-- SNEED: Gov. Blago, who won't be headlining anything at the Dem National Convention, will be playing host to a very special person in Denver. To wit: Blago will host a party honoring state veterans chief Tammy Duckworth, his favorite to replace Barack Obama should he win the presidency.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/1121086,CST-NWS-SNEED22.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Steve Huntley analogizes criticisms of Obama to criticisms of Bush
http://www.suntimes.com/news/huntley/1120744,CST-EDT-hunt22.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Young, emerging, edgy, hip, registered Republican, "Evangelical," Cameron Strang reconsiders doing something (delivering a benediction at Obama's anti-Evangelical convention) that would be considered an endorsement of the anti-Evangelical Obama. But sadly, Strang got "young Evangelical" Donald Miller to do it.
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/religion/1121500,prayer082208.article

ABC7
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: News media provides outstanding coverage of 14th State Senate District Democrats electing Emil Jones III to fill the Emil Jones Jr. vacancy and to run against Republican Ray Wardingly. Why didn't the news media provide such outstanding coverage when 6th Congressional District Republicans elected Chris Kachiroubas to fill the Ron Smith vacancy?
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6343152 (Includes video clip)

NBC5
-- Emil Jones' Son Picked To Replace Him On Ballot
http://www.nbc5.com/politics/17259195/detail.html?dl=mainclick

CBS2
-- Emil Jones III Chosen To Replace Father In Senate - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/emil.jones.senate.2.800587.html (Includes video clip)

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- FROM THE ARTICLE: Committeemen cast their votes for the younger Jones over a candidate put up by state Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) at a meeting in the back room of Ald. Carrie Austin's 34th Ward office on the South Side. Media were allowed to attend. Davis, whose House district overlaps with Jones' Senate district in Chicago's Beverly community, sparked a heated exchange with the Senate president about the way in which his son was appointed to replace him. At one point, Austin turned off the lights to interrupt Davis' interview with reporters.
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1121024,082208emilyounger.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Millionaire Obama promotes class warfare, demonizes millionaires
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-campaign-wealthaug22,0,870823.story
-- Emil Jones III takes father's spot on November ballot Leaders give son father's spot on ballot - Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-emil-jones-son-22aug22,0,1594874.story
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/democrats-forma.html
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PHOTO OF JESSE JACKSON SR.: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrat Party dominated Chicago Tribune promotes Jackson as favorably as it possibly can
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-jacksonaug22,0,2433151.story
-- Senator Meeks' opportunity - Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0822edit1aug22,0,3796445.story
-- Ethics legislation should become law now - Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois state treasurer, Springfield
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0822vplettersbriefs0aug22,0,5627267.story

DAILY HERALD
-- Sheriff Mark Curran's statement
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229029&src=109
-- OUTSTANDING: HHS: Doctors can refuse to provide abortions - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229283
-- OUTSTANDING: Just say no to drop in drinking age - Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229384&src=109
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats encourage people with severe health, financial, and other problems to go to the suburbs take advantage of the prosperity and safety that Republicans created there, but outrageously, when these problematic people die in the suburbs, Democrats increasingly refuse to claim the bodies
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229279&src=5
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: How soon will the Democrats get a liberal activist judge to impose a "Race Tax," that is, a tax on Republican Whites that would give Democrats money that allegedly they would give to Democrat dominated minority schools?
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=229384&src=109

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Keyes vs. Obama, round two - Lorene Yuehttp://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30681
-- Jones’ son to replace him on Nov. ballot
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30687

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
-- Media's grade-school crush on Obama flunks smell test for most objective Americans - Peter Schweizer
http://www.bnd.com/285/story/441912.html

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- Jim Thompson: Illinois government a mess - Chuck Sweeny
http://blogs.e-rockford.com/sweenyreport/2008/08/21/thompson-illinois-government-a-mess/

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: OUTSTANDING: July 19 Operation Support Our Troops Illinois concert in Wheaton raises $425,000 -- $1,500 "Two Star" sponsors included Congresswoman Judy Biggert, Milton Township Republican Central Committee, and U.S. Senate candidate Steve Sauerberg. $500 "One Star" sponsors included DuPage County, DuPage Federation of Republican Women, GOPUSA ILLINOIS, Lisle Township Republican Organization, and Naperville Area Republican Women's Organization.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1120883,6_1_NA22_TROOPS_S1.article

COURIER NEWS
-- Counties wary of drop in gas-tax revenue May see summer revenues drop off - David Gialanella
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1121007,3_1_EL22_A1GASTAX_S1.article
-- Blago on sidelines; Obama in spotlight Ill. governor won't play prominent role in Dem's campaign - John O'Connor
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1121006,3_1_EL22_A1OBAMA_S1.article

HERALD NEWS
-- Local Dems want Biden with Obama - Joe Hosey
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1120792,4_1_JO22_VP_S1.article

SUBURBAN LIFE
-- Cerne, Ostling, and Russo sworn in as DuPage County Associate Judges
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/darien/news/x1311849054/3-new-judges-sworn-in

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Obama's Surprise VP Choice: Emil Jones - Dan Proft
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/08/obamas-surprise.html

JILL STANEK
-- Obama caught on tape arguing against giving medical attention to aborted babies
http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/08/baipaobamamp3.html

ABC NEWS
-- McCain Ad Rips Obama on Rezko
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/mccain-plans-ad.html

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
-- Conservative Group Links Obama to Ayers in New Ad
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/21/conservative-group-links-obama-to-ayers-in-new-ad/

TOWN HALL
-- Obama's Great Bipartisan Moment - Sandy Rios
http://townhall.com/columnists/SandyRios/2008/08/21/obamas_great_bipartisan_moment&Comments=true

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- What Would MLK Do? Oabama is not a given. - Kyle-Anne Shiver
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmNmNzg2M2QzMzkzZjQ2OTY2ZWI4ZjMyNTJjNWJhZWI=

AMERICAN THINKER
-- Obama's Education Track record in Chicago - Ed Lasky
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/08/obamas_education_track_record.html

CNS NEWS
-- Study: Networks Gave Fawning Coverage to Obama - Fred Lucas
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=34487

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- They're Paying Attention Now - Peggy Noonan
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121935481067161515.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: THOSE INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COUNTRIES THAT HATE AMERICA ARE OVERJOYED: The Big Three hating multi-national Wall Street Journal is overjoyed that the Big Three are headed for bankruptcy. Are there any American companies that the WSJ does not hate? Are there any foreign countries or foreign companies that the WSJ does not love? Are there any American jobs that the WSJ does not want to drive overseas?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121936530892762135.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks

INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY
-- Alice In Obamaland - Editorial
http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=304210671922915

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY
-- Democratic State of the States 2008: Illinois - Greg Giroux
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=weeklyreport-000002939830
-- Obama: A Quick Rise on A Non-Traditional Career Path - David Nather
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=weeklyreport-000002939966

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
-- The qualifications campaign: Barack Obama's real vulnerability - Jeremy Mayer
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/08/20/2008-08-20_the_qualifications_campaign_barack_obama-2.html
-- Group Plans Ad Criticizing Obama’s Ties to Ex-Radical Ayers - Jim Rutenberg
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/us/politics/22ads.html

WASHINGTON POST
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Wealthy and clueless Obama demonizes McCain as being wealthy and clueless
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/21/AR2008082103561.html
-- Obama Camp Has Many Ties to Wife's Employer, the University of Chicago Medical Center - Joe Stephens
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/21/AR2008082103646.html

INDIANAPOLIS STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ken Bode promotes Obama and demonizes Obama critics
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/OPINION12/808220421/1002/OPINION

MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Obama demonizes the "rich," but wait, Obama himself and many Democrats are "rich." In Illinois, many "rich" Democrats who support Obama have moved into DuPage County to take advantage of the prosperity and safety that Republicans created there. Obama would never demonize his supporters. So when he demonizes the "rich,'" he should make it clear that he is only demonizing Republicans who are "rich."
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/27254544.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

ATLANTIC
-- McCain Prepares Rezko Ad; Wright "Now Fair Game;" GOP 527 Attacks
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/08/mccain_prepares_rezko_ad_wrigh.php

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- Roskam gives outstanding presentation at Wheaton Chamber of Commerce luncheon; attendees include Gresk, Hultgren, Morgenthaler, and Mouhelis
www.gopillinois.com
Congressman Peter Roskam gave an outstanding presentation at the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, August 21, at the Holiday Inn in Carol Stream. Attendees include Mike Gresk, Randy Hultgren, Jill Morgenthaler, and Tom Mouhelis.

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