GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 7, 2008

DIERSEN: The title of Crain's article is "Business leaders aim to revive Illinois GOP." But "business leaders" who dominate the Illinois GOP State Central Committee elected Andy McKenna Jr. to lead the Illinois GOP in 2005 and reelected him in 2006.

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- Business leaders aim to revive Illinois GOP - Paul Merrion and Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30905
(FROM THE ARTICLE: As GOP presidential nominee John McCain enters the stretch run, Chicago executives are trying to reverse the Illinois Republican Party's long slide from power. After losing the last two gubernatorial races and every statewide race two years ago, when divisive primaries produced relatively weak candidates, the party's leading donors are trying to find viable, business-oriented contenders for governor and other top posts in 2010. "We want to put together a meaningful ticket of fresh faces, without baggage," says Mayer Brown LLP partner Ty Fahner, chairman of the Illinois GOP's finance committee. "That's where we'll put the money." Some members of the finance committee have been meeting privately with potential candidates over the past year. Mr. Fahner won't say who's involved besides state party Chairman Andrew McKenna Jr., president of Schwarz Paper Co. in Morton Grove. But insiders say the finance committee includes top donors Michael Keiser, CEO of Recycled Paper Products Inc., Edgar "Ned" Janotta, chairman of William Blair & Co., Oak Brook investor Peter Huizenga, Goldman Sachs & Co. Managing Director Muneer Satter and Bruce Rauner, chairman of Chicago private-equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner LLC. Business leaders are trying to restore the party's traditional role in tapping nominees, which has diminished amid recent scandals that drove the Illinois GOP from power and discredited its leadership. That weakness opened the door for wealthy upstarts such as dairy magnate Jim Oberweis and investment banker Jack Ryan, who both won GOP nominations in self-financed races but couldn't get elected. There's no guarantee the effort to reassert party control will work. Self-funded candidates or single-issue activists could still draw enough support to win crowded primaries, and business-backed contenders lacking grass-roots support could be labeled candidates of business as usual rather than reformers. Still, Mr. McKenna says "the No. 1 request from the financial community and grass roots is, 'Give us good candidates.' It's a matter of getting financial support and grass roots together." Some conservatives view slate-making with suspicion and doubt business leaders seek candidates with strong views on abortion or other social issues. "I love our political process," says Waukegan attorney Kathy Salvi, a leading Illinois conservative and a candidate for the U.S. House two years ago. "I think some of our strongest leaders have come from grass-roots initiatives." Anyone who contributes at least $25,000 a year can be on the GOP finance committee, but Mr. Fahner says a smaller group of eight to 12 Chicago-area business leaders has been meeting periodically with prospective gubernatorial candidates. They are looking for someone relatively young who can bridge the divide between the party's conservatives and moderates, as former Republican governors James R. Thompson and Jim Edgar did for many years. THE CONTENDERS Aside from several statehouse leaders known to be eyeing statewide races, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley may throw his hat in the ring. Mr. Whitley told his Springfield-based business group's board last week that he was forming an exploratory committee to weigh a bid. Another who might fit the bill is Mr. Rauner. He gave the party $50,000 this year and dropped in to meet Illinois delegates at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., last week, adding to the buzz that he's considering a run for governor. Mr. Rauner declines to comment. Steve Preston, the U.S. secretary of housing and urban development, could appeal to both social conservatives and the business community. He is the former chief financial officer of ServiceMaster Co., a company known for its Christian orientation, which moved last year to Memphis, Tenn., from Downers Grove. Mr. Preston also declines to comment. Chicago executive Ron Gidwitz, who lost a primary race for governor in 2006, has been mentioned as a possible contender in 2010, as well. His own initiative to help the party this year has raised more than $1 million from Chicago-area executives for the Economic Freedom Alliance, an independent political action group he formed under Section 527 of the tax code to buy television and radio ads aimed at some of the state's tightest congressional races this year. "I'm not saying yes or no" to running for governor in 2010, Mr. Gidwitz says. "I'm just focused on 2008." Mr. Fahner won't discuss which prospective candidates have met with his group but says, "They're people who've accomplished something at this stage of their lives and are still plenty young enough to give the party a new face.") (NOTE: As of 8:00 AM, Sunday, September 7, 2008, one of the six color photos included in this article was of Andy McKenna Sr. instead of his son, Andy McKenna Jr. How could Crain's make such a monumental mistake?)
-- Robert Novak writes of cancer treatment - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30907
-- Open questions - Greg Hinz
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=30509

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Phil Kadner argues that Peter Fitzgerald "made Obama possible," but he really is arguing that Chicago newspapers, Richard Daley, George Ryan, Hastert, and other Combine members "made Obama possible." Kadner says: "As for many of the Illinois Republicans touting McCain's virtues today and denouncing Obama, they're the very folks who couldn't stand Fitzgerald because he was honest."
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/1148797,090708Kadner.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Obama's supporters blame Republicans for all problems that minorities have had, are having, and ever will have. William Lee constructively argues that if you don't support Obama, you are a racist. Does Obama approve of that racist message?
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1147169,090708barbershop.article
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1147167,090708hate.article
-- Some lawmakers see park and historic site closings as Blagojevich's political payback - Ryan Keith
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1149284,090708stateparksside.article
-- Shotgun wedding doesn't make everything OK for Palin family - Kimberly Brehm
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/brehm/1147045,090708brehm.article
-- Why Southland should vote 'yes' to con-con - Kristen McQueary
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/mcqueary/1147057,090708mcqueary.article

DAILY HERALD
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PHOTOS OF MCCAIN AND OBAMA: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Over the decades, the Daily Herald has made it clear that it exists to elect candidates who can and will efficiently and effectively advance the Combine and the Democrat Party platform. So of course, between the lines, its "Road map to Election Day" steers you in that direction.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=233265
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Everyone on the planet earth knows that the news media in America is overwhelmingly Democrat and overwhelmingly anti-conservative. The Daily Herald outrageously tries to downplay the tremendous, tragic, and destructive influence that the Democrat anti-conservative news media has in America.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=233074&src=
-- VERY SAD: Aisha Pulido of Chicago demonizes Palin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232852
-- Much 'hate speech' comes from liberals - Tom Manion, Mount Prospect
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232739&src=

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- Obama, McCain polling-tie again
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/obama_mccain_pollingtie_again.html
-- 2 Americas, a world apart For each party, the struggle is on to convince voters its view of the U.S. matches their reality - Jim Tankersley and Christi Parsons
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-two_americas_bdsep07,0,3127838.story
-- U.S. attorney asks Republican to stop using photo in campaign flier Fitzgerald says Peraica ad could incorrectly be interpreted as an endorsement - James Kimberly
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-fitzgerald-peraica-campaign-sep07,0,6051550.story
-- Peraica won't stop using Fitzgerald photo in state's attorney race - James Kimberly
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/09/peraica-wont-st.html
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Chicago Tribune demonizes Republicans, again
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-palin-clinton-thinksep07,0,1436498.story
-- A Democrat machine in Chicago? Don't be naive - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-rnc-bd07sep07,0,6575704.column
-- Man who held Wheaton bank customers hostage was going through difficult emotional time, relatives say 'It just wasn't him,' his father says - Azam Ahmed
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bank-suicide-folosep07,0,5036228.story

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- My brain tumor brings out best in people "The first sign that I was in trouble came on Wednesday, July 23, when my 2004 black Corvette struck a pedestrian on 18th Street in downtown Washington while I was on my way to my office." - Robert Novak
http://www.suntimes.com/news/novak/1148594,CST-EDT-novak07.article
-- Enough mommy stuff -- focus on issues - Carol Marin
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/1148589,CST-EDT-CAROL07.article
-- I'm wary of pit bulls, with lipstick or not Tune out the political ads. You can do it. Yes, you can. - Mark Brown
http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/1148651,CST-NWS-brown07.article
-- Why is GOP sneering at Obama's work as community organizer? - Editorial
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1148608,CST-EDT-edit07a.article

ABC7
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: North Chicago and Waukegan minorities demonize police. What is Obama's position on this?
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6375354 (Includes video clip)
-- Obama rebukes Palin on earmarks - AP
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6374915

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VIDEO CLIP: Conaty discusses the conventions; Radogno discusses Palin and women in politics
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7375910&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.1.1

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
-- Brady's bunch: Can he stand out in crowded 2010 GOP primary pool? Bloomington's Bill Brady among many looking to become governor - Kurt Erickson
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/09/06/news/doc48c2e35277f94771180057.txt

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Modest hope for solution to state’s woes - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x802007690/Our-Opinion-Modest-hope-for-solution-to-state-s-woes

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
-- Budget plan aims to get something for nothing - Doug Finke
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x475160000/Finke-Budget-plan-aims-to-get-something-for-nothing

BEACON NEWS
-- DIERSEN QUESTION: The Democrat Party platform rejects all the religions of the world. All the religions of the world discourage sexual intercourse outside of wedlock. Why are more and more teenagers in DuPage County rejecting all the religions of the world and engaging in sexual intercourse outside of wedlock anyway? Is it because more and more people who promote the Democrat Party platform are moving into DuPage County to take advantage of the safety and prosperity that religious people created?
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1148840,2_1_AU07_TEENPREG_S1.article
-- Senger v. McGuire: Candidates from 96th District race to debate
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1149727,2_1_AU075_DEBATE_S1.article
-- Oberweis sets three more energy forums
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1148836,2_1_AU07_14THDIST_S1.article

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Berkowitz to join Johnston on Roeser tonight, again
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/berkowitz-to-join-johnston-on-roeser.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
-- Some questions for Whitley's exploratory committee - Fran Eaton
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/09/some-questions.html

ELMHURST COLLEGE
-- OUTSTANDING: Ideas X-Change to Feature John Kass The Chicago Tribune columnist kicks off a revamped speaker series on Sept. 9 with "Campaign 2008: Illinois Politics."
http://public.elmhurst.edu/news/26176879.html

WEEKLY STANDARD
-- The media's attacks on Sarah Palin backfire - William Kristol
http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/526mzhjz.asp
-- Why They Hate Her Sarah Palin is a smart missile aimed at the heart of the left. - Jeffrey Bell
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/534rlysq.asp?pg=1

ASSOCIATED PRESS
-- McCain-Palin becoming Palin-McCain? - Sara Kugler
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g8V1eNDReg1jMgf5oGmbAKWOuoPAD931E3DO0

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Palin has dubbed herself a "pit bull with lipstick." I am sure that Palin has the vote of Joan R. Klem in my precinct. Joan is an AKC Judge, Rottweiler Breeder, and Founding Member of the Medallion Rottweiler Club based in Illinois
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/09/06/2008-09-06_sarah_palin_may_have_women_flocking__to_.html

NEWSWEEK
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Anti-religious Lisa Miller tries to equate Palin's former pastor with Obama's former pastor
http://www.newsweek.com/id/157570

ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Letter from Francis Cardinal George concerning abortion and politics
http://www.archchicago.org/cardinal/letter/letters_2008/letter_090308.shtm

INSIDE CATHOLIC
-- VERY SAD: David R. Carlin: Why I'm Not a Republican
http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4442&Itemid=48

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Gov. Sarah Palin: Unequally yoked - Alan Keyes
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74339

ILLINOIS REASON
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: "robnesvacil" anonymously demonizes and denigrates Diersen and continues to claim that he/she is not hiding behind anonymity
http://illinoisreason.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/anonymously-yours/

WINDY CITY TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: All the religions of the world discourage homosexual activity. Tragically, the Democrat Party platform promotes homosexual activity. Therefore, tragically, the Democrat Party rejects all the religions of the world.
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=19323

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 6, 2008

ABC7
-- Hostage situation ends at Wheaton bank - Paul Meincke
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6373195 (Includes video clip)
(FROM THE ARTICLE: WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) -- A three-hour standoff at Wheaton Bank and Trust Company is over. No hostages were injured, police said. An officer was treated for a superficial wound at a hospital and released. The suspect, who has not been identified, is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police say he is a 50-year-old male. After hearing a gunshot, the SWAT team entered the building at 211 South Wheaton Avenue. Flash-bang concussion sounds soon after led officers to stand down from their original positions around the building. "Several flash bang grenades, several loud concussions, and on top of that there was a stretcher immediately brought in following that. We're not sure what happened on the inside, sir. But there was indeed a stretcher brought in and then brought right back out, after which another group of SWAT members penetrated the building as well. After that, about five or 10 minutes, everything seemed to stand down a little bit," said Bob Krzyzewski, witness. Police said the incident began with a false call of a hit-and-run in the bank parking lot. When the officer responded, the suspect put a knife to the officer's throat and stole his gun. He then ran inside the bank. "Apparently the hit-and-run accident was a ruse. A call was received by dispatch on the 911 line from a cell phone stating there had been a hit-and-run accident in the parking lot of the Wheaton Bank and Trust Company there at 211 South Wheaton. That came in at 1:28 P.M.," said Dep. Chief Tom Meloni, Wheaton Police Department. Police said 10 to 12 people were taken hostage, but negotiations with the suspect led to their release. It is not clear if the suspect had any demands. "I was not on the phone line with the hostage negotiators. They handled those communications," said Dep. Chief Meloni. "Periodically through the afternoon he would break officer communication, yes. We tried to keep phone contact with him all the time." Krzyzewski said a bank executive, Ruth Carlson, is the hero of the day, running communications with the police from inside after getting a support phone from police. "She was standing out in front holding the door, putting herself at risk between the SWAT team and the gentleman inside the bank holding everybody hostage," said Krzyzewski. "Ruth Carlson is a hero. She was watching over the people. She was one of the last people to get out of that bank after everybody else had been evacuated. Thank God everybody is safe and sound to the best of my knowledge." Dozens of people were seen running from the building, which houses office buildings on the second- and third-floor, throughout the ordeal. The bank occupies the first-floor and has offices on the fourth. Those people were bused to a nearby building for a debriefing. "On the second floor. It's a law firm. We were on the second floor when this started. We have offices on the whole second floor," said one man. "We were taken out to stairwells . . . We knew something was going on. We didn't know what.")
-- Autopsy set for man in bank hostage situation - Michelle Gallardo
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6374541

NBC5
-- Gunman Dies After Taking Hostages In Wheaton Police: Wheaton Bank 'Secure'
http://www.nbc5.com/news/17402968/detail.html?dl=mainclick (Includes video clip)

CBS2
-- Wheaton Hostage Situation Ends With Suicide
http://cbs2chicago.com/westsuburbanbureau/wheaton.hostage.situation.2.811060.html (includes video clip)
-- Rising Unemployment Becomes Key Campaign Issue - Mike Parker
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/unemployment.presidential.campaign.2.811191.html (Includes video clip)

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
-- DuPage County Coroner Pete Siekmann: Wheaton Hostage Suspect Identified
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7372864&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

DAILY HERALD
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH 4.5X7-INCH COLOR PICTURE: FROM THE ARTICLE: Bob Krzyzewski, a chiropractor whose office is next to the bank, witnessed much of the police activity. He credited bank executive Ruth Ann Carlson with putting her employees' safety before her own. "She's a real hero," he said. "She was keeping the people calm, cool and collected. She was the last person to leave the bank."
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232988
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Abortion advocate Ellen Goodman demonizes Republicans and especially Palin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232285
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Rich Schwanbeck of Elk Grove Village points out that "Chicago schools get around $4,000 per student from the state. Suburban schools get around $1,000."
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232729&src=
-- Palin choice separates candidates - Ken Spitz, West Chicago
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232889&src=
-- Aaron Schock could become youngest congressman at 27 - AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232925
-- Palin provides the spark, as it's 'game on' for Election 2008 - Paul Green
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232964
-- Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast: Jim Wallis, CEO of Sojourners: Elections alone don't solve problems (DIERSEN: Many thanks to the many Republican elected officials, candidates, and party leaders who offered me a ticket for this event. But, the tremendous amount of time that I have to spend to get GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails out as early as possible each and every morning, emails that are read by thousands of Illinois Republicans each and every day, prevented me from accepting your gracious offers. Your kindness helps me deal with the nasty anti-conservatives, some of whom claim to be Republican, who continue to punish/blacklist me. ) - Catherine Edman
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232853&src=2

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- Gunman kills self after taking hostages at Wheaton bank - Dan Rozek
http://www.suntimes.com/news/1148167,CST-NWS-hostage06.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sneed reports on the Palins' travels, Daschle in line to be Obama chief of staff, Watson comment on Obama's Senate votes, Durkin's future, Pat Boone's shoes, etc.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/1148679,CST-NWS-SNEED07.article
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH 3.5X6.5 COLOR PHOTO: Patrick Fitzgerald: This is baloney, Tony 'Misleading assumption' Fed prosecutor says flier implies he endorsed Peraica - Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1148045,CST-NWS-fitz06.article

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH 7X8.5 INCH COLOR PHOTO: Bank standoff paralyzes Wheaton Hostage-taker kills self after stealing cop's gun at knifepoint, police say - James Kimberly
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wheaton-bank-both_06sep06,0,3508243.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chicago Tribune promotes Schock. Because the Tribune is dominated by the anti-conservative Combine, it only promotes candidates, elected officials, and party leaders it dominates or believes it can dominate. Schock must be disappointed that the Tribune promotes him.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-il-schockprofile,0,4513228.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chicago Tribune promotes Whitley. Because the Tribune is dominated by the anti-conservative Combine, it only promotes candidates, elected officials, and party leaders it dominates or believes it can dominate. Whitley must be disappointed that the Tribune promotes him.
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/09/state-chamber-o.html
-- Five questions for Rep. Mark Kirk Amid a tight race for his seat, he looks ahead to the needs of New Orleans and nuances of the Palin pick - Jim Tankersley
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-five-questions-kirksep01,0,3594601.story

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Wheaton hostage suspect, Michael R. Long, 1400 block of Cantigny Way, Wheaton, is dead
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1147424,na05_wheatonstandoff_s1.article

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
-- As Dr. Bob Krzyzewski told ABC7's Paul Meincke yesterday, my neighbor, Ruth Carlson was the "hero of the day" - Dave Diersen
www.gopillinois.com
(THE REPORT: As I told ABC7's John Garcia yesterday evening when he came to interview Ruth, I am proud to say that Ruth and Keith Carlson are my next door neighbors. Ruth is an executive with the Wheaton Bank and Trust Company, where I and many other Wheaton residents have accounts, and Keith operates the nearby Carlson Glass and Mirror. Dr. Bob Krzyzewski, a fellow Milton Township Republican Precinct Committeeman, lives near the bank. Yesterday afternoon, the noise of helicopters over downtown Wheaton made it clear that there was a major problem. I soon learned that as Dr. Bob told ABC7's Paul Mieinke later that afternoon, Ruth was the "hero of the day." She played an major role in assuring the best possible outcome for the hostages that had been taken at the bank. Ironically, during the crisis, police took up positions in the Carlson Glass and Mirror building and Wheaton Police subsequently asked Keith's company to board up windows in the bank that had been broken during the crisis. When he served as a state representative, Randy Hultgren used part of bank's first floor for his district office. I remember being in that office on the morning of September 11, 2001. The new St. Michael Church is near the bank. This latest tragedy brought back memories of the day in 2002 when a resident of my precinct, who is now in jail, burnt the old church down and subsequently tried to have Birkett killed.)

SOUTHTOWN STAR
-- Illinois House moves closer to privatizing lottery - Christopher Wills
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1148343,090608lottery.article

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Doug Whitley blasts Illinois Republican Party (IRP) leaders saying: “I see a Republican Party that is dysfunctional, just like state government” and “There’s no true leadership in the Republican Party. They’ve lost their way since the George Ryan scandal, and they truly need fresh ideas and new people and people who have a desire for a better future.” Since 2005, the IRP has been led by Andy McKenna. In January of that year and again in 2006, the 19 members of the IRP State Central Committee (SCC) elected McKenna to serve as IRP Chairman. Recently, the IRP SCC elected Pat Brady to serve as IRP National Committeeman and Demetra DeMonte to serve as IRP National Committeewoman. According to Article V, Section G, of the IRP by-laws titled Central Committee Votes, "All questions shall be determined by a majority of weighted votes cast on the question." IRP SCC members determine who will serve on each of the IRP convention committees including the committees that recommend who the next IRP National Committeeman and IRP National Committeewoman will be. Because together, they have 50.61% of the weighted vote, if they vote together as a block, just six of the 19 IRP SCC members can control the IRP. Those six are Dennis Wiggins (District 14 with 9.02%), John Birch (Dist. 18 with 8.88%), Roger Claar (Dist. 13 with 8.84%), Dave Syverson (Dist. 16 with 8.29%), Jerry Clarke (Dist. 15 with 8.09%), and Bob Winchester (Dist. 19 with 7.49%). Obviously, if Illinois Republicans could directly elect IRP SCC members, they might have elected different IRP SCC members. Obviously, those IRP members might have elected a different IRP Chairman , a different IRP National Committeeman, and a different IRP National Committeewoman.
http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x1001335141/State-Chamber-of-Commerce-head-considering-gubernatorial-run

BEACON NEWS
-- OUTSTANDING: GOP delegates (including Ray Pawlak, Keith Wheeler, and Gabriela Wyatt) return home, ready to work "We're no longer your father's Oldsmobile, we're your daughter's Corvette," Pawlak said. - Andre Salles
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1147911,2_1_AU06_GOPDELS_S1.article

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- 'Electrifying' Lake County women leaders impressed by Sarah Palin - Ryan Pagelow
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1147967,5_1_WA06_WOMEN_S1.article

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
-- Borling & Syverson: McCain's speech exceeded expectations - Chuck Sweeney
http://www.rrstar.com/elections/x997991445/Delegates-with-Rock-River-Valley-ties-McCains-speech-exceeded-expectations

CHAMPION NEWS
-- Contrasting Sarah Palin with the Illinois GOP leadership - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1188
-- John Kass describes chance meeting between Kjellander and Fitzgerald at St. Paul convention - Doug Ibendahl
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1189

CAPITOL FAX
-- Rep. Watson’s welcome home party - Rich Miller
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/09/05/rep-watsons-welcome-home-party/

REPUBLICANS FOR FAIR MEDIA
-- Republicans Blast Pro-Democrat Media During Convention: Now That's A Worthy Target - Daniel T. Zanoza
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/09/republicans-blast-pro-democrat-media-during-convention-now-thats-a-worthy-target.html

AMERICANS FOR TRUTH
-- Here Come the Christian-Bashers -- Huffington Post Attacks Gov. Palin’s ‘Controversial Worldview’
http://americansfortruth.com/news/here-come-the-christian-bashers-huffington-post-attacks-gov-palins-controversial-worldview.html#more-2282

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Obama, Ayers, Dohrn and double jeopardy - Ellis Washington
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74486

PHILADELPHIA EVENING BULLETIN
-- Twenty-Two Reasons To Vote Against Obama - Herb Denenberg
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/index.cfm?newsid=20107734&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- The Party's Over Millions of voters have moved out of the political party system. The decline of loyalty has made politics less stable and predictable -- and has resulted in close elections. - Alan Brinkley
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122065969178405759.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_topbox

LOS ANGELES TIMES
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Gloria Steinem knows full well that because her own negatives are sky high, that when she demonizes a candidate, she actually helps that candidate. Steinem demonizes Palin, so she must really want to help Palin.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-steinem4-2008sep04,0,7915118.story

ILLINOIS REASON
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: "Robnesvacil," someone who hides behind anonymity, blasts Dan Curry
http://illinoisreason.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/dan-curry-stuck-in-reverse/

CHICAGO ARGUS
-- Business execs w/ political dreams like Doug Whitley need shot of reality to be taken serious - Gregory Tejeda
http://chicagoargus.blogspot.com/2008/09/business-execs-w-political-dreams-need.html

Read more...

Woodstock “Angel of Death“ Nursing Home Suit Filed

Walk with me through a civil suit filed by Viki Lund, daughter of Virginia Cole, who is alleged to have died at the Woodstock Residence as a result of an overdose of morphine.

Lund's attorney is Steven Levin. His Chicago law firm is Levin & Perconti.

What follows is what I have picked out of the suit:

“...the Administration including, but not limited to, ALISSA NATAUPSKY and PENNY WHITLOCK, RN...was aware that that Morphine Sulfate was being administered to residents without an order and/or outside prescribed parameters.

“Defendant...stored bottles of Morphine Sulfate for expired residents instead of discarding the medication,

“Defendant...aware of the improper disposal of Morphine Sulfate.

“...the facility permitted the improper and unlawful administration of medications including, but not limited to, Morphine Sulfate, to VIRGINIA.

“...Defendant MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN was indicted...for four counts of Criminal Neglect of a Long Term Care Resident, one count of Acquiring or Obtaining Possession of a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Deception, or Subterfuge, and one count of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance; includ(ing) a specific charge that MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN recklessly administered a dosage of morphine to VIRGINIA when she was unresponsive and exhibiting delayed breathing patterns.

“...Defendant PENNY WHITLOCK, RN was indicted...for four counts of Criminal Neglect of a Long Term Care Resident and two counts of Obstructing Justice; includ(ing) a specific charge that PENNY WHITLOCK, RN endangered the life of VIRGINIA by failing to report alleged neglect or abuse.

“...during the period of VIRGINIA’S residency at WOODSTOCK RESIDENCE, Defendant by and through its employees...MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN and PENNY WHITLOCK, RN, failed to provide ordinary care and violated the provisions of the Act in that the Defendant."

Among other violations of rules or law listed is

“...fail(ure) to assure VIRGINIA was not given lethal medications without a medical reason and for the purpose of staff convenience;

“...fail(ure) to properly enforce the disposition of a controlled medication, properly monitor controlled substances through an acceptable medical system, account for all controlled medication, and provide consistent and accurate narcotic counts to identify missing medications;

“...fail(ure) to notify local law enforcement of possible criminal activity involving the potential misuse of Morphine Sulfate by a staff nurse;

“...Fail(ure) to protect residents from possible injury/abuse once it was alleged that a staff nurse was misusing medications;

“...Fail(ure) to notify local law enforcement and state officials of possible criminal activity involving the potential misuse of narcotic medications by a staff nurse;

“As a direct and proximate result of one or more of the Defendant’s statutory violations and negligent acts or omissions, VIRGINIA suffered injuries of a personal and pecuniary nature, past, present, and future, including, but not limited to, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, medical, funeral, and other related expenses; and VIRGINIA would have been entitled to receive compensation from the Defendant for these injuries, had she survived."

Negligence is alleged for

“Fail(ure) to initiate and conduct a complete and thorough investigation after allegations were made that a staff nurse was overmedicating residents,” among other things."

The allegations against Licensed Practical Nurse Marty Himebaugh include

“As a direct and proximate result of one or more of the Defendant’s negligent acts or omissions, VIRGINIA was administered improper and unlawful doses of medications including, but not limited to, Morphine Sulfate, which resulted in physical and mental injury, a deterioration of her physical and/or mental condition, and caused or contributed to cause her death.”

The allegations against Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing Penny Whitlock include

“Carelessly encouraged a staff nurse to continue actions which constituted abuse or neglect;

“Fail(ure) to initiate and conduct a complete and thorough investigation after allegations were made that a staff nurse was overmedicating residents;

“Fail(ure) to protect residents from possible injury/abuse once it was alleged that a staff nurse was misusing medications;

“Fail(ure) to notify local law enforcement and state officials of possible criminal activity involving the potential misuse of narcotic medications by a staff nurse.”

Allegations against the nursing home and the LPN and RN:

“Prior to September 6, 2006, VIRGINIA did not have a physician order for a medication commonly known as Morphine Sulfate.

“Prior to September 6, 2006 the Defendant, MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN, administered Morphine Sulfate to VIRGINIA without an order from a licensed physician or a prescription as required...

“On and subsequent to September 9, 2006, VIRGINIA was readmitted to WOODSTOCK under hospice and had a physician order for 20 mg/ml of Roxanol to be administered every two (2) hours as needed.

“On and subsequent to September 9, 2006, Defendant, MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN, administered more Morphine Sulfate to VIRGINIA than was ordered by her physician.

“On and subsequent to September 9, 2006, Defendant, MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN, continued to administer Morphine Sulfate to VIRGINIA when she was unresponsive and exhibited a delayed breathing pattern.

“At all times relevant to this Complaint, the Defendant, PENNY WHITLOCK, RN, encouraged MARTY M. HIMEBAUGH, LPN to administer improper and unlawful amounts of Morphine Sulfate to VIRGINIA.

“...As a direct and proximate result of one of more of the intentional acts and/or negligent acts or omissions, VIRGINIA was administered improper and unlawful doses of medications including, but not limited to, Morphine Sulfate, which caused or contributed to cause her death."

You can read the entire suit here.

Published first on McHenry County Blog, the very awake political news source this weekend.

Read more...

Friday follow-up

A few loose ends that we recently wrote about have been tied up today, while few more are about to reopen next week. The Illinois House returns to Springfield Wednesday and Thursday to debate funding for a statewide construction plan and to reverse some of the governor's recent actions.

AFSCME: It’s fair
First, a lot of rallies, meetings and political undertones potentially came to rest Friday as about 37,000 state employees have a new, agreed-upon contract with their top employer, Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration. Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 vocally opposed increases in their health care costs that they say the administration sought. Months of negotiations led the union to request a mediator to bring the two sides closer together.

The result is a four-year contract that gives members a 15.25 percent wage increase during the life of the contract, and retired employees will retain the pension and health benefits they received under the former contract. However, employees are going to pay more for their health insurance premiums, co-payments and deductibles. Cohen said monthly premiums will increase by $12 twice during the next four years. “The state was asking for huge amounts, and we ended up are what we feel are modest amounts,” Cohen said, later adding: “Our members feel it was fair. When they looked at that contract, it wasn’t everything they wanted, but it was fair.”

He said they didn’t get relief from mandatory overtime, which they expect to intensify as more workers are laid off and the remaining employees do “more with less,” an all too familiar phrase.

The governor’s office also said in a statement that the contract was “fair" for both taxpayers and state workers. "Both sides spent months in negotiations, and this contract is the result of that tireless work.”

AFSCME: It’s unfair
Council 31, however, still disagrees with the administration about a separate issue: closing a once troubled facility for people with developmental disabilities. William A. Howe Developmental Center and the Tinley Park Mental Health Center in Chicago's south suburbs were decertified by the federal government for reports of neglect and other deficiencies. The lack of federal certification means the state no longer receives federal money to operate the facilities. But the Illinois Department of Human Services continued to operate and fund the centers without a federal match. We wrote about the centers, as well as some new plans for caring for people with disabilities, in the June Illinois Issues magazine.

AFSCME opposes shuttering the center because it would leave about 800 employees without their state jobs and benefits. About 600 are AFSCME members, said John Cameron, Council 31 spokesman. Some families also opposed the closing because they fear for the continuity of care for their loved ones with few alternatives. The administration announced that it planned to move residents to other state institutions or to community-based services. Yet, Cameron said, this affects people with high needs of services, and the union questions whether the state has enough capacity to support community-based services that already are under-funded and have long waiting lists.

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities said about 15,000 individuals are on a waiting list for such services. However, the council said shutting one door opens another. Instead of placing people with disabilities in more institutions, advocates look to community-based services as a way to improve what they describe as an outdated system. Read more in the organization’s report, “Blueprint for system redesign in Illinois.”

Home for the House days
State Rep. Jim Watson, a Jacksonville Republican and staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, flew home from Camp Pendleton, Calif., today after serving more than six months in Iraq. Watch Illinois Issues magazine print edition to read more about the work he did to help one province establish its first form of representative government, which the U.S. military just handed over to the Anbar Provincial Council on Labor Day.

Watson arrives home just in time for the Illinois House to reconvene in a special session to discuss funding a capital construction program by leasing the Illinois Lottery to private investors.

But even if the House approves a lottery deal — with some modifications to the governor’s original proposal — it still has to go to the Senate, which isn’t scheduled to come back to Springfield before November. And even if the Senate approved a measure to let the governor lease the lottery, then it still would take months to figure out the amount of money it would generate and the amount of money that the state would have to borrow. Only then would the House draft a spending plan for that money, according to Rep. Gary Hannig, a Litchfield Democrat and deputy majority leader.

But voting on a lottery plan is a first step in that process. Expect the House to include such “safeguards" as requiring the state treasurer and comptroller to sign off on the lottery deal to ensure that it’s a good deal for taxpayers. Hannig also said an ethics portion would “ensure that there’s no temptation to engage in any kind of pay-to-play antics,” and they could limit the amount consultants and lawyers could make from the deal. “Hopefully we can pass this bill next week and send it to the Senate,” Hannig said. “And it isn’t that much different from what they have already passed.”

We’ll see about that.

The House also is expected consider some of the governor’s amendatory vetoes, including the unanimously approved ethics legislation that Blagojevich expanded. And House members could try to approve restoring some of the money the governor cut that resulted in hundreds of layoffs, closed state parks and closed state historic sites. But it would restore some, not all, of the cuts, Hannig said.

Read more...

Exploring Ideology and Partisanship in Political Polling

Cross Posted from Political Polling blog

The public, campaign professionals, news media organizations and interest groups are being inundated with polling results now that we are in the final stages of the 2008 election cycle. We are already witnessing reports about who is winning, losing, and why a candidate is stronger or weaker than the other as campaigns position for earned media and fund raising dollars.

Party Identification (ID) is one of those demographic sub-data points receiving a lot of attention this cycle. Party identification may be reported based on a poll respondent’s declared or partisan registration status in states where this data is available and applicable or, more commonly, based on a “self-identified partisanship” demographic question in polls. This data is very useful for both public review and internal strategic analysis.

We see many reports that Democrats have a certain percentage advantage compared to four years ago, etc. This polling data is catching legitimate changes in voter attitudes. However, self-identified partisanship is a moving target. An individual who identifies as a Democrat today may have said Independent a year ago and Republican four years ago. This is a natural adjustment as people’s attitudes and perceptions of the political parties change over time.

The current partisan shift and trends are fueled by negative perceptions of the GOP brand, which causes fewer people to admit they are affiliated with / support the GOP, even if their underlying beliefs are more in line with Republicans. Obama’s appeal to elements of the electorate who previously didn’t participate (younger voters) and those who are shifting their affiliations based on their attraction to Obama, also fuel the changing partisan identification.

Self-identified partisanship shouldn’t be relied upon as an indicator of voting behavior in isolation. Due to its fluidity, we strongly recommend all polling analysis and public released polls include an evaluation based also on self-described ideology. This sub-group is frequently arrived at by a question such as the following (or similar iterations):

• How would you describe your own political beliefs -- very liberal, somewhat liberal, moderate, somewhat conservative or very conservative?

Ideology tends to be a more stable, underlying factor that drives an individual’s voting behavior. It is an excellent variable to evaluate in conjunction with and context of changing partisan affiliations. It can verify strong partisan shifts in favor or against a candidate. It allows for a more realistic, accurate assessment of the political environment if the underlying ideological make-up of the surveyed electorate is out of alignment with a shifting partisan composition.

For example: If a Congressional District shows a 10 point increase in Democratic identification from two years ago, but the District remains a moderate to conservative leaning area, then the surface movement among partisans may be tempered by the voters’ underlying ideological leanings. This situation would show favorable trends for a Democrat, but not a fundamental change in the voters’ likely behaviors, although the partisan shift will have an impact on the immediate election.

Alternatively, in an area that has a 10 point Democratic gain from the last cycle and shows a moderating, more liberal electorate than previous elections, is catching a fundamental change in the electoral make-up and an indication of a long term, more stable movement in the Democrats favor.

The two scenarios where Democrats receive a similar gain in self-identified partisanship will require a different tone of message because of the underlying ideological composition of the District. A campaign that fails to realize the ideological difference between a liberal Democrat and a moderate to conservative Democrat or a center-right, Independent leaning area where self identified Democratic affiliation is increasing can be disastrously off message.

In conclusion, opinions of partisan sub-groups should not be reported or analyzed in isolation of the voters’ ideological position. Publicly released polls should include sub-group analysis by partisan and ideological breakouts and all reporting on polls should include similar evaluations. We also recommend campaigns utilize ideological data in their internal strategic analysis, which will lead to better, more accurate strategic recommendations and decisions.

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Unemployment Numbers: Good News for Obama, Bad News for Rod

New unemployment numbers are out, and there's two pieces of good news for Obama's campaign and more bad news for Rod Blagojevich.

First, the good news for Obama:

1. National unemployment numbers are at a five year high, underscoring his argument for Change.

2. Unemployment in states with Democratic governors is .2% LOWER than unemployment in states with GOP governors, which bolsters the argument that Democrats are better at managing the economy.

Now, the bad news for Rod:

1. Blagojevich has the second-worst jobless numbers (7.3%) of any Democratic governor, second only to Gov. Granholm, whose home state of Michigan has been decimated by the collapse of the U.S. auto industry.

2. Illinois has the fourth-highest unemployment rate in the nation, behind only MI, MS, RI.

Part of the reason this is such bad news for Rod and Illinois is that because of the diversity of our economy, Illinois is traditionally one of the last states to feel the effects of a recession but also one of the last states to rebound. In other words Campers, things are likely to get a lot worse.

By the way, if you're expecting the Capital Plan being discussed in Springfield to make a dent in Illinois' unemplyment numbers, think again. There are roughly 15,000 unemployed construction workers in Illinois, but 491,300 unemployed people overall. That's makes construction workers only 3% of all unemployed workers, and wouldn't even move unemployment numbers a tenth of a percent.

Read more...

GOPUSA ILLINOIS Daily Clips - September 5, 2008

ABC7
-- State GOP delegation hugs like Democrats (VIDEO CLIP INCLUDES: WATSON, DILLARD, & CROSS) - Andy Shaw
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6371228
-- Local 'hockey moms' react to Palin speech - Dan Ponce
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6371054 (Includes video clip)
-- Chicagoans react to McCain speech - Stacey Baca
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6371929 (Includes video clip)
-- Demographics scrutinized at convention - Ravi Baichwal
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6371180 (Includes video clip)

NBC5
-- VIDEO CLIP: State Senator Dillard On Hugging, Obama Ad
http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=289699

CBS2
-- High Expectations For McCain's RNC Speech (VIDEO CLIP INCLUDES: CRONIN, CROSS, LAHOOD, MATHIAS, MCSWEENEY, & THOMPSON) - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/john.mccain.speech.2.810441.html
-- State Republicans At RNC Discuss Rebuilding Party GOP Has Steadily Been Losing Suburban Support (VIDEO CLIP INCLUDES: CRONIN, MICHAEL, & WATSON) - Mike Flannery
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/illinois.gop.republican.2.810529.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
-- GOP icon Bob Michel tells Illinois Republicans to get their act together - Lynn Sweet
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/09/gop_icon_bob_michel_tells_illi.html
(THE ARTICLE: MINNEAPOLIS - A lion of the Illinois Republican Party today called the state GOP organization "weak" in a blunt assessment of how much Republicans still must do to rebuild from the ruin left by George Ryan's corrupt tenure as governor. Former U.S. House Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-Ill.) -- who embodies the golden mystique of the Reagan era because he personally guided much of President Reagan's legislative agenda through Congress -- delivered the bitter pill to Illinois delegates as they wrapped up their convention week. "That's why we don't have a constitutional office in Illinois, we don't have a senator in Illinois, because our organization has been weak," said Michel, a Peoria native who once was one of the state's most powerful congressmen during a 39-year career that spanned nine presidents and ended in 1995. "All the polling ahead of time doesn't mean two hoots unless you have the ground forces to get the vote on election day, and we just haven't had that the last several years," said Michel, who is 85. "No question, you just got to face up to reality," he said. "Let's not kid ourselves." Michel implored everyone in the room to "go back home and stir things up" among county chairmen and precinct committeemen to regenerate interest in the party for fall legislative and congressional races and for the higher-stakes 2010 elections, when most of the Democratic-held statewide offices are up for a vote. Michel said the "big thing" behind the party's collapse were Ryan's "misdeeds" and "ethical lapses." The former state chief executive, who left office in 2003 under a cloud of scandal, was convicted of corruption charges in 2006 and is serving a 6 ½-year federal prison term. While Michel received a standing ovation from Illinois' delegates after his remarks, which included memories of his first Republican convention in 1952, the mood of the crowd during his straight talk was somber and represented a departure from pep-rallying of other delegation events earlier in the week. Afterwards, one top GOP leader said it was clear to him that Michel was focusing on past Republican failures, not what is happening now with the party. "I think he's talking about the past. He certainly can't be talking about today," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville). "We've had our problems. There's no doubt about the fact we've had. But we are rebuilding, and I think that's what he was talking about.")
-- Michel urges Illinois Republicans to clean up party - Dave McKinney and Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/rnc/1145487,illgop090408.article
-- Michel says state GOP has work to do Blunt talk Calls party here 'weak,' wants more ground forces - Dave McKinney and Abdon Pallasch
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1146665,CST-NWS-illgop05.article
-- McCain likely to pull in $3 million at fund-raiser here
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/mccain/1146685,CST-NWS-funder05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Black liberal Mary Mitchell demonizes White conservative Sarah Palin, big time
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1146696,CST-NWS-mitch05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sneed reports on Sarah/Todd intimacy and supportiveness, Levi Johnston's tattoo and where he sleeps, Trig's breastfeeding and black cocktail dress, Sarah's sense of humor, speculation on Sarah coming to Chicago, quotes from "first dude" Todd, etc.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/1146658,CST-NWS-sneed05.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY SAD: Neil Steinberg equates Sarah Palin with Spiro Agnew
http://www.suntimes.com/news/steinberg/1146018,CST-NWS-stein05.article
-- SATIRE: Why the news media should apologize - Roger Simon
(Not posted as of 6:30 AM)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- GOP has 2 pillars of reform (PETER FITZGERALD AND BOB KJELLANDER): But 1 (KJELLANDER) is rotten to the core - John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-05-rnc_fri_2sep05,0,1705412.column
-- Illinois delegates chided for poor organization Former House minority leader Michel addresses state GOP still split between moderates, conservatives - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-illinois_delegation_websep05,0,5431867.story
-- Vet Michel slams 'weak' Illinois GOP - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-swamp05sep05,0,7759891.story
-- Republicans try to duplicate Democratic hug-in - Rick Pearson
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/09/republicans-try.html
-- Speakers vow reform - Jim Tankersley
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-palin_speech_replatesep04,0,7423336.story
-- Dennis Hastert The former House speaker weighs in on his embrace of McCain, the buzz over Palin, and the little matter of government spending - Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-5_qs_hastertsep05,0,5289291.story
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: VERY VERY VERY SAD: The very troubled Chicago Tribune and its very troubled employee Rex W. Huppke a) ridicule Wheaton College and Brigham Young University and b) encourage students of those colleges to break the rules and drink alcohol
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-sober_wheaton_subsep05,0,4106182.story (Includes video clip)
-- Fourth Estate gets third degree - Rex W. Huppke
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mediasep05,0,4384198.story
-- VIDEO CLIP: Young Chicago Republicans tune in to McCain
http://www.chicagotribune.com/video/?slug=chi-080905mccain-speech-wn
-- Evanston Republicans find good company - Jeff Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-chicago_view_republicanssep05,0,6100021.story
-- Convention couture: Bright colors, heavy fabrics and chunky jewelry adorn politicos - Melanie Coffee
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-cvn-gop-fashion,0,1869866.story
-- Differing visions: GOP rejects 'elitist' America, crafts its own narrative - Ted Anthony
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-cvn-measure-of-a-nation-competing-culture,0,6951802.story
-- Everyone loves to hate the media - Phil Rosenthal
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-fri-phil-rosenthal-5sep05,0,7616386.column
-- The GOP's beef with the media - Don Wycliff
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-oped0905wycliffsep05,0,2320571.story
-- Palin claim on eBay plane sale doesn't fly - Jason George and Andrew Zajac
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-palin_planesep05,0,3470364.story

DAILY HERALD
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: The national and Illinois Republican Party platforms are conservative. The Daily Herald promotes the Combine members, the Democrat Party, RINOs, and other anti-conservatives. The Daily Herald wants Birkett, Brady, Cross, Dillard, Durkin, Gidwitz, Schillerstrom, Schock, and Watson to run for Governor. Which of these candidates would do best job of advancing the conservative Illinois Republican Party platform?
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232683
-- Keep DuPage free from Chicago politicians - Jerry Marchese, Wayne
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=231886&src=
(THE LETTER: I am a native Chicagoan who grew up in the City when the first Mayor Daley was just building his empire. They often referred to "His Honor" as Da King, and when you are born and raised in the city, you accepted those terms in the same manner as you accepted the bookies on the corner, the accepting of money in return for voting, paying the local precinct captain to get your kid a driver's license and, yes, the guy selling great Chicago hot dogs out of a cart on the same corner as the bookie. I guess Chicago and Cook County can still be considered a monarchy in a way because it seems that when one politician gets tired of his job or dies or decides to hang 'em up, there is a nearby relative to take over, ala Stroger, Jones and so many others before them. I am sure that will continue until this monarchy reverts back to a republic, if ever. A true republic is described and considered to be a state in which the supreme power rests within the citizenry, and their wishes and desires are carried out by the people they elect. Yes, the key word is elect and not appoint, or is it anoint? In the '60s, I moved my family to DuPage where I knew a republic actually existed and was thriving. Many told me my taxes would be higher, and maybe they were, but my kids received the finest public school education, my family enjoyed open spaces of our wonderful parks and forest preserve, we experienced very little crime in comparison to the city and Cook County, and voted in elections where the people actually elected qualified candidates into office. Today, these people with Cook County ideologies are infiltrating DuPage County wanting to turn DuPage blue, you know, the same as Cook. Now why would anyone want to do that? I admit DuPage is not perfect in the political sense and what community is? The bottom line is that I prefer a republic, I like what DuPage has to offer, I like the status quo with maybe a few improvements here and there, and if that is what red is all about, then I prefer to keep DuPage red. Am I better off than those people living in Cook? No doubt about it. Do I want to see what I have been accustomed to all these years change to blue? Not a chance.)
-- Recall question on DuPage ballots - Jake Griffin
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232708&src=2
-- "Madam secretary, I am James Durkin, state representative and chair of the Illinois delegation. The great state of Illinois, the land of Abraham Lincoln, the birthplace of a man named Ronald Reagan, proudly casts its 70 votes for the only proven and tested reformer in this contest: my friend, the next president of the United States, John McCain."
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/499
-- Illinois GOP's media bait-and-switch - John Patterson
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/501
(THE POSTING: Last week in Denver, Gov. Rod Blagojevich threw a private reception for Tammy Duckworth that essentially turned into a trial run for her convention speech the following night. Although the event was hosted by Friends of Blagojevich (his campaign fund) and the governor is known for being a bit reclusive from time to time, reporters were allowed in. No fuss, no muss. Contrast that to the Republican convention in Minnesota where Daily Herald reporters were turned away from a reception honoring Illinois Senate Republican leader Frank Watson of downstate Greenville and Illinois House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego. This despite the fact that the Illinois Republican Party charged each Daily Herald reporter a $600 activity fee. The reason the media would pay the fee, or so we were sold, is that we’d not be excluded from Illinois delegation events, which are not inherently open to the public. We’ve paid it in the past and to my convention knowledge (since 2000) there’s never been a problem with access. Keep in mind, the reason we go to these conventions is to work Illinois-specific stories. There’s enough reporters crawling all over McCain and Palin. Our goal is to look at the Illinois GOP's rebuilding efforts, catch a glimpse of the party's future and so on. The Watson-Cross reception was listed on the Illinois delegation’s daily schedule and delegation buses were running to it from the delegate hotel. We’ve yet to get an explanation for the shutout, though we did get this response from Cross’ spokesman: “I will look into it. Have no idea what happened. I did not even go nor did Cross.” Even more than an explanation, we’re eagerly awaiting a partial refund. However, an Illinois Republican Party spokesman has not responded.)
-- Illinois delegates told to broaden appeal, emphasize successes - David Beery
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232627&src=109
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Sharon Lindquist of Inverness blasts Palin and uses her daughter to promote sex education
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232404&src=
-- Illinois GOP hopes McCain-Palin will help local races - Joseph Ryan
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232715&src=329

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-conservative Greg Hinz calls conservative Palin a "moose lady" and is as critical of her as he can
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30875
-- State Representative Schock only Illinois official to address RNC convention - Paul Merrion
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30883
-- OUTSTANDING: John Edwards cancels University of Illinois speech - AP
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30880
-- Illinois business group leader Doug Whitley mulling run for governor - Paul Merrion
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30886

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
-- Local Republicans heartened by McCain's address - Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/news/x802005879/Local-Republicans-heartened-by-McCains-address
-- Palin can expect more questions - Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x359568209/Our-Opinion-Palin-can-expect-more-questions

COURIER NEWS
-- Aurora delegate Penny Falcon: Still buzzing from Palin
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/election/1138604,au01_Falcon_web.article

BEACON NEWS
-- FROM THE ARTICLE: "Sarah has added a lot of excitement to the ticket," said Jim Oberweis, the Republican nominee for the 14th District's congressional seat. "My favorite moment (of Palin's Wednesday speech) was her joke about the hockey mom and the pitbull."
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1146623,2_1_AU05_GOPS_S1.article
-- Kendall Republicans celebrate John McCain as GOP candidate
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1146622,2_1_AU05_GOPS_S2.article
-- GOP criticism angers "community organizers" - Christopher Wills
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1146582,2_1_AU05_ANGRY_S1.article

LAKE COUNTY NEWS SUN
-- 'He was phenomenal . . . inspirational' County GOP leaders measure candidates - Dan Moran
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1146441,5_1_WA05_MCCAIN_S1.article

NAPERVILLE SUN
-- Route 59 rally Local elected officials will hold a rally at 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at a location along Route 59 to show support for passage of a capital bill in the Illinois General Assembly that includes funds for the expansion of Route 59 through Naperville. Invited officials include Mayor A. George Pradel, state House Republican Leader Tom Cross, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, state Sens. Randy Hultgren and Kirk Dillard, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom and Naperville City Councilwoman Darlene Senger.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1145969,6_1_NA05_CITYNOTES_S1.article

WHEATON SUN
-- VERY SAD: Wheaton City Council considers hike in home-rule sales tax - Hank Beckman
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/wheatonsun/news/1145139,6_1_NA05_WSCOUNCIL_S1.article
-- DIERSEN HEADLINE: Wheaton Sun's report on Wheaton's upcoming Autumn Fest fails to include that GOPUSA ILLINOIS, State Senator Randy Hultgren, Milton Township Republican Central Committee, and Wheaton Women's Republican Club will have booths at the event on Saturday, September 13
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/wheatonsun/news/1145136,6_1_NA05_WSAUTUMN_S1.article

CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO
-- Watson: Illinois Senate 'Hardly the Training Ground' for White House
http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28692

WJBC
-- Rutherford vague on possible run for governor
http://www.wjbc.com/wire2/news/14533_RutherfordatRNCWEB_151725.htm (Includes audio clip)

WGIL
-- Illinois GOP Hopes Palin Fever = $$$
http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=092008&newsid=41

WIFR
-- General John Borling Speaks Highly Of John McCain on The CBS Early Show
http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/27876464.html

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
-- Berkowitz with Brian Felsten and Greg Rivera this morning on WBIG 1280 AM radio Tune in and find out (1) what the Republican Party accomplished this past week in St. Paul, (2) how McCain-Palin matches up with Obama-Biden, (3) what it was like in the X-Cel Energy Center as McCain was speaking last night and much, much more. (DIERSEN: Brian purchased my 1993 Thunderbird from me and he is a former neighbor.)
http://jeffberkowitz.blogspot.com/2008/09/better-than-don-and-roma-berkowitz-with.html

TOM ROESER
-- Obama's big mistake: Not picking Hillary McCain scores with Palin pick
http://www.tomroeser.com/blogs/blogview.asp?blogID=24741

CHAMPION NEWS
-- America’s Iron Lady - Charlene Kalebic
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1177
-- Convention speeches, follow-through, and reform - John Biver
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1178

CAPITOL FAX
-- Question of the day: Who is your favorite Illinois Republican? Explain. - Rich Miller (120 comments as of Friday, September 5, 2008 at 1:15 AM)
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/09/04/question-of-the-day-592/

WORLD NET DAILY
-- Obama vs. Palin on value of babies
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74121

NATIONAL REVIEW
-- Chicago Way The familiarity of Obama. - David Kahane
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjE5OGRmNmU3NzJkODUxOGUxZWUwZjc2NTQwMDMwYzc=

GOPUSA
-- Why Obama's 'Community Organizer' Days Are a Joke - Michelle Malkin
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/mmalkin/2008/mm_09051.shtml

NEWSMAX
-- Sarah Palin -- an American Margaret Thatcher - Dick Morris & Eileen McGann
http://www.newsmax.com/morris/sarah_palin_thatcher/2008/09/04/127775.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
-- (DIERSEN QUESTION: WHY IS IT NOT A PROBLEM TO DEPEND ON FOREIGNERS FOR THE VEHICLES WE DRIVE BUT IT IS A PROBLEM TO DEPEND ON FOREIGNERS FOR THE FUEL THOSE VEHICLES USE?) Republicans Have Stern Words for Auto Industry - Corey Boles
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/09/04/republicans-have-stern-words-for-auto-industry/

JILL STANEK
-- Palin cements emergence of abortion in presidential campaign
http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2008/09/palin_ignites_e.html

WASHINGTON POST
-- From the Radio Right Comes an Amen Chorus for Palin - Howard Kurtz
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/04/AR2008090403558.html

USA TODAY
-- GOP Representative Lynn Westmoreland, Ga.: Obamas part of 'uppity' class - Molly Hooper
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-04-westmoreland_N.htm (Includes audio clip)

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Illinois and the Republican National Convention--and my upcoming radio appearances

Blogging from the Republican National Convention, Xcel Center, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Time for some local business--local for me that is.

Up on the left is the spot where Illinois' 70 delegates will be sitting tonight when John McCain accepts the GOP nomination for president.

It's a bad location, there are as far as possible the stage. Illinois is of course Barack Obama's home state, and has not voted for a Republican president since 1988. If you're watching the coverage on television tonight, and you see the ABC Television booth, just below that is where the Illinois GOP is.

If you didn't know there was a political convention going on in St. Paul, you would be forgiven if you thought a police association meeting was taking place. The St. Paul police are quite visible in town, but their force--which is formidable--is supplemented by cops from all over the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as well as Minnesota state troopers, Minnesota conservation police, and county officers from all over the state. There are many Duluth cops here, too.

But I've also seen US Capitol police, officers from Arlington, Texas, and county sheriff officers from Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois. I mentioned to the Will cop that I saw his brother officer from the county south of him, he said, "Oh, yeah, they're part of our contingent."

Speaking of Illinois, in less than an hour, I'll be a guest on a Chicago radio show on 89.5, aka Vocalo.org. It should be around 2:30pm Central, but I'd tune in as early at 2:00pm, just in case.

Later this evening, I'll once again appear on Andrea Shea King's Florida-based BlogTalk Radio show. That will be after 8:00pm Central. Click on Andea's BTN logo on the upper-right hand side of her home page.

I will be on the floor of the Xcel Center at that time, overlooking the reconstructed main state where McCain will address the delegates--and the nation.

As well as the world. There are many members of the international media in St. Paul.

To comment on this post, please visit Marathon Pundit.

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Dr. Blagojevich, you’ve created a monster!

Cross-posted from ICPR's blog, The Race is On:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been called a lot of things, but The Peoria Journal Star may be the first to equate him with the mad scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein.

In a September 4th editorial headlined “Governor creates monster of an ethics bill,” The Journal Star says the General Assembly should override the governor’s amendatory veto of House Bill 824, which would prohibit everyone with large state contracts from making campaign contributions to the officeholder awarding the contract.

The editorial criticized “Dr. Blagojevich” for proposing major changes that should be debated but not forced on the General Assembly. “When he was done doctoring HB 824, it looked nothing like the original – instead becoming an amalgam of extra parts. Basically, Blagojevich stitched together the Frankenstein of ethics reform. Now he’s unleashed his clumsy creation on Springfield.”

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform agrees. This monster needs to be killed with an override by the House and Senate. If this creature isn’t killed, it could destroy the negotiated agreement to discourage pay-to-play contracting.

The editorial is timely because the House will be back in session next week to consider leasing the State Lottery as a funding mechanism for a multibillion-dollar construction program, and the amendatory veto of HB 824 also may be called for a vote. Before the General Assembly agrees to any new capital plan, it should make certain that the pay-to-play safeguards of HB 824 are in statute.

The Peoria Journal Star is one of many newspapers calling for an override of the veto of HB 824.

Although the others didn’t compare Gov. Blagojevich to Dr. Frankenstein, most were just as blunt in describing his veto and his executive order to extend the contribution ban to the legislative branch, state political parties and any officeholder, regardless of what office awarded the contract,

Here’s a sampling.

The Rockford Register-Star: “Legislators have vowed to override the Blagojevich veto. They should do so, and quickly. No more shams from the Flimflam Man!”

The Southern Illinoisan: “The governor blew it. He could have affixed his signature and shared in the credit for a change for the better in Illinois.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “With a 60 percent vote in both houses, the General Assembly can override an amendatory veto and pass the original bill. Legislators should do so promptly. The people of Illinois are tired of crooked government.”

The State Journal-Register: “In the first half of 2008 alone, Blagojevich received $238,500 in campaign contributions from businesses or employees of businesses that have contracts worth more than $50,000 with agencies under the governor’s control, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. 
So forgive us if we take the governor’s sudden reform movement — and his impulse to author radically new ethics and fundraising legislation — with a grain of salt the size of Lincoln’s Tomb. We hope the legislature does the same this fall and restores the ethics and campaign finance bills to their original form.”

The Decatur Herald & Review: “. . . the governor's action shows he's really not interested in ethics reform.”

The Moline Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus: “The amendatory veto message he signed last week dripped with hypocrisy. This is, after all, the governor who spent months enriching his campaign chest with money from state contractors. Now he wants to ban such contributions?”

The Chicago Sun-Times: “Being governor, it turns out, doesn't give anyone the right to rule by fiat. That's especially true when you risk constitutional challenges that can force the state back to square one.”

The Chicago Tribune: “It's not a perfect bill, but it's a solid bill that this page has repeatedly urged the governor to sign. Just as we now urge legislators to override his veto of it. As is, the people of Illinois stand confronted with more of the Blagojevichian antics that have made him so untrustworthy. Rather than push legislators to write his "improvements" into law, he'd rather grandstand for the cameras, make noise about reform, and hope that—with public attention focused on the Democratic National Convention in Denver—nobody is paying much attention to the culture of political sleaze back home in Illinois.”



Well said.

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