THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Michael Madigan
Illinois Elections 2010: Rep. Bob Flider Declines to Pledge Vote to Michael Madigan for Speaker
(Chicago, IL) — October 21, 2010. In politics, former President Harry Truman once said that if you want a friend, get a dog. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), a student of history, is probably pondering Truman’s advice more and more these days. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Lisa Madigan Swamping Steve Kim in Final 30-Day Fundraising Sprint
(Chicago, IL) — October 14, 2010. The fund-raising contest between Attorney Lisa Madigan (D-Chicago) and GOP rival Steve Kim (R-Northbrook) is, however, no contest. Madigan is cleaning Kim’s clock. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Rep. Mark Walker Won’t Commit to Backing Michael Madigan for Speaker
(Chicago, IL) — September 30, 2010. State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), locked in tight contest with ex-GOP State Rep. David Harris yesterday refused to commit to vote for Michael Madigan for another term as Speaker. Continue reading
Is The Tea Party Over? Democrats Seize Lead in Wake of Odd-Ball Tea Party Wins, New Polls Say
(Chicago, IL) – September 23, 2010. The Tea Party has finally stirred a tempest in the Democrats’ cup. In one week’s time, the victories of odd-ball Tea Party candidates, like U.S. Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell in Delaware, has finally shaken up the U.S. electorate, pushing Democrats ahead in two new national polls, thanks to gains … Continue reading
Pat Quinn Vetoes McCormick Place Reform Bill; Madigan, Cullerton Expected to Override
(Springfield, IL) — May 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed portions of the McCormick Place reform legislation, but the Illinois General Assembly is widely expected to brush aside Quinn’s action and override the veto. “The General Assembly has taken only half a step toward reforming our state’s convention industry,” said Governor Quinn in his … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Senator Larry Bomke Expects Speaker Michael Madigan to Push New Budget Through House Without GOP
(Springfield, IL) — May 19, 2010. Republican lawmakers in the Springfield area are lamenting that the Illinois General Assembly could pass a version of the Illinois state budget and conclude the legislative session by the end of this month. With strong majorities in both the Illinois House and Senate, Democratic lawmakers can push through a … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois Democrats’ Proposed State Budget Electoral Genius?
(Springfield, IL) — May 7, 2010. Could there be political gold even in a fiscal calamity? The Illinois state budget promoted Illinois Democratic leaders, which was yesterday approved by the Illinois State Senate and now is being considered by the House, may offend public policy process idealists but could prove to be electoral genius for … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Senator Christine Radogno Wants Changes to Current Illinois State Employee Pension Benefits
(Springfield, IL) — April 19, 2010. Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) backed changes to the Illinois employee pension system that will yield savings of $220 billion during next 30 years, but wants to put current employee benefits on the chopping block if possible. “I know there’s differing opinions as to whether or not … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Pat Quinn Claims Pension Reforms to Save Illinois $200 Billion; Praises Michael Madigan, John Cullerton
(Chicago, IL) — April 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday finally signed into law a significant public pension reform bill that will save taxpayers billions of dollars while protecting the retirement of state workers. “From the moment I took office, I have worked to overhaul Illinois’ pension system to provide relief to taxpayers while protecting … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: “In Praise of Illinois” – Wall Street Journal
(Chicago, IL) — April 8, 2010. Who would have ever thought that Democrats Governor Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) might have squeezed from the ultra-conservative Wall Street Journal the headline–”In Praise of Illinois.” But, yep. Last month, Madigan and Cullerton engineered legislative approval of an astounding pension-reform … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Senate President John Cullerton Says Evanston to Keep its State Income Tax Money; Pat Quinn’s Budget Gets a $300 Million Hole
(Chicago, IL) — April 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn has proposed cutting the share of the Illinois income tax that is shared with towns and cities by $300 million to help close the state’s gaping budget deficit. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), however, on Friday told Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl not to worry: the … Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Madigan, Cullerton Win Swift, Bi-Partisan Approval of Public Pension Reform Plan to Save Illinois $100 Billion
(Springfield, IL) — March 24, 2010. In less than 12 hours, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) today bulldozed a massive Illinois pension reform bill–which creates a two-tier public employee retirement system–through the Illinois legislature. That’s legislative light-speed. In the unexpected move, Madigan rolled out the legislation, Senate Bill 1946, … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Tom Cross Opposes Madigan Judicial Reform Amendment
(Chicago, IL) — March 21, 2010. House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) wants House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) to deep-six his constitutional amendment to require Illinois judges to have at least 10 years of experience as a lawyer. Madigan’s plan, Constitutional Amendment 57, would require that a judicial candidate be a licensed attorney for at … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Rep. Jehan Gordon Dumps on Pat Quinn’s Budget Cut to Cities
State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is giving Governor Pat Quinn a legislative taste of the difficulties that his budget faces in the Illinois legislature. Continue reading
Illinois Governor 2010 Election: Pat Quinn Brushes Aside Art Turner’s Illinois Lt. Governor Bid
(Chicago, IL) — March 16, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn appeared on Chicago WTTW-TV on Monday night and brushed aside the House Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner‘s candidacy to be Quinn’s running mate. During the interview with Carol Marin and Phil Ponce Quinn breezily overlooked Chicago Mayor Richard Daley‘s recent public backing of Turner. The 30-year … Continue reading
Illinois Legislature: Senator Kwame Raoul Picks Up Bill to Fuse Governor-Lt. Governor Campaigns
(Springfield, IL) — March 17, 2010. State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) has snagged chief sponsorship of a House bill that requires candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor to run as a team during the primary election. The legislation, House Bill 5820, initiated by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie), which maintains the controversial office … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Democratic Women Call on Quinn, Cross, Cullerton, Madigan, Radogno to Pass “Comprehensive Tax Reform”
(Springfield, IL) — March 16, 2010. From the Department of Wishful Thinking, more than 200 mostly Democratic women have sent a letter to Governor Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) demanding that they pass a “comprehensive tax reform” package. In the … Continue reading
Illinois Elections: House Elections Panel Approves Lou Lang Plan to Merge Governor and Lt. Governor in Primary Election
(Springfield, IL) — February 24, 2010. A divided House panel approved a bill that requires candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor to run as a team during the primary election. The legislation, House Bill 5820, sponsored by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie), which maintains the controversial office in the state constitutional line-up, drew … Continue reading
Illinois Govenor Race 2010: Dan Hynes Extends Olive Branch–and Chance for Victory–to Governor Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) February 8, 2010. Comptroller Dan Hynes has extended an olive branch–and a chance for victory in November–to Governor Pat Quinn. Hynes has signaled that he is willing to consider the Lt. Governor’s post if it is offered, according to Dave McKinney at the Chicago Sun-Times: A source in the Hynes camp told the … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: State Rep. Deb Mell Pours Money, Mail, Manpower into Race against Joe Laiacona
(Chicago, IL) — January 29, 2010. Rather than a sprint–it’s a mad dash. The petition challenge to State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) by her primary opponent Joe Laiacona, which had threatened to toss her off the ballot, shackled the contest’s start. And it shows in the fund-raising of each in the second half of 2009. … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: In Money Race to Succeed John Fritchey, Ann Williams Out-Raises Opponents–and Is Now the Front-Runner
(Chicago, IL) – January 20, 2010. In the money race to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey for his House seat on Chicago’s north side, former assistant attorney general Ann Williams has out-raised opponents and fellow attorneys Dan Farley and Ed Mullen. According to campaign finance statements filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, Williams … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Attorney General Lisa Madigan Tips Her Hand in House Race to Succeed John Fritchey–and It’s Ann Williams
(Chicago, IL) — January 19, 2010. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has tipped her hand in the race on Chicago’s north side to succeed John Fritchey in Illinois’ 11th House district. Madigan’s preferred candidate in the Democratic primary–which includes attorneys Dan Farley and Ed Mullen–is Ann Williams. How do we know? A drive by the … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Ann Williams Gets Illinois Sierra Club Support in Race for John Fritchey’s Seat
(Chicago, IL) – January 7, 2010. The Sierra Club of Illinois has announced its endorsement of Ann Williams in the Illinois 11th District State House race. The Sierra Club noted Williams’ success in advancing Attorney General Lisa Madigan‘s pro-environment legislative agenda. Williams, an attorney and resident of the District’s the Northcenter neighborhood, served as the … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Rudy Lozano’s Challenge to State Rep Dan Burke Draws Old and New Media’s Attention, Political Intrigue
Hispanic activist Rudy Lozano, Jr.’s challenge to State Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago) for the House seat Burke has held for 19 years is drawing extraordinary old and new media coverage for a state legislative race. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Mike Quigley Endorses State Rep Candidate Dan Farley; Takes Subtle Swipe At Opponent Ann Williams
(Chicago, IL) — December 21, 2009. The gloves are off. In the race to succeed to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) today endorsed former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Farley and took scarcely veiled swipe at one of Farley’s opponents, Ann Williams. “Dan Farley is … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Sara Feigenholtz Endorses State Rep Candidate Ann Williams for John Fritchey’s House Seat
(Chicago, IL) — December 18, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Ann Williams has reeled in a key endorsement from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) for the 11th district House seat being vacated by John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side. “[Ann Williams] has the experience, smarts, and tenacity to push for solutions that make a real … Continue reading
Happy Anniversary Rod Blagojevich–Pat Quinn Signs Illinois Campaign Finance Reform; Dan Hynes Hits Sour Note
(Chicago, IL) — December 9, 2009. On the first anniversary of former Governor Rod Blagojevich‘s arrest, Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law a campaign finance bill that imposes Illinois’ first-ever contribution limits in Illinois. “This new law requires politicians to be more candid, open and accountable than ever before. It is a crucial and … Continue reading
Illinois Budget: State Tax Revenue Drops $14.3 Billion Nationwide–Illinois 1 of 10 States with Double Digit Decline in Personal, Corporate, Sale Taxes
(Chicago, IL) — November 30, 2009. State tax revenues nationwide to continue to evaporate. Tax revenues dropped at least $14.3 billion nationwide in the most recent fiscal quarter, according to a study by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. The Rockefeller Institute compiled data from states and it shows major tax sources were $119.7 … Continue reading
Illinois Women in Drug, Alcohol Treatment Jump 41%; Young Girls up 53%
(Chicago, IL) – November 12, 2009. According to a new analysis of Illinois government data, the number of women receiving state-supported treatment for drug or alcohol addiction between 1995-2007 jumped 41%, compared to 21.7% for men. “The face of addiction is changing across Illinois—and it is increasingly a woman’s face,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Pat Quinn On Gay Marriage: Illinois Governor Endorses Marriage ... The Huffington Post News Editors
- Hon. Pat Quinn, Governor, State of Illinois « City Club Chicago Videos city club chicago
- FREEDOMISMIST: PAT QUINN MAY BE ABLE STAY OUT OF ... Eileen
- Governor Pat Quinn Puts His Foot Down On Gambling Expansion ... Mark
- Teachers picket against pension changes : News : ConnectTriStates ... KHQA Newsdesk
- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Endorses Gay Marriage unknown
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
- Quinn Launches “Save Our State" Website | Chicago Tonight | WTTW Yasmin Rammohan
- McHenry County Blog | Pat Quinn Tells Truth about Pension ... Cal Skinner
- Pat Quinn Criticizes Scott Walker On Jobs The Huffington Post News Editors
IL General Assembly
- Illinois General Assembly Approves Money to Keep Day Care Center Open, Bill ... - WJBD Online May 18, 2012
- State's Minimum Wage Could Become Highest in Country - Patch.com May 18, 2012
- Legislative update: Budget, pension, Medicaid await Illinois General Assembly ... - NIU Today May 15, 2012
- General Assembly puts health exchange bill on back burner - Crain's Chicago Business May 10, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - MarketWatch (press release) May 1, 2012
- Personal property tax diversion goes nowhere in legislature - The State Journal-Register May 16, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - PR Newswire (press release) May 1, 2012
- Feds give Illinois more money for insurance exchange as Legislature stalls - Crain's Chicago Business May 17, 2012
- Chicago Cubs, Obama controversy part of final days of legislative session - Examiner.com May 19, 2012
- Our View: Illinois pensions, casinos and Rockford's new bishop in stew - Rockford Register Star May 13, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- Reader comments closed for the weekend May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Chicago Tribune: Coal plant closures could send electricity costs soaring May 18, 2012 Advertising Department
- Protected: *** UPDATED x5 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in… May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- OK, so where’s your plan? May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Caption contest! May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Topinka: Cigarette tax hike a “common sense solution” May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Slots at tracks a possibility? Maybe May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- AFSCME loses appeal over canceled raises May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x2 - Ricketts gave preliminary approval, lauded TV ad *** Cubs owners try damage control May 18, 2012 Rich Miller