THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
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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: Quad City Times–”Porter McNeil to Be Most Promising” for Illinois House
The Quad City Times has given a big boost to Democratic state representative candidate Porter McNeil with its bright and glowing endorsement to succeed State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) in the Illinois House. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Julie Hamos is the Candidate to Beat in the IL 10th CD
(Chicago, IL) — January 28, 2010. State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) is the candidate to beat in the 10th Congressional District Democratic primary. Hamos has racked the more cash and endorsements than any candidate. Hamos reported $527,540 in money raised during the last filing period, with $385,346 cash on-hand. Her primary opponent, Dan Seals, raised … Continue reading
Cook County 2010 Democratic Primary: Water District Candidate Todd Connor Calls for Plan to Close Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Citing the Asian Carp threat to the Great Lakes, Todd Connor, a Democratic candidate for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, today called for a plan to re-configure the Chicago area waterways and close the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Continue reading
Cook County 2010 Democratic Primary: Toni Preckwinkle, John Fritchey, and Victor Forys Form Second Cook County Reform Candidate Coalition
Cook County candidate reform coalitions are all the fashion rage these days. Continue reading
State Rep Sara Feigenholtz Takes Aim at Looming Financial Crisis in Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program
(Chicago, IL) — January 25, 2010. State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Chair of the Human Services Appropriations Committee, on Friday convened the committee at a public hearing to tackle the looming financial crisis in the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and HIV prevention programs. The state AIDS drug program, which currently 4,600 people, is … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Republican Primary-Governor: Poll Says Andy McKenna, Jim Ryan and Kirk Dillard Lead GOP Governor Race; Bill Brady, Adam Andrzejewski, and Dan Proft Lag
(Chicago, IL) — January 24, 2010. Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it may be able to buy an election–which would be happiness for the winner. Perhaps. Given the financial collapse that is Illinois, the winner may just end up with the booby prize. Anyway. Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Democratic Primary: Poll Slashes Governor Pat Quinn’s Lead over Dan Hynes to 4 Points; Undecided Voters Likely to Defeat Quinn
January 24, 2010. A new poll in the 2010 Illinois Democratic primary for governor has Governor Pat Quinn’s lead over Comptroller Dan Hynes shaved to 4 points. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Rep Suzie Bassi Holds Campaign Cash Advantage over Challenger Tom Morrison
In the last six-months, Tom Morrison has raised $48,320 compared to $65,950 for Suzie
Bassi, according to Illinois State Board of Elections records. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Dan Burke Swamps Opponent Rudy Lozano in Money Race
(Chicago, IL) — January 22, 2010. In the money race it’s not even close. State Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago) is swamping opponent Rudy Lozano in the fund-raising contest, raising $155,457 to Lozano’s $42,467 in the last six months, according to Illinois State Board of Elections records. After spending $103,531, Burke, who had $277,239 coming into … 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
In Memory …
(Chicago, IL) — January 18, 2010. Today’s issue of THE iLLLINOIS OBSERVER is dedicated in memory to a muse and an inspiration. Marlene Ormsby April 14, 1935–January 15, 2010 Now we’re on our own.
Chicago Federation of Labor, McCormick Place Unions Push Reform Proposals
(Chicago, IL) – January 15, 2010. Coming on the heals of legislation to boot out the McCormick Place board of directors approved by the Illinois legislature earlier this week, the unions representing workers at McCormick Place today rolled-out their own proposals to help turn around Chicago’s sagging convention business. The unions called for a customer … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Water Commissioner Debra Shore Endorses State Rep Candidate David Shroeder over Ken Dunkin
(Chicago, IL) – January 15, 2010. Cook County Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore yesterday endorsed David Schroeder in the Democratic primary for state representative over incumbent Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) in the Illinois 5th District race. “David Schroeder has a passion for good government,” said Shore. “Schroeder will bring a sense of what’s right … Continue reading
State Reps Chapin Rose, Pat Verschoore Want Governor Pat Quinn to Avoid Campaign Speech for State-of-State Speech
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are hoping Governor Pat Quinn uses his State of the State address for solutions instead of stumping. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, Senator Kwame Raoul, Proviso, 43rd Ward Democrats Back Todd Connor for Water Board
(Chicago, IL) — January 11, 2010. Newcomer Todd Connor is on a roll. Connor, who is seeking a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners in his first ever bid for public office, has picked up another batch of big-time Democratic endorsements. In the past few days, Connor, a former Navy Officer … Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: Alderman Brendan Reilly Endorses State Rep Candidate David Schroeder over Incumbent Ken Dunkin
(Chicago, IL) – January 8, 2010. Chicago’s 42nd Ward Alderman, Brendan Reilly, today endorsed David Schroeder for state representative in the Democratic primary over incumbent Ken Dunkin in the Illinois 5th district House race. “The State of Illinois faces tough choices, and we need someone in the General Assembly who can provide leadership and represent … Continue reading
Advocates Back Governor Pat Quinn’s Short-Term Loan Plan to Pay Illinois Budget Bills, Dan Hynes Refuses to Budge Opposition
(Springfield, IL) — January 8, 2010. Pharmacies, nursing homes and other medical institutions that provide Medicaid services in Illinois are seeing an increase in wait time for payments from the state. In past years, 45 business days was the maximum time period a Medicaid provider had to wait for state reimbursement, but now it can … 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: State Rep Candidate Ed Mullen Knocks on 10,000 Doors, Launches 1st Mail Piece
(Chicago, IL) – January 6, 2009. Democrat Ed Mullen’s grassroots campaign for State Representative for the House seat on Chicago’s north side to succeed John Fritchey has already knocked on an eye-popping 10,000 voter doors and launched its first direct mail piece. In fact, between December 12th and 19th, Mullen’s campaign knocked on the doors … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn OKs Law to Blunt Health Insurance Denials; Greg Harris, Heather Steans Stear Health Reform through Illinois Legislature
Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that ensures that all Illinois residents denied health insurance claims can soon be reviewed by a qualified, independent doctor. Continue reading
Illinois 2010 Elections: State Rep Candidate Tom Morrison Attacks State Rep Suzie Bassi for 1,198 “Present” Votes
(Palatine, IL) – January 5, 2010. Republican state representative candidate Tom Morrison yesterday criticized incumbent State Rep. Suzie Bassi (R-Palatine) for voting present 1,198 times in four years. “When it comes to my opponent, the English proverb ‘Old Habits Die Hard’ describes her failure to represent our district’s citizens in Springfield,” Morrison said. “The official … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Appoints, 1st Latino, Manny Flores, ICC Chair; Candidate Pat Quinn to Attend Hispanic American Labor Council “Meet the Candidates” Event
(Chicago, IL) — January 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced the appointment of Chicago Alderman Manny Flores as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission. “Manny Flores is an experienced and highly-regarded public servant who will provide a fresh viewpoint at this very important Commission,” said Quinn. If confirmed, Flores would be the first Latino … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn to Sign Health Insurance Reform Bill Sponsored by State Rep Greg Harris, State Senator Heather Steans
(Chicago, IL) — January 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today will hold a press conference in Chicago to sign consumer protection legislation, House Bill 3923, to reform Illinois health insurance and help Illinois small businesses. Quinn will be joined by the bill’s sponsors’ State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and … 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: US Senate Hopeful David Hoffman Scoops Up $25,000
Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful David Hoffman is boasting a bit over the $25, 000 he snagged from grassroots supporters by the federal December 31 campaign reporting period. Continue reading
Illinois Traffic Deaths Drop Below 1,000 in 2009, 1st Time in 88 Years, Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois State Police Chief Jonathon Monken Report
Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken on Saturday announced that 2009 was the safest year on Illinois roads in 88 years as traffic fatality numbers dropped below 1,000. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn Appoints Larry Matkaitis, 30-Year Chicago Fire Department Veteran, Illinois Fire Marshal
January 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn on Saturday announced the appointment of fire service veteran and administrator Larry Matkaitis as Illinois State Fire Marshal. Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn OKs Bill Sponsored by State Rep Kevin McCarthy, Senator Bill Blaine to Help Protect Homebuyers
(Chicago, IL) –January 1, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday signed a bill into law to help protect Illinois homebuyers. The legislation, Senate Bill 1894, increases the education requirements for real estate agents in Illinois, expands an anti-predatory lending program, and helps towns clean-up foreclosed homes. “This important new law helps protect Illinois’ homebuyers from unscrupulous … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- McHenry County Blog | Pat Quinn Tells Truth about Pension ... Cal Skinner
- Illinois General Assembly, Gov. Pat Quinn Must Reconcile ... Marge Berglind
- Pat Quinn Criticizes Scott Walker On Jobs The Huffington Post News Editors
- Will Governor Pat Quinn Sign Illinois Budget on Thursday? « Child ... Marge Berglind
- Quinn: Lawmakers Must 'Show Some Fortitude' On Pension ... Todd Feurer
- Governor Pat Quinn Puts His Foot Down On Gambling Expansion ... Mark
- Senate narrowly backs Quinn on facility closures - Capitol Fax.com Rich Miller
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
- Advocates Seek Illinois Child Welfare Vision from Governor Pat Quinn Marge Berglind
- Chicago News Bench: No, Really, Pat Quinn Still Sucks More Than ... TM-1000
IL General Assembly
- General Assembly puts health exchange bill on back burner - Crain's Chicago Business May 10, 2012
- IL educators react to proposed state budget cuts - WREX-TV May 11, 2012
- Violence Against Women Act Survives Partisan Fight, Quinn Told Not To Close ... - Patch.com May 9, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - MarketWatch (press release) May 1, 2012
- You Paid For It: IL General Assembly Scholarship Program - FOX2now.com May 7, 2012
- Our Opinion: Anti-bully bill should get OK - The State Journal-Register May 10, 2012
- Illinois State University considers 4.4 percent tuition increase - Herald & Review May 10, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - PR Newswire (press release) May 1, 2012
- Asian-Americans to have state caucus - WBEZ May 8, 2012
- Suburban mayors also urge state to pass pension reform - Chicago Sun-Times May 10, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- Question of the day May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- Political cover or political payback? May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- Illinois Needs Private Sector Jobs Now! Why Labor Leaders Support Senate Bill 1849 May 10, 2012 Advertising Department
- Senate narrowly backs Quinn on facility closures - Chamber backs Quinn pension reforms May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- House approves bill to effectively end free employee health insurance premiums May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x2 - VIDEO *** Smith hearing resumes today (LIVE Coverage and Video) May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x2 *** Not a big deal at all, but it’s probably time to delegate a bit more May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- Morning Shorts May 10, 2012 Owen Irwin
- *** LIVE SESSION COVERAGE *** May 10, 2012 Rich Miller
- Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - COWL review, supplement to today’s edition and a Statehouse roundup May 10, 2012 Rich Miller