(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
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
(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
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 candidate reform coalitions are all the fashion rage these days. Continue reading
(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
(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
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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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, 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
(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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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 today signed legislation that ensures that all Illinois residents denied health insurance claims can soon be reviewed by a qualified, independent doctor. Continue reading
(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
(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
(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
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
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
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
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
(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