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Illinois Elections 2010: Ex-Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman Endorses Senator John Mulroe, Questions Ethics of GOP Rival Brian Doherty
(Chicago, IL) – October 29, 2010. State Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) today was endorsed by former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman, earning effusive praise from the city’s ex-top watchdog. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: 14 Illinois Legislative Races Top $1 Million; Demuzio-McCann Contest Most Expensive
(Chicago, IL) — October 29, 2010. There are 14 Illinois legislative races that have crossed the $1 million mark in total fund-raising, according to a top campaign finance group. Continue reading
Chrysler Commits $600 Million to Belvidere Plant Expansion, Governor Pat Quinn Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Chrysler is planning to invest $600 million over the next three years to expand its Belvidere assembly plant to produce “future vehicles”. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Despite Visits by Barack, Michelle Obama, Likely Illinois Democratic Turnout Stagnates, Poll Data Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 27, 2010. Further depressing polling news is rolling in for Illinois Democratic candidates–likely Democratic voter turnout has stagnated, according to a review of polling data. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Bucking National Trend, Self-Identified Illinois Tea Party Members Surge, Poll Data Says
(Chicago, IL) – October 27, 2010. Despite slumping support nationally since last spring, the Tea Party movement in Illinois has gained strength, an analysis of polling data has revealed. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Bill Brady Distances Himself from Tea Party as Key-Voting Groups Abandon Protest Movement, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 27, 2010. Illinois GOP governor candidate Bill Brady is bringing conservative GOP southern governors to a campaign Tea Party rally in Will County while downplaying the event’s “Tea Party” sponsorship, a distancing which comes on the heels of new polling data that reveals that self-identified Tea Party membership is slumping nationally, particularly among key voting groups. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Independent Voters Stampeding to GOP, Sinking Democrats Nationally, Gov. Pat Quinn in Illinois, New Polls Say
(Chicago, IL) – October 26, 2010. Independent voters are turning even more sharply in recent days against Democratic candidates—if that was possible—nationally and in Illinois, with Governor Pat Quinn looking more-and-more like a casualty here. Continue reading
Aiming to Ease Traffic Congestion, Gov. Pat Quinn Announces $64 Million Bensenville Intersection Reconstruction
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $64 million effort to rebuild a key intersection in Bensenville to provide traffic congestion relief. Continue reading
Sen. Dan Kotowski Pushes Bill to Require More Financial Disclosure by Illinois Politicians
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) today joined government accountability advocates to announce legislation to require more disclosure of economic and personal financial interests by Illinois candidates and elected public officials. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Ald. Brian Doherty Slammed for Skipping Candidate Forum
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Chicago Alderman Brian Doherty (R-41) has come under fire from his Democratic state senate opponent for failing to attend a candidate forum sponsored by the Polish Initiative of Chicago. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Conservative Southern Governors to Campaign for Bill Brady in Will County
(Chicago, IL) — October 25, 2010. Illinois GOP governor candidate Bill Brady on Wednesday will be bringing conservative GOP southern governors to campaign with him at a rally in Will County. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Outpacing Bill Brady, Gov. Pat Quinn Reports $1.2 Million in Campaign Cash within 48 Hours
(Chicago, IL) — October 22, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn reported late tonight that his campaign hauled in a whopping $1.2 million in campaign cash within the last 48 hours, according to state election records. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: House GOP Leader Tom Cross Expands Playing Field, Moves against State Rep. Lisa Dugan
(Chicago, IL) — October 22, 2010. In the battle for the control of the Illinois House, GOP Minority Leader Tom Cross has expanded the battle field by making a late move to knock incumbent State Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley), dumping tens of thousands of dollars into polling, direct mail, and a media buy for her GOP rival, Nick Been, according to state election records. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Chicago Tribune Owner Sam Zell Donates $65,000 to Paper’s Endorsed Candidate, Bill Brady
(Chicago, IL) — October 22, 2010. Chicago Tribune owner Sam Zell, whose newspaper has endorsed GOP governor nominee Bill Brady over Governor Pat Quinn, yesterday dropped $25,000 into the downstate senator’s campaign kitty, bringing Zell’s total donations to Brady for his campaign to $65,000, according to state election records. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Pat Quinn Beating Bill Brady 2 to 1 among Hispanic Voters, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) – October 22, 2010. Despite a modest job approval ratings amongst Hispanic voters, Governor Pat Quinn is nevertheless winning Hispanic voters by 2 to 1 in the Illinois governor’s race over GOP rival Bill Brady, a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: “Latinos for Brady” Want Bill Brady to Return Campaign Cash Raised by Top Blagojevich Aides
(Chicago, IL) — October 22, 2010. Illinois GOP governor nominee Bill Brady acknowledged on Thursday at a debate with Governor Pat Quinn that top aides to ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich had been raising cash for his gubernatorial campaign, and the acknowledgment prompted the leaders of Latinos for Brady to denounce the fund-raising and called on Brady to return the money. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Bill Brady Brings Newt Gingrich to Illinois
(Chicago, IL) — October 22, 2010. Illinois GOP governor candidate Bill Brady is bringing former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich to campaign in his behalf at a rally in downstate Collinsville today, from 1:30p.m. to 3:00p.m. Gingrich, who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until being forced to quit … Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Pat Quinn, Bill Brady in Dead Heat; Cohen, Whitney Hurting Brady, New Polls Says
(Chicago, IL) – October 22, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn has shrunk GOP rival Bill Brady’s lead to only one point as the campaign nears its final turn, and he’s being boosted by third party candidates, according to a new poll. Continue reading
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: Dem Senator Michael Noland in Dead Heat with ex-Senator Steve Rauschenberger, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 20, 2010. State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) is in a dead heat with ex-State Senator Steve Rauschenberger (R-Elgin), a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Senator A.J. Wilhelmi Leads Tea Party Candidate Cedra Crenshaw by 15 points, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 20, 2010. State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) is leading GOP rival and Tea Party favorite Cedra Crenshaw (R-Bolingrook) by 15 points, a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Dem State Rep. Candidate Daniel Biss Leads GOP Opponent Hamilton Chang by 11 points, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 20, 2010. Democratic State Rep. candidate Daniel Biss of Evanston, who is seeking the Illinois House seat being vacated by State Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glencoe), is leading GOP rival Hamilton Chang of Wilmette by 11 points, a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Dem State Reps. Bob Flider, Mike Smith, and Candidate Charles Landers Locked in $1 Million Races
Political science professor Chris Mooney with the University of Illinois at Springfield said he would not be surprised if this was the most expensive election period for General Assembly races in the state’s history. Continue reading
Chicago-based Groupon Gets $3.5 Million Grant from Gov. Pat Quinn to Hire 250 New Employees
(Chicago, IL) — October 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3.5 million business investment package to create 250 new jobs at Chicago-based Groupon, Inc., the nation’s leading social shopping website, offering daily deals on local goods, services and cultural events. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Democratic Surge Fades as GOP Retakes Congressional Lead, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 19, 2010. After pulling even with the GOP in public opinion polls for two weeks, Democrats have once again fallen far behind on the generic congressional ballot of likely voter intentions, a new poll says. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Mark Kirk, Pat Quinn YouTube Campaign Videos Most Viewed
(Chicago, IL) — October 19, 2010. The races atop the 2010 ballots are moving into overdrive, which means televisions and car radios are moving into negative campaign mode. Illinois residents who turn on the television tonight will more than likely hear about prisoner release, failed banks, imagined military commendations and job creation. But grave voice-overs … Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Illinois Senate Democrats Outraise GOP Counterparts 2 to 1
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. In the fund-raising period July 1 through October 3, 2010, Senate President John Cullerton’s senate Democratic fund outraised Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno’s GOP senate committee two to one. Continue reading
As Breast Cancer among African-American Illinois Women Surges 77%, Gov. Pat Quinn Launches New Access, Treatment Initiative
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. As breast cancer among African-American Illinois women has surged 77% since 1986, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new advisory panel and a Medicaid reimbursement rate for screen to help fight breast cancer among Illinois women, focusing on access to mammograms and treatment. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: National GOP Group Drops $200,000 in Kitty of Illinois House Republicans
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. The Republican State Leadership Committee today dropped $200,000 into the campaign warchest of GOP Minority House Leader Tom Cross’ House Republican Organzation. Continue reading
Illinois Governor Debate 2010: Conflict-of-Interest Votes, Ethics Questions Dog Bill Brady at WBEZ Debate
(Chicago, IL) — October 18, 2010. State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) faced an onslaught of ethics criticism from Governor Pat Quinn over controversial votes that Brady had cast relating to a downstate housing development project that potentially could have benefited his home building business. Continue reading
Illinois Governor Debate 2010: WBEZ Chicago Public Radio Debate Excludes Green Party Nominee Rich Whitney, Too Bad
(Chicago, IL) — October 17, 2010. Unlike its public broadcasting counter part in Southern Illinois on Thursday night, the WBEZ Chicago Public Radio Illinois governor debate will exclude Green Party gubernatorial nominee Rich Whitney at Elmhurst College tonight. Continue reading
Illinois Budget: College Gets $2.1 Million Quinn Construction Grant; Illinois Owes School $2.6 Million
(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced a $2.1 million grant for infrastructure and energy-efficiency projects at South Suburban College in Holland, but Illinois owed the school $2,633,995.70 in overdue payments, as of July 22, 2010. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Grants $2.1 Million to South Suburban College for New Energy Efficient Windows, Emergency Generator
(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn yesterday announced $2.1 million for infrastructure and energy-efficiency projects at South Suburban College in Holland. Continue reading
Illinois Pensions: Illinois Legislature to Vote on Pension Borrowing after Election, Senate President John Cullerton Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 15, 2010. The Illinois General Assembly plans to vote a pension borrowing bond bill on November, according to Senate President John Cullerton’s office. Continue reading
Illinois Governor Debate 2010: Green Candidate Rich Whitney Attacks “Fantasy Economics” of Pat Quinn, Bill Brady
(Chicago, IL) — October 14, 2010. The Illinois gubernatorial debate tonight among Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, Republican State Senator Bill Brady and Green Rich Whitney was not even close. Whitney won hands-down. Continue reading
Seeking to Avoid Future Chicago Parking Meter Fiascos, Senator John Mulroe Pushes Bill to Require Local Referendum on Asset Privatization Schemes
(Chicago, IL) – October 14, 2010. Reacting to the unyielding public fury over the lease of Chicago’s parking meters, which includes recent thefts of meter boxes, State Senator John Monroe (D-Chicago) is making a public push of recently introduced legislation that would require a local public referendum on all proposals to privatize municipal assets. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Senator A.J. Wilhelmi Edges Cedra Crenshaw in Final 30-Day Fundraising Push
(Chicago, IL) — October 14, 2010. State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) is edging Illinois Tea Party rival Cedra Crenshaw (R-Bolingbrook) in the final campaign fund-raising phase as both the Democratic and Republcan leadership committees are shoveling cash into their candidates’ coffers. 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: Dan Rutherford, Robin Kelly Fight for Nickels-and-Dimes
(Chicago, IL) – October 14, 2010. State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa) and Democrat Robin Kelly have both sketched out either small bore or undetailed ideas for the Illinois Treasurer’s office that will likely have little impact on the state, but more likely a greater impact on their campaigns. Continue reading
Illinois Budget: Illinois State Board of Education Finance Committee Launches in Chicago Next Week 1st of 6 Budget Hearings
(Chicago, IL) – October 13, 2010. The Illinois State Board of Education’s Finance and Audit Committee is launching in Chicago next week its first of six public budget hearings across the state to help shape budget recommendations that will be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly in January 2011. Continue reading
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Taps Suzanne Strassberger as Springfield Government Affairs Chief
(Chicago, IL) – October 13, 2010. The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has tapped Suzanne Strassberger to be its Director, State Government Affairs. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: GOP House Candidate Norman Davis To Tell Minority Leader Tom Cross “To Go Spit”
(Chicago, IL) — October 13, 2010. Until recently, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has alone been plagued this campaign season with candidates who are willing to the buck the caucus leader. No more. Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) now has a potential trouble maker on his hands. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: State Rep. Candidate Daniel Biss Leads GOP Foe Hamilton Chang in Final Fund-Raising 30-Day Dash
(Chicago, IL) — October 13, 2010. With 19 days remaining until the November 2, 2010 election, State Rep. Candidate Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) is leading GOP foe Hamilton Chang (R-Wilmette) in the final campaign fund-raising 30-day dash. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Sen. John Mulroe Leads Brian Doherty in Late Campaign Money Chase
(Chicago, IL) — October 12, 2010. With 20 days remaining until the November 2, 2010 general election, appointed State Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) is so far leading GOP challenger and 41st Ward Alderman Brian Doherty in the late campaign money fund-raising phase. Continue reading
Illinois Elections 2010: Bill Brady Bucks the Tea Party
(Chicago, IL) – October 12, 2010. Will Bill Brady be welcome at the next tea party cotillion? Continue reading
The Illinois Observer Gets a Facelift
(Chicago, IL) — October 9, 2010. The Illinois Observer got a facelift today. It was more than a nip and tuck–it was a complete make over. Now we’re feeling more sassy than ever. From our underground and undisclosed location, we will continue to deliver the below-the-radar news on Illinois politics and government that the traditional … Continue reading
Governor Pat Quinn, Sheila Simon, and “Matt the Welder” to Star at Dem Rallies on Oct. 11
(Chicago, IL) — October 6, 2010 Governor Pat Quinn and Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Sheila Simon next week will kick off the first in their series of statewide “Putting Illinois Back to Work” rallies. Quinn and Simon will swing through Chicago, Rockford, Rock Island, Peoria, Decatur, Marion, and Champaign on October 11. “This election is … Continue reading
Bill Brady Criticizes Pat Quinn’s Labor Union Deal, Cuts His Own Labor Union Deal
(Chicago, IL) – October 7, 2010. Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady has seized on Governor Pat Quinn‘s deal with his backers in one of the state’s largest labor unions as evidence that he is just another Rod Blagojevich. But the Bloomington senator may have his own endorsement deal to answer for, after a month of … Continue reading
As Unpaid Bill Backlog Rises to $8.75 Billion, Illinois Now Ranks Worst in Nation for Late Payments to Human Service Agencies, New Report Says
(Chicago, IL) — October 7. Illinois is the worst state in the nation for late payments to nonprofit human service providers, according to a new report released today by the Urban Institute. Continue reading
Elections 2010: Hispanic Voters Overwhelming Back Democrats, But Unmotivated to Vote, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) – October 6, 2010. Hispanic voters this year overwhelming support Democratic candidates, but they are unmotivated to vote, according to a new poll. Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- McHenry County Blog | Pat Quinn Tells Truth about Pension ... Cal Skinner
- 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
- Gov. Pat Quinn Releases 2011 Federal, Illinois Taxes David Ormsby
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
- Chicago News Bench: No, Really, Pat Quinn Still Sucks More Than ... TM-1000
- Advocates Seek Illinois Child Welfare Vision from Governor Pat Quinn Marge Berglind
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