THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Gov. Pat Quinn Names New Illinois Commerce Commission Member
(Chicago, IL) – March 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new appointment to the Illinois Commerce Commission, tapping an energy and environment policy expert. Continue reading
Late Night: How Did Democrat Chris Welch Snag Republican Skip Saviano’s Support?…and More
(Chicago, IL) – All Politics is Local Part I – Democratic state representative candidate Chris Welch of Hillside, who’s campaigning for an open seat in western Cook County, won the open support of the Illinois House GOP Campaign Chairman and nearby incumbent State Rep. Angelo “Skip” Saviano (R-Elmwood Park) in large part because he is not fellow Democrat Rory Hoskins, Welch’s top opponent in the four-way Democratic primary, sources say. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Submits Federal Emergency Management Agency Appeal for Harrisburg Tornado
(Springfield, IL) – March 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn will submit an official appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday morning asking the agency to reconsider its denial of Illinois’ federal disaster assistance request for five Southern Illinois counties, including the town of Harrisburg in which 7 people died, walloped on February 29 by deadly tornadoes. Continue reading
Illinois Primary Elections 2012: Illinois House Endorsements Part III
Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading
Illinois 2012 Elections: Who Are The Top 10, Bottom 10 Chicago Dem, GOP Committeemen?
(Chicago, IL) – March 15, 2012. Who Leads the Lambs to Vote in Chicago? The Vatican has the College of Cardinals, known as the “Princes of the Church.” Chicago has Ward Committeemen. Continue reading
Illinois Primary Elections 2012: Illinois House Endorsements Part II
Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading
Chicago State Rep. Derrick Smith Arrested by Feds
(Chicago, IL) — March 13, 2012. State Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) was arrested Tuesday on charges of accepting a $7,000 bribe to steer a Illinois grant to a daycare facility. The Chicago Democrat’s arrest comes after a three-month investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois. Smith agreed to write … Continue reading
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Praises Emanuel on Fullerton Parkway Bridge Reconstruction that Begins Monday
(Chicago, IL) – March 13, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel‘s administration announced today that it was beginning the reconstruction of the Fullerton Parkway Bridge over the Lincoln Park Lagoon and adjacent pedestrian underpass on Monday, March 19, a step that drew praise from an area state lawmaker. “Key drainage and landscaping enhancements are provided in this … Continue reading
This Just In … U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. Leads Democratic Opponent Debbie Halvorson by 36 Points, New Poll Says
(Chicago, IL) – March 12, 2012. A new poll obtained by THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER reveals that among likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has solidified his support and is walloping ex-Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson by 36 percentage points. Governor Pat Quinn, who was likely tipped to the poll results … Continue reading
Illinois Primary Elections 2012: Illinois House Endorsements Part I
Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading
Late Night: Illinois House GOP Lawmaker Backs Democrat for House… and More
(Chicago, IL) – Friends Like This Are Hard to Find – When it is your job to help elect Republicans to the Illinois House of Representatives, an out-stretched, bi-partisan hand can seem, sometimes, stretched out of its socket when the Chairman of the Illinois House Republican campaign committee endorses a Democrat for the House. But … Continue reading
Illinois Primary Endorsements 2012: Illinois State Senate Part II
Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading
Obama to Illinois: Drop Dead – Feds Deny Gov. Pat Quinn’s Disaster Assistance Request for Harrisburg Tornado
(Springfield, IL) – March 11, 2012. Well, he’s not playing favorites with his home state. Continue reading
This Just In … Gov. Pat Quinn Endorses Jesse Jackson, Jr. over Debbie Halvorson
(Chicago, IL) – March 11, 2012. Annoyed by ex-U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson’s public campaign for the job of Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary in an effort to box in Gov. Pat Quinn on the decision, Quinn today returned the favor by endorsing Halvorson’s opponent, Jesse Jackson Jr. in their congressional primary battle. Continue reading
Illinois Primary Endorsements 2012: Illinois State Senate Part I
Editor’s Note: In this publication’s nearly five-year history of covering Illinois state government, we have had a policy of offering no election endorsements. For the 2012 elections and beyond, that policy has changed. Last month, THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER launched its “Endorsement Project 2012”. We gathered seasoned observers of Springfield to form an “Editorial Board” and … Continue reading
Saturday Late Night: Chicago GOP Party Alleges Fellow Republican Jack Roeser Launders Campaign Cash…and More
(Chicago, IL) – Chicago GOP Clown Car: Part I – GOP State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who is laying the groundwork for a 2014 gubernatorial campaign, on Friday jumped into the backseat of the clown car that is the Chicago Republican Party, endorsing the party’s current driver, Eloise Gerson, who is locked in a bitter primary battle against Chicago Young Republican Tom Smithburg for the booby prize of Chicago’s 42nd Ward GOP Committeeman post. Continue reading
Chicago Parents Abandon Kids: Local School Council Elections Lack 5,000 Candidates, Filing Deadline Extended
(Chicago, IL) – March 9, 2012. What if an election was planned and no candidates showed up? That’s the problem facing the Chicago Public Schools. With a shortage of nearly 5,000 local school council candidates, CPS has extended the candidate deadline to file election petitions to Friday, March 23. So far, only 2,060 candidates have … Continue reading
Late Night: Poll Says Kenny Johnson Leads Christian Mitchell; Who Wants Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Private Cell Phone Bills?… and More
(Chicago, IL) – Over the Cliff Together – Governor Pat Quinn’s opposition to a bi-partisan revenue estimate resolution, sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), which was $221 million below the Governor’s estimate, was well known. The Illinois Responsible Budget Coalition, chaired by John Bouman, also criticized the Madigan-Cross … Continue reading
Late Night: Poll Says Silvana Tabares Leads Rudy Lozano; Nursing Home Reform Imperiled?… and More
(Chicago, IL) – Transparency for Everyone – At an Illinois Senate Executive Committee hearing today, State Senator Martin Sandoval’s plan to subject Illinois non-profits who receive state money to the state’s Freedom of Information Act unleashed a storm of opposition from, unsurprisingly, non-profits. Among them at the hearing was the influential Donors Forum of Chicago. … Continue reading
Wednesday Watch: The Most Expensive Illinois Legislative Primary? Judicial Pensions on the Table?…and More
(Springfield, IL) – And The Prize For Most Expensive Primary So Far Goes To… GOP State Senators Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and Christine Johnson (R-Shabbona) for harvesting $581,100 with which to clobber each other. Second Prize Goes To… State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and State Rep. Chris Nybo (R-Lombard) for vacuuming in $512,800 for their slugflest. … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Dump Illinois Medical District Commissioners
(Chicago, IL) – March 6, 2012. Launching a joint strike, Governor Pat Quinn and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today dumped five commissioners on the financially troubled Illinois Medical District Commission and replaced them with fresh appointees. Continue reading
Tuesday Tips: Chicago North Side Judge Campaign Rolls in Dough, Rolls Out Cable Ad; Emanuel Wants to Lease City Land to Catholic Charities for $1 … and More
(Chicago, IL) – Chicago North Side Judge Campaign Rolls in Dough, Rolls Out Video Ad – Judge Celia Louise Gamrath, who is hustling by going door-to-door for a seat from the lakefront 8th Judicial Subcircuit on Chicago’s north side once held Chicago’s first openly gay judge, Tom Chiola, is out with a polished video ad … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announce Appointees to McCormick Place Board
(Chicago, IL) – March 5, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today their eight appointments for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board. The appointees from Quinn are Carmen Lonstein, Ron Powell, Bob Reiter and Becky Strzechowski. Emanuel’s are: Roger J. Kiley, Jr., Dan Hynes, Frank M. Clark, Jr. and Julie Chavez. … Continue reading
Saturday Odd Bits: New Illinois GOP Labor PAC Gets 1st Check; Ex-Mob Bookie’s Chicago Employment History Probed…and More
(Chicago, IL) – Illinois GOP Gets Labor Love, Cash – Formed on February 22 by beer distributor and GOP donor Kevin Burke, president of LaGrange-based Burke Beverage, Inc., to help Republican state legislative candidates friendly to organized labor, the Illinois Lunch Pail Republican PAC got its first check on Friday. Chicagoland Operators Joint Labor-Management PAC … Continue reading
Will Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Endorsement Help Dem State Representative Hopeful Christian Mitchell?
(Chicago, IL) – March 1, 2012. Unlike his predecessor ex-Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been actively wading into Democratic legislative primary fights, and Emanuel did so again today, throwing his support to Christian Mitchell who’s locked in tough race against Kenny Johnson. Continue reading
House Committee Oks Plan Targeting Dangerous Illinois Cabdrivers
(Springfield, IL) – March 1, 2012. A House committee on Wednesday approved legislation that would provide local officials a list of registered taxicabs with a record of moving violations. Continue reading
Illinois House Panel OKs Illinois Family and Medical Leave Act Including Civil Union Couples
(Springfield, IL) – February 29, 2012. An Illinois House panel today approved an Illinois version of the Family and Medical Leave Act that would include civil union couples. Continue reading
In Tornado Ravaged Harrisburg Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn Declares Southern Illinois Region a Disaster Area
(Harrisburg, IL) – February 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a state disaster proclamation for tornado-damaged areas in Harrisburg, Illinois, following storms that raged through the region leaving 10 dead and 100 injured. Continue reading
Following Southern Illinois Tornado Killing 6, Gov. Pat Quinn to Visit Harrisburg
(Springfield, IL) – February 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today activated the State Emergency Operations Center following severe storms and tornadoes that struck Harrisburg in Southern Illinois early this morning, leaving 6 dead and 100 injured. Quinn will visit Harrisburg later today. Illinois Emergency Management Agency regional personnel were deployed to Harrisburg soon after the … Continue reading
Will Illinois Renew Enterprise Zones Set to Expire Next Year?
(Springfield, IL) – February 27, 2012. Remember Enterprise Zones? They are a Reagan-era economic development scheme which have proven themselves, unlike other Reagan economic theories, to be effective in Illinois. The state has dozens and dozens such zones. And seven are set to expire next year. That expiration has set off a bi-partisan scramble in … Continue reading
Boilermakers Back Kenny Johnson over Christian Mitchell in Illinois House Democratic Primary
(Chicago, IL) – February 27, 2012. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 1 has endorsed Kenny Johnson over Christian Mitchell in the Democratic primary for the seat once held by now-Chicago 4th Ward Alderman Will Burns. “Kenny Johnson has been and will continue to be a strong advocate for working families and neighborhoods,” said John … Continue reading
Where is Rahm Emanuel Collecting $50 Million More than Expected in Chicago Taxes?
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the release of the first-ever City of Chicago quarterly budget report, noting that city tax collection is running about $50 million higher than originally estimated. “For the first time ever, the City is providing the public with regular progress reports on where the City … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Dedicates Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail Honoring Black History Month
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn, a relentless supporter of Illinois veterans, today dedicated the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail in Chicago. Continue reading
AG Lisa Madigan Hits NDK Crystal with $39,000 Fine for 2009 Plant Explosion that Killed One Person
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier on Friday announced a settlement with crystal manufacturer NDK Crystal Co., fining the company $39,000 and shuttering the plant until the facility is certified by state regulators as safe for operation following the 2009 explosion at the facility … Continue reading
What Are the Prospects for Illinois Strip Club Tax Pushed by Senator Toi Hutchinson?
(Springfield, IL) – February 19, 2012. Legislation has been filed in the Illinois legislature placing a $5 tax on each person that enters an Illinois strip club, raising the question: what are the bill’s prospects in Springfield? Continue reading
THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER Gets a Subscriber Password …
Dear iLLINOIS OBSERVER Reader: Some changes are happening at THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER. For starters, this publication will begin to publish some “subscriber only” content for which you will need a password. The password for the remainder of February is: … . To get a password, please enter your e-mail address at the upper right of … Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Finds Additional Chicago Residents, Wants U.S. Census Bureau Redo
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Whattya know. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has uncovered additional Chicago residents. And the mayor now wants the U. S. Census Bureau to revise Chicago’s 2010 Census count. Continue reading
Our View: Paula Basta’s Ethics Plan is Hypocritical, Costly to Taxpayers
Our View: All candidates for elected office should follow two golden rules when they propose reforms: one, avoid exposing yourself to the charge of hypocrisy; and two, avoid costing taxpayers more money. Illinois Democratic state representative candidate Paula Basta recently violated both. On Valentine’s Day, Basta, who is challenging appointed State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Appoints Ex-State Rep. Bob Flider Illinois Agriculture Department Director
(Springfield, IL) – February 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today named Bob Flider director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “It is important that our Agriculture agency is led by someone who understands the key role of agri-business in our economy,” Quinn said. Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011, … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Delivers Mars Candy Valentines to Kids at Shriners Hospital for Children
(Chicago, IL) – February 14, 2012. On Valentine’s Day, Governor Pat Quinn visited the Chicago Mars candy factory to announce new data on the company’s recent Illinois growth and to pick up bags of candy for hospitalized kids. “Right here in Illinois, Mars is manufacturing Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers and it is only … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, Senator Annazette Collins Push Illinois Ethics Referendum Amendment
(Chicago, IL) – February 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow state voters to enact ethics reforms through popular initiative and referendum. “Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical,” said Quinn. Sponsored by State Senator Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), the … Continue reading
NBC Chicago Blogger Satire Stings Illinois Gay Rights Group
(Chicago, IL) – Despite the wacky, Onion-like satirical content of a post by an NBC Chicago TV blogger on a recently introduced same-sex marriage bill in Springfield, a Chicago-based gay rights group suspended disbelief to issue a stream of press releases condemning the “Lonesome No More Act,” which prompted the author to add an up-front … Continue reading
Is Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Springfield Winning Streak Over?
(Chicago, IL) – In Springfield Rahm was on roll. He won approval for his school plan to extend the school day and school year. He won approval for the DREAM act to help enable privately-funded scholarship for undocumented students. He won approval of his speed camera plan to fine speeding drivers in school zones. He … Continue reading
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Pushes to Add Transgender, Immigrant, and Military to Punishable Hate Crimes
(Chicago, IL) – February 10, 2012. An Illinois House lawmaker last week introduced legislation that would add “gender identity, military status and immigration status” to Illinois’ list of punishable hate crimes. “This amendment to the hate crimes bill will create a truly inclusive act that will give law enforcement the tools they need to protect … Continue reading
Despite Capitol Fax Publisher Plea, Governor Pat Quinn Makes a Big Announcement
(Chicago, IL) – December 23, 2011. Despite Capital Fax Publisher Rich Miller’s public plea to Governor Pat Quinn to refrain from any big announcements while Miller went on holiday, Quinn refused to oblige. Continue reading
Illinois-Backed Disabled Children Housing Closes; Gov. Pat Quinn Announces New Illinois-Backed Disabled Housing Program
(Chicago, IL) – December 19, 2011. Here’s an example Illinois state government dysfunction at its worst. Continue reading
Video: Next Year’s Illinois Budget Faces Turbulence, Says Top House Budget Lawmaker
(Chicago, IL) – December 16, 2011. The chair of a key Illinois House budget panel this week warned that next year’s state budget will be as “challenging” as the one lawmakers crafted earlier this year. “Next year’s budget is going to be as much of a challenge as last year’s,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz … Continue reading
Democratic Primary Opponent Hits State Rep. Toni Berrios on CME, Sears Tax Break Vote
(Chicago, IL) – December 14, 2011. The tax break legislation for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group and Sears approved by the Illinois House on Monday was already causing political headaches for one House Democrat by Tuesday. Journalist Will Guzzardi, who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Toni Berrios (D-Chicago), in the March 2012 Democratic primary, slammed … Continue reading
Senator Jeff Schoenberg Backs Rep. Daniel Biss for Illinois Senate
(Evanston, IL) – December 7, 2011. State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) today endorsed first-term State Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) for the north shore state Senate seat that Schoenberg is vacating. Continue reading
Illinois Lawmakers Send Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Bill to Gov. Pat Quinn
(Chicago, IL) – December 1, 2011. What is one of the most important steps that could be taken to save the life of teenager in the throes of a drug overdose? Telephone for medical help. Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
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- FREEDOMISMIST: PAT QUINN MAY BE ABLE STAY OUT OF ... Eileen
- Home Health Care News: Bad Move? Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn wants ... Valerie VanBooven
- Governor Pat Quinn Puts His Foot Down On Gambling Expansion ... Mark
- Teachers picket against pension changes : News : ConnectTriStates ... KHQA Newsdesk
- Detective Shaved Longcock: Gov Quinn coughs up over $73 ... Det. Shaved Longcock
- Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn stepped up his public - ADF Alliance Alert » news ... ADF Alliance Alert
- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Endorses Gay Marriage unknown
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
IL General Assembly
- State's Minimum Wage Could Become Highest in Country - Patch.com May 20, 2012
- Illinois General Assembly Approves Money to Keep Day Care Center Open, Bill ... - WJBD Online May 18, 2012
- General Assembly puts health exchange bill on back burner - Crain's Chicago Business May 10, 2012
- Legislative update: Budget, pension, Medicaid await Illinois General Assembly ... - NIU Today May 15, 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
- Our View: Illinois pensions, casinos and Rockford's new bishop in stew - Rockford Register Star May 13, 2012
- Mayor John Spring: Public safety will suffer if state cuts funds to Quincy - Quincy Herald Whig May 18, 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