Illinois Review

Who do you stand with?

Did you catch the national news broadcast when Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said he didn't rule out impeaching the President?

Durbin is featured among a host of Democrats attacking the President on a new Web ad released this morning by the Republican National Committee, titled "Censure?  Impeachment?"

The video highlights Democrat attacks on the President’s plan to fight terrorists trying to communicate in our country, including Feingold’s outlandish assertion that the President should be censured for working to keep Americans safe. 

You can watch the video here: http://www.gop.com

The ad concludes, "Who do you stand with?"

Downstate soldier featured on local TV

Joyce Morrison, an IR contributor, is beaming with pride this morning about a local tv station's coverage of her great nephew Mark Wright, who is serving what the local television station is calling a "mission of kindness" in Afghanistan.

Joyce writes this morning:  "Sometimes we get tired of the battle - but then we remember why we are doing what we do.  This is my niece's son, Mark...and yes I am prejudiced,  but he is a real A one kid."

You've got a lot to be proud of, Joyce.  We all share the pride of our tremendous young men and women spreading good will as they are fighting the war on terrorism.

Link: WSIL TV • NATIONAL NEWS.

IN FOCUS: GOP Candidate for 6th CD Peter Roskam -- Part 2

with Fran Eaton, IR Editor

A year ago, when Republican State Senator Peter Roskam announced his intention to run for the 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Henry Hyde, he had only a slight inkling of how important the topic of the war on Iraq would be. 

Since last year's interview with IR's editor Fran Eaton, the war on terrorism has become a key issue in the 6th CD, as the Democratic opponent Roskam faces lost both her legs as a helicopter pilot in the war in Iraq.  Tammy Duckworth, who until very recently was in active military service, defeated two others in a heated Democratic primary.  As a result, America's war on terrorism has been thrust to center stage in this nationally-watched race.

When asked if he agrees with the President philosophy of pre-emptive strike in the war on terrorism, Roskam replied:

You mean fighting in the Mideast versus the Midwest?  I think it took him about ten seconds to come to that conclusion.  I think you really get the feeling that when he said we are at war, that was clear.  This was not about subpoenas and wire taps, the President’s attitude was, this will be answered clearly and aggressively and proportionately.  It has paid dividends.

Since this interview, Congressman Hyde has endorsed Roskam.  Read his thoughts about Hyde, Barack Obama, the federal role in education and more . . .

No Dave, Stick To Your Guns!

Rockford columnist Chuck Sweeny promotes the Bob Michel strategy:  Republicans should kow tow to Democrats in order to get scraps off the table:

"Oh, no, this is not good news. Tuesday, state Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland, got into a shouting match with state Transportation Secretary Tim Martin during a Springfield meeting Martin was having with some local Chamber of Commerce folks. Winters argued with Martin over Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s $3.2 billion capital projects budget, which is stalled in the General Assembly because Republicans won’t support it without the governor saying how he’s going to pay for it.

Is verbal brawling a good idea considering that the House and Senate will remain in Democratic hands next year? Plus, I can’t see how Blagojevich, a Democrat, gets beat unless U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has him indicted.

Let’s see. That leaves us with four more years of Blagojevich and the Democrats running the state. I dislike unchecked power as much as the next guy, but that’s political reality.

To receive any consideration for vital transportation and development projects in northern Illinois, our Republican legislators will have to deflate their monstrous egos and learn how to work with the Democrats. I know that will be difficult, but they are public servants, not grand potentates. School starts today.

Lesson 1: Quit whining.

Lesson 2: Do not administer a drive-by dissing to the secretary of transportation at the secretary’s own meeting with Rockford-area people."

That's a strategy for the permanent minority.  When Republicans fight we win.  The lesson was pretty clear in DC when for forty years Republican incumbents accepted Democratic rule and, "worked with Democrats." The Democrats in DC learned that message and instead of being rolled for forty years, they are the verge of making a come back in just 12. 

This state could use a little more partisanship and few good fights.

Hat tip:  Rich Miller
Link: Rockford Register Star - Rockford's Newspaper and Website - Local & State News.

Study on Intercessory Prayer...

You can read a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic (as well as others) about the effects of intercessory prayer on patients who underwent serious heart surgery.

Article can be found here.

In addition to thinking that this was a fairly idiotic study, I would say that it doesn't change my thinking at all.  Faith is faith.  Although we see signs of God in science, we cannot place God under a microscope.  I'm not really sure why the two monasteries and one Protestant congregation that took part in this study were thinking. Christ instructed us (quoting the Old Testament) "You shall not test the Lord your God."

No school? No drive

The Illinois Senate just followed the Illinois House's example by unanimously passing HB 1463, a bill which will keep any person under age 18 from being issued a driver's license if they do not maintain school attendance or are considered habitual truants.

In response to complaints from the Decatur Public Schools (which reports an increase in chronic truancy rates from a previous 1.6 percent to a current 4.3 percent),  bill sponsor Senate President Frank Watson said the legislation was to encourage school attendance.

The bill will now proceed to the governor's desk.

One can't help but wonder, will police now be stopping high school aged young people during school hours in order to determine whether they are chronic truants?  Will home schooled young people be forced to register their school affiliation or face losing their driving privileges during school hours?

No school, no drive.  While it would seem strange to be on the side of appearing to defend the rights of chronic truants, home schoolers who allow their teens to drive during school hours might want to be aware of this school code shift as soon as the governor signs it into law.

IN FOCUS: GOP Candidate for 6th CD Peter Roskam

by Fran Eaton, IR editor

In May 2005, State Senator Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) announced his intention to fill retiring U.S. Congressman Henry Hyde's seat.   

Through skillful political landmine avoidance, Roskam averted a party primary and came out of the March primary armed with money in his war chest and good will among those in the local Republican organization.   

Now he's set for what he describes as "a vigorous campaign" in the 6th Congressional District.  He's faced with a General Election opponent -- Tammy Duckworth -- who is backed by the national Democratic Party's elite.  And last week, the Republican National Committee's Ken Mehlman came to the district to energize Roskam's troops. 

Who is this Peter Roskam?  Why should people around the state of Illinois and the country be interested in this race? 

With the permission of the Illinois Leader, Illinois Review presents a two-part exclusive interview IR's editor Fran Eaton had with Roskam shortly before his announcement in 2005.   

We think Peter Roskam is someone conservatives -- not only in Illinois, but nationwide -- should know . . . and know well . . .   

Blagojevich to Muhammad : Was That You?

by John Ruskin

Caught!

The Chicago Tribune reported today that despite his numerous denials, Gov. Blagojevich did indeed meet Sister Claudette Marie Muhammad on several occasions before he appointed her to his Thought (I mean Hate) Crimes Commission; and knew she was Minister of Protocol for the Nation of Islam.

Of course, the Governors "people" tried to downplay this revelation, floating the excuse de jour that Rod meets a lot of people and cannot be expected to remember every official of a hatemongering group that he appoints to his hate crimes commission.

Poor Rod. He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. If he doesn't fire Muhammad he loses the Jewish vote. If he gives her the boot he risks losing the black vote. And with Rev. Meeks hot on his heels, he cannot afford to get this wrong.

Meeks: The Entire November Election Changes BIGTIME!

by Lee Newcom

I believe many conservative Republicans are going to take Tom Roeser's advice HERE and not vote for either candidate for Governor.  Topinka seems unable to grasp her need to reach out to the conservative side of the party or to compromise, so she opens the door for State Senator James Meeks to earn their vote.  As reported HERE in the Sun Times, he is serious about running for Governor.  Get this from the Sun Times article:

"...Meeks hinted that his political courtship of conservative Republicans may not stop with Brady [who had turned him down] and could extend to the GOP primary's runner-up, Aurora dairy owner and investor Jim Oberweis.

"I'd be glad to have a conversation with Mr. Oberweis. I'd be glad to have a conversation with everybody who believes in the right to life and the sanctity of marriage," Meeks said.

Lets add this up.

Meeks starts with the all important Chicago area black vote.  He takes a lot of the 30% of Democrats who voted for Eisendrath in the Democratic primary, and gets a lot of white conservative vote.  Starting to sound significant? Hold the phone, the Illinois Family Institute is close to achieving the number of signatures needed to qualify it's non-binding Protect Marriage ballot question for that same November ballot.  That would mean a huge voter turnout from the Conservative church base.  Only one candidate will be campaigning on protecting marriage, and it won't be either the Democrat or the Republican.  That candidate will benefit hugely from that protect-marriage-turnout and get most of that vote.

Now we also have the Republican Party in a disastrous no-win position. It can join with the Democrats and homosexual activists to try and legally prevent the marriage proposal from being on the ballot, because of the vote it will bring Meeks.  That would be a massive public relations nightmare, publicly fighting it's own base.  Or, GOP candidates can defend the marriage proposal which seems at odds with thier own nominee, who does not support it.  Over the last decade she has also consistently attacked the kind of people who support marraige as between a man and a woman. Now the party either supports it's nominee, against it's own base; or supports it's base against it's nominee. 

Nobody of political note in Minnesota saw GOVERNOR Jessie Ventura coming either.

Link: Meeks seeking GOP support in bid for gov.

Session to be Extended Until May?

This just in from the halls of the Capitol -- seems like our legislators aren't going to get early recess. Word on the street is they may be delayed until May!

News From The 6th CD

by John Ruskin

Some recent news on the Roskam v. Duckworth race in the 6th Congressional District.

The Hill reported yesterday on Cegelis' refusal to endorse Duckworth because she (Duckworth) has flip-flopped on issues such as universal healthcare and CAFTA. Seems the Duckworth gang is having trouble shooting straight -- both with the voters, and with their own people. See The Hill article here.

Lynn Sweet of the Sun Times furthers the discussion today when she writes about the DCCC attempting to tie Roskam to Tom DeLay, and the NRCC tying Duckworth to Rahm Emanuel. See Sun Times article here.

IR's readers will, no doubt, pick up on the fact that Senator Roskam worked for DeLay for "seven or eight months" in the 1980s! Whereas Duckworth was handpicked by Rahm Emanuel just three or four months ago. And is working for him right now!

Homeschooling Freedom-- Is it ebbing away in Illinois?

by Rhonda Robinson

Like the steady drip of water on an unsuspecting stone, over time erodes the most steadfast rock; so too can our homeschooling freedom erode with little notice.  It would seem we are hastening the effort, by chiseling at our own foundation, one family, one superintendent at a time.

Consider:

Last August a family in Charleston received a letter from their Regional Superintendent of Schools requesting a “school registration” and an “assurance form” be filled out and returned along with a calendar to the office, it was punctuated with a deadline for their school’s “verification”.   

That's just one . . .

Note from Fran at the Capital:

Voices for Illinois Children are lobbing for an appropriations increase of 2million dollars for DHS, and 6 million for the ISBE budget for mental health screening for all of Illinois children.

Parents need to know their children are being screened for mental health, and legislators need to know parents care about this issue.

Parents must be the loudest voice for Illinois children; call your legislators and ask them to oppose increased funding for mental health screening.

20 years in the ongoing battle

by Fran Eaton

Twenty years ago a group of parents formed a fledgling organization out of necessity.  Its purpose was to protect parents who had chosen home education for their children. 

In 1986, the revival of freedom in education had begun in earnest.  At the same time, lawmakers were threatening to clamp down on these freedom-seekers.  As a result, the Christian Home Educators Coalition was formed. 

CHEC's leaders consistently fought against numerous attempts to regulate and supervise home schooling.  A Supreme Court case in 1950 established home schools as private schools in Illinois. 

With that definition, these emboldened parents converged on the state capitol.  They were not professional lobbyists.  They were citizen activists -- forced into the process to protect their right to teach their children at home.

Today, thousands and thousands of home-taught young people are leading the way throughout the nation.  They are preachers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, computer technicians, homemakers.  The list is as diverse as the families who chose home education.  Estimates are that 60,000 families now home school in Illinois alone.

Congratulations, CHEC, for your faithfulness and persistence throughout the years.  The freedom you worked so hard to preserve is precious and very fragile.  May those who come behind the founders pick up the mantle with passion and commitment. 

The Immigration Bill--Why is it good or bad?

By Mark Rhoads

I promised Fran Eaton I would not comment on the immigration debate since I am among millions who have done little real homework on the topic.  But today I saw a press release from the American Conservative Union critical of the guest worker bill favored by President Bush that passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.  Those of you who have really studied this issue know that it generates a lot of heat and not as much light.  Here are my questions for anyone to comment.

State Personal Income Growth

One of the best themes the GOP has going in the upcoming elections is Illinois' continual relative economic decline.  Today, today the Bureau of Economic Analysis release it's State Personal Income 2005 report.  Illinois ranked 41st in personal income growth. 

The good news for the Governor is that much of the lack of growth is attributable to regional declines in manufacturing.  ITherefore, you can't entirely blame him.  Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota also make the list of slow growing states.  The question for the Governor and the GOP are what are your plans to address this decline?

The fastest growth occured in the Southwest and Rock Mountain states.

Perhaps we should find out what they are doing and emulate it.

Link: State Personal Income 2005.

Economics 101 for Democrats

by Teri O'Brien, 890 AM WLS talk show host

I’m sure it hasn’t escaped the attention of even casual observers that there are way too many people who don’t have even a basic understanding of the free market system. It’s downright depressing.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “How can kids know anything about capitalism? The high schools and colleges aren’t teaching them.” Of course you’re right about that, but the sad thing is that it’s not only high school and college students who need some lessons in capitalism. They do, but that’s not the worst of it. What can we say about members of Congress who suffer from the same breathtaking ignorance? What about our governor? It’s one thing when wet-behind-the-ears squirts, most of whom have been insulated from reality by their doting parents and who also have spent years listening to crypto-commie teachers drone on about the evils of the United States, don’t get it. There could be hope for them, even the ones in government schools. When our elected representatives display this level of cluelessness, it’s appalling.

What could happen in the 17th CD?

If U.S. Congressman Lane Evans (D-17) retires after this term, will it be likely that the Republicans will claim that seat with GOP candidate Andrea Zinga?

Who will the Dems' run in November? 

Is the 17th a Democratic district, or can a Republican win there? 

Hendon Apologizes

Hendon apologizes to the, "World."  He didn't let this bleed and he didn't let it get out of control.  He was crass and demeaning.  He quickly recognized his error and is changing his ways.  He should be commended for recognizing his mistake and stepping forward.

Last year Sen. Durbin refused to apologize early on for his comments comparing US armed forces with the Nazis. The year prior, then Sen. Maj. Leader Trent Lott was slow to step up and it cost him is job -- justifiably.  Compare those events to the 24hrs it took for State Sen. Hendon to do the right thing.  Maybe our political class can learn new tricks afterall.

Link: SJ-R.COM - Breaking News.

Accessivle Airwaves?

Many of you will remember the controversial television advertising campaign that the United Church of Christ ran last year.  The advertisement showed various minorities (including a homosexual couple) being turned away by bouncers at the door of a church.  Today, in similar fashion, the UCC has unveiled a television ad that can be viewed at http://www.accessibleairwaves.org/viewnew/.  The ad is being turned down by the main media conglomerates who are scared to run the advertisement for fear of offending folks on the "religious right."

Rational Thought About Drilling in ANWR

by Lee Newcom

Liberals love to use emotion to deflect our attention away from the real issue and to stop rational discussion of national public policy.  Unfortunately, when conservatives fall into that trap, we get ourselves tied up in the same conundrum the liberals are in, with the same effect, rational debate becomes impossible and bad public policy results. 

Case in point is the issue of developing our petroleum reserves located under a very small and remote portion of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.   Please look at the photo contained in the posting of my IR colleague Jacob Swain below.  It is beautiful and pristine.   Who would possibly want a bunch of ugly, pollution spewing, animal killing oil rigs in that photo.  That is a real photo of the ANWR.  Problem is, it is nowhere near where the oil exploration will take place.  Look at the photo I post here.  This is the real portion of ANWR in which the oil development will take place. It is remote, not populated, has very little wildlife and is seldom used by any Caribou.   As Alaska State Representative Joe Green told me, "If it wasn't covered by ice all year, it would be a desert."

A rational look at the ANWR issues has the same effect as comparing the photos.  There is nothing wrong with questioning, but you have to be willing to look at the answers and accept them.  When looking at this issue, I believe the answers overwhelmingly show that development of the oil reserves under this part of ANWR is safe, compact, does not threaten wildlife and is necessary for our national security.

Blagojevich's "All Veterans" Program

by John Ruskin

Rod Blagojevich is quickly trying to solve a problem that his left-wing, Democratic, majority government has created. What's the problem? Illinois ranks last in its ability to help veterans get jobs!

This should come as no surprise since the Democrats are philosophically opposed to anything remotely military. However, the Sun Times has once again exposed this Liberal character flaw, and turned up the heat on "The Rod".

So, what's his solution? According to the Sun Times, Rod's first step was to call his Lt. Governor and demand change. This, of course, implies that Pat is to blame rather than Rod. But like Mighty Mouse, Rod will, nonetheless, save the day. How? Well, he has a six point plan of course! That's right folks, Rod has a quintessentially bureaucratic six point program for our veterans. After wrecking our economy over the course of his administration, Blago now unveils a government plan to provide jobs for veterans. Sort of an "All Veterans" program if you will.

After getting the shaft, our veterans now get the Rod. That's the Liberals' definition of patriotism for you.

Sun Times series link: here

Taxpayers are taking action in the case of injustice

The meeting room was packed as Jersey County property taxpayers gathered to become part of the Coalition for Public Awareness in launching a lawsuit against the illegal proceedings in the construction of two new schools in Jersey County.

For lack of leadership, citizens have become defeated as they sit back and wring their hands trying to figure out how they will deal with the soaring property taxes that may put them literally out of their house and home.

But not this time. A leader has stepped forward and the truth has been told and the people are ready to stand up and fight back as they still believe we have a justice system to determine when the public has been wronged.

Is Breaking the Law a "Christian" Value?

by John Ruskin

Yesterday, Illinois Review's Editor asked if "being anti-immigrant is a 'Christian' value". In a Hillary-esque sort of way, the Editor implied that the mere discussion of the issue of immigration is somehow "un-Christian". After all, Jesus and his disciples were "poor" and (initially) a "huddled mass". Therefore, those breaking the law to enter this country today are the moral equivalent of the Son of God and the founders of the Christian church. Ergo, breaking the law is now a Christian value.

Grab a brick fellow Christians. Time to go wilding! Breaking the law is a virtue. Sort of like suicide bombing is to Muslims.

I know what you're thinking. I'm being ridiculous. The IR Editor was just drawing some parallels. I agree. But the parallels drawn were based on specious theology and a caricature of immigrants propagated by Hollywood. The celluloid images have been burned into our collective minds. You know, the rag-clad Southern European on the boat entering New York harbor (legally I might add).

Yes, Christians are commanded to take care of the poor -- and we do! But why is it assumed that all immigrants are "poor"? And why does poverty allow one to break the law? What is the appropriate poverty threshold for Christians? If a person enters the country illegally and is "relatively" prosperous, do they not deserve the same "Christian" largess? Is there some primer or sliding poverty scale we Christians can use to judge who is poor enough to break the law?

And if poverty is now a Judeo-Christian legal basis for breaking the law, then why can't a poor person steal or even murder? By the IR Editor's logic, their virtuous indigency should allow them to do just that. And Christian guilt should require us to turn a blind-eye.

Have a few questions for you, Senator . . .

Newly-appointed Senator Cheryl Axley (R-Des Plaines) may have been in a predicament as to how to respond to Senator Rickey Hendon's (D-Chicago) teasing and sexual innuendos when she introduced her first legislation yesterday in the State Senate.  If she appeared upset or outraged, she'd never live it down.   She had to laugh it off . . . publicly.

I have a couple of questions for the senator, though. . . questions Senator Axley couldn't ask.

Is your skin color natural, Senator?  Is that silly bowtie you often wear a little too tight?  Who tells you you're "all there is" to find it "funny" to make public suggestive remarks to a Senate colleague?  Do you often propose trysts to jail bait?  Is it a common practice for you to take women out on township roads to "get acquainted"?

Asking Senator Axley miniscule detail questions about township roads and asking her highly technical questions on her first dry run at passing a piece of legislation is funny and, I guess, cute . . . tradition.  But because Senator Axley is attractive shouldn't make her a target for sexual suggestions anymore than Senator Hendon's gender or color of his skin should.

Apparently the Senate Dems need to learn to deal with the distraction of a gorgeous woman in their midst.  Senator Axley just may be Republican Minority Leader Frank Watson's brilliant new Republican secret weapon.  Too bad she hasn't turned out as conservative as we had hoped.  If she was, she'd be deadly.

Link: State senator calls his flirtatious hazing 'funny'.

Doing The People's Work -- The Illinois Way

From AP:

"A veteran state senator made sexually suggestive comments to a freshman colleague Monday during the ritual "hazing" that occurs in debate over a rookie's first bill.

Republican Cheryl Axley of Mount Prospect [photo at right] was offering legislation on road maintenance by township governments when Assistant Democratic Leader Rickey Hendon of Chicago suggested that Axley go "on a township road with me later on tonight."

The presiding officer of the chamber, Sen. Debbie Halvorson of Crete, said the question was inappropriate and told Axley she was not obliged to answer.

Hendon then replied, "Madame President, don't deny me my opportunity, here. I mean, she looks like she's only 16 or 17, I might be able to trick her, or something."

"All the more reason you shouldn't be asking," Halvorson said.

It has long been tradition for members of the General Assembly to "haze" newcomers when they present their first piece of legislation, peppering them with innocuous or highly technical questions.

Other senators grilled Axley about the number of miles of township-maintained roads in the state and whether she'd traveled them all."

The story goes on to say that State Sen. Axley was a good sport over what I find to be more demeaning than sexual in nature.  She was warned ahead of time and took it in stride as a rookie.  That's usually a sign that you are in the club.

What bugs me is that this the group that makes laws for the rest of us.  I mean this how we do the people's business in Illinois?  Explains a lot, doesn't it.  Hazing??? 

And yes I'm sure someone more intune with Springfield's political culture will haze me as a stick-in-the-mud or something similar.  But think about this... Would you get away with the same kind of behavior in your job?  I'm sure laws passed by that same august body in Springfield over the past decades suggests that...No, you wouldn't get away with it.

Someone should make it their goal to make Springfield un-fun for our political class.  I recall that being a common refrain in Washington, DC in 1995.  We could use something like that, here.  Less fun, more adults, a better government.

Link: SJ-R.COM - Breaking News.

Tyranny of Nature: The Case Against Oil Drilling in ANWR

by Jacob Swain

There is an ancient Native American proverb that says, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; instead, we borrow it from our children.”  The older I get, the more I realize how true this statement is.  In a world full of heated debate about moral ills and conflict abroad, it is easy to forget the necessity of protecting and conserving the natural beauty and resources of our nation.   One issue that has maintained itself in headlines across the United States, however, is the issue of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  ANWR (as I will refer to it from this point forward) was created out of a distinctive portion of land in remote Alaska to house and protect several unique species of animal life, including caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, wolverines and snow geese as well as many others that are too numerous to list here.  Below these herds of wildlife, however, lies a large reserve of a favorite American commodity: petroleum.

For over a century, since the advent of automobiles and plastics, the United States has had an insatiable appetite for oil.  Today, almost every aspect of our daily lives is reliant on petroleum or petroleum based products in one form or another.  Nonetheless, our appetite for oil seems to be growing out of proportion to the actual reserves of oil spread out across our global community.  A barrel of oil that only a few decades ago would have sold for pocket change is today increasingly rare and expensive.  Some middle eastern nations have even gone so far as to change the base for their currency system away from precious metals in favor of petroleum.

So...What's the News?

by John Ruskin

There certainly is a lot of hubbub today about Steve Rauschenberger receiving financial support from his running mate Ron Gidwitz. Why does this come as a surprise? Is everyone suddenly realizing that money is involved in politics? Or is it the amount of money that is bothersome?

If the latter, why aren't the papers covering how much Birkett got to run with Topinka? Or how about the fact that Blagojevich has a war chest of $15+ million!

In short, there is no "news" here. Just lazy mainstream media writing about a campaign that is no more. And they wonder why their subscriptions are down.

Is being anti-immigrant a "Christian" value?

by Fran Eaton

A national group called Christians Reviving America's Values (CRAVE) is calling for the U.S. House to pass legislation to build a 700-mile long wall on the American/Mexican border and to fine employers $50,000 for employing illegal aliens.

Don Swarthout, President of Christians Reviving America’s Values, CRAVE, said in a press release today, “America is a nation of laws. We cannot continue to allow the laws of our nation to be broken by people who are free loaders, criminals and drug smugglers. We must get a handle on who is coming into our country.”

Interesting.  . .  A Christian group who rejects free loaders, criminals and drug smugglers.  Sounds vaguely like a description of a group of twelve who Jesus called to follow Him.  That motley crew ended up changing the world when their hearts were radically changed by the love and forgiveness He bestowed on them.

Anti-immigration attitudes are troubling to me.  I'm uncomfortable with building a wall to keep out people who want a better life.   

Sunday night on Tom Roeser's show, State Rep. Suzanna Mendoza (D-Chicago) said it was almost impossible for Mexicans to get legal authorization to come into America.   Visas are few and the requirements are very difficult to fulfill.  Her own parents came into America on a visa, but overstayed their allotted time and became "illegal."  She, herself, was "lucky enough" to be born in the U.S., and therefore, is "legal."

Rep. Mendoza's story was compelling.  It's multiplied by millions now, an issue that has been complicating itself for decades. 

But for a "Christian" organization to call for a wall to be built to keep out aliens, I'm very troubled.   I think it's more "Christian" to say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. . ."

Tell me where I'm wrong . . .

Blagojevich's Cynical Program for Poverty

by John Ruskin

Accompanied by "Tricky Dick" Durbin, Blagojevich visited Carbondale on Saturday to hustle his "All Kids" program. The Southern Illinoisan quoted Blagojevich telling his audience: "Too many parents across Illinois can't afford health care for their kids. It's not because they don't want to - they work hard and earn a good living - but when it comes to healthcare, they earn too much to qualify for government assistance, but not enough to afford the hundreds of dollars private insurance can cost every month." (see story here)

You've got to love Left-Wing Democrats - especially in an election year. Instead of cutting taxes, which would give those working families the hundreds of dollars they need for private insurance, Blago wants to continue taking their hard earned money and force them onto the public dole.

Of course, increased participation in "All Kids" will mean increased taxes to pay for it. This will result in even more people being unable to pay for private insurance and thereby forced into the government program. The cycle will continue until the liberal Democrats have made us all so poor that we can no longer afford to be free.

Did Conservatives Forget -- or Just Look the Other Way?

by Thurlow Weed

As Illinois Conservatives went to the polls last Tuesday, and made their decision between voting for Jim Oberweis and Bill Brady, did they not care -- or just conveniently forget -- about Oberweis' 2002 comment comparing pro-lifers to the Taliban?

Just wondering ...

Will Assault Weapons Ban Push Help or Hurt Blagojevich?

by Thurlow Weed

Assuming Judy Baar holds the line in her opposition to the assault weapons ban, does pushing this issue help or hurt Blagojevich?

It's helps Blagojevich among his Chicago-area liberal base -- but also works to fire up a conservative base for Judy that wouldn't otherwise be motivated to vote for her...

What are your thoughts?

WWJD?

by Ralf Seiffe

Governor Blagojevich plans to beat Judy Baar Topinka by making the state’s Minimum Wage a central strategy.  By showing his “compassion”, he mimics national Democrats and takes a completely predictable and thoroughly liberal position.

For conservatives, especially economic conservatives, the Minimum Wage is one of those defining issues like abortion and gun control. Republicans who voted for someone else in Tuesday’s primary wonder not "What Will Rod Pitch?" but "What Will Judy Do?" . . . 

Live embryo experimentation front and center in IL General Assembly this week

As the General Assembly winds down for this spring, live embryo experimentation may very well be the social issue of the session.

Watch over the next two weeks to see if Downstate conservative Democratic Senators Gary Forby, Bill Haine and Deanna Demuzio line up with their pro-life constituents, or if they succumb to the pressure of hard-line embryo experimentation advocates Gov. Blagoejvich, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Senate President Emil Jones and powerful Senator Jeff Schoenberg, all Chicago Democrats.

All 27 Republican Senators have signed onto Senator Bill Brady's letter to the governor saying they will not support FY 2007's budget if it forces taxpayers to pay for stem cell research on live embryos.

IR Reader Arlene Sawicki addresses three "strikingly erroneous impressions" about experimentation on live embryos:

Immigration protest breaks into fisticuff

Chicago Minutemen's fight for immigration laws to be enforced broke into hand to fist confrontation Saturday in Munster, Indiana.

Illinois conservative activist Rick Beisada was cut above the eye when he was shoved to the ground by members of a counterprotest immigration group.  Chicago Minutemen were demonstrating against Bank Calumet's practice of offering home loans to undocumented immigrants.

When asked this morning if the NWTimes story is accurate, Rick Biesada wrote:

Yes, the story is fairly accurate. While arguing with one counter protestor who tried to block my path, another counter protestor grabbed my sign. When I went to retrieve it, I got sucker punched from behind, then jumped on by 3 or 4 counter protestors. A more accurate view from a witness Michelle Jacobson can be found [online].

I am looking into the possibility to sue this bank for creating an "attractive nuisance," by engaging in the illegal activity of granting loans to illegal aliens. These counter protestors would have never came out to try to stifle our First Amendment right to warn the people of this banks unlawful policy if the bank had not engaged in illegal activity. We would have never come out to protest this banks criminal loan policies had they complied with federal law; Title 8 U.S. Code 1324 - 1326, and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996. This bank has created an attractive nuisance.

Rick

The same controversial practice is in Illinois, where Governor Rod Blagojevich initiated a program to extend to illegals low-interest mortgages.  The argument is these people need a place to live, and owning homes will make them taxpayers. 

Rick Biesada and the Chicago Minutemen believe federal immigration laws should be enforced and that special privileges such as lower interest rates should not be extended to lawbreakers.

Where are Illinois Review readers on this topic?

Link: Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com.

Battle of Ideas Starts With Language

By Mark Rhoads

Have you ever noticed how liberals love to refer to themselves as "progressives" but refer to you as "right wing?"  There is a reason for that.  Try this yourself on Google.  You may not get the exact numbers I did but the ratio will be the same.  I searched for the term "right wing" and got 45.3 million matches.  But a search for "left wing" brought back only 26.2 million.  So apparently there are about forty percent more right wings in the world than left wings.  Hmmmm.  I wonder why that is?

Brush Back

by John Ruskin

There's a term in baseball called "brush back". It's the intentional act of a defensive pitcher to throw the ball in close to the batter, usually within inches of their head. The intent of the pitch is to get the batter to move away from the plate.

I got the distinct impression that RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman was employing just such a tactic on Friday as he rallied the Roskam troops in Addison and elsewhere throughout the Chicago Metro area.

During a 6th Congressional District rally and press conference, Mehlman confidently announced that Roskam had received 1 1/2 times the number of votes that the 6th CD Democratic candidates had received - combined! He boldly concluded that the 6th remains a predominantly Republican district and one the RNC believes will remain firmly in the "R" column.

Supported by the liberal Democratic establishment, Tammy Duckworth has, of late, been aggressively crowding the 6th District plate. Defensively, perhaps, Mehlman threw some political bravado and electoral reality high and inside in an attempt to brush her back; and make Rahm Emanuel think twice about investing resources in the District. Let's hope it works.

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman pumps up DuPage County GOP troops

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman was in Addison Friday afternoon to pump up the troops in DuPage County -- the heart of the 6th Congressional District where State Senator Peter Roskam and Democratic nominee Tammy Duckworth are running to fill retiring Congressman Henry Hyde's seat.

Mehlman told reporters during a post-rally press conference that the Roskam/Duckworth race in the 6th CD and the McSweeney/Bean race in the 8th will be two of forty races nationwide they are concerned about. 

"The governor's race will be important," Mehlman said, referring to polls indicating the people of Illinois are ready for a change from current Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The full press conference is available on IR. . .

Download 060323MehlmanRoskampress.wav

Conspiracy Theories About Bill Brady

By Lee Newcom

I am hearing and reading a good deal of conspiracy theory about Bill Brady's motivation in running for Governor.  Was he doing it to help Topinka win by splitting the vote intentionally?  In the week or so before the election the Family Taxpayers Network website carried an extremely long and incendiary essay, so long that it was in 3 parts, attacking Brady and making just that accusation.  Now more rumors about the motivations of mailings.

OK folks, lets get real.  I don't know his motivations and niether do any of you.

A tribute to those who went before

By Mark Rhoads, former Illinois State Senator

Kathy Salvi and David McSweeney appear to be off to a very good start in uniting Republicans and conservatives in the 8th Congressional District behind Mr. McSweeney's nomination.  That is terrific news to celebrate not only for those who want to see that seat return to the GOP column but also for all who understand that McSweeney will do a great job in the House.

Former Congressman Phil Crane, who lost to Melissa Bean in 2004, had endorsed Salvi due to a long-term association.  But many of his long-time associates and Crane campaign alumni endorsed McSweeney and worked for him.  Many Republicans cricized Crane for a lack of attention to the district in recent years and offered that as a primary contibuting reason for Bean's win.  There is truth in that analysis and many reasons for it.  There are many examples of long-serving Members of Congress who did not choose the right time to pass the baton and stayed on for one election too many.  What might seem obvious to the friends and supporters of a candidate might not be as clear to the family of a candidate.

But in my opinion any faults or blame attached to the Crane campaigns of 2000-2004 should not nullify 35 years of a rock-solid conservative voting record in Congress and almost as many years of effective educational efforts of Congressman Crane to build the national conservative movement.  It is only natural for voters to ask, "what have you done for us lately?"  No incumbent gets a pass on current attention to a district.  But conservatives of all people should have a sense of history and respect the contributions of those who have gone before.

Party Leaders On IL Trail

From AP:

"Three days after grabbing their parties' nominations, Illinois' candidates for governor teamed up with national party leaders on Friday to publicize their campaigns.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka appeared with the chairman of the Republican National Committee in Chicago in an effort to drum up dollars and show she's got national support. Meanwhile, Gov. Rod Blagojevich was scheduled to promote his health care for children program alongside Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin."

So, ... When can we expect to see Howard Dean show up? 

Link: SJ-R.COM - Breaking News.

What is Meeks Up To?

According to a recent article in the Sun-Times, Sen. Meeks is contemplating an independent run for Governor.  This is about the only thing Rod has to be afraid of (other than an indictment of a close crony) for November.

The article pretty much tells us what Meeks is up to.  He wants Rod to pass a massive tax hike in 2006, not waiting until it is safer in 2007.  The preferred vehicle is the Meeks/Martire fake tax swap, that offers a paltry refund to the school districts (not the property tax payers).  The Meeks/Martire plan will also see any tiny property tax relief disappear as the bill for piggish public pensions comes due, along with "AllKids" and Rod's other examples of largess.

Leaving aside the truly horrible policy implications of the "Meeks/Martire" HB750 debacle, I'm contemplating what the political choices are for Sir Rod, and whether Republicans that haven't been purchased by Teacher's Unions might not be able to use this opportunity to pass good legislation.

Here are some thoughts...

1. I think it's fair to say that Meeks on the ballot poses a very serious problem for Rod.  Frankly, it is one of the few scenarios where JBT could actually win. (and Meeks then gets his massive tax bill anyway)

2. The far better choice for Rod (as bad as it is) is that he caves to Meeks in 2006 to keep him off the ballot.  The downside again, is that he offers JBT an opening.  The small upside is that he will have Meeks in his corner to really fire up the black vote.

Dial IDOT . . . for fun

Did the Department of Transportation have a Freudian slip yesterday? 

Advertising phone sex numbers to Dan Ryan drivers under the guise of providing construction information just doesn't seem to be conducive to safe, concentrated driving.  . .

No wonder I always do a double take when I see the "IDOT" signs.  They look an awful lot like "IDIOT."

The correct Dan Ryan construction info line number is  (877) 411-IDOT.   The other number wasn't provided in the Daily Herald story. 

Guess you had to be there.

Link: Daily Herald | Illinois.

Memo To Gov Elvis: They are called citizens!

By Lee Newcom

Governor Rod fires off a salvo at the beginning of the campaign, proposing to ban more guns.  AP article HERE.  He is responding to the shooting of a young girl last week.  Problem is, the gun used was already illegal.  He is carping about the "powerful gun lobby."  They are called C-I-T-I-Z-E-N-S sir. Ordinary citizens who band together to protect and save thier Constitutional rights (Oh drat, there's that moldy old irrelivant document getting in the way again).

A rare treasure in political consulting

by Fran Eaton

Take time to read the departing words of first-time statewide campaign manager Joe Wiegand to the Oberweis for Governor troops.

Joe Wiegand has been in Illinois conservative politics for years.  He is one of the most creative and good-humored men I have ever met.  But anyone who has worked with Joe in the battlefield know he's a tough fighter and Oberweis' near win this week rests with Joe. 

Last week, Joe called to ask a brief question and had to go when another phone rang.   "Gotta go . . . love ya," were his words.

Same old Joe.  Always thinking of others and always promoting the right cause.  When he personally lost a hard-fought Republican primary to State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Sandwich) a few years ago, Joe immediately and graciously sported a Pritchard button everywhere, declaring his support for his former opponent.  His reaction won all of our hearts -- including Pritchard's.  Wiegand's a rare treasure in the cut throat world of politics.

I wish I could say there are more like him among the state's political consultants.  Every one of them must look themselves in the mirror after a campaign.  I hope they are asking themselves tough questions -- that only they know the answer to.

Did they promote a candidate they knew had no chance because they needed the money?  Did they encourage expensive ads to be run because they would get a media buy kickback?

Did they spread false rumors about others as a campaign tactic?  Did they outright lie about polling numbers and form coalitions just to endorse their own candidates in an attempt to manipulate the end results?

Do these same guys savor post-election sour grapes and pledge bitter revenge in the days to come? 

Examples of all those things went on in this primary, and disappointedly, continue.  I suppose it will next time, as well.

Winning is the game for political consultants, I understand.  But as a kid, I always enjoyed winning best when I knew I didn't cheat to get there.  I'm not convinced many political consultants have similar childhood memories.  Maybe they forgot how good it feels to win that way.

But there's hope.  Read Joe's exemplary note to his campaign. . .

Two class acts in the 8th . . . after all

by Fran Eaton

There is some good news coming out of Tuesday's primary . . . and perhaps an example others should follow.

"Kathy Salvi is a class act and has a bright future in Illinois politics," 8th Congressional District's GOP nominee David McSweeney told IR this afternoon. "She's saved me months of problems by pledging her support.  We're on our way to a unified front so I can focus on defeating Melissa Bean in November.  It feels good to be fighting Democrats."

Leading up to Tuesday when McSweeney won the six-way race with a ten point margin, the top two contenders -- Salvi and McSweeney -- exchanged hard punches through tough mailings and radio/TV ads. 

But that's all over now.   McSweeney told IR,  "By 9:30 Tuesday night, Kathy had called me to concede the race and offer her congratulations.  That night, she told newspaper and TV reporters she would support me.  She set an example, and I really appreciate it." 

The 8th District will be one of Illinois' hottest Congressional races in November.  This Friday, RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman and Republican Congressional Committee's Tom Reynolds will meet privately with McSweeney to discuss the Bean race.   

McSweeney says he's not taking a vacation until after November,when he hopes to win Phil Crane's seat back from Democrat Melissa Bean. 

"I've been reading the calls for unity on Illinois Review," McSweeney said.  "I just wanted you to hear some good news."

Frankly, I think Dave McSweeney's a pretty classy act himself. . . and we wish him victory in November. 

So now what?

Well, this is my first post since the election results were finalized and obviously I'm none-to-thrilled that Judy Baar Topinka pulled out a victory on Tuesday.  That being said, Oberweis probably would've been a nightmare as a nominee anyway.  He probably would have won if he would have exercised some self-control in the last few weeks of the campaign.  Nonetheless, that is neither here nor there because Topinka won and we can expect a very interesting summer and fall campaign season.

Topinka and Blagojevich already squared off yesterday and I have to say that they both came off well in their own way.  Blagojevich did what he needed to do to win which is to make himself look like a progressive populist (I don't think he is one, but he can play the part sometimes.)  Topinka, on the other hand, came off as a responsible fiscal conservative who painted Blagojevich as constantly placing the burden on business in Illinois.

I'm interested to watch the race between Tammy Duckworth and Pete Roskam.  They are both attractive candidates in their own way and I expect that, if I have my way, they could have a very substantive discussion about the serious issues facing our country.

More later.

10 debates

Wow, someone is feeling confident.

Link: The Capitol Fax Blog | Guv wants 10 debates.

The Left's Dubious Patriotism in the 6th

by John Ruskin

In reading all the pre- and post-election analysis concerning the race in the 6th Congressional District (Roskam v. Duckworth for Hyde's seat), I'm struck by the incredibly thin resume of Tammy Duckworth. Please don't get me wrong. Tammy Duckworth has served our country honorably. She has made great sacrifices for all of us. And she is to be thanked - genuinely - for her service.

But, why is the fact that she served (and was wounded) make her a viable candidate for Congress? As the Sun Times' Lynn Sweet noted today: "Duckworth's win in Tuesday's primary showed that with powerful sponsors, a compelling personal story, mainly fawning media coverage and a lot of money, a political unknown can be dropped into a Democratic primary House race in a district where she does not live and three months later wind up the nominee."

So, Duckworth deserves, and is qualified, to go to Congress and represent the citizens of the 6th Congressional District because she's....disabled? If she were "only" a veteran, or one with less visible injuries, would Rahm have picked her? Of course not. He needed a veteran whose wounds were telegenic.

There, I said it. Someone had to. What Rahm, Dick and Barack have done in the 6th is disgraceful. Like the anti-military pols they truly are, they have twisted service and patriotism for their own political gain. They should be ashamed of what they've done to Duckworth, to the military, and to the people of the 6th. 

Artefacts and the IL GOP

Rich Miller picked up a couple of interesting stories this morning.  The first is Christopher Wills opinion on winners and losers from Tuesday's election.  It seems that conservative Republicans were both winners and losers:

"CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS: They demonstrated their numbers in the GOP primary when the two conservative candidates combined for slightly more votes than the two moderates. That could energize the right to unify behind one candidate next time around.

LOSERS

CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS: On the other hand, conservative candidates and activists spun conspiracy theories, bitterly attacked opponents and failed to win anything but a lieutenant governor's race that featured two conservatives."

It is clear that the conservatives are ascendent in the IL GOP.  JBT undoubtedly also had some conservative votes from party loyaltists that would push that 51% even higher.  In essence, on the issues, conservatives have won in Illinois.  That moderate-establishment types control aspects of the nominating process is a vestibule of an earlier age.  Long-disenfranchised conservatives in the state haven't yet recognized that they've won, and still feel aggrieved.  That, I believe, is an artefact and will change...soon.

The other interesting thing Rich found was an Eric Krol piece on Blagojevich immediately going after Republicans on the minimum wage.  Rich comments that:

"Expect more of this sort of thing. Blagojevich will make a politically popular but liberal proposal, and Topinka will be forced to say no."