Illinois Review

Roskam reveals huge job loss with Pelosi health bill

Any volunteers for Obama's stimulus package advisory panel?

If you haven't seen one of those orange and green "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" construction signs in your part of Illinois recently, you may have -- as most of us -- forgotten that in Obama's federal stimulus legislation, there was supposed to be check and balance.  Indeed, a Recovery Independent Advisory Panel was established, consisting of five Obama-appointed members to advise how fraud, waste and abuse could be avoided.

Only problem is, no such five people have been appointed by Obama yet.  Maybe that's why thousands of jobs have been misplaced, millions of dollars pointed towards congressional districts that don't exist, and other mishaps have been recorded.

Congressman Joe "You Lie!" Wilson wrote the president this week, asking for a followup on the panel. Any Illinois Review reader interested in volunteering for this historical panel? 

Al Gore Accidentally Destroys Cuba!

by Mark Rhoads

According to NASA sources quoted by Investors Business Daily, The publisher of Al Gore's new book on climate change took a NASA image of the Earth for the book cover and Photoshopped it to fake a large image of four hurricanes at one time and accidentally deleted the island of Cuba from the Carribean Sea. One of the hurricanes was next to Florida spinning in the wrong direction and another was spinning near Peru on the Equator which has never happened before.

Too bad for Al Gore that this fakery was uncovered the same week as Climategate in the Climate Reserch Lab at East Anglia University in the UK. Remember how "global warming" was supposed to be absolutely settled science that EVERY RESPONSIBLE CLIMATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST ALL OVER THE WORLD WAS SUPPOSED TO AGREE ON?  AND ALL THE SCEPTICS WERE KOOKS OR BOUGHT BY THE OIL COMPANIES?

CBE spending more money to find out where other money went

The Tribune is reporting today that the Chicago Board of Education will spend more taxpayer money to "hire a former federal prosecutor to investigate how members use their taxpayer-financed expense accounts." The move was prompted by Chicago Tribune inquiries into spending by the late board president Michael Scott, who committed suicide a week ago.

Quinn defends state government expansion

from the Associated Press

CHICAGO — Gov. Pat Quinn is defending the creation of new taxpayer-funded jobs amid the state's growing budget problems.

Quinn signed an executive order over the weekend creating a state public health advocate. Less than two weeks ago, Quinn named a new czar to help increase business opportunities for minority- and women-owned enterprises.

The new diversity enhancement director will be paid $110,000. Quinn says the person eventually named as public health advocate won't "cost the taxpayers much at all."

Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate protects Burris

Great piece from the Pantagraph:

"Nearly a year after the tainted appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate and 10 months after he took his seat, the Senate Ethics Committee finally came back with a ruling — a nasty note.

In essence, the committee slapped Burris on the wrist. It didn’t even make him stand in a corner or go to bed without his supper.

Thanks a lot."

Roland 'Magoo' Burris speaks from Beirut...or is that Baghdad

Illinois' own Sen. Roland "Mr. Magoo" Burris is presently on a taxpayer-funded junket to Iraq. Only, he doesn't seem to know that.

During a conference call with reporters, Burris said he "had landed in Beirut", and underestimated the distance, commenting that he was "a thousand miles away". In addition, he mispronounced the name of U.S. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

Another proud moment for Illinois.

Quinn responds to McKenna ad

from the McKenna/Murphy campaign

CHICAGO – Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna called on Governor Pat Quinn to stop hiding the truth from Illinois voters about the fact that Illinois is on the brink of bankruptcy and that our unemployment is at record levels.

“It is time Governor Quinn leveled with the people about the fact Illinois, with an eleven billion dollar deficit, is on the brink of bankruptcy,” said McKenna. “The Chicago Tribune reported that yesterday, responding to the latest McKenna/Murphy campaign ad saying he’s hiding the truth, Quinn defended his statement that he has “missions accomplished” on the issues of the budget and job creation by saying, "I think the people of Illinois are a lot happier today, in November of 2009, than they were at the beginning of this year.”

Failed stimulus creates problems for vulnerable Dems

from the RNCC

The controversy over the stimulus package continues, both nationally and in Illinois – creating a political problem for the Illinois Democrats who blindly supported the bill that has created more government, but not more jobs.

All three of Illinois’ vulnerable Democrats in the House- Melissa Bean, Debbie Halvorson and Bill Foster – voted for this $787 billion boondoggle that they promised would improve the nation’s employment situation. However, since the stimulus was signed into law in February, Illinois’ unemployment has actually increased from 8.6% to 11% .

Majority believes PC responsible for Ft. Hood shootings

Rasmussen Reports this am that political correctness led to 13 American soldiers being shot to death at their home base.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of U.S. voters say political correctness prevented the military from responding to warning signs from Major Nidal Malik Hasan that could have prevented the Fort Hood shootings from taking place.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 16% disagree and do not believe political correctness kept military authorities from possibly stopping the killing of 13 people and the wounding of many others in the November 5 incident. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure.

Republicans hold that position more strongly than Democrats.

Raising a cr**-load of money

We're not proned to making fundraising suggestions to our ideological opponents, but maybe Illinois Democrats might want to tap into their never-ending supply of something similar to what the innovative staff of a Bloomington zoo is using to raise over $16k this month.

Staffers make decorations out of droppings from the zoo’s two reindeer, Ealu and Rika. The droppings are dried, then clear-coated and either painted or rolled in glitter.

Zoo marketing director Susie Ohley has named the products “magical reindeer gem ornaments,” and each comes with a label of authenticity. They cost $5 at the zoo gift shop.

And don't forget the label of authenticity.

Kirk backpedals on Gitmo prisoner opposition

Republicans may be getting a chance to see how a U.S. Senator Mark Kirk would respond when taking on a tough fight in the US. Yesterday, at a press conference on how many jobs Obama's health care would cost Illinois, Kirk was asked about his position on the Thomson Correctional Center. 

Kirk is giving clear indication that despite polls showing Americans do not favor Gitmo prisoners being transferred here, he's evidently paying more attention to editorials and commenters than voters. Kirk's comments Monday indicate he's backpedaling and that he's easy to roll over, saying a "deal has been cut."  The Tribune writes:

 Kirk, who last week said "we should not invite Al Qaeda to make Illinois its number one target," said Monday he wants a "dispassionate and specific" discussion about any proposal to sell the Thomson Correctional Center. But he still sees it as an "unnecessary risk."

Then the backpedaling began.

Public Affairs: Hoffman skewers Giannoulias

Public Affairs' Jeff Berkowitz provides a valuable service by helping conservatives get to know the Democrats' possible US Senate candidate in the November 22, 2009 interview below. Not only does David Hoffman provide negative info on Alexi Giannoulias, he gives Republican primary voters reason to find the best candidate to represent Illinois to the US Senate.

Dold to Pelosi: “Stop Mortgaging our Children’s Future”

from the Dold for Congress campaign

Nancy Pelosi, along with her fellow Congressional leaders, continue their spendthrift ways, while average Americans tighten their belts to make ends meet.  In an effort to “hide the ball” on their reckless mortgaging of our economic future, Congress intends to increase the statutory debt limit by a staggering $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion.  This is an increase from the existing limit of $12.1 trillion.

Reid and Pelosi have pushed us to our tipping point, and instead of stopping to repair the damage that’s already been done, they’re allowing an even larger gap to make way for more reckless spending.

Not another Obama bow

H/T IR Reader Mary Lynn Ferkaluk 

Meeks Provides Model for ILGOP on K-12

from the Proft for Governor campaign

You cannot be on the dole of the teachers’ unions and be a credible, effective agent for system change of K-12 in Illinois.

It is on this basis that I have called for Illinois Republicans to stop taking campaign cash from the teachers’ unions.

We need to build our coalition of people who play the rules to successfully take the fight to the teachers' union. We need your help. Please consider joining our campaign today.

Quinn creates yet another commission

Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn has created a commission tasked with making recommendations about human services in Illinois. They'll be expected "to make recommendations about publicly funded programs and services in a wide variety of areas, including child care, mental health and housing."

Another wise use of the now unemployed taxpayers' money?

Blago gone, but his staff remains

The Sun-Times is reporting today that at least 70 "top-paid hires from the Blagojevich era" remain in their state jobs "despite coming under scrutiny in a federal investigation of what U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald termed in 2006 were 'very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud' under Blagojevich.

So, while there may be a new nameplate on the governor's office door, the staff that run the place remain the same. Surprise, surprise.

Perle, Fakhrvar join Hughes foreign policy team

from the Hughes for U.S. Senate campaign

Last week during a trip to Washington D.C. Patrick Hughes received commitments from Richard Perle and Amir Fakhravar to serve as foreign policy advisors to his campaign.

Richard Perle served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan and more recently was Chairman of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. Amir Fakhravar currently serves as the Secretary General of the "Confederation of Iranian Students" in Washington, DC.

Richard Perle and Amir Fakhravar bring a wealth of knowledge on matters involving the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran to Hughes’ U.S. Senate campaign. "There is no question to the amount of insight and respect these two men bring to my campaign, and I am grateful for their support," said Hughes.

Same tired old Communist Baloney is Back in Style

by Mark Rhoads

A formerly sensible but still liberal Democratic U.S. Senator from Ohio, Sherrod Brown, appeared on CNN over the weekend to imitate President Obama's recent rhetoric and ominously delcare that  his moderate Democratic colleagues who don't want government-run health insurance shoud not want "to be on the wrong side of history." This is the new rally cry of the Obama Administration uses to try to bully critics and silence them. The rhetoric closly mimics the old Soviet-era rhetoric of fifty years ago. 

WaPo says McKenna ad best so far

From the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza -- "For our money, the best ads we've seen so far in the 2010 midterms are in Illinois for Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna. McKenna, a former state party chair, has featured the famous hair of disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) in each of his early ads -- a symbol of the corruption and business as usual that has dominated politics in the state. McKenn's new ad starts with an image of Blago's hair atop the state capitol dome while a narrator details what Blagojevich -- and, by extension, his successor Pat Quinn -- have done to the state. McKenna faces a serious primary challenge from, among others, former state attorney general Jim Ryan but win or lose he has provided a potent blueprint for the GOP nominee to ensure voters don't forget about Blagojevich next year." Here

Obama/Jintao Press Conference in Beijing

An Overlooked Quest for Limited Government?-Continental Congress '09

by Susan Ryan

It happened right here in Illinois.  Pheasant Run Resort hosted the first Continental Congress from November 11-22nd.  Many Tea Party participants would be aware of this event.  It seems appropriate to point out a formalized agenda for limited government on the Illinois Review. 

Here's a bit of information about the history leading to the Continental Congress 2009:

Obsession: Radical Islam's War on the West

This Thanksgiving week, the creators of "Obsession" are offering their new documentary to be viewed online for free. Take time to watch it.  It's not fear-mongering. It's fact-finding and presents more reasons why Illinoisans should be concerned about housing radical Islamists in the Thomson Correctional Center.

Had we the political power

"Had we the political power" are powerful words former White House staff economist and budget analyst Jim Simpson uses to challenge conservatives to fight back to the devastating policies being enacted and perpetuated on our nation via the Obama Administration. This is a "must read" Examiner.com column for anyone who cares about America's and, frankly, Illinois' future:

...It is time to acknowledge that these people are our enemies. They don’t use guns, yet, but they are just as dangerous, determined and duplicitous as the communists we faced in the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam and bush wars across the globe, and the Nazis we faced in World War II. It is high time we overcome the denial, and fully digest and internalize this fact, with all its ugly ramifications.

Global Warming: Can we Get an Apology Now?

by John Brown's Ghost

For the last few years, many of us have been screaming from the frozen mountaintops that global warming is a farce intended to make lots of money for those that are warning of ocean covered coasts and melting ice sheets. Profiteers like Al Gore have been showing slide shows to our kids, making goofy movies and trying to funnel billions if not trillions of dollars into their pockets.

These people, I understand. They are money grubbing idiots who's intents are easily seen (at least if you are not wearing green eyeglasses).

Illinois law hinders lending, encourages lawsuits

by Steve Bartlett 

A little-known Illinois law is being manipulated in a way that may hamper the ability of banks to increase their lending and speed up economic growth. Originally designed to prevent two parties from agreeing to harm a third party, the state's civil conspiracy law is being used by plaintiffs to sue businesses with whom they have no connection at all.

In the banking field, this can mean trying to hold lenders responsible for what their customers do with loans. For example, a Chicago-area bank was sued because it provided a loan to a business where the funds were then used in an allegedly fraudulent scheme. Instead of focusing on those most responsible for allegedly causing their injury, plaintiffs now sue tangential institutions -- even when the plaintiff had no relationship with that institution. Because the financial services industry faces this liability, banks may be compelled to monitor more actively clients' use of loans, thus driving up costs for lenders and those who rely on them.

Plainfield Township Republicans Endorse Adam Andrzejewski for Governor

from Andrzejewski for Governor campaign

The Plainfield Township Republican Organization (PTRO), one of Will County’s largest Republican organizations, has voted to endorse Adam Andrzejewski (ann-gee-EFF-ski) for Governor.  The vote was taken during their regular meeting on November 19, 2009, according to Chairman Bob Allen.

Video taping debate emerges in the 11th CD

In the 5-way 11th CD Republican primary, there's little real difference between candidates' views on the issues, but there's been a growing amount of push and pull over experience, campaign finances and national attention.  The winner of the February 2 GOP primary in the 11th CD will take on freshman Democrat Debbie Halvorson in November 2010.  

The latest flap among the 11th CD GOP candidates is over video taping at district candidate forums.  Because the independent-leaning Tea Party movement has appeared throughout the central part of the state, up to and including the far southwest suburbs, nearby Joliet and western LaSalle-Peru, Republican candidates in that district have been invited to participate in an unusually high number of candidate forums. 

While some of the forums have been hosted by GOP organizations, others have been more open and free-flowingTea Party events. In a day and age when a cell phones can be used as video cameras, forum presentations can be duplicated, edited and replicated easily.  And that's caused a problem for those who don't want candidates' statements to be misused by opponents.

Teri's pre-Thanksgiving grill

Here's what Teri O'Brien says she'll be cookin' on the ol' grill today ... Listen on the web at 2:00 PM CST www.TeriOBrien.com:

• The "historic" Senate vote on the 2074 page health care bill
• Eric Holder Showcases Our Justice System by Guaranteeing the Defendant will be Executed Before the Trial
• The Foot Hood Shooter's Future (You Won't Like This Prediction, But It Will Probably Happen)
• New Feature: By the Numbers
• Speaking of government run health care, now that even the Oprah, along with many conventions, is abandoning Chicago, a brilliant suggestion for what we can do with all that extra space in McCormick Place

Mary and Blanche

Somehow, this scene from 1991's "Thelma and Louise" came to mind while reviewing what happened yesterday in the US Senate. US Senator Mary Landrieu got $100 (or $300) million for Louisiana and US Senator Blanche Lincoln got something valuable for her home state of Arkansas to be the 59th and 60th votes for Harry Reid's health care bill last night. Or so they say.

Schlafly: Obama's Radical Rogues Gallery?

by Phyllis Schlafly

Another kooky Barack Obama appointee became publicly known this month and quickly was thrown or voluntarily threw herself under the bus. Anita Dunn, the White House communications director (who led Obama's war on Fox News), said that Mao Tse-tung was one of her two favorite "political philosophers" whom "I turn to most" for answers to important questions.

History identifies Mao as a ruthless savage, not as a philosopher. He probably holds the record for ordering the mass murder of more people (50 to 100 million) than anyone else in history.

Dunn tried to claim that her statement was a joke, but anyone can look at her actual statement on YouTube and see that she spoke in deadly earnest. Dunn was part of Obama's inner circle and a senior media adviser during the 2008 presidential campaign.

DeMint reports on visit with US Senate GOP candidate Hughes

US Senator Jim DeMint reports via his Senate Conservatives Fund newsletter yesterday about last week's visit in DC with Illinois GOP candidate Patrick Hughes and reports Hughes' overwhelming win in a SCF poll. From the newsletter:

Patrick Hughes traveled to Washington this week to meet with Sen. Jim DeMint and to seek the support of the Senate Conservatives Fund. Here's a brief rundown of the points Pat made in the meeting:

• Hughes opposes cap-and-trade. He said he believes it will be the largest tax increase in American History and the largest transfer of power to the federal government since the New Deal. Pat pointed out that his top opponent in the GOP primary, Mark Kirk, was one of 8 Republicans who voted for it in the House.

McConnell's closing argument

Senator Mitch McConnell's closing words before last night's US Senate cloture vote, which the Democrats won with not a vote to spare, 60 to 39:

“Mr. President, the nation is watching the Senate tonight. The American people know how important this vote is. They’ve seen the bill the Democratic Leaders want to impose on them, and they want to know where the rest of us will stand.

“This bill itself is a massive monument to bureaucracy and spending. But at its core it’s really quite simple.

“At a moment when more than one out of ten working Americans is looking for a job, at a time when the Chinese are lecturing us about our debt, this bill—this bill right here costs $2.5 trillion government doesn’t have. And cannot afford.

They Voted For It Before They Vote

from Concerned Women for America

Tonight the U.S. Senate squeaked through a vote to move the massive health care bill that will fund abortion, penalize married couples, ration care and cause millions of Americans to lose their health coverage.

"This key vote will come back to haunt many of these senators," stated Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America. "Several have tried to have it both ways. They say they oppose the bill yet at the most crucial time when only one Democrat senator could have changed or killed the bill, they supported it. They are on record as voting for a bill that will fund abortion, penalize married couples, ration health care, tax people for failing to have 'acceptable' health insurance, prompt doctors to leave the profession and cause millions of Americans to lose their health coverage.

US Senate votes for cloture on health care bill 60 to 39

Obama care has passed its second obstacle with a 60 for, 39 against vote.  60 votes were needed to close debate on the health care bill.  Only 51 votes will be needed for passage.  All Republicans voted No.

Illinois' two US Senators -- Durbin and Burris both voted in support of the US Senate health care bill moving forward.

Debate in full will begin after the Thanksgiving break.  After passage, the House bill and the Senate bill will go to conference committee, where the bill differences will be worked out.  Then passage in both chambers will be needed before moving to President Obama's desk.

Thompson favors Gitmo-in-Illinois

Again, not addressing the constitutional rights to be bestowed upon war criminals by bringing them to America, former Governor Jim Thompson, member of the 9-11 Commission, lines up in favors of Gitmo-in-Illinois in an op-ed published in tomorrow's Chicago Tribune:

If the Federal Bureau of Prisons purchases Thomson Correctional Center, located in the tiny rural town of Thomson, Ill., on the Mississippi River, I have the utmost confidence that our military and law enforcement professionals will do what they've been trained to do in what would be the most secure federal prison in the U.S. They already deal with dangerous terrorists and criminals in Illinois on a daily basis. Questioning their capabilities hurts our credibility. The message that some seem to be sending is that our first responders don't have the skill or the savvy to keep us safe. I disagree. Gov. Pat Quinn and Defense Secretary Gates can ensure this.

David Ratowitz on FOX News: Time is Ripe for Conservatives

When asked by show host Judge Andrew Napolitano whether his potential constituents understand that the problem of too much borrowing and spending cannot be solved with more of the same, Ratowitz related a campaign trail encounter with a group of union carpenters “disgusted” by the various federal bailout and stimulus programs.

“[They believe that these policies will] kill entrepreneurship in America and eliminate their opportunity to find real jobs. This is the machine base. If these guys are rejecting big government tactics, then I think we do have a chance in the 5th.”

Lyons Township GOP backs Hughes, Topinka, Plummer

This morning's Republicans of Lyons Township candidate forum ended with endorsements for Patrick Hughes for U.S. Senate, and fell one vote short of backing Dan Proft for governor.  Andy McKenna was the next highest vote gubernatorial vote getter -- at 14.  29 votes were needed for endorsement. 

Lyons Township GOP also endorsed Jason Plummer for LG and Judy Baar-Topinka for Comptroller.

Another unexpected endorsement was Mark Thompson, over Republican Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman. 

Lyons Township GOP Committeeman is Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica.

Reid gets his votes; Senate debate begins

by Jeffrey Young

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has secured the vital 60th vote he needs to advance healthcare reform legislation with the announcement by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) that she will vote with her party Saturday evening. Read more

Watch the debate live, to begin shortly on C-SPAN2.org

Weather Channel Founder to Sue Al Gore for fraud

30,000 meteorologists are banding together to sue former Vice President Al Gore for fraud in perpetuating the global warming fraud. More on this Red Eye interview:

Mammogram Recommendations: Death Panel Beginnings

by Sam Pierce

Kate at An Ol' Broad's Ramblings has posted a collection of some hard-hitting cartoons in today's edition of "Weasel Time". Several deal with the obvious attempt to begin the "Death Panel" process via new recommendations regarding mammograms and such. One example:

Call the sick Statists in the Senate at (202) 224-3121 then visit "Weasel Time" to enjoy the other toons!

National Adoption Day

Today, our country recognizes November 21st as the 10th Anniversary of National Adoption Day. The Republican Party understands how important it is to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a family that provides the love and support they all need. Adoption is something that not only Republicans support, but I personally do as well since I was also adopted. I am fortunate to have been adopted and raised by a loving mother who knew what a positive impact she could have on shaping my life and helping me become the man I am today. On behalf of the Republican Party, I ask you to join me in commemorating National Adoption Day and all of those who continue to make a difference for children everywhere.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
RNC Chairman

Civilian courts or military tribunals? Rasmussen finds political party matters

Rasmussen found over the past few days that support for civilian trials rather than military tribunals for accused terrorists is not as widespread as the Chicago Tribune and Eric Zorn would lead us to believe.  In asking questions about Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to try the jihadists in New York City, the findings revealed:

Seventy-four percent (74%) of Republicans and 62% of voters not affiliated with either major party in the state disagree with trying the suspected terrorists in a civilian court rather than before a military tribunal. Democrats in New York are almost evenly divided on the question.

Members of the president’s party are also much more confident that the city will be safe and secure while the trials are going on. Thirty-two percent (32%) of Empire State Democrats are very confident, compared to eight percent (8%) of GOP voters and 21% of unaffiliateds.

The problems with Senator Reid's health care plan

by Joe Calomino

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced the Senate version of the government-run insurance program as an amendment in the form of a substitute to H.R. 3590. Reid’s bill is a combination of his own objectives and bills passed by the Senate Health, Education and Labor and Senate Finance Committees. The bill contains a public option (with state opt out), individual and employer mandates, and huge new taxes.

Roskam, Kirk, Tillman discuss cost to Illinois of health care bill

On Monday, U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam and Mark Kirk, along with Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman will discuss a new study commissioned by the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) detailing the economic costs of Speaker Pelosi’s 1,990-page, $1.055 trillion, health care bill.

The IPI findings, including:

Republican legislator explains why he supports Gitmo-in-Illinois

State Rep. Jim Sacia, a Republican from Freeport, says those concerned about Gitmo-in-Illinois are over-reacting. He, as well as others, attended a discussion about Thomson Correctional being used for terrorist suspects and came away feeling better, that Illinois could handle 100 detainees. He wrote in the State Journal-Register:

A fact not known to many of us before the proposed sale of the Thomson prison is that there are already 340 former Gitmo detainees currently being housed in federal prisons in the United States, 40 of them at the federal facility in Marion. It wasn’t made clear this week how many may be housed at other federal Illinois facilities in Greenville, Pekin and Chicago. It appears the transfers of those prisoners weren’t newsworthy because they weren’t tied to the closing of Gitmo.

No, the transfer of detainees here won’t result in the creation of terror cells in northwest Illinois. Detainees are not allowed visits from anyone other than clergy, lawyers and the Red Cross. Other prisoners at Thomson would retain normal visiting privileges.

Vargas: What is Foster hiding now?

Statement from Mark Vargas for Congress

Yesterday the veil of secrecy was lifted from the Federal Reserve in a historic bi-partisan vote by the US House Finance Committee. The margin favoring this vote was nearly 2 to 1, yet our own Congressman Bill Foster voted in the minority. The question I join many others in the 14th Congressional District in asking is simple...What is our Congressman trying to hide from the American People?

The Federal Reserve is a powerful agency charged among other things, conducting the nation's monetary policy by influencing monetary and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.  When we look at the current financial state of our nation, it is imperative that we fully understand the Fed's actions leading up to our current recession. 

Democrats claim Rauschenberger not a Republican

Senate President John Cullerton and his political hit team have found a Streamwood Democrat to file an objection to the nominating petitions of Steve Rauschenberger, who is running for Illinois State Senate in the 22nd district.

The basis for their objection is NOT the number of signatures or the qualifications of the signers or circulators. And it is not the signatures of the notaries or the notary seal.

No, the charge is that Steve Rauschenberger is not qualified to petition as...a Republican!

For those of you who don't know, Rauschenberger served for 15 years as Republican state senator in Springfield where he was chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee (1994-2002) and assistant Republican Leader (2002-2006). In 2004 he ran statewide in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, and in 2006 he ran in the Republican primary for Governor and the Lt. Governor. And since 2006 he's served as President of the United Republican Fund.

So, how can Rauschenberger not be a Republican?

Well, the Senate Democrats are trying to expand a DuPage County court ruling used last cycle to bump an opponent off the ballot against Sen. Carol Pankau. In the case of Rauschenberger, they claim that because he pulled a Democrat township election ballot last cycle in order to vote for his sister for Elgin Township Trustee (there was no Republican primary), that he is now ineligible to run for office as a Republican.

This is the kind of tortured election process the political hacks in Springfield have given us. Time to throw them all out.

Connelly celebrates Eola Road interchange

Naperville -- State Rep. Michael Connelly, (R-Lisle) joined local officials today to celebrate the opening of the Eola Road interchange on I-88 in Aurora. "I'm happy to see this project come to fruition,” Connelly said. "This interchange at Eola Road takes the pressure off of Rt. 59, which is a key arterial road for both the cities of Naperville and Aurora."

The interchange is the result of a public-public partnership that has taken several years. Connelly first started working on the project as a DuPage County Board member.