Illinois Review

Matthews: Chief Justice Roberts Went Out of His Way

DALLAS, TX - Dr. Merrill Matthews, health policy expert and resident scholar of the Dallas-based Institute for Policy Innovation resident scholar, as well as Forbes columnist, said the following regarding today’s historic Supreme Court decision regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

“The Court has upheld most of the Affordable Care Act, including the individual mandate as constitutional under Congress’ taxing powers,” said Matthews.

“President Obama could always have stepped in to say the law is a tax but that would have been politically unpalatable,” he said.  “If it is a tax, it becomes the largest tax increase in history.“

Obamacare Medicaid expansion will cost Illinois $1.34 Billion Annually

Heritage: Supreme Court will not be final word on health care government takeover

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to essentially uphold Obamacare, Heritage Action for America released the following statement from CEO Michael A. Needham:

“America’s system of checks and balances ensures the Supreme Court’s misguided decision will not be the final word on President Obama’s government takeover of the healthcare system.  Although the Court failed to provide a much-needed check on federal power, we have every bit of confidence the American people and their elected
representatives will.

“Indeed, since the debate began in August 2009, Americans have vocally opposed President Obama’s approach to health care, which remains unaffordable and irresponsible.  As such, Congress must repeal the law in its entirety.”

Americans United for Life: Court Ratifies Landmark Anti-Life Healthcare Law

“Today’s Supreme Court decision ratified a landmark anti-life law, which unfairly forces Americans to pay for abortions – Congress must now take action,” said AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest

Washington, D.C. – Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest said that in their decision on HHS v. Florida, the Supreme Court “failed to overturn an unconstitutional law that forcibly and unfairly intertwines all Americans and their hard-earned money with the abortion industry.”

“The Obama Administration and the authors of the Affordable Care Act hijacked healthcare reform,” said Dr. Yoest, “as a vehicle for forcing their radical pro-abortion agenda on America.”

She continued: “The Affordable Care Act forces an abortion agenda on the American people unlike anything seen since Roe v. Wade. Despite clear and continuing public opposition, President Obama’s healthcare law contains numerous anti-life provisions and mandates. Congress must repeal these
provisions and ensure that any healthcare law respects life.”

Roberts leans left and Supreme Court upholds individual mandate as tax

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Obama's individual mandate under the Commerce Clause today, but allowed the heart of Obama's Affordable Care Act to survive as a tax.  With the upholding of the mandate, Obamacare will stand.

SCOTUS blog posted:  "So the mandate is constitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts joins the left of the Court."

"This is a big day for the Obama Administration," Fox News commentator Juan Williams said in reaction.

As far as the mandated Medicaid expansion in Obamacare, states will have a choice and cannot be penalized by the federal government if they choose not to participate. It remains to be determined how that will be enacted.

Nine Lives: The U.S. Supreme Court Justices

by Hannah Ihms -

With its wide range of ideologies, the Court has heroes for progressives, libertarians, and conservatives. And in the boxing ring of the Supreme Court chambers these justices engage in some of the highest-stake intellectual fisticuffs ever carried out.

Who are the nine people that decided the fate of Obamacare? It’s worth the time to examine the lives and characteristics of the members of the highest court in the land.

Two justices (Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito) greeted the world in Trenton, New Jersey, and other justices hail from as far south as Pin Point, Georgia (Clarence Thomas), and as far west as San Francisco (Stephen Breyer). Interestingly, none of the justices were born in the Midwest.

From Sixteen Tons to Sixteen Months – the Business Cycle and the Downward Spiral

By John F. Di Leo -

The Left feels cheated. Not by you or me… not by the system, exactly, but by fate.

Recessions, someone told them, resolve themselves in sixteen months, give or take. That’s what someone calculated, someone who knew about such things, someone who did math and statistics for a living, and should therefore know.

And if recessions resolve themselves in sixteen months, we can do whatever we want in 2009, they reasoned. Whatever we want. Raise taxes, force through some massive spending bills and regulations, provide giveaways to our buddies… If the recession will end anyway, why not?

And so they created “Cash for Clunkers” to buy the votes of American car buyers by paying them to destroy their American cars and purchase Hondas and Toyotas and Hyundais instead.

Illinois Review's State News Headlines for June 28, 2012

by Zachary Pratt -

• Chicago City Council Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession
• New Law Requires Coaches to Report Abuse
• Assessor Joe Berrios says County's Ethics Rules do not Apply to Him
• Chicago School District Set for Maximum Tax Hike
• Chicago's Population Inches Up
• Rep. Smith Attorney: House Panel Rushing Case
• Congress Honors Segregated World War II Veterans
• Senator Pleads Innocent to Trespassing Charges
• Illinois and Union agree to Contract Extension
• Illinois College Awarded for being veteran Friendly

Heritage Foundation outlines the Case Against Obamacare

Washington DC-based think tank Heritage Foundation published a health care policy series for the 112th Congress that examines 15 key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which is available to the public. Each report

• Cites specific sections of the 2,700-page health care law
• Provides detailed analysis of specific Obamacare provisions
• Identifies key principles for a better way to reform health care

The unmistakable conclusion of this series is that Obamacare must be fully repealed. Congress cannot build sound market-based health care reform on the flawed foundation of this health care law. Until it can be repealed, Congress must employ its full powers authorized by the Constitution to:

Obamacare in Pictures

This series of images Heritage Foundation has put together shows the financial impact Obama's so-called Affordable Health Care Act will have on individuals, states and the nation as a whole. They show that the number of Medicaid patients in Illinois will increase by nearly a third, causing medical costs to skyrocket by $1.4 Billion annually, something the financially struggling Illinois simply cannot afford.

Enlarge the presentation below the fold by clicking on the arrows in the lower right hand corner:

Schilling Urges Senate Action to Save Illinois Jobs, Preserve National Security

WASHINGTON DC – A study released last week by the National Association of Manufacturers indicates that across-the-board budget cuts to the Department of Defense scheduled to begin in January 2013 would cost approximately 1 million jobs at a time when the nation’s unemployment has remained at or above 8 percent for 40 consecutive months. According to the NAM study, Illinois, with its 8.6 percent unemployment rate, is among the top 10 states to be impacted by job losses, with more than 35,400 jobs on the line in the next two years alone.

With the support of Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) the House of Representatives in May passed H.R. 5652, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act, which would provide mandatory spending cuts to reduce the deficit and replace automatic cuts to discretionary spending in 2013 under the Budget Control Act. It also passed H.R. 4310, the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. To date, the Senate has passed neither.

It's official: Chicago City Council changes marijuana law

Today, the City Council of Chicago voted 43-2 to amend the city’s code to direct police officers to cite, rather than arrest, individuals in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana. Under the proposal, which has the support of Democrat Mayor Rahm Emanuel, police could still arrest those who cannot produce identification or present a threat to public safety. Those cited would face fines of $200 to $500 dollars and up to 10 hours of community service; however, there would be no risk of jail time. ...More HERE

State agencies become political when Lisa Madigan refuses to do her job

From Illinois Republican Party -

CHICAGO – Earlier this week it was uncovered by Adam Andrzejewski, Chairman of For The Good Of Illinois PAC, that employees of an almost bankrupt state agency used state resources to organize a political rally headlined by House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi at the Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters in Chicago.

The employees and supervisors at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission converted the state agency into a “political advance shop” to aid in the planning of a March event in which Rep. Pelosi announced her endorsement of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2012 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary election. At the time Rep. Jackson was in a heated primary battle with former Rep. Debbie Halvorson.

“This is another example of Democrats in Illinois operating like they’re in the wild wild west,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady. “We have an Attorney General in this state who refuses to investigate political abuses, most likely to avoid upsetting her father.”

Lake County Fair authorities reverse ban on religious groups

CHICAGO - Peter Breen, executive director of the non-profit legal group Thomas More Society said that both religious groups in Lake County previously denied access to the Lake County Fair were notified Wednesday that they are now welcome to participate this year.

As noted Tuesday evening on Illinois Review, the Lake County Right to Life and a Catholic-based religious group were both told they would not be welcomed to have booths at this year's fair.  They told the prolife group the fetal growth display was offensive. 

Wednesday morning, the Lake County Fair authorities reversed their position and now both groups will be participating with no restrictions. 

Related story: Discrimination: Lake County Fair bans Catholic and Prolife group after 37 years

A troubled Illinois State Agency Becomes Outreach Arm of Rainbow PUSH

By Adam Andrzejewski -

“Illinois’ financially tanking prepaid college tuition program could require a $1.6 billion bailout…the fund could be drained completely by 2022.” Chicago Sun-Times, December 13, 2011

Yet, the same troubled Illinois State agency in charge of the bankrupt College Illinois program, coordinated and paid up to 76 state workers to attend a political event at Rainbow PUSH Headquarters, Chicago. At this event, Nancy Pelosi endorsed Jesse Jackson, Jr. for Congress.  The event was just 17 days before the contested primary election - Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Watch the video here

These state records are tangible evidence that Governor Pat Quinn’s administration is systemically involved in converting state resources for political gain. Quinn took was Lt. Governor and running mate of convicted Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich won election after the immediate indictment and subsequent conviction of Governor George Ryan.

Bill Foster parties with Playboy

Pat Brady, Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, issued the following statement regarding tonight's fundraiser for Democrat Congressman Bill Foster, hosted by former Playboy CEO Christie Hefner:

"It's disappointing to learn that while Congressman Foster has been too busy to tell Illinois voters whether he supports the job-creating Keystone pipeline, or explain why he stood with Nancy Pelosi in voting for trillions in wasteful spending, tonight he's found the time to party with former Playboy Magazine CEO Christie Hefner," Brady said.

"Beyond her work at Playboy, Ms. Hefner is a long-time liberal activist; Congressman Foster's willing association with her is a clear reminder to Illinoisans that he does not share their commonsense values," Brady added.

AFP-IL launches effort to oppose local tax increases

NAPERVILLE - Americans for Prosperity- Illinois is launching the Local Anti-Tax Initiative to assist taxpayers in their efforts to fight tax or debt increases by units of local government.

“In the wake of a 67% income tax increase, already high property taxes, and high unemployment, Illinois taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet,” said AFP- Illinois State Director David From. “With the threat of a shift in pension costs to local taxing bodies, there is the increased prospect local districts will turn to property or sales tax increases to sustain their spending habits. We are creating the Local Anti-Tax Initiative to assist local taxpayers in their fight against the often better-funded, better-organized entrenched interests that consume more and more taxpayer funds.”

Blagojevich ‘Totally Bored’ In Prison

Former Democrat Gov. Rod Blagojevich is not happy with his work assignment at the Colorado prison where he’s serving a 14-year term for corruption.

According to Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed, Blagojevich is “totally bored” because he’s still cleaning pots and pans in the prison kitchen.

His attorney, Sam Adam Jr., says Blagojevich would like to teach Shakespeare or ancient Greek philosophy or mythology.

State Sen. Schmidt allowed back home, but no contact with neighbors

State Sen. Suzi Schmidt has been cleared by a judge to return to her home near Lake Villa following her arrest this month involving an alleged dispute with her neighbors.

But a Lake County judge today extended an order of protection that forbids the senator from having contact with the family.

Schmidt was arrested by Lake County sheriff’s deputies on June 12 on a misdemeanor warrant that alleged she caused damage to the neighbors’ property. ...More HERE

Smith attorney says House panel rushing case

The attorney for state Rep. Derrick Smith told an Illinois House committee investigating the Chicago Democrat that they seem to be rushing to judgment.

Smith was arrested in March in an FBI sting in which he's accused of accepting a $7,000 bribe in exchange for helping a phony daycare center obtain a state grant. He's pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

On Wednesday his attorney, Victor Henderson, told a House panel they may be politically motivated and trying to get Smith's case finished before the election. The House committee concluded there's enough evidence to justify action against him in the legislature.

Despite his arrest, Smith easily won his March primary battle and remains on the November ballot. Top Democrats have been calling on him to resign, but he's refused.

Rep. Dwight Kay talks “InJustice” and Illinois’ Lawsuit Climate

State Rep. Dwight Kay (IL-112) knows a thing or two about lawsuit abuse. For one thing, the district he represents encompasses Madison County — ranked among the five “least fair and reasonable” lawsuit climates  in the country. And, as he told the Riverbend 9-12 Group in Bethalto, IL last night, the company at which he serves as Vice President, Cassens Transport, has spent upwards of $5 million in defending lawsuits in Madison County’s courts.

So it’s no surprise that Rep. Kay has hosted several screenings of the movie “InJustice” in his district — the  most recent of which was with the Riverbend 9-12 group last night. Kay taped this brief video after the screening, in which he discusses the importance of this movie and its relevance to Illinois:

Oak Forest lifts gambling ban, opens way for southwest suburban video gaming

OAK FOREST - One lone alderman voted against lifting southwest suburban Oak Forest's ban on gambling Tuesday night, setting the way for local bars to apply to the Illinois Gaming Commission for legalized video poker machines. 

5th Ward Alderman Dan Ensing said he opposed legalizing gambling in Oak Forest because of all the problems it brings with it.

"I have found nothing that's redeemable with this for us, as a matter of fact I've found that this sets the way for organized crime," he told his fellow council members. "The other issue is people with gambling problems can call and get themselves banned from casinos. They can't do that with video gambling. This become more revenue redistribution than a revenue source."

If only more public officials paid attention in Sunday School

By Fran Eaton -

Maybe you’re one of those idealists convinced that religion and politics don’t mix and should remain mutually exclusive.

Sorry to inform you, the opposite is true. Everything anyone ever needed to know about keeping corruption away from politics was learned in Sunday School.

After reviewing the University of Illinois at Chicago’s 2012 report, “Green Grass and Graft: Corruption in the Suburbs,” released Monday, it’s evident that not enough public officials spent Sundays in church. Too few learned about the Bible’s lessons and the Ten Commandments.

The rest in this week's Always Right column in the Southtown Star.

Postlude to 'Rio+20' as Hillary commits America to U.N. agenda

By Nancy Thorner -

Upon reeflection, my published letter at Illinois Review on Monday, June 25, Conference disappoints scientists and climate experts, demands a postlude, as I failed to give Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's her due in her role as the top U.S. official representing and negotiating for the U.S. at "Rio+20."

A Free Republic post told of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announcing on Friday, June 22 a $20 million partnership between the United States and African nations to boost clean energy projects.  After all, green investments have been such a smashing success in America!

Chicago police outsource security to CeaseFire group

Unable to handle the increase in violent crime, Democrat-controlled Chicago is outsourcing security to CeaseFire Illinois. The city will give the group a one-year grant for $1 million to hire 40 "interrupters" who will mediate conflicts in certain districts, where violence has spiked.

So far this year, homicides are up 38 percent across the city and shootings up 12 percent.

Walsh introduces no-hassle flying act to eliminate duplicative baggage screening

Yesterday Congressman Joe Walsh introduced the No- Hassle Flying Act, which streamlines excess baggage security measures for international flights.

Under current law, when someone flies internationally and then takes a domestic flight, they must have their bags screened twice. For example: When someone returns to Springfield from Montreal, Canada, they typically must fly from Montreal Trudeau International Airport, through Chicago O’Hare International, and on to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. During that time, a person’s bags are rescreened in Chicago, even though they were already checked in Montreal. This requires passengers to collect the bags from baggage claim and go through security again, oftentimes through short layovers.

“This double security does not equal double safety – it equals missed flights, more hassles, and it wastes taxpayer dollars,” Walsh said. “My bill will make it easier for tourists and residents to get in and out of the country and eliminate unnecessary security.”

Chicago's NATO costs still being tabulated

CHICAGO - It’s been more than a month since Chicago hosted the international NATO Summit and its accompanying protesters, but details continue to trickle out about the cost of hosting the two-day event.

Meanwhile, businesses downtown and near McCormick Place — the site of the event — have mixed feelings about how the city handled it.

The 2012 North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Chicago, which brought together high-level heads of state to discuss government alliances, technically occurred May 20-21. But some costs, such as security, were incurred in the days leading up to the event. Washington, D.C., is the only other American city to host the summit. ...More at HERE

Firm banned from state work sues Illinois transportation officials

McDonough Associates, an engineering powerhouse that is barred from state contracts for three years because of alleged over-charges costing taxpayers millions of dollars, struck back today by suing the Illinois Department of Transportation’s top procurement officer, who the lawsuit said is responsible for the “economic strangulation’’ of the company.

McDonough’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, said IDOT chief procurement officer Bill Grunloh violated the Chicago-based company’s due-process rights during an audit, in an attempt to put the company out of business. IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider was also named as a defendant in her role as the head of the transportation department. ...More HERE

Andersons announce new baby girl with big Madigan debt

MOLINE - Neil Anderson and his wife announce their new addition to their family. Baby girl Sophia joins her big brother Steel into the Anderson family. She made her entrance early Monday morning.

“My wife Brandi and I have waited so long for the moment to meet her, to see her face, to count all of her tiny fingers and toes. Yep, they are all there.” Anderson said proudly. “I hold her in my arms in amazement of what God created. However, I also am forced to look into her eyes and wonder, what future is she going to have? What are we giving her?”

Poll: 3-to-1 Illinoisans believe state is on the wrong track

From Crain's Chicago -

Not even one of four Illinois residents approves of Gov. Pat Quinn's performance in office, largely because of worries about the state's economy, a new poll reveals.

By a 3-to-1 margin, residents also say the state is on the wrong track, according to the Crain's/Ipsos Illinois Poll.

But while Mr. Quinn's political position is weak, he isn't necessarily doomed, the survey suggests. Almost quarter of respondents say they have at least "mixed feelings" about the Democrat incumbent. Together, his backers and the ambivalent essentially equal the 46 percent who give him thumbs down.

Tillman to Cross: Why the ObamaCare Obfuscation?

From John Tillman, Illinois Policy Institute -

Dear Leader Cross:

I recently heard your June 8 interview on Cities 92.9, where you discussed the end of this year’s legislative session. Sadly, you left many listeners misinformed.

During the segment you discussed House Bill 5007, a component of the Medicaid package that was signed by Gov. Quinn earlier this month. House Bill 5007 implements key provisions of President Obama’s misguided, big-government health takeover two years early. Yet you denied this throughout the interview. I would like to address your comments point by point.

“It’s not ObamaCare.”
While on the show, you said emphatically that House Bill 5007 was “not ObamaCare.” That is not true. HB5007 allows Illinois to implement key provisions of ObamaCare two years ahead of schedule, as long as the federal government approves a federal waiver. Illinois has filed a waiver on behalf of Cook County. If approved by the federal government, Cook County would implement eligibility rules that otherwise would not take effect under the Affordable Care Act until 2014. 

Congressman Calls for Hearings on 'Radicalization' of White Christian Women

During a Homeland Security committee hearing last week on the "Radicalization of Muslim-Americans," Democrat Congressman Al Green (photo right) criticized the hearings as biased and unfair to Muslims, suggesting that the only way to justify them is if Congress would also conduct a "hearing on the radicalization of Christians."

Though his position may seem balanced, in fact, it reveals a dangerous mix of irrationality, moral relativism, and emotionalism—all disastrous traits in a U.S. Congressman. Consider some of Green's assertions:

"I don't think that most people oppose hearings on radicalization. I do not, not — N-O-T — oppose hearings on radicalization. I do oppose hearings that don't focus on the entirety of radicalization…. [W]hy not have a hearing on the radicalization of Christians?... People who see the hearings and never hear about the hearing on the radicalization of Christianity have to ask themselves, "Why is this missing?"" ...More HERE

Pro-Life Democrats Dwindle in Congress

Democrats with conservative positions on social issues such as abortion continue to disappear from Congress. Half as many pro-life Democrats sit in Congress today than two years ago, and—thanks to redistricting and retirements—in six months the number may be cut in half again.

Of the 20 Democrats who voted for a May bill that would ban gender-based abortions, as few as eight are likely to win reelection. And the number is almost certain to be no higher than 13.

In the 2010 election, pro-life groups targeted pro-life Democrats who supported President Obama's health-care law. Even some Democrats who opposed the law faced opposition by conservatives who saw the midterm election as a golden opportunity to put a more conservative Republican in office. The result: The number of pro-life Democrats shrank by half. ...More HERE

Bob Kerrey could face controversy with ties to "progressive" university

Bob Kerrey represented the people of Nebraska for sixteen years: six as governor and twelve as senator, before leaving office in 2000. Following a 12 year hiatus, the Democrat is running for Senate once again, but may have some explaining to do with Nebraskans in regards to what he was doing during his time as president of The New School between 2001 and 2010.

The New School describes itself as a ”legendary progressive university“ that ”launches“ students into the real world as ”world citizens-individuals whose ideas and innovations forge new paths of progress in the arts, design, humanities, public policy, and the social sciences.” A new report from Nebraska Watchdog reveals just how The New School got its progressive reputation and the far left happenings on the campus where Kerrey served as president not too long ago. ...More HERE

Jefferson on gun control

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." -- Cesare Beccaria, On Crimes and Punishment, quoted by Thomas Jefferson in Commonplace Book

Waldo Canyon Fire nears Colorado Springs

Our prayers are with the people of Colorado Springs, who are in the path of the Waldo Canyon Fire as pictured here 23 hours ago. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported 200-foot-flames near Cedar Heights this morning with flames only 200 yards away from homes. The Haines Index -- a scale of 1 to 6 (6 being the worst) that firefighters use to rank fire growth potential in a region -- is at level "6" again Tuesday and into Wednesday, the same levels reached during last weekend's extreme fire growth.

Occupy Chicago avoids police in disappearance of 16 year-old girl

By Rebelpundit -

Occupy Chicago appears to be engaged in its own missing person investigation. It’s really no surprise, considering members' disdain for law enforcement authorities. During NATO protests in Chicago, Occupy Chicago adopted the “Chicago Principles,” a code of conduct that prohibited “snitching” on other members and organizations aligned with their radical movement. And reportedly, some in the group are abiding by these "principles" to the letter.

Monday morning, EAG News reported a 16 year-old connected to Occupy Chicago has gone missing, and Occupy Chicago, despite concern of the missing girl's mother, is attempting to keep matters in its own hands. ...More HERE

The news ... illustrated

Lawmakers reworked financial portfolios after talks with Fed, Treasury officials

The left-wing Washington Post is reporting that 34 members of Congress took steps to recast their financial portfolios during the financial crisis after phone calls or meetings with Treasury Secretary Paulson; his successor, Timothy F. Geithner; or Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke.

The lawmakers, many of whom held leadership positions and committee chairmanships in the Democrat-controlled House and Senate, changed portions of their portfolios a total of 166 times within two business days of speaking or meeting with the administration officials. ...More HERE

Discrimination: Lake County Fair Bans Catholic and Prolife group after 37 yrs

Thomas More Society Demands Fair Cease Censorship of Lakearse County Right to Life and Catholic Group

(CHICAGO, IL) – Today, Thomas More Society attorneys demanded that the Lake County Fair reverse its rejection of booth applications from Lake County Right to Life and “Peter’s Net,” an initiative promoting Lake County Catholic churches. The Society claims that the Fair’s rejection of the groups is based on their respective religious messages, including the promotion of the Catholic Church and Church teaching by Peter’s Net and the religiously motivated pro-life message and use of a prenatal development display including life size fetal models used by Lake County Right to Life in its Fair booth for the last 37 years.

Display of first trimester preborn babies Lake County Fair wants removed from prolife group display

“The actions of the Lake County Fair Association violate the Illinois Human Rights Act, Title II of the federal Civil Rights Act, and the Fair’s own stated policy of nondiscrimation,” said attorney Peter Breen, Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Thomas More Society, who is representing both groups. “Instead of following its policy, the Fair Association is headed down a path of censorship and anti-religious bias that’s both illegal and a black mark on the proud heritage of the Lake County
Fair.”

Decline in Obama's Chicago Clue to His Second Term

Investor Business Daily's Daniel Sobieski brought their editorial to our attention today, and as painful as it is to say it, IBD hits every nail on the head with their evaluation of what's happening in Chicago. It's exactly what we've been saying for months - sooner or later the nation will recognize that Illinois and Chicago ARE what this nation will become if Barack Obama is re-elected for a second term.

Urban Decay: Another weekend of violence in the president's hometown, now run by his former chief of staff. If you want to see the fruits of a presidential second term, look at the decline of his city.

President Obama and Rahm Emanuel, current mayor and former White House chief of staff, brought the "Chicago Way" to Washington in more ways than one. Not only did they bring a style of bare-knuckled backroom politics of intimidation and cronyism, they brought a statist philosophy of government knows best that has left America's Second City a second-rate city with nowhere to go but down.

Last weekend was all too typical in Chicago these days, with four dead and 29 wounded throughout a city that's been home to one of the nation's toughest gun laws. Chicago has become the murder capital of America with a 50% increase in violence for the past year.

The rest of their poignant editorial is HERE.

Roskam comments on current Congressional issues

Study: Corruption in suburbs shows need for investigator

A proposal to create an inspector general for the suburbs drew skeptical reactions Monday, as officeholders and taxpayer watchdogs questioned how the position would work and whether it's necessary.

The report by the University of Illinois at Chicago found more than 60 suburbs and more than 100 suburban public officials involved in public corruption over the past two decades, based on criminal convictions or apparent conflicts of interest.

The proposal came from former Chicago Ald. Dick Simpson, who heads the UIC political science department and co-wrote the report. "This is not just one bad apple in the barrel," he said. "This seems to be pervasive."

Reactions to the idea of an inspector general were mixed, but it was met with derision by some officials who said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan should be doing the job already.

"We don't need an inspector general," Illinois Republic Party Chairman Pat Brady said. "We need an attorney general." ...More HERE

University sponsors ad campaign promoting racism

Here’s a pop quiz: What do we usually call unsubstantiated assumptions about someone’s class, or position in life, based upon the color of their skin?

That’s right, racism. And that is what's taking place at the taxpayer-funded University of Minnesota-Duluth, which is sponsoring an ad campaign whose core message is very difficult to distinguish from undiluted racism. Watch the ad below if you don’t believe us:

National Dems focus on keeping Costello congressional seat

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will target Bill Enyart's campaign for Illinois' 12th district as part of its "Red-to-Blue program." The announcement came just days after local Democrats selected Bill Enyart, the former head of the Illinois National Guard, as their candidate to keep outgoing U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello's district in their hands. 

The district is already considered "blue," but is an open seat. It has been in Democratic hands since after the end of World War II, but it is being vigorously challenged by Republican Jason Plummer (photo right), who the National Republican Campaign Committee has included in its "Young Guns" program. ...More HERE

Illinois adds walking to list of workplace hazards

“Repetitive walking” has joined the list of occupational hazards that could earn you workers compensation benefits in Illinois, according to news reports.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission ruled in March that workers who are required to walk around on the job can claim that action resulted in a compensable work-related injury, according to a recent report from the Belleville News-Democrat.

The case, Tracy Howell vs. State of Illinois, involves a prison guard at Menard Correctional Center in Menard, IL, according to news reports. A recent editorial by the Chicago Tribune said Mr. Howell received benefits for his foot surgery, as well as disability benefits, after claiming that his job required him to walk between three to 10 miles per day.

Menard prison guards and employees have filed at least 230 repetitive trauma claims in recent years, the News-Democrat said, though not all were for walking.

Mautino says Illinois will need federal help to run health insurance exchange

CHICAGO - Democrat State Rep. Frank Mautino (right), who has led work on implementing Obama's health care overhaul now says the state won't be ready to run its own insurance exchange by a Nov. 16 deadline.

Mautino says Illinois must consider a new option — a state-federal partnership — to get its online insurance marketplace ready for its first year. That would put Obama's home state among a majority of states limping unsteadily toward implementing the law.

Kirk, Dold take aim at mess created by government

CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, today joined with U.S. Rep. Bob Dold to release the Great Lakes Dirty Dozen, a list of the top 12 sewage polluters across the Great Lakes. Although sewage pollution has been on the decline, billions of gallons of sewage are still dumped into the Great Lakes each year, threatening the safety of our drinking water, devastating the environment, and triggering thousands of beach closures annually. (See video below.)

Unfortunately, this seems to be a crisis created by the politicians themselves. The major polluters of the Great Lakes are all cities - run by politicians who now want money to clean up their mess.

Illinois Review interviews State Senate Candidate John Bambenek

By Hannah Ihms, IR Correspondent -

Illinois Review recently interviewed John Bambenek, a conservative Republican candidate running for the 52nd State Senate district which stretches from Champaign to Danville.

Where did you grow up and what do you do for a living?

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, in Oak Grove. I moved to the University of Illinois for college and that’s where I met my wife and never left. I’ve been in Champaign for seventeen years. Professionally I do electronic fraud prevention, so essentially I deal with Russian hackers trying to steal your credit card and bank account information. 

How did you decide to run for State Senate?

I’ve been active in politics for a while, most actively since I’ve had children and seen the direction of the state in terms of its ever-increasing tax burden, debt burden, and the amount of jobs and opportunities leaving the state. I’m much more conscious as to what kind of future my children will have. With this status quo, they won’t have the kind of opportunities I’ve had, and as a father that’s not really acceptable to me. The way to change that is to change the people who are there.

Congressman Robert Dold talks about bipartisan priorities

By Meghan Keenan, IR Correspondent -

Although some may not want to hear this, I think that America would be better off if both parties tried to cooperate with the shared goal of bettering our nation and Washington pushed a more moderate agenda.

Ask anyone what they think is the biggest issue facing our nation today. Most likely they will say it is the economy, lack of jobs or some combination of the two. It doesn’t matter whether they are liberal or conservative; this issue sweeps across party lines.

Yesterday, Republican Congressman Robert Dold shared some of his views on what our nation’s priorities should be.

"Getting people back to work is something that everybody should be in favor of," Dold said.

Dold’s main priority, if reelected, would be to lift some of the regulatory burdens placed upon entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“I think that’s really the main engine to get the economy moving again, and to provide more certainty for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country to be able to invest and grow,” he said.