Illinois Review

An issues ad that should shame Illinois - How will you answer?

A new issues ad is hitting airwaves in swing states as the Susan B. Anthony List tours via bus reaching out to prolife voters.  Illinois' nurse Jill Stanek, who revealed babies being born alive and left to die at Oak Lawn's Christ Hospital, is on board with the bus tour this week. She's talking about Barack Obama's four votes in the Illinois Senate against protecting babies born alive.

At the same time, Susan B. Anthony List is running this particular issue ad in those same states.  Since Illinois will not be where the ad is televised, we're sharing it. Over 60k views on YouTube means it is making an impact, at least outside Illinois' borders. Here, anti-life Barack Obamas are extolled and run our Illinois House and Senate. This video should shame those that think being prolife is inappropriate and absurd. How will you answer?

Quote of the day: John Kass on Quinn's gambling bill veto

Our quote of the day is from Chicago Tribune's John Kass, in response to government Quinn's veto of the gambling expansion bill: 

"When government put casinos in to raise revenue, they're betting on their people to lose.  When a government bets on you to lose, what does that say about the government?"

More HERE on video and HERE on today's column.

Reagan on moral values

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Mrs. Ann Romney talks about love in RNC address

Mrs. Ann Romney's comments to the 2012 Republican Convention -

Luce, thank you for that kind introduction.

I want to talk to you tonight not about politics and not about party.

And while there are many important issues we'll hear discussed in this convention and throughout this campaign, tonight I want to talk to you from my heart about our hearts.

I want to talk not about what divides us, but what holds us together as an American family. I want to talk to you tonight about that one great thing that unites us, that one thing that brings us our greatest joy when times are good, and the deepest solace in our dark hours.

Tonight I want to talk to you about love.

Governor Chris Christie's remarks to 2012 Republican National Convention

Keynote address delivered August 28, 2012 at the Republican National Convention

This stage and this moment are very improbable for me.

A New Jersey Republican delivering the keynote address to our national convention, from a state with 700,000 more Democrats than Republicans.

A New Jersey Republican stands before you tonight.

Proud of my party, proud of my state and proud of my country.

ICYMI: Video of NFIB endorsement of Congressman Joe Walsh

H/T: Bill Baar

Madigan gives $4.5 million in mortgage settlement funds to legal assistance org

Below is a response from the Attorney General's office received on 8.29.2012

CHICAGO - Last February, the State of Illinois was awarded $20 million of a $25 billion multi-state, class action mortgage foreclosure settlement involving Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Ally Bank.

The logical assumption would be that the $20 million received by Illinois would go directly to those homeowners who had been the victims of the "robo-signing" abuse engaged in by the banks, resulting in foreclosure of their homes.

But this is Illinois, and such assumptions are foolish. Thus the "former" homeowners of Illinois were likely disappointed last Friday when Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced that she was awarding $4.5 million of Illinois' part of the settlement to a favored and politically-connected legal aid organization called Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation proposed the money be distributed thusly:

 

Land of Lincoln has four offices in Illinois southern region - in East St. Louis, Alton, Champaign and Carbondale. The group's president is M. Ann Hatch of Belleville, and the board of directors is made up of influential and politically-connected attorneys, several from major downstate law firms. For example:

• President Hatch has donated to her Belleville area's 8th Ward Regular Democrats.

• Board member Greg Shevlin has given 92 campaign donations over the years to Democrats listed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, totaling over $76,000. To be fair, he did write one $200 check to Republican candidate for the Illinois Supreme Court, Bob Thomas.

• Ted Gianaris of the personal injury law firm, Simmons LLC, has given over $46,000 to numerous Democratic candidates, including State Senator Bill Haine, also an attorney.

• Board member Claire Manning has given over $7,000 to candidates over the years.

• Keith Casteal, of Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson and Sly, LLP, has also donated to candidates.

Not surprisingly, AG Lisa Madigan's office said that political contributions from the Land of Lincoln's board members was not a factor in determining to whom the $4.5 million grant would be given.

Introducing 19th IL Senate District Candidate, Edgar Montalvo

By Lucas Hawley - 

Up until recently, the 19th Senate district was a one man race with Democrat Mike Hastings, son of long time mayor of Orland Hills Kyle Hastings, being the only candidate. That is now not the case. Edgar Montalvo was officially slated as the Republican nominee for the seat and survived a petition objection by the Democrats which is, as Montalvo describes, “The easiest way for the Democrats to win the race."

Edgar Montalvo is a resident of Tinley Park with a degree in engineering and a MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago. He served over 30 years in the Army reserves and just recently retired as a Lt. Colonel. Throughout that time, he served in eight overseas deployments, two of them in Iraq.

He is aware that he does have low name recognition among the constituents of the 19th Senate District, but notes that is a double edge sword.

Perception, midlife crises and 2012 bumper stickers

By The Cranky Housewife -

I've had something happened to me a couple of times now while driving and try as I will to shake this feeling, I keep having the same gut reaction. You know, I've got one of those Romney bumper stickers on my car and twice I have had drivers maneuver their cars in front of mine to proudly exhibit the Obama 2012 decals featured on their back windows and I'm absolutely flummoxed. I just don't know what to do with such a display. Whatever in the world do they mean to show me? I'm sure it isn't what I actually see.

Understand. I realize that there will be a good number of people who will vote for Barack Obama in November for whatever reason, but tell me please. Who in her right mind still wants to advertise that truth given the disaster this presidency has been? Who actually wants to go on record as saying, "Hmmm, unemployment over 8%, gas prices hovering around $4.00, trillion dollar deficits… yeah, baby! Sign me up for four more years of that!"

Op/Ed: Einstein was right...Two things infinite – the universe and human stupidity

By S.C. Pemberton -

Folks, the Superpower formerly known as the United States of America is going down fast. For a century and a half, it has sucked taxpayers dry, forcing them to pay for Social Security and Medicare several times over while Congress refused to lock up the money and squandered it away on other things, including the Congressional gold-plated pension plan. Now they want to give everybody health care so they can play the same Ponzi tune over again, only louder this time.

Two thousand years since the Romans disappeared, government is still dealing in bread and circuses. Perks to the people in return for their votes, all of it to be paid by the rich, if you believe the people the people standing on the stumps. And all they want is merely to serve, to maintain their death grip in the wheelhouse – even as the ship goes under.

New poll shows Bill Brady preferred 2014 gubernatorial candidate

In the wake of the Daily Herald's poll of Illinois delegates at the Republican National Convention, CapFax blogs that a "We Ask America" poll of 1,245 likely Republican voters was conducted yesterday asking: Which of the following possible candidates would you most like to see become the Republican challenger for governor?

The results:

• Bill Brady 24.05%
• Kirk Dillard 8.66%
• Matt Murphy 3.79%
• Christine Radogno 2.20%
• Bruce Rauner 2.61%
• Dan Rutherford 10.62%
• Aaron Schock 7.35%
• Other (Someone else) 4.40%
• Uncertain 36.31%

Vote in Illinois Review's poll to the left.

NFIB Endorses Schilling

ROCKFORD, IL - As government over-taxation and over-regulation continues to force small businesses to lay off workers or even close up shop, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) today will endorse U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) in his bid for re-election. The NFIB will make the endorsement official at a press conference with local small business owners at Benson Stone in Rockford at 3:30pm today.

"Small businesses are the backbone of America," Schilling said. "We need to do everything we can to help these folks do what they do best—and that's create jobs. Never before in American history have small business owners faced a tougher and more burdensome economic climate. If we want job creation to flourish, we need to make creating a pro-growth environment our top priority.

Schilling applauded the NFIB's commitment to economic stability, a predictable and consistent jobs climate, and responsible governing policy.

"If Americans don't have jobs, can't count on economic growth, and can't be assured of where their next paycheck is coming from, then we have a problem. It's time for Washington to wake up and make America open for business again," Schilling said. "The NFIB stands for the entrepreneurship and innovative spirit that made America great and will make America great again."

ILGOP sells "Save Illinois. Fire Madigan." merchandise

You may have seen them at Republican Day at the State Fair. Or perhaps you saw them on the news from the Republican National Convention. The Illinois Republican Party has created FIRE MADIGAN materials. And they're so popular that the ILGOP created an online FIRE MADIGAN store.

According to the ILGOP: "If you think after over 40 years in Springfield and Illinois being ranked as one of the worst states financially that it's time to Fire Illinois House Speaker/Illinois Democratic Party Chairman/Father of the Illinois Attorney General Mike Madigan, you can have a little fun helping spread the word with any FIRE MADIGAN products, including t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, buttons, and signs."

Merchandise can be purchased HERE

Polling on 2014 Illinois gubernatorial race has begun

Blogger Bill Baar received an automated call last night asking who he would favor in a GOP Primary for Illinois Governor. The results might be different depending on who wins the White House in November - 2012.

Wheaton College's Obamacare Suit Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed Wheaton College's lawsuit against the Obama administration's health care mandate.

The mandate requires religious groups to provide contraception coverage in their health insurance plans, even if it violates their beliefs.

The judge threw out Wheaton's suit after the government altered an exemption to include the college. That exemption gives religious institutions one year to comply. More HERE

RELATED: Evangelical Colleges Biola and Grace Sue Obama Administration Over Contraceptive Mandate

CNN poll shows Majority of Americans Want Abortions Prohibited

For those unaware or unconvinced that the issue of abortion is important or that the pro-life position is popular, CNN has released the results of a new poll showing a majority of Americans want all or most abortions prohibited — a clear pro-life majority.

The survey asked: “Do you think abortion should be legal under any circumstances, legal under only certain circumstances, or illegal in all circumstances?” Some 62 percent want abortions illegal in all cases or legal only in certain instances while just 35% want abortions legal for any reason. More HERE

Looks like being pro-life is a winning position and issue for the Republicans in November.

Abortion and the Political “Big Tent”

By Laurie Higgins, Illinois Family Institute -

In the past week, two troubling comments regarding abortion caught my attention—one of which justifiably caught the attention of the entire country. Once again much heat but little light was generated in the ensuing brouhaha.

The first troubling comment was a particularly inept and painful statement from U.S. Representative Todd Akin, which included the phrase “legitimate rape.” Akin’s unfortunate comment could have provided an opportunity to explore with greater clarity and depth a philosophical and moral question of supreme importance, but instead what followed was superficial, dishonest, and exploitative noise. Our feckless talking heads and political leaders chose to use Akin’s comment for political jujitsu rather than enlightened discourse.

Some random thoughts on the Akin debacle:

Kirk tells Illinois delegates "I really wish I could be with you today" (video)

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R) still recovering from his stroke, made a surprise appearance in Tampa today by video at the Illinois Republican breakfast. (see video below)

Chair Of Democrat Convention Won't Say "Bank Of America" (video)

On CNN: Democratic Convention Chair Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa refuses to call Bank of America stadium by its name. The left lives in a fantasy world.

H/T: Marathon Pundit

BREAKING: RNC delegate rules fight goes to floor today in Tampa

From Red State's Erick Erickson -

Breaking news from Tampa - At 2:00 p.m. today, the Republican National Committee, led by Team Romney, is moving to shut down conservative grassroots activists. I’ve been on the phone with several individuals involved in the fight who tell me that the fight is not over, it is only just starting.

Specifically, the media is reporting that the rules fight is over because Team Romney is abandoning Ben Ginsberg’s effort to allow candidates to control delegates. Under an initial proposal, delegates would, in effect, be chosen by the presumed nominee’s campaign and not based on votes in the states and delegate selection processes in the states.

'The Financial State of the States': A must read publication

By Nancy Thorner -

While enjoying dinner at The Heartland Institute's 28th Anniversary Benefit Dinner on Thursday, August 9, in the Grand Ball Room at Navy Pier, seated next to me were two women whose impressive work over a period of a few years produced the following publication: "The Financial STATE OF THE STATES."

They were Sheila A. Weinberg, CPA, Founder & CEO, and Donna Rook, Vice President, State Data Lab, who work together at the  "Institute for Truth in Accounting" located in Northbrook, Illinois.    truthinaccounting.org

During our conversation a copy of "The Financial STATE OF THE STATES (Second Edition) was shared with me.

Quinn vetoes gambling expansion

Gov. Pat Quinn today vetoed a major gambling expansion plan that would have allowed five new casinos, including one in Chicago.

The move sets the stage for a potential showdown with lawmakers following the Nov. 6 election, when supporters of the bill have vowed to try to override a veto.

For months, Quinn has warned about what he views as shortcomings in the bill, saying the measure would not provide enough oversight of casino operators and other gambling interests. The governor also has said that any gambling expansion should set aside a proper amount of money for education.

More HERE

IL pension funds need 19% annual investment returns to make ends meet

By Jonathan Ingram, Illinois Policy Institute - 

Illinois reports that it owes $83 billion to its five public pension funds. Worse yet, under new reporting requirements by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and Moody’s Investment Services, the state's pension debt will more than double.

There are a lot of numbers being thrown around in the fight over pension reform. But these are the two numbers that matter most: $632 billion and $65 billion. $632 billion is the total amount the state's pension plans will pay out for pension benefits between now and 2045. $65 billion is the total amount of money the state's pension plans have on hand.

The state should have already set aside enough money so that the funds' assets can grow over time to cover the required payouts. But the state has only set aside $65 billion to pay for these future benefits. In order to cover future payouts, the pension plans would need to see average investment returns of nearly 19 percent per year.

More HERE

Gulf crisis - the President's response

With all the talk about the hurricane in the gulf, and references to Katrina and the Bush Administration, perhaps its worthwhile recalling how the current President handled his own gulf crisis - the BP Oil Spill:

Schilling vs. Bustos: IL-17 Race Update

After a brutal Democrat Primary in which U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin intervened to push out several candidates in favor of his close family friend, Cheri Callahan-Bustos, signs are beginning to emerge that the district might not be as Democrat-friendly as once believed. U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (photo right) has held a double-digit or near-double-digit lead over Bustos in all publicly released polls of the district. Schilling recently released a Public Opinion Strategies poll showing a 13-point lead over his opponent. His opponent’s campaign manager responded by releasing a poll from February showing Schilling with just a nine-point lead. However, it’s clear that Schilling has gained significant ground since February, while Bustos appears to have gained very little. Schilling is headed to victory in a district that does not match the intended Democrat tilt.

           Raised (6/30/12)  Cash-on-Hand (6/30/12)  Recent Polling (8/9/12) 

Schilling (R)    1,500,000       950,000                            50

Bustos (D)       1,200,000       830,000                            37

The news ... illustrated

Quinn delays prison closures; Cultra calls situation "a massive debacle"

DWIGHT - Employees that were preparing to be laid off Friday from duties at the Tamms and Dwight state prisons received letters Monday that they're to return to work next week after all. The Governor's office and AFSCME are negotiating prisoner transfers and corrections officer safety after prisoners are added to other facility populations. AP obtained Quinn's letter:

In the letter dated Aug. 24, department Director S.A. "Tony" Godinez, instructs employees at prisons that are slated to close — including the supermax-security lockup at Tamms — to continue reporting to work after this Friday. Godinez calls the action a "temporary delay for the layoffs and closures" that were scheduled for Aug. 31.

"All affected employees have been notified of the temporary delay and directed to continue to report for duty at their current work location," according to the letter, which was given to the AP by a former corrections employee.

The Governor's office says the closure plans will continue. In the meantime, prison employees are in limbo. State Senator Shane Cultra (R-Onarga), in whose district the Dwight Correctional Center is located, called the situation a "massive debacle" when he reacted mid-day Monday:

Reagan on the Constitution-provided Right to Life

via Illinois' growing URF Women's Network promoting limited government, individual rights, free market and traditional values - the "LIFT" principles.

CBS News on Romney and Doing business the Mormon way

In case you missed it, check out the CBS News clip below. FYI: Gail King is Oprah's best friend. Charlie Rose is one of the most liberal people in the news. Hard to believe they aired this.

National Federation of Independent Business endorses Joe Walsh

ADDISON, IL – Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) endorsed Rep. Joe Walsh for Congress over Democrat challenger Tammy Duckworth in the race for the 8th Congressional District of Illinois.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of NFIB in this race. As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Gains on the Small Business Committee, I understand that America’s number one job creators are small businesses.  Between 60-80% of all jobs created last year was because of small businesses, and I want to ensure that number is even higher this year.  NFIB and I share the same vision on how to get this country back on track, and I greatly appreciate their support,” stated Rep. Joe Walsh.

“Our members are very enthusiastic about the reelection of Joe Walsh,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Kim Clarke Maisch.  “He’s not afraid to tell his constituents the truth about our fiscal circumstances, he’s been thoughtful and serious about cutting taxes and the size of government, and he’s been an extremely reliable ally for Illinois small businesses.”

Schock hosts #Waywire at RNC

TAMPA - We're probably too old or too uncool to get this, but here it is ... IL Congressman Aaron Schock is going to take #Waywire backstage at the RNC Convention this week. Part of his "very cool" brand, and outreach to the TMZ-crazed CYR demographic crowd. Thoughts??

"2016: Obama's America" hits top-grossing documentary status

CHICAGO - First released in a dozen Chicago area theatres a few weeks ago, Dinesh D'Souza's documentary "2016: Obama's America" has now surpassed the top gross of the year for a documentary (excluding nature films) with an eye-popping $9.2 million. The film raked in $6.3 million this past weekend when showings expanded nationwide.

Obama's America is now the top conservative documentary of all time, beating out Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed ($7.7 million).

Romney delegates favor Rutherford for gov

TAMPA - State Treasurer Dan Rutherford just posted this photo on his Facebook page. He's posting from stormy Tampa as a 15th CD Romney delegate, with "super delegate" State Senator Christine Radogno at the 2012 RNC Convention. 

Rutherford headed up the effort for Mitt Romney presidential delegates in Illinois, and when polled this week, 73% of those delegates said they supported Rutherford over State Senator Kirk Dillard, State Senator Dan Duffy, State Senator Matt Murphy and  Congressman Aaron Schock for governor in 2014.

So... is this a photo of the 2014 IL GOP Gubernatorial team - Rutherford-Radogno? What do you think, and who's your GOP candidate in 2014?

DCCC desperately tries to tie Dold to Akin in robo-calls

Maybe the DCCC should check with Planned Parenthood before blasting one of the most pro-abortion Republicans in the U.S. Congress (next to Cong. Judy Biggert (IL-13)) before doing these ridiculous, desperate types of robo-calls in-district.  Anyone that's been watching Congressman Dold has been disappointed time and time again as he consistently sides with pro-abortion colleagues across the aisle.  Still - and this pains us to write this - we are sure he would NOT vote for Nancy Pelosi for U.S. House Speaker.  From the DCCC:

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) continued on offense today, launching new automated phone calls targeting Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10) for the extreme agenda that he shares with Congressman Todd Akin. At the Republican National Convention in Tampa this week, Congressman Dold’s Republican Party platform will include a ban on a woman’s right to choose with no exceptions for rape, incest or if the life of the mother is at risk.

In a new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released last week, 54 percent of voters believe Republican candidates are “out of step” while only 38 percent believe they’re in the main stream.

An example of an automated phone call Congressman Robert Dold’s (IL-10) district follows:

Hello. This is Julie calling from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.  By now, I’m sure you’ve heard Congressman Todd Akin’s unbelievable comments about rape and his outrageous beliefs about women’s rights.

You know what’s even more worrisome? He’s not alone.

Republicans like your Congressman Robert Dold share some of these radical, right-wing beliefs– that the government should take away a woman’s access to making informed decisions about her own pregnancy.

IR Comment: That folks, is a blatant, outright lie. But they go on to blame Dold for his party's platform. Dold has defended Planned Parenthood's radical pro-abortion agenda numerous times. Maybe they should try to tie their own candidate to HIS offensive party platform, too?  They go on ...

It’s outrageous. This week, Congressman Dold’s Republican Party platform will include a plank that says no to a woman’s right to choose without any exceptions even in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk.

If you’re tired of this right-wing social agenda from Congressman Todd Akin and Congressman Dold then call him now at 847-272-0404.

IR Comment: If you're in the 10th CD and get a call like this, let us know at info@illinoisreview.com.  They won't let you vent back on those automated calls.  But we will. 

Convention to Start Second Debt Clock Inside Tampa Bay Times Forum

Tampa, FL - When Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus gavels the convention to order today, a second national debt clock will be activated, this one measuring increases in U.S. indebtedness during the four days of the convention.

Priebus announced yesterday that another debt clock will measure the entire federal debt, now approaching $16 trillion.  Both will be ticking away in full view of convention attendees and television cameras from a location inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 

Comptroller offers budgeting classes for citizens in financial hardship

CHICAGO - State Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka must be so tired of manuevering through the pile of unpaid bills on her desk from those pesky health care providers that have the nerve to invoice over and over again - and wait and wait and wait to be paid for providing government health care to needy Illinoisans. She's clearly so fed up with Illinois' outrageously dire budget situation that she's turned to helping taxpayers get their personal financial houses in order.  She's starting a new financial budgeting service, her website says ..

Given today’s economy, more residents are facing financial hardship than at any time in our state’s history. In fact, more than 82,000 Illinoisans filed for bankruptcy in 2010, and many more are struggling to make ends meet. Often times weekly paychecks no longer cover expenses, and credit card bills are piling higher and higher. And in other cases, residents are just one medical emergency or job loss away from finding themselves with debts they are unable to repay.

Hmm... just like Illinois?  But what does the state do?  Borrow more money, and then demand taxpayers pay more to cover their ceaseless demands for more and more. Her announcement continues ..

Romney interviews with Chris Wallace

Fox News' Chris Wallace interviewed GOP candidate Mitt Romney just before this week's RNC Convention - What are your thoughts, as an Illinois conservative, about Mitt Romney's responses?

Walsh launches in-district small business tour

SCHAUMBURG – Monday Congressman Joe Walsh announced his “Small Business Tour” in which he fulfills his pledge to skip the RNC Convention in Tampa and instead will hold numerous events in each county in the 8th district.

“My number one priority this week is the same one I have had throughout this entire campaign, to hear from voters.  I have no interest in traveling to Tampa to waste time attending parties with political insiders.  During the tour I plan on meeting with multiple small businesses to learn how Washington’s policies hurt them.

Proposed RNC rules change dubbed "largest power grab" in GOP history

From Eagle Forum - 

Shenanigans are happening at the Republican National Convention, and we need your help to protect your states’ delegates!

A proposed rule change would allow the Presidential nominee to “disavow” duly elected delegates and force the states to hold new elections to replace any delegate or alternate deemed unacceptable by the Nominee.

Astronauts reminisce and look to nation's aeronautic future

By Nancy Thorner - 

Everyone 35 years or older will surely remember Neil Armstrong as the first person to set foot on the moon on July 10,1969.  Most likely they will also remember where they were on that monumental day when they watched with pride as America conquered space travel to become the first nation with the know-how to reach the moon.  It was an accomplishment that this nation owned at the time.

In short order Neil Armstrong became a household name and a great hero of the 20th century.  Armstrong's statement uttered at the time he set foot on the moon has been carved in stone and is now quoted across the world, "That's one small step for man: one giant leap for mankind."

Irresponsibe Amorality of Glenn Britt and John E. Sununu

By Mark Rhoads -

With six years in the Army, I never thought that I had lived a prudish or sheltered life, and one unfortunately learns to live with extreme vulgar displays in the twisted world of Hollywood-produced pop culture. But even by the sewer standards of cable, I saw last week a late-night show on HBO that was so obcene  that it set a new standard for offensive garbage. The sick program depicted Heaven as a run-down hotel where the character of Jesus appears with two topless show girls as angels on his arms.

Reagan on Education

More Reagan quotes at URF Women's Network Facebook Page. "Like" and "share" to remind others of Reagan's words of wisdom and expand the URF Women's Network.

Calling for Cook County election judges

By Maureen DiRienzo - 

"A call for Cook County election judges?" Just what does that mean? 

There are nearly 2,000 precincts in suburban Cook County, and they all need to have Republican judges present to help assure a fair vote.  As of now, only a fraction of these positions are filled—that means there are literally hundreds unfilled.  And that means that Democrats can be substituted in those slots. 

Obama Crony Valerie Jarrett’s Sweet Real Estate Tax Deal

By Teri O'Brien -

Today we focus on corruption, crony capitalism and the redistributionist policies of Obama and his merry band of Marxists. Since the Jurassic media shows no interest in investigating and reporting on the lawlessness of the Obama administration, we’re fortunate to have the tireless fighters of government corruption and secrecy, Judicial Watch, who are always at the tip of the spear in the fight. Christopher Farrell, Judicial Watch’s Director of Research and Investigation, will join us to tell us the latest about their terrific work, including the New Black Panther Party case.

House candidate Kifowit finds Democrat tax hike question tough (video)

House District 84 Democrat candidate Stephanie Kifowit found it difficult and awkward to answer a question about last year's 67% tax rate hiked by Illinois Democrats.  She's being challenged by Republican Pat Fee for an open seat in the far western suburbs. Not sure why the question is so tough. Video by JTLee.

Illinois teen escapes after 2 years in captivity

WASHINGTON PARK - A teen girl reported missing more than two years ago told police she escaped a home in southwestern Illinois where she had been held captive and repeatedly sexually assaulted.

Authorities in Washington Park, a village next to East St. Louis, raided the house Thursday afternoon and took into custody a 24-year-old man and his mother. They also recovered the teen’s young child, which the girl said was the result of rape by her captor.

Washington Park Police Chief David Clark said they believe the man’s mother aided the crimes. Police would not identify either of them by name because they had not been charged as of early Friday.

The rest in this AP report.

How will Taxmageddon affect you?

MCHENRY - Taxmageddon will take place January 1 2013 unless it's stopped in Congress. The impending tax increase will be the largest since the end of World War II. How will it affect you?

In the 8th CD, that will mean an average increase per tax return of $4,620 -- fourth highest in the state of Illinois.

Environmentalists take credit for shutting down Prairie Parkway

KANE CO - If you thought Illinois' Prairie Parkway project was shut down because it was a bad idea, not needed as badly as was publicized, was too expensive, was too much of an insider deal - any or some or all of the reasons mentioned - you're wrong.  Those weren't the reasons at all.  Environmentalists are taking credit for it.  Openlands sent this email out earlier this week to inform us all their version of what really happened:

Spoof photos: VP Biden prepares for Sunday's stump speeches

EXCLUSIVE VIA @PatrickMilsaps Twitter: Unidentified Biden aide snaps shot of Veep studying notes for tomorrow's speeches.

LaHood: 'I'm Very Proud' of DOT stimulus spending at $738,000 per job

WASHINGTON - Former Republican Congressman from Illinois, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a Daily Caller reporter Nicholas Ballasy that he is "very proud" of the Economic Recovery Act of 2009 that put 65,000 "people to work" with $48 billion in federal funds for the Department of Transportation, amounting to $738,461 per job.