Illinois Review

Dabrowski: Five reasons why Madigan's pension reform plan won't work

CHICAGO - Mark this point in Illinois politics. Illinois Policy Institute is in agreement with the public sector unions' "We Are One" coalition. They both oppose House Speaker Mike Madigan's agreed-upon pension reform plan that's to be voted on next Tuesday in Springfield.

While the two groups are normally diametrically opposite on fiscal policy, for totally different reasons, they both reject Madigan's current plan. The Institute's Ted Dabrowski gives from his perspective five reasons why it nothing will change with the plan on the table:

Thorner: Obama should beware, because "Pride cometh before a fall"

By Nancy Thorner - 

With the election of President Obama in 2008, many perceived his election to be a forerunner of the hope and promise candidate Barack Hussein Obama had offered at campaign rallies meant to open up a new era of unlimited possibilities for those who had branded President George W. Bush as a failed and incompetent two-term president. 

Obama's youthfulness and his intelligence were admired by Obama supporters.  Without a lull the main steam media continued its post-election rhetoric of glowing praise for Obama's talent and skills as this nation's 44th President and Commander in Chief, while continuing to bury Obama's deceptions and misstatements as he advanced along in his presidency.

Video suggests pension reform could help Quinn win in 2014

SPRINGFIELD - The anonymous "Da Machine" You Tube account posted and pushed the following video Friday night, suggesting if Illinois Republican lawmakers help the proposed pension reform plan pass, they would be helping Democratic Governor Quinn and House Speaker Mike Madigan win big in 2014.

State Rep. Ives: Time for Illinois to end playing favorites with EDGE credits

By State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) - 

Imagine you’re driving down a winding, tree-lined street. You come to the end of the street and there it is – a home which by all appearances is your dream house. The historical marker reads founded in 1818. Presidents, generals, movie stars and leaders of industry have resided at this address.

Walking up the path you trip over a sidewalk in disrepair, but consider it of little importance.  Moving forward, up the creaky porch stairs, your excitement grows as you realize you are standing on the threshold of the place you’d always dreamed of calling home- a classic that evokes the memories of yesteryear.   

As you push open a door rusted on its hinges, you are taken aback by the state of the dwelling: the wall paper is peeling, dust covers every surface and a stench of mildew fills the air. The realization that perhaps this is not the home you’d hoped for begins to overtake you. Yet, it sits on a prime piece of property, next to a lake, with easy access to rail, air and highway networks - seems perfect for work and pleasure.

Your wife leans over and says, “Honey, I’m not sure this is the place for us. It seems like a money pit.” You reply, “Well, I’ve heard there may be some tax credits available for buyers.” “No,” she replies, “I’ve heard they’re not open to everybody.”  You gently insist that this place has so much potential.  Your business partner wife maintains, instead, that the underlying fundamentals belie the hallmarks of a sound investment.

An Illinois retiree responds to Madigan's pension reform plan

Facing a $100 B unpaid pension obligation debt that is causing the state's credit ratings to hit bottom, Illinois lawmakers have been negotiating for months to fix the problem that's been decades in the making.

Longtime Illinois Review reader and retired Illinois state worker Frank Goudy lined out his concerns about Speaker Madigan's pension reform proposal that the top four legislative leaders have agreed upon and is scheduled to be voted on next Tuesday at the State Capitol:

This is a no-win situation, and it is entirely due to the fault of politicians who have granted excessive pensions (for a few people, but not all). Some well-connected people have gotten huge raises in their final years, some unions have done the same thing for larger number of employees, and of course, the 5+5 early retirement plans granted by Edgar and Ryan have not helped. But most importantly, the state being a deadbeat for the past 50 years and that have been the final straw.

People like Madigan, who has been in the General Asssembly for the past 42 years, should have some explaining to do. Instead, he has joined the Chamber of Commerce and Civic Committee types and attacks state employees. And since he often backed unions in the past, well what can you expect from this type of creature?

Rep. McSweeney requests help in restocking Cary food pantry

CARY – State Representative David McSweeney (R-) is pleased to announce he will be hosting a community food drive for the holidays during the month of December to fill the holiday need at the Cary-Grove Food Pantry.

“The holiday season is a great opportunity to reach out to the community and help those who are in need enjoy the holidays,” said State Rep. McSweeney.

The main donations drop off is at Rep. McSweeney’s district office Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 105 E. Main Street, Cary, IL 60013. Donations can also be dropped off at the Cary Jewel-Osco, 696 Northwest Highway, Cary, IL 60013.

“If you are able, please drop off a few items at our office or consider picking up an extra item during your usual shopping at Jewel,” said McSweeney. “If we all pitch in, a little will go a long way to help those in our community.”

RIP former State Rep. Bob Bergman

PALATINE - Life-long Palatine resident and former State Rep Bob Bergman, 65, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, November 29th, after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

"Next to his children and family, there was nothing that Bob loved more than Republican politics and a great political debate. His in depth candidate research, spirited verbiage and intense bantering will long be remembered. He cared deeply about his friends. . .  and, we all loved Bob," wrote Pat Sutarik about Rep. Bergman's death.

Illinois Review readers knew Rep. Bergman as "X-None of the Above," his pseudonym as a longtime commenter. Rep. Bergman revealed himself to IR readers in the response of an open letter he wrote to Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-6) in March 2013, and asked Illinois Review to publish.

Pritchard releases pension reform details, Madigan looks for GOP support

SYCAMORE - Friday afternoon, House Speaker Mike Madigan and MInority Leader Jim Durkin released an outline of their agreed-upon pension reform plan to state lawmakers. State Rep Bob Pritchard (R-Sycamore) sent the list of proposed reforms to constituents, and asked for their feedback.

The union ad hoc coalition "We Are One" is encouraging their union members to actively lobby in opposition to the effort. They are telling their members that the "extreme, pension-cutting proposal" is the same as House Speaker Mike Madigan's Senate Bill 1 they defeated this past spring.

How did your family's ObamaCare discussion over Thanksgiving dinner go?

BarackObama.com's push for families to discuss ObamaCare over Thanksgiving dinner got a "#FAIL" rating overall. But how did the discussion go for your family?

More at Twitchy.com.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin criticizes Madigan's pension deal

CHICAGO - One powerful Chicagoan - listed as Chicago's richest with a net value of $4.4 billion and among Crain's Chicago top 100 Clout list - emerged Friday in a Chicago Tribune op-ed, slapping down Springfield's top four legislative leaders' pension agreement to be voted on next week during a one-day session.

Citadel LLC founder and CEO Ken Griffin criticized the Madigan proposal, which includes:

• raising state workers’ retirement age on a sliding scale
• setting up a state funding guarantee
• introducing a 401(k) option
• reducing the employee contribution.
• limiting annual cost of living increases to reflect annuity payments, based on length of employment
• providing authorization for unions to sue the state if the full amount required for pensions is not paid each year

Griffin writes the deal will ultimately force the state of Illinois to break its promises to government workers. He says there's no way Illinois will be able to provide the pension security it says it will:

Obama to Texas teacher: Health care reform wasn't "politically smart"

IRVING TEXAS - In a hand-written response to a fifth-grade teacher from Texas, President Barack Obama admits Obamacare wasn't "politically smart" and argues that he does not ridicule and mock "teabaggers."

Thomas Ritter, a fifth-grade teacher at Sally B. Elliott ­Elementary in Irving, Texas, wrote to president:

This bill has caused such a ­divisive, derisive and toxic environment . . . The reality is that any citizen that disagrees with your ­administration is targeted and ridiculed.

I hesitated to write for fear of some kind of retribution . . . I watched you make fun of tea baggers and your press secretary make fun of Ms. [Sarah] Palin which was especially beneath the dignity of the White House . . . Do the right thing not the political thing. Suggest a bill that Americans can support.”

Here's the President's hand-written reply: 

Republican Ramiro Juaŕez Files For Rematch With Democrat Fred Crespo

STREAMWOOD – At 10:10 AM on the eve of Thanksgiving. Republican Ramiro Juaŕez filed papers to challenge seven year Democratic incumbent Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates. This is Juaŕez’s second campaign after running against Crespo in the 2012 General Election when he lost 63 to 35 percent.

“I am honored by the broad support among residents of the district that I witnessed while circulating petitions.” Juaŕez said. “Two years ago my supporters helping with petitions were limited to friends and family. Now my campaign to change our state is really catching on. Cook County taxpayers are tired of being treated like turkeys. I’m truly grateful to all the volunteers who made filing with over 1,200 signatures possible.”

Juaŕez is the Republican candidate for State Representative in the 44^th Illinois House District. He is a teacher that lives in Streamwood with his wife and two children.

Search for Christmas flat screen TV bargain breaks into store frenzy

Shoppers in a frenzy to get a good sale on flat screen TVs rushed a load brought on to the floor at a WalMart in an unidentified store Thursday night. A fight broke out and it appears at least one woman was arrested.

In the Chicago area, one incident was reported in far southwestern Romeoville Kohl's Department Store Thursday night. The Chicago Tribune reports:

Christmas Nativity scene returns to Daley Plaza Saturday

CHICAGO -- The annual dedication of the Christmas crèche in Daley Plaza will take place Saturday, November 30 at noon, joining the Chicago Christmas tree and Christkindlmarket at what has come to be the hub of downtown celebrations of Christmas. This re-creation of the scene of the birth of Jesus, central to the holiday, has remained at the city's center of seasonal festivities for almost three decades.

The unveiling of the creche will be held at noon, after the group of construction volunteers that call themselves the "God Squad" set it up. The public is welcome to celebrate this year's presentation, which will include Christmas music, with hymn accompanied by the Santa Maria del Popolo Catholic Church bell choir and the placing of the Baby Jesus in the manger by children in attendance.

Nearly half DuPage County's GOP precincts could be without committeemen in 2014

DUPAGE - Monday, December 2, is the last day to file petitions to be on the March 18, 2014 primary, and during this non-presidential election cycle, Illinois Republicans and Democrats will be voting on their parties' county, township and precinct level officials, as well as statewide, Congress, and county elected offices.

There's a few exceptions to the party's ballot lineup, though: Only Democrat primary voters will have the option of voting on their state central committee representatives. Republicans keep that pick in the hands of party officials. And in Cook County, party precinct captains are not on the ballot. They're hand-picked by party township chairmen.

Active Republican and Democrat precinct committemen and captains can be the most powerful, effective influences in political party primaries. They speak directly to their neighbors, know the issues of their precinct, and know who votes regularly. They can recommend and endorse ballot choices that can make or break political hopefuls.

Thorner and Ingold: Any chance ObamaCare will be repealed?

By Nancy Thorner and Edward Ingold - 

As reported by Fox News on November 22, President Obama postponed the 2014 sign-up date for Obamacare until two weeks after the mid-term elections: Obamacare enrollment for 2015 to reportedly be delayed until after midterms.

On the same day, November 22, David Martosko, U.S. Political Editor at the Daily Mail, United Kingdom, reported Obama's arbitrary change of the Obamacare sign-up date in far more strident and honest terms with this headline than were found in U.S. media account with this headline:  'How nakedly political can you get?':  Obamacare year-two signups delayed until after 2014 election .

Following were these statements made by Martosko:

1. Voters in the insurance exchanges won't know 11 days after the 2014 election just how much they'll pay for coverage in 2015.

2. The Treasury department has already delayed implementation of the employer mandate, and its fines, until Election Day has come and gone.

Happy Thanksgiving from Illinois Review

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. --Psalm 105:1

We at Illinois Review are thankful to the Lord Most High for His blessings and mercy upon our nation, our state, our families, and our work.

Eight Novembers ago we launched an effort to provide Illinoisans an alternative source of news, information and analysis. As we start our ninth year, we remain committed to that mission.

We thank you, our faithful readers, for helping us grow. We thank our contributors for livening the discussion and enhancing the conversation.

Best Wishes and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Illinois Review.

Senator Mark Kirk thankful for medical professionals

TIME.com asked several national headliners what they are grateful for this year at Thanksgiving. Illinois' junior Senator Mark Kirk's response gave thanks for those who've cared for him during his recovery:

I am thankful for the more than 300,000 physical and occupational therapists in the U.S. If it weren’t for my own “PTs and OTs,” there is no way I could have returned to the U.S. Senate to represent the people of Illinois after I suffered a massive stroke in January 2012.

About 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year, and only about one-third of those individuals return to work. For many people with serious medical issues, access to rehabilitation provided by PTs and OTs can make a life-changing difference.

State Department insists U.S. is not severing ties with the Vatican

WASHINGTON - Several conservative news sources reported this week that the Obama Administration is closing the U.S. embassy in Rome's Vatican City, suggesting American relationship with the Catholic Church's Holy See is cooling. A senior State Department offical told reporters Monday that the speculation is a "series of myths."

Common Core ‘architect’ David Coleman’s history with Bill Ayers and Barack Obama

By Danette Clark -

CHICAGO – Referred to as ‘Common Core lead standards authors’ by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), David Coleman and Jason Zimba are just two in a long list of Common Core creators whose academic roots are with the education-for-a-revolution machine borne by Annenberg Institute, Carnegie Corporation, Bill Gates, et al.

Today, Coleman and Zimba are head of Student Achievement Partners, an organization that played a leading role in developing the standards and actively supports districts and states in implementing them.

Prior to Student Achievement Partners, Coleman and Zimba were co-founders of the Grow Network (now owned by McGraw-Hill Company). Grow Network began as a pilot program in New York in 2000. Less than a year later, the Chicago Public Education Fund began negotiating a contract with Grow Network on behalf of Chicago Public Schools.

The Chicago Public Education Fund (‘The Fund’) was created in 1998 by the Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC) board of directors, which included Barack Obama as board chairman and communist Bill Ayers, as co-chair.

President Obama’s recently appointed Commerce Secretary, Penny Pritzker, was one of twelve founding board members appointed to The Fund.

Four legislative leaders agree on pension reform deal, brace for union opposition

CHICAGO - News out of Chicago's Bilandic Building Wednesday where Illinois top four legislative leaders met is that they've come to a pension reform agreement, one both Democrats and Republicans will be urged to support next week when they return to the Capitol for a one-day session.

Newly-picked Republican House leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) identified three elements to the package, including a change to the COLA, a defined contribution plan and an adjustment to the retirement age.

Wednesday, Durkin added his name to SB 1's House co-sponsorship along with House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Madigan told reporters the unions will be up in arms against the changes proposed to affect pension funds for General Assembly, higher education, public school teachers and other state workers.

"It’s going to be a very difficult roll call,” Madigan said. “The unions are going to be against the bill.”

Illinois' University Pension Fund Is Underfunded by $20 Billion

By Warner Todd Huston -

The publicly funded university pension system in the state of Illinois is in such bad shape that it is in the red to the tune of $20 billion dollars.

The situation is a danger to the state's colleges. "Each passing day without pension reform threatens the excellence of higher education at the 65 colleges & universities" in Illinois, says the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois.

A recent investigation by government watchdog OpenTheBooks.com reveals some of the more outrageous examples of out of control pensions noting that one school official is making $27,000 a month off the backs of the taxpayer.

Vernon O. Crawley of Moraine Valley Community College, Open The Books says, had a salary of $673,000 during his final year vs. a $260,000 inflation adjusted final salary. But upon retirement his pension is a whopping $330,000 per year which figures to $27,000 a month.

Di Leo: Left Behind in Geneva -- A Weapon We May Miss in Years to Come

By John F. Di Leo - 

Late at night, in the middle of a weekend before a national holiday, Secretary of State John Kerry sat down in Switzerland, and reversed generations of foreign policy direction.

Representing the Obama administration (since no treaty is final until ratified by the U.S. Senate, and this one won’t be, at least not in its current form), Secretary Kerry agreed on a new and dangerous path in our relationship with Iran.

Iran has long argued – in English – that it has a right to develop nuclear power – and that case can indeed be made – but the West has suspected Iran of in fact wanting nuclear weapons, not nuclear power. All evidence indicates that these suspicions are correct: the type of research they do, the nature of their centrifuges, the quantities and processes employed, are all the right direction for building atomic weapons, all the wrong direction for building nuclear power plants.

Yount: Democrats really want Illinois’ 13th Congressional District

By Benjamin Yount - 

BLOOMINGTON, IL — Illinois’ 13th Congressional District was drawn to send a Democrat to Congress, but the map failed.

Now, three new Democratsare trying to wrestle the central Illinois district from the Republicans, but Obamacare is not helping.

The 13th  District is a squat area in the middle of the state that looks like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

“It’s a little bit long,” Chris Mooney, director of the University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs told Illinois Watchdog. “But if you look closely, it goes into Bloomington, it goes into Champaign, it goes into Springfield, it goes into the Metro East area looking for Democrats.”

Mooney said Democrat state lawmakers in Springfield drew the district boundaries specifically to lump Democratic voters in a half dozen cities into a single voting bloc.

The News ... Illustrated

New poll shows Rauner leading in GOP gubernatorial primary

SPRINGFIELD - We Ask America/Capitol Fax released new poll findings Tuesday night that shows GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner's latest dump of $1 million paying for another round of introductory campaign ads is paying off.

The Chicago investor is now leading with 24% over State Senator Bill Brady (at 18%), State Treasurer Dan Rutherford (at 16%) and State Senator Kirk Dillard (at 10%). The overwhelming number of those Republicans polled - 28% - said they were "undecided" about the race.

Other questions on the poll conducted this week could explain why so many likely Republican voters remain undecided - they simply don't know the candidates.

Black youth group says mandatory jail time for unlawful gun use is "racially biased"

SPRINGFIELD - While the Illinois State Rifle Association doesn't list SB 1342 on its legislation watch list, a black youth group is leading the charge against the gun bill, which could be considered during the General Assembly's one day session at the Capitol next week.

BYP100 Chicago issued a statement Wednesday saying mandatory minimum laws like SB1342 are "racially biased, harmful to Black communities and will increase the number of Black People in prison in Illinois."

Sponsored by State Senator Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago) and House sponsored by State Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) and State Rep. Dennis Reboletti (R-Addision), SB 1342 would mandate jail time for unlawful use of firearms.

Illinois congressional members join call for Medicare payment reform

WASHINGTON, DC – Both Democrat and Republican members of Illinois congressional delegation signed a letter last week urging Congressional leaders to pass a long-term fix to the federal Medicare patient reimbursement formula.

The letter, signed by 259 Members of Congress - including Illinois' Democrats Dan Lipinski, Mike Quigley, Tammy Duckworth, Bobby Rush, Robin Kelly, Cheri Bustos, Bill Foster and Bill Enyart and Republicans Randy Hultgren, Adam Kinzinger, Rodney Davis and John Shimkus - was sent to House Speaker John Boehner and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Retired doctor shares grim prognosis on America's health care future

In response to an Illinois Review op-ed about ObamaCare, a retired doctor, Alan M. Fisher, MD., shared a grim prognosis of America's healthcare future - 

...I practiced Ob/Gyn for 38 years before retiring. In the last year of my practice, when my patient composition was largely medicare, medicaid, and Tricare (military), I did not take home a paycheck for 4 months! I could not even meet overhead expenses. Fortunately, I was working only 60-65 hours a week! (In the "good ole' days, my work week usually averaged 80-120 hours)

With shrinking numbers of physicians, increasing patient loads, decreasing reimbursements, and escalating burden of mountainous paperwork (someone has to enter the data in the physician's office), more and more physicians will abdicate dreams of a private practice and join an HMO or similar arrangement with fixed hours and salaries.

O'Leary Cow Stands Trial for Arson on December 3

By Mark Rhoads - 

Mrs. Catherine O'Leary of 137 DeKoven Street in Chicago will give a sworn deposition in a moot court inquiry into possible causes of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The testimony will be given at The Comedy Spot in Arlington, Virginia on Illinois Statehood Day, next Tuesday, Dec. 3.  

The mock trial is all in good fun and all for a good cause. The deposition is part of a presentation by ten actors who will play historic figures from Illinois. The event is sponsored by the nonpartisan and nonprofit Illinois State Society of Washington, DC in order to raise money for tornado victims in Illinois.  

Handyside drops out of 61st House race

ZION - A GOP primary run-off to fill the House seat State Rep. JoAnn Osmond (R-Zion) will leave when she retires in January appears to have been averted. Tom Handyside, of Zion announced Tuesday night that he's decided to withdraw his candidacy for the 61st House District, leaving Winthrop Harbor's Sheri Jesiel as the only GOP candidate on the March primary ballot.

Handyside was not specific with the reason why he was not going to submit petitions, saying he had over 800 signatures and the support of several area officials.

“It is with regret that, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for State Representative in the 61st District,” Handyside said. “I am grateful for all of the support I have received.”

Jesiel will face Democrat Loren Karner, also of Winthrop Harbor, in the November General Election.

OFA encourages "Health Care for the Holidays"

BarackObama.com's website is focused on encouraging families to talk about...Obamacare...around the holiday dinner table this year. Skip chatting about what you might be thankful for. If it's not Obamacare, nothing else matters.

Addison Township GOP chooses early picks for 2014 primary

ADDISON - DuPage County's Addison Township GOP, led by Chairman Patrick Durante, endorsed the following Republican candidates for the March 18 2014 primary:

• U.S. Senate - Doug Truax
• Governor - Kirk Dillard - Jil Tracy
• State Treasurer - Bob Grogan
• 8th Congress - Larry Kaifesh
• State Senate 24th - Dennis Reboletti
• State House 45th - Christine Winger
• State House 46th - Holly Holan
• State House 47th - Patti Bellock
• State House 77th - Gus Leventis

Starkehaus: School Choice Week 2014

By Irene F. Starkehaus - 

School Choice Week was created back in 2011 as a nonpartisan, nonpolitical awareness campaign seeking to celebrate the educational diversity that is achieved when children have learning options. It is now the largest annual celebration of educational choice in America.The week allows parents and other individuals to promote educational opportunity across the country.

In 2013, over 3,600 events were organized across all 50 states. More than 3,000 schools held special events and more than a million students participated. The point of the celebration was to promote alternative education opportunities while celebrating public school success stories and education innovations like charter schools and magnet schools.

Thorner: Food Stamp Program riddled with waste and fraud

By Nancy Thorner - 

Having already examined the farm subsidy measure of the farm bill in an Illinois Review article published Tuesday, November 26 , it is necessary to bring understanding to the other part of the farm bill, the food stamp measure, which amount to a whopping $750 billion of the trillion dollar farm bill and where waste and fraud are rampant.

Research quickly uncovered six fairly recent noteworthy and eye-opening accounts that tell of a SNAP program (food stamps) badly out-of-control and in desperate need of reform.

Op/Ed: Who's Really To Blame For Illinois' Pension Mess?

By Allen Skillicorn - 

Let's go back to May 2005. Rod Blagojevich wasn't in a Colorado prison cell, he was still in his first term as Illinois’ Governor. 2005 was the top of the housing boom, so the economy was humming along and tax revenue was flowing in. The unemployment rate was 5.9%, not as good as the national average at that time, but significantly better than today's 9.2% rate. 

We keep hearing IL's public sector unions blame the legislature for missing pension payments. While I agree that the State shares responsibility in the underfunding and promising over-generous benefits, that's not the entire picture.

Illinois has a May 31st deadline to pass fiscal bills, so they can be enacted January 1st of the next year. Governor Blagojevich, Speaker Madigan, and Senate President Jones had a plan to spend the annual pension payment on more social programs instead of investing the payment in the pension system. Today we call it a "pension holiday." The plan also included pension sweeteners and the infamous government-pensions-for-union-bosses scheme. It was passed by Democratic Party members in both the House and Senate on May 31st, 2005. Details can be found in Senate Bill 27.

Comedian stirs controversy with "How to Fight a Baby" video

Think it's not important for Dads to be a part of kids' lives? Kids, even babies, can learn a lot from their dads, and, as comedian Gavin McInnes shows in this video "How to Fight a Baby" that's gone viral to almost 3 million views in two days. Thing is, McInnes' video has stirred quite a controversy as he shows dads how to "kick their babies' asses" with rough housing techniques. 

What do you think? Is he simply being a dad, is he obsessed with public attention, or has he gone too far? Perhaps at the very least, should the disclaimer "Don't try this at home" be attached?

Jeri Atleson files petition signatures for Lake County Treasurer

WAUKEGAN – After announcing her intention to run for Lake County treasurer in August, Fremont Township Trustee and CPA Jeri Atleson filed her petition signatures Monday.

She said she was pleased with effort volunteers and supporters put into gathering signatures. 

“Our campaign used the petition signature gathering time to put our ground game to the test," Atleson said. "We worked with committeemen, volunteers and activist groups dedicated to responsible and limited government, to prepare ourselves for the campaign ahead. We are ready!”

Atleson will face David Stolman, who is also running for Lake County treasurer, in the March 18th, 2014  primary.

GOP Primary in the 8th Congressional District goes International

BARRINGTON - The Republican Primary contest to determine who will challenge Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth in Illinois' 8th CD took on an international turn last week when Indian-American candidate Manju Goel lost the Barrington Township GOP's endorsement to retired U.S. Marine Larry Kaifesh.

Goel has been endorsed by three GOP Congressmen - Pete Sessions (TX), Aaron Schock (IL) and Rodney Davis (IL) - as well as former congressman and now radio talk show host Joe Walsh. She is also backed by Indian-American community leader Shalli Kumar, who founded the National Indian American Freedom PAC and actively supported Joe Walsh's 2012 campaign.

Kumar's close ties to Goel troubled north suburban Patriots in Action leader Carrie Miller, who admits she distributed leaflets criticizing Kumar at the Barrington Township GOP event with the purpose of affected the group's support.

"I wanted people that were deciding who they were going to help in the primary to have an idea about Shalli Kumar's political activities," Miller told Illinois Review. "I made the copies of the story and handed them out myself. The Kaifesh team had nothing to do with it," said Miller.

Goel's campaign manager Jon Zahm told Illinois Review that the leaflets criticizing Kumar had been distributed by a person connected with the Kaifesh campaign and were an attempt "to smear Manju Goel by promoting an exaggerated claim against one of her financial supporters."

Addison Township GOP takes the lead endorsing 2014 primary candidates

ADDISON - Republicans in Addison Township gathered this week to hear from candidates running for statewide to countywide offices, and, unlike DuPage County's other eight townships, Addison made endorsements for the March 18, 2014 primary.

Among those endorsed were Doug Truax for U.S. Senate, Kirk Dillard for Governor and Dennis Reboletti for State Senate. The full list of Addison Township GOP's endorsements is expected to be made public Tuesday afternoon. (UPDATE: The full list available HERE.)

Pat Durante, longtime chairman of the Republican organization that produced GOP leaders like former Senate President Pate Philip, one time House Speaker Lee Daniels and former Attorney General Jim Ryan, told Illinois Review Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that there are so many primary contests this time around.

"I'm very, very upset that so many Republican incumbents are being challenged. It's a sad day when Republican leaders can't get together and work out differences before Republicans have to spend so much time and money on so many candidates," Durante said. "We should be spending that money on beating the Democrats in November."

Illinois lesbian couple granted court order to marry as early as this week

CHICAGO - Last Friday, an Illinois lesbian couple won a court order that allows them to legally marry in Illinois earlier than the law's official launch next June. Vernita Gray and Pat Ewert were granted special privileges to marry as soon as this week because Gray is fighting terminal cancer.

Gray and Ewert have been a couple since 2005 and entered into a civil union two years ago. Gray's last wish is to be married to Ewert. A spokesperson for Cook County Clerk David Orr's office said the court-ordered marriage license would be hand delivered to the couple as early as Tuesday. 

"With Social Security and federal benefits and how estates are handled in a marriage, it really makes them full-class citizens in Illinois, their attorney told the Chicagoist.

Dabrowski: Time to end state lawmaker pensions

By Ted Dabrowski - 

If you think politicians are going to fix Illinois’ crumbling pensions, you may want to see what they’ve done to their own pension fund.

It’s broke.

In fact, the General Assembly Retirement System, or GARS, makes Illinois’ other state-run pensions look healthy by comparison.

GARS, which provides pensions to 294 retired legislators, is nearly out of cash. And without massive taxpayer contributions, legislators won’t get their pension checks. The fund has only enough assets on hand to make pension payouts for the next 2.5 years.

Here are the facts:

Supreme Court to hear Hobby Lobby arguments against HHS Obamacare mandate

WASHINGTON - Tuesday, the Supreme Court announced it will revisit Obamacare, this time to review the requirement that most employers provide contraceptive coverage in their employee health insurance plans. The court accepted two cases, centered on the issue of religious expression, that represent the second challenge to the health law heard by the high court.

In Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., the Obama administration is asking the court to reverse a lower court decision that sided with the craft-store chain's owners, who say they have religious objections to providing access to contraception to their employees. The court also agreed to hear a similar suit brought by Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp.

Truax adds Addison Township GOP to endorsement list

DOWNERS GROVE — Doug Truax won his third GOP organization endorsement for U.S. Senate, his campaign announced Tuesday. The DuPage County-based Addison Township Republican Organization chose Truax, a West Point graduate, over State Senator Jim Oberweis after hearing from both candidates recently.

The winner of the March 2014 GOP primary will face U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in November.

The Federation of Illinois Young Republicans voted 70.9 percent in favor of Truax over Oberweis at the group’s statewide convention Saturday in Bolingbrook and  the Palatine Township Republican Organization voted 64 percent for Truax over Oberweis last week after hearing both candidates speak.

“What these votes mean is that Republicans are yearning for a new kind of conservative candidate who can build a wide enough coalition of young people, men and women, rural, suburban and urban voters to defeat Dick Durbin,” Truax said.

Illinois GOP hires new communications director

CHICAGO – The Illinois Republican Party has hired Andrew Welhouse to be communications director in charge of the party's social media, communications strategy, and issue research.

Welhouse has served in a variety of political communications roles throughout his career, including with Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, and the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Most recently, Welhouse worked in public affairs for Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Schaumburg.

“The Democrats in charge of Illinois have failed our state by every standard of leadership,” Welhouse said. “From unemployment, to the budget, to redistricting, to taxes, and scandal after scandal, we need a change in Washington, D.C. and Springfield. Republicans are delivering that change throughout the country with balanced budgets, lower taxes, and policies that help the economy grow – not the government. It can happen here in Illinois, too, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

If You Like Your Plan You Can Keep It: The Rap

Tribune protests White House excluding mainstream media photographers

WASHINGTON - The Chicago-based Tribune Company is one of nearly forty media companies that signed a letter to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, protesting the lack of access mainstream media photographers now have to key White House events. 

"Journalists are routinely being denied the right to photograph or videotape the President while he is performing his official duties. As surely as if they were placing a hand over a journalist’s camera lens, officials in this administration are blocking the public from having an independent view of important functions of the Executive Branch of government," the letter said.

Reeder: Hope for the best, but expect little change in Madigan's pension plan

By Scott Reeder - 

Hang on to your wallets – the Illinois General Assembly may soon be back in town.

House Speaker Michael Madigan has told his members to be back in Springfield Dec. 3 for a special session to address the state’s pension crisis.

To quote the baseball great Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

Madigan has been a part of more than a few pension “fixes” during his more than four decades in public office. The reality is that none of those “fixes” has solved much of anything. They have simply pushed the inevitable day of reckoning further down the road.

Stolman files for Lake County Treasurer

LAKE COUNTY - Not only did petition filing for state legislative and executive offices open Monday at the Illinois Board of Elections in Springfield, county offices were busy with candidates filing for county offices.

David Stolman filed his paperwork Monday to run for Lake County Treasurer to fill Treasurer Bob Skidmore's open seat in 2015. Stolman filed with over twice the number of required signatures to run for countywide office as a Republican.

“If honored to have the opportunity to serve our community as the next Lake County Treasurer, I will focus on improving the lives of Lake County families by being a strong voice for economic development,” said Stolman.

Proft: Messaging to Win -- Put “Running Government Like a Business” Out of Business

By Dan Proft -

At the top of the list of fortune-cookie phrases that should be eliminated from the Republican Party’s messaging is, “Running government like a business.”

1. Government is not a business and never will be. It is not possible to run government like a profit-maximizing business. (See James Buchanan’s work on public choice theory that earned him a Nobel in Economics for a detailed account)

2. More importantly, people neither see themselves as numbers on a balance sheet nor do they want a government they perceive to be treating them as such. They see government as a non-profit provider of public goods not a business per se.