Illinois Review

Di Leo: Chain Closings and the Very Big Picture

By John F. Di Leo - 

Should we be worried if the stock market doesn’t seem to be?

We get the oddest mixed signals from the economy sometimes, don’t we?

In recent months, we have learned of 95 Ruby Tuesday restaurants that will be shutting their doors… and that Macy’s will be closing a hundred department stores… and that 255 Hancock Fabric stores will be closing… and that Sports Authority will close virtually all 450 of its locations… the list goes on and on.

Every week, there’s another such announcement, and yet the Dow Jones Industrial Average keeps setting record highs.  And so, some of us are perplexed.

They shouldn’t be perplexed.  Too many of us have been raised to believe that the DJIA represents the economy – that if it’s up, things are good, and if it’s down, things are bad.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Such a generality is akin to judging American public health by how well orange juice is selling.  Is orange juice an important ingredient in a healthy diet? It certainly can be… but it’s a mere fragment of one’s diet; you can still be fat or thin, healthy or sickly, regardless of what role orange juice plays in your daily food consumption.  Your health is a very big picture issue, and orange juice is just a very small part of that picture.

Cook County GOP chairman launches new fundraising effort with $10,800 check

CHICAGO – Cook County GOP Chairman Sean Morrison is putting his money where his mouth is. He's not simply asking everyone else to write a check to the County GOP, on August 9th, he made a personal donation of $10,800. 

Morrison's donation coordinates with the launching of a Chairman's Club - for those who make an annual maximum contribution to the Republican organization within the state's most populated county.

“We are in a battle to save Illinois and Cook County is on the front line. For too long we have conceded Chicago and Cook County to the Democrats but that ends now,” said Chairman Sean Morrison. “I am excited to announce I am forming the Cook County Republican Party Chairman’s Club and will be the founding member with a maximum annual donation of $10,800.”

How the Affordable Care Act is affecting patients

CHICAGO - The "Affordable" Care Act is back in the news this week, as one of Illinois' top health care insurers - Aetna - announced they would be dropping out of the exchange. Today's New York Times features a story about what is really happening nationwide with Obamacare - how high deductibles are causing people to deny themselves crucial care a result. 

Patricia Wanderlich got insurance through the Affordable Care Act this year, and with good reason: She suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2011, spending weeks in a hospital intensive care unit, and has a second, smaller aneurysm that needs monitoring.

But her new plan has a $6,000 annual deductible, meaning that Ms. Wanderlich, who works part time at a landscaping company outside Chicago, has to pay for most of her medical services up to that amount. She is skipping this year’s brain scan and hoping for the best.

“To spend thousands of dollars just making sure it hasn’t grown?” said Ms. Wanderlich, 61. “I don’t have that money.”

Meese & Shackleford: How lawyers plan to stifle speech and faith

The American Bar Association is one of the few organizations that provide recommendations for judicial candidates - and in today's Washington Times two key attorneys opine about the ABA's latest ethics rules change - one that could change basic constitutional freedoms of speech, religion and association:

By Edwin Meese III and Kelly J. Shackleford - 

Last week the American Bar Association (ABA) changed its model ethics rules for lawyers, prohibiting attorneys from engaging in speech or being a member of any organization — even churches — that holds traditional views on marriage, sexuality and other issues. It now goes to each state’s courts for consideration, which must emphatically reject Model Rule 8.4 as an unprecedented threat to religious liberty, both for attorneys and their clients.

The ABA adopted Model Rule 8.4, which makes it unethical — and thus something for which a lawyer could lose his or her license to practice law — to “discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or socioeconomic status in conduct related to the practice of law.”

The rule’s official comments sweepingly interpret discrimination “related” to practicing law to include “verbal conduct” and “business or social activities.” Anything a lawyer says to another person — whether speaking in church or over dinner — sharing his viewpoints on same-sex marriage, transgenderism, Black Lives Matter or illegal immigration, would enable any hearer to file a complaint with the state bar authority.

The rest is HERE

Schimpf will vote pro-life, local leaders say

WATERLOO, IL – Last week, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel and 58th State Senate Candidate Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) introduced the "5th Reason to Pick Paul in 2016" as part of it's strategy to show stark differences between himself and his Democrat opponent former Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon.

Schimpf is a committed supporter of the pro-life movement and will be a consistent pro-life vote in Springfield.

Marsha Perfetti, an educator, social services caseworker, and Jackson County pro-life leader stated: “Paul shares our Southern Illinois values that include respecting the dignity and value of every life from conception to natural death."

Debbie Geist, Executive Director of the Life Network of Southern Illinois, stated: “I am convinced that Paul Schimpf shares the same convictions and passion for the unborn that I do. He is the type of pro-life leader that can help move our culture towards one that respects the unborn.”

Presidential race barely mentioned at IL GOP Day at State Fair

Twitter photo by State Journal Register's Bernie Schoenberg

SPRINGFIELD - Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee in the November General Election, but during the annual Republican Day at Illinois' State Fair Wednesday, the national spokesman for the GOP seemed to be persona non grata - unwelcomed and unacceptable. 

Governor Rauner pushed for Republicans to gain five or six seats in the Illinois legislature, Mark Kirk pushed for his re-election, and Republican Minority leader Jim Durkin hoped for a winning year for state GOP candidates.

Although reporters were on hand to take photos of the day's festivities, only one sign promoting Donald Trump was spotted by Matt Dietdrich of Reboot Illinois, which was held by a Trump fan in the crowd of onlookers:

Only one speaker mentioned the name "Trump" while ramping up the Republican faithful - Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno.

Dr Price explains why health care costs so much in America

WASHINGTON - For many Americans – individuals, families, and job creators – the high cost of health care is a serious financial burden. It is also a key contributor to the federal government’s rising debt. To address this challenge, it is important to first understand what is driving the cost of health care in America.

In a video released today, House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06) outlines the three biggest cost drivers in health care – taxation, regulation, and litigation – and then a fourth element that’s somewhat unique in its effect on the cost of health care.

Conservative LaHood featured in new Kirk ad

PEORIA - Conservative Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood is featured in the new Kirk for U.S. Senate campaign ad, although LaHood and Kirk totally disagree on social issues. 

In the new Kirk ad, LaHood says "Mark Kirk has been for us here in Peoria, Illinois. You look at what he's done, particularly when it comes to crime in Peoria. He's always been at the forefront." 

We're fairly certain LaHood means that Kirk has fought crime in Peoria, not participated in it. We're hoping to get the details on exactly what Kirk did for Peoria's crime. 

Third campaign manager for Donald Trump, Breitbart honcho joins Trump effort

NEW YORK - Donald Trump's campaign was jostled yet once again Tuesday night. Now former Cruz pollster Kellyanne Conway is managing the campaign and Breitbart News' CEO Stephen Bannon is the campaign's CEO. Bannon is temporarily stepping down from his news' position, a press release from the campaign says.

Paul Manafort will remain as Campaign Chairman and Chief Strategist.

“I have known Steve and Kellyanne both for many years. They are extremely capable, highly qualified people who love to win and know how to win,” said Mr. Trump. “I believe we’re adding some of the best talents in politics, with the experience and expertise needed to defeat Hillary Clinton in November and continue to share my message and vision to Make America Great Again. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to win this election, and ultimately become President because our country cannot afford four more years of the failed Obama-Clinton policies which have endangered our financial and physical security.” 

No need to abandon: agencies available to help with crisis pregnancies

CHICAGO – The news of a dead newborn baby being found by Wheaton area landscapers Monday morning grieved the head of a leading Chicagoland pregnancy help center, who reminded area residents that a special Illinois law and organizations provide help for those facing challenging pregnancies.

There is never a need to abandon a newborn, she said.

“Illinois’ Safe Haven law allows for an unharmed baby up to 30 days old to be left at a hospital or a staffed police or fire station, no questions asked,” said Susan Barrett, Executive Director of Aid for Women. “Additionally, crisis pregnancy centers – like Aid for Women - always have an open door for expectant mothers who are experiencing a crisis in their pregnancy.”

The 2001 Illinois law allows parents to surrender an infant up to 30 days old and not face prosecution for abandonment. The baby is taken to a hospital for a check-up, and then placed with pre-approved adoptive parents.

Congressman Davis breaks with hesitant GOP colleagues to join Trump campaign

CHAMPAIGN - While U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is running ads criticizing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) continues to refrain from voicing support for Trump, GOP Congressman Rodney Davis (R-13) signed onto the Trump campaign's new agricultural advisory committee. 

Davis, who is serving his Congressional second term, is a member of the U.S. House Agriculture committee and Subcommittee Chair of the Bio Tech Committee.

The formation of the board represents Trump’s endorsement of these individuals’ diverse skill sets and ideas that can improve the lives of those in agricultural communities, a campaign statement said Tuesday. 

U.S. District Court Judge to rule on District 211 gender bathroom dispute

CHICAGO -  Monday, U.S. District Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert heard oral arguments at Chicago's Dirksen Building from those opposed to District 211's policies of allowing transgenders to use bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex. 

The Alliance Defending Freedom legal counsel requested the judge issue an order that would halt those policies at Township High School District 211 in Palatine while the lawsuit of 51 families against the policies proceeds in court.

“School districts have a duty to protect the privacy, safety, and dignity of all students at their schools, yet the school district and the Department of Education have put their political preferences ahead of that and ahead of the law,” said ADF attorney Jeremy Tedesco.

“The court should suspend the district’s privacy-violating policies and order the departments of Education and Justice to stop bullying school districts into  following their unlawful interpretations of federal law.”

Aetna to drop 2017 individual Obamacare plans in Illinois, 10 other states

HARTFORD - Health care insurance provider Aetna announced Monday night that they would no longer participate in Affordable Care individual programs in eleven states - including Illinois - due to substantial losses since Obamacare's enactment.

“Following a thorough business review and in light of a second-quarter pretax loss of $200 million and total pretax losses of more than $430 million since January 2014 in our individual products, we have decided to reduce our individual public exchange presence in 2017, which will limit our financial exposure moving forward, said Aetna's Chairman and CEO Mark T. Bertolini.

"More than 40 payers of various sizes have similarly chosen to stop selling plans in one or more rating areas in the individual public exchanges over the 2015 and 2016 plan years, collectively exiting hundreds of rating areas in more than 30 states. As a strong supporter of public exchanges as a means to meet the needs of the uninsured, we regret having to make this decision."

Hultgren: How to stop the next Bernie Madoff

By Congressman Randy Hultgren - 

During the fallout of the Madoff Ponzi scheme, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s inspector general issued a scathing report on why the agency failed to detect the massive fraud. One of its most damning findings was that multiple SEC offices simultaneously scrutinized Madoff without even realizing it.

From 1992 to 2008, the SEC received at least six complaints about Madoff’s firm that should have outed his fraud. The agency conducted two investigations and three examinations over the years. But the left hand didn’t know what the right was doing. At one point, according to the inspector general, two examinations “were open at the same time in different offices without either knowing the other one was conducting an identical examination.” Madoff slipped through the cracks, and Americans lost billions of dollars.

This fraudster was able to fool financial regulators because they are still using 1930s pen and paper technology to handle today’s digital challenges. This hurts investors, markets and the regulators’ own missions. And that’s why, along with some 34 other members of the House of Representatives, I am sponsor of the Financial Transparency Act, HR 2477.

Matt Murphy makes it official ... resigning IL Senate as of Sept 15

PALATINE - Monday, State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) made his expected resignation date of September 15th official, sending out a personal note. The job is sometimes hard, Murphy said, but pointed to choosing "to pursue an opportunity in the private sector that allows me to better meet my family obligations."

Murphy's "opportunity," Rich Miller of CapitolFax says, is becoming the senior government relations director for Mac Strategies, a public relations firm founded by former Roskam campaign manager Ryan McLaughlin. 

Possible successors include Murphy's Republican colleague in the House State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) who told Illinois Review Monday that he's interested in the open seat, but also knows that he still has an important role to play in the Illinois House.

Murphy wrote in his letter: 

Cook County GOP chairman appoints new deputy chairmen, executive director

Chicago – Cook County Republican Party Chairman Sean Morrison announced the appointments of three individuals who will take on new leadership positions within the Cook County Republican Party.

Chairman Morrison named Bremen Township Committeeman Kevin Suggs and Northfield Township Committeeman Peter Amarantos as Deputy Chairmen while naming political consultant Clayton Turner as the new Executive Director of the Cook County Republican Party.

“Both Kevin and Peter have proven themselves to be valued members of our committee, while representing different areas within the county,” said Chairman Morrison. “The Cook County Republican Party is vital to our Party’s electoral success in Illinois and I’m honored to have leaders like these men beside me as we take the fight to reform Cook County.”

Rauner vetoes automatic voter registration bill

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner disagreed with legislation making Illinois one of the first states in the nation to set up an automatic voter registration system. 

 

In his veto message sent to the General Assembly last Friday, Rauner suggested changes to Senate Bill 250, saying the bill "seeks a worthy but ambitious goal."

After the State Board of Elections, Secretary of State, and others raised concerns about how automatic voter registration would be implemented, the sponsors and proponents introduced a series of amendments at the end of May.

Lewis calls on Democrat opponent to declare Independent Maps position

BARTLETT -  Republican candidate for State Senator Seth Lewis is calling on the 23rd District's Democrat incumbent state Senator Tom Cullerton to make clear his position on a lawsuit to stop the Independent Map Amendment. 

“It’s time for Tom Cullerton to publicly disavow the lawsuit being brought against the Independent Map Amendment by his party’s leadership,” Lewis said in a statement issued Monday. “Cullerton can’t credibly claim to support independent maps while his party’s leadership are the very people suing to stop them.” 

Where's Weyermuller? Having Cigars with Prager & Proft

By Mark Weyermuller -

Chicago has a reputation of making political decisions in "smoke-filled back rooms" but that was not the case last week at the Bolingbrook Country Club. It was actually in a tent where WIND 560-AM, a local radio station, held their Cigar Night. 

The event featured nationally syndicated conservative show host Dennis Prager and Chicago morning drive personality Dan Proft. They had a fireside chat as 200 loyal listeners heard their thoughts on the current political happenings with a focus on presidential politics.

Rhoads: The Supreme Court Argument for Trump

By Mark Rhoads -

With great respect to my fellow Republicans who sincerely admire Donald Trump, I have a practical question. Many Trump supporters have been very harsh in their criticism of Republicans who have not yet been won over to the Trump campaign and have even called the conservative Trump skeptics by the word "traitor."

The strongest argument that my pro-Trump GOP friends give me is that Trump will appoint a solid conservative to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.

But I have one question about that idea.

Flooding causes problems, but doesn't shut down Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD - While most of the nation's eyes were focused on the flooding in Louisiana this weekend, that same weather system sent heavy rains as far north as Springfield, Illinois.

Record-setting rainfall flooded vehicles and campers outside the Illinois State Fair in Springfield Friday, and while Friday night's events were cancelled, the fairgrounds were open to attendees Saturday morning. 

A total of 5.59 inches of rain fell at the city's Capital Airport Friday:

Mark Kirk PAC launches new video

Beck: "Nobody is going to listen to us if we're carrying a banner that does not reflect our values."

Glenn Beck giving the keynote speech at RedState Gathering 2016 in Denver, Colorado.

Rauner Signs Bill Creating Police Dog Retirement Act

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner today took action on SB 3129, creating the Police Dog Retirement Act. The act will allow all K-9 police dogs that are deemed no longer fit for public service to be offered first to the handler on the force. The Governor signed the bill on First Responders Day at the 2016 State Fair during a ceremony at the Illinois State Police Tent.

“They may not look like our typical officers, but K-9 police dogs are crucial to how our first responders do their jobs,” Governor Rauner said. “They are partners and team members. They quickly become a part of the family, and they should be allowed to stay with that family, even after retirement.”

The Governor was joined at the ceremony by Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz along with K-9 officers and their handlers who were on-duty protecting fair goers. 

Yet More Talk: Kirk Convenes Illinois Law Enforcement Advisory Board

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) met with chairs of his Law Enforcement Advisory Board and members of Illinois’ law enforcement community to discuss the federal resources available to keep Illinois communities safe. Representatives from the Law Enforcement Advisory Board included Vladimir Talley, Maywood Chief of Police, Daniel O’Shea, Rockford Chief of Police, and James Getz, Decatur Chief of Police, along with members of 17 law enforcement departments across Illinois. Topics included protecting Illinois residents from terror attacks, combating gang violence, ending sex trafficking, addressing the heroin epidemic and preventing the trafficking of illegal firearms.

“It's never been more important for leaders across every level of government to work together to keep Americans safe," said Senator Kirk. "Today I brought together law enforcement from across Illinois to ensure we are fully coordinated to get the federal resources needed to prevent terror attacks, stop dangerous drug gangs and ensure every first responder has access to naloxone."

Governor Rauner Walks in State Fair Twilight Parade

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner participated in the State Fair Twilight Parade to kick off the 2016 Illinois State Fair festivities. The parade marched through the streets of Springfield with local officials, festive floats and high school marching bands. Others among the lineup included Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois State Fair Queen Abby Foster, the Illinois State Fair Pace Car and Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe. The Parade Grand Marshals were Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael, members of the1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl championship team. They are now members of a band called The Chicago 6. 

“The 2016 State Fair is shaping up to be a great event for Illinois,” Governor Rauner said. “This year’s theme is Producing our Future, and has something for those of all ages to enjoy. I hope to see everyone here in Springfield to celebrate our state, this great industry, our farmers and the next generation of Illinois agriculture.”

Thorner: U.S. Rep. David Brat brings understanding to federal budget crisis

By Nancy Thorner - 

"A Salute to Rep. David Brat” was presented by Family-Pac Federal, Paul Caprio, Director, at a private luncheon event held at Harry Caray's MVP Room, 33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL  60011.  David Brat received Family-Pac's "Congressman of the Year" award at last year's Family Pac's 14th Anniversary Boat Cruise on Lake Michigan.  He was also the featured speaker. Brat, a Republican, has been the representative for Virginia's 7^th congressional district since Nov 12, 2014, when he defeated Eric Cantor in 2012. Hislegislative record is impressive. According to Heritage Action Score card, Rep. Brat has a lifetime average of 95%, in contrast to a 67% average of all Republicans. 

Prior to lunch being served and enjoyed, Paul Caprio expressed his disappointment over the failure of the Republican majority in Congress to take charge of the purse strings, with specific mention of the Budget Authorization Bill which included $543 million for Planned Parenthood and even $289 million in additional spending for the most hated of all government agencies, the IRS.  Rep. Brat went counter to the Party establishment in support of the grass roots when he voted "nay."

Palestinian Children Simulate Kidnapping of Israeli Soldier

Palestinian kindergarten children perform a play in the Gaza Strip dressed in military fatigues and using toy machine guns to stimulate the capture of an Israeli soldier. The play was organized by the Islamic Association in Khan Yunis.

Rauner attends Grand American World Trapshooting Championship

SPARTA – Governor Bruce Rauner attended the Grand American World Trapshooting Championship today at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) organizes the Grand American, which is continuing in Southern Illinois due to the partnership between the State and the ATA. 

“Our partnership with the ATA is an example of a targeted relationship that works together to ensure state facilities work for both the visitors that use them and the taxpayers that fund them,” Governor Rauner said. “By working together, we were able to ensure this storied and excellent event continued in Southern Illinois.”

State Sen. Matt Murphy to resign next week

PALATINE - According to Natasha Korecki at POLITICO, Republican State Sen. Matt Murphy is telling colleagues he plans to resign next week and head into the private sector.

Murphy, 46, has been a vocal critic of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and a key advocate for Rauner in the General Assembly.

“Well, I can’t say anything today,” Murphy told POLITICO when asked about his plans. But he indicated a statement may come at a later time. 

Murphy, an attorney, wasn't up for reelection until 2018.

New Illinois Law Mandates Cop Interaction Course for New Drivers

SPRINGFIELD, IL - With radical groups such as Black Lives Matter increasingly accusing police of brutality, Illinois politicians have decided to create some self-serving PR by putting on the books yet another law. This one requires that all new drivers be taught (by a taxpayer-funded and government licensed bureaucrat) how to "communicate with police officers when they're pulled over."

It’s “preventing teens from panicking when being pulled over, and also from doing anything that may seem like a red flag to police,” argues Governor Bruce Rauner.

“My hope is that if we uniformly require that driver’s education include the protocol and what is expected when you interact with a police officer that things will not escalate,” said Democrat State Senator Julie Morrison.

Anti-Gun Group to Travel Illinois Protesting Industry Stores, Manufacturers

CHICAGO - Possibly encouraged by Gov. Rauner's willingness to remove Illinoisans' First Amendment right of freedom of conscience, an Illinois anti-gun group is planning to agitate and protest at gun shops and manufacturers around the state as part of effort to end or limit citizens' Second Amendment rights.

The agitprop program is part of Peaceful Communities' Merchants of Death Tour, a series of left-wing protests at gun industry locations.

"The gun industry is making money by selling guns and ammunition that are causing enormous problems throughout our state and country," said Lee Goodman, organizer for the group Peaceful Communities. "That industry should be held accountable for the damage its products are causing," he continued.

According to union-funded Progress Illinois, the protests will begin August 15 and go through August 18, hitting the cities of Lockport, Coal City, Geneseo and Oregon, among others, along the way.

Illinois Taxpayers Paying For Congresswoman Duckworth's Court Case

CHICAGO - Illinois taxpayers are being forced to keep footing the bill to defend U.S. Congresswoman (and U.S. Senate candidate) Tammy Duckworth in a worker retaliation case stemming from her time as the politically appointed head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Duckworth was sued by two women at the Department who said she retaliated against them. A court ruled in June that no laws had been broken, but brokered a settlement with the state that included the costs of the workers’ attorney fees, which totaled $26,000.

Last week the women said they would try to have the settlement voided because Duckworth broke the agreement by disparaging them publicly, though Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who defended Duckworth.

Jared Labell, executive director of Chicago-based Taxpayers United of America, said whatever the final outcome, it will be state taxpayers who will be the ones paying for Duckworth’s legal defense. “In this case, in particular, it cost taxpayers $26,000 to settle with the two employees that had brought the case against Mrs. Duckworth,” he said. “Only government institutions can pay out (settlements); therefore, they’re paying with taxpayer dollars.”

Group files lawsuit to protect Illinois teens' right to choose

CHICAGO - Today, Pastors Protecting Youth (PPY), an association of Illinois pastors, filed a Federal lawsuit against the State of Illinois in regards to the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, the state’s newly enacted ban on sexual identity counseling for minors. The suit maintains that the ban unconstitutionally restricts a young person’s right to make personal choices regarding his or her own choice of sexual identity, as well as the pastors’ right to free speech and the exercise of religion.

The Act, which was sponsored by left-wing State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D) and State Sen. Daniel Biss (D) was signed into law by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in August of 2015 and went into effect January 1, 2016. It bans any licensed counselor from helping a young person who is seeking to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions. The Act further states that any “person or entity” in “any trade or commerce” who offers sexual identity counseling in a manner that portrays homosexuality as a disorder or illness, is guilty of consumer fraud. PPY is seeking a Declaratory Judgment from the court stating that the law should not apply to pastoral counseling which informs counselees that homosexuality conduct is a sin and disorder from God’s plan for humanity.

Oops: Kirk has another Trump-like gaffee

CHICAGO - On CNN Wednesday afternoon, Illinois' U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, who un-endorsed Trump, was explaining why he can’t vote for Clinton.

“Hillary Clinton was for the Iran agreement and I can’t support someone who was for the Iran agreement. In my case, I’ll be writing-in General Colin Powell that I think would be the best person.”

Just one problem - Powell endorsed the Iran deal, saying back in September: "We have a deal, let’s see how they implement the deal. If they don’t implement it, bail out. None of our options are gone.”

Oops.

Blagojevich Supporter Starts Petition Asking Obama To Grant Clemency

CHICAGO (CBS) — An Elmwood Park man has started a petition drive asking President Barack Obama to grant clemency to Rod Blagojevich, after a federal judge declined reduce the disgraced former governor’s 14-year prison sentence.

Andy Grzesiak started the petition on the White House “We The People” website on Wednesday, and needs 100,000 signatures by Sept. 9 to get a response.

After 24 hours, the petition had collected only three signatures.

Grzesiak said he started the petition, because he felt U.S. District Judge James Zagel should have shown some mercy to Blagojevich at the former governor’s resentencing hearing on Tuesday.

“It seemed as if the judge more or less had a personal vendetta against Blagojevich,” he said. “It really disturbed me that there was no change in the sentence.”

More HERE

Can the Government Run the Economy?

With the smartest experts and the best economists, could the federal government run the U.S. economy? Could it keep America's $17 trillion economy going like a well-oiled machine? Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, explains why no one person or group can "run" the economy, and why any attempt to do so can only make things worse.

Kirk, Dold, Radogno stand with leftist groups in support of illegal immigration

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R) together with U.S. Congressman Bob Dold (R) and Illinois State Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R) participated in a panel today for illegal immigration liberalization. The panel was hosted by the left-wing Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) and FWD.us, an advocacy organization started by wealthy Democrat businessmen Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Reid Hoffman.

Calling illegal immigration "the American Dream," Kirk argued that that it "unlocks human potential faster and better than any other," and that he is "committed to working across the aisle to reform our immigration policies and unlock the full potential of the men and women in our state who will build businesses and boost the Illinois economy.”

“Every day that Congress fails to act on immigration reform, families ... are forced to continue living in fear of being torn apart,” Rep. Dold said.

Terror Dad Photobombs Clinton

Remember when the Leftmedia called on Donald Trump to disavow David Duke? The way the media had a fit, one would have thought Trump had just joined the KKK. Well, now an interesting story has emerged out of Florida. On Monday, Hillary Clinton was in the Orlando suburb of Kissimmee speaking at a campaign rally when the cameras happened to catch someone in the audience. That someone was Seddique Mateen, the father of terrorist Omar Mateen, who just a couple of months ago murdered 50 people in the Pulse night club in Orlando.

After the rally later that evening, a local news crew ran into Mateen at a rest stop as he was traveling back down to West Palm Beach. They asked to interview him, and he happily obliged. He praised Clinton, who he called "good for [the] United States versus Donald Trump who has no solutions." He also held up a sign he had made for Clinton that listed his reasons for supporting Hillary — ironically one of which was her stance on gun-control.

It remains to be seen, but it is almost a guarantee that there will be no calls from the sycophantic Leftmedia for Clinton to publicly disavow his support. In fact, she probably won't even be questioned about it. For the Left, such negative Democrat affiliations just don't really matter. Now if Mateen had supported Trump, it's all we'd hear about for the next three months. Not only Trump but every Republican would be forced to answer for Mateen. Quite the double standard.

h/t: Patriot Post

NRA hits ‘hypocrite’ Clinton in new TV ad

The National Rifle Association’s political arm debuted a new TV ad Wednesday that depicts Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as a wealthy and powerful elite who is protected by armed guards while opposing gun rights for average Americans.

Singer Sia ‘Proud’ To Perform at Chicago Abortion Concert

CHICAGO - Singer Sia will openly champion abortion at a Chicago concert as part of a 30-plus city tour. 

The singer tweeted the news to her millions of fans:

The event is sponsored by an “All Access” coalition committed to “defending our access to abortion and celebrate women’s empowerment.”

The coalition plans to unite celebrities to “share their stories about why access to abortion strengthens women, families and ultimately the country.”

The coalition includes the following organizations:

Next Generation Choom Gang: Malia Obama caught smoking weed in Chicago

CHICAGO - Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of President Obama, has been accused of using pot after a video emerged showing her smoking a rolled up cigarette at the Lollapalooza gig in Chicago last month.

Decide for yourself:

Media blames Trump for possible Dold defeat

CHICAGO - Politico is already writing the political eulogy for Republican Congressman Bob Dold in the on-again, off-again 10th Congressional seat in Illinois. According to a new Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) memo, Clinton is posting double-digit leads in several vulnerable Republican districts including Dold.

The memo, which comes 90 days out from the election, says that Democrats intend to hitch their House opponents to Trump at every turn and misstep, including his suggestion Tuesday that “Second Amendment people” might stop Clinton if she’s elected.

More HERE

Hedge funds to Clinton plus super PACs, $25.6 million; to Trump, $2,000

Seems that the rich and super rich are once again supporting the Democrat Presidential nominee. According to Open Secrets, GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump had taken in just $2,054 in hedge fund contributions as of June 30. Clinton, along with her supporting super PACs, has received $25.6 million from the hedge fund industry.

Nearly all of Hillary's hedge fund money came from just four people - George Soros, Donald Sussman, James Simons, and Henry Laufer.

More HERE

Court backs "social cost" of Obama's climate change accounting

CHICAGO - A federal appeals court is upholding the Obama administration’s questionable accounting of the costs of so-called greenhouse gas emissions as applied to a Department of Energy (DOE) regulation.

In a unanimous decision late Monday, the Chicago-based 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rejected a request to overturn an arbitrary 2014 rule that set energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigerators. In doing so, the court specifically backed the social cost of carbon set by President Obama.

It’s the first time a court has considered the legality of the highly dubious carbon accounting, according to the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University, which supports the policy and filed a brief backing the DOE in the case. Congressional Republicans, job-creating business interests and energy companies have criticized the accounting as bad math and improper forecasts.

More HERE

Michelle 2020: Google give $60K to Obama Foundation

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WASHINGTON DC - According to disclosure reports, Google has contributed more than $60,000 to the Barack Obama Foundation. It is unclear whether the donation, totaling $60,350.48, constitutes a cash or an in-kind donation — or some combination of the two.

In fiscal 2015, the  Obama foundation took in $1.9 million in donations, according to its tax documents. Tax records show the foundation received $5.4 million in the previous fiscal year.

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Rauner Sears Conscience Law in Illinois

Judge shows Blagojevich no leniency; 14 yr sentence to continue until 2024

CHICAGO - U.S. District Judge James Zagel denied former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich a request to shorten his 14 year federal prison sentence Tuesday.  The Tribune reports:

The decision, which means Blagojevich, 59, will remain behind bars until 2024, appeared to stun the ex-governor, who was looking on by closed-circuit television from a federal prison in Colorado. As the hearing came to an end, Blagojevich, dressed in blue prison garb and with his famously jet-black hair now snow white, shook his head and brushed his mouth with his hand as he collapsed back into his seat, saying something inaudible.

Inside Zagel's 25th-floor courtroom, both of Blagojevich's daughters burst into tears when they realized their father's sentence had remained the same. Blagojevich, who could apparently hear the sobbing but could not see his family because the camera was still trained on the judge's bench, stood for a moment, then grabbed a brown file folder and walked off-screen.

Tryon to fill in for Sandack as co-chair on JCAR

SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) isn't running for re-election this fall, but he will finish his final term in the Illinois General Assembly serving as the Republican Spokesperson and Co-Chair of the State’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR).

Tryon was appointed to the key role by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and is replacing former JCAR Co-Chair Ron Sandack, who resigned from the General Assembly two weeks ago.

Most churchgoers are hearing politics from the pulpit: report

By Emily McFarlan Miller -

WASHINGTON - Most American churchgoers are hearing politics from the pulpits of their churches during this presidential election season, according to a new survey.

Nearly two-thirds of the respondents (64 percent) in the survey released Monday (Aug. 8) by the Pew Research Center say their clergy have spoken about at least one political or social issue in the spring and early summer.

And 14 percent said their pastors even have spoken about a specific presidential candidate. That’s even though churches can be stripped of tax-exempt status for endorsing or opposing a candidate under the Johnson Amendment, which both Donald Trump and the Republican Party platform have said they want to repeal.