Illinois Review

Shimkus: What I did to delay ICANN and what the provision means for the internet

By Congressman John Shimkus (IL-15) - 

On Wednesday, Congress approved a bill to keep the federal government open through December 9. That continuing resolution ensures our troops will be paid, and includes funding to implement my landmark chemical safety legislation and fight the spread of Zika, without allowing those funds to be used to pay for abortions.

One thing the continuing resolution didn’t include, however, was a provision to prevent the United States from relinquishing oversight of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS, which can be thought of as the Internet’s master phone book, ensures that when you type in a web address (like house.gov) you reach the correct website. This matching process makes browsing the Internet possible for the average user.

Morrison warns: Cook County employers could soon face mandatory paid sick days

CHICAGO - As if paying an outrageous portion of Cook County's property tax load weren't burdensome enough, Cook County's Board of Commissioners are preparing to require businesses within their borders to provide 40 hours of mandatory sick pay for their full- and part-time employees or face fines.

Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison is pleading for business owners and those opposed to bigger and more demanding government regulations to attend and voice their opionions at the Board Finance Committee's session next Wednesday, October 6 at 10:00 am at the County Building. 

"This will directly impact employers' financial bottom line, aside from the fact that it is illegal and beyond the standing or authority for the Democrat-controlled Cook County Board to do so. They are determined to move it ahead, regardless," Morrison said Friday. "So local government would be regulating and mandating how fiscal benefits are to be paid in private sector businesses." 

Hultgren addresses veteran depression and suicide prevention

Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14t) posted the following video on his Facebook page Friday, urging special attention to military veterans facing depression.

Catholics rejecting Trump can't support Clinton, either

While Donald Trump is having a terrible time rounding up American Catholic's votes, a Catholic group insists there are six reasons why Catholics can't support Hillary Clinton:

What will Catholics in Illinois do? Tell us in the comment section below.

Tribune's Presidential pick is ... Libertarian Gary Johnson

CHICAGO - In an unprecedented move, the Chicago Tribune editorial board rejected the two major party nominees and picked Libertarian Gary Johnson for their November 8th presidential choice. 

The former governor, who in the past week asked a news commentator "What is Aleppo?" and couldn't come up with one past or present world leader that he admired, brought along his vice-presidential teammate Bill Weld when they visited personally with Chicago Tribune editorial board. The board has posted clips of the interview for public perusal. 

Why didn't the newspaper endorse Donald Trump? Here's the gist of their disgust with the businessman:

The mystery and shame of Trump's rise — we have red, white and blue coffee mugs that are more genuinely Republican — is the party's inability or unwillingness to repulse his hostile takeover. We appreciate the disgust for failed career politicians that Trump's supporters invoke; many of those voters are doubly victimized — by economic forces beyond their control, and by the scorn of mocking elitists who look down their noses to see them. He has ridden to the White House gate on the backs of Americans who believe they've been robbed of opportunity and respect. But inaugurating a bombastic and self-aggrandizing President Donald Trump isn't the cure.

Then why not Hillary Clinton? After a couple of paragraphs why she is supremely qualified to lead the Free World, the Tribune points to her FBI investigation, lack of truth-telling and writes:

Time upon time, Clinton's behavior affirms the perception that she's a corner-cutter whose ambitions drive her decisions. One telling episode among the countless: Asked by a voter if she was for or against the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada, she replied, "If it's undecided when I become president, I will answer your question." As we've asked here before, will Hillary Clinton ever get over her consuming fear of straight talk?

But endorsing a third party sure-losing candidates that are garnering less than 10 percent of Illinois voters' interest? Here's the Tribune's rationale: 

We reject the cliche that a citizen who chooses a principled third-party candidate is squandering his or her vote. Look at the number of fed-up Americans telling pollsters they clamor for alternatives to Trump and Clinton. What we're recommending will appeal less to people who think tactically than to conscientious Americans so infuriated that they want to send a message about the failings of the major parties and their candidates. Put short:

We offer this endorsement to encourage voters who want to feel comfortable with their choice. Who want to vote for someone they can admire.

So, there you are ... the Tribune says vote for Johnson. A "principled choice." Really ...

Where's Weyermuller? Watching Hillary's America in Park Ridge

By Mark Weyermuller - 

It was fun seeing a movie about Hillary Clinton just four blocks from her childhood home in Park Ridge, Illinois. Tuesday night, the Republican Women of Park Ridge and the Maine Township Republican Organization hosted this screen of the critically acclaimed film Dinesh D'Souza at the historic Pickwick Theater.

The film is titled Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party.  From the film's website: "This eye-opening film sheds light on the Democrats’ transition from pro-slavery to pro-enslavement; how Hillary Clinton’s political mentor was, literally, a cold-blooded gangster; and how the Clintons and other Democrats see foreign policy not in terms of national interest, but in terms of personal profit. Hillary’s America uncovers how their plan is to simply steal America." 

Illinois not necessarily in the bag for Clinton

CHICAGO - Illinois, normally a very blue, Democrat-controlled state, is surprisingly not a sure thing for Democrat presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, according to the nationally-renowned polling center Real Clear Politics. 

Citing two recent polls of Illinois voters, Clinton is ahead of Trump by 13 points in one and by six points in another. That puts Illinois in Real Clear Politics' "Leans Hillary" column - a real surprise since neither Clinton nor Trump have invested much into the state and focused more on surrounding "battleground" states like Wisconsin, Michigan,Iowa and Ohio. Neighboring states of Missouri and Indiana are considered "Leans Trump" states.

Insiders tell Illinois Review that current polling shows the downstate third of Illinois heavily in favor of Trump, the central third evenly balanced between Clinton and Trump, and the top, most populated portion of the state going for Clinton. State campaigns are hoping Trump will have coattails in the southern third of the state that could put conservative Downstate Democrats in play.

Hultgren asks, "How Long Will VA Sit on its Hands While Our Heroes Suffer and Wait?"

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Veterans Administration, demanding answers on why, more than a year after a major VA overhaul was passed by Congress and signed into law, the VA has still not implemented a key portion of the law, the Veterans Choice Program.

Through the Veterans Choice Program, service men and women can receive vital home care services that are critical to follow-up care and medication adherence assistance, especially for disabled veterans and those without access to transportation. Yet local VA facilities are still refusing to work with new providers to get veterans the care they need.

Berg: Madigan’s army: Power through patronage

Mayor Richard M. Daley, Senate President Philip J. Rock and Speaker Mike Madigan in 1989. (Photo provided by the Chicago Sun-Times via licensing agreement)

By Austin Berg - 

Making a documentary about the most powerful politician in Illinois is not for the faint of heart.

Interviewees feared for their livelihoods. Three in-state production companies wouldn’t take the job, saying they couldn’t risk reprisal. The crew that decided to make the film received death threats.

This is Illinois’ political culture under House Speaker Mike Madigan’s reign.

Since House Democrats first elected him to the speakership in 1983, the state has had six governors, more than 200 state senators and 500-plus state representatives. The persistence of a lone figure is concerning.

That’s why Illinois Policy Action produced “Madigan: Power. Privilege. Politics.” It’s a documentary exploring the web of influence one man can weave when he wields such great power for more than three decades.

Naponiello: My Day with Donald Trump in Bolingbrook

By Joshua Naponiello - 

How crazy is it that I ended up volunteering for perhaps the next president of the United States?   I mean you would have thought that by talking to Roger Claar the Mayor of Bolingbrook, I would volunteer at a Trump fundraiser! I can only say it was the best event that I have worked on in my early political life.

Setting up tables was a challenge but greeting people by the door was amazing. Friendly faces, attitudes, familiar faces like (former State Senator) Kirk Dillard, (Bolingbrook Mayor) Roger Claar and (Chicago Cubs' owner) Todd Ricketts.  I also had the pleasure of sitting next to (former New York City Mayor) Rudy Giuliani during the lunch.

The speech that Trump delivered was electrifying. Reducing regulations, repealing Obamacare, and lowering taxes on the middle class. Straight to the point concise, was how his speech was, and everyone stood and applauded our future president of the United States. 

Rhoads: Trump Fans Deserve Better

By Mark Rhoads - 

I was a Republican state senator in Illinois for six years and I was elected as a Reagan delegate from Illinois to the 1980 Convention in Detroit. Although I have made no secret about my worries about Donald Trump as a candidate and potential president, I still understand the intense loyalty and devotion of Republicans who like Donald Trump and I respect that loyalty. But that is the reason why I think that Trump fans deserve better than Trump himself is giving them right now. 

Thorner: Trump advisor lauds conservative "pillars" at Eagle Forum conference

Donald Trump with advisor Sam Clovis

By Nancy Thorner -  

Presidential hopeful Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sam Clovis to his staff as his co-chair and senior policy advisor at a press conference at the Grand River Center on August 25, 2015 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Before signing on to Trump's campaign, Clovis had served as the chairman to Texas Governor Rick Perry's campaign.  

At the news conference, Trump said the campaign hoped to use Clovis to "tap into his expansive expertise in economics, national security and international relations."

Trump said: 'I am pleased to welcome Dr. Clovis to our team and am confident he will be a great asset in Iowa and around the country as we continue to lead all local and national polls and share my vision to make America great again.'

Clovis said that he was both 'humbled and honored' to take on the role and join team Trump. 

Where's Weyermuller? Tracking Trump's Chicago visit

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Presidential hopeful Donald Trump visited Chicago this morning in another busy day on the campaign trail. He spoke at the Polish National Alliance at 6100 North Cicero Avenue on the Northwest side. He had a very relaxed tone with a theme of bring all Americans together.

There were dueling protesters that were kept a safe distance across the street. The anti-Trump folks had SEIU (Servjce Employees International Union) printed signs along with printed "Stop Trump" signs. It was rumored that they were paid to show up.

 

On the other hand, the pro-Trump people appeared to be grassroots people almost all of Polish decent, including several I spoke to who lived nearby. One gentleman I interviewed said, "90 percent of the Polish people support Trump because we oppose Communism."  

Thorner: America's national security urgent, says two former ambassadors

By Nancy Thorner - 

John Bolton, who served as the United States permanent representative to the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006 and Faith Whittlesey, a two-term U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland in the Reagan Administration talked about America's security future Saturday afternoon, September 17, at Eagle Forum Council XLV held at the St. Louis Airport Marriott.

Ambassador Bolton described the upcoming November election as "one of the most consequential elections we have ever faced. Very few things in life are perfect, but this election has come down to a choice between Hillary and Trump." 

Hillary was described as having been a radical in law school and as one who will do anything to be elected president.  Hillary's political philosophy is already akin to many of Bernie's ideas, and she didn't have to strain much to get there.

Masters of Manufacturing: 98 years & 4 Generations: Atlas Tool & Die Works

LYONS, IL - Atlas Tool Works will soon be celebrating its 100-year anniversary, and the fourth generation of Mottls is focused on the company’s future.

Since its founding in 1918, Atlas Tool Works – like all longtime family-owned companies - has been through good and bad times.

But the Lyons-based precision manufacturing company that employs more than 70 is thriving in 2016 with high hopes for a second century.

“Last year our sales grew by 20 percent, and this year we’re on track to surpass 15 percent growth,” President Dan Mottl’s son Zach said.

Dyslin: Hesitant conservatives must back Dold in 10th CD

By John Dyslin - 

As a strong conservative, I occasionally hear some consternation from my fellow conservatives that Congressman Dold is not conservative enough. No, the Congressman will never get a 100 percent voting record from conservative rating groups. However, please, friends, keep in mind that the Illinois 10th Congressional District is not a conservative district.

In fact, the 10th CD's voter registration is at least +10 Democrat over Republican. In other words, in order for a Republican to win the 10th District he or she must peel off some Democrat voters. It’s a tough district. In the last two elections it has switched from Republican Dold to Democrat Brad Schneider and back to Republican Dold. Let’s not let it slip back to the far left Brad Schneider in 2016.

Trump in Bolingbrook Wednesday

BOLINGBROOK - Far southwest suburb Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Ron Gidwitz will host presidential candidate Donald Trump Wednesday, after two previous rescheduled tries. 

The tickets for the luncheon event to be held at the Bolingbrook Golf Course will range between $1000 to $250,000 per couple, according to invitations. 

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus is scheduled to attend, but neither GOP Governor Bruce Rauner nor GOP U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk are listed among those expected to attend. Within the past week, however, Chicago Cubs' owner Ricketts family committed to supporting Trump after financing an opposition movement earlier in the year. 

Congressman Davis not pleased with Trump's debate performance

CHAMPAIGN - Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) - who endorsed Donald Trump soon after the Republican Party nominated him - thinks Trump could have done much better Monday night in the first presidential debate.

Davis told The Hill that Trump missed key opportunities to expose the Democrats' nominee's weaknesses when moderator Lester Holt asked him about cybersecurity:

Skull surgeon on Hillary’s Health: “What difference, at this point, does it make?”

By Gerard J. Gianoli, M.D. -

I've encountered some interesting responses to my several articles on Hillary's health. While I am a physician, I’ve never proclaimed a diagnosis in her case. I have simply asked if two of her known diagnoses—her concussion of 2012 and the left transverse sinus thrombosis (blood clot in the brain)—have been assessed for long-term consequences. What I have asked for, and I am still waiting for, is some medical records reporting on whether she has any of the well-known, long-term sequelae of these two potentially life-threatening disorders with well-known, often permanent cognitive impairments.

Most of the responses to my editorials have been favorable. However, the negative responses are actually more helpful, and they reveal a lot about those who write them. There are basically five different themes.

Polls favor Trump over Clinton in first debate

NEW YORK - The Trump Campaign is boasting about post-debate opinion polling that shows the majority of watchers think Donald Trump won the first presidential debate held at New York's Hofstra University:

• TIME
• Trump 53%
• Clinton 47%
• Source: TIME
•  
• CNBC
• Trump 66%
• Clinton 34%
• Source: CNBC
•  
• VARIETY
• Trump 57%
• Clinton 43%
• Source: Variety

Where's Weyermuller? Watching Clinton and Trump debate

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Donald Trump was the declared the winner of the debate held last night. That was the consensus of a somewhat partisan crowd at a debate watch party held at America's Bar in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.   The event was sponsored by WIND 560-AM featuring a live radio broadcast with former congressman Joe Walsh.

Thorner: Eagle Forum presents Homemaker Award to Candy Carson

By Nancy Thorner - 

Having had the opportunity to meet in person and to hear Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, speak at Eagle Council XLV in St. Louis two weekends ago was a awesome experience. There is nothing stuffy or haughty about either of them. They were genuine and approachable in every way, with smiles that were infectious to those who gathered around them as they posed for countless photos prior to their individual messages to those assembled.

It was appropriate that Dr. Ben Carson should introduce his wife Candy, as Candy was the recipient of this year's Eagle Forum Fulltime Homemaker award presented on Saturday, September 17 by Ed Martin, President of Eagle Forum.

Dr. Carson first gave homage to Phyllis Schlafly, honoring her as a wife, mother, scholar, writer, painter and as a person of integrity and a tireless leader in advancing conservative ideas and principles. 

Reeder: Don't look to the Donald or Hillary for change

By Scott Reeder -

SPRINGFIELD – On Monday nights, my family cleans the house.

Usually we listen to whatever cartoons our kids are watching as we sweep and mop. But Monday was different. It was debate night.

That means on the night we swept up dirt, we could watch Donald and Hillary sling it.  

I’m generous when I use the term “debate” because instead of a rational discourse on public policy, it was more like someone threw two rabid cats in a burlap sack and let them claw it out.

Biga: Polls say Illinois Now in Play for Trump and Kirk

By Frank J Biga III - 

You read that right. Illinois is indeed a state that could go for Donald Trump in November. I doubt he will win Illinois in the end, but the chances have increased. In the last week a poll by Emerson had Donald Trump trailing Clinton here by only 6 points! The national trend for Trump heading in to the first debate is also good news and shows him either tied or up a few points. Illinois will be a tough nut to crack, though, and will likely only go for Trump in a 1980 landslide type scenario.

But I have been telling my friends for months that Mark Kirk is likely to win re-election to the Senate here in Illinois. And the possibility of him retaining his seat has increased substantially. The same Emerson poll showed Mark Kirk is only behind Democrat Tammy Duckworth by 2 and more importantly the trend is improving for him as the last poll by Loras College a week earlier showed Duckworth up by 5. He was behind by double digits early in the race so these newer polls are encouraging news.

Some history on Illinois’ elections. As many know Illinois has been a reliable bulwark in the Democratic column since Bill Clinton’s election in 1992. For six Presidential elections in a row Illinois has basically been written off by the GOP candidate. I do recall briefly in 2000 that George Bush came to Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights as the polls had tightened enough to justify a campaign visit. But in the end Al Gore won the state by 12 points. And so it has gone ever since.

Thorner/Ingold: Monday night's debate and the "law and order" issue

By Nancy Thorner and Ed Ingold - 

One of the topics in Monday night's presidential debate was, naturally, crime, law and order. For some implausible reason, Hillary claimed that crime is down from it’s peak in 1991 and continues to decline. This flies in the face of yesterday’s report by the FBI that violent crime is up over 10% from 2015. If we look at a graph of crime rates, we see there was an 80% decline from 1991 to about 2010, when it leveled out then started to climb again in 2015. 10% is not a paltry sum. It means 1200 more murders, nearly 7000 more shootings and 300,000 more armed robberies. The importance of non-fatal shootings should get special attention, because the intent was almost always to kill the victim. Were it not for advances in trauma care, many more would probably die.

The surprising finding is that petty crime continues to decrease. The reasons are vague, but many jurisdictions are putting less emphasis on minor crimes in part due to the increase in violence.

Hillary proposes to keep guns out of the hands of those who would abuse them. Of course, there are thousands of laws which purport to do exactly that, yet criminals get guns anyway, and use them indiscriminately. There are approximately 300 million guns in the hands of citizens, and only a vanishing small percentage, 11 thousand, are used to commit murder. Eliminating guns is an unreliable goal for both practical and constitutional reasons.

Trump vs Clinton in dead heat; Monday night's debate could be crucial

D.C. - Matt Vespa at Townhall.com writes about the presidential polls being at a dead heat between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and how Monday night's first of three debates between the two may be unusually crucial to the 2016 election outcome:

In a nationwide poll of 1,712 likely voters taken Sept. 22 through Sept. 24, 39 percent of respondents chose Trump, while while Clinton was the choice for 38 percent. The difference between the two candidates is within the margin of error. The other candidates in the race continue to trail behind the leaders, with Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson at 9 percent and Green Party candidate Jill Stein at 4 percent; 10 percent of respondents say they don’t know or have no opinion.

In a head-to-head matchup without the third-party candidates, Clinton edges out Trump by 2 points among likely voters, 44 percent to 42 percent, within the margin of error.

Among the slightly broader sample of registered voters, Clinton has a 1-point lead over Trump, 37 percent to 36 percent, with Johnson at 9 percent and Stein at 4 percent. Again, the difference between Trump and Clinton is within the margin of error.

Chicago teachers vote to authorize strike

CHICAGO - Last spring's urging Chicago teachers to save money for a possible strike in the fall was a warning that appears to be materializing. Over 95 percent of the Chicago Teachers Union members participating in a strike authorization last week voted to strike, as soon as October 11th, the union said Monday.

"This should come as no surprise to the Board, the mayor or parents because educators have been angry about the school-based cuts that have hurt special education students, reduced librarians, counselors, social workers and teachers’ aides, and eliminated thousands of teaching positions," CTU's press statement said.

7 ways to mark 40th anniversary of pro-life Hyde Amendment

The late Congressman Henry Hyde | Northern Illinois University Library image

CHICAGO - September 30, 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Hyde Amendment, widely acknowledged as the first legislative victory of the pro-life movement following the 1973 legalization of abortion in America. 

The Hyde Amendment is named after its chief sponsor, Republican Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois. The late statesman, known for his eloquent and unwavering defense of life, successfully barred the use of certain federal funds to pay for abortion in most circumstances. Though it has taken various forms and has undergone modifications, to date the Hyde Amendment remains intact – although the 2016 Democratic platform includes an explicit call to repeal it. 

"The 40th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment is one that pro-life groups will want to mark publicly for a number of reasons," said Tom Ciesielka, president of TC Public Relations. "First, it is a significant milestone, second it is an opportunity for life advocates to recognize an early success that has endured, and – with its first party-wide challenge by Democrats – the defense of the Hyde Amendment may prove crucial at this moment."

Ciesielka offers the following suggestions for pro-life groups to consider when observing the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment:

The Family Business: 75 Years and Three Generations at Wiegel Tool Works

WOOD DALE - Brothers Aaron and Ryan Wiegel and their sister Erica make up the third generation of the family that has owned Wiegel Tool Works in Wood Dale, Illinois for 75 years.

Wiegel Tool Works is a precision stamper that specializes in electrical automotive tight tolerance terminals, complex lead frames and bus bars. Aaron and Ryan focus on Wiegel Tool Works, while their sister Erica presides as sole owner over her 2015 acquisition, Aro Metal Stamping in Roselle.

Aaron, the oldest, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in manufacturing engineering in 2000, and immediately thereafter started working fulltime in the family business. Like most raised in a family business, Aaron and his siblings spent considerable time where their dad worked.

“We liked to spend time there – but as we grew older, Dad taught us the value of work,” Aaron said. “Once I asked him for $20 to go out with some friends. He handed it over, and then said next time I needed $20, I would have to earn it.”

Anti-cop cartoon creates outrage among Southern Illinoisan readers

The Downstate daily Southern Illinoisan's editorial board created a controversy over the weekend when they published on the paper's editorial page a cartoon that mocked police and sided with the Black Lives Matter movement. 

The cartoon has a black man shot in the back, lying face down on the pavement with police pointing guns at the body, saying "His hands weren't up high enough." In the background is a police car with "Black Lives Don't Matter" posted on its side.

Thorner: Comedian P.J. O'Rourke backs away from Hillary Clinton

By Nancy Thorner - 

Libertarian comedian and author P.J. O'Rourke no longer plans to vote for Hillary Clinton for President, he told attendees of the Heartland Institute's annual dinner on September 15th. 

As a libertarian thinker, O’Rourke says he can’t stand either party. Although there were many libertarians in the room because of Heartland’s libertarian bent, there was also a sizable number of conservative Republicans present who didn't appreciate remarks made by O’Rourke on May 11, 2016 on National Public Radio when he announced he's be endorsing Hillary Clinton with all her empty promises, because, he said, "she is the devil we know."

At his speech for Heartland, however, he recanted that statement, and said he "will not vote for Clinton."

Illinois Review "Don't Miss" posts for Sept 2016's third week

Been too busy this week to catch the best of Illinois Review? Here's some you don't want to miss: 

DI LEO: CELEBRATING THE VISION OF AMERICA'S FRAMERS

WHERE'S WEYERMULLER? GOP FALL KICK OFF 2016 IN PARK RIDGE

BIGA: EXPECT TRUMP TO WIN BIG, DESPITE OPPOSITION ON MULTIPLE FRONTS

THORNER/INGOLD: MUSINGS FROM THE RIGHT

LASONDE: TEN TIMES MORE SYRIAN REFUGEES? FOUR REASONS WHY THAT’S WRONG

Cruz endorses Trump for President

HOUSTON - Despite Donald Trump dubbing him "Lyin' Ted" for an unconfirmed ruckus during the Iowa caucuses, Trump claiming his father was somehow associated with Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald and suggesting his wife was emotionally unstable while circulating an insulting graphic of her, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz succumbed to pressure from Republican hierarchy Friday and publicly endorsed Trump for President over Hillary Clinton.

Cruz posted the following on his Facebook page saying that because Donald Trump is the only thing standing in Hillary Clinton's way of being the next president, he's going to vote for Trump. 

Could Ed Secretary's home schooling remarks hint of more government oversight?

Secretary of Education John B. King Jr with President Obama | US News photo

WASHINGTON - The Obama Administration has made it clear in their view education is an issue just too crucial to be left entirely in parents' hands. 

While the President has supported high-performing publicly-funded charter schools, he and former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan successfully worked to remove private school vouchers from Washington D.C. students' options. 

The Obama Administration's antagonistic view of parental school choice gained attention again this week when new Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. was asked his thoughts about home schooling at a breakfast for Christian Science Monitor reporters. 

The Washington blog Politico reported Secretary King said he is concerned that home taught students aren’t “getting the range of options that are good for all kids.”

Downers Grove official rejects revealing further info that led to Sandack's sudden resignation

Former State Rep. Ron Sandack with House Minority Leader Jim Durkin | Sun-Times photo

DOWNERS GROVE - Last week's redacted police report concerning former State Rep. Ron Sandack's reason for suddenly resigning from the Illinois House last month stirred more questions rather than putting the issue to rest. 

Despite Sandack's substantial list of allies commenting on Illinois Review and elsewhere that the whole matter is now private and none of the public's business, five Chicago area news sources appealed to the Downers Grove Police Department to release un-redacted versions of Sandack's complaint. The village's attorney refused the news sources requests.

What were the Downers Grove officials to do? Sandack's history with the village is substantial.

Trump releases second list of potential nominees to U.S. Supreme Court

NEW YORK, NY - Friday, Donald Trump beefed up the issue of who will fill the current U.S. Supreme Court vacancy and others expected in the upcoming presidential term. He released a second list of potential nominees, built on the list he named earlier this year.

“We have a very clear choice in this election. The freedoms we cherish and the constitutional values and principles our country was founded on are in jeopardy," Trump said in a statement. "The responsibility is greater than ever to protect and uphold these freedoms and I will appoint justices, who like Justice Scalia, will protect our liberty with the highest regard for the Constitution. This list is definitive and I will choose only from it in picking future Justices of the United States Supreme Court."

This week's news from members of IL's GOP Congressional Caucus

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (IL-06) with Americans from which the IRS wrongly confiscated assets

WASHINGTON - This week, with the U.S. Congress in session, Republican Congress members Peter Roskam, Randy Hultgren and Darin LaHood had the following news for their Illinois District constituents:

Lasonde: Ten Times More Syrian Refugees? Four Reasons Why That’s Wrong

By Joan McCarthy Lasonde-

The United States recently met its target of admitting 10,000 Syrian refugees. My opponent for the U.S. Congress, Jan Schakowsky, supports expanding that number to “at least” 100,000, a tenfold increase. President Obama also recently endorsed an additional 11,000.

Either way, that would be a horrible mistake.

First, I have a different priority: Americans who deserve help. We have homeless veterans and others living under ‘L’ lines here in my Ninth District of Illinois. Tent cities for homeless Americans have become so common that Wikipedia now catalogs them by name.

Trump on Charlotte riots: We need a national anti-crime agenda

PITTSBURGH - In an keynote in Pittsburgh Thursday, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump addressed the racial riots that are escalating in Charlotte North Carolina this week.

Before going any further today, I want to address the turmoil unfolding right now in our country.

Our country desperately needs unity, and it needs the spirit of togetherness that has not only got us through our toughest times – but which has lifted us up, in the past, to our greatest achievements as a nation. Every day, I see people of different backgrounds working together for a common good, and we need to bring that spirit to every part of our country – and become One American Nation, united by our shared values and principles as American Citizens.

We all have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, see things through their eyes, and then get to work fixing our wounded country.

Many Americans are watching the unrest in Charlotte unfolding on their TV screens. Others are witnessing the chaos and the violence firsthand. 

New NRA ad says "Don't let Hillary leave you defenseless"

WASHINGTON - "Don't let Hillary leave you protected with nothing but a phone."

The National Rifle Association has a new anti-Clinton ad out, suggesting Clinton's choices for Supreme Court nominees would side with limiting the right for women to defend themselves against intruders. 

Harlan pans Cheri Bustos' Biden endorsement

GALESBURG – Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) Wednesday, saying the Democrat incumbent is a "champion" for Illinois families. Unfortunately, Illinois families know that is not the case, her Republican challenger Patrick Harlan replied.

"When it comes to supporting Illinois families, Cheri Bustos consistently votes the wrong way, siding with corporate elites and party interests over the people she was elected to represent," Harlan said in a statement. "We need a representative in Congress who will protect manufacturing, support the Rock Island Arsenal and our military, and fight for farmers in our district."

Where's Weyermuller? At GOP Fall Rally 2016

By Mark Weyermuller -

Chicago area suburban Republicans came out in force last Saturday for the annual GOP Fall Rally 2016. It was held at the Fifth Third Ballpark in Geneva, Illinois. The beautiful ball park is home of the Kane County Cougars who just finished their season.  

The afternoon featured fun, hot dogs, brats, burgers, beer, and of course political speeches.  The Jumbotron in centerfield showed  local and national candidates, including a big ad for Donald Trump. The rally was hosted by local committeeman Stan Bond with Bob Grogan as master of ceremonies. The evening ended with a magnificent fireworks show.

Abstinence group to honor former Rep. Penny Pullen October 20th

PALATINE - The Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership will honor former Illinois State Representative and President of Life Advocacy Resource Project at the group's Annual Banquet on Thursday, October 20th at the Cotillion in Palatine, IL.

The evening's keynote speaker will be author and political commentator David Limbaugh.

A&M Partnership will present Penny Pullen with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her pro-life work over the past several decaes as well as for her longtime support for abstinence education.

DiCianni places hopes on IL 8th CD being winnable for Republicans

ELMHURST - When Pete DiCianni graduated from high school, his dad had news for him: Start a business and pay your own way through college. 

Being one of seven children in an Italian Catholic family, he set out to follow his dad's instructions and started a printing business while attending the local community college. The business took off while DiCianni finished his graphics arts degree at Elmhurst College. DiCianni Graphics has grown to be a million a year business.

Where's Weyermuller? GOP Women's PAC backs Munger for Comptroller

By Mark Weyermuller -

There is nothing like hanging out on the Chicago River at a outdoor cafe on a beautiful fall day. What better setting to see current Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Munger then at a meet and greet fundraiser. This event was hosted by the Illinois Republican Women PAC.  

Foster: The high price of silence

By Howard Foster - 

The pathetic cycle of slow death goes on and on. More bombings by another Muslim radical legally admitted to this country in the name of “diversity.” Just think about what we have endured in the last 15 years because our leaders have silently decreed we shall become more diverse.

We are endlessly told that we must have a “diverse” society which includes porous borders, liberally issued visas which can be overstayed without consequence, and hundreds of thousands of foreign students, partially responsible for sky high tuitions in higher education. Diversity advocates tell us they add  “vitality” to American life.

Follow up and try to define that “vitality” and they will, one way or another, settle on two things: cheap labor and ethnic dining. As for the first, it is true, porous borders have saturated the low-end labor market with foreigners looking for jobs Americans used to do - at lower wages. That has benefited the elites at the expense of everyone else. And I’ll leave it to you to decide how much you value ethnic restaurants. I think Devon Avenue in Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and most of Miami look and feel like the third world. I avoid them at all costs.

Dissatisfied with 2016 presidential picks? You're not alone

DuBUQUE IA - If you as an Illinoisan are not happy with the presidential choices on the November ballot, you're not alone, a poll by DuBuque's Loras College found last week. Nearly six out of 10 Illinois voters are dissatisfied with the choices of Democrat Hillary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump, Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Partier Jill Stein. 

Hillary Clinton is viewed more favorably than Donald Trump in Illinois, with Clinton at a -6 favorability rating compared to Donald Trump's -40 rating.

“Many voters are thinking of this election in almost defensive terms—of which outcome they most want to avoid,” Christopher Budzisz, Ph.D., associate professor of politics and director of the Loras College Poll said. "Fear and anxiety can be great motivators in electoral politics, and given the unfavorable ratings of both candidates this year, voting against someone may be an easier sell to voters than voting for someone. It remains to be seen if such appeals to fear and anxiety will impact voter turnout.”

And with the higher favorability ratings, the former secretary of state maintains a double-digit lead over the New York businessman in Illinois: 

Hillary Clinton	43 percent
Donald Trump	30 percent
Gary Johnson	8 percent
Jill Stein	3 percent
Unsure	14 percent

How pro-small business are your state lawmakers?

SPRINGFIELD - This week, the Illinois chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses released its record of votes Illinois state legislators made on key small business issues over the past two years in the 99th General Assembly.

Eleven votes are listed among those most crucial to the NFIB, including leave mandate legislation, workers' compensation reform, prevailing wage requirements and minimum wage hike bills.

Lawmakers that received a 100% rating were named "Guardian of Small Businesses." 

Veteran Affairs' whistleblowers featured in new anti-Duckworth ad

ANNA - "She said to me point blank, 'Keep your mouth shut and you won't be fired," Denise Goins, who blew the whistle on activities at the Veterans Home in Anna Illinois, opens in a new political ad from the Mark Kirk campaign. 

Duckworth, who served as the director of the state's Veterans Affairs, settled out of court with a $26,000 fine paid by taxpayers. The accusation? Duckworth worked to silence staff that was pointing to abuse and neglect of veterans in their care.

Duckworth's legal counsel was provided by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, also at taxpayers' expense.

"Director Tammy Duckworth was trying to protect Governor Rod Blagojevich," says Christine Butler, another whistleblower at the facility, in the ad. "The veteran was not Tammy Duckworth's top priority."  

Tammy Duckworth is the Democrats' nominee for U.S. Senate in November, challenging incumbent U.S. Senator Mark Krik. 

New Bost ad shines on Belleville Boot saga

MURPHYSBORO – Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost released the second television advertisement in his re-election campaign for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, titled "Belleville Boot." The ad, narrated by Belleville Boot Company President Mark Ferguson, highlights Bost's successful efforts to stop a federal rule change that would have made it more difficult for the company to compete with big corporations for supplying boots to our men and women in uniform. 

"When Washington politicians tried to change the rules and put big businesses ahead of a Southern Illinois job creator, I went down to the House floor and helped stop them," said Bost. "Because we were successful, Belleville Boot Company will remain one of the largest providers of military boots in the nation.  That's the type of positive result that hardworking Southern Illinois families deserve."