Illinois Review

UPDATE: Janus ruling requires public sector union members to "opt in" (or will it?)

UPDATE x2: Illinois Review asked for an opinion from Liberty Justice Center on the debate. Pat Hughes, President of Liberty Justice Center, said in a statement Friday that indeed, unions will be forced to use "opt in":

We interpret the Janus ruling as a sweeping win for government workers. The opt in portion of Justice Alito’s opinion means exactly what it says - post Janus, governments should stop collecting union dues of any kind for any member or non-member. It doesn't matter whether or not someone previously opted in, the conditions upon which that happened - forced agency fees regardless of whether you opted in- made the decision making process for each state employee very different in a pre-Janus world. 

(On the side, we're told, additional litigation is expected and it is likely the courts will need to rule to clarify.)

UPDATE: There seems to be differing opinions on whether the Janus opinion will affect public sector union membership - especially in Illinois, not a "right to work" state. After our story was published with the above headline, we were contacted by CapitolFax's Rich Miller, who said our headline (Janus ruling requires public sector union members to "opt in") was wrong, that membership will not need to opt in. We rechecked several sources that say the opposite. 

Then Mr. Miller checked with an AFSCME Local 31 contact that expressed a differing opinion. We've inserted below: 

SPRINGFIELD - State employees will now need to "opt in" to public sector union membership after the seismic Janus vs AFSCME ruling the U.S. Supreme Court made earlier this week. As of Wednesday, union fees will no longer be automatically taken from state workers' paychecks in Illinois. Workers will need to affirmatively indicate if they want to be union members.

The case's plaintiff Mark Janus, an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, sued AFSCME to gain his right to reject union membership and dues taken automatically from his paycheck each month. Janus argued he didn't agree with how AFSCME spent a portion of his dues on political campaigns. 

"I think this gives the individual worker in a public sector entity the right to make their own decision, and that was the basis for my case all along," Janus told Fox Business' Stuart Varney.

How the IL delegation voted on the latest compromise immigration bill

WASHINGTON – Congress has gone home for the holiday, to walk in parades and raise campaign funds. But before they headed back to their districts, the Republican majority failed to pass a compromise immigration plan through the US House. 

All except one Republican member of the Illinois GOP delegation supported what was called "Goodlatte II" - the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act. 

That one Congressman - Darin LaHood - was asked for his reasoning for not voting with his Republican colleagues and with the Democrat delegation. He chose not to explain his vote when asked. 

Two lawmakers did offer explanations ...

Rep. Sosnowski: The Sovereign State of Chicago

By State Representative Joe Sosnowski, 69^th District - 

I am a co-sponsor of House Resolution 1138 (HR 1138), which is a referendum allowing voters to decide whether or not the city of Chicago should be its own sovereign state. The United Kingdom experienced a similar undertaking when a successful referendum occurred allowing voters to decide if they wanted to exit the European Union (EU). The supporters of Brexit believed their values were underrepresented in government and demanded change. There is another initiative in California to separate the state into smaller units.  

Many downstate Illinoisans share their sentiment that there can be a better way.

Thorner: Illegal immigrant discourse plunges into hysterics

By Nancy Thorner - 

President Donald Trump was catapulted into office on the pledge to crack down on illegal immigration.  As of 2017, FAIR estimates the number of illegal aliens in the US to be approximately 12.5 million; however, estimating the size and characteristics of the illegal alien population is an inexact science.

Anyone claiming to have calculated a definitive number should be looked upon skeptically, as there is no central database of illegal aliens.  Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security only counts those who enter and leave in a lawful manner. Those who evade immigration authorities or sneak across the border are not counted.

SEIU could still be on the hook for $32M to non-union Illinois homecare workers

SEIU is politically active and use their fees to support candidates like JB Pritzker
 

WASHINGTON – As if this week's Janus decision wasn't a big enough blow to public sector unions, Thursday morning the US Supreme Court granted, vacated, and remanded Riffey v. Rauner, another case before the justices originating in Illinois.  A decision could cost Illinois' Service Employees International Union (SEIU) $32 million.

“With the Supreme Court remanding Riffey, we are one step closer toward vindicating the rights of the tens of thousands of victims, many whom are family members caring for disabled children in their own homes,” commented National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix.

Chicago area Pro-Life Billboard could be seen by millions

By Mark Weyermuller - 

Have you seen this new billboard on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago?

The Illinois Family Institute has put up an eye-catching, pro-life billboard around I-90 and Kedzie Ave (at Diversey) near the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods of Chicago. It’s over 80 feet wide and can been seen from a mile away. The message – “Abortion Takes Human Life” — will be seen over 10 million times before the end of July, IFI says.

Rahm's Big Giveaway!

What Is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is the newest fad in political activism. What is it? Who’s involved? And, what does it even mean? Nobody is better prepared to answer these questions than Daily Wire editor-in-chief and podcast sensation, Ben Shapiro. He breaks it all down in this invaluable video.

Chicago's Black Exodus

Chicago was once the black Metropolis.... now it's the home of the Great Black Exodus.

Illinois AG Lisa Madigan signs onto Democrat demand to rejoin immigrant families

CHICAGO - Illinois' Attorney General Lisa Madigan signed on along with 17 Democrat attorneys general that filed a multi-state lawsuit Tuesday challenging the federal administration’s policy of forced family separation on the U.S. southern border.

“The federal government’s separation of children from their parents at the southern border is an atrocity that has already had profound consequences for families in search of a better and safer life,” Madigan said. “The inhumane and illegal separation of families must end and all of the impacted children must be reunited with their parents.”

In response to the Democrats' lawsuit, federal Southern California Judge Dana Sabraw - appointed by George W. Bush - ruled for immediate changes in handling the minors entering the US with their parents through locations other than designated ports of entry.  

Teachers unions respond to Janus decision

WASHINGTON - The Illinois Federation of Teachers say the Janus decision "isn't going to break us." The Chicago Teachers Union blamed Governor Rauner and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel: 

Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery released the following statement:

Gov Rauner lauds Janus decision; says state will stop withholding $900 in union fees

WASHINGTON —  Gov. Bruce Rauner's office released the following statement Wednesday:

Gov. Bruce Rauner hailed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME as a major victory for public sector workers’ First Amendment rights to free speech and association and a victory for taxpayers who must bear the high cost of government.

The Governor said that the decision will help combat the conflicts of interest created when government union leaders negotiate with politicians they help elect.

Moody's sees potential positive impact of Janus on government finances

CHICAGO - Moody's US Public Finance released a statement via Twitter Thursday saying the Janus vs AFSCME decision could result in a positive long-term impact on government finances: 

State lawmakers and officials respond to Supreme Court's Janus decision

SPRINGFIELD - Several Illinois lawmakers are expressing their thoughts about the US Supreme Court decision Wednesday that effectively set up "right to work" policies for state employees nationwide.

State Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) said: "Let me be crystal clear, this is about political special interests, not labor. Workers who wish to remain members of their union are unaffected by the ruling. This is a major victory for worker rights and democracy." 

Skillicorn went on to call for two bills he's introduced to move forward: HB673 and HB4419, which allow employees to organize, negotiate, or bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own free choice, and protecting them should they choose not to.

"Union members should have a choice, everyone should have a choice. It’s the right thing to do," he said in a statement.

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) is very disappointed ... 

BREAKING: Supreme Court decides in favor of non-union workers in Janus case

WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court decided in favor of an Illinoisan that wanted to work for the state and not be forced to join the state employee union - what could be a major blow to state employee unions.

More to come ... Governor Rauner is scheduled to comment in D.C. with the plaintiff Mark Janus and co-founder of Liberty Justice Center John Tillman. 

President Donald Trump commented via Twitter: 

Di Leo: The Marquis de Lafayette, Inspiration of the Centuries

By John F. Di Leo - 

On July 4, 1917, General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force arrived in France, the advance team of what was to become a million-man force in support of France and England of The Great War that we now know as World War I.   On a day of speeches, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Stanton somberly declared “Nous voila, Lafayette!”  - rendered in English, that’s “Lafayette, we are here!”

What was it about this Lafayette, this long-dead French noble, that his name need only be cited, and it would instantly call to mind a century-and-a-half old debt of honor, a justification in the American conscience for the United States to enter a foreign war, the first time in fact that American troops landed in Europe to do battle?

Well, on June 27, 1777, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier – whom we all know as the Marquis de Lafayette – arrived in Philadelphia, and offered his services to the Continental Congress.  He had a great deal to offer.  While France was then neutral in our conflict, the young marquis was related to the king by marriage, and brought his immense wealth to the table.  Contrary to his powerful father-in-law’s orders, Lafayette had personally raised troops and paid for the ship in which he and his volunteers sailed across the Atlantic, a contribution to the American cause.  But why?  He was French, and we were – for all intents and purposes – English… the geopolitical enemy of the French for centuries beyond measure.  

Well, to appreciate the Why, we need to go back further, to even before the day this idealistic young man first reached our shores.

Four more IL gubernatorial candidates could be on November ballot

SPRINGFIELD - Voters could see several gubernatorial candidates on the 2018 General Election ballot in November - including  Libertarian Party candidate, a Conservative Party candidate and two independents - if they're allowed to stay on the ballot. More could join Democrat JB Pritzker and "Rauner Party" Bruce Rauner later this week if petitions are submitted to the State Board of Elections by Friday. 

SCOTUS gerrymandering decisions will encourage more map manipulation, CHANGE Illinois says

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois' constitution doesn't provide for voters to directly determine public policy as referenda do in states like California, but voters will be the only way to make drawing Illinois' maps fairer, but that's the only recourse available to Illinoisans after the decisions the US Supreme Court released Monday. 

According to Jeff Raines, Communications and Engagement Director of CHANGE Illinois, “The Supreme Court’s position on gerrymandering this term will only encourage entrenched politicians to manipulate the maps in 2021, cementing their mistaken belief that their personal and party gain outweighs the constitutional rights of the American people. It’s clear that we can’t rely on the courts to save us from this nefarious political practice. It’s going to take people power to end gerrymandering in Illinois and around the country.”

Raines confirmed there are two pathways to get a fair maps amendment on the ballot. First, the citizens' advisory petition and second, the General Assembly placing constitutional amendments on the ballot after a 3/5ths majority vote.

Petition to oust Maxine Waters emerges on WhiteHouse.gov site

A petition appeared on the WhiteHouse.gov website Monday calling for the US House to oust Congresswoman Maxine Waters for inciting harassment of Trump officials over the weekend. 

"It's time for Maxine Waters to go," the appeal begins. "Waters has crossed a dangerous line, calling for attacks and violence against all Trump officials." 

The petition is in reaction to what Congresswoman Waters said over the weekend in California, when she called on Americans to "push back" against Trump officials, and make it impossible for them to shop, eat out, or go to gas stations. Waters comments are "irresponsible" statements from anyone, let alone a so-called Democrat leader.

After revelations IRS was urged to ruin Tea Party groups, Illinois leader calls on Trump to oust instigator

WEST SUBURBS - IRS officials were challenged in a 2013 meeting to audit tax-exempt groups so much that it would become "financially ruinous,” documents obtained and released by legal group Judicial Watch show. The person making the suggestion was Republican US Senator John McCain's staff director at the time, Henry Kerner.

Notes taken by IRS staff of that April 30, 2013 meeting with IRS head Lois Lerner show the comments in context as follows:

Henry Kerner asked how to get to the abuse of organizations claiming section 501 (c)(4) but designed to be primarily political. Lois Lerner said the system works, but not in real time. Henry Kerner noted that these organizations don’t disclose donors. Lois Lerner said that if they don’t meet the requirements, we can come in and revoke, but it doesn’t happen timely. Nan Marks said if the concern is that organizations engaging in this activity don’t disclose donors, then the system doesn’t work. Henry Kerner said that maybe the solution is to audit so many that it is financially ruinous. Nikole noted that we have budget constraints. Elise Bean suggested using the list of organizations that made independent expenditures. Lois Lerner said that it is her job to oversee it all, not just political campaign activity.

One of the Illinois-based groups the IRS chose to audit was West Suburban Patriots, co-founded by Carol Davis. Davis told Illinois Review the notes Judicial Watch discovered confirm suspicions she's had for years.

Schlafly's son speculates on effects of possible Supreme Court justice retirement

Justice Kennedy was appointed by Reagan in 1988

ST LOUIS - In an email Monday, Andy Schlafly, son of the late conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly, shed light on speculations that Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy may announce his retirement soon. 

"If Kennedy retires, then that may explain why he declined to join the pro-abortion wing of the Court on the petition for cert by Planned Parenthood in the Arkansas abortion medication complications case," Schlafly wrote. "To the surprise of all, and the dismay of pro-aborts, the Supreme Court "denied cert" in that case, thereby allowing the pro-life decision by the 8th Circuit to stand.  (Planned Parenthood v. Jegley)  This is the first time in memory that the Supreme Court, which has enough votes to grant cert for Planned Parenthood, has rebuffed PP's request."

One the other hand, Schlafly said, if Justice Kennedy does not retire, his opposition to Planned Parenthood in the Jegley case could indicate the 81-year-old justice's opinion has shifted against abortion. 

Raoul blasts anonymously-reported anti-gay comments made by Rauner-backed candidate 18 years ago

SPRINGFIELD - Democrat candidate for attorney general Kwame Raoul released Monday a digital attack ad on his Rauner-backed opponent Erika Harold citing anonymous source reports of an interview during the 2000 Miss Illinois pageant Harold eventually won.

The anonymous sources say "the room stopped" when Harold supposedly said if given the choice to send a foster child to either a gay couple and an abusive heterosexual couple, she'd pick the abusive couple. Harold says she doesn't remember saying it, but admits that her view on the issue has "evolved." She now "strongly supports" same sex couples adopting and foster parenting children.

Thorner/Ingold: IG Horowitz' Report reveals Comedy of Corruption

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold - 

A recent commentary in the Wall Street Journal, "Mueller's Fruit of the Poisonous Tree", concluded that it makes no difference how honorable Mueller is, his investigation is tainted by the bias that attended its origin in 2016. 

As Roger Kimball wrote on June 19, 2018 about the 568-page IG report, A Comedy of Corruption? Or a Bureaucratic Horror Show?:

If the stakes were not so high, the 568-page report issued last week by the Justice Department Office of the Inspector General (“A Review of Various Actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice in Advance of the 2016 Election”) might be seen as a species of comedy, something out of Plautus, perhaps (starring Peter Strzok as the Miles Gloriosus and Lisa Page as Philocomasium), or Dickens’s Little Dorrit with its Office of Circumlocution .  Note: The report “did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that improper considerations, including political bias, directly affected the specific investigative decisions we reviewed. 

Illinois Attorney General sues to end Trump Administration's "zero-tolerance policy" towards immigrants

CHICAGO — Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with 10 other attorneys general, announced Thursday she is filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's policy of forced family separation on the U.S. southern border.

"The new federal executive order does not bring back together the thousands of families that were torn apart by the federal government's policy, and it does not prevent families from being separated in the future," Madigan said. "I will join with my colleagues across the country to bring action against the federal government for this inhumane and unAmerican policy."

Grieving Illinois father Ray Tranchant shares Tessa's story with the nation

Downstate Illinois father Ray Tranchant had the opportunity to share his late daughter Tessa's story with the nation Friday after meeting with President Trump. Tranchant was one of several parents that shared their stories of being permanently separated from their children killed by illegal aliens.

Tranchant called on Congress to correct the confused immigration system and to protect American citizens in the process.

"God bless you, and I hope this doesn't happen to you," Tranchant said.

An audio of Tranchant's story as he shared it Friday at the President's side: 

Tranchant-Segment 1

More from Mr. Tranchant HERE: Grieving Illinois father to attend White House meeting Friday 

Video of event available HERE: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1jMJgEVYyeAKL?t=9m9s 

In video, IL Comptroller blasts Trump's immigration policy as "racist, anti-American and evil"

CHICAGO - Illinois' State Comptroller Susana Mendoza attacked President Trump Friday releasing a video saying the president's policy was "racist, anti-American and evil" - and decried the agony the Zero Tolerance policy of protecting Americans over immigrants in the country illegally.

Roskam lone IL GOPer to oppose Goodlatte immigration bill

WASHINGTON - A conservative response to America's long-simmering immigration dilemma was defeated narrowly in the US House Thursday, and many were surprised that one of Illinois' leading Republicans voted against the measure - veteran Congressman Peter Roskam.

Roskam, who is normally a dependable Republican conservative vote, joined the Democrat delegation from Illinois and voted "No" on Congressman Bob Goodlatte's H.R. 4760.

Di Leo: Free Trade, Fair Trade, and the Question of the Year

By John F. Di Leo -

International trade has always been in the news.  Business reporters talk about a trade deficit, politicians wail about jobs being exported overseas, and every so often, the government signs a new free trade agreement or trade promotion agreement (they are different things) with one or two or a hundred faraway countries.

But despite all this, international trade policy has not been at the forefront of the news cycle in a generation; not since the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement was voided 25 years ago, to be replaced by NAFTA, a three-party FTA between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Thanks to the election of Donald Trump, and his dogged determination that this country change its approach to trade, the issue is back at the water cooler again, and we can assume it will remain there throughout his presidency.

Chicago Tonight features discussion on immigrant family separations

Shannon Shepherd (l) and Jennifer Nevins (r)

President Trump's executive order to keep families together that chose to cross America's southern border at locations other than official ports of entry was the topic of conversation on WTTW's Chicago Tonight (PBS) this week.

The discussion - worth a listen in our opinion - was between immigration attorney Shannon Shepherd, a member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association; and Jennifer Nevins, a Trump delegate from Illinois to the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Rhoads: Confused Court Muddles Net Sales Tax

By Mark Rhoads -

A befuddled collection of both conservative and liberal U.S. Supreme Court justices thinks that they can help greedy state revenue directors collect more sales tax on internet shoppers.  They are wrong on several levels, both on principle and technical applications in their attempt to overturn Quill Corp. v. North Dakota 504 U.S.298 (1992) that held companies must have a physical presence in a state to be subject to sales tax for mail order and later internet sales. 

The odd group of liberal and conservative justices in the 5 to 4 majority were Justices Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

Chief Justice John Roberts led four other justices in dissent. The minority wanted Congress to act.

But in an odd way, both the majority and minority have shown how ignorant they are about how online sales work and how they defy geography.

Gutierrez on immigration bill says GOP wants to be both arsonists and firefighters

WASHINGTON DC - In a heated discussion on Congressman Bob Goodlatte's "Securing America's Future Act of 2018" Thursday, Illinois' retiring Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04) stepped to the podium of the US House and ripped Republicans, the President and anyone else that supported H.R. 4760.

"The reelection strategy for every single Republican Member of the House is to stand strong with a President willing to take children from their parents in order to look mean and nasty when children are fleeing for their lives. You own that. That is your campaign strategy...." Gutierrez said.

Then he stepped up the rhetoric as only Congressman Gutierrez can do. 

"Republicans want to be both the arsonists and the firefighters, and you can't be both," he said, pointing his finger.

How did your Illinois Congressman vote on H.R. 4760? All but one Illinois Republican voted yes, all Democrats voted no.

Watch Gutierrez' comments HERE on C-SPAN.

Republican-backed Farm bill moves to US Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Along party lines, all Republican members of Illinois congressional caucus supported H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, Thursday. No Illinois Democrats supported the the measure - including Cheri Bustos, whose 17th District includes substantial farming acreage. The bill now proceeds to the U.S. Senate for approval.

H.R. 2 reauthorizes and strengthens agriculture policy for the Department of Agriculture through 2023. It improves policies related to

• crop insurance,
• trade,
• regulatory reform, and
• nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

IL Congressman Hultgren disagrees with US pulling out of UN Human Rights Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Randy Hultgren (R-IL) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, say they "regret"Tuesday’s decision by the Trump Administration to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The announcement to withdraw from the Council was made by UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The ambassador said the council had become a “protector of human rights abusers and a cesspool of political bias" in overlooking human rights abuses in the Congo, Iran and Venezuela - which all participate in the Council. In contrast, over the years, the Council has condemned Israel nearly 70 times.

“I want to make it crystal clear that this step is not a retreat from our human rights commitments,” Haley said. “On the contrary. We take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organization that makes a mockery of human rights.”

A statement from Hultgren and McGovern's offices explains their opposition:

Grieving Illinois father to attend White House meeting Friday

Tessa Tranchant, 16 and Ali Kunhardt, 17, killed by drunk illegal in 2007

In the midst of one of the nation's most heated, emotional discussions over children being separated from their parents when being caught illegally attempting to enter the United States, the White House is calling a roundtable discussion Friday that will include Ray Tranchant of downstate Catlin, Illinois. 

Tranchant's 16-year-old daughter Tessa and her 17-year-old friend Ali were instantly killed eleven years ago while sitting at a Virginia Beach stop light. The drunk driver that hit the girls was in the US illegally and is now serving 40 years in prison for manslaughter.

The grieving father told Illinois Review that the White House discussion he will be attending is expected to include officials from Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He expects the current controversy over separating children from parents entering the country illegally to be central. 

Tranchant had an opinion about the situation.

Thorner: Trump works to shrink America's debilitating trade deficit

By Nancy Thorner - 

As noted in an article by Kimberly Amadeo, updated May 10, 2018:  The United States has the world's largest trade deficit. It's been that way since 1975. The deficit in goods and services was $566 billion in 2017. Imports were $2.895 trillion dollars and exports were only $2.329 trillion.

The U.S. trade deficit in goods, without services, was $810 billion. The United States exported $1.551 trillion in goods. The biggest categories were commercial aircraft and automobiles.

Worth noting is that we have the largest deficits with our top five trading partner (Census provides trade data by country for goods only, not services): 

• China- $636 billion traded with a $375 billion deficit.
• Canada- $582 billion traded with an $18 billion deficit.
• Mexico - $557 billion traded with a $71 billion deficit.
• Japan - $204 billion traded with a $69 billion deficit.
• Germany - $171 billion traded with a $65 billion deficit.

Rhoads: When History Comes Alive - Bishop Sheen's remains to return to Illinois

By Mark Rhoads - 

As a student of Illinois history, I am sometimes surprised that many IR readers miss interesting stories from the past that impact on our present.

For example, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen became famous on TV in the 1950s as an auxiliary bishop in New York. But he was actually a native of Illinois. He was born on May 8, 1895 in El Paso, Illinois and was ordained a priest of the Diocese at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria in 1919.

One fun fact is that in high school Sheen played basketball against radio star Jim Jordan who played the role of Fibber McGee on network radio.

What Is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is the newest fad in political activism. What is it? Who’s involved? And, what does it even mean? Nobody is better prepared to answer these questions than Daily Wire editor-in-chief and podcast sensation, Ben Shapiro.

Gov Rauner marches in Aurora's First Gay Pride Parade

AURORA - Republican Governor Bruce Rauner celebrated Father's Day by marching in west suburban Aurora's first Gay Pride Parade Sunday. (More HERE)

Just a few years ago, Aurora's downtown was the site of a rally for traditional marriage - with local church members encouraging their state lawmakers to support one-man/ one-woman marriage. 

What a difference five years make, eh? 

David E. Smith, executive director of Illinois Family Institute, helped organize that rally in 2013. Here's what he had to say today: 

Why am I not surprised to learn that Bruce Rauner marched in Aurora's Pride Parade over the weekend? For some strange reason, he believes that the path to a second term is to pander to potential voters on the left of the political spectrum. Instead of appealing to the 341k Republican voters who voted against him in the March primary election, Rauner apparently believes that he has to highlight his pro-LGBTQIA credentials to supplement his infamous pro-abortion advocacy. This leftward politicking only supports the growing number of voices accusing him of being an imposter.

Thorner: Gun Owners of America's Larry Pratt, Rep. Ives honored by Lake County conservative group

Gun Owners of America's Larry Pratt

By Nancy Thorner - 

The Republican Assembly of Lake County was host to its 14th Ronald Reagan Dinner held to honor our 40th President.  It is the longest-running Reagan dinner in the U.S.  This year's dinner was held on June 8, 2018, at the Dover Straits Restaurant in Mundelein, Illinois and featured special guest Jeanne Ives and featured speaker of the night, Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America. 

The RALC is a grassroots organization made up of Ronald Reagan conservatives who believe in small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, strong defense, and the right-to-life.  Read here the RALC Statement of Principles. The organization meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Fremont Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, IL.  Membership is open to all share and promote the principles expressed in the National Republican Platform.

Judicial Watch Sues State Department for Obama-Era Records on Refugee Resettlement Site Locations

Syrian children re-settled in northern Illinois during Obama Administration

WASHINGTON -- Judicial Watch announced Monday that it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for records on sites that were considered for the resettlement of refugees in the United States during the last two years of the Obama administration. (Judicial Watch vs. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:18-cv-01244))

Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit after the State Department failed to respond to a February 23, 2017, FOIA request seeking:

• All records reflecting the locations within the United States that were considered as possible sites for refugee resettlement under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in 2015 and 2016.
• All records reflecting the criteria used to determine suitability of locations as refugee resettlement sites in 2015 and 2016.
• All records reflecting the names of local organizations promoting any of the locations identified above for consideration as refugee resettlement sites.

Clark Co joins growing number of Illinois counties passing resolutions upholding Second Amendment

CLARK COUNTY - The number of Illinois counties declaring themselves "sanctuary gun counties" that support the Second Amendment and oppose firearm restrictions continues to grow - with Clark County adding its name to the list last week. 

"We did it!!!" Marshall Illinois resident Warren LeFever announced on his Facebook page June 15th, after Clark County voted to oppose the 100th General Assembly of Illinois' "gun control efforts."  LeFever, who introduced the resolution, thanked those who came out to support the effort, and county board member Jim Bolin, who took the lead in adopting LeFever's resolution. 

50% oppose sanctuary communities in new Rasmussen poll

A federal judge ruled earlier this month that the Trump administration cannot deny Philadelphia grant money because of its status as a sanctuary city that protects illegal immigrants from federal immigration authorities. Half of voters continue to oppose their community declaring itself a sanctuary community, with many who think such communities are less safe.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel claimed Chicago as a sanctuary community. Cook County jumped on the bandwagon. The whole state's law enforcement was forced to abide by the Trust Act, which the Democrats passed, and which Governor Rauner signed into law. 

These 5 Changes Would Fix the Nation’s Budget Woes

Federal debt held by the public is expected to reach 96 percent of GDP in 10 years. But if we adopted The Heritage Foundation’s
new budget plan, the federal budget would be balanced by 2024 and $11.9 trillion would be cut from federal deficits over the next 10 years. From Justin Bogie and Romina Boccia, here are some details on the proposed spending reforms:

Withdraw the Obama Administration’s ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter on School Discipline

School safety or racial quotas? Roger Clegg and Hans von Spakovsky write in support of withdrawing the Obama administration’s “Dear Colleague” letter on school discipline:

Threatening lawsuits if the administrators didn’t comply with the “guidance,” the 2014 letter coerced many school systems into adopting illegal racial quotas in their disciplinary decision-making. [...]

U.S. Supreme Court ruling protects political self-expression

Free speech at the polls! This week, the Supreme Court struck down a Minnesota law barring the wearing of political badges, buttons, or other political insignia in polling places. The Pacific Legal Foundation argued for the plaintiffs in Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky. PLF’s Debra La Fetra explains the court’s reasoning:

An Apology to Illinois Review readers

To: Illinois Review Readers

From: Illinois Review editorial board

Since CNBC's Chris Matthews declared a couple of weeks ago that "Republicans are told [to] ‘read the Wall Street Journal, play golf, and talk about pro sports.' The men especially are all programmed a certain way. They don't have too many outliers, Republicans. They all behave basically the same, right?", we're breaking our regular format to share U.S. Open standings.

We at Illinois Review seem to owe our readers, who for the most part are conservatives, Republicans and energetic Trump supporters, an apology. We weren't as sensitive as we should have been to what you're really interested in ... the WSJ, golf and pro sports. We've mistakenly been focused all this time on serious conservative issues and Illinois' corrupt politics.

Thorner/Ingold: Inspector General report reveals scary times for Liberty

By Nancy Thorner & Ed Ingold - 

It’s all coming together with the release Thursday of the Inspector's General Report on the Clinton investigation, A Review of Various Actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department Justice in Advance of the 2016 Election.  Read it for yourself here. 

Among other things, it confirms that there is a political wing in the FBI which feels it has the right to act as kingmaker in national elections. From other reports, similar functions exist in the DOJ, the CIA and NSA. If this sounds familiar, look back at the old Soviet Union, which took political action to extreme in the KGB (internal security) and GRU (foreign intelligence), and to a great extent, their current versions under Putin. 

Sam McCann says he's establishing Illinois' Conservative Party with gubernatorial bid

NORMAL - State Senator Sam McCann of downstate Benton told WEEK.com he's establishing Illinois' first Conservative Party with his bid to run for governor. McCann says he expects to gather the needed number of petition signatures to be on the November 2018 ballot alongside the Republican Party's candidate Governor Bruce Rauner and Democrat challenger J.B. Pritzker. 

McCann, who was elected to the Illinois legislature as a Republican, says Governor Rauner bought up the IL GOP in a "fire sale." He went on to say while he doesn't approve of President Trump's tweeting or some of his comments, he approves of the direction Trump is taking the nation. 

Will conservatives in Illinois choose to support McCann over Rauner? 

Di Leo: The Magna Carta and the Path to Freedom

By John F. Di Leo - 

On June 15, 1215 A.D., King John of England affixed his seal to the Magna Carta, and the world was changed.

While England was not yet the dominant power on the world scene that it was to become, England was already a typical major monarchy, and its monarchy behaved as monarchies always had.  The king might not choose to be a tyrant – might not choose to exert his will upon his people in every way, all the time – but he reserved the theoretical right to do so.  It was just what “being a king” meant.

There was certainly a history of freedom in the world, even by that time.  Ancient Rome had been forced to publish the Twelve Tables over a millennium and a half earlier; the Ancient Athenians and some other city-states had practiced versions of republics and democracies in ancient time as well.  But if a nation had a king, well, that king generally considered his powers to be unlimited.

Until this day in 1215.

Illinois State Rep offers free conceal and carry training for 12 constituents

CRYSTAL LAKE  – If you're 21 years old, live in Illinois' 66th House District and want to be trained in conceal and carry, Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) is offering cost-free classes for the first 12 to reach out to him.

"As the right to keep and bear arms is necessary to the security of a free state and shall not be infringed, Representative Allen Skillicorn a strong supporter of the Second Amendment is sponsoring FREE Conceal and Carry Training," his announcement said. "This training will be available to twelve (12) people in the 66th District on a first come, first service basis."