President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who rescued two members of his squad in October 2007 while fighting in the war in Afghanistan, at the White House in Washington.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Medal of Honor
President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who rescued two members of his squad in October 2007 while fighting in the war in Afghanistan, at the White House in Washington.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Effingham County Democrats Golf Outing Winners!
Winners of the 2010 Effingham County Democrats Outing are Kevin Burns, Larry Dement, Matt Dial, and Scott Hammel representing Council 1197 Laborers.Thank you to everyone for making our 6th Annual Golf Outing 2010 a success!
Your support and participation at this event is greatly appreciated.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Illinois Voters could pick 2 Senators in same election
Appeals court rejects state bid to forgo special election for interim replacement
Illinois voters could end up voting twice for a U.S. senator on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, deciding on an interim replacement who would serve only a few weeks in office while also voting on a new senator to fill a six-year term that begins in January.
The dual-senator vote scenario became more likely Thursday after the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from state officials who questioned the expense and need for a special election to fill for eight weeks the seat now held by U.S. Sen. Roland Burris.
Burris was appointed to President Barack Obama's former Senate seat by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich just weeks after Blagojevich's Dec. 9, 2008, arrest on federal corruption charges, including allegations he tried to sell the Senate vacancy for personal and political profit.
Full article.... http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/ct-met-eight-week-senate-special-elec20100722,0,5035919.story
Illinois voters could end up voting twice for a U.S. senator on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, deciding on an interim replacement who would serve only a few weeks in office while also voting on a new senator to fill a six-year term that begins in January.
The dual-senator vote scenario became more likely Thursday after the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from state officials who questioned the expense and need for a special election to fill for eight weeks the seat now held by U.S. Sen. Roland Burris.
Burris was appointed to President Barack Obama's former Senate seat by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich just weeks after Blagojevich's Dec. 9, 2008, arrest on federal corruption charges, including allegations he tried to sell the Senate vacancy for personal and political profit.
Full article.... http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/ct-met-eight-week-senate-special-elec20100722,0,5035919.story
Monday, June 28, 2010
Senator Byrd dies
Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) speaks in Washington in April 2005. Byrd, who evolved from a segregationist to a civil rights advocate in becoming the longest serving member ever of the Congress, died on Monday, a spokesman for the West Virginia Democrat said.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
School Officials Say Candidate Overstated His Role
CHICAGO — A leader of the church in upstate New York where Representative Mark S. Kirk of Illinois claims he worked as a nursery school teacher said on Friday that he had overstated his role there.
The leader, Sally Grubb, a member of the administrative council at Forest Home Chapel, a Methodist church in Ithaca, N.Y., said Mr. Kirk had a limited role while working part-time in a work-study program while he was a student at Cornell University nearly three decades ago.
The leader, Sally Grubb, a member of the administrative council at Forest Home Chapel, a Methodist church in Ithaca, N.Y., said Mr. Kirk had a limited role while working part-time in a work-study program while he was a student at Cornell University nearly three decades ago.
“He was never, ever considered a teacher,” Ms. Grubb said in a telephone interview after researching the history of Mr. Kirk’s association with the nursery school. “He was just an additional pair of hands to help a primary teaching person.”
The church has been trying to determine whether Mr. Kirk worked there after The New York Times reported on Thursday about the brevity of Mr. Kirk’s teaching experience. Mr. Kirk, a five-term congressman, is the Republican nominee in Illinois for the Senate seat formerly held by President Obama.
Eight longtime members of the church, including two former pastors, said this week that they did not recall having a male nursery school teacher in 1981, when Mr. Kirk said he had worked there.
“I don’t remember any men who worked there,” said Thomas V. Wolfe, a pastor at the church in 1981, who is now the dean of student affairs at Syracuse University. “It was a team of women. I used to go over every morning and have coffee with them.”
Robert A. Hill, who also served as pastor of the church in 1981 and now is dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University, also said that he could not remember Mr. Kirk. He added, “You’re going back 30 years, so my memory is not perfectly clear, but most of the teachers were women.”
Mr. Kirk’s background has come under fresh examination after his apology this month for errors and discrepancies about his military record. A review of public comments by Mr. Kirk over the last decade shows that he has often referred to himself in speeches, campaign commercials and interviews as a former nursery, middle and high school teacher. He taught for a year in London at a private school, after getting his master’s degree at the London School of Economics.
The church has been trying to determine whether Mr. Kirk worked there after The New York Times reported on Thursday about the brevity of Mr. Kirk’s teaching experience. Mr. Kirk, a five-term congressman, is the Republican nominee in Illinois for the Senate seat formerly held by President Obama.
Eight longtime members of the church, including two former pastors, said this week that they did not recall having a male nursery school teacher in 1981, when Mr. Kirk said he had worked there.
“I don’t remember any men who worked there,” said Thomas V. Wolfe, a pastor at the church in 1981, who is now the dean of student affairs at Syracuse University. “It was a team of women. I used to go over every morning and have coffee with them.”
Robert A. Hill, who also served as pastor of the church in 1981 and now is dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University, also said that he could not remember Mr. Kirk. He added, “You’re going back 30 years, so my memory is not perfectly clear, but most of the teachers were women.”
Mr. Kirk’s background has come under fresh examination after his apology this month for errors and discrepancies about his military record. A review of public comments by Mr. Kirk over the last decade shows that he has often referred to himself in speeches, campaign commercials and interviews as a former nursery, middle and high school teacher. He taught for a year in London at a private school, after getting his master’s degree at the London School of Economics.
Full article.....http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/19/us/politics/19kirk.html
Monday, June 7, 2010
Waukegan state Rep. Eddie Washington dies of heart attack
State lawmakers today remembered Rep. as someone who brought a unique passion to standing up for his Lake County constituents, especially those who had done wrong but needed a second chance.Washington, 56, was back in his Waukegan district Friday when he died of a heart attack, according to Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Terry Link, who's also a state senator. "Eddie always felt that if somebody had strayed and done their time for it, then they deserved another chance," Link said. "He worked in Springfield on recidivism programs, on getting people back to work if they had been behind bars for something and done their time."
Washington, a former Lake County corrections officer, was the first African American elected to the General Assembly from Lake County. He has served in Springfield since 2003. Washington was chairman of the Prison Reform Committee and the Committee on Aging, and also sat on the Mass Transit Committee, the Workers' Compensation Committee and the Appropriations Committee, according to his House biography.
"You never knew what issue would cause Eddie to get up and speak, but you knew when he did speak he was going to speak from the heart," said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
Washington, a former Lake County corrections officer, was the first African American elected to the General Assembly from Lake County. He has served in Springfield since 2003. Washington was chairman of the Prison Reform Committee and the Committee on Aging, and also sat on the Mass Transit Committee, the Workers' Compensation Committee and the Appropriations Committee, according to his House biography.
"You never knew what issue would cause Eddie to get up and speak, but you knew when he did speak he was going to speak from the heart," said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Field of flags
John DeFruscio, 7, of Collegeville, Pa., walks on the edge of a field of flags on Boston Common ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 28, 2010, in Boston.
This weekend, as you celebrate Memorial Day with your family and friends, I hope you take a few moments to reflect on the meaning of this holiday, honor the memories of our fallen servicemen and women, and thank the families whose sons and daughters cannot be with us today due to their service abroad. Their sacrifice makes our freedom and prosperity possible, and we have a duty to serve them as they have served us. That is why at the State Treasurer's Office we have partnered with local lenders to offer low-interest Citizen Soldier loans to military personnel who need help making ends meet before or after deployment. Children who lose a parent in the war on terror are eligible for our Fallen Heroes Scholarships. For more information join our Fallen Heroes Facebook group.
These are the small ways we give back to those who serve, sacrifice and fight on our behalf. You can give back, too, by helping us spread the word about these worthwhile programs. Forward this email to friends and family in the Armed Forces, Military Reserves or National Guard, and together we can ensure that our servicemen and women, and their children, remain financially secure.
These are the small ways we give back to those who serve, sacrifice and fight on our behalf. You can give back, too, by helping us spread the word about these worthwhile programs. Forward this email to friends and family in the Armed Forces, Military Reserves or National Guard, and together we can ensure that our servicemen and women, and their children, remain financially secure.
Sincerely,
Robin
Monday, May 10, 2010
Supreme Court nominee
President Barack Obama applauds with Vice President Joe Biden while introducing Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his choice to be the nation's 112th Supreme Court justice during an event in the East Room of the White House on Monday in Washington, DC. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the former Harvard Law School dean would be the first justice to join the high court without prior judicial experience since William Rehnquist in 1972. Kagan was selected by Obama to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Rep. Hoffman screams at Republicans during borrowing debate
Rep. Jay Hoffman stands up to the Republicans who always vote "No" but offer no solutions.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The IL GOP makes a big oopsie
Remember that press release from earlier today from the Illinois Republican Party?…
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is holding a press conference at Granite Innovation today for his Senate campaign. While the stated purpose of the event is to promote Giannoulias’ “new agenda to help Illinois families balance increased challenges between working to make ends meet and raising children,” perhaps the State Treasurer could ask his hosts to pay the $26,446 they owe the State of Illinois in back taxes.
Turns out, the business in question didn’t have a back tax bill. Oops. From a press release…
STATEMENT BY GIANNOULIAS CAMPAIGN SPOKESMAN MATT MCGRATH ON KIRK/ILLINOIS GOP’S MALICIOUS SMEAR OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
“Mark Kirk and his Republican allies hit a new low today, spreading an irresponsible, malicious lie in order to smear an Illinois small business owner in the furtherance of a political agenda, and the only honorable thing for Congressman Kirk to do is to repudiate his party chairman, Pat Brady, and apologize to Ms. Dandamudi immediately.
“Today’s event, hosted by Ms. Dandamudi, was intended to foster a discussion of the issues facing women and families, and was successful - notwithstanding the Illinois Republican Party’s false claims apparently intended to drown out the discussion of important issues. By participating in the process, telling her story, and showcasing her successful small business, Ms. Dandamudi, who is also a single mother, deserves better than to be maliciously and falsely smeared, particularly on behalf of a politician like Mark Kirk, who seeks to represent her in the U.S. Senate. This kind of drive-by, cheap shot, substance-free attack is exactly what is wrong with our political process, but exactly what a Washington insider like Mark Kirk traffics in. Alexi is proud to be running for Senate to be a voice for people like Ms. Dandamudi and the countless others like her who are looking for leadership and solutions to the problems they face everyday, not more of the same political games.”
The Capitol Fax Blog
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is holding a press conference at Granite Innovation today for his Senate campaign. While the stated purpose of the event is to promote Giannoulias’ “new agenda to help Illinois families balance increased challenges between working to make ends meet and raising children,” perhaps the State Treasurer could ask his hosts to pay the $26,446 they owe the State of Illinois in back taxes.
Turns out, the business in question didn’t have a back tax bill. Oops. From a press release…
STATEMENT BY GIANNOULIAS CAMPAIGN SPOKESMAN MATT MCGRATH ON KIRK/ILLINOIS GOP’S MALICIOUS SMEAR OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
“Mark Kirk and his Republican allies hit a new low today, spreading an irresponsible, malicious lie in order to smear an Illinois small business owner in the furtherance of a political agenda, and the only honorable thing for Congressman Kirk to do is to repudiate his party chairman, Pat Brady, and apologize to Ms. Dandamudi immediately.
“Today’s event, hosted by Ms. Dandamudi, was intended to foster a discussion of the issues facing women and families, and was successful - notwithstanding the Illinois Republican Party’s false claims apparently intended to drown out the discussion of important issues. By participating in the process, telling her story, and showcasing her successful small business, Ms. Dandamudi, who is also a single mother, deserves better than to be maliciously and falsely smeared, particularly on behalf of a politician like Mark Kirk, who seeks to represent her in the U.S. Senate. This kind of drive-by, cheap shot, substance-free attack is exactly what is wrong with our political process, but exactly what a Washington insider like Mark Kirk traffics in. Alexi is proud to be running for Senate to be a voice for people like Ms. Dandamudi and the countless others like her who are looking for leadership and solutions to the problems they face everyday, not more of the same political games.”
The Capitol Fax Blog
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Senate Democrats
Crowds move through Capitol, bills move through committeesThis week, committee deadline week, saw almost 200 bills move in the Illinois Senate that originated in the House. This report highlights some of the initiatives passing committees this week. Two weeks remain until the May 7 adjournment goal.
Thousands flock to Springfield to demand responsible budget
Thousands of Illinois citizens came to Springfield on Wednesday to collectively highlight their frustration of state budget crisis. The Responsible Budget Coalition Rally and Lobby Day was one of the largest rallies ever recorded at the State Capitol.
President Cullerton provided a video message to address rally attendees' budget concerns; the video was featured among the multitude of media stories that day.
New rights near for adult adoptees
The only bill the Illinois Senate passed to the Governor this week was an initiative Senator Wilhelmi moved regarding reforms to our state’s adoption laws. House Bill 5428 will give adult adopted persons the right to access a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate. Birth parents will reserve the right to have their names redacted from an adoptee's birth certificate if they choose.
Wilhelmi, Feigenholtz strike compromise for both sides >
School districts prompt Kotowskie bill
The Energy Committee this week passed HB 6419, an innovative bill sponsored by Senator Kotowski to allow school districts to join together to build and operate renewable energy sources, most likely wind turbines.
This plan originated with Carpentersville-based School District 300, Keeneyville Elementary District 20 in Hanover Park and Prospect Heights District 23. These three school districts want to use Build America Bonds and New Market Tax Credits to establish a 20-megawatt wind farm in Stark County to defray their electrical costs. The wind farm would be environmentally friendly and save the northwest suburban districts millions.
Read about more members' bills advanced this week >
To learn more about the Senate Democrats' work this week, click here >
Message from Alexi
After coming to America as an immigrant from Greece, my father decided to start his own community bank to help give others a chance at the American dream. My father and my mother are my personal heroes. Over the last 30 years, that bank has helped thousands of people start their first businesses, build homes, and follow their own dreams. I was raised in my father's business, and I am extremely proud of the lessons I learned there and the values my father taught us all. I remember learning from him at a young age that it is our responsibility as Americans to help people, show them compassion, and try to help everyone achieve their own dreams.It was because my father instilled in his sons the importance of helping others that I decided to leave the bank in 2005 to pursue public service. At the time I left, according to every independent analysis, the bank was one of the best performing in Illinois.During my campaign for State Treasurer, I took the perseverance I learned from my father and I hit the campaign trail. I told the people of Illinois the facts and shared with them my vision for the State Treasurer's office. In the middle of that campaign, my father suddenly died. It was the worst day of my life. Tragically, over the past few years, the economy has sailed into uncharted waters that even my father, in his 30 years of banking, could never have foreseen. Wall Street greed coupled with lax oversight by Washington politicians led to a deep recession that leveled a crippling blow to the commercial real estate market. In the wake of that economic tsunami, hundreds of community banks are now struggling and being forced to close their doors. Sadly, like 50 others this year alone, Broadway is no exception. The unraveling of the real estate market has taken a gigantic toll on homeowners, businesses, community banks, and families throughout our country. Tonight, after months of struggling to get out from under the weight of the collapsed economy, my father's business was sold. Broadway Bank is among almost 700 banks nationwide that have entered into regulatory agreements in the past year alone. And it is now among over 200 that have had to change ownership over the last two years. Just tonight, six other community banks in Illinois have also been closed. Unlike some larger financial firms, there was no bailout for my father's bank.It is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking day for me and my family. The bank opened the door for thousands of families that were turned away by the big banks. It has started hundreds of businesses that never would have gotten off the ground without it. My father and my brothers have changed the lives of so many families and entrepreneurs both in the Edgewater community and throughout the country. They have become an intimate part of so many customers' lives. I am immensely proud of what my father created and the lives he and my brothers have touched. While this is a surreal and extraordinary day for me, unfortunately, the struggle of family businesses across the State has become all too ordinary. But the knowledge that what has happened tonight is just a sliver of the hardship which has become endemic in our society strengthens my resolve. Ultimately, the voters will decide whether they want someone who understands first-hand the impact this economy has had on families, or someone who has been in Washington for a decade, voting for Wall Street over Illinois' interests time and time again. Rather than run on his record, Congressman Mark Kirk's entire campaign to date has revolved around hoping and praying that this family business would fail. Is that the kind of Senator we want, one that cheerleads for an Illinois business to fail while bailing out the Wall Street banks that helped get us into this mess in the first place?I am ready to make that choice abundantly clear for voters. I am ready to talk about the issues -- about cracking down on Wall Street abuses, enhancing consumer protections, revitalizing our economy and creating jobs here at home. I am ready to speak up for the families that have been far more seriously impacted by this economic crisis -- those who cannot find a job or whose own small businesses are struggling.The fact is that if we had more people in Washington like the millions of Americans who have been personally touched by the economic carnage created by the policies of the last ten years, our country might not be in the mess it is in today. Those families need a voice. They need someone in Washington who will speak up for them, someone who isn't beholden to the corporate special interests and someone who won't be a rubber stamp for Wall Street's recklessness.While today was a devastating day for me and my family, what happened today makes me want to fight even harder for Illinois families that have lost their jobs, their homes, and their own businesses. While my situation is far different than most people's, and my family will emerge from today more fortunate than most, I have a renewed vigor and a new perspective on just how horrible it is out there for so many people. It is that perspective which compels me to work harder, fight with even more passion, and make sure that the lessons my father taught me every day live on in this campaign.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pirtle Re-elected
Today at the Illinois Democrat County Chairmen's
Association's reorganization meeting Alan Pirtle,
Monroe county chairman,was re-elected
president of the organization.
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association (ILDCCA) is a grass roots organization comprised of the Democratic county chairman from each of Illinois' 102 counties. The ILDCCA is a driving force behind building the Democratic Party from the ground up with the basic mission of electing Democrats from the county courthouse to the White House.
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association (ILDCCA) is a grass roots organization comprised of the Democratic county chairman from each of Illinois' 102 counties. The ILDCCA is a driving force behind building the Democratic Party from the ground up with the basic mission of electing Democrats from the county courthouse to the White House.
IDCCA metting
Top - Alan Pirtle introduces Gov. Pat Quinn and Lt. Gov. nominee Sheila Simon.
Center - Gov. Pat Quinn addresses the IDCCA.
Bottom - Lt. Gov. nominee Sheila Simon takes her turn at the podium.
Friday, March 26, 2010
McHaney Appointed
Congratulations to the Honorable Judge Michael McHaney on his recent annonucement from the Illinois Supreme Court. Remeber Judge McHaney will still be on the ballot in the general election in November and would still appreciate your VOTE.
Quinn backing Sheila Simon for lieutenant governor
SPRINGFIELD - — Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn made an about-face on his choice for a running mate and plans to unveil Sheila Simon, the daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, as his preferred candidate for lieutenant governor, sources familiar with the selection said Thursday night.The sources, who asked not to be identified so as to not pre-empt Quinn's public announcement on Friday, said the governor rejected another top contender for the post, state Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest. She has been reluctant to fully embrace his call for an income tax increase. Simon has said she would back the governor's plan.The state Democratic Central Committee is set to vote on a running mate Saturday in Springfield, and Quinn has said he hopes they will endorse his recommendation.Full article..... http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/ct-met-lt-gov-0326-20100325,0,777180,full.story
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Quinn Signs Bill to Move Illinois’ Primary
SPRINGFIELD - March 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that moves Illinois’ general primary election to the third Tuesday in March of even-numbered years. Currently, the primary election is held on the first Tuesday in February of even-numbered years.
Live Audio Stream of the Press Conference
“Having the general primary election in March will increase voter turnout and encourage the people to have a greater voice in the election process, which is what democracy is all about,” said Governor Quinn. “It provides voters with more time to delve into the issues and to know the candidates who seek to represent them.”
Senate Bill 355, sponsored by Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), was passed with overwhelming support in the General Assembly. Among those also supporting the new law is: AARP, Cook County Clerk, Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders and the Montgomery County Clerk. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.
In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly moved the primary election from the third Tuesday in March, when it had been held since the 1970s, to the first Tuesday in February. The move was made to ensure that the Illinois primary would be relevant in the 2008 presidential contest.
However, supporters of the new law determined the combination of Illinois’ winter weather and campaign activity so soon after the holidays led to decreased turnout among voters at the Feb. 2, 2010 general primary election.
Live Audio Stream of the Press Conference
“Having the general primary election in March will increase voter turnout and encourage the people to have a greater voice in the election process, which is what democracy is all about,” said Governor Quinn. “It provides voters with more time to delve into the issues and to know the candidates who seek to represent them.”
Senate Bill 355, sponsored by Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), was passed with overwhelming support in the General Assembly. Among those also supporting the new law is: AARP, Cook County Clerk, Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders and the Montgomery County Clerk. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.
In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly moved the primary election from the third Tuesday in March, when it had been held since the 1970s, to the first Tuesday in February. The move was made to ensure that the Illinois primary would be relevant in the 2008 presidential contest.
However, supporters of the new law determined the combination of Illinois’ winter weather and campaign activity so soon after the holidays led to decreased turnout among voters at the Feb. 2, 2010 general primary election.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
55th Senate District Candidate
CHARLESTON—Josh Weger announced his candidacy for state senate today. He is running for the seat currently held by GOP Senator Dale Righter.“Families across the state are struggling and we need to create jobs now,” said Weger. “People are looking to their elected officials to rise above partisan rhetoric and come up with real solutions,” add Weger.
Weger, a 31 year old Democrat from Lawrenceville, Illinois, is an expert in economic development and job creation. He works everyday to bring jobs back to Illinois as the Southeast Region Manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In addition he also serves as a board member of the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority which focuses on economic development in our area.
“I am running for senate to bring my expertise in job creation to the state legislature,” said Mr. Weger. “The legislature needs to do more to create jobs and I have the skills to get the economy going again."
Due to the absence of a Democratic candidate on the ballot in the February primary, the Democratic county chairmen are able to select a candidate for the General Election. They convened last night and Mr. Weger was chosen as the candidate because of his experience creating jobs and his record of public service.
About Josh Weger—Josh has lived in Southeastern Illinois entire life and comes from a long line of blue collar workers. Josh attended Lincoln Trail College and then transferred to the University of Illinois at Springfield where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Josh went to work at the Illinois Auditor General’s Office where he worked to root out waste and corruption in state government. He was able to pursue his passion for economic development at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, where he has been a key player in bringing FutureGen to Mattoon. While working at DCEO, Josh completed his master’s in Political Science. He currently resides in Lawrenceville.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Effingham County Democrats Reorganization
Officers Elected:
Chairman - Randy Becker
First Vice Chairman - Leon Gobczynski
Second Vice Chairman - Audrey Griffith
Secretary - James Hammer
Treasurer - Shirley McEvers
First Vice Chairman - Leon Gobczynski
Second Vice Chairman - Audrey Griffith
Secretary - James Hammer
Treasurer - Shirley McEvers
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Left and right united in opposition to controversial SCOTUS decision
Much has been made of late about the hyper-partisan political environment in America. On Tuesday, Sen. Evan Bayh explained his surprising recent decision to leave the Senate by lamenting a "dysfunctional" political system riddled with "brain-dead partisanship." It seems you'd be hard-pressed to get Republicans and Democrats inside and outside of Washington to agree on anything these days, that if one party publicly stated its intention to add a "puppies are adorable" declaration to its platform, that the other party would immediately launch a series of anti-puppy advertisements.
But it appears that one issue does unite Americans across the political spectrum.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that the vast majority of Americans are vehemently opposed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that opens the door for corporations, labor unions, and other organizations to spend money directly from their general funds to influence campaigns.
As noted by the Post's Dan Eggen, the poll's findings show "remarkably strong agreement" across the board, with roughly 80% of Americans saying that they're against the Court's 5-4 decision. Even more remarkable may be that opposition by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents were all near the same 80% opposition range. Specifically, 85% of Democrats, 81% of Independents, and 76% of Republicans opposed it. In short, "everyone hates" the ruling.
But it appears that one issue does unite Americans across the political spectrum.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that the vast majority of Americans are vehemently opposed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that opens the door for corporations, labor unions, and other organizations to spend money directly from their general funds to influence campaigns.
As noted by the Post's Dan Eggen, the poll's findings show "remarkably strong agreement" across the board, with roughly 80% of Americans saying that they're against the Court's 5-4 decision. Even more remarkable may be that opposition by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents were all near the same 80% opposition range. Specifically, 85% of Democrats, 81% of Independents, and 76% of Republicans opposed it. In short, "everyone hates" the ruling.
Full article..... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts1137
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A history lesson for the `It must be Turner!' crowd
In 2004, Republican U.S. Senate primary nominee Jack Ryan was "forced" off the ballot when it became clear to him and party officials that his candidacy was badly compromised by information that had come out about him after the election-- information about his sexual predilections that was far less disquieting than the allegations and admissions in Scott Lee Cohen's past, but never mind.
I don't recall from Democrats nearly the level of phony indignation that I'm hearing today from Republicans about a denial of democracy and voters being cheated out of the candidate they chose. But I do recall distinctly that when the GOP went to replace Ryan, it ignored not only the second place finisher in the primary but all the other primary candidates. And I recall very little outrage and indignation on their behalf.
2004 Illinois U.S. Senate Primary Results
Jack Ryan 35.5%
Jim Oberweis 23.5%
Steven Rauschenberger 20.0%
Andy McKenna 14.7%
Jonathan Wright 2.6%
John Borling 2.0%
Norm Hill 0.9%
Chirinjeev Kathuria 0.8%
The party, quite sensibly, wanted to nominate the single best candidate to engage the Democratic nominee, Barack Obama. Quite crazily, then, however, it handed the nomination to the entertainingly batty Alan Keyes of Maryland. You know the rest.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., dies at 77
Rep. John Murtha, a retired Marine Corps officer who became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77.
The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said.
Murtha was an officer in the Marine Reserves when he was elected in 1974. He was best known for being among Congress' most hawkish Democrats. He wielded considerable clout for two decades as the ranking Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending.
The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said.
Murtha was an officer in the Marine Reserves when he was elected in 1974. He was best known for being among Congress' most hawkish Democrats. He wielded considerable clout for two decades as the ranking Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
State Totals
Governor - Dem Primary
Name Party Votes Vote %
Quinn , Pat 460,391 50%
Hynes , Daniel 452,304 50%
Lieutenant Governor - Dem Primary
Cohen , Scott 212,902 26%
Turner , Arthur L. 182,432 22%
Hendon , Rickey 113,273 14%
Boland , Mike 105,551 13%
Castillo , Thomas 105,056 13%
Link , Terry 99,972 12%
Comptroller - Dem Primary
Miller , David 392,000 47%
Krishnamoorthi , Raja 383,672 46%
Krislov , Clint 63,859 8%
Treasurer - Dem Primary
Kelly , Robin 470,553 58%
Oberman , Justin 342,138 42%
Name Party Votes Vote %
Quinn , Pat 460,391 50%
Hynes , Daniel 452,304 50%
Lieutenant Governor - Dem Primary
Cohen , Scott 212,902 26%
Turner , Arthur L. 182,432 22%
Hendon , Rickey 113,273 14%
Boland , Mike 105,551 13%
Castillo , Thomas 105,056 13%
Link , Terry 99,972 12%
Comptroller - Dem Primary
Miller , David 392,000 47%
Krishnamoorthi , Raja 383,672 46%
Krislov , Clint 63,859 8%
Treasurer - Dem Primary
Kelly , Robin 470,553 58%
Oberman , Justin 342,138 42%
"We gave it everything we had"
Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes hugs his wife, Dr. Christina Hynes, after conceding to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn in the democratic Governor primary race at the Hynes campaign headquarters in Chicago. "Friends, we gave it everything we had," said Hynes.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
More campaign ads — and maybe confusion
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., left, accompanied by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. talks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, to dicuss campaign finance reform after the Supreme Court ruling.
WASHINGTON - There'll be a lot more special-interest money in political campaigns. And maybe even more confusion for voters trying to sort out who is behind the increasing clamor of TV messages.
The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision Thursday to allow corporations and unions to spend freely on elections seems certain to boost the political power of big business and labor. And perhaps diminish the clout of the political parties.
Its impact will be felt immediately. This year's midterm House and Senate campaigns already are under way.
The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision Thursday to allow corporations and unions to spend freely on elections seems certain to boost the political power of big business and labor. And perhaps diminish the clout of the political parties.
Its impact will be felt immediately. This year's midterm House and Senate campaigns already are under way.
The decision also opens the door for more challenges to already weakened campaign finance laws. The Supreme Court may be asked to go even further and let corporations and unions coordinate with campaigns or donate directly to them.
It's too early to say which political party Thursday's ruling benefits more. But Democrats, who draw a lot of support from less-wealthy unions, seemed glum, while Republicans, who tend to be backed by big-spending corporations, celebrated.
"It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans," said President Barack Obama, striking a populist tone.
But Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the top Senate Republican, said: "For too long, some in this country have been deprived of full participation in the political process. Our democracy depends upon free speech, not just for some but for all."
The ruling lowered the six-decade wall separating corporations and unions from candidates for president and Congress, allowing the wealthy entities to spend as much as they want from their general treasuries to run advertisements advocating the victory or defeat of candidates at any point before elections.
It's likely to prompt businesses and labor to dole out unfathomable amounts of money in campaigns nationwide. The goal: elect the people who will do their bidding, while defeating those who won't.
And that means these special interests now will hold even more sway over elected officials than they already do, and certainly more than the average person. As has long been the case in politics, whoever has more money has more clout — and potentially more access to power.
It's too early to say which political party Thursday's ruling benefits more. But Democrats, who draw a lot of support from less-wealthy unions, seemed glum, while Republicans, who tend to be backed by big-spending corporations, celebrated.
"It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans," said President Barack Obama, striking a populist tone.
But Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the top Senate Republican, said: "For too long, some in this country have been deprived of full participation in the political process. Our democracy depends upon free speech, not just for some but for all."
The ruling lowered the six-decade wall separating corporations and unions from candidates for president and Congress, allowing the wealthy entities to spend as much as they want from their general treasuries to run advertisements advocating the victory or defeat of candidates at any point before elections.
It's likely to prompt businesses and labor to dole out unfathomable amounts of money in campaigns nationwide. The goal: elect the people who will do their bidding, while defeating those who won't.
And that means these special interests now will hold even more sway over elected officials than they already do, and certainly more than the average person. As has long been the case in politics, whoever has more money has more clout — and potentially more access to power.
Full Article..... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34983056
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Retirement announcement
U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) announces that he will retire after his current term outside his home in East Haddam, Conn. on Wednesday. Dodd, who served five terms, is chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2008. Dodd's wife Jackie and daughter Christina are at his right.
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