Effingham County Democrats

Dates to Remember

2012-01-29T20:55:00.000-06:00

Primary - Tuesday, March 20, 2012

First Day to Early Vote -
Monday, February 27, 2012

Coroner Candidate

2012-01-29T20:53:00.000-06:00

"I am Dr. Theodore D "Ted" Fifer MD FACS. I am running for the position of Effingham County Coroner in the Democrat Primary election March 20, 2012.

Elsa, my wife of 23 years, and I have been residents of Effingham for almost 20 years. I practiced surgery in Effingham for 18 1/2 years until complications from arthritis made the use of my hands unsafe for surgical procedures. Elsa is a practicing RN BSN in the field of surgical and intensive care unit nursing. Our 2 sons, Theo and Jack, were born here and attended Sacred Heart and St. Anthony schools. In addition to holding an active license to practice medicine in Illinois and Michigan I am certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery and hold a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. I took BA and AS degrees in Chemistry. The Coroner is the translator of medical facts to the government and the people. I chose to run for the office of Coroner in order to continue to bring the benefit of my education and experience to the people of Effingham county using knowledge and skills gathered over 30 combined years of higher education and medical practice."

Danny Stover Press Release

2011-12-07T19:09:00.004-06:00

PRESS RELEASE,

DECEMBER 5, 2011

Danny L. Stover announced today that he will file a petition to run for the Illinois Senate in the 54^th district. The new district covers eight counties including Marion, Clinton, Bond, Fayette, and parts of Washington, St. Clair, Madison and Effingham

When elected I plan to set an example by returning ten percent of my pay and any raises during the next term to the state or other worthy non profit causes in the district. I also pledge to limit my time in the Senate to two terms. While I would not require term limits on others I will impose them on myself.

Stover said,” I believe that I offer voters an opportunity to return to the center of the political spectrum. Most people reject the extremes of politics such as the “Occupy’ groups on the left and the tea party on the right. They do not represent the beliefs of voters in our district. Our economy is a wreck and I will concentrate my efforts on job creation and retention and the protection of state jobs such as Murray Center and Centralia and Vandalia Correctional centers in the district. I will also work to stop the exportation of jobs to other countries. Our district can not afford to lose jobs due to petty political bickering and attacks from opposition representatives who offer no solutions and insist on being obstructionists.”

Stover continued,” It is a sad situation when the biggest deadbeat in the state is the State. Our state government has done much to hurt and destroy suppliers, vendors, and small businesses by not paying its bills. I also oppose unfunded mandates to local, county, and city governments. The recent attack on Regional Superintendents of Education that would pass the burden on to Counties and townships is but one example. Such buck-passing is an insult to all tax payers.

I stand for the creation, retention, and protection of jobs for workers in the private sector and public works. I insist that the rich should pay their fair share of taxes. I believe that corporations have too much financial influence and control over our politicians and government. Corruption and dishonest financial influence in government destroys our system. I believe that government should help those who want jobs and are losing their homes or their health. Everyone is entitled to quality health care. We should invest in the future of Illinois by paying competent teachers a competitive wage. I believe in supporting Community Colleges. We need protective standards for clean water, clean air, and the environment. We need solutions to our problems rather than blame, finger pointing, and the obstructions of angry old political tactics.

I will stand against corruption and corporate control of government for the benefit of the wealthy and powerful. I am opposed to health care for a healthy profit only. We have enough restrictions on guns and I will protect the rights of law-abiding hunters and sportsmen. I oppose pollution for profit. I oppose corporate bailouts and asset relief programs that fail to help citizens in need and only feed the greed at the top. Finally, I will fight against higher taxes for the middle and lower class.”

Stover is a current member of the Marion County Board and a past member of the Centralia City Council.

Stover for Illinois State Senate- District 54

918 Third Street
Centralia, IL 62801

618 322-2812 dannystover54@gmail.com

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on Senate Republicans’ Vote to Block Job Growth Through U.S. Infrastructure Development

2011-11-06T19:38:00.002-06:00

Following the vote by Republicans in the U.S. Senate to block legislation that would create jobs and grow the economy through the development of our nation’s infrastructure, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“It’s almost hard to believe: This is now the third time in a matter of weeks that Republicans in the Senate have voted in unison to block part or all of the American Jobs Act, which would create jobs and strengthen our economy. First, Republicans filibustered the President’s jobs bill in its entirety—then, when President Obama and Democrats tried to move forward with legislation that would prevent hundreds of thousands of teachers and first responders from losing their jobs, the Senate GOP shot that down, too.“Today, they did it again—voting to block legislation that would make an immediate $50 billion investment in America’s roads and bridges and a $10 billion investment to create a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank. This bill would create hundreds of thousands of jobs for construction workers who will rebuild our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, rails and runways—and it would help transform our infrastructure to keep American businesses competitive in the global economy. But Republicans keep standing in the way.“With too many Americans looking for work and middle-class families struggling to get ahead, this is unacceptable. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to stop putting partisan politics before the needs of the American people. It’s time for them to come to the table and work with the President to pass the American Jobs Act and move our country forward.”

Hillary Clinton’s mother, Dorothy Rodham, dies at 92

2011-11-01T18:29:00.002-05:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's mother, Dorothy Howell Rodham, died shortly after midnight Tuesday surrounded by her family, the Clinton family said in a statement. She was 92.
On Monday, Clinton had canceled a planned trip to the United Kingdom and Turkey to care for her ailing mother.
"Dorothy Howell Rodham was born in Chicago on June 4, 1919 and died shortly after midnight on November 1, 2011 in Washington, D.C., surrounded by her family," the Clinton family said in the statement sent to journalists by the State Department Tuesday morning.
"Her story was a quintessentially American one, largely because she wrote it herself," it said. "She overcame abandonment and hardship as a young girl to become the remarkable woman she was—a warm, generous and strong woman; an intellectual; a woman who told a great joke and always got the joke; an extraordinary friend and, most of all, a loving wife, mother and grandmother."

Never Forget

2011-09-11T07:24:00.001-05:00

Senate Districts

2011-07-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

2011-07-01T20:55:00.002-05:00

Senate Democrats to Present over $1 Billion in Cuts for Consideration

2011-05-03T21:17:00.005-05:00

Starting today, the Senate intends to take up a series of budget cutting amendments in committee and for final floor action this week in an effort to cut more than $1 billion from the governor’s proposed spending plan in order to bring about a balanced budget.

The Senate’s plan is to return to the open budgeting process of committee and Senate Floor votes on specific program cuts and agency budgets. Read more about budget cuts... http://illinoissenatedemocrats.org/index.php/component/content/article/109-information/1835-senate-democrats-to-present-over-1-billion-in-cuts-for-consideration

Central Illinois residents ask for legislative districts that don't divide counties

2011-04-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

SPRINGFIELD - Democrats drawing the state's new political boundaries should avoid dividing downstate counties into multiple districts, two Central Illinois men told a Senate panel Wednesday. Dennis Fisher of Shelby County and Randy Becker of Effingham County testified that the current political maps have caused confusion among residents because multiple senators, representatives and congressmen represent the region. "We would like to see the county kept intact," Fisher said. "We feel we sometimes get lost in the shuffle," Becker added. The two were among a number of people testifying in the first downstate session of the Senate Redistricting Committee, which is holding hearings about the state's new political map. more..... http://www.herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/article_bba9fcfa-a85f-5005-adbe-313faf043f3a.html

Meet the Man Who Should Have Been Governor

2011-03-15T18:40:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, I spoke to Glenn Poshard, the Democratic candidate for governor in 1998.

He’s president of Southern Illinois University now. I called him to talk about the union-busting that went on in Decatur when he was a congressman and I was a reporter for the local newspaper, the Herald & Review.

The A.E. Staley Mfg. Co. locked out its workers for more than two years until they capitulated and accepted the company’s contract. Poshard tried, unsuccessfully, to resolve the dispute.

I reminded Poshard that I’d profiled him for the Chicago Reader during the 1998 campaign.

“Oh, yes,” I remember, he said. “You were very kind to us.”

“I wish I could have been a little kinder,” I said.

“Well, that’s just one of those things that happens in life.”

I was sorry Poshard lost in 1998. Thirteen years later, I’m twice as sorry, because now we know that his victory would have spared us two of the crookedest governors in Illinois history: George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Ryan never would have served, and Blagojevich couldn’t have run against an incumbent Democrat in 2002.

Poshard, who grew up in deep Southern Illinois, lost as a result of qualities that were part of life in his rural, Bible Belt hometown: He was a religious conservative, and he didn’t have any money. A Baptist, Poshard called himself a “whole life Democrat,” meaning he opposed abortion but favored aid to poor families. The gay community was outraged when an aide suggested that doctors who opposed homosexuality shouldn’t have to treat gay patients.

Poshard ended up losing the lakefront to Ryan, who had reinvented himself as a liberal since helping Phyllis Schlafly stamp out the Equal Rights Amendment in the early 1980s. Poshard learned the same lesson Bill Brady learned last year: a social conservative cannot be elected governor of Illinois.

During the campaign, Poshard also refused to take PAC money, instead encouraging his supporters to send him 10 bucks apiece. Ryan was less scrupulous about the sources of his financing -- he took PAC money, five-figure private donations and bribes. As a result, he outspent Poshard 4-to-1.

In the last weeks of the election, Poshard tried to bring up the licenses-for-bribes scandal, which resulted in the deaths of six children in a crash caused by an unqualified trucker who’d bought his license at one Ryan’s Secretary of State offices. He was shouted down by the Chicago Tribune and Sen. Paul Simon. If we’d known the truth about the scandal, Poshard would have won. Ryan might be a retired Secretary of State puttering around Kankakee, and Blagojevich would still be a vain, shallow congressman, instead of a vain, shallow felon. The recent history of Illinois would be entirely different.

It’s just one of those things that happen in life.

BY Edward McClelland // Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 11:45 CDT

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/The-Governor-Who-Should-Have-Been-117935489

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

2011-03-06T20:27:00.002-06:00

CHICAGO – March 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:
Bill No.: HB 1410
Allows the Executive Ethics Commission to define the value of gifts prohibited by the ethics act.
An Act Concerning: State Government
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1525
Extends the EDGE tax credit to the NALCO water purification and treatment company.
An Act Concerning: Revenue
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1565
Fixes the formula for calculating interest owed on furlough day credit “bought back” by state employees.
An Act Concerning: Revenue
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 1606
Requires municipalities and counties to notify an applicant for certain demolition or renovation permits
of the requirement to file a notification with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
An Act Concerning: Local Government
Action: Signed
Effective Date: 90 days after becoming law

Bill No.: HB 2022
Enables the City of Country Club Hills to use quick-take proceedings under eminent domain authority
for the purpose of connecting two commercial developments as a part of their ongoing I-57/I-80 Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) District project.
An Act Concerning: Civil Law
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 6063
Permits the Department of Aging to fund a demonstration program of bundled services to clients who
qualify for Community Care Program (CCP) and reside in projects designated as Comprehensive Care
Residential Settings (CCRS).
An Act Concerning: State Government
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 6881
Amends a provision allowing individuals on MSR to earn a reduction for earning a GED to also earn a
reduction for High School Diplomas.
An Act Concerning: Criminal Law
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
###

Auditor: State's pension hole grew in 2010

2011-03-06T20:02:00.003-06:00

Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, left, and Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago, right, look on as lawmakers argue state pension legislation while on the House floor in Springfield on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

SPRINGFIELD -- The financial hole in Illinois' government pension systems grew even larger last year, the state auditor reported Thursday, a problem that tends to increase pressure on a state budget already stretched too far.

The long-term gap between what Illinois owes future retirees and the money available to pay them jumped 21 percent under a new measuring system, Auditor General William Holland reported. Even under the old system, the gap grew by 10 percent.

Illinois government employees, downstate teachers and university staff have been promised $139 billion worth of retirement benefits, but the pension systems have only $63 billion in assets. Eventually, the state will have to come up with money to make up that difference.

As state government devotes more money to government pensions, it leaves less for education, law enforcement, human services and other needs.

Illinois borrowed about $3.7 billion this year to help make the annual contribution to retirement systems. The amount owed in the next budget will top $5.4 billion, the auditor said.

Full article.... http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/article_67515d6e-4667-11e0-b940-001cc4c03286.html

15-3 Illinois Map: First Attempt

2011-01-12T18:45:00.002-06:00

The goal of this map is to reduce the number of Republican representatives in Illinois from the current 11 to 3. I must admit that my ideal would be for every single state to have a non-partisan commission to do redistricting. Doing partisan maps such as this is indeed playing "ugly." However, as long as Republicans continue to push the envelope on this issue (including unprecedented mid-decade remaps like the one in Texas) there is no reason the Democratic Party should not likewise draw partisan maps in the states where it controls the process.

silver spring :: 15-3 Illinois Map: First Attempt

This is my first try at Illinois using Dave's Application. It's really a type of "first-draft" for me because the Application currently does not provide partisan data. I focused here more on demographics -- making sure the three African-American majority seats and single Hispanic majority seat are preserved, as well as creating a second Hispanic-majority seat. In several past diaries on Illinois, I read comments that a second seat might not be viable. However, I think a viable second seat can be created without too much trouble on the south side of Chicago -- one that's at least 63% Hispanic (under this proposed plan) while preserving the north side seat (which is 59% Hispanic under this map). I intentionally made the "south-side" seat relatively more Hispanic as that area is composed mostly of Mexican-Americans, while the "north-side" seat encompasses people of mostly Puerto Rican descent who are all citizens and therefore does not need to be as Hispanic.

Full article......
http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/8229/153-illinois-map-first-attempt

Missouri, Illinois to lose one congressional seat each

2011-01-04T19:06:00.002-06:00

WASHINGTON -- Slow population growth will reduce national political influence in both Missouri and Illinois starting in 2012, as Census Bureau figures released Tuesday cut each state’s congressional delegations by one.

Missouri will drop to 8 congressional seats from 9; while Illinois will lose one seat and drop to 18. The drop also means each state loses a vote in the Electoral College that formally elects the president. The losses will kick off intense political battles in both states as state legislatures convene to redraw the congressional boundaries early next year.

With each state losing a seat, the redistricting process will be a quest for power, as both parties seek to create districts that are safe for existing incumbents. At least one incumbent will be out of luck in each state and would have to face another incumbent in either a primary or general election to battle for the right to go back to Congress in 2012.

Medal of Honor

2010-11-17T19:17:00.001-06:00

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.

Effingham County Democrats Golf Outing Winners!

2010-10-03T08:19:00.004-05:00

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.

Alexi at Joe's Pizza in Effingham

2010-08-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Illinois Voters could pick 2 Senators in same election

2010-07-25T10:23:00.004-05:00

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

Senator Byrd dies

2010-06-28T19:00:00.001-05:00

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.

School Officials Say Candidate Overstated His Role

2010-06-20T07:35:00.003-05:00

By EMMA GRAVES FITZSIMMONS and JEFF ZELENY
Published: June 18, 2010

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.

“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.

Full article.....http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/19/us/politics/19kirk.html

Waukegan state Rep. Eddie Washington dies of heart attack

2010-06-07T18:19:00.001-05:00

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.

Field of flags

2010-05-31T09:21:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-05-31T09:12:00.002-05:00

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.

Sincerely,

Robin

Supreme Court nominee

2010-05-10T19:19:00.003-05:00

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.

Rep. Hoffman screams at Republicans during borrowing debate

2010-05-07T19:35:00.002-05:00

Rep. Jay Hoffman stands up to the Republicans who always vote "No" but offer no solutions.

The IL GOP makes a big oopsie

2010-05-06T21:13:00.005-05:00

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

Senate Democrats

2010-04-25T14:47:00.002-05:00

Crowds move through Capitol, bills move through committees
This 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

2010-04-25T14:19:00.003-05:00

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.

Pirtle Re-elected

2010-03-27T18:59:00.010-05:00

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.

IDCCA metting

2010-03-27T18:04:00.001-05:00

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.

McHaney Appointed

2010-03-26T20:14:00.002-05:00

Effective July 3, 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court Appoints the Hon. Michael D. McHaney to fill the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court position presently held by the Hon. Kathleen Moran, who is retiring.

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

2010-03-26T19:27:00.003-05:00

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

Quinn Signs Bill to Move Illinois’ Primary

2010-03-17T15:33:00.001-05:00

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.

55th Senate District Candidate

2010-03-09T22:54:00.000-06:00

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.

Effingham County Democrats Reorganization

2010-03-04T19:09:00.004-06:00

Officers Elected:

Chairman - Randy Becker
First Vice Chairman - Leon Gobczynski
Second Vice Chairman - Audrey Griffith
Secretary - James Hammer
Treasurer - Shirley McEvers

Left and right united in opposition to controversial SCOTUS decision

2010-02-18T06:29:00.001-06:00

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.

Full article..... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts1137

A history lesson for the `It must be Turner!' crowd

2010-02-10T19:20:00.002-06:00

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.

Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., dies at 77

2010-02-08T19:19:00.004-06:00

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.

State Totals

2010-02-04T20:27:00.003-06:00

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%

"We gave it everything we had"

2010-02-04T19:36:00.001-06:00

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.

Effingham County Totals

2010-02-03T20:37:00.001-06:00

Effingham County Totals

2010-02-03T20:19:00.002-06:00

Effingham County Totals

2010-02-03T19:25:00.000-06:00

Unoffical Totals

2010-02-03T18:23:00.003-06:00

More campaign ads — and maybe confusion

2010-01-21T20:43:00.002-06:00

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 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.

Full Article..... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34983056

Retirement announcement

2010-01-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

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.

State Central Committee

2009-12-09T20:04:00.003-06:00

Bernard Schoenburg: Lack of meetings concerns some Democrats

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted Dec 06, 2009 @ 12:04 AM

The pay’s not great, but the meeting schedule is light. Still, seats on the Democratic State Central Committee in each of the three congressional districts that include Springfield are being contested in the Feb. 2 Democratic primary.
Democrats voting in the primary elect one man and one woman from each of the state’s 19 congressional districts to be on the committee, which is the official governing body of the Democratic Party. There is no pay.
And for more than a year, there has been no meeting. The party chairman is House Speaker MICHAEL MADIGAN, D-Chicago. As his spokesman STEVE BROWN recalls, the last formal meeting was before the 2008 Democratic National Convention, when the party had to name “superdelegates” to that conclave.
The lack of formal meetings bothers some.

Full Article.........http://www.sj-r.com/schoenburg/x1945280830/Lack-of-meetings-concerns-some-Dems

Obama on troop surge: 'We must keep the pressure on al-Qaida'

2009-12-01T21:51:00.003-06:00

by Mark Silva and updated again at 9:05 pm EST
President Barack Obama, swiftly deploying an added 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, told a national television audience tonight that Americans "have no interest in fighting an endless war'' and promised to begin withdrawing forces from the embattled nation in July 2011.
The surge of forces which Obama has ordered will raise the U.S. commitment to 98,000 troops by next summer, at an estimated added cost of about $30 billion a year. The pace of the subsequent draw-down, however, remains uncertain - depending on "conditions on the ground.''
Both the initial military boost and announced start of a planned withdrawal are intended to weaken and ultimately defeat the Taliban and to train Afghan security forces, administration officials say.
Their goal, the president said, is "to seize the initiative,'' finally, in a war that started on Sept. 11, 2001, and is not going well after eight years, build Afghanistan's capacity to secure itself and then allow for "a responsible transition of our forces out of Afghanistan.''

Full Article........http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/12/obama_afghan_plan_transfers_co.html

2010 Illinois Democratic Primary Ticket

2009-11-04T21:36:00.003-06:00

United States Senator: Alexander “Alexi” Giannoulias—(Chicago); David Hoffman—(Chicago); Robert Marshall—(Burr Ridge); Jacob J. Meister—(Chicago); Corey Dabney—(Aurora); Cheryle Jackson—(Chicago); Willie “Will” Boyd Jr.—(Greenville)

Governor: Daniel W. Hynes—(Chicago); Pat Quinn—(Chicago)

Lt. Governor: Rickey R. Hendon—(Chicago); Terry Link—(Waukegan); Arthur L. Turner—(Chicago); Scott Lee Cohen—(Chicago); Thomas Michael Castillo—(Elmhurst); Mike Boland—(East Moline)

Attorney General: Lisa Madigan—(Chicago)
Secretary of State: Jesse White—(Chicago)

Comptroller: Raja S. Krishnamoorthi—(Hoffman Estates); David E. Miller—(Lynwood); Clinton A. “Clint” Krislov—(Wilmette)

Treasurer: Justin P. Oberman—(Chicago); Robin Kelly—(Matteson)

2009 Democrat Effingham County Primary Candidates

2009-11-03T21:28:00.005-06:00

COUNTY CLERK: No Candidate

COUNTY TREASURER:
Steven W Dasenbrock

COUNTY SHERIFF:
Harold “Harry” Davis
Herman (Junior) Willis

SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS: No Candidate

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICTS:
District B: Don Althoff
District D: (2 Year Unexpired Term) Gene R Jackson
District F: No Candidate Filed
District H: Mike Brown
District I: Larry Vahling

2009 Republican Effingham County Primary Candidates

2009-11-03T21:22:00.000-06:00

COUNTY CLERK:
Kerry J Hirtzel

COUNTY TREASURER:
No Candidate

COUNTY SHERIFF:
Kristopher “Kris” K Lipe
John H Monnet

SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS:
Pamela Braun

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICTS:
District B: James Niemann
District D: (2 Year Unexpired Term) David Campbell
District F: Jeffrey L Simpson
District H: Mark A Percival
District I: No Candidate

Quinn aide resigns after probe revealed

2009-11-02T22:10:00.001-06:00

BY DAVE McKINNEY AND CHRIS FUSCO Staff Reporters ,Chicago Sun Times
A top aide to Gov. Quinn has left her $119,158-a-year job amid a state government probe into whether she had done political work on state time.
Carolyn Brown Hodge, Quinn's deputy chief of staff, resigned late Friday after the Chicago Sun-Times asked the governor's office about the situation.
Hodge's state computer was seized by the Office of the Executive Inspector General to determine whether the equipment might have been used for any political purposes, a source said.
Quinn spokesman Bob Reed confirmed Hodge's resignation but would neither confirm nor deny the existence of a state probe into Hodge, who had served under Quinn since he was lieutenant governor.

Full article... http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1859435,CST-NWS-GOV02.article

Health plans coping with state payment delays

2009-10-22T17:36:00.003-05:00

By DEAN OLSEN (dean.olsen@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Health Alliance Medical Plans will continue to pay medical bills for state workers, retirees and their dependents, even though Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration will stop paying the state’s share of monthly premiums for 3 1/2 months.
The state budget crisis prompted state officials to notify health-insurance companies this month about the delays, said Pat Frueh, acting chief of health-care purchasing for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
“We had to come up with a cash-shortfall plan,” she said.
Jocelyn Browning, spokeswoman for Health Alliance, said the state has never before failed to pay monthly premiums in the 30 years that Health Alliance has insured state workers.
At least for now, she said, “It shouldn’t affect our members. We’re still playing claims.”
Health Alliance covers 78,600 state employees, retirees and dependents. The state’s average monthly premium payment to Health Alliance was $33 million, Browning said. Health Alliance last received a payment from the state Aug. 26.
A spokeswoman for Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois wouldn’t say whether the premium delays will result in Blue Cross paying bills late or refusing to pay them.

Full article.......http://www.sj-r.com/state/x637607851/Health-Alliance-paying-state-workers-medical-bills-despite-going-unpaid-itself

Poll: Voters say cut, but don't cut or tax us

2009-10-21T19:26:00.002-05:00

By RYAN KEITH (ryan.keith@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

State policymakers looking for the least painful ways to fix a major budget problem won’t find much help from a new poll that shows many voters against both tax increases and spending cuts in major areas.

The poll of 800 registered voters, conducted between Sept. 9 and Oct. 8 for the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, lays out the tough choices lawmakers face to deal with a budget billions of dollars in the red.
The results largely mirror the fence-sitting seen a year ago when the institute first polled on these issues.
More than 56 percent polled believe spending cuts in government can fix the Illinois’ budget problems. Fewer than 10 percent think more revenue, such as through tax increases, is the answer. Another 27 percent say a combination of both more money and cuts are needed. The poll had a 3.4 percentage point error margin.
Despite that strong support for cuts, voters in large numbers object to scaling back spending on education, public safety and other major programs where cuts would be required to close the gap.

Full article....http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x637606172/Poll-finds-voters-want-cuts-but-dont-support-them

Attorney general, CUB oppose planned Verizon sale

2009-10-21T19:14:00.003-05:00

BY KURT ERICKSON, The Southern Springfield Bureau

SPRINGFIELD - A number of government officials, consumer advocates and potential competitors raised red flags this week about Verizon's plan to sell off its local landline phone service in Illinois.
In the first round of testimony submitted Tuesday to state regulators, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Citizens Utility Board argue the proposed sale of Verizon's lines to Frontier Corp. could negatively affect nearly 600,000 customers.
"We recommend that the Commission reject the Frontier purchase of Verizon's telephone lines in Illinois because of serious concerns about Frontier's ability to manage these assets," noted a memo issued by Madigan's office Wednesday.
The opposition comes just a week after a spokesman for Connecticut-based Frontier said he hoped the sale wouldn't become a contentious fight in Illinois.
Full article.... http://thesouthern.com/news/local/state-and-regional/article_25e59c48-be8f-11de-aeb0-001cc4c03286.html

Governor Pat Quinn Names New Members To Community Outreach Board

2009-10-16T19:30:00.004-05:00

SPRINGFIELD – October 15, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named 20 members to the Serve Illinois Commission. The Commission, supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services, enhances and supports community volunteerism and administers the AmeriCorps State program in Illinois.
Earlier this year, Governor Quinn announced $8.9 million in federal funds for Illinois’ AmeriCorps programs, including $2.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). AmeriCorps volunteers dedicate a year to improving education, human services, environmental quality, public health and public safety through the United States.
The members of the Serve Illinois Commission are appointed to three-year terms. For more information the Commission, please visit Serve.Illinois.gov or call 1-800-592-9896.
Newly Appointed Serve Illinois Commission Members
Member -Hometown- Position
Lawrence Benito- Chicago - Deputy Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Merri Dee - Chicago - Owner, Merri Dee Communications
Alvin Goldfarb - Macomb - President, Western Illinois University
Nancy K. Jameson -Macomb - Director, West Central Illinois RSVP
Howard L. Lathan - Chicago - Associate Executive Director, Community Development & Organization, Chicago Area Project
Bob McCammon- Lake Villa - Executive Director, Youth Conservation Corps
Fred Nettles - Springfield - Director of Partners for Hope Program, Illinois Department of Human Services
Giraldo Rosales- Champaign - Assistant Dean of Students, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cynthia Sims - Carbondale - Assistant Professor, Department of Workforce Education and Development at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
John Sirek - Chicago - Citizenship Program Director, McCormick Foundation
Steven S. Wolfe - Glen Ellyn - Intern/Volunteer Coordinator, Probation & Court Services Department of the 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County
Gloria Verastegui - Gilberts - Youth Representative to the Commission, Loyola University Chicago Student
Non Voting Members
Member -Hometown- Position
Jane Angelis - Carbondale - Founder and Director, Intergenerational Initiative
Judy Donath - Springfield - Project Director, RSVP for Sangamon, Menard and Logan Counties
Kathy Engelken - Des Plaines - Executive Director, Illinois Campus Compact at DePaul University
Michael Mangan - Mt. Prospect - Director, Service-Learning Project at The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning
Arlan McClain - Dixon - Executive Director, Kreider Services
Judy Swinson - Centralia - Director, Volunteer Services at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Inc.
Genita Robinson - Chicago - Executive Director, Lawyers Lend a Hand to Youth Program
Barb Tubekis - Winetka - Chair, Volunteer Centers of Illinois

Partisan bickering closes first half of veto session

2009-10-16T19:20:00.002-05:00

By ADRIANA COLINDRES (adriana.colindres@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

The Illinois House spent much of Friday bickering along partisan lines over separate proposals to delay the Democratic governor's yearly budget speech and change the way some top Republican officials are chosen.
In the end, both pieces of legislation stalled, failing to attract the 71 votes needed. They could resurface later.
House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, told House members she had no problem with granting Gov. Pat Quinn's request to delay his budget presentation until March 24, 2010, because he recently hired a new budget director, David Vaught.
"We want to give that guy as much time and as much information as he feels he needs," Currie said.
The governor is supposed to present his proposed budget by the third Wednesday in February.
Some Republicans complained the delay until late March appeared political because Quinn faces a tough February primary fight with Comptroller Dan Hynes for governor. They contended waiting that long for the governor's budget plan would hurt lawmakers' efforts to put together a budget by the end of next May.
Democrats said they simply were trying to give Quinn enough time to figure out this year's budget problems and make the best estimate possible for next year.
The vote on Currie's proposal, House Bill 1409, was 66-49.
The House also rebuffed a plan to change the selection process for members of the Republican state central committee.
Under Senate Bill 600, which the Senate already approved, voters from each congressional district would choose two members of the committee. At present, other GOP leaders select members of the state central committee.
House Republican Leader Tom Cross accused Democrats of interfering with the Republican party's inner workings.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lou Lang, disputed that assessment.
"This is not a Democratic plot to take over the world," said Lang, a Skokie Democrat
The House voted 59-47 for the bill.
HALFWAY DONE
Friday's political infighting capped the first half of the General Assembly's fall veto session.
The scheduled six-day session began Wednesday and picks up again on Oct. 28-30. After that, lawmakers aren't expected to return to the Capitol until January.
Members of the General Assembly made progress this week on some issues and left others unsettled.
Lawmakers gave Quinn an extra $205 million in spending authority for the Monetary Award Program, which provides assistance to needy college students. But it's not clear how those additional dollars will materialize.
The Illinois Senate approved a recall option for future Illinois governors. Because the proposal already passed in the House, voters will decide in the November 2010 election if they want the power to oust a sitting governor from office.
An Illinois House committee advanced an updated version of a campaign finance reform plan, crafted after Quinn vetoed a different proposal during the summer. Critics say the measure is flawed because it doesn't limit how much money political parties or legislative leaders can contribute to candidates.
Lawmakers also are still contending with Senate Bill 2090, which deals with how much they get paid. The Senate overrode Quinn's amendatory veto, sending the matter to the House.
The bill would require lawmakers to directly vote yes or no on a pay hike.

Quinn, Hynes voice different plans for income-tax hike

2009-10-12T20:56:00.003-05:00

By Tom Kacich
Monday, October 12, 2009 8:12 AM
CHAMPAIGN – Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes avoided mentioning each other by name, but they didn't avoid comparing each other's position on an income tax increase in an appearance before Champaign County Democrats on Sunday night.
The two main candidates in the Feb. 2, 2010, gubernatorial primary were among a dozen candidates to speak before more than 250 Democrats at the local party's fall dinner at the I Hotel and Conference Center. Other speakers included U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman of Chicago and 15th District congressional hopeful David Gill of Normal.

Tax increases are needed, both candidates said. But they differ on how to enact an income tax hike.

Hynes suggested closing corporate tax loopholes, raising the cigarette tax by a dollar a pack, broadening the sales tax to include services and amending the Illinois Constitution to allow for a progressive income tax.

"It requires the Legislature to put it on the ballot and let the people decide. Remember 'Let the people decide and let the will of the people be the law of the land?'" Hynes said, echoing a frequent Quinn line. "We're one of seven states with a flat income tax, and it's time to change that. We can do it in November 2010 if we have the courage to do it. Anybody who says that it's too difficult and it will take too long and it's too complicated, I have three words from someone we all know very well: Yes we can."

Quinn, who spoke before Hynes, devoted most of his time to recounting his record in state government, and said little about the comptroller, except to point out the difference on the income-tax increase.
"There are people in my own party who don't want to deal with reality, and they're going to campaign against raising the income tax by statute. We've got to do it. We've got to do it in this coming fiscal year," he said. "There is one (Democratic) candidate who supports raising the income tax in a fair way, with tax relief for people who need it the most.

Full Article...http://www.news-gazette.com/news/2009/10/12/quinn_hynes_voice_different_plans_for_income-tax_hike

Hynes Campaign Delivers Series of Calendars, Reminds Quinn It's 2009

2009-10-10T22:30:00.002-05:00

Concerned that Governor Pat Quinn has lost track of time and is unaware that this is 2009, a year in which the only constant to his budget priorities has been to push for an income tax increase of 50 percent, the Dan Hynes for Governor campaign today sent the Governor a dozen 2009 wall calendars. The action was sparked by Quinn’s response to a Hynes campaign advertisement, in which he defended his unpopular move to raise taxes on middle class families by referencing his history of advocating a progressive tax prior to becoming Governor.
“We want to make sure Pat Quinn knows it’s the year 2009, and that he is in fact Governor,” Hynes communications director Matt McGrath said. “We appreciate his nostalgia for simpler times, before he actually had the position and authority to effect change, but the fact remains his only constant position as Governor has been to push for a 50 percent income tax increase.”

Quinn’s campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Austin responded by pointing out lawmakers have opposed Hynes’ plan in the past. She called Hynes’ calender bit a “stunt.”

2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner

2009-10-10T22:02:00.001-05:00

President Barack Obama speaks at a press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., after winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize."I will accept this award as a call to action, a call to all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st Century,'' Obama said in a Rose Garden appearance today. "This award must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity.''

First TV ad of campaign season: Hynes blasts Quinn on tax hike

2009-10-08T20:23:00.003-05:00

Comptroller Dan Hynes fired the first major shot of the 2010 political TV ad wars tonight, assailing Gov. Pat Quinn’s tax-increase plans and telling voters he warned discredited ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich about overspending.The 30-second ad, which started airing in the Chicago and Springfield TV markets, reheats an increasingly contentious battle for the Feb. 2 Democratic primary nomination for governor between Quinn, who was elevated from lieutenant governor with Blagojevich’s ouster in January, and Hynes, the three-term state comptroller.“As state comptroller, I warned Gov. Blagojevich about overspending but he wouldn’t listen. That governor is gone, but our problems aren’t. And Pat Quinn thinks the answer is to pass a 50 percent tax increase on every Illinois family,” Hynes says in the ad, which aired in Chicago on "Wheel of Fortune" tonight.
“I’m running for governor because I have a better plan. We can balance the budget by cutting waste line by line and only raising income taxes on people making more than $200,000. We can fix this mess and protect the middle class,” Hynes says.
Hynes’ campaign aides would not give details on the size of the TV ad buy but said they plan to have a substantial broadcast presence through the primary campaign.
Hynes has the money for a sustained TV campaign having reported more than $3.5 million in his campaign fund at the start of July. Quinn reported having more than $700,000 in the bank in July but has stepped up his fundraising efforts.
In a response issued tonight, Quinn maintained he has long advocated tax fairness.

Full Article.....http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/10/first-tv-ad-of-campaign-season-hynes-blasts-quinn-on-tax-hike.html

2009 Golf Outing

2009-10-08T18:15:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to (L to R) Mike Porter, Roger Wycoff, Mark Stuckey, and John Feld winners of this years Effingham County Democrats Golf Outing.
Thank you very much to all who braved the cool and windy conditions to participate in our annual golf outing. It is a great opportunity to play golf and raise money for our local party. We had 42 players who eagerly golfed (some not as good as others) .
Special thanks also to all of our course sponsors, hole sponsors, and cart sponsors. Everyone was very generous with their donations to the outing.
There were so many people that contributed their time and money to our event, thank you everyone.

Gov. Quinn and Mayor Daley

2009-09-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

Gov. Pat Quinn brings out Mayor Richard Daley to rebut governor foe's criticism on tourism spending

Chicago Tribune

It may have taken him a week, but Gov. Pat Quinn brought out a high-profile political figure today to rebut his Democratic primary challenger's criticism about state spending on tourism during a budget crisis.Mayor Richard Daley stood with Quinn to talk up tourism's importance to Chicago after Comptroller Dan Hynes last week said that he was suspending payments on more than $40 million in state and lottery tourism advertising contracts.Speaking at an event at Navy Pier, Quinn called Hynes' decision "very, very short-sighted."
"As long as I'm governor, we're going to make sure that everybody in the world knows about Illinois and Chicago," Quinn said.Daley also came to Quinn's defense, saying tourism is a competitive business and the state must do all it can to actively woo visitors.
"You have to compete for these conventions," Daley said. "We're competing against Atlanta, we're competing against Las Vegas and Orlando, so you have to put packages together to get the conventions here. At the same time, you have to publicize. You have to do marketing, worldwide and throughout the United States. You can't just sit back and say 'OK, they're going to come to the city of Chicago.' It just doesn't work that way, and I think Gov. Quinn has realized that."
A spokeswoman for Hynes said the comptroller's unwillingness to pay the tourism contracts represents a "difference in priorities" from those of Quinn."Last week, Comptroller Hynes said the Governor had a decision to make," spokeswoman Carol Knowles said in a statement. "Does he want to spend $53 million on consultant and marketing contracts, or does he want to spend it on education and health care? The choice was his. If the governor believes that tourism contracts are a priority, then he should resubmit them and they will be paid."

Full Article... http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/09/gov-pat-quinn-brings-out-mayor-richard-daley-to-rebut-governor-foes-criticism-on-tourism-spending.html?obref=obinsite

Quinn to release 1,000 inmates from prison in cost-cutting move

2009-09-21T21:59:00.003-05:00

Chicago Tribune

Gov. Pat Quinn is planning to release 1,000 inmates from prisons across Illinois the next several months in an effort to save money.An Illinois Department of Corrections prisons spokeswoman said only “low-level, non-violent” offenders who are in the last year of their sentence will qualify for early release and will be fitted with electronic monitoring devices.Officials with the corrections agency and the Quinn administration declined to provide specifics after announcing the plan late this afternoon. Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said the bulk of those to be released and placed on supervised parole will be drug and property crime offenders.
The move is estimated to save the agency about $5 million a year, Smith said, though Quinn is giving corrections an extra $2 million to monitor those who are released.The release of prisoners is another symptom of the state’s dire fiscal situation, and is coupled with Quinn’s plan to layoff approximately 1,000 prison workers. The department will layoff 419 workers effective at month’s end.Meanwhile, Quinn gave the department an extra $2 million to help divert offenders from state prisons. That money will go toward drug treatment and other community-based alternatives in an effort to reduce the number of people who receive short prison sentences. Prison officials say 47 percent of offenders released from custody each year serve six months or less behind bars.Another $2 million will be used to monitor the 1,000 inmates facing release, including assigning each a parole officer and providing drug treatment and other rehabilitative programs.

Full Article.... http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/09/quinn-to-release-1000-inmates-from-prison-in-costcutting-move.html#more

CROWDED FIELD

2009-09-21T21:15:00.004-05:00

Announced or possible candidates for Illinois lieutenant governor:

Democrats

• Mike Boland, state representative, Moline.

• Thomas Castillo, electrician, Elmhurst.

• Scott Lee Cohen, businessman, Northbrook.

• Goran Davidovac, Chicago.

• Rickey Hendon, state senator, Chicago.

• Sandi Jackson, alderman, Chicago.

• Kevin Joyce, state representative, Worth.

• Terry Link state senator, Lake Bluff.

• Arthur Turner, state representative, Chicago.

Ex-alderman's son to run for Democratic state treasurer nomination

2009-09-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

Chicago Tribune

It looks like former south suburban state Rep. Robin Kelly may be getting a Democratic primary for state treasurer after all.Justin Oberman, the son of onetime Chicago alderman Martin Oberman, today said that he will formally announce on Monday that he is pulling out of the crowded field for lieutenant governor and instead will make a bid for the treasurer’s nomination. The treasurer’s office is being vacated by Alexi Giannoulias, who is running for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination.
Oberman said he believed the treasurer’s job is “a very good fit for my background in the private sector and experience at the federal level” in putting a focus on encouraging job creation “as well as restoring integrity to state government.”Oberman, 35, of Chicago, said he had been encouraged to make the switch to treasurer by J.B. Pritzker, who for a time looked at running for the office. Oberman had been among more than a half-dozen Democrats saying they're contenders for the Democratic lieutenant governor nomination.Oberman worked in the federal transportation and homeland security agencies before co-founding a company investing in aviation, security and green transportation development firms. For a brief time, Oberman was a candidate to replace former Democratic U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, now the White House chief of staff, in a special March primary election in the 5th Congressional District.Kelly, of Matteson, left the legislature to become Giannoulias’ chief of staff in the treasurer’s office. She has been campaigning for treasurer since her boss made it clear he would seek the U.S. Senate seat now held by Roland Burris. She escaped one primary challenge when Kip Kirkpatrick, co-founder of a health-care equity group, dropped his bid for treasurer earlier this month.On the Republican side, state Sen. Dan Rutherford of Chenoa is the major candidate in the Feb. 2 primary elections.

2009-09-16T21:16:00.001-05:00

We've seen a lot from politicians in Washington over the last several years. We're seen them break campaign promises, take the side of big business over the middle class, and vote to increase their own pay while denying working Americans a wage increase. But this week, Republican Congressman Mark Kirk gave us a first: even though he voted in favor of the so-called "Cap and Trade" bill in the House this summer, when confronted with jeers from his Republican base, he astoundingly stated that he would vote against the very same bill as a Senator.You have to see the brazen flip-flop to believe it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpLOdIL2BD8

Our Opinion: Congressmen behaving badly

2009-09-16T20:37:00.002-05:00

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted Sep 15, 2009

U.S. REP. John Shimkus should know something about respecting a commander in chief. After all, the conservative Republican from southern Illinois graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where the topic must have come up from time to time.
Shimkus walked out toward the end of President Barack Obama’s address on health care because he was “frustrated that the president was not offering any new ground…,” said spokesman Steve Tomaszewski.
Shimkus, who represents parts of the Springfield area, has been vocal in his disagreement with Obama’s plan. He’s a conservative Republican who is hewing close to his party’s values and seeking to represent his constituency.
“What I cannot support is a government-run health-care program that will inevitably lead to rationing,” Shimkus said.
THE DEBATE over how to fix an ailing health-care system is a valid one. Shimkus, and others, have every right to argue as passionately for their convictions as possible. That’s what they are elected to do. What we ask is that Shimkus and others who feel strongly about the bill do it respectfully and constructively.
To be fair, Shimkus wasn’t the only person to show poor manners. U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina audibly blurted, “You lie,” in response to a statement by President Obama that illegal immigrants were not covered by his proposed health-care bill.
Wilson offered a tepid non-apology apology for his boorish behavior. Then he opportunistically seized the moment to make a video trying to hustle up some campaign cash.
Some other members of Congress in attendance at the speech signaled their feelings by rolling eyes, fiddling with Blackberries and otherwise fidgeting.
SO LET'S REVISIT the West Point motto of “Duty, Honor, Country,” and apply it to this situation:
* DUTY: Show respect, even if you don’t agree with the person bearing the message. It’s a version of the old military adage of salute the uniform, not the man. There’s plenty of time to loudly and forcefully debate the bill or bills that will be before the House and Senate.
* HONOR: Honor your constituents by acting in a way that enhances the office, not distracts from it. This isn’t a reality TV show where acting out is video gold.
* COUNTRY: Health-care reform is one of the most important debates of our time. For the good of the country, Shimkus and colleagues at the speech who showed as much disdain as they could for the benefit of the cameras should act like they are serious about helping Americans address the train wreck that is our current health-care system.
Walking out of a meeting is a theatrical flourish worthy of kindergarten. When it comes as it did during a presidential address before a joint session of Congress, it rises to the level of cheap showmanship that is full of sound and fury, but in the end signifies nothing but a lack of manners and an inability to listen to others’ ideas.

Chicago Endorsement

2009-09-16T20:29:00.003-05:00

9-11-09 Chicago Tribune

Cook County Democratic power brokers today endorsed Gov. Pat Quinn in his primary race with state Comptroller Dan Hynes.
The decision today came hours after Quinn appealed for the party leaders' backing, even though he had previously sought a provision in state law to prevent the Illinois Democratic Party from endorsing anyone in the governor's race.
“I am happy to receive today’s endorsement of my candidacy," Quinn said in a statement after the vote. "As I told the committee members this morning, I have spent the last seven months doing what I have been doing for the past three decades – standing up for the people of Illinois."
Hynes also appeared before county slatemakers at the Hotel Allegro but asked them to refrain from endorsing anyone in the Feb. 2 primary for governor. He went so far as to say he would decline the endorsement if he got it, a move that might have influenced the outcome.
The back-to-back appearances featured political flip-flops from both men.

Hynes is the the heir to the longtime 19th Ward political family headed by his father, former county assessor and Senate president Tom Hynes. While he has sought the backing of county Democrats in previous years, today Dan Hynes asked them to refrain from making any endorsement in the governor's race for the Feb. 2 primary.
It's not uncommon for someone challenging an incumbent to try to persuade political powerbrokers to at least remain neutral in a primary fight. "If we as a party do not change the way we select candidates for higher office, we reduce our chances of winning. This is especially true given what our state and our party have been through over the last year," Hynes said. "The voters of Illinois are looking for us to set a new standard for our party. They're counting on us that the Democratic Party stands for openness and transparency." Hynes said he was still asking for the support of individual committeemen. Quinn, the former lieutenant governor who was elevated to the state's top job following the ouster of disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in January, appeared after Hynes before county slatemakers and said, "You just heard from somebody who wants to be governor of Illinois. I am the governor of Illinois." But Quinn offered little explanation to reporters why he sought the Cook County Democrats' endorsement when he had also pushed a provision to ban the state Democratic Party from making primary endorsements. He was repeatedly asked to reconcile his position on the state party with that of his position on the county party organization. "I think it's important to go before any organization, political or non-political, tell them where you stand on issues and ask for their support," Quinn said. "All politics is local. People in their own communities want to evaluate the candidates" Asked by reporters whether he still supported a ban in state law on state Democratic Party endorsements before a primary, Quinn said he did. But he also said he had been told by the state's Democratic chairman, House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago, that there were no plans to endorse in the race. Quinn has come under criticism from Hynes and some other Democrats for a lack of consistency on his positions. But Quinn said he was not being inconsistent in seeking county slating. "I'll tell you what the flip flop is. My friend the comptroller has been coming before the Cook County Democratic Party and other Democratic parties since he started running for office. He always asked for their support," Quinn said of Hynes.
In perhaps the trickiest decision of the day, county slatemakers snubbed Cook County Board President Todd Stroger by declining to endorse his bid for re-election against four challengers. The committeemen instead voted for an open primary with no endorsement for that race.

Obama's classroom message

2009-09-09T17:15:00.001-05:00

Alex Burckle, 10, center, listens to President Barack Obama's back to school speech in his fifth grade class at the Hough Street School in Barrington, Ill. In his speech, Obama challenged the nation's students to take pride and ownership in their education -- and stick with it even if they don't like every class or must overcome tough circumstances at home.

“Outrageous” or “Inappropriate”

2009-09-07T16:15:00.006-05:00

Happy Labor Day everyone. Below is the transcript of the televised remarks which President Obama will be giving to students from grade school through high school, at least to those schools whose superintendents and/or school boards permit the President’s remarks to be shown to their students.

Waterloo’s students will not hear this address because, according to news reports, the Superintendent says the remarks are “political.” I don’t know if the Waterloo School Board has instructed the administration to take this stance or if he did it on his own. At the moment, I do not know what the position of our other school districts are with regard to showing the speech.

I encourage each of you to review the transcript below and the actual speech (or replays of it) after it’s given tomorrow and draw your own conclusions. Please let me know what, if anything in it is of a political, controversial or inappropriate nature such that American students should not be exposed to it. I have obviously missed it if it is.

If you’re like me, you’ve heard all kinds of media reports about how “inappropriate” the President’s speech is for students to hear, how it is “brain-washing”, etc. You may have also heard such comments from your friends and neighbors.

I encourage you to share the transcript and the speech itself with your neighbors and friends who have expressed their concern (if not outrage) about it. I think it’s fair to say that, once again, some in the media and in our communities have distorted the message in an attempt to wound the messenger.

To think that one child, much less thousands, across the country might miss an opportunity to possibly be inspired by the President of the United States to stay in school and strive to improve is truly unfortunate to say the least.

I have heard (but have not yet confirmed) that President Reagan and Bush-One gave televised speeches to students. I don’t know if the same school districts or superintendents expressing outrage or alarm about President Obama’s remarks expressed such outrage with the previous presidents.

Feel free to provide your thoughts on this issue to school districts and newspapers (in letters to the editor, etc.) to let your feelings be known and to set the record straight. In doing so, I urge you to not let your emotions overcome you. We don’t want the tenor of our conversation to become the tenor of those who want to demonize everything Democrats or the President say or do.

Thanks, Alan Pirtle, Monroe County Democratic Chairman ,President IDCCA

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama Back to School Event

Governor and Comptroller

2009-08-25T21:01:00.006-05:00

Governor Pat Quinn and Comptroller & Governor candidate Dan Hynes (bottom photo) speak at the IDCCA Brunch.

Chairman's Brunch

2009-08-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

Speaker of the House, Mike Madigan, and Senate President, John Cullerton (bottom photo) address a crowd of over 1300 at the Illinois Democrat County Chairman's Association Brunch held August 19, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

Scenes from the Chairman's Brunch

2009-08-24T20:16:00.005-05:00

Alan Pirtle, President of Illinois Democrat County Chairman's Association, introduces keynote speaker Iowa Governor Chet Culver (bottom photo) to a full house.

2009-08-20T22:17:00.001-05:00

The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association (ILDCCA) is proud to announce that they have made endorsements in the Democratic primary for United State Senate, Attorney General and Secretary of State.

For United State Senate, the organization has voted to endorse current State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

ILDCCA President Alan Pirtle stated, “We feel that Alexi Giannoulias has the vision, work ethic, and skill to help lead Illinois by serving in the United States Senate. He has shown tremendous commitment to the people of Illinois and their values such that he will serve all of Illinois in an effective and honorable way.”

“The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen Association represents the heart and soul of the Democratic party and Democratic values throughout the state,” Giannoulias said. “I truly appreciate their support and commitment to my campaign. I am committed to putting America on the right course by standing up to special interests and restoring opportunity to all Illinois residents after years of failed economic policies.”

For Attorney General, the organization has endorsed current Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

ILDCCA President Alan Pirtle stated, “We feel that Lisa Madigan has a proven track record of working effectively for the people of Illinois as Attorney General. Under her leadership, the Attorney General’s office has effectively and zealously prosecuted criminals, advocated for consumers, and helped protect those who are disadvantaged. She has served and will continue to serve the people of Illinois as an outstanding Attorney General.”

“I am honored to receive the support of the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association,” said Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General. “The County Chairs represent people from every part of Illinois and see firsthand the struggles that families are facing today. I look forward to continuing to work with them in the coming years to help the people of Illinois and restore trust and integrity to Illinois government.”

In the race for Secretary of State, the ILDCCA has voted to endorse current Secretary of State Jesse White in his bid for a fourth term.

ILDCCA President Alan Pirtle stated, “Under his leadership, the Secretary of State’s office has implemented important innovations and technological advancements to make his offices more efficient and useful to citizens. We know that Secretary White and his staff will continue to work very hard to make his office the most efficient and effective office possible.”

“I'm honored to receive the support of this important organization. This endorsement is a crucial step in my quest for a fourth term as the Illinois Secretary of State,” Secretary White said. “I'm proud of my accomplishments and look forward to working with Democrats across the State and the people of Illinois to make state government work better for us all.”

The ILDCCA is a statewide grassroots Democratic organization whose membership consists of the Democratic county chairmen in Illinois’ counties.

Governor OKs increasing speed limit for trucks

2009-08-15T12:58:00.004-05:00

A new law that Gov. Pat Quinn signed Friday will make it legal for trucks to travel along rural interstates at 65 mph, the same speed as other traffic.Existing law caps the speed limit for trucks at 55 mph. The change will take effect Jan. 1.For years, lawmakers have been pushing for the higher speed limit for trucks on rural interstates. Legislation reached Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s desk on three occasions, but he used his veto power each time to reject the idea. Lawmakers could not override his veto.Supporters of the proposal thought it might stand a better chance once Quinn became governor, so they sent him House Bill 3956. Until Friday, Quinn hadn’t indicated what he thought of the higher speed limit. Lawmakers and others who back the higher speed limit have said it would improve highway safety because all traffic would be moving at a consistent speed. The higher limit also would benefit the trucking industry because trucks could cover greater distances in a day, they said.

Full Article...http://www.sj-r.com/state/x1373187093/Govenor-OKs-increasing-speed-limit-for-trucks

Democrat State Candidates!!!!!!

2009-08-11T07:46:00.010-05:00

Governor

*Dan Hynes
*Pat Quinn
*Jack Franks

Lt. Governor
*Mike Boland
*Tom Castillo
*Scott Lee Cohen
*Justin Oberman
*Art Turner
*Terry Link

Attorney General
*Lisa Madigan

Treasurer
*Robin Kelly

Comptroller
*Raja Krishnamoorthi
*David Miller

Candidates at the Fair

2009-08-10T21:13:00.002-05:00

Michelle Coady

candidate for Circuit Judge

Prize winners at our Fair Booth

2009-08-09T09:38:00.005-05:00

Circuit Clerk Becky Jansen(right) presents Karen Klepzig her Gift Card

Winners of $50 Martin's IGA Gift Cards at our fair booth

Monday - Debra Lybarger
Tuesday - Angela Getz
Wednesday - Mary Higgs
Thursday - Janet Rich
Friday - Karen Klepzig

Prizes donated by

County Board Member - Larry Vahling
Circuit Clerk - Becky Jansen
County Treasurer - Steve Dasenbrock
States Attorney - Ed Deters
Public Defender - Lupita Thompson
Candidate for Circuit Judge - Mike McHaney
Candidate for Circuit Judge - Michelle Coady
County Board Member - Karen Luchtefeld

Candidates at the Fair

2009-08-08T21:07:00.003-05:00

Mike McHaney

candidate for Circuit Judge

Candidates at the Fair

2009-08-08T20:57:00.002-05:00

Tim Dudley

candidate for State Senate in the 51 District

Budget cuts

2009-08-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Highlights of budget cuts announced Friday by Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration. More detail on how state agencies fared can be found at http://budget.illinois.gov/:

* An estimated 2,552 layoffs, including more than 1,000 from the prison system.
* Twelve furlough days for all workers other than those on the front lines of government service.
* A $1.4 billion deficit remaining even after Quinn uses more than $3 billion in discretionary money to minimize cuts.
* Unpaid bills approaching $4 billion, bringing the total deficit to about $5.5 billion.
* A $225 million shortage in college scholarship funding.
* $600 million in cuts in both the Medicaid program and group health insurance program for state workers and retirees.
* Fewer inmates at state prisons, although the number to be released early was not announced. One small facility could be closed.
* $250 million cut from state grants, with details on the impact to many providers yet to come.
* Millions of dollars of cuts in funding for the court system, Illinois Arts Council, addiction treatment, adoption and other programs.
* $150 million restored in education cuts, mostly for early education, but a $145 million hole remains.

Campaign '10 Begins

2009-07-25T17:23:00.003-05:00

Quinn and Hynes exchange shots over state finances in primary preview

July 25, 2009 Chicago Tribune

Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes traded the first shots Friday in next year's Democratic primary battle for governor over who's more culpable for the state's financial woes.The governor called Hynes a "no show" on tough budget choices, while Hynes' campaign accused Quinn of keeping quiet while disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich "drove our state into a ditch."The back-and-forth came after the Tribune reported Friday that Hynes, the three-term comptroller, has told top Democrats he will challenge Quinn for the governor nomination. Quinn, who twice campaigned as Blagojevich's running mate, was elevated to the state's top job in January when lawmakers ousted Blagojevich.The exchange represents an unusual early intensity in an evolving 2010 campaign -- a season shortened by a February primary. The rhetoric also provides an indication where each campaign is headed: Quinn is questioning Hynes' leadership from a lower-level statewide office, and Hynes is tying Quinn to the scandal-tainted Blagojevich.
Asked about a Hynes challenge in the governor primary, Quinn accused the comptroller of being among politicians "who just want to sort of drift along and not take tough positions.""When you get in the arena, you've got to make decisions," Quinn said. "You can't stand on the side of the road and not take part in tough battles. You can't be a no show. You can't just show up and say, 'Hey, I want to be elected to something.' I think you have to show you have the courage of your convictions to stand in the arena, take tough positions, do hard things because that's what the public demands."But Hynes campaign spokesman Michael Rendina disputed Quinn's characterization, noting Hynes has proposed $1.2 billion in cuts to the state budget along with $1.8 billion in new money by legalizing more casinos, closing business tax breaks and expanding the sales tax to luxury items. Hynes had been critical of inconsistencies behind Quinn's failed push for an income-tax increase and questioned why the governor hadn't made cuts to try to win public support."Gov. Quinn is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. After Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn spent six years in silence watching Rod Blagojevich drive our state into a ditch, it is puzzling that he describes a 50 percent income tax increase on Illinois families as leadership," Rendina said.

Hynes reports $3.5 million in campaign fund

2009-07-22T19:44:00.001-05:00

Comptroller Daniel Hynes says he has built up a campaign bankroll of $3.5 million as he considers running for governor.
Hynes said Monday that he raised about $900,000 during the first half of 2009.
That's comparable to incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn's $860,000.
But Hynes started out with far more in his fund. As a result, he has $3.5 million available, compared to $700,000 for Quinn.
A third possible Democratic candidate, Jack Franks, had $458,000 available. That's after raising $1.3 million, most of it from himself or from relatives.
Among the Republican candidates who have reported, Sen. Bill Brady leads the money race with $410,000 on hand.

Budget deal reached; workers to be paid

2009-07-16T18:47:00.002-05:00

By DOUG FINKE (doug.finke@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Fifteen days into the state’s new budget year, Illinois lawmakers Wednesday night finally cobbled together a new $26 billion spending plan that relies heavily on borrowed money and on Gov. Pat Quinn to spend it wisely.
The deal keeps the doors of state government open and will allow state workers to be paid. Quinn signed the payroll part of the budget into law Wednesday night.
“This budget tonight is the best we can do to get our work done,” Quinn said.
At the same time, the new budget will force state vendors to wait even longer to be paid for their services. Many state employees are still expected to lose their jobs, and human service agencies will still experience cuts, budget negotiators said.
Taxes were not increased, but lawmakers bemoaned the fact that the budget keeps the state in a precarious financial situation.
“We are not acting prudently here,” said Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo. “We are on the brink of a manmade disaster.”
Not everyone saw it as a disaster waiting to happen, though.

Full Article...... http://www.sj-r.com/news/x135755750/Bleak-new-budget-relies-on-borrowing-layoffs-payment-delays

Governor signs $31B construction plan

2009-07-13T22:31:00.004-05:00

CHICAGO - Gov. Pat Quinn has signed off on a $31 billion state construction plan that includes money for everything from bicycle trails and university buildings to a major overhaul of Illinois highways.
The plan is an effort to repair the state's crumbling infrastructure and create thousands of jobs.
Quinn projects the money will support 439,000 jobs around, though projections weren't immediately available on how many new jobs he expects the bill to create.
The bill won immediate praise Monday from many, including bicycle riders and advocates of higher education.
But gambling opponents were disappointed the construction plan relies heavily on a gambling expansion to pay for it.
Senate President John Cullerton calls the bill a bipartisan job creator.

Where the money goes! http://www.illinois.gov/publicincludes/statehome/gov/documents/CAPITAL%20Combined%20HB0312%20and%20SB1221.pdf

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris won't seek election next year

2009-07-09T20:07:00.001-05:00

Embattled Democratic U.S. Sen. Roland Burris is expected to announce tomorrow that he will not seek election next year to the seat that he was appointed to by disgraced then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, sources said today.
The senator is scheduled to make his decision known at a 2 p.m. news conference at a South Side hotel in a "speech to Illinois youth," according to an advisory put out by his office late this afternoon.
A top source close to the senator said that since starting in the U.S. Senate, Burris wasn’t sure he could handle the grueling schedule of fundraising and trying to be a senator, especially in an environment where his popularity waned and “the tide was against him.”
Burris thought it would be very difficult to raise the campaign cash he’d need to win the Democratic nomination, let alone the general election, the source said. But Burris plans to stay in office until his term ends in January 2011, the source added.

Full Article.... http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/07/us-sen-roland-burris-wont-seek-election-next-year.html

Madigan Declines Senate, Gov Bids

2009-07-08T16:46:00.001-05:00

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said today that family considerations caused her to pass on a run for U.S. Senate or governor and run next year for a third term in her current job.
“There was plenty of agonizing over my decision," she said at a Chicago news conference. “I have a job that I love right now and I also have a family that I love and I plan on continuing to serve as your attorney general because I think it’s absolutely vital to have an independent advocate in that office.”
She said the prospect of her father, Michael Madigan staying on as Illinois House speaker did not weigh into her decision. “No, I made a decision about what was best for me and what was best for my family and what I ultimately thought was best for the state at this point," she said.
Madigan’s decision stunned Illinois politicians, who saw her being groomed by her father for top statewide office in a state where he has been the longest-running speaker of the House.
Democrats in Washington, including her former state Senate seatmate, President Barack Obama, courted her for a U.S. Senate bid for the seat he once held.
Madigan initially rejected a bid for the U.S. Senate, saying she preferred to serve in the executive branch. But top Democrats in Washington began reaching out to her, contending she would be the best to assure the seat would stay in Democratic hands amid the political debacle that resulted in disgraced and ousted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appointment of Roland Burris to the seat.

Full article.... http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/07/madigan-to-seek-reelection-as-attorney-general.html

Quinn rejects budget

2009-07-07T22:03:00.003-05:00

Refusing to wear the collar alone for painful choices, Gov. Pat Quinn today said he’s rejecting a budget bill approved by lawmakers and directing lawmakers to cut $1 billion from state operations.
Quinn said he’s vetoing House Bill 2145 entirely with specific instructions for lawmakers to make cuts in state government, including for the General Assembly. He’s also sending out notices to lay off 2,600 state workers and asking workers - union and non-union - to take 12 furlough days as part of the cuts.
“It’s clearly way, way out of balance. They want me to do it,” Quinn said at a news conference in Chicago. “We’ve got to do that as a joint exercise.”
By rejecting the bill entirely, Quinn avoids taking all the heat for the cuts and tries to put the onus back on lawmakers. He could have used his amendatory veto power and signed the bill but made the cuts himself, but instead decided to veto the whole bill.
Quinn said lawmakers simply did not cut enough from government expenses at a time when Illinoisans are being forced to scale back.

Full Article...http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x737359780/Layoffs-furlough-days-in-latest-budget-cut-plan

Madigan blasts Quinn for 'flip flops'

2009-07-01T21:21:00.001-05:00

House Speaker Michael Madigan today sharply criticized the governor for vetoing a key state budget piece, saying the governor’s “flip flops” on key issues are not helpful to resolving the mess.
Madigan responded to Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of Senate Bill 1197, which lawmakers sent him yesterday that provided huge shortfalls in spending for social services and other grant programs in state government.
Madigan said the governor should have approved that measure because it at least offered those grants some money, instead of not having any after the veto.

Full Article..... http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x931214857/Madigan-blasts-Quinn-for-flip-flops

Bringing out the veto stamp

2009-07-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn brandishes a veto stamp before using it on a portion of the state budget dealing with social services at his office at the State Capitol.

Silent sentry

2009-06-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

A sentinel from the elite 3rd US Infantry marches as the sun rises above the Tomb of the Unknowns this morning at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. US Senator Ted Kennedy will be buried in Arlington near his brothers, former President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, on August 29, 2009.

2009-06-28T19:18:00.002-05:00

I would like to share with you a newspaper article about our campaign appearing in today's edition of the Chicago Sun-Times. Our message of reform and renewal is spreading throughout the state of Illinois. Please share this article with your friends and family.

Best regards,

Raja

Will a name like Raja play in Peoria?

35-year-old Indian American Krishnamoorthi eyes state comptroller post, chance to make history

By: Abdon M. Pallasch, Political Reporter

They used to say Illinoisans south of Interstate 80 would not vote for names like Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama.
But the voters proved themselves open-minded.
How open-minded? Raja Krishnamoorthi, 35, Illinois' former deputy treasurer, is preparing to run for state comptroller, banking on voters' ability to appreciate his Harvard law degree and Downstate Peoria roots, even if they have trouble pronouncing his name.
"I think there's no question we're ready for a new name: Raja -- that's what we'll call him. It's much easier," said Newton Minow, the former Federal Communications Commission chairman who will chair his campaign.

[Please click here to read the remainder of the article.]

Giannoulias kicks off 2010 Senate bid

2009-06-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias today officially launched his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2010, encouraging supporters to "stand up" and join him in his effort to revive the economy and restore opportunity for Illinois residents.
The only Democrat to declare his candidacy for the seat held previously by his political mentor, U.S. President Barack Obama, Giannoulias told the crowd that - more than ever - Washington needs responsible leaders who will take on powerful special interest groups during these difficult economic times.
"This race will offer voters a stark choice between the failed past or a promising future - a clear choice between the right course and the wrong one," said Giannoulias, kicking off his campaign during a three-day statewide tour. "We are at a seminal moment in this nation's history when the decisions that are made over the next few years will shape our nation for generations."
In his speech, Giannoulias recounted conversations with people who inspired him to run: Illinois farmers, factory workers, college students and small business owners from across the state who are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the economic downturn. "These are the victims of Washington politics as usual," he said.
Hartmarx Corp. workers crowded the kick-off event in Chicago to support Giannoulias, who helped the 137-year-old, Illinois-based suitmaker avoid liquidation and save 1,000 jobs by threatening to pull state business from the factory's main creditor, Wells Fargo. Giannoulias argued that after receiving $25 billion in federal bailout funds, Wells Fargo had a responsibility to invest in American jobs and workers, saying, "the American taxpayer is not an ATM for Corporate America."
Giannoulias challenged Illinoisans to join him in standing up to those who created America's economic crisis. He noted that far too many Americans are struggling as the result of Washington insiders and politicians who supported the failed trickle-down economic strategies of former President George W. Bush.
"During the past decade, those who controlled Washington systematically undermined the economic engine of the American middle class," Giannoulias said. "The policies they forced on the American people for nearly a decade killed millions of jobs, helped the few that are rich, hurt the many who live in the middle and drove the nation into the deepest economic recession in 75 years.
"Let's stand up together, move forward and write the next great chapter in American history."
Giannoulias said restoring the public's trust and confidence in government and its elected leaders would also serve as a top priority. He reiterated his pledge, made as the first U.S. Senate candidate from Illinois, to refuse political contributions from federal lobbyists and corporate PACs during his campaign, telling the crowd, "we cannot sit back and let the influence of corporate special interests bankrupt American families."
Elected Illinois State Treasurer as an independent Democrat, Giannoulias has pursued a progressive, reform agenda that focuses on innovative initiatives and policies designed to curb ethical abuses, safely invest the taxpayers' money and promote the financial wellbeing of state residents.
In his first official act as State Treasurer, he ended pay-to-play politics in the Treasurer's office by prohibiting his campaign fund from taking contributions from contractors, banks and office employees. He made the state's financial records more transparent by successfully pushing legislation requiring his and future administrations to post online reports detailing where state money is invested and how it performs compared to standard benchmarks.
To prevent young adults from piling up credit card debt, Giannoulias cracked down on credit card companies by authoring legislation to curb deceptive tactics marketers employ to prey on college students.
Giannoulias introduced securities lending, which earned more than $2 million in revenue for the state in its first year. To address the nation's worst unfunded pension liability, Giannoulias successfully drafted legislation that will potentially save the state $16 billion dollars by accelerating Illinois' pension debt payments. He has also supported the retention and creation of hundreds of jobs through low-interest business loans and venture capital investments.
As administrator of the state's 529 college savings programs, Giannoulias overhauled Illinois' Bright Start plan, lowering fees, adding more investment options and eliminating tax penalties. Earlier this year, Money Magazine named it a Top 3 program and Consumer Reports called it one of the best five programs in the nation.
Giannoulias negotiated $3.5 million in privately financed merit- and need-based scholarships that will help thousands of students attend college. In addition, he established the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship accounts to the children of fallen military and National Guard personnel.
In keeping with his agenda of ethics reform and fiscal responsibility, Giannoulias ended one of the scandals that tarnished Illinois government for 25 years. He gained title of two hotels owned and operated by political insiders that owed state taxpayers $60 million in loan and interest payments. His three-day swing includes stops at the hotels, the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield and the former Collinsville Holiday Inn.

U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy dies at age 77

2009-06-26T06:03:00.000-05:00

U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, died at age 77, his family said.
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy family said in a statement early on Wednesday.
One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history -- a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.

Full article...http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090826/us_nm/us_kennedy

2009-06-20T08:37:00.002-05:00

Nearly 50 million Americans -- one-in-six of our fellow citizens -- lack health insurance. And even those families lucky enough to have health insurance have seen their premiums triple in the past decade, now paying an average of $16,000 per year and rising rapidly.In short, America's health care system is in a crisis, and it's time to do something about it.This month, Congress is working on new reform legislation that will make quality health care available and affordable for all Americans. But we know the forces of the status quo will battle us every step of the way. So we're asking for your help, today, to get this critical legislation passed.Please sign our online petition today -- and circulate it to your friends -- and show your support of Congress' work to reform America's health care system now!The whole reason for health insurance in the first place is to spread costs among as large a group of people as possible, so we all pay a reasonable amount for quality health care and don't get stuck with an enormous bill if we get sick.Unfortunately, that's not how our system works anymore. Now, private insurance companies have been able to cherry-pick the healthy customers they want -- denying coverage to people who are most in need while charging exorbitant premiums to other folks with "pre-existing conditions."That's not right. It's time for private insurers to treat Americans fairly. That's why, as part of any health care reform plan, we support a public health insurance option that would foster greater competition in the marketplace. If you're happy with your current insurance plan, you could keep it. But a public option would create more choices for consumers -- and lead to lower costs and better quality for all. Plus, a public option would allow you to always keep your insurance, even if you lose or change your job.Please sign our online petition today -- and circulate it to your friends -- and show your support of Congress' work to reform America's health care system now!At a time when our country is struggling to pull itself out of a severe recession, we can't let our health care system continue to be an anchor dragging down our nation's economy.We'll take this petition to our colleagues, to show them the strong grassroots support for reforming America's health care system now -- including creating a public insurance option. With private insurance lobbyists roaming the Capitol, trying to stop real health care reform, the time to act is now. We need you to make your voice heard. Please stand with us: Sign our online petition now -- and help us pass strong health care reform legislation this summer!

Sincerely,

Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Chuck Schumer

P.S.

Hearings are already underway, and legislation is already being drafted. This is a critical time for you to stand up, join us, and make your voice heard. Please sign our petition now.

Giannoulias' chief of staff running for treasurer

2009-06-16T22:14:00.002-05:00

State treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' chief of staff Robin Kelly is campaigning for her boss's job next year. Kelly says she's exploring a run for state treasurer. The announcement could be another sign that Giannoulias is serious about his run for the U.S. Senate in 2010. Kelly set up her campaign committee in March and is now taking contributions through her campaign website. She says she wants to guard Illinois families' tax dollars. Kelly was a state representative from Chicago's south suburbs before joining the treasurer's office.

website http://robinfortreasurer.com/

Michelle Coady Announces Candidacy for Circuit Judge

2009-06-12T16:58:00.004-05:00

Taylorville attorney Michelle Coady has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the position of circuit judge-at-large for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Judge John P. Coady presently holds the circuit wide seat, but has recently announced his intentions to retire. Currently, there are only three female judges serving in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which covers a nine county region in Illinois, including, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby.

Coady was born in Nokomis and later moved to Taylorville, where she attended Taylorville High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville and went on to obtain her law degree from University of Missouri School of Law.

Coady began practicing at the law office of Beavers, Graham & Fines, in Taylorville, Illinois and then went on to practice with David R. Fines in Taylorville, Illinois, where she is currently engaged in private practice with an emphasis in family law and civil litigation. She is a certified mediator in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, serving as a neutral party to resolve custody and visitation disputes in family court. She has also served as a contract mediator for the Illinois Department of Employment Securities and a mediation and labor consultant for the Army Corp of Engineers.

“Judge John Coady has led by example with his temperament and compassion on the bench. If given the opportunity to serve the people of our circuit, I will use my extensive experience in the area of conflict resolution to attempt to practice with the same integrity that Judge John Coady has shown during his many years of service to the Circuit,” says Coady.

In addition to Coady’s extensive mediation practice, Coady has served as a conflict public defender in criminal proceedings, as a guardian ad litem for children and disabled adults as well as a child representative in family cases.

Coady is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Christian County Bar Association. She was selected to serve as a section council leader for the Illinois State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and served on the sub-committee for Illinois rural counties. She has also been involved as a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters and served from 2006-2009 as a board member for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.

Email: michelle@coady4judge.com

Hall of Shame

2009-06-10T21:51:00.004-05:00

The latest inductee to the Illinois Senate Democrats Hall of Shame is http://isdvf.org/content/latest-inductee-senator-kyle-mccarter