Caught a nasty cold yesterday, but here are a few stories I read this morning.

The governor met with the four legislative leaders yesterday.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Illinois’ four legislative leaders met Thursday to discuss capital projects, Chicago’s mass-transit crisis, further security upgrades at the Statehouse and a possible revenue source: gambling expansion

Three of the meeting’s participants, however, stressed that firm agreements did not materialize during the two-hour meeting…

…House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said the group was “open-minded” about adding casinos, even one in Chicago…

…Cross said Blagojevich and the leaders also discussed additional security enhancements for the Capitol complex in Springfield, where an unarmed guard was fatally shot Sept. 20. Lawmakers may pass a $5 million supplemental appropriation that would pay for more officers with weapons…

…Another initiative, a possible rewrite of medical malpractice law, also could surface in the veto session if current negotiations advance among adversaries. Watson said lawmakers would receive an update next week from a mediator who is working with trial lawyers and physicians and hospitals.

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Alan Keyes blames everyone but himself, of course.

Republican Alan Keyes blamed the media and ‘’Republicans in name only'’ Thursday for his lopsided loss to Democrat Barack Obama in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race.

Keyes also said he didn’t congratulate Obama after the race was called, a tradition among politicians, because doing so would have been a ‘’false gesture'’ because he believes Obama’s views on issues like abortion are wicked.

And then there’s this one…

[Keyes] reminded listeners that throughout his campaign he had said he was “engaged in a battle between good and evil.” Because of that, he said, he did not feel that he could offer his congratulations to Obama.

“I’m supposed to make a call that represents the congratulations toward that which I believe ultimately stands for and will stand for a culture evil enough to destroy the very soul and heart of my country?” Keyes asked rhetorically. “I can’t do this. And I will not make a false gesture.”

There are no words printable enough to describe how I feel about this man. Use your imagination.

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And I’ve noticed that the CrossBloggers sure are snippy these days, focusing way too much negative energy on a qualified parenthetical aside instead of enjoying the moment. Who loves you, baby? Sheesh.