|
New poll
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Rasmussen has a new Illinois poll. It’s posted behind a membership firewall, and I haven’t confirmed the numbers yet, but I hear they’re very good for the governor. Something like 45-34 with 9 going for “other.” Post what you know in comments.
|
|
JBT starts rolling out her proposals
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller After being criticized for months for having no ideas, Judy Baar Topinka unveiled her jobs plan today. It includes disbanding the agency formerly known as DCCA, instituting a statewide enterprise zone and implementing a manufacturers tax credit for jobs created. Topinka, the state treasurer, also called for a “New Jobs Now” tax credit for established employers. They would get a credit equal to 50 percent of the payroll taxes for any new jobs. The credit would jump to 75 percent if the jobs offer health care, retirement and other benefits. The campaign’s executive summary can be found here (pdf file). Take a look and tell us what you think.
|
|
Tristano gets year and a day
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Mike Tristano was sentenced today. A onetime top aide to former Illinois House Minority Leader Lee Daniels was sentenced to one year and one day in prison this morning and will pay a $120,000 fine after admitting he diverted state resources to political campaigns. Apparently, he also helped the feds bug someone else. Lawyers also disclosed in court today that Michael Tristano, 58, Daniels’ former chief of staff, cooperated covertly by attempting to record conversations with another individual over the phone. Tristano’s lawyer, Jeffrey Steinback, would not say who his client called, but it has been apparent over the last several months that Tristano is providing information about his onetime boss. Tristano said he broke the law “out of loyalty to House Republican leadership,” and added: “Frankly, I compromised my conscience to fit in and go along,” Tristano said. I did not make that up.
|
|
Question of the day
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller If you support Gov. Rod Blagojevich, name five reasons why others should vote for him. Same for you Judy Baar Topinka supporters. Please, if you can’t name five reasons, don’t post. Your answers should not be about ridiculing others. Stick to your five points, and elaborate as much as you want. UPDATE: Oops. Forgot to include Green Party candidate Rich Whitney. Sorry about that.
|
|
Maybe they could turn themselves in
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller The governor stuck to the script yesterday, but it differed in a big way from his office’s talking points a couple of months ago. Gov. Rod Blagojevich called his administration “fearless” in fighting corruption Tuesday […] Unfortunately, the governor said, he couldn’t disclose how the fearless fight was going. Blagojevich said state law bars him from disclosing any of the inspector general’s findings. Pressed on the issue, he said officials should take a look at changing the law so that more information can be made public. Um, wasn’t that his bill? The governor also expressed displeasure that the Tribune recently disclosed the contents of an inspector general’s report. And [the Tribune] got a hold of a [inspector general’s] report that was unflattering. And even though whoever gave it to them violated the law, they were more than happy to write about it, and it was unflattering But as Dan Curry pointed out in May, the governor’s office talked about details of an IG report with the Sun-Times. But a Blagojevich aide said “there was no basis for termination” because the governor’s top investigator could find no wrongdoing, allowing Mlinarich to remain at the Gaming Board until her November 2004 resignation. […] Curry provided the relevant statute: (d) Unless otherwise provided in this Act, all investigatory files and reports of the Office of an Executive Inspector General, other than quarterly reports, are confidential, are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and shall not be divulged to any person or agency, except as necessary (i) to the appropriate law enforcement authority if the matter is referred pursuant to this Act, (ii) to the ultimate jurisdictional authority, (iii) to the Executive Ethics Commission; or (iv) to another Inspector General appointed pursuant to this Act. [Emphasis added]
|
|
Giuliani comes to town
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Rudy Giuliani was in town to help JBT yesterday. The media drools over this guy as much or more than McCain (and he’ll be here soon), so there was plenty of coverage. · Tribune: Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday defended his socially moderate views, and those of GOP governor candidate Judy Baar Topinka, against conservative criticism that they are out of sync with Republican Party values. · Sun-Times: “We urge Mayor Giuliani while he is in town raising money for Judy Baar Topinka to persuade her to protect Illinois families and support taking dangerous assault weapons off our streets,” Blagojevich spokeswoman Sheila Nix said in a statement. · Daily Herald: Giuliani ended by urging law enforcement and fire department representatives at the session to support Topinka because “she’ll be a really tough governor.â€
|
|
The Stroger beat goes on
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · Todd Stroger wants to run Cook County, but he’s having trouble figuring out state campaign laws. Fox 32 has run some reports about how Stroger sent a fundraising letter to county employees from his aldermanic office. Stroger claimed his campaign fund paid for part of his aldermanic office and the phones, but the Better Government Association couldn’t find any record of that. Oops. Zorn has more, and you can find video links here. · Ald. Beavers, who’s been shepherding the deal to replace John Stroger on the ballot and on the Cook County Board has apparently ticked off some of his future colleagues. The 7th Ward alderman says he wants the 4th District commissioner’s job so he can do “less work.” · Meanwhile, Mark Brown writes that Congressman Jackson’s wife could throw Beavers a curve and run for alderman next year against his daughter. Beavers, as you already know, wants to appoint his daughter to his council seat when he moves to the county board.
|
|
Morning shorts
Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · Green Party to fight ballot challenges · Editorial: Green Party deserves crack at governor’s race · Editorial: Madigan wise to hand hiring probe to feds · ‘Historic’ school test results · Swanson avoids prison despite role in Ryan scandal · Retailers say Big Box wage illegal · “Stop arguing and start building roads, especially in Winnebago County. That’s the message of Rock River Valley business and political leaders who launched a petition drive Tuesday to put an advisory referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot. The measure urges Gov. Rod Blagojevich and legislators to pass a capital spending budget in the November session to build roads.” · “Illinois racing watchdogs may add another veterinarian at Arlington Park to keep a closer eye on the horses following a high number of on-track injuries this year, officials said Tuesday.” · Missouri wants private investors in bridge. Invading the state might be easier. · Grizzlies doing just fine without Major League affiliation · ComEd Tuesday announced a plan it says will ease the impact of higher electricity rates that could go into effect in January.
|
| « NEWER POSTS | PREVIOUS POSTS » |
