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Happy birthday, Denny Ray Miller!
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller  Denny’s on the right, wearing the shades. My brother Doug (on the left) and his family are visiting him this week. I was out there a few weeks ago and we had one heck of a good time. Still recovering, in fact.
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Late afternoon shorts
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · The mighty Kos (who, according to TNR, apparently controls the Internets) links to a post on this blog today about Gov. Blagojevich’s troubles and has a few choice words for the incumbent. We finally get a Democrat in the governor’s office in Illinois, and he has to go stink up the joint. Given that the last governor has been convicted of racketeering and bribery, it’s clear the people of Illinois deserve better. If you don’t know who Kos is, he’s a hardcore Democrat with about a kabillion readers every day. He also lived here, so he’s somewhat familiar with the state. · Once again, I forgot to link to my syndicated newspaper column: “There is so much more coming it is breathtaking,” an almost always reliable source said recently when asked about the recent flood of news stories about alleged corruption within Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration. · “Illinois’ highest-ranking judge is seeking as much as $7.7 million in his lawsuit against a suburban newspaper — and has considered pursuing other jobs when his term ends in 2010, legal documents show.” · Report Shows More Illinois Money Woes Beneath Budget Surface · Durbin visits Gitmo · Gov. Signs Law Expanding School Consolidation Options UPDATE: Mayor Daley has settled on his explanation: He should have kept a closer eye on things. “It is fair criticism to say I should have exercised greater oversight to ensure that every worker the city hired regardless of who recommended them was qualified and that proper procedures were always followed,” Daley said in his most extensive comments since convictions last week that rocked City Hall.
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Beavers claims Todd Stroger has the votes
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Democratic ward bosses will meet next week to replace retiring County Board President John Stroger on the November ballot and Stroger’s son has a majority of the weighted votes, Ald. William Beavers said Monday. And it looks like Beavers had to toss in a sweetner to make the deal, which includes Todd getting the ballot spot, Beavers getting the county board seat and Beavers’ daughter taking his slot on the city council. On Monday, Beavers disclosed that he has decided to relinquish his powerful job as chairman of the City Council’s Budget Committee as a favor to John Stroger. No word yet on who would get Todd Stroger’s city council slot.
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Preference rules proposed
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller JBT held a press conference today about allegations that the Blagojevich administration was skirting the state’s veterans preference rules in order to place politically connected types in coded civil service jobs. Let’s skip the blah-blah-blah about how she is so shocked and saddened about the alleged misconduct and head straight to her proposed solutions (from a press release): * Veterans’ Preference Certification: Topinka proposes adding a certification requirement to state civil service hiring that compels the employing agency to certify that the veteran preference laws have been followed and that no veteran has been illegally or improperly passed over for the job in question. Currently, an employing agency already must certify in writing that the agency has fully complied with the Rutan ruling in a hiring decision or that the position in question is Rutan exempt. The Veterans’ Preference Certification simply would be incorporated into the existing Rutan certification process. Thoughts? UPDATE: From the wires: Blagojevich’s campaign said if Topinka supported veterans she would back his veterans’ health care program. UPDATE 2: The guv’s people are pushing this line a lot right now, and Quinn is reportedly gearing up for a major slam on JBT. Topinka said that while Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn should be complimented for making veterans a priority, she said something more substantive, such helping veterans get jobs, has to be done. The guv’s campaign does need to be a little careful that they don’t allow themselves to overreact to Topinka’s goofy statement since JBT’s own son is in the armed forces and served in Afghanistan. The vets’ healthcare plan only costs about $5 million GRF right now, with more money provided by a special lottery game, so this is a fair hit on Topinka, who wants pay raises for non-union state workers that would cost a whole lot more. And how much would it cost to find jobs for vets? If you’re going to claim the mantle of “No” then you should say “no” to everyone.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Tracey; Hendon; Schock; Target feed (Use all caps in password)
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Question of the day
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller A week ago, Doug Finke wrote this in his column: Last week we asked readers to suggest names for the new Amtrak trains that will start running in Illinois. Instead of the boring old names honoring Lincoln or other Illinois notables we suggested names that reflect the political climate of the state. Frankly, the response was underwhelming. Aside from the fact that Finke has chosen to call himself “we,” I thought this was a good idea, but that it might be better suited for our blog. So, what should the state name the new Amtrak routes? UPDATE: This was apparently a lame idea by both Finke and myself since the comments have been few and far between. Oops. lol
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Wow
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Sometimes, I just shake my head in wonder. “Had my dad immigrated to the southern part of the state, instead of being a steelworker, he’d have been a coal miner, and I probably would have grown up instead of shooting hoops at the playground, shooting rifles and hunting,” said Blagojevich, appearing in casual dress outside the state-funded $50 million World Shooting and Recreational Complex that his administration championed. I’m almost speechless. I trust you aren’t.
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Keep on smiling
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Christi Parsons has a good piece on Gov. Blagojevich’s decision to look chipper in the face of increasing adversity, even going so far as saying that the negative headlines are “great.” It’s a plucky strategy for dealing with public relations crises, one that only a public figure with supreme self-confidence can carry off in those shaky days after a negative development makes its way into the civic forum. · Meanwhile, the Daily Herald has a quote from the governor making a good point. “It was only three years ago that you guys would write stories about how the new governor, the new kid on the block, can’t get along. … What do you think part of that was?†Blagojevich said in upbraiding reporters. “You got a lot of disgruntled political leaders, even in my own party, because we wouldn’t do it that way (throw out Republicans and hire Democrats). … That’s why we have 13,000 fewer state employees today.†I don’t disagree at all, but that certainly doesn’t absolve his administration. · And the Tribune runs a somewhat bizarre piece comparing patronage hiring to business networking and alumni organizations. It’s quite the stretch.
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Morning shorts
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · State among nation’s leaders in poverty indicators · Durbin interviewed · After a month, Sheridan counselors, Gateway still at odds · The lack of an Illinois capital construction plan is pushing some Rockford-area leaders to some unique steps. · State’s child support payments up · University of Illinois workers protest Democratic Governor Blagojevich · Medicaid money slow or non-existent · Blagojevich and the downstate shooting world · McCain, Giuliani to campaign for Topinka · GOP draws bull’s-eye on Bean · Cook County Seeks Loan Of $200 Million · Did Bush’s visit help or hurt Topinka? · Thursday’s convictions could scare some into making deals as City Hall probe continues · “Prosecutors want a federal judge to deny a defense motion to interview the jurors who convicted former Gov. George Ryan, saying it is an attempt to fish for claims of juror misconduct.” · Law OKs alcohol at Lincoln library, museum · Brunsvold’s influence everywhere · Mitchell: Hiring scandal signals lack of black clout at City Hall
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