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Bleak forecast
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller More bad budget news. Early retirement programs have helped shrink the Illinois government payroll, but those savings will be lost and a deficit created in the long run due to a delay in pension contributions, according to a recent report. [Emphasis added] It’s good to see the smaller papers taking on complicated budget issues. First it was the Rockford Register Star’s excellent piece on the state’s deficit, and now the Quincy Herald Whig looks at pension deficits. Read the whole thing. More like this, please.
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Franks won’t endorse Blagojevich
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller This was not unexpected. A Democratic member of the Illinois House who has been harshly critical of the administration of Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Tuesday he does not back the governor for re-election.
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SurveyUSA: 45-34-17-5
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller SurveyUSA has the same point spread as Rasmussen. In an election for Governor of Illinois today, 7/25/06, incumbent Democratic Rod Blagojevich defeats Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KSDK-TV St. Louis. Blagojevich gets 45% today. Topinka gets 34%. 17% would vote for some other candidate. 5% are undecided. Since an identical SurveyUSA KSDK-TV poll 9 weeks ago, Blagojevich has gained 2 points and Topinka has lost 3 points. Blagojevich had led by 6, now leads by 11. Among male voters, Blagojevich had been down 4, now up 8, a 12-point swing in his favor. Crosstabs are here. Notice the high percentage for “other.” That breaks down to 18% Republicans; 14% Democrats; 22% independents. For other poll results, go here. UPDATE: I should also point out that SurveyUSA, Rasmussen and Topinka all have Blagojevich at 45 or 44, while the governor’s poll had him closer to 50 percent, at 47. Any time an incumbent is below 50, even if he or she is ahead, that’s bad news. Yes, he has a strong lead, which gives him legitimate reason for optimism. But he hasn’t proved yet that he can close the deal and the persistent thunder from the US Attorney’s office ain’t helping.
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Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller I really don’t like Alderman Burton Natarus. I lived in his ward for over four years and I found him to be a worthless joke. But I partly agree with this position. Calling it dangerous, disgusting and downright unsanitary, downtown Ald. Burton F. Natarus (42nd) on Tuesday declared his opposition to allowing dogs to accompany their owners to Chicago’s sidewalk cafes. I love dogs. I hate most dog owners. Unless dog owners can certify that they’re competent and respectful, I say keep those dogs away from the cafes. Anyway, the question today is not “Is Burt Natarus a raging doofus?” because that pretty much answers itself. The question is: What do you think of the proposed Chicago ordinance which would allow dogs in outdoor cafes? PS: Burt, you’re gonna have a very hot primary race. Maybe it would be best not to insult your fellow aldermen. “Just because Schulter says it’s a good idea and Walter Burnett [27th] says it’s a good idea doesn’t mean it is. I know more about animals than they do,” Natarus said.
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Campaign update
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · The governor’s preschool plan seems like a pretty decent program on its face. But the program has restrictions on how the slots are doled out, giving priority to children who are at risk of failing in school. After at-risk children are placed, working families meeting certain income guidelines are next in line for openings. Then any open slots would go to other families who applied. However, like all of Gov. Blagojevich’s much-hyped planS, I’m just waiting to be disappointed by depressing revelations in the near future about how the whole thing is screwed up. By the way, we’re all very aware that some people don’t like mandatory pre-school, but this isn’t mandatory. So, please, try to stay away from the black helicopters in comments. · Topinka was in Rockford yesterday. “Out of all 50 states, Illinois ranks last in net assets and second to last in government funds. Boy, are we limping. … We are drowning in red ink, and that means we lack in the ability to invest in our future, especially in critical improvements to our state’s roads and bridges and other transportation needs,†Topinka said. […] The thing about Topinka is her quotes jump right off the page. The governor’s sometimes do, too, but it’s mostly what he says, not how he says it.
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United gets promise of fuel tax break
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller This story may get some traction. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has promised to provide some relief from high fuel prices, but not for the millions of motorists facing stiff prices at the pump. I hope the company got that promise in writing.
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Morning shorts
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · “Illinois could have an advantage over Texas in the sweepstakes to land a $1 billion, nearly pollution-free power plant, the chief of the state’s coal association said Tuesday.” · “A nonprofit organization locked in a nearly two-month strike by workers at Illinois’ only prison for drug-addicted inmates is urging its drug counselors at two other state prisons to reject joining a labor union.” · Metro East gas tanks won’t run dry · Editorial: “Gov. Rod Blagojevich loves to brag about Illinois being first with this program or that entitlement. Now, in part because of all his spending, he can brag about our state being the worst off financially.” · Editorial: Governor’s dishonesty is never good policy · `Big-box’ vote a nail-biter · Daley urged not to bulldoze cemetery · Wind farm delays pit Durbin, Obama against FAA · Marin: Living wage would help poor and benefit Chicago · Attorney general wants lower water rates · Guv will be grand marshal of India Independence Day parade · “A wire service reported Tuesday that former Gov. Jim Edgar is a candidate for federal transportation secretary, but Edgar told the Tribune he was ’surprised’ to hear it.”
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