*** UPDATE *** Apparently, state Representative-elect Deb Mell has been making several phone calls today. From The Hill…
State Rep.-elect Deborah Mell, the sister-in-law of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), told The Hill that she would run just hours after Emanuel officially accepted President-elect Barack Obama’s offer to become his chief of staff on Thursday. […]
She said she “would imagine” that the governor would endorse her.
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley said he is leaning toward running and even took a quick swipe at Mell.
“I waited until the congressman made his decision, which was today,” Quigley said. “You need at least a day to get some questions answered and make some choices. It’s not who decides first to run; it’s who decides that’s best qualified and is most viable.” […]
State Sen. John Cullerton, who is in the middle of a tight race to become the next state Senate president, said Thursday that he has no interest in the congressional race.
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* The name-floating has begun for Congressman Rahm Emanuel’s seat. Here’s CBS 2’s take…
Among the names that have been mentioned by political analysts as possible candidates are state Reps. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioners Mike Quigley (D-10th) and Forrest Claypool (D-12th), Ald. Thomas Allen (38th), and State Representative-elect Deborah Mell.
Cullerton is not running. At least that’s what he told me yesterday. No way, he said. I talked to Deb Mell today, as well as others (they’re coming outta the woodwork, man), but you’ll have to subscribe to see what they said.
* The Tribune…
Even Wednesday, a long line of Democrats interested in running for the Emanuel seat took only minutes to form, including Ald. Thomas Allen (38th) and state Rep. John Fritchey. Deborah Mell, daughter of Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) and Blagojevich’s sister-in-law, also expressed interest in replacing Emanuel even though she was just elected to the state House on Tuesday and hasn’t been sworn in yet.
Cook County Commissioners Mike Quigley and Forrest Claypool also are being talked about as potential candidates.
[Sigh. Moved too fast and didn’t read all the way down. Nevermind what I wrote about Claypool and is now deleted. He said he “wouldn’t rule it out.” Sorry.]
* More on that special election…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich must call a special election at least five days after the vacancy occurs. After that, the election must be held within 115 days.
* Meanwhile, before it gets picked up by Drudge or somebody, you should know that this IR post claiming Emanuel doesn’t pay property taxes is just flat-out incorrect. Emanuel pays property taxes. I figured it was a big story if true, so I checked. They apparently didn’t.
If you don’t believe me, here’s a copy of Emanuel’s tax payment record for this year. The pin number is on that copy, so you can look it up yourself at the treasurer’s website.
Somebody at the IR site also deleted a comment posted by the Cook County Assessor’s office which explained IR’s error. Not sure why. Here’s the deleted comment…
Your posting about Rahm Emanuel’s house being tax exempt is wholly inaccurate. Rep. Emanuel’s house is on the tax rolls, and he and Ms. Rule have paid the taxes on it.
The Emanuel house sits on two lots. For tax purposes, the property is listed as 4232 N. Hermitage Ave. The PIN is 14-18-408-035-0000. As you can see, 4232 N. Hermitage came up as one of the addresses when you searched Emanuel’s block on our web site.
4228 N. Hermitage is listed as the mailing address on the tax records. Had you taken the trouble to contact the Assessor’s office, we could have told you that — and told you that it is not at all uncommon for addresses to be merged for properties on two lots.
According to the Cook County Treasurer’s web site, Emanuel and his wife paid $13,022.60 in property taxes this year.
Awaiting a response.
*** UPDATE 2 *** IR has now posted an incomprehensible update. In case you care, I’ve posted the assessor’s office response to IR’s questions at this link.
*** UPDATE 3 *** There are no words to describe the level of denial at that site. A third post is now online. Oy.
Again, I thought the original post might be a huge story, considering Emanuel’s new job, which is why I checked it out. I was gonna give IR full props. What a scoop that would’ve been. But, alas, it was wholly false and they have yet to issue a retraction. Hey, it’s their site, and they can run it the way they want, but to lash out at others for pointing out their multiple mistakes and their refusal to own up to those egregious errors is the height of buffoonery. Larry has more here and another liberal hit man has some good stuff here.
The erroneous story, by the way, has now spread to the front page of RedState as well as to several other blogs.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:05 pm:
Whoever can raise the 1 or 2 million to win it, should win it, except for Mell. alk about audacity. She’s out.
- OneMan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:06 pm:
It will be interesting to see if they have this special on a Saturday like they did in the 14th
- Blue in DuPage - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:11 pm:
Jim Oberweis!
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:11 pm:
Sara Feigenholtz?
- Juice - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:13 pm:
Rich,
Claypool’s quote to the Daily Herald was specifically about being appointed to a position within the administration, not about the Senate seat.
When asked about the House seat, he said “I wouldn’t rule it out.”
- Just Observing - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:13 pm:
Dick Mell is probably just trying to get leverage with Deb Mell’s name.
I think Fritchey would be the front-runner.
Another name that is popping up is Manny Flores. He doesn’t live in the Distict, but that hasn’t stopped Melissa Bean, Dan Seals, or Jill Morgenthaller. Manny has a lot of money left over from when he was going to run for Congress in the 4th Congressional District.
- Levois - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:14 pm:
I don’t think I want Jim Oberweis anywhere in the city of Chicago.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:17 pm:
Much obliged, Juice.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:17 pm:
I also like Claypool a lot, but I think he would best serve us by staying in Illinois.
- John - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:20 pm:
Claypool is one of the most popular elected officials in Cook County. He would be a great COngressman if he were interested.
- Don - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
Claypool is the great unknown. He is close to Obama and Rahm. Claypool would be tough to beat.
- Elliot Ness - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
If the drudge report had contacted the Assessor’s office by phone, they would have sat on hold for an hour and half and been greeted by an inept county worker with no idea what anyone is talking about.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:25 pm:
Maybe, but I got right through.
- Zora - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:26 pm:
Cue Nancy Kaszak….
- Rob_N - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:27 pm:
Whaddaya mean “not sure why” the comment was deleted?
Facts, who needs facts?
I hear Rahm Emanuel eats babi…
Ack, nevermind. Let these Birchies keep shooting themselves in the foot. It’ll only help President-elect Obama’s progressive goals to be able to use their inanity as a foil.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:27 pm:
–Claypool is one of the most popular elected officials in Cook County.–
Didn’t he get beat by a dude in a coma?
Seriously, Congress is a lot more interesting when you’re in an 80-seat majority, plus have a Senate and president of your own party.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:31 pm:
Good job holding bloggers to some form of journalistic integrity! Someone’s gotta carry the torch from print newspapers…
- Don - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:32 pm:
Yeah, Claypool got beat by one of the most powerful African-American elected officials in the U.S. JOhn Stroger had Bill Clinton running radio adds for him and Mayor Daley behind him as well, yet Claypool a first term Commissioner lost by only 4%. Let’s see how Fritchey or any of these Alderman would have fared against Stroger. They would have received a whupping.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:32 pm:
It is time for Fritchey. Those outdoor cafe patrons with their faux doggies owe him their support. Throw him a bone people!
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:38 pm:
The thing that most bothers me is that Rahm has a gigantified house worth a kabillion dollars, yet his property tax bill is only slightly higher than mine. And I don’t even own the land my house sits on. I pay an annual lease to the city of spfld.
Sour grapes on my part, I suppose.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:39 pm:
I sure wouldn’t want to be the one who deleted that IR comment. Knowingly making an untrue statement accusing somebody of criminal activity? If Rahm cared, he would probably have a decent def. suit on his hands.
With regard to Claypool. Sorry, Forrest. Can’t lose you. Your County needs you. You need to stay here and keep kicking Todd around. Nobody else on that Board seems to be able to do it.
- Niles Township - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:40 pm:
Claypool is the most “congressional” of that bunch which of course probably means that he won’t get it.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:50 pm:
Yeah, Rich, those “lake” houses are quite the rip-off! At least you don’t have ComEd in the ‘patch…
- Oh please... - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:51 pm:
Deb Mell hasn’t even been sworn in to the seat she “won” in an uncontested election after her father completely cleared the field, and she is already putting her name in the ring for Congress? Hilarious.
- COPN - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 2:54 pm:
I checked the IR site earlier regarding Emanuel’s property taxes, and around 2:10 saw two comments on the IR site restating the Assessor’s comment. They are no longer posted.
I am admittedly not a regular of Illinois Review, but is that normal practice at that site?
- Captain Flume - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:01 pm:
Rich, your “assessment” of property taxes in Chicago vs. Spfld. is just why I will refuse to believe that Chicago cannot afford better schools, lower sales taxes, and other amenities that property taxes provide. The city is unwilling to tax at the rate it should to generate the revenue.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:02 pm:
COPN, they apparently just deleted the second comment by the assessor’s office which was a repost of the first deleted comment. lol.
They can run their site however they want, but this is a bit strange.
- Captain Flume - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:04 pm:
And to continue, sorry, the city then expects the state (the rest of the taxpayers in ALL of Illinois) to help it make up the difference. It’s a crock, but an example of tyranny of the majority.
- John - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:11 pm:
Claypool is the best fit for the congressional seat.
- HaHa! - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:12 pm:
We need Claypool to take on the Toddler in Cook county. Don’t go Forrest!!
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:18 pm:
Claypool vs Quigley vs Mell vs Fritchey = Allen
- Pat collins - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:18 pm:
The city is unwilling to tax at the rate it should to generate the revenue.
Or special people can appeal their assessment and get it lowered.
Assessed at 100,835, FMV of 630,219.
I wish I had a 1:6 ratio. Mine is more like 1:3
- jagsfan217 - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:29 pm:
Assessed Values are to be 33 1/3% of the FMV if memory serves me correctly.
- The Doc - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:31 pm:
So Deb Mell wants to jump to the majors fresh off being drafted days ago. Apparently the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
And to even mention the governor’s possible endorsement is more evidence of why she should not be representing the state in any capacity.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:33 pm:
I wonder how many precincts Rich Bradley would be working for Deb Mell?
- Gene Parmesan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:34 pm:
Pat and jagsfan, it depends on where you live. In every county but Cook, real property is assessed at 33.33% of market value. In Cook, real residential property is supposed to be assessed at 16% of fair market value, but in actuality, Sales Ratio Studies performed by the Department of Revenue have found that Assessor Houlihan assessed Cook residential property at around 8%-9% of fair market value.
- Downstater - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:38 pm:
Pat,
That’s the problem. Chicago (and maybe all of Cook County) is simply assessed at 1/6th of full market value while the rest of us in the state are assessed at 1/3 of FMV.
It’s special treatment for Rahm. It’s special treatment for the whole city (or county).
Of course, the full market value on some of the houses in Chicago is at double or triple what the same house would value at outside of a metropolitan area downstate.
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:40 pm:
I’d say Mell starts far back in the pack, and that an endorsement from Rod would pretty much finish her.
- Gene Parmesan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:40 pm:
Downstater, it’s more complicated than that. Cook County also has an Equalization Factor of 2.8439 applied to all assessments to balance out the difference in assessment ratios.
- True Believer - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:41 pm:
There are a number of talented and hardworking state level legislators in the Congressional district - Rep. John D’Amico comes to mind. He knows how to work with both sides of the aisle and is committed to the people of his district.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:43 pm:
Doesn’t just wanting Rod’s endorsement disqualify you for being a knucklehead?
- John - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:44 pm:
Quigley and Claypool won’t both run in the same race. There will be options for both in 2010 as well.
- Are you kidding me? - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:45 pm:
Deb Mell? Really? She has NO experience and thinks she can run for Congress? What a joke. Not a fan of Claypool, Quigley - no way. Fritchey is the guy that can do it and represent us well. He is the best we got on the northside and has my vote if he decides to enter the race.
- Gene Parmesan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:49 pm:
Illinois Review is now deleting any posts questioning their non-retraction of the story. There are a couple of posters who keep putting up the facts and they keep deleting the comments as soon as they pop up.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 3:53 pm:
lol
- clj - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
I think John needs to really consider this choice very carefully. House Ethics Rules will prohibit him from his current day job. No more building condos!
House Ethics Manual - Chapter 5
“At times a Member or staff person wishes to engage in outside employment that involves the selling of goods or services. On the basis of the rules and standards of conduct set out above, a Member should not undertake any outside employment that would involve the Member personally in the selling or endorsement of any goods or services.”
- Been There - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:01 pm:
Since the northwest side always seems to have some kind of pact between the GOP and the Dems I think it is time for the GOP to get their turn at the seat. Skippy For Congress.
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:02 pm:
Oh my god! Get Patrick Fitzgerald over here right away!! It’s the biggest scandal to ever hit Chicago politics!!!
RAHM’S PIN NUMBER IS OUT OF SEQUENCE!!!!
In the meantime I’m signing off and going into hiding, because the PIN number on my home is also out of sequence from my next door neighbor. I’ve never understood why, and quite honestly never worried about it, but now I’m terrified to learn the consequences.
- GoBearsss - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:05 pm:
“Fritchey is the guy that can do it and represent us well.”
Wow - he’s got you guys out in full force already?
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:05 pm:
Rich, those tax numbers are about right for his house in Chicago, and for yours. My house in Springfield (av $400,000) racked up property taxes of $10,000 per year. In fact, his taxes look a little high to me. Anyway, we can’t blame him for the County’s practices, which are driven by state law.
- Bill - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:07 pm:
Forest Gump Claypool is a little out of his league on this one. Noone likes a trator and a backstabber.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:08 pm:
It looks like their “incomprehensible” update states that only one of the two lots is being taxed. Of course, that’s not the case at all. Two lots, one tax bill. Just as the County said.
Are they actively LOOKING for a lawsuit? Keep knowingly making falso charges of illegal conduct. Perfect. I expect their defense to be “Nobody with half a brain believes anything written here anyway.”
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:13 pm:
===Rich, those tax numbers are about right for his house in Chicago, and for yours.===
I’m aware that my taxes aren’t out of line for Spfld. I just get tired of the whining from Chicagoans about their tax bills. When I mentioned my tax bill to the assesor’s office today, the guy couldn’t believe it.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:14 pm:
LOL…it looks like the ‘crossroads’ is off the road on this one. Maybe they are doing this just to increase their traffic count, as GOPers look for any sign of good news.
- The Illinois Way - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:21 pm:
The Illinois way:
John Stroger beget the Toddler.
Emil Jones beget Three-mil.
And now - Dick Mell beget Deb “My daddy can get me a Congressional seat” Mell.
Deb Mell has yet to serve a day in Springfield but she’s already looking to “move on.” She has no record of her own, the Mell/Blagojevich name isn’t exactly golden and she already has a sense of entitlement. And she doesn’t event live in the district.
- Secret Square - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:24 pm:
Why would Blago want to endorse anyone named Mell at this point?
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:25 pm:
re Illnois Review: I think we Republicans still don’t get it. I voted for McCain, and it was one of the most difficult votes I ever cast. McCain’s campaign was ugly and mean-spirited, not at all like I thought John McCain was. Those who watched his speech conceding Tuesday night saw what I had believed to be the real John McCain, gracious and less partisan, more about coming together than about being divisive.
He should have campaigned that way. He still might not have won, but at least he wouldn’t have turned his soul over to some storm troopers who believe winning justifies any and all tactics.
At least for this moment in our history, Obama’s approaches are on target. People are tired of meaness and divisiveness in campaigning and tired of partisanship in governing. If Obama can govern from somewhere around the center/left-center and appoach things as more non-partisan, we Rs will be further still from coming back.
- Amy - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:27 pm:
Claypool makes perfect sense. he has the resume, editor of the law review, lots of public service where he actually did something. he is a good vote getter on the north/nw side. and the powers that be would love for him to be gone. Washington is only important in terms of bringing money to Chicago. Obama is not a threat to run for Mayor now. Claypool is a threat to run for County Board President again. everyone unites to move him up and out. and, he actually is “Congressional” so it’s not the worst thing the powers that be could do. in fact, it is the best thing they could do for the 5th.
- reddbyrd - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:43 pm:
upon further review it is clear the best choice to win a crowded primary is Joe Lyons!
- Carl Nyberg - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 4:59 pm:
Personally, I liked Dick Mell when I met him, but the last Congressman he foisted on the district was a bust.
I hope he won’t be offended if I tell him I’m leaning toward someone else instead of his daughter.
Tom Allen was in way over his head to think he was qualified to be Cook County State’s Attorney. Allen has Danny Davis/John McCain level of understanding of computers. Allen would meet the minimum level of qualification for the job, but the district can do better.
If Claypool runs, I expect his opponents are going to try to make hay out of his enthusiasm for Ayn Rand. They will also attack him for being anti-union.
Todd Stroger is probably hoping Obama/Axelrod appoint Claypool to some administration job and Quigley gets elected to Congress. That will weaken resistance on the county board.
Pingback ArchPundit | When You Get It Wrong - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:06 pm:
[…] Rich and Progress Illinois have more. […]
- jerry 101 - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:14 pm:
The incomprehensible update gets stupider.
They question whether $13,000 is a reasonable tax rate for a double lot.
In the original post, they note that the neighbors, on single lots (it seems) pay $6k to $7k per year. So, Rahm is paying about double what his single-lot neighbors pay on his double lot house. Something is definitely amiss.
- some former legislative intern - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:15 pm:
Now I have a great deal of respect for her and know her personally, but Deb Mell does not seem to understand that if she does this, she will: 1) actually have to run against people for this office; 2) will have to raise money from scratch because she won’t be able to use the money she has in her state account for a federal race; 3) her brother in law will NOT be an asset to the campaign and 4) it is going to look absolutely ridiculous running for this seat when she hasn’t been sworn into the state Rep. seat yet and she really has no government experience.
Can you imagine the questions and hazing she gets when she runs her first bill through the state House? The special election wouldn’t be until, most likely, March at the earliest, more than enough time for her first bill to be presented.
I would have thought she would try to downplay the association with Blagojevich, instead she mentions in the article that her brother in law “probably” will endorse her. What was she thinking?
Every way you look at it, this was not well thought out.
- Lapse of Judgement - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:53 pm:
So Rich, when you stopped laughing and asked Debra Mell what qualifies her for Congress, what did she say?
Her daddy ain’t scarin’ anybody out of this race. As a matter of fact, many people hope she does run so they can use this opportunity for a little payback.
I suggest her slogan be: Debra Mell-now because…well just because.
Pingback ArchPundit | Jim, How Can We Miss You If You Won’t Go Away - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:56 pm:
[…] Via Rich […]
- wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 5:56 pm:
Steve, I agree with you about McCain. Once he clinched the nomination, I wish he would have cast out the yahoos and run his own race. Instead, he picked Sara and tried to assuage the zealots.
I suspect he made a horrible compromise with his posse, in that, “I’ll go negative on some of your stuff (socialist, Bill Ayers), but I won’t play the race card (Rev. Wright).”
In addition to his concession speech, there were a couple of instances on the trail where he smacked down some of the yabbos in his crowd, saying “Obama’s a good man, a family man, we’ll be alright if he wins.”
- wordslinger - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 6:06 pm:
–IThose outdoor cafe patrons with their faux doggies owe him their support.–
Hmm, seems out of character for the district.
I’m more familiar with the places that don’t have a name, just an Old Style sign. A guy named Stosh draws you a beer and you have a choice of jerky, beer nuts or maybe hard-boiled eggs from a jug. If Stosh figures you’re alright, he might let you shake the cup of dice for the pot behind the bar next to the photo of John Paul II.
- FOK - Fan of Kim - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 6:16 pm:
Sorry to shuffle the chairs even more, Rich, but I hope Quigley does run and win, because not only would the district be well represented, but it would also give his Chief of Staff, Kim Walz, a chance to become County Commissioner.
People should keep an eye on this one. Kim is very intelligent (Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown), experienced (Quigley’s Chief of Staff for 3 years; Policy Analyst before that, was Young Chicago Lakefront President for I can’t remember how long), treats everyone the same (very little ego); can be tough when she needs to be without being offensive; would continue to be a voice and a vote for reform of county government; and is, quite frankly, very attractive.
Those on the lookout for new political talent should keep an eye on Kim Walz. If Quigley became Congressman, she would be an excellent replacement should she choose to take on the job.
- Bookworm - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 7:01 pm:
If Fritchey runs (and wins), it will leave a vacancy on JCAR, where he has been one of the most vocal critics of the guv’s unauthorized healthcare expansion. Heck, that might actually convince Blago to vote for him
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 8:17 pm:
Four words for the GOP:
“Re-elect Michael Patrick Flanigan.”
Pingback Anatomy of a con smear on Rahm Emanuel « Illinois Reason - Friday, Nov 7, 08 @ 3:42 am:
[…] Within minutes Mr. Miller learns that the Eaton post is completely bogus because she simply misunderstands the way property taxes are assessed in the county. […]
Pingback New Year, new life for Fran Eaton’s fallacies about Rahm Emanuel? « Illinois Reason - Tuesday, Jan 6, 09 @ 7:24 pm:
[…] Yes, anyone with the Google can verify it … easily and quickly no less since it already was verified literally within hours after the lies about him started appearing. Emanuel paid more than $13,000 which is about double what his neighbors pay. […]
Pingback Rahm Emanuel is a Conniving Jerk Who Pays His Property Taxes - Wednesday, Mar 4, 09 @ 11:05 am:
[…] The Capitol Fax Blog showed this story to be completely and utterly without merit back in November. The Chicago Tribune linked to six thorough debunkings of the claim in February. And yet the online and newspaper sources I refer to above, continuing to spread this untrue story, were published in the past week! Clearly, somebody is (or somebodies are) spending a lot of time and energy continuing to push this claim. […]