[Posted by Mike Murray]
* Former Sen. Adlai Stevenson III endorses Dan Hynes for Illinois governor
Former Sen. Adlai Stevenson endorsed Comptroller Dan Hynes for Illinois governor on Wednesday, where he faces Gov. Quinn in the Illinois Democratic primary. Not a mention about Gov. Quinn in his statement. Stevenson ran twice for governor, never made it.[…]
“I am proud to support Dan Hynes for Governor because he is the right man for the moment. The challenges we face are many, and we need a strong leader with a clear vision for the future of our state. The first step is to address the budget, which is nothing short of a crisis. Dan’s record of strong fiscal management speaks for itself, and he is uniquely qualified to put our state finances back on track. Furthermore, I have come to know Dan as a man of integrity, and a leader with the courage of his convictions. These are progressive principles that I share, and I am proud to lend the Stevenson family name, and all it stands for, to the effort to elect Dan Hynes the next Governor of Illinois.”
Adlai E. Stevenson III represented Illinois in the United States Senate, and was twice the Democratic nominee for governor. His father, Adlai E. Stevenson II, was a former Illinois Governor and two-time Democratic Presidential nominee.
“I am honored to have Senator Stevenson’s support,” Hynes said. “The name Adlai Stevenson has special resonance across Illinois, representing an undying commitment to progressive principles and basic decency. Senator Stevenson is a proud heir to that legacy, and his contributions to Illinois are immeasurable. I am tremendously proud to have him involved in our campaign.”
* Franks for Governor?
State Rep. Jack Franks, a Democrat from Marengo, has often toyed with the idea of running for governor. He says he’s not yet made up his mind for 2010.
“I don’t know yet, I’ve got to figure it out,” he said. “It’s either re-election or governor.”
He says the decision won’t be based on money or the other candidates.
“The only consideration at this point is my children,” he said. “That’s my only concern. Whether its fair to my wife to basically make her a single mom for the next year and a half, because I know what I was doing when I was in high school.”
* Republican governor candidate touting DuPage’s rejection of video poker in campaign
Republican governor candidate Bob Schillerstrom is using his DuPage County Board’s rejection of legalized video gambling in bars in unincorporated territory as an early theme to try to stir interest in his campaign.
Schillerstrom, county board chairman in DuPage, is planning to use his opposition to video gambling as part of a road show aimed at promoting his candidacy as well as to urge other municipalities to reject video gambling.
* Cullerton: I have support to replace DeLeo in Senate
Patricia “P.J.” Cullerton, Democratic committeeman of the 38th Ward, says she has the support of most of the committeemen in her state Senate district to be slated to succeed Sen. Jimmy DeLeo, who is retiring at the end of this term.[…]
Cullerton is a scion of the Irish-American political family that has held office in Chicago since the 1800s. State Senate President John Cullerton is a “distant cousin” of hers, she said.
* Giannoulias Consolidating Support in Illinois
It’s looking increasingly likely that state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias will be Democrats’ anointed candidate in the 2010 Illinois Senate race.
Giannoulias’ aides confirmed a local report that the powerful state chapter of the Service Employees International Union will endorse Giannoulias — a sign that he will be national and local Democrats’ pick to face Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in the general election.[…]
The window of opportunity for other candidates to get into the race continues to close as petitions to get on the ballot started circulating last week.
Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson (D) announced this week that she is running, but local operatives say she will have trouble overcoming Giannoulias’ head start. And now that the young state treasurer has picked up the backing of the most prominent union in Democratic politics, it will be even more difficult for Jackson to catch up in the less than six months before the Feb. 2 primary.
* Senate candidate is wise beyond his years
LeAlan Jones has never let youth or inexperience hold him back.
That’s why at 30 Jones is bold enough to join the race for the U.S. Senate seat recently held by his fellow South Sider, President Obama. Jones is running on the Green Party of Illinois ticket.
He’s green all right. He has never sought political office. So he knows what you’re thinking: He’s a kid. He must be nuts. He doesn’t have a chance.
“That’s what they said about Barack Obama,'’ Jones said. “They said he was too young, too inexperienced. Nobody gave him a chance either.'’
He doesn’t have a political war chest stuffed to the brim with fat-cat contributions. “I’m not trying to keep up with the Joneses,'’ he said. “I’m already a Jones.'’
Jones swears he is not crazy.
* Former Rep. Robin Kelly Runs for Illinois Treasurer
* Dodge to run for comptroller
Jim Dodge, an Orland Park Trustee, will formally announce his candidacy for Illinois Comptroller next week. Dodge joins Dennis Cook and Judy Baar-Topinka as a possible candidates for the office.
* County to get new judges next year
Gov. Patrick Quinn recently signed legislation that will add judges to Will County. […]
The new judges are to be elected in 2010 in subcircuits 3, 4 and 5.
Judges are to be added in the other two subcircuits after two current circuit judges retire.
County board member John Anderson (D-Monee), a lawyer who works in Chicago, has announced he will seek the judgeship in the 3rd subcircuit. Associate Judge Ray Nash, a Republican, is expected to announce his candidacy for the same judgeship.
* Debbie Halvorson’s big problem
T he latest Democrat targeted over the national health care debate is the one not holding a town hall meeting.
Freshman U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, of Crete, is keeping a low profile on health care during the House August recess.[…]
Halvorson remains undecided on the health care proposals floating through the House, but she’ll be forced to make up her mind when the House resumes work Sept. 7.
The question is whether she’ll use her freshman status as a crutch and vote against whatever plan emerges - or whether she’ll fulfill the promises on which she built her political brand to change the health care system status quo.
* 11th CD voters call on Halvorson to hold health care town hall
* PJStar: More debates needed on health care - not fewer
* Naperville Town Hall Meeting Closed To Cameras
A press release invited CBS 2 to a forum in Naperville Wednesday afternoon. When we got there, though, we discovered that our cameras were not allowed in.
Electronic recording devices of any kind were strictly prohibited inside the Naperville hotel ballroom where two suburban members of Congress were about to discuss health care reform.[…]
There were heated exchanges inside. North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk and DuPage County Rep. Judy Biggert were interrupted several times by small business owner Mark Garrity, who shouted, “Tell the truth!”
“We don’t really want to listen to them obfuscate about it and tell lies,” said Mark Garrity, Downers Grove, Democrat.
* GOP Has Health Care Ideas but Prefers Attacks on Obama
The moderate plan has been proposed by Reps. Mark Kirk (Ill.) and Charlie Dent (Pa.) and reportedly will form the basis of a full-blown GOP alternative developed by the GOP Health Care Solutions Group headed by Rep. Roy Blunt (Mo.), but not yet unveiled.[…]
Democrats may want to ignore Republican ideas and label the GOP “the party of no,” but they’d have a harder time if the GOP were more assertive in pushing its positive ideas. Moreover, voters might think better of Republicans.
* Biggert, Kirk sound off on health reform
Each representative made a brief opening statement followed by questions posed by chamber President John Schmitt, who touched on all four topics followed by a brief question and answer period.
Biggert, R-Hinsdale, consistently responded to questions in broad strokes, while Senate hopeful Kirk, R-Highland Park, repeatedly used statistics and a variety of references to world-based issues seemingly aimed at portraying him as a figure with greater political aspirations.
Kirk said this was a crucial economic time for Illinois.[…]
Both representatives spoke during a PowerPoint presentation on health care, which showed comparisons of a number of issues, including wait time to see physicians in other countries, cost and survival rate. According to the data presented, health care in the U.S. is far superior to either Canada or England despite its increased cost. Both Kirk and Biggert support the Medical Rights Act, which allows patients to continue to act on decisions made with their private physician, cost reform — including fully electronic medical records and lawsuit reform — and using interstate insurance pools.
* Durbin, Shimkus won’t do town halls
Spokespersons confirmed Tuesday that Durbin and Shimkus will be meeting in smaller groups with constituents and advocates to talk about the issue, instead of using the town hall approach.
Durbin, the assistant Senate majority leader and a leading backer of Obama, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch late last week he had no interest in providing a venue for chaos.
“I won’t be doing sucker-punch town hall meetings,” Durbin said. “They can do all the political theater they want, but I don’t have to supply the stage for them.” […]
On the other side, Shimkus spokesman Steve Tomaszewski said the Republican regularly offers constituents in his 19th District office hours for one-on-one meetings to talk about their views on health care and other issues. Tomaszewski said the congressman has seen a 75 percent increase in such contacts this year, with health-care reform the top issue in recent weeks.
* Durbin plans small meetings on health care
President Barack Obama and many lawmakers are conducting town hall meetings on health care, but Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Springfield says no thanks.
Instead, Durbin plans smaller group meetings with constituents and advocates to talk about the issue.
- Shore - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 11:21 am:
Durbin’s an arrogant piece of work. The guy wants to redo 17 percent of the u.s. economy and isn’t man enough to step up and hear from his constituents? Someone’s gotten too big for their britches.
Cheryl Jackson’s another piece of work, she dumps blago on us and wants a senate seat because she fits the demographic of the seat? Go away.
http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,8&vid=081209c
- wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 11:38 am:
Now Dems are screaming at GOP members on health care? I guess both parties wack jobs are now fully engaged.
Memo to Lunatic Fringes: If you can’t conduct yourself in a civil manner in public, stay home.
- Rob_N - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 11:43 am:
Shore, I already posted about that stupid line of attack on Durbin a few days ago. There are other ways to talk to constituents that allow a legislator to have a real discussion while overcoming the people who would rather scream at the top of their lungs so that nobody can have a discussion.
Look at Durbin’s schedule — it’s listed on his Senate website. He’s having smaller meetings to talk to individuals, business people, folks in the health care industry, etc.
….Besides, you’re a big Mark Kirk fan. Where are his open-door, free-for-all town hall meetings with his constituents? Not his meeting with Rep. Biggert in an area completely outside his own district. Not his meetings with Republicans to which his regular constituents aren’t invited.
Where are Kirk’s public meetings? Or do you think he’s “an arrogant piece of work” who has “gotten too big for their britches” too?
–
All,
A blogger named Meggie had an interesting take on that Kirk/Biggert meeting yesterday, including description of Reps. Kirk and Biggert being a bit dumbfounded when members of the Chamber of Commerce they were visiting supported Obama’s reform plans because the status quo that Kirk and Biggert support is crushing their small business.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 12:15 pm:
“Where are his open-door, free-for-all town hall meetings with his constituents?”
You mean the meetings the Democrats used to Astroturf and bellow at back in the day?
Boy, when the shoe is put on the other foot . . .
- Central IL Guy - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 12:34 pm:
I can understand why Durbin and others prefer the use of small group meetings to help facilitate civil discourse on health care issues. It’s pretty clear that some people are coming to the town hall events with the intended purpose of disrupting the process, and shutting down information sharing and dialogue. It appears our democratic process hasn’t matured very much over the last 200 years.
- Rob_N - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 12:35 pm:
Louis asks, “You mean the meetings the Democrats used to Astroturf and bellow at back in the day?”
Please link to examples of Democrats or even progressive activists to put together caravans of people who are instructed to “spread out”, “rock-the-boat early in the Rep’s presentation”, “stand up and shout” and “rattle them”.
I’ve given you two links (among many hundreds more) of the astroturf strategies insurance companies and conservative lobbyists are using.
Please provide evidence of your claim.
- Rob_N - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 12:40 pm:
Bad HTML, bad.
Sorry about that. Mike or Rich if you stop by feel free to delete the post w/ bad links.
Here’s a corrected post:
–
Louis asks, “You mean the meetings the Democrats used to Astroturf and bellow at back in the day?”
Please link to examples of Democrats or even progressive activists spending $1.4 million a day to put together caravans of people who are instructed to “spread out”, “rock-the-boat early in the Rep’s presentation”, “stand up and shout” and “rattle them”.
I’ve given you two links (among many hundreds more) of the astroturf strategies insurance companies and conservative lobbyists are using.
Please provide evidence of your claim.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 12:58 pm:
I really enjoyed reading Stevenson’s endorsement of Hynes. He hit the nail on the head. If it is to move forward in the right direction, Illinois needs new leadership in the governor’s office. No more gimmicks/gimmicky politicans and slicksters.
Of critical importance to illinois at this juncture and moving foward is someone who understands the budget and has dealt with it on a daily basis. Hynes gets the calls when bills aren’t paid, not the GA or Governor who are the reason why bills aren’t getting paid in the first place. Hynes undersrtands the repercussions of years of seemingly never ending budget problems. Hynes has demonstrated over the last 11 years that he is not only a competent public official, but that he is diligent as well. His “boring” demeanor should not be considered a defect of somekind. It suggest to me, and should suggeest to everyone else, that he is quiet and reserved, which can be, and are, strengths, particularly in the case of Illinois government. I think he will bring a serious tone and quality to the governor’s office, both of which are needed. He is the most credibile candidate on the democratic side.
- dupage dan - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 2:06 pm:
Given the fact that many of these so called “reforms” are being pushed on us with little or no time for reflection, it is not surprising that many feel so fearful that they rush to these public meetings and express themselves so strongly. Rahm told us that much can be done during a crisis that can’t be done otherwise. I have heard from some cooler heads that a few things can be done much more simply that can reduce costs in the health care industry. Tort reform is one of them but is off the table at this time. Why? Can it be that the major players are either PI or malpractice attys who made their millions in that field or have connections w/same?
In addition, if health insurance were disconnected from employment (archaic feature put into place during the last world war) and placed more closely into the hands of the individual thru cooperatives it can bring about more economies of scale and reduce fears of being denied care for existing conditions.
When the proponents of reform come to the table with honest plans that don’t add up to a thousand pages maybe people will be less fearful. Maybe if the people trying to change everyone elses health care were to eagerly embrace it as well (c’mon, congress, join us pedestrians in the waiting line!) by agreeing to accept the same plan as they want us to join then people may be more willing to accept the changes.
As long as there is no tort reform in the package I find it hard to believe that costs will be reduced. As long as the proponents keep pushing their 1000 page plan there will be skeptics. Charles Krauthammer had a good comment in his most recent commentary about tax reform that was pushed by Reagan and Bill Bradly back in the ’80’s. Bipartisan and simple, this straightforward legislation opened the way for an impressive expansion of our economy. Neat trick.
- votecounter - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 2:18 pm:
I wonder what Durbin would say if it was Lawyer reform? Yes everyone should have the right to a lawyer but they are to expensive. All lawyers should not be able to charge more than $50.00 for each case. Imagin how much money the government would save and businesses. How about a cap on how much a lawyer can make a year? Like CEO’s pay being capped. Boy would that save this country trillions a year. We can spen the savings on the healthcare for the uninsured. Problem solved!!!!
- Inish - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 2:34 pm:
There is spin on both sides and lots of emotion mucking up the waters.
I wish everyone would turn off the spin machines.
- Rob_N - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 3:05 pm:
dupage dan,
Bipartisanship would be great if Republicans would be willing to actually step up to the table and compromise.
The Dems have already incorporated several Republican proposals into the bills through the committee process.
In fact, one of those items is Sen. Johnny Isakson’s (R-GA) proposal to add end-of-life counseling.
And it is the Republicans (including Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) of Sen. Max Baucus’ bipartisan special committee fame) who are now turning that common sense proposal that many states already have into this goofy “death panel” malarkey.
How can either party have legitimate, rational bipartisan discussions when the other party’s chief bipartisan leaders (ie, Grassley) are turning even those bipartisan proposals into completely bogus spin?
(PS: Republican Pres. Teddy Roosevelt was talking about health care coverage back in the day so how is anyone “rushing” anything?)
- Conservative Veteran - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 3:23 pm:
Dennis Cook won’t run for comptroller. He told me that he’ll probably run for lt. gov.
On July 25, William Kelly announced that he’s a Republican candidate for comptroller. A few days later, Illinois Review had a great article, about his campaign, and that site had a link to a video of his speech, at the Illinois Capitol. On July 4, William gave a great speech at the Palatine Tea Party.
- Responsa - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 5:39 pm:
Frankly, why we even care if Durbin and others have health care town hall meetings or not right now. They are all useless wastes of time. There are no answers. There is no bill to explain. Even without the shouting what worthwhile pronouncements, meaningful assurances or air-tight promises can be made in response to constituents’ questions at these gatherings? NONE.
Even with the 1000 page House draft as a guide, at this point there can only be guessing (by both politicians and constituents) as to what the final language might be and how any of it could affect individual Americans. And, of course it’s well known that bills always manage to get souped up at the last minute by our beloved congress persons– so no one trusts what they say, anyway. With the president freely admitting that negotiation goes on in both houses, and that the legislation is very much “under construction” who was it again who thought this weely weely cwazy marketing approach to sell massive health care reform in a conceptual state was a good idea?
- Anybody, but Hynes. - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 9:29 pm:
Ex-U.S.Senator Milk Toast III endorses Comptroller Milk Toast
So Hynes is bored and he thinks he is entitled to something bigger and better because of his daddy was somebody. Well, he may be bored but he has bored us to death for years with his milk-toast personality and lackluster response to the issues facing the state. He has served without distinction and is sitting on top of $5.0 billion in unpaid medicaid bills but refuses to acknowledge that the state needs an income tax increase if it wants to preserve important programs that democrats care about. He has done so little that he should consider paying the state back for his six figure salary.
The heat is forthcoming as Burr Oaks happened under Hynes watch. Currently he has the benefit of those whose Cook County real estate taxes were conveniently lowered and they will not say boo. But wait until the other democratic primary gubernatorial candidates’ commercials roll-out, everyone will pinning Hynes’ inability to send a competent investigator to Burr Oaks. One cannot have it both ways, Hynes campaigned on cemetery reform and then did not deliver when it was time to act. What was that mission statement which appear on Hynes’ website until the day of Dart’s press conference at Burr Oaks? It could not have been a message about cemetery reform. The prepaid funeral trust is empty of the millions paid into it and bodies are piled-up in Alsip. These facts cannot be sweep away with the beer cups left behind the after the Southside Irish Parade. Hynes is simply unqualified for Illinois executive office.
I am totally against Hynes. He is the son of Tom Hynes. I’m sick of the kid of somebody getting top posts. Enough of the stroger, madigan ,daley effect.
Anybody, but Hynes.
He is an empty suit — albeit a nice suit that his daddy picked out for him. Get a life, Dan — and a real job where you actually have to be accountable, not just a little whiner.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 13, 09 @ 10:24 pm:
@ Anybody, but Hynes
First off, it is “milquetoast” not “milk toast.” But do tell us how you really feel about Dan. Seriously, don’t hold back.
So that’s the meme, you’re posting the whole anti-Dan message in one Capitol Fax focus group trial balloon? Glad to see someone is on the job for the Quinn campaign. But for Quinn’s sake, I hope that’s not the best argument you have, or his campaign will simply be “toast” in February.
- Beowulf - Friday, Aug 14, 09 @ 6:24 am:
Tom Hynes will be acceptable if his track record is of being able to go against his Democrat Party leader’s wishes on occasion. That is what people are looking for in him. A person who can actually think for himself. They don’t want another Debbie Halvorson who simply votes the way that her Democrat Party tells her to vote.
- wordslinger - Friday, Aug 14, 09 @ 9:39 am:
Anybody But Hynes:
Milk Toast? If you’re going to lurch into the world of multi-syllable words, you might want to pick up a Webster’s next time your at the Kwiki Mart.
Hynes isn’t exciting? If you want excitement, rent a movie. Illinois politics is quite entertaining in a perverse way, but it’s not the way it’s supposed to be.
Paul Simon and Jim Edgar weren’t terribly exciting, but they were pretty damn good public servants.
- anon - Sunday, Aug 16, 09 @ 7:45 am:
Anybody but Hynes….Why get so worked up? Just let things play out. Dan Hynes failed miserably in getting any cemetery reform legislation as Comptroller. Worse..he gave people false hope. Now he says his Office only has oversight with cemetery care funds, but would have the average Joe believe he was making a difference in cleaning up cemeteries. Quinn is weak, but you kind of trust the guy. Hynes reminds me of the movie, the Manchurian Candidate. Looks and sounds like a programmed robot. Could be a GOP year for Governor.