* Wisconsin’s governor has been working hard for a year to snag a big corporation from Illinois. So far, he’s had no luck, and he’s probably been telling lots of fish stories about the big one that got away while he sips white wine next to the Duraflame log.
On Sunday, a fisherman from Wisconsin ventured about 20 miles south of the state line on the Pecatonica River and caught a walleye that tipped the scales at 15.08 pounds.
The record was set to be verified Tuesday afternoon, but Jim Zimmerman of Beloit said he was confident he’d be declared the official state record holder after the weigh-in that was witnessed by conservation police and others.
“The wardens came and met me and we certified it on a scale (and) right then and there it was certified,” he said.
As the old Wisconsin saying goes, “If you want to really be a success in life, you gotta go to Illinois.”
* Things took an ugly turn during a Republican congressional candidates’ forum when Jason Plummer alleged that a major pro-life PAC’s endorsements were for sale to the highest bidder…
Cook, who served as Belleville mayor from 1993-97, said he’d been endorsed by the Family Political Action Committee, in suburban Chicago, which Cook described as the state’s largest pro-life group.
Plummer fired back, alleging that, based on his experience running for lieutenant governor in 2010, the FamPAC endorsement is obtained by paying for it.
“Rodger, I am offended you tried to trick people like that,” Plummer said.
Cook glared at Plummer.
“The truth will set you free,” Cook said. “Rodger Cook didn’t pay anything to Family PAC.”
“To say that i’m not happy about it would be the understated quote of the year,” Family PAC director Paul Caprio said this afternoon. “We have never sold an endorsement to anybody. We’ve never asked for any amount of money in return for an endorsement.”
Caprio also claimed that after the group endorsed someone else for lt. governor two years ago, Plummer called him and said, “I’m going to get you.” Caprio, who called Plummer a “miserable excuse for a candidate,” said the outburst demonstrated Plummer’s immaturity and temper problems, as well as highlighting Plummer’s reputation as “entitled.”
“We’re a giver, we’re not a taker from the candidates,” a “stunned” Caprio explained, adding that we would be hearing more about this soon. “We can’t allow that to stand,” Caprio said, adding that he would be taking “appropriate action” on “this defamation” unless he received an apology from Plummer.
* Meanwhile, there was yet another remote control endorsement of J3 over the weekend…
Gov. Pat Quinn endorsed U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson over primary challenger Debbie Halvorson today, but did so in the way other prominent Democratic leaders have backed the incumbent — through a statement rather than appearing with him in person.
Tammy Duckworth’s congressional campaign raised concerns Friday that supporters of rival Raja Krishnamoorthi have started up a “SuperPac” to raise money to run television commercials in support of his bid for Congress in the northwest suburbs.
Duckworth’s political strategist Pete Giangreco asked in a conference call with reporters Friday whether the SuperPac — “Suburban Voters for Choice” — might solocit money from “Big Oil” or “Wall Street” to run negative ads against Duckworth. That would be “unprecedented” in a Democratic primary in Illinois, Giangreco said.
* From Raja’s campaign…
Duckworth’s campaign made some pretty bold claims about SuperPACs today that amount to blatant lies. Raja has nothing to do with the creation of any SuperPAC and our campaign certainly did not “launch” a SuperPAC. Where is the evidence to support such a claim? There is none, and the claim is a flat-out lie.
Furthermore, Raja offered a pledge to Duckworth to take the influence of SuperPAC money as well as all PAC money out of this election. Duckworth refused to even respond to such a pledge, not surprising since Duckworth received a total of $102,847.96 in Washington special interest PAC money since she has entered race through February 28, 2012.
“It is pretty clear that Duckworth’s campaign is trying to make hay out of nothing in order to throw the spotlight off of all the special interest money backing their campaign,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Mike Murray. “Voters deserve better than the same old Washington political tricks.”
Superpac Treasurer Michael Vainisi, who served as Finance Director of Krishnamoorthi’s run for state comptoller two years ago, laughed at Giangreco’s suggestion.
“This is going to be individual contributors, no corporate money,” Vainisi said. “Some of Raja’s supporters were interested in leveling the playing field since Tammy has outside money coming from Washington.”
* ADDED: Joe Walsh’s cash drying up: The Illinois freshman — and potentially most vulnerable House Republican in the country — raises just $38,300 during the first two months of the year, pre-primary Federal Election Commission reports show. A Democratic sources notes that number is barely enough to cover the $24,015 he still owes in legal fees.
* Bustos Leads Schilling In Fundraising During Last Filing Period
* Kinzinger, Manzullo face off in 16th Congressional District - Republican primary race’s outcome is in question for the first time in two decades.
* Schneider Mailer Featuring Obama Pic Making Waves In 10th District Race: In the mailer, Schneider lists his endorsements, highlighting former congresswoman Melissa Bean and the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald as supporters. Right next to those endorsements is a picture of a smiling President Barack Obama, who has not endorsed Schneider or anyone else in the 10th congressional district race.
* Voter Registration Down, Early Voting Numbers Up: Voter registration is down in Illinois from both the 2008 and 2010 elections, according to the State Board of Elections. As of yesterday, there were 7.28 million registered voters in the state, down from the 7.3 million who were registered for the 2008 election. There were 7.6 million registered voters for the 2010 elections.
In Illinois, 42 percent of voters described themselves as born-again or evangelical Christians. Of that group, 42 percent are backing Santorum compared with 26 percent for Romney. Of the 54 percent of voters who do not consider themselves born-again or evangelical Christians, Romney leads Santorum, 43 percent to 22 percent.
Further marginalizing the rest of the field, Illinois Republican primary voters view Romney and Santorum very favorably, while voters are almost evenly divided in their feelings toward former House Speaker Gingrich and more have an unfavorable view of Paul than not.
Romney was viewed favorably by six in 10 GOP primary voters, while 19 percent looked at him unfavorably. Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, was considered favorably by 54 percent of primary voters, while 17 percent had an unfavorable view. […]
Fully 61 percent of those preferring Romney say their minds are made up, compared with only 51 percent of Santorum voters. In addition, 52 percent of Downstate voters say they could change their minds.
In Mississippi, Gingrich leads with 33% to Romney’s 31% and Santorum’s 27%, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic firm based in Raleigh, N.C. The firm’s Alabama survey found the race there to be even closer: Romney has 31%, Gingrich has 30% and Santorum has 29%.
The southern primaries had been viewed as a battle between Gingrich and Santorum for the party’s more conservative wing, but conservatives’ inability to choose between the two has created an opening for Romney.
Get ready to see a lot more of those television commercials slamming Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum.
The Restore Our Future Superpac — which supports former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for president — has purchased nearly $1 million in airtime in Illinois.
Romney’s national staff begins arriving in Illinois this weekend, said State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who chairs Romney’s campaign here. […]
The new ads blast Santorum, who runs to Romney’s right on most issues, as a big-spender who voted for pork while Romney was cutting taxes in Massachusetts and presiding over the Winter Olympics in Utah.
* The Question: If you could use just one word to describe Illinois’ role in the Republican presidential nomination race, what word would that be?
*** UPDATE *** Not much of a surprise. There will be an appeal. From a press release…
Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the state’s efforts to secure federal assistance for people affected by the Feb. 29 tornado.
“Today I spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and informed her that we intend to appeal FEMA’s denial of our request for much-needed individual assistance for the people of Southern Illinois. I urged Secretary Napolitano to reconsider FEMA’s decision. We are doing everything possible at the state level to help these devastated communities, but some of the assistance that our residents need to begin rebuilding their lives is only available through a federal disaster declaration.
“I met with local officials, spent time with residents and saw firsthand the devastation and damage caused by the tornado in Southern Illinois. FEMA underestimated the impact this deadly tornado had on small towns like Harrisburg and Ridgway. We have already begun work on our appeal of this decision in order to secure federal assistance.
“I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Mark Kirk and the Illinois Congressional Delegation for their vigorous support of our efforts to bring assistance to the people whose lives were ripped apart by the Feb. 29 tornado. We are hopeful our joint efforts will help FEMA understand that a full recovery from this disaster cannot happen without their support.”
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* The state applied for a federal disaster declaration after a devastating tornado hit Harrisburg. It was thought to be a routine request, particularly since President Obama himself had expressed his concern about the tragedy. FEMA sent this letter to Illinois on Saturday…
Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies. Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental Federal assistance is not necessary. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied.
Hey, FEMA, I got news for you clowns: Anything that costs more than about $1.85 is beyond Illinois’ capabilities right now. Sheesh.
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg said he was confused by FEMA’s denial and questioned what criteria the agency used to evaluate the damage.
“How was the decision made, who made the decision and why was it made? I think that’s a fair question that needs to be answered, of course, to those that lost everything. I think there are going to be a lot of discussions in the days ahead,” Gregg told WSIL-TV.
Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk also issued a statement Sunday denouncing the ruling and seeking a meeting with FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to discuss the decision, which they called “unacceptable.” […]
“I can’t believe this,” Durbin said Sunday in Springfield, according to The State Journal-Register. “I’ve never seen worse tornado damage. We owe it to the people to make sure … everything was accounted for.”
* From a Gov. Pat Quinn press release…
“I am extremely disappointed that FEMA denied our request for federal assistance that is needed to help people in Harrisburg, Ridgway and the other communities devastated by this deadly tornado. After personally surveying the damage and talking to many residents who lost their homes, I firmly believe federal assistance is crucial to help them begin the recovery process.
“I support Senator Dick Durbin’s efforts to encourage federal officials to reconsider their decision. In the meantime, I have directed Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken to continue working with local officials to ensure that we do everything possible to secure critical assistance.”
* Oy, what a weekend. After a long week of session, a buddy of mine and I drove up to Chicago Friday night for the Alabama Shakes show at Lincoln Hall. Great concert. Just great. Lincoln Hall is nice, but it would be a lot nicer without all those Lincoln Parkers who snag tickets to see bands they aren’t interested in just because they can. There were way too many talkative idiots at that show. But, hey, I got to meet a member of my new favorite band and I also talked with two very charming and witty music bloggers. After that, we took a trip to Joe’s on Weed St., but we just missed the music.
Saturday was politics day. West Side and Out South. Lots of fun stuff that I’ll be sharing with subscribers. Then, back up to a friend’s place in Bucktown for a rooftop gathering, back down to the south suburbs for a party at Balmoral Park Racetrack and then on to my favorite blues bar (Lee’s Unleaded on South Chicago Ave. at 74th St.) for some wild times and excellent music to finish out the night/morning.
Sunday morning began early with a phone call from a friend who we were out with the night before…
Me: [Rough voice, just waking up.] “Hello?”
Friend: “So, you’re alive. Good.”
Then it was down to the South Side Irish Parade with old and very dear friends. The event was attended by lots of exceedingly polite and mostly sober people. After a post-parade party, it was up to the Lakefront, back to the West Side (Note to self: Next time, make sure to fill the tank so you don’t end up driving aimlessly around the West Side looking for a gas station as the gauge drops below “E”) and way up the North Shore for a drive in the gorgeous weather and some dinner. We arrived back in Springfield sometime around 1:30 this morning.
Anyway, as you might imagine I had a blast, but I’m moving a little slow today. Living in Springfield has got me too accustomed to a more sedate pace of life.
The point of all this is to tell you a friend snapped a pic at Balmoral which I thought you might get a kick out of…
* Cutting Medicaid eligibility isn’t going to be easy, or perhaps even possible in some cases…
Medicaid paid for 89,621 Illinois deliveries in 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That was nearly 54 percent of all births, according to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The total cost was $890 million. Medicaid plays an even bigger role in births to teen mothers, paying for nearly 94 percent of teen deliveries in 2009.
Since 1989, the federal government has required states to cover pregnant women whose income is at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s the equivalent of about $14,800 annually for a single-person household. That’s the minimum states must do.
Illinois goes beyond that, covering pregnant women who make up to 200 percent of federal poverty, or about $22,300 for a single person’s annual household income. Teens who are pregnant are covered up to 300 percent of federal poverty, or about $33,500 for a one-person household.
And a newer federal requirement has tied Illinois to those higher eligibility levels.
The federal health care overhaul, President Barack Obama’s landmark legislation, requires states to keep their Medicaid eligibility stable, barring Illinois and other states from saving money by lowering income ceilings for pregnant women and other groups.
So, eligibility cuts to this particular progam are off the table, according to the AP.
Not only does Gov. Pat Quinn’s state budget proposal call for shoehorning more inmates into fewer prisons, it also would reduce drug counseling and job training programs for prisoners.
Critics say that combination of cuts could make the state’s overcrowded penal system more dangerous and could result in more inmates returning to prison because they lack job skills and still suffer from substance abuse problems.
“If you remove those programs, you’re essentially adding more people to the prison system,” said John Maki, executive director of the John Howard Association, a prison watchdog group.
Quinn defended his call for statewide officers to cut their budgets by at least 9 percent, despite opposition from fellow Democrats Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Secretary of State Jesse White.
Madigan has said cutting her budget any further will make it harder to keep qualified attorneys and peruse legal action that actually brings in money for the state.
White has said such cuts would force him to close several driver’s license facilities, where he has long worked to cut waiting times.
Quinn took specific aim at Republicans Treasurer Dan Rutherford and Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, saying they should be on board after traveling “up and down Illinois saying we need to cut spending.”
“It’s not easy, I know that,” Quinn said. “It’s very hard. But if we don’t do it, we’ll never get our budget back in the shape that we want it to be. We’ve got to have a better budget and everybody’s got to participate.”
Despite a long Illinois tradition of supporting them, it’s not exactly news that Republican members of the General Assembly no longer like voting for taxes of any kind. And that attitude created a couple of somewhat absurd positions last week.
Let’s start with the “roll your own” bill. Legislation has been proposed to tax a growing practice of allowing people to use commercial machines to roll their own cigarettes in convenience stores and gas stations.
The stores sell their customers loose, bulk tobacco and then the customers dump the product into special rolling machines, which cost several thousand dollars each. The result is a per carton sale price that is about half the price of a pre-rolled carton of brand-name cigarettes, mainly because the taxes on loose tobacco are much lower than on commercial cigarettes.
Several states are confronting the issue after the machines started appearing in stores throughout the country. Legislatures in Indiana and Virginia are considering bills to up the tax on loose tobacco used in the machines, for instance. Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue told the stores in October to start paying taxes on the tobacco as if they were selling actual cigarettes.
Critics say these stores with the machines are little more than cigarette factories set up to avoid high cigarette taxes. Defenders say they’re not doing anything different than coffee shops that allow customers to pick specific blends, grinds and brands.
Tobacco giant Philip Morris is just one of the companies backing the Illinois bill. The company is worried that the roll your own machines will eventually eat into its profits. The tobacco company’s lobbying team is also warning that if the bill doesn’t pass, Philip Morris and other tobacco companies likely will jump into the machine-rolling business themselves, which could potentially cost the state hundreds of millions of tax dollars a year.
But the Republicans on the Senate Executive Committee balked at backing the measure, and it was “shelled out” last week by an amendment and moved to the Senate floor as basically an empty bill. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), said last week that he doubted he could come to an agreement with the opponents and likely would propose similar language in the next few weeks.
Republicans admitted privately that they backed away from voting for anything that might look like a tax increase. They also say they’ll probably support the bill after the primary ends because of the negative revenue consequences for the state.
Then there’s state Sen. Toi Hutchinson’s (D-Olympia Fields) proposal to charge a $5 per head entrance fee tax on strip clubs that sell alcohol. The money generated would be sent to the state’s Sexual Assault Prevention Fund. The proposal sailed out of the Senate Public Health Committee last week on a unanimous vote, but there was a catch. Actually, there were two catches.
The bill has generated a bit of controversy, but it apparently presented a unique dilemma for a couple of Republicans who sit on the Public Health Committee. Possibly harming the business interests of “immoral establishments” might be a plus. But voting to tax those establishment still meant voting for a tax.
So two Republicans in hotly contested GOP primaries, Sen. Shane Cultra (R-Onarga) and Sen. Christine Johnson (R-Shabbona), discreetly left the hearing room just before the committee began voting on what some wisecrackers have called the “pole tax.” The bill passed unanimously, but without those two votes.
Johnson’s primary opponent Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) also sits on the Public Health Committee, but he voted for the bill. Johnson has been running television ads blasting Syverson for favoring tax hikes and touting herself as the true social and fiscal conservative in the race.
The other walkout, Sen. Cultra, is also the more socially conservative candidate in his Republican primary race against state Rep. Jason Barickman (R-Champaign).
As I mentioned earlier, things are expected to calm down a bit after the March 20 primary. The Republicans still will oppose most taxes, but the mere mention of the word probably won’t spook them so badly once they get past their elections. Maybe then everybody can grow up and start acting like adults.
