* From a press release…
The Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois Springfield will honor five individuals who have served as legislative interns at the state Capitol.
U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Scott Kaiser, Mona Martin, Scott Reimers, and David Sykuta will be inducted during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, November 21, 2013.
Inductees are selected based on their contributions to Illinois and its citizens. The Hall of Fame is also recognition of the important role that public service internships play in developing public sector leadership. […]
The event on November 21 will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion at Fourth and Jackson Streets, followed by the induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and may be purchased online at http://illinoisissues.uis.edu/. The deadline to register is November 18. Reservations are required. For more information on attending, call 217/206-6084.
Bustos is the only person on that list who I’m not personally familiar with. The rest are just incredibly solid people.
Congratuations to all.
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Political oddities and ends
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I didn’t know Bill Brady moonlighted as a comedian…
And all along I thought the longest running comedy show in the Midwest was Illinois government. He doesn’t run that yet.
* Three pensions? Yep…
“Yes, it’s unusual,” says Robert Rita, a Democratic state representative from Blue Island. “But it’s not like we’re doing this because of the pensions.” “I’m from a family that’s dedicated to public service.”
The Ritas are like Blue Island’s version of the Daleys. The brothers’ father, John Rita Sr., was Blue Island’s mayor, while their mother, Rose Rita, was an alderman and supervisor of Calumet Township. Both parents are now deceased.
Sister Nancy Rita, 49, also is a Blue Island alderman, in addition to working as an administrative assistant in the office of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans. The $62,695-a-year county job comes with a pension.
As a state lawmaker, Robert Rita, 44, was paid $74,569 last year. His township supervisor salary is $67,000 a year – after a 23 percent raise that took effect in June, according to interviews and public records.
Up until last February he also worked as an administrative analyst for the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, and is vested in Cook County’s government pension plan, as well as the retirement plans covering the General Assembly and townships. His annual county salary was $93,423, though he wasn’t paid when he took time off to handle legislative matters.
If Robert Rita waits until age 60 to collect his lawmaker, township and county pensions, his total benefit could exceed $118,000 a year, according to a Better Government Association analysis.
* A case of premature tweeting earlier this week…
That “earthquake” turned out to be a quarry blast. But it was a big one…
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski has asked for a federal investigation into a quarry blast this week in suburban Chicago.
Lipinski has asked the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to investigate the blast. It happened Monday at a company in McCook.
The congressman says he was in his Western Springs kitchen when his house shook for five seconds.
* Sen. Mark Kirk doesn’t want to loosen restrictions on marijuana…
He said he was worried about young people’s academic achievement.
“In my own life, there were kids that in the ’70s we would call the ‘burnouts’ who were heavily smoking,” Kirk said. “Those kids, as they got to their 50s, were generally much lower performing in their careers and their lives.”
Or they became president.
Just saying.
* From an e-mail blast…
Rich -
I wanted to make sure you saw this week’s story. In response to Sheila’s campaign proposals to strengthen oversight of local government, Judy Baar Topinka decided to revamp her local government website. Some Illinois reporters don’t think that’s a coincidence.
Here’s what columnist Kurt Erickson had to say about it:
“…it wasn’t without irony that Topinka last week launched a seven-stop statewide blitz on the taxpayer’s dime to announce a new feature of her office that compiles information and records from, surprise, local governments.” (Bloomington Pantagraph, 11/3/13)
It shouldn’t take the attention of an election for public officials to do their job properly. Sheila has already helped change the way the comptroller’s office does business; imagine what she will be able to do if she is elected.
Thanks,
Dave Mellet
Campaign Manager
Sheila Simon for Comptroller
* Topinka’s response in that same story quoted above…
Topinka told skeptical reporters that the new website was not created in response to Simon’s allegations.
“I think it’s nonsense, because we started working on this when Sheila Simon was still dreaming of becoming attorney general,” Topinka quipped.
* And LG Simon offered no praise at the time for Topinka “doing her job properly.” Quite the opposite…
Simon criticized the site as a simple “repurposing” of information that was already available, saying the move was “too little and too late.”
* Simon, by the way, played a recent duet with Dan Ponce…
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Question of the day
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A pension reform vehicle bill was moved out of a House committee yesterday. Speaker Madigan says he’s preparing for a floor vote when the leaders get some new numbers…
House Speaker Michael Madigan says he’s prepared to pass a “meaningful” pension reform bill, and he hopes it will happen before the end of the year.
The Chicago Democrat says legislative leaders are waiting for actuaries to crunch numbers on some proposals they’re considering. Once they have the information he hopes lawmakers can return to Springfield and approve a bill.
* The Question: How likely is it that the General Assembly will approve a pension reform bill before the end of 2013? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
survey tools
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The Rauner connection
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Bernie…
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner has donated more than $500,000 to the Illinois Policy Institute over the last five years.
The institute, which bills itself as a free-market, liberty-based organization, promotes a range of policies and has writers in an offshoot called the Illinois News Network, which provides stories free of charge to newspapers. That is troubling. […]
I first learned of the Illinois News Network when I covered some events this summer with a new reporter from that organization — Jackson Adams. One event was at the State Fair, when reporters surrounded Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Adams asked the governor why a 401(k)-style plan wasn’t part of a pension-reform plan. That’s a fair question, but it also is true that the policy institute likes the 401(k) model for public employees. So does Rauner. […]
Charlie Wheeler, director of the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield, said he looks at a news-producing offshoot of the policy institute as being part of its agenda. He had seen Reeder’s columns, but not other products of the network.
“Any newspaper that uses it and pretends that it’s real news similar to what they might get from The Associated Press or Reuters or Bloomberg is not fully informing the readers,” Wheeler said.
People give money to groups they support. Since the Illinois Policy Institute supports many of the same things as Rauner, it’s pretty tough to say he’s buying their influence. He’s their natural candidate. They don’t stress social conservatism over there, and neither does Rauner. But Rauner is a very hardcore fiscal conservative who is right in step with their viewpoints.
A conspiracy theorist could speculate that this was a Rauner creation in some ways. I’ve seen no evidence of that, but half a mil sure is a lot of cash.
* Coincidentally, Scott Reeder’s latest column is about right to work, an issue that Rauner supports…
GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner supports the concept of allowing individual Illinois counties and municipalities to vote on whether they want to keep the status quo or adopt a local Right-to-Work ordinance.
But the other three Republicans running for governor wouldn’t commit to a position.
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, and state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard all said the political reality in Illinois is such that it would be impossible to pass a Right-to-Work law in Illinois.
Such comments show a certain lack of confidence in their political party’s ability to eventually claim a majority in the General Assembly. And it shows a lack of assurance in their own abilities to lead a disparate Legislature.
But there’s value still in asking questions like these, because they help shed light on a politician’s values and opinions. More importantly, they act as guide stones for where a politician may lead in the future.
Where candidates stand on an issue such as Right to Work is important to know – after all, it has the potential to be one of the most important economic issues facing the state.
Answers like the one given by Brady are not helpful. The state Senator from Bloomington says the reality is that the Democrats control the General Assembly and therefore Right-to-Work laws are irrelevant. He told me I was “wasting his breath” to pursue the questioning.
Brady supported right to work in 2010 and it cost him lots of union support. Calling him out on the issue now plays right into Rauner’s hands, although, again, there’s no proof of any quid pro quo here.
* From last week’s Reeder column…
A few weeks ago, I asked all of the gubernatorial candidates where they stood on a constitutional amendment being promoted by Republican candidate Bruce Rauner. The measure would limit the terms of state legislators, reduce the number of senators and slightly increase the number of House members.
* Meanwhile, from Illinois Review…
If Mr. Rauner points to his donations to Illinois Policy Institute and Heartland Institute as proof of his fiscal conservative views, he may also point to 58 checks amounting to $89,500 written to Republican organizations since January 2013 as proof of his “Republican-ism.”
As the story shows, he’s writing checks to lots of county party organizations, among others.
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* A pension reform bill passed the House 87-26 yesterday that applied only to the Chicago Park District. Greg Hinz has deets…
Specifically, according to a fact sheet provided by Mr. Madigan’s office, the amendment would require the district to almost triple the ratio of what it pays relative to what workers pay over the next several years, moving from a 1.1 ratio now to 2.9 in 2019. The heavy employer contribution would remain until the funded ratio moved from the 58 percent figure to at least 90 percent.
In terms of money, CPD would make “supplemental contributions” of $12.5 million in 2015 and $50 million in 2019.
In exchange, workers who now contribute 9 percent of pay toward their retirement would gradually move up to 12 percent by 2019. The figure would remain there until the 90 percent-funded target was hit, eventually dropping to 10.5 percent.
Also, for district employees hired prior to 2011, the minimum retirement age would move from 50 to 58. But for newer workers, who are covered under a different standard, the age for normal retirement would drop from 67 to 65.
In one other big change, annual cost-of-living hikes would move from 3 percent simple (uncompounded) to the lesser of one-half inflation or 3 percent. That change would take effect immediately and apply to current retirees.
* More…
“This is an honest solution to address a problem that has been decades in the making,” Emanuel said in a prepared statement. “It reflects a balanced approach of reform and revenue, giving employees, retirees and taxpayers the security and certainty they deserve but that has long been missing.”
On the House floor, Madigan acknowledged the plan has “mixed” support from labor unions.
“Some are for. Some are against,” he said. “Generally, you’ll find the trade unions support the bill. The non-trade unions, maybe not.”
I’m not sure any unions are really “for” this plan.
* Either way, if it passes the Senate and is signed into law, Illinois will finally start the process of judicial review over whether a phrase specifically written into the Constitution to prevent any pension benefit changes like these can be overcome by fiscal necessity.
*** UPDATE *** The bill has passed the Senate and will now go to the governor’s desk.
…Adding… From a Tribune editorial board member…
So, now they’re attacking a new ally?
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Unclear on the concept
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
In most other large cities, officials seek voters’ permission on building projects before issuing general obligation bonds, which are backed by property taxes. But that’s not how it works in Chicago. Illinois law allows Chicago’s leaders to borrow with abandon.
That wasn’t an editorial, by the way. It was a “straight” news piece.
* From the Illinois Constitution…
SECTION 6. POWERS OF HOME RULE UNITS
(a) A County which has a chief executive officer elected by the electors of the county and any municipality which has a population of more than 25,000 are home rule units. Other municipalities may elect by referendum to become home rule units. Except as limited by this Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs including, but not limited to, the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; to license; to tax; and to incur debt.
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Jakobsson’s son passes away
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Naomi Jakobsson left her son’s bedside to cast a vote for gay marriage this week. Her son lay dying from a terminal condition…
“She had left this environment that she’d been in, kind of a waiting vigil at her son’s bedside, to come here,” [said state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago]. “When she looked at me [Tuesday], she said, ‘He could die while I’m here,’ and that’s exactly what happened.
“He passed away, from what I heard, 10 minutes prior to her arriving back at his nursing home,” she said.
Garret Dick Jackobsson’s death was announced early Tuesday on the House floor by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, stunning the chamber.
“Naomi and I talked about this. She had been sitting vigil for a week and had talked about that,” said Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, who is Jakobsson’s seatmate. “She said, ‘Garret would want me to be doing my job,’ and I think that gave her a sense of peace.”
The representative spoke to a few colleagues privately on Wednesday about her family’s tragedy and issued a short statement through her office about her compelling act of sacrifice.
“Equal protection under the law is important to everyone in my family, including Garret,” said Jakobsson. “This was a vote that was important to my whole family, one that I felt I could not miss, and I know my son was proud of my decision.”
* Other news…
* Couples plan weddings, clerks take up logistics as Illinois readies for same-sex marriage: The bulk the state’s civil unions — roughly 4,000 of the 5,000 in the state — were issued in Cook County. After being undecided on whether their facilities would be open on a Sunday, officials with Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office announced Wednesday that they’d open June 1. “There will be people competing to get the first license,” Orr said. In central Illinois, Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten said his office will be open; The county has issued 197 civil unions.
* Gov. Quinn: Illinois on ‘right side of history’
* Quinn foresees gay-marriage bill-signing ceremony stocked with ‘as many people as possible’
* Aide: Cullerton ‘so focused’ on passing same-sex marriage legislation he neglected to vote for it
* Hinz: What the gay marriage vote says about Illinois
* Pro-Traditional Marriage Group ‘Condemns’ Illinois for Legalizing Gay Marriage: Brian Brown, president of NOM, said in a statement that news from the Illinois House was “disappointing but not surprising.” “The losers will be the people of Illinois who will see that redefining marriage will unleash a torrent of harassment toward those who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman,” said Brown.
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An aging party
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
But to win a general election, a candidate first has to win a primary, and Illinois primary voters tend to be older and more conservative, while surveys have shown supporters of same-sex marriage tend to be younger, more liberal and less religious in their beliefs.
“The support for marriage equality among (people age) 35 and under, even 50 and under, is at tremendously high levels and these are the people that are going to keep voting from election to election,” said Bernard Cherkasov, the chief executive officer of Equality Illinois, a major advocacy group in support of same-sex marriage.
Last year, when Illinois Republicans helped select former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the GOP’s presidential nominee, fully 63 percent of the state’s Republican primary voters were age 50 and older with a like percentage describing themselves as conservatives. More than half, 56 percent, said they considered it at least somewhat important that a candidate shared their religious beliefs.
Discuss.
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Cellini released from prison
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
Power broker William Cellini, convicted for his role in a fundraising scheme linked to imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has been released from federal prison.
A spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons confirmed Wednesday that Cellini was discharged from the federal prison in Terre Haute last Thursday.
He was released to a halfway house and is on home confinement until Dec. 5, said Ed Ross, an agency spokesman.
* SJ-R…
Cellini began his one-year-and-one-day sentence Jan. 22. Burke said he qualified for 47 days of good-conduct credit.
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* I told subscribers about this possibility earlier in the week…
Gay and lesbian couples celebrated yesterday after the Illinois legislature approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. However, the new law would require couples looking to wed to wait until the summer of 2014. An immediate effective date would have required 10 more votes than the measure received in the House.
But an amendment that Oak Park Democratic Sen. Don Harmon filed today to House Bill 2747 might speed up that timeline. The measure could not be taken up until after January 1, when the vote threshold for an immediate effective date drops back to the standard majority. The proposed amendment would allow the same-sex marriage law to go into effect anytime after HB 2747 was passed and signed into law.
“Whether that’s Valentine’s Day of next year or some other date, we could make sure folks have access to equality earlier than they would.” Harmon said he does not yet know if there is interest among his colleagues to take another vote on same-sex marriage, especially at a date even closer to the spring primary elections. “I don’t know if there’s an appetite to do so, but it seems silly at this point to be delaying people’s marriage plans based on our legislative calendar.”
The House just released its schedule and the chamber isn’t returning next year until January 29th for the governor’s State of the State address. The next regular session day will be February 4th.
Your thoughts?
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Fake money drop interrupts House proceedings
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
The Illinois House was disrupted Wednesday by a group of protestors who dropped fake paper money atop lawmakers’ heads to protest “loopholes” in the state’s anti-corruption laws.
The disturbance happened before the House approved a $5 million tax-break for Washington-based Univar to move its headquarters to Downers Grove, preserving 100 jobs and adding another 69.
Five members of a group called “Represent Us” staged the protest, which included unfurling of a banner that read “With Liberty and Justice for Sale.”
“Explosive scandals like the Blagojevich saga might grab headlines, but the real scandal is the loopholes that make quid pro quo corruption a fact of life in Illinois politics,” activist Josh Silver said in a prepared statement. “Money talks in Illinois, so we decided to speak to House members in the only language they seem to understand.”
They didn’t say what those loopholes actually are.
* More…
Security forces removed about half a dozen people within seconds. It took a little while longer to clean up the mess.
* This is a national group. They’ve done similar protests in other states. From its website…
Represent.Us is a fresh campaign to support the American Anti-Corruption Act: a law that would overhaul campaign finance, impose strict lobbying and conflict of interest laws, and end secret political money. We are mobilizing millions of Americans — conservatives and progressives, young and old, every issue group fighting K Street, online and offline — to join this campaign.
Five protesters in Springfield doesn’t give me much confidence that this group is “mobilizing millions.”
* Video of the protest…
Notice that nobody started grabbing at the fake money.
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*** UPDATED x2 *** Getting it done
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s effort to toughen state law for illegal use of a weapon is being watered down as the lead sponsor tries to win approval of legislation aimed at helping crack down on Chicago’s violence.
Out of the bill is a provision that first-time gun offenders serve a mandatory three-year prison sentence, a major concern of opponents who worried that a careless mistake could put an otherwise law-abiding citizen behind bars.
This isn’t a loss for Emanuel, despite the implications of that lede. It’s how things normally get done in any legislative body. The object is to pass a bill. The way one passes a bill is to compromise. Mayor Daley refused to compromise on his gun bills and as a result he rarely passed any.
Emanuel wanted a bill to pass. It could now pass, although opposition remains intense…
Zalewski, a Democrat from Riverside, still heard loud criticism from a number of African-American lawmakers who argued for rehabilitation programs over incarceration.
White liberals also remain opposed, as does Toni Preckwinkle.
* Hizzoner’s take…
“Dramatic increase in penalties,” Emanuel said. “So, compared to what’s on the books that was referred to by gang members as a joke, that is real stiff penalties with a clear message that you’re gonna serve time for doing the crime.”
He’s right, and he may actually pass a gun bill today (or when they return).
…Adding… I’m hearing that the governor’s liaisons are working against the bill today. No surprise there. Quinn doesn’t want that thing on his desk, for obvious political reasons.
…Adding more… The House has adjourned. So no gun vote yet, but expect one when they return.
.…Adding still more… From an advisory…
The House Black Caucus will hold a press conference in the television conference room Thursday, November 07, 2013 at ll:00 a.m. The topic of the press conference will be mandatory minimum sentencing.
This is what the press conference was about…
Black members in the Illinois House have used a procedural measure to stop an anti-crime bill aimed at guns on city streets.
*** UPDATE *** The House adjourned from its fall session shortly afterward. […]
[Rep. Ken Dunkin] requested he be provided information on the bill’s effect, including its cost and impact on the prison system. The Department of Corrections did not file that information.
Zalewski could have asked the House to rule the information inapplicable — but it likely wouldn’t have worked.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the mayor’s office…
“I am disappointed that the opponents of this legislation have chosen political stunts over peoples’ safety to delay passage of a bill that will strengthen penalties and provide a deterrent for serious gun crimes. Criminals are the only winners when procedural games are used to defer a bill that clearly has the necessary votes in both chambers of the General Assembly. When this legislation passes, it will be another important step in our comprehensive strategy to reduce violence, which includes strong and involved parenting, prevention programs for at-risk youth, policing strategies that focus resources in high-crime areas and appropriate punishments. Illegal guns drive violence and we must continue working to strengthen penalties for the dangerous criminals who are carrying illegal, loaded weapons in our communities while at the same time reducing sentences on non-violent crime.
I thank Representative Michael Zalewski and Senator Tony Munoz for their leadership on this bill, and look forward to congratulating them once it clears these legislative obstacles for a vote and eventually becomes law.”
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* Crain’s…
A woman who until recently was the No. 2 official in an Illinois government unit that regulates the securities industry lied about her academic background, used multiple names on government records and listed a home address that turned out to be a UPS storefront, according to an internal state investigation.
The woman also billed the state for work as a home-health aide for hundreds of days when she was supposed to be working as the $75,000-a-year deputy director of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s Department of Securities, the investigation finds.
The probe was conducted by Jim Burns, the inspector general for the secretary of state’s office. Released after a formal request by Crain’s, the report indicates that the ex-official, Marlene Liss, also known as Marlene Liss-Menendez and Mar Liss-Garcia, also is the subject of a parallel investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of Illinois in Springfield that is part of a wider probe into Medicaid fraud […]
But Mr. Druker also said, in answer to a direct question, that Mr. White has known Ms. Liss for 15 years, originally meeting her when she ran a Springfield printing shop. Mr. Druker said Ms. Liss, now 36, obtained employment with the secretary of state’s office on her own, without Mr. White’s help. The two, though, do have a non-romantic “personal friendship,” Mr. Druker said. “It’s a social relationship.” […]
Despite her job title as chief deputy director, Ms. Liss provided only “administrative services,” such as keeping track of vacation and time off, Mr. Druker said. She “did not” work on securities regulation.
Oy.
A Republican state Senator asked me yesterday why anyone would ever want to be secretary of state. There’s no policy involved, he said. Well, yeah, I replied, but the SoS has plenty of nice goodies to hand out. Jobs, contracts, grants, etc. So if you like “helping people,” you’d love being secretary of state.
Maybe a little less “help” and a little more background checking is in order over there.
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Caption contest!
Thursday, Nov 7, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown turned 65 yesterday. Brown has worked for Madigan since 1983, after working for Mayor Jane Byrne and after writing for the Daily Herald. Despite his Medicare eligible status, Brownie shows no signs of slowing down.
Some of us threw a little dinner party for him last night…
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
That’s why a coalition of thousands of Central and Southern Illinois workers, families, local union organizations, mayors and 28 members of the Illinois General Assembly support Dynegy’s efforts to acquire the Ameren Energy Resources (AER) energy centers located in Joppa, Newton, Bartonville, Canton and Coffeen. Together these centers:
* Create an annual statewide economic benefit of $1.4+ billion
* Provide $338+ million in annual household earnings
* Support a total of 6,294 Illinois jobs
* Deliver $13.3 million annually to cash-strapped schools and local governments
“Dynegy has stepped up to help support much-needed union jobs and economic activity in Illinois,” said Michael T. Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “We support Dynegy’s efforts to ensure reduced emissions while protecting the economic livelihoods of Illinois families and local communities, especially in hard-hit Central and Southern Illinois.”
AER and Dynegy are strongly committed to reducing air emissions from their Illinois energy centers which operate in accordance with EPA regulations:
* Dynegy has spent approximately $1 billion on environmental controls in Illinois
* AER has contributed more than $1 billion in pollution control equipment
* Dynegy reduced SO2 emissions levels at its facilities by more than 90% since 1998
Learn more: www.DynegyInIllinois.com.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
As financial cooperatives, credit unions function as economic democracies. Every customer is both a member and an owner. Each member has the opportunity to vote in electing board members and members also run for election to the board. A credit union’s board of directors consists of unpaid volunteers, elected by and from the membership – everyday people like you. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees. Board members serve voluntarily. Speaking of volunteering, the credit union “People Helping People” philosophy motivates credit unions to get involved in countless community charitable activities and worthwhile causes. A credit union’s goal is to serve all members well, including those of modest means - every member counts. Credit unions exist solely for this reason, not to make a profit. Members know their credit union will be there for them in challenging times, as well as good – which is the reason why members are so fiercely loyal.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
That’s why a coalition of thousands of Central and Southern Illinois workers, families, local union organizations, mayors and 28 members of the Illinois General Assembly support Dynegy’s efforts to acquire the Ameren Energy Resources (AER) energy centers located in Joppa, Newton, Bartonville, Canton and Coffeen. Together these centers:
* Create an annual statewide economic benefit of $1.4+ billion
* Provide $338+ million in annual household earnings
* Support a total of 6,294 Illinois jobs
* Deliver $13.3 million annually to cash-strapped schools and local governments
“Dynegy has stepped up to help support much-needed union jobs and economic activity in Illinois,” said Michael T. Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “We support Dynegy’s efforts to ensure reduced emissions while protecting the economic livelihoods of Illinois families and local communities, especially in hard-hit Central and Southern Illinois.”
AER and Dynegy are strongly committed to reducing air emissions from their Illinois energy centers which operate in accordance with EPA regulations:
* Dynegy has spent approximately $1 billion on environmental controls in Illinois
* AER has contributed more than $1 billion in pollution control equipment
* Dynegy reduced SO2 emissions levels at its facilities by more than 90% since 1998
Learn more: www.DynegyInIllinois.com.
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Rate the new Tom Cross ad
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
Illinois state Treasurer candidate Tom Cross is launching a three-market radio buy today — a day after the Republican made a switch and voted in favor of same-sex marriage legislation in the House.
Cross was one of three Republicans in the House to vote for in favor of the same-sex marriage. The others were Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) and Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein).
Cross switched positions after his campaign told the Sun-Times just three weeks ago that he remained opposed to same-sex marriage. The Sun-Times reported then that his Democratic opponent — state Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) — was calling on Cross to support same-sex marriage.“I am proud to be one of only two Downstate Senators to co-sponsor and vote for both marriage equality and civil unions,” Frerichs said then.
Cross’ vote neutralizes what could have been a contentious issue in a general election.
The 60-second ad is targeting three central Illinois markets.
* Listen…
* Script…
Illinois’ elected officials have repeatedly failed to solve the state’s big problems
Now we’re facing Skyrocketing debt, record high taxes and the nation’s worst budget deficit.
That’s why Tom Cross is running for Treasurer.
On day one, Tom Cross will put an end to dishonest budget gimmicks…
…demanding the courts enforce the state’s balanced budget requirement…
…and forcing Springfield politicians to fix the problems they’ve too often ignored.
Tom Cross understands without change, Illinois faces near bankruptcy…
…threatening not just our pocketbooks…
…but our schools and public safety.
A former prosecutor…
…Tom Cross will crack down on the corruption that is costing our pension system…
…and he’ll create a new government integrity unit to restore public confidence.
For too long, Illinois families have been paying the price for failed leadership.
As our Treasurer, Tom Cross will clean up their mess…
…fight the waste and corruption…
…and restore fiscal sanity back in Springfield.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois Issues magazine has a long feature on social media and Illinois politics. I highly recommend that you go read the whole thing. Here’s a snippet…
The only caucus that does not have its own social media presence is the House Democrats. “A lot of that is because the individual members do those things, and that seems to work well,” says Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan. […]
John Patterson, communications director for the Illinois Senate Democrats, says he views the caucus’ social media presence on sites such as Facebook and Twitter as a way for people to keep up on what their senators are doing and be aware of things such as local events that may not always make headlines. “People are always kind of wondering what do state employees do, and I would like people to know that throughout the day, we’re doing all kinds of stuff, and we should have that reflected in what’s going out on Twitter, going up on Facebook or going on our websites,” he says. Patterson says that Senate Democratic communications staff started off on those platforms because it seemed kind of obligatory, but he says that in the last few years, they have really been working to step up their social media game. “In the last two years, we’ve had a big focus on trying to figure out how to use them as communication tools so that we just don’t have a Twitter account or a Facebook account, [but] that we’re actually using them as part of a communications plan and try to use them to grow an audience.” He says that providing information as basic as updates on committee scheduling, which are generally slow or do not happen on the legislature’s state-run website, helped to grow the caucus’ following online. “We quickly noticed a lot of people, particularly lobbyists and reporters, following our Twitter account so that they would know what’s going on in committee rooms, so they knew where they had to be at what time.”
* The Question: Should the House Democrats establish a social media presence? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
surveys
…Adding… Illinois Issues’ blog features an interview with the guy who runs the “Da Speaker” parody Twitter account…
Q: How do you come up with your tweets/ set the tone of the account?
A: I try to keep it in the realm of exaggerated reality. What’s the speaker thinking that he’d never say aloud? It’s satire. Just for fun. A little edgy at times. I avoid cheap shots, I hope. I react to the news of the day. The ideas are the sort of smartass remarks reporters make to each other when passing time between stories.
Q: Are you surprised by the reaction/amount of followers? especially since you don’t tweet very often. Do you plan to continue indefinitely?
A: I’m amazed it has gained a following among people who understand politics. It’s a great audience.
Q: Do you plan to continue indefinitely?
A: I’ll continue until I’m no longer amused and/or until someone gets close to identifying me.
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Zalewski advances gun crimes bill
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* It’s possible we could see a vote soon on this bill…
Rep. Michael Zalewski, a Chicago Democrat, said today that changes to his proposal to increase penalties for gun crimes have made the plan “narrowly tailored” and would bring down the cost of his proposal.
SB 1342 would require first-time offenders who commit an aggravated unlawful use of a weapon to serve 85 percent of a one-year sentence. Knowingly carrying a loaded gun in public without a Firearm Owners Identification Card can result in an aggravated unlawful use of a weapon charge. A felon or gang member would receive a four-year sentence. The proposal would also bar gun offenders from participating in some programs that can substantially shorten their sentences, such as a boot camp program for offenders.
Zalewski’s original proposal called for three years for a first-time offender and five years for felons and gang members. A House committee approved the bill, but Zalewski said he is still working to find the votes to pass it in the House. He faces opposition from the National Rifle Association over the required penalties for first-time offenders. “The sponsor has worked very hard to try to craft a bill, and we just haven’t been able to come to a meeting of the minds on this one issue,” said Todd Vandermyde, a lobbyist for the NRA. He said lawmakers need to consider recent court rulings that upheld gun owners’ rights to carry firearms in public. “Carrying a gun is no longer, per se, a criminal offense.” […]
But the plan has support from Republicans who formerly served as prosecutors. Elmhurst Republican Rep. Dennis Reboletti helped Zalewski revise the proposal. “I think it’s a pretty thoughtful approach,” he said. Reboletti said is open to more negotiation. However, he said he thinks changes to sentences are needed to deter gun crimes and keep gang members from having a revolving door experience at IDoC only to return to the streets armed. “I don’t know what other alternatives there are.” House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, who also worked as a prosecutor before coming to the legislature, has said he supports enhancing sentences for gun crimes.
* More…
(T)he Department of Corrections would see its bulging population grow by 3,000 over the next decade, costing $713 million more for an agency that is operating with less money for more inmates already, agency chief of staff Bryan Gleckler said.
“We are out of public safety dollars,” argued John Maki, executive director of the prison monitoring group, the John Howard Association. “Where will this money come from? What will we not fund?”
Discuss.
And, as always, keep a close eye on our constantly updated live coverage post for updates on this and other legislation.
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* While most everyone else was watching the gay marriage vote play out, Jamey Dunn at Illinois Issues kept her eye on other Statehouse developments, including the supplemental approp…
The Illinois House voted to approve additional spending for the current fiscal year, but the legislation did not include funding for back pay owed to state workers.
House Bill 209 contains $49.6 million in spending, the bulk of which, $30 million, would be used to implement the state’s new concealed carry law. Most of the money in the bill comes from special funds. Only about $500,000 of general revenue funds would be spent under the measure […]
[Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan], said Madigan does not intend for there to be a vote on back pay [if and when legislators come back to deal with the pension issue]. “I’m not aware of any of that having anything to do with additional spending,” he said. “I am sure there are people out there who think that. I think the governor thinks that, but I’m not sure that there’s much of the legislature that’s subscribers to that idea.”
Brown said he does not think many in the House are interested in approving more GRF spending. “I think the speakers’ view on this other issues is that the agencies were granted lump sums. It’s really up to them to manage that. I don’t think that position has changed. There appears to be some additional revenue. I think the general view of the House has been over the last several years is if there’s revenue that comes in that we don’t know about in May, that ought to go to paying old bills. That ought to be our top priority.”
* Meanwhile, this was an expected development…
The Illinois General Assembly’s budget forecasting arm on Tuesday revised its revenue forecast upward by $369 million for the fiscal year that ends June 30.
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s revised analysis includes $200 million more projected to come from sales taxes, an extra $97 million that was transferred to the General Revenue Fund because it wasn’t needed to pay income tax refunds, and $72 million from court settlement proceeds.
The commission’s estimate raises the general fund estimate for the fiscal year to $35.8 billion from $35.45 billion, an increase of about 1 percent.
Jim Muschinske, the commission’s revenue manager, said after a meeting of the panel made up of House and Senate members that pent-up demand for cars was helping increase sales tax receipts.
* Oy…
Illinois has some of the most stringent requirements in the U.S. for background checks for child care workers, but also had the highest noncompliance rate for those inspections and failed to provide background checks on more than 13 percent of people working with children.
That’s according to the watchdog arm of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, which found that Illinois missed 82 percent of its required inspections of child care facilities and failed to record whether the inspections it did conduct were unannounced.
In states that did check on child care providers’ compliance with background checks, they found that 22 percent had not initiated or renewed their background screenings as required by state laws. In Illinois, 13.1 percent of those screenings were deficient.
* And speaking of the budget…
Illinois prison officials estimate nearly 30,000 newly freed inmates will be eligible for Medicaid coverage in 2014 under President Barack Obama’s health care law.
The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers reports state officials say better access to care for physical and mental health issues may help parolees succeed outside of prison.
The Department of Corrections plans eventually to help inmates connect with Medicaid before they’re released, so they can make a smooth transition into the state and federal health care program for the poor.
* And Reboot Illinois sums up the Tribune’s series on Chicago’s debt problem…
Over the past many years, the city has taken out $4.8 billion in long-term loans to pay for short-term things like Palm Pilot software already practically extinct. And garbage bins, library books and doggie poop bags.
City officials used long-term loans to pay off millions in one-time legal settlements and expenses.
Chicago has added more debt to refinance old loans that will end up costing taxpayers more for years to come in extra interest payments. The move wasn’t done to get a lower interest rate and save taxpayers’ money.
Less than one third of a total of $9.8 billion in borrowing was spent on long-term capital projects that might benefit future taxpayers.
Read those Trib stories by clicking here.
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Stuck in the middle
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The merger between Illinois-based OfficeMax and Florida-based Office Depot is wrapping up…
As anticipated, the merger between OfficeMax and Office Depot was finally completed yesterday, the same day both companies announced their last financial results as independent entities.
The new company will use the name Office Depot Inc and will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. A new CEO has as yet been named. In the interim, Office Depot Chairman/CEO Neil Austrian and OfficeMax President/Ravi Saligram will serve together as co-CEOs. Until a permanent CEO is appointed and a new HQ location chosen, the company will also continue to operate in both Florida and Illinois.
* OfficeMax’s CEO said in September that he was taking himself out of the running for CEO of the merged company. Why is that important? Because he may not be able to effectively fight to locate the merged HQ in Illinois. Crain’s has more…
The new headquarters location is similarly uncertain.
But based on size, OfficeMax loses. Office Depot has 1,104 stores in the U.S. compared with OfficeMax’s 828. Office Depot reported 2012 sales of $10.7 billion and employs about 38,000. Office Max had $6.9 billion in 2012 sales and employs about 29,000 people. Office Depot occupies a 625,000-square-foot campus in Boca Raton, Fla., that was constructed in 2007, while OfficeMax’s headquarters, built in 2006, are 361,000 square feet.
“Office Depot is the bigger company, which might signal something, but it’s really very much up in the air,” Mr. Feng said. “At the end of the day, both companies are going to take a look at which location is less disruptive, which location requires fewer people to move and which location might offer better incentives.” […]
Last month, Mr. Saligram asked Illinois lawmakers to allow OfficeMax to keep employees’ state tax withholdings for 10 to 15 years if the merged company retained a headquarters in Naperville. He didn’t disclose the actual amount sought. Mr. Saligram said the company would retain 2,050 jobs, create 200 more and spend $150 million in Illinois on building leases.
In June, state Sen. Thomas Cullerton, D-Villa Park, introduced a bill worth roughly $30 million in tax credits over a decade if OfficeMax kept a non-retail workforce of 2,000 and makes a $150 million capital investment in the state.
So, essentially we’re stuck in the middle of an intra-corporate battle that will also pit Illinois against Florida.
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Madigan’s role
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* New York Times…
The outcome itself was perhaps less surprising than how long and difficult the debate had proved in a state with both legislative chambers controlled by Democrats and where President Obama, once a member of the State Senate, specifically voiced his support this year. Illinois already permits civil unions for same-sex couples, but even as a wave of state legislatures passed marriage provisions this year, the issue had stalled.
“We were aiming for this to happen a year ago,” said Bernard Cherkasov, the chief executive of Equality Illinois. In May, in the final hours of the State House’s regular session, a leading advocate of the bill reluctantly and tearfully announced that he would delay plans for a vote, suggesting that there were not yet enough votes to pass it.
“In many ways, it has taken longer than we expected,” Mr. Cherkasov said.
Despite Democratic control of both chambers, the issue had been particularly vexing for some Democrats in socially conservative districts outside Chicago and for some black Democrats in Chicago, where some clergy members have suggested that those supporting gay marriage should prepare for election challenges next year.
“We’re prepared to run and elect people who vote where the people’s minds are,” said Bishop Larry Trotter, senior pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Chicago and an opponent of same-sex marriage. Mr. Trotter said he believed that most black residents agreed with him, even if it conflicts with the stance of Mr. Obama.
* House Speaker Michael Madigan was given credit by the bill’s sponsor for getting around those religious and political concerns expressed by his members…
Harris said House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, “made the difference in convincing some of my folks who were taking a little bit more time in making up their minds it was the right thing to do.” He said Madigan “pushed the bill across the finish line.”
Madigan said he used the “art of persuasion” on between five and 10 House members in an effort to round up the votes to pass the bill. He said he couldn’t use his art of persuasion when the bill was pending in May because the gap was wider then.
* More…
Later, Madigan acknowledged that he helped persuade “a significant number of people” to vote for the legislation. But always one to leave some mystery hanging, Madigan would not state how many or which lawmakers he brought across the finish line.
“It was over five,” Madigan said, adding that it was not over 10.
* David Ormsby, however, reports today that the total could be as high as 13 or 14…
The 13 were divided between 8 fence sitters and five potentially vulnerable lawmakers who wanted willing to vote for the bill, but on whom a brick had been placed by the Speaker’s political director.
“Madigan had to eyeball about eight members and had give Will the green light for the others who wanted to vote for it,” said the source, referring to Will Cousineau, the House Democratic Staff Issues Director.
“Cousineau may just need to work a little harder defending some,” the source added.
The eight “eyeballed” by Madigan included:
Luis Arroyo of Chicago
John D’Amico of Chicago
Anthony DeLuca of Chicago Heights
Thaddeus Jones of Chicago
André Thapedi of Chicago
Bob Rita of Blue Island
Al Riley of Olympia Fields
Pat Verschoore of Milan
The five that got the “green light” included four of five freshmen members:
Jehan Gordon-Booth of Peoria
Natalie Manley of Joliet
Marty Moylan of Des Plaines
Kathleen Willis of Villa Park
Stephanie Kifowit of Aurora
I’m not so sure about some of those, however. Rep. Verschoore’s spouse, for instance, was instrumental in convincing him to vote for the bill. Rep. D’Amico is Mayor Emanuel’s floor leader, so he had little choice in the matter.
But, whatever the exact number is, there’s no doubt that Madigan’s involvement played a major role here.
* The Speaker, however, was quick to credit President Obama’s public support for changing minds, as well as activists who worked the bill over the summer and the sponsor himself…
The speaker gave much credit to Harris, the bill’s sponsor, saying he was steadfast in the face of “unwarranted criticism” from some in the gay community who were not happy with the way Harris was handling the bill. Some activists had demanded Harris call the bill whether the support was there, contending failure to do so should result in his resignation. Madigan said those efforts “did not help the passage of the bill, it probably hurt the passage of the bill.”
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The religious opposition
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From yesterday’s debate…
“This bill is the worst in the U.S. in protecting religious liberty,” said Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton. “It does not have the religious protections most of us agree should happen.” […]
[Rep. Greg Harris] said the bill as written specifically immunizes religious leaders from having to perform same-sex marriages and also exempts religious facilities from hosting them.
Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill, said that didn’t go far enough.
“Why are religious rights only granted to priests, pastors and rabbis?” Reis said. “What about our rights? This is about individual religious rights.” […]
Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon, said biblical teachings should determine how someone votes on the issue.
“The Constitution has always looked to the scriptures for guidance,” Kay said. “I’ve heard nothing today about the scriptures. All I’ve heard about is human rights. My conviction is that this is wrong, but my conviction is scripture is right.”
* Also from the debate…
State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, who also voted against the bill, said the Bible defines marriage as being between a man and a woman, and no government has the authority to undo that.
“Even if the legal definition of the word ‘marriage’ was changed to include homosexual couples, those couples will not ever be truly married in God’s eyes,” she said.
* And…
State Rep. David Harris, an Arlington Heights Republican, described meeting with a religious leader who urged him to vote “yes” and called him “homophobic” when he disagreed.
“It shows the tenor of the debate,” Harris said.
He said he rejects the suggestion people who vote against same-sex marriage don’t care about civil rights.
“Are those black ministers who represent so many African-American congregations … around this state, are they bigots who don’t care about civil rights? I think not,” Harris said.
* The Sun-Times caught up with Cardinal George and Bishop Trotter…
“It’s no enormous surprise. There was a lot of effort placed into passage of this legislation. I think it’s bad legislation, but we’ve lived with bad laws before. It’ll make some people happy … but it will also, I think, change the nature of our society over a period of time,” Cardinal Francis George told the Chicago Sun-Times after speaking at Holy Name Cathedral. […]
Bishop Larry D. Trotter, who helped lead opposition to the bill, applauded legislators “who stood up for God.”
“Regardless of the passage of SB10, we will always believe that marriage is between one man and one woman,” Trotter said. “Yet we will still love the members of the LGBT community. We pray God’s grace, mercy and blessings over the state of Illinois and the United States of America.”
* From the Catholic Conference of Illinois…
Today’s decision by Illinois lawmakers to change the definition of marriage not only goes against the common consensus of the human race – which understands that nature tells us that marriage is the union of one man and one woman – but it also undermines an institution that is the cornerstone of a healthy society. The optimal condition in which to raise children is a home that includes both a mother and father, since women and men are not interchangeable.
The Catholic Conference of Illinois is deeply disappointed that members of the General Assembly chose to redefine what is outside of its authority: a natural institution like marriage. We remain concerned about the very real threats to religious liberty that are at stake with the passage of this bill.
* Thomas More Society…
“While we believe it regrettable that Illinois legislators have now purported to redefine marriage as something different from the union of one man and one woman, we are at least pleased and reassured to hear that legislators insisted during today’s floor debate in the House of Representatives that Illinois’ Religious Freedom Restoration Act and other constitutional and statutory guaranties of Illinois citizens’ religious liberties remain in full force and effect.
We will do our part to insure that those fundamental religious liberties are given robust and unstinting protection. The free speech and free exercise clauses of our First Amendment remain at the core of our constitutional order, and no law nor any public official may lawfully coerce anyone to deny or disavow his or her religious beliefs, or refrain from professing those beliefs in the public square, or to go against those beliefs in practice.
This is still a free country, and Thomas More Society stands ready to do its utmost to keep it free,” said Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society.
* But religion was also cited by the proponents…
Advocates soon received additional help from Pope Francis, who warned that the Catholic Church could lose its way by focusing too much on social stances, including opposition to homosexuality.
“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge him?” Francis said in July.
The comments sparked a wave of soul-searching by several Catholic lawmakers who had battled to reconcile their religious beliefs with their sworn duty to represent their constituents who were increasingly supportive of gay rights even as Cardinal Francis George remained opposed.
“As a Catholic follower of Jesus and the pope, Pope Francis, I am clear that our Catholic religious doctrine has at its core love, compassion and justice for all people,” said Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, a Democrat from Aurora who voted for the bill after spending much of the summer undecided.
House Speaker Michael Madigan also cited the pope’s comments in explaining his support for the measure.
“For those that just happen to be gay — living in a very harmonious, productive relationship but illegal — who am I to judge that they should be illegal?” the speaker said.
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*** UPDATED with video *** Getting personal
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* One of the more interesting stories during the gay marriage floor debate yesterday was told by Rep. Ann Williams…
State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, a co-sponsor of Harris’ bill, spoke about a close friend, former reporter Terry Mutchler, and the committed but secret relationship she had with the late state Sen. Penny Severns, D-Decatur, in the 1990s. Severns died in early 1998 after a lengthy battle with cancer that forced her to drop her bid that year for secretary of state.
“Though I never met Penny, Terry told me they considered themselves married. They had a relationship. They shared a home. They were with each other through good times and bad. They were committed to each other as if they were married, but not within the laws of society. In fact, Penny’s [Senate] death resolution didn’t even mention her loving partner, Terry. Can you imagine that? How heartbreaking,” Williams said.
“Terry just wanted what so many people want — to express their love through marriage,” Williams said.
* Another interesting story…
State Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, said after the vote that his own mixed-race marriage helped sway him to a “yes” vote.
* Another…
North Side Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy recounted how she once rushed at dawn from Springfield to Chicago when she heard her partner had been hospitalized and was in “excruciating pain.”
Even as she hustled to be there, Cassidy said, she faced a dilemma. She worried whether she would be allowed to go “straight to her side” or be denied access over hospital bureaucracy. Cassidy said she found herself “weighing the risks” of whether she should spend an hour collecting legal paperwork that would give proof that she could be allowed to be in the hospital room with her partner, Kelly.
Cassidy issued a challenge to lawmakers to think about what they would say when asked in future years how they voted on legislation to let Illinois become the 15th state to allow gay marriage.
“What did you do when faced with this historic moment?” Cassidy said. “Please, vote ‘yes’ and join us on the right side of history.”
* Another…
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said the issue mattered very much to the families that would be impacted, reading a letter from a 10-year-old girl being raised by a gay couple who asked, “Will you let my two dads be married?”
* Another…
Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, voted for the bill after saying his mother-in-law is gay.
“How do I face my children? How do I tell them there’s something wrong with their grandma? I won’t,” Sullivan said.
* And we’ll close with this news from the Twitters…
*** UPDATE *** Video of the proposal…
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GOP fallout?
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Sun-Times has a story on the potential political consequences for Republican gubernatorial candidates…
“Rauner will get a series of questions on the social issues that he’s refused to take a position on,” [political consultant Don Rose] said. “The guy who won’t take a position is always going to get the same questions. Very few people get away with ducking, particularly on hot-button stuff.” […]
Both Dillard and Brady said they voted against the measure on Tuesday because they believed it was unconstitutional.
Dillard said: “I believe in traditional marriage, which is a tenet of my religious beliefs. The Hinsdale Republican added: “I don’t know whether having gay marriage behind us changes anything in the governor’s race. Only time will tell what the gay marriage vote will mean politically.”
Dillard said it was too soon to know whether he might suffer voter backlash from a no vote.
Brady, a Bloomington Republican, took a shot at Rauner.
“He’s dodged every issue. He’s got to come to grips with the fact that you can’t run for governor and not tell people what your views are,” Brady told the Sun-Times Tuesday. As for the race, Brady said his voting ‘no’ again: “doesn’t change our campaign at all.”
* Mark Brown took a quick look at Rep. Tom Cross’ “Yes” vote…
Cross, who recently gave up his post as the House Republican leader to run for state treasurer, had been another mystery before the vote.
Even though it only makes sense for him as a statewide candidate to show that he’s got some compassion, it still couldn’t have been an easy vote for Cross considering he is facing a GOP primary opponent.
* As did Greg Hinz…
Mr. Cross — call him brave or foolhardy, depending on your view
* And the Daily Herald looked at a couple of House races…
And state Rep. Tom Cross of Oswego, just weeks ago the House’s top Republican, joined state Reps. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Ron Sandack of Downers Grove as the only House GOP members to vote “yes.” […]
Earlier this year, former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady of St. Charles was nearly ousted after Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and others objected to his lobbying in favor of same-sex marriage.
Both Sullivan and Sandack face potential primary election challengers that don’t share their support of same-sex marriage, and at least one conservative political action committee is looking to put money behind those challengers.
Sullivan’s primary challenge in particular has been one of the more visible signs that same-sex marriage remains controversial in the suburbs, but he spoke at length on the House floor Tuesday about his gay mother-in-law and his decision to vote “yes.”
“If I vote against this bill, a bill I believe in, that I believe is the right thing to do, how do I face my children? How do I tell them that there’s something wrong with their grandmother?” Sullivan said. “Well, I can’t, and I won’t.”
Your thoughts?
* Related…
* Log Cabin Republicans Congratulate GOP lawmakers for supporting gay marriage
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