Campaign notebook
Monday, Sep 26, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Tribune takes a look at the Workers’ Rights Amendment…
The proposed Illinois amendment would guarantee not only the right to organize for the most common elements of collective bargaining, like wages, hours and working conditions, but also for “economic welfare and safety at work.”
It also would essentially ban so-called right-to-work laws or ordinances, which prohibit companies and unions from agreeing to require union membership as a condition of employment. Right-to-work laws disempower unions by allowing workers to avoid paying “fair share” fees to unions — money used for nonpolitical union costs for actions such as collective bargaining. […]
It was intentionally drafted to apply to all workers, Poulos said, adding it will cover “droves” of workers not yet protected by federal or state law, such as agricultural workers and independent contractors, and would also work as a backstop if the federal laws that protect many private workers were ever repealed by federal courts or legislators. […]
The amendment would make the state uniquely anti-business, said Todd Maisch, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Many nearby states that could be competing for business have right-to-work laws, he said.
“It’s a terrible message to send to the rest of the nation,” Maisch said.
* Proft on his PAC’s new book…
People Who Play By The Rules PAC has published a new book, The Governor You Do Not Know, written by former Chicago Sun-Times columnist and long-time moderate Democrat Dennis Byrne. The book has been mailed to voters across Illinois and is available to download for free at www.pritzkerbook.com. On Monday morning Byrne was interviewed by PBR PAC President Dan Proft and host of Dan & Amy on AM 560 Chicago’s Morning Answer. That full interview is also available at www.pritzkerbook.com.
About The Author: “I can’t remember exactly when I was no longer a committed and loyal Democrat. It started to happen, gradually, back when I wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times. As a member of the paper’s editorial board, I had to argue and defend opinions and values that were basic to most Americans way back then. But the cracks had started to form.”
…
Some more excerpts: “To make a change means taking a risk. It means many of you will have to temporarily step outside of your old political comfort zone. To not make a change also entails risk. In fact, hoping things get better with the same people pursuing the same destructive policies…is actually the most hopeless choice of all.
…
“I hope you will travel along with me in this little book, all the way to the last chapter. It should not take you very long. You will find out many things not reported in the news media, which I hope will help you make an informed decision for your future—for you, your family, your neighbors, and your fellow citizens of Illinois.”
…
In The Governor You Do Not Know Byrne explains what the major changes in Illinois’ laws brought about by Pritzker and his “new” Democrats will mean to moderate Democrat and Independent voters who may have voted for the governor four years ago…and what lies ahead for us who live in Illinois if he wins again.
Dennis Byrne is a native Chicagoan and long-time journalist who was variously an op-ed columnist, editorial board member, science writer, transportation reporter, and urban affairs writer for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Daily News. He blogs at The Barbershop: Dennis Byre, Proprietor, and is also the author of the historical novel Madness: The War of 1812. He now lives in Florida with his wife, Barbara, and their extended family.
To book Byrne for interviews, contact Mike Koolidge at michael@koolidge.com.
* Just another day in the life of our Republican nominee for attorney general…
The gender fluid, all-inclusive, woke liberal agenda, etc., etc. is simultaneously rearing its head in every nation…
Posted by Thomas DeVore on Monday, September 26, 2022
* More…
* Workers’ Rights discussed at Citizens Club
* State Rep. Conroy and board member Hart face off Nov. 8 to be the new DuPage County Board chairman
* Pat Quinn wants ComEd to pay up
* Metal of Honor Recipient Allen Lynch Endorses Mark Curran for Illinois Supreme Court
- Senator Clay Davis - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 2:46 pm:
You know them Very Wealthy Special Interests operate. Always looking out for inclusion and gender fluidity.
- JS Mill - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 2:50 pm:
=Very Wealthy Special Interests=
Like Uihlein, Griffin, and Rauner?
I did not know they were big “gender fluid” people.
- Red Ketcher - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 2:57 pm:
“Metal” of Honor
Why could that Headline be printed ?
Disgraceful , sloppy , and sad ….
- Henry Francis - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:13 pm:
That’s certainly an odd conspiracy from Tommy.
The general counsel for the Oath Keepers got arrested for 1/6 so maybe that’s the job Tommy is gunning for.
- Demoralized - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:17 pm:
==The gender fluid, all-inclusive, woke liberal agenda, etc., etc. is simultaneously rearing its head in every nation worldwide.==
Italy just elected a leader that is the most far right politician since Mussolini. She is definitely not “woke.” And then there’s the leader of Hungary. Also not even close to “woke.” And Russia. And China. And . . . I could go on and on. What a maroon.
- Demoralized - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:18 pm:
==It’s a terrible message to send to the rest of the nation==
It’s an absolutely awful message to send that we value workers. The horror. /s
- JoanP - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:18 pm:
Dennis Byrne is a “moderate Democrat”? I think they’re confusing him with someone else.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:19 pm:
===Why could that Headline be printed ?===
Click the link. It’s also in the release.
- Demoralized - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:20 pm:
==Metal of Honor Recipient==
Um, that should be Medal of Honor. They might want to fix their headline.
- Pundent - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:20 pm:
=The amendment would make the state uniquely anti-business=
Or perhaps it would make the state uniquely pro-worker? And at a time where companies are struggling to fill open roles maybe that’s not a bad thing?
- SKI - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:20 pm:
As someone who drinks PBR, I’m getting real tired of Proft shilling his Florida Swamp Swill under the initials of a great American lager.
- jackmac - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:25 pm:
Dan Proft describes Dennis Byrne — author of the Prizker hit piece ‘The Governor You do Not know’ — as long-time moderate Democrat.
Dennis Byrne is at least little more honest about his political leanings.
In a Linked-In profile summarized by Google, he writes: “I do political commentary and articles from a conservative viewpoint.” He’s also contributed to such left wing, Democratic-leaning publications as The Weekly Standard, RealClearPolitics.com, HumanEvents.com and other publications.
- Arsenal - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:29 pm:
So many Floridians who are so awfully concerned with who Illinois elects as Governor.
- Back to the Future - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:35 pm:
Good to see former Governor Pat Quinn still fighting the good fight.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:36 pm:
Any proudly pro-union GOP left? Not since the richest got so much wealthier and right wing billionaires are the major political funders.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:42 pm:
Metal of Honor would be a good name for a Black Sabbath cover band.
- Sir Reel - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:51 pm:
Does Metal of Honor recipient refer to someone who’s been to every Metallica concert?
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 3:52 pm:
“Any proudly pro-union GOP left”
you have it in the wrong order. I know lots of proud GOP voters who happen to be union - particularly in the electrical/plumbing/sheet metal trades.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:16 pm:
Maybe metal was spelled correctly
- P. - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
Give Dennis some credit, I mean at least he doesn’t have a grift.
- Just Sayin - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:27 pm:
I assume if ComEd doesn’t pay up Pat Quinn will unleash Squeezy onto the execs.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:31 pm:
“lots of proud GOP voters who happen to be union”
Meant politicians. Which ILGOP is proudly pro-union? Who of these supports the amendment?
- Red Ketcher - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:42 pm:
“Click the link. It’s also in the release.”
Thank You - Didn’t catch it in release when first read the article - but sure enough ” Metal ” - Think that’s worse yet.
- West Side the Best Side - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:50 pm:
Thank you for your service Mr. Lynch and for having received the Medal of Honor, but what do you know about Curran’s ability to be even a traffic court judge, much less any qualifications to be elected to the Supreme Court. We’ve got enough hacks on the US Supreme Court, we don’t need them in Illinois.
- Victor - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 4:55 pm:
“He now lives in Florida with his wife, Barbara, and their extended family.” — Dennis Byrne
All I need to know, really. Just as I don’t listen to people who don’t live in Chicago telling me who to vote in the Aldermanic and Mayoral elections; why would I listen to a out of state idjit tell me who to vote for in the Governor’s race?
And Proft puffing him up as a “moderate democrat”. Why tell such an obvious lie?
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 5:20 pm:
The Grammar Police might be paying a visit to Greenville.
- thoughts matter - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 6:03 pm:
I’m trying to figure out how Mr. Devore thinks his agenda plays well with the majority of voters in this state. Shouldn’t he be concentrating on voters in Illinois opinion of his agenda rather than people who live in other nations? I don’t normally vote for a state office based upon what is happening in another country.
- Agree - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 6:30 pm:
Folks living in FL sure do care a lot about IL elections.
- Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 7:13 pm:
Oh Tommy
In the 80s and 90s, many people learned how many of their loved ones were gay and had to come to terms with their bigotry.
You’ll soon learn you have transgender people in your family.
Unlike the 80s and 90s, there are internet records of your bigotry.
- Just Sayin - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 7:13 pm:
== Dennis Byrne==
Any relation to Jane Byrne?
- Fivegreenleaves - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 8:26 pm:
“Many nearby states that could be competing for business have right-to-work laws, he said.”
Like Missouri, who passed Republican Gov. Mike Parsons Prop A, then voters voted nearly 2-1 to repeal it? Missouri, New York, and Hawaii already have similar language in their state constitutions. Illinois would be 4th.
- Highland IL - Monday, Sep 26, 22 @ 9:10 pm:
I got my “book” in the mail this afternoon. Calling it a book is generous at 58 pages.
- Just Saying - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 8:44 am:
== State Rep. Conroy and board member Hart face off Nov. 8 to be the new DuPage County Board chairman==
Can’t help but wonder, but is Greg Hart any relation to Janice Hart? (of ‘86 LaRouche infamy).
- mjtroll - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 7:34 pm:
while I was not aware of Mr. Byrne’s residence I am not clear as to why it matters. The book accurately describes the policies and allegiances which the Governor and Democratic Party subscribe to at the expense of Illinois taxpayers
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 7:44 pm:
===The book accurately describes===
Have you read the book?
- mjtroll - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 10:33 pm:
Yes
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 10:43 pm:
===Yes===
… and you believe it… accurate.
No, that’s not fair, you used the word “describes”
So, opinion.
Got it.
- mjtroll - Tuesday, Sep 27, 22 @ 10:56 pm:
my original statement stands…would welcome specifics as to its inaccuracies
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 28, 22 @ 6:04 am:
=== would welcome specifics as to its inaccuracies===
Start with “Crime will get worse in 2023”
No one knows that. It’s inaccurate to predict with such “factual” silly.
Or… “Your Taxes Will Make Illinois America’s Abortion Capital”
It’s really that SCOTUS has made abortion like an island, not any taxes, since taking away a woman’s right to choose in neighboring states is a “thing”
- mjtroll - Wednesday, Sep 28, 22 @ 10:32 am:
while no one can predict the future it is safe to say extrapolating multiyear trends of increasing crime rate to next year is not a stretch
while Illinois becoming an abortion Capital is
clearly a euphemism its not a stretch as the attached article indicates
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/15/us/illinois-abortion-oasis-roe-wade/index.html
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 28, 22 @ 10:42 am:
===it is safe to say===
It’s not actually, as you readily admit you can’t predict the future. Good try, no. You are reading a fiction you want as fact. You say so, readily.
===while Illinois becoming an abortion Capital is
clearly a euphemism its not a stretch as the attached article indicates===
Yeah… so… women are coming here for a vacation or fun trip, women are coming to Illinois because other states are denying women rights to their choice, and your ridiculous take to abortion and the book talking about “taxes”, again, it’s a phony opinion not grasping why women need an island like Illinois, otherwise other states are forcing rape and incest victims to have pregnancy complete their terms.
Try again.
- mjtroll - Wednesday, Sep 28, 22 @ 7:34 pm:
you are very good at drawing conclusions based on your own biases..try again and have a nice life