* Chicago criminal defense attorney Len Goodman, who is Lester Crown’s nephew, will be handling Rod Blagojevich’s appeal. Here’s what he told Crain’s about the case as he sees it now, although he admitted that he isn’t totally up to speed…
“The main issue at trial was — what was (Mr. Blagojevich’s) intent? This is a case about campaign contributions; he was not accused of stuffing his own pockets the way some other politicians do.
“The governor was part of a system in Illinois which required him to raise tens of millions of dollars to stay in office and which encouraged him to seek campaign contributions from persons who received business and benefits from the state. In that type of case, the defendant has to be given a full opportunity to present evidence of his intent, or what was in his head,” Mr. Goodman said in an email.
“That is what I am going to be looking at. Did the jury hear both sides of the story? Did they get a full picture? Or did they hear mostly just the evidence that the government wanted them to hear?”
Overturning all 18 guilty counts would be highly unusual, to say the least. What do you think of Goodman’s arguments?
Convicted political fundraiser and businessman Antoin “Tony” Rezko will not spend any extra time in federal prison for a business fraud scheme after agreeing not to appeal his conviction in the case — or his conviction in a wider-ranging political corruption case.
U.S. District Judge James P. Zagel sentenced Rezko Thursday to 7½ years on charges he schemed to get a fraudulent loan to prop up his Papa John’s Pizza franchises in Illinois and Michigan.
But Zagel agreed to make the sentence concurrent with a 10½-year prison term Rezko received last month for corrupting state boards and state government under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
That means every day Rezko spends in prison will count toward both sentences.
That seems reasonable.
* And some lawyers are just willing to say anything, I suppose…
A Chicago man pleaded innocent Wednesday in the October murder of 14-year-old Kelli O’Laughlin in her Indian Head Park home. […]
O’Laughlin’s body was found Oct. 27 in her home. She had been stabbed in her neck, back and chest.
She had returned home from Lyons Township High School and surprised Wilson, prosecutors have said. After killing her, Wilson took her phone, they said, and used it to send taunting text messages to her mother.
After the hearing at the county courthouse in Bridgeview Wednesday, [Defense attorney John Paul Carroll] wondered whether the reason why he hasn’t received any case reports he subpoenaed on Dec. 5 from Indian Head Park Police and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office is because his client is black. [Emphasis added.]
I have no idea whether he’s right, but I kinda doubt it because he didn’t mention the race angle in front of the judge. Either way, let’s all hope this lawyer doesn’t try to turn the trial into a circus.
* Some folks out there have been trying to convince Americans that institutional racism is a thing of the distant past. Well, tell that to the folks who got mortgages through Countrywide…
The Justice Department on Wednesday announced the largest residential fair-lending settlement in history, saying that Bank of America had agreed to pay $335 million to settle allegations that its Countrywide Financial unit discriminated against black and Hispanic borrowers during the housing boom.
A department investigation concluded that Countrywide loan officers and brokers charged higher fees and rates to more than 200,000 minority borrowers across the country than to white borrowers who posed the same credit risk. Countrywide also steered more than 10,000 minority borrowers into costly subprime mortgages when white borrowers with similar credit profiles received regular loans, it found.
* Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan deserves lots of credit for this settlement. Madigan filed suit last year against Bank of America, which had earlier bought Countrywide. Her suit was settled as part of the record-breaking deal…
The Illinois lawsuit followed years of investigation into Countrywide’s lending practices.
Madigan issued a subpoena to Countrywide in March 2008. That followed a 2007 study by the Chicago Reporter of federally collected mortgage-lending data for the Chicago area. The study found that in 2006, Countrywide Financial Corp. sold higher-cost loans to 50.9 percent of its African-American borrowers and 33.8 percent of its Latino borrowers, while 19.5 percent of the company’s white borrowers received high-cost loans.
Either the borrowers were charged higher fees associated with obtaining a mortgage or they were steered into costlier, riskier subprime mortgages when they would have qualified for lower-cost, prime mortgages, Madigan said.
In the first case, Illinois borrowers could be eligible for a settlement ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000, she said. In the second, borrowers qualifying for a settlement could receive about $10,000, she said.
Money can compensate, but shouldn’t somebody go to jail over this? I mean, you rob a bank and you’ll spend years in prison. But when a financial conglomerate robs you it throws money around and walks away.
Most banks, like the one I use, are actually doing what they’re supposed to be doing and following the law and helping build the economy. But some of these crooked banksters should be forced to do more than write a big check and deny they did anything wrong…
The settlement agreement was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. It calls for no punitive damages, Madigan said. In the agreement, the defendants deny claims of discrimination.
* I can’t believe that I forgot this category. Lots of ratings to do today, I’m afraid. Sorry to overload you. But this one has to be voted on as well because it’s the most important to the blog…
* The Wordslinger Golden Horseshoe Award for Best CapitolFax.com Commenter
Make sure to explain your nomination as much as possible. I’ll announce all winners from both of today’s posts sometime tomorrow.
She’s no-nonsense, hard-working and has done everything right so far as County Board Prez. She’s been out in front on decriminalization and lowering the jail population, and it took a lot to keep her promise to roll back the sales tax in this period of austerity. Couldn’t have a better leader at the helm of the County Board.
I think we’ve all been impressed by President Preckwinkle’s performance. Is a gubernatorial bid in her future? It’s not a bad idea.
* Runner-up is Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
He has brought a real sense of reform to the city in the first time in, well, forever. He may not be perfect, he may not be polite, but he’s revolutionizing the mayor’s office.
electing a democrat to be the county executive in will county was difficult, and a whole lot of things had to come together to make that happen. but the fact is, his election was the easy part. will is, by all indicators, a swing county, both a hotbed of tea party supporters as well as growing minority communities, and one that has always had a strong labor presence. it also has unique rules and trying to hold together coalitions in light of all that has definitely meant that walsh has had his hand full. if he wasn’t so wedded to his community, i’d bet he had wished a thousand times that he never left springfield. but he’s will county’s greatest promoter. another remarkable political talent (btw, i don’t consider walsh a reformer but his political talent can’t be ignored).
Personally, I love me some Larry, but don’t tell him or he’ll get a big head.
* Runner-up is DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin…
In two short years he has reduced headcount and spending and has begun the discussion and process of consolidating services by closing DuPage’s Juvenile Detention Facility. He also appears to have more consolidation on his agenda. They also reformed their employee benefits, cutting long-term cost in a sensible manner.
He was criticized as being a “party hack” but has proven himself to be an effective, strong, non-partisan leader. He has cut his budget in a time when the county is simply broke, and has brought a new level of technological advancement
Gordy is a former political blogger, so I have always had a soft spot in my heart for him. He got the most votes, but, if truth be told, I would’ve picked him anyway.
* Runner-up goes to Savanna Police Chief Michael Moon. I have never heard of this guy, but this is one wild nomination…
My vote goes to Chief Michael Moon of the Savanna, IL Police Department on the basis that when I had to go out there to do some business for a client, he made sure I didn’t get killed in the process. “Made sure I don’t get killed” is about the highest compliment I can give any official. Chief Moon, my wife and kids thank you and your department.
Um, OK. I lived in Savanna for a while and never felt in danger, but maybe times have changed.
…Adding… I’m told that the Savanna incident in question is described here.
* On to today’s nominations. This is the last and final round…
* Best Contract Lobbyist
* Best In-House Lobbyist
* Best “Do-Gooder” Lobbyist
* The Mike McClain Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Statehouse “Insider”
Do your very best to nominate in all categories, please. And, as always, make sure to fully explain your nominations. Have fun and choose wisely.
For 32 years, nearly half as a tactical officer, Jim Sak was a cop chasing down bad guys on the streets of Chicago.
Now that he’s retired and living in tiny Aurelia, Ia., the townsfolk are chasing him — to get rid of “Snickers,” a five-year-old Pit bull-mix service dog he needs after suffering a debilitating stroke that left him with no feeling on the right side of his body.
On orders from the Aurelia City Council, a heartbroken Sak has shipped his beloved protector off to a kennel just outside of the Iowa town where he moved last month to be closer to his ailing, 87-year-old mother-in-law. If he hadn’t gotten rid of Snickers, city fathers had threatened to seize and destroy the dog.
The mandate sets the stage for a landmark lawsuit on grounds that the federal Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees people with disabilities the right to have service dogs, regardless of their breed. […]
George Wittgraf, an attorney representing the Iowa town, said Aurelia is “simply exercising its authority to protect and preserve the rights and property of its residents — whether or not that’s trumped by” federal law.
Over 600,000 Americans died in a civil war over that very question, Mr. Wittgraf. And your side lost. Badly. Get over it.
So, no, your little town cannot unilaterally nullify federal laws, doofus. Sheesh, man, are your law books that old?
Dennis Shackelford, owner of the Judy’s Hallmark shops in Springfield, formally announced his candidacy for the Illinois House Wednesday, saying he understands that taxpayers should be treated like the important customers they are.
“I know business,” Shackelford, flanked by family members and state Reps. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield, and Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg, told supporters in the Statehouse rotunda. “I’m a job creator.” […]
He said he believes in taking care of young people, the elderly, and “people who can’t take care of themselves.”
He’d like to see the recent state income-tax increases rolled back and said the state budget could be balanced by getting rid of fat. However, he didn’t propose any specific cuts, saying only that consolidating some services, including combining some school districts, could be possibilities.
He’s for more spending, but he wants to cut spending. OK, I can see how that ridiculous platform would be challenged. But what about this Democrat’s plan?…
Brad Gillespie, an attorney, military veteran, school board member and former laborer from Shipman, says job creation will be his focus as he runs as a Democrat for the Illinois House in the new 95th District.
“The number one focus of my campaign is to get our economy back on track and get people working again,” Gillespie, 46, said in a recent campaign announcement. “The Republican Party has shown that they are beholden to the big banks and special interests. … I believe we need to return to the hardworking values that built this country and made America great.”
No SJ-R challenge was issued to Democrat Gillespie to explain his grandiose plans. That’s too bad.
State Journal-Register executive editor Jon K. Broadbooks resigned Wednesday to take a job with a statewide trade association.
Broadbooks, who joined the SJ-R in 2008, will become director of communications for the Illinois Association of Realtors. He begins his new role in early January.
A party to a civil union is entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits as are afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses, whether they derive from statute, administrative rule, policy, common law, or any other source of civil or criminal law.
…Adding… OK, the city doesn’t have to comply with the state law because of an overriding federal law on self insurance. Not being a neoconfederate means I have to take this back. Sorry.
…Adding More... Letter from Ald. Sam Cahnman to WAND TV, which broadcast the above report…
To: WAND TV News
The story on your website reporting that Springfield Aldermen have denied health coverage to Civil Union Partners of City employees is erroneous.
That decision was made by the City’s Joint Labor/Management Health Care Committee. This is a Committee that was set up under an agreement entered into between the City and the City labor unions in 2002 under former Mayor Karen Hasara. It was reauthorized in 2005 under the late Mayor Tim Davlin.
The Committee consists of 5 apponted by the labor unions, 2 appointed by the City Council and 3 non-represented City employee appointed by the Mayor to represent Management.
The 2 aldermen on the Committee are Frank Edwards (Ward 1) and Steve Dove (Ward 9) (also State Senate Candidate).
On September 12th, Aldermen Doris Turner (Ward 3), Cory Jobe (Ward 6) and I (Ward 5) wrote a letter to the Committee urging it to provide coverage to Civil Union partners of City employees. I presented the letter to the Committee at their September meeting and made a presentation to the Commitee.
Since then, the Committee recently voted unanimously to deny coverage. Below are comments I made to a State Journal-Register reporter about this.
Aldermen Turner, Jobe and I have asked the Corporation Counsel to draft an ordinance mandating coverage for Civil Union partners of City employees. Also, today I learned that only 100 of the 106 Civil Union licenses issued in Sangamon County have been returned. Therefore, it is unlikely that any more than a handful of city employiees, if any, are in Civil Unions. Therefore, the financial impact would likely be insignificant.
* I have to admit that I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Rep. Jack Franks, even though I’ve often been perturbed at his blatant media antics. But commenter “Yellow Dog Democrat” wrote something last night that helped me understand why I’ve always liked the guy…
* Wednesday, 9:21 pm - Cardinal Francis George went way overboard when talking to Mike Flannery and Dane Placko at Fox 32 Wednesday. During taping for the Fox Chicago Sunday program, George said he backed a North Side pastor who objects to the new route of next year’s Gay Pride Parade. The route would go right past the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church on a Sunday morning, starting at 10 o’clock, which the local pastor says would make it difficult if not impossible to attend mass. The parade drew something like 750,000 spectators this year.
Anyway, on to the interview, the transcript of which was provided by Fox Chicago…
Mike Flannery, Fox Chicago News Political Editor: The Gay Pride Parade is going to go right by there, at least it is scheduled to. What’s your view? The pastor there is upset by that.
Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago: Well, I go with the pastor. I mean, he’s telling us that they won’t be able to have Church services on Sunday, if that’s the case.
You know, you don’t want the Gay Liberation Movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism. So, I think if that’s what’s happening, and I don’t know that it is, but I would respect the local pastor’s, you know, position on that. Then I think that’s a matter of concern for all of us.
Dane S. Placko, Fox Chicago News: That’s a little strong analogy, isn’t it? Ku Klux Klan?
Cardinal George: It is. But you take a look at the rhetoric.
Placko: What rhetoric?
Cardinal George: The rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan, the rhetoric of some in the Gay Liberation. Who is the enemy? Who is the enemy? The Catholic Church.
Openly gay State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), whose district includes the Gay Pride parade route, criticized the Cardinal’s “unfortunate choice of words.” Harris predicted “it probably will provoke other unfortunate words” from some gay activists.
In a press release, LGBT Catholic organization Rainbow Sash Movement sounded off against the cardinal’s comments.
“Cardinal George wants to promote a doubled standard when it comes to the Gay Pride Parade,” the statement read. “One only has the look at the Chicago Marathon, and negative impact that race has on parishes such as Assumption Parish, St. Joseph’s Parish, Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Michael’s Parish just to name a few.”
Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda, said he understands that the parade takes place on Sunday, a holy day for Catholic churches, but that there are several churches along the parade route and they aren’t objecting to it. Some are even planning to participate in the parade, he added.
“It seems to me that the cardinal is lashing out at the LBGT community over past matters and legislation that have now been resolved,” Martinez said, referring to the civil unions bill and the Church’s loss of state foster home and adoption contracts.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel hosts the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach, and [Father Thomas Srenn of Mount Carmel] said that reservations about the event had nothing to do with the content of the parade.
Before Cardinal George made his KKK remarks, he told Fox Chicago that he supports the Catholic Gay & Lesbian organization based at Mt Carmel and has led the group’s liturgy.
*** UPDATE 1 - 10:15 pm *** Wow. Talk about your irony. This just in…
Organizers with Chicago’s annual gay pride parade have agreed to a later start time after one of Chicago’s oldest Roman Catholic churches objected to a newly-proposed route they claimed would block access to Sunday Masses.
I seriously doubt the KKK would be so accommodating.
*** UPDATE 3 - Thursday, 1:30 pm *** So far, none of the three Chicago-area newspapers has picked up this story. The Associated Press has moved two stories about Cardinal George since last night, but neither mentioned the KKK comment.
*** UPDATE 4 ***. I’m out of the office and posting via iPhone, but the Tribune finally posted a story.
“Whether it was the best choice of analogy I don’t know. Taken out of context the meaning can be misinterpreted,” an archdiocesan spokeswoman said. “I would suggest people read the whole interview.”
* 2:32 pm - Rather than face a Republican primary against Congressman Joe Walsh, Darlene Ruscitti has dropped out of the 8th CD contest. From a press release…
Today, after careful consideration with family, supporters and friends, I have decided not to run for Congress in the 8th Congressional District.
My campaign collected over 4,000 petition signatures, signed up hundreds of volunteers and gained the support of dozens of elected officials - but my role as a leader within the Illinois Republican Party and a desire to avoid a costly primary outweigh my personal political aspirations.
Service to this great state and nation is the reason I decided to run for Congress and that passion for public service will continue to guide me as an educator and civic leader in the years to come.
Attempts to reach Ms. Ruscitti’s campaign have been unsuccessful, but other Republicans have confirmed that she’s getting out of the race.
* I’m told campaign finances were a consideration in this decision. She hasn’t raised much cash, and Walsh has a bunch of dough in the bank.
* By the way, this story is from last month, but Judy Biggert may have at least one primary opponent…
Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham will officially enter the contest for the new 11th Congressional District Nov. 28, when he expects to turn in his petition sheets. Cunningham Thursday confirmed his commitment to the race. It will be his second run for Congress. His last attempt came nearly 40 years a go.
“I’ve been going door-to-door and the response so far has been very positive,” Cunningham said. “So far the media is picking up more on my opponent’s name, but that was expected.” […]
Cunningham has said he plans on touting his residence within the 11th District as a major campaign issue. Other than that, he plans on running on a conservative platform featuring pro-life and protection of the Second Amendment.
Possibly joining Cunningham and Biggert in the potential GOP primary are Aurora Alderman Richard Irvin and Grundy County Board member Chris Balkema, who have both expressed an interest in entering the race.
* 3:33 pm - Tammy Duckworth…
“The choice for voters in the 8th Congressional District couldn’t be more clear. Just this week, Joe Walsh voted to increase taxes on 6.5 million middle-income families in Illinois starting January 1st. And then he voted to take a holiday vacation. He’s clearly not the kind of leader the 8th Congressional District needs.”
“Now is not the time to raise taxes on working families. Too many are concerned about how to pay their mortgages and credit card bills. And if I were in Congress, I wouldn’t have left without doing everything I could to pass the payroll tax cut extension.”
*** 3:45 pm *** So, apparently, this is what Ruscitti was talking about when she said she has a leadership role in the party. From a press release…
ILGOP Appoints Dr. Darlene Ruscitti Statewide Victory Co-Chair
Prominent suburban Republican takes on role with #1 Victory Program in the Nation
Chicago - Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady today named DuPage County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Darlene Ruscitti Co-Chair of the statewide Victory Program - the number one Victory operation in the country in 2010.
“Dr. Ruscitti is the first elected official to serve in this capacity for the Party and is a perfect choice given her background as a suburban leader in the state’s second largest Republican county,” said Brady. “Darlene’s experience gives us the competitive edge our ground game needs with so many important races in 2012″
The Illinois Republican Party Victory operation was first in the nation in 2010 beating states like Ohio, Florida and Wisconsin with over 4.1 million volunteer contacts. The program was critical to victory in 5 congressional races and 3 statewide elections.
“The Victory Program was instrumental in my race for Senate and Darlene is the suburban leader we need to lead our targeted races to victory in 2012,” said Senator Mark Kirk.
“As a leader in Congress and Illinois, I am committed to the Illinois Republican Victory Program and can’t think of a better person to help lead this effort than Dr. Darlene Ruscitti,” said Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam.
“I’ve known Darlene for many years and her hard work and record of success on winning campaigns will be an invaluable asset to our candidates in a competitive election year”, said Congresswoman Judy Biggert.
This is starting to look like a well-coordinated nudge out of the race.
* 4:51 pm - Joe Walsh…
Reaction from Congressman Joe Walsh on the decision by Darlene Ruscitti to exit the race for the 8th District
Darlene Ruscitti is an incredible force within the Republican Party and local politics. I have a good deal of respect for her leadership, both in the Party and in public service. She is a prime example of what good, honest government should be. The people of Bloomingdale Township & DuPage County are fortunate to have Darlene in office.
Our government only works when good people decide to step forward and I applaud Darlene for having done so. I am excited to work with her to do what is best for the people of the 8th District. There’s much work to be done in Washington and I will continue to look to her as a shining example of leadership and service. I decided to run for Congress two years ago because of a desire to take back our country. I know that Darlene is driven by the same commitment to less government, lower taxes and a federal government that allows small businesses and individuals to prosper.
This decision must have been a difficult one for Darlene, her family and supporters, but, by doing so, Darlene chose to put her country and party ahead of political interest. Now, Darlene will be spearheading the Illinois Republican Party’s Victory operation. In that capacity, she will be responsible for the most important aspects of insuring Republican victories up and down the ballot across the state. I look forward to working very closely with her to get this District and the country working again.
* A local congressman is complaining that he can’t use taxpayer funds to say “Merry Christmas” in his official mailers…
Rep. Joe Walsh, an Illinois Republican, and Rep. Mike Ross, an Arkansas Democrat, are trying to overturn a rule that forbids the use of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” in taxpayer-funded congressional correspondence.
Congressional rules state that mail containing holiday greetings cannot be “franked” — Hill lingo for receiving taxpayer reimbursement for postage — according to a memo from the “Franking Commission Staff” obtained by The Washington Examiner.
And people wonder why nothing ever gets done in DC.
The House has banned the phrase since 1974, but Senators can apparently use it in their official mail, so this shouldn’t be a big deal. But leave it to Walsh to scream bloody murder about a trivial matter. Instead of going all-in on the alleged War on Christmas, how about using all that boundless energy to end the all too real, disastrous, un-American, budget-busting and morally bankrupt War on Drugs? Now, that would be something to brag about…
War is over if you want it
And before he flips his lid yet again, maybe Walsh should ask Franking Commission Chairman Aaron Schock, a fellow Illinois Republican, why he hates Christmas so much. Just kidding, of course. Schock apparently hates Hanukkah as well. OK, kidding again. It’s not Schock’s fault. The rule goes way back to 1974. Whatever. It’s a joke. Merry, um, holidays, Aaron. Hope it’s a great one.
A bill inspired by U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh’s child support issues would forbid people owing more than $10,000 in back child support from running for office in Illinois.
House Bill 3932, filed Tuesday by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, would require statements of candidacy to include a statement that the person running for office is not delinquent by $10,000 or more.
Walsh, a tea party Republican freshman representing the 8th Congressional District, is facing allegations in court by his ex-wife that he owes her more than $100,000 in back child support. Walsh has not been found delinquent or in contempt of court in the ongoing dispute.
While Franks said Walsh, R-McHenry, was his inspiration for the bill, he wants to make sure that people holding office are taking care of their family responsibilities.
“I think it’s important for people to take care of their families first, and preclude people from public office if they fail to take care of their primary obligations,” Franks said. “Nothing is more important than taking care of your family.”
* I told subscribers about this odd development yesterday morning and again today. The group simply started its recruitment drive way too late…
With the congressional candidate filing period to begin Friday in Illinois, another potential challenger to U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, has said no.
Sen. Sam McCann, R-Carlinville, said Tuesday he would not oppose Johnson in the newly created 13th Congressional District that runs from Champaign-Urbana south to the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis.
He said he was contacted by a group last week that said their polling indicated he had the best chance of any other area Republican to unseat Johnson.
“There was no proactivity on my part, in any way, shape or form. The phone calls that came to me late last week came totally out of the blue,” said McCann, who was elected to the state Senate last year. “I had not sat back and contemplated it, up to that time, at all. These gentleman called me and told me about the polling.
One of Washington’s most eligible bachelors is taking himself off the market.
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, 33, said this morning that his girlfriend of more than a year, Riki Meyers, 31, is now his fiancée.
“I haven’t taken the plunge yet,” he said. “I’ve taken the pre-plunge.”
Meyers, a captain in the Air Force, is currently stationed in Charleston, S.C., but is scheduled to relocate to the Washington area sometime in February, Kinzinger said.
* The Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Chief of Staff goes to Tim Mapes of the House Democrats. Almost half the people voting wanted Mapes to win, and almost all of the nominators backed up their choice with strong opinions. For instance…
There has never been such a force in the capitol that holds the keys to control quite like him; and there will probably never be another that will rival that control.
The man never seems to tire and he has his fingers in everything. We have a running joke where he’ll say, “Miller, I already knew everything you wrote in the Capitol Fax today,” and I’ll say, “No kidding, Tim, that’s because it was about what you did yesterday.”
Mapes oversaw the impressive remodeling of the House chambers and was his usual persnickety self. I once saw him walking through the hall on the Democratic side of the chambers pointing out tiny flaws in the woodwork to some workers.
Many believe he has way too much control, but he was obviously the people’s choice, and it would be impossible to ignore the breadth and depth of his support.
* Runner-up is Andy Manar of the Senate Democrats. Manar is leaving soon to run for the Senate and I, for one, will miss his helmsmanship…
No caucus is as diverse and complex as the Senate Dems, and he helps Cullerton handle them perfectly… Andy is a great, down to earth guy that welcomes anyone into his office regardless of their title or issue. He will be missed.
The sheer knowledge this guy has is uncanny. From tax and revenue issues, to everything else in between, he definitely knows his stuff. He always manages to fly under the radar, which is pretty much how he likes it. He has been part of the leading force behind the Speaker’s staff for years now and is definitely someone to watch for in the upcoming years.
* Matt Paprocki…
Matt Paprocki with the House GOP. Matt gets both the policy and the politics, and his desire to help out everyone has always been impressive. His lack of shaving is compensated for his hard work and unique ability to the process. So often staffs are inundated with political science majors, it is extremely helpful to have an accountant that understands the policy, but equally important, the numbers. On several occasions I have seen him dig deep into the actual effects of legislation/budget process, only to have the numbers altered later because of his knowledge.
I also loved this Paprocki nomination so much that I have to share…
He is a walking Illinois tax policy handbook and is very knowledgeable about most other subjects as well. Not to mention he is a modern renaissance man. Matt invented the skinny tie. He is a level-9 bongo drummer. And, he fixes up run down tandems in his spare time. Is there anything cat can’t handle?
Next year, we’ll break this category down into the various caucuses.
* The Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Illinois Congresscritter goes to US Sen. Dick Durbin. Commenter “bored now,” who doesn’t like to use capital letters, had the best nomination, but Durbin was also the clear popular choice…
when one considers that senator durbin is competing against the biggest mouth in d.c. (chuck schumer, for those who do think that illinois is the center of everything) and competes in his own, very, very midwestern way, quietly getting things done, gaining the respect of his fellow senators, delivering for his party. understated is not the same as lack of power. he’s a tremendous asset to illinois, even if that isn’t always recognized by politicians in the state.
Durbin won last year, for good reason, so we may have to offer a separate category for US House in the future and put US Senators into the statewide category, where they probably belong anyway.
* US Rep. Peter Roskam is the runner-up. Commenter “bored now” with his lower-case letters, did a good job of summing up Roskam as well…
if i had to choose someone from the house, i’d choose peter roskam. i don’t think there’s a more conservative member from illinois, but he’s not a camera-hog or an extremist. a little different from durbin, roskam continues to rally his peeps and is mastering the nitty-gritty of the house. it won’t surprise me a bit to see roskam gain a real leadership role, and i’d be least surprised if he took over the nrcc chair soon. roskam is also a power player and it was no surprise he got the safest district on the gop side…
It has been amazing, but not all that surprising, to watch Roskam’s rapid rise through the ranks. He’s whip smart, that guy.
* We’ll vote on our final round of nominees tomorrow, the lobbyists. Here are today’s nominations, all new categories…
* Best Local Government Official - Chicago/Cook County
* Best Local Government Official - Collar Counties
* Best Local Government Official - Downstate
I understand that you may not be able to nominate in all three categories, because this is such a local thing. But, please try to do your best to nominate in all three. And, of course, make extra sure to explain your nominations. I’ll ignore you if you just post a name. As always, keep in mind that this is much more about intensity than raw numbers. Thanks and enjoy.
* If you think that the CME/Sears “We’re moving unless you pony up” crisis was a one-off event, you have another think coming. From the Associated Press…
More than 100 companies, including Deere & Co. and Abbott Laboratories, have incentive packages expiring in the next three years — and may want better deals to keep jobs in Illinois.
Oy.
* And before you suggest that some sort of corporate tax reform or repealing the corporate income tax hike would stop these companies from putting out their hands, pause for a minute while I explain a couple things.
Corporate tax reform which spreads the burden around more equally to all corporations would mean modest tax relief to a relative handful of companies and big tax increases for everybody else. The companies who would finally be forced to pay significant state income taxes (like, perhaps, Caterpillar) would scream bloody murder, threaten to leave and demand relief.
And as far as repealing the corporate income tax hike goes, well, keep in mind that these companies all received tax incentive packages before the tax hike passed. Repealing that tax hike would not prevent them from threatening to move. Not gonna happen.
There are things the state can and should do to create a better business climate here. But don’t kid yourself that there’s some magical solution to our problems. Many of these problems were created long ago, and even if they are corrected, the corporations who received tax relief packages back in the day have now become addicted to them and will not give them up without a major fight.
* Meanwhile, if you think only Democratic areas have “judicial hell holes,” a new report by the American Tort Reform Foundation shows the problem is bipartisan here…
After a year of observation on the “Watch List,” McLean County advances to a Judicial Hellhole due to its unique practice of allowing lawsuits that seek compensation for asbestos-related injuries, even when the plaintiff did not come in contact with the named defendant’s products . These “civil conspiracy” lawsuits target deep-pocket companies with allegations that they had some role in concealing the dangers of asbestos from the public decades ago . One such McLean case recently resulted in a stunning $90 million verdict .
McLean County is about as rock-ribbed Republican as you can get in Illinois.
* A bunch of conservative organizations including the Illinois Policy Institute, along with one left-leaning group has been berating FutureGen this week. But there is a big problem on the horizon as Exelon and other generators shut down coal-fired power plants…
An Associated Press analysis has found that more than 32 mostly coal-fired power plants in a dozen states will be forced to close because of the new, more stringent regulations. Another 36 plants are at risk of closing.
No lights will go dark. But the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that 14.7 gigawatts _ enough power for more than 11 million households _ will be retired from the power grid in the 2014-15 period when the rules take effect. One rule curbs air pollution in states downwind from dirty power plants. Another sets first standards for mercury and other toxic pollutants from smokestacks.
The effect is greatest in the Midwest and in coal belt states such as Virginia and West Virginia, where dozens of units are likely to shut down.
Those closures are going to put a lot of upward pressure on electric rates as supply dwindles. And it’s one reason why many believe that Exelon has come out so strongly against coal gasification projects in Illinois. Tighter supply means higher prices, simple as that.
* And, speaking of conservative groups, check out how Illinois Statehouse News swallowed the Illinois Policy Institute’s spin hook, line and sinker…
“This is not a study to say what exactly led to people leaving, but we do note that taxes matter to people, a good, friendly environment to business matters, bad deficits and a bad governance matters to people, and people vote with their feet,” [IPI vice president Ted Dabrowksi] said.
Why are so many people leaving Illinois? Because the state’s poor public policies are forcing them out. Public policies drastically influence quality of life. On average, Illinois residents are leaving for states where they can have a higher standard of living.
However, jobs, not taxes, factored into 33,551 tax-paying households leaving Illinois and moving to Indiana. During the time period of the study, Indiana had a higher individual income tax at 3.4 percent before Illinois jumped from 3 percent to 5 percent and a sales tax of 7 percent compared to Illinois’ 6.25 percent.
Actually, 18,847 left for Indiana while 14,389 Hoosiers relocated to Illinois.
…Adding… From John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute…
I saw your blog post from Wednesday that mentioned the Illinois Statehouse News report about our latest study on out-migration from Illinois.
At the end of your blog post, you quote the Statehouse News story saying:
“However, jobs, not taxes, factored into 33,551 tax-paying households leaving Illinois and moving to Indiana. During the time period of the study, Indiana had a higher individual…. Illinois’ 6.25 percent.”
You commented on that passage, saying “Actually, 18,847 left for Indiana while 14,389 relocated to Illinois.”
Your comments seem to imply that either the Statehouse News story or our report were wrong. I wanted to make sure you had the correct information.
The 33,551 number that Statehouse News used reflects how many net households left Illinois for Indiana between 1995 and 2009. The 4,458 number you cite (which is 18,847 minus 14,389) is for just 2009… not the entire study period that Statehouse News is referring to.
The “actually” you used in your comments and then “hook, line and sinker” reference at the start of the post seem to imply that we got creative with our math or are misleading people, and that’s not the case. You can check our numbers with the IRS, and the Statehouse News also did not have any errors in that passage of the report.
I would appreciate if you could let your readers know that the story and our report were in fact correct.
* Gov. Pat Quinn said this week that he’s creating a pension reform “working group” to tackle the complicated issue. While many would say this is preferable to allowing the corporate titans at the Civic Committee and their little “me too” buddies at the Chicago Tribune editorial board to dictate all the terms of pension reform, it’s a whole lot easier said than done…
Quinn said the working group will be led by Jerry Stermer, a senior advisor in his office, and will be made up of a mix of Democrat and Republican lawmakers from the Senate and House. Union groups and other organizations will also have a seat at the table, Quinn said. […]
Quinn said he modeled the makeup of the group on similar panels that have brought about major education overhauls and changes to the state’s workers compensation system.
“This process seems to me to be the very best way to make sure that everyone has a voice,” Quinn said. “We will work together to go forward on the common good when it comes to pensions, public pensions in Illinois.”
The school reform negotiations were long and tedious, but most of the groups at the table were OK with the general reform goals, which put pressure on the Chicago Teachers Union, for instance, to get in line. I highly doubt we’ll see the same willingness by the unions to compromise on sweeping pension reform, but correcting some of the more egregious abuses (like getting rid of the magic wand that universities have to put anybody they want into the pension system) is possible. So, good luck, Jerry, you’re gonna need it.
*** UPDATE *** Steve Schnorf ought to be on this panel. There isn’t a better big picture and small details guy in all of Illinois. If the governor wants this panel to succeed, then Schnorf most definitely needs to be on it. Period.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Meanwhile, one of the most significant developments in pension reform this year just happened in Rhode Island…
Retired police and firefighters from Central Falls, R.I., have agreed to sharp pension cuts, a step thought to be unprecedented in municipal bankruptcy and one that could prompt similar attempts by other distressed governments.
Matthew J. McGowan, who represents the retirees, said the agreement could be groundbreaking if the courts approved it.
If approved by the bankruptcy court, the agreement could be groundbreaking, said Matthew J. McGowan, the lawyer representing the retirees.
“This is the first time there’s been an agreement of the police and firefighters of any city or town to take the cut,” he said, referring to those already retired, who are typically spared when union contracts change. “I’ve told these guys they’re like the canary in the coal mine. I know that there are other places watching this.”
As cities, towns and counties struggle with fiscal pain, there has been speculation that they could shed their pension obligations in bankruptcy. Some have said it might, in fact, be easier for local governments to drop those obligations than it is for companies, which use a different chapter of the bankruptcy code. Large steel companies, airlines and auto suppliers like Delphi have terminated pension plans in bankruptcy.
Illinois municipalities can’t declare bankruptcy without the state’s permission, and the state Constitution is written in such a way that they probably couldn’t discharge their pension obligations in bankruptcy anyway. But, hey, you never quite know what will happen when an issue reaches the courts.
