* 3:42 pm - No real surprise, but the Illinois AFL-CiO is about to announce that it is opposed to a constitutional convention.
*** 4:04 pm *** This is ominous…
The city of Quincy has declared a “state of emergency” while Adams County has declared a “state of disaster” as local governments begin mobilizing for the region’s biggest flood-fighting effort since 1993.
With the latest National Weather Service forecasts now predicting a Mississippi River crest of 29.9 feet in Quincy next Wednesday — just 2.3 feet below the record level set in 1993 — the city of Quincy announced plans to launch a sand-bagging effort, probably starting Friday but definitely taking place Saturday and Sunday. […]
City Engineer Jeff Steinkamp said late this morning that the Illinois Department of Transportation may close Memorial Bridge as early as Friday. Floodwater could top a dip in the road immediately west of the bridge, which ordinarily carries eastbound traffic into Illinois, when the river reaches the 28-foot mark.
* 4:20 pm - Your late afternoon video. Last night’s WTTW Chicago Tonight episode on the “Madigan impeachment memo” featuring Rep. Jay Hoffman, Sen. Matt Murphy and the Sun-Times’ Chris Fusco…
* 5:17 pm - From a press release…
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today issued a statement following a briefing on the effort to control imminent flooding along the Mississippi River in Western Illinois. Earlier today, Durbin was joined by representatives from Obama’s office on a telephone briefing with leaders from the three Illinois Army Corps Districts that will likely be affected.
“It is clear that dozens of communities and thousands of residents will be affected by the flood waters as they move south. The Army Corps of Engineers is working round the clock to minimize the impact on residents and businesses in the area, but the task before them is enormous.”
“We will continue to work closely with state and local officials to do everything we can to prepare for and minimize the impact of these floods and to ensure that every resource is made available to those communities that are affected.”
A second briefing is scheduled later today with the representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Governor’s office and a number of other Illinois state agencies to discuss flood control efforts.
* 5:43 pm - Hot off the wires…
Four labor unions are criticizing House Speaker Michael Madigan over a political memo urging an impeachment investigation of Governor Rod Blagojevich.
The unions representing teamsters, service employees and thousands of other workers sent a letter today to members of the State Central Committee — the governing body of the Illinois Democratic Party. [..]
The unions say it is a misguided use of energy and resources. They want party leaders to push Madigan to focus on the priorities of working people..
30 Comments  
|
“Forgotten Illinois” *** UPDATED x1 ***
Thursday, Jun 12, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Lawrence County Daily Record…
As of mid-morning today, Lawrence County Sheriff Russell Adams said the water in areas where there have been levee breaks and other flooded areas is still rising.
Adams said water north of Russellville along Illinois Route 33 is rising at a rate of about an inch per hour.
In the southern part of the county, the St. Francisville road, which connects that community with Illinois Route 1, was flooded, then the water receded enough for the road to open, and now it is closed again due to flooding. Other roads previously closed are still flooded.
With the Wabash River above its flood stage, water from the Embarras has no place to go, and in some cases is backing up into the Embarras causing flood waters to rise, officials said.
* Lawrenceville lost its water supply yesterday…
As of 11:30 a.m., Wal-Mart Supercenter, CVS and McKim’s were out of stock. All businesses said they were ordering more, with McKim’s and Wal-Mart expected to have more by the end of the day.
A CVS employee said people were rushing in and out of the store in search of water.
“There have been tons and tons of people coming in,” she said.
* But water was restored when fire trucks from around the area brought in water for the town’s water tower…
While residents have water for showers, flushing toilets and other such functions, Mefford stressed the people are still being urged to conserve water and boil any water they ingest.
* Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels made another trip to his side of the border today…
Gov. Mitch Daniels will spend this morning meeting with farmers and agriculture officials in Columbus to assess agricultural damage and will also visit farms in Morgan and Daviess counties.
* A Terre Haute, IN TV station ran a story entitled “Forgotten Illinois“…
“It’s a plea for help we need to have someone standing for us,” said flood victim, Gayle Bridges.
They feel ignored.
“We’re country folk, they don’t worry about us much,” said victim Ken Caughran.
But officials say they’re doing all they can.
* Photos
* Help…
Wabash Valley Flood Relief Fund
c/o Farmers & Merchants Bank of Hutsonville
PO Box 277
Hutsonville, IL 62433
* More pics…
*** UPDATE *** Rep. Fritchey has more at Illinoize…
“After touring many of the hardest-hit communities it’s obvious that local families can’t wait for state or federal relief dollars to become available. They need help now,” said [Sen. Dale Righter]. “The good news is that our offices have been inundated with calls from people from our area and across the state who want to help. All donations to the fund we established today will go directly to helping families in our six local counties declared state disaster areas.”
Righter and Eddy said the fund is accepting monetary donations. Those wishing to contribute can send checks to:
Wabash Valley Flood Relief Fund
P.O. Box 277
Hutsonville, IL 62443
Do it.
45 Comments
|
Question of the day
Thursday, Jun 12, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The setup, which is about a letter that Tony Rezko wrote to his judge a couple of months ago…
Convicted political fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko claims in a letter to his trial judge written two months before his conviction on corruption charges that federal prosecutors pressured him to implicate Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama or Gov. Rod Blagojevich in wrongdoing.
But in the letter to U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve, which she placed in his file Wednesday, Rezko said he was never involved in any wrongdoing with either Obama or Blagojevich and wouldn’t make up stories about them in an attempt to benefit himself.
* More…
“They are pressuring me to tell them the ‘wrong’ things that I supposedly know about Governor Blagojevich and Senator Obama,” Rezko wrote St. Eve in an April bid to be released on bail during his trial. “I have never been party to any wrongdoing that involved the Governor or the Senator,” Rezko continued. “I will never fabricate lies about anyone else for selfish purposes. I will take what comes my way, but I will never hurt innocent people.” […]
“I understand I may well lose this case,” Rezko wrote. “If I do, I am prepared to serve my sentence.”
* Caveat…
Sources say that the feds have not approached Obama to question him regarding Rezko.
* The question: After reading the excerpts from Rezko’s letter, do you think he’ll flip or do you think he’ll stay mum and serve out his sentence? Explain, and please try to stick to the question. Thanks.
66 Comments
|
Congressional roundup
Thursday, Jun 12, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As you know by now, Congresscritter Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been undermining fellow Democrat Debbie Halvorson’s congressional campaign by linking her to Tony Rezko on the Peotone Airport deal…
Jackson said on WLS-890 AM’s “Don Wade and Roma” morning show that two years ago Rezko pitched him a plan to compose a new airport board of appointed, instead of elected, officials. Jackson said he said no to the plan, but that a similar proposal later found its way into Halvorson’s bill.
The proposal was seen as a boon to Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), to whom Rezko was a close adviser.
Asked whether he knew if Rezko met with Halvorson, Jackson said: “I don’t have the answer to that. But the way the governor functions, not always does the left hand know completely what the right hand is doing.
* But Larry has been all over this story and believes Jackson has been getting a free pass from the media. The ArchPundit points to a Jackson statement which clearly shows that the Democrat offered Blagojevich and by extension his buddy Rezko four appointments to Jackson’s Abraham Lincoln National Airport board…
“ALNAC has agreed to give the governor four appointments on its nine-member board. That seems fair and equitable.”
* Halvorson is doing herself no favors by not commenting on this story, but she did issue a press release yesterday…
“I am an independent fighter for the people I represent and I won’t let Chicago politicians tell us what to do in the 11th Congressional District.
“I sponsored the Will County Airport Authority bill on behalf of Will County Labor, Business and Government. This bill has bipartisan support from the legislators in Will County because this third airport bill is about local control and not handing over an airport in Will County over to bigwigs from Chicago. Our plan gives one appointment to the Governor, and ALNAC’s plan ultimately gives five.
“This issue is too important for petty politics, and shame on anyone for suggesting ties to convicted felon Rezko–someone whom I have never even met.”
* Meanwhile, the Jim Oberweis image rehabilitation tour continues with an interview at a local T.G.I. Friday’s…
“We’re doing a lot of things,” [Oberweis] said. “We’re trying to make sure we have a softer side.”
Oberweis said he plans to avoid negative campaigning in November’s General Election against Foster, even if he is attacked first.
“I’ve spent the last month or two traveling around the district, asking people how to run a better campaign,” he said. “A lot of people’s suggestions are that it be a positive campaign and I’ve heard that message.”
Oberweis said the Republican primary and campaigning against Foster in the special election was too negative.
In hindsight, Oberweis said, he wouldn’t have gone negative, and plans to stick to issues the rest of this year.
Those issues include a halt to government spending more than it can afford, securing the country’s borders, and decreasing America’s dependence on foreign oil.
* Congresscritter Mark Kirk’s campaign has released a poll that shows him with a huge lead over his Democratic rival Dan Seals. Up front warning, however, there are just 300 respondents in this poll, so its accuracy is in question. The pollster is solid, though. The margin of error is +/- 5.6%. You can download the executive summary by clicking here. Excerpts…
With approximately five months until the November elections, Congressman Mark Kirk maintains a commanding lead over Dan Seals in the 10th Congressional District of Illinois. Kirk leads Seals 53% to 32%, a 21-point lead in the head-to-head. With this lead, Kirk has surpassed the benchmark 50% on the ballot that a strong incumbent should reach.
Kirk’s lead was 50-29 in March. 15 percent are now undecided, compared to 22 percent in March. The memo points out that the DCCC has spent a bunch of money so far to little avail.
* More…
Mark Kirk maintains a very strong favorable rating of 67% favorable to 16% unfavorable. Again, a strong incumbent should have a avorable rating over 50%. Mark Kirk well exceeds this benchmark, as more than two-thirds of the voters have a favorable opinion of him. Conversely, Dan Seals maintains a lower favorable rating of 39% and a 16% unfavorable rating. Seals’ name identification rating is especially low considering he has been campaigning ever since his first loss to Mark Kirk in 2006. Seals is in danger of becoming the re-run losing candidate.
* This is perhaps the most important result…
Independents and ticket-splitters who vote the person, not the party, are deciding the race. Again, how would Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee affect Congressman Mark Kirk? In a district that is 33% Republican and 35% Democrat, the answer to this question will be decided by “independents” and “ticket-splitters”.
Currently, these likely Obama voters are breaking for Kirk by a 2-1 margin and have a significantly high favorable opinion of Mark Kirk. [emphasis added]
32 Comments
|
Another Ali Ata connection
Thursday, Jun 12, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Hmm…
Says Jay Stewart, executive director of the watchdog group the Better Government Association: “Any time there’s a connection between Ali Ata, Rod Blagojevich and the governor’s wife, it deserves a second look.”
* So what is this about?
…the governor has helped give his daughter, and now her younger sister, more reason to like Rogers Park Montessori School.
His administration assisted the school’s leaders in building a new, state-of-the-art facility, with 17 classrooms, a high-school-sized gymnasium and foliage-covered roof. The building, which opened in January 2006, is a major upgrade over space the school had been leasing from two churches.
The school bought its 2.4-acre site and constructed its new home using a 30-year, $11.75 million borrowing plan it secured through Blagojevich’s Illinois Finance Authority. Private investors — not Illinois taxpayers — would be on the hook should the school default on that deal, which won approval when the Finance Authority was headed by a man who has since pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
State records show the governor personally signed off on the borrowing plan at the same time his wife, Patti Blagojevich, sat on the school’s board.
* Now, federal law required the governor to sign off on the loan and this wasn’t taxpayer money. But Ali Ata was the executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority at the time. Here’s a little refresher on Ali Ata, as if you needed it…
A former top official in Gov. Blagojevich’s administration said Tuesday the governor gave him a $127,000-a-year state job in exchange for pouring cash into Blagojevich’s campaign fund, including tens of thousands of dollars out of his own pocket.
That bombshell from Ali Ata came as the onetime director of the Illinois Finance Authority pleaded guilty in a deal in which prosecutors plan to have him testify in the ongoing corruption trial of former Blagojevich fund-raiser Tony Rezko.
* From 2003…
“He’s a friend,” Blagojevich said [in 2003], adding that they had been acquainted for 15 years. […]
“He’s totally committed to our mission of change and reform,” the governor said.
* As we’ve seen time and time again, “change and reform” has different meanings to different people. The end of the story?…
[A spokesperson said] the Blagojeviches didn’t pull any strings with the Finance Authority, nor did they play any role in the hiring of school law firms or contractors who contributed to the governor’s campaign fund.
I’m sure.
19 Comments
|
Memo react
Thursday, Jun 12, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m pretty certain I know who wrote the impeachment memo and I’m also pretty sure I know who leaked it to the press. I’ll save that for my subscribers, but it may not be what you think. Zorn is getting ahead of himself here…
Well, maybe you’d want it published precisely because no one would think you’d want it published: Maybe Team Madigan salted embarrassing elements into a muscular brief for the impeachment to make more plausible the claim that Madigan was merely trying to provide background advice to his candidates, not get the whole state buzzing about what a bad guy the governor is while dicey budget negotiations proceed.
Or maybe somebody outside Team Madigan leaked it.
* This is a good point…
Kent Redfield, a political scientist at the University of Illinois at Springfield, said the memo was “heavy-handed and not very artful” and could actually benefit Blagojevich.
“It becomes about the speaker picking on the governor,” Redfield said. “What does this do for negotiations? It helps the governor to say the speaker is out to get me and he’s the one causing the problems. It’s not very helpful to the speaker at all.”
That might give you an idea how this got out.
* Anyway, the papers have more reaction today from Democrats to the impeachment memo. It’s not all positive, as you might imagine…
“If he’s got issues with the governor as speaker, that’s his issue. But as leader of the party, no, I don’t think that’s appropriate,” said Kane County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Guethle, a member of the state party’s influential central committee.
Guethle said Democrats should be getting a state construction-spending plan approved.
“I’ll talk to you forever about that. That’s my world,” Guethle said. “No one’s ever talked to me about (impeachment).”
Lauren Beth Gash, also a member of the state party’s central committee, had not read the memo, but said Springfield needs to start sharing the national party’s message of progress and reconciliation.
“Honestly, my personal preference at this point would be for legislative leaders and legislators to work on the issues that are most important to the people they represent,” said Gash, a former Illinois House member from Highland Park.
“I think it’s unfortunate that this is the type of thing we’re discussing right now,” she said, but quickly added regarding Madigan, “That doesn’t make him wrong for doing it.”
* Notice that last sentence. Whether or not Democrats think the memo was a good idea, there is still a lot of talk about impeachment out in the real world…
“Everywhere I go people ask me about impeaching the governor,” [Democratic state Rep. George Scully] said. “If my neighbors see me outside my house, they ask me when we’re going to impeach the governor. When I go to the store, people ask me if the governor is going to be impeached.
“I recently went to a Bloom High School Board meeting, a Crete Village Board meeting and a Chicago Heights Park District Board meeting, and at every single stop people asked me about impeachment.
“So I could understand the need for talking points because anyone who holds elective office or is running for office in Illinois is being asked that question whenever they meet the public.”
* Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana)…
Asked how her constituents feel about Blagojevich, she gave a nervous laugh and said, “I just hear a lot of comments like, ‘How long will he be around?’ I’m not sure if people want him impeached or if they are talking about something else.”
* More…
A day after a memo surfaced in which Madigan recommends how candidates in the November election discuss the issue of impeaching the governor, Jason Warfel, an Ingraham Democrat vying for the 108th House District seat, said the in-fighting is hurting the state.
“It’s tying the hands of the legislature,” Warfel said. “It’s preventing us from moving forward on many of the reforms we need to accomplish.” […]
Warfel has worked for both Madigan and Blagojevich but says he’s not taking sides or accepting help from either of them as he attempts to unseat Reis.
Warfel acknowledged that impeachment is a popular subject among voters.
“It’s on a lot of people’s minds,” he said.
But, he said he’s not getting involved in the tussle between his party’s leaders.
“I’m not in lockstep with everything Madigan is doing,” Warfel said. “And, I’m not advocating for the impeachment of the governor.”
Warfel isn’t “accepting” help because none has been offered. He is in an overwhelmingly GOP district and probably doesn’t stand a chance. Still, that makes his opinion a bit more interesting.
* More…
“It’s outrageous,” state Rep. Kurt Granberg, D-Carlyle, said Wednesday of the Madigan memo. “It’s very transparent now that this is just a personal vendetta” by Madigan against Blagojevich.
Not mentioned in the story is that Granberg has become much more of a Blagojevich ally since he decided he might want a position within the administration. But, he has a point that about the memo being a bit outrageous.
* Former Gov. Jim Edgar also weighed in…
“It’s all academic because Senator Jones would never call for impeachment in the Senate,” added Edgar, now on staff at University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. “It’s just speculation or wishful thinking, and until the Senate Democrats want to deal with that, we’re not going to place any stock in it.”
What the memo does do is add to the already agitated scene among top Democrats as they wrangle over a state budget many perceive as far out of balance.
“There’s already all kinds of problems throughout the system,” he said. “It just adds to the atmosphere.”
Edgar says little can be done to resolve the situation beyond the governor crawling back to the speaker on hands and knees.
“I don’t have the silver bullet and can’t pretend to tell you how to solve that situation,” Edgar said. “You can be humble and say, ‘I screwed up,’ and make amends. It may not turn it around immediately, but it will stop it from getting any worse.”
1) Jones may have no choice if the presiding Chief Justice decides to convene a trial.
2) Gov. Blagojevich ain’t gonna crawl on his hands and knees to anybody except maybe the feds.
* Meanwhile, Chuck Sweeny writes about a recent “bash Madigan” event in Rockford designed to whip up the home front in favor of the capital bill…
Led by Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville and Blagojevich’s ally, Reps. Dave Winters, R-Shirland, Ron Wait, R-Belvidere. Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, and Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica, took turns dissing Madigan. Winters urged Democrats to overthrow Madigan as speaker, and Pritchard suggested getting on buses and making a fuss in Madigan’s Chicago district.
Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen said Madigan was stifling democracy and demanded, “Mr. Speaker, pass the (word I can’t use) bill.” Mayor Larry Morrissey, not to be outdone by the county, said maybe it’s time for voters to change the state’s rules by having a constitutional convention, something they’ll be asked on the Nov. 4 ballot.
“Who here voted for Mike Madigan?” the mayor shouted. “I’m angry, I’m (word I can’t use) off.”
That’ll work.
* Related…
* Impeachment of state officials very rare
* Jones plays Olympic card in state standoff
* Kay’s Statement on Possible Impeachment Investigations on Governor Blagojevich
* Our View: Stinking up the highways of Illinois
* What went wrong with Rod?: Hinz
26 Comments
|
Relief fund established
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Some of you have asked how you can help the folks who were flooded out in southeastern Illinois this week. A relief fund has now been established. Send checks to…
Wabash Valley Flood Relief Fund
c/o Farmers & Merchants Bank of Hutsonville
PO Box 277
Hutsonville, IL 62433
Comments Off
|
* 10:55 am - The leaders meeting started a few minutes ago. We should have some audio soon. House GOP Leader Tom Cross focused on the “evade the question about Madigan’s involvement” stuff in the impeachment memo when he spoke to reporters.
The Tribbies have a preview post, as does the AP.
* 11:27 am - The Chicago city council is debating locating the Children’s Museum in Grant Park. Watch it live by clicking here.
* 11:41 am - Don & Roma had a lot of interesting stuff on their WLS Radio program today.
Click here to llisten to Speaker Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown and Rep. Kurt Granberg talk about the impeachment memo and the capital plan.
And click here to listen to Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. excoriate Democratic congressional candidate Debbie Halvorson over the third airport controversy.
* 11:46 am - From the AP…
The top Republican in the Illinois House is blasting a memo spelling out reasons to launch impeachment hearings against Governor Rod Blagojevich.
House Minority Leader Tom Cross says the memo lays out “a scheme to lie” to the public. […]
…rhe talking points suggest that candidates deny Madigan had anything to do with the impeachment discussion. […]
Cross said Wednesday that Madigan shouldn’t question the governor’s trustworthiness but then suggest that candidates lie.
* 11:55 am - Click on the links to listen to audio files from before today’s leaders meeting…
* Tom Cross
* Emil Jones
* Frank Watson
* Barb Currie
* Senate President Jones agreed with Cross’ characterization that the impeachment memo was a “scheme to lie.”
* Senate GOP Leader Watson said that his own candidates and incumbents “get a lot of questions” about impeachment and said sending out the same sort of memo might be something the Senate Republicans should think about doing.
*** 12:09 pm *** House Majority Leader Barb Currie just walked out of the leaders meeting complaining that the governor is continuing to focus on a capital bill rather than the budget. Currie said she afraid of an “imminent” government shutdown in July if the governor doesn’t get serious about the budget soon.
The other leaders are still inside the governor’s office.
We’ll have audio a little later.
* 12:31 pm - The Tribbies are live-blogging the city council debate on the Children’s Museum.
* 1:14 - Barb Currie quote…
“I think that unfortunately we’re still in a situation where the governor wants to focus only on a capital bill and we continue to think that keeping state government open July 1 is the key issue,” Currie told reporters. “The governor said he’s not concerned about the budget, that the budget bill would be easy if only he had the capital program.”
Currie said she fears Blagojevich is “manufacturing a crisis.”
*** 1:41 pm *** The Chicago city council just approved the Children’s “Museum” in Grant Park on a 33-16 vote.
*** 2:03 pm *** Senate President Jones has left the meeting. According to Kevin, Jones said Madigan could lose Chicago the Olympics if he continues his opposition to a capital plan.
*** 2:15 pm *** Abby Ottenhoff, the governor’s chief spokesperson, just brought out a chart that claimed to show that every day week a capital bill isn’t passed, 3,744 jobs are not created. Not sure that makes much sense, but there you go.
*** 2:52 pm *** Rep. Jay Hoffman, a member of the state Democratic central committee and Gov. Blagojevich’s House floor leader said he’s “offended” that Speaker Madigan would use the Democratic Party’s money to send out the impeachment memo “in order to further a vendetta” against the Democratic governor.
Hoffman also blamed Madigan for not sending the governor the budget bills. In reality, however, the Senate controls three of the four appropriations bills.
Click here to listen to Hoffman.
*** 3:03 pm *** More audio from the post-game show…
* Currie
* Cross
* Jones
* Watson
* 3:12 pm - The Tribbies have the Children’s “Museum” roll call.
*** 3:16 pm *** Senate GOP Leader Frank Watson said he believes the leaders have a deal that the House and Senate will transmit the budget bills to the governor.
132 Comments
|
Notes to readers
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Because of all the impeachment memo stuff, I’ve decided not to do a Question of the Day today. Let’s focus like a laser.
* A relief fund is currently being established for victims of the flood in southeastern Illinois. I’ll give you all the details when they’re available.
* My intern Kevin has arrived at the Thompson Center, so hopefully we’ll have a report soon about the leaders meeting. It’s supposed to start at 10:30.
Comments Off
|
Congressional roundup
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This might be fine for a one-day hit, but I’m not so sure they thought this through all the way…
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna released the following statement on Dan Seals’ treatment of Iraq war veterans:
“Yesterday, Dan Seals and his campaign succeeded in kicking Iraq war veteran David Kalbfleisch off the November ballot. David Kalbfleisch fought to defend Dan Seals’ freedom and all he asked in return was a chance to participate in our democratic process. Unfortunately, Dan Seals cares more about himself than Iraq war veterans. Voters should know this is how Dan Seals treats our veterans.”
Republican Congressman Peter Roskam is running against an Iraqi War veteran, Jill Morgenthaler. So, will the state GOP now blast Roskam every time he does something negative to his opponent?
* Phil Kadner takes a look at Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s attack on Democratic congressional candidate Debbie Halvorson. If you need some background, read this first. Now, on to the column…
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), of Chicago, has handed Republicans a powerful political weapon by linking Tony Rezko’s name to that of state Sen. Debbie Halvorson. […]
[Halvorson’s] campaign manager, Brian Doory, sent me the following statement: “Debbie Halvorson has never met Mr. Rezko. She has not spoken to him or his associates about this issue in any way.
“Sen. Halvorson sponsored the Will County Airport Authority bill on behalf of Will County labor, business and government.”
The statement goes on to accuse Ozinga of engaging in pay-to-play politics, receiving millions of dollars in contracts by “creating a sham business to skirt minority contracting laws” and donating money to politicians “like Rod Blagojevich.”
I’m not sure how any of this will play with voters as the economy turns sour, the war in Iraq continues and, oh yes, the first black candidate for president happens to be running and he’s from Illinois.
* The pathetic clown show that is the Steve Greenberg campaign continues to muddle along…
Gurnee’s mayor and top cop have lashed out at a congressional candidate they say turned a planned discussion about crime and police work into a campaign event.
In a jointly written letter to the Daily Herald and other newspapers, Mayor Kristina Kovarik and Police Chief Robert Jones accused Republican hopeful Steve Greenberg of trying to hijack the May 28 meeting.
Greenberg is challenging two-term Democrat Melissa Bean for the 8th House District seat.
The meeting at the Gurnee police station was supposed to be a private talk about gangs and police tactics, Kovarik told the Daily Herald Tuesday. However, Greenberg showed up with members of the media and a staffer who videotaped the session.
* Related…
* Bill Foster befuddled by Gas Prices
* Archpundit: The Cheap Shot At Halvorson [language warning]
* Archpundit: Apparently Dan Seals was Supposed to Have Vapors
* Archpundit: I’m All For Historic Tax Credits
* Archpundit: Mark has a Point
* Jesse Jackson, Jr. unloads on Blago, Halverson re Rezko, airport
39 Comments
|
* Much of the impeachment memo is basically just a litany of complaints about Gov. Blagojevich. Check out Addendum 1 starting on page 10 entitled, “Blagojevich’s Misdeeds and Malfeasance from High to Low (A Far from Complete List). Here are a few highlights…
2. Having no involvement with the mass transit issue, until springing seniors ride-free at the last second
3. Wasting his time and efforts on a scheme to have the state buy Wrigley Field andpay for its renovation
4. Gross Receipts Tax
11. Promising to spend $40 million to tear down Cole Hall in the wake of a shooting at NIU
16. Refusal to reside or even work with any regularity in the state capitol
23. Gross abuse of the power to call special sessions
24. Telecom reform bill negotiated, crafted and passed without governor’s involvement
25. Property tax reform bill passed without governor’s involvement
26. Cost of state airplane to fly back and forth to Springfield, rather than even spend a night in the capital
* From the governor’s press office statement…
“This is another example of the pettiness, silliness and backroom games that Speaker Madigan has been playing for months to prevent progress.”
* From Senate President Emil Jones’ statement…
“I think it’s wrong for the Democratic Speaker and Democratic Party Chairman to promote the impeachment of a Democratic Governor.”
This brings up a couple questions…
1) Do you think it’s acceptable for a state party chairman to use his position and state party resources to attack a fellow party member like this?
2) In your opinion, is Madigan simply using this impeachment issue to try to gain some political leverage because the press may be finally turning against him and because he is so isolated from the unions and many of his fellow Democrats on the capital plan?
Explain.
* Related…
* State’s government, like its roads, need repair
* Press conference on Illinois Works
* Madigan target of local disgust over capital plan
* Editorial: Don’t let autism bill be victim of politics
* Editorial: Lead and crime
* Illinois Gov’t a Sputtering, Burning Trainwreck
* OneMan: My Daughter Sort of Makes Madigan’s Impeachment Talking Points
* Archpundit: Impeach him, impeach him now.
* Dan Proft: Madigan’s Memo Signals Gathering Storm
* IlliniPundit: Democrats On Impeachment
43 Comments
|
* As mentioned below, the impeachment memo was ostensibly drafted for House Dem candidate Emily McAsey. The Sun-Times notes this today…
At least one Madigan-backed candidate, Emily McAsey, has incorporated some of the exact language contained in the memo into her campaign material, using some of it as direct quotes attributable to herself.
* But there are several passages that could cause trouble for McAsey and others. For instance, this passage from the Q&A section…
Are you doing this at Mike Madigan’s behest?
This has nothing to do with Mike Madigan. I’m doing this because, after carefully considering the facts and thinking about what is in the best interests of the state, I am convinced that it is the best course and now is an appropriate time. As far as I now, the Speaker has been resistant to the idea of impeachment.
So, neither Madigan nor his staff has had any involvement with you or preparing you to make this announcement?
I am calling for the House to begin impeachment proceedings because I believe that it’s the right thing to do. I’ve researched the issue on my own and after careful consideration believed that now is the right time to do it.
* And then there’s this…
Are you just doing this to benefit Lisa Madigan’s goal to become governor?
[Note: Don’t repeat her name or get into a discussion about her future political plans. This matter has nothing whatsoever to with that, and the ine-of-succession is to the Lt. Gov.]
I’m doing this because there’s a problem. This has nothing to do with furthering anyone else’s ambitions. In any case, were the governor to be removed from office, it is Pat Quinn who would become governor.
Do these and perhaps other passages make impeachment a potentially dangerous campaign issue for House Democratic candidates? Can it backfire? Explain.
20 Comments
|
* As I’ve told you before, the House Republicans are criticizing Speaker Michael Madigan for refusing to put aside his personal and policy disagreements with Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
The impeachment memo was ostensibly written on behalf of a House Democratic candidate who is up against GOP Rep. Brent Hassert. Rep. Hassert has repeatedly complained that Madigan and his House Democrats are allowing their hatred to interfere with real progress.
This story is from Monday…
Emily McAsey , the Democratic candidate for 85th District state, last week issued a statement calling for Gov. Rod Blagojevich ’s impeachment in the aftermath of his buddy Tony Rezko’s conviction. Not only that, McAsey of Lockport accuses her Republican opponent, Rep. Brent Hassert of Romeoville, of not being tough enough on the Democratic governor.
“His (Hassert’s) attitude shows exactly what is wrong in Springfield right now: Republicans and Democrats covering up and protecting each other when something is amiss,” McAsey said in a written statement.
* There’s something else at play here. In retrospect, the Republicans made a big mistake by refusing to distance themselves from George Ryan and denounce him for being a crook. These points illustrate how Madigan intends to position his candidates…
• As a Democrat, I believe this to be a very sad time for our state. After the corruption and conviction of Republican George Ryan, I was optimistic that the state would begin a new era. The ways of the past would truly remain in the past. Instead, a member of my own party, the first Democratic governor in 26 years, may have sought to do George Ryan one better. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald described his investigations into Governor Blagojevich’s administration as “pay-to-play on steroids.”
• It is critically important that we learn from the past - in particular Republican mistakes around George Ryan. Democrats need to stand together and tell Blagojevich that in the best interests of Illinois and in the best interests of Democrats and the type of policies that we are trying to achieve for the state, he should come clean about what’s going on in his administration or he should step aside.
* And from the Q&A section…
People are frustrated with the governor and dismayed to see a possible replay of the Ryan administration.
Do you think this gambit will work? Again, please stick to the topic at hand. There’s more coming. Thanks.
20 Comments
|
* This discussion will be about whether the House ought to hold off on impeachment proceedings while the US Attorney is actively investigating the governor, his wife, his friends, his fundraisers, his campaign and his administration.
From the talking points…
While I respect the work of United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, and while I would not support any actions that would interfere with the investigations that he or the FBI may be conducting into Governor Blagojevich’s administration and its associates, nor would I want the House’s inquiry to compromise any current or future prosecutions, our duty to our citizens, constitution and conscience demands that we act now. […]
It is also possible that additional information about Blagojevich administration misdeeds may come to light once an impeachment process begins. Whistleblowers may be willing to come forward once it becomes clear that the House has a sincere desire to review how Blagojevich does business. Witnesses who come to testify, including those compelled to be there via subpoena, may also shed additional light on further wrongdoing.
* And this is from the memo’s “Question & Answers” section…
Do you think the Illinois House needs to be conducting its own investigation into criminal wrongdoing by Governor Blagojevich? They can’t even do their job as it is, so now they are going to be getting in the way of Patrick Fitzgerald, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office? Aren’t they like the keystone cops?
There is already enough evidence for the House to consider, from the trial records, to the guilty please of those associated with the governor that there would be no need for the House to conducts its own criminal investigation.
Furthermore, besides the criminal problems besetting his administration, the House may want to consider whether or not he has violated his oath of office in promising to uphold the constitution and whether or not he is derelict in his duties and not doing the work required of a governor.
The impeachment process is completely separate from the processes used by the criminal justice system. The impeachment and conviction of a constitutional officer does not preclude the possibility that that individual could be liable for prosecution by state or federal authorities.
Discuss.
19 Comments
|
Impeachmemt memo: Reasons
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Let’s talk about the Madigan impeachment talking points memo in a few stages. Try to stay on topic as much as possible. The first thing we’ll do is look at the memo’s three basic reasons for considering impeachment proceedings…
1. The ongoing federal criminal investigations of his administration, including his role as Public Official A, have significantly impaired his ability to do his job as governor. With Ali Ata’s guilty plea, the governor has been directly implicated in a bribes-for-jobs scheme - the latest revelation of malfeasance in the governor’s office. The conviction of Tony Rezko on 16 or 24 federal corruption counts related to Blagojevich administration activities also suggests something is seriously amiss. Using common sense, and the totality of what has been learned so far about these investigations, prudence demands that lawmakers act. Already, six individuals associated with his administration have pled or been found guilty of federal criminal charges in connection with their roles in corrupt activities. Criminal activity in the Blagojevich administration is no longer theoretical - it is proven.
Blagojevich is clearly not an innocent victim of circumstances. Legislators have a responsibility to do what is in the best interests of the state and not depend on the federal government to save us. One thing we learned from the George Ryan case is that we should excise a tumor when it is first discovered; not leave it in the body to continue to spread and do further harm.
2. Blagojevich’s violation of his oath of office by repeatedly attempting to operate outside of the Illinois constitution and state law - expanding FamilyCare beyond the limit authorized by the General Assembly, spending money absent express statutory authority, failing to comply with AG ruling that federal subpoenas are subject to FOIA, and a gross abuse of the constitution’s special session power - using special session as a blunt force instrument for dealing with the General Assembly and attempting to force it to submit to his will - rather than for deal with emergency situations.
3. Finally, Blagojevich’s legal problems have clearly become a distraction for the governor. He is largely withdrawn from the legislative process - spending most of his time hunkered down at home or in a political campaign office in Ravenswood hiding from the public and refusing to answer the media’s questions. Aside from an occasional meeting or event appearance, he is not faithfully executing the duties of his office. Blagojevich acts like an absentee governor - content to let his underlings do as they wish. That’s not acceptable. We need an engaged governor who wants to be the governor.
Governor Blagojevich’s inability to govern is the principal reason that the state is in its current predicament and that stalemate is the order of the day in Springfield. The first step to cleaning up the mess and getting the state back on track may be to remove the governor from office. If the evidence warrants it, we cannot afford to wait until 2010. That will be too late and he will have had two-and-a-half years to do even more damage to the state.
[Emphasis added.]
…Adding… From the Question & Answers section…
What do you think are grounds for impeachment?
While the constitution is purposefully vague about it, I believe that there are four:
1. Serious crimes, including those that are abuses of office, including obstruction of justice.
2. Incapacity - due to mental or health problems the individual is not able to do his job
3. Violations of the state Constitution’s separation of powers - especially if it is a recurrent problem and evidence of contempt and disregard for the legislature’s - a co-equal branch of government — constitutional role, including executive oversight.
4. Dangerous levels of incompetence, abuse of power, dereliction of duties or financial malfeasance. Even if someone has not done anything legally, wrong, the General Assembly should be able to remove someone who is so incompetent that he doesn’t have the ability to run his office.
Politicians are accountable to a higher degree than mere legal standards. It shouldn’t take a criminal investigation to use impeachment. Impeachment shouldn’t be seen as a mini-criminal trial. Although criminal activities may be a reason for impeachment, impeachment is a political trial based on a governor’s repeated recklessness and inability to perform the job.
Are all of these acceptable or is any of it over the line? Discuss.
30 Comments
|
Morning Shorts
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2008 - Posted by Kevin Fanning
* A not-so-crazy proposal…
BY HENRY BAYER
The legislature has adjourned for the spring, its last act to enact a budget in the final hours of the session. Once again the General Assembly passed that fiscal blueprint without the governor’s input, a sign of continued political dysfunction at the state Capitol.
The only difference between the last two sessions is that this year, legislators were determined to avoid the long overtime session that kept them in Springfield through most of last summer
* Cubs documents: Wrigley condition not dire
* Lights out on a bad idea
* Palatine adjusts for Stroger
The Palatine Village Council voted to move up the start time of its next meeting in order to attend the Monday community forum led by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger at Harper College. The council, which has no affiliation with the event, will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St. Palatine officials say they hope to learn exactly what services the county provides and the reasons behind a recent tax rate hike. The Stroger meeting is scheduled to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Palatine college’s Wojcik Conference Center.
* Manufacturers demand more at state, local levels
* Would-be O’Hare designers get update
* Pension aid legislation headed to governor’s desk
‘What really prompted it is the $4 billion in unfunded liability shared by these municipal pension funds,'’ said Joe McCoy, spokesman for the Illinois Municipal League. ‘’This legislation is of critical importance to become law because we can’t begin to solve these problems before we have the tools to do so.
* Bill to help spousal caregivers on hold
* Sex offender law sent to governor
Dillard said that while the new law will make it a felony for a child sex offender to knowingly live with 500 feet of a home-based day care, “Enforcement will be up to local police departments.”
* Illinois GOP elects national convention representatives
* Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna joins Don Wade & Roma
* Interview with State Rep. Jim Durkin
* NTSB says Illinois must pick up pace, fix crossing
* Man is convicted in Carol Moseley Braun attack
* Area Hispanics to meet with McCain
* School rally at Soldier Field seeks more money for anti-violence programs in Chicago
* 30,000 kids attend city’s ‘largest civics lesson‘
* Daley Grant Park cartoon
* Daley says he’s not offended by Northwestern students
* Daley ‘amused’ at negative NU student reaction
“It’s college students. They always dissent. They have to. That’s part of life. We all did that. I was amused by it,” Daley said.
* Unite and Conquer
You don’t need to wait until aldermen approve the plan to move the Chicago Children’s Museum to Grant Park to get a glimpse of how the city’s executive and legislative branches continue to merge.
* Chicago to vote on moving museum to lakefront park
* Still fighting over museum location
* City Council action expected today on Children’s Museum
* Our can-do mayor comes with a price
Aldermen must reject the museum plan, if only to show voters that we live in a democracy, where such quaint concepts as the people’s will matters, and not the whims of one man intent on getting his way, no matter how poor the plan, no matter how high the cost.
* Original Beatles drummer coming to Benton this fall
3 Comments
|
|
Comments Off
|
|
Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...
 
...............
...............
...............
...............
|
   
|
Hosted by MCS |
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax |
Advertise Here |
Mobile Version |
Contact Rich Miller
|
