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Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

Sorry for the problems posting comments today. Blogger has been a bad program all day.

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Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

State Sen. Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) is looking more and more like the far and away frontrunner to replace Congressman Henry Hyde if, as expected, Hyde retires.

Roskam is throwing a party tonight for his volunteers, and former attorney general Jim Ryan is billed as the host. Hundreds of people are expected to attend. The guy has built an amazing organization in DuPage and he is quickly rounding up lots of endorsements. There’s a chance that he may even clear the primary field.

Meanwhile, Democrat Christine Cegelis, who ran a respectable campaign against Hyde last year, has already announced that she’s running again. Cegelis posted a long diary entry on the Democratic website Daily Kos yesterday (hat tip to the So-Called Austin Mayor for the link).

As seasoned political advisor told me, if I wanted to win in 2006 I needed to start in November of 2004. I took that advice to heart and kept as much of my organization in place as possible to gear up for what is now will most likely be an open seat in 2006.

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Did they find the guy?

Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

Big break in the Lefkow case.

Investigators early today said a man who shot himself in the head during a traffic stop in Wisconsin had a suicide note claiming responsibility for the slaying of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow’s husband and mother last week.

Members of the task force of Chicago police and federal agents said a van driven by Bart Ross, whose last known address was in the 4500 block of North Bernard Street in Chicago, was stopped in West Allis, near Milwaukee, about 6 p.m. As officers approached the car, Ross killed himself with a gunshot to the head, officials say.

Investigators said the man had a suicide note that included an admission that he shot the judge’s family.

The note included details in the case that were not released to the public, investigators said. Sources close to the investigation added that there was a list in the van of all the people who had mistreated him, including judges.

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Question of the day

Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

What one piece of legislation would you like to see become law this year?

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Roll Call looks at Illinois

Wednesday, Mar 9, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

Stu Rothenberg opines in Roll Call about whether it’s time for a political comeback by the Illinois Republicans (subscription only). Rothenberg looked at the prospects for a comeback by the out of power parties in three big states, Ohio, New Jersey and Illinois.

Of the three big states, Illinois looks like the least likely to turn around anytime soon.

The state GOP is in shambles, though newly elected state party Chairman Andy McKenna brings some much-needed respectability. Still, he isnâ€™t likely to save it any more than a Band-Aid is likely to cure pneumonia.

The state party is deeply divided along ideological grounds, with outspoken conservatives apparently preferring the election of Democrats to moderate Republicans. […]

Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) has taken criticism recently for alleged ethical lapses, and Illinoisâ€™ financial position is not good. Further problems could weaken the governor, giving the Republicans a shot at the top office. But right now, the governor is favored for re-election.

That looks about right for now, but if Governor Blagojevich can’t get a handle on these ethical problems, then a strong Republican candidate would have a good shot.

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Question of the day

Wednesday, Mar 9, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

Yesterday, I asked about your favorite Illinois politician. Today’s is lots more fun.

Who is your least favorite Illinois politician, current or not, alive or dead? And, more importantly, why?

UPDATE: Sorry, but I just couldn’t take it any more. There was just WAY too much hate in the comments. My sincere apologies for enabling that bloody mess.

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Session day member blogging

Wednesday, Mar 9, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) is today’s victim.

Schoenberg cut his teeth in the House and is chairman of the Senate Appropriations II Committee. He is also vice chairman of Approp III.

Favorite TV show? ESPN Sports Center

Least favorite household chore? All equal.

Favorite vacation spot? Jerusalem.

Favorite band? Neal Young with Crazy Horse - but not his solo acoustic stuff. Then the Ramones, then The Clash.

Favorite color? Cubby Blue

Do you speak a foreign language? Hebrew

White Sox or Cubs? “Cubs, but I’m sympathetic to the Sox because Jerry Reinsdorf is a constituent.”

Favorite historical figure? Harry S. Truman.

K-Mart or Costco? Costco.

Golf handicap? Miniature golf only.

Last book you’ve read? “An Unfinished Season,” by Ward Just.

Did you play HS/college sports? “End of the bench, freshman year basketball. Gave it up to write a weekly newspaper column… We had a senior class cheerleader named Sara Feigenholtz, which was the highlight of my senior year.”

I was able to convince Feigenholtz to do a little cheer for a few of us yesterday. Anyone out there have a photo of her from back in the day? Anyone?

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