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Happy birthday, Denny Ray Miller!
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller  Denny’s on the right, wearing the shades. My brother Doug (on the left) and his family are visiting him this week. I was out there a few weeks ago and we had one heck of a good time. Still recovering, in fact.
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Late afternoon shorts
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · The mighty Kos (who, according to TNR, apparently controls the Internets) links to a post on this blog today about Gov. Blagojevich’s troubles and has a few choice words for the incumbent. We finally get a Democrat in the governor’s office in Illinois, and he has to go stink up the joint. Given that the last governor has been convicted of racketeering and bribery, it’s clear the people of Illinois deserve better. If you don’t know who Kos is, he’s a hardcore Democrat with about a kabillion readers every day. He also lived here, so he’s somewhat familiar with the state. · Once again, I forgot to link to my syndicated newspaper column: “There is so much more coming it is breathtaking,” an almost always reliable source said recently when asked about the recent flood of news stories about alleged corruption within Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration. · “Illinois’ highest-ranking judge is seeking as much as $7.7 million in his lawsuit against a suburban newspaper — and has considered pursuing other jobs when his term ends in 2010, legal documents show.” · Report Shows More Illinois Money Woes Beneath Budget Surface · Durbin visits Gitmo · Gov. Signs Law Expanding School Consolidation Options UPDATE: Mayor Daley has settled on his explanation: He should have kept a closer eye on things. “It is fair criticism to say I should have exercised greater oversight to ensure that every worker the city hired regardless of who recommended them was qualified and that proper procedures were always followed,” Daley said in his most extensive comments since convictions last week that rocked City Hall.
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Beavers claims Todd Stroger has the votes
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Democratic ward bosses will meet next week to replace retiring County Board President John Stroger on the November ballot and Stroger’s son has a majority of the weighted votes, Ald. William Beavers said Monday. And it looks like Beavers had to toss in a sweetner to make the deal, which includes Todd getting the ballot spot, Beavers getting the county board seat and Beavers’ daughter taking his slot on the city council. On Monday, Beavers disclosed that he has decided to relinquish his powerful job as chairman of the City Council’s Budget Committee as a favor to John Stroger. No word yet on who would get Todd Stroger’s city council slot.
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Preference rules proposed
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller JBT held a press conference today about allegations that the Blagojevich administration was skirting the state’s veterans preference rules in order to place politically connected types in coded civil service jobs. Let’s skip the blah-blah-blah about how she is so shocked and saddened about the alleged misconduct and head straight to her proposed solutions (from a press release): * Veterans’ Preference Certification: Topinka proposes adding a certification requirement to state civil service hiring that compels the employing agency to certify that the veteran preference laws have been followed and that no veteran has been illegally or improperly passed over for the job in question. Currently, an employing agency already must certify in writing that the agency has fully complied with the Rutan ruling in a hiring decision or that the position in question is Rutan exempt. The Veterans’ Preference Certification simply would be incorporated into the existing Rutan certification process. Thoughts? UPDATE: From the wires: Blagojevich’s campaign said if Topinka supported veterans she would back his veterans’ health care program. UPDATE 2: The guv’s people are pushing this line a lot right now, and Quinn is reportedly gearing up for a major slam on JBT. Topinka said that while Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn should be complimented for making veterans a priority, she said something more substantive, such helping veterans get jobs, has to be done. The guv’s campaign does need to be a little careful that they don’t allow themselves to overreact to Topinka’s goofy statement since JBT’s own son is in the armed forces and served in Afghanistan. The vets’ healthcare plan only costs about $5 million GRF right now, with more money provided by a special lottery game, so this is a fair hit on Topinka, who wants pay raises for non-union state workers that would cost a whole lot more. And how much would it cost to find jobs for vets? If you’re going to claim the mantle of “No” then you should say “no” to everyone.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Tracey; Hendon; Schock; Target feed (Use all caps in password)
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Question of the day
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller A week ago, Doug Finke wrote this in his column: Last week we asked readers to suggest names for the new Amtrak trains that will start running in Illinois. Instead of the boring old names honoring Lincoln or other Illinois notables we suggested names that reflect the political climate of the state. Frankly, the response was underwhelming. Aside from the fact that Finke has chosen to call himself “we,” I thought this was a good idea, but that it might be better suited for our blog. So, what should the state name the new Amtrak routes? UPDATE: This was apparently a lame idea by both Finke and myself since the comments have been few and far between. Oops. lol
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Wow
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Sometimes, I just shake my head in wonder. “Had my dad immigrated to the southern part of the state, instead of being a steelworker, he’d have been a coal miner, and I probably would have grown up instead of shooting hoops at the playground, shooting rifles and hunting,” said Blagojevich, appearing in casual dress outside the state-funded $50 million World Shooting and Recreational Complex that his administration championed. I’m almost speechless. I trust you aren’t.
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Keep on smiling
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Christi Parsons has a good piece on Gov. Blagojevich’s decision to look chipper in the face of increasing adversity, even going so far as saying that the negative headlines are “great.” It’s a plucky strategy for dealing with public relations crises, one that only a public figure with supreme self-confidence can carry off in those shaky days after a negative development makes its way into the civic forum. · Meanwhile, the Daily Herald has a quote from the governor making a good point. “It was only three years ago that you guys would write stories about how the new governor, the new kid on the block, can’t get along. … What do you think part of that was?†Blagojevich said in upbraiding reporters. “You got a lot of disgruntled political leaders, even in my own party, because we wouldn’t do it that way (throw out Republicans and hire Democrats). … That’s why we have 13,000 fewer state employees today.†I don’t disagree at all, but that certainly doesn’t absolve his administration. · And the Tribune runs a somewhat bizarre piece comparing patronage hiring to business networking and alumni organizations. It’s quite the stretch.
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Morning shorts
Monday, Jul 10, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller · State among nation’s leaders in poverty indicators · Durbin interviewed · After a month, Sheridan counselors, Gateway still at odds · The lack of an Illinois capital construction plan is pushing some Rockford-area leaders to some unique steps. · State’s child support payments up · University of Illinois workers protest Democratic Governor Blagojevich · Medicaid money slow or non-existent · Blagojevich and the downstate shooting world · McCain, Giuliani to campaign for Topinka · GOP draws bull’s-eye on Bean · Cook County Seeks Loan Of $200 Million · Did Bush’s visit help or hurt Topinka? · Thursday’s convictions could scare some into making deals as City Hall probe continues · “Prosecutors want a federal judge to deny a defense motion to interview the jurors who convicted former Gov. George Ryan, saying it is an attempt to fish for claims of juror misconduct.” · Law OKs alcohol at Lincoln library, museum · Brunsvold’s influence everywhere · Mitchell: Hiring scandal signals lack of black clout at City Hall
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Report corruption
Saturday, Jul 8, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Every weekend for the forseeable future, I’m gonna put this post up to allow state, city and county workers to report corruption in their offices/job sites. Your comments will not be posted to the blog. Because all weekend comments are sent to “moderation” before they are approved, they will instead be sent to my e-mail and not show up here. So, have at it. Tell me what’s going on. And, remember, just because you don’t see any comments listed here, that doesn’t mean nobody is using this new service. Nobody will ever know how many tips I’m getting. Also, of course, all tips will be held in the strictest confidence. UPDATE: Already got a couple, but they’re useless because no names are attached to the allegations. I need names, people. UPDATE: You may be able to see your own comment, but rest assured, nobody else can. UPDATE: The weekend is over, so comments are closed on this one.
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COMMENTS CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND
Saturday, Jul 8, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Head to Illinoize instead. But I just had to post this tidbit: In a bit of topsy-turvy politics, Bush touted the health of the state’s economy by echoing Blagojevich in noting the state led the nation for job creation in April. And Bush’s 2004 presidential opponent, U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), appeared to side with Topinka’s criticism of the Democratic governor on the issue of job creation.
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ISPeeved
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Wanna see what Illinois State Police officers are talking about behind the scenes? I’ve been watching the ISPeeved blog develop for months. Only with this particular blog it’s not the posts but the comments that are so fascinating. I didn’t want to link to it before because it was still young and I wasn’t sure that the powers that be knew about it. That’s no longer the case. Plus, I gave the founder a heads-up last week and he wasn’t concerned. Have a look. Somebody ought to start one of these for every state agency.
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Question of the day
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Mark Brown thinks Mayor Daley will run for re-election. A whole bunch of convicted former politicians can tell him that you don’t get a pass when you leave office, not that he wouldn’t have already noticed on his own. Plus, there’s the possibility that the Justice Department might hold a decision to prosecute to a higher standard before indicting an incumbent who has just been duly elected. Plus, it’s easier to fight back when you still have the power to initiate popular new programs — and raise campaign funds. What do you think? Will Daley run again, despite the federal investigation? UPDATE: President Bush’s press conference is going on right now. Bush was just asked about Mayor Daley’s troubles and whether his opinion of the mayor had changed from last year when he called Daley a “great mayor.” Here’s my rush transcript: I still think he’s a great mayor…
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“The headlines are great”
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller The governor continues with the Junior G-Man schtick. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has said he is investigating Blagojevich’s hiring practices, including whether the system was fixed to favor those with political clout. Recent news reports have also raised questions about the administration’s hiring. I truly doubt that anyone except hardcore partisans are buying this line. But it could make a great TV ad, the governor’s quote followed by a scroll of headlines. Oops. I forgot. Topinka doesn’t have the money for TV ads yet. And Krol senses a change in the conventional wisdom. Suddenly, the conventional political wisdom is leaning more toward the notion that Topinka has momentum on her side without really doing much of anything herself. It’s not tough to see why. She’s running against a guy who promised four years ago to “end business as usual†but who now, if Fitzgerald’s letter is any indication, could soon see major federal indictments befall his administration. Given that Blagojevich follows the soon-to-be-sentenced-for-corruption George Ryan as governor, federal indictments are about as “business as usual†as it gets.
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Wishful thinking?
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Here’s your quote of the day. Ronald Safer, who is representing the Blagojevich administration in the current state hiring investigation, said last week there was another forum to handle the allegations. And here’s your prediction of the day. Repeating a theme made by defense lawyers during the trial, Ettinger said there was not a shred of evidence that any of the men demanded a payoff or accepted a bribe. “This verdict just gives the federal government a green light to forge ahead anywhere,” he said.
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The Stroger beat
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Buried way down at the end of this Tribune piece about the Cook County Board interim president battle (it was buried yesterday as well) is this little nugget. Peraica voiced support for retiring Commissioner Carl Hansen, a fellow Republican, for the interim job, and he said Hansen needs the backing of only one more commissioner to guarantee him the needed votes. All of the Republican commissioners and three Democrats, whom he declined to name, are prepared to support Hansen, Peraica said. I’m wondering if that means the “reformers” are on board for Hansen. Could all of the Westside vs. Southside, black Dems vs. white Dems silliness be for naught? Meanwhile, the person who was thought to be the leading contender for interim president, Bobbie Steele, refused to answer questions about her family members on the payroll after demanding that the county be cleaned up. Steele wouldn’t say much when asked about the relatives she has on the county payroll or receiving county contracts.
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The Anti-Christ starts squealing
Friday, Jul 7, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Tristano rolls over. In the Thursday filing, Tristano seems to lay some of the blame on his boss, saying Tristano “had the authority with Leader Daniels agreement” to give out compensatory time and employee assignments. The problem for the feds here is that the statute of limitations is about to expire on much of what Daniels is alleged to have done.
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Guilty
Thursday, Jul 6, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller  Quote of the week: “I don’t understand the verdict,” Sorich defense attorney Thomas Anthony Durkin said of the split result. “I don’t quite understand how they divided the counts up.” UPDATE: Interesting move by the jurors: But the jury’s foreman said jurors agreed at the outset not to discuss the defendants’ higher-ups. Jay Olshansky, a University of Illinois-Chicago professor, told the Associated Press that Daley’s name never came up during deliberations. UPDATE: Statement by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., who has talked about running for mayor. “These are some of the mayor’s closest friends and political allies. The mayor cannot have it both ways. He can’t boast about being a hands-on mayor who guides the city that works, yet simultaneously claim to be unaware or naive about the corruption and criminality that is occurring within his Administration and multiple city departments.â€
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Question of the day
Thursday, Jul 6, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Blogging will be light for at least a while because of an important meeting this morning. In the meantime, here’s your setup: GOP gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka said Wednesday that she has accepted invitations to three debates against Gov. Rod Blagojevich. And your question: Is this enough? How many debates should there be? What topics, if any, should the debates be designed to cover? UPDATE: From the Topinka campaign: Per your blog post — just know that the 3 debates JBT agreed to are the floor, not the ceiling, of what she’ll agree to do. In your question today about “is 3 enough” kind of implies that this is all we’ll agree to do.
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Oy, Part 467,229
Thursday, Jul 6, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller This is a common practice in state government, but the Blagojevich administration seems to have elevated the “hire a politically connected person as an intern to avoid veterans preference rules” game to an art form. The AP has yet another example today. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration picked a campaign donor’s son over eight other applicants for a high-level prison job but designated him an intern when it was time to put him on the state payroll, saying he needed more experience. […] This is my favorite part of the story… It’s unknown whether any of the eight applicants who lost out to Ysursa, who has no military experience, were veterans or experienced Illinois Department of Corrections employees. Despite a state administrative rule making job applicants’ names public record, the governor’s office won’t release the list for this job, saying it would violate the privacy of unsuccessful applicants. It turns out he was also on the clout list. In addition to the March memo from Blagojevich personnel director Joe Cini approving the assistant warden hire, Ysursa’s name appears on a list obtained by The Associated Press of nearly 300 names of job candidates and their political sponsors that the administration kept in the months after Blagojevich took office in January 2003. The AP also has a timeline here.
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The Stroger beat
Thursday, Jul 6, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller This pretty much says it all.  Cook County Board President John Stroger’s signature before and after his stroke. John Stroger’s son, Todd, told reporters yesterday that he had spoken with all 80 committeemen, but… when asked Wednesday whether he believes he has the support of a majority of the 80 party committeemen to make that happen, Todd Stroger would only say he has received “good responses” from those party officials. Meanwhile, John Daley has taken his name out of the running to replace John Stroger on an interim basis.
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