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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - This just in… Dillard demands concession (use this morning’s password)

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The governor’s office recently issued a statement on All Kids

More than 120,000 Illinois children have enrolled in the All Kids health insurance program since November 2005. […]

“I am proud to announce that since we took office, 300,000 children across the state now have health insurance who didn’t have it before,” Blagojevich said in a statement. “That means those kids are healthier, their families are healthier, and they are more likely to do well in school.”

Not mentioned was how many of those children were already enrolled in an existing Medicaid program and were simply moved over to All Kids, which was billed as relief for middle class parents without insurance. The last time an announcement like this was made, we later discovered that only a tiny handful of middle class kids were in the program.

Also, the Daily Herald discovered that doctors are extremely reluctant to accept the program’s enrollees.

A Daily Herald survey of 58 Kane County pediatricians on a state-supplied list found that at least 41 percent were not accepting new All Kids patients. In addition, more than one in five of the phone numbers either sent callers to a fax machine, pager or cell phone, or they were disconnected.

Just over 12 percent said they accepted only newborns, while another 12 percent did not respond. Ten doctors offices on the state list of 58 said they accept new pediatric patients under All Kids; all were in Elgin or Aurora.

And, as usual, the stone wall is still encircling this administration.

The governorâ€™s office so far has not fulfilled a Dec. 1 Freedom of Information Act request for similar lists from other suburban counties. A patient presumably could get the lists in a timely fashion by calling a hotline for the All Kids program.

The program boosted physician payments - tripling the reimbursement for visits, for instance - but doctors are so frustrated with the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rates that they are just flat-out refusing to accept new patients.

The governor really needs to address this problem. Now that the election is over, he should either make All Kids work or try something else that does actually bring healthcare to children.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - White; Kelly; Jones; Schools; Minimum Wage; Jakobsson (Use all caps in password)

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Monday morning quarterback

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

This is a Chicago Bears open thread.

Have at it.

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Question of the day

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

It’s a holiday week and I’m expecting comments will be pretty light for the next several days (before I shut down the blog for a week or so). Let’s have a little fun today.

This has been done by others, but I don’t think we’ve ever touched on it here. Our current state slogan is, of course, “Land of Lincoln.” Come up with a new one.

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Guv backs off

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

This was not unexpected, considering the governor’s strong ties to ComEd and his unwillingness to challenge Emil Jones, who opposes continuing the rate freeze.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich appears to have abandoned his pledge to force lawmakers into discussion over curbing ComEdâ€™s upcoming rate hike, likely tossing the political hot potato to the spring legislative session.

The lack of action by Blagojevich and lawmakers means Commonwealth Edison can press ahead with the 22 percent rate increase it intends to impose after a nine-year freeze on its rates expires Jan. 1. Rate increases may be much higher for businesses.

The governor threatened to call a special session back in October, releasing a letter which stated in part…

I have and continue to support legislation extending a rate freeze and would like to sign it into law as soon as possible. To this end, I intend to work with you right away to secure sufficient support among lawmakers to pass such legislation. Once we have the votes to pass the legislation, I will immediately call a special session to do so. I have every confidence that members of the legislature will agree that it is necessary to extend the rate freeze and protect consumers from significant electricity rate increases, but if we are unable to reach consensus in the near future, I will call a special session to take up the matter. Such a session will continue for as long as necessary to reach the intended result, even if it is extended through the holiday season.

But now?

Blagojevich aides did not respond to a request for comment Friday. In early December, spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff refused to acknowledge the governor had promised to force lawmakers into special session.

She said only that a special session was among the â€œoptions on the table.â€

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will hold a press conference today to push for an investigation of ComEd’s connection to CORE, an advertiser here. From a press release:

Quinn will discuss the decision by Illinois Commerce Commission Administrative Law Judge Terrence Hilliard ordering the ICC staff to investigate the financial ties between ComEd and its front group, Consumers Organized for Reliable Electricity (CORE).

In a petition to the ICC requesting an emergency investigation, Quinn had asked the Commission to order full disclosure of the millions of dollars the utility company has funneled through CORE to fund deceptive television commercials supporting the utility companyâ€™s demand for a 25% rate hike beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2.

In his order, Judge Hilliard stated: “In summary, we conclude that the Commission has the authority to investigate ComEdâ€™s financial support of CORE and its alleged sponsorship of CORE advertisements. Furthermore, the facts alleged in the petition suggest such an investigation is warranted.

“On the basis of the results of this investigation, the Commission may take further action concerning the request that we impose disclosure requirements on ComEd for CORE ads sponsored by ComEd with an underlying commercial purpose.”

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This just in… Governor’s inauguration events

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The governor’s office just released the inauguration schedule.

Inter-Faith Prayer Service: 9:30 a.m.â€“10:15 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, located at 7th and Capitol Streets. The Governor and First Family will join other Constitutional Officers for an interfaith service, during which the Constitutional Party will light the Unity Candle.

Inaugural Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.â€“12:55 p.m. (doors will open at 9:00 a.m.) at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center in Springfield. More than 5,000 attendees will watch as the Governor and Constitutional Officers take the Oath of Office.

Executive Mansion Receiving Line: 2:30 p.m.â€“4:00 p.m. at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. The Governor will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn in greeting the public at the Executive Mansion.

Celebrate! Illinois 2007 Inaugural Ball: 7:30 p.m.â€“11:30 p.m. at the Exposition Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Governor, First Lady and Constitutional Officers will take part in the ball, which is an Inaugural tradition.

You can find out more info and purchase a limited number of tickets at a special website set up for the occasion, Celebrate Illinois.

What inaugural events would you like to see? Snark encouraged.

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Illinois hoping softdrink war pays off big

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Illinois hasn’t made much money off of naming rights, and while the state is stopping short of naming an “official” soft drink, like New York City did (and then raked in $166 million from Snapple), it is planning to give one of the top beverage makers exclusive access to state buildings.

In a move patterned after a plan already in place in New York City, state officials are seeking formal proposals to hire one company to supply nearly every government building with soft drinks and other beverages.

The results of the competition could put the folks at Coke or Pepsi in control of more than 2,300 vending machines in scores of state buildings, as well as give one company the right to sell its products at the Illinois State Fair and at a handful of state university campuses.

As with just about everything with this governor, the state’s deal with Maryland-based Team Services has been more press pop than reality. And there is also a political aspect.

A Team Services founder donated $4,000 to the governor and had a past business relationship with Blagojevich’s former chief of staff, Lon Monk, before he joined the administration in 2003.

The administration credits Team Services with helping generate $3.7 million for the state through private sponsorship deals. The state has paid the firm $300,000 for its services.

Last year, Team Services was cited in a harsh state audit for helping shape the state contract proposal it later wound up winning.

Coke or Pepsi?

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Morning shorts

Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Martire: Spending cuts won’t solve Illinois’ budget woes

* AP Interview: Tusk says Illinois better off as he returns to NY

* Editorial: Gov. Rod Blagojevich fashions himself as a risk-taker. This tendency gets him a lot of attention, although it comes with a cost.

* Governor’s Pentagon suit revived.

* Fight brewing over fate of Finkl site

* Lincoln museum draws crowds, is boon for Springfield, Ill.

* State Republican leaders gather at Hastertâ€™s home

* LaHood: GOP needs some bonding

* Shakeup predicted in ‘07 city elections - Experts say 15-plus incumbent seats up for grabs

* â€˜Downstate Storyâ€™ now available

* Obama’s Legislative Chops

* Andrade: Backing 700-mile fence could put Obama up against wall in ‘08

* Washington Post: Obama Says He Regrets Land Deal With Fundraiser

* Tucker: Treat Obama with respect: Be hard on him

* Jake pops the question then blogs about his elation. Go over there and congratulate him. And be nice, please

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READER COMMENTS CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Head to Illinoize for your weekend political enjoyment. If you do nothing else, check out Friday Bollywood Blogging. It rocks.

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Friday afternoon music blogging - Jorma’s Christmas album

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

OK, I’m seriously bummed.

One of my favorite Christmas albums, Christmas with Jorma Kaukonen, has gone missing. I’ve torn the place apart looking for it, but it’s nowhere in sight.

For those who don’t know, Jorma was the lead guitarist for the Jefferson Airplane (which he named) before he departed with childhood friend and Airplane bassist Jack Casady to found the quintessential hippie blues band Hot Tuna. I had never heard of Hot Tuna until almost 17 years ago, when one of my best friends introduced me to their stuff. I was immediately hooked and I’ve been to several shows over the years.

My favorite show was in Madison, Wisconsin, many moons ago. Things were pretty relaxed up there. During breaks, the drummer came out to the bar and ordered a round for the band and I chatted with him for several minutes. I had a chance to talk to Jorma after the show, and one of the things he told me was that the Christmas album was consistently his best seller.

The album includes some all-instrumental songs where Jorma’s chops as one of the finest finger-pickers alive can be heard. “What Child is This?” and “Downhill Sleigh Ride” are just two.

There are some traditional songs (”Silent Night”) and some serious jams (”Holiday Marmalade”), along with a couple of fun little throw-away tunes, like “Christmas Rule,” described by reviewer Jim Trageser as…

(A) hilarious, romping blues about Santa’s sleigh getting shot down by a too-high Christmas Eve fire, with the not-so-jolly bearded one showing up at the front door in a foul mood demanding the keys to Jorma’s pickup in order to finish his deliveries.

The Christmas album rocks, but it is not Jorma’s finest work, and may not be for everyone. You might want to start out with “Burgers” or “Live at Sweetwater” first (you can find song excerpts by clicking on the links here). That’s where my journey began. And what a fine journey it’s been.

Jorma also runs a universally acclaimed guitar school called the Fur Peace Ranch, and you can listen to free mp3’s of his weekly radio show by clicking here. I highly, highly recommend clicking that link.

I really need to find that CD.

What’s your favorite Christmas album?

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Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Obamarama - Few say they would have trouble with black candidate

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I know this is national, but we talked about this yesterday, so I thought I’d post it. The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll [pdf file] has some interesting results for presidential preference based on race, religion and gender.

I’m going to list several types of people who might run for president. For each one, please tell me whether that type of candidate is someone you would (a) be enthusiastic about, (b) be comfortable with, (c) have some reservations about, or (d) be very uncomfortable with.

According to the poll, a total of 12 percent would either have some reservations about (8) or would be very uncomfortable with (4) an African-American candidate.

* 16 percent (8 with some reservations and 8 very uncomfortable) said the same about a woman.

* 19 percent (10 and 9) said that about a Jewish candidate.

* 23 percent (14 and 9) said it about an Hispanic.

* 52 percent (19 and 34) said the same about a gay candidate.

* 54 percent (26 and 28) said it about an evangelical Christian.

* 59 percent (25 and 34) expressed reservations about someone who had been a member of George Bush’s cabinet.

* 53 percent (27 and 26) had doubts about voting for a Mormon.

* 66 percent (37 and 29) said the same about someone over age seventy (bad news for McCain?)

Several of the questions were only asked of half the respondents, kicking up the MoE fairly high. But the African-American question was asked of everyone, as was Hispanic and gay.

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Question of the day

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The Tribune ran this lede in today’s editorial today, entitled “Feed the meter.”

Anyone who regularly traverses Michigan Avenue or the Loop is obliged to develop a strategy about panhandlers. Do you give a little to all? Nothing to any? Or do you only give if the mood strikes, or if the person in question is peddling something of value, like StreetWise, the newspaper?

The point was about a new program in Baltimore.

Baltimore leaders are experimenting with a promising idea. They’re inviting people to feed the meter. Instead of dropping a quarter into a panhandler’s cup, Baltimoreans now have the opportunity to slide it into specially painted and refurbished meters, formerly used for parking, on a couple of streets, the Baltimore Sun recently reported. When they do, a pointer on the dial moves from “despair” to “hope.” The money collected goes to programs to help the homeless.

Taking into account that the holiday season is now in full force, how do you deal with panhandlers? Also, is the Baltimore idea worth a shot?

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Ryan files appeal *** Updated x1 ***

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I’ll see if I can locate a copy of the filing today and post it here as an update.

George Ryan’s lawyers asked an appeals court Thursday to throw out the former governor’s racketeering and fraud conviction, claiming it was the result of “an avalanche of errors” by the trial judge.

Attorneys for Ryan and co-defendant Larry Warner said the jury that found them guilty following a six-month trial last April was prejudiced by serious mistakes on the part of U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer.

“The District Court’s singular desire to bring this case to a verdict led it to commit an avalanche of errors that deprived Warner and Ryan of a fair trial before an impartial jury,” they said in a 90-page brief.

“These errors undermined the legitimacy of the verdicts, which were contaminated by outside influence and divorced from meaningful deliberation,” they said in urging a new trial for Ryan and Warner.

The Tribune has more:

When it was discovered that some additional jurors had been in scrapes with the police but failed to mention them on their questionnaires, Pallmeyer declined to replace them as she had the other two, they said.

“And because of the District Court’s unprecedented decisions, the jury that ultimately found Warner and Ryan guilty was very different from the one charged with determining their fate at submission,” the appeal said.

“Significantly the reconstituted jury did not include a known defense holdout juror removed under an arbitrary standard,” it said. “The District Court itself recognized that ‘it might very well be’ that its unprecedented decisions related to this jury would warrant reversal.”

Pallmeyer refused to grant Ryan a new trial, saying she did not see “any great harm.” The appeal recalled a remark by the judge that “if I am wrong, it will not be the first time I was reversed, and I am not afraid to be reversed.”

The appeal brief said: “Indeed these convictions must be reversed.”

Do you think Ryan should get a new trial?

*** UPDATE *** Here’s the brief. [pdf file]

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Morning shorts

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Ward groups got mayor’s petitions signed - Fewer city workers, HDO members collect signatures for mayor - 19th Ward organization helped most

* Wheeler: The GOP proved a bigger loser than the hapless Cubs

* Lawmakers propose stem cell bills - Plan would OK use of human embryos… More here

* State police in hot water with Labor - Because HQ’s pipes have nothing but cold

* IR: Last evening, Illinois Republican Party Executive Director John Tsarpalas, political operative Dan Proft and communications specialist Glenn Hodas appeared at the Chicago Town Hall Meeting to offer an autopsy on last monthâ€™s election and some thoughts on the future of the Republican Party in Illinois.

* O’Brien, Rowe get key jobs on Hare’s staff

* Newly appointed deputy gov Peters to focus on public safety, social services

* Editorial: The 10 percent solution

* Hawaii group starts Obama-for-president push

* Secretary of state’s estranged daughter arrested

* Donation helps send mail to troops

* AP: Americans spend more time watching TV, listening to the radio, surfing the Internet and reading newspapers than anything else except breathing.

* Aldertrack is keeping track of the city aldermanic filings

* Friday Beer Blogging: Cat Edition

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Tusk’s exit interview

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Eric Krol interviews the departing deputy governor, Bradley Tusk.

â€¢Tusk is most proud of All Kids, the state program that aims to get health coverage for children who donâ€™t have it. Heâ€™s also proud of Open Road Tolling, the godsend thatâ€™s making life a bit easier for suburban commuters like me. Tusk acknowledges the idea was around before Blagojevich. He describes his role as being a negotiator between then-tollway Executive Director Jack Hartman, who Tusk said wanted to increase tolls to rebuild, and Blagojevich, who â€œpushed backâ€ on the toll-raising part. Assuming the financial plan is viable, the tollway is being rebuilt with no increase for I-PASS users.

â€¢On his style: â€œThe approach is always the same thing: you want to get big things done, and you do everything you can to get them done. I think over time, you learn different routes to getting them done. Sometimes you go through, sometimes you go around â€¦ Sometimes you use the carrot. Sometimes you use the stick. Sometimes both.

â€œFor me, in every regard, there was so much that I didnâ€™t know about specific issues, about government, about politics. Anyone stepping into a job like I had will learn an incredible amount in four years.â€

â€¢Asked what itâ€™s like to work for Blagojevich, Tusk uses the word â€œintense.â€ Which is usually code for a politician whoâ€™s difficult. Also not a description youâ€™d readily associate with a governor who once got a devilish grin on his face before trumpeting the amount of â€œtesticular virilityâ€ he possessed. â€œHeâ€™s much more intense privately than he is publicly because when he wants to get stuff done, heâ€™s laser-focused on it. But thatâ€™s his job,â€ Tusk explained.

Tusk says he hasn’t been subpoenaed, hasn’t appeared before a grand jury, barely knew Tony Rezko and hasn’t hired counsel. I disagree with Krol’s contention that this means the investigation hasn’t progressed as far as we might believe, however. Tusk was always adamant that he didn’t do patronage or fundraising, and those are the two areas under review by the feds. Although, Rezko is only recently cooperative (if the reports are true), so Eric is absolutely right that the feds have a long way to go on this one.

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Obama, wife worry about safety

Friday, Dec 15, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

This story will undoubtedly be picked up by every major newspaper and blog in the country. It’s been the elephant in the room for months as people discussed Barack Obama’s possible presidential run.

Sen. Barack Obama is concerned about his personal security –telling the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board Thursday that he and his wife fear there is a potential for violence — even if he does not run for president.

“Being shot, obviously, that is the least-attractive option,'’ Obama said.

The Illinois Democrat told the Sun-Times he has concluded a 2008 White House bid “would be viable” and he would have “a pretty good chance of winning the nomination.'’

For the first time, Obama talked about the downside of his swelling popularity, before his expected presidential announcement in January, after a vacation in his native Hawaii.

Let’s try to keep the comments reasonable, please. I don’t want a visit from the Secret Service because somebody got a little goofy.

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