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READER COMMENTS CLOSED FOR A WHILE
Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller I learned one thing about myself this week while on the governor’s bus tour. I could never, ever be a member of the traveling campaign press corps for any length of time. I love to travel, but weeks on-end hitting town after town every couple of hours or so, stuck in a candidate’s bubble and listening to the same speech over and over again is just not my cup of tea. I’m beat, man. Beat. I have a funny little post planned for Monday, and I’ll post my Sun-Times column on Friday, but other than that my intern Paul and I are taking next week off - unless Paul decides to continue posting on his own. His choice. The General Assembly’s not in session so I’m gonna work on my yard or something. Have a good one and I’ll see you on the other side. Unless Paul steps in, Illinoize is in charge. The news feeds will still be up and running, of course, but if you want to comment, head over there…
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Another possible “vote-buying” episode?
Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * A story about an alleged “vote-buying” scheme in the 43rd Ward has been picking up steam…
Not exactly the worst dirty trick ever, but whatever floats your campaign’s boat, I suppose. * But now, Chicagoist has found a similar scheme in the 21st Ward…
That might be problemmatic. Here’s the flier [click to see a larger image]…
* Meanwhile, Alderman Brookins has a new mailer claiming that “union bosses” are “trying to buy the 21st Ward aldermanic election.” The Brookins mailer includes photos of the homes of Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon, and SEIU honcho Tom Balanoff. Click the pics…
* I’ll bet the house owned by Brookins’ megabucks contributor is much nicer than either of those guys’ abodes. [Thanks to a commenter for making the connection.] * Switching now to the 32nd Ward, Fox Chicago had a piece this week about the ever-increasing nastiness in that race…
* A follow-up story is here. * Ald. Matlak sent out a recent mailer slamming Waguespack for making it appear as if he is a lawyer when, according to the mailer Waguespack “failed the Illinois Bar exam”…
* Waguespack responds…
* More local stories…
* And, finally, we have the Carbondale mayor’s race, where the Southern Illinoisan had a story today about Mayor Brad Cole complaining that Sheila Simon is being endorsed by major players like US Sen. Dick Durbin.
Nowhere in the story, however, was any mention of Cole’s campaign contributions from major Illinois GOP players, including $6,000 from the Illinois Republican Party. Democratic blogger ArchPundit has that angle.
Find Cole’s full financial disclosure reports here.
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GRT roundup *** Updated x4 ***
Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller * This press release was issued yesterday by Rev. Jesse Jackson…
Blagojevich and Jackson had a bit of a dustup earlier this week. Jackson privately pledged his support for the GRT and then flip-flopped (according to the governor), leading Gov. Blagojevich to claim that Jackson was listening to his “contributors.” I’ll update this later if I get a report from the presser. * The business groups opposed to the GRT have a new radio ad. Click to listen… * And this makes no sense at all…
If Weis knew that Blagojevich was trying to line up a meeting, why didn’t she take him up on it? And then she whines that she didn’t get a chance to challenge him in person? I don’t get it. [Hat tip: IlliniPundit] * The Illinois Press Association continues its crusade against the GRT. Earlier this week, the IPA set up a teleconference for reporters throughout the state that featured the Illinois Chamber’s Doug Whitley and Tom Johnson of the Taxpayers’ Federation…
Not a single counter-argument was included in the article. * The Southern Illinoisan also reported on the IPA teleconference, without ever mentioning that the Illinois Press Association sponsored the program. The story also included a critical sidebar that was lifted directly from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, but the paper never mentioned that the CTBA is proposing an alternative tax hike and is on record opposing the GRT. * And the owner of the Hancock-Henderson Quill included this comment from an IPA official this week about the publisher group’s opposition to the gross receipts tax…
* One of the best speakers during the governor’s bus tour this week was Rockford small business owner Duntai Mathews. The tour stopped at his small manufacturing plant. Nobody expected him to do as well as he did, but, like I said he was one of the main highlights of the entire trip… *** UPDATE *** According to a friend who was there, Jackson said Blagojevich budget chief John Filan agreed to consider some things that Jackson wanted, including possibly launching a campaign to change the Constitution to allow a graduated income tax. Jackson reportedly *** UPDATE 2 *** From the AP…
*** UPDATE 3 *** Check out this graphic at the very top of the Illinois Press Association’s home page. Talk about going all-out. Click to see actual size…
*** UPDATE 4 *** From Crain’s…
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Question of the Day
Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson The setup…
One side of the issue:
The other side:
Question: What should the city’s stance be on this and similar delicate issues? Please, Please, Please try to keep the comments civil and logic-based. The discussion is worthless if both sides devolve into passion-filled rants without substance. Besides, there is no reason to get angry, it’s Friday.
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Morning Shorts
Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson * Blagojevich ends road trip, assails those who don’t back business tax * Governor makes his rounds in Southern Illinois * Blago appeals for healthcare in Decatur * Senate should eject ‘certificate’ for illegal drivers * Governor responds to Ameren questions * Opinion: We need answers on electric rates * Judge: Casino contributions to horse racing unconstitutional; more here * Kadner: Law aims to end monopoly of cable TV companies
* Ax falls on anti-bullying funds * Sun-Times Editorial: Past time to get transit funding rolling * County ending long term care services at Oak Forest Hospital * Editorial: Madigan ‘very interested’ in I-57/294 interchange; lets get it done * Sex offender was election judge at elementary schools; 9 others found * City official caught in bribe then helps FBI with probe * Dick Simpson Citizens need to get involved in transformation of Chicago
* County Board has to clean up their own garbage * Sun-Times Editorial: County clout survives as workers lose jobs * Chicago Clerk: Watch for fraud, absentee voters * Mayor hopefuls give forum some spark in West Chicago * YouTube attack as takes aim at 32nd ward alderman * 3rd ward boasts rich African American history * Alcohol-fueled debate in 16th ward * WBBM audio clip on the emerging ‘vote buying’ accusations in the 43rd ward * Friday Beer Blogging: Animal Edition
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Off the bus
Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller I elected to stay with my brother last night instead of continuing with the Blagojevich bus tour. Three days in Vegas? Time to go. Three days in New Orleans? Time to go. Three days on a bus with Gov. Blagojevich? Gotta run. They’re somewhere around Danville right now, I’m heading home soon. Perspective is all-important with any sort of analysis, so learning some of the governor’s private perspective on people, events, etc. will only be helpful in the days, months and years to come as I write about the Statehouse scene. I’ve spent a lot of private time with other leaders - legislative and otherwise - but governors usually build a wall around themselves. I gotta hand it to the guv for taking the chance of allowing me into that circle. A couple of funny stories… * After the raucus event in Quincy, I decided I needed some alone time, so I went to the hotel desk and asked directions to a tavern that, legend has it, was an Al Capone hangout during Prohibition (the locals say Capone had a house in Quincy back when it was a wide-open town). While the clerk was helping me out, a guy came up and said he had seen the tour bus outside and wondered whether the governor was staying at the hotel. Because of the earlier trouble at the event, the clerk only hesitantly admitted that the guv was, indeed, at the hotel. “Can you get a letter to him for me?” the man asked. The clerk said she’d try, but couldn’t guarantee anything. So I told the man I’d deliver it for him. The man looked me up and down and asked, “Are you the bus driver?” I really need a haircut. * Last night, the governor’s staff knew that my brother was meeting us at 17th Street BBQ for dinner. After we arrived at the famous restaurant, I was sitting at the bar with my brother and a couple of staff members. I introduced my brother to some, but not all, of the staffers. In walked a rather strange-looking man carrying a stuffed skunk. He proceeded to introduce himself to the governor and I turned back to my beer. A bit later, the governor said, “Hey, Rich, come here. This guy supports the GRT!” As we left the bar to go order dinner, one of the staff members who had been sitting with us asked, “Rich, was that guy with the skunk your brother?” I should probably get my beard trimmed as well.
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Question of the Day
Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson Tensions seem to have been running a bit high this week. Most people are unhappy about one thing or another, perhaps for good reason. But unlimited pessimism is never the best route. No matter what, there has to be something that we are fortunate to have here in the Land of Lincoln. Otherwise, we wouldn’t still be here. So how about a little mid-year Thanksgiving dinner table discussion… Question: As a resident of the state of Illinois, what are you most thankful for?
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Morning Shorts
Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson * Governor’s business tax defended as a way to cope with state debt:
* Roskam blasts governor’s tax plan * Ameren customers to Governor: Where’s the relief?
* Blagojevich gets heat about electric rates * Quinn pushes electric rate action * Editorial: Camera van good tool to catch work-zone speeders * Lt. Governor says Blagojevich should focus on electric rates * Editorial: $2 toll on I-355 extension is too steep
* Editorial: Thumbs up to licensing illegals * Sun-Times Editorial: Student loan savings plan should yield interest * Court: Gaming board had right to revoke Emerald Casino license * More govs boost stem cell research * State repays cash in sales tax goof * Daley: CTA’s plight not on state’s radar screen
* Lynn Sweet: Union leader, mayor could benefit from joining forces * Sun-Times Editorial: Limit union contributions in elections * Wal-Mart helping aldermen * 32nd ward race all about change * Dispute over big election signs * Duo square off for Pekin mayor
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Flip-flopping Tribune
Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller The Tribune editorialized against the governor’s $7+ billion gross receipts tax today (no link because I’m blogging from my Treo and it’s a pain)…
Back in February, however, Mother Tribune supported a $13 billion GRT as the best possible revenue-generating plan (no link because it’s no longer online)…
It’s a different plan, including much more tax relief and far fewer net dollars, but the impact that the Trib’s $13 billion GRT would have on businesses can’t be denied. I suspect that the Trib may have flip-flopped after the corporate suite saw the February editorial. Their tortured explanation today for why a tax that’s a bit more than half the size as theirs is no good just doesn’t work for me.
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Chill, please
Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller I want to say right up front that this post is not directed at all of you, but since I can’t talk to everyone individually, you’re all gonna have to suffer through it. Most commenters here are bright, educated, reasoned, experienced people. I’ve often bragged that, on whole, I have by far the best commenters of any political blog I’ve ever seen. Occasionally, though, I need to step in and cool things out. It’s way past time I did what I’m about to do. Every time I’ve posted details of HB 750, which would jack up personal and corporate income taxes and impose a brand new service tax on Illinois consumers, almost nobody has even said “boo.” This got me to thinking about a lot of things, but mainly about hate. I can’t help but wonder what the reaction in comments would have been if Gov. Blagojevich had come out in favor of 750 instead of proposing his deservedly controversial gross receipts tax. I imagine there would’ve been plenty of blood-curdling screams about this “business killing” tax hike that the governor was trying to force down our throats. Everyone who has ever read this blog, my Capitol Fax, my syndicated column or my Sun-Times column knows that I’ve been rougher on this governor than pretty much anybody else. Someone once asked me when the “honeymoon” ended for me. “What honeymoon?” I asked, pointing out that I was writing negative stuff about him before he even formally announced his first campaign. I told Blagojevich yesterday that all lhe had to do was keep being himself and he would eventually make me a wealthy man. He laughed so hard I thought he would cry. While I’ve had more than my share of differences with the guy, I’ve always tried to be intellectually honest. I haven’t always succeeded, but I despise duplicity and I’m detecting more than a little of that in comments. The ridiculous worries expressed in comments here that I might drink the Kool-Aid because I’ve spent some time on the bus with the man are so far-fetched as to be borderline insanity and shows more about a few of you than you may realize. He’s not a voodoo chief capable of weaving evil spells. And I didn’t start this job yesterday. Really, people, get a clue. Stop allowing your hate to rule your mind. The bottom line is that I’m asking you to raise this level of debate above the base hatred. Let me make this clear: There are plenty of legit reasons to oppose the GRT, and I respect most of them and agree with many of them. But for many of those same commenters to offer zero counter-arguments whatsoever to 750 indicates to me that there is more at work here than a single “issue.” Others here legitimately support 750 and oppose the GRT, but some of them are brazenly taking advantage of the ever-present hatred to bash the governor’s plan. In case you forgot, he won the election last year and, barring a conviction (which is seriously doubtful in the next four years - George Ryan isn’t even in prison yet and that investigation started in 1998) we’re all stuck with this guy for another term, for better or for worse. You can stomp your little feet all you want, but you can’t change that fact. Legitimate opposition and reasoned debate is always highly encouraged here, but hatred is not. And, frankly, I’m getting tired of deleting some of your goofy comments. You want to bash the governor? Fine with me. Go right ahead. But try to do it from an intellectual perspective rather than over-the-top emotion. I’m an agnostic about the GRT. I don’t take positions on legislation. Personally, however, I am not at all thrilled with 750, which takes a lot more money out of my pocket while doing absolutely nothing to address the problem of corporate avoidance of taxation. Is the GRT the right way to go? Probably not. But I just can’t stop myself from thinking that many of you would feel the same way about 750 if the governor wasn’t so drastically opposed to that particular bill. Thanks for listening. By the way, here are a couple of audio clips of the raucus Quincy crowd provided by our good friends at Metro Networks. The protesters kinda reminded me of the tiny minority here that this post is addressed to…
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Question of the Day
Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson As Rich would say, the setup…
Additional discussion on the topic can be found here Question: Should Illinois follow this lead?
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Morning Shorts
Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson * Budget stories
*New* Kadner: Murder, cocaine, mystery…Now he’s running for office * Madison Co. looks at options to fund schools:
* Jackson Hewitt accused of tax fraud in IL and three other states * Lawsuit over state ethics exam heads for settlement * Republicans try to rally troops at dinner:
* Editorial: Worthy effort to stem brain drain * Ad campaign seeks more organ donors * Editorial: Silent moment bill will not help our funding * Daley sounds off on scandals * Stroger spends big on another assistant:
* Cook Co. drops janitorial deal * Alderman hopes to limit union money:
* Campaigns get ugly in Oak Brook race
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