Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Reader comments closed for the holiday weekend

Friday, Nov 8, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Thursday was Illinois Retail Merchants Association CEO David Vite’s last day as a Springfield lobster. His friends threw him a swell party, which included a roast by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s Greg Baise.

Baise exceeded all expectations. His Vite roast was based on the “Most interesting man in the world” TV ad campaign. My favorite line…

“He knows exactly where Mike McClain is looking.”

Anyone who has ever seen Mike McClain’s, um, off-kilter eye will understand that joke. They may not laugh, but they’ll get it.

McClain chuckled, nodded and scanned the room, so everyone wondered whether he was looking at them or somebody ten feet away.

* Anyway, this is supposed to be about Vite, not McClain. Dave spoke at the end of the evening, thanked everyone for coming, and referenced this song…

What a long, strange trip it’s been

Comments Off

SEIU immigration ad targets Rodney Davis

Friday, Nov 8, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* CNN…

A new union-backed ad buy will look to drum up support for passing comprehensive immigration reform in the House of Representatives by targeting vulnerable chamber Republicans, according to a statement.

The Service Employees International Union said Thursday they are spending more than $500,000 on attack ads targeting seven House Republicans who face tough re-elections next year, and House Speaker John Boehner. SEIU has already spent more than $2.5 million promoting immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship, the group said.

According to the statement, the 30 seconds ads will target Boehner in the Washington, D.C. market while going after Reps. Gary Miller of California, Joe Heck of Nevada, Mike Coffman of Colorado, Rodney Davis of Illinois, David Joyce of Ohio, John Kline of Minnesota and Michael Grimm of New York in their home districts. [Emphasis added.]

* Rate the SEIU ad…

8 Comments

A quick moment of Zen

Friday, Nov 8, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Believe it or not, we have stuff to talk about today other than the Paul Vallas pick. But I thought we might need an interlude before we proceed. And what better interlude could we possibly have than an Oscar the Puppy video?

* The quick setup is that I was sweeping leaves off the patio last weekend and Oscar wasn’t quite sure what the heck was going on, but he sure was interested. Have a look-see…

9 Comments

Rate Rauner’s new video

Friday, Nov 8, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Ormsby…

Republican Bruce Rauner’s gubernatorial campaign released yesterday a new web video attacking Governor Pat Quinn for the failure of the legislature to act pension reform during the just concluded Veto Session in Springfield.

“Illinois’ pension crisis has been building for two decades because the career politicians refuse to fundamentally transform the pension system,” said Rauner in a statement.

“It’s time to move towards a 401(k)-style program, similar to what most workers have in the private sector, and refuse to make any more special deals with government union bosses,” said the long-time Republican insider.

* The Internet video is called “Detroit.” From the script…

Detroit just declared bankruptcy.

And if we don’t change direction, Illinois is next.

The highest unemployment in the Midwest. The worst credit rating in America. And 100 billion in public pension debt.

The question is what to do.

Pat Quinn won’t change direction. Higher taxes, record spending, more Springfield failures.

It’s time for fundamental change in Illinois. It’s time for a leader with the guts to deliver.

Bruce Rauner for governor. Shake up Springfield. Bring back Illinois.

* Rate it…

35 Comments

« NEWER POSTS