[The top item was deleted because I am apparently too stupid to realize that today is the first day of October, so the federal campaign reporting deadline has passed. Sheesh, what a week this has been. Sorry.]

* Republican State Sen. Matt Murphy hasn’t really talked about why he dropped out of the governor’s race to be Andy McKenna’s running mate. He breaks his silence today. Click here for his entire statement, but here are some excerpts…

For more than six years, I have considered Andy McKenna a good friend. He is a decent man of impeccable personal integrity who puts others first time and again. His soft-spoken nature is not one of a career politician - that is a good thing - but a steady confidence and quiet strength that resulted in taking his family business to record heights. As the founding co-chairman of the Chicago Entrepreneurial Center, he lifted budding entrepreneurs by giving them the support and expertise they needed to create jobs throughout the Chicagoland area. Unlike Springfield, Andy has actually created jobs, balanced a budget and improved the quality of life for the people around him. I have always said this campaign isn’t about me, but the need for someone with the experience, credibility and desire to put our state on the right track. For these reasons and many others, I have chosen to suspend my campaign for Governor and proudly endorse and join Andy McKenna as his running mate.

The bi-partisan culture of corruption, mindless irresponsibility toward taxes and spending and a hostile climate toward the creation of new jobs illustrate just how far Springfield has strayed. This will all end under a McKenna/Murphy Administration. It won’t be easy, but through leadership and ideas we will bring economic prosperity back to you. Illinois faces serious problems, but they can only be solved by leading a sea change in ethics, confronting some hard choices on behalf of Illinois taxpayers, setting aside the needs of special interests and career politicians, and creating a laser focus on the interests of Illinois families. Only then will we be able to provide you with the opportunities you need to succeed.

* The Cook County GOP released a new video at its recent convention. Take a look at Why we Fight…

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