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Boland tosses hat in ring

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Worst kept secret this month.

State Rep. Mike Boland announced Wednesday that he wants to replace Lane Evans in Congress. Now he just needs the support of hundreds of precinct committeemen from the sprawling congressional district.

Evans said last month that he will not seek a 13th term because his Parkinson’s disease is worsening. The Rock Island Democrat announced the decision after the primary election, so the district’s committeemen will choose a candidate to run in his place this fall.

Evans has endorsed aide Phil Hare to replace him, but Boland said he still has a good shot at becoming the candidate.

“I think it’s wide open,” the East Moline Democrat said at a Springfield news conference.

Boland called himself a progressive on social issues but a fiscal conservative who has never supported a tax increase.

So, in other words, he’ll vote for the programs but won’t vote to pay for them.

  15 Comments      


Backfire?

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I don’t think the Statehouse reporters took kindly to this move by the governor’s campaign.

The campaigns clearly were moving into a more intense stage, with Blagojevich’s campaign taking the unusual move of having someone videotape Topinka’s news conference and distribute suggested questions for reporters to ask.

Ironically, the only question the handout seemed to generate was how Topinka felt about her opponent taking this tactic.

Sheila Nix, spokeswoman for the Blagojevich campaign, said there shouldn’t be a problem with videotaping a public event such as an opponent’s news conference.

  18 Comments      


Quinn wants records released

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

========================================

UPDATE: Topinka’s office claims they send the complete list to the governor’s office every month.

========================================

From the Blagojevich campaign:

One day after Judy Baar Topinka said state government should be more open and transparent, Lt Governor Pat Quinn today called on Treasure Judy Baar Topinka to immediately release the list of banks that have state deposits.

“Just yesterday Treasurer Topinka called for ‘more openness in the budget process’ and yet she still refuses to release the list of financial institutions that hold the state’s deposits. It’s not Judy Baar Topinka’s money – it’s our money. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is deposited,” Quinn said.

While Topinka lectured Governor Blagojevich and other Democratic leaders about meeting behind closed doors regarding the state budget, as State Treasurer she has not followed the lead of other states – and her predecessor – in making information about state banking deposits accessible.

“In this day and age of internet and technology, I find it hard to believe that Treasurer Topinka does not make this information public. The question is simple: Where is our money? The answer should be just as simple and immediate,” Quinn said. When Quinn served as State Treasurer, the information regarding state deposits was available to the public.

Quinn pointed out that many other states, including neighbors Indiana and Iowa, make this information public on their websites.

“If you live in Davenport, you find out where your money is with one click of your mouse. If you live in Moline, you need to make a team of detectives to find out what banks are holding your money. Across the Mississippi River, you don’t need to wonder what banks get state business, you shouldn’t need to wonder here in Illinois,” Quinn said.

Previous published reports in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times have detailed Topinka’s more than $600,000 in extensive campaign contributions from banks and financial institutions. Her most recent campaign disclosure reports show that she accepted tens of thousands of dollars from banks in the final days of her closely contested primary election. The Treasurer’s primary responsibility is to deposit state money in banks.

“Unfortunately, there may be a simple reason Judy Baar Topinka doesn’t want Illinois taxpayers to know where their money is – because she takes significant campaign contributions from every bank she can. It’s time for Treasurer Topinka to come clean, tell us where our money is and tell us how much in campaign contributions she’s taking from the banks she does business with,” Quinn said.

  33 Comments      


Gone

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The House just adjourned until next week. No budget meeting today.

The House will return Tuesday and Wednesday next week, and Tuesday and Wednesday the following week. The Senate, of course, is gone for the next two weeks.

  4 Comments      


JBT joins chorus of questioners

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

From Topinka’s campaign:

GOP nominee for Governor Judy Baar Topinka today called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to answer a simple question he has been ducking for more than a week — “Governor, how many days have you been in Springfield since you announced your budget on Feb. 15th?”

Newspaper reporters have questioned the Governor’s staff for more than one week, but the Blagojevich Administration is stonewalling the media and the public on that question.

“Now that the legislative session has gone into overtime because there is no budget resolution, the Governor should simply tell the media and the taxpayers what they want to know,’ said GOP nominee for Governor Judy Baar Topinka.

“Answer the question, Governor. How many days have you been in Springfield since you announced your budget proposal on February 15th?”

Members of the Illinois House and Senate have been working in Springfield, but the “Absentee Governor’ has been missing in action.

Now the overtime session costs taxpayers $21,000 per day in per diem expenses.

As I said in this morning’s Capitol Fax, since so many regular session days were canceled there is no additional overtime cost to taxpayers right now.

  15 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Evans; Guv; DHS; DCFS (use all caps in password)

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Question of the day

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Do you think Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s quick decision to investigate those anonymouse House Republican robocalls was the right thing to do? Should she have allowed the State Board of Elections to handle the issue first? Do you think the Repulicans will try to put AG Madigan in the middle of every little political spat from now on in order to even the score against the Democrats? Does this expose her to charges that she favors her father’s House Democratic organization? Explain.

UPDATE: The Post-Dispatch has a story today.

  20 Comments      


Overtime and guv’s chutzpah prompts media backlash

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Best story of the bunch.

Facing criticism that he’s not at the Capitol enough to be effective and instead spends his time campaigning, Gov. Rod Blagojevich dismissed it all as “baloney.”

“It’s a bunch of baloney,” Blagojevich said during a campaign appearance Tuesday a few blocks from the Capitol.

The Chicago Democrat said he’s met with legislative leaders and is visiting places like Rockford and Decatur to pressure Republicans to support his plans.

Exactly when he’s been at the Capitol this year remains unclear. The Daily Herald asked the governor’s office last week for the information and repeated the request this week to no avail.

[Emphasis added.]

The Tribune has more.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich blamed Republican legislative leaders, who have been shut out of budget negotiations, for slowing down the legislative session Tuesday, even though he and fellow Democrats are in charge.

Blagojevich contended that rank-and-file Republicans would vote for his $55 billion budget and public works program but GOP leaders have refused to let them vote the way they want.

Despite harsh criticism of Republicans, Blagojevich has been unable to cut a deal with the Chicago Democrats who control the two chambers, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones.

And the Sun-Times has Emil Jones’ reaction.

“We’re moving slowly,” Jones said after four hours of closed-door budget talks ended.

“If we can get it done next week or the following week, we’ll do it, but there is no urgent need to rush and get it done,” Jones said.

Also, let’s avoid a debate in comments over what constitutes an “overtime” session. The session was scheduled to conclude April 7th. Period. Any session days after that is an overtime session. Those who are claiming in comments that overtime doesn’t begin until the end of May are just goofy and, more importantly, wrong.

UPDATE: You’re not gonna believe this (OK, you might) but somebody in the governor’s budget office just tried to make this same lame argument that we’re not in overtime until June 1.

These people are obviously not reality based.

  30 Comments      


Tribune blasts Alexi

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I agree with every single word in this Tribune editorial about Democratic treasurer nominee Alexi Giannoulias.

Giannoulias has been nothing but puzzling when he has been questioned about his ties to Michael Giorango, a convicted bookmaker and prostitution ring promoter. […]

Let’s get this straight. Voters are supposed to be impressed by Giannoulias’ experience at the bank. Yet his defense here is that he was clueless as to what his bank was doing?

And he wants to take control of the entire state treasury?

Giannoulias was asked if it was acceptable for a state treasurer to lend money to crime figures. His response to Tribune reporter David Jackson: The treasurer should work to get “the best rate of return for taxpayers to create jobs.”

What, no questions asked?

And the Tribune comes up with some good questions.

Has the 30-year-old candidate for treasurer ever really been more than a junior officer at the family bank? If he had the authority his title implies, how can he claim he didn’t know about this bank business?

How well does he know Giorango?

And why has Giannoulias failed his first tough test as a candidate?

Giannoulias has touted his banking experience as qualifying him for the treasurer’s job. He even said after the election that his experience is what got him the nomination, not the support from Barack Obama.

Well, it’s time for some answers.

  40 Comments      


Mistrial ahead?

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

UPDATE: You can find the WLS transcript here.

Oy.

A Chicago radio station has been hit with a federal subpoena in the latest twist involving jurors in the corruption trial of former Gov. George Ryan.

Defense lawyers and prosecutors spent a half-day in closed-door talks in the judge’s chambers Tuesday, but it was unclear what they discussed. Lawyers would not comment due to a gag order.

But the subpoena and a tape of a conversation that aired on WLS-AM’s “Roe Conn Show” March 28 — a day after two Ryan jurors were dismissed — indicate a juror may have discussed the case outside the jury room. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer has repeatedly reminded jurors not to talk about the case when they are not deliberating.

The subpoena asked for a tape of the conversation, which the radio station has provided, and any records relating to the caller’s identity. WLS-AM producer Todd Ronczkowski said the call-in line does not have Caller ID technology.

  8 Comments      


Rev. Meeks meets with Cardinal George

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I’m glad to see that the media is finally starting to realize that Meeks is not just bluffing here. There’s more going on than the political cynics have believed.

State Sen. James Meeks recently met with Cardinal Francis George about Meeks’ possible third-party run for governor — the strongest indication yet the Baptist minister is serious about the idea and intends to use his conservative beliefs to attract voters.

Meeks, pastor of Chicago’s largest African-American church, stopped short of seeking a political endorsement from George during the one-hour-plus breakfast meeting at the cardinal’s home on April 1, knowledgeable sources said.

Rather, he explained the rationale behind his interest in running for governor and sought advice from George about whether key issues he would spotlight, including his stances against abortion and gay marriage, would resonate with Roman Catholics and Evangelical Christians.

Both of Meeks’ potential opponents — Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich and GOP state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka — support abortion rights.

Meeks, who requested the meeting, also told George that providing more money for public schools would be a key part of his potential candidacy. The subject of public funding for Catholic schools did not come up, the sources said.

Take it from someone who has spent a lot of time with Meeks in the past few weeks, the guy is serious. Will he run? I don’t know. But he is a lot further along in his plans than most people realize.

  12 Comments      


Morning shorts

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

· Audit: Budget office fails to seek competitive contracts

· “After months of balking, tollway officials backed off controversial I-PASS rule changes Tuesday that lawmakers and watchdog groups said were too broad and too harsh.”

· Capitol Fax readers heard about this possibility days ago: State panel rejects ban on school junk food

· Cunningham narrow winner in appellate race

· Bibo: Few spaces for mentally ill inmates

· Brown: Why does City Hall audit only go after little guys?

· Luciano: Legislators’ wallets are fat enough

· Advocates say power plants are making fish poisonous

· Parrillo defies Ibendahl, blogs about smelt fishing.

· Tuition going up

  3 Comments      


This just in… John G supports Hare

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Rock Island County Dem Chairman John Gianulis told his fellow county chairmen today that he is backing Lane Evan’s choice to replace the retiring congressman - Phil Hare. This is really no surprise whatsoever, but John G teased the media last week about his announcement and it was a big local story.

12 out of the district’s 23 chairmen attended today’s meeting with Gianulis, but there was reportedly a lot of support for state Sen. John Sullivan from chairmen in the district’s southern section.

More in tomorrow’s Capitol Fax.

Also, the Quincy Herald-Whig has a story about the vacancy today.

Unrelated, but Kos has a piece up today about Melissa Bean that’s definitely worth a read and Larry has more.

Consider this a congressional elections open thread.

  26 Comments      


Senate leaves town without a budget deal

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

AP:

With a state budget deal proving hard to reach, the Illinois Senate has decided to take two weeks off.

The legislative session was supposed to end last Friday, but the governor and Democratic leaders have not been able to agree on a new state budget.

So the Senate went home today and won’t come back until April 25th.

There’s no word yet on whether the Illinois House will do the same.

Governor Rod Blagojevich portrayed the decision as a positive move.

UPDATE: From Topinka’s campaign:

GOP nominee for Governor Judy Baar Topinka today said Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s unwillingness to come to work in Springfield has pushed lawmakers into overtime session, and his campaign fund should pay for the new overtime expenses taxpayers are now forced to pay.

“The public expects the Governor of this state to show up to work in Springfield,” Topinka said. “If you’re not willing to put in the time and work hard for taxpayers, then you shouldn’t run for the office.”

“Even today, Rod Blagojevich found the time to campaign for Governor, but he couldn’t find the time to do the job of Governor. His lack of attention caused this overtime session, so he owes it to the taxpayers to do what is right and pay this money back from his campaign fund.”

In his campaign commercials, while playing an interested participant on TV, Governor Blagojevich claims to be “battling in Springfield,” but the truth is, he is rarely at the Capitol. Attempts by reporters to learn how many days the Governor has spent in Springfield have been stonewalled by the Blagojevich Administration.

Every day the overtime session continues will cost taxpayers an extra $21,000. So far taxpayers are on the hook for $42,000 and the Governor still has no budget agreement.

“That money could be used to hire a schoolteacher for an entire year, help protect abused and neglected children, provide reading assistance for young children or be used for breast cancer prevention efforts. It could be used for any worthy cause, but it will not be, because this Governor fails to simply show up for work in Springfield.”

UPDATE 2: The House will be in session Tuesday through Friday next week.

  36 Comments      


Should be an interesting event, but I can’t make it

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Kristen McQueary asked me to post this. Doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make it because of session, but head on over tomorrow if you can.

Join the Chicago Headline Club for a free and inspiring event featuring Gary Post-Tribune political reporter STEVE WALSH, Chicago Tribune reporter JAMES JANEGA and Capitol Fax creator RICH MILLER for a lively discussion, “Reporters Notebook: The War in Iraq.”

Janega prepared for his journey to Iraq by camouflaging his light hair and blue eyes — then hunkered down with ground troops for the invasion into Fallujah. Hear how Walsh and his colleagues negotiated with Pentagon officials to escape the strict orders of a colonel who insisted on editing Walsh’s stories before he sent them via e-mail.

Are we reading and learning “the truth” about the war in Iraq? Come and find out. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Cash bar and appetizers begin at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wrigley Building, 410 Club, located at 410 N. Michigan Ave.

PARKING: Complimentary parking available at 430 N. Rush St.

SPONSORED BY: The Chicago Headline Club chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

  Comments Off      


Question of the day

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

For as long as anyone can remember, legislative leaders and the governor have met behind closed doors to hammer out a budget agreement.

Do you think this is healthy? And if not, what alternative would you propose?

  40 Comments      


Busted

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Apparently, the governor was against a capital bill when he was in the House.

As a loyal member of the Democratic political minority in the Illinois House during the mid-1990s, Rod Blagojevich helped block millions of dollars worth of spending on roads, universities and dilapidated state prisons the ruling Republicans wanted.

Fast-forward a decade and now that Democrats are in control, Gov. Blagojevich is blasting Republicans for the same thing — blocking state borrowing that would fund construction projects.

“We cannot let partisan politics get in the way of progress,” Blagojevich said after Senate Republicans last week refused to go along with borrowing $4 billion to build roads and schools.

Many Republicans were intrigued by his turnaround from opposing a $361 million borrowing plan in 1995 to supporting a $4 billion one now.

“It’s clear when the governor’s party leaders at the time deemed a similar Republican proposal too costly, the governor was willing to vote ‘no’ but doesn’t see the hypocrisy when he tries to make outcasts of Republican legislators who are fighting for fiscal responsibility,” said Senate Republican spokeswoman Patty Schuh.

A Blagojevich spokeswoman said she was unaware of the 1995 details and that the two plans couldn’t be compared because the new one is so much larger. “That’s like comparing apples to oranges,” said spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff.

  40 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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AG probes House GOP calls

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The House Republlicans claim they’re well within the law, but Madigan is investigating anyway.

State Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office is investigating whether a telephone campaign paid for by House Republicans that targeted Democratic lawmakers violated state election rules.

“We have received a complaint,” said Madigan spokeswoman Melissa Merz on Monday.

The campaign involved anonymous, automated calls to the constituents of House Democrats. The calls attacked the Democrats’ records and accused them of cutting veterans benefits, among other programs.

Madigan’s office is looking into whether the calls violated the state’s election code, which dictates that political committees have to identify who paid for any communications that mention the name of a candidate in the next election.

The calls in the phone campaign did not say that they’d been paid for by the House Republicans, though the party later said it was responsible for them.

  26 Comments      


Romney touts Topinka

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

JBT is said to be one of the top five to eight targeted races.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said Monday that getting Judy Baar Topinka elected this fall is a top priority for the Republican Governor’s Association.

Romney, chairman of the national group, said during a news conference with Topinka that the Illinois race is among the “five to eight” gubernatorial races deemed most important because they offer a chance for a Republican to unseat an incumbent Democrat.

“We recognize that this is a key race. This is a winnable race,” said Romney, who also was in town to attend a biotechnology convention. He mentioned Michigan and Wisconsin as other key governors’ races among 36 this year.

Romney would not say how much money the group would spend on Topinka’s campaign. He said the association raised about $16 million last year for races around the country.

  16 Comments      


Morning shorts

Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

· Hundreds rally in Illinois for immigration reform

· Sneed: How come the Abraham Lincoln Museum has not found a new executive director to replace Richard Norton Smith?

· What kind of sentence is George Ryan facing, if convicted?

· Brown: Patronage alive and well

· Illinois, Minnesota leaders ask oil companies to make E85 available

· Feds: Patronage chief had files destroyed. More here.

· Ryan Jurors Enjoy Break In Warm Weather

· WBEZ change strikes sour note

· Officials tout biotech future

· Shortest. Courtship. Ever.

· Editorial: Question those state job-creation figures

  4 Comments      


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