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Sorry for the lack of postings today. Consider this an open thread. I’ll be back this afternoon.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 9:26 am
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Here’s an article from today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch about the guv’s inattention to southern Illinois (the Metro East area in particular) in the wake of last week’s tornadoes, thunderstorms, and major power outages that have lasted seven days for some folks: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/AA24B663D942E26E862571B80013809E?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2C%22Governor%22+AND+%22Illinois%22
I like Topinka’s line about Blagojevich having a tough time paying attention to things below Interstate 80. Southern Illinois doesn’t seem to mean much to the man except in an election year — and maybe not even then, apparently. He likely thinks we’re hicks down here; of course, he apparently views the city of Springfield the same way. Regardless of what the governor thinks about us, or how little time he spends thinking about downstate — we do vote.
Comment by stevendmo Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 9:53 am
Looks like St. Obama is upset about the hiring issues, but not upset enough to withhold camaigning for Blago. No word on Alexi
Comment by Wumpus Extremus Maximus Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 9:54 am
Now that the Chicago City Council is in the business of setting fair wages for businesses, how about doing something about these unfair prices?
I’m tired of paying these unfair prices in various retail stores. Which alderman will step up to set the appropriate and fair prices of goods and services? Clearly, we’re paying too much to these greedy corporate mavens. Alderman Moore, are you listening? We’re counting on you to take the next logical step and cut prices! Let’s start with a 20 percent across-the-board cut in all current prices for household goods and services. That seems fair. As you said yourself, the working people of Chicago deserve it!
Comment by Chicago Shopper Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 9:56 am
RICH GORDON ROCKS! PREPARE THE 42ND WARD FOR ITS NEW LEADER
http://www.cookrepublicans.com/content/img/f34963/4.jpg
http://www.cookrepublicans.com/content/img/f34963/1.jpg
Comment by Burton's Hurtin for Certain Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:00 am
With Rep. Franks coming out yesterday with his announcement that he does not support the governor for re-election, I’m suprised other Democratic members of the General Assembly are not racing head long to prop Rod up. Or am I really suprised at all?!
Comment by Marvelous Wonderful Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:06 am
Congratulations to the aldermen for standing up to the Mayor. The Big Box, if it withstands constitutional scrutiny, should trigger additional laws.
In sum, McDonalds, among others, qualifies with the total square feet of their franchises and total employees. Why limit it to one building.
Why, unless you do, the first thing, to avoid the extra labor costs. Wal-mart and Target will build two or three smaller stores, each below the square footage in the Chicago Bill. One will feature clothing; the second, hard goods, and the third, a grocery. That will enable them to compete with Kohl and other non union stores on a level basis.
Come to think of it — why should property ownership be necessary, just a leasehold interest. Major law firms…hmm. Corporate headquarter…hmm. There is no end to the living wages and healthcare costs which can be passed through to the employer, courtesy of the aldermen.
Comment by Truthful James Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:08 am
The Daily Herald [http://tinyurl.com/gu3t7] asked Sen Obama about Blagorgeous:
I thought that after Alexi, Sen. Obama might shy away from supporting sketchy IL Dems.
Comment by So-Called "Austin Mayor" Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:13 am
Congrats to the City of Chicago for perpetuating slavery. Now an entire class of people no longer have to have aspirations. They can rest assured ‘Walmart Stockboy’ is now a valid career path.
Of course, in reality (including economic) it is not, but the City of Chicago say it is. Welcome to virtual slavery and your ‘living wage’. Enjoy your new freedom!
ps. Isn’t it time to raise the Illinois income tax to 6%? Now *that* is fair….
Comment by Leroy Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:16 am
Did you guys know that Springfield has a Craigslist now!!??
Comment by Stavros Popadopolis Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:17 am
Q: Given the recent developments — the letter from U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald to Attorney General Madigan - do you have any hesitation in appearing with him or doing anything with him?
Obama: “I have not followed closely enough what’s been taking place in these investigations to comment on them. Obviously I’m concerned about reports that hiring practices at the state weren’t, at times, following appropriate procedures. How high up that went, the degree at which the governor was involved, is not something I’m going to speculate on. If I received information that made me believe that any Democrat had not been acting in the public interest, I’d be concerned.”
Comment by Timbuktu Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:28 am
Here are some more links of Gordon looking very Aldermanic.
http://www.central-investments.com/JJRally/slides/IMG_3582.html
http://www.central-investments.com/JJRally/slides/IMG_0129.html
http://www.central-investments.com/JJRally/slides/IMG_0153.html
Ashur Odishoo
Candidate
State Representative 11th District
Comment by Ashur Odishoo Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:32 am
I thought Obama’s answer on this was quite telling:
Q: Have you endorsed him?
Obama: “Yeah. I endorsed him a year and a half ago, got that out of the way quick.”
Makes me think that after the endorsement, Obama went outside to wipe off whatever material he had on the bottom of his shoes.
You needn’t be concerned, Senator, you should be worried.
Comment by Walking Wounded Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:36 am
Wounded and Austin are on target. Maybe Obama ought to “follow” the issue a little more closely since he endorsed Bag-O-Chips, and he knows full well that when he speaks, the lemmings follow. With leadership comes responsibility!
Comment by LakeILGOP Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 10:49 am
Congratulations on the Aldermem for voting themselves a pay raise! Also, I wonder how many suburbanites will fill the payrolls for local Bix Box stores! That’d be fitting.
Comment by Wumpus Extremus Maximus Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:01 am
There is a consiracy therory going around.It goes like this.Mike Madigan would like to slip it to AROD so he will lose the election.Then JBT wil get in and raise taxes which will make people mad but will help pay the bills.Then in 4 years Lisa will come riding in like a white knight to help the poor over taxed people of Illinois and get elected governor.Is Lisa Madigan reviewing AROD saying no to the papers thr press wants them to release on these investigations part of this.
Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:13 am
I gotta give Republicans credit (their props); they are consistently persistent with their political enemies, attack-attack, and attack some more with their “contemptuous (looking down their nose with a smirk on their faces that says I am better than you)” behavior and conduct concerning “allegations.” I know that you all don’t understand what that means to people who do not think the way you do, but “we” see it on your faces (ever here the cliche-a picture’s worth a thousand words). A lot of folks on the right prop themselves up as being leaders, smart, etc. From what I have seen and heard on blogs, news, and speeches from “right-wingers” isn’t leading, it’s preaching to the choir. Leaders bring people with different ideas to the table and work to bring them to some middle ground. Of course, if no middle ground can be reached, “preach to the choir.” Remember, numbers count!
Comment by SilverBackDemocrat Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:22 am
Let’s see here . . . . how many budgets up to this date has the governor really been able to have a serious effect upon in an effort to get us out of the incredible mess he walked into?
How many did the Reps write that got us into the mess in the first place.
Yep, just what we need is Good Ol’ Girl Judy in there doing things the good ol’ way again. That’ll make everything well - just like when Good Ol’ George was taking care of things for us. Ahhhh nostalgia, nostalgia.
Comment by blue Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:24 am
Downstate is right. Mike Madigan’s priority will be to get a tax increase or other major revenue source in place BEFORE Lisa is elected governor. So look for him to squeeze whoever wins this gubernatorial election to set up an easy term for his daughter. Ain’t it nice to have a doting dad?
Comment by Upstate Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:25 am
State Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office is reviewing whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be publicly releasing the federal subpoenas his administration receives as part of an investigation of his hiring practices.
THE TIME IS NOW!
THAT IS, IF THERE’S NOTHING TO HIDE?
Comment by Timbuktu Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:26 am
I didn’t realize Democrats never attacked their enemies SilverBack, thanks for the update. Thanks for the laugh!
Comment by James Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:26 am
Downstate: good theory, but here is another one. The Madigan/Blago fix is in. Blago gets a pass from Madigan now. But he only gets four more years. Then he’s off to try his hand at VP or whatever goals he has once he’s sucked this state dry for his own political goals. That clears the way for Lisa as gov. without her having to eviscerate Rod to bring in JBT. But, if you are right, Lisa better get in the game to help out the JBT camp. We need all the help we can get.
Comment by LakeILGOP Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:27 am
Surely the idea that someone working 40 hours a week working for one of the largest most profitable corporations in the World should make enough money to support their family, AND get healthcare is harbinger on much worse things to come. What’s next, is Joe Moore going to ban those fatty freedom fries?
Comment by The Red Menace From the 49th Ward Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:27 am
It is advantageous to Madigan to have Blago remain as governor. Should he get indicted while still in office, then the state central committee (gee, guess who controls it?) would appoint his successor. Then Daddy’s little girl slips in the back door, and runs a year later with the advantage of incumbancy. A JBT governorship would mean the D’s would have to conduct an open primary, and the mood is not in Daddy’s favor right now as far as nepotism is concerned.
Comment by Uncle Slappy Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:40 am
Brian Doherty of the 41st Ward, do us all a favor and quit calling yourself a Republican after you voted for the Big Box living wage ordinance.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:41 am
Mark Slappy’s words: Nothing majorly negative will eminate from the AG’s office against Blago prior to the election. Best bet: she will go after him like a pit bull in early 2007, and will be the great “corruption buster” who will be appointed to succeed him should he avoid a conviction prior to the completion of his second term.
Comment by Uncle Slappy Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:44 am
that is, should he NOT manage to avoid a conviction before completing his second term.
Comment by Uncle Slappy Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:47 am
Democrats do “attack” their political enemies, as they should (Buck-up!). The difference is that Democrats use “facts” to support their points, and they do not think they are “superior” to people who disagree with them like the Republicans do; like I said, Republicans show contempt on their faces, ie. I am better than you. I wish all Democrats would Buck-up when Republicans get out of pocket. When Democrats Buck-up, Republicans back-down because they realize-”whoa”, this person is a silver-back, “alpha-male or female” and get “scared.” First thing they do is call the person stupid or dumb, etc. Go back and look at this blog history, and you’ll see what I mean-it is a “fact.” I know Republicans don’t like facts, but you’ll figure it out!
Comment by SilverBackDemocrat Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:49 am
They use facts? Says who, you? Too funny! A blog is the last place I’d go to find facts on anything. But, whatever helps you get through the day I guess.
Comment by James Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:51 am
As you read here much earlier, a Blago loss would leave Judy B as a governor without funds and a democratic legislature without pity. No way is the new Governor going tobe able to avoid crucifying himself/herself on a cross of new taxes.
Likely first effort is to pass the alledged tax swap, ostensibly to get the schools more money, but actually to generate about $3B in new taxes outside he swap to help fund State government. That is the drop in property tx dollars and their replacement with income tax dollars is the cover. But the income tax increase on corporations and individuals will generate the surplus above. Hopefully while nobody is watching. There is a whole bunch o’goodies which the State can fund with that money. Hopefully, the first would be to pay off the medicaid backlog. But that amount of green clover is soooo tempting.
JudyB gets blamed and is a one term governor. Rod writes his autobiography and in the movie is played by Martin Short. Lisa is elected. She then replaces Dick Durbin, unless Barack is uploaded to Veep, in which case she goes to DC.
So many pleasant dreams, so little time.
Comment by Truthful James Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:52 am
It amuses me to think Blago might still be hoping for a V.P. nod or a presidential run. His missteps, blunders, and ever-changing stories make Bush look like a genius.
Then again, we Americans (and Illinoisans) aren’t really known for electing the BEST candidates, so maybe Rod has a shot… before he’s indicted, anyway.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 11:56 am
http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/politics/15135403.htm
If the Attorney General was asked to forward her investigation of corruption in the Gov’s office to the U.S Attorney she would also have to forward any request for information regarding subpeonas or the pending investigation to the U.S Attorney. The Attorney General has a conflict of interest in investigating the Governor’s administration or “the State of Illinois administration” pursuant to the U.S Attorney’s June 20th letter no matter what angle you look at it and all of the answers must now come from the federal gov’t even though they are silent. The AG cannot respond to those request mentioned in the above article.
U.S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald must respond to the request for freedom of information of the subpeonas
Comment by CONFLICT OF INTEREST Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:07 pm
SilverBack: Please review the correct use of quotation marks. Why are they present in your posts? It seems they are there for the same reasons I see all those ’s at the end of words that are simply plural rather than possessive. Wonderful products of the Chicago Public Schools?
Comment by Grammar Please Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:29 pm
Has anyone SERIOUSLY started a “Democrats for Topinka” group? If so, how can I join???
Comment by 312 Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:36 pm
Does anyone know of a website or newstory that shows how individual alderman voted on the big-box ordinance and/or other votes? All the stories I’ve seen just mention the final tallies of votes but never how specific people voted.
Comment by Lincoln Square Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:38 pm
Lincoln Square-the roll call vote is listed on the back page of the Cubune’s front section. Off the top of my head, I recall Tom Tunney & Vi Daley voting no. Helen Shiller, who used to be an independent, failed to vote.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:44 pm
Grammar please….give me a break, don’t you have anything better to do or offer???
Comment by GEM Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:45 pm
Tidbit from yesterday’s city council news: Alderman Burke has introduced an ordinance to issue $100 fines to people who smoke in cars with children present.
While I agree with the admirable goal of protecting the health of children, THAT should give my libertarian friends something to talk about for awhile.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:45 pm
Thanks. That’ll teach me to turn the paper over.
Comment by Lincoln Square Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:46 pm
Did anything occur on the dog/cafe ordinance yesterday? I saw Burton’s rantings, but no result. Was it introduced?
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 12:53 pm
Spoken and written language skills are important to clear and concise communication and discussion. How are we to debate the issues of the day if there is no clarity to what is being said? Poor language skills limit career and work possibilities.
Comment by Grammar Please Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 1:02 pm
Slappy, if I remember my civics class, if (when) Rod goes down, Quinn automatically steps up. If I’m correct, that raises an interesting situation for the Speaker, since in my opinion, a populist Quinn would be a formidable primary opponent for Lisa, providing that he has the ‘testicular verility’ to stay in the race.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 1:06 pm
The failure of someone to use quotation marks doesn’t prevent their point from being made…but I understand that you need to make yourself feel better grammar, so go right ahead.
Comment by Skeeeter Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 1:23 pm
Hey, Tony Peraica must think he’s serious stuff! His new D-2 shows him loaning over a half million bucks to his own campaign!
Now………if only he’d toss a few rolls of quarters to Stu Umholtz………..
Comment by Nichols N. Dimes Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 1:41 pm
SilverBack you are getting as redundant and boring with your “comment/message” as Cassandra. Maybe if you close your eyes and wish real hard, maybe click your heels too, then perhaps your message will become true. Until then file your right wing conspiracy theory regarding the attacks on poor innocent little Rod with the Kennedy assination and floride in the public water supply theories. Put your aluminum foil hat back on and go to your closet and work on a new message. Please!
Comment by Buck Flagojevich Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 4:23 pm
In Favor
Manuel Flores (1st)- 773-278-0101 mflores@cityofchicago.org
Toni Preckwinkle (4th)-773-536-8103- tpreckwinkle@cityofchicago.org
Freddrenna Lyle (6th)-773-846-7006- ward06@cityofchicago.org
Todd Stroger (8th)- 773-874-3300 tstroger@cityofchicago.org
Anthony Beale (9th)- 773-785-1100 abeale@cityofchicago.org
John Pope (10th)- 773-721-1999 jpope@cityofchicago.org
George Cardenas (12th)- 773-523-8250 ward12@cityofchicago.org
Frank Olivo (13th)
Edward Burke (14th)
Theodore Thomas (15th)-773-778-9609- ttthomas@cityofchicago.org
Shirley Coleman- (16th)-773-918-1670- sacoleman@cityofchicago.org
Latasha Thomas (17th)-
Thomas Murphy (18th)-
Virginia Rugai (19th)-
Ricardo Munoz (22nd)-
Michael Zalewski (23rd)-
Michael Chandler (24th)
Daniel Solis (25th)-
Billy Ocasio (26th)-
Walter Burnett Jr. (27th)-
Ed Smith (28th)-
Ariel Reboyras (30th)-
Ray Suarez (31st)-
Theodore Matlak (32nd)-
Richard Mell (33rd)-
Rey Colon (35th)-
William J.P. Banks (36th)-
Thomas Allen (38th)-
Margaret Laurino (39th)-
Patrick O’ Conner (40th)-
Brian Doherty (41st)-
Patrick Levar (45th)-
Eugene Schulter (47th)-
Mary Ann Smith (48th)-
Joe Moore (49th)-
Opposed
Madeline Haithcock (2nd)- 312-913-0222 mhaithcock@cityofchicago.org
Dorothy Tillman (3rd)- 773-373-3228 dtillman@cityofchicago.org
Leslie Hairston (5th)- 773-324-5555 lhairston@cityofchicago.org
William Beavers (7th)- 773-731-1515 wbeavers@cityofchicago.org
James Balcer (11th)-773-254-6677 jbalcer@cityofchicago.org
Arenda Troutman (20th)-
Howard Brookins Jr. (21st)-
Isaac Carothers (29th)-
Carrie Austin (34th)-
Emma Mitts (37th)-
Burton Natarus (42nd)-
Vi Daley (43rd)-
Thomas Tunney (44th)-
Bernard Stone (50th)-
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 4:50 pm
Hey Buck 4:23 - that was good. Too funny.
Comment by Anon. Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 5:03 pm
Hey ‘312’(12:36 pm) post. If you find out where to sign up let me know. I also know a whole bunch of statewide state workers (with friends and families) that are toying with the idea of getting ‘Go Judy Go’ or ‘Team Judy’ t-shirts.
Comment by state worker A Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 6:19 pm
What was the vote on the pay raise? Anyone know?
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Jul 27, 06 @ 6:27 pm