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* 10:14 am - The betting was that Sen. Sullivan wouldn’t run for Ray LaHood’s open seat. The district is pretty Republican, Sullivan lives far outside the media center of Peoria and he’s up for re-election next year….

State Sen. John Sullivan, a Rushville Democrat, won’t run for the 18th District Congressional seat that U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood is vacating.

Sullivan previously had indicated he was considering a run for the office.

Sullivan, who made the announcement this morning in a news release, said he would seek re-election to his 47th State Senate District seat next year.

“Right now, I’m where I want and need to be, and I plan to continue working hard to serve the poeple of western Illinois,” he said.

* 11:42 am - Dr. Steven Sauerberg just kicked off his GOP campaign for US Senate vs. Dick Durbin. Eric Krol calls him “slippery” in his bloggy type thing headline…

# He’s “pro baby” and “pro woman,” and thinks women should be allowed to get abortions under certain circumstances. But he declined to say what those circumstances are.

# He doesn’t know how he would have voted on the federal minimum wage increase Durbin supported.

# Sauerberg’s got a plan to provide health insurance to the uninsured, but wouldn’t release the details and said he’s opposed to socialized medicine because it won’t work. […]

On the charisma scale, Sauerberg was slightly north of Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna Jr. when he ran for Senate in the 2004 primary.

Ouch.

* 11:59 am - The Senate has adjourned for the day without doing anythng. The House convenes at 3 pm.

* 12:39 pm - The governor showed up unexpectedly today at House GOP Leader Tom Cross’ office to deliver a present. Cross’ birthday was yesterday. Better late than never, I suppose. The present was a book.

A Cross aide said he doubted that anything substantive was discussed. The governor spoke briefly to reporters afterwards, but didn’t really move the ball forward. He reiterated that he wants a 30-day budget as the talks continue on a 12-monther, and said state workers shouldn’t be “pawns” in the budget process.

The four legislative leaders are meeting at Sen. Jones’ office at the moment.

* 12:53 pm - A 3:30 Statehouse press conference will be held by the IFT, the IEA the IL AFL-CIO and possibly others to discuss “Sustainable, reliable revenue to fund schools and vital state services.”

I’m taking an educated guess that this may be at least partially about a late push for an income tax hike.

* 1:25 pm - Timmy Ryan’s obituary, service announcements and donation address…

Timothy P. Ryan, 45, of Springfield died at 10:49 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2007, at St. John’s Hospital.

Timothy was born Dec. 31, 1961, in Springfield, the son of Donald J. Ryan and Judith A. Bryant. Timothy was a 1980 graduate of Washington High School. He was previously employed by the state of Illinois.

Timothy was a fun loving, caring guy who was always making new friends. While at the state, he played Santa Claus for many years at several state agency Christmas parties and delivered gifts to children in the local area. He enjoyed chess and spending time with friends.

He is survived by his father, Donald J. Ryan of Springfield; mother, Judith A. (husband, David) Caldwell of Pleasanton, Calif.; two sisters, Melissa Roth of Frisco, Texas, and Kristi (husband, John) Hausmann of Pleasanton, Calif.; a brother, Kevin (wife, Carol Bolton) Ryan of Auburn; grandparents, Betty Angwin of Riverton, Annabelle Bryant of Springfield and Bill and Gloria Caldwell of Okeechobee, Fla.; several aunts, uncles and cousins; seven nieces; and two nephews.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Monsignor John R. Ossola officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of St. John’s Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, 62769; or Washington Street Mission, 408 N. Fourth St., Springfield, IL 62702. Please visit Timothy’s online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

My most vivid memory of Timmy Ryan happened when when he was the bar-back at Play it Again Sam’s…

Me: Could you have the bartender get me a gin and tonic, please?

Timmy: Gin and Tonic?!! That’s a woman’s drink!!!

Me: OK, then put it in a dirty glass.

* 1:54 pm - Ryan Hermes reports that there may have been some trouble at the leaders meeting today. Less than an hour after it started, “the two GOP leaders, Tom Cross and Frank Watson, reportedly ’stormed’ out.”

* 2:02 pm - Tom Cross’ spokesman: “The meeting was over and he left.” No drama, no controversy at the leaders meeting, according to Dring.

* 2:17 pm - At the moment, at least, it doesn’t appear that the four tops will meet with the governor today.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:16 am

Comments

Sullivan couldnt win. It needs to be someone from Peoria. I believe Koehler is the person. He has a good background for the District. Religious and a strong record on health care.

With the way Madigan seems to be trying to defeat Emil’s targets (Forby), the Senate Dems cant afford to lose the Sullivan seat.

Comment by Mr Brown Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:23 am
The way the district is shaped, Sullivan likely couldn’t win, though he would be a great candidate. Jim Watson on the Republican side would be a fine candidate, also, but he has ruled out a run. Two good guys on opposite sides of the road who could serve the district well and neither has a chance to win. Sad, really.

Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:24 am
New name…
New ideas…
breath of fresh air…
Rich Kriegsman

Comment by Siyotanka Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:32 am
Smart man.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:34 am
Tell me more about Rich Kriegsman

Comment by Former State Employee Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 10:56 am
Koehler is a windsock. When Blago first proposed the GRT Koehler enthusiastically supported it. Then someone behind the scenes (Caterpillar?) must have gotten a hold of him as he expressed serious doubts a few days later. He was also a flip-flopper on the rate freeze issue. Koehler needs time to define what he believes in and to prove he can stand on his own without Shadid before he campaigns for another office.

Comment by Central Illinoisan Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:00 am
There is someone who won election after election from a Republican State Rep district in the 18th CD — Bill Edley. I think he could emerge as a strong, issue-oriented candidate with a smart message that appeals to labor and agriculture as well as the county of Peoria.

Comment by Values Matter Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:04 am
Independent “smart” businessman
Young…mid/late 50’s… His father John was State Rep. during the 60’s, from Pekin. Owns and runs Kriegsman Warehouses in Pekin. Aside…an accomplished musician and CW buff.

Comment by Siyotanka Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:06 am
Politics aside, Senator Sullivan is a decent and thoughtful man, but I agree with the posts that he would have a hard time in that particular district.

Comment by Bass Man Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:30 am
Running against Durbin is a fools errand

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:54 am
it will be a fun 1 to watch. It will be interesting to see who cat picks to be their next congressman

Comment by The Horse Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 11:57 am
Oh no! The senate has adjourned again - without accomplishing anything. I must be naive because I believed Speaker Madigan when he said they would be done Monday or Tuesday. President Jones said a budget could be passed this week. I’m going to keep the faith that this mess can all be done by Saturday. I’m not angry; just tired!

Comment by legislative hostage Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 12:12 pm
This just in…Dr. Steven Sauerberg has called another press conference in which he’ll announce that he’s already conceded to Dick Durbin.

Comment by News Flash Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 12:17 pm
In all truth, the Illinois GOP should be really worried about who they run against Durbin. If they take this primary for granted, knowing that they will lose big next November — they might well get “1986′d” and have a candidate at the top of the ballot that they definitely do not want. It is something they should be concerned about.

train111

Comment by train111 Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 12:36 pm
Least someone has the guts to take on the most liberal Senator in the US.

Comment by GOP'r Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 12:57 pm
Hey Rich, is it true the book was a lst edition of PeterPressRlease’s biography “Humpty Dumpty in the New Millenium” ????
Let’s start telling the whole story
Where’s Paul when we need him???

Comment by Mr. W.T. Rush Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 1:15 pm
I wonder what book Gov. Blagojevich got for rep. Cross? Maybe something like “Promptness Is a Virtue?” Nah!

Comment by fedup dem Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 1:17 pm
Sullivan could have won. I think he fits Peoria values fairly well.

If Darin LaHood is not picked to run, it’s Aaron Schock’s race to lose. If Darin runs, all of his dad’s backers, donors and employees will support him, which could spell doom for any prospective Schock candidacy.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 1:57 pm
how come people only “storm out” never “storm in” to a meeting? let’s get this thing done dudes. i’ve never kept a job where i was 60 days late coming up with my one major project. storm in there and, if i may, git-r-done.

Comment by Pingback Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 2:00 pm
Speaking as a liberal Democrat, I think LaHood’s retirement is a real loss. I recall him as a voice of civility in a House of Represntatives dominated by fierce ideologues like Tom Delay.

Whoever runs against Durbin is a dead duck/sacrificial lamb. 2008 is not going to be a good year for Republican candidates, especially non-incumbents.

I believe Dick Durbin will eventually succeed Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader. I assume even Republicans might agree that this would be good for our State, despite serious ideological differences.

Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 3:08 pm
“Sauerberg’s got a plan to provide health insurance to the uninsured, but wouldn’t release the details and said he’s opposed to socialized medicine because it won’t work.”

What the heck does he mean by “socialized medicine?” Is he trying to confuse people, or is he just not well educated on this topic? “Socialized medicine” sounds so me like what they’ve got over in the United Kingdom, where all of the providers are government employees. That’s a lot different than “nationalized” health INSURANCE, like they have in Canada–otherwise known as single-PAYER universal healthcare (We might simply call it “Medicare for all.”) This is a system which has already been PROVEN to work well, in countries throughout the world–it is our healthcare system that is failing–not theirs.

“The present was a book.”

Anyone know WHAT book? I’m sure that it could not have been Dale Carnegeie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. That would be ironic.

“A 3:30 Statehouse press conference will be held by the IFT, the IEA the IL AFL-CIO and possibly others to discuss ‘Sustainable, reliable revenue to fund schools and vital state services.’”

You know something? The IFT, IEA, and AFL-CIO can bite me. They had a perfect candidate for Governor in 2006–Rich Whitney–and they refused to endorse him. They get what they deserve for using a stupid and arbitrary “electability” standard that prevents them from doing anything other than reinforcing the status quo. I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised–these unions hardly advocate for workers anymore with all their “business unionism.” They might as well be trade associations.

“At the moment, at least, it doesn’t appear that the four tops will meet with the governor today.”

The four tops? I like that. I’m sure this must be a reference to the fact that they just keep going around and around and around and around…

“Running against Durbin is a fools errand”

Durbin needs competition. All candidates do. In my opinion, Durbin has done next to nothing to oppose the continued occupation of Iraq; and why isn’t he calling for impeachment of the President when it is so obvious that the grounds exist?

Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 3:30 pm
Enough of this Springfield silliness … 17th St. Bar & Grill has just been named one of the 3 bst rib places in the US by Bon Appetit magazine. How soon will Rod and Jack Lavin call a press conference to take credit for DCEO efforts that made the honor possible???

Comment by jaundiced eye Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 3:31 pm
Wow,

enjoy your summers in Springfield.

Here is a interesting question, would a long term lack of a budget impact payments that need to be made for bonds? A

Comment by OneManBlog Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 3:32 pm
I’m closing this post. It’s getting too long. Go here instead.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 1, 07 @ 3:33 pm