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* Lynn Sweet: Clinton files 15,000, Obama files 55,000 signatures to get on Illinois ballot (and delegate list)

* Obama, Clinton try for top spot on the state ballot

* Early primary gives Illinois a bigger say

Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar said Illinois Republicans are likely to gain more from the early primary than Democrats. With the GOP nomination up for grabs and no favorite son in the Republican field, the entire array of candidates is more likely to come courting Illinois voters.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve really been involved in the primary,” said Edgar. “This gives the Republicans in particular a chance to have some input in the presidential race.”

* Editorial: Delays in Ryan going to prison test trust of Illinoisans

In case you have lost track, it has been nearly four years since former Gov. George Ryan was indicted for misdeeds while he was secretary of state and governor.

He was convicted of all charges - racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, false statements, tax fraud and filing a false tax return - more than 18 months ago.

He was sentenced to 6½ years in a federal prison more than a year ago.

And still he hasn’t served a day of that sentence.

* Editorial: Take a moment to reflect on ill conceived law

* Atheist suit fails to block moment of silence but case will proceed; more here
* Bush to bestow top civilian honor to Congressmen Hyde

* Daley slams city’s low minority contract numbers

* Dawn Turner Trice: On rougue cops, Daley misses bigger point

* Sun-Times Editorial: Let Children’s hospital plan fly

* Politicians protest tax hike proposals

* County Board members get 27% hike for offices, some say they’ve scrimped enough

* Illinois 47 study is gaining steam

* IlliniPundit: Facebook campaigns

* The Thicket: More on bloggers press credentials

Allowing the correspondents’ association to manage press credentials is a classic approach to occupational licensing–let the incumbents control entry to the profession. I’ve never paid much attention to the subject of press credentials in legislatures. When I looked this subject up in Inside the Legislative Process, I found that it’s a fairly common practice: press associations determine accreditation of reporters in 27 of the 99 state legislative chambers.

As the saga of bloggers’ press credentials unfolds, it will be interesting to see if bloggers are less likely to get press credentials in chambers where the press associations are responsible for accreditation than from others (presiding officers, rules committees or appropriate staff offices) who perform this task.

* Chicago Public Radio: New direction for Northwestern’s J-school

* Zorn: Are you smarter than a retired pundit?

* PeoriaPundit: Last call for blogger bash

* The Thicket: Hawaii capitol ghost stories and other Halloween foolery

posted by Paul Richardson
Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 8:57 am

Comments

You gotta wonder if Madigan set Blagojevich for the hit he is going to take on the CTA bill. Looks like the house is going to vote on a bill for a miniscule retail tax increase to fund CTA and RTA. If the bill passes Blagojevich is in trouble. The only support he has left is in the city and minority neighborhoods. If he doesn’t sign the bill and the CTA goes down in flames they are going to be screaming for his blood.

Comment by Lula May Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 9:07 am
Wow, 27% increase at a time when they are proposing tax hikes like crazy?

Sadly, the arrogance does not shock or surprise me.

The C(r)ook county board has not let me down yet.

Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 9:43 am
Now Wumpus, you seem to be forgetting that the Cook County Commissioners and their staffs are likely handling at least 27% more work these days, simply from having to deal with the never-ending disasters caused by the administration of Toddler Stroger.

Comment by fedup dem Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 11:10 am
Bloggers aren’t journalists.

Comment by Papelbon Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 11:17 am
Papelbon, don’t you have something better to do in DuPage than rag on bloggers and commenters with your little drive-by comments? Try posting a full thought for a change.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 11:19 am
I get more accurate, timely, comprehensive and unvarnished unspun info here in one hour than from the MSM in a full news cycle.

There are dozens of posters here (even using multiple handles) that are more experienced and informed beyond anything seen even a few years ago.

So, I am glad bloggers “aren’t journalists,” Papelbon, whoever you are.

Comment by Jerry Sharko Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 12:36 pm
“The law does not specify the length of time, so as little as 10 seconds will work.”

.0000000001 nanoseconds is also a “moment” and schools already give a virtually infinite number of these moments to students already.

IlliniPundit wrote, “This is an interesting campaign technique, one which I’m sure has been much more utilized by Democrats than Republicans.”

Pioneered by Greens. You’re welcome.

Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Oct 30, 07 @ 2:12 pm