It seems like State Senator Terry Link may just get his ultimate wish of a casino in Lake County after all, although Governor Pat Quinn may be a bit of a stumbling block, as it turns out.
Quinn is on record saying he is opposed to major gambling expansion as the bill passed by the State House just yesterday appears to do, with a new Chicago casino and several others, including one in Lake County. Link obviously knows he has some work to do on Quinn, as noted by the Chicago Tribune:
Quinn supports a Chicago casino but has criticized a much broader gambling expansion. "We're not going to do that. I will never support that," Quinn said two weeks ago.
Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, the Senate sponsor of the gambling package, said he and Quinn "started our preliminary discussions, and I think we'll continue those discussions."
It's clear that Link has been fixated on getting a casino in his district for years. Will a Lake County casino be a good thing? Here's your chance to weigh in.
UPDATED 6/1/11 7:00 am: As you probably know by now, the Senate voted yesterday to approve the new gambling bill which greatly increases the number of casinos and gambling positions in Illinois -- now all it needs is Governor Quinn's signature to become law. State Senator Terry Link has already been taking his victory lap and no doubt figuring out how he will take political control of the Park City casino that is provided for in the legislation.
But, maybe not so fast. Few articles I have read so far acknowledge that Governor Quinn has a line-item veto power -- except this one in the News-Sun -- so, conceivably, Quinn could snuff out the Park City casino with a stroke of his sharp pen. That scenario may or may not come to pass -- Quinn has opposed expansion of gambling in the past, so one might conjecture that lopping off some of the 'suburban' casinos with a line-item veto, but passing the main part of the legislation for a Chicago casino, might be an acceptable compromise for him. Of course, even the line-item veto could be overridden by a supermajority of the General Assembly, but if only a few of the casinos were removed, would the disenfranchised ones have enough supporters to make it back through the GA with the required votes? Who knows, until it happens, if it does.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Three War Memorial Day Makes A Good Time for Extra Reflection
Before everyone gets ready for parades and barbecues today, let's all make sure we remember (and teach our kids) what this day is all about.Here are the words of one American commander in Afghanistan that seem especially appropriate and say it far better than I could:
"We reflect on those who have gone before us. We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation," said Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, who commands a Marine division in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. "We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice. They are committed to something greater than themselves and they muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle."
For anyone keeping track, over 1400 American troops have been killed in Afghanistan, and 4,400 died in Iraq (we still have over 46,000 troops there, although officially combat has ended. Those troops there are supposed to be on mop-up detail, but it's still hot and there's no McDonald's, no matter what the mission).
In Libya, there are no ground troops yet, but reportedly the CIA has teams in Libya. So, the administration can call this anything but a "war" all it wants (what exactly is a "kinetic military action" anyway?), but rhetoric can't change reality.
In a world where it seems that no matter what the reluctance of folks like President Obama to engage in defending freedoms throughout the world... kinda like being, I don't know... the "World Police"... the state of the world means that we continue to have a great responsibility to send troops overseas to protect our interests and fight for freedom. And that reality doesn't appear to be ending any time soon.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
More Dems Line Up for Run at IL-10 (UPDATED X2)
We don't even know what the 10th Congressional District in Illinois will look like, but the Dems are already lining up for a crack at freshman Congressman Bob Dold, in anticipation that the new map will give the already challenging (for a Republican) voter base a boost in the Dem's direction. The latest entrant is Brad Schneider, whose name I heard thrown out a few weeks back. His campaign website is here. There is very little content on the site so far, but at least he sounds a little bit more mainstream than the first declared Dem candidate, Ilya Sheyman, who we discussed a while back. And, unlike Dan Seals, Schneider actually seems to have been employed the last few years.
Assuming that the word on the street is correct that the 10th will be drawn to more heavily favor Democrats, you can bet that there will be additional entrants into the race... perhaps even State Senator Susan Garrett or Lauren Beth Gash. Stay tuned...
UPDATED 5/26/11 9:00 pm: The Tribune Clout St. Blog has an article up with the latest in speculation/inside scoop on the Congressional remap circus. We've been hearing speculation for weeks that Bob Dold would be drawn inside Jan Schakowsky's 9th District. Insert your own Dan Seals joke here.
UPDATED X2 5/27/9:00 AM: The Senate version of the Congressional Map is now available. If this sticks, at least I don't have to change my blog name. But remember that this is not the final word, campers.
Assuming that the word on the street is correct that the 10th will be drawn to more heavily favor Democrats, you can bet that there will be additional entrants into the race... perhaps even State Senator Susan Garrett or Lauren Beth Gash. Stay tuned...
UPDATED 5/26/11 9:00 pm: The Tribune Clout St. Blog has an article up with the latest in speculation/inside scoop on the Congressional remap circus. We've been hearing speculation for weeks that Bob Dold would be drawn inside Jan Schakowsky's 9th District. Insert your own Dan Seals joke here.
UPDATED X2 5/27/9:00 AM: The Senate version of the Congressional Map is now available. If this sticks, at least I don't have to change my blog name. But remember that this is not the final word, campers.
Republican Steve Newton Announces for Lake County Coroner's Race
The challenge to replace disgraced Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller is going to be one of the more interesting county-wide races this year. As regular readers know, the county coroner's office has been caught up in several scandals and has been the victim of massive mismanagement under Keller's tenure. Whether the office will get straightened out under new appointee Artis Yancey is open to speculation, but he certainly can't do worse than Keller.
As far as I know, there is no indication yet from Yancey as to whether he will run for the office (assumedly as a Democrat) in 2012. But, meanwhile, Republicans are lining up to try to win back the office.
I received the following press release from one of these hopefuls, Steve Newton of Antioch, who worked for former and much-loved Coroner Barbara Richardson. Newton has a kick-off fundraiser coming up in June:
Steve Newton, of Antioch Township, is announcing his candidacy for the office of Lake County Coroner. He will be seeking the nomination as a Republican.
Newton has been involved in public service for the citizens of Lake County since 1991. In 2000, Newton was hired as a Deputy Coroner under former Coroner Barbara Richardson. After the retirement of Richardson and under the leadership of Coroner Jim Wipper, Steve was appointed Chief Deputy Coroner where he remained and served until 2007. He currently works for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
Newton is focusing his campaign on bringing integrity, respect and compassion back to the Lake County Coroner’s office. He brings hundreds of hours of specialized training and years of experience as an administrator inside the Coroner’s office to his platform.
“Throughout my seventeen years in public service, I have been afforded the privilege to serve the people of Lake County,” Newton stated. “During my tenure with the Lake County Coroner’s office, I had the opportunity to assist families at the worst possible times in their lives. Our focus was to ease the burdens that come with the death of a loved one and take every step possible to ensure families were provided the answers to questions that often surround a loved ones death expeditiously.” He added that, “Cooperation with area police and fire departments, as well as medical facilities and funeral homes across the county has suffered”, going on to say, “ I will make every effort to rebuild those relationships to what they once were when elected.”
As far as I know, there is no indication yet from Yancey as to whether he will run for the office (assumedly as a Democrat) in 2012. But, meanwhile, Republicans are lining up to try to win back the office.
I received the following press release from one of these hopefuls, Steve Newton of Antioch, who worked for former and much-loved Coroner Barbara Richardson. Newton has a kick-off fundraiser coming up in June:
Steve Newton, of Antioch Township, is announcing his candidacy for the office of Lake County Coroner. He will be seeking the nomination as a Republican.
Newton has been involved in public service for the citizens of Lake County since 1991. In 2000, Newton was hired as a Deputy Coroner under former Coroner Barbara Richardson. After the retirement of Richardson and under the leadership of Coroner Jim Wipper, Steve was appointed Chief Deputy Coroner where he remained and served until 2007. He currently works for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
Newton is focusing his campaign on bringing integrity, respect and compassion back to the Lake County Coroner’s office. He brings hundreds of hours of specialized training and years of experience as an administrator inside the Coroner’s office to his platform.
“Throughout my seventeen years in public service, I have been afforded the privilege to serve the people of Lake County,” Newton stated. “During my tenure with the Lake County Coroner’s office, I had the opportunity to assist families at the worst possible times in their lives. Our focus was to ease the burdens that come with the death of a loved one and take every step possible to ensure families were provided the answers to questions that often surround a loved ones death expeditiously.” He added that, “Cooperation with area police and fire departments, as well as medical facilities and funeral homes across the county has suffered”, going on to say, “ I will make every effort to rebuild those relationships to what they once were when elected.”
Monday, May 23, 2011
State Senator Dan Duffy Continues to Buck the Establishment on Cushy Political Board Appointments
The Decatur Herald-Review has an in-depth article today examining the often low-work, high-paying jobs that are given largely to the politically connected here in Illinois -- many of which pay six figure salaries for not a lot of work. The article also features our own State Senator Dan Duffy, who has carved a bit of a niche for himself by calling a spade a spade whenever one of these cushy jobs gets filled by yet another political hack:
Duffy has made a habit in the past few years opposing one proposed board appointment after another while pointing out whatever political connection the appointee has.
"When I started talking about this, people told me, off the record, ‘This is what the majority party does, gives spouses and supporters these positions,' " Duffy said last week. "I'm getting flack from all sides. It makes everyone uncomfortable when I stand up and point this stuff out."
Consistently, Duffy also called out Governor Quinn for his ill-advised appointment of three-time lose Dan Seals to a six figure state job, whose job responsibilities are... shall we say... unclear. But that's OK, 'cause so are Seals' qualifications for the post.
Ah, Illinois, Illinois. When shall come the day of our deliverance from this cesspool of insider gladhanding and back-scratching? If only we had 15 more Senator Duffys in Springfield calling bullshit whenever the powerbrokers on both sides of the aisle tried this stuff, we'd be in much better shape as a state.
Duffy has made a habit in the past few years opposing one proposed board appointment after another while pointing out whatever political connection the appointee has.
"When I started talking about this, people told me, off the record, ‘This is what the majority party does, gives spouses and supporters these positions,' " Duffy said last week. "I'm getting flack from all sides. It makes everyone uncomfortable when I stand up and point this stuff out."
Consistently, Duffy also called out Governor Quinn for his ill-advised appointment of three-time lose Dan Seals to a six figure state job, whose job responsibilities are... shall we say... unclear. But that's OK, 'cause so are Seals' qualifications for the post.
Ah, Illinois, Illinois. When shall come the day of our deliverance from this cesspool of insider gladhanding and back-scratching? If only we had 15 more Senator Duffys in Springfield calling bullshit whenever the powerbrokers on both sides of the aisle tried this stuff, we'd be in much better shape as a state.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Calls for "More Makers, Less Takers" At Lake County Republican Federation Spring Dinner (UPDATED)
At the 49th Annual Lake County Republican Federation Spring Gala, well over 500 people came to share fellowship and hear new RNC Chairman Reince Priebus talk about his life story, and how he pledged to help make Barack Obama a one-term president. Federation President Sandy Stuart introduced Priebus, who told the energized crowd, "This country needs more makers and less takers!" Priebus's comments were followed by speeches from 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh and 10th District Congressman Bob Dold. The program was topped off by the presentation of the Robert J. Milton Award to former Lake County Republican Federation Executive Director Ant Simonian. Some pix are below.Stay tuned for plans for next year's 50th Annual Dinner celebration!!!
UPDATED 5/23/11 11:00 am: Fellow blogger Nancy Thorner has a great play-by-play description of the evening's events up at Illinois Rewview, with lots more detail on the substance of Reince Priebu's speech than we are able to provide here, so go check it out. Thanks Nancy!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Much Ado About the New Map (UPDATED WITH HOUSE MAP)
I was tied up yesterday, but while I was otherwise occupied, the Illinois Senate Democrats released their new District Map.
While many, especially Republicans, are flipping out about this, I would counsel people to take a breath. First of all, we have not yet seen the house map, and the two need to be reconciled.
More importantly, anyone redistricted out of their old district can run in a new one if any portion of the new district contains some of the old, if I understand the rules correctly. A winner would then have a certain period to move into the new district somewhere to be eligible to run for re-election.
So, campers, it's not the end of the world. And let's remember that the current map was also drawn by the Dems, and we've gained back some ground even in the State Senate, notably by booting Michael Bond.
So, let's see how things unfold. I have a lot of optimism that a re-energized GOP is going to do just fine in the next cycle, in spite of (or perhaps because) of the Obamawonder at the top of the ticket.
See many of you at the Federation Spring Gala tonight!
UPDATED: 5/21/11: We had a great night at the Republican Spring Gala last night, featuring RNC Chairman Reince Preibus (pictures will be coming soon), and we were surprised by the appearance of our GOP state legislators (Sid Mathias, Ed Sullivan, Jr., and Sandy Cole), who we hadn't expected to make it due to their being in session. Turns out, they canceled the session for the weekend, and sent all the legislators out of Springfield... and then they released the House map. Figures. So here it is. Here's some of the early reaction, from the Trib and the Illinois Statehouse News.
While many, especially Republicans, are flipping out about this, I would counsel people to take a breath. First of all, we have not yet seen the house map, and the two need to be reconciled.
More importantly, anyone redistricted out of their old district can run in a new one if any portion of the new district contains some of the old, if I understand the rules correctly. A winner would then have a certain period to move into the new district somewhere to be eligible to run for re-election.
So, campers, it's not the end of the world. And let's remember that the current map was also drawn by the Dems, and we've gained back some ground even in the State Senate, notably by booting Michael Bond.
So, let's see how things unfold. I have a lot of optimism that a re-energized GOP is going to do just fine in the next cycle, in spite of (or perhaps because) of the Obamawonder at the top of the ticket.
See many of you at the Federation Spring Gala tonight!
UPDATED: 5/21/11: We had a great night at the Republican Spring Gala last night, featuring RNC Chairman Reince Preibus (pictures will be coming soon), and we were surprised by the appearance of our GOP state legislators (Sid Mathias, Ed Sullivan, Jr., and Sandy Cole), who we hadn't expected to make it due to their being in session. Turns out, they canceled the session for the weekend, and sent all the legislators out of Springfield... and then they released the House map. Figures. So here it is. Here's some of the early reaction, from the Trib and the Illinois Statehouse News.
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