Mr. Smith Went to Washington. Mr. Duffy Went to Springfield.

Last night at the Prairie Grove Village Hall, State Senator Dan Duffy talked about Springfield. The more I heard, the more it reminded me of the principal character in black and white movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Duffy managed … Continue reading

Jack Franks Votes Against Allowing Bill He Co-Sponsors Get to House Floor

That’s what an article on BND.com (serving Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis region) says. What’s the legislation? House Bill 6200, a Democrat Party bill limiting campaign contributions to legislative leaders. “Even Reps. Karen May and Jack Franks, Democratic sponsors … Continue reading

Kirk Dillard Woos McHenry County Women

Billing himself as the only non-millionaire in the race for the Republican nomination for governor, State Senator Kirk Dillard spoke to mainly women at Crystal Lake’s 1776 restaurant Tuesday morning. He related having received this advice from his former boss, … Continue reading

Jack Franks Off to Ireland after Son’s Bar Mitzvah

Springfield political columnist Bernie (OK, Bernard) Schoenburg of Springfield’s State Journal-Register flushed out details of why State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) hasn’t announced his future political plans. Part, he points out, is probably because of his son Henry’s bar mitzvah … Continue reading

Art Turner Gets Half of His Wish

Yesterday I wrote more stories about Springfield than I ever have before in one day. I covered Mike Tryon’s campaign sign bill, Jack Franks’ recall constitutional amendment and the John Cullerton/James Meeks’ 67% income tax hike/ services sales tax imposition … Continue reading

Senate Democrats Pass Income Tax, Sales Hikes, Four New Casinos

A 50% income tax hike was not high enough. Slot machines in every convenience store and tavern wouldn’t tempt enough people. Senate Democrats caved into the Rev. and Senator James Meeks’ goal and voted 31-27-1 to raise income tax rates … Continue reading

Pro-Lifers Meet in Crystal Lake

A roomful of Northern Illinois Pro-Lifers met at Mama Rini’s Restaurant Saturday for breakfast to hear Illinois Citizens for Life lobbyist Ralph Rivera explain what happened during the election and what how the group’s cause could be advanced. “We have … Continue reading

Pro-Lifers Meet in Crystal Lake

A roomful of Northern Illinois Pro-Lifers met at Mama Rini’s Restaurant Saturday for breakfast to hear Illinois Citizens for Life lobbyist Ralph Rivera explain what happened during the election and what how the group’s cause could be advanced. “We have … Continue reading

Bill Gentes Pulls in $75,000

Bill Gentes must be smiling today. In fact, he may still be dancing the Snoopy happy dance. Late yesterday afternoon, he reported receiving $75,000. $50,000 came from The Senate Democratic Victory Fund, run by Chicago State Senator John Cullerton. Cullerton, … Continue reading

Bill Gentes Pulls in $75,000

Bill Gentes must be smiling today. In fact, he may still be dancing the Snoopy happy dance. Late yesterday afternoon, he reported receiving $75,000. $50,000 came from The Senate Democratic Victory Fund, run by Chicago State Senator John Cullerton. Cullerton, … Continue reading