McHenry County Blog

Below is a press release that arrived from the Illinois Libertarian Party. It’s political point is that, with a Republican governor in jail and a Democratic one about to be indicted,

“It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties.”

MR. PRESIDENT, RETAIN FITZGERALD

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (“LP Illinois”) strongly urges President Barack Obama to retain Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney.

With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.

Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence.

In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.

It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time.

This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens’ trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out.

President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.

Below is a press release that arrived from the Illinois Libertarian Party. It’s political point is that, with a Republican governor in jail and a Democratic one about to be indicted,

“It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties.”

MR. PRESIDENT, RETAIN FITZGERALD

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (“LP Illinois”) strongly urges President Barack Obama to retain Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney.

With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.

Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence.

In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.

It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time.

This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens’ trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out.

President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.

Here’s what might be an interesting development.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald spoke at the mid-year graduation ceremony at Peoria’s Bradly University this weekend.

That’s what this Chicago Tribune media story reports.

Peoria is not in the court district in which Fitzgerald serves.

If one were thinking about running for statewide public office, someone like Fitzgerald would be trying to make himself known through Illinois.

Could this be an leading indicator that Patrick Fitzgerald might be willing to run for office?

If he wanted to take that leap, following in the footsteps of Jim Thompson, who seemed to lust for the office of governor long before he left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this might be Fitzgerald’s first step.

Would he run as a Republican or a Democrat?

Or, as independent?

No one I know has a clue where he stands on any issue but public corruption.

Here’s what might be an interesting development.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald spoke at the mid-year graduation ceremony at Peoria’s Bradly University this weekend.

That’s what this Chicago Tribune media story reports.

Peoria is not in the court district in which Fitzgerald serves.

If one were thinking about running for statewide public office, someone like Fitzgerald would be trying to make himself known through Illinois.

Could this be an leading indicator that Patrick Fitzgerald might be willing to run for office?

If he wanted to take that leap, following in the footsteps of Jim Thompson, who seemed to lust for the office of governor long before he left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this might be Fitzgerald’s first step.

Would he run as a Republican or a Democrat?

Or, as independent?

No one I know has a clue where he stands on any issue but public corruption.

The following press release about Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest on what U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called “a political crime spree” has been received from 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo:

Manzullo to Blagojevich: “Resign Now”

[WASHINGTON] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) issued the following statement reacting to the arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich this morning on federal corruption charges:

“I am aghast at the depth of these charges and Governor Blagojevich’s alleged efforts to benefit personally and criminally from seemingly every action he has taken as leader of our state. His brazen decision to shake down potential appointments to the U.S. Senate is only overshadowed by his disgusting threat to hold up funding for sick children until he received a sizable campaign donation from the hospital CEO.

“This state has many needs and challenges right now and cannot function with the Governor facing these horrible charges. There can be no capital bill, no U.S. Senate appointment, and no way out of our state’s financial morass as long as Rod Blagojevich remains Governor of Illinois. He must finally do right by the people of Illinois and resign now. If he doesn’t, the Illinois General Assembly should immediately begin impeachment proceedings against him.”

The following press release about Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest on what U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called “a political crime spree” has been received from 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo:

Manzullo to Blagojevich: “Resign Now”

[WASHINGTON] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) issued the following statement reacting to the arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich this morning on federal corruption charges:

“I am aghast at the depth of these charges and Governor Blagojevich’s alleged efforts to benefit personally and criminally from seemingly every action he has taken as leader of our state. His brazen decision to shake down potential appointments to the U.S. Senate is only overshadowed by his disgusting threat to hold up funding for sick children until he received a sizable campaign donation from the hospital CEO.

“This state has many needs and challenges right now and cannot function with the Governor facing these horrible charges. There can be no capital bill, no U.S. Senate appointment, and no way out of our state’s financial morass as long as Rod Blagojevich remains Governor of Illinois. He must finally do right by the people of Illinois and resign now. If he doesn’t, the Illinois General Assembly should immediately begin impeachment proceedings against him.”

If Rahm Emanuel is going to be President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff, can the removal of Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald be far behind?

Fitzgerald, of course, had the audacity to put in a court document that Hired Truck guys helped Emanuel win his 2002 primary election campaign against reform State Rep. Nancy Kazak.

And, Emanuel holds grudges.

Getting even and helping the Bi-partisan Combine avoid more indictments for the endemic corruption in Illinois means Fitzgerald has to go.

How to do it?

That is the question.

Some have suggested Fitzgerald could be named Attorney General.

Hey, that would do the trick.

Then, senior U.S. Senator Dick Durbin can pick a “safe,” yet respectable replacement who will not continue to play the role of Elliot Ness.

If Rahm Emanuel is going to be President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff, can the removal of Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald be far behind?

Fitzgerald, of course, had the audacity to put in a court document that Hired Truck guys helped Emanuel win his 2002 primary election campaign against reform State Rep. Nancy Kazak.

And, Emanuel holds grudges.

Getting even and helping the Bi-partisan Combine avoid more indictments for the endemic corruption in Illinois means Fitzgerald has to go.

How to do it?

That is the question.

Some have suggested Fitzgerald could be named Attorney General.

Hey, that would do the trick.

Then, senior U.S. Senator Dick Durbin can pick a “safe,” yet respectable replacement who will not continue to play the role of Elliot Ness.

I think the last time I supported someone who won a contested Republican presidential primary was 1980.

Now, I’ve done it again.

Twice in a lifetime isn’t bad, is it?

Some of my conservative friends can’t understand how I could have supported John McCain last Tuesday.

They have a litany, most of which I can identify with.

I have to admit I was undecided at McCain’s rally Friday a week ago.

And, if the media had continued ignoring Ron Paul, I was prepared to have voted for his smaller government candidacy.

But the Left Stream media didn’t mistreat him too badly, so I voted for McCain.

I find that I have bonded emotionally with McCain.

That has never happened with me with any candidate before.

It comes on two planes.

About a year ago, because of my writing of McHenry County Blog, Dave McSweeney invited me to sit in a room with other conservatives for some give and take.

Without going into details, McCain’s worldview is similar to my own. We are all put on earth for some purpose. McCain didn’t know whether serving as United States senator had fulfilled his mission.

If so, that was fine with him.

If not, he was willing to offer himself as a presidential candidate.

His did not seem to be on an ego-driven “mission from God,” to put in the language of the Blues Brothers. But he was willing to go God’s will, whatever that turned out to be.

When the tough questions were asked, I might not have agreed with where his logic took him, but there was logic.

At the press conference after the conservative inquisitors dispersed, McCain backed President George Bush’s surge in Iraq. I am sure the reporters thought he was committing political suicide, even though they were willing to give him some ink/air time.

This was a candidate who clearly wanted to win on his own terms or not win at all.

To the conservative group, McCain also told the story of how a little girl from Mother Teresa’s Bangladesh orphanage became his adopted daughter.

At the rally, his wife Cindy told the story from her point of view. I took a series of photos while he was listening to her talk. I’ll try to fit them in this article from first to last.

Being an adoptive dad, I could relate to John McCain’s range of emotions, present even though it seemed obvious to me that this was part of the stump speech that was probably deliberately designed to help keep him from losing his voice during the campaign.

So, I don’t find John McCain disingenuous like so many politicians, regardless of office sought.

Maybe I’m being hoodwinked.

I know, however, that I asked him if he would reappoint Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney and he said he would.

From what Mitt Romney said, I have ever reason to believe that he would not have reappointed Fitzgerald.

Call me a single-issue voter, if you will.

That single issue is honest government.

One can only wonder what the corruption tax costs each of us in Illinois.l

And, speaking of being misled, let me tell you a story about Jim Thompson.

Like most politicians, he is an engaging guy.

I was enamored with his convictions of politicians, Democrat and Republican.

I was the second state representative to support his candidacy for governor. (The first was Rockford’s Tim Simms.) I gave him his first reportable campaign contribution the day of his fly around. I even bought saying “Thompson for Governor, Skinner for St. Rep.” I pinned them on everyone walking past the Republican booths at the Kane, McHenry and Boone County Fairs.

Jim was my last candidate for political hero.

It was right after the election that the halo slipped.

I was listening to the radio.

I can even tell you where I was.

It was on the driveway at the north door of the State Capitol.

It was a beautiful day.

A radio reporter was asking Jim if he was going to keep Governor Walker’s Ford.

You may remember that Dan Walker was a man of the “p-e-e-ople.”

No limousine for Walking Dan.

Thompson’s reply?

“No. What do you think this job is all about?”

After that I haven’t had any political heroes.

Not that McCain is a hero to me.

I’m past that stage in my life.

I just think he is the right man at the right time.

Forgetting the disagreements I have on domestic and social policy with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, I just don’t trust them not to give away the store in the international arena.

And Thompson?

He’s supporting McCain, too.

Someone pointed out that his law firm will make a lot of money if Fitzgerald indicts Governor Rod Blagojevich.

= = = = =
These nine photographs of presidential candidate John McCain were taken from the time his wife Cindi McCain starting telling how a little girl from Mother Teresa’s Bangladesh orphanage became his adopted daughter.

She is now a 16-year old teenager.

The last photo shows McCain about to return to political mode.

The picture of former Governor Jim Thompson was taken as he was leaving the rally stage after having been introduced for a second time, this time by McCain.

I think the last time I supported someone who won a contested Republican presidential primary was 1980.

Now, I’ve done it again.

Twice in a lifetime isn’t bad, is it?

Some of my conservative friends can’t understand how I could have supported John McCain last Tuesday.

They have a litany, most of which I can identify with.

I have to admit I was undecided at McCain’s rally Friday a week ago.

And, if the media had continued ignoring Ron Paul, I was prepared to have voted for his smaller government candidacy.

But the Left Stream media didn’t mistreat him too badly, so I voted for McCain.

I find that I have bonded emotionally with McCain.

That has never happened with me with any candidate before.

It comes on two planes.

About a year ago, because of my writing of McHenry County Blog, Dave McSweeney invited me to sit in a room with other conservatives for some give and take.

Without going into details, McCain’s worldview is similar to my own. We are all put on earth for some purpose. McCain didn’t know whether serving as United States senator had fulfilled his mission.

If so, that was fine with him.

If not, he was willing to offer himself as a presidential candidate.

His did not seem to be on an ego-driven “mission from God,” to put in the language of the Blues Brothers. But he was willing to go God’s will, whatever that turned out to be.

When the tough questions were asked, I might not have agreed with where his logic took him, but there was logic.

At the press conference after the conservative inquisitors dispersed, McCain backed President George Bush’s surge in Iraq. I am sure the reporters thought he was committing political suicide, even though they were willing to give him some ink/air time.

This was a candidate who clearly wanted to win on his own terms or not win at all.

To the conservative group, McCain also told the story of how a little girl from Mother Teresa’s Bangladesh orphanage became his adopted daughter.

At the rally, his wife Cindy told the story from her point of view. I took a series of photos while he was listening to her talk. I’ll try to fit them in this article from first to last.

Being an adoptive dad, I could relate to John McCain’s range of emotions, present even though it seemed obvious to me that this was part of the stump speech that was probably deliberately designed to help keep him from losing his voice during the campaign.

So, I don’t find John McCain disingenuous like so many politicians, regardless of office sought.

Maybe I’m being hoodwinked.

I know, however, that I asked him if he would reappoint Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney and he said he would.

From what Mitt Romney said, I have ever reason to believe that he would not have reappointed Fitzgerald.

Call me a single-issue voter, if you will.

That single issue is honest government.

One can only wonder what the corruption tax costs each of us in Illinois.l

And, speaking of being misled, let me tell you a story about Jim Thompson.

Like most politicians, he is an engaging guy.

I was enamored with his convictions of politicians, Democrat and Republican.

I was the second state representative to support his candidacy for governor. (The first was Rockford’s Tim Simms.) I gave him his first reportable campaign contribution the day of his fly around. I even bought saying “Thompson for Governor, Skinner for St. Rep.” I pinned them on everyone walking past the Republican booths at the Kane, McHenry and Boone County Fairs.

Jim was my last candidate for political hero.

It was right after the election that the halo slipped.

I was listening to the radio.

I can even tell you where I was.

It was on the driveway at the north door of the State Capitol.

It was a beautiful day.

A radio reporter was asking Jim if he was going to keep Governor Walker’s Ford.

You may remember that Dan Walker was a man of the “p-e-e-ople.”

No limousine for Walking Dan.

Thompson’s reply?

“No. What do you think this job is all about?”

After that I haven’t had any political heroes.

Not that McCain is a hero to me.

I’m past that stage in my life.

I just think he is the right man at the right time.

Forgetting the disagreements I have on domestic and social policy with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, I just don’t trust them not to give away the store in the international arena.

And Thompson?

He’s supporting McCain, too.

Someone pointed out that his law firm will make a lot of money if Fitzgerald indicts Governor Rod Blagojevich.

= = = = =
These nine photographs of presidential candidate John McCain were taken from the time his wife Cindi McCain starting telling how a little girl from Mother Teresa’s Bangladesh orphanage became his adopted daughter.

She is now a 16-year old teenager.

The last photo shows McCain about to return to political mode.

The picture of former Governor Jim Thompson was taken as he was leaving the rally stage after having been introduced for a second time, this time by McCain.