Chicago Has Stricter Revolving Door Lobbying Rules than General Assembly

It’s hard to believe that Chicago has rules that are more stringent than those that affect Illinois State Representatives and Senators, but they do. Former Alderman Will Burns, from supposedly ethical Hyde Park, agreed to pay a $5,000 fine because … Continue reading

Jack Franks Hypocrisy re Double-Dipping: Bad for Thee, OK for Me

It can be dangerous to put something on the internet. Why? Because it never disappears. Consider the email that then-State Representative Jack Franks sent to constituents on December 24, 2013. Here is how it begins: Fighting Against Sweetheart Deals ‘Double-dipping’ … Continue reading

Tom Weber’s State Rep. Finances Show Almost $20,000 Left to Spend as of October 1st

Lake County Board member Tom Weber is running against Trisha Zubert. Earlier, an analysis of Zubert’s campaign finances showed that 73% of her contributions came from public employee unions. This article is about where Weber has gotten his money since … Continue reading

McSweeney Bill Prohibiting Tax Dollars for Legislative Sexual Harassment Payouts Signed

A press release from State Rep. David McSweeney: McSweeney Bill Prohibiting State-Funded Sexual Harassment Payoffs Now Law Springfield, IL –Taxpayers in Illinois can now rest easy knowing state money will not be used to protect state legislators from sexual harassment … Continue reading

State Rep. Candidate Tom Weber Polls

Typing an article Saturday afternoon, I received an automated poll from, I would guess, Republican State Rep. candidate Tom Weber. Here are the questions/topics: Voting likelihood Party affiliation Satisfaction with direction state is taking Favorability of following candideates Bruce Rauner … Continue reading

The Wiring of Pete Pappas

“Do you know that guy Sam Skinner?” That’s what the Democrat across the aisle asked me one day shortly after our 1973 swearing in. “No, never met him,” was my answer. “That’s good, because he’s getting close to some of … Continue reading

Chicago Aldermen Have Taken Care of Themselves

When I was a freshman State Representative in 1973, State Reps. were paid $17,500. Chicago Aldermen were paid $10,000. Now legislators are paid are paid $67,836, higher if they are a committee chairman or spokesman (which most are). The lowest-paid Chicago … Continue reading

Remembering Running for Office at Age 23

Jason Blumenthal, a 23-year old is running for State Representative. Boy, did that bring back memories from 52 years ago. I was the same age when I stood outside in the really, really cold weather on the steps of the … Continue reading

Nancy Zettler Faces Off Against Allen Skillicorn at Jacobs HS

Someone else will have to tell readers what happened in the comment section, because I was at an Informed Choices banquet in Kildeer Thursday night. The crowd does not seem particularly robust. The two are running to replace retiring State … Continue reading

Campaign Advice for Steve Reick and Mike Walkup

From commenter “Priest”: Mike and Steve, you cannot intellectualize your way to winning any political seat except by accident. You both are running in a year which favors your winning for many reasons historical, political, economic, psychological and sociological. This … Continue reading

Letter Writer Cites Pattern of Dummy GOP Jack Franks Opponents

The following letter to the editor of the Northwest Herald is published with the permission of the author, Adam Liebmann: Stop at Nothing In 2004, the Northwest Herald reported, “Political newcomer Ed Beard announces that he is dropping out of … Continue reading