Schilling, Hare contest could be tight
7/29/2010
By Eric Timmons - Galesburg Register-Mail
Republican newcomer Bobby Schilling is making a real contest out of his bid to unseat Congressman Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, and could yet produce an upset.
The Cook Political Report, which analyzes federal elections, has changed its rating for the 17th Congressional District of Illinois from "Solid D" to "Likely...
WATCH: November Starts Now - Hillary Clinton Was Right
7/29/2010
From the Republican National Committee
This is a hard thing for us to do. We hate to say it, but... Hillary Clinton was right. She was right about Barack Obama. She was right when she said that he wasn't ready to act in a time of crisis; that he didn't have what it took to do the job; that he wasn't ready to be President. It hurts to say it, but Hillary Clinton...
Giannoulias Isn't Paying His Bills. Just Like Illinois!
7/29/2010
By Edward McClelland - Ward Room Blog - NBC5
Ever since the February primary Mark Kirk has been attacking Alexi Giannoulias for his lack of financial savvy.
As a former banker and a state treasurer, Kirk argues, Giannoulias sure can’t handle money very well.
Now, Kirk may have more ammunition: as of June 30, Giannoulias still had $200,000 in campaign...
Kirk Opposes Quinn-Giannoulias Plan to Raise State Income Tax
7/29/2010
From Kirk for Senate
One day after the governor’s budget director said state lawmakers will likely increase the state’s personal income tax by 66 percent in January, Congressman Mark Kirk today reaffirmed his opposition to Governor Pat Quinn and State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ plan to raise the state income tax.
New Poll: Brady 44%, Quinn 37%
7/29/2010
From Rasmussen
Republican State Senator Bill Brady has now opened a seven-point lead over embattled Governor Pat Quinn in Illinois’ gubernatorial race.
The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters shows Brady picking up 44% of the vote, while Quinn earns support from 37%. Eleven percent (11%) prefer a different candidate, and...
Republicans question pay to play on Quinn cash
7/28/2010
By Rich Miller - Capitol Fax
I’ve been telling my subscribers about massive labor union donations to Gov. Quinn for weeks. The Republicans are a bit late to the game, but better late than never, I suppose…
Two leading state Republicans questioned [yesterday] whether union donations given last month to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn had anything to do with...
Quinn strikes blow to dead voter bill
7/28/2010
By Kurt Erickson - Lee Newspapers
A proposal aimed at making sure dead people are purged from Illinois’ voting rolls will be in legislative purgatory at least until after the November election.
For the second time in as many weeks, Gov. Pat Quinn has used his veto pen to rewrite a proposed law. On Tuesday, he wrote new provisions into the dead voter bill...
Really, Governor? Quinn's Budget Director: 'We’re going to pass a tax increase in January'
7/28/2010
"Illinois Will Probably Raise Income-Tax Rate to 5%, Budget Director Says"
By Darrell Preston - Bloomberg News
Illinois, which is in its worst financial position ever, will raise the income-tax rate in January to address its deficit, Governor Pat Quinn’s budget director said.
Lawmakers will likely increase the personal tax to 5 percent from 3 percent,...
Quinn’s furlough plan filled with confusion
7/28/2010
State Journal-Register Editorial
Gov. Pat Quinn has made a real mess of his plan to make merit compensation employees at the state take 24 furlough days this year.
It’s become another example of the governor’s bumbling management and not being able to get his story straight.
Illinois has been waiting nearly 18 months for Quinn, who was a political...