• Illinois Chamber PAC Endorses Forrest Claypool for Cook County Board President
• PI FYI: Endorsement List Grows
• Latest Polling Shows Topinka and Blagojevich Lead
• Madison County Legal Shenanigans Continue
• Kosel Opponent Makes Bush-League Mistake
• Editorial of the Week - The Southern - "We Need a Debate in Southern Illinois"

Illinois Chamber PAC Endorses Forrest Claypool for Cook County Board President

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce PAC has endorsed Democrat Forrest Claypool for Cook County Board President, according to Todd Maisch, Executive Director of Chamber PAC.  The Chamber PAC board's action was unprecedented in that it is the first time a candidate for a local government office has ever been endorsed by the body.  "Forrest Claypool has a record of reform as a county commissioner and more significantly with the Chicago Park District, where his fresh approach turned a model of patronage and neglect into a model of quality and efficiency," said Todd Maisch, Executive Director of Chamber PAC.  "Mr. Claypool's vision for government efficiency, management and accountability represents a fresh approach for Cook County at a time when new ideas are desperately needed."

Chamber President Doug Whitley said, "Claypool's view of management and leadership better reflects the perspective of employers and taxpayers than do the practices that have been pursued by President Stroger. While Forrest Claypool has consistently valued cost restraints and government efficiencies, the incumbent has consistently attempted to increase taxes to resolve the county's fiscal problems. Through a series of increases in sales taxes, hotel-motel taxes, food and beverage taxes, cell phone and pager taxes, Incumbent President John Stroger has demonstrated his belief that Cook County government has little regard for the economic consequences his budget and tax policies may have on job creators."

The Chamber PAC has contributed $10,000 to the Claypool campaign and is encouraging business owners and employees to donate and vote for Mr. Claypool.

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PI FYI: Endorsement List Grows

The PI continues to add endorsements from media outlets across Illinois this week.  Next week, PI will have a complete list for our readers prior to voting next Tuesday.

Chicago Tribune

Governor - DEM - No Endorsement - "Blagojevich owes a debt to public disgust over a Republican scandal. As a candidate, he decried "the politics of mediocrity and corruption" and laced speeches with pledges to "change business as usual" and end "pay-to-play politics." He promised to raise the bar on ethics, and voters shifted their expectations accordingly.

They elected Blagojevich. And what happened? Close friends and advisers have been allowed to cash in on their access to the governor. A 2004 Tribune review found more than 120 political appointees tied to $1.9 million in campaign donations to him. More than one of every four individuals and businesses that contributed at least $50,000 to Blagojevich received state business during his first term in office."

Governor - GOP -Ron Gidwitz - "Given the need to free Illinois from the culture of political sleaze, the Republicans need a can-do candidate with the fearlessness to be a will-do governor. That's Gidwitz."

Lt. Governor - GOP -Rauschenberger - "Rauschenberger, one of the most independent, creative members of the legislature."

Sun-Times

Governor - DEM -Blagojevich - "When Rod Blagojevich won the governor's office four years ago, he promised to shake things up in Springfield. Did he ever! He never feared to bruise egos in disturbing the go-along-get-along politics in the capital, where lobbyists outnumber legislators. His agenda of expanding educational opportunities and health care insurance for Illinois kids has earned him the endorsement of the Sun-Times News Group in his quest for the Democratic nomination for a second term as governor."

Governor - GOP -Topinka - "Through her record of keen management skills, proven government performance, enthusiastic political leadership and personal integrity, Topinka has earned the endorsement of the Sun-Times News Group for the GOP nomination for governor."

Lt. Governor - GOP -Rauschenberger - "The second half of the team to face Blagojevich and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn in November should be Steven J. Rauschenberger, a smart, experienced conservative state senator."

Crain's

Governor - DEM - Blagojevich - "Voters in the Democratic gubernatorial primary face an unhappy choice between a candidate with no qualifications for the job and another with only one: four years of experience as governor.  On the basis of that slim advantage alone, we give a reluctant nod to incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich over challenger Edwin Eisendrath."

Governor - GOP - Topinka - In a weak field of Republican gubernatorial hopefuls, Judy Baar Topinka stands out as the candidate with the best chance of defeating incumbent Democrat Rod Blagojevich.  Our endorsement goes to Ms. Topinka, because the ethical shortcomings and fiscal carelessness of the Blagojevich administration make his defeat in November imperative."

Daily Herald

Governor/Lt. Gov. - GOP - Topinka/Birkett - "While the field offers no perfect candidate, Topinka, who is endorsed, offers the best mix of resume and views needed to challenge Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Topinka boasts extensive legislative experience and a personality that would let her work with lawmakers, even across the aisle. Like Jim Edgar, who backs her, she knows that the first rule of emerging from a financial hole is to stop digging. She would brake new spending and focus laser-like on repairing pension problems that threaten to overwhelm future taxpayers."

Governor - DEM - Blagojevich - "While Eisendrath has clearly articulated flaws in the governor's record, he has not, mounted a sufficiently strong case for himself. Blagojevich is endorsed for the Democratic nomination, with the aforementioned concerns about his mixed record."

Treasurer - DEM - Giannoulias - "Both are professionally accomplished and well-versed on issues. Giannoulias is endorsed, on the strength of banking and investment expertise suited to the office."

St. Louis Post Dispatch

Governor - DEM - Blagojevich - "These days the governor is Blagojevich the Bountiful. He has pushed through an increase in the minimum wage, expanded Medicaid for the poor and guaranteed health coverage to all children. He wants to make pre-school free for all toddlers. Whether all this is feasible is questionable, but his heart's in the right place. That's why he deserves nomination, in spite of his foibles."

Governor - GOP - Topinka - "On the Republican side, three wealthy businessmen are running against Illinois' long-time treasurer, Judy Barr Topinka. Ms. Topinka has hands-on experience with state government, a practical grasp of issues and the moderate stands on social issues to make her a good governor. She deserves the nomination."

 
Peoria Journal Star

Governor - DEM - Eisendrath - "We're here to say it's OK to send this governor a message, to cast a protest vote. You're absolved. Ed Eisendrath is a bright, independent, solid candidate with a record of fixing what's broken. He is endorsed."

Champaign News-Gazette

Governor - GOP -Brady - "Our endorsement goes to Bill Brady, a state senator from neighboring McLean County, who we believe would best reflect the traditional conservative values of downstate Illinois and also would be in tune to its needs."

Lt. Governor - GOP -Rauschenberger - "A former small businessman and a member of the Senate for nearly 14 years, Rauschenberger has an outstanding grasp of the state's financial condition."

Freeport Journal-Standard

Governor - Dem - Blagojevich - "On the Democratic side, incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich has demonstrated flashes of the kind of leadership touted during his first campaign. Examples include his proposal - rolled out and approved with uncharacteristic expediency - extending healthcare to all Illinois children and rolling out a preschool program designed to provide a foundation for early learning that will likely pay big dividends in the future, not to mention increasing spending for education overall and holding the line on taxes."

Governor - GOP - Topinka - "On the GOP side, State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka is the clear choice. Not only does she have the best chance of winning and restoring the GOP's flagging fortunes in state government, she is an experienced, pragmatic politician who would be able to work closely with the Democratic majority in the legislature without bringing state government to a partisan standstill."

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Latest Polling Shows Topinka and Blagojevich Lead

The St. Louis Post Dispatch published a poll of 800 likely voters over the weekend with just about one week to go before the Illinois primary.  The numbers for the two leaders, Governor Blagojevich and Treasurer Topinka, have not changed significantly, advertising money spent by the other candidates has certainly increased their statewide name ID.

On the GOP side, Topinka leads with 36% of likely GOP primary voters preferring her candidacy.  Businessman Jim Oberweis is at 25%, a jump of 8% since a Chicago Tribune poll last month, businessman Ron Gidwitz has seen his numbers improve to 19%, State Senator Bill Brady received 11% and perennial candidate Andy Martin scored 1%.  Only 8% of GOP respondents were undecided in how they were going to vote indicating that Oberweis would need to swing all of the undecideds in his favor in order to pull off an upset.

On the Democratic side, Blagojevich captured 61% of the poll and challenger Edwin Eisendrath received 26%.  Of the respondents 13% are undecided.  In the head-to-head portion of the poll, Blagojevich received 47% to Topinka's 40% as the closest match-up between potential candidates.  "There's no question Blagojevich is vulnerable. He's under 50 percent - that's the bottom line," said Del Ali, head of Research 2000. "If Topinka rides out this storm (in the Republican primary), it could be a very interesting general election."

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Madison County Legal Shenanigans Continue

From a county that became a national example of a legal system gone awry, it appears now that lawyers in Madison County are still twisting the legal system to their benefit.  Over the course of the past three months, one judge has seen more than 65 cases transferred from his courtroom and he is now questioning the motivation for such moves.  Circuit Judge Don Weber was appointed in November by IL Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier and is the only Republican circuit judge in Madison County.

Since being appointed, trial lawyers in Madison County have sought transfers in virtually every class action or medical malpractice case assigned to Weber.  Illinois law allows attorneys to seek one transfer without stating a reason.  While the statute is clear, it has also become a powerful tool in the hands of the trial lawyers who continue to shop for friendly judges in Madison County.

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Kosel Opponent Makes Bush-League Mistake

Renee Kosel's opponent in the Republican primary has accused her of voting in favor of legislation supported by Governor Blagojevich in 2004 to increase taxes on businesses.  There's just one problem with the attack.  It's not true!

Official roll call records from the State House of Representatives shows that Kosel voted against House Bill 848 when the House voted on it May 26, 2004.  Apparently, her opponent, Chris McNeil, is using her "yes" vote when the bill was just a shell bill two months before.  Hopefully, this was a rookie mistake made by her opponent.  You can view the official roll call vote here.

Kosel is a recipient of the Illinois Chamber's "Champion of Free Enterprise Award", and has a legislative voting record in support of the Chamber's pro-jobs agenda.  She is running for re-election in the 81st House District which includes Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort and other portions of Will and Cook County.

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Editorial of the Week - The Southern - "We Need a Debate in Southern Illinois"

"Southern Illinois has not hosted a governor's debate during the general election campaign in 20 years. Our newspaper, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and WSIU public television are hoping to change that.

The morning after the March 21 primary, we plan to send letters to the Democratic and Republican primary winners, inviting them to debate Southern Illinois issues Sept. 5 at the Marion Civic Center or on the SIUC campus. It would be the first debate in Southern Illinois since 1986, when Republican Jim Thompson and Democrat Adlai Stevenson III squared off in Carbondale."  Read the whole thing...

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