From a press release:
Local 150 Leadership Blocks Blago Raid on State Road Fund; Call on House Lawmakers to Reject HB 473
Springfield, Illinois… “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.”
Mark Twain would have added an exclamation point to that observation if he had ever had the occasion to meet [...]

If you depend on public transportation in the Chicago area, you might want to send Rich Miller a thank-you note. Apparently, he’s the only thing stopping the entire system from shutting down due to lack of money. Seriously.

The editors of the Chicago Tribune were apparently stunned by the response they received when they asked their readers if they believed that Governor Blagojevich should be recalled. I thought I might ask my readers what they thought. My opinion can be found in C.J.’s comment section.
[poll=11]

News links via the Journal Star:

Aaron Schock officially announced yesterday. As far as I know, he’s the only candidate to come out in favor of expanding the use of nuclear power, which is something I strongly support.
Doug Finke says that Gov. Blagojevich wants to send the entire state a bill so Blago’s Chicago neighborhood can [...]

Aren’t we all so proud we re-elected this hair sprayed as governor? It’s bad enough Rod Blagojevich thinks the state capitol is 200 miles to the north, but he doesn’t have a clue where Peoria is located:
The news release sent out Wednesday stated: “Gov. Blagojevich announces acquisition of helicopters from federal government that will strengthen [...]

A poll authorized by Copley Newspapers poll authorized by Copley Newspapers says Blagojevich would get 44 percent of the vote, compared to 40 for Republican Judy Baar Topinka and 7 percent for Green Party candidate Rich Whitney, and another 9 percent remain undecided. The poll’s margin or error is four percentage points. Other polls give [...]

I just received the following press release:
Rich Whitney, the Green Party’s candidate for Illinois Governor, claims that he is facing widespread media bias and is requesting fair coverage.
“While this campaign has been gratified by the favorable response by many front line reporters, the fact is that when it comes to the top of the institution, [...]

Press release from the Illinois GReen Party:
Rich Whitney, the Green Party’s candidate for Illinois Governor, has been invited to participate in a gubernatorial debate in Marion, Illinois, on September 26th, 2006. The debate is co-sponsored by the Southern Illinoisan, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIUC, and WSIU Public Broadcasting.
Governor Rod Blagojevich and challenger [...]

Here’s another Green Dart from the Whitey for Governor campaign, blasting both gubernatorial candidates Judy Baar Topinka and incumbent Rod Blagojevich for their stances favoring expanding gambling to boost revenue.
Feh.
As a libertarian I believe gambling should be legalized, and subjected to taxation no higher than any other legal business. Hell, put a casino on [...]

My love affair with YouTube continues.
A reader sent me links to two clips that he says shows Judy Baar Topinka being made to look bad by the superior gladhanding skills of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Here’s “Sistah” Judy:

And here is Chicago Rod surrounded by his supporters. Not so much for Judy:

For someone whose political organization methodically crushed [...]

Imagine, if you would, the year 1940. Imagine that the then-governor of Illinois appointed a member of the pro-Nazi German-American Bund to a state commission. Imagine that Jews and others demand thus Bundist be fired, but that the governor hestitates because he doesn’t want to offend voters of German decent. Of coutse, Jews in state [...]

Normally, I’m all too happy to pile on the criticism of Rod Blagojevich. But c’mon.. Blago has told bigger, more damaging lies than this.
blagojevich,eric zorn

Remember that scene from “Animal House” where Stratton (Tim Matheson) is trying to console Dorfman (Stephen Furst), who foolishly let the gang use his brother’s car for a road trip, only to see it damaged?
“Hey, you f***** up! You trusted us!”
That’s Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s message to anyone stupid enough to believe him:

It’s open thread time.
Here’s some possible topics:
1. Governor Blagojevich wants to let restaurant patrons play Keno, which is a quick-paced form of gambling that some critics say is as addictive as Bingo on crack. Furthermore, Blagojevich says existing law gives him all the authority he needs to allow this form of gambling without any [...]

Yes. It’s true. If you pick up a copy of The Community Word now on the stands at fine establishments everywhere, you will see that I wrote a column endorsing Edwin Eisendrath, who is challenging current Gov. Rod Blagojevich for the Democratic nomination.
Heh. Yeah. Seriously.
My column points out several very good reasons for this decision. [...]