The Land of Lincoln or Land of Stinkin'?

Nobody knew how low Blagojevich would go
Senate seat for sale, children used and journalists intimidated

The pages of Paulies Point have been filled with stories about Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his shady activities, incompetent policies and selfish behavior. I wrote about his political pandering to senior citizens. I used him as an example why citizens should have the right to recall elected officials. And recently I explained why he is "disliked more than President Bush" and "despised as much as the congress of the United States." But not even I could imagine how low Blagojevich would go.

Imagine bidding for a seat in the United States Senate on Ebay? What about living in a country that doesn't elect their leaders, but sells political representation to the person willing to write the biggest check? You no longer have to Imagine.

According to the office of the U.S. Attorney, Governor Blagojevich ran such a pay-for-play scheme. First prize was the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. "The Senate seat "is a f**king valuable thing, you just don't give it away for nothing," Blagojevich allegedly said on wiretaps. This is only the second best example of how disturbing Blago's mind works. He didn't view his decision to replace Obama as an important responsibility of his office. What he saw was an opportunity for financial gain or at worst further his political career. "I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain," Blagojevich was recorded saying. "You hear what I'm saying. And if I don't get what I want and I'm not satisfied with it, then I'll just take the Senate seat myself."

While the media reports and political pundits are concentrating on the above aspect of the indictment, I don't believe this is Blagojevich at his worst.

The indicted governor promised to make 8 million dollars available to Children's Memorial Hospital as long as a hospital executive contributed $50,000 to Blagojevich's campaign fund.

According to the 74 page indictment affidavit, "intercepted phone conversations between Rod Blagojevich and others indicate that Rod Blagojevich is contemplating rescinding his commitment of state funds to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital because Hospital Executive 1 has not made a recent campaign contribution."

Let me put this in more simple terms. Unless some hospital big wig gives Blago a 50k check, he was going take away 8 million dollars he had recently made available to help sick children.

Take a moment, look at your kids and tell me you aren't filled with anger... I didn't think so.

It may be despicable to sell a seat in the U.S. Senate, but to even conceive of taking away money allocated to help sick children, can only be described as inhumane.

A word that has gained traction in describing Blagojevich is a term usually saved for serial killers, Sociopath. While nobody is accusing the governor of murder, his self-serving behavior, feelings of entitlement, pathological lying and charming appearance, while all along being engulfed with hidden hostility, makes him a textbook case.

The Blago saga is far from over. As Illinois residents got ready for work this morning, the big question being asked on television, radio and in the newspapers was “who is senate candidate #5?” This appears to be a sitting congressman who discussed paying the governor his asking price for the seat. The candidates that are believed to be on Blago’s original short list are representatives Jesse Jackson Jr., Jan Schakowsky, Danny Davis, Danny Davis, Luis Gutierrez and former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones. Most likely one of these names will also get a phone call from the U.S. Attorney asking them to open their front door and put on handcuffs.

On the immediate agenda is the future of the governor’s office. Democrats and Republicans are almost unanimously calling for his resignation. However very few representatives believe he will resign and therefore talks of Impeachment are on the table.

What must be made clear to people outside of Illinois is that nobody is surprised Blagojevich has been indicted. Since 2003 he has been under numerous federal investigations. People have been joking about former governor and convicted felon George Ryan becoming cell-mates with Blagojevich. Everyone knew this day was coming.

What nobody predicted was how low Blago would stoop. Selling senate seats, denying medical funds for children and I haven’t even addressed the fact that he intimidated the Chicago Tribune. Demanding they fire editorial writers who were unfriendly to him or he would withhold funding and tax breaks, regarding the sale of Wrigley Field.

Over the next few days expect increased calls for his resignation and by next week impeachment proceedings to begin. A special election is being discussed to fill the vacant senate seat, but that may be rescinded by the Democratic establishment when they realize that they could loose the seat to the GOP.

Blagojevich will be offered a deal that will spare his family. His wife Patty, who also is as legitimate as a three-dollar bill, won’t be indicted and be able to raise their kids in the family home. In exchange he will have to play ball. This includes admitting guilt, naming accomplices, paying fines and serving time.

Even if justice is served and Blagojevich goes to prison, the level of corruption is so great in Cook County that his conviction will only make a dent into the culture of corruption that has plagued this state, especially Cook County, for over a half-century.

The Land of Lincoln will still be the Land of Stinkin'.

Paulie

Check out Obama's buddy the governor

Worse than Bush and Congress
Governor Blagojevich's approval rating at 13%

Is it possible that any politician in America can be disliked more than President Bush or be despised as much as the congress of the United States? The answer is yes.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has a 13% approval rating according to a recent poll conducted by the Chicago Tribune. In nearly 3 decades of political polls, the Tribune claims that no politician has had an approval rating lower than the Democratic Governor has. Making matters worse, less than 10% want to see him re-elected.

It's not surprising that an overwhelming majority of Illinois residents are disgusted with Blagojevich. When he ran for the office in 2002, his platform was to rid the state of corruption. At the time Illinois was recovering from a four-year term of George Ryan (R), who is now a guest of the state, residing at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Today the joke in Illinois is that Blagojevich will one day be Ryan's cellmate. It's also very easy to believe such as scenario since he has been under countless federal investigations. As America has become familiar with the name Tony Rezko during the current presidential race. It was Blagojevich who allegedly received the most benefit from his relationship with the recently convicted-felon. That is saying a lot since Obama received a sweetheart of a deal when purchasing his family home with Rezko's "help."

The timing of the Blagojevich poll is interesting. In Chicago it is widely believed that Rezko is very frightened of going to prison and is singing like a bird to reach a deal that will curtail his jail-time. The belief is that he is producing the goods the feds need to have a slam-dunk case against Blagojevich. Only time will tell if that is the case.

Corruption aside, Blagojevich has turned Illinois into an economic cesspool. When he ran for re-election in 2006 his budget could only be described as politically motivated. Fearing at the time a primary challenger and low approval ratings even then, he came up with a populist plan that sounded like it was Christmas in Illinois. Over 1 billion dollars in new spending would have devastating consequences for a state that was already well on its way to be in a financial crisis similar to California. Two years later the devastation is upon us. Making matters worse is that his Democrat comrades in Chicago and Cook County have raised every non-payroll tax and fee imaginable, forcing even harder times on the citizens, especially the poor.

What America should closely examine is that Illinois is a microcosm of the country. Most of the state is rural and conservative, but a concentrated majority of the population resides in the Northeast part of the state that grants the Democrats control. In other words, just like the United States, most of the map is red, while a small concentration is blue and denser in population.

Democrats especially in Illinois don't like to admit that Barack Obama cut his political teeth from the same mold as Blagojevich. Does that mean he is the same as Blagojevich? No, but it can't be ignored that both men have very similar political views and ideas, which come from a political machine mindset that has devastated this state and destroyed Cook County.

If Obama and Blagojevich's friends are willing to raise the sales tax to over 10%, hurting the poor and middle class, why should anyone believe that Obama wouldn't hesitate to implement similar policies as President? Obama supporters will argue that you can't blame him for what other Democrats have done and that is valid point. What they conveniently forget is that his friends who made these harmful decisions didn't do so to be mean or deliberately hurt the poor, their decisions where based on a shared philosophy that bigger government is better and politicians should have the money not the people because they can do a better job with it than you.

That is what Blagojevich, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, County Board President Todd Stroger and the Democratic machine in Illinois believe and live by as their governing philosophy. That is why the Land of Lincoln has become the Peoples Republic of Illinois. Obama has already demonstrated these beliefs as senator. Now he wants to turn the United States of America into the State of Illinois.

Imagine how bad things must be in America for President Obama to have a 13% approval rating. That's called a nightmare.

Paulie

Blago and Burris go to Washington

Illinois Senate Debacle now Dems problem
Blagojevich right, Democrats wrong

Can Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich be right? Is it conceivable that the poster-child for political corruption in America may have been an advocate for empowering people and a crusader against the political machine that defined the term pay-to-play politics? In an obscure manner of speaking, the answer is yes.

As political pundits and politicians from both sides of the aisle condemn his recent decision to name a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat, they all seem to have overlooked a statement that Blagojevich made during this past Tuesdays press conference that goes to the heart of the senate vacancy controversy.

“The law requires that the governor make an appointment of a United States Senator in the absence of any other law that would have given the people of Illinois a chance to elect the successor to the United States Senate,” Blagojevich said. “When the legislature didn’t act on the legislation they said they were considering, which I supported, which would’ve given the people the right to elect the next senator, failing then, it’s the governors responsibility to fill the vacancy.”

Within minutes of his announcement, Democrats in Illinois as well as the leadership in Washington came together to denounce the decision, continuing their firm stance that no individual selected by this governor would ever be seated.

Completely missed by the mainstream media is the hypocrisy that has occurred over the Governor’s appointment. Thy hypocrite isn’t Blagojevich. It’s the Democratic Party.

After the governor was indicted, the Democratic controlled Illinois House and Senate had an obligation to implement a law that would give the people the power to elect the next senator. As Blagojevich pointed out, they failed and it became his responsibility by law to “fill the vacancy.”

As it stands now, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (D) has refused to sign the paperwork certifying the governor’s appointment. U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid has stated that “anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.” The governor’s nominee, Roland Burris, is going to court to fight the Secretary of State.

…and Illinois still has only one U.S. Senator.

When the Blagojevich scandal first took center stage, every Illinois politician, including the governor, called for a “special election” to fill the senate vacancy.

"The General Assembly should enact a law as quickly as possible calling for a special election to fill the Senate vacancy of Barack Obama,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). “No appointment by this governor could produce a credible replacement."

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones (D) told Associated Press that he would soon call his chamber into session to “pass a bill to establish a special election to fill the vacancy.”

Even the President-elect chimed-in, issuing a statement calling for the General Assembly to “consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois.”

For a brief moment it appeared that Democrats had joined Republicans, in doing the right thing. In the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” was not dead in the land that bears his name.

Democrats began taking a hard look at what a special election could mean in a climate of corruption. They saw popular Republican congressmen such as Mark Kirk (10th) and Peter Roskam (6th), representatives who have impeccable reputations for honesty, declaring their interest in running in a special election. Both men would be in a strong position to put the vacant senate seat in the GOP column.

The idea of empowering the people to decide their next senator may be the right thing to do, but the half-century old culture of corruption that created Rod Blagojevich, only understands one thing. Power!

The unified Democratic voice that demanded a special election was afraid of losing and was suddenly backtracking.

Blagojevich’s replacement if he resigns or is impeached, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, a life-long advocate for voter initiatives and public referendums, originally advocated a special election with his Democrat colleagues. However he recently had a change of heart.

"I've had to reflect on that in the last couple of days,” said Quinn. He is asking for the governor to be immediately impeached and has stated that he should decide who should represent Illinois in the senate.

The blatant hypocrisy lies in the fact that Democrats are well aware that Quinn will not be in power to make the decision before a special election could take place. Meanwhile they cry how awful it is that Illinois will only have one U.S. Senator when the next congress convenes.

Democrats know that Blagojevich is not going to resign. The governor has stated that he will fight the charges and any impeachment efforts against him with his “last breathe.” Therefore the only hope Illinois has of sending a second senator to Washington in the near the future is through the election process.

However it’s obvious that Democrats in Illinois would rather have the seat vacant before giving the people the power to elect their next senator, and God forbid, possibly elect a Republican.

When the special session of the Illinois legislature Gov. Blagojevich spoke of recently convened, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D), who was one of the first special election supporters, neglected to call the bill to the floor.

The same change of heart took place in the Illinois Senate as one time special election proponent, Sen. President Emil Jones, forbade a special election resolution to be voted on in his chamber.

The argument Democrats are clinging too is that a special election would be very expensive and that the state simply cannot endure the additional costs. What they conveniently forget to mention that a scheduled election is already in place.

Just because there are no congressional or senate races capturing the public’s attention, doesn’t mean other local offices aren’t up for election. A February 24th primary is already scheduled with the general election taking place on April 7th. Perfect conditions for a special election are already etched in stone, which can still take place, regardless of the governor’s recent appointment.

The Democratic Party in Illinois finds themselves in unfamiliar territory. They find themselves vulnerable and dare I say accountable to the people.

Both major newspapers, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times have called for a special election. A Rasmussen Poll shows that 66% of Illinois voters support the idea, while only 21% disagree.

The sad reality is that an indicted governor, who is currently the laughing stock of America, had to point out that the legislature didn’t do their job, so he had to do it for them.

Only in Illinois can a politician arrested by Federal Agents, charged with attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat, be the voice of reason and accountability amongst his Democratic colleagues.

Paulie

Obama, Rezko, Blago...Oh My!

Obama’s Helpful Hand in Blago-Rezko ‘Pay-to-Play’ Scheme
By Abraham Miller (Guest Commentary)

Against the backdrop of Chicago’s Wacker Drive, Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren stood and analyzed Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s most recent “pay-to-play” scheme, the auctioning of President-elect Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

Absent from the analysis of Governor Blagojevich’s role as auctioneer was the governor’s involvement in an earlier scandal. That earlier story went generally untouched by the media — outside of Chicago — because it had a direct bearing on the character of then-presidential candidate and media darling Barack Obama.

Continue Reading at Pajamas Media (click here)...



President-elect’s convenient ignorance
When your pals are corrupt, ignorance is bliss

As President-elect Barack Obama prepares for the Oval office, his transition into power has been interrupted by the recent arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The indicted Democrat allegedly tried to sell the President-elect’s vacant senate seat to the highest bidder. Obama has not been implicated in any wrong doing, but keeping with the tradition of Chicago politics, unethical people and corruption once again surround our next President. Regarding his own tradition of ignorance, Obama is clueless to the behavior of the people around him.

Let’s put the current debacle in perspective.

U.S. Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, was just elected President of the United States. Soon after the election, he submitted his letter of resignation from the senate, so the governor, an avid campaign supporter, could appoint a replacement. When the current scandal broke, Obama was asked if he ever discussed his replacement with Blagojevich. He responded by publicly stating, “I have not discussed the Senate seat with the governor at any time.”

Reality check: Does it make any sense that the President-elect wouldn’t take five minutes to pick up the phone and call the governor, who decides his replacement, to discuss the vacancy? Add the fact that he made it known (leaked) that he wanted the seat to go to long time friend and advisor Valerie Jarrett.

Is it conceivable at all?

In the world of Barack Obama, there certainly is precedent to believe in what can only be described as convenient ignorance.

President-elect Obama spent more than twenty years as member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The church pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is a man he has lavishly praised. Wright married the President-elect and his wife, baptized their children and has been credited by Obama as his spiritual mentor. But during the Presidential primaries it was revealed that Wright preaches racism, despises America and promotes anti-Semitism.

"I wasn't in church during the time that these statements were made. I did not hear such incendiary language myself, personally. Either in conversations with him or when I was in the pew, he always preached the social gospel,” Obama repeatedly said.

For twenty years he prayed with and sought guidance from his pastor. Wright was an intricate part of Obama and his family’s life. But he never knew his spiritual advisor harbored so many hateful feelings.

During the Presidential race America had the misfortune of reopening an old wound known as William Ayers. The unrepentant domestic terrorist turned college professor was a member of the 1960’s radical group the Weather Underground. This group was responsible for numerous bombings that included the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol. Ayers and his wife, fellow Underground member Bernadine Dohrn, were also implicated in the murder of a San Francisco police officer.

When reports surfaced during the primary that Ayers and his wife played an intricate role in Obama’s early political career, as well as the fact that the two served together on a board for a non-profit group, Obama and his staff went into convenient ignorance mode.

He “didn't know the history” of William Ayers, said Obama’s chief campaign strategist, and current senior advisor, David Axelrod.

Obama studied political science at Columbia University and has a Jurist Doctor from Harvard Law School. However when it comes to knowing U.S. history, including the political turmoil of the 1960’s, which prominently features Ayers and his wife, he is conveniently ignorant.

The number of incidents in which Barack Obama had no knowledge of criminal activity, bigotry or unethical behavior amongst friends, family and advisors is disconcerting.

Since Chicago politics has once again become a favorite target of late-night comedians, who can forget Obama and Blagojevich fundraiser Anton “Tony” Rezko. The man who advised the President-elect when he purchased his Chicago home and sold him property on the adjacent lot, was convicted of 16 felony counts, including fraud, money laundering and bribery conspiracy.

At least in this case Obama admitted that his dealing with Rezko was a “mistake.” Regarding his friend’s criminal activity, Obama said, “This isn't the Tony Rezko I knew.” I always found that remark pathetically naïve. Everyone else in Cook County politics knew that’s exactly who Rezko was.

The examples I used to showcase Obama’s convenient ignorance, is only the tip of the iceberg. I won’t rehash the discussions about anti-Israel advisors Samantha Powers and Robert Malley or his friendship with Columbia University professor and former PLO spokesman, Rashid Khalidi.

I’m sure the President-elect never knew his foreign policy advisors despise Israel and his teaching buddy called the establishment of the Jewish State a “catastrophe.”

As the Blagojevich soap opera unravels, the President-elect’s senior advisor, David Axelrod, has already had to retract a statement that contradicted Obama’s claim that he never discussed the vacant senate seat with the indicted governor.

During a November 23 interview with the Fox affiliate in Chicago, Axelrod said “I know he has talked to the governor,” referring to the senate seat. At the time they were forgetful remarks. Today they mean the next President of the United States is dishonest.

Axelrod has issued a statement claiming that he was “mistaken” during the interview and that Obama and Blagojevich, “did not then or at any time discuss the subject.”

Call it a Christmas miracle!

The latest Obama confidant to get caught-up in “Blagogate,” is Chief of Staff to the President-elect, Rahm Emanuel. According to the Chicago Tribune, Emanuel did have “conversations with Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration about who would replace Obama in the U.S. Senate.”

This recent revelation contradicts Obama’s statement that he was "confident that no representatives" of his staff had engaged in any negotiations with the governor over the senate seat.

There are very few certain truths in politics. One thing that is for sure is that the Blagojevich scandal won’t be going away soon. As the walls come crumbling down, so will the skeletons hidden in the closet of various Chicago Democrats.
If the Blagojevich indictment and continued investigation has more political casualties, will any of them have any ties to the President-elect?

This of course is all speculation. What is not speculation is how Obama will react if anybody with ties to the President-elect is found to be involved in criminal or unethical behavior.

“That isn’t (insert name) that I knew.”

As President of the United States, convenient ignorance is never convenient.


Paulie

Shabbat Shalom 20 Tamuz 5767

Blagojevich vs. Madigan
House Speaker plan for daughter on schedule

In 2002 the future of Illinois politics began taking shape when the daughter of House Speaker Michael Madigan (D), was elected Attorney General. Lisa Madigan came to office with little court room experience, but to her credit has made a respectable name for herself and was given a second term by the voters in a landslide victory last year.

Anyone with half a brain knew that daddy was setting up his legacy, placing his daughter in position to be Governor. Since being elected Governor in 2002, Rod Blagojevich (D) has feuded on many occasions with his House Speaker. Most recently, Blagojevich refused Madigan's invitation to appear before the full House to answer questions regarding the ongoing budget battle between him and the General Assembly. Blagojevich favors an enormous budget and is supported by Senate President Emil Jones (D). Madigan, many Democrats and the Republicans desire spending restraints.

Madigan has always been the smartest politician in state politics since I can remember. Even with re-election last year, which was mostly due to GOP incompetence, Blagojevich is unpopular and under investigation by the Feds. Madigan knows that an indictment is coming or Blagojevich will be vulnerable in a primary come 2010. Lisa enters the scene.

With strong approval ratings and no Republicans viewed to be competitive against a respected Democrat, Madigan could defeat Blagojevich in a primary and easily be elected the first woman Governor in Illinois history. Madigan will be able to retire having placed daddy's little girl in the Governors mansion.

Stay tuned, this one will be fun to watch.


Why don't we just surrender
Democrats calling for impeachment should be ashamed

Don't like the war in Iraq? Fine. Think Islamic extremism is a made up enemy? That's your perogative. Believe the war on terror is just a bumper sticker? Go run for President. Still believe the Bush administration blew up the World Trade Center and lied about intelligence information to go to war with Iraq? Get your head out of your ass.

A new poll claims that 45% of American believe congress should go ahead with impeachment proceedings against President Bush. A higher number feels the same applies to V.P. Dick Cheney.

Do I believe the poll results...no. Do I think that maybe 30-35% of Americans hate Bush to the point they want him impeached? Definitely! Nothing clouds judgement or destroys rational thought more than hate. What makes this poll and the threat of impeachment hearings dangerous is it sends a terrible message to the Islamic fundamentalists who want to kill us.

Freedom to disagree and express our views is what we are fighting for. Public disdain for the President is one of the reasons this is the greatest country in the world. However, freedom and free speech come with responsibility. Telling the world you believe the President should be removed from office is playing right into the hands of those who want to take away our right to be free. Keep that in mind next time you call the President a terrorist or demand he be charged with war crimes.

Why don't you just give Osama Bin Laden the keys to the White House.

Paulie

Shabbat Shalom 12 Av 5767

Blagojevich vs. Madigan: The never-ending battle
Bigger Government, More Taxes, No Accountability

Paulies Point sources recently revealed to me that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is counting on a Democrat to win the White House in 2008, so he can obtain a cabinet post. Why a man who has federal investigators looking into every aspect of his political life with a microscope and has become the poster-child for corruption thinks he will be an attractive cabinet member for any President, boggles the mind. However, when your ego is so big that you can't live in the Governors mansion, your sense of reality is tainted.

Today marks the 55Th day that the state of Illinois is without a budget. Even though the GOP continues to fight tax and spending increases, the governor's problems stem from his own Party. House Speaker Michael Madigan recently referred to Blagojevich's health-care plan as a "failure," and informed his fellow Democrats in a closed door meeting that if a budget isn't passed, 4,900 state workers would miss a paycheck on Aug. 9. That number will increase to over 62,00 because the state must send out significant dollars that school systems throughout Illinois need to open on time and pay teachers.

Not all hope is lost for Blagojevich and the Democrats. They just increased the state cigarette tax an additional 75 cents a pack, which they say will go to schools and roads. Wait! I thought the money for the state pension fund that was never appropriated was going to save our schools and roads? Or was that the increased tollway fees for motorists who didn't use the I-Pass system, which includes most out-of-state trucks and cars. I'm sorry, I remember now, it was both.

What I can't understand Mr. Governor, is why would you turn to tobacco sales to save our schools, but a week earlier outlaw the use of tobacco in every public facility in the state? I do recall that private nursing home rooms were exempt from the new law, so I guess you believe that a 90 year old with emphysema and lung cancer will light up enough to educate my children.

As Blagojevich continues to look like Krusty the Clown of politics, his arch-rival, House Speaker Madigan is already printing "Madigan for Governor" signs for his daughter. Between his father-in-law Chicago Alderman Dick Mell despising every bone in his body and his own Party leadership angling against him, Blagojevich has as many friends as a convicted child molester at a PTA meeting.

Wait a minute, that is not entirely true. Senate President Emil "No Habla English" Jones, has played the role of Blagojevich's bitch since he decided not to live in the Governors mansion. Jones kisses Blago's ass because he appreciates the Governors desire to tax-businesses, increase fees and spend more money on social programs. Whenever you can stick it to the middle-class, Jones is a happy camper.

Ironically, if Senator Barack Obama was to become President, I can easily see Blago getting a cabinet post. After all, he did position the Illinois primary date to increase his chances.


When did 75k a year become wealthy?
According to Speaker Madigan and Mayor Daley it is

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley have made a back room deal. I know your shocked that such a thing would happen in politics, but it does. Until recently Daley was against lifting the 7% property tax cap implemented 3 years ago. However, it is believed that Madigan promised Daley help regarding other Chicago issues in exchanfe for his support to lift the cap.

49 of 50 Chicago Alderman have signed a petition against the Madigan/Daley proposal. The concern is that homeowners would see an increase of property taxes of 40% over three years, forcing many homeowners to move. Madigan claims rich people don't need tax relief, but he claims a family making 75k is rich.

Wait a minute. My household income is over 75k and I reside in a 2 bedroom apartment with my wife and two kids. I just enrolled my oldest in public pre-school even though I wish to send him to a private religious institution. So how am I rich again?

Madigan tax increase exempts people who have owned their homes for at least ten years and the household increase is less than 75k a year. Young families regardless of income who have not had their home at least ten years will be burdened with the increase.

Someone explain to me how a single mother who finally saved enough money for a small home in the inner city will benefit from this proposal. What about the suburban couple who just bought their first home and are living on a strict budget so they can pay their mortgage? Won't home values go down if demand dwindles because taxes have skyrocket. That latter we are seeing right now.

Once again Democrats want to raise taxes thinking they can screw over the wealthy, when in reality the real victims are the middle class and lower classes on the verge of improving their lives.

Paulie

The most corrupt time of the year

Blagojevich Lt. Governor is not the great hope
Once believed champion of citizens rights is smelling the power

For over three decades, Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn has been a leading advocate of citizen empowerment. That's why when Gov. Rob Blagojevich was arrested last week, I smiled at the thought of Quinn replacing Blagojevich as he most certainly will resign or be impeached from office. Unfortunately that new found hope quickly vanished as Quinn began acting like a typical power hungry Cook County politician.

This whole ordeal started because Blagojevich allegedly was trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by President-elect Obama. With pay to play schemes tainting the governor's ability to appoint a new senator, the majority of political leaders in Illinois agree that a special election should be held to fill the position. Quinn uncharacteristically does not.

Last Wednesday Quinn, a self-professed populist, advocated a special election. However in his own words, "I've had to reflect on that in the last couple of days," suddenly believes the governor should be immediately impeached and he should decide, not the people, who should represent Illinois in the senate.

Quinn's power grab may not be surprising to most voters. In Illinois, especially Cook County, the average citizen expects such behavior from their representatives. They campaign against machine politics and once elected become a valve in the engine. Quinn was supposed to be different.

Quinn has been a leading advocate for voter initiatives, public referendums, constitutional convention and voter recall of public officials. That is why when Illinois needs him most to lead by example and implement ideas that empower people, his about-face is so disheartening.

Maybe I shouldn't be so surprised. He is a Democrat from Cook County, which some would argue means you were born with a three-dollar bill in your mouth. Or at least you owed someone a political favor once you came out of the womb.

Could Quinn himself be afraid of something?

When he served as Illinois State Treasurer in the early 1990's, his office helped convicted felon Anton "Tony" Rezko obtain $875,000 in loans for a housing project. Quinn has also received nearly $20,000 in contributions from Rezko, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The so-called champion of the people has been an adamant defender of his indicted boss, even after it was publicly announced that Blagojevich was the subject of numerous federal investigations.

“He’s [Blagojevich] always been a person who’s honest and one of integrity…I have confidence the governor does the right thing all the time,” Quinn told the Daily Herald in October of 2006.

The above comment was also made after it was revealed that Blago's seven-year old daughter received a $1500 check as a gift from a man whose wife obtained a state job. Hello...anyone home?

As a strong proponent of transparent and accountable government, as well as empowering the electorate, I have always viewed in Quinn in a positive light. He may be a big liberal, but he was an honest one and that is hard to find in Cook County.

But has that changed or was it even there to begin with?

I don't know anymore.

What I do know is that Quinn can taste power. Power corrupts and he may be enjoying the flavor to much to share with the people.

Paulie

Shabbat Shalom 19 Adar 5767

Illinois residents get out the Vaseline
Gov. Blagojevich tax increases will be painful

Illinois residents will only have themselves to blame when they start suffering the consequences of Governor Blagojevich (D) new tax increase, which is being dubbed the largest tax increase in state history. When Blago gave his State of the State address this past Wednesday, he actually had the chutzpah to say "business doesn't pay its fair share" of taxes in Illinois. In fact, business bears 45.4% of the total tax load (including property taxes) in Illinois, above the national average of 43.6%, according to the Council on State Taxation.

Under Blagojevich the state of Illinois has developed a horrible reputation in the corporate world as an unfriendly business state. Already high taxes, limited economic incentives, powerful (politically) unions and pay to play politics, have been the driving force keeping new business out of Illinois and driving jobs out of state. With the governor's new plan likely to pass, Illinois will become a bigger pariah in the business community and John Q Public can expect to pay higher prices for good and services, while many more jobs leave the state.

Last year Blago sold the state out when he implemented a universal health-care program for Illinois children. A noble idea on the surface, but in reality an election year ploy for votes without anyway to pay for the program. That isn't exactly correct. He was able to start paying by not paying into the state employee pension fund. For years, Illinois has not put a dime into the state employees pension fund. Now he is proposing to lease the state lottery to a private company to help address the pension problem, while also relying on the new tax increases to cover the rest of the burden as well as the health care and education spending increases.

At a time when staunch fiscal conservatives such as your brilliant blogger are disgusted at the Republican Party for their reckless spending and shameful expansion of government, I'm reminded by Blagojevich and his fellow Democrats that all my anger toward the GOP for their abandonment of fiscal restraint is still nothing compared to what the Dems do when they are in control. Sometimes I think Rod Blagojevich goes into a room with his advisers and they try to figure out how they can make Illinois more economically depressed than California under Gov. Gray Davis (D).

Even though I expect the Democratic machine to push this proposal through, not all Democrats have their head up their ass. “Corporations aren’t going to pay the tax, you and I are going to pay the taxes,” said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, an East Moline Democrat whose district is home to heavy equipment manufacturing giant Deere & Co. Jacobs called a vote for Blagojevich’s plan “career suicide.”

I have never feared for the future of the state of Illinois as much as I do at this moment. Like I said earlier, the citizens of Illinois only have themselves to blame.


Here Comes Bibi
Netanyahu leading in polls

President Bush may have low approval ratings, but compared to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Bush is admired and adored by his constituents. In a recent poll conducted in Israel by the New Wave Institute, only 3% of Israelis believe Olmert should continue serving as Prime Minister. 57% of Israelis believe new elections should be held today, which would mean that Likud Party Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu would be elected Prime Minister. "Bibi" currently has a large lead according to the polls. He has ten times Olmert's support with 30% of the vote, while the Labor Party's Ami Ayalon is in second place with 18%.

Israelis simply have no confidence in Olmert. Last summers war against Hezbollah is viewed as a disaster in the eyes of most Israelis. With Iran promising to "wipe Israel off the map," citizens of the Jewish State know that a defensive minded leader is crucial to their survival. Netanyahu fits that description.

Netanyahu may be leading the polls, but there is still one major problem. There are no elections on the horizon and in Israeli politics, today's leader can be in last place tomorrow. Bibi knows that if he is to be PM again, he needs to continue his crusade against Iran and appear statesman like instead of constantly attacking his opponents. As for your brilliant blogger, I am a huge fan of Netanyahu and often pray that the future and security of Israel will soon be in his hands.


Carter stands firm on apartheid accusations
anti-Semitic groups utilizing Carter's positions.

I was reading an article in the Israeli publication Haaretz about former President Jimmy Carter and his recent engagement at George Washington University. In the story, the writer mentions the groups outside the auditorium protesting for or against Carter and Israel. The anti-Israel hate group, End The Occupation, was present passing out anti-Israel propaganda. Their presence at a Jimmy Carter event should serve as a reminder to Jews who still think Carter is a friend of Israel and the Jewish people. His book, 'Palestine: Peace not Apartheid', is undoubtedly being used a tool for those who believe Israel has no right to exist and support the terrorist acts committed against the Jewish people.

End The Occupation has achieved great notoriety in recent years at anti-war rallies in which they find sympathizers amongst liberals who do not support the war in Iraq. They in conjunction with other groups such as the Answer Coalition not only disagree with the war, but vehemently hate the United States and Israel. Now these anti-Semites are taking advantage of Jimmy Carter's writings and using them to promote disdain for Israel and support for terrorism.

Quick note: End The Occupation has a hall of fame and hall of shame list of representatives and senators. Judge for yourself. It is interesting who is still in or was recently voted out of office.


Paulie

Monday Morning Comeback

Where has Paulie been...again?
An ode to drug companies

Last Monday evening was not much fun for your brilliant blogger. I actually had a good night at work, but about 9pm I felt a bad head cold coming on and sure enough the next morning I had a fever, chills and an ear infection (both ears).

While bedridden, I began thinking about illnesses and diseases and came to an eventual conclusion...thank God for the Pharmaceutical industry. I am a twenty-year Cancer survivor, was overwhelmed with ear infections as a child and have spent time in a hospital this year due to a bad leg infection. Lets be honest, I am alive and going back to work today because of those media and leftist labeled "evil drug manufacturers."

Hey, I will be the first to admit that prescription drugs are expensive, but the alternative is for these companies to not spend millions upon millions of dollars on the development of new treatments and cures and then the human race will suffer the consequences.

The fact of the matter is that new drugs are only expensive the first few years they are on the market. Once the patent expiration goes into effect, the free market kicks in and competition can develop generics and knockoffs drastically knocking down the price. Even before that happens, other companies are always trying to develop their own drugs that offer greater benefit and they often succeed.

So once again I apologize for my lack of postings over the past few weeks, but thanks to my friend Amoxicillian and some other drug that can't be spelled by the human mind, I am back posting, working and enjoying the last few days of Hanukkah with my boys.

Et Tu Patty...Et Tu
Mrs. Blagojevich following in husbands footsteps

When you grow up as the daughter of one of the most powerful politicians in Chicago and marry an ambitious lawyer who has his own eye on the White House, you tend to believe that your life of privilege means that the laws don't apply to you. This is who Illinois first lady Patty Blagojevich is and may have become.

As the daughter of Chicago Alderman Richard Mell, Patricia Mell saw first hand the benefits of political power throughout her entire childhood. When she headed off to college she possessed confidence, political clout and model good looks. To say that she had the world by the testes would be an understatement.

Today she has an Economics degree from the University of Illinois, a father who hates her husband, a marriage that is comparable to the Clinton's and just like her husband a federal investigation into her activities.

The Chicago Tribune reported over the weekend that Blagojevich received 32 k from a real estate dealing that involved a major political contributor to her husband. Apparently her name was added as a second agent on a real estate deal that involved a 3.2 million dollar sale.

Blagojevich and her husband are innocent until proven guilty because America is the greatest country in the world. However at some point how many investigations can one politician have until common sense dictates that a problem is at hand. The Governor and now his wife have had dealings with too many individuals under investigation and that's in addition to their own federal probes that are looming.

Like I always say, the voters usually get what they deserve. The Illinois electorate knew that Blago was corrupt and that is in addition to the fact he has driven the state into economic turmoil. However, Illinois is a Blue state and that is because Cook County voters rarely consider the people they are voting for. To them it's about the "D" next to the name. Hey that's the reality of a democracy, which is not perfect by any means, but still the best form of government.

When I think of politicians such as Blagojevich and an ignorant majority electorate, I crave term limits. Besides the fact that our founding fathers intended for us to have a citizen legislature, term limits balance the system when voters go astray themselves. If you don't support term limits, remember that Ted Kennedy has been Senator for Massachusetts for five decades.

Paulie

Democrats and National Security

Democrats Offer National Security Platform
Pat Robertson Supports Gay Marriage

Reading the above headlines, common sense dictates that you would believe they are comedy skit titles from Saturday Night Live or Mad TV. Amazingly the first headline is real. Senate and House Democrats held a press conference Wednesday releasing a six page national security plan. That's right, the party that decimated national security throughout the 90's and believes the U.S. could of done a better job of persuading Russia and France to support our efforts in Iraq, claims they can protect you and your family better than the President and the Republican Congress. Stop laughing!

Democrats defending America is the same as Republicans defending gay marriage. Rolling Stone Magazine has a great article analyzing the good and bad of the proposal. The direct quotes taken from the document show the party of no ideas has even less ideas on making the United States safer. The platform contains general rhetoric without real solutions, which is exactly like every idea the Democrats have had since 1972. My favorite statement from the document is, "to honor the Sacrifice of Our Troops, we will: Ensure 2006 is a year of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty, with the Iraqis assuming primary responsibility for securing and governing their country and with the responsible redeployment of U.S. forces." Nothing is outlined to accomplish this goal. Rumor has it that the platform was written by Homer Simpson...Doh!


Blagojevich Lied

During the recent Blagojevich/Farrakhan fiasco, the governor claimed he never knew Claudette Muhammad was a member of the Nation of Islam. The Chicago Tribune obtained a copy of a letter, Muhammad sent Blagojevich, stating she was "very, very, very disappointed that the governor told reporters he was only recently aware she was on his Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes." The letter outlines the times they met and how he knew before the appointment, she was a member of the Nation of Islam and her position within the organization. Any claim Muhammad made in the letter obviously has no credibility. However, the governor's office isn't repudiating any of her statements. They simply are saying that Blago meets with so many people and he simply does not remember her...Bullshit!

I have contended for years that Blagojevich is your typical power hungry politician. However, during his reign of terror in Springfield, it's been obvious that he has less scruples than your everyday political hack. Blagos father-in-law, Chicago alderman Dick Mell, has had an ongoing public feud with the governor. No one knows for certain why, but during the final weeks of the recent primary, Mell went as far as to go door to door campaigning with Blagos opponent, Edwin Eisendrath. It's one thing to dislike a family member, but to go as far as working against him...the question beckons, what did Blagojevich do causing his father-in-law to despise the man his daughter married. How shameful of a human being is Blago?

I believe I know the answer. However, it is so horrible, that as much as I dislike the governor, I won't print it until I have 100% proof.

Paulie

Stupidity and Incompetence

Why John Edwards is dangerous
"War on Terror" is a bumper sticker slogan


Democratic Presidential hopeful John Edwards repudiated the notion that there is a "global war on terror," calling it an ideological doctrine advanced by the Bush administration. He also called the war on terror a "bumper sticker" slogan Bush had used to justify everything from abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison to the invasion of Iraq.

This is not the first time the former North Carolina Senator disputed the idea the United States is at war with Islamic fundamentalists. Let me take you back to South Carolina last month at the Democratic debate when Edwards, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel— said they did not believe there was a global war on terror.

After 9/11, London, Madrid, Bali, Baghdad, Beirut, Israel, Kabul, Istanbul and recent arrests in New Jersey, anyone who doesn't believe that western civilization is not under attack by Islamic fundamentalists, needs to put down the crack pipe.

Edwards and the majority of Democrats running for President have become a threat to the safety and security of our country. With the exception of Kucinich, I have no doubt they love this country. However, they don't reside in the real world and their inability to see the danger that threatens our very existence means that putting them in the Oval office would be a reincarnation of Jimmy Carter ten fold.

Last week I was driving to work and I heard an interview with former Alaska senator Mike Gravel who as mentioned above is a candidate for President. This incompetent had the ignorance to say that the Israel/Arab situation is "easy" to solve. "Everyone knows that you just have to go back to the 1967 borders," he stated. After hearing these words coming out of a man who was once a United States Senator, I temporarily lost control of my minivan, barely missing a tree.


Any world leader who believes that any past or present Palestinian Authority, especially one controlled by Hamas, is interested in a two state solution, is either an idiot or has a death wish for Jews. For Gravel to even use the word "easy" in relation to the Middle East shows how badly this guy doesn't get it.


Paulies Point has been angry with the GOP regarding their lack of fiscal discipline, increasing the size of government, mishandling Iraq and giving up on social security and school choice. However, the global war on terror is very real and is the most important issue facing our country if not the free world. I am very happy to see that the Republican Party and their Presidential candidates (except Paul) get it when it comes to the war on terror. To their credit, Clinton and Obama at least admit their is a war going on, but the rest of the Democratic field and most serving in the House and Senate, just don't get it.


Thank you John Edwards for reminding us that you and your colleagues are ignorant on the issue that matters most.


Feds subpoena Blagojevich records
Can you say Governor Quinn


The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund as part of a sweeping corruption investigation into whether top aides and advisers exchanged state business and jobs for political support.


The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms.


Besides being an interesting story in Illinois, this investigation could have national implications. In a parallel investigation, Blagojevich top fundraiser and confidant Antoin "Tony" Rezko was charged with soliciting 1.5 million in political contributions as part of a kickback scheme at a state pension board. Rezko has direct ties with Illinois Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama.


In 2005 Obama purchased land from Rezko that was adjacent to property he was was also buying. Their deals both closed on the same day. Obama eventually purchased a strip of Rezko's property to increase the size of his yard. Obama has already expressed "regret" for dealing with Rezko. Only time will tell if any wrongdoing occurred, but expect Mrs. Clinton and her team of investigators to uncover any illegal activity that Obama may be associated with.


Meanwhile, the Blagojevich camp is remaining quiet and even refused to answer why he has paid the prominent law firm of Winston & Strawn nearly 1 million dollars since 2003. Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn has recently been seen salivating at the mouth.


Mazel Tov Mary Cheney
Dick and Mary have their 6Th grandchild


Congratulations goes to the family of Vice President Dick Cheney, who's daughter Mary gave birth today to a baby boy. Samuel David Cheney was born at 9:46 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C.

I'm sure everyone recalls the controversy that erupted when it was learned that Mary and her homosexual partner for 15 years Heather Poe, announced Mary was pregnant. Religious conservatives have high regard for the Vice President, so the fact he had Lesbian daughter was conveniently forgotten. When it was announced she would bear a child, the religious right was extremely critical of the situation.

During this whole incident, the V.P. and his wife did the only thing a parent could do...be supportive to their daughter.

This was a situation that was a loose, loose, win for grandpa and grandma Cheney. The far right wanted to see Mary publicly damned by her parents. The far left as well as the gay rights movement wanted the same, but their thinking was to have Cheney look like a mean old inhumane Republican who hated gays more than he loved his daughter.

It's no secret that your brilliant blogger is pro-gay rights, but as a heterosexual, I am saddened to see that most gays are pawns of the Democratic Party. They want to believe Cheney and President Bush are homophobes, but the truth is that they are far from it.

Mary Cheney would be "a loving soul to her child," President Bush told People magazine. "I believe children can receive love from gay couples but the ideal is – and studies have shown that the ideal is where a child is raised in a married family with a man and a woman."

The vice president is pleased to be a grandfather for the sixth time," spokeswoman Megan McGinn said.

Sorry homosexuals, these are not gay haters. Stop sitting in judgement my Christian friends. Let me remind you that is a sin. That reminds me, why was this also a win for the Vice President and his wife? They have another grandchild and that is a win that trumps all loses.


Paulie

Endorsements, Common Sense and Pride

Primary Endorsements/History Lesson

In the fall of 2004, Illinois Republicans who didn't live in fairytale-land, realized their party had completely fallen apart. Two years earlier the party was already in shambles after the George Ryan debacle. However, it really hit the fan when Alan Keyes was named as a replacement candidate to run for senate. Keyes decided not to attempt to win office, but used the opportunity to get on his moral high horse. That reminds me, Alan, are you still judging and not speaking to your daughter because she is a lesbian? Like I said "moral high horse".

By this time it was believed by many including your brilliant blogger that the Illinois GOP would need a decade to get back on her feet and be competitive in state politics. Unforeseen was a gift-horse in the form of Rod Blagojevich. Since his election in 2002, the state has gone from bad to worse. Blago's approval rating has been between 27-32% depending on the source. It might be easier to find a supporter of Israel within the Iranian government than to find a person who will say, "Blagojevich is doing a good job". With that said, lets have some fun!

Governor

All four major candidates running for Governor under the GOP flag will be a huge improvement over Blagojevich. Honestly, Harry Carry after 7 innings of drinking under his belt would do a better job than this schmuck. Fiscally the four candidates are very similar. The differences are social policies. Bill Brady is conservative, Judy Baar Topinka and Rob Gidwitz are moderates and Jim Oberweis is a "fake conservative". Four years ago, Oberweis ran for senate (the first time) and compared the pro-life movement to the Taliban in Afghanistan. However, today he is the darling of the religious right. He made amends by making 6 figure donations to social conservative groups and they suddenly have forgiven him. As I write this, a recorded message from Phyllis Schlafly is going out endorsing him. Money over morals.

If social ideas are your priority than Bill Brady should be your choice. Brady is a great fiscal conservative legislature and is honest about his conservative social views. I may not agree with all his social views, but I do believe he would be the best governor of all the candidates. I can't endorse him because he is not electable in Illinois. Ron Gidwitz is also a respectable guy who has concentrated on tax and education reform during his campaign. Ironically, Topinka wanted him to be the replacement candidate in the 2004 Senate campaign. Today Gidwitz has attacked her mercilessly in the governor’s race. Gidwitz would make a good governor, but considering no one knows who he is south of Kankakee and he is polling at 9%, his candidacy is moot.

My endorsement goes to the person who can win in November, Judy Baar Topinka. Simply put, Topinka has an excellent chance to take out Blago. She is a fiscal conservative who has seen first hand as state treasurer how the governor has screwed everything up. She has been talking about fiscal restraint and bringing businesses back to Illinois. I also respect the fact that she does not compromise her beliefs. Topinka gets ridiculed for being a proponent of gay rights and a regular participant in the annual Gay Pride Parade. Agree or disagree she shows character and unwillingness to compromise her beliefs for political gain. She does not support gay marriage, but like our President and Vice President, supports civil unions. Vote Topinka!

Endorsements II...Democrats?

Don't be so shocked! If you use crack or have a job the requires you to kiss the "ass". There are two elections you should be interested in. In the governor’s race, Blago has a challenger in Edwin Eisendrath. Even though Eisendrath isn't anything to write home about he has done two things in his life worth consideration. Eisendrath has a history of fighting incompetence within the Democratic Party. In 1990 he was the first Democrat to realize that Congressman Sidney Yates, who had been in office since Harry Truman, needed to go. He challenged him in the primary and lost. Today he sees a similar incompetence and is challenging Blagojevich. My GOP friends will hate me for saying it, but if you must pull a Democrat ballot...Vote Eisendrath. However, it must be stated that all four GOP gubernatorial candidates are much better choices than Eisendrath.

The race for Cook County Board President is between longtime Daley family ass-kiss and Democratic Hack, John Stroger and former Daley Chief of Staff, Forest Claypool. I can honestly say that Stroger is the most incompetent office holder in Cook County today. This guy hasn't seen a tax hike he didn't like. In fact he has purposely held meetings during the wee hours of the morning, so the media wouldn't be around top cover and report his tax increases and decreases in services. He is the reason cigarette and gasoline prices are ridiculously higher in Cook County than the rest of the state. This arrogant elected official had country hospital named after him to "Stroger Hospital". Now you can wait 8-12 hours to see a doctor or get meds filled while sitting in the building with his name on it. Dems should vote for Forest Claypool. Why, because he isn't John Stroger.

Back to GOP

For the position of Lt. Governor, there are two great choices. Steve Rauscheberger and Joe Burkett. I am not going to endorse either candidate because you can't make a bad choice. I am leaning toward Burkett because he is technically Topinka's running mate. However, you do vote for the Lt. Gov. candidate separately in the primary. Again, you can't make a bad choice between these two. Note: I do believe there are two other candidates, but their campaigns are moot.

8th Congressional District

A solid group of candidates are running to be the challenger to Democrat Melissa Bean. The two breakout candidates are Dave McSweeney and Kathi Salvi. I am disturbed at how mean-spirited this race has gotten between these two worthy candidates. However, if anyone understands the game it is your brilliant blogger. Both candidates are worthy of your support. I am not going to make an endorsement, but it should be noted that all polling data shows that Kathi Salvi has a better chance to defeat Melissa Bean.

Go Johnny Go!

I am excited about the candidacy of my good friend John Lartz, for Judge in the 12th Judicial Subcircuit. This area includes most of the North and Northwest suburbs. To show how strongly I support John, I will let you know a secret about John's shameful past. He is a graduate of Purdue University. As an Indiana Alumnus it's hard to support anything that has come out of West Lafayette, Indiana, but John is that good and worthy of your vote.

Committeeman for Northfield and Maine Township

I strongly support June O'Donoghue (Northfield) and Robert Provenzano (Maine).
Currently both organizations are in turmoil and need change. Both are worthy candidates.

Say No to Nazis

Sadly the 3rd Congressional District has a former member of the American Nazi Party, Arthur Jones, attempting to gain the GOP nomination for congress. I am proud to say that the Illinois GOP did not take this sitting down and have actively fought this bigot. Currently electronic phone calls are going out to perspective voters alerting them of this hate-monger. The Illinois GOP asked your brilliant blogger to write the message going out to voters. I strongly endorse Ray Wardingly in the 3rd District for Congress.

A Personal Note to Fellow Jewish Voters.

Any Jew, who would even consider for a split second, voting for Blagojevich, needs to have their face shoved in a shit covered photo of Blagojevich and beaten like dog, while fellow Jews yell "No". If you need a reason, click here. If you still don’t know what I am talking about consider moving to beachfront property in Iran.

Paulie

Tuesdays with Paulie (Halloween Edition)

Hillary Uncensored
Clinton political power exposed

Where is the nearly 2 million dollars raised for Hillary Rodham Clinton that mysteriously went unreported during her 2000 bid for the senate? That is a question very few in the media are willing to ask, but the subject of a new documentary that previewed this past Friday at Harvard University and has been the number one viewed trailer on YouTube for nearly three weeks.

In August of 2000, Hollywood insider and co-founder of Stan Lee Media (Spider Man creator), Peter Paul put together a tribute concert for President Bill Clinton, which doubled as a Hillary Clinton for Senate fundraiser. Paul worked hard for Bill and Hillary as a fundraiser, but three days after the gala event, it was reported that Paul had a criminal history, which included a three year stint in prison for cocaine possession with intent to distribute. With obvious concerns to having campaign and business ties with a convicted felon, the Clinton's went into political mode and began distancing themselves from Paul, which allegedly includes not reporting nearly 2 million dollars raised for Clinton during her 2000 senate campaign.

The alleged cover up involves an Clinton appointed judge, former campaign treasurer and his indicted subordinate as well as contributions made in the name of people who claim they never made donations (sound familiar). Check out this video and decide for yourself. After viewing the footage, ask yourself is the Clinton power structure invincible and if so, has the 2008 Presidential race been predetermined?

Kudos to Jeff Morton at Morton's Two Cents for his information that permitted this post.


Tribune Editorial Stirs the Pot
Newspaper calls for Illinois to adopt Recall and target Blagojevich

"Should Illinois join the 18 states that give voters -- as opposed to lawmakers -- the ballot power to remove state officials from office?" That is the question being asked by the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board.

The State of Illinois constitution does permit impeachment, but such a drastic measure is highly improbable by power fearing politicians. As the Tribune so accurately pointed out, Blagojevich's "reckless financial stewardship, his dictatorial antics, his penchant for creating political enemies," undoubtedly calls for the voters of Illinois to have the power to remove an elected official for being unable to do his job. The time for Recall is now.

Simply put, Recall gives voters, not politicans, the power to remove an elected official from office who has shown a complete disregard for his/her constituents or conducts the peoples business in an incompetent or unresponsive manner. Other words: remember when California residents voted their inept Governor out of office and replaced him with Arnold Schwarzenegger? The people of California not the politicians decided that their state needed a new direction.

Your brilliant blogger is a big supporter of recall. Any measure that gives people more control of their government and makes politicians accountable to their constituents is always a good idea. As I have said numerous times, power corrupts and it can become a devastating disease when it comes to politics. The only way to stop it from spreading is by making sure that the power remains in the hands of the people.

Undoubtedly the idea of recalling Blagojevich serves as a prime example of the need for Recall. However, regardless if a Recall initiative could be placed on next Novembers ballot in time to boot out Blagojevich shouldn't be the major reason to fight for such a measure. Recall should be written into every state constitution because it is the right thing to do. Remember: Government of the people, by the people and for the people. That is what Recall is about.

Paulie

Tuesday with Paulie on Wednesday

Governor Blagojevich exploits the elderly
Free rides or desperation for political points

Readers of Paulies Point are aware of the public transportation fiasco that has been brewing for over a year in Chicago and the suburbs. Just to recap, decades of bureaucratic mismanagement of the Chicago/Regional Transit Authority has forced the organization to threaten massive route cuts and increased fare hikes unless the state of Illinois can fork over more tax payer money.

Leading the charge to stick it to the public is State Representative Julie "Trophy Wife" Hamos. You may recall that her daughter ripped me a new one a few months back, angered by my reference to her mother. Hamos, who hasn't seen a tax increase she didn't like, finally got what she wanted last week when the state legislature approved a sales tax increase to fund the insanity known as the CTA and RTA.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the need for the services provided by the Transit Authority. My wife uses it and I virtually lived on the bus when I was a kid. However if there ever was an example of the need for privatization over government run, it is public transportation in the Chicago land area. CTA should stand for "Corrupt Tricky A**holes." It's another government bureaucracy that never improves and never has enough money, no matter how much you throw at it.

To my dismay, the Illinois House, with the help of three Republicans, passed a sales tax increase for Cook and the adjoining (collar) counties. Instead of having the people who use the service pay the needed revenue, they decided to stick everyone with the bill. Making matters worse, Governor Blagojevich decides to announce that he will not sign the bill unless senior citizens are allowed to ride for free. An idea that even the Socialists of Cook County did not agree with. Nevertheless, with the CTA threatening rate hikes and route cancellations effective Sunday, the amendment passed and Blagojevich will sign the tax increase.

A year or two from now, the Regional Transit Authority will once again cry poor, make threats and the spineless political whores in Springfield will pass another tax increase. Blagojevich will remind the seniors or the states largest voting block what he did for them in hopes that will result in votes when he runs for his reelection in 2010. This is if he isn't sharing a cell with former Governor George Ryan.

Reflections after Michigan
Romney wins, Huckabee needs S.C., what about Rudy?

Congrats to Mitt Romney for his big win in Michigan on Tuesday night. Polls called the race tight between the former Massachusetts Governor and Senator John McCain, but when it was all over with, Romney won with a strong 9 point victory. McCain had to be disappointed in his second place finish, but overall he is no worse off than he was after his win in New Hampshire. The other winner of the evening, believe it or not, was Rudy Giuliani. Even with a dismal 3% showing, the New York Mayor's unorthodox strategy of not putting an effort into any of the first few contests may still pay off. Simply put, there has been three real contests and three different winners. No front runner has broken away from the pack, but I am not as confident in the Giuliani strategy as I once was.

With South Carolina fast approaching John McCain appears to have a growing lead over Mike Huckabee. Romney and Thompson are still well behind, but it appears that a recent surge by Thompson is taking votes away from Huckabee. If McCain pulls off the win in South Carolina, the air will be let out of Huckabee's campaign and he will simply drift farther away. McCain will be able to take that win to Florida, where polls have him in a dead heat with Giuliani, and ride the momentum past him, devastating the New York's mayor's Presidential aspirations.

If America's mayor can stay above water over the next few weeks and win in Florida, I see him having a great day on "Tsunami Tuesday (Feb 5Th)," with wins in California, Illinois, New York and New Jersey, he will have momentum that may be unstoppable.

Romney will continue to stick around through February 5Th. He has the money and will spend it. Unfortunately for him I don't see a realistic scenario that gives him the nomination. If Huckabee makes South Carolina and Florida close, he too will be a player through February 5Th. The fake conservative from Hope will falter on that day. Unless his surge continues and grows, I see Thompson dropping out after South Carolina. He needs a strong second in that state to stay in the race.

But what about Ron Paul

Paul should kick back and enjoy the spotlight and debate stage he has been sharing. He deserves kudos for his consistent top 5 showings, but I still laugh at many of my self-described hardcore Libertarian friends who still believe his support is coming from fellow Libertarians who are interested in his fiscal policy. I love his economic ideas too, but his support is mainly coming from the anti-war left as well as former Howard Deaniacs and other young adults who have their fathers credit card, a laptop computer and a rundown studio apartment paid for by dad, so they don't come home and embarrass the family. Did I mention the White Supremacists who are also backing him?

As far as the Democrats are concerned, it's obviously a two-person race between Obama and Clinton. However congrats must go out to "uncommitted," who finished a solid second place against Clinton in Michigan garnering 40% of the vote. I predicted a strong finish for uncommitted since they truly define what the Democratic Party stands for.

Paulie

Shabbat Shalom 12 Cheshvan 5767

Endorsements Issue

Welcome to my first general election political endorsements issue. Many of you are probably assuming that I am going to endorse only conservative or Republican candidates due to my personal political ideology. As you will soon learn, that is not the case. My criteria in making my selections includes issues, accomplishments and character. I will be making endorsements regarding local and state races in Illinois as well as a few key races outside the Land of Lincoln. So lets have some fun and hopefully a debate.

Illinois Governor...Judy Baar Topinka (R)

When Rod Blagojevich left his congressional seat after one term, he ran on the premise of reforming Springfield in the midst of the George Ryan fiasco. Blagojevich was young, energetic, good looking and being compared to Bill Clinton. His name was even mentioned as a potential Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate in 2008. Nearly 4 years later, we have indictments and scandals surrounding his administration making George Ryan look like a choir boy. The State financially is still in shambles to the point that he has stopped paying into the employee pension fund. Big business continues to leave Illinois and the state bond rating is one of only three states with a negative rating. Earlier this year he created multiple election year programs that nobody knows how they are being paid for. The above mention scandals are too numerous to mention, but many can be found throughout the history of this Blog. I have not forgotten him appointing a follower and adviser of Louis Farrakhan to the state panel on discrimination and hate crimes. When the Jewish community asked Blogojevich to have the individual condemn Farrakhan anti-Semitic comments, he refused.

As Treasurer Topinka has done a good job. She created one of the best college savings plans(529) in the country and has run a clean office, especially in an environment surrounded by corruption. Topinka has a history of working well with both sides of the aisle and has very moderate political views that are a good reflection of the state. As a Republican she is more moderate than I like, but fiscally she is sound and that is what the state desperately needs. A vote for Topinka is a vote for a person who will be in office four years from now. A vote for Blagojevich is a vote for his Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, who would become governor after Blagojevich gets indicted. Vote Topinka.

Illinois Attorney General...Lisa Madigan (D)

Many of you are about to pass-out from this endorsement, but truth be told, Madigan has done a good job. Her goal is to be governor and she is banking on a Topinka victory or a Blagojecvich indictment, so she can run in 2010. I adamantly opposed her in 2002. Her father is House Speaker Michael Madigan, which to this day is a conflict of interest. Nevertheless, she has been fair, stood up to her Party leader the governor on numerous occasions and deserves to be sent back. Her opponent Stu Umholtz has barely made an effort to win this office and should of never entered in the first place. Vote Madigan

Illinois Comptroller....Carole Pankau (R)

I'm not sure if anyone even cares about this office, that includes current Comptroller Dan Hynes. For those of you who aren't familiar with Hynes, he is the Democrat that was supposed to defeat Barack Obama in the 2004 senate primary and be Illinois senator.. Hynes comes from a old Democratic Machine family and has been very vocal in supporting an 2008 Obama Presidential run. I wonder why? He hasn't done anything noteworthy and is just buying time until he can run for a higher office. Pankau is a state senator, great fiscal conservative with ideas about making the office worth the taxpayers money. She actually wants the job. Vote Pankau

Secretary of State...No Endorsement

Jesse White (D) of the Tumblers fame has brought the office into the 21st century, but it is just as corrupt as ever. Why his daughter has a $133,000 job nobody knows. State Senator Dan Rutherford (R) is a very respectable legislator who would be wasting his abilities in this office. I am hopeful he will consider a run for a higher office in the future. No Endorsement

Illinois Congressional Races

6th District...Peter Roskam (R)

This race gathered national attention when Democrats recruited an Iraq War Veteran, Tammy Duckworth, who lost her legs when her helicopter she was piloting was shot down by insurgents. Duckworth deserves everyone's utmost respect. She has served her country and made unimaginable sacrifices. Unfortunately as a congresswoman she offers nothing except a second vote for Nancy Pelosi. After missing debate after debate she eventually showed up and offered no ideas or solutions of her own. Her answers to all questions are verbatim from the DNC playbook. I have written and stated before, she is being shamefully exploited for her disability. I wanted to be wrong, but after watching her televised debate on WTTW, my concerns were confirmed. State Senator Peter Roskam has an excellent track record of fiscal discipline and common sense. His conservative values fit the district and he will help bring back fiscal responsibility to the GOP in Washington... Vote Roskam, Respect Duckworth.

8th District....Dave McSweeney (R)

This race is all about character and Congresswoman Melissa Bean has shown very little. She purposely ran ads distorting McSweeney's position on abortion. She knew the ad content was false, but continued running them after her sources publicly condemned her. Recently she has attempted to turn the table on her opponent claiming he is running an ad distorting her view on social security. The problem she faces is that the source McSweeney used was an AARP questionnaire Bean filled out. McSweeney is a conservative in the tradition of Reagan and will also be a vocal supporter of Israel. Vote McSweeney

9th District....Anyone but Jan

If Sadam Hussein ran for congress as a Democrat in the 9th congressional district he would win with 70% of the vote. When Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was a state representative she was called a Socialist by a fellow Democrat. She has made numerous pro-Fidel Castro comments, never seen a social program she didn't like, never voted against a tax increase and has the same disdain for the military as John Kerry (did I say that). Schakowsky represents one of the largest Jewish constituency's in the country, but has been silent regarding the growing anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party. Last year during a mock impeachment proceeding of the President, she sat behind congressman Jim Moran as he prompted a former FBI agent who blamed support for Israel as the reason we went to war in Iraq. She said nothing, shame on you.

Making an endorsement is a moot point in this race. She will win and win big. Her opponent is Michael Shannon, so good luck, you will need pictures of her molesting a child to get 40% of the vote.

10th District...Mark Kirk (R)

I could probably right a novel about my support for Mark Kirk. Nobody represents his district as well as the Congressman from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago. From his work to save a local Veterans hospital and protecting our children from internet predators to his effortless work to keep Lake Michigan clean and his support for tax cuts, Kirk is the man. Kirk is in the words of a friend of mine who works for AIPAC, "he's our best friend." Kirk has been an adamant supporter of Israel since he took office in 2001. When the United Nations pass anti-Israel resolutions, Kirk is at the forefront condemning the UN.

Kirk has won re-election with overwhelming support in his past two races. Right now it is unclear how safe or unsafe his seat is. Kirk is a prime example of how many in the Jewish community in Chicago still cannot accept the idea of a Republican being their friend. Kirk's district leans Democrat, but as a moderate who is pro-choice, pro-Israel and a champion for environmental causes he has been well received. Right now his opponent, Dan Seals, has benefited greatly from anti-Republican sentiment. Seals has raised serious money and has a strong grass roots campaign. Kirk is a Naval intelligence officer who was a strong advocate of the war against Sadam Hussein. He is now suffering the consequences of the public's disapproval for the war in Iraq .

The simple truth is that no Jew in their right would vote against Kirk. At a time when the very existence of the Jewish people is under grave threats from Iran and a multitude of Islamic Terrorist groups, Israel and the Jewish people need advocates such as Mark Kirk. Unfortunately, many Jews on the North Shore only vote for the "D", regardless of the candidate or the consequences. Enthusiastically Vote Kirk

Races of National Significance

Tennessee Senate...Harold Ford (D)

If you read my blog within the past few weeks, you will recognize the name Harold Ford. I have stated over the past two years that the Democrats and the Media should be making Ford their African American rock star, not Barack Obama. Ford is a moderate Democrat who doesn't believe God is a four letter word and doesn't support increased taxation. He actually believes that the first 10k each citizen earns should be tax free. A far cry from improving the tax system, but to have any Democrat offer any tax relief is in itself a miracle. Ford is a man of impeccable character, placing his principles ahead of party loyalty, a lesson everyone should learn.

Ford's opponent Bob Corker is also a great candidate. Tennessee voters will not loose regardless of the winner. I do side with Corker more than Ford on the issues, but there is a larger picture for me. The Democratic Party needs moderate common sense voices such as Ford. The fact he is African American is also important. Too many African American representatives are of the victim mentality. They want more social programs and wealth redistribution instead of finding real solutions for their communities. Sadly, many African American elected officials are blatantly anti-Semitic. Ford is not of this mentality, which makes his importance greater than just issues. Unfortunately, he will probably loose his bid for senate and no longer be serving the public trust. I only pray he stays active. Vote Ford
Connecticut Senate...Joe Lieberman (I) and (D)

What the Progressive Left did to Joe Lieberman was shameful. Everyone says he was ousted for Supporting the war in Iraq. That's not entirely true. Most Dems supported the war at first, but Lieberman made an election year fopah, he made positive comments about our efforts this year. Early in 2006 Lieberman went to Iraq and when he came back he had positive news to report. Lieberman has been critical of the Bush administration handling of the war, but when he returned from his trip he was honest with what he saw and that honesty cost him the primary. Lieberman is a man of integrity and we greatly need that in the senate. Ned LaMont is a schmuck with no ideas or substance. He is running as a anti-war advocate and nothing else. Vote Lieberman

Maryland Senate...Michael Steele (R)

This one is simple for me. Congressman Ben Cardin is against all school and social security choice programs. He even voted against the Washington DC voucher program, which has been a huge success. He clearly prioritize the NEA over our children. Cardin hates tax cuts to the extreme of voting against the marriage tax reduction in 2001. Cardin is also a big fan of the United Nations voting against reforming the UN by restricting US funding. His pro-UN stance confuses me since Cardin is Jewish and the UN is engulfed in anti-Semitism. Cardin is a typical liberal who believes government has the answers not people.

My support for Michael Steele is based on his common sense approach to America. He is pro-life, but believes Roe v. Wade should stay in place. He wants to work toward reducing abortions and unwanted pregnancies. Steele supports Mandatory sentencing guidelines for child sex offenders. He shares my feelings of being personally against the death penalty, but it should be left up to each state. Steele shows great independent leadership potential, disagreeing with the GOP on affirmative action and criticizing the White House on how the war in Iraq has been fought. Vote Steele.

Agree, disagree, praises and ridicule are always appreciated and encouraged. I won't give you the standard line of what's most important is that you vote. I don't believe anyone who doesn't educate themselves on the issues should cast a ballot or do I believe in single Party only voting. Each person has to define themselves and their priorities before they cast a ballot. I am a father, husband Jew and American before I am anything else. That is how I vote.

Shout out: I want to send a personally shout out to my blogs biggest fan, Patti Tempel, with congrats on her new job. To answer your earlier question, follow my endorsements if you choose and vote Ray Wardingly in Illinois 3rd Cong District. Nothing but love to you and your kids.

Sports Weekend

Did you honestly think I would forget my weekly picks? Last week we did ok going 2-2. Very happy to loose the Indiana/Michigan State contest. Go Hoosiers!

NCAA Saturday

Ohio State at Illinois: The Buckeyes are undoubtedly the best team in the nation and find themselves a 27.5 point favorite traveling to Urbana. Illinois is not good, but has given better teams some trouble this year and are tough at home. OSU will win, but Illinois will beat the Spread, 33-13.

Northwestern at Iowa: The lowly Wildcats head to Iowa as 18 point underdogs. After barely getting by Northern Illinois and losing their previous two games, Iowa needs to make a statement. Watch Iowa run up the score covering the spread, 34-10.

Bonus game: Indiana heads to Minnesota as 7 point underdogs. Look for a pumped well coached IU squad to win the game outright.

NFL Sunday

Denver vs Pittsburgh: The Broncos are a 2.5 point underdog and the Steelers have QB issues. The Bronco defense will contain Pittsburgh in a low scoring game. Take Denver and the points, but they will win outright, 17-13.

Miami vs Chicago. Bears are a 13 point favorite and will cover against a Miami team that may have trouble getting a touchdown, 24-6.

Paulie