Capital Facts

Gov. Pritzker: It’s time to root out politicians under investigation

Published by admin on Mon, 01/20/2020 - 11:51am

Gov. JB Pritzker regularly deflects questions about House Speaker Michael Madigan's future by saying he wants to let the investigative process work.
But during an interview with me to mark his one-year anniversary in office, the governor pointed to his reaction after Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) was indicted, now-former Sen. Martin Sandoval's (D-Chicago) Statehouse office was raided and now-former Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) was arrested. In every instance, he said, he called on the legislators to step aside or resign.

Email reveals troubling implication about cover-up

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 1:00pm

"He has kept his mouth shut on Jones' ghost workers, the rape in Champaign and other items. He is loyal to the Administration."

There little opposition for Republicans who passed tax increase

Published by admin on Sat, 12/14/2019 - 10:17am

Republican Lawrence Oliver of Dorsey has filed to run against Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) in the March primary. Oliver has not yet reported raising any money, but his main issue appears to be Bourne's vote for the 19 cents per gallon gas tax hike to fund infrastructure projects during the past spring legislative session.
Dorsey's primary challenge is not really news. He has slim to no chance of even getting close to the popular Republican incumbent.

When you have more money, you play hardball until the end

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 10:27am

The oddest political couple in the state’s Democratic Party is teaming up again.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is backing yet another young protege of progressive U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Chicago) for the Illinois House at a time when other people appear to be distancing themselves from or even challenging the powerful House Speaker.

One campaign tactic that’s good to let go

Published by admin on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 8:00am

Another relic of Tim Mapes' days as House Speaker Michael Madigan's chief of staff has passed into history.
Mapes could be a kind and generous man to his friends and family. He was often the delightful life of the party when he chose to go out.

Madigan insider put it in writing which is a big mistake

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 8:00am

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that Mike McClain, the most prominent insider connected to House Speaker Michael Madigan, sent a blind-copied email to what he called the "Most Trusted of the Trusted" asking for help raising money in the closing weeks of the 2018 campaign.

Madigan insider put it in writing which is a big mistake

Published by admin on Mon, 11/25/2019 - 1:29pm

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that Mike McClain, the most prominent insider connected to House Speaker Michael Madigan, sent a blind-copied email to what he called the "Most Trusted of the Trusted" asking for help raising money in the closing weeks of the 2018 campaign. After thanking them for their work on behalf of "Himself" (presumed to be Madigan), McClain claimed to have reviewed a "magic Excel sheet" and asked for more contributions, which were to be directed to a Madigan person at the Democratic Party of Illinois so their money could be tracked on said "magic" spreadsheet.

Senate President Cullerton will be missed

Published by admin on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 11:20am

Much will change at the Statehouse when Senate President John Cullerton retires in January, a year before his term expires.

Unlike his House counterpart, Speaker Michael Madigan, Cullerton always wanted to find ways to get things done - and he got a lot done.

He's a kind, approachable man who prefers bipartisan statesmanship but relishes partisan battle whenever the times call for it. He's smart and funny and has managed to keep a diverse caucus together without resorting to intimidation, like his predecessor routinely did.

Pritzker speaks anti-corruption but crosses the line

Published by admin on Tue, 10/29/2019 - 3:24pm

Gov. JB Pritzker has lately won plaudits from even some conservative opinion-makers for making the right moves on corruption. But I am going to register an objection in a bit.
When Senate President John Cullerton dithered about what to do with Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) after the powerful Transportation Committee's Statehouse and district offices and house were raided by federal agents, Pritzker called on Sandoval to quit the chairmanship or be removed.

ComEd kills rate bill now that feds are investigating

Published by admin on Mon, 10/21/2019 - 10:32am

The political muscle of ComEd/Exelon aced its last major test in 2016, when the energy companies finally passed what one Illinois House member referred to at the time as a "multibillion dollar corporate bailout" by electricity ratepayers to keep two of its nuclear power plants open.