Capital Facts

Madigan was quick to fire others, but not himself

Published by admin on Sun, 07/26/2020 - 11:25am

A couple of days after the July 17 disclosures in ComEd's deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office, House Speaker Michael Madigan called individual House Democrats to try and reassure them that all would be well.
According to multiple legislators, the House Speaker told his members that he had done nothing wrong and that he never did things like recommend unqualified people for jobs, and fully expected that if they were hired, they would actually show up for work.

Will Democrats force Madigan out of office?

Published by admin on Sun, 07/19/2020 - 1:49pm

One of the most politically powerful entities in this state, ComEd, has basically admitted bribing the most politically powerful person in this state, House Speaker Michael Madigan, and agreed to pay $200 million and continue cooperating with federal investigators for at least the next three years.
And, yet, Madigan himself was not charged, although he was finally served with federal subpoenas the same day ComEd's "deferred prosecution agreement" with the feds was announced.

New unemployment director is Illinois’ best bet

Published by admin on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 11:25am

Gov. JB Pritzker has not had a lot of luck with the Illinois Department of Employment Security since taking office in 2019.
Pritzker appointed Gustavo Giraldo as his IDES director in March of last year. Giraldo abruptly walked out of the office two weeks later. The Pritzker administration has never explained why.

Unemployment delays causing political backlash

Published by admin on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 9:22am

Months after the nation's economy crashed and millions were (and continue to be) put out of work, a large group of Illinois House Democrats is still quite upset at the way Gov. JB Pritzker's administration is handling unemployment insurance claims.
But the Pritzker administration is refusing to bend on their most important demands, saying the governor will not move selected constituents to the "front of the line" ahead of others, which created a backlash within his own party.

Ads attacking Gov. Pritzker are a bit of a stretch

Published by admin on Sun, 06/28/2020 - 3:32pm

Illinois Rising Action, a dark money super PAC, is running a TV ad against Gov. JB Pritzker. The group is reportedly putting $1 million behind the spot on both cable and broadcast over two weeks.
Called "Failed," the ad heaps criticism on the governor for the toilet scandal, increased gas taxes, increased taxes on cars and allegedly giving a "huge" pay raise "to his politician buddies." It also goes after his administration's response to massive unemployment.
The ad is appearing on broadcast and cable TV in Chicago, Champaign/Springfield and in Paducah, Kentucky.

Campaigning now may not be worth COVID risk

Published by admin on Sun, 06/21/2020 - 10:07am

As Illinois slowly begins the reopening process, some state legislators have decided to start hosting in-person fundraisers.
For the past few months, most legislative incumbents and challengers have abandoned fundraising. The global pandemic accompanied by an international economic crash made the idea of raising campaign money seem crass, inappropriate and even dangerous.

First we must listen, then take action on racism

Published by admin on Mon, 06/08/2020 - 9:23am

Organizers of a Black Lives Matter protest in Anna, IL figured 10 people might show up for their event on June 4th. The organizers endured threats of violence for days leading up to the rally.
Hey, this is Anna we're talking about here. Excuse my bluntness, but they don't call Anna "Ain't No N------ Allowed" for nothing. Anyone who knows even a tiny bit about southern Illinois and race history knows that Anna is Illinois' most infamous "sundown town." To this day, some residents still wear that moniker as a badge of honor.

Gov. Pritzker backtracks on contact tracing

Published by admin on Sun, 05/31/2020 - 10:52am

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, in the period just prior to and just after Gov. JB Pritzker issued his first stay-at-home order in March, houses of worship in Illinois experienced 13 COVID-19 outbreaks, resulting in 88 cases.
Since then, Illinois has seen no such outbreaks until one was revealed last week. IDPH told me of a very recent church-related outbreak of 39 cases, including the pastor.

Lawmaking without the public is not good

Published by admin on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 3:51pm

Last winter, a buddy of mine asked me if I thought I could cover state legislative sessions from a remote, perhaps warmer, location.
I've been writing about Illinois politics and government for 30 years. Like many of my more experienced colleagues, I've developed an extensive list of sources and contacts that I can reach out to. I can also watch General Assembly floor debates and many committee hearings on the Internet.
So, after pondering the question for a bit, I said I might be able to do it for three years.

Pritzker’s reopening plan too complicated to like

Published by admin on Sun, 05/17/2020 - 3:40pm

For many weeks after the ˙beginning of this COVID-19 crisis, Gov. JB Pritzker proved adept at telegraphing his every move.