Barack Obama and John McCain clashed over fundraising practices yesterday. The Illinois Senator criticized McCain for holding a private fundraiser with President Bush, implying that McCain was trying to hide his close associations with the unpopular Bush administration.
Why would McCain not want the public to see him with Bush? Well, Bush is now so unpopular that even his old press secretary, Scott McClellan, has turned on him. While promoting his new book, the White House spokesman has accused Bush of misleading the nation into war. Thanks for the news flash, Scott.
Yesterday the U.S. Supreme court turned down an appeal plea from former Illinois Governor George Ryan. The move effectively ended any chance Ryan has of getting out of prison before the end of his 6 1/2-year sentence for racketeering and other charges. Unless he gets a presidential pardon. Within a day of the court's decision, former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson appealed to Bush to commute Ryan's sentence.
With four days remaining to decide on a state budget, lawmakers have their work cut out for them. The State Journal-Register offers this preview of the "Final Four Days."
A bill to expand the use of stop light cameras to catch motorists who run red lights failed by four votes in the Illinois Senate yesterday. Stop light cameras are already allowed in some counties (as anyone who has received a ticket in the mail knows). The bill would have expanded their use to DeKalb, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon, and Winnebago counties.
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The Tribune reports that Gov. Blagojevich continues to seek large campaign contributions even as the Tony Rezko trial has provoked scrutiny of his fundraising practices. Most recently Blagojevich offered the title of "honorary co-chair" of a fundraising event to anyone who would pony up $20,000 to his re-election campaign.
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger' chief of staff has announced his resignation. Lance Tyson, who has been with Stroger for the past 18 months and through numerous public battles, is leaving to join the law firm of Freeborn & Peters.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled that Jeannette Tamayo, the former head of the Illinois Gaming Board, can continue with her lawsuit against Gov. Blagojevich and other pubic officials. Tamayo claims that the administration retaliated against her when she refused to cooperate with actions she thought were illegal. A lower court earlier found that she had insufficient evidence for the suit.
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