Progress Illinois

McCain Continues To Hurl Fake Charge at Obama
For four straight days and without any evidence to back up his claim, John McCain has accused Barack Obama of snubbing wounded soldiers in Germany because reporters could not document the visit. This comes after repeated pledges by the Arizona Republican that he will never question his rival's patriotism. According to the Washington Post, "there is no evidence that he planned to take anyone to the American hospital other than a military adviser, whose status as a campaign staff member sparked last-minute concern among Pentagon officials that the visit would be an improper political event."

Obama Campaign Vetting Kaine For VP
Vice presidential rumors are swirling this week, including talk that Obama is seriously considering Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine as his potential running mate. While Kaine won't discuss his prospects of becoming the Democratic nominee for vice president, campaign operatives are researching his background, incluidng a series of death penalty cases he worked on as a young civil rights lawyer.

Alaska Senator Indicted
The most prominent advocate of oil drilling in protected areas, GOP Sen. Ted Stevens was charged yesterday with accepting more than a quarter-million dollars worth of unreported gifts from oil services contractor Veco Corp., funds which he later used to renovate his home in Alaska. The indictment adds to his party's already bleak electoral prospects in November; Democrats are hoping to capture a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate.

Blagojevich Taps Lobbyists Before Signing Ethics Bill
While an ethics bill banning lawmakers from receiving campaign contributions from supporters who have or want major state contracts worth at least $50,000 is awaiting Gov. Rod Blagojevich's signature, the Democrat has ramped up his own fundraising among that very constituency, collecting more than a quarter of a million dollars from people who do business with the state. According to the Tribune, many of the donations were delivered through a series of private events sponsored by state lobbyists or their clients.

Records Show Peraica Took Campaign Cash From Felons
While running for various public offices, Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica -- the Republican nominee for state's attorney -- received donations from from four men with criminal convictions -- three for felony fraud. "Once you're moving up into felonies," said Jay Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association, "I think that's a legitimate issue to raise."

Daley Warns Of Deficit Shortfall
Blaming the national economic recession, Mayor Richard Daley warned Tuesday of a looming city budget deficit that could stretch into the hundreds of millions of dollars. "There's a huge economic downturn happening across America," Daley said. "This is a very serious economic time for the country."

Barker Talks Pet Neutering at City Hall
The price is wrong, Bob. After receiving a standing ovation, long-time game show host Bob Barker testified in favor of a proposed Chicago ordinance yesterday that would require dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they're six months old. Ald. Ed Burke, the bill's sponsor, put off a vote so more discussion could be heard.