Progress Illinois

Obama Slams McCain on Economic Policy
In Missouri Wednesday, Barack Obama linked the fiscal policies of John McCain to the Bush economic policies which have severely damaged the middle class. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) said the campaign appearance represents Obama's desire to reach out to voters in traditionally Republican regions of the country.

Another Round Of Capital Improvement Talks Taking Place
Dreams for the passage of a $34 billion statewide infrastructure improvement plan are not dead, at least not for Gov. Rod Blagojevich who will be meeting with top lawmakers in Chicago today. Blagojevich has indicated that there may be room for compromise in determining a funding plan for the massive construction initiative.

Governor Denies Being Part of Federal Probe
Once again, Blagojevich has denied that he under investigation by federal prosecutors for corruption charges. Nonetheless, his legal team is arguing that because he may potentially become a target, he is not required to hand over grand jury subpoenas demanded by a government watchdog group. It was revealed earlier this summer that Blagojevich had been interviewed several times by the Feds as part of a corruption probe.

Peraica Returning Campaign Contributions
Cook County commissioner and GOP candidate for state's attorney Tony Peraica is returning campaign contributions he received from felons. It was revealed yesterday that Peraica had accepted $2,700 between 2004 and 2006 from four men with criminal histories. Peraica says he is returning the money to avoid "the appearance of impropriety."

Daley Refuses To Release Budget Numbers
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has said that this year's budget shortfall will be severe, but he is not yet ready to release specifics. For the first time since taking office, Daley is not releasing a preliminary budget. Some aldermen responded that they need a better sense of the city's fiscal situation in order to devise potential solutions.

City Council Approves Massive Surveillance Plan
Yesterday, the Chicago City Council voted in favor of a proposal to network private security cameras to a central video hub that can be accessed by law enforcement authorities. The council also agreed to a measure that would equip street sweeping vehicles with video cameras. Some civil rights groups are concerned that the expanded surveillance will encroach on the privacy rights of Chicagoans.

Sun-Times Opens War Chests Of Chicago Aldermen
The Sun-Times "Watchdogs" have published the campaign fund totals for every members of the Chicago City Council. One interesting tidbit: Ald. Edward M. Burke has more money in his four campaign funds than the combined total of all 49 other Chicago aldermen.

Traffic Safety Employees Fight Back
Some employees of the Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division have rented out a billboard in Springfield to make their voices heard. The group is protesting the proposed relocation of the office from Springfield to Southern Illinois, a move that has also recently been questioned by a government oversight panel.