By Stacy St. Clair and Sara Olkon - Chicago Tribune - 7/3/09
When a politically connected Greek Orthodox priest wanted help getting the daughter of a family friend into the University of Illinois, he reached out to a campaign adviser to state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
Giannoulias' political director came through, getting the applicant into the university's...
Gov. Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, do you think the people of Illinois expect too much of you?
They elect you to provide for their well-being and public safety. They urge you to thoughtfully spend the tens of billions of dollars they send to you every year. They ask you to resolve your...
SPRINGFIELD - Setting up a showdown over tax increases, Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday vetoed part of the state budget lawmakers had approved, saying it would have forced "disgraceful and shameful" cuts to Illinoisans who need state help the most.
As a result, Illinois currently has no budget as it heads into...
By Rick Pearson and Ray Long Chicago Tribune July 2, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The state's new budget year got off to a politically dubious start Wednesday when Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed what he called an inadequate plan to fund human-services programs and vowed a renewed push for an income tax increase.
The governor's move jeopardizes future payments to social-service...
Investigators from the Cook County state's attorney's office wrapped up a raid early this afternoon at the Suburban Cook County Regional Office of Education in Westchester . They arrived with a search warrant early this morning in connection with an ongoing investigation into Supt. Charles Flowers.
By Rick Pearson and Ray Long Chicago Tribune 6/1/09
SPRINGFIELD -- State government limped into a new budget year Wednesday without a solid spending plan and rookie Gov. Pat Quinn threatened to drag the fight out all summer until he gets an income tax increase.
For the third year in a row, Democrats who control Springfield failed to reach agreement...
By Monique Garcia - Chicago Tribune - June 30, 2009
Gov. Pat Quinn this afternoon scolded state lawmakers, saying he will veto any state budget that doesn't provide enough money to keep social services going.
"If this General Assembly sends me a partial budget that decimates the social safety net of our state, I will veto that budget," said Quinn, addressing...
Citizens, congratulations. Your relentless pressure on Democrats in the Illinois legislature has kept them from greasing a big tax increase without doing the difficult work that needs to come first. This is a moment of great opportunity: Keep demanding reform in ethics and spending from those Democrats -- and from Republicans who...
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois House Republicans want embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris to resign. They have introduced a resolution calling for him to quit the job he was given by ousted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
House Republicans tried to get immediate action on the resolution Wednesday, but the Democratic majority wouldn't...
Over 125 enthusiastic Republican supporters attended the Annual Lincoln Day Dinner on April 16th at Arbor Village in Moline.
Keynote speaker State Senator and Governor candidate Bill Brady stressed the need for a balanced budget and forcing government to live within its means. "We have to lay out a blueprint and give people more to believe in than anti-corruption."
Over 100 people showed up at Saint Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in Moline on Sunday, February 15th to meet Congressional candidate Bobby Schilling. His wife Christine and eight out of his nine children accompanied him to relay his message regarding his campaign to oust current Congressman Phil Hare.
Bobby talked about the current sad state of affairs in Washington,...
Several local Republicans traveled to Springfield on Thursday, February 12 to attend the 105th annual Lincoln Day Luncheon in Sangamon County. This year was very special because they were honoring the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
Local party members Bob Hartley, Mark Archibald, Cal and Lois Frels, Austin Quick, Bernie Thiergart, and Congressional candidate...
There was a bright spot to Tuesday's election results in Rock Island County for the Republican Party. Newcomer Rich Morthland from Cordova retained the one seat on the County Board that Republicans have held for two terms. Rich replaced County Board member James Sallows, who stepped down. With the final vote in, Rich defeated Democrat candidate Michael Smiddy 1,716 to...
The Rock Island County Republican Party had their first annual lower county barbeque on Saturday, October 18th at the Illinois City Community Hall. About 70 supporters showed up to hear what guest speaker State Senator Dale Righter from Mattoon had to say about the state of Illinois politics. State Senator Righter was here on behalf of State Senate Candidate Mike Bertelsen.
More than 60 people showed up on Sunday, September 21st to lend their support to Emmett Granado, candidate for Rock Island County Board. Stephens Park in Moline was the backdrop for the festive event, complete with taco dinner and pinatas for the kids. Rich Morthland, Rock Island County Board candidate from Cordova, spoke about the similarity between Republican and Hispanic...
The day of the Rock Island County Republican Party BBQ started very rainy and gloomy. But even though the golf outing and antique show had to be cancelled, the sun came out just in time for a beautiful night of good food, inspiring speeches, good music, and camaraderie among friends.
163 supporters were on hand for the event. Blackhawk College Jazz Band did a wonderful...
Port Byron was the place for the annual Tugfest. Friday night the 8th was truly spectacular with the fireworks display over the Mississippi River. There were plenty of people to talk to and I thank Rich Morthland, Rock Island County Board candidate for his hospitality.
The consensus was change in state government. Most people I talked to don't feel that they're...
You are invited to the Rock Island County Republican A...
Please join us on Thursday September 10th for the 2nd ...
