Illinois Review

Thorner: Assessing President Obama's performance

By Nancy Thorner -

The chart below was shared by a friend who, like me, is not to blame for many of our fellow citizens who voted for an inexperienced, radical, unaccomplished, narcissistic candidate.

Although I hope Obama will change in what I pray will be his final year as President of the United States, I'm afraid Obama will top his remarkable, disastrous and inspiring record that he has racked up upon finishing his third year in office.

16th CD Illinois' hottest GOP U.S. House race

WASHINGTON DC - The two hottest U.S. House primaries in Illinois are in the heavily-redrawn 16th CD and the 2nd CD, The Hil reports Sunday. The 16th is a GOP primary between U.S. Reps Don Manzullo and Adam Kinzinger and the 2nd is between Democrats U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr and former U.S. Rep Debbie Halvorson.  The Hill writes about the friction between Manzullo and Kinzinger heating up the 16th CD race:

The two offer a stark contrast in profiles. Manzullo has been in office for decades and hasn’t run a tough race since his first win in 1992. Kinzinger beat Halvorson by a double-digit margin in 2010 with significant Tea Party support and has become known as an energetic, rising star in Washington.

A poll out this week showed Kinzinger leading Manzullo by 47 percent to 34 percent. Both did well in the parts of the district they’d previously represented, but Kinzinger was leading by a solid margin in the territory new to both of them.

Romney and Santorum fight for Michigan votes

MICHIGAN - Polls indicate GOP candidates Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are in a tight race to win the Michigan GOP's nomination in two days.  In their closing speeches over the weekend, Romney criticized Santorum's Senate voting record while Santorum picked at Romney's record as Massachusetts governor.  The Washington Times writes:

Romney tried to undermine Santorum’s profile as an abortion opponent by noting Santorum’s backing in 1996 of fellow Pennsylvanian Arlen Specter in the GOP presidential race. “He supported the pro-choice candidate,” Romney told more than 2,000 at a forum in Troy put on by a tea party umbrella group. Santorum spoke to the group, Americans for Prosperity, earlier Saturday.

Ford County holds endorsement on 106th House seat

PONTIAC - Mayor Scott McCoy of Pontiac is one of five GOP candidates vying for the open 106th House seat. He's frustrated that the Ford County GOP won't be endorsing in the March 20th primary, although he says he won the most votes of the county's central committee.

The Ford County GOP did decide to endorse Rick Santorum for President and incumbent State Senator Shane Cultra for the 53rd Senate seat, but the organization's 5000 sample ballots will not be indicating a preferred candidate in the 106th House seat, a News-Gazette article said.

"A lot of central committees don't endorse," Ford County GOP chairman Eric Thompson said in the News-Gazette, "but it's our belief that if we don't take a stand on a candidate then what do we stand for?"

Former Alorton Mayor admits stealing from village and dealing crack cocaine

Former Alorton Mayor Randy McCallum Sr. pleaded guilty Friday to stealing $1,000 from the village and trying to deal crack cocaine.

McCallum, 46, who resigned Feb. 13, pleaded guilty to four federal charges and agreed to cooperate with federal investigators. He admitted attempting to possess and distribute crack, theft of the $1,000 from the village, attempting to provide a controlled substance to an inmate and lying to a federal agent.

More HERE

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2012/02/24/2072337/former-alorton-mayor-pleads-to.html#storylink=cpy

IR Cartoon

Woodworth receives Tribune endorsement

BOURBONNAIS, IL  - The Chicago Tribune's editorial board announced Thursday its endorsement of Brian Woodworth, Bourbonnais, in the upcoming March 20 Republican Primary Election for U.S. Representative.

The boardpointed out that the boundaries of the newly-drawn 2nd District include a varied mix of rural and urban areas, and that “Woodworth’s life experience reflects the district’s new diversity.”

Sen. Bill Haine tries to defend tax break for Sears

In the wake of Sears' announcement that they'll be closing stores in Illinois, Democrat State Sen. William Haine (photo right) tried to defend his vote in favor of the special, $150 million tax deal the Illinois General Assembly gave Sears last year.

The deal was passed by Springfield politicians after big-brand businesses such as Sears and CME lobbied the lawmakers for relief from the 67 percent tax increase passed last year with Democrat votes only - including Sen. Haine's.

Haine publicly defends his decision to vote for the deal, which gave no relief to small- and medium-size Illinois business, which are stuck paying for it. Haine told The Telegraph the deal was was "proper".

Sen. Haine's Republican opponent this year is Mike Babcock, who refused to answer a questionnaire sent to him by a colation of eleven conservative organizations.

Illinois lawmaker pushes legislation to promote breastfeeding

With the Illinois economy in collapse, lawmakers in Springfield are spending their time considering a measure that would get more women breastfeeding. Democrat State Rep. Robyn Gabel is sponsoring the government involvement in a women's right to choose simply because she once directed the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, and believes breastfeeding is best.

Gabel’s legislation would require hospitals to adopt pro-breastfeeding policies, with hospital staff educating other staff on how to educate women about breastfeeding. It is unclear how much this will cost the taxpayers.

Catholic priest calls on congregation to defend religious freedom

ST. JOHN, IN - Religious leaders normally focus only on Scripture and religious teachings.  But, as Fr. Sammie Maletta of St. John, IN told his congregation earlier this month, there's a time when his responsibility includes informing parishioners about political developments that affect their ability to freely exercise religious beliefs.

At the time of the American Revolution, Pastor Peter Muhlenberg removed his clerical robe as he stood at the pulpit to reveal a soldier's uniform underneath.  He called on his congregation to join the fight.

Quinn's Muslim-American Council to remain silent on Christian pastor's fate

CHICAGO - Despite a growing international outcry against Iranian authorities' plan to execute a jailed Christian pastor, Governor Quinn's Muslim-American Advisory Council will remain silent, the governor's office confirmed this week.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's threatened execution for refusing to recant his Christian faith was condemned Thursday by the Obama Administration. 

"The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution—a fundamental and universal human right," a White House statement said. "The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran's continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens."  

'Seinfeld' actor Jason Alexander responds to Romney

At Wednesday night's CNN debate, Mitt Romney quoted "Seinfeld" character George Costanza, saying:

"I want to restore America's promise, and I'm going to do that," Romney said during his remarks. But before he could continue, the audience began clapping, so Romney joked: "As George Costanza would say, when they're applauding, stop."

Thursday morning, the actor Jason Alexander - who played George Costanza - responded to Romney on Twitter, writing:

@IJasonAlexander
jason alexander

Thrilled Gov. Romney enjoys my old character. I enjoyed the character he used 2 b 2. If he'd embrace that again, he'd b a great candidate.

A video of Romney's comment is below:

Quinn's budget proposes to trim $92 million from state's teacher pensions

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn's proposed FY 2013 state budget cuts $92 million from the Teachers Retirement Insurance Program and the Community College Insurance Program.  

About 77,000 retired educators and their dependents outside Chicago are covered under the programs. Without the state share, retirees might be required to pay higher premiums. The costs also could be passed on to local school districts, which in turn could result in property tax hikes.

Asked to explain the proposed funding cut, a Quinn budget spokeswoman echoed the message from the governor's budget speech. The elimination is "due to the state's fiscal challenges created over decades of mismanagement," spokeswoman Kelly Kraft said.

via Chicago Tribune

Illinois adds "special" African American section to tourism site

CHICAGO - Illinois has launched a special, permanent section on African Americans on the state's official tourism web site.The African American History and Heritage feature was added in honor of Black History Month. No word if there are plans for Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, or any other "special" sections. More HERE

Conservative group endorses Manzullo

From the Manzullo campaign -

Eagle Forum of Illinois and the Illinois Federation for Right to Life PAC are the latest conservative groups to endorse Congressman Don Manzullo for re-election to the 16th Congressional District seat he now holds.

Tea Party Express is Too Kind to Lugar

By Mark Rhoads -

I am glad that the Tea Party Express endorsed conservative Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock over 80-year old Sen. Richard Lugar in his GOP primary race for renomination and election to another pointless term in the Senate. But I still have to protest the Tea Party Express statement as much too generous to Lugar when they call him a RINO. He is not.

Friedman campaign releases first campaign web video

Rowe tells Quinn: Follow Wisconsin's model

52nd House Candidate Danielle Rowe announced earlier this week that Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefish (R) is supporting her.

From the Rowe campaign -

ISLAND LAKE -   Danielle Rowe, tea party conservative Republican candidate for State Representative in the 52nd District, has a budget solution for Governor Quinn that has already proven to work - the Wisconsin Model. "Wisconsin had their 'rendezvous with reality' last year.  While the Chicago Democrats' raised state taxes by 67%, Governor Scott Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch fought for revolutionary change and won," Rowe said. "Wisconsin didn't raise taxes. They cut spending, reformed and fully funded their public pension system, gave state employees more choice, more affordable healthcare and balanced their budget.  The model is right there, all Governor Quinn needs to do is look up to Wisconsin."

Illinois Senate tallies 11 LIFT Leaders

SPRINGFIELD - Eleven state senators voted in the 2011 Legislative Session to promote the conservative LIFT principles of Limited government, Individual rights, Free markets and Traditional values. United to Restore Freedom's (URF) fifth annual legislative scorecard averaged together the lawmakers' scores over the years they've been in the General Assembly. View the URF's 2011 Legislative Scorecard HERE.

Rep. Barickman discusses plans to combat proposed Dwight Prison Closure

PONTIAC- On Friday, State Representative Jason Barickman (R-Champaign) hosted a meeting of community leaders, AFSCME representatives and other local officials do discuss Governor Quinn’s plan to shutter Dwight Correctional Center. 

Representative Barickman led the meeting with a briefing of the State Facility Closure Act and the steps that must be taken before any state run facility can legally be closed.  Barickman told the audience that the formal process has yet to begin, but once the official closure notice is filed it will require a minimum of 90 days before the prison can be forced to shut its doors.

Sears adds five more Illinois stores to its "to be shuttered" list

HOFFMAN ESTATES- First, Sears threaten to pack up and leave their Hoffman Estates-based national headquarters, then they got $250 million in state and local sweetheart tax incentives to stay, then they announced last week they're cutting 100 workers in Hoffman Estates.  But that's not the latest, despite Illinois' admirable attempt at bailing out, picking winners and losers, just like the feds do...

Here's Illinois' retail sales death by a thousand cuts - five more painful ones announced today by Sears ...

Eagle Forum PAC backs Santorum

Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum PAC is running this ad for former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum in Michigan this weekend, leading up to next Tuesday's presidential primary. Santorum is also on Illinois' March 20th GOP Primary ballot - http://youtu.be/f3pML6vkIHQ

Cartoon: Democrat response to pump prices over time

Another politician indicted – Where’s Lisa Madigan?

From the Illinois Republican Party -

CHICAGO - In light of yesterday’s federal indictment of Democrat Cook County Commissioner William Beavers, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady is questioning why Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has not undertaken any significant public corruption investigations in her nine years in office, despite her own criticism during her 2002 election campaign of the Attorney General’s office for not investigating allegations of public corruption at the time.

Beavers was indicted yesterday on federal tax charges for allegedly failing to pay taxes on campaign funds converted to personal use and using his county expense account for personal purposes.

Sean Morrison accuses Chris Robling of irrational lies and innuendo

Sean Morrison put out a press statement yesterday that included a response to Chris Robling's column here on Illinois Review. Mr. Morrison wrote:

"It is unfortunate that the Illinois Review has also allowed one of its contributors Chris Robling to spread Mr. Patlak’s libelous personal attacks on me. Instead of posting my responses, IR has only allowed me to add a comment in the comments section and then the editors remove my comment.

Here are the facts: Mr. Robling’s piece in Tuesday’s Illinois Review was irrational, and filled with lies and innuendo. Strangely, both Patlak and Robling claim that I lied about my educational background. I do not need to do that. I'm a successful businessman. But Robling has lied before. In January, he wrote that I did not file my statement of economic interest and that I would be off the primary ballot. Instead, the Board of Elections scolded Dan Patlak and his attorney, Joe Morris, for filing a frivolous challenge to my petitions. I do not believe that Robling is a conservative, just a paid party hack."

Speaking of facts, Illinois Review has never removed a comment made by Mr. Morrison. In fact, Illinois Review did an entire interview with Mr. Morrison, which can still be found in the IR Candidate Interview section HERE.

McCoy Releases Unique Campaign Video

Mayor Scott McCOY for State Representative of the Illinois 106th House District (2012) from Scott McCoy on Vimeo.

RedState's Erick Erickson endorses Manzullo

Erick Erickson, Editor of RedState, radio host, and a regular political commentator at CNN, announced his support for Congressman Don Manzullo in a blog post at RedState.com on Thursday. Erickson wrote, "In the Manzullo vs. Kinzinger race, there really is no contest on who is more conservative – Manzullo has an 84% score and Adam Kinzinger has a 63% score."

Erickson goes on to state that he supported Kinzinger in 2010 when Kinzinger first ran as a Tea Party candidate. But since Kinzinger was elected, "he has done nothing to distinguish himself as someone willing to stand up to House leaders," Erickson said.

"Erick Erickson of RedState is among the most influential sources of information for conservatives in America, and I am very appreciative he has recognized my strong conservative credentials and endorsed me over my opponent," Manzullo said.

Taxpayer-funded unions teach Illinois Legislators how to save their own hides

WJBC has an interesting story today about how taxpayer-funded Springfield legislators will be trained by the taxpayer-funded Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois and the taxpayer-funded Springfield Fire Department next week Monday. According to the story, the lawmakers will be outfitted with firefighting gear and self-contained breathing equipment to learn about extrication operations (of themselves no doubt), and techniques in battling fires.

Fiddling while Rome is burning.

Jesse White calls on Sen. Collins to resign

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is calling on fellow Democrat State Sen. Anazette Collins to resign due to what he described as unethical behavior.

The incident in question is an agreement Collins made with Jonathan Goldman, a white candidate who ran against her in 2009 when she was a state representative for the 10th District, which covers portions of the West Side.

“She agreed to donate $15,000 to his campaign to help him erase debt he incurred from running for office in return for dropping a campaign disclosure complaint he filed with the Illinois Board of Elections,” White said.

Collins denied making such an arrangement with Goldman. However, records from the Illinois Board of Elections showed that Goldman has been receiving payments from “Friends of Annazette R. Collins” since 2011. The last payment posted was on Jan. 21, 2012 for $5,500.

USPS to eliminate 28,000 jobs in Illinois

The U.S. Postal Service has decided to go ahead with plans to close some of its mail processing centers in Illinois. The Postal Service says it needs to close more than 200 processing centers and eliminate 28,000 jobs. More HERE

Heartland Institute's Fizzle-Gate

By Paul Jacobs -

When documents from Heartland Institute went public, showing strategy and funding for various climate-related research and advocacy projects, some folks immediately hailed it as a scandal to compare with the "Climate-gate" email embarrassment of sometime back. "Denier-gate" and even "Heartland-gate" were the hastily suffixed monikers for the news story.

But then it was discovered that the leak was the result of an inquiry made by a major climate-change activist, Peter Gleick, who had been slipped some allegedly damning documents and asked Heartland for more information . . . posing as a member of the group's board of directors.

Trib picks Peloquin over Collins in 1st CD

The Chicago Tribune picked Donald Peloquin to challenge Democrat incumbent Bobby Rush in the newly-drawn, more suburban 1st CD next November:

Donald Peloquin gets the nod in the Republican primary. Peloquin, 61, a funeral director and longtime mayor of Blue Island, is known for his 2004 attempt to get dozens of southland communities to secede and form "Lincoln County." He's a strong advocate for a third regional airport and would work for federal funding for infrastructure projects including the CenterPoint Intermodal Center. When St. Francis Hospital announced it was closing, Peloquin helped build the coalition that created MetroSouth Medical Center, saving more than 1,000 local jobs. He's endorsed over Frederick Collins, a Chicago police officer, and Jimmy Lee Tillman II, son of former Chicago Ald. Dorothy Tillman.

While You Were Sleeping - Buddy Roemer Left

By Ghost of John Brown -

I know, you're devastated. Shocked. You probably need to call in and take the day off work.

What's that? You have no idea who Buddy Roemer is and you could care less? OK, nevermind.

This election cycle, like most, there are a host of characters that run for office for reasons that really have nothing to do with wanting to become President. Did you realize that we've actually had at least 19 candidates just on the Republican side this cycle? That doesn't even include the people that were "strongly considering" a run for the White House like Daniels, Barbour, Palin, etc. There were at least 10 of them.

Trib picks Cook over Plummer in 12th CD

The Chicago Tribune's pick in Metro East's 12th CD is former Belleville mayor Rodger Cook over Jason Plummer:

The Republican primary has its own former NFL player. Rodger Cook, 55, of St. Libory, also played for Belleville East, was captain and MVP at Illinois State University and signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals. A former police detective, he beat the (Belleville) machine in 1993 and was elected mayor. He campaigned to end free health coverage for the city's 16 part-time aldermen and made the city attorney a fixed-salary job. That track record earns him our endorsement over Jason Plummer, 29, whose family fortune helped to secure the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2010, and psychiatric nurse Theresa Kormos of O'Fallon.

Chicago Tribune picks Kinzinger over Manzullo in 16th

The newly-drawn 16th CD is the center of a heated Republican primary between two incumbent Congress members - Adam Kinzinger of Manteno and Don Manzullo of Rockford. The Chicago Tribune interviewed the candidates together, and chose Kinzinger over Manzullo, saying:

A pilot in the Air National Guard, Kinzinger has been called a "rising star" in politics by Time and U.S. News & World Report. As we have watched him over the last two years, we have seen why he has earned such attention. He is solidly conservative and an independent thinker. He has the energy, smarts and presence to aggressively represent his constituents. He can be a game-changer on the national level. Kinzinger represents the best of a new generation in politics, and he is endorsed.

The Trib has made their editorial session available to the public  HERE.

Johnson: "Barickman will bring some sanity back" to 53rd Senate District

NORMAL - Congressman Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) has announced his endorsement of of State Representative Jason Barickman, Republican candidate for the Illinois State Senate in the newly redrawn 53rd District in the March 20th primary. Congressman Johnson joined Representative Barickman in announcing the endorsement at a news conference in Normal Thursday.

“I spent many years in Springfield serving as a State Representative, and I’ve never seen it this dysfunctional.” said Congressman Johnson. “In a short time, Jason Barickman has proven that he possesses the kind of leadership and values we need in the Senate to fight on behalf of the residents of the entire 53rd District. I believe he will bring some sanity back to a place that truly needs it.”

Rep. Eddy responds to Andrzejewski's accusations

Charleston, IL – State Representative Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) responded Friday to an accusation distributed by Adam Andrzejewski, which Eddy refers as a "false attack" made by a "Chicago millionaire."

Adam Andrzejewski, Chairman of the For the Good of Illinois PAC, sent a scathing email Thursday containing an outrageously false attack on Representative Eddy. Andrzejewski claimed Eddy was involved in “A Legalized Money Laundering Scheme…made up of School-board-stacking, taxpayer-fleecing, campaign insiders.” He further claimed Eddy had 417 accumulated unused sick days and personal days in his “sick bank” worth $260,929.

Peck: More Spending and No Way to Pay for It?

By Garrett Peck, Candidate, 49th State Senate District -

Those of us hoping to hear something new in Governor Quinn's budget address — like a real, meaningful plan to manage our long-term deficit crisis — were sorely disappointed.

While the governor chose to make cuts in some areas of state government, he actually calls for more spending at a time when we can least afford it.

Manzullo Hails USPS Decision to Reconsider closing Rockford Mail Operations

From Congressman Don Manzullo -

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan), who has led local efforts to keep open the Rockford mail processing center that provides overnight mail delivery to eight northern Illinois counties, learned today that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is reconsidering its plan to move Rockford operations to Madison, Wisconsin, which would eliminate 200 local jobs and delay mail service throughout northern Illinois.

Videos: Manzullo, Kinzinger Debate

PART 1:

PART 2 & 3 BELOW

Selective reduction – building the perfect life

By The Cranky Housewife -

Badda-bing. Badda-boom. For our instant gratification society, what could be more appropriate? American women certainly know our options when it comes to getting exactly what we want at the precise moment that we want it. You don't have time for children right now – that's okay. We've got a pill for that. You don't want children but you forgot to take your pill? That's okay. We've got a pill for that too. You don't want children and the pills didn't exactly work as advertised? Not a problem. Hop up on the table. We'll have that situation remedied and have you out the door in 30 minutes or less. Ya can't ask for better service than that. You can't even get a pizza that fast, my friends.

Gingrich Calls Obama Apology to Karzai an “Outrage”

Spokane, WA - Newt Gingrich issued the following statement reacting to news of the murder of two US troops and the wounding of four others by an Afghan soldier.

“It is an outrage that President Obama is the one apologizing to Afghan President Karzai on the same day two American troops were murdered and four others injured by an Afghan soldier. It is Hamid Karzai who owes the American people an apology, not the other way around.”

$5 a gallon? Probably, 55% say

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think it is at least somewhat likely that the price of gas will rise above $5 a gallon in the next few months. Thirty-eight percent (38%) view that as unlikely. This includes 24% who believe the gas hike is Very Likely and 12% who say it is Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Sears announces closures of 6 Illinois stores

After Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holdings Thursday posted more revenue losses, it also posted a list of additional store closings, including six in Illinois. Area stores expected to close are Sears Grand Essentials in McHenry and The Great Indoors in Lombard. Others include Sears stores in Alton, Kmarts in Oak Lawn, Zion and Peru. Individual stores employ between 40 and 80 workers, with a potential of up to 560 affected workers in Illinois.

Senate Bill 397 was aimed in part to keep Sears and jobs in Illinois through income tax exemptions and credits. State Sen. Ron Sandack commented on the news, saying:

Roger Eddy's Legalized Money Laundering Scheme

From Adam Andrzejewski -

Former Gov. Jim Edgar’s endorsement ad calls Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) a solid conservative. Say whaaat? He’s more like a “pay-to-play” organizer.

With a stacked school board of campaign cronies, school superintendent- state representative Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) has racked up over a quarter million dollars of “ill-gotten gains” in an “off-the-books” account.

Cartoon: Bailing out Illinois

Eaton: Government's role in our bedrooms and kitchens

By Fran Eaton -

While the Left want us out of their bedrooms, they're invading our kitchens. How ironic.

What goes on in the bedroom does affect society because it affects the financial burden that taxpayers are forced to bear. Should society pass laws banning certain conduct in the bedroom? Absolutely not. But it should use every means available to promote positive social role models to promote stable families and enable more children to grow up independent of the state.

And that same pattern concerning American bedrooms should be in effect for the nearby kitchens. This week, Chicago Ald. George Cardenas (12th) proposed a 1-cent-per-ounce sales tax on sugary drinks to combat obesity and generate revenue.

What did you pay for gas today?

Did you fill up your tank today?  What did it cost?

Grab a photo of the price at the pump and send it in - info@illinoisreview.com.

URF releases fifth annual legislative scorecard

CHICAGO, IL -- United to Restore Freedom | Action (URF Action) today released its fifth annual scorecard of the Illinois General Assembly. The scorecard rates Illinois’ state legislators based on the conservative URF LIFT principles of limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, and traditional values.

“With Illinois facing a fiscal crisis and social upheaval as the result of decades-long liberal public policy, the URF scorecard offers citizens a conservative perspective on how their state legislators vote,” said Dennis LaComb, Executive Director of URF Action. “Unlike other scorecards, URF Action provides five years of accumulated voting records, which reveals state legislator’s voting patterns and policy support over time.”

As in years past, the URF recognized as “LIFT Leaders” State Senators and House members who have a lifetime score of 75 or higher. In 2011, they include:

Illinois State Senators: Christine Johnson, Sam McCann, Shane Cultra, Suzi Schmidt, Darin LaHood, Ron Sandack, Dale Righter, Matt Murphy, Kyle McCarter, Tom Johnson, and Chris Lauzen.

Illinois State Representatives: Unes, Kay, Brown Reis, Sosnowski, Morrison, Bellock, Sommer, Ramey, Mitchell, Cavaletto, Tryon, Connelly, Schmitz, Pihos, Hammond, Hatcher, Kosel, Rose, Osmond, Cole, Pritchard, Leitch, Tracy, Roth, Rosenthal, Morthland, Bost, Barickman, Sacia, and Fortner.

The URF scorecard can be downloaded HERE.

Why They Really Fear Ultrasounds

By Mark Rhoads -

This writer is a man who underwent an ultrasound examination in 2008. Before the bad jokes fly at my expense, it was not of course for the usual reason that a woman might have one but rather to get a better picture of a male health problem than could be obtained by other imaging devices. Many men have such exams.