Christina Tobin Quoted in The New York Times
The following excerpt, which ran on page one of today’s New York Times, is from a feature story about California’s “Top Two” Referendum: Proposition 14. Christina Tobin, Founder of the Free and Equal Elections Foundation and leading opponent of this measure, is quoted in the piece. Sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Proposition 14 would destroy third party [...]
“Sleazy Lincoln” Commentary Sparks Humorous Exchange on Blog
It’s not surprising that our recent Anti-Abe commentary has been met with some resistance here in the “Land of Lincoln.” One of the more comical exchanges involves our Research Director, Dennis Constant, and Ken Lowe of the Herald-Review. A post to his blog, “Roll Call,” read as follows: “Today’s baffling fax comes courtesy of Dennis [...]
STAND Demonstration Against Eminent Domain in Peotone
CHICAGO—On Thursday, May 20, STAND (Shut This Airport Nightmare Down) held a press conference and demonstration against the state’s use of eminent domain to forcefully take property near Peotone for the proposed South Suburban Airport. The FAA is at least two or three years from approving/disapproving this measure. Regardless, the Illinois Department of Transportation began [...]
Illinois and Lincoln Set the Bar for Political Sleaze (Part 2 of 2)
By Dennis Constant As described in Part 1 of this series, the Chicago Tribune was one of Abraham Lincoln’s biggest champions during his bid for the presidency. Almost 150 years later, a May 16 Tribune editorial outlined the many ways in which Lincoln’s men orchestrated his nomination through deception and coercion.
Illinois and Lincoln Set the Bar for Political Sleaze: Part 1 of 2
By Dennis Constant Step aside, Louisiana, and bow to the real experts on political hijinks: the boys from Illinois. Today, May 18, is the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s nomination for president. An entertaining and surprisingly forthright May 16 Chicago Tribune editorial described how the Trib “spared no newsprint or superlative in promoting Lincoln for [...]
“Troopergate” Outrages Illinois Taxpayers
An analysis released by Illinois Taxpayer Education Foundation (ITEF) reveals just how much the Illinois State Police (ISP) is costing Illinois taxpayers. At the end of 2009, more than 35% of the 2,000 state troopers—that’s 743 people, to be exact—had salaries in excess of $100,000. Leading the way were Lt. Carl Anderson at $189,015, Master [...]
