Illinois

Well, actually, there's 11…

Over the past two years, the United Republican Fund has been issuing legislative scorecards on pertinent Illinois House floor votes affecting Limited government, Individual rights, Free markets and Traditional American values — what the URF refers to as their "LIFT Principles."

The top 10 House members consistently upholding LIFT Principles are:

• Randy Ramey (R-West Chicago); and David Reis (R-Olney) — tied with 97.5 out of 100 scores.

• Shane Cultra (R-Onarga) — 95

• Patricia Bellock (R-Westmont) – 92.5

• Tim Schmitz (R-Geneva) – 87.5

• Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst);Rich Brauer (R-Springfield); Chapin Rose (R-Charleston); Jim Sacia (R-Freeport);  Jil Tracy (R-Quincy); Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) – all tied at 86.5.

By John F. Di Leo

December, 2008 was quite a month for Illinois voters. Our governor was indicted by the feds, the national Democratic party distanced themselves from their own three-term former Congressman and two-term Governor ("Rod who? Never met him…"), and our state legislature fell over themselves in a rush to impeachment. Then the national Democrats said they’d never accept a U.S. Senate appointment from our Governor, and he defiantly appointed a legitimate liberal anyway. The narrative is moving almost too quickly to keep up…

In fact, in the tumult of events over the last month, one shocking attack on the rule of law was attempted with barely a comment – an instructive event, well worth remembering for the future – Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s attempted coup d’etat.

(Read the full post about ‘Remember the Coup!’…)

After removing the names that stirred controversy, we've arrived at the Top 10 Illinois Reformers for 2008 — a list of good people Illinois Review commenters agree did something notable to reform Illinois politics this year.  There will most certainly be opportunity for other reform stars to rise in the coming year, and we at Illinois Review look forward to recognizing a growing constellation of bright reformers in 2009.

For 2008, the Top 10 IL Reformers are:

(Read the full post about ‘Top 10 IL Reformers in 2008′…)

by Andy Haaf   If President-elect Obama is a man of his word (although thus far not very reliable) then no doubt he will be closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay sometime this year. While I completely disagree with this move, I would like to propose an alternative location and interrogation program. After all, millions of Americans believe prisoners, albeit terrorists, should have the same rights and opportunities as we do, right?
Well, I propose building a secure island facility near Disneyland Orlando called Kidmo Bay. We will raise taxes on George Soros and most of Hollywood to pay for the construction and ongoing maintenance. (Read the full post about ‘Kidmo Bay, Orlando’…)

In a letter today, IL GOP leaders pled with Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell to influence the U.S.

(Read the full post about ‘IL GOP leaders continue to urge special election’…)

If you think something's impossible –like conservatives winning in Illinois – check out this incredible New Year's Eve jump by Robbie Maddison…and have a great weekend.

CHAMPAIGN – While some newspapers are struggling for survival, a new one is starting in Champaign-Urbana.

Joohyun Kang of Champaign has begun publishing the CU Korean Times, a biweekly newspaper with both Korean and English editions.

The newspaper, which covers news of interest to Champaign-Urbana’s Korean community, is available not only online at www.cukoreantimes.com, but also in print at many locations around town.

The first edition of the CU Korean Times was produced in October. Since then, the 12-page paper has been issued every two weeks.

Kang said she started out having 2,500 copies printed – 1,000 Korean-language and 1,500 English-language – but has since increased that to 1,500 Korean and 3,500 English.

(Read the full post about ‘Publication for Koreans hits stands’…)

CHAMPAIGN – In about two months, downtown Champaign will have another 600 parking spaces.

A six-floor parking deck at the corner of Hill and Randolph streets is scheduled to open on March 2. Built by the city at a cost of $10.6 million, the parking deck will provide both hourly and permit parking.

“It really looks good,” said Craig Rost, deputy city manager for development, who is helping oversee the project. “I think it’s going to be a popular place for people to park.

(Read the full post about ‘Champaign parking deck scheduled to open in March’…)

by Ralf Seiffe

New Year’s Day is one many of us will to resolve to do better.

(Read the full post about ‘New Year’s Resolution’…)

by Cal Skinner

You know when I would schedule a demonstration in support of Roland Burris' efforts to gain a U.S. Senate seat?  Inauguration Day.  There will be hundreds of thousands of African-Americans in Washington that day to celebrate the swearing in of President-Elect Barack Obama.

If I were an ambitious black leader, I would be preparing for a demonstration to support continuation of one black United States Senator—Roland Burris.

And, if I were Barack Obama, I would ever so quietly pass the word to those white Democratic Party U.S.

(Read the full post about ‘The Inaugural Day Demonstration for Roland Burris’…)