Political Source : 2015

Illinois Still Shell Shocked.

Governor - Bruce Rauner

Illinois still being shell shocked by the great recession we are currently still feeling the effects today. Our once bountiful state left in shambles over the past 8 years. Struggling already, we were hit off guard with an economic recession that shook our residents with a furry. The heated debates and higher tax rates pushed a lot of Illinois residents to move out of state, and business as well. No we who are left, are wondering what it will take to re stabilize Illinois. With Freshman Governor Bruce Rauner already butting heads with the Democrats down state, things are off to a mighty slow start.

Many whom voted in November elected Rauner in hopes similar to the circumstance of our current president. They wanted a change. As time goes on we still continue to see a murky future for the state of Illinois. As we head into the end of 2015, we can only hope the states leadership can begin to agree on a solution for the future of our residents.

With the on going pension Crises and the current budget gaps we are no where near out of the deep end yet. As a state we need our leadership to play an effective role in making much necessary changes to our current policy and taxes. Illinois is broke, we still cannot pay our bills. Public workers have been dealing with later and later pay and much larger issues.

Growth for Illinois to stand against Governor Rauner

Growth for Illinois to stand against Governor Rauner

By: Jim Perez

Plainfield, Illinois, 10/8/2015 - Growth for Illinois (Growth), a political action committee working to expand the medical cannabis industry in Illinois, plans to push forth a ballot initiative. This initiative was created to develop new conditions to the medical marijuana industry, currently in place in Illinois. Governor Rauner recently demolished state representative Kelly Cassidy's Bill 218, and has worked to reject the 11 new approved conditions by the Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. Growth for Illinois’ founder, Richard Rodriguez, stated Wednesday: “The prohibition of such key resources to Illinois citizens, is not the will of the people. Governor Rauner is standing in the way of new jobs and economic growth for Illinois.”

Growth for Illinois plans to file their political action committee paper work later this week, and is determined to give voters a voice. Growth plans to collect over 800,000 plus signatures to put forth a ballot innovative. “Adding more necessary conditions to our current medical cannabis industry will allow for more citizens to have access to a less deadly forum of medication for their medical conditions,” stated Rodriguez. Growth will work hard to send a strong message to the Governor and legislators- The time to add new tax revenue and new jobs for our citizens is now! Illinois needs to permanently approve the Compassionate use medical Marijuana program in our state.

Growth for Illinois to Host Medical Marijuana Symposium Forum Will Look at Potential Economic Impact of MMJ in Illinois Growth for Illinois is hosting an educational symposium October 22nd at 5pm-8pm, at the JOLIET public library, located 150 North Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. Please join us for a discussion with Industry leaders and community activist on the current status of the industry and a discussion on potential economic impact of the MMJ in Illinois.

Bernie sanders kicked off stage by protestors

(PS) Black lives matter activist booted candidate Bernie Sanders off the stage at a rally in Seattle, WA yesterday. It is sad that the activist did not do their home work first. If they had they would have been giving Bernie a hi five and letting the man say his piece. Bernie Sanders was arrested for a sit in against seregation on campus. Later in 1963 he participated in a march on Washington for jobs and freedom. Bernie has been a civil rights activistr since years before the other activist whom shut down his event were born. Its a good thing to fight for rights, it another thing to fight a guy who is already a player in your court. I hope the ignorance of these protesters is noted as they go ahead and continue to fight a just cause, they need to fight the right people.

There is a need for Black lives matter, they are working twoards a good goal. I feel that if they did there homework before attacking the first guy avaliable though they would win a much more sucessful battle. We as peopel have delt with hate for thousands of years. Here in America, yes the black community has delt with it for a long time. As a nation and a people we can all use to work twoards equality in a whole!

Donald still rising in the polls

So everyone is wondering what is going on with Donald Trump. He has come out of left field with his crazy ideas and he is topping the poll's out this week. I think Americans are really enjoying his sence of humor, and his lack of give a darn for political correctness. As all the other candidates in line for the GOP nomination have either ran before, or are focused on political correctness, Donald stands apart. With his hopes high and his focus solid Donald is guning for change. I fell is he a long shot for president but do not count him out. He has a bit of a phasas to him that definatly sets him apart from the other GOP hopefulls. His dont give a darn attitude seems to be paying off as he is well in the lead for the gop.

Although Donald did take a hit this week. Roger Stone a long time advisor to Trump reportedly quit this week, or so some sorces say. Donald's sorces say he was fired. But either way Donald is down his best advisor at this point. With 60% of Republicans in favor of Trump and a won first debate in the GOP he may have to be there pick for 2016. His ideas keept simple and sweet, build a damn wall on the boarder, dominate global markets and push forward as a nation. I honestly feel without the rude remarks and bit of attitude he does have somewhat of the right idea. Our nation has been sold out for a very long time. Our politicians have been selling America dry since the 1970's. We have bill's like NAFTA and many oher bad trade agreements our nation has made. Donald continues to say that other nations are smarter than us, I feel he is in the right ball park here but the answer may actually be that we have been sold out by our elected officials. China already owns us and were now butting heads with Russia.

(See more related post)

The real question here is would Trump make a good leader? Well the 69 year old business tycoon would definatly make some moves to shift our nation into a better business sector that is for sure. With forigen polocy he may be lacking a few skilss, and he may hurt the feelings of quite few long time politicians, but honestly at this point in our nations history that may not be a bad thing. All in all it is fun to watch and could actually be a huge presidential year!

Head of pro-Rand Paul super PAC indicted in payment scheme

Sen. Rand Paul’s presidential campaign and its allies struck a defiant tone Wednesday, calling the Justice Department’s indictment of a longtime Paul confidant “suspiciously timed” for the eve of a presidential debate, while declining to address the substance of the charges.

“Senator Rand Paul is disappointed that the Obama justice department chose to release this just prior to the highly anticipated first Republican presidential debate,” said a campaign spokesman, who asked not to be identified. “It certainly appears suspiciously timed and possibly, politically motivated. Additionally, these actions are from 2012 and have nothing to do with our campaign.”

Story Continued Below

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Jesse Benton, a prominent conservative Republican, has cooperated with the government during its multi-year investigation. That this indictment is now suddenly announced on the eve of the first Republican Presidential debate strongly supports our belief that this is a politically motivated prosecution designed to serve a political agenda, not to achieve justice,” his attorney, Meena Sinfelt, said in a statement. “Mr. Benton is eager to get before an impartial judge and jury who will quickly recognize this for what he believes it is: Character assassination for political gain.”

A call to Benton’s cellphone revealed that his voicemail box was full. He did not respond to an email request for comment.

His lawyer’s assertions echo the sentiments of the elder Paul. In a statement, Ron Paul said he was “extremely disappointed in the government’s decision” and that “the timing of this indictment is highly suspicious, given the fact that the first primary debate is tomorrow.”

Benton faces charges of conspiracy, obstructing an investigation, submitting false campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission and making false statements to the FBI. Two other operatives, John Tate and Dimitrios Kesari, also face charges connected to the alleged payoff.

Though Rand Paul declined to directly weigh in on the charges, another Benton client, Kentucky state Rep. Mike Harmon, said Benton called him Wednesday afternoon and told him the senator has his back.“He said Rand is standing with him and some of his other clients would be standing with him,” Harmon said.

Benton is managing Harmon’s campaign for state auditor, and Harmon said he’s going to decide Thursday whether to keep him on staff. “I’m going to think about it and pray about it,” he said. Harmon said Benton told him he intends to ask for an “expedient review” of the charges against him and potentially dispense with the matter within the next two months.

According to the Justice Department, the three operatives paid more than $70,000 — concealed as legitimate campaign expenditures — to then-state Sen. Kent Sorenson in order to shift his support from Rep. Michele Bachmann to the elder Paul. Sorenson made his switch public on Dec. 28, 2011, in Des Moines. The three operatives also coached Sorenson to lie when asked whether he was offered money for his support, according to the indictment. “Violating campaign finance laws by concealing payments to an elected official undermines our electoral system and deceives the public,” said Special Agent in Charge David LeValley. “The FBI will aggressively investigate those who corrupt the integrity of our democratic process.”

origional article:

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/08/rand-paul-2016-jesse-benton-super-pac-121034.html

Clinton campaign Abedin's history at State Department poses liability for Clinton White House bid

Huma Abedin -- a close aide to Hillary Clinton at the State Department and now a top campaign official -- is facing more questions about her activities at the agency, causing potential problems for Clinton’s presidential bid.

A federal judge ordered the State Department to have Clinton, Abedin and Cheryl Mills, another Clinton aide when she was secretary of state, confirm they have turned over all government records and describe how they used Clinton’s private server to conduct official business.

They had until Friday to turn over the information “under penalty of perjury.”

Clinton is already facing questions about using the server and private email accounts while she was the country’s top diplomat from 2009 to 2013.

The former secretary of state has turned over about 55,000 pages of private emails but deleted those she deemed personal, resulting in voters increasingly doubting her trustworthiness, according to recent polls.

Some emails show the extent to which Clinton's closest aides managed the details of her image. Abedin, for example, sent her an early-morning message in August 2009 advising Clinton to "wear a dark color today. Maybe the new dark green suit. Or blue."

Clinton later held a joint news conference with the Jordanian foreign minister. She wore the green suit, according to The Associated Press.

Abedin has for months been facing scrutiny about being part of a controversial State Department program that allowed her to work part time at the agency and have a private sector job.

She went from full-time deputy chief of staff for Clinton to a part-timer, then started working for Teneo, a consulting firm led by former President Clinton aide Douglas Band.

The agency’s inspector general’s office this spring confirmed an investigation on the matter and on email exchanges between Abedin and Clinton.

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has since 2013 led the effort to learn more about Abedin’s time at the State Department.

Last week, he sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and others asking about an investigation into possible “criminal” conduct by Abedin over her pay and her possibly violating rules that govern vacation and sick time.

The purported State Department inspector general report found Abedin was overpaid by nearly $10,000 because she violated such rules while at the agency.

The 39-year-old Abedin, vice chairwoman of the Clinton campaign, is contesting the findings and has requested an administrative review of them, while her lawyer calls the report “fundamentally flawed.”

The Clinton campaign did not respond to a request Saturday for comment.

Abedin is married to former New York Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, who resigned from Congress in 2011 over a sexting scandal.

Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, told The Washington Times that only political insiders will even know Abedin's name.

“But she's another building block in the image of Clinton being conveyed to voters," he said. "More and more, the current Clinton campaign is starting to remind me of the Clintons in the 1990s. At times, their controversies came in waves and filled news pages. It's happening all over again for Hillary in this campaign."

Abedin made roughly $69,000 in the first quarter of 2015, which would put her on pace to make $276,000 this year, according to news outlets’ analysis of federal reports.

The inspector general’s office has declined to respond to a request by FoxNews.com to verify the existence of the Abedin report and its finding.

Grassley and his staffers are also having problems getting information from the office.

And on Wednesday, he vowed to try to block -- or “place a hold” -- on the nomination of David Malcolm Robinson to become the State Department’s assistant secretary for conflict and stabilization operations until the agency complies with inquiries from the Republican-controlled Congress.

“The nominee is an innocent victim of the State Department’s contemptuous failures to respond to congressional inquiries,” Grassley said.

Origional Article:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/08/09/clinton-campaign-abedin-history-at-state-department-poses-liability-for-clinton/

Rauner heads Governor's Day at Illinois State Fair

With a change in party in the state chief executive’s office, Governor’s Day at the State Fair this year will be set aside for Republicans, while Democrat Day will follow.

In a longstanding bow to the importance of politics in Illinois, each major party gets its day at the fair.

This year, Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to be the headliner on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

“Republicans are excited to have their first Governor’s Day in 12 years,” said Nick Klitzing, executive director of the state GOP. “We will take the opportunity to celebrate Governor Rauner and show our commitment to his efforts to turn around Illinois.”

Republicans also will display their support for candidates up for election in 2016, he said, including U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, Comptroller Leslie Munger and GOP members of Congress.

“With the success of 2014, Republicans have a renewed sense of excitement, which we plan to build upon,” he said.

Among events that day, Klitzing said, will be a joint meeting in Springfield of the GOP state central committee and the Republican County Chairmen’s Association.

Other than the comptroller’s race — for a two-year term to finish out the four-year term originally won by Republican Judy Baar Topinka — other state constitutional officers including the governor aren’t up for re-election until 2018. Topinka died after her 2014 re-election, and Rauner named Munger to replace her.

Democrat Day, which will be on Thursday, Aug. 20, will lead off with brunch at the Hilton Springfield, hosted by the Democratic County Chairmen’s Association, said association President Mike Mathis.

The annual gathering generally features Democratic officeholders and candidates speaking to a ballroom full of the party faithful.

“Every election’s important and this is no exception,” Mathis said of the coming 2016 contests. “Having a Republican governor makes it more important, I think. We have strong ties with the unions, and we want to make sure that they stay protected as well.”

For several years, both parties also had formal rallies at the state Fairgrounds. Republicans did last year, with then-governor nominee Rauner riding up to the entrance of the Director’s Lawn at the fair on his motorcycle, followed by other bikers.

Democrats, on their day last year, featured then-Gov. Pat Quinn saying he wanted to be “a champion of everyday people who live paycheck to paycheck.”

Republicans sent an anti-Quinn mascot to the Democratic rally at the fairgrounds last year — a character called “Quinnocchio,” a Pinocchio-like character. Democrats featured their own character — Baron Von Moneybags — at their own rally, supposed to represent rich people for Rauner.

Origional Article:
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150808/SPECIAL/150809981/1994/NEWS?rssfeed=true

GOP steels itself for uncertainty in White House race

There are no signs that Thursday's debate will winnow their wide-open field anytime soon.

It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Before the campaign got underway, Republican Party leaders developed a streamlined set of debates and a nomination calendar that aimed to avoid a messy fight.

But few envisioned a field of 17 candidates, the explosion of outside money that appears ready to keep second-tier candidates flush with cash, and the rise of Donald Trump.

"I don't think we have to have total clarity," said Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman. "I think clarity is boring. I think what we have right now is some excitement, intrigue, and that's great, as long as you can contain it."

He said "containment means jabs and a few elbows are great, but I think beyond that it can be problematic."

Rival camps do not expect Trump to be a serious contender for the nomination when voting starts early next year. But they also cannot predict what might drive him from the race.

So far, he has proved to be immune from what would be viewed as missteps by any other candidate. But those missteps are piling up.

Trump was disinvited from a prominent conservative forum Saturday in Atlanta because of disparaging comments he made about Megyn Kelly, the Fox News moderator who had asked him tough questions in the debate.

For now, Trump's unexpected summer surge has vaulted him to front-runner status. It will be several days before public polling shows whether he was damaged by his caustic debate comments about women and refusal to rule out a third-party run.

Most GOP strategists expect little shake-up in the rest of the field before the second debate next month.

"The electorate is going to take time to think through this," said David Winston, a Republican pollster. "So I think everybody else is going to have to have patience."

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, the two candidates closest to Trump in early polls, escaped the first debate without damage, but also without any breakthrough moments.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich capitalized on a home-state crowd at the Cleveland debate to exceed expectations with an upbeat and optimistic performance. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was praised for a substantive showing.

The candidates made their case before a prime-time television audience of 24 million people, making the debate the biggest nonsports cable broadcast history.

During the tumultuous 2012 Republican primary, a series of 13 debates before the kickoff Iowa caucuses kept the race in flux through its early months.

Four years later, party leaders have cut in half the total number of approved debates — just six before the Iowa caucuses in February.

So fewer debate chances for breakout moments or disqualifying stumbles. On top of that, Iowa canceled its famed summer straw poll — a death knell for candidates in the past.

The growth of super political action committees, which can collect unlimited donations, means fewer candidates are at risk of having to shut down because they are out of money.

"At this point in past cycles, there would be death watch coverage of a couple of the candidates," said Fergus Cullen, the former New Hampshire Republican party chairman. "That's not going to happen this time."

Bush maintains a massive financial advantage over his rivals, having raised more than $114 million in the first half of the year between his campaign and super PAC. Despite that haul and his political pedigree, he has not broken away from the pack as some thought he might.

"You've got to work hard, you've got to earn it," Bush said Friday during a campaign stop in New Hampshire. "A well-funded campaign is important — it's better than a nonfunded campaign — but it's not the only thing that matters."

Bush allies privately concede he underperformed in the debate. He appeared even-keeled but unremarkable amid Trump fireworks and showed signs of nerves in the opening moments of his first debate in more than a decade.

Suggesting many voters still do not know Bush well, the son and brother of former presidents will devote much of the summer is to highlighting his accomplishments while governor of Florida, said campaign spokesman Tim Miller.

Bush will pay particular attention to New Hampshire, where his brand of politics is likely to play the best among the four early voting states. It's also where he will face increased competition from Kasich, a lesser-known Republican presidential contender who exceeded modest expectations in the debate.

The next debate is Sept. 16 in California. Host CNN has said it will use a similar model to select the candidates on stage as Fox News did for the first one: a grouping of the top 10 candidates, according to public polling, and a second that includes lower-ranked candidates.

One of the biggest questions to emerge is whether Carly Fiorina, the only woman in the GOP race, will break into the top tier.

The former technology executive impressed many in the party with her sharp, forceful performance before the prime-time debate, but it's not clear who she might dislodge from the top 10.

Origional Article:

http://news.yahoo.com/gop-steels-itself-uncertainty-white-house-race-142344727--election.html

Donald Wins GOP Debate

Donald Trump wins the gop debates by far. He had very much so won the debate last night. With the GOP in a furry, it is funny to see that a non politician may actaully take the primary. I think I will vote in the primary just to give Donald his shot. Looks like Im pulling a Republican primary ticket.

Illinois spends the equivelant of 7 school budgets to jail Marijuana users

In 2011 there were over 57,758 marijuana related arrest in Illinois. Did you know that that turns into 224,000 court dates, and cost the tax payers between $33 - $38 million dollars a year? With a lack of funding for education, and a falling state budget crises we as a state are spending the equivalent of 8 public school budgets to simply jail and harass non violent offenders in Illinois. Marijuana which is now legal in 4 states and being de-criminalized across the nation is still being thrown in the faces of Illinois residents. As a state we spend more money on non violent offenders than we do on the homeless. Our state is failing and neither major part has the ability or heart to fight this cause.

Marijuana has proven to be a cash crop in states like Colorado and Washington, and its even legal in our nations capital but as usual our states legislators are failing our people once again. As a state legalizing marijuana could completely fund a rebirth to our states education system. As for the sappy excuse that legalization will lead to more teen use, that is not true. It has been proven in Colorado that teen use decreases as well our state budget would increase. Not only that but our state would save upwards of $40 million dollars a year in court fees and jail cost. Our state would be in much better share within only 2 years. Sadly we would rather fight about Madigan and Rauner, and the lack to come to terms on a budget. Meanwhile the everyday resident of our state is either moving out of state, or losing more and more tax money everyday.

The current state of Illinois marijuana reform is in shambles. There is a group pushing for a 2018 ballot innovative, Growth For Illinois has put a foot forward in the initiative but we can only hope they can reach their goals. While other states are making leaps and bounds, we as one of the most liberal states in our nation seem to be well behind.

City of Joliet making a rebound?

Joliet is shaping up. With city officials working together, and the community stepping up, it seems Joliet may be making a much necessary rebound. The city crime ridden, and in shambles for much of the last 20 years, has been in need of a rebuild. With road work underway, and a lot of re- development a once thriving city could be in position for greatness once again. Some of the biggest issues the city faces are coming to light finally, such as the $600,000 a year given to the Rialto and the gang violence. Mayor Bob O'Dekirk has brought a lot to light as well with his transition paper work. Noting a lot of the major concerns in the city was a great first step for mayor O'Dekirk and his transition team. The city seems to be making leaps in bounds in rebuilding.
The city of

Joliet has seen many ups and downs over the years, and is need of this reform. Joliet residence are now after 20 years seeing a change in pace. With a newly elected mayor the changes being brought to the city are surly changes that will have great impact on our local community. Joliet residence are beginning to notice the changes at hand as well with street projects,and building renovation taking place everywhere. Our city could be seeing a massive shift in the the next 12 months, with more police hired as well we are seeing changes at all levels of local government. Could this truly mean Joliet may once again be a thriving metropolis? That is quite the possibility as we move forward with these changes we will see what the new mayor and city council have in store for joliet.

Our city is now in process of real meaningful changes, If we continue down this path there will be a great future ahead of us. As the summer turns to fall we will see where the changes lead. The city is already in the process of a full review on local programs such as animal control and others where there has been much concern over spending, and lack of education in there current employee structure. With a $12 Million dollar budget for 2015 we hope the city can allocate those funds to continue making much needed changes!

GOP Bill Would Undermine Rail Safety Regulations

WASHINGTON (AP) — At a time of high-profile train wrecks, Republicans are working on legislation to roll back safety regulation of the railroad industriy.

A bill approved this week on a party-line vote by a Senate committee brims with industry-sought provisions that would block, delay or roll back safety rules. The measure is to be part of a must-pass transportation bill that GOP leaders hope to put to a vote in the Senate as early as next week.

They are under pressure to act quickly because authority for transportation programs expires on July 31. Without a cash infusion, the government will have to delay highway and transit aid to states.

One provision would block a new Department of Transportation rule requiring that trains hauling crude oil are equipped with electronically controlled brakes that affect cars all at the same time, rather than sequentially. The bill calls for a study of the technology and puts off any regulatory mandate, which could delay implementation for years.

The brake rule was prompted by a series of train wrecks in which cars of crude oil and ethanol exploded, igniting fires that burned for days. Freight railroads oppose the rule, which could cost them billions of dollars.

Another provision would give freight and commuter railroads and Amtrak more time to install a safety system called positive train control. The technology relies on GPS, wireless radio and computers to monitor train position and slow or stop trains in danger of derailing because they're traveling too fast, are about to collide with another train or are about to enter an area where crews are working on tracks.

A 2008 law requires railroads to have the technology installed and operating by the end of this year. Most are not expected to make that deadline.

The National Transportation Safety Board says that if the technology had been in operation, it could have prevented an Amtrak derailment in May that killed eight people and injured about 200 others in Philadelphia, and a derailment that killed four passengers and injured 64 others in New York City in December 2013, as well as other fatal accidents.

Railroads say they have spent billions of dollars on the technology but have been hampered by technical and financial difficulties and need more time.

Thune and other Republicans on the committee said the changes were necessary reforms to federal agencies that have overstepped their bounds or have issued regulations that unfairly penalize industry without improving safety. Thune noted the bill contains several provisions sought by Democrats and safety advocates.

The GOP bill is "loaded down with giveaways to special interests that will set back safety for years to come," said Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. "The influence of corporate lobbyists had more sway than commonsense and cost-effective solutions to deadly problems."

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