Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
"At least four Republican House Members, one senior GOP aide and a former top officer of the House were aware of the allegations about Foley that prompted the initial reporting regarding his e-mail contacts with a 16-year-old House page. They include: Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Reynolds (N.Y.) and Reps. Rodney Alexander (R-La.) and John Shimkus (R-Ill.), as well as a senior aide to Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and former Clerk of the House Jeff Trandahl."
- 2003 Questionable instant messages between Foley and congressional page.
- 2005 August - Foley has questionable email contact with 16 year old male page to US House. (In fairness, he has not been convicted but also hasn't denied it.)
- 2005 Fall - Republican congressmen and officials (but not Democrats) are informed.
- 2005 November - Clerk Jeff Trandahl, who managed the Page Program resigned
- 2005 April - Republican leadership informed... traced to Hastert advisor, not Denny himself. Boehner has "corrected" his first statement.
- Foley continues to chair the House caucus on missing and exploited children, writing the sexual-predator provisions of Child Protection and Safety Act.
- 2006 July - picture of Foley near pResident at signing of Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006
- 2006 Sept 28 - ABC breaks story about Foley and teen page
- 2006 Sept 29
- Mark Foley (R-Fla.) resigns from House, effective immediately
- Dennis Hastert responds, "He has done the right thing" ... when what is at issue is accusations that He has done a bad thing.
- CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) asks for Ethics Committee investigation (denied because can only be requested by House member.) CREW had complainded to FBI and posts emails.
- Dems call for investigation before congressional RECESS for election
- After decent folks are fast asleep, Hastert sends issue to Ethics Committee which he emasculated after it sanctioned Tom Delay two years ago. This means Republicans can now refuse to answer questions about "an ongoing investigation" until, at least, after the election.
- 2006 Sept 30 - House members are in home districts campaigning.
[For more information about recent sex scandals, go to dKosopedia. - Bob]
"Tell me why Denny Hastert shouldn't be forced to immediately resign. They left your kids with this man AFTER they knew what he was doing. They let him stay in the GOP leadership. They let him remain the chair of the child sex offender caucus."
[Even if Denny was not told, he should be able to find out what aid was. I haven't heard of the aid being fired or suspended. - Bob]
"The woman convicted of being Tokyo Rose eventually benefited from safeguards on the road to justice. Without them she might have died this week in prison without charges ever filed. Perhaps Speaker Hastert might have called that justice. Thankfully for all Americans, his predecessors did not."
"So far, debates will be hosted by the College of DuPage, radio stations WBBM-AM and WBEZ-FM and television station WTTW Channel 11, the candidates said. Dates will be finalized later."
Duckworth
draws closer to Roskam on campaign cash"Despite being in the race for only 3 1/2 months, 6th Congressional District Democrat Tammy Duckworth has raised nearly three-fourths as much campaign money as Republican foe Peter Roskam. But Duckworth barely emerged from a tougher-than-anticipated primary, so Roskam, who was unopposed, enjoys a 3-to-1 advantage headed into the spring fundraising period."
Roskam
defends federal pork support"When asked how Duckworth would bring home the proverbial bacon for the 6th District, Glunz said projects like the railroad crossing would get funded on merit. Roskam said he would back a change to make earmarks more transparent, requiring the sponsoring congressman’s name to be listed."
Sun-Times
"Tammy Duckworth is a genuine war hero who lost both her legs when she was shot while piloting a helicopter over Iraq. She's now a Democratic nominee for Congress in Illinois' 6th District, and her campaign staff has been waiting patiently for her Republican opponent to question her patriotism so that they could pounce like tigers. It happened right on cue this week, when Republican state Sen. Peter Roskam mentioned the dreadful "cut and run" line during a radio debate with Duckworth. "
Tammy Duckworth"Like so many others, I proudly fought and sacrificed. My helicopter was shot down long after you proclaimed `Mission Accomplished.'"
[The audio excerpt is available from TPM by clicking here. - Bob]
"... Peter Roskam accused his Democratic opponent Tammy Duckworth of planning to "cut and run" on Iraq. Duckworth is a former Army major and chopper pilot, who lost both legs in Iraq after her helicopter got hit by an RPG. "I just could not believe he would say that to me," said Duckworth, who walks on artificial legs and uses a cane. Every election cycle produces some wincers, but how do you apologize for that one?"
John
Laesch(candidate for
US 14th)
" He comes from a family that stressed helping others. His parents were Christian missionaries, and he spent part of his childhood in West Africa. They returned to the Newark area in 1986. Mr. Laesch joined the U.S. Navy in the mid-1990s and was an intelligence officer overseas. He said his brother, Pete -- a sergeant in the U.S. Army now stationed in Iraq -- urged him to run in 2003."
West
Chicago Police Dept."The DuPage County Sheriffs office is investigating several suspicious incidents involving a male subject taking pictures of female juveniles as they exit their school bus and as they are walking home."
"There have been a few scams reported by homeowners in the area over the past few weeks."
- Pictures of St. Charles East High’s Homecoming parade
- News about 10 District 303 students who have earned National Merit Scholarship “Commended” status
- Help for those who had trouble viewing the attendance area adjustment update given to the Board of Education on Monday
- Information about the upcoming EXPLORE test for 8th graders
- A reminder about author Tim Smith’s program this Sunday about helping teens be safer drivers.
City
of West Chicago- New City Seal
- New City Flag
- Approve Halloween and Homecoming Parades
- $25,000 to redesign City Website
- Numerous Variance and zoning issues
- Dean Piemonte of Laundry King request reducing the number of off-street parking spaces required for a laundromat.
- R.C. Soto & Sons request modifications to the commercial component of the mixed-use development located at the northwest corner of Roosevelt Road and Bishop Street
At
Home in West Chicago - Merle Burleigh- National City Bank Community Celebration
-
English as a Second Language classes at Trinity Lutheran Church
- National Physical Therapy Month
- High School Association Homecoming Events
" So when Peed and other student leaders at the private Christian high school searched for a charitable project that year, they settled on raising money for a schoolhouse in a Zambian village ravaged by AIDS. The cost was $53,000, a goal many of their elders considered unreachable. The students exceeded it by $25,000."
Illionois
Senators
“Nearly 5 months after it was promised, the Administration has finally assured us that Illinois wind farms do not interfere with military radar and are safe to operate without the threat of being shut down by the report’s findings,”
Sen.
Obama"Congress has finally come to realize what the American people have known all along - that in the wake of a disaster, our resources should go to help those in need, not wealthy contractors," Obama and Coburn said. "We have a long way to go before we rebuild the American people's faith in government, but putting an end to no-bid contracts is an important start."
"I realize that soon, we will adjourn for the fall, and the campaigning will begin in earnest. And there will be 30-second attack ads and negative mail pieces, and we will be criticized as caring more about the rights of terrorists than the protection of Americans. And I know that the vote before us was specifically designed and timed to add more fuel to that fire."
GovernorBlagojevich
“This museum will give the public a unique, first-hand understanding of our nation’s maritime and industrial history. I’m pleased we were able to work with the federal government and the American Academy of Industry to make sure the Acacia can continue to play an important role in our region,”
“So it’s imperative for us to look for the best ways to get parents on board and fully informed about how their children are doing in school and how they can support their children’s learning. The Illinois Parent Leadership Council will fill the gap between teachers, the state, and parents, making sure all parties are on the same page.”
Sen Peter Roskam"Tammy Duckworth shows her true allegiance tomorrow by turning down the tenth opportunity to speak to voters in order to court another Hollywood liberal, campaign manager Ryan McLaughlin said."
"Each class has chosen a superhero, and all activities and events planned build around the various aspects of that character,"
"Major strides have been made in the neighborhood over the last six years through funding from grants that helped build a park for the children and a much needed parking lot adjacent to Wilson Street."
"Branch Manager Steve Grabavoy presented Fire Chief Ron Ackerman with a $500 check and two defibrillators for the West Chicago Fire Protection District Foundation for Fire and Safety. A $500 check also was given to West Chicago Police Officer Joe Trefilek for the Michael Browning Memorial Fund."
"We Grow Dreams, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is hosting its annual Fall Open House Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., West Chicago."
"As the first Illinois community established by the railroads, it was decreed on July 12, 1873 that West Chicago's (then Village of Turner) seal "shall have as a design a locomotive engine surrounded by the words, Village of Turner, Incorporated July 12, 1873.""
Dole
distances self from election flier"The ad uses a Dole photo and quote from the March 2006 edition of Glamour magazine in which Dole said Duckworth will be "an excellent candidate for Congress.""
"A candlelight peace vigil is planned for 7 p.m. today at House Speaker Dennis Hastert's office at 27 N. River St. here. Part of the Declaration of Peace Week of Action nationwide, the Batavia vigil will include names, ranks, ages and photographs of all 166 Illinois soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Bush
to headline fundraiser"Invitations for the Bush fundraiser ask for contributions of $1,000 per person. For a promise of raising $25,000, donors can be called "co-chairs" and get two VIP roundtable passes and a photo opportunity with the president. Those who raise $10,000 will be called "sponsors" and also get to mug with Bush."
Sen
Durbin“President Robinson shares my concern for what is taking place in Africa,” Durbin said. “With 11 percent of the world’s population, 25 percent of the global disease burden and nearly half of the world’s deaths from infectious diseases, sub-Saharan Africa has only 3 percent of the world’s health workers."
"Secure Wireless LAN infrastructure for Point of Maintenance was approved in the amount of $2 million. The upgrades will improve the visibility capabilities, accuracy, and timeliness of data processed at the 182d Air Wing Maintenance facility."
"If we are simply holding 455 people (at Guantanamo Bay) with no charges indefinitely, until this war on terrorism which has no definable end to it, comes to an end, that is not consistent with the principles of justice,"
Sen.
Obama"The new law provides Americans with a new website, what Obama calls a "Google for government." Eventually, anyone will be able to type in a few key words and learn details of where federal tax dollars go, and perhaps whether those trillions are being spent wisely or foolishly."
"I realize that soon, we will adjourn for the fall, and the campaigning will begin in earnest. And there will be 30-second attack ads and negative mail pieces, and we will be criticized as caring more about the rights of terrorists than the protection of Americans. And I know that the vote before us was specifically designed and timed to add more fuel to that fire. And yet, while I know all of this, I'm still disappointed. Because what we're doing here today - a debate over the fundamental human rights of the accused - should be bigger than politics. This is serious."
"Without hearing a sudden knock on the door. I bring this up because what is at stake in this bill, and in the amendment that is currently being debated, is the right, in some sense, for people who hear that knock on the door and are placed in detention because the Government suspects them of terrorist activity to effectively challenge their detention by our Government."
Rep
Hastert"“I do not think Hastert was too pleased with the resolution, wondering about the relationship with Japan,” said a GOP aide familiar with the issue. Hastert spent time in Japan in his first year of graduate school and travels to the nation often. Some GOP sources have said he is interested in following in former Speaker Tom Foley’s (D-Wash.) footsteps and becoming the country’s ambassador one day."
"Sen. John Warner chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee , rejected appeals from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert to use his bill on military pay raises as a vehicle for their pet measures."
"Democrats believe there are five issues that Congress has not touched on yet and are pressing to keep Congress in session until those issues are addressed. These five issues include national security, economic security, cost of health care, cost of college tuition, and gas prices. The letter states, “Our country is heading in the wrong direction” and “We reject assertions that the people’s business can wait until after the November election.” "
John
Laesch(candidate for
US 14th)
[An MP3 recording of the Sept 26th interview of Laesch on the Ed Schultz Show, carried locally by WCPT, 850 AM. Although carried on many Air America stations, Schultz is an independent left of center talk show host from Bismark, ND. - Bob]
[Bob Kincaid of HeadOn Radio appears to be an admitted left winger out of West Virginia. - Bob]
GovernorBlagojevich
“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and I am committed through this program to help create new agricultural ventures that ensure the industry remains number one in the future.”
“Methamphetamines and other illegal drugs destroy the lives of individuals, families and entire communities. We should use every resource at our disposal to fight the production, distribution and use of these drugs throughout the state."
Sen Peter Roskam"After showing the students how a bill is written, introduced and debated on the floor, the state senator then introduced the freshmen to the governor's secret weapon. "It's called a veto," Roskam said."
"Oh dear. I’m sure he didn’t mean it. In Illinois’ Sixth Congressional District, long represented by Henry Hyde, Republican candidate Peter Roskam accused his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth, of planning to “cut and run” on Iraq. Duckworth is a former Army major and chopper pilot who lost both legs in Iraq after her helicopter got hit by an RPG. “I just could not believe he would say that to me,” said Duckworth, who walks on artificial legs and uses a cane. Every election cycle produces some wincers, but how do you apologize for that one?"
"As Election Central first reported on Monday, Roskam made the comment at a debate a week ago. Speaking of Duckworth, Olbermann said: "She can't run, since she lost both her legs there. Nice touch, Pete." Roskam was bested for the title by Roger Ailes."
[Be sure to check the video. Incidentally, this one is now tied at 41%. - Bob]
West
Chicago Police Dept."The Glendale Heights PD is investigating an attempted child pick up that occured this morning at approximately 0750 hours near Bloomingdale and Fullerton in Glendale Heights."
City
of West Chicago"Sponsored by Midwest Generation, an independent power producer based in Chicago, and the Illinois Humanities Council, Mexicans in Chicago is part of a five-stop tour that includes Blue Island, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet and West Chicago. "
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Homework Assistance Available
- Nutritious Snacks
- Active Adult Supervision
- After School Transportation for District 33 Students
"We Grow Dreams Inc., a non-profit organization, is holding its annual fall open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., West Chicago. The open house will feature pumpkins, mums, hanging baskets, corn stalks, flowering kale, hot apple cider, coffee and sweet treats for the entire family. Proceeds support job training and employment programs for people with disabilities. For more information, call 630-293-0100 or visit www.we growdreams.org."
Rep
Hastert"These terrorist tribunals will allow the suspected terrorists to address the charges against them, with legal defense provided by the U.S. government. In addition, classified evidence is protected from disclosure to the accused terrorists."
GovernorBlagojevich
"These secret surcharges unfairly increase the costs of wireless service beyond the advertised rate. The Governor’s legislation will require that cell phone companies identify all charges and prohibit surcharges disguised as taxes or mandated fees."
The gray pictures were taken Saturday, as a storm blew in on Saxon Harbor. They are not black and white or doctored. The colors are from Sunday, when the sky turned blue and the view from Copper Peak turned fantastic. The contrast within 24 hours is so... so ... so ... typical of the Lake Superior shoreline. For folks with no hard fast plans, color is expected to peak this weekend. Hurley, WI is six hours north on US 51 near Lake Superior and the Michigan border. Hurley - the Top Of Wisconsin hooks you up with accommodations.
City
of West Chicago"September 26, 2006 - The City of West Chicago will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary of Re-Incorporation at the October 2nd City Council meeting. The public is invited to attend the meeting which will be held at City Hall, 475 Main Street, beginning at 7:00 p.m. "
- The Board of Education meeting synopsis
- A new initiative called the “Parent University”
- Free preschool developmental screening
- A Hero in our Midst – Ferson Creek Elementary honors student
- A tennis camp for kids
- The Corron Elementary School PTO’s blood drive
- A celebration to honor a Ferson Creek Elementary School hero
- A seminar this coming weekend regarding helping teens drive more safely.
West
Chicago Police Dept."Please be aware that numerous counterfeit bills (10's and 20's) have been passed to local restaurants and grocery stores since last Monday."
"Mrs. Janaes was born in West Chicago on Dec. 17, 1915, to Laura and Michael Tinnes, a longtime employee of the Chicago & North Western Railroad... Mrs. Janaes attended West Chicago High School, where she met her future husband, Michell “Cy” Janaes. The couple wed in 1937, and settled in Winfield."
"But while both say global warming is a concern and stand squarely behind ethanol production, they're at polar opposites on the hot-button issue of drilling for oil in Alaska."
Plenty
of mud, not much clarity on border debate"In Illinois, for example, Republicans are airing a television advertisement slamming Democratic congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth, claiming she supports amnesty for undocumented immigrants, opposing the use of the National Guard at the border and agreeing to give Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants. Duckworth actually favors the approach of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), which does not provide amnesty or Social Security to illegal immigrants, and she has called for adding 12,000 Border Patrol agents."
Sen
Durbin"U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that a Senate-House conference committee has approved $84.35 million in federal funding to assist defense related facilities and project across Illinois."
"Both initiatives will be managed by Northern Illinois University under the DOD's Combat Vehicles and Automotive Advanced Technology program."
Sen.
Obama"However, Oprah says she wants everyone who would work tirelessly on her campaign to "take your energy and put it in Barack Obama. That's what I would say." "That would be my favorite guy... he is my senator... and my choice... and I'm hoping he would run for president.""
“I would like to caution Mutua and the Kenya’s USA diplomat that Obama is not just a common man to dismissed casually. We are talking of an internationally reputed personality. He is a Senator from a world power. This Government should be very cautious on how it addresses international issues. Failure to which it drift the country into a major diplomatic crisis,” he said."
Rep
Hastert"The economy continues to grow to record levels, and the American people are more convinced now as they feel relief at the pump and have more money in their pockets."
John
Laesch(candidate for
US 14th)
"I am dying to know where these bold Republicans are now hiding. I did think that these "wag the dog" claims reflected amazing levels of ignorance by elected officials, but I didn’t think in political terms those days. Now that I am a candidate, I understand how political messaging works and I think that it is pretty sad that people are willing to silence an honest debate on Iraq during the election cycle."
"It is our responsibility to our nation to ensure that American families are put first. For many Americans, working hard at one full-time job is no longer enough to pay the rent and feed their families. Access to a living wage, quality health care, education, and a healthy environment should be enjoyed by all Americans that work hard to support their families."
John Laesch is scheduled to be interviewed as part of the Ed Schulz Show on Tuesday, 26 Sept 2006 during the 3PM hour. This show program is available locally on WCPT at 850 on the AM dial. The program is also streamed to the net at http://www.wcpt850.com/ .
GovernorBlagojevich
"Our new traffic alert system means drivers can get up-to-the-minute information about congested areas and travel times, which can help them avoid delays and get to where they’re going faster.”
“People want and use Amtrak; that’s why we doubled our commitment to ensuring we have regular passenger rail service. During the past several years we’ve continued to see an increase in the people riding the Illinois state-sponsored trains.”
Sen Peter Roskam"Roskam, a state senator from Wheaton, countered that the suburban Chicago district is not a "cut-and-run district" or one that embraces a timetable for a pullout from Iraq."
Tammy Duckworth"Tammy lost both of her legs in Iraq and Peter Roskam’s way of saying thank you is to callously accuse her of wanting to “cut and run.” Well, Peter, let me tell you this, Tammy can’t “cut and run” and she won’t “cut and run.” But I guess we should expect something like this from someone who worked for Tom Delay and gets his talking points from Karl Rove. "
Dirk Enger"The National Guard and Reserve deserve fully funded benefits and pensions. We need more family support centers statewide to support our troops. It takes a lot more than just a car magnet to show support!"
"The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. Saturday, when a vehicle traveling south in the left lane on Route 59 near Pine Street struck the pedestrian, police said. Early investigations indicate the pedestrian was crossing the roadway and was hit by the left side of the vehicle, police said."
"Whether it was war, immigration, taxes, stem cells or Social Security, Republican state senator Roskam and Democratic Army veteran Tammy Duckworth had little common ground and weren’t afraid to mix it up, either."
Sen
Durbin
"Today's announcement comes just months after Durbin met with and wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, urging him to add the City of Chicago to DHS’ list of “critical seaports.” Those cities on the “critical seaports list” are eligible to apply for more than $168 million in port security grant funding for the protection of critical port infrastructure from terrorism."
Sen.
Obama"At his 57th town hall meeting since being elected, Obama said the meetings help him stay in touch with local issues. "When I come here, I just feel like this is sort of the heart of what America's about. I think a lot of people feel that way, which is why your traffic is so bad.""
"There are 111 facilities in the United States where a worst-case scenario attack on a chemical plant could threaten more than one million people, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two of these facilities are within Chicago's city limits. Illinois has at least 11 facilities where a large-scale chemical release could threaten more than a million people."
Rep
Hastert"The newspaper said the last-minute confrontation is pitting the House's most powerful member against Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John W. Warner, R-Va., who has said he will not add extraneous measures to the annual defense authorization bill unless they can garner unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans alike."
GovernorBlagojevich
"The original $80 million dedicated to the project was distributed according to a formula which only counted fuel oil as a source of heat, yet most Midwestern consumers use natural gas. As a result, the low-income families in Illinois and other Midwestern states have not benefited from additional energy assistance."
“But when that assistance runs out at the end the season, some of our most at-risk families become disconnected again. That can mean that a family is without gas to cook their dinner or lights in their home. Here in Illinois, we want to break that cycle of disconnection. This grant will help those families who are at the greatest risk of being disconnected from their energy service stay connected throughout the year – keeping homes safer and families healthier.”
Tammy Duckworth[The above link takes you to the audio of the program. - Bob]
"The use of this common pro-war talking-point in this case surprised some observers—not to mention Duckworth herself—because the veteran Duckworth lost both of her legs in Iraq. Duckworth's post-debate reply was rather straightforward: "I just could not believe he would say that to me."
Cable
ComChannel 17
- 6:00 PM The Derek & Rob X-Perience (NEW)
- 6:30 PM Millner's Talking Points
- 7:00 PM City Council (9/18/06)
- 8:00 PM WCCHS Wildcat Football (9/22/06)
And that's JUST MONDAY
Wayne
on board with moving depot"Tax-deductible donations are being sought through the village’s historic preservation commission, and leaders also have approached U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s office for help in getting funding."
[What is happening about the McCauley School? Inquiring minds want to know if Hastert is helping there also? - Bob]
""The arboretum has fielded hundreds of calls from the public wanting to know what they should do (about the beetle)," said Edith Makra, arborist and arboretum community trees advocate. "We want to provide the very latest information available so they can make informed choices," said Makra, a member of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Emerald ash borer management advisory team. "
Little
common ground for Roskam, Duckworth"In the first face-to-face debate of the 6th Congressional District campaign, Republican Peter Roskam and Democrat Tammy Duckworth made familiar cases for their election Friday, with Roskam arguing he's the "local candidate with local support" and Duckworth contending she represents a change from "more of the same" in Washington."
Tammy Duckworth“Peter Roskam has the gall to call himself a friend of the environment. Yet, he’s taken tens of thousands of dollars from the oil industry during this race and opposed a bill in Springfield to prevent new sludge facilities on Lake Michigan,” Duckworth continued. “If elected to Congress, I’m going to fight to protect our air and water, not the special interests and big polluters.”
Sen.
Obama"African leaders must get more concerned with the bigger picture and the bigger picture must be concern with wealth generation, poverty reduction and equitable distribution. When he recently made a powerful speech touching on tribalism and corruption at the University of Nairobi which ought to have stoked our thinking, US Senator Barrack Obama instead found himself being vilified. It is difficult to see how we can correct our failures if we are shackled to self-denial."
Rep
Hastert"When North Dakota Democrat Earl Pomeroy asked about the chances for a House vote, Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte said Speaker Dennis Hastert and Majority Leader John Boehner have asked for offsets for disaster outlays."
"House Speaker Dennis Hastert told NEWS9's Scott MacFarlane on Thursday that an update on Ney's future was "very, very close." Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call cites Hastert as saying he's working on getting a letter from Ney. So far, no member of Congress has formally suggested expelling Ney from Congress if he doesn't resign."
"At least for now, House Republican leaders have succeeded in their take-no-prisoners approach to immigration despite nationwide protests by Latinos last spring and White House warnings that they are endangering their party's future. Refusing to compromise with the Senate and their own president to widen paths to legal entry and give the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country now an avenue to citizenship, Hastert and other House GOP leaders have successfully framed that approach as amnesty."
John
Laesch(candidate for
US 14th)
"Before the march to the recruitment office, Laesch, who is running against Speaker Dennis Hastert in the 14th Congressional District, highlighted his stance on the Iraq war. Laesch is a former naval intelligence officer. Part of his message was aimed directly at U.S. troops, such as his brother, Pete Laesch, who he said is serving with the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq. “My fellow brothers and sisters, I support our troops and I believe that supporting our troops means getting out of Iraq,” John Laesch said."
"The board of education this week unanimously approved Chambers’ plan to use the one-time payment for one new section of English 3 and another of Algebra 1. Up to two students will be pulled from each of the existing crowded classes of those courses to form the new sections, Principal John Highland said."
"Aided by instability created by the diverging jet stream flow aloft and the converging winds at the warm frontal boundary below, towering storms built to 58,000 feet tall. Downdrafts resulted in widespread hail and wind damage (70 mph reported at Hanover Park and 60 mph near West Chicago)."
Tammy DuckworthLiberal web blogs, such as Talking Points Memo are beginning to show banner ads for Tammy Duckworth, the Iraq War disabled vet who is challenging Republican Sen.Peter Roskam for the federal House seat formerly held by Henry Hyde. The ad links to a flash presentation covering Ms. Duckworth's biography.
- Board of Education meeting
- art teacher of the year
- much more...
Sen Peter Roskam"Tensions mounted this week during a Legislative Audit Commission meeting as Auditor General William Holland confronted Illinois Department of Transportation officials to find explanations about $700,000 in questionable expenses and other incidents of mismanagement, according to State Senator Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton)."
- "West Chicago has been our home for many years. Our children attended St. Mary's School and the high school. Our goal is to bring a fine Mexican cuisine into the community we count as home."
- "Fine dining doesn't have to be an extravagance," Russo said, "It's part of our lifestyle and needs to be fresh, innovative and affordable."
“He (attorney Charles “Chuck” Jacques, 47) certainly understands the community and understands the school,” Reyes said. “Bottom line, he can hit the ground running and help us with a number of things immediately.”
"Combining church worship music with Celtic rock seems unconventional, but it's made Sammy Horner highly sought after within Christian circles. The singer/songwriter first found fame with Scotland's The Electrics, but has since released nine solo albums."
Sen
Durbin“This mismatched, piecemeal approach to food safety could spell disaster if we do not act quickly and decisively,”
“Seniors are starting to pay the full price for a drug plan designed by and for the pharmaceutical industry,” Durbin said. “More than 430,000 Illinoisans could be one prescription away from falling into the doughnut hole."
"George Allen doesn't just steal identities, he also steals amendments from his colleagues. Earlier this month Allen appropriated Senator Durbin's appropriations amendment by introducing it on the Senate floor moments before the real author had the opportunity to introduce it. Incredibly, Allen insisted that his bill was different because he changed the word "will" to "shall." And we thought that President Clinton was straining credulity by parsing the meaning of "is"."
Sen.
Obama"Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) made an impassioned bid for clean energy in front of an overwhelmingly supportive audience in Gaston Hall yesterday. Obama’s 20-minute address was interrupted frequently by cheers and applause, as the students, faculty and local residents packing the auditorium appeared united in their enthusiasm for the youthful politician from Illinois."
"Senator Tom Coburn (R.-Okla.), who has become the champion of transparency and good government, sponsored this effort. Senator Barack Obama (D.-Ill.) is the other lead sponsor. It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of this type of legislation. Members of Congress approve lots of spending projects. Many of those projects are beneficial and completely defensible; others are shameless efforts to funnel federal money to some constituent’s pet project and have little or no relation to the national interest."
Rep
Hastert"Before we can address any other immigration issues, Congress must ensure that we are providing for security along our borders."
[Hopefully when the Speaker finishes all the sitting ducks, he will turn to something more difficult and important, like illegal employers. - Bob]
""I think there have been failures of leadership, major failures of leadership," said the member. Laying out a list of woes that many conservatives agree with, the member said topping the chart is the GOP leadership's blind eye toward ethical lapses of members like former Rep. Duke Cunningham of California and Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio. In fact, the member said, some feel House Speaker Dennis Hastert should be as tough on the Republican side as Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has been on those in her Democratic caucus who've made ethical missteps."
John
Laesch(candidate for
US 14th)
"The protest also brought out people like John Laesch, congressional candidate for the 14th District, who gave a speech at the protest voicing his opinions on George W. Bush, Congress and the war. During his speech, he compared enlisting in the war to getting into a car with a drunk driver. "We are not going to get a positive change in Iraq until we get a change in Congress," he said. "
GovernorBlagojevich
“With just a few simple steps I think we can go a long way in getting the word out on E-85 and biodiesel. We’ve included all the stations on our easy to use state travel website; we’ll be posting new signs on the interstate showing motorists where to exit for an E-85 or biodiesel station, and we’re developing new pamphlets for our rest areas and tourist centers that will show where E-85 and biodiesel stations are in Illinois.”
Sen Peter Roskam""They have been lying about different stances, from tax issues to immigration," said Duckworth spokeswoman Christine Glunz. "If you're talking about who is thinking what here, I think we know that Peter Roskam will do whatever the national Republicans tell him is right in this race. . . . They will tell him what to think." Roskam spokesman Ryan McLaughlin said he could not comment on the ads because they are an independent expenditure by the NRCC."
""The piece was correct is saying that we had the FOP's support. They endorsed Peter Roskam during the primary. The piece was pulled when we found out about the endorsement (for the general election)," he said.Duckworth spokeswoman Christine Glunz criticized the piece."
- Pioneer Press Online - Glenview,IL
"Christine Glunz, a spokeswoman for Democrat Tammy Duckworth, said Roskam is just reading Republican talking points without offering solutions. "At the same time as Peter Roskam was meeting with the Commerce secretary, the Commerce Department was announcing its new trade deficit figures, a record $68 billion shortfall," she said. "(Roskam) is saying everything is great." "
Tammy Duckworth"I think a very small percentage of what is happening in Iraq is terrorist activity. I think most of it is sectarian violence, it's Sunnis fighting Shiites ... I think that to try to tie Iraq to the war on terror is a disservice to the real work that has to be done in the war on terror, which includes finishing the job in Afghanistan, capturing Osama Bin Laden and destroying Al Qaeda but also protecting our people here at home."
"Bizarrely, Bush is trying to close the libraries despite the fact that the network actually saves far more money in improved efficiency than it costs to maintain. While Bush wants to gut nearly all of the $2.5 million budget, estimates indicate that the libraries save staff about 214,000 hours each year, worth about $7.5 million."
ElementaryDistrict 33
"The grant allows for the purchase of 20 stationary bicycles and 10 piston stepper machines to provide aerobic fitness activities as well as a few other fitness equipment pieces. Together with existing strength training equipment, the new equipment will provide students a total and complete strength and fitness experience of the major muscle groups. "
Roskam
takes to TV with first ad “And he’s losing his hair,” said the 11-year-old, drawing a “hey” from his father, who closes with a non-specific pledge to voters that he’s running “so all our kids have a bright future.”
"Joining police officers from Wheaton, Lombard, Villa Park and Elmhurst, West Chicago Police Sgt. Leo Aviles and Officer Joe Trefilek participated in a Railroad Safety Blitz Thursday, Sept. 7. Aviles said that these departments teamed up with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Union Pacific Railroad and Metra to distribute information about pedestrian and vehicular railroad safety."
Sen.
Obama"On the terrorism front, I'm happy to have that debate," the first-term Illinois senator said following a speech on energy at Georgetown University. "The notion that the president has led a flawless policy on terrorism is an illusion."
Rep
Hastert"I want to congratulate this six-member crew on a productive mission to the International Space Station. With this undertaking the crew effectively installed a full second set of solar arrays onto the station, completed three space walks, and conducted various robotics operations"
GovernorBlagojevich
Tammy Duckworth""Ted Kennedy's amnesty bill" refers to Senate Bill 1033. The sponsor of that bill is Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican who has contributed $2,500 to the Roskam campaign. Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, is one of McCain's nine co-sponsors."
City
of West Chicago"WEST CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, September 20, 2006 - The City of West Chicago has revised the announcement that due to construction by Union Pacific Railroad, Wood Street will be closed on both sides of the track at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. Due to mechanical difficulties, Union Pacific has rescheduled the work for Thursday, September 21, 2006. The closure of Wood Street is due to repair of the tracks at this crossing. The crossing is anticipated to be reopened either late Thursday or Friday afternoon. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour route or choose another alternate route."
"District 94 officials agreed to address the challenges posed by myspace.com by tweaking 10 existing policies, rather than creating one new policy. The changes are set for approval at the next school board meeting, Oct. 3."
"It’s easy to lose yourself in the West Chicago Prairie. Wander down one of the meandering trails, and within minutes, all signs of civilization have vanished from sight. Instead, towering grasses and blazing golden flowers stretch ahead as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the occasional shaggy oak."
""Based on our investigation, I think it is fair for us to say that his employment does not put him in a position to have contact with children on a daily basis," he said. If convicted, Clodfelter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years in prison. The investigation into alleged abuses included police in North Aurora and West Chicago as well as the state Department of Children and Family Services. "
"Aspen Marketing Services, a West Chicago-based marketing services firm, named former Home Depot Inc. executive John Costello to its board of directors. Costello, Home Depot's first chief marketing officer, left the Atlanta-based home improvement retail chain in 2005 to pursue other opportunities."