IL State GOP Chairman Brady: The meeting with Chairman Steele,Rep. Coulson, Tom Cross, et al was not as reported in Politico- "They were 100% wrong."

IL State GOP Chairman Pat Brady says, "Politico was completely, 100% wrong.”
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Jeff Berkowitz: And, I take it Michael Steele is staying neutral in the 10th Cong. District.

IL State GOP Chairman Pat Brady: Absolutely. The focus is completely on a big picture approach to winning seats from top to bottom in Illinois.
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Jeff Berkowitz: Do you expect [Beth Coulson] to say anything or do anything to kind of—

Pat Brady: No, I think it was an honest screw up, mistake by a staffer so that’s why I don’t want to hang anybody out to dry—too much.
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Yesterday's reports from "Public Affairs." Capitolfax and Politico

This journalist reported yesterday, based on comments from Team Coulson and a Team Coulson press release, about State Rep. and 10th CD candidate Beth Coulson attending an upcoming meeting with RNC Chairman Steele and others relating to “the upcoming midterm elections in Illionois and how to keep the 10th CD in Republican hands.” Go here and here.

Although this journalist did not say that Beth Coulson was being supported or given preferred treatment in the 10th CD by Chairman Steele, that was the aura from the Coulson press release. Rich Miller, in the Capitolfax blog went further:

The GOP leaders believe that Coulson is the best shot at holding onto that seat. But she has to get through the primary first. Coulson, for her part, is trying hard to move right.

So did Politico:

State Rep. Beth Coulson, one of the most moderate Republican candidates running for Congress, will be meeting with Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele tomorrow in Illinois to discuss her campaign – and the need for Republicans to have a big-tent party so it can compete in Democratic-minded districts

According to State GOP Chairman Pat Brady, speaking by phone yesterday after the meeting with Coulson, Chairman Steele, Illinois State House GOP Republican Leader Cross, Chairman Brady and others, the meeting was not focused on “Beth’s campaign,” or on the “need to have a big-tent Party.” Take a listen:

The Report from State GOP Chairman Pat Brady

Jeff Berkowitz: All right, so what’s the news?

State GOP Chairman Pat Brady: The news is probably no news, really. We had a meeting today with leadership from different parts of the State, with the National Chairman to talk about mapping out a strategy for victory in 2010, from the [U. S.] Senate races all the way on down.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, was this with Cross, Radogno, you and—

State GOP Chairman Pat Brady: Yeah, with me, Cross, Radogno, Randy Pollack-County Chairman’s Association, Lee Roupas [Cook County Republican Party Chairman], several members of the State Central Committee, the State Party finance people-our fundraisers, [Chairman] Steele, our regional political director-Chris McNulty, he’s our representative from the RNC.

Jeff Berkowitz: Was this the meeting that involved the State legislators or was that a separate one?

Pat Brady: It wasn’t all the State legislators, it was just representative leadership.

Jeff Berkowitz: Not all, I’m saying, but some state legislators?

Pat Brady: Yes. some were there.

Jeff Berkowitz: Can you name them?

Various State Legislators attended the meeting

Pat Brady: Beth was there. Beth Coulson. My cousin- [State Rep.] Dan Brady was there. [State Senator and Republican Primary guv candidate Bill Brady (Bloomington) ] was there. [Leader] Tom Cross. Who else. [Cook County Commissioner] Liz Gorman. A representative from [State Rep.] Roger Eddy. A representative from the Congressional delegation.

Focus not on the 10th CD

Jeff Berkowitz: So, the focus wasn’t at all on the 10th Cong. District?

Pat Brady: No, not at all.

Chairman Steele stays neutral

Jeff Berkowitz: And, I take it Michael Steele is staying neutral in the 10th Cong. District.

Pat Brady: Absolutely. The focus is completely on a big picture approach to winning seats from top to bottom in Illinois.

Jeff Berkowitz: Meaning State and Federal?

Pat Brady: Yup.

Jeff Berkowitz: Anything new come out in terms of a slice on how the Republicans are going to play it in Illinois in terms of winning seats? Retaining seats?

Pat Brady: I’m sorry. Couldn’t hear you. In terms of what?

Jeff Berkowitz: In terms of either retaining or winning seats? Any particular newsworthy slice as to—

State GOP anticipates pick-ups

Pat Brady: Just that they anticipate-- I didn’t hear any numbers on pick ups in the House and in the Senate-- Tom and Chris didn’t give specific numbers. I know there are seventeen contested races in the [State] House and I don’t know how many there are in the Senate. It was just more that they anticipate pick-ups.

Jeff Berkowitz: Is the National Republican Party going to be able to assist—that’s only in the general election, I imagine.

Pat Brady: Just in the general [election], yeah.

Jeff Berkowitz: Are they planning to assist in the U. S. Senate race? And in the Gubernatorial race?

Help all up and down the ticket

Pat Brady: Yes, throughout the State, from the Senate on down. It was interesting. The Chairman made a point of it. Absolutely, we want to help with the Senate race because that’s a big national focus. But, equally important to him is getting the lower seats—because he is a former County Chairman, a Lt. Governor [Maryland] and local guy and he wants to make sure there are going to be resources to help all up and down the ticket.

Jeff Berkowitz: I think that’s…

Pat Brady: The 10th [CD], that was just flat out wrong. The 10th was never that. This whole meeting was just the way I described it. It was not as it was reported in Politico. They were completely, 100% wrong.

Jeff Berkowitz: Politico reported that---

Pat Brady: Yeah, Politico had a big article. Even Joe Ryan [Daily Herald] put something in there about Beth Coulson. It just wasn’t. That’s not what it was, at all.

Jeff Berkowitz: Do you expect [Beth] to say anything or do anything to kind of—

A honest screw-up by a Coulson staffer

Pat Brady: No, I think it was an honest screw up, mistake by a staffer so that’s why I don’t want to hang anybody out to dry—too much.

A Republican Primary front-runner in the 10th CD?

Jeff Berkowitz: Do you have any impressions on who is the [Republican] front-runner in the 10th Cong. District?

Pat Brady: I do not. Do you?

Jeff Berkowitz: I’m—

Pat Brady: I don’t. I’m really-- a run of good candidates.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, I think four. I think there are four major candidates [Bill Catigan, Beth Coulson, Bob Dold and Dick Green]. I don’t think it’s going to go beyond that.

Pat Brady: Yeah. I’m for the winner, man.
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More than 116 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page . Our most recent shows w/ Democratic Primary 7th CD candidate, Chicago Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon [24th Ward]and Democratic Primary State Comptroller candidate Clint Krislov are now streaming.
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10th CD Candidate Rep. Coulson meets today with RNC Chairman Steele, Republican Leaders Cross and Radogno and State GOP Chairman Brady

Video links added on Friday at 12:45 pm (CST)
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The Coulson campaign sent out a press release late yesterday afternoon indicating that 10th Cong. District Republican Primary candidate Beth Coulson is joining Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross, Illinois Senate Republican Leader Chris Radogno and Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady in a meeting with RNC Chairman Michael Steele to talk about the upcoming midterm elections in Illionois and how to keep the 10th CD in Republican hands.

The Coulson Press release quoted State Rep. Coulson, “as welcoming the opportunity to meet with Chairman Steele to discuss how the Illinois Republican Party can compete in many of the state elections and how we can keep this seat in Republican control.”

10th CD candidate and State Rep. Coulson noted to this reporter in a phone conversation last night that she would not just be discussing the 10th CD with Chairman Steele but they would be discussing how Republicans can win in many districts.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross noted in the press release that he had already endorsed the 13 year veteran state legislator, Rep. Beth Coulson, to replace Cong. Mark Kirk in the 10th CD seat he has held for nine years.
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When asked last night by this reporter if he thought the meeting by Chairman Steele with Rep. Coulson was showing some kind of favoritism that might be inappropriate, 10th CD candidate Bill Catigan (R-Winnetka) said, “if he does, I don’t think it will have the intended effect. There are no more independent group of voters than the Republicans in the 10th Congressional District. If [Chairman Steele] were to make an endorsement, I don’t know that most people would give it great weight.”

When asked by this reporter if he would be thrilled and honored if former 10th CD Congressman John Porter [1979-2000] were to endorse him, Candidate Cadigan said, “John Porter is someone with a record of involvement in the Community. for …35 years and no one knows this District better than John Porter. I think national figures who don’t live here who come in and make observations based on self-serving statements of candidates shouldn’t be given as much weight as people locally.”
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10th CD Republican Candidate State Rep. Beth Coulson to meet with RNC Chairman Michael Steele.

10th CD Republican Primary Candidate State Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glenview) is scheduled to meet tomorrow afternoon, in the Chicago Loop, with RNC Chairman Michael Steele.

It is not known by this journalist if Chairman Steele will be meeting on this trip to Chicago with any other 10th CD candidates.

Coulson is vying for the 10th CD Republican nomination with three other major candidates: Small businessman Bob Dold (Kenilworth); Wealthy financial sector entrepreneur Dick Green (Winnetka); and attorney Bill Cadigan (Winnetka). Ari Friedman, a retired military officer and peditrician entered the race recently and it is thought that it might have been too late for Friedman to become a credible contender. Patricia Bird and Paul Hamann are not thought to have a serious chance to win the nomination.

On the Democratic side, the major contenders are Dan Seals (who was the Democratic nomninee for the 10th CD seat in 2006 and 2008) and 11th year State Rep. Julie Hamos (Evanston).

The current 10th CD incumbent, Cong. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park), who has held the seat since 2000, is expected by most knowledgeable pundits to win, farily easily, the 2010 Republican Primary nomination for the U. S. Senate and is the current, slight favorite to win the general election contest in the fall over State Treasurer Giannoulias, Former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman or former Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson.
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Gov. Pat Quinn to Dan Hynes: I’m the Governor and you’re not; Hynes to Quinn: "It's about leadership, Pat."

Text revised significantly and supplemented, and video links added, at 1:00 pm on Thursday.
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There is not a lot of daylight between Quinn and Hynes whether it is tax policy, healthcare policy, state treatment of illegal immigrants, spending priorities, education policy, job growth policy or whatever. The views of Quinn and Hynes are consistently liberal and virtually identical on most issues to those of the other. Hynes' emphasis on his preference, long term, for a progressive income tax is a difference with Gov. Quinn that is more apparent than real.
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Jeff Berkowitz: What substantive difference do you see between you and Dan Hynes on healthcare policy.

Gov. Pat Quinn: Well, I think I am the Governor and he wants to be Governor and I think the person who is Governor has a good record at fighting for fundamental reforms this year; we got a very far reaching insurance reform that allows healthcare consumers who are not treated properly by an insurance company who have a grievance to have an independent review of their denied care. I think this could make a big difference for a lot of families in Illinois and I was the Governor who got that done and I look forward to doing many more things like that.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, fundamentally on policy, you’re in agreement with Dan Hynes, aren’t you?

Gov. Pat Quinn: I’m the Governor. You know, people can agree with me. I’m the one who is doing all these things every day. That’s how it works.
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Exchange between Berkowitz and Gov. Quinn (D-IL) after yesterday's Campaign for Better Health Care Debate between Gov. Pat Quinn and his primary challenger State Comptroller Dan Hynes.
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After debating for over an hour, starting at 8:00 am yesterday at the Union League Club of Chicago, and then holding separate post game media availabilities, Gov. Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes clashed once again for another hour, or so, starting around 3:30 pm and going at it for an hour before the Campaign for Better Health Care, which seems to be a fully owned subsidiary of various labor unions, along with a few medical provider groups thrown in for good measure. The debate was at the Holiday Inn at 350 North Orleans in the Loop, as a part of a meeting of the Campaign for Better Health Care, whose leaders seem to have a big time distaste for "teabaggers."

There is not a lot of daylight between Quinn and Hynes whether it is tax policy, healthcare policy, spending priorities, education policy, job growth policy or whatever. The views of Quinn and Hynes are consistently liberal and virtually identical on most issues to those of the other. Hynes' emphasis on his preference, long term, for a progressive income tax is a difference with Gov. Quinn that is more apparent than real. Quinn would like a progressive income tax, too. He just thinks his proposal for increased personal exemptions is more practical and quicker and more likely to be achievable than going the constitutional amendment route, which may not be politically feasible. To establish a true progressive income tax in Illinois, as Hynes' proposes, requires a constitutional amendment.

In contrast to the virtually identical public policy positions of Quinn and Hynes, Democratic Gubernatorial Primary candidate Ed Scanlan has significant public policy differences with Hynes and Quinn [Scanlan, a very successful trial lawyer, opposes an increase in the state income or sales tax to deal with the State's budget deficit and he has a much greater emphasis on making the State more job growth friendly]- Watch Scanlan here], but Doc Walls and Scanlan were excluded from the Union League Club of Chicago debate, based on allegedly low polling numbers. This journalist is not familiar enough with the views of Democratic Primary Gov candidate Walls to know if they would differ substantially from those of Quinn and Hynes.

As to Hynes' vaunted short-term revenue solution of an increased cigarette tax, closing tax loopholes, an expanded sales tax and an increase in the casino tax, Quinn is not conceptually opposed to any of that and has proposed or supported much of the same, at one time or another [Indeed, when Quinn opposed Blagojevich's proposed Gross Receipts Tax, Quinn argued, instead, for closing "loopholes," to the corporate income tax]. Gov. Pat Quinn, again, may question the current political feasibility, but not desireability, of some of those measures proposed by Dan Hynes.

Hynes responds to the above volleys of Quinn by saying that Quinn is not providing the requisite "Leadership," to accomplish the spending and revenue priorities and budget needed to support Democratic goals and program. So, at the end of the day and the debate, we are back to where we started: Not a lot of difference between Quinn and Hynes on public policy substantive issues. Hynes to Quinn: It's about leadership, Pat. Quinn to Hynes: Yeah, I'm leading by being Governor every day, as I have been doing for the last ten months, what are you doing to solve the state's problems?

One significant item on which a Quinn-Hynes difference exists is pension reform policy and this difference was highlighted during yesterday's post Union League Club of Chicago debate media availability with Hynes. Hynes argued vigorously, when challenged by the media, that the State should not move toward a defined contribution pension for new state employees, while keeping its defined benefit system for current employees.

Such a change would save tens of billions of dollars for the state in the next two to three decades, making the state's public sector pensions solvent. Quinn says he supports such a change in the State's pensions with its government employees, including teachers. Hynes thinks that would be an inappropriate treatment of new teachers and other new state government employees.
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More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page . Our most recent show w/ Democratic Primary State Comptroller candidate Clint Krislov is now streaming.
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Almost as good as the late John Callaway w/the late Harold Washington:Berkowitz w/ 7th CD Candidate Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon; Cable and soon streaming

This week's Chicago Metro Suburban edition of "Public Affairs," features 2010 7th Cong. Dist. Democratic Primary candidate Chicago Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon (D-24th Ward)

The Chicago Metro Suburban airing schedule for Public Affairs is included, below. The show was recorded on Sunday, November 15, 2009.
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You can soon watch the show with Ald. Dixon on your computer here.
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Chicago Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon is a candidate in the 7th Cong. Dist. Democratic Primary. Cong. Danny Davis, a thirteen year incumbent, filed for both President of the Cook County Board and for re-election in the 7th CD. After he saw the competition in the Cook County Board President race, he apparently decided, a week after filing, to withdraw from the race for President of the Cook County Board. So, the real question is- why did Cong. Davis file for County Board President? Why, indeed.

In addition to Ald. Dixon, a number of candidates have apparently decided to stay in the 7th CD race, including Deputy Cook County Recorder of Deeds Darlena Williams-Burnett, Businessman Jim Ascot, Businesswoman Joyce Washington and Rev. Hatch. Senator Hendon has dropped out to run for Lt. Governor. State Reps. Ford and Collins have dropped out to run for re-election. It is interesting that Cong. Davis has attracted three African-American females to oppose his re-election. Some have suggested there might be a “ringer,” or two in that group. Someone filing mainly to drain votes from someone else? That type of thing has been known to happen in Chicago politics.
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Ald. Dixon is a smart, thoughtful candidate who knows the public policy issues and she knows politics, as well. She came up in politics via the grassroots, upsetting a 12 year incumbent Alderman in the 24th Ward more than two years ago. She is looking for a repeat in February, as she seeks to upset a 13 year incumbent congressman, Danny Davis.

Ald. Dixon debates and discusses a broad range of domestic and foreign policy issues with show host and executive legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz on this week’s suburban edition of “Public Affairs.” Topics discussed include was the military guilty of political correctness in dealing with Major Hasan? If President Obama asks for a resolution supporting 40,000 additional troops for the war in Afghanistan, should Congress give it to him? Was General Casey wacky on diversity and the Ft. Hood shooting? Should illegal immigrants be included in the Obama healthcare reform plan? Should residents in the City of Chicago have greater choice from charter and voucher schools? Is the Obama economic stimulus program working? Should abortion be permitted in the third trimester if a woman’s life is not at issue? Should taxes be increased or decreased? Should we allow same sex marriage? Should we bring back the ban on assault weapons? Should citizens in the City of Chicago be allowed to possess a handgun in their homes? Outside their homes? And much, much more.
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The Chicago Metro suburban episode of "Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz," featuring this week's guest, 2010 7th Cong. District Democratic Primary candidate Chicago Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon (D-24th Ward), airs on:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Ft. Sheridan, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Winnetka.

and tonight, Tuesday night, at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette

and tonight, Tuesday night, at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.
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The Public Affairs show featuring Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon a candidate for U. S. Representative from the 7th Cong. Dist. in the Democratic Primary, also airs on Monday night (Nov. 30) throughout the City of Chicago at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page .
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Better than Stephanopoulos w/ Hillary Clinton: Berkowitz w/Democratic Illinois Comptroller Candidate Clint Krislov; Cable and Soon Streaming

Clint Krislov: No, I’m not waffling. I’m telling you when people get their pension doubled or tripled and then move out of state, so that they can receive their pension and start working somewhere else now and they never have to pay Illinois tax on that, that’s a concern.
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Ed. Note: Is Krislov waffling? You can watch the whole show and be the judge of that. For more on this general issue, See the comments of the Chicago Tribune's Eric Zorn and Berkowitz here.
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As the saying by Woody Allen goes, “90% of life is just showing up.” So, [Democratic Comptroller candidates Krislov and Krishnamoorphi are getting "Public Affairs," grades in the 90% and up range, which are very good grades. State Rep. David Miller? So far, not so good.
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The "Public Affairs," show featuring Clint Krislov, Candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary for Comptroller, is airing tonight, Nov.16 on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. The program also airs at 3:30 pm tomorrow and Wednesday in Aurora and surrounding areas (New regular slots for "Public Affairs"). The Aurora station, ACTV-10, aka Aurora Community Television, Comcast Cable Ch. 10, reaches all of Aurora, Bristol, Big Rock and parts of Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove and Montgomery.

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Clint Krislov, Candidate in the 2010 Gubernatorial Democratic Primary, will also air throughout the City of Rockford (and in surrounding areas) this Thursday night, November 19 at 8:00 pm on Cable Ch. 17. The surrounding areas reached by Ch. 17 include Byron, Cedarville, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Mount Morris, New Milford, Portions of Ogle County, Oregon, Polo, Stillman Valley, Winnebago, Portions of Boone County and Poplar Grove.

All of the above are regular airing slots for "Public Affairs."
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You can also soon watch the show with Clint Krislov on your computer.
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For more about this week's show with Clint Krislov please go here.
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Raising taxes and fairness

Clint Krislov (D-Wilmette), Candidate for State Comptroller: What Krislov says is that before you can ask people to raise their taxes, you’ve got to make the system fair, you’ve got to make it so that it’s not just the taxpayers who are the sucker in this game…

Jeff Berkowitz: How do you make it fair?

Clint Krislov (D-Wilmette): You eliminate the double and triple dippers, people who are able to leave employment at age 60 and make, three pensions, more than they ever made when they were working for the State and local—
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Clint Krislov: …the Comptroller should be the taxpayer’s, the citizen’s watchdog.
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The Comptroller's bully pulpit and expressing concerns.

Jeff Berkowitz: …if you were the State Comptroller, would you use the bully pulpit to say, “You know, it would be fairer if people earning retirement benefits, pension benefits had that income taxed [by the State of Illinois].”

Clint Krislov: It would be something you would have to consider

Jeff Berkowitz: But, you’re not taking a position?

Clint Krislov: Well, you know—

Jeff Berkowitz: You’re waffling.

Clint Krislov: No, I’m not waffling. I’m telling you when people get their pension doubled or tripled and then move out of state, so that they can receive their pension and start working somewhere else now and they never have to pay Illinois tax on that, that’s a concern.
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Ed. Note: Is Krislov waffling? You can watch the whole show and be the judge of that. For more on this general issue, See the comments of the Chicago Tribune's Eric Zorn and Berkowitz here. But, whatever you think about the above colloquy, most importantly, Clint Krislov showed up. One of his Democratic Primary opponent’s, Raja Krishnamoorthi, is also scheduled to show up and tape the show this Sunday.

But another Primary opponent of Krislov's, Rep. David Miller, is guilty, so far, of a much worse sin. Team Miller has not responded to our repeated invitations to schedule a time for Rep. Miller to tape the show. As the saying by Woody Allen goes, “90% of life is just showing up.” So, Krislov and Krishnamoorphi are getting "Public Affairs," grades in the 90% and up range, which are very good grades. Rep. Miller? so far, not so good.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page. *********************************************************************

Better than Olbermann w/Palin: Berkowitz w/Dem. Gov. Candidate Ed Scanlan; On Cable tonight in Chicago, now Streaming

Ed Scanlan [Democratic Primary candidate for Governor]: ... we ought to be trying to lure businesses into Illinois by giving them a tax Holiday…and then also trying to make our climate in Illinois one that businesses will want to come to. What they are doing is precisely the opposite. watch show with Ed Scanlan

Jeff Berkowitz: Who are they?

Ed Scanlan [D-Oak Park]: Governor Quinn and Comptroller Hynes. [They] are doing just the opposite.
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You can now watch the show with Ed Scanlan on your computer, as well as on Cable (See below).
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From Public Affairs w/Jeff Berkowitz, taped on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, and airing in the City of Chicago on "Public Affairs," tonight on Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm. For more about tonight's show with Democratic Primary Gubernatorial candidate Ed Scanlan, including a partial transcript, please go here.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page .
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New Trier, Northfield and Wheeling Republican organization endorsement sessions: Quotes and Totals

New Trier Republican Organization endorsment session

“It’s fantastic to get the endorsement of the New Trier Republican Organization (“NTRO,”) said Kenilworth’s 10th CD candidate Bob Dold yesterday. It’s a thoughtful organization- true honor to get their endorsement. There are twelve organizations like this in the 10th CD, but there are only four are five that will actually endorse… We got the Elk Grove endorsement so we are two for two. [Subsequently, it was determined that both Northfield and Wheeling did not endorse anyone in the 10th CD, see below].

Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna, Jr. said yesterday, “Well, I am pleased to be endorsed by NTRO [dual endorsement with Dan Proft], it is a great organization.” When this reporter asked if he was now the front-runner, Andy McKenna said, “You know, we are really having fun with this race…we are pleased with the momentum we are having. There are 80 days to go and we love competition and there’s a lot ahead of us.” When asked what he saw as the key issue in the campaign, McKenna said, “It’s the one I spoke about today, this outrageous spending and outrageous debt. People in Illinois are deeply troubled by a government that’s about to collapse and it all happened because of bad leadership. And people want common sense, simple, courageous leadership that will make decisions to rein it in. We’re not headed for a fiscal, rainy day, we’re headed for a fiscal Katrina and I’m just going to fix it. If that means tough decisions and a one-term governor, I’ll do it. I want to fix the problem.”

This reporter asked McKenna if he could control it all by spending cuts or does he have to consider a revenue or tax increase? McKenna said, “Illinois taxpayers gave Illinois more and more revenue. It is just that the leaders down there spent faster than the tax dollars came in and we have to live within our means.”

Jim Dodge was elated about winning the NTRO endorsement, noting that he had also won his home township, Orland Township, and that he picked up a straw poll victory in Milton township in DuPage, won unanimously in Schaumburg Township and he was expecting “some support out in Will County, as well.” Dodge said he thought, “people were responding to the idea of making a clean break with the politics of the past so that we can move forward.” Dodge said, “the people remember, whether it is fair or unfair to Judy, how she was tied to George Ryan by Blagojevich… and frankly the whole Alan Keyes thing happened on her watch as State Party Chairman.” When this reporter asked Dodge if he thought taxes should be increased, he said, “Absolutely not, emphatically not. Worse possible move.” I asked, “You don’t think there should be an increase in the income tax or sales tax for the next four years? Dodge said there should not be such an increase. He said the State spends too much money. When this reporter asked if Dodge could find ten billion dollars to cut since he said there was a ten billion dollar deficit, Dodge said, “Yes, [but] it’s not necessarily the Comptroller’s job, the comptroller’s role would be to get the facts right, so that the legislature, who ultimately controls the dollars, and the Governor, have a clear set of facts.”

Tolbert Chisum, NTRO Committeeman, speaking yesterday from the Winnetka Community House, the site of the endorsement session, said that in the Republican gubernatorial primary, Dan Proft won the first vote, 25 to 20 over McKenna, Jr. with the remaining votes being splintered among the other candidates and that the run-off between Proft and McKenna resulted in a tie at 32 votes each, meaning that NTRO would make a dual endorsement. Chisum said he had been neutral in the race for Governor and now that his organization has endorsed Proft and McKenna, he would be supporting them both.

Chisum acknowledged that McKenna, who had lived, with his family, in Glenview for many years, was kind of the hometown guy and “much better known there than Proft,” in his organization’s endorsement vote. This reporter asked Committeeman Chisum if Proft would get some notoriety out of this since he had tied a guy who was from the area and has been running big time TV ads. Chisum responded that this tie told him “Proft was representing his views very well and that people are hearing what he has to say.” When I asked Tolbert if he thought this meant “Proft had a shot at getting the Republican Party nomination,” Tolbert Chisum just laughed and said, “Thank you, Jeff, I’m not going to go there, I am only dealing with New Trier.”

NTRO Committeeman Chisum said the 10th CD vote was a surprise in that Bob Dold won it on the first ballot with about 52 %. [Chisum said it was 36 votes for Dold, 20 for Dick Green and 11 for State Rep. Beth Coulson, with Bill Cadigan getting 3 or 4 votes]. Chisum said the big surprise was Coulson’s third place performance because a lot of people thought she was the favorite because “She is the current State Rep. for the 17th Dist. and well known in this area…we’ve supported her thru New Trier strongly the last three elections and she has more name recognition than anyone but again Robert Dold had a strong showing- this is his home territory so his message is clear-- and Dick Green also made a strong showing…”

Committeeman Chisum said that Cong. Mark Kirk, who grew up in New Trier Township and is its Congressman, picked up the U. S. Senate endorsement, getting 94% of the vote, with several of his conservative opponents getting one or two votes each.

Jim Dodge picked up the NTRO endorsement over Topinka for Comptroller.

Northfield Township Republican Organization endorsement session

In Northfield Township, Cook County Comm. Goslin received the endorsement but the organization did not endorse anyone for Governor [McKenna, the top vote getter], Lt. Gov. [Plummer, the top vote getter], 10th CD [Coulson, the top vote getter], or Comptroller [Topinka, the top vote getter], as no one received the requisite two thirds for endorsement in those races.

Wheeling Township Republican Organization endorsement session

There was no endorsement for Governor, although Dillard received the largest vote total in the third round (46) to Brady’s 33, but Dillard did not have the requisite 60% for an endorsement.

For Lt. Gov., the local native son Sen. Matt Murphy received 41 votes to downstate Jason Plummer’s 40 votes in the third ballot, but again that was insufficient for the endorsement.

For 10th CD, Bill Cadigan was the top vote getter in the third round, with 43 to Dold’s 40 votes, but again that was insufficient for an endorsement.

In the U. S. Senate race, Pat Hughes edged out Cong. Mark. 43 to 38 in the third round vote totals, but again, that was insufficient for an endorsement.

Jim Dodge picked up the endorsement for Comptroller over Topinka, winning 53 votes to 25 in the second round.
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To improve Cook Cty democracy, Gov.Quinn holds a Strange, Saturday, Sabbath Stroger Presser—but it was not about Stroger, or Stroger's tax- or was it?

A strange Saturday Sabbath with Gov. Quinn

It was a strange Saturday afternoon at the Thompson Center in the Chicago Loop this past weekend. The few media who showed up in the Blue Room on the 15th Floor for the Press Conference called by Governor Quinn to watch him sign some new legislation were treated to a University of Chicago reform seminar. Yup, it was Poly Sci 101, goo goo style, with Professor Quinn presiding, flanked by his teaching assistants, State Rep. Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and Senator Kotowski.(D-Park Ridge). Senator Noland (D-Elgin) and Rep. Zalewski (D- Summit) were kind of auditing the course-- in attendance, but not really participating. All the show was missing was the reform movement's defrocked Larry Bloom.

Many of the less tutored thought that various Democratic legislators were concerned about the negative image President Stroger is giving the Democratic Party. To such legislators, President Stroger stands for higher Cook County sales taxes, perhaps the highest in the nation, which upsets consumers, employers and employees (voters all) in Cook County who think business and low priced products are being driven out of Cook County, taking with them jobs. Indeed, earlier this year, when appearing on Public Affairs, it seemed that Rep. Walker had that point of view. See here. [Rep. Walker: When I asked people, “what is the number one thing you want me to do in Springfield,” you know what they said? “Get rid of Todd Stroger.”]

Stroger enablers no more: the Democratic Party is now about reform?


The legislation, recently passed, which lowers the requisite percentage of Cook County Board members to override President Stroger’s veto from 80% to 60%, was thought by most to be intended, specifically, to allow the County Board to repeal the much maligned increase in the County sales tax.

When the media showed up on Saturday, they were surprised to learn that Gov. Quinn never really focuses on an individual, such as Todd Stroger or Dan Hynes. For Pat Quinn, Illinois’ only Governor in the 21st Century not to have been indicted, changing the override legislation for Cook County was akin to cleaning up an historical, legislative anomaly. Indeed, it was as if Gov. Quinn had said Saturday was about insuring a more perfect union of the one hundred two counties, only one of which, Cook, had been out of sync with its 80% veto override requirement.

Walker and Kotowski: no politics, please

Same with Rep. Walker and Senator Kotowski. For them, the Saturday afternoon signing ceremony was really just another effort at reform, viewed almost as a glorious, but abstract, concept. Yes, Rep. Walker conceded that the increase in the Cook County sales tax was quite bad for the economy in the District he represents, but he couldn’t really say how much the sales tax increase should be rolled back. That was for others to decide. State Rep. Walker had not gotten “that deep into the numbers to say which is the right solution.” Walker had signed up for the poly sci seminar, not the math seminar.

And, of course, neither Sen. Kotowski nor Rep. Walker was much concerned about the politics of the situation. Like Captain Renault in Casablanca, they would be shocked to discover that politics was going on- by politicians holding a presser on a Saturday afternoon- in the blue room. And, to the media’s surprise, no Democrats in the Blue Room had heard anything about Speaker Madigan bottling up, for months, the veto override legislation. Yup, in the University of Chicago seminar view of the making of public policy, it is all about goo-goo goodness, sweetness and reform. Politics at the Thompson Building? Who would have thunk such a thing?

Cook County Comm. Tony Peraica (R-Land of Topinka) showed up and even took to the lectern, after the Dems finished, to provide a counter-lecture, suggesting that yes, the Democrats were indeed worried about encountering the wrath of the people upset about Stroger’s tax and other antics-- and the corruption of the now impeached, arrested and indicted former Governor, Rod Blagojevich. Blago, of course, is affectionately known by one of the seven Republican candidates for Governor, Andy McKenna, Jr. as “Hair.” And, that is the most substantive statement to come out of McKenna’s nascent campaign, to date,

Peraica contended, essentially, that the Democrats were trying to enable a repeal of the County sales tax, to save their political hyde.

Senator Kotowski responded to Comm. Peraica that his feelings were hurt that Tony would even suggest such.

And, the media present were shamed for daring to suggest same.

Finally, it was rumored that all the pols present were being considered for the faculty of the school of journalism at the University of Chicago, should such a school be started.

And, if you would like to read about Saturday’s Seminar, an actual, partial transcript of the press conference at the Thompson Center is included, below.
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Jeff Berkowitz: Governor, Senator Kotowski said this wasn’t a matter of party, Democratic or Republican. I think a number of Republicans would argue what is going on [at this bill signing, reducing the vote required to override a Cook County Board President veto from 80% to 60%] is at least, in part, an effort by the Democrats to inoculate their State legislators …on the Northwest side of Chicago in particular and in the Northwest suburbs from the wrath of the voters with regard to Blagojevich, Todd Stroger, public corruption and indeed, they would argue, the Democratic Party in general. What do you say to them?

Gov. Quinn [D-IL]: Well, that sounds like a lot of words about something very specific. I think you should have a three fifths rule [for] the override of an Executive action at the County level in Cook County the way you have at the State level regarding the Governor and the Legislature. I think it is just simple, direct democracy and so…

Jeff Berkowitz: Could we get the response of, in particular, Senator Kutowski and Rep. Walker as to whether they think—

Gov. Quinn: Their political philosophy?

Jeff Berkowitz: No, as to whether they think this is a Todd Stroger concern because I think I have heard them talk about that, indeed, Mark Walker, when he was walking the precincts to get elected [in 2008] told me, the voters asked him “What are you going to do—when you go down to Springfield—about Todd Stroger?” So, I’d kind of like to hear [from Rep. Walker about that].

Gov. Quinn: I’d just like to say about myself. I don’t do anything in this office…that’s directed at any one person. I don’t believe in that. I don’t. People call me names. It’s water off a duck’s back, as far as I’m concerned…I’m not signing this bill to be directed at any one person or elected official…

State Rep. Mark Walker: That’s a very interesting question. As I go door to door, I hear all kinds of opinions expressed. …As far as my personal opinion of Todd Stroger, I’ve never met the man. I understand he is a very nice man. What I talked about with my constituents was what is going on in Cook County and what they talked about was the Stroger tax increase. So, I focused on the financial issues and I focus on what it is doing to the economy in my area. We have a lot of businesses that have moved outside of Cook County. We have a tremendous amount of shoppers that have crossed borders to buy…You can talk to anyone who lives in our area. They will tell you where they go so as not to shop in Cook County. I think that is simply bad policy and that’s why I pushed for this bill.

Monique Garcia [Chicago Tribune]: Do you think that that tax should be repealed…

Rep. Walker: I will leave that up to the [Cook County] commissioners. I understand that they have tried to cut the increase [in the added Cook County one cent sales tax] in half. I understand they have tried to take one per cent away. I am not that deep into the numbers to say which is the right solution.

Jeff Berkowitz: When you say that is bad policy, I thought you meant the tax increase that Todd Stroger pushed for and got. And, now you say, you don’t know if they should repeal it. So, what do you mean by bad policy?

Rep. Walker: Again, what I did say, not what you just said. What I did say was that I support reducing the tax. It’s up to them as to the question whether it should be the full amount or part of it—I leave that up to the commissioners.

Monique Garcia: But, you think that some portion should be—

Rep. Walker: That’s my perspective. But, again, it’s not my job to make that decision.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, is it that the differential [between the Cook County tax and the tax in surrounding areas] is bad policy and you are not sure how much that differential should be? You said something was bad policy—what is it?

Rep. Walker: I think the tax increase that was passed has been destructive to the economy of my area.

Another reporter: It is undeniable, though, is it not that the driving force behind this move has been the sales tax reform, isn’t this why you’re here? Isn’t this why you’re signing this into law?

Rep. Walker: I would say to that. The driving force behind is, at least from my perspective, is a belief by my constituents that I talk to is that there is a lot wrong in Cook County, that they want to be better represented in Cook County, that there are issues- at least perceived issues of corruption, of mismanagement, of waste, of tax policy and they want to be better represented and I think one way to get them better represented is to give the commissioners more power of a systemic point of view.
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Senator Kotowski: …this is the type of initiative that needs to get passed to insure that, as Rep. Walker talked about, when you talk to somebody at their door, they don’t feel as powerless as they have felt in the past. This is a very important empowering piece of legislation; it’s an empowering law and we’re here to try to support it.

Jeff Berkowitz: …it was argued in the media that Speaker Madigan, also Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, was bottling up this effort [to reduce the percentage of Cook County board members required to override a veto by the President] for a long time. For some reason, he relented. So, if it is not about Party [as you suggest], it’s about reform- and it was said that Speaker Madigan was doing that because he did not want to upset Todd Stroger and perhaps the African-American community. Do you have any response to that? Do you think Speaker Madigan was bottling this up and why was he doing that?

Senator Kotowski: I don’t have a window into the workings of all people’s minds…I have a window into my own mind. Any, my own mind is that I worked with my colleague and my teammate Mark Walker on an initiative that we thought was good government. And, we worked very, very hard and we introduced one initiative and this is what happens in Springfield- sometimes something has an opportunity to get passed and you just keep pushing and pushing and pushing until it becomes law. That’s just simply what happened here. We refused to give up and good government is going to happen.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page .
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Better than Charlie Rose w/ Nicole Kidman; Berkowitz w/State Comptroller candidate Clint Krislov on state tax increases; Cable and Soon Streaming

This week's Chicago Metro Suburban edition of "Public Affairs," features 2010 Democratic Primary State Comptroller candidate Clint Krislov, father of three who lives in Wilmette with his wife. His kids are now grown up. Clint is an accomplished lawyer in private practice who has been involved in many consumer protection and investor protection matters, and he views himself as a consumer and taxpayer watchdog, fighting over the years for transparency in business and government.

The Chicago Metro Suburban airing schedule for Public Affairs is included, below. The show was recorded on Sunday, November 8, 2009.
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You can soon watch the show with Clint Krislov on your computer here.
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Clint Krislov is running in the Democratic Primary against attorney Raja Krishnamoorphi and State Rep. David Miller. Raja is scheduled to appear on "Public Affairs," in December. Rep. Miller has not returned our calls to schedule an appearance.
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Clint Krislov debates and discusses the Comptroller race issues with show host and Executive Legal Recruiter Jeff Berkowitz, including the role of the Comptroller's office as a bully pulpit to discuss state budget deficits, taxes, tax increases, spending, double dippers, state pensions, taxing of pension benefits, spending cuts, education reform, the comptroller as a rubber stamp, various comptroller issues arising in the current Democratic gubernatorial primary, ratings of 10th CD candidates for transparency and much, much more.
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The Chicago Metro suburban episode of "Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz," featuring this week's guest, 2010 Democratic Primary State Comptroller candidate Clint Krislov, airs on:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Ft. Sheridan, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Winnetka. This week's airing schedule in these ten suburbs includes a special airing on Thursday at 5:30 pm on Cable Ch. 19.

and tonight, Tuesday night, at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette

and tonight, Tuesday night, at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable Channel 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.
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The Public Affairs show featuring Clint Krislov, a candidate for State Comptroller in the Democratic Primary, also airs on Monday night (Nov. 23) throughout the City of Chicago at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page .
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Way Better than Stephanopoulos w/Cokie and Sam: Berkowitz w/Dem Gov. candidate Ed Scanlan on Taxes and Deficits, Cable and Streaming

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Ed Scanlan, Candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary for Governor, is airing tonight, Nov.9 on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. The program also airs at 3:30 pm tomorrow and Wednesday in Aurora and surrounding areas (New regular slots for "Public Affairs"). The Aurora station, ACTV-10, aka Aurora Community Television, Comcast Cable Ch. 10, reaches all of Aurora, Bristol, Big Rock and parts of Oswego, Sandwich, Sugar Grove and Montgomery.

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Ed Scanlan, Candidate in the 2010 Gubernatorial Democratic Primary, will also air throughout the City of Rockford (and in surrounding areas) this Thursday night, November 12 at 8:00 pm on Cable Ch. 17. The surrounding areas reached by Ch. 17 include Byron, Cedarville, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Mount Morris, New Milford, Portions of Ogle County, Oregon, Polo, Stillman Valley, Winnebago, Portions of Boone County and Poplar Grove.

All of the above are regular airing slots for "Public Affairs."
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You can also watch the show with Ed Scanlan on your computer.
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For a partial transcript of the show with Ed Scanlan please go here.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
More than 114 of our shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page. *********************************************************************

Senator Brady gains slightly in last night’s forum while Dillard, Ryan and McKenna tread water.

As to who won last night’s Republican gubernatorial candidate forum, we ask the question as to which candidate did the best job of helping to move the needle toward the win column.
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Retired, wealthy small businessman Adam Andrzejewski. With less than one hundred days left until the February 2, 2010 primary, Adam needs to shake things up now if he is going to have a shot then. Although telling this reporter he has a net worth of ten million dollars or more, it seems as if he will spend one million dollars, or less. That’s not enough for Adam to win this race without some help from his performance at forums, etc. Did he score points last night? Not enough to make a difference. If he isn’t going to spend two million dollars, he is going to have to take more risks at forums and score more points by taking on the front-runners.
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Downstate family businessman and State Senator Bill Brady (R-Bloomington): Going into last night’s debate, Senator Brady was a frontrunner with Dillard, but Jim Ryan and Andy McKenna, the latest candidates to join the race, represent real threats to Brady and Dillard.

Senator Brady has a number of significant factors going his way. With fifteen years in the General Assembly, the only candidate in the race from south of I-80 and a guy who picked up 20% in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary in 2006 (third out of four candidates), Brady has a nice political base and organization, a decent chunk of money, a good physical appearance and a reputation for not making many unforced errors. With all of the above going his way, Brady did not have to take chances and yet he took a few and came out with the needle pointing a little closer to the win column. Another good night for Bill.
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Senator Dillard also has a number of significant factors going his way. With fifteen years in the State Senate, a long history with Party establishment figures Thompson and Edgar, Dillard has a good political base and fundraising network. He has had an uneven start, got a boost from the Edgar endorsement and seems to be hitting his stride. However, Senator Dillard has too much to say and too little time to say it. Needs to both shorten and put more punch into his message. Needs more definition as to what he will do as Governor and less discussion of his press clippings. Neither hurt nor helped himself last night.
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Andy McKenna, Jr. came into the race last week with the release of a film and a commercial that “had them talking.” Known for his plodding and uncharismatic style, the ad shook things up. His strategy is to continue building brand and name recognition thru TV ads until Thanksgiving, pull back in December and then blitz with another air war in January. He will only selectively engage the earned media in an attempt to control, tightly, his message of “a Springfield outsider, who brings competence, honesty and integrity to the state’s fiscal problems.”

McKenna, Jr. raised two million dollars and put in more than two million dollars of his own money into his 2004 U. S. Senate Primary, but got only 14% of the vote and came in 4th of four serious candidates. He thinks he knows what he did wrong then and is back with what he views as a “new and improved product.”

McKenna is ready to spend more money in a shorter time period. In some respects, McKenna gives the appearance of a guy who is not yet in the lead, but is employing a “prevent defense.” When the other candidates stayed around after last night’s debate for short interviews in the green room, McKenna, Jr. literally ran for the exits as if a pit bull was chasing him. Perhaps he had select interviews set up elsewhere. Or, perhaps uncontrolled interviews are just not a part of his game plan. In any case, he sort of tread water most of last night. He didn’t excite as did his ads, but didn’t hurt himself much. His is a strategy that looks to January TV ads for success.
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Dan Proft, former political pundit, campaign consultant, campaign idea man and PR entrepreneur. Proft, running for Governor, is a bit like William F. Buckley, running for Mayor of New York. It was fun to do and fun to watch, in both cases, but winning is quite another matter. Proft and his creative ideas for how to run the State of Illinois are attracting a following. Last night, he ripped McKenna for saying we need to do the best we can, or something like that, for fixing education. As Proft said, Mckenna should have a specific plan (as Proft does), not a bromide, for fixing education, However, to be competitive to in this race, Proft needs to raise about 1.5 million dollars and drop some more of his own wealth into the campaign.
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Jim Ryan, former Attorney General and DuPage County State’s Attorney, ran and lost to Blagojevich in 2002. Jim just entered the governor’s race this week. Has demonstrated his personal character and integrity. Appears to have laundry lists of ways to improve education and fiscal responsibility. Needs to hone “his own approach,” as opposed to borrowing the best of his competitor’s stuff. Told this reporter after the debate that he favored a “tax swap,” and 5 billion dollar net increase in taxes two years ago but not now “because we are in a recession now.” Will also have to deal with Stu Levine again and again. Says he didn’t know what Stu Levine was doing in terms of improper government influence and Levine’s own personal life weirdness when Levine was giving money to Jim Ryan’s 2002 campaign. Ryan will have to appear much sharper at forums than he did last night-- if he is going to win this.
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Bob Schillerstrom, DuPage County Board Chairman. Bob thinks if he tells us what he did as DuPage County Board chairman, people will vote for him for Governor. I don’t think so. He needs a sharp, concrete plan for the State as Governor. And, he needs it now. Lost points last night and needs to start winning debates and points.
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