Wednesday, July 29, 2009

State Rep. Julie Hamos gears up to become Congresswoman Hamos

Links added and text corrected on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 3:30am to reflect, as indicated below, that Dan Seal's losing vote total against Cong. Kirk in the 10th CD 2008 general election improved to 47.4%--up slightly from his 2006 46.6% performance[See vote totals at close of the article], contrary to what was written previously in this post and another recent post, i.e., that Seal's vote totals from 2006 to 2008 had declined from 47% to 45% and that Kirk's vote totals had correspondingly increased from 53% to 55%. "Public Affairs," regrets the error and apologizes to its gentle readers for any inconvenience caused by the mistake.
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Discussing what the government is doing now in Washington, DC on healthcare legislation, State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) said, “ Generally, I very much support universal healthcare, an opportunity for people who do not have health insurance to...
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Ms. Hamos said she is “generally supportive,” of Cap and Trade and that she is “generally supportive,” of the President’s Agenda. However, Rep. Hamos said she is “also going to be a fiscal watchdog,” emphasizing that...
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State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston, 18th Dist) officially announced her 10th Congressional District Democratic Primary candidacy yesterday afternoon at the Heller Nature Center, located on the North Shore, on the border between Highland Park and Lake Forest. It was an enthusiastic crowd of about eighty supporters there to cheer the 11th year State Rep’s entry into the race.

Stand by me

A number of elected officials whose constituents include at least some in the 10th CD were there to stand by Julie’s side, including State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines) (who lamented the State House’s loss of Julie), State Rep. Karen May (D-Highwood), Buffalo Grove Mayor Hartstein and Lake County Commissioners Bassi and Feldman and Cook County Commissioner Suffredin.

Hamos, over the years, has built up strong relationships and followings with politicians from the suburbs and Chicago and those friendships were exemplified by those at her side. She has a reputation as an effective legislator who takes governing and her constituent work very seriously.

The RTA reform and tax increases

As Chairman of the House Mass Transit Committee, Hamos shepherded through a bill, last year, to reform the RTA and provide for governance changes and additional funding, and it was several years in the making. The bill is a plus with many voters because of the improvements and reforms it accomplished but a minus with others because it involved an increase in the sales tax. As discussed here, Hamos supported, two months ago, Gov. Quinn’s proposal for a 50% increase in the income tax, which may help the 10th CD candidate in the Democratic Primary, but could hurt her in the general election.

The 10th CD, a winnable district for the Dems

The 10th CD [covering a mostly affluent area that begins in Wilmette about 20 miles north of the Chicago Loop and continues north almost to the Wisconsin border, and spreads to the west, as well] is a very winnable district for the Democrats, having gone for Presidential Candidate John Kerry with 53% of the vote in 2004 and for President Obama with 61 % of the vote in 2008. Yet, “social liberal, fiscal conservative,” Republican Cong. Mark Steven Kirk, got 52.6 % of the vote in 2008, with his victory margin declining only slightly from his 53.4% to 46.6% winning margin over Dan Seals in 2006. Cong. Kirk’s decision to seek the Republican Primary nomination for the open Illinois U. S. Senate Seat currently held by Roland Burris is creating the 10th CD opportunity for Hamos and others.

The Mark Kirk victories

Kirk won the open seat in 2000 after twenty-one year Republican incumbent Cong. John Porter gave up the seat. Mark Kirk won that race by less than 5700 votes over eight year State Rep. Lauren Beth Gash(D-Highland Park), with more than 3300 votes of Kirk's victory margin coming from the New Trier Township Republican Organization’s handiwork. Kirk then coasted to victory in 2002 and 2004 with 69% and 64% vote totals, respectively.

Hamos, the Dem Primary frontrunner

As this journalist has written recently, State Rep. Hamos is a frontrunner in a field of at least four Democratic Primary candidates. [See here]. One reason is her experience as a state legislator. As Rep. Nekritz said in her warm introduction today of her good friend, Julie, “In a legislature, you have to be strategic to get things done. You have to build coalitions. You have to bring people together, create common interests and find a way to ‘get to Yes,’ which is something Julie always talks about.” “Getting to Yes,” is something Ms. Hamos really has a reputation for doing. You will be hearing more about that during the 10th CD Democratic Primary campaign. You can make book on it.

The 10th CD Republican Primary

So far, it is thought that the Republican Primary candidates in the 10th CD will include Bill Cadigan, a Winnetka attorney who grew up in Arlington Heights and who worked for Cong. Porter; Bill Strong, a Lake Forest investment banker who appears to have deep pockets; and Dick Green, a Winnetka entrepreneur. Surely, there will be others who will join the fun. Thirteen year State Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glenview) is also said to be considering a run in the 10th CD primary.
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Hamos on some key public policy and cultural issues

State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston, 18th CD) characteristically and graciously agreed to answer a broad range of public policy questions from this journalist in a video interview during her first official hour of the campaign.

Bailouts

As to whether she would have supported the Bush-Bernanke-Paulson 700 billion dollar bailout of U. S. financial institutions last fall, Rep. Hamos said “America was experiencing a very tough period when nobody had exactly the solution,” and that “was the only one before Congress,” and “I bet I probably would have- could have- gone along with the leadership at that point because we wanted to test out some new ideas and hoped that they would work.”

Healthcare

Discussing what the government is doing now in Washington, DC on healthcare legislation, Rep. Hamos said, “ Generally, I very much support universal healthcare, an opportunity for people who do not have health insurance to be able to purchase it at affordable rates, and I think they are going in the right direction and I am hoping that they get there—in a way that is also affordable for our nation.” As to a single payer healthcare system, she said, “I think this country is not ready for a single payer system…we have a system, we’re not going to blow up that system, we’re trying to improve it.”

Cap and Trade

When asked if her concerns for the environment, e.g., clean air and clean water, extended to being a supporter of “Cap and Trade,” Rep. Hamos said that “[Plan] is an attempt to use the market forces to get us to a good result. Generally speaking, I think that is very promising and something we ought to be doing as a nation, as a world…to make sure that we are all protecting the future.” Ms. Hamos said she is “generally supportive,” of Cap and Trade and that she is “generally supportive,” of the President’s Agenda. However, Rep. Hamos said she is “also going to be a fiscal watchdog,” emphasizing that once we pass laws in Congress, same as in the state legislatures, “we need to make sure dollars are wisely spent—and we need to make sure that laws are being implemented effectively.”

Abortions and The Hyde Amendment

Many suggest that the healthcare reform legislation currently being considered in Congress implicitly contemplates taxpayers at large paying for abortions for low-income women. When asked by this journalist if she would support taxpayer financed abortions for women who want an abortion but have insufficient wealth to pay for it, 10th CD Dem primary candidate Hamos said, “I think we have had the Hyde Amendment [No government financed abortions] on our books for a very long time…and we’re probably not going to be able to eliminate that…I think probably we’re not going to be able to get there and we’re going to have to find other ways to help low income women, who do need abortions and who can’t afford to pay for them, to be able to get them.

The Federal Assault Weapon Ban

The federal assault weapon ban was repealed in 1994 and Rep. Hamos was asked if she would like to see it renewed and brought back as a federal assault weapon ban. She said she would like to see a federal assault weapon ban. Rep. Hamos said we need to “look again comprehensively at providing more safety in our streets and in our homes and one way certainly is to ban certain kinds of weapons that have no other purpose except to hurt people.”

The 10th CD Democratic Primary competitors

State Rep. Hamos is one of at least four Democratic Primary candidates in the 10th CD race. Her competitors include Wilmette, thirty-nine year old business consultant Dan Seals (who lost to Cong. Mark Kirk in the last two election cycles, earning 46.6%and 47.4 % of the vote, respectively), State Senator Mike Bond (Grayslake) and Eliot Richardson, a Highland Park attorney.

The Hamos-Seals match up

When asked by this journalist if the difference between Seals and herself would be one of issue contrasts or experience, the 57 year old Hamos, who fled Budapest, Hungary with her parents a half century ago just ahead of the Russian tanks, said, “If these is anything I believe in, it’s democracy. It comes out of my background, coming to this country escaping from Communist Hungary, I believe in democracy, I believe in having robust debate during elections and I think we’re going to be able to do that during this primary.”
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," shows from the last two years are posted on the Public Affairs YouTube page

Monday, July 27, 2009

Berkowitz w/ State Rep. Mike Boland, a possible Lt. Gov. candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary, Cable and Streaming

Jeff Berkowitz: …President Joseph White, he’s the President of the University of Illinois, he’s supposed to know what’s going on, should he be fired for what’s going on [regarding clouted admissions] at the University of Illinois?

State Rep. Mike Boland [D-Moline], possible candidate for Lt. Gov. in the 2010 Democratic Primary: Well, I would say if he didn’t know what’s going on, that’s a failure of his leadership right there. If he did know what’s going on and was involved, that’s definitely a reason—I would say. I have called for the resignation of not only Trustees—and it appears like all of them but one have been at least somewhat involved in this fiasco or scandal and for those higher-ups in the administration…and probably the most astounding thing to me, Jeff, is that there weren’t any heroes in this, there was nobody who stood up and said, no, we’re not going to do that…but the Trustees, in particular, I’m most disturbed about them…
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From this week’s Chicago Metro suburban edition of “Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.” For more about the show and it’s airing schedule in the suburbs, Chicago, Aurora and Rockford, please go here.

You can also watch the show with State Rep. Boland (D-Moline) on your computer .
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Berkowitz w/Dorothy Brown, Circuit Court Clerk and Cook County Board President Candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary, Cable and Streaming

Jeff Berkowitz: Some people said [employment in Cook County Government] should have gone from 26,000 to 22,000 employees [in last 2 ½ years; under President Todd Stroger, it went from 26,000 to 24,500. Would you take a pledge to knock it down from 24,500 to 22,000 employees?

Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and Candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary: Jeff, it would be inappropriate for me as a CPA to take a pledge like that blindly. The important thing for me is to do what’s right for the citizens of Cook County, and so to analyze the budget and determine exactly what’s necessary.

Jeff Berkowitz: So… you don’t think as you get closer to February, 2010, the primary, you won’t know enough to know what the proper level should be in terms of the number of employees who work for Cook County?

Clerk Dorothy Brown: Well…if we get an opportunity to get even deeper into the budget, as my research team—

Jeff Berkowitz: Have you looked at the budget?

Dorothy Brown: Yes.

Jeff Berkowitz: How many pages does that run?

Dorothy Brown: How many pages does it run?

Jeff Berkowitz: Yes. Ballpark.

Dorothy Brown: It is very thick, I didn’t count the pages.

Jeff Berkowitz: Eight hundred? Two hundred? Do you have any idea?

Dorothy Brown: No, I did not count the pages.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, you are looking at it.

Dorothy Brown: …I have a team that’s researching that budget thoroughly to determine the kind of revenue that’s necessary, as well as the expense that we can reduce.
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Tonight's City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs features Dorothy Brown, Circuit Court Clerk of Cook County and Candidate for President of the Cook County Board in the 2010 Democratic Primary. The show, hosted by Executive Legal Recruiter Jeff Berkowitz, focuses on a broad range of Cook County Board President public policy and political issues (including the increase in the Cook County portion of the sales tax, release of tax returns, patronage, media racial bias and much, much more) and airs at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 throughout the City of Chicago(CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV) and also tonight on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.
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You can also watch the show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown on your computer.

The "Public Affairs," show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown was taped on July 19, 2009
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Saturday, July 25, 2009

Berkowitz to join John Powers on tomorrow night's Tom Roeser radio show.

Jeff Berkowitz will join John Powers, Innovative businessman and Publisher of the iconoclastic Chicago Daily Observer as a guest tomorrow night on Tom Roeser’s weekly, Sunday, call-in radio show, Political Shoot-out, WLS 890 AM Radio, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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You say you don't live within the WLS broadcast area? Not to worry. You can go here to listen to the program, live, on the web.[You may encounter some technical problems in signing on-- allow five minutes, or so, for following the prompts for technical difficulties, and you should be able to hear WLS live on the web] See here for Tom’s Blog which has Tom's thoughts on a great many matters, political and otherwise.

Upset with something Berkowitz said on his show [www.PublicAffairsTv.com] or the [Public Affairs YouTube.com page], something he wrote on this blog or just the way he looks? Tom Roeser’s show on Sunday night is your chance to fire back. A free fire zone, so to speak. Also, you can help shape the show and its topics by calling in with your questions and comments—312-591-8900.

The show is likely to cover key national, state, Chicago and Cook County political and public policy issues, including but not necessarily limited to the Illinois gubernatorial, the U. S. Senate, the 10th CD and The Cook County Board President primaries and general election; public corruption in Illinois, Taxes and Spending in Illinois; the issue of whether or not there is bias in the National, State and local media; Goo Goo Reform in Illinois, something about the Catholic Church, this week's Obama presser and events related thereto, the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics, the partial repeal of Stroger's one percent increase in the sales tax in Cook County, the state of the Illinois GOP and Illinois Democratic Party and much, much more.
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Double feature posted at the "Public Affairs Cinema:"Dorothy Brown, County Board Pres. Candidate and State Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline), Streaming now

This Monday night's City of Chicago edition of Public Affairs features Dorothy Brown, Circuit Court Clerk of Cook County and Candidate for President of the Cook County Board in the 2010 Democratic Primary. The show, hosted by Executive Legal Recruiter Jeff Berkowitz, focuses on a broad range of Cook County Board President public policy and political issues and airs at 8:30pm on Cable Ch. 21 throughout the City of Chicago(CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV) and on that same night on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.
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You can also watch the show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown on your computer.

The "Public Affairs," show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown was taped on July 19, 2009
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Rockford airing

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown also airs throughout the City of Rockford (and in surrounding areas) Thursday night, July 30 at 8:00 pm on Cable Ch. 17. 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.
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This coming week's suburban edition of Public Affairs features State Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline). Rep. Boland was appointed by Speaker Mike Madigan as the State House's liaison to the Mikva Commission investigating "Clouted admissions," to the University of Illinois. Rep. Boland is also a possible candidate for Lt. Gov. in the 2010 Democratic Primary. The show, hosted by Executive Legal Recruiter Jeff Berkowitz, covers both the clouted admissions at the University of Illinois and State budget, tax, spending, education and other public policy issues. You can also watch the show on your computer .
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The "Public Affairs," show with State Rep. Mike Boland was taped on July 19, 2009
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Public Affairs Chicago Metro suburban airing schedule:

The show featuring State Rep. Mike Boland is airing this week in the North and Northwest Chicago Metro suburbs in its regular slot:

This 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 This 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.

and 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.
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Chicago and Aurora:

The "Public Affairs," show featuring State Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline), possible Candidate for Lt. Gov. in the 2010 Democratic Primary, will also air throughout the City of Chicago a week from this Monday night i.e., Aug. 3 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21 (CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV) and on that same night on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.
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Rockford

The "Public Affairs," show featuring State Rep. Mike Boland also airs throughout the City of Rockford (and in surrounding areas) Thursday night, August 6 at 8:00 pm on Cable Ch. 17. 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.
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
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A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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State Rep. Julie Hamos likely to become the 10th Cong. Dist. Democratic Primary frontrunner on Tuesday

Links added and text corrected on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 3:30am to reflect, as indicated below, that Dan Seal's losing vote total against Cong. Kirk in the 10th CD 2008 general election improved to 47.4%--up slightly from his 2006 46.6% performance[See vote totals at close of the article], contrary to what was written previously in this post and another recent post, i.e., that Seal's vote totals from 2006 to 2008 had declined from 47% to 45% and that Kirk's vote totals had correspondingly increased from 53% to 55%. "Public Affairs," regrets the error and apologizes to its gentle readers for any inconvenience caused by the mistake.
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State Rep. Hamos to shift her AG campaign to the 10th Cong. Dist. Dem. Primary

Rich Miller reported yesterday (the Capitolfax blog) that State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston, 18th Dist) will be “announcing for something,” this Tuesday at noon (her office sent an email to “supporters,” announcing this) and that the 11th year State Rep. is “widely expected,” to run for the 10th CD. Rep. Hamos declined to comment to this journalist this afternoon, other than to refer me to her email that said she would “announce for something,” on Tuesday.

According to reliable sources, it is almost certain that Rep. Hamos will meet expectations and announce for the 10th CD Dem. Primary on Tuesday. State Rep. Hamos was set to run for AG when Lisa Madigan surprised everybody with her recent announcement to seek re-election to that office. Hamos had been doing the “listening tour,” across the State of Illinois for a good part of this year and put in motion a good AG exploratory organization, including fund raising. That operation will now become much more localized on the 10th CD.

It is possible that Rep. Hamos could run for State Treasurer, with Treasurer Giannoulias announcing, officially, tomorrow his run for U. S. Senate. Alternatively, she could run for Comptroller, as Comptroller Hynes is almost certain to announce soon his bid for Governor. However, there has been virtually no speculation that Hamos will seek either of those offices and it is unlikely that the 57-year-old State Rep. will stay put in her current office. Thus, going with the reliable sources, it seems reasonable to predict that Hamos runs in the 10th CD.

Hamos’ listening tours

While touring the State as a likely AG candidate, Hamos got an earful from downstaters who wanted to know if she wanted to take their guns away. She assured them she understood the need for some regional differences on those issues. Perhaps State Rep. Hamos will start a listening tour through the 10th CD. As a 10th CD candidate, Rep. Hamos will hear somewhat different concerns from a district that voted 53% for Presidential candidate Kerry and 61% for Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.

On the other hand, the 10th CD has been held by Republicans John Porter and Mark Steven Kirk for the last three decades. The affluent district spreads from Chicago’s North Shore in Wilmette north through Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest and continues north through some less affluent areas almost to Wisconsin and to areas to the West including portions of such villages as Wheeling, Palatine, Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights

Social liberals and fiscal conservatives

Initially, the 10th CD was a Republican District, but, as the District was turning Democratic, both Porter and Kirk billed themselves as “social liberals and fiscal conservatives.” Kirk took that slogan to the extreme, so to speak, as he co-opted Democratic constituencies by being quite strongly (1) pro choice on abortion, (2) pro gun control, (3) pro gay rights, (4) pro environmental, (5) pro Israel and as he put it in the last election (6) (pro public school teacher.

Hamos and Kirk, Similarities and Differences

Hamos will track Kirk’s social liberal views and differentiate herself from Kirk’s support of the Bush tax cuts and his prior support of the Iraq War. Indeed, during the last two election cycles, Kirk, himself, backtracked somewhat on his support for the War and the Bush tax cuts.

Hamos, who fled Hungary to come to Cleveland, Ohio with her parents, Holocaust survivors, at seven and knows a thing or two about freedom, has an experienced political ear. Although she has held office for only eleven years, she has been in and around politics and public policy all of her three decade, or so, professional career including stints for AFSCME, House Ways and Means and State’s Attorney Richard M. Daley. She received her law degree from George Washington University and undergraduate degree from Washington University at St. Louis.

Hamos’ vote to increase the state income tax

Hamos voted for the Quinn 50% state income tax increase in May, saying it was not “a popular vote,” but it was “the only option.” [Read about this and take the link to watch Hamos discuss the tax issue, about 5 minutes into the show]. That vote may help Hamos in the 10th CD Dem Primary (Senator Michael Bond, who is also running in the 10th CD, voted against the state income tax increase), but it could be a problem for Hamos in the 10th CD general election, notwithstanding the District’s support for Obama over McCain.

All in all, State Rep. Hamos will be the front-runner in the 10th CD Dem Primary [see, below]. This is the case even though the bulk of her 18th State Rep. district is outside the 10th CD. The exceptions are Winnetka, Kenilworth and East Wilmette, where she has held her own when she has had contested elections, but her big margins that gave her 70%, or more, victories, came out of Evanston and Rogers Park.

Hamos to move into 10th CD

Hamos is a hard working, personable, experienced, politician and pubic policy maker who will campaign and do well throughout the 10th CD. She lives in Evanston, outside the 10th CD, but she will probably soon move into the 10th CD, even though that is neither a political nor constitutional requirement. (Cong. Melissa Bean (D-Barrington), for example, lives a block or two outside her 8th CD, and that has not hurt her much; On the other hand, when Democrat Tammy Duckworth lost to Cong. Roskam (R-Wheaton) in a close 2006 general election, it might have helped her if she lived within the 6th CD boundaries).

Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) is a relative novice at this and many Democrats say his win in the State Senate was kind of a fluke. Reliable sources think he very well may not go the distance in the 10th CD Primary.

Seals, a three-time loser?

Dan Seals, who lost to Kirk in 2006 and 2008 with 46.6% (to Kirk's 53.4%) and 47.4% (to Kirk's 52.6%) of the vote, respectively, now has very good name recognition but lacks the political experience, background and devoted followings of Hamos. Seals did much better against Kirk than anyone since State Rep. Lauren Beth Gash ran against Kirk in 2000 (losing by only 5500 votes). However, most Democrats say that 2006 and 2008 were such strong years for Democrats that Seals should have won. A great many of his prior supporters will not want to give Dan a chance to become a “three time loser.” As this journalist said, State Rep. Julie Hamos will become the front-runner in the 10th CD Democratic Primary on Tuesday at noon.
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
**********************************************************
A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Flashback to 2003 and 2004: Real Dialogues with Rahm Emanuel and Barack Obama, unlike the Barack Obama Press Conferences

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Cong. Rahm Emanuel: Well, the reason you—what is the largest single factor to the healthcare inflation? The uninsured. They drive the cost

Jeff Berkowitz: What about the fact that a great many people don’t pay for [their healthcare]. That is, a third party pays. Don’t you think that’s a factor in the escalating cost? Don’t you think we have to restructure it so that people who receive benefits pay? At least a portion, so that it’s not [all] paid by third parties?
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State Senator Barack Obama: Look Jeff. I have been consistent in saying what I am in favor of is universal healthcare. Right? And, I think we have to move in a direction of universal healthcare because if we don’t, the question I have for people who argue against me is—Who is it that you think shouldn’t be covered? Who is it that you think doesn’t- shouldn’t-

Jeff Berkowitz: Oh, I don’t think anybody [thinks] that.

State Senator Barack Obama: Well, that’s my point.

Jeff Berkowitz: The difference between you and the Republicans—I’ll be fair and balanced here--
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Jeff Berkowitz: [The Republicans] want to see people provided funds. Give them vouchers to spend on healthcare. But, let the market—let them choose. You’re more willing to allow government to do more things.

State Senator Barack Obama: Je--Jeff.

Jeff Berkowitz: I’m not saying it pejoratively.

State Senator Barack Obama: No. No. Show me the plan. They’ve been in power now for…
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Kabuki Theater in the White House East Room

Last night, President Obama held his fifth press conference and fourth national prime time press conference since he became President. These are not real press conference in which the press either raise their hands and are called on—or reporters compete with each other to ask a question before a competitor gets her question asked.

Nope, this is Kabuki Theater, Barack Obama style. These press conferences ought to all be held at Orchestra Hall because they are all so orchestrated. Team Obama tells the “chosen,” that they will be called upon and apparently, some, like those working for the Huffington Post, reciprocate by coordinating their questions, beforehand, with the White House.

President Obama—as Professor

Usually, the President answers about 13 questions in 55 minutes. Last night, his answers were so verbose and professorial—the 55-minute event consisted of only ten questions. In response to a question from ABC-s Jake Tapper on the kind of sacrifices the American people might have to make as a part of the Democrats' proposed healthcare plan, President Obama took a detour to lecture the press corps on how well his economic stimulus plan is doing. The answer was so long and rambling as to appear to be a SNL parody of Sarah Palin’s interview with Katie Couric.

The White House Press corps—marching on the Left

If one is practicing basic journalism, you generally should try to ask your questions from the opposite side of the President's location on the political spectrum. Since President Obama is generally on the left on most issues, a good, challenging question should come from the right, irrespective of the journalist's personal point of view.

However, most of the White House media seem to operate naturally on the left [As the President said recently to the White House correspondents, “Most of you voted for me.”]. With few exceptions, e.g., ABC’s Jake Tapper and L.A. Times’ Christi Parsons (previously of the Chicago Tribune), the White House correspondents simply can’t ask questions from the right. They just don't have that kind of intellectual versatility and breadth.

60% of the White House Press Corps questions came from the Left and 20% from the Right

Last night, of the ten questions, six came from the left, two from the right [Tapper and Parsons] and two were neutral. [Ed. Note: I am not suggesting Tapper and Parsons are personally inclined to the right—simply that they have the capability to ask questions from the right if the speaker is on the left].

But, the problem with last night’s Kabuki theater is that the President and the press were so inept that viewers had no better idea what the healthcare plan of Congress and the President is after the show than they did before the evening began. And, this is surprising. Because, the President is a very smart, well spoken guy. You may agree or disagree with him, but when he speaks, people do and should listen.

Rahm Emanuel and Barack Obama discuss healthcare in 2003-04

If you want to get a sense of a time when President Obama and his Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, were quite a bit less guarded and more thoughtful in their answers, take a listen to what they said more than five years ago.

Is it really the case, as suggested below, that forty-seven million uninsured people drive the costs for two hundred fifty million insured people? Is it the case, as suggested below, that much of healthcare is paid for by individuals and entities that don’t receive the healthcare? Was it really true in 2004 that the free market was entirely involved in health care? Has the government become more or less involved in U. S. healthcare during the last three decades and has the government made healthcare better or worse. We discuss, you decide.
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Cong. Rahm Emanuel (D-Chicago, 5th CD): …So, you bring some rationalizations and efficiencies to the system, but most importantly, you give people who work—healthcare.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, is there a problem with healthcare that goes beyond the points you raised and the solutions you raised-

Cong. Rahm Emanuel: Sure—

Jeff Berkowitz: In terms of the escalating costs of healthcare.

Cong. Rahm Emanuel: Well, the reason you—what is the largest single factor to the healthcare inflation? The uninsured. They drive the cost

Jeff Berkowitz: What about the fact that a great many people don’t pay for [their healthcare]. That is, a third party pays. Don’t you think that’s a factor in the escalating cost? Don’t you think we have to restructure it so that people who receive benefits pay? At least a portion, so that it’s not [all] paid by third parties?

Cong. Rahm Emanuel: Jeff. Jeff. But, a lot of people are paying for a portion of their healthcare. One of the reasons—

Jeff Berkowitz: A relatively small portion.

Cong. Rahm Emanuel: The largest fact for strikes today isn’t in fact salaries. It’s for healthcare. Because, more and more people are paying a greater portion of their healthcare.

Jeff Berkowitz: Well, we can discuss that …
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Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, January 23, 2003
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State Senator Barack Obama (D-Chicago):…I mean essentially—

Jeff Berkowitz: But, that’s not a single payer. So, you’re backing off from single payer.

State Senator Barack Obama: I have never
--

Jeff Berkowitz: You said what you said. It’s right there. There’s the tape.

State Senator Barack Obama: Look Jeff. I have been consistent in saying what I am in favor of is universal healthcare. Right? And, I think we have to move in a direction of universal healthcare because if we don’t, the question I have for people who argue against me is—Who is it that you think shouldn’t be covered? Who is it that you think doesn’t- shouldn’t-

Jeff Berkowitz: Oh, I don’t think anybody [thinks] that.

State Senator Barack Obama: Well, that’s my point.

Jeff Berkowitz: The difference between you and the Republicans—I’ll be fair and balanced here--

State Senator Barack Obama: Right.

Jeff Berkowitz: Is—I think they want universal coverage, too.

State Senator Barack Obama: How?

Jeff Berkowitz: The difference between you and them—whoever your Republican opponent is [in the U. S. Senate race. Ed. Note: This show was taped after Jack Ryan had announced he would withdraw as the Republican Party’s U. S. Senate nominee in 2004, but before the Republican State Central Committee in Illinois chose Alan Keyes to replace Ryan as the Republican Party’s nominee]--

State Senator Barack Obama: Right.

Jeff Berkowitz: I would guess is that they want to see the market more involved. They want to see—

State Senator Barack Obama: The market’s entirely involved.

Jeff Berkowitz: They want to see people have choice.

State Senator Barack Obama: The market’s thoroughly—

Jeff Berkowitz: They want to see people have choice.

State Senator Barack Obama: Jeff. Jeff.

Jeff Berkowitz: They want to see people provided funds. Give them vouchers to spend on healthcare. But, let the market—let them choose. You’re more willing to allow government to do more things.

State Senator Barack Obama: Je--Jeff.

Jeff Berkowitz: I mean, that’s an honest difference, I’m saying, right?

State Senator Barack Obama: No, Jeff.

Jeff Berkowitz: I’m not saying it pejoratively.

State Senator Barack Obama: No. No. Show me the plan. They’ve been in power now for…
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Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, July 18, 2004
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From the forthcoming “Best of Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.”
*************************************************
Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
**********************************************************
A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Better than Rachel Maddow w/Shawn Hannity: Berkowitz w/Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown on her race for County Board President,Cable & soon Streaming

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This week’s suburban edition of Public Affairs features Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown. Clerk Brown is a declared candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary. Topics discussed with Jeff Berkowitz, show host and Executive Legal Recruiter, include the Gang of Four, as reformers and which of the Cook County Board members Clerk Brown might identify with; should politicians disclose their tax returns and net worth to the public; allegations by Pres. Stroger of media bias against President Stroger and other politicians who are from the South Side of Chicago and who often are African-American, Cook County's 1% increase in the sales tax and repeal of same; healthcare provided by the Cook County Health Bureau, the status of the Temporary Juvenile Detention Center and whether the President of the Cook County Board has any influence or control over the operations at the Center, the propriety of the loan made from the Cook County Board to the office of Regional Superintendent Flowers, the politics of the Cook County Board President Democratic Primary and many other Cook County governmental and political issues.
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The "Public Affairs," show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, Candidate for President of the Cook County Board in the 2010 Democratic Primary, can soon be watched here .
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The "Public Affairs," show with Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown was taped on July 19, 2009
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Public Affairs Chicago Metro suburban airing schedule:

The show featuring 2010 Democratic Primary Cook County Board President Candidate Dorothy Brown is airing this week in the North and Northwest Chicago Metro suburbs in its regular slot:

Tuesday night (tonight) 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 Tuesday night(tonight) 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.

and 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.
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Chicago and Aurora:

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, Candidate for President of the Cook County Board in the 2010 Democratic Primary, will also air throughout the City of Chicago this coming Monday night i.e., July 27 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21(CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV) and on that same night on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
**********************************************************
A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Reflections on Cong. Kirk's announcement of his Senate bid, growing up in Kenilworth and Kirk's opponents; Quips by Kirk and Gov. Jim Edgar.

This post contains a discussion of yesterday’s announcement by Cong. Mark Steven Kirk (R-Highland Park) that he will be a candidate in the Feb. 2, 2010 U. S. Senate Republican Primary. It also contains media analysis, commentary on Kirk's current Republican Senate Primary rivals, commentary on potential candidates for the Democratic U. S. Senate Primary, and some quips by Gov. Edgar and Cong. Kirk from yesterday’s announcement.

We will follow up later today or tomorrow with more reporting on the substantive Q and A from yesterday’s presser with Cong. Kirk and from others who were willing to answer a few questions from yours truly.

Cong. Mark Kirk announces his run for the U. S. Senate

The announcement was made from Cong. Kirk’s boyhood home in Kenilworth, IL on Chicago’s North Shore. Kirk also spent some time growing up in Champaign, Harvey, Chatham and Downers Grove.

The North Shore- a collection of small towns.

It was a picture perfect environment and setting for the announcement. A smallish front yard to a smallish home [that of the former groundskeeper for the Kenilworth golf course, said Cong. Kirk], with maybe several hundred supporters crowded around to watch and listen to Cong. Kirk. If you didn’t know you were on the North Shore, you might have thought you were in Anytown, USA. In essence, the North Shore is a collection of small towns, each of which practices local control in the operation of relatively small school districts, park districts, library districts, village units—all run by local, elected board members. As Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is ultimately local,” and there is nothing more local than your local school board or park board.

Former Gov. Edgar at his side

Kirk made his announcement, with former Governor Jim Edgar [1991-1999] at his side. Aside from being the last elected Illinois Governor not to be indicted, Governor Edgar left office with a popularity rating said to be in the 70s, and it appears that his popularity has been maintained. Governor Edgar is a “moderate,” on abortion, but known as a fiscal conservative—not unlike Kirk.

After retreating to the house for a bit, Cong. Kirk answered questions from the media on a wide range of domestic and foreign public policy issues, as well as on politics. Whether you agree or disagree with the positions taken by Cong. Kirk, most will concede that handling the media with finesse, skill and knowledge will be one of the strengths for Kirk in the Primary [if he has a credible opponent] and in the general election.

Protest in Kenilworth: Nobody got shot-- go tell Amnesty International?

A small group of protestors on issues relating to healthcare insurance [Kirk doesn’t support a public option] and immigration [Kirk supports a fence on the southern border] chanted from the area just outside the front yard. All in all, the protestors didn’t really disrupt the event, although they communicated their dissatisfaction with Cong. Kirk. Actually, the protesters provided a nice reminder that this is America, where the right to express one’s view is protected by the Constitution—unlike, say, Iran, where people are shot by their Government for engaging in non-violent protests.

Indeed, Cong. Kirk could have stated, but he didn’t, that he served in Afghanistan and elsewhere to protect the rights of protestors to camp out in front of his boyhood home when he announced his effort to go to the Senate to continue to represent the rights of dissenters, among others.
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A Media member: Kenilworth home is an embarrassment for a pol

One of the reporters attending yesterday’s presser asked Cong. Kirk:

Do you think it is a good idea, given these tough economic times, to announce your Senate bid in one of the state’s most wealthy towns?

The question is really silly. Does the reporter think it is a disqualification for the U. S. Senate to have grown up on the North Shore? Should Kirk, a naval reservist who was deployed to Afghanistan in December [the first member of Congress to serve in an imminent danger area since 1942], lie and tell people he never lived in Kenilworth?

Chris Kennedy

Will the same reporter ask Democrat Chris Kennedy, if and when he announces for the U. S. Senate, if he is embarrassed to live, with his family, in Kenilworth-- within walking distance from Kirk’s boyhood home. Or, maybe Kennedy should be embarrassed by the material and political wealth he inherited as the son of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy. I don’t think so, but maybe the reporter who asked the question of Kirk does.

Alexi Giannoulias

Will the same reporter suggest that Democrat State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias should hide from his family’s wealth, earned from the family owned bank, even though one of the reasons President Obama endorsed Giannoulias for Treasurer (over Speaker Madigan’s favored candidate in Giannoulias’ contested 2006 Democratic Primary) was the substantial money raised and donated by Giannoulias’ family and family friends to Obama early on in Obama’s U. S. Senate campaign. Don’t hold your breath on that one.

Cheryle Jackson

Will the same reporter suggest that we investigate the amount of money earned by Democrat Cheryle Jackson, if she enters the U. S. Senate race, as the former Communications Director for the now indicted, impeached and removed Governor Rod Blagojevich? Or, maybe we should ask how much money Cheryle Jackson receives as President of the Chicago Urban League or for the Sunday morning TV show that she does and inquire if it is so much that she cannot identify with low and middle income voters across Illinois. I don’t think that question makes much sense but maybe the reporter who asked the question of Kirk does.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with media inquiring as to the net worth, tax returns of candidates for and holders of public office in order to investigate potential past, present and future conflicts, as well as if wealth was obtained in illegitimate, illegal ways. But, suggesting that Cong. Kirk should be embarrassed because he grew up in Kenilworth is just, well, plain silly—tough economic times, or not.
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Endorsements of Kirk

Cong. Mark Kirk's staff handed out a list of endorsements from, among others, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, NRSC Chairman John Cornyn (R-TX), House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Former IL Governors Edgar and Thompson, State Senate Republican Leader Radogno, State House Republican Leader Cross, Republican National Committeeman Pat Brady and a number of State Senators, State Reps, GOP State Central Committeemen and GOP County Chairmen.

Kirk’s Republican Senate Primary opponents

As of now, Cong. Kirk faces opposition in the Republican Senate Primary from Dr. Eric Wallace, John Arrington, Robert Zadek and Andy Martin. It appears that none of those candidates has a sufficient political base and access to money to run a credible campaign against Cong. Kirk.

Cong. Kirk’s views on the cultural issues give someone with a political base, political skills and the ability to self fund or raise substantial sums of money a big opportunity to challenge him in the Republican Primary. Kirk is very much pro-choice on the abortion issue, very much in favor of gun control and quite strong on gay rights. Futher, he was one of only eight Republicans to support Cap and Trade [or “Cap and Tax,” as it is known by many Republicans-conservatives and moderates], giving Speaker Pelosi just enough votes to pass her legislation to restrict carbon emissions. If there is one vote in Kirk’s ten year congressional incumbency that will motivate a credible conservative with a strong Message, Organization and Money [MOM] to get involved in the Senate Republican Primary, Cap and Trade would be it. Further, the Cap and Trade vote may undercut Kirk’s strong message and issue contrast with many Democratic candidates on “less spending and less taxes.”
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Quips from former Governor Jim Edgar :

On the general tendency for things “to come up,” during an intense statewide campaign (including what might surface about Democratic U. S. Senate candidates):

…When you run for statewide office, a lot of things come out of your past that you don’t even know existed. …my mother was surprised about some of the things they said about me— my wife wasn’t-- but my mother was surprised…you know, the State Treasurer is young and aggressive. If he is the candidate, I think it will probably be a spirited campaign.

On Democrats’ fears of Cong. Kirk:

As we can tell, the Democrats are already nervous. I think that is part of the reason we didn’t have a special election earlier this year—when the Democrats knew that Mark Kirk was sitting out there and they couldn’t beat him. I think they were afraid to hold a special election and I think that bodes well for his chances in the fall.

On Kirk as a uniter, not a divider:

Mark is someone who can bring Republicans, Independents and thoughtful Democrats together.
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Cong. Kirk on reform:

We must choose leaders who don’t become criminals.

Cong. Kirk on what to fight for:

--lower taxes
--veterans care
--strong national defense
--medical rights
--integrity

Cong. Kirk on his commitments:

-- Defend the USA
-- Promote individual initiative and jobs
-- Protect the relationship between you and your doctor, making sure the government cannot delay or deny care
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
**********************************************************
A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Monday, July 20, 2009

Better than David Gregory w/ Mitch McConnell: Berkowitz w/Cook County Board President Todd Stroger; Cable and Streaming

Jeff Berkowitz: So, that would be four African-Americans who are running and seem to be critical of you, …you’re not going to accuse these folks of being racist, are you? Because they’re African-Americans.

President Todd Stroger: Well, you don’t have to be any certain color to be a racist, but no, I’m not accusing them. [Watch the show w/ President Stroger]


Jeff Berkowitz: But, [they are] not prejudice toward other African-Americans.

President Todd Stroger: No, no. But, I think what you will find is—they will never truly be critical of our administration. And, when they do, what you will find is .... So, when Cong. [Danny] Davis spoke about ... ********************************
The "Public Affairs," show featuring Cook County Board President Todd Stroger airs throughout the City of Chicago tonight i.e., July 20 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21(CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV). President Todd Stroger debates and discusses with Jeff Berkowitz, show host and Executive Legal Recruiter, the major public policy issues and politics relating to the 2010 Cook County Board President Democratic Primary. For more about tonight's show, including another partial transcript of the show and a list of topics, please go here

The program with President Stroger also airs tonight on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.

You can also watch the show with President Todd Stroger on your computer.

This Week's suburban edition of Public Affairs features Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and candidate for President of the Cook County Board in the 2010 Democratic Primary.
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Jeff Berkowitz: You have a bunch of folks running…for Cook County Board President: Ald. Toni Preckwinkle…, Circuit Court … Clerk [of Cook County] Dorothy Brown, Cong. Danny Davis. Cmsr. Larry Rogers hasn’t said he is going to run- Cmsr. On the Board of Review- but there is speculation.

President Todd Stroger: Hm Hm.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, that would be four African-Americans who are running and seem to be critical of you, …you’re not going to accuse these folks of being racist, are you? Because they’re African-Americans.

President Todd Stroger: Well, you don’t have to be any certain color to be a racist, but no, I’m not accusing them.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, [they are] not prejudice toward other African-Americans.

President Todd Stroger: No, no. But, I think what you will find is—they will never truly be critical of our administration. And, when they do, what you will find is they’ve said something that they know nothing about. So, when Cong. [Danny] Davis spoke about the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and [said] it is a mess—I don’t run the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and in reality, I’m the one who went to Springfield and asked that the bill be sponsored and passed that turned that authority over to the Chief Judge’s office—like the other counties in our state—from there we could ask for more money from the State to run the facility and it also was something that- since it is that kind of justice thing—it seemed like it belonged to the Chief Judge’s office. And then [Cong. Davis] complained about the jail- he said the jail is a mess…the jail is run by the Sheriff. If he thinks that the jail is a mess and that it needs cleaning up, he ought to run against the Sheriff, not the County Board President. So, the more we hear them speak, the more we’ll realize [my opponents] do not know exactly what the County does…

Well, Ald. Preckwinkle told of an episode, a story- when she was sitting just where you are—just a week…ago. And, she said…
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
**********************************************************
A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Friday, July 17, 2009

Of Gov. Quinn, Frank Knight, government regulation, the free market, Burr Oak Cemetery, Cemetery oversight and grave robbers.

Jeff Berkowitz: Governor...Prosecute the wrongdoers, make an example of them—and that will deter, but you cannot prevent every wrong act by having a large regulatory apparatus...

Governor Quinn: ...I think that we have seen in our country a rise in for-profit cemeteries owned by large corporations who own multiple cemeteries in multiple states and they may have as their primary interest not reverence and dignity for those they are burying, but rather a devotion to the almighty dollar...
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Gov. Quinn: Back to the Future?

We have become quite used to expanding the role of government whenever there is a problem. That is because government, as in the 60s and 70s, is again thought to be the solution, not the problem.

Our President has decreed that science will be our guiding light. Many take that to mean science is our God, and government is simply applied science for many. I am sure the great economist [mostly of the first half of the 20th Century] , Frank Knight, if he were alive today, would lament that government is now thought by many to be the remedy for every disease, not just business cycles. Knight, somewhat coincidentally, was a native of McLean County, IL.

Science is now our God

In medieval times, men didn’t look for remedies since they thought everything came from God—who was good—so everything [must be] good. Now science is the God, and we think that there must be a remedy for every disease. Maybe [there] is no answer to the business cycle, [maybe we] have to let it take its course. [Emphasis Supplied] Frank Knight, See here..
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Gov. Quinn’s Task Force on grave robbers

The most recent application of the principle in Illinois that government is the remedy for every disease is the appointment, by Gov. Quinn, yesterday of a nine person Cemetery Oversight Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is apparently to engage in fact finding about the recent Burr Oak Cemetery desecration . How did it happen? Why? Who? When? More importantly, it is to help in the development of a regulatory apparatus that makes sure we have no repetition of the Burr Oak event, that is, that never again will some evildoers toss someone out of his grave so that the grave can be sold yet again.

The approach and language of the Governor in responding to the Burr Oak cemetery issue suggest he has little faith in the profit motive and the free market in preventing the above. Morever, it sounds as if he thinks "well tailored," regulation will always make things better. But, just as we can have "market failure," we can have "government failure," and indeed, government can make things worse-- certainly sometimes.

The cost of increased regulation of the burial industry

In this case, Gov. Quinn seems to be turning a blind eye to reality in the burial business, at large. It is as if he is saying: Never mind that that there has been no showing of, and there likely won't be, any pattern of such problems, i.e., grave robbers, in the burial industry. Never mind that such actions are already illegal. Never mind that no matter how costly and elaborate the regulatory apparatus, you will never be able to stop all such occurrences of illegal and despicable behavior. Never mind that the cost of the proposed regulations is likely to be higher priced funerals and burials and a larger, more wasteful government. Never mind that the cost of the proposed regulatory apparatus is likely to exceed the benefits.

The “public option,” in the burial industry

Notwithstanding all of the above, since we have a problem at the Burr Oak cemetery, government, as our modern day God, or our modern day science, will be asked to solve it. Since we are being told by President Obama that we need a “public option,” to keep the private sector healthcare insurance market honest, this journalist is a bit surprised Governor Quinn has not yet suggested a “Public cemetery option,” to keep the burial business honest. Maybe that will come from the Task Force on grave robbers.
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Most of the questioning from the main stream media at Gov. Quinn's presser yesterday at the Thompson Center in Chicago came from the perspective, “Gee, isn’t it odd that we have so little regulation of the burial/funeral industry." Most of the questioning of Gov. Quinn was in the direction of shouldn’t we have more regulation. This journalist thought it might be interesting to see what the Governor thought of going perhaps in the other direction. Take a listen.

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The Governor Quinn press conference

Jeff Berkowitz: Governor, do you recognize the point of view—seems to be that the Daily Southtown took [today]-- that [Burr Oak] is one example. You don’t find this happening a lot with other cemeteries, other providers of funeral service. What you’re doing here is adding a layer of government regulation—all of the cemeteries that are not doing anything wrong are going to have to comply with this—this makes the cost of government higher; it will make the cost of burial service higher; of funerals higher…this is already illegal, the Southtown points out. Prosecute the wrongdoers, make an example of them—and that will deter, but you cannot prevent every wrong act by having a large regulatory apparatus. Do you at least understand that is a competing viewpoint to the one you are espousing?

Governor Pat Quinn[D-IL]: Well, maybe [that is] a viewpoint. It’s one I don’t agree with. I think that we have seen in our country a rise in for-profit cemeteries owned by large corporations who own multiple cemeteries in multiple states and they may have as their primary interest not reverence and dignity for those they are burying, but rather a devotion to the almighty dollar. And, if those kind of financial considerations take priority over proper burial of the dead, then we the people need to act, and so, I think proper regulation, well tuned and well tailored to the problem at hand, is what is needed here. And, that is what we’re talking about. I think this whole area of for-profit cemeteries in Illinois needs to be—sunshine needs to be reflected upon it. And, let’s find out what the facts are. If things are being done right, that’s good. If not, then we need a remedy.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Better than Dellimore w/ Ald. Toni Preckwinkle: Berkowitz w/ President Todd Stroger, Cable and Streaming Now; Taxes, Media Bias, Olympics& Healthcare

Jeff Berkowitz: I thought you were saying [now] you would favor a repeal of a quarter of that penny increase [in taxes], right?

President Todd Stroger: You know, I said that at first, but now I see that we’re having more costs. [Watch the show with President Todd Stroger]
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Jeff Berkowitz: So, is [Warner Saunders] part of the media bias, would you say?

President Todd Stroger: No, he is actually someone who I know and who knows me, so that works much better because he is not going to say anything negative about me—unless it’s true.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, the political editors, Mike Flannery, CBS-2 News. Would you say he is fair, or is there bias there, as well?
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Jeff Berkowitz:... Mayor Daley wants to [relocate] the African-Americans there [they say], acquire a lot of this valuable lake front property and move those folks somewhere else. People are also saying the Mayor is going with Ald. Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President. I don’t know that that’s the case- that’s just the rumor. Is the Mayor turning on you and might you turn back on him and say you’re not supporting the Olympics?

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger: Ah.

Jeff Berkowitz: For the reasons I mentioned?

Is the Mayor turning on President Stroger

President Todd Stroger: No, I think the Olympics is a good idea and it’s got nothing to do with the Mayor.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, is the Mayor turning on you?
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This week’s suburban edition of Public Affairs features Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago). Topics discussed with Jeff Berkowitz, show host and Executive Legal Recruiter, include allegations by Pres. Stroger of media bias against President Stroger and other politicians who are from the South Side of Chicago and who often are African-American, 2016 Chicago Olympics, Cook County's 1% increase in the sales tax and repeal of same; healthcare provided by the Cook County Health Bureau, allegations of scandal, corruption and inefficiency in various operations of Cook County Government, the politics of the Cook County Board President Democratic Primary and many other Cook County governmental and political issues.
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Media Bias against President Todd Stroger?

President Todd Stroger: …the media doesn’t come from our area. So, you’re not going to find the anchors living in that area [south side of Chicago]. You’re definitely not going to find the producers who make a lot of the decisions living in that area. You’re not going to find the publishers—

Jeff Berkowitz: Anchors like Warner Saunders? Where did he live?

President Todd Stroger: I believe he lives downtown.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, is [Warner Saunders] part of the media bias, would you say?

President Todd Stroger: No, he is actually someone who I know and who knows me, so that works much better because he is not going to say anything negative about me—unless it’s true.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, the political editors, Mike Flannery, CBS-2 News. Would you say he is fair, or is there bias there, as well?
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The Olympics, Urban Renewal and the African-American community

Jeff Berkowitz: …Martin Anderson, an economist, wrote… the “The Federal Bulldozer,” about 50 years ago, talking about urban renewal—he said urban renewal was Negro removal—that’s what was happening at that time on the south side [of Chicago]. Some people say that’s what’s happening here [with Olympics 2016]. Mayor Daley wants to [relocate] the African-Americans there [they say], acquire a lot of this valuable lake front property and move those folks somewhere else. People are also saying the Mayor is going with Ald. Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President. I don’t know that that’s the case- that’s just the rumor. Is the Mayor turning on you and might you turn back on him and say you’re not supporting the Olympics?

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger: Ah.

Jeff Berkowitz: For the reasons I mentioned?

Is the Mayor turning on President Stroger

President Todd Stroger: No, I think the Olympics is a good idea and it’s got nothing to do with the Mayor.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, is the Mayor turning on you?

President Todd Stroger: I don’t know.

Jeff Berkowitz: And, if he does, will you turn back on him?

President Todd Stroger: When we come to that bridge in the road, I’ll handle it but at this point the Mayor hasn’t spoken to me saying that he was for or against.
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The 500 million dollar Cook County sales tax increase

President Todd Stroger: …We, the County, have done the right things, because we come in at zero. Our last budget we came in over 3 million dollars. 3 million dollars is like zero out of three billion. So, no, we’ve done the right things.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you defend that whole tax increase—

President Todd Stroger: You know, we’re not—

Jeff Berkowitz: I thought you were saying [now] you would favor a repeal of a quarter of that penny increase [in taxes], right?

President Todd Stroger: You know, I said that at first, but now I see that we’re having more costs.

Has John Daley turned on President Stroger?

Jeff Berkowitz: Twelve board members said to you they want to repeal the whole thing. Have you lost support—that’s twelve board members. Even John Daley is turning on you.

President Todd Stroger: That’s because they don’t have to run the whole county. I have to look at the whole picture…He [the Sheriff] is asking for $200,000 to help do the investigation at the Cemetery. They don’t have to worry about things like that…

Will race be an issue in the 2010 Cook County Board President Dem Primary?

Jeff Berkowitz: If Terry O’Brien [President, MWRDGC] and Cmsr. Larry Suffredin run in the Cook County Board race [for President], is there going to be a race issue? White and Black?

President Todd Stroger: I have no idea. All I can tell you is that I’ve done a good job as President. That’s what I’ll be running on.

Jeff Berkowitz: You’re not going to raise the race issue, at all?

President Todd Stroger: No, I don’t care if they run…

Jeff Berkowitz: But, you’ve raised the race issue before, right? In terms of the media and other people criticizing you?

President Todd Stroger: I know bias in the media but I don’t care about anybody else running. They can run all they want. That’s America.

Jeff Berkowitz: But, is race going to be an issue if Larry Suffredin is in?

President Todd Stroger: I have no idea.

Will African-American candidates for President split the vote?

Jeff Berkowitz: Or, if you’ve got three or four African-Americans splitting the African-American vote?

President Todd Stroger: I don’t know.

Jeff Berkowitz: Are you concerned about that?

President Todd Stroger: I’ve done everything I’ve said I’d do. The government’s in great shape…I’m not running on they didn’t like Donna [Dunnings] and they didn’t like that Tony Cole was hired and fired…I don’t care about that stuff. That’s little stuff. We’re talking about 24,000 employees and three billion dollars…
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The "Public Affairs," show with President Stroger can now be watched here.
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The "Public Affairs," show with President Stroger was taped on July 12, 2009
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Public Affairs Chicago Metro suburban airing schedule:

The show featuring Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is airing this week in the North and Northwest Chicago Metro suburbs in its regular slot:

Tuesday night (tonight) 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 Tuesday night(tonight) 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.

and 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.
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Chicago and Aurora:

The "Public Affairs," show featuring Todd Stroger, Cook County Board President, will also air throughout the City of Chicago this coming Monday night i.e., July 20 at 8:30 pm on Cable Ch. 21(CANTV, aka Chicago Access Network TV) and on that same night on cable in Aurora and surrounding areas at 7:30 pm on ACTV-10. 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.
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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. *************************************************************
"Public Affairs," is a weekly political interview show airing in Chicago on CANTV, in the Chicago metro area, Aurora and Rockford on Comcast and also often on the Illinois Channel. You can watch the shows, including archived shows going back to 2005, here.
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A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Cook County Board President Todd Stroger (D-Chicago), a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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Monday, July 13, 2009

The detrimental effects on employment of raising the minimum wage

As discussed here, Dan Rutherford, State Senator (R-Pontiac) and Illinois 2010 State Treasurer Republican Primary candidate, today gave a very real world example of how Illinois' high minimum wage tends to cause jobs to go to states with lower state minimum wages. In a very timely piece, the Wall St. Journal editorial page discussed, this morning, the negative employment effects of the federal minimum wage and how the strongest disemployment effects of the minimum wage [scheduled to increase again in 11 days] falls on the least skilled groups [teens and welfare moms].

Of course, the above Wall St. Journal piece simply summarizes the empirical evidence that corroborates basic, price theory, which should be, but is usually not, learned in Econ 101. That is, if you place a floor on wages that is above the market clearing wage, the quantity of employees demanded will decrease from the market clearing amount and the quantity of employees supplied will increase from the market clearing amount, giving us a surplus of labor, also known as unemployed labor.

Sen. Dan Rutherford knows this, Jimmy John's knows this and the Wall St. Editorial Board know this. But, does President Obama know this? Does Obama's Council of Economic Advisers know this? And, if so, can they still really be big time supporters of higher minimum wages? Possibly. Could that be because unions want minimum wages as a way of protecting their members from competition from non-union labor? And, if so, does President Obama (and others who work for him) go along with the unions' wishes for a higher minimum wage because they find the hundreds of million of dollars of union contributions irresistible? Or, can they really believe that basic economic theory doesn't work? As Cong. Roskam (R-Wheaton,IL; 6th Cong. Dist.) might say, that would be a tall drink.
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A sampling of shows and clips from those posted during the last seven months on the Public Affairs YouTube page include a show with Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, a candidate for Cook County Board President in the 2010 Democratic Primary, a show with economist Art Laffer [inventor of the Laffer Curve] and FNC's Steve Moore about their book, "The end of Prosperity," and the Obama Administration's economic policies; the fastest five minutes on the web- a New York Times video about Obama-Berkowitz, a show with State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), a show with Professor Stephen Presser, a Northwestern University Law School Professor, about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court, , the second fastest five minutes on the web- a segment of Bill O'Reilly with Berkowitz discussing a clip of Obama from 2002 on Blagojevich and many more shows.
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