February 2018 - GOPUSA Illinois

February 28 Morning Edition

DAILY HERALD
— Minor says he could drop out of race before November – Robert Sanchez, Burt Constable, Katlyn Smith, and Marie Wilson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/minor-says-he-could-drop-out-of-race-before-november
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Embattled legislative candidate Burt Minor says he won’t drop out of next month’s Republican primary but that he still could withdraw before the November general election. “Even if I win (the primary), it’s going to be tough to win in November,” Minor said Tuesday. “Would I step down and let someone else run? Maybe.” . . . Minor, the Winfield Township Republican chairman, entered the race with a long list of endorsements but has seen some of that support erode. On Tuesday, for example, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren said the Plano Republican has withdrawn his support and urged Minor to drop out. State Rep. David Olsen, a Downers Grove Republican, said he is not taking a stance on Minor’s comments but is withdrawing his support from all three GOP candidates in the primary — including Amy Grant and Ryan Byrne. Olsen said voters need to determine the truth of what was said and choose to support or not support Minor accordingly. “Comments that are racist and racially charged — and some of this very homophobic and inappropriate language — that really should have no place in the Republican Party,” Olsen said. “It should have no place in politics in 2018.” Addison Township Republican Chairman Pat Durante said he will continue to support Minor “on a personal basis.” He wouldn’t comment, though, on whether he thought Minor was telling the truth. “She (Harold) may be telling the truth,” he said. “He may be telling the truth. It’s allegations. I’m not going to have an opinion on allegations … I think people ought to just back off until somebody finds out the truth.” But even some Winfield Township precinct committeemen are questioning Minor’s comments. Suzanne Heffner Hackenbruch, who has been a GOP committeeman for roughly 20 years, said she was “shocked and offended” when Minor told a group of fellow Republicans about his conversation with Harold. She said Minor recounted how he asked Harold a series of questions that culminated with asking whether she was a lesbian. “I couldn’t believe what I heard,” she said. “At no time did he indicate that Erika had invited him to ask her any tough questions … I don’t see how her personal life has anything to do with (issues in DuPage).” Minor said he understands why Hultgren, Olsen and others “called me and said they were pulling their support for me.” “They all want to win in November. They don’t need to be involved in this. It’s a Catch-22 for them, unfortunately,” Minor said. With the primary less than three weeks away, it’s too late for Minor to remove his name from the ballot. To leave the race now, Minor said, “means I lied.” If Minor steps down after the primary, a three-person selection committee formed by the GOP would chose a replacement candidate. Meanwhile, Minor said he’s “getting destroyed by everybody; a lot of negative comments.” He said typing his name into online searches brings up words such as “racist” and “homophobic.” “I didn’t see this coming,” Minor said. “Let’s be good Republicans and stop this. It’s not good for the Republican Party. It’s not good for the people of Illinois.”)
— Candidates disagree on lesbian comment, use of N-word – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/candidates-disagree-on-lesbian-comment-use-of-n-word
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Minor now is accusing Breen — the Republican House floor leader who represents the 48th District — of organizing a political smear campaign against him. He said Breen is doing it for the benefit of DuPage County Board member Amy Grant, who, along with political newcomer Ryan Byrne, both of Wheaton, is running against Minor in the March 20 primary. Breen says that’s not what motivated him to speak out. “When I learned about his outrageous and offensive conduct, I resolved myself to ensure that he would not serve as a member of the House Republican caucus,” Breen said. Harold, meanwhile, said she’s “telling the truth because telling the truth is the right thing to do,” she said. Rauner and other Republicans, including Gary Grasso, Harold’s opponent in the attorney general race, have since called for Minor to withdraw from the race. However, Minor says no party leaders have called him directly to ask him to drop out. “I’m embarrassed by this,” Minor said. “I’m upset about this. I would love for this to go away. It’s not going to go away. If I dropped out of the race tomorrow, it wouldn’t make a difference. My name is still on the ballot.”)
— GOP state House candidates differ on support for incumbent Harris – Christopher Placek
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180228/gop-state-house-candidates-differ-on-support-for-incumbent-harris

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Madigan digs in on his handling of harassment complaints: ‘I’m moving forward’ – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/madigan-digs-in-on-his-handling-of-harassment-complaints-im-moving-forward/
— With black voters in the driver’s seat, Dem gov hopefuls scramble to jump aboard – Fran Spielman (DIERSEN: What are the demographics of the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois? One could argue that the more votes that Clinton got than Trump got, the more anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors that voters are who are in the driver’s seat in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/with-black-voters-in-the-drivers-seat-dem-gov-hopefuls-scramble-to-jump-aboard/
— Ald. Pawar launches news outlet to promote ‘unity’ — and ‘disrupt’ conservatives – Tina Sfondeles (DIERSEN: I should write a book about news outlets in Illinois that claim to be conservative and/or Republican a) that have come and gone since 2000 and b) that are barely a shell of what they once were. Most commonly, their goals were a) to get the Illinois Republican Party to dump its traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the IRP platform, b) to promote booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, and/or c) to stop everyone from reading GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails. Most commonly, they are/were run by Democrats and/or Libertarians who falsely claim to be conservative and/or Republican.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/ald-pawar-launches-news-outlet-to-promote-unity-and-disrupt-conservatives/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Nearly five months after dropping out of the race for governor, Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) is jumping into a new challenge — launching his own non-profit news outlet meant to be the “progressive response” to the conservative think tank, the Illinois Policy Institute. . .But one of the group’s goals is “disruption,” according to a pitch provided by One Illinois that singles out the Illinois Policy Institute. “One Illinois has the opportunity to disrupt the marketplace of ideas by countering the IPI narrative with a contrary story line based on empathy and unity,” the group says. “One Illinois will disrupt the IPI market ownership by highlighting the human impact its policies have on voters and by putting a face on those who suffer the consequences.” The Illinois Policy Institute, led by John Tillman, is a conservative and free-market think tank, which at one point had close ties with Gov. Bruce Rauner. The group has spent years developing a presence on its website, and also in newspaper editorials and on the radio. Many of the pro-business, anti-union proposals that made up the governor’s “Turnaround Agenda” had been advocated for years by the institute. Pawar has a staff of six, and he’ll serve as president. Ted Cox, a former DNAInfo Chicago and Daily Herald reporter, is the group’s senior advisor and editor. And political fundraiser Katelynd Duncan — who helped to spearhead Illinois’ #metoo movement by both signing a letter and speaking out about harassment she’s endured — serves as senior adviser and co-founder. Pawar has freelancers, a documentarian and a podcaster on board, and he’ll be featured as an “on-camera personality.” Pawar said he’s also planning live events such as town halls. Content will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but One Illinois will also utilize organized labor, progressive advocacy groups and national groups to push out its stories. There’s also plans to buy TV ads to increase viewership, with content also being offered to local newspapers, TV and radio stations. Pawar said he’s set up a partnership with the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the New America Foundation. He’s also calling his own donors and talking to foundations about additional partnerships. He said he understands it’s hard to launch new media efforts: “Obviously everyone is trying to figure out how to make journalism sustainable. I think initially what we’re going to focus on is developing good content, building rapport and support and donors. Down the road we’d like a subscription model, but our goal is just to produce good content.” . . . “I think the Illinois Policy Institute and Breitbart [News Network], they profit off of disunity. They are not trying to bring people together or onto a common agenda or on moving the ball forward,” Pawar said. “They have a very hyper-partisan view of the world. They like to turn other communities into the other. But by turning people against one another, they get people angry. They divide people. It paves the way for the status quo, which is the type of politics that perpetuates income inequality where the working class are pitted against the working poor and the middle class are against the working class.” Reached for comment, the Illinois Policy Institute said it has a “track record of uniting people and parties to pass policy solutions that improve Illinoisans’ lives.” “For 15 years, the Illinois Policy Institute has been the state’s strongest voice for taxpayers. We’ve built an amazing policy, media and messaging organization that holds politicians of both parties accountable,” spokeswoman Hilary Gowins said in an email.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Endorsements for Illinois House, round 3 (DIERSEN: Includes Dan Brady, Caulkins, Durkin, Fricke, Griffith, Petty, Solano, and Stoddard.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-ilhouse3-endorsements-illinois-house-election-20180223-story.html
— Kennedy tosses out the term “immoral” regarding Pritzker, Biss – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-ohare-20180228-story.html
— Ives wants $10 million – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-ohare-20180228-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republican governor candidate state Rep. Jeanne Ives says she needs to raise $10 million by primary day to get her message out in TV ads and for get-out-the-vote operations in her challenge to Gov. Rauner. In a red-meat-worded fundraising email to supporters, Ives refers to Rauner as a RINO: Republican in Name Only. “To liberal RINO’s, you are NOTHING but a vote,” Ives’ email begins. “But to me, the President, and your fellow patriots who make up our America First movement, you are the lifeblood of our country. You are what it means to be an American.” Ives continues: “To win, we will need to contact every voter in the state. We will need to get up on TV every single day. We will need to broadcast every single time Rauner has betrayed the people.” Ives has raised nearly $3.2 million since Nov. 1, with nearly 80 percent of the money coming from conservative mega-donor Richard Uihlein of Lake Forest. That money has largely been spent on TV and radio advertising.)
— House members can now spend taxpayer dollars on bulletproof vests – Mike DeBonis
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-house-bulletproof-vests-20180227-story.html
— No progress for African-Americans on homeownership, unemployment and incarceration in 50 years – Tracy Jan
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-no-progress-african-americans-20180226-story.html

ABC7
— Chicago Board of Elections hiring poll workers for March 20 primary
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/chicago-board-of-elections-hiring-poll-workers-for-march-20-primary/3147859/

NBC5
— Madigan Releases List of Harassment, Discrimination Complaints “I’m not resigning, I will move forward,” Madigan expressed – Patrick Fazio
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/madigan-announces-list-of-harassment-discrimination-complaints-475356813.html
— Should Illinois Teachers Carry Guns? Depends On Who You Ask
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-teachers-guns-475357583.html

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois House panel OKs gun curbs on partisan votes – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/illinois-house-panel-oks-gun-curbs-on-partisan-votes

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DePaul investigating law professor’s racial slur – CLAIRE BUSHEY (DIERSEN: Should the Illinois Republican Party develop a) a list of forbidden words that Republicans (especially old White male Republicans who support Trump) should not speak or write in any kind of context and b) a schedule of punishments for speaking or writing those words?)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180228/NEWS04/180229894

WTTW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats promote 6th Congressional District Democrat candidates.
https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/02/27/2018-primary-democrats-pin-hopes-6th-district-voters

WJBC
— LaHood: Stronger background checks could keep guns from mentally ill – Eric Stock (DIERSEN: Many millions do not seek federal jobs because they know that they cannot pass background checks.)
http://www.wjbc.com/2018/02/27/lahood-stronger-background-checks-could-keep-guns-from-mentally-ill/

WBEZ
— Read Some Of The Legionnaires’ Emails That Gov. Rauner Is Fighting To Keep Secret – Dave McKinney, Tony Arnold
https://www.wbez.org/shows/wbez-news/read-some-of-the-legionnaires-emails-that-gov-rauner-is-fighting-to-keep-secret/286dd970-f4f7-46ec-9549-a659c8196849

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— OUTSTANDING: Council imposes one-year moratorium on new video gambling machines – Maria Nagle
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/government-and-politics/council-imposes-one-year-moratorium-on-new-video-gambling-machines/article_2a5229f9-00d9-5e31-8102-15fdb4aa8982.html

TIMES
— Take a closer look at Rauner’s message – DON JENSEN, Ottawa
http://www.mywebtimes.com/opinion/letters/jensen-take-a-closer-look-at-rauner-s-message/article_314fd2b6-cd4f-59fe-a2e4-76bf53287bad.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Taxes should be lower and people should not be high, GOP candidates say during forum in Highland – CURT LIBBRA
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/community/highland-news-leader/article202339104.html

WGLT
— Arm The Teachers? Illinois Educators Don’t Like The Idea – KATIE FINLON
http://wglt.org/post/arm-teachers-illinois-educators-dont-idea#stream/0

WPSD
— More women traveling to Illinois for abortions – AP
http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2018/02/27/report-women-traveling-illinois-abortions/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Congress Stalled On Bills To Tighten Gun Background Check System – KELSEY SNELL (DIERSEN: Many millions do not seek federal jobs because they know that they cannot pass background investigations.)
http://nprillinois.org/post/congress-stalled-bills-tighten-gun-background-check-system#stream/0

VANDALIA RADIO
— Gov Rauner blasts Madigan at Fayette County Lincoln Day Dinner, says it’s time to get him out as Speaker – Todd Stapleton
http://www.vandaliaradio.com/2018/02/27/gov-rauner-blasts-madigan-at-fayette-co-ldd-says-its-time-to-get-him-out-as-speaker/

HYDE PARK PATCH
— Governor Candidates Invited To Debate Criminal Justice Reform – Tim Moran (DIERSEN: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, the organization would be inviting Republican candidates to debate how they would defend and advance the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the Illinois Republican party platform.)
https://patch.com/illinois/hydepark/governor-candidates-invited-debate-criminal-justice-reform

MCHENRY TIMES
— McConnaughay chastises state schools chief over school funding proposal – Angela Underwood
https://mchenrytimes.com/stories/511352610-mcconnaughay-chastises-state-schools-chief-over-school-funding-proposal

SOUTH COOK NEWS
— Flossmoor Planned Parenthood spurs Ives’ protest and formation of pro-life coalition – W.J. Kennedy
https://southcooknews.com/stories/511352537-flossmoor-planned-parenthood-spurs-ives-protest-and-formation-of-pro-life-coalition

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Oberweis makes plea to stop special interest legislation – Angela Underwood
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511352630-oberweis-makes-plea-to-stop-special-interest-legislation

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives Responds to WBEZ Report About Rauner Administration Emails Regarding Legionnaires Outbreak
https://mailchi.mp/147b18ecc8e8/ives-response-to-wbez-report-about-rauner-administration-emails-regarding-legionnaires-outbreak

DAILY CALLER
— ‘I Know You Have A History Of Race Baiting’ — Tucker Takes On Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar Over Illegal Immigrants Voting – Justin Caruso
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/27/tucker-carlson-race-baiting/
— YouTube Secretly Using Southern Poverty Law Center To Police Videos – Peter Hasson (DIERSEN: If you do not promote LGBTQ activity, SPLC wants to get rid of you.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/27/google-youtube-southern-poverty-law-center-censorship/

BREITBART
— Black Illegal Aliens Gather at Capitol to Fight Trump Administration Immigration Policies: ‘White Supremacist Wish List’ – PENNY STARR
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/27/black-illegal-aliens-gather-capitol-fight-trump-administration-immigration-policies-white-supremacist-wish-list/
— Log Cabin Republicans President Discusses CPAC, Threat of Radical Islam to LGBT Community – CHARLIE NASH
http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/02/27/log-cabin-republicans-president-gregory-angelo-cpac-threat-radical-islam-lgbt/

LIFE SITE NEWS
— LGBT lobby pulls out big guns to force ‘Pride Parade’ on small town USA
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/lgbt-lobby-pulls-out-big-guns-to-force-pride-parade-on-small-town-usa

COLLEGE FIX
— Student government refuses to approve conservative student club, calls it ‘hateful’ – EMA GAVRILOVIC
http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/42418/

CNN
— From top secret to secret: What Kushner’s clearance downgrade means – Eli Watkins (DIERSEN: Many millions do not seek federal jobs because they know that they cannot pass background investigations.)
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/27/politics/top-secret-security-clearance-kushner/index.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use children as cannon fodder.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/28/opinion/american-families-immigrants-deportation.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Can Help Overcome Identity Politics Americans are divided in part by decades-old bureaucratic decisions the president could undo. – Edwin Meese III and Mike Gonzalez
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-can-help-overcome-identity-politics-1519772254
— A New GOP Entitlement Some Republicans want to raid Social Security for paid family leave. – Editorial
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-new-gop-entitlement-1519776031
— Why ‘Deaths of Despair’ May Be a Warning Sign for America – Moving Upstream – Jason Bellini (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, the more of the following that you are, the more bleak that your future is: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time. Ever-increasingly, Republican elected officials and Republican Party leaders make it clear that they are dumping the aforesaid voters to pander to voters who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-deaths-of-despair-may-be-a-warning-sign-for-america-moving-upstream-1519743601?mod=djemwhatsnews

BLOOMBERG
— Pritzker’s $171,000-a-Day Campaign Costs Him in Illinois Race – John McCormick
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-28/pritzker-s-171-000-a-day-campaign-costs-him-in-illinois-race

FED SMITH
— Legislation Would Require Naming All ‘Nonessential’ Federal Employees in a Shutdown – Ian Smith (DIERSEN: Of course, since 1966, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have viciously demonized, denigrated, and condemned me as having been a nonessential Post Office employee 1966-1969, a nonessential IRS employee 1971-1980, and a nonessential GAO employee 1980-1997.)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/02/27/legislation-require-naming-nonessential-federal-employees-shutdown/

February 27 Evening Edition

DAILY HERALD
— Full video of candidate Burt Minor deny homosexual, racial slur allegations
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/watch-full-video-of-candidate-deny-homosexual-racial-slur-allegations
— Endorsement: Rescinding our support for Minor candidacy
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180227/endorsement-rescinding-our-support-for-minor-candidacy
— Endorsement: For House District 46, GOP primary, Orozco
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/endorsement-for-house-district-46-gop-primary-orozco
— Tollway chief talks more tolls and Route 53 extension – Marni Pyke
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/tollway-chief-talks-more-tolls-and-route-53-extension
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD IN THE DAILY HERALD: ARTICLE TITLE: Trump: I’d have gone in – Mike DeBonis and Anne Gearan (DIERSEN: Of course, anti-Trumps will stress that Trump sought and obtained four draft deferments like I did.)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2018/02/26/trump-says-would-have-rushed-unarmed-stop-school-shooter/2qbzawplaQwzOTni7q8BqO/story.html
— Colbert to Trump: ‘What are you going to do, run in there and stab them with your bone spurs?’ – Travis M. Andrews (DIERSEN: Of course, anti-Trumps will stress that Trump sought and obtained four draft deferments like I did.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/colbert-to-trump-what-are-you-going-to-do-run-in-there-and-stab-them-with-your-bone-spurs
— DuPage could take position on gun control proposals – Robert Sanchez (DIERSEN: The Illinois Republican Party platform has a Second Amendment plank. If you got elected as a Republican in Illinois, you obligated yourself to defend and to advance that plank.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/dupage-could-take-position-on-gun-control-proposals
— Erika Harold, Bill Brady to meet with Palatine GOP March 3rd
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/harold-brady-to-meet-with-palatine-gop

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Bill Brady and Erika Harold to speak at Palatine Township Republican Organization monthly meeting March 3rd
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/arlington-heights/community/chi-ugc-article-brady-and-harold-to-speak-at-republican-month-2018-02-26-story.html
— Supreme Court case threatens Democratic bosses’ use of union muscle – John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-supreme-court-unions-kass-0228-story.html
— Diana Rauner calls governor’s mansion mess a ‘metaphor’ for state government, announces July reopening – Elvia Malagon
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-rauner-governor-mansion-renovations-20180227-story.html
— Madigan releases list of 9 misconduct complaints, but number could be higher – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-speaker-madigan-illinois-house-sexual-harassment-complaints-20180227-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats and RINOs want to abolish the Second Amendment.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-nra-boycott-fedex-apple-amazon-0228-20180227-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Kennedy seeks independent harassment probes — and so do Madigan’s appointees – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/kennedy-seeks-independent-harassment-probes-and-so-do-madigans-appointees/
— ‘Paul Bauer Act’ would ban most sales of body armor, high-capacity gun magazines
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/paul-bauer-act-would-ban-most-sales-of-body-armor-high-capacity-gun-magazines/

ABC7 NEWS
— Nybo pushes to close loophole preventing police from carrying epinephrine injectors – Megan Hickey
http://abc7chicago.com/health/lawmaker-pushes-to-close-loophole-preventing-police-from-carrying-epinephrine-injectors/3144497/

NBC5
— Rauner Meets With Trump, Sits in On Supreme Court Hearing in DC – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/bruce-rauner-donald-trump-washington-dc-475228783.html

CBS2
— Madigan Reveals List Of 9 Sexual Harassment Complaints – Derrick Blakley
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/27/madigan-reveals-list-of-9-sexual-harassment-complaints/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Chicago mayor wants state gun control, including bill named for slain officer – Bill Ruthhart
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180226/chicago-mayor-wants-state-gun-control-including-bill-named-for-slain-officer

— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-conservatives demonize, denigrate, and condemn conservatives.
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180226/ej-dionne-its-not-conservatism-its-extremism

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Rauner-Madigan rivalry takes its toll on state lawmakers – AP
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180226/rauner-madigan-rivalry-takes-its-toll-on-state-lawmakers

HERALD & REVIEW & JOURNAL GAZETTE TIMES COURIER
— Rauner letter says ‘extremely troubling’ comments led to Clough’s ouster from state board – DAVE FOPAY (DIERSEN: Should the Illinois Republican Party develop a) a list of forbidden words that Republicans (especially old White male Republicans who support Trump) should not speak or write in any kind of context and b) a schedule of punishments for speaking or writing those words?)
http://herald-review.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rauner-letter-extremely-troubling-comments-led-to-charleston-man-s/article_b0aa1533-5d73-59c5-8858-b70671c35354.html
http://jg-tc.com/news/local/rauner-letter-says-extremely-troubling-comments-led-to-clough-s/article_57bd9e58-b647-5a5e-9fdc-c557e3903929.html

NORTHWEST HERALD
— McHenry County sheriff maintains his office was never in violation of Trust Act
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/22/mchenry-county-sheriff-maintains-his-office-was-never-in-violation-of-trust-act/a5qp3uc/

DAILY ILLINI
— Governor Bruce Rauner has failed as governor – AUSTIN STADELMAN
https://dailyillini.com/opinions/2018/02/27/governor-bruce-rauner-failed-governor/

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Ives says everyone has had enough of Madigan – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511351077-ives-says-everyone-has-had-enough-of-madigan

COOK COUNTY RECORD
— ‘Public should control process:’ Anti-gerrymandering amendment filed in Springfield – Jonathan Bilyk (DIERSEN: I should write a book about the 2015 gerrymandering of my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton?)
https://cookcountyrecord.com/stories/511352154-public-should-control-process-anti-gerrymandering-amendment-filed-in-springfield

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— DuPage County District 4 Board candidate Ron Almiron held an outstanding fundraiser Monday evening, February 26, 2018 at Warren’s Ale House in Wheaton. The many attendees included Barbier, Cherry, Elliott, Gribauskas, Kipfer, Kmiecik, and McGowen. – Dave Diersen
www.gopillinois.com

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Illinois Review (DENNIS LACOMB and FRAN EATON) Endorses Ives for Governor (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout a) that no candidate should want my endorsement, b) that no one respects what I have done as your GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000 or as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, and c) that no one respects what I did as a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004, GAO employee 1980-1997, IRS employee 1971-1980, etc.)
https://mailchi.mp/a72b8b860b5e/conservative-news-outlet-endorses-ives-for-governor
(FROM THE POSTING: “Illinois Review is a respected conservative news outlet and opinion journal,” said Jeanne Ives. “Their endorsement carries more weight with conservative families than those of the leftist Chicago and Springfield big government news outlets who’ve generally served as partners and propaganda ministers for the Illinois Political Ruling Class. I’m honored Illinois Review thought my candidacy was important enough to make this unprecedented endorsement.”)

ILLINOIS CHRONICLE
— Rauner once again rated country’s most vulnerable governor
https://theillinoischronicle.com/chronicle-rauner-once-again-rated-countrys-most-vulnerable-governor/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Wait Till You See What LGBTQQAP Activists Have Planned for Illinois Schools – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamily.org/education/wait-till-see-lgbtqqap-activists-planned-il-schools/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Abortion is Expanding in Illinois
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/podcast/illinois-family-spotlight-083/

CAPITOL FAX
— Rep. Ives lashes out at Leader Durkin
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/27/rep-ives-lashes-out-at-leader-durkin/
— Political fingers point over sexual harassment issues
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/27/political-fingers-point-over-sexual-harassment-issues/
— Madigan’s office releases internal harassment investigation results
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/27/madigans-office-releases-internal-investigation-results/

GOPUSA
— Ryan: We shouldn’t be banning guns for law abiding citizens
http://www.gopusa.com/ryan-we-shouldnt-be-banning-guns-for-law-abiding-citizens/

TOWNHALL
— The Latest Gun Control Bill Is Pretty Much A Total Ban On Firearms – Matt Vespa
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2018/02/27/house-introduces-gun-ban-legislation-n2454670

WASHINGTON TIMES
— DACA program still active after Supreme Court declines to speed appeal Dreamers can apply for renewal, but no new applications allowed – Stephen Dinan and S.A. Miller
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/26/supreme-court-declines-speed-daca-appeal/
— Obama not planning to attend Billy Graham memorial – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/26/obama-not-attending-billy-graham-memorial/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— I wanted Scott Walker, I ended up with Bruce Rauner – Matt Lamb
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/i-wanted-scott-walker-i-ended-up-with-bruce-rauner/article/2650213

DAILY CALLER
— Border Security Is Important For Immigration But Workplace Enforcement Is YUGE – Stewart Lawrence
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/27/border-security-is-important-for-immigration-but-workplace-enforcement-is-yuge/
— Why Is CNN’s Approval Rating For Trump 15 Points Lower Than Rasmussen’s? – Robert Donachie (DIERSEN: During my last 7 years at GAO, I worked on audits that involved major surveys. Two of the GAO reports that I worked on are at http://www.gao.gov/assets/160/154342.pdf(FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES: Actions Needed to Protect the Financial System) and at http://www.gao.gov/assets/160/156011.pdf (OTC DERIVATIVES: Additional Oversight Could Reduce Costly Sales Practice Disputes).
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/26/cnn-skewing-polling-data/

AMERICAN THINKER
— CPAC Is Transitioning – Amy Contrada
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2018/02/cpac_is_transitioning.html

THE HILL
— GOP focuses on law enforcement mistakes — not new gun laws – MELANIE ZANONA AND SCOTT WONG
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/375802-gop-focuses-on-law-enforcement-mistakes-not-new-gun-laws

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Says He Would Have Rushed in Unarmed to Stop School Shooting – Michael D. Shear (DIERSEN: Soon, if not already, to counter this claim, anti-Trumps will stress that Trump sought and obtained four draft deferments like I did.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/us/politics/trump-school-shooter-florida.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump asks “Can Donald Trump be indicted while serving as president?”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/02/27/can-donald-trump-be-indicted-while-serving-as-president/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Amazon Acquires Ring, Maker of Video Doorbells Front-door monitoring device plays to buyer’s ambitions in home-security business – Laura Stevens and Douglas MacMillan (DIERSEN: I use Ring products.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-acquires-ring-maker-of-video-doorbells-1519768639

MONEY MAGAZINE
— FedEx Says It Will Keep NRA Member Discount Despite Calls for Boycott – ARIC JENKINS
http://time.com/money/5176762/fedex-nra-discount-business-ties/
— Apple, Amazon and More Companies Facing Boycotts Over Ties to the NRA – BRAD TUTTLE (DIERSEN: Republicans should boycott those who call for boycotts of NRA.)
http://time.com/money/5176783/nra-boycott-fedex-amazon-apple-gun-control-youtube/

NEWSWEEK
— BEYOND DISGUSTING: WHO IS BENJAMIN THOMAS WOLF? FORMER FBI AGENT SMOKES WEED IN ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN AD – BENJAMIN FEARNOW
http://www.newsweek.com/benjamin-thomas-wolf-illinois-cannabis-marijuana-5th-congressional-district-822797

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: The Democrat Party crows over its success in getting Catholics to serve as its operatives and dupes.
http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/dozens-of-catholics-arrested-as-they-call-on-congress-to-help-dreamers.cfm

VANITY FAIR
— “WE ALL WEAR ALL BLACK EVERY DAY”: INSIDE WALL STREET’S COMPLEX, SHAMEFUL, AND OFTEN CONFIDENTIAL BATTLE WITH #METOO Wall Street may not have its own Harvey Weinstein to contend with, but the #MeToo movement has forced the industry to address its own history, practices, and culture in uneven, and sometimes shameful, ways. – BETHANY MCLEAN
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/02/inside-wall-street-complex-shameful-and-often-confidential-battle-with-metoo

February 27 Morning Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Endorsements for Illinois House, round 2 (DIERSEN: Those endorsed include Amy Grant, Jay Kinzler, Tonia Khouri, and Jillian Bernas.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-ilhouse2-endorsements-illinois-election-20180221-story.html
— Democratic panel formed amid sexual harassment scandal says it will be independent of Madigan; Kennedy proposes sexual harassment policy – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-michael-madigan-sexual-harassment-20180226-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Americans call for boycott of NRA
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/glanton/ct-met-nra-boycott-dahleen-glanton-20180226-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: In an editorial unethically made to look like a news article, anti-Trumps glorify and praise those who are in America illegally.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/immigration/ct-met-unaccompanied-minor-contreras-20180226-story.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: BEYOND TRAGIC: More women seem to be crossing state lines to have abortions in Illinois – Angie Leventis Lourgos
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-abortion-numbers-illinois-20180222-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Janus v. AFSCME: Rauner, Lisa Madigan and the Illinois case at the Supreme Court – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/janus-v-afscme-rauner-lisa-madigan-and-the-illinois-case-at-the-supreme-court/
— Rauner backs state helping to pay for Obama Center road work in Jackson Park – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/rauner-backs-state-helping-to-pay-for-obama-center-road-work-in-jackson-park/
— BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: ‘Cannabis Candidate’ calls for legalizing marijuana, joint in hand Wolf is targeting young voters with his progressive platform that includes legalizing recreational marijuana. – ALEXANDRA ARRIAGA
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/cannabis-candidate-for-5th-congressional-district-smokes-marijuana-in-new-ad/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Americans say “Hit the NRA where it hurts.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-hit-the-nra-where-it-hurts/

DAILY HERALD
— Endorsements: DuPage board, GOP: Tornatore, Gavanes, Hart, Tully, Eckhoff, Zaruba, Zay, Wiley
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/endorsements-dupage-board-gop-tornatore-gavanes-hart-tully-eckhoff-zaruba-zay-wiley
— Endorsement: Cunningham for Kane County clerk, GOP
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180227/endorsement-cunningham-for-kane-county-clerk-gop
— Suburbs deserve western terminal at O’Hare, tollway chairman says
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/suburbs-deserve-western-terminal-at-ohare-tollway-chairman-says
— Endorsement: Corrigan in GOP primary for Illinois House District 53
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/endorsement-corrigan-in-gop-primary-for-illinois-house-district-53
— State Sen. McConchie recovering after skiing crash – Eric Peterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/state-sen-mcconchie-recovering-after-skiing-crash
— Suburbs deserve western terminal at O’Hare, tollway chairman says – Marni Pyke
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/suburbs-deserve-western-terminal-at-ohare-tollway-chairman-says
— U-46 trustees squabble over social media policy – Madhu Krishnamurthy
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180227/u-46-trustees-squabble-over-social-media-policy

GOPUSA
— 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania
http://www.gopusa.com/100000-noncitizens-registered-to-vote-in-pennsylvania/

NEWSWEEK
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: If you blast Republicans, anti-Republicans promote you.
http://www.newsweek.com/gop-ignores-its-first-black-chairman-michael-steele-its-own-awards-african-822068

NOTE: DUE TO COMPUTER PROBLEMS, THIS EMAIL CONTAINS LINKS TO FEWER ARTICLES THAN USUAL.

February 26 Evening Edition

SUBURBAN LIFE
— State Rep. Peter Breen Reportedly Receives Death Threat in Voicemail Message
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/02/26/state-rep-peter-breen-reportedly-receives-death-threat-in-voicemail-message/a9j0v51/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— GOP STATE REP BREEN THREATENED WITH “SHOT IN THE F****** HEAD” IN ANONYMOUS VOICE MAIL
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/gop-state-rep-threatened-with-shot-in-the-f-head-in-anonymous-voice-mail-.html
— ILLINOIS REVIEW ENDORSES FOR FIRST TIME IN GOVERNOR’S RACE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/ives-endorses-jeanne-ives-for-gop-gubernatorial-nomination.html
— THORNER: ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS, BEWARE OF DECEPTIVE, SWEET-TALKING ERA PROPONENTS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/thorner-illinois-lawmakers-beware-of-deceptive-sweet-talking-era-proponents.html
— IVES POINTS TO FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING AS “FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT”
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/ives-points-to-florida-school-shooting-as-failure-of-government.html
— GOP STATE LAWMAKER BARBARA WHEELER PROPOSES GUN CONTROL MEASURES TO “PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY”
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/gop-state-lawmaker-proposes-gun-control-measures-to-protect-public-safety.html

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Breen calls on Minor to drop out of 42nd House race after controversial comments surface – Michael McGrady
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511350557-breen-calls-on-minor-to-drop-out-of-42nd-house-race-after-controversial-comments-surface

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— GOP Candidates for Attorney General: Gary Grasso and Erika Harold – John Biver and Dave Smith
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/02/gop-candidates-for-attorney-general-gary-grasso-and-erika-harold/#.Wo6t10V03nQ.facebook
(FROM THE ARTICLE: After doing research and speaking personally to both candidates, we highly recommend voting for Gary Grasso. His legal experience, independence and willingness to engage with conservative grassroots activists speaks volumes. Unfortunately, Harold has avoided publicly answering questions from conservative organizations, including failing to respond to candidate surveys from pro-life organizations in the state. It is frustrating to observe her answer questions from liberal media sources but refuse to answer questions (and questionnaires) from pro-life and pro-family groups. Their differences were dramatically different when they were asked about defending unconstitutional and tyrannical Illinois laws that force medical professionals to give abortion referrals (SB 1564) or ban professional therapists from helping minor children with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion (HB 217). Even after pointing out that the next Attorney General will take an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution and Illinois State Constitution, Harold said she would defend the laws of the state whereas Grasso indicated that he did not think those laws were constitutional. Moreover, it is troubling to read or hear her interviews in the media (WBEZ for example) and listen to her give politically correct or even liberal responses to questions. The Chicago Sun-Times reported last month that Harold “believes Illinois should start ‘exploring’ [marijuana] legalization.” In the WBEZ interview, Harold waves the white flag of surrender, saying that she believes that recreational marijuana is “inevitable.” Finally, the fact that Harold has aligned herself with Bruce Rauner and his campaign apparatus is indicative of the establishment politics we’ve come to loathe in Illinois. We simply do not need another squishy establishment type in the Illinois GOP. Please make every effort to cast your ballot on or before March 20th to ensure that the best candidates are nominated. IFA-pac has a list of endorsed candidates for your consideration. If conservatives fail to vote in any election, we enable the Left to take the reins of government, which means bigger government and less individual freedom.)

CAPITOL FAX
— Breen reports death threat as Minor claims he was set up
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/26/breen-reports-death-threat-as-minor-claims-he-was-set-up/
— #MeToo roundup: Madigan attorney defends; ILGOP attacks Pritzker; Proft PAC whacks Durkin; Kennedy releases plan
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/26/metoo-roundup-madigan-attorney-defends-ilgop-attacks-pritzker-proft-pac-whacks-durkin/
— ILGOP responds *** IDCCA “shares” sexual harassment pledge, policy with ILGOP
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/26/idcca-shares-sexual-harassment-pledge-policy-with-ilgop/
— Ives up with new TV ad, but does she have enough money to keep it on the air?
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/26/ives-up-with-new-tv-ad-but-does-she-have-enough-money-to-keep-it-on-the-air/

DAILY HERALD
— One of these two (Harold or Minor) is lying over whether candidate used racist, homosexual slurs
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/one-of-these-two-is-lying-over-whether-candidate-used-racist-homosexual-slurs
— Candidate Burt Minor denies using homosexual slur, disputes story on racial slur – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180226/candidate-denies-using-homosexual-slur-disputes-story-on-racial-slur
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Minor, 58, a candidate in the GOP primary for the 42nd Illinois House, says he’s willing to take a lie-detector test to support his version of what happened. “I’m probably destroyed on this campaign by this slanderous hitting,” Minor told the Daily Herald’s Editorial Board on Monday. “But I have integrity. And I’ve got to defend at least my integrity and tell folks this isn’t the way it happened. It isn’t the way it happened.” Minor, of Warrenville, says he won’t drop out of the race after Harold and Republican state Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard both said he made offensive remarks during an Oct. 12 meeting in Carol Stream when Harold, 37, was meeting with local Republicans individually to introduce herself and explain her campaign.)
— Endorsement: Mendrick for the Republican nomination for DuPage County sheriff
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180223/endorsement-mendrick-for-the-republican-nomination-for–dupage-county-sheriff

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— GOP candidate Burt Minor refuses to leave race amid allegations he used N-word, asked attorney general candidate if she was a ‘lesbo’ – Brian Lisi
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gop-pol-refuses-leave-race-allegations-n-word-article-1.3842522

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Unions rally in Loop over ‘fair share’ case being heard before Supreme Court – Mitch Dudek
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/unions-rally-in-loop-over-fair-share-case-being-heard-before-supreme-court/
— BEYOND DISGUSTING: ‘Cannabis Candidate’ for 5th Congressional District smokes marijuana in new ad – Alexandra Arriaga
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/cannabis-candidate-for-5th-congressional-district-smokes-marijuana-in-new-ad/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Supreme Court divided over Illinois organized labor case that could affect 5 million government workers – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-supreme-court-organized-labor-20180226-story.html

LASALLE NEWS TRIBUNE
— Turnout sparse for annual LaSalle County GOP dinner – Craig Sterrett
http://www.newstrib.com/free/turnout-sparse-for-annual-gop-dinner/article_75902f30-1b09-11e8-a781-93326f7223a6.html

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— ICYMI: Trump on Sanctuary Laws and DACA at CPAC
https://ivesforillinois.com/icymi-trump-on-sanctuary-laws-and-daca-at-cpac/

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— GOP Chairwoman: ‘I’m Proud That Our Party Elected’ Michael Steele ACU spokesman at CPAC: Steele only elected to lead RNC because he was African American – Haris Alic (DIERSEN: Being the chairman of a political organization is a difficult job. I was the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois 2005-2012. My critics/opponents hint/imply/argue/shout that if they, or if someone who they manipulate/dominate, had been the TAPROOT chairman, TAPROOT would be thriving today.)
http://freebeacon.com/politics/gop-chairwoman-im-proud-party-elected-michael-steele/

GOPUSA
— NRA: Companies are cowards for punishing law abiding gun owners for Florida shooting
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40213

DAILY SIGNAL
— Facebook Beats Up Lawmaker Mike Bost for 10-Month-Old Photo After Florida School Shooting – Kyle Perisic
http://dailysignal.com/2018/02/26/facebook-beats-up-lawmaker-for-10-month-old-photo-after-florida-school-shooting/

THE HILL
— Former RNC chair: ‘Trumpification’ of GOP deadly to party’s future – JULIA MANCHESTER (DIERSEN: One could argue that the Raunerization of the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) is deadly to the IRP’s future.)
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/375568-michael-steele-trumpification-of-gop-deadly-to-partys-future

CBS NEWS
— GAO: Popular goods sold through Amazon, Walmart and others are counterfeits
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-walmart-newegg-third-party-sellers-sell-counterfeits-report-gao/

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— 5th Grader Mistakenly Gave Pot Candy in School Officials at an Albuquerque charter school say a fifth-grader mistook her parents’ medicinal marijuana for candy and passed it out to other students. – AP
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-mexico/articles/2018-01-18/officials-5th-grader-mistakenly-gave-pot-candy-in-school

INVESTMENT NEWS DIVERSITY
— InvestmentNews is now accepting nominations for its inaugural Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Awards, celebrating individuals, advisory firms, industry partners and institutions for their work around diversity and inclusion initiatives. (DIERSEN: Should I nominate my Democrat superiors in the federal government?)
https://investmentnewsdiversity.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/home

February 26 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Organized labor case from Ill. goes in front of Supreme Court – AP (DIERSEN: Are/were you a member of a government union? I was a union member 1966-1969 while worked for the Post Office and 1971-1980 while I worked for IRS. GAO did not unionize until 2007. If GAO had been unionized in 1997, I might still be a GAO employee. Overwhelmingly, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hate unions, hate former union members, hate current union members, and hate future union members.)
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/organized-labor-case-from-ill-goes-in-front-of-supreme-court/3141944/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois government employee Mark Janus says he has a constitutional right not to contribute anything to a union with which he disagrees. Janus and the conservative interests that back him contend that everything unions representing public employees do is political, including contract negotiations. The Trump administration is supporting Janus in his effort to persuade the court to overturn its 1977 ruling allowing states to require fair share fees for government employees. The unions argue that so-called fair share fees pay for collective bargaining and other work the union does on behalf of all employees, not just its members. People can’t be compelled to contribute to unions’ political activities. The American Civil Liberties Union is on the unions’ side against an individual’s free speech claims. ACLU Legal Director David Cole said fair share fees do not violate nonunion workers’ rights. Labor leaders fear that not only would workers who don’t belong to a union stop paying fees, but that some union members might decide to stop paying dues if they could in essence get the union’s representation for free.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rauner in DC: With Trump and at Supreme Court for Janus case – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/rauner-in-dc-with-trump-and-at-supreme-court-for-janus-case/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Mendoza says Madigan ‘has to do better’ on sexual harassment; Rauner vs. his campaign and himself – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-susana-mendoza-michael-madigan-harassment-20180226-story.html
— The open office plan is a disaster – Jeff Pochepan (DIERSEN: In 1990, when GAO moved into new space in the new 200 West Adams building in the Loop (http://200westadams.com/), my Democrat GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were beyond furious when I was able to get a preferred corner office a) because I had been promoted to GS-13 in 1986 and b) because I had more federal seniority because my almost 3 years at the Post Office and my almost 9 years at IRS was added to my 10 years at GAO. Extremely few of my GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates had gained any of job-related work experience before GAO hired them.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/success/inc/tca-the-open-office-plan-is-backfiring-20180220-story.html

TIMES
— Speakers spark hope at GOP dinner – Kate Reynolds (DIERSEN: From what I see, if Ives loses the primary election, there is no hope for those in Illinois like me who support the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform. From what I see, if Rauner wins the primary election, to win the general election, he will officially banish from the IRP those like me who support the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the IRP platform. From what I see, if Rauner wins the primary election, he will use his money to elect IRP State Central Committee (SCC) members, IRP officers, county party officers, and township/ward party officers who reject the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the IRP platform. From what I see, those IRP SCC members will appoint members to the 2020 IRP Platform and Resolutions Committee who will strike the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks from the 2020 IRP platform. It is obvious that this is what Rauner’s wife wants to happen.)
http://www.mywebtimes.com/news/local/speakers-spark-hope-at-gop-dinner/article_de34f118-a33e-5260-aa59-b3c86e1bcd6c.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Candidate Questionnaire: Jeanne Ives
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180225/candidate-questionnaire-jeanne-ives

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— For the GOP: Bruce Rauner – Editorial
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018-02-26/editorial-the-gop-bruce-rauner.html

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Mariotti promises to fight for working class people – SARAH HAYDEN (DIERSEN: Are/were you a member of the working class? Overwhelmingly, my critics/opponents despise members of the working class. I was a member of the working class 1962-1997. I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; delivered mail 1966-1969; worked on an automobile assembly line and as a security guard in 1970; sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971; pumped gasoline 1971-1972; collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980; and audited federal agencies 1980-1997.)
http://qconline.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mariotti-promises-to-fight-for-working-class-people/article_559a77c7-1eab-5cfe-a25a-36a555251ae9.html

OUR QUAD CITIES
— Pritzker: Rauner ‘genuinely doesn’t understand how government works’ Pritzker maintains he’s the right billionaire to be Illinois governor – Jim Niedelman
http://www.ourquadcities.com/news/4-the-record/pritzker-rauner-genuinely-doesnt-understand-how-government-works/991738774

CHICAGO ARGUS
— Race always manages to bring out the ‘stupid’ in our political people – Gregory Tejeda (DIERSEN: The more of the following that you are, the more that you are demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being a racist and as being even worse things: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://chicagoargus.blogspot.com/2018/02/race-always-manages-to-bring-out-stupid.html

BGA
— VOTER’S GUIDE: Ives v. Rauner
https://votersguide.bettergov.org/2018-primary/races/governor-gop/?candidate%5B%5D=8&candidate%5B%5D=7

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives on the Other Reason Madigan Should Resign: Kevin Quinn’s $750K pension
https://mailchi.mp/b9c33d690102/ives-on-the-other-reason-madigan-should-resign-kevin-quinns-750k-pension?e=985ad8c00b

CNS NEWS
— NRA: Companies Severing Ties With Us Are Punishing Law-Abiding Patriots – Susan Jones
https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/nra-companies-severing-ties-us-are-punishing-law-abiding-patriots

NEWSMAX
— Conservative Columnist Mona Charen Writes New York Times Column on Defying CPAC’s Hypocrisy – Brian Freeman
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mona-charen-cpac-booed-womens-rights/2018/02/25/id/845372/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— CPAC celebration: Conservatives who doubted Trump now glad they were wrong – Seth McLaughlin and David Sherfinski
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/25/donald-trump-wins-over-cpac-doubters/

DAILY CALLER
— Boycotts Against NRA Have Backfire Effect, Galvanize Conservatives – Peter Hasson
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/25/nra-boycott-backfires/
— Top Clinton Aide Says Facebook Helped Trump Win, Demands Investigation – Chris White (DIERSEN: Why would Democrats help a Republican win?)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/25/facebook-russia-phillipe-reines-hillary-clinton-donald-trump/
— The Shocking History Of Sexual Misconduct Within James Comey’s FBI – Richard Pollock
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/25/fbi-sexual-misconduct-comey/

BREITBART
— Mainstream Media: Trump Victorious at CPAC, Economic Nationalist ‘Takeover of Conservatism is Complete’ – JOHN BINDER
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/25/mainstream-media-trump-victorious-economic-nationalist-takeover-complete/

BLAZE
— Mainstream media dutifully complies with Obama request to attend speech — but not report on it – Teri Webster (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents do not want me a) to know about their events or their other activities, b) to promote their events or their other activities, c) to attend their events, or d) to report on their events or their other activities. My critic/opponents a) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the Illinois Republican Party platform and work against those like me who support those planks, b) reject the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling and work against those like me who support that resolution, c) focus on destroying those like me who they cannot manipulate/dominate, d) were defendants in lawsuits that I have filed, and/or e) are operatives or dupes for the aforesaid and/or they are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/25/mainstream-media-dutifully-complies-with-obama-request-to-attend-speech-but-not-report-on-it/

CBS NEWS
— California Senate to debate punishment for lawmaker accused of sexual misconduct – AP (DIERSEN: Should the Illinois Republican Party develop a) a list of forbidden words that Republicans (especially old White male Republicans who support Trump) should not speak or write in any kind of context and b) a schedule of punishments for speaking or writing those words?)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-senate-to-debate-punishment-for-lawmaker-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats crow over their success in making women anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/02/26/januarys-womens-march-brought-out-more-than-a-million-people-and-many-more-also-protested-during-the-month/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Fidelity Rethinks Star Stock-Picker System Mutual-fund giant weighs shift to a team-based investing approach and changes to compensation system following sexual harassment complaints – Sarah Krouse and Kirsten Grind (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you are accused of sexual harassment, your career is over. Overwhelmingly, those accused of sexual harassment are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/fidelity-rethinks-star-stock-picker-system-1519641000
— FRONT PAGE WITH COLOR GRAPHIC: To Stay on the Land, American Farmers Add Extra Jobs A drop in agricultural income means side work in rural manufacturing and businesses takes on greater importance in funding food production – Jacob Bunge and Jesse Newman (DIERSEN: Way back in the 1970s, my uncle on my mother’s side, a farmer, had to take side work because farm income was low.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/to-stay-on-the-land-american-farmers-add-extra-jobs-1519582071

USA TODAY
— Raising a child costs $233,610. Are you financially prepared to be a parent? – Aimee Picchi (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned me the most because my wife and I gave up trying to have children, because we did not adopt, and because we did not become foster parents.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2018/02/26/raising-child-costs-233-610-you-financially-prepared-parent/357243002/

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— The Wild Illinois Governors’ Race Shows Why the Midterms Remain Unpredictable – Ed Kilgore (DIERSEN: From what I see, if Ives loses the primary election, there is no hope for those in Illinois like me who support the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform. From what I see, if Rauner wins the primary election, to win the general election, he will officially banish from the IRP those like me who support the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the IRP platform. From what I see, if Rauner wins the primary election, he will use his money to elect IRP State Central Committee (SCC) members, IRP officers, country party officers, and township/ward party officers who reject the traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks in the IRP platform. From what I see, those IRP SCC members will appoint members to the 2020 IRP Platform and Resolutions Committee who will strike the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks from the 2020 IRP platform. It is obvious that this is what Rauner’s wife wants to happen.)
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/02/wild-il-governors-race-shows-midterms-remain-unpredictable.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rauner was thought to be an even more overwhelming favorite for his party’s nomination than Pritzker. But he has taken several recent steps that have enraged conservatives, including a deal to fund teacher pensions in Chicago, restrictions on the power of police to detain undocumented immigrants, and most of all, a flip-flop in favor of a bill to expand public funding of abortions. By last December National Review was calling Rauner “The Worst Republican Governor in America,” and a conservative challenger, anti-abortion state legislator and West Point graduate Jeanne Ives, began looking more serious. Ives certainly isn’t pulling any punches. She’s already run one of the most obnoxious attack ads of this or any other cycle, accusing Rauner of being the candidate not only of baby-killers and union teachers and tax-hikers but of transgender people and “criminal” immigrants. There haven’t been any polls taken since this nastygram hit the airwaves, but Rauner has reason to worry his early big lead over Ives might have shrunk. The question is whether he should spend some of the money he’ll need for a tough general election to beat back this conservative revolt. The Illinois race definitely shows why early handicapping of gubernatorial races isn’t easy this year. A Biss/Rauner contest might look and feel a lot different than a Pritzker/Rauner contest, and if Ives somehow wins the GOP nomination, all bets are off. Check back on this one on March 21.)

SAN FRANCISCO GATE
— Meet The Transgender Republicans At CPAC
https://www.sfgate.com/news/media/Meet-The-Transgender-Republicans-At-CPAC-1200737.php

DAILY MAIL
— University of Illinois professor publishes written theory explaining why mathematics coursework ‘perpetuates white privilege’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5018223/Professor-says-math-perpetuates-white-privilege.html

February 25 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Davis, Kennedy introduce legislation to increase taxes on guns, ammunition
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/davis-kennedy-introduce-legislation-to-increase-taxes-on-guns-ammunition/3139626/

CBS2
— Threat Made To Mundelein High School – Charlie De Mar
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/25/threat-made-to-mundelein-high-school/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— 3 killed, 14 men wounded, in shootings across Chicago since Friday night
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/crime/8-men-wounded-2-critically-in-shootings-across-chicago-since-friday-night
— Republicans call for immediate suspension of Broward Sheriff
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/law-enforcement-reaction-to-parkland-shooting-facing-increased-scrutiny

WGN TV
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats say: “Seven in 10 favor tighter gun laws in wake of Parkland shooting.”
http://wgntv.com/2018/02/25/seven-in-10-favor-tighter-gun-laws-in-wake-of-parkland-shooting-poll-finds/

WLS AM
— Sex-harassment, taxes, Rauner v. Madigan key in Illinois races – AP
http://www.wlsam.com/2018/02/25/sex-harassment-taxes-rauner-v-madigan-key-in-ill-races/

CHICAGO SUN-TINES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Someone who a) glorifies and praises those who come to America illegally, who stay in America illegally, and who bring others to America illegally and who b) promotes hatred of those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time says “Too cowardly to express raw hatred for immigrants, foes slur them as criminals.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/jeanne-ives-campaign-commercials-immigrants-fears/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— NRA rejects Trump’s call for raising the age limit to buy rifles – Laura King
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-nra-rejects-trump-rifles-20180225-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Mundelein High School taking extra precautions after social media post – Steve Zalusky
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180225/mundelein-high-school-taking-extra-precautions-after-social-media-post
— Two Mundelein High School students charged after social media post – Steve Zalusky
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180225/two-mundelein-high-school-students-charged-after-social-media-post
— Endorsements: For Lake County Board, GOP: Barr, Werfel, Bartels, Starkey
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180225/endorsements-for-lake-county-board-gop-barr-werfel-bartels-starkey
— Grasso returns improper campaign contributions – Jake Griffin
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180225/grasso-returns-improper-campaign-contributions

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— PANTAGRAPH ENDORSEMENT: A reluctant nod for Rauner
http://www.pantagraph.com/opinion/editorial/pantagraph-endorsement-a-reluctant-nod-for-rauner/article_5d6b3c54-aada-5e90-a717-3e901332f5b5.html

OUR QUAD CITIES
— Pritzker working to shed Blagojevich baggage Republicans already targeting frontrunning Democrat in Illinois governor’s race – Jim Niedelman
http://www.ourquadcities.com/news/4-the-record/pritzker-working-to-shed-blagojevich-baggage/991140928

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives Release New TV Ad: Jeanne Ives Stands With Our Veterans
https://mailchi.mp/e93a656995a8/ives-release-new-tv-ad-jeanne-ives-stands-with-our-veterans
— Skillicorn: This is Not the Person We Voted for Three-and-a-Half Years Ago.
https://mailchi.mp/4f996d92d5e0/skillicorn-this-is-not-the-person-we-voted-for-three-and-a-half-years-ago

CHRISTIAN POST
— CPAC Crowd Boos Notion Mexicans Have More In Common With Conservatives Than Democrats – Samuel Smith
https://www.christianpost.com/news/cpac-crowd-boos-mexicans-more-in-common-conservative-democrats-219312/

DAILY CALLER
— Reporters Told To Not Report On Obama Speech – Thomas Phippen (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents do not want me to know about their events or their other activities, promote their events or their other activities, attend their events, or report on their events or their other activities. My critic/opponents a) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the Illinois Republican Party platform and work against those like me who support those planks, b) reject the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling and work against those like me who support that resolution, c) focus on destroying those like me who they cannot manipulate/dominate, d) were defendants in lawsuits that I have filed, and/or e) are operatives or dupes for the aforesaid and/or they are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/23/barack-obama-massachusetts-institute-of-technology/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Following the panel, the sharing or reporting of its contents on public platforms (including social media) will not be permitted,” the conference organizers typed in correspondence to media, according to The Boston Globe. “Those who fail to adhere to this policy will be subject to removal from the conference and denied tickets to future SSAC conferences.” An event spokesperson clarified “sharing or reporting of its contents” is forbidden when The Globe inquired further. “This policy applies to all attendees, credentialed media included,” the email availed.)

THE HILL
— CPAC speaker Mona Charen criticizes attendees for supporting ‘brainless, sinister, clownish thing called Trumpism’ – BRETT SAMUELS
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/375509-cpac-speaker-criticizes-attendees-for-supporting-brainless-sinister

POLITICO
— Trump’s Takeover of Conservatism Is Complete and Total At this year’s CPAC, the room for criticizing the president was vanishingly small. – TIM ALBERTA
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/02/25/donald-trump-conservatism-cpac-2018-217081

NEW YORK TIMES
— Behind a Key Anti-Labor Case, a Web of Conservative Donors – Noam Scheiber and Kenneth P. Vogel (DIERSEN: GAO did not unionize until 2007. If GAO had been unionized in 1997, I might still be a GAO employee. No conservative donors backed Diersen in Diersen v. GAO. Conservative donors in Illinois are anti-union, pro-employer, and they have no problem with patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/25/business/economy/labor-court-conservatives.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The mailing, sent by a group called the Illinois Policy Institute, may have seemed like disinterested advice. In fact, it was one prong of a broader campaign against public-sector unions, backed by some of the biggest donors on the right. It is an effort that will reach its apex on Monday, when the Supreme Court hears a case that could cripple public-sector unions by allowing the workers they represent to avoid paying fees. One of the institute’s largest donors is a foundation bankrolled by Richard Uihlein, an Illinois industrialist who has spent millions backing Republican candidates in recent years, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, and Gov. Bruce Rauner of Illinois. Tax filings show that Mr. Uihlein has also been the chief financial backer in recent years of the Liberty Justice Center, which represents Mark Janus, the Illinois child support specialist who is the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case. And Mr. Uihlein has donated well over $1 million over the years to groups like the Federalist Society that work to orient the judiciary in a more conservative direction. They have helped produce a Supreme Court that most experts expect to rule in Mr. Janus’s favor.)

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Public-Sector Unions Illinois state worker challenges unions’ ability to collect fees from unwilling employees – Jess Bravin
https://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-to-decide-fate-of-public-sector-unions-1519607316
— Rich Candidates Square Off in Democratic Party Primaries Party looks to build on sentiment against Trump, but slate of contenders may be hard for some voters to relate to Democrats running for Illinois governor, from left, J.B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss, Robert Daiber, Tio Hardiman and Robert Marshall, participated in a televised forum Jan. 23, 2018, in Chicago. – Reid J. Epstein
https://www.wsj.com/articles/rich-candidates-square-off-in-democratic-party-primaries-1519563601

FORBES
— Three Steps To Hire With Lower Education Requirements: Coping With The Tight Labor Market – Bill Conerly
https://www.forbes.com/sites/billconerly/2018/02/25/three-steps-to-hire-with-lower-education-requirements-coping-with-the-tight-labor-market/#7a139455e15d
(FROM THE ARTICLE: What will you, the employer, get if you hire the college dropout rather than college grad, or high school dropout rather than high school grad? You’ll probably get less of those three signaling elements: brains, persistence, acceptance of rules. Here’s how to work through the issues.)

February 25 Morning Edition

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Harold on racist remarks: “no one should be subjected to that” – Paul Cicchini (DIERSEN: Should Harold and her supporters develop a) a list of forbidden words that Republicans (especially old White male Republicans who support Trump) should not speak or write in any kind of context and b) a schedule of punishments for speaking or writing those words?)
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/harold-on-racist-remarks-no-one-should-be-subjected-to-that/988979777
(FROM THE ARTICLE: GOP candidate for attorney general Erika Harold says there’s no place in her party for the kind of language she faced from a fellow Republican while on the campaign trail.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— He (Lou Presta) ‘goofed up’ and owes IRS thousands—but vows to be ‘big help’ on County Board – Dan Mihalopoulos
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/he-goofed-up-and-owes-irs-thousands-but-vows-to-be-big-help-on-county-board/
— Capitol Complex being investigated after report of Legionnaires’ disease – Taylor Hartz
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/capitol-complex-being-investigated-after-report-of-legionnaires-disease/
— Sun-Times/WBBM Religion Roundup: In governor’s race, a range of faiths – Robert Herguth (DIERSEN: What is your religion? Overwhelmingly, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes are anti-Protestant, and especially anti-Missouri Synod Lutheran (MSL). My outstanding parents had me baptized as a MSL in 1948, sent me to Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Crete 1953-1961, sent me to Hope Lutheran Grade School in Park Forest 1961-1962 to stay with the MSL, and had me confirmed as a MSL in 1962. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who are anti-Protestant and especially MSL.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/sun-times-wbbm-religion-roundup-in-governors-race-a-range-of-faiths/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The incumbent, Republican Bruce Rauner, is Episcopalian, while his GOP opponent, Jeanne Ives, is Catholic. On the Democratic side, Chris Kennedy and Bob Daiber are Catholic, and Tio Hardiman says he was raised Catholic as well as Muslim. As a young adult, Hardiman was baptized Baptist but today is not tethered to any one faith. J.B. Pritzker and Daniel Biss are Jewish. Robert Marshall was raised Lutheran, became Presbyterian briefly and has belonged to the United Church of Christ for over 30 years.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: In an editorial unethically made to look like a news article, the Chicago Tribune promotes the immigration plank in the Democrat Party platform.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-immigration-fears-hurt-health-care-access-0225-story.html
— Women at JPMorgan earn 1 percent less than their male co-workers do – Laura Colby and Hugh Son (DIERSEN: If asked, the Democrats who run GAO would brag that GAO not only pays its similarly qualified employees who are women more money than those who are male, but that GAO pays its employees who are women who have lesser qualifications more money than those who are male.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-jpmorgan-chase-women-paid-less-20180223-story.html
— New co-working spaces offer women career and child-care help – Michael Chandler (DIERSEN: During the early 1990s, to help GAO a) hire, retain, and promote young women and b) to get rid of its employees who smoked (overwhelmingly old White men), GAO gutted the smoking room in its Chicago office and turned it into a lactation room.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-co-working-spaces-women-career-child-care-help-20180221-story.html
— It would take a Chicago single 10 years to save for a home, versus 4 years for a couple, analysis says Darcel Rockett (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes remain furious a) that I had saved enough money to buy a new town home in University Park in 1972 when I was 24 years old, a studio condo in the Outer Drive East building when I was 25, and a one bedroom condo in that building when I was 27 and b) that my wife had saved enough money (about $74,000 in today’s dollars) that we could buy a home in Wheaton when I was 29. My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I was able to do that only a) because I avoided the draft and b) because IRS grossly overpaid me. To this day, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes remain beyond furious that IRS promoted me to GS-9 (currently $55,905) in 1972, to GS-11 (currently $67,638) in 1973, and GS-12 (currently $81,071) in 1974.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/ct-re-down-payment-analysis-20180220-story.html
— Pointers For Choosing Downtown Condos – Ellen James Martin (DIERSEN: I bought a studio condo in the Outer Drive East building in 1974 and then traded it in to the building’s developer in 1976 for a one bedroom condo because I could a) walk to my job in the Loop, b) walk to graduate business classes at Loyola 1974-1976, and c) walk to graduate accounting classes at DePaul 1976-1978.)
http://digitaledition.courant.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=14150692-bfe4-408f-81cc-bf5544692a82

DAILY HERALD
— How 9th Congressional District GOP candidates grade Trump – Chacour Koop (DIERSEN: Ever-increasing, the more of the following that Republican candidates are, the higher the standards that they are held to: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservatives, patriotic, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180224/how-9th-congressional-district-gop-candidates-grade-trump
— White House shelves tentative plan for Mexican leader visit – AP (DIERSEN: Because Mexico sends many millions of its citizens into America illegally, because Mexico keeps many millions of its citizens in America illegally, and because Mexico sends many mountains of illegal drugs into America illegally, constructively, Mexico has declared war on America. Democrats and RINOs side with Mexico against America.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180224/news/302249831/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Even Democrats see Madigan as a campaign issue – Doug Finke (DIERSEN: Who works against Republicans? What do you say to activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, etc. who state that they are Republican, but who work harder against Republicans than they work against Democrats? I should write a book about the aforesaid who are past or present members of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Central Committee, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter, etc.)
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180224/statehouse-insider-even-democrats-see-madigan-as-campaign-issue
— Springfield area’s Congress members talk gun violence solutions – Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180224/springfield-areas-congress-members-talk-gun-violence-solutions
— State should pay to move any veteran who wants to leave Quincy – Editorial (DIERSEN: Those who run Illinois, including Rauner and his supporters, should pay out of their own pockets moving expenses for any Republican who wants to leave Illinois. Ever-increasingly, those who run Illinois, including Rauner and his supporters, make it clear that they want to get rid of those like me who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform. Ever-increasingly, those who run Illinois, including Rauner and his supporters, make it clear that they want to get rid of individuals, organizations, companies, and governments that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180224/our-view-state-should-pay-to-move-any-veteran-who-wants-to-leave-quincy

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Central Illinois ag leaders want new farm bill like the old one – KEVIN BARLOW and TOM LISI and CLAIRE HETTINGER
http://www.pantagraph.com/business/farming/central-illinois-ag-leaders-want-new-farm-bill-like-the/article_cb6f8190-9187-5c86-9ddd-ba7751ae63e2.html

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Illinois House to consider gun control bills next week – Brenden Moore
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180224/illinois-house-to-consider-gun-control-bills-next-week

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Editorial Board should resign – Mike Fraser, Crystal Lake
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/22/letter-editorial-board-should-resign/ardcp6z/

MISSOURIAN
— Greitens Should Resign – Editorial (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, if you have ever done anything that subjects you to blackmail or indictment, you should not seek or hold any kind of government or political office.)
http://www.emissourian.com/opinion/editorials/greitens-should-resign/article_cc31f470-18d1-11e8-a19a-73b47227695b.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Rauner primary challenger Ives reacts to gun-control debate at GOP event in O’Fallon – KELSEY LANDIS
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article201817744.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— Dozens of lawmakers to be replaced next year in Illinois
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/new-lawmakers-will-be-the-norm-in-illinois-this-year-02-25-2018
— IDPH investigates Legionnaires’ disease case in Illinois resident
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/idph-investigates-legionnaires-disease-case-in-illinois-resident-02-24-2018

97.1 FM NEWS TALK
— David McSweeney: Rauner Is A Liar and Would Vote For Hillary Before Trump. Annie has a conversation with IL State Representative David McSweeney discussing the REAL Bruce Rauner about his lies, and where his loyalties lie. – Annie Frey Show
http://www.971talk.com/blogs/annie-frey-show/weekender/david-mcsweeney-rauner-liar-and-would-vote-hillary-trump

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— IFA’s Governor’s Race Comparisons Piece – John Biver
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/02/illinois-family-actions-governors-race-comparisons-piece/

PJ MEDIA
— ‘The Resistance’ Targets Conservative Democrat Dan Lipinski – RICK MORAN
https://pjmedia.com/trending/resistance-targets-conservative-democrat-dan-lipinski/

BLAZE
— Here’s all of the companies boycotting the NRA — and why you should boycott them back – Chris Enloe
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/24/heres-all-of-the-companies-boycotting-the-nra-and-why-you-should-boycott-them-back/

FOX NEWS
— Journalists target Second Amendment and NRA, and other examples of outrageous media bias – Dan Gainor
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/24/journalists-target-second-amendment-and-nra-and-other-examples-outrageous-media-bias.html
— Could veterans be Democrats’ secret midterm weapon? – Joseph Weber (DIERSEN: To be a Democrat is to promote dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot and other vices, abolition of the First and Second Amendments, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, retaliation, and even worse things.)
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/24/could-veterans-be-democrats-secret-midterm-weapon.html

THE HILL
— Russia finds weapon in US divisions – NIALL STANAGE (DIERSEN: What are the divisions in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, in Illinois, and in American? Members of Group A are divided against members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/375382-the-memo-russia-finds-weapon-in-us-divisions

NEW YORK TIMES
— The Case Against Google Critics say the search giant is squelching competition before it begins. Should the government step in? – CHARLES DUHIGG
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/magazine/the-case-against-google.html
— BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Let Cities Open Safe Injection Sites – Editorial
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/opinion/sunday/drugs-safe-injection-sites.html
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: How Far to the Suburbs? Farther than You Think – Ronda Kaysen
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/realestate/i-can-see-new-york-from-my-house.html
— Comparing Suburbs – Brooke Lea Foster (DIERSEN: What attracts/attracted you to where you live? Factors that encouraged my wife and I to buy a home in Wheaton in 1978, to have a home built in Wheaton in 1984, and to stay in Wheaton include Wheaton’s reputation for being religious, conservative, Republican, and on a commuter rail line. But beyond tragically, ever-increasingly, members of the following groups are moving into Wheaton to take advantage of the prosperity and safety that religious, conservative, and Republican values created: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/realestate/comparing-suburbs-montclair-in-new-jersey-vs-dobbs-ferry-in-new-york.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-conservatives love Diversity Visas and Chain Migration.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-revives-attack-on-diversity-visa-chain-migration-in-speech-1519410081
— How Billy Graham Changed My Life I met him in 1985. His care and his teachings began my faith walk—and helped me quit drinking. – George W. Bush
https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-billy-graham-changed-my-life-1519427900

USA TODAY
— Columnist Mona Charen escorted out of CPAC after calling out conservatives for supporting Trump, Moore – Jessica Estepa
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2018/02/24/columnist-escorted-out-cpac-after-calling-out-conservatives-supporting-trump-moore/370304002/
— Mexican president’s visit to White House is on ice, reportedly due to testy phone call – AP (DIERSEN: Because Mexico sends many millions of its citizens into America illegally, because Mexico keeps many millions of its citizens in America illegally, and because Mexico sends many mountains of illegal drugs into America illegally, constructively, Mexico has declared war on America. Democrats and RINOs side with Mexico against America.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/25/white-house-shelves-tentative-plan-mexican-leader-visit/371039002/
— The Swiss are heavily armed. But mass shootings are rare here – Helena Bachmann (DIERSEN: How do Switzerland’s demographics defer from America’s demographics?)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/21/switzerland-loves-its-guns-but-mass-shootings-rare/358500002/

ORLANDO SENTINEL
— DACA is dividing some immigrants – Cindy Carcamo and Brittny Mejia (DIERSEN: Of course, the Democrat/RINO answer is to give everyone U.S. citizenship.)
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/orlando-sentinel/20180225/281698320234982
— CHICAGO TRIBUNE ARTICLE TITLE: Will Trump’s fans fall in line this fall? – Mark Barabak
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/orlando-sentinel/20180225/281565176248806

ROANOKE TIMES
— Virginia’s dark demographic clouds – Editorial (DIERSEN: How dark are the demographic clouds in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county? From what I see, ever-increasingly, members of Group A are moving in and staying in and members of Group B are dying or moving out. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-virginia-s-dark-demographic-clouds/article_5a76f496-ef37-5575-97ca-6a1bfedf39ca.html

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— Gray power in November elections – Mike Causey (DIERSEN: I am one of the 70,200 retired federal employees in Illinois. Ever-increasingly, politicians dump older people. Ever-increasingly politicians especially dump older people like me (I was born in 1948.) who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, non-poor, gun owners, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Ever-increasingly, politicians glorify, praise, and pander to voters who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://federalnewsradio.com/mike-causey-federal-report/2018/02/gray-power-in-november-elections/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Politicians, particularly House members facing a tough reelection race this year, would do well to check out the number of federal retirees, spouses and survivors in their districts. Especially in California, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Maryland but also in places that don’t seem obvious like Oklahoma, North and South Carolina and Pennsylvania where redistricting has been ordered. House Republicans made federal workers and retirees prime targets for much of 2017. While they batted zero for the legislative year, they scared the wits out of many people. There were serious efforts to raise the cost (while reducing the benefits) of the dominate FERS retirement program, to financially penalize those retiring before age 62 — even if their high-stress, dangerous jobs force them to retire at 57. They also took a shot at eliminating any future cost-of-living adjustments for present and future FERS retirees while trimming them 0.5 percent each January for those under the more generous CSRS program. Fortunately for members of the federal family, they failed, but not for lack of trying. While making enemies in much of the federal retiree community. This year, the White House has kicked off a new assault. It is proposing a zero pay raise for January 2019 for civilian workers and cuts in the FERS program. Not the best political move if you are facing a tough reelection fight this year in a district, or state, where former civil servants — all of whom are old enough to vote — are residents. And registered. In many communities, whether limited to the 55-plus age group or living in the general community, retired feds and spouses are among the most financially secure, best educated and best-trained. And unlike when they were employed and moderately constrained by the Hatch “no politics” Act, they are politically ready to rumble. Look at the numbers: There are 168,000 federal and postal retirees in California and another 46,500 survivors of feds. That’s a total of 215,000-plus people. Very likely most of them are regular voters too. Texas has 176,000 retired feds and Florida’s population of 179,000 grows by the day. Blue state Maryland has 164,000 retirees while Trending Purple Virginia has 145,000 and growing. D.C., which voted 95 percent for Clinton over Trump in 2016, is home to 44,000. Arizona has 58,000 plus retirees and those receiving survivor annuities. Colorado, 52,000. Georgia, 88,000; Hawaii, 25,000; Illinois 70,200; Indiana, 38,000 and Kentucky 34,000. Massachusetts 42,000; Michigan, 46,000; Minnesota, 30,000 and Mississippi, 26,000. Missouri, 55,000 plus; New Jersey, 53,000 and New York,9 4,000. Oklahoma 48,000; Pennsylvania, 110,000; South Carolina, 46,000 and North Carolina, 78,000. Washington, 69,000 and Tennessee, 48,000. Utah and Alabama, which also have large numbers of active duty feds have 35,000 and 60,000 retirees, respectively. Even low population states like West Virginia (19,000) and Vermont (4,700), have a relatively large number of former feds. Politicians who can’t wait to come back to the D.C.-swamp they run against might want to consider poking this particular bee hive this particular year.)

JAPAN TIMES
— Even Republicans call on Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens to resign following felony indictment over nude photo of lover – AP (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, for a Republican to call for a fellow Republican a) to not run for an office, b) to not run for reelection, c) to withdraw from a race, d) to step down from an office, and/or e) to resign from an office are extreme actions. I should write a book about those Republicans who have taken such extreme actions since 2000 against me and against other Republicans, for example, against Peter Fitzgerald and against Jack Ryan.)
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/24/world/politics-diplomacy-world/even-republicans-call-missouri-gov-eric-greitens-resign-following-felony-indictment-nude-photo-lover/#.WpKg6KinGM8

February 24 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Trump says arming teachers in schools ‘Up to States’ – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-says-arming-teachers-in-schools-up-to-states/3135581/
— Illinois tax system – BGA
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/weekend-watch-illinois-tax-system/3129447/
— Hundreds march for workers’ rights Saturday – Evelyn Holmes (DIERSEN: Are/were you a worker? I was a lowly worker 1962-1997. Virtually all my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes despise if not hate lowly workers like I was 1962-1997.)
http://abc7chicago.com/community-events/hundreds-march-for-workers-rights-saturday/3135636/

CBS2
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Grasso joins those who call for Minor to withdraw.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/24/at-issue-attorney-general-candidate-gary-grasso/
— Union Crowd Rallies At Daley Plaza – Mike Krauser
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/24/union-crowd-rallies-at-daley-plaza/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Several deputies failed to enter Florida high school while gunman fired on students, report says
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/national/several-deputies-failed-to-enter-florida-high-school-while-crazed-gunman-fired-on-students-report-s

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— NRA lashes out over boycott movement after United Airlines and Delta cut ties – Avi Selk (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, Republicans should boycott companies that boycott NRA.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-united-airlines-nra-20180224-story.html
— More than 200 protest deportations at Gary airport under eye of armed SWAT officers – Meredith Colias-Pete
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-gary-airport-protest-0223-st-0224-20180223-story.html
— America’s gay Olympians hope that in 20 years ‘gay Olympians’ won’t be a thing – Chuck Culpepper
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/international/ct-olympics-gay-olympians-20180224-story.html
— Working People’s Day of Action rally in Chicago (DIERSEN: Are/were you a worker? I was a lowly worker 1962-1997. Virtually all my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes despise if not hate lowly workers like I was 1962-1997.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-working-peoples-day-action-photos-20180224-photogallery.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-conservatives say “Nationalism and — and heckling — take spotlight at Trump-friendly CPAC.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-cpac-trump-conservatives-20180224-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— New case of Legionnaires’ disease reported in Illinois resident – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/new-case-of-legionnaires-disease-reported-in-illinois-resident/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: No additional information about the resident, including their condition, was available. Health officials were gathering information about the person’s recent travels — including visits last month to a Springfield hotel and the Capitol Complex — to identify sources of exposure.)
— Through many decades of challenges, Illinois newspapers remain strong voice Like so much in Illinois, the origins of its newspapers were tied to politics and patronage. – Tara McClellan McAndrew (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Illinois newspapers a) serve as operatives or as dupes for the Democrat Party, Libertarian Party, and Green Party and b) promote the Democrat Party, Libertarian Party, and Green Party platforms.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/through-many-decades-of-challenges-illinois-newspapers-remain-strong-voice/

DAILY HERALD
— Democrats direct ire at Roskam-authored tax bill – Jake Griffin (DIERSEN: It would be great if Roskam would increase the SALT cap from $10,000 to $20,000 for those who file joint tax returns. The $10,000 cap discourages marriage and homeownership.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180224/democrats-direct-ire-at-roskam-authored-tax-bill
(FROM THE ARTICLE: While Republicans touted the new tax bill’s increase in standard deductions, it also capped the amount of property and income taxes that can be claimed when itemizing tax deductions, something Democrats believe many taxpayers in the district relied on to reduce their tax burden.)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO
— United is the latest to cut NRA ties – Bloomberg (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, Republicans should boycott companies that boycott NRA.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180224/NEWS07/180229928/united-is-the-latest-to-cut-nra-ties

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Person who traveled through Springfield has Legionnaires’ disease – Brenden Moore
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180224/person-who-traveled-through-springfield-has-legionnaires-disease

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Legislators (Bost, Roskam, and Schakowsky) collect paycheck from Washington, pension from Illinois – BGA (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, since 1997, when I was 49 years old, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have been beyond furious that I have been getting a Civil Service Retirement System pension of $51,864/year in today’s dollars and an $18,000/year federal health, dental, and vision insurance subsidy in today’s dollars.)
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180224/legislators-collect-paycheck-from-washington-pension-from-illinois
— Even Democrats see Madigan as a campaign issue – Doug Finke
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180224/statehouse-insider-even-democrats-see-madigan-as-campaign-issue

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY TORCH
— BETTER GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION TO HOST ATTORNEY GENERAL FORUM AT RU – Lauren Grimaldi
https://rutorch.com/2018/02/24/better-government-association-to-host-attorney-general-forum-at-ru/

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Why Rauner’s Failures Justify A Reform Agenda In Illinois – Wirepoints
https://mailchi.mp/27b072ef4398/wirepointscom-why-rauners-failures-justify-a-reform-agenda-in-illinois

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Conroy opponent Jay Kinzler calls for the resignation of Madigan following complaint against staffer – Chandra Lye
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511349840-conroy-opponent-calls-for-the-resignation-of-madigan-following-complaint-against-staffer

COOK COUNTY RECORD
— Union lawsuit: If union can’t force non-union workers to pay, also can’t be forced to represent them – Jonathan Bilyk
https://cookcountyrecord.com/stories/511350491-union-lawsuit-if-union-can-t-force-non-union-workers-to-pay-also-can-t-be-forced-to-represent-them

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Governor’s Race Comparison
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IFA_2up-Governors-Comparison.pdf

FOX NEWS
— Ben Shapiro tells CPAC the ‘era of political correctness is over’ – Alex Pappas (DIERSEN: Not in Illinois. In Illinois, ever-increasingly, if you use a term that is not politically correct, the more of the following that you are, the sooner that anti-conservatives flush you down the toilet: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/22/ben-shapiro-tells-cpac-era-political-correctness-is-over.html

HARTLAND INSTITUTE
— PROGRESSIVE TOTALITARIANS AND NATIVIST NATIONALISTS IN OUR MIDST America seems to be an increasingly politically polarized society. – Richard Ebeling (DIERSEN: Those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote diversity focus on destroying those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that do not promote diversity.)
https://www.heartland.org/news-opinion/news/progressive-totalitarians-and-nativist-nationalists-in-our-midst

BLAZE
— Conservative students say they feel marginalized, bullied by peers advocating gun control – Teri Webster (DIERSEN: Wouldn’t those who want gun control overwhelmingly be snowflakes?)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/24/conservative-students-say-they-feel-marginalized-bullied-by-peers-advocating-gun-control/

BREITBART
— CPAC Poll: 75 Percent of Conservatives Support Reducing Legal Immigration in Exchange for DACA Amnesty – JOHN BINDER
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/24/cpac-poll-75-percent-of-conservatives-support-reducing-legal-immigration-in-exchange-for-daca-amnesty/

DAILY SIGNAL
— CPAC Straw Poll Shows High Approval of Trump’s Policies, Caution on His Tweets – Fred Lucas
http://dailysignal.com/2018/02/24/cpac-straw-poll-shows-high-approval-of-trumps-policies-caution-on-his-tweets/

DAILY CALLER
— Former RNC Chair Michael Steele Responds To CPAC Official’s Claim He Was Only Elected ‘Because He’s A Black Guy’ – Juliegrace Brufke (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I got the following bad jobs only because no one else wanted them: TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member, GOPUSA Illinois Editor, Republican Precinct Committeeman, GAO employee, IRS employee, etc.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/24/michael-steele-cpac-rnc-criticism/

NEWSMAX
— Scalise Backs Trump’s Proposal to Arm Teachers in Schools – Loren Gutentag
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/scalise-trump-teacher-arm/2018/02/24/id/845261/

POLITICO
— Pelosi fires back at Trump over Dreamers remark – BRENT D. GRIFFITHS (DIERSEN: Democrats care about Dreamers only because Democrats have had such great success in turning Dreamers into “good little Democrats” who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/24/nancy-pelosi-trump-dreamers-daca-423448

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Overwhelmingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, RINOs, and other anti-conservatives who criticize CPAC are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/nationalism-anti-immigration-rhetoric-take-spotlight-at-conservative-conference/2018/02/24/abe967ea-1988-11e8-92c9-376b4fe57ff7_story.html

NEWSWEEK
— TRANSGENDER ACTIVISTS AT CPAC: WE’RE CONSERVATIVES, TOO – ALEXANDER NAZARYAN (DIERSEN: Those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote LGBTQ activity focus on destroying those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that do not promote LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.newsweek.com/transgender-trump-conservatives-cpac-819008

FED SMITH
— Average Federal Employee Salary in States: How Do You Compare? – Ralph R. Smith (DIERSEN: Illinois is $89,194)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/02/24/average-federal-employee-salary-states-compare/

February 24 Morning Edition

NBC5
— As Trump Talks New Gun Measures, Gun Owners Talk ‘Betrayal’ The confrontation is set to test whether Trump, a figure deeply popular with his party’s base, is willing to risk his political capital to take on a constituency few Republicans have challenged – Richard Lardner and Nicholas Riccardi
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/Trump-Talks-New-Gun-Measures-Gun-Owners-Talk-Betrayal-475038033.html
— Candidates for Governor Weigh in On Arming Teachers – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-governor-candidates-rauner-pritzker-biss-arming-teachers-475021873.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Naperville teacher union leader calls Trump’s proposal to arm teachers ‘silly’ – Suzanne Baker
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-203-204-teacher-saftey-guns-st-0225-20180223-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Needless-to-say, Republicans should boycott those companies that boycott the NRA.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-companies-split-with-nra-20180223-story.html
— Who’s the real ‘coward’ of the Florida school shooting? – Mary Schmich (DIERSEN: Who hints/implies/argues/shouts that you are a coward? Since 1966 when I was 18 years old and I got my first draft deferment, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I am a coward and that I should be severely punished for that. Since 1966, they have hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that instead of me, the Post Office should have hired a veteran in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a veteran could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a veteran in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted veterans in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a veteran in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a veteran in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a veteran could have my job and my preferred corner office. I should write a book about those who have taken the lead in demonizing me, denigrating me, and condemning me as being a coward.)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/schmich/ct-met-parkland-shooting-coward-mary-schmich-20180223-story.html

— Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is now an FBI agent – Brad Biggs (DIERSEN: Of course, since 1971, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have belittled/badmouthed what IRS Revenue Officers do. I was an IRS Revenue Officer 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880. Of course, since 1980, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have belittled/badmouthed what GAO Analysts do. I was a GAO Analyst 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-charles-peanut-tillman-fbi-20180223-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A source confirms that the former Bears cornerback has graduated from the FBI’s training academy and is now working as an agent. . .New FBI agents are placed in a two-year probationary period where they are often given a variety of experiences to show them the ropes. . .Tillman earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette before the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2003. He grew up in a military family — his father, Donald Tillman Jr., was a sergeant in the Army — and attended 11 schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Tillman not only supports children’s charities through his Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, he also long has been active in military endeavors. In 2010, he spent eight days on a USO tour visit with troops in Iraq and Kuwait. He was selected as the winner of the NFL’s Salute to Service award in 2012. Tillman received the largest contract paid to a cornerback in Bears history when he signed a six-year, $40.55 million extension in 2007. That deal expired in 2013 and he re-signed for $3.25 million in 2014 before his final season with the Panthers, when he reunited with coach Ron Rivera on a one-year, $3.05 million deal.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/schmich/ct-met-parkland-shooting-coward-mary-schmich-20180223-story.html
— CNN’s many minutes of Second Amendment hate – John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-cnn-town-hall-guns-kass-0225-story.html
— Madigan’s lawyer defends how he handled harassment complaints as major case snares spotlight – Ray Long, Stacy St. Clair and Christy Gutowski
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-madigan-attorney-harassment-20180223-story.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Chicago fires back at feds’ request for ‘sanctuary city’ documents, questioning ‘integrity’ of Trump’s Justice Department – Jeff Coen
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-immigration-chicago-sanctuary-city-20180223-story.html
— Aldermen: Expand Chicago sexual harassment rules so city workers, officials can’t harass residents – Hal Dardick
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-chicago-sexual-harassment-law-20180223-story.html
— Ald. Pawar dissed Biss for holding news conference near Pritzker’s home; Rauner “open to discussing” gun plans; Early voting hiccup
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-daniel-biss-jb-pritzker-20180222-story.html
— The absurdity of teachers carrying guns – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-arm-teachers-guns-schools-20180223-story.html
— 1 suburban transit-oriented development sparkles, another’s just dull — here’s why – Blair Kamin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kamin/ct-met-transit-oriented-development-kamin-0225-story.html
— From video gambling to home rule, Southland voters will face variety of questions on primary ballot – Susan DeMar Lafferty (DIERSEN: If you promote video gambling, you promote destruction.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-march-referenda-st-0216-20180223-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker pledges support to — and seeks support from — black women – Tina Sfondeles (DIERSEN: To get votes from minorities, from females, from younger people, from LGBTQers, from those who are not married, from renters, from those who have less money than others, from those who have health problems and/or other problems, from illegals, from recent legal immigrants, from veterans, from non-Protestants, from non-German Americans, from etc., Democrats and RINOs promise to use government to give preference to the aforesaid.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pritzker-pledges-support-to-and-seeks-support-from-black-women/
— After Florida massacre, Madigan has gun bills in his sights – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/after-florida-massacre-madigan-has-gun-bills-in-his-sights/
— Loyola owes no apologies for serving up soul food and Kool-Aid at dining hall – John Fountain
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/loyola-owes-no-apologies-for-serving-up-soul-food-and-kool-aid-at-dining-hall/

DAILY HERALD
— 59th House GOP candidate Marko Sukovic sues opponent Karen Feldman over campaign literature – Steve Zalusky
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/59th-house-gop-candidate-sues-opponent-over-campaign-literature
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats get Wheaton veteran Anderson to blast fellow Wheaton veteran Ives. My critics blast me because the federal government did not promote me to GS-9 (currently $55,905) until I was 23, to GS-11 (currently $67,638) until I was 24, to GS-12 (currently $81,071) until I was 25, to GS-13 (currently $96,403) until I was 38, and did not promote me beyond GS-13. They hint/imply/argue/shout that they are far superior to me and that if they had been a federal employee, they would have made GS-13 by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180224/ives-not-the-team-player-we-need-as-governor
— Lincolnshire resident sues village over membership in lobbying group – Russell Lissau
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/lincolnshire-resident-sues-village-over-membership-in-lobbying-group

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Ives not what Rauner claims – Barb Offill, Gilman
http://www.daily-journal.com/opinion/letters/ives-not-what-rauner-claims/article_5b3b56d7-53be-5eb5-a19f-b4e36aceb0e9.html

SAUK VALLEY
— Rauner to speak at Lincoln Day Dinner Friday
http://www.saukvalley.com/2018/02/23/rauner-to-speak-at-lincoln-day-dinner-friday/arhylll/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump talks new gun measures, gun owners talk ‘betrayal’ – AP
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/trumps-support-for-gun-control-measure-could-spark-backlash/989328823

WQAD
— Illinois lawmakers move ahead with advisory referendum on recreational marijuana (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
http://wqad.com/2018/02/23/illinois-lawmakers-move-ahead-with-advisory-referendum-on-recreational-marijuana/

NORTHERN PUBLIC RADIO
— Higher Ed On The Hot Seat – DUSTY RHODES
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/higher-ed-hot-seat

LAKE COUNTY GAZETTE
— Rotheimer calls for Madigan’s resignation – Justin Stoltzfus
https://lakecountygazette.com/stories/511349614-rotheimer-calls-for-madigan-s-resignation

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Kinzler stresses need to rein in property taxes – Chandra Lye
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511348545-kinzler-stresses-need-to-rein-in-property-taxes

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Gorman rewarded for helping deliver Cook County to Rauner, insiders say – W.J. Kennedy
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511350425-gorman-rewarded-for-helping-deliver-cook-county-to-rauner-insiders-say

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— RACE HEATS UP OVER ALLEGATIONS HOUSE CANDIDATE USED UGLY TERMS CONVERSING WITH AG CANDIDATE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/race-heats-up-over-allegations-house-candidate-used-ugly-terms-conversing-with-ag-candidate.html
— GOP AG PRIMARY RACE DRAWS ATTENTION – NEW GRASSO AD SAYS HE’S “PROUD TO BE PRO-LIFE”
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/gop-ag-primary-race-draws-attention-new-grasso-ad-says-hes-proud-to-be-pro-life.html
— RAUNER REMAINS TOP INCUMBENT GOVERNOR EXPECTED TO BE OUSTED IN 2018
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/rauner-remains-top-incumbent-expected-to-be-ousted-in-2018.html
— RAUNER ENDORSED BY CHICAGO LEGACY MEDIA
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/rauner-endorsed-by-chicago-legacy-media.html
— IVES SHARES PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WHEN DOCTORS RECOMMENDED ABORTION
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/ives-shares-personal-experience-when-doctors-recommended-abortion.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Republican Marko Sukovic files lawsuit over HRO mailers tying him to Madigan
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/23/republican-files-lawsuit-over-hro-mailers-tying-him-to-madigan/

BREITBART
— ‘How Are You Any Different?’: CPAC Social Media Censorship Panel Protested over Deplatforming of Jim Hoft – CHARLIE NASH (DIERSEN: I should write a book about “conservatives” and “Republicans” in Illinois who since 2000 have worked the hardest to censor me and to censure my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails. They stress that I am no longer a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member, etc.)
http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/02/23/how-are-you-any-different-cpac-social-media-censorship-panel-protested-over-deplatforming-of-jim-hoft/
— CPAC Panelist Booed: ‘Mexicans Coming Across Border’ Are ‘Conservatives’ – JOHN BINDER (DIERSEN: You are not conservative if you come into America illegally, if you stay in America illegally, or if you bring others to America illegally. If you come into America illegally, if you stay in America illegally, or if you bring others to America illegally, you shout your disrespect of America, your disrespect of its laws, and your disrespect of its citizens.)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/23/cpac-panelist-booed-mexicans-coming-across-border-are-conservatives/

THE HILL
— Protester disrupts Trump’s CPAC speech – BEN KAMISAR
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/375259-protester-disrupts-trumps-cpac-speech

WASHINGTON POST
— A conservative Democrat in Illinois feels the ire of his liberal base – David Weigel
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/a-conservative-democrat-in-illinois-feels-the-ire-of-a-restive-liberal-base/2018/02/23/ea501eb6-18e8-11e8-8b08-027a6ccb38eb_story.html

USA TODAY
— Facebook pulls violent virtual reality games from CPAC booth after Parkland – Jessica Guynn
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2018/02/23/facebook-pulls-violent-virtual-reality-games-cpac-booth-after-parkland/369067002/
— 10 super-rich people dominate giving to super PACs active in midterm elections for Congress Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/23/10-super-rich-people-dominate-giving-super-pacs-active-midterm-elections-congress/366887002/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Leading the pack: Illinois-based packaging and shipping magnate Richard “Dick” Uihlein, who has donated nearly $19.5 million so far to groups working to elect conservative Republicans to Congress from Mississippi to Montana. Uihlein-funded groups have trained much of their millions on advertising in Wisconsin to attack first-term Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and to boost a political newcomer, Republican Kevin Nicholson. Uihlein is on track to fast outpace the $19.6 million he spent on federal races during the 2016 election, according to a tally by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.)
— Nearly 80% of Americans own smartphones – Leo Sun
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2018/02/24/a-foolish-take-nearly-80-of-americans-own-smartphones/110342918/

LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
— TREASONOUS: California officials urge undocumented immigrant students to apply for state financial aid – ALEJANDRA MOLINA
https://www.dailynews.com/2018/02/23/california-officials-urge-undocumented-immigrant-students-to-apply-for-state-financial-aid/

February 23 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Madigan’s importance to Democratic Party likened to wartime general – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/madigans-importance-to-democratic-party-likened-to-wartime-general/3130797/
— Threats to Chicago area schools cancel classes, fuel anxiety – Leah Hope
http://abc7chicago.com/threats-to-chicago-area-schools-cancel-classes-fuel-anxiety/3129932/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Friday morning Crete-Monee School District 201-U had extra security after a social media threat.)

NBC5
— Illinois Lawmakers Revisit Gun Legislation
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-lawmakers-gun-legislation-474944033.html
— Social Media Roasts Rauner’s Chocolate Milk Stunt (DIERSEN: I should write a book and title it “Who should pay the price of Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion?”)
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rauner-chocolate-milk-diversity-474965713.html
— Could Hastert Case be Heard in Secret? The case in question involves a lawsuit from the accuser of disgraced former House Speaker Dennis Hastert to recover the balance of over $1 million in hush money he says Hastert promised to pay to conceal decades-old incidents of sexual abuse. – Phil Rogers
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/could-hastert-case-be-heard-in-secret-474973403.html

CBS2
— Carvlin, an elementary school teacher and mother of two, is taking on one of Madigan’s strongest allies, state Rep. Bob Rita, alleging that Madigan’s support for Rita shows he’s no friend of women. – Derrick Blakley,
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/22/opponent-revives-domestic-abuse-allegations-against-lawmaker/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Autopsy confirms woman, 22, mauled to death by her own dogs
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/dont-miss/autopsy-confirms-woman-22-mauled-to-death-by-her-own-dogs

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Madigan schedules votes on gun control proposals as Republicans question his motives – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-legislature-gun-day-20180223-story.html
— Elgin Mayor questions need for state license for gun shops – Mike Danahey
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/news/ct-ecn-elgin-mayor-guns-st-0225-20180223-story.html
— Our Republican choice for attorney general: Erika Harold
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-harold-erika-republican-attorney-general-illinois-20180216-story.html
— DuPage Board District 1 candidates agree O’Hare western access is needed – Chuck Fieldman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elmhurst/news/ct-elh-dupage-board-district-1-tl-0301-20180223-story.html
— Shameful decision by a Downstate TV station allows Pritzker to cancel a debate – Eric Zorn
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-pritzker-debate-rauner-cancel-0225-20180222-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Is Mike like Ike? Dem says ousting Madigan now like sacking Eisenhower on D-Day – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/put-off-talk-of-removing-madigan-until-after-primary-rahms-floor-leader-says/
— Trump says he goes to great lengths to hide his bald spot – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/trump-tries-to-hide-bald-spot/
— How Michael Madigan could be ‘taxed’ out of existence – Rich Miller
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/how-michael-madigan-could-be-taxed-out-of-existence/

DAILY HERALD
— Statement from Burt Minor on accusations of racist, sexist comments
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/statement-from-burt-minor-on-accusations-of-racist-sexist-comments
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Those who promote Islam demonize, denigrate, and condemn those who do promote Islam.
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/batavia-natives-debut-novel-addresses-hate-islamophobia
— Billy Graham’s rare honor at U.S. Capitol – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/billy-grahams-rare-honor-at-us-capitol
— Threat not credible, but Lake Park cancels classes – Marie Wilson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/threat-not-credible-but-lake-park-cancels-classes
— AP-NORC Poll: Most have grim outlook on America’s direction – AP (DIERSEN: The future looks especially grim for those in Illinois who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform because those who dominate the Illinois Democrat Party and those who dominate the IRP increasingly make it clear that they want to get rid of those in Illinois who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the IRP platform.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180223/news/302239921/
— Kane County clerk will open Aurora satellite office if election commission voted down – Susan Sarkauskas
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/kane-county-clerk-will-open-aurora-satellite-office-if-election-commission-voted-down
— GOP candidates in 10th House race support varying degrees of gun control – Russell Lissau
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/gop-candidates-in-10th-house-race-support-varying-degrees-of-gun-control

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Gun-control forces prepare for key Springfield vote – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180223/BLOGS02/180229934/gun-control-forces-prepare-for-key-springfield-vote

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Madigan: Illinois House to vote on gun bills next week – Brenden Moore
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180223/madigan-illinois-house-to-vote-on-gun-bills-next-week

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— ENDORSEMENT: A reluctant nod for Rauner
http://www.pantagraph.com/opinion/editorial/pantagraph-endorsement-a-reluctant-nod-for-rauner/article_08043821-fdb8-579c-b124-7187ce176a7c.html

NORTHERN PUBLIC RADIO
— Democrats Turn Out For Chance To Flip GOP Districts – VICTOR YEHLING (DIERSEN: Of course, since 2000, and especially since 2006, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that I have caused all of Roskam’s problems, all of your problems, all of my problems, and all of everyone’s problems, b) that my knowledge of IRS and of GAO that I gained from working for IRS for almost 9 years, from working for GAO for almost 18 years, and from working for GAO on audits of IRS for 3 years is worthless, and c) that Roskam should not seek or accept my input on anything.)
http://northernpublicradio.org/post/democrats-turn-out-chance-flip-gop-districts
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Schraufnagel suggests that Roskam’s stance on a major issue may have had an effect on attracting so many Democrats. “Roskam is one of the architects of the tax-reform legislation that recently passed, and that particular legislation hasn’t been considered very popular,” Schraufnagel said. As far as which way the district leans, he pointed to the Partisan Voting Index, which takes the average vote for president in the previous two election cycles. The 6th District comes out as R+2, meaning it’s a Republican district — but only by two percentage points. “So that’s why I think the Democrats are crowding this field,” Schraufnagel said. “They see this as a real chance to pick up a seat. Indeed, the Cook Political Report and some others rate this as a toss-up and a very potential Republican loss.”)

BGA
— THREE STEPS TO FIX ILLINOIS’ BROKEN BUDGET PROCESS – Andy Shaw
https://www.bettergov.org/news/shaw-three-steps-to-fix-illinois-broken-budget-process

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION
— DuPage Election Commission Introduces New Election Results Reporting System
http://www.dupageco.org/Election/Election_Commission_News/2018/56961/

WIREPOINTS
— Why Rauner’s failures justify a reform agenda in Illinois – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
http://www.wirepoints.com/rauners-failed-record-the-best-case-for-a-reform-agenda-in-illinois-wirepoints-report/

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Jeanne Ives talks with Dan & Amy about the Quincy VA & the race against Rauner
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511350434-cma-jeanne-ives-talks-with-dan-amy-about-the-quincy-va-the-race-against-rauner

ILLINOIS CHRONICLE
— GOP lawmakers to Rauner: stop your “shameful distortions and fabrications”
https://theillinoischronicle.com/chronicle-gop-lawmakers-to-rauner-stop-your-shameful-distortions-and-fabrications/
— McSweeney files bill to block Rauner budget proposal
https://theillinoischronicle.com/chronicle-republican-lawmaker-files-bill-to-block-rauner-budget-proposal/

AMERICANS FOR TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY
— Is CPAC Conservative When It Bans Anti-Gay-Agenda Exhibitors While Welcoming LGBTQ Activists? – Peter LaBarbera
https://americansfortruth.com/2018/02/23/aftah-is-cpac-conservative-when-it-bans-anti-gay-agenda-exhibitors-while-welcoming-lgbtq-activists/
— Log Cabin Republicans’ Float in ‘Gay Pride’ Parade Mocked Military with Crude Gay Sexual Humor – As Children Watched
https://americansfortruth.com/2018/02/18/log-cabin-republicans-float-in-gay-pride-parade-mocked-military-with-crude-gay-sexual-humor/

CAPITOL FAX
— Crain’s not-so-wholeheartedly endorses Rauner, Pritzker
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/23/crains-not-so-wholeheartedly-endorses-rauner-pritzker/
— Democrats use Greitens to attack Rauner
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/23/dems-use-greitens-to-attack-rauner/
— Hinz: “The governor is in full Pinocchio mode”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/23/hinz-the-governor-is-in-full-pinocchio-mode/
— Kennedy responds *** Pritzker hit again on the lack of women in his companies (DIERSEN: In 1971, Oldsmobile withdrew a job offer that I had accepted saying that it had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint. Financial industry employers have always been under tremendous pressure to hire, to retain, and to promote young minorities and young females. Since 1997, that, and my bad demographics (born in 1948, White, male, etc.), have frustrated my efforts to get a job in the financial industry appropriate for someone with my salary history, work experience, professional certifications, professional license, and education. I worked for GAO on audits of financial industry regulators 1990-1997 at the GS-13 Step 3-10 levels, currently $106,044-$125,325. I became a Forensic Accountant in 1997, Certified Financial Services Auditor in 1996, Certified Government Financial Manager in 1994, Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, Licensed CPA in 1981, Certified Internal Auditor in 1981, and CPA in 1979. I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997, a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and an MBA from Loyola in 1976. Further, not only financial industry employers, but all employers view federal employees and federal retirees as being overpaid, lazy, stupid, and even worse things. Further, my former GAO superiors and their supporters continue to do everything that they can to frustrate my job search.)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/23/pritzker-hit-again-on-the-lack-of-women-in-his-companies/

CBN
— Wheaton College Thanks God for Victory in 5-Year Religious Rights Battle
http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2018/february/christian-college-thanks-god-for-victory-in-5-year-religious-rights-battle

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— Florida School Shooting Reveals Epic Government Failures – George Rasley
http://www.conservativehq.com/article/27460-florida-school-shooting-reveals-epic-government-failures

GOPUSA
— Fresh blood means ratings for media sharks
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40062
— Transgender movement rejected by growing body of research
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40065
— Marine Corps again lowers requirements for Infantry Officer Course
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40067
— Major bank halts NRA credit card, car rental firm ends discount
http://www.gopusa.com/major-bank-halts-nra-credit-card-car-rental-firm-ends-discount/
— CPAC: Trump points to McCain for health care failure
http://www.gopusa.com/cpac-trump-points-to-mccain-for-health-care-failure/

HOT AIR
— Analogy Alert: Illinois’ Gov Integrates A Glass Of Milk – ANDREW MALCOLM (DIERSEN: I should write a book and title it “Who should pay the price of Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion?”)
https://hotair.com/archives/2018/02/23/analogy-alert-illinois-gov-integrates-glass-milk/
— Catholic Bishop Denies Senator Durbin Communion Until He Repents – KAREN TOWNSEND
https://hotair.com/archives/2018/02/23/catholic-bishop-denies-senator-durbin-communion-repents/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Campus Activists Take on a Generational Battle for Free Speech – Chrissy Clark
http://dailysignal.com/2018/02/23/campus-activists-take-on-a-generational-battle-for-free-speech/

DAILY CALLER
— The Second Amendment Is Plainly About War, Not Hunting – Alan Keyes
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/23/the-second-amendment-is-plainly-about-war-not-hunting/

FREE BEACON
— CNN Worries Trump Calling Parkland Shooter ‘Sicko’ May Be ‘Harmful’ – Alex Griswold
http://freebeacon.com/issues/cnn-worries-trump-calling-parkland-shooter-sicko-harmful/

BREITBART
— Four of Sheriff Scott Israel’s Deputies Waited Outside Douglas High During School Shooting – AWR Hawkins
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/23/report-four-sheriff-scott-israels-deputies-waited-outside-douglas-high-school-shooting/

BLAZE
— Following Florida shooting, President Trump warns that violent video games are shaping kids’ thoughts – Sarah Taylor
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/23/following-florida-shooing-president-trump-warns-that-violent-video-games-are-shaping-kids-thoughts/

THE HILL
— Trump: Armed teacher would have ‘shot the hell’ out of gunman – JONATHAN EASLEY
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/375278-trump-armed-teacher-would-have-shot-the-hell-out-of-gunman
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use anti-Republicans to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/375292-ex-rnc-chairman-trump-suggestion-to-arm-teachers-is-delusional

POLITICO
— Tax law ignites White House power struggle At stake is who has ultimate authority to shape the nuances of the tax cuts and other rules as part of the $1.5 trillion Republican tax overhaul. – NANCY COOK and AARON LORENZO (DIERSEN: So far, those who want tax law to discourage marriage and to discourage homeownership are winning.)
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/23/tax-law-white-house-power-struggle-364885

NEW YORK TIMES
— Washington’s Fight Over Taxes Is Only Beginning Never mind that “once in a generation” tax bill that passed last year. Congress is headed for years more of battles over taxes, particularly those for individuals. – Jim Tankersley
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/washingtons-fight-over-taxes-is-only-beginning.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Even if the law survives those challenges, trouble lurks in the years to come. Nearly all of the law’s tax changes for individuals — including a nearly doubled standard deduction and the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions that has outraged blue-state legislators — are set to expire at the end of 2025, and so are some major provisions for businesses. Others won’t adjust for inflation, resulting in growing tax pain for some families in the years ahead. . .For individuals, a repeal push could add confusion to an already murky transition to the new law. The Trump tax overhaul eliminated personal exemptions that taxpayers may claim for themselves and their dependents, but it added a larger standard deduction and an expanded child tax credit. It reduced the cap on the mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes, and it limited state and local tax deductions to $10,000 a year — a number that will not rise with inflation. As the law is written, those changes are set to vanish at the end of 2025 — reviving the old system and tax rates for individuals — unless Congress extends them.)

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— Chicago Fires Back at Feds’ Request in Sanctuary City Fight – AP
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-02-23/chicago-fires-back-at-feds-request-in-sanctuary-city-fight

MONEY MAGAZINE
— All the Companies Cutting Ties With the NRA After Deadly Florida School Shooting – BRAD TUTTLE
http://time.com/money/5172471/nra-enterprise-first-national-bank-of-omaha-boycott-protests/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Senators Try Yet Again to Crack Down on VA’s Senior Executives – Eric Katz (DIERSEN: Because Republican Senators and Republican Representatives cracked down on GAO during the 1980s and the 1990s, the Democrat Senior Executives who ran GAO back then got rid of their employees like me who were Republican, and especially their Republican employees like me who were White, male, non-veteran, and who had not made GS-13 (currently $96,403) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40.)
http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2018/02/senators-try-yet-again-crack-down-vas-senior-executives/146210/

DAILY BEAST
— Wanna Be a Player At CPAC? Write a Check First. How a six-figure payment from one interest group scored it a panel and promotion from the yearly conservative confab. – LACHLAN MARKAY (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes stress that I give little or no money a) to the Republican Party, b) to the Illinois Republican Party, c) to the DuPage County Republican Central Committee, d) to the Milton Township Republican Central Committee, and e) to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes.)
https://www.thedailybeast.com/wanna-be-a-player-at-cpac-write-a-check-first