GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Republicans who participated in Wheaton’s outstanding Independence Day Parade this morning included: U.S. Senator Mark Kirk; Governor Bruce Rauner, First Lady Diana Rauner, and Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti; State Senator Mike Connelly and State Representative Jeanne Ives; State Representative Peter Breen; DuPage County Board candidate Tim Elliott, DuPage County Board members Grant Eckhoff and Amy Grant, and DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Tim Whelan; and the Milton Township Republican Central Committee. Please thank those who helped promote/sponsor the parade and the fireworks yesterday evening: Bob Berlin, Peter Breen, Liam Brennan, Fred Bucholz, Mike Connelly, Tim Elliott, Amy Grant, Gwen Henry, Jeanne Ives, Richard Jorgensen, Chris Kachiroubas, Mark Kirk, Brian Krajewski, Bob Lyon, Deanne Mazzochi, James Mendrick, Chris Nybo, Peter Roskam, Darlene Ruscitti, Phil Suess, Tim Whelan, and Jim Zay. – Dave Diersen
https://gopillinois.com
CLTV
— Thousands turn out for Wheaton 4th of July parade – Mike Lowe
http://cltv.com/2016/07/04/thousands-turn-out-for-wheaton-4th-of-july-parade/
(INCLUDES VIDEO CLIP: FROM THE ARTICLE: WHEATON, Ill. — Governor Bruce Rauner and Senator Mark Kirk were among those taking part in today’s Fourth of July parade in west suburban Wheaton. Thousands of spectators dressed in red, white and blue lined Main Street to the see the parade. The Governor kicked off the festivities, leading the parade and wishing the state a happy Independence Day. “This is a day to celebrate America’s freedom, our democracy, our foundation born 200 years ago,” Rauner told the crowd. “We’re the greatest nation on earth. We’re the beacon of hope and justice for the entire world because of our focus on individual liberty.” Despite the contentious political atmosphere in Illinois and in the Presidential campaign, most people in Wheaton seemed to leave politics behind for the day to celebrate what brings us all together. They watched as bands, floats and politicians marched along the parade route in a traditional celebration of America’s independence. The Wheaton parade has more than 50 entries and hundreds of participants. It’s one of the largest Fourth of July parades in the Chicago area.)
WGN TV
— July Fourth marked with celebrations across the area – Mike Lowe
http://wgntv.com/2016/07/04/chicago-area-celebrate-the-fourth/
(INCLUDES VIDEO CLIP: FROM THE ARTICLE: The race for the U.S. senate is one of the closest in the country and today it was being fought along parade routes from Wheaton to Wilmette. Republican Mark Kirk hopes his resilience will resonate with the voters. While Democrat Tammy Duckworth was making the case that she will fight for the middle class. But many say in this contentious political year, they wanted to set politics aside and have some fun.)
ABC7
— POLITICKING AT INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADES – Ben Bradley
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/politicking-at-independence-day-parades/1413028/
(INCLUDES VIDEO CLIP: FROM THE ARTICLE: Politicking at parades is as American as apple pie. From Illinois’ Governor Bruce Rauner to senate contenders, politicians marched in parades across the area. But this year, in this state, some politicians are receiving a slightly different reception. If Illinois lawmakers anticipating a happy homecoming after finally coming up with a partial budget, they were mistaken. In Republican-rich Wheaton, one guy yelled at Governor Bruce Rauner to balance the state’s budget. “Balance the budget! Balance the budget!” yelled Buzz Ruttenberg at the governor. “I blame everyone, but he is the leader and when the ship is sinking you look to the captain,” said Ruttenberg when asked who he blamed for the Illinois budget crisis. ABC7 Eyewitness News spoke with a Wheaton resident who was trying to deliver a message to the governor via a sign saying, “No budget; no votes.” “I think he saw it. I don’t think he wants to make eye contact with me,” said the sign holder. The governor wasn’t much into straying from the script today. “Do you hear from people as you march about what’s going on in Springfield about the budget?” ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Ben Bradley asked the governor. “No, today we celebrate the independence of America,” said Rauner. Nationally, Hillary Clinton had several supporters marching in Wheaton’s parade, but next to no one showed up on Donald Trump’s behalf, despite the fact the county is overwhelmingly Republican. Then again, the state’s GOP senator has said he won’t vote for Trump. “You were the first to come out and say Trump is unfit. Does that mean you’re voting for Hillary Clinton?” Bradley asked Illinois Republican Sen. Mark Kirk. “No, David Petraeus is who I’d like to write-in. I think he’s better qualified. We need someone who will be the best commander-in-chief we’ve ever had,” said Sen. Kirk. In Oak Park, Kirk’s Democratic opponent says the independent streak doesn’t scratch the surface. “I’ve been working hard for the people of Illinois and he has not. You’re talking about a guy who goes with the corporate interests against the interests of everyday people,” said Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is running against Kirk for the U.S. Senate. The incumbent Kirk is the underdog in that senate race. The latest polling shows Tammy Duckworth continuing to lead, although there is a lot of time before November.)
— EX-IL GOV. QUINN SEEKS TERM LIMITS FOR CHICAGO MAYORS
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/ex-il-gov-quinn-seeks-term-limits-for-chicago-mayors/1413222/
CBS
— U.S. Senate Contenders Duckworth, Kirk Hit July 4th Parades – Roseanne Tellez
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/07/04/u-s-senate-contenders-duckworth-kirk-hit-july-4th-parades/
(INCLUDES VIDEO CLIP: FROM THE ARTICLE: There was no shortage of politicians along parade routes on July 4th, including U.S. Senate candidates Mark Kirk and Tammy Duckworth. CBS 2’s Roseanne Tellez reports. Amidst the marching bands and flag-waving onlookers, politicians were out in force, walking and working the crowd at July 4th parades. Incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk is fighting off a challenge from Rep. Tammy Duckworth. Monday’s parades offered a rare opportunity to ask both candidates about their campaigns. Kirk stuck with the theme of independence. “I’m much more independent of my party than she is,” the Republican said in Wheaton. “She just does what (her) party says.” Duckworth, a Democrat, focused on her service to the nation. “This is an important day for me. My family has served in uniform since the Revolution,” she said in Skokie. The contest between Kirk and Duckworth is considered the nation’s top Senate race to watch. It could decide the balance of power in that chamber.)
DAILY HERALD
— WHEATON PARADE PHOTO CAPTIONS: Gov. Bruce Rauner waves to the crowd along Main Street during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Luke Moo of Wheaton, center, salutes Gov. Bruce Rauner during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Hugo Montenegro of Downers Grove marches down Main Street on behalf of the West suburban Patriots during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Hugo Montenegro of Downers Grove marches down Main Street on behalf of the West suburban Patriots encouraging people to “Wake Up” during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Thousands of people attended the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk waves to the crowd during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Bernie Hurley, left, walks with Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, right, during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Andy Bodine, center, and his English Mastiff’s Thor and Zina watch the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, left, greets Gov. Bruce Rauner, right, before the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton. Bernie Hurley, left, walks down Main Street with Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, right, during the Fourth of July parade in Wheaton.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160704/news/160709669/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Tab for Chicago police reform: $1.4 million and counting – Andy Grimm
http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/tab-chicago-police-reform-1-4-million-and-counting/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Obama to tell foe-to-friend story at Hillary Clinton event –
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-barack-obama-hillary-clinton-event-20160704-story.html
MCDONOUGH VOICE
— Congressman LaHood, Jil Tracy offer budget views
http://www.mcdonoughvoice.com/news/20160704/congressman-lahood-jil-tracy-offer-budget-views
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— The budget that isn’t – Editorial
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2016-07-04/budget-isnt.html
MCHENRY TIMES
— Illinois’ public school funding issues are unacceptable, Skillicorn says
http://mchenrytimes.com/stories/510940986-illinois-public-school-funding-issues-are-unacceptable-skillicorn-says
SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS NEWS
— House Republican Organization says Bradley, Phelps and Forby do Madigan’s bidding
http://swillinoisnews.com/stories/510940994-house-republican-organization-says-bradley-phelps-and-forby-do-madigan-s-bidding
WILL COUNTY NEWS
— Rauner needs to say absolutely no to unfair State Employee contract – Steve Balich
http://willcountynews.com/2016/07/04/rauner-needs-to-say-absolutly-no-to-unfair-state-employee-contract/
CHICAGO NOW
— July 4th Fireworks: Watch Berkowitz w/Legal revolution leader Judge Posner – Jeff Berkowitz
http://www.chicagonow.com/public-affairs-with-jeff-berkowitz/2016/07/july-4th-fireworks-watch-berkowitz-wlegal-revolution-leader-judge-posner-cableweb/
ILLINOIS CONSERVATIVE EXAMINER
— Another slap in the face to traditional marriage – Susan Caroll
http://www.ice-news.net/2016/07/03/another-slap-in-the-face-to-traditional-marriage/
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Republican majority is key to preserving Supreme Court 4-4 Obama amnesty split underscores need for GOP congressional control – Jenny Beth Martin
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jul/4/republican-majority-key-preserving-supreme-court/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Study: Voting early trims turnout, mailing ballots boosts Demographics, interest in election determine participation – Stephen Dinan
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jul/4/early-voting-reduces-voter-turnout-mailing-ballots/
GOPUSA
— Maine’s Unpretentious First Lady Takes a Real Job (DIERSEN: What unpretentious real jobs have you had? I audited federal agencies 1980-1997, collected delinquent federal taxes 1971-1980, pumped gasoline 1971-1972, sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971, worked as a security guard and on an automobile assembly line in 1970, delivered mail 1966-1969, cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, washed dished 1964-1966, etc.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=12019?omhide=true
— 4th of July Zombies – Americans Don’t Know Why We Celebrate Fourth of July!
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=12002
— No expiration date on America’s fight against tyranny
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=12013
— Tim Tebow still hated by the left
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=12052
— Cruz: Obama’s ‘willful blindness’ is dangerous
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=12045
NEWSMAX
— Some Republicans Pushing For More Pro-Israel Platform – Brian Freeman
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/republicans-push-stronger-pro-israel/2016/07/04/id/736980/
THE BLAZE
— Clinton To Ride on Air Force One — Trump Wants to Know Who’s Footing the Bill – Tre Goins-Phillips
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/07/04/clinton-to-ride-on-air-force-one-trump-wants-to-know-whos-footing-the-bill/
TOWNHALL
— Associated Press Hides Democrats’ Hatred of African Americans – Autry J. Pruitt
http://townhall.com/columnists/autryjpruitt/2016/07/04/associated-press-hides-democrats-hatred-of-african-americans-n2186271
DAILY CALLER
— A Problem In The World? Just Blame ‘Whiteness’ – Scott Greer (DIERSEN: What do you say to Whites who pander to anti-Whites by demonizing, denigrating, and condemning Whites?)
http://dailycaller.com/2016/07/03/a-problem-in-the-world-just-blame-whiteness/
THE HILL
— Diversity of House GOP at risk in 2016 election – Cristina Marcos (DIERSEN: How bad are you demographics? My demographics are terrible: conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older (67), non-poor, gun owner, baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran, 100% German national origin, and ancestors have been in America since the 1840s.)
http://thehill.com/news/campaign/286343-diversity-of-house-gop-at-risk-in-2016-election
CNN
— Endangered GOP senator Mark Kirk: Dumping Trump is paying off – Rosa Flores
http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/04/politics/mark-kirk-donald-trump/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Mark Kirk, one of the most vulnerable Senate Republicans in the country, is betting that he can survive a tough election season by taking on Donald Trump. The Illinois senator became the first Republican last month to release an anti-Trump television ad, which said his party’s presumptive nominee “is not fit to be commander in chief.” The 32-second spot, running in the Chicago market, outlines Kirk’s efforts to present himself to voters in his liberal-leaning state as more moderate than his fellow Republicans in Washington. “Mark was the first Republican to support a vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee,” the television commercial says. Kirk is one of a handful of endangered Republican senators up for re-election this November who are grappling with Trump’s controversial candidacy. At times, Kirk seems more focused on Trump than his Democratic opponent, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, going so far as reversing his support for Trump last month. Kirk’s success could determine whether the GOP keeps its majority status in the Senate. Kirk’s opposition to Trump kicked into high gear last month amid the controversy over the presumptive GOP nominee’s racially charged criticism of a federal judge. “I find Donald Trump’s belief that an American-born judge of Mexican descent is incapable of fairly presiding over his case is not only dead wrong, it is un-American,” Kirk said at the time. Trump later issued a statement saying that his comments were “misconstrued” by the media. A few weeks into his dump Trump strategy, Kirk says bucking the top of his ticket is paying off. “It’s helped because I’m a very independent voice for Illinois,” he told CNN, adding that his strategy helps “make sure that people know that I always put Illinois first.” A Kirk campaign official tells CNN that there has been an uptick in donor and volunteer interest since the senator distanced himself from Trump. His Democratic opponent Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who was quick to capitalize on Kirk’s about face on Trump, maintains that Kirk still equals Trump. “Mark Kirk is (using) the exact kind of rhetoric as Donald Trump and he just needs to own it and stop lying about it,” Duckworth told CNN. When asked if he could win in November without supporting the top of his ticket, Kirk told CNN, “I have always run way ahead of my ticket.”)
LOS ANGLES TIMES
— Elite Republicans tried to ignore them. Now they’re shaping Donald Trump’s immigration policy – Noah Bierman and Brian Bennett
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-immigration-players-20160704-snap-story.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Strategic Thinking Behind Trump, Clinton VP Picks A five-point guide to the quadrennial running-mate guessing game – GERALD F. SEIB
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-strategic-thinking-behind-trump-clinton-vp-picks-1467647189
— Donald Trump’s Complex Business Ties Could Set a New Precedent Conflict-of-interest question would loom large if the Republican is elected – MONICA LANGLEY
http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trumps-complex-business-ties-could-set-a-new-precedent-1467648334
— How Will Trump Handle His Business Empire if Elected?
http://www.wsj.com/video/how-will-trump-handle-his-business-empire-if-elected/608674CE-B233-421C-AD72-ADB65D83E9DF.html
FISCAL TIMES
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON AMERICA TIGHTENS: Extremely Proud to Be an American? Fewer People Say They Are
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2016/07/03/Extemely-Proud-Be-American-Fewer-People-Say-They-Are
RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— Independence Day Still Ranks High For Americans
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/holidays/july_2016/independence_day_still_ranks_high_for_americans