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February 23 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Illinois State House candidate Burt Minor accused of sexist, racist language – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/illinois-state-house-candidate-accused-of-sexist-racist-language/3126417/
— President Trump says guns only for ‘gun adept teachers’ – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/president-trump-says-guns-only-for-gun-adept-teachers/3123802/

NBC5
— Illinois AG Candidate Says GOP County Official Burt Minor Used Racial Slur
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/AG-Candidate-Says-GOP-County-Official-Used-Racial-Slur-474913993.html

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: February 22, 2018 Peter Breen letter concerning Burt Minor. (DIERSEN: In light of the recent attacks against Minor, will those who have endorsed Minor stay with him?)
https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000161-bec3-d3a7-a5e1-becf52460003

BURT MINOR
— STATEMENT FROM BURT MINOR Candidate, 42nd House District (DIERSEN: Facebook is a Democrat website. I first learned of Minor’s statement late yesterday because I visited the Democrat website Capitol Fax for opposition research. Since 2000, I have urged Republican candidates in Illinois a) to publish their own campaign website, b) to post their statements on their website, c) to keep diersen@aol.com on their press advisory and press release email lists, and d) to notify all those on their press advisory and press release lists by email when they post statements on their website. Tragically, more and more and more Republican candidates in Illinois a) fail to publish their own website and keep it up-to-date, b) fail to use emails to communicate, and c) rely on Democrats and on Democrat websites to communicate.)
https://www.facebook.com/burt.minor

DAILY HERALD
— February 21, 2018 FLASHBACK: Endorsement: Minor for GOP in state House Dist. 42 (DIERSEN: In light of the recent attacks against Minor, will those who have endorsed Minor stay with him? According to Politico Illinois, “We reached out to Daily Herald’s Deputy Managing Editor Jim Slusher, his response: “Of course we are very concerned about the allegations that have been made regarding Burt Minor. We are not rushing to judgment, but we are investigating the claims to get more information. We will respond accordingly when we’re comfortable we have a complete understanding of the situation. We view this with some urgency and expect to make a decision soon, but I can’t say exactly when that will be.”)
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/endorsement-minor-for-gop-in-state-house-dist-42
— Schaumburg GOP highlights endorsed candidates Feb. 24
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180222/schaumburg-gop-highlights-endorsed-candidates-feb-24
— Endorsement: Khouri for GOP in House District 49
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180222/endorsement-khouri-for-gop-in-house-district-49
— OUTSTANDING: East Dundee denies video gambling at gas station – Lauren Rohr
http://www.dailyherald.com/business/20180222/east-dundee-denies-video-gambling-at-gas-station
— House candidates Jillian Bernas and Charlotte Kegarise decry ads linking Bernas to Madigan – Eric Peterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180222/house-candidates-decry-ads-linking-republican-hopeful-to-madigan
— Mundelein High principal after racial slur: ‘We have to rise above this’ – Mick Zawislak
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180222/mundelein-high-principal-after-racial-slur-we-have-to-rise-above-this
— Former county commissioner Elizabeth Gorman named to lead Illinois Tollway – Marni Pyke
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180222/news/302229814/
— Lake Park cancels classes after social media threat
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180223/lake-park-cancels-classes-after-social-media-threat

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Ives wants Minor to drop House bid over ‘inexcusable’ remarks – Glenn Minnis (DIERSEN: Ives makes clear that she does not give veterans any kind of break. I would expect that Ives would say that she rightfully holds veterans to higher standards than non-veterans. Ever-increasingly, the more of the following that you are, if you say certain words, no matter what the context is, you will be gotten rid of: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, non-veteran, draft avoider, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511349857-ives-wants-minor-to-drop-house-bid-over-inexcusable-remarks

WLS AM
— John Tillman responds to Pat Brady’s claims that the Illinois Policy Institute is a hategroup (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, Rauner, Sanguinetti, the Illinois Republican Party (IRP), the IRP National Committeeman, the IRP National Committeewoman, the IRP officers, each and every IRP State Central Committee (SCC) member, each and every IRP SCC member candidate, etc. should immediately issue press releases that banish Pat Brady from the IRP forever and call him what he is, an operative/dupe for individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that want to destroy the IRP.)
http://www.wlsam.com/2018/02/22/john-tillman-responds-to-pat-bradys-claims-that-the-illinois-policy-institute-is-a-hategroup/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois lawmakers revisit gun legislation – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/illinois-lawmakers-revisit-gun-legislation-1

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Pritzker rhetoric doesn’t match reality on promoting women at investment firm – David Heinzmann and Todd Lighty (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.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-women-hiring-20180222-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In fact, Pritzker’s investment businesses have underperformed even according to the low diversity standards of the financial services industry, a Tribune review found. He has employed few women in senior positions at the Pritzker Group, a Chicago-based venture capital, private equity and asset management firm he co-founded with his brother. Excluding the Pritzker brothers, of the 55 employees currently listed on the firm’s online employee rosters, just eight are women. And of the 26 employees with a senior title of vice president or above, three are women. Pritzker said the lack of women in leadership positions is an industrywide problem for firms like his. “In each of those industries, I think you’re probably aware, there are — have been — significant challenges in senior positions,” he said in an interview with the Tribune last month. “There have not been enough women or minorities across every part of the industry — those three industries. That’s a problem that I’ve recognized and acknowledged, and tried to address over many years.” Pritzker stopped short of saying whether he believes the challenges are a result of a lack of qualified women and minorities in the workforce, or a historical reluctance of managers like him to promote women up the corporate ladder.)
— Illinois educators call Trump’s proposal to arm teachers ‘insanity’ – Vikki Ortiz Healy and Robert McCoppin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-arming-teachers-20180222-story.html
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasts Trump remarks on arming teachers as ‘absurd’ – Juan Perez Jr.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-chicago-mayor-emanuel-trump-teacher-guns-20180222-story.html
— Emotional support dog bites child on Southwest flight, forcing airline to re-examine policies – Mary Schlangenstein
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-emotional-support-dog-bites-child-southwest-20180222-story.html
— As Obama Presidential Center comes closer to reality, tensions on race, class surface – Lolly Bowean
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obamacenter/ct-met-obama-center-tension-20180208-story.html
— Days after Parkland shooting, Illinois Democrats move toward licensing gun stores – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-legislature-guns-20180221-story.html
— Video gambling approved for Oswego winery – Linda Girardi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-oswego-wine-st-0223-20180222-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-conservative says “‘Lock her up?’ Still?: Conservatives at CPAC battle the left, without a clear foe.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-cpac-day-one-20180222-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Will Mike Madigan get the boot? Depends whether there’s another shoe to drop – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/will-mike-madigan-get-the-boot-depends-whether-theres-another-shoe-to-drop/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Who we’re backing for governor – Editorial
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180223/ISSUE07/180229937#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccb-morning10&utm_campaign=ccb-morning10-20180223

WTTW
— Illinois Democrats Pushing for State Licensing for Gun Stores – Paul Caine
https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/02/22/illinois-democrats-pushing-state-licensing-gun-stores

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Teachers unions: Arming educators ‘not the answer’ – Jason Nevel
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180222/teachers-unions-arming-educators-not-answer

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Rauner says state ‘sliding toward the abyss’ – Lenore Sobota
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/government-and-politics/rauner-says-state-sliding-toward-the-abyss/article_73c6d559-1d07-5923-948c-a18d29875a9e.html

RATHJE & WOODWARD
— DuPage County Lawyers Tim Elliott, Emily Shupe Named to Super Lawyers Lists (DIERSEN: It is extremely difficult for non-veteran White males to be “super employees” in the federal government. They are written off as being lazy, stupid, losers, and even worse things and gotten rid of if they do not make 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. Extremely few non-veteran White males make the aforesaid promotions by the aforesaid ages. It is called “up-or-out.” Things that frustrated my Democrat superiors efforts to get rid of me were my I earning a) job-related master’s degrees when I was 27, 31, and 48, b) job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and c) a job-related professional license when I was 32.)
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/02/prweb15223753.htm

CHICAGO DAILY OBSERVER
— Rauner Adds Career Politician to Executive Position at Tollway
http://www.cdobs.com/archive/featured/rauner-adds-career-politician-to-executive-position-at-tollway/

WILL COUNTY GAZETTE
— Straub asks Durkin to join him in call for Madigan to resign – Glenn Minnis
https://willcountygazette.com/stories/511349634-straub-asks-durkin-to-join-him-in-call-for-madigan-to-resign

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Identity Politics: Is America and the World Running Out of Patience with LGBTQIA Activism? – John Biver
https://illinoisfamily.org/homosexuality/identity-politics-america-world-running-patience-lgbtqia-activism/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— LAKE CO RIGHT TO LIFE: IVES IS ONLY PRO-LIFE CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/lake-co-right-to-life-ives-is-only-pro-life-candidate-running-for-governor.html

GOPUSA
— School security officer waited outside as shooter killed students (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will Duckworth analogize the school security officer to Trump because Trump, like me, avoided the draft?)
http://www.gopusa.com/school-security-officer-waited-outside-as-shooter-killed-students/

FREEDOM’S JOURNAL
— RACE AND SPORTS: IT’S NOT 1947 ANYMORE. LET’S NOT PRETEND THAT IT IS – Larry Elder
https://freedomsjournalinstitute.org/uncategorized/race-and-sports-its-not-1947-anymore-lets-not-pretend-that-it-is/

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— Pence To CPAC: ‘Progress Is Driven By The People Who Show Up’ (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents do not want me to a) know about their events and other activities, b) promote their events or other activities, c) attend their events, or d) report on their events.)
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/27461

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Speakers roast the media on first day of CPAC – Tristan Justice (DIERSEN: Should I write a book about activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, etc. who blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems? They refuse to include diersen@aol.com on their press advisory and press release lists. They do not want me to a) know about their events and other activities, b) promote their events or other activities, c) attend their events, or d) report on their events. They pander to Rich Miller and to the rest of the Democrat news media.)
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/speakers-roast-the-media-on-first-day-of-cpac/article/2649810
— A year after being the toast of CPAC, Steve Bannon is nowhere to be found – Sarah Westwood and Al Weaver
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/a-year-after-being-the-toast-of-cpac-steve-bannon-is-nowhere-to-be-found/article/2649828

BLAZE
— Sen. Dick Durbin banned from communion ‘until he repents’ of pro-abortion ‘sin,’ bishop says – Dave Urbanski
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/22/sen-dick-durbin-banned-from-communion-until-he-repents-of-pro-abortion-sin-bishop-says/
— School deputy was just fired over what he did during the Florida shooting, and it’s terrible – Carlos Garcia
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/22/school-deputy-was-just-fired-over-what-he-did-during-the-florida-shooting-and-its-terrible/

DAILY CALLER
— Deputy Who Arrived At Shooting ‘Never Went In’ School – Justin Caruso (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will Duckworth analogize the deputy to Trump because Trump, like me, avoided the draft?)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/22/deputy-never-went-in-school/
— The Government Repeatedly Failed To Stop The Parkland Shooter – Peter Hasson
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/22/government-missed-opportunities-to-stop-florida-school-shooter-broward-county/

FOX NEWS
— Obama’s legacy will be that he allowed Russia to ‘sow discord’ in the US – Liz Peek
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/23/liz-peek-obama-s-legacy-will-be-that-allowed-russia-to-sow-discord-in-us.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— At CPAC, conservatives celebrate Trump’s accomplishments – David Sherfinski and Seth McLaughlin (DIERSEN: What conservative accomplishments have the Republicans had who represent your municipality, your township/ward, your county, and Illinois?)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/22/at-cpac-conservatives-celebrate-donald-trumps-acco/

CAMPUS REFORM
— UChicago criticized for promoting ‘white supremacy ideology’ – Ema Gavrilovic
https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=10551#.Wo7k58rafzU.twitter

CNN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-conservative says “As conservatives party at CPAC, it’s liberalism that’s on the rise.”
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/22/politics/conservatism-static-liberalism-rising/index.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use a Loyola medical student to promote policies that encourage people to come to America illegally, to stay in America illegally, and to bring others to America illegally.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/immigration/with-three-months-left-in-medical-school-her-career-may-be-slipping-away/2018/02/22/24a7a780-10f3-11e8-9570-29c9830535e5_story.html
— Government workers must perform gay marriages — or get new jobs – Kathy Heggemeier, Cary, N.C. (DIERSEN: Democrats run the federal government. If you work for the federal government, and you do not promote the Democrat Party platform, your career will be wasted and you will be gotten rid of.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/government-workers-must-perform-gay-marriages–or-get-new-jobs/2018/02/22/090f8d5e-166a-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: One could argue the overhauled the tax code, and therefore its promoters, are anti-marriage and anti-homeownership.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-married-filing-separately-lowers-your-tax-bill-1519381801
(FROM THE ARTICLE: When Congress overhauled the tax code last year, lawmakers capped deductions for state and local taxes, or SALT, at $10,000 per return for 2018 and after. Thus married couples get half the SALT write-off per person that singles do. But spouses can’t get two $10,000 deductions by filing separately. If they do, the law allows only $5,000 of SALT deductions to each spouse. To qualify for two $10,000 write-offs, the couple would have to divorce.)
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: The Big Loophole That Helped Russia Exploit Facebook: Doctored Photos Tech company’s filters can’t adequately detect misinformation distributed through altered images – Georgia Wells, Shelby Holliday and Deepa Seetharaman
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-big-loophole-that-left-facebook-vulnerable-to-russian-propaganda-1519314265

FEDERAL TIMES
— Trump again targets EPA with ‘punishing’ budget cuts – Jessie Bur (DIERSEN: Republicans hit GAO with budget cuts during the 1980s and 1990s, but Republicans hit GAO with especially big budget cuts during the mid-1990s. Of course, that motivated the Democrats who ran GAO to get rid of a) their employees like me who were Republican and b) their employees like me who were non-veteran White males 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.)
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/budget/2018/02/22/trump-budget-repeats-2018-attempts-at-punishing-cuts-to-epa/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Watchdog Groups Create Guide to Help Feds Protect Themselves Against Political Misconduct – Eric Katz (DIERSEN: My Democrat superiors in the federal government knew full-well that it was illegal to discriminate against their employees because they were Republican, White, male, older, non-veteran, draft avoider, conservative, Protestant, German-American, rich, gun owners, because their ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc. So of course, they avoided putting things in writing that would incriminate them.)
http://www.govexec.com/management/2018/02/watchdog-groups-create-guide-help-feds-protect-themselves-against-political-misconduct/146180/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: One key recommendation in the report is for federal employees to take contemporaneous notes, be it in meetings, on calls or as part of policy research or proposals. Those notes should be as detailed as possible, the groups said, and be dated and backed up to personal devices as long as the information is not classified. The groups issued the guide after hearing from their members and in the media about the Trump administration tightening restrictions on the federal scientific community. Agencies have reportedly instructed employees not to use certain words, disbanded scientific advisory commissions and reassigned employees who speak out about issues the administration is no longer prioritizing. “We’ve been hearing a lot of stories about people being told not to take notes, not to use certain words, not to have a paper trail,” said Andrew Rosenberg, a former regional director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and current director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, which helped write the guide.)

February 22 Evening Edition

CAPITOL FAX
— STATEMENT FROM BURT MINOR, Candidate, 42nd House District
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/22/gop-township-chairman-alleged-to-have-directed-racist-homophobic-remarks-at-black-female-gop-candidate/
(THE STATEMENT: Last October, I met with Erika Harold in my capacity as Winfield Township Republican Chairman, at her request, to discuss the challenges she might face in her campaign for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. Our meeting has been greatly misrepresented. Not all Republican voters are comfortable discussing issues of race and sexual orientation. I wish it were different, but it is a reality those of us active in the Republican Party’s leadership confront, not infrequently. My discussion with Erika was an attempt to point out this unfortunate reality, it was in no way meant to be offensive. I honestly left our meeting unaware that our conversation might have made Erika uncomfortable. My apologies to Erika if she was in any way offended. Erika is a great candidate who has a bright future in the Republican Party. Throughout my 23 years in the military, I worked alongside people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. We worked together to get the job done, and that is the way it should be. Period. Ironically, at the 2016 Illinois Republican State Convention I was vilified for defending fellow Republicans who were advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant Illinois Republican Party Platform. I was also upset with Gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives recent television advertisement. Interestingly, many of the individuals criticizing me over this misunderstanding remain silent about that disgustingly provocative television ad. The hypocrisy is stunning. Peter Breen and Kevin Fitzpatrick, who are attempting to capitalize on this misunderstanding for the benefit of one of my opponents, tried to bribe me months ago with the offer of a government job if I were to get out of this race. They told me that they wanted another candidate to win because Peter Breen would be able to control her. When I declined the offer, they said they would support my daughter if she were ever to run for higher office. This morning, when Peter sent his letter to the media he attempted to follow through on a promise to destroy my reputation. I completely understand the fierce reaction this misunderstanding has generated, but I wish those who rushed to judgment would have gotten all the facts first. I intend to discuss those facts and the many issues of importance to the residents of Illinois’ 42nd District in the days leading up to Election Day. So there is no further misunderstanding, let me be clear, I believe there is no place for racism or intolerance in the Republican Party and the State of Illinois.)
— Harold speaks to Sun-Times *** Schneider, Ives, Rauner campaign, Durkin call on Minor to withdraw *** GOP township chairman alleged to have directed racist, homophobic remarks at black female GOP candidate
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/22/gop-township-chairman-alleged-to-have-directed-racist-homophobic-remarks-at-black-female-gop-candidate/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Illinois GOP contender Burt Minor called AG candidate racial, gay slurs, colleagues say – NATASHA KORECKI
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/22/illinois-republican-attorney-general-candidate-racial-slur-421732
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A Republican candidate for the Illinois state Legislature is under fire by his own party amid allegations that he asked an African American attorney general candidate if she were a “lesbo,” and used the N-word during a conversation with her. Now, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois’ Republican House floor leader, Peter Breen, are calling for the candidate, Burt Minor, to drop out of a race for state representative. “He’s not fit to be a Republican nominee for office, especially not the General Assembly,” Breen told POLITICO. “His conduct was outrageous.” At issue is a conversation that took place last fall between Minor and Republican attorney general candidate Erika Harold. Harold, the party-backed candidate for the GOP, who is also a Harvard Law graduate and former Miss America, was talking to Minor in his capacity as a Winfield Township chairman. “[Minor] asked Ms. Harold personal questions about her marital status, and even her sexual orientation, going so far as to inquire whether she was a ‘lesbo,’ Breen wrote in a letter to other Republicans this morning. “The chairman also used the full n-word repeatedly in front of Ms. Harold and her assistant, asking whether she found its usage offensive.” Breen told POLITICO that in a meeting with Minor, he admitted to using the N-word and had “tried to explain it away, saying that she wanted him to ask the question so she could get it on the record, which is obviously absurd.” The Harold campaign confirmed to POLITICO that the conversation did occur. According to the campaign, Minor asked Harold: “Are you a lesbo?” and she replied: “No, and that’s offensive.” The campaign also confirmed he used the N-word multiple times and she told him that was offensive. “Erika found it offensive and said it was offensive at the time,” her spokesman Jason Heffley said. Minor is running for the 42nd District state representative seat that is being vacated by Jeanne Ives, who is challenging Rauner in the March 20 primary. Also running in the primary is DuPage County Board member Amy Grant and Ryne Byrne. Minor did not respond to a request for comment from POLITICO today. But in a recent interview with POLITICO, Minor adamantly denied using the word “lesbo” or the N-word. “Absolutely not. No, no. I talked with Erika last night, in fact. We’re friends, we support and respect each other,” he told POLITICO. “There was never any inappropriate [conversation]. That word never came out of my mouth and it wouldn’t.” Another lawmaker, state Rep. Mark Batinick, said he was pushing for Minor’s removal from the ticket. “A few weeks ago, I became aware of very troubling statements made by township chairman Burt Minor who is a Republican State Representative candidate. I have since had those statements confirmed by multiple sources and have been working with party officials in an attempt to remove him from the race. It is my understanding that those attempts have been futile. This sort of conduct does not belong in our party and will not be tolerated. He needs to immediately withdraw,” Batinick said. Rauner’s campaign said Thursday that Minor should drop out. “Erika Harold is a star attorney and candidate who is a bright part of the future of the Republican Party of Illinois,” said Rauner campaign spokesman Will Allison. “Burt Minor’s racist and demeaning language has no place in the GOP or our society. He should drop out of the race.”)

THE HILL
— Illinois GOP candidate Burt Minor pushed to drop out for allegedly using racial, gay slurs – AVERY ANAPOL
http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/375107-illinois-gop-candidate-urged-drop-out-of-race-for-allegedly-using-racial

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives Calls on Minor to Withdraw from State House Race
https://mailchi.mp/95dbd272a1b9/ives-calls-on-minor-to-withdraw-from-state-house-race
(FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT: Conservative reform Republican candidate for governor Jeanne Ives released the following statement following revelations about Burt Minor, a Republican candidate for the state legislative seat she currently holds. Based on the letter from my colleague Rep. Peter Breen and the corroboration of the accusations against Burt Minor, I join my colleagues in calling for Mr. Minor to withdraw from the primary election to be the nominee for the seat I currently hold. Mr. Minor’s alleged comments are inexcusable, indefensible and disqualifying. For more information or to book Jeanne Ives, contact Kathleen Murphy at 630-329-4680 or kathleenemurphy26@gmail.com.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Erika Harold to House candidate Burt Minor: Drop out for using n-word, lesbian slur – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/ag-hopeful-harold-to-house-candidate-drop-out-for-using-n-word-lesbo-slurs/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Harold — a Harvard Law graduate and former Miss America — said it happened in early October as she was meeting with various people in DuPage County to introduce herself and get advice about how to campaign in the county. “We had a meeting with [Winfield Township Republican Chairman] Burt Minor, and during the course of the conversation he asked me if I had children. I said no. He asked me if I was married. I said no. He then asked me if I had ever been married. I said no. And then he said. ‘Well then are you a lesbo?’” Harold said she told him no. “But then I also made it clear that someone’s sexual orientation should not be used to disqualify them for running for office,” Harold said. Harold said Minor seemed “surprised” that she was standing up for herself. Within the same conversation, Minor also asked Harold whether it was ever appropriate to use the n-word, “but he said the full word,” she said. “I haven’t heard anyone use that word in a very long time, and I told him it was inappropriate for anyone to say that,” Harold said, adding he used the word “about three or four times and did not apologize for doing so.” Harold said she discussed the incident with fellow Republicans at the time, but did not go public because Minor was not running for office.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois attorney general candidate Erika Harold says DuPage Republican official Burt Minor used N-word, asked if she was a ‘lesbo’ – Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-erika-harold-republican-racism-sexual-orientation-20180222-story.html
— Endorsements for the Illinois Senate
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-illinois-senate-endorsements-elections-20180218-story.html
— Disney workers accuse company of withholding their Trump tax cut bonuses – Danielle Paquette
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-disney-workers-bonuses-20180222-story.html
— Gov. Rauner drinks chocolate milk to demonstrate his commitment to diversity – Kim Janssen (DIERSEN: If you would ask my Democrat superiors in the federal government what demonstrates their commitment to diversity, a) my Democrat GAO superiors should respond that they forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980; b) my Democrat IRS superiors should respond that they did not promote me beyond GS-12, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, got rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974; and c) my Democrat Post Office superiors should respond that they forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-rauner-chocolate-milk-0223-chicago-inc-20180222-story.html
— After Gov. Rauner’s chocolate milk incident, a handy guide to beverage politics – Steve Johnson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-ent-rauner-chocolate-milk-beverage-politics-0224-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Breen: Minor used sexist, racist language during meeting – Burt Constable
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180222/lawmaker-candidate-used-sexist-racist-language-during-meeting
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republican State Rep. Peter Breen is emailing party members asking them to withdraw support for Winfield Township Republican Chairman Burt Minor in the GOP primary for the 42nd Illinois House District because of comments Breen calls “outrageous,” sexist and racist. During a Republican Party meeting months ago between Minor and Erika Harold, 37, a candidate for Illinois attorney general, Minor “asked Ms. Harold personal questions about her marital status, and even her sexual orientation,” including asking whether she was a lesbian, said Breen, the Republican House floor leader who lives in Lombard and represents the 48th District. “The chairman also used the full N-word repeatedly in front of Ms. Harold and her assistant, asking whether she found its usage offensive.” Minor, 58, did not respond Thursday to requests for comment, but Harold spokesman Jason Heffley confirmed Minor’s choice of words.)
— Twitter suspends thousands of suspected bots, angering Trump boosters – Eli Rosenberg
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180222/twitter-suspends-thousands-of-suspected-bots-angering-trump-boosters

WHEATON PATCH
— State GOP Candidate Allegedly Used Racial Slur Against AG Hopeful State GOP candidate Burt Minor allegedly asked Harold if she was a “lesbo.” – Lisa Marie Farver
https://patch.com/illinois/wheaton/state-gop-candidate-allegedly-used-racial-slur-against-ag-hopeful

NBC5
— Bruce Rauner’s $95 Million Campaign – Carol Marin and Don Moseley
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Bruce-Rauners-95-Million-Campaign-474892873.html

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Rauner aims to hit Ives—but undermines his integrity – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180222/NEWS02/180229943/rauner-aims-to-hit-ives-but-undermines-his-integrity

JOURNAL TOPICS
— Elk Grove Township Republicans Back Ives, Corrigan, Bernas, Studenroth – Tom Robb
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/elk-grove-township-republicans-back-ives-corrigan-bernas-studenroth/

HERALD & REVIEW
— More Democrats want probe into misconduct at Madigan offices – AP
http://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/more-democrats-want-probe-into-misconduct-at-madigan-offices/article_768ede6a-1d0b-55f2-8792-a1b1a339db59.html

LINCOLN COURIER
— Recreational marijuana ballot question clears committee – Brenden Moore (DIERSEN If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
http://www.lincolncourier.com/news/20180221/recreational-marijuana-ballot-question-clears-committee

WQLZ
— Seven Republicans Calling on Rauner to Stop Misrepresenting Ives
http://www.wqlz.com/2018/02/22/seven-republicans-calling-on-rauner-to-stop-misrepresenting-ives/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Governor Rauner comments on Florida shooting – Breanna Lea
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/governor-rauner-comments-on-florida-shooting/987301661

WAND TV
— Pot legalization question to appear on ballot (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
http://www.wandtv.com/story/37562424/pot-legalization-question-to-appear-on-ballot

SUBURBAN CHICAGOLAND
— Liz Gorman named as new Illinois Tollway director
https://suburbanchicagoland.com/2018/02/22/liz-gorman-new-illinois-tollway-director/

CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— Can the Parkland Teens Organize a Political Movement? Sure, Just Look at Chicago Survivors of last week’s deadly shooting have taken the lead on political activism in its wake. It’s surprised a lot of adults, but they have plenty of company, now and in the past. – WHET MOSER (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries will support this movement? ANSWER: Those that 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.)
http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/January-2018/Can-the-Parkland-Teens-Organize-a-Political-Movement-Sure-Just-Look-at-Chicago/

UPSTREAM IDEAS
— Ives: Nobody Trusts Rauner
http://upstream-ideas.com/upstream-ideas/ideas/ives-nobody-trusts-rauner

MORNING ANSWER
— Illinois State Representative Jeanne Ives
http://morninganswerchicago.com/2018/02/22/illinois-state-representative-jeanne-ives-2/

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Paying married Rauner staffers with state, political funds ‘blurs important line,’ reform group director says – W.J. Kennedy
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511348321-paying-married-rauner-staffers-with-state-political-funds-blurs-important-line-reform-group-director-says

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Lawmakers move ahead with advisory referendum on recreational marijuana – Cole Lauterbach (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/lawmakers-move-ahead-with-advisory-referendum-on-recreational-marijuana/article_52a3652c-1795-11e8-a9d2-876afbe4c29e.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Trump Mocks School Gun Free Zones, Urges “Hardened” Schools, Armed Trained Teachers
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/22/trump-mocks-school-gun-free-zones-urges-hardened-schools-armed-trained-teachers/

BLAZE
— Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner chose a very awkward way to show his commitment to diversity – Aaron Colen
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/22/illinois-gov-bruce-rauner-chose-a-very-awkward-way-to-show-his-commitment-to-diversity

DAILY CALLER
— Illinois Gov Drinks Chocolate Milk To Show How Much He Loves Diversity – Amber Randall
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/22/illinois-governor-rauner-chocolate-milk-diversity/

FOX NEWS
— VP Mike Pence at CPAC: ‘Make No Mistake, We’re Going to Build That Wall’
http://insider.foxnews.com/2018/02/22/mike-pence-cpac-make-no-mistake-were-going-build-wall

GOPUSA
— While Trump Listens, CNN Pushes ‘Scripted,’ Agenda-Driven Townhall
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40020
— Parkland shooting survivor slams media for ‘politicizing this tragedy’
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39956
— Gun control groups, leftist leaders behind ‘student-led’ protests
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39951

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— Twitter’s War On Conservatives – George Rasley
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/27452

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Illinois governor drinks chocolate milk to show he’s committed to diversity – Caitlin Yilek
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/illinois-governor-drinks-chocolate-milk-to-show-hes-committed-to-diversity/article/2649768

POLITICO
— At CPAC, NRA chief LaPierre singles out Democrats for politicizing school shooting – CRISTIANO LIMA
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/22/wayne-lapierre-cpac-2018-421685

WASHINGTON POST
— Illinois governor toasts diversity — with chocolate milk – Marwa Eltagouri
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/02/22/illinois-governor-toasts-diversity-with-chocolate-milk/?utm_term=.b5da5640406a

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Officer at Florida School Waited Outside Instead of Confronting Shooter, Sheriff Says Deputy should have ‘addressed the killer, killed the killer,’ Sheriff Scott Israel says – Jon Kamp
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officer-at-florida-school-waited-outside-instead-of-confronting-shooter-sheriff-says-1519341298
— Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens Indicted for Invasion of Privacy Former Navy SEAL accused of taking photos of his mistress to conceal relationship – Shayndi Raice
https://www.wsj.com/articles/grand-jury-indicts-missouri-governor-for-felony-invasion-of-privacy-1519339306?mod=djemalertNEWS

NEWSWEEK
— ILLINOIS GOVERNOR DRINKS CHOCOLATE MILK TO SHOW DIVERSITY IS ‘REALLY GOOD’ – GREG PRICE (DIERSEN: If you would ask my Democrat superiors in the federal government what demonstrates their commitment to diversity, a) my Democrat GAO superiors should respond that they forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980; b) my Democrat IRS superiors should respond that they did not promote me beyond GS-12, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, got rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974; and c) my Democrat Post Office superiors should respond that they forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
http://www.newsweek.com/illinois-governor-chocolate-milk-video-816911
— AN EDGIER CPAC REFLECTS FRACTURES ON THE RIGHT – ALEXANDER NAZARYAN
http://www.newsweek.com/edgier-cpac-reflects-fractures-right-816407

ATLANTIC
— A Retirement-Savings Crisis Is Creating Lives of Never-Ending Work The predicament of many seniors is a worrying preview of what could befall millions in the coming decades. – ALANA SEMUELS
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/02/pensions-safety-net-california/553970/

COLDWELL BANKER
— FOR SALE: 408 West Elm Street, Wheaton – $399,000
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/il/wheaton/408-west-elm-street/pid_23115785/

February 21 Morning Edition

NBC5
— Questions Surface About Madigan’s ‘Independent’ Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Madigan announced Friday that his political organization had retained an “independent counsel” in Kelly Smith-Haley, of Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll, LLP. – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/questions-surface-about-madigans-independent-investigation-into-sexual-harassment-allegations-474642713.html

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Biss demands Speaker Madigan resign as chairman of Illinois Democratic party – Mike Flannery
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/democrats-republicans-call-for-speaker-madigans-resignation

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Ex-wife of Elgin man behind basement homeless shelter calls donations ‘sickening’ as thousands owed in child support – Janelle Walker
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/news/ct-ecn-homeless-child-support-st-0221-20180220-story.html
— Report of 4th recent Legionnaires’ case at veterans home comes soon after Democrats call for more action – Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-legionnaires-quincy-20180220-story.html
— LGBTQ health care: How to get what you need as concerns rise over new division at HHS – Bill Daley (DIERSEN: To engage in LGBTQ activity is to dramatically increase your risk of having health problems.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-fam-lgbtq-health-care-0220-story.html
— Cities like Detroit, Philadelphia pitching diversity in efforts to lure Amazon, other tech firms – Corey Williams (DIERSEN: To promote diversity is to get rid of those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-cities-diversity-tech-jobs-20180219-story.html
— FRONT PAGE: SIU chancellor, facing probes for hiring family and qualms about his leadership, repays school for daughter’s move – Dawn Rhodes
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-southern-illinois-university-chancellor-controversy-20180215-story.html
— Ex-Chicago weatherman Jerry Taft heads for warmer climes, drives for Uber in retirement – Kim Janssen (DIERSEN: It is sad that Taft has not found something to do in his retirement that makes use of what he learned during his career. Each and every day, I use what I learned working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325, and what I learned working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880, as I put GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and send them out. In addition, I use what I have learned as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999 and as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000 and what I learned as an Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Convention Delegate in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, an IRP Platform and Resolutions Committee Member in 2008, a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, a Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-jerry-taft-0221-chicago-inc-20180220-story.html
— After Florida, politics and the clash of death cultures – John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-florida-shooting-politics-john-kass-20180220-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: In a front page top of fold editorial with a big color picture unethically made to look like a news article, Democrats use Florida students to promote more gun control.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-florida-students-gun-law-change-20180219-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: In a front page top of fold editorial in the Naperville Sun unethically made to look like a news article, Democrats use Naperville high school students to promote more gun control.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-naperville-school-shooting-reactions-st-0221-20180220-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ENDORSEMENT: Bruce Rauner for governor in the Republican primary (DIERSEN: The Chicago Sun-Times rejects many planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform, including its traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks. The Chicago Sun-Times promotes LGBTQ activity, abortion, and mass/illegal immigration.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/endorsement-bruce-rauner-for-governor-in-the-republican-primary-jeanne-ives/
— Sen. William Haine rips Rauner on Legionnaires’ response at Quincy veterans home – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/lawmaker-rips-rauner-on-legionnaires-response-at-vets-home/
— ‘Velvet Hammer’ Mike Madigan getting nailed — by more and more fellow Democrats – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/dem-seeks-independent-probe-of-madigan-organizations-culture-of-harassment/
— New job title for ex-weatherman Jerry Taft: Uber driver – Mitch Dudek (DIERSEN: It is sad that Taft has not found something to do in his retirement that makes use of what he learned during his career. Each and every day, I use what I learned working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325, and what I learned working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880, as I put GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and send them out. In addition, I use what I have learned as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999 and as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000 and what I learned as an Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Convention Delegate in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, an IRP Platform and Resolutions Committee Member in 2008, a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, a Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/new-job-title-for-ex-weatherman-jerry-taft-uber-driver/

DAILY HERALD
— Endorsement: Minor for GOP in state House Dist. 42 (DIERSEN: Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform. For you, which factors are most important in deciding which candidate to vote for in a contested Republican primary? For me, it has always been which candidate could and would do the best job of defending and advancing all the planks in the Republican Party and the Illinois Republican Party platforms, especially their traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks. All of my critics/opponents reject one or more of the aforesaid planks and/or promote booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and/or diminution of First and Second Amendment rights.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/endorsement-minor-for-gop-in-state-house-dist-42
— Endorsement: Stella for GOP nomination to Congress from Dist. 11
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/endorsement-stella-for-gop-nomination-to-congress-from-dist-11
— Wheaton council denies plans for addiction treatment center – Katlyn Smith
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180220/wheaton-council-denies-plans-for-addiction-treatment-center
— Madigan’s 3-D strategy (Delay. Deflect. Defer.) put to the test in latest harassment scandal – Dan McCaleb
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/madigans-3-d-strategy-put-to-the-test-in-latest-harassment-scandal
— Rev. Billy Graham, famed evangelist with legacy in the suburbs, dies at 99 – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180221/rev-billy-graham-famed-evangelist-with-legacy-in-the-suburbs-dies-at-99—-
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Graham helped create the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College in 1980. The center is a collaboration of the college and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.)
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use high school students and others to promote more gun control.
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180220/schaumburg-high-students-plan-to-take-part-in-national-walkout-wednesday
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180221/arlington-hts-gun-control-advocates-turn-lobbying-efforts-to-local-mayors

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Ives defends ‘edgy’ campaign ads: ‘I stand by it’ (DIERSEN: Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform. Rauner and his supporters reject the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and many other planks in the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) platform. Therefore, to vote for Rauner is to vote to destroy the IRP. Of course, RINOs will vote for Rauner, but how many Democrats, Libertarians, and Greens will cast Republican primary ballots to vote for Rauner?)
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/20/gubernatorial-candidate-jeanne-ives-defends-edgy-campaign-ads-i-stand-by-it/afupkky/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Illinois Democrats, tell Madigan to step aside – Editorial
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180220/our-view-illinois-democrats-tell-madigan-to-step-aside
— Rauner’s budget proposal fails our schoolchildren – Ralph Martire
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180220/ralph-martire-rauners-budget-proposal-fails-our-schoolchildren
— Trump proposal to change SNAP program attracts criticism – Dean Olsen
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180220/trump-proposal-to-change-snap-program-attracts-criticism

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— 3 Libertarians think they’re better choices for governor – Tom Kacich (DIERSEN: Overwhelmingly, Libertarians falsely claim to be Republican. I should write a book about Libertarians in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who falsely claim to be Republican. They focus on getting rid of Republicans like me who oppose promoting LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, etc.)
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2018-02-21/tom-kacich-3-libertarians-think-theyre-better-choices-governor.html

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Ives won’t abandon voters – Jeffrey H. Rice, Rock Island (DIERSEN: I should write a book about “Republican” elected officials in Illinois who have abandoned Republican voters. Most commonly, these Democrat plants, Libertarian plants, Green plants, and RINOs abandon the traditional family, right to life, immigration, illegal drugs, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race of gender based preference giving) planks in the Republican Party platform and the Illinois Republican Party platform. Far too often they promote dependency on government, dependency on charity, LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, more gun control, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and even worse things.)
http://qctimes.com/opinion/letters/letter-ives-won-t-abandon-voters/article_f5b912e2-baac-5ede-80eb-61431d2fb12d.html

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— Duckworth promises help getting federal dollars for Veterans Home – Doug Wilson (DIERSEN: Did you enlist? How soon, if not already, will Duckworth demonize, denigrate, and condemn Rauner for not being a veteran? Like Trump and I, Rauner could have enlisted, but none of us did. Ever-increasingly, Duckworth takes the lead in slandering Republicans who are White, male, older, Protestant, German-American, non-poor, non-veteran, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Duckworth’s demographics give her standing to sander and destroy any individual, any organization, any company, any government, or any country that she wants to sander and destroy.)
http://www.whig.com/20180220/duckworth-promises-help-getting-federal-dollars-for-quincy-veterans-home#//
— Veterans Home hearing cut short after Rauner administration officials fail to show – Edward Husar
http://www.whig.com/20180220/veterans-home-hearing-cut-short-after-rauner-administration-officials-fail-to-show#//

PEORIA STANDARD
— Ives taking her campaign message to Peoria – Glenn Minnis
https://peoriastandard.com/stories/511347911-ives-taking-her-campaign-message-to-peoria

GALESBURG REGISTER MAIL
— Biss touts progressive income tax at Knox event – Rebecca Susmarski (DIERSEN: Who wants you to pay more taxes and what logic do they use? I should write a book about those in my precinct, in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who want me to pay more taxes. They hint/imply/argue/shout that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, that I have always been privileged, that the federal government grossly overpaid me, and that my federal retirement benefits are much too generous. They stress that my parents had me baptized as a Missouri Synod Lutheran (MSL), raised me as a MSL, and had me confirmed as a MSL. They stress that I have good health, that I avoided the draft, and that I am White, male, German-American, and my ancestors have been in America since the 1840s. They stress the new cars and collector cars that I own and have owned, the real estate that I bought, the money that I spent on tuition and books to earn master’s degrees and professional certifications, and the money that I saved for retirement. They stress that my wife and I gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents.)
http://www.galesburg.com/news/20180220/biss-touts-progressive-income-tax-at-knox-event

LOYOLA PHOENIX
— Loyola Students Register to Vote as March Primary Elections Approach – Jane Miller (DIERSEN: Democrats focus on groups that they have success in manipulating/dominating. Democrats focus on younger people, minorities, females, those who have less money than others, those who have health problems, recent immigrants, unmarried people, LGBTQ people, those who are anti-Protestant, those who are anti-German American, those who do not want others to own guns, etc.)
http://loyolaphoenix.com/2018/02/loyola-students-register-vote-march-primary-elections-approach/

ILLINOIS HOMEPAGE
— Gun control measures filed in state legislature Bans proposed on assault weapons, “ghost guns” – Mark Maxwell
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/gun-control-measures-filed-in-state-legislature/984267293

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Calls for investigations, new leadership, rock Democratic Party of Illinois following harassment scandal – Greg Bishop (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, Bruce Rauner owns the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) lock, stock, and barrel. Rauner can use the IRP to destroy any Republican individual, any Republican organization, any Republican company, any Republican government, any Republican activist, any Republican candidate, any Republican elected official, any Republican party leader, any Republican major donor, any political consultant, any Republican journalist, any Republican reporter, any Republican etc. that he wants to.)
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/calls-for-investigations-new-leadership-rock-democratic-party-of-illinois/article_a978e2ce-1686-11e8-aace-235810769b02.html

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— AG: Maine Township repeatedly violated Open Meetings Act – KIRK ALLEN
http://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2018/02/ag-maine-township-repeatedly-violated-open-meetings-act/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— New Jeanne Ives for Governor Ad Highlights Leftist Personal PAC’s Support of Rauner – John Biver
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/02/new-jeanne-ives-for-governor-ad-highlights-leftist-personal-pacs-support-of-rauner/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Sports Illustrated Strippers – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamily.org/pornography/sports-illustrated-strippers/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— DELAWARE PROPOSAL WOULD ALLOW 5 YEAR OLDS TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN RACE AND GENDER
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/delaware-proposal-would-allow-children-to-choose-own-race-and-gender.html
— ANTIFA GROUPS SUPPORT UNIV. OF IL URBANA-CHAMPAIGN INSTRUCTOR WHO PUNCHED TRUMP SUPPORTER
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/antifa-groups-support-univ-of-il-urbana-champaign-instructor-who-punched-trump-supporter.html

GOPUSA
— Health history of accused Florida shooter shows failure of government agencies
http://www.gopusa.com/health-history-of-accused-florida-shooter-shows-failure-of-government-agencies/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump’s base warms to Ted Cruz after president’s amnesty ‘betrayal’ – S.A. Miller
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/20/ted-cruz-stock-rises-trump-base-after-amnesty-betr/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— White House plans to flood the CPAC zone – Sarah Westwood
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/white-house-plans-to-flood-the-cpac-zone/article/2649592

DAILY CALLER
— Pelosi Heckled At Town Hall: ‘How Much Are You Worth, Nancy?’ – Christian Datoc (DIERSEN: Usually, Democrats only demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans as being rich.)
http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/20/pelosi-heckled-at-town-hall-how-much-are-you-worth-nancy/

WORLD NET DAILY
— CPAC BENDS OVER FOR ‘LGBT’ BULLIES Exclusive: Linda Harvey asks, when did a ‘gay’ identity become a conservative value?
http://mobile.wnd.com/2018/02/cpac-bends-over-for-lgbt-bullies/

FOX NEWS CHANNEL
— Why are the salaries of a quarter-million federal employees – paid with your tax dollars – a state secret? – Adam Andrzejewski (DIERSEN: Federal employees have always been viciously demonized, viciously denigrated, and viciously condemned as being overpaid. I was a federal employee for almost 30 years. In my defense, I earned a) a job-related bachelor’s degree when I was 21 and job-related master’s degrees when I was 27, 31, and 48, b) job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and c) a job-related professional license when I was 32.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/21/why-are-salaries-quarter-million-federal-employees-paid-with-your-tax-dollars-state-secret.html

POLITICO
— Insurgents jolt Illinois governor’s race Long-shot challengers turn Democratic and Republican primaries upside down. – NATASHA KORECKI and DANIEL STRAUSS (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, anti-conservatives use Pat Brady to demonize, to denigrate, and to condemn conservatives, that is, to demonize, to denigrate, and to condemn the base of the Illinois Republican Party.)
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/21/illinois-governor-rauner-pritzker-417898
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “You cannot lose your base and think you’re going to be elected,” said state Rep. Jeanne Ives, who is tapping into conservative unrest surrounding Rauner after he signed a bill expanding taxpayer funding of abortion. “He’s politically tone deaf if he doesn’t understand that the base will not elect him.” A recent poll from the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling showed even Donald Trump is more popular in the blue state than the Republican governor. While the survey showed 37 percent of Illinois voters held a favorable opinion of Trump and 58 percent gave him an unfavorable rating, Rauner’s favorable rating stood at only 26 percent — with a 63 percent unfavorable rating. Ives still has a ways to go, however: A January poll showed Rauner leading Ives by 40 points, though Ives points out that it was taken before she began an ad campaign that has driven up her name ID. Rauner’s first term has been beset by turmoil, from staff turnover to his handling of a Legionnaire’s disease outbreak at a state-run veterans facility. The controversy surrounding the outbreak grew so intense — in all, 13 veterans died due to the illness — Rauner checked into the facility for a week, declaring the state had a handle on it when he left. But four new cases emerged since last week. And a veteran whom Rauner invited as a guest to the State of the State address later tested positive for the bacteria. With Rauner’s attention trained elsewhere — and on Pritzker — the little-known Ives quietly gained momentum, tapping into party loyalists angered over Rauner’s signature on a bill expanding taxpayer funding of abortion. She collected scattered local endorsements and delivered a dominating performance at a live-streamed newspaper debate. Then came a difference-making contribution: conservative millionaire donor Dick Uihlein gave $2.5 million to Ives, allowing her to air TV ads attacking the governor. And in addition to support from Uihlein, she has received contributions from Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey, Otto Engineering’s Tom Roeser and Huizenga Capital’s Peter Huizenga. Dan Proft, an Ives campaign strategist who once supported Rauner, expects the GOP base to come through for Ives. “We are continuing to raise money from small donors, more than 1,000 such donors in the past four weeks, as well as individuals with more means who can write five- and six-figure checks,” Proft said in an email. “Ives will not only compete but she will [bring] the upset if we are able to get to the threshold resources needed to introduce herself, expose the real Rauner record on both moral and fiscal issues to the 800,000 GOP primary voters, 80% of whom self-identify as conservative. That is a work in progress.” Pat Brady, a former state Republican Party chairman, insisted that conservative primary challenges in Illinois are nothing new, and called Ives a “longshot” whose positions are well outside the party mainstream. He pointed to an Ives ad that was so controversial that some of the most conservative members of the GOP called on her to take it down. “There’s always a protest candidate,” said Brady, a Rauner supporter. “They always get a certain number [of votes], but she’s kind of shot herself early on with the racist ad and some of the positions she’s taken.” Ives’ stances might even be too hardline for the Republican Governors Association to support her in a state like Illinois — the RGA, whose policy is to support incumbents, would likely not play in the general election if Rauner loses, according to an operative close to the organization. “Rep. Ives is simply unelectable,” said Rauner campaign spokesman Will Allison. “Governor Rauner has a plan to cut taxes and reform government, and that’s why he will win this primary and defeat J.B. Pritzker in November.”)
— Behind the minimum wage fight, a sweeping failure to enforce the law Raising hourly pay is a rallying cry for 2018, but states often fail to get workers the money that’s owed them. – MARIANNE LEVINE
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/18/minimum-wage-not-enforced-investigation-409644
— What Happens When Your Town Lands on the Hate Map You freak out. You try and clear your name. You get nowhere. – TONY REHAGEN (DIERSEN: Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs have given the Southern Poverty Law Center the power to destroy any individual, any organization (like TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois), any company, any government, and any country that does not promote LGBTQ activity.)
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/02/21/splc-hate-map-gurnee-illinois-217036

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: DIERSEN HEADLINE: In a front page top of fold editorial with a big color picture unethically made to look like a news article, Democrats use teenagers to promote more gun control.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/us/parkland-students-shooting-florida.html
— Billy Graham, 99, Dies; Pastor Filled Stadiums and Counseled Presidents – Laurie Goodstein
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/obituaries/billy-graham-dead.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: After graduating from the Bible Institute, Mr. Graham went to Wheaton College in Illinois, among the nation’s most respected evangelical colleges. At Wheaton, from which he received a degree in anthropology in 1943, he met Ruth McCue Bell, a fellow student whose father was Dr. L. Nelson Bell, a prominent Presbyterian missionary surgeon who had spent many years in China.)
— Tax Overhaul Gains Public Support, Buoying Republicans – Ben Casselman and Jim Tankersley (DIERSEN: What about those like my wife and I who continue to pay the marriage penalty big time? What about those like my wife and I who pay more than $10,000 a year in SALT taxes, have lots of medical and dental expenses, and give money to 501(c)(3) organizations?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/19/business/economy/tax-overhaul-survey.html
— How to Monitor Fake News A software technique could help oversee the spread of disinformation. – Tom Wheeler
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/opinion/monitor-fake-news.html
— FRONT PAGE: On Social Media, Lax Enforcement Lets Impostor Accounts Thrive – Nicholas Confessore and Gabriel J.X. Dance
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/technology/social-media-impostor-accounts.html

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-conservative says “Trump to cavort with LaPierre, NRA pals at annual right-wing lovefest.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-nra-pals-cavort-annual-right-wing-lovefest-article-1.3832761

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Better Background Gun Checks One way to help keep guns from the ill and dangerous. – Editorial
https://www.wsj.com/articles/better-background-gun-checks-1519170972

USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: How common is sexual misconduct in Hollywood? A USA TODAY SURVEY OF 843 WOMEN IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUND 94% SAY THEY’VE EXPERIENCED HARASSMENT OR ASSAULT. – Maria Puente and Cara Kelly (DIERSEN: Democrats run Hollywood.)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/02/20/how-common-sexual-misconduct-hollywood/1083964001/

DETROIT METRO TIMES
— Under Trump, a growing number of metro Detroit millennials are turning to socialism A budding force – Violet Ikonomova
https://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/under-trump-a-growing-number-of-metro-detroit-millennials-are-turning-to-socialism/Content

VANITY FAIR
— “LESS INTELLECTUAL AND MORE SALACIOUS”: COMMERCIALIZED, TRUMPIFIED, CPAC IS ADRIFT With American conservatism currently a one-man show, no wonder the right’s most important conference is not drawing the way it did in the Obama years. – TINA NGUYEN
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/02/commercialized-trumpified-cpac-is-adrift

February 19 Morning Edition

CBS2
— Thousands In Chicago Protest Gun Laws Following Florida Shooting (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Why don’t they protest the root causes of crime? ANSWER: They are Democrats.)
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/18/gun-laws-protest-chicago/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Thousands march in Chicago to demand gun reform (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Why don’t they march against the root causes of crime? ANSWER: They are Democrats.)
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/thousands-march-in-chicago-to-demand-gun-reform

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Survivors of deadly school shooting lash out at Trump – AP (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Why don’t they lash out at the root causes of crime? ANSWER: They are Democrats.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/survivors-of-deadly-school-shooting-lash-out-at-trump/
— Marchers demand better gun-control measures in wake of Florida school shooting – Rachel Hinton (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Why don’t they march against the root causes of crime? ANSWER: They are Democrats.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/florida-school-shooting-gun-control-march-chicago/
— EPA head expenses nearly $200,000 in travel over 6 months – AP (DIERSEN: If I sought a government or political office, my critics/opponents would have their operatives and their dupes obtain all the travel vouchers that I submitted while I worked for GAO 1980-1997, for IRS 1971-1980, and for the Post Office 1966-1969. They would stress the partial day per diem requests I submitted in 1974. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/products/463866 They would stress that the Park Forest Post Office approved my mileage reimbursement requests that I submitted a) in 1966 and 1967 for using my 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint to deliver mail, b) in 1968 for using my 1968 Oldsmobile 442 to deliver mail, and c) in 1969 for using my 1969 Dodge Charger SE to deliver mail.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/epa-head-expenses-nearly-200000-in-travel-over-6-months/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Group of 5 men robbing people in Loop subway pedestrian tunnels, police say – Liam Ford
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-loop-subway-robberies-photos-20180218-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Naperville gearing up for start of special census – Marie Wilson (DIERSEN: Who encourages or discourages people from moving to and/or staying in your precinct, your municipality, your township/ward, your county, and Illinois? I should write a book about individuals, organizations, companies, and governments that a) encourage Democrats and b) discourage Republicans from moving to and/or staying in my precinct, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180219/naperville-gearing-up-for-start-of-special-census
— FRONT PAGE WITH COLOR PHOTO OF TRUMP: HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: Survivors lash out at president – AP (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Why don’t they lash out against the root causes of crime? ANSWER: They are Democrats.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180218/news/302189966/
— Wheaton vigil honors Florida shooting victims
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180218/wheaton-vigil-honors-florida-shooting-victims

WGN TV
— Illinois Senate Republican leader Bill Brady talks budget, Republican politics in this election year. – TOM HUSH
http://wgnradio.com/2018/02/18/illinois-senate-republican-leader-bill-brady-talks-budget-republican-politics-in-this-election-year/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— After-school programs on chopping block again – Jason Nevel (DIERSEN: How much money did your father earn when you were in grade school? Because my father earned enough money a) that he could send me to Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Crete 1953-1961 and then to Hope Lutheran Grade School in Park Forest 1961-1962 to stay with the Missouri Synod and b) that my mother could stay home and raise me, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always viciously demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as a) having been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, b) having always been privileged, and c) having always been undeservedly filthy rich. My outstanding father never earned more than about $45,000/year in today’s dollars.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180218/after-school-programs-on-chopping-block-again

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Democratic primary for Peoria County auditor features political newcomers – Matt Buedel (DIERSEN: Who paints you as being a newcomer? My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois continue to paint me as being a newcomer even though I have lived in my precinct since 1984, in Wheaton, Milton Township, and DuPage County since 1978, and in Illinois since 1948. They stress that unlike me, they were born and raised in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, and/or DuPage County, that they attended grade school and high school there, that they attended churches there, that they raised children there, etc. They viciously demonize, denigrate, and condemn my hometown of Crete where I lived 1948-1972, where my ancestors have lived since 1854, and where my brother continues to live in a home that my grandfather had built in 1926 on land his grandfather bought in 1864.)
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180218/democratic-primary-for-peoria-county-auditor-features-political-newcomers
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rotherham, 35, is a certified public accountant who has a decade of experience auditing government entities, private businesses and financial institutions — first at accounting firm Clifton Gunderson and later at her father’s firm, Rotherham & Company. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois, which at the time had the top ranked accounting program in the nation. “A licensed CPA is important because that credential is a symbol of trust and professionalism in the business world — and it shows a commitment to continuing education,” Rotherham said. Thomas, 33, also studied accounting and earned a bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University in Louisiana before furthering her education at Kaplan University in Iowa, where she earned a master’s degree in business administration. During her time in Louisiana, Thomas worked in the corporate accounting office of a staffing agency, but the direction of her professional ambitions changed when she moved back home to Peoria. She now works with a not-for-profit group, but declined to identify the organization out of respect for its non-partisan nature.)

DEPAULIA
— Rauner takes aim at teacher pensions – Jonathan Ballew (DIERSEN: One could argue that Republicans have taken aim at married couples who pay more than $10,000 a year in real estate taxes and state income taxes. If there was no marriage penalty, instead of $10,000, the SALT cap would be $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
http://depauliaonline.com/32741/news/gov-rauner-takes-aim-at-teacher-pensions/

CONGRESSMAN PETER ROSKAM
— Feb 11-17 Weekly Roundup (DIERSEN: (DIERSEN: Government should encourage marriage and homeownership. The $10,000 SALT cap discourages marriage and home ownership. My wife and I have paid the marriage penalty big time since we got married in 1978. Further, under the new Republican tax law, if there was no marriage penalty, instead of $10,000, the SALT cap would be $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/view_newsletter.aspx?id=122538&c=IL06PR
(FROM THE ROUNDUP: During another Ways and Means hearing this week, Rep. Roskam questioned Treasury Secretary Mnuchin about an unresolved issue affecting many Illinoisans who chose to pay 2017 property taxes early. While no solution or conclusion was reached at the hearing, Rep. Roskam has been working closely with the IRS and the Treasury department to resolve this issue for the residents of Illinois. The Department of the Treasury will determine if they will allow Illinois to deduct their 2017 pre-paid property taxes with no limitation; meanwhile, Rep. Roskam will continue to advocate for the residents of Illinois before the Treasury Department on this matter.)

TOWNHALL
— Rush Limbaugh: We Need Concealed-Carry in Schools – Timothy Meads (DIERSEN: One could argue that the most dangerous place to be is in a “gun-free zone.”)
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/timothymeads/2018/02/18/rush-limbaugh-we-need-concealedcarry-in-schools-n2450989

BLAZE
— Facebook VP says mainstream media distorted Russia’s interference in US politics – Teri Webster (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have hinted/implied/argued/shouted the most at Republican candidates in Illinois since 2000 that me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails caused them a) to lose elections and/or b) to get fewer votes in elections that they won. The elections include primary and general elections for U.S. Senate and Congress; Illinois Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Senator, and Representative; DuPage County Board, Board Chairman, Auditor, Circuit Court Clerk, County Clerk, Coroner, Recorder, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Superintendent of Educational Services, and Treasurer; DuPage County Forest Preserve President and Commissioner; Milton Township Supervisor, Assessor, Highway Commissioner, Clerk, and Trustee; and Wheaton Mayor and City Councilman.)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/18/facebook-vp-says-mainstream-media-distorted-russias-interference-in-us-politics/
— NBC hires Olympian who bashed Mike Pence for his Christian beliefs on gay marriage – Chris Enloe (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrat employers make it clear that unless you promote LGBTQ activity, a) they will not hire you, retain you, or promote you and b) they will get rid of you. My refusal to promote LGBTQ activity is one reason why my Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980.)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/18/nbc-hires-olympian-who-bashed-mike-pence-for-his-christian-beliefs-on-gay-marriage/

BREITBART
— Rush Limbaugh on Florida Shooting: Gun-Free School Zones Mean Only the Attacker Is Armed – AWR HAWKINS (DIERSEN: One could argue that the most dangerous place to be is in a “gun-free zone.”)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/18/rush-limbaugh-gun-free-school-zones/

NEWSMAX
— Bill Gates Slams GOP Tax Legislation: ‘I Need to Pay Higher Taxes’ – Brian Freeman
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/bill-gates-tax-reform-legislation-wealthy-republicans/2018/02/18/id/844062/
— Rush Limbaugh: ‘We Need Concealed Carry in These Schools’ – Erick Mack (DIERSEN: One could argue that the most dangerous place to be is in a “gun-free zone.”)
https://www.newsmax.com/headline/rush-limbaugh-gun-free-zones-problem-more-security/2018/02/18/id/844026/

CNN
— Women’s March organizers are planning a national student walkout to protest gun violence – Isabella Gomez and Amanda Jackson (DIERSEN: Of course, anti-Trumps blame gun violence on those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries 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.)
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/18/us/national-student-walkout-womens-march-trnd/index.html

ABC NEWS
— Russian influence operation attempted to suppress black vote: Indictment – MATTHEW MOSK TRISH TURNER KATHERINE FAULDERS
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/russian-influence-operation-attempted-suppress-black-vote-indictment/story?id=53185084

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: How Unwitting Americans Encountered Russian Operatives Online – SCOTT SHANE (DIERSEN: I should write a book about unwitting people in my precinct, in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who my critics/opponents have had the most success in manipulating and/or dominating them. My critics/opponents have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in my precinct, in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois. My critics/opponents have an extremely low opinion of my intelligence, my judgment, my motives, my values, my accomplishments, my etc. They blame me for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems. Sadly, they have had lots of success a) in turning unwitting people against me and b) turning unwitting people into their operatives and into their dupes.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/18/us/politics/russian-operatives-facebook-twitter.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But the online pitches reached a big audience. In written answers to questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee, Facebook said some 338,300 people saw the announcements of rallies promoted by the bogus pages — and 62,500 said they planned to attend one. Those numbers are modest against the background of the entire presidential campaign, but they show that the Russians were able not just to attract Americans to their ersatz groups but actually manipulate their actions.)
— Google Chrome Now Blocks Irksome Ads. That’s a Good Thing, Right? – John Herrman
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/18/business/media/google-chrome-ad-block.html
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: A Pointed Question in Australia: ‘Is Taiwan Part of China?’ – Damien Cave and Xiuzhong Xu (DIERSEN: I should write a book about the many questions that my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government asked me to confirm that I had been baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran and that I was conservative, patriotic, Republican, non-poor, a gun owner, 100% German American, a draft avoider, that my ancestors had been in America since 1844, that opposed promotion of LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, diminution of First and Second Amendment rights, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation and that I had been a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS and that my wife and I had given up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents. They did not have to ask much about my or my wife’s finances because they had access to our tax returns and my annual financial disclosure statements.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/18/world/australia/china-taiwan-discrimination.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Waking up to China’s infiltration of American colleges – Josh Rogin (DIERSEN: Of course, those who promote China have no problem with this.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/waking-up-to-chinas-infiltration-of-american-colleges/2018/02/18/99d3bee8-13f7-11e8-9570-29c9830535e5_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use students who survived the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School a) to blast lawmakers for taking contributions from the NRA and b) to call on them to enact new gun-control laws.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-florida-school-shooting-some-gop-lawmakers-renew-gun-control-talk-1518983067
— For Tech Giants, Halting Russian Meddling in U.S. Politics Won’t Be Easy Despite thousands of employees and billions in revenue, Facebook, Alphabet and Twitter were unable to fend off a small group of provocateurs – Robert McMillan and Georgia Wells (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes simultaneously, concurrently, and at the same time hint/imply/argue/shout a) that no one reads my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) that my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails have caused all the defeats that Republicans have suffered in Illinois since 2000.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-tech-giants-halting-russian-meddling-in-u-s-politics-wont-be-easy-1518958801
— Russian Influence Operation Allegedly Ran Like a Propaganda Startup Federal indictment describes Internet Research Agency as having deep understanding how to use Silicon Valley technology to sow discord – Robert McMillan, Deepa Seetharaman, and Georgia Wells (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who since 1999 have had the greatest success in sowing discord in the Milton Township Republican Central Committee, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Center Right Coalition, American Association of Political Consultants, etc.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/russian-influence-operation-allegedly-ran-like-a-propaganda-startup-1518872400
— Family Who Housed Florida School Shooter Describes the Days Before the Attack Nikolas Cruz ‘followed [the rules] to the T,’ father of family says
https://www.wsj.com/articles/family-who-housed-florida-school-shooter-describes-the-days-before-the-attack-1519015615

USA TODAY
— No, there have not been 18 school shootings already this year – David Mastio
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/02/16/parkland-school-shooting-no-there-have-not-been-18-school-shootings-already-year-column/343100002/

February 16 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Russian operatives in election meddling indictment came to Illinois – Chuck Goudie and Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner (DIERSEN: Obviously, in Illinois, in DuPage County, in Milton Township, in Glen Ellyn, in Wheaton, and in my precinct, those Russian operatives had great success in getting people to vote for Clinton and for Duckworth.)
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/russian-operatives-in-election-meddling-indictment-came-to-illinois/3095218/
— Fired Madigan campaign worker Kevin Quinn arrested in unrelated domestic case
http://abc7chicago.com/fired-madigan-campaign-worker-arrested-in-unrelated-domestic-case/3095223/

NBC5
— Estranged Wife of Ex-Madigan Aide Kevin Quinn Says She Warned of Alleged Abuse – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/kevin-quinn-sarah-mckay-michael-madigan-474339803.html
— Planning To Vote In March Primaries? Here Are Important Deadlines To Know Don’t miss these deadlines – Jonathon Sadowski
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/planning-to-vote-in-the-primaries-here-are-important-deadlines-to-know-474321963.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Chicago ID card would be valid voter identification – John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-rahm-emanuel-municipal-id-vote-20180216-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Municipal ID cards that Mayor Rahm Emanuel is launching for undocumented immigrants and others will be a valid form of identification for people both registering to vote and voting in Chicago, according to a letter aldermen received Friday. . .But a handful of City Council members are vehemently opposed to the cards. Northwest Side Ald. Nick Sposato, 38th, said he was “beyond disappointed” Valencia opted to make the cards a valid ID for voting. Sposato pointed out the city is not planning to keep any of the background information applicants provide to establish their home addresses, so undocumented immigrants aren’t afraid federal immigration agents can use the data to track them down. “I’m not sure of the validity of this,” Sposato said. “They may not have citizenship. Voter fraud would be my biggest concern.”)
— Rauner’s speech guest among the latest Legionnaire’s cases at troubled veterans home – Monique Garcia and Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-veterans-legionnaires-case-quincy-guest-20180216-story.html
— Rauner wants lawmakers’ help to cut state workers’ health insurance by $470 million – Kim Geiger (DIERSEN: What do your critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want to be cut? My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes want my Civil Service Retirement System pension, my federal health dental, and vision insurance subsidy, and my Social Security to be cut.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-health-insurance-20180216-story.html
— Cook County Jail inmates applaud for suspect in Chicago cop’s killing – Elyssa Cherney
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-inmates-clap-accused-cop-killer20180215-story.html
— The most misleading myths in Illinois politics – Austin Berg
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-sta-berg-column-st-0218-20180216-story.html
— ‘Dreamers’ left in limbo as Senate rejects bipartisan immigration bills – Ed O’Keefe, David Nakamura, Mike DeBonis
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-immigration-plan-20180215-story.html
— People with chronic pain should get medical marijuana (DIERSEN: What percent of people say they have chronic pain – 97%, 98%, 99%?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-speak-out-st-0218-20180216-story.html
— Google plans to expand in Chicago – Ryan Ori
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ori/ct-biz-google-expansion-chicago-ryan-ori-20180216-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— People with disabilities don’t need ‘compassion’ – Gary M. Arnold, Program Director, Progress Center for Independent Living (DIERSEN: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO’s Chicago office 1980-1997, they assigned me to supervise all their employees who had disabilities.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/bruce-rauner-budget-address-discompassionate-to-disability-rights/
— 13 Russian nationals, including Putin’s chef, charged in Mueller investigation – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/special-counsel-charges-russian-nationals-entities-interference-us-election/
— Rauner’s budget proposal raised major questions – Rich Miller
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/rauners-budget-proposal-raised-major-questions/
— Pfleger blasts gun advocates over recent high-profile killings – Michael Sneed (DIERSEN: Who blasts you and for what? My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes blast me a) for my supporting planks in Republican Party platforms that they reject, most commonly, the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks, b) for my supporting the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling, and c) for my opposition to promoting LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/rev-michael-pfleger-blasts-gun-advocates-over-recent-high-profile-killings/
— Madigan: ‘I commit to do more’ combatting sexual harassment – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/madigan-admits-sexual-harassment-case-failings-i-take-responsibility-for-that/

DAILY HERALD
— Speaker Madigan says he’ll handle sex harassment allegations better
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180216/speaker-madigan-says-hell-handle-sex-harassment-allegations-better
— Endorsement: Rauner for governor in Republican primary
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180216/endorsement-rauner-for-governor-in-republican-primary
— DuPage mayors want state to stop cutting funding – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180216/dupage-mayors-want-state-to-stop-cutting-funding

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Michael Madigan’s #MeToo moment – Editorial
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180216/ISSUE07/180219909/michael-madigans-metoo-moment

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Gov. Bruce Rauner: Shifting pension payments to schools will lower property taxes – ED KOMENDA
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/16/gov-bruce-rauner-shifting-pension-payments-to-schools-will-lower-property-taxes/a9fwd8v/

SUSAN B. ANTHONY LIST
— Nat’l Pro-life Group Endorses Jeanne Ives for Governor of Illinois Ives is a Courageous, Principled Pro-life Leader and a Stark Contrast to Gov. Rauner
https://www.sba-list.org/newsroom

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— The Chicago Tribune Endorses Democrat in GOP Primary for Governor
https://mailchi.mp/d93fb4cba169/the-chicago-tribune-endorses-democrat-in-gop-primary-for-governor

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Chicago Tribune Endorses Feckless Bruce Rauner for Governor – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/02/chicago-tribune-endorses-feckless-bruce-rauner-for-governor-2/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— RAUNER / ILGOP MOUTHPIECE PAT BRADY ADMITS “MADIGAN’S FAVORITE REPUBLICAN” LABEL IS … “A JOKE.”
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/rauner-ilgop-mouthpiece-admits-madigans-favorite-republican-label-is-a-joke.html
— NATIONAL PRO-LIFE GROUP ENDORSES IVES FOR GOVERNOR IN IL GOP PRIMARY
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/national-pro-life-group-endorses-ives-for-governor-in-il-gop-primary.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Ives release new ad, endorsed by Susan B. Anthony List, slams Trib endorsement of Rauner
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/16/ives-release-new-ad-endorsed-by-susan-b-anthony-list-slams-trib-endorsement-of-rauner/
— More ads than you can shake a stick at: Rauner, Ruiz, Rotering, Quigley, Proft and Clark
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/16/more-ads-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at-rauner-ruiz-rotering-quigley-proft-and-clark/
— Latest Quincy Legionnaires’ case was Rauner’s State of the State guest
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/16/latest-quincy-legionnaires%E2%80%99-case-was-rauners-state-of-the-state-guest/
— SENATE GOP LEADER BILL BRADY PLEASED WITH GOVERNOR’S “BALANCED BUDGET” PROPOSAL
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/senate-gop-leader-brady-pleased-with-governors-balanced-budget-proposal.html

BREITBART
— Pro-Life Susan B. Anthony List Endorses Illinois Conservative Governor Candidate Jeanne Ives – WARNER TODD HUSTON
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/16/national-pro-life-group-endorses-illinois-conservative-governor-candidate-jeanne-ives/

GOPUSA
— IRS employees still collecting bonuses while cheating on taxes
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39520

WORLD NET DAILY
— NO, I WILL NOT BE AT CPAC Joseph Farah charges group with watering down the meaning of ‘conservative’ (DIERSEN: The main reasons why I stopped attending CPAC are a) its ever-increasingly becoming Libertarian, b) the high cost of attending, and c) my spending 10+ hours each and every day putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS together and sending them out.)
http://www.wnd.com/2018/02/no-i-will-not-be-at-cpac/
— MEDIA IGNORING 1 CRUCIAL FACTOR IN FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING ‘Guns,’ ‘depression,’ ‘trouble’ cited – but key information not yet disclosed – DAVID KUPELIAN
http://www.wnd.com/2018/02/media-ignoring-1-crucial-factor-in-florida-school-shooting/

THE HILL
— Trump’s Stormy Daniels problem gets worse – JONATHAN EASLEY

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/374108-trumps-stormy-daniels-problem-gets-worse

CBS NEWS
— Should employers keep testing workers for pot? – JONATHAN BERR (DIERSEN: YES!)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/should-employers-keep-testing-workers-for-pot/

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump has a choice to make: protect the Dreamers or expose them to deportation – David Leonhardt (DIERSEN: How have federal protections worked for you? Were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986. However, federal civil service protections failed to stop a) my Democrat GAO superiors from forcing me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, always ranking me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, not promoting me beyond GS-13, getting rid of my mentor in 1987, keeping me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forcing me to take an $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980; b) my Democrat IRS superiors from not promoting me beyond GS-12, disallowing my education deductions in 1978, getting rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowing my partial day per diem claims in 1974; and c) my Democrat Post Office superiors from forcing me resign in 1969 and disallowing my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/opinion/trump-dreamers-daca.html
— Congress Struggles for Path Forward on Immigration – Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Thomas Kaplan
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/us/politics/congress-immigration-dreamers.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, illegals increase their demands
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/opinion/senate-vote-dreamers-immigration.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump and first lady arrive in Florida to visit hospital and sheriff’s office after deadly school shooting
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/national/wp/2018/02/16/trump-and-first-lady-arrive-in-florida-to-visit-hospital-and-sheriffs-office-after-deadly-school-shooting/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— After Senate Failure on Dreamers, Immigration Faces Unclear Path in House As a feud over immigration intensifies, centrist House Republicans work on new solutions to provide legal protections for Dreamers – Natalie Andrews and Kristina Peterson
https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-senate-failure-on-dreamers-future-of-house-bill-is-uncertain-1518804170

FORTUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, business paints itself as being 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-draft avoiders, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.
http://fortune.com/2018/02/16/senate-daca-vote-dreamers/

FED SMITH
— IRS Still Giving Bonuses to Employees with Tax Compliance and Conduct Problems – Ian Smith
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/02/16/irs-still-giving-bonuses-employees-tax-compliance-conduct-problems/

NTEU
— Ten Harmful Proposals in the President’s Budget (DIERSEN: I was a NTEU member 1971-1980 while I worked for IRS. Overwhelmingly, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes are filled with hatred against past, present, and future federal employees and federal retirees.)
https://www.nteu.org/blog/2018/02/15/ten-harmful

February 16 Morning Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Endorsement: For the Republicans, Bruce Rauner
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-rauner-republican-governor-endorsement-0218-story.html
(FROM THE ENDORSEMENT: We see the appeal of Rauner’s primary opponent, state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton. She is disciplined. She is fierce. And she is angry. Rauner’s signature on the bills that infuriated conservatives drew her into this race. Critics describe one bill as a sanctuary state act. Another makes it easier for transgender people to change the gender designation on their birth certificates. And a third bill, which Rauner had said he would veto, expanded taxpayer funding for abortions. Unfortunately, Ives’ cumulative rhetoric on social issues — describing gay relationships as “disordered” and unleashing an attack ad that ridiculed people who are different from her — has been mocking, mean-spirited and often inaccurate. There is a way to be a compassionate conservative. And there is her way.)
— Another Legionnaires’ case at veterans home plagued by deadly water problems – Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-legionnaires-20180216-story.html
— Madigan ally ousted after harassment complaint accused of violating protective order in different case – Ray Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-quinn-harassment-arrest-20180215-story.html
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: Must love dogs? Canine-friendly environments test our limits – Virginia Postrel (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes demonize, denigrate, and condemn those who do not own dogs.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-pets-work-employers-support-animals-0216-20180215-story.html
— The White House’s promised Spanish website? Nada de nada – AP (DIERSEN: If China was sending many millions of its citizens into America illegally like Mexico is doing, if China was keeping many millions of its citizens in America like Mexico is doing, if China was sending mountains of illegal drugs into America like Mexico is doing, anti-Americans would demand that the White House have a Mandarin website.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-us–white-house-spanish-20180210-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Top black politicians who back Pritzker condemn ‘racist’ Chicago Reader cover – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/top-black-politicians-condemn-racist-chicago-reader-cover/
— Lawyer: Madigan ally looked for ‘dirt’ on woman who accused aide of harassment – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/lawyer-madigan-ally-looked-for-dirt-on-woman-who-accused-aide-of-harassment/

NBC5
— Woman Who Accused Ex-Madigan Aide of Harassment Says She’s Being Targeted in Retaliation – Mary Ann Ahern (DIERSEN: My Democrat GAO superiors were proud of the retaliation that they took against me. Because I became an active member in a class action lawsuit in 1988 that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation, they threw me off audits of IRS, gave me unfair performance expectations, gave me unfair performance appraisals, always ranked me in the lower half of my coworkers for their pay-for-performance system, and forced me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old. They sent a clear message to everyone a) that GAO gives preference to its employees who are minority, female, and/or young and b) that GAO gets rid of its non-veteran White male employees who do not make 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. By their actions in Diersen v. GAO, U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald, U.S. District Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, and Judge Amy St. Eve all made it clear to everyone that they side with my Democrat GAO superiors, that is, that they favor reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation.)
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/alaina-hampton-mike-madigan-kevin-quinn-harassment-474243493.html

DAILY HERALD
— Study: Cook County assessments shift wealth from poor to rich – Bob Susnjara (DIERSEN: Who wants you to pay more real estate tax and why? Since 1972, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always wanted me to pay more real estate tax. They hint/imply/argue/shout that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, that I have always been privileged, that the federal government grossly overpaid me, that my retirement benefits are much too generous, and that I have always been undeservedly filthy rich. They stress a) that my parents sent me to Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Crete 1953-1961 and then to Hope Lutheran Grade School in Park Forest 1961-1962 to stay with the Missouri Synod, b) that I bought many new cars and two collector cars, c) that I avoided the draft, d) that I bought a new town home in 1972, a studio condo in 1974, and a one bedroom condo in 1976, e) that my wife and I bought 1017 East Harrison in Wheaton in 1978 and we had 915 Cove Court built in Wheaton in 1984, f) that I spent lots of money for tuition and review courses to earn a bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, and two professional certifications, g) that my wife and I gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents, and h) that my wife and saved lots of money for our retirement.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180215/study-cook-county-assessments-shift-wealth-from-poor-to-rich
— Illinois schools say pension shift would be financial burden – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180215/news/302159893

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— IRS increases Caterpillar tax penalty to $2.3 billion – Matt Buedel
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180215/irs-increases-caterpillar-tax-penalty-to-23-billion

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Superintendents worried about Rauner’s pension shift proposal – AP
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180216/superintendents-worried-about-rauners-pension-shift-proposal

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Rauner meets a simulation manikin and touts his education plan during visit – Leslie Renken
http://www.pjstar.com/entertainmentlife/20180215/rauner-meets-simulation-manikin-and-touts-his-education-plan-during-visit

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Quinn promotes AG credentials at ISU – Derek Beigh (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, many of whom have few or no credentials, treat me like I have no credentials. They treat me like I have no college degrees, even though I have four. They treat me like I have no professional certifications, even though I have six. They treat me like I do not have a professional license, even though I have one. They treat me like I have no government work experience, even though I worked for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325 and I worked for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880. They treat me like I have no political experience, even though I have been the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, and I was a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, 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, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2003.)
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/government-and-politics/elections/quinn-promotes-ag-credentials-at-isu/article_e0f5ff32-bbbc-55dc-a279-6195d1f861a2.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Quinn, 69, of Chicago hopes to fill that job, continuing a political career that includes five years as governor, six years as lieutenant governor and four years as state treasurer. He last ran in 2014, when he, the incumbent, lost the governor’s mansion to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.)

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois lawmakers: Mental health is key issue in mass shootings – EDITH BRADY-LUNNY
http://herald-review.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/illinois-lawmakers-mental-health-is-key-issue-in-mass-shootings/article_8f6cd833-4f83-5742-bf62-d723c56813e1.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— Rauner Budget Doesn’t Use ‘Pixie Dust,’ But It’s Fanciful Nonetheless – CHARLES N. WHEELER III
http://nprillinois.org/post/rauner-budget-doesn-t-use-pixie-dust-it-s-fanciful-nonetheless#stream/0

ILLINOIS TIMES
— Candidates for governor address seniors’ concerns – Megan Swett (DIERSEN: My aunt is spending $239 a day out of her life savings to live in an assisted living facility.)
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19704-candidates-for-governor-address-seniors%E2%80%99-concerns.html

DAILY NORTHWESTERN
— Northwestern professor (Michael Scudder), alumnus (Amy St. Eve) nominated to circuit court presiding over Illinois – Alan Perez
https://dailynorthwestern.com/2018/02/15/campus/northwestern-professor-alumnus-nominated-circuit-court-presiding-illinois/

REGIONAL NEWS
— Muslim activists ramp up monthly protests at Palos Township board meetings – Anthony Caciopo
http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/159-local-news/top-news-story/35928-activists-ramp-up-monthly-protests-at-township-board-meetings

NORTH COOK NEWS
— Wayne Township GOP chairman Jerry Marchese says straw poll shows Ives is what the state needs – Glenn Minnis
https://northcooknews.com/stories/511345617-wayne-township-gop-chairman-says-straw-poll-shows-ives-is-what-the-state-needs

BREITBART
— White House: Democrats’ ‘Open Border Fringe’ Blocks Immigration Reform – NEIL MUNRO
http://www.breitbart.com/2018-elections/2018/02/15/white-house-democrats-open-border-fringe-blocks-immigration-reform/
— Cruz: Trump’s Immigration Pillars ‘Dramatically to the Left of Where Barack Obama Was’ – IAN HANCHETT
http://www.breitbart.com/video/2018/02/15/cruz-trumps-immigration-pillars-dramatically-left-barack-obama/

FOX BUSINESS
— Fox News Poll: More Republicans feeling the jitters – Dana Blanton
http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2018/

TOWNHALL
— Trump’s Deficit-ridden Budget Plan Is Filled With Wasteful Spending – Donald Lambro
https://townhall.com/columnists/donaldlambro/2018/02/16/trumps-deficitridden-budget-plan-is-filled-with-wasteful-spending-n2449808

ROLL CALL
— Rep. Rodney Davis Recalls Lessons From His Staffer Days Illinois Republican was longtime projects director for Rep. John Shimkus – Alex Gangitano (DIERSEN: I should write a book about what I learned working for GAO for almost 18 years 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325. I should write a book about what I learned working for IRS for almost 9 years 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880.)
http://www.rollcall.com/news/hoh/rep-rodney-davis-learned

POLITICO
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON EDUCATION IN AMERICA TIGHTENS: U.S. averages a school shooting every 2.5 days in 2018 – JAKE SHERMAN
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2018/02/15/school-shootings-2018-average-248207

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— FRONT PAGE WITH COLOR PICTURE: Tech Luminary Peter Thiel Parts Ways With Silicon Valley Billionaire investor frustrated with what he sees as intolerance of conservatism in tech industry; has discussed resigning from Facebook – Douglas MacMillan, Keach Hagey and Deepa Seetharaman (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, businesses paint themselves as being 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 for a long time.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/tech-luminary-peter-thiel-parts-ways-with-silicon-valley-1518696120
— Peter Thiel’s Warning to the Valley Hostility to half of America isn’t good business—or politics. – Editorial (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, businesses paint themselves as being 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 for a long time.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/peter-thiels-warning-to-the-valley-1518740558
— Tax Reform and IRS Resistance Getting it through Congress was the easy part. Now come the regulations. – Kimberley A. Strassel
https://www.wsj.com/articles/tax-reform-and-irs-resistance-1518739818
— Did My Mom Have ‘White Privilege’? She arrived from Italy in 1911 and then at age 14 went to work in a Chicago factory sewing ladies’ coats. – Angela Rocco DeCarlo (DIERSEN: Did your mother have White privilege? My outstanding mother was born in 1924 and raised on a farm in Grant Park. She never attended high school. She married my outstanding father in 1945. They lived in an apartment above my grandfather’s hardware store in Crete 1945-1954 and then in a home that my grandfather had built in Crete in 1926. She stayed home and raised my brother and I. After her husband, my father, died suddenly in 1969, she earned a GED and got job in a dental office in Crete and worked there until she retired.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/did-my-mom-have-white-privilege-1518739479

USA TODAY
— Repeal gun-free zones – Erich Pratt
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/02/15/repeal-gun-free-zones-erich-pratt-editorials-debates/110464412/

NEW YORKER
— Donald Trump, a Playboy Model, and a System for Concealing Infidelity One woman’s account of clandestine meetings, financial transactions, and legal pacts designed to hide an extramarital affair. – Ronan Farrow (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, if you have ever had an extramarital affair, you should not seek or hold any kind of government or political office.)
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/donald-trump-a-playboy-model-and-a-system-for-concealing-infidelity-national-enquirer-karen-mcdougal

February 15 Morning Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS

— Illinois Governor candidate Jeanne Ives spoke at an outstanding Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC) meeting Wednesday evening, February 14, 2018, at the Wheaton Bowl Banquet Hall. Ives received a standing ovation. In addition, MTRCC held outstanding candidate forums for DuPage County Board District 6 (Wiley and Zay) and for Illinois House District 46 (Kinzler & Orozco) and for judicial candidates (MacKay & Wilson). Bob Grogan announced his candidacy for 6th Congressional District Illinois Republican Party State Central Committeeman. Marty Keller announced that he would be resigning as Milton Township Trustee effective February 28, 2018 and taking over CERT responsibilities for the township. Attendees included Almiron, Bibbiano, Breen, Byrne, Carlson, Caruso, Chinchilla, Cooper, Crane, Dangelo, Eckhoff, Elliott, Falbo, Fitzpatrick, Grant, Hinchy, Hinds, Holder, Keller, LeVan, Lewis, Lofgren, Lollino, McGowen, Mendrick, Minor, Moffett, Molitor, Muehlfelt, A. & B. Murphy, Nathwani, Prater, Rash, Ruscitti, Ryan, Shaw, Slinger, Tatro, Thomas, Wehling, Whelan, and C & J. Zaruba. – Dave Diersen

https://gopillinois.com

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Bill Clinton is now nowhere man as #MeToo is made ready for 2018 – John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-bill-clinton-metoo-kass-0215-story.html
— Aurora officials have concerns with governor’s pension proposal – Sarah Freishtat
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-rauner-reaction-st-0215-20180214-story.html
— Senators say they are close to a bipartisan immigration plan, but Trump warns against it – Lisa Mascaro and Brian Bennett
http://www.chicagotribune.com/la-na-pol-senate-immigration-20180214-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Those who anti-men promote those who are anti-men.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-womens-march-anniversary-tl-0215-20180214-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps promote the anti-Trump Duckworth. What insulting name would/does Duckworth call me? I sought and obtained student draft deferments 1966-1970 and a financial hardship draft deferment 1970-1971. Of course, she would/does hint/imply/argue/shout that were it not for fear of being drafted, I never would have had the motivation to a) take college preparatory classes in high school, b) graduate in the upper 20% of my high school class, c) get an ACT score of 24, d) get accepted by UIC in 1966 and by NIU in 1969, or e) graduate from NIU in 1970. Of course, she would/does hint/imply/argue/shout that my application for a financial hardship draft deferment in 1970 was fraudulent.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-donald-trump-tammy-duckworth-20180215-story.html
— Pritzker on Madigan’s handling of sexual harassment complaint: ‘It shouldn’t take that long’ (DIERSEN: To discredit me, my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my partial day per diem requests in 1974 and postponed resolution of my grievance as long as they could. They hinted/implied that my partial day per diem requests were fraudulent. However, GAO upheld an arbitrator’s ruling in my favor in 1977. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/products/463866. To further discredit me, Money Magazine and my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my education deductions in 1978. However, I took IRS to Tax Court and won a split decision.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-pritzker-madigan-sexual-harassment-complaint-story.html
— Can the world agree upon a ‘common memory’ of the Holocaust? – Mona Sue Weissmark (DIERSEN: Many, if not most of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes are anti-German-American. What if from the beginning I had pretended to be Swedish-American? While all my ancestors immigrated from what is now Germany to northeast Illinois during the 1840s and 1850s, according to DNA Ancestry at http://dna.ancestry.com, my ancestry is 33% Europe West, 28% Scandinavia, 24% Great Britain, 11% Ireland, 2% Europe East, 1% Finland/Northwest Russia, and 1% Italy/Greece. My grandfather on my father’s side fought the Germans in WWI. My uncles on my mother’s side fought the Germans in WWII. My father would have fought the Germans in WWII if he had not been 4-F.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-holocaust-auschwitz-dachau-buchenwald-jewish-memory-0215-20180214-story.html
— EPA chief says he flies first class due to security concerns – AP (DIERSEN: As anti-Trumps get more and more and more aggressive, nasty, threatening, etc., should members of the following groups stop using public transportation: Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sns-bc-us–epa-pruitt-travel-20180214-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Students: Shooting suspect harassed peers, bragged about gun – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/students-shooting-suspect-harassed-peers-bragged-about-gun/
— Pritzker takes a while to say Madigan took too long to fire aide – Tina Sfondeles (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes remain furious a) that the Post Office hired me in 1966 and let me work there for almost 3 years, b) that IRS hired me in 1971 and let me work there for almost 9 years, c) that IRS promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974, d) that GAO hired me in 1980 and let me work there for almost 18 years, and e) that GAO promoted me in 1986.)

DAILY HERALD
— Kept out: How banks block people of color from homeownership – AP (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes would hint/imply/argue/shout that if I had not been White, a) I would not have been able to get a mortgage in 1972 when I was 24 years old to buy a new town home in University Park, to buy a studio condo in the Outer Drive East building in 1974, or to buy a one bedroom in that building in 1976 and b) my wife and I would not have been able to get a mortgage to buy 1017 East Harrison in Wheaton in 1978 or to have 915 Cove Court built in Wheaton in 1984.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180215/business/302159997/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— A new way to survey the public when people won’t answer the phone anymore – HOWARD WOLINSKY (DIERSEN: Any survey of me should correctly conclude that a) I support all the planks in the Republican Party and Illinois Republican Party platforms including their traditional family, right to life, immigration, illegal drugs, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks and b) that I oppose the promotion of LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, diminution of the First and Second Amendment rights, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, race and gender based preference giving, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, national origin discrimination, class warfare, etc.)

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180215/ISSUE01/180219987

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Rauner’s budget leans on local schools, state workers – Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180214/rauners-budget-leans-on-local-schools-state-workers
— Rauner’s budget gets cool reception from lawmakers, opponents – Brenden Moore
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180214/rauners-budget-gets-cool-reception-from-lawmakers-opponents
— Is Rauner’s budget balanced? Legislative leaders disagree – Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180214/is-rauners-budget-balanced-legislative-leaders-disagree
— Horses, tractors and racetracks. House candidate’s videos have them all – Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180214/schoenburg-horses-tractors-and-racetracks-house-candidates-videos-have-them-all

SAUK VALLEY
— Illinois Family Action endorses Marter, GOP challenger for Kinzinger’s House seat
http://www.saukvalley.com/2018/02/13/family-group-endorses-marter-gop-challenger-for-kinzingers-house-seat/ajt8p4q/

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Group seeks $65,000 to replace roof on historic McKee House – ERIC SCHELKOPF
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/02/13/group-seeks-65-000-to-replace-roof-on-historic-mckee-house/aiig0qs/

WNNS
— Ives: Rauner Budget Is ‘Unbalanced & Phony’
http://www.wnns.com/2018/02/14/ives-rauner-budget-is-unbalanced-phony/

NPR ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Those who anti-men promote those who are anti-men.
http://nprillinois.org/post/women-rising-push-gender-parity-state-government#stream/0

CHICAGO READER
— J.B. Pritzker talks race politics Why should millennials vote for him? Legalized weed. – Mark Konkol
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/jb-pritzker-interview-african-american-wiretap/Content?oid=41090514

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— McSweeney Working to Defeat Rauner-Madigan Teacher Pension Shift to Local Property Taxpayers
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/15/mcsweeney-working-to-defeat-rauner-madigan-teacher-pensi on-shift-to-local-property-taxpayers/
— Past Highway Commissioner Bob Miller Son-in-Law Andrew Rosencrans Received Over $24,000 in “Miscellaneous” Income from Algonquin Township Road District Since 2013
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/15/bob-miller-son-in-law-andrew-rosencrans-received-over-24000-in-miscellaneous-income-from-algonquin-township-road-district-since-2013/
— Melissa Victor Makes Issue Out of Algonquin Township Road Commissioner Andrew Gasser Legal and Computer Forensic Audit Bills
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/15/melissa-victor-makes-issue-out-of-gasser-legal-and-computer-forensic-audit-bills/

CHICAGO CITY WIRE
— Morrison says GOP endorsements need to be transparent, sees Ives as better for Illinois – Chandra Lye
https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/511344644-morrison-says-gop-endorsements-need-to-be-transparent-sees-ives-as-better-for-illinois

WILL COUNTY GAZETTE
— 17-year-old Aurora precinct committeeman has had a rough introduction to politics – Karen Kidd
https://willcountygazette.com/stories/511344648-17-year-old-aurora-precinct-committeeman-has-had-a-rough-introduction-to-politics

ILLINOIS TIMES
— Rauner’s pension proposal meets backlash Time for negotiations, Manar says – Megan Swett
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19702-rauners-pension-proposal-meets-backlash.html

ILLINOIS CHRONICLE
— New poll: Rauner more unpopular than Trump in Illinois
https://theillinoischronicle.com/chronicle-new-poll-rauner-more-unpopular-than-trump-in-illinois/

CAPITOL FAX
— Rauner airs tax cut TV ad
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/15/rauner-airs-tax-cut-tv-ad/

WORLD NET DAILY
— CPAC BANS PRO-FAMILY GROUP FOR ‘TONE’ TOWARD ‘GAYS’ Conservative summit promotes traditional marriage, but insults ‘cross line’ – ART MOORE (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you do not promote LGBTQ activity, you are banned.)
http://www.wnd.com/2018/02/cpac-bans-pro-family-group-for-tone-toward-gays/

GOPUSA
— Democrats, RINOs team up on DACA plan
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39429

BREITBART
— MassResistance Pro-Family Group Banned at CPAC – DR. SUSAN BERRY (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you do not promote LGBTQ activity, you are banned.)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/14/massresistance-pro-family-group-banned-at-cpac/
— Berkeley Votes to Become ‘Sanctuary City’ for Marijuana Crimes – Joel B. Pollak
http://www.breitbart.com/california/2018/02/14/berkeley-votes-become-sanctuary-city-marijuana-crimes/

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Trump, a Week After Porter Resigned, Says He’s ‘Totally Opposed’ to Domestic Violence – Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Maggie Haberman and Michael D. Shear (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, the more of the following that you are, the more that you are presumed to be domestic abuser who should be gotten rid of immediately: 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.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/us/politics/john-kelly-rob-porter-security-clearances.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump demonizes, denigrates, and condemns Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/opinion/porter-trump-domestic-violence.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/opinion/what-the-white-house-knew-about-rob-porter.html
— Trump Gets What He Wants in Immigration Debate: Quiet on the Right – Jeremy W. Peters
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/conservatives-immigration-trump.html
— New York Will Investigate Reports of Gay Men Denied Insurance – Donald G. McNeil Jr. (DIERSEN: To engage in LGBTQ activity, is to damage your health.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/health/insurance-discrimination-gay-prep.html
— American Fertility Is Falling Short of What Women Want Forecasts show many millennial women won’t fulfill their wishes on family size, and the biggest fertility declines are in Western states. – Lyman Stone (DIERSEN: Should I write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned my wife and I the most for our a) giving up trying to have children, b) not adopting, and c) not becoming foster parents?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/upshot/american-fertility-is-falling-short-of-what-women-want.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats and RINOs a) encourage people to come to America illegally, b) encourage people to stay in America illegally, and c) encourage people to illegally bring people to America illegally. Democrats want immigrants because immigrants vote for Democrats and RINOs want immigrants because they work for less money and they are much more easy to exploit.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-daca-deadline-looms-young-immigrants-plan-for-the-unknown-1518604200
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, pot pushers push pot. If you promote pot, you promote destruction.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-peak-tv-era-ready-for-pot-channels-1518620049
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: According to this article, employers are jettisoning old requirements and seeking workers with transferrable skills. GAO audits IRS. To unethically, if not illegally, force me to take a $19,203 (26%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980, my Democrat GAO superiors unethically, if not illegally, claimed that the skills I acquired working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880, WERE NOT TRANSFERRABLE. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, a minority, or a female.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/to-fill-jobs-in-a-tight-labor-market-employers-may-need-to-get-creative-1518616800

USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Trump’s 87 picks to be federal judges are 92% white with just one black and one Hispanic nominee – Richard Wolf
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/13/trumps-87-picks-federal-judges-92-white-just-one-black-and-one-hispanic-nominee/333088002/

REALTOR
— Standard vs. Itemized Deduction: Which One Should You Take? – Daniel Bortz (DIERSEN: Overwhelmingly, operatives and dupes who work for my critics/opponents a) take the standard deduction and b) demonize, denigrate, and condemn those who itemize their deductions.)
https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/standard-vs-itemized-deduction/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Workforce Plan Stresses Pay for Performance – Erich Wagner (DIERSEN: Have you worked under pay-for-performance (PFP)? I did during my last 8 years at GAO 1989-1997. Measuring job performance is extremely subjective. To meet their Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion quotas, goals, and targets, my Democrat used the subjectivity in their PFP system to get rid of their employees like me who are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/pay-benefits-watch/2018/02/workforce-plan-stresses-pay-performance-opm-nominee-advances-and-more/145993/

EDITOR & PUBLISHER
— Facebook Ad Targeting is Incredible—and Scary – Mark Glaser (DIERSEN: Facebook is a Democrat/Libertarian/Green website. What does Facebook know about you? Facebook knows that I a) I support all the planks in the Republican Party and Illinois Republican Party platforms including their traditional family, right to life, immigration, illegal drugs, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks and b) that I oppose the promotion of LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, diminution of the First and Second Amendment rights, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, race and gender based preference giving, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, national origin discrimination, class warfare, etc.)
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/columns/shoptalk-facebook-ad-targeting-is-incredible-and-scary/

February 14 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Rauner proposes education spending boost, $50M for Quincy home fix – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/rauner-proposes-education-spending-boost-$50m-for-quincy-home-fix/3082673/

NBC5
— Read Governor Bruce Rauner’s Full Budget Address Gov. Rauner unveiled his 2019 budget proposal to a General Assembly expecting to hear him explain how he’ll erase a $9 billion deficit
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/read-governor-bruce-rauners-full-budget-address-474084483.html
— Petitions to Save Only Downstate Debate of Governor’s Race Collect Thousands of Signatures – Brendan Pedersen
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/wcia-debate-illinois-governor-candidates-biss-kennedy-petition-474077533.html
— Rauner’s Budget Calls For Reduced Spending, Pension Reform Promises $1 billion tax cut – Brendan Pedersen
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rauner-budget-calls-for-reduced-spending-pension-reform-474082603.html

CBS2
— Rauner’s Budget Sets Sights On State’s Pension Costs – Craig Dellimore,
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/14/rauner-budget-proposal/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Rauner wants $1 billion tax cut with pension fix – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/rauner-wants-1-billion-tax-cut-with-pension-fix

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Rauner re-election budget takes aim at two favorite targets: CPS and unionized state workers – Monique Garcia, Kim Geiger
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-illinois-budget-20180214-story.html
— Primary voters face increasingly wacky ballot lineup – Charles Selle
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-lake-county-primary-ballot-st-0215-20180214-story.html
— Time to be retirin’ the FolksyMeter? – Eric Zorn
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-time-to-be-retirin-the-folksymeter-20180214-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps promote anti-Trumps.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-womens-march-anniversary-tl-0215-20180214-story.html
— Gun-rights hysteria doesn’t sell in the Trump era – Steve Chapman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chapman/ct-remington-gun-sales-obama-20180214-story.html
— Rauner’s budget message fits trend — Make the other guy pay – Ted Slowik
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-slowik-rauner-budget-shift-st-0215-20180214-story.html
— Oberweis: Governor presents balanced budget
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/wheaton/community/chi-ugc-article-sen-oberweis-governor-presents-balanced-bud-3-2018-02-14-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rauner urges pension changes, ‘spend only the money we have’ in budget address – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/bruce-rauner-state-budget-address-shortfall-health-care-income-tax/
— 11th Congressional District GOP candidate: Constant G. “Connor” Vlakancic
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/11th-congressional-district-republican-candidate-constant-connor-vlakancic-2018-illinois-primary/
— 11th Congressional District GOP candidate: Nick Stella
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/11th-congressional-district-gop-candidate-nick-stella-2018-illinois-primary/
— ENDORSEMENT: Nick Stella for Congress in 11th District Republican Primary
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/11th-congressional-district-republican-primary-nick-stella-endorsement-2018-illinois-primary/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “The women of the White House care so little about women.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/the-women-of-the-white-house-care-so-little-about-women/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Rauner’s big budget idea: Passing the tab to local governments – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180214/BLOGS02/180219947/rauners-big-budget-idea-passing-the-tab-to-local-governments
— Tolls on expressways? Trump plan says yes. – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180214/BLOGS02/180219954/tolls-on-expressways-trump-plan-says-yes

DAILY HERALD
— Some Kane County Board members question Lauzen’s reimbursement request – James Fuller (DIERSEN: To discredit me, my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my partial day per diem requests in 1974. They hinted/implied that my requests were fraudulent. However, GAO upheld an arbitrator’s ruling in my favor in 1977. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/products/463866. To discredit me, Money Magazine and my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my education deductions in 1978. However, I took IRS to Tax Court and won a split decision.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180214/some-kane-county-board-members-question-lauzens-reimbursement-request
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON THE ELGIN COMMUNITY TIGHTENS: Elgin community gathers to protest rape culture – Madhu Krishnamurthy
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180214/elgin-community-gathers-to-protest-rape-culture
— Naperville not certain pedal pubs fit with ‘downtown culture’ – Marie Wilson
http://www.dailyherald.com/business/20180214/naperville-not-certain-pedal-pubs-fit-with-downtown-culture

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Reactions to Gov. Rauner’s budget address
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180214/reactions-to-gov-rauners-budget-address

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Ives: Madigan should step down over handling of sexual harassment complaint
https://madisonrecord.com/stories/511344579-ives-madigan-should-step-down-over-handling-of-sexual-harassment-complaint

LOUIS POST GAZETTE
— ‘Progressive’ income tax may be hot topic in Illinois campaign – Pat Gauen
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/gauen-progressive-income-tax-may-be-hot-topic-in-illinois/article_e0855002-5b64-5018-82f4-00b6006e9d4e.html

CHAMBANA SUN
— Caulkins says lottery chairman violated ‘unspoken oath’ – Glenn Minnis
https://chambanasun.com/stories/511332963-caulkins-says-lottery-chairman-violated-unspoken-oath

WILLIAM J. KELLY
— Ives must cancel Thursday’s speech by #MeToo Denier Dan Proft
http://www.williamjkelly.org/news/kelly-ives-must-cancel-thursdays-speech-by-metoo-denier-dan-proft

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Rauner Budget Makes Income Tax Increase Permanent and Raises Property Taxes
https://mailchi.mp/b553560a01a0/ives-rauner-budget-to-make-the-income-tax-increase-permeant-and-raise-property-taxes
— Rauner Sits Out Infrastructure Meeting with President Trump
https://ivesforillinois.com/rauner-sits-out-infrastructure-meeting-with-president-trump/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Rauner Proposes Shifting Teacher Pension Payments to Local Taxpayers
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/14/rauner-proposes-shifting-teacher-pension-payments-to-local-taxpayers/
— Franks Endorses Casten to Run Against Roskam
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/14/franks-endorses-casten-to-fun-against-roskam/
— Anna May Miller Took Home $31,146 in “Misc” Income since 2013
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/14/anna-may-miller-took-home-31146-in-misc-income-since-2013/

REAL GOP ILLINOIS
— Conservatives 2nd Nybo’s call to investigate Rauner-funded Illinois Policy Institute
https://realgopillinois.com/2018/02/13/investigate-rauner-illinois-policy-institute-pals/

CBN NEWS
— Tea Party Anger Mounts as Congress ‘Puts the Cart Before the Horse’ on Immigration – Paul Strand
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2018/february/tea-party-anger-mounts-as-congress-puts-the-cart-before-the-horse-on-immigration

GOPUSA
— Gregg Popovich, Spurs coach, says U.S. ‘racist country’ (DIERSEN: Those who hint/imply/argue/shout that American is a racist county have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that instead of me, the Post Office should have hired a minority in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a minority could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a minority in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted minorities in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a minority in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a minority in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a minority could have my job and my preferred corner office.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39338

BLAZE
— Men across the country are fighting the quiet, unbearable war of the falsely accused – Natasha Pascetta (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you are charged with anything bad, the more of the following that you are, the more that you are presumed to be guilty: 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.)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/14/commentary-men-across-the-country-are-fighting-the-quiet-unbearable-war-of-the-falsely-accused/

POLITICO
— Third White House official resigns after being told he wouldn’t qualify for full clearance National Economic Council official George David Banks departed amid increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s decision to let multiple staffers work on interim clearances. – ANDREW RESTUCCIA
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/14/third-white-house-official-resigns-after-being-told-he-wouldnt-qualify-for-full-clearance-409246

HUFFINGTON POST
— It’s Not As Easy As You Think To Spot A Gerrymandered Map Our electoral districts have really weird shapes. Figuring out if they’re gerrymandered takes some deeper digging. – Sam Levine (DIERSEN: I should write a book about the 2015 gerrymandering of my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton.)
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gerrymandering-strange-maps_us_5a848498e4b0ab6daf454f1e

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Threatens to Veto Immigration Bills that Don’t Meet His Demands – Michael D. Shear and Sheryl Gay Stolberg
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/us/politics/trump-immigration-veto-threat.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “The Trump administration is abandoning McDonald’s workers — and everyone else.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/02/09/the-trump-administration-is-abandoning-mcdonalds-workers-and-everyone-else/

DAILY MAIL
— Wheaton College ‘punished’ football players who ‘kidnapped, beat and sexually assaulted’ freshman in brutal hazing ritual by asking them to write an eight-page essay and complete community service – JENNIFER SMITH
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5392317/Light-punishment-Christian-college-gave-boys-hazing.html

February 14 Morning Edition

CBS2
— State Budget, Politics To Collide In Springfield Wednesday – Derrick Blakley
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/13/state-budget-politics-to-collide-in-springfield-wednesday/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Lawmakers flock to new Obama plaque at Illinois Capitol – Bill Lukitsch (DIERSEN: As retirees in Illinois are ever-increasingly demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being undeservedly filthy rich and even worse things, will politicians start taxing retirement income?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-barack-obama-illinois-house-20180214-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: State lawmakers are lining up like tourists in the Illinois House to take selfies in front of a new plaque that commemorates former President Barack Obama’s 2016 speech to lawmakers in the Illinois House. The marker hangs behind the speaker’s podium, where Obama delivered his remarks. In his speech, the then-president called on lawmakers to set partisan differences aside and work toward ending the longest budget impasse in Illinois history. That stalemate ended last summer, when lawmakers voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto and raise income taxes. The Republican governor will give his budget address at noon Wednesday near the new commemorative hardware.)
— OUTSTANDING: Commission advises against pedal pubs, or bars on wheels, in downtown Naperville – Erin Hegarty (DIERSEN: Overwhelmingly, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes promote booze, gambling, pot, and other vices.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-pedal-pub-downtown-advisory-st-0214-20180212-story.html
— Mike Madigan flunks the #MeToo test – Editorial (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, all men flunk the #MeToo test if they fail/refuse to demonize, to denigrate, and to condemn all older White men as being White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-harassment-madigan-hampton-quinn-20180213-story.html
— GOP candidate’s parents contributed maximum — to his potential Democratic opponent – Alex Horton (DIERSEN: What motivates you to help elect a candidate? For me, it is their convincing me that if elected, a) they can and will defend and advance all the planks in the Republican Party platform and in the Illinois Republican Party platform, including their traditional family, right to life, immigration, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks and b) they would vote against/veto anything that promotes LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, diminution of First and Second Amendment rights, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, etc.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-gop-senate-candidate-donations-20180213-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Was the Speaker listening? Woman questions why Madigan took months to fire aide – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/woman-madigan-would-have-never-fired-alleged-harasser-without-her-going-public/
— ENDORSEMENT: Kelly Mazeski for Congress in 6th District Democratic Primary
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/endorsement-6th-congressional-district-democratic-primary-kelly-mazeski-2018-illinois/

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: Aurora approves city’s first gay pride parade – Marie Wilson (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote LGBTQ activity promote hatred of those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that do not promote LGBTQ activity. Soon, if not already, if you fail/refuse to get rid of those who do not promote LGBTQ activity, you will be stopped from getting an education, from getting a job, from etc.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180213/aurora-approves-citys-first-gay-pride-parade
— West Chicago High School teachers ready to strike Friday if no agreement – Katlyn Smith
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180213/w-chicago-high-teachers-ready-to-strike-friday-if-no-agreement
— Jhingan dropped from 8th District GOP primary – Eric Peterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180213/jhingan-dropped-from-8th-district-gop-primary
— Find out how to address opioid issues in the workplace – Kim Mikus (DIERSEN: I have never used an illegal drug and I never will.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/business/20180208/find-out-how-to-address-opioid-issues-in-the-workplace
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Opioid issues in the workplace can include: drug-free workplace policy, understanding the law for prescription drug use at work, signs of impairment and abuse, safe handling, operating machinery and driving while using opioids and the impact on workers’ compensation.)
— Shaun White apologizes for calling sexual misconduct lawsuit ‘gossip’ – JAKE SEINERAP (DIERSEN: Since 2000, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois have painted me as being a spammer, as being someone who spreads false rumors, and even worse things. Should I sue them?)
http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180214/shaun-white-apologizes-for-calling-sexual-misconduct-lawsuit-gossip

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Madigan’s #MeToo moment: Is he history? – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180213/BLOGS02/180219960/-metoo-moment-for-illinois-house-speaker-michael-madigan
— Why shouldn’t Illinois Medicaid recipients work? – ROBERT KAESTNER
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180213/OPINION/180219973/why-shouldnt-illinois-medicaid-recipients-work

ABC7
— Suburban police, professionals struggle with growing funeral violence – Chuck Goudie and Christine Tressel
http://abc7chicago.com/suburban-police-professionals-struggle-with-growing-funeral-violence/3073920/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Mayor, aldermen play blame game over budget – Crystal Thomas (DIERSEN: Who blames you and for what? I should write a book about those who have blamed me, my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, and what I did as 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, GAO employee, etc. for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180213/mayor-aldermen-play-blame-game-over-budget

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Senate President offers advice to Rauner ahead of Wednesday’s budget address – Rachel Droze (DIERSEN: One could argue that Rauner is taking advice from those who want him to use the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) to get rid of those like me who support the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the IRP platform, that is, he is taking advice from those who want to destroy the IRP. What do IRP State Central Committee candidates have to say about that?)
http://newschannel20.com/news/local/senate-president-offers-advice-to-rauner-ahead-of-wednesdays-budget-address

NPR ILLINOIS
— Rauner Budget Counts On Tax Hike – BRIAN MACKEY
http://nprillinois.org/post/rauner-budget-counts-tax-hike#stream/0

FOX ILLINOIS
— Lawmakers outraged after Quincy Vets Home residents test positive for Legionnaires’ – Rachel Droze
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/lawmakers-outraged-after-quincy-vets-home-residents-test-positive-for-legionnaires

PLAINFIELD PATCH
— Murder Capitals: 2 Illinois Cities (Chicago and East St. Louis) On List An Illinois city was ranked the No. 1 “Murder Capital” in the nation. – Shannon Antinori
https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/murder-capitals-2-illinois-cities-list

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Demand Rauner Show Up for a Second Debate (DIERSEN: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, the organization would be hosting candidate debates for a) Rauner v. Ives, b) Sanguinetti v. Morthland, c) Harold v. Grasso, d) Stella v. Vlakancic, e) Minor v. Grant v. Byrne, f) Kinzler v. Orozco, g) Zito v. Khouri, h) Mendrick v. Bibbiano, i) Tornatore v. DeMichele v. Gavanes, j) Hart v. Abbott v. Tully, k) McGowen v. Almiron v. Eckhoff v. Zaruba v. Tatro v. Chinchilla, l) Wiley v. Zay v. McQuade, m) Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee candidates, n) etc.)
https://ivesforillinois.com/demand-rauner-show-up-for-a-second-debate/

UPSTREAM IDEAS
— IL Republican Party Vs. IL Rauner Party
http://upstream-ideas.com/upstream-ideas/ideas/il-republican-party-vs-il-rauner-party
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Two more residents of the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy are sick with Legionnaires. Rauner is on top of this, right? All under control? Is Rauner going to make a call to President Trump for federal assistance or is he too busy boasting about not having a relationship with the White House? Is Rauner’s lack of leadership going to leave Illinois out of major federal infrastructure funding? Illinois State Representative for the 52nd District, Dave McSweeney joins Dan and Amy to discuss.)

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Call for Madigan to step down as speaker comes from both sides of aisle – Angela Underwood
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511344364-call-for-madigan-to-step-down-as-speaker-comes-from-both-sides-of-aisle

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Abolishing Office of McHenry Township Road Commissioner Set for November Ballot
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/13/abolishing-office-of-mchenry-township-road-commissioner-set-for-november-ballot/
— Five Applicants Vying For Open County Auditor Position (DIERSEN: See Section 3 of the application. I had to give similar financial information to my Democrat superiors each year while I worked for IRS 1971-1980 and for GAO 1980-1997. They used that financial information to demonize, denigrate, condemn me, and then my wife and I, as being undeservedly filthy rich. My Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government were moral relativists who believed that their end justified their means. They were disciples of Saul Alinsky. They promoted envy and class warfare. They stressed the money that I spent on new cars, tuition, real estate, collector cars, etc. They stressed the money that my wife and I had saved for our retirement. Those who had children painted themselves as being poor because of how tremendously expensive it is to raise children.)
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/12/five-applicants-vying-for-open-county-auditor-position/
— Looking at Miscellaneous Income Paid Algonquin Township Highway Department Employees Since 2012
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/13/looking-at-miscellaneous-income-paid-algonquin-township-highway-department-employees-since-2012/

CAPITOL FAX
— Four leaders gather in governor’s office for first time in 14 months
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/14/four-leaders-gather-in-governors-office-for-first-time-in-14-months/
— Rauner reboots cost shifts, pension consideration, capital plan
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/14/rauner-reboots-cost-shifts-pension-consideration-capital-plan/
— Pritzker campaign takes preemptive shot at Rauner budget
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/14/pritzker-campaign-takes-preemptive-shot-at-rauner-budget/

GOPUSA
— Barack Obama’s portrait artist, painted black women beheading white women
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39350

FREEDOM’S JOURNAL
— A NEW LOOK INTO POVERTY IN AMERICA – Star Parker (DIERSEN: To fight poverty, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted a) that instead of me, the Post Office should have hired a poor person in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a poor person could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a poor person in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted poor people in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a poor person in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a poor person in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a poor person could have my job and my preferred corner office.)
https://freedomsjournalinstitute.org/latest-news/opinion/a-new-look-into-poverty-in-america/

BREITBART
— Trump Nominates 11th Wave of Federal Judges – KEN KLUKOWSKI (DIERSEN: In Diersen v. GAO, Peter Fitzgerald appointed both the district court judge, Amy J. St. Eve, and the attorney who represented GAO, Patrick Fitzgerald. All of the aforesaid made it very clear that they favored patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. Eve granted Patrick Fitzgerald’s motion to deny me my 7th Amendment rights, that is, to deny me a jury trial. Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes used that to hint/imply/argue/shout that Peter Fitzgerald, Eve, and Patrick Fitzgerald viewed me as being someone who was lazy, stupid, bad, and even worse things.)
http://www.breitbart.com/2018-elections/2018/02/13/trump-nominates-11th-wave-of-federal-judges/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Amy St. Eve for the Seventh Circuit. A graduate of Cornell Law School, she is a former federal prosecutor and private litigator. St. Eve is currently a federal trial judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois as well as an instructor at Northwestern University’s law school.)

CHRISTIAN POST
— The Worst Colleges for Free Speech in America (DIERSEN: DePaul gets a “Lifetime Censorship Award.” I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980.)
https://www.christianpost.com/voice/the-10-worst-colleges-for-free-speech.html

POLITICO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Those who are anti-men and/or anti-Trump promote Duckworth big time.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/14/duckworth-i-cant-technically-take-maternity-leave-407279

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly pot pushers use medical pot to push recreational pot. If you push pot, you push destruction.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/nyregion/marijuana-lawsuit-trump-sessions.html
— Fake News and Bots May Be Worrisome, but Their Political Power Is Overblown It’s very hard to change people’s minds, especially when so many are already committed partisans. – Brendan Nyhan (DIERSEN: What do you say to those in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, and in Illinois who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican, but who a) focus on discouraging me from putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS together and sending them out and/or b) focus on discouraging everyone from reading GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/upshot/fake-news-and-bots-may-be-worrisome-but-their-political-power-is-overblown.html
— The F.B.I., Domestic Abuse and the White House: A Timeline of the Rob Porter Scandal The White House has shifted its story about how and when members of the administration learned about the domestic abuse allegations that forced a top aide to resign. – Michael D. Shear and Emily Cochrane
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/us/politics/rob-porter-fbi-white-house-timeline.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: White House Let Rob Porter Keep Job Even After Receiving Final F.B.I. Report – Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Michael D. Shear
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/us/politics/rob-porter-fbi-background-check.html

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— As foreign hackers plot next attack, Washington struggles to shore up vulnerable voting systems – EVAN HALPER and CHRIS MEGERIAN
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-elections-security-20180213-story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Lawyer Says He Personally Paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 Campaign-finance experts said Michael Cohen’s payment, even if he footed the bill, likely violated election rules – Rebecca Ballhaus, Joe Palazzolo and Michael Rothfeld (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, if you have ever done anything that subjects you to blackmail, you should not seek or hold any kind of government or political office.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-lawyer-says-he-personally-paid-stormy-daniels-1518585093
— The New Tax Law: State and Local Tax Deductions The tax overhaul caps the deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000 per return – Laura Saunders (DIERSEN: Government should encourage marriage and homeownership. The $10,000 SALT cap discourages marriage and home ownership. My wife and I have paid the marriage penalty big time since we got married in 1978. Further under the new Republican tax law, if there was no marriage penalty, instead of $10,000, the SALT cap would be $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-tax-law-state-and-local-tax-deductions-1518542356
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The new cap will also affect many married couples who file jointly more than it will affect singles, as the $10,000 limit is per return and not per person. Some Wall Street Journal readers have asked whether two spouses can each file separately for 2018 and claim two $10,000 deductions. The answer is no. Although married couples can file separate returns, in this case each spouse would get a $5,000 deduction for state and local taxes. To qualify for two $10,000 deductions, the couple would have to divorce.)
— Americans Want Big Government Responsible leaders should now inform the people how much that’s going to cost. – William A. Galston (DIERSEN: Members of Group A have always wanted big government and members of Group B pay more taxes. 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.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/americans-want-big-government-1518564556
— U.S. Households Shoulder Record $13.15 Trillion Debt to End 2017 Strong confidence, rising wages bolster increase in borrowing for the 14th straight quarter – Eric Morath (DIERSEN: How much debt are you shouldering? My wife and I have been debt-free ever since we paid off our mortgage in the 1990s. Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always been furious about that.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-household-debt-up-193-billion-to-13-15-trillion-to-end-2017-1518537600

USA TODAY
— Users are moving on from Facebook ‘Toxic mess’ helping drive many from social network. Jessica Guynn
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/usa-today-us-edition/20180214/281724090017441 (DIERSEN: Facebook is a Democrat website.)

CBS BOSTON
— The Worst Job In America – Jon Keller (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, and in DuPage County have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that all the jobs that I had were very bad jobs that they never would have stooped to take. 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://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/02/14/john-kelly-chief-of-staff-jon-keller-wbz/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: What is the worst job in America? Septic tank emptier? Toxic waste cleanup specialist? Journalist? How about White House chief of staff, the ultra-stressed, short-term employee in charge of managing the day-to-day affairs of the most powerful person on Earth?)

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— Rauner Faces $9B Shortfall in Presenting Budget Plan Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner unveils his 2019 budget proposal to a General Assembly expecting to hear him explain how he’ll erase a $9 million deficit. – AP
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-02-14/rauner-faces-9b-shortfall-in-presenting-budget-plan

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Pay for Performance is Needed – Howard Risher (DIERSEN: Have you worked under pay-for-performance (PFP)? I did during my last 8 years at GAO 1989-1997. Measuring job performance is extremely subjective. To meet their Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion quotas, goals, and targets, my Democrat used the subjectivity in their PFP system to get rid of their employees like me who are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
http://www.govexec.com/excellence/management-matters/2018/02/pay-performance-needed/145934/

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps crow about their success in driving Trump’s approval rating down. Who takes the lead in driving approval ratings down in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois? I should write a book about those in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, in Illinois, in TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, in Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, in Milton Township Republican Central Committee, in DuPage County Republican Central Committee, in Illinois Republican Party, in Illinois Center Right Coalition, in American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter, in etc. who have taken the lead in driving approval ratings down.)
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/02/trump-is-even-less-popular-now-than-when-he-was-inaugurated.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Notably dramatic drops in net approval ratings occurred in Arizona (plus 20 to minus 3), Illinois (plus 9 to minus 21), Montana (plus 24 to even), New York (plus 8 to minus 18), and Ohio (plus 14 to minus 4).)

February 12 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Speaker Mike Madigan’s consultant fired after investigation into inappropriate texts
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/speaker-madigans-consultant-fired-after-investigation-into-inappropriate-texts/3073339/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— An open letter to Holocaust denier Arthur Jones – Richard Porter, National Committeeman, Illinois Republican Party
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-nazi-arthur-jones-open-letter-holocaust-0211-story.html
— Trump’s infrastructure plan: 5 things it could mean for Chicago, state roads and airports – Mary Wisniewski
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-trump-infrastucture-illinois-20180212-story.html
— Rauner must talk to Trump about construction program, lawmaker says – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-donald-trump-infrastructure-lawmaker-20180212-story.html
— Trump’s new $1.5 trillion plan won’t ease Illinois’ infrastructure pain – Robert Reed
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/reed/ct-biz-trump-infrastructure-illinois-need-robert-reed-0213-story.html
— Religious leaders hold Lenten fast in support of ‘Dreamers’ – Nereida Moreno (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, “religious leaders” act as operatives or as dupes for the Democrat Party.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/immigration/ct-met-hunger-strike-clergy-0214-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump’s budget hits poor Americans the hardest.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-budget-poor-americans-20180212-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump’s budget balloons deficits, cuts social safety net.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-budget-20180212-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Illinois Policy Institute nonprofit tax status begs for FBI probe – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-illinois-policy-institute-nonprofit-tax-status-begs-for-fbi-probe/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “How Trump’s big new tax cut is making corporate CEOs wealthier — but not you.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/how-trumps-big-new-tax-cut-is-making-corporate-ceos-wealthier-but-not-you/
— Silverstein: ‘Joking’ with woman was ‘stupid,’ ‘inappropriate,’ ‘off the wall’ – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/silverstein-joking-with-woman-was-stupid-inappropriate-off-the-wall/

DAILY HERALD
— Madigan fires long-time consultant after inappropriate texts – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180212/madigan-fires-long-time-consultant-after-inappropriate-texts
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Republicans promote anti-Republicans in 6th Congressional District.
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180212/6th-district-hopefuls-trying-new-strategies-to-campaign-win-learn
— 56th District GOP hopefuls debate property tax relief – Eric Peterson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180212/56th-district-gop-hopefuls-debate-property-tax-relief

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Rauner promoters say “Rauner didn’t make taxpayers fund late abortions.”
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180212/politifact-rauner-didnt-make-taxpayers-fund-late-abortions

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Biz group blasts Ives’ new immigration ad – GREG HINZ (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, businesses side with foreign countries and with their citizens against America and against its citizens.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180212/BLOGS02/180219986/biz-group-blasts-ives-new-immigration-ad
— Michael Madigan fires senior aide over harassment allegation – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180212/BLOGS02/180219991/michael-madigan-fires-senior-aide-over-harassment-allegation
— After #MeToo, the role of men in the workplace – K. SUJATA (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you are charged with anything bad, the more of the following that you are, the more that you are presumed to be guilty: 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://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180212/OPINION/180219984/after-metoo-the-role-of-men-in-the-workplace

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— Some Illinois Republicans finally standing up to Rauner – Jim Young, Mount Sterling
http://www.whig.com/20180212/some-illinois-republicans-finally-standing-up-to-rauner

HERALD & REVIEW
— Onetime Rauner supporter welcomes Ives to Stripmasters Services during Decatur stop – RYAN VOYLES
http://herald-review.com/news/local/onetime-rauner-supporter-welcomes-ives-to-stripmasters-services-during-decatur/article_e0226ba3-8e35-596a-a4f5-b9e54d3c7cd4.html

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Tax filers face confusion this year – Chris Breach
http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/tax-filers-face-confusion-this-year/article_1b96699d-4f28-5e44-a21e-c58e03acee55.html

WHTC
— Upcoming state elections cast shadow over Illinois budget prospects – Karen Pierog
http://whtc.com/news/articles/2018/feb/12/upcoming-state-elections-cast-shadow-over-illinois-budget-prospects/

INDIANA LAWYER
— Trump makes two nominations (Michael Y. Scudder, Jr. and Amy J. St. Eve) to 7th Circuit bench (DIERSEN: In Diersen v. GAO, Peter Fitzgerald appointed both the district court judge, Amy J. St. Eve, and the attorney who represented GAO, Patrick Fitzgerald. All of the aforesaid made it very clear that they favored patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. Eve granted Patrick Fitzgerald’s motion to deny me my 7th Amendment rights, that is, to deny me a jury trial. Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes used that to hint/imply/argue/shout that Peter Fitzgerald, Eve, and Patrick Fitzgerald viewed me as being someone who was lazy, stupid, bad, and even worse things.)
https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/46140-trump-makes-two-nominations-to-7th-circuit-bench

LAW 360
— 7th Circ. Nominee Amy J. St. Eve Once Rebuked Trump During Trial – Diana Novak Jones
https://www.law360.com/trials/articles/1011642/7th-circ-nominee-once-rebuked-trump-during-trial

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Kimme & Coli: Shaking Up Springfield? Just Another Rauner Betrayal
https://mailchi.mp/f2a22faa2c6a/kimme-coli-shaking-up-springfield-just-another-rauner-betrayal

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— RAUNER, OTHER IL GOP LEADERS SUPPORTED PRO-IMMIGRATION POLICIES IN 2014 (DIERSEN: For “opposition research,” I attended this outrageous event as your GOPUSA Illinois Editor.)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/rauner-and-other-il-gop-leaders-were-open-about-pro-immigration-policies-in-2014.html
— NATIONAL: DECLASSIFIED FBI AGENT TEXTS SHOW ANIMUS TOWARDS PROLIFERS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/national-declassified-fbi-agent-texts-show-animus-towards-prolifers-.html

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump confirms appearance at next week’s CPAC conference – Sarah Westwood
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-confirms-appearance-at-next-weeks-cpac-conference/article/2648871

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner Forced Taxpayers to Fund Abortions – MICAIAH BILGER
http://www.lifenews.com/2018/02/12/illinois-governor-bruce-rauner-forced-taxpayers-to-fund-abortions/

GOPUSA
— Nominee for 9th Circuit Appeals Court under fire for racial ‘hostility’ in college writings (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, if you do not promote Affirmative Action (AA), Diversity, and Inclusion, those who promote AA, Diversity, and Inclusion get rid of you.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39205

BLAZE
— Our fake ‘conservative’ Congress doesn’t care about debt — and probably never will – Justin Haskins
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/12/commentary-our-fake-conservative-congress-doesnt-care-about-debt-and-probably-never-will/

THE HILL
— The 22 agencies and programs Trump’s budget would eliminate – BRETT SAMUELS
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/373441-the-federal-programs-trump-proposes-cutting-in-2019-budget
— White House releases 55-page, $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan – MALLORY SHELBOURNE
http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/infrastructure/373408-white-house-releases-55-page-infrastructure-proposal
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti Trumps and anti-Republicans say “Abuse furor risks gender backlash for Trump, GOP.” Ever-increasingly, if you are charged with anything bad, the more of the following that you are, the more that you are presumed to be guilty: 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://thehill.com/homenews/administration/373520-abuse-furor-risks-gender-backlash-for-trump-gop

MERCURY NEWS
— California GOP governor hopeful John Cox once suggested gay rights could ‘open the floodgates to polygamy and bestiality’ – CASEY TOLAN
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/12/john-cox-california-governor-lgbt-gay-rights/

NEW YORK TIMES
— White House Proposes $4.4 Trillion Budget That Adds $7 Trillion to Deficits – Julie Hirschfeld Davis
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/12/us/politics/white-house-budget-congress.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Budget provides no raise, targets retirement benefits for federal employees – Eric Yoder
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/02/12/budget-provides-no-raise-targets-retirement-benefits-for-federal-employees/

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— Trump proposes pay freeze, new and familiar retirement cuts in 2019 budget – Nicole Ogrysko
https://federalnewsradio.com/your-money/2018/02/trump-proposes-pay-freeze-new-and-familiar-retirement-cuts-in-2019-budget/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Trump Calls for ‘Reskilling’ Federal Workforce, Firing ‘Overhaul’ and Reducing Union Influence – Eric Katz (DIERSEN: After my Democrat GAO superiors a) made it clear that to get rid of me, they would never again assign me to audits of IRS and b) assigned me to audits of federal financial industry regulators, I reskilled myself by earning a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT.)
http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2018/02/trump-calls-reskilling-federal-workforce-overhaul-firing-and-union-influence/145917/
— Trump Formalizes 2019 Pay Freeze Proposal, Revives Benefits Cuts – Erich Wagner
http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2018/02/trump-formalizes-2019-pay-freeze-proposal/145915/

FEDERAL TIMES
— Trump budget will cost federal employees in pay and benefits – Jessie Bur
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/budget/2018/02/12/trump-budget-will-cost-federal-employees-in-pay-and-benefits/

FED SMITH
— Substantial Cuts to Federal Employee Benefits Proposed in FY 2019 Budget – Ian Smith
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/02/12/substantial-cuts-federal-employee-benefits-proposed-fy-2019-budget/
— OPM Identifies Priorities for Federal Workforce in New Report – Ian Smith (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, its top priority was a) to hire, retain, and promote young Democrat minorities and young Democrat females and b) to make way for them by getting rid of its employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/02/12/opm-identifies-priorities-federal-workforce-new-report/

WINDY CITY TIMES
— Campaign to unseat IL Republican chair gets Cong. Jan Schakowsky endorsement
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Campaign-to-unseat-IL-Republican-chair-gets-Cong-Jan-Schakowsky-endorsement-/61882.html