Tag: IVES

February 18 Morning Edition

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Rauner’s Deceitful Campaign Ads – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/tag/crains-chicago-business-magazine/

 

ABC7
— House Speaker Madigan calls for end to harassment, abuse at State House
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/house-speaker-madigan-calls-for-end-to-harassment-abuse-at-state-house/3102125/
— Chicago Reader Editor Konkol out after controversy over Pritzker cartoon
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/chicago-reader-editor-konkol-out-after-controversy-over-cartoon/3102203/

 

NBC5
— Scammers Impersonating AG’s Office on Social Media
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/scammers-impersonating-attorney-generals-office-on-social-media-474395063.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Madigan taps trio of women, including Bustos, to change ‘culture of politics’ – Tina Sfondeles (DIERSEN: Of course, this will be taken as a mandate to get rid of Republican men, and especially Republican men who are White, older, heterosexual, Protestant, German national origin, draft avoiders, patriotic, rich, gun owners, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/speaker-madigan-taps-trio-including-bustos-to-change-culture-of-politics/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In Saturday’s letter, Madigan writes that “persons within our party should be rewarded for their value and contribution, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. It’s time to move beyond our current way of thinking. I recognize this change must start at the top, which means it starts with me and with each of you.”)
— Statement from Sun-Times Media CEO on change in Chicago Reader leadership (DIERSEN: The Chicago Sun-times says “We wish Mark well.” My Democrat GAO superiors did not wish me well. Ever since they succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old, they have done everything that they could to stop me from getting a job that is appropriate for someone with my work experience, education, professional certifications, and professional license. That is why my attorney Walter T. Charlton filed Diersen v. GAO in Washington D.C. in 1998. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/documents/)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/statement-from-sun-times-media-ceo-on-change-in-chicago-reader-leadership/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Border wall to have many hurdles too clear – Jaclyn Cosgrove (DIERSEN: Of course, individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are members of the following groups argue against The Wall: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20180218/281908773618753
— When echoes of bagpipes fade after another police funeral, cops know they are alone – John Kass (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who promote hatred against federal employees, against federal retirees, and/or against those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-police-funeral-kass-0218-story.html

 

DAILY HERALD
— In Naperville, 6,000 volunteers pack 1.2 million meals for hungry – Justin Kmitch (DIERSEN: Soon, if not already, questionnaires that newspapers send candidates will ask those candidates what they have done to feed the hungry during the last week, last month, last year, last 5 years, etc.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180217/in-naperville-6000-volunteers-pack-12-million-meals-for-hungry

 

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
– DUCKWORTH USING PREGNANCY TO EDUCATE MALE-DOMINATED SENATE – AP (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned my wife and I the most as being disgusting undeserving filthy rich DINKs (dual income, no kids) because we gave up trying to have children, because we did not adopt, and because we did not become foster parents.)
http://www.beloitdailynews.com/article/20180218/AP/302189973

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Bicentennial: Illinois embraced role as the Land of Lincoln – Kate Schott (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, the Republican Party is a “house divided against itself.” Those who dominate the Republican Party, Illinois Republican Party (IRP), DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC), Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC), etc. a) want the Republican Party and the IRP to dump their traditional family, right to life, immigration, and many other planks in their platforms and b) want the Republican Party, IRP, DCRCC, MTRCC, etc. to dump those who support those planks. That is why those who dominate the Republican Party, IRP, DCRCC, MTRCC, etc. want to dump me and want to dump my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails.)
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/bicentennial-illinois-embraced-role-as-the-land-of-lincoln/article_648f200a-641f-5c7b-846d-48e2f0ef16c5.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Lincoln’s biggest accomplishment was probably the abolishment of slavery, an issue he began speaking out against as a young adult. His first statement on the issue is said to have been March 3, 1837, when he said “the institution of slavery is founded on both injustice and bad policy” during a speech at the state legislature when it was in Vandalia. It was an issue he would repeatedly discuss during his political career: When accepting the Republican nomination in June 1858 during a convention in Springfield to be the party’s candidate for U.S. Senate, Lincoln gave his “A house divided against itself cannot stand” speech.)

 

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Rauner on consolidation: ‘People of McHenry should be empowered to make their own choices’
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/16/gov-bruce-rauner-on-consolidation-people-of-mchenry-should-be-empowered-to-make-their-own-choices/afaa3ds/

 

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Who is Jeanne Ives? – Editorial
http://www.daily-journal.com/opinion/editorials/who-is-jeanne-ives/article_3087d54b-335d-5b08-8a44-216c489a82f9.html

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Opponents: Rauner insurance changes would hurt state workers, retired teachers – Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180217/opponents-rauner-insurance-changes-would-hurt-state-workers-retired-teachers

 

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Pension-cost shift a ‘nonstarter’ for many lawmakers – Tom Kacich (DIERSEN: The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) should sue GAO. If my Democrat GAO superiors had not succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old, so far, in today’s dollars I would have paid into the CSRS $179,110 (245 months X $731/month) instead of CSRS paying me $1,058,890 (245 months X 4,322).)
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2018-02-18/tom-kacich-pension-cost-shift-nonstarter-many-lawmakers.html
— Volunteers scarce to lead takedown of Madigan – Jim Dey (DIERSEN: It has been easy for my critics/opponents in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois to recruit nasty/vicious operatives and nasty/vicious dupes to take me down a) because they have tremendous religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and b) because I have a history of forgiving those who trespass against me.)
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-02-18/jim-dey-volunteers-scarce-lead-takedown-madigan.html

 

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— Shifting Illinois pension burden to school districts is no budget solution – Editorial
http://www.whig.com/20180218/shifting-illinois-pension-burden-to-school-districts-is-no-budget-solution#//

 

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Primary election critical, be sure to vote – DON WOOTEN
http://qconline.com/opinion/columnists/primary-election-critical-be-sure-to-vote/article_9723fdfc-cc20-5815-8087-e1d67af63c9e.html
— School pension-cost shift still cause for concern – Editorial
http://qconline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-school-pension-cost-shift-still-cause-for-concern/article_1f042b91-d267-54de-b901-978186ff9812.html

 

PONTIAC DAILY LEADER
— GOP candidates introduce themselves to constituency – Paul Westermeyer
http://www.pontiacdailyleader.com/news/20180217/gop-candidates-introduce-themselves-to-constituency

 

RIVER CITIES’ READER
— Unpacking Rauner’s Problematic Budget Proposal – Rich Miller
https://www.rcreader.com/commentary/unpacking-rauners-budget-proposal

 

DANVILLE COMMERCIAL NEWS
— A bad deal for Illinois – Editorial
http://www.commercial-news.com/editorials/editorial-a-bad-deal-for-illinois/article_aa4e4315-d4a9-50c1-9d68-71e55ec3bb14.html

 

NPR ILLINOIS
— How Immigration Could Motivate Democrats In 2018 – ASMA KHALID (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs a) use immigrants to get rid of Republicans whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, b) use minorities to get rid of Republicans who are White, c) use women to get rid of Republicans who are male, d) use non-Protestants to get rid of Republicans who are Protestant, e) use those who have less money to get rid of Republicans who have more money, f) use non-German Americans to get rid of Republicans who are German American, g) etc.)
http://nprillinois.org/post/how-immigration-could-motivate-democrats-2018#stream/0

 

BGA
— THREE WAYS TO IMPROVE ILLINOIS’ BUDGET PROCESS – Danish Murtaza
https://www.bettergov.org/news/analysis-three-ways-to-improve-illinois%E2%80%99-budget-process

 

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Comparing tax rates increases by type of tax district
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/17/comparing-township-road-bridge-property-taxes-2002-versus-2016-part-6/
— Shannon Teresi Campaigning for County Auditor Appointment
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/16/shannon-teresi-campaigning-for-county-auditor-appointment/

 

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Man Up to Marriage – Micah Clark (DIERSEN: In 1978, when I was 29 years old, my Democrat IRS superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were furious when I married a woman who was earning almost as much as I was and had saved $20,000 ($74,000 in today’s dollars). My IRS and GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I should not get any promotions because I was already undeservedly filth rich. In 1980, they wanted me to suffer much more of a pay cut than the $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars that I suffered to transfer from IRS to GAO. Of course, they wanted me to be always ranked in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, and especially so after my wife and I gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents. Of course, the wanted me to take GAO’s $25,000 early retirement buyout in 1993 when I was 45 years old. Of course, they were overjoyed when they succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49. Most of my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government painted themselves as having financial difficulties, most commonly because of the high cost of raising their children, and therefore, that they were in need of pay increases and promotions.)
https://illinoisfamily.org/marriage/man-up-to-marriage/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: While being a good husband is hard work, the paper points out that the benefits of marriage are numerous for both men and women, and even more so for children. Natural marriage also has numerous societal and economic benefits. For example: Married men earn 10-40% more than comparable single men; Marriage increases the earning power of men; Married men are less likely to be fired from a job; The typical married man in his 50’s has three times the financial assets of his unmarried peer.)

 

BLAZE
— Mainstream media claims Florida shooter ‘trained by the NRA.’ But here’s the truth. – Chris Enloe
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/17/debunked-mainstream-media-claims-florida-shooter-trained-by-the-nra-but-heres-the-truth/

 

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Feds to Repeal 298 Tax Regulations Treasury seeking to eliminate outdated regs dating back to 1941. – Elizabeth Harrington
http://freebeacon.com/issues/feds-repeal-298-tax-regulations/

 

NEWSMAX
— Atlantic: Could China’s Big-Brother Social Credit System Work in US? – Solange Reyner (DIERSEN: Who hints/implies/argues/shouts that you are “untrustworthy.” 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 hint/imply/argue/shout that I am untrustworthy. They demonize, denigrate, and condemn those like me who refuse to a) glorify and praise them, b) pander to them, c) serve as one of their operatives or dupes, and d) give them money.)
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/china-system-controls-citizen/2018/02/17/id/843994/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: China’s development of a nationwide tracking system to rate the reputations of individuals, businesses and even government officials could spread to the West and change the lives of many for years to come, The Atlantic reports. The Chinese government plans to launch its Social Credit System in 2020. The aim is to judge the trustworthiness of the country’s 1.3 billion residents by monitoring and evaluating their purchases, who their friends are, how much time they spend watching TV or playing video games, what bills and taxes they pay (or don’t) and where they are at any given time. Launched in 2012, the initiative plans to “make trustworthy people benefit everywhere and untrustworthy people restricted everywhere” by the time it is fully implemented.)

 

THE HILL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats crow about their success in getting Florida students to “turn to activism in wake of shooting.”

http://thehill.com/homenews/news/374422-in-the-wake-of-shooting-florida-students-turn-to-activism

 

ABC NEWS
— 5 men accused of sexual assault or harassment whom Trump has defended. – MEGHAN KENEALLY (DIERSEN: Trump said he hopes Porter has “a great career ahead of him” and said the administration “wish[es] him well. My Democrat GAO superiors did not wish me well. Ever since they succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old, they have done everything that they could to stop me from getting a job that is appropriate for someone with my work experience, education, professional certifications, and professional license. That is why my attorney Walter T. Charlton filed Diersen v. GAO in Washington D.C. in 1998. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/documents/)
http://abcnews.go.com/US/men-trump-defended-amid-assault-accusations/story

 

NEW YORK TIMES
— Brazil Looks to Crack Down on Fake News Ahead of Bitter Election – Ernesto Londoño (DIERSEN: Since 2000, my nasty/troubled/vicious critics/opponents, their nasty/troubled/vicious operatives, and their nasty/troubled/vicious dupes have cracked down on me for putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out. According to them, the only news that is not fake is the news that they put out.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/world/americas/brazil-election-fake-news.html
— Do I Have to Spring for My Kid to Go to an Elite College? – Kwame Anthony Appiah (DIERSEN: Did you expect your parents to pay for your college education? I did not. Neither of my outstanding parents attended college. My father fought type 1 diabetes from age 14, was the first of his ancestors to earn a high school diploma, worked in the office of a nasty chemical plant, almost always worked second jobs to pay the family’s bills, and did not buy a new car until he was 45, and it was a bottom of the line 2-door Chevy. My mother never attended high school.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/magazine/do-i-have-to-spring-for-my-kid-to-go-to-an-elite-college.html

 

FORBES
— Infrastructure Spending Will Be Difficult With Massive State And Local Debt – Erik Sherman
https://www.forbes.com/sites/eriksherman/2018/02/17/infrastructure-spending-will-be-difficult-with-massive-state-and-local-debt/#bb365cd6c9c6

 

BLOOMBERG
— Driving the Market Luxury automakers are finally realizing the scale of female buying power—and changing their tactics accordingly. – HANNAH ELLIOTT (DIERSEN: Overwhelmingly, those who despise me also despise cars, and they especially despise cars built by General Motors, Ford, or Chrysler. Further, they despise unions, despise past union members, despise present union members, and despise future union members.)
https://www.scribd.com/article/371605056/Driving-The-Market

 

SALON
— Sign of the times? Majority of school districts now require “active shooter” drills There have been 18 instances involving weapons on school properties across the country since the beginning of 2018 – SHIRA TARLO
https://www.salon.com/2018/02/17/sign-of-the-times-majority-of-school-districts-now-require-active-shooter-drills/

February 17 Morning Edition

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Female legislators: More should be done to reduce sexual harassment – Rachel Hinton (DIERSEN: Because ever-increasingly, members of the following groups are stereotyped by anti-Trumps as being sexual harassers and even worse things, will anti-Trump female legislators ban members of the following groups from seeking or holding government and political offices: Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, draft avoiders, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/female-legislators-more-should-be-done-to-reduce-sexual-harassment/
— Before African Americans vote for Pritzker — or anybody else — let’s get a list – LAURA WASHINGTON (DIERSEN: How do the candidates on the Republican primary ballot for your precinct treat voters who share your demographics? How do those candidates treat voters who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, draft avoiders, German American, and/or voters whose ancestors have been in America for a long time? How do those candidates treat voters who are federal retirees, former union members, childless, pet-less, and those who are not a member of any church, do not attend church services, and do not give money to a church? How do those candidates treat voters who support planks in the Republican Party and the Illinois Republican Party platform that the candidate rejects, for example, the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks? How do those candidates treat voters who support the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling? How do those candidates treat voters who oppose 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/opinion/j-b-pritzker-needs-to-promise-black-votes-after-fbi-wiretap/
— At teach-in, activists talk next steps for opposing Bannon at U of C – Pete Grieve
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/at-teach-in-activists-talk-next-steps-for-opposing-bannon-at-u-of-c/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Cook County sheriff sues to unmask ‘Dan,’ an anonymous person accusing him of domestic abuse – Steve Schmadeke and Jeremy Gorner (DIERSEN: My nasty troubled vicious critics/opponents have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and Illinois and they know that I am litigious. Because of that, they have their operatives and their dupes who have little or no income or net worth slander me. They know that it is difficult, if not impossible, to collect punitive damages from someone who has little or no income or net worth. My nasty troubled vicious critics/opponents shout at their operatives and at their dupes that since 1999, I have been a “public figure,” and therefore, I “cannot succeed in a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements in the United States unless there is proof that the writer or publisher acted with actual malice by knowing the falsity or by reckless disregard for the truth. The legal burden of proof in defamation actions is thus higher in the case of a public figure than in the case of an ordinary person.” SEE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_figure I should write a book about the times when my critics/opponents have had their operatives and their dupes slander me at TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois events, Milton Township Republican Central Committee events, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce events, Illinois Center Right Coalition events, and other events. Much of the aforesaid slander took place in the Wheaton Bowl Banquet Hall.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-sheriff-dart-lawsuit-20180215-story.html

 

WTTW
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON COOK COUNTY TIGHTENS: Property Tax System ‘More Regressive’ in Cook County, Report Finds – Amanda Vinicky
https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/02/16/property-tax-system-more-regressive-cook-county-report-finds

 

WBEZ
— #MeToo In Madigan’s Backyard
https://www.wbez.org/shows/illinois-elections-2018/february-16-2018-metoo-in-madigans-backyard/0e107266-c50a-4c6f-8536-ec59e9b4bfe2

 

NORTHWEST HERALD
— State Rep. David McSweeney calls Algonquin Township a ‘disgrace’ – ED KOMENDA
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/16/state-rep-david-mcsweeney-calls-algonquin-township-a-disgrace/arc3539/

 

FREEPORT JOURNAL STANDARD
— Ives is the right person to challenge Rauner – Jim Sacia
http://www.journalstandard.com/opinion/20180216/my-view-ives-is-right-person-to-challenge-rauner

 

SAUK VALLEY
— Make local government pay its way – Editorial
http://www.saukvalley.com/2018/02/17/shaw-media-editorial-make-local-government-pay-its-way/a3xnoia/

 

TIMES
— GOP candidates (Marter & Kinzinger) get pro-life endorsements
http://www.mywebtimes.com/news/local/gop-candidates-get-pro-life-endorsements/article_5490b9b4-f0a0-550a-9ade-b94568cf0e91.html

 

NPR ILLINOIS
— Alleged Ex-Trump Paramour Says ‘Catch And Kill’ Practice Kept Her Quiet – AMY HELD
http://nprillinois.org/post/alleged-ex-trump-paramour-says-catch-and-kill-practice-kept-her-quiet#stream/0

 

CHICAGO NOW
— Fire every last leerer and grabber – Dennis Byrne
http://www.chicagonow.com/dennis-byrnes-barbershop/2018/02/fire-every-last-leerer-and-grabber/

 

NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY TELEVISION
— Naperville Population Increasing as State’s Declines
https://www.nctv17.com/news/naperville-population-increasing-as-states-declines/

 

ILLINOIS HOMEPAGE
— Davis defends Congress’ mental health stance – Raquel Martin
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/davis-defends-congress-mental-health-stance/977777972

 

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Poll: 90 percent of voters support work-for-welfare – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.ilnews.org/news/economy/poll-percent-of-voters-support-work-for-welfare/article_92d852f0-129b-11e8-83c8-efaa95ab3d93.html

 

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Democrats have moved far to the nation’s left on abortion – Ken Blackwell
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/democrats-have-moved-far-to-the-nations-left-on-abortion/article/2649353

 

NEWSMAX
— Immigration Reform Should Favor Tradition Over Transformation – James Walsh (DIERSEN: Democrats want to fill America with members of the following groups because members of the following groups vote for Democrats: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.newsmax.com/jameswalsh/departmental-regulations-rules/2018/02/14/id/843310/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Former President Barack H. Obama bequeathed a divided nation to President Donald J. Trump. Obama’s executive orders and departmental rules and regulations were meant to bypass regular order — congressional legislation — like opening American borders to under-vetted or unvetted foreign nationals. Immigration confusion and disorder were just one example of Obama’s legacy of governmental anarchy seeking social and political realignment. President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Democrats sought to transform America by their 1964 civil rights and 1965 immigration legislation. Obama signed highly questionable executive orders and permitted promulgation of questionable rules, regulations, and policies, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order — to transform America. Attacks by the mainstream media on President Trump and Republicans were non-stop and vicious even before the election. They continue in 2018. Whether late night talk shows, cable networks, or the print-media, the vitriolic hatred of President Trump spins forth without letting up. The maneuvers of the Johnson, Clinton, and Obama administrations to authorize entitlement and immigration policies have divided the nation. They are part of a plan to transform America. So far, they’ve been successful. The so-called “Dreamers,” are in reality foreign nationals here illegally, unvetted, demanding all the benefits granted American citizens. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., created the “Dreamer” idea in 2001. He did so with his proposed “Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act” (Dream Act). For 17 years that Act has remained as a proposed — not enacted. As of Feb. 13, 2018, Sen. Durbin is still fabricating reasons for support of his Dream Act. Why? To ally with voters for the Democratic Party of the future. Dreamers are not all academic scholars, full-time employees, nor members of the U.S. armed forces; extremely few are academic all-stars or military members. Federal, state, and local law enforcement arrest blotters are daily chronicles of crimes committed by illegal immigrants and Dreamers. Here the news media remains appreciably absent. One in five federal prison inmates is an illegal immigrant — such prisoners are not incarcerated for jay-walking or for traffic citations. It appears that about 13 percent of state prison populations are illegal immigrants. They make up less than 3 percent of the U.S. population.)

 

HOT AIR
— RIP, Fiscal Conservatism
https://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2018/02/rip-fiscal-conservatism/

 

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Republicans bet the House majority on the Trump tax cut. – MATTHEW CONTINETTI (DIERSEN: What about voters who pay more than $10,000 a year in real estate taxes and state income taxes? What about voters who pay the marriage penalty? What about voters who will pay more federal income tax because of the tax cut?)
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/456512/2018-midterms-republicans-bet-tax-bill

 

NEW YORK TIMES

— If a Law Bars Asking Your Past Salary, Does It Help or Hurt? – Noam Scheiber (DIERSEN: Past, present, and future government employees are at a tremendous disadvantage a) because their salary is public record and b) because they are viciously demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being overpaid. In its February 1978 article on me, Money Magazine shouted that IRS was overpaying me. IRS was paying me $89,178/year in today’s dollars, I had worked for IRS for 6 1/2 years, I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976, and I was taking graduate accounting courses at DePaul. In 1980, my Democrat GAO superiors used Money Magazine’s article to force me to take a $19,203 pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO even though I had passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and I had almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/business/economy/salary-history-laws.html

— Gun Makers Are Reeling Even as Threat of Regulation Recedes – Michael Corkery and Tiffany Hsu
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/business/gun-makers-are-reeling-even-as-of-regulation-recedes.html

 

WASHINGTON POST
— Timeline: How Russian trolls allegedly tried to throw the 2016 election to Trump – Philip Bump
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/02/16/timeline-how-russian-trolls-allegedly-tried-to-throw-the-2016-election-to-trump/

 

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Free-Speech University Steve Bannon is giving a talk at Chicago. Its president is confident he won’t be shouted down. – Tunku Varadarajan
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-free-speech-university-1518824261
— John Kelly Orders End to Some Interim Security Clearances Change comes after complaints that Rob Porter held temporary status for more than a year – Rebecca Ballhaus and Michael C. Bender (DIERSEN: Many millions have not and will not seek a job with the federal government a) because they cannot pass a background investigation, b) because the advancement opportunities are terrible, c) because they lack required education, work experience, professional certifications, and/or professional licenses, d) because they cannot pass an employment examination, e) because the pay and benefits are terrible, f) because they cannot pass a physical examination, g) because they cannot take the demonization, denigration, and condemnation that comes with being a federal employee or federal retiree, and/or h) because they are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran and they know that the federal government discriminates against the aforesaid.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/john-kelly-orders-end-to-some-interim-security-clearances-1518823451

 

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— NTEU: Morale in the federal government (DIERSEN: What do you say to those who want to drive down morale in the federal government, that is, what do you say to those who are full of hatred against past, present, and future federal employees and retirees?)
https://federalnewsradio.com/fed-access/2018/02/nteu/

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 Evening Edition

CBS2
— Window Closing For Trump Infrastructure Plan, RTA Boss Dillard Warns – Bob Roberts
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/15/window-closing-for-trump-infrastructure-plan-rta-boss-warns/

 

ABC7
— Cartoon of J.B. Pritzker stirs controversy – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/cartoon-of-jb-pritzker-stirs-controversy/3090621/

 

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— President Trump making plans to visit Florida following deadly school shooting – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/president-trump-addresses-nation-following-florida-school-shooting

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Slow-walked investigation is the excuse Madigan needs to step down – Eric Zorn
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-madigan-hampton-quinn-delay-0216-20180215-story.html
— Berrios property tax assessments for Cook County homeowners are flawed and unfair, study confirms – Jason Grotto, Hal Dardick
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-met-cook-property-tax-study-berrios-20180215-story.html
— Berrios primary challenger for Cook County assessor removed from ballot, vows court fight – Hal Dardick and John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-assessor-joe-berrios-raila-kaegi-20180215-story.html
— Who’s up to the job of digging Illinois out of the pension hole it’s in? – Randy Blaser
http://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-ppn-column-blaser-tl-0222-20180214-story.html
— Your paycheck will probably get bigger this month because of the new tax law – Samantha Bomkamp
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tax-reform-bigger-paycheck-20180216-story.html
— ‘Dreamers’ left in limbo as Senate rejects bipartisan immigration bills – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-immigration-plan-20180215-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Lipinski seeks IRS probe of think tank leaders after Sun-Times-ProPublica report – Tina Sfondeles and Mick Dumke
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/lipinski-seeks-irs-probe-of-think-tank-leaders-after-sun-times-propublica-report/
— The craziness inside a campaign bubble – Lance Trover
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/inside-campaign-bubble-lance-trover-illinois-mark-kirk-bruce-rauner/
— Berrios challenger loses another round in ballot battle – Alexandra Arriaga
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/berrios-challenger-loses-another-round-in-ballot-battle/
— Black Caucus chairman bemoans Shakman decree that killed patronage system – Fran Spielman (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted patronage. Because I have always been a Republican, 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. 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 Black in 1966, b) that the Post Office should gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job, c) that instead of me, IRS should have hired a Black in 1971, d) that instead of me, IRS should have promoted Blacks in 1972, 1973, and 1974, e) that instead of me, GAO should have hired a Black in 1980, f) that instead of me, GAO should have promoted a Black in 1986, and g) that GAO should have gotten rid of me much sooner than it did so that a Black could have my job and my preferred corner office.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/black-caucus-chairman-bemoans-shakman-decree-that-killed-patronage-system/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Chicago’s once-vaunted patronage system “helped build many middle-class black communities” and the Shakman decree that banned political hiring and firing “destroyed those same communities,” an influential alderman said Thursday. Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th), chairman of the City Council’s Black Caucus, used a luncheon address to the City Club of Chicago to harken back to the good old’ days that reined under his father, former alderman and Acting Mayor Eugene Sawyer.)
— Emanuel likens gun violence in America to Vietnam War – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/emanuel-likens-gun-violence-in-america-to-vietnam-war/
— Cook County assessments ‘more variable, more regressive,’ review concludes – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/cook-county-assessments-more-variable-more-regressive-review-concludes/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats say that you are complicit in murder if you support the Second Amendment.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-we-are-complicit-in-murder-when-we-let-the-nra-call-the-shots/

 

DAILY HERALD
— Speaker defends expanding concealed gun permits – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180215/news/302159914/

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Blockbuster report: How Cook County tax system shafts the little guy – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180215/BLOGS02/180219919/blockbuster-report-how-cook-county-tax-system-shafts-the-little-guy

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Independent investigation needed in harassment case – Editorial
http://www.pantagraph.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-independent-investigation-needed-in-harassment-case/article_0219a7f4-ea37-597b-8052-cbd01b5c1bf4.html

 

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Budget undercuts Trump focus on mental health, school safety – AP
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/budget-undercuts-trump-focus-on-mental-health-school-safety/975913320

 

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Morrison: The Last Three-Years Demonstrate Who Rauner Is. That’s Why I’m Supporting Ives.
https://mailchi.mp/c3410454ac20/morrison-the-last-three-years-demonstrate-who-rauner-is-thats-why-im-supporting-ives?e=985ad8c00b
— First He Betrayed Social Conservatives. Then He Betrayed Fiscal Conservatives. And the Betrayals Continue…
https://mailchi.mp/408923f92821/first-he-betrayed-social-conservatives-then-he-betrayed-fiscal-conservatives-and-the-betrayals-continue

 

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Ives and Skillicorn find fault with Rauner’s budget address – Angela Underwood (DIERSEN: Who finds fault with what you do? Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have found fault with everything that I have ever done. They are especially critical of my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and they were especially critical of 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.)
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511344637-ives-and-skillicorn-find-fault-with-rauner-s-budget-address

 

KANE COUNTY REPORTER
— Republicans in the 49th District question Zito’s Democratic ties – W.J. Kennedy
https://kanecountyreporter.com/stories/511345563-republicans-in-the-49th-district-question-zito-s-democratic-ties
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The 28-year-old Nic Zito has more Democratic connections than just his father, Greg Zito, a former Democratic senator with whom he still lives, to explain to Republican voters in the 49th District. Nic Zito voted in the Democratic primary in 2008. And in October he received a donation from old-time Chicago machine Democrat Alderman Ed Burke through a campaign fund, the Burnham Committee. Other Burnham Committee beneficiaries this political cycle include Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson), Michael Cabonargi, Democratic Cook County Board of Review member; Ed Moody, Democratic Cook County commissioner and top aide to Madigan (D-Chicago); and Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board president.)

 

CAPITOL FAX
— Sawyer on Reader cover: “The equivalent of putting gasoline on a fire”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/15/sawyer-on-reader-cover-the-equivalent-of-putting-gasoline-on-a-fire/
— “I have never experienced sexism or racism as explicitly as I did on the campaign trail”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/15/i-have-never-experienced-sexism-or-racism-as-explicitly-as-i-did-on-the-campaign-trail/

 

FEDERALIST
— New York Times Struggles Over Whether Any Conservatives Are Fit To Print This week, two New York Times writers drew outrage from progressives. Will the paper succumb to criticism, or continue its new commitment to conservative voices? – David Marcus (DIERSEN: What do you say to “conservative” and “Republican” leaders in Illinois, in DuPage County, in Milton Township, in Glen Ellyn, and in Wheaton who deem me to be not fit to print? At best, they paint me as being too conservative, that is, I support too many planks in the Republican Party platform and Illinois Republican Party platform.)
http://thefederalist.com/2018/02/15/new-york-times-struggles-whether-conservatives-fit-print/

 

GOPUSA
— Liberal groups urge Democrats to reject DACA bills with ‘nativist’ demands (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that promote immigrants a) viciously demonize you, viciously denigrate you, and viciously condemn you if you do not promote immigrants and b) make it clear that they want to get rid of citizens of America and replace them with citizens of foreign countries.)
http://www.gopusa.com/liberal-groups-urge-democrats-to-reject-daca-bills-with-nativist-demands/

 

BARBWIRE
— CPAC 2018: ‘COWARDLY’ POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE REJECTS MASSRESISTANCE – Arthur Schaper
https://barbwire.com/2018/02/15/cpac-2018-cowardly-political-action-committee-rejects-massresistance/

 

LIFESITE NEWS
— CPAC bans pro-family group, approves pro-LGBT – Doug Mainwaring
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/top-u.s.-conservative-conference-bans-pro-family-group-approves-pro-lgbt

 

ABC NEWS
— Immigration bills fail in the Senate, fate of Dreamers murkier than ever – MARIAM KHAN
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/immigration-bills-fail-senate-fate-dreamers-murkier/story

 

REUTERS
— Senate rejects immigration bills, leaves Dreamers in limbo – Richard Cowan, Susan Cornwell
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration/senate-rejects-immigration-bills-leaves-dreamers-in-limbo-idUSKCN1FZ1XF

 

BLOOMBERG
— BEYOND UNACCEPTABLE: White House Pulling Back on E-Verify to Get Democratic Votes
https://www.bna.com/white-house-pulling-n57982088776/

 

GAO
— GAO Unable to Render an Opinion on the U.S. Government’s Annual Financial Statements
https://www.gao.gov/press/opinion_2018_financial_statement.htm
(FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT: GAO cited shortcomings that have plagued the financial statements in past years, including persistent problems with the Department of Defense’s (DOD) financial management and auditability, the federal government’s inability to account for and reconcile certain transactions, and an ineffective process for preparing the consolidated financial statements. Such deficiencies undermine the federal government’s ability to accurately report much of its financial information. “It’s essential that the federal government be able to adequately track all revenues and expenses, along with its assets and liabilities. It is critical to improving the accountability, effectiveness and efficiency of government operations,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “GAO’s audit report makes clear the continuing challenges to providing policymakers with the accurate and complete financial information needed for ensuring accountability and making difficult policy decisions.” For 2017, with few exceptions, all of the 24 Chief Financial Officers Act agencies received unmodified or “clean” opinions on their respective individual entities’ fiscal year 2017 financial statements. However, about 38 percent of the federal government’s reported total assets as of September 30, 2017, and approximately 20 percent of the federal government’s reported net cost for FY 2017, involved federal entities that were unable to issue audited financial statements, unable to receive audit opinions on the complete set of financial statements, or unable to receive an opinion on their FY 2017 financial statements. Notably, DOD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Agriculture have continuing impediments to receiving a clean opinion on their financial statements.)

 

LGBTQ  NATION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump hater says “Trump will address hate group leaders & far right activists for second time.”
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/02/trump-will-address-hate-group-leaders-far-right-activists-second-time/

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

 

  1. 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/

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— RETAILERS ABOUT RAUNER BUDGET SPEECH: RAZOR THIN MARGINS BLAMED ON REGS, MANDATES AND TAXES
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/retailers-about-rauner-budget-speech-razor-thin-margins-blamed-on-regs-mandates-and-taxes.html
— DEMOCRAT GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION: RAUNER DROVE ILLINOIS’ FINANCES INTO THE GROUND; MAKES MIDDLE CLASS PAY
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/democrat-governors-association-rauner-drove-illinois-finances-into-the-ground-makes-middle-class-pay.html
— IL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION DISSES RAUNER’S WORKERS’ COMP REFORM PROPOSAL
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/il-trial-lawyers-association-disses-rauners-workers-comp-reform-proposal.html
— IL MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ABOUT RAUNER BUDGET: LOCAL GOVT FUND CUT WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT CITIZENS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/il-municipal-league-about-rauner-budget-speech-local-govt-fund-cut-would-negatively-impact-citizens.html
— IMA ON RAUNER BUDGET SPEECH: MANUFACTURING GROWTH LAGS DUE TO FAILED TAX AND REG POLICIES
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/ima-on-rauner-budget-speech-manufacturing-growth-lags-due-to-failed-tax-and-reg-policies.html
— CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON RAUNER BUDGET SPEECH: STAND READY TO WORK ON NEEDED BUSINESS REFORMS
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/chamber-of-commerce-on-rauner-budget-speech-stand-ready-to-work-on-needed-business-reforms.html
— GOVERNOR RAUNER SEEKS BILLION DOLLAR INCOME TAX CUT IN WEDNESDAY’S BUDGET SPEECH
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/governor-rauner-seeks-billion-dollar-income-tax-cut-in-wednesdays-budget-speech.html
— THORNER: SENATOR ALTHOFF CALLS ON IL GOP FAITHFUL TO “HOLD THE PARTY TOGETHER” AT LINCOLN DAY DINNER
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/thorner-senator-calls-on-il-gop-faithful-to-hold-the-party-together-at-lincoln-day-dinner.html

 

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 13 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom spoke very highly of DuPage County Board District 4 candidate Beth Tatro at her outstanding fundraiser Tuesday evening, February 13, 2018, at Emmett’s Brewing Company in Wheaton. The 75+ attendees included Jim Healy, Burt Minor, and Greg Moffett. – Dave Diersen
https://gopillinois.com

 

ABC7
— Woman alleging misconduct by Madigan’s consultant speaks out – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/woman-alleging-misconduct-by-madigans-consultant-speaks-out/3077297/
— Pritzker staffer who quit over racial comments speaks out – Craig Wall
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-staffer-who-quit-over-racial-comments-speaks-out/3073411/

 

NBC5
— Read the Texts at the Center of Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Ex-Madigan Aide
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/alaina-hampton-kevin-quinn-texts-madigan-473950783.html
— Woman Who Accused Ex-Madigan Aide of Sexual Harassment Disputes Speaker’s Account of Investigation “I never wanted to do this,” the 28-year-old political consultant said. “But I know that my silence only protects the perpetrator and the organization which will allow this situation to happen to someone else.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/alaina-hampton-kevin-quinn-madigan-sexual-harassment-473919343.html
— New Kennedy Radio Ad Attacks Pritzker FBI Tapes
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Radio-Ad-Tackles-Pritzker-FBI-Tapes-473871603.html

 

CBS2
— Woman Accuses Speaker Madigan’s Office Of Covering Up Her Sexual Harassment Claims
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/13/alaina-hampton-kevin-quinn-sexual-harassment-mike-madigan/

 

WGN TV
— West Chicago teachers union holds prayer vigil as strike date looms – PATRICK ELWOOD
http://wgntv.com/2018/02/12/west-chicago-teachers-union-holds-prayer-vigil-as-strike-date-looms/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Rauner’s budget will ask local schools to pay millions of dollars more toward teachers’- Monique Garcia, Kim Geiger
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-illinois-budget-20180213-story.html
— Speaker Madigan under fire over handling of sexual harassment complaint against now-fired political aide – Rick Pearson, Bill Lukitsch and Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-speaker-madigan-chris-kennedy-sexual-harassment-20180213-story.html
— Yard signs, fliers debated as Burr Ridge trustees remain on defense against Durkin campaign – Jesse Wright
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/burr-ridge/news/ct-dbr-durkin-straub-politics-tl-0215-20180213-story.html
— Trump prods Congress amid debate on immigration – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-congress-immigration-debate-20180213-story.html
— Anti-hunger groups and retailers protest Trump’s ‘harvest box’ plan – Greg Trotter
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-food-stamps-snap-changes-20180213-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Sexual harassment scandal could be the wrench that jams up Madigan’s Machine – Mark Brown
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/sexual-harassment-scandal-could-be-the-wrench-that-jams-up-madigans-machine/
— 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/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: How would Kadner react if he was charged with sexual harassment?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/why-so-many-men-fear-women-on-this-valentines-day/

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Here’s what Illinois needs to avoid utter collapse – MARK GLENNON
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180213/ISSUE07/180219959/heres-what-illinois-needs-to-avoid-utter-collapse

 

DAILY HERALD
— Palatine Township GOP endorses Rauner
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180213/palatine-township-gop-endorses-rauner
— Democratic campaign worker: Officials took too long to respond to sexual harassment claims – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180213/democratic-campaign-worker-officials-took-too-long-to-respond-to-sexual-harassment-claims

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Pritzker talks ‘misquote,’ but campaign says he meant what he said on justice – Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180213/schoenburg-pritzker-talks-misquote-but-campaign-says-he-meant-what-he-said-on-justice

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— GOP candidates forum set for Friday, February 16 (DIERSEN: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, the organization would be hosting candidate forums for a) Rauner v. Ives, b) Sanguinetti v. Morthland, c) Harold v. Grasso, d) Diganvker v. Jhingan, e) Stella v. Vlakancic, f) Minor v. Grant v. Byrne, g) Kinzler v. Orozco, h) Zito v. Khouri, i) Mendrick v. Bibbiano, j) Tornatore v. DeMichele v. Gavanes, k) Hart v. Abbott v. Tully, l) McGowen v. Almiron v. Eckhoff v. Zaruba v. Tatro v. Chinchilla, m) Wiley v. Zay v. McQuade, n) Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee candidates, o) etc.)
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/daily-digest-gop-forum-set/article_1275758e-92fa-5e25-b269-3c93bf600e2e.html

 

GALESBURG REGISTER MAIL
— Rauner, Harold highlight GOP event in Monmouth – Andy Bell-Baltaci
http://www.galesburg.com/news/20180213/rauner-harold-highlight-gop-event-in-monmouth

 

DECATUR NOW
— Ives Brings Her Gubernatorial Campaign to Decatur – Jeff Daly
http://www.nowdecatur.com/2018/02/13/ives-brings-her-gubernatorial-campaign-to-decatur/

 

FOX ILLINOIS
— State representative Scott Drury demands Speaker Madigan’s resignation – Rachel Droze
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/state-representative-demands-speaker-madigans-resignation-02-13-2018


— Senate President offers advice to Rauner ahead of Wednesday’s budget address – Rachel Droze
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/senate-president-offers-advice-to-rauner-ahead-of-wednesdays-budget-address-02-14-2018

 

PEORIA PUBLIC RADIO
— Speaker Madigan Rejects Calls For Resignation Over Handling Of Sexual Harassment Claims Of Aide
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/speaker-madigan-rejects-calls-resignation-over-handling-sexual-harassment-claims-aide#stream/0

 

AMERICANS FOR TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY
— CPAC Bans Pro-Family Group MassResistance as Exhibitor – LaBarbera Urges Decision Be Reversed
https://americansfortruth.com/2018/02/13/cpac-bans-pro-family-group-massresistance-as-exhibitor-labarbera-urges-decision-be-reversed/

 

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives Calls For Madigan To Step Down Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
https://mailchi.mp/5dc1d5256616/ives-calls-for-madigan-to-step-down-over-sexual-harassment-allegations
— “We’re Really On Top Of The Situation.” Really?
https://mailchi.mp/ba1497e94009/were-really-on-top-of-the-situation-really

 

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Voters deserve a Rauner debate, Ives says – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511333049-voters-deserve-a-rauner-debate-ives-says

 

WILL COUNTY GAZETTE
— Straub concerned lottery chairman’s remarks could impact GOP races – Glenn Minnis
https://willcountygazette.com/stories/511333020-straub-concerned-lottery-chairman-s-remarks-could-impact-gop-races

 

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Rauner Mails Ives Attack Piece to McHenry County Residents – Cal Skinner (DIERSEN: I recently received this attack piece. If Republican voters in my precinct ask me about it, what should I say?)
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/02/13/rauner-mails-ives-attack-piece-to-mchenry-county-residents/

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— ILLINOIS’ SWEETHEART DEALS TILT AGAINST SMALL BUSINESSES – Vincent Caruso
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-sweetheart-deals-tilt-against-small-businesses/

 

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Need Motivation for Reining in Government? Visit the Debt Clock – Robert Knight
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/need-motivation-reining-government-visit-debt-clock/

 

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— “Should Illinois Legalize Recreational Marijuana?” (DIERSEN: NO!)
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/podcast/illinois-family-spotlight-081/

 

CAPITOL FAX
— PPP poll results: “Spectacularly lousy for a governor who isn’t under criminal investigation”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/13/ppp-poll-results-spectacularly-lousy-for-a-governor-who-isn%E2%80%99t-under-criminal-investigation/
— House Democratic Women’s Caucus releases statement
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/13/house-democratic-women%e2%80%99s-caucus-releases-statement/
— Should Speaker Madigan resign over the Kevin Quinn scandal?
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/13/question-of-the-day-2618/

 

BREITBART
— Luis Gutierrez: ‘I’m Ready to Do E-Verify’ – TONY LEE
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/13/luis-gutierrez-im-ready-to-do-everify/

 

DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Goes After Automatic Raises, ‘Worst’ Employees to ‘Drain the Swamp’ – Fred Lucas /
http://dailysignal.com/2018/02/13/trump-goes-after-automatic-raises-worst-employees-to-drain-the-swamp/

 

NEWS ONE
— Candidate Blasts ‘Sellout’ African-Americans Supporting White Democrat In Illinois Governor Race “I’m the last great hope of the Black community,” Tio Hardiman insisted. – Nigel Roberts
https://newsone.com/3774229/illinois-governor-race-2018-pritzker-black-candidate-hardiman/

 

ONE NEWS NOW
— Refugees cost taxpayers billions to remain in U.S. – Chad Groening
https://www.onenewsnow.com/national-security/2018/02/13/refugees-cost-taxpayers-billions-to-remain-in-us

 

GOPUSA
— Olympics should be about best athletes, not race and diversity
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39149
— Fast-food workers: $15 minimum wage a civil right (DIERSEN: While I was a part-time minimum wage fast food worker 1964-1966, I earned far less than $15 an hour in today’s dollars, attended Crete-Monee High School, lived with my parents and brother in Crete, and saved enough money to buy a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint in May of 1966.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39127
— Illegal aliens: Police unfair to turn us over to ICE when we call for help
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39129
— Soros funded campaigns divide America (DIERSEN: Who works the hardest to divide your municipality, your township/ward, your county, and Illinois? I should write a book about those who work the hardest to divide Wheaton, to divide Glen Ellyn, to divide Milton Township, to divide DuPage County, and to divide Illinois. They focus on turning members of Group A against members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=39156

 

CNN
— Porter was up for promotion despite abuse allegations – Kaitlan Collins and Kevin Liptak (DIERSEN: I was no longer up for promotion a) at IRS after 1975 when my Democrat IRS superiors got rid of IRS manager who had promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 and b) at GAO after 1987 when my Democrat GAO superiors got rid of GAO manager who had hired me in 1980, got me assigned to audits of IRS in 1986, and promoted me in 1986.)
http://www.cnn.com/2018/02/13/politics/rob-porter-promotion-west-wing/index.html

 

NEW YORK TIMES
— Russia Sees Midterm Elections as Chance to Sow Fresh Discord, Intelligence Chiefs Warn – Matthew Rosenberg (DIERSEN: Who works the hardest to sow discord in your municipality, your township/ward, your county, and Illinois? I should write a book about those who work the hardest to sow discord in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois. They focus on turning members of Group A against members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/us/politics/russia-sees-midterm-elections-as-chance-to-sow-fresh-discord-intelligence-chiefs-warn.html

 

WASHINGTON POST
— Is Trump joking about ‘strengthening the federal workforce’? – Joe Davidson
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/02/13/is-trump-joking-about-strengthening-the-federal-workforce/?utm_term=.31ca7899722a

 

MODESTO BEE
— Fewer California immigrant students seek college assistance – AP (DIERSEN: Did you “seek college assistance?” Thanks to my outstanding parents, I did have to “seek college assistance.” They provided me with room and board in their home in Crete a) while I worked part-time for the Park Forest Post Office 1966-1969, b) while I attended UIC 1966-1968, c) during my first semester at NIU in 1969, and during the summer of 1969. That enabled me to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning a 1969 Dodge Charger SE.)
http://www.modbee.com/news/business/article199812974.html

 

MONEY
— Bill and Melinda Gates Say It’s Not Fair That They Have So Much Wealth – ROB WILE (DIERSEN: Since 1966, when I was 18 years old, when I reported for work at the Park Forest Post Office in my 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have hinted/implied/argued/shouted that it was unfair that I had so much wealth. In my defense, I bought that car new with money that I earned washing dishes part-time for the minimum wage in the basement of the S.S. Kresges in Chicago Heights. From what I see, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have spent a far higher percent of their income on immediate pleasures rather than on new cars.)
http://time.com/money/5155154/bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation-letter-wealth/

 

STARS & STRIPES
— Federal unions march on VA headquarters to protest staffing shortages – NIKKI WENTLING
https://www.stripes.com/federal-unions-march-on-va-headquarters-to-protest-staffing-shortages-1.511543

 

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— Voters Wonder Where Conservatives Are in Washington (DIERSEN: To what extent do voters wonder were conservatives are in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois?)
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/february_2018/voters_wonder_where_conservatives_are_in_washington

February 13 Morning Edition

CBS2
— 2 More Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Found At Veterans Home – Bernie Tafoya
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/13/legionnaires-disease-cases-veterans-home-quincy/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Cullerton throws budget shade at Rauner ahead of big speech
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-john-cullerton-budget-20180213-story.html
— Speaker Madigan cuts political worker loose over inappropriate advances to campaign worker – Ray Long
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-madigan-fires-veteran-aide-20180212-story.html
— Younger users flee their parents’ favorite social network, Facebook, at surprising pace – Ally Marotti (DIERSEN: Facebook is run by Democrats.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-younger-users-leaving-facebook-20180212-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— If you think Illinois needs help, now’s the time to bone up on March election – Madeleine Doubek (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, reading GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails helps keep you up to date.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/if-you-think-illinois-needs-help-nows-the-time-to-bone-up-on-march-election/
— John Hancock losing its John Hancock, becoming 875 North Michigan Avenue (DIERSEN: I almost bought a studio condo in the Hancock in 1974, when I was 25 and a) IRS had promoted me to GS-12 (currently $81,071) Revenue Officer position in the Loop and b) I was taking graduate business courses at Loyola. But instead, I bought a studio condo in the Outer Drive East building.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/report-john-hancock-losing-its-john-hancock-becoming-875-n-michigan-ave/

 

DAILY HERALD
— What we need from governor is an honest budget – Editorial
http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180213/editorial-what-we-need-from-governor-is-an-honest-budget
— 1,282 suburban workers to lose their jobs by spring – Kim Mikus
http://www.dailyherald.com/business/20180213/1282-suburban-workers-to-lose-their-jobs-by-spring

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Will the Obama library really bring billions to Chicago? – LISA BERTAGNOLI (DIERSEN: From what I see, only those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors would visit the library.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180209/ISSUE01/180209877

 

WTTW
— Illinois Lawmakers Preview the Upcoming Budget Battle – Alexandra Silets
https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/02/12/illinois-lawmakers-preview-upcoming-budget-battle

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— 2 more at veterans home sickened by Legionnaires’
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180213/2-more-at-veterans-home-sickened-by-legionnaires
— Campaign worker: Removal of Madigan political staffer over inappropriate advances took too long – Ray Long
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180213/campaign-worker-removal-of-madigan-political-staffer-over-inappropriate-advances-took-too-long

 

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Tough medicine for a sick state – Editorial
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018-02-13/tough-medicine-sick-state.html
— Next on legislators’ not-to-do list: Restructuring higher ed – Jim Dey
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-02-13/jim-dey-next-legislators-not-do-list-restructuring-higher-ed.html
— Female faith leaders taking a stand against violence, hate, racism – Adalberto Toledo (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, “faith leaders” act as operatives or as dupes for the Democrat Party.)
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2018-02-13/female-faith-leaders-taking-stand-against-violence-hate-racism.html

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: QUESTION: Who wants welcoming-city ordinances? ANSWER: Individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries 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.pantagraph.com/news/local/government-and-politics/public-makes-appeal-for-welcoming-city-ordinance/article_103e9ac9-b4d9-550e-9ceb-065b636287a1.html

 

QUAD CITIES ONLINE
— Plenty of reasons to vote early, or on March 20 (DIERSEN: Members of Group A want you to vote for candidates who will use government to get rid of members of Group B. Members of Group A are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors and members of Group B are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German Americans, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://qconline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-plenty-of-reasons-to-vote-early-or-on-march/article_1ca9179f-56f1-5076-a994-fc832fee1d52.html

 

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Revenue Estimate A Must – Greg Bishop
http://www.altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=260127#.WoK5fcuKSM8
— McCann Previews Budget Address – Doug Jenkins
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=260151#.WoLJccuKSM8

 

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A coalition of state attorneys general encourage people to come to America illegally, to stay in America illegally, and to bring others to America illegally.
http://www.bnd.com/news/nation-world/national/article199742514.html

 

WJBD RADIO
— Republican Challenger to Governor Bruce Rauner Blasts Him for Straying from Republican Platform Jeannie Ives Says Rauner Is Unelectable in November
http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/02/12/republican-challenger-to-governor-bruce-rauner-blasts-him-for-straying-from-republican-platform-
— Republican Attorney General Candidate Keynote Speaker of Marion County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Erika Howard Sets Five Goals If Elected in November
http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/02/12/republican-attorney-general-candidate-keynote-speaker-of-marion-county-republican-lincoln-day-dinner-

 

WVIK
— Even Without A Budget, Illinois Spends And Spends – BRIAN.MACKEY
http://wvik.org/post/even-without-budget-illinois-spends-and-spends#stream/0

 

BGA
— REVIEW THESE QUESTIONNAIRES, DEBATES, FACT CHECKS BEFORE YOU VOTE – Madeleine Doubek
https://www.bettergov.org/news/doubek-review-these-questionnaires-debates-fact-checks-before-you-vote

 

UPSTREAM IDEAS
— Rich Morthland On The Republican Gov Race
http://upstream-ideas.com/upstream-ideas/ideas/rich-morthland-on-the-republican-gov-race

 

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Family Research Council Action PAC endorses Ives for governor – Glenn Minnis
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511332448-frc-action-pac-endorses-ives-for-governor

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— When Illinois home values fall, but property taxes don’t – Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill, Joe Tabor
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/reports/when-illinois-home-values-fall-but-property-taxes-dont/

 

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Chicago Tribune Dumps on Ives – Laurie Higgins (DIERSEN: Who dumps on you? I should write a book about those who dump on me. They a) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the Illinois Republican Party platform and work against those like me who support those planks, b) reject the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling and work against those like me who support that resolution, c) focus on destroying those like me who they cannot manipulate/dominate, d) were defendants in lawsuits that I have filed, and/or e) are operatives or dupes for the aforesaid and/or 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. They crow that I am no longer a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member, GAO employee, etc.)
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/02/chicago-tribune-dumps-on-ives/

 

FOX NEWS
— Thieves brag on social media as Chicago carjacking surge leads to highest number in a decade – Greg Norman (DIERSEN: In 1971, thieves stole my 1969 Dodge Charger SE while I was working in the IRS office in the Loop. In 1973, thieves stole my 1962 Chevy BelAir while I was working in the IRS office at 63rd and Halsted.)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/12/thieves-brag-on-social-media-as-chicago-carjacking-surge-leads-to-highest-number-in-decade.html

 

DAILY SIGNAL
— Amnesty, Border Security on Table as Senate Begins Immigration Debate – Rachel del Guidice
http://dailysignal.com/2018/02/12/amnesty-border-security-on-table-as-senate-begins-immigration-debate/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “The problem with this proposal is that providing amnesty and citizenship to 1.8 million illegal aliens will simply act as a magnet to attract even more illegal aliens—just like the 1986 amnesty did,” von Spakovsky said, adding: “It also fails to make the E-Verify system mandatory for employers, which is a vital component of internal enforcement intended to dry up the jobs that attract so many illegal aliens to the country. We should not even be talking about amnesty until we have had a sustained period of increased border security and internal enforcement that stems the tide of illegal aliens entering the country and substantially reduces the number of illegal aliens already inside the country.”)

 

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Kinzinger not surprised by Freedom Caucus reaction to spending bill – Sally Persons
https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/12/adam-kinzinger-unsurprised-freedom-caucus-reaction/

 

THE HILL
— Burned by the budget, right warns Ryan on immigration – MELANIE ZANONA
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/373538-burned-by-the-budget-right-warns-ryan-on-immigration

 

CBS NEWS
— Here are some of the surprising possible candidates for higher office – AP
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/here-are-some-of-the-surprising-possible-candidates-for-higher-office/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Erika Harold, former Miss America Harold, the 2003 Miss America, is running for statewide office to be Illinois attorney general. The Harvard law grad and Phi Beta Kappa is a practicing lawyer in Champaign, Illinois. The young Republican entered the Miss America pageant hoping she could win some money to pay for law school. As a teen, she promoted teenage abstinence, and later, she served as a GOP delegate to the 2004 Republican Convention and was also an enthusiastic supporter of President George W. Bush’s faith-based initiatives. This is not Harold’s first campaign — a couple of years back she also challenged incumbent Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican, for his seat in Congress, losing in the primary. This time, in her bid to be the Illinois attorney general, Harold has a better shot, having secured the support of the state’s Republicans. It also helps that the popular current state AG, Lisa Madigan, a Democrat, announced she will not run for re-election. Harold is not always in lock-step with her party, though. She declined to vote for Mr. Trump in 2016 (or for Hillary Clinton, for that matter), choosing instead to write in a candidate.)

 

REUTERS
— Upcoming state elections cast shadow over Illinois budget prospects – Karen Pierog
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-illinois-budget-election/upcoming-state-elections-cast-shadow-over-illinois-budget-prospects-idUSKBN1FW2BM

 

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE: HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: An Administration in Turmoil: ‘Vacancies on Top of Vacancies’ – Peter Baker (DIERSEN: Trump makes it clear that you must be blindly loyal to him. Further, many millions have not and will not seek a job with the federal government a) because the pay and benefits are terrible, b) because the advancement opportunities are terrible, c) because they lack required education, work experience, professional certifications, and/or professional licenses, d) because they cannot pass an employment examination, e) because they cannot pass a background investigation, f) because they cannot pass a physical examination, g) because they cannot take the demonization, denigration, and condemnation that comes with being a federal employee or federal retiree, and/or h) because they are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran and they know that the federal government discriminates against the aforesaid.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/12/us/politics/trump-white-house-staff-turnover.html

 

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— GOP candidate for California governor John Cox starts 2018 with nearly $2 million in the bank
http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-gop-gubernatorial-candidate-john-cox-1517446693-htmlstory.html

 

USA TODAY
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: In a front page top of fold editorial with a big color picture unethically made to look like a news article, anti-Trumps encourage people to come to America illegally, to stay in America illegally, and to bring others to America illegally.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/07/not-bargaining-chip-border-dreamers-caught-middle-immigration-debate/313939002/

 

SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS
— After killings, Pentagon added thousands of dishonorable discharge cases to FBI database – Sig Christenson (DIERSEN: Constructively, in 1997, my Democrat GAO superiors gave me a dishonorable discharge; they forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old. Previously, they 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. My Democrat IRS superiors 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. My Democrat Post Office superiors forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.)
https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/After-killings-Pentagon-added-thousands-of-12608026.php

 

DESERET NEWS
— We are heirs to a wealth of freedom – Rick Larsen (DIERSEN: Should everyone be required to disclose what their parents’ income and net worth were in today’s dollars when they were raising you? To discredit me, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that my parents were filthy rich when they were raising me. They stress 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.)
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900010082/op-ed-we-are-heirs-to-a-wealth-of-freedom.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Money magazine writer Chris Taylor reports, “70 percent of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and a stunning 90 percent by the third.” The trend is so ubiquitous that it has its own adage: “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.”)

 

NTEU
— President’s Budget Proposal Threatens Federal Employees and Undermines Civil Service (DIERSEN: I was a NTEU member 1971-1980 while I worked for IRS. Because I have always been a Republican, 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.)
https://www.nteu.org/media-center/news-releases/2018/02/12/white-house-19-budget

 

PEOPLE
— Harvey Weinstein Issued Death Threats to Employees and Their Families, New Lawsuit Claims – MIKE MILLER (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I should write a book about those in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who treat me like my critics/opponents have threatened them.)
http://people.com/movies/harvey-weinstein-issued-death-threats-to-employees-and-their-families-new-lawsuit-claims/

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

February 12 Morning Edition

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE: Kane County clerk hopefuls at odds over Aurora Election Commission – James Fuller
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180212/kane-county-clerk-hopefuls-at-odds-over-aurora-election-commission
— Can a social conservative win in the 10th House District? – Russell Lissau (DIERSEN: Anti-conservatives want the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) to dump its traditional family, right to life, immigration, and many other planks in its platform. Anti-conservatives want the IRP to dump those voters who support those planks. Anti-conservatives want the IRP to pander to those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors. Anti-conservatives want to destroy the IRP. Anti-conservatives want anti-conservatives to be elected to the IRP State Central Committee (SCC) in 2018. Anti-conservatives want those IRP SCC members to appoint members to the 2020 IRP Platform & Resolution Committee who will gut the IRP platform. At the 2016 IRP State Convention, anti-conservatives almost succeeded in gutting the traditional family plank in the IRP platform. In your congressional district, who is running to represent you on the IRP SCC?)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180212/can-a-social-conservative-win-in-the-10th-house-district

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— County commissioner John Fritchey pushing pot legalization has medical marijuana card – Hal Dardick (DIERSEN: Pot pushers want everyone in Illinois to have a “medical marijuana card.” If you push pot, you push destruction.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-medical-marijuana-fritchey-201802012-story.html
— On apology tour, Pritzker pledges an administration with ‘African-American leaders at all levels’ – Rick Pearson (DIERSEN: In the federal government, if you are a non-veteran White male employee, to get promoted to 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, you have to pledge to meet your agency’s Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion goals, that is, you have to pledge that you will waste the careers of and get rid of 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.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-black-voters-apology-church-20180209-story.html
— As midterms near, more women plunging into campaigns – Kate Thayer (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, anti-Trumps shout at women and at everyone else that Republicans are White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, bigots, and even worse things.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-congress-more-women-running-20180205-story.html
— How to end gerrymandering in Illinois – Jeff Raines (DIERSEN: Should I write a book about the 2015 gerrymandering of my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-gerrymander-illinois-redistricting-elections-0212-20180208-story.html

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
– Government doesn’t work if citizens don’t vote – ANDY SHAW (DIERSEN: Democrats focus on turning out voters who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180209/ISSUE07/180209878

 

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Rauner lays out ambitious goals for budget – Doug Finke
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180211/gov-rauner-lays-out-ambitious-goals-for-budget

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Bruce Rauner’s never been in a better position to balance the budget, now use it – John Cullerton
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180211/john-cullerton-bruce-rauners-never-been-in-better-position-to-balance-budget-now-use-it

 

DEKALB DAILY CHRONICLE
— DeKalb County real estate agents say small decline possible in home values, sales – KEVIN SOLARI (DIERSEN: Government should encourage homeownership. The $10,000 SALT cap discourages home ownership. Further, my wife and I have paid the marriage penalty big time since we got married in 1978. 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.)
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2018/02/09/dekalb-county-real-estate-agents-say-small-decline-possible-in-home-values-sales/a7bv7yi/

 

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Local politicians outnumber voters at Sunday meet-and-greet in Crystal Lake Weather might have played factor in attendance – MIKE MALLORY (DIERSEN: Have you ever served as the chairman of a political organization? I served as the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois 2005-2012. Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes always a) demonized, denigrated, and condemned those who I recruited to speak at TAPROOT meetings, picnics, and Christmas parties and b) hinted/implied/argued/shouted that if they, or if anyone who they manipulated/dominated, had been the chairman of TAPROOT, many more would have attended TAPROOT events. They hint/imply/argue/shout that I must be an extremely bad person because a) those who I recruited to speak at TAPROOT events, b) those who attended TAPROOT events, and c) everyone else failed/refused to do more to stop my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes from getting rid of me in 2012. In my defense, I stress that my critics/opponents in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois have tremendous religious, government, political, and/or financial clout, and they have made it very clear to everyone that they have used, are using, and will use their tremendous clout to viciously destroy any individual, any organization, any company, or any government that might come to my defense. Should I write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes?)
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/02/11/local-politicians-outnumber-voters-at-sunday-meet-and-greet-in-crystal-lake/alv9dqq/

 

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Townships forever? – Editorial
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018-02-11/townships-forever.html

 

TIMES
— Ives is strong leader we need – LARRY LANGSTON, Serena
http://www.mywebtimes.com/opinion/letters/langston-ives-is-strong-leader-we-need/article_a7b4eec1-0e2d-54ee-be74-fe6253864419.html

 

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Congress takes on immigration issue amid election pressures – AP (DIERSEN: In Illinois, if you get elected or appointed to a government or political office as a Republican, you obligate yourself to defend and advance all the planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform, including its traditional family, right to life, and immigration planks.)
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/congress-takes-on-immigration-issue-amid-election-pressures/969020435

 

WGLT
— For Local Republicans Picking Next Chair, How Big Should The Tent Be? – RYAN DENHAM (DIERSEN: Anti-conservatives want the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) to dump its traditional family, right to life, immigration, and many other planks in its platform. Anti-conservatives want the IRP to dump those voters who support those planks. Anti-conservatives want the IRP to pander to those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors. Anti-conservatives want to destroy the IRP. Anti-conservatives want anti-conservatives to be elected to the IRP State Central Committee (SCC) in 2018. Anti-conservatives want those IRP SCC members to appoint members to the 2020 IRP Platform & Resolution Committee who will gut the IRP platform. At the 2016 IRP State Convention, anti-conservatives almost succeeded in gutting the traditional family plank in the IRP platform. In your congressional district, who is running to represent you on the IRP SCC?)
http://wglt.org/post/local-republicans-picking-next-chair-how-big-should-tent-be#stream/0

 

WSIL TV
— Rauner, Ives take shots at each other at GOP luncheon – Andrew Feather
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37480046/rauner-ives-take-shots-at-each-other-at-gop-luncheon
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and his primary challenger Jeanne Ives continued to take shots at each other Saturday at the Williamson County Republican Women’s Lincoln Day Luncheon. Ives said Rauner betrayed Illinois conservatives by signing what she called liberal legislation, including taxpayer funds to pay for abortions and making Illinois a sanctuary state. “For the last three year he’s lied to everybody about everything,” said Ives. “You can’t trust him for another four years.” Rauner said Ives is the one who is not telling the truth. “Let me be crystal clear: I am adamantly against Illegal immigration,” said Rauner. “I would never allow Illinois to become a sanctuary.” For much of the day the topic centered around one person: House Speaker Mike Madigan As the candidates stressed the importance of replacing longtime house speaker Mike Madigan, Gov. Rauner said he’s the only Republican candidate who can lead that movement. “Democrats want Madigan gone almost as much as Republicans do and this is the time we can bring people together,” said Rauner. “This is the time for a revolution. The people of Illinois stand together and say no more corrupt Chicago political machine.” But Ives claims Rauner had given in to Madigan in the past and would continue to if re-elected. A poll released last month showed Rauner ahead in the primary race by more than 40 points, but a Public Policy Polling survey last week found only 26 percent of Illinoisans have a favorable view of the governor. Illinois primaries will take place March 20.)

 

PEORIA PUBLIC RADIO
— Watchdog Group Suggests Taxing Retirement Income – TONY ARNOLD (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, those who have retirement income are demonized, denigrated, and condemned as being undeservedly filthy rich. If the anti-rich people succeed in taxing retirement income, the first $100,000 for individuals and the first $200,000 for married couples should exempt.)
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/watchdog-group-suggests-taxing-retirement-income#stream/0

 

NPR ILLINOIS
— A New Approach To Campaigns: Competitive Candidate School
http://nprillinois.org/post/new-approach-campaigns-competitive-candidate-school#stream/0
— Former Trump Campaign Adviser George Papadopoulos Was More Than A Coffee Boy, Fiancee Says – TOM DREISBACH (DIERSEN: Of course, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that while I worked for IRS 1971-1980 and for GAO 1980-1997, I was nothing more than an overpaid coffee boy.)
http://nprillinois.org/post/former-trump-campaign-adviser-was-more-coffee-boy-fiancee-says#stream/0

 

COLUMBIA CHRONICLE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Rauner promoters say “Attack ads may hinder voter turnout.”
http://www.columbiachronicle.com/metro/article_c114f97a-0df5-11e8-8ac6-8326e45b15f6.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In an attempt to capitalize on Rauner’s low approval rating, his primary opponent, state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, Illinois, launched a controversial attack ad Feb. 2, titled “Thank you, Bruce Rauner,” which was met with criticism from activist groups, newspaper editorial boards and even members of her own Republican party. “[Attack ads] can have a beneficial or a negative impact,” said Jim Allen, spokesman at the Chicago Board of Elections. “A certain amount of conflict is good.” It is “par for the course” to attack an incumbent with negative commercials, Mooney said, and Ives’ “Thank you, Bruce Rauner” ad is trying to appeal to President Donald Trump’s voter base. Though Trump lost Illinois in the 2016 presidential election, he did resonate with many downstate Republican voters, and Ives is trying to galvanize those voters, he added. However, Ives’ negative ads are so politically incorrect that they could mobilize voters to check Rauner’s name on the ballot in protest against her candidacy, according to Mooney. Historically, far-right conservatives in statewide Illinois primaries only account for anywhere between 25–30 percent of the vote, and the majority tend to be socially moderate, he added.)

 

WIREPOINTS
— Incomes in top 50 Illinois cities can’t keep pace with state pensions – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner (DIERSEN: When will someone start blasting private sector employers for screwing their lower-level (under $100,000/year) workers?)
http://www.wirepoints.com/local-incomes-havent-kept-up-with-total-illinois-state-pension-benefits-wirepoints-original/

 

REPUBLICAN NEWS WATCH
— President Trump is the Last Hope for Illinois – DOUG IBENDAHL (DIERSEN: Which candidates on the March 20, 2018 Republican primary ballot for your precinct have done the most to paint themselves as being anti-Trump?)
http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/?p=14420
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner is a lost cause. He’s made his bed with his proven record of dishonesty, incompetence and betrayal. And he certainly can’t expect President Trump’s help at this point. Rauner isn’t savvy enough to seek it in any case. Republican Primary challenger Jeanne Ives could easily defeat Rauner. Ives’ problem is she hasn’t really earned President Trump’s support or that of his supporters. It’s still not too late but she would have to make significant changes. Right now she doesn’t seem to be truly behind the President or his winning agenda. She’s not a Never-Trumper like Rauner, but her support is lukewarm at best, as evidenced by the way she’s blown her most obvious path to victory thus far. History says that mid-term elections are usually bad for an incoming President’s party. But I don’t think that will be the case this year for Republicans nationally. Trump has saved the GOP from itself. However, Illinois is likely to buck the trend. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time. President Trump should be a huge asset for any Illinois Republican running this year. However, laziness and horrible judgment by the local yokels are squandering the potential. Failure to stand with the President against the Left and its media toadies, coupled with refusal to help educate voters about the winning Trump agenda are turning an asset into a liability. Clearly we’re saddled with a lot of cowards in Illinois politics. That’s not seriously debatable. But one would think even cowards would be smart enough to act in their own self-interest. The Trump agenda represents the only serious plan out there for rebuilding America and the work is well underway. Smart politicians in other states across the country get it. Their states are already reaping positive results from the Trump economy. And they’ll continue to welcome some of the best and brightest from Illinois who decide they can no longer tolerate this state’s incompetence and dysfunction. Illinois Republicans have only one card left to play and that’s the Trump Card. Played well the GOP could restore hope to all Illinoisans from Cairo to Chicago and beyond.)

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— HUNDREDS OF LOCAL OFFICIALS IN DUPAGE HAVE SALARIES OVER $100,000 Residents of DuPage County pay some of the highest property taxes in the state – and the country. As taxpayers feel the pinch, compensation remains generous for many local officials – some have even enjoyed a boost. – Vincent Caruso (DIERSEN: When will the IPI write an article about those in the private sector and in the not-for-profit sector in Illinois whose salaries are over $100,000? Will IPI describe those salaries as being “generous?”)
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/hundreds-of-local-officials-in-dupage-have-salaries-over-100000/
— BROKEN PENSION SYSTEM PUTS SCHAUMBURG TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK FOR BAD INVESTMENTS – Austin Berg
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/broken-pension-system-puts-schaumburg-taxpayers-on-the-hook-for-bad-investments/

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— KOENIG: OPEN LETTER TO IL GOP STATE CHAIRMAN TIM SCHNEIDER: SHAME ON YOU!
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/koenig-open-letter-to-il-gop-state-chairman-tim-schneider-shame-on-you-.html
— GRIEVING BROTHER FEATURED IN NEW JEANNE IVES AD
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/02/after-brother-killed-by-drunken-illegal-and-rauner-ignores-him-joins-ives-effort-.html

 

POLITICFACT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Rauner promoters say “Campaign ad falsely claims Rauner made taxpayers fund late abortions.”
http://www.politifact.com/illinois/statements/2018/feb/12/jeanne-ives/campaign-ad-falsely-claims-rauner-made-taxpayers-f/

 

CAPITOL FAX
— PPP poll has Kennedy in second in Cook; Ives has new “sanctuary state” ad and maybe money to burn; Pritzker continues apology tour
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/11/sunday-roundup-ppp-poll-has-kennedy-in-second-in-cook-ives-has-new-sanctuary-state-ad-and-maybe-money-to-burn-pritzker-continues-apology-tour/

 

NATIONAL REVIEW
— In Illinois, a Pro-Life Democrat (Lipinski) and Not So Pro-Life Republican (Rauner) – Mary Fiorito
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/456302/illinois-abortion-politics-republican-governor-bruce-rauner-democrat-congressman-dan-lipinski-pro-life

 

NEWSMAX
— Bannon Was ‘Sick of Being a Wet Nurse to 71-Year-Old’ (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always promoted age discrimination. They have always shouted that if you are a non-veteran White male federal employee, you are lazy, stupid, and even worse things if you 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.)
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/steve-bannon-president-donald-trump-joshua-green/2018/02/11/id/842709/

 

AMERICAN THINKER
— GOP Senators will introduce enforcement-heavy immigration bill – Rick Moran
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2018/02/gop_senators_will_introduce_enforcementheavy_immigration_bill_.html

 

BLAZE
— Trump to unveil plan making brutal changes to government worker pay — and unions are already angry – Chris Enloe (DIERSEN: Democrats have always ran the federal government, Democrats are running the federal government now, and Democrats will always run the federal government. Because I have always been a Republican, 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.)
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/02/11/trump-to-unveil-plan-making-brutal-changes-to-government-worker-pay-and-unions-are-already-angry
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The proposal would end regular tenure and merit-based raises for more than 1.5 million federal government employees. Instead, the plan will call on government agencies to reward employees with performance-based raises and other incentives. . .In addition, the plan seeks to phase out the traditional pension-based retirement plan and adopt employee-contribution plans found in the private sector. Overall, the plan seeks to bring employee pay and benefits to the modern age. . .The Associated Press noted that moving to performance-based work could lead to the termination of many government employees with poor work reviews. . .What are government employees saying? According to USA Today, unions representing federal government employees are not a fan of the changes. David Cox, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said the changes “wipe out due process rights for employees.” Cox also expressed concern government leadership would use the changes to punish women, minorities and political dissidents. “He seems to be interested in political revenge by firing people,” Cox said of Trump. “The government is not a family business that you get to be in total control of.”)

 

POLITICO
— REPUBLICANS aren’t interested in Trump weighing in on domestic violence — PLANE CRASHES in Moscow; RSC executive director out, after he critiques GOP leadership – ANNA PALMER
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2018/02/11/republicans-arent-interested-in-trump-weighing-in-on-domestic-violence-plane-crashes-in-moscow-exclusive-from-bade-rsc-executive-director-out-after-he-critiques-gop-leadership-246006

 

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: My wife and I have paid the marriage penalty big time since we got married in 1978. 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/many-married-couples-gain-under-the-new-tax-law-1518404941?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But some significant problems remain. “You might hear someone say [the new law] got rid of the marriage penalty. That’s not true,” says Jackie Perlman, principal tax-research analyst at The Tax Institute at H&R Block. “It’s still there. The tax code is replete with all sorts of marriage penalties.” Marriage penalties and bonuses have been controversial tax topics for many decades.)
— The Secret to Getting More People to Pay Their Taxes Compliance would rise if taxpayers feel they have a say in how the money is spent – Cait Lamberton and Michael I. Norton (DIERSEN: What do you say to those who say that the more tax that you pay, the more say that you should have in how that money is spent? Should everyone be required to disclose how much federal, state, and local taxes that they have paid (adjusted for inflation) during the last year, last 5 years, last 10 years, last 15 years, last 20 years, last 25 years, last 30 years, last 35 years, last 40 years, last 45 years, last 50+ years, etc.?)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-secret-to-getting-more-people-to-pay-their-taxes-1518405000
— The Secret to Midcareer Success – Michael S. Malone (DIERSEN: For non-veteran White male employees in the federal government, it is no secret that the secret to career success is helping your supervisors and superiors get rid of employees who are non-veteran, White, and/or male who did 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.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-secret-to-midcareer-success-1518377918
— Why Teens Need a Sense of Purpose About 20% of teens are considered purposeful; having a parent, teacher or friend as a role model is important – Clare Ansberry (DIERSEN: Aside from being a student, what did you do while you were a teen? I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; and delivered mail 1966-1969.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-teens-need-a-sense-of-purpose-1518264001
— FRONT PAGE: There’s a Global Race to Control Batteries—and China Is Winning Chinese companies dominate the cobalt supply chain that begins at mines in Congo – Scott Patterson and Russell Gold (DIERSEN: Of course, those who promote China have no problem with this.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-a-global-race-to-control-batteriesand-china-is-winning-1518374815

 

USA TODAY
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: At airports, pot is still illegal – Harriet Baskas
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/02/07/can-you-fly-marijuana-within-legalized-states/312169002/
— Rob Porter scandal exposes 3 land mines – Editorial
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/02/08/rob-porter-scandal-exposes-3-land-mines/319902002/

 

SAN FRANCISCO GATE
— Federal pay may take hit in 2019 budget – Joe Davidson (DIERSEN: Since 1989, the Democrats who run GAO have used pay-for-performance (PFP) a) to hire, retain, and promote those who are Democrat, minority, female, and/or younger and b) to get rid of its employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran. To get rid of me, my Democrat GAO superiors in GAO’s Chicago office always ranked me in the lower half of my coworkers for PFP purposes.)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Federal-pay-may-take-hit-in-2019-budget-12606628.php
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Associated Press reported Trump will propose a pay-for-performance plan for most feds, a notion that makes union leaders seethe. Performance-based pay sounds like a reasonable idea, but federal employees remember it from the National Security Personnel System at the Defense Department under the last Republican president, George W. Bush. The implementation was so troubled, the buy-in from employees so poor, and the program so beleaguered with charges of racial discrimination that Congress abolished the program. Now Trump reportedly wants to install a much broader pay-for-performance system. He won’t get it without a tough fight from federal labor leaders and their Democratic allies. A pay-for-performance system would be a “nail in the coffin of the apolitical professional civil service,” said J. David Cox Sr., president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union. In addition to the experience-based complaints against performance-based pay, labor leaders warn against Trump’s twisted notion of narcissistic fidelity. “Does anybody want a system that allows financial rewards – funded by taxpayers – to be provided exclusively to those deemed loyal to the administration?” Cox asked. “Does anybody want a pay system that denies pay adjustments to people considered disloyal to the administration? Pity the EPA scientist whose work demonstrates the existence of climate change.” The president’s reported proposal would save the government $10 billion over 10 years, which means that’s what it would cost federal employees. It would apply to about 1.5 million federal workers out of about 2 million. It is not clear who would be excluded. “In reality, performance-based pay in the federal government is a cost-containment tool, nothing more,” Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, said in an email. “Once federal workers’ pay becomes ambiguous, it becomes easier to whittle away.”)