POT Archives - Page 86 of 112

March 11 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

— Elizabeth Warren rejects DNA test to settle Native American heritage claim Elizabeth Warren seeks to neutralize ‘Pocahontas’ barbs – AP (DIERSEN: Many, if not most of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes are anti-German-American. What if from the beginning I had pretended to be Swedish-American? While all my ancestors immigrated from what is now Germany to northeast Illinois during the 1840s and 1850s, according to DNA Ancestry at https://www.ancestry.com/dna/ my ancestry is 33% Europe West, 28% Scandinavia, 24% Great Britain, 11% Ireland, 2% Europe East, 1% Finland/Northwest Russia, and 1% Italy/Greece. My grandfather on my father’s side fought the Germans in WWI. My uncles on my mother’s side fought the Germans in WWII. My father would have fought the Germans in WWII if he had not been 4-F.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-elizabeth-warren-native-american-heritage-20180311-story.html
— For workers at bakery targeted in immigration raid, hope and uncertainty after Hostess acquisition – Greg Trotter
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-hostess-cloverhill-aryzta-bakery-20180223-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A community petition with more than 200 signatures — circulated by Black Workers Matter, Communities United and the Coalition Against Segregation of Employees — is calling on Hostess to “work with us to address the issues we have been raising.” More specifically, the petition asks Hostess to end racial discrimination in hiring and treatment at the plant, provide better training and supervision, and offer optional — not mandatory — overtime, among other requests. Under Aryzta, Cloverhill bakery used a “segregationist employment model” that hired immigrant workers through temporary work agencies and paid them lower wages as a way of repressing wages for all workers — a divide-and-conquer strategy that’s common in Chicago industry, said Dan Giloth, project manager for the Coalition Against Segregation of Employees.)
— Judgment calls: Who really needs a painkiller? – Jonathan Reisman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-patients-doctors-painkillers-er-opioids-pain-0311-story.html
— How do we handle the facts-challenged among us? – Leonard Pitts (DIERSEN: What are your fact checking qualifications? While I worked for GAO 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $96,403-$125,325, I increasingly worked as a referencer, that is, as a fact checker. That work required assuring the accuracy and support for each and every word, number, table, graph, chart, conclusion, opinion, and recommendation in GAO reports. I worked for IRS 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $81,071-$91,880. My other fact checking qualifications include my becoming a Forensic Accountant in 1997, a Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, a licensed CPA in 1981, a Certified Internal Auditor in 1981, and a CPA in 1979.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-pitts-facts-fake-news-0312-20180309-story.html
— Job, salary prospects improving for UI graduates – AP (DIERSEN: In today’s dollars, after you earned your bachelor’s degree, what was your salary? I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970. In 1971, after I had worked for Firestone Stores for 7 months, IRS hired me at the GS-7 level, currently $45,703 a year. IRS promoted me a) to GS-9 (currently $55,905/year) in 1972, b) to GS-11 (currently $67,638/year) in 1973, and to GS-12 (currently $81,071/year) in 1974.)
http://www.bnd.com/news/business/article204587049.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: According to the study, about 62 percent had found jobs and 27 percent enrolled in graduate school or continuing education. Seven percent were still looking for work. The overall placement rate is up from 88 percent for 2015-16 and 84 percent 2014-15. The study also shows the average salary rose from $55,390 in 2014-15 to $59,494 in 2016-17.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Calls to denounce Farrakhan are yesterday’s news in Chicago – Neil Steinberg
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/calls-to-denounce-farrakhan-are-yesterdays-news-in-chicago/
— Candidates go green for South Side Irish Parade – Mitch Dudek
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/candidates-go-green-for-south-side-irish-parade/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Today I’m McIves,” State Rep. Jeanne Ives, 42nd District, a Republican candidate for governor, said while waving to paradegoers along the Western Avenue route through the Beverly neighborhood. “I’m Jeannie Colleen Margaret Mary McIves,” she joked, tailoring her name for the occasion with a laugh. Every other day her roots are 100 percent German. Her opponent, Republican primary opponent, Gov. Bruce Rauner, did not attend.)

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois governor candidates at odds on marijuana use – AP (DIERSEN: If you want to destroy a country, a state, a county, a township/ward, a municipality, or a precinct, you legalize pot there.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180311/news/303119951/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Both Republican primary candidates are staunchly against the move. Gov. Bruce Rauner says it would be “a mistake” and says there is a “massive human experiment going on” in states where marijuana is legal.)

ABC7
— 8-day-old baby mauled to death by family’s wolf hybrid dog
http://abc7chicago.com/newborn-baby-mauled-to-death-by-familys-wolf-hybrid-dog/3202434/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “I think it’s reckless to have a child that small in a room with any type of animal, but like I said, that’s something that will be determined by the commonwealth,” Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons said.)

NBC5
— Illinois Governor Candidates at Odds on Marijuana Use Nine states and Washington, D.C, have already legalized recreational marijuana
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-governor-candidates-at-odds-on-marijuana-use-476487533.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: On the other side, the two GOP primary candidates have opposed legalization and raised questions on the future of Illinois’ medical marijuana pilot program, which is set to expire in 2020. Gov. Bruce Rauner implemented the pilot program in 2015, but he has recently fought in court attempts to expand the list of qualifying conditions. He is against legalization for recreational purposes. His primary competitor, Rep. Jeanne Ives, has consistently railed against any type of legalization.)

WGN RADIO
— Walter Jacobson’s Perspective 03/11/18: Bruce Rauner going quiet on guns. – CURTIS KOCH
http://wgnradio.com/2018/03/11/walter-jacobsons-perspective-03-11-18-bruce-rauner-going-quiet-on-guns/

CLTV
— Pride and election season on display at South Side Irish Parade
http://cltv.com/2018/03/11/pride-and-election-season-on-display-at-south-side-irish-parade/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republican candidate for governor Jeanne Ives also marched with a message. “It’s time to be honest with people. That’s it. Honesty, we’re going to be honest,” Ives said.)

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Mixed signals on Kilgore’s employment at UI – Jim Dey
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-03-11/jim-dey-mixed-signals-kilgores-employment-ui.html

JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL COURIER
— Illinois governor candidates at odds on marijuana use – AP (DIERSEN: If you want to destroy a country, a state, a county, a township/ward, a municipality, or a precinct, you legalize pot there.)
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/crime/article/Illinois-governor-candidates-at-odds-on-marijuana-12744652.php
(FROM THE ARTICLE: On the other side, the two GOP primary candidates have opposed legalization and raised questions on the future of Illinois’ medical marijuana pilot program, which is set to expire in 2020. Gov. Bruce Rauner implemented the pilot program in 2015, but he has recently fought in court attempts to expand the list of qualifying conditions. He is against legalization for recreational purposes. His primary competitor, Rep. Jeanne Ives, has consistently railed against any type of legalization.)

WAND
— Pot legalization debated before primary (DIERSEN: If you want to destroy a country, a state, a county, a township/ward, a municipality, or a precinct, you legalize pot there.)
http://www.wandtv.com/story/37698378/pot-legalization-debated-before-primary
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Both Republican candidates say they completely oppose legalization. Rauner is on record saying it would be “a mistake” to make that move, adding stats that already legalized marijuana have a “massive human experiment going on”.)

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Latest First Lady Emails: Rauner Supported Obamacare But Didn’t Want to Appear to Be. Enter Diana Rauner and the Political Consultants Prompts question: Were state officials being illegally directed by political operatives?
https://mailchi.mp/bd8a395faa7e/latest-first-lady-emails-rauner-supported-obamacare-but-didnt-want-to-appear-to-be-enter-diana-rauner-and-the-political-consultants

MENDRICK FOR SHERIFF
— James Mendrick DuPage Sheriff Candidate on Fox Chicago News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUC7sZ1K1X0

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS GLEN ELLYN
— VIDEO: LWVGE Candidate Forum March 10, 2018 // DuPage County Sheriff (R) (DIERSEN: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, the organization would be hosting candidate debates for a) Rauner v. Ives, b) Sanguinetti v. Morthland, c) Harold v. Grasso, d) Stella v. Vlakancic, e) Minor v. Grant v. Byrne, f) Kinzler v. Orozco, g) Zito v. Khouri, h) Mendrick v. Bibbiano, i) Tornatore v. DeMichele v. Gavanes, j) Hart v. Abbott v. Tully, k) McGowen v. Almiron v. Eckhoff v. Zaruba v. Tatro v. Chinchilla, l) Wiley v. Zay v. McQuade, m) Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee candidates, n) etc.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlffPYkhjIY

CAPITOL FAX
— Sunday Jeanne Ives roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/11/sunday-jeanne-ives-roundup/
— Kennedy blasts Pritzker for “buying off” black politicians
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/11/kennedy-blasts-pritzker-for-buying-off-black-politicians/

TOWNHALL
— ‘Literally No One’ Invited You: Betsy DeVos Apparently Not Welcome By Parkland Students – Cortney O’Brien (DIERSEN: Where are you not welcome? Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries consider you to be not welcome? Those that are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors consider me to be not welcome.)
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2018/03/07/devos-shows-up-for-discussions-at-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-school-gets-disrespected-n2458600
— Jeff Flake States the Obvious: ‘I Couldn’t Be Re-elected in My Party Right Now’ – Timothy Meads
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/timothymeads/2018/03/11/jeff-flake-states-the-obvious-i-couldnt-be-reelected-in-my-party-right-now-n2459772

BREITBART
— Luis Gutierrez: Immigrants Who Look Like ‘King of Wakanda’ Not Welcome in Trump’s America – TONY LEE (DIERSEN: Where are you not welcome? Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries consider you to be not welcome? Those that are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors consider me to be not welcome.)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/03/07/luis-gutierrez-immigrants-look-like-king-wakanda-not-welcome-trumps-america/

INSIDE SOURCES
— Turning Away GOP Customers in New Hampshire May Not Be Smart, But It’s Not Illegal – Michael Graham (DIERSEN: Who turns you away? As more and more and more individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, etc. become more and more and more anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors, they will turn away those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.insidesources.com/turning-away-gop-customers-nh-may-not-smart-not-illegal/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: When the Used Apple Store of Derry, NH announced that Republican customers would be turned away—for being “evil” — it wasn’t doing anything illegal. Or, it turns out, all that unusual. The Trump era has inspired a spate of stories about businesses large and small refusing service to Republicans and/or Trump supporters: Tech companies who’ve announced they will “will no longer do business with any person that is a registered Republican or supports Donald Trump;” fast food restaurants where Trump fans go unserved. At a Mexican restaurant in upstate New York, not only was a couple wearing Trump gear refused service, the owner followed them out shouting “We don’t serve Trump supporters here. Get out of here and never come back.’ ” So perhaps New Hampshire residents who need their MacBooks repaired should count themselves lucky to get off with just a rude Facebook post. “We say ‘no thank you’ to any Republican. If you affiliate with the Republican Party you are not welcome into our store,” the store posted on its page. “You have an uptight, closed energy, negative aura to you… almost evil, and to be honest, usually evil.” Perhaps, but they also make up a (slim) majority of the voters registered by party in New Hampshire, not to mention their local customer base. Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in Derry 58-42 percent (Trump lost statewide by less than 3,000 votes). So why do it?)

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Trump to enter enemy territory, but will California ‘resistance’ rise up or stay home? – CINDY CARCAMO and RUBEN VIVES (DIERSEN: Where are you considered to be the enemy? Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries consider you to be their enemy? Those that are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors consider me to be their enemy.)
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-immigrant-rights-activist-prepare-for-trump-visit-20180311-story.html

March 11 Morning Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump administration sues California over sanctuary laws – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-us–sessions-california-20180307-story.html
— Trump detours from focus of Pennsylvania rally to slam media and call for drug dealer executions – Seung Min Kim and Jenna Johnson (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those politicians, their operatives, and their dupes who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails the most. They blame me and my emails for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems. They glorify and praise Rich Miller and the rest of the Democrat news media.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-rally-pennsylvania-special-election-20180310-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Trump also delivered a profane attack on the news media, calling NBC News anchor Chuck Todd a “sleeping son of a bitch” and deeming CNN “fake as hell,” as the enthusiastic crowd booed at the mention of journalists and chanted “CNN sucks!”)
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, illegals and their promoters use children as cannon fodder.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/huppke/ct-met-aclu-class-action-border-trump-huppke-20180309-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use children as cannon fodder.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-gun-reform-chicago-violence-20180308-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Social media offers dark spaces for political campaigning – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180311/news/303119996/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The main events in a political campaign used to happen in the open: a debate, the release of a major TV ad or a public event where candidates tried to earn a spot on the evening news or the next day’s front page. That was before the explosion of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as political platforms. Now some of a campaign’s most pivotal efforts happen in the often-murky world of social media, where ads can be targeted to ever-narrower slices of the electorate and run continuously with no disclosure of who is paying for them. Reporters cannot easily discern what voters are seeing, and hoaxes and forgeries spread instantaneously.)
— President Donald Trump’s campaign to discredit the news media has spread to officials at all levels of government, who are echoing his use of the term “fake news” as a weapon against unflattering stories. – AP (DIERSEN: According to my critics/opponents, all news is fake, except for the news that they put out or bless.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20180311/news/303119995/

NORTHWEST HERALD
— McHenry County Board members on candidate Brettman: Beware – ED KOMENDA
http://www.nwherald.com/2018/03/08/mchenry-county-board-members-on-candidate-brettman-beware/a5bmm73/

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— School pension-cost shift cause for concern – Editorial
http://www.pantagraph.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-school-pension-cost-shift-cause-for-concern/article_735e30c8-1d0d-5b0a-95d5-0c385735101f.html

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Comptroller Questions Rauner’s Hiring Practices – Benjamin Yount
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=261569#.WqUCRIyKSM8

SPRINGFIELD STATE REGISTER JOURNAL & WJBD RADIO
— Illinois Attorney General Race a Battle Over Independence – AP (DIERSEN: How independent are you? The more easily that your critics/opponents can cut/eliminate your income, the less independent that you are. Needless-to-say, my critics/opponents are furious that they cannot easily cut/eliminate a) my $51,864/year Civil Service Retirement System pension, b) my $18,000/year federal health, dental, and vision insurance subsidy, or c) my $2,064/year Social Security.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180310/race-for-attorney-general-battle-over-independence
http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/03/10/illinois-attorney-general-race-a-battle-over-independence

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Kennedy, Biss won’t pledge to veto partisan redistricting – Rich Miller
http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/2018-03-11/rich-millercapitol-fax-kennedy-biss-wont-pledge-veto-partisan-redistricti

CHICAGO DAILY OBSERVER
— Rauner Stymied in New Trier Republican Caucus Vote
http://www.cdobs.com/archive/chicago/rauner-stymied-in-new-trier-republican-caucus-vote/

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Coles County – Why the public should be guarded about what they read in the paper. – KIRK ALLEN
http://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2018/03/coles-county-why-the-public-should-be-guarded-about-what-they-read-in-the-paper/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Political Agitation at Schools & Vulnerable Kids – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamily.org/education/political-agitation-schools-vulnerable-kids/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Betsy DeVos: States should consider letting teachers carry guns in classroom Education Secretary says states, communities should make decision – Valerie Richardson
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/11/betsy-devos-says-teachers-carrying-guns-classroom-/

PJ MEDIA
— Offend ‘Diversity,’ Lose Your Job – MICHAEL WALSH
https://pjmedia.com/trending/offend-diversity-lose-job/

HUFFINGTON POST
— Steve Bannon: ‘Let Them Call You Racist; Wear It As A Badge Of Honor’ – Mary Papenfuss (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, anti-Trumps call you a racist if you are NOT 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.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bannon-far-right-french-racists_us_5aa45bade4b07047bec70239

NEW YORK TIMES
— Vote. That’s Just What They Don’t Want You to Do. Disillusionment and disenfranchisement have combined to undermine our democracy. We don’t have to let them. – Editorial (DIERSEN: Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries do not want you to vote? Those that do not want me to vote are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/opinion/sunday/go-vote.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: G.O.P. Rushed to Pass Tax Overhaul. Now It May Need to Be Altered. – Jim Tankersley and Alan Rappeport (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, the GOP should immediately increase the SALT cap from $10,000 to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/11/us/politics/tax-cut-law-problems.html
— Why Louis Farrakhan Is Back in the News – Jonah Engel Bromwich
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/us/louis-farrakhan-facts-history.html
— Money Is Power. And Women Need More of Both. – Susan Chira (DIERSEN: Because I have always supported the equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) plank in the Republican Party platform, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always shouted at all the minorities and at all the females around me a) that I caused all their problems in the past, b) that I am causing all their problems now, and c) that unless I am gotten rid of, I will cause all their problems in the future.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/sunday-review/women-money-politics-power.html
— How Lies Spread Online – Sinan Aral (DIERSEN: According to my critics/opponents, everything that is online is a lie except for that which they post or bless.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/opinion/sunday/truth-lies-spread-online.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Sessions: U.S. prosecutors won’t take on small-time pot cases – AP (DIERSEN: Your past predicts your future. Consider Adam Palinski, a former voter in my precinct. SEE: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2002-08-17/news/0208170308_1_arson-case-arson-arrest-solicitation-chargesand http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-11-07/news/0311070064_1_wheaton-church-school-parishioners)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sessions-us-prosecutors-wont-take-on-small-time-pot-cases/2018/03/10/e9c93b98-247e-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html)

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— New Life for Steel Plant Perks Up Depressed Illinois Town, Workforce – Andrew Tangel
https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-life-for-steel-plant-perks-up-depressed-illinois-town-workforce-1520766001
— Trump’s Gun Plan to Include Encouraging States to Allow Armed School Staff – Michael C. Bender
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trumps-gun-plan-to-include-encouraging-states-to-allow-armed-school-staff-1520728721
— Like the Big Kids, Kindergartens Plan Protests for Gun Control – Leslie Brody (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use children as cannon fodder.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/like-the-big-kids-kindergartens-plan-protests-for-gun-control-1520683201

FED SMITH
— Lawmakers Want to Know Why OPM is Suddenly Withholding Federal Employee Salary Data – Ian Smith (DIERSEN: If I had not be denied my 7th Amendment rights in Diersen v. GAO, I would have presented a jury with many examples in which women a) who had less job-related work experience than I had, b) who had less job-related education than I had, and/or c) who had fewer job-related professional certifications and/or licenses than I had were paid more by GAO than GAO paid me.)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2018/03/11/lawmakers-want-know-opm-suddenly-withholding-federal-employee-salary-data/

CHICAGO PRIDE
— Grasso calls for Harold to drop out of AG race over alleged anti-gay adoption remarks – GoPride.com News Staff
http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/92211604/candidate-calls-for-harold-to-drop-out-of-ag-race-over-alleged-antigay-adoption-remarks
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In a statement, Harold campaign spokesman Jason Heffley said, “It is troubling that NBC Chicago chose to run with a political hit piece based on anonymous sources that occurred almost twenty years ago. “Two decades ago when Erika was 20 years old, she did not support same sex adoption. It was a different era when many from both political parties did not support it. Erika, like many others, has changed her position on the issue over the last twenty years. She acknowledges that position was wrong and now strongly supports same sex adoption and foster placement. “She does not recall the specific exchange alleged by anonymous sources. If some form of that exchange did occur, it was wrong and it is in no way reflective of how Erika feels or has lived her life. She has spent her career working to protect the interests of the underserved and advocating for those who have been bullied and abused.”)

March 7 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Former DuPage County Recorder of Deeds Rick Carney spoke very highly of DuPage County Board District 4 candidate Chris Zaruba at his outstanding fundraiser Wednesday evening, March 7, 2018, at the Ivy Restaurant in Wheaton. The 40+ attendees included Bibbiano, Bucholz, Cherry, DiCianni, Fitch, the Jorgensens, Kleeman, Lofgren, Loveless, MacKay, Scalzo, Wilson, and John Zaruba. – Dave Diersen
https://gopillinois.com

ABC7
— Mayor Emanuel calls out Gov. Rauner on gun control bill – Jessica D’Onofrio
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/mayor-emanuel-calls-out-gov-rauner-on-gun-control-bill/3185881/

NBC5
— Despite Letter From Chicago Aldermen, Rauner Won’t Say If He’ll Sign Gun Dealer Licensing Bill – Brendan Pedersen and Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rauner-emanuel-letter-gun-dealer-licensing-bill-illinois-476152003.html

CBS2
— Emanuel Hands Rauner Letter Urging Governor To Sign Gun Licensing Bill Mayor Rahm Emanuel personally delivered a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner on Wednesday, urging him to sign legislation requiring gun dealers in Illinois to obtain state licenses.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/category/spoken-word-wbbmtv/3823278-emanuel-hands-rauner-letter-urging-governor-to-sign-gun-licensing-bill/
— Emanuel Hands Rauner Letter Urging Governor To Sign Gun Licensing Bill; ‘Where Does He Stand?’
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/03/07/emanuel-rauner-gun-licensing-legislation/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois House takes up ban on public sex-harassment payouts – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/illinois-house-takes-up-ban-on-public-sex-harassment-payouts

WGN TV
— Emanuel leaves Rauner letter at news conference urging him to sign gun control bill – JULIAN CREWS
http://wgntv.com/2018/03/07/emanuel-leaves-rauner-letter-at-news-conference-urging-him-to-sign-gun-control-bill/

WLS AM
— Audit reveals budget office goof costing state $2.5M – Bill Cameron
http://www.wlsam.com/2018/03/07/audit-reveals-budget-office-goof-costing-state-2-5m/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rahm keeps pushing Rauner on gun bill — in person, this time – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/rahm-keeps-pushing-rauner-on-gun-bill-in-person-this-time/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-males promote anti-males.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/women-say-metoo-will-be-heard-at-polling-place-too/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Those who promote voter fraud say: The epic overreaction of Rep. Jeanne Ives and Ald. Anthony Napolitano
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/jeanne-ives-alderman-anthony-napolitano-slam-citykey-id-cards-immigrants/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Jeanne Ives on Rahm Emanuel’s CityKey ID plan for voter registration: ‘Pandering is what these policies are all about’ – John Kass
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-jeanne-ives-rahm-emanuel-immigration-kass-0308-story.html
— Rauner doesn’t say whether he’ll sign bill to license gun stores – John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-emanuel-guns-20180307-story.html
— Trump’s best-and-brightest problem – Timothy L. O’Brien
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-exit-trump-scaramucci-gorka-manafort-lewandowski-ivanka-nunberg-0208-story.html
— ‘Cannabis candidate’ for Congress touts service as an FBI agent. He wasn’t an FBI agent. – Gregory Pratt
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-5th-congressional-district-benjamin-wolf-20180305-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Why Naperville decided to raise sales tax instead of property taxes – Marie Wilson
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/why-naperville-decided-to-raise-sales-tax-instead-of-property-taxes
— St. Patrick’s parade set to march through Elmhurst – Ann Piccininni
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/st-patricks-parade-set-to-march-through-elmhurst
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats promote Democrat 6th Congressional District candidates.
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/how-6th-district-dems-would-combat-sexual-harassment
— Who was behind failed push to merge Naperville, Lisle, Warrenville, Woodridge? – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/who-was-behind-failed-push-to-merge-naperville-lisle-warrenville-woodridge
— Former Lisle mayor: ‘The truth has been told’ on merger efforts – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/former-lisle-mayor-the-truth-has-been-told-on-merger-efforts
— 5 St. Patrick’s Day parades this weekend to start your celebration early – Scott Morgan
http://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20180307/5-st-patricks-day-parades-this-weekend-to-start-your-celebration-early
— Bill limiting state promotional spending moves forward – Jake Griffin
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180307/bill-limiting-state-promotional-spending-moves-forward-

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Berrios firm’s lobbying client gets big tax break from his assessor’s office – BGA
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180307/NEWS02/180309921/berrios-firms-lobbying-client-gets-big-tax-break-from-his-assessors

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Ban on public sex-harassment payouts moves to House floor – AP
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180307/ban-on-public-sex-harassment-payouts-moves-to-house-floor

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Granite City blast furnace to restart; 500 workers to be called back – KALEY JOHNSON
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article203875264.html

WQAD
— DISGUSTING, OUTRAGEOUS: New plan could allow some Illinois students to use medical pot
http://wqad.com/2018/03/07/new-plan-could-allow-some-illinois-students-to-use-medical-pot/

WSIU
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pot promoters promote pot. If you promote pot, you promote destruction.
http://news.wsiu.org/post/simon-poll-illinois-voters-recreational-marijuana-and-local-leaders#stream/0

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Email Shows: Bruce Rauner’s Not in Charge, The First Lady Is
https://mailchi.mp/d65509454f91/email-shows-bruce-rauners-not-in-charge-the-first-lady-is
— Chapter Five: Sanctuary State and Your New Neighbors
https://mailchi.mp/71db350750fd/rauner-record-revealed-sanctuary-state-and-your-new-neighbors

REPUBLICANS FOR MORALITY
— DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba Broke Off Cooperation with ICE One Day After Leftist, Pro-Illegal Immigration Protest – Peter LaBarbera
https://republicansformorality.com/2018/03/07/breaking-dupage-county-sheriff-john-zaruba-broke-off-cooperation-with-ice-one-day-after-leftist-pro-illegal-immigration-protest/

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Transparency group finds pay spiking practices continue to cost taxpayers in Illinois – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.ilnews.org/news/schools/transparency-group-finds-pay-spiking-practices-continue-to-cost-taxpayers/article_28efb9d0-217f-11e8-9d3d-5fc9928c65cf.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— GUN RIGHTS ADVOCATES, GET READY. GOV RAUNER IS ABOUT TO BETRAY YOU, TOO.
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/gun-rights-advocates-get-ready-gov-rauner-is-about-to-betray-you-too-.html
— RAUNER CAMPAIGN FUNDS NON-PARTISAN, PRO-ABORTION WOMEN’S GROUP WEBSITE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/rauner-campaign-funds-non-partisan-pro-abortion-womens-group-website.html
— NEED A COOK COUNTY PROPERTY TAX BREAK? HIRE JOE BERRIOS TO BE YOUR LOBBYIST
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/need-a-cook-county-property-tax-break-hire-joe-berrios-to-be-your-lobbyist.html
— SESSIONS PROMISES TO ENFORCE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS IN CALIFORNIA. COULD ILLINOIS BE NEXT?
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/sessions-promises-to-enforce-federal-immigration-laws-in-california-could-illinois-be-next.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Duckworth, Durbin say “vague assurances” from Rauner on Quincy veterans’ home are “quite simply inexcusable”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/07/duckworth-durbin-say-vague-assurances-from-rauner-on-quincy-veterans-home-are-quite-simply-inexcusable/
— Attack on Mrs. Rauner falls flat as she appears to gear up for campaign
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/07/attack-on-mrs-rauner-falls-flat-as-she-appears-to-gear-up-for-campaign/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Rep. Peter Roskam imagines a world without Trump Twitter: ‘What a glorious thing!’ – Philip Wegmann
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/rep-peter-roskam-imagines-a-world-without-trump-twitter-what-a-glorious-thing/article/2650927

GOPUSA
— It’s almost nasty: Democrats unload on Republicans who sleep in their offices
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40955
— Dems flood Texas primary as Cruz, Abbott rout (DIERSEN: So far, how many Republican and Democrat primary ballots have been cast in Illinois, in your county, in your township/ward, in your municipality, and in your precinct?)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40948

BREITBART
— New York Times: New Foils for the Right – Google and Facebook – LUCAS NOLAN
http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2018/03/07/new-york-times-new-foils-for-the-right-google-and-facebook/

THE HILL
— Sessions to California: ‘There is no secession’ – BRETT SAMUELS
http://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/377182-sessions-to-california-there-is-no-secession

POLITICO
— ‘Cannabis candidate’ accused of abusing women and resume inflation National spotlight unearths Illinois Democrat Benjamin Thomas Wolf’s troubled past. – NATASHA KORECKI
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/07/ben-wolf-illinois-congress-candidate-444371

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump is supercharging the celebrification of politics – James Hohmann
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2018/03/07/daily-202-trump-is-supercharging-the-celebrification-of-politics/5a9f487a30fb047655a06b3a/

AMERICAN PROSPECT
— How Donald Trump Broke Conservatism – ADELE M. STAN
http://prospect.org/article/how-donald-trump-broke-conservatism

March 5 Evening Edition

ABC7
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats hold DACA rally in support of recipients as program officially ends – CNN
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/daca-rally-held-in-support-of-recipients-as-program-officially-ends-/3177648/

NBC5
— Ives Claims CityKey IDs to Encourage Voter Fraud – Brendan Pedersen
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Ives-Claims-CityKey-IDs-to-Encourage-Voter-Fraud-475872363.html

CBS2
— Early Voting Underway For Illinois Primary Elections
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/03/05/early-voting-2018-primary-elections/

WLS AM
— Rauner accuses Madigan of running “a Mafia protection racket’
http://www.wlsam.com/2018/03/05/rauner-accuses-madigan-of-running-a-mafia-protection-racket/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Ives rips Emanuel over municipal ID card for voting – John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-rahm-emanuel-municipal-id-ives-20180305-story.html
— Republican DuPage County Board District 3 candidates support more government consolidation – Kimberly Fornek
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/burr-ridge/news/ct-dhd-dupage-county-3-republicans-tl-0308-20180305-story.html
— Republican candidates for 9th Congressional District speak at forum on DACA, guns and bucking party traditions – Alex Nitkin
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/news/ct-evr-league-women-voters-schakowsky-seat-tl-0308-20180305-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats have religious and immigration activists demonstrate outside the South Loop offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/immigration/ct-met-dreamers-deadline-congress-0306-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Ives, Napolitano join forces to oppose using municipal ID for voter registration – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/ives-napolitano-join-forces-to-oppose-using-municipal-id-for-voter-registration/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use religious leaders to promote the immigration plank in the Democrat Party platform. If there had been as many legal and illegal immigrants in America when I was young are there are now, they would have gotten the bad jobs that I got. I did yard work and delivered newspapers 1962-1964; washed dishes 1964-1966; cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966; delivered mail 1966-1969; worked on an automobile assembly line and as a security guard in 1970; sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971; pumped gasoline 1971-1972; collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980; and audited federal agencies 1980-1997. Overwhelmingly, my current critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes make it clear that they would never have stooped to take the bad jobs that I took.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/on-immigration-policy-stand-up-for-lincolns-principles/
— Tense moments at Legionnaires’ disease hearing – Mitch Dudek
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/tense-moments-at-legionnaires-disease-hearing/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats have “Dreamers, activists call for immigration reform on DACA expiration date.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/dreamers-activists-call-for-immigration-reform-on-daca-expiration-date/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats always want more gun laws. Republicans want existing gun laws to be enforced.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/its-common-sense-governor-bruce-rauner-illinois-sign-the-gun-bill/

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage voters to consider proposal to merge the DuPage County Election Commission with the clerk’s office – Robert Danchez (DIERSEN: Of course, as an elected Republican Precinct Committeeman in DuPage County since 2000, I have dealt a lot with the DuPage County Election Commission (DCEC). So far, sadly, if not outrageously, my many requests have been denied that the DCEC notify elected precinct committeemen directly and in a timely manner of any proposed changes to their polling place or to their precinct lines. Sadly, if not outrageously, the DCEC continues to insist on only notifying the chairmen of political organizations. I should write a book about when those chairmen failed to notify me in a timely manner about changes to my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton polling place and to my precinct lines. Sadly, if not outrageously, the location of the current polling place for my precinct discourages those in my precinct from voting. In 2015, the DCEC outrageously gerrymandered my precinct. The DCEC took away about 100 residences on the west side of my precinct and gave me about 100 residences to the east out of Jeanne Ives’s precinct. Initially, the DCEC drew Ives into my precinct, but then, I am told, Ives successfully insisted that she be drawn into Precinct 65 to the southeast. Many, if not most, chairmen of political organizations want to run for government offices and they are under tremendous pressure raise money for their organizations. Consequently, they are likely, if not extremely likely to do the bidding of those who have the most religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in their municipality, in their township, in their county, and in Illinois.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180305/dupage-voters-to-consider-proposal-to-merge-county-offices
— June trial set for longtime Republican lawmaker Sandra Pihos in shoplifting case – Justin Kmitch
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180305/june-trial-set-for-longtime-republican-lawmaker-in-shoplifting-case

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— University of Chicago donors want their $100 million back – LYNNE MAREK (DIERSEN: What do you say to major political donors in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who fail/refuse to give money to activists, to candidates, to elected officials, to party leaders, to political consultants, to etc. unless they agree to “get rid of Diersen?”)
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180305/NEWS13/180309939/university-of-chicago-donors-want-their-100-million-back
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Wealthy twin brothers Thomas and Timothy Pearson planned to donate $100 million to the University of Chicago for creation of an institute that would study global conflict resolution. Now they’re battling the university in federal court, demanding it return the $22 million they provided since the gift was agreed to in April 2015. They and their foundation allege that the school has breached their agreement on several fronts, from failing to appoint an institute director to organizing a major conference. The contribution was tied at the time it was given with several others for the second-largest donation ever received at the school. “Rather than address these breaches with forthrightness and transparency, the U of C has repeatedly sought to avoid and deceive the foundation regarding these and other failures,” the Pearsons say in the lawsuit filed Feb. 20 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “The U of C has failed to deal with the Foundation honestly and in good faith.” The university in a statement called the Pearsons’ allegations “baseless” and says it will “vigorously defend itself” against them. “The university honors its grant agreements with its donors, and it did so with the Pearsons,” it says in the statement. “Further, all academic and hiring decisions are the sole purview of the University and its faculty, guided by the principle of academic freedom.”)

HERALD & REVIEW
— Ives rips Emanuel over municipal ID card for voting – JOHN BYRNE
https://herald-review.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ives-rips-emanuel-over-municipal-id-card-for-voting/article_da5c0917-5371-52ec-8bc1-c660d5ffc0a1.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Ives says Illinois must change its profligate ways – Chuck Sweeny
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180305/ives-says-illinois-must-change-its-profligate-ways
— Rauner administration now aims to rebuild Quincy – AP
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180305/rauner-administration-now-aims-to-rebuild-quincy
— Fact check: Rauner’s claim that Ives is a ‘Madigan lackey’ – Brett Chase (DIERSEN: Rauner’s claim against Ives is as head-spinning as if anyone claimed that I was a lackey for those who have the most religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, or in Illinois. My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that “You Can’t Tell Diersen What To Do,” that is, that you cannot manipulate or dominate Diersen.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180305/fact-check-rauners-claim-that-ives-is-madigan-lackey

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Alexander: Ives doesn’t support QC rail – Jon Alexander
http://qctimes.com/opinion/columnists/alexander-ives-doesn-t-support-qc-rail/article_2ab9e773-f936-55ef-b8bf-c11d35c405bc.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act moves to Illinois House
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/03/01/lethal-violence-order-of-protection-act-moves-to-illinois-house/aooxzi2/

STATE LINE
— Local Gun Shop Owner Reacts to New Gun Control Law Gun Dealer Licensing Act awaits either a signature or a veto from Gov. Rauner – Karina Parada
http://www.mystateline.com/news/local-gun-shop-owner-reacts-to-new-gun-control-law/1010959977

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
— Milwaukee students walk out, demand Paul Ryan take action as DACA deadline passes – Jesse Garza (DIERSEN: Of course, anti-Americans are overjoyed about this. Anti-Americans side with the illegals.)
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2018/03/05/milwaukee-students-walk-out-demand-paul-ryan-take-action-daca-deadline-passes/395975002/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Rauner administration may rebuild dorms at Quincy Veterans Home – Rachel Droze
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/rauner-administration-may-rebuild-dorms-at-quincy-veterans-home-03-06-2018

WGIL
— IVES STOPS IN GALESBURG, CALLS RAUNER A “LIAR”
http://www.wgil.com/2018/03/05/gubernatorial-challenger-ives-stops-in-galesburg-calls-rauner-a-liar/

WMAY
— BGA Takes Rauner to Task for Ives Attack Ads
http://www.wmay.com/2018/03/05/bga-takes-rauner-to-task-for-ives-attack-ads/

THE X RADIO
— Rauner Attacks Madigan, Ives Attacks Rauner at Lincoln Day Dinner – Greg Sapp (DIERSEN: How interested are you in reading about attacks? Should I write a book about the many attacks against me since 2000 by “conservatives” and by “Republicans” a) because I have included links to articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails that they do not like, b) because I support all the planks in the Republican Party platform and the Illinois Republican Party platform, c) because I support the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling, d) because I refuse to be anyone’s operative or dupe, e) because I have backed certain candidates in Republican primaries, f) because I have filed lawsuits, g) because etc.?)
http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/32710-rauner-attacks-madigan-ives-attacks-rauner-at-lincoln-day-dinner

COLUMBIA CHRONICLE
— Governor candidates divulge plans for reducing student debt – Eric Bradach (DIERSEN: Did you incur any student debt? I did not. I graduated from NIU in 1970 debt-free and owning a 1969 Dodge Charger SE. I paid for my college expenses with money that I earned washing dishes 1964-1966; cleaning golf shoes, chipping slag, and pumping gasoline in 1966; delivering mail 1966-1969; and working on an automobile assembly line and as a security guard in 1970.)
http://www.columbiachronicle.com/metro/article_a71dff94-20b0-11e8-b37c-171fb09afafe.html

WHEATON PATCH
— Childhood Home of Jim, John Belushi Hits Market (for $395,000) In Wheaton (at 904 East Elm) WOW House: This Wheaton house was home to comedians Jim and John Belushi when they were children. – Lisa Marie Farver
https://patch.com/illinois/wheaton/childhood-home-jim-john-belushi-hits-market-wheaton

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Chapter Three: Conservatives Are Out and the Wife Is In
https://mailchi.mp/10dc0c77b23b/rauner-record-reveal-conservatives-are-out-and-the-wife-is-in

REPUBLICAN NEWS WATCH
— It’s Already Easy to Vote Illegally in Illinois – But Chicago’s Making it Easier – DOUG IBENDAHL
http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/?p=14440

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— McSweeney Disses Rauner – Cal Skinner
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/03/05/mcsweeney-disses-rauner/
— Edgar Got Tax Cap from Madigan, Rauner Got No Tax Relief – Cal Skinner
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/03/05/edgar-got-tax-cap-from-madigan-rauner-got-no-tax-relief/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— LETTER TO EDITOR: YOU DON’T BELIEVE THOSE RAUNER ADS ABOUT IVES, DO YOU?
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/letter-to-editor-you-dont-believe-those-rauner-ads-about-ives-do-you-.html
— IVES RELEASE NEW TV AD: IVES WON’T. NEITHER SHOULD YOU.
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/ives-release-new-tv-ad-ives-wont-neither-should-you.html
— RAUNER ON FOX & FRIENDS MONDAY MORNING DOESN’T MENTION GOV’S HIGH DISAPPROVAL RATINGS (DIERSEN: I would expect that Rauner’s approval rating is higher among those who reject the traditional family, right to life, immigration, and other planks in the Illinois Republican Party platform, that is, 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.)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/rauner-on-fox-friends-monday-morning-doesnt-mention-govs-high-disapproval-ratings.html
— REEDER: WHAT DOES “DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS” MEAN TO YOU?
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/reeder-what-does-downstate-illinois-mean-to-you-.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Rauner says Madigan is running a “Mafia protection racket”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/rauner-says-madigan-is-running-a-mafia-protection-racket/
— Ives goes after new Chicago ID card
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/ives-goes-after-new-chicago-id-card/
— Did Rauner just tip his hand on the gun bills?
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/did-rauner-just-tip-his-hand-on-the-gun-bills/
— Another Bruce Rauner fairy tale
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/another-bruce-rauner-fairy-tale/
— Jeffries: “I prefer to speak with journalists who have journalistic integrity” (DIERSEN: Should I write a book about those who hint/imply/argue/shout that I do not have “journalistic integrity,” or should I just sue them?)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/jeffries-i-prefer-to-speak-with-journalists-who-have-journalistic-integrity/
— Rate Erika Harold’s TV ad
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/rate-erika-harolds-tv-ad/
— Candidate question: Independent maps (DIERSEN: If I sent candidates any questions, my critics/opponents, who have tremendous religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, in Glen Ellyn, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois, would immediately threaten to viciously destroy those candidates if they responded. Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and RINO candidates back Rich Miller. Republican candidates back Dave Diersen.)
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/candidate-question-independent-maps/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: I sent all candidates in both parties this question the other day…)

BLAZE
— ‘No respect for the dead’: Chicago gang violence increasingly spilling into funerals – Aaron Colen
https://www.theblaze.com/news/2018/03/05/no-respect-for-the-dead-chicago-gang-violence-increasingly-spilling-into-funerals

BREITBART
— Luis Gutierrez: If Trump ‘Is Not a Racist, I Don’t Know Who Is’ – TONY LEE5 (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, calling someone a racist in America today is like calling someone a Jew in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s, and especially if the person who you are calling a racist is Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if his ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/03/05/luis-gutierrez-trump-not-racist-dont-know/

NEWSMAX
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: If you demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans like Michael Steele and Pat Brady do, anti-Republicans love you.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/rnc-michael-steele-republican-scarlet-letter/2018/03/05/id/846873/

DAILY CALLER
— DREAMers Storm DNC, Block Doors, Call Democrats ‘Fake Allies’ – Benny Johnson
http://dailycaller.com/2018/03/05/dreamers-protest-dnc/

GOPUSA
— Oscars: Kimmel mocks Mike Pence over film boosting adult/teen male sex
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40755
— Hypocritical Hollywood gives Oscar to accused rapist
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40752
— Women’s March connection to Louis Farrakhan
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40635
— ABC: Anything But Conservative
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40766
— Trump team security clearance process ‘weaponized’ by bureaucrats (DIERSEN: Many millions do not seek and should not seek a federal job because they know that they cannot pass a background investigation.)
http://www.gopusa.com/trump-team-security-clearance-process-weaponized-by-bureaucrats/
— Illegal alien uses stolen identity for 37 years, gets $361,000 in government benefits
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40733
— Pelosi: Trump’s ‘bigoted’ ICE raids ‘terrorize’ illegals (DIERSEN: Democrats and RINOs promote illegal immigration. Overwhelmingly, illegals are minorities.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40724

TOWNHALL
— Useful Masses: Democrat Elites Exploit Kids’ Hearts in the Wake of Parkland Shooting – Kerri Toloczko (DIERSEN: Democrats run public education and virtually all of private education in America. Those Democrats focus on cranking “out good little Democats.” )
https://townhall.com/columnists/kerritoloczko/2018/03/05/useful-masses-democrat-elites-exploit-kids-hearts-in-the-wake-of-parkland-shooting-n2457731

ABC NEWS
— Dreamers protest on Capitol Hill on DACA deadline day – CHEYENNE HASLETT
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dreamers-protest-capitol-hill-daca-deadline-day/story?id=53539262

NBC NEWS
— U.S. cities with the highest rate of same-sex married couples Married gay couples are generally more geographically concentrated, younger and have higher incomes than straight couples, according to federal tax data. – Ariel Jao (DIERSEN: Will same-sex married couples succeed in getting U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives to get rid of the marriage penalty? My wife and I have paid the marriage penalty big time since we got married 1978.)
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/u-s-cities-highest-rate-same-sex-married-couples-n852716

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: When American employers underpay American employees, Democrats and RINOs say that the answer is to bring in citizens of foreign countries.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-says-american-workers-are-hurt-by-immigration-but-after-ice-raided-this-texas-town-they-never-showed-up/2018/03/04/8ce16362-1d65-11e8-ae5a-16e60e4605f3_story.html

PRESS HERALD
— BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS: What Maine clients get if they pay for delivery: Free pot But is it legal? Marijuana gifting services like Greenlyght charge a $90-per-quarter-ounce fee to transport their product to Maine users. – PENELOPE OVERTONS
https://www.pressherald.com/2018/03/04/what-clients-get-if-they-pay-for-deliver-free-pot/

BLOOMBERG
— America’s 100 Richest Places – Shelly Hagan and Wei Lu (DIERSEN: Winnetka is 13, Glencoe is 15, Hinsdale is 30, Lake Forest is 33, Inverness is 41, Oak Brook is 56, Long Grove is 60, Hawthorn Woods is 80, Burr Ridge is 92, Clarenden Hills is 97, and Highland Park is 100.)
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-hundred-richest-places/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Newcomers to the list include three areas in suburban Chicago. The average in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, jumped 15 percent in 2016 from the prior year to break into the top 100 for the first time with a tally of $199,325.)

AXIOS
— Coming this fall: “nutrition labels” for news (DIERSEN: What will NewsGuard say about GOPUSA Illinois at www.gopillinois.com?)
https://www.axios.com/coming-soon-nutrition-labels-for-news-newsguard-1520276180-402394a2-f876-4ae8-aee9-8e232e8575d1.html

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— Though more federal employees retired in 2017 compared to the previous year, it hardly triggered a ‘tsunami’ – Nicole Ogrysko (DIERSEN: Constructively, overwhelmingly, the federal government continues to be run by Democrats.)
https://federalnewsradio.com/workforce/2018/03/though-more-feds-retired-in-2017-compared-to-the-previous-year-it-hardly-triggered-a-tsunami/

AL JAZEERA AMERICA
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: 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, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors encourage immigrants a) to come to America, b) to stay in America, and c) to bring others to America.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/immigrants-helped-build-180305172025927.html

March 2 Evening Edition

NBC5
— Polling Shows Rauner’s in Big Trouble
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/WEB-take-5-rauner-biss-pritzker-kennedy-475700713.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Is your Will County Board member showing up to meetings? A closer look at board attendance – Susan DeMar Lafferty (DIERSEN: Who discourages you from attending monthly meetings and fundraisers of organizations that you are a member of? Since 1999, I have had the best record by far for attending Milton Township Republican Central Committee (MTRCC) monthly meetings and fundraisers. I should write a book about past and present MTRCC officers, members, and others who have worked the hardest since 1999 to discourage me from attending MTRCC monthly meetings and fundraisers.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-will-county-attendance-st-0225-20180228-story.html
— Millennials, please fill the void in Washington — apply for a government job – Daniel W. Drezner (DIERSEN: Democrats run the federal government. Potential federal employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran should be advised a) that their career will be wasted and they will be gotten rid of if they do not make GS-13 (currently $96,403) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $113,920) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $134,000) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $164,200) by age 40 and b) that extremely few make the aforesaid deadlines.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-serve-millennials-jobs-white-house-trump-opportunity-0302-20180301-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rex Tillerson’s incompetent management of Foggy Bottom and the Trump White House’s disdain for anything smacking of policy expertise has led to an exodus of trained personnel. “The State Department’s civilian workforce shrunk more than 6 percent overall during the initial eight months of the Trump administration, but that figure masks significantly higher departure rates in critical areas of the country’s diplomatic apparatus,” the daily Government Executive reported Feb. 9. Daniel Byman wrote about this recently in The New York Times, stressing the theme of public service: “Much of government is invisible to most Americans, but it is still vital. America needs people to devise a policy toward Brazil, prosecute drug dealers, buy weapons for the Army and administer Social Security, among many other tasks that are not glamorous but make a tangible difference in the lives of many Americans. … “Young people in particular should serve. Most would begin with minor duties, with many buffers between them and the president. Even if they disagree with Mr. Trump’s policies, they need to learn the craft of government and will serve important roles in future administrations. Their value will come in 10 or 20 years when, as seasoned professionals themselves, they counsel presidents and implement their policies more effectively. If they don’t serve, over time our government will become hollow.” Byman is completely correct, but let me offer a slightly different and more careerist reason to join the government during the Age of Trump: You would be buying low. Let’s be clear: No one wants to serve in this administration right now.)
— 59th District Illinois House seat: Illinois House GOP candidate agrees to remove opponent from lawsuit over mailers linking him to Michael Madigan – Yadira Sanchez Olson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-candidate-defamation-suit-st-0303-20180302-story.html
— Trade unions seek drug-free candidates for six-figure construction jobs – Ted Slowik
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-slowik-apprenticeship-expo-st-0304-20180302-story.html
— North Shore GOP congressional candidates split on Trump, gun control – Katherine Skiba
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-10th-congressional-primary-02-14-2018-story.html
— Mr. Madigan, where’s the independent investigation? – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-madigan-harassment-investigation-springfield-20180301-story.html
— DuPage County judge Patrick O’Shea who fired gun in his home is acquitted of misdemeanor charge – Clifford Ward
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/wheaton-glen-ellyn/news/ct-met-dupage-judge-on-trial-20180302-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— POLL: Should Gov. Bruce Rauner sign gun control legislation? – Alice Bazerghi
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/poll-should-gov-bruce-rauner-sign-gun-control-legislation/
— Politics will dictate Rauner’s decision on gun bills – Laura Washington
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/politics-will-dictate-rauners-decision-on-gun-bills/

DAILY HERALD
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Bipartisan effort pushing to legalize recreational marijuana – Jake Griffin (DIERSEN: If you promote pot, you promote destruction.)
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180302/bipartisan-effort-pushing-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana
— DuPage judge Patrick O’Shea acquitted of reckless conduct charges in gun case – Justin Kmitch
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180302/dupage-judge-acquitted-of-reckless-conduct-charges-in-gun-case
— Mourners gather at Wheaton college for Billy Graham service – Katlyn Smith
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180301/mourners-gather-at-wheaton-college-for-billy-graham-service
— Study: DuPage County Board members largely agree with Cronin – Robert Sanchez
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180302/study-dupage-county-board-members-largely-agree-with-cronin

SUBURBAN LIFE
— DuPage County Judge Patrick O’Shea found not guilty of reckless conduct O’Shea allegedly discharged gun last fall in Wheaton apartment – ERIC SCHELKOPF
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2018/03/02/dupage-county-judge-patrick-oshea-found-not-guilty-of-reckless-conduct/ao2llip/

SOUTHERN
— Simon Poll shows Rauner’s job approval percentage lower than Trump
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/simon-poll-shows-rauner-s-job-approval-percentage-lower-than/article_3e392b04-7dc8-522d-b508-67a6f25c5f58.html

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN NEWS
— Student: Princeton High School resisted Gay-Straight Alliance club Administration stalled half a year, Brown tells board – Goldie Rapp
http://www.bcrnews.com/2018/03/01/student-phs-resisted-gay-straight-alliance-club/aaawrlz/

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Ives uses Madigan to hit back at Rauner – Ed Tibbetts
http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/ives-uses-madigan-to-hit-back-at-rauner/article_58dc0f8c-c4ec-5907-9553-f36fe1c83348.html

WQAD
— Ives ready for revolt against Gov. Rauner in Illinois Primary – JOHN DAVID
http://wqad.com/2018/03/02/ives-ready-for-revolt-against-gov-rauner-in-illinois-primary/

WVIK
— Ives Says She’s the “Real Republican” – HERB TRIX (DIERSEN: The more planks in the Republican Party platform that you defend and advance, the more Republican that you are. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform.)
http://wvik.org/post/ives-says-shes-real-republican#stream/0

WIREPOINTS
— Chicago Treasurer Wants To Play Social Justice Warrior With $7 Billion Of Taxpayer Money – Mark Glennon (DIERSEN: Those who promote “social justice” are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.wirepoints.com/chicago-treasurer-wants-to-play-social-justice-warrior-with-7-billion-of-taxpayer-money-wirepoints-original/

DUPAGE COUNTY JOURNAL
— DuPage County voters to decide property tax hikes, candidates for five House seats on March 20 – Karen Kidd
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511353947-dupage-county-voters-to-decide-property-tax-hikes-candidates-for-five-house-seats-on-march-20

LAKE COUNTY GAZETTE
— Lake County voters to decide on tax-or-borrow questions, and Republican state and national House candidates – Karen Kidd
https://lakecountygazette.com/stories/511353933-lake-county-voters-to-decide-on-tax-or-borrow-questions-and-state-and-national-house-seats

METRO EAST SUN
— Madison County voters to decide on General Assembly candidates and 1 percent sales tax hike in election – Karen Kidd
https://metroeastsun.com/stories/511353912-madison-county-voters-to-decide-on-general-assembly-candidates-and-1-percent-sales-tax-hike-in-election

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Ives May Have Found Tool to Beat Rauner – Cal Skinner
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2018/03/02/ives-may-found-tool-beat-rauner/

ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
— Illinois House inches closer to passing official revenue estimate for first time in years – Greg Bishop
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-house-inches-closer-to-passing-official-revenue-estimate-for/article_7f501332-1d89-11e8-b5fb-874632354524.html

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— MCHENRY COUNTY REALTORS FACE DAUNTING TASK – SELLING HOMES WITH SKY-HIGH PROPERTY TAX BILLS – Amanda McDonald
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/mchenry-county-realtors-face-daunting-task-selling-homes-with-sky-high-property-tax-bills/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Candidate Burt Minor’s Answers to Pro-Family Questions Raises Concerns – John Biver
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2018/03/candidate-burt-minors-answers-to-pro-family-questions-raises-concerns/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN … REALLY A REPUBLICAN? (DIERSEN: The more planks in the Republican Party platform that you defend and advance, the more Republican that you are. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform.)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/op-ed-response-are-you-a-republican-really-a-republican-.html
— NRA SAYS ILLINOIS GUN BILLS WILL “DRIVE LOCAL GUN STORES OUT OF BUSINESS”
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/nra-says-illinois-gun-bills-will-drive-local-gun-stores-out-of-business-.html
— LIFE ADVOCATES DECRY PLANNED PARENTHOOD’S DECEPTIVE TACTICS, PLAN PROTEST SATURDAY IN FLOSSMOOR
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/life-advocates-decry-planned-parenthoods-deceptive-tactics-plan-protest-saturday-in-flossmoor-.html
— ILLINOIS’ FINANCIAL STABILITY RANKS LAST IN US NEWS “BEST STATES” STUDY
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2018/03/illinois-financial-stability-ranks-last-in-us-news-best-states-study.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Poll: Trump’s disapproval 62%, Rauner’s 63%, Madigan’s 68%
https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/02/poll-trumps-disapproval-62-rauners-63-madigans-68/

GOPUSA
— John Kasich’s endorsement equivalent to ‘fatal disease’ on campaign trail (DIERSEN: Not that my endorsement means anything, but I should still write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who have worked the hardest to make my endorsement a “fatal disease.” Most of them are past and present officers and members of the Milton Township Republican Central Committee, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and the Illinois Republican Party.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40408
— France cracks down on Islamic radicalization in schools, prisons, online
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=40517

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Bishop Paprocki: ‘Shameful’ that Georgetown honored pro-abortion Catholic senator – Claire Chretien
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishop-explains-why-hes-barring-pro-abortion-senator-from-communion-its-an

ROLL CALL
— Federal Employees Hit Hard by Trump’s Budget, Key GOP Senator Says Pay freeze and other cost-cutters ‘hurts’ appeal of working for government, Lankford says – Griffin Connolly
https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/federal-employees-hit-hard-trumps-budget-key-gop-senator-says

WASHINGTON POST
— Time to protect public workers from unions’ coercion – Marc A. Thiessen
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/time-to-protect-public-workers-from-unions-coercion/2018/03/01/8651a16a-1d74-11e8-9de1-147dd2df3829_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Bruce Rauner vs. the Illinois ‘Mafia’ The outsider governor recounts his battles with the political machine and explains why he thinks a second term would be ‘transformative.’ – James Taranto
https://www.wsj.com/articles/bruce-rauner-vs-the-illinois-mafia-1520030669
— Stranger Than Science Fiction: The Future for Digital Dictatorships Democracy can be doctored, but that doesn’t mean tech-savvy autocrats have it easy – Li Yuan (DIERSEN: If my critics/opponents step up their efforts to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, I hope that you will come to my defense. If more had come to my defense in the past, I might very well still be 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, IRS employee, etc.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/stranger-than-science-fiction-the-future-for-digital-dictatorships-1519900866
(FROM THE ARTICLE: While Americans and Europeans debate whether the internet and social media are undermining democracy, a big question for many Chinese is whether cutting-edge technology strengthens autocratic rule. China’s government is embracing technologies to monitor its population. A national plan to develop artificial intelligence highlights its “irreplaceable role in effectively maintaining social stability.” Surveillance cameras with facial recognition, policing platforms that crunch big data and the monitoring of smartphones and social media are being deployed. To some Chinese, it seems their movements, habits and thoughts can be tracked by a government with unchecked power. So is a digital dictatorship all powerful?)
— Princeton, Others Aim to Accept More Low-Income Students Program backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies wants to add 50,000 low- and moderate-income students to elite schools – Melissa Korn (DIERSEN: Do you have a degree from an Ivy League university? I do not. My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have always stressed that none of my four college degrees are from Ivy League universities. Some of my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes go further and badmouth the universities that I have degrees from – NIU, Loyola, DePaul, and IIT.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/princeton-others-aim-to-accept-more-low-income-students-1519900203

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— Congressman wants name of every non-essential employee – Eric White (DIERSEN: Are you essential? Since 1966, and especially since 1997, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as being non-essential.)
https://federalnewsradio.com/federal-newscast/2018/03/congressman-wants-name-of-every-non-essential-employee/

February 26 Evening Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 24 Morning Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 22 Evening Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— Can the Parkland Teens Organize a Political Movement? Sure, Just Look at Chicago Survivors of last week’s deadly shooting have taken the lead on political activism in its wake. It’s surprised a lot of adults, but they have plenty of company, now and in the past. – WHET MOSER (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Which individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries will support this movement? ANSWER: Those that are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/January-2018/Can-the-Parkland-Teens-Organize-a-Political-Movement-Sure-Just-Look-at-Chicago/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 20 Evening Edition

ABC7
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use Parkland students to promote more gun control.
http://abc7chicago.com/parkland-students-going-to-state-capital-to-push-for-gun-law-changes/3113727/

NBC5
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use Florida survivors to promote more gun control.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/Parkland-School-Tragedy-Survivors-Heading-to-Tallahassee-Vocal-in-Push-For-Gun-Laws–474587963.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Democrat State Rep. Kelly Cassidy seeks independent probe of Madigan organization’s ‘culture of harassment’ – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/dem-seeks-independent-probe-of-madigan-organizations-culture-of-harassment/
— Trump: Dems defended election integrity until they lost – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/trump-democrats-barack-obama-elections-russian-meddling/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats use Florida survivors to promote more gun control.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/florida-survivors-lawmakers-on-collision-course-over-guns/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DuPage judge Patrick O’Shea’s actions weren’t criminal when he fired gun in his home, lawyer argues at trial – Clifford Ward
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-dupage-judge-on-trial-20180220-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Kane County Judge Keith Johnson, who is hearing the case to avoid conflict of interest issues, ordered O’Shea to return to court March 2, when Johnson said he would rule on a defense motion to dismiss the case at the trial’s midpoint.)
— Democratic lawmakers call for independent sexual harassment probe not involving Speaker Madigan – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-speaker-madigan-harassment-democratic-primary-20180220-story.html
— The great Bernie Sanders/messy car correlation – Heather Wilhelm (DIERSEN: The cars that you own now and the cars that you have owned say more about you than anything that you can say about yourself. I bought my first new car in 1966 when I was 17. My daily driver is a 2003 Chevy Cavalier LS that I bought from my aunt in 2010. Five other cars that I own are: 1972 Chevy Corvette* that bought in 1971, 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX*, 2005 Chevy Corvette*, 2013 Dodge Charger R/T Max*, and 2016 Ford Mustang*. Previously, I bought a 1958 Chevy BelAir in 1964, 1962 Chevy BelAir in 1971, 1962 Chevy Impala SS in 1989, 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint* in 1966, 1968 Oldsmobile 442* in 1967, 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 1n 1994, 1969 Dodge Charger SE* in 1968, 1974 Dodge Dart* in 1973, 1978 Chevy Chevette* in 1978, 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale* in 1978, 1990 Ford Thunderbird LX* in 1989, 1993 Ford Thunderbird* in 1993, and 1997 Chevy Cavalier* 1996. (* = bought new))
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-wilhelm-heather-bernie-sanders-0220-story.html
— Fewer international students are coming to American universities. That’s a problem. – Michael A. McRobbie (DIERSEN: Every slot that a citizen of a foreign country takes is a slot that a citizen of America cannot take.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-students-international-american-universities-tuitions-0920-story.html
— More teens sneaking vaping devices that look like flash drives, markers into suburban high schools – Vikki Ortiz Healy (DIERSEN: Of course, if pot is legalized for recreational use, teens will sneak more and more and more of it into high schools.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-juul-ecigarettes-at-schools-20180209-story.html
— Scott Pruitt, flying high on the taxpayer’s dime – Editorial
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-pruitt-travel-first-class-20180216-story.html
— 4th Legionnaires’ case in a week confirmed at Quincy veterans home – AP
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-legionnaires-quincy-veterans-home-20180220-story.html

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Florida massacre pushes guns to front burner in Illinois campaigns – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180220/BLOGS02/180229988/florida-massacre-pushes-guns-to-front-burner-in-illinois-campaigns

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN
— Ives defends her record from Rauner attacks Governor ‘lying,’ lawmaker says – Jim Dunn
http://www.bcrnews.com/2018/02/18/ives-defends-her-record-from-rauner-attacks/az8za94/

WAND TV
— Legionnaires’ report inquiry ignored by Rauner administration – Doug Wolfe
http://www.wandtv.com/story/37551158/legionnaires-report-inquiry-ignored-by-rauner-administration

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— METRO EAST TAXPAYERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH STATE SPENDING – Vincent Caruso
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/metro-east-taxpayers-struggle-to-keep-up-with-state-spending/

IVES FOR GOVERNOR
— Ives Renews Call For Madigan To Step Down, End ‘Mad Men’ Era in IL Politics
https://mailchi.mp/87c88defb633/ives-renews-call-for-madigan-to-step-down-end-mad-men-era-in-il-politics
— Rauner Rebuked for Reckless Comments, Misrepresentation of Involvement in Case before SCOTUS
https://mailchi.mp/7b97b8b15c03/rauner-rebuked-for-reckless-comments-misrepresentation-of-involvement-in-case-before-scotus

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Ives calls recent Rauner endorsements a sham – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511347017-ives-calls-recent-rauner-endorsements-a-sham
— Kinzler greets commuters with cookies – Chandra Lye
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511347409-kinzler-greets-commuters-with-cookies

CAPITOL FAX
— Rauner on pension cost-shift’s impact on property taxes: “It’ll help bring them down”
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/20/rauner-on-pension-cost-shifts-impact-on-property-taxes-itll-help-bring-them-down/
— Fourth Legionnaires’ case confirmed at Quincy veterans’ home
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/20/fourth-legionnaires%e2%80%99-case-confirmed-at-quincy-veterans-home/
— Two Metro East GOP primaries take sharp turns toward weirdness
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/20/two-metro-east-gop-primaries-take-sharp-turns-toward-weirdness/
— Agencies a no-show for Senate hearing on Quincy veterans’ home
https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/20/agencies-a-no-show-for-senate-hearing-on-quincy-veterans-home/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— CPAC keeps NRA executive Wayne LaPierre’s name off schedule after Florida shooting – Sarah Westwood |
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/cpac-organizers-keep-nra-executives-name-off-event-schedule-in-aftermath-of-school-shooting/article/2649540

THE HILL
— Dems ponder gender politics of 2020 nominee – AMIE PARNES AND ALEXANDER BOLTON (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, the Democrat Party wants candidates 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-draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long.)
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/374522-dems-ponder-gender-politics-of-2020-nominee

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Elizabeth Warren Lectures Native Americans About Pocahontas Credit for exposing the senator’s ‘cultural appropriation’ goes in part to Donald Trump. – Jason L. Riley
https://www.wsj.com/articles/elizabeth-warren-lectures-native-americans-about-pocahontas-1519168877

February 17 Evening Edition

ABC7
— What voters should know before March primary – BGA
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/weekend-watch-what-voters-should-know-before-march-primary/3095520/

WLS AM
— Can a middle-class candidate defeat millionaires in Illinois? – AP
http://www.wlsam.com/2018/02/17/can-a-middle-class-candidate-defeat-millionaires-in-illinois/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Speaker Madigan: ‘I take responsibility’ for not doing enough on sexual harassment issue – Monique Garcia and Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-speaker-madigan-sexual-harassment-letter-20180216-story.html
— Rauner’s budget cuts raise concerns among advocates for children, people with disabilities – Monique Garcia, Bill Lukitsch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-budget-20180216-story.html
— States consider protecting benefits for DACA, TPS immigrants facing loss of status – Antonio Olivo (DIERSEN: What benefits are you getting and a) who wants to defend those benefits and b) who wants to cut if not eliminate those benefits? I should write a book about those who want to cut if not eliminate a) my Civil Service Retirement System pension, b) my federal health, dental, and vision insurance subsidy, and c) my Social Security. They hint/imply/argue/shout a) that the aforesaid benefits are much too generous, b) that taxpayers can no longer afford to pay me the aforesaid benefits, and c) my wife and I are undeservedly filthy rich, and therefore, we do not need the aforesaid benefits.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-states-daca-benefits-20180217-story.html
— Florida, angry and grieving, takes gun protest to streets – AP (DIERSEN: Instead of guns, they should protest the factors that created Cruz.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-florida-school-shooting-protests-20180217-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: From a mosaic of public records, interviews with friends and family and online interactions, it appears Cruz was unstable and violent to himself and those around him — and that when notified about his threatening behavior, law enforcement did little to stop it. Cruz’s mother died in November and his father died years ago. He reportedly left a suburban Palm Beach County mobile home where he had been staying after his mother’s death because his benefactor gave him an ultimatum: you or the gun. The Palm Beach Post reports Rocxanne Deschamps said, “He bought a gun and wanted to bring it into my house” in public comments that have since been removed from her Facebook page. Chad Bennett, a friend of Deschamps’, said Cruz “chose the gun and he left.” He then went to live with another family. Earlier, Florida’s child welfare agency investigated after Cruz cut himself in an online video, but found him stable, according to state records. The Sun-Sentinel reported that Florida’s Department of Children and Families investigated when Cruz posted a video on the social media network Snapchat showing him cutting his arms in 2016. The agency was called to investigate. Cruz, then 18, was listed as an “alleged victim” of medical neglect and inadequate supervision; his adoptive mother, then-68-year-old Lynda Cruz, the “alleged perpetrator.” “Mr. Cruz was on Snapchat cutting both of his arms,” the Florida DCF abuse hotline was told in August 2016, the paper reported. “Mr. Cruz has fresh cuts on both his arms. Mr. Cruz stated he plans to go out and buy a gun. It is unknown what he is buying the gun for.” According to the paper, DCF’s investigation was completed that Nov. 12. The agency concluded Cruz had not been mistreated by his mother, was receiving adequate care from a mental health counselor and was attending school. Mental health center staff “came out and assessed the (victim and) found him to be stable enough not to be hospitalized,” the DCF report said. Cruz had been diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that often leads to social awkwardness and isolation, and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The FBI said a person close to Cruz called the FBI’s tip line and provided information about Cruz’s weapons and his erratic behavior. The caller was concerned Cruz could attack a school. The agency acknowledged the tip should have been shared with the FBI’s Miami office and investigated, but it was not. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said his office had received more than 20 calls about Cruz in the past few years.)
— Naperville City Prosecutor Kavita Athanikar appointed associate circuit court judge in DuPage County – Erin Hegarty
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-athanikar-judge-naperville-st-0218-20180216-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— At major Northwest Side bakery, labor issues pit blacks vs. Hispanics – Frank Main and Dan Mihalopoulos
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/at-major-northwest-side-bakery-labor-issues-pit-blacks-vs-hispanics/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— 3 years later, Rauner tells similar incomplete story; Grasso vs. Harold – Bernard Schoenburg
http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20180217/bernard-schoenburg-3-years-later-rauner-tells-similar-incomplete-story

JOURNAL STANDARD
— Re-energized Rauner makes his pitch for re-election – Chuck Sweeny (DIERSEN: What energizes you? For me, it is candidates who can and will a) a) defend and advance all the planks in the Illinois Republican Party and Republican Party platforms, including their traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks and the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling and b) oppose the promotion of LGBTQ activity, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, booze, gambling, pot, and other vices, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation if they are elected.)
http://www.journalstandard.com/news/20180217/chuck-sweeny-re-energized-rauner-makes-his-pitch-for-re-election

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Don’t spend that tax cut all at once – Doug Finke
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180217/statehouse-insider-dont-spend-that-tax-cut-all-at-once

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— Rauner’s pension shift proposal “financially devastating” to QPS – Deborah Gertz Husar
http://www.whig.com/20180217/rauners-pension-shift-proposal-financially-devastating-to-qps#//

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Rauner’s budget plan makes property taxpayers cringe – Editorial
http://www.bnd.com/opinion/editorials/article200255184.html

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— SHRINKING DECATUR TO FACE BUDGETARY HURDLES IN COMING YEAR – Joe Kaiser
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/shrinking-decatur-to-face-budgetary-hurdles-in-coming-year/

THE HILL
— Dems say GOP focus on mental health is redirection from gun control – PETER SULLIVAN
http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/374304-dems-say-gop-focus-on-mental-health-is-redirection-from-gun-control

NEW YORK TIMES
— To Stir Discord in 2016, Russians Turned Most Often to Facebook – Sheera Frenkel and Katie Benner (DIERSEN: Facebook is a Democrat website.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/technology/indictment-russian-tech-facebook.html