February 22 Morning Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Dan Hampton keynoted the DuPage County Republican Central Committee Lincoln Day Dinner at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace Friday evening, February 21, 2020. 400+ attended. Elected officials and candidates who signed in included Bansal, Berlin, Brenan, Burke, Carpanzano, Coyne, Cronin, J. Curran, M. Curran, Cuzzone, Dabrowski, Eckhoff, Felice, A. & R. Jorgensen, Kelly, Fisher, Foltyniewicz, Grogan, Hart, Henry, Holder-Youngberg, Hois, Houde, Hoyer, Hundley, Ives, Jani, Kachiroubas, Keller, Kinzler, Korynecky, Krajewski, Ladien, Larsen, Marshell, McCarthy, McCluskey, Mendrick, Mitchell, Morrissey, Murphy, Musson, Noonan, Oberweis, Painter, Pollastrini, Popejoy, Prater, Puchacski, Ramey, Ruppsrch, Schostock, Shroeder, Tarter, Tornatore, Valle, Veenstra, Voelz, Wilkins, and Zay. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

ABC7
— Russia helping Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders campaigns in 2020 election, intelligence officials said – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/intel-officials-say-russia-boosting-trumps-reelection-bid-also-helping-sanders/5954739/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Republican candidates for 11th District U.S. House seat answer questions on climate change, health care, gun violence – ERIN HEGARTY
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-11th-congress-gop-candidate-forum-st-0219-20200221-opy2uwhlunespl4zfbpfibkrkq-story.html
— ILLINOIS HOUSE ENDORSEMENTS: Brady, Bourne, Jacobs, Schmidt, Arview
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-illinois-house-endorsements-4-20200221-cl3gow4mqvajfflfknln3nv3uy-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Bar associations release Cook judicial candidate evaluations – Barbara Vitello
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200221/bar-associations-release-cook-judicial-candidate-evaluations
— Jeanette Ward: Candidate profile
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200222/jeanette-ward-candidate-profile
— Beth Goncher: Candidate profile
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200222/beth-goncher-candidate-profile
— Endorsements: Schofield for GOP, Ness for Democrats in House District 66
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200221/endorsements-schofield-for-gop-ness-for-democrats-in-house-district-66

NORTHWEST HERALD
— End to corruption requires change in leadership – Editorial
https://www.nwherald.com/2020/02/21/our-view-end-to-corruption-requires-change-in-leadership/a6rqc8r/

SOUTHERN
— Simon Poll: Bernie leads among likely Democratic voters in Illinois; Trump remains popular downstate
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/simon-poll-bernie-leads-among-likely-democratic-voters-in-illinois/article_89696751-5a3e-5667-8539-7ca2bf467462.html

ILLINOIS BUSINESS DAILY
— Highest income earners in Illinois taxed at 7.4% rate
https://ilbusinessdaily.com/stories/525758641-highest-income-earners-in-illinois-taxed-at-7-4-rate

ILLINOIS NEWSROOM
— What They Said: Republican Senate Candidates On The Issues – Tim Shelley
https://illinoisnewsroom.org/2020/02/21/what-they-said-republican-senate-candidates-on-the-issues/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— White House Report Card: Trump winning the Democratic race – Paul Bedard
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/white-house-report-card-trump-winning-the-democratic-race

CBN NEWS
— Innocence Stolen: Fox Targets Kids with LGBTQ Agenda During a LEGO Show – Benjamin Gill
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2020/february/innocence-stolen-thanks-fox-for-targeting-my-kids-with-the-lgbtq-agenda-during-a-lego-show

FOX NEWS
— Republican Party war chest dwarfs Democrats’ going into 2020 high season – Brooke Singman
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-party-war-chest-dwarfs-democrats-going-into-2020-high-season

FOX BUSINESS
— Illinois village opposes Amazon distribution center that would add 1,500 jobs Bolingbrook Mayor believes jobs are too low paying, building will be unsightly – Blair Shiff
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/illinois-amazon-jobs-bolingbrook

THE HILL
— Trump names the first openly gay person to a cabinet-level position – Anagha Srikanth
https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/484026-trump-names-the-first-openly-gay-person-to-a

NEW YORK TIMES
— One Guaranteed Winner in the Democratic Primary: Plans to Tax the Rich Every leading candidate for the 2020 Democratic nomination is proposing trillions of dollars of new taxes on wealthy Americans and businesses. The divide in the field is how high to go. – Jim Tankersley and Thomas Kaplan
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/22/us/politics/democratic-wealth-tax-plans.html

PBS
— How will 2020 Democrats fare in more diverse Nevada? (DIERSEN: What are your demographics? The more of the following that you are, the more that Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs want to get rid of you: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-will-2020-democrats-fare-in-more-diverse-nevada

AXIOS
— America’s future looks a lot like Nevada – Stef W. Kight (DIERSEN: Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and RINO political consultants want Republicans to lose. Ever-increasingly, they advise Republican political organizations, candidates, elected officials, and major donors to dump those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owners, German American, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
https://www.axios.com/future-america-demographics-nevada-caucus-elections-cd09ed11-c036-4617-ac55-3042b722739e.html

February 21 Evening Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Trump 2020 rakes in $60 million in January as Democrats war over Bloomberg – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-2020-rakes-in-60-million-in-january-as-democrats-war-over-bloomberg

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago’s Bleeping Golden Corruption Quote Hall of Fame. Did we land ‘the tuna’? – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-chicago-corruption-hall-of-fame-kass-20200222-qvvgtnkjajembaxyuzzirhdjtu-story.html
— To stop Bernie Sanders, panicked Democratic establishment turns to Mike Bloomberg. But he’s the wrong candidate at the wrong time. – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-mike-bloomberg-democratic-establishment-kass-20200221-rydiqwqyi5aifawjr4btgkw5ye-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ENDORSEMENT: Beth Goncher for Illinois Senate in 25th District Republican primary Goncher is a staunch fiscal conservative with legislative know-how, thanks to her work as a top congressional aide.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/21/21133428/endorsement-beth-goncher-illinois-senate-25th-district-republican-primary-election-2020-ward
— Video gambling ‘push tax’ sparks industry pushback — but is proposed ban a favor to operators? Oak Lawn imposed a new per-play local tax on slot machines, but new legislation could shut it down for towns seeking more revenue from the video gambling industry. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/2/21/21147917/oak-lawn-video-gambling-push-tax-industry-rita

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage County recorder candidates say they would help transition if office is dissolved – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200221/dupage-county-recorder-candidates-say-they-would-help-transition-if-office-is-dissolved

WGN TV
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://wgntv.com/2020/02/21/wgn-morning-news-mr-rogers-visits-chicago-marijuana-dispensary/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— ‘The face of public corruption in Illinois’ is all smiles Blago’s release shines a harsh national spotlight on exactly what’s still wrong with Illinois—and signals to those responsible that even if they are someday held accountable, it may not be for long. – Editorial
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/face-public-corruption-illinois-all-smiles

FOX ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Russia-haters and Trump-haters say “Russia’s boosting Trump candidacy.” 
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/report-intel-officials-say-russias-boosting-trump-candidacy

ELMHURST PATCH
— Fixing Pension Problems are a Necessity, Not a Fantasy State Rep. Mazzochi Pushes For Pension Reform With Constitutional Amendment – Rep Deanne Mazzochi
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/mazzochi-fixing-pension-problems-are-necessity-not-fantasy

EVANSTON PATCH
— Election 2020 In Evanston: We Want To Hear From Voters With primaries just a month away and the 2020 presidential election coming up fast, Patch wants to know what issues are on voters’ minds. – Jonah Meadows (DIERSEN: What percent of Evanston voters 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 for a long time?)
https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/election-2020-evanston-we-want-hear-voters

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: Gradel Mailing Hits Oberweis on One Side, Promotes Self on Other
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/21/il-14-gradel-hits-oberweis-on-one-side-promotes-self-on-other/ 
— NWH Asks Skillicorn about Ghost Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/21/nwh-asks-skillicorn-about-ghost-votes/ 
— IL-14: Jim Oberweis Launches Negative TV Commercial Against Sue Rezin
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/21/il-14-jim-oberweis-launches-negative-tv-commercial-against-sue-rezin/
— IL-14: Jerry Evans Personal Letter Mailer Hits the Street
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/21/il-14-jerry-evans-personal-letter-mailer-hits-the-street/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Public Schools Failing Illinois Children Academically – Alex Newman
https://illinoisfamily.org/education/public-schools-failing-illinois-children-academically/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— COOK COUNTY GOP ENDORSES FOR MARCH 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/cook-county-gop-endorses-for-march-2020-primary-election.html
— GLENNON: GOVERNOR PRITZKER, PENSION REFORM IS NOT FANTASY. OTHER STATES PROVE IT.
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/glennon-governor-pritzker-pension-reform-is-not-fantasy-other-states-prove-it.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Urlacher resigns from Civil Service Commission *** Corruption roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/21/corruption-roundup-13/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: What would the pros and cons be if I sought/accepted advertisements from candidates to run on my www.gopillinois.com website and/or on my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails? 
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/21/team-il-for-mike-is-growing/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Mulvaney cites $20K as reason to remain acting chief of staff – Mike Brest (DIERSEN: In 1980, when I was 31 years old, I took a $20,157 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO. Since then, my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes have used that to hint/imply/argue/shout that IRS overpaid me. In my defense, I had worked for IRS for almost 9 years, I had almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul, I had passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976, and I had earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970.) 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mulvaney-cites-20k-as-reason-to-remain-acting-chief-of-staff
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Because it’s a $20,000 pay cut,” he said about leaving the OMB position, according to the New York Times. Mulvaney’s deputy, Russell Vought, took on the role of acting director of OMB in early 2019. Through OMB, Mulvaney makes $203,500 a year. That salary is set by law. The position also requires Senate confirmation. Reince Priebus and John Kelly, President Trump’s first two chiefs of staff, earned $179,700 apiece, according to the Wall Street Journal. The maximum salary allowed for a White House aide is $183,000. That’s what senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and Larry Kudlow, the president’s top economic adviser, make. If Mulvaney were to remove the temporary part of his title, he’d be forced to accept a decreased salary at or below that $183,000 marker.)

AMERICAN THINKER
— Democrats, you did build that: Chicago named most corrupt city in US – Ethel C. Fenig
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/02/democrats_you_did_build_that_chicago_named_most_corrupt_city_in_us.html
— Donald Trump Is America’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer – John Leonard
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/02/donald_trump_emisem_americas_chief_law_enforcement_officer.html

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— Democrat Platform: Make you do things you don’t want to do – George Rasley
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/31990

DAILY SIGNAL
— OUTSTANDING: Bills Would Deny Federal Funds to Sanctuary States for Illegal Aliens – Virginia Aabram
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/02/21/bills-would-deny-federal-funds-to-sanctuary-states-for-illegal-aliens/

PJ MEDIA
— Democrats Didn’t Care When Obama Granted Clemency to a Terrorist, But Want to Investigate Trump’s Pardons – MATT MARGOLIS
https://pjmedia.com/trending/democrats-didnt-care-when-obama-granted-clemency-to-a-terrorist-but-want-to-investigate-trumps-pardons/

24/7 WALL STREET
— Higher Wages Are Spread Unequally Among US Workers: EPI – Paul Ausick
https://247wallst.com/economy/2020/02/21/higher-wages-are-spread-unequally-among-us-workers-epi/

FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— How average are you and what does it matter? – Mike Causey (DIERSEN: Few, if not very few, of my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government were Republican, conservative, Protestant, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Many were veterans.) 
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/mike-causey-federal-report/2020/02/how-average-are-you-and-what-does-it-matter/

February 19 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Gov. JB Pritzker delivers Illinois state budget address Wednesday
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/gov-pritzker-delivers-budget-address-wednesday/5947085/

NBC5
— Pritzker Wants More Spending; How Much Depends on Tax Vote The second-year Democrat presented a fiscal outline that purports to boost spending in key areas
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzkers-budget-to-boost-spending-amid-calls-for-restraint/2221946/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposes $42 billion state budget that promises added funding for schools, public safety if voters approve his graduated income tax in November – JAMIE MUNKS, DAN PETRELLA, RICK PEARSON and ANTONIA AYRES-BROWN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-illinois-budget-20200219-vzdczyhvnnd55bsknwcg2odgte-story.html
— Calling himself a ‘freed political prisoner,’ Rod Blagojevich thanks Trump and remains unbowed – SOPHIE SHERRY and STACY ST. CLAIR
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-rod-blagojevich-commute-prison-20200219-kblsr65ebjbn5e62gm5n3kqvby-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker offers two budgets — one holding $150M for education unless graduated income tax clears Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s second-year budget includes putting nearly $1.4 billion in reserves, including funding for education — unless his preferred graduated income tax amendment passes this November. – Tina Sfondeles 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/2/19/21144038/pritzker-offers-two-budgets-holding-150m-education-graduated-income-tax
— Blagojevich, calling himself ‘freed political prisoner,’ praises Trump, vows to reform ‘broken’ criminal justice system “I saw what they do to families because I saw it happen to my own,” Rod Blagojevich said.- Jon Seidel and Mitchell Armentrout 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blagojevich/2020/2/19/21143976/rod-blagojevich-released-news-conference

DAILY HERALD
— Blagojevich is out of prison, back home; ex-Naperville hospital CEO calls commutation ‘appalling’ – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200218/blagojevich-is-out-of-prison-back-home-ex-naperville-hospital-ceo-calls-commutation-appalling
— IRS to pay visits to high-income taxpayers who fail to file – AP (DIERSEN: I worked for IRS as a IRS Revenue Officer 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $85,084-$96,431/year. I worked for GAO on audits of IRS 1986-1988 at the GS-13 Step 1-3 levels, currently $101,176-$107,922/year.) 
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200219/business/302199920/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Revenue officers across the country will increase face-to-face visits with taxpayers who had income of more than $100,000 during a tax year and did not file a return in 2018 or prior years. ‘The IRS is committed to fairness in the tax system, and we want to remind people across all income categories that they need to file their taxes,’ Paul Mamo, director of collection operations for the IRS small-business and self-employed division said in a statement. The IRS is increasing the face-to-face visits after hiring additional enforcement personnel. The agency said the visits are aimed at informing these taxpayers of their obligations and bringing them into compliance. The IRS reminds taxpayers that there options available to those who cannot pay their bill in full, such as payment plans, and reminds taxpayers it is important to file on time, even if they cannot pay. For those who refuse to pay, the IRS can pursue civil and criminal cases. However, the IRS said not confuse these efforts with a scam. The taxpayers being visited have typically received several letters from the IRS over an extended period of time, so they generally realize they have a tax issue. While IRS revenue officer visits are unannounced, they will always provide two forms of official credentials. A legitimate officer will help a taxpayer understand and meet their obligation. But they will not make threats nor demand an unusual form of payment. More information on how to identify a legitimate IRS representative and how to report scams can be found on the IRS website at IRS.gov.)
— Stances on drug treatment facility, recreational pot show contrast between Kane chairman candidates – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200219/stances-on-drug-treatment-facility-recreational-pot-show-contrast-between-kane-chairman-candidates
— ‘It sends a bad message’: Republicans, others decry Blagojevich commutation, but not Durbin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200218/it-sends-a-bad-message-republicans-others-decry-blagojevich-commutation-but-not-durbin

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says: “Blago decision tells us all too much about Trump.”
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/blago-decision-tells-us-all-too-much-about-trump

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Five Republican candidates fight for U.S. Senate seat, Forum held at Five Points – Brittni Clemons
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/five-republican-candidates-fight-for-u-s-senate-seat-debate-held-at-five-points/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Fox River Grove Red Light Camera Provides Almost $1 Million
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/fox-river-grove-red-light-camera-pulls-almost-1-million-out-of-local-pockets/ 
— McConchie on Pritzker Budget Speech
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/mcconchie-on-pritzker-budget-speech/ 
— GOP Candidate for McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler Addresses County Board
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/gop-candidate-for-mchenry-county-board-chairman-mike-buehler-addresses-county-board/ 
— Is This the Answer Suzanne Ness Will Give When Asked If She Will Vote for Mike Madigan?
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/is-this-the-answer-suzanne-ness-will-give-when-asked-if-she-will-vote-for-mike-madigan/ 
— IL-06/IL-14: NRCC Elevates Jim Oberweis and Ted Gradel to Contender Level
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/il-06-il-14-nrcc-elevates-jim-oberweis-and-ted-gradel-to-contender-level/ 
— John Pletz Challenges Northwest Herald to Print Negative Comments about Jack Franks
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/john-pletz-challenges-northwest-herald-to-print-negative-comments-about-jack-franks/ 
— U.S. Senate GOP Primary Heats Up
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/u-s-senate-gop-primary-heats-up/ 
— Leslie Schermerhorn Questions McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks’ Fitness for Holding Office
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/leslie-schermerhorn-questions-mchenry-county-board-chairman-jack-franks-fitness-for-holding-office/
— Governor Pritzker’s Budget Speech
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/19/governor-pritzkers-budget-speech/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING HARVARD, YALE OVER CHINA, SAUDI FUNDING
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/education-department-investigating-harvard-yale-over-china-saudi-funding.html
— FBI ARRESTS 15 IN KANKAKEE-BASED CHILD EXPLOITATION RING
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/fbi-arrests-15-in-kankakee-based-child-exploitation-ring-.html

DAILY CALLER
— Few Asylum Seekers Have Legitimate Claims, Latest Data Indicate – JASON HOPKINS
https://dailycaller.com/2020/02/19/most-immigrant-asylum-claims-are-bogus/

DAILY SIGNAL
— ‘Endangers the Public’: Trump Tears Into LA Mayor Over Sanctuary Status – Jason Hopkins 
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/02/19/endangers-the-public-trump-tears-into-la-mayor-over-sanctuary-status/

NEWSMAX
— Bernie, Others Face Vicious Fight for Right to Lose to Trump – Conrad Black
https://www.newsmax.com/conradblack/berniesanders-democrats-donaldtrump/2020/02/19/id/954743/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Rooting Out Systemic Racism and White Supremacy – PETER KIRSANOW (DIERSEN: According to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, because of discrimination against minorities and against females, if I had been a minority and/or female, a) I would NOT have been able to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree when I was 21 in 1970 or job-related master’s degrees when I was 27, 31, and 48; job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48; or a job-related professional license when I was 32 and b) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years; IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years; IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974; d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years; and GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/rooting-out-systemic-racism-and-white-supremacy/

CNS NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: From what I see, the more of the following that you are, the likely that you are a pot smoker: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://www.cnsnews.com/article/national/michael-w-chapman/gallup-24-pot-smokers-are-liberal

POLITICO
— Trump frees Blagojevich — and irritates Illinois Republicans – MELANIE ZANONA
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/huddle/2020/02/19/trump-frees-blagojevich-and-irritates-illinois-republicans-488362

CNN
— Top Pentagon policy official resigns at Trump’s request – Jim Sciutto, Barbara Starr and Zachary Cohen
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/19/politics/john-rood-pentagon-official-depart/index.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— China Expels 3 Wall Street Journal Reporters as Media Relations Sour Beijing said it revoked their credentials over a headline the newspaper published in its opinion pages. – Alexandra Stevenson
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/19/business/media/china-wall-street-journal.html

February 18 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Rod Blagojevich: Ex-Illinois governor gets prison break from Trump
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/ex-gov-rod-blagojevich-sentence-commuted-by-trump/5943695/

NBC5
— Trump Commutes Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s Sentence The move comes after months of speculation following Trump’s repeated comments that he was considering commuting the sentence
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/trump-expected-to-commute-ex-illinois-gov-rod-blagojevichs-sentence-nyt/2221258/
— Pritzker Says Blagojevich Commutation ‘Sends the Wrong Message at the Wrong Time’ Not everyone was disappointed in the decision. Sam Adam Jr. who once represented Blagojevich said he “could not be happier.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-says-blagojevich-commutation-sends-the-wrong-message-at-the-wrong-time/2221381/
— Pardon vs. Commutation: What’s the Difference? President Trump commuted the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday, but what does that mean?
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pardon-vs-commutation-whats-the-difference/2221443/
— Trumps Discusses Why He Commuted Blagojevich’s Sentence
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/trumps-discusses-why-he-commuted-blagojevichs-sentence/2221391/

CBS2
— Rod Blagojevich Sentence Commuted: A Bio Of Illinois’ Former Governor
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/02/18/rod-blagojevich-sentence-commuted-a-bio-of-illinois-former-governor/
— President Trump Has Commuted Former Gov. Blagojevich’s ‘Tremendously Powerful, Ridiculous Sentence’ – Todd Feurer
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/02/18/rod-blagojevich-sentence-commuted-president-donald-trump/
— Lawmakers React To Blagojevich Sentence Commutation: ‘Not The Right Message’ – Vince Gerasole
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/02/18/lawmakers-react-to-blagojevich-sentence-commutation-not-the-right-message/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump haters blast “real reasons” why Trump freed Blagojevich.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/18/21142727/rod-blagojevich-commutation-trump-edward-debartolo-bernard-kerik-illinois-corruption
— Arroyo successor challenge moves ahead – panel formed to probe appointment process rival calls ‘rigged and corrupt’ Earlier this month, Delgado’s qualifications were challenged by Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who called for a “clean break” from Arroyo. – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/18/21142559/arroyo-successor-house-challenge-delgado-welch-appointment-process-reboyras

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump seems a shoo-in for reelection, his lasso wrapped tightly around base of voters – JERRY DAVICH
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-davich-trump-2020-reelection-reality-st-0219-20200218-etbdfhxmpvh2td7itfq24s65ca-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote LGBTQ activity.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-heidi-stevens-what-gay-marriages-can-teach-straight-people-0218-20200218-op5y7fmcmfgcpfjzqmy55g6upu-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Schaumburg GOP hosts endorsed candidates Feb. 22
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200218/schaumburg-gop-hosts-endorsed-candidates-feb-22
— Avon Township trustees to consider censuring supervisor Wednesday – Mick Zawislak
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200218/avon-township-trustees-to-consider-censuring-supervisor-wednesday

SOUTHERN
— ‘Disappointing’: Durkin, Pritzker critical of Trump commutation of Blagojevich sentence – JERRY NOWICKI 
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/state-and-regional/disappointing-durkin-pritzker-critical-of-trump-commutation-of-blagojevich-sentence/article_5750c14d-cb52-5f84-b246-c90edc5ff4c7.html
— Little support in Springfield for Trump’s Blagojevich commutation – JERRY NOWICKI 
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/state-and-regional/little-support-in-springfield-for-trump-s-blagojevich-commutation/article_5750c14d-cb52-5f84-b246-c90edc5ff4c7.html

WGLT
— GOP, Dems Slam Trump For Commuting Blagojevich Sentence – ERIC STOCK
https://www.wglt.org/post/gop-dems-slam-trump-commuting-blagojevich-sentence-0#stream/0

CAPITOL FAX
— ILGOP delegation opposes – Former prosecutors weigh in – Pritzker responds – Trump confirms Blagojevich commutation
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/18/question-of-the-day-3018/
— You’re leaving me no choice, Secretary White (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have treated me like they would ban me from their events if they could. I would focus on past and present leaders of the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO), DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC), Illinois Republican Party (IRP), Wheaton, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. I would focus on past and present activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, and defendants in lawsuits that I have filed who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican. Everyone in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois sees how the aforesaid have treated me. The aforesaid have discouraged me from attending the DCRCC fundraiser this Friday evening. The aforesaid a) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the IRP platform and work against those like me who support those planks, b) reject the MTRO resolution against video gambling and work against those like me who support that resolution, c) focus on destroying those like me who they cannot manipulate/dominate, d) were defendants in lawsuits that I have filed, and/or e) are operatives or dupes for the aforesaid.)
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/18/youre-leaving-me-no-choice-secretary-white/
— Just four states let party officials fill legislative vacancies (DIERSEN: Who would have won if Wheaton had held special elections to fill the recent West and North District Wheaton City Council vacancies?)
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/18/just-four-states-let-party-officials-fill-legislative-vacancies/
— Pritzker has “mostly met” his diversity goals (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Illinois leaders crow about their success in promoting diversity, that is, their success in discriminating against those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/18/daily-line-pritzker-has-mostly-met-his-diversity-goals/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump slams LA mayor for ‘urging illegals to beat the system’ – Spencer Neale
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/trump-slams-la-mayor-for-urging-illegals-to-beat-the-system
— Bloomberg rise reveals Democrats’ rank hypocrisy – Brad Polumbo
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/mike-bloombergs-rise-reveals-the-democrats-rank-hypocrisy

BREITBART
— TREASONOUS: Pete Buttigieg: Illegal Immigrants Have ‘Every Bit of Claim on This Country As the Rest of Us’ – CHARLIE SPIERING
https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2020/02/18/pete-buttigieg-illegal-immigrants-have-every-bit-of-claim-on-this-country-as-the-rest-of-us/
— Taxpayers in Low-Migration States Pay $454M a Year for Illegal Aliens, Anchor Babies – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/18/study-taxpayers-in-low-migration-states-pay-454m-a-year-for-illegal-aliens-anchor-babies/

EPOCH TIMES
— Progressives Disrespect Americans and Disdain America – Mark Hendrickson
https://www.theepochtimes.com/progressives-disrespect-americans-and-disdain-america_3241818.html

COLLEGE FIX
— Dartmouth College Republicans cancel border security event, citing ‘threats against our members’ – Greg Piper
https://www.thecollegefix.com/dartmouth-college-republicans-cancel-border-security-event-citing-threats-against-our-members/

THE HILL
— How the media fall in and out of love with candidates – JOE FERULLO
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/483414-how-the-media-fall-in-and-out-of-love-with-candidates
— GAO launches investigation into Trump aid for farmers – NIV ELIS
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/483472-gao-launches-investigation-into-trump-aid-for-farmers

POLITICO
— Black Illinois Dems cheer Blagojevich’s freedom, still shun Trump The former governor’s release was met with widespread jeers, but Blagojevich still has friends among the African American communities he sought to help. – SHIA KAPOS
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/18/black-illinois-dems-blagojevich-freedom-115837

CNN
— Trump commutes sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich – Kaitlan Collins (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes continue to blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for all losses that Republican candidates have suffered in Illinois since 2000, but especially Jim Ryan’s loss to Blagojevich in the 2002 general election.)
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/18/politics/donald-trump-rod-blagojevich-commutation-sentence/index.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Progressively Purer Left Will Need a Smaller Tent Bobby Jindal argues that Democrats have adopted rigid, religious-type views on climate, abortion and gender fluidity. I’d add: open borders, identity politics, free stuff, high taxes and evil President Trump, among others. – Dana R. Hermanson, Marietta, Ga.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-progressively-purer-left-will-need-a-smaller-tent-11582045781

February 16 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Rain postpones Daytona 500, dampening event, President Trump’s visit
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/rain-postpones-daytona-500-dampening-event-trumps-visit/5937071/
— President Trump gives command to NASCAR drivers at Daytona 500 – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/5937071/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: President Donald Trump gave an election-year embrace to NASCAR and its fans Sunday when he became the second president ever to attend the Daytona 500. Given the honor of commanding drivers to start their engines, Trump made a grand entrance before the start of the race. He gave thousands of fans a flyover of Air Force One and then rode onto the track in the presidential motorcade as the audience roared with delight. The motorcade took roughly a quarter lap before pulling aside in an infield staging area. The president’s visit was widely welcomed by NASCAR fans. Trump 2020 flags flooded the infield, and some fans wore them as capes in the garage area.)
— Former federal prosecutors from Chicago in group asking Attorney General Barr to resign – Chuck Goudie
https://abc7chicago.com/5936742/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Donald Trump fans brave long lines to cheer president at the Daytona 500 – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-2020/ct-nw-donald-trump-daytona-500-20200216-cmzxfoouaraanjjdipgqabg4lq-story.html
— Rival Democrats accuse Mike Bloomberg of trying to ‘buy’ election – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-2020/ct-mike-bloomberg-nevada-democrats-election-20200216-ew67x4ttkbc4zlqlwlxe3cek3u-story.html
— More than 1,100 former prosecutors and Justice officials call for William Barr to resign over intervention in Roger Stone case – KATIE BENNER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-nyt-william-barr-justice-department-20200216-h4ifpgfatzadlcqkfrz7zzyttq-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— The hypocrisy of Illinois Dems: ‘Mike Madigan’s gotta go but I’ll vote for him to stay’ Three candidates in a North Side state rep race sound like those Washington Republicans who are terrified of taking on President Donald Trump. – Laura Washington 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/2/16/21138143/house-speaker-michael-j-madigan-12th-illinois-house-district-democratic-primary-laura-washington

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— Rockford Airport is thriving; Don’t waste precious resources on Peotone airport – Joe Sosnowski
https://www.rrstar.com/opinion/20200216/rockford-airport-is-thriving-dont-waste-precious-resources-on-peotone-airport
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats and RINOs promote illegal immigration.
https://www.rrstar.com/news/20200216/rockford-attorneys-talk-asylum-immigration-and-solutions

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump fans wait in long lines to see president, Daytona 500 – AP
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/trump-fans-wait-in-long-lines-to-see-president-daytona-500/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Rep. Dan Ugaste Reports
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/15/rep-dan-ugaste-reports/ 
— Last Year’s State Budget Again Not Balanced
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/15/last-years-state-budget-again-not-balanced/ 
— Dems Kill Publication of Dem State Legislator Misdeed(s)
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/16/dems-kill-publication-of-dem-state-legislator-misdeeds/ 
— McHenry Township Asserts Second Amendment Stance
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/16/mchenry-township-asserts-second-amendment-stance/ 
— State GOP Ridicules Two Bills Introduced by Democrats
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/16/state-gop-ridicules-two-bills-introduced-by-democrats/ 

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Dazzling Trump rallies reach a new level – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/16/inside-the-beltway-dazzling-trump-rallies-reach-a-/
— Joe Biden: Obama deportations a ‘big mistake’ – AP (DIERSEN: Those who want to destroy America do not want illegals to be deported.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/16/joe-biden-jorge-ramos-interview-obama-deportations/

BREITBART
— Douglas Murray: Starbucks Promotion of Trans Kids Charity ‘Incredibly Sinister’ – JAMES DELINGPOLE
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/02/16/murray-starbucks-transgender-kids-promo-incredibly-sinister/

DAILY CALLER
— Buttigieg Says He Won’t Be ‘Lectured On Family Values’ By Rush Limbaugh Or Trump Supporters – MARY MARGARET OLOHAN
https://dailycaller.com/2020/02/16/buttigieg-rush-limbaugh-gay-trump/

THE HILL
— Candidates make electability arguments, talk Bloomberg as focus turns to more diverse states – ZACK BUDRYK
https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/483304-candidates-make-electability-arguments-talk-bloomberg-as-focus

NEW YORK NEWS
— Democratic rivals pile on Bloomberg as ex-mayor’s campaign continues to gain momentum – SHANT SHAHRIGIAN
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-mike-bloomberg-bernie-sanders-pete-buttigieg-20200216-zjsjprf5hbas7md3s3gbuoim5a-story.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Why aren’t more Americans working? – Heather Long and Andrew Van Dam (DIERSEN: From what I see, ever-increasingly, in Illinois, the more the following that you are, the more that employers do NOT want to hire you: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/02/15/powell-labor-force/

HOUSTON CHRONICLE
— Battling the jury duty problem, where fewer than 1 in 4 show up – Samantha Ketterer (DIERSEN: What percent of those in the Chicago area jury pool 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 for a long time?)
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Battling-the-jury-duty-problem-where-fewer-than-15010187.php

CNBC
— Nearly 1 in 3 American workers run out of money before payday—even those earning over $100,000 – Megan Leonhardt
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/11/32-percent-of-workers-run-out-of-cash-before-payday.html

MORNINGSTAR
— Controlling Lifestyle Creep: How to Advise Clients When They Get a Raise Morningstar research shows why you should help clients revise their financial plan after getting a raise – Samantha Lamas
https://www.morningstar.com/insights/2020/01/23/control-lifestyle-creep

February 12 Evening Edition

ABC7
— New Hampshire primary: Sanders edges Buttigieg, giving Dems 2 front-runners – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/sanders-edges-buttigieg-in-nh-giving-dems-2-front-runners/5923715/

NBC5
— Sanders’ Narrow Win Ups Pressure on Moderates to Coalesce Bernie Sanders won New Hampshire’s primary by less than 2 points, raising questions about his ability to broaden his coalition beyond his most loyal supporters – Julie Pace
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/sanders-narrow-win-ups-pressure-on-moderates-to-coalesce/2217833/
— What the New Hampshire Primary Results Could Mean for Dems – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/what-the-new-hampshire-primary-results-could-mean-for-dems/2218077/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Census Bureau is at risk of not being ready for 2020 count, according to new report – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-census-bureau-not-ready-20200212-qwlzmwidzjdurkbw52yiorf7me-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ENDORSEMENT: Tommy Hanson for Congress in 5th District Republican primary
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/12/21123199/endorsement-tommy-hanson-congress-5th-district-republican-primary-election-2020-kimball-ladien
— Can we survive the internet? No internet, no Russian trolls. Also, in all likelihood, no President Trump. Mere journalism of the traditional kind hardly stands a chance. – Gene Lyons
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/2/12/21135370/conspiracy-theories-internet-russian-trolls-2020-presidential-election-gene-lyons
— Pot shops should pay workers $20 an hour, offer profit sharing, proposed benefits agreement says The Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition says 75% of dispensary employees should meet social equity criteria, including having lived in an area adversely affected by the drug war or a pot-related criminal record. – By Tom Schuba 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2020/2/12/21135244/chicago-dispensaries-marijuana-cannabis-equity

DAILY HERALD
— Ives, Kinzler debate in 6th Congressional GOP primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200212/watch-live-ives-kinzler-debate-in-6th-congressional-gop-primary
— DuPage County clerk says $100,000 in bonuses needed to help keep staff – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200212/dupage-county-clerk-says-100000-in-bonuses-needed-to-help-keep-staff
— College of DuPage kicks off Black History Month celebration
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20200211/college-of-dupage-kicks-off-black-history-month-celebration
— Barrington-area GOP group aims for “fresh and bold” direction – Bob Susnjara
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200212/barrington-area-gop-group-aims-for-x201cfresh-and-boldx201d-direction

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Video gambling magnate sues Illinois Gaming Board Rick Heidner and his firm, Gold Rush Amusements, are suing for $4 million, claiming a gaming board employee leaked private financial and personal information to federal agencies. – SARAH ZIMMERMAN 
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/law/video-gambling-magnate-sues-illinois-gaming-board

HERALD NEWS
— Will County officials explore proposing changes to election law – ALEX ORTIZ
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/11/will-county-officials-explore-proposing-changes-to-election-law/a5s4p81/

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Curtis McCall on the merger of Alorton, Centreville, Cahokia and the township – DERIK HOLTMANN
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article240229481.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— More Evidence That Jim Oberweis Is Leading in the 14th District Republican Congressional Primary Election
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/12/more-evidence-that-jim-oberweis-is-leading-in-the-14th-district-republican-congressional-primary-election/ 
— IL-6: Ives on New Hampshire Results
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/12/il-6-ives-on-new-hampshire-results/ 
— IL-14: Jerry Evans Releases Position Paper on Taxes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/12/il-14-jerry-evans-releases-position-paper-on-taxes/ 
— IL-14: Lopez, “Correcting” Rank the Bollingbrook Debate
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/12/il-14-lopez-correcting-rank-the-bollingbrook-debate/
— Judge Justin Hansen Stays on the Ballot, Dems Lose Ballot Access Case
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/12/justin-hansen-stays-on-the-ballot-dems-lose-ballot-access-case/

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Case dismissed against township resident arrested for attending public meeting – JOHN KRAFT
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/02/case-dismissed-against-township-resident-arrested-for-attending-public-meeting/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— IFI Voter Guide – 6th Congressional District 
https://illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/USC-6.pdf

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— SANDERS & AOC SEEK DISASTROUS SOCIALIST REVOLUTION THAT WOULD DEVASTATE AMERICA
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/sanders-aoc-seek-disastrous-socialist-revolution-that-would-devastate-america.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly. Tax Policy should encourage marriage and homeownership. 
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/kempa-illinois-democrats-compassion-for-millionaires.html
— ROSSI: MAGA HAT WELCOMED AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/rossi-maga-hat-welcomed-at-chicago-auto-show.html

AMERICAN THINKER
— Do the Poor Remain Poor? – William Sullivan
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/02/do_the_poor_remain_poor.html

BREITBART
— Zuckerberg’s Cheap Labor Group Claims E-Verify in Florida Will Spur Recession – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/11/zuckerbergs-cheap-labor-group-claims-e-verify-in-florida-will-spur-recession/
— Pete Buttigieg Leads Democrat Delegate Count Despite Losing Popular Vote – CHARLIE SPIERING
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/12/pete-buttigieg-leads-democrat-delegate-count-despite-losing-popular-vote/
— Concerned Women for America CEO: ‘Trump Is Positively Impacting the Lives of Millions of Women’ – DR. SUSAN BERRY
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/12/concerned-women-for-america-ceo-trump-is-positively-impacting-the-lives-of-millions-of-women/
— Amnesty: Amy Klobuchar Promises Welcome for World’s Migrants – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/12/amnesty-amy-klobuchar-promises-to-reopen-border-to-asylum-migrants/

DAILY CALLER
— Foreign Volunteers For Bernie Sanders Have Contacted Thousands Of American Voters – ANDREW KERR
https://dailycaller.com/2020/02/12/sanders-foreign-phone-bank/

TOWNHALL
— Gallup: Are You Better Off Today Than You Were Four Years Ago? Americans: Hell Yes. – Guy Benson
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2020/02/12/gallup-are-you-better-off-today-than-you-were-four-years-ago-americans-hell-yes-n2561203

NEW YORK TIMES
— Moderate Democrats Fear Bernie Sanders Could Cost Them the House Lawmakers who flipped Republican districts in 2018 worry that a democratic socialist at the top of the ticket could doom their re-election chances. – Sheryl Gay Stolberg
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/12/us/politics/democrats-fear-bernie-sanders.html

February 6 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Trump unleashes fury at impeachment enemies after acquittal – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-unleashes-fury-at-impeachment-enemies-after-acquittal/5908053/
— Former legislative inspector general claims Ethics Commission squashed investigations into wrongdoing – Craig Wall
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/former-legislative-inspector-general-claims-ethics-commission-squashed-investigations/5909318/

NBC5
— DNC Chair Calls for ‘Recanvass’ of Iowa Results After Delays – Steve Peoples, Julie Pace and Brian Slodysko
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/dem-chair-calls-for-iowa-to-recanvass-caucus-vote/2214319/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— AP unable to declare winner of Iowa caucuses – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/ap-unable-to-declare-winner-of-iowa-caucuses

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump takes scorched-earth victory lap after impeachment acquittal, slamming Mitt Romney, Nancy Pelosi – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-donald-trump-impeachment-20200206-5jepwvagkzebvpukhl3ffwlnv4-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: A marijuana dispensary wants to open on Randolph Street, near Haymarket’s addiction treatment center. ‘This will trigger patients to relapse.’ – Ally Marotti
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-west-loop-legal-weed-dispute-20200206-3kzuflitzbhp7jg6udyoop6jyy-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Black Trump-haters promote Black hatred of Trump.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/dahleen-glanton/ct-dahleen-glanton-donald-trump-state-of-the-union-blacks-20200206-pgqc5lavjbdl7gapli5gfphh7i-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Durbin’s dominance doesn’t deter Illinois GOP Senate candidates Five candidates are running for a shot against longtime Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2020/2/6/21127151/gop-senator-candidates-illinois-republicans
— Iowa app mess offers lessons to Democrats The Iowa caucus was a disaster because the Democratic Party made the same mistake many banks make. Will they learn from it? – Neil Steinberg 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/6/21126319/iowa-caucuses-app-results-delay-voting-democratic-presidential-primary-steinberg

DAILY HERALD
— McHenry County College investigating after Turning Point event flyers replaced with Antifa posters – Katie Smith, Drew Zimmerman, Cassie Buchman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200206/mchenry-county-college-investigating-after-turning-point-event-flyers-replaced-with-antifa-posters
— McHenry County lawmakers, candidates call for resignation, investigation into allegations against Franks – Drew Zimmerman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200206/mchenry-county-lawmakers-candidates-call-for-resignation-investigation-into-allegations-against-franks
— DuPage opioid deaths decrease by 2, but coroner still calls numbers ‘not good’ – Marie Wilson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200206/dupage-opioid-deaths-decrease-by-2-but-coroner-still-calls-numbers-not-good
— GOP Senate candidates generally support gun rights, oppose new restrictions – Russell Lissau
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200206/gop-senate-candidates-generally-support-gun-rights-oppose-new-restrictions
— How Hinsdale students booked all 5 GOP Senate candidates for forum – Marie Wilson (DIERSEN: On July 5, 2003, a mere 16 and 1/2 years ago, all five announced Republican U.S. Senate candidates (John Cox, Chirinjeev Kathuria, Andy McKenna, Jim Oberweis, and Jack Ryan) attended a picnic that I arranged in the Prairie Path Park in my precinct for voters in my precinct, Jeanne Ives’ precinct to the east, and Debra Olson’s precinct to the west. The 200+ attendees included Randy Hultgren.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200206/how-hinsdale-students-booked-all-5-gop-senate-candidates-for-forum

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Sen. Duckworth not in support of Pelosi ripping up Trump’s SOTU speech – Sarah Hayden
https://qctimes.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/sen-duckworth-not-in-support-of-pelosi-ripping-up-trump/article_1e2acd6d-053b-5eaf-820f-55886adf951e.html

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— Early voting begins in wake of caucus chaos, impeachment drama – Kevin Haas
https://www.rrstar.com/news/20200206/early-voting-begins-in-wake-of-caucus-chaos-impeachment-drama

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Anti-fascist, conservative flyers linked to McHenry County College investigation – KATIE SMITH, DREW ZIMMERMAN, CASSIE BUCHMAN
https://www.nwherald.com/2020/02/06/anti-fascist-conservative-flyers-linked-to-mchenry-county-college-investigation/ai7pb36/

HERALD NEWS
— Crete pro-Trump rally organizers defend against allegations of holding anti-LGBTQ event – ALEX ORTIZ (DIERSEN: This rally was held at the northeast corner of Main & Exchange in Crete where I spent the first 5 years of my life in an apartment above my grandfather’s hardware store.)
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/04/crete-pro-trump-rally-organizers-defend-against-allegations-of-holding-anti-lgbtq-event/aompcju/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The organizers of a rally in support of President Donald Trump in Crete last Saturday have been defending themselves against allegations that their event was anti-LGBTQ. Brandon Harris, an organizer from Joliet, said about 100 people attended the rally. He added that some community members made critical comments on social media about one attendee’s rainbow-colored flag which read, “Trump 2020. (Expletive) your feelings.” Harris is the executive director of Freedom Movement USA, a political action committee that has organized multiple rallies like the one in Crete around the Midwest and specifically in Will County, in the weeks since Trump was impeached. Harris said the criticism was a misunderstanding and that the attendee’s flag was not intended to be anti-LGBTQ, but simply supportive of Trump. “We support gay men and women,” he said. “We support good people who have conservative values.” Brandon Perry, 23, a Beecher native, said he was the attendee who brought the flag. He said he purchased a pro-Trump rainbow flag because he is gay. “I wanted people to see that gay people do support the president,” Perry said. Harris also said he’s worked with conservative activists who identify as LGBTQ within his organization. He said Freedom Movement USA even partnered with the Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois, a conservative group focused on LGBTQ inclusivity. Ethan Slyder, the president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois, voiced support for Harris and his organization via a statement saying they’ve treated those of every race, gender, creed and sexual orientation “with the utmost respect.” Harris said he and his fellow organizers also had heard concerns from locals on social media about the rally taking place at the intersection of Main and Exchange streets near the Crete United Methodist Church. Amy Perez, a resident of nearby Steger who also helped organize the rally, said she’d seen the backlash on social media, including concerns that the rally happened near the church. She said she wanted to make sure the public understood the rally was not a church event. That was also the concern of Rev. Kristen Larsen, the lead pastor at Crete United Methodist. She said she’d heard anecdotally in the days after the rally that some community members were wondering whether it was a church event. “We didn’t know anything about this,” Larsen said. Perez added that while the reaction was not quite what she’d expected, their primary goal was to “unite the people of the town.”)

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: Jim Oberweis Wins with Sue Rezin Not Earning Elise Stefanik PAC Backing
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/il-14-jim-oberweis-wins-with-sue-rezin-not-earning-elise-stefanik-pac-backing/ 
— Weber Chides Madigan for Releasing Jack Franks Search Warrant
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/__trashed/ 
— IL-14: Ted Gradel Releases 2nd Video with Lou Holtz
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/il-14-ted-gradel-releases-2nd-video-with-lou-holtz/ 
— Illinois 66th District: Carolyn Schofield Rolls Out Additional Endorsements
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/illinois-66th-district-carolyn-schofield-rolls-out-additional-endorsements/ 
— Effective Tax Rates Remain High in McHenry County
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/effective-tax-rates-remain-high-in-mchenry-county/ 
— IL-14: Anthony Catella’s Speech
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/il-14-anthony-catellas-speech/ 
— Investigation of Jack Franks’ Extracurricular Springfield Activity Reaches Quincy Television
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/investigation-of-jack-franks-extrcurricular-springfield-activity-reaches-quincy-television/ 
— Franks’ Host Committee Co-Chairman’s Criminal Trial Delayed Until Next Year
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/franks-host-committee-co-chairmans-criminal-trial-delayed-until-next-year/ 
— Franks Sexual Misconduct Charges Make Channel 5
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/05/franks-sexual-charges-make-channel-5/
— IL-14: Ives Checks (as in Hockey) “Fact Checking” PolitiFact
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/il-14-ives-checks-as-in-hockey-fact-checking-politifact/ 
— Daily Herald Decides to Cover Call for Jack Franks to Resign
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/daily-herald-decides-to-cover-call-for-jack-franks-to-resign/ 
— Despite No Decision in Justin Hanson Petition Challenge, His Name Is On the Ballot
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/despite-no-decision-in-justin-hanson-petition-challenge-his-name-is-on-the-ballot/ 
— Don Brewer Stays on Ballot for Judge Despite Democrats Efforts to Toss Him Off
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/06/don-brewer-stays-on-ballot-for-judge-despite-democrats-efforts-to-toss-him-off/

CAPITOL FAX
— Asked about Madigan, McSweeney blasts GOP leaders: “Schneider is a joke, Durkin and Brady are clowns”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/06/asked-about-madigan-mcsweeney-blasts-gop-leaders-schneider-is-a-joke-durkin-and-brady-are-clowns/
— Richard Porter’s latest idea is a doozy
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/06/porters-latest-idea-is-a-doozy/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Nancy Pelosi pre-ripped pages during SOTU speech, Trump campaign says – Jessica Chasmar 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/6/nancy-pelosi-pre-ripped-pages-during-sotu-speech-t/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— ‘Enough is Enough’: DNC Chair Calls on Iowa Dems to ‘Immediately Begin a Recanvass’ Due to Botched Vote Count – ZACHARY EVANS
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/enough-is-enough-dnc-chair-calls-on-iowa-dems-to-immediately-begin-a-recanvass-due-to-botched-vote-count/

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— Voters See A Stronger America, Optimistic About Future
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/america_s_best_days

February 5 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Split Senate acquits President Trump of two articles of impeachment – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/split-senate-acquits-trump-of-impeachment/5905204/

NBC5
— Trump Acquitted of Abuse of Power, Obstruction of Congress No president has ever been removed by the Senate
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/trump-impeachment-acquittal-senate-vote/2213426/
— Madigan Defends Handling of Sexual Misconduct Probe
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/madigan-defends-handling-of-sexual-misconduct-probe/2213475/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Impeachment trial: Split Senate votes to acquit Trump on abuse of power, obstruction of Congress
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/impeachment-trial-split-senate-votes-to-acquit-trump-on-abuse-of-power-obstruction-of-congress

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Pete Buttigieg continues to hold lead over Bernie Sanders in Iowa caucuses as additional results trickle out, but race still too close to call – RICK PEARSON and BILL RUTHHART
https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-2020/ct-2020-iowa-caucus-night-delayed-results-20200204-d53jrvvii5gyfdjvda4tyrkzra-story.html
— Gov. Pritzker pushes Illinois as first primary of 2024. Chances are, that won’t fly. – Editorial (DIERSEN: Pritzker argues that Illinois is “diverse.” I disagree. Based on how Illinois’ citizens have voted, Illinois is overwhelmingly 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 anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-iowa-caucuses-illinois-pritzker-primary-20200205-ed6yvcf7lvbrdninjrey553lz4-story.html
— Maker of failed Iowa caucus app is year-old start-up with ties to the Clinton campaign and Democratic Party – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-shadow-app-acronym-democratic-party-20200205-r7vbxztfkbdtpnhamc6gy6fy2i-story.html
— The state of President Trump? Ripe for reelection – CAL THOMAS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-trump-state-of-the-union-cal-thomas-20200205-mxmtvplq6zgc3a4odtpr6rv32q-story.html
— Iowa caucus debacle shows Democrats have one shot to beat Trump: Unite or all is lost – Rex Huppke
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/rex-huppke/ct-iowa-caucuses-democrats-trump-primary-huppke-20200205-3zxx3iklsrayjlc6gykjzxwfsq-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “The State of the Union address was a parade of Trump lies.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-column-trump-state-of-the-union-chapman-20200205-bcjujf234bao3lg34t3xz6je5a-story.html
— At least one non-US citizen cast ballot in 2018 election in Illinois after automatic voter registration error – Dan Petrella
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-noncitizen-voter-automatic-voter-registration-20200206-zx23i2b43jgxjapwnjlip3s4ym-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Committee presses for answers on automatic voter registration errors – Rebecca Anzel
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200205/committee-presses-for-answers-on-automatic-voter-registration-errors

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Oberweis claims big lead in GOP race to take on Underwood A poll taken for his campaign finds that the dairy owner and state senator enjoys wide name recognition after several earlier races. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/oberweis-claims-big-lead-gop-race-take-underwood

DANVILLE COMMERCIAL NEWS
— Gov. Pritzker should know: Ethics reform starts with a truly independent map – Editorial
https://www.commercial-news.com/opinion/guest-editorial-gov-pritzker-should-know-ethics-reform-starts-with/article_3547322c-474c-11ea-adf4-53eb3cdf7eba.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Candidate profile: Peggy Hubbard
https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article240019473.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Will County Board debates using pot taxes for reparations – ALEX ORTIZ (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout at Blacks that the Republican War on Drugs caused all the problems that Blacks have.) 
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/02/04/board-debates-using-pot-taxes-for-reparations/an4o83h/

WIDS
— LaHood Raises $442,000 in Unopposed Re-Election Bid – Benjamin Cox 
https://wlds.com/news/lahood-raises-442000-in-unopposed-re-election-bid/

WIBQ
— Illinois authorities clear up confusion in marijuana laws
https://wibqam.com/2020/02/05/illinois-authorities-clear-up-confusion-in-marijuana-laws/

JOLIET PATCH
— Will County Republicans oppose marijuana facilities, tax sales Now the Will County Republican Caucus is raising red flags about the use of the tax funds.
https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/will-county-republicans-oppose-marijuana-facilities-tax-sales

CENTER SQUARE
— Is bankruptcy the best option for Illinois? – Brett Rowland 
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/op-ed-is-bankruptcy-the-best-option-for-illinois/article_d0fccb94-4843-11ea-b300-4744b6c176f4.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ROSSI: NANCY PELOSI SHAMED ALL DEMOCRATS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/rossi-nancy-pelosi-shamed-all-democrats.html
— STUDY REVEALS THE ABSURD CONFORMITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/02/study-reveals-the-absurd-conformity-of-higher-education.html

CAPITOL FAX
— McLaughlin poll: Oberweis at 46 percent in five-way primary
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/05/mclaughlin-poll-oberweis-at-46-percent-in-five-way-primary/
— Trump’s Talk Is Cheap, Mike Will Get It Done – Bloomberg
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/05/trump%E2%80%99s-talk-is-cheap-mike-will-get-it-done/
— Gov. Pritzker reacts to Senate acquittal of President Trump
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/05/gov-pritzker-reacts-to-senate-acquittal-of-president-trump/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pritzker argues that Illinois is “diverse.” I disagree. Based on how Illinois’ citizens have voted, Illinois is overwhelmingly 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 anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/05/question-of-the-day-3011/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— AOC rips Rush Limbaugh as ‘virulent racist’: ‘Truly nauseating’ he was awarded Medal of Freedom – Jessica Chasmar 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/5/aoc-rips-rush-limbaugh-as-virulent-racist-truly-na/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Washington Post columnist compares Rush Limbaugh to former KKK head David Duke – Tim Pearce
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-post-columnist-compares-rush-limbaugh-to-former-kkk-head-david-duke
— Trump gives Republican establishment the political rally it always wanted – David M. Drucker
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/trump-gives-republican-establishment-the-political-rally-it-always-wanted

BREITBART
— Turning Point USA Chapter President: McHenry County College Employee Replaced TPUSA Posters with Antifa Propaganda – ALANA MASTRANGELO
https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2020/02/05/turning-point-usa-chapter-president-mchenry-county-college-employee-replaced-tpusa-posters-with-antifa-propaganda/
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Elizabeth Warren Thanks Illegal Immigrants Who Helped Her Iowa Campaign – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/04/elizabeth-warren-thanks-illegal-immigrants-who-helped-her-iowa-campaign/
— Fact Check: Yes, Health Care for Illegal Aliens Will Bankrupt U.S. Taxpayers – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/04/fact-check-yes-healthcare-illegal-aliens-bankrupt-u-s-taxpayers/

BLAZE
— ‘Not guilty’: President Trump acquitted in Senate impeachment trial It’s finally over – Nate Madden
https://www.theblaze.com/news/not-guilty-as-charged-president-trump-acquitted-in-senate-impeachment-trial
— Reps. Tlaib and Omar chat, laugh during Trump’s SOTU, then walk out because ‘it was all beneath the dignity of the office’ ‘Shame on this forever impeached president – 
https://www.theblaze.com/glenn-radio/tlaib-omar-walk-out-sotu

DAILY CALLER
— Senate Votes To Acquit President Trump – HENRY RODGERS
https://dailycaller.com/2020/02/05/senate-votes-to-acquit-trump/

DAILY WIRE
— AOC Mocks Cancer-Stricken Rush Limbaugh; Suggests Conspiracy Behind Trump Reaching Out To Blacks – Ryan Saavedra
https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-aoc-mocks-cancer-stricken-rush-limbaugh-suggests-conspiracy-behind-trump-reaching-out-to-blacks
— Trump Responds To Pelosi Ripping Up His Speech: Pushes New Hashtag, Buries Her In Retweets – James Barrett
https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-responds-to-pelosi-ripping-up-his-speech-pushes-new-hashtag-buries-her-in-retweets
— Hollywood Celebrities Boil Over At Trump’s SOTU: ‘Fearmongering Pig’ – Hank Berrien
https://www.dailywire.com/news/hollywood-celebrities-boil-over-at-trumps-sotu
— McConnell Triumphant: Immediately After Impeachment Acquittal Files Cloture On More Judges To Remake Judiciary – Hank Berrien
https://www.dailywire.com/news/mcconnell-triumphant-immediately-after-impeachment-acquittal-files-cloture-on-more-judges-to-remake-judiciary

TOWNHALL
— ‘They Hate America’: The Surprising Moments Democrats Refused to Clap For During Trump’s SOTU – Leah Barkoukis
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2020/02/05/what-democrats-refused-to-clap-for-n2560757

PJ MEDIA
— Trump’s Ability to Expose the Dems’ Radical Agenda Will Probably Get Him Re-Elected – RICK MORAN
https://pjmedia.com/trending/democrats-squirm-as-trump-condemns-the-radical-left/

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— What Bloomberg’s Money Can Buy – Lance Trover
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/02/05/what_bloombergs_money_can_buy__142322.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Senate Votes to Acquit President Trump on Both Articles of Impeachment – MAIREAD MCARDLE
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/senate-votes-to-acquit-president-trump-on-both-articles-of-impeachment/

EPOCH TIMES
— State of the Union Reveals Bankruptcy of Democrats’ Opposition to Trump – Conrad Black
https://www.theepochtimes.com/state-of-the-union-reveals-bankruptcy-of-democrats-opposition-to-trump_3228111.html

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Ivanka Trump: The Left’s unwillingness to celebrate America’s successes is ‘not forgivable’ – Samantha Chang 
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/02/05/ivanka-trump-the-lefts-unwillingness-to-celebrate-americas-successes-is-not-forgivable-883390

THE HILL
— Trump eviscerates Democrats in State of the Union speech prompting Pelosi temper tantrum – LIZ PEEK
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/481571-trump-eviscerates-democrats-in-state-of-the-union-speech-prompting-pelosi
— Former Romney campaign spokesman says conviction decision is ‘motivated by bitterness and jealousy’ – J. EDWARD MORENO
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/481705-former-romney-campaign-spokesman-says-impeachment-decision-is-motivated-by

FORBES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote Pelosi.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/elanagross/2020/02/05/nancy-pelosi-rips-the-state-of-the-union-speech-and-the-can-be-seen-as-sexist/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— Federal Employee Retirement Requests Hit Highest Level Since Trump Took Office – ERICH WAGNER (DIERSEN: The federal government wants its employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran to retire as soon as they are eligible unless they are in the Senior Executive Service.) 
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2020/02/federal-employee-retirement-requests-hit-highest-levels-trump-took-office/162910/

CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS
— 4 WAYS RESEARCH CAN READY A CANDIDATE – Ethan Todd
https://www.campaignsandelections.com/campaign-insider/4-ways-research-can-ready-a-candidate
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Perform inoculation research. . .Clean up your social media. . .Establish what makes you different from your opponent. . .Help decide if public service is right for you.)

NEW YORKER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats shout at Blacks, and at everyone else, that Republicans are White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of once and for all. 
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/02/trump-baffled-african-americans-vote-racism-anti-semitism.html

COLDWELL BANKER
— FOR SALE: 920 Golf Lane, Wheaton – $559,000
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/il/wheaton/920-golf-ln/pid_34674932/

February 2 Evening Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Bloomberg campaign calls Trump ‘pathological liar’ with a ‘spray-on tan’ after Trump makes box claim
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/bloomberg-campaign-calls-trump-pathological-liar-with-a-spray-on-tan-after-trump-makes-box-claim

CBS2
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/02/02/chicago-hosts-cannabis-resource-fair-to-help-people-profit-from-pot/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Fact-check: Pritzker’s spotlight on state unemployment on the mark — but it doesn’t shed much light Pritzker is correct that Illinois saw a greater drop in its over-the-year unemployment rate than any of the other states he referenced. But it’s worth noting those states saw very similar changes in their unemployment rates. – Kiannah Sepeda-Miller
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/2/21117329/fact-check-pritzker-illinois-unemployment-state-of-state-jobs
— Dan Lipinski has cash advantage over rivals Marie Newman, Rush Darwish in big Democratic primary In the major GOP Chicago area primary, state Sen. Jim Oberweis $1 million loan to his campaign boosts his cash advantage over state Sen. Sue Rezin and Ted Gradel. – Lynn Sweet 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/2/2/21119377/dan-lipinski-has-cash-advantage-over-rivals-marie-newman-rush-darwish-in-democratic-congress-primary
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2020/2/2/21119464/bud-and-breakfast-offers-pot-centric-accommodations-trippers-high-legalization

NORTHWEST HERALD
— McHenry County road districts name Pritzker as defendant in township elimination lawsuit – Nabiha Asim
https://www.nwherald.com/2020/01/31/mchenry-county-road-districts-name-pritzker-as-defendant-in-township-elimination-lawsuit/a2rqiv7/

CENTER SQUARE
— Pritzker’s state of state address quiet on population loss, barely touches on pension debt – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/pritzker-s-state-of-state-address-quiet-on-population-loss/article_31e5bb68-445d-11ea-91d8-93b44154aa48.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Daily Herald Criticizes Nunda Township Board for Referendum Asking for Township Abolition in 2037
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/02/daily-herald-criticizes-nunda-township-board-for-referendum-asking-for-township-abolition-in-2037/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Chicago groups launch $10M legal aid plan for immigrants, ex-inmates – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/feb/2/groups-launch-10m-legal-aid-plan-for-immigrants-ex/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Buttigieg says he does not regret claiming Trump supporters ignore racism ‘at best’ – Madison Dibble
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/buttigieg-says-he-does-not-regret-claiming-trump-supporters-ignore-racism-at-best
— ‘He’s a communist’: Trump trashes Sanders ahead of Iowa caucuses – Madison Dibble & Joseph Simonson
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/hes-a-communist-trump-trashes-sanders-ahead-of-iowa-caucuses
— ‘His fake hair, his obesity, and his spray-on tan’: Bloomberg campaign mocks Trump while denying debate ‘box’ claim – Caitlin Yilek
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/his-fake-hair-his-obesity-and-his-spray-on-tan-bloomberg-campaign-mocks-trump-while-denying-debate-box-claim
— RNC chairwoman says she’s ‘not concerned about any’ 2020 Democrats posing threat to Trump reelection – Caitlin Yilek 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/rnc-chairwoman-says-shes-not-concerned-about-any-2020-democrats

TOWNHALL
— Buttigieg: I Know 63 Million People Voted for Trump But They’re Still Racist – Beth Baumann
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2020/02/02/watch-buttigieg-doubles-down-on-his-previous-statement-that-trump-supporters-are-racist-n2560560
— Meet the ‘Moderate’ Candidate of the Democrat Party – Wayne Allyn Root
https://townhall.com/columnists/wayneallynroot/2020/02/02/meet-the-moderate-candidate-of-the-democrat-party-n2560536

INDEPENDENT JOURNAL REVIEW
— RNC Chair: Polling Suggests Trump Is in ‘Good Shape’ to Win Re-Election – Bradley Cortright
https://ijr.com/rnc-trump-in-good-shape-win-re-election/

EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Interviewed by Fox’s Sean Hannity Ahead of Super Bowl Trump reveals he ‘would love’ to run against Michael Bloomberg – JACK PHILLIPS
https://www.theepochtimes.com/trump-interviewed-by-foxs-sean-hannity-ahead-of-super-bowl_3224715.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Tech companies’ scattershot war on disinformation isn’t working – Editorial
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/tech-companies-scattershot-war-on-disinformation-isnt-working/2020/01/30/677b4be0-42bd-11ea-b503-2b077c436617_story.html

BOSTON GLOBE
— When you hear ‘electability,’ think women and people of color When on the ballot, women of all races and men of color win elections as often as white men do. – Brenda Choresi Carter (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, according to anti-Republicans, the more of the following that you are, the less electable that you are: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/02/opinion/when-you-hear-electability-think-women-people-color/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Americans Stuck to Their Views on Trump Through Impeachment Trial Some 46% of voters said the Senate should remove the president from office, while 49% said he should serve out his term, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll – Aaron Zitner
https://www.wsj.com/articles/americans-stuck-to-their-views-on-trump-through-impeachment-trial-11580652187

WORLD TRIBUNE
— Democrats’ 2020 strategy: ‘You’re a moron, now vote for me’
https://www.worldtribune.com/democrats-2020-strategy-youre-a-moron-now-vote-for-me/

LINKED IN
— When Your Manager Doesn’t Want You To Succeed – Liz Ryan (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents. They only want those who they can manipulate/dominate to succeed. They do not want those who share my demographics to succeed. I would focus on my critics/opponents who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. They are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-your-manager-doesnt-want-you-succeed-liz-ryan

February 2 Morning Edition

ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
— Nimish Jani Elected to Represent IL-8 on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee
https://illinois.gop/category/news/
(PRESS RELEASE: Nimish Jani of Cook County was elected to represent the 8th Congressional District on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. The Committee is the governing body of the Illinois Republican Party and is comprised of members elected from each of Illinois’ 18 Congressional districts. Nimish’s election followed a vacancy on the Committee after the resignation of former State Central Committeeman Ryan Higgins. Nimish was elected by a weighted vote of the Republican county chairman who represent the 8th Congressional District, which includes Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties. The weighted vote is determined by the number of Republican primary voters who cast a ballot in each county during the previous Republican Primary Election. Applications to the position were made open to the public after Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider declared the position vacant last month. The Republican county chairman in the district convened a meeting this past weekend and heard testimony from each of the two applicants to the position, followed by a question and answer session. After deliberation, the county chairman elected Nimish Jani to the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. “I’d like to thank the Republican County Chairmen of the 8th Congressional District for running a smooth and transparent process to fill the vacancy. The Chairman acted quickly and professionally to ensure the 8th congressional district’s representation on the Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider. “Nimish is a leader in his community and I look forward to working with him to grow our party, engage diverse communities and expand our party’s big tent. I know Nimish will be an important part of our work electing Republicans up and down the ticket in 2020.”)

ABC7
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Chicago LGBTQ advocates celebrate their success. Soon, if not already, no one will be allowed to live in Chicago, to work in Chicago, or to do anything else in Chicago unless they promote LGBTQ activity. 
https://abc7chicago.com/5897983/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters blame Trump for what makes Americans dissatisfied with the state of the union.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/polling-americans-dissatisfied-with-the-state-of-the-union

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Is Bernie Sanders’ angry army really what Democrats want? – BRET STEPHENS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/ct-nyt-bernie-bros-iowa-caucuses-20200202-dvvltqiei5azhnu5zoqtbugdym-story.html
— ‘Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words,’ the hero’s journey – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-clarence-thomas-movie-kass-20200131-gwk4vb6gvzgrjap77ohmj5jdlm-story.html
— Alec Baldwin’s Trump returns as ‘SNL’ takes impeachment to Judge Mathis’ courtroom – CHRIS BARTON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-snl-alec-baldwin-trump-20200202-chgljtuoybg2hcjlrftwrzf3bu-story.html
— 5 hours, 4 candidates, 1 city: 2020 Democratic presidential front-runners converge on Cedar Rapids with closing pitches to take on Trump – BILL RUTHHART and RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-2020-iowa-democratic-presidential-caucuses-cedar-rapids-20200202-buurhyl5abaixgv466rrifep24-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Democrats should put Trump on thin ice before the State of the Union speech.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-column-democrats-should-put-trump-on-thin-ice-before-the-state-of-the-union-speech-20200201-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “There’s only one way to remove Donald Trump from office.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/ct-nyt-beating-donald-trump-20200202-skkgh7nsafg3jktcpz53ttkk2i-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Nunda Township and McHenry Township: Consolidation proposal is the ultimate in government foot-dragging – Editorial
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200201/editorial-consolidation-proposal-is-the-ultimate-in-government-foot-dragging

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Pritzker’s state of the state speech an extended victory lap – Doug Fink
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200202/statehouse-insider-pritzkers-state-of-state-speech-extended-victory-lap

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/02/01/how-hot-is-cannabis-industry-thousands-crowd-into-citys-first-resource-fair-to-break-into-the-business/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: Jim Oberweis Super Bowl Meme Reminds Every one of His Big Weakness
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/02/01/il-14-jim-oberweis-super-bowl-meme-reminds-everyone-of-his-big-weakness/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Age of Entitlement’ When America took a wrong turn – John R. Coyne Jr.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/29/book-review-the-age-of-entitlement/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— The puzzle of racial preferences – Coleman Hughes
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-puzzle-of-racial-preferences

AMERICAN THINKER
— Democrats Becoming More Desperate…and More Dangerous – Dave Ball
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/02/democrats_becoming_more_desperateand_more_dangerous.html
— Why won’t the Washington Post acknowledge how pro-gay Israel is? – Michael Berenhaus
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/02/why_wont_the_washington_post_acknowledge_how_progay_israel_is.html
— President of Mexico now being called ‘Trump’s enforcer’ – Silvio Canto, Jr.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/02/president_of_mexico_now_being_called_trumps_enforcer.html

BREITBART
— Rahm Emanuel: Democrats Must Build ‘Metropolitan Majority’ to Rule for ‘Years’ – JOEL B. POLLAK (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats attract to metropolitan areas individuals, organizations, and companies 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 for a long time.)
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/02/01/rahm-emanuel-democrats-must-build-metropolitan-majority-to-rule-for-years/

TOWNHALL
— Democrats Define Down Social Justice – Loyd Pettegrew
https://townhall.com/columnists/loydpettegrew/2020/02/01/democrats-define-down-social-justice-n2560393

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— CNN Condemns Trump Coronavirus Task Force For “Lack of Diversity” – Mike LaChance 
https://legalinsurrection.com/2020/02/cnn-condemns-trump-coronavirus-task-force-for-lack-of-diversity/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Democrats attack Trump as racist after he expands travel ban to six new countries – Victor Rantala 
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/02/02/democrats-attack-trump-as-racist-after-he-expands-travel-ban-to-six-new-countries-881994

THE HILL
— ‘Saturday Night Live’ presents Trump impeachment trial ‘you wish had happened’ – JUSTIN WISE
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/481062-saturday-night-live-presents-trump-impeachment-trial-you-wish-had-happened

NEW YORK TIMES
— Affirmative Action: The Uniquely American Experiment – Orlando Patterson
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/30/books/review/the-affirmative-action-puzzle-melvin-i-urofsky.html

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Republicans who once scorned Trump rally to save his presidency – CHRIS MEGERIAN, NOAH BIERMAN
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-02-01/republicans-who-once-scorned-trump-rally-to-save-his-presidency

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL
— Sanders campaign workers want to ‘guillotine the rich,’ send Republicans to gulags – Victor Joecks
https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/opinion-columns/victor-joecks/victor-joecks-sanders-campaign-workers-want-to-guillotine-the-rich-send-republicans-to-gulags-1948876/

DENVER POST
— Denver dispensary burglaries hit 3-year high as 2019 ended with rash of armed robberies Employees at marijuana businesses “absolutely” worried about more robberies, attorney says – TINEY RICCIARDI
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/01/20/denver-marijuana-burglaries-increase/#

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Bloomberg Offers Trillions in Tax Increases to Pay for His Agenda Billionaire Democratic presidential candidate proposes raising taxes on high-income individuals, estates, corporations and other businesses – Richard Rubin and Tarini Parti
https://www.wsj.com/articles/bloomberg-offers-trillions-in-tax-increases-to-pay-for-his-agenda-11580578200