August 10 Morning Edition

NBC5
— Video Shows Rodents Inside O’Hare Airport; Officials Investigate
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Video-of-Rodents-in-OHare-Airport-530725951.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump says he wants ‘very meaningful’ background checks, but is not considering assault weapons ban – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-trump-background-checks-20190809-nnwggu3l6jc3vh5pp6ul4vz2p4-story.html
— Trump says he thinks lawmakers will support ‘red flag laws,’ and also seeks to reassure NRA over gun-rights views – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-trump-guns-background-checks-nra-20190809-6pjadncaxvfx7hb6l6kcqtall4-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Village of Lombard Plan Commission hereby provides notice that a public hearing will be conducted to consider the following petition: The petitioner, the Village of Lombard, is requesting text amendments to the following Section of Village Code, and other relevant sections for clarity: 1.Amend Section 155.412(B) of the Village Code to add “Cannabis Dispensing Facility operated in strict compliance with State law applicable thereto” to the list of permitted uses in the O Office District…
https://marketplace.dailyherald.com/il/legals/notice-of-public-hearing-the-v/AC1E05A413c17075BFcK3h5C208B

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— How a top chicken company cut off black farmers, one by one A USDA investigator found Park Ridge-based Koch Foods violated a law governing meat companies’ business practices. But the Trump administration has cut back enforcing the law, and Koch hasn’t faced any penalty. – ISAAC ARNSDORF
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/manufacturing/how-top-chicken-company-cut-black-farmers-one-one

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Bill gives McHenry County voters option to consolidate township government – DREW ZIMMERMAN
https://www.nwherald.com/2019/08/09/bill-gives-mchenry-county-voters-option-to-consolidate-township-government/ajflglr/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats and RINOs use mass shootings to blame Republicans for gun violence.
https://www.nwherald.com/2019/08/09/our-view-its-time-for-congress-to-enact-tougher-gun-laws/aoyljhj/

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats and RINOs use mass shootings to blame Republicans for gun violence.
https://www.kcchronicle.com/2019/08/08/listen-to-people-not-gun-lobby/ayiwqdh/

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— $20 million in state funding available for 2020 Census (DIERSEN: Illinois Democrats and Illinois RINOs a) illegally encourage citizens of foreign countries to illegally come to Illinois illegally and b) encourage those illegals to be counted in the census. How many illegals have Democrats and RINOs put in your neighborhood, in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois?)
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/20-million-in-state-funding-available-for-2020-14294893.php

CLINTON HERALD
— Illinois employers faced with marijuana, employment questions – Jake Mosbach
https://www.clintonherald.com/news/local_news/illinois-employers-faced-with-marijuana-employment-questions/article_19862891-73e7-51ef-8dfd-f3239f76fb6a.html

EVANSTON ROUND TABLE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: If you want be a stoner, you should move to Evanston.
https://evanstonroundtable.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=26&ArticleID=16828

WSIL TV
— Illinois Republicans say they’re open to certain gun control proposals – Joe Ragusa
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/40900928/illinois-republicans-say-theyre-open-to-certain-gun-control-proposals

WREX
— Number of hospitalizations potentially tied to vaping increases in Illinois
https://wrex.com/category/2019/08/10/number-of-hospitalizations-potentially-tied-to-vaping-increases-in-illinois/

FOX ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats encourage children to engage in LGBTQ activity.
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/governor-jb-pritzker-signs-lgbtq-curriculum-bill-into-law

WHEATON PATCH & FACEBOOK

— MARCH 26, 2017 FLASHBACK: Lynn Robbins​ For Wheaton City Council, West District​: Patch Candidate Profile  She is a construction project manager running for Wheaton City Council, West District – Patrick Martin

https://patch.com/illinois/wheaton/lynn-robbins-wheaton-city-council-west-district-patch-candidate-profile
https://www.facebook.com/robbinsforcitycouncil/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— McSweeney Reports Bill Allowing Abolition of McHenry County Townships by Referendum Signed by Governor
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/08/09/mcsweeney-reports-bill-allowing-abolition-of-mchenry-townships-by-referendum-signed-by-governor/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Biden compares Trump’s presidency to ‘the Ku Klux Klan after the Civil War’ – Kerry Picket 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/biden-compares-trumps-presidency-to-reign-of-the-kkk
— Andrew McCabe sues for pension claiming Trump was behind his firing – Jerry Dunleavy 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/andy-mccabe-sues-for-pension-claiming-trump-was-behind-his-firing
— Biden says US can afford 2 million more immigrants and refugees – Kerry Picket
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/biden-says-us-can-afford-2-million-more-immigrants-and-refugees
— Biden compares Trump’s presidency to reign of the KKK – Kerry Picket
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/biden-compares-trumps-presidency-to-reign-of-the-kkk
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats crow about their success in dividing America.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/orourke-buttigieg-frame-gun-and-white-supremacy-debate-as-security-issue

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Europe Poised to Put Warning Labels on Jewish-Made Products Legal decision reminiscent of Holocaust-era boycotts of Jews – Adam Kredo (DIERSEN: Who boycotts you? I should write a book about individuals, organizations, companies, and governments in my neighborhood, in my precinct, in Wheaton’s West District, in Wheaton, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who boycott me. They disapprove, despise, if not hate my demographics: Trump supporter, Protestant (baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran), conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, old (born in 1948), non-poor, gun owner, German American, federal retiree, draft avoider, and my ancestors have been in America since 1844.) 
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/europe-poised-to-put-warning-labels-on-jewish-made-products/

FOX NEWS
— Karl Rove: Background check bill depends on Trump – Victor Garcia 
https://www.foxnews.com/media/karl-rove-background-check-bill-depends-on-trump
— Press trashes Trump’s trip over his shots at those denouncing him – Howard Kurtz
https://www.foxnews.com/media/press-trashes-trumps-trip-over-his-shots-at-those-denouncing-him

FOX BUSINESS
— Florida raking in billions as Americans abandon high-tax states – Brittany De Lea
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/florida-income-american-movers

GOPUSA
— Democrats cry for illegal aliens working American jobs; vow to investigate raids
http://www.gopusa.com/democrats-cry-for-illegal-aliens-working-american-jobs-vow-to-investigate-raids/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Red Flags and White Supremacists – Brian C. Joondeph
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/08/red_flags_and_white_supremacists.html
— Press has a lot to answer for its treacly, heartstring-tugging portrayal of an illegal — who just mowed down a father of five – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/08/press_has_a_lot_to_answer_for_for_its_treacly_heartstringtugging_portrayal_of_an_illegal__who_just_mowed_down_a_father_of_five.html
— The ‘Chick-fil-A effect’ boosting targets of Dem harassment of Trump donors – Thomas Lifson
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/08/the_chickfila_effect_boosting_targets_of_dem_harassment_of_trump_donors.html

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Crime, Not Guns or Racism, Is Our Ongoing Problem – Karl Spence
https://www.amgreatness.com/2019/08/09/crime-not-guns-or-racism-is-our-ongoing-problem/

BREITBART
— Donald Trump Thunders Against ‘Racist’ Hollywood: ‘They Create Violence, Then Try to Blame Others’ – CHARLIE SPIERING
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2019/08/09/donald-trump-thunders-against-racist-hollywood-they-create-violence-then-try-to-blame-others/
— Mississippi Meatpackers Start Hiring to Replace Arrested Migrants – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/08/09/mississippi-meatpackers-start-hiring-to-replace-arrested-migrants/

EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Says Movie Showing Elites Killing Deplorables Was Made ‘To Inflame and Cause Chaos’ – ZACHARY STIEBER
https://m.theepochtimes.com/trump-says-movie-showing-elites-killing-deplorables-was-made-to-inflame-and-cause-chaos_3036837.html

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— President Trump demonizes immigrants, but Businessman Trump sees profound benefit – Vivek Saxena (DIERSEN: RINOs want cheap labor. What percent of the employers in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois “benefit” from illegal immigration? Employers “benefit” by paying illegals less than they pay U.S. citizens.) 
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2019/08/10/new-talking-points-president-trump-demonizes-immigrants-but-businessman-trump-sees-profound-benefit-784005

THE HILL
— Why target Tucker Carlson? It’s part of the left’s war on the right – VICTOR DAVIS HANSON (DIERSEN: Which individuals, organizations, companies, and governments target you? I should write a book about those that target me. I would stress the adverse actions that they have taken against me.)
https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/456803-why-target-tucker-carlson-its-part-of-the-lefts-war-on-the-right
— Blaming Trump for ‘trigger’ words pours more fuel on the age of rage – JONATHAN TURLEY
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/456946-blaming-trump-for-trigger-words-pours-more-fuel-on-the-age-of-rage

CBS NEWS
— The Left Is on a Mission to Annihilate Conservatism – David Limbaugh
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/david-limbaugh/david-limbaugh-left-mission-annihilate-conservatism

CBS
— The presidential candidates who say Trump is a white supremacist – ELEANOR WATSON, JULIA CHERNER
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-presidential-candidates-who-say-trump-is-a-white-supremacist/

CBS LOS ANGELES
— Protesters Voice Opposition To Gym Owner Hosting Fundraiser For Trump (DIERSEN: If someone hosted a fundraiser for Trump in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, or in Illinois, how strong would the protests against that person be?)
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/08/09/protesters-voice-opposition-to-gym-owner-hosting-fundraiser-for-trump/

MSNBC
— Will Democrats calling Trump a white supremacist sway moderate voters?
https://www.msnbc.com/katy-tur/watch/will-democrats-calling-trump-a-white-supremacist-sway-moderate-voters-65781829635

NEW YORK TIMES
— May the SoulCycle Boycott Make Democracy Better – Editorial (DIERSEN: Who boycotts you? I should write a book about individuals, organizations, companies, and governments in my neighborhood, in my precinct, in Wheaton’s West District, in Wheaton, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois who boycott me. They disapprove, despise, if not hate my demographics: Trump supporter, Protestant (baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran), conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, old (born in 1948), non-poor, gun owner, German American, federal retiree, draft avoider, and my ancestors have been in America since 1844.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/08/opinion/soulcycle-equinox-trump-castro.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Illinois GOP urges Trump not to set Blagojevich free – AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/illinois-gop-urges-trump-not-to-set-blagojevich-free/2019/08/09/3d484610-baec-11e9-8e83-4e6687e99814_story.html
— Progressives’ shaming of Trump supporters won’t work – Kathleen Parker
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/progressives-shaming-of-trump-supporters-wont-work/2019/08/09/f502bdde-bae3-11e9-b3b4-2bb69e8c4e39_story.html
— As workplace raids multiply, Trump administration charges few companies ICE has announced cases against five companies for immigration violations since 2017 – Renae Merle
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/08/09/workplace-raids-multiply-trump-administration-charges-few-companies/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats paint Republicans as being racists.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/a-history-of-anti-hispanic-bigotry-in-the-united-states/2019/08/09/5ceaacba-b9f2-11e9-b3b4-2bb69e8c4e39_story.html

BLOOMBERG
— Slavery Reparations Draws 2020 Democrats as Race Rises as Issue – Jarrell Dillard (DIERSEN: QUESTION: Who hints/implies/argues/shouts the most that others should pay reparations? ANSWER: 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, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-10/slavery-reparations-draws-2020-democrats-as-race-rises-as-issue

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: For Higher Education, Try Taking Courses in Marijuana – Joe Queenan
https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-higher-education-try-taking-courses-in-marijuana-11565368314
— When Women Bring Home a Bigger Slice of the Bacon – Justin Lahart and Lauren Silva Laughlin
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-women-bring-home-a-bigger-slice-of-the-bacon-11565343002
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: College Still Pays Off, but Not for Everyone Higher-education degree boosts wages for most people, but growing subset of graduates aren’t seeing return on their investment – Josh Mitchell
https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-still-pays-off-but-not-for-everyone-11565343000

WASHINGTON MONTHLY
— Can Journalism Be Saved From the Tech Giants? A leading House Democrat has a plan. – Grace Gedye (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, the “tech giants” 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://washingtonmonthly.com/2019/08/09/can-journalism-be-saved-from-the-tech-giants/

IRISH CENTRAL
— 71% of IrishCentral readers say President Trump is inciting hatred in America. (DIERSEN: What percent of the following groups “say President Trump is inciting hatred in America:” those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?) 
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/trump-inciting-hate-america

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Democrats use Iowa event to attack Trump, not one another – AP (DIERSEN: If a candidate forum was held for Wheaton West District candidates, which candidates would attack me? They would be the candidates who a) want pot to be sold in Wheaton, b) oppose any kind of zoning changes on Roosevelt Road, c) reject planks in the Republican Party platform and/or the Illinois Republican Party platform and work against those like me who support those planks, d) reject the Milton Township Republican Central Committee resolution against video gambling and work against those like me who support that resolution, e) focus on destroying those like me who they cannot manipulate/dominate, f) represent defendants in lawsuits that I have filed, and/or g) are operatives or dupes for the aforesaid.) 
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-08-09/democrats-use-iowa-event-to-attack-trump-not-each-other

NEWS PRESS
— JUNE 22, 2018 FLASHBACK: The News-Press will vet candidates, dissect issues but stop endorsing – Tom Hayden (DIERSEN: How deeply will the Daily Herald, Suburban Life, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, etc. vet (questionnaires, background checks and interviews) the 10 candidates to be appointed to fill the Wheaton City Council West District vacancy? Will the aforesaid newspapers a) conduct candidate forums and/or b) endorse one of those 10 candidates? What endorsement criteria will they use?)
https://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2018/06/22/news-press-vet-candidates-dissect-issues-but-stop-endorsing/722444002/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Two weeks ago, the News-Press asked the community to weigh in on our process of endorsing political candidates. The question was: To endorse or not to endorse? The feedback was voluminous and passionate. Thirty-eight people wrote to say we should stop endorsing candidates in various city, county, state and federal races and 35 said we should continue. A common theme in most of the responses was an appreciation for our diligence in vetting the candidates through questionnaires, background checks and interviews. They wanted the information to help them decide on whom should get their vote. We agree the most important part of what we do — and we do it better than most — is going in-depth with the candidates on the issues. Getting specific answers to and solutions for some of our most critical issues, like water quality and the environment, affordable and attainable housing, the mental health and opioid crisis, how to improve education and build new schools, mean the most to people. That same information also was vital for us in endorsing candidates.)

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Questions to ask candidates who want to fill Wheaton’s West District City Council vacancy – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

Why do you wish to be considered for an appointment to fill this vacancy, please elaborate?

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues that Wheaton needs to address in the next 2 years and how should those issues be addressed, please elaborate?

What is your political affiliation, that is, what was the most recent primary ballot that you cast  – Republican or Democrat, and what other actions have you taken that evidence your political affiliation, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against banning the sale of pot in Wheaton, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against requiring employers in Wheaton to use E-Verify, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote dependency on government, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote dependency on charity, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote LGBTQ activity, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote abortion, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote mass/illegal immigration, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote vices including booze, gambling, and pot, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote diminishment of First Amendment rights, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote diminishment of Second Amendment rights, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote patronage, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote political affiliation discrimination, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote reverse discrimination, please elaborate?

If you are appointed to fill the vacancy, would vote for or against measures that promote age discrimination, please elaborate?

What is your position on Wheaton’s East Roosevelt Road Corridor Market Study/Comprehensive Plan Amendment, please elaborate?

How long have you lived in Wheaton’s West District, in Wheaton, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois?

Since you have lived in Wheaton’s West District, in Wheaton, in Milton Township, in DuPage County, and in Illinois, what you done that demonstrates that you want the aforesaid to be prosperous and safe, please elaborate?

What is your work experience and how would it help you serve on the City Council, please elaborate?

What is your education and how would it help you serve on the City Council, please elaborate?

What are your professional certifications and licenses and how would they help you serve on the City Council, please elaborate?

What professional associations are you a member of and how would those memberships help you serve on the City Council, please elaborate?

If asked who would provide you with references, please elaborate?

How would you characterize your relationships with the following: a) Wheaton’s mayor, City Council members, City Attorney, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Clerk, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, City Planner, City Engineer, etc.; b) Illinois officials including Amy Grant; c) DuPage County officials including Robert Berlin, Fred Bucholz, Daniel Cronin, Pete DiCaianni, Grant Eckhoff, Timothy Elliott, Robert Grogan, Gwen Henry, Richard Jorgensen, Christopher Kachiroubas, Jean Kaczmarek, Robert Larsen, Paula McGowen, James Mendrick, Al Murphy, Sean Noonan, Jeffrey Redick, Darlene Ruscitti, Timothy Whelan, and Jim Zay; d) Milton Township officials including Sal Falbo, Chris Heidorn, Gail Hinkle, Marty Keller, Chris LeVan, Gary Muehlfelt, David Molitor, John Monino, and Yada Nathwani; e) Wheaton Park District officials including Michael Benard; f) School District 200 officials; g) College of DuPage officials including Annette Corrigan, Christine Fenne, Heidi Holan, and Frank Napolitano, please elaborate?

Do the aforesaid take/return your phone calls, please elaborate?

How would you characterize your relationships with West District Precinct Committeemen including Joseph Caruso, Dave Diersen, Arthur Grant, Ralph Hinkle, Marty Keller, Robert Krzyzewski, Robert Larsen, Robert McNeily, Ronald Menna, Elizabeth Tatro, Mark Thomas, and Herbert Wehling, please elaborate?

Do the aforesaid take/return your phone calls, please elaborate?

Have you ever been elected to or appointed to a government and political office, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever been arrested, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever pled guilty to crime or been convicted of a crime, and if so, please elaborate?

Do you have any health problems that might impact your service on the City Council, and if so, please elaborate?

Do you have any financial problems that might impact your service on the City Council, and if so, please elaborate?

Approximately, how much time per week do you have available to devote to City Council duties?

Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in any litigation, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever been delinquent with any type of taxes, and if so, please elaborate?

Would you have any financial or other type of conflict of interest if you served on the City Council, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever filed bankruptcy, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever been fired, forced to resign, or forced to retire from a job, and if so, please elaborate?

Have you ever done anything that submits you to blackmail, and if so, please elaborate?

What demonstrates that if appointed, you will not be manipulated or dominated, for example, that you are financially secure, please elaborate?

The following are typical city council functions (https://www.nlc.org/city-councils) What experience do you have doing each of the following, please elaborate?

Review and approve the annual budget;
Establish long- and short-term objectives and priorities;
Oversee performance of the local public employees;
Oversee effectiveness of programs;
Establish tax rates;
Enter into legal contracts;
Borrow funds;
Pass ordinances and resolutions;
Modify the city’s charter;
Regulate land use through zoning laws;
Regulate business activity through licensing and regulations;
Regulate public health and safety;
Exercise the power of eminent domain;
Communicate policies and programs to residents;
Respond to constituent needs and complaints; and
Represent the community to other levels of government.

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.