February 3 Evening Edition

ABC7
— RAUNER HIRES MUNGER AS A DEPUTY GOVERNOR – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/rauner-hires-munger-as-a-deputy-governor/1736675/
— U.S. JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN NATIONWIDE – AP
http://abc7chicago.com/news/us-judge-temporarily-blocks-trumps-travel-ban-nationwide/1736734/
— SWEDEN’S ‘FEMINIST GOVERNMENT’ TAKES SWIPE AT TRUMP – AP  (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, those who are a) anti-Trump make it clear that they are anti-men and b) those who are anti-men make it clear that they are anti-Trump.)
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/swedens-feminist-government-takes-swipe-at-trump/1736576/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps publish a website to promote protests against Trump.
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/new-website-for-information-on-political-protests-in-chicago/1736489/

 

NBC5
— Lisa Madigan Warns of Immigration Scams After Executive Orders  Immigrants with concerns about traveling to their country of origin are encouraged to seek “reputable and legitimate” assistance and contact their local consulate.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Madigan-Warns-of-Immigration-Scams-After-Executive-Orders-412747493.html
— Activists Slam Ohio Pastor Who Talked Chicago Violence With Trump  “Why would a guy in Ohio be more credible than someone in Chicago,” activist Dawn Valenti told reporters. “That’s total disrespect of the community.” – Tom Schuba and Mary Ann Ahern
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-activists-ohio-pastor-chicago-violence-412633043.html

 

CBS2
— Rauner Hires Leslie Munger As $135,000-Per-Year Deputy Governor  (DIERSEN: When my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in forcing me to take their early retirement “offer, GAO was paying me at GS-13 Step 10 rate which is now $122,991.)
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/02/03/rauner-hires-leslie-munger-as-135000-per-year-deputy-governor/

 

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— U.S. judge blocks Trump’s travel ban nationwide – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/233637805-story

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Roskam among Republicans on tightrope with constituents over Trump.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-roskam-hultgren-trump-backlash-met-20170203-story.html
— Watch Mike Madigan rap in cringe-worthy GOP ad – Kim Janssen
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-mike-madigan-raps-ad-0205-chicago-inc-20170203-story.html
— Rauner ally Durkin warns union to be ‘careful’ about ‘crossing’ governor with strike – Monique Garcia and John Byrne
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jim-durkin-afscme-met-0205-20170203-story.html
— Chicago Teachers Union protests at Emanuel’s office on first unpaid furlough day – Juan Perez Jr.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-city-hall-protest-0204-20170203-story.html
— Will Madigan and Rauner act like statesmen or Illinois politicians? – John McCarron
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-rauner-madigan-llinois-budget-fight-perspec-0206-20170203-story.html
— As our best and brightest leave, hope dims for Illinois’ future – Zachary S. Schiffman, Chicago, professor emeritus, Northeastern Illinois University  (DIERSEN: Are/were you among the “best and brightest?”  In the federal government, for its non-veteran White male employees, to be among the “best and brightest,” you have to make GS-13 ($94,610) by age 25, GS-14 ($111,801) by age 30, GS-15 ($131,508) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service ($161,900) by age 40.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-as-our-best-and-brightest-lave-hope-dims-for-illinois-future-20170203-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-medical-marijuana-growing-pains-0205-biz-20170203-story.html
— What Caterpillar builds, from small to large
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/92484337-132.html
— Jim McMahon among group of ex-NFL players pushing for legal pot as painkiller alternative – Jack Kaskey
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-jim-mcmahon-legal-pot-20170203-story.html
— I am a deplorable, and I’m happy I voted for Trump – Jeff Bust, Frankfort
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-trump-voter-happy-deplorable-perspec-0206-md-20170203-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats make clear that if you do not promote LGBTQ activity, they will get rid of you.  How soon, if not already, will Democrats get rid of you if do not engage in LGBTQ activity?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chapman/ct-sodomy-scalia-gorsuch-legal-supreme-court-perspec-0205-20170203-column.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— CTU says women bear brunt of CPS furlough days, budget cuts – Lauren FitzPatrick  (DIERSEN: In 1981, when Charles Bowsher took over GAO and ran it for the next 15 years, he promised that GAO employees who were minority, female, younger, and/or veteran would not be adversely impacted by budget cuts, that is, that GAO employees who were White, male, older, and/or non-veteran would bear the brunt of budget cuts.)
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/ctu-spends-first-furlough-day-in-front-of-mayors-office/
— School funding panel lacks guts – Phil Kadner
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/kadner-school-funding-panel-lacks-guts/
— Apprenticeships are great, but bias is biggest barrier – Mary Mitchell  (DIERSEN: On the other side of the coin, three times the federal government offered me jobs even though I am not a Democrat, a minority, a female, or a veteran.  GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job.  IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.  The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/mitchell-apprenticeships-are-great-but-bias-is-biggest-barrier/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “President Trump does not see Chicago.”
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/editorial-president-trump-does-not-see-chicago/

 

DAILY HERALD
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats promote yard signs that promote hatred against those who are Trump supporters, Protestants, conservatives, Republicans, Americans, Whites, males, older people, rich people, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, non-disabled, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.  Ever-increasingly, Democrats make it clear that they are going to get rid of members of the aforesaid groups.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170203/news/170209524/
— Following social media post, Arlington Heights board race now contested – Richard Baldino
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170203/news/170209597/

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Roskam applauds Iran sanctions – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170203/BLOGS02/170209938/roskam-applauds-iran-sanctions
— Rauner taps Munger as new deputy governor – GREG HINZ
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170203/BLOGS02/170209932/rauner-taps-munger-as-new-deputy-governor
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: An anti-Trump says “sowing conscience among confusion on immigration mess.”
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170203/OPINION/170209934/john-rowe-on-immigration-sowing-conscience-among-mess
— ATF looks to ‘beef up’ presence in Chicago – CNN
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170203/NEWS02/170209916/atf-looks-to-beef-up-presence-in-chicago-cnn

 

WTTW
— CTU Members Take Protest to City Hall on First Furlough Day – Matt Masterson
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2017/02/03/ctu-members-take-protest-city-hall-first-furlough-day

 

DNA INFO
— Mass Mooning Planned For Chicago Trump Tower, 100+ People To Drop Trou – David Matthews
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170202/downtown/mass-mooning-planned-for-chicago-trump-tower-100-people-drop-trou

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Rauner administration says it has no plans for mass privatization of state jobs – Doug Finke  (DIERSEN: In 1981, Charles Bowsher left Arthur Andersen and ran GAO for the next 15 years. Many of his critics believed that he wanted to dissolve GAO and give the agency’s functions to Arthur Andersen.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170203/rauner-administration-says-it-has-no-plans-for-mass-privatization-of-state-jobs
— Democratic legislators call for Obama state holiday – Brian Robbins
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170203/democratic-legislators-call-for-obama-state-holiday

 

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps “organize to oppose Trump’s agenda.”
http://www.kcchronicle.com/2017/02/03/progressives-organize-to-oppose-trumps-agenda/arsdbuo/

 

DAILY REPUBLICAN NEWS
— Adam Kinzinger should switch parties – Pat Cunningham  (DIERSEN: If you were elected or appointed to a government or a political office as a Republican, and if you have not defended and advanced the Republican Party platform or if you are not going to do that, you should immediately resign. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform.)
http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/blogs/20170203/adam-kinzinger-should-switch-parties

 

KWQC
— Rauner hires Munger as a deputy governor – AP
http://kwqc.com/2017/02/03/rauner-hires-munger-as-a-deputy-governor/

 

WSIL TV
— Trump inherits a healthy job market, with solid hiring – AP
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/34418751/trump-inherits-a-healthy-job-market-with-solid-hiring
— Trump launches his attack on banks’ financial restraints – AP
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/34417907/trump-launches-his-attack-on-banks-financial-restraints

 

JOURNAL TOPICS
— Roskam Expected To Face Protesters At Meeting In Palatine  Township Republican Meeting Open To Members Only – TOM ROBB
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_36ba593e-ea2c-11e6-b581-a70c07fe97c3.html

 

DAILY EGYPTIAN
— Rauner appoints Ruscitti to Illinois Board of Higher Education, ISU board
http://dailyegyptian.com/65609/news/rauner-appoints-member-to-illinois-board-of-higher-education-isu-board/

 

DES MOINES REGISTER
— Iowa senators seek to force businesses to crack down on illegal workers – Kevin Hardy  (DIERSEN: How many illegal workers are there in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois?  What is being done to crack down on their employers?  My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes side with illegal workers and with their employers against me.)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2017/02/03/iowa-senators-seek-force-businesses-crack-down-illegal-workers/97449406/

 

ENEWS PARK FOREST
— Illinois’ Largest Union Readies Itself For First-Ever Strike Vote in Battle with Republican Governor
https://enewspf.com/2017/02/03/illinois-largest-union-readies-first-ever-strike-vote-battle-republican-governor/

 

CHICAGOIST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use Jews to paint Trump as being Hitler and to paint Republicans as being Nazis.
http://chicagoist.com/2017/02/03/illinois_holocaust_survivors_blast.php

 

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Critics say ‘House of Madigan’ continues to play by own rules
http://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511079332-critics-say-house-of-madigan-continues-to-play-by-own-rules

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ROSKAM APPLAUDS SANCTIONS ON IRAN, INTRODUCES ANTI-ISLAMIC REPUBLIC BILL
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/roskam-applauds-sanctions-on-iran-introduces-anti-islamic-republic-bill-.html
— CHICAGO COULD LOSE $5.3B IN FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS AS SANCTUARY CITY
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/chicago-could-lose-53b-in-federal-tax-dollars-as-sanctuary-city.html
— STATE SENATOR KYLE MCCARTER TAKES HIS ANTI-TAX HIKE MESSAGE TO TAXPAYERS VIA FACEBOOK
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/state-senator-takes-his-anti-tax-hike-message-to-taxpayers-via-facebook.html
— HULTGREN CHEERS TRUMP DELAY OF DOL FIDUCIARY RULE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/hultgren-cheers-trump-delay-of-dol-fiduciary-rule.html
— TUNNELS OF OPPRESSION EXPOSE ‘PRIVILEGED’ STUDENTS TO ‘DEHUMANIZATION’  (DIERSEN: During the 1970s, IRS subjected its employees to similar type “training.”  During the 1980s and 1990s, GAO subjected its employees to similar type “training.”)
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/tunnels-of-oppression-expose-privileged-students-to-dehumanization.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Several schools are hosting “Tunnels of Oppression,” where students experience simulated acts of racism, misogyny, and more so that they can “recognize their own privilege.”  Lee University’s Residential Life and Housing and Student Leadership Council will be hosting its fourth annual iteration of the event on Friday, during which participants will go on an interactive tour that exposes them to a different type of oppression in each room, including “racial, sexual, mental, and societal oppression.” Other schools host their own versions of the Tunnel, as well, though the exact nature of the exercise varies. Below is a video from the 2010 Tunnel of Oppression at Southern Illinois University in which students are subjected to verbal abuse by university employees.)
— AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY JOINS BATTLE TO SQUELCH STATE INCOME TAX HIKE
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2017/02/americans-for-prosperity-.html

 

CAPITOL FAX
— Radogno too?
http://capitolfax.com/2017/02/03/radogno-too/
(FROM THE POSTING: SNEED: Rumors abound State Sen. Christine Radogno, a Republican, who is working together with Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) to break the budget logjam by securing votes for the so-called “grand bargain,” is planning to pull the plug in June and/or may be heading for a state appointment by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Or is she so disgusted and frustrated with the fractious negotiations, she is planning not to run for re-election in 2018? Radogno’s comment: “Opponents of the plan are getting desperate!”)

 

FOX NEWS
— ‘This Is Political Violence’: Milo Yiannopoulos Talks to Tucker About Berkeley Riots
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/02/02/milo-yiannopoulos-tucker-carlson-tonight-berkeley-protest
— Nordstrom Has Dropped Ivanka Trump’s Fashion Line for Spring Season
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/02/03/nordstrom-drops-ivanka-trump-fashion-line-spring-season

 

GOPUSA
— How About “America First” for College Admissions? – Cliff Kincaid  (DIERSEN: UIC admitted me in 1966 when I was 17, NIU in 1969 when 20, Loyola on 1972 when I was 23, DePaul in 1976 when I was 27, and IIT in 1992 when I was 43, but because of my demographics, I doubt that they would admit if was 17, 20, 23, 27, or 43 today.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=20246
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In a recent article, “Surge in foreign students may be crowding Americans out of elite colleges,” The Washington Post stumbled on the truth about one of the factors affecting the rising cost of college for American students. The percentage of foreign students enrolling in both public and private colleges and universities has skyrocketed. Their sponsors, Middle East governments and regimes like China, buy their way into American colleges and universities for their own students, forcing up costs for the dwindling number of Americans fortunate enough to gain admission. It is estimated that over one million international students are enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities. That figure has doubled in 15 years. The growing international enrollment is crowding out qualified U.S. students.)

 

BARBWIRE
— ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES, SUPPORT THIS ADMINISTRATION, AND FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT! – ALLAN ERICKSON
http://barbwire.com/2017/02/03/roll-up-sleeves-support-administration-fight-for-the-right/

 

BLAZE
— Bruce Springsteen to Australian crowd: ‘We stand before you embarrassed Americans tonight’ – Dave Urbansk
http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/02/03/bruce-springsteen-to-australian-crowd-we-stand-before-you-embarrassed-americans-tonight/

 

BREITBART
— Starbucks Tells U.S. Veterans Why Company Will Hire Refugees Instead – Warner Todd Huston
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/02/starbucks-tells-u-s-veterans-why-company-will-hire-refugees-instead/

 

DAILY CALLER
— California Democrat Compares Trump White House To ISIS ‘Bent On Destroying Civilization’ – Kerry Picket
http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/calif-dem-compares-trump-white-house-to-isis-bent-on-destroying-civilization-video/
— Famous Berkeley Prof Suggests That Violent Protesters At Milo Event Were Right-Wing Plants – Chuck Ross
http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/famous-berkeley-prof-suggests-that-violent-protesters-at-milo-event-were-right-wing-plants-video/
— Trump’s Trip Costing Taxpayers Millions Has A Lot Of Precedent – Eric Lieberman
http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/trumps-trip-costing-taxpayers-millions-has-a-lot-of-precedent/

 

NEWSMAX
— OUTRAGEOUS: Congressional Republicans Move to Block Mexican Wall – Mark Swanson
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/donald-trump-border-wall-mexico/2017/02/03/id/771869/

 

THE HILL
— Federal judge halts Trump travel ban nationwide – BROOKE SEIPEL
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/317884-washington-state-judge-halts-trump-immigration-ban-nationwide
— Trump weekend trip to Florida could cost taxpayers $3M – MAX GREENWOOD
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/317819-trumps-mar-a-lago-trip-could-cost-upwards-of-3-million-report

 

POLITICO
— Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner worked to sink LGBT order  Members of the religious right with ties to the Trump administration say they have been lead to believe that some changes will still be coming. – ANNIE KARNI
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/ivanka-trump-jared-kushner-lgbt-order-234617

 

HUFFINGTON POST
— Thousands Of LGBTQ People Set To Protest Trump In NYC On Saturday  Because now is not the time to be silent. – Curtis M. Wong
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lgbtq-trump-protests_us_5893a715e4b09bd304ba6fa2

 

CNN
— ATF seeking sharp increase of agents in Chicago – Pamela Brown and Mary Kay Mallonee
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/politics/first-on-cnn-atf-seeking-sharp-increase-of-agents-in-chicago/index.html
— Federal judge declines to renew restraining order on Trump travel ban – Laura Jarrett
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/politics/federal-judge-declines-to-renew-restraining-order-on-trump-travel-ban/index.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “First Trump approval rating lags behind past presidents.”
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/politics/donald-trump-approval-rating/index.html
— Over 100,000 visas revoked, government lawyer says in Virginia court – Laura Jarrett
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/politics/over-100000-visas-revoked-government-lawyer-says-in-virginia-court/index.html

 

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Begins Assault on Dodd-Frank Financial Regulations – BEN PROTESS and JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/03/business/dealbook/trump-congress-financial-regulations.html
— Creating a Safe Space for California Dreamers – PATRICIA LEIGH BROWNFE
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/03/education/edlife/daca-undocumented-university-of-california-merced-fiat-lux-scholars.html

 

WASHINGTON POST
— Anxiety, unease and eagerness to move on: Workers cope with Trump’s first two weeks – Jena McGregor
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2017/02/03/anxiety-unease-and-eagerness-to-move-on-workers-cope-with-trumps-first-two-weeks/
— Government reveals more than 100,000 visas revoked due to travel ban – Rachel Weiner and Justin Jouvenal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/government-reveals-over-100000-visas-revoked-due-to-travel-ban/2017/02/03/7d529eec-ea2c-11e6-b82f-687d6e6a3e7c_story.html

 

NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION
— Members Educate New Senator On Federal Employee Issues  (DIERSEN: I was a NTEU member 1971-1980 while I worked for IRS as a Revenue Officer in its Chicago, Harvey, and Joliet offices.)
https://www.nteu.org/blog/2017/02/02/members-educate-new-senator-on-federal-e

 

FED SMITH
— Strong Words From the New Secretary of State to Federal Workers – Michael Wald
http://www.fedsmith.com/2017/02/03/strong-words-from-the-new-secretary-of-state-to-federal-workers/
— Legislation Introduced to Abolish the EPA – Ian Smith
http://www.fedsmith.com/2017/02/03/legislation-introduced-to-abolish-the-epa/

 

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
— To federal employees: Know your rights! – Debra D’Agostino  (DIERSEN: Because I have always been a Republican, were it not for federal civil service protections, a) the Post Office would NOT have hired me in 1966 or let me work there for almost 3 years, b) IRS would NOT have hired me in 1971 or let me work there for almost 9 years, c) IRS would NOT have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974, d) GAO would NOT have hired me in 1980 or let me work there for almost 18 years, and d) GAO would NOT have promoted me in 1986.)
http://federalnewsradio.com/commentary/2017/02/federal-employees-know-rights/

 

NEW REPUBLIC
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump Promised White Supremacy. Now He’s Delivering It. He’s implementing his campaign platform—and he’s only getting started.”  Constructively, Clinton promised to get rid those who were Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://newrepublic.com/article/140377/trump-promised-white-supremacy-now-hes-delivering-it

 

MONEY MAGAZINE
— Trump Wants to Kill the Fiduciary Rule. Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal for Retirement Savers – Megan Leonhardt
http://time.com/money/4659440/fiduciary-rule-delayed-donald-trump/

 

METRO WEEKLY
— Pro-LGBTQ Trump adviser won’t get White House position he was promised  Anthony Scaramucci could have influenced President Trump on some LGBTQ issues – John Riley  (DIERSEN: Operatives and dupes for my critics/opponents talk and act they have been promised a sweetheart job, a sweetheart contract, favorable legislation, lots of money, a new home, a new car, and/or lots more if they succeed in getting rid of me.)
https://www.metroweekly.com/2017/02/pro-lgbt-trump-adviser-wont-get-white-house-position-promised/

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.