January 9, 2023

ABC7
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Pinnacle of achievement: Illinois House Republican Jim Durkin announces resignation.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://abc7chicago.com/jim-durkin-illinois-house-republican-resigning/12678017/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement that said: “Leader Jim Durkin is offering all kinds of excuses as he leaves the General Assembly, but the truth is under his leadership our caucus is at its lowest point in membership in a very long time. Leader Durkin squandered money in the 2022 Primary to secure legislative candidates in open seats who were loyal to him and who were not necessarily the best fit for the districts in which they ran, and this proved to be a disastrous decision. We are in this mess not because of our principles but because of our leadership’ lack of commitment to our principles. Jim Durkin has abandoned Republican principles of lower taxes, reduced spending and standing up for our Constitutional rights. Raising taxes to spend more money we don’t have and attacking the Constitutional rights of honest citizens is not a winning message. We need to be united as a party against tax increases and we need to be the party of fiscal responsibility. Jim Durkin’s strategy of offering voters a ‘Democrat Lite’ agenda has been a colossal failure. Our party needs bold leadership if we ever hope to get out of the super minority. Jim Durkin has made it clear he is not willing to provide that bold leadership and is leaving the General Assembly. We wish him good luck on his future endeavors.”)
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Colorado will halt busing of migrants to Chicago after conversation with Lightfoot, governor says.”
https://abc7chicago.com/colorado-governor-jared-polis-lori-lightfoot-chicago-migrants/12674846/

ILLINOIS FREEDOM CAUCUS
— Illinois Freedom Caucus
https://illinoisfreedomcaucus.org/
https://www.facebook.com/illinoisfreedomcaucus/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Durkin Retiring Before End of Session, To Become Lobbyist? (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Durkin is glorified and praised by hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters. I should write a book about how since 2000 the leaders of the following have treated conservatives, that is, how they have mistreated conservatives, that is, how they have dumped conservatives: Illinois House Republicans, Illinois Senate Republicans, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.)
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/01/08/durkin-retiring-before-end-of-session-to-become-lobbyist/
— Congresswoman Mary Miller Statement on Conservative Policy Victories in Speakership Negotiations
https://mchenrycountyblog.com/2023/01/08/take-on-u-s-house-speakership-fight/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on the historic conservative victory to ensure the House of Representatives stops reckless spending and holds the Biden Administration accountable to the American people: “I promised my constituents that I would fight to change the status quo in the DC swamp, and thanks to 20 members who insisted on change, we can now celebrate a historic victory for the conservative movement despite intense pressure for us to give up and accept business as usual in Washington. After intense negotiations and hard work by House Freedom Caucus members and House Republican leadership, we changed the rules to ensure that a Republican-controlled House cannot betray conservatives the way that Senate Republicans did when they passed Joe Biden’s $1.7 trillion omnibus. With 40-year high inflation and $31 trillion in debt, we must save our country for our children and grandchildren. Our conservative policy package includes: The power to block an omnibus spending bill from the Senate; The power to eliminate waste by making direct budget cuts to the federal bureaucracy and spending caps to cut spending; A balanced federal budget over the next 10 years A “Church-style” Committee to Investigate the Weaponization of the Federal Government, including the Biden Department of Justice; A Southern Border Security Plan; The end of COVID mandates and funding for them; Requiring 72 hours to read a bill before the vote; The power for one member to call a vote for a new Speaker. I want to thank President Donald Trump, Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, and Speaker Kevin McCarthy for their work making this victory for the conservative movement and the American people possible. I look forward to working with the House Republican Conference to stop Joe Biden’s destructive, radical, leftist agenda!)

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— House GOP Leader Jim Durkin Resigning, Says Trump Republicans, 2nd Amendment and Pro-Life Issues “Dragged” GOP Down in Midterm Election (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Durkin in glorified and praised by hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters. I should write a book about how since 2000 the leaders of the following have treated conservatives, that is, how they have mistreated conservatives, that is, how they have dumped conservatives: Illinois House Republicans, Illinois Senate Republicans, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.)
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2023/01/breaking-house-gop-leader-jim-durkin-resigning-says-trump-republicans-2nd-amendment-and-pro-life-issues-dragged-gop-down-in-midterm-election.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In media interviews after announcing his resignation as House GOP leader, State Rep. Jim Durkin attempted to place all of the blame on the 45th President of the United States Donald Trump. “As long as we continue to say that we are the party of Trump and that we have to abide by the party principles in the platform, 100% we’re gonna continue down this path of losing,” said Durkin. But pointing fingers and blaming others is exactly why Illinois House Republicans are in the super minority – and Durkin has no one else to blame but himself. And blaming the former President does nothing but distract from his own leadership failures. In announcing his resignation on Sunday, Durkin once again began pointing fingers, saying, “I hope that at some point in the near future, and I think we’re getting there, that the party breaks its fever of Donald Trump and understands and learns from the past. Some people will never get there.” But Durkin didn’t just stop there. “So I would just say the sooner that the public realizes that he’s not value added to the Republican Party, we can start looking at what this party used to be about. A party that didn’t insist upon this purity test. A party that is a fiscally conservative first of all, certainly, but we can have a fair and respectful debate within the party on issues related to the Second Amendment, to life and these other social issues, that have been dragging us down in areas that we have to compete in — mainly the suburbs and the collar counties.” To suggest that Second Amendment and pro-life issues are “dragging” the Republican party down is an insult – they are issues that make us Republicans in the first place. In the last week, Illinois Review has published several articles about Durkin using his political influence to target conservative grassroots candidates during the Illinois Primary. Sources also confirmed to Illinois Review that the IL GOP is blaming Durkin for the party’s postage discount abuse, where mailers “Paid for by the Republican Party of Illinois” were sent during the primary to viciously attack conservative Republican grassroots candidates that were challenging Durkin’s friends and political allies. Just a few days ago, Durkin was the only Republican to join the Democrats, voting in favor of the assault weapons ban. The legislation “immediately prohibits the manufacturing, possession, delivery, sales, and purchase of assault weapons” with a few exceptions – if you are a police officer or you are in the military. The Illinois Freedom Caucus sent a late night email urging conservatives to call Democrats and urge them to vote “No,” arguing that the Democrats admitted in committee that they did not consult with gun groups while drafting the legislation – including the Illinois State Rifle Association, who plans on filing a lawsuit when the bill becomes law. Durkin remains a close ally and best friend of IL GOP chairman Don Tracy. During the primary, Durkin was a supporter of Richard Irvin’s Republican campaign for governor, despite Irvin pulling Democratic Primary ballots in 2014, 2016 and 2020.)
— GOP State Central Committee’s Rhonda Belford Attends 109th First Lady’s Luncheon Featuring Jill Biden in September
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2023/01/gop-state-central-committees-rhonda-belford-attends-109th-first-ladys-luncheon-featuring-jill-biden-in-september.html

NBC5
— COMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Outgoing Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin to Resign From Legislature.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/outgoing-illinois-house-gop-leader-jim-durkin-to-resign-from-legislature/3039792/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Falling short of that goal, Durkin was candid about his hope that the Illinois GOP and its base will see the losses up and down the ballot as an opportunity for a reckoning. “The party needs to hit the reset button and realize what happened again on Tuesday, that we cannot allow the far right fringe to control the party,” Durkin said Nov. 10. “If they continue, we will suffer losses at the same level we did this cycle, last cycle.” Durkin says those losses can be traced in large part to one person: former President Donald Trump.)

FOX32
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Illinois Republican House leader Jim Durkin is retiring on Tuesday.” I should write a book about how the leaders of the following since 2000 have treated conservatives, that is, how they have mistreated conservatives, that is, how they have dumped conservatives: Illinois House Republicans, Illinois Senate Republicans, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many of the planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-republican-house-leader-jim-durkin-is-retiring-on-tuesday
(FROM THE ARTICLE: He said at the time that while he accepted responsibility for his own mistakes, former President Donald Trump and the Illinois Republican Party’s MAGA wing bear a lot of blame for the party’s troubles. “As long as we continue to say that we are the party of Trump and that we have to abide by the party principles in the platform, 100% we’re gonna continue down this path of losing,” Durkin said. “Whoever succeeds me, we need to do more to not take these strident positions on issues related to firearms, to issues of reproductive health, issues relating to the gay and lesbian community. There are many people who feel very strong about those issues who would vote for Republicans.”)
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Illinois lawmakers vote to give themselves pay raise, hiking salaries to $85,000.”
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-lawmakers-vote-to-give-themselves-pay-raise-hiking-salaries-to-85000
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Illinois Republican House leader Jim Durkin is retiring on Tuesday.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-republican-house-leader-jim-durkin-is-retiring-on-tuesday

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH PICTURE OF DURKIN: COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Durkin is glorified and praised by hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters. I should write a book about how the leaders of the following since 2000 have treated conservatives, that is, how they have mistreated conservatives, that is, how they have dumped conservatives: Illinois House Republicans, Illinois Senate Republicans, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many of the planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jim-durkin-resigning-house-seat-20230108-f6f6lkonprdsnmdlzmz3vhc4im-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: His psychiatric skills, he said, are no longer able to respond to an increasingly rightward Republican Party mindset, fostered by former President Donald Trump and his followers, that threatens to relegate the party to permanent minority status in the state. . .“The politics have changed. The party over the last at least six years has shifted,” he said. “The only way you can win in Illinois is that you’re going to have to just find the candidates that reflect the district. And we should not hold anyone to the 100% (party) purity test that some people in this party expect throughout the state.” . . . Durkin points the blame for the disastrous election results — particularly in the suburbs that were once a cornerstone of Illinois Republicanism — at a statewide GOP ticket led by gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, a state senator who leaned heavily on his evangelical Christianity in his campaign and who was endorsed by Trump. . . “We had some great (GOP House) candidates in the suburbs and collar counties and they were all painted (by Democrats) with the same brush, as being Trump sympathizers from a party of intolerance and extremists,” he said. “The Trump factor and Jan. 6 is something that’s not going away anytime soon. And that obviously was in many people’s minds when they talked about their fear for democracy.” Durkin said he thinks Republicans in Illinois will not be successful until the party distances itself from Trump and acknowledges both his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and his 2020 election defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden. . .“I hope that at some point in the near future, and I think we’re getting there, that the party breaks its fever of Donald Trump and understands and learns from the past. Some people will never get there,” he said. “So I would just say the sooner that the public realizes that he’s not value added to the Republican Party, we can start looking at what this party used to be about. A party that didn’t insist upon this purity test. A party that is fiscally conservative first of all, certainly, but we can have a fair and respectful debate within the party on issues related to the Second Amendment, to life and these other social issues, that have been dragging us down in areas that we have to compete in — mainly the suburbs and the collar counties,” he said. . .A group of far-right Republican lawmakers known unofficially as the “Eastern Bloc,” of which Bailey was a member, chafed under policies expanding abortion and gay rights and also proposed legislation to make Chicago a separate state. “I can’t run a candidate in the western suburbs who’s going to win who is mirroring what someone says campaigning on in the Deep South,” Durkin said. “I just don’t think we should be promoting the 51st state in the collars and the suburbs when it certainly plays well downstate.” Durkin became friends with the late U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, even serving as his Illinois director in the 2008 presidential campaign against home-state favorite Barack Obama. Durkin said McCain “would have figured a way to avoid” the Republican “mess” that led to the U.S. House taking 15 ballots before electing Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California speaker, and also “would have ensured that on Jan. 6, maybe something different, maybe something could have been averted.” “The John McCain I know would have gone outside of the Capitol and kicked the asses of the insurrectionists and Trump’s as well,” Durkin said. “He’s the statesman that this country needs.” . . .He and Durbin also developed a friendship. . .One of his last legislative votes was as the lone Republican to vote with Democrats to approve a ban on military-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. Durkin, who has long backed various gun control initiatives, said his vote not only represented his district’s beliefs but was a reflection of his years as a prosecutor.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— COIMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Departing state House GOP leader Jim Durkin giving up his seat in Illinois General Assembly.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many of the planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/1/8/23545889/departing-state-house-gop-leader-jim-durkin-giving-up-his-seat-in-illinois-general-assembly
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Western Springs Republican in November said he was relinquishing his role as House minority leader, a largely thankless job as his party moved further to the right and the state moved further to the left. Despite his high-profile departure, Durkin in November told the Sun-Times that he wants moderate Republicans to soldier on. “The state wants people who are more to the middle. That’s why we have a bigger independent voting bloc, because of the extremes in both parties. Extremes on both sides dictate the primaries, and that’s what happens in the general elections,” Durkin said.)
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats a) glorify and praise RINOs and b) demonize, denigrate, and condemn conservatives, that is, platform Republicans, that is, Republicans as being hardliners. Conservative Mary Miller says “I look forward to working with the House Republican Conference to stop Joe Biden’s destructive, radical, leftist agenda.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/1/8/23545037/illinois-rep-mary-miller-20-other-hardliners-gain-power-in-deal-to-back-kevin-mccarthy-for-speaker
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Miller disclosed the outlines of the sweeping agreement. Besides keeping the speaker on a short leash, her group will: Have the power to block the sort of omnibus bill the House and Senate — with GOP support — approved in one of the last major acts of the 117th Congress. Have the power to block an increase in the debt ceiling, with an impasse possibly leading to a government shutdown. Create, as Miller put it, a committee to “investigate the weaponization of the federal government, including the Biden Department of Justice.” Miller, a farmer, who represents the heavily Republican 15th Congressional District in southern Illinois, was raised in suburban Naperville and in November won her second term. She has served on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Education and Labor Committee, but she is best known for her activism fighting against abortion, gun control measures and other hot-button social issues.)
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use assault rifles to promote hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/1/8/23544683/assault-rifles-gun-restrictions-violence-mass-shootings-injuries-treatment-surgeons-miami
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/1/6/23543054/assault-weapons-ban-illinois-legislature-protect-illinois-communities-act-editorial

DAILY HERALD
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “State House Republican leader Durkin announces his exit from the General Assembly.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many of the planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20230108/state-house-republican-leader-durkin-announces-his-exit-from-the-general-assembly
(FROM THE ARTICLE: One of his last acts was voting in favor of a bill that would ban the sale and manufacture of certain high-powered weapons in Illinois. He was the lone Republican to vote for the bill, which the Senate is taking up before the new General Assembly convenes. . .In an interview with NBC 5 Chicago, he also blamed former President Donald Trump for Republican losses. “The Trump factor went too far, and I believe that that was what interrupted part of this red wave,” Durkin said.)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Jim Durkin announces resignation from state Legislature.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/jim-durkin-resigns-state-legislature

CBS2
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Illinois Senators still debating assault weapons ban. Illinois state senators called it quits for the night, ending day four of the lame duck session without voting on the assault weapons ban.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/illinois-senators-still-debating-assault-weapons-ban/
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Illinois state reps, Chicago aldermen oppose planned migrant shelter at old Woodlawn school. In order to transform the school into an emergency shelter, $1.5 million will be spent.” Ever-increasingly, Chicago Democrats illegally promote illegal immigration.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/illinois-state-reps-chicago-aldermen-oppose-planned-migrant-shelter-at-old-woodlawn-school/

WGN RADIO
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden to visit El Paso County migrant services facility, Bridge of the Americas.”
https://wgnradio.com/news/biden-to-visit-el-paso-county-migrant-services-facility-bridge-of-the-americas/

WLDS
— COMMENT: Mary Miller issues a press release outlining some of the upcoming agenda that the 20 Republican holdouts wanted from McCarthy.
https://wlds.com/miller-flips-to-mccarthy-as-he-finally-achieves-house-speaker/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Illinois Democrats push abortion and LGBTQ.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/state/2023/01/08/illinois-democrats-push-to-further-expand-abortion-gender-care-access/69788614007/

DEPAULIA
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use January 6 to promote hatred against Republicans.
https://depauliaonline.com/61501/ap/ap-jan-6-remembrance-led-by-dems-as-gop-wrestled-with-rebels/

DARIEN PATCH
— ‘Radical Left’ Targets Darien Conservative. A letter containing swastikas was left at the house of a man involved in local politics, police said. – David Giuliani
https://patch.com/illinois/darien-il/radical-left-targets-darien-conservative

WCMY
— St. Sen. Rezin says bill with lawmaker raises also gives governor pet project money – Rick Koshko
https://1430wcmy.com/2023/01/09/st-sen-rezin-says-bill-with-lawmaker-raises-also-gives-governor-pet-project-money/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Tazewell GOP appoints Rep. Bennett for open seat – Sam Godby
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/tazewell-gop-appoints-rep-bennett-for-open-seat/

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Illinois Senate amendment filed Sunday would modify proposed gun, magazine ban. Illinois House Speaker ‘will not accept a watered-down version’ – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-senate-amendment-filed-sunday-would-modify-proposed-gun-magazine-ban/article_6c967668-8fa4-11ed-88ba-1761d7badbdd.html

CHICAGO CITY WIRE
— Illinois U.S. Rep Mike Quigley: “As a reminder, we don’t know what concessions Speaker McCarthy made to secure those last votes.” (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Quigley demonizes, denigrates, and condemns conservatives.)
https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/638620446-illinois-u-s-rep-mike-quigley-as-a-reminder-we-dont-know-what-concessions-speaker-mccarthy-made-to-secure-those-last-votes

WIREPOINTS
— Pritzker gets his $400 million slush fund for industrial policy – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/pritzker-gets-his-400-million-slush-fund-for-corporate-relocation-incentives-wirepoints/
— Illinois Democrats vote for 17% lawmaker pay hike, to $85K, even as their constituents struggle. – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/illinois-democrats-vote-for-17-lawmaker-pay-hike-to-85k-as-their-constituents-struggle-wirepoints/

CAPITOL FAX
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Leader Durkin to resign from Illinois House on Tuesday.” Ever-increasingly, Durkin is glorified and praised by hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters. I should write a book about how the leaders of the following since 2000 have treated conservatives, that is, how they have mistreated conservatives, that is, how they have dumped conservatives: Illinois House Republicans, Illinois Senate Republicans, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. Ever-increasingly, Durkin makes it clear that he, like McCain, has always rejected many planks in the Republican Party platform.
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/leader-durkin-to-resign-from-illinois-house-on-tuesday/
(The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the news current Republican Leader Jim Durkin will be resigning as a state legislator. “Leader Jim Durkin is offering all kinds of excuses as he leaves the General Assembly, but the truth is under his leadership our caucus is at its lowest point in membership in a very long time. Leader Durkin squandered money in the 2022 Primary to secure legislative candidates in open seats who were loyal to him and who were not necessarily the best fit for the districts in which they ran, and this proved to be a disastrous decision. We are in this mess not because of our principles but because of our leadership’ lack of commitment to our principles. Jim Durkin has abandoned Republican principles of lower taxes, reduced spending and standing up for our Constitutional rights. Raising taxes to spend more money we don’t have and attacking the Constitutional rights of honest citizens is not a winning message. We need to be united as a party against tax increases and we need to be the party of fiscal responsibility. Jim Durkin’s strategy of offering voters a ‘Democrat Lite’ agenda has been a colossal failure. Our party needs bold leadership if we ever hope to get out of the super minority. Jim Durkin has made it clear he is not willing to provide that bold leadership and is leaving the General Assembly. We wish him good luck on his future endeavors.” The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.)
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Pritzker says “Enough is enough,” claims Senate gun bill “falls short” of a “real assault weapons ban.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/pritzker-says-enough-is-enough-claims-senate-gun-bill-falls-short/
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Speaker Welch flatly rejects Senate proposals on guns, reproductive rights.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/speaker-welch-flatly-rejects-senate-proposals-on-guns-reproductive-rights/
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “The Senate has adjourned until after the governor’s inauguration tomorrow without taking up their own assault weapons proposal or the House’s version, but they will caucus on it tonight. The chamber did pass a pay raise bill, which must be signed into law by the governor before noon tomorrow so that statewide elected officials can get their raises. The constitution bars any adjustments in salaries during a term in office.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/and-thats-a-wrap/
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Senate proposal introduced *** Advocates pressure Senators to support House-passed assault weapons ban as-is.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/advocates-pressure-senators-to-support-house-passed-assault-weapons-ban-as-is/
— COMMENT: Illinois Democrats say “Sunday early afternoon briefing.”
https://capitolfax.com/2023/01/08/sunday-early-afternoon-briefing/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Biden visits border, sees more money as solution to chaos – Stephen Dinan (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats encourage illegal immigration.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jan/8/biden-first-border-visit-says-answer-more-money/
— Media engages in ‘hysteria’ over McCarthy victory – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jan/8/inside-beltway-media-engages-hysteria-over-mccarth/
— Speaker McCarthy’s leadership tested anew as moderates examine deal on House rules – Ramsey Touchberry (COMMENT: Moderates a) reject some, many, most, if not virtually all the planks in the Republican Party platform and b) destroy Republicans who support the planks that moderates reject.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jan/8/kevin-mccarthys-rocky-road-speakership-raises-ques/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Chicago requests more state funds for migrants – Andrew Hensel
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/chicago-requests-more-state-funds-for-migrants
— Illinois gun ban bill advances, poised to pass before end of lame-duck. – Greg Bishop
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/illinois-gun-ban-bill-advances-poised-to-pass-before-end-of-lame-duck
— Immigration issues to dominate Biden’s ‘Three Amigos’ summit in Mexico – Naomi Lim
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/immigration-issues-to-dominate-bidens-three-amigos-summit-in-mexico/ar-AA166aIC
— Capitalism is the way to address racial inequality – Alfredo Ortiz
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/fairness-justice/capitalism-is-the-way-to-address-racial-inequality

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— A Rendezvous With Rwanda? As Americans separate, do we really know the final consequences of what the diversity, equity, and inclusion tribalism truly entails? – Victor Davis Hanson
https://amgreatness.com/2023/01/08/a-rendezvous-with-rwanda/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Why does the GOP elite hate its own base? – John Dale Dunn
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/01/why_does_the_gop_elite_hate_its_own_base.html
— America’s Border Remains Open – William Manning
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2023/01/americas_border_remains_open.html
— We really could use a grievance scorecard. – Walter E. Block (COMMENT: How bad is your score? According to Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, RINOs, and other hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters, the more of the following that you are, the more preference that you should get: minority, female, younger, LGBTQ, poor, non-married, non-Christian, non-Protestant, non-Italian American, non-German American, and/or if your ancestors have not been in America for a long time. To give preference to one group is to discriminate against another group. To give preference to those who are the aforesaid is to discriminate against those who are White, male, older, heterosexual, non-poor, married, Christian, Protestant, Italian American, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/01/we_really_could_use_a_grievance_scorecard.html
— Scandal champ George Santos is now accused of being a white supremacist – Rajan Laad
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/01/scandal_champ_george_santos_is_now_accused_of_being_a_white_supremacist.html
— Election Fraud Infrastructure: Your Government At Work! – Jay Valentine
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2023/01/election_fraud_infrastructure_your_government_at_work.html

BHARAT EXPRESS
— Biden criticized for comparing illegal aliens to Jews fleeing Nazis: ‘Shameful and unreachable’
https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/biden-criticized-for-comparing-illegal-aliens-to-jews-fleeing-nazis-shameful-and-unreachable/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— ‘I didn’t mean it that way’: Crenshaw tries to justify incendiary ‘terrorists’ label for McCarthy holdouts – Chris Donaldson (COMMENT: I should write a book about candidates on ballots in my precinct since 2000 who painted themselves as being conservative to win Republican primaries, but after they win general elections, turn anti-conservative.)
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2023/01/08/i-didnt-mean-it-that-way-crenshaw-tries-to-justify-incendiary-terrorists-label-for-mccarthy-holdouts-1323138/

BREITBART
— Biden Laying Groundwork for ‘Mass Amnesty’ with Expanded Catch and Release Policy – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/01/08/experts-biden-laying-groundwork-for-mass-amnesty-with-expanded-catch-and-release-policy/
— Florida Set to Take Biden Administration to Trial over Immigration Parole Program – JORDAN DIXON-HAMILTON
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/01/08/florida-set-to-take-biden-administration-to-trial-over-immigration-parole-program/

CHRISTIAN POST
— A third of Americans have stopped going to church – Anugrah Kumar (COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats succeed in getting churches to push the anti-religious Democrat Party platform including dependency on government and charity, LGBTQ, abortion, mass/illegal immigration, and race and gender based preference giving.)
https://www.christianpost.com/news/a-third-of-americans-have-stopped-attending-church-survey.html

DAILY SIGNAL
— ‘Two Years Too Late,’ Texas Gov. Abbott Says of Biden’s First Trip to the Border. – Virginia Allen
https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/01/08/two-years-too-late-texas-gov-abbott-tells-biden-presidents-first-trip-border/

EPOCH TIMES
— Illinois House Sends Gun Bill to Senate. Gun rights groups vow to continue fight. – Michael Clements and Mimi Nguyen Ly
https://www.theepochtimes.com/illinois-house-approves-ban-on-commonly-owned-firearms-bill-heads-to-senate_4969292.html
— McCarthy says the first bill he wants passed is one to cut back funding for 87,000 new IRS agents. – Jack Phillips (COMMENT: I worked for IRS for almost 9 years and I worked for GAO on audits of IRS for 3 years. I should write a book about those who have wasted my knowledge of IRS the most. I would focus on a) my Democrat IRS and GAO superiors, b) my Republican U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives, c) their staff members, and d) Republican candidates for those offices.)
https://www.theepochtimes.com/mkt_app/mccarthy-reveals-very-first-bill-after-being-elected-house-speaker_4969975.html

FOX NEWS
— Chris Rufo scorches the Washington Post for its latest CRT ‘lies,’ paper forced to issue correction. ‘Democracy dies when the media lies,’ Rufo said. – Alexander Hall
https://www.foxnews.com/media/chris-rufo-scorches-washington-post-latest-crt-lies-paper-forced-issue-correction
— Colorado cancels plans to send migrants to NYC, Chicago amid outcry from Democratic mayors. Lori Lightfoot of Chicago and Eric Adams of New York City demanded an end to the program. – Anders Hagstrom
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/colorado-cancels-plans-send-migrants-nyc-chicago-outcry-democratic-mayors
— Biden slammed for comparing illegal aliens to Jews fleeing Nazis: ‘Shameful and out of touch’ – Michael Lee
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-slammed-comparing-illegal-aliens-jews-fleeing-nazis-shameful-out-of-touch
— ‘Three Amigos’ summit we need: Biden, other leaders must get serious on energy, China, cartels. We need an updated Monroe Doctrine that emphasizes North American security and prosperity. – Rep. Michael Waltz
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/three-amigos-summit-we-need-biden-must-get-serious-border-china-cartels

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Chair of California’s Reparations Task Force Says Black People are Really Owed $1 Million Each. Meanwhile, a black activist warned the committee in an interview: ‘Comply or it’s going to be a serious backlash’ – Leslie Eastman
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/01/chair-of-californias-reparations-task-force-says-black-people-are-really-owed-1-million-each/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Governor Abbott Accuses Biden of Hiding from Border ‘Chaos’ with ‘Sanitized’ Visit – CAROLINE DOWNEY
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/governor-abbott-accuses-biden-of-hiding-from-border-chaos-with-sanitized-visit/
— How Transgenderism Stretched the Rights Movement to Its Breaking Point. Its lack of intellectual or moral credibility makes the ideology a much tougher sell than the rights-based activism of the past. – MADELEINE KEARNS
https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/01/how-transgenderism-stretched-the-rights-movement-to-its-breaking-point/

NEWSMAX
— Biden Rebuked for Equating Migrants to Jews Fleeing Holocaust – Eric Mack
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/joe-biden-jews-holocaust/2023/01/08/id/1103523/

PJ MEDIA
— NYC, Chicago Mayors Politely Ask Democratic Governor to Stop Busing Asylum Seekers to Their Cities – RICK MORAN
https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/rick-moran/2023/01/08/nyc-chicago-mayors-politely-ask-democratic-governor-to-stop-busing-asylum-seekers-to-their-cities-n1659776
— ‘Deflective Whiteness’: The Latest Cockamamie Social Justice™ Race Hustle – BEN BARTEE
https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/benbartee/2023/01/08/deflective-whiteness-the-latest-cockamamie-social-justice-race-hustle-n1659852

TOWNHALL
— Why RINOs Are RINOs – Rachel Alexander
https://townhall.com/columnists/rachelalexander/2023/01/09/why-rinos-are-rinos-n2618036
(FROM THE ARTICLE: RINOs always declare that they side with Democrats out of “principles,” and attack conservatives for the exact same reasons the left does; the usual vague claims that they’re offensive, too extreme and unelectable. But their assertion of being principled is a smokescreen. Ever notice how RINOs are always well off, well networked and have been around a long time as GOP establishment? It comes down to follow the money and who they know, but they’re too dishonest to admit it.)

REUTERS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Why migrants are crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in record numbers.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/why-are-migrants-crossing-us-mexico-border-record-numbers-2023-01-08/

NBC NEWS
— COMMENT: Democrats say: “Biden makes first trip as president to U.S.-Mexico border as administration imposes restrictions.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-makes-first-trip-president-us-mexico-border-administration-impos-rcna64808
— COMMENT: Democrats want Congress to represent America’s population as Democrats flood America with citizens of foreign countries who have demographics that overwhelmingly vote for Democrats, that is, those who need/want massive government assistance, lack education, lack job skills, and/or are younger, female, Catholic, and/or Hispanic.
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/representative-118th-congress-rcna64788

MSN
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden slammed for comparing illegal aliens to Jews fleeing Nazis: Shameful and out of touch.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/biden-slammed-for-comparing-illegal-aliens-to-jews-fleeing-nazis-shameful-and-out-of-touch/ar-AA166qvL?li=BBnbcA1

YAHOO NEWS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “A new study found kids consuming cannabis at astronomical rates — because the packaging looks so yummy.”
https://www.yahoo.com/now/study-found-kids-consuming-cannabis-161515683.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— COMMENT: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarian, Greens, Independents, and RINOs illegally encourage citizens of foreign countries a) to illegally come to America illegally and b) to illegally stay in America illegally. Needless-to-day, Democrats, Libertarian, Greens, Independents, and RINOs should be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/us/politics/supreme-court-immigration-free-speech.html
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden Visits Southern Border Amid Fresh Crackdown on Migrants.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/us/politics/biden-southern-border-immigration.html
— COMMENT: A Democrat says “The Republicans Are Putting Trump Out to Pasture.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/opinion/republicans-trump-speaker.html

WASHINGTON POST
— COMMENT: Democrats say Pritzker says “Hike cabinet pay to ‘bring, retain great people.” I was a federal employee for almost 30 years and I have been a federal retiree for more than 25 years. According to my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes, a) federal employees are grossly overpaid and b) federal pensions are far too generous. They hint/imply/argue/shout that bad pay and benefits are major reasons why they have never applied for a federal job, but the real reasons include: a) they cannot pass required employment examinations, b) they lack required education, professional certifications, and/or licenses, c) they cannot pass required background investigations, and/or d) they lack required work experience. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes who would never be offered a federal job if they applied because of the aforesaid. I got and kept three federal jobs (Post Office Carrier/Clerk for almost 3 years, IRS Revenue Officer for almost 9 years, and GAO Analyst for almost 18 years) a) because I passed required employment examinations (Post Office employment examination, Federal Service Entrance Examination, CPA examination, and Certified Internal Auditor examination), b) because I had required education (high school diploma, bachelor’s degree in management and master’s degrees in business, accounting, and finance), professional certifications (CPA, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Financial Services Auditor, and Forensic Accountant), and a CPA license, c) because I passed required background investigations, and d) because I had required work experience (almost 9 years working for IRS, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $92,279-$104.583/year).
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/pritzker-hike-cabinet-pay-to-bring-retain-great-people/2023/01/08/854049e8-8fa2-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden makes first visit to the border of his presidency amid migrant surge.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/01/08/biden-migrants-border/
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Evanston promised Black residents reparations. Few have been paid. Despite its problems, the city’s $20 million effort, aimed at rectifying decades of housing discrimination, is seen as a model for reparations being considered across the country.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/01/09/evanston-reparations-black-residents/

WALLSTREET JOURNAL
— Biden Bows to Blackmail on Migrants. The administration rewards Venezuelan trafficking with 30,000 new visas. – Mary Anastasia O’Grady
https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-blackmail-on-migrants-venezuela-cuba-authoritarian-national-security-border-immigration-11673212207
— What’s in Kevin McCarthy’s Deal With Conservatives. House speaker made pledges on what bills he would bring to the floor and agreed to make it easier to oust him. – Natalie Andrews
https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-in-kevin-mccarthys-deal-with-conservatives-11673188873

FORBES
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Abbott And Mayorkas Spar Over Immigration As Biden Heads To Border For First Official Visit.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/01/08/abbott-and-mayorkas-spar-over-immigration-as-biden-heads-to-border-for-first-official-visit/

BLOOMBERG
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Biden, Abbott Face Off Over Immigration at the Mexico-Texas Border.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-08/biden-s-mexico-texas-border-visit-turns-focus-to-asylum-seekers

PBS
— COMMENT: Democrats say “Ahead of Biden’s U.S.-Mexico border visit, migrants fear new rules.”
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/ahead-of-bidens-u-s-mexico-border-visit-migrants-fear-new-rules

CPA JOURNAL
— Why People Leave Public Accounting. Some firms have an “up-or-out” mentality. – Edward Mendlowitz (COMMENT: Applicants for federal jobs who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran should be advised that if they do not make a) GS-13, $109,732/year, by age 25, b) G-14, $129,671/year, by age 30, c) GS-15, $152,527/year, by age 35, and d) Senior Executive Service, $183,500/year by age 40, the Democrats who run the federal government will waste your career and get rid of you. Extremely few federal employees make the aforesaid promotion deadlines.)
https://www.cpajournal.com/2023/01/06/icymi-why-people-leave-public-accounting/

GUARDIAN
— COMMENT: Hate-filled America-hating America-haters say “Biden is throwing migrants under the bus to appease Republican fearmongering.”
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/09/biden-is-throwing-migrants-under-the-bus-to-appease-republican-fearmongering

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.