March 30 Evening Edition

ABC7
— THE OFFICER MANAGER WHO WORE A WIRE AGAINST EX-CONGRESSMAN SCHOCK – Chuck Goudie
http://abc7chicago.com/news/the-officer-manager-who-wore-a-wire-against-schock-/1826860/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The I-Team looked into who it was that worked as an FBI informant inside the ranks of former Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock. Aaron Schock’s attorneys say the staffer who was wired for sound was his Peoria district office manager. Although not named in this week’s new Schock court filing, the only district manager during that time period was Bryan Rudolph, a political science and government degree-holder from Wheaton College. Prosecutors are likely to make Rudolph a key component of the government’s corruption case against former Schock, unless Schock’s lawyers can stop it. It was obvious from the time Schock was charged that federal agents had help from inside. His lawyers now claim in a new filing this week that Schock’s Peoria district manager “covertly record private conversations with and between Mr. Schock and his staff;” claiming the manager “stole” thousands of email messages and illegally took congressional office records. The manager then, whom the I-Team identified as 32-year-old Bryan Rudolph, consented to be an informant only after Schock had announced his resignation in March 2015, according to the defense filing. Rudolph, whose resume states that he began working for the federal government’s Social Security Administration in 2007, did not return messages or answer emails on Thursday concerning the undercover work or claims that evidence he gathered had been illegally obtained. Schock’s attorneys rip the government’s use of the staffer-turned-informant; in the court record they say that he broke the law by stealing information from the Illinois Republican’s files. They call it a trail of improper – if not outright illegal – acts. Schock is accused of numerous federal corruption charges including wire and mail fraud, theft of government funds and falsifying federal election filings. Prosecutors say he pocketed thousands in improper vehicle reimbursements, camera equipment and proceeds from selling tickets to the World Series and Super Bowl. Attorneys for Schock plan to ask that the case be thrown out because of how the informant evidence was gathered – or at least that the evidence collected by the office manager be barred from trial.)

 

CBS2
— Democrat Mendoza: Illinois Republican Party ‘Creepily Stalking’ Her – Derrick Blakley
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/30/democrat-mendoza-illinois-republican-party-creepily-stalking-her/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: An increasingly bitter political battle between two top Illinois officials has entered a new phase: car wars. As Democrat Susana Mendoza left the state capital Thursday and entered her state-purchased vehicle, she was followed by an Illinois GOP operative who shot video of her. Republicans later tweeted about Mendoza’s “loaded,” luxurious ride. The implication is that state government may be broke, but Mendoza’s living large on the taxpayer’s dime. Mendoza was furious, saying in a counter-tweet that the Illinois Republican Party was “creepily stalking me.” It’s the latest flap between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Mendoza over who’s doing the most to look out for taxpayers. But does the GOP’s charge really hold up? Mendoza’s ride is a 2016 Ford Explorer, purchased used in January, with 16,431 miles. Total cost was $32,279. An invoice provided to CBS 2 shows Gov. Rauner’s main ride is newer, larger and more expensive. It’s a Ford Expedition XLT with extended length. It was purchased new, last December, by state police, at a cost $54,000. That is 67 percent more than Mendoza’s car. A Rauner spokesperson points out state police purchased the new vehicle – not Rauner’s office – even though the governor uses it. State police, of course, report directly to the governor.)
— Rahm Says Thompson Center Sale “Shouldn’t Be This Tough,” Blames Governor – Craig Dellimore
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/30/rahm-says-thompson-center-sale-shouldnt-be-this-tough-blames-governor/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Credit agency warns of ‘long-term damage’ in Illinois if no budget deal by May 31 – Monique Garcia
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-budget-moodys-rauner-met-0331-20170330-story.html
— International applications still on the rise at many Illinois colleges – Dawn Rhodes  (DIERSEN: What percent of high school students in America are boozers and stoners compared to high school students in foreign countries?)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-international-student-applications-illinois-universities-20170330-story.html
— Pence breaks tie to allow states to block federal money for abortion providers – Paige Winfield Cunningham
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-pence-breaks-tie-antiabortion-measure-20170330-story.html
— Trump vows to fight hard-line conservatives in 2018 midterm elections – John Wagner, Mike Debonis and Robert Costa
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-donald-trump-house-freedom-caucus-20170330-story.html
— College grads see slim-to-nothing wage gain since recession – Austin Weinstein  (DIERSEN: In 1971, when I was 22 years old, IRS hired at the GS-7 level, currently $44,853.  In 1972, IRS promoted me to GS-9, currently $54,864.  In 1973, IRS promoted me to GS-11, currently $66,379.  In 1974, IRS promoted me to GS-12, currently $79,563.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-college-grads-wage-gain-20170330-story.html
— WWI: Why the world goes to war – Lara Weber  (DIERSEN: My grandfather on my father’s side fought the Germans in WWI.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-world-war-i-twilight-kings-anniversary-100-flashback-perspec-0402-jm-20170329-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Nearly three years after the start of what was then called “The Great War,” the United States entered World War I with a congressional declaration of war against Germany on April 6, 1917. Until then, President Woodrow Wilson had maintained a policy of non-intervention, and a strong antiwar sentiment had swept the U.S. as casualties mounted on the battlefields across Europe and beyond. But the growing threat of a powerful German navy and its fleet of submarines attacking American shipping, plus evidence that Germany was trying to draw Mexico to its side, persuaded Wilson to join forces with Great Britain and France.)
— Illinois adds solar jobs despite stormy forecast in Washington – Ally Marotti
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-illinois-solar-jobs-0330-biz-20170330-story.html

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Donor’s lawsuit against Aaron Schock dismissed – Jon Seidel
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/donors-lawsuit-against-aaron-schock-dismissed/
— Gov. Bruce Rauner in statewide TV ads a year before primary – Tina Sfondeles
http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/gov-bruce-rauner-in-statewide-tv-ads-a-year-before-primary/
— Governing gives way to campaign theatrics as Illinois tumbles – Editorial
http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/governing-gives-way-to-campaign-theatrics-as-illinois-tumbles/
— As GOP schism grows, Donald Trump attacks fellow Republicans – AP
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/donald-trump-thumps-freedom-caucus-over-health-care/

 

DAILY HERALD
— 6 years for Oswego man who threatened tollway chairman Robert Schillerstrom – Justin Kmitch
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170330/news/170339876/

 

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Moody’s warns Illinois it must pass budget by May 31 – Doug Finke
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170330/moodys-warns-illinois-it-must-pass-budget-by-may-31
— Illinois students will learn how to report hate speech on social media – Brian Robbins  (DIERSEN: Ever-increasing, anti-Trumps demonize, denigrate, and condemn members of the following groups as being haters: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owner, German American, draft avoider (except Bill Clinton), and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170330/illinois-students-will-learn-how-to-report-hate-speech-on-social-media
— $2.2 million more in medical school cuts considered because of budget crisis – Dean Olsen
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170330/22-million-more-in-medical-school-cuts-considered-because-of-budget-crisis

 

FOX ILLINOIS
— DISGUSTING: Bill Would Bring Recreational Pot Dispensary to Springfield – Brendan Cullerton
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/bill-would-bring-recreational-pot-dispensary-to-springfield-03-30-2017

 

SANAMON SUN
— Rauner administration joins fight against hate crime – Ruth de Jauregui (DIERSEN: Anti-Trumps dominate run Illinois.  Ever-increasingly, they demonstrate their hatred of those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, rich, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders (except Bill Clinton), and/or those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://sangamonsun.com/stories/511091742-rauner-administration-joins-fight-against-hate-crime

 

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Wheaton Warrenville Community Unified School District 200 candidate Harold Lonks to vote against referendum – Cheyenne Dickerson
http://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511099338-school-board-candidate-to-vote-against-referendum

 

WIRE POINTS
— ‘The Privilege Tax’: Illinois House, Senate Bills Would Destroy the State’s Financial Sector. Really. – Mark Glennon
http://www.wirepoints.com/illinois-house-senate-bills-would-destroy-most-of-the-states-financial-sector-really-wirepoints-original/

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— ‘GRAND BARGAIN’ WOULD CUT PRIVATE SECTOR PAY AND CONTINUE GOVERNMENT WORKER PERKS – Michael Lucci
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/grand-bargain-would-cut-private-sector-pay-and-continue-government-worker-perks/

 

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Abortionist Works on Bicep Strength to Extract Those Darn Baby Heads – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamily.org/life/abortionist-works-bicep-strength-extract-darn-baby-heads/

 

BREITBART
— OUTSTANDING: TX Gov Abbott: I Will Sign Legislation That Could Put Sheriffs of Sanctuary Cities in Jail – PAM KEY
http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/30/tx-gov-abbott-will-sign-legislation-put-sheriffs-sanctuary-cities-jail/
— North Carolina Bows to Threats From NCAA, Will Repeal HB2 Law –  DYLAN GWINN  (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, sports promotes LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2017/03/30/north-carolina-bows-threats-ncaa-will-repeal-hb2-law/

 

GOPUSA
— Emanuel Introduces City ID Plan for Illegal Aliens
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=22501
— Social Conservatives Haven’t Paid Attention: 40% of Disney Staff was Gay in ’98  (DIERSEN: I worked for ITS 1971-1980.  IRS assigned one of its few openly gay employees to be my deskmate 1976-1980.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=22408
— Trump Threatens Freedom Caucus
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=22513

 

FOX NEWS INSIDER
— O’Reilly: Hatred Toward Pres. Trump Has Reached a ‘Dangerous Level’ (DIERSEN: Who in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois takes the lead in promoting hatred against Trump?)
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03/29/donald-trump-approval-rating-poll-obamacare-replacement-failure-bill-oreilly-talking
— Trump Goes After Freedom Caucus: ‘We Must Fight Them & Dems in 2018’ (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03/30/trump-blasts-conservative-house-freedom-caucus-we-must-fight-them
— Freedom Caucus Did a ‘Grave Disservice,’ But Trump Shouldn’t ‘Punch Down’ – Karl Rove
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03/30/karl-rove-donald-trump-tweet-house-freedom-caucus

 

NEWSMAX
— Trump Slams Freedom Caucus: ‘We Must Fight Them’ – Jeffrey Rodack  (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/donald-trump-freedom-caucus-twitter/2017/03/30/id/781559/
— Ryan: I Don’t Want Trump Working With Dems on Healthcare – Sandy Fitzgerald
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/paul-ryan-donald-trump-democrats-bipartisanship/2017/03/30/id/781507/

 

DAILY CALLER
— UNACCEPTABLE: An Estimated 36,000 Illegal Immigrants Have Received Amnesty Under Trump, As He Reneges On Promise – ALEX PFEIFFER
http://dailycaller.com/2017/03/30/an-estimated-36000-illegal-immigrants-have-received-amnesty-under-trump-as-he-reneges-on-promise/
— Chicago Hides Critical Info On Illegal Immigrants From Feds – Kerry Picket
http://dailycaller.com/2017/03/29/chicago-hides-critical-info-on-illegal-immigrants-from-feds/
— Trump: ‘We Must Fight’ House Freedom Caucus In 2018 – PHILLIP STUCKY  (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
http://dailycaller.com/2017/03/30/trump-we-must-fight-house-freedom-caucus-in-2018/
— Donald Trump Wants To Change Libel Laws To Combat Negative New York Times Coverage – Kaitlan Collins
http://dailycaller.com/2017/03/30/donald-trump-wants-to-change-libel-laws-to-combat-negative-new-york-times-coverage/

 

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows says White House advisers are leading Trump astray – JASON RUSSELL
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/freedom-caucus-chairman-mark-meadows-says-white-house-advisers-are-leading-trump-astray/article/2618911

 

THE HILL
— Gutiérrez: Sanctuary cities are actually ‘Fourth Amendment cities’ – MARK HENSCH  (DIERSEN: Sanctuary Cities should be called “Fort Sumter Cities.” If/when Democrats start another Civil War like they did in 1861, they will be defeated again just like they were defeated in 1865. Democrats use illegals today like they used slaves in the past.)
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/326275-dem-rep-sanctuary-cities-are-fourth-amendment-cities
— Trump threatens to ‘fight’ Freedom Caucus in midterms – JORDAN FABIAN  (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/326463-trump-threatens-to-fight-freedom-caucus-in-midterms
— Trump, Freedom Caucus turn on each other – JONATHAN EASLEY, SCOTT WONG AND CRISTINA MARCOS
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/326550-trump-freedom-caucus-turn-on-each-other
— Pence breaks tie, allowing Senate to revoke Obama order on abortion provider funding – JORDAIN CARNEY
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/326595-pence-breaks-tie-allowing-senate-to-revoke-obama-order

 

CNN
— Trump, Ryan go public with fight against Freedom Caucus – Phil Mattingly, Lauren Fox, Jeremy Diamond
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/politics/freedom-caucus-trump-tweet/index.html

 

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump: ‘We must fight’ hard-line conservative Freedom Caucus in 2018 midterm elections – John Wagner, Mike DeBonis and Robert Costa (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/trump-we-must-fight-hard-line-conservative-freedom-caucus-in-2018-midterm-elections/2017/03/30/56783e38-154e-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html

 

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Seeking a way forward, Trump increasingly finds himself at odds with his own party – Michael A. Memoli and Lisa Mascaro
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-trump-party-20170330-story.html

 

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Warns House Conservatives: ‘Get on the Team’  Freedom Caucus members withheld support last week from the health-care bill – MICHAEL C. BENDER and NATALIE ANDREWS (DIERSEN: Because of this, will my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes hint/imply/argue/shout that I am a member of the Freedom Caucus?)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-warns-house-conservatives-get-on-the-team-1490883419

 

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— S&P sides with foreign countries against America.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-03-30/s-p-sanctuary-cities-wont-see-ratings-dip-with-trump-order

 

DAILY BEAST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Anti-Trumps say “Trump Threatens War With Freedom Caucus.” and asks “Could He Survive?”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/03/30/trump-threatens-war-with-freedom-caucus-could-he-survive.html

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.