October 22 Evening Edition

NBC5
— Rauner Likely to Draw Primary Opponent, Possible Third-Party Candidate as Right-Wing Backlash Heats Up – Mary Ann Ahern and Shelby Bremer
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/governor-rauner-conservative-challenger-452283453.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The movement to take down incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner from within his own party is gaining steam. A coalition of conservative, anti-abortion organizations met Saturday for the second time in as many weeks to discuss a “viable Republican primary candidate” against the first-term governor, according to Paul Caprio, director of the Family-Pac political action committee. While no formal decision was made, Caprio said the group of about 35 people planned to meet again in November “to further clarify the group’s position” and likely endorse a challenger to Rauner. “Historically, the way the pro-life, pro-family movement has operated relative to selecting and endorsing candidates for statewide office, we have always had a meeting of all of these different groups together,” Caprio said. The coalition met around this time three years ago, he continued, at which point there was a split, though not drastic, among its members in their support of a gubernatorial candidate. The group officially endorsed then-state Sen. Kirk Dillard, though some in attendance chose instead to back state Sen. Bill Brady. Rauner – the eventual nominee – was invited to the 2014 meeting despite his pro-abortion rights stance at the time, though he declined to attend or fill out a questionnaire to receive the organizations’ support and financial backing. While some of the organizations eventually ended up supporting Rauner in the race against the incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn, this time around, the coalition has made it clear that under no circumstances will Rauner receive their endorsement. During its initial meeting on Oct. 9, the coalition of 20 statewide organizations voted unanimously in favor of a “Bill of Particulars” outlining the groups’ stance on Rauner and in particular, his support of House Bill 40. Signed into law on Sept. 28, HB 40 allows the state of Illinois to cover abortions for its employees and Medicaid recipients, and protects access to abortion in Illinois should the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing it be overturned. Rauner publicly changed his stance on the issue multiple times, attempting to traverse the politically difficult decision without alienating either his GOP base or more moderate, particularly female voters ahead of his upcoming bid for re-election. However, his choice to ultimately sign the bill into law angered conservatives, who have quickly moved to organize against him. The coalition’s “Bill of Particulars” vows that the groups will not support Rauner in next year’s GOP primary or general election after he “shockingly, caved to pressure from radical abortion extremists and signed this dastardly legislation” and will only support candidates committed to repealing the law. This marks a major departure from 2014 in which some organizations offered Rauner their qualified endorsement in solely the general election. Now, conservative groups have not only disavowed Rauner, but are actively searching for a challenger. One potential candidate is state Rep. Jeanne Ives, of Wheaton. Ives said earlier this month that she was “exploring the option by having important conversations with folks around the state,” and while she hasn’t begun circulating nominating petitions, sources said that may change over the next week. Ives is looking into forming an exploratory committee, sources said, adding that she would likely run if she could raise $1 million. While Ives is among the candidates that the anti-abortion groups are considering, Caprio said there have been a few other names floated and the coalition hopes to make an official determination at its next meeting in November. Reflecting on this year’s “unusual set of circumstances,” Caprio said that there are typically three or four significant candidates in the race at the time the groups make their decision, but without any declared challengers – who would certainly face an uphill battle against an incumbent Republican governor with very deep pockets – the task of reaching a consensus has become that much more difficult. But the groups are united in their staunch opposition to Rauner’s re-election, so much so that Caprio foresees a situation in which conservatives might even “take two bites at the apple.” While the right-wing firebrand was not in attendance at Saturday’s meeting, former Congressman Joe Walsh is also considering throwing his hat in the ring for governor – but only as an Independent. In August, Walsh slammed Rauner, saying he was “done” should the governor sign a bill to effectively turn Illinois into a so-called “sanctuary state,” preventing law enforcement officials from detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status. And ever since Rauner signed that bill the following week, it appears as though Walsh – who did not immediately respond to request for comment – has been floating the idea of taking on the governor himself. “He feels like he’s going to focus his interest, in the issue of the defeat of Rauner, on the possibility of his own Independent candidacy,” Caprio said of Walsh, adding that the oft-incendiary radio host is “very interested” in running. But Walsh is leaning towards waiting until after the primary, Caprio said, to see if Rauner is able to emerge victorious even without a large swath of conservative support. If the billionaire governor succeeds, Walsh may at that point enter the race as an Independent – drawing both votes and perhaps even the backing of Republican organizations away from the GOP governor. “If Rauner and his millions are able to buy the election, if our candidate were not successful in the Republican primary, then I think there would be a very serious discussion of the possibility of an independent candidate,” Caprio said. But first, the organizations will gather once again in November at which point it’s “very likely that we will have a candidate,” he added.)
— Illinois Governor’s Race Could Be Costliest in US History – AP
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-governors-race-could-be-costliest-in-us-history-452305953.html

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Wheaton lawmaker Ives looks at primary challenge of Rauner – Rick Pearson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-jeanne-ives-bruce-rauner-primary-20171022-story.html
— Man wants mom’s tombstone (in Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton) to say she ‘supported priest rapist victims,’ but diocese objects – Angie Leventis Lourgos
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-grave-marker-sex-abuse-20171020-story.html
— Russian Americans divided over Trump, fear another Cold War – Colby Itkowitz
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-russian-americans-trump-cold-war-20171022-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Over 14,000 apply to be Chicago Police officers – Taylor Hartz (DIERSEN: What employment examinations have you passed? GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. GAO would not have offered me a job if I not passed the CPA examination in 1979 and earned an MBA in 1976. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. IRS would not have offered me a job if I had not passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination and earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1970. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office would not have offered me a job if I had not passed its employment examination and earned a high school diploma in 1966.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chicago-police-officer-applications/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Sunday that 14,020 people have applied to become Chicago Police officers. The Chicago Police Department will give an exam in December, the second one this year and the fourth in six years. The city plans to add nearly 1,000 officers by the end of 2018. The mayor said his proposed budget includes more than $27 million for increased police training to help departments reach hiring goals. In August, Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said the two-year hiring plan was moving on schedule, and that an April exam generated 8,700 qualified candidates. When announcing the upcoming exam, Johnson emphasized a need for greater diversity in the police force. “CPD should reflect the demographics of this city. If we’re gonna get there, we have to ensure that we have a viable pool of people to constantly pull from,” he said. The mayor’s office said the current “applicant pool reflects the diversity of the city.” Of the applicants, 35 percent are female and 76 percent identify as minorities. The exam is scheduled for Dec. 16 at McCormick Place.)
— Trump voting commission criticized for lack of transparency – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/trump-voting-commission-criticized-for-lack-of-transparency/

DAILY HERALD
— Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton won’t allow mention of “rapist” priests at grave – AP
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20171021/news/310219960/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A man is in a dispute with a Roman Catholic diocese over his efforts to install a marker at his mother’s gravesite at a suburban Chicago cemetery that proclaims her support for victims of “rapist” priests. The Chicago Tribune reports that Jack Ruhl of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was informed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet that it would not allow a marker at the grave of Marguerite Ridgeway at a cemetery the diocese owns in the suburban Wheaton that incudes what it calls “explicit language.” Ridgeway died in 2015. The attorney suggested in a letter that the marker could read that Ridgeway supported “victims of clergy sex abuse.” Ruhl says it is important to keep the words “priest rapist victims” because those are the people his mother supported.)

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Lawmakers set to return Tuesday for veto session – Doug Finke
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20171022/lawmakers-set-to-return-tuesday-for-veto-session

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— Rockford mayor puts brakes on Welcoming City proposal (DIERSEN: Welcoming cities do not respect the rule of law and 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, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.rrstar.com/news/20171020/rockford-mayor-puts-brakes-on-welcoming-city-proposal

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
–‘Welcoming City’ resolution considered for Springfield Tuesday, October 24
http://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article180318656.html
— Springfield mulls becoming a ‘Welcoming City’ for undocumented immigrants – MARY COOLEY (DIERSEN: Welcoming cities do not respect the rule of law and 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, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America longer than their ancestors.)
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article179765771.html

SOUTHERN
— Voter advocates push Illinois to exit multistate database – AP
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/voter-advocates-push-illinois-to-exit-multistate-database/article_7334ca63-d9d7-5e1f-9fb3-02cbb4491831.html

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Graham to Trump: ‘Go after Russia because they’re coming after us’ – ELI WATKINS (DIERSEN: Should I start going after those who come after me?)
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/graham-to-trump-go-after-russia-because-theyre-coming-after-us/842339261

NPR ILLINOIS
— Illinois Issues: Cities Lose Out On Retail Tax As Online Shopping Booms – MARY HANSEN
http://nprillinois.org/post/illinois-issues-cities-lose-out-retail-tax-online-shopping-booms#stream/0

ANDY MARTIN
— New Hampshire corruption fighter Andy Martin reminisces on his fifty years of fighting political corruption, which began in Chicago in 1967
http://contrariancommentary.blogspot.com/2017/10/chicago-news-conference-new-hampshire.html
https://contrariancommentary.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/chicago-news-conference-new-hampshire-corruption-fighter-andy-martin-reminisces-on-his-fifty-years-of-fighting-political-corruption-which-began-in-chicago-in-1967/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Family PAC Suggests Candidate Like Joe Walsh Challenge Bruce Rauner for Governor – Cal Skinner
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2017/10/22/family-pac-suggests-joe-walsh-challenge-bruce-rauner-for-governor/

WIREPOINTS
— In Depth: $13 Billion Still Languishes With Illinois Treasurer, Misuse Mounts – Mark Glennon
http://www.wirepoints.com/in-depth-13-billion-still-languishes-with-illinois-treasurer-misuse-mounts-wirepoints-original/

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— The math doesn’t add up, group contends, as Chicago schools lose students but gain funding – Michael McGrady
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/511245752-the-math-doesn-t-add-up-group-contends-as-chicago-schools-lose-students-but-gain-funding#new_tab

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Fosterburg Water District – Partying Down On Super Bowl Weekend, Hotels, Expensive Food… – JOHN KRAFT
http://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2017/10/fosterburg-water-district-partying-down-on-super-bowl-weekend-hotels-expensive-food/

WATCHDOG
— Open the Books: $158 million spent by non-military agencies on guns and ammo. Why? – Adam Andrzejewski
https://www.watchdog.org/national/open-the-books-million-spent-by-non-military-agencies-on/article_cc8da088-b5b5-11e7-bd2e-cb06c4ee732a.html

BREITBART
— NFL’s 2017 TV Ratings Slide Getting Worse, Not Better – WARNER TODD HUSTON
http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2017/10/20/nfl-2017-tv-ratings-slide-worse-not-better/

BARBWIRE
— SAVE AMERICA FROM THE CHEAP COUNTERFEIT MORALITY OF THE LEFT! – Allan Erickson
http://barbwire.com/2017/10/21/save-america-from-the-cheap-counterfeit-morality-of-the-left/

WORLD NET DAILY
— BLACKS ARE BEING USED TO BRING DESTRUCTION Jesse Lee Peterson gets to root of hatred wreaking havoc across America
http://www.wnd.com/2017/10/blacks-are-being-used-to-bring-destruction/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump voter fraud commission criticized by own members for lack of transparency – Ariella Phillips
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-voter-fraud-commission-criticized-by-own-members-for-lack-of-transparency/article/2638301

INDEPENDENT JOURNAL REVIEW
— 31 YEARS LATER, TAX REFORM LESSONS MAY NOT APPLY   GOP Seeks to Replicate 1986 Tax Overhaul
http://ijr.com/2017/10/1000180-congress-hasnt-overhauled-the-tax-code-in-30-years-but-key-lessons-remain/

CBS NEWS & ABC NEWS & WASHINGTON POST
— Illinois governor’s race could be costliest in U.S. history – AP
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/illinois-governors-race-could-be-costliest-in-u-s-history/
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/illinois-governors-race-costliest-us-history-50643063
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/illinois-governors-race-could-be-costliest-in-us-history/2017/10/22/b14aa494-b734-11e7-9b93-b97043e57a22_story.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— MARCH 18, 2002 FLASHBACK: Animosity High in Both Parties In Illinois Governor Primaries – AP (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes continue to blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for Ryan’s loss to Blagojevich in the general election.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/18/us/animosity-high-in-both-parties-in-illinois-governor-primaries.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Republicans, facing their first real contested primary in decades, have worked to distance themselves from the governor’s problems. The two other Republican candidates, State Senator Patrick O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood, accused Jim Ryan of knowing about the bribery scheme but refusing to use his power as attorney general to stop it. The attorney general maintains that it would have been irresponsible for him to get involved in a federal investigation. Recent polls have shown Jim Ryan with about 50 percent of the vote. . .Among the Republican candidates, Ms. Wood ran advertisements calling Mr. Ryan and Mr. O’Malley “too extreme” because they oppose abortion even in cases of rape and incest. Ms. Wood is also courting Democrats and liberal groups to cross over to the Republican primary and vote for her.)

NEW YORK POST
— Former NPR CEO opens up about liberal media bias – Ken Stern
http://nypost.com/2017/10/21/the-other-half-of-america-that-the-liberal-media-doesnt-cover/

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.