Community Corner

Quinn Rakes in Union Money, Rauner Makes Waves

LABOR FOR QUINN Pat Quinn has waged open warfare with public unions lately, but you'd never know it based on labor's generosity to Quinn in the latest campaign finance reports. More here.

RAUNER MAKES WAVES Political website The Daily Whale notes that Bruce Rauner is "lapping the field" in the Republican gubernatorial primary race with his big money and high visibility. Read the analysis here. 

ANSWERS PLEASE With the primary only two months away, it's time for voters to demand specific answers about how those who want to be governor will govern. You want to cut taxes? Show us where you'll save that money. Voters beware as the battle to control debate settings and rules begins. More here.

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OLD MADIGAN WINTER Chicago Tribune cartoonist Scott Stantis comments on both the weather and his newspaper's recent investigation of House Speaker Michael Madigan's patronage army. One of Stantis' best. See it here.

LEADER LIMITS Meanwhile, Tribune columnist Eric Zorn notes that many states place term limits on legislative leaders to prevent them amassing power as Madigan has done in Illinois over three decades as speaker. Time for Illinois to join that club?

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

SOUND OFF FOR DISCLOSURE Wouldn't you like to untangle the web of connections and know more about the financial interests of your lawmakers? A bill in the General Assembly would provide stronger disclosure rules and bring more transparency to Illinois government. Let your representatives in Springfield know you believe more openness means better government. Use our Sound Off tool and be heard. It's easy and effective. Click here to get started.

HEADLINES As Illinois recovers from the Great Polar Vortex of 2014, here are the top headlines:

  • 5. Kirk Dillard’s running mate is questioning whether Bruce Rauner is a “true Republican.” (Chicago Tribune)
    4. The Chicago Board of Elections gave the go-ahead for a vote in March on whether some companies in Chicago should raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
    3. Opinion: Paul Vallas’ campaign as Pat Quinn’s running mate has hit a few odd notes. (Chicago Sun-Times)
    2. While Pat Quinn is pushing for a minimum wage hike, GOP candidate Bruce Rauner wants to roll back the minimum wage in Illinois by $1. (Chicago Sun-Times)
    1. Opinion: Some states have term limits for the Speaker of the House. Here in Illinois, Michael Madigan is celebrating his 31st year as the House Speaker. (Chicago Tribune)
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