Author: Robert Lee

CHICAGO- Senator Dick Durbin’s hope for a transfer of some of the Guantanamo Bay detainees to Thomson Illinois may not even be discussed until next year.

A question was asked to Mr. Durbin about the transfer being blocked by the House Armed Services Committee, and whether a delay of the comprehensive plan and discussion until “after the election” was at hand. Durbin said, ” That’s a pretty cynical view…and very accurate.”

The debate on whether the Thomson Correctional Facility in Thomson Illinois will be taken over by the feds and if GITMO detainees will be housed there has been a hope of the Senator and the Obama administration since last year, but its run into opposition from both local and national leaders. The House Armed Services Committee has asked for a more detailed plan and as of now bans spending money to build or modify a facility within the United States.

Watch the comments here.

CHICAGO- They call them The Sammies named after Sam Adams, and the contest is are unlike your typical award show. It’s a contest in which people from across the country submit entries for political activism. There are six categories, and the winners selected get a modest monetary award totaling $20,000.

And the winners are-

Watchdog:  Brian Costin of Schaumburg, IL. Given for his work on exposing waste with Red Light Cameras.

Video:   John Papola of NJ and Russ Roberts of Md. Given for “Fear the Boom and Bust”, a highly viewed You Tube video on complex economic theories.

Town Hall:   Keli Carender, Seattle Wa. Given for her work on challenging Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) on health care.

Tea Party:   Jamie Radtke of Richmond, Va. Given for her work on creating a coalition of nearly 40 like organizations.

Blogger:   David Frazier, Boise Idaho. Given for his blog Boise Guardian

Modern Day Sam Adams:   Ed Osborne of Wilmington, DL. Given for his work on eminent domain

Watch segments here…

CHICAGO- It’s called the Direct Loan Program, and starting this July students will no longer go through a private bank, but will go to the their financial aid office and apply for federally-guaranteed loans and pell grants.

The bill passed last week along with Heath Care under Reconciliation and President Obama will sign it tomorrow.

The banks had been passing along an additional interest rates since 1965 with financial backing from the U.S. Government, now through the Direct Loan Program the student will deal directly with the feds    “We are going to recover over the next ten years over 60 billion dollars in bank subsidies”, said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

That money the government expects to recover will go to provide larger and more Pell Grants, and reduce monthly payments required by students after graduation. For example, public service workers such as teachers and nurses will have their debt forgiven after 10 years, all loans to be forgiven after 20 years (currently 25 years)  regardless of what is stilled owed on the loan.

Watch a portion of the press conference here..

CHICAGO- Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) hopes the Senate will make quick passage of the House healthcare bill and pass it this week,  possibly Tuesday.  “I hope we can pass the house reconciliation bill intact without change and send it immediately to the President”, said Durbin at a Latinos Healthcare Reform press conference.

Feeling good about what is happening in the House, the Senator spent last week talking to fellow democrats in the U.S. Senate making sure the votes are in place.   “I spent Christmas Eve voting for this bill now I am going to spend the break before Easter voting on this bill, I don’t want to wait until Thanksgiving to finish this bill!” said Durbin closing his remarks to the press.  Watch excerpts here..

CHICAGO- In the state that may house some of the GITMO detainees, the U.S. Senator from Illinois says he not opposed to Military Commissions. “We clearly want to try these alleged terrorists in the best place where they are most likely to be prosecuted”, said Senator Dick Durbin.

According to the Military Commission Act, Military Commissions are used to prosecute enemy combatants who violate laws of war. Each Military Commission consists of a military judge and from five to twelve members depending on if it’s a death sentence.

The commissions still require proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, presumption of innocence, free representation by an independent military defense counsel with the option to retain a civilian defense counsel and suppression of statements obtained by torture. If  there is a finding of guilt by at least two-thirds of the members (Unanimous for a death sentence) the records of the trial must be reviewed by the Convening Authority.

Senator Durbin says that he has been briefed by discussions between the White House and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on talks to have the GITMO detainees brought before Military Commissions, rather then Federal Court. Watch Durbin’s comments here…

St Louis, MO- It’s sold in head shops across the Midwest and has been growing in popularity thanks to the Internet, now lawmakers in at least two states are trying to ban K2 and other chemically enhanced incense products like it.  Although the label says “Not for Consumption”, most people we talked to both young and old were buying it to smoke it.

“We know that the Psycho-actives in this drug impair people. For instance if you are driving a car or operating heavy machinery, there is no way to test to see if you are impaired by this drug”, says MO State Representative Jeff Roorda (D).

“Oh boy does it work! I am smiling with strangers in my house, but is that bad for man that’s depressed and doesn’t have a job and doesn’t smile a whole lot?” says another “Jeff “, a man we met in the St Louis area who let us come back to his home to witness him getting “high” off K2 for the first time.

Watch the debate between a user and a lawmaker here.

CHICAGO- One month after the Illinois Primary all the votes have been counted and State Senator Bill Brady squeaked out a win by less then 200 votes with over 300,000 cast for Republicans.  State Senator Kirk Dillard conceded the win today and pledged to throw his support behind Brady and the party.

” A re-count would be time consuming and I want Senator Brady to spend the most time he can to get known to the people, especially up here. (Chicago area)”, said Kirk Dillard with his tearful wife at his side. Senator Brady faces Governor Quinn (D) in the general election 8 months from now. Watch excerpts from the press conferences here…

CHICAGO- While spending an afternoon with Otis McDonald, the man behind today’s U.S. Supreme Court Case on the ban of handguns in Chicago, I saw something that caught my eye inside his house besides his hunting shotgun.

On the walls of his south side home are pictures of democrats and only democrats – including the Clintons, Barack Obama and Chicago’s Mayor from 1984-1987 Harold Washington.

Saying simply ” I don’t look at politics, like I don’t look at colors” Otis Washington then explained what he thinks of our current state of government. Watch an excerpt here.

And watch an excerpt of his interview…

CHICAGO- At the Conference of the United Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) in Chicago today, the talk was about power in numbers. Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) joined in a press conference to discuss the release of the 2010 Almanac of Latino Politics and how Latino voter turnout could affect the 2010 political landscape. Richardson said, “This is the Bible, La Biblia of Latino politics” referring to the nearly 600 page book with up to date facts on Latino demographics and voting facts.

Also discussed was that Latinos came out in force for President Obama and the South could be a new battle ground for upcoming elections. “We think that with a coalition of progressive Whites throughout the South and African Americans together with Latinos and Asians, that we can begin to change the politics of that region”, said Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. President USHLI.

Watch the sound here..

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- With shocked supporters and reporters lining the walls U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) announced that he will not be seeking a third term in this fall’s election.  Bayh served nearly 25 years in Indiana as Secretary of State , a two term Governor and two terms as U.S, Senator.

During a press scrum after the announcement the senator said, “Congress is just dysfunctional, it is not getting the people’s business done nearly the way it should”. Watch the senator in his own words here..

LOUISVILLE, KY- Riding the wave of the Tea Party movement, political outsider and son of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), Rand Paul is now making a run for U.S. Senate.  With the current senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) retiring this fall, Rand Paul has gained momentum with an endorsement by Sarah Palin and recent Rasmussen polls showing a favorable impression with voters.

Although he has never held public office and is a practicing physician, he seems to be holding up in a tough campaign with well-known KY Secretary of State Trey Grayson. Fox News Channel’s Steve Brown sat down with Rand Paul this week to discuss his campaign. Watch the interview here

CHICAGO- In a packed room downtown Chicago, a tearful Democratic candidate for governor Dan Hynes conceded Tuesday’s primary election.  “Well, the people have spoken, and the votes have been counted. And I’m here to report that we rose up – but fell just a little short”.

The Illinois Comptroller had vowed to “fight on” election night, but fell short by about 8000 votes to current democratic Governor Patrick Quinn.  President Obama called Quinn yesterday congratulating him on his victory. However Quinn still does not know whom he will face in November, as the Republicans are locked in an even tighter race.

State Senator Kirk Dillard trails State Senator Bill Brady by about 400 votes and has no plans to concede any time soon. At a unity breakfast yesterday Dillard said” If he is the nominee he will have a much harder time then me beating Pat Quinn”. Dillard was referring to Bill Brady’s low vote total in Chicago, Illinois largest city. Watch the concession by Hynes and the debate between the GOP candidates here.

Wheeling, IL- Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) had the support of nearly 40 percent more then his next closest rival in Tuesday’s Illinois primary election. With 99 percent of the votes counted  Kirk received 56.6 percent compared to the real estate investor Patrick Hughes with 19.3%.

During his acceptance speech Kirk took a stab at the current state of Illinois politics saying,  “For true reform we must choose leaders who do not become criminals.”

And looking to November Kirk said, “It’s not Obama’s seat, it belongs to the people of Illinois.” Watch his interview with Fox News here.

Highwood, IL- UPDATE   – It seems the storm is having an impact on today’s voter turn out. ” We got off to an extremely slow start. Precincts reported 5 or fewer voters in the first few hours. We will have to see if there’s an evening rush, but its hard to envision an evening rush large enough to push turnout beyond the mid-30s. May not even reach that, ” said Jim Allen the Communications Director for the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners.

– At Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R-IL) polling place just north of Chicago, the forecast for voter turnout is mixed.

“Yes, turnout will be lower because of this weather”, said Kirk after casting his ballot. Others were more optimistic, ” I think it will be fantastic!” said Jeremy Schwartz a Democratic candidate for Judge.

The people of Illinois are not used to this early of a primary because in past years the election had been in March.  During the 2008 Presidential primary, Illinois was moved up to a “Super Tuesday” and  shared the spotlight with 24 states. This year however Illinois stands alone with the earliest primary in the nation. The risk you run with a February primary is bad weather; of course anyone familiar with Chicago weather knows that March is no gimme either.

Will the light snow that has been falling all morning be enough to keep people away from choosing the candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate? Watch the reaction of candidates and voters here..

CHICAGO- In the final days before the Illinois primary, Former President of Poland Lech Walesa came to Chicago to support Adam Andrzejewski as the GOP candidate for Governor.

“As you see I support Adam..I am convinced that he is right. But we live in times that people do not always listen to those that are right”, said Walesa speaking through a translator.

The Co-founder of Solidarity and Nobel Peace Prize winner stopped by a Tea Party Function in downtown Chicago that was organized to give support to a number of candidates in this Tuesday’s election. Watch the video here…

CHICAGO- Following the last Illinois GOP Gubernatorial debate before Tuesday’s primary, the candidates had some words for the missing front-runner. ” The guy doesn’t even have the guts to come here,” said former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, who is polling a close second in a Rasmussen poll. The January 26th poll has McKenna in front with 20% and Ryan at 16% with 17% undecided. It was reported by WTTW, the PBS station which aired the January 26th  debate, that McKenna could not make it due to the fact he was campaigning in central Illinois. Watch the comments here…

Chicago- The President “Has been following this race closely and talking about November”, says Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin…his former fellow Senator from Illinois.

The President’s old job is being vacated by Senator Roland Burris who is not running for election. He was never elected, but rather appointed into the position by former Governor Rod Blagojevich under a cloud of controversy in 2008.

The Democrats meanwhile have had an increasingly tight race for that Senate seat with State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias leading the group.

However the Republicans have a clear leader in U.S. Representative Mark Kirk who has close to a 40 point lead against the next  Republican candidate in the latest Chicago Tribune poll.

The Illinois primary election is one week away, and the general election will surely heat up quickly with perhaps the President coming in to help out the Dems in his home state. Watch the sound byte here…

Chicago- Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) has said he will be meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke this afternoon and plans to vote yes for his second conformation.  ” The purpose of our meeting this afternoon is to say ‘Yes I am supporting you, but I expect you do some things to make this economy stronger.’”

Bernanke’s conformation may still be in doubt as several democrats came out last week and said they will be voting no for his second term. The Chairman’s current term expires January 31st. Watch Dick Durbin’s reaction here…

CHICAGO-UPDATE

Not giving up the fight to shut down the locks that are connected to Lake Michigan, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and fellow Attorneys Generals in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are calling on President Obama to help them prevent the further invasion of the Asian Carp. After the press release listed below came out, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois (D) spoke out asking for an end to politics. Watch his reaction here..

January 25, 2010

Press Release

The Attorney General has issued the following Press Release: Great Lakes
Attorneys General Ask Obama for Chance to Talk Carp

Office of Communications
517-373-8060

A copy of the press release is listed below:

Great Lakes Attorneys General
Ask Obama for Chance to Talk Carp
Cox Joined by Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin AGs in
Requesting a Seat at the Table for Upcoming Asian Carp Summit
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and his counterparts in
Ohio,
Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin today called on the Obama
administration to
immediately meet with them to hear first-hand the concerns of job makers
and families
across the region over the immediate threat of Asian carp.
“It is our hope the bi-partisan team of Attorneys General leading the
battle to
protect jobs and the Lakes will have a seat at the table with the White
House to help find
a solution to this crisis,” said Cox.
Published reports in the news media state that Nancy Sutley, Chair of
the
Council on Environmental Quality, proposed a meeting with governors to
address the
Asian carp crisis during the first week of February in either
Washington, D.C. or the
Midwest.
Today’s letter was signed by Attorney General Cox, Indiana Attorney
General
Greg Zoeller, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, Pennsylvania
Attorney General
Tom Corbett and Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.
Cox also said that President Obama, who pledged a zero tolerance policy
for
new invasive species in the Great Lakes, should act immediately to at
least temporarily
close the locks. Last week new DNA evidence of Asian carp was found in
Lake
Michigan at Calumet Harbor, past both the so-called electrical barrier
and the O’Brien
locks. The Great Lakes $7 billion fishery and over 800,000 Michigan jobs
connected to
the health of the Lakes were further jeopardized when the U.S. Army Corp
of Engineers
learned of the devastating new DNA evidence but failed to alert the
Supreme Court
Great Lakes Attorneys General Ask Obama for Chance to Talk Carp
January 25, 2010
Page 2
before it announced, four days later, it’s decision not to grant an
immediate injunction
closing the locks.
If President Obama continues to favor Illinois at the expense of other
states, Cox
said Michigan and the other states backing his efforts will need help
from Congress. He
praised the bi-partisan efforts of Michigan’s Congressional delegation
on the issue,
including Rep. Dave Camp, Rep. Vern Ehlers, Rep. Candice Miller, and
Senators Levin
and Stabenow.
Cox also said that public pressure on President Obama will play a vital
role in
changing the Obama administration’s position. He urged citizens to sign
an online
petition to protect the Lakes at www.StopAsianCarp.com.
Though the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said allowing Asian carp into
the
Great Lakes would be an “ecological and economic disaster,” the Obama
administration
and Illinois officials are fighting against Cox’s efforts to protect the
Lakes.
Below is from 1.19.10

CHICAGO -The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to deny an emergency request to shut down 2 Illinois locks that could give the Asian Carp access to Lake Michigan.

By claiming that an invasion of the Asian Carp if they reach the Great Lakes would destroy a multi-billion dollar fishing industry, the State of Michigan had sought to close down waterways in Illinois that connect to Lake Michigan and had tested positive for the Asian Carp DNA.

In Chicago today U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who opposed the plan to close the locks, spoke to Fox News about the High Court decision and where the battle against the invasive Asian Carp goes from here.  Watch his interview here.

below is the blog from  1-12-10

At a briefing today to discuss the ongoing threat of the Asian Carp and the lawsuits associated with them, one reoccurring topic kept rising to the surface…dinner.

“They taste like chicken!” said Cam Davis of the EPA who joined a panel that included U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rep Judy Biggert (R-IL) and members of both federal and state offices.

Although the thought of eating a carp may disgust some, what if you were asked to try Silver Fin? Well that’s one of the possible name changes being cast out to lure in possible commercial business.

Watch excerpts of the panel here and see video of the Asian carp…best known for their jumping out of the water.

COLUMBUS, OH- In a battleground state like Ohio, any shift in political moods will have a national impact. With recent polls suggesting a dead heat (Quinnipac University 11/5-9) in the 2010 Governor’s race between current Governor Ted Strickland (D) and former U.S. Rep. John Kasich (R) political experts are predicting a long tough campaign that will turn negative.

“It will be a muddy race. Because neither candidate will want to talk about the future, they will want to talk about each other. And the reason is that the future is rather dire from a economic point of view,” says Columbus Dispatch Senior Editor Joe Hallett.

Speaking to Fox News one on one, Governor Strickland says, “Any incumbent is going to have some difficulty” and that “I am not responsible for the recession.”

While former U.S. Congressman and former Fox News host John Kasich says, “This is not about this guy, (Gov. Strickland) he had his chance.  We have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

Watch segments of their interviews with Fox News Correspondent Steve Brown as they make the case for Ohio’s top job.