Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stated that he hasn’t ruled out gerrymandering in response to Texas’s push for partisan redistricting. Pritzker, echoing Governor Newsom of California, indicated a willingness to “fight fire with fire” against aggressive redistricting efforts. This stance comes as Texas Democrats fled the state to block a redistricting vote, with Pritzker offering Illinois as a “safe haven.” Pritzker emphasized the need to preserve democracy, particularly in light of actions taken by the Trump administration.
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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, received a 7 1/2-year prison sentence and a $2.5 million fine for his conviction on bribery and other charges. The judge cited Madigan’s perjury during his trial as a significant factor in the sentencing, rejecting arguments for leniency based on his age and his wife’s health. Madigan’s conviction stemmed from a four-month trial involving extensive evidence demonstrating a scheme to trade legislation for personal enrichment. The sentence concludes the downward spiral of Madigan’s decades-long career marked by accusations of corruption and abuse of power.
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George Ryan, former Illinois governor, passed away at age 91. His career, marked by a rise from pharmacist to governor, was ultimately overshadowed by a corruption scandal resulting in a federal prison sentence. However, Ryan is also remembered for his controversial decision to halt executions in Illinois and empty death row, actions that garnered both praise and criticism. Despite his conviction and subsequent apology, his legacy remains complex and multifaceted.
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In his State of the State address, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker drew parallels between the rise of Nazism and current political trends, citing Trump’s policies as cause for concern. He warned against the dangers of authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for vigilance against hate and division. This comparison sparked immediate backlash from Republicans who denounced the remarks as inflammatory political grandstanding. Pritzker, however, defended his statements, highlighting his commitment to historical accuracy and the importance of learning from past atrocities.
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Governor JB Pritzker issued a directive prohibiting state employment for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, directly contradicting President Trump’s recent pardons and commutations. This action, deemed necessary to uphold Illinois’ values and ensure the integrity of its workforce, declares participation in the attack as “infamous and disgraceful conduct.” The directive anticipates potential legal challenges but aims to utilize existing personnel code for strong legal standing. Pritzker’s decision represents a significant rebuke of Trump’s actions and continues his long-standing opposition to the former president’s policies.
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Following a divisive election, I remain committed to protecting the people of Illinois, ensuring their freedom, opportunity, and dignity. Though the path ahead may be uncertain, I remain optimistic about the future and will continue working to provide stable and competent governance for our state. While acknowledging that achieving our goals might take longer than we hoped, I urge everyone to remember that casting a vote is an investment in a brighter future, even if we don’t see the immediate results we desire. I am grateful to the election workers and voters who made this process possible and stand ready to defend the values we hold dear.
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As an Illinois resident, I have been closely following the recent ruling that barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s Republican presidential primary ballot. Judge Tracie Porter’s decision to disqualify Trump due to his role in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, is a step in the right direction. It is refreshing to see common sense and rational decision-making prevail in a time where chaos seems to reign supreme.
The fact that Trump’s eligibility to run for president is being debated in multiple states speaks volumes about the state of our democracy. The courts should unequivocally agree on disqualifying someone who incited violence and attempted to subvert the will of the people.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker