Michael Tams

Will IL GOP be reformed?

By Michael Tams | 03/26/09

So, there's a bill in the state Senate right now called SB600 that would allow for a return to the direct election of GOP state central committee.If you're a grassroots Republican in Illinois, you generally support this.  If you're a useless shill, you're politically leveraged, or you're part of the problem, you think it's a bad idea.If you're not sure who's who, take a look at this from The Champion.And if you're wondering what's wrong with... read more »

Welcome to the new Red County

By Michael Tams | 03/18/09

Great new format, same great content!  Kudos to the Red County team for putting together a great new format.Locally, there are a lot of big stories going on.  Governor Quinn has announced raising state income taxes by 50%.  Which is great if you're excited about jobs fleeing the state.And there are elections coming up on April 7th, believe it or not.  This is an opportunity to elect Republicans to so-called "non-partisan" positions.  Plus,... read more »

Special Election update

By Michael Tams | 02/26/09

AG Lisa Madigan has issued an opinion that the General Assembly has the right to provide for a special election to replace Sen. Roland Burris.The General Assembly has the right to cut short Burris' term by scheduling a special election and Madigan sees no Consitutional inconsistency in such a legislative action.  In her own words:"It is my opinion that the legislature may pass a law allowing the people of Illinois to elect a U.S. senator to... read more »

Tea Party tomorrow

By Michael Tams | 02/26/09

The Chicago Tea Party is on, tomorrow Friday February 27th.After Rick Santelli's now-famous rant, a funny thing happened.  People began to realize that they were not alone in opposing the wholesale fleecing of the American taxpayer.Here's the link to information about the Chicago party/protest. read more »

America's next great leader: You

By Michael Tams | 02/22/09

It seems like the prevailing mood in America is one of distrust, disappointment, and disbelief.  Most national commentary takes one of two forms: sycophantic sucking-up to the Obama Administration or something bordering a told-you-so attitude.  Neither one is solving any of our problems.  There are the occasional rays of sunshine.Peggy Noonan, in particular, has been quite good in taking the American pulse.  She sees America... read more »

Hope comes to the budget process

By Michael Tams | 02/11/09

This Obama fellow really drove home his message of hope.  People are just so wishful and hopeful!  Yet, I wonder if a little dose of reality is what we actually need.Cook County Commissioners approved Todd Stroger's $3 billion budget.  There's a catch:But the plan banks on new federal revenue that's not yet guaranteed. It also leaves unresolved the county's large pension obligation and any plans to finance tens of millions of... read more »

Cook County Sunshine

By Michael Tams | 02/05/09

Commissioner Tony Peracia should be applauded for introducing a resolution to have Cook County post its check register online.Following the lead of DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan, who opened up the county's books, Commissioner Peracia demonstrated the type of leadership that Cook County and all of Illinois needs.  Great job, Tony. read more »

New boss: same as the old boss?

By Michael Tams | 02/01/09

So Blago is out and we herald the reign of the mighty Quinn.  Governor Quinn's actions thus far seem pretty respectable: he's made the Illinois Reform Commission a permanent fixture, reporting to his office, and he's suggested pushing forward the primary to September 2009, as this is a year of reform in Illinois, not a year of campaigning.Before we get too excited, he's taken money from some questionable folks (someone named Rezko is on... read more »

Poetry in Motion

By Michael Tams | 01/28/09

By now well-known for his incessant quoting from poets, our soon to be erstwhile Governor Rod Blagojevich has announced that he'll be making a statement in his impeachment trial tomorrow.  Closing argument, as a matter of fact.Sadly, I'm on the road tomorrow, so I might miss it.  I'll be sure to get something up here asap, but one thing's for sure.  The story that hasn't disappointed yet is coming to a close, of sorts. ... read more »

Senate trial begins

By Michael Tams | 01/26/09

The Illinois Senate opened the Impeachment trial today.  But Rod won't be there.  He's doing the chat shows.It is indeed "solemn" and "serious business" as our Chief Justice noted, but Rod?  Well, he told GMA that he considered Oprah for the Senate.Let that sink in for a minute.The unfortunate thing of this is that Republicans are sort of helping out the Democrats in this trial.  They wanted this guy, remember?  Now,... read more »