Call It A Comeback
My campaign to get a Nobel Peace Prize for a supporter of death penalty reform other than George Ryan has another possibility–Dick Cunningham. I’ve been trying to get to this story for several weeks now, but was reminded during the introduction to George Ryan’s remarks on Saturday that the Tribune did an in depth series on Dick Cunningham’s efforts to defend those on Death Row and end capital punishment.
It is remarkably touching.
Fawell loses his bid for a mistrial.
And as such jury selection was completed
In other courts related news, Matt Hale got a new judge. Apparently even federal judges take a dim view of their colleagues being targeted by domestic terrorism.
so just go read Jim Henley’s discussion of Reynolds’ latest foolishness. BTW, folks, rights and liberties are accorded to individuals irrespective of their race or creed. Just in case some of you are forgetting.
As I often like to mention, when one chooses to piss on someone’s leg they need to be prepared to have his leg pissed back on. DeLay and Hastert would be well advised of this before pissing on the leg of a principled media darling moderate like Chris Shays. While I certainly wouldn’t predict Shays to bolt, he can make life very uncomfortable for the Republicans if they choose to make his life difficult.
Yep, it’s that time again. George is out of office and the indictments are being warmed up.
Steve Neal serves up a can of regurgitated scandal time-line in praise of Joe Power. Good article for those who haven’t followed the investigation. It provides an excellent background on the entire case and Ryan’s actions.
Strangely, George Ryan’s son-in-law never had his DUI entered into the SOS computer system while Ryan was SOS.
Unhappy meals were served to 33 employees at McPier, many of whom were hired by Fawell.
Some ala carte chutzpah was served by Fawell who asked for a mistrial after the commutations
And an appetizer for the trials start is done by the Trib.
52 convictions and counting
to discuss the idiocy of dynamic scoring.
I remember, back in the day when we liberals had to walk both ways up hill to school and back, when I had to sit there and beat my head against a wall to get other liberals to understand the importance of balanced budgets. For the most part it became accepted until Shrub.
And don’t blather to me about how it will lead to balanced budgets. I prefer to live in reality.
Kevin Drum, in reference to Bush’s rhetoric says:
See, the difference is that he actually meant it. But with the Bushies it’s always just about playacting, and someday it’s going to catch up to them.
Someday? I’m pretty sure that day should be when they have bungled the policy so badly, they have to start giving concessions just to calm the situation down.
In case there were any doubts about the legislative wiliness of Emil Jones, the Daily Southtown puts our minds at ease. Jones has put through a rule that all amendments have to go through the rules committee. Jones has a less strong hold on the members than previous Senate Presidents so this appears to be his way of making sure he keeps control of the legislation.
What got Lee Daniels into trouble is the combining of political and legislative leadership posts. Part of the early reforms under Tom Cross’s leadership involves separating those functions.
From McQueary’s column:
State Reps. Skip Saviano of Chicago, David Wirsing of Sycamore, Bill Mitchell of Forsyth and Carol Pankau of Roselle will handle the purse strings.
Saviano is an especially interesting choice. He has been known for his explosive temper under Lee Daniels and questionable ties. Fox-Henhouse problem.
McQueary also reports this nugget:
A puzzle
Why was former Sen. William Shaw huddled in a corner with one of his Nov. 5 opponents, Thornton Police Chief Phillip Arnold Jr., last week in Springfield?They won’t say. Neither could be reached Friday.
But isn’t it fascinating that Shaw and Arnold met in a lonely Springfield tavern for more than an hour, apparently engaged in deep conversation? Arnold ? the same guy who likely pulled votes away from the winner, Rev. James Meeks.
What’s that about strange bedfellows?
Perhaps Ryan had a position for Arnold too?
Emmett Till’s mother passed away.
ArchPundit