The Capitol Fax Blog

• *** UPDATED x1 *** Oops! December 5, 2019
  * Wednesday press release… Governor JB Pritzker signed ethics reform legislation today and appointed four members to the newly formed Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform. “The people of Illinois deserve a state government they can trust, and that means we need to put stronger ethical safeguards in place, prioritize transparency and demand more acc […]
• If you’re a Republican or an independent, please help this kid with her school project December 5, 2019
  * AFSCME Council 31’s Anders Lindall reached out to me this morning and asked if it was OK if his daughter got in contact with me about a school project. I said of course it was OK and Greta sent me this email… Dear Rich Miller, I have heard a lot about your blog and I [...]
• “These were the people they were most focused on” December 5, 2019
  * Ray Long and Jason Meisner at the Tribune… Federal authorities have asked questions about Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his political operation as part of an ongoing investigation, four people who have been interviewed told the Tribune. The sources, all of whom requested anonymity, said FBI agents and prosecutors asked about connect […]
• Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) December 5, 2019
  There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
• *** LIVE COVERAGE *** December 5, 2019
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• *** UPDATED x1 *** Open thread December 4, 2019
  * I have to take a family member to the airport, so I’ll be gone for a while. Keep your conversation Illinois-centric and please be nice to each other. Also, you might use some of this time to donate to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Just sayin… *** UPDATE *** Ever [...]
• *** UPDATED x2 *** Tillman files appeal on bond case December 4, 2019
  * Background is here if you need it. Public finance/muni bonds reporter for Debtwire Municipals… “At the petition stage, the trial court was tasked with determining solely whether these arguments are ‘frivolous or malicious’ or ‘otherwise unjustified,’’ the appeal argues. “Tillman briefed his arguments accordingly. Yet the court ignored this limited standard […]
• *** UPDATED x1 *** Three different ways of looking at the same situation December 4, 2019
  * Letter to the editor from Alaina Hampton’s former spokesperson Lorna Brett… Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan could stand in the middle of Michigan Avenue and shoot someone, and the Democrats of Illinois would still support him. Like President Donald Trump, his vengefulness against anyone who dares cross him is legendary. I am most disappointed in [.. […]
• Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards December 4, 2019
  * It seems like every year we get fewer and fewer nominations for best bartender/waitstaff and this year was no exception. There simply weren’t enough nominations to make a choice, so the category is no more. Today’s categories… * Best Senate Administrative Assistant/District Office Manager * Best House Administrative Assistant/District Office Manager Make s […]
• *** UPDATED x1 *** Plummer says he was offered ethics commission slot in exchange for his silence December 4, 2019
  * Background is here if you need it. Mark Maxwell followed up with Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville)… Senator @JasonPlummerUSA says "at least" 10 Senate Republicans support his bill to ban lawmakers from making profit from gambling companies. He says Senator Brady's intention was "crystal clear." "His intention was this legisl […]