Look beyond the political ads

By Frank Samuelson A local retired judge, John Donald O’Shea, has argued that the 2010 Citizens United decision by the U.S. Supreme Court did not “open big money floodgates” in campaign financing but simply upheld the constitutional right of free…

Lawmakers to allow subpoenas for violence program

By KERRY LESTER and CHACOUR KOOP Associated Press SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn’s troubled anti-violence program faces another layer of scrutiny after a legislative panel approved subpoena powers for itself Tuesday to dig into how the program’s money was…

Illinois Congressman’s Hiring of Lobbyist Faulted

By Matthew Daly from Associated Press WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee said Monday it will not appoint a special panel to investigate allegations that Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois improperly hired a Chicago lobbyist to act as a de…

GOP Lawmakers Want Federal Probe of Quinn Hires

By The Associated Press CHICAGO — Republican members of Illinois’ congressional delegation are calling for a federal investigation of political hiring in Gov. Pat Quinn’s transportation department. Lawmakers sent a letter Wednesday to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general….

ICPR is Hiring!

ICPR is currently looking for a part-time communications staff member or consultant.  If you have experience in public relations, communications or fundraising for non-profits, please submit your cover letter, resume and references to ICPRCareers@reformforillinois.org No Phone Calls Please.

ICPR is Looking for Interns! Apply Now!

The Race is On!!!

If you think Illinois’ fall elections are all over but for the counting, think again. November 10 When forecasting the agenda for the Veto Session, a look at campaign giving during the preceeding election season can give a glimpse of…

Rauner puts another $1 million into governor bid

By Rick Pearson Clout Street Winnetka businessman Bruce Rauner has poured another $1 million of his own money into his bid for the Republican nomination for governor, bringing his out-of-pocket total to $3.25 million, campaign finance reports show. Rauner, a…

Quinn pushes for minimum wage increase – early childhood education spending

By Monique Garcia, Ray Long and Maura Zurick Clout Street SPRINGFIELD — A re-election seeking Gov. Pat Quinn used his State of the State speech Wednesday to declare that Illinois is “making a comeback” under his leadership and unveil a…

Watchdog: Todd Stroger official coerced contributions from Cook County workers

Ex-facilities head James D’Amico resigned in November in wake of allegations By Hal Dardick, Tribune reporter A high-ranking Cook County official from a prominent Democratic family retired late last year after the county’s chief internal watchdog recommended he be fired…