U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk this afternoon called for additional federal resources to stem corruption in the state and especially Northern Illinois.
Kirk, a Republican, is proposing a bill called the Public Integrity Anti-Corruption Act, that would authorize $25 million more to the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute public corruption. Read more...
Forrest Claypool made a huge splash earlier this month when he announced his independent bid for assessor. But now comes the backlash: From Democratic party regulars, columnists and voters.
The Sun-Times' Laura Washington says Claypool's flip-flopping career choices weaken his candidacy. And earlier this month the Tribune's John Kass asked if Claypool would be a good choice for U.S. Senate. Read more...
Former Republican vice-presidential nominee and bane of liberals everywhere Sarah Palin is coming to Illinois this weekend — but it's not to endorse Mark Kirk.
Palin booked a speaking gig with a community center in Washington, Ill., a town of about 14,000 near Peoria. She'll help raise money for a parking lot, youth scholarships and other projects. Read more...
Update | 3:40 p.m. Alexi Giannoulias' campaign says it was him, not Kirk, who set the standard for releasing tax returns.
"We are pleased that after 10 years in office, Congressman Kirk has finally given in and made his tax returns available, though his refusal to release them widely remains a concern." Read more...
As speculation builds about a possible independent run for governor by disgraced lieutenant governor candidate Scott Lee Cohen, we're hearing that a speech Cohen's due to make tonight "is going to affect the election this year."
That's the word from William J. Kelly, a former Republican comptroller candidate who then founded Reform Chicago Now. Read more...
