By Patrick Ferrell
"Democratic congressional candidate Debbie Halvorson has picked up the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.
The endorsement could be key, as Republican Marty Ozinga's campaign has tried to paint Halvorson's positions as risky to senior citizens, saying in paid advertisements that she not only would support privatizing Social Security but would also consider taxing retirement income."
...
"We applaud those who refused to let the measure die and we hope that the success with this reform will spark others. It was clear after Monday’s senate action that the watchdog groups aren’t finished fixing what’s broken. “Unethical officeholders and contractors still will look for ways to game the system,” Ms. Canary said, “but better rules will be in place to police contracting and to make it more difficult for favors to be awarded in exchange for campaign funds.”
By Andrea Zelinski
"Members of the state Senate president's own party are denouncing his decision to keep lawmakers out of Springfield.
Democrats, along with some Republicans, are calling for Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, to bring senators back into session this month so they can vote on a bill curbing "pay-to-play" politics.
Some believe the bill will die Friday, Sept. 26, if they don't act. But Jones plans to hold out until November.
9/15/08 - ILLINOIS LEADERS URGE SENATE TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR'S ETHICS LAW VETO
CHICAGO – Comptroller Dan Hynes led a bi-partisan group of Illinois political leaders today urging Illinois Senate President Emil Jones to quickly bring the Senate back into session to override Governor Rod Blagojevich's veto of landmark ethics legislation.
"CHANNAHON - During a visit to the new Minooka Community High School South Campus in Channahon Thursday, Debbie Halvorson spoke with administrators and teachers about the need for modern schools.
The state senator and Dem-ocratic Congressional candidate also discussed reforming and funding the No Child Left Behind Act.
“I want every child in America to get a first-class education so we can create a strong and well -ducated workforce that helps drive our economy,” Halvorson said during the visit, which was no publicized in advance.
