ROCK ISLAND – While welcoming national and international visitors to the Rock Island Train Festival today, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon encouraged Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to finalize his state’s rail plan and move forward with design and construction of a Chicago to Iowa City rail connection.

Progress on the Chicago to Moline portion of the line is moving slowly, as federal funding will not be released to Illinois until Iowa decides whether it will provide matching state funds for the Moline to Iowa City extension, Simon said.  

“I want to see leaders in Illinois and Iowa working together to bring passenger rail from Chicago to Iowa City so we can create jobs, spur economic development and provide a fast, affordable connection between these vibrant communities,” Lt. Governor Simon said at the festival’s kick-off ceremonies.  

In 2010, Governor Quinn announced a federal commitment of $230 million to the rail project to supplement $45 million in state capital funds. The federal portion was issued jointly to Iowa and Illinois and will not be released until both parties agree to the project implementation. If Iowa provides its state’s matching share, the project can begin. Should Iowa decline, Illinois will receive its portion of the federal funds and can proceed with plans for rail construction between Chicago and Moline.

Additional state and federal funding has been secured for construction of a new multimodal station in Moline. Early estimates show that with station and rail line, the state could stand to gain upwards of 1,100 construction jobs and 3,500 other direct and indirect jobs.

“Since 2007, the Quad Cities Chamber has led a broad-based Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition (QC Rail) to advocate for restored passenger rail service to Chicago,” said Tara Barney, Chief Executive Officer of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. “Through QC Rail, over 10,000 Quad-Cities area residents, elected officials, businesses, labor groups and community organizations have expressed their support for passenger rail to local, state and federal officials.”  

The Quad Cities have not had passenger rail service since the late 1970s. Under the proposed service, two daily round trips will transport passengers to and from the Quad Cities in just over three hours. As planned, train service would continue west to Iowa City, and, per the nine-state Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, eventually on to Omaha, Nebraska.  

Simon to Iowa: Make decision on rail funding – Calls on Iowa to accept funding, allow continuation of construction plan | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — TechAmerica today praised Illinois Governor Pat Quinn for creating the Illinois Innovation Council, which was established to foster and accelerate innovation and economic growth to create jobs in the state. Members of the Illinois Innovation Council include leading executives representing critical industry sectors in Illinois. Investor and entrepreneur Brad Keywell, Co-founder of Groupon and several other ventures, will serve as Chair for the Council, and T. Kendall Hunt, Chairman, CEO, VASCO Data Security International, Inc., and Chairman of TechAmerica Midwest, was also selected by the Governor to serve and represent the growing software sector in Illinois. 

(Logo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20090319/TECHAMERICALOGO )

“TechAmerica has long been committed to driving targeted workforce, economic development, and proactive legislative initiatives to elevate Illinois’ position as a leading technology employer and center of innovation,” said T. Kendall Hunt, Chairman, CEO, VASCO Data Security International, Inc. and Chairman of TechAmerica Midwest. “I commend Governor Quinn for his leadership, and am honored to serve on the Illinois Innovation Council to help strengthen our economy and the technology industry in Illinois.”

In 2005, TechAmerica and its members created its “Focus Illinois: A Platform for Innovation” agenda, a comprehensive guide and strategy for growing and supporting the Illinois technology industry. A key recommendation in the agenda has long-called for the creation of an Illinois Innovation Cabinet, or Council to provide support and direction for innovation-based policies and initiatives. Today Illinois has taken a major step forward in developing a structured plan and focused effort to attract and retain leading technology talent and companies.

“We thank Governor Quinn for his commitment to innovation and for working proactively with industry to advance the business of technology in our state,” said TechAmerica Midwest Executive Director Ed Longanecker, who is also a founding member of the Illinois Technology Alliance (ILTA). “Illinois’ technology industry is a crucial component to our economic well-being and ability to create and maintain high quality jobs in our state.”

TechAmerica’s partner, the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, will serve as the administrative home to the Illinois Innovation Council to provide support.

Industries represented on the Illinois Innovation Council include biotechnology, life sciences and healthcare, food and agriculture, software, investment banking, education technology, digital commerce, research and development, and academia.

About TechAmerica

TechAmerica is the leading voice for the U.S. technology industry – the driving force behind productivity growth and jobs creation in the United States and the foundation of the global innovation economy. Representing approximately 1,200 member companies of all sizes from the public and commercial sectors of the economy, it is the industry’s largest advocacy organization and is dedicated to helping members’ top and bottom lines. TechAmerica is also the technology industry’s only grassroots-to-global advocacy network, with offices in state capitals around the United States, Washington, D.C., Europe (Brussels) and Asia (Beijing).It was formed by the merger of AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA).Learn more about TechAmerica at www.techamerica.org.

SOURCE TechAmerica

http://www.techamerica.org

TechAmerica Praises Governor Quinn for Creation of Illinois Innovation Council | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

February 4, 2011

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.

Quinn Jabs At New Jersey’s Christie Over Jobs | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD — The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget today released its statement of revenues and expenditures which outline the significant financial activities of the state for fiscal year 2010 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.

This report offers the most comprehensive financial overview of agency and fund spending long before the normal auditing process would produce annual reports on all funds. This financial information is now available online at www.state.il.us/budget.

“With the timely release of this financial disclosure, we continue to advance our efforts to make Illinois’ budget process more open and transparent,” said David Vaught, Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB).  “Illinois residents now have the opportunity to view the most accurate and up-to-date financial picture of the state as we continue to pay our bills and consider additional budget cuts and revenue enhancements to restore fiscal balance.”

Today’s disclosure indicates the state is on track with its FY11 budget and details how each category of resources and expenses is tracking on an accrual basis.

Baker Tilly, an independent national accounting firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, along with the GOMB, analyzed 75 state funds within 35 agencies to provide the most reasonable indicators of the financial direction of the state.  Although the state has over 600 funds, this unaudited financial report accounts for 90-95 percent of the operating revenue and costs of the state.  The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club helped fund the project.

“Publishing timely operating results of revenues and costs for state government is a major step in the right direction,” said Eden Martin, President of the Civic Committee.  “Until now there was no single place where citizens could gain access to this information so we are very pleased the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget developed this methodology and look forward to it being enhanced over the years.”

This new process of financial reporting is not intended to serve as a replacement of the normal reporting of any state agency.  Under the normal auditing process, the state releases reports a year or more after revenue and costs are available.  Starting today, information will now be available in a more timely manner by analyzing and reporting financial activities on both a quarterly and annual basis.

“This new variance report is how the private sector manages its business and will greatly improve the transparency of Illinois’ financial position, said Tom Johnson, President of the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois.  “The report also includes important information about operating costs occurring outside the normally reported General Funds.”

The compilation and release of this quarterly financial statement marks one of the first steps toward implementation of Budgeting for Results, Governor Pat Quinn’s historic budgetary reform program.  Budgeting for Results identifies available revenues to fund programs and services that work, and to reform, fix or eliminate programs that are not meeting expectations.

The Quinn administration understands the significant financial challenges facing the state and will continue to work to create jobs, reduce spending, pay the bills and increase revenues while making the fiscally-responsible decisions that Illinois residents deserve.

Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Improves Transparency by Releasing Quarterly Financial Reports | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s attorney says there’s no chance his client will negotiate a plea deal. Attorney Sheldon Sorosky said a plea deal hasn’t been discussed.

“None whatsoever. Absolutely not,” Sorosky said. “It’s not on our radar screen. Governor Blagojevich is innocent.”

Blagojevich’s attorneys were in court Thursday to discuss the former governor’s April re-trial. Blagojevich has kept a low profile since he was convicted on one count of lying to the FBI earlier this year.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Blagojevich attorney says no plea deal is in the works | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

(WBEZ/Bill Healy)

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley discusses civil unions at Navy Pier.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley thanked the Illinois General Assembly for passing a bill authorizing civil unions in the state.

The legislation passed this week by both the House and Senate offers gay and lesbian couples many of the same legal rights as married couples in Illinois.

“I’m very happy with that,” Daley said. “I think finally they realized that they should have the same rights under state law which is really important, and eventually marriage will take place, it has to be. I’m very happy and pleased. I hope the governor signs it as quickly as possible. These are great citizens.”

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has said he supports civil unions.

The measure passed by a narrow margin in both chambers.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Daley praises General Assembly for civil unions bill | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

At first, having Bristol Palin participate in ‘Dancing With Stars’ seemed like a brilliant idea.

Just like Kate Gosselin before her, casting an admittedly bad dancer who was shrouded in controversy has raked in big ratings and tons of press.

But now the joke is on the show’s producers as they fear Bristol is actually going to win this thing.

“This will be a disaster for the show if Bristol wins,” one TV insider tells me. “Any creditability the show had will be over. It will go from being a dancing competition to a popularity competition where whoever has the most rabid fan base will always win no matter how little talent they have.”

“Another problem the producers foresee is that after Bristol wins no one in Hollywood will ever want to be on the show again,” a well-placed ABC source tells me. “Why would a real star want to compete and lose against someone like [former U.S. Senate candidate] Christine O’Donnell or Levi Johnston. It’s humiliating. The producers know they are in big trouble for sure.”

And it’s not just future contestants and viewers that the show needs to worry about. A friend of one of the judges tells me Bristol has made a fool out of all of them. It’s now painfully obvious that the judge’s scores and opinions mean nothing.

Let’s hope they are all wrong. And next season the show gets back to what it does best, dancing.

Insiders: If Bristol Palin Wins, ‘Dancing’ Is Ruined | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar said the GOP’s gubernatorial loss is a long-term setback for the party.A former Republican governor of Illinois says Bill Brady lost last week’s election because he’s too right-wing for voters.

Jim Edgar told a gathering at the University of Illinois at Springfield Tuesday that Brady’s loss in the governor’s race to incumbent Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is a big setback for the Illinois GOP.

“The fact that we did not win the governorship I think, long-term, has slowed down the comeback of the Republican party,” Edgar said. “I mean I thought ’til 11:35 p.m. on eleciton night that the Republican Party was back. Unfortunately, I don’t think the Republican Party is back.”

But Edgar added he thinks Brady ran a better campaign than incumbent Quinn. Indeed, the governor’s race was deemed too close to call for days following the election, with Quinn eventually building a lead of fewer than 20,000 votes.  Brady finally conceded the race Friday.

Edgar also said Quinn’s victory shows the governor’s call for an income tax hike may not be political suicide. The one percentage point increase – which Quinn calls an “education surcharge” – has been the staple of his plan to dig Illinois out of its massive budget deficit, which could reach $15 billion by next year.

Edgar served as Illinois’ governor from 1991 to 1999.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Edgar: Brady too conservative for Illinois voters | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

(Getty/Scott Olson)

After Bill Brady’s concession today, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn spoke at a press conference in Chicago.

Quinn commended his Republican opponent for graciously conceding, but he did take a dig at pollsters. They predicted Brady would win, and Quinn would lose.

“I do think one of the lessons of this campaign is it’s nice to see polls. I think we all like to look at them. But they’re not always accurate. I’d rather win that poll last Tuesday than any other poll. So that was I think refreshing to see the pollsters defied and the people come out ahead,” Quinn said.

Quinn says he hopes to meet with Brady soon, possibly at Manny’s Deli on Chicago’s near South Side.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Quinn: Refreshing to see pollsters defied | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.

Brady: No Concession Yet | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Photo by Linda Lutton

Photo by Linda Lutton

Photo by Linda Lutton

Photo by Linda Lutton

Election officials in Cook County are tallying up the uncounted votes that could decide the neck-and-neck race for Illinois governor.

Republican state Sen. Bill Brady announced Wednesday morning he would not concede the race until every vote is counted, which may not be until early December, after state officials officially certify election results.  That’s despite the fact that incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn holds a nearly 9,500 vote lead over Brady.

The election authority in suburban Cook County said it should finish counting its precincts by Wednesday afternoon.  And officials in Chicago say the city’s 40 uncounted precincts should also be finished Wednesday.

“We believe, based on what lieutenant governor candidate Jason Plummer and I have been given – we believe we will win,” Brady told reporters in Bloomington Wednesday morning. “And we’re certainly going to respect Gov. Quinn. I’m sure he wants the same process to take place.”

Soon after Brady’s announcement, the Quinn campaign released a statement saying it doesn’t see much hope for the next Illinois governor to be a Republican, given that all of the uncounted precincts are in Cook County, traditionally a Democratic stronghold.

“We expect to hold our lead, and may increase it,” the statement reads. “We do not see a path to victory for Bill Brady.”

Chicago officials alone still must wade through thousands of uncounted ballots that weren’t cast on election day, said Jim Allen, a spokesman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.  That includes 4,418 absentee ballots, which should be counted by the end of the week; approximately 1,400 more absentee ballots that will trickle in over the next two weeks; and more than 11,000 provisional ballots, which must be reviewed before they’re added to the final tally.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Cook County tallies votes that could decide governor’s race | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The race for Illinois governor has been hotly contested between current Democratic Governor Pat Quinn and Republican challenger, state Sen. Bill Brady.

Green Party candidate Rich Whitney, Libertarian Lex Green and Independent candidate Scott Lee Cohen are also in the race.

Long lines were reported at some Illinois polling places, while others said voters arrived at a steady pace.

Dan White of the state Board of Elections said voter turnout is expected to be about 50 percent. That would be about average for midterm elections.

Elections officials said a few of Illinois’ 11,000-plus polling places opened late, but no serious glitches are being reported at this time.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Illinois governor race expected to be tight | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Voters who don’t like either the Democrat or Republican running in races in Illinois do have other options. We aren’t advocating anything here; we’re just laying out the possibilities.

You could vote for a third party nominee.

Because of Green Party candidate Rich Whitney’s relatively strong showing in the 2006 race for Illinois governor, the Greens are an “established party” for this year’s election. That’s a legal distinction that means it’s much easier for its candidates to get on the ballot. It allowed the Greens to hold a primary election alongside Democrats and Republicans this past February. And it means the candidates didn’t have to jump through the hurdles required of independents or people belonging to what’re called “new political parties.”

The Libertarian Party is classified as a “new political party.” After a hard-fought battle to fend-off challenges to their slate of candidates’ 25,000 signatures, the Libertarians secured a ballot spot for this election. That’s why, along with the Democrats, Republicans and Greens, you’ll see a Libertarian candidate running for statewide offices.

One thing to watch on election night: how the Green and Libertarian candidates do in the race for governor. To secure “established party” status for the next four years, a party’s nominee for governor must get 5-percent of the vote. In 2006, Whitney received more than double that, but if he doesn’t meet the threshold this year, the Greens will lose that status. And the Libertarian Party’s Lex Green could, if he gets the required percentage, win his party easier ballot access though 2014.

You could vote for an independent.

There are two high-profile write-in candidates on Chicago area ballots this year. Pawn shop owner and disgruntled former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen is spending millions of his own money on an independent campaign for governor. And Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, a longtime Democrat, is challenging his party’s county chairman, Board of Review Commissioner Joe Berrios, in the race for county assessor.

Independents face a much more difficult time getting on the general election ballot then major party candidates do to get on the primary ballot. In order to stave-off petition challenges, they both needed to collect many more than the required 25,000 valid signatures from registered voters. If Claypool had run in the primary, he would’ve needed to collect half as many signatures. And Cohen needed only 5,000 to get on the ballot in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.

You could write in a candidate.

Election File Voting Guide: The low-down on third party, independent and write-in candidates | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO
– Schoolteacher Jamie Worsek headed to President Barack Obama’s get-out-the-vote rally on Saturday, but it wasn’t because she’s enthusiastic about casting a ballot on Election Day.

“I’ve actually never been less excited to vote in my entire life. I think all the candidates are awful. I’ll do it because it’s like my basic patriotic duty,” said the 24-year-old Chicago resident who worked for Obama’s campaign in 2008.

While Worsek doesn’t need convincing, Obama headlined a rally a few blocks from his South Side home to energize other voters to try to fend off Republicans who want to claim his former U.S. Senate seat and the Illinois governor’s mansion.

It was Obama’s last stop in a day that also included appearances in Philadelphia and Bridgeport, Conn. It’s his latest flurry of campaigning in an effort to bolster his party ahead of Tuesday’s election.

“Chicago, I need you to keep on fighting. Illinois, I need you to keep on believing. I need you to knock on some doors. I need you to talk to your neighbors. I need you to get out and vote in this election,” Obama told a cheering crowd of thousands.

After concluding his 32-minute remarks, Obama hugged Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and also Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois treasurer who’s in a tight race with Republican Congressman Mark Kirk for Obama’s old Senate seat.

Obama’s pep rally helped invigorate Pearl Ramsey of Chicago. The 36-year-old owner of a production company said she had been turned off by the negative tone of the campaigns in Illinois, which she called “toxic.”

“It really didn’t make me feel good about really any party,” she said. She said she always planned to vote Democratic but now she’s excited again after hearing Obama.

Both parties were working hard on the last weekend before Election Day to get voters to the polls.

Originally reported by Yahoo. Read the original story here.

Obama fires up Illinois Democrats at Chicago get-out-the-vote rally | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Republicans will have to wait until Tuesday to find out if they make the big gains many expect in the US Congress but they have already beaten the Democrats in another arena — Facebook.

Republican candidates are outpolling Democrats on Facebook in the races for the Senate, House of Representatives and state governor, according to the blog AllFacebook.com, which has compiled figures from across the country.

Overall, the Facebook pages of Republican candidates have attracted 3.38 million fans while Democratic candidates have drawn 1.39 million, according to AllFacebook.com, which is independent of the social network.

In the Senate races, 26 Republican candidates have more fans than their Democratic opponents. Just 10 Democratic Senate hopefuls have more fans than their Republican rivals.

In 190 competitive House races, 127 Republican candidates have more Facebook fans than their Democratic opponents. Only 63 Democratic candidates are up on their Republican rivals ahead of Tuesday’s election.

In the gubernatorial races, 23 Republican candidates for governor are ahead of their Democratic foes on Facebook while only 13 Democrats have been “liked” more than their Republican rivals.

The candidate with the largest number of Facebook fans is Senator John McCain, the Republican from Arizona who lost the presidential race to Barack Obama two years ago. McCain has around 714,650 Facebook friends.

Republican candidates for the Senate, House or governor occupy eight of the top 10 slots when it comes to Facebook fans.

Bill White, a Democrat running for governor of Texas, has the most fans of any Democrat with 151,014. California gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown with 95,350 fans is the only other Democrat to crack the top 10.

Another Democrat, of course, tops all of the candidates combined in Facebook popularity — Barack Obama himself, whose Facebook page has 15.28 million fans.

Republicans top Democrats with Facebook fans (AFP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO
– Democrats have been out early trying to fire up voters before President Barack Obama’s Chicago rally.

The president is expected to make another push Saturday to fend off Republicans who want to claim his former U.S. Senate seat and the Illinois governor’s mansion.

Gov. Pat Quinn and Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias (jeh-NOO’-lee-ehs) are both Democratic candidates who are on the top of the Illinois ballot. Giannoulias is in a tight race for Obama’s seat against Republican Congressman Mark Kirk.

Like the Democrats, Republicans are busy as well on this final weekend before Election Day. Kirk and GOP candidate for governor Bill Brady have been making stops around the state and have their own rally planned in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook.

Originally reported by Yahoo. Read the original story here.

Illinois Democrats woo voters before Obama rally in Chicago; GOP also busy with events | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

By Jennifer Wessner   Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois lawmaker on Wednesday announced his proposal to make Illinois’ historically corrupt political culture more transparent. 

Kotowski said the existing statement of economic interest does not do enough to hold candidates and officials accountable.

His plan would require future and current elected officials to disclose all income, donations, property interest, liabilities and all previous employment to voters. Additionally, they would be required to outline the financial interests of all immediate family members.

Kotowski said the reluctance of candidates such as Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady and GOP lieutenant governor candidate Jason Plummer to release their tax returns this year has shed light on the problem.

Since former governor and now convicted felon Rod Blagojevich was impeached in early 2009, the Illinois legislature has passed several laws with similar objectives as Kotowski’s proposal. Illinois enacted a major ethics reform law shortly before Blagojevich’s ouster and passed campaign finance reform last December.

Critics say the passage of such strict reforms puts running for political office out of reach for the average citizen.

Canary said the criticism is unfounded since Kotowski’s proposal expands on a law already on the books.

But Kotowski said the problem has reached a point where it’s worth the risk of alienating a few would-be politicians.

But Canary acknowledges this proposal will not root out all backroom deals.

Kotowski realizes his plan might not fix the problem, but he said it would allow the public to have a better understanding of who they are voting for than they have now.

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.

Lawmaker Wants to Highlight Public Officials’ Finances | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The nation continues digging out of the recession. In Illinois, the hole is deeper.

Unemployment continues to hang at nearly 10 percent, and the current business environment is not conducive to a recovery. In a survey conducted by Crain’s Chicago Business earlier this year, national CEOs ranked Illinois 46th of 50 states in the best places to do business.

The state’s financial situation is the worst in its nearly 200-year history. Our state deficit sits at roughly $13 billion, or about $1,000 for every man, woman and child in the state.

The state not only is short on cash, it also is short on executive leadership.

Gov. Pat Quinn cannot be blamed for all of the state’s woes. But he has done little to win our confidence. Since taking over 20 months ago from Rod Blagojevich – now a convicted felon awaiting retrial on 22 counts of corruption – Quinn has made misstep after misstep.

But it is the future that matters for Illinois, and a future with Quinn leading our state is frightening.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, “Illinoisans are facing some $2.8 billion in state income tax hikes under Governor Pat Quinn’s plan ($5.7 billion if his budget director’s call for an even higher rate moves ahead) and another $5.1 billion in higher federal income taxes should today’s rates sunset at year’s end.”

Quinn’s plan is to tax and spend our way out of the hole. There must be a more reasonable way to pay for the incompetence of past leadership.

Republican Bill Brady represents change for Illinois. The state senator offers a level of credibility and leadership unmatched by the others seeking the office.

Brady has talked about stabilizing the tax climate through a significant reworking of the state’s tax code, and immediate tax credits to businesses that create jobs. His plan includes refocusing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to give Illinois a unified, statewide voice to help the state better compete for new business.

For small business owners, the backbone of our local communities, Brady endorses a five-year moratorium on federal payroll taxes and the creation of a Main Street Small Business Advisory Board to help the owners of small and fledgling businesses get off the ground and grow.

Illinois needs a change. That change should start at the top. We endorse Brady for governor.

Endorsement: Bill Brady for Ill. Governor | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

It’s the home stretch for the candidates running for Illinois governor.

Republican State Sen. Bill Brady’s campaign is getting a boost from three GOP governors from southern states.

The governors from Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia will join Brady in southwest suburban Homer Glen Wednesday.

Several national political figures have rallied for Illinois candidates on both sides of the aisle. President Barack Obama is scheduled to be at a rally for Democrats in Hyde Park on Saturday.

Originally reported by Chicago Public Radio. Read the original article here.

Republican governors to rally for Brady | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

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