The new Illinois 2022-2030 congressional map has the dubious distinction of being one of the most gerrymandered congressional maps in the nation. Princeton University’s Gerrymandering Project presented the newly drawn Illinois congressional map with an “F” grade. Downstate’s new 13th Congressional District may be the most gerrymandered district in Illinois. Upon passing the final map […]
Bill Edley
Posted inOpinion
Congress spends on wars, ignoring low-wage workers
The 2020 presidential election year should be an opportunity for citizens to express their opinions at the ballot box. Whether voters are able to express themselves about important personal issues becomes less likely with every passing month. Public opinion polls report that top public concerns are creating good jobs with good benefits coupled with health […]
Posted inOpinion
Can Durbin multiply Rebuild Illinois funds?
It was the governor’s first legislative session. And he didn’t disappoint. Gov. J.B. Pritzker rolled the dice and ran the tables in Springfield. His $45 billion Rebuild Illinois legislation is historic. The Illinois General Assembly swooned, as Pritzker lined up not only suburban Republicans, but also 12 of 16 conservative west-central Illinois Republicans. Of these […]
Posted inOpinion
Beware of bogus bipartisanship
On Jan. 1, 1937, Social Security became effective, which meant workers and employers began making payments into a special U.S. Treasury account. The Republican Party, seeing an opportunity to siphon off labor support from President Roosevelt’s 1936 re-election began a political fear campaign. In the weeks preceding the election, workers’ pay envelopes were stuffed with […]
Posted inOpinion
Democrats, may we have your attention?
He was the “King-of-Queens” New York, a congressman both respected and feared. She was a Bernie Sanders 2016 volunteer. He ruled his fiefdom for years unchallenged as chairman of the Queens Democratic Party’s organization. She worked as a bartender. He parlayed his Wall Street fund-raising prowess into contributions for other House members – then in […]
Posted inOpinion
Why are Democrats losing ground?
A few nights ago in Springfield, after enjoying dinner at our favorite Old Capitol Plaza restaurant, I came across an illuminating discovery – an old friend. Next door to our restaurant is a bookstore well known by Springfield-area residents and visiting bibliophiles. After closing, management leaves two folding tables filled with books outside for purchase. […]
