Author: jnjhackler

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Chicago trial lawyers step up to save Justice Kilbride’s campaign

Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride isn’t just Mike Madigan’s favorite judge – he’s also the darling of out-of-district ambulance-chasing trial attorneys from Chicago and the Metro East. After the ILGOP announced an Anti-Kilbride coalition of over 500 elected officials and leaders – including all Illinois Republican Congressman and former US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood – trial attorneys have stepped up to save Kilbride’s campaign. 

In just the last week, trial attorney law firms have kicked in to fund television ads for Kilbride that began running on Monday:

  • Clifford Law Offices – Chicago – $100,000
  • Cooney & Conway – Chicago – $100,000
  • Power Rogers – Chicago – $100,000
  • Keefe, Keefe, & Unsel – Belleville – $100,000
  • Simmons Hanly Conroy – Alton – $100,000
  • Cavanagh Law Group – Chicago – $37,500
  • Antonio Romanucci – Chicago – $37,500
  • Tomasik Kotin & Kasserman – Chicago – $30,000
  • Cogan & Power – Chicago – $20,000

We already know why Madigan invests so heavily in Kilbride – the justice returned the favor with Madigan-protecting decisions to block term limits and strike down fair maps. Trial attorneys are no different. They expect a return on their investment, and Kilbride delivers. 

In Kilbride’s 2010 retention race, a report by the NYU Brennan Center found that large plaintiffs law firms laundered $1.4 million dollars in contributions through Mike Madigan’s Democratic Party of Illinois straight to the Kilbride campaign. With any Madigan connection so toxic ten years later, trial lawyers are skipping that step and now contributing directly to Kilbride.

In return for their past funding of his judicial career, Kilbride has handed down some truly wacky decisions in a bid to suit his benefactors – often standing alone amongst his peers.

Highlights of those bizarre decisions in which he was the lone dissenting justice include a case where Kilbride supported allowing a man to sue an ambulance driver that he himself had hit (HARRIS v. THOMPSON). Another case, Kilbride was the only justice to agree with the Illinois Trial Lawyer’s Association (ITLA) that a man injured in Mississippi, who has never worked in Illinois, could sue in Illinois (FENNELL V. ILLINOIS CENTRAL R.R. CO.). And another instance where Kilbride was the lone justice to side with the ITLA, was in supporting a man receiving workers compensation from his employer after he sustained an injury on his commute to his worksite (THE VENTURE—NEWBERG-PERINI, STONE & WEBSTER V. ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMM’N).

“There is no special interest or powerful benefactor that Justice Kilbride will not kowtow to so long as the checks keep rolling in to his campaign account. The people of Illinois deserve a Supreme Court free from such obvious and brazen conflicts of interest. Kilbride is compromised and he needs to go.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

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Vote NO on Kilbride Coalition Announced

Grassroots coalition announced in opposition to the retention of IL Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride

Hundreds of grassroots leaders urge the rejection of Madigan’s Favorite Judge

Today, the Illinois Republican Party is proud to announce the formation of the Vote NO on Kilbride grassroots coalition. The coalition is made up of more than 500 elected officials, community leaders, and activists from across the 3rd Judicial District who publicly urge a NO vote on the retention campaign of Madigan’s Favorite Judge, Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride.

“I’m honored to be joined by so many leaders and reformers in calling for an independent state Supreme Court where the people of Illinois have a fair shake. Right now, they don’t. Justice Kilbride is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Madigan Machine. After receiving $2.8 million in campaign cash from Mike Madigan, Justice Kilbride delivered results that were great for the Speaker’s pursuit of power and disastrous for the taxpayers of Illinois. That’s why Kilbride is Madigan’s favorite judge and why he must be defeated in November.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

Justice Kilbride’s Illinois Supreme Court under Madigan’s control has blocked every major economic reform that could improve the state’s legal and business climates – namely pension reform, tort reform, and medical malpractice caps. Time and again, Kilbride has sided with government insiders and special interests over taxpayers, leading to higher taxes and more corruption.

And the biggest payoff for Madigan’s $2.8 million investment in Kilbride’s judicial career has been weaponizing the Supreme Court to block any challenge to his political power. Kilbride successfully blocked term limits in 2014. In 2001, Kilbride was the deciding vote to uphold Madigan’s gerrymandered map, and in 2016, Kilbride wrote the majority opinion striking down the citizen-led ballot (“Fair Maps”) initiative that would have given voters a say in redistricting and taken the power away from Madigan to draw gerrymandered maps. 

Justice Kilbride is Madigan’s Favorite Judge because the judge has been one of the Speaker’s greatest instruments for amassing and maintaining his immense power in state government and politics. 

Coalition Members

Illinois Republican Congressmen

Adam Kinzinger, IL-16 Congressman

Darin LaHood, IL-18 Congressman

Mike Bost, IL-12 Congressman

Rodney Davis, IL-13 Congressman

John Shimkus, IL-15 Congressman

Statewide Leaders

Jim Durkin, House Minority Leader

Bill Brady, Senate Minority Leader

Tim Schneider, ILGOP Chairman

Richard Porter, RNC National Committeeman

Demetra Demonte, RNC National Committeewoman

Mark Shaw, ILGOP Co-Chair & President of Republican County Chairman’s Association

3rd Judicial District Legislators

Neil Anderson, 36th State Senate

Chuck Weaver, 37th State Senate 

Sue Rezin, 38th State Senate

John Curran, 41st State Senate

Jil Tracy, 47th State Senate

Jason Barickman, 53rd State Senate

Margo McDermed, 37th State Representative

Grant Wehrli, 41st State Representative

Tony McCombie, 71st State Representative

Ryan Spain, 73rd State Representative

Dan Swanson, 74th State Representative

David Welter, 75th State Representative

Tim Butler, 87th State Representative

Keith Sommer, 88th State Representative

Tom Demmer, 90th State Representative

Norine Hammond, 93rd State Representative

Mark Batinick, 97th State Representative

Thomas Bennett, 106th State Representative

3rd Judicial District Elected Officials, Leaders, and Activists

Bureau County

Barry Welbers, Bureau County GOP Chairman

Sandy Hoos, Activist

Sue Pratt, Activist

Nina Urbanowski, Activist

Elizabeth Novotney, Activist

George Wilhelmsen, Activist

Fulton County

John Spangler, Fulton County GOP Chairman

Kaity Spangler, Activist

Grundy County

Aren Hansen, Grundy County GOP Chairman

Ken Briley, Grundy County Sheriff

Eric Rasmussen, Grundy County Board Member

Greg Ridenour, Grundy County Board Member

Michael Mattingly, Former Grundy County GOP Chairman

Drew Muffler, Grundy County Board Member

Linda Filippelli, Activist

Joseph Schiavone, Activist

Laura Schiavone, Activist

Vic Elias, Activist

Gerry Von Qualen, Activist

Bruce Limbach, Activist

Cindy Limbach, Activist

Gary Lowery, Activist

Scott Doorn, Activist

Alice Svenson, Activist

Michelle Campbell, Activist

Jana Trofinchuck, Activist

Matt Trofinchuck, Activist

James Riley, Activist

John Peacock, Activist

Matt Meier, Activist

David Stephenson, Activist

Rob Hoge, Activist

Chris Brown, Activist

Carl Grudici, Activist

Deanna Trotter, Activist

Peter Trotter, Activist

Ellen Hanson, Activist

John Hanson, Activist

Josh Harris, Activist

Gordon Chesharen, Activist

Hancock County

Kathy Sparrow, Hancock County GOP Chairman

Mary Ruth Phillips, Hancock County GOP Secretary

Jennifer Allen, Activist

George Armilda, Activist

Scott Bentzinger, Activist

Cathy Bergmeier, Activist

Randy Bergmeier, Activist

Michael Boley, Activist

Joe Clarke, Activist

Pat Cramer, Activist

Donna Cramer, Activist

Richard Ellefritz, Activist

Greg Gronewold, Activist

Scott Hall, Activist

Walter Sellens, Activist

Rodney Sparrow, Activist

Greg Ufkes, Activist

Mary Ann Powell-Wintjen, Activist

Henderson County

Jon Riley, Henderson County GOP Chairman

Bill Knupp, Former Henderson County GOP Chairman

Colby Hathaway, State’s Attorney

Kim Gullberg, Activist

Susan Higgins, Activist

Phil Butler, Activist

Byron Sparrow, Activist

Johnny Johnson, Activist

Jeff Stanton, Activist

Kevin Geary, Activist

Larry Moreland, Activist

Edith Ray, Activist

Janet Lee Stubbs, Activist

Gus Hart, Activist

Henry County

Jan Weber, Henry County GOP Chairwoman & State Central Committeeman

Allen Anderson, Activist

William Bordwell, Activist

Phyllis Cole, Activist

Natalie Collins, Activist

Dave Dobbel, Activist

Ray Elliott, Activist

Dave Holmes, Activist

Bob Kuhns, Activist

Barb Kuhns, Activist

Beverly Lewis, Activist

Kathy Nelson, Activist

Gary Pinger, Activist

Lynn Sutton, Activist

Arnold Taube, Activist

Thomas Taylor, Activist

Bob Wachtel, Activist

Alan Yager, Activist

James Yerkey, Activist

Mary Yerkey, Activist

Jon Zahm, Activist

Nicolay Pam, Activist

Iroquois County

Susan Wynn Bence, Former President of Illinois Federation of Republican Women

Lyle Behrends, Iroquois County GOP Chairman

John Shure, Iroquois County Board Chairman

Barbara Offill, Iroquois County Board Member

Charles Alt, Iroquois County Board Member

Mitchell Bence, Activist

Jody Munsterman, Activist

Bill Milan, Activist

Kate Peters, Activist

Kankakee County

Bruce Clark, Former Kankakee County Clerk

Wanda Cantrell, Former Kankakee County GOP Chairwoman

Jayne Raef, President of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women

Colton Ekhoff, Kankakee County Board Member

John Fetherling, Kankakee County Board Member

Jeff Keast, Former Kankakee County GOP Chairman

Karl Kruse, Former Kankakee County Board Chairman

Stephen Liehr, Kankakee County Board Member

Tinker Parker, Kankakee County Board Member

Darrell Smith, Kankakee County Board Member

Dave West, Kankakee Township Assessor

Justin Krolik, Activist

Alicia Parkinson, Activist

Timmy Pawula, Activist

Cody Reinbold, Activist

Dana Van Voorst, Activist

Mike Zenz, Activist

Rita Zenz, Activist

Dale Strough, Activist

Knox County

Derrick Appell, Altona Village President

Harry Bulkeley, Retired Circuit Judge

Fred McGunnigal, Activist

Mary McGunnigal, Activist

Thomas Schmidt, Activist

Dick Cocklin, Activist

Chuck Armstrong, Activist

LaSalle County

Larry Smith, LaSalle County GOP Chairman

Carla Mathis, Activist

Archie Boe, Activist

Ray Gatza, Activist

Elizabeth Bishop, Activist

Karl Potlinger, Activist

Lorelei Wisbrock, Activist

Thomas Kreiger, Activist

DeLisa Leonard, Activist

Margie Kreier, Activist

Bill Brown, Activist

Barb  Brown, Activist

Todd Volken, Activist

Marsha Atchison, Activist

Dave Dziedzic, Activist

Julie Dziedzic, Activist

Carina Blood, Activist

Chris Blood, Activist

Eric Soderholm, Activist

Michelle Soderholm, Activist

John Leininger, Activist

Jerry Owens, Activist

Joe Zeman, Activist

Steve Tuftie, Activist

Curt Faber, Activist

Chuck Borchsenius, Activist

Martin Rue, Activist

Stephanie Thompson, Activist

Steve Aubry, Activist

Jake Aubry, Activist

Andy Bacidore, Activist

Michael Lewandowski, Activist

Eliza Leonard, Activist

Mary Nevins, Activist

Steve Atchison, Activist

Angelo Flamingo, Activist

Denetta Flamingo, Activist

Lloyd Chapman, Activist

Bernie Jenkins, Activist

Beth Findley, Activist

Larry Langston, Activist

Carol Taylor, Activist

Karen Donnelly, Activist

Alex Adkins, Activist

Marshall County

Charles Owens, Marshall County GOP Chairman

Mike Mendola, Former Marshall County GOP Chairman

Matt Weber, Activist

Ed Stunkel, Activist

Charlene Nauman, Activist

Kent Flanigan, Activist

Marty McLaughlin, Activist

Lydia Pelphrey, Activist

McDonough County

Mary Brookhart, McDonough County GOP Chairman

Gwynne Worthington, Activist

Leonard Hammond, Activist

George Dranes, Activist

Nicholas Petitgout, Sheriff

Jerry Riggins, Activist

Dan O’Neill, Activist

Judy Bedwell, Activist

Rex Bedwell, Activist

Kenneth Standard, Activist

Todd Hamilton, Activist

Cindy Moon, Activist

Janet Dixon, Activist

Lois McClintock, Activist

Ken  McClintock, Activist

Robert Balimann, Activist

Megan Pittner, Activist

John McLaughlin, Activist

Ian Fischer, Activist

Mercer County

Barbara Chiles, Mercer County GOP Chairman

Buck Rind, Activist

Greg Larson, Activist

Jen Russell, Activist

JoAnne Nelson, Activist

Michael Zecher, Activist

Peoria County

Ray LaHood, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation & Former Congressman

Janis Straesser, President of the Peoria County Republican Women

Rick Cloyd, Former Peoria County GOP Chairman

Carol Hornickle, Former Peoria County GOP Chairman

Win Stoller, State Senate Candidate

Larry Baer, Activist

Kate Bean, Activist

Tony Bonefede, Activist

Karen Disharoon, Activist

Mary Alice Erickson, Activist

Scott Friesth, Activist

Nick Hornickle, Activist

Trent Keeling, Activist

Julie Kotewa, Activist

Laura Machetti, Activist

William (Bill) Mahl, Activist

Thorn McClellan Smith, Activist

Mary Anna Meyer, Activist

Summer Pappan, Activist

John Sahn, Activist

Bernadette Shekleton, Activist

Julie Sorce, Activist

Cynthia Steinwedel, Activist

Mary Sundermayer, Activist

Scott Szmania, Activist

Putnam County

Jaye Debates, Putnam County GOP Chairman

Sue Lanzotti, Activist

Rock Island County

Esther Joy King, Candidate for Congress

Drue Mielke, RI County GOP Chairman and County Board Member

Bill Bloom, Former RI County GOP Chairman

Mike Steffen, Former RI County GOP Chairman

Janice Aguirre, Activist

Louis Alongi, Activist

Lucy Armstrong, Activist

Jack Boccarossa, Activist

Victoria Boldt, Activist

Alfred Bradley, Activist

Chris Browne, Activist

Brad Carroll, Activist

Russell Christ, Activist

Roxanne Croegaert, Activist

Nancy Devriese, Activist

Jaclyn Dooley, Activist

Jim Drish, Activist

Debbie Drish, Activist

Arlis Enburg, Activist

Dennis English, Activist

Glen Evans, Activist

Henry From, Activist

Robert Gochee, Activist

Robert Hartley, Activist

Sharon Heinze, Activist

Peggy Huffstutter, Activist

Willard James, Activist

Donald William Johnson, Activist

Shelva King, Activist

William Kirkham, Activist

Treyton Lamphier, Activist

Bill Long, Activist

Albert Long, Activist

Viva Long, Activist

Janet Long, Activist

Marlene Mohr, Activist

Richard Phillis, Activist

Rebecca Prettyman, Activist

Dan Rasmussen, Activist

Jeffrey Rice, Activist

Thomas Romano, Activist

Betty Schmidt, Activist

Emmy Sharaan, Activist

Rodney Simmer, Activist

Barry Spera, Activist

Marian Stallings, Activist

Robert Steinman, Activist

Kathleen Tucker, Activist

Bob Westefahl, Activist

Stark County

Mike Bigger, Stark County GOP Chairman & State Central Committeeman

Steven Sloan, Stark County Sheriff

Jim Nowlan, Former State Representative

Thomas Howes, Activist

Lee Hager, Activist

Melissa Shipp, Activist

Tim McMillen, Activist

Al Curry, Activist

Mike Rumbold, Activist

Tazewell County

Jim Rule, Tazewell County GOP Chairman

Mary Burress, Tazewell County Treasurer & State Senate Candidate

Dave Zimmerman, Tazewell County Board Chairman

Wayne Altpeter, Tazewell County Board Member

Virgil Cihla, Activist

Malcolm Kinsinger, Activist

Craig Friend, Activist

Tim Latronico, Activist

Kathryn Yontz, Activist

Loni Smith, Activist

Kristie Bailey, Activist

Marc Bailey, Activist

Barbara Smith, Activist

Michael Smith, Activist

David Allen, Activist

Lynda Sharp-Lower, Activist

Chad Bell, Activist

Dennis Koch, Activist

Marilynn Gunn, Activist

Eugenia Dennis, Activist

Roberta Keyser, Activist

Norm Sales, Activist

Jeff Lower, Tazewell County Sheriff

Stephanie Altpeter, Activist

Kim Allen, Activist

Hollie Hanley, Activist

Preston Hanley, Activist

Charles Hanley, Activist

Jane Hoffmire, Activist

Casey Hoffmire, Activist

Diane Hahn, Activist

Carol Baker, Activist

Michelene Koch, Activist

M. Shemansky, Activist

R. Shemansky, Activist

John Baer, Activist

Pat Schmillen, Activist

Mike Brenkman, Activist

John Gilligan, Activist

Marilyn Florie, Activist

Christine Martha, Activist

Judy Getz, Activist

Charles Broy, Activist

Warren County

Cory Burgland, Warren County GOP Chairman

Andy Doyle, Warren County State’s Attorney

Ken McMillan, Former State Senator

Wendell Shauman, Activist

Marcus Doyle, Activist

Marti Edwards, Activist

Daniel Cox, Activist

Dainita Ornery, Activist

Donna Scott, Activist

Ralph Whiteman, Activist

Stan Jenks, Activist

Sean Cavanaugh, Activist

Phil McVey, Activist

Albert Algren, Activist

Gina Long, Activist

Pete Loomis, Activist

Whiteside County

Kurt Glazier, Whiteside County GOP Chairman

George Thompson, Whiteside County Board Member

Marci Bohnert, Activist

Kristopher Schmidt, Activist

Rod Copeland, Activist

Connie Landheer, Activist

Will County

George Pearson, Will County GOP Chairman

Roger Claar, Former Mayor of Bolingbrook

Steve Balich, Will County Board Member

Julie Berkowicz, Will County Board Member

Gretchen Fritz, Will County Board Member

Tim Kraulidis, Will County Board Member

Tom Weigel, Will County Board Member

Cornel Darden, Will County Young Republicans Chair

Ben Bierly, Jackson Township Republican Chair

Peter Delaney, Lockport Township Republican Chairman

Marianne DeMeritt, Former Will County GOP Chairman

Edward Ronkowski, Former Will County GOP Chairman

Ryan Hagen, Frankfort Township Republican Chairman

Tuck Marshall, Manhattan Township Republican Chairman

Stacy Mazurek, Washington Township Republican Chairman

Natalie Murawski, Peotone Township Republican Chairman

Frankie Pretzel, New Lenox Township Republican Chairman

Tim Ozinga, Candidate for State Representative

Michelle Smith, Deputy State Central Committeewoman CD 11

Linda Adamowski, Activist

Kevin Ade, Activist

Katherine Anderson, Activist

Donna Antolik, Activist

Ray Antolik, Activist

Leon Ausec, Activist

Kevin Baer, Activist

Alyssia Benford, Activist

Marty Boban, Activist

Brandi Bouton, Activist

Brian Bouton, Activist

Maureen Broderik, Activist

Kris Budz, Activist

Larry Camis, Activist

Carissa Catellier, Activist

J Catellier, Activist

Kristine Chronister, Activist

Tyler Clausen, Activist

Jennifer Consolino, Activist

Monica Cruz, Activist

Danielle Custardo, Activist

Anthony Cyranek, Activist

Frank D’Ambrosio, Activist

Dawn Damiani, Activist

Patty Deiters, Activist

Barb Delaney, Activist

JT DiGiovanni, Activist

Suzanne Doll, Activist

Laura Dominick, Activist

Megan Dominick, Activist

Tim Dominick, Activist

Nick  Ficarello, Activist

Doug Finnegan, Activist

Kevin Flesch, Activist

Barbara Fletcher, Activist

Dale Fontana, Activist

Jessica Frankowski, Activist

Steve Friant, Activist

Carolynn Gallman, Activist

Tracie  Gambino , Activist

Dave Guzak, Activist

Mike Guzak, Activist

William Harkins, Activist

Leon Hart, Activist

Barbara Healy, Activist

Barbara Hermanowicz, Activist

Gerald Hickey, Activist

KyreaKoula Hilliard, Activist

Kathy Hilton, Activist

Camille Holcombe, Activist

Jason Hudson, Activist

Kevin Hurtubise, Activist

Donald Ibarra, Activist

Dianna Ingram, Activist

Joel Johnston, Activist

Philip Juarez, Activist

Barbara Kaupas, Activist

Richard Kavanaugh, Activist

Joe Kearn, Activist

Keifer Keigher, Activist

Tom Kelly, Activist

Jackie Keltner, Activist

Steve Kent, Activist

Chris Kosel, Activist

Debbie Kraulidis, Activist

Stacie Kreag, Activist

Cindy Laha, Activist

Bruce Lahia, Activist

Renee Langeloh, Activist

Dale Larson, Activist

Lori Lindberg, Activist

Christopher Matthew, Activist

Dave Maxwell, Activist

Tom McCullagh, Activist

James McDonald, Activist

Christine McGovern, Activist

Tina McGrath, Activist

John McNellis, Activist

Mary McNellis, Activist

Dennis McPartlin, Activist

Dave Medema, Activist

Laura Mesich, Activist

Donna Migliorese, Activist

Kathy Moretti, Activist

Mark Munizzo, Activist

Zyan Navarra, Activist

Jennifer Paganessi, Activist

Bill Passaglia , Activist

Porter Phil, Activist

Dave Podzory, Activist

Heather Polante, Activist

Hal Prohaska, Activist

Jonnie Prohaska, Activist

Nick Raineri, Activist

Jodie Randall, Activist

Leon Rasec, Activist

Mary Beth Regan, Activist

Nora Regan , Activist

Mark Revis, Activist

Curt Riemer, Activist

Eric Roche, Activist

Julie Rogus, Activist

Diana Rolley, Activist

Kevin Rolley, Activist

Sarah Rusin, Activist

Nicole Sanders, Activist

Victor Santana, Activist

Megan Saverino, Activist

Peter Saverino, Activist

Sara Schmidt, Activist

Allie Settle, Activist

Janette Shiperak, Activist

Lynn Simmons, Activist

Russ Simmons, Activist

Mike Smith, Activist

Diane Soderborg, Activist

Steve Soderborg, Activist

Dee Soderstrom , Activist

Susan Stompanato, Activist

Renata Spina, Activist

Grant Spooner, Activist

Kristen Steeves, Activist

Cyndy Stevens, Activist

Cathy Stochi, Activist

John Stochi, Activist

Chris Stompanato, Activist

Scott Strache, Activist

Lindsey Sykora, Activist

Linda Tomnitz, Activist

Daniel Tylka, Activist

Andy Usowski, Activist

Larry Vacala, Activist

Krystyna Vela, Activist

Francis Volpe, Activist

Kandy Waldie, Activist

Jennifer Warner, Activist

Douglas Webb, Activist

Judy Wooten, Activist

Tina Wortmann, Activist

Tom Wortmann, Activist

Kim Yeoung, Activist

Victor Zack, Activist

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Is State Senator Andy Manar Violating His Own Ethics Proposal?

Manar receives compensation from a DC-based consulting firm who has a $500k/year no-bid contract from a community college that covers his senate district

Last week, State Senator Andy Manar led a group of Democratic lawmakers in announcing an ethics reform proposal that includes provisions such as:

  • Prohibit legislators from lobbying elected officials from other units of government
  • Better define who is a lobbyist to ensure consultants and lawyers aren’t able to use loopholes to perform lobbying and skirt registration as a lobbyist
  • Expand disclosure of legislators’ outside income

But does Manar’s own side gig at a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm violate his ethics proposal?

Since early 2012, Manar has worked for THG Advisors, previously known as The Horinko Group. According to their website, THG Advisors is “a community-building consulting firm operating at the intersection of policy, science, and communications” that specializes in “regulatory intervention.” Although the firm does not lobby at this time, they employed lobbyists in 2008-2009 and 2015-2016, according to the U.S. Senate Lobbyist Disclosure Act Database. Lobbying clients included defense contractor BAE Systems.

According to Manar’s 2013 through 2020 statements of economic interest filed with the Secretary of State, he earned at least $1,200 each year from his position with the firm. State law does not require lawmakers to disclose the exact dollar amount of outside income earned, so the public does not know how much money Manar has earned from his position.

Although he continues to report income from the company, Manar’s company biography was removed from the THG Advisors website. A 2017 screenshot from Manar’s company bio says he serves as “Senior Advisor for Public-Private Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement” for THG Advisors and “brings a boots on the ground perspective on how to effectively engage local communities and state program managers and budget officers.”

THG Advisors has received scrutiny locally for receiving $500,000 a year no-bid contracts from Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC). According to The Telegraph, former LCCC President Dale Chapman was “criticized for signing a no-bid contract with a consulting firm, The Horinko Group in Washington, D.C., at $500,000 annually since 2008.” The LCCC district covers the Macoupin County and Madison County areas of Manar’s senate district.

Andy Manar has many questions to answer regarding his work at THG Advisors:

  • What is the nature of Manar’s work at THG Advisors?
  • How much does Manar earn from his position at THG Advisors?
  • As “Senior Advisor for Public-Private Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement,” what “stakeholders” is Manar “engaging”?
  • Does Manar communicate with any public employee or elected officials at the federal, state, or local level regarding his work at THG Advisors? If so, has he ever encouraged them to take official action?
  • What is the expanded definition of “consultant” under Manar’s ethics proposal and does it cover his work at THG Advisors? If it does cover his work, when does he plan to leave his position due to the lawmaker-lobbyist prohibition in his ethics proposal?
  • If it does not cover his position, does his consulting side gig violate the spirit of his own ethics proposal?
  • Is Manar’s salary paid for in any part by the no-bid contract THG Advisors received from LCCC?
  • Are there any other units of government in Manar’s senate district that have given contracts to THG Advisors?
  • What is the nature of Manar’s work at Priorities USA?
  • Does Manar think it’s appropriate for a sitting legislator to receive compensation from a Super PAC?

“Andy Manar has a lot of explaining to do regarding his side gig at a D.C. consulting firm that received many no-bid contracts from a community college in his senate district. As Manar pushes ethics reforms and new disclosure requirements for lobbyists and lawmakers, he should lead by example and explain the nature of his DC consulting firm.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesperson Joe Hackler.

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An Open Letter to IL Grassroots Republicans

Friends, I write to you today to help make sure our minds are focused and our energy is channeled towards positive change for the state of Illinois during the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season. Our state is in serious trouble. Has been for quite some time. But like you, I choose to stay and fight because this is my home and I won’t abandon it. Your dedication to a better Illinois inspires me everyday. 

We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make sure we do everything in our power to move the needle towards reform – towards sanity – on election day this year.

And we DO have the power.

I get messages sent to me and I see comments on social media posts everyday from angry Illinoisans who simply want to know what they can do to stop the madness. They wonder how they can make an impact to move Illinois from financial ruin, never-ending population loss, and massive government overreach to an Illinois on the side of the taxpayer, affordable to raise a family, and safe from those who seek to destroy. 

Not having an answer to that question, many angry Illinoisans turn to social media as the extent of their involvement in fighting for change. Unfortunately however, I would argue that individuals have largely sorted themselves out ideologically on social media into different spheres of influence, thus lessening it’s impact for political transformation. Put another way, every meme or complaint you post about the Governor is largely seen by people who already agree with you. 

Are undecided or swing voters – people we need on our side in blue tinted Illinois – being swayed by your newsfeed on Facebook? Probably not…no offense.

And herein lies the hard truth of this. There is no silver bullet, no magic wand to waive, and yes, no court case that will save our state from Mike Madigan and JB Pritzker’s destruction. There is only one method to fixing Illinois: electing reform-minded Republicans, and defeating Democrats at the state level.

And what does it take to elect Republicans and defeat Democrats? I won’t lie – it takes a lot of hard work. It takes an army of patriots willing to engage in street level campaign voter contact such as making phone calls or knocking on doors. It takes some generous individuals willing to send in a check to their candidates of choice. Whether it’s $5 or $500, everything adds up.

We will never change Illinois if we do not channel our collective anger and energy towards productive means. For example, which do you think makes a bigger electoral impact? Arguing with your ill-informed uncle or socialist co-worker online over politics or spending an hour on the phone talking to 20 undecided voters? I know the answer and I think you do too.

Making sure your efforts are productive also means making sure they are targeted for maximum impact. With that, the Illinois Republican Party is excited to roll-out a program called “Races to Watch” to answer that question we started with: what can the average person do to make a difference?

The candidates within the Races to Watch program represent the most competitive contests in the state – both challengers who have a good chance to knock off a Democrat and incumbent Republicans who face well funded opponents in swing districts. In order to push back against Madigan and Pritzker’s control, we must keep the Republican legislative seats we have and eat into their majorities by defeating incumbent Democrats. These races will all be decided by low single digit margins and they need your help.

I’ll say it again, Races to Watch is your tool to maximize your efforts for change this fall and defeat Democrats. I encourage you to check it out by clicking the link below and signing-up TODAY to make some calls, knock on doors and/or donate a few bucks.

All of your help is much appreciated by myself and the candidates who need you.

Sincerely,

Tim Scheider

ILGOP Chairman

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ILGOP Calls for Vote of Non-Retention for Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride

During the most recent State Central Committee meeting of the Illinois Republican Party, the ILGOP voted unanimously to formally recommend a vote of non-retention for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride of the 3rd Judicial District. Justice Kilbride is up for retention on the November 2020 ballot and must meet the 60% retention threshold in order to keep his seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.

The ILGOP recommends removing Kilbride from the bench because of his very close ties to corrupt House Speaker Michael Madigan. In 2010, the last time Kilbride faced retention, Mike Madigan made Kilbride’s retention one of his top political priorities because he knew Kilbride was essential to retaining his power over the Supreme Court.

Chicago Sun-Times: “The speaker’s greatest victory, arguably, is the retention of Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride. With Madigan’s massive help, Kilbride remains on the bench, maintaining Democrats’ 4-3 majority on the court. That majority will be critical to the party in redistricting the political boundaries of this state.” (“Mr. Speaker, you’ve got work to do,” Editorial, Chicago Sun Times, Nov. 7, 2010)

Chicago Tribune: “And Madigan elected Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride, despite a stop-Kilbride campaign, as the speaker prepares that new political map.” (“Mike Madigan wins big,” Editorial, Chicago Tribune, Nov. 4, 2010)

Chicago Tribune: “Kilbride’s response? He has raised a whopping $2.48 million to save his job. The money is coming largely from the same sources that funded his 2000 campaign: House Speaker Michael Madigan and organized labor. The Madigan-controlled Democratic Party of Illinois has kicked in $1.42 million.”  (“Kilbride & Madigan,” Editorial, Chicago Tribune, Oct. 27, 2010)

In return for millions in campaign cash from Madigan, Kilbride has reliably voted to protect Madigan’s power and sided with Madigan’s powerful allies. Kilbride ruled against term limits and struck down pension reform in spite of criticism that he took millions of dollars from those with a stake in the decision.

Worst of all, in 2016, Kilbride wrote the majority opinion striking down the citizen-led ballot (“Fair Maps”) initiative that would have given voters a say in redistricting and taken the power away from Madigan to draw gerrymander maps. The decision was all about Madigan, as evidenced from the Chicago Tribune headline immediately following the decision on August 26, 2016: “Supreme Court’s Democratic majority sides with Madigan on redistricting. Surprise!” August 26, 2016.

“Justice Kilbride is a Madigan pawn occupying a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court, and he must be defeated. Kilbride has been elected by Madigan’s millions and has returned the favor, rejecting every good government reform that has appeared on the docket all in service to Madigan’s stranglehold on Illinois politics. The Illinois Republican Party strongly urges a vote of non-retention for Justice Kilbride.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

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Did Pritzker encourage Madigan to stay?

As bipartisan calls for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to resign continue to grow, Madigan released a late-night statement declaring that he would not resign after receiving “positive” feedback from other Illinois Democrats.

Did Governor Pritzker talk to the Speaker?  If so, what did the Governor say?  If he didn’t, what is the Governor’s response to Madigan’s arrogant defiance amidst growing bipartisan calls for him to step down?

In the past two weeks, Pritzker hasn’t been able to figure out what to say about Madigan, his political ally, when asked by reporters.

He thought he could hide behind the Republican leaders in the General Assembly.  That excuse is gone.

He thought he could change his standard for resignation to when the FBI conducts a raid.  Oops – that’s already happened a few times.

Pritzker’s likely worried that the same U.S. Attorney closing in on Madigan might intensify a separate federal investigation into Pritzker’s property tax fraud. 

We don’t know if Pritzker and Madigan spoke yesterday but here’s what we predict Pritzker told him:

  • “Hang in there, Mike.  We are political allies.”
  • “Do you need more money?  Has the last $10 million run out already?”
  • “I can’t stand this U.S. Attorney either.  Why won’t he leave us alone?”
  • “Don’t resign, Mike.  If you go, I could be next.”
  • “I love what you did with the Democratic Party’s website.  I want every voter to know how close we are.”
(Source: ildems.com)

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Pritzker stands by Madigan as Dem calls for resignation grow

In the last few hours, two more Democratic State Representatives have called on Speaker Michael Madigan to resign immediately.  Despite growing bipartisan calls for Madigan to resign, Governor JB Pritzker is standing by his man. 

Pritzker may be afraid that if Madigan is forced to resign prior to an indictment, calls will soon come for Pritzker himself to resign when the federal investigation into his own property tax fraud intensifies.  That is why Pritzker keeps fumbling questions about Madigan. 

Last week, Pritzker fumbled questions about whether he considered Madigan a political ally.  Yesterday, he fumbled questions about why he is changing his standards when it comes to corrupt officials needing to resign from leadership positions.

The Background: Last year, Governor JB Pritzker called on former Democratic Sen. Marty Sandoval to step down as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee before he was indicted.  This January, Pritzker told Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller that when there’s “clear” evidence of targeting by criminal investigators, “that’s the point at which folks should step aside.”  But after Mike Madigan was dubbed “Public Official A” by the U.S. Attorney in a widening corruption investigation, Pritzker flip-flopped and said Madigan need only resign if the allegations are true.

The Fumble: Yesterday, NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern asked Pritzker why he was changing his resignation standard for Madigan.  Here’s his convoluted response:

Well I have been clear that, you know when there is a raid, when there is an indictment, you know I have called for people to step down from their positions, or to resign. So I have said the same thing. I’ve said that, you know, if you know if these allegations are true, the speaker should, is going to be required to resign, in my view. By the way, that’s the same thing that the Republican caucus leaders in the General Assembly said when they responded.

Whoops #1: Pritzker tried to hide behind early statements issued by House GOP Leader Jim Durkin and Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady to defend his changing position.  The Chicago Tribune reports today that Brady and his entire caucus have now called on Madigan to resign “immediately.”  Durkin also issued a statement this morning calling on Madigan to resign immediately.  Pritzker should be asked to respond to Durkin and Brady’s call for Madigan to resign immediately after using them as an excuse.

Whoops #2: Mr. Pritzker took the position that Madigan should only resign once “there is a raid.”  As it turns out, there have already been many raids.  The Chicago Tribune published the following timeline of raids in connection with the Madigan investigation:

  • Mid-may 2019: FBI raids the Southwest Side residence of former Ald. Michael Zalewski, who at the time was working with House Speaker Michael Madigan to get lobbying work from ComEd.
  • Mid-May 2019: Feds raid the City Club of Chicago offices in the Wrigley building seeking records pertaining to club President Jay Doherty, a longtime ComEd lobbyist.
  • Mid-May 2019: The feds raid the Far South Side home of former 13th Ward political operative Kevin Quinn — the brother of Ald. Marty Quinn — who was ousted by Madigan amid a sexual harassment scandal in 2018. Quinn received checks from current and former ComEd lobbyists.
  • Mid-May 2019: The FBI raids the downstate home of Mike McClain, a longtime ComEd lobbyist who is widely known as one of House Speaker Michael Madigan’s closest confidants.

If a federal raid is the new Pritzker standard for Madigan’s resignation, Pritzker should be asked why the federal raids that have already taken place and the federal grand jury subpoenas issued to Madigan are not enough to meet his changing standard.

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Breaking: Senior Illinois Democrat Calls on Madigan to Resign

In breaking news this morning, State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) called on Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to resign immediately from both his speakership and his chairmanship of the Democratic Party of Illinois.  No caveats.  No “if true” evasions.

Some will argue that the Speaker is innocent until charges are filed and he’s proven guilty. But those are not the standards that should apply to his leadership role. Serving as Speaker is not a right; it’s a privilege. A leader’s actions must avoid even the perception of wrongdoing. Speaker Madigan repeatedly has violated that trust.

For the same reason, Michael Madigan should step down as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. We are in the midst of the most important campaign of our lifetime — to remove a President who routinely violates our Constitution and our trust. In contrast, Democrats must offer voters a level of trust and accountability that Chairman Madigan can no longer provide.

This puts Governor JB Pritzker in a box after spending more than a week shielding Madigan from pressure to resign immediately.

Will today be the day Governor Pritzker calls on Madigan to resign immediately – or will dig himself deeper into Madigan’s culture of corruption?  And does the Governor fear this could be his fate if the federal investigation into his own property tax fraud deepens?

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Breaking: Senior Illinois Democrat Calls on Madigan to Resign

In breaking news this morning, State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) called on Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to resign immediately from both his speakership and his chairmanship of the Democratic Party of Illinois.  No caveats.  No “if true” evasions.

Some will argue that the Speaker is innocent until charges are filed and he’s proven guilty. But those are not the standards that should apply to his leadership role. Serving as Speaker is not a right; it’s a privilege. A leader’s actions must avoid even the perception of wrongdoing. Speaker Madigan repeatedly has violated that trust.

For the same reason, Michael Madigan should step down as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. We are in the midst of the most important campaign of our lifetime — to remove a President who routinely violates our Constitution and our trust. In contrast, Democrats must offer voters a level of trust and accountability that Chairman Madigan can no longer provide.

This puts Governor JB Pritzker in a box after spending more than a week shielding Madigan from pressure to resign immediately.

Will today be the day Governor Pritzker calls on Madigan to resign immediately – or will dig himself deeper into Madigan’s culture of corruption?  And does the Governor fear this could be his fate if the federal investigation into his own property tax fraud deepens?

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ICYMI: Pressure mounts as Pritzker engulfed by corruption

In case you missed it…

Newspaper columnist Jim Nowlan weighed in on the line towed by Governor JB Pritzker and other Illinois Democrats that Speaker Mike Madigan need only resign “if the allegations are true.”

Except for pinning the tail on the donkey — Madigan — how can the allegations not be true? ComEd has stipulated that they are true!

Why in the world would ComEd ever put itself at risk of bribery charges if the company weren’t pressured to do so by Madigan?

…

I disagree about the speaker weathering the storm.

The optics of the ComEd bribery and Madigan shakedown scheme are breathtaking, at least an order of magnitude more brazen that your typical corruption. ComEd continued to pay the best man at Madigan’s wedding (lobbyist Mike McClain) hundreds of thousands annually, even after the company declared he was no longer lobbying for them.

Madigan even demanded — talk about brassy — that ComEd place one of his political friends on their board of directors. And they did. Think of the chill that must send down the spines of CEOs who might want to set up shop in Illinois.

From Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller:

When there’s “clear” evidence of targeting by criminal investigators, the governor said, “that’s the point at which folks should step aside.”

…

I do not see how there is less than “clear” evidence of targeting by criminal investigators right now.

And from Illinois Playbook:

But another state rep acknowledged: “You worry about the other shoe dropping and what that means if you’ve accepted [Madigan’s] help.”

Here are the top unanswered questions for Governor Pritzker to address:

1)    Will you comment on the latest report from the Chicago Sun-Times that you appointed the two top officials at the Illinois Tollway based on the recommendation of former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker who is now embroiled in the Madigan bribery scandal?  Your spokesperson “singled out Hooker as a key voice behind the appointments.”  What is the nature of your relationship with John Hooker?  Can you comment on how these corrupt appointments may have contributed to recent illegal activity at the Tollway as the Daily Herald reported yesterday?

2)    You previously called on Democratic State Sen. Marty Sandoval to step down as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee before he was indicted.  Why are you changing your standard for Madigan and refusing to call on him to step down as both speaker and chairman of the Democratic Party?

3)    You reportedly told Capitol Fax’s Rich Miller that when there’s “clear” evidence of targeting by criminal investigators, “that’s the point at which folks should step aside.”  Do you not see clear evidence of Mike Madigan being targeted by criminal investigators?

4)    Yes or no – do you consider Mike Madigan to be a political ally?

5)    Are you concerned that the US Attorney in Chicago is now looking into property tax fraud allegations against you and that reportedly the inquiry is widening to multiple properties?

6)    If you will just continue to say that Madigan should resign if the allegations against him are true, would you agree that you should resign if the allegations against you are true?

7)    Can you name one allegation against Madigan described in the US Attorney’s court filing that you think is not true?

8)    Will you demand that Madigan return your campaign contributions from accounts that he controls?

9)    Will you advise Illinois Democrats not to accept campaign contributions from Madigan? If so, should they avoid campaign contributions from you while you are subject to your own federal investigation?

10) You appointed Carrie Zalewski to be the Chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates ComEd.  Zalewski’s husband is a state representative close to Madigan and her father-in-law, a former Chicago alderman, is embroiled in the ComEd/Madigan bribery scandal.  Why did Carrie Zalewski fight in court to protect ComEd in litigation arising from the death of a cable line worker?  Doesn’t that raise red flags given her conflict of interest in the ongoing federal probe?  Are you covering up corruption here?

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