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Rep. John Fritchey's Open House...my view from the inside

  • Bloggy Style

    Number of comments: 1
    Kevin Robinson, who writes over at Chicagoist, just put up an article talking about one of my favorite topics - me :) Actually, while Kevin is inexplicably complimentary to me (thanks Kevin), the real takeaway from the article in my opinion is not just whether elected officials use social media, [...]
    Posted: November 30, 2009, 12:35pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • My Thanks to our Men and Women in Service

    Number of comments: 1
    This is from an e-mail my father sent me a couple years ago. Happy Veterans' Day to him and to all the other veterans who have sacrificed for our Country. It is the SOLDIER, not the reporter,who has given us freedom of the press. It is the SOLDIER, not the' [...]
    Posted: November 11, 2009, 12:06am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Illinois Economic Briefing

    Number of comments: 0
    The following is a briefing report that I have been graciously allowed to publish for you courtesy of its author, respected U of I economist, Dr. Geoffrey Hewings. (There is a graph missing from the version below, basically because I couldn't get it to format the right way). Dr. Hewings' [...]
    Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:33am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • 4/5 Override Costs us Dollars and Makes No Sense

    Number of comments: 0
    Normal.dotm 1 288 1644 State Representative 13 3 2018 12.0 false 18 pt 18 pt false false false [...]
    Posted: October 06, 2009, 3:20pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Our Next Board President?

    Number of comments: 2
    I'm not sure but I think that I have just made my decision as to who to endorse for Cook County Board President. I think that after you watch this whole video, your mind may be made up as well.Boo-yah is right!' [...]
    Posted: September 16, 2009, 3:22pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Reform 2.0

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 0
    I know it's been forever since I've regularly been posting here - you can blame Facebook and Twitter for that - but for anybody that still checks in here, below is a video from one of the news stories about my announcement yesterday that I am running for Cook County' [...]
    Posted: September 02, 2009, 5:05pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Happy Independence Day!

    Number of comments: 1
    On this day, I'll simply pass on some words from our President:This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the [...]
    Posted: July 04, 2009, 12:53pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Never Forget, Ever Honor

    Number of comments: 1
    At some point while you're enjoying this holiday weekend, try to remember the meaning behind this, and every, Memorial Day.It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.It is the' [...]
    Posted: May 24, 2009, 9:54pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • It Takes More Than Just a Law

    Number of comments: 6
    Below is a letter that was sent to all legislators by Dawn Clark Netsch, former State Senator, former Comptroller, and one of my former law school professors.I think a lot of Dawn, but in her support of campaign contribution limit legislation (a bill on which I am a Chief Co-Sponsor), [...]
    Posted: May 18, 2009, 5:59pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • New Kid on the Block

    Number of comments: 0
    Just because my blogging has been, um, sporadic of late, doesn't mean that other elected officials don't have something to say. To that end, join me in welcoming Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Frank Avila to the blogosphere. It's hard to imagine a MWRD commissioner more passionate about their job [...]
    Posted: May 12, 2009, 3:53pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • A Very Civil Editorial

    Number of comments: 2
    While I have my share of criticisms about much of the recent output of the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board (which I'll discuss at a later date), I want to give credit where credit is due. They put out a cogent and thoughtful editorial in support of HB2234, Rep. Harris' bill [...]
    Posted: April 26, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up

    Number of comments: 2
    I'll try to get a more substantive post up this weekend, but in the interim, I'll just let this video speak for itself. Ladies and Gentlemen, our former Governor:View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video. [...]
    Posted: April 24, 2009, 10:46am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Welcome to the Party

    Number of comments: 4
    Here is the latest reason why I have been a Mike Lawrence fan for a quite some time. While the Chicago Tribune continues to fawn over the recommendations of Governor Quinn's Illinois Reform Commission, Mike actually takes the time to analyze the bigger picture to try to get at why [...]
    Posted: April 12, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • I'm Baaaack

    Number of comments: 1
    In keeping with the spirit of this holiday weekend, what better time than Easter to resurrect my blog? Having been mercilessly taunted and ceaselessly cajoled by a number of readers, and having had sufficient time to get back into something resembling stride after a pretty hectic first quarter of the [...]
    Posted: April 11, 2009, 10:21pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Show of Support

    Number of comments: 0
    So what could all of these groups possibly have in common? I'm proud to say that it's that they support my candidacy to become the next Congressman in Illinois' 5th CD.American Federation of County State & Municipal Employees***AFSCME #993 (State, County & Municipal)***AFSCME Council 31***American Muslim Task Force***Association of Fire [...]
    Posted: February 14, 2009, 9:36pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • The Many Faces of Rod

    Number of comments: 6
    He used to portray himself as a modern-day JFK Jr., but apparently Governor Blagojevich has now decided to channel other historical figures in his 'Look at me, I'm a Martyr' tour.Impeached Gov. Blagojevich, on the first leg of his media blitz timed to the start of his impeachment trial, in' [...]
    Posted: January 25, 2009, 9:45am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Give Him a C for Creativity Also

    Number of comments: 2
    Just when you think that Illinois politics can't get any stranger, along comes the Governor to smack you upside the head and prove you wrong. In the immediate aftermath of his impeachment, the Governor shamelessly brought out health care recipients to use as human shields aimed at deflecting attention away' [...]
    Posted: January 22, 2009, 10:36pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Change is in the Air

    Number of comments: 1
    Everyone, regardless of politics or party, has to recognize and appreciate the historic significance of this Inauguration Day. There are few times in history during which you appreciate that you are actually 'in the moment' at the time that the moment is actually happening, but this is one of those [...]
    Posted: January 20, 2009, 12:02am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Happy Birthday Dr. King

    (I remembered seeing this photo a while ago, but it took me a while to track it down. I hope that we can all appreciate the juxtaposition of the sign behind Dr. King, on which you can see the words 'Why We Can't', in light of tomorrow when our country' [...]
    Posted: January 19, 2009, 9:29pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Rachel and Me

    Number of comments: 3
    Here's my Friday night appearance on the Rachel Maddow show discussing the impeachment of the Governor..msnbcLinks {font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 425px;} .msnbcLinks a {text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px;' [...]
    Posted: January 11, 2009, 12:56am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Impeached

    Number of comments: 2
    What a day. For now, I'll just put up a portion of my comments from today's floor debate.The rest of the final quote was as follows: "My Illinois is not the Illinois of George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Our Illinois is the Illinois of Abraham Lincoln and Paul Simon and" [...]
    Posted: January 10, 2009, 1:13am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Here's to a New Year (and not a moment too soon)

    Number of comments: 0
    2008 may have been many things, but boring wasn't one of them. Here's to a Happy and Healthy New Year to all of my friends, readers, and constituents. I wish you all the best. [...]
    Posted: January 01, 2009, 8:26pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • It's Funny, (unless you live in Illinois)

    A Cleveland newspaper actually ran a story about an furniture ad carried in the Chicago Tribune. One look at the ad and you can see why... [...]
    Posted: December 27, 2008, 10:18am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • If Dr. Seuss Lived in Springfield...

    Because I find nothing amusing about the current events in our state's capitol, I haven't made light of the situation in any way. That being said, the following take on the Grinch classic was too entertaining not to pass on to all of you. Enjoy. [...]
    Posted: December 25, 2008, 11:13am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Merry Christmas Everybody

    Number of comments: 0
    What a year it has been. And while we all catch our breath from the highs and lows that we've seen over the last few months, I hope that we can take this opportunity to remember those people and things that are really important, and try to keep those people' [...]
    Posted: December 24, 2008, 9:36pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Courtroom Victory

    Number of comments: 3
    To say that I've been busy is an understatement, but in the Coincidental Timing Department, comes this bit of news from Common Cause. A federal district court in Connecticut turned down a constitutional challenge to that state's recently passed pay-to-play ban:The court held that the law, one of the strictest [...]
    Posted: December 21, 2008, 9:21pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • The Time is Now

    For myriad reasons, my blogging output has obviously been lacking of late. But I just read a great article that I would be remiss to not pass on to readers. Mike Lawrence, of whom I have always been a fan, (and who just stepped down as the Director of SIU's' [...]
    Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:57am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Be Thankful

    Number of comments: 0
    With so much going on in the world, from a troubled economy and unprecedented terrorist attacks, to the routine strife and aggravations that we encounter in our daily lives, it can be understandably easy to dwell on the things that upset us.But let me suggest that today serve us as [...]
    Posted: November 27, 2008, 11:38am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Happy Veterans Day

    Number of comments: 0
    I had the privilege today, as I have for many years now, to spend part of Veterans Day at a memorial event in the North Center area of my district. Every year, I'm surprised at the relatively small turnout, but I was even more so this year in light of [...]
    Posted: November 12, 2008, 11:08pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • News From the Front

    Number of comments: 3
    I'm just stopping by the office for a minute and wanted to put a quick post up. Suffice it to say that I don't think that we'll soon, if ever, see election turnout like this again in our lifetime. Although part of me hopes that civic duty fever will stay' [...]
    Posted: November 04, 2008, 10:30am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Double Think (I Think)

    And it looks like it's a Con Con blogging hat trick today. I'm thinking that the push for a Constitutional Convention is going to get a huge boost when word of this gets out.Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today that he doesn't support a convention to rewrite the state's 1970 constitution [...]
    Posted: October 30, 2008, 9:10pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Con Con on the Air

    Enclosure: [download]
    From no blogging to twice in one day. Here is the television ad being aired by Vote Yes on Illinois Con-Con Coalition.It's pretty good. ' [...]
    Posted: October 30, 2008, 3:11pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Don't Be Afraid

    Number of comments: 1
    Okay Okay. I get it. As I've been reminded by multiple messages in the last few days, I've completely slacked off on the blogging. And not to make excuses, but it's been a combination of post-session burnout and most of the focus being on national issues, which really isn't my [...]
    Posted: October 30, 2008, 2:20pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Grudge Match

    Number of comments: 0
    The stakes couldn't be higher and the sparks will be flying as Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain square off in the last of their three debates.So come join me, friends, supporters and neighbors as we get together in Roscoe Village to watch what should be a barn burner.We' [...]
    Posted: October 13, 2008, 11:11am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Right on Point

    I've been bemoaning the lack of media coverage about the upcoming Constitutional Convention vote for some time now, so I'd be remiss not to give credit where credit is due. And in this case, it's to the Chicago Tribune, which had an excellent editorial in support of a Con-Con in' [...]
    Posted: October 06, 2008, 12:07am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Campaigns 2.0

    Number of comments: 2
    The last several years have brought about countless new ways to integrate technology into campaigns but this is by far the best use I've seen to date to help tap into a grassroots movement.The Obama campaign has an iPhone app that puts most every aspect of the campaign right into' [...]
    Posted: October 05, 2008, 6:00pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Let's Get Ready to Rumble

    Number of comments: 0
    If you're like me, your plans to go to Tuesday night's Cubs game have been, um, changed.But what hasn't changed in the showdown in Nashville between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain as they meet for the second of their three debates.So come join me, friends, supporters and neighbors' [...]
    Posted: October 05, 2008, 3:39pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Sigh

    Number of comments: 0
    They win 97 games and dominate their division. They send 8 players to the All-Star game. But once again, I swore that I wouldn't get sucked in. In fact, this year I waited until the regular season was almost finished before letting myself believe, then convincing myself, that this really' [...]
    Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:36pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • It's Official

    Number of comments: 1
    The pay-to-play ban is now law. [...]
    Posted: September 25, 2008, 7:57pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • More Con Con

    For those who are interested in hearing more about the issue of a Consitutional Convention, I will be appearing on a panel hosted by the Chicago Republican Women's Network.The event will take place TONIGHT, at 6:00p.m. at English, 444 North LaSalle Street.The other members of the panel include Jeff Mays,' [...]
    Posted: September 23, 2008, 11:30am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Finally

    Part of me can't believe it finally happened, part of me can't believe it took this long. But barring something completely unforeseen, HB824, the pay-to-play ban, will take effect on January 1, 2009.Only in Illinois does it take a Presidential nominee getting involved in order to pass a common sense [...]
    Posted: September 23, 2008, 11:12pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • All the Way

    I've waited. I've bitten my tongue. But it's time. Thanks to Eddie Vedder for a great soundtrack for this season. Nothing like watching a playoff game, the ivy turning red on the outfield wall, counting down the outs until a championship. The memories of the Marlins debacle are still fresh in my [...]
    Posted: September 20, 2008, 5:00pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • While I Meant What I Said...

    Number of comments: 6
    It's hardly a secret that the Governor and I don't see eye to eye. In fact, for reasons mostly unknown to me (yet not regretted), there has always existed a tension between us, both political and personal, even when we initially campaigned in unison back in 1995-96. His style of governance, [...]
    Posted: September 20, 2008, 3:11pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Mark Your Calendars

    I've been so busy, I forgot to post a number of upcoming events. I'll likely repost some of them as we get closer to the dates, but here is the list for right now. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th TOWN HALL MEETING w/ Rep. John Fritchey 7:00p.m. Lincoln Park Library, 1150 West Fullerton Avenue ------------------------------- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th CONSTITUTIONAL [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2008, 2:43pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • The Glass Houses of Wasila

    Number of comments: 10
    I rarely write about national politics on this blog, but I just read an article that really struck a nerve. As you'll no doubt recall, not that long ago, detractors of Sen. Obama pilloried him ad nauseum for the comments made by his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.Well, CNN has [...]
    Posted: September 09, 2008, 11:18pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • What Was He Thinking?

    Number of comments: 16
    Awful. Simply terrible. Sarah Palin's speech had all the cadence of those fat guys who dance at the Bulls games. And I haven't heard a voice like that since Lily Tomlin was working as the switchboard operator. My biggest concern if she were to ascend to the Presidency isn't whether she [...]
    Posted: September 03, 2008, 9:48pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Proposition Bet

    Hopefully I'll be wrong, but this one seems to have sucker bet written all over it. Governor Blagojevich has bet Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, that the Illini would beat the Tigers when the two teams take to the gridiron this evening. But this wager has a bit of a twist [...]
    Posted: August 30, 2008, 11:32am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Tonight's Convention Schedule

    Number of comments: 0
    Here are some of the highlights of tonight's schedule. All times are Denver time. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Honorable Howard Dean Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King The Honorable John Lewis Member of the US House of Representatives, Georgia Rev. Bernice King Daughter of the late Dr. King Martin Luther King III Oldest son [...]
    Posted: August 28, 2008, 3:43pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Hug It Out... (Dem Breakfast photos)

    Number of comments: 0
    Wow. What a couple of days it has been. Monday was somewhat of a whirlwind, with the excitement of the beginning of the Convention tempered by the publicly fractured nature of the Illinois Democratic Party as well as the Governor's amendatory veto of the ethics bill. (An issue that is [...]
    Posted: August 27, 2008, 9:22pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Inside the Convention

    Number of comments: 0
    No real theme to this post, just thought I'd share a few photos from inside the Pepsi Center on Monday night. The Illinois media contingent was obviously in full force. As a result, I had to chance to do a segment with WIND's Big John and Cisco in person for a [...]
    Posted: August 26, 2008, 10:20pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Denver Nuggets

    Number of comments: 7
    Instead of putting up new posts for the convention, I'll just keep updating this one for the next couple of days. I just arrived in Denver a few hours ago and can tell you that for this week at least, downtown Denver is Obamaville. The Illinois contingent is already here in [...]
    Posted: August 24, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Par for the Course

    After three years of trying to block the pay to play ban, Governor Blagojevich nevertheless now finds it sitting on his desk, staring at him, all but begging him to sign it. So as the clock continues to run down on the Governor's time period in which to act, the [...]
    Posted: August 21, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • And Who's the Elitist?

    Number of comments: 2
    In the hyperfast media campaign environment that we now live, Barack's campaign wasted no time going up on the air to blast McCain for not knowing how many houses he owns. (Must be nice) In case you haven't seen it, here's the ad. I think it's pretty damn good. [...]
    Posted: August 21, 2008, 12:18pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • The Next Best Thing to Being There

    Number of comments: 3
    Tonight's the Night! Join me and 42nd Ward Democratic Committeeman John Corrigan, both freshly home from Denver, in order to join friends, supporters and enthusiastic Democrats in a great downtown location to watch this once-in-a lifetime event. Can we watch history being made and have a good time doing it? Yes we [...]
    Posted: August 18, 2008, 10:49pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Bad News for News

    Number of comments: 0
    Rich Miller has been giving continued coverage of the ongoing financial difficulties that have been facing a number of newspapers in our state, (and around the country for that matter). The latest rounds of cuts were laid out by Rich in a post today: The Rockford Register Star laid off 13 [...]
    Posted: August 18, 2008, 7:34pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • RIP Black Moses

    Number of comments: 0
    Here's a song that stands the test of time from an artist who will do the same. Not a lot of Oscar winners who could sing like that and also bench press 350lbs. [...]
    Posted: August 11, 2008, 4:10pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Party with a Purpose

    Number of comments: 0
    I can't do this for all of the requests that I receive, but this promises to be a very good event. Plus, they will be auctioning of limited editions of the print above (created especially for this event) and selling a limited number of posters of it as well. I [...]
    Posted: August 08, 2008, 4:08pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Paris Strikes Back

    Number of comments: 2
    We have some heady stuff coming up over the next week, so let's grab a little levity while we can. At the risk of posting yet another video on the blog, here we go: By now, most of you have seen and heard about the McCain attack ad that uses images [...]
    Posted: August 05, 2008, 8:51pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • What You Want

    Number of comments: 3
    (UPDATE: I've always liked to think that I'm smart enough to know when other people know better. So when people whom I know and trust tell me that a blog post, no matter how well-intentioned, may be somewhat over the top, and those same people have a pretty high threshold [...]
    Posted: August 05, 2008, 12:10pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Stormy Weather

    Number of comments: 0
    It's not often that you hear tornado sirens going off in my neighborhood, or anywhere in the city for that matter. In fact, tonight is the first time in ages that I remember them going off in Chicago. But sure enough, I'm out running errands with our daughter in my [...]
    Posted: August 05, 2008, 12:19am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Das Bull

    Number of comments: 5
    I finally got a chance to take a look at the new McCain attack ad that plays on the celebrity status of Barack in an attempt to convey a 'more sizzle than steak' image of our Democratic nominee. Something struck me as especially odd about the piece, but I had [...]
    Posted: July 30, 2008, 9:19pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • The Heat is On

    Number of comments: 1
    Well, it looks like the last few weeks have gotten the better of my blogging duties. Apparently, the frequent pop-ups in my head that I should write about one subject or another, never quite made it from my brain to my keyboard. In any event, I hope that everybody has been [...]
    Posted: July 25, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Happy Independence Day

    [...]
    Posted: July 04, 2008, 8:59am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Deja Vu All Over Again

    Number of comments: 2
    Sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Lately, the talk has increased about the need to restructure our public pension pension systems to one similar to those found in the public sector. The Mayor has a special commission looking at the idea, news outlets are increasing their [...]
    Posted: July 03, 2008, 8:12am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Deja Vu All Over Again

    Normal false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 [...]
    Posted: July 03, 2008, 7:27am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • A Taxing Problem

    Number of comments: 8
    This one is a little long, but I think that it's worth a read, so bear with me. As part of the select group of citizens who have just seen their sales tax rate go up to 11.25%, (I've yet to be able to fathom the rationale that the businesses in [...]
    Posted: July 02, 2008, 1:08pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Last One Out Turns Off the Light

    Number of comments: 0
    And then there were none. As the exit train picks up steam, word is that Abby Ottenhoff, the Governor's communication chief, is the latest to say 'see ya' to the Governor. Her departure, comes in the wake of the adios parade led by Carol Ronen, Rebecca Rausch, and Sheila Nix. According to Sneed: Ottenhoff [...]
    Posted: June 19, 2008, 8:07am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • On a Lighter Note

    Number of comments: 5
    Are You a Republican? [...]
    Posted: June 18, 2008, 9:37am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • As True as Ever

    Number of comments: 1
    (I started this post over the weekend and then forgot to finish it. My apologies to our 16th President.) In any event, and with much thanks and credit to Wikipedia... Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of one of the most famous speeches in our country's history. On June 16, 1858, upon accepting [...]
    Posted: June 13, 2008, 8:53pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Lend a Hand, Write a Check

    Number of comments: 1
    You always hope that disaster doesn't strike close to home or affect those who you care about. When news of the flooding in downstate Illinois first broke, I called my friend Rep. Roger Eddy to see if there was anything that we could do up here to be of any [...]
    Posted: June 12, 2008, 11:10am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Nixed

    Number of comments: 6
    And the karma bus just keeps chugging along. According to Sneed: Sneed hears Governor Blago's top deputy gov, Sheila Nix, just quit. Is this the beginning of an office bailout now that the feds are fine-tuning their gun sights on Gov. Blago? Stay tuned.At one time, I thought that Sheila seemed nice [...]
    Posted: June 08, 2008, 10:02am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Put it on the Board!

    Number of comments: 3
    Whether Hilary Clinton wants to admit it or not, this thing is over: Barack Obama effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a grueling marathon, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates, becoming the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the [...]
    Posted: June 03, 2008, 1:12pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • R.I.P. Ellas Otha Bates

    If you've never seen Bo jam on a guitar (a homemade one, no less), then you really don't know Diddley. And the man had some moves to boot. Check this out: CNN has a good overview of Bo Diddley's life here. [...]
    Posted: June 02, 2008, 8:06pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Rodnocchio Strikes Again

    Number of comments: 23
    Proving the adage that desperate people in desperate situations say desperate things, the Governor once again showed that he will never let the facts get in the way of him speaking his mind. Today's target - me. During his press conference today, the Governor was asked about his intentions with respect [...]
    Posted: June 02, 2008, 12:46pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Sign Here

    Number of comments: 0
    The Tribune echoes my post of the other day urging the Governor to simply sign the pay to play ban, but not surprisingly, they said it in a much more eloquent manner. There is one thing the legislature did do right. It sent to the governor an ethics bill. Yes, you heard [...]
    Posted: June 02, 2008, 9:12am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Governor, Just Do the Right Thing

    Number of comments: 1
    Sign the Bill [...]
    Posted: May 31, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Told You So

    Even Stevie Wonder could have seen this one coming: A temporary ban on an Illinois law requiring a moment of silence at the start of the school day was expanded Thursday to apply to all school districts across the state. The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman will remain in place [...]
    Posted: May 29, 2008, 3:17pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Old Time Hockey

    This is going to be great. An announcement that the Blackhawks will play the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field in the NHL's second outdoor Winter Classic could come as early as today, according to Comcast SportsNet.I saw a little bit of the Penguins/Sabres game that was played outdoors in Buffalo [...]
    Posted: May 29, 2008, 1:44pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Reform and Renewal Strikes Again

    Number of comments: 10
    From the "Bobbi Steele's Got Nothing on Me" Department comes news that former Sen. Ronen is the latest to take a ride on the taxpayer-funded Pension Gravy Train Express. Former state Sen. Carol Ronen's brief gig in Gov. Blagojevich's office has proven as lucrative as a win in the Illinois Lottery. [...]
    Posted: May 24, 2008, 3:52pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Never Forget, Ever Honor

    At some point while you're enjoying this holiday weekend, try to remember the meaning behind this, and every, Memorial Day. [...]
    Posted: May 23, 2008, 4:58pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Remembering Larry

    The House of Representatives will have an official remembrance of the life of Rep. Larry McKeon this Tuesday at approximately 11:30 or Noon in the House Chamber. Larry and I were elected the same year from adjoining districts, and had the opportunity to work together on issues both in Springfield and [...]
    Posted: May 17, 2008, 8:41pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Bamboozled

    When we announced the historic agreement on the pay-to-play bill two weeks ago, I knew that there were still some obstacles to be dealt with before the bill became law. This is, after all, Springfield, and we still have a Governor whose fundraising prowess flows in large part from individuals [...]
    Posted: May 08, 2008, 11:30am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Sportsmanship

    Number of comments: 2
    This is one of the best stories about sportsmanship that I've seen in a long time. Even metaphorically, it stands in stark contrast to the situation in Springfield where members of the same party are unable to work together, not to mention the discord across the rotunda where bill-jacking has [...]
    Posted: May 03, 2008, 11:14am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Con-Con Galore

    Number of comments: 3
    The Legislative Research Unit has shown once again why they are a shining star when it comes to doing their job really well. The text below is from an e-mail which I just received from the LRU: The Legislative Research Unit has compiled the documents on this Website to provide information [...]
    Posted: May 02, 2008, 2:19pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • It Must be Snowing in Hell

    Number of comments: 1
    I just don't have the time (or energy) to fully elaborate on this right now, but suffice it to say that today, in the words of our Governor, was 'mostly and up day'. But in this case, it really was. While a lot of people, myself included at times, never thought [...]
    Posted: April 30, 2008, 5:38pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • You Think You've Got it Bad?

    Number of comments: 9
    This is from the gas station about four blocks from my house. No joke. No typos. When $4.09/gallon is the lowest price you can pay, things are BAD. [...]
    Posted: April 24, 2008, 4:30pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Stop the Violence

    Number of comments: 1
    Today's Sun-Times took an innovative approach to try to get people's attention focused on the violence that is omnipresent across certain sections of Chicago. The obvious premise is that too many Chicagoans are simply turning their backs on the issue of gun violence. This whole message unfortunately ties in well with [...]
    Posted: April 22, 2008, 1:22pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Deja Vu All Over Again

    Number of comments: 5
    I got justifiably chided by a couple of people at the City Club lunch today for being lax in my blogging, so here you go: Despite the fact that he was at the groundbreaking for the new Children's Memorial Hospital today, the Governor was apparently unable to find any kids to [...]
    Posted: April 21, 2008, 9:19pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • 40 Years Ago Today

    Number of comments: 7
    As you may or may not know, the day before he was assasinated, Rev. King spoke at the Mason Temple in Memphis, delivering what is commonly referred to as the "I've been to the Mountaintop" speech. Toward the end of the speech, Dr. King made prophetic comments that foreshadowed his quickly [...]
    Posted: April 04, 2008, 2:07pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • New and Improved

    Number of comments: 3
    I was going to look at something on the Board of Elections site and noticed that they have a brand new website. It's not the easiest thing on the eyes, but it looks to be much more comprehensive than the old site. (Plus, it's refreshing to see a state website that [...]
    Posted: March 30, 2008, 11:51pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Lights Out

    Number of comments: 3
    On Saturday, March 29, turn out your lights to show your support and commitment toward taking action to combat climate change. Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and this year cities across the globe, such as Tel Aviv, Bangkok and Copenhagen, are taking action. The City of Chicago [...]
    Posted: March 29, 2008, 10:52am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Where the Sun Don’t Shine

    Number of comments: 18
    So here I was, all ready to give the CTA kudos for a good green initiative - and they had to shoot themselves in their mass transit foot. First, the good news. The CTA had the foresight to purchase a new Big Belly Solar Compactor. According to the BigBelly website, the [...]
    Posted: March 27, 2008, 2:11pm EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Budget Hearing

    Even though the details of Illinois’ approximately $58 Billion budget impact almost every aspect of our lives, many people don’t understand the issues involved in crafting the budget or don’t get an opportunity to share their thoughts on how the budget should look. To hear about the budget or provide [...]
    Posted: March 26, 2008, 12:11am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Bill-jacked

    Number of comments: 3
    In the You Saw This Coming From a Mile Away Dept.: News outlets around the country ran a story the other day about the fact that a federal judge in Illinois is on the verge of expanding the pending lawsuit regarding the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act (aka, the [...]
    Posted: March 21, 2008, 7:29am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • To Pat

    Number of comments: 6
    I know that for various reasons, there hasn't been a lot of politics, or much else, discussed here lately, and for that I apologize. But I have to write a post that I simply never imagined writing. Earlier tonight, I was informed that one of my closest friends, Pat Botterman, [...]
    Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:23am EDT
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • If You Need to Smile...

    then just watch this video. Disclaimer - I didn't make the video and don't know who did. But it's been quickly making the rounds around the capitol and is guaranteed to make you laugh. [...]
    Posted: February 27, 2008, 2:29pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Thanks

    Number of comments: 1
    I just wanted to put out a quick, but really sincere, thank you to all of the people who sent me an e-mail, called, posted on the blog, etc. regarding my whole Bell's issue. I heard from everybody from friends and colleagues, to complete strangers and even former U.S. Senator [...]
    Posted: February 18, 2008, 10:15am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Apparently, it Tolls for Me

    Number of comments: 23
    Given that it only afflicts about 1 out of every 40,000 Americans, odds are that you don't know anybody that has or had Bell's Palsy. Now you do. Upon returning home last Friday night, I noticed that it was a little tricky for me to take a drink from a bottle [...]
    Posted: February 14, 2008, 9:38pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Equal Time

    Number of comments: 2
    In the interest of being fair and balanced, since I posted the Barack video, I've been asked to post the unofficial McCain version of the "Yes We Can" video. Take a look, you won't be disappointed. [...]
    Posted: February 11, 2008, 5:37pm EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey

  • Local News

    Number of comments: 2
    Those of you that know me are unfortunately aware that I'm somewhat of a geek about technological things. This means that I can get unduly fascinated about things like EveryBlock. I had been meaning to write about this site a few weeks ago when it was sent to me by [...]
    Posted: February 07, 2008, 8:54am EST
    by Rep. John Fritchey
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