Please Pick Me Up, I’m FREE There is much to be learned in these pages Fall / Election - 5767/2006 ’S MOST RESPECTED JEWISH PUBLICATION Judy or Rod? Big Differences!

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• Morris J. Amitay says “New York Times — Enough is Enough” MWRD President Terry O’Brien • Complete In-depth Political Roundup, Analysis and Endorsements

Who are these people and should you be voting for them?

Stroger & Peraica Battle to Wire for County Board Presidency The New York Times – Enough is Enough

by Morrie Amitay After 50 plus years of reading the New York Times, I just couldn’t take it anymore. “All the news that’s fit to print” gave me that final push when it published the details of an effective secret surveillance program of terrorist financing. This, plus the incredible anti-Israel bias in its reporting finally convinced me to dump “the Gray Lady” for both emotional and political reasons. In recent months the Times has almost become a caricature of itself in pushing an uncompromising far left agenda with its selective reporting, disclosures of sensitive information which helps our enemies, and its extreme editorial pages. A steady diet of the “blame America” inanities spewed forth from the pens of Krugman, Herbert, Kristof and Dowd just became too much to stomach. For too long now Times readers endured not only blatant bias, but an unbelievable hatred expressed not only for the President, Vice President, and White House staff, but for our own country. With their motto – “my country, always wrong”, - it is reasonable to assume that despite any lip service about supporting our troops, they are secretly cheering for the insurgents in Iraq so that their own misbegotten views might be vindicated. With Bill Safire no longer on the editorial pages – and columnist David Brooks a valiant but pale imitation, why would self-respecting Americans subject themselves to these daily doses of ultra-liberal drivel? Not me. The only question I ask myself is why didn’t I do it much sooner?

The answer might be that a 60 year habit is hard to kick. As a precocious reader during WWII (ages 6-9 years old) I followed the war on the radio, but also by scanning the Daily News, Tribune, Journal - American and PM. I would even take a peek at the Communist Party’s “Daily Worker.” My ready access to most of these newspapers (along with my favorite comic books) was provided by “Max the Bookie,” who operated a kiosk around the corner from my father’s Army/Navy (clothing) store at the corner of 82nd St. and First Ave. in Manhattan. In exchange for letting me borrow and read anything I wanted (as long as it was returned in mint condition), I would take his place in the kiosk standing on an empty soda case, making sales, giving change, and telling everyone “Max will be right back”. (Much later I was told he was busy running bets to a much bigger betting operation two blocks away). But I didn’t get into the New York Times. It looked too big and foreboding and besides, it didn’t have any “funnies”. But by the fifth grade or so I began to eschew the lurid headlines of the tabloids for the Times. There was really a whole lot of information crammed into its pages and, being a natural speed-reader I could get through most of it on a daily basis – forget the Sunday edition. I credit this accumulation of so much useful and useless knowledge to getting one of the highest possible scores on the Foreign Service Entrance Exam some years later. This either says something about the Times or from where the State Department takes its cues.

The New York Times followed me through high school, college, law school, grad school, the Foreign Service, as an aide in the House and Senate, Director of AIPAC, - and as a Washington lobbyist the past 25 years. During this time I, of course, relied on numerous other sources to keep me up to date – particularly during the past decade with the growth of the internet. But the Times was a staple. Up until the mid-nineties my own political views were not that far removed from those of the Times. However, in recent years as the Times has lurched increasingly leftward, I moved toward the center – and on national security and Israel related issues – definitely to the right. The gap between us increasingly widened. The editorial page and reporting from the Middle East created doubt at first, then unease gradually leading to nausea – and finally, I began to retch. The Times’ anti-Israel, blame American agenda is now so pronounced that this once respected newspaper has become not only infuriating, but utterly predictable and boring. So who needs the aggravation when better daily print media is available – like The Wall Street Journal, or The New York Sun?

But, as I stated at the beginning of my diatribe, the proverbial straw that broke this camel’s back was the second time in seven months that the Times, with malice aforethought, exposed classified information about programs designed to protect America from terrorist attacks. This goes far beyond the sarcastic, supercilious style of its editorials, and the slanted coverage of its reporters who report only what fits with their bosses’ biases. The latest disclosure demonstrated a flagrant disregard for our safety in order to score political JEWISH CHICAGO points against an Administration the Times openly loathes. No matter that it aids those Jewish Chicago is a complimentary publication whose goal is either to convert us or kill us. The Times, I’m afraid, just doesn’t get it – and that is usually published just prior to elections. Copyright 2006 The opinions of our columnists and writers do not Publisher and Editor ...... Avy Meyers that’s why I no longer get the Times. necessarily reflect the opinions of Jewish Chicago. Graphic Artist ...... Marvin B. Simcha email - [email protected] Phone 773- Columnists ...... Morrie J .Amitay I am reminded of the old saw about why radios would never replace newspapers – 290-2677. Our website is at www.avyworld.com...... Emanuel Winston because you couldn’t wrap a herring in a radio! Well, as far as I am concerned that is We invite you to visit www.ntnm.org. for all the Contributing Writers ...... Francois T. Fressier latest on the North Town News Magazine hosted by about the only proper use nowadays for the New York Times. Afleck L. Arine, Simcha Magid publisher, Avy Meyers. Morrie Amitay, a Washington attorney, is a former Executive Director of AIPAC and Photography ...... Sonny Hersh founder of the pro-Israel Washington PAC (www.washingtonpac.com). Elect Terrence J. O’Brien BALLOT #55 BALLOT #55 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

• O’Brien was elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in 1988 and has served 17 years on the Board of Commissioners and 9 of those years as President. • O’Brien’s extensive knowledge, professionalism and integrity have allowed him to streamline many tasks and responsibilities of the District at the lowest possible cost to every household in Cook County. • O’Brien, a taxpayer advocate, whose efforts brought a 1.1% reduction in your property tax bill for 2006, and maintained the AAA bond rating for the District. • O’Brien continually pursues funding of the Deep Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, and spearheaded the successful introduction and passage of a storm water management program which gives the MWRDGC sole responsibility to manage storm water in Cook County Vote Democratic, November 7th www.terrencejobrienmwrd.com. If there is no specific Jewish angle in a race, it may not be touched. There are regular Jewish Chicago Election Analysis newspapers and various political experts in other media who can perform that function. by Avy Meyers This is a Jewish newspaper and I focus on Jewish concerns. The bottom line is that Jewish Chicago looks for candidates of quality for the community Tuesday November 7th is election day and this year you can actually vote early at a as a whole who will take care of Jewish concerns as they arise. The primary Jewish number of locations through out the area. You don’t need to file for an absentee ballot. Just concerns are on a national level and concern Israel. walk in and vote. You can take Jewish Chicago into the voting booth with you There are very serious local Jewish issues, but not every election. The recent actions If for whatever reason you are not registered, register now. The location is different than by Governor Blagojevich with the Governor’s Commission on Discrimination and Hate the early voting centers. In Chicago, call the Chicago Board of Elections at 312-269-7936 Crimes and that of State Representative and Niles Township Democratic Committeeman to find the location nearest you and join the ranks of registered voters. Lou Lang among others, show us that we always must be on guard and all too often, the Before I get started with the rundown, it is important for everyone to know the criteria enemy is within. The Governors race analysis contains a detailed description of these used in making endorsements. events. Just being Jewish is not enough, not even close. If a Jewish candidate is pitted against a I recently hosted a live one hour election preview show on CANTV-19, Sunday morning non–Jewish candidate and all things are equal in terms of their ability to do the job, there October 22nd that featured County Board president challengers Todd Stroger (D) and won’t necessarily be an endorsement. Tony Peraica (R), Sec. of State , Metropolitan Water Reclamation District By the same token, there are some non-Jews who have done an absolutely superb job President Terry O’Brien, Tom Dart, Democrat for Sheriff and County Commissioner of taking care of both Jewish concerns and the community. They will most certainly be Larry Suffredin. The program was produced by Sonny Hersh and cohosted by Jim Nally endorsed and yes, even against Jewish opposition. and can be watched in its entirety on the web. www.ntnm.org. If a Jewish candidate is well qualified for the office but does not take care of real Jewish concerns for his or her constituents, he/she will not be endorsed and maybe even blasted. Congressional Races M o s t k n o w l e d g e a b l e political observers are conceding that House of Representatives will switch to a Democratic majority this fall. It is usual for the party of the President to lose strength in Congress during the mid presidential term. The unpopularity of the war in Irag and failure of Bush’s foreign policy also threatens the Republican majority in the Senate. Once upon a time, virtually all Jews were Democrats and voted that way. The Democrats were the party of the people and the Republicans, the party of business, and especially big business. The Republicans are still the party of big business, but unfortunately the Democrats have joined them. Add to that the liberals inherent dislike of Israel and consistent support of the so called Palestinians (Jordan is the Palestinian homeland) and the idea of voting a straight party ticket should be the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. I asked one of the most liberal members of congress if they had ever voted for a Republican and the Congressman looked at me like I was nuts saying “Of course I have.” I asked a union leader the same question. He told me, he was voting for because Blagojevich chose to cater to the Black Muslims at the expense of the Jews. Whether you like Bush or not, and the polls say not, he has consistently supported Israel and better than many Jews. Its a very strange world when the most powerful nations in the world meet and the only country standing up for Israel other than the United States is Germany. “Eisav Sonay es Yaakov” is still the answer to much of our unpopularity and will be. Don’t make the mistake of taking for granted that Israel is so strong and so powerful that they can withstand any attack. If G-d forbid Israel gets beaten once, that is going to be all she wrote. The Arabs who outnumber us by hundreds of millions of people don’t fight by the fancy rules of today’s’ liberal society. If they get a chance to wipe Israel off the face of the map, they won’t hesitate. Dear Friends,

As Jewish Americans who live in , we wanted to let you know about a friend of ours and yours, Illinois State Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka; who is a staunch supporter of the State of Israel, an advocate for American Jewry and recipient of the Americanism Award from the Anti Defamation League. As a voice of minority communities across Illinois, Judy has implemented programs that have assisted individuals to invest their money, open businesses and purchase homes. She developed the Bright Start College Savings Program, which helps parents and grandparents invest their dollars in a tax-free savings account for their child’s education.

Judy is a strong fiscal conservative and a social moderate. Her record reflects many “firsts.” She is the first woman in Illinois history to be elected State Treasurer, the first woman to be reelected to statewide office in Illinois, the first woman to serve on the LegislativeAudit Commission and if elected, the first woman Governor in Illinois. Before becoming a public servant, Judy was an award winning journalist who graduated from ’s Medill School of Journalism.

Judy has been a great friend of Israel. In 1952, her parents purchased State of Israel Bonds as a personal investment and show of support for the young State. Forty years later, Judy and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg initiated and promoted legislation to make it possible for the State of Illinois to invest state funds in foreign bonds. After this bill became state law, Judy directed her office to purchase $10 million in State of Israel Bonds. Judy is quick to point out that this was one of the best investments she ever made for the State of Illinois. Last month, Judy approved an additional $10 million purchase of Israel Bonds for the State of Illinois and she purchased $25,000 as a personal investment.

Judy has visited Israel on numerous occasions over the years for both business and pleasure. In 2004, Judy was honored by Jerusalem’s Bikur Cholim Hospital for her efforts in helping the hospital raise funds to expand its trauma ward. Bikur Cholim is centrally located and is often the first facility called upon to treat victims of terrorist attacks. Judy was recently named the Women’s Honorary Chair of the Heart of Gold Award, presented by the Midwest Chapter of the American Committee of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center of Jerusalem. She was also the only State Constitutional Officer to speak at the Israel Solidarity Rally at Federal plaza in Chicago this past July. Every time Judy has been asked to stand with Israel or support its interests, she has responded swiftly and effectively. Most recently, at the request of the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Judy wrote to the El Al Airlines management and requested non-stop flights from Chicago to Tel Aviv. El Al Airlines has agreed, and will begin this service later this month.

As many of you know, the Minister of Protocol for the Nation of Islam is a member of the Illinois Hate Crimes Commission. The Governor has refused to remove her even though five Jewish members of the commission resigned in protest. Judy has stated publicly that if the Minister of Protocol does not voluntarily resign from the State’s Hate Crimes Commission, she would not hesitate to remove the Minister when she is Governor. The Hate Crimes Commission has become the focus of ridicule because the governor has not acted to correct his terrible mistake. He needs to act now and put this panel back to work.

Judy Baar Topinka has shown a lifelong commitment to furthering the efforts and causes of the Jewish people, in Illinois and in Israel. She has stated that during a Topinka Administration, Illinois would open a trade office in Israel. She has been a good friend to our community. We think it is important for the Illinois Jewish community to recognize a true friend.

Paid for by Al Levin Israel exists literally by the grace of G-d. We need to do our job in supporting the elected While we may not live in great numbers men and women that support us. Don’t make the mistake of choosing your liberalism or in the Second Congressional district, conservatism over your Judaism. We need to help ourselves because regardless of how incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. is so often we as Jews help others, all too often the favor is not returned. consistently anti-Israel that he deserves Don’t lose sight of the truth. After the 67 war, the so called West Bank was offered back special mention here. We urge you to to Jordan who were the previous owners and it was a status the so called Palestinians vote for his Republican opponent, Robert never objected to. The Gaza strip was Egypt’s and like Jordan, they wanted no more part Belin. Oh, and by the way, U.S. Senator of it. Barack O’Bama’s record on Israel, isn’t Lebanon got along with Israel before the Christian majority was snuffed, suppressed and much better. muffled by the Syrians. You don’t hear the Arabs complaining about Syria, just us. Jewish Chicago endorses Robert Belin Ask the Assyrians about how wonderfully the Arab world has treated them. There are in the 2nd congressional district. tons of Assyrians in this region and they fled the Mideast due to Arab persecution. In fact go back in history and you will find that a high percentage of the blacks sent to 5th Congressional District America to serve as slaves, were originally enslaved by the Arabs. They are still at it. Have you looked at what’s happening in Darfur lately? 2 term incumbent is On to the races. a rising star in the Democrat party. He 2nd Congressional District is extraordinarily capable, a great fund raiser and a true leader. He is Jewish and a definite friend of Israel. J e w i s h C h i c a g o e n d o r s e s Rahm Emanuel in the 5th congressional district.

6th Congressional District

The contest between Democrat Tammy Duckworth and Republican Peter Roskam has drawn about as much attention as any Congressional contest nationally. While I have been told that Roskam is supposed to be a friend of Israel and Duckworth is not, I have been unable to find any real proof of either candidates’ stand on the subject. Once upon a time every congressional candidate was on the record about Israel. That is no longer the case. Jewish Chicago will take a pass on the race in the 6th Congressional district.

9th Congressional District

This is a no brainier. Incumbent Cong. came under fire by a number of her liberal supporters for her support of Israel. She stuck to her guns. While the 9th District has a large Jewish population, it has a much larger liberal population and it has been awhile since the average liberal was a friend of Israel and the passage of time has only made things worse. Jewish Chicago endorses Cong. Jan Schakowsky for a fifth term in Congress.

10th Congressional District

Republican Mark Steven Kirk is about as good a friend as Israel has in the Illinois congressional delegation. He covers the far northern suburbs and is a leader and a true champion for Israel. Jewish Chicago endorses Cong. Mark Steven Kirk for reelection to Congress.

State Wide Races

The Governors Race

Rarely will there ever be a clearer contest from a Jewish standpoint but it is always important to look at the entire picture. In the 3 1/2 years has been governor he has single handedly rewritten the book on the political double cross and set new records for biting the hands that have fed him. His feud with his father-in-law, Ald. Richard Mell, who put him in the legislature and championed his candidacy for Congress and then the Governor’s office was another low light of the Blagojevich administration. Blagojevich raised 20 million dollars for his initial election campaign to the governors’ office and the taxpayers of Illinois have been paying a very dear price ever since. Blagojevich’s short sighted plans to sell the State of Illinois building as well as the state lottery would have cost the state billions of dollars through the years for an immediate quick fix that would have served no real purpose other than to make Blagojevich look good in the short term. He has spent an obscenely large amount of money on television ads that brutally attack his opponent and distort the truth in a shameful manner. One ad brutally slammed Topinka for her stand on nursing homes. One look at the State Election web site will tell you that the managed care industry has no use for Blagojevich, have been Michael C. Moses consistent supporters of Topinka Attorney at Law and are putting their dollars to work for Topinka. And despite spending millions and millions of dollars on TV ads slamming Topinka, Blagojevich isn’t ahead by much at the polls theTopinka presents $10 million dollar check to Israel Bonds 2335 W. Devon Ave Tribune poll showed 51% of Illinois voters had a negative opinion of him. There is no depth to which Blagojevich won’t sink. Chicago, IL, 60659 While publicly, most of the Democratic politicians will smile and tell you they support Blagojevich, privately, I have been told early and often that they have no intention of voting for him, let alone lifting their finger for him. They want him gone. Call 773-508-0100 Fax 773-508-0111 Indicted Syrian born businessman, Tony Rezko, a close friend and ally of Blagojevich may well be just the first in a series of indictments in the Blagojevich administration that may wind up including Blagojevich himself. Considering the huge amounts of money being given to Blagojevich, it would be a bit naive not to think there isn’t an awful lot being promised for all that cash, at the expense North Town News Magazine of the citizens of the state of Illinois of course. Blagojevich record on Jewish issues is abysmal. He is not our friend. www.ntnm.org Let us harken back to that shameful chapter concerning the Governor’s Commission on Thursdays 7:30 pm, Friday 2:30 pm CANTV-19 Chicago Discrimination and Hate Crimes. Thursdays 8:00 pm ECMTV-6 Evanston Blagojevich appointed Sister Claudette Muhammad to the Commission. Muhammad is Mondays 6:00 pm - in 25 North and Northwest Suburbs a senior official of Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. He didn’t appoint her for her own and now on the web! merit, like other committee members she was appointed to represent a larger organization, in this case the dishonorable Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. Sponsorship opportunities available - 773-290-2677 Muhammad invited the other committee members to come hear Farrakhan speak on March 2nd. Farrakhan spouted his anti-Semitic venom d’jour. He also came down hard www.caps24.org on other groups as is his custom. Efforts by the Jewish commission members were made to come to a common understanding against discrimination and hate. These efforts failed. for all your Community Policing meetings and police info for West Rogers Park and Rogers Park

Re-elect Jesse White Secretary of State

•Leadership •Integrity •Innovation

•White has implemented new ethics rules to help restore public confidence and integrity to the Secretary of State’s office

•White created a strong, independent Inspector General and hired former U.S. Atty. Jim Burns to fill that position.

•White made the Roads of Illinois safer by toughening penalties for DUI offenders.

•White increased the amount of practice time our new young drivers need before being able to get a license.

Endorsed by Jewish Chicago Chicago Sun-Times Illinois Education Association Illinois AFL-CIO

Re-elect Jesse White, Tuesday, November 7th Lonnie Nasatir representing the Anti Defamation League was the first to resign. Richard Hirschhaut, executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, resigned later in the day. In announcing ADL’s resignation, Lonnie Nasatir, Regional Director of ADL’s Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest office, issued the following statement: “We cannot continue to serve on a Commission that remains silent in the face of bigotry and makes a mockery of the fight against hatred and intolerance in Illinois. “It is a sad day when we are left with no choice but to resign from the Commission. We are utterly disappointed at the Blagojevich administration’s decision to stand by Sister Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. She serves on the Commission as a representative of the Nation of Islam, just as I serve as a representative of ADL, and she must be held accountable for the statements of her organization’s leader. Sister Muhammad’s statement is wholly inadequate. She in no way condemns or apologizes for Minister Farrakhan’s hate-filled rhetoric that pervades the message and beliefs of the Nation of Islam. Moreover, in stating that she respects those who practice the ‘true tenets’ of their faith, she echoes Minister Farrakhan’s comments Sunday that, ‘These false Jews promote the filth of Hollywood that is seeding the American people... It’s the wicked Jews, the false Jews, that are promoting Lesbianism, homosexuality. It’s wicked Jews, false Jews, that make it a crime for you to preach the word of God, then they call you homo phobic!’ It is clear to us that the Nation of Islam considers the Jewish community to be ‘false Jews’ whom it is acceptable to hate. The Anti-Defamation League will continue to be a loud, clear and consistent voice in the fight against hate and discrimination in Illinois.” That same day Sen. and the state’s first openly homosexual legislator, State Rep. Larry McKeon held a joint press conference expressing their disappointment in Blagojevich. There are three groups here–the African-American community, the Jewish community and the gay and lesbian community–who are normally united,” Silverstein said. “We are being torn apart because of this.” Soon after, State Rep. Lou Lang decided he was up to taking Nasatir’s spot on the commission. According to Rich Miller of Capital Fax, “Lang’s immediate appointment was designed by the governor’s office to show that the Jewish community was divided over the governor’s decision.” Later that same day, another Jewish commission member, Richard Hirschhaut, executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Call Chani - 1-888-295-6038 Museum and Education Center, resigned. He stated “It is essential the commission be a place of the utmost integrity and there be no question as to whether it’s tainted by the presence of one member or another, I fear we are now at a point where there is a cloud over this body.” This became big time news. It was the lead item on every TV news program in Chicago. Howard Kaplan, who has chaired and ably served numerous Jewish charities including the JUF and Israel Bonds was out of the country, but the fuss reached him and he sent in his resignation the next day. Lang according to Rich Miller’s Capital Fax is “a long time critic of Blagojevich, who jumped all the way on board a few months ago, and has become a vocal supporter.” Lang attempted to reconstruct his shattered dignity in the Jewish community with a belated resignation. He claimed he was unaware of the resignations when he accepted the appointment. Sure thing Mr. Lang. Lang was flooded with complaints including some people with enough money todo something about replacing him. We urge them to do just that. State Senator whose district goes from Edgewater into the north suburbs along the lake is the one Jewish member of the panel who remains. She is very tight with Blagojevich and like Lang, obviously considers that more important then her Judaism or the Jewish people. Blagojevich didn’t quit. According to Capital Fax, a prominent Rabbi came close to joining the commission. When word got out that Blagojevich was desperately searching for a Jewish member and was offering healthy incentives to join the hate crimes council, the Chicago Rabbinical Jewish Chicago is available in its entirety Council informed their members that anyone accepting such a slot would be tossed from their council. on the world wide web at Blagojevich attended the Passover Seder of Rabbi Phillip Lefkowitz in Uptown and showed his face at the “Simcha Beis Hashoaiva” the gala outdoor Sukkos party at Cong. www.Avyworld.com Bnei Ruven where he danced with Sen. Ira Silverstein. That Black Muslim lady is still a member of the Governor’s commission. The Jewish members of the committee strove to make peace but were rebuffed. I don’t begin to understand how any self respecting Jewish person can support Rod Blagojevich. His opponent is the three term State Treasurer of Illinois, Judy Baar Topinka, and the object of millions and millions of dollars of highly negative advertising. Given the public’s lousy opinion of Blagojevich and his numerous misdeeds, Topinka should be running away with this race, but that simply isn’t happening. She has really run a lousy campaign. Still, Topinka is closing in on Blagojevich. His ads are backfiring, the indictment of his Syrian buddy Rezko, the $1,500 birthday present to his 7 year old daughter by a lady who just got a state job, are making Blagojevich look really bad. Topinka has a solid and competent but not spectacular record. She served in the State Legislature before becoming Treasurer and has run a reputable scandal free office during her tenure. It isn’t her job to decide how the state spends their money, but it is her job to make sure the State’s money is invested wisely, earns interest, etc. Topinka is a long time friend of the State of Israel and has made numerous trips to Israel. She also was the first Treasurer to invest in Israel Bonds, starting with an initial investment of $10 million dollars and has recently doubled that amount to $20 million. She also has personally invested in Israel Bonds. Last year she was the honoree of Bikur Cholim Hospital in Jerusalem and raised a substantial amount of money to aid their life saving services. She actually has campaign people in place specifically to aid her in the Jewish community and while I have found her campaign staff frustrating at times, they work hard and their intent is good. During an appearance before the Jewish Republican Coalition in Skokie, Topinka was surprisingly honest before a very large crowd. She was strongly applauded for her stand and involvement with Israel. Her pro choice stance yielded a few scant claps and her stance in favor of assault weapons drew virtual silence. I understand that the assault weapon thing is a stance that had to be taken to make peace with the statewide Republicans. What surprised me is that she would bring it up where she did, because even Jewish Republicans don’t care much for assault weapons and more power to them for that. Once upon a time, candidates were stepping on each other to be the biggest supporter of Israel. Now its uncommon to hear a word and most candidate web sites including Congressional ones, ignore the subject. Topinka is a loud, vocal and consistent friend. There is only one choice in this campaign. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Judy Baar Topinka to be the next Governor of the State of Illinois. Mark 2 on your ballots.

Secretary of State

This is about as easy a contested conquest as there is in the entire election. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is running for reelection to a third term in office. He has an exemplary record of accomplishments. When White first took office he immediately began modernizing the office. The early accomplishments included stringent ethics reform, banning contributions from his employees, Redesigning the license plates and developing a new temporary registration permit to prevent fraud and allow the police to trace the owners and dates the permits were valid. White is extremely proud of his efforts to increase organ and blood donations. He has eased the waits at driver’s license facilities and made license renewal extremely simple and fast for motorists with spotless driving record. He is by no means sitting on his laurels and has an extremely ambitious agenda planned to continue the improvement and modernization of the Secretary of State’s office. Often you can tell a lot about someone by the workers in their office. White’s people The exception was “What’s in it for me - Lou Lang” The buzz phrase among his supporters respect him greatly and he has some extremely competent people in his office and a very was “What was he thinking?” Lang wasn’t doing anything that isn’t part of his nature. respectable amount of Jewish people. There is a reason that his district, West Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, parts of Skokie, Niles His PR chief is Dave Drucker, who has distinguished himself in a number of positions and Morton Grove at one time got less money from the State than any other district in the through the years including advising Arlington Park. Drucker is an extreme gentleman northern half of Illinois and that may still be true today. Look at his major contributors, it’s and a pleasure to work with. a who’s who of casinos, racetracks, slot machine manufacturers and the like. Then there are the Jesse White Tumblers. The world famous tumbling troupe that Look at the legislation Lang has proposed. He championed legalizing video poker consist of young men from humble backgrounds that White has molded into young men gambling machines in every establishment that has a liquor license. That means your of character and accomplishment. corner convenience store, Jewel, Dominicks, Walgreens, CVS and more. Heaven help They perform at hundreds of venues a year, some of them specifically Jewish. They people with gambling problems if anything close to that passes, let alone all the new appear in movies, they perform in other countries. Many are young men who began life in people that would be exposed to serious gambling on a continuous basis throughout the city housing projects who are on target toward being responsible citizens and benefitting state. society. “What was he thinking” - No what are those of who support this guy thinking. Did I mention that White doesn’t take a nickel for this, and how many elected officials Unfortunately he has no opposition this year. I would welcome the chance to help any do you know that greet their Jewish friends by letting them know they are “lantzmen”. reasonably decent person that wants to challenge him in 08. White is truly a rare and outstanding individual and I urge everyone to mark 11 on their Lang needs to go! ballot. It is a true privilege for Jewish Chicago to endorse Jesse White for reelection as In the 17th Legislative district, consisting of chunks of Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove Secretary of State for Illinois on Tuesday November 7th. plus, Democratic Challenger Judith Rae Ross is challenging incumbent Elizabeth Coulson. While Attorney General Coulson has done a reasonably decent job, Ross would do a much better job of serving her district. Lisa Madigan surprised me by doing a reasonably competent job in her first term as Ross has ably been involved in her community Attorney General and deserves a second shot. on a number of levels. Dr. Ross holds a Ph.D from She has been a good consumer advocate and seems to care about doing a good job. She the University of Illinois at Chicago and currently faces no more than token opposition. teaches in the History Department at DePaul Jewish Chicago endorses Lisa Madigan for reelection as Illinois Attorney General. University. She has also served as an elected trustee of Niles Township from 1980-2001, and is a political consultant. Her media experience spans both State Treasurer newspaper writing and television. Her newspaper writing experience includes five years with Lerner Democrat is a relative political newcomer at age newspapers, and she is currently a frequent op-ed 30. He played professional basketball in Greece and went to work at his writer for Pioneer Press. Since 1994, she has been father’s bank, “Broadway Bank”. He upset the organization candidate a regular panelist on cable television. in the primary and was looking good until he lied about okaying a loan. Her campaign theme is “Because She Cares” and The loan isn’t really that big a deal, if someone has the collateral, you Ross most certainly does. Education, Health Care, make the loan, it’s not a banks job to judge the morals of its customers. Seniors and Tax Reform are among her primary The lying is the not so bright part, but maybe Giannoulias will learn. issues. A lot of Jewish politicos are backing him. The voters of the 17th District would be doing themselves a service by marking ballot The Republican is State Senator Christine #32 for Judith Rae-Ross on election day. Jewish Chicago endorses Judith Rae-Ross for Radogno who is a very competent individual whose emphasis in election to the State House. the Senate has been in finance. I have an axe to grind with the Giannoulias campaign as they In the 18th District State Rep. Julie Hamos is running unopposed for reelection. Hamos asked us to set up a special television shoot just for them at which is sharp as they come. She was a big time lobbyist when she made the switch to run for they failed to appear. As such I don’t feel it would be appropriate to the State Legislature. Her husband Judge Alan Greiman was a State Representative before endorse a candidate in this race. her, and now serves ably on the bench. Jewish Chicago takes a pass on the State Treasurer’s While Hamos could be more plugged into the Jewish community, she really distinguished campaign. herself with her handling of the CTA funding problems in Springfield. State Legislature Sending Hamos back to Springfield for 2 more years is a no In the 7th State Senate District, incumbent Carol Ronen as previously mentioned brainer. Jewish Chicago endorses decided that her alliance with Blagojevich is more important than her fellow Jews. Julie Hamos for reelection to the Her Republican opponent is Frank Thomas. State legislature. Jewish Chicago endorses Frank Thomas for election to the State Senate. Mark 30 on your ballot for Thomas. President of the Cook

In the 9th State Senate District, Democrat Jeff Schoenberg is running for a second term. County Board Schoenberg has distinguished himself as a top level player in the legislature and there has already been talk of him someday going to Congress. Things have been very Democratic He is an involved Jew and attended day school. in Cook County for a very long Jewish Chicago endorses Jeff Schoenberg for reelection. time. At one time the suburban Republicans could gather enough On to the State House where Ida Crown Academy graduate is running strength to elect a candidate every for reelection in the 12th district. Mark Ballot 32 for Feigenholtz come election day. now and then, buts its been a good 40 years since former Governor Richard Ogilvie was Jewish Chicago endorses Sara Feigenholtz for reelection Tuesday November 7th. President of the Cook County Board. This time around there could be a big change. , long time President of the In the 16th district, incumbent Lou Lang is running for reelection. There is no Jewish Cook County Board suffered a disabling stroke shortly before the March primary election, elected official who has dishonored his people more than Lang. but he still managed to defeat fellow Democrat . When Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich sided with the Black Muslims and needed to cloud his actions, self respecting Jews were running as far away as they could from Rod. Then there was a very long period of uncertainty as to whether Stroger could return to County Commissioners office. If the county actually did much that was meaningful, it would be intolerable. Cook County actually represents the 17th largest governmental body in the United States. The The 13th District of Cook County which jail and the hospital/health care are the most visible segments. The Cook County board includes Rogers Park, most of West Rogers Park, wasn’t much more active than a wax museum until the last election. the City of Evanston and the Villages of Glencoe, Suddenly there was a substantial number of new board members who were looking to Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton not only reform county government, but make it effective and relevant to the residents of Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie, Wilmette and Cook County. Winnetka. This district has been graced with a Larry Suffredin, Forrest Claypool, Mike Quigley, Tony Peraica were among a group of true breath of fresh air the last 4 years in Comm. Democrats and Republicans who had enough of business as usual. Larry Suffredin. Suffredin is the first intelligent, County Board meetings became lively, there were arguments and controversy. There independent, proactive voice the 13th District has was no more rubber stamping and blindly saluting the powers that be. There was real seen in the 30 plus years I’ve lived there. debate and meaningful discussions. A new day dawned in county government. There was Suffredin has sought from the start to shake up a very real threat of good government breaking out throughout the land. county government and get them to actually start Then the circus began. The Stroger family wanted time to determine if John Stroger serving the needs of its constituents. could return to office. People were bending over backward to be nice, but that is a pretty He has been involved in trying to improve the important office that is highly coveted by many of the board members. forest preserves, streamline county government, The black politicos were adamant that the County Board Presidency was their birthright not waste resources like the old county hospital. and if Stroger needed replacing, it had to be someone black. Does that strike you as He has been instrumental in trying to bring a racist? county health care facility to our region. The Someone black leaves out Claypool who ran a very close second. It also leaves out Mike nearest one is miles and miles away and would Quigley who was also interested in running for President in the primary before deferring offer free and low cost health care to area people to Claypool. in need. It would help lift some of the burden So we need a qualified person who is black. Well how about Dorothy Brown? Clerk of the from local private charities and you can never have too much health care services. Circuit Court and a highly capable individual. Not a chance, she ran against the Democratic It was particularly poignant that at the Greater Chicago Jewish festival, founder Michael powers and has never been much more than tolerated by the regular organization. Lorge singled out Suffredin at the largest venue at the Fest for providing them with Others outside of the inner Democratic circle showed interest, they weren’t about to get more help than any other elected official. Suffredin is a partner in the firm of Shefsky & party approval. Froelich and is a former Chairman of the Democratic Party of Evanston. County Commissioner Bobbie Steele was someone who had the respect of a large Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Larry Suffredin for reelection. Mark Ballot 45. number of board members, but she appeared overly eager to be the next President and an indelicately worded statement knocked her out In the 10th county district, which encompasses part of West Rogers Park, Peterson Park for the long term, but was settled upon in the and more, Comm. Mike Quigley has been an integral part of the move to make the Cook short term as acting President until the election. County Board a responsible branch of government. 8th ward Alderman Todd Stroger, son of Jewish Chicago endorses Mike Quigley for reelection to the Cook County Board. John, got the nod. By all accounts Stroger is a nice guy, but not overly impressive. In fact Sheriff of Cook County every time he started talking in public, his poll numbers started going down. So much so that he This is another race that is about as clear virtually disappeared from the campaign trail. cut as can be. It’s almost as if Tom Dart’s When he called in to my show, the North Town whole professional life has moved toward News Magazine on CANTV-19 www.ntnm.org, the moment he can be Sheriff. he was nervous and frightened and my show is Dart served as an Assistant District run very congenially. Attorney where he prosecuted hundreds I have never had more politicians try to talk me of felony cases. He then served a term in into backing someone than Todd Stroger. I have State Senate and 5 terms in the State House never had more people try to get someone on my gaining a reputation as a reform minded show than was the case with Todd Stroger. legislator who sponsored more than a dozen People I strongly respect went further than child welfare laws and helped restructure the they have ever gone to get me to back Stroger. I Illinois Department of Children and Family was open to the idea, I was willing to listen, but Todd Stroger has just plain not stepped up Services. He also battled the predatory to the plate in any kind of meaningful manner. If anything he has run and hid. “payday loan” industry, proposing new laws Some people seem quite wary of the Republican candidate for Cook County Board against predatory lenders. President, Tony Peraica. I don’t know why. He is finishing his first term on the County Dart served as chairman of the House Board. He was orphaned early and came here from Croatia where he has become a lawyer, Judiciary Committee and was Cochairman of the House Prison Oversight Committee. He built a practice and got himself elected to the county board. He has a lot of guts and real has awarded numerous legislator of the year awards. desire. Traits that are sorely lacking in Todd Stroger. He presently is the chief assistant to Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheehan and has had People who are worried that Peraica will inject his personal religious beliefs about a first hand up close look at what he is going to be running after handily winning election abortion and gay rights into County Board Policy don’t understand how things work. on November 7th. The Supreme Court, Congress and to a lesser extent the legislature have say. The courts Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Tom Dart for Sheriff of Cook County. Mark Ballot are the ones who really write the rules. 39 on election day. Peraica is pretty straight forward and extremely focused. I find him quite impressive. I can’t tell you that there is a specific Jewish reason to vote for either one, but if you are Jewish Chicago commends Maria Pappas for her success in modernizing the office interested in taking a shot at good county government, Peraica is the way to go. of Treasurer of Cook County and endorses her for reelection. Mark Ballot 41. I am voting for him and I hope you will too. Jewish Chicago endorses Tony Peraica for President of the County Board. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

The MWRD is the 4th largest governmental agency in Illinois and is in the midst of a massive public works project, the largest in Illinois and still there are many who have no clue as to who they are and what they do. www.ntnm.org Their job starts when water runs down your drain. There are nine Commissioners of the MWRD that are elected to 6 year terms. 3 of them are up for reelection every 2 years Their star player and President Judicial Races (the President is elected by the 9 commissioners) is Terrence J. (Terry) I am not a lawyer and even the lawyers who regularly go to court tell me they can’t keep O’Brien who is running for reelection track of all of the Judges. They rely heavily on the evaluations of the bar associations for a 4th term. when they are not familiar with a particular individual. O’Brien is the third generation of There are 4 contested Judicial races this year and the clear consensus of my experts is his family to toil for the MWRD. It as follows: is the agency where his father and grandfather worked. He started there Madden vacancy: Mary Katherine Rochford Ballot 68 over Don R. Sampen as a youthful laborer who worked on Sampen. the deep tunnel. He won election to the MWRD 18 Siebel vacancy: Grace G. Dickler Ballot 70 gets the call over Steve Goebel years ago and 10 years ago, in the midst of scandal, his fellow commissioners 12th Subcircuit vacancy: Ronald J. Nelson Ballot 73, is the clear choice over Ellen turned to him to clean up the MWRD L. Flannigan. and that is exactly what O’Brien has accomplished over the last 10 years. 15th Subcircuit vacancy: Anthony C. Scrementi Ballot 69 is the definite pick over This year the MWRD was the only Daniel Patrick Brennan. agency in Cook County to lower their tax bill. As the largest land owner in A number of judges are running for retention which means you vote yes or no to either this area, O’Brien has found creative keep them in the judiciary or toss them out. ways to benefit local municipalities while adding revenue to defray the Jewish Chicago Recommends you vote no for the following tax burden on the citizens of Cook County. Cynthia Brim The Deep Tunnel project which consists of 109 miles of tunnel and when finished Barbara Disko several huge reservoirs that will be able to store close to 20 billion gallons of water until Christopher Donnelly the system is clear enough to process them and keep untreated sewage out of our inland Loretta Eadie-Daniels waterways and Lake Michigan. Robert Kowalski It is a modern engineering marvel and has already helped clean our inland waterways to Marcella Lipinski the point that 68 varieties of fish can now be found in the Chicago River and North Shore P. Scott Neville, Jr. Channel. The Bass Masters fishing championships were held in the Chicago River and Donna Phelps Felton they caught lots of Bass. Amanda Toney Before constructing the tunnel underneath the English Channel, France and England came to Chicago to examine and learn how the MWRD built their tunnel system. The system here, when finished will cost the taxpayers 3 billion dollars, the French and English There are ten Jewish judges seeking retention and Jewish Chicago recommends expended $15 billion for a few miles less than our 109. you vote for them. They have all been found qualified and then some. In the primary, there were a slew of challengers for the 3 available slots and all of them sought to tie themselves in some way to Terry O’Brien. He is that highly thought of and They are: was endorsed by absolutely everybody. O’Brien grew up in West Rogers Park at Albion and Rockwell. He has lots of friends Martin S. Agran in the Jewish community. He has helped numerous individuals and institutions with Carole Kamin Bellows everything from a possible broken water main (even though that’s not his department) James R. Epstein to helping save institutions from possible eviction from MWRD land. He is a genuinely Alan J. Greiman nice guy. Moshe Jacobius If someone asked me to pick the single most outstanding person running in this election, Edward R. Jordan I could make a very serious case for MWRD President Terry O’Brien. Marvin P. Luckman Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Terry O’Brien for reelection to the MWRD. Stuart E. Palmer Mark 55 on your ballot come election day. Lee Stuart Preston Warren D. Wolfson The Law Office of James P. Nally, P.C. Make sure you cast your vote on Tuesday November 7th. The are many centers in the area that allow you to vote early and all you have to do is walk in and vote.

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