Copyright 2013 http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics en-us Thu, 23 May 2013 00:49:24 -0500 Thu, 23 May 2013 00:49:24 -0500 NBC Owned Television Stations http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Obama-Campaigns-Tech-Team-Wins-Webby-Award-208560141.html Wed, 22 May 2013 16:49:05 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Obama-tech-team.jpg
Campaign team recognized for its cutting-edge use of data.

Photo Credit: WireImage

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/George-Ryan-Memoir-Not-Likely-To-Be-A-Bestseller-208515581.html Wed, 22 May 2013 12:42:35 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/ryan4.jpg
There are only two Illinois politicians whose names can move a book: Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/George-Ryan-Writing-Tell-All-Memoir-Report-208490441.html Wed, 22 May 2013 10:06:11 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/george+ryan+halfway+house.jpg
Former Gov. George Ryan may spill long-buried Springfield secrets in a tell-all book. Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed reports the once-imprisoned governor is writing his memoir, and Ryan's son calls it...

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]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Third-Grader-Schools-Rahm-on-School-Closings-208473691.html Wed, 22 May 2013 09:43:56 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/asean+johnson.jpg
Nine-year-old Asean Johnson delivered a stem-winding speech calling Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close 54 schools "racism."

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rahm-emanuel-political-fallout-cps-closures-208404281.html Wed, 22 May 2013 06:14:33 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/rahm+emanuel1.jpg
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he's so sure his plan is the right one that he said not taking the action would have far greater consequences for the students he said would be robbed of a quality education.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/How-The-Death-of-the-Steel-Mills-Led-to-the-Birth-of-the-Hispanic-Democratic-Organization-208320531.html Tue, 21 May 2013 16:51:15 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/160*120/WR_USSteel.jpg
Ald. Edward "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak used the desperation of laid-off steelworkers to build his own political machine -- which morphed into the HDO. An excerpt from Ward Room blogger Edward McClelland's new book.

Photo Credit: DePaul Univ. Archives

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=c61035cd352a9ea09abec2d424ce5cb8&p=4 c61035cd352a9ea09abec2d424ce5cb8 ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 16:51:15 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/How-To-Marry-Your-Gay-Cousin-208305281.html Tue, 21 May 2013 10:18:31 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/AP722450340362.jpg
According to the Religious Freedom and Marital Fairness Act, gay cousins can marry -- as long as one is incapable of having children.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Bill-Clinton-Backs-Gay-Marriage-in-Illinois-208308401.html Tue, 21 May 2013 09:54:54 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/bill-clinton-add-P3.jpg
Former President Bill Clinton threw his weight behind stalled legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, calling on the state House to approve the bill.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Sen-Kirk-Uncertain-on-Pritzkers-Confirmation-208300371.html Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:58 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Mark+Kirk1.jpg
Commerce Secretary confirmation hearings scheduled for Thursday.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-senate-committee-ammunition-limit-208202941.html Mon, 20 May 2013 18:09:25 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Bullets1.jpg
Legislation to ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds advances with 12-3 vote.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/news/politics/Quinn_-Pension-Reform-Before-Gaming-Bill/208146131 Mon, 20 May 2013 18:08:21 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/WMAQ_000000003309005_722x406_30839363855.jpg
Gov. Pat Quinn told the City Club of Chicago that the state must get its finances in order before he will consider gaming expansion legislation. "That means pensions," he said.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/The-Stevenson-Familys-Hereditary-Case-of-Politics-208143381.html Mon, 20 May 2013 11:28:18 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/160*175/REP-History-Add-P5.jpg
Former Sen. Adlai Stevenson III says Illinois's political dynasties are afflicted with "an incurable, hereditary case of politics." Adlai IV broke the chain by becoming a reporter for NBC5, and McLean...

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/news/politics/Quinn-Open-Minded-About-Medical-Marijuana-Bill/208145521 Mon, 20 May 2013 18:09:53 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/WMAQ_000000003309053_722x406_30840899561.jpg
Gov. Pat Quinn told the City Club of Chicago he is "open minded" about a bill that would legalize the medical use of marijuana in Illinois.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Expert-Crack-Smoking-Toronto-Mayor-Should-Be-More-Like-Rahm-208135641.html Mon, 20 May 2013 10:45:18 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/rahm-toronto-mayor.jpg
Rahm Emanuel is the only American politician to have been seen publicly with Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto who was allegedly seen smoking crack on a cell phone video. A Toronto columnist wishes their...

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=775dd26d8c2f44cfd0658432d4ca20cd&p=4 775dd26d8c2f44cfd0658432d4ca20cd ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 10:45:18 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Read-Alderman-Scott-Waguespacks-Parking-Meter-Questions-207914551.html Fri, 17 May 2013 15:07:24 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/parking_meter1.jpg
You're not alone. Many alderman have questions about the multi-decade agreement that give up billions in revenue to a management company.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Illinois-Is-Not-The-Worst-Place-To-Be-A-Republican-207832221.html Fri, 17 May 2013 13:25:07 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Generic+Republican+Party+GOP+Elephant+Carsten+Reisinger+shutterstock_77095801.jpg
In nine states, at least one House of the legislature is less Republican than the Illinois General Assembly.

Photo Credit: Carsten Reisinger, Shutterstock

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Justice-Stevens-Bush-v-Gore--207856061.html Fri, 17 May 2013 13:26:30 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/160*229/112908+Justice+Stevens+P1.jpg
The retired Supreme Court justice from Chicago questions one of the Court's most famous decisions. But if we hadn't had President Bush, would we have President Obama?

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]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Preckwinkle-207876261.html Fri, 17 May 2013 18:56:55 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Toni+Preckwinkle1.jpg
If Cook County School Board President Toni Preckwinkle decides to run for mayor, she can continue her criticism of Rahm Emanuel on school closings.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Supporter-Sends-Jackson-Jr-Letter-to-Wrong-Judge--207892661.html Fri, 17 May 2013 12:36:13 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/jesse+jackson+jr+getty.JPG
Cook County Commissioner Jerry “Iceman” Butler is the latest public official to write a Federal Judge in Washington, pleading for leniency for former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Butler directed his comments t

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Preckwinkle-Criticizes-Rahm-On-CPS-Closures-207866711.html Fri, 17 May 2013 11:14:48 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Preckwinkle+Rahm+Split.jpg
Cook County president tells Sun-Times that too many schools are marked for closure.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Few-Barriers-Left-For-Black-Politicians-in-Illinois-207721921.html Thu, 16 May 2013 11:21:04 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/obama92.JPG
African-Americans have had more political success in Illinois than any other state -- but there are still a few offices they haven't held.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=21029809febfc3d4922f34e4ab2f1488&p=4 21029809febfc3d4922f34e4ab2f1488 ]]> Thu, 16 May 2013 11:21:04 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Emanuel-Announces-DePaul-Stadium-Navy-Pier-Makeover-207688071.html Fri, 17 May 2013 20:33:21 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Navy_Pier-rehab-1.jpg
Construction on $278 million redevelopment plan will begin this fall.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-parking-meters-llc-revised-deal-207638671.html Wed, 15 May 2013 20:18:21 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/chicago+meter+pay+to+park.jpg
Several Chicago aldermen are taking a close look at Mayor Rahm Emanuel's revised deal with the private company that manages the city's parking meters and wondering aloud if it's the best deal the city can get.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/NATL-WATCH-Obama-Speaks-on-IRS-Scandal-207611661.html Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:23 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/obama92.JPG
President Barack Obama is delivering a statement on the growing IRS scandal.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Whos-Running-In-2014-207556801.html Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:59 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/131100587.jpg
A new website, trialballoons.net, is an essential scorecard for Illinois politics.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Teachers-Union-To-File-Lawsuits-to-Stop-School-Closings-207542651.html Wed, 15 May 2013 19:45:56 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/208*120/Karen+Lewis+p11.jpg
The Chicago Teachers Union plans to file two federal lawsuits Wednesday to stop the city's school district from closing 53 elementary schools.

Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/news/politics/Valerie-Jarrett-Discusses-Life-In-The-White-House/207540061 Wed, 15 May 2013 15:46:29 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/jarrettobama.jpg
One of President Barack Obama's closest advisers talks to Carol Marin about the stress and joy of working with the most powerful man in the world.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Daley-Nephew-Trial-To-Begin-Early-Next-Year-207417751.html Tue, 14 May 2013 14:25:42 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/sketch-vanecko-mcintyre.jpg
Former Mayor Richard M. Daley's nephew will face trial in the David Koschman case early next year. Judge Maureen McIntyre told Richard J. “R.J.” Vanecko and his attorneys during a Tuesday hearing to...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Chicagos-Top-10-Most-Ticketed-Red-Light-Camera-Intersections-207405581.html Tue, 14 May 2013 15:53:43 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Red-Light-Cameras-Enforced.jpg
As part of an Inspector General report looking into the reasons behind Chicago's placement of red-light cameras, the number of tickets was noted per intersection for 2012. According to the report, the red-light...

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=d429b3da948d711cd3eb8ce1515a89ed&p=4 d429b3da948d711cd3eb8ce1515a89ed ]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 15:53:43 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Are-Casinos-City-Ruiners-207389871.html Tue, 14 May 2013 12:13:09 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Revel_Casino.jpg
As the General Assembly considers another gambling bill, urban theorist Richard Florida says a casino is a sign of decaying city.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/IG-Report-Questions-Locations-of-Chicago-Red-Light-Cameras-207379221.html Tue, 14 May 2013 23:24:52 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/red-light-camera-0219.jpg
A new report from Chicago's inspector general finds safety might not be the city's main goal for where it chooses to locate red light cameras. In some cases, the report finds, it's not clear why some spots were...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Pro-Gay-Marriage-Robocalls-Go-Out-To-Black-Voters-207373721.html Tue, 14 May 2013 10:38:44 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/180*120/shutterstock_72457825.jpg
Illinois Unites For Marriage gets former Bear Brendon Ayanbadejo and civil rights leader Julian Bond to make calls for same-sex marriage.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Kirk-Running-For-Re-election-Says-Pat-Brady-207234691.html Mon, 13 May 2013 16:00:15 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/mark+kirk+romney.jpg
"We are already planning fundraisers," says the outgoing Illinois Republican Party chairman.

Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Durbin-More-Clinton-Testimony-on-Benghazi-Would-Be-Political-207216081.html Mon, 13 May 2013 11:05:09 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/dick-durbin1.jpg
On "Face the Nation," Sen. Dick Durbin says Republican attempts to connect former Secretary of Hillary Clinton to the deaths of four Americans in Libya are aimed at undermining her presidential campaign.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-lieutenant-gov-sheila-simon-medial-marijuana-207119231.html Sun, 12 May 2013 13:45:52 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/160*120/Sheila-Simon.jpg
Simon told The Associated Press her initial reaction wasn't in support but after hearing from people with illnesses she changed her mind. She said it's a tightly-restricted plan.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-second-term-207118821.html Sun, 12 May 2013 13:39:37 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Rahm-Emanuel48.jpg
Rahm Emanuel wants a second term as mayor of Chicago. And he's adamant he won't bow out early or eventually seek a higher office.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Gun-Sentencing-Bill-Could-Cost-Taxpayers--206993491.html Fri, 10 May 2013 22:24:39 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/jail+cell2.jpg
Critics say proposal to raise mandatory sentencing for gun crimes will prove ineffective and expensive.

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=2c6410c49a21f194025974fb1d9b0a97&p=4 2c6410c49a21f194025974fb1d9b0a97 ]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 22:24:39 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Illinois-State-Rifle-Association-Newtown-Parents-Not-Gun-Experts-206793131.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:49 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Colt_AR15_Rifle.jpg
"Having a child murdered doesn't automatically make one an expert on violent crime," group says in "Special Alert."

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Pollster-Says-Pat-Quinn-Walking-Dead-in-Governors-Race-206824841.html Thu, 09 May 2013 23:01:05 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/pat+quinn3.JPG
The results are not good: 62 percent of respondents disapprove of Quinn's performance as governor.

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