Legislation Affecting Future Elections Moving Through Capitol

Last week there were a couple proposals which could make for some significant changes to future elections here in Illinois.  The bills, which moved through both House and Senate Committees, would act to make changes to our current primary date and the office of Lieutenant Governor.  Most of the proposed changes to current election law are in response to controversies which arose during the recent February 2^nd primary.

• House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 50 would act to eliminate the office of Lieutenant Governor beginning in 2015.  This is most likely in response to the Democrat Lieutenant Governor nominee who, shall we say, had some unsavory behavior come to light after winning the nomination.  It is said that the elimination of the office could save the state over $2 million in operational costs.
• House Bill 5820 would require Governor and Lieutenant Governor Candidates to run as a team during primary elections.  Again, this is likely in response to the Democrat Lt. Governor nominee who has since withdrawn from the race.  Current law allows for Governor and Lt. Governor Candidates of the same party to be voted on separately in the primary election.  A Governor candidate would be required to have a Lt. Governor on his ticket in order to run for Illinois chief executive.
• House Bill 4964 would move the primary date for the general election from the first Tuesday in February, to the third Tuesday in March.  The primary election date was moved up in 2007 to early February, before that change the primary was originally held on the third Tuesday in March.  Many argue that the February primary was simply to early causing an unfair advantage for incumbents and a lower voter turnout do to the unfriendly weather conditions.  It is also felt that the earlier primary extended the general election campaign season thus increasing the need for additional fundraising.  Senate Bill 355 is identical legislation that has passed out of the Senate and is currently awaiting further debate in the Illinois House.

Only in Chicago

This may be the shortest “Only in Chicago” section I’ve ever written.  Impeached former Governor Blagojevich has been invited to speak to faculty and students at Northwestern University.  In what may be the biggest oxymoron I think I’ve ever read, Rod Blagojevich will be addressing the university crowd at an event titled, “Ethics in Politics:  An evening with Former Governor Rod Blagojevich.”  Enough said.

Submit Your Budget Ideas

Governor Pat Quinn has created a new state website which details current budget figures and future projections, as well as a section which allows the Illinois public to submit budget balancing ideas.  The site, www.budget.illinois.gov, allows residents to submit their ideas on Illinois’ horrible budget situation.  Governor Quinn says he wants public suggestions to include in his upcoming budget address on March 10.