The Eagles, Magic and Train Cash - The Morning Trough

Today is the last day of early voting. Returns have been dismal so far, promising a very light turnout overall. Generally, the numbers of Democrats and Republicans pulling ballots seem so far to be traditional - no significant uptick for either side overall.
There are two exceptions. McHenry County has been noticing an unusual spike in Democratic ballots while Kane County has seen a rise in GOP ballots, particularly in Sugar Grove, which has a tax measure up and where the mayor is challenging state Sen. Chris Lauzen.

Illinois is set to get $1.2 billion today from the stimulus package for high-speed rail.

In the Race for Governor:

Gov. Pat Quinn will be in Chicago opening a renovated children's home and accepting an award at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes hits the IBEW hall in Rockford and then Manny's in Chicago.

With the now infamous Harold Washington ad on the air, Quinn held high the endorsement from the major black weekly paper N'Digo Wednesday.
“My motto has always been 'everybody in, and nobody left out.' It's good to know that N'Digo has recognized my lifelong record of fighting for everyday people against corrupt politicians and wealthy special interests,” Quinn said in a release.

Quinn and Hynes debate this afternoon on 1690 AM, WVON.

State Government Editor John Patterson attended Hynes' Springfield event last night. First off, yes, Hynes was actually on time, a problem numerous other candidates and officeholders have had over the years.
The Chicago Democrat said his campaign remained confident even late last year when the polls had him down 25 points.
"We knew when people started to pay attention it'd be different," Hynes said.
No Blago: Responding to reporters' questions, Hynes said there is no ad tying Gov. Pat Quinn to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich set for the final days. "That's not at all what we're planning," he said.
Odd Pair: Hynes isn't known as the flashiest politicians or riskiest of people. And that made the site of his rally headquarters seem a bit odd for those who know its recent history. Not so long ago the place was home to a business perhaps best be described as Hooters with haircuts. Called "Trim", the barbershop was a place you could go get your hair cut by attractive women in tight clothes while watching sports and having a beer. Or at least that's what the ads said.

Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard is heading to Bloomington and Springfield today to tout an endorsement from the National Rifle Association. The Illinois Rifle Association endorsed Dillard earlier this month.

Dillard released a new ad yesterday attacking former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna. Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan is running out of time to get a new ad up ... if he can afford it. Ryan cobbled together just over $100,000 in his latest disclosure report.

Ryan is holding a press conference to hit on the McKenna poll issue again with Joe Birkett.

In the Senate Race:

Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is likely to face more questions about federal regulators essentially putting his family's bank in a straight jacket Wednesday in an attempt to save it. The consent order from the FDIC and state dropped yesterday afternoon. Cheryle Jackson and David Hoffman pounced, but it remains unclear if there is enough time - and money- to get the issue in an ad and before voters -- let alone enough time and attention for backers of the one-term treasurer to step back.

Meanwhile, Jackson has an unusual media pop on her campaign. She is holding an event with NBA star Magic Johnson and hosting a fundraiser headlined by hip hop star Lupe Fiasco today.
Jackson's campaign finance reports are finally up on the FEC Web site. And it turns out she too did not file details on her fundraising for the last quarter of 2009, deciding to push it off until Jan. 31, too late for voters to see them before the primary.
Giannoulias and Chicago attorney Jacob Meister did the same thing. The FEC let the candidates only report details on who gave cash from Jan. 1 to Jan. 13 and put off the final quarter of 2009 data because of Illinois' early primary.
Yet, Giannoulias decided to make details on his contributors available to the press after the Daily Herald pointed out the issue. Meister has not.
It is not clear yet what Jackson will do.
Hoffman and U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk both decided to disclose details on their reporters for both the last quarter of 2009 and the first two weeks of this month together.

Jackson trails the cash race with Giannoulias, Hoffman and Meister. She raised about $400,000 and had $176,000 on hand as of Jan. 13. It is clear she is trying to pack as much cash as possible into a final ad for this week and the weekend before the election.

On the Republican side, Hinsdale real estate developer Pat Hughes has landed the endorsement of the National Conservative Campaign Fund.

News You Should Know:

Don't forget you can always find all the Daily Herald's political coverage on every suburban race and statewide races, along with editorials and surveys, here.

Giannoulias' banking troubles.

GOP candidates for governor get testy in Ch 11 debate.

Governor's race tightening.

New details on McKenna's poll debacle that has become campaign fodder and the subject of an attack ad.

Republican Joe Walsh, running in the 8th District primary, is facing a stern letter from Joe Walsh from the Eagles over using one of the artist's songs.

Republican Cynthia Hebda in the 59th District can't be saved after signing the petition for incumbent Democrat Carol Sente and then trying to run against her. Illinois Supreme Court declines to flip her ouster from the ballot.

The candidates still on the ballot debate Route 53 expansion.

State Rep. Suzie Bassi defends "present" votes against challenge from Republican primary opponent in Palatine.

Lobbyist and property tax maven Joseph Berrios promises to reform county assessor's office and so does Robert Shaw.

Brien Sheahan's campaign donors draw fire from other Republicans in the primary for the DuPage County 41st District.