Listening to Illinois lawmakers over the weekend on various radio programs talking about reform reminded The Hound about the infamous Chicago alderman, Paddy Bauler, who died in 1977. Asked about reform in the Windy City, Bauler replied with language no one would consider ciceronian: "Chicago ain't ready for reform."
Which brings up the obvious: Is Illinois ready for reform? Are the lawmakers who will be making those decisions in Springfield between now and November ready to not go for the gold? Especially when filing begins for the March 2010 primary at the end of December.
Gov. Pat Quinn's ballyhooed "reform commission" --- founded by none other than the governor in the wake of Rod Blagojevich, et. al., and chaired by former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins --- has offered a sweeping blueprint for change in the Land of Lincoln. Will legislators go for some of the recommendations, considering Quinn used to walk hand-in-hand with Blago?
Some of the commission's proposals include: Capping individual campaign contributions at $2,400; protecting procurement officials from political pressure; strengthening the Freedom of Information Act; requiring politicians to report $1,000 contributions within five working days; barring lobbyists from donating to political campaigns; disclosing all state subcontractors and lobbyists. The panel is expected to provide even more recommendations as it works through April.
Which brings The Hound back to the original question: Is Illinois ready for reform? The Hound will believe it when it happens.
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