It's fair to say Attorney General Lisa Madigan kicked off her 2010 gubernatorial campaign the other day when she questioned Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed 50 percent income tax increase to bailout the state. Guess he didn't see that coming, huh?
So far, Quinn's only answer to plugging a $11.5 billion deficit is the usual Democratic answer: Raise taxes and fees. Madigan, though, said tough economic times make it "very difficult" to hit Illinoisans with more taxes --- especially those who live in Cook County who already are hit with one of the highest tax rates in the nation.
Madigan offers that state spending should be cut first, then take a look at raising taxes. Seeing that her father is powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, The Hound believes her statement also tips off where he stands when it comes to raising taxes in a recession . Considering some Illinois counties are grappling with double-digit unemployment, like Winnebago and Boone, the attorney general may tap into something with her opening shot.
Regardless, the Democratic legacy of Rod Blagojevich continues as the Legislature goes back to work soon and the former governor is arraigned this week. Another Blago leftover is U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, who mumbled something the other day about maybe not seeking re-election to his appointed seat after state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias crowed he already has millions in his 2010 campaign fund.
Burris, touring downstate Illinois, also said he's been saddled with about a half-million dollars in legal fees in his battle to claim his tainted Senate seat. The Hound believes that 's called karma.
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