Where Whitney Stands

By The Rich Whitney Affairs Desk

Governor’s race got you down? Hate having to choose between the bumbling Governor Gumby and a narrow-minded Neanderthal? You have another option: Green Party candidate Rich Whitney.
But where does Whitney really stand on the issues? In his own words, from his campaign:
State Budget: The fundamental cause of our state deficit is our regressive tax system, which imposes the largest share of the tax burden on those least able to pay. We need to move toward a more progressive system by shielding lower and middle-income working people before raising the individual and corporate income tax, via a measure like HB 174 or SB 750.

Posted on September 27, 2010

Running For Office – And Away From Reform

By CHANGE Illinois!

Ninety candidates running for the General Assembly have taken positions on government and election reform issues, but too many legislative candidates are ducking the questions.
The CHANGE Illinois! coalition asked all legislative candidates to answer 20 straightforward questions about reform issues, and the responses from those willing to answer are now available to voters at www.ChangeIL.org. The questionnaire covers a wide range of reform issues, including limits on campaign contributions by legislative leaders, judicial selection, lobbying, redistricting, open government, term limits, and public campaign financing.

Posted on September 23, 2010

A Personal Plea From Me – And Rich Whitney

By Steve Rhodes

Folks, when we talk about change in politics we’re really talking about someone like Rich Whitney, the Green Party’s candidate for governor. That is, if we’re serious and not just posing – or weak-kneed, lily-livered liberals. Whitney’s independence, non-partisan appeal, common sense and humane priorities would be a welcome antidote to the Pat Quinns and Bill Bradys of the world. Would he have trouble governing with Michael Madigan lording over all he sees? Well, who hasn’t? But where does change start? Not with Barack Obama, that’s for sure. I hope you’ve all learned your lesson.
Now, this is not a personal endorsement of Whitney. I’ve never met the man and for all I know he’s a royal goofball. But compared to who? Quinn and Brady comprise the most dreadful pair of candidates the private, corporatized major parties have put forth yet. It’s not getting better folks; it’s getting worse. Much, much worse.
It will be no surprise to regular readers that the Beachwood will, in all likelihood, offer its institutional endorsement of Whitney in our annual voters’ guide, just as it has in the past. My challenge to you is this: What, exactly, is wrong with Whitney?

Posted on September 17, 2010

Whitney: Abolish Secret Lottery

By The Rich Whitney Campaign

Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney issued the following statement today in reaction to Governor Quinn’s selection of Northstar Lottery Group to run the Illinois Lottery system. Whitney is critical of the privatization of the system, the secrecy of the selection process as well as the Lottery itself.
“Quinn has taken pride in his improvements to transparency in government – and to be fair, he has made some. But that makes his invocation of secrecy in this case all the more questionable. I don’t see how he can defend it. He certainly hasn’t provided a rational explanation yet.

Posted on September 16, 2010

Whitney: Fair Taxes For All

By The Rich Whitney Campaign

Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney called today for fair taxation in Illinois.
“Pat Quinn, Bill Brady and Scott Lee Cohen all refuse to say exactly how they would deal with the burning issue of the budget crisis and taxation until after the election,” said Whitney. “This is disrespectful, if not insulting, to Illinois voters. How can voters make an informed choice when they are ducking the issue? In contrast, I provide voters with a clear and detailed road map for solving the crisis, attacking both the spending and the revenue side of the equation.”

Posted on September 14, 2010

Daley For The Defense

By The Beachwood Bar Association Affairs Desk

“Chicago Mayor Richard Daley’s papers are in order,” WBEZ reports. “He could pick up his legal career if he wants to once he leaves City Hall.”
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“He didn’t do it, heh-heh. Everybody knows that.”

Posted on September 13, 2010