Military loan program expanding in Illinois

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is expanding a state-operated loan program that aims to help military veterans regain their financial footing once they return home from deployment.

Shannon Kirby, a University of Illinois Springfield student and a Navy veteran, said she wished the program had been available for her after she left active duty in 2008.

“I came back home. I didn’t have a lot of money saved up,” said Kirby, 30, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Kirby was featured in an November 10, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article:
20091110-SJR-Military-loan-program-expan.pdf

Funding in limbo for low-income college students

Gov. Pat Quinn pledged in October to reinstate the remaining $205 million in Monetary Award Program (MAP) funds to keep the program in full force for the next fiscal year. But where exactly the money will come from, and its effect on a growing state budget deficit, is undecided.

“This was done without a real clear revenue source,” said University of Illinois-Springfield political science professor emeritus Kent Redfield. “This is one more drop in the bucket in terms of a really, really bad (budget) situation.”

Redfield's comments were featured in a November 5, 2009 Elmhurst Press article.

Download a the article as a PDF.
20091105-Elmhurst-Funding-in-limbo.pdf

February primary ballots to be lengthy

The question almost becomes, “Who’s not running for governor or U.S. Senate?”

The close of the filing period for the Feb. 2 primary on Monday left seven Republicans, four Democrats and two Green Party candidates running for governor and eight Republicans, seven Democrats and one Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, said Democrats have the problem of having inherited “an incredible mess” from ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Redfield's comments were featured in an November 3, 2009 State Journal-Register article.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091103-SJR-February-primary-ballots.pdf

Illinois' borrowing bonanza

Facing both an election and the politically unpalatable prospects of raising taxes or cutting social programs, Gov. Pat Quinn and lawmakers increasingly have turned to borrowing as a quick fix and are on track to rack up more than $6.5 billion in loans to keep the state afloat.

As University of Illinois at Springfield state budget expert Charles Wheeler asks: "How are they going to pay that money back?"

Wheeler's comments were featured in an November 2, 2009 article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091102-TRIB-chi-state-of-denial.pdf

Innocence Project to sponsor DNA workshop

A workshop on post-conviction DNA testing is being held at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Brookens Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Registration is still open to the public.

The Downstate Illinois Innocence Project housed at UIS is sponsoring the workshop on introducing Touch DNA to Illinois courtrooms. The program features the defense team of Timothy Masters, convicted in 1999 of murder in 1987 in Fort Collins, Colo.

The article was featured in an October 28, 2009 edition of the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091028-SJR-Innocence-Project.pdf

GOP Candidates for Illinois Governor Meet in Forum

While the five Republican candidates tackled questions about education, abortion and government reform, two of the biggest names looming in the GOP primary race were missing from the event: former Illinois GOP chairman Andy McKenna and former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan.

Ryan's entry into the race could help overcome a potential weakness in the Republican field, said Chris Mooney, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

''There are no statewide-elected or former statewide-elected officials in the field,'' he said.

Mooney's comments were featured in an Associated Press article which appeared on the New York Times and Washington Post websites.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091021-NYT-GOP-Candidates-for-Illinois.pdf

Funding MAP Grants could add to state budget crisis

Michelle Claussen is a junior at the University of Illinois Springfield. She relies on several forms of financial aid including MAP Grants to keep her in school.

When MAP grant funding was slashed she worried about how she'd pay for school, but now that the funding has been restored some believe the financial hardship has been handed over to the state.

"We're spending more than we're taking in on a regular basis," said UIS Political Science Professor Chris Mooney.

The story was featured in a WICS-TV 20 report on October 20, 2009 by reporter Heather Hubbs.

Watch the story online:
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_748.shtml

Upstate split benefits Brady in gubernatorial race

These are the best of times for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady of Bloomington.

"For Brady, this is all a benefit because he'd like to see the others fight it out," said Chris Mooney, a political scientist at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

"The fact that there are seven candidates now means that no one has been able to clear the field," said Kent Redfield, another University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist. "But in the cold light of day they're going to look at what it costs to do media buys and someone is going to drop out."

Mooney and Redfield were featured in an October 18, 2009 article in the Champaign News-Gazette.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091018-NG-upstate_split_benefits_Brady.pdf

MAP grant threat brings college students to Springfield

The threat of losing a key piece of financial aid next semester spurred thousands of Illinois college students to rally Thursday in Springfield and pressure lawmakers to replenish funding for the Monetary Award Program.

Jaime Casinova, a University of Illinois Springfield junior, said he depends entirely on financial aid -- including MAP grants -- to attend college.

MAP grant recipient Charles Olivier, a junior at UIS, said education should be one of the state's top funding priorities, he said.

The students comments were featured in an October 16, 2009 edition of the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091016-SJR-MAP-grant-threat.pdf

GOP governor candidates appear at forum

Five GOP candidates for Illinois governor fielded questions about subjects ranging from college tuition costs to budget reduction to 2nd Amendment rights during a forum at the University of Illinois Springfield on Wednesday.

The candidates included Sen. Bill Brady, Sen. Kirk Dillard, DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, Political Commentator Dan Proft and Businessman Adam Andrzejewski. The forum was hosted by the College Republicans at UIS and the Illinois College Republican Federation.

Highlights from the debate were featured in an October 15, 2009 State Journal-Register article.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091015-SJR-GOP-gubernatorial-candidate.pdf

Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off

The University of Illinois Springfield College Republican's hosted five GOP candidates for governor in an October 14, 2009 forum at Brookens Auditorium.

Candidates answered questions on a variety of issues and talked about why they are running.

WICS-TV 20's Kelly Larson reported on the forum during the 10:00 news on October 14th.

Watch the story online:
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_718.shtml

Quinn fights for college grants he helped cut

To hear Gov. Pat Quinn tell it, the General Assembly failed tens of thousands of would-be college students by slashing funding for a financial aid program.

For more than a month, Quinn has crisscrossed Illinois, promising to push lawmakers to find $200 million for the Monetary Award Program and chastising them for leaving 137,000 students wondering if they'll be able to pay tuition next spring -- even though he helped create the problem.

"It's not fair at all," said Kent Redfield, an emeritus political science professor at the University Illinois-Springfield. "It's the governor's budget, he signed off on it. There was clearly enough discretionary spending in what the governor signed off on to cover this."

Redfield's comments were featured in an October 14, 2009 Associated Press article, which was published in the Chicago Tribune and State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091014-Trib-chi-ap-il-quinn-higheredmon%2C.pdf

Larry Golden: Secrecy gets city into trouble time and again

Larry Golden, emeritus professor of political science and legal studies at the University of Illinois Springfield was featured in an October 14, 2009 State Journal-Register opinion column.

"The recent State Journal-Register editorial on the Springfield Civil Service Commission’s consideration of the suspension of City Water, Light and Power workers in the noose incident was merely an introduction to an event with secretive and anti-democratic actions that bring shame to the entire city and its citizens," wrote Golden.

Download the entire opinion article as a PDF.
20091014-SJR-Larry-Golden-Secrecy-ge.pdf

Illinois Issues magazine starts program with libraries

Illinois Issues, the not-for-profit public affairs magazine published at the University of Illinois Springfield, has started a new program in cooperation with state legislators to provide the magazine and other publications to public libraries.

“Issues for Citizens,” designed to promote public policy information and education through the public library system, began last month with 31 legislators providing Illinois Issues to 59 libraries across the state.

The program was featured in an October 12, 2009 story in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091012-SJR-Illinois-Issues-magazi.pdf

Hynes first to air TV ad in Ill. gov.'s race

Democrat Dan Hynes criticizes Gov. Pat Quinn's tax proposal while touting his own plan to raise income taxes in the first TV ad of the governor's race, which debuted Thursday.

It's risky for Hynes to spend money on TV airtime now, but it's understandable because he's trying to topple a sitting governor, said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

"It's a risk because people aren't really thinking politics. On the other hand, he's playing catch-up. He doesn't really have any other option," Redfield said.

Redfield's comments were featured in an October 8, 2009 Chicago Tribune article.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091008-TRIB-chi-ap-il-governorsrace-hy%2C0.pdf

Sangamon Co. Sheriff lobbies for budget increase

The Sangamon County Sheriff is calling for a sales tax hike to fill a growing budget gap.

WAND-TV 17 reporter Gordan Graham interviewed UIS Public Administration Associate Professor Beverly Bunch about the growing trend across the country.

"At some point it comes down to what services we can afford," said Bunch.

The report aired on October 8, 2009.
Watch the full report online

Republican Forum at UIS

Several remaining candidates for governor are slated to participate in a forum from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Brookens Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield.

The College Republicans at UIS and the Illinois College Republican Foundation are hosting the event, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterward.

Among candidates planning to attend are state Sens. KIRK DILLARD and BILL BRADY, DuPage County Board Chairman BOB SCHILLERSTROM, businessman ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI and political activist DAN PROFT.

The forum was featured in Bernard Schoenburg's column on October 8, 2009 in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091008-SJR-Bernard-Schoenburg-Ald.pdf

Illinois not alone in disputes over high-speed rail

Illinois isn't the only state where some local officials are balking at the prospect of having high-speed passenger rail service running through their communities.

For sure, not everyone in Springfield is against the high-speed rail line.

In a letter to federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, University of Illinois-Springfield Chancellor Richard Ringeisen expressed support for the concept.

Ringeisen's comments were featured in an October 7, 2009 edition of the Bloomington Pantagraph.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091007-Pantagraph-Illinois-not-alone.pdf

Chicago supporters crushed, confused by early elimination

An audible gasp swept through the Daley Plaza when the large-screen video boards showed Chicago's elimination in the first round of voting for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Kent Redfield, political science professor at University of Illinois Springfield, said "Obama is personally very popular internationally, but the U.S. as a country is still suffering the fallout of eight years of the cowboy foreign policy under Bush. Any acting out of negative feelings" by the IOC "is more a repudiation of the U.S.'s image and standing in the world, which Obama is trying to repair."

Redfield's comments were featured in a October 3, 2009 edition of USA Today.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091003-USAToday-Chicago-supporters.pdf

MAP grants fall victim to state budget cuts

MAP Grant funds for more than 700 students on the University of Illinois Springfield campus are in question for the spring 2010 semester. Lawmakers cut the money from the budget to keep the program fully funded.

WAND-TV reporter Gordan Graham interviewed UIS students April Fountain and Charles Olivier along with UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen in a September 29, 2009 report.

Watch a video of the report online

Oh Governor, Where Art Thou?

Within 12 days of the Chicago Tribune’s initial article about an admissions scandal at the University of Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn was on the case.

Yet, when faculty members at Chicago State University urged Quinn in April to intervene in a presidential appointment they say smacked of cronyism, the governor took no formal action.

Christopher Mooney, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois’s Springfield campus, says it’s difficult to separate race from any political decision in Illinois. But race and the politics of race are never simple, and how lawmakers and the governor reacted -- or didn’t react -- to Chicago State illustrate that complexity, he says.

Mooney's comments were featured on the Inside Higher Ed website on October 1, 2009.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091001-HigherEd-Oh-Governor.pdf

Slide Ended in Apparent Suicide

Christopher Kelly was a roofer, a fundraiser, a gambler and a felon. He started small, made millions, befriended a young politician named Rod Blagojevich and died last weekend in an apparent suicide.

Kent Redfield, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield, described Kelly as "part of the inner circle from the beginning." He called it ironic at best that Blagojevich made Kelly his point man with the Illinois Gaming Board.

Redfield's comments were featured in a September 15, 2009 edition of the Washington Post.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090915-WashPost-Slide-Ended-in-Apparent-Suicide.pdf

College grant cutoff devastating for some

Charles Olivier last year received about $1,200 toward his tuition and fees at the University of Illinois Springfield from a state program that helps students based on need

Olivier, a junior, will get another $600 during this year’s fall semester. But because of state budget cuts, he is scheduled to get $0 for the spring semester as every other Monetary Award Program grant recipient.

“It is a program aimed at our neediest students,” said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. “We’re aware that it’s a big problem.

The MAP grant story was featured in a September 10, 2009 edition of the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090910-SJR-MAPGrant.pdf

Blagojevich book offers his side

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich is trying to present a different portrait of himself in his new book The Governor.

Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois-Springfield, says it's too late for Blagojevich to resuscitate his reputation. "I think the judgment is pretty clear ... that he was a complete disaster (as governor) in addition to being completely corrupt," Redfield says. "He's become a sideshow."

Redfield's comments were featured in a September 8, 2009 edition of USA Today.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090908-USAToday-Blagojevich-book.pdf

Quinn names former Springfield mayor, 4 others to U of I board

Gov. Pat Quinn appointed five new members Friday to the University of Illinois board of trustees, including former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, who earned two degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield.

UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen praised Quinn’s decision to appoint Hasara. “It is really an exciting moment for UIS,” he said. He said he is almost certain Hasara is the first UIS alumnus on the board of trustees.

Ringeisen's comments were featured in a September 5, 2009 edition of the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090905-SJR-Quinn-names-former-Spr.pdf

Former Springfield Mayor Appointed to U of I Board of Trustees

Governor Pat Quinn appointed former Springfield Mayor and UIS alumnus Karen Hasara to serve on the U of I Board of Trustees.

Reporter Catie Sheehan from WICS-TV 20 interviewd UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen for the story that aired on September 4, 2009.

Watch the full video of the report:
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_482.shtml

MAP Grant funding cut for Spring

State cuts to MAP Grant funding for the Spring 2010 semester were featured in a WICS-TV 20 report on the 10:00 p.m. news on September 2, 2009. UIS students Charles Olivier and Jaime Casinova were interviewed about how the funding cut will impact them.

Reporter Kelly Larson also set down with UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen to talk about what the university is doing to help students.

Watch the full video of the report online:
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_467.shtml

Quinn reversal criticism

Governor Pat Quinn is facing criticism after reversing himself on his second major decision in two days. Political experts question if the decision will factor into Quinn's re-election chances.

Quinn's meandering ways could become a thorny issue, said Charles Wheeler, a former statehouse reporter who teaches at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

"It's kind of inside baseball," Wheeler said, "but it becomes a liability when it allows people to present you as an ineffective leader."

Wheeler's comments were featured in an August 30, 2009, article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090830-Trib-QuinnWheeler.pdf

Democrat Day at UIS

University of Illinois Springfield campus Democrat Day will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, August 29. Voter registration will be available and the music group The Backliners will perform starting at 7:30 p.m.

College Democrats president Matthew Van Vossan says candidates have been invited and State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, a candidate for lieutenant governor, has said he plans to attend.

Van Vossan's comments were featured in an August 27, 2009, Bernard Schoenburg column in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090827-SJR-DemDay.pdf

Governor won't fire U of I trustees

After threatening for weeks to fire two University of Illinois trustees who refused to resign, Gov. Pat Quinn reversed course Wednesday and said he would keep them on the board.

Political scientist Kent Redfield of the University of Illinois at Springfield said the standoff between Quinn and the trustee holdouts became a distraction that could have been avoided. Demanding resignations in public without knowing that the trustees would comply "painted [Quinn] into a corner," Redfield said.

Redfield's comments were featured in an August 27, 2009, article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090827-Quinntrustees.pdf

Illinois governor reputation

Some lawmakers are labeling Gov. Pat Quinn as indecisive after pushing back deadlines involving the University of Illinois board of trustees.

Christopher Mooney, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield, said Quinn risks weakening himself by being seen as indecisive. Lawmakers, for instance, are less likely to concede to him in negotiations if they think he'll fold soon.

Mooney's comments on the topic were featured in the August 25, 2009, Associated Press article.

Download a PDF of the article
20090825-AP-Quinn.pdf

Political ties, scholarships dovetail

An Associated Press analysis of General Assembly scholarships and state political contribution records found that between 2004 and 2009, at least 41 scholarships went to relatives of someone who gave money to the lawmaker awarding the perk.

"When you engage in behavior that has the appearance of conflict of interest, whether it does or not, that just reinforces people's cynicism," said Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Redfield's comments on the topic were featured in the August 25, 2009, Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article
20090825-Tribune-Political%20ties.pdf

Quinn and LaHood Illinois River Honors

Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be honored in October for their bipartisan leadership in advancing restoration and protection efforts of the Illinois River.

One longtime political observer believes it is too soon to honor a sitting governor with a permanent marker. "It's not a huge deal, but it will strike some people as trying to curry favor with someone who has power over budgets and signs legislation," said Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's comments on the topic were featured in the August 24, 2009, Peoria Journal-Star.

Download a PDF of the article
20090825-PJS-Quinn%20and%20LaHood.pdf

Quinn gets questioned about using private phone for work

Gov. Pat Quinn uses his own BlackBerry for government business, saying it saves taxpayers the cost of providing an official cell phone, but the practice also allows the governor to avoid public records laws.

Keeping tabs on politicians through public records, including the telephone numbers called on a state phone, helps to maintain public confidence, said Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's comments on the topic were featured in the August 10, 2009, Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article
20090810-ChicagoTrib-QuinnBlackberry.pdf

Note-sharing on the Web levels academic playing field

The development of free note-sharing Web sites, where students upload their class notes to share with their peers, has begun to create an open stockpile of downloadable information that some say is further leveling the academic playing field.

Karen Pressley, professor of psychology at UIS and chair of the academic integrity council, says that note-sharing sites could be concerning but it depends on how students actually use them.

The topic was the feature of an August 5, 2009, article on Inside Higher Ed.

Download a PDF of the article
20090805-InsideHigherEd-notesharing.pdf

Quinn faces dilemma over campaign finance bill

Gov. Pat Quinn is now considering reforming his campaign finance bill, although rewriting it would send the bill back to lawmakers, where it would face an uncertain future amid competing political agendas.

He'll be criticized regardless of what he does, according to Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

The topic was featured in an August 2, 2009, article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article
20090802-ChiTrib-campaignfinancebill.pdf

Editorial says professor's arguments are correct regarding ethics in state

The State Journal-Register ran an editorial on July 31, 2009, calling for modifications to the state ethics bill.

The editorial mentions Charlie Wheeler, director of the public affairs reporting program at UIS, who argued recently in Illinois Issues magazine that the legislature did its job extinguishing the ethical fires disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich left within the executive branch. The article says that Wheeler's opinions are correct.

Download a PDF of the article
20090731-SJR-ethicsbill.pdf

UIS student heads to Switzerland for Global Model United Nations Conference

Kelsey Quinn, senior at UIS, is spending the weekend of August 1 in Geneva, Switzerland, where she will be portraying a United Nations delegate from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Global Model U.N. Conference.

Quinn and her trip to the conference was the subject of a feature story in the July 28, 2009, Daily Chronicle.

Download a PDF of the article
20090728-DailyChronicle-KelseyQuinnUN.pdf

UIS professor explains changes in governors' offices

The state is already looking ahead to the next gubernatorial race, and UIS political science professor Chris Mooney was recently interviewed by Chicago Public Radio about the change in the governors' offices.

Listen to the interview here or download a PDF of the story's synopsis
20090730-ChiPublicRadio-governor.pdf

Capital spending plan criticized for giving money to private entities

When Gov. Pat Quinn signed a $31 billion capital spending measure this month, he and lawmakers who approved the bill touted the many state benefits the plan would create, not to mention jobs.

But a system in which party caucuses divvy up millions of dollars for private entities such as theaters, veterans groups, museums and zoos is not a good system, according to others, including Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's comments on the topic were featured in a July 26, 2009, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090726-SJR-capitalspending.pdf

Lawmakers also played big part in U of I admissions scandal

The uproar over the admissions policy at the University of Illinois has focused mainly on campus officials, but state lawmakers pulled the majority of strings that set off the crisis over money and political influence.

A call from a legislator carries clout, according to Kent Redfield, a professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's comments were featured in a July 20, 2009, Associated Press article about the U of I admissions process.

Download a PDF of the article
20090720-AP-UIadmissions.pdf

Quinn calls off tax hike vote for now

In calling off any tax hike vote for at least five months, Gov. Pat Quinn could be minimizing
the potential political fallout for himself and lawmakers who side with him.

But it also may be that it's a "reflection of the natural human propensity to put off hard decisions until the last minute," said Christopher Mooney, professor of political science at UIS.

Mooney's remarks were featured in a July 14, 2009, article in the Chicago Daily Herald about the budget.

Download a PDF of the article
20090714-DailyHerald-Budgetdelay.pdf

Governor job and Senate position are up for grabs

With Roland Burris' announcement to not seek a full Senate term and Lisa Madigan wanting to stay put in the Attorney General position, the Senate and Governor's jobs are the
top two up for grabs.

But UIS political science professor Chris Mooney says the two are very different jobs, and he thinks the Senate seat is more "winnable" because current Governor Pat Quinn is a stronger candidate than Roland Burris.

The topic was featured in a news story for WJBD Radio.

Download a PDF of the story
20090709-WJBDRadio-Madigan.pdf

Burris won't seek full Senate term

Senator Roland Burris, whose was appointed by Rod Blagojevich to fill Barack Obama's vacant seat, announced he would not seek a full term in 2010.

A former Illinois attorney general and the first black elected to statewide office, Burris would have been the weakest candidate in next year's Senate race in the state, said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's quotes were in a July 10, 2009, article on Reuters.

Download a PDF of the article
20090710-Reuters-BurrisSenate.pdf

Lisa Madigan wants to stay in current position

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced that she wants to stay in her current position instead of pursuing a Senate seat or the seat of the governor.

Lawmakers who have long expected Madigan to successfully challenge current Governor Pat Quinn in a primary had little reason to listen to him previously when dealing with the budget, but being stuck with Quinn might change some things, according to Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's remarks were featured in a July 8, 2009, story in the Daily Herald.

Download a PDF of the article

20090708-DailyHerald-LisaMadigan.pdf

Different governor but same stand-off at Capitol

Pat Quinn took over as governor amid high hopes for a new, more cooperative attitude at the state Capitol. But old attidues have emerged as leaders tried to decide how to dig the state out of an $11.6 billion budget hole.

During Blagojevich’s last few years in office, lawmakers got used to working around him because his relations with them had grown so frosty. Now, some see that attitude carrying over to the new governor because Quinn doesn’t have the political muscle to change it, according to Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's remarks were featured in a July 6, 2009, article in the Galesburg Register Mail.

Download a PDF of the article
20090706-GalesburgRM-budgetgridlock.pdf

Wheeler uncertain about income tax increase passing before July

Charlie Wheeler, director of the Public Affairs Reporting program at UIS, has been watching goings-on at the Statehouse for nearly four decades, and he’s not hopeful that an income tax increase will pass before the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Wheeler was featured in a June 18, 2009, column in the State Journal-Register about the state's budget and funding.

Download a PDF
20090618-SJR-columnstatefunding.pdf

SJR requests more information from UIS

UIS has denied the State Journal-Register's Freedom of Information Act request about an investigation involving the resignation of three UIS athletics coaches in March. Reasons that the university is not able to disclose certain information includes the fact that the information is barred from release by state or federal law or contains employee personnel files.

The SJ-R wrote an opinion piece in the June 16, 2009, issue that claims that UIS should turn over all information requested.

Download a PDF of the editorial
20090616-SJR-FIOAeditorial.pdf

UIS would get new public safety building under capital construction plan

Springfield-area state lawmakers say the $29 billion capital construction plan they approved this spring illustrates their top spending priorities brought to them by their communities.

As part of the plan, UIS would be able to build a new 10,000-square-foot public safety building on the west side of campus with $4 million included in the proposed capital bill. The building is greatly needed, as the current police department is housed in an old farmhouse.

The capital plan was the topic of a June 8, 2009, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090608-SJR-capitalplan.pdf

Tapes don't prove innocence for Roland Burris

After being appointed as Senator by Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris took office, but on May 26, a transcript of a November discussion between Burris and Robert Blagojevich was released by a federal court.

The discussion was about raising funds for the governor, and while Burris stated that the tape showed his innocence, others had the opposite perception, like UIS political scientist Kent Redfield.

Remarks by Redfield on the topic are featured in a June 5, 2009, story on http://www.findingdulcinea.com/.

Download a PDF
20090605-Dulcinea-Burristapes.pdf

Capital construction program will give UIS funds for Public Safety Building

The governor and legislature are in disagreement over state's budget, and a $29 billion statewide capital construction program is a large cause of that.

The program consists of an initial multi-billion-dollar road-construction plan and measures to create revenue to pay for it. A follow-up measure has about $1.5 billion for additional infrastructure and transit spending.

As part of the plan, UIS will get $4 million for the construction of the Public Safety Building on campus.

The budget was the topic of a June 2, 2009, article in the Galesburg Register Mail.

Download a PDF of the article
20090602-GalesburgRM-capitalprogram.pdf

Illinois attempts to reform campaigns with contribution limits

Campaign contribution limits for Illinois politicians are part of a push to redeem Illinois from the international spectacle of political scandal and corruption.

But some say the ethics push has little substance and is "an illusion of campaign finance reform," according to Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's comments about the subject were featured in a June 3, 2009, article by the Associated Press.

Download a PDF of the article
20090603-AP-financereform.pdf

Students use time to work on Innocence Project

College students often have a bad reputation for how they spend their leisure hours, but at UIS, some students are using their spare time to work with the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project, and battle what they see as miscarriages of justice.
Students' work on the Innocence Project was featured in a news segment from WICS Channel 20.

Watch the segment here.

Downstate Illinois Innocence Project featured in Law Bulletin

The Downstate Illinois Innocence Project is situated within UIS' Institute for Legal, Legislative and Policy Studies and uses students to assist an experienced investigator and a pair of dedicated teachers to dig deeper into the cases of inmates who claim innocence.

A feature about the Innocence Project was written by a Public Affairs Reporting program graduate for the April 25, 2009, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Download a PDF of the article
20090425-ChiDailyLawBulletin-InnocenceProject.pdf

Illinois government may propose something ethics-related

With former governor Rod Blagojevich heading to trial and other scandals being made known in Illinois government, it is possible that an ethics act or law may be passed this summer.

The subject was the topic of a column in the Crain's Chicago Business, which featured comments made by Charles Wheeler, director of the public affairs reporting program at UIS.

Download a PDF of the article
20090426-ChiBusiness-realisticreform.pdf

Redfield comments that state purchasing reform will likely take place

In an opinion column of the Peoria Journal Star, editors discussed changes in the way the state operates.

Comments from Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, were featured in the April 9, 2009, column. Redfield noted that the state has a "status-quo-oriented, risk-averse Legislature."

Download a PDF of the column
20090409-PJS-stategovt.pdf

Professors explore appropriate dress for teachers

Two professors in Carbondale are exploring what makes the clothing of teachers considered appropriate and if teachers need a dress code like students do, according to an April 10, 2009, article in the Southern Illinoisan

Download a PDF of this article
20090410-SouthernIllinoisan-dresscode.pdf

Local economy is better than national, though growth is slow

An economic-outlook survey by UIS shows that while the local economy is still above normal, it is expected to grow slower relative to a year ago, until about May, according to UIS professor Patty Byrnes.

The survey and comments by Byrnes were featured in an April 10, 2009, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090410-SJR-economicoutlook.pdf

Cost of Illinois government corruption to taxpayers is high

Charges against former Gov. Rod Blagojevich reinforce taxpayers' belief that the Illinois government has been spending residents' hard-earned money on patronage hires, wasteful contracts and inefficient bureaucracies for years.

Though the actual dollar cost to taxpayers is hard to pinpoint, experts like UIS' Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science, say the costs are substantial.

Redfield's comments were featured in an April 5, 2009, article in the Daily Herald.

Download a PDF of the article

20090405-DailyHerald-costofcorruption.pdf

Gov. Quinn's proposed tax hike is good news for Republicans

While it's unclear whether Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed tax increase will aid in fixing the state budget, his proposal is already paying off for state Republicans.

The GOP anti-tax campaign could be the Republicans' best chance at regaining power next year, according to Dr. Chris Mooney, professor of political science at UIS.

Mooney's comments were featured in a March 24, 2009, article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Download a PDF of the article
20090324-PostDispatch-GOPQuinntaxes.pdf

U of I alum McMillan named to Board of Trustees

Edward McMillan, a 1969 University of Illinois graduate in agricultural science from Greenville, is Gov. Pat Quinn's first nominee for appointment to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the governor's office confirmed Monday.

The appointment was written about in a March 17, 2009, article in the Champaign News-Gazette.

Download a PDF of the article
20090317-McMillanBOT.pdf

Burris refuses to resign from Senator seat

Illinois Senator Roland Burris refused to resign on Tuesday, February 24, despite pressure from his home state, fellow Senators, including Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, and others. Burris has changed his story several times about whether he tried to raise money for former governor Rod Blagojevich.

According to Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, national Democrats are feeling like Burris "hung them out to dry," as quoted in a February 24, 2009, article in the Associated Press.

Download a PDF of the article
20090224-AP-Burrisnotresigning.pdf

Burris returns to DC despite calls for resignation

Illinois senator Roland Burris returned to Washington D.C. on February 24 in the midst of calls for his resignation because of accusations that he has lied about circumstances surrounding his appointment from former governor Rod Blagojevich.

If Burris chooses not to resign, he may find it difficult to recruit a staff and could be isolated politically, according to Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS.

Redfield's quotes were featured in a February 24, 2009, article from the Associated Press about Burris.

Download a PDF of the article
20090224-AP-BurrisDC.pdf

Governor tells U of I that education is priority

New governor, Pat Quinn, gave the University of Illinois some hope when he visited and told university leaders that education is at the top of his priority list.

The governor will give his budget address on March 18, and the university will wait to take action on its budget deficit based on the future of the state budget.

The governor's visit was reported on during a February 18, 2009, newscast by WCIA.

Download a PDF of the newscast
20090219-WCIA-universitybudget.pdf

UIS students' CNN interview covered in SJ-R

Five UIS students were part of the celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday as they took part in an interview with CNN during Lincoln events on Thursday, February 12.

Coverage of the students' interview was mentioned in a column by Bernard Schoenburg in the February 15, 2009, State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090216-SJR-Schoenburgcolumn.pdf

New DNR director is UIS graduate

Gov. Pat Quinn named Springfield resident Marc Miller as the new director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as reported in a February 9, 2009, article in the Galesburg Register-Mail.


Miller has a master’s degree in environmental administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.


Download a PDF of the article
20090209-GalesburgRM-DNR.pdf

State is drowning in debts

Bills at the state of Illinois comptroller's office are backing up and growing, forcing the state into deeper debt.

One move the state could make if the financial situation becomes too dire is to not pay back money it has borrowed. But that wouldn't be a smart move, according to Beverly Bunch, associate professor of public administration at UIS.

Bunch's comments were featured in a February 9, 2009 article in the Daily Herald.

Download a PDF of the article
20090209-DailyHerald-Statebills.pdf

Gov. Quinn faces many challenges in new role

While new governor Pat Quinn has the advantage of coming into office on a surge of goodwill and without corruption, he also faces many daunting challenges because the former governor left the state in such dire condition, according to Dr. Christopher Mooney, professor of political science at UIS.

Mooney's quotes were featured in a February 1, 2009, article published in the Christian Science Monitor about Quinn's new role as governor.

Download a PDF of the article
20090201-CSMonitor-PatQuinngovernor.pdf

Governor Blagojevich impeached

The Illinois Senate voted to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday, removing him from office and ceding the office to Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who was sworn in later that day.

Drs. Kent Redfield and Christopher Mooney, professors of political science at UIS, were quoted in an article about the governor's actions and his impeachment trial in a January 30, 2009, article that ran in the Christian Science Monitor.

Download a PDF of the article
20090130-CSMonitor-Blagoimpeached.pdf

Campaign cash is important for political statewide elections

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is looking ahead to a possible governor post in light of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's legal troubles, but his campaign funds rank low for a potential run in the 2010 election as compared to other statewide politicians.

Charles Wheeler, director of the Public Affairs Reporting program at UIS, says that money in the bank right now is certainly helpful to those looking to run for state office next year.
Wheeler was quoted in a January 22, 2009, article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article
20090122-ChiTrib-Quinncampaignfunds.pdf

Naperville reps sworn in at UIS

Naperville representatives Darlene Senger and Mike Connelly were featured in a January 15, 2009, article from the Naperville Sun about their inauguration ceremony on the UIS Campus on January 14.

Download a PDF of the article
20090115-NapervilleSun-Napervillereps.pdf

Cook County wants money owed from state for prison

According to an article from the Medill Reports, Cook County is threatening to take the state to court to get money it is owed for housing state prisoners in its jail. The state hasn't paid its half of the cost of the 16,000 prisoners a day since 2005, so the county is looking into filing a claim against the state to get its money.

However, it could be a while until the county gets its money, says Charlie Wheeler, director of the Public Affairs Program at UIS, who was quoted in the January 14, 2009, article.

Download a PDF of the article
20090114-MedillReports-CookCountyprison.pdf

State legislature faces budget problems after impeachment

Many of the Illinois lawmakers sworn into the 96th General Assembly Wednesday, January 14, on the UIS campus said their top priority for the spring is dealing with the state's financial problems.

But the battle over the budget might not occur until after the impeachment process currently underway against Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ended, according to an article in the January 15, 2009, Bloomington Pantagraph.

Download a PDF of the article
20090115-Pantagraph-Housebudget.pdf

Blagojevich impeached twice

Gov. Rod Blagojevich made more history Wednesday by being the first Illinois governor to be impeached twice and the first to have a trial started against him.

The new members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of impeachment 117-1 after being sworn in on January 14 during a ceremony on the UIS campus, as written about in a January 15, 2009, article in the Galesburg Register-Mail.

Download a PDF of the article
20090115-GalesburgRM-Houseimpeachesgov.pdf

White refuses to sign Burris' paperwork

Secretary of State Jesse White on Wednesday formally refused to sign paperwork appointing Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate. Burris was named to the seat by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is facing an impeachment trial.

Legal experts are split on whether White’s refusal to sign the paperwork will derail Burris’ appointment, or if the Senate can get away with refusing to seat someone based on who made the appointment.

What will happen is anyone's guess since the issue is unprecedented in Illinois, according to Dennis Rendleman, assistant professor of legal studies at the UIS. Rendleman was quoted in a January 14, 2009, article in the Murphysboro American.

Download a PDF of the file
20090114-MurphysboroAm-WhitedeniesBurris.pdf

Rep. Gordon inaugurated in House at UIS

New state Rep. Jehan Gordon admitted to feeling "a lot of mixed emotions" when she took her oath of office and voted to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the inauguration ceremony on the UIS campus on Wednesday, January 14.

Gordon's inauguration was featured in the January 15, 2009, Peoria Journal Star. Gordon represents the 92nd District, which includes about two-thirds of the city of Peoria.

Download a PDF of the article
20090115-PeoriaJS-Gordoninaugurated.pdf

House votes again on impeachment

An article in the January 14, 2009, State Journal-Register discussed details about the plans for the Illinois House of Representatives to vote a second time on the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich after the swearing-in ceremony, held at the UIS campus.

Download a PDF of the article
20090114-SJR-Housevoteagain.pdf

Panel delays vote on closing health centers in Tinley Park

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability announced that it will delay the decision to close the Howe Developmental Center and the Tinley Park Mental Health Center until the impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich is over.

Both facilities were stripped of federal funding last year and announced in September to be closing July 2009. The state can't close the facilities until a decision is made by the panel.

In a January 12, 2009, blog post on the Web site of the Southtown Star, Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, was quoted as saying that the trial could take at least two weeks once it starts on January 26.

Download a PDF of the blog post
20090113-SouthtownStar-healthcentersdelay2.pdf

Jesse White holds firm on Roland Burris' Senate status

Dr. Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, was quoted in an article about Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's involvement with the controversy surounding Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama.

The article was run by the Associated Press on January 8, 2009.

Download a PDF of the article
20090108-AssocPress-JesseWhitesenateseat.pdf

Redfield says Illinois legislative troubles could hurt involvement in national economic plan

According to Dr. Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of political science, Illinois' legislative troubles since Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest last month could jeopardize the state’s involvement with President-elect Barack Obama's economic recovery plan.

The plan would help states rebuild roads, bridges and schools, Obama said.

Redfield's remarks were heard on Chicago Public Radio on January 5, 2009.

Download a PDF of the text of Redfield's interview

20090106-ChiPubRadio-ObamaEcPlanIllinois.pdf

Obama discusses massive stimulus package

At his press conference yesterday, President-Elect Barack Obama discussed plans for economic recovery and emphasized the need to pass a massive stimulus package shortly after he takes office.

In an interview with Chicago Public Radio, Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, remarked that Congress historically likes to take its time in debating how to dole out large sums of money, so passing such complex legislation early in a presidency will be no small task.

Download a PDF file featuring Redfield's radio quotes
20081125-ChiPubRadio-ObamaStimulusPackage.pdf

Sheriff slashes bill to Innocence Project

After an article ran on Sunday, November 9, in the State Journal-Register about the Springfield sheriff's office charging $700 for copies of CDs and audio tapes to the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project, the office hand-delivered a new bill for $37.78.

The CDs and tapes are from police interviews in a case the Project is investigating involving the conviction of Thomas McMillen of murder in the 1989 stabbing death of Melissa Koontz.

Download a PDF file from the November 11, 2008 article from the State Journal-Register
20081112-SJR-SheriffSlashesProjectBill.pdf

Election brings little change to state government

While Illinois voters answered the call for change in government at the national level, little changed at the Statehouse as a result of the November 4 elections.

Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Studies, noted, "You can't say this was transformational."

Charles Wheeler, professor and director of Public Affairs Reporting at UIS, said, "My guess is that most voters hold their local lawmaker in higher esteem than they do the legislature as an institution."

Read the article that appeared in the November 9, 2008, Daily Herald.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081109-CDH-VotersPushChange.pdf

Redfield discusses Con-Con question

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science, talked about the "strange bedfellows" that have resulted in the upcoming vote on whether Illinois should hold a new constitutional convention.

The interview was aired on Chicago public radio station WBEZ 91.5 FM on Monday, November 3.

Listen to the interview

Redfield on the importance of fundraising

With Illinois Senate President Emil Jones stepping down in January, a number of state senators are positioning themselves to replace him. The ability to raise funds is seen as an important part of that process, for a variety of reasons.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, noted that it's "all about creating relationships or a sense of obligation." Redfield's comments were part of an article that appeared in the October 21, 2008, Chicago Tribune.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081021-CT-MoneyaFactorinRaceforSenatePresident.pdf

Mooney says different motives may be behind House move to cut veto session

The Illinois House of Representatives has cancelled half of its November veto session and the state Senate may do the same. Legislators say this is because they have already dealt with a number of issues during many special sessions over the summer.

Christopher Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, says that while this is true, the reason may also have something to do with the troubled relationship between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

An article that appeared in the October 14, 2008, Peoria Journal Star examined the situation.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081014-PJS-HouseCutsVeto.pdf

Governor back in the spotlight

After months of keeping a relatively low profile, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is once again making public appearances and talking with reporters.

In an article that appeared in the September 8, 2008, Chicago Tribune, Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Studies, speculated that the reason for the Governor's return to the public eye may be that he's feeling less pressure now that the trial of his friend and fundraiser Tony Rezko is over.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080908-CT-GovernorNotShyingAway.pdf

Redfield on Governor's third term

On August 29, 2008, Chicago Newsradio WBBM reported on Governor Rod Blagojevich's hint that he might seek a third term. The report cited UIS Professor Emeritus of Political Studies Kent Redfield's assessment that there would be "little enthusiasm" should the Governor decide to run for reelection in 2010.

Download a pdf file of the report

20080829-WBBM-Blagojevich3rdTerm.pdf

Blagojevich keeps low profile

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is keeping a low profile as far as Illinois Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama is concerned.

In an article that appeared in the Rockford Register Star on August 21, 2008, UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield notes that one big reason is Blagojevich's seemingly close ties to Tony Rezko, who is awaiting sentencing on his federal corruption conviction.

Download a pdf file of the article
20080821-RRS-BlagojevichSitsOut.pdf

State senators vie for Jones' spot

Members of the Illinois Senate are already jockeying to be in position to fill Emil Jones' spot as Senate President when he retires.

Chris Mooney, UIS Professor of Political Studies, is quoted in an article published August 22, 2008, by the Sun Times News Group. The article discusses senators who have expressed an interest, as well as why the senate presidency is so important.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080822-STNG-NextSenatePrez.pdf

Wheeler says it's "no surprise" Jones is retiring

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has announced that he will retire when his current term expires in January 2009.

"I can't say I'm surprised," observed UIS' Public Affairs Reporting Director Charles Wheeler III in an article that appeared in the August 18, 2008, Daily Herald. Wheeler noted that Jones' close alliance with an unpopular governor has been an issue.

Download a pdf file of the article
20080818-DJ-EmilJonestoRetire.pdf

Redfield says method used to redraw county districts was good

Two maps suggesting possible redistricting if membership of the Sangamon County Board is reduced from 29 to 15 are drawing criticism from a number of constituencies. However Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, notes that the criteria used to determine the district boundaries was correct.

Read the article that appeared in the August 3, 2008, State Journal-Register.

20080803-SJR-MapsofPossibleCoBdDistricts.pdf

Innocence Project among groups hurt by state budget cuts

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposed $1.4 billion in budget cuts will have dire consequences for many organizations in the state that provide critical social services, including the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at UIS.

An article in the July 14, 2008, Peoria Journal Star quotes co-director Larry Golden as saying that while the project stands to lose a small amount compared to other groups, the state money is nevertheless a vital part of its funding. "This is really a very critical time…because there's no other group that has it as a significant part of its work," said Golden.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080714-PJS-StateBudgetCutsHurt.pdf

Illinois Issues is among Chicago Tribune's favorites

Illinois Issues has been selected as one of 50 favorite magazines by the Chicago Tribune. The list appears in the Tempo section of the July 9, 2008, newspaper.

Download a pdf file of the list

20080709-CT-50Favorites.pdf

Schroeder quoted in article on gas prices' effect on online education

As the cost of gasoline goes up, so does the number of students enrolling in online courses.

Ray Schroeder, director of UIS' Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning, was among a number of educators who commented on the subject for an article that appeared in the July 8, 2008, Chronicle of Higher Education.

Schroeder noted that colleges and universities across the country are getting requests for online courses, with students specifically mentioning the cost of gas as a factor.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080708-CHE-GasPricesDriveStudentstoOnlineCourses.pdf

Phillips helps Chicago school district in consolidation talks

When a group of parents and school officials in west Chicago met to discuss combining a high school and its elementary feeder schools into a single system, William Phillips, UIS associate professor of Educational Leadership, was on hand to help them examine the implications of such a move.

Phillips is a recognized authority on the topic. He stressed to the audience that they need a "base of information" on which to make their decision.

An article in the July 8, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald reported on the meeting.

Download a pdf file of that article

20080708-CDH-SchoolFeederDistrictsTalk.pdf

Redfield says Governor's tour of flooded areas helpful

Gov. Rod Blagojevich stepped back into the public eye to visit flooded communities along the Mississippi River recently and to take a turn filling sandbags in Pike County. Area residents greeted Blagojevich with smiles and handshakes, a change of pace for the embattled Governor.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, noted that appearances such as these are reminders of Blagojevich's role as the state's leader and also help let people know that officials are aware of their problems. "You can't look bad out showing concern for disaster victims," he said.

Redfield's comments appeared in an article that ran in the June 20, 2008, Peoria Journal Star.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080620-PJS-FloodsBoostBlagojevich.pdf

Mooney quoted in article on Obama's ability to win in rural areas

As a new member of the Illinois Senate, Barack Obama began trying to forge connections with voters in the southern part of the state; the results were mixed. Today he is the apparent Democratic presidential candidate, and some in the party are still concerned about his ability to win over voters in largely rural and blue collar areas.

In an article that appeared in the June 15, 2008, Washington Post, UIS Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney noted that one reason Obama has had an impact in southern Illinois is his constituent service.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080615-WP-RuralIllandObamasElectability.pdf

Wheeler thinks impeachment is unlikely

Speculation on the possibility that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will be impeached is widespread; however Charles Wheeler, UIS Professor and Director of Public Affairs Reporting, thinks that won't happen.

Wheeler says, in his opinion, the Governor should be more concerned about the federal investigation into corruption in Illinois government. Wheeler's comments appeared in an article published in the June 13, 2008, Ottawa Times.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080613-OT-ImpeachmentNotCertain.pdf

Redfield sees irony in campaign contributions bill

While the Illinois legislature unanimously passed a bill banning campaign contributions from those who hold large contracts with the state, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has yet to sign the bill into law, saying a lot of work remains to be done on it.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, said it is ironic that the man whom many see as a prime of example of why the bill is necessary is the one who is expected to sign it into law.

Redfield's comments appeared in an article in the Dekalb Daily Chronicle on June 15, 2008.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080615-DDC-ContributionBanNotDoneDeal.pdf