Gov. Blagojevich, part 1 by Herald & Review

Holiday touches

Court lessons

Arcola Christmas Walk has old-fashioned charm/D1

Eisenhower is unable to hold Normal/B1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2008

Lawmakers target governor Some claim revelation of secret taping saps Blagojevich’s clout By KURT ERICKSON and MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writers

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$50,000

CAT cuts back Caterpillar Inc. has started cutting ties with some contract workers as it tries to lower costs. The cuts are part of a plan that includes limiting travel, meetings and events. Money A7

SPRINGFIELD — Reports that Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been taped secretly by federal investigators added new fuel Friday to calls for the Chicago Democrat to step down or be impeached. A handful of state lawmakers said the Illinois House should be prepared to hold hearings regarding the second-term governor’s impeachment

THE ISSUE Tracking the news

Ethics The latest: Federal authorities investigating corruption reportedly have secretly taped Gov. Rod Blagojevich. What’s next: Blagojevich has not been charged with any crime, but some lawmakers say he has lost the ability to govern. when the General Assembly returns to work in January. “The governor has no credibility in Springfield. He can’t lead,” said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday that Blagojevich has been recorded secretly by federal authorities who are investigating corruption. The newspaper also reported that a top Blagojevich fundraiser, lobbyist John Wyma, is cooperating in the politically charged probe. Wyma, 42, was chief of staff when Blagojevich was in Congress and is a close friend of the governor. Zachary T. Fardon, Wyma’s attorney, denied his client ever wore a wire or made recordings of the governor for the FBI and was unaware of any such recordings.

GOVERNOR/A2 Associated Press

SAVING ON HEATING

Keeping the

Winning chances

home fires burning

The Black Hole and Cups for Candy were among the carnival-style games at the Probability Fair at Mount Zion Grade School, hosted by high school students who study probability and statistics under teacher Vickie Marshall. Local A3

Dr. Paul McMullan works with the ThermoSuit, which is on the top of the patient at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson, La. A pump inflates the plastic pool around the patient as doctors Velcro on a plastic topsheet. Tubes spray naked patients with frigid water as other tubes drain it away, taking the heat from the patient’s skin with it.

ThermoSuit puts a heart attack on ice Rapid cooling could be key to limiting long-term damage By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Medical Writer

Life-or-death defense Gun rights advocates who have helped pass castle doctrine laws say it removes an unfair legal penalty for people exercising a constitutional right in a life-or-death emergency, though some officials are skeptical of self-defense claims. Nation A5

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.86

YOUR WEATHER

Herald & Review photos/Kelly J. Huff

Lakeside Tree Service job foreman Mikey Dyer Jr. uses a professional log splitter to cut the wood segments to length before splitting each section into six equal pieces. Lakeside has stockpiled acres of firewood to be sold for home heating this winter. By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

HIGH

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33 12 Today: Morning snow, cloudy Tonight: Partly cloudy and cold Details/B8

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75 cents Our 136th year

Issue 341 Four sections

ECATUR — Clay Whitney has a method for determining how many people are heating with wood. “We haven’t had a request for (bellows) for years,” said Whitney, owner of Clayton Sales Co., a fireplace and wood stove supply shop on East Eldorado Street. “Last week, we had three or four calls from people who wanted to know if we handled bellows.” As times get tough and power bills escalate, more people are considering wood stoves and fireplaces as alternatives. But at the same time, that economic slowdown has kept homeowners from hiring tree services to cut down as many trees as in past years, so the wood to fill those stoves and fireplaces is in shorter supply. “There’s barely any (wood) at all,” said Michael Connelly of Lakeside Tree Service. “I’ve got plenty of it, but I’ve been stocking up. I saw

HEAT/A2

Lakeside Tree Service owner Michael Connelly and his personal assistant, Josh Wright, take another order for a bundle of precut firewood from the cab of his truck.

COOL/A2

Board hopes to raise state’s grade on higher education affordability Proposal comes amid governor’s call for colleges to cut spending By MIKE RIOPELL

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

More people are seeking fireplaces, wood stoves to warm their homes

NEW ORLEANS — It took five mighty shocks to get Cynthia Crawford’s heart to start beating again after she collapsed at Ochsner Clinic a few weeks ago. A dramatic rescue, to be sure, yet it was routine care she could have had at any hospital. What came next, though, was not. As she lay unconscious, barely clinging to life, doctors placed her in an inflatable cocoon-like pool that sprayed her naked body with hundreds of icy cold jets of water, plunging her into hypothermia. “Like jumping in the North Sea,” said the cardiologist leading her care, Dr. Paul McMullan. Days later, Crawford was recovering without the brain damage she might have suffered. For years, doctors have tried cooling people to limit damage from head and spinal cord injuries, strokes and even prematurity and birth trauma in newborns. It’s also used for cardiac arrest, when someone’s heart has stopped. In January, New York will join several other cities requiring ambulances to take many cardiac arrest patients to hospitals that offer cooling. Now, doctors will be testing a new and dramatically speedier way of doing this for a much more common problem: heart attacks, which strike a million Americans each year. “It’s extremely appealing” because the cooling system is noninvasive and can be used in an ordinary hospital room, said Dr. George Sopko of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which is paying for this first-of-a-kind study. Animal research suggests it will help, “but we need the hard evidence” from human tests to know, he said.

H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Board of Higher Education hopes a

proposal it could adopt Tuesday could start easing the continually rising costs of going to college. Its “Public Agenda” comes as a recent national report on colleges gave Illinois a grade of “F” in affordability and as Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked universities to cut back on their spending this year. Some of the board’s agenda seeks

changes to help low- and middleincome families better afford college. The report describes the situation as having two states of Illinois, one of which can afford college more easily than the other. “One Illinois is pretty well-educated and remains prosperous,” said Judy Irwin, executive director of the Board of Higher Education.

The panel plans to adopt the blueprint at a meeting in Chicago. In the meantime, Blagojevich recently asked all public universities not to spend about 2.5 percent of the money the state sent them, leaving more cost hikes for students nearly inevitable.

COLLEGES/A2

A2 LOCAL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Pick Three-Midday 8-5-5 Pick Three-Evening 8-6-1

Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Dancing Country Dancing, 7 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, Arthur, $2. West Coast Swing Dance and Workshop, 7 p.m., Prairie Land Dance Club, Illiopolis. $5 (workshop), $8 (dance). Etc. “Christmas at the Mill,” 9 a.m., Prairie Mills Windmill, Golden. 5937291 or 696-4254. 1840’s Christmas Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Postville Courthouse, Lincoln. 735-4977 or 7370979. 2008 Taylorville Christmas Parade, 5 p.m., downtown Taylorville. 824-3555 or 823-9272. Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Helen Matthes Library, Effingham, 342-2464, ext. 2. Breakfast With Santa, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Dynamite Gymnastics, Decatur, $15. 875-1400. Breakfast with Santa/Gingerbread House Workshop, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Children’s Museum of Illinois, Decatur, 423-5437. Celebrating Christmas Pasts in Macon County, 1 to 5 p.m., Macon County Historical Museum, Decatur. Free. 422-4919. Christmas Around the World, 5 p.m., The Square, Sullivan. Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Baum School, Decatur. Christmas Candlelight Tours, 5 to 8 p.m., Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site, Lerna.

Christmas High Tea, 1 to 3 p.m., Mari Mann Herb Co., Decatur, 429-7821. Christmas in Kenney, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kenney Community Center, Kenney. 944-2433. Christmas in the Heart of Charleston, 5 to 7 p.m., Courthouse Square, Charleston. Christmas Parade, 11 a.m., Main St., Arcola. Christmas Trees at Dr. Wright’s House, 1 to 4 p.m., Dr. Wright House, Altamont. $6, $1. Elkhart Christmas Weekend, Elkhart, 947-2100. Heavenly Holidays Bazaar, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Decatur. Holiday Lights Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., Sullivan Square, Sullivan. Holiday-in-Herrick, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., downtown Herrick. (618) 4285523. Hometown Holly Day, Marshall, 826-9023. Kid’s Christmas Crafts, 3 to 5 p.m., Charleston Carnegie Public Library, Charleston. Mark Twain Elementary School Breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m., Mark Twain Elementary School, Charleston, $3.50, $1.50. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 10 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon, Donations welcome. 1-800-5006286. Natural Areas Restoration, 9 a.m. to noon, Allerton Music Barn,

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GOVERNOR Continued from A1 The Tribune’s report did not say Wyma wore a wire or made recordings. It did quote unnamed sources as saying that the assistance provided by Wyma “helped lead to recordings of the governor and others.” Wyma’s name has been tied to aspects of the federal investigation, including a recent subpoena. In October, federal prosecutors subpoenaed records from Mokenabased Provena Hospital regarding Wyma’s work for the hospital. Wyma was registered to represent Provena when it received approval from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board in April 2004 to proceed with development of an openheart surgery unit in Elgin.

Little Lotto 4-21-27-28-34 Lotto jackpot $20 million

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Allerton Park, Monticello, 333-3287. Old Fashion Christmas on Main, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown Moweaqua. 622-0762. Pet photos with Santa, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pet Smart, Forsyth. Preschool Peepers-Feathers and More, 10 a.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. $1. 4237708. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. The Wildlife of Florida’s Everglades National Park, 2 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, 423-7708. Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, 8 to 11 a.m., Oak Terrace Resort & Spa, Pana. 1-800-5777598. Music Brass Choir, 7:30 p.m., Foellinger Great Hall, Urbana. $4 to $10. 333-6280. Cantus Novus Christmas...Telling the Story, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Illinois Wesleyan University Evelyn Chapel, Bloomington, $5. (309) 825-07333. Christmas Show, 8 p.m., New Salem Country Opry, Petersburg. $8, $3. 632-2360. Dixie Daredevils, 4 to 6 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. Ellis Paul, 8 p.m., Illinois Wesleyan University Young Main Lounge, Bloomington. $10. (309) 556-3815.

The federal subpoena sought information on the hospital’s push for state approval of the heart program and a $25,000 donation the company’s for-profit affiliate gave to Blagojevich’s campaign fund. The governor has not been charged with any crime, but the investigation has driven down his poll ratings and, according to lawmakers and analysts, seriously damaged his ability to govern. “I don’t know that it can get any more difficult than it has been,” said state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro. “This cripples the governor legislatively,” added state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. Political scientist Kent Redfield of the University of Illinois at Springfield predicted more tough times ahead for the governor when it

Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m., Eastern Illinois University Recital Hall, Charleston. Sam Lacy, 6 to 9 p.m., George’s Candy Shop, Taylorville. The Northmen, 7 p.m., The Barn, Pana. Vespers, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur, 3 and 7 p.m. $8, $6 seniors. 424-6318. Nightlife Altered Ego, 9 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur, 875-2416. Battle of the Bands, 8 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono, cover. C-4, 8 p.m., BullsTomorrow’s eye Bar and highlight: Grill, Hammond. Vespers, Buddy Kirkland Fine Love and the Arts Center, Can’t Hardly Decatur, 3 and Playboys, 8 7 p.m. $8, $6. p.m., Pour424-6318. house, Decatur. Dancing with DJ Sean Michael, 10 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. DJ/Karaoke, 9 p.m., Elbow Room, Decatur, Free Juke Box Party, 8:30 p.m., Mac’s Tackle Box, Decatur. Imagine That, 9 p.m., Snapper’s Bar, Clinton. $4. 935-8515. Karaoke and DJ, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. Karaoke with Wiz, 8 p.m., 22nd

comes to getting things done in Springfield. “Governors need credibility,” Redfield said. “They need to be able to do things for people.” State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the investigation is a major distraction at a time when the state is facing a major budget crisis. “Certainly, the more the scrutiny goes on, the more difficult things will get,” Brady said. Talk of impeaching the governor has been floating in the statehouse for more than a year. In June, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, issued a memo to help Democratic legislative candidates discuss the issue on the campaign trail. A Madigan spokesman declined comment on Friday. In an impeachment process, the

Continued from A1

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Lakeside Tree Service owner Michael Connelly and his job foreman, Mikey Dyer Jr., have acres of cut firewood ready for the winter heating season. still standing, and with winter weather coming on, those trees could fall on their own and damage property. “We have people coming in,

COOL Continued from A1 Heart attacks occur when an artery gets blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen and blood and causing part of it to die. But the damage doesn’t happen all at once, cells die off slowly, sending chemical messages that make neighboring cells do the same. Cooling the body to around 90 degrees from its usual 98.6 slows this down. “Tissue that would have died, were it not cooled, can stay alive,” McMullan explained. Cooling has been around; you may have heard of it last year when it was used experimentally on Buffalo Bills football player Kevin Everett’s spinal cord injury. Doctors pumped frigid saline into his veins to reduce inflammation and give things a chance to heal. Half a dozen companies sell tools to do this: tubes that go into veins or the belly cavity, fancy ice bags and gel packs, blankets with cold saline inside, fans blowing cold air over patients, even a skullcap to cool the head. Surgeons use cooling now during open-heart surgery, and promising results from a few studies several years

and frankly, they’re most concerned about the power bill,” said Whitney of Clayton Sales. “They have an older home that’s drafty, and they’re

ago led the American Heart Association to recommend it for cardiac arrest patients whose hearts have stopped. “The problem with all these trials is the cooling was too slow,” taking as long as six hours with some devices, said the leader of one key study, Dr. Michael Holzer of Medical University of Vienna in Austria. That’s too pokey for treating heart attacks, in which doctors must move at warp speed to open the clogged vessel and keep the initial injury as small as possible, the “time is muscle” message we often hear. The only big study of cooling for heart attacks — 392 patients given cold saline through a big vein — failed to show benefit, said its leader, Dr. William O’Neill, executive dean of clinical affairs at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. However, the cooling was only a few degrees and took an average of 75 minutes. “We believe the reason the trial didn’t work is they didn’t cool them fast enough,” McMullan said. His proof: People in the study whose temperatures were below 95 degrees at the time they had their artery-opening procedures wound up with only half

Street Discount Liquor, Decatur. Karoake with Dale, 9 p.m., Shooters, Lovington. Night Moves, 9 p.m., American Tap, Shelbyville. Plan B, 10 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. Repeat Offenders, 8:30 p.m., Koo Koo’s Nest, Springfield. SPANXTER, 10 p.m., Touche, Decatur. Tailspin, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. TeKeLa DJ, 8 p.m., Buds on Green, Decatur. Variety Music DJ with Mike, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. On Stage “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” 7 p.m., Charleston Alley Theatre, Charleston, 345-2287. “Nutcracker Ballet,” 7 p.m., Richland Community College Shilling Center, Decatur. 875-7211, ext. 240. “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield. $34. Reservations, (309) 965-2545. “The Shape of Things,” Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, Decatur, $6, 7:30 p.m. 424-6318. “Yerma,” 2 and 7:30 p.m., Illinois State University Westhoff Theatre, Normal. $10, $8. (309) 438-2535. “Nutcracker,” Tryon Festival Theatre, Urbana, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $15 to $34. 333-6280. Student Directed One Acts, 7 p.m., Eastern Illinois University Doudna Fine Arts Center, Charleston, 581-3110. Tim Northern, Comedian, Mason City Limits, Mason City, $12.50. 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. 482-5233.

House serves as a type of grand jury, deciding whether to impeach the governor. It is up to the Senate, however, to decide whether to remove him from office. Mitchell said a committee that could look into the question of impeachment could be formed now so it is ready to go when lawmakers return in mid-January. Some lawmakers said the reports are not surprising, but it’s premature to begin talking about impeachment. “There is still a lot we don’t know,” said state Rep. Bob Flider, DMount Zion. However, Flider said if the revelations are correct, the governor needs to begin preparing to leave office. “He really should be thinking about stepping aside,” Flider said.

HEAT this coming.” That’s because months ago, he realized people weren’t having as many trees taken down, he said. He has about an acre full of wood to sell, thanks to his foresight. In addition, Lakeside supplies Cracker Barrel with wood, he said, because the store’s previous supplier ran out of seasoned wood, and Cracker Barrel keeps a wood fire going all winter. Connelly said heating with wood costs about a third of what using a furnace costs, but when you couple high energy costs with a shortage of wood for fires, it creates a problem. “People don’t realize how much cheaper it is to burn firewood than it is to turn the furnace up,” Connelly said. “A lot of people can’t afford $300 to $400 a month to heat a home.” He charges $100 for a truckload of wood, delivered and stacked, but something that worries him, he said, is trees that should be cut down are

Mega Millions 21-27-46-52-55 Mega Ball 14

looking at all aspects of how they can make the home more energy-efficient — more insulation or possibly new windows or a new furnace —

the heart damage of the others, who were not cooled so much or so quickly. Which is why doctors at Ochsner have high hopes for the ThermoSuit, made by Life Recovery Systems in Waldwick, N.J., and designed by a former Air Force flight surgeon, cardiologist Robert Freedman of Alexandria, La. A pump rapidly inflates the pool-like suit until it puffs up tightly around the patient as doctors Velcro on a plastic topsheet. Tubes spray naked patients with frigid water as other tubes drain it away. The clinic has not yet had the type of heart attack patients called for in the new study. But McMullan has used the suit on 12 cardiac arrest patients, like Crawford, and cooled them to around 90 degrees in as little as nine minutes, typically in about half an hour. “That’s fabulous, and that is very quick. That’s the kind of speed we’re going to need” for this to be practical and useful, said Dr. Lance Becker, a University of Pennsylvania doctor and Heart Association spokesman who led cooling experiments in animals. On the morning of Nov. 11, when Crawford went into cardiac arrest, she had just arrived for an appointment to see if her badly weakened heart quali-

Mega Millions jackpot $146 million

Health Immunization Clinic, 9 to 11:45 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988. Meetings Forsyth American Legion Post 2008, 9 a.m., Forsyth Public Library, Forsyth, 877-1360. Lincolnland Chapter, Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, 8:30 a.m., Jerome Civic Center, Jerome. Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Taylorville, 824-3028. Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, 2 p.m., Hillsboro Health Care Center, Hillsboro, 7265184. Narcotics Anonymous, St. Thomas Community Center, Decatur, 1 and 6 p.m. 1-800-5390475. Narcotics Anonymous, midnight, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Project Read, 9 a.m. to noon, Knapp Library, Middletown, 4452050.

Contact us Submissions of items for inclusion in the calendar must be in writing or by email to Calendar, Herald & Review, Box 311, Decatur, IL 62525 or rpansch@ herald-review.com or by noon Monday the week prior to publication. Phone calls will not be accepted for submissions.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said Friday that the governor is not thinking about stepping down, nor is he worried about an impeachment process beginning. “The governor has not done anything wrong, improper or illegal,” Guerrero said. Bost said the latest news about the investigation of Blagojevich shouldn’t surprise people. “If they’re surprised, then they must be like an ostrich,” Bost said. State Rep. Chapin Rose, RMahomet, agreed. “I made up my mind about the guy a long time ago, not in a favorable way, either,” Rose said. The Associated Press contributed to this article. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865 mike.riopell@lee.net

and they’re also considering an alternative like a wood stove.” A lot of his customers already have had a wood stove for years but haven’t been using it, he said. Now, they’re thinking of firing it up again. Natural gas prices are down from October, 33 percent lower locally, according to the Citizens Utility Board, but still almost 40 percent higher than last year at this time. If you don’t already have a fireplace or wood stove, startup costs begin around $1,000. But over the long haul, homeowners will save enough to make it worth their while, he said. Just be aware that heating even a small home with a wood stove is a lot of work, and it’s not as easy to keep a fire going as you might think. “I don’t think I could put a number on how much you do save,” Whitney said. “Ultimately, you’ll pay for your equipment over time, and your investment will come back.” vwells@herald-review.com|421-7982

fied her to be on a transplant list. A doctor-in-training found her slumped near the elevators, and emergency workers shocked her with a defibrillator to restart her heart. Soon, McMullan and 10 other doctors and nurses were furiously working on the 56-year-old patient as more staff huddled outside a small window in the hall, craning for a peek at the cooling suit spectacle going on inside. “Isn’t that something? Will you look at that,” one of them muttered. Crawford’s temperature dropped to 90 degrees in about 40 minutes. Days later, her family marveled at how well she had come through. “We called her an icicle,” said her daughter, Sarah Crawford, a Tulane University student majoring in public health. “Her brain function is perfect. We were very grateful that that happened, and that she was at Ochsner,” which is a 90-minute drive from her home in Brusly, La., near Baton Rouge. Cardiac arrest patients usually are unconscious; Heart attack patients will be given sedatives and a drug to limit shivering. The sedatives would be given anyway in preparation for the artery-opening procedure, McMullan said.

COLLEGES Continued from A1 Tuition rates for state students have risen sharply in the past several years. Eastern Illinois University President William Perry said those increases have to level off at some point. But with state funding unlikely to increase much, it is unclear when that could happen. Perry said he thinks that in three or four years, some kind of statewide re-evaluation of higher education will have to happen. But for now, he said, universities such as Eastern have tried to cut energy costs and partner with community colleges to maintain programs while keeping costs for students as reasonable as possible. Eastern also offers students the opportunity to rent textbooks. “We understand the difficulty the state is having,” Perry said. With the economy further stressing a state budget that some say already had shortfalls, Blagojevich has asked for more power to cut university budgets even further, though lawmakers have resisted. mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

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n NEW SNAGS: Bailout deal for automakers encounters rocky road/C1

New Big Blue

Protecting pets

This year’s team has new attitude/B1

Holidays can present unique dangers/D1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

FEDS NAB BLAGOJEVICH FBI makes arrest at Chicago home Governor accused of trying to auction Obama’s Senate seat MORE: By KEVIN McDERMOTT

Lee News Service Writer

CHICAGO — Illinois lawmakers began moving toward rescinding Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s power to name a new U.S. senator after federal authorities accused him Tuesday of trying to auction off Presidentelect Barack Obama’s vacant seat. It was one of several schemes to sell influence to enrich himself and his wife, according to a criminal complaint served by FBI agents who arrested the second-term Democrat at his home in Chicago early in the morning. He was released on bond several hours later and will remain as governor unless he voluntarily steps down or is impeached in the House and convicted in the Senate. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, also a Democrat but Blagojevich’s archrival, suggested there may be a two-prong legislative response: impeachment and a new law to fill Senate vacancies by special election instead of gubernatorial appointment. Blagojevich was swept into office six years ago on a reform platform. He succeeded Gov. George Ryan, a Republican who was subsequently convicted and sent to prison for trading state business for contributions and favors when he was secretary of state. Talk of a federal investigation of Blagojevich already was swirling when he won re-election in 2006. Three of Illinois’ last seven governors have gone to prison. Blagojevich, who turns 52 today, is charged under federal law with conspiring to deprive the state’s citizens of his “honest services” and “corruptly” soliciting something of value, crimes that carry a term of up to 10

Online Go to the H&R Web site for updated coverage of unfolding news following Blagojevich’s arrest, including the complete text of the complaint filed against him. www.Herald-Review.com/ news/blago

State reaction Lawmakers statewide react to the news of the governor’s arrest. Story/A2

Fitzgerald A look at the man behind the battle to fight Illinois corruption at the highest level. Story/C4

Get governor out Herald & Review editorial endorses impeachment if Blagojevich doesn’t resign. Editorial/A4 years if he is convicted. The government’s case rests largely on obscenitylaced tapes made with wiretaps and electronic bugs. It includes allegations that he tried to use the state’s purse strings to force a $50,000 political donation from a Chicago children’s hospital and pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had been critical of his administration. “This conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, the same Chicago-based prosecutor who sent Ryan to prison less than two years ago. Fitzgerald also was the special prosecutor who won

ARREST/A2

Blagojevich takes questions alongside Chief of Staff John Harris, left, during budget talks in July 2007 at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. Federal authorities in Chicago arrested Blagojevich and Harris on Tuesday.

50 cents Our 134th year Issue 345 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

Associated Press photos

Gov. Rod Blagojevich sits behind a member of his security detail Tuesday as he leaves the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. The governor was arrested at his home Tuesday on charges, including that he conspired to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.

Quinn says he’s ready to take over Lieutenant governor urges Blagojevich to ‘step aside’for a while By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

and MARK SCHLINKMANN Lee News Service Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn called on his former running mate to “step aside” Tuesday, saying he’s ready to serve as governor if needed. “You have to be prepared at any moment to be governor,” Quinn told reporters in Chicago. Quinn’s comments came as Gov. Rod BlagojeQuinn vich was arrested on corruption charges early Tuesday morning. “You have to prepare yourself, and I think I’m well prepared.” Quinn said the state constitution allowed for Blagojevich to “step aside” while he deals with his personal legal issues without necessarily resigning his post as governor. In the event Blagojevich left his post, Quinn would take over as governor of Illinois. “The governor knows what he needs to do on behalf of the people,” Quinn said. Republicans criticized Quinn on Tuesday for remaining Blagojevich’s running mate in 2006,

QUINN/A2

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$75,000

An Illinois State Police trooper and Chicago police officer stand guard outside Blagojevich's home after the governor’s arrest Tuesday.

Residents see arrest as a good thing Some see new leadership, beginnings from latest charges of corruption in government By KENNETH LOWE and CHRIS LUSVARDI H&R Staff Writers

DECATUR — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest by federal agents shook the state of Illinois from top to bottom Tuesday, as officials and citizens alike reacted to details of the charges against him and the federal investigation that led to it. Blagojevich, a Democrat from Chicago, has seen his popularity among voters and lawmakers drop in his second term as governor. The charges from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s office leave the governor’s credibility and career hanging in the balance. “He’s finished,” said Larry Klugman, a Richland Community College political science professor. “It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. You’ve got Fitzgerald on your case. This is not like a local district attorney trying

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to press for a plea bargain. This guy doesn’t come up for air unless there’s no air left in the tank. It’s over.” Former Macon County Republican Chairman Jerrold Stocks, who will soon take up the position again, said it is important to remember that the justice system is doing its job. “I think we should should reflect favorably on the fact that the justice system has held a public official, irrespective of their political party, accountable,” Stocks said. “The facts speak for themselves and express far greater commentary than any opposing politician could illustrate.” Local political observers said Blagojevich’s troubles are a hard reality of Illinois’ political climate. Macon County Clerk Steve Bean said the General Assembly must move to pass ethics reforms that would more effectively battle corruption in the state. “I think this is a chance for a new beginning,” Bean said. “We’ve seen problems with the last two governors, and we need to bring

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Events Health Choleterol, Glucose, and PSA Screening, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital PrimeTime, Decatur, 876-2191. Flu Shot Clinic, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Macon County Health Department. 423-6988, ext. 1333. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, land aerobics, 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555.

Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988. Meetings All States Bowling, 9:15 a.m., Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, 8770764. Decatur Area Education Coalition, 11:30 a.m., Madden Arts Center, Decatur. 429-3000. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Decatur Quilters Guild, 10

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QUINN Continued from A1 despite lingering investigations. Quinn, a former state treasurer, ran as Blagojevich’s running mate in the 2002 and 2006 elections. Over the past two years, though, Quinn has criticized his political partner over several of his policy ideas. Quinn said he last spoke with Blagojevich in 2007. Kent Redfield, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield, suggested Quinn’s record indicates that he would focus as governor on ethics legislation, support education spending and be willing to raise taxes if needed. However, Redfield said, “you really don’t know anything about his executive competence or style” in running something as large as Illinois state government. Quinn, 59, a lawyer from Chicago, was state treasurer for four years in the 1990s and later ran unsuccessfully for secretary of state and U.S. Senate. He gained widespread statewide notice when he spearheaded a petition drive that led to voter adoption in 1980 of a constitutional amendment reducing the size of the Illinois House. The amendment also ended cumulative voting, an unusual system in which voters could cast three votes for one legislative candidate or split three votes among two or three candidates. Quinn went on to push for other changes over the years, such as founding a Citizens Utility Board, which lobbies for consumers. Some other efforts were unsuccessful, including a legislative term limits initiative blocked by the state Supreme Court in 1994. Meanwhile, Quinn’s attempts to garner publicity, such as holding news conferences Sunday afternoons when often there is little breaking news, have irritated elected officials in both major parties over the years. “He’s been a thorn in the side of what you would call conventional politicians,” said James Nowlan, senior fellow at the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. “Yet, to be fair, he’s been consistent in his philosophy of a kind of populism.” When Quinn won the 2002 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, he automatically became the running mate for Blagojevich As lieutenant governor, Quinn has promoted consumer causes, environmental issues and support for veterans and military families. After the two were re-elected in 2006, Quinn split with the governor. Among other things, he helped kill Blagojevich’s proposed business tax increase and accused him of being absent in the fight to lower utility rates. Mike Lawrence, retired director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, said if Quinn becomes governor, he would face a new challenge of working with the legislature and various groups to try to move the state forward. “Pat Quinn has largely been an outsider, even though he has been in public office for many years,” Lawrence said. “It will be a real test for him to be in a position where he is by definition the consummate insider.” mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865; mschlinkmann@post-dispatch.com| (636)255-7203

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

a.m., Soy Capital Bank & Trust, Decatur. Decatur Quilters Guild Day Group Christmas Luncheon, 10 a.m., Grace Baptist Church, Decatur. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Prairie River Historians, 7 p.m., Argenta-Oreana Public Library, Argenta. Staley Retirees Club, 11:30 a.m., AIW Hall, Decatur. Music Music for a Season of JOY, noon, First Baptist Church, Decatur,

Tomorrow’s highlight: “Christmas Songs and Carols: Origins and Legends,” 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library Madden Auditorium, Decatur. Free. 421-9771. 875-8034. Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur, All request DJ, 8 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Breakers,

SUCCESSION

a perjury conviction against I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, in connection with the outing of a CIA agent from within the Bush administration. An FBI affidavit supporting the complaint does not implicate Obama, a Chicago Democrat who has past ties to Blagojevich but kept him at arm’s length during the presidential campaign. Fitzgerald cautioned against drawing inferences against a variety of people mentioned directly or indirectly in the documents. At one point on the wiretaps, according to court documents, Blagojevich complained of Obama’s failure to cut a deal with him over the vacant Senate seat and refers to him by a common street vulgarity. Quoting from tapes at a news conference here, Fitzgerald repeatedly had to substitute the words “bleep” or “bleeping.” Federal officials said Blagojevich’s day began with a phone call from the FBI just after 6 a.m., informing him that two agents were waiting at his front door to take him into custody. His first reaction, according to Robert Grant, the FBI’s Chicago chief, was, “Is this a joke?” With Blagojevich’s wife awake but his two young daughters still asleep, the governor dressed and was arrested. The story broke within two hours. By Tuesday afternoon, he stood in a federal courtroom, clad in a blue-andblack track suit and surrounded by U.S. marshals. He listened to a judge explain the charges and signed a recognizance bond. “Good morning,” he said to U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan. He answered “yes” to her question of whether he had a passport, which he must turn in within 24 hours as a condition of bond. He smiled and chatted

forth new candidates that have new visions.” Blagojevich’s arrest comes as former Republican Gov. George Ryan serves a 6½-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption charges, including steering state business in exchange for bribes while he was secretary of state. “There is so much that the people of Illinois deserve, and this guy isn’t one of them,” Klugman said of Blagojevich. “We’ve had a trail of tears in this state with governors who have gone astray. I hope that’s not a job requirement. That kind of culture has to change.” Changing the political culture in Illinois isn’t an easy task, as Millikin University political science professor Mark Wrighton said, it is up to the voters to pick the best leaders. The current political climate discourages people of good character to some extent, Wrighton said. “A large part of that is the political culture in Illinois that seems to accept it,” Wrighton said. “The voters hold the power to make a change and demand better. It really is up to them every four years to do that. Still, one man can’t be blamed for all of the state’s problems, Klugman said. “The single greatest problem that exists in this state is not Gov. Blagojevich,” Klugman said. “What exists in this state is the gridlock in state government to turn effective spending loose to get this economy revived and try to respond to the needs of a sick economy. That’s what we need.” Blagojevich’s arrest caught the attention of others around Decatur’s two college campuses. Tom Morrow, a philosophy and ethics teacher at Richland, said he is not surprised by Blagojevich’s arrest but was surprised at how swiftly federal agents acted.

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Here’s a breakdown of what the Illinois Constitution says on the subject of gubernatorial succession: n If the governor’s office becomes vacant, the next in line is the lieutenant governor, followed by the attorney general and secretary of state. n If the governor is unable to serve because of death, conviction or impeachment, resignation or other disability, the lieutenant governor takes over. n The governor can temporarily step aside if he determines he may be seriously impeded in the exercise of his powers. The lieutenant governor would become acting governor until such time as the governor is prepared to resume office. Source: Illinois Constitution, Article V, Section 6

with attorneys but otherwise said nothing in the brief hearing. He was driven from the court’s secure basement with his state police security detail. His preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 14, along with that of his chief of staff, John Harris, who was named on similar charges and appeared in court at the same time. But the issues facing Illinois aren’t likely to wait that long. Top Democrats and Republicans on Tuesday expressed fear that Blagojevich will go ahead and appoint a new senator as he awaits trial. Court documents show Blagojevich recently even discussed appointing himself. “I believe in the rights of individuals to due process, but I also believe action must be taken to avoid certain functions of state government from being irrevocably tarnished by Gov. Blagojevich’s continued exercise of power,” Madigan said. He announced a special House session Monday to push for a change in state law to have a new senator chosen by a special election.

“It’s a surprise that it happened this quickly, and apparently it’s over new issues,” Morrow said. “Perhaps there are some folks out there who will feel worse, whose confidence will be more eroded.” Richland theater major David Brown altered his Facebook status message to reflect the news. “I was excited,” Brown said. “(Blagojevich) has pretty much ruined Illinois. It seems like we have trouble with every governor we’ve had.” Kay Ruch, a secretary at Richland, said she was excited when she heard. “I was very pleased because I feel like we really had a disservice done to this part of Illinois especially, and we’ve really suffered; our economy has suffered,” Ruch said. “I really believe now that justice will be served.” Decatur resident Sharon Curry said she was startled when she saw the news on television. “I was pretty shocked,” Curry said. “I wouldn’t judge (Blagojevich) right away until I’d gotten the full evidence.” Carmella Braniger, a Millikin English professor, got the news when one of her students received a text message at the end of class, which kick-started a discussion among several of them. “A lot of people were curious as to why, and there was speculation all over the room,” Braniger said. “There’s just a lot of things that go on in politics that shouldn’t, and we all kind of know that, I guess.” For those studying political science, Tuesday’s events provided one of the most exciting real-life learning opportunities in recent memory as the semester draws to a close. Wrighton, who has been teaching a political scandals class this semester, said, “I can’t think of a better way to end the scandals class than with a governor being arrested by federal agents.” klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985; clusvardi@herald-review.com|421-7972

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Clinton. Live Karaoke Band, 8 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. Open Mike Night, 8 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. On Stage “December Nights, December Lights,” 7 p.m., Meridian Middle School, Macon. “The Shape of Things,” Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, Decatur, $6, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. 424-6318. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Bunco, 1 p.m., Decatur, 4291239. Johns Hill Center, Ceramics Class, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur, 4297750. Salvation Army, Ceramics Group, 8 a.m. to noon, Decatur. Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Decatur, 429-1239.

Madigan and others also said they will discuss impeachment proceedings. Impeachment requires a majority vote of the House; conviction needs a twothirds vote in the Senate. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats but have been at odds with Blagojevich over financial and separation-of-power issues. The allegations against Blagojevich, laid out in the sobering 76-page affidavit, paint a picture of a governor who not only did not refrain from corrupt activities in light of his predecessor’s imprisonment, but took the corruption further. Fitzgerald called it “a political corruption crime spree.” The documents allege: Blagojevich viewed the vacant Senate seat as a “golden” commodity from which he could profit. He allegedly discussed with Harris and others the possibility that Obama’s incoming administration would give him an ambassadorship or arrange for him or his wife to get a high-paying foundation directorship in exchange for picking someone Obama wanted for the Senate seat. “(It’s) a (bleeping) valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for nothing,” Blagojevich said on tape, according to the court documents. Fitzgerald said, “Blagojevich put a for sale sign on the naming of a United States senator.” Later, according to wiretaps outlined in the documents, Blagojevich allegedly complained about the lack of response from the Obama team, saying: “They’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. (Bleep) them.” He then allegedly discussed with others the prospect of appointing himself as a means of putting himself out of reach of the legislature, where some members were talking openly of impeaching him for incompetence. Blagojevich allegedly tried to get the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had criticized him in print in exchange for state help with the

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Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, Decatur. 521-7205 or 855-8312. Breastfeeding support group, 10 a.m. to noon, Baby Talk, Decatur. 423-6988, ext. 1301. DivorceCare, 7 p.m., Resurrection Life Church, Decatur. 8770574. Drug/Alcohol Education, Dove Inc., Decatur, 1:30 and 5 p.m. 4286616. Facing Cancer Together, 1 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Rehab Conference Room, Decatur. 876-2380. Narcotics Anonymous, noon, AFFAS, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., Unity Church, Decatur, 358-4222.

financing or sale of Wrigley Field in Chicago, which the Tribune’s parent company owns. “Blagojevich directed John Harris (his chief of staff and co-defendant) to inform Tribune owner ... that state of Illinois financial assistance for the Tribune Co.’s sale of Wrigley Field would not be forthcoming unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired,” the affidavit said. The writers were not fired. The affidavit also alleges that Blagojevich bluntly told others he expected to receive a $50,000 political donation from Memorial Children’s Hospital in Chicago in exchange for an $8 million state funding package, and that when the donation wasn’t forthcoming, he considered cutting off the money. In court documents, prosecutors said they recorded Blagojevich scheming to get money in return for signing a bill that renews an assessment against large casinos’ revenue to benefit the state’s horse racing industry. At one point, Blagojevich allegedly talked with an unnamed lobbyist about holding a fundraiser downstate in return for his signature. That bill, which was passed by both houses and awaits the governor’s signature, was championed widely by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, who said it would help keep jobs at Fairmount Park in Collinsville. Hoffman, Blagojevich’s closest ally in the legislature, said: “Like all Illinoisans, I am saddened by today’s news. I have no knowledge concerning the allegations, and for any comment, you should contact the governor’s office directly.” Blagojevich worked his way up through Chicago politics with the help of his father-in-law, Dick Mell, a powerful alderman. He is a lawyer who worked as an assistant state’s attorney and served in the General Assembly and U.S. House before being elected governor. kmcdermott@post-dispatch.com|782-4912

Area lawmakers call for resignation Officials seek way to keep governor from appointing Senate seat By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign or face quick legislative action to remove him from office, area lawmakers said Tuesday. Reacting to the arrest of Blagojevich early Tuesday on federal corruption charges, members of the General Assembly urged the governor to step down immediately. “Whether or not the governor is innocent or guilty, I think the governor needs to do the right thing and resign,” said state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, a possible contender for governor in 2010. Democratic state Rep. Bob Flider of Mount Zion agreed. “The governor could do the entire state a favor by stepping aside,” Flider said. With the governor holding the power to pick a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, legislative leaders called on rank-and-file members to return to Springfield on Monday to craft a plan to take the appointment out of the governor’s hands. At that time, they also could take up the issue of impeachment. “Today’s events are shocking and disappointing. It represents a new low for conduct by public officials,” House Speaker Michael Madigan said. The House could use the 70-plus page criminal complaint as a road map to hold impeachment hearings immediately, said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth. If the House votes to impeach, the Illinois Senate would then decide whether the governor should be removed from office.

“The federal government has done the work for us,” Mitchell said. Added Flider, “The sooner we can move forward with a new governor, the better off for our state.” State Rep. Dan Brady, RBloomington, said his office has been flooded Tuesday morning with calls and emails from constituents asking for the House to start impeachment hearings if Blagojevich doesn’t step down. Brady said House Republicans have sent a letter to Blagojevich asking for him to resign. And they also plan to ask Madigan to begin impeachment proceedings. “This is something that needs to be done carefully,” Brady said. State Rep. Chapin Rose, RMahomet, said, “If he refuses to resign, any and all options to remove him from office should be on the table, including impeachment.” Other statewide officials also called for the governor to step aside. In the meantime, a chorus of other Illinois officials, some of them possible candidates for governor in 2010, was issuing strong statements calling on Blagojevich to resign. Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a fellow Democrat, said the governor should resign immediately, paving the way for Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to take over. “Today, our worst fears have been realized,” Lisa Madigan said. “Once again, the people of Illinois have learned that a governor has engaged in a shockingly flagrant scheme to sell his power and authority to the highest bidder.” Another Democrat, Trea-

surer Alexi Giannoulias said, “Gov. Blagojevich’s actions alleged in the complaint show a complete disregard for Illinois residents who elected him to lead.” Democratic Comptroller Dan Hynes said, “This is perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of Illinois government, and a stain that will not be easily removed.” State Sen. Dale Righter, RMattoon, worried that a Senate replacement would be tainted by the governor’s woes. “We want our new senator, whoever he or she will be, to be respected and engaged on Capitol Hill from day one. Any appointee named by Gov. Blagojevich will lack that credibility,” Righter said. Along with getting Obama’s Senate seat filled, the state faces economic problems that could result in more layoffs and cuts in state services. “We need to sort out the difficulties that the governor has put our state in,” Flider said. “We’ve been stuck in neutral or going backward for too long.” kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865. H&R Springfield Bureau Writer Mike Riopell contributed to this article.

Herald&Review

OPINION

BILL O’REILLY

Nativity sign spoils season’s sentiments Just in time for the Christmas season, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has insulted Christians all over the world. Inside the state Capitol building in Olympia there is a traditional holiday display featuring a tree and the Nativity scene; perfectly appropriate, since the federal and state Christmas holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But this year Gregoire decided to add another item to the display. Standing alongside the baby Jesus is a giant placard designed by atheists that reads: “There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” YOU READ that correctly. The governor of Washington state has permitted an attack on religion to be displayed in her office building as part of a Christmas presentation. Even the producers of “The Twilight Zone” would have rejected this script as being too far-fetched. Gregoire’s behavior is offensive, insulting to all people of faith and totally incomprehensible. Unless you know what’s going on in Washington state. Seattle now rivals San Francisco for secular-progressive nuttiness. The city fathers are allowing public nakedness in city parks and nude bike riding. In Fremont, a Seattle suburb, they actually put up a statue honoring Vladimir Lenin, the father of communism. Some on the Seattle school board supported denigrating Thanksgiving by teaching children about the atrocities against American Indians by the Pilgrims. IN ADDITION, Washington state voters have passed assisted-suicide legislation, and the state gives out free birth control pills, including the morning-after pill. On the quality-of-life front, the streets of Seattle are full of homeless people, but they don’t have to be out in the rain. The city will pay to house alcoholics and drug addicts if they want it. They can actually get free furnished apartments. Taxpayers, of course, pick up the tab. Outside of the Seattle area, Washington state is fairly conservative. But the big-city population base rules, and far-left zealots are running wild. However, they may have overstepped on this Christmas deal. I BELIEVE most Americans, even those living in the farleft enclaves, respect uplifting traditions such as Christmas, in which peace and love is the theme of the great day. Calling religion “enslaving” doesn’t exactly fit into the peace and love scenario, does it? Can’t we all just get along for a few weeks in December? The answer to that question is no. Not in Washington state, where the governor believes a few nuts have a legal right to run down the Christmas tradition in the lobby of the Capitol building. At this point, there is little left to say except this: Where are the wise men when you need them? www.billoreilly.com The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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A4 Wednesday, December 10, 2008

OUR VIEWS

Illinois needs Blagojevich out Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

The First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Unsigned editorials are opinions reached by consensus of the Herald & Review Editorial board. All other articles on this page are the opinions solely of the authors. We encourage readers to offer opinions on information provided by the Herald & Review.

GOV. ROD Blagojevich, who was arrested and charged with corruption and wire fraud Tuesday, should resign immediately. If he doesn’t, the General Assembly should meet as soon as possible and impeach and convict the governor. It’s simple: The state can no longer operate with Blagojevich in the governor’s office. Without a doubt, Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty. He will get a chance to defend himself in a court of law. But the charges detailed in the criminal complaint, which you can read at www.HeraldReview.com, make it impossible for Blagojevich to govern. The Illinois Constitution allows the governor to remain in his seat until he resigns or is impeached. Theoretically, at least, Blagojevich could have walked out of the federal courthouse Tuesday and named himself, or anyone else, a U.S. senator. He could have left the courthouse and signed or vetoed bills that were sitting on his desk. With these allegations hanging over his head, every decision by Blagojevich from now on will be tainted. If he names a senator to succeed President-elect Barack Obama, everyone will wonder how much was paid for the seat. If the governor signs any of the numerous bills sitting on his desk, the public will wonder “How big of contribution did it take?” Right now, everything the governor says or does is suspect. The government simply can’t operate while he’s in charge.

The General Assembly could take some interim steps. The legislature could call a special session and pass a law requiring a special election to fill Obama’s Senate seat. That idea, proposed by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, is a good step. At the same time, the General Assembly should move quickly on impeachment if Blagojevich doesn’t resign. One also has to question the governor’s state of mind. Why would the governor, already under a widely publicized investigation for “pay-to-play” politics, so brazenly try to raise money before ethics reform went into place, talk about selling the Senate seat “like a sports agent” and tie state help for the Tribune Co. to the firing of editorial page editors? That is not the way a rational person operates. Tuesday was an embarrassing day for the state of Illinois. Once again, the state’s top elected official has been hauled into court for basically putting the state up for sale. The fact that Blagojevich would even contemplate selling a Senate seat to the highest bidder is appalling. It does little for the state’s reputation when the lead FBI agent in the state says that if the state isn’t the most corrupt state in the nation “it’s a hell of a competitor.” It will take months, perhaps years, to sort out and assess the damage the Blagojevich administration has done to the state. It will take even longer to repair that damage. But the immediate steps are clear. The governor should resign or be impeached immediately. Today is not soon enough.

LETTERS Season’s message shared with all at Live Nativity Recently, we drove several of our DMH Transitional Care residents to St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Live Nativity. What an absolutely beautiful and calming experience, with live animals, including three camels, all leading the way to the birthplace of Jesus. As we drove through, the CD we were given told of each scene and the 70-mile trip made by Mary and Joseph. Thank you, St. John’s, for a wonderful, spirit-filled event and for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with us. Sherry Arehart Decatur

Many Skid Row fans unable to attend concert

Put blame for Blackwater where it belongs The federal manslaughter indictment of five Blackwater Worldwide security guards for the horrific massacre of more than a dozen Iraqi civilians in Baghdad may look like an exercise in accountability, but it’s probably the exact opposite: a whitewash that absolves the governmental and corporate officials who should bear ultimate responsibility. If what Justice Department prosecutors allege is true, the five guards — Donald Ball, Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough — should have to answer for what they did on Sept. 16, 2007. The men, working under Blackwater’s contract to protect State Department personnel in Iraq, are charged with spraying a busy intersection with machine-gun fire and grenades, killing at least 14 unarmed civilians and wounding 20 others. One man, prosecutors said Monday, was shot in the chest with his hands raised in submission. THE INDICTMENT, charging voluntary manslaughter and weapons violations, demonstrates that those who engage “in unprovoked attacks will be held accountable,” Assistant Attorney General Patrick Rowan claimed. But it demonstrates nothing of the sort. As with the torture and humiliation of detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison,

EUGENE ROBINSON

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our government is deflecting all scrutiny from the corporate higher-ups who employed the guards, to say nothing of the policymakers whose decisions made the shootings possible, if not inevitable. Prosecutors did not file charges against the Blackwater firm or any of the company’s executives. The whole tragic incident is being blamed on the guards who, prosecutors say, made Nisoor Square a virtual free-fire zone. The Blackwater guards were nervous because of a car bombing elsewhere in the city earlier that day. The company says the Blackwater convoy came under attack by insurgents, prompting the guards to fire in self-defense. There is a huge difference between self-defense and the kind of indiscriminate fusillade the Blackwater team allegedly unleashed. PROPER TRAINING and supervision, which was the Blackwater firm’s responsibility, would have made it more likely for the guards to make the right split-second decisions amid the chaos of Nisoor Square. Rather than give Blackwater a free pass, the Justice Department ought to investigate the preparation these men were given before being sent onto Baghdad’s dangerous streets. Blackwater no doubt has rules and regulations about discharging weapons. But were those rules enforced? Did the guards who were indicted Monday have any reason to believe they would be punished for their rampage? Or were the shootings considered acceptable inside the Blackwater bunker? Company executives should have to answer these and other questions under oath. But a real attempt to establish blame for this massacre should go

WRITE: Herald & Review Letter to the editor Box 311, Decatur, IL 62525-0311

beyond Blackwater. It was the Bush administration that decided to police the occupation of Iraq largely with private, rather than regular, troops. THERE ARE AN estimated 30,000 security “contractors” in Iraq, many of them there to protect U.S. State Department personnel. The presence of these heavily armed private soldiers has become a sore point between the U.S. and Iraqi governments. Until now, the mercenaries — they object to that label, but it fits — have been immune from prosecution by the Iraqi courts for any alleged crimes. This will change Jan. 1, when the new U.S.-Iraqi security pact places them under the jurisdiction of Iraqi law. Blackwater and other firms likely will have a harder time retaining and recruiting personnel, given the prospect of spending time in an Iraqi prison. Yet it is presumed that more private soldiers will be needed, rather than fewer, as the United States reduces troop levels. Barack Obama has criticized the Bush administration’s decision to outsource so many essentially military tasks in Iraq and elsewhere. The officials who made that decision, however, are not being held accountable — not yet, at least. We deserve, at a minimum, a thorough investigation of what security contractors have done in the name of the United States. Putting national security in the hands of private companies and soldiers was bad practice from the start, and incidents such as what happened at Nisoor Square are the foreseeable result. The five Blackwater guards may have fired the weapons, but they were locked and loaded in Washington. eugenerobinson@washpost.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

There isn’t a lot to do in Decatur for teenagers. At 16 years old, I can’t find many things to do that entertain me. One thing, however, caught my eye recently, and that was Skid Row’s concert at the Lincoln Square Theatre. I call to get tickets for my mother and I, only to find out that you have to be 21 or older to attend. There are people my age who are fans of Skid Row and are unable to attend because they are serving liquor. I think they should have come up with another solution so people my age could have attended a once in a lifetime opportunity like this concert. Many people my age will be disappointed that they cannot attend a huge-name concert such as this one because liquor is served. I would have liked to have seen an alternate option or a way we could have attended. Taylor Kennedy Blue Mound

Hospice services aren’t available only to the elderly It was gratifying to see a significant article recently in the Herald & Review on the topic of hospice, especially since November was designated as National Hospice Month. The only patient featured in this syndicated article was an elderly woman, which may have given the impression that hospice services are for the elderly. Hospice is not necessarily the end. In a sense, it is a new beginning of a very special time in the life of a patient and family. There is still considerable misinformation and mystery surrounding hospice. For years, Decatur has been blessed with two accredited, certified hospice programs that provide true holistic care: St. John’s Hospice on St. Mary’s campus and Decatur Memorial Hospital Hospice. As the commercials say, ask your doctor or ask anyone who has had a loved one in a hospice program or call us. You deserve to know. Sister Chaminade Kelley R.N. Decatur

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Lawmakers scramble to strip governor’s power Some political watchers think Blagojevich resignation unlikely By PAUL HAMPEL Lee News Service Writer

ST. LOUIS — Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan on Tuesday set in motion a process that could take the appointment of a successor to President-elect Barack Obama away from indicted Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, said he was prepared to convene the Illinois House on Monday to change state law to provide for a special election for the U.S. Senate replacement. Madigan said the indictment of Blagojevich on charges he sought money for his choice for that Senate

spot was a “new low” for Illinois politics. “I believe in the rights of individuals to due process,” Madigan said, “but I also believe action must be taken to avoid certain functions of state government from being irrevocably tarnished by Governor Blagojevich’s continued exercise of power.” Senate President Emil Jones, DChicago, said he would also call senators back into special session. In Washington, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said a special election was the only good option. “The alternative of a vacancy or a tainted appointment, (and) those alternatives are not acceptable,” Durbin said. “I think that’s the only way out of this.” He urged Illinois legislators to act quickly and to agree on a bill that could withstand a Blagojevich veto. And Durbin said he wouldn’t rule out a veto. “Most executives don’t

like to give up any power,” Durbin said. Many Republican legislators called on Blagojevich to resign or face possible impeachment. “Today, our state is facing a crisis,” House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego said. “Illinois citizens are victims of a corrupt governor.” State Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, said the ideal scenario would be for Blagojevich to resign. “I’d like him to give a press conference by the end of the week in which he could say, ‘I will need to devote all my energies to proving my innocence, and given the scope of these charges, I hereby resign, effective Jan. 15, 2009,’ ” Black said. He said an impeachment process would take about three months to complete. Most observers don’t expect a resignation.

“If I were Governor Blagojevich’s attorney, I would advise him not to do anything until the criminal case is settled,” said Robert F. Rich, a law professor and director of the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. “To resign would be seen as an admittance of guilt.” State Sen. William Haine, D-Alton, said a resignation would remove the immediate crisis but leave Illinoisans’ confidence even more damaged than it has been by earlier scandals. Steve Brown, a spokesman for Madigan, said: “If you’ve been following Illinois politics over the last several years, then you know the governor’s behavior has been extremely erratic. Unfortunately, I think we’re going to have to put up with a lot more of that, at least in the short term.” Brown added, “Let me give you a

little hint: Go to a computer and Google ‘sociopath.’ In layman’s terms, it lays out the traits and diagnosis of behavior that accurately fits Blagojevich.” If convicted, Blagojevich would share in the fate of three other Illinois governors, Otto Kerner Jr., Daniel Walker and George Ryan. However, they were charged after they left office. According to researchers from Rich’s office, Blagojevich is only the second Illinois governor charged with a federal crime while in office. Lennington Small, a Republican who served from 1921 to 1929, was indicted on charges that he embezzled and laundered $600,000 when he was state treasurer. He was acquitted. Four of the jurors in the trial subsequently got state jobs. phampel@post-dispatch.com|(314) 727-6234 Terry Hillig and Bob Albrecht of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Can state function during this crisis? Governor’s office says business continues to be done By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Associated Press

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald talks about the criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges during a news conference in Chicago. BELOW: Fitzgerald is seen at the Chicago news conference.

At the center again Prosecutor has built a resumé of being at center of big cases By PETE YOST Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — For Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, it’s too bad prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald ever came home. While holding down the job of U.S. attorney in Chicago, Fitzgerald commuted to the nation’s capital, investigating the disclosure of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame all the way to the office of Vice President Dick Cheney. “We’re all going back to our day jobs,” Fitzgerald said last year at the U.S. courthouse in Washington after winning a conviction against Cheney’s former chief of staff. Since then, Fitzgerald’s “day job” in Chicago has been incredibly busy. On Tuesday, Fitzgerald shook the Illinois political world with the arrest of Blagojevich, a Democrat, for allegedly conspiring to sell the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. It’s unusual for a federal prosecutor to have on his resumé two such politically sensitive investigations in different parts of the country. And that’s not all. In an extraordinarily productive seven-year tenure, Fitzgerald also won the conviction of the previous Illinois governor, Republican George Ryan, who is in prison for racketeering. All of which raises the question: What’s next for the 47-year-old Fitzgerald? Ordinarily, an incoming president chooses new U.S. attorneys, but Obama has pledged to keep Fitzgerald on the job, so the latest corruption case is not likely to be Fitzgerald’s swan song. “I think he has been aggressive in putting the city on notice and the state on notice that he takes issues of public corruption seriously,” Obama told the Chica-

go Tribune in March. Fitzgerald was appointed by a Republican president, George W. Bush, but Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin said last week he will recommend another term for the prosecutor if he wants to stay. Like U.S. district judgeships, the job of U.S. attorney most often goes to the person recommended by the senior senator of the president’s party — Durbin, in the case of the incoming president. Fitzgerald’s original political patron was Republican Illinois Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, no relation, who did not run for re-election in 2004. In the Blagojevich case, Fitzgerald realized he couldn’t wait until all leads had been run down. “Think of the mess there would be if they waited for the sale of a Senate seat to go through,” said Peter Zeidenberg, who worked alongside Fitzgerald while investigating the Plame leak. “Then what do you do with the senator? Does he get impeached?” Critics often call Fitzgerald a zealot. Fitzgerald doesn’t back away from that but says there’s a difference between being zealous and being overzealous. “Do I have zeal? Yes. I don’t pretend I don’t,” Fitzgerald said in 2005. “As a prosecutor, you have two roles: Show judgment as to what to go after and how to go after it. But also, once you do that, to be zealous. And if you’re not zealous, you shouldn’t have the job. Now sometimes ‘zealous’ becomes a code word for

overzealous and I don’t want to be overzealous. I hope I’m not.” Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of a Manhattan doorman, Fitzgerald spent years in the legal trenches advancing his career one criminal case at a time. Fitzgerald served 13 years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the southern district of Manhattan, helping prosecute organized crime cases as well as terrorism cases involving the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. For the embassy bombings trial, Fitzgerald taught himself some basic Arabic. Often, he would question an Arabicspeaking witness using an Arabic word or two, spelling it for the court reporter, and translating for the jury. During his investigation of the leak of Plame’s identity as a CIA official, Fitzgerald took his share of criticism, especially from conservative Republicans who objected to his prosecution of Cheney’s former chief of staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. Libby never was charged with leaking that Plame was employed by the CIA, but rather with lying to the FBI and to a federal grand jury about his role in the leak. Fitzgerald ignored his critics but spoke out when Bush commuted Libby’s 30month prison sentence as excessive. Abandoning the politically cautious path of remaining silent, Fitzgerald disputed Bush’s assertion by saying Libby was sentenced under the same laws as other criminals. In court, Fitzgerald is renowned for his mastery of minutiae, for thinking quickly on his feet and being an exhaustive crossexaminer. But he shuns the polished look of white-shoe attorneys. He has an “aw shucks” demeanor that friends say is not an act. During the Libby trial, he once pressed a very precise matter of law that sent the judge for his law books. “I’m sorry to be a geek about this,” he said.

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest Tuesday raised immediate questions about how state government is operating with him facing federal corruption charges. Along with Blagojevich, the FBI arrested his chief of staff, John Harris, who oversees much of the day-to-day management of state government. The governor’s media office released a statement stating that state government continues to operate. “Today’s allegations do nothing to impact the services, duties or function of the state,” the statement noted. “Families will continue to receive health care, seniors and persons with disabilities the support and services they need, the hundreds of thousands of unemployed Illinoisans will still receive assistance. Our state will continue to ensure health, safety and economic stability for the citizens of Illinois.” In the state Capitol, the atmosphere was quiet, with lawmakers out of town and Blagojevich staffers squirreled away in their offices. Unless he resigns or is removed, Blagojevich

remains the state’s chief executive, although his ability to lead is severely compromised at an inopportune time. The governor’s arrest comes as there are numerous pressing issues facing the governor and state government. Among them are: n The appointment of a U.S. Senate replacement for President-elect Barack Obama n Plans to close Pontiac Correctional Center n His effort to move 100 transportation workers from Springfield to Harrisburg n And, the financial mess facing state government State Rep. Keith Sommer, R-Morton, said the governor’s plan to close Pontiac and move inmates to Thomson Correctional Center should be halted until he leaves office or gets his legal problems sorted out. Similarly, state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, said the governor should put the brakes on the move of the transportation workers out of Springfield. “Until we find out the true motivation for moving the jobs, the traffic safety division should stay put,” Bomke said. Legislative leaders Tuesday called lawmakers back to Springfield to work Monday on a plan to take the Senate appointment out of the governor’s hands by scheduling a special election instead. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Parks supporters elated to see governor go down Many hope replacement would reopen them By KEVIN BARLOW Lee News Service Writer

CLINTON — The potential for a new governor has the support of people who are fighting the decision of Gov. Rod Blagojevich to close state parks and shutter historic sites. Last month, DeWitt County Operation Homefront was recognized by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office with a Homefront Hero award. The group’s president, Debrah Douglas, hopes Quinn assumes the top spot in light of Blagojevich’s arrest Tuesday on corruption charges. “When we were received the award, Quinn told us he had not spoken to the governor about the park closure because he had not spoken to him for about 18 months,” Douglas said. “But Quinn is aware of Weldon Springs and very much wants to keep it open. So, if it works out that he assumes control of the day-to-day oper-

ations of the state, I think it is a positive step toward reopening Weldon Springs.” Moraine View State Park near LeRoy also closed Nov. 30. David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington was targeted for closure but remains open, thanks to the support of its foundation. Clinton Mayor Ed Wollet doesn’t see an immediate impact on the fate of Weldon Springs State Park but wouldn’t mind seeing Blagojevich turn over power to Quinn. “It’s unusual to have a sitting governor facing charges, and it happened very quickly, so I’m not sure what to expect,” Wollet said. “But this could be a positive move for Weldon Springs State Park because we know Quinn is against the closure of the state parks and specifically, Weldon Springs.” “We’re very elated,” said John Baker, Weldon Springs Foundation president. “We hope that this is a good sign and that it will be a good thing for the park.” kbarlow@pantagraph.com

‘Holy cow, Christmas came early’ — Pontiac officials see hope for prison in mess Leaders also sorry state faces embarrassment of corruption By JULIE GERKE and TONY SAPOCHETTI Lee News Service Writers

PONTIAC — Happiness and hope mixed with sorrow

Tuesday among residents of Pontiac, where the town faces a bleak future if Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s planned prison closure moves forward. “My first reaction was, ‘Holy cow, Christmas came early,’ ” Mayor Scott McCoy said. “But this is kind of a mixed reaction because this makes the state of Illinois look horrible.” Blagojevich plans to close

Pontiac Correctional Center in order to fully operate a maximum-security facility in Thomson, claiming a savings of about $4 million annually. “I am very happy and excited that this (Blagojevich’s corruption arrest) has happened because it can be good for Pontiac, but our fight is not over,” McCoy said. The town’s next step is undetermined, but McCoy

said opponents’ best advantage remains a lawsuit filed by the prison workers union. That lawsuit has postponed the closure date of Dec. 31 and halted prison transfers until Jan. 5. “We need time, and we need to continue to draw (the lawsuit) out, and we need enough time to get Blagojevich out of power,” he said. Residents said this latest development brings a sense

that the prison still has a fighting chance to stay open. “I think this gives us hope because people here have been in limbo for so long,” Kristy Finkenbinder said while working at her restaurant, How Sweet It Is: Chocolate Café. “His whole behavior seems to be sociopathic as he does not seem to be remorseful that he has done things inappropriately,” said Roger

Wahls of Pontiac, a former member of the Livingston County Board. “It’s sad that Illinois has this reputation now.” “Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised,” said David Gallup of Pontiac. “I think this puts Pontiac prison further up in the air ... and that the issue will be looked at more.” jgerke@pantagraph.com tsapochetti@pantagraph.com

Cracking up

Pedal to the metal

Economical and rich in protein — they’re eggs/D1

Illinois turns up the heat on Chicago State in final minutes/B1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 2008

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$100,000

Jesus goes global A star wasn’t needed when Baby Jesus disappeared from a Nativity scene of the Wellington, Fla., community center. A GPS device mounted inside the life-size figurine led deputies to a nearby apartment. National A6

Student stars

The General’s Stars is a new incentive program at MacArthur High School to recognize students who don’t often get singled out, in five categories: A Random Act of Kindness, Bettering Your Behavior, Best of Your Ability, Ready to Work and Achieving the Grade. Local A3

Store survives cuts Office Depot Inc. announced plans Wednesday to close 126 stores over the next three months to cut costs. The Decatur store appears to have survived the cut. Money C1

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.65

YOUR WEATHER

HIGH

L O W

38 26 Today: Partly sunny Tonight: Becoming cloudy Details/B8

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C4-6 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-8 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1,2 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C4,5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-7 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

All are ‘calling for his head’ Process likely to be long

Governor goes to work, ignoring demands for his resignation By DEANNA BELLANDI and CHRISTOPHER WILLS Associated Press Writers

CHICAGO — His career in shreds, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich clung defiantly to power Wednesday, ignoring a call to step down from President-elect Barack Obama and a warning that Senate Democrats will not let him appoint a new senator from the state. “Everyone is calling for his head,” said Barbara Flynn Currie, a leader in the Illinois House and, like the governor, a Democrat. One day after Blagojevich’s arrest, Jackson Jr. fellow Illinois politicians sought to avoid the taint of scandal-by-association. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said at a news conference in Washington that he was Senate Candidate 5 in the government’s criminal complaint, a man Blagojevich was secretly recorded as saying might be willing to pay money to gain appointment to Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Jackson said he had been assured by prosecutors that he was not a target of the investigation, and he emphatically said he had not engaged “whatsoever in any wrongdoing.” Other Democrats in Washington edged away from calls for a special election to fill Obama’s place in the Senate, hoping Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would soon become governor and fill the vacancy on his own. That would assure the party of holding the seat and on a far faster timetable than any balloting would allow. Ensconced in his downtown office, Blagojevich gave no sign he was contemplating resigning and dispatched his spokeswoman, Kelley Quinn, to say it was “business as usual” in his 16th-floor suite a few blocks from Obama’s transition headquarters. “At the end of the day, the top priority for our office is to serve the people, and we have not lost sight of that, nor will we lose sight of that,” Kelley Quinn said. One day earlier, federal prosecutors released a thick document that included excerpts of wiretapped conversations in which the governor allegedly schemed to enrich himself by offering to sell Obama’s Senate seat for campaign cash or a lucrative job inside or outside government. Blagojevich, whose 52nd birthday was Wednesday, is charged with conspiracy and solicitation to commit

CALLS/A2

Arrest came before indictment to put a stop to ‘crime spree’ By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

Our 136th year

Issue 346 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

STEPS/A2

PROCESS/A2

Associated Press

Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves his home through a back alley, a day after he was arrested on federal corruption charges.

‘I don’t want to lose a month on this. We need to focus on getting rid of him.’ — State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet

Patience needed for next steps By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — The push to oust Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office, as well as strip him of his power to appoint a new U.S. senator, may not come as fast as some ONLINE: hope. www.heraldResponding review.com/ to the outrage news/blago/ over Blagojevich’s arrest Tuesday, state lawmakers will return to Springfield next week to act on legislation aimed at keeping the governor from naming a successor to President-elect Barack Obama. The reason: Anyone Blagojevich appoints could be tainted by the federal charges alleging he was attempting to sell the seat in exchange for a job or campaign contributions. But if lawmakers are able to agree next week on a plan to hold a special election for the post, Blagojevich essentially could kill it by taking no action on the measure before

the current General Assembly officially ends Jan. 14. “He could run out the clock on us,” said state Sen. Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican who is in line to become the next Senate minority leader. “If he really wants to be belligerent, which he’s seems inclined to be, he can find ways to delay it,” said state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion. Even if the House and Senate operating under the new General Assembly can rapidly agree on a plan to hold a special election after Jan. 14, the governor has 60 days to sign the legislation. He could refuse to sign it, and it would become law in mid-March. An election could then be scheduled, with an eye on getting a new senator in place by June. In short, Illinois could be without a second senator for the next six months. Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, expressed hope Blagojevich wouldn’t leave Illinois without

Associated Press

Then-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, laughs with Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Aug. 17, 2005, during Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Obama has called upon Blagojevich to resign, saying he is not able to govern effectively amid federal charges of attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat.

Story/C3

Missing Decatur man believed to have been found safe in Oregon Gerald V. Stiles, 62, reportedly traveled by bus to Medford

75 cents

a senator for that long. “Hopefully, a governor would recognize that a special election is the only way for Illinois to regain its second

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s trip through the federal court system on corruption charges likely will be a lengthy one, legal experts said Wednesday. “This is going to take a long time,” said Southern Illinois University law professor William Schroeder. Now that Blagojevich has been arrested, government prosecutors likely will ask a grand jury to indict him. Then, with formal charges filed against him, Blagojevich would have the option to plea. Randall Samborn, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, said the office could seek an indictment of Blagojevich either before or after a scheduled Jan. 14 hearing. In the case of politicians, the indictment usually is made before an arrest, said Dave Falcone, chairman of the Illinois State University Criminal Justice Sciences Department. He called Blagojevich’s situation “unusual.” “The fact that he (Fitzgerald) acted with the arrest first shows there was an urgency,” Falcone said. Fitzgerald said Tuesday that charges were filed because “we’re in the middle of a corruption crime spree, and we wanted to stop it.” In the meantime, state lawmakers have talked about impeachment proceedings against the governor. If that happens, those charges would be handled separately from the federal corruption charges.

By RON INGRAM H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Decatur police announced Wednesday that they believe they have located a 62-yearold man who has been the subject of

an intensive missing person search since Friday. Gerald V. Stiles was traced to Baker City, Ore., and apparently was headed via Greyhound bus to Medford, Ore., where he formerly resided. Decatur Deputy Stiles Police Chief Todd Walker said the break in the case came Tuesday, when

police were contacted by Land of Lincoln Credit Union, where Stiles had an account. He said officers had asked the credit union to watch for transactions on that account, and Stiles’ credit card had been used Saturday at a truck stop in Baker City, Ore. Police officers had searched alleys, vacant houses and wooded areas for Stiles after his family reported Friday that he had been missing since 11 a.m. Dec. 4.

In the course of searching the woods south of Spring Creek Plaza, officers found the body of a 46-yearold Decatur man hanging from a tree, an apparent suicide, Walker said. That man had been reported missing by his family Monday, the day his body was found, though family members had not seen him since Nov. 16, police Sgt. Steve Chabak said. The man had disappeared for periods of

OREGON/A2

A2 LOCAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events

Oak Grove Church of the Nazarene, Decatur. Free; offering will be taken.

Etc. “Christmas Songs and Carols: Origins and Legends,” 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library Madden Auditorium, Decatur, Free. 4219771. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Ornaments for Toddlers, Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, $1 per ornament. 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. 423-7708. Visit with Santa, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Music Brian Hanson, 6 p.m., Decatur

Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. All Kindz of Soundz Kerryoke & DJ, Shelby Bowl, Shelbyville. Country Night with DJ Halfdead, 8 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono. David Lee the DJ, 10 p.m., Lock Stock and Barrel, Decatur. DJ/Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Elbow Room, Decatur. Greg Bickers Band, 7:30 p.m., Doherty’s Pub, Decatur. Jackie Lawson and Tad Freezland, 6:30 p.m., Stoney’s Steakhouse, Dalton City.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

Pick Four-Midday 4-6-7-8 Pick Four-Evening 0-2-2-8

Pick Three-Midday 2-8-8 Pick Three-Evening 5-9-8

Meetings AARP, 1:30 p.m., Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Decatur. AARP Chapter Meeting, 1 p.m., Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Decatur, 429-1239. American Association of University Women, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club, Decatur. 454-2223. Baby Talk, Decatur Public Library, Children’s Auditorium, Decatur, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Decatur, 429-6456 or 428-7126. Decatur High School Class of 1942, 11:30 a.m., Cheddars, Forsyth, 422-4976. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, noon, South Side Country Club, Decatur. 877-7012 or 877-7008. Metro Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club, Decatur. 494-1543. Suicide Knight Chess Club, 7 a.m., Prairieland ABATE, Decatur. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, noon, Barnes Citizens Building,

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Karaoke/DJ with Ricky, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. On Stage “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield. $30. Reservations, (309) 965-2545.

Tomorrow’s highlight: “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675.

Health Cardiac Rehab Orientation, 1 to 3 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital

Cardiac Rehabilitation, Decatur. 876-2496. Diabetes Education Part I, noon to 4 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, Forsyth. 876-5378. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, water aerobics, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988.

STEPS Continued from A1 senator and act accordingly,” Brown said. “But we’re assuming nothing. I assume no rational actions.” There also is a push among lawmakers to launch an impeachment process aimed at booting the embattled governor from office. Impeachment is a two-step process. The Illinois House considers whether there are grounds for impeachment. If a majority of the House agrees, the Senate would hold a trial. It takes a two-thirds vote in the Senate to convict, and the only possible punishments are removal from office and disqualification from holding any other office. But, because the clock is ticking on the current General Assembly, it seems unlikely there is enough time to get an impeachment process completed by Jan. 14. “Procedurally, logistically, it would be very tough to do,” Bradley said. The last time the House dealt with an impeachment was in 1997, when it investigated Associated Press

Gov. Rod Blagojevich, right, leaves his home through a back alley to go to work at his Chicago office, a day after he was arrested on federal corruption charges.

CALLS Continued from A1 bribery, punishable by up to 20 years and 10 years in prison, respectively. More than 24 hours after the arrest, Obama joined other prominent Democrats from his state in calling for Blagojevich’s resignation. “The president-elect agrees with Lt. Gov. Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois,” Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said in response to questions from The Associated Press. Asked whether Obama supports a special election, Gibbs said Obama believes the Illinois General Assembly should consider how to fill the Senate seat and “put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois.” Top Senate Democrats were more pointed in a letter circulated among the rank and file for signatures. Blagojevich’s resignation, followed by an appointment made by a new governor, would “be the most expeditious way for a new senator to be chosen and seated in a manner that would earn the confidence of the people of Illinois and all Americans,” wrote Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and the party’s second-ranking leader, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois. They added that if Blagojevich chose to “ignore the request of the Senate Democratic Caucus and make an appointment, we would be forced to exercise our Constitutional authority ... to determine whether such a person should be seated.” The Constitution gives the Senate authority to refuse to allow a member to be sworn in. Top Illinois lawmakers have said they are preparing to call the legislature into session as early as next week to set a special election to choose Obama’s successor. Many officials said Blagojevich should be impeached if he refuses to leave. Still, it was unclear what incentive the gov-

PROCESS Continued from A1 In the criminal case, Blagojevich’s lawyers could try to suppress evidence in the criminal complaint released Tuesday, Schroeder said. The 76-page complaint relies heavily on telephone recordings of Blagojevich.

OREGON Continued from A1 time in the past but always returned, he said. Walker said the Oregon truck stop also served as a Greyhound bus hub. He said police worked with officials in Oregon to obtain video and passenger ticket information from the truck stop. “We have a photo image of a gentleman at the truck stop who we believe is Gerald Stiles,” Walker said. “We also confirmed that a bus ticket in the name of Gerald Stiles had been acquired through Greyhound bus services, and the destination was Medford, Ore.”

‘He appears to listen to no one, and his conduct becomes more outrageous as time goes on.’ Steve Brown, spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ernor had to give up his office. His attorney said Tuesday that he is innocent and a resignation might make him appear guilty. The office also gives him a certain amount of clout, which can help him raise money for his defense. And he may need the salary; federal prosecutors say their wiretaps also caught Blagojevich complaining about his financial problems. “He appears to listen to no one, and his conduct becomes more outrageous as time goes on,” said Steve Brown, spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat. Brown also said that no matGreenlee ter when lawmakers act, Blagojevich could sit on the legislation and still pick a senator. “Despite our best efforts, the governor could play hide the ball. That is an inescapable reality,” Brown said. “I’m hoping that’s not the case.” The anger toward Blagojevich came amid more fallout over the scandal and new details about the case. One of his top deputies, Bob Greenlee, resigned after being tied to the investigation. The complaint against Blagojevich identifies a “Deputy Governor A” who is deeply involved in an alleged scheme to strong-arm the Chicago Tribune on the orders of the governor and his wife. Greenlee’s attorney, David Stetler, did not dispute that his client is “Deputy Governor A.” Stetler told the AP that the reason behind Greenlee’s resignation “should be obvious.”

The governor’s attorneys could try to find something wrong with the way the wiretap was handled, for example, to try to get that evidence thrown out, Schroeder said. On the wiretap, Blagojevich is alleged to have talked about trying to exchange an appointment to Illinois’ vacant U.S. Senate seat for a job or money. He’s quoted as

saying the state’s open seat “is a (expletive) valuable thing, you don’t just give it away for nothing.” Getting that evidence tossed could be key for Blagojevich, Schroeder said. “If they don’t win on that,” Schroeder said, “they’re in deep doo-doo, probably.”

Medford police have been contacted in an effort to locate Stiles in that city, Walker said. The Decatur police investigation of Stiles’ disappearance was impeded because Greyhound officials did not adequately research their database when asked to do so last week, Walker said. A subject matching Stiles’ description purchased at ticket at Greyhound’s Decatur hub at 12:40 p.m. Dec. 4, he said. Also, members of Stiles’ family did not mention he previously had lived in Oregon. While Stiles does not appear to be in harm’s way, the investigation into his disappearance will remain open

until personal contact is made with him to be sure his actions were voluntary, Walker said.

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Decatur, 855-3018. Seniors Decatur Macon County Senior Center, Quilting, 9 a.m., Possible Pets, 11 a.m., Cards, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. John’s Hill, Watercolor Class, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Decatur, 422-1509. Support Groups Al-Anon, 10 a.m., Central Christian Church, Decatur. Al-Anon, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Mount Zion. Get High on Life Group, 8 p.m., AFFAS, Decatur. 521-7204 or 6203444. Komen Breast Cancer Support Group, 6 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Women’s Health and Breast Center, Decatur. 876-4377. Parents Raising Awareness in Special Education (PRAISE), 6:30 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur, 876-8888.

whether to move forward with the ouster of Illinois Supreme Court Justice James Heiple. Ultimately, the House decided against the proceedings, but the formal process still took more than a month. It is not clear how long a Senate impeachment trial would take. State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, wants to jump-start the House investigation so when a new legislature is sworn in Jan. 14, the impeachment ball is rolling. “I don’t want to lose a month on this. We need to focus on getting rid of him.” Rose said. The specter of having Blagojevich in office for any amount of time is distasteful to many lawmakers, who have battled with the Chicago Democrat since he took office in 2003. But Bradley said there are legislative and constitutional rules that must be followed when dealing with making laws and impeaching public officials. “I don’t want anyone to think we’re not moving as fast as we can,” Bradley said. Rose added, “The worst thing we could do is screw up the impeachment, so the governor stays in office.” kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Patti Blagojevich caught in spotlight CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Rod Blagojevich has some close company in his misery. His arrest this week on corruption charges also shone a spotlight on Patti Blagojevich, his wife and a mother of two. The first lady may have been introduced to the public by profanity-laced tirades as outlined by federal prosecutors, but she already was being investigated for her real-estate dealings. Federal prosecutors on Tuesday laid out their allegations of a brazen money grab by Blagojevich, saying he plotted to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. And in the 76-page criminal complaint against him, his 43-year-old wife emerged as a woman who schemed to cash in on her husband’s job and punish those who got in her way.

She has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and she has not spoken publicly since her husband’s arrest. Nor did she appear in court with him Tuesday, and she did not return a message left Wednesday with Blagojevich’s administration. However, according to the complaint, she was the voice in the background spewing an ugly suggestion to “just fire” some newspaper editors if the Tribune Co. hoped for state assistance to sell Wrigley Field, the storied home of the Chicago Cubs. “Hold up that (expletive) Cubs (expletive),” she says as her husband is talking on the telephone. “(Expletive) them.” There she was in full support, according to the complaint, of her husband’s suggestion that the price of the

governor naming a replacement for Obama’s Senate seat include a six-figure seat on a corporate board. Until Tuesday, the most recent news stories about Patti Blagojevich have been those that raised questions about her business dealings. In 2005, for example, a published report said she received nearly $50,000 from a real estate deal three years earlier involving Antoin “Tony” Rezko. In June, Rezko was convicted of using clout with the Blagojevich administration to help launch a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme. As for Patti Blagojevich’s father, powerful Chicago alderman Richard Mell declined to comment for this story. On Tuesday, he told reporters: “My main concern now is for my daughter and my grandchildren.”

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OPINION

MIKE LAWRENCE

Damage control starts now The governor of Illinois, whose budgetary recklessness has led the state to the precipice of fiscal collapse, now stands accused of being a truly evil Knievel. Rod Blagojevich had to know the most deadly of prosecutorial sharpshooters had him squarely in his sights. He had to know that ammunition was being provided by close associates willing to reduce their own prison sentences by helping to topple him. Yet, as U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald so meticulously described, Blagojevich engaged in overthe-top brazenness during recent days and months that would sober even the most danger-happy daredevils. WE ARE shocked and outraged by the daring, the arrogance, the crass venality of the man taped by federal authorities as he discussed the opportunities afforded by his power to name the next United States senator from Illinois. But this Blagojevich was not a total stranger to many who encountered him and his lieutenants through the years. He won the state’s highest office because his Republican predecessor had besmirched it. But that did not seem to deter him or his thugs. A year or so after Blagojevich became governor, a former FBI agent well versed in Illinois political corruption privately predicted the Blagojevich bunch would make George Ryan’s gang look like amateurs once their machinations surfaced. And so it has. EVEN IF the governor and his pals are somehow acquitted of the stunning charges against them, the damage is done. Illinois has been shamed and embarrassed anew, even as an Illinoisan ascends to the presidency of the United States. The many public officials who serve honestly and competently will face more cynical and less trusting constituents. In these difficult economic times that demand the best of our leaders, most of us will be more inclined to question their motives and actions. That is the most piercing part of Blagojevich’s legacy. But, tragically, there is more, much more. State finances are in their worst shape ever, thanks to his appetite for costly new programs and his adamant refusal to support the tax increases needed to pay for them. State government has become a shameless deadbeat, delaying payments for months and months to those who provide essential services such as mental health counseling. Even more appalling, he has planted fiscal time bombs for the children he professes to champion by incurring billions of dollars in long-term indebtedness to fund current spending. BLAGOJEVICH showed he had plenty of passion for campaigning and public relations but not for the day-today fundamentals of governing. He has driven knowledgeable, dedicated, experienced employees from state government, weakening and demoralizing agencies that must respond each day to the needs of its citizens. His abuse of power, whether it involved excessive rewriting of legislation sent to him by the General Assembly, harassing legislators with one special session after another or issuing administrative rules that ranged well beyond his authority, may result in undue limitations on more conscientious, capable governors in the years ahead. Blagojevich has touted himself as someone who dares to do what is right. But federal prosecutors have painted a vivid picture of a governor who dared to do what is wrong. We need to be rid of him. We need to begin remediating the profound harm he has done. mlawrence@siu.edu

A5 Thursday, December 11, 2008

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Arrest should be a wake-up call Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE at this point to say how wide or deep the investigation that resulted in Tuesday’s arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich will go. It may be that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has caught his “big fish” and Tuesday’s arrest will be the beginning of the end for this drama. Or it could be that the corruption Fitzgerald is uncovering goes even deeper, and there are more charges to be filed and more elected officials to be hauled into federal court. Either way, this indictment of a sitting governor should put ethical reform at the top of everyone’s list. And it needs to be real ethical reform. Not some sort of Band-Aid that sounds good but doesn’t accomplish much. The state’s corruption problem is well-documented and well-known. It can’t be comfortable for any Illinois citizen to listen to around-the-clock news coverage of that state’s corruption problem. It’s also true that, to a large degree, the corruption is centered in Chicago and is not really an issue with elected officials from the rest of the state. But the entire state is getting painted with a bad reputation. Blagojevich will have to shoulder any blame that results from the allegations against him. But the people of Illinois have allowed an atmosphere in which corruption is allowable, almost acceptable, for too long. Now is the time to put a stop to it. The General Assembly, either the current one or the one that takes office Jan. 14, should make ethical reform a major focus. Members should dedicate themselves to making it clear that corruption and influence peddling will not be tolerated. The ethics reforms that will go into effect Jan. 1 are a start, but merely a first step. Other steps should include: EXPAND THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS: Blagojevich allegedly was able to pressure a Chicago hospital, contractors and Chicago Tribune and put Barack Obama’s Senate seat up for sale because he had control over all of those decisions. The governor’s

office and the two chambers are supposed to be a check-and-balance system. In Illinois, too much authority has been given to too few people. TIGHTEN UP CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS: Illinois politicians have for years been able to pad their campaign chests while in office through all sorts of means. The new ethics reform law will make it illegal for state contractors to make contributions to state officials. That restriction should be extended to members of the General Assembly. In addition, politicians should not be allowed to convert any campaign funds to their own use upon retirement. Candidates also should not be allowed to use campaign funds in other campaigns. Also, immediate reporting of contributions, within 24 or 48 hours of receipt, should be required. OPEN UP STATE GOVERNMENT: State government operates generally behind closed doors. One effective way to end corruption is to make state government completely open and transparent. If Blagojevich carried out the activities he’s accused of, there may not be any laws that would have stopped him. But ethical reform could serve as a deterrent to others. Many politicians, including former Gov. Jim Edgar, have stated that Blagojevich’s activities will cast all elected officials in a bad light. While that’s unfortunate, it’s also the politicians who have failed to enact safeguards so these sorts of activities are less likely to happen. Illinois voters also have a role to play. Voters should not hesitate to express their displeasure with legislators who do not make ethical reforms happen. Politicians who support candidates with tarnished records — George Ryan in 1998, Blagojevich in 2006 — should be carefully scrutinized. Party loyalty should no longer be an excuse. Hopefully, the politicians will finally recognize the problem and work to clean up their own acts. If that doesn’t happen, voters should be ready to elect leaders who will put the state’s interests above their own.

LETTERS Automakers should have gotten a management book The Big Three auto company’s CEOs arrived in Washington aboard their royal corporate jets. Our elected Chicken Littles bought their story. The sky is falling, the sky is falling! The hen house feathered fowl sent the three silver-slippered Cinderfellas home and stopped the clock just before it chimed midnight. Unbelievably, they were invited back to the Washington Ball and asked to bring their financial goodies. They obviously wanted to hear more Detroit fairy tales. Their miscarriage of business will turn into a pumpkin. Maybe I’ve got the story wrong. Maybe Santa Claus has moved to the East Pole. The CEOs’ gift should be a book named Management 101 with instructions to read Chapter 11! These Detroit CEOs should be sent home in a Greyhound bus. Let capitalism solve our nation’s problems. Michael Lynch Sullivan

Obama’s election, O.J. Simpson’s trial illuminate race issues On Oct. 3, 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole, and her friend Ronald Goldman. But few people today still defend his innocence. Even Simpson suspended his search for the “real” killer long enough to come perilously close to admitting guilt, including in his semi-confessional book, “If I Did It.” But 13 years ago, the question of Simpson’s guilt and the “meaning” of his trial were the most debated issues in America. According to Talkers magazine, the Simpson case was the most bandied topic of 1995 and of the entire first half of 1990s. EXPERTS claimed, and polls at the time seemed to show, that this American Dreyfus affair illuminated a permanent and unbridgeable racial divide. Just rereading the commentary from the time is exhausting. Black intellectuals insisted racist cops or “the sys-

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tem” routinely railroaded black men, so why, they asked, should white America doubt that was happening to O.J.? White liberals played along. “I think the general black attitude might be that white people place a huge emphasis on innocent or guilty because that way they can discard large social questions,” Norman Mailer condescendingly explained in New York magazine. “A focus on individual innocence or guilt works to the white establishment’s advantage.“ Uh huh. So, in a truly color-blind society, questions of guilt or innocence would be totally absent from murder trials. Nifty. OF COURSE, some complaints about the criminal justice system had merit. But Simpson’s defenders turned Mailer’s point on its head. They didn’t want to discuss guilt or innocence at all; they only wanted to discuss the establishment, to “put the system on trial.” To Wilbert Tatum, editor of the black weekly Amsterdam News, Simpson “became every black male who’s ever been involved in the criminal justice system.“ While liberals parroted the Simpson line that the system was the criminal, conservatives denounced the acquittal as proof that the system was broken from the other end. Now Simpson finally is going to

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prison. Alas, not for murder but for, among other things, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. This time, everyone appears pleased. The evidence is hardly more damning than the billion-to-one DNA evidence last time. Yet no one sees him as a victim or symbol this time. Given that Barack Obama’s every utterance seems to spur the minting of a new commemorative plate to the cause of racial progress, you’d think more would be made of this moment. THE ONLY sustained controversy of Obama’s campaign arose over his former pastor Jeremiah Wright’s bilious rhetoric, which Obama largely defused with his “A More Perfect Union” speech on race. Though eloquently written and compellingly delivered, it was often contradictory and deeply self-serving. The best part, however, was his explanation of his objection to Wright’s ravings. “The profound mistake of Rev. Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country ... is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know — what we have seen — is that America can change. That is the true genius of this nation. What we have

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already achieved gives us hope — the audacity to hope — for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.” OBAMA’S hopes for this country and mine differ, to be sure. But on this point, Obama was absolutely right. America’s racial story begins horribly with slavery but has become one of unfolding success. Those who saw Simpson as a symbol of permanent division and the impossibility of progress were wrong. What better proof of that is there than that Obama, the nation’s first black president, will be figuring out the floor plan at the White House at almost exactly the same moment Simpson will be figuring out how the toilet works in his cell? JonahsColumn@aol.com The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 12, 2008

Troubles may trickle down pay a massive backlog of bills. Governor’s charges could help In a statement, S&P credit analyst John Kenward said the legal charges cost state in credit, put a against Blagojevich “may challenge the state to crimp in its operations n All talk? respond to this By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

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Big Three bailout fails A $14 billion bailout for Detroit’s struggling Big Three has died in the Senate after failing on a procedural vote. The collapse came after talks broke down over GOP demands that the UAW agrees to wage cuts. Money C2

SPRINGFIELD — Signs emerged Thursday that the bombshell corruption charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich are beginning to affect the operation of state government. The Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency put the state on a credit watch at the same time officials were in the midst of borrowing up to $1.4 billion to

fiscal situation on a timely basis.” Any change in the state’s credit rating could result in higher borrowing costs, which eventually affect taxpayers. “If the state were downgraded, it would mean the state would have to pay significantly more,” said Sara Woj-

Experts say tapes alone may not be enough to put Rod Blagojevich behind bars. More stories/C4,5

cicki, spokeswoman for Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. The treasurer’s office estimates a worst-case downgrade could cost taxpayers an extra $2.3 million if $1.4 billion were borrowed for six months. The credit warning sparked Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to call for a quick resolution to the governor’s situation. The governor-in-waiting either wants Blagojevich to resign or for the General Assembly to impeach him. “Hopefully, matters can be resolved in the next few days that will erase any doubt on the part of the credit agencies,” Quinn said. “It’s always bad to

TROUBLES/A2

Officials urge residents to be prepared

Cheery news

A GREEN CHRISTMAS

Backed by Eisenhower High School’s Cheer Squad, United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois campaign Chairwoman Julie Gahwiler said the 2008 campaign has raised a little more than 75 percent of its goal. Local A3

Keeping an eye on the environment may pay off in the pocketbook, too

Predatory EMTs Over the past 18 months, at least 129 ambulance attendants across the U.S. have been accused of sex-related crimes on duty or off. Some of them molested patients in the back of an ambulance. Nation A7

By ALICIA SPATES H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Stringing kernels of popcorn for garland, creating your own star to post atop the Christmas tree or, better yet, skipping the Christmas tree altogether this year, may not seem like bad ideas for families looking to save this season.

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5

But saving some green for the holidays has taken on a double meaning. While individuals are looking to save some cash in light of the economic downturn, it also can mean saving the planet. “The two go hand in hand,” said Laurie Rasmus, the environmental inspector of Macon County Solid Waste Management. “During the Christmas season, our consumption and waste habits become more readily apparent, simply because of the increased volume that passes through our homes.” According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away an estimated 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than during any other time of the year. This works out to about 25 million extra tons of waste. Though the main purpose is to eliminate waste and reduce

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Gov. Rod Blagojevich talks to his wife, Patti, on Thursday as they leave their home in Chicago.

State high court yanks Mark Bradley’s law license Now in jail, attorney faces charges plus disciplinary complaint By RON INGRAM H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — The law license of Decatur attorney Mark Bradley was suspended indefinitely Wednesday by the Illinois Supreme Court, based on a petition seeking that action filed by Jerome Larkin, administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Bradley is in the Macon County Jail under $1 million bond. He is charged in two cases with threatening a public official and in a third case with soliciting harassment of a witness and unlawful communication with a witness.

Those charges stem from his allegedly threatening Circuit Judge Lisa Holder White, threatening to kill State’s Attorney Jack Ahola and asking a jail inmate to find someone to bribe or threaten the chief witness against him in the case involving the threat on Ahola’s life. Bradley’s conversation with the inmate was recorded by sheriff’s deputies using court-approved eavesdropping after the inmate tipped off authorities to the scheme. Special prosecutors are handling the cases against Bradley, who was an assistant state’s attorney until March, when he resigned from the office and went into private practice. Associate Judge Charles Feeney III from Bloomington is hearing the cases because of the conflict local judges would have from their close

associations with White and Ahola. He has scheduled a hearing for Jan. 8 to argue motions in the two cases involving threats to a public official and to determine if those cases are ready for trial. A preliminary hearing in the witness harassment case is scheduled for Wednesday. That case likely will be set for status on Jan. 8. In seeking to have Bradley’s law license suspended, Larkin argued in his filing with the state Supreme Court that there was persuasive evidence to support the charges contained in the criminal indictment a grand jury returned based on affidavits filed by White and her clerk, Tonya Neal. Although not part of the license suspension request, Larkin noted a

LICENSE/A2

Individuals, families can do a lot for themselves in the event of an ice storm By HUEY FREEMAN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Two years ago, some of the city’s residents were still without power for weeks after the area was covered with a thick layer of ice. “In 2006, this community was crippled,” said Phil Anello, coordinator of Macon County Emergency Agency, referring to the storm that began Nov. 30. “But this community came back THE quickly. Our plans worked well.” NET After a milder ice Macon County storm earlier this Emergency week and the threat Agency: www. of another one late maconcounty this weekend, local ema.org officials met to announce that area residents can minimize their risks by preparing themselves and their families. It is important for families to have survival kits to wait out a storm for 72 hours, said Jody Cox, spokeswoman for the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross The kits should include 1 gallon of water for each person, canned food, a battery-operated weather radio, flashlight and first aid kit. It is essential to make a plan, including an outside location to meet in case the family has to suddenly leave home. “Knowing what to do is your best protection,” Cox said. “Meet with family members, explain dangers to children.” Having out-of-town contacts to check on storm victims also could prove helpful. While emergency crews are continually training to prepare for disasters, there is a limit to what they can accomplish. “We have to take some responsibility for ourselves in preparedness,” Anello said. “Not just winter emergency preparedness, but any hazard.” Looking back to the 2006 “ice storm of historic proportions,” Anello said it was especially dangerous because of the numerous downed electric poles and lines, some of which were emitting sparks. “We could thank God there was no loss of life because of the downed power lines,” Anello said, adding that there were 500 calls to the county’s fire departments within a few hours. Because of the extent of the damage and power outages, the Illinois National Guard was summoned to search throughout the county for people needing assistance. “Our local resources were overwhelmed,” Anello recalled. Within six hours of placing a request to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, a National Guard planning team was in Decatur. Within 24 hours of the request, guardsmen were knocking on doors. Anello said a team of local emergency agencies, along with hospitals, social service providers and the local power company, is working constantly to prepare for the next disaster. “We’ve enhanced our plan to provide the best possible response,” Anello said. hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985

A2 LOCAL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2008

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

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Events Dancing Central Illinois Singles & Couples Dance, 8 to 11 p.m., VFW Post 755, Springfield, $8. 546-9515. Etc. Arcola Chamber of Commerce Winter Ball, 7 p.m., Kaskaskia Country Club, Arcola, $55 per couple, 268-4530. Candlelight Tours, 5 to 8 p.m., Dewitt County Museum, Clinton. $3, $1. 935-6066. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Live Nativity, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Nazarene Church, Shelbyville. Lucia Nights, 6 to 9 p.m., Bishop Hill. $5 per person, $15 per family. 1-309-927-3345 or 1-309-927-3885. Madrigal Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Land Community College Menard Hall Student Union, Springfield. $27. 786-2762 or 1-800-7274161, ext. 62762. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m.,

Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Visit with Santa, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Wonderland in Lights, 5 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800772-0750. Music Battle Creek Country, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Corner Dance Hall, Whittington. Country Christmas Show, Bryon Garrison Theater, Pana. 6 p.m. ($20) and 9 p.m. ($10). 8209194. County Line Country, 7 to 10 p.m., Herrick Community Building, Herrick. Free. Eastern Illinois University Honor Band Festival, Eastern Illinois University Dvorak Concert Hall, Charleston, 581-3010. Janet Durham, 8 p.m., Bement Country Opry, Decatur. $8, $4. 8776499 or 678-8343. Maroa-Forysth Community Choir, Maroa City Hall, Maroa, 7

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GREEN Continued from A1 wherever possible, pulling together an eco-conscious Christmas doesn’t have to mean limiting the holiday. There are plenty of ways to think eco-friendly and Christmas cheer at the same time and give your credit card a break. Gift wrapping is a prime example. Sure, the present is more appealing to the eye when it’s wrapped in beautiful foil paper with a ribbon, but Rasmus suggests reducing the amount of wrapping paper and boxes this season and to keep in mind that wrapping paper can be recycled with Macon County’s curbside or drop-off recycling program. Earth911.com says to be creative when wrapping gifts and make those newspaper comics, magazine pages or old maps serve a new purpose as holiday gift wrap. Or try using scraps of fabric to wrap gifts. Bows and bags aren’t bad to use, as long as they are reusable. Sue Litterly, the Central Illinois customer relations coordinator for the U.S. Postal Service, said the post office offers customers items for eco-friendly packaging from the box to the stamp, which has biodegradable adhesive. The Postal Service, which recycles more than 1 million tons of paper, plastic and other materials annually, has teamed up with Earth911.com for “Green Your Holidays,” a Web site that provides tips for having an eco-friendly holiday. One of the topics on the Web site is old Christmas cards. “There are so many things you can do with cards,” Lit-

TROUBLES Continued from A1 have your credit rating reduced.” Blagojevich has not signaled he’s ready to resign, despite wiretap evidence that he tried to sell Illinois’ vacant U.S. Senate seat for personal gain. The governor went to his state office in Chicago on Thursday but has kept a low profile in the wake of his arrest and court hearing Tuesday. A spokesman did not respond to requests for information Thursday. In a news conference in Springfield, Quinn said he has no potential front-runners for the Senate seat, which became vacant with Barack Obama’s election as president. “I don’t want to get into anything because I think it’s premature and hypothetical,” Quinn said. Quinn did not provide a blueprint for how he would choose a successor, but ruled out naming himself to the seat. He said he hasn’t been approached by any wannabe senators looking to curry favor with the man who may become the state’s 41st chief executive. Although Quinn has long been a proponent of giving voters a voice in state policy

Pick Three-Midday 9-4-5 Green Ball 5-2-4

T O D AY Variety Music DJ with Erica, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. X Krush Unplugged, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur.

p.m.

Nightlife BMF Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Korn Krib, Latham. On Stage Dancing with DJ Tomorrow’s “A Christmas Story,” Sean Michael, 10 p.m., highlight: Little Theatre on the Block’s Brewery, Decatur. Square, Sullivan, 1-888Eli Jones, 9 p.m., Eisenhower 261-9675. Lock, Stock and Barrel, Elite Energy “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Decatur. Preview Show, Wild Christmas Binge,” Free juke box party, 7 p.m., Lincoln 7 p.m., Charleston Alley Mac’s Tackle Box, Square Theatre, Theatre, Charleston, Decatur. Decatur. $10. 345-2287. Greg Bickers Band, 9 Also featuring “Perfect Wedding,” p.m., Timbuktu Saloon, Johns Hill Xpe6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Long Creek. rience and Barn II Dinner Theatre, Karaoke with Wiz, 8 Thomas JefferGoodfield. $32. Reservap.m., 22nd Street Disson Music tions, (309) 965-2545. count Liquor, Decatur. Machine. 201“Pirates of the ParKaraoke/DJ Ricky, 3336. adise Ponds: The 9:30 p.m., O’Malley’s, Search for the ChristSullivan. mas Treasure,” (former) Time TheSteve Ewing with Brett Byrd atre, Mattoon. $22. 234-6783. Revival, 8 p.m., Radmakers, “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m., RoseTolono. bud Theatre, Effingham, 540-2787. Stevie Ray Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. Health The Johnny Everist Band, 9 Cardiopulmonary Education p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur, 875-2416.

n BUY GIFTS that are kinder to the environment, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, low-flow shower heads, cloth shopping bags, a solar-powered calculator, educational eco-toys, backyard composter and recycled-content stationery and note pads. n CHOOSE rechargeable batteries rather than disposable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts. n IF YOU send holiday cards, buy recycledcontent cards and envelopes or make your own out of last year’s cards. You also can try sending electronic greeting cards to reduce paper waste. n CONSIDER nonmaterial gifts, such as gift certificates or coupons for dinner, music lessons, pet-sitting, house cleaning, prepaid class registration, massages, sporting events, museums, concerts or plays. n MAKE EDIBLE gifts, such as breads, cookies, preserves, dried fruits, nut mixes or herbed vinegars. Give the baked goods in holiday tins or baskets that can be reused. n AFTER THE gifts have been opened, take foam peanuts and bubble wrap to a mailing or shipping store, where they can be reused. Save boxes and bows for reuse. n Invest in your family and friends. Instead of giving a gift, contribute to a child’s savings account or give them a U.S.

‘It is ludicrous to talk about anyone appointing the next United States senator. This decision absolutely must be made by the voters of Illinois.’ State Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont issues through referendums, he downplayed attempts by lawmakers to schedule a special election as a way to keep Blagojevich from appointing someone to the Senate seat. That drew an angry rebuke from state Sen. Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican who is set to become Senate minority leader in January. “It is ludicrous to talk about anyone appointing the next United States senator,” Radogno said. “This decision absolutely must be made by the voters of Illinois.” The House and Senate return Monday to discuss legislation that would strip Blagojevich of his power to appoint.

Savings Bond. Give a monetary donation in a friend’s name to a favorite charity. n THINK UP creative gift wrapping ideas. Wrap gifts in the comics, old calendars or maps, decorated brown grocery bags or a colorful piece of fabric. Also remember to save gift boxes, ribbons, bows and gift wrap to use next year. n GOT A NEW microwave, toaster, clock radio, toy or coat? Consider giving away your old appliances, toys, games or clothing to a local charity or thrift store. n CONSIDER using energy-saving, solidstate LED holiday lights and strands that are up to 90 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent holiday bulbs. n IF YOU PLAN to entertain, have clearly marked recycling containers at your party for guests to recycle their cans and bottles. Send leftover items home with guests in reusable containers. n AFTER THE holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your local solid waste department and find out if they collect and mulch trees. n IF YOU’RE going away from home for the holidays, turn down your thermostat and put lights on timers to save energy. n FOR MORE tips to “Green Your Holidays,” go to www.earth911.com/green-yourholidays. Source: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The Macon County Conservation District is helping children go green this season by letting them make ornaments out of pine cones and other items. The district will have several sessions at Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. Kevin Greene of the Illinois EPA’s office of Pollution Prevention urges individuals who want to be eco-conscious this holiday season to start small. “We’re trying to get people to start with the easy stuff,” he said, such as purchasing holiday cards from recycled State Rep. Dan Brady, a member of the House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee, said he hopes lawmakers can get a plan in place for a special election to take place Feb. 24, the same day municipal primary elections are scheduled. “The way this process has been poisoned, the people need to be given a voice,” the Bloomington Republican said. Rather than focus on setting up a special election, Quinn said, state lawmakers should immediately launch impeachment proceedings against Blagojevich if he doesn’t resign before the General Assembly returns Monday to Springfield. If lawmakers don’t take action, Quinn said he backs Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s idea of going to court and challenging the governor’s fitness to serve.

material, making edible gifts, using LED Christmas lights, shopping with reusable bags or carpooling for shopping trips. “We don’t want to be too preachy, and we don’t want to overwhelm, but we want to

Pick Four-Evening 0-5-0-1 Little Lotto 10-12-19-29-34

Session, 1:30 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital PrimeTime, Decatur, 876-2496. Community Blood Services of Illinois Blood Drive, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Effingham, 3471529. Diabetes Education Part II, noon to 4 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, Forsyth. 876-5378. Health Screenings, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Effingham County Health Department, Effingham, 342-9237. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tips for a greener Christmas

terly said. “You can use them as name tags for gifts or turn them into place cards or make them into ornaments.” There’s also the fast and efficient e-mail or e-card that can reduce paper waste from the 3.4 billion letters and cards mailed nationwide over the holidays. But Litterly doesn’t think e-mailing is the better option. “Would your grandmother rather get an e-mail from you than a card you wrote or personally picked out for her?” she said. “I think not. That mail moment is very important.”

Pick Three-Evening 4-1-7 Pick Four-Midday 9-8-2-4

Meetings Baby TALK Lapsit, Decatur Public Library, Decatur, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Breakfast Sertoma Club, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m., 2560 E. Federal Drive, Decatur, 422-0095.

Lotto jackpot $21.5 million Mega Millions jackpot $207 million

Unitarian Universalist Men’s Group, 1 p.m., Tuscany Steak & Pasta House, Decatur. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Bingo, 1 p.m., Decatur. Salvation Army Gym, Senior Christmas Program and Dinner, 11 a.m., Decatur, 428-4672. Support Groups Al-Anon, 8 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., U.S. Bank Community Room, Taylorville. La Leche League of Decatur Mommy Hour, 10 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur. 674-3580. Reformers Unanimous (addictions), 7 p.m., Salem Baptist Church, Decatur, 422-4274. Young Widow and Widowers Support Group, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Antioch Christian Church, Decatur, 413-1338.

LICENSE

give them options,” he said. “We feel if you give people options … it will change their everyday habits over time, and they’ll take on more challenging things later.” Greene understands people are looking “to stretch their dollar as far as they can” this season. “If you’re going for a bigger-ticket item, like a computer or an appliance, look for the Energy Star,” which means the item is energyefficient, he said. Rasmus believes individuals will be more discerning this season, buying more practical items. “Where the conflict comes in is if we’re looking for cheap goods … we’re disappointed when it isn’t durable or it breaks,” she said. “I think everybody’s feeling the pinch this Christmas,” but it’s worth spending a little extra cash for items that will last, she said. And for the loved ones who have everything, Greene suggests giving them nonmaterial gifts, such as baby-sitting, house cleaning or a gift certificate for dinner, a massage or concert. “It can be hectic around the holidays, and a lot of people look for ways to simplify it,” he said. “Sometimes, one of the most precious and simplest gifts we can give is our time, love and energy.”

seven-count disciplinary complaint is pending against Bradley, alleging he solicited or attempted to solicit criminal defendants as clients when they already had other legal counsel. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission petition stated, “The administrator is informing the court of this matter because, in connection with his investigations into the grievances that formed the basis of the complaint, (Bradley) was examined by Dr. Lawrence Jeckel, a forensic psychiatrist, in August. Dr. Jeckel diagnosed (Bradley) with bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features and reported (Bradley) was not fit to practice law.” Ahola said his office will submit a copy of the state Supreme Court order in each of more than 30 felony cases from which Bradley recently was removed as the defense counsel because of his ongoing legal difficulties. He said the order will “perfect” the removal actions. Considering felonies, misdemeanors and traffic cases, Bradley was involved in about 50 local cases, Ahola said. Bradley also was involved with cases in some other Central Illinois counties, he said.

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OPINION

DAVE DAWSON

Governor leaves trail of shame A few years ago, when Illinoisans were shown the way the state was being carved into 19 bizarre shapes called congressional districts, there was a collective shrug from the sitting congressional delegation that indicated it was the way Illinois did business. It was a map that had only one motivation behind it, and that was, with the exception of one representative, to preserve the jobs of the incumbent congress members. At the same time, Iowa was being carved into four congressional districts. The work was done by a computer and followed not only precinct lines, but county lines. A relative of mine in Iowa told me that what had been done to create those four districts was crass corruption. It was difficult to contain myself, especially since I was a resident of the newly minted 17th Congressional District. The district, shaped like a lobster claw, begins in Northwestern Illinois near the Quad-Cities and meanders down the side of the state before splaying as it reaches into Macon County as well as Shelby, Montgomery and Christian counties. It would be impossible to drive from one end of the district to the other without taking gravel roads and traveling across open space. I told my Iowa relatives that, outside of watching Broderick Crawford portray Willie Stark in “All the King’s Men,” they knew nothing about government corruption. AS WE MOVED past redistricting and into the 21st century, former Gov. George Ryan was sent to prison after the unsuccessful appeal of his conviction on racketeering and fraud charges. The story of the corruption in Ryan’s office is well-documented. It stretched back to his time as secretary of state and also had fatal consequences. An unqualified truck driver who received a license after paying a bribe to a Ryan subordinate was the cause of an accident that killed six children. After his conviction, Ryan claimed his only real crime was allowing greedy friends to take advantage of him while he was in public office. On the heels of Ryan came Rod Blagojevich. He ran for governor as a reformer and said there would be no more politics as usual in Springfield. After his first inauguration in 2003, he said one of his jobs was to restore credibility to the governor’s office, which had been wiped out by the scandals of Ryan. As hard as it is to believe, Blagojevich has been accused of doing things that have eroded gubernatorial credibility to new lows. WITH THE LATEST revelations, I can go back to Iowa, and when the conversation turns to political corruption, they will already know that when it comes to bribery and pay-to-play politics, Illinois is king. I’ve had a while to think about the governor’s arrest on Tuesday, and it is still inconceivable that he was arrested for what the indictment said he did. A lot of people figured his arrest was inevitable, but most of us figured it would be on the basis of the case U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has been building on the governor for the past few years. And no matter what you thought of the governor, few people could believe he would take something like a seat in the U.S. Senate and use it as a bargaining chip for money — evidently $177,412 a year doesn’t go as far as it used to. In the early 1900s, the governor’s favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, had a double-play combination of Tinker to Evers to Chance. Now Illinois politics has a pay-to-play combination of Kerner to Ryan to Blagojevich. What a legacy. ddawson@herald-review.com|421-7980

A4 Friday, December 12, 2008

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Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

THUMBS UP! To the Decatur Litter Cleanup Crew, which has reached some important milestones in making Decatur a cleaner place. The crew, started as a transitional program to provide work for people who returned to Macon County from the Illinois corrections center, is now a joint effort among local businessman Mark Avery, the Rev. Leroy Smith of Promise Community Center, the city and other supporters. Working about 20 hours a week, the crew recently exceeded 2,000 bags filled with trash in the 11 months since the program started. The change is noticeable on many city streets. THUMBS DOWN! To Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Need we say more?

THUMBS UP! To former Macon County Board Chairman Bob Sampson, who served the county well until announcing his resignation last week. Sampson has served on the Macon County Board for eight years and helped steer the county through some difficult budget issues. Sampson said recent demands on his time made the resignation necessary. THUMBS UP! To the annual Vespers performance at Millikin University, which was once again a spectacular gift to the community. The concerts featured 350 singers in five choirs, four performances, five conductors and a total audience of 7,000. It’s a wonderful reminder each year of what the Christmas season is all about.

THUMBS UP! To the Decatur City Council for avoiding a property tax rate increase. The council this week decided to find cuts in expense to make up about $800,000 needed to adequately fund the fire and police pension system. Decatur taxpayers already pay higher rates than most surrounding communities, and the first step to bring that more in line is to stop increasing taxes. THUMBS UP! To the Salvation Army and the entire community, which celebrated last week the completion of the new social service center. The 15,360-square-foot center also houses a shelter, with more than double the showers and twice as many beds. The center is another testament to the generosity of Decaturarea folks. THUMBS DOWN! To higher education and state government in Illinois for failing to provide affordable post-secondary education. Illinois, along with 48 other states, received an “F” in affordability in a study from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. California was the only state to pass, and it received a “C.” Illinois and other state governments have held funding to colleges and universities down for several years. But that’s only part of the problem. Those same colleges and universities, many of which have bloated administration and faculty costs, have passed those costs on to students and their parents. College can be more affordable, but universities have to be more efficient and legislatures need to be more willing to put money into this vital government service.

LETTERS Help raise funds for Red Cross disaster relief

Illinois needs to squelch the next scandal now Rod Blagojevich was a scandal waiting to happen. When he was running for governor of Illinois for the first time in 2002, he had two impressive opponents in the Democratic primary. One was Paul Vallas, a reformminded intellectual who had been Mayor Richard Daley’s choice to take over the troubled Chicago school system. The other was former state Attorney General Roland Burris, a leading African-American politician who had demonstrated his appeal to white voters. When I went to Chicago to cover their pre-primary debate, Blagojevich, a boyish-looking young congressman who got his seat thanks to the clout of his father-in-law, an influential Chicago alderman, was by far the least impressive candidate. He had made no particular mark on Capitol Hill, and he seemed much less informed on Illinois issues than his rivals. I WAS INCLINED to dismiss his chances, but a longtime Chicago reporter friend told me, “Don’t write him off. He’s a money machine.” On a return visit after the primary, which Blagojevich won, a consultant to the Vallas campaign said the congressman had swamped his rivals with hundreds of thousands of dollars of ads on TV stations in downstate Illi-

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nois. “Neither Vallas nor Burris could keep up,” the consultant said. In the general election, Blagojevich defeated state Attorney General Jim Ryan. He had a rocky first term in Springfield, where he quickly became known as an absentee executive and where his inner circle was rumored to be operating with hands out. An unseemly family feud with his fatherin-law fed the gossip mills. But in 2006, the badly weakened Illinois Republican Party furnished another unelectable opponent, and Blagojevich won without breaking a sweat. DURING THAT campaign, a visit with Mayor Daley gave me insights into Blagojevich’s problems. “When he was elected,” Daley said, “I advised him to get the policy right and then worry about the politics. He did exactly the opposite and, as a result, he’s got millions in his campaign treasury and the school districts across Illinois are going broke.” In Blagojevich’s second term, it got worse. He became enmeshed in a bitter feud with the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly, especially House Speaker Mike Madigan. While problems festered unattended, no budget could be passed. On a visit to the Lincoln Library in Springfield, I was told by leaders of both parties that “this is the worst” they had ever seen. Republicans or Democrats, they readily confessed that their heartfelt prayer was that something would occur to rid them of Blagojevich. That something turned out to be Patrick Fitzgerald, the tough U.S. attorney in Chicago best known as the prosecutor of Lewis “Scooter” Libby,

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Vice President Cheney’s former chief of staff. FITZGERALD began to close in on Blagojevich. A number of the governor’s pals, including developer Antoin “Tony” Rezko, were indicted and convicted. But Blagojevich was heedless of the risk and, according to the charges made public Tuesday, saw the Senate vacancy created by Barack Obama’s election as an opportunity to cash in. Unaware that Fitzgerald had obtained court orders allowing him to tap Blagojevich’s phone and bug his office, Blagojevich indulged himself in obscenity-laden talk about how he would use the Senate appointment to enrich himself and his wife or maybe parlay it into a prestigious Cabinet or ambassadorial appointment. The brazenness and utter sleaziness of Blagojevich stunned even veteran FBI men, Fitzgerald said, but it did not surprise people in Chicago or Springfield who had been watching the governor. The criminal complaint against Blagojevich, the nominal head of Obama’s home-state party, is a mild embarrassment for the presidentelect. But it really does not reflect on Obama, who has kept Blagojevich at arm’s length for a long time. As a fellow Illinoisan, I have to admit this latest example of the Springfield Syndrome that has now tainted four recent governors is a signal that the ethics reforms Obama sponsored as a member of the Illinois legislature did not go far enough to cleanse the pay-to-play culture. Get out the scrub brushes. davidbroder@washpost.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

Calling all American Red Cross volunteers, blood donors, sponsors and friends: Remember all that Red Cross stuff you’ve collected over the years: Tshirts, pins, bumper stickers, car and window magnets and other items? Now is the time to wear and/or display it and help the Red Cross remind the community that Dec. 13 is the American Red Cross National Day of Giving. On Saturday, please help by contributing to the Disaster Relief Fund. Five dollars can buy someone a meal during a major disaster. Twenty-five dollars can buy blankets to keep a family of five warm. You can even make your contribution on behalf of someone special: The perfect holiday gift for them that helps someone in need at the same time. The Mid-Illinois Chapter and Hickory Point Mall have teamed up for National Day of Giving. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., you can find volunteers and staff members of the Red Cross at decorated booths outside the entrance of each department store at the mall wearing Red Cross gear and promoting the National Disaster Relief Fund. You can also give by going to www. midillinoisredcross.org or calling 4287758. Disasters change lives; you can, too. Please help. Jody Cox Director of Public Support

No tax hike talk is allowed in light of other spending The Decatur City Council has the gall to raise our property taxes after even considering remodeling their chambers — $2,000 for a chair — and approving a ridiculous, ill-planned yellow brick road while the sewer and water systems are in need of renovation? No one who votes for this tax increase will get my vote. Let’s stick together, fellow property owners. Gary Cranmer Decatur The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2008

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Could Blagojevich have been all talk? Some legal experts say speaking about crime isn’t enough to convict CHICAGO (AP) — The wiretaps portray what prosecutors call blatant corruption: Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich scheming to barter Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat for a Cabinet post, an ambassadorship or high-paying jobs for himself and his wife. But just how tight is the case prosecutors cobbled together as they raced to stop what U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said “can only be described as a political corruption crime spree?” Former prosecutors and defense attorneys surveyed Wednesday say the recordings are powerful evidence that can go a long way toward landing a conviction and sending the governor to prison. But some legal experts say prosecutors may have a tough time overcoming the fact that Blagojevich never actually sold the Senate seat. “The weakness in the government’s case seems to be that Blago-

jevich schemed to do things but didn’t actually do them,” Chicago defense attorney John Beal said. Blagojevich, 52, was arrested Tuesday. FBI agents said he used the economic power of the governor’s office in schemes to squeeze companies for kickbacks and get Chicago Tribune editorial writers who called for his impeachment fired. He allegedly threatened through a go-between to withhold state financial aid to the Tribune in selling Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. But prosecutors said the governor’s worst offense was a brazen attempt to sell the seat left vacant by Obama’s election. The asking price: secretary of health and human services in the president’s Cabinet, bigmoney jobs or campaign cash. Blagojevich has not yet been indicted. He is only charged in a one-page complaint accompanied by a 76-page FBI affidavit. The government has 30 days to bring an indictment, a time limit that can be extended repeatedly if a judge gives permission. Veteran attorneys say that when the indictment comes, it may bring to the surface an array of allegations not contained in the affidavit, and

then the truest strength of the prosecution’s case may be better judged. The indictment could also produce a more sweeping case with additional charges, on top of the fraud and bribery counts Blagojevich already faces. Every attorney surveyed said the recordings will be crucial. “You’re going to hear Gov. Blagojevich’s own words, and they are going to be used against him in court,” said New York attorney William Devaney, a former federal prosecutor. “That is extremely powerful evidence.” Professor Albert Alschuler of Northwestern University law school said “the strength of the case is in the wiretap evidence and the nice simple charges about the Tribune and the Senate seat.” “If I were the defense lawyer, I would be sitting down with the clients and telling them that this is not a winnable case and we ought to try to strike a deal,” he said. He said one possible bargaining chip is the governor’s office itself, if Blagojevich would agree to resign and not appoint a new senator to replace Obama. New York attorney Martin R. Poll-

ner noted that prosecutors must show “overt acts” to prove a conspiracy and such acts had to be more than talks with advisers. And yet the recordings mainly consist of just that. Pollner saw nothing criminal in talks about “what he wants to get and what he wants to receive, his hopes and aspirations.” He also said a defense attorney should ask for a change of venue because of a Fitzgerald news conference comment Tuesday that Blagojevich’s actions would “make Lincoln roll over in his grave.” He said such words could “poison the jury pool.” Chicago attorney Patrick M. Collins, who as an assistant U.S. attorney successfully sent former Gov. George M. Ryan to federal prison for corruption, said the government’s case has been greatly strengthened by the recordings. But he said defense attorneys are likely to argue that “this is all talk, what were the actions?” He said the government will need to present witnesses to show that Blagojevich went beyond mere talk. “Attempts are not as attractive to a jury as completed actions,” he said.

Chicago defense attorney Ron Safer, a former federal prosecutor, said that the kind of overt act needed to win a conspiracy case should be something specific. “Politicians often rub each other’s back — I’ll vote for your bill if you vote for mine is as old as our union — so that’s unremarkable,” he said. He said that if the case goes to trial, prosecutors will focus hard on any specific attempts by the governor to trade the Senate seat or other favors for cash or jobs. Fitzgerald acknowledged that the charges against Blagojevich were brought earlier than might be expected out of concern that the seat might be sold, an editorial writer might be fired or other corruption might occur if prosecutors delayed. “I was not going to wait until March or April or May to get it all nice and tidy and bring charges and then say, oh, by the way, all this bad stuff happened because no one was aware of it back in December,” Fitzgerald said. Experts don’t believe the rush will produce a shoddy case. After all, Blagojevich had been under investigation for five years, allowing ample time to compile a thorough case.

Senate candidates in tough spot In an election, fundraising could cloud outcome

Associated Press

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn speaks to reporters in his office at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Many people hope if Quinn becomes governor, he will reverse Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decisions on closing state parks and historic sites, moving the Department of Transportation and closing the Pontiac prison.

Quinn would likely reverse decisions Blagojevich’s moves to close parks, transfer jobs may not stand By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would reopen shuttered state parks and historic sites and take another look at plans to close Pontiac Correctional Center if he is elevated to the state’s top office. With Gov. Rod Blagojevich facing federal corruption charges, the governor-in-waiting Thursday outlined some of the changes he’d make if Blagojevich resigns or is booted out of office by lawmakers. “Our state parks are precious,” Quinn said. “They should be reopened promptly.” Quinn also questioned

Blagojevich’s plan to close the prison in Pontiac and move state transportation worker jobs from Springfield to Southern Illinois, both of which have spawned lawsuits and strong opposition. “Everything needs to be reviewed,” Quinn said. Quinn’s sentiment was viewed favorably by state Sen. Dan Rutherford, a Chenoa Republican who is fighting to keep Pontiac open. He said if Quinn reviews evidence regarding the effects of closing Pontiac on the community and the state’s prison system, he likely will stop it from happening. “No commonsense person would think you should close Pontiac,” Rutherford said. In a nearly hourlong talk with reporters at his office in Springfield, Quinn called Blagojevich’s decision to close

seven state parks and a dozen historic sites Nov. 30 a “terrible thing.” “I think that was one of the worst decisions the governor ever made,” Quinn said. “It’s very sad that any of them are closed.” Blagojevich cited a deteriorating state budget as the reason for laying off 85 workers and closing the facilities last month. As for Pontiac, Blagojevich wants to close the prison and move inmates to a mostly unused maximum-security facility in Thomson. The prison and the move of 100 Springfield-based state transportation workers to a facility in Harrisburg have spawned lawsuits seeking to block Blagojevich from moving forward. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

State senators seal lips like good jurors Lawmakers want to be seen as impartial before trial By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Some state senators are minding their words about Gov. Rod Blagojevich these days, hoping to be seen as impartial should House lawmakers decide to impeach the embattled chief executive. If the Illinois House votes to impeach Blagojevich in the wake of federal corruption charges, the Illinois Senate could conduct a trial, with the state’s 59 state senators serving as a largerthan-usual jury panel. For that reason, some senators say voicing an opinion over whether Blagojevich would be impeached could

taint their own jury pool. “You don’t talk about the case, because you could be the jury,” said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, feels the same way. He compared the process to any trial, where a juror that presumes guilt would be dismissed. “It’s kind of like saying he’s guilty of something before you know what the charges are,” Rutherford said. Still, Rutherford has said Blagojevich should resign because he’s no longer in a position to run the state. Forby said if the governor knows he’s guilty, he should resign. Cindy Davidsmeyer, spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats, said lawmakers’ staffs haven’t advised senators not to comment on impeachment, but she said

many of them hold back on their own because of the situation. It’s still unclear whether impeachment of Blagojevich will happen. Many have called for his resignation before proceedings could begin. Attorney General Lisa Madigan has talked about asking the Illinois Supreme Court to declare him unfit for office. State Sen. Mike Jacobs, DEast Moline, said he’s tried to dance lightly about the impeachment issue in particular, but he’s already granted several interviews to national media such as CNN and ABC’s “Good Morning America” to talk about Blagojevich’s arrest. “Everyone has to follow their own course on this,” Jacobs said. mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

Blagojevich’s arrest hurts Ex-Gov. Ryan’s chance at pardon CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest hurts the chances of a presidential pardon for another former Gov. George Ryan, his attorney and former Gov. Jim Thompson said. Thompson has led efforts to obtain a pardon from President Bush for Ryan, a fellow

Republican. Thompson said charges that Blagojevich, a Democrat, tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat deals a blow to Ryan’s cause. Ryan was convicted of corruption in 2006 for steering state contracts and leases to political insiders and helping

cover up bribes paid in return for truck drivers licenses. He has served more than a year of his 6½-year prison term. The federal prosecutor who put Ryan in jail, Patrick Collins, said the charges against Blagojevich should help keep Ryan in prison.

CHICAGO (AP) — People interested in succeeding President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate find themselves in a delicate position: How do you campaign for a seat tainted by an allegedly corrupt governor? You could go on offense, like Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. did, choking up as he denied promising Gov. Rod Blagojevich anything in exchange for a Senate appointment — but not backing off his obvious interest in the seat. You could prepare quietly. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who had talked to Blagojevich before this week’s arrest, said Thursday she’s still interested in the job and already has “called some people to see if we can have supporters in place and thinking what kind of team I would assemble.” But nobody is quite sure how to promote themselves for a seat now seemingly in limbo after Blagojevich’s arrest on charges he tried to sell the seat to line his pockets. And few are stating their intentions publicly, not until they know whether Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn will appoint someone to the job or whether it will be filled by a special election. “We’re making this up as we go along,” said Chris Mooney, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield. “You have to be careful, but you have to make it known you’re interested.” Federal lawmakers have made it clear they would not accept an appointment from Blagojevich, who’s been holed up in his office and saying nothing publicly. If he steps down quickly, Quinn could appoint Obama’s replacement and the matter would be over. If Blagojevich is impeached, the process could take months. The state also could hold a special election, but that would be costly and also take time. Anyone who hopes to have a shot at the seat must quickly

FUNDING By The Associated Press

Experts say candidates would need to raise $10 million to $20 million quickly if Illinois held a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Here are the amounts in the campaign funds of some of those mentioned as possible candidates: FEDERAL FUNDS Fund balances through Nov. 24, 2008, according to Federal Election Commission records: n U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D), $603,554 cash on hand; $114,283 debt. n U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D), $598,464; no debt. n U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D), $420,927; no debt. n U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D), $268,122; no debt. n Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth (D), $6,913; no debt. (from 2006 congressional campaign) n Mark Kirk (R), $211,349; no debt. STATE FUNDS State funds can receive unlimited contribution amounts, and may receive direct contributions from a business or labor union. Federal funds face a variety of restrictions, meaning not all money in a state fund would be directly transferable to a fund for a federal race. Fund balances as of July 1, 2008, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections: n Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), $2,599,548.97; no debt. n Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones (D), $1.609,624; no debt. distance themselves from the federal corruption probe, assuring the public that they promised no favors, said Dick Simpson, a University of Illinois at Chicago political science professor and former Chicago alderman. Then they must begin preparing to campaign while lobbying Quinn. “Like Jackson, you simply state ‘I’m the best candidate because,’ then you begin calling campaign contributors,” Simpson said. “They’re proba-

bly doing that cautiously.” Others mentioned as interested in the seat include Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, state Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Reps. Danny David, Luis Gutierrez and Schakowsky, and former state Senate President Emil Jones, a close ally of Blagojevich. Most did not return calls Thursday. Gutierrez, however, said that he’s no longer interested in the job; Madigan said she’s not thought about it yet because she’s still dealing with the crisis. In an election, candidates could be more forward, since they’d be expected to campaign. But seeking an appointment from Quinn is a more delicate matter. Do you call directly? Have others talk you up? Generate favorable media attention? Schakowsky said if the decision is Quinn’s, she would call him to make her case, as she did with Blagojevich. She said she doesn’t believe her discussions with Blagojevich would hurt her chances. Part of the difficulty for potential appointees is that Quinn hasn’t formed many close alliances in Springfield, so there are few favors to cash in, Mooney said. “Quinn is a populist, goodgovernment guy,” Mooney said. “I think he would base it on whatever criteria he has, but it wouldn’t be so much a lobbying situation.” Mooney doesn’t believe Quinn would appoint any of the candidates Blagojevich was considering. Instead, he suggested Quinn might make a clean break by appointing someone outside of the current political establishment such as former Gov. Jim Edgar, a Republican with an unblemished reputation. But there’s always the chance of an election, which would require less backdoor diplomacy, but a whole lot of money. And that kind of quick fundraising could put a cloud back over the whole process. “I don’t know what people need to do,” Mooney said. “Anything you do has a 50/50 chance of being right or wrong.”

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Madigan turns to high court

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13, 2008

■ Homeland

Obscure rule would let justices oust Blagojevich By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$50,000

Art on campus

Associated Press

Abner Mikva joins Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan as they discuss a motion she filed with the state Supreme Court, asking justices to strip scandal-plagued Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his power Friday in Chicago. Mikva serves as a special assistant attorney general in the attorney general's office.

SPRINGFIELD — The daughter of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s chief legislative nemesis asked the state’s high court Friday to strip the governor of his power. Relying on an obscure court rule, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan called on the high court to determine if Blagojevich is capa-

Blagojevich

‘He must have been framed,’ Blagojevich relatives in Serbia say. Story/A4

ble of carrying out his duties in the wake of a federal criminal complaint that accuses the Chicago Democrat of corruption. “I recognize that this is an extraordinary request, but these are extraordinary circumstances,” said Madigan, who is the daughter of House

Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. The use of the obscure court rule to attack a sitting governor came just days before Illinois lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield to discuss launching what could be a lengthy impeachment process against the embattled governor. Blagojevich was at his state office in Chicago on Friday, three days after his arrest and appearance in a federal courtroom. As if answering Madigan’s attack, he signed Senate Bill 934, which provides insurance

NEIGHBORHOOD HAZARDS

“Millikin Shelter Shift 09.2008” is a product of the sculpture exchange program between five universities. “Instead of trading art, we exchange artists,” said professor Jim Schietinger. Local A3

Sore over eyesores Residents upset with slow pace of demolitions in Decatur

Evangelist ousted

Convicted former Gov. George Ryan says he’s sorry for crimes committed as the state’s chief executive. Ryan said his “performance in office was less than my best, and for that I am sorry.” State A5

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.70 Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Billie Graves is angry that houses scheduled for demolition aren’t being torn down sooner. Trying to make improvements to her own house is made tougher because banks look at neighboring properties to assess loan values. By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

L O W

46 43 Today: Mostly cloudy, windy Tonight: Mostly cloudy, a shower Details/B8

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Issue 348 Four sections

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FutureGen group buys 420 acres Obama election fuels new hope H&R Staff Writer

Ex-governor sorry

HIGH

COURT/A2

By HERB MEEKER

The Rev. Richard Cizik, a longtime champion of rightwing religious causes, was forced to resign from the National Association of Evangelicals after saying he supported same-sex civil unions and was “shifting” on gay marriage. Life D2

YOUR WEATHER

coverage to the parents of children with autism. He signed the legislation without the assistance of his chief of staff, John Harris, who resigned earlier in the day. Harris also is charged in the corruption scheme and is the second top aide to quit the administration since U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald filed his criminal complaint. Blagojevich’s press office didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment. Despite the governor’s bill signing, Madigan said she believes state business is not

ECATUR — As the city steps up efforts to demolish rundown and abandoned houses, some residents continue to wait for the drawnout legal process of approving homes for demolition to be completed.

Brett Ballard, who lives in the 1200 block of East Walnut Street, is living next door to a property that has for more than a year sat neglected, waiting for somebody to take action.

Ballard said the property at 1253 E. Walnut St., with its collapsed front porch, has become a nuisance to the community and a source of pests. “It’s an eyesore for the whole neighborhood,” Ballard said. As a parent, Ballard is concerned for his son’s safety and for the presence of rodents he feels might take up residence in his household. “It’s one of my concerns, that we might be attacked by rats or whatever it is going in and out of that house,” Ballard said. Ballard’s uncle, Ron Ballard, has spoken with city staff and city Councilman Pat Laegeler on the subject of getting the house taken down. Ballard said that regardless of the lengthy legal processes

involved in destroying an abandoned property, the rundown house has just been around too long. “Don’t get me wrong. I understand you have to go through the legal department, and they have to get bids on demolition — but a year? That’s a bit long,” Ballard said. Rob Ballard is not only concerned with the bad image the property is projecting but also to the damage it is doing to the value of homes in the area. Ballard said he recently had his house appraised and has seen a depreciation. “(The appraiser) stated the reason is the abandoned house at 1253 is such an eyesore, nobody would even want to

EYESORES/A2

White House agrees to prevent ‘collapse’ of automakers Administration says no details have been set on bailout WASHINGTON (AP) — With Congress gridlocked and the economy floundering, the Bush administration declared Friday it would step in to prevent the “precipitous collapse” of the U.S. auto industry and the disastrous loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs sure to follow. A day after the sudden

demise of rescue legislation in Congress, carmakers were talking with the administration and the Federal Reserve about how they could still get the billions of dollars they say they need to survive. The talks included conditions that automakers would have to meet, said GM spokesman Greg Martin. The administration said no decisions had been made on the size or duration of the new bailout plan, or what

MATTOON — Feedback from Washington and scientific data from Coles County show FutureGen is still a sound investment, FutureGen Alliance CEO Mike Mudd said. On Friday, Mudd announced the completed purchase of 420 acres of land on the proposed FutureGen power plant construction site west of town, near Dole Road. Joined by state and local officials at a news conference, Mudd also said President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team has offered favorable signals on the project during recent discussions with FutureGen Alliance officials. “What encourages me is that they are asking good questions, and they’re openminded, and they are asking about jobs. That is a recognition that Presidentelect Obama knows and understands FutureGen, and his transition teams knows it,” Mudd said after the news conference in the board meeting room of the Mattoon School District. While FutureGen Alliance stays in contact with the new administration to secure federal funding for the $1.8 billion project, there was good news on what a seismic underground survey revealed. Rob Finley of the Illinois State Geological Survey said a seismic survey of the Mattoon site showed no evidence of faults or breaks anywhere 10,000 feet below the surface, a key to preventing leaks of carbon dioxide emissions. “This shows the Mattoon site is an excellent site for carbon sequestration. The images show no faults or fractures that could risk the escape of CO2 to the surface,” he said. Underground carbon capture, or sequestration, is a key feature of the FutureGen site. The carbon dioxide emissions would be captured and converted into liquid more than 7,000 feet below in saline deposits. Previous surveys showed enough capstone layers to prevent escape of those emissions. That helps end the greenhouse effect of carbon emissions from a coal-fired power plant. Finley said the survey used technology similar to

Associated Press

BAILOUT/A2

A pedestrian walks by graffiti Friday in downtown Detroit, Mich.

FUTUREGEN/A2

A2 LOCAL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008

Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Dancing Central Illinois Singles & Couples Christmas Dance, 7:30 to 11 p.m., Community Building, Tuscola, $8. 253-5858. Country Dancing, 7 to 9 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, Arthur, $2. Etc. Breakfast with Santa, 9 to 11 a.m., Community Building, Lovington. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Christmas Shopping Expo, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Community Center, Martinsville. Cookie Walk, 8 to 11 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mattoon. Festival of Lights Parade, 10 a.m., Shelbyville, 774-2221. Holiday Dinner, 6 p.m., The Barn, Pana, $10. 562-3526. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 422-5911. It’s A Wonderful Life - Christmas in Bement, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Downtown Bement. 678-2311. Live Nativity, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.,

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Nazarene Church, Shelbyville. Lucia Nights, 6 p.m., Bishop Hill. $5, $15. 1-309-927-3345 or 1309-927-3885. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Mid Pro Wrestling, 7 p.m., Masonic Temple, Decatur. Ornaments for Kids, 1 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. $1. 423-7708. SAIL Signed Story Times, 11 a.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur, Free. Second Saturday Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur, 424-2900, ext. 100. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Tannebaum Hike, 10 a.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. Toys for Tots Race Day, 1 p.m., RJD Hobbies & Raceway, Lincoln. Ultimate Live Nativity, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Forsyth Baptist Church, Forsyth. Visit with Santa, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Visit with Santa, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Municipal Building, Greenup.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

Pick Three-Midday 2-3-1 Pick Three-Evening 9-0-0

Pick Four-Midday 7-6-6-1 Pick Four-Evening 2-0-6-2

Little Lotto 3-4-8-13-20 Mega Millions 10-16-19-27-48

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Wonderland in Lights, 5 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800772-0750.

Maroa-Forysth Community Choir, Maroa City Hall, Maroa, 7 p.m. Free. Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur. Sam Lacy, 6 to 9 p.m., George’s Candy Shop, Taylorville.

Music “Noel Night of Everlasting Love,” 7 p.m., Neoga Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga. Community Music Program, 4 Nightlife p.m., Eastern Illinois UniDancing with DJ versity, Charleston, 581Tomorrow’s Sean Michael, 10 p.m., 3010. highlight: Block’s Brewery, Decatur Big Band, 4 Decatur. to 6 p.m., Lock, Stock Millikin DJ/Karaoke, 9 p.m., and Barrel, Decatur. Youth Chorale Elbow Room, Decatur, Dulcimer Club, 10 Fall Concert, 4 Flatlands, 8 p.m., a.m., Rock Springs p.m., First Bullseye Bar and Grill, Nature Center, Decatur. Lutheran Hammond. Eisenhower Elite Church, Free juke box party, Energy Preview Show, Decatur. Free. Mac’s Tackle Box, 7 p.m., Lincoln Square 425-4698. Decatur. Theatre, Decatur. $10. Fury, 9 p.m., Someplace Else, Johns Hill Xperience and Thomas Taylorville. Jefferson Music Machine. 201RockFest with Empire and Lat3336. Eastern Illinois University Wind eralus, 9 p.m., Touche, Decatur, Symphony and Honor Band, 7:30 786-4981. Karaoke and DJ, 9 p.m., Curly’s, p.m., Eastern Illinois University Decatur. Dvorak Concert Hall, Charleston, Karaoke with Wiz, 8 p.m., 22nd 581-3010.

Mega Ball 25 Lotto jackpot $21.5 million

Street Discount Liquor, Decatur. Leather Pistol, 9 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono, cover. Mobile Sounds Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Korn Krib, Latham. Night Moves, 9 p.m., Shooters, Lovington. Ralph & Juanita Acoustic by request, 8 p.m., Halfway There, New Berlin. Shockwave, 9 p.m., Cougar’s Corner, Hammond. TeKeLa DJ, 8 p.m., Buds on Green, Decatur. The Council, 9 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. The Rhythm Pigs, 9 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur, 875-2416. Variety Music DJ with Mike, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. Whiskey and a Pickle, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. Whiskey Dixon, 9 p.m., Timbuktu Saloon, Long Creek. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” 7 p.m., Charleston Alley Theatre, Charleston, 345-2287. “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield, $34. Reservations, (309) 965-2545. “Pirates of the Paradise Ponds: The Search for the Christmas

Mega Millions jackpot $207 million

Treasure,” (former) Time Theatre, Mattoon. $22. 234-6783. “The Nutcracker,” 2 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, 54-2787. Maniacs of Comedy Mayhem, 8 p.m., The Dragon Inn, Sullivan. $5. Seniors Johns Hill Senior Center, Club Continental, 11:30 a.m., Decatur. 428-7893. Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Taylorville, 824-3028. Narcotics Anonymous, St. Thomas Community Center, Decatur, 1 and 6 p.m. 1-800-5390475. Narcotics Anonymous, midnight, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Project Read, 9 a.m., Knapp Library, Middletown, 445-2050.

BAILOUT

COURT

Continued from A1

type of concessions might be demanded from the struggling automakers, their workers, stockholders or others. In a reversal, the most likely rescue option under consideration involved billions of dollars originally ticketed for the bailout of the financial industry. President George W. Bush had earlier declared that money off-limits to the beleaguered automakers. General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have warned they are running out of cash and face bankruptcy without some form of assistance. Ford Motor Co., which is in somewhat better shape financially, has been seeking access to a line of credit. Underlining its difficulties, GM announced Friday it would cut another 250,000 vehicles from its first-quarter production schedule — a third of its normal output — by temporarily closing 21 factories across North America. The move affects most plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Many will be shut the whole month of January. Urgent requests for White House intervention to save the automakers came from President-elect Barack Obama, Republican and Democratic members of Congress and outside groups. “Under normal economic conditions, we would prefer that markets determine the ultimate fate of private firms,” White House press secretary Dana Perino said after the failure of a $14 billion bailout bill in Congress. The legislation died when Senate Republicans demanded upfront pay and benefit concessions from the United Auto Workers that union officials rejected. Perino added, “Given the current weakened state of the U.S. economy, we will consider other options if necessary including use of the TARP program to prevent a collapse of troubled automakers. A precipitous collapse of this industry would have a severe

getting done after Blagojevich was charged with attempting to enrich himself by selling Presidentelect Barack Obama’s open Senate seat. “State government is paralyzed by a governor who is incapable of governing,” Madigan said. As an example, she pointed to an attempt by the state to borrow $1.4 billion. The borrowing plan, meant to help pay state vendors who haven’t received money from the state for months, has been delayed because of concerns about the political instability in the state. “Without immediate action, the citizens of the state of Illinois face a prolonged period of illegitimate leadership from a governor who no longer has the trust and confidence of the state’s citizens and its public officials,” court papers stated. If she is successful, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would take over as chief executive. He could quickly move to appoint a replacement for Obama’s Senate seat. Lawmakers, meanwhile, could continue attempting to impeach Blagojevich. That process, however, could take months. It’s not clear how long it will take the court to decide what to do regarding Madigan’s request. The legal action is based on Supreme Court Rule 382, which allows the state’s justices to rule on “the ability of the governor to serve.” Analysts say Madigan is in uncharted legal waters. “The attorney general is moving into untested ground with this motion. It will be extremely interesting to see how the Supreme Court reacts,” said Robert Rich, director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. The attorney general’s move also potentially has major political implications. Although hobbled by low poll numbers and the federal accusations, Blagojevich has said he would run for re-election in 2010. Madigan, a two-term attorney general and former state senator, also has said she is considering a gubernatorial bid. She said politics and future elections were “not on my radar” in deciding to move forward with the action.

FUTUREGEN Continued from A1 ultrasound and other soundimaging techniques, such as oil well logging. Three seismic sound vehicles dropped weights equal to 106,000 pounds to send sound waves in color images up to 10,000 feet below the surface for several miles around the FutureGen site. Transmission lines for recording the sound waves were stretched along local

EYESORES Continued from A1 move into this neighborhood,” Ballard said. Billy Grabes, a retiree who lives near the house, said her attempts to get a loan based on her home equity have met with similar difficulties. “(Several lenders) said they

Associated Press

Workers leave the Chrysler Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich., on Friday. Festering animosity between the United Auto Workers and Southern senators who torpedoed the auto industry bailout bill erupted into full-fledged name-calling Friday as union officials accused the lawmakers of trying to break the union on behalf of foreign automakers. impact on our economy, and it would be irresponsible to further weaken and destabilize our economy at this time.” TARP is the $700 billion Troubled Assets Recovery Program, the financial industry bailout plan enacted in October. All but $15 billion of the first $350 billion has been dedicated to troubled banks or insurance companies, and the Treasury Department is barred from dipping into the second $350 billion without a formal notification of Congress. No decision has been reached about such a notification, administration officials said. If one is made, Congress could then vote to prevent the action, but it would be unlikely to prevail in a showdown with the president. Obama, who will inherit the

problem next month, even if bailout billions are handed over in the meantime, said, “My hope is that the administration and the Congress will still find a way to give the industry the temporary assistance it needs while demanding the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required.” In a letter to Bush, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged the president to demand “the same tough accountability” and taxpayer protections from the automakers as was contained in legislation that cleared the House at midweek. Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, a conservative Republican from a state where Ford, GM and Chrysler are headquartered, said, “With the legislative opportunities now exhausted, I urge

the president of the United States to immediately release Wall Street TARP funds to the domestic automakers to avoid their impending bankruptcy and its consequent devastation of working families and the depression of our American economy.” It was unclear what role was left to lawmakers after an extraordinary week in which prospects for industry relief seemed to change by the hour. A week ago, the government reported the loss of 533,000 jobs in November, the worst monthly showing in more than 30 years. In the days between then and now, the White House and congressional Democrats agreed on a $14 billion measure that would have extended short-term financing to the industry while establishing a

powerful new “car czar” to make sure the money was used to turn the Big Three into competitive companies. That bill passed the House on Wednesday but immediately ran into opposition from Senate Republicans who said it did not go far enough. On Thursday, they demanded the United Auto Workers union agree to accept a lower pay and benefits package that would be in line with compensation earned by workers at U.S. factories producing cars for Japanese companies such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan. In an unprecedented series of negotiations, lawmakers met with representatives of industry and labor on the first floor of the Capitol in hopes of striking a deal — the effort that ultimately collapsed when the UAW balked at the terms demanded.

roads to produce a grid, Finley said. Hannes Leetaru, a senior geologist with the geological survey, helped interpret the images with his expertise in petroleum surveys. Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said the survey results and land sales show the partnership is working well on the private and public level. “The team that worked to bring FutureGen to Illinois is still moving the ball forward

to make this critical project a reality,” Lavin said. “With this effort, we’re making the best possible case to President-elect Obama and his energy policy team that the path to energy independence goes right through Mattoon, Illinois.” And Coles County has shown its support for the project, Coles Together President Angela Griffin said. That included a $3 million fund drive to help with costs on the land deal, which will total more than $6 million with a

sharing of costs by FutureGen Alliance, a group of worldwide coal-related companies. The sale of 25 more acres will be completed in coming weeks to wrap up the final step on land acquisition near Mattoon. Land sale options have been in place for a long time. Present at the announcement were state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon; state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion; and representatives of U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-

Collinsville, and U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana. Other state lawmakers, including Sen. Gary Forby, DBenton, and Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, said the project is important to the Illinois economy by creating hundreds of jobs directly, and possibly thousands indirectly by helping the coal industry in the state. “We want this so we can put people to work. That is why I am glad to be here today,” Forby said.

couldn’t see a return on the money because of the neighborhood. Too many rundown properties,” Grabes said. “I can understand what they were saying.” Laegeler said it is important to remember the procedures the city and the court system must go through to see that the law handles the situation properly. City legal coun-

sel must try to determine who owns the property, if they are still alive and if any lien holders have any stake in the property, and then the court system must allow any potentially invested people prescribed periods to respond or object, all after making every reasonable effort to contact interested parties. The city council regularly

approves several demolitions at a time at bimonthly council meetings. “These things take time, and when you have an obvious case like this, obviously the court system wants to make sure everybody’s rights are protected when you’re talking about personal property and real estate,” Laegeler said. Brett Ballard said that

while he understands there are processes in place, some quicker remedy is needed. “I really don’t know the proper procedures that go along with it,” Ballard said. “I just know that from my side, I see this house, and I feel like it should be torn down and like it should have been torn down.”

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

hmeeker@jg-tc.com|238-6869

klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

n FALLING PRICES: At least natural gas costs less this year/F1

Shop with sheriff

Eisenhower mood

Police escort kids on special gift-buying patrol/B1

It’s down as losses pile up, especially at home/C1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2008

Republicans’ opportunity knocks Blagojevich scandal could be exploited in 2010 elections By KURT ERICKSON and MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writers

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$250,000

Truth about Santa

SPRINGFIELD — Even before Tuesday’s arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges, the ripples of promise had begun flowing ashore for beleaguered Illinois Republicans. Although the washed-out GOP has weathered two rough election cycles since the demise of former party standard bearer Gov. George Ryan, politi-

cal gridlock in a state controlled by Democrats was shaping up as a major campaign theme for 2010. Blagojevich’s blockbuster problems transformed those ripples into a tidal wave. “The Republicans have now an opportunity to win a statewide office that they didn’t have before,” said John Jackson, a political scientist with the Paul Simon Public Policy Center at Southern Illinois University. In 2010, all of the state’s top offices now held by Democrats are up for grabs. So, too, is the U.S. Senate seat once held by President-elect Barack Obama, no matter who holds it in the interim.

n Inside Blagojevich gets attorney’s advice/ B1 State’s corruption history/B2

Names of potential candidates have been circulating for months. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias have acknowledged they are considering a gubernatorial run. State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, has floated his name as a potential statewide candidate.

Democrats mentioned as potential candidates for Obama’s Senate seat include U.S. Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr., Jan Schakowsky, Danny Davis and Luis Gutierrez, all of Chicago. Among Republicans, U.S. Reps. Mark Kirk and Peter Roskam, both representing suburban Chicago districts, have been floated as potential candidates for the Senate. Other GOP names that have been mentioned include retiring U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Peoria, former state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and former Gov. Jim Edgar. State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington,

KNOCKS/A2

HOLIDAY STORYTIME

Vets’ spouses not getting millions in aid

Signs of the season

When should parents say how much about St. Nick? One local expert suggests mom and dad follow the child’s lead. Life D1

Yuletide bargain queen Jill Jones puts her shopaholic tendencies to good use around Christmas. She’ll hit gas stations and anywhere else with the right items. Home E1

Technology gaffe causes problem

Seeking shelter Willow Tree Mission is collecting toys and donations for a women’s shelter, while the Piatt County project remains on the drawing board. Money F1

Hormone dangers Taking menopause hormones for five years doubles breast cancer risk, according to a new analysis of a federal study. Nation A4

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.67

YOUR WEATHER

HIGH

L O W

54 24 Today: Windy with spotty showers Tonight: Windy, rainy, colder Details/B6

INDEX Classifieds . . . . . . . . . E4-10 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . inside Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D2 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1-4 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . E7,9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1-8 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . C7

$1.75 136th year Issue 349 Six sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

This Santa spoke not a word, but the children had no trouble reading his signing and knowing who he was during a special program for children with hearing disabilities at the Decatur Public Library. TOP: Victoria Brase points out Santa during the storytelling session. BELOW: Theron Carrington doesn’t quite know what to think of the dancing, singing toy chicken at the session.

Santa entertains deaf, hard of hearing children at library By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Victoria Brase thought she had it all figured out. The 8-year-old from Moweaqua popped to the top of the stairs in the Decatur Public Library’s children’s department, asking, “Where’s Santa Claus?” Victoria, who participates in the American Sign Language Story Telling Time, was just certain that last year’s Santa Claus, portrayed by Charles Hawkins, would be a returning guest Saturday.

But no, Hawkins, though wearing a Santa hat, sat through a story signed by Wendy Carrington along with other adults and the children attending the second Saturday event. The storytime is sponsored by Soyland Access to Independent Living and the library. Carrington signed and interpreted the book, “The Fright Before Christmas” by James Howe, before asking,

“Who’s coming? Just make a guess.” With the right answer from the children, Carrington went on a search, leading the children on an imaginary hunt for Santa, when he appeared from a room at the back. “Ho, ho, ho!” he signed, shaking his Santa-size belly. “Merry Christmas,” he also signed. “I’m an old man,” Santa teased. “I’ve been riding a sleigh all night long.” Then, continuing to sign, he said, “I’m deaf. I’m a deaf Santa Claus.” But that didn’t keep him from asking the usual Santa questions. “Have you been good in school?” he asked. “Have you been good for mom and dad? That’s great.” Before leaving, Santa Claus, whose other name is Edwin Carrington of

WASHINGTON (AP) — Surviving spouses of war veterans have been wrongfully denied up to millions of dollars in government benefits over the past 12 years due to computer glitches that often resulted in money being seized from the elderly survivors’ bank accounts. The Veterans Affairs Department said Saturday that it wasn’t fully aware of the problem. It pledged to work quickly to give back the pension and disability checks — ranging from $100 to more than $2,500 — that hundreds of thousands of widows or widowers should have received during the month of their spouse’s death. “This problem HOW must be MUCH fixed,” said VA The pension Secretary and disability James checks range Peake. from $100 to The more than depart$2,500. ment indicated in an “action plan” provided to The Associated Press that up to millions of dollars in back payments could be given to the surviving spouses sometime after February, once it can identify them. To expedite matters, the VA said those who believe they were wrongfully denied payments can call its help line at 1-800-827-1000. Congress passed a law in 1996 giving veterans’ spouses the right to keep their partners’ final month of benefits. It instructed the VA to make changes as needed to comply with the law, which took effect for spouses of veterans who died after Dec. 31, 1996. But the VA never updated its automated computer systems, which send out checks and notification letters. As a

SIGNS/A2

The Exhibition Hall of the new Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The center opened four years late and $300 million over budget.

Votes split on new Capitol Visitors Center Cost overruns deplored, beauty and detail adored McClatchy-Tribune News Service

WASHINGTON — The new Capitol Visitor Center opened this month as a shrine to the legislative branch, presenting a polished version of Congress that leaves little room for cynicism — though plenty of space for bathrooms. It arrived four years late and more than $300 million over budget, causing some lawmakers to fume and the Govern-

ment Accountability Office to offer countless oversight reports and hours of critical testimony. Taxpayer watchdog groups called the center a boondoggle, and some critics worry that the center is another step in trying to keep legislators away from the public. “I think it’s a monstrosity,” said Rep. Jack Kingston, a Georgia Republican. “It confirms what so many people believe about Washington excess.” However, tourists who wandered its

CAPITOL/A2

WIDOWS/A2

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

A2 LOCAL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Saturday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Dancing Po.L.K. of A. Club, 2 to 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, Riverton. $8, $9. Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Christmas in the Village, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heyworth American legion and VFW, Heyworth. (309) 473-2067. Christmas Open House, 1 to 4 p.m., Oglesby Mansion, Decatur. Free. 429-9422. Christmas Tea, 1 to 4 p.m., Millikin Homestead, Decatur, 4229003. Giant Flea Market, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, Springfield. 5296939. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 422-5911. Live Nativity, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Nazarene Church, Shelbyville. Madrigal Dinner, 4:30 p.m., Lincoln Land Community College

Menard Hall Student Union, Springfield. $27. 786-2762 or 1-800-7274161, ext. 62762. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Ornaments for Toddlers, 2 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. $1. 423-7708. Santa at the Depot, 7:15 p.m., Mattoon Railroad Depot, Mattoon. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Wonderland in Lights, 5 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800772-0750. Music “Noel Night of Everlasting Love,” 4 p.m., Neoga Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga. “Treasures of Christmas” Cantata, 10 p.m., First Southern Baptist Church, Mattoon. Cantata Preview, 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, Clinton, 9356619. Chamber Orchestra Advent Services, Central Christian Church, Decatur, 8:05 and 10:35 a.m.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

Pick Three-Midday 4-4-8 Green Ball-Double Draw 7-1-6

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Christmas Cantata, 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewardson. Maroa-Forsyth Community Choir, Maroa City Hall, Maroa, 3 and 7 p.m. Free. Millikin Youth Chorale Fall Concert, 4 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Decatur. Free. 425-4698. Old Time Music Jam, 1 to 4 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. Student Recital, 6 p.m., Eastern Illinois University Recital hall, Charleston, Trevor Elam, clarinet. 581-3010. Twilighters Country, Bluegrass and Gospel Music, 2 to 5 p.m., Shelby County Senior Center, Shelbyville. 774-2251. Nightlife Indagroove, 9 p.m., Touche, Decatur, 786-4981. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild

SIGNS Morton, passed out treats, wishing all a “Merry Christmas.” Children also were IF YOU treated to GO original storybooks WHAT: Ameriwritten by can Sign Lanstudents of guage storytelling Jason time for deaf and Doty, who hard of hearing teaches children freshmen WHEN: 11 and sophoa.m., second Satmore Engurday of the lish at Mamonth roa-ForWHERE: syth High Decatur Public School. Library children’s Students department read the books for the children as LaVerle Carrington, deaf services advocate for Soyland, also signed the stories for them. Students worked in teams, starting in October, Doty said, to write and illustrate the books. The only criteria required was the story had to have some kind of moral lesson, he added. For example, one book the students wrote dealt with Halloween safety, another was the story of a dog who wouldn’t stop trying.

Herald & Review/Lisa Morrison

Santa hands out candy and treats to children at the Decatur Public Library during the American Sign Language Story Time.

Continued from A1 cavernous space early this month praised the center. They marveled at the 11-foot replica of the Capitol dome and leaned close to study the plaster model of the Statue of Freedom that sits atop the real dome. The center was conceived in the 1990s as an indoor stopping place for tourists who’d long suffered in long lines outdoors through the cold of winter and humid summer swelter on their way inside to tour the Capitol itself. The project broke ground ceremoniously in 2000, though construction didn’t begin until 2002. Over the years, members of Congress just kept adding on. There were security updates in the wake of the shooting deaths of two U.S. Capitol police officers in 1998 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. By the time the first tourists poured inside on its first day, the cost of the Capitol Visitor Center had more than doubled, to $621 million. More than just an air-conditioned underground sanctum, it features 26 restrooms, a restaurant and two gift shops, and encompasses 580,000 square feet — more than a third of the Capitol itself. “It’s beautiful. I think it’s money well-spent,” said Covie Herrera, 68, of Santa Teresa, N.M. “If they’re going to spend money, make it for

Continued from A1 result, widows or widowers either were denied the final month of payment or asked to return the checks. In many cases, if the checks already were deposited or spent, the U.S. Treasury moved to seize the money directly from their accounts. Sen. Daniel Akaka, DHawaii, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, confronted Peake about the problem in a letter last week after receiving a complaint from a widow. In response, Peake instructed the Veterans Benefits Administration to update its systems as

Meetings Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 1:15 p.m., Decatur, 422-0095. Freedom by Choice ABATE, 1 p.m., D.A.V. Chapter 17, Decatur. VFW Post 99, 2 p.m., Post Hall, Decatur. Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield. 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8, $4, free for children 2 and under. (708) 485-0263. David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. David Erlanson Gallery, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richland Community College, Decatur, “White Rabbit,” Alida Duff Sullivan, digital photography.

Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Second Floor Gallery, Decatur, Drawings and paintings by Dan Modzelewski. 422-1509. Dewitt County Tomorrow’s Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 highlight: p.m., Clinton, “Mrs. Bob “Years of Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Christmas Past.” Closed Binge,” 7 p.m., Monday. $3, Charleston $1. 935-6066. Alley Theatre, DuSable Charleston, Museum of 345-2287. African American History, noon to 5 p.m. Free. (773) 947-0600. Field Museum, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11, $9. (312) 6657100. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Heritage in Flight Museum, Logan County Airport, Lincoln, Aviation displays from all U.S. wars in 20th century. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Illinois State Museum, Springfield. 782-7386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign. 2 to 5 p.m. Free, $3 donation suggested. 333-1861.

edly hammered her in television ads of being “George Ryan’s treasurer.” Only this Continued from A1 time, it will be Blagojevich has said he’s running for playing the part of Ryan. governor in 2010. Although Blagojevich If a special election is held already was being demonized for the Senate seat, the by many in his own party dynamics would be vastly over his management style, different from those of a fullDemocrats are using the fledged, statewide run for occasion of the federal invesoffice in 2010. tigation to furA shortened ther distance special election in themselves from the first half of the man. next year would They nearly allow a sitting unanimously member of Conhave urged him gress to seek the to resign, and, in higher post witha further out losing his or attempt to insuher current seat. late themselves It also could favor from the politia candidate who cal storm surge, already has a are talking about Frank Watson, Illinois stockpile of camimpeaching him. Senate minority leader paign cash to The House and spend. Senate return to Regardless of what hapaction Monday. Although the pens with the Senate seat, focus of the two-day session Illinois Senate Minority is to figure out a way to strip Leader Frank Watson, RBlagojevich of the power to Greenville, said Blagojevich appoint a replacement for will be a big issue in 2010. Obama, impeachment is “George Ryan certainly dominating discussion. was,” said Watson, who is Jacobs argues that retiring as minority leader. because both major parties “They (Democrats) have to have been hit hard by corbe held accountable for Rod ruption scandals in the Blagojevich.” state’s recent past, voters For voters, that could won’t necessarily punish mean a return to the playDemocrats exclusively when book Blagojevich used to they go to the polls in 2010. beat Republican Judy Baar “I think people realize this Topinka, in which he repeatisn’t a Democrat issue and

‘They (Democrats) have to be held accountable for Rod Blagojevich.’

CAPITOL

WIDOWS

Christmas Binge,” 7 p.m., Charleston Alley Theatre, Charleston, 345-2287. “Perfect Wedding,” noon, Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield. $32. Reservations, (309) 9652545.

Lotto 10-11-24-25-27-31 Lotto jackpot $21.5 million

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the people. And this is for the people.” Tourists descend below the Capitol’s east front and enter the great Emancipation Hall, where they can look up at the real Capitol dome through skylights and can wait to begin a 13-minute introductory movie in one of two theaters, with showings assigned to the minute. “It’s spectacular,” said Ron Sellon of Boston, in town with his wife and two children, ages 5 and 7. “We’ve heard horror stories about the lines before and the uncomfortable waiting. This is just amazing.” Behind the giant hall, a darkened room holds the Wall of Aspirations — curving marble walls housing original and copies of historic documents, including the Medicare Act of 1965 and James Madison’s 1789 notes on the Bill of Rights. Leaning over the second-story railing on the center’s opening week, David Payne, a superintendent with the New York construction company that worked on the security system, clutched floor plans and proclaimed the center a success. “We did a good job,” said Payne, who helped with door locks, metal screening and other security projects over the past two months. He was there to review final details. Payne called the criticism about cost overruns “greatly exaggerated” and said it mostly had to do with new House and Senate offices unavailable to the public.

quickly as possible to prevent future denials of benefits. “This flawed practice has caused serious hardship for many widows,” Akaka said Saturday. “Now that this problem has been brought to light, I trust that surviving spouses will receive the benefits they are due.” The VA has yet to identify the exact number of widows or widowers affected, but acknowledged Saturday it could be “sizable.” Akaka’s committee estimates that 50,000 surviving spouses each year since 1996 could be affected, based on VA numbers indicating more than 100,000 veterans die each year — some of whom may have been single or divorced —

while receiving VA benefits. Out of that 50,000, some spouses might have received the payments they were due if they called the VA at the time to inquire about their rights. The disclosure comes as the VA is scrambling to upgrade government technology systems before new legislation providing for millions of dollars in new GI education benefits takes effect next August. Thousands of veterans currently also endure six-month waits for disability benefits, despite promises by Peake and his predecessor, Jim Nicholson, to reduce delays. President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to “fix the benefits bureaucracy” at the VA.

Mega Millions jackpot $12 million

Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur. $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois.” 422-4919. Madden Arts Center Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur. XMAS ARTicles. Noon to 4 p.m. 423-3189. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, “The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians.” (309) 827-0428. Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, Moweaqua, 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 7683019. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield, 1 to 4 p.m. $3, $2, $1.50. 544-3480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $23, $16. (312) 9392438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (314) 721-0072. Under the Prairie Museum, Elkhart. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3. 9472522.

this isn’t a Republican issue,” Jacobs said. Jackson said a single event such as Blagojevich’s arrest probably won’t immediately turn Illinois into a Republican state. For example, two years is a long time for the political situation to change. If Democrats break the gridlock that has halted many proposals in Springfield lately, voters’ perceptions of the party might not be tied exclusively to Blagojevich. State Rep. Roger Eddy, RHutsonville, said his party has to propose solutions to corruption that have teeth. “A lot depends on if Republicans are thought to be serious about reform,” Eddy said. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865 mike.riopell@lee.net

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Herald&Review

OPINION

GARY SAWYER

Blagojevich payoff tries ludicrous One fascinating part of the story about Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest is the alleged attempt to influence the owners of the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial page editors who had been tough on the governor. The attempt pales in comparison to the alleged auction of Barack Obama’s Senate seat, but it gives a glimpse into the governor’s actions. Blagojevich and Chief of Staff John Harris discussed several times state funds that were going to be used by the Tribune Co. to facilitate the sale of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. The Tribune Co. also owns the Chicago Tribune. In the complaint filed by the U.S. attorney’s office, Blagojevich is quoted as instructing Harris to make it clear that if certain Tribune editorial page editors were fired, the funding from the Illinois Finance Authority would go easier. Blagojevich seems frustrated when that doesn’t happen and essentially threatens to hold up the funding if he doesn’t get some editorial support. ACCORDING TO EDITORS at the Chicago Tribune, the message from Blagojevich never was delivered by the owners to the editorial page editors. A politician wanting more positive editorials isn’t anything new. But using state funds to, in essence, “buy” less critical editorial opinions is a curious tactic. Although the Tribune editorial pages have been highly critical of Blagojevich and have called for his impeachment, they hardly are the only newspaper that has criticized the governor. If Blagojevich succeeded in compromising the Tribune, there would still have been millions of Illinois newspaper readers digesting critical editorials about the governor. In addition, it’s not as if the governor’s approval rating was going to soar just because the Tribune took it easy on him. Even before his arrest, the governor’s approval among voters was in the cellar. It’s hard to see how that could change. IT ALSO SEEMS foolhardy to offer a “deal” to a company that specializes in reporting about government leaders and their pitfalls. “Pay to play” may work on contractors or other politicians because both parties have good reason to keep quiet. A newspaper company has much to gain, however, by exposing that it was offered a deal by someone in power. Did the governor really believe that the Tribune was going to silence its editorial writers and quietly accept the financing? Although Blagojevich and Harris were taped discussing the Tribune deal, we don’t know exactly how Harris presented the idea to Tribune management. We also don’t know if the Tribune handed the information over to the U.S. attorney’s office. What we do know is that the Tribune delayed printing a story about the wiretaps and bugs for several weeks at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The attorney’s office was worried that printing the story would compromise the investigation. WE ALSO DON’T know exactly what Blagojevich was thinking during this process. It’s hard to imagine a mind that sees the naming of a U.S. senator as a chance to cash in. The governor’s demeanor in the hours and days after being arrested seems to indicate a person who thinks his powerful position makes him incapable of doing wrong. Many of the incidents detailed in the U.S. attorney’s case indicated Blagojevich’s motive was financial. Blagojevich would have gained little, even if the Tribune agreed to the alleged demands. His motive in the Tribune case appears to be a simple power play. He believed he could get people fired, and that was reason enough to give it a try. gsawyer@herald-review.com|421-6975

Sunday, December 14, 2008

www.herald-review.com

OUR VIEWS

Courageous stands make big difference Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

U.S. ATTORNEY Patrick Fitzgerald has proven to be a relentless prosecutor against corruption in Illinois. It is Fitzgerald who put former Gov. George Ryan in federal prison and who last week arrested and brought charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich. But former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, no relation to the U.S. attorney, is the one politician who put the entire process into motion. The former senator’s story is significant and also contains a lesson for current politicians. Peter Fitzgerald, a Republican, won his Senate seat against Democrat Carol Moseley Braun in 1998. He was not favored by members of the Republican Party when he ran for election and soon proved to be his own man in the Senate. It was Peter Fitzgerald who nominated Patrick Fitzgerald, at that time an assistant U.S. attorney from Manhattan, as the new U.S. attorney for Illinois. Patrick Fitzgerald was well-known for prosecuting organized crime and terrorism cases, and Peter Fitzgerald believed those skills would work well prosecuting corruption in Illinois. The nomination was not greeted with kindness by the Illinois Republican Party or the media. Sen. Fitzgerald’s move angered then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and many columnists and editorial boards wondered why the senator couldn’t find a suitable U.S. attorney from within the state. Sen. Fitzgerald suspected that any attorney from within the state would be politically connected and might be inclined to be less than aggressive against corruption. Patrick Fitzgerald had no political connections and could investigate and prosecute with-

out worrying about the political ramifications. It appears that’s exactly what attorney Fitzgerald has done. His office prosecuted former Gov. Ryan, a Republican. Attorney Fitzgerald also spent several months investigating who disclosed the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame. His investigation went all the way to Vice President Dick Cheney’s office, and it resulted in the conviction of “Scooter” Libby for lying to the FBI and a federal grand jury about his role in the leak. After his stint in Washington, Fitzgerald returned to Chicago and focused on Blagojevich, a Democrat. The result was last week’s arrest. Peter Fitzgerald took other stands against corruption in the state. He spoke out against federal funding for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, for example, because the state refused to put the project out for competitive bids. He voted against pork barrel projects, even those in his home state. Sen. Fitzgerald’s actions eventually cost him his Senate seat. He elected not to run for re-election in 2004, primarily because it became clear the Republican Party was going to work against him, including putting up a primary opponent. In another historic twist, Fitzgerald’s seat was won by now President-elect Barack Obama. Although there is no way to know, one has to wonder where Illinois would be if Peter Fitzgerald had not insisted on an “outsider” for U.S. attorney. The lesson of Sen. Fitzgerald is this: Politicians should worry less about party loyalty and more about doing what’s right. It may take years, but courageous stands can have significant outcomes.

Blagojevich cooks ‘irony stew’ During his State of the State speech in March 2003, Gov. Rod Blagojevich talked about life in the post-George Ryan era. “No one is going to get in the way of our quest to clean up state government,” Blagojevich said. More than five years and plenty of allegations and investigations later, the federal criminal complaint filed against Blagojevich Tuesday makes it fairly clear who got in the way. Faced with the power to appoint a successor to Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate, Blagojevich was secretly taped by federal investigators last month saying: “I’ve got this thing and its (expletive) golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing. I’m not gonna do it. And, and I can always use it. I can parachute me there,” Blagojevich said. His statements from the past and what the feds heard on their wiretaps are a recipe for irony stew.

KURT ERICKSON

That was then In his 2004 budget address, Blagojevich outlined how lawmakers might make ends meet without a pay raise. “Maybe you go out for dinner less. Maybe you don’t take a vacation. Maybe you don’t buy a new suit,” Blagojevich said. But, if you believe the federal wiretaps, he would rather trade a seat in the Senate for a higher-paying job than do any of those pedestrian things. On Nov. 7, right after a presidential election that saw an Illinoisan win the White House, Blagojevich discussed

Obama’s open Senate seat and indicated that if he was appointed to a Cabinet position in the Obama administration, he would appoint a certain person to replace Obama in the Senate. In that conversation, Blagojevich, who makes $170,000 annually as governor, stated he is “financially” hurting. “I want to make money,” Blagojevich said on the wiretap. Compare that sentiment to this from a 2003 speech: “Only by working together, by putting the interest of our state above the interest of our parties, can we meet the challenges before us,” he said.

ment. On Nov. 10, according to the federal complaint, Blagojevich said he does “not want to be governor for the next two years.” No one should be shocked the governor ignored warnings about crossing the lines of legality. He often ran the state that way. In 2006, Auditor General William Holland issued a report saying a prescription drug program developed by Blagojevich violates federal law. The governor’s response: He said he won’t be “bullied or pressured” by the feds. For good measure, he said he’d even expand the program.

Not so hard a worker

Doing it his way

As governor, Blagojevich didn’t do much to earn a reputation as a hard worker. He was often seen jogging in his neighborhood during hours that the rest of us were at work. He rarely came to Springfield. He didn’t engage himself in the nuts and bolts of running state government. The wiretaps bear out this senti-

Earlier that year, he thumbed his nose at state law when he announced he was giving the Carterville School District cash to fix an aging building, despite 23 other school districts already being in line for state construction money. Blagojevich’s response to questions about the school issue was “sue me.”

Speak up

Today’s question: In light of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest this week, is Illinois the most corrupt state in the nation?

Sixty-nine percent of those responding to a Herald & Review online survey do not believe that the U.S. government should bail out the Big Three automakers.

Yes No, but it’s in the top 10; Not at all It’s not Illinois that’s corrupt, it’s Chicago

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He then promptly forgot his promise to Carterville and didn’t come through with the money for more than a year. The governor routinely has fended off questions about questionable behavior. He had a good run of it in 2006, as voters were considering whether to reelect the guy. Here’s what I wrote in this space in September of that year: “Gov. Tony Soprano, er, we mean, Rod Blagojevich, recently reported getting a $1,500 check from one of his buddies. As the governor tells it, the money was a birthday present for his daughter, Amy, from a longtime friend whose wife just happened to get a job with the state within weeks of the check being written.” In other words, a pay-to-play birthday. The allegations contained in the federal complaint have left a lot of people breathless. You wonder if anyone has enough left to blow out the candles. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865 The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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Governor scandal mars Obama ceremony Electors to make it official in state Capitol today By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

SPRINGFIELD —The highs and lows of Illinois politics collide head-on in the Illi-

nois Capitol today. In the morning, Electoral College members will gather in the Senate chambers to formally elect Illinois’ own Barack Obama Madigan to be the next president of the United States.

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A few hours later, General Assembly members will file into the stately building to discuss what to do about Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested last week on federal corruption charges. From enthusiasm and pride for Obama, to embarrassment and shame over Blagojevich’s alleged behavior, the day represents a microcosm

of where Illinois finds itself in the political world. “It’s a stark contrast,” said Kent Redfield, University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist. “There was an opportunity to present a new face of Illinois politics to the world. Instead, all the focus is going to be on another corrupt governor.” For Obama, the day is a

MAKING TRACKS

Globalization cushions blows

The Bush administration tossed out no lifeline for the teetering auto industry Sunday, and a Republican who blocked $14 billion in loans said it appeared the White House hadn’t decided what to do. Nation A10

By TIM LOGAN Lee News Service Writer

Health care worries Across the country, the loss of nearly 2 million jobs in the past year is stirring anxieties about how to find and pay for health insurance. The price is steep with nearly any option but pales in comparison to the financial calamities that await the uninsured. Money A5

With national economic troubles spilling over locally, organizers of Charleston’s Community Christmas Dinner are seeking extra donations of food. Local A3

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.44

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SCANDAL/A2

‘Hard times’ fall short of Depression

Automakers on hold

Food need rising

formality, following the Nov. 4 general election. The U.S. Constitution calls for the 538 members of the Electoral College to meet in their state capitals and in Washington, D.C., on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December to cast their ballots for

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Fred Wilhite helps his dog up to the 82-foot passenger car he had placed in his backyard. The train buff had plans to restore the 1940s-era car and use it to store part of his railroad memorabilia collection. BELOW: Wilhite’s ‘O’ scale train layout fills the basement of his home. He puts some of the cars back on track after they were knocked off by his cats.

All Aboard! Decatur’s Fred Wilhite brings a piece — a BIG piece — of railroad history home DECATUR — Nothing says Christmas for boys like a train set under the tree. But Fred Wilhite never got one. He was raised by his grandfather, Fred Stanley, who worked for the Wabash Railroad and didn’t take his work home with him in the form of toys. A young man during the Great Depression, Stanley learned to marshal his pennies, and there was no money for luxuries such as model locomotives. But his adopted son and grandson grew up loving trains while learning the value of patience, cherishing the idea that all good things get shunted into the siding of those who wait. Fifty years on, Wilhite finally has a train to call his very own, although the only tree big enough for it to fit under would be a California redwood. Drive out to his Decatur home — he lives, of course, on Christmas Tree

TONY REID

Road — and feast sore eyes on the pride and joy he’s always wanted. Decked out with festive multicolored lights, the full-size CSX 1940s-era passenger car is 82 feet long and 14 feet, 2 inches high. Dismantled for its final journey to his house and then assembled again, it weighs more than 100 tons. It arrived in late November from the Jasper Street railyards in Decatur via a road trip of more than 15 miles and five years of organizational headaches and expense that ran into “many thousands.” Wilhite had to persuade people, such as the railroad management, that he really did want to buy one of their old trains. “Ron Peters (of Farmer Citybased Peters House Movers) actually moved the train by road to my house,” he said. “I don’t think he took me serious at first, either, but I bugged the hell out of him. I’m a little bit weird, and once I start on something, I’m vindictive about staying with it.”

RAIL/A2

Iraqi reporter votes with feet Bush unhurt in shoe attack during surprise visit KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — On a whirlwind trip shrouded in secrecy and marred by dissent, President Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the wars that define his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of his unpopularity when a man hurled two shoes at him during a news conference in Iraq. “This is your farewell kiss, you dog!” shouted the protester in Arabic, later identified as

Muntadar al-Zeidi, a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia television, an Iraqi-owned station based in Cairo, Egypt. “This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.” Bush ducked both shoes as they whizzed past his head and landed with a thud against the wall behind him. “It was a size 10,” Bush joked later. The U.S. president visited the Iraqi capital just 37 days before he hands the war off to his successor, Barack Obama, who has pledged to end it. The president

BUSH/A2

Associated Press

A man throws a shoe at President Bush during a news conference Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad. The man threw two shoes at Bush. Bush ducked both throws, and neither man was hit.

So, if we’re in “the worst economy since the Great Depression” — a phrase heard more and more lately — why doesn’t it feel quite that way? Look around. There are no bread lines. No throngs at the unemployment office. Last weekend at the West County Mall in St. Louis, there were dozens of guys in green vests shepherding holiday shoppers through the packed parking lots. People lined up at the cash registers. Yet we’re spending less, a rare thing in this country. The stock market has plunged so low that it may take years to recover. In the past 12 months, our economy has shed nearly 1.9 million jobs. And things are expected to worsen. “It’s really no exaggeration to say the economy right now is in free fall,” said Nigel Gault, an economist with IHS Global Insight. So maybe we will land in a new Depression, or at least a long, ugly slump such as the mid-1970s or early ’80s. Those who study these things say it’s too soon to tell, or to know what real hard times would look like in 2009. When it comes to comparisons with the Great Depression, there’s a big difference between “worst since” and “as bad as,” said David Wheelock, an economic historian at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In the early 1930s, one in four people was out of work. Half of all mortgages were delinquent. Banks failed in droves and dragged local economies down with them. That’s not happening today. Unemployment, while high by recent standards, is only 6.7 percent. About 7 percent, not 50 percent, of mortgages are delinquent. And banks have deposit insurance and national branch systems to spread the risk around. The economy itself is much different now, too. We spend far less of our income on food and clothing, so hard times are less likely to mean people starving. Fewer of us work in highly cyclical industries that are most vulnerable in a downturn. “The economy in the 1930s was much more about manufacturing and agriculture than it is now,” Wheelock said. “It’s a much more information-based economy today.” And that could make it more flexible as things turn bad. It’s also a more global

DEPRESSION/A2

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008

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Events

Charleston, 345-2287.

Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Wonderland in Lights, 5 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800772-0750. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” 7 p.m., Charleston Alley Theatre,

Health Immunization Clinic, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988, ext. 1333. Mobile Mammograms, Whispering Pines, Arcola, (800) 639-5929. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, land aerobics, 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. WIC Program, 5 to 7 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-6988, ext. 1357. Meetings Barn Colony Artist Annual

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RAIL Continued from A1 The only good thing about the delay in the train schedule was it gave Wilhite, who owns Auto Body Repairers, time to prepare for its coming. He built a 200-foot-long platform of earth to hold the train, and locked it all inside a retaining wall where each block weighs 85 pounds, and he needed six semitruck loads of them to get the job done. The carriage sits on rails he bought from Norfolk Southern Corp. when they tore up a line that ran across Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and the ties came from a Canadian National crossing on Brush College Road that was being rebuilt. Now all Wilhite has to do is rebuild the train. It was last used as mobile office space, and Wilhite isn’t exactly sure what its original purpose was back when its wheels first kissed the rails during the twilight of the age of steam. He’s done some initial tearing out of false ceilings and other nonoriginal clutter, but his

DEPRESSION Continued from A1 economy, notes Glenn MacDonald, an economics professor at Washington University, and that should smooth out some of the bumps. Another smoothingout factor is the growth of more stable industries such as health care and education, which now employ more people than factories and provide a bulwark against losses there. “It used to be all the boats went up and down together,” MacDonald said. “They simply don’t any more.” And although the gyrating stock market and the carnage in the housing and auto sectors get a lot of attention, things are nowhere near Depression levels yet, MacDonald said. If they were, you’d know. “They’re interviewing people on TV about ‘the collapse of the economy.’ I’m sitting here looking out my window and there are cars driving by and people going to work, and when I go to Best Buy, I have to stand in line,” he said. “It’s like, ‘What are you talking

SCANDAL Continued from A1 president. In Illinois, 21 electors will participate in the event, which was moved from its traditional spot in a Senate hearing room to the Senate chambers because of Obama’s ties to the ornate room. The 10 a.m. session is expected to last no more than an hour. In the afternoon, enter the lawmakers. And the news media. With Blagojevich facing allegations he attempted to sell Obama’s vacant Senate seat for personal gain, national press outlets are expected to descend on Illinois’ capital city, a normally

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Regional Hepatitis Support Group, 6 to 8 p.m., Springfield Department of Public Health, Springfield, 789-2182. WAVE, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dove Inc., Decatur, 428-6616.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Christmas Party, 7 to 9 p.m., Barn Colony, Decatur. 423-6766. Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m., Decatur, 4220095. Decatur Chordsmen Barbershop Singers, 7:30 p.m., Unity Church, Decatur. Decatur Noon Lions Club, noon, Tuscany Steak & Pasta House, Decatur. Rotary Club 180, noon, Decatur Club, Decatur. 819-0017. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Quilters, 9 a.m., Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Talk Time, 10:30 a.m., Line Dance/Cards, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. Support Groups Anna’s Group, 2:30 p.m., Decatur-Macon County Senior Cen-

final restoration plan will be guided by careful research. “My research is going to tell what I am going to do with it,” he adds. “But I want to restore it.” Part of the car had what appear to be sleeping quarters, and that will live again. Another part will house a collection of World War II memorabilia — Wilhite is a big fan — and another section will be restored to look like a sumptuous dining car. His granddad used to take the family to California for vacations by train (they traveled free), but nobody was allowed to eat in the grand dining car, making do instead with cookies kept in a steamer trunk. Wilhite doesn’t say as much, but visitors get the impression that the dining car renaissance pays homage to another denied aspect of his childhood. Finding authentic accessories for the train’s journey into the past won’t be a problem. His alarmed and security-monitored basement protects a vast and mainly Wabash-themed memorabilia collection that

includes everything from monogrammed plates and silverware to lamps, signs, menus, uniforms and even Wabash-emblazoned pencils in their original box. And there is a model train layout down there, complete with buildings and landscape features, that runs the length of his house in a riot of Lionel “O” gauge. “Whatever he does, he does it to — what’s the word I want? — he does it to the max,” said Wilhite’s very tolerant girlfriend, Junette Eller. Her peace of mind was derailed a little by the arrival of the big train, but she’s since gotten used to it and even rather likes its nostalgic appeal. “And if it lets him get some of that crap out of the basement, I’ll be happy,” she adds. The newly arrived train doesn’t look too overwhelming, either, considering it’s now the mother of all lawn ornaments in a wooded backyard that covers 6½ acres. Room, really, for your own railroad. “Don’t even say that,” Eller says. “That ain’t funny.”

about?’ ” But there’s no denying this is a bad economic episode. A more apt comparison may be the recession of the early 1980s, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates and tightened the money supply to tame inflation. “That really slammed the brakes on the economy,” Wheelock said. The resulting slump hit automakers, steel mills and factories. Gross domestic product sank as much as 8 percent in a quarter. Unemployment hit 10.8 percent in late 1982 and was even worse in St. Louis, for example, where manufacturing provided one in four jobs at the time. “The labor market has been really tough here over the past year, but it’s nowhere near as bad as the recession of the early ’80s,” said Russ Signorino, an economist at the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Manufacturing jobs were disappearing hundreds at a time, thousands at a time. We haven’t had much of that so far.” Another thing that’s different this time is that legis-

lators and the Federal Reserve have been pouring money into the economy, trying to keep credit flowing and stave off a deep recession. No one’s sure it’ll work, but their strategy is consistent with financial policy over the past quartercentury, a period economists call “The Great Moderation.” It’s a time that’s seen smaller swings than we’ve known historically — the highs not as high and the lows not as low. Key indicators such as unemployment and the gross domestic product have moved more slowly. A more diverse, global economy has lent ballast. All this, it would seem, argues against the likelihood of a new Depression or even a long early ’80s-style malaise. But, then, people often think it’ll be different this time, notes MacDonald. “It’s always an issue of, ‘Is the future like the past?’ ” he said. “Will the Great Moderation describe the current situation? I don’t know.”

quiet place in the final weeks of the year. Barring a decision by Blagojevich to resign, they will see the House and Senate begin debate on whether to strip the governor of his power to appoint a successor to Obama. Lawmakers also are expected to take up the issue of whether to launch impeachment proceedings against the governor. State Rep. Mike Bost, RMurphysboro, is among those who would like to move forward with an impeachment but is concerned that the clock is ticking on the current General Assembly, which comes to a close Jan. 14. A new General Assembly begins that day, meaning anything accomplished in

the next month might have to begin anew to withstand legal tests. “We’ve got to move forward anyway,” Bost said. “When your governor is a national laughingstock, when they are making fun of the state on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ we’ve got to address this embarrassing situation.”

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Tomorrow’s

ter, Decatur, 429-1239. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 7 p.m., Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon. 258-4042 or 348-4042. Central Illinois Ovarian Cancer Support Network, 6 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Decatur, 876-2370. Decatur Gamblers Anonymous, 6 p.m., 2520 E. William St., Decatur. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, 6:30 p.m., Prairie Avenue Christian Church, Decatur, 4236961, ext. 164. Mustard Seed (open Alcoholics Anonymous), 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Decatur. My Father’s House Healing Rooms, 3 to 7 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, Decatur, 4223524.

Exhibits highlight: Abraham Preparatory Lincoln Department Presidential Recital, 6 p.m., Library and Perkinson Museum, Music Center, Springfield. Kaeuper Hall, 558-8934. Millikin UniverBrookfield sity, Decatur. Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8, $4, free for children 2 and under. (708) 485-0263. David Erlanson Gallery, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richland Community College, Decatur, “White Rabbit,” Alida Duff Sullivan, digital photography. Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Decatur, Drawings and paintings by Dan Modzelewski. 422-1509.

Iraq while citing intelligence claiming the Mideast nation harbored weapons of mass destruction. The weapons were never found, the intelligence was discredited, and Bush’s credibility with U.S. voters plummeted. “There is still more work to be done,” Bush said after his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It was at that point the journalist stood up and threw a shoe from about 20 feet away. Bush ducked, and it narrowly missed his head. The second shoe came quickly, and Bush ducked again while several Iraqis grabbed the man and dragged him to the floor. In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt. Iraqis whacked a statue of Saddam with their shoes after U.S. marines toppled it to the ground following the 2003 invasion. White House press secretary Dana Perino suffered an eye injury when she was hit in the face with a microphone during the melee. Bush brushed off the incident. “So what if a guy threw his shoe at me?” he said. Al-Maliki, who spoke before the incident, praised postwar progress: “Today, Iraq is moving forward in every field.” After the news conference, the president took a 15-minute helicopter ride through dark skies over Baghdad to Camp Victory. Telling hundreds of troops he was “heading into retirement,” Bush blamed Saddam for the 2003 invasion

BUSH Continued from A1 wanted to highlight a drop in violence and to celebrate a recent U.S.-Iraq security agreement, which calls for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011. “The war is not over,” Bush said, but “it is decisively on its way to being won.” Bush then flew to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan for a rally with more than 1,000 U.S. and foreign troops. “Afghanistan is a dramatically different country than it was eight years ago,” he said. “We are making hopeful gains.” He then took a helicopter ride to Kabul to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. In many ways, the unannounced trip was a victory lap without a clear victory. In Iraq, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, protecting the fragile democracy. More than 4,209 members of the U.S. military have died and $576 billion has been spent since the war began five years and nine months ago. In Afghanistan, there are about 31,000 U.S. troops and commanders have called for up to 20,000 more. The fight is especially difficult in southern Afghanistan, a stronghold of the Taliban where violence has risen sharply this year. Polls show most Americans believe the U.S. erred in invading Iraq in 2003. Bush ordered the nation into war against Saddam Hussein’s

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Field Museum, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11, $9. (312) 6657100. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Illinois State Museum, Springfield. 782-7386. Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free. 735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur. $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois.” 422-4919. Madden Arts Center Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur. XMAS ARTicles. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 423-3189. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, “The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians.” (309) 827-0428. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $23, $16. (312) 9392438.

and said, “America is safer and more secure” than it was before the war. Air Force One, the president’s jetliner, landed at Baghdad International Airport in the afternoon local time after a secretive Saturday night departure from Washington. In a sign of security gains in this war zone, Bush received a formal arrival ceremony — a flourish absent in his three earlier trips. Bush soon began a rapid-fire series of meetings with top Iraqi leaders. He met first with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and the country’s two vice presidents, Tariq al-Hashemi and Adel Abdul-Mahdi, at the ornate, marble-floored Salam Palace along the shores of the Tigris River. Later, Bush’s motorcade pulled out the heavily fortified Green Zone and crossed over the Tigris so he could meet alMaliki at the prime minister’s palace. The two leaders signed a ceremonial copy of the security agreement.

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429-4374

He’s Greek to them

All aboard!

New priest is a first for Decatur orthodox church/D1

Employees get train trip to the past with Santa/A3

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

TUESDAY DECEMBER 16, 2008

House gets impeachment ball rolling 21-member committee starts work today to decide how to proceed By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$25,000 Associated Press

Bears hopes fading Anthony Adams got a blow to his playoff hopes when Minnesota beat Arizona. The Chicago Bears will be out of the running for the NFC North title by the time they host Green Bay on Monday night if the Vikings beat Atlanta this week. Sports B1

Another kind of pig

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, stands on the House floor as the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich is discussed in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House took the first steps Monday toward launching impeachment proceedings against Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Less than a week after the 52-yearold Democrat was arrested at his Chicago home on federal corruption charges, the House voted 113-0 to form a committee to investigate whether the governor’s conduct war-

rants impeachment. The 21-member panel, made up of 12 Democrats and nine Republicans, will begin work today and, when finished, file a report that would either push forward with an impeachment or call off the process. No timetable for the committee’s report was offered, but members are scheduled to meet every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. “We plan to proceed without delay,” said House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. “We have given the governor six days to resign (since his arrest). I think it’s time we move forward.” For the most part, Republicans in the House embraced the move.

“At least we’re getting the wheels in motion,” said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. Although some members of the House have talked about impeachment for more than a year, the House action follows last week’s bombshell allegations against the governor, in which federal prosecutors, using wiretaps, recorded the governor discussing the possibility of selling the U.S. Senate seat once held by President-elect Barack Obama. In Chicago, Blagojevich was again at his office Monday, where he signed several bills, including legislation giving tax credits to film companies making movies in Illinois.

Filing ends for city candidates

WEATHER

Say it ain’t snow

Looking for a low-cost, low-fat alternative to a traditional turkey or roast pork Christmas dinner? Well then, Peru has the answer: guinea pig. Money C1

4-year council seat, mayor set; 2-year may go to primary By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

Shoeless support Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets Monday to demand the release of a reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush in anger at U.S. policies, as support for the act and the journalist flowed in. World C3

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Visitors to the Christmas on the Hill parade and other festivities were bundled up in all types of coats, hats and even blankets to brave the near-freezing weather.

Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.37

YOUR WEATHER

Some things about winter are inevitable, but forecasters do their best to predict the unpredictable 25 to 30 inches annually. Third, ice, maybe. That’s of an unknown. That more DECATUR — While it kind of prediction isn’t an may not yet officially be easy one to make, said Dan winter, daily temperatures Smith, Weather Service and the frozen precipitation meteorologist in that fell early Lincoln. Monday indicate “Ice is very critTHE it’s pretty much ical to what the NET here. temperatures are So what do the n Decatur going to be doing,” official forecastweather: weathhe said, especially ers suggest about er.gov/climate/ those just two or the coming calendar_out three days in months? look.php?wfo= advance of an ice First of all, it’s ilx&lead=1 event. winter. So, yes, n almanac. However, comit’s going to be com paring two wellcold. known weather Second, snowfall will happen, probably a prognosticators shows their normal amount, which, overall winter predictions according to the National WINTER/A2 Weather Service, usually is By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

HIGH

L O W

30 27 Today: Cloudy with some snow Tonight: Ice early, then cloudy Details/B6

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C4-6 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1-3 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C4-6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-5 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

75 cents Our 136th year

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HOUSE/A2

Associated Press

Randy Trana braves the subzero weather to remove snow in Staples, Minn. After a winter storm swept the region over the weekend, bitter cold temperatures have settled in. Temperatures crashed to record lows well below zero Monday as a huge mass of arctic air blustered southward across the Midwest and West, keeping people indoors and leading some cities to open shelters.

Story/A6

DECATUR — With the deadline passed for filing to run in the 2009 city council and mayoral races, candidates for the two-year seat on the city council could be poised for a primary. Filing half an hour ONLINE before the 5 DATABASE: p.m. Monday For more deadline, 23details on the year-old farmer Adam candidates, go to: www.heraldBrown subreview.com/ mitted his datacentral/ petitions to election09.php run for both the two-year and four-year council seats, bringing the number running for the two-year seat to five, which City Clerk Celeste Harris said would necessitate a primary race. Councilman Larry Foster, Decatur Tribune reporter Pat McDaniel, local businesswoman Marcia Phillips and Derek Wheeler will compete for the two-year seat. Prior to the city council meeting Monday, Brown said he soon would decide whether he will run for one of the three seats with fouryear terms or for the twoyear seat. Harris said Brown has until 5 p.m. Dec. 22 to decide or be taken out of the race altogether. Other candidates stepped up as well. Martha Montgomery Lattimore joined local businessman Stephen Daniels and city Councilman Mike McElroy as mayoral candidates. Yvonne Shaw and Julie Moore Wolfe, formerly of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, joined schoolteacher Gloria Bates-Cole, Councilman Dan Caulkins, the Rev. Carey A. Grady, consultant Matthew Jackson,

FILING/A2

Two-page bailout application draws fire from groups, lawmakers Critics say lack of detail shows more oversight needed WASHINGTON (AP) — Ever need a college loan? You’ve probably pored through the notorious eightpage FAFSA application. A likely home buyer? Try the

five-page Uniform Residential Loan Application. But what if you’re a bank looking for a few billion from the federal government’s new Capital Purchase Program? Two pages. That’s all the nation’s financial institutions had to fill out to request money from the government’s $700 billion Trouble Asset Relief Pro-

gram. In fact, the first page only requires bank contact information. For some lawmakers and watchdog groups, the simple request form has become a symbol of a government financial bailout plan in need of more accountability and oversight. “When student lenders and mortgage companies ask

more questions in lending thousands of dollars than the federal government does when it injects billions of dollars worth of capital, we should all be concerned,” said Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama, the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee. That said, the application process is not particularly

easy. Applicants had to submit their forms by Nov. 14 to banking regulators, who have access to vast amounts of data about the banks seeking the money. Those regulators generally are well-acquainted with the applicants and then make a recommendation to the Treasury on whether to

BAILOUT/A2

A2 LOCAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2008

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, , Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, , Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Music Altamont Opry Country Bluegrass Night, 7 p.m., Altamont Living Museum, Altamont, $3. (618) 483-6401. Preparatory Department Recital, 6 p.m., Perkinson Music Center, Millikin University, Decatur. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. Health Blood Pressure Screening, Macon County Health Department, Decatur, Free. 423-6988.

Blood Pressure Screenings, 1:30 to 2 p.m., Jarman Center, Tuscola. Blood Pressure Screenings, 2 to 2:30 p.m., Effingham Brookstone Suites, Effingham. Breastfeeding Basics Class, 6:30 p.m., St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Effingham. Reservations, 347-1529. Cardiac Rehab Orientation, 1 to 3 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur. 876-2496. Geriatric Assessment Clinic, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur. 876-2191. Medicare and Prescription Drug Program, 11 a.m., DecaturMacon County Senior Center, Decatur, 429-1239. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, water aerobics, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

WINTER Continued from A1 aren’t far apart. The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s longrange weather forecast suggests a very cold period that started around Thanksgiving, with temperature seesawing through March. The Weather Service outlook indicates a December that began colder than normal, with the second half warming, Smith said. “The coldest periods will occur in December, early and mid-January and in early and mid-February,” predicts The Old Farmer’s Almanac. According to the Weather Service, there’s between a 40 percent and 50

BAILOUT Continued from A1 provide the capital infusion or not. “The application starts the process, it’s not the end of the process,” said Brian Olasov, a former Wall Street banker and now managing director at McKenna Long & Aldridge, an Atlanta-based law firm. “Either the Treasury or the primary regulator reserves the right to come back to the bank and ask additional questions,” Olasov said. What’s more, if a bank gets preliminary approval, it also must provide a security purchase agreement and a warrant agreement, paperwork that far exceeds the original two-page application. The money comes from a $250 billion fund within the Troubled Asset Relief Program that was designed to provide a capital infusion to banks in hopes it would loosen up lending. So far, 87 financial institutions have received money, ranging from $2 million to $25 billion. Banks can request from 1 percent to 3 percent of their assets. During a House Financial Services committee hearing, GOP Rep. Randy Neugebauer of Texas asked Neel Kashkari, the director of the Treasury office that oversees the bailout program, whether the banks had to present a business plan that explained what they would do with the money.

FILING Continued from A1 firefighter and union leader Adam Ruderman and Councilwoman Betsy Stockard as four-year seat candidates. Two-term Councilman Shad Edwards confirmed he will not seek re-election in April. A lottery to determine ballot order for those who showed up first thing in the morning will be at 9 a.m. Thursday in the Decatur Civic Center. If necessary, a primary election would be Feb. 24. The general election is April 7. klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

C A N D I D AT E S CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES: Gloria Bates-Cole, 56, seeking four-year term; Adam Brown, 23, four-year or twoyear term; Dan Caulkins IV, 62, four year; Jerry Dawson, 53, four year; the Rev. Carey Grady, four year; Matthew Jackson, 42, four year; Adam Ruderman, four year; Betsy Stockard, 62, four year; Larry Foster, 62, two year; Patrick McDaniel, 60, two year; Marcia Phillips, 65, two year; Derek Wheeler, two year. MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Stephen Daniels, 53; Mike McElroy, 57

Pick Four-Midday 2-6-8-9 Pick Four-Evening 8-6-7-3

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Meetings Breakfast Optimist Club of Decatur, 7 a.m., Webster-Cantrell Hall, Decatur. Business Network International, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club, Decatur. Civil Air Patrol, Air Force Auxiliary, 6:15 to 9 p.m., Decatur, 3583554. Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 7 p.m., Decatur, 422-0095. Eckhart Tolle Discussion Group, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Decatur, Decatur. 763-0509. Experimental Aircraft Association, 7:30 p.m., Decatur Airport, Decatur. Forsyth Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m., Hickory Point Banquet Facility, Decatur. Kiwanianne Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur, 877-1758. Knit Nite, 7 to 9 p.m., Madden Arts Center, Decatur, 423-3189. Merry Midwest Hallmark Collectors Club, 7 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, Decatur. Noon Kiwanis Club of Decatur, noon, Decatur Club, Decatur. Noon Sertoma Club, noon, Tus-

percent chance that temperatures will be above normal, said Llyle Barker, also a meteorologist based in Lincoln. “Overall, the trend as far as the outlook is concerned is pretty close to where it should be,” continued Smith. “There are equal chances for aboveto below-normal temperatures.” Janice Stillman, editor of the almanac since 2000, said one thing to remember about almanac predictions is they are made 18 months in advance. “(The prediction) doesn’t reach the public until it’s on the newsstands,” she said, though almanac forecasts can be similar to Weather Service predictions. “The formula that we use to make the forecast is proprietary,” Stillman said. But she revealed the basis upon

“Not specifically,” Kashkari replied. “It’s very hard for us to try to micromanage and say this is how you should run your business, because each bank and each community is a little bit different. So we wanted to work with the regulators to identify the healthy banks, put capital in on the same terms, and then create the economic incentives for them to want to go make new loans.” Bachus, in an interview, contrasted the bank application process to the paces Congress put the auto industry through when Detroit’s Big Three automakers asked for financial relief. “Automobile companies came to the Congress for four lengthy hearings,” Bachus said. “They were told, ‘We’re not going to even consider giving you money unless you tell us everything you’re going to do to return to profitability.’ ” Of course, General Motors and Chrysler were pleading for their lives. The bank capitalization program is designed only for financially stable institutions. But for Steve Ellis, vice president of the nonpartisan Taxpayers for Common Sense, there’s that two-page application. “It’s still somewhat shocking to the senses,” he said, “when you think that credit card applications are a heck of a lot longer than that.”

Pick Three-Midday 7-9-9 Pick Three-Evening 4-7-3

cany Steak & Pasta House, Decatur. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center, Decatur. Soy City Coin Club, 7 p.m., Decatur. Wilson & Tomorrow’s Taylor VFW Post 730, 7 highlight: p.m., Post Music for a Hall, Decatur. Season of JOY, noon, First BapSeniors tist Church, DecaturDecatur. Julia Macon CounJamieson, ty Senior harpist. 875Center, 8034. Cards, Computer Class, 9 a.m., 9 a.m., Bingo, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. Johns Hill Center, Bunco, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($4), Game Night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (75 cents), Decatur. 429-7750. Salvation Army, Chair Exercises, 10 a.m., Line Dancing, noon to 2 p.m., Decatur. Support Groups Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m.,

which forecasting is made: solar science, the study of activity on the sun; climatology, the study of prevailing conditions for decades and centuries; and meteorology, the study of the atmosphere. And the almanac forecasting includes a prediction about global warming. “In short, that global warming is over,” Stillman said. “This is one way to distinguish us from the National Weather Service and others, as well.” She explained the prediction is based on the sun not being a constant star, and one of the measures of that is the number of sunspots that occur. “(The year) 2008 has been a period of few sunspots. We’ve been in a quiet period,” she said.

Little Lotto 02-05-06-10-39 Lotto 01-07-19-24-31-48

First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Pana United Presbyterian Church, Pana. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., U.S. Bank Community Room, Taylorville. Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups, 3 p.m., Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, 774-2111. Alzheimer’s Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Rural Health Center Waiting Area, Dr. John Warner Hospital, Clinton. Autism and Asperger’s Support Group for Parents, 6:30 p.m., Macon Resources Inc., Decatur, 876-8888. Baby TALK, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Benign Essential Blepharospasm Support Group, 1 p.m., DMH PrimeTime Resource Center, Decatur, 875-9292. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Richland Memorial Hospital, Olney, (618) 395-2131, ext. 4012. Cardiopulmonary Wellness Group, 6 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital. 876-2473. Children First Foster Parent Association, 7 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Decatur. Domestic Violence Support, 5 p.m., Dove Inc., Moultrie County office, Sullivan, 728-9334. Drug/Alcohol Education, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dove Inc., Decatur, 428-6616. Miracles in Progress, noon to 2 p.m., House of Miracles Pente-

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costal Church, Decatur, 423-4694. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., South Shores Christian Church, Decatur, 4281481. Narcotics Anonymous, 8 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, 1-800539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Thomas Community Center, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Parents Raising Awareness in Special Education (PRAISE), 6:30 p.m., Mid-Illinois Senior Center, Sullivan, 728-3186. Project Read, 2 to 5 p.m., Knapp Library, Middletown, 4452050. Single Parent Support Group, 7 p.m., Unity Church, Decatur, 8725946. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur, 428-7078 or 428-8066. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6 p.m., Main Street Church of the Living God, Decatur, 424-0783. Unshackled (Christian Support for Addictions), 6 p.m., Church of the Living God CWFF, Decatur.

W H AT A B O U T S N O W ? Nothing really unusual is expected, said Dan Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “Once or twice, we get a pretty good system, but the majority of the time, it’s just smaller systems,” he said, adding up to the average total of 25 to 30 inches. “Historically, that indicates a cool period to follow, not necessarily this winter, but perhaps in the ensuing period.” There is, however, one qualification in this prediction: greenhouse gases.

And, incidentally, being farther north geographically doesn’t always mean more snow. Snow lines, Smith said, are influenced by air pressure. “Canadian high pressures can change progressions of snow. It’s not always a given that they are going to have a lot more snow up north.” “What we cannot predict is greenhouse gases, because they are not on record,” Stillman said. And, she added, the unknown is how greenhouse gases may offset solar activity. amannlein@herald-review.com|421-6976

Committee seeks to be fast, but fair Panel to review evidence along with prior court cases By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief Associated Press

State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, speaks on the House floor about the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield.

HOUSE Continued from A1 The governor also retained high-powered Chicago defense attorney Ed Genson to defend him against the federal charges and possible impeachment. Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the governor had little reaction to the House move. “All we have said is that talk of impeachment is nothing new; it’s been talked about for about a year,” Guerrero said in an e-mail message. “When the House makes its recommendation, the governor will have more to say.” In addition to the action in the House, Madigan’s daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, asked the Illinois Supreme Court last week to rule Blagojevich unfit to continue serving. If the panel decides the governor should be impeached, the full House would serve as a type of grand jury in deciding by majority vote whether he should be prosecuted by the Senate. The case then is tried in the Senate, which can remove the governor from office by a two-thirds vote. The panel will call witnesses to provide testimony in subject areas that include official misconduct alleged by federal prosecutors, abuses of power, acts performed without legal authority and failure to comply with state laws and lawful requests for information from the General Assembly. The governor will be allowed to testify in the hearings. “This is not a kangaroo court,” said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, chairwoman of the panel.

“We need to be swift and quick, but also fair,” said House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. Rank-and-file members praised the rare move. “I think anyone who has seen the reports about the governor knows his actions are just unacceptable,” said state Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville. Republicans complained that Madigan stacked the committee with 12 Democratic members, but just nine from the GOP. “It’s obvious Speaker Madigan is trying to manipulate the whole process,” said state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill. The last time the House took up the question of impeachment was 1997, when conduct by former-Illinois Supreme Court Justice James Heiple came under scrutiny. A similar committee decided not to pursue impeachment by the full House. The Heiple inquiry took six weeks to decide, meaning Illinois government could come to a standstill into February 2009. The governor’s woes come as Illinois is facing a severe economic meltdown, with tax revenues expected to come in lower than last year. The impeachment proceedings will put talk of those types of issues on hold. “This is a huge distraction that’s going to hold a lot of things from moving forward,” Cross said. But he said the impeachment must move forward because of the egregious nature of the allegations facing the governor. If Blagojevich is impeached or resigns, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would serve out the remainder of the governor’s term, which ends in 2010. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

SPRINGFIELD — A 21member panel of state lawmakers will begin a mostly uncharted journey today when it launches an investigation that could lead to the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. With 12 Democrats and nine Republicans, the House panel will meet every day except major holidays until it completes its inquiry. It then will present a decision on whether to proceed with impeachment to the full House. State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, is among the Republicans on the panel, which will hold an organizational meeting this morning. He said the committee should move as it fast as possible for the benefit of the state. “It’s got to be done expeditiously, but fairly,” Rose said. In addition to using the federal criminal complaint filed against Blagojevich last week as part of its inquiry, the committee likely will call on former and current top aides to the governor, as well as review the governor’s strained relationship with a legislative rule-making panel. The committee will seek to determine whether the governor’s behavior has left him unfit to continue serving. State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said the panel also will review prior court cases, including the federal conviction of top Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, as a way to determine if the governor should be ousted. “It’s going to be a coordinated but uncharted course,” said Mautino, who is a committee member. Members also are reviewing what happened in 1997

COMMITTEE Following are members of the House impeachment inquiry committee: DEMOCRATS Barbara Flynn Currie, Chicago, chairwoman; Art Turner, Chicago; Monique Davis, Chicago; Mary Flowers, Chicago; Jack Franks, McHenry; Frank Mautino, Spring Valley; Gary Hannig, Litchfield; Lou Lang, Skokie; Constance Howard, Chicago; John Fritchey, Chicago; Edward Acevedo, Chicago; Julie Hamos, Evanston REPUBLICANS Jim Durkin, Western Springs, minority spokeman; Suzie Bassi, Palatine; Patti Bellock, Westmont; Bill Black, Danville; Mike Bost, Murphysboro; Roger Eddy, Hutsonville; Chapin Rose, Mahomet; Jim Sacia, Pecatonica; Jil Tracy, Mount Sterling when former Illinois Supreme Court Justice James Heiple was the subject of an impeachment inquiry. In that case, it took about four weeks for a similar panel to decide against pursuing impeachment proceedings against Heiple. Although the inquiry could mean working seven days a week for an unknown amount of time, Mautino said he was ready for the duty. “I’ve never ducked any assignments before,” he said. “If I’m going to have to vote on it, I’d much rather have the ability to ask the questions and hear all the evidence firsthand, as opposed to reading a report that someone else has written.” kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Herald&Review

OPINION

SUSAN ESTRICH

Best, brightest missing from government Trying to sell a Senate seat is dumb. Not realizing that getting caught means you have to give up your seat as governor is dumber. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s business-as-usual attitude the day after he was indicted for putting a price on Barack Obama’s Senate seat — on tape, no less — provides even more evidence, if any more were needed, that the guy is not only corrupt and craven, but dumb as they come. The presumption of innocence may protect the governor when it comes to trial, but it just doesn’t apply to public officials caught on tape courting corruption. Blagojevich not only made a fool of himself, but of the voters of his state. IT WAS apparently no secret that the Illinois governor played on the wrong side of the tracks. His own father-in-law, who helped him get elected, was sufficiently disgusted with what he saw once Blagojevich took over that he spoke out against him after his first year in office. So how does a guy who is transparently crooked, hopelessly arrogant and dumb as a door manage not only to get elected, but re-elected as governor of a major state? Of course, he didn’t have very big shoes to fill: Blagojevich’s predecessor is residing in a correctional facility in Terre Haute. Maybe they’ll be roommates. Governors Row. It’s not that there aren’t any decent politicians or would-be politicians in Illinois. That the Land of Lincoln could simultaneously produce a Blagojevich and an Obama is testament to the fact that politics attracts people from both ends of the spectrum: the very bright and the very stupid, those committed to public service and those committed to private gain. The challenge is to attract more of the former and fewer of the latter. MANY OF those who sought public office in the ’70s and ’80s would cite John Kennedy as the reason. Perhaps the most famous picture of Bill Clinton is the one of him shaking hands with President Kennedy as Arkansas’ Boys State representative. Kennedy inspired a generation to believe that the best thing a smart and talented person could do was serve the public. When I first started teaching, many of my students would seek me out for advice on how to go about launching a career in politics. The smartest kids wanted to follow in Kennedy’s path. Then all that changed. Smart kids wanted to make money, go to Hollywood, run businesses or make movies. Smart kids wanted to be agents or directors, not governors or senators. They saw public officials lose every shred of privacy, get raked over the coals in increasingly nasty campaigns and make less money than their peers, and the question I got asked most became not who I knew on Capitol Hill, but did I have any connections at Disney. POLITICS IS still a nasty business. Politicians still don’t have any privacy, and campaigns are not getting more polite. But Obama has the opportunity to inspire a new generation to understand that while the price of political engagement may be high, the benefits are higher still, not in terms of dollars — sorry, Rod — but in terms of satisfaction. No one would have wished for Blagojevich to blow up on the eve of Obama’s inauguration. But the governor’s recognition that he would get nothing but gratitude from the Obama people for nominating someone they favored to fill his Senate seat is a testament to what politics should be. Gratitude is all he should get. The people of Illinois need to figure out how to move this guy off stage fast. They deserve better, and Blagojevich deserves the boot. EDITOR’S NOTE: Leonard Pitts is on vacation.

A4 Tuesday, December16, 2008

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Keep politics, parties out of Senate pick Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

ILLINOIS SPEAKER of the House Michael Madigan took an important step Monday, when he assigned a committee to investigate the possibility of impeaching Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The next step is for the General Assembly to call a special election so Illinois voters can select the next senator. Madigan announced Monday that he’s forming a 21-member House committee, 12 Democrats and nine Republicans, to make a recommendation on impeachment to the full House. The committee has been instructed to work every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Madigan emphasized that he wants to move ahead quickly but also wants the procedure to be done correctly. That’s an important first step. It appears Blagojevich, who was arrested last week on federal corruption and fraud charges, is not going to resign. Today will mark a week since his arrest, and his spokespeople have indicated he does not plan to resign. Madigan is right to take the next step and begin the process that could lead to impeachment and a trial in the Senate. Attorney General Lisa Madigan also has done her part. She’s asked the Illinois Supreme Court to remove the governor under an obscure rule that was her only option. The General Assembly also should set a special election for the Obama’s Senate seat. Under Illinois law, the governor has the power to name a new senator until the next

general election. Blagojevich allegedly was attempting to sell the Senate seat in exchange for campaign contributions or a higher-paying position. Initially, many politicians stated that, in the best interest of the citizens, a special election should be held to elect President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement. Sen. Dick Durbin announced his support of an election the day Blagojevich was arrested, and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn also supported the idea. But pretty soon the politicians returned to placing party interest ahead of the public’s interest. Democrats became aware that they could lose the seat in a special election and quickly backed away from that idea. Quinn has changed his position on the issue and now wants the power to appoint a senator until a special election can be held. The Republicans, sensing an opportunity, have put together a media and ad campaign calling for a special election. Of course, if the situation were reversed, they’d be in the opposite camp. The citizens of Illinois, however, deserve a special election. Blagojevich has tarnished the state’s reputation with his alleged actions. The two political parties haven’t helped by turning this into a political football. It’s true that Illinois voters elected George Ryan as governor and re-elected Rod Blagojevich. But the best way to remove the new Senate seat from the taint of corruption is to have that person elected by the people.

LETTERS Disappointing to see Durbin speak up for Ryan I was very disturbed by Sen. Dick Durbin’s decision to ask President Bush to consider commuting the sentence of former Gov. George Ryan. At first, I wondered why he would even consider such a request, but after thinking long and hard, I formed an opinion. It’s sad to think it’s never about the crime, but it’s always about who you are. It’s apparent that Durbin has forgotten about the lives that were lost due to Ryan’s racketeering. Maybe he should research the archives of Ryan’s wrongdoings to refresh his memory. The reasons Durbin gave to support his request were lame and could fit so many other prisoners who still have to serve their sentences. It seems unfair, uncalled for, in very bad taste and is definitely sending the wrong message. All these years, I’ve had the utmost respect for Durbin, but now I’ve lost it. I always thought he was in favor of doing what’s right and being fair. So sorry to be disappointed! If Ryan, or anyone else, can’t do the time, they shouldn’t do the crime. Peace. Marie Hines Decatur

Health care reform’s best chance is now

On the same morning that President-elect Barack Obama introduced Tom Daschle, the former Senate majority leader, as his prospective secretary of Health and Human Services and his point man on health care reform, a panel of key constituency group leaders met to assess the prospects for success. Taking the microphone, in turn, at a Washington hotel were the head of the Business Roundtable, speaking for leading corporations; the CEO of Pfizer, the giant pharmaceutical company; the president of America’s Health Insurance Plans, the trade association for that industry; and spokesmen for the National Federation of Independent Business, the small-business lobby and AARP, the senior citizens’ organization. They all agreed that major health legislation has a much better chance of passage in the next Congress than when the Clintons tried in 1993-94. THE COMMENTS of the corporate representatives were particularly important because the small-business, insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies were instrumental in killing the Clinton reforms. As John Castellani, president of the Business Roundtable, said, “This is not 1994,” when his constituents

DAVID BRODER

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were willing just to thwart the Clintons and live with the status quo. Today, that status quo has become unendurable for almost everyone. The budgets of families, businesses and government at all levels are being wrecked by the rising cost of health care. What Obama said Thursday was the simple truth. “Some may ask how, at this moment of economic challenge, we can afford to invest in reforming our health care system. ... I ask how can we afford not to.” The president-elect went on to say, while introducing Daschle, that “right now, small businesses across America are laying off (workers) or shutting their doors for good because of rising health care costs. Some of the largest corporations in America, including major American carmakers, are struggling to compete with foreign companies unburdened by these costs.” DASCHLE IS a shrewd choice to lead the Obama effort. The former South Dakota senator knows the politics of Capitol Hill intimately. He recently wrote a book on health reform with Dr. Jeanne Lambrew, who will be his deputy. By designating Daschle also as the head of a newly created White House Office of Health Reform, Obama has circumvented one of the problems that plagued the Clintons. Hillary Clinton formulated her proposal through a secretive White House task force, which hid its work from Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury. The heads of those departments let Congress know they were skeptical of her scheme and

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damaged its chances of passing. As auspicious as the start has been, enacting a major health care bill will still be a daunting task. When you talk about reorganizing one-sixth of the U.S. economy and changing the way a vital service is delivered, every single decision from the most trivial to the monumental will be controversial. BUT OBAMA has the good fortune that the four-committee chairmen who will handle his legislation have strong personal motives to make it succeed. For one Senate chairman, Montana’s Max Baucus, this is an opportunity to report out the largest bill of his two-year tenure. For the other, Ted Kennedy, now battling brain cancer, it is the chance to achieve the main goal of his long Senate tenure while he still has time. In the House, one chairman, California’s Henry Waxman, is brand-new in the position, so this is a test of his legislative skill. The other, New York’s Charles Rangel, is a veteran now under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee for possible conflicts of interest. If he survives the investigation, this bill more than any other offers him a chance for vindication. If he falls, his successor, like Waxman, will find it his first and most crucial assignment. It will really test the whole political system to determine if the fragile emerging consensus on the need for major reform can overcome the thousand particular issue-battles that are certain to erupt. Can representative government work? davidbroder@washpost.com.

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

Young heart transplant patient is inspiration to all I was so delighted to read the article “Kaleb gets a new heart and a wish come true” in the Herald & Review on Dec. 9. As one of Kaleb’s teachers, I am amazed at the courage of such a young man. He is a model of bravery and strength. The fact that he was allowed the opportunity to tour the Mediterranean through Make-a-Wish testifies to his commitment to live life to its fullest. It was not only the trip of a lifetime; it provided Kaleb with the opportunity to live his dream. He deserves this and so much more. Few 11-year-olds have been through the life-altering experiences Kaleb has, let alone with the dignity and hope that he displays. In a time in which heroes are often difficult to find, one can always look to those who “beat the odds” and become an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Kaleb. Marsha Cuttill-Price Forsyth The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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Family’s SIDS scare ‘Tales’ for training Unique approach of psychology class involves pet shelters/A3

After nearly losing their son, parents find infant monitor/D1

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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2008

Fitzgerald seeks panel’s assurances U.S. attorney concerned impeachment process could hurt federal case By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

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Risky operation A woman so horribly disfigured she was willing to risk her life has undergone the nation’s first near-total face transplant, replacing nearly 80 percent of her face with that of a female cadaver a couple of weeks ago. Nation A7

Associated Press

Committee Chairwoman Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, speaks to the media following a committee hearing on the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD — Not so fast. That was the message from federal prosecutors to a panel of lawmakers who launched an investigation Tuesday into whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be impeached. Chicago-based U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald asked the committee to detail in writing what

information and the witnesses members want to review as part of its inquiry into whether the embattled governor should be booted out of office. The concern: The panel could “trample” on the ongoing federal probe into the governor’s alleged criminal behavior. The answer: “We’re certainly not interested in derailing the federal investigation,” said state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, the panel’s chairwoman. Tuesday was supposed to be the day the panel began a potentially long slog through evidence that could result in Blagojevich’s

TUTORING PROGRAM

Studying 305-style

Braggin’ Rights looms

First Christian Church’s club fosters relationships, turns grades around

After a court in Australia ruled a mortgage lender can use Facebook to break the news to a couple that they lost their home, global social networking Web sites may become a little more antisocial. Money C1 Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Treshawn Ward and Barb Bartison practice addition and multiplication with flash cards during Club 305, which meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church.

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H&R Staff Writer

ECATUR — For any parent wondering if tutoring could make a difference in a student’s performance, just ask 12-yearold Kendra Ray. Kendra, a sixth-grader at Parsons School, has been attending Club 305 at First Christian Church for the past three years. Her volunteer tutor is Betsy Alexander, a member of the church. “She helps me with my homework,” Kendra said, during a break from a homework session in the church’s new gym. “If we don’t get it, she breaks it down into little sections.” The tutoring sessions, which include 25 students, third to sixth grade, focus mostly on reading and math. Each

Our 136th year

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Decatur plant’s reduction is part of companywide effort

tutor works with two students at a time. “Since I’ve been coming here, I’ve been getting good grades,” Kendra said, flashing a quick smile. “I’m on the honor roll.” Cindie Zelhart takes a break from her office managing job at Millikin University to tutor once a week. Club 305 sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. “It’s really fun,” said Zelhart, who tutors two fifth-grade girls. “You get a relationship with the girls. My own kids

Volunteers prepared sloppy joes and pumpkin squares for the students in Club 305 to enjoy before beginning their studies. Ashley McClellan looks to Cindie Heather for help with a problem. Each tutor has only two students so they can build a relationship and spend more time with them.

CLUB/A2

DECATUR — Driven by the recession, Caterpillar Inc. announced Tuesday that it was reducing the number of contract employees at its Decatur plant. Caterpillar would not talk numbers, but it is understood that the job reductions affect more than 200 workers who are employed by outside agencies, particularly a company called Volt. Some 5,000 people work at Caterpillar’s Decatur plant, but the regular work force was not affected by Tuesday’s announcement. The company’s employees were informed of the contractor cutbacks before they were made public. Caterpillar said the reduction was necessary to match production with “business needs.” The company also said it was scaling back travel to meetings and events as part of efforts to “reduce costs in a variety of ways.” Caterpillar uses its contract workers to handle everything from clerical jobs to engineering work. It previously had announced cutbacks at its Peoria plant and overseas in countries such as Great Britain. “What has been happening really depends, facility to facility, on how business is moving along,” Caterpillar spokesman Jim Dugan said. Rumors had been swirling in and around Decatur for some time that job reductions were coming. Dugan thinks they were fueled by the earlier contractor cutbacks in Peoria and said the Decatur decision only came down this week. The bigger concern overshadowing many workers’ lives is what will happen when Caterpillar moves its motor grader production out of Decatur as part of plans

CAT/A2

Web helps H&R deliver greetings from soldiers Family, friends can view messages and send one in return

75 cents

CAT cuts contract workers H&R Staff Writer

Poke for unpaid bills

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PANEL/A2

By TONY REID

Assuming both teams stay on course, Illinois and Missouri will bring a combined record of 19-2 to the annual Braggin’ Rights showdown in St. Louis. The records look great, but it’s hard to say just how good either team is at this point. Sports B1

Lake Decatur level watch

impeachment. Members are planning to meet every day except the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to complete their work. Instead, members of the 21-member committee spent almost an hour offering up some opening remarks before adjourning until 11 a.m. today. “I don’t think there is any joy that we take in this,” said state Rep. Mike Bost, a Murphysboro Republican who is on the panel. Another committee member, state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, urged his colleagues to be “fair,

By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Except for the really organized, few people are thinking about Christmas in August.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS: www.herald-review. com/blogs/ troopgreetings/ But August was when Deric and Kate Shonkwiler Kraxberger recorded holiday greetings that now can be viewed on the Herald & Review’s Web site, along with nearly 40 other greet-

ings with Central Illinois ties. Not only can those greetings be revisited many times, but the Web site also offers the capability for the viewer to leave a personal greeting to the military person making the recording, said Dave Dawson, managing editor of the Herald & Review. In turn,

those greetings can be viewed by the recipient wherever he or she is stationed, Dawson added. On the Web site, each greeting is identified by the name of the military person recording it. While the Army & Air Force Hometown News has

GREETINGS/A2

Submitted photo

The Kraxberger family: Noah, now 10 months, Deric, Kate and Hagan, 3.

A2 LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2008

Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, , Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Shelbyville Christmas Festival, Shelbyville. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Wonderland in Lights, 5 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800772-0750. Music Music for a Season of JOY, noon, First Baptist Church, Decatur. Julia Jamieson, harpist. 875-8034. Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur,

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

All request DJ, 8 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Breakers, Clinton. Open Mic, 7 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur, 875-2416. Open Mike Night, 8 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. Health Blood Pressure Screening, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Altamont Municipal Building, Altamont. Cholesterol, Glucose and PSA Screening, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital PrimeTime. 876-2191. Flu Shot Clinic, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988 ext. 1333. Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Effingham County Health Department, Effingham. 342-9237.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Immunization Clinic, 4 to 6 p.m., Moultrie County Health Department, Sullivan. 728-4114. Mobile Mammograms, State Bank of Arthur, Arthur, (800) 6395929 for appt. Mobile Mammography, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Arthur Medical Center, Arthur, 876-1111. Newborn Care Class, 6:30 p.m., St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Effingham. 347-1529. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, land aerobics 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to

11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988. Meetings All States Bowling, 9:15 a.m., Spare Time Lanes, Tomorrow’s Decatur, 8770764. highlight: Capital Shelbyville Campaign Light Festival, Committee 5 to 9 p.m., ForMeeting, 4 est Park, Shelp.m., byville. DecaturMacon County Senior Center, Decatur, 429-1239. Decatur Area Education Coalition, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Madden Arts Center, Decatur, 429-3000. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur.

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Decatur Vegetarian Society, 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Local History Club Decatur, Illinois & Environs, 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Macon County Conservation District Board, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Bunco, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. Johns Hill Center, Ceramics Class, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur, 4297750. Salvation Army, Ceramics Group, 8 a.m. to noon, Decatur. Mattoon YMCA, Mattoon Area Senior Center Tai-Chi Classes, 10:30 a.m., Mattoon. Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, Decatur. 521-7205 or 855-8312. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Taylorville. 824-3028 or 824-3676. Autism Society Parent Support Group, 7:15 p.m., The Autism Project, Springfield, 1-877-311-7703. Breath of Life Club, 4 p.m., St.

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Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. 464-2015. Choices, 4:30 p.m., Dove Inc., DeWitt County office, Clinton. 9356072. Drug/Alcohol Education, Dove Inc., Decatur, 1:30 and 5 p.m. 4286616. MOMMY’s, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Decatur. 864-9737. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m., Hardee’s, Monticello, 762-7144. Narcotics Anonymous, noon, AFFAS, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Parents of Children with Disabilities, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals Central Illinois, Decatur, 423-6199. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., Unity Church, Decatur, 358-4222.

State Senate blocks special election By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Following the lead of their counterparts in the House, Senate Democrats blocked a plan Tuesday to hold a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has the power to appoint someone to the seat, but after the governor’s arrest on corruption charges last week, some lawmakers, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Democrat Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, had called for a special election to fill the spot instead. That would take a change in state law, but Democrats in the Illinois House and Senate declined to take action on such a change this week. The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon and doesn’t plan to meet again until next year. As Democrats adjourned the Senate, Republicans yelled loudly from across the aisle, imploring top lawmakers to debate the notion of a special election. Democrats declined, and the power to appoint a new U.S. senator still belongs to Blagojevich for now. “This was embarrassing,” said state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville. “This was disgusting to do what they did. It is a total sham.” Democrats cited a special election’s possible cost at a time when the state already is delaying paying its bills for other things. State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, said for that reason, it’d be best to leave the power to Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who would assume the state’s top post should Blagojevich leave office. He noted that the seat will come up for election again in 2010. “No matter who they pick, they’re going to have an election in two years anyway,” Forby said. Republicans argued that expenses could be kept reasonable if the U.S. Senate election could be held this spring during the municipal elections that will take place in towns across the state. Republicans suggest Democrats’ true

GREETINGS Continued from A1 provided print media with troop news for more than 50 years, this is the first year that technology has allowed the video recordings to be available for Web publishing, said Gerry Proctor. In previous years, the recordings have been limited to use by television stations. “It’s a volunteer program,” said Proctor, a Department of Defense civilian employee with the Joint Hometown News Service, Defense Media Activity in San Antonio, Texas. Three recording teams are sent out, Proctor said, well enough in advance to get the greetings recorded and dispersed before Christmas. Teams go to Europe, the Mediterranean and war zones and the Pacific area. “These aren’t scripted,” Proctor said, by any in military command. The Illinois videos last from five to 52 seconds, depending upon what the person recording has to relate. It was really spur of the moment, said Sidney Shonkwiler of Decatur of the Kraxbergers’ recorded greetings. Shonkwiler is Kate Kraxberger’s mother. “He works for NATO, so they had to go down to Ramstein (Air Base), Germany,” she said. “They were not thinking along Christmas lines.” However, for some reason, Deric Kraxberger insisted on taking his flight suit along, which turned out to be a good

PANEL Continued from A1 expeditious and thorough” in the inquiry. “Duty and responsibility seem to be the words of the day,” added state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville. The committee hearing room was populated by a handful of spectators and two-dozen members of the media. No representatives of the governor’s office appeared to be on hand for the opening session. The panel’s task is to determine whether the governor’s behavior, including details outlined in a 76-page federal criminal complaint last week, makes him unfit to remain chief executive. Blagojevich has said he would not resign and has retained Chicago defense attorney Edward Genson to represent him in the impeachment inquiry and the criminal case. Genson, who has represented pop star R. Kelly and newspaper magnate Conrad Black, is scheduled to attend today’s hearing. Blagojevich was in his Chicago office Tuesday, where he signed legislation providing extra money to pay for, among other things, road salt. Although Fitzgerald’s request could slow the work of the committee, Republicans and Democrats on the panel say the federal complaint is not the only evidence they will review before deciding whether to proceed with a full impeachment. Members of the committee agreed that they must work fast because of the problems facing the state. On Tuesday, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said the governor’s legal problems already cost motives for staying away from a special election is because a Republican could win the high-profile seat in an open election. In the case of an appointment by a Democratic official, a Democrat would almost certainly be tapped to replace Obama. “You have to be suspect of a monarchy that tells you it’s too expensive for the

the cash-strapped state $20 million. Giannoulias said delays in getting approval to sell bonds to pay a backlog of bills, combined with concerns by credit rating agencies, translated into $20 million in increased borrowing costs for the state. “The cost of corruption is real,” Giannoulias said. Talk of impeachment by lawmakers was in the air before Blagojevich’s arrest last week on charges that he was attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. While the complaint is the linchpin in the impeachment, the governor also has been accused of violating laws regarding the purchase of flu vaccine and the offering of a grant to a private Chicago school. In addition, the governor is accused of ignoring the legislature regarding the spending of money and the implementation of new programs. Currie said the committee also hopes to hear from two men, Ali Ata and Joseph Cari, who pleaded guilty as part of Fitzgerald’s “Operation Board Games” investigation into the trading of seats on state boards and commissions for campaign contributions. Committee members said they were approaching their duty in hopes of clearing the cloud of corruption that is hovering over the state. “It is time to restore the trust that we have lost,” said state Rep. Suzanne Mendoza, D-Chicago. “It would have been better if the governor had resigned,” said state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

people to elect their representatives,” said state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington. Even though state law still provides that Blagojevich could appoint a senator, he faces several promises by other top officials to block any appointment he would make. mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

Herald & Review/Lisa Morrison

Katana Nosiri works on a computer program that helps increase speed on solving math problems. Each student gets a turn on the computers, which should help them with their ISAT scores at Parsons School.

CLUB Continued from A1 are grown and gone, so this is a good connection for me. These kids need the extra help in their lives.” One of her students is stronger in math, while the other is making better progress at reading. In math, Zelhart is focusing on multiplication, using flash cards. In the reading sessions, she reads a paragraph and then each student reads a paragraph. “If there are words we don’t know, we talk about them,” Zelhart said. “We work on their comprehension. They help each other out. They will pitch in and help the other one.” Lori Putnam, Club 305 director, said that while the program has been very successful, she would like to have more volunteer tutors so she could welcome more students into the program. “We’ve got tons of kids on the waiting list,” said Putnam, a former teacher who serves as First Christian’s

director of children’s ministries. Club 305 also provides a meal, art instruction, sports, games and a Bible message. There also are field trips to places such as Millikin University to broaden the students’ horizons and family dinners for relatives to meet the tutors and view student artwork. During a recent afterschool session, Putnam read a Bible story and told the children that God wanted to help them resist committing sins. Putnam believes there is a higher purpose for the program, which is supported by donations from church members. The meals are prepared by volunteers who attend First Christian. “We are a faith community,” Putnam said. “We try to do everything we can to expose them to the hope of Christ. It’s not just reading and math. That is just the vehicle we use to let them know how much God loves them.” hfreeman@herald-review.com| 421-6985

SOLDIERS WHO’VE RECORDED GREETINGS Military personnel who recorded holiday greetings to home and the area connection they indicated include: Army Pfc. Anthony W. Atchison, Danville, Grafenwoehr, Germany Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon J. Brockhouse, Springfield, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan Air Force Maj. Kevin J. Creedon, Rantoul, Raf Mildenhall, England Air Force Master Sgt. Mark A. Czmyr, Charleston, Operation Iraqi Freedom Army Lt. Col. David S. Danner, Litchfield, Wiesbaden, Germany Navy Lt. Lawrence C. Decker, Washington, Operation Enduring Freedom Southwest Asia Air Force Capt. David C. Diehl, Springfield, Ramstein Air Base, Germany Army Lt. Col. Joyce A. Difani, Peoria, Kosovo Air Force Master Sgt. Philip D. Donoho, Salem, Raf Croughton, England Army civilian Ralfnoa Eatherington, Springfield, Vilseck, Ger-

many Air Force Senior Airman Christina J. Eichel, Decatur, Kosovo Army Sgt. Brent Ferguson, El Paso, Mannheim, Germany Army Lt. Col. Daniel L. Fitzgerald, Mattoon, Belgium Air Force Airman 1st Class Kimberli Goodner, Edwardsville, RAF Lakenheath, England Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Hartke, Teutopolis, Operation Iraqi Freedom Army Capt. Steven Huber, Ste. Marie, Bamberg, Germany Air Force Staff Sgt. Jay Huddleston, Herrick, England Air Force Staff Sgt. Melane Huddleston, Effingham, England Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandy M. Hudson, Vandalia, Osan Air Base, South Korea Army Staff Sgt. John E. Jestis Jr., Danville, Bamberg, Germany Air Force Maj. Bradley L. Johnson, Shelbyville, Osan Air Base, South Korea Air Force Lt. Col. Deric V. Kraxberger, Decatur, Spangdahlem, Germany Air Force Col. Rob A. Kyrouac, Carlock, Osan Air Base, South

Korea Army Maj. Joseph M. Leahy, Normal, Kosovo Air Force Tech Sgt. Jonna Nenbold, Martinsville, England Air Force Maj. James Mason in Raf Lakenheath, Peoria, England Air Force Staff Sgt. Lilibeth C. Moeller, Peoria, Manas, Kyrgystan Air Force Senior Airman Joel A. Munson, Williamsville, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan Army Maj. Robert W. Nicholson, Springfield, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan Air Force Capt. J. Oliver, Decatur, Operation Iraqi Freedom Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Edmund C. Parker, Humboldt, Djibouti, Africa Marine Corps Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell, Springfield and Peoria, Camp Foster, Okinawa Air Force Senior Airman Randy M. Shipman, Hillsboro, Aviano, Italy Army Sgt. Dianne I. Smith, Normal, Camp Humphries, South Korea Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Stewart, Staunton and Springfield, Misawa Air Base, Japan

thing when they found out greetings were being recorded. The service offered to military personnel for recording requires that they be in uniform. “They were the very first ones (to record),” Sidney Shonkwiler said. “She had written out what they were going to say.” The couple was able to personalize greetings for his fam-

ily in Oregon and her family here, Shonkwiler added. It was a couple of months ago that Randy Shipman of Hillsboro recorded greetings to home, said his mother, René Shipman. Randy Shipman, 25, is an Air Force senior airman stationed in Aviano, Italy. “Our son said the television station should be calling when they will be airing,”

said René Shipman. When those scheduled airings didn’t coincide with the work hours of her and her husband, Roger, they had to tape the greeting, she said. With the new service, the Shipmans, along with others, can access all area greetings at any time by simply visiting the Herald & Review Web site, Dawson added. amannlein@herald-review.com|421-6976

CAT Continued from A1 to ramp up manufacturing of the giant mining trucks that are only built here. There are some 1,000 jobs tied to motor grader production, and Caterpillar said it’s not clear yet how many workers might be moved over to mining truck assembly lines and how many jobs will move out of the plant and not be replaced with other work. Dugan has previously said that Caterpillar has an “open communication” policy with its work force and will inform them when the net numbers are known. Reacting to news of the contract employee reductions, Craig Coil, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, was not surprised. “We are unfortunately in a situation now where we’re at the mercy of circumstances that are out of our control,” he said, referring to the recession. He said the sharpness of the economic collapse and the speed with which it has taken hold and hit companies has been disturbing. “I’ve been doing this kind of work for a long, long time, and the circumstances now are beyond comparison, frankly,” he added. “I talk to my peers and allies around the state and around the

country, and everybody is feeling the same thing. Nobody knows quite how to deal with it, and we’re seeing things happen, and happen so quickly, that it is even hard to react to sometimes.” But Coil said it could still be worse, and Decatur is faring better then some areas and a lot better than it might have done if this recession had hit 10 years ago. “We’re more diversified in a general sense now, and if you look at the numbers, our unemployment has increased, but the number of people working, overall, has remained relatively stable.” Coil was heartened by Tuesday’s record-low interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and said the federal government was doing everything it can to kickstart the economy. He said if the housing market nationally turns around, that will signal the start of a broadbased recovery. treid@herald-review.com|421-7977.

Herald&Review

OPINION

BILL O’REILLY

Many made their mark on 2008 This is the time of year when media types begin bloviating about the person who has most impacted the country in 2008. Well, there’s not much drama this time around because of Barack Obama’s amazing achievement. But there are other folks who have influenced us greatly, as well. Please consider the following list: Congressman Barney Frank/Sen. Chris Dodd/ Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox: These three were given the charge to watch the financial system in America, to make sure Wall Street greed-heads and other pernicious people did not hurt folks. So tell me, how did they do? COX, A FORMER Republican congressman himself, simply did nothing, allowing bad mortgages to be traded like sports cards as he fiddled in his lavish office. Frank and Dodd, as finance chairmen in the House and Senate respectively, actually promoted irresponsible mortgages in the name of “inclusion,” the liberal concept of giving people stuff if they can’t buy it. Dodd also took a sweetheart mortgage from sincefailed Countrywide Financial, which saved him close to $100,000. And Frank publicly said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in “good shape going forward,” just weeks before both government entities collapsed. I’d say these three had quite an impact in 2008. SARAH PALIN: The governor of Alaska completely upstaged Sen. John McCain and, depending on your political point of view, was either a breath of fresh air or the ruination of the Republican Party. Either way, she had a huge impact. Sen. Ted Stevens and Gov. Rod Blagojevich: These two proved once again that political corruption knows no party. The Republican Stevens and the Democratic Blagojevich should now get their own reality program titled “Scamming with the Pols.” I especially like Blagojevich speaking on the phone about getting bribes for delivering Obama’s senate seat, all the while knowing he was under investigation by the feds. Even O.J. Simpson wasn’t that dumb. Well, maybe I’m overstating. On the positive side, Sen. Hillary Clinton and McCain both ran spirited campaigns against President-elect Obama, and that helped the nation decide a new direction. Michael Phelps and the U.S. Olympic Team performed with class and skill in Beijing. When Phelps hits the water, the impact is amazing. BUT ABOVE all this year, the U.S. military has had a major impact on the country and the world. Overcoming enormous obstacles to bring a measure of stability to the beleaguered people of Iraq, our forces have performed brilliantly. And, along with NATO troops, American troops continue to protect the Afghan people from the horrors of the Taliban. These brave, unselfish men and women proved once again in 2008 that America is a noble nation. Their impact and sacrifice should be positioned in the forefront of any “person of the year” exposition. Bloviating aside, that’s the truth. www.billoreilly.com The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

www.herald-review.com

A4 Wednesday, December 17, 2008

OUR VIEWS

Suspiciously timed apology just a ploy Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

FORMER GOV. George Ryan finally apologized last week for his actions while in office, although the issue was nearly lost because of the arrest of the state’s other bad-boy governor. Still, Ryan’s apology is suspiciously timed, and President Bush should not commute his sentence. Ryan issued his apology while Bush is considering end of term pardons and commutations. Outgoing presidents generally commute some sentences and issue some pardons. Ryan’s statement of apology was sent to Bush as an addition to the petition for clemency filed weeks ago. Ryan said in his written apology that while in office he had done “less than my best, and for that I am sorry.” He went on to say the apology was written because he wanted to make “things right in my heart with God, with my family and with those I have hurt. As a former public official, a husband, a father and a grandfather, I apologize.” For the first time, the former governor also apologized for the 1994 tragedy in which six children were killed in an accident involving a truck driver with a license that is believed to have been illegally purchased from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Ryan’s office is believed to have granted the license in exchange for campaign contributions. “I know that Rev. and Mrs. Willis suffered such effects — an unimaginable pain and loss — from mistakes made by my administration, both by

me and others on my watch. My heart has and always will go out to the Willis family. They, like all of the people of Illinois, deserved far better than I gave them.” Ryan’s chief attorney, former Gov. James R. Thompson, said that while Ryan’s apology would be added to his appeal for clemency, it was not the purpose. Thompson said it came from Ryan “sitting in a penitentiary for over a year, contemplating his life and where it went wrong. I think he is a much changed man.” While it’s impossible to tell what is in Ryan’s heart, we do have some facts to consider. This is the first time Ryan has personally apologized for any of his actions. It’s the first time he has accepted responsibility for his conduct in office, even though he left the governor’s office more than six years ago. It’s been more than 14 years since the accident that killed the Willis children. Even after that tragedy, Ryan did not change his ways. In fact, there is ample evidence that he stepped up his efforts to personally profit from his public position, especially after he was elected governor. We’re sure Ryan is a changed man. Spending a year in federal prison probably has that effect. We’re also pretty sure Ryan’s well-timed apology is an attempt to garner sympathy so Bush will consider shortening his sentence. But the former governor’s apology is too little, too lame and too late. The former governor should serve every day of his sentence.

LETTERS There are many possible defenses for Blagojevich

Fun may not be funny in high-tech America It always seems like fun at the time. Then the photo surfaces. Two guys, some beer and a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton have created fresh grief for the young and uninitiated to Washington Rules. In the latest blog scandalette, Jon Favreau, a Holy Cross valedictorian and 27-yearold wunderkind speechwriter for Barack Obama, was captured clutching the prospective secretary of state’s, um, pectoral area, while a fellow reveler, wearing an “Obama Staff” T-shirt, nuzzles Clinton’s ear and holds a beer bottle to her smiling lips. The photo popped up on Facebook for a couple of hours before being removed ... too late. The moment was captured, and the rest was instant and persistent history. On the Information Highway, alas, roadkill is never really dead. One day, Favreau was the golden boy of silken tongue. The next, he was just another dimwitted dude acting dumb. The blogosphere the past few days has begun to resemble Durham, N.C., circa 2006, following the alleged Duke lacrosse team/stripper-rape nonincident: Pitchforks ready, torches lighted. FEMINISTS groups such as NOW and The New Agenda are outraged that Clinton, or at least her image, is being treated disrespectfully by the boys. Conservatives are outraged that there’s

KATHLEEN PARKER

OPINIONS? CONTACT US:

not enough outrage, as would be the case were the party boys Republicans. An attorney wrote on the Feminist Law Professors blog that Favreau should not be excused for “youthful indiscretion” and questioned Obama’s judgment “in continuing to rely professionally on someone so young and irresponsible and offensively sexist.” Only Clinton has made light of the “incident,” hereinafter known as Night of BBB (Boys Being Boys). In an e-mail to The Washington Post’s Al Kamen, a Clinton adviser wrote: “Sen. Clinton is pleased to learn of Jon’s obvious interest in the State Department and is currently reviewing his application.” Hear, hear. Nipping nonsense in the bud is an essential skill for a secretary of state, and Clinton used her shears deftly. If anyone recognizes a little harmless male sport, it would be the bride of President “Is.” One thing is harmful; another thing isn’t. NEVERTHELESS, Clinton’s response has fallen short of what some deem appropriate. CNN’s Campbell Brown charged Clinton with forfeiting her feminist cred, especially after issuing her own charges of sexism throughout the presidential campaign. All of the above would be nonsense, except that almost nothing any longer is. Nonsense is the new standard for controversy; and even party shenanigans qualify. Puritans and prohibitionists would adore our brave new world of shutterbug infamy. The fact is, no one’s having fun anymore, especially in the nation’s capital, where one can’t afford to let the tongue slip or risk being caught in the cross hairs of a cell camera.

WRITE: Herald & Review Letter to the editor Box 311, Decatur, IL 62525-0311

Political veterans have learned, sometimes the hard way. This new generation — the Obama cohort — needs to review The Rules. Smart grown-ups in Washington don’t get drunk in public. A glass of wine is a prop that rarely gets drained. AT A SMALL, private dinner recently, where wine flowed freely (and no one took pictures), conversation turned to the day when politicos and others routinely enjoyed three-martini lunches. How did they do that? Not just the drinking, but the escape from scrutiny? It was all about time. In low-tech America, people had time to sober up. There was no e-mail light blinking to demand your immediate attention, no insistent cell phones blasting “Fur Elise” into one’s pocket or purse; no 24/7 news producers demanding instant responses to urgent claims and counterclaims. For all the gratification and convenience of real-time everything, downtime was underappreciated while it lasted. Even 10 years ago, BBB would have been vaguely recalled over Bloody Marys and quickly forgotten. Now, young men goofing around are immortalized as misogynist maulers, portentous reminders to the rest of us that the gender wars won’t end until irreverence and humor are dead. In the meantime, feminists might channel their free-ranging anger toward, say, Iran, where yet another woman recently was sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. And Facebookers might heed the saloon owner’s orders: Check your weapons at the door. Cameras are lethal. kparker@kparker.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

Top 10 Blagojevich defenses: 10. “I’ve done nothing illegal. I did only whatever I wanted to do, which I’m entitled to do as governor, and, heck, just as me.” 9. “Madigan doctored the tapes.” 8. “Do you honestly believe someone with beautiful READ LETTERS TO THE hair and EDITOR ONLINE: a cute www.heraldface like review.com mine could be evil?” 7. “It was just my way of involving more people in the political process.” 6. “Hey, it was just a joke. I knew I was being taped and was just having a little fun with the Feds.” 5. “I’m so sorry. I thought I could conquer this by myself. Now I have let my family down and the people of Illinois. And I’ve let myself down, too. But I’m able to stand before you now and honestly admit the truth: I’m an alcoholic and need to be in rehab and will be admitting myself tomorrow morning. It’s a sickness, and I ask for your prayers. And please, out of respect for my family, allow us our privacy and don’t talk about this anymore.” 4. “Can we cut a deal? I’ll tell you what I know about Obama.” 3. “I was planning to use all the money for a statewide construction program that the legislature has refused to fund.” 2. “I’m a good man who just lost my way.” And the No. 1 defense: 1. “I have these blackouts ...” Charles Johnson Arthur

Lawmakers are no different than CEOs they criticize Day after day, I hear our senators, representatives and other politicians call for the replacement of the CEOs of the auto industry. They say their poor management has brought them close to bankruptcy. To make the Big Three auto companies profitable, they propose to cut the workers’ salaries and benefits. They also call for the reduction or elimination of retirees’ pension and benefits. These same senators and representatives have been well paid to run our government. They have done no better than the auto CEOs. They have run us about 10 trillion dollars in debt. We are currently adding about $1.3 million a minute to this debt. If we did the same thing to their salaries and benefits, then did away with the retired politicians’ benefits, we could slow down this climb in the national debt. They could have their benefits back when the national debt is paid off. Robert Doty Decatur

PHONE:

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Have a cookie!

Pinning, winning Great things are expected from Mt. Zion wrestlers/B1

A little chemistry know-how explains why they tempt us/D1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2008

LaHood to get Transportation job Obama expected to make announcement in next few days By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$75,000

FutureGen support There is still confidence and a sense of urgency among some officials for finally starting construction on the FutureGen power plant, even after the government pulled the plug a year ago. Money C1

SPRINGFIELD — Retiring U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood apparently isn’t ready to leave Washington, D.C., after all. Faced with ending a 14-year career in Congress in January, the 62-year-old Republican from Peoria is instead in line to join

President-elect Barack Obama’s administration as Transportation Department secretary. A formal announcement about Obama picks the appointformer Iowa Gov. ment is Tom Vilsack for expected in Agriculture spot. the coming days. RepubliStory/C1 can sources confirmed LaHood was in talks for the job. The Washington Post, citing Democratic sources, reported Wednesday that LaHood’s appointment was imminent.

n Ag choice

LAHOOD/A2

Associated Press

Governor’s attorney makes case

SALVATION ARMY

Hear them ring

Realizing risks

Rep. Ray LaHood R-Ill., addresses a crowd at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug 16, 2007. A senior Democratic official says President-elect Barack Obama has chosen LaHood to be his Transportation secretary.

LaHood, who represents Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, would be the second Republican named to Obama’s Cabinet, joining holdover Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Obama’s transition office and a spokesman for LaHood declined comment Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, said LaHood’s selection would be good news for his district, which borders LaHood’s. “Whether it is in Quincy, Galesburg or the surrounding

Edward Genson tells panel there’s no illegal activity A screening offered by Stroke Detection Plus at the American Red Cross used tests to help assess people’s risks of stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and osteoporosis. Local A3

By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Energy outlook U.S. dependence on foreign oil will drop dramatically over the next two decades as Americans are expected to confront rebounding oil prices, use more biofuels and drive more fuel-efficient cars, the Energy Department predicted. Nation A6

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.02

YOUR WEATHER

HIGH

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Golden K Kiwanis Club member Carl Catron is just one of the volunteers braving the cold to collect for the Salvation Army. Catron is a double-handed ringer. BELOW: Dick Vissering bundles up for his shift ringing the Salvation Army bells in front of the north Wal-Mart Supercenter. Vissering also is a member of the Golden K.

Even when donations are down, spirits are up among bell volunteers

L O W

36 36 Today: Cloudy with snow, rain Tonight: Windy with rain Details/B8

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C5,6 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-8 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1,2 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D6 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C5,6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-7 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

By ALAN FRAM

Our 136th year

Issue 353 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

so I’m happy to do this for two hours,” Vissering said as a steady stream of shoppers DECATUR — Fortified with passes by, many pausing to five layers of clothing and a push greenbacks into the kethood, Dick Vissering stood tle. before the main entrance of “I also help with the Salvathe northside Wal-Mart Supertion Army’s food distribution,” center and, on a sunny, frosty Vissering added. “In addition morning, rang the bells for the to this Golden K shift, I rang Salvation Army red the bells for the Serkettle donation receptoma Club.” He retired tacle. WHERE TO in 2000 as farm He was among 49 department manager DONATE Golden K Kiwanis at First National Club bell ringers on Cub Foods, Bank. the Saturday to SunKroger, Kmart, A few yards away, day weekend shift at Rural King, at the north entrance, Decatur stores. Sam’s Club, WalCarl Catron was ringThe kettles are greens and Waling the bells and, once staffed by volunteers Mart. in a while, ducking from service clubs — inside to warm up a Rotary, Sertoma, bit. “This is one of the Kiwanis and others — and jobs that needs to be done,” he Catholic churches all day, emphasized. every day and up to 9 p.m. “I like Golden K because you until Dec. 24. Last year, kettle can pick and choose your voldonations amounted to unteer jobs. I’ve also picked up $129,153, according to Maj. Bob litter, worked on the new playGauthier of the Salvation ground in Scovill Park, helped Army. That’s a major portion on food baskets and helped of the Salvation Army’s Christneighbors when they’re in mas fund drive. need,” Catron added. “The Salvation Army does a BELLS/A2 lot of good in the community,

CASE/A2

Poll finds clear communication between most pets, owners Associated Press Writer

75 cents

By BOB FALLSTROM

H&R Community News Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich may have been caught saying “inappropriate things” on federal wiretaps, but none of the statements resulted in illegal activity, his attorney argued Wednesday. Edward Genson, a high-profile Chicago lawyer defending Blagojevich in a federal criminal corruption case, Genson acknowledged that the governor’s arrest last week had cast a pall over state government but urged lawmakers investigating whether to impeach him to make sure their decision is based on solid evidence. “We have a terrible, terrible public relations problem here,” Genson told the 21-member House panel. But, he said, the evidence contained in the federal criminal complaint is “just people jabbering.” “There’s no evidence anyone ever did anything,” Genson said. Genson’s appearance was his first in front of the panel, which launched its inquiry Tuesday, a week after Blagojevich was arrested at his Chicago home. Blagojevich is accused of scheming to appoint Presidentelect Barack Obama’s replacement in the U.S. Senate based on who offered him money or a job. The allegations have put Obama’s empty Senate seat in the spotlight. With Blagojevich ignoring calls to resign, Republicans want a special election to fill the seat, saying it will be tainted if Blagojevich or his successor, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, name the new senator. Without comment, the Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan aimed at ousting the

WASHINGTON — When your dog says “Woof,” you hear an eager, “Let’s take a walk.” And your cat has a certain entitled meow that you know means, “Put more food in my bowl — now!” You are not alone. Sixty-seven percent of pet

owners say they understand their animals’ barks, purrs and other sounds, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll released Wednesday. In a finding many parents of teenagers might envy, 62 percent of owners say that when they speak, their pets get the message.

“I speak to her on limited subjects, and she does the same with me,” said Stephen King, 63, a retired chemist from Kempner, Texas, who claims to understand his dog Dagny’s repertoire of barks signaling anger, eagerness, contentment and other feelings. “Common sense works 98 percent of the time.”

King is among the one-fifth of owners who said in the poll that they and their pets understand each other’s sounds completely. The survey, conducted by GfK, shows that owners’ affection for their pets goes well beyond speaking their language. Even as a recession forces millions of fami-

lies to curtail their budgets, just one in seven owners said they’ve been forced to trim spending on their pets in the past year. And more than four in 10 said they still plan to buy holiday gifts for their animals, about the same as last year.

PETS/A2

A2 LOCAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2008

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville. 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Homeless Memorial Event, 4:30 p.m., Oasis Day Shelter, Decatur. 422-3940. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 9 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon, Donations welcome. 1-800-5006286. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Visit with Santa, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Wonderland in Lights, 5 to 9 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800-772-0750. Music Phil Vassar, 7:30 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, $37-$72. Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. All Kindz of Soundz Kerryoke & DJ, Shelby Bowl, Shelbyville. Country Night with DJ

Halfdead, 8 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono. David Lee the DJ, 10 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. DJ/Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Elbow Room, Decatur. Jackie Lawson and Tad Freezland, 6:30 p.m., Stoney’s Steakhouse, Dalton City. Jimmy Bean Acoustic, 8 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. Karaoke/DJ with Ricky, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. Live DJ, Touche Bar & Grill, Decatur. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield. $30. Reservations, (309) 965-2545. Health Blood pressure screening, 2 to 3 p.m., Lake Towers, Shelbyville. Blood Pressure Screenings, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Eberhardt Village, Arthur. Cardiac Rehab Orientation, 1 to 3 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation, Decatur.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

CASE

PETS

Continued from A1

governor from office. Madigan said she was disappointed in the court’s decision and urged the General Assembly to move quickly on the impeachment proceedings to get the Senate seat filled and Illinois fully represented in Madigan Congress. “Because of Gov. Blagojevich’s refusal to resign, the state of Illinois is in an unsustainable situation,” Madigan said. Republican leaders said the rejection of Madigan’s case offers up an additional reason Illinois should hold a special election to replace Obama in the Senate. “There is one group of people we can be sure that has not been tainted by political corruption in Illinois, and that is the electorate,” said a joint letter by House Minority Leader Tom Cross and Senate Minority Leader-elect Christine Radogno. Meanwhile, in the threehour impeachment hearing, Genson made his presence known quickly. The attorney, known for his defense of high-profile clients such as pop star R. Kelly, tried to get members kicked off the panel for expressing strong opinions about the governor. He also argued for a delay, saying he’d been given little information or notice about the hearing. In addition, Genson said some documents introduced into the record wouldn’t be allowed in a regular courtroom. “Rod Blagojevich cannot get a fair and impartial hearing,” he said. Panel members quickly shot him down. “This is not a trial. This is a hearing set forth by the House,” said state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro. “It’s not a courtroom.” State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said Genson’s tactics in the hearing indicate Blagojevich is not going to go down with a whimper. “It appears the governor is digging in for a fight,” Rose said. Wednesday’s action came as Genson filed paperwork to make sure taxpayers will pay him to defend Blagojevich in the impeachment proceedings. Usually, state officials are represented by the attorney general’s office, but Madigan’s involvement in the Supreme Court case gave her a conflict of interest, he said. Genson didn’t say Wednesday how much he planned on charging for his defense of the governor. The committee resumes its deliberations at 10 a.m. today.

“They look to me for food and shelter, just like my children do,” said Charlotte Phillips, 40, of Abingdon, Va., a mother of two whose family is cutting spending overall but not for its two dogs and five cats. “They can’t fend for themselves.” Even so, these tough economic times are taking a toll. Of the 15 percent of owners who say they’re having to spend less on their pets, about a quarter say they’ve contemplated giving up the animal. Half or more say they’ve seriously considered cheaper food, fewer toys and delaying routine veterinary visits. “It would have killed me,” said Krystal Kantala, 27, of Bonneau, S.C., who contemplated giving away one of her two cats when her husband lost his job. They kept it after they took out a loan and he found a new job. More than seven in 10 women but fewer than six in 10 men say they and their pets understand each other’s efforts at communication. Older and lower-income people are especially likely to say they and their pets get the message. On the flip side, men are twice as likely as women to say they and their pets are clueless about what each is saying to the other. All told, those folks include fewer than one in 10 pet owners. “It’s kind of like, ‘What are

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

LAHOOD Continued from A1 areas, Ray and I have consistently worked in a bipartisan fashion to improve our local transportation system. After a week of embarrassment caused by the actions of our governor, the selection of Ray LaHood is something all Illinoisans can be proud of,” Hare said. “Ray LaHood is a good friend, a solid member of our congressional delegation, and would make a fine addition to any administration,” Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andrew McKenna said. LaHood last year announced his planned retirement at the end of his current term in January. He has served in Congress since 1994 and previously was an aide to former House Minority Leader Bob Michel, R-Peoria. In November, Republican Aaron Schock, a state representative from Peoria, won the general election to succeed LaHood. As Transportation secretary, LaHood likely could have a hand in one of Obama’s key economic proposals, a massive construction plan that would try to put people to work by building billions of dollars worth of roads, bridges and other projects. University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist Chris Mooney said LaHood’s service on the U.S. House committee that deals with spending shows he’s “widely respected.” “He’s as centrist, probably,

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T O D AY 876-2496. Health Screenings, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Senior Center, Sullivan, (800) 879-3212. Health Screenings, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Dicks Pharmacy, Arthur, (800) 879-3212. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, water aerobics, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Meetings Baby Talk, Decatur Public Library, Children’s Auditorium, Decatur, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Decatur Area Education Coalition, 4 p.m., Madden Arts Center, Decatur. 429-3000. Decatur Christian Women’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Hickory Point Banquet Facility, Forsyth, $12. 4224633. Fans Field Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m., Decatur Housing Authority, Decatur. Metro Rotary Club, noon,

Decatur Club, Decatur. 494-1543. Suicide Knight Chess Club, 7 a.m., Prairieland ABATE, Decatur. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, noon, Barnes Citizens Building, Decatur. 855-3018. TRIAD, 10 a.m., Decatur-Macon County Senior CenTomorrow’s ter, Decatur, highlight: 429-1239. United Greg Baker, Commercial 8 p.m., Bement Travelers, Country Opry, Scovill BanDecatur. $8, $4. quet Facility, 877-6499 or Decatur, 429678-8343. 4511. Seniors Decatur Macon County Senior Center, Quilting, 9 a.m., Computer Basics and E-mail Class, 9 a.m., Christmas Party, noon, Cards, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. John’s Hill, Watercolor Class, 9 a.m., Decatur, 422-1509. Support Groups Al-Anon, 10 a.m., Central Christian Church, Decatur. Al-Anon, 8 p.m., First Presbyter-

Associated Press

Jayne Starring, 48, of Barrington, R.I., talks to her 8-year-old angora mix cat, Flannel, at her home. Starring said the cat often chases people about the house meowing. ‘We’re not sure we’re making much progress understanding him,’ said Starring. ‘I don’t know what his point is.’ you doing?’ ” Edwin Oto, 47, of Moraga, Calif., says of his futile efforts to figure out what his dog, Shilo, wants when she keeps barking THE after he NET lets her into the n AP-Petside. house. com poll: www. Dog petside.com/poll owners n surveys.ap. prevail org over cat people when it comes to claims of successfully speaking to their animals: Three in 10 dog owners think their pets are baffled when they speak to them, compared with nearly half of cat owners who say the same. When it comes to communicating in the other direction,

‘After a week of embarrassment caused by the actions of our governor, the selection of Ray LaHood is something all Illinoisans can be proud of.’

cat owners do better. Twentyfive percent say they completely understand those meows, compared with 16 percent of dog owners who claim to be totally fluent in barks. Jane Starring, 48, of Barrington, R.I., says she and her family are confounded by their 8-year-old cat, Flannel, who often chases people about the house meowing. “We’re not sure we’re making much progress understanding him,” said Starring. “I don’t know what his point is.” William Miller, a professor of veterinary medicine and medical director of Cornell University’s Companion Animal Hospital, says it’s not

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ian Church, Mount Zion. Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups, 1 p.m., Oasis Senior Center, Lincoln, 726-5184. Get High on Life Group, 8 p.m., AFFAS, Decatur. 521-7204 or 6203444. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, 1:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Decatur, 877-2664. United Ostomy Association, 7 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur. Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield. 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8, $4. (708) 4850263. David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Second Floor Gallery, Decatur. Dewitt County Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clinton, Years of Christmas Past. $3, $1. 935-6066. DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3, $2, $1. (773) 9470600. Field Museum, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11 $9. (312) 6657100. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Hieronymus Mueller Museum,

unusual for many owners and pets to understand some of each other’s speech. He said animals and people learn to communicate over time by associating certain sounds with actions, such as a particular bark when a dog wants to go outside or the soothing tone many people use when petting their cats. “It’s not like you’ll sit down and have a U.N. conversation with them” spoken in different languages, Miller said. Some 74 percent of all pet owners have dogs, and 46 percent have cats, according to the poll. Men and women were about equally likely to own either kind of animal. Twelve percent of pet owners have fish, 7 percent have birds and 2 percent or fewer have horses, rabbits, rodents, turtles, lizards or other pets. Even with economic cutbacks, 43 percent said they would buy holiday gifts for their pets, 48 percent of dog owners but just 28 percent of cat owners. The AP-Petside.com poll was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from Dec. 3 to 8 and involved landline and cell phone interviews with 1,129 randomly chosen pet owners. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. Petside.com is a Web site with information and advertisements about pets and pet products.

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Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m. 423-6161. Illinois State Museum, Springfield. 782-7386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free. 333-1861. Lincoln College Museum, Lincoln. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 7355050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois” 422-4919. Madden Arts Center Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur, XMAS ARTicles. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4233189. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians. (309) 827-0428. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3, $2, $1.50. 544-3480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $23, $16. (312) 9392438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis, free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (314) 721-0072.

BELLS Continued from A1 Catron retired from Illinois Bell Telephone in 1985 as director of sales operations. “People have been generous today,” he said. On the same day last year, the kettles brought in nearly $7,000, Gauthier said. “The bell ringers do a great job for us,” he said. “Even so, the income from the kettles is more than $5,000 behind this time last year. The income from the kettles will be helping more than 900 people who have not sought help from the Salvation Army in the past.” bfallstrom@herald-review.com| 421-7981

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U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island as anybody gets in the U.S. House anymore,” Mooney said. As a congressman, LaHood has pushed for federal funding to help complete an interstate highway through much of Western Illinois. His district received millions of federal highway dollars to upgrade Interstate 74 through downtown Peoria. His Central Illinois district also is home to the world headquarters of heavy machinery manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. When President Bush took office, the only Democrat named to his Cabinet also was named secretary of Transportation. Former Secretary Norman Mineta served in that role until summer 2006. The 18th Congressional District includes Logan County and parts of Macon, Tazewell and Woodford counties. mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

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OPINION

JONAH GOLDBERG

Now is not time for big decisions We are in what might be called the Great Freakout of 2008. The Federal Reserve is a hair’s breadth from pushing interest rates to zero percent. After that, all that’s left is offering a free set of steak knives with every bag of cash. We’re moving quickly toward nationalizing the domestic auto industry, fast on the heels of partially nationalizing banking. The outgoing Bush administration is having a clearance sale on its few remaining items of fiscal restraint, while the incoming Obama crew is promising infrastructure “investments” the likes of which we haven’t seen since the 1950s. The freakout is understandable. Economic trust is breaking down. Investors are buying Treasury bills that pay no interest because they’re scared to leave their money even in insured banks. Consumer spending has dropped off a cliff. Some analysts forecast that the gross domestic product will fall at an annualized rate of 8 percent for the fourth quarter. BUT HERE’S a point nearly everyone understands from personal experience: It is not a good idea to make big, life-altering decisions when you’re freaking out. Everyone’s had moments when everything appears to be falling apart. And these are precisely the moments when we should take a walk around the block. After all, we adopt healthy habits and strong principles because we trust that they will minimize chaos and misery in our lives. The inevitable crises don’t call for trading that course for eternal panic. The same holds true with public policy. George W. Bush’s harshest critics certainly understood this point when it came to 9/11. Their narrative holds that the Bush administration and its enablers, driven mad by 9/11, made wholesale changes to our constitutional order in the name of an elusive “security” that were unwarranted, counterproductive and immoral. I think that story is itself a kind of freakout — for instance, I don’t think the Patriot Act was overkill — but anyone who has dealt with the absurdities of air travel knows the drawbacks of policy by freakout. BUT NOW that we have the equivalent of an economic 9/11, much of the same crowd sees its chance to lock in ideas that would be unthinkable during saner times. As Rahm Emanuel, Presidentelect Barack Obama’s incoming chief of staff, said last month, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste; it’s an opportunity to do important things that you would otherwise avoid.” Contrary as it might seem these days, economic knowledge is cumulative. We know things today that we didn’t know 50 or 100 years ago. And the more we know, the richer we get. If you plotted a trend line of Western prosperity since the dawn of capitalism, you’d see a line moving reliably upward over centuries. Zoom in close on any given period and the more jagged the line appears, zigging up and zagging down like a stock that’s volatile on a given day, but trending steadily upward over the year. LOOK AT that line from, say, 1929 to 1939, and sure, there was a lot more zagging down than zigging up. But, in part, that’s because policymakers thought the crisis was proof that capitalism itself had been discredited. Today, you can hear similar talk from a chorus of progressives, convinced that laissezfaire is dead and we must now rethink everything, reinvent our economic order or return to what New York Times columnist Paul Krugman calls “New Deal economics.” By all means, let the nation do what it must to keep the downward dip as short and shallow as possible. But let’s not, in a quest for security, abandon good habits and forget the hardlearned lessons that have given us so much. JonahsColumn@aol.com

www.herald-review.com

A5 Thursday, December 18, 2008

OUR VIEWS

Blagojevich’s selfishness is costing state Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

IT APPEARS Gov. Rod Blagojevich isn’t going to resign soon, illustrating once again that the governor places his personal agenda ahead of the state. A special House committee was supposed to begin discussing the possible impeachment of the governor, who was arrested on federal corruption and fraud charges more than a week ago. But that committee hit two speed bumps, one small and one large. The supposedly small speed bump is a concern by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald that the impeachment committee not “trample” on the federal case. That’s a valid concern and one the committee and the U.S. Attorney’s Office should be able to agree on easily. Early indications, in fact, are that the impeachment panel might focus on other issues than Blagojevich’s alleged criminal behavior. There have been indications that the panel wants to look at the governor’s tendency to set up programs without legislative approval and allegations that his office refuses to release documents that are public. The second speed bump could be a lot larger. Blagojevich’s attorney, Edward Genson, appeared before the impeachment committee Wednesday and was combative, to say the least. He said some members of the panel should resign from the committee because of statements they have made, and he said the state should pay for Blagojevich’s legal counsel during the impeachment hearings. Genson, who also has represented pop star R. Kelly and newspaper magnate Conrad Black, may be trying to prolong

the hearings. Blagojevich has said he won’t resign at this point and claims the federal charges against him are false. On Tuesday, he signed several bills, another indication he plans to ride out this ordeal. It’s hard to determine why Blagojevich is hanging on to an office when practically everyone else in the state wants him to leave. It may have to do with money or just a stubborn streak that has him convinced he’s right and the rest of the world is wrong. But there is no disputing that as long as Blagojevich sits in the governor’s seat and is under the cloud of federal charges, it will be difficult for the state to operate. Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said the delay in issuing short-term bonds caused by Blagojevich’s arrest and the concern it caused among rating agencies most likely cost the state an extra $20 million. “The cost of corruption is real,” he said. In addition, the state is facing a budget crisis of historic proportions, and it needs to be prepared in case a federal economic stimulus package includes money for construction projects around the state. There also is the day-to-day business of the state that must be addressed. It’s hard to imagine the General Assembly and governor’s office, already the definition of dysfunctional, working better with the governor facing federal charges. The best thing for Illinois, of course, is for Blagojevich to resign. But Illinois citizens have known for a long time that the governor is not driven by what is best for the state.

LETTERS Arrest of governor was really a good day for state

Even GOP should see wisdom of automaker bailout Despite the popular myth, lemmings don’t really hurl themselves off a cliff to reduce their numbers. That sort of behavior is seen only among Republicans in the Senate, who gave us a demonstration when they torpedoed legislation to bail out the auto industry. To state the obvious, no one is eager to use hard-earned taxpayer dollars to bail out the bozos of Detroit. Yes, I know American cars are better than they used to be, and yes, I know the much-heralded Chevy Volt is on the way. But our domestic auto industry has been thoroughly outthought and outhustled by foreign competition, and no infusion of public funds is likely to change this established pattern. It may be that General Motors, Chrysler and Ford are lumbering, Jurassic beasts that deserve their looming extinction. But only a freemarket fundamentalist, a lunatic or a Senate Republican — perhaps I’m being redundant — would conclude that now is the moment to hasten Detroit’s demise. TO RECAP: We’re in the midst of a global financial crisis. The housing bubble has burst, and prices have collapsed. The economy has been in recession for a year. Unemployment has risen to 6.7 percent, and if “marginally attached” workers are included, those who have given up even looking for a job, along with those who want to work full time but are forced to accept fewer hours, the rate

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is 12.5 percent. Even if the Big Three deserve to die, they shouldn’t die now. Economic theory notwithstanding, it would be insanity to throw hundreds of thousands of auto company employees, and maybe a few million others in the supply and sales chains, out of work, leaving them and their families at the mercy of an economy that has no replacement jobs for them. Public funds would end up supporting these people anyway, except that we would have lost our domestic auto industry, which, despite its many failings, is the only domestic auto industry we’ve got. What the auto companies need is something on the order of $14 billion, which will allow them to survive until the Obama administration takes office and is able to address the crisis in a more systematic way. That sounds like a lot of money, but it’s a rounding error in the context of the ongoing financial meltdown. We’ve already agreed to spend $700 billion to bail out Wall Street. THE THING to do is give the automakers the money to buy some time. This is obvious to the current administration, the incoming administration, a majority in the House of Representatives and the Democrats in the Senate, but not to the Senate Republicans. They killed the bailout measure by demanding that the United Auto Workers agree to sharp, almost immediate cuts in wages and benefits. Funny, I don’t recall a cry from Senate Republicans for salary caps on the stockbrokers whose jobs were saved in the Wall Street bailout, nor, to my knowledge, have they demanded that white-collar workers in the auto companies take pay cuts. I do recall lectures from some Republicans in the Senate about how inadvisable it is for

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government to meddle in the workings of the free market. In my book, renegotiating labor contracts qualifies as meddling. SOME OF the most vocal critics of a Detroit bailout — Sen. Bob Corker, RTenn., and Sen. Richard Shelby, RAla., for example — happen to have foreign-owned auto plants in their home states. This has led to accusations that they are deliberately trying to sabotage the Big Three to help foreign automakers, but I think it’s more likely that they’re just being doctrinaire and ultimately self-defeating. They have managed to position their party as against unions, against America’s domestic industrial patrimony, against the blue-collar working class and also, incredibly, against the Rust Belt states such as Michigan and Ohio that are home to UAW-represented auto plants and also regularly tip the balance of presidential elections. And for what? The Republican senators who voted to kill the bailout knew full well that the White House was determined to find some way to tide the automakers over. It was as if they couldn’t help themselves. Even lemmings must be shaking their heads in dismay. eugenerobinson@washpost.com The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

The news of the arrest of our governor, Rod Blagojevich, was truly “tidings of great joy,” which seemed to be shared by “all the people” or at least a majority of them. One person I spoke with said this was an early Christmas gift to the people of Illinois, and while some are calling the governor’s arrest a sad day in Illinois politics, I am more inclined to believe this was a good thing, as maybe a light has been cast upon the dark allegations of a man who seemed to lie his way into the governor’s office by swearing to “clean up” the dirty politics Illinois has become notorious for. Blagojevich can pretend all he wants that he is still in charge, but if the other elected officials hope to rid the state of this dishonest and questionable leader and remain in the good graces of the citizens so as to keep their jobs, they’ll take him away by impeaching him and doing it right away, sending him and his cronies the message that enough is enough. Sen. Harry Reid already has stated that any appointment made by Blagojevich to fill president-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat will not be honored, and that person will not be seated, so the Illinois legislators better move quickly to get a replacement picked. Should Blagojevich be convicted of the charges leveled against him by the government, maybe he and that other corrupt governor, George Ryan, can do time together. Richie Malloy Decatur

Thanks to all who support one of city’s treasures We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended the recent third Symphony Holiday Ball. It is because of your continuing interest and generous support that the Symphony Orchestra Guild will be able to present our annual grant to the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, continue our sponsorship of winners of the audition process each spring and to summer music camps and private music lessons. We also can continue to bring several live music education experiences to students in local schools that respond to our offerings. The lovely evening you participated in will return again next year, and we look forward to having you with us again. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra is one of Decatur’s treasures. We invite you to come to the remaining concerts in 2009 and experience this for yourselves. Tickets are available in the Kirkland Box Office before the concerts or evening performances. Linda Arends, president Symphony Orchestra Guild Decatur

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2008

Lawmakers review past Blagojevich sins Litany includes flu vaccine purchase, health initiative By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

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SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois House impeachment panel repeatedly hammered on Gov. Rod

Blagojevich on Thursday for ignoring laws in his management of the state. On the third day of hearings into whether the secondterm Chicago Democrat should be kicked out of office, the 21-member committee moved the focus of their efforts away from the federal criminal corruption charges that Blagojevich faces and shined their spotlight on his

actions as chief executive. In the crosshairs was Blagojevich’s November 2007 decision to move forward with a health insurance initiative after a legislative panel had rejected the idea. Lawmakers said the governor thumbed his nose at the state’s rule-making process and went ahead with the expansion of the Family Care program.

“The governor’s office did not follow the law,” said state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. Over the course of more than six hours, the panel heard testimony about similar incidents in the governor’s tenure, including his decision to buy flu vaccine from overseas in violation of federal law, as well as allegations that his administration didn’t comply with state public

CHRISTIAN VALUES

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Consumers gain new protections

Some three dozen people came to Central Park on a cold night to remember those who had no choice but to stay out in the cold — the 15 people who died this year of homelessness. Local A3

ing teenage girls at the Teen Challenge residential drug recovery program 2½ years ago and saw many had no good place to go when they left. The couple invited one girl to stay with them for a year, and two years ago bought the five-bedroom house at 2225 S. Franklin St. Road. Soon afterward, Tammy Jeffers stopped doing office work for her husband’s business, Central Machining Service, to become the ministry’s executive director and work to make it a reality. The home could house as many as eight women but, since it opened in May, has had no more than four at any given time. “As a private notfor-profit, we can be selective about who we take in,” Mike Jeffers said. “We want to help nonviolent women with a life-controlling issue who seriously want to change,” Tammy Jeffers said. “They must be willing to

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators on Thursday adopted sweeping new rules for the credit card industry that will shield consumers from increases in interest rates on existing account balances, among other changes. The rules, which take effect in July 2010, will allow credit card companies to raise interest rates only on new credit cards and future purchases or advances, rather than on current balances. Amid the economic crisis and rising job losses, consumers — even those with strong credit records — have been defaulting at high levels on their credit cards. Banks already battered by the mortgage and credit crises have been bleeding tens of billions in red ink from the losses. The rules were approved by the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department’s Office of Thrift Supervision and the National Credit Union Administration. The changes mark the most sweeping clampdown on the credit card industry in decades and are aimed at protecting consumers from arbitrary hikes in interest rates or inadequate time provided to pay the bills. “The revised rules represent the most comprehensive and sweeping reforms ever adopted by the (Federal Reserve) for credit card accounts,” Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said. “These protections will allow consumers to access credit on terms that are fair and more easily understood.” Most of the rules were first proposed in May and drew more than 65,000 public comments — the highest number ever received by the Fed. They also restrict such lender practices as allocating all payments to balances with lower interest rates when a borrower has balances with different rates. But the changes also could make it more difficult for millions of people with bad credit to get what is known as a subprime card

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Praise through song Sherry Culumber, one-third of the contemporary Christian group 3 for ONE, says it’s not uncommon for people to lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas with the materialism of the holiday. Life D1

Mt. Zion development Mount Zion trustees have approved a redevelopment agreement with Lewis Property Development to include an assisted-living facility. Money C1

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Kathleen Hawkins and Alex Harrison sit on the front porch of VIRTUE House. The young women who live here learn how to care for a home, balance a budget and work during their stay. TOP: VIRTUE House is a transitional housing option for women ages 18 to 25 in Decatur.

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DECATUR — Alex Harrison, 23, was not doing well in the apartment a caseworker at Heritage Behavioral Health Center found for her this summer after she finished two months of inpatient THE treatment for depresNET sion. For more inforIt was a mation about condition VIRTUE House, she had go to www. struggled virtuehouse.org or with since call 424-8808 or she was 855-8870. 14. “I was crying at night, not wanting to be alone,” Harrison said. Since July 14, she’s lived at VIRTUE House, a new transitional housing option for women 18 to 25. Opened in May by Mike and Tammy Jeffers, the ministry teaches life skills while laying a firm foundation in the Christian faith.

Hawkins, left, reads from the book of Psalms. Harrison, right, makes a sandwich in the kitchen. Residents are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch, but suppers are cooked by one of the women for the house. Its name comes from its motto, “Helping women achieve Victory by learning to live with Integrity, instilling Responsibility, Truthfulness and Unity, with a passion for Excellence in every aspect of life.”

“It’s not a temporary shelter,” Mike Jeffers said. “We take the time to help young women grow in faith and in life.” The vision for VIRTUE House, however, came from his wife, who began mentor-

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VIRTUE House helps young women find their way

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records laws. Auditor General William Holland detailed the result of one audit in which the administration awarded a contract to a company that didn’t yet exist. “That’s good work if you can get it,” Holland said. “It was lousy government at its best, and it was costly.”

Critics say new Bush rule threatens access to contraception WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bush administration, in its final days, issued a federal rule Thursday reinforcing protections for doctors and other health care workers who refuse to participate in abortions and other procedures because of religious or moral objections. Critics say the protections

■ Clash of conscience The state Supreme Court allows pharmacists to continue fight against Plan B regulation. Story/A3 are so broad they limit a patient’s right to get care and accurate information. For example, they fear the rule

could make it possible for a pharmacy clerk to refuse to sell birth control pills without ramifications from an employer. Under long-standing federal law, institutions may not discriminate against individuals who refuse to perform abortions or provide a referral for one. The administra-

tion’s rule is intended to ensure that federal funds don’t flow to providers who violate those laws, Health and Human Services officials said. “Doctors and other health care providers should not be forced to choose between good professional standing and violating their con-

science,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. The rule requires recipients of federal funding to certify their compliance with laws protecting conscience rights. Despite multiple laws on the books protecting health providers, the administration

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Pick Three-Midday 6-7-4 Pick Three-Evening 0-4-3

Here are the winning numbers selected Thursday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events

Country Opry, Decatur. $8, $4. 8776499 or 678-8343.

Etc. Candlelight Tours, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dewitt County Museum, Clinton. $3, $1. 935-6066. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Manners Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 10 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. 1800-500-6286. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Toy Shop, Salvation Army Gymnasium, Decatur. 428-4672. Visit with Santa, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Wonderland in Lights, 5 to 10 p.m., Community Park, Effingham. 1-800-772-0750. Music Battle Creek Country, 7:30 p.m., Gerald’s, Irving. Country Christmas Show, Bryon Garrison Theater, Pana. 6 p.m. ($20), 9 p.m. ($10). 820-9194. Country Music, 7 p.m., Cowden Community Building, Cowden, Free. Greg Baker, 8 p.m., Bement

Nightlife BMF DJ & Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Mac’s Tackle Box, Decatur. Dancing with DJ Sean Michael, 10 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. DJ Big Daddy Frank, 8 p.m., Bullseye Bar and Grill, Hammond. Fat Boy DJ, 9 p.m., Pourhouse, Decatur. Fury, 9 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur. Juston VanCleve, 9 p.m., Cougar’s Corner, Hammond. Karaoke with Wiz, 8 p.m., 22nd Street Discount Liquor, Decatur. Karaoke/DJ Ricky, 9:30 p.m., O’Malley’s, Sullivan. Knights of Crisis, 9:30 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. Lathan Moore Band, 9 p.m., Timbuktu, Long Creek. Live DJ, Touche Bar & Grill, Decatur. Mike Kelton Karaoke, Curly’s, Decatur. Mobile Sounds Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Korn Krib, Latham. Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur, 875-2416. Repeat Offenders Trio, 9:15 p.m., Fat Willies, Chatham. Shattermask, Scathe and Mindrop, 9 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

CREDIT Continued from A1 carrying higher interest rates, some experts say. In addition, consumers will have to be given 45 days notice before any changes are made to the terms of an account, including slapping on a higher penalty rate for missing payments or paying bills late. Under current rules, companies in most cases give 15 days notice before making certain changes to the terms of an account. The changes could cost the banking industry more than $10 billion a year in interest payments, according to a study by the law firm Morrison & Foerster. Roughly 16,000 companies in the U.S. issue credit cards. The biggest lenders include Discover Financial Services LLC, Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Capital One Financial Corp., American Express Co. and HSBC Holdings. “The regulations affect a

SINS Continued from A1 Blagojevich’s attorney, Edward Genson, downplayed the evidence presented in the daylong hearing. “I certainly believe it’s not a good reason to impeach anybody,” Genson said. The panel originally had planned to meet every day until reaching a resolution but now is not scheduled to reconvene until Monday. Members are awaiting a response from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald about how much they can delve into the criminal complaint his office filed against Blagojevich, which contains allegations that Blagojevich was scheming to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat for personal or political gain. Blagojevich spent most of Thursday in his Chicago office, where he has been regularly since last week when

VIRTUE Continued from A1 follow the rules.” House rules include attending church Sunday morning and Bible study every Tuesday evening and every other Thursday evening, taking turns doing household chores and making dinner, honoring a curfew of 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday unless they are working or attending an approved, supervised group, taking classes, seeking employment or working. Transportation is provided Sunday mornings to LIFE Foursquare Church, where Mike and Tammy Jeffers attend, and to GT Church, formerly Glad Tidings Assembly of God, where their daughter Nicole Jeffers attends. In addition, those who do

Pick Four-Midday 9-6-1-6 Pick Four-Evening 3-2-7-8 Center, Decatur.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Department, Effingham, 342-9237. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Tomorrow’s Department, Decatur. 423-1472. highlight:

Stevie Ray Kelton, Rusty’s, Decatur. TeKeLa DJ, 8 p.m., Buds on Green, Decatur. The Rave, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. Variety Music DJ with Erica, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. On Stage “A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888261-9675. “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield, $32. (309) 965-2545.

Rachael Lee & the Jazz Express, 4 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur.

Health American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 to 6 p.m., Cross Country Mall, Mattoon. Cardiopulmonary Education Session, 1:30 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, 8762496. Coles County Health Department screenings, 9 to 11 a.m., Mattoon Senior Center, Mattoon. Health Screenings, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Effingham County Health

lot of things. Some of the things we don’t do, never did, and some of the things will affect us,” said David Nelms, CEO of Riverwoods, Ill.-based Discover Financial. Nelms said, for example, that the company doesn’t have account-opening fees and gives customers well over 21 days to make payments. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said the new rules “are a good first step, but they don’t prevent a number of unfair, deceptive and predatory practices that saddle many American families with crushing debt.” “Every day the taxpayer is being asked to foot the bill for our biggest banks’ irresponsible lending practices,” Levin said in a statement. “America’s banking giants can’t be allowed to dig themselves out of the hole they are in by loading up American families with unfair fees and interest charges.” Levin and Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, have proposed stringent legislation to

change credit card practices. The head of the American Bankers Association called the changes “strong new regulations ... (that are) unprecedented in their scope and signal the beginning of a new market structure for credit cards.” The new rules prohibit: ■ Placing unfair time constraints on payments. A payment could not be deemed late unless the borrower is given a reasonable period of time, such as 21 days, to pay. ■ Placing too-high fees for exceeding the credit limit solely because of a hold placed on the account. ■ Unfairly computing balances in a computing tactic known as double-cycle billing. ■ Unfairly adding security deposits and fees for issuing credit or making it available. ■ Making deceptive offers of credit. Under the new rules, credit card lenders will be required to apply any payment above the minimum to the part of the balance with the highest interest rate.

he was arrested at his home Dec. 9 by federal agents. A spokesman said the governor signed off on about 60 clemency petitions and signed one bill. He’s expected to be back in the office today, but it’s not clear whether he’ll follow through on a plan to publicly address the blockbuster allegations he’s facing. While it was his arrest and the contents of the complaint that sparked the impeachment hearings, lawmakers have been talking about booting him out of office for more than a year because of his management style. Vicki Thomas, director of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, said no other administration has behaved the way Blagojevich’s has in moving forward on rules without approval from lawmakers. The 17-year agency veteran called some of the action “blatantly illegal.” Genson on Thursday contin-

ued to object to the proceedings, which he has referred to as a “witch hunt.” Among his objections was the introduction of the criminal complaint into the record of the committee. The 76-page complaint contains transcripts of secretly recorded conversations of the governor and others. “I think the use here is illegal,” Genson told the committee. “I think you’re using evidence here that was illegally obtained.” Genson, meanwhile, said he would continue to represent Blagojevich despite losing a bid to get taxpayers to pick up his legal bills. He also said he’d continue being the governor’s lawyer, even if Blagojevich’s campaign fund is frozen by federal prosecutors as part of his criminal proceedings. “I’ll defend him either way,” Genson said. “I’m just a good person.”

have a job must give 30 percent of their income to support VIRTUE House and put at least 40 percent toward their debts or in savings. They are also encouraged to give 10 percent to the church of their choice, but if they don’t, that amount is applied to their debt or their savings. Tammy Jeffers monitors how they’re spending the remaining 20 percent by requiring residents to give her receipts. Women at the house regularly are taken to Decatur nursing homes to visit with residents, have helped pack and wrap more than 900 gift boxes LIFE Foursquare Church is sending to Mexico and Nov. 23 helped pack Thanksgiving boxes at Moundford Free Methodist Church. Right now, no one working for the ministry is paid — not

Tammy Jeffers nor two staff members who receive room and board for their service. Residential staff members are Nicole Jeffers, who has a counseling degree, and Krista Rasar, who teaches art and Spanish at Decatur Christian School. But the couple hope more and more people will choose to support their ministry financially. The stability of Harrison’s living arrangements has allowed her to take classes at Richland Community College this semester with plans of becoming a counselor or a nurse. “It’s hard to be dependent on other people, but the support I get here has been good for me,” Harrison said. “I hope to be able to be on my own one day soon.”

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978

Little Lotto 5-16-17-28-37 Lotto jackpot $23 million

Meetings Breakfast Sertoma Club, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m., Decatur, 422-0095. Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club, Decatur, 3620304. Unitarian Universalist Men’s Group, 1 p.m., Tuscany Steak & Pasta House, Decatur. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Center, Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Bingo, 1 p.m., Decatur. Decatur-Macon County Senior

ACCESS Continued from A1 argued that the rule was needed “to raise awareness of federal conscience protections and provide for their enforcement.” But many groups described the rule as a lastminute push designed to make it harder for women to get services such as contraception or counseling in the event they are pregnant and want to learn all of their options. Several medical associations, more than 100 members of Congress, governors and 13 attorneys general were among the many thousands who wrote the department to protest the rule after it was proposed. Opponents didn’t like the rule any better after it was finalized. “In just a matter of months, the Bush administration has undone three decades of federal protections for both medical professionals and their patients,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “It replaced them with a policy that seriously risks the health of millions of women, then tried to pass it off as benevolent.”

Support Groups Al-Anon, 8 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., U.S. Bank Community Room, Taylorville. Reformers Unanimous (addictions), 7 p.m., Salem Baptist Church, Decatur, 422-4274. Upward Bound, 10:30 a.m., First Christian Church, Decatur. 8753350. Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (708) 485-0263. David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Second Floor Gallery, Decatur. Drawings and paintings by Dan Modzelewski. 422-1509. Dewitt County Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clinton, Years of Christmas Past. $3, $1. 935-6066. DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (773) 947-0600. Field Museum, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (312) 665-7100. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Hieronymus Mueller Museum, Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m. 423-6161.

Abortion opponents hailed the regulation because they said the lack of regulation had resulted in confusion and a lack of awareness. “This is a huge victory for religious freedom and the First Amendment,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. The administration estimated the cost of complying with the rule at $43.6 million annually, which is spread throughout the hundreds of thousands of health providers subject to the rule — from hospitals and physician offices to medical schools and pharmacies. Several lawmakers have promised to take up legislation that would overturn the rule once Congress reconvenes in January. Another option is for the Obama administration to issue new regulations that would trump it. The rule will take effect on Jan. 18, two days before Obama takes office. Obama’s transition team did not specifically address the rule Thursday, but spokesman Nick Shapiro issued a statement that said Obama “will review all eleventh-hour regulations and will address them once he is president.”

Mega Millions jackpot $16 million

Illinois State Museum, Springfield, 782-7386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free. 333-1861. Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois” 422-4919. Madden Arts Center Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur, XMAS ARTicles. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4233189. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians. (309) 827-0428. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3, $2, $1.50. 544-3480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $23, $16. (312) 9392438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis, free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (314) 721-0072. Under the Prairie Museum, Elkhart. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3. 9472522.

While campaigning in August, Obama criticized the proposal: “This proposed regulation complicates rather than clarifies the law. It raises troubling issues about access to basic health care for women, particularly access to contraceptives,” he said. The 127-page rule disputed concerns that the protections being proposed were too broad and would affect too many workers in the health care industry, not just doctors or nurses involved with an abortion or sterilization. “These laws are intended to protect the conscience rights of all individuals participating in health care services, and research programs and activities receiving certain federal funds, or that are administered by the department,” the rule said.

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Herald&Review

OPINION

DAVE DAWSON

Governor provides a few laughs The situation with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich would be a lot funnier if we were all living in Indiana. The arrest of the chief executive of our fair state is a serious situation with serious consequences for not only the governor, but also for the people of Illinois. The consequences for the governor are likely down the road a ways, since he seems to be in no hurry to leave office, and it will take a while for prosecutors to build a federal case that can be taken to trial. But the consequences for the citizenry are already piling up before our eyes. We thought we had gridlock in the Statehouse before, but now that we have a governor who is more ensconced at home than ever before, we have kind of a super-gridlock rarely seen before. Nobody is really in charge, and Illinois is adrift at a time when it could use some leadership to navigate through difficult times. However, the seriousness of the situation has done nothing to stop people from in and out of the state to make a joke out of it. At this point, if we are going to get something out of our governor, it might as well be a laugh. At least that’s relatively harmless, and it beats having the governor actually try to do something, like govern. AND YOU HAVE TO admit that some of the jokes are pretty funny, while others, most notably a Saturday Night Live skit featuring a governor with a New Jersey accent, are kind of lame. If you have an active email account, you’ve probably seen a lot of these already. But here are a few of the gags worth sharing. From the Web site of a T-shirt company, shop.cafepress.com/blagojevich, comes some of the chestnuts that you could actually buy: ■ This is Illinois. Of course I can sell a Senate seat ■ I gave Governor Blagojevich a bribe and all I got was this lousy T-shirt ■ Corrupt with bad hair ■ Trust me. I’m from Illinois ■ Illinois ... Where our governors make our license plates ■ Don’t blame me; I voted for Topinka David Letterman took a swing at the governor with “Top 10 messages left on Rod Blagojevich’s Answering Machine.” Number one was: “It’s Sarah Palin. Thanks for replacing me as the country’s most embarrassing governor.” An e-mail from early last week listed options on Blagojevich’s voice mail: ■ Press One to donate money to my campaign chest ■ Press Two to join the bidding on a special opportunity in Washington ■ Press Three to obtain a state contract, a job, or to donate money ■ Press Four to obtain a seat on a state board or commission ■ Press Five to head up a state department and to donate money BUT THE TRUTH is stranger than fiction award goes to a California couple who says the answer to all of Illinois’ woes may be their dog. According to an Associated Press story, Michael Sunday and his family have launched an Internet campaign touting their 14-year-old border collie named Scuba as the next governor of the state. AP reported that Sunday wonders if Scuba — who because she’s deaf certainly wouldn’t hear calls for her to step down — wouldn’t do any worse than Blagojevich. Sunday really doesn’t think Scuba has a shot. But the way he sees it, according to AP, is that Scuba — who also has trouble seeing because of cataracts — couldn’t do any worse than Blagojevich. The sad thing about that statement is that 11 million people in Illinois agree. ddawson@herald-review.com|421-7980

Friday, December 19, 2008

www.herald-review.com

OUR VIEWS

Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

THUMBS UP! To the annual Shop With a Sheriff program, and others like it, that give law enforcement officers a chance to shop with some children who might not get the chance otherwise. The Fraternal Order of Police 144 helped about 50 children shop recently. The children, who are encouraged to shop for themselves, are usually most interested in getting gifts for their families. It’s a great service that helps out the children and also teaches them that law enforcement officers are helpful. THUMBS DOWN! To the Veterans Affairs Department, which instead of granting benefits to survivors of veterans have been often seizing their bank accounts. The department said they aren’t fully aware of the computer glitch that caused the problem, but it appears mistakes have been made for the last 12 years. Thousands of surviving spouses have been denied millions of dollars in benefits. Congress approved the additional benefits in 1996, but the VA never updated its automated computer system, so the change never happened. That’s inexcusable. THUMBS DOWN! To those who continue to compare the current economic turmoil to the Great Depression. As pointed out in an Associated Press story earlier this week, the comparison doesn’t hold up. There are no massive bread lines, no long lines at the unemployment office. Most retails shops this time of year are full of people spending money for Christmas. The fact is that while the current economy is definitely suffering, we are nowhere near the devastation caused by the Great Depression. These comparisons just

encourage people to believe that the current situation is worse than the reality. THUMBS UP! To MacArthur High School for recognizing students who often don’t get much recognition. MacArthur faculty and staff can name a student a “General Star” in five categories: A Random Act of Kindness; Bettering Your Behavior; Best of Your Ability; Ready to Work; and Achieving the Grade. Those being recognized are handed certificates weekly, and the plan is to have their photos posted in the hallway with a star under their name. THUMBS UP! To the Decatur area community for its support of the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois. So far, the annual campaign has raised $1,887,378, a little more than 75 percent of the $2.5 million goal. That’s ahead of the campaigns from the last two years. Several companies were recognized for outstanding campaigns, and the 2008 Community All-Star Spirit Award was presented to Joyner Radio. THUMBS UP! To a sculpture exchange program between Millikin and four other universities that gives students a chance to work with other faculty and adds some unique sculptures to the campus. In September, Millikin art students constructed what is known as “Shelter Shift.” The sculpture features red, yellow and blue-painted boards in the shape of a small house and is located behind the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. The universities, instead of just trading sculptures, trade art professors who then work with the students. It’s a neat way to create art and give students some different experiences.

LETTERS Christmas presents chance to recognize God’s love

Shiites, Sunnis cooperate to save neighborhoods BAGHDAD — As soon as I arrived here, I went to visit the neighborhood of Hay Salaam, my bellwether as to the city’s condition and prospects. What I saw was tremendously heartening. But my visit also revealed the question marks that dog Iraq’s future as U.S. combat troops prepare to pull back from cities no later than June 30. This middle-class enclave had a Shiite majority and a sizable Sunni minority who got along before Iraq sank into sectarian strife in early 2006. As al-Qaida in Iraq targeted Shiite civilians, members of a vicious Shiite militia known as the Mahdi Army or Jaish Mahdi moved into the area on the pretext of protecting Shiite civilians. They murdered Sunnis, as well as Shiites who protested. Sunni families fled. Driving around Hay Salaam this week, I saw a neighborhood reborn. On the main street of small grocery, hardware and cell phone shops, a couple of new restaurants were opening, their owners placing plastic chairs and tables on the sidewalk. Women walked with small children, and men stood around chatting. MOST STARTLING, 63 Sunni families who had been driven out have returned home over the last six months. And the gentle, popular and balding Sunni cleric Sheikh Fadel, who was so terrorized by death threats that he hardly left home for a year, told me that his congregation

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had jumped from 50 worshipers during the worst times to a robust 500 today. So what has changed from the time, 18 months ago, when I interviewed a Jaish Mahdi thug dressed in black who told me he planned to kill Sheikh Fadel? THE SHIFT STARTED in 2007, when rural Sunni tribesmen who had once sheltered al-Qaida in Iraq turned against it. The plunging fortunes of al-Qaida in Iraq made Shiites in Hay Salaam feel they no longer needed Jaish Mahdi for protection. When U.S. forces set up a small forward base nearby, local Shiites began tipping off the Americans about the location of Jaish Mahdi killers. U.S. troops would go at 2 a.m. to arrest the bad guys. However, during my last trip, in December 2007, an old friend and one of the boldest opponents of Jaish Mahdi, Salaam Homrani, was receiving death threats. Relatives of one jailed Jaish Mahdi member falsely accused Homrani of complicity in a murder. The police arrested him, but he quickly phoned the Americans, who got him freed. Since the police are suspect (many units were once infiltrated by Jaish Mahdi), Homrani decided to organize local Sunnis and Shiites to protect the neighborhood. He joined forces with Sheikh Rajab, a prominent Sunni tribesman and retired army officer whose father had been kidnapped and murdered by Jaish Mahdi. They raised 150 men, both Shiites and Sunnis. The government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been encouraging tribes to set up so-called support councils (which may help him in coming elections). So Homrani and Sheikh Rajab set up their own council and are awaiting government approval. Their council has driven out the rem-

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nants of Jaish Mahdi and held a reconciliation gathering of Sunnis and Shiites at Sheikh Fadel’s mosque. Hay Salaam is now safe. I visited gray-haired Hussain Saleh Hashan and his family in a small, sparsely furnished, two-story concrete house with bullet holes in the outside wall. Holding his small grandson, he choked up as he recalled fleeing after his nephew and neighbors had been murdered. He recently returned after living with relatives outside Baghdad for a desperate year. “This war between Shiite and Sunni is over,” he said. He says the Iraqi army is better than before, but not the police. He feels safe only “because the support council patrols the streets.” SHEIKH RAJAB also distrusts the police. Elegant in a red-checked headdress and long brown robe, he is seated in a traditional Arab guest salon lined with gold velvet drapes and green couches. He wants the Americans to stay until the new army is trained better. The good news in Hay Salaam is that Sunnis and Shiites are working together to keep the peace, and so far they have succeeded. There is graffiti on local walls praising Homrani and the support council. The worrying news is that the people still feel they can’t depend on their government’s security forces to protect them. On one wall near the railroad tracks, there is graffiti that says “Down with Homrani, down with the Americans.” Some locals think Jaish Mahdi thugs may try to muscle in on the neighborhood again once the American base has folded. I wonder whether my friend Salaam will be safe. trubin@phillynews.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

I learned decades ago that Christmas is not a mountain of gifts under the tree. Gifts make your eyes big, but our status is not related to the size of the pile. When our wants become small, it makes room for our heart to grow big, which is what is supposed to happen during the Christmas season, but does it? I’ve also learned that it usually takes experience to gain understanding. Due to the state of the economy, many may experience a disappointing Christmas. May God use this experience to reveal to those of an age who can understand that the gift of his love is truly priceless and the foundation upon which we can expect a rich future, regardless of what’s under the tree. May God further reveal in this coming year how the ignorance and disdain of the principles contained in his Word have adversely affected the morals and, consequently, the economy of this great nation. We grew to a high level among the nations due to the righteous convictions developed by prior generations, who openly acknowledged the role of God’s Word in defining our purpose in life. We have gradually been drifting in every facet of life because we are succumbing to the forces that want to sever the connection we have and have had with God Almighty. Christmas, more so than a spring day, is the promise of new life, a fresh start. Christmas may have been mistakenly placed on the calendar, but the Spirit of God is seeking whoever will hear his voice in whatever situation they have placed themselves. It is how God makes something out of nothing in the midst of chaos. If this experience causes us to turn to God, it will be the best gift we can ever receive. Ken Greenwell Decatur

Be generous to family members this Christmas Americans and anybody else in our world should start buying American cars and trucks. I always have. Christmas season is right at our doorstep, and all of us who can give $50, $100 or lots more to family members, should do that. Merry Christmas, and to all a good night! Ron Seitz Decatur The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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Back to the basics

No place like home

Christmas loses its glitz at Northwest Christian Church/D1

Millikin women beat Wisconsin Lutheran, continue streak/B1

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2008

Defiant Blagojevich says ‘I will fight’ Governor claims he is not guilty of any wrongdoing during Chicago appearance By KURT ERICKSON and MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writers

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$100,000

Bipartisan player Local officials who worked with Republican Ray LaHood during his seven years in Congress said his service there gives a sense of how he might perform as national Transportation secretary. Money A5

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday that he has done nothing wrong and plans to fight federal corruption charges. “I am absolutely certain that I will be vindicated,” a defiant Blagojevich said in his

first public statement since being arrested Dec. 9. “I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, and I intend to stay on the job.” “I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong,” Blagojevich told reporters during a brief appearance in Chicago. The embattled 52-year-old Democrat made it clear that he has no intention of resigning, despite an avalanche of calls from his colleagues to step down. A House committee met for 10 hours this week in an attempt to determine whether he should be impeached and

Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks at the State of Illinois Building in Chicago. Blagojevich says he is not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing and plans to stay on the job.

FIGHT/A2

Associated Press

SALVATION ARMY

‘I helped bag the toys, and now I’m giving them away. I’m Mrs. Santa.’ — Shirley Cummins, longtime volunteer

Packing for the needy

Rising cost of road salt eats away at budget If winter is severe, price will add up By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

With money members saved from a summer car show, the Cruisin’ Roosters Car Club bought hams, fresh produce and accepted food gifts from members to pack in boxes they were distributing to people who need them. Local A3

n Weather

Crisis hits schools As foreclosures and layoffs force families out of their homes, some school districts are seeing 50 percent to 100 percent hikes in homeless students and are so understaffed it’s taking weeks to help them. Nation A6

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5

Herald & Review photos/Kelly J. Huff

Wearing a Christmas-themed namesake hat, Salvation Army volunteer and Golden K Kiwanis Club member Earl Rudolph retrieves a Santa-sized bag of toys for the next person in line during the annual Christmas toy giveaway.

Delivering joy with toys

Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .612.77

Volunteers at organization’s annual toy giveaway give Santa a hand

YOUR WEATHER

HIGH

By BOB FALLSTROM H&R Community News Editor

L O W

35 9 Today: Cloudy with rain possible Tonight: Cloudy, windy and cold Details/B8

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Salvation Army volunteer Travis Wiggins of Decatur holds the door and offers to carry a bag of toys for a woman and her child.

Our 136th year

Issue 355 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

DECATUR — More than 2,100 children will receive gifts this Christmas, due to the generosity of Decatur residents and the network of Salvation Army volunteers. The Salvation Army gym was filled from end to end Friday with black plastic bags of gifts for boys and girls. Parents who had applied for the gifts lined up early. Becky Barringer, the volunteer coordinator, was on slushy, wet Church Street, directing parking and verifying identification. “It’s going smoothly,” she said. “We gave each family a pickup time to cut the congestion.” Shawn Fairbrother picked up a bag of goodies for his three children. “I’m a single parent; this helps out a lot,” he said. Sisters Loida Shewmaker and Maria Shewmaker were apprecia-

tive, too. “We wanted to give something to the children; this is so nice,” Loida said. “Thank you, bless you,” were the responses as parents moved through the line. Each bag was numbered. The volunteers searched out the correct bag. “My wife, Sandy, was in charge of the bagging room,” Len Stiverson said. “It took a long time, about five weeks, to get the bags together.” Searching for the bags and then delivering them, Mrs. Santa Claus, clad in red, was keeping busy. “I helped bag the toys, and now I’m giving them away,” said Shirley Cummins, a longtime Salvation Army volunteer. “I’m Mrs. Santa.” The toys were bagged by age and sex, Dave Zindel said. “Everybody got a game, boys got a truck, girls got a doll,” he said.

TOYS/A2

SALT/A2

Detroit’s Big Three automakers will get government bailout Bush approves $17.4 billion in rescue loans

75 cents

DECATUR — Winter could be bringing more than just snowfall to Decatur, as city staff members factor in the rising cost of road salt. According to a memo from the city’s Engineering and Infrastructure DepartMacon County ment, the missed the worst cost of of Friday’s storm, salt has but more is on its seen a way. signifiStory/A3 cant increase over the past year. The price is now $59.67 a ton, compared with $44 last year. The price was $34 in 2003. Though the price has seen a steady rise over the past five years, the increase from last year is much greater than normal. Rick Marley, director of engineering and infrastructure, said market forces have come together to drive up demand and, with it, cost. “It appears the higher costs are due to supply and demand pressures,” Marley said. “Demand for salt this year is higher because the salt domes for many communities were empty and could not be filled during the spring and early summer. All this leads to strong demand for limited supply and higher prices.” Still, Marley said, Decatur can count itself fortunate for bidding on salt earlier in the year, when prices were lower. “Actually, Decatur’s cost increase is much lower than elsewhere in Illinois,” Marley said. “Many places, both north and south of Decatur, have salt prices over $140 per ton.” Last year’s salt consumption, which was 2,500 tons, according to staff, reflected the severity of the winter. For a comparison, the city

By DEB RIECHMANN and TOM KRISHER Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON — Citing imminent danger to the national economy, President

Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in rescue loans and demanding tough concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers. Detroit’s Big Three cheered the action and vowed to rebuild their once-mighty industry, though they acknowledged the road would be anything but smooth as

they fight their way back from the brink of bankruptcy. The autoworkers’ union complained that the deal was too harsh on its members, while Bush’s fellow Republicans in Congress said it was simply bad business to bail out yet another big industry. Bush, who signed the massive $700 billion rescue for financial institutions only this fall, said he was reluctant to

approve yet another government bailout of private business. But he said that allowing the massive auto industry to collapse in the middle of what already is a severe downturn “could send our suffering economy into a deeper and longer recession.” Speaking at the White House, he also said he didn’t want to “leave the next president to confront the demise

of a major American industry in his first days of office.” President-elect Barack Obama, who takes office a month from today, praised the administration action but warned, “The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring

BAILOUT/A2

A2 LOCAL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2008

Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Dancing Country Dancing, 7 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, Arthur, $2. Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Christmas Youth Rally, 6 to 10 p.m., Lovington Church of God, Lovington, 873-7149. Forget Shopping Hike, 10 a.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, 423-7708. Holiday Movie: “The Grinch!” 10 a.m., The Roxy, Shelbyville, Free. 774-2221. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 10 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon. Donations welcome. 1-800-500-6286. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Visit with Santa, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Wonderland in Lights, 5 to 10 p.m., Community Park, Effingham, 1-800-772-0750. Music Bluegrass Jam, 1 p.m., Steeple Gallery Coffee House, Monticello,

762-2924. Christmas Show, 7 p.m., Bement Country Opry, Decatur. $8, $4. 877-6499 or 678-8343. Rachel Lee & the Jazz Express, 4 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. Sam Lacy, 6 p.m., George’s Candy Shop, Taylorville. Season of Hope Benefit Concert featuring Day 40 and 3 for One, 7 p.m., Lincoln Square Theatre, Decatur, $10. Nightlife Altered Ego, 9:30 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. BMF Karaoke and DJ with Stephanie, 7 p.m., Prairieland A.B.A.T.E., Decatur, 553-5695. Dancing with DJ Sean Michael, 10 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. DJ/Karaoke, 9 p.m., Elbow Room, Decatur, Empire, 8 p.m., Bullseye Bar and Grill, Hammond. Free Juke Box Party, 8:30 p.m., Mac’s Tackle Box, Decatur. Glass Highway, 9 p.m., Korn Krib, Latham. Hillbilly Authority, 9 p.m., Timbuktu, Long Creek. Karaoke with Dale, 9 p.m., Shooters, Lovington. Karaoke with Wiz, 8 p.m., 22nd Street Discount Liquor, Decatur.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

BAILOUT Continued from A1 that is absolutely necessary to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it.” Obama will be free to reopen the arrangement from the government’s side if he chooses, and the head of the United Auto Workers said the union would be appealing to the new president and the strongly Democratic new Congress on that subject. Obama, commenting in Chicago as he named more economic Cabinet members, was noncommittal on possible changes. But he said he would “make sure that when we see a final restructuring package that it’s not just workers who are bearing the brunt.” Stock prices rallied on Wall Street after Bush’s announcement but faded late in the day, and the Dow Jones industrials declined 25.88 points. GM shares, however, jumped 22.7 percent and Ford shares 3.9 percent. Chrysler is not publicly traded. Some $13.4 billion of the rescue money will be available this month and next, $9.4 billion of it for General Motors Corp. and $4 billion for Chrysler LLC, the two auto giants that have said they could be facing bankruptcy soon without government help. GM is slated to receive the remaining $4 billion in loans after more money is released from the financial rescue account. Ford Motor Co. says it doesn’t need federal cash now but would be badly damaged if one or both of the other two went under. Under the terms of the loans, the government will have the option of becoming a stockholder in the companies, much as it has with major banks, in effect partially nationalizing the industry. Bush said the companies’ workers should agree to wage and work rules that are competitive with foreign automakers by the end of next year. And he called for elimination of a “jobs bank” program, negotiated by the United Auto Workers and the companies, under which laid-off workers can receive about 95 percent of their pay and benefits for years. Early this month, the UAW agreed to suspend the program. Underscoring the automakers’ peril and how close the bailout is cutting to the edge, GM Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said the company expects to have the first money from the government by Dec. 29, just in time to pay suppliers. CEO Rick Wagoner said, “The timing was specifically aligned with the timing we said we needed in order to make our payments on a timely basis, so we’re right on schedule there.” The deal also calls for two-thirds of the automakers’ debts to be converted to stock in the companies.

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

FIGHT Continued from A1 kicked out of office. Analysts and lawmakers said his fighting stance was a reflection of the way Blagojevich has approached battles throughout his tenure as governor: a matter of good versus evil. “That’s typical Rod Blagojevich from the way that he’s behaved for the last six-plus years,” said University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist Kent Redfield. “We’ve seen other instances where the governor wasn’t operating in the same universe as everyone else was,” said state Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. Since being arrested and accused by federal prosecutors of attempting to profit from his power to fill Illinois’ vacant U.S. Senate seat, Blagojevich has spent each day at his Chicago office, occasionally signing legislation and reviewing clemency cases. “I am not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob,”

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1-800-539-0475. Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. Project Read, 9 a.m., Knapp Library, Middletown, 445-2050.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY mas,” Masonic Temple, Decatur, 5 Ken Tucker and the Smokehouse Boys, 9 p.m., Cougar’s Cor- and 7:30 p.m. $5, $8. 877-8876. ner, Hammond. Health Mechanical Bull and Country Immunization Clinic, 9 to 11:45 DJ, 9 p.m., Radmakers, Tolono. a.m., Macon County Health DepartNight Moves, 9 p.m., Some ment, Decatur, $8. 423-6988. Place Else Pub, Taylorville. Infant/Child CPR Odd Couple Karaoke class, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and DJ, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Tomorrow’s Mid-Illinois Chapter, Decatur. highlight: American Red Cross, Riverbottom NightDecatur, $30, preregismare Band, Touche Bar “I’ll Be tration required. 428& Grill, Decatur. Home for 7758. Stevie Ray Kelton, 8 Christmas,” 11 p.m., Da Burg Bar & a.m., First Meetings Grill, Warrensburg. Church of the VFW Post 99 Ladies Super Mario SpeedNazarene, Auxiliary, 3 p.m., wagon, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. 875Decatur. Decatur. 0616. TeKeLa DJ, 9 p.m., Support Groups The Den, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 6 p.m., Variety Music DJ with Mike, First United Methodist Church, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., On Stage First Presbyterian Church, Tay“A Christmas Story,” Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, 1-888- lorville, 824-3028. Narcotics Anonymous, St. 261-9675. Thomas Community Center, “Perfect Wedding,” 6:30 p.m., Decatur, 1 and 6 p.m. 1-800-539Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield. $34. Reservations, (309) 0475. Narcotics Anonymous, mid965-2545. night, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, “Twas the Night Before Christ-

Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield. 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (708) 485-0263. David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Second Floor Gallery, Decatur. Drawings and paintings by Dan Modzelewski. 422-1509. Dewitt County Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clinton, Years of Christmas Past. $3, $1. 935-6066. DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (773) 947-0600. Field Museum, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11 $9. (312) 6657100. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Heritage in Flight Museum, Logan County Airport, Lincoln. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hieronymus Mueller Museum, Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m., 423-6161. Illinois State Museum, Springfield, 782-7386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blagojevich said. Without naming names, Blagojevich took aim at his rivals, accusing them of attempting to use his problems for political gain. “I’m not going to do what my accusers and political enemies have been doing, and that is talk about this case in 30-second sound bites on ‘Meet the Press’ and on the TV news,” he said, apparently referring to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who appeared on the Sunday morning talk show circuit last week. Madigan, daughter of Blagojevich’s legislative nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and a potential candidate for governor in 2010, had attempted to convince the Illinois Supreme Court that Blagojevich was unfit to continue serving. The high court denied her petition Wednesday. Lawmakers said his refusal to quit would keep the state in limbo at a time when it faces significant economic problems. What’s more, the state remains without a second U.S. senator because of the governor’s problems. Republi-

you how innocent I am.” State Rep. Bob Flider, DMount Zion, said Blagojevich probably did little to bolster his support among voters. “I don’t know that his statement would change anybody’s mind about his actions as governor,” Flider said. Blagojevich’s attorney, Edward Genson, says he will challenge the legality of court-ordered wiretaps, which represent the heart of the federal allegations against his client. Transcripts of the tapes portray Blagojevich as a foulmouthed schemer looking to cash in his power for campaign contributions or a higher paying job. On Wednesday, Genson told members of the Illinois House impeachment committee that Blagojevich may have engaged in a lot of “jabbering” on the tapes, but that the governor didn’t follow through on anything he said, meaning he did nothing illegal. The impeachment committee took a three-day break Thursday to await word from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on how much of the criminal complaint they will be able to use in their hearings.

cans want a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant seat. Democrats favor pushing Blagojevich aside so Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn can take over and name a new senator. “The state needs leadership, and instead, we heard we’re in for a street fight,” said state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion. “I’m just flabbergasted by the whole thing.” Blagojevich acknowledged Friday that he’s been left for dead by many since the bombshell allegations came to light. “I know that there are some powerful forces arrayed against me. It’s kind of lonely right now, but I have on my side the most powerful ally there is, and it’s the truth,” he said. “And besides, I have the personal knowledge that I have not done anything wrong.” The governor, whose poll ratings have dipped into the single digits, had a message to the voters who put him in office. “Sit back and take a deep breath and please reserve judgment,” Blagojevich said. “I am dying to answer these charges. I am dying to show

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Free. $3 donation suggested. 3331861. Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois” 422-4919. Madden Arts Center Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur, XMAS ARTicles. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 423-3189. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians. (309) 827-0428. Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, Moweaqua. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 7683019. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield. 1 to 4 p.m. $3, $2, $1.50. 544-3480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $23, $16. (312) 9392438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis, free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (314) 721-0072. Under the Prairie Museum, Elkhart. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3. 9472522.

The committee, which also is looking into whether Blagojevich abused his power in his management of state government, resumes its work Monday. Despite the governor’s vow to fight, Redfield believes Blagojevich eventually will be kicked out of office. “The legislature will impeach him,” Redfield said. “It’s just a matter of how long it will take.” kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Herald&Review Online www.herald-review.com

BY T H E N U M B E R S Costs for street salting in years’ past: n 2003-04, 1,903 tons at $34.29/ton: $65,254 n 2004-05, 1,275 tons at $35.74/ton: $45,569 n 2005-06, 967 tons at $38.65/ton: $37,375 n 2006-07, 1,515 tons at $42.89/ton: $64,978 n 2007-08, 2,531 tons at $44.20/ton: $111,870

SALT Continued from A1 used less than 1,000 tons of salt during the far milder 200506 winter, even less than the 1,400-ton minimum purchase the city is required to make. City staff said that if this winter is as ruthless as last year’s, the additional cost for the city in road salt could be significant. “If only the minimum 1,400 tons of salt is purchased, the budget should be able to absorb the additional cost without major impacts,” the memo reads. “However, if the upcoming winter is as severe as last year, the city could see a significant impact on the budget.” Marley said the city already

TOYS Continued from A1 “Older girls received cosmetics. We’re indebted to the Marines’ Toys for Tots program for many, many toys.” People with questions and identification problems were sent to Maj. Joyce Gauthier and Penny Conley. “No major glitches,” Gauthier said, “We’re moving 60 people along every half hour.” Don Meyer, one of the longtime volunteers in the toy distribution, was a strolling trou-

nn n This year’s estimated salt consumption by the numbers at $59.67/ton: n Minimum purchase of 1,400 tons: $83,538 n Average purchase (1,638 tons, based on the past five winters): $97,739 n Severe winter (2,530 tons, based on 2007-2008 levels): $150,965 has gone through 500 tons of salt this winter, and some rationing could be necessary if Decatur sees a repeat of last winter’s ferocity. “This is cause for concern but not alarm,” Marley said. “We will continue to track our salt use. As we get further into winter, we may have to reduce our salt usage to the bare minimum. This could be accomplished by limiting salt use to only major traffic streets and not use it on minor traffic streets.” The total cost for salt would come at a minimum of about $83,000 and could end up being as high as $150,000 if the city experiences a winter as severe as last year’s. klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

bleshooter. “Prior to this year, I helped bag toys for 12, maybe 14, years,” he said. “Now I’ve got a rotator cuff problem, can’t lift the bags.” Meyer was among 10 Golden K Kiwanis members on duty in the morning, coordinated by retired city manager Les Allen. Ten more were due in the afternoon. Other service clubs were well-represented, too. There were goodies for the volunteers: pie, coffee, ice tea. The distribution project was a labor of love, one and all agreed. bfallstrom@herald-review.com|421-7981.

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Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2008

Blagojevich defender wins delay Impeachment panel agrees to hear witnesses By KURT ERICKSON and MIKE RIOPELL

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

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Winter workout The Decatur Park District’s Winter Break Day Camp isn’t for everybody, but for kids who like to climb walls, fly across a gym floor on scooters and play spider ball, it can’t be beat. Local A3

Westward halt

H&R Springfield Bureau Writers

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s lawyer claimed to score a victory Monday when he received extra time to prepare a defense for the embattled governor. Facing the 21 members of an Illinois House impeachment committee, attorney

Edward Genson asked for a weeklong delay in the hastily arranged hearings to arrange for witnesses to appear on Blagojevich’s behalf. Panel members agreed and now will not meet again until after the Christmas holiday, after earlier threatening to meet every day in their investigation of whether the governor should be removed from office. Genson told reporters the break will slow down the “rush to judgment” that’s been under way since the governor’s Dec. 9 arrest on feder-

al corruption charges. Blagojevich, 52, was caught on federal wiretaps allegedly scheming to sell Presidentelect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. He also was quoted in the expletive-laden criminal complaint attempting to shake down people for campaign contributions. The allegations set off a political firestorm, in which nearly all of Blagojevich’s colleagues called on him to resign. Lawmakers who have openly warred with the governor over everything from the state budget to his plans to

close prisons and state parks formed a committee to investigate whether to impeach him. On Friday, the second-term Democrat from Chicago announced he would fight the charges and not step down. His next court date is Jan. 14. The House panel heard more testimony Monday about Blagojevich’s alleged misdeeds as chief executive, including trading campaign donations for expensive building leases, state jobs and

DELAY/A2

CHRISTMAS KRINGLES

Candidate petitions challenged

Santa stand-ins Many area towns have residents who fill the bill, year after year

Protesters linked to ChangeDecatur Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

The nation’s great migration south and west is slowing, thanks to a housing crisis that is making it hard for many to move. Nation A6

“It just comes down to what you say and do,” he said, and how the children love it when he calls out their names. The jolly laugh is still a work in progress. “When it comes to the kids, Santa is Santa. Both of us do numerous things around town,” he said, referring to Hagen. Hagen said he just can’t stop spreading the good cheer that only Santa can and continues making appearances at

DECATUR — Challenges were filed Monday to the nominating petitions of nine candidates for Decatur municipal offices in the April 7 consolidated election. The challenges of Keith Anderson and Brian K. Burcham came on the last day for such filings. Both men have been associated with past efforts to change the form of city government from a council-manager to a strong mayor. Anderson was an organizer for ChangeDecatur, the organization that backed the unsuccessful Feb. 5 referendum to dump the council-manager form of government. He filed objections to the nominating petitions of mayoral candidate Martha Mae Montgomery-Lattimore and council candidates Derek Wheeler, Yvonne S. Shaw, Gloria Bates-Cole and incumbent Betsy Stockard. Burcham, a spokesman for ChangeDecatur, filed objections to the petitions of mayoral candidate Michael T. McElroy, a current council member, and council candidates Julie Moore Wolfe, Patrick L. McDaniel and Matthew E. Jackson. Wheeler and McDaniel are seeking the two-year council term, and the other challenged candidates are seeking four-year terms. Each of the nine objections stated, “I bring this objection because I believe that candidates for office should demonstrate their ability to follow rules before they are elected. If a candidate cannot follow the rules for circulating nominating papers, then I believe they will make a poor member of

SANTA/A2

PETITIONS/A2

Caterpillar Inc. announced Monday a series of companywide white-collar compensation cuts and a voluntary redundancy program that will affect management and support staff at its Decatur factory. Money C1

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.41

YOUR WEATHER Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Delbert Powell, right, drives Santa Claus (Oscar Lanter), around in the old firetruck during the Christmas on the Hill parade in Cerro Gordo. TOP: Bill Hagen of Sullivan talks with Alec Reeter, 8, during a Christmas party at Alec’s house. By SHEILA SMITH

L O W

36 33 Today: Icy mix Tonight: Ice early, then rain Details/B6

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C4-6 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1-3 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . D3 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C5-6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-5 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

75 cents Our 136th year

Issue 358 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

By RON INGRAM H&R Staff Writer

CAT execs targeted

HIGH

Associated Press

Edward Genson, Gov. Blagojevich’s defense attorney.

H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Bill Hagen’s outgoing personality, jolly laugh and resemblence to Santa Claus was put to good use while he was stationed at a military base in Korea. He brought smiles to many Korean children by playing Santa. Today, Hagen, 56, still is playing Santa, along with a younger rival, for the city of Sullivan. Not just anyone can play Santa. For many small towns

in the area, it takes a special person to have that “ho ho ho” magic. Justin “Bubba” Farris, 32, has been on the job for the past three years. He was hired by the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce to take over for the semi-retired Hagen as the town’s Santa. He rides on the back of a wagon pulled by horses decked in bells during the Christmas parade. He also spends a lot of time greeting children at the Santa House. “My dad was Santa Claus for 10 years,” said Farris,

who grew up in Sullivan. His father also played Santa along with Hagen years ago. “Once you got all the stuff on, most people don’t know who you are,” Farris added, and loves seeing all the children’s faces light up when they see him. When getting dressed and preparing for Santa, Farris makes sure he has every detail in place. First, he glues on white bushy eyebrows over his dark ones. He then puts on the white wig, beard and red suit.

Comcast expands On Demand programming, including high-definition By ALICIA SPATES H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Some Central Illinois Comcast customers are receiving an early Christmas gift from their cable provider. Comcast digital cable customers can watch more than triple the amount of On Demand programming, now delivering more than 10,000 movies, sports shows, kids programs and other TV favorites each month, with most at no additional cost. The On Demand expansion

also includes the addition of 1,000 high-definition choices. Comcast’s Rich Ruggiero said the expansion is to fulfill customers’ “tremendous appetite for HD content.” A study by Frank N. Magid Associates Inc. says HD viewing time has increased nearly 50 percent in four years, and in spite of the more than 200 HD movies available to watch, 65 percent of HD viewers want more. “That’s the important thing, is that the amount is

dramatically bigger,” said Ruggiero, the vice president of communications and public affairs for the Chicago and South Bend, Ind., areas. “Customers can have access to all that content and not be limited.” Comcast also has launched three new high-definition networks for customers: Fox News Channel HD (channel 950), FX HD (channel 948) and Speed Channel HD (channel 946). Comcast has added 25 leading cable networks to

its HD lineup in the area since April. The expansion also gives Central Illinois Comcast customers access to On Demand content that wasn’t available to them before, including the Big Ten Network on Demand, including the story of University of Illinois football team “The Journey”; popular CBS shows, such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “CSI: Miami”; and holiday programming, such as Karaoke on Demand and win-

ter-themed screensavers. On Demand programming allows for a person to watch movies, music and the top television shows anytime consumers wish to watch them, with the ability to fast forward, rewind and pause, the company’s news release stated. “It gives people the ability to watch TV on their terms,” Ruggiero said. “It’s giving people total control.” aspates@herald-review.com|421-6986

A2 LOCAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2008

Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Christmas in the Park 2008, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Manner’s Park, Taylorville, 824-5878 or 824-3110. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Mattoon Lightworks, 5 to 9 p.m., Peterson Park, Mattoon, Donations welcome. 1-800-5006286. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Visit with Santa, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Park, Decatur. Wonderland in Lights, 5 to 9 p.m., Community Park, Effingham, 1-800-772-0750. Music Altamont Opry Country Bluegrass Night, 7 p.m., Altamont Living Museum, Altamont, $3. (618) 483-6401.

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Health Blood Pressure Screening, 10 to 11 a.m., Newton-Jasper County Senior Center, Newton. Blood Pressure screening, 11 a.m. to noon, LifeSpan Center, Charleston, 639-5150. Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:30 to 10 a.m., LifeSpan Center, Charleston, 639-5150. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur. Water aerobics, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-1472. Meetings Baby TALK Lapsit, 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

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Pick Three-Midday 7-6-0 Pick Three-Evening 2-8-3

Pick Four-Evening 9-9-9-9 Little Lotto 5-16-20-27-38

Green Ball Double Draw 2-3-0 Pick Four-Midday 3-3-2-4

Lotto 9-17-19-32-45-50 Lotto jackpot $23.25 million

WHAT’S HAPPENING

6 to 8 p.m. (75 cents), Decatur. 4297750.

T O D AY

Support Groups Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Pana United Presbyterian Church, Pana. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., U.S. Bank Community Room, Taylorville. Baby TALK, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6550. Domestic Violence Support, 5 p.m., Dove Inc., Moultrie County office, Sullivan, 728-9334. Drug/Alcohol Education, 5:30 p.m., Dove Inc., Decatur, 428-6616. Every Man’s Battle, 6:30 p.m., Allenville Community Building, Allenville. 649-9496. Hepatitis C Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-6988. Miracles in Progress, noon,

Breakfast Optimist Club of Decatur, 7 a.m., Webster-Cantrell Hall, Decatur. Business Network International, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club, Decatur. Christian County TRIAD, 9 a.m., Taylorville Senior Center, Taylorville. Civil Air Patrol, Air Force Auxiliary, 6:15 to 9 p.m., Decatur, 3583554. Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, 7 p.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Commodore Duplicate Bridge Club, 7 p.m., Decatur, 422-0095. Forsyth Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m., Hickory Point Banquet Facility, Decatur. Kiwanianne Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur, 877-1758. Knit Nite, 7 p.m., Madden Arts

Center, Decatur, 423-3189. Noon Kiwanis Club of Decatur, noon, Decatur Club, Decatur. Noon Sertoma Club, noon, Tuscany Steak & Pasta House, Decatur. Prairieland Tomorrow’s Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur highlight: Civic Center, Holiday Decatur. Showcase, Schaub Floral Seniors Display Center, DecaturDecatur, 9 a.m. Macon Counto 4 p.m. 422ty Senior 5911. Center, Cards, 9 a.m., Bingo, 1 p.m., Decatur, 4291239. Salvation Army, Chair Exercises, 10 a.m., Line Dancing, noon to 2 p.m., Decatur. Johns Hill Center, Game Night,

Mega Millions jackpot $22 million

House of Miracles Pentecostal Church, Decatur, 423-4694. Narcotics Anonymous, 8 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, 1-800539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Thomas Community Center, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Project Read, 2 p.m., Knapp Library, Middletown, 445-2050. Stroke/Head Injury Support Group, 7 p.m., Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, 348-2397. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur, 428-7078 or 428-8066. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6 p.m., Main Street Church of the Living God, Decatur, 424-0783. Unshackled, 6 p.m., Church of the Living God CWFF, Decatur.

Army launches investigation after 4 recruiter suicides HENDERSON, Texas (AP) — Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Henderson, a strapping Iraq combat veteran, spent the last, miserable months of his life as an Army recruiter, cold-calling dozens of people a day from his strip-mall office and sitting in strangers’ living rooms, trying to sign up their sons and daughters for an unpopular war. He put in 13-hour days, six days a week, often encountering abuse from young people

or their parents. When he and other recruiters would gripe about the pressure to meet their quotas, their superiors would snarl that they ought to be grateful they were not in Iraq, according to his widow. Less than a year into the job, Henderson — afflicted by flashbacks and sleeplessness after his tour of battle in Iraq — went into his backyard shed, slid the chain lock in place, and hanged himself with a dog chain.

He became, at age 35, the fourth member of the Army’s Houston Recruiting Battalion to commit suicide in the past three years — something Henderson’s widow and others blame on the psychological scars of combat, combined with the pressure-cooker job of trying to sell the war. “Over there in Iraq, you’re doing this high-intensive job you are recognized for. Then, you come back here, and one month you’re a hero, one

month you’re a loser because you didn’t put anyone in,” said Staff Sgt. Amanda Henderson, herself an Iraq veteran and a former recruiter in the battalion. The Army has 38 recruiting battalions in the United States. Patrick Henderson’s is the only one to report more than one suicide in the past six years. The Army began an investigation after being prodded by Amanda Henderson and Texas

Sen. John Cornyn. Cornyn, a Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said he will press for Senate hearings. “We need to get to the bottom of this as soon as we can,” he said. The all-volunteer military is under heavy pressure to sign up recruits and retain soldiers while it wages two wars. Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command, acknowledged that recruiting is a demanding job

SANTAS

13-year-old was beaten, tied to tree

Continued from A1 schools and parties around Sullivan and in Decatur. He recalls being hired by Sullivan’s Chamber to play Santa after getting out of the Army back in 1980. “That first year, they gave me green apples to give out. Then my brother, Bob, and I decided to give out candy canes.” Hagen said it’s a worthwhile experience to see all the expressions on children’s faces. But, he added, “The hardest thing is when kids ask you for things that you know they won’t get because their parents don’t have the money. There are so many families nowadays who don’t have a lot, and it just touches your heart.” Oscar Lanter, 73, has been Santa Claus in Cerro Gordo for the past 14 years. He is a widow and a veteran who served in the Air Force. “I love watching the kids light up when they see me,” Lanter said. His favorite moment came when a 4-year-old took the time to sing “Jingle Bells” to him. Lanter is constantly busy doing his Santa duties during the holiday season. Even when riding his bicycle around town during the summer, he said some children still come up to him and ask if he is Santa. “I don’t say I am, and I don’t say that I’m not,” said Lanter, noting his natural white beard tends to give him away. Tomas Cuellar, 62, dotes on

but said counseling and other support are available. “I don’t have an answer to why these suicides in Houston Recruiting Battalion occurred, but perhaps the investigation that is under way may shed some light on that question,” he said. In all, 15 of the Army’s 8,400 recruiters have committed suicide since 2003. During that period, more than 540 of the Army’s half-million active-duty soldiers killed themselves.

Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

Bill Hagen of Sullivan makes his way through a Christmas party in Decatur. being Santa Claus in Shelbyville. The retired Marine used to own a candy store in the city’s downtown. He also attended Santa school and was trained to be Santa for a department store in Everett, Wash. Cuellar said he really didn’t start dressing up as Santa until four years ago. He did it to attract more children and families to the stores in downtown Shelbyville.

PETITIONS Continued from A1 of city council. Attention to detail is the essence of being a good city council member, and the candidate listed below demonstrates his lack of concern for details. This is my concern as an objector.” The Decatur Municipal Officers Electoral Board must schedule a meeting to review the objections and determine if they are valid, said Billy Tyus, assistant city manager. The board is composed of Mayor Michael Carrigan, City Clerk Celeste Harris and the next most senior council member, who should be Stockard, but because her petitions have been challenged, Patrick Laegeler likely will fill the third spot, he said. Macon County Clerk Steve Bean declined to say who inquired at his office about filing challenges to the city council candidates. He said those involved had ties to labor unions and ChangeDecatur. Neither Burcham nor Anderson could be reached Monday evening for

Now he makes appearances during Shelbyville’s Festival of Lights event, at the schools and the local fire department’s Christmas party. Cuellar said the best part about being Santa is “watching the people smile and love talking to all the children.” It doesn’t take him long to suit up in the extended belly strapped around his waist, he said. He then adds a dab of red rouge to his cheeks and

comment. Objections focused on alleged improprieties in the nominating petitions, chiefly that either an insufficient number of people signed the petitions or that enough nonregistered voters signed so that when their signatures were removed, the total number of signatures was below the 68 signatures each candidate was required to obtain. Other allegations were that petition pages for several candidates were not numbered consecutively, thus invalidating the entire petition, or that the petitions were submitted unfastened or unsecured at one edge as required by state law. Candidates whose petitions passed muster or at least were unchallenged were ChangeDecatur organizer Stephen Daniels for mayor; four-year council term candidates Adam Ruderman, the Rev. Carey A. Grady, Jerry Dawson, Adam Brown and incumbent Dan Caulkins; and two-year council term candidates Marcia Phillips and incumbent Larry Foster. ringram@herald-review.com|421-7973

nose for an added glow. Argenta folks are proud to have both Santa and Mrs. Claus. The duo, Phil Kimler and his wife, Lorie, have been playing the role for the past eight years. On Christmas Eve, they ride in the fire truck with its sirens blaring through the neighborhoods and wave to the children who run out to greet them. “It’s enjoyable seeing all

DELAY Continued from A1 positions on boards and commissions. Prosecutors say Blagojevich ramped up his fundraising operation in anticipation of a new reform law designed to make it harder for him to collect big-ticket contributions from state contractors. Cindy Canary of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform told the impeachment committee that her research shows that many contributors who gave Blagojevich more than $25,000 received something in return. “This appears to me to be far beyond coincidental,” Canary said. Genson said much of the testimony he’s heard over the 13 hours of hearings is based on hearsay about the governor’s alleged misdeeds. “There are no facts here. All we have are inferences,” Genson said. Genson also is not sure he’ll get anyone to agree to testify in Blagojevich’s defense. “Everybody who I perceive that’s

the kids of all ages,” said Kimler, 51. “The residents support us and show their appreciation for what we do.” He said he grew up in Argenta and as a child used to watch Santa on the back of the fire truck come through the neighborhoods. He feels it’s an honor to carry on the tradition. The only thing different is that he added Mrs. Claus. sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963

involved is going to run under their beds and hide when I want to call them,” Genson said. State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said he was disappointed the committee met only one day this week. But he added nothing said at the hearings so far has shocked him. “These are all things we’ve heard before,” Bost said. “We’re just putting them on the record.” State Rep. Chapin Rose, RMahomet, who is a member of the House committee, said he was surprised Blagojevich’s attorneys want to call witnesses. “They’ll be received fairly,” Rose said. “The committee so far has been working very nicely.” In addition to waiting for Genson to prepare, the panel also is awaiting an answer from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald about what parts of his investigation into the governor are fair game for the legislature to delve into in their impeachment deliberations. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

MACCLESFIELD, N.C. (AP) — A 13-year-old left tied to a tree as punishment for 18 hours in June had been badly beaten and likely died from dehydration and heat stroke, an autopsy report showed. The report, made public Monday, also says Tyler McMillan’s body was covered with insect bites, and he had bruises caused by a rod-like instrument and flesh missing from his buttocks. Marks on his wrists and ankles show he may have been restrained with plastic ties. Authorities say Tyler McMillan’s parents found him unresponsive on June 12 after he had been tied to a tree overnight as punishment. His father, Brice McMillan, and stepmother, Sandra McMillan, have been charged with murder and felony child abuse. Autopsy results were released after Raleigh television station WRAL challenged a judge’s order to seal the results based on a defense motion. Attorneys for WRAL wrote Superior Court Judge Franklin R. Brown in late October to challenge his ruling. The station received a copy of the autopsy on Monday, along with an order from Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Milton Fitch Jr. The station provided a copy to The Associated Press. The report says Tyler McMillan’s body temperature was 105.6 degrees when he arrived at the hospital. Brice McMillan told a deputy the teen was tied to a tree and forced to sleep outside on June 10 because he was being disobedient. Tyler McMillan was released the next morning, but again tied up that night for bad behavior.

Herald&Review

OPINION

MIKE LAWRENCE

Lawmakers, high court shirked duty Even if Gov. Rod Blagojevich had been comatose instead of incriminatingly verbose, it would have made no difference: Illinois lacks a blueprint for urgently removing an incapacitated governor unable or unwilling to step aside. The state Constitution approved by voters nearly four decades ago directed the legislature to establish one. It also instructed the Supreme Court to do so if the General Assembly balked. But the lawmakers and the justices have failed us even after being reminded of their obligation five years ago. Almost instantly after a stroke-stricken, uncommunicative Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon was rushed to a hospital in the fall of 2003, Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan assumed power under a prescribed regimen that involved top Indiana officials and the courts. This sparked a reminder to Illinois officials that they had shirked their duty. Why not craft a rational, fair process in a crisis-free atmosphere? However, amid concerns about offending one public official or another by broaching the subject, the General Assembly leadership punted to the high court, which promptly downed the ball. NO ONE COULD have anticipated the surreal circumstances that caused Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan to brave an unpaved path to the Supreme Court in a worthy quest to sideline Blagojevich, pending impeachment proceedings or his voluntary abdication. But our state would have been much better prepared if our legislative and judicial leaders had not punched the snooze button after that wakeup call, and now the stony high court has compounded its disservice by spurning her bid. After General Madigan moved to dislodge the tarnished, besieged Blagojevich, law professors dueled over the legal fine points, and potential ballot opponents tried to garner political points by attacking her motives. But there should be no divide today — especially given the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant even a hearing to the lawyer for the people of Illinois — over the importance of the General Assembly fulfilling the mission it was given almost six governors ago. Dare the potential procrastinators suggest we could never arrive at another juncture when the ability of a chief executive to govern is called into serious question? How many of them predicted that a governor who entered office as his predecessor exited under investigative heat would invite the same scrutiny within a year or so? THE MISSION is urgent. It is also weighty. The Indiana governor’s disability was classic and starkly compelling, but could any of us have conjured the Blagojevich scenario? What about a governor seized by terrorists during a trade mission or a hazy, erratic chief executive in denial over alcoholism or addiction to painkillers while mulling whether to let an execution proceed? The challenge looms large, and the General Assembly would be wise to establish and seek guidance from a blue-ribbon, bipartisan committee composed of constitutional scholars, legislators, citizens devoted to clean and effective government and political elders, such as Democrat Dawn Clark Netsch and Republican Jim Edgar, who have served in the executive and legislative branches and demonstrated solid governmental credentials. But, in the final analysis, the lawmakers themselves must complete the assignment. They can savor the irony that Rod Blagojevich, the self-proclaimed champion of good government, inadvertently triggered this longoverdue reform. Or, they can continue their neglect and encourage us to escort them from their offices — and not just temporarily. mlawrenc@siu.edu

A4 Tuesday, December 23, 2008

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OUR VIEWS

Governor’s speech reveals selfish narcissism Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

GOV. ROD Blagojevich certainly puts the “I” in Illinois. The embattled governor spoke to the public for the first time Friday since being arrested by FBI agents on Dec. 9. Anyone expecting a remorseful, or even slightly embarrassed governor, was disappointed. The governor defiantly said he was innocent. “I am absolutely certain I will be vindicated,” he said. “I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, and I intend to stay on the job.” “I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong.” The governor went on to make it clear that he would not resign. “I am not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob,” he said. He also took a shot, without naming names, at his rivals. “I’m not going to do what my accusers and political enemies have been doing, and that is to talk about this case in 30-second sound bites on ‘Meet the Press’ and on the TV news.” The governor also said he recognized that he was up against some tough odds. “I know that there are some powerful forces arrayed against me. It’s kind of lonely right now, but I have on my side the most powerful ally there is, and it’s the truth. And besides, I have the personal knowledge that I have not done anything wrong.” Few were surprised that the governor defend-

ed himself and refused to resign. Even fewer should have been surprised that the governor’s speech was all about himself, and little about the state of Illinois. According to Rich Miller, publisher of the Illinois political insider newsletter Capitol Fax, the governor used a personal pronoun 44 times in his 445-word speech. Only once did he address the people of Illinois, and that was still personal. “Sit back and take a deep breath and please reserve judgment,” he said. “I am dying to answer these charges. I am dying to show you how innocent I am.” Never in his short appearance — he took no questions — did the governor apologize to the people of Illinois for the distraction these charges have caused. He did not address a pressing issue — whether he would name someone to fill Barack Obama’s Senate seat. He also did not address, let alone apologize for, FBI wiretaps that caught him, in foulmouthed language, discussing how best to profit from the awarding of that Senate seat. Of course, Blagojevich’s attorneys are telling him to say as little as possible. They don’t want the governor — or any client — to let slip a comment that later could be used by the prosecution. But Blagojevich apparently demanded to make a statement, and the statement he made was clearly focused on the governor, not on the state. That alone reveals a lot about his character.

LETTERS Obama’s choice of political experience is no accident

Caroline Kennedy hasn’t earned seat in Senate It is a legitimate question: Why is the resumé-thin Caroline Kennedy being treated seriously as a prospective appointee to the U.S. Senate when the comparatively more-qualified Gov. Sarah Palin received such a harsh review? It is legitimate, at least, to those inclined to see apples and oranges as essentially the same. Some of the differences between the two women benefit the pro-Palin argument, but the underlying premise of the debate is flawed. Though they both are women, the important distinction is the power differential of the respective offices being sought. There can be little debate that Palin, as a governor and former mayor, has the superior political resumé. More to the point, she was duly elected to both of those positions and has enjoyed an 80 percent approval rating as governor. Her biography is familiar to all sentient beings, so there’s no need to belabor it here. Suffice to say, she worked hard to get from Wasilla High to the governor’s mansion. Not so Kennedy, who, upon her marriage to Edwin Schlossberg, never changed her name. The girl-child of Camelot, Kennedy was to the political manor born and heiress to a famous

KATHLEEN PARKER

OPINIONS? CONTACT US:

brand. And though she undoubtedly has worked hard to become a lawyer, education-reform fundraiser, author and mother (none small feats), she hasn’t had to press the flesh and fashion a national identity only from her own raw materials. Suddenly, after a lifetime shunning publicity — one of her charms — Kennedy is a likely U.S. senator solely on the basis of having decided that she’d like that quite a lot. The question for detractors isn’t so much whether she’s qualified, smart enough or even experienced enough. Respectively, “no,” “yes” and “it may not matter” are reasonable responses. Among her qualifications is an ability to raise money and broker deals on the weight of her name. That such power is endowed by birthright doesn’t diminish its political value. The real rub is that she hasn’t earned it. The sense of entitlement implicit in Kennedy’s plea for appointment mocks our national narrative. We honor rags-to-riches, but riches-to-riches animates our revolutionary spirit. Palin paid her own passage unfreighted by privilege. But I and others opposed her spot on the Republican ticket for good reasons, some of which resemble concerns now aimed at Kennedy. To wit: It isn’t enough to want the prize. One must be up to the job, in a league with one’s fellow actors. In Kennedy’s case, those actors would be senators, not heads of other, potentially belligerent, nations. If appointed, she would be a single vote among 100 and otherwise a placehold-

WRITE: Herald & Review Letter to the editor Box 311, Decatur, IL 62525-0311

er until 2010, when she would have to run for election as any other. Palin, who one could argue was similarly anointed — cynically selected without proper vetting — was headed for much bigger business. As vice president, she would have been a heartbeat away from The Button, though she would not have been “in charge of the U.S. Senate,” as she told a child who asked what the vice president does. Critics on the other side of the political aisle may have had other reasons to oppose Palin (such as her pro-life position), but the loyal opposition was firmly based on substantive concerns about competence, as well as wariness about her tone and temperament, which became increasingly divisive. Palin’s demonstrated lack of basic knowledge, her intellectual incuriosity, her inability to articulate ideas or even simple thoughts all combined to create an impression of not-quite-there. Few doubt that Palin is here to stay. She is the GOP’s chosen closer, as demonstrated in Georgia when she roused the crowds to help re-elect Sen. Saxby Chambliss. What she possesses by immeasurable orders of magnitude — personal power, presence, pizazz — one can’t purchase. The rest — theoretically — she can learn. Kennedy, an erudite person who has authored several books, may have the political clout to get herself a Senate seat, but it isn’t clear that she has the people power needed to sustain her. The electorate eventually will sort out the differences that matter. kparker@kparker.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

President-elect Obama did not defiantly wag his finger at the American public when he more or less said he did not have Senate replacement conversations with that young man, Gov. Blagojevich. But the public record seemed to contradict him. So one of his operatives, David Axelrod, fell on his sword by seeking to amend the public record and admitting he misspoke when he unequivocally said the two did have such conversations. Misspoke is the general weasel word used by the political class to appear to take responsibility while giving no details as to motivation or making any admissions that might be later used against them in a legal forum. It now is becoming clear why the president-elect has surrounded himself with Clinton spinmeisters such as Rahm Emanuel, whose nicknames include the absolute enforcer. He named the renowned criminal defense lawyer who represented President Clinton during impeachment as his White House counsel. In fact, he has put the Clinton in his Cabinet who was guilty of misspeaking about her experiences in Bosnia before being called out by no less than the comedian Sinbad. Our present governor has formally been charged with such dishonesty that, if found guilty, he could well be taking the upper bunk in former Gov. George Ryan’s present abode. But not all the dishonesty engaged in by our political class will cause one to be formally charged or face time in incarceration. Our president-elect clearly understands that, and that is why he has chosen the most experienced political operatives money can buy to have his back. William T. Wainright Decatur

If you want to invest in the country, buy American Invest in the United States. If you want to strengthen your country, buy American vehicles and products. Our brand of vehicles matches, and may exceed in some regards, the foreign brands. As for other products, that is more of a challenge. What isn’t made in China? Ron Hamson Decatur The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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The year in photos

Play for the holidays

H&R photographers choose favorite images of 2008/D1

Warrensburg-Latham, Maroa-Forsyth girls advance in Riverton tourney/B1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2008

Lawyer, committee argue case Lieutenant governor is ready to step in, take over

Blagojevich’s attorney says words are ‘unfortunate’but not enough to impeach By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$100,000

Funding road repair State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, is pushing a proposal for motorists to pay 8 cents more for every gallon of gasoline they buy to help pay for a state road construction program. Money C1

Sound of music

Every Monday night, members of the Decatur chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, sing a cappella tunes, tap their toes, sway and bop along with their songs in the empty hall of Unity Church of Decatur. Local A3

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s lawyer spent more than an hour Monday trying to convince a House panel that there is not enough evidence to impeach the governor. Attorney Edward Genson said his client’s transgressions were “unfortunate” but do not rise to the level of him getting kicked out of office. “They have not proven impeachable conduct,” Genson said. In the end, however, Genson found few takers among the 21 members of the committee.

“Is anybody going to stand up for the governor?” Genson asked. No one did. Meeting for the fifth time since Blagojevich’s Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges, the panel had hoped to wrap up its work Monday. But the inquiry now is on hold for at least another week while members await the results of a court decision that could result in the release of secret tape recordings of Blagojevich that form the bedrock of his federal criminal case, as well as the impeachment hearings.

ARGUE/A2

Preparations seem to be minimal, but Quinn is confident By MIKE RIOPELL Associated Press

Ed Genson, an attorney for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, argues Monday during the Illinois House Impeachment Committee Hearing at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Genson told the committee that there’s no evidence the governor ever took any illegal action to auction off a U.S. Senate seat or pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire its editorial writers.

H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has predicted Gov. Rod Blagojevich will leave office by mid-February, but Quinn’s preparations to perhaps take over the job appear to be minimal so far. Quinn has had preliminary behind-the-scenes talks with a handful of possible

‘On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.’

Review hearing for Mark Bradley now set for February

— The Girl Scout Promise

By CHRIS LUSVARDI H&R Staff Writer

Israel obliterated symbols of Hamas power on the third day of what the defense minister described Monday as a “war to the bitter end,” bringing the three-day death toll to 364, with some 1,400 reported injured. World C3

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.69

YOUR WEATHER Herald & Review photos/Stephen Haas

L O W

52 24 Today: Partly sunny and breezy Tonight: Partly cloudy and windy Details/B6

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C3-6 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1,2 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C4,5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-5 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

75 cents Our 136th year

Sonja Chargois, left, pours chocolate syrup for Marquesha Owens, 14, center, as Clarise Campbell, 13, second from left, Asia Holliday, 13, second from right, and Ashaneka Newberry, 13, wait in line during a session of uniquely ME! in the Stephen Decatur Middle School library.

More promising Merger of councils results in expanded offerings from local council, including outreach of a self-esteem program

Issue 365 Four sections

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QUINN/A2

Attorney found unfit for trial

UNIQUELY ME!

Fighting continues

HIGH

staff members, but publicly he’s said his very job is why he’s prepared to take the state’s top office. “Being lieutenant governor, he is prepared to be governor,” spokesman Bob Reed said. Blagojevich is facing impeachment hearings after being arrested on corruption charges this month. Quinn would take over if the governor is removed from office. State Rep. Mike Boland, an East Moline Democrat who worked with Quinn on a

Thirteen-year-old Selena Clem, left, and Destiny Gallagher, 13, talk as they decorate cookies during a session in the library of Stephen Decatur Middle School.

By THERESA CHURCHILL H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR — Adolescence can be hazardous to a girl’s self-image. But 13-year-old Asia Holliday spoke right up when Sonja Chargois asked if anyone had any good news. “I brought all my grades up,” Asia said during a session of a Girl Scout self-esteem program, uniquely ME!, this month at Stephen Decatur Middle School. She and a dozen other girls who had gathered in the school library to decorate cookies said they’ve learned through making posters, ornaments and stress balls not to let other people bring them down or hold them back. “I’ve come in here

after a bad day,” said Paris Woods, 13, “and I walk out feeling better.” Expansion of the uniquely ME! program is one of the ways the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois are reaching more girls since the council was created from a 2007 merger of councils based in Decatur, Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria, Quincy and Springfield. When the reorganization is complete, Central Illinois will be one of four Girl Scout councils in Illinois and 100 across the nation. “None of these girls would be in Girl Scouts unless we brought programming to them at Stephen Decatur,” said Chargois, community

SCOUTS/A2

DECATUR — A judge has declared Decatur attorney Mark Bradley unfit to stand trial on charges that he threatened two public officials, according to papers filed in court Monday. Associate Circuit Court Judge Charles M. Feeney III of Bloomington presided over a hearing Dec. 18 at the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln. The hearing was held in Lincoln because the judge couldn’t travel to Macon County on short notice. The defense had asked for a hearing on the matter as quickly as possible. Feeney is hearing the cases because of the conflict local judges would have from their close associations with the officials Bradley is accused of threatening. A review hearing has been set for Feb. 26 at the Macon County Courthouse, according to Feeney’s filing. Bradley, who has been held in Macon County Jail under $1 million bond, had been scheduled for pretrial Jan. 8, with a jury trial scheduled for Jan. 14 in two cases involving threats to a public official. Those dates have been canceled. Reports from Dr. Lawrence Jeckel and Dr. Terry Killian are being sealed until further order from the court, Feeney stated. Previous records indicate Bradley has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His attorney, William Anderson of Creve Coeur, has stated in court that Bradley likely has not taken his medication for the disorder in more than a year. Bradley’s law license was suspended indefinitely this month by the Illinois Supreme Court. He is charged in two cases with threatening a public official and in a third case with soliciting harassment of a witness and unlawful communication with a witness. Those charges stem from his allegedly threatening Circuit Judge Lisa Holder White, threatening to kill State’s Attorney Jack Ahola

BRADLEY/A2

A2 LOCAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2008

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Monday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. I&I and Two Cylinder Antique Tractor Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon. Jump Start the New Year, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Decatur Indoor Sports Center, Decatur. $18 (residents), $22 (non-residents). 4293472. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Music Altamont Opry Country Bluegrass Night, 7 p.m., Altamont Living Museum, Altamont, $3. (618) 483-6401. Health Blood pressure screening, 8 to

9 a.m., Senior Center, Shelbyville. Blood Pressure Screenings, 9 to 10 a.m., Brookstone Estates, Tuscola. Geriatric Assessment Clinic, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Kenwood Medical Building, Decatur. 876-2191. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, water aerobics 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. Medicaid or $10 per each test. 423-1472. Well/Sick Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988.

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

Pick Three-Midday 4-7-1 Pick Three-Evening 4-1-2

Pick Four-Midday 6-0-2-1 Pick Four-Evening 3-2-2-7

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Knit Nite, 7 to 9 p.m., Madden Arts Center, Decatur, 423-3189. Meetings Noon Kiwanis Club of Decatur, Breakfast Optimist Club of noon, Decatur Club, Decatur, 7 a.m., WebDecatur. ster-Cantrell Hall, Noon Sertoma Club, Decatur. Tomorrow’s noon, Tuscany Steak & Business Network highlight: Pasta House, Decatur. International, 11:30 Gallagher, 7 Prairieland Kiwanis, a.m., Decatur Club, p.m., Rosebud 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Decatur. Theatre, EffingCenter, Decatur. Civil Air Patrol, Air ham, $46 to Force Auxiliary, 6:15 to $91. 540-2787. Seniors 9 p.m., Decatur, 358Decatur-Macon Coun3554. ty Senior Center, Cards, 9 a.m., Commodore Duplicate Bridge Bingo, 1 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. Club, 7 p.m., Decatur, 422-0095. Salvation Army, Chair Exercises, Forsyth Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m., 10 a.m., Line Dancing, noon to 2 Hickory Point Banquet Facility, p.m., Decatur. Decatur. Johns Hill Center, Game Night, Kiwanianne Club, 9:30 a.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (75 cents), Decatur. Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur, 429-7750. 877-1758.

Little Lotto 5-16-17-21-28 Lotto 1-15-16-17-18-40

Support Groups Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, Decatur, 422-3766. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Pana United Presbyterian Church, Pana. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., U.S. Bank Community Room, Taylorville. Baby TALK, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Decatur Public Library, Decatur. Domestic Violence Support, 5 p.m., Dove Inc., Sullivan, 728-9334. Drug/Alcohol Education, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dove Inc., Decatur, 428-6616. Every Man’s Battle, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Allenville Community Building, Allenville. 649-9496. Miracles in Progress, noon to 2 p.m., House of Miracles Pentecostal Church, Decatur, 423-4694. Narcotics Anonymous, 8 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, noon, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-

Lotto jackpot $24.5 million Mega Millions jackpot $37 million

539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Thomas Community Center, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Project Read, 2 to 5 p.m., Knapp Library, Middletown, 4452050. St. Mary’s Widowed Support Group, 6 p.m., Hickory Point Christian Village, Forsyth. 4249353. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur, 428-7078 or 428-8066. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6 p.m., Main Street Church of the Living God, Decatur, 424-0783. Unshackled (Christian Support for Addictions), 6 p.m., Church of the Living God CWFF, Decatur.

Surgery shows Scientists link hearing loss to age, brain SCOUTS promise for Dimmer switch 5QWPF YCXGU VQ DTCKP YCXGU teen diabetes that controls input 5QWPF YCXGU VQ DTCKP YCXGU Continued from A1

Hearing loss occurs when the Hearing loss occurs when the NEW YORK —cells Obe-that delicate hairs (AP) and hair delicate hairs and hair cells that can reverse sitydetect surgery sound waves inside the detect sound waves inside the diabetes inare teens, just as it cochlea damaged. cochlea are damaged. By MALCOLM RITTER does in adults, according to AP Science Writer Brain Brain a small study. NEW YORK — It’s almost All but one of the 11 Auditory center Auditory center New Year’s Eve, a time for extremely obese teens studied Areaplunging of auditoryinto memory Area of auditory memory boisterous saw their diabetes disappear crowds bathed in loud music. within a year after weightAnd for some of us, that loss surgery, the researchers Auditory Auditory means turning to an old friend reported. The 11th patient still nerve: sends nerve: sends and hearing things like this: had diabetes, but needed to brain signals to brain “Did you knowsignals (BOOM-damuch less insulin and stopped (Bob! over da-BOOM) went taking diabetes pills. You look wonder-) so she said Previous studies have Cochlea: converts Cochlea: converts (clink-clink) and then I the diabetes benefits shown sound waves into sound waves into Sound Sound (Here, have another one) of obesity neural signals waves surgery for adults.neural signals waves Organ of Corti what would youOrgan do?” of Corti Dr. enter Thomas Inge, a pediatric enter (detail of inside (detail of inside Huh? Too noisy to hear! But at Cincinnati Chilsurgeon outer ear outer ear the cochlea) the cochlea) how come these younger wait, dren’s Hospital Medical Cenpeople understood what she Tectorial membrane Tectorial membrane ter, and his colleagues wantsaid? What’s wrong with your ed to find out if the same ears? was true for adolescents. Outer hairmore cell research Outer hair cell Actually, Stereocilia part of the probAlthough (hairs) Stereocilia (hairs) lem may be your brain. is needed, Inge said the Inner hair cell Inner hair cell In fact, it may lie in your study “opens the door” to brain’s dimmer switch for weight-loss surgery as a controlling the input from treatment option for severeyour ears. That bit of brain ly obese teens with Type 2 circuitry appears to falter Basilar membrane Basilar membrane diabetes. with age, and scientists are The results are in the Auditory nerve Auditory nerve getting some clues about why. January Pediatrics Soundissue wavesofcause the Sound waves cause the If you have trouble underandbasilar were membrane released Monday. to vibrate basilar membrane to vibrate Hair cells then create electrical Hair cells then create electrical in a standing About a third of U.S. the stereocilia, or hairs, the stereocilia, or hairs, signals thatconversation travel to the brain signals that travel to the brain room, you’re experiencnoisythe youngsters are eithermembrane overagainst the tectorial against the tectorial membrane along the auditory nerve along auditory nerve ing what’s sometimes called weight or obese. Increasing SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine AP the cocktail party problem. AP SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine of obese children numbers That can be one of the first are being diagnosed with the dimmer switch probably Scientists have long known signs of an age-related hearType 2 diabetes, the most can block out that distracting that the brain not only ing loss, a more general probcommon form of the disease <AP> LOSSin122908: showssignals the partfrom of thethe ear where hearing loss occurs than it does the noise more receives duringGraphic lem HEARING that can creep and the one linked to obesiand how the nervesonetravel to the brain; x 5can 3/4 talk in; 96.3 mm mm; with BC-SCIsaid. but 2c also back tox 146 speech, Frisina ears, and affects middle ageauditory ty. It was seldom seen The brain has an added them. -Holiday <AP>And when there’s too 65 toETA 75. 6 p.m. adults Loss; ages CO; third ofHearing before in kids. trick for focusing on a particumuch noise, this dimmerScientists are still trying to “It’s marching south Editor’s It is mandatory include all sourcesswitch that accompany graphic when repurposinglar or editing it for publication person’s speech rather brainthis circuitry tells pieceNote: together why toour hearthrough the generations, to reduce their flow than competing conversations, the ears with age, downhill ing goes which is very scary,” said Frisina said. Since you’re of signals to the brain. with a goal of trying to slow Dr. Larry Deeb, a former probably facing the person This helps the sensitive or even reverse it. president of the American you want to hear, his words auditory system handle loud When it comes to the cockDiabetes Association and a arrive at both your ears at the sounds that otherwise would tail party problem, the dimspokesman for the group. same time and at the same overwhelm it and become dismer switch is a piece of that Teen candidates for volume. The brain can use torted, as when a radio is story, though it’s not clear weight-loss surgery need to that, along with the dimmer turned up too loud for the just how big a factor. be carefully selected, he switch, to home in on that perspeaker to handle. In addi“I think it’s a significant said, since the long-term son’s speech, Frisina said. tion, since background noise player,” said Robert Frisina of consequences of the operaFrisina and colleagues pubat a party tends to be lowerthe University of Rochester in tion for children aren’t yet known. New York, who is studying it. lished evidence in 2002 that pitched than speech sounds,

from ears is factor

ARGUE

QUINN

Continued from A1 Among other things, prosecutors say the recordings show Blagojevich scheming to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat for cash or a higher-paying job. If released, it would be first public airing of those often expletive-laden conversations. A hearing is set for Monday, Jan. 5. The committee also has been collecting testimony about Blagojevich’s performance as governor, including allegations that he ignored state laws when attempting to implement an expansion of health insurance. Genson said much of the evidence being considered by the committee is based on “innuendo” and that the governor’s conduct does not rise to the level of impeachment. As evidence, he submitted President-elect Barack Obama’s internal report on contacts with the governor to the panel. The report says none of Obama’s advisers had any inappropriate discussions with Blagojevich. The report notes that Obama’s chief of staff, U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, had one or two direct conversations with the governor, but those talks were inconsequential and did not delve into any of the accusations outlined by federal prosecutors. Genson contends the governor has been forced to fight “shadows” because he didn’t actually carry out any of the schemes he discussed on the tapes. “The fact is, nothing happened,” Genson said. “It’s just talk, unfortunate talk, but not actions. He was just jabbering.” Committee members were not convinced. “It’s not chatter. It’s not jabber. It’s far worse than that,” said state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville. Although Genson downplayed evidence heard by members thus far, most agreed

Continued from A1

Associated Press

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, oversees the Illinois House Impeachment Committee Hearing at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Monday. they’d heard enough to decide whether Blagojevich’s actions warrant impeachment. “I think we’ve had a sufficient amount of evidence at this time,” said state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. Once the committee completes hearing evidence, members will craft a report to the full House, which would then vote whether to impeach the 52-year-old Chicago Democrat. If the House impeaches him, a trial would be held in the Senate to determine whether he should be ousted from office. State Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, said Blagojevich already has been convicted in the court of public opinion. “I think a lot people have already made up their minds,” Hannig said. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, who is chairing the panel, credited Genson with doing a good job as a defense lawyer but said his arguments weren’t convincing. “He was throwing up whatever fairy dust he could,” Currie said. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

November push for a constitutional convention, said he hasn’t heard that Quinn has been talking to lawmakers about a possible transition to the top slot. But he said Quinn might want to start making plans. “I think it’s definitely time to get ready,” Boland said. If Quinn becomes governor, he would face some of the same issues Blagojevich does now, namely, the state’s significant financial problems that could have to be tackled in lawmakers’ 2009 session. In addition, state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said any Blagojevich successor would have to work hard to fight off the stigma created by the accusations against the governor. “The Chicago machine Democrat label has been firmly affixed to Gov. Blagojevich,” Righter said.

BRADLEY Continued from A1 and asking a jail inmate to find someone to bribe or threaten the chief witness against him in the case involving the threat on Ahola’s life. Bradley’s conversation with the inmate was recorded by sheriff’s deputies

the dimmer switch effectiveness declines with age. The drop-off showed up in middleaged people (ages 38 to 52) and was even worse in people older than 62. Then they showed the same thing happens in mice, which meant they could study those animals to get clues to what’s going on in people. Just last year, they found a possible cause in mice for the decline: reduced supplies of a key structure on the surfaces of the nerve cells in the dimmerswitch circuitry. Now, Frisina hopes to use genetically altered mice to focus his studies on particular parts of the dimmer switch circuitry. There is some evidence that shortcomings in this wiring harm the inner ear as well, he said. The hope, of course, is to understand the details of the problem and find a way to intervene to slow down the age-related hearing problem, he said. While it is not yet clear how big a role the dimmer switch plays in the cocktail party problem, Frisina’s work “makes a good case that it’s got to be one of the important factors,” said Charles Liberman, who directs a research laboratory at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Another crucial element lies within the inner ear, where sound is converted to nerve signals. That’s accomplished by cells that use delicate hairs to detect sound waves. These hair cells can be damaged by aging and long hours in loud environments such as rock concerts. Loss of those cells makes it harder to understand speech in noisy rooms. For example, it can hinder one’s hearing of high sound frequencies, like those of certain consonants. Losing those consonant sounds can make words hard to understand in noisy situations.

Quinn, speaking from Chicago, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that he believes Blagojevich will be impeached and convicted by the Illinois legislature. Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on charges accusing him of scheming to swap President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat for profit, shaking down a hospital executive for campaign donations and other wrongdoing. The governor has declared his innocence and has vowed to fight the charges. Quinn described Blagojevich as “isolated” in his decision-making and surrounded by a “tight palace guard” that “tells him what he wants to hear and not what he needs to know.” He needs to know “he’s disgraced himself; he’s disgraced the people of Illinois,” Quinn said. Quinn said he hasn’t spoken to Blagojevich since August 2007.

outreach coordinator. “They think Girl Scouts are for little girls.” Within the Decatur region, which covers Christian, DeWitt, Macon, Moultrie, Shelby and Piatt counties, the council also has introduced elementary students to uniquely ME! at Old King’s Orchard Crotty Community Center, Kid’s Castle Learning Center and Wee Folk. Holly Crotty, the new regional operating officer for Decatur, said the former Shemamo Council serving Macon, Moultrie and Shelby counties simply wasn’t large enough to compete effectively against larger councils for uniquely ME! funding from Girl Scouts of the USA. Crotty, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University, began work for the Decatur region June 10 as communications and fund development specialist and was promoted to regional operating officer Nov. 1. She was community impact director for the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois from 2003 to 2007. “We also feel we are able to provide higher-quality programs than we could before,” Crotty said. The demand for Charming Creations, jewelry-making sessions for Junior Girl Scouts held in October and November at Madden Arts Center, was such that the Decatur region added afternoon classes so a total of 76 girls could attend, many from elsewhere in the council. That’s the other bonus of the merger, Crotty said: Girls have easier access to programming throughout the 38 counties the Central Illinois Council covers. Joyce McMillion of Argenta, leader of Girl Scout Troop 3055, based at Decatur Christian School, already has taken her girls to all the regions in the Central Illinois Council except Springfield. “They’re able to go places that have opportunities we don’t have in Decatur, such as sail boating, canoeing, archery and horseback riding,” McMillion said. “They also get to meet girls from other regions and see how other troops interact.” tchurchill@herald-review.com| 421-7978

Herald&Review Online www.herald-review.com

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

Herald& Review using court-approved eavesdropping after the inmate tipped off authorities to the scheme. Special prosecutors are handling the cases against Bradley, who was an assistant state’s attorney until March, when he resigned from the office and went into private practice. clusvardi@herald-review.com|421-7972

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Tips for dealing with a

Clutch playing

hangover

Illinois hangs on to defeat ninth-ranked Purdue/B1

Life/D1

Herald&Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31, 2008

Burris gets Blagojevich’s nod Although chosen, Senate seat isn’t a sure thing for former attorney general By KURT ERICKSON

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$100,000

Whole lot of green Kaylee Kibler was one of 1.5 million third-graders nationwide who participated in the 2008 Bonnie Plants’ Third Grade Cabbage Program and one of 45 who got a $1,000 savings bond for growing one of the biggest and best cabbages. Local A3

Gifts with a zip

H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — Despite stern warnings that his pick will be rejected, a defiant Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday named former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to Illinois’ vacant Senate seat. The surprise move ignited a firestorm of controversy, including threats from Democratic leaders at the state and

national level to do what they can to block the embattled governor’s action. At the same time, at least one AfricanAmerican leader said it would be a mistake to stand in Burris’ way, given that Burris would be replacing Obama as the lone black member of the Senate. “It has tremendous national importance,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, DChicago. Blagojevich is accused by federal prosecutors of plotting to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat in exchange for money or a higher-paying job. The accusations jump-started impeachment proceedings in the Illinois

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announces his choice of former Attorney General Roland Burris to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat at a news conference Tuesday in Chicago.

PICK/A2

Associated Press

ON THE ROAD

Driving for a license

GMAC puts bailout to buyers’ use GM’s financing arm eases restrictions on customer credit

The new computers at United Cerebral Palsy’s headquarters will do much more than play games, but during Christmas vacation, the teens who are part of the TeenAbilities program used them to have a little fun. Money C1

By BREE FOWLER AP Auto Writer

Possible cease-fire Israel, under international pressure, is considering a 48-hour halt to its air campaign on Hamas targets in Gaza to see if Palestinian militants will stop their rocket attacks on southern Israel. World A7

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.49

YOUR WEATHER

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

As Cerro Gordo High School student Morgan Neisslie adjusts her rearview mirror, driver’s education teacher Sharon Karcher prepares to track another driving session. Due to new requirements, students are driving more hours and have to have their permits for nine months, making some wait past their 16th birthday. J.D. McCoy also was in the car for a driving lesson during the period.

Illinois teens may have the hours, but not the months, to qualify By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

HIGH

L O W

32 17 Today: Partly cloudy, colder Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold Details/B8

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C4-8 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-8 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1,2 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C5,7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-7 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

75 cents Our 136th year

Issue 366 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

ERRO GORDO — Morgan Neissle will have her 50 hours of driving practice in long before her 16th birthday in September 2009. “I’ve already got about 30 (hours) done, and I just got my permit in October,” said the Cerro Gordo High School freshman. She already knows her birthday will be on a Tuesday, traditionally a very busy day because the Illinois Secretary of State’s local office is closed Sundays and Mondays, but she’s willing to wait in line. With the graduated driver licensing program requiring first-time drivers to hold a permit for nine months and get 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours of night driving, plus 12 hours with an instructor — six driving, six observing, some students aren’t as lucky as Morgan. One of those is St. Teresa High School sophomore Samantha Dougherty.

“I have all my 50 hours in and my birthday is (Dec. 12), but since the nine-month rule, I don’t get my license until (January),” she said. Parochial school students such as Dougherty can take the classroom portion of driver’s education at their own school, but have to take their behind-thewheel training at a public school; in Dougherty’s case, MacArthur High School. Arranging that can delay fulfilling requirements, but the real hang-up is that students must have a permit for a minimum of nine months. “One of my friends, her birthday was on Nov. 4, and she gets hers the same day as I get mine,” Samantha said. “She won’t get hers until end of January.” She said she’s OK with waiting a little longer. Cerro Gordo High School driver’s education teacher Sharon Karcher said that when the new laws went into effect in January 2008, the school started getting students into driver’s education as early as possible to give them time to finish the requirements and still get their license for their birthday. Teens must be 15 to get

NEW YORK — A $5 billion government bailout aimed at reviving General Motors Corp.’s ability to make car and truck loans has dealers hopeful that cash-strapped consumers will return to their showrooms. GMAC Financial Services, the automaker’s troubled financing arm, loosened its tight lending standards Tuesday, which in recent months have made it more difficult for would-be car buyers to get loans. GMAC’s move marks the first time that a financial institution has said it will use money from the $700 billion bank bailout to offer more affordable credit to consumers. Detroit-based GM said it was offering zero-percent or lowinterest financing on some slower-selling 2008 and 2009 models over the next week, a promotion made possible by the billions provided to GMAC. The government funds, on the heels of the $17.4 billion automaker bailout approved by the Bush administration earlier this month, could provide relief to auto dealers. They have blamed the industry’s steep drop in sales partially on a lack of affordable credit. Michael Martin, who owns Chevrolet and Saturn brand dealerships in Manassas, Va., said he thinks the loans will be key to turning around the auto industry, adding that GMAC’s lifting of credit restrictions sets an example for banks that have yet to use their bailout funding to free up consumer loans. “I think these things really spur consumer confidence, too,” said Martin, who already had seen customer traffic pick up Tuesday at his dealerships. “People are saying it’s good to see GMAC back in the marketplace. Whether it’s just a euphoric feeling or not, at least it’s a positive.”

DRIVING/A2

BAILOUT/A2

Earth’s movement could be pushing toward atomic timekeeping Today’s ‘leap second,’ Greenwich Mean Time may become obsolete By RAPHAEL G. SATTER and JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press Writer

AT THE GREENWICH PRIME MERIDIAN, England — Just a second, 2009. It’s going to take a little

longer to say goodbye to the worst economic year since the Great Depression, but all for a good cause. The custodians of time will ring in the New Year by tacking a “leap second” onto the clock today to account for the minute slowing of the Earth’s rotation. The leap second has been used sporadically at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich since 1972, an adjust-

ment that has kept Greenwich Mean Time the internationally agreed time standard. Some scientists now say Greenwich Mean Time should be replaced by International Atomic Time, computed outside Paris, because new technologies have allowed atomic time to tick away with downto-the-nanosecond accuracy. But opponents say atomic time’s very precision poses a

problem. A strict measurement, they say, would change our very notion of time forever, as atomic clocks would one day outpace the familiar cycle of sunrise and sunset. The time warp wouldn’t be noticeable for generations, but within a millennium, noon — the hour associated with the

TIME/A2

‘We don’t want the French to control time. They might get it wrong or something.’ 15-year-old Kirsty Holt

A2 LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

Pick Three-Midday 6-2-8 Pick Three-Evening 7-6-4

Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. I&I and Two Cylinder Antique Tractor Show, Cross County Mall, Mattoon. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Music New Year’s Eve Show, 8 p.m., Bement Country Opry, Decatur, $8, $4. 877-6499 or 678-8343. Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. BAD SEED Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion, 9 p.m., Daddy O’s, Decatur. Buddy Love and the Can’t Hardly Playboys, 9 p.m., Pourhouse, Decatur. C-4, 9 p.m., AIW Hall, Decatur. Charmed Entertainment: DJ and Karaoke, 9 p.m., Elmer’s Ole

Time Inn, Decatur. Flatlands New Year’s Eve Party, 9 p.m., Korn Krib, Latham. Indagroove, 8:30 p.m., Sit n Sip, Shelbyville. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Breakers, Clinton. Karaoke with Dale, 9 p.m., Shooters, Lovington. New Year’s Bash with Last Chance, 8 p.m., Bullseye Bar and Grill, Hammond. New Years Eve Party with Greg Bickers Band, 9 p.m., Lock, Stock and Barrel, Decatur. NYE Rock N Roll Bash with Verdict, Super Killer Fire, and Trash City Rockers, 8 p.m., Radmaker’s Rock & Roll Tavern, Tolono, 485-3531. Open Mike Night, 8 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. Repeat Offenders, 9 p.m., Corner Bar, Divernon. Riverbottom Nightmare Band New Year’s Party, 9 p.m., Sliderz, Decatur. Tekela DJ, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.,

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

TIME

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Pick Four-Midday 7-9-4-7 Pick Four-Evening 4-1-5-7

Little Lotto 7-10-15-20-39 Lotto jackpot $25 million

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY Bud’s on Green, Decatur Tekela DJ, 9 p.m to 2 a.m. The Den, Decatur Top Shelf, 9 p.m., Shooters, Lovington. Whiskey Briar, 9 p.m., Cougars Corner, Hammond. On Stage Gallagher, 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, $46 to $91. 5402787. Health Adult Weight Management Orientation, 6 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, Forsyth, 876-5370. Flu Shot Clinic, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988 ext. 1333. Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Effingham County Health Department, Effingham. 342-9237. Pre/Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, land aerobics, 6:40

Earth’s rotation can’t be plotted out in advance, they’re added as needed. Sometimes, such as this year, they’re added Dec. 31, sometimes they’re inserted at the end of June 30. Those willy-nilly fixes can trip up time-sensitive software, particularly in Asia, where the extra second is added in the middle of the day. Critics say everything from satellite navigation to power transmission and cellular communication is vulnerable to problems stemming from programs ignoring the extra second or adding it at different times. Although the time will pass in the blink of an eye, Judah Levine, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colo., predicts the change will make him a very busy man starting

to 7:40 p.m. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic Tomorrow’s and Testing, highlight: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon Holiday County Showcase, Health Schaub Floral Department, Display Center, Decatur. 423Decatur; 9 a.m. 1472. to 4 p.m. 422Well/Sick 5911. Child Clinic, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur. 423-6988. Meetings All States Bowling, 9:15 a.m., Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, 877-

about 5 p.m. Mountain Time. As part of the institute’s Time and Frequency Division, he’ll be helping to work out the bugs that follow. “There’s always somebody who doesn’t get it right,” Levine said. “It never fails.” Britons seemed less concerned about the remote prospect of having tea at 3 a.m. than the notion of leaving a France-based body in control of the world’s time. “I think there’s some kind of historical pride we might feel in Britain about Greenwich being the point around which time is measured,” 50year-old telecoms executive Stephen Mallinson said as he waited to board a Eurostar train for Paris at London’s St. Pancras Station. “But in practice, does it make a

Mega Millions 1-22-29-44-52 Mega Ball 39

0764. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur. Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Room, Decatur. Seniors Johns Hill Center, Ceramics Class, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur, 4297750. Salvation Army, Ceramics Group, 8 a.m. to noon, Decatur. Mattoon Area Senior Center, Mattoon YMCA, Tai-Chi Classes, 10:30 a.m., Mattoon. $40 per month, $30 for YMCA members. Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 130 W. Eldorado, Decatur, Women only. 521-7205 or 855-8312. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Taylorville, 824-3028 or 824-3676. Autism Society Parent Support Group, 7:15 p.m., The Autism Project, Springfield, 1-877-311-7703. Choices, 4:30 p.m., Dove Inc., DeWitt County office, Clinton, Children. 935-6072. Drug/Alcohol Education, , Dove Inc., Decatur, 1:30 and 5 p.m. 4286616. Narcotics Anonymous, noon,

Mega Millions jackpot $37 million

AFFAS, 2520 E. William St., Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Unity Church, 317 W. Decatur, Decatur, 358-4222. Exhibits Decatur Airport Gallery, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Decatur, Gallery 510 Group Show. 422-1509. Decatur Public Library Gallery, Second Floor Gallery, Decatur. Drawings and paintings by Dan Modzelewski. 422-1509. Gallery 510, Decatur, Holiday Show. 422-1509. Hieronymus Mueller Museum, Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. 423-6161. Macon County History Museum, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Decatur. $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois.” 422-4919.

difference? No.” At the Royal Observatory, 53-yearold homemaker Susie Holt was adjusting her wristwatch to match the digital display above the meridian. She said it would be a pity if Greenwich Mean Time were made obsolete. Her daughter, 15-year-old Kirsty, was more forthright. “We don’t want the French to control time,” she said. “They might get it wrong or something.” Meanwhile, Elisa Felicitas Arias, a scientist at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, which computes atomic time at a facility outside Paris, has been busy lobbying to scrap the leap seconds that have given the 17th century Royal Observatory pride of place. “GMT is out of date,” she sniffed.

She said she has been garnering considerable support, with the International Telecommunications Union, the arbiter of international time standards, considering a vote on a switch as early as next year, with a 2018 target to implement it. The United States, France, Germany, Italy and Japan were all on board, she said. But David Rooney, the Royal Observatory’s curator of time, defended leap seconds, saying they give everyone “the best of both worlds.” The arrangement, he said, allows satellites, physicists and high-frequency traders to benefit from the accuracy of atomic time while keeping our clocks consistent with the position of the sun in the sky and Greenwich Mean Time.

PICK

BAILOUT

Continued from A1

House and led to calls to strip Blagojevich of his appointment powers. Blagojevich said it is his duty to fill the vacancy. “Don’t allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man. He will be a great United States senator,” Blagojevich said. The naming of the 71-yearold Democrat comes after Blagojevich initially said he wouldn’t choose a replacement for Obama. Despite his mounting legal woes and damaged political image, Blagojevich still holds the power to fill the opening. Since his arrest, Blagojevich has continued to go to his office in downtown Chicago, where he has signed legislation and worked on requests for clemency. He said last week that he would not resign. Burris, who would serve out the remaining two years of Obama’s term if his appointment goes through, said the governor’s woes shouldn’t rub off on him “I have no relationship with that situation,” said Burris, who was comptroller from 1979 to 1991 and attorney general from 1991 to 1995. “I am humbled to have the opportunity,” Burris added. “I will uphold the integrity of the office.” However, Burris faces an uncertain path to Washington, D.C. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said Tuesday that he would refuse to certify the appointment when it reaches his desk. “Although I have respect for former Attorney General Roland Burris, because of the current cloud of controversy surrounding the governor, I cannot accept the document,” White said.

Vehicles sales have declined sharply this year, plunging 37 percent in November to their worst level in more than 26 years, with every major automaker reporting a drop of more than 30 percent. GM was among those worst hit, reporting a 41 percent slide for the month, with company executives blaming a lack of easily available credit. GMAC said Tuesday that as a result of the government aid, it will resume offering automotive financing to customers with credit scores as low as 621, eliminating restrictions put in place two months ago as a result of the tight credit markets that mandated a minimum score of 700. Marc Cannon, a spokesman for AutoNation Inc., a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based auto retailer that encompasses 264 dealerships, including 73 GM franchises, noted that consumers can faithfully pay their bills for years, but if they miss one or two payments along the way, their credit score can drop into the 600s. “They’re not lowering standards, they’re bringing more people into the game,” Cannon said of GMAC. “These people are still customers, and they’re still good people you want to help get into the right vehicle.” Scott Talbott, a financial services lobbyist in Washington, estimated that 49 million more Americans would have eligible credit scores under the loosened restrictions. But he said it will still be tough to attract car buyers who are worried about their jobs. “If unemployment rises, people are going to reduce

spending. So all of these programs are contingent upon the overall economy and the restoration of consumer confidence,” Talbott said. “A new car or home is wonderful, but a job is better.” U.S. sales of new vehicles, which are down about 16 percent through the end of November, are expected to drop again in 2009 as a result of the recession. Joe Piane, general sales manager at Ostrom Chevrolet in the Los Angeles suburb of Montebello, said his dealership’s sales had been “devastated” since mid-October, when GMAC’s lack of money prompted it to tighten credit. And even if the credit crunch eases, Piane believes consumers will be less likely to spend money they don’t have. “I’m a believer that we never had a big economic boom. We just had a lending quagmire,” he said. “I don’t think business is ever going to be back to usual.” Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president for GM North America vehicle sales, service and marketing, said GMAC’s $5 billion in funding was crucial for the company to afford the zero-percent and low-interest financing on some vehicles. On Tuesday, James Forrest stopped at Pat O’Brien Chevrolet in the Cleveland suburb of Willoughby Hills to pick up a 2008 Chevy Suburban LTZ that he and his wife purchased new last week. Forrest, 41, said he was depending on the dealer to provide the best financing, which turned out to be through a bank. He said he was surprised GMAC was not available when he made the deal Saturday, but was happy other customers might be able to finance through the company.

Continued from A1 sun’s highest point in the sky — would occur about 1 p.m. In tens of thousands of years, the sun would be days behind the human calendar. That bothers people such as Steve Allen, an analyst at the University of California at Santa Cruz’s Lick Observatory. “I think (our descendants) will curse us less if we choose to keep the clock reading near 12:00 when the sun is highest in the sky,” Allen said. Atomic time advocates argue that leap seconds are onerous because they’re unpredictable. Since the exact speed of the

Associated Press

Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, right, takes questions after Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday that Burris is his choice to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat. Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, said they would not seat Burris, a two-time statewide officeholder who has spent recent years as a lobbyist. “Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus,” the statement said. Durbin called Blagojevich’s maneuver a “mistake.” “It is an act of political defiance,” Illinois’ senior senator said. Obama called Burris a fine man but said he agreed that the Senate cannot accept an appointment from Blagojevich. Obama repeated his call for Blagojevich to resign and allow the seat to be filled by other means. Democratic state lawmakers

said Burris would be an OK replacement for Obama but said Blagojevich shouldn’t be the one doing the choosing. Rather, they want to see him booted out of office, allowing Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to take over and make the appointment. “I think it is unfortunate for Roland’s part because if Pat Quinn had appointed him, it would be a whole different matter,” said state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion. State Rep. Dan Brady, RBloomington, compared Blagojevich’s behavior to a rabid dog. “It’s kind of like you’ve got someone cornered. He’s lashing out,” Brady said. House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said he initially thought Blagojevich’s decision was a “sick” joke. “He’s kind of angry at the world,” Cross said. Although Burris resides in Cook County, he was born in

Centralia and often cited his Southern Illinois roots on the campaign trail. After Obama’s Nov. 4 win, Burris lobbied for the job, which he had also sought in 1984 when he ran unsuccessfully for the post against the late Paul Simon. In a statement, Illinois GOP leader Andrew McKenna said Democrats should have stripped the governor of his power to appoint when lawmakers met in an emergency session Dec. 15. “Because they went back on their word and refused to strip Blagojevich of his appointment power and pass a special election, Illinois Democrats have created yet another constitutional crisis for Illinois,” McKenna said. McKenna added that the appointment “is another embarrassment for the people of Illinois.” kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Burris has a long history of public service in Illinois DRIVING Continued from A1

By MIKE RIOPELL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Roland Burris spent 16 years as a top Democratic official in Illinois and became the state’s first African-American to hold a statewide office, serving as state comptroller and Illinois attorney general. But Burris, 71, lost three bids to become governor, including one primary battle against Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2002. After that loss, Burris became part of Blagojevich’s transition team. Blagojevich’s appointment of Burris to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama sends a veteran of Illinois politics into the fire that has surrounded Blagojevich since his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges. “I welcome the challenge that awaits us in the 111th Congress,” Burris said

Tuesday. “I have faith in the record that I have forged over the past four decades, and I am proud of my accomplishments as a public servant.” Should Senate leaders accept him, Burris also would be elevated to a Senate seat he failed to win in 1984. Burris began his run with state government as director of the state’s chief purchasing agency in 1973. In 1979, Burris was elected comptroller, becoming the first black statewide official. He spent 12 years in the job before winning election as attorney general in 1991. During that time, Burris served in leadership of the Democratic National Committee. In his most recent bid for governor in 2002, Burris was considered an early frontrunner for the state’s top job, often touting his roots as a Centralia native to downstate voters. Eventually, though, he

was outspent and overtaken by Blagojevich in the three-way race. “Decaturites, I am a downstater,” Burris told a Macon County crowd in 2001. “I was born and raised in Centralia, Illinois. You won’t have to tell me where Decatur is.” Burris was born in 1937 in Centralia. He graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1959 and earned his law degree from Howard University in 1963. Burris currently heads the lobbying firm Burris and Ledbed Consulting. State records show the firm has represented, among other clients, cable giant Comcast, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Northern Illinois utility Commonwealth Edison and Illinois Association of Mortgage Brokers. His law firm also has benefited from state business, including serving as counsel for the sale of bonds. mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865

a learner’s permit. Parents want their children to have lots of practice before applying for a license, so they’re willing to put in the time to ensure that 50 hours is completed. “The graduated license affects them and how they get their license,” she said. “I am teaching during the initial phase what’s expected of them, what the law will require now.” J.D. McCoy, a sophomore who will turn 16 in August, said his parents let him drive almost every time the family goes somewhere, though the recent bad weather will put a crimp in that. He said the 50-hour require-

ment is not too much to ask of new drivers. “You’ll just get (the permit) earlier than you did before, and you’ll get more experience driving with your parents,” he said. “So you’re safer, and you know what you’re doing.” vwells@herald-review.com|421-7982

Balloon drops not pops

Castle fit for a Chicago hotel

Children pack the place for 2008’s Happy Noon Year celebration/A3

Decatur native puts gingerbread through its pastry paces/D1

& Herald Review WWW.HERALD-REVIEW.COM

THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2009

Partiers eagerly drop the ball on 2008 Some celebrations are scaled back or canceled in light of the tough economy By COLLEEN LONG Associated Press Writer

Clip & play Mega Moolah! In today’s paper:

$50,000

Fancy word for layoff

NEW YORK — Hundreds of thousands of revelers rang in 2009 from frigid Times Square as the famous Waterford crystal ball dropped, signaling the end of a historic and troubled year that saw the election of the first African-American U.S. president and the worst economic crisis in decades.

Financially struggling universities, factories and even hospitals are requiring employees to take unpaid “furloughs,” temporary layoffs that amount to one-time pay cuts for workers and a cost savings for employers. Money C1

As the clock struck midnight, a ton of confetti rained down while partygoers hugged and kissed. Josh Torres and his girlfriend, Sarah Manganello, both 21, screamed and cheered as they watched the ball drop. Manganello had advice for people in the new year: “Learn from what you’ve done and move forward.” The wind chill made it feel like 1 degree in the area, but that didn’t stop the throngs bundled in fur hats, heavy coats and sleeping bags from attending the event. Former President Bill Clinton and Sen.

From left, Emiko Katano, Kana Chiguchi, Naoko Miyata and Yumiko Shimizu, all from Nagoya, Japan, take part in the New Year’s Eve festivities in New York City’s Times Square.

DROP/A2

Associated Press

Burris flap travels to Congress

TEAM TEACHING

In the right direction Add up Illinois’ negatives-turned-positive from a year ago, and you have a 13-1 team whose only loss came against Clemson. But, despite the improvement, it’s still a team with flaws to fix and consistency to discover. Sports B1

It’s no walk in the park

By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

ministry, assisted by Gunter. And then there’s Zack, Gunter’s yellow Labrador guide dog, who turns out to have a hot canine writing streak. You can read about his adventures in a book called “Zack’s Tales — Travels of a Guide Dog,” which he dictated to Gunter, according to the woman he refers to as “Mom” in the book. Its 119 pages describe how Gunter, who keeps a home in Charleston, S.C., first met her four-legged set of eyes in 2002 and how it was love at first partial sight.

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s legal troubles have caused turmoil and economic losses in Illinois. They’ve caused a major headache for President-elect DOCUMENT: Barack Obama. A PDF of the And now, his document White actions are rumrefuses to sign bling through can be found at Congress. www.heraldThe embattled review.com governor’s appointment Tuesday of former Illinois Attorney Prosecutors General Roland seek more Burris to the time to review state’s vacant tapes, talk to U.S. Senate seat witnesses in could prove to be the case against a major distracBlagojevich. tion at a time when Democrats Story/A4 in Congress are hoping to launch a slew of initiatives in the new administration. Rather than spending their time rolling out proposals designed to stimulate the slumping economy, senators could find themselves mired in a legal battle over whether to seat Burris. “As an Illinois citizen, you’re embarrassed,” said state Rep. Mike Bost, a Murphysboro Republican. “It breaks your heart.” On Wednesday, a day after making his surprise appointment of Burris, Blagojevich filed paperwork with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office as part of the appointment process. It is that document that could become the centerpiece of a legal battle over whether Burris is seated as a senator. White has said he would not cosign the order because of Blagojevich’s woes. Senate

ZACK/A2

FLAP/A2

Fun in a new year The holidays are over, the tree is down, the cookies eaten and the ball has dropped. What now? Check out the H&R’s calendar of events, in a different location. Calendar C6

n Time

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .613.57

YOUR WEATHER

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Author Audrey Gunter walks with Laurel Jean Walden and guide dog, Zack, near Walden’s rural Ramsey home. The three educate people about the lifestyles and capabilities of blind people. ABOVE: Zack takes a break from his duties as a guide dog and author. By TONY REID H&R Staff Writer

HIGH

L O W

42 26 Today: Partly cloudy, not as cold Tonight: Partly cloudy Details/B6

INDEX Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . C4,5 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Dear Abby . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . D5 Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1,2 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . D3,4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . C4,5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-5 Television . . . . . . . . . . . . D6

RAMSEY — Audrey Gunter and Laurel Jean Walden can only claim “a piece of an eye” between them, but their mission in life has a wide scope: to praise God while helping the sighted see the lives of the blind more clearly and to give blind people a glimpse of their own potential. Walden was born blind, and Gunter gradually lost her sight due to the disease retinitis pigmentosa, leaving her with vision in her right eye that she describes as like “looking through the eye of a needle at images behind wax

Guide dog Zack helps educate the public about blindness paper.” But they’ve got some good friends to lend a hand. Walden’s sighted mom, Joan, does the driving and generally helps out as her daughter, based in Ramsey, performs all over the Midwest and beyond with her Christian music

New officers swear they’re ready to serve Idealistic additions bring Decatur force to its largest in years By HUEY FREEMAN H&R Staff Writer

75 cents Our 137th year

Issue 1 Four sections

Delivery: 421-6990 Newsroom: 421-6979 Outside Decatur: 1-800-437-2533

Blagojevich’s actions may cause unneeded chaos in Washington

Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

Patrol officer Chad Larner, left, talks with new officer Tucker Tool of St. Joseph, and his parents, Dan and Sheila Tool, after a swearing-in ceremony in city council chambers.

DECATUR — Cody J. Rose, 22, wants to attack crime at its roots. Tucker Tool, 24, wants to help people who are plagued by domestic violence and drug abuse. The two idealistic young men are the newest members of the Decatur Police Department.

“We are very pleased to have the two new officers,” said James Chervinko, deputy chief of the patrol division, after a swearing-in ceremony at the Decatur Civic Center. “They are both intelligent young men who will do a good job for us.” Both recently completed college degrees related to law enforcement, and both have roots in Central Illinois. On their first day as police officers, they were enthusiastic about serving Decatur residents. “Crime prevention is close to my heart,” said Rose, a Peoria

native who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Ind. While Rose attended Taylor, he directed a faith-based mentoring program, connecting at-risk youths with college students. The program focused on children of prison inmates. “Children of incarcerated parents are six times more likely to be incarcerated,” Rose said. Rose also served as a campus safety officer at Taylor and an

OFFICERS/A2

A2 LOCAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2009

www.herald-review.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Shelbyville Light Festival, 5 to 9 p.m., Forest Park, Shelbyville. Nightlife “Stevie Ray” Kelton, 9 p.m., Curly’s, Decatur. Country Night with DJ Halfdead, 8 p.m., Radmaker’s Rock & Roll Tavern, Tolono, 4853531. DJ/Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Elbow Room, Decatur. Jackie Lawson and Tad Freezland, 6:30 p.m., Stoney’s Steakhouse, Dalton City. Karaoke/DJ with Ricky, 9:30 p.m., Shorty’s, Decatur. Health Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4

p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Meetings Central Illinois Vintage Car Club, 7 p.m., International Buffet, Decatur, 864-4219.

Pick Three-Midday 4-3-8 Pick Three-Evening 3-3-9

Pick Four-Midday 0-3-3-8 Pick Four-Evening 7-5-9-3

WHAT’S HAPPENING

T O D AY

Support Groups Al-Anon, 10 a.m., Central Christian Church, Decatur. Al-Anon, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Mount Zion. Get High on Life Group, 8 p.m., AFFAS, Decatur, 521-7204, or 6203444. Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Closed New Year’s Day. 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8, $4. (708) 485-

Plan your week with our calendar every Thursday

MORE EVENTS: www.herald-review.com

FLAP Continued from A1 Democratic leaders have said they won’t seat Burris. The governor was arrested at his Chicago home Dec. 9 and is charged in federal court with corruption. Among the allegations dogging him is his apparent attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated when Obama won the presidential election. Blagojevich, 52, has refused to resign, professing he is innocent. In Illinois, officials already are keeping track of how Blagojevich’s problems have affected his home state. Because of his situation, the state lost

0263. DuSable Museum of African American History, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $3, $2, $1. (773) 947-0600.

an estimated $20 million on a recent bond sale, said Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Lawmakers also have been unable to come to an agreement on a statewide construction plan in recent years because of widespread distrust of Blagojevich, who would be in charge of doling out cash for road building projects. Impeachment proceedings are under way in the Illinois House. As Burris spent much of Wednesday continuing to explain why he accepted the appointment, words of condemnation continued to roll in for the governor. Burris went to the Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday in an attempt to force White to sign the order. “By refusing to resign and attempting to make this appointment, the governor

Field Museum, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11, $9. (312) 665-7100. Heritage in Flight Museum, Logan County Airport, Lincoln. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hieronymus Mueller Museum,

leaves Illinois in terrible situation.” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. “As I have said since his arrest, I believe the governor should resign immediately.” Obama also said Blagojevich should resign from his office and “allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place.” Burris, a 71-year-old Centralia native who served as state comptroller and attorney general, would serve the remaining two years of Obama’s Senate term. Burris previously ran and lost bids for the U.S. Senate and governor, as well as mayor of Chicago. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

OFFICERS Continued from A1 intern with the Peoria Police Department. A graduate of Peoria Christian High School, Rose also lived in Geneva and the San Francisco area, as his family followed his father’s career moves for Caterpillar Inc. “In Decatur, I hope to be part of crime prevention initiatives,” Rose said. “I’m really looking forward to working in Decatur.” Tool, a St. Joseph native, also prefers to work in an environment where serious conflict is part of the daily routine. “My choice is to be a city cop,” Tool said. “I want to be on city police because you do domestic calls, drug problems.” Tool, who earned a bachelor’s in law enforcement and justice administration at Western Illinois University, said he wants to be an officer to help people. He promised to receive no pleasure from pulling over a motorist who makes an innocent mistake. “We’re called for a reason,” Tool said. “Not so much to write tickets, but I know that’s a part of it. I never want to be the bad guy. I don’t want to ruin your day because I’ve been there.” Tool was training to become a nurse at Parkland College, but after working at a nursing home, he considered other options. A ride-

Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

Decatur Police Department patrol officers Chad Larner, left, and Todd Cline, second from right, stand with new officers Tucker Tool, second from left, and Cody Rose, right, as the new officers are sworn in with a ceremony by Decatur City Clerk Celeste Harris in the city council chambers of the Decatur Civic Center. along in a Champaign police car opened his eyes to a new career path. “I knew then and there, I wanted to be a police officer,” Tool said. He later worked as an intern with the Champaign Police Department. Tool and Rose will begin a 12-week training program Sunday at the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Afterward, they will return to Decatur to learn more

ZACK Continued from A1 Then they go out into the world and encounter everything from hospitals to hotels where staffs don’t seem to know what a guide dog is or that federal law says they can go anywhere people can. Gunter has to sometimes not-so-gently shine a spotlight on this dark sea of ignorance about guide dogs and the situation of the blind in general, and the book watches her in action through Zack’s innocent canine eyes. On page 58, he describes his mom getting into it with a restaurant manager who wants to shunt Gunter and Zack away from the other guests and dump them in the smoking section. Gunter motions for a waitress to come closer: “Please explain to your manager that Zack is my guide dog and that the Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees me access into anywhere the public is invited with him. Now, unless he wants to explain to the Department of Justice why we can’t remain at this table, I’d suggest he allow us to continue sitting right here.” The book isn’t all angst, but readers get a clear view of what it’s like to be blind in America and having to make your own way with man’s best friend at your side. It was an education for Walden, too, who has always used a cane.

about police work. “They have about 10 months of training to look forward to,” Chervinko said. “They seem to be very excited about it.” With the two newest members, the number of officers is at the highest level in many years. “We have 168 police officers, including 4 overhires,” Chervinko said. “We are fully staffed at 164. The city council has allowed us to overhire.”

B L I N D N E S S FA C T S Some statistics on the blind: n On average, about 100 million people worldwide are blind. n Every 60 seconds, someone is diagnosed with a blinding disease. n As people live longer, more are exposed to blinding diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. n Some 95 percent of blind people in the United States do not attend church. n To get a copy of “Zack’s Tales — Travels of a Guide Dog,” send $12, plus $2 shipping and handling, to Music by Laurel Jean, Route 2, Box 318, Ramsey, IL 62080, or order online at laureljean.com. For more information, call (618) 423-9783. “I’m a faithful cane user, but I read the book, and it blessed me,” Walden said. “It made me laugh, it made me cry and then it made me laugh again; it’s just that kind of book.” Walden and Gunter met in 2005 while Walden, who sings, composes and plays the piano among other musical talents, was performing and presenting a workshop at an event called Christian Blind Institute in St. Louis. They hit it off right

Chervinko explained that the hiring of more officers than the targeted staffing number allows the department to be at or near full strength when officers retire. “We have six to eight planned retirements in the coming calendar year,” Chervinko said. “We have been playing catch-up for many years, hiring after the retirements. We are trying to get out in front of it.” hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985

away and, by 2006, Gunter and Zack were part of Walden’s ministry and Gunter began using her personal testimony and faith to reach out and educate the public about the lives of people who can’t see. Their ministry takes them as guests to churches all over the country, and they also visit schools and other facilities for the blind to offer hope and encouragement to students. Walden and Gunter show, by example, how people without sight can make their way in the world and make a difference while they do it. The music ministry pushes the cause of blind literacy by sponsoring Braille versions of books such as the C.S. Lewis epic Christian book series “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which even include pictures in Braille. Walden, who has a special talking computer and corresponds with fans by e-mail and newsletters, embraces technology and teachers blind students how to use it and not be afraid of setting out on their own to pursue jobs and opportunities. Gunter says it’s a delight to witness the interaction between Walden and those she meets. “Laurel offers inspiration,” she said. “She shows that a blind person can travel (Walden first boarded a plane on her own at age 11) and follow their own path to a future. It’s a special privilege for me to work alongside her.” treid@herald-review.com|421-7977

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Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. 423-6161. Illinois State Museum, Springfield. Closed New Year’s Day. 7827386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign, 9 a.m. Tomorrow’s to 5 p.m., Tuesday highlight: through SatCountry urday; until 9 Music, 7 p.m., p.m., ThursFindlay Comday; 2 to 5 munity Building, p.m. Sunday. Findlay. Free. Free, $3 donation suggested. 333-1861. Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Closed major holidays. Free. 735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur. $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois.” 422-4919. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, “The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the

DROP Continued from A1 Hillary Clinton helped Mayor Michael Bloomberg lower the ball atop 1 Times Square for the 60-second countdown to midnight. Last year, Hillary Clinton was in Iowa campaigning for the presidency, and now she’s expecting to be secretary of state in President-elect Barack Obama’s administration. Many other New Year’s Eve traditions around the country were in place, but some festivities fell victim to hard times, and those that remained felt somewhat subdued. The nation’s economic troubles made many people less interested in giving 2008 an expensive send-off. Public celebrations were canceled in communities from Louisville, Ky., to Reno, Nev., and promoters in Miami Beach, Fla., reported slower ticket sales than expected for celebrity-studded parties that they say would have sold out in past years. But New York’s celebration was still going strong. Five minutes before midnight, 1,000 balloons with the words “Joy,” “Hope” and “2009” were released from rooftops in the area. The Waterford crystal ball, 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds, dropped as the crowd erupted in cheers. Sam Tenorio and his family drove to New York from Orlando, Fla., so his teenage daughter Brianna could see the Jonas Brothers perform live in Times Square. “The economy is what it is. It’s going to turn around. You just have to be positive,” Tenorio said. “That’s what we’re doing, otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. I think that’s why most people are here tonight: optimism.” Pauleene Romero, from Anchorage, Alaska, came to the celebration by herself on a whim. “I had a bad year,” she said, not wanting to elaborate. “I just wanted to do this for myself, as a way to start off a new year.” She stood with Karoline Kosiorowski, a University of Connecticut student, and Emilia Chodkiewicz, a teacher from Warsaw, Poland. “Everyone watches the show from New York,” Chodkiewicz said. “I just wanted to be here this year.” Along with the Jonas Brothers, Lionel Richie and the Pussycat Dolls performed. Dick Clark made several TV appearances from inside a studio, and Ryan Seacrest hosted the event. Las Vegas casinos put on a midnight fireworks display and daredevil acts, including a 200-foot jump over the refurbished volcano at The Mirage hotel-casino by Robbie Knievel, son of the late Evel Knievel. A spokesman for the biggest player on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Mirage Inc., said more than 90 percent of rooms were filled, albeit at historically low prices reflective of a down year for tourism and gambling. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said the strip would be packed with about 290,000 people. Others weren’t so lucky. Windy weather and rough harbor waters caused Baltimore officials to postpone a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration. In Reno, officials canceled their fireworks show for the first time since 2000.

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Kickapoo Indians.” (309) 827-0428. Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, Moweaqua, 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Free. 768-3019. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. $3, $2 and $1.50. Closed holidays. 544-3480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. $23, $16. (312) 939-2438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; until 9 p.m., Friday. Closed Mondays and major holidays. (314) 7210072. Under the Prairie Museum, Elkhart, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. $3. 947-2522.

“With the downturn in the economy, with people getting laid off and with the tightening of budgets all over town, we just didn’t think it was right to spend $20,000 or $30,000 on something that goes up in smoke,” Mayor Bob Cashell said. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson expected to save $33,000 by canceling a New Year’s Eve party he traditionally throws, a spokeswoman said. Hundreds of revelers were still expected to watch the Times Square countdown on a big screen at a separate, free event in the city’s downtown business district. Elkhart, Ind., planned a party at its outdoor skating rink,, with volunteers leading some games, instead of a $5,000 event with fireworks. The city hadn’t gotten any complaints about the scaledback celebration, said Arvis Dawson, executive assistant to the mayor. “I think most people understand,” he said. In Pasadena, Calif., hundreds of thousands of spectators were expected for the Rose Parade. Organizers said any economic hit they might have suffered was lessened because commitments to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on floats have been in place for at least a year. “We may or may not feel the effects of the economy this year, but more likely next year,” Tournament of Roses Chief Operating Officer Bill Flinn said. “We do feel one of our jobs is to bring optimism at a time when things are not so good for so many people.” The Peach Drop, which has been the staple of downtown Atlanta’s New Year Eve since 1989, was expecting almost 100,000 in attendance at Underground Atlanta, an 80,000 dropoff from last year. Some attendees believed the shaky economy played a part in fewer people showing for the event, but they said it wouldn’t deter their spirits. John Buleey, a building contractor from Dawsonville in north Georgia, expects hard times to come next year. The 39-year-old also said the struggling economy should improve by the year’s end. “Sure, we’ll go through tough times,” said Buleey, who wore a shiny, gold-colored hat that read “Happy New Year” across the front along with his five family members. “But judging from the past, this country will overcome our financial woes.” College student Shannon Hill and Leanne Key, a flight attendant, attended the Peach Drop for the first time. The two 19-year-olds, who live near Atlanta, said having a new president could help the struggling economy heading into the new year. “Hopefully, with Obama in office, he’ll provide a big boost for us,” Key said. “We as a people also need to realize where we are as a society and what we’re about to go through. In the long run, I think we’ll move past these tough times.”

BRIEFS

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Education

News from Central Illinois

Growing number of residents seek degrees Sunday

TUSCOLA

Farm exhibit seeks artifacts Exhibit planners are looking for help from area farmers and the public in preparing an upcoming farmrelated exhibit for the Douglas County Museum, set to open in midFebruary. The museum is accepting vintage tractors, farm toys and agricultural artifacts to be displayed during the exhibit, which will continue until mid-May. Space is available for 12 to 14 tractors; lighted and locked cases are available for display of collections. Call Lynnita Brown, museum director, at 253-2535 on Mondays or Tuesdays. Brown can also be e-mailed at lynnita@koreanwareducator.org. DECATUR

Friends Creek caucuses Friends Creek Township has announced caucuses for its Democratic and Republican parties for the April 7 election. Township Clerk James Miller gave notice that the two parties will meet Tuesday, Jan. 13, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the township offices of supervisor, clerk, road commissioner, assessor and four trustees. The Friends Creek Township Democratic Party will meet at 6 p.m. in the meeting room in the ArgentaOreana Public Library. The Friends Creek Township Republican Party will meet at 6 p.m. in the Friends Creek Community Building.

Questions or comments regarding this section? Contact Night Editor John Reidy at 421-6973

Local Herald& Review

www.herald-review.com

House prepares for impeachment vote Recommendation from committee could come early next week By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House could vote to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich as early as next Thursday. That’s what members of a special committee investigating whether to impeach the governor said Friday as they prepared to return to Springfield next week. “We are anticipating the likelihood of action,” said state Rep. Dan Brady, a Bloomington Republican who serves as an alternate member

of the panel. “I think it could come Thursday or Friday at the earliest,” added state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, who is a member of the committee. The panel already has met for five days to investigate whether impeachment of the governor is warranted. That 21-member committee will then recommend to the full House whether to formally impeach the embattled governor. Eddy said it’s not a question of if the committee will back impeachment, but when they will recommend it. Rank-and-file members of the House were told to prepare to be in session nonstop, weekends included, beginning Wednesday. “This is a very, very serious issue,” Eddy said.

If the full House votes to impeach, the process then moves to the Senate, where a trial would be held to determine if Blagojevich should be kicked out of office. Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges, including Blagojevich attempting to auction off Presidentelect Barack Obama’s senate seat for personal gain. Despite calls for his resignation and the ongoing impeachment effort, he has remained in office and last week enraged officials when he appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill Illinois’ vacant U.S. Senate seat.

CARING BLACK MEN

Presentation on Italy

By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR

Resumé, interview skills

GED class registration

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Students and members of Caring Black Men, a new student mentoring program, work on a computer program, which should help improve students’ reading scores. BELOW LEFT: Jeffrey Perkins, left, and Teron Houston work on a math question together. By breaking the problem down into sections, they came up with the correct answer. BELOW RIGHT: Maurice McKinney, Jackie Hayes, Jeffrey Perkins, Jack Harvey and Robert Madison have joined Stephen Decatur Middle School Principal Howard Edwards (not pictured) in Caring Black Men.

Standing together

The Education and Training Center in Hickory Point Mall will hold registration at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, for GED classes. The classes will be 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 6. Call 875-0061. DECATUR

United Way agency deadline Friday, Feb. 27, is the deadline to submit an application to be an endorsed agency of the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois. Endorsement, which is given to organizations meeting certain standards, is a condition of being considered for United Way funding but does not guarantee it. New agencies receiving endorsements will join 22 agencies that are serving the community under the categories of youth development, access to health care and community basics and already have been endorsed as being eligible for funding, beginning July 1, 2010. Contact Denise Smith, executive director, at dsmith@uwdecatur.org or 422-8537. DECATUR

‘Selling on eBay’ Lee Ann Fisher, Decatur Public Library city librarian, will present “Selling on eBay,” a free program on the Internet service at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, in the Madden Auditorium. Handouts will be provided. Previous experience is helpful but not necessary.

kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865

Response, training also reap benefits

“Mezz’anno — One-half Year in Italy” will be Bruce Nims’ topic at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, in the Decatur Public Library’s Madden Auditorium. Nims will relate the experiences of living in Italy from March to September 2008. The program is free.

FORSYTH

State and national leaders are trying to block Burris from taking office, saying Blagojevich has tainted the seat. On Wednesday, Burris, 71, filed a petition with the Illinois Supreme Court challenging Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s refusal to sign a certificate approving Burris’ appointment. For now, Burris’ motion is sitting idle in the court, while he prepares to head to Washington, D.C., to be sworn into office on Tuesday. Senate Democrats who control the U.S. Senate have said they would block his appointment. Under court rules, White’s office has seven days to respond to Burris’ motion.

Overtime costs come down for fire department

DECATUR

Michael Diggs, director of Richland Community College Career Center, will give a “Resumé Writing and Interview Skills” presentation at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, in the Decatur Public Library’s Madden Auditorium. The presentation is free and include tools to create resumés for interviews.

New program offers African-American role models to students By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — You can’t always know what’s going on in a child’s home life that might contribute to his behavior at school. Stephen Decatur Middle School’s after-school program coordinator Kimberly Palmer took some students on a field trip, and the group was delayed getting back. “(Several) students told me their parents weren’t home and didn’t know they were late,” Palmer said. Some students at Stephen Decatur have parents in prison. Others have never known an adult who held down a job, or they face a gauntlet every day of gang members pushing them to join a gang, and some are tempted, because they want so desperately to belong to something, she said. Little wonder school doesn’t hold a high priority in their lives. To help those kids, Jeffrey Perkins, president of the Decatur Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored

People, organized a group called Caring Black Men. The men, Perkins said when he introduced the plan to the Decatur school board, will focus on at-risk African-American boys, helping them with their reading and acting as role models. The school already has an after-school program for all students through the district’s 21st Century grant. These kids will meet Saturday mornings. Principal Howard Edwards said an added incentive is an hour of recreation after lessons, with the adults taking on the kids in basketball. “Boys love competition,” Edwards said. “So we’re going to tell them us old men can beat you in basketball on half court. We’re not going to try to run full court,” he added, laughing. Having fun together will cement the bonds between the young and “old” men, Edwards said. To spice things up, he plans a basketball tournament, three-on-three. However, there’s a catch: The kids have

to put their best effort into their academics, too. Once adults make a connection with kids, the youngsters are anxious to check in regularly, Edwards said. They stop him in the hallway to give him updates. “When they know someone is watching them, (they say), ‘Mr. Edwards, I’m here today, and I’ve turned in all my work,’” he said. The Caring Black Men will concentrate on academics, Edwards said, but a side benefit of their involvement with the kids will be that the boys in the program will have men to look up to who will hold them to account. “Our mission is to help these young African-American males,” Edwards said. “We know through community meetings (that) there’s an absence of positive male African-American role models. I have no African-American male teachers here. I’m the only certified African-American male on the staff.” vwells@herald-review.com|421-7982

‘We know through community meetings (that) there’s an absence of positive male African-American role models.’ Howard Edwards, Stephen Decatur Middle School principal

DECATUR — The hiring of seven new firefighters to the Decatur Fire Department seemed like an unprecedented move in a time when all government bodies seem to be furiously chanting the mantra of “do more with less.” However, city staff members have found the plan has worked: The seven new recruits have cut down on the department’s overtime pay noticeably. Fire Chief Matt Sekosky started work on the plan shortly after entering his position in 2006. The new recruits, who were brought on in September, trimmed overtime pay in the department by 40 percent in their first pay period, according to the city’s finance director, Ron Neufeld. In a December memo to the city council, Neufeld said the situation is even better. “Since (the first pay period), the numbers have improved even more,” Neufeld said. “We have reduced overtime by $295,410 (over last year), or 48.6 percent.” Neufeld said if the reduction stays steady, the department would be spending $53,000 less than its budgeted amount for overtime. Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Abbott said saving money isn’t the only benefit for the city. Having a few extra sets of hands around has allowed the department to conduct operations with fewer interruptions. “It’s actually done a couple of things for us. We’re able to move guys for training without having to take a company out of service, which normally we would’ve had to do before,” Abbott said. Abbott said the additional firefighters also have meant more personnel are available to respond to fires when they have a full group on shift. Abbott said the full benefit of the plan has yet to be seen, as some firefighters have been healing from injuries. “Now, we really haven’t seen the full advantage of the over-hire because we still had people who are off with longterm injuries,” Abbott said. “We’ve never had all of the positions filled. We’ve never been at 123 people yet.” Abbott said some firefighters are a little disappointed at the reduction in overtime pay, but on the whole the additional manpower has been welcomed by the department. “It stops the guys from having to work overtime. Some guys obviously like that and some guys don’t, because overtime is time and a half for 24 hours. Financially, that would have an impact,” Abbott said, adding, “Most guys are all for it.” klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

Herald&Review

OPINION

GARY SAWYER

Blagojevich show far from over Hunter S. Thompson once said, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” Although he’s been dead for years, the originator of “Gonzo journalism” must have been talking about Illinois politics. Consider what’s happened to date. The governor of our state is hauled away in handcuffs to stop what the U.S. Attorney’s Office calls a “crime spree” of corruption. On tapes gathered by the FBI, Rod Blagojevich is heard crassly trying to sell Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat, trying to force the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers and holding up money for a children’s hospital until the CEO makes a campaign contribution. With nearly everyone in the state asking him to resign, the governor says he won’t and hires an attorney who is noted for representing singer R. Kelly. The legislature begins impeachment hearings against the governor. Meanwhile, the governor continues to go to work each day, sign legislation and deliberate on clemency petitions. Then, after saying he wouldn’t appoint someone to fill the Senate seat and after being told by every state and political leader that an appointment would not be welcome, the governor appoints former state Attorney General Roland Burris to the seat. Just as amazingly, Burris accepts. DURING THE NEWS conference, Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, steps to the podium and challenges the U.S. Senate not to seat an African-American to the Senate. Rush conveniently ignores that Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, an African-American, has said he would not certify any Blagojevich appointment. And the first African-American elected to be president says the same thing. Perhaps the strangest moment of all involved Rush, who has represented his Chicago district since 1992. At the Tuesday news conference, Burris interrupted his remarks to say hello to Rush, who was in the audience. A few minutes later, Burris called Rush to the podium. Rush wasted little time before injecting race into the discussion. Rush noted that the U.S. Senate currently has no African-American members, and he dared the Senate to deny Burris from becoming the Senate’s only black member. He also urged the Senate not to “hang and lynch” the former state attorney general. Burris, who appeared on news shows later in the week, didn’t back away from Rush’s comments. “It is a fact that there are no African-Americans in the United States Senate,” he said. “Is it racism taking place? That’s a question that someone may raise.” BUT FOR MOST of those in power, the issue is Blagojevich, not race or Burris. After the announcement, Obama reiterated that he thinks the governor should resign and that the Senate should not seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich. White reiterated he would not certify the appointment. Both men made it clear that they admire Burris, but they can’t accept an appointment from a governor who at the beginning of the month was talking about how he could profit from selling the Senate seat. It’s likely that the Burris Senate appointment will end up in court. Meanwhile, the impeachment committee appears to be finishing up its work and will meet again this week. White has already refused to sign the document certifying Burris as the Senate nominee. Early in January, the General Assembly will begin its new session. All that means is that we probably aren’t anywhere near the end of this weird and embarrassing string of events. gsawyer@herald-review.com|421-6975

Sunday, January 4, 2009

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OUR VIEWS

By embracing governor, Burris rules himself out Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

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ROLAND BURRIS proved he should not be a U.S. senator the minute he accepted embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s offer to be nominated for the post. Until last Tuesday, Burris would have been an acceptable candidate to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Burris is a long-time public servant, and his service has been honorable. He was elected as state comptroller in 1979, the first African-American to be elected to statewide office. He spent 12 years in that job before winning election as attorney general in 1991. He ran for governor three times and lost in Democratic primaries each time. His last attempt was in 2002, when he was defeated by Blagojevich. Burris lobbied for the Senate seat before Blagojevich’s arrest on corruption and fraud charges — including allegedly attempting to sell the Senate seat — on Dec. 9. Both Blagojevich and Burris claimed at last week’s news conference that the taint of the federal investigation into Blagojevich’s actions shouldn’t cloud Burris or his appointment. “Don’t allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man. He will be a great United States senator,” Blagojevich said. “I have no relationship with that situation,” Burris said at the same news conference. But those claims simply aren’t credible. Burris’ good and honorable reputation is now tied closely to Blagojevich. Burris is now a partner in Blagojevich’s political games. Burris is now linked with a governor who was recorded on tape discussing how much money he can get from naming someone to Obama’s seat. He even curses the president-elect because Blagojevich believes he won’t give him anything but gratitude. Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty of any crimes. But the fact that a sitting governor would even discuss selling a U.S. Senate seat is reprehensible enough that honorable people would end all

associations with the governor. The appointment of Burris to the Senate faces major hurdles. Secretary of State Jesse White said he appreciates Burris but has refused to certify the appointment made by Blagojevich. Sen. Dick Durbin said the Senate would not accept the Burris appointment, and Obama also said that while he admires Burris, the Senate can’t accept any appointment by Blagojevich. Blagojevich’s appointment was just another example of the governor’s lack of concern for the state. The governor had said he wouldn’t make an appointment, although Illinois residents shouldn’t really be shocked anymore when the governor goes back on his word. It appears that Blagojevich, who has few if any political allies left, has decided that defiance is the best tactic. The governor also blasted the General Assembly during the news conference, saying that their failure to act on a bill that would have required a special election to fill the Senate seat forced him to act. It’s more accurate to say that the lack of action by Democrats in the General Assembly on the special election bill gave Blagojevich this opportunity to cause the state further embarrassment. But it is Burris’ actions that are truly curious. He’s been a good and honorable public servant for several years, and his reputation is spotless. Odds are high that he will never sit in the Senate. So, why would he allow himself to become a pawn in this game? Does he want the position so badly that he’s willing to trust his legacy to Blagojevich? We may never know the answers to those questions, and we cannot judge his thoughts. But we can, and should, judge his actions. By standing next to a governor who just a month ago was crassly talking about cashing in on the Senate appointment, Burris made it clear that his judgment is not worthy of representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate.

Speak up Seventy-eight percent on those responding to a Herald & Review online poll said they don’t make New Year’s resolutions. More than 400 people responded to the poll. This week’s question: Do you think the nomination of Roland Burris should be accepted by the U.S. Senate? V OT E O N L I N E AT: W W W. H E R A L D R E V I E W. C O M

Many share blame for letting Blagojevich run so long Rod Blagojevich’s performance as governor has been as profane as the words of the state’s first couple in their infamous rants. Yet, long after we are finally rid of the embarrassment and disgrace, we must remember it was not only wrongdoers but also dogooders that enabled him. When he was courting voters in 2002, the candidate with the unfamiliar name told us “Blagojevich means opportunity for all of Illinois.” But it has become increasingly clear during his cynical, sinister stewardship that “Blagojevich” really means seizing the “opportunity” to indulge oneself. He plunged “all of Illinois” into budgetary chaos, planted fiscal time bombs that will detonate for decades, flouted the constitution, fattened his campaign coffers with dollars from firms hunting and snaring state contracts, summarily fired competent agency employees, intimidated those who questioned his

MIKE LAWRENCE

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agenda and created a statehouse atmosphere of distrust so pervasively poisonous that government turned paralytic. The governor and his cronies richly deserve pillorying. But, as we focus on them, we should not overlook that he was reinforced by wellintentioned people and groups seeking his support for worthy causes or fearing retribution if they challenged him. Advocates for early childhood education and expanded health care coverage showered praise on him even though he was spending beyond the state’s means. Most of them spoke softly, if at all, as Blagojevich castigated House Speaker Michael Madigan and others who suggested the escalated spending would require higher taxes or result in bequeathing a mega-tab to future wage earners. When the presidents of our largest universities acquiesced to budget cuts and the governor’s ridicule of higher education, Blagojevich saw them as patsies, and they proved him right by striking a Faustian deal during his re-election campaign. To recoup some of the losses in their budgets, they endorsed his zany, ill-fated proposal to have taxpayers bankroll tuitions for more affluent Illinoisans, even though it

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would have adversely affected impoverished students. Children’s champions, education leaders, major health-care providers and grant recipients hailed him in news releases and flanked him in front of cameras and microphones as he gloried in his accomplishments. Privately, they questioned his integrity, they worried over the growing deficit and they resented the bullying. But, unlike Shakespeare’s Mark Antony, they came to praise Caesar, not to bury him. He basked in their smiles, he heard their accolades and he collected their campaign contributions. Rod Blagojevich saw no reason to abandon his ends-justifies-the-means approach. Voters ultimately re-elected him despite a blizzard of media reports documenting impropriety and incompetence in an administration he had vowed would be the most ethical ever. The millions amassed by aggressively soliciting those seeking state business and coveted appointments funded a juggernaut of largely misleading, negative commercials that duped Illinoisans into believing a woman they had elected as state treasurer three times and who had nowhere near his ethical baggage was somehow less trustworthy. We need to assimilate these les-

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

sons and teach them to our children. Voters need to become better informed and less susceptible to distorted commercials. They need to place a higher priority on honest government than on corralling state funds or getting the snow plowed. Soldiers for progressive policies that require more spending must also venerate fiscal responsibility, even if it means roiling a chief executive or key lawmaker. Thanks to the treachery of a man whose polysyllabic name is now recognized throughout the nation, “Blagojevich” in 2009 means “opportunity” — indeed a golden one — “for all of Illinois” to demand more from our public officials, and ourselves. mlawrenc@siu.edu The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Last run Long Creek Fire Chief Lowell Mulvany retiring/Monday

LOWE & INGRAM Political Watch

Naming Burris sets up flurry of questions Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appointment of Roland Burris to Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat has shaken everybody from Illinois up to Washington, D.C., and the White House and opened up the question of whether such an appointment can legally be blocked, given the allegations against the governor. What everybody does agree on is that the governor is, at present, well within his authority as the state’s chief executive to make that appointment. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, RChenoa, spoke with the Herald & Review after the governor’s news conference last week naming Burris as Obama’s successor. “It really puts a new complexion on things,” Rutherford said. “Both the General Assembly and now the U.S. Senate have to deal with it.” Since then, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White issued a statement saying he would not certify the appointment. Technically, White must co-sign to certify the appointment, said White’s spokesman Henry Haupt. Rutherford thinks that’s ultimately just an obstruction. “I can’t understand how he can not certify it if it was done through a legal process, which the governor appears to have done,” Rutherford said. “I find it very difficult to think that Jesse White has the legal standing not to certify it.” Haupt said the refusal on White’s part to certify the appointment is not a slight against Burris but is part of a declaration he made earlier stating he would not certify a Blagojevich appointment based on the controversy surrounding the governor. Rutherford said any means to block such an appointment on the state level should have been done through special legislation declaring a special election for the seat. Rutherford said the General Assembly missed that opportunity despite having legislation drafted and waiting in the wings. “The mechanics to it were absolutely there. I think it somewhat emphasizes the fact there should have been action in regard to a special election,” Rutherford said. “Had the General Assembly gone through what was positioned to be able to be done, it could’ve been on the governor’s desk by now.” Wait a minute … the governor’s desk? By law, any legislation must either be signed, vetoed and subsequently overridden or ignored for 15 days by the governor before it can become law. Blagojevich has become known for sending back alterations to legislation that make lawmakers balk, as with last year’s transit bailout that mandated a free rides for seniors program. He could have tied the legislation up by rejecting such alterations and then sat on the bill for at least 15 days afterward. Would the governor really have signed it without altering it or otherwise slowing the process? “I don’t know at the day that it was available to be passed if he would have or not. He’s saying now that he would have,” Rutherford said. nn n THE QUESTION on everybody’s mind is whether Blagojevich will be impeached, and if so, when. Rutherford had his own prediction on that possibility as well. A panel of lawmakers is investigating to determine if impeachment is viable and, if so, how to move forward with it. Last week, Rutherford said that part of the process could be wrapped up by the end of this week. If the House votes to approve articles of impeachment, the Senate would need to convene to hold a trial, with the chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court presiding. Depending on the verdict, the governor may be found innocent of wrongdoing or could be removed from office. Rutherford said the legislature likely will not convene during the week of the presidential inauguration but speculated the impeachment and trial could be wrapped up as soon as Feb. 7. nn n THE GOVERNOR’S media office has been quick to point out some other notable actions on the governor’s part this past week, proving that despite cries of “do-nothing” from his critics, Blagojevich does, in fact, do something. Among the bills the governor affixed with his signature last week were House Bill 4613, granting detainees in immigration custody reasonable access to religious counsel, and House Bill 4845, which adds “registered” to the title of license for interior designers. klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985 ringram@herald-review.com|421-7973

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Assistance numbers jump in 2008 Community comes through to help feed those who are hungry By ARLENE MANNLEIN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — The numbers say it for 2008. The Salvation Army saw 800 new families seeking assistance in July, August and September and another 600 new ones in October and November, Maj. Bob Gauthier said. Northeast Community Fund had received 1,138 requests from new

families by December, compared to 877 new families who visited during all of 2007, according to Dave Hinkle, assistant director at Northeast. Catholic Charities of Decatur dispensed from 50 to more than 100 bags of food every Monday through Friday, said Robin Murray, community services supervisor. “It’s not unusual for us to serve 15 to 20 new individuals or families on a daily basis,” Murray said. During 2008, once again the Good Samaritan Inn fed a number of meals equivalent to the population of Macon County, according to Kathleen Taylor, executive director. While overall there has been between a 20 percent and 25 per-

cent increase in food requests over the past two years, one of the differences witnessed in 2008, Murray said, was the rise in the number of middle-class families seeking food assistance. “We’re seeing more and more of the working class,” those who are feeling the pinch of the economy and needing help to stretch the food budget, Murray said. “We’ve seen the increase in the amount of food going out,” Gauthier agreed. “We saw 900 new families sign up for Christmas.” These seem to be families who are splitting funds among the needs for rent, utilities, medications and food, Hinkle said.

SETH DUNSCOMB NEW YEAR OPENER

During 2008, Northeast Community Fund gave out nearly 1,000 more baskets of food through November than during all of the previous year. “The hardest thing is to realize the number of people who are just hanging on,” said Taylor, noting the increasing numbers of senior citizens involved. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays just past, numbers are in for those holidays and year-end as well. Northeast was able to provide 400 Thanksgiving baskets and another 450 at Christmas, while providing

FOOD/B2

Hickory Point gets better fire rating Change could mean insurance savings By RON INGRAM H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — It didn’t take long for the thrill of victory to entice Xavier Toussaint. “I just like the competitiveness of it,” said the 13-year-old eighth-grader, who swam in the Seth Dunscomb New Year Opener at Millikin University on Saturday. “Every time you get in the water, you feel like you have to win. That’s just the nature I have, just going out there and trying to win every race I’m ONLINE GALLERY: in.” www. Dunscomb swam herald-review.com for the Decatur Swim Club and the Sullivan Blue Dolphins before entering the University of Kansas. He died while swimming for the university in 1997, and the meet named for him began in 1998 in tribute to his dedication to

FORSYTH — Homeowners and businesses in the Hickory Point Fire Protection District could get a gift in the new year because of an upgrade in the district’s public protection classification by the Insurance Service Organization. The organization inspects 45,000 fire departments nationwide on a 10-year cycle, and Hickory Point received its inspection in May, said Fire Chief Dennis Downey. The organization recently reported that the fire district’s classification has been increased to a Class 4 from a Class 5, meaning insurance rates have the potential to improve when the new rating takes effect Feb. 1, he said. “The ISO has 10 classifications, with 10 being the worst and meaning that there is little or no fire protection coverage and 1 being the best with outstanding protection,” Downey said. “Homeowners may want to contact their insurance carrier to see if the new classification will make a difference in their rates when their policies come up for renewal.” Each inspection covers three areas: the fire department, operation and maintenance of the water service within the fire district and dispatching capability. “They look at whether you are shuttling water to fires or have hydrants readily available and whether the water system and hydrants are testing on a regular basis,” Downey said. “They look at the fire department staffing, whether it is volunteer, full time or a combination, such as ours. They look at equipment and training.” The rating system goes from zero to 90 points, Downey said. Hickory Point scored 62.85 points, which was a combination of a rating for the village of Forsyth and another rating for the rural areas, he said. “We need to get to 69 points to be a Class 3, and we’ll be trying to do that,” Downey said. “We could ask them to rerate us in a couple years if we make major changes.

SWIM/B2

FIRE/B2

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Stephan Toussaint II warms up for the 2009 Seth Dunscomb New Year Opener at Millikin University.

Stoked to stroke Swimmers kick off 2009 with a tribute meet at Millikin By VALERIE WELLS

Swimmers line up for the girls 8 and under 100-yard individual medley relay. One of them can’t resist the chance to wave to Mom before the race begins. BELOW: Scorekeepers, teammates and coaches cheer a Sullivan Blue Dolphin swimmer on to the finish.

H&R Staff Writer

Teen takes big step toward fulfilling childhood dream 18-year-old will travel to Ethiopia for mission work

BLOG

By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

HARRISTOWN — Most 12-year-olds, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, have glamorous dreams: a basketball player or a pop music star. At 12, Brogan McKinney said she wanted to be a missionary in Africa. Now she’s almost 18, her birthday is in March, and on Jan. 11, she leaves for Ethiopia to teach English and minister to children in an orphanage there for eight months. Friends plan a going-away party and open house for her 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Harristown Township Building.

McKinney

Brogan McKinney will blog about her experiences while she’s in Ethiopia two or three times a week, depending on Internet access. Her site is www.thrubroganseyes.com.

Brogan is the oldest of six children, several of them adopted, including a new sister on her way to the United States from China. Her parents, Dale and Ann, are raising their growing family to be devoted to Christ, and the trip to Ethiopia won’t be Brogan’s first mission trip, though it will be her first solo venture and the farthest. The adult McKinneys have served in Peru, and the family went to Haiti together for a mission trip when Brogan was 10. Ethiopia is a primitive society to send one’s

firstborn off to alone. “Of course, I worry about her. I’m her mom,” Ann McKinney said with a laugh. “I guess I just feel that if I trust God to get her back and forth to work every day, I have to trust him when she’s farther away, too.” But neither mom nor dad would dream of holding her back, Dale McKinney said, because they believe with Brogan that she’s been called to the mission field by God. “I’ll be working in a school and also on the weekends, I’ll be teaching Sunday school and helping with the churches and stuff like that,” Brogan said. Becoming a missionary has been on her mind since she was about 7, and she has long wanted to see Africa, she said. When the chance came along to do both, she had to take it. The sponsoring organization is Michigan-based Blessing the

MISSION/B2

BRIEFS

Learn the basics

News from Central Illinois

Fire damages home

DECATUR

Police foil robbery A man reportedly armed with a handgun and talking to himself took items from a Decatur store Saturday evening in front of the staff before walking outside and straight into the arms of waiting police. The 25-year-old suspect left the Walgreens store at 1315 N. Water St. and initially pointed the gun at officers but threw it to the ground after being ordered to “drop it.” He was taken into custody at 6:19 p.m. after falling over while trying to flee. In a sworn statement, police allege the suspect was armed with a Colt Police Detective .38 Special loaded with one live round and has a previous conviction for armed robbery. Police say he was on parole at the time of his arrest. The suspect remains in the Macon County Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, armed robbery and possession of a weapon by a felon.

Local

Teaching fathers to be real dads Wednesday

DECATUR

Decatur firefighters were called to 245 S. Stone St. at 4:58 p.m. Monday to find the three-bedroom home in flames. The three adults and four children who resided in the home were not injured, and the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross provided temporary shelter to the family. The firefighters were on the scene until 6:55 p.m. putting out the fire, which caused $10,000 worth of damage to the residence and $4,000 damage to its contents, Battalion Chief Michael McGeehon said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the fire was believed to have started in a kitchen wall.

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Feb. 4 looms as Blagojevich’s last day in office Timeline takes shape for impeachment, trial By JASON NEVEL H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Rod Blagojevich could be out of a job by Feb. 4. That’s according to a tentative timeline taking shape among some state lawmakers, who are moving toward impeaching the scandalplagued chief executive in the coming days. A special House panel is expected to recommend later this week that

Blagojevich be impeached. If the full House follows suit, the Senate could start its trial of Blagojevich on Jan. 26. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, RChenoa, said lawmakers have been advised that the impeachment trial in the Senate could take at least nine days, minus one Sunday, putting Feb. 4 in the crosshairs as Blagojevich’s possible final day in office if the Senate finds him guilty. “If it’s any longer than that, it won’t be much,” said Rutherford, a member of a special Senate committee drafting rules for the Senate impeachment trial. Other lawmakers were not as will-

ing to put a timeline on a possible trial. “I’ve given up on predicting anything in Springfield, especially when it comes to timelines,” said state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago. The Senate likely will not begin the trial until Jan. 26, to give both sides time to present their case. Although talk of impeaching Blagojevich began more than a year ago, the push to boot him out of office went into overdrive after his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges. Among other things, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald alleges Blagojevich schemed to sell Presi-

dent-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat. Lawmakers also are investigating whether he abused his power as governor in attempting to expand health care programs without legislative approval. The Senate committee met in Chicago on Monday to decide how it will carry out the trial. It will also meet Friday in hopes of having all the rules determined by the time the new legislature is sworn in Jan. 14. “I think we’re pretty far along,” said state Sen. Bill Haine, R-Alton. “I believe we will have a good set of rules and procedures by the time they are sworn in.” jason.nevel@lee.net|789-0865

TERRIFIC TEACHERS

Hotel tax extension proposed By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

“I filed the objection in the first place because last February we answered the change question,” he said. “We answered ‘No.’ The attempt to put another question on the ballot asking if we wanted to switch away from the manager form again really serves no purpose other than to confuse the government that we have.” Daniels said ChangeDecatur is moving past the decision and will continue to support candidates who share their views on city government reform. The petitioners have until Feb. 3 to appeal the case to the State Supreme Court, according to the clerk of the appellate court. Daniels said at present the petitioners have not discussed a Supreme Court appeal.

DECATUR — City Manager Ryan McCrady told the city council Monday he plans to suggest an extension to the 2 percent hotel tax based on reports from city staff saying it has brought in a strong revenue stream and hasn’t adversely affected the number of big events scheduled in Decatur. “In my budget recommendations for next year, I’m going to recommend that you continue that tax, because I don’t think it’s been a deterrent to attracting conventions to Decatur, and it’s not a tax generally paid by the citizens of Decatur, but it’s a tax that benefits the citizens of Decatur,” McCrady said. City staff pointed out that despite the tax, the city has been logging some of the most lucrative hotel revenue figures in recent months, with June seeing the highest numbers in part due to the state Republican Party convention. McCrady said the tax brings in about $200,000 a year. The tax is set to expire in 2010, and an extension would need to be approved by the council as part of that fiscal year’s budget. The topic came up as Lincoln heritage director Kim Bauer spoke with the city council about potential plans for the upcoming year’s Decatur Celebration at Monday night’s council meeting. Fred Puglia, director of Decatur Celebration, spoke to the council about plans to use funds set aside for Abraham Lincoln-related historical projects to bolster the street festival with Lincoln-themed competitions and attractions. Puglia’s suggested theme for the event would be “Welcome Home, Mr. Lincoln,” in honor of the 16th president’s bicentennial. “My concept is, why not lead with our best foot forward? Lincoln started his career in Decatur,” Puglia said. “Entertain people not only on stage with music but in the streets with history.” He said the event brings an estimated $4 million into the community. “We’re like a little industry in ourselves,” he said. “We look at ourselves as a staple in the community.” Puglia suggested a Lincoln lookalike contest and a woodcarving contest, both with prize money, among other things. Once again, conversation turned toward belt-tightening as council members expressed concern with using grant money to fund the event. “I have to speak against this from a standpoint that I don’t think we can afford it,” councilman Pat Laegeler said to Puglia. “I don’t know why you wouldn’t do this out of your own funding.”

klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

MATTOON

Depot plans drafted City commissioners are expected to vote on plans and specifications tonight to seek bids for the restoration of the former Illinois Central Railroad Depot, now used by Amtrak as a passenger station. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Mattoon City Hall. The city received a $2.74 million commitment in federal funding for the project with private fundraising helping to cover most of the city’s 20 percent share on the construction project that will renovate the 90-yearold structure. The bid opening date is Feb. 6, and work could start early this year, said City Administrator Alan Gilmore.

Herald & Review/Lisa Morrison

School librarian Valerie Brunner spends a lot of time behind a computer helping students at Mount Zion Junior High School.

‘The best job in the world’ Valerie Brunner helps students at Mount Zion Junior High Library By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR

Flider sets office hours State Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, announces his new monthly satellite office hours that will make him accessible to residents of the 101st District. Flider or a member of his staff will be available today at the following times and locations: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Lovington Village Hall, 108 E. State St.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moultrie County Farm Bureau, 1102 W. Jackson St., Sullivan; and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Bethany Village Hall, 201 W. Main St. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Flider or a staff member will be available from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Moweaqua Village Hall, 122 N. Main St.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Findlay Village Hall, 101 E. South Second St.; and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Windsor Village Hall, 1016 Maine Ave. The satellite office hours are designed for constituents who need assistance with state services. Appointments are not necessary. For information, call 428-2708 or 1866-453-2066.

DECATUR

Items stolen from home A cell phone, five rings and an undisclosed amount of money were stolen sometime between 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday from a residence in the 2200 block of North Main St., Decatur police reported. A suspect and a value for the items were not listed in the report.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

MOUNT ZION — Principal Jerry Birkey calls the Mount Zion Junior High Library the center of the school. Physically, the library is located in the center of the school, and its open floor plan — bookshelves and partitions are all that separate it from classrooms — give it a welcoming feel. New and comfortable reading chairs provided by the Community Club draw youngsters in to sit and read. The large aquarium’s occupant, a female tortoise named Tallulah, gives it a homey atmosphere. And presiding over it is librarian Valerie Brunner, a former teacher who calls being a librarian “the best job in the world.” “I love my job,” she said. “I get all the good things the teachers get — I

TERRIFIC TEACHERS Terrific Teachers is a new series, running the first Tuesday of each month, highlighting a special teacher for his or her extra efforts, creative ideas and influence on students. To nominate a teacher or school staff member, contact Valerie Wells at vwells@herald-review.com or 421-7982. get the kids, I get books, but I don’t have to grade papers.” Teacher Tami Wagers said she was especially impressed with the way Brunner encourages special education students to read. One such student, who wasn’t interested in reading, was willing to try the first book in a series when Brunner showed him a Playaway, which are MP3 players preloaded with audio books. “(The student) loved the book so much that when he was finished with the first book in the series, he wanted to read all four books in the series,” Wagers said. “Since the beginning of second quarter, he has read all four

books in this series and has far surpassed his reading goals. This student didn’t read one book first quarter, so you can imagine how excited we are about his progress, and it is all thanks to Mrs. Brunner.” Her specialty is steering kids to books that appeal to their interests, and with that in mind, she’s in the midst of reorganizing the library’s books into genres she’s dubbed adventure, chick books, war, fantasy, sci-fi, animals, Holocaust, historical fiction, mysteries, sports and realistic fiction. “It’s hard because reshelving becomes more complicated for me,” she said. “Then you don’t have to find an author, you say ‘What kind of book is that?’ and you go that section and all those kinds of books are together.” Brunner came to Mount Zion Junior High five years ago, Birkey said, and has taken the library to a new level. “When I walk down there, I see the students really involved in reading,” he said. “It’s an inviting atmosphere, and she makes it inviting.” vwells@herald-review.com|421-7982

Court upholds rejection of ballot question ChangeDecatur sought new form of government By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — An appeals court upheld a lower court’s opinion, saying a ballot question asking Decatur citizens if they wanted to keep the current form of city government was a repeat of a question from the previous year, and thus invalid. In the Dec. 30 ruling, the 4th District Illinois Appellate Court agreed with the ruling of the Macon County Circuit Court, which said that a question petitioners wanted placed on the April 7, 2007, ballot reading, “Shall the city of Decatur retain the manager form of municipal government?”

was too similar to a question already posed and defeated on the Feb. 5, 2008, ballot. A state law prohibits such a question from being posed to voters more than once every 46 months. Keith L. Anderson, Brian Burcham and Stephen Daniels, all of the group ChangeDecatur, originally filed the petition to put the question on the ballot. Daniels said Monday that the appellate court’s ruling is unfortunate but not unexpected. “We have not abandoned our ideals,” he said. “We continue to be thwarted through a variety of means, which is unfortunate.” Burcham said the group continued the push through the court system out of dedication to its supporters. “I respect the court’s decision,” he said. “We were obligated to take this to the

point we did because of our supporters.” ChangeDecatur has made attempts to put a question before voters of whether to abandon the current form of government, often called a city manager form. The group has suggested moving to an aldermanic form of government with council members elected from geographic districts drawn throughout the city. Currently, all council members are elected at large. Consultant and city government blogger Matthew Jackson objected to ChangeDecatur’s petition to put the question on the ballot a second time, citing that it could not be put before voters again until 46 months had passed. Jackson said he is satisfied with the court’s opinion and feels the people of Decatur have spoken.

Herald&Review

OPINION

SUSAN ESTRICH

Focus on what truly matters When I was younger, New Year’s was a time fraught with uncertainty revolving around the seemingly critical questions of whether I would have a date and/or something to do. Having nothing to do on New Year’s Eve and/or no one to do it with seemed a fate worse than death, or close. For some years, the problems were solved by being married and being invited to a fancy party in Washington every year. Now, the problems are solved by not being problems anymore. IN AUSTRALIA, Paris Hilton was paid 100,000 Australian dollars by a promoter to host a New Year’s Eve party. She spent more than 5,000 of those dollars ($3,844 U.S.) in a 40-minute shopping spree in Sydney in advance of her evening duties. “What’s wrong with doing a little shopping?” she said, in response to criticism from local charities about spending $100 a minute on herself. “It’s New Year’s; I need a New Year’s dress.” Hilton also said she was helping the local economy. Hilton’s shopping spree pales in comparison to her fee for the night’s work. Presumably, she received that much money (which also could have been given to local charities), either because the promoter is an egomaniacal nutcase or because he can make that much more from those willing to pay a high price to be in Hilton’s presence. My fear is that it’s the latter, which is truly pitiful. Was I ever so young and stupid that I would fork over real money to go to a crowded party where the celebrity guest was paid to pretend that she was there because she wanted to be, for the fun of it, with customers pretending to be friends? If I was, it was a very long time ago. I TELL THE YOUNG people in my life all the time that virtually all the problems they worry about now will be solved if they can just hang in and wait awhile. It’s true. Things that seem critically important — not just having a date, but being liked by kids you don’t even like, being invited to parties that aren’t even fun or hired for jobs you wouldn’t actually enjoy, being taller or thinner or older than you are now — will turn out, in retrospect, not to matter at all. It’s true. What I don’t tell them, what they probably wouldn’t understand, is that the reason none of these things turn out to matter much, is because of the things that do matter. Denting your father’s car, which I struggled with in my teens, was a joke, compared to losing my father, which I struggled with in my 20s. Worrying about not having friends is a trifle, compared to losing your best friend, which I did, or holding your friends’ hands as they face cancer or heart disease, which I do all the time. I WISH IT DIDN’T take disease to learn these lessons; I wish it didn’t take great loss to realize how much we have. I wish I could find a way to tell the young people in my life not to worry about what they worry about, to enjoy what they have, to trust that the problems that seem so large now will all but disappear and that someday, forking over hard-earned dollars to be at a party with Paris Hilton will seem like the waste of money that it is. I wish I could go back and relive my life without all the lost time and lost tears shed over dates I didn’t have and parties I didn’t get invited to, and wouldn’t remember if I had. I wish I could be young now, when I would know how to enjoy it. But life, of course, doesn’t work that way. You can’t teach people by telling them — some lessons have to be learned the hard way. And once learned, they can only be used in the future, however much we might wish to turn back the clock. www.creators.com

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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OUR VIEWS

Illinois voters deserved special election Herald&Review EDITORIAL BOARD Todd Nelson Publisher

David Dawson

Gary Sawyer

Managing Editor

Editor

IT HAS become clear in the last few days that Democrats in the House and Senate dropped the ball when they failed to pass legislation requiring a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Of course, the ensuing problems that inaction caused are clearer as we look back. Still, it appears that Democrats once again trusted Gov. Rod Blagojevich and acted in political self-interest. At the time the House and Senate considered legislation to require a special election, Blagojevich had said he would not appoint anyone to the Senate seat. The governor obviously changed his mind and last week named Roland Burris to fill the two years remaining in Obama’s term. Senate Democrats and Obama have made it clear that they do not want to seat a senator appointed by Blagojevich. Secretary of State Jesse White has refused to certify Blagojevich’s appointment. The drama of whether Burris will be seated in the Senate will be played out in Washington in the next few days. It’s not clear what happens if the Senate rejects Burris. The Constitution clearly gives Blagojevich the power to make this appointment, and it appears the governor’s strategy is to take every opportunity to put the state in a bad position. Blagojevich said in naming Burris that he was fulfilling his constitutional duty. He also said that he would have signed legislation approving a special election if it had been approved by the General Assembly. Of course, we’ll never know if the governor would have actually signed the bill, and it’s hard to trust any of the words that come out of his mouth. The events of the last few weeks have proven that

a special election should be required to fill such important positions. Special elections are expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Blagojevich apparently took the appointment opportunity to the extreme. The FBI has him on tape crassly talking about how much money he could make as a result of the Senate appointment. He mentioned that he might try to cash in the seat for a cushy job for himself or his wife. But even if you take Blagojevich’s actions out of the picture, it’s still pretty clear that given the opportunity, politicians will act in their self-interests. That’s exactly what Democrats in the House and Senate did when they decided not to pass legislation requiring a special election. Without a special election, the Senate seat will eventually be filled by a Democrat. A special election runs the risk of a Republican winning the seat. We have found out in the ensuing weeks that Obama’s staff weighed in on who should be appointed to the Senate seat. It’s been reported that Sen. Majority Leader Henry Reid called Blagojevich and talked about appointing someone who could win reelection in 2010, so that Democrats wouldn’t lose the Senate seat. Reid denies part of that report, but it’s clear that many Democrats wanted an Illinois senator who could hold onto the seat for the Democratic Party. Was anyone considering the best interests of the people of Illinois? It doesn’t appear so. Voters aren’t perfect: the fact that Blagojevich won re-election as governor proves that. But a special election would have been preferable over the mess Illinois has now.

LETTERS Group, soldiers thank everyone for support

Will ‘Iraqi-ness’ or a ‘Good Saddam’ win out? BAGHDAD — As violence diminishes and U.S. troops draw down, Iraqis are trying to figure out what kind of political system will emerge when American influence fades. The nature of that system matters to Americans, too. The purpose of Gen. David Petraeus’ “surge” strategy was to stabilize Iraq so it would no longer provide a haven for al-Qaida or a fertile field for Iranian intervention. But Iraq’s political system is increasingly fragmented. Although Shiites and Sunnis no longer are fighting, there are growing splits within those sects, and tensions between Kurds and Arabs. Many Iraqis yearn for another “strongman” — a “good Saddam.” Some think Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki wants that title. SO WILL IRAQ pull together or splinter as Americans are leaving? After two weeks of talking to leaders of all factions, I’ve found some grounds for optimism, despite huge obstacles ahead. First, some history: After the Iraq invasion, U.S. officials set up a political system dominated by religious and ethnic parties, led by returning exiles. Secular parties were marginalized. Many middle-class Iraqis who opposed religion-based politics fled abroad. As Iraq heads into a year of provin-

TRUDY RUBIN

OPINIONS? CONTACT US:

cial and national elections, Iraqis tell me they are tired of religious parties. “Something called Iraqi nationalism has re-emerged,” said Mowaffak alRubaie, national security adviser to al-Maliki. “Something called Iraqi-ism has re-emerged.” But can that help knit the country back together? Or will it feed into the yearning for a “good Saddam”? Al-Maliki has played on the growing yearning for Iraqi unity. By cracking down on Shiite militias in the south, even though he is a Shiite, and by accusing Kurds of territorial expansionism, he has won support from many Sunni Arabs, who now view him as a champion of a centralized Iraq. OTHERS ACCUSE AL-MALIKI of dictatorial intent, of meddling with the military and maintaining a special intelligence service with links to Iran. “Unfortunately, Maliki is a ruler, not a leader,” said Qassim Daoud, an independent Shiite parliamentarian. Recently, alMaliki ordered the arrest of dozens of officials in the Ministry of Interior, initially claiming a coup threat. Many saw the move as a political warning to would-be competitors. But this prime minister can’t become a dictator. His Dawa party holds only nine parliamentary seats, and the Iraqi army won’t subvert the constitution, especially with U.S. troops in the country. And al-Maliki quickly released the arrested Ministry of Interior officials, probably because of criticism from the media and other political parties. The more crucial question is whether the new sense of Iraqi-ness can keep the country from fragmenting. I saw signs that politicians from

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major parties were aware that the country was yearning for stability. One sign: Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish parties that discussed bringing Maliki down via a no-confidence vote have put such ideas on hold. “We have taken into account the fragility of the country’s situation, and public opinion,” I was told by Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi, a leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, the largest Shiite party. ANOTHER SIGN: Parties that pushed for strong federal regions, which some see as a prelude to soft partition, have toned down their demands. The Islamic Council is not pushing its proposal for a nine-province region in the Shiite south, and it pooh-poohs efforts by the oil-rich Basra province to become a region. A third sign: The Kurds have agreed to postpone a referendum on the explosive issue of whether oil-rich Kirkuk should be joined with their federal region. A fourth sign: Sunni Arabs, who refused to participate in previous elections, are gearing up for the vote. In short, despite the tense atmosphere in Iraq, jaw-jaw seems to be replacing war-war. “There will be clashes and temporary crises,” Mahdi said, “but no civil war.” All sides tell me they want to create alliances across Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish lines. But it may be hard now to grasp the meaning of power-sharing. “Dialogue does not mean that people are willing to compromise,” one savvy Iraqi politician told me. “But no one is thinking of going to the streets.” That, at least, is progress of a kind that no one dreamed of 18 months ago. trubin@phillynews.com

E-MAIL: ddawson@ herald-review.com

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a way to thank the people of the Decatur community and the Central Illinois area who support our troops by donating to Operation Enduring Support for our Christmas items to place in the packages, money for postage and, most importantly, the names and APO addresses of our troops serving our country, in harm’s way, around the world. Operation Enduring Support receives many thank-you notes from the troops, and I would like to share one with you so you may share in the appreciation we receive. I have omitted the sailor’s name, otherwise the letter is as he wrote it. “To Everyone at OES, “I am a sailor on board the USS Mason; I would like to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and time taken to help make sure my Christmas was a good one. I received your care package and was completely thrown off when I opened it. I have never heard of your group and don’t know how you heard of me, but I’m grateful you do. Everything in the box was used and appreciated from the coffee and cocoa on cold nights of standing watch to the Yo-Yo’s (that we decided we weren’t very good with). “All of us out here appreciate you just as much as you do us. Each box you send out isn’t just helping one sailor, soldier or Marine. It’s lifting the spirits of numerous ones who are with him. This one specifically was divided up among 15 people who enjoyed it to the last bit. Your efforts are well-spent. Thanks again and keep up the good work! Merry Christmas.” Decatur, thank you for your support for Operation Enduring Support. Betty Gaumer, facilitator Operation Enduring Support

Glad Bush wasn’t in office during Cuban Missile Crisis One last thought, I promise, before he finally fades into history. Try to imagine what the world would be like if the “Decider” had been in office in October 1962. Of course, he would have had the wonderful help of his trigger-happy vice president, who, in my humble opinion, if possible, is worse than George W. Bush.

Randy L. Gordon Decatur The Herald & Review welcomes letters to the editor from readers on topics of general interest and public policy. Letters must be signed with the writer’s full name and contain a current mailing address and telephone number (daytime and evening) for verification purposes. Letters must contain 300 words or less. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Letters that are libelous, of limited interest or in poor taste will be rejected. Letters may be sent via mail, fax, e-mail or hand-delivered. Contacts are listed at the bottom of the page. The Herald & Review reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter.

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Sounding off on noise Concerned citizens spoke to the city council Monday about a vehicle noise ordinance, but council members likely won’t make changes. Local A3

Top kids’ health issues The financial crunch undoubtedly will affect the physical and mental health of parents and kids throughout 2009 and beyond, a hospital’s study asserts. Life D2

PPG job cuts The planned shutdown of one production line at the PPG Industries plant near Mount Zion has taken place earlier than originally expected. The layoffs of 75 employees took effect Monday. Money C1

3 more Decatur candidates ousted Electoral board rules on petition signatures By KENNETH LOWE H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Five candidates have been removed from the 2009 city election ballot after the local electoral board ruled on objections to their petitions. Matthew Jackson and Derek Wheeler withdrew from the race Monday after appearing before the three-person board, chaired by Mayor Michael Carrigan. The board found that mayoral can-

didate Martha Montgomery-Lattimore and council candidates Gloria BatesCole and Yvonne Shaw did not have the required 68 valid signatures from registered voters living in Decatur. The board overruled the objections against mayoral candidate Mike McElroy and council candidates Patrick McDaniel, Julie Moore and incumbent council- Wheeler woman Betsy Stockard. In those four cases, some parts of the objections were upheld, but the candidates still had enough valid signatures to remain on the ballot.

McElroy said he is glad the case is over and acknowledged the right of the objectors to challenge his petition. The panel voted 2-1 to overrule the objection, with Carrigan dissenting. “I’m sorry the mayor felt that way,” McElroy said. “He had a job to do, and he did his job. It’s a stressful time for everybody when something like Jackson this happens, but now is a new day.” ChangeDecatur members Brian Burcham and Keith L. Anderson, who said they were not acting as

ChangeDecatur members but as private citizens, filed the objections against the nine candidates. Allegations ranged from candidates submitting signatures from people not living in Decatur or not having correct voter registration information, to, in the case of McElroy, the candidate not submitting the physical sheets of paper bound in a single volume. Anderson said he and Burcham objected to the petitions because the rules for submitting them should be followed. “We didn’t object because we hate these people,” Anderson said. “We’re

HELPING DADS-TO-BE

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Impeachment panel to hear from Burris on Thursday

Real handymen New fathers learning nuts and bolts of bringing up baby

Members: He’s not crucial to decision By KURT ERICKSON H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

ment at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years. The Social Security system already faces a long-term financial crisis as fewer workers finance the retirements of more senior citizens. In 2008, it was paying out $614 billion to 50 million retirees and their dependents, disabled workers and survivors. The agency has had versions of online applications since 2000, but in the past, applicants have still had to mail or deliver paper documents with their signatures

SPRINGFIELD — Fresh off his failure to get seated in the U.S. Senate, former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris will testify Thursday in Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment hearings. Burris, 71, is expected to outline the events that led up to his being appointed to the seat by the scandal-tainted chief executive, including a conversation with Blagojevich’s criminal defense attorney about taking the job if it was offered. Burris’ testimony could be the final piece of evidence taken by members of a 21member special House commitBurris tee charged with recommending whether the full House should impeach Blagojevich. Members of the panel have met for six days Rose and compiled volumes of material to guide them on the impeachment question. A transcript of federal wiretap allegedly showing Blagojevich attempting to sell Presidentelect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat is among the evidence. Several committee members surveyed Tuesday say Burris’ testimony isn’t necessary for them to make a decision. “Every bit of evidence we get is helpful, but I’ve been prepared to move forward,” said state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. Asked if he needs to hear Burris’ testimony before making a decision, state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, had a one-word answer: “No.” State Rep. David Reis, RWillow Hill, who serves as an alternate on the panel, had a similar response. “If the need arises, I’m prepared to make a decision,” Reis said. State Rep. Roger Eddy, RHutsonville, said, “I don’t think anything Roland Burris tells us will surprise us.” The committee is expected to learn Thursday whether it will have access to the secret tape recordings federal prosecutors made of Blagojevich. For now, they just have the written transcripts. But, as with Burris’ appearance, most committee

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Gaza breakthrough? France and Egypt announced an initiative to stop the fighting in Gaza late Tuesday, hours after Israeli mortar shells exploded near a U.N. school sheltering people displaced by the onslaught on Hamas militants. World C3

Lake Decatur level watch Normal winter pool level . . . .612.5 Normal summer pool level . . .614.4 Yesterday’s level . . . . . . . . .612.51

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Diana and Elber Tejada and Shawn Horve practice burping their ‘babies’ at a Real Dads Rock class for new and expectant fathers at the Macon County Health Department. BELOW: Expectant father Robert Nagy supports the head as he prepares to dress his ‘baby.’ By THERESA CHURCHILL H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR — Crying often is Dad’s cue to pass an infant back to his or her mother. But that’s not the kind of father Robert Nagy wants to be after his first child is born in June. “I want to take care of my baby’s needs, not step away,” he said. “I want to be part of my child’s life from day one.” That’s also what the Macon County Health Department wants and, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Circle of Parents, has been offering classes since June, designed to prevent child abuse and strengthen families. Called Real Dads Rock, the free session uses the Conscious Fathering

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Patty Duke helps show Social Security is Web ready Demonstrates application site for baby boomers WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration, looking at the nearfuture prospect of 10,000 baby boomers applying for benefits every day, has developed a new online service that will allow people to get their benefits without traveling to a Social Security field office. The agency, in introducing the program Tuesday, said most people will be able to

ting that a great majority of apply for their retirement or disability benefits in 15 minbaby boomers, the first to utes or less. grow old in the computer Academy Awardage, will share winning actress that opinion. Patty Duke, “We have nearspokeswoman for ly 80 million the Retire Online baby boomers campaign, coming in,” acknowledged that Social Security Commissioner her computer Patty Duke Michael J. skills “are wantAstrue said. “We ing.” But her husjust don’t have the infrastrucband gave her a demonstrature to handle that workload tion “and I was able to do it in the traditional fashion.” with my limited skills. It was The agency estimates the very user-friendly,” she said baby boom generation will in an interview Monday. become eligible for retireThe administration is bet-

‘I was able to do it with my limited skills.’

A2 LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009

Here are the winning numbers selected Tuesday in the Illinois State Lottery:

Events Etc. Dinosaurs Mini Camp, 9 a.m., Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur. $10. Reservations required, 423-7708. Holiday Showcase, Schaub Floral Display Center, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 422-5911. Nightlife Karaoke, 8:30 p.m., Breakers, Clinton. Open Mike Night, 8 p.m., Block’s Brewery, Decatur. Health Adult Weight Management Orientation, 6 p.m., Decatur Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, Forsyth, 876-5370. Blood Pressure Reading, 11 a.m. to noon, LifeSpan Center, Charleston, Free. 639-5150. Blood Pressure Screening, noon to 12:30 p.m., Casey Senior Center, Casey. Bone Density Screening, 9 to 11 a.m., Women’s Health and Breast Center, Decatur, 876-4377. Flu Shot Clinic, 1 to 3:30 p.m.,

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Macon County Health Department, Decatur. $25, $10, 423-6988 ext. 1333. Foot Clinic, 8:30 a.m. to noon, LifeSpan Center, Charleston. $10. 639-5150. Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Effingham County Health Department, Effingham. 342-9237. Pre-Post Natal Aerobics, YMCA, Decatur, 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. 872-9622. Pregnancy Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-3794, ext. 1303. Pregnancy Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Life Pregnancy Center, Decatur, 872-5555. Tuberculosis Clinic and Testing, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macon County Health Department, Decatur, 423-1472. Meetings Abraham Shrine 100, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln. All States Bowling, 9:15 a.m., Spare Time Lanes, Decatur, 8770764. Decatur Jaycees, 7 p.m., Decatur. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility, Decatur.

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T O D AY Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Room, Decatur. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m., Richard’s Treat Center, Decatur. Railroad Retirees, 9:30 a.m., HomeTown Buffet, Forsyth. Seniors Decatur-Macon County Senior Citizen, Fitness Class, 10 a.m., Bunco, 1 p.m., Capital Campaign Committee Meeting, 4 p.m., Decatur, 429-1239. Johns Hill Center, Ceramics Class, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur, 4297750. Salvation Army, Ceramics Group, 8 a.m. to noon, Decatur. Mattoon YMCA, Mattoon Area Senior Center Tai-Chi Classes, 10:30 a.m., Mattoon, $40 per month, $30 for YMCA members. Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, Decatur. 521-7205 or 855-8312. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Tay-

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lorville, 824-3028 or 824-3676. Choices, 4:30 p.m., Dove Inc., DeWitt County office, Clinton. 9356072. Drug/Alcohol Education, Dove Inc., Decatur, 1:30 and 5 Tomorrow’s p.m. 4286616. highlight: Narcotics “Healthy Anonymous, Eating on the noon, AFFAS, Go,” 6:30 p.m., 2520 E. Decatur Public William St., Library Madden Decatur, 1Auditorium, 800-539Decatur. 4240475. 2900, ext. 7. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, 1-800-539-0475. National Alliance on Mental Illness, 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur. 422-6602. Pathways Through Grief, 7 to 9 p.m., Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, 1-800454-4055. Sickle Cell Support Group, 6

p.m., House of Faith, Decatur, 4281500. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., Unity Church, Decatur, 358-4222. Exhibits Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield. 558-8934. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8, $4. (708) 4850263. DuSable Museum of African American History, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $3, $2, $1. (773) 947-0600. Field Museum, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $14, $11, $9. (312) 665-7100. Heritage in Flight Museum, Logan County Airport, Lincoln. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hieronymus Mueller Museum, Decatur, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. 423-6161. Illinois State Museum, Springfield. 782-7386. Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, University of Illinois, Champaign, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; until 9 p.m., Thursday; 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free, $3 donation suggested. 3331861. Lincoln College Museum, McKinstry Building, Lincoln, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Free.

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just saying, ‘Get it right.’ This is new for them and it is new for us, and we get to learn a lot and the community gets to learn a lot.” Jeff Justice, who acted as counselor for Burcham and Anderson, said the election law is clear, despite complaints by many of “nit-picking.” “I recognize this is unpleasant stuff because it’s nitpicky, but we didn’t write the statute,” Justice said. Speaking after the decision, Shaw said she is disappointed, but understood the board’s decision. Shaw McDaniel said she may file to run as a write-in candidate if she can get broad enough support. “I think it wasn’t personal, but I think the objectors were trying to make a point, and I got caught as a guinea pig in the crossfire,” Shaw said. Burcham challenged McDaniel’s petitions because the pages allegedly were not numbered in sequential order, but the board ruled that the order in which they were submitted did not cause any confusion. McDaniel said he believes an appeal is likely. “I’m pleased with the verdict,” McDaniel said. “It’s the right for an individual to submit petitions and the right of others to challenge them.” The number of signatures necessary to have a valid nominating petition for candidacy in Decatur is based off a percentage of the people who voted in the last municipal election. Currently, that number is 68. klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985

C A N D I D AT E S The ballot for the 2009 municipal elections is currently: For Mayor 1. Stephen Daniels 2. Mike McElroy For City Council (four-year term) 1. The Rev. Carey A. Grady 2. Betsy Stockard (incumbent) 3. Adam Ruderman 4. Dan Caulkins (incumbent) 5. Jerry Dawson 6. Julie Moore 7. Adam Brown For City Council (two-year term) 1. Larry Foster (incumbent) 2. Patrick McDaniel 3. Marcia Phillips

Associated Press

Rep. Anh ‘Joseph’ Cao, R-La., straightens the headpiece of his daughter, Betsy, 4, before being sworn in for the 111th Congress in the House Chamber in Washington. Cao is the first VietnameseAmerican elected to Congress.

Congressmen united — for now Senate refuses to seat Burris WASHINGTON (AP) — The Capitol rang loud with vows to fix the crisis-ridden economy Tuesday as Congress opened for business at the dawn of a new Democratic era. “We need action and we need action now,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Republicans agreed, and pledged cooperation in Congress as well as with Presidentelect Barack Obama — to a point. On a day devoted to ceremony, new members of Congress and those newly re-elected swore to defend the Constitution. The Senate galleries were crowded; children and grandchildren of lawmakers squirmed in their seats in the House chamber as the winners in last fall’s elections claimed their prizes. One office-seeker was not among them. In a scripted bit of political theater, Democrat Roland Burris of Illinois was informed he would not be seated because his paperwork was not in order. He pledged a lawsuit, the latest twist in a political drama that began when he was named to Obama’s Senate seat by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has been charged with having attempted to sell the appointment. Obama was across town in a meeting with his economic advisers as the opening gavels fell in the House and Senate at noon. His inauguration as the nation’s first black president is two weeks away. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a veteran of numerous battles with President Bush, made plain how glad he was the old administration was winding down. “We are ready to answer the call of the American people by putting the past eight years behind us and delivering the change that our country desperately needs,” he said on the Senate floor. We are grateful to begin anew with a far more robust Democratic majority.” At the same time, in comments directed at Republicans, he said, “we are in this together” when it comes to the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, health care and the country’s energy needs. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the

WEB Continued from A1 or W-2 forms. In the future, the process should be paperless in the majority of cases. “We redid it from scratch. It’s easier to use, it’s faster,” Astrue said. He said it now takes about 45 minutes for a field officer to finish an application form for a person who visits a Social Security office.

David Certner, AARP’s legislative policy director, said the new program was “a nice tool, particularly as more people are more comfortable with using the computer and the Internet.” But he cautioned that there is still a fairly large portion of the population that is not computer literate, and “we don’t want it to substitute for the ability to deal with a real person.” Astrue gave assurances that people with more complicated applications

BURRIS Continued from A1 indicated Tuesday that they’ve made up their minds. “With or without those tapes, I believe the committee will move forward,” Brady said. “I’m comfortable with the fact that we do have the written transcripts,” Reis added. The committee is scheduled to meet today and Thursday, with the full House returning to action Thursday. That could pave the way for an impeachment vote in the House by week’s end. “It’s conceivable that a vote could come as early as Thursday,” Brady said. kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865

Republican leader, replied in a speech of his own, saying, “The opportunities for cooperation are numerous.” He said Democrats should avoid a “reckless rush to meet an arbitrary deadline” to pass an economic stimulus bill that could reach $1 trillion, and he outlined possible changes in the approach Obama and the Democratic congressional leaders have been considering. Among them was a proposal to cut taxes by 10 percent. Another was to lend money to hard-pressed state governments rather than give it to them. “States will be far less likely to spend it frivolously” in that case, he said. By the new political calculus, McConnell will soon be the most powerful Republican in government after elections that handed Democrats the White House and left them with gains of least seven seats in the Senate and 21 in the House. McConnell’s counterpart in the House, Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, handed the speaker’s gavel to Pelosi in a traditional unity tableau. He, too, pledged cooperation, then said, “America’s potential is unlimited. But government’s potential is not. We must not confuse the two.”

or questions can still call the agency or visit a field office. Duke, who at 62 is part of the coming baby boomer wave of retirees, THE made several public service NET announcements www. social promoting the security. gov online program. One is a takeoff of the 1960s sitcom The Patty Duke Show, on which Duke played both

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735-5050, ext. 295. Macon County History Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., Decatur. $2, $1. “The History of Baseball in Central Illinois.” 422-4919. McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, “The Unconquerable: Photos and History of the Kickapoo Indians.” (309) 827-0428. Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, Moweaqua, 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Free. 768-3019. Museum of Funeral Customs, Springfield, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. $3, $2 and $1.50. 5443480. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. $23, $16. (312) 939-2438. St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; until 9 p.m., Friday. Closed Mondays. (314) 721-0072. Under the Prairie Museum, Elkhart, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. $3. 947-2522.

I F YO U G O

WHAT: Real Dads Rock, a free class on infant care curriculum developed by WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Parent Trust for Washington Jan. 12, New Life Pregnancy Children and covers feeding, Center, 1698 E. Pershing Road; burping, sleeping, changing 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, and bathing, swaddling and Decatur Memorial Hospital, other comforting tech2300 N. Edward St.; 9:30 a.m. niques. Saturday, Feb. 7, Macon County Twenty-one new or expecHealth Department, 1221 E. tant fathers have taken the Condit St. class, as have 15 new or TO REGISTER: E-mail expectant mothers. Among pamb4kids@aol.com or call them are Nagy, 35, Elber 422-6294. and Diana Tejada, ages 31 and 30, and Shawn Horve, 19, all of Decatur, who attended least.” a session Dec. 13 at the “Like putting baby in the health department. car and driving around the “Men who have confidence block,” Wall said. in their ability to parent are When parents or caremore likely to do it and do it givers reach the end of their effectively,” said Pam rope, Burkhart advises them Burkhart, project coordinato put the baby someplace tor for Macon County Safe safe and leave the child from the Start and one of alone until the adults have the teachers of Real Dads calmed down. Rock. Judy Gibbs, maternal “Too often we socialize child health special projects males to think they don’t coordinator at the health know what they’re doing,” department, said she continthe plan is for Real ued. “That’s Dads Rock to conwhy 72 pertinue after the cent of all grant runs out at shaken the end of Februbabies are ary by making it a shaken by component of men, and 34 existing programs percent are at such places as biological New Life Pregnanfathers.” cy Center, the These health department sobering staand Decatur tistics came Memorial Hospitoward the tal. end of a 2½Gibbs and hour session, Burkhart said a co-taught by Real Dads Rock Alex Wall, baby shower is Pam Burkhart, that was being planned for project coordinator, Macon hands-on and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. County Safe from the Start informative. March 7 at The students Decatur Memorial practiced Hospital to help what they were learning on a give new and expectant realistic baby doll. fathers the same resources “You can develop a new and expectant mothers parental balance with the receive. mom so you can be a partVincent Rodriguez, execuner rather than a helper,” tive director of Macon CounWall said. “Each time you ty Court Appointed Special change a baby or feed a Advocates, helps teach some baby is a great time for of the Real Dads Rock classes. bonding.” Sometimes, however, all an Horve attended the session infant does is cry — even Dec. 13 session on crutches, when rested, full, burped he so much wants to be a and clean. good father to the daughter Consolation strategies he and his girlfriend are mentioned in class include expecting April 5. The holding, rocking, talking to Tejadas have even less time the baby and swaddling him to wait, with their first child, or her in a blanket, thus rea boy, due to arrive Feb. 13. creating the security of the “We really wanted to womb. obtain some guidelines to “Find something that help us through the amazing works for you and your baby, world of parenting,” Elber but whatever you do, they’re Tejada said. “This informagoing to want you to keep tion doesn’t just pop into doing it,” Burkhart said. “So your head when the baby is don’t do anything you’re not born.” willing to continue doing for tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978 the next three months at

‘Find something that works for you and your baby, but whatever you do, they’re going to want you to keep doing it.’

teenagers Patty and her identical cousin Cathy. In the ad, the harried Patty is trying to gather paperwork for her retirement benefits application while the calm Cathy advises her of the ease of applying online. The agency also plans to run fullpage ads in USA Today and several news magazines. Those wanting to use the new program can go to www.socialsecurity. gov and click on “Appling Online for Retirement Benefits.”