Political Capital

Note to Ops: There are two things you never want to do for money. Never marry and never go into politics. Only your lawyers will get rich.

HaHa, yes, they can haul you into court on bribery charges. And yes they may even get a conviction. But the transcript will never lie -- it always shows that you made no money from your government job. Unless your name is Elon Musk, there is no money in politics.

What incentives are there to participate in government? Very few as far as your LakeCountyEye can see. Some municipalities have to promise emoluments to get qualified citizens to step up to do their civic duty:

Why some suburbs compensate members of appointed boards

In most jurisdictions, it would seem, the default setting is to let unregulated market forces call the shots:

Two candidates for mayor of Arlington Heights on Wednesday denied there would be a conflict of interest between their day jobs if they were to become the top elected official in town.
Arlington Heights mayoral candidates deny conflicts with their day jobs

For the record, Arlington Heights is a Lake County municipality. In spite of that, Arlington Heights conducts itself like it was Cook County.

The New Arches

It may be the Gateway to the West, but St Louis ain't got nothin' on the Village of Mundelein:

Mundelein officials on Monday, March 10, could pursue creating a proposed gateway feature for Park Street in the downtown area. A large arch that would span Park Street facing Route 45 is being considered.
A gateway arch could be headed to Park Street in Mundelein

The Village of Long Grove strongly supports the proposal. A spokesman for the Village said: "Trucks that need to cross over our covered bridge, will first be routed under the Mundelein arch."

Mayor McCheese was unavailable for comment.

A.H. GOP

Not to be outdone by Donald Trump who annexed our 51st state, Canada, Lake County welcomes its newest municipality, Arlington Heights.

Who knew the Village of Arlington Heights was in Lake County? Not your LakeCountyEye:

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Of course, now that Arlington Heights is a Lake County community, the Lake County GOP is embroiled in a campaign finance controversy:

An Arlington Heights trustee candidate faces a formal complaint alleging she accepted campaign contributions exceeding limits set by the village code. The campaign committee for Michele Hunter received in-kind contributions of $6,353.86 and $1,406.22 on Jan. 17 from the Illinois Republican Party for mailing and printing, according to disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Complaint claims Arlington Heights trustee candidate violated donation limits

This is not the first Lake County Republican candidate to run afoul of campaign finance laws:

Sly Finance

The official response from the Village of Arlington Heights? Nothing to see here, move along:

Arlington Heights village trustee candidate Michele Hunter didn't violate local campaign finance rules, an investigation by the village attorney determined. But village board members Monday still argued about whether Hunter needs to further amend her campaign committee's filings with state elections officials.
Arlington Heights trustee candidate cleared in campaign finance probe

One Lake County watchdog said: "Arlington Heights proves that the Lake County GOP is making their calls from the Cook County machine playbook."

Boots on the Ground

Lake County's newest GOP Precinct Committeeman is also Lake County's newest State Senator. Coincidence? You decide.

Last week an IL GOP committee named Darby Hills the new 26th District State Senator. Is Darby Hills a Republican?  Absolutely.  If not, why was she summarily also given an open precinct committeeman slot?

A true unsung hero, the precinct committeeperson is the heart and soul of any political organization.  And the Chair of the Lake County GOP appointed Darby Hills to serve ...

an open Republican precinct committee post in Ela Township. Hills lives in nearby Cuba Township, but appointees to precinct posts don't need to live in the precincts they serve.
Darby Hills' appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie's seat

So, who is Darby Hills? Nobody knows. What does a State Senator do? Nobody knows. Coincidence? You decide:

One thing is known -- and that would be what a Lake County Republican committeeman does. According to the Lake County GOP ...

As we get closer to an election our committeemen work hard to support our Republican ticket, by knocking on doors, making phone calls, hosting candidates, and putting up yard signs. There are so many way our committeemen support our local Republicans!
Become a Precinct Committeeperson

Note to Ops: Be sure to wear sensible shoes before going out to plant those yardsigns next November.

Succession 3.0

Perhaps under the mistaken assumption that Groundhog Day repeats itself through the entire month of February, the IL GOP met once again to select a new District 26 State Senator. And precisely as predicted by your LakeCountyEye ...

Succession 2.0

Martin McLaughlin was chosen once again to serve the remainder of former State Senator Dan McConchie's term.

Backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin was indeed chosen again, but with one asterisk. That asterisk being Darby Hills was chosen again to serve out the term:

For the second time in a month, Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills has been named the new state senator for the 26th District — but her selection remains the target of court action.
Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate

Who is Darby Hills? Nobody knows.

A spokesman for the GOP committee said: "If for any reason that the new State Senator cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner up, Martin McLaughlin, shall take over. Good luck to the both of you!"

Shock Resistance

The question of the day is an SAT analogy problem:

Electric Cars are to the auto industry as [your answer here] is to the Federal Government?

Electric Cars : Auto Industry :: ? : Federal Government

The answer is ...

DEI Employees

Electric cars are just like DEI employees. They are only there because of government mandates and subsidies. If the playing field was level, no electric vehicle could hope to compete against an internal combustion engine.

This would explain why the Lake County GOP organized a protest at a Tesla dealership in Libertyville last weekend. Except it was the Democrats who organized the event. Republicans that did show up were there to counter-protest:

Hundreds attended a protest against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump outside a Tesla dealership in Libertyville, with dozens counter-protesting on Saturday. A protest organized by the Lake County Democrats was held late Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon.
Hundreds attend protest of Elon Musk, President Donald Trump outside Libertyville Tesla dealership

The Lake County GOP was asked why their protesters were not protesting against electric-vehicle Teslas. A spokesman said: "Erm ... did that happen on Opposite Day?"

COMING UP ...
The IL GOP wants to remind you that global warming is a hoax. And they urge drivers to trade-in their Teslas for American cars. "Ship all of those green electric-vehicle Teslas back to Mars where they came from!"

Late to the Party

The question of the day comes from a recent Tesla Inc. interview questionnaire:

Q: Why did Trump slap a 37% tariff on iron alloys imported from China?

A: To stop the steel.

HaHa, if you believe the GOP, any election can get stolen -- and that no-doubt includes Senate District 26, where IL GOP party leaders will choose a new State Senator. The public was told that party leaders would convene on February 21 to vote-in their candidate:

With their first attempt resulting in a legal challenge, a group of suburban Republicans will meet Friday to again choose former state Sen. Dan McConchie's successor in the 26th District. The committee's leader said he doesn't expect the end result will be any different. The gathering is set for 1 p.m. at Palatine Township Republican Organization headquarters, 765 N. Quentin Road in Palatine.
Facing lawsuit, Republicans to meet a second time to choose McConchie's successor

The real vote however will occur when the party leaders convene on February 28:

Any additional applicants will be interviewed privately before a public vote is taken at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Palatine Township Republican Organization headquarters, 765 N. Quentin Road, Palatine.
Darby Hills' appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat

Sharpeyed operatives will recognize a time-tested technique at pulling off voter fraud. Inform the voters about when election day is, but give them incorrect information.

One GOP party boss told your LakeCountyEye: "I don't see any discrepancy here. These are what we call alternative facts."

Let's Get Back Together and Do It Again

Not since the 2020 Presidential ballot, has an election been stolen by such blatant and massive voter fraud. Your LakeCountyEye, of course, refers to the recent IL GOP committee that was convened to choose a new State Senator to the 26th District. The fraud, in fact was so blatant and massive that the IL GOP committee will reconvene, presumably this time to do it again on the up-and-up:

With their first attempt resulting in a legal challenge, a group of suburban Republicans will meet Friday to again choose former state Sen. Dan McConchie's successor in the 26th District.
Facing lawsuit, Republicans to meet a second time to choose McConchie's successor

So, do you have the chops to re-represent Senate District 26? Do not delay, they will be voting on Friday, February 21:

Notice of 2/21 Meeting for 26th Legislative District Committee

OK, who will be the next State Senator to the 26th? Nobody knows.

Except he will be backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin.

And soon after that, McLaughlin will resign from his State Representative seat.

And after some decent interval, they will appoint Darby Hills to replace McLaughlin.

The End.

You Can Be Anything

The question of the day comes from the CLC Electrical Engineering exam: How many people appointed to State Senate seat in District 26 does it take to screw in a light bulb?

HaHa, trick question. There isn't anyone appointed to the District 26 State Senate seat. Not if you believe the opinion of some District 26 Republicans:

Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills' appointment to a vacant state Senate seat should be nullified because she doesn't meet the state's definition of a Republican, a lawsuit filed Tuesday argues.
McConchie's would-be successor isn't a Republican and can't serve, lawsuit alleges

Illinois Senate Republicans were quick to defend their newest appointee: "Of course she is a  Republican. It's not like she was the President of Barbieland or something. Now, bet your bottom dollar the President of Barbieland is not a Republican. But our new State Senator is no President of Barbieland!"

President Barbie	District 26 State Senator
Are you tickled pink by this hilarious LakeCountyEye Double Vision®?

Lawyer Ken was unavailable for comment.

Succession 2.0

Precisely as predicted by your LakeCountyEye ...

Succession

Martin McLaughlin was chosen to serve the remainder of former State Senator Dan McConchie's term.

Backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin was indeed chosen, but with one asterisk. That asterisk being Darby Hills was chosen to serve out the term:

Barrington Hills trustee to fill McConchie’s seat representing Illinois’ 26th Senate District

Who is Darby Hills? Nobody knows.

One IL GOP spokesman said: "We couldn't very well pick Marty McLaughlin, not after the LakeCountyEye had predicted just that."

A spokesman for your LakeCountyEye said: "HaHa, Psych!"

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Border?

Note to Ops: Don't try that trick where you get more soda by ordering it with no ice. That's because ICE is coming to the restaurant whether you want it or not:

Restaurant workers prepare as ICE arrests cast fear, uncertainty over industry

As readers of this blog are aware, there will be a new Chick-fil-A® coming to Waukegan ...

In the Fast Food Lane

And while it hasn't even been built yet, the restaurant already was raided by ICE. The Chick-fil-A Cows® along with Doodles the Chicken® were seen being hustled away in handcuffs:

UPDATE ...

ICE has issued a response to inquiries from your LakeCountyEye. The Chick-fil-A Cows® have been deported back to their place of origin, a meat packing plant in Iowa. While ICE reports it has "lost track" of Doodles the Chicken®, pointing to a "missing paperwork" problem.

Your LakeCountyEye will keep you apprised when further developments warrant.

Succession

Not since the Papal Conclave of 1605 that ended with a brawl and Cardinal Visconti acquiring several broken bones, has the appointment of a successor to high office been more ardently anticipated. Your LakeCountyEye of course refers to the replacement of already Ex-State Senator Dan McConchie:

Notice of Meeting for 26th Legislative District Committee

Do you have the chops to represent Senate District 26? Do not delay, the application deadline is Friday, February 7:

Application Instructions for State Senator for the 26th Legislative District:

So, who will be the next State Senator to the 26th? Nobody knows.

Except he will be backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin.

And soon after that, McLaughlin will resign from his State Representative seat.

And after some decent interval, they will appoint Joe Salvi to replace McLaughlin.

The End.

Nepo Baby

Anti-choice, Ex-State Senator Dan McConchie is not shy when it comes to telling the IL GOP who they should choose to succeed him in the Senate:

"I want to make clear my full, complete, unequivocal endorsement for Joe Salvi to be my replacement in the Illinois Senate," said McConchie, according to Facebook. "He is exactly who we need in Springfield right now."
State Sen. Dan McConchie: Joe Salvi has 'my full, complete, unequivocal endorsement'

Who is Joe Salvi? Nobody knows. One thing is known, Joe Salvi is not backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin. Much to his chagrin, McLaughlin thinks McLaughlin is entitled to the seat, and not Salvi:

McLaughlin criticized the perceived back room dealing if McConchie were actively attempting to put Salvi in his seat and threatened to primary Salvi if appointed. "This raises concerns about nepotism and insider politics, issues that Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in," McLaughlin wrote. "I want to make clear that I intend to run for the Senate position in the [March] 2026 primary. I've earned the right to do through my record of election wins and job performance."
McConchie Resigning, State GOP Chair's Son Frontrunner for Seat

Joe Salvi, whoever he may be, has not spoken publicly -- further reinforcing the impression that there is more to this man of mystery than meets the eye. To get to the bottom of things, your LakeCountyEye asked the man-in-the-street: "Do you know who Joe Salvi is?"

"No"

Pete Cochran, Self-Employed Missionary

"No"

Linc Hayes, Crypto Salesman

"No"

Julie Barnes, Home Schoolmarm

The verdict s unanimous and that means one thing. Joe Salvi must be the new Republican DEI Hire!

Free Martin

The Question of the Day will test your math skills:

Q: How is freedom like a dozen large white eggs?

A: Neither one is free.

Illinois House Republican members have a Freedom Caucus. Which means two things. As its name suggests, the Freedom Caucus exemplifies a mindset of not being accountable. And, two, backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin is a member.

It goes without saying that any such caucus will sooner or later get itself into some hot water. In the present case, the House Republicans stripped its Freedom Caucus members of their House privileges:

Being denied services are state Reps. Adam Niemerg of Dieterich, Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville, Chris Miller of Hindsboro, Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City and Marty McLaughlin of Barrington Hills.
THE BUZZ
LINES DRAWN

Sharpeyed operatives will observe that most of these are rural, downstate districts that want to secede from the State of Illinois. No doubt this new state will also need Barrington Hills for the tax revenue.

Note to Ops: McLaughlin wants to be appointed to Dan McConchie's vacated State Senate seat. This would get him out of the Illinois House Freedom Caucus. Not to mention the Illinois House.

Just Sayin!

Landslide Martin

There will be a special election to replace Dan McConchie -- and you are not invited. GOP party bosses will gather in a secret conclave to ...

choose someone to finish McConchie's term. The successor then would be able to run for election in 2026 with some legislative experience and, ideally, a healthy campaign war chest.
An 'unwavering' public servant: Republican state Sen. Dan McConchie resigning

Who will the successor be? It's no secret: he won't be you.

It is also not a secret that backbench State Rep Martin McLaughlin wants the job. He said so in a press release:

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin said Tuesday he is interested in filling the Illinois Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dan McConchie.
State Rep. McLaughlin lobbies for McConchie's Senate seat

McLaughlin says he is a powerhouse at the polls:

In my last election, I faced a $3.8 million opposition effort and still won decisively
State Rep. McLaughlin lobbies for McConchie's Senate seat

For the record, McLaughlin's "decisive" win was by a whopping 47 votes. Out of nearly 60,000 cast.  That is a difference of 0.08 percent.  A typical ICE dragnet operation has a rounding error larger than that.

To put that number in perspective, had 24 Martin McLaughlin supporters got confused on election day and voted against him, McLaughlin would have lost.

It all comes down to the party bosses who will be choosing the new State Senator. If there are fewer than 47 of them, McLaughlin may have a chance.