Topic: Illinois State Senate

Republican Sen. Mark Kirk backs gay marriage: How big a deal?

Sen. Mark Kirk became the second Republican senator in as many months to declare his support for gay marriage. But he's a moderate from a solidly blue state.

Obama vs. Romney 101: 4 ways they compare on gun control

A spate of gun violence has beset the United States ahead of the November election, raising the perennial question about how effectively America regulates its 300 million-plus guns. Yet neither presidential candidate is likely to hoist his own complicated record as a rallying cry.

Supreme Court steers clear of case involving Obama Senate seat

The Supreme Court left in place an appeals-court ruling that then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 2008 appointment of Roland Burris to the US Senate violated an often-overlooked clause in the 17th Amendment.

Illinois' new solution to huge budget crisis: gambling

The Illinois Legislature has passed a bill to dramatically expand gambling in the state in a bid to help close a $15 billion budget deficit. But the bill still needs a wary governor's signature.

Illinois debates keeping gun owners' identities secret

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants to make public all registered firearm owners through the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Opponents say public disclosure could increase crime.

Illinois tax hike: Will businesses flee to Wisconsin?

The day the Illinois Legislature approved a 46 percent corporate tax hike, Wisconsin's governor released a statement to woo disgruntled businesses. But experts say Illinois' broader fiscal health – not its tax rate – will be the greatest concern for in-state firms.

Illinois tax increase: why lawmakers passed 66 percent income-tax hike

No other state has successfully raised income taxes to balance its 2011 budget. The Illinois tax increase would push the personal income tax rate from 3 percent to 5 percent.

10 races to watch

Young Mr. Obama

What we can learn about Obama from his Chicago years.

Obama: Abraham Lincoln would have no place in today's GOP

In a California campaign stop Obama says Abraham Lincoln would not have fit in among this year's GOP candidates. Perhaps. But would Thomas Jefferson have made a good modern Democrat?

Education Secretary Arne Duncan will campaign for Democrats

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says education should put politics and ideology aside, but said he would hit the campaign trail in October.

Ground zero mosque flap: how Obama and Democrats can recover

Time to change the subject from the ground zero mosque controversy to something else, like jobs and the economy, say Democratic strategists. But the issue continues to draw comments from Democratic candidates.

Illinois considers bill banning red-light cameras

Cities from Heath, Ohio, to College Station, Texas, have banned red-light cameras, as detractors argue that the safety measure actually causes accidents and is merely a revenue-generator. Now, Illinois is considering a bill that would make it the fifth state to do away with the cameras.

Illinois leaders split on taking Guantánamo detainees at state prison

Idea of transferring Guantánamo detainees to a prison in Illinois has backing of state's top Democrats, but Republican congressmen balk.

Repeat of NY-23? Club for Growth targets Crist in Senate race.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican candidate for the US Senate, is on the defensive after the conservative Club for Growth released an ad Thursday that shows him lauding Obama's stimulus package.

What GOP candidates want: a Sarah Palin endorsement

At least one GOP candidate is maneuvering to get an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, perhaps in a bid to prevent her influential nod from going elsewhere.

Complaints arise about White House kibitzing in key Senate primaries

Team Obama has picked favorites for races in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. Local party figures say that undermines democracy – and is not the national party's job.

Corruption brings down a governor

As Illinois state senators decided his political fate, Blagojevich played the national media

Under fire: Blagojevich shuns trial, opens PR blitz

The Illinois governor's impeachment trial may open Monday without the defendant or his lawyers.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about how Hamas is treated in Western media, holding politicians responsible for their actions, why the US should take the lead in helping Zimbabwe, and how Russia's actions have provoked Ukraine.

With impeachment, Illinois takes first step to remove Blagojevich

The defiant governor quotes Tennyson and vows to fight the charges against him.

Many want Blagojevich out, but how?

An impeachment probe is under way in the Illinois House. A petition is also before the state’s high court.

For Obama, bipartisan aims, party-line votes

A desire to build cross-party consensus in Senate rubs up against political perils of compromise.