If you're on the fringes of the political spectrum - right or left - you may have a PR problem running for a position in Illinois government. Though it's optional, candidates are encouraged to sign a loyalty oath, a short statement affirming they are "not affiliated directly or indirectly with any communist organization or any communist front organization, or any foreign political agency, party, organization or government which advocates the overthrow of constitutional government." WBEZ reports that most candidates turned in the oath with their ballot petitions. more ›

Gapers Block points us in the direction of this story, showing that famed Chicago writer Studs Terkel was tracked by the FBI for most of his life under suspicion of being a Communist. You can check out all 99 pages here [PDF]. more ›