Even more local Republican candidates are finding other things to do to avoid attending next week's fundraiser with Sarah Palin. more ›

With the announcement that Roland Burris will not seek re-election and Lisa Madigan staying put in the AG's seat, Illinois's Junior Senatorial seat has become somewhat of a political hot potato. And amid the shuffling of names and personalities in potential statewide races that have been subject to speculation for months, the Washington Post reported, incorrectly, that Mark Kirk wouldn't run for the GOP slot in the general. In fact, Kirk has been in a bit of a political standoff with Illinois GOP chair Andy McKenna over who would run for an elected office in Illinois that could actually go to a Republican. more ›

The ongoing corruption case against Blagojevich, coupled with a projected $9 billion deficit in a Democrat-controlled state, is giving some officials within the Republican party hope that it can rise to its former glory. It's only been three years since George Ryan - the Republican governor who preceded Blago - was convicted on corruption charges himself, but Republicans say following the Democrat governor's ousting and his embattled appointment of another Democrat to the Senate, the party can rightfully hail itself as a promoter of clean government. more ›