Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

A whole sammich full of stupid downstate: While Chicago-area lawmakers continue to push for tough gun laws, downstate politicians think they have the support needed to get a concealed carry measure passed in Springfield. This week, a House panel filled with "downstate gun-rights backers" is expected to approve legislation that would allow Illinois citizens to carry guns in public if they receive special training, according to the Pantagraph . The push comes as thousands of pro-gun activists head to Springfield for an Illinois State Rifle Association rally. “I’ve never had the groundswell or the grassroots effort that this bill is getting and attention that it’s getting right now,” Democratic Rep. Brandon Phelps told the Quad-City Times . Phelps is among several downstate Democrats who support a law that would allow some Illinois residents to carry a weapon with proper training. He is also one of many concealed carry supporters who is confident about passing a measure soon--d...

Raw Story : After Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot on Saturday, Congressman Danny Davis' (D-IL) office reportedly received a threatening email warning that "Danny Davis is next." Davis, a Democrat from Chicago's West Side who has represented Illinois's 7th congressional district since 1997, said he would normally ignore a threat such as this, but thought he should take action in light of the recent shooting. "You know some things are cranks, some things are pranks," Rep. Davis told The Chicago Tribune . "Some things you simply don't know about, but I think in this climate it pays to be as cautionary as one can be." Davis is my representative and the suspect has a history or has been known to do this before. Doesn't make it less serious or frightening. Although unlikely, let's hope there isn't a copycat out there. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Chicago Tribune : A move to abolish the death penalty in Illinois failed by a single vote in the House today. The vote came 10 years after then-Gov. George Ryan first placed a moratorium on the death penalty following revelations that several people sent to Death Row were later exonerated. “We know today that this system is broken beyond repair. We must end it now,” said sponsoring Rep. Karen Yarbrough, D-Maywood. “We know to that this system is broken beyond repair. We must end it now.” Opponents argued Chicago police officers are being targeted and killed by thugs, saying this is not the right time to eliminate capital punishment. Republican Rep. Jim Sacia, a former FBI agent from Pecatonica, said threatening defendants with the death penalty often can make them talk to authorities to help solve crimes. “Don’t take that tool from law enforcement,” Sacia said. One vote away from a sane policy. Well at least police officers can keep on threatening thugs! I'm sure that will solve be...

Progress Illinois has the story and its significance: Harris, who is one of two openly gay House members, shed tears on the House floor during his dramatic opening statement Tuesday evening. "Once in every generation," he said, "legislatures across the country have a chance to advance the cause of liberty and justice for all." Here's hoping this generation doesn't stop now. It's a welcomed improvement more hopefully to follow. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Hooray!! Chicago Sun Times : In a landmark 32-24 vote, legislation recognizing civil unions among gay and lesbian couples passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday afternoon. The bill now moves to Gov. Quinn, who has pledged to sign it. More states please follow suit, thanks. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Mark Kirk to join the " Meh Squad " I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

It's called stimulus you ideological nitwits. AND I WANT TO GO FAST! Chicago Sun-Times : Illinois wants the $810 million in federal high-speed rail money that Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has promised to reject. “We’d love to have it,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. He said Illinois, which has already received $1.2 billion in high-speed rail funding, could spend Wisconsin’s money making further improvements to the Chicago-St. Louis corridor to add more passenger runs. The money also could be used to build stations in Joliet and Rockford, Hannig said. Walker, a Republican, made opposing a high-speed train line from Milwaukee to Madison a key part of his campaign against Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker objected to the state having to pay up to $7.5 million a year in ongoing operational costs. State Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston) said he would work with other lawmakers to persuade the U.S. Department of Transportation to transfer the money to Illinois....

In one of the most ridiculous games I've ever seen. Two defenses with no ability to make a stop until the very last play. Phew. Glad the game is over, the lady was going to strangle me as I rooted for Michigan. Looking at the score at the end and I'm wondering when the two play basketball later this year, will the score be this high? Michigan 67 Illinois 65 Chow!

That's what Illinois would get with Mark Kirk . Tomorrow in Illinois we have a chance to vote for progress. Time to kick Kirk to the curb. Vote Alexi for Senate! I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Apparently facilitate your lies : Republicans answered Obama's breakfast with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias and Gov. Quinn with some national star power, as well. The GOP brought in Scott Brown, the upset winner who achieved fame this year by snatching the late Democratic Sen. Kennedy's longtime Massachusetts seat. "It's him and you against the machine," Brown told a crowded GOP rally Sunday night at Joe's Bar on Weed Street on the North Side, referring to GOP nominee Mark Kirk, who's in one of the closest Senate races in the nation. Kirk took the podium next and drew cheers of his own. "If it can happen in Massachusetts, it's definitely gonna happen in Illinois," he said. Mark Kirk has been nothing, but an establishment GOP member of Congress. He is not an independent. He is just like Scott Brown, a fake. As a Congressman he carried water for the Bush administrations failed policies. Ask yourself this, why would you wa...

Gov. Quinn: Common sense, not nonsense from Progress Illinois on Vimeo . Progress Illinois : Throughout the summer and fall, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady has deflected many questions about how he proposes to address Illinois' many challenges, essentially asking voters to send him to the governor's mansion on faith alone. Particularly in regards to the state's budget problems, Brady has been a black box -- no information about his proposals are allowed to seep out. But it's not quite accurate to say we don't know what Brady would do as governor should he be elected to the post next week either. The portrait that has emerged of Brady is one of a profoundly conservative politician whose positions on a host of issues put him far outside the norm of most Illinois voters. With Election Day literally around the corner, we offer this Brady Reader to clarify the Bloomington senator's take on the critical issues. To put it simply, Brady is the wrong can...

The latest ad from Alexi , rather effective if you ask me. Mark Kirk is the kind of career politician we don't need in office. The Senate must stand its ground against the probability of having Tea Party members with voting power. Alexi will offer that. Illinois needs a Senator who is looking out for our needs, not his own . I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Chicago Tribune : Pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen announced his independent candidacy for governor this morning, trying to leap back into the political fray that chewed him up and spit him out in February. Having bowed out of the lieutenant governor's race under intense pressure because of personal problems , Cohen said he believes a significant number of voters will still support him. "Illinois needs honesty more than perfection," he said. Campaign aides handed out white "Scott Lee Cohen for Governor" T-shirts. "Everybody, everybody makes mistakes in their life. Everybody's entitled to a second chance and everybody is entitled to redemption," Cohen said outside the state of Illinois building. Cohen said he has no running mate yet and is asking people to come forward if they are interested in the job. One can only hope his campaign slogan will be "Making a Mockery of this Election." I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

The battle to be Illinois's Second Senator has early warning signs of a Coakley redux. Chicago Current : Despite the best fundraising efforts of Democrats, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Mark Kirk raised nearly twice as much money in the first quarter of 2010 than his rival, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Giannoulias raised $1.2 million, according to his campaign, while Kirk, a North Shore congressman, raised $2.2 million. The men are fighting to take over Barack Obama's old seat. Giannoulias' take marked the Democrats' best fundraising quarter to date. But Kirk's success marks another challenge for the Giannoulias campaign, which is working to improve Giannoulias' image amid disclosures his family' bank may fail. Neither candidate has filed electronically with the Federal Election Comission, a move that would allow the public to have easier access to campaign finance reports as soon as they are filed with the agency. Kathleen Strand, Giannoulia...

So I finally after a long, long time I was able to watch Public Enemies (yes I know I am late to the bus) with my lady. Must say the coolest part was seeing how many scenes included the block she used to live on. And the subtle catch of O'Hagan's in the background ( a lovely Irish Pub) was a plus to what was overall an enjoyable movie. Not fantastical, but still exciting enough to have us wanting to look up the real story behind John Dillinger and the gang. The idea that times were rough and men were out robbing banks seemed so surreal in today's times, but you never know with the current 1937 approach to economics we have going right now...nawwwww. Tonight is Laughing Liberally at the No Exit Cafe , the show starts at 8pm and it was a top pick by the Metromix Chicago! Lady and I will be in the audience, so stop by and say hello to the two hot as hell ninjas if you get a chance. Here are your highlights: Illinois Election Results , still no concession from Hynes for Democra...

With 37% of precincts reporting and a low turnout, G-O-Dawg is out to an early lead, as well as Mini-Bush aka the Kirkanator. Might be along night elsewhere, great to see Preckwinkle way up for Cook County Board President. Follow more here from the Bankruptribune I am Frank Chow and I approved this message Update: G-O-Dawg vs. Mini-Bush aka the Kirkanator for the Senate seat Preckwinkle knocked it out the park Quinn might just pull it off and the Republican race is a three way race I'm calling it for ME!

Another lovely weekend with the lady. Another reminder of how insane our country is and how do I know this? Well Miss America and the Grammy's. I know, I know what was Frank doing watching both?! I WAS FRIGGIN CHUCKIN SHIZ AT THE TEEVEE THAT'S WHAT! The lady likes these things, so this weekend it was enjoy delicious wings and burgers with friends and watch how dumb America is for two to four hours on teevee. Got it? Good. First off WTF is Rush Limbaugh doing as a judge of anyone or anything? Second Taylor Swift and Beyonce win every fuggin award? What happened to being an artist? Or possibly having a good album to be nominated let alone win? Like I said this world is insane. Three no talent ass clowns getting glory. Another sign we are doomed. All doomed. At least Miss Virginia won Miss America . Some hometown repping! Here are your highlights: Obama's Budget , of course the numbers will be emphasized more than the actually substance. Media fail alllll week is to be expec...

Yesterday was rough for the lady. Not cool. I think she got some sort of stomach bug or just ate something that set her off. Luckily today she is much better and hopefully this weekend she will be back in full force. This weekend our plans are to relax and do much of nothing. I will most likely be juicing my pecs and eating protein shakes as I am still hoping to audition for Jersey Shore II. No joke, how cool would that be? An Asian juicehead?! I tan easy. I can fist pump like crazy and my nickname is solid. Franky C. Ok am I the only one still depressed by the show's finale. I need a fix...wait that just solved my weekend, Jersey Shore reruns! Here are your highlights: March of the Deficit Peacocks Job creation? Tax credit for hiring businesses ? The Party of No strikes again with Paygo , psst Obama, they don't give a damn about anyone, but themselves. They aren't serious about deficits and they aren't serious in general. Hooray for bipartisan fairies! Uh-oh Link out o...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy It is 12 degrees outside with wind chill 0 degrees and my cold hands are still recovering. Also there is a visitor in the office today who is supposed to be really really really important. I am in super under cover ninja mode. I actually am quite excited as I have only two days left at work then I will have time off to see family and friends for the holiday. I am still warring on Christmas. I am still raging on New Years and I am still raging on the Senate and it's stupid faux health care debate. So let's do this, ninja vanish ! Here are your highlights: Copenhagen it's not easy being Green Anybody go to the fight at UIC? Boxing Weekend Round Up Bernanke is on the cover of TIME *headslamondesk, let's hope the curse lives on WOW Hooters gift cards, stay classy Chamber of Commerce McDonald's continues its takeover Gitmo North , Glenn Greenwald on a civil liberties tirade, still shaking in yo...

I just love this country! Illinois is going to house some (NOT ALL ONLY SOME) of the Gitmo detainees in hopes of blotting out this stain in American history. Of course there is much uproar and much more fear the brown people. From the Bankrupt Paper comments section : Razldazlrr - Oh great - just what we need. The King has spoken and moving the terrorists to Illinois - let's hope they keep them outside in the cold a big portion of the time. I think a lot of the crazy libs are more worried about the gitmo terrorists than they are US citizens. Personally, most of them should just be exterminated (terrorists that is) CiceroUnga - Don't forget the free Link cards, Wic cards, and EBT cards. Oh yes, they get free cell phones now, too. dalmatian847 - Better yet, how about putting them in Englewood or Roselawn or some of the other communities Obama helped "organized" where no terror suspect in their right mind would want to live. CulpeperMinutemen - Man oh man, you dems/libb...