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Dan Rutherford

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Dan's Diary

February 2009

Ousted former Governor Blagojevich just can't keep off the stage, and now he is starting to turn in his Democrat colleagues. This link is to the audio from the popular Don Wade and Roma WLS radio show. It is in two sections and worth the listen.

Blago can't stop talking and he refers to Mr. Quinn and not Governor Quinn. He talks of Legislators cheating on their wives, the Democrat Senate President driving around in his Jaguar and Chicago Legislators double dipping on tax payer jobs.

It sounds like Blago is just tuning up and really wants to sing, but a hefty contract to write his tell all book may need to come first.

Click Here to listen to the show!

A frank discussion on Blago’s arrest,

Impeachment and rallying the troops

I am now on Facebook

I am on Facebook to make it even easier to reach out to people throughout Illinois. I feel I have a pretty good use of technology, and this is one more step.

To access my Facebook page, C lick Here! I look forward to adding you as a friend.

Lawmakers PBS T.V.

I recently did an interview with Public Broadcasting System on ethics reform and state budget. Follow this link to check it out.

ABATE Reception

While in Springfield, I stopped in to visit my friends from ABATE. Barb and Fran were down for district office meetings so they joined me for the reception.

Career Technical Education Legislative Day

Students from Livingston County traveled to the Capitol on February 26 as part of the annual Career Technical Education Legislative Day. I had the opportunity to address the group as their keynote speaker. It was an honor to speak to the students; however it was an even bigger honor to be introduced by my nephew, Kaleb Fornero.

"G" Gains a few more

My new Pontiac, which I call "G", reaches the milestone of 7,000 miles.

La Salle County Farm Bureau

My friends from the LaSalle County Farm Bureau were in Springfield for the day. They took the time to pay me a visit and we were able to take a picture together.

General Federation of Womens' Clubs

I was honored to attend, and speak at, a meeting held in Springfield by the General Federation of Womens' Clubs. Here are a few pictures I took with some of the wonderful ladies.

Illinois Blue Book Collection

John McGlasson’s father, Malcolm, had a collection of Illinois Blue Books dating back to 1907. I was honored when John asked if I would like to have the collection. They will be displayed in my office board room.

The Illinois Blue Book has been printed since 1861, It is printed in even numbered years and looks back at the previous General Assembly. Originally it only listed the legislators but was expanded in the early 1900s to include some of the functions of Illinois government. Now it is a comprehensive publication including court and county officials.

Thank you, John!

Comcast interview with Paul Lisnek


Comcast's Paul Lisnek and myself seconds before an interview.	Make up artist Brenda before a Comcast interview.

Kevin "The Road Warrior"

Say Hello to Kevin Martin. He is our most recent road warrior, meaning he gets to go on the road with me to political events. Kevin is the former vice president of the student body at my alma mater, Illinois State University.

The Chief high school newspaper turns 90

In 1973, a young PTHS student named Dan Rutherford assumed the mantle of editor of The Chief along with Carol Sanken. On February 17, 2009, thirty-six years later, current student editor Jake Long met up with the now-Senator to discuss his memories of working with the school newspaper and how it helped shape his career.

Burris Blow-Up

In light of the recent conflicting stories from U.S. Senator Roland Burris, surrounding his appointment by Governor Rod Blagojevich, the drum beat for his resignation has increased. The Committee for Legislative Action (CLA) has been asked to survey how much interest there is in having Senator Burris resign the U.S. Senate seat. In addition, CLA is surveying the interest in having a Special Election if a vacancy were to occur.

Click here to weigh in on the question!

CLA posts news stories, from around Illinois and the Country, regarding the continuing Blagojevich saga and the Burris matter. They are posted frequently. You may wish to visit the Committee for Legislative Action Website.

Senator Rutherford's Upcoming Events

	June 16, 2009 DuPage County Friends and Supporters reception at Carlucci's Restaurant


	July 14, 2009 Harry Caray's Networking Party in Chicago


	October 12, 2009 Annual Pontiac Chicken Dinner

Rezko wins move out of jail's 'hole'

Relocation a sign he's cooperating with investigators

Chicago Sun Times

By Natasha Korecki

Tony Rezko is out of "the hole."

The convicted businessman -- poised to become a crucial witness in the massive corruption case against ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- was quietly moved out of a downtown jail and into another facility in mid-December.

Health Care Council of Illinois Honors Rutherford as ‘Legislator of the Year’

Shael Bellows, HCCI; Sen. Rutherford; and Steve Wannemacher, HCCI

PONTIAC, IL – State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) been named a Long- Term Care Legislator of the Year by the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) for

his commitment to quality care for Illinois seniors.

Rutherford was honored at a special reception held in Springfield. The award was based on voting records and demonstrated support of issues vital to the long-term care profession, including funding the new Medicaid reimbursement system for nursing homes, promoting innovative practices in elderly care and promoting an efficient, coordinated spectrum of senior services.

“Senator Rutherford has proven to be a true friend of the long-term care community in Illinois and the residents we serve,” said HCCI Director Pat Comstock. “He has been an advocate of our profession and the challenges we face, and a voice of compassion for the elderly and sick population we serve. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

“It is great honor to be recognized by the Health Care Council of Illinois,” Rutherford said. “As legislators, we have a huge responsibility to craft legislation to take care of our eldest and most vulnerable citizens.”

HCCI was formed in late 2007 to serve as the public policy entity for the Illinois

Health Care Association (IHCA) and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care

(ICLTC). The organization coordinates all legislative, regulatory and political activities for the two long-term care associations.

Technical Crew

My nephew Kaleb, Fran’s husband, John and Kaleb’s friend, Luke, were in on a Saturday to work on our computer network. Fortunately everything still works.

Raptors are becoming city slickers

By: Chris Young

The State Journal-Register

February 7, 2009

Bid to find deep-dish pizza creator delivers dueling claims

By: James Janega

Chicago Tribune

February 18, 2009

ISU opens time capsules from demolished dorms

By: M.K. Guetersloh

Bloomington Pantagraph

February 18, 2009

Normal, IL-A night at Dan’s Modern Motel cost $4 and an education at Illinois State University cost roughly $800 to $1,000, according to student directors and university catalogues left behind during the construction of 1950s-era residence halls.

A glimpse of life at then-Illinois State Normal University and the Twin Cities was sealed into copper boxes and left in the cornerstones of Dunn-Barton and Walker residence halls during construction in 1951 and 1955, respectively.

On WJBC Radio Broad View show

http://www.wjbc.com/WJBCShows/Weekends/tabid/6255/Default.aspx

I had the chance to go back on one of my favorite radio shows and talk about the Lincoln 200^th Birthday dinner with President Barack Obama in attendance. Susan hosted the show and Norma was not on air that day.

Listen in to their show. It is 1230 AM at 10:00am to noon on Saturdays!

McHenry County Lincoln Day Dinner

I attended the McHenry Country Lincoln Day Dinner where I saw my friends Congressman Mark Kirk, Senator Pam Althoff and State Representative Mike Tryon. The turn out at the event was great. I had the opportunity to visit with many friends and made some new acquaintances as well.


Congressman Mark Kirk	Senator Pamela Althoff


Congressman Mark Kirk and Rep. Mike Tryon

Barb's Birthday

Barb is a member of our hard working team. She does enormous amounts of work for us so the least we could do is order in some delicious pizza during our lunch hour to celebrate her birthday. Oh and you cannot forget the traditional big candle!

Ill. state Sen. Frank Watson will resign

By: Kevin McDermott

Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau

February 3, 2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois state Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville, one of the Legislature's most prominent downstate voices, will resign this month to focus on recovering from the stroke he suffered last fall, he announced Monday.

Fisher High School in Springfield

I met Bob Lindsay’s US History students from Fisher High School on the steps of the Capitol when they came to Springfield. I like to quiz the students on their elected officials and other facts about Illinois. Then I give them the opportunity to ask me questions.

Superbowl party at the Dobski's

Linda Stockton, Julie Dobski and I talk before the start of the Superbowl game Sunday afternoon. Bob and Julie Dobski have been hosting a Superbowl party each year for about 15 years. There are seven televisions in the house to accommodate approximately 150 guests. For most people attending, the party is about socializing more than the game. (The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER) (February 2, 2009).

G started February with 3,907 miles on her. She has made the trip down to the State Capital many times and is learning the way nicely.

Diary Dates

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for Legislative and Public Policy matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.com

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for political matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.org

Senator Rutherford is the Chairman of the Committee for Legislative Action. Its primary purpose is to bring sunlight to attempts to raise Taxes, Fees and increase Government Regulations in Illinois. Their website is:
http://www.CommitteeForLegislativeAction.org

2009

2008

2007

July '07 Diary

2006

2005

The development, hosting and maintenance of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars. The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's calls and e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.