Local woman alerts neighbors of fire

"Imagine Preston Lindsay's surprise upon returning from taking his dog Pee Wee for a walk and finding his wife, Karen, leading Dorothy Watson out of the apartment building  they share with 5 other tenants at South Haven Apartments at the south edge of Minonk.  Karen promptly handed Dorothy over to her husband while explaining that there was a fire in their building...."

Obama gets bad taste of campaign media coverage

"NEW YORK -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama hardly could have anticipated that the first minor media crisis of his presidential bid would involve where he went to school at age 7.

Former state janitors get short prison sentences in no-work scheme

"PEORIA, Ill. -- Three former Illinois secretary of state's office janitors were handed short prison sentences Thursday for pocketing nearly $200,000 for work they didn't perform, a scheme a federal prosecutor says has left a stain on state government."

Jesse White staffer serves suspension

"(Crain’s) — One senior staffer was suspended and dozens of others have lost a perk worth hundreds of dollars a month after a probe into the use of taxpayer-funded parking transponders by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office."

Former state official sentenced to 30 months in prison

"PEORIA, Ill. -- A former high-ranking Illinois Secretary of State official was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison for helping three janitors pocket nearly $200,000 in state pay for work they didn't do."

Back to Square 1 for GOP

"After four years in which Illinois Republicans lost their quarter-century hold on the governor's mansion, failed to field a credible candidate for the U.S. Senate and saw a former governor convicted on federal corruption charges, the GOP faithful learned something last week:"

Rolling campaign ads

"While Hare and Zinga used their vehicles as marketing tools, former secretary of state candidate state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, logged about 97,180 miles in his Pontiac Bonneville.

The beige car stored everything from campaign materials to suit cases and even moonlighted as an office space."

To regain center stage, Illinois GOP must get its act together

"Whither Illinois Republicans? They've taken a pasting in two consecutive elections and find themselves in the political wilderness -- Democrats own all statewide offices and have so overwhelmed the GOP in the state Senate that the Republicans are an irrelevancy there. Only in the state House, where one seat is still in dispute, did they hold their own, which still means being a minority."

Secretary of State: Dan Rutherford

"Rutherford will follow through with his plans for improvements and be a hands-on administrator without being a micromanager.
The Pantagraph Editorial Board endorses Dan Rutherford for secretary of state."

Jesse White may be popular, but change is needed.

"There is little doubt that Secretary of State Jesse White is one of the state’s most popular politicians. The Democrat, who is seeking a third term in office, holds a nice lead in the polls over his opponent, Republican Sen. Dan Rutherford. But Rutherford is the better choice for this office"

Secretary of state: Rutherford

"Jesse White, 72, of Chicago is one of the most beloved officeholders in state government and it's easy to see why. He's easy going, personable, caring, and has worked to help inner city kids with the Jesse White Tumbling Team, a program he's run for 47 years."

The Southern Illinoisan endorsement

"Rutherford would bring a new energy to the Secretary of State's office that is much needed. While we are aware of the fact that White won all 102 counties in the last election and has been a good public servant over the years, we think Rutherford will lead the charge for revitalizing the office, making it more consumer-friendly in the 21st Century."

Rutherford should replace White

"White should not get a pass to a third term in office, and not only because of his ethical lapses. We believe the Illinois secretary of state's office has lagged when it comes to customer service - a concept that should be the office's top priority."

 PAC Press Conference

"Dan has demonstrated his leadership in the Illinois Senate over the past years and brings an innovative vision to his candidacy for Secretary of State. His belief that Illinois will benefit from the latest business technology and his commitment to creating ultimate in customer service in the Secretary of State’s office demonstrates his understanding of business. As a business person he will bring a high standard of performance to his role as Secretary of State."

Challenger vows no family on payroll

"Taking aim at Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s five relatives on the office payroll, GOP challenger Dan Rutherford Thursday pledged not to hire any family members if elected in November."

Rutherford over White

"Secretary of State Jesse White is possibly the most popular politician in Illinois. But that doesn’t make him a good choice for re-election. Dan Rutherford, a Republican state senator from Chenoa, gets our endorsement for secretary of state."

Businesses weigh in; Viverito weighs out

"Who cares about the Southland?

If traveling to East Hazel Crest for an interview with the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce counts as caring -- and I believe it does -- then Judy Baar Topinka deserves the endorsement she received over Gov. Rod Blagojevich."

LETTER: Rutherford supports Thomson prison opening

"The job of a legislator is to support his or her district. I certainly have no issue with The Journal-Standard endorsing the incumbent Jesse White for Secretary of State."

Secretary of State: Dan Rutherford

"Secretary of State Jesse White is the gentleman of Illinois politics.

His work with underprivileged inner city kids through his Jesse White Tumblers and his civil rights advocacy are laudable. "I'm running on my record" of the last eight years, he says. That includes restoring integrity to the office he inherited from George Ryan, he says. As always, the 72-year-old Democrat from Chicago makes it a point to politely request the newspaper's endorsement."

For secretary of state: Dan Rutherford

"Four years ago The News-Gazette, and just about every other newspaper in the state, endorsed Secretary of State Jesse White for a second term. And Illinois voters enthusiastically re-elected White, giving him more votes than any other candidate that year. He carried every one of the state's 102 counties."

Secretary of state: Rutherford’s focus is on customers

"Things change. The Rockford Register Star endorsed Jesse White when he ran for secretary of state in 1998, replacing outgoing secretary George Ryan, who was elected governor that year."

Rutherford says he won't hire relatives, will reduce waiting

"The Republican candidate for Illinois secretary of state made some promises during a campaign appearance Saturday night in Carmi"

Parking probe in secretary of state's office

"(Crain’s) — The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has opened an internal probe into alleged improper use of parking transponders by office staffers. "

Rutherford: Secretary of state's office ignores hiring standards

"CARBONDALE — State Sen. Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for secretary of state, is continuing to insist that not only have hiring practices been ignored under Jesse White’s thumbnail, but contracts have also been illegal."

For GOP rival, White is `Goliath'

"I think Dan is out to win. He's got a lot of good ideas when you listen to him," Cultra said.  Whenever Rutherford speaks to a crowd--which is often, since the statewide race receives little media attention--he poses some variation of the following question: How many of you had problems the last time you visited a driver's license facility?  "The hands pop up," he insists."

Rutherford says White broke hiring laws

"GALESBURG - Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for secretary of state, has asked the Illinois attorney general to look into Jesse White's hiring practices."

SoS: Rutherford

"Secretary of State Jesse White has served capably for two terms, but it is time for a change in leadership."

Rutherford attacks hiring practices

"MACOMB - Republican Dan Rutherford is spreading his message across the state that Secretary of State Jesse White is giving no-bid contracts to the spouses of senior staffers."

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 10-13-06

Opponent accuses White of letting staffers skirt conflict of interest law Secretary of state's office says workers at issue are exempt from statute

"Secretary of State Jesse White is breaking a conflict of interest law by allowing the spouses of two top aides to work for his office, his Republican challenger charged Thursday."

Rutherford: Secretary of state breaking conflict of interest law

"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Secretary of State Jesse White is breaking a conflict of interest law by allowing the spouses of two top aides to work for his office, his Republican challenger charged Thursday."

GOP candidate alleges illegal hiring in White’s office

"(Crain’s) — The Republican candidate for Illinois secretary of state is asking for a probe into what he alleges was illegal hiring in the office by Democratic incumbent Jesse White."

Rutherford Slams White for Violation

"Jesse White's opponent says the Illinois secretary of state is violating a state conflict of interest law by allowing the spouses of two top policy-makers to work for the office."

Nepotism allegations make waves in secretary of state's race

"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Eight years after promising to clean up a corrupt office, Secretary of State Jesse White faces new questions about putting his relatives on the payroll and taking money from employees."

Rutherford: People need to get involved

"PONTIAC -- More people need to be involved in the process of politics, a state senator said Tuesday."

Republicans may win, even if they lose

"SPRINGFIELD -- Republicans running for every statewide office except for governor have more than party affiliation in common. Each one of them, from the candidate for attorney general to the candidate for state comptroller, will still have a taxpayer-supported job if they lose on Nov. 7."

Writing on White

"Sen. Dan Rutherford of Chenoa is the Republican candidate for secretary of state. He's been blasting Secretary of State Jesse White recently for ethical lapses, including the fact that Rick Davis, a White contractual employee, wrote a biography of White that coincidentally came out during this re-election year. Davis is paid $72,000 a year to promote school bus safety, including the Toby Tire school bus safety mascot"

Secretary of state hopeful plans changes for office

"MATTOON -- Dan Rutherford, state senator and secretary of state candidate, made a stop in Mattoon Friday and said that, if elected, he has a number of changes to make to the office."

Challenger promises no family on payroll

"Taking aim at Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s five relatives on the office payroll, GOP challenger Dan Rutherford Thursday pledged not to hire any family members if elected in November."

Ethics get emphasis in secretary of state race

"BELLEVILLE - Jesse White, Illinois' secretary of state, came to town eager to show he's not just another Chicago-area Democrat and to tout his achievements for the past eight years -- and to make the case for why he deserves another four-year term in November."

Turner convicted of all counts

"PEORIA - Cecil Turner was convicted by a federal court jury Monday night of four counts of wire fraud and two counts of lying to investigators in connection with a scheme by three state janitors to be paid for thousands of hours they weren't at work."

White says he'll no longer take contributions from employees

"Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said Friday he will no longer accept campaign contributions from his employees."

Snyder named coordinator for Rutherford campaign

"State Senator Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for Secretary of State, has officially announced that Bobbi Snyder of Salem will serve as Marion County coordinator for his campaign."

Rutherford cites "pattern of impropriety" in White office

"Sen. Dan Rutherford, Chenoa, a candidate for Illinois secretary of state, is asking incumbent Secretary of State Jesse White to explain his hiring practice and "dramatic salary increases" of multiple immediate family members of himself and his top brass."

Ghost payroll scheme alleged

"PEORIA (AP) – A former high-ranking Illinois secretary of state official helped three janitors pocket more than $150,000 in state pay for work they didn't do in exchange for special treatment by city trash collectors in his Springfield neighborhood, prosecutors said Monday."

Rutherford says SOS related trial was preventable

Secretary Of State's Race

"The Secretary of State's office is being contested this November. Jesse White is seeking a third term in office."

GOP secretary of state candidate questions hiring practices of his opponent

"Illinois secretary of state candidate Dan Rutherford says two-term incumbent Jesse White has some questionable hiring practices in his department."

Rutherford slams White for nepotism

"GALESBURG - Republican secretary of state candidate Dan Rutherford said in a news conference Wednesday at the Galesburg Municipal Airport he is seeing a pattern of impropriety in the office of incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White. "

State Republicans expect little fallout from Ryan sentencing

"MOLINE, Illinois -- Dan Rutherford, the Republican party's candidate for Secretary of State in the upcoming election, isn't worried about the impact Wednesday's sentencing of George Ryan will have on his campaign, in spite of the fact Ryan served in the same role from 1991 into 1999."

Judge denies delay in Turner trial

"A federal judge Tuesday denied prosecutors' request to postpone the trial of Cecil Turner until Sept. 18."

Rutherford challenges hiring policies in Secretary of State's Office

"SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Republican candidate for Secretary of State, Illinois Senator Dan Rutherford, has challenged incumbent Jesse White to make public White's hiring policy in the Sec. of State's office. Rutherford has called on White to explain his hiring practice and dramatic salary increases for several immediate family members of White and his top staff."

Secretary of State candidate Rutherford denounces nepotism

"CARBONDALE - State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, has promised that if he is chosen to be Illinois' next Secretary of State, he will not hire any family members to work for him."

State in cross hairs over inaugural license plates

"Washington, D.C., retiree Jock Garst was "a little taken aback" at first when the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority threatened to fine him and his wife for repeatedly blowing through suburban Chicago toll plazas without paying."

Rutherford makes issue of hiring in White's office

"State Sen. DAN RUTHERFORD of Chenoa, the GOP candidate for secretary of state, is making hiring in Democratic Secretary of State JESSE WHITE's office an issue in the campaign."

Familiar faces; at least to Jesse White; pop up on secretary of state's payroll

"Last week in this space, I wrote about how Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has been spending your money; specifically, how he put his biographer on the payroll at $73K a year, tripled his daughter's salary in seven years and allowed the hiring of his chief of staff's wife as a $25-an-hour part-time secretary."

Campaign watching

"State Sen. Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for secretary of state, has named a Naperville woman as one of his DuPage County regional coordinators."

Grilling the sexes on the GOP bus

"The dictate came down from on high at the beginning of the tour.

Judy Baar Topinka, GOP den mother and gubernatorial candidate, gave a command to her underlings as they prepared to depart on their weeklong campaign tour across the state."

Common Sense Express chugs through Morris

Four of the Republican candidates for statewide office were in Morris, Thursday, as the Common Sense Express made a stop.

Janitors admit state job scheme

"PEORIA - Two of three janitors accused with a secretary of state administrator of a scheme in which they were paid for some 8,000 hours not on the job pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud."

Janitors plead guilty to falsifying time sheets

"PEORIA - Two former state office building night janitors pleaded guilty Thursday to participating in a scheme in which they got paid their full salary when oftentimes they didn't report for work."

Two former state janitors plead guilty to wire fraud

"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two former longtime janitors at state government buildings have admitted their role in a scheme to receive full pay for minimal work."

GOP candidates urge it’s time for a change

"The Republican Party's "Common Sense Express" tour bus stopped Tuesday morning in Jones Park, Canton, for a rally featuring gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka and other hopefuls for statewide office. They were joined by candidates for Fulton County treasurer and Illinois Senate 46th District, which includes most of Fulton County."

Republicans roll through town

"GALESBURG - The Republican statewide slate of candidates' Common Sense Express Bus Tour arrived at Lake Storey Park at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday. Although the candidates made their speeches in a picnic shelter, the atmosphere was more like that of an old-time revival meeting."

Topinka blasts Gov. in stop

"BLOOMINGTON -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich has broken his promises to voters, made an artform of pay-to-play politics and run the state’s finances into the ground, his Republican opponent Judy Baar Topinka charged Tuesday during a campaign stop in Bloomington."

Republican Candidates Make Stop in Geneseo

GOP candidates urge it’s time for a change

"The Republican Party's "Common Sense Express" tour bus stopped Tuesday morning in Jones Park, Canton, for a rally featuring gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka and other hopefuls for statewide office. They were joined by candidates for Fulton County treasurer and Illinois Senate 46th District, which includes most of Fulton County."

Republicans paint picture of unity during Macomb stop

"MACOMB, Ill. — Judy Baar Topinka and the rest of the statewide Republican ticket clasped hands and raised them in what they call a "happy hands" salute."

Scoring points

"Secretary of State Jesse White announced a new PickaPlate Web site where people can select vanity and personalized license plates."

Nice guy of Illinois politics lends hand to biographer, daughter.

"In more than three decades as a public official, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White rightly has earned a reputation as one of the nicest people you'll ever meet."

Many fingers pointing after disruption in CDL renewals

"SPRINGFIELD — Each day, Kenneth Zierler maneuvers a truck carrying up to 80,000 pounds through northern Illinois traffic."

County Republicans open new headquarters

"Livingston County Republicans will have a new headquarters in Pontiac to canvass from for the upcoming November elections as they officially opened their new building during a ceremony Sunday that included remarks from a pair of statewide Republican candidates."

Republicans kick-off campaign

"The November elections are three months away. The political signs are out on lawns, stickers are riding around on bumpers and pleas of ‘It’s time for change’ abound. It is time to choose your candidates and add your two-cents to the morning coffee debates."

Rutherford wants office to focus on 'customers'

"BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois secretary of state's office needs to be driven more by customer service, said state Sen. Dan Rutherford."

GOP candidate wants big changes at DMV offices

"SYCAMORE - State Sen. Dan Rutherford says he will outwit the political pundits and get elected Illinois secretary of state in the fall election."

Rutherford unveils plan for service commitment in Sec. of State's office

"MARION — State Senator Dan Rutherford, the Republican nominee for Secretary of State, spent much of Friday in Southern Illinois discussing his plan to reform the Driver Services Facilities."

Candidate wants drivers to get test appointments online

"ROCKFORD — Dan Rutherford, the Republican candidate for secretary of state, wants Illinois drivers to be able to call or e-mail for an appointment to take a drivers test or get an eye exam at the driver’s license office."

Secretary of state candidate plans service industry approach

"CHARLESTON -- Illinois secretary of state candidate Dan Rutherford said he plans to take a service industry approach to that state office if elected in November."

Rutherford unveils customer-friendly plan for Secretary of State office

"State Sen. Dan Rutherford unveiled a plan to transform the Illinois Secretary of State's office into a high-tech, customer-friendly operation during a tour of the Metro-East Thursday."

Secretary of state hopeful aims to revamp licensing

"SPRINGFIELD — Republican secretary of state candidate Dan Rutherford said Tuesday many of the chronic woes associated with a visit to a state driver’s license office could be solved with modern technology."

License facility upgrades pledged - Candidate Dan Rutherford lists technological improvements

"PEORIA - Republican Secretary of State candidate Dan Rutherford rolled out his initiatives for the office Tuesday, saying it's time to end long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles and implement new technology that will streamline office procedures."

Candidate wants to improve service of secretary of state

"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Republican candidate for secretary of state wants to expand drivers services by allowing motorists to make online appointments and use credit cards, increasing driver's facilities hours, and sending e-mail reminders for license registration."

No helmet law for kid motorcycle passengers

"Children have to be strapped in car seats while traveling in cars, but Illinois has no laws requiring helmets or other safety devices for youngsters perched on the back of a motorcycle."

Change needed in SOS
"MONMOUTH - Republican Dan Rutherford has plans for the Illinois Secretary of State's office, if he is elected to the post in November."

Rutherford calls for technology upgrade

"GALESBURG - Republican secretary of state candidate Dan Rutherford put the focus on more experience for young drivers, as well as using technology to improve service at the state's driver's license offices during a visit to Galesburg Tuesday evening."

Rutherford talks about future

"MACOMB - State Sen. Dan Rutherford knows that if he defeats incumbent Democrat Jesse White in November, he'll not only gain the title of secretary of state, he'll also serve as state librarian. The two jobs are intertwined."

The campaigning begins: Secretary of state hopeful pays a visit

"Rutherford, a Republican state senator from Pontiac, claims that he offers voters someone with experience in both private business and state government."

Insurers group sues over 'funds raid'

"A national insurers association has sued Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other state officials for diverting more than $7 million from a trust fund designed to finance auto theft-prevention programs to the general revenue fund that's used to pay most state bills."

Topinka calls governor’s term ‘man-made disaster’

"The woman who wants Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s job spent most of her time on the podium at a Rock Island County Republican dinner taking aim at her opponent’s fiscal record Thursday night."

White, opponent differ on plate deadline change

"SPRINGFIELD (CNS) - Secretary of State Jesse White's opponent in the November election said Friday that a change in the registration deadline for license plates for small trailers amounts to a temporary fee increase. A spokesman for White, a Democrat who is seeking re-election to a third term, said that's not the case and that the fees will not change because they are set by state statute."

Same as it ever was

"Dave Druker remembers this one: The car was taken away, says the spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White. "

Stroger moves to rehab; doubt on future continues
"Amid new doubts about his political future, Cook County Board President John H. Stroger Jr. (D-4th), who suffered a stroke last month, was moved on Tuesday to a rehab facility."

GOP candidate aims for SOS office
"GOP candidate for Secretary of State Dan Rutherford was featured Sunday morning on Chicago's NBC5 City Desk with political reporter Dick Kay."

Small-trailer licenses becomes campaign issue
"A change in how the state licenses small trailers for boats and lawnmowers is becoming campaign fodder in the race to become Illinois' next secretary of state."

State's new registration 'rithmetic
"Jesse White boasts interesting math skills.The Illinois secretary of state recently sent notices to owners of trailers, the kind hitched to a truck to pull boats or cargo or whatever. Registration for trailers will undergo a new fee schedule that has owners scratching their heads and clutching their billfolds."

Rutherford ready for campaign vs. White

"State Senator Dan Rutherford is to drive the highways and byways of Illinois this summer in his campaign for secretary of state."

License debate a plateful

"A source of revenue for charities, but frustration for law enforcement, the plethora of license plates on Illinois roads is prompting debate on whether the state should reduce the dozens of varieties available."

Williamson edges Will in letters, tax funds, officials say

"William Shakespeare said a rose is a rose, regardless of the name.
But a goof by the Illinois Secretary of State's office related to vehicle registrations is costing the county big bucks, County Board member Jim Bilotta (R-Lockport) said."

GOP dinner honors Ed Petka

"Sen. Ed Petka, R-Plainfield, accepted honors for serving 13 years in the Illinois Senate Thursday at a party fundraiser and also disputed reports that his party failed to back a former contender for his seat."

Lawmakers send message on FOID backlog

"SPRINGFIELD -The Illinois House sent a message to the Illinois State Police Wednesday."

Candidate to be featured at Lincoln dinner

"AURORA — State Sen. Dan Rutherford, Republican candidate for Illinois secretary of state, will be the keynote speaker at the 49th annual Lincoln Day Dinner sponsored by the Aurora Township Republican Central Committee"

DMV employee arrested for allegedly altering license

"A six-year employee of the Auburn Street Department of Motor Vehicles was arrested Wednesday on two counts of forgery and two counts of official misconduct."

Rutherford to speak at Lincoln dinner Feb. 27th

"The Warren County Republican Central Committee has announced that Sen. Dan Rutherford, candidate for Secretary of State, will be the featured speaker at the annual Warren County Lincoln Day Dinner Feb. 27 at the American Legion."

White got holiday cash too, says it was just top aides

"Employees of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Jr. gave their boss somewhere between $900 and $1,000 in cash as a Christmas gift last year, White told me Friday."

Peaks and valleys

"There are highs and lows along every campaign trail. Just ask Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White."

Turner suffers heart attack

"Former secretary of state administrator Cecil Turner of Springfield, indicted Friday on federal charges of wire fraud and lying to investigators, suffered a heart attack Saturday morning and has been home since late Monday."

Dan Rutherford stumps in Freeport

State Senator Rutherford visits Bushnell

"Campaign for Illinois Secretary of Sate brings Senator Rutherford to Bushnell.  Pontiac lawmaker visits community leaders and learns about local priorities and challenges."

Rutherford takes aim at White, Blagojevich

Ex-aide to Jesse White indicted

Four accused of pay scam

Secretary of state employees charged with fraud, cover-up

Former secretary of state official, janitors charged

Former secretary of state administrator, three janitors charged in scheme
"The former director of Secretary of State Jesse White's physical services division and three janitors were charged Friday with scheming to let the janitors collect full pay - more than $150,000 in all - for only minimal work."

Rutherford stops in Macomb
"Illinois Secretary of State hopeful State Sen. Dan Rutherford was in Macomb Friday denouncing the Blagojevich administration for sweeping funds from the collegiate license plate program for other purposes."

Rutherford takes swipe at White for raids on Illinois State College Fund
"State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Pontiac, is lamenting the lack of action by Secretary of State Jesse White, the man he hopes to succeed next year, when Gov. Rod Blagojevich raided the Illinois State College Fund to help balance the state budget."

Rutherford says people are being mis-led in buying college plates
"Republican Secretary of State candidate Senator Dan Rutherford of Pontiac is criticizing current Secretary of State Jessie White for standing by while the college fund was raided."

Rutherford criticizes State's 'Customer Service'
"Two words keep popping up when State Sen. Dan Rutherford talks about his race for Illinois Secretary of State...Customer Service."

Secretary of State candidate has impressive campaign funds
"Dan Rutherford’s race against two-term Secretary of State Jesse White may not be attracting a lot of attention compared with the Republican and Democratic contests for governor, but Rutherford is building a good-sized campaign fund."

Poll shows trouble for governor
"SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich is entering his campaign for a second term with fewer than half of Illinoisans behind him."

Republican lawmakers: Blagojevich out of touch
"Republican lawmakers from Central Illinois, including one who wants to be governor, attacked Gov. Rod Blagojevich's State of the State speech Wednesday, saying the governor's plans are too vague and too expensive."

Area lawmakers question funds for Blagojevich's proposals highlighted in State of the State
"The governor’s state of the state address Wednesday left some local lawmakers wondering: Where’s the money?"

Rutherford traveling state in run for SoS
"Running for Illinois secretary of state means lots of driving, and some flying, for Sen. Dan Rutherford. With no opponent in the March 21 Republican primary, the Pontiac-based state senator is nonetheless having a busy winter speaking at GOP and other events, giving interviews and raising money. That's all a necessary preliminary to taking on the Democratic incumbent, Jesse White, in the fall."

Give passing grade to left-lane law

"Call the left lane the 'passing lane.' Call it the 'speeding lane.' Whatever you call it, the left lane is no place for vehicles that creep along at speeds slower than prevailing traffic...Remaining in the left lane longer than necessary can increase congestion, lead to tailgating and contribute to road rage, as noted by state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, who sponsored the left-lane bill."

University License Plates

"So you think the money you spent on the license plates that feature Southern Illinois University, or other Illinois colleges, is helping to fund scholarships?
Republican Secretary of State candidate Dan Rutherford says, think again."

Officials: Left-lane legislation working

"Officials report a 2-year-old law aimed at preventing people from blocking traffic by driving in the left lane on interstates and divided highways has made an impact. Illinois state police report 170 citations and 2,647 warnings have been given out since the law was enacted Jan. 1, 2004...State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, sponsor of the bill, said the goal of the law was not to give out a lot of citations, which cost $75 each, but to educate people about safe lane usage. He said the large number of warnings indicates that is what has happened."

Illinois’ left-lane law wins applause

"Illinois officials say a little-publicized two-year-old law aimed at preventing people from blocking traffic by driving in the left lane on interstates and other divided highways has made an impact...Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, a sponsor of the bill that become law, said the goal was not to give out a lot of citations, which cost $75 each, but to educate people about safe lane usage. He said the large number of warnings indicates that is what has happened."

Ex-state employee sentenced in sales tax scheme

"A former clerk at the Illinois Secretary of State's office was given 3 years of probation with 3 months of home confinement today for taking hundreds of dollars in bribes to help two Chicago used-car dealers avoid paying vehicle sales taxes."

 Mayor's race is top local story of 2005

"A mayoral election in Pontiac and a state senator's decision to run for statewide office comprised the two political stories that gathered enough votes by Daily Leader newsroom staff and department heads to be among the Top Ten Local Stories of 2005."

Door jams

"Once upon a time, the doors to the state Capitol were made of glass. Big plates of glass that didn't do much to keep out the heat or cold and which were very heavy, making them difficult to open. Still, some folks thought the doors looked good, especially the bronze door handles that were replicas of the state seal."

 Rutherford, Brady in election spotlight
"Bill Brady and Dan Rutherford may be among politicians to watch in 2006 as they run for statewide offices, but campaign watchers say the real show may be down the road."

 Rutherford files for Secretary of State

"Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa (53rd District), officially became a candidate for secretary of state on Friday by filing his candidacy petitions with the Illinois Board of Elections in Springfield."

 IR focus: GOP candidate for Secretary of State Dan Rutherford (part 3 of 3)

"For the past four years, State Senator Dan Rutherford has been traveling from one end of Illinois to the other, doing what he could to build up the Republican Party when party morale was at historic lows."

 Senator Rutherford files for Secretary of State

"State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, filed nominating petitions in Springfield Friday to run for secretary of state."

 IR focus: GOP candidate for Secretary of State Dan Rutherford (part 2 of 3)

"Rutherford talks in Part 2 of a 3-part interview about the challenges of reaching out to an ideologically-divided Republican Party with the hopes of winning in a politically-diverse state.  He talks about tapping into the GOP's Old Guard while searching for new party enthusiasts and assuring reformers that change is underway."

 IR focus: GOP candidate for Secretary of State Dan Rutherford  (part 1 of 3)

"Pontiac-born and raised, State Senator Dan Rutherford recently shared with Illinois Review a series of political crossroads he has encountered over his past 50 years living in central Illinois."

 GOP slate wants to rid state of blue hue

"Though House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) could not make the GOP gathering at the row house owned by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), just down the street from the Capitol, the mood Tuesday night remained festive."

County GOP holds off on action

"The Sangamon County Republican Central Committee met to endorse candidates Monday night, but deferred action on a key local race and on the contest for lieutenant governor because the organization's endorsed gubernatorial candidate, Judy Baar Topinka, hasn't named a running mate."

Republicans seem to avoid battles with underticket candidates

"Although Republicans are headed for a primary fight next year at the top of the ticket, no intra-party battles loom for lower-level offices."

Hastert, Mehlman, Rutherford

"On Tuesday in Washington, state Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) throws two funders for his primary bid for secretary of state, with two big names."

Illinois Senator's Web Site Highlights Dubious Use of Fees

"Illinois taxpayers who may wonder what happens to the millions of dollars of state-imposed fees that finance hundreds of special funds--from "used tire management" to the "whistleblower reward and protection" fund--are getting answers from a state senator's Web site."

Duplicate license plates leads to mixup

"As Kim Sisk sees it, the state should revise license plates or Peoria police need to learn to see better.

A plate mixup left the Chillicothe woman swarmed by cops with guns drawn - 'probably the most scared I've ever been in my life,' she says."

On and off the campaign trail

"On Dec. 6 Rutherford will be in Washington, D.C. for a fundraiser hosted by Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, followed by an event featuring House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Plano."

Rutherford connections

Nobody can ever accuse state Sen. DAN RUTHERFORD, R-Chenoa, of being unable to make some high-level connections.

State uses more than $81,000 from college fund

"Gov. Rod Blagojevich's budget office has used $81,660 since June from funds designed to support college scholarships through the sale of specialty collegiate license plates to help pay for other state expenses."

Suspended janitor had full-time jobs with city, state

"One of three janitors suspended without pay pending dismissal by the secretary of state last week apparently worked full time for the state and the city of Springfield simultaneously for 18 years, city and state records show."

Sticker shock: Nearly $4 million raised through new late penalty

"SPRINGFIELD - Nearly 200,000 Illinoisans have helped boost the state's flagging revenues this year simply by being forgetful."

State takes away part of license plate funds

SPRINGFIELD - Drivers sporting University of Illinois or other special collegiate license plates in Illinois were told that the extra fees for those plates would go toward scholarships, but some of the money is actually being used on other state expenses.

Secretary of state official fired, 3 workers suspended

"SPRINGFIELD -- The ranking official in Secretary of State Jesse White's physical services division was fired Thursday and three maintenance workers were suspended pending dismissals for alleged misconduct, a White spokesman said."

White fires official, plans same for 3 others

"SPRINGFIELD -- Secretary of State Jesse White fired a $98,000-a-year administrator and suspended three of his underlings -- and had them escorted from their workplace Thursday -- as part of an ongoing, undisclosed probe."

Secretary of state official fired

"Cecil Turner, director of physical services for Secretary of State Jesse White, was dismissed Thursday from his $97, 932 job overseeing operations in various state buildings."

Secretary Of State Official Fired

"(AP) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. The director of the secretary of state's physical services division has been fired for alleged misconduct.Jesse White spokesman David Druker says Cecil Turner was escorted out of his Springfield office yesterday by officials with the secretary of state's inspector general office."

I forgot about this

"I wrote about Secretary of State director of physical services Cecil Turner's firing in today's Capitol Fax, noting that White could come under fire for continuing the culture of cronyism at the SoS.But I forgot about this one. The Sun-Times fills us in."

Senator waiting for grant-money decision

"State Sen. Dan Rutherford is wondering if and when Livingston County, Pontiac and three villages in the county will get $1.37 million in state grants for projects that were approved three years ago."

THE POLITICAL INSIDER FYI: Rutherford Commits to SOS Race-Not Interested in Treasurer

"State Senator Dan Rutherford, the only Republican candidate planning to take on Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White, has told Political Insider that he remains committed to the SOS race, despite the decision of Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka to leave that race open as she seeks the Governor's mansion."