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The Illinois Supreme Court has just issued a stay of the appeals court's order knocking Rahm Emanuel off the ballot and directing the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners to restore his name to the ballot.
This is a strong indication that the court will accept the case and, perhaps, of which way the justices are leaning.
*** UPDATE *** NBC's Pete Williams has more:
Less than 24 hours after an Illinois appeals court bumped Rahm Emanuel off the ballot for Chicago's election for mayor, the state's supreme court put that ruling on hold and ordered the city to include his name on any ballots being printed.
"The Board of Elections is directed that if any ballots are printed while this Court is considering this case, the ballots should include the name of petitioner Rahm Emanuel as a candidate for Mayor of the City of Chicago," the Supreme Court said in a one-page, unsigned order.
The court said it acted after receiving legal briefs from Emanuel and from his legal opponents who claimed he was unqualified because he did not meet residency requirements of state law. Today's order left unresolved whether the state's high court would take up the entire case on a speeded-up basis, but the order gave Emanuel the rapid relief he was seeking -- to keep his name on the ballot.
*** UPDATE TWO*** NBC Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern reports that the court will hear Emanuel's appeal.
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Buckle your seat belts... we're in for a wild ride!
Has anyone mentioned the fact that Rahm's polling in the mid-40's?
The other two candidates don't come close to 40% combined!
Pretty clear what the voters intentions are...
Duck, baby- here come the slings and arrows!
In my Best Steve0 impression, HAHAHAHAHAHA !
Yawn, Yawn, Yawn, Yawn!
Comeon Down, Steve0 & Spanky, The Gangs all here!
Yesterday I commented that the courts would overrule and my comment was collapsed. He's the only one that I can see putting Illinois back together.
This should be fun to watch! Yeee Hawww Feisty!
Yes! Go Rahm!
You people don't realize that Chicago is gonna get screwed yet again! He wasn't even a chicago resident for the past 2 years! What's next? A president that wasn't even born in the U.S.?
And another exodus to the suburbs for those that can afford it!
what_the_81,
Do you feel the same way about members of the United State Armed Services?
I think he could do good for Chicago. Having said that, this looks like a great case of Chicago corruption. If you have to be a resident for a year to be considered for Mayor, then, you have to be a resident for a year. What is the question that the Supreme Court of Illinois is having difficulty resolving here?
sandtrich
Never understood the "collasped by community" thing either. If a remark is on topic (regardless of position), contains no profanity or racial remarks, etc. then why is it "collasped"?
Charles.......A soldier HAS to leave his home.... Rahm made a decision to take the job. Big difference.
Usually, the soldier's family will remain in the home.
Charles Arlington Heights, IL
You want to bring the military into this? are you serious? How does that relate to this issue? In order to run for mayor you have to be a resident, it's the rule, plain and simple. The problem is that he wasn't a resident, therefore he can't run, is that hard for people to understand?
Holy crap!! Two million ballots have been printed, already. Do these contain Rahm's name? If not, they will need to be reprinted a taxpayer expense.
Do not let this man become mayor. He is a Mossad Spy appointed by the government of Iran in correlation with the Illuminati's agenda and the agenda that is even beyond Obama's knowledge to an extent. If you know anything about him, you'll realize he is not fit to be a mayor, that is, unless the city becomes a state of martial law. In that case he'll be perfect... You're slaves if you can't consider this.
Looks like Rahm finally greased the right palms and in the right amounts!!!
It's the Chicago way.
Aww, what's the matter Rick, you miss me? You all can carry on just fine without me. I don't live in Ill, and actually as betwwen Rahm and Mosley Braun I'd have to go with Rahm. Mosely Braun would be the bigger disaster. Beside, it's far more fun this way. Now we are sure to get a health dose of Sharpton and Jesse spouting on about racial politics.
Plus, if he gets to stay in we get the added bonus of coments like at 1.14. Mossad spy: a whole new dimension. Query: who gets to claim that one, conservatives or dems?
Chicago politics at it's finest. Seems Emanuel is following the footsteps of his ex-boss. Twist, nudge, push, eliminate......... Don't want to return the $ 11,000,000 campaign funds received from his Liberal friends just yet.
I wonder if he has showed his standard emotional outburst with the Appeals Court ruling.....$3% D%$* S&& of a B$#(*. Yep, he fits right in with Chicago politics.
Hey Feisty ~ Since when do courts care what voters' intentions are?
Just ask the Supremes. ;-)
Was there any real doubt about this? Chicago's corruption makes New York look like a Sunday School class. Chicago politics or the WWE? Which is more predictable?
John Gotti's popularity was high also; does that mean you get to ignore the law?
When you have an $11 million dollar campaign warchest, you have to spend it on something.
No other city/state has these kind of problems. No other state has consectutive governors convicted of felonies. No other state is featured in the NY Times as the one most likely to declare bankrupcy. So why does Chicago/Illinois always have these kinds of problems?
Why exactly is this so difficult for the courts et. al. to decide on? The issue is pretty simple.
A. He lived in Chicago the previous year and is eligible.
B. He lived in Washington and he's not eligible.
Would there even be a discussion about this if we were talking about John Jacobs who rented out his house to work at Wal-mart in Nashville TN for a couple of years but always planned to come back and did just before the election. Nope, John would have been kicked to the curb months ago.
Fiesty... NICE... I suppose you're suggesting matters of law should be decided on polling numbers and "voters intent" instead of actual codes and statutes. The report that Rahm is polling at 40% is moot in this matter, but I suppose that doesn't matter to the best and brightest of Illinois.
Why let the rule of law interfere with matters when a few Judges can just dictate what's best for us... Hmmmm, gosh, why even have a state legislature when you could just let a few Judges determine everything for us, just like they do in Iran.
Typical Chicago politics. At least now all the dead people have someone to vote for.
Curious which Judge he paid off to get back on the ballot?!
My Bad Anna Molly - good catch! ;o)
From the sounds of things around here - the ENTIRE population of Chicago is commenting! lol
Whole lot of ignorant people speaking of things of which they have NO clue!
Eh... what AM I saying... it's NEVER stopped them in the past!
Dear Overlord, Can I call you Joe?
Please tell me you are not being serious. Please tell me that you are writing satire, please?
Otherwise, get thee to a doctor, I beg of you.
Seriously.
"collapsed by the community" is a euphemism for a singular individual censoring the community conversation, courtesy of the website managment...
Rahm could not run the office of the President of the United States of America from Chicago. Also, we have a volunteer military so no one is forcing the soldier to leave their home. Your logic fails.
sandtrich
Yes he has his work cut out for him seeing how bad Obama left it.
Military personnel maintain a Home of Record and usually get their driver's license to never expire while out of the country. civies dont get this.
PuddleDuck
Somehow I have the feeling that if they were printed with his name already on them and had to be reprinted to remove it, you wouldn't be quite as upset. That, my friend, is called phony outrage.
This is going to be very interesting to watch. I think it only makes sense to keep Rahm's name on the ballot while the court decides. However, it would be fun if the court says he's not qualified and he wins anyway!
Once upon a time in chicagoland, I haven't ever heard his name untill a few weeks ago,and since when do courts stop there process for one individual? there are many more cases that require veiwing and a waiting period before an answer is given, who is this guy that he gets to cutt the line. So much for the laws and rules they just don't apply to the rich and political.By the way whats this guys mailing address been the last year?
Try reading the applet court ruling. I'm not the one bringing the military into this.
He's perfect for Chicago, as evidence by this ruling. Good to know that the courts are just as corrupt as the rest of Illinois government. So if I had the right political connections, I could be mayor of Chicago? After I'm elected, do I actually have to move there or can I stay here in Georgia? Can I get direct deposit too?
So what the court is saying is the rules only apply to those who are not approved by those who are already in power. If I was considering moving my business to Illinois or investing there, it's a good thing to know in advance that the rules only apply to those at the bottom, and the system is fixed across the board just like they have been for years. All of the rumors are true. It's also worth noting that even their supreme court is bought and paid for. Al would be truly proud of his legacy.
If the people of Chicago elect this sleazeball, leave them to themselves.
"Collapsed by the community" is actually the result of negative votes (see that up arrow and ! in the lower right corner) exceeding the positive votes by some undetermined number. There are actually groups of ultra conservatives trolling these web sites and ganging up on anything that opposes their views. Nothing better to do I guess. So much for the Teabaggers near literal view of the Constitution, including Freedom of Speech. This simply amounts to censorship their way!
Personally I dont care if Rahm is mayor there or not. That being said, I understand theres a guy from California who also would like to be on that ballot. He did grow up in Chicago. So is it okay for him to run too? I 'm wondering how the court can craft their decision in a way that does not open the floodgates to non-residents. Its about the law, not the man.
The residency rquirements are clear, and Rahm clearly wasn't a resident. Did he pay Illinois state income tax on his salary these past 2 years? Did he pay taxes on income from his rental property (his former residence?).
It should be a simple issue. How does Illinois define residency? Did Rahm meet that definition? Case closed.
Hey rapture, are you suggesting ultra conservatives are the ones who collapse my comments? Open your eyes, you'll see which "ultra's" are doing the censorship, and it ain't the right.
It is sad we have 2 sets of laws ! (the common mans law) and (the laws that don't apply to the politicly corrupt)
No corruption in this City. Why is this a surprise to any one. This City is broke , the Libs have owned it for 100 years and it is the second most corrupt City in USA. So i do not feel sorry for the followers of this regime.
Funny the liberals bitch about a collapse if its theirs but snicker if its the other way. Deal with it. it happens both ways.
Golly....who didn't see this coming?
How about just following the law. I guess that's too hard for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Oh really, how was he qualified to be a Representative in Congress for his Chicago district if he isn't fit to be the city's mayor? I think your nickname says it all, thasupremeoverlord. For other posters questioning his residency requirement, what was the difference between his living in DC as your Representative vs. his living in DC as the CoS? Remember, he left his elected office to serve the president and the country as CoS, just as several other elected officials did (governors, senators, representatives.) They still have their "residency" in their home states. Remember that DC has a unique status when it comes to residency for people serving in elected and appointed positions. Rahm probably indicated no state income because his income was not earned in IL and was most likely taxed in DC. I had the same think when I lived in OH and worked in IN. It was a nightmare doing taxes (both state and local.)
Emanuel is very popular with voters in Chicago and was an extremely popular Congressman. People seem to like his take-no-prisoners outspoken style.
And it is pretty easy to see how the Illinois Supreme Court will probably rule if you look at the facts:
1) The three-man Appeals Court was split 2-1 along party lines. But even they took an absolute letter of the law approach, effectively bucking it up to the Illinois Supreme Court. This is what Appeals Courts frequently do when the letter of the law does not jive with the case at hand. This is how the letter of the law gets modified by courts by forcing the Supreme Court to issue a definitive ruling. This appears as an attempt by the Appeals Court to remove this issue permanently.
2) The reason we have a Federal District (Washington, DC) that is not a state is so that people who are elected officials or who work in government do not have an "intervening residency." Since Emanuel was a Congressman and went directly to being an employee of the Executive Branch, his residency is just as it was when he was first sworn in as a Congressman. It is always cited as to why Washington DC voters have NO representation in Congress. Representation in Congress would confer residency status on DC voters that they do not currently have.
3) Interpreting the residency clause for a candidate for office to be a higher standard than that for voting would disenfranchise many thousands of military personnel and federal employees and even state employees who are serving away from home but are still considered legal residents.
4) There have been hundreds of cases already in which the Illinois Appeals Courts and Supreme Court have ruled that the residency requirement is the same as the voting requirement. The definitive ruling is over a hundred years old: "Where lies a person's vote, lies their residency." So long as Emanuel was registered to vote in Chicago, he is a resident for candidacy purposes.
5) This is an issue for Chicago voters. If you care enough to get so riled up about it, move to Chicago, establish residency, and run against him. Might be tough since he is so popular that he is polling at more than both the other two candidates combined. Otherwise, it is really none of your business.
OK, one more time. The Illinois election rules allow for those who leave the state to serve government (military, job at the White House, Senator, House member) to continue their status as residents of their home state. Remember GOP Elizabeth Dole, she didn't have a home in the state she represented. Rahm voted absentee ballot, he couldn't do that if he weren't still considered a resident.
What a surprise, Chi-town politics at it again!! If Rahm wasn`t a resident, then he is not eligible. That means he was also not eligible to vote, which he apparantly did anyway. I`m sure if the powers that be want him in, he will get in. The whole political system is corrupt, Chicago, and New York just are leading the way.
I think the ppl of Chicago should make the decision of who becomes mayor. Rahm is up in the polls, so why take him off the ballots now, people obviously like him. He left Chicago to work for our President, he still had a home in Illinois where I'm sure he was a taxpayer. I know laws are laws and people break them all time. Who knows, maybe this ones for the best.
Rahm your a cheesy bastard,
Anti-trust Just so you know
Rahm Israel Emanuel is an American politician and former White House Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama
He stopped being a representative jan 2009. May i suggest researching a little before you type.
As several posters have asked the question "Why is the Il supreme court even considering this case"? As any good lawyer will tell you, the definition of resident is gray at best under the law. Some of you have determined that resident is someone who resides in his house in Illinois. Others seem to think that it means you own residential property that you lived in at one time, but may or may not have lived in the past year, but continue to own. In any case, that is the issue that will determine the outcome with the court and as usual, laws are never black or white, but generally many shades of gray. It would be very interesting to see what would happen if the court came back and upheld the appellate verdict with Rahm's name on the ballot. Just might give someone an inkling of how the court views the case.
The Zoroaster - I see your point but it's not a case of corruption. If he has lived for 15, 20 years or however long in Chicago and moved away temporarily for 2 years at the request of the President. HE IS A RESIDENT. This is just a case of his opponent grasping at straws.
People shouldn't be penalized for working for their country...and contrary to some folks opinions in these comments, holding a public office is STILL considered working for your country.
Go Rahm! I mean, really, who would want Carol M-B as their mayor??
Just another example of corupt Chicago politics...............Rahm is the ipitimy of coruption...............In Chicago, vote early and vote often
Working in the office of the president. This is a national position. He kept his voting in Chicago. Paid taxes. Let the man run. Let the PEOPLE choose! It is the peoples gov't.
John - you don't have a clue. There is noting corrupt about Rahm's being on the ballot. It is his right and it is the right of the Chicago citizens to elect their mayor. Guessing you're not a Chicagoan so why are you even commenting/??
Well...Who is on the Illinois supreme court and who are they related to??? Everything seems to be connected in that state. On the up side...We did find out yesterday that apparently there are two people in Illinois who can't be bought. That was encouraging!
Not a legal expert. But I believe the wording was along the lines of "must have resided in the city for 1 year prior to the election".
Not "immediately prior", or "the year prior" in which case, he should not be included.
However, the word prior simply means "before" (at least in every dictionary I could find), could have been 1 or 10 years. (Think prior arrest or conviction or DUI).
So, while it is only an issue of symantics, the intent appears to be quite clear. To prevent pols from pulling a Hillary (as in her NY senate run), as opposed to a soldier returning from Germany with family, whose home (maybe his parents place) is their legal residence for voting. Or in this case a fellow who answered the call of his president.
Lawyers, type A personalities, and narcissists seem to have this idea that he who shouts the loudest is right. No further comment on that.
That said, not sure I would vote for him. But he appears to have the right.
Daum Spanky, You bringing Race into this with your Al & jesse comment!
All this time, I was under the Impression You were above That!
I guess MSN put this up on thier HomePage, as All the Idiots have left the Village to come here.
It helps to have friends in high (Court) places.
We need to remember that this is Chicago politics, where Obama cut his teeth.
sandtrich "He's the only one that I can see putting Illinois back together."
Hello?
He's running for Mayor of Chicago, a city, not a state office.
Rahm was obviously picked by Obama for this position !! Just a coincidence that Obamas political machine started in Illinois ? The people historically have no say in strong arm politics !! We WILL fight in 2012
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL " Has anyone mentioned the fact that Rahm's polling in the mid-40's?"
Does that poll include the dead voters? We know they will vote for him.
lol
Lets see how many regular people accept a job offer move out of state and then move back and try to get in state college tuition, run for major or anything else! LAWS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN...SEEMS SO
Bolsen - actually the two who can't be bought are Republicans so there is not certainty to that, is there???
I feel sorry for the folks in Chicago--but hey, they're gonna get the rest of their brood here in less than 2 years, so they get what they love.
Go Rahm! Screw Chicagoans--because they obviously love to get screwed!
You are so correct Feisty and over $11m in the bank, ten of it raised in December alone. This one will be fun to watch.
You just can't make this stuff up, great theatre. My thought when the ruling came yesterday, what if people write him in.... obviously he is the people's choice we could be watching this one for some time to come. Pass the pop corn.
Anyone who serves at the behest of the President or his aids in positions that are solely for a certain period of time, should be counted the same as military personnel who are based out of their residential states.
Why would anyone object to this? Politically motivated reasons are not based on reasonable interpretation of the situation.
Roy---as goes Chicago, so goes Illinois. Was this a geography lesson or merely a 6th grade civics one?
He's on, he's off, he's back on once again. So why shouldn't he run for the office? While on active duty military service (regardless of whether being stationed overseas or in another State from the original home left to serve or work in the military--also true for D.O.D. or Contractors working overseas or in another State), there is such a thing called, "Home of Record", whereby you are allowed to declare a city and state of permanent address on a legal Government Document/Form. From that point on, all taxes, unless in an actual war zone, are then directed back to your State, Home of Record". Since D.C. is not a State, OR because politicians are considered a Federal Employees on a contract in another State, it is possible that politicians are allowed the same status as the active duty military, or Contractors with their "Home of Record". Having been in the military for a very, very long time, I know this for a FACT. However, I cannot say for actual certainty that this is true for politicians, too, leaving their State to work for the Government in D.C. or elsewhere. That will be up to the Courts to decide. Therefore, in all fairness, until they finally decide what the status for his home of record is, his name should remain on the ballot. I doubt seriously that R.E. would have gone into this election in the blind of his State of Residency. If you recall, before R.E. left to accept the appointment of the Chief of Staff, he had told the President and the people through the news media that the job would be only temporary, because he some day wanted return to run for a political position in Chicago. I hope this clears up some of the confusion over the residency issue. Anyways, the Court System will finalize it one way or the other.
I am not a fan of anyone who works(ed) for President Obama.
That said, I think the IL Supreme Court should allow Rahm to run for mayor of Chicago.
People vote where they reside. Rahm voted in Chicago.
The "temporary" residence he had in Washington DC was TEMPORARY. How dare the State of Illinois preclude someone from making a living. Rahm moved to DC on a temporary basis for a job.
Not to mention, isn't Rahm the front-runner in the polls? It is only fair that the people of Chicago vote for who they want to be mayor.
Some of these election lawsuits are starting to become nauseating.
To Karen in L.A:
To quote you: " Some of these election lawsuits are starting to become nauseating."
And I might add that it is a very costly expense to the taxpayers. So much for fiscal restraint.
Good. I strongly dislike court decided elections.
and this isn't a court decided election?
You like payoffs and bribes instead?
I like the voters deciding.
GShear: You're RIGHT, the courts should NOT decide elections. We should follow established election law.
That's where the Florida Supreme Court usurped the FL Legislature in the 2000 election of Bush vs. Gore by rewriting and issuing new election laws. It seems like that's where the Illinois Supreme Court is going, by usurping the IL Legislature by perhaps ruling that living in one state, with the intention to return to another state, is the same as living in that State. I suppose that the exception for a member of the Armed Forces should certainly apply to Raham, after all, he was fighting for his Country, wasn't he? (sarcasm)
This would be counter to logic, and apparently past precedent, but might make perfect sense to them, as well as Raham and his sycophants. Why let laws and legal precedents impede the Democratic agenda?
What the 81 - Emanuel never "moved" from Chicago. He went to serve the President of the United States with every intention of returning. The way our state constitution reads he should never have been "off" the ballot. If the apellate courts ruling had stood then every congressman/woman, every senator would no longer be residents. Stupid lawsuit to begin with. Let the voters decide who they want.
It is normal , It is Chicago you know that?
Hey Rezco buddy !!!!!!!!
My brother was just here for a visit from Chicago and the concensus there is Rahm will win and become Chicago's next Mayor.
That is because the seat was paid in full.
How about letting the seat be voted on? No one is paying the 40 plus percent of Chicagoans that want to vote for Rahm.
Charles - people like Longhair just want to create chaos. I live in Chicago and no one is paying me for my vote. People who have no clue like to spout off like they do.
Rahm 44% Chicago voter approval. ALL other candidates combined <44%. Let the people vote!
rapture2010
Rahm 44% Chicago voter approval. ALL other candidates combined <44%. Let the people vote!
LOL.. I love the math skills .. guess the other 12% are just dead people..
Ted - no but like in any poll there are the "undecided." Have you ever heard of that????
Really folks, just can't get enough of the whole vote early vote often, Chicago lets dead people vote, Chicago is corrupt, Emmanual bought the judges.
In case you didn't know, the ILLINOIS Supreme Court is looking at the desicion of the ILLINOIS court of Appeals, not the Chicago Supreme Court and the Chicago Court of Appeals.
I guess citizens of Chicago shouldn't get to vote for who they want, we should get to pick between a bunch of mediocre candidates at best.
Serving the POTUS is an honor and it is extremely rare, if it ever happens that when the POTUS asks you to serve that someone would say no. A person who is in service to the President should not be penalized.
If you read the opinion, Rahm is still registered to vote as a Chicago resident, he still pays taxes, his driver's license reflects that he is a resident of Chicago. My question is why are these individuals so concerned with Rahm's residency. Why don't they want him to be able to run? That is the better question.
Law is interpreted, like it or not, it is not crystal clear and you can easily twist it and find precident to support your side.
I guess the Federal Governement is just as corrupt as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Bush was the President. He may have actually won, but the U.S. Supreme Court made the decision.
At least they are looking at it before we vote and not waiting until after we vote.
Wow, that judge should finally make a choice. Good for Rahm.
Different judges. They're all making choices.
Yahoo! Love Rahm the next mayor!
GO Rahm!
Good. After all, Rahm is from Chicago and has been holding a residence and paying state taxes there even while he was in Washington DC serving his country. I believe it's best that the voters decide whether or not he should be Chicago's next mayor. I'm not passing judgement on whether he should or should not be elected mayor; my only point is this is something for the voters to decide, not the courts.
It was my understanding he listed his place of residence as DC as to avoid paying City/State taxes.
Any truth to that?
Agreed. Service to your country, military or otherwise, should not force a residence change.
Just heard that he has been paying IL and city taxes for the last two years and his voter registration is still Chicago sooooo - my answer would be no COMMONSENSEDUDE.
Rahm was serving his country. Absolutley agree with Illinois Supreme Court.
Anyone who is relocated by serving the public, should be eligible for further public service.
Curious, is that the same way you feel about gay marriage? Should it be decided by voters or the courts? If he doesn't qualify I don't believe he should be allowed to run, no matter who he is friends with.
Service to your Country often means your vote is never counted, it is never even opened. That has been shown over and over. As a spouse of the military I can tell you that our voices are often not heard. If the above statement about him skipping on taxes by claiming DC as a residence, then shame on him, if true he made his choice, he should not be allowed to run, if it is not true and he is a tax paying legal resident of Ill then he should be allowed to run. Case closed, My husband is from TX, I am from HI, I pay my taxes in my state and out of state taxes in the state we live in because I work there and if my money can cover it and pay taxes in two states surely he could manage. Poor guy.
I'm not sold on the serving your country smoke screen. The point of the requirement is so that the potential Mayor is in touch with what is happening in Chicago and can address the issues. Rahm chose to go to the White House and serve. He has every opportunity to run for Mayor; that is, after he is done in DC and has lived (not just maintained a residence) in Chicago for a year. And yes, this goes for Armed Service people also.
MPWIFE - you should seek the help of a tax professional because nobody is required to pay income tax to TWO states. You may have to file in two states (once I had to file in three), but you only have to pay income taxes to the one where you claim residence. Property taxes are paid where the property is and have nothing to do with residency. As a member of the military you should claim residense in Florida, where they have NO state income tax.
"BWC-2982008
Curious, is that the same way you feel about gay marriage? Should it be decided by voters or the courts? If he doesn't qualify I don't believe he should be allowed to run, no matter who he is friends with."
Huh? What has gay marriage have to do with courts deciding who is qualified to run for office?
I pay property taxes and such on land and a home in two states, my income tax in another and since my personal business is open and active in yet another place taxes are paid there as well, as stated above my husband is from TX no tax, I don't need to cheat the government out of money by changing my place of residence, I pay a much higher rate being out of state than others making the same money, why because my husband is serving this country, do I complain no not at all, I do what I have to do. So maybe you should get details before informing me of my tax situation, I have them done every year and they have been dead on so far, so thanks for your help. My only point on taxes was if he didn't pay them shame on him, for cheating, if he did no worries.
jon,
I think that depends on the state. Not sure about HI. Unless she's from Florida or works in Florida she can't become a Florida resident. I was a Michigan resident while in the Military, one of 9 states that don't require to pay state tax while serving. I retired and moved to Florida and became a FLorida resident and receive 55K homestead too, plus other beni's
...Of course , there is no "actually living there " requirement ...only a residencey requirement . Perhaps the members of the Illinois supreme court are more familiar with legal nuance than are we ...maybe.
To all who think Rahm was doing "Service to his Country", UM HELLO!!! The only service he did was for himself in working in the White House! It was about him and his political connections and the money was DEFINITELY about him! If you are NOT a living resident for a year in the state of where you decide to run for office, then you can't run.
And quit bringing the Military personnel into this! If you don't actually know anything about being in the Military, SHUT UP! We sacrifice more than this man has ever thought of doing for our country. We CAN'T use "Political Influence's" to help us gain fame and fortune like Rahm can.
So tell me again how this man is a self sacrificing, willing to die for his country to keep himself free, and to use his political clout to do illegal things?
I'm currently serving in california. after my wife and I moved here from Illinois, she no longer pays illinois taxes and files a non-resident tax return in california (because my residency is still illinois and we file jointly) Depending on what state you are from, your tax requirements may be different.
MPWIFE, I hope you are having your taxes done professionally by an actual accountant. If it's HR Block or one of those other mass production tax companies, you might want to look into getting a CPA. They aren't any more expensive and considering their year round job is doing taxes, they will get you a much better return. (HR Block screwed up my taxes some time back and cost me over 6 grand in interest and penalties and it took them over a year of me talking with them, then threatening them to honor their guarantee that I had paid for)
I agree that if Rahm was paying Illinois taxes and maintaining his Illinois residency even if he was living in DC for the past couple of years, then there is no reason he can't run. The question is: has he? does anyone have that answer?
You are entitled to that opinion but the military is clearly exempt from losing residency. The unclear legal issue here is other jobs that are doing the business of the State of Federal government have the same exception as the military.
commonsense dude - not really using that commonsense are you? No he did not list his residency in DC and yes he still paid taxes on his home here. He also still voted here, etc.
Property taxes are not relevant. They are not a sign of residency. Please use your head. DID HE PAY INCOME TAXES THERE!!
If you're in the military and stationed in IRAQ for 20 years you're still paying taxes to you state of residency, which if you were smart, you changed to a state with no income tax before deployment!
Ted, he paid income taxes here too. Plus voted here in elections - which of course, he couldn't do if he wasn't considered a resident!
According to the law - he doesn't qualify - wonder who got to the Court and caused the change?
Wrong. The law is not clear. You can't make a definitive statement either way.
Very wrong. Congressmen/women and senators are not required to maintain two homes.
The same way someone serving in Iraq or Afghanistan for the last two years can come home and run for office. He is still a resident, even though he wasn't physically in Chicago. We have untold numbers of people serving in our goverment, who are still residents of states thay haven't set foot in for years. There are people serving our Military, State Department, etc. who haven't set foot in the US for years - Are they still residents of the US? Of course they are. It's really not that hard of a concept to understand. Is It?
Should Senators and Congress people be held to the same residency test? If he is qualified to pay Ill. taxes and vote there then he is a citizen.
The statement about the military and where we live and work is valid, but we do maintain two households at all times while that happens, Our homes in the US are still going while our soldiers our overseas. We also pay taxes no matter where we live in the US to our home states. The fact is he was in Washington, DC, not a war zone and I am getting tired of people acting like it is even close to being the same. My husband is willing to die for your freedom, all politicians do is run their mouths, and talk. BIG DIFFERENCE!
The Ill supreme court is wrong. You cannot be a resident and turn your primary residence into a rental and move out. Can't happen anywhere but Ill. You can't vote in DC and claim Ill residence. Stop comparing working in Obama's staff to the military. The military is exempted specifically in law. Congressmen retain home residences in other states because they don't sell or rent out their property, continue to own and live there and cast their votes in their respective states. Emanuel fails all the tests for residence....period. Owning property there has zero, I repeat, zero impact on what your residence status is. Then again, as one Democrat stated yesterday, despite the obvious lack of residency in Chicago never rule an Illinois democrat out when the Illinois supreme court is in session.....Gotta love those Chicago/Ill politics; nothing but crooks and looks like the residents love it.
Rahm got a little too greedy. He turned his RESIDENCE into an INCOME PROPERTY. I too own income property in different communities and states, for that matter. That doesn't make me a resident! If he mainained his residence here, and had a second residence in DC, I'd then consider him a resident, but the greedy little one has been caught with his hand in the money jar.
Oh, guaranteed there were some phone calls made from Washington in the past few days!
MPWIFE - Not everyone maintains two households. Most single enlisted simply put their stuff in storage and move overseas for their tour. We we were stationed in Germany for three years, we didn't maintain a household in Florida, but we were STILL residents of Florida. How about people working with the State Department? Do they have to serve in a war zone to qualify for residence. Come on use your common sense.
"Arwen Dycus
According to the law - he doesn't qualify - wonder who got to the Court and caused the change?"
When the law isn't clear, then the courts have to determine how to apply the law.
Do you have a better solution?
FIPnomore, I also own INCOME property in another state and again I am not a resident there nor would I claim to be. He is greedy, but having lived in DC twice in the past ten years, I would trust anyone in the White House or Congress with my personal wallet or life choices, they all seem to be unable to put the good of our Country before the good of their gold lined pockets.
Jone,
But you had a Florida Drivers license right? Your LES will say your state. State Department would be based on were they live in the States.
Just the good ole windy city MAFIA
Dear MPWIFE-
You may want to talk to a tax professional before April 15th comes around again. Active duty military personnel are EXEMPT from state tax- in fact, in Illinois I believe they are exempt from state taxes even if they are still living in the state (like, stationed to a base there for instance). Another point- senators, most white house personel, etc - people who are "temporary"- even for a couple years-must pay state taxes from their home states, especially senators becuase they must maintain there status as a resident of the state. Anyway, Rahm didnt "choose" to go to DC- he was asked by the president. You ebeter have a darn good reason to say no when the president asks you to serve. Final point- the voters of Chicago dont seem to mind- he's ahed in the polls by about 20 points.
danus - wrong - he only moved to DC to serve the President. Still paid taxes here, still voted here, etc. Also, the part of the state constitution that addresses military service still holds true for someone serving the country as part of the president's staff. There is no difference in the way it is written.
For those of you putting your two cents on MPWIFE's tax status, obviously you did not pay attention to what she said AND you do not know all the particular's about tax law. She said her HUSBAND was in the military, not her. She said the business that she owned was HER income, not HIS. Therefore, her income would be taxable. She said that she has a business presence in HI, i.e., she has NEXUS in HI. When you have a business presence in a state, you have to pay taxes to that state whether or not you live there. You can take a deduction in the state you live for taxes paid in the other state, if you owe tax there. Since the state of her current residence is TX, she gets no deduction, save a federal one for Schedule A if she has enough itemized deductions to file. But, she gets to pay 25% (or whatever it is now) sales tax because that is how TX affords to have no income tax. Gotta love these amateur accountants!
Oh, if it was only that simple....apparently, along with the residency law there is a law that provides an exception to the residency law IF you are not living in Chicago or Illinois because you are "in the service of the United States of America".....like serving in the Military, or Serving as a Secretary of Labor or in the House or Senate...OR as Chief of Staff to the President of the United States...apparently, it doesn't hurt to be way ahead in the polls of your opponents, which sort of gives the Judicary a hint as to the "voters intent" as well. But whatever it is, politics are NEVER boring in Illinois, especially in Chicago!
Must be nice to have such authority, to expedite ones case over a day, and get the justice you seek. Even if it means, violating laws on the books. This isn’t new for Illinois. The law be damned, the libs do what they please. After all, if you can’t get rid of inconvenient judges and/or their legal opinions, you have no business running Chicago.
If they are dumb enough to elect this incompetent fool than let ‘em
Of coourse he will. Do you not understand the dynamics of the Democratic Machine in Chicago/Illinois.
I dont understand how a man who clearly has not lived Chicago for the past year is granted permission to have his name of the ballot for election! This is why our country is in the place it is now, people who think they are above the law with no regard to the justified way of things being done...Guess Obama picked up a phone and made the phone call to make it happen!
I cannot believe the complete ignorance of you all regarding the issue of residency of people in office or in government service. Do our soldiers lose their residence status while abroad for a couple of years? Of course not. Neither do government employees who are temporarily (yes, even multiple years are TEMPORARY) residing in places other than their home towns/states. If that were the case, people who are in the Senate, House, etc., if they failed to live in their state "enough," would be ineligible for the next election. After all, they are LIVING in Washington, D.C., or thereabouts, aren't they? Get a grip and don't listen to the spin doctors telling you otherwise.
Renee--he votes there, he pays taxes there. He should be allowed to run.
I have a novel idea... how about leaving it up to the voters of Chicago to decide who their next Mayor will be?
Great point. Bil94134, couldn't have said it any better. Seems like a double standard towards Rahm.
I agree with Bil94134. We would not be having this debate if the person running for Mayor had just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. The President asked Mr Emmanuel to serve his country and he did so. He should not be punished for serving his country. As a former member of the armed forces, I maintained my state of legal residency, voted and was exempt from paying state tax as a member of the armed forces. Mr Emmanuel's service to our country, should be viewed as no less important!
What a refreshing thought Charles!
All of a sudden everyones a 'so called expert!' lol
Hi Renee.
Your understanding gets muddled in what you believe to be "clear" evidence that he isn't a Chicagoan and would therefore not be attuned to what Chicagoans want. If this was the case, if he truly didn't have a clue of the Chicago environment he wouldn't have such a strong backing from Chicago citizens.
I thought he rented out his Chicago house, thus losing residency. If no bed to sleep in you're not a resident. Should have left it unoccupied. Right or wrong?
Not a great point, Bil94134. Unfortunately, the mayor of Chicago is expected to live in the city in which they wish to run. They are not expected to live elsewhere to do their job (representatives/senators/soldiers/etc.). Also, soldier's residency status is not affected by where they serve our country. If someone moves for a job, they change residency, regardless if they mean to return. Their is a requirement to be a resident in the year prior to the election, which he plainly doesn't meet.
Bil,
You make an excellent point about Soldiers and such, but my question is that did Rahm pay Chicago/Ill taxes while in Washington? Soldier have to pay their state taxes, except for 9 of them. If he paid taxes in Chicago, then let him run, if not, take him off the ballot.
Paul,
Members of the armed forces are actually exempt from paying state taxes. Unlike some other states, IL even exempts taxing military pay even if the member is living in the state, such as those assigned to recruiting duty or national guard service.
"Renee-2781379
I dont understand how a man who clearly has not lived Chicago for the past year is granted permission to have his name of the ballot for election! This is why our country is in the place it is now, people who think they are above the law with no regard to the justified way of things being done...Guess Obama picked up a phone and made the phone call to make it happen!"
I guess Obama will not be qualified to run for mayor of Chicago, either, after he finishes his 8 years, living in DC, as president.
The city of Chicago requires that many positions be held by people living within the city limits. The lower court has made this distinction between owning property and actually living in it. Its another day of dems and reps liking the way they interpret the rule better than the other viewpoint.
I only see it as another stinking politician that beleives rules do not apply to them.
The Il. Supreme sublime court will decide after the checks are in
@ Bil94134 ~
You seem to be accusing a lot of people of "ignorance," without understanding the legal issue yourself.
Elected officials DO have to maintain a domicile in their home districts in order to be eligible to run. Emanuel is being treated no differently. The only issue is whether he did that here. The mere fact that he went off to public service in Washington does NOT, repeat NOT, establish that essential fact, especially where he rented out his house and moved nearly all his possessions to Washington. Any politician who did the same might very well face the same question.
Dan,
"Members of the armed forces are actually exempt from paying state taxes"
If you looked at what I posted, there's 9 states that don't have to pay. If you joined the military from one of those 9 states you don't pay state taxes, if you change your residency while stationed in one of those 9 states you don't pay taxes.
It was also proven that Rahm left behind a boxes & boxes of personal items in the basement of his home!
Wonder why he would do that if he didn't plan on returning?
American Citizen-1779594
check is already in,
rahm main opponent is endorsed by the Illinois Supreme members Anne Burkes husband Aldermen Ed Burke. Ed burke does not throw money away, you will see if its up to Ed, his wife will rule to keep rahm off the ballot.
First the armed forces have specific laws regarding their residency.
Legistlators have specific laws regarding their residency.
As such neither are remotely relevant to the discussion.
The test of resdidency is based on illionos and chicago law.
Maybe they have an exemption for his specific situation but probably not.
So did he live there? NO
Did he pay chicago taxes? NO
You cannot have your cake and eat it to!
IF IT'S RULED THAT HE WAS A RESIDENT: Then he could be put in jail for tax evasion because he "was a resident" but didn't pay his city income tax! I suggest that he should file an amended return and pay them now before he ends in in prison..
Aww, I thought Democracy had a chance Now we have a thief in chief Mayor in Chi Town. what a shame.
Bil94, you're a FOOL... The IL State statues make provisions for members of the Armed Forces, not for civilian members of the Executive Branch. A soldier is ORDERED to each place of duty, sometimes against their wishes, I mean, who really wants to go to Fort Irwin, CA or some other desolate location. All PCS, TDY and Deployments are under ORDERS.
Raham CHOOSE to move to Washington, DC. Yes, for service to his Country, but also to serve his political objectives. A member of the Armed Forces isn't really serving a political party now are they? It's for those very reasons that members of the Armed Forces are granted certain privileges that others aren't, because they are sent to places NOT of their CHOOSING.
Richard - totally ignorant. No other words needed.
Ted,
Where exactly is illionos? Can't seem to find it on my map.
Did he pay Chicago tax. YES, he paid his Cook county property taxes and Illinois income taxes.
BTW - CHICAGO DOESN'T EVEN HAVE AN INCOME TAX!! No municipalities in IL have income taxes (unlike Indiana). Something else you should consider before railing about the recent IL income tax increase of 2 points which only made us average to other states since 3% was on the low end (unless you live in a 0% state).
Paul,
I didn't understand what "except for 9 of them" was referring to. My point was, Illinois is one of those states that does exempt paying state taxes. Therefore, your comment "If he paid taxes in Chicago, then let him run, if not, take him off the ballot" would not matter. Chicago also does not charge an income tax and Mr Emmanuel did pay property tax to Chicago.
Rahm Emanuel is a Chicago resident. That should be undisputed. If he's not, in what city or place would you consider his residency to be??? I think this law is a good one, but it's meant for people who live out of town or out of state who just bust on into Chicago & get their name on the ballot. You know this happens all too frequently. Let's say, for example, that Sarah Palin would decide to run for mayor of Chicago -- now that would violate the law, although there are people who might well believe otherwise.
I have read the rants and raves. I have read the comments of this is similar to military duty. Guess what, it does. When a person goes into government service or the military, he/she does not give up their residency status.
"Although they are domiciled outside of the state, their residency will continue to be with the State of Illinois as long as they never state or take actions to become the resident of another State or District". So, as long as he never announced that he would "not" return to the City of Chicago in the Great State of Illinois, he is still a resident.
The Supreme Court has upheld this ruling when states with military bases tried to tax the incomes of Military members and Government employees who were transferred and stationed within their state. The Supreme Court stated as long as the intent to return to the "home" state upon completion of service could not be "disproved", the original state of residence at the time you joined the Military and/or Government service shall remain the state of residency.
Now, if he filed a "non-resident" tax form with the State of Illinois during he absence and filed a resident tax form in the state he was Domiciled in, that is enough to show intent that he was not returning to the State of Illinois.
That is the question that needs answerred. Not, did he pay property taxes. Many landlords are not residents of the state they own rental property in. So, who has the answer to the $64 question. How did he file his "income taxes", then you have the Legal basis on which the Supreme Court of the Great State of Illinois will rule. I have not lived in the boarders of the State of Illinois for 24 years. I am still recognized by the State of
Dan,
The 9 others is the states I was referring too. Ill is one of those 9 states and I know Michigan and Florida too.
Since I don't live in Chicago, I figured it was like other big cities that have City taxes that are added on. Example is Detroit, if you live in Detroit and work in Detroit there's a 1 1/2% City tax on top of the state tax. If you live in the burbs and work in Detroit it was/is 3% on top of your state taxes.
Politics as usual if you have money and are supported by the party, laws are meaningless to you.
Chicago remember vote often and vote early
"Politics as usual." A popular phrase used by the former governor of Alaska, whose responsibility to govern was so 'meaningful' to her that she quit.
Actually, it's vote early and often, even if you are dead. Guess you're not from Chicago.
Hey if you can't beat 'em sue 'em!! Tis the Chicago way! LOL!!
Networc:
Didn't Rahm quiet his job in Washington D.C.? I know only Palin welched on her job. I wonder why Rahm quiet his job in Washington D.C. to be mayor of Chicago? Politicians are always finding ways to screw the tax payer's.
66mustangcow - oh just stay in Texas or wherever and please stay out of our business.
Redfray - Yes, Rahm quit his unelected position on the President's staff.. so that he can campaign for an elected position where, in my opinion, he'll have more direct responsibility as a leader.
But I guess that's on par with Palin's decision to quit so she can go camping with Kate + 8.
The appellate court made a huge mistake....if Rahm didn't qualify how could senators and congressmen(women) who reside most of the time in DC? Or Mark Kirk who never came home when he was congressman in the 10th district?
They do not "move out of their homes" - they maintain a temporary residence in Washington, but their homes are in their districts!!!! Rahm did not....he has not LIVED in Chicago for 2 years....just more ObamA corruption.
You are delusional, Allie. Don't like Omaba, so you make up the truth to fit your bias?
Being elected makes a difference. Brings with it different benefits and priviliges. Rahm is buying this with favors owed. Guess you should not expect more from Chicago!
Senators and members of congress are expected to represent their state/district while spending the majority of their time working in Springfield or DC, whereas the mayor of Chicago is expected to be a resident of the city, in fact it's a prerequisite, perhaps if you used a relevant and accurate comparison you'd be less confused.
I don't like Rahm. But he is a Chicago resident and it's up to the voters. This whole Republican crybaby approach is childish. I hope he's on the ballot and he loses. But if he doesn't then that's the business of the citizens of Chicago. Not your right wing extremist trolls.
Allie, many congressmen move out of their homes as it is too cost prohibitive to maintain that home plus an expensive apartment in Washington D.C. Mr Emmanuel kept his home and as a government servant, maintains residency. As you recall he was a Congressman from Chicago prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff. Federal servants should not be punished when they desire to serve in a local capacity.
Allie,
Rahm rented out his home, continued paying property taxes, voted in absentia in Chicago, never even changed his drivers license, and even stored family possessions (including his wife's wedding dress) in the basement of his Chicago home. The Chicago election board has pictures of all this. If this dosen't indicate he never intended to officially change his domicile to D.C. I'm not sure what does.
rapture - how do stored possessions in a basement equate to residing there? They don't. I have homes in 4 states. I have possessions including vehicles etc. at all of them. I am the only one that goes to them and "resides" in them when I want to - I don't rent them out. By your standards I can be a resident anywhere I happen to be; that's wrong. By law I can only have one residence and in every state it stipulates I have to reside there, not store my wife's wedding dress.
I have to wonder how he rents out his home, which removes him from being a resident, but then retains his Ill drivers license....how can you do that? Not in any other state. I read that he voted in DC and another posted here that he voted in Ill in absencia. If he voted in DC he is not a resident of Ill - pure no brainer. I have read from his supporters he paid Ill taxes. What kind of taxes? Property? He has to whether he is a resident or not if he owns property. Income taxes? How, if he was renting out his residence and didn't have another one? He has either been breaking the law in the past by claiming residence in a state where he did not have a residence (Ill. - rental property cannot be claimed as a residence) or he was a resident of DC. It really is quite clear.
Republican Cry baby what?....
No Republican gives a crap about chicago! It's a lost cause of a city since 1931. Get a clue.
Did he pay Chicago city tax on income?
Did he pay illionois state income tax?
Answer yes to those two and I'm fine with him being called a resident, if he didn't he's either a crook or he made and "error" and needs to amend his taxes and pay them now!
Pretty simple huh?
Ted,
Chicago does not have a city tax on income so that question is moot.
He has paid his property taxes to both the city and the county and the record can be seen here...
""
He claims he did pay Illinois State Income Tax so therefore, call him a resident
Dansu-
DC is a Federal District not a state. The fact that legislators and other gov't employees temporarily stay there during their terms, or their bosses terms, is a matter of convenience not a domicile change. It's one of the reasons DC was set up that way, not to be under a state's influence. Congressmen do it all the time. It's too expensive to keep two houses, travel frequently to DC, be away from family for extended periods, etc. The fact he stored his possessions in his rented out house clearly indicates an intent to return, which is a key component of determining if an individual has officially changed his location of domicile. He filed IL state income tax returns covering investment income,rental income, etc., not W2.
And obviously the IL Supreme Court saw it this way also.
The King Speaks
Why am I not surprised by the action of the Illinois Supreme Court? Rahm is a major figure in the Chicago political machine and the former Chief of Staff for the current President of the US who also just happens to hail from Chicago. Guess the Justices didn't want dead fishes delivered to their offices like Rahm did to someone else.
Your complete ignorance of the law and its construction and interpretation does not make others dishonest -- it just reinforces your lack of knowledge.
Rules and laws be damned! He's a Dem. Was there any doubt?
Amazing sleeze
Rahm is a total jackarse.
That has no relevance to the discussion.
it may not have relevance, but chicagoans will find out soon enough once he gets elected by the sheeple.
Way to go Rahm. I knew you'd get it done.
Just more Chicago corruption and Obama's backroom dealing. The citizens of Chicago are getting just what they deserve, another crook in control of the city. Shameful.
You are a piece of work, Allie. Delusional and a propagandist -- what a combination.
Did Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin tell you to think that?
Allie - Maybe you should move to Chicago, Run for Mayor, and YOU could be the Mayor Chicago deserves. LMAO. Dont' they deserve to to choose or maybe YOU should get appoint the Mayor.
No, I think it was Rush.
Allie:
Sounds like some of your repliers are muslims?
Alie - you clearly are delusional and probably live in Alaska. Chicago can outdo most cities in a heartbeat. It's a beautiful city and you're just jealous.
How embarrassing. To say that Rahm's time spent in Washington prevented him from the requisite "direct contact" with constituents necessary for eligibility is, at best, quaint and, at worst, disingenuous.
so the 2 out of 3 judges that knocked your man Rahm off the ballot are just plain stupid?
Ok sure we all are so stupid- All of us, but you.
Sounding like Obama there, handout taker
so the 2 out of 3 judges that knocked your man Rahm off the ballot are just plain stupid?
Or maybe the fact he's polling so well, Chicago people are stupid apparently.
John M - Stupid? Not in the least. They are judges, after all.
If anything, they are smart enough to couch their rationale within the antiquated (ie: quaint) notion that spending 2 years in Washington has caused Rahm to become completely irrelevant to Chicagoans.
This is why I used the word 'disingenuous'.
More of the shameful liberal policies of this administration and more of the backroom deals we've seen during what is the worst administration in US history. Unemployment hovering at 10%, gas prices at $3.15 on avg, housing market getting worse, but all you'll hear tonight it that we're in "recovery" ...what a sham!
Good to hear your opinion, Rush.
Beeranus, those are just facts brah
Unrelated facts.
Unemployment hovering at 10%, gas prices at $3.15 on avg, housing market getting worse, but all you'll hear tonight it that we're in "recovery" ...what a sham!
Yes, it is up to Barack Obama to bring unemployment to 0, gas prices to free, buy your house for you.
Maybe next he can change the weather on the east coast. I love how you think the President can do anything about these issues when people who want limited government think anything he does is too much.
I would love it if he and every other government employment stopped trying to do anything about it.
Unfortunatly stupid people voted for him because he said he was going to keep umemployement at 8% get us out of Iraq, close gitmo, and be finacially responsible. Hum.. Yeah.. No change just more of the same.
Unfortunatly stupid people voted for him
You know you really don't help your case when you misspell while trying to insult people's intelligences for their political beliefs.
The Chicago mafia at its best, including our fearless leader
The "mafia" moved from Chicago long ago. Very few remain in the city.
Rule of Law? apparently does not apply...
We seem to be living under a disingenuous Administration to begin with-why stop now.
Situational ethics..at it's finest...
Kinda like "Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and we have the intelligence to prove it."
oooh..the check finally cleared...good thing too
Did anyone REALLY expect anthing less??
Money wins elections and dictates legal "decisions", Rahm has money.
It's not just money... who wants to place bets that he called in a favor. Maybe from one certain President? Hmm... I wonder what a phone call from the president of the US will get you? Maybe a ticket on a ballot that you don't qualify to be on?
Money wins elections and dictates legal "decisions", Rahm has money.
Whitman had a lot of money too, and that worked SOOO well in California.