Chicago Daily Observer

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has lined up some high-profile helpers to get his $11-billion state capital plan through the Legislature.

The governor’s office says former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Southern Illinois University President and former Congressman Glenn Poshard will lead a coalition to help pass the plan.

The governor’s capital plan was the centerpiece of his recent budget address. It relies on a partial lease of the state lottery to come up with necessary money to fix and build roads, bridges and schools.

Divine providence has a special interest in looking out for straying puppies, drunks and the Republican party.

It seemed to do so tonight with the nomination of John McCain. While not my first or second choice…and not the prime choice of many conservatives…it turns out that the Vietnam war hero is indeed the logical man if there can be found anyone who can lead the Republican party to presidential victory. And it will not be easy. I am not optimistic. Already the innate flexibility that has been woven into the political fabric and which has saved the nation from ideological wars and multi-parties has taken hold once again…and McCain is coming home after pique and past resentments to the conservatism he once embraced. He is indeed the Republican Man of the Hour.

What he must do is to (a) get some rest, (b) take over command of the Republican National ... Read More...