News March 2006

Go to Illinois Issues blog at
http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/

Senior state senator loses re-election bid

The state Senate's longest-serving member and first woman dean has served her last session with the Illinois General Assembly. After more than three decades of public service, 88-year-old Adeline Geo-Karis of Zion lost the Republican primary election to Suzanne Simpson, a Grayslake resident and Warren Township Supervisor.

Geo-Karis was born in Greece and educated at Northwestern and DePaul universities. She ran her own law firm until last year, and she served as mayor of Zion before becoming the first Lake County woman to be elected to the Illinois House in 1972. She then moved to the Senate and led the Republican Caucus in that chamber.

She says she is most proud of passing legislation for nuclear safety preparedness, alternative sources of energy and a "guilty but mentally ill" law, which allows people with mental illnesses to receive treatment while serving time in jail. Losing re-election, she says, won't stop her from being active. "Believe it or not, I'm delighted it's over with, and I have no regrets," she told Illinois Issues. "I'll figure out something. I can't walk worth a dime, but my mind is active."

Illinois Issues March 24, 2006

Topinka vs. Blagojevich

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka is Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Republican contender in the November 7 general election, according to unofficial election returns. DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett, who campaigned with Topinka, will face Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn. State Sen. Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican, will run against Chicago banker Alexi Giannoulias for the treasurer's job.  Meanwhile, Republican Barrington Hills investment banker David McSweeney will challenge U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean of Barrington for her seat in Congress.  Democrat L. Tammy Duckworth, a veteran from Hoffman Estates who was injured in the war in Iraq, will compete with state Sen. Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, for the seat held by the Henry Hyde, a Wood Dale Republican, who is retiring after three decades in Congress.

Illinois Issues March 27, 2006

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People

U.S. attorney reveals details from case
against Ryan
Government's evidentiary proffer for United States of America v. Lawrence Warner and George H. Ryan, Sr. (.pdf)

Illinois Issues, January 11, 2004

Read our analysis: George Ryan's political career

Illinois Issues, December 17, 2003

Case summary of Operation Saferoad
(updated December 17, 2003)
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osr/osrcasesummary.pdf

Press release, the Ryan indictment
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/2003/pr121703_01.pdf