State Rep. John Fritchey, whose tenure in the Illinois Statehouse overlaps completely with Barack Obama's eight-year state senate career, assesses Obama's talents, leadership skills and judgment; Fritchey also comments on the end game for this year's Illinois legislative session.
Jeff Berkowitz, host and producer of "Public Affairs," debates and discusses state legislative issues and Barack Obama's Presidential judgment and leadership traits with State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago).
Fritchey received an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Northwestern University. Chairman of the House Civil Judiciary Committee, Rep. Fritchey was selected as one of one hundred rising stars in 2001 by the Democratic Leadership Council. He has been an Assistant Illinois Attorney General and Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University; Fritchey currently, along with his legislative responsibilities, is in private practice.
Fritchey's twelve-year tenure in the Illinois Statehouse includes the eight years (1997-2004) that Obama served in the Illinois State Senate
Fritchey stated, in response to fairly critical comments made by former Republican Senator Steve Rauschenberger and current Deputy Republican Leader and State Senator Christine Radogno that Obama had proved himself time and time again to be, in the State Senate, somebody who wanted to get things done and had the ability to get things done.
Fritchey argued that Obama "as been able to resonate with people that have been tired of the Washington process...tired of the same old business as usual and he has been getting people engaged in the process who have never been engaged before."
Berkowitz asked whether Obama's close association with Tony Rezko (now on trial in a federal courtroom in Chicago for extortion charges), especially during Obama's U. S. Senate Campaign in 2003-04 and as a part of Obama's 2005 purchase of his $1.95 million dollar (list price) mansion on the South Side of Chicago, reflected good judgment on Obama's part.
Fritchey conceded that Obama, himself, had acknowledged that his involving of Rezko in the house purchase was "a stupid thing to do." On the other hand, Fritchey noted that there have been no proven improprieties by Barack in the house deal.
Similarly, Fritchey and Berkowitz did some point-counterpoint about Obama's judgment and leadership in his handling of his "spiritual advisor," Pastor Jeremiah Wright.
And, Fritchey and Berkowitz did more point-counterpoint on Obama's reform credentials, as one might assess based on Obama's decision not to endorse in the 2006 Democratic Primary race for Cook County Board President between reformer Forrest Claypool and old time, non-reformer regular organization Democrat John Stroger.
As to state legislative issues, Fritchey and Berkowitz discussed whether the state legislative session will go into overtime, on May 31, 2008, with the General Assembly not having yet enacted an 08-09 Budget. Also discussed were the personal hostilities between Governor Blagojevich and Speaker Mike Madigan, with Senate President Jones lining up with Blagojevich, and the Republican House and Senate leaders lining up, generally, with Speaker Mike.
Berkowitz and Fritchey debate and discuss whether the 07-08 budget has holes in it and will develop additional holes, over time. Also discussed are non-tax revenue sources, e.g., gaming expansion, including several additional casinos; a lease of the state lottery; securitization of the tobacco settlement; and issuance of state pension bonds. The difference between access to health coverage and access to health care is also discussed.
Rep. Fritchey has been the sponsor of a tax swap and/or an increase in the income tax rate in Illinois and that is discussed with show host Jeff Berkowitz. Also discussed and debated was whether an increase in the income tax in Illinois would chase companies to surrounding states, and whether Rep. Fritchey thinks the Illinois legislature will vote for an income tax increase this year.
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