The Stonecipher Report

Illinois GOP Mess May Lead to (Somewhat of) a Career Resurrection For One of the State's Republican Ryans…

Posted By: Michael Sweeney

Oct. 10, 2009

The last name "Ryan" – a classic old Irish surname – has been associated with several Illinois Republican politicians over the past decade or so…mostly, however, to notable political FAILURES. Let’s check the list: First and foremost, there was Governor George Ryan (1999 – 2003), the Kankakee pharmacist who buddied and corrupted his way up through state government (including a notorious stint as Secretary of State, collecting bribes and contributions in trade for favors, licenses, and contracts) before being sent to prison after his mostly unaccomplished (except for his brave stand against unwarranted capital punishment) single term in the Governor’s mansion.

What’s Perhaps Harder to Find in Chicago Than Ketchup on Hot Dogs? A Young Republican…

Posted By: Michael Sweeney

Aug. 1, 2009

I spotted the ad originally on a CTA bus back maybe 6 weeks ago and intended to write about it (I even recorded myself a little reminder on my cell phone, noting what the ad said), but…hey, this is Chicago…and I frankly could give a rat’s ass about how its few, semi-lonely youngish (and completely wrongheaded) Republicans manage to attempt to huddle together, thinking (again, wrongly) that things may change and that they may have any impact on anything at all. Anyway, nationally – as we have covered here multiple times (such as here and here) – in 2006 and 2008, the political pendulum seemed to have swung fairly clearly and decisively AWAY from Reaganism, conservatism, and the modern (fumbling, emptying-out clown-car filled) Republican "Party of ‘No!’" So…good luck with any faux-organization, kids!

…But, there it was, taking up space on the wall of a bus (along with the ads for training schools no one has ever heard of (much less attended) and promos for instant bankruptcy help and ambulance-chasing lawyers), a placard reading: "It’s not easy being RIGHT in Chicago…Join the #1 Republican Club in Chicago…www.joinchicagoyrs.com."

How Many Right-Wing Whack Jobs Does it Take to Ruin Your Weekend?

Posted by: Stonecipher

Feb. 22, 2009

Really, it probably only takes one, but just in case that doesn't quite do the trick, we here at The Stonecipher Report present you three:

First up, everyone's favorite losing Senate and Presidential candidate, Alan Keyes.