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The Great Illinois Republican Debate—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 100

We told you we were going to bring the heat for our 100th episode and that is exactly what we did. What you’re about to watch isn’t a self-congratulatory episode—it’s a discussion that’s needed to happen in our party for too long, and we thought what better time and place than the Smoke-Filled Room’s centennial episode. We also couldn’t wait for you to watch it so we’re releasing it a day early!
We brought on outspoken, passionate Republicans from different segments of the Republican Party: conservatives, moderates, grassroots, establishment, north, and south. And boy, they did not disappoint! Collin Corbett served as the moderator and neutral arbitrator between Collin Moseley, Patrick Pfingsten, Kristina McCloy, Leslie Munger, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak.
We begin by airing all our grievances. Why is everyone within our party so (rightfully) frustrated, and why do we treat each other so badly? You could say this was the tame part of the episode…
Because then we get into more controversial topics, and of course there was plenty to disagree on. We get real answers on why there is such a divide between the establishment and grassroots, but not before some heated back and forth between the panelists. We talk about how different parts of our state have very different opinions on Trump—and whether you can be a Republican if you don’t support Trump.
We then discuss solutions and ideas to move us forward. What does it mean to be a Republican in Illinois, and how do we turn that into a winning brand and message? Can we agree to a commonsense approach when it comes to candidate recruitment, like “the most conservative candidate who can win?” And should the party get involved in primaries?
We close with each panelist giving their vision for how we can work together to start winning elections in Illinois.
Did we solve all our party’s issues on this episode? Of course not. We (intentionally) didn’t even get into all the tactical and strategic areas we need to improve, because none of that will happen if we don’t overcome our division.
But this debate needed to happen, and it showed that while we don’t agree on everything, we agree on more things than we realize. And we all agree we want to defeat the far-left progressive Democrats who run this state so we can turn Illinois around.
00:00: Collin Sets the Stage03:46: Introductions07:43: Conservatives, Moderates, Grassroots, Establishment: Everyone Is Mad, and Oftentimes Rightfully So25:14: Why Do We Treat Each Other So Badly?42:48: Why Can't the Establishment and Grassroots Get Along?01:06:05: Can a Republican be Anti-Trump?01:27:15: What Does It Mean to Be a Republican? What Is Our Brand?01:41:48: Is Ideological Purity More Important Than Winning?02:05:45:  Should the Party Get Involved in Primaries?02:14:53: Closing Thoughts On How We Start Winning Elections in Illinois02:27:17: Collin’s Final Word

Good Ideas Done in the Stupidest Possible Way—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 99

We have 2 can’t-miss episodes beginning today. We start with a great 99th episode where we talk about topics that would only come up in Illinois. And next week we will have our special Great Illinois Republican Debate for our 100th episode. But let’s start here…
Collin Corbett and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak are joined by former State Representative Dan Caulkins, former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, and The Citizen Farmers Executive Director Mike Koolidge to discuss the latest political intel out of Springfield and around the state.
The Illinois House Democrats are moving fast to pass as many bills as possible ahead of today’s deadline, having moved hundreds so far. They’re already wearing each other down—buckle up because we haven’t even gotten to the budget yet.
We’ve talked about it the last few weeks and the Homeschool Act continues to gain more attention. The controversial bill was moved to the House floor, despite grassroots opposition like we’ve never seen before—though that opposition seems to have an impact because word is the bill won’t be called (but remain vigilant because that could be a fake out!) And, once again, House Democrats subbed out Katie Stuart so she didn’t have to cast a vote on HER OWN controversial bill. 
Later we discuss how the Illinois Supreme Court refused to hear the House GOP lawsuit on the horribly gerrymandered maps. Republicans are still searching for answers following the disappointing April 1st election results and our panel talks through lessons we should learn because the 2026 elections will be won (or lost) now. It’s going to take 24/7/365 guerrilla warfare to win, but it can be done if we get to work.
We then get into political topics: what’s next for Cook County GOP following Sean Morrison’s resignation, Lauren Underwood and Susana Mendoza making moves, and Don Harmon likely getting away with breaking election law yet again—which Don Tracy contrasts with how he was treated for a minor election law issue as a Republican.
We close out this week’s Smoke-Filled Room with our News You Can Use, like HB3762 which would allow workers to not have to report to work if the heat index was over 80 degrees, Pritzker attacking Trump for making the same cuts he’s making, and Governor Gaslight pretending everything is just fine at DCFS. Then, as always, our OGs & Clowns of the Week.
00:00: Introductions03:59: Hundreds of Bills Move During Deadline Week in Illinois House08:23: Controversial Homeschool Act Moves to House Floor Despite Statewide Opposition25:44: Illinois Supreme Court Refuses to Hear House Republican Redistricting Lawsuit37:46: Republicans Searching for Answers with the Next Election Cycle Just Four Months Away53:24: Cook County GOP Chair Sean Morrison Stepping Down, Aaron Del Mar Likely to Take Over58:43: Lauren Underwood and Susana Mendoza Making Moves for 2026 and 202701:09:22: Don Harmon Yet Again Caught Breaking Election Compliance and Disclosure Laws01:18:06: 80 Degrees is Too Warm to Work, According to Springfield Democrats01:21:34: Elgin Democrat Wants to Raise Rent on Responsible Renters to Reward Delinquent Tenants01:23:09: Abortion-Obsessed Illinois Democrats Put Abortion Pills Over Women's Health01:24:43: Pritzker Continues Attacking Trump for Making the Same Cuts He's Making01:26:20: Governor Gaslight Still Trying to Pretend Everything is Fine at DCFS01:28:59: Two Years Later, Springfield Airport Authority Still Waiting for $1 Million Owed by Pritzker's IDOT01:29:57: Illinois' Anti-Business Policies Lead to Record-High Suburban Office Vacancy01:31:48: Chicago Residents and Businesses Paying Twice as Much for Gas Compared to Last Year01:32:23: Once Again, Democrats Claim to Support Unions While Blocking Unionization01:33:51: OG & Clown of the Week01:45:26: Closing Thoughts 

Republican Strongholds Have Turned Blue—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 98

Pour yourself some liquid medication because Tuesday’s election results were not good for Republicans/conservatives. This episode, we focus on our takeaways from Tuesday. 
Sharing their insight includes Republican State Central Committeeman Aaron Del Mar, Chairman of the Clinton County Board Brad Knolhoff, former candidate for state representative Hannah Billingsley, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, with the podcast led by Collin Corbett.
We call it like it is. Center-right candidates got demolished on Tuesday night while the Democrats walked away as the ultimate winners. Former red areas like DuPage County and Barrington Township went blue while center-right mayors in Orland Park, Aurora, and Rock Island lost (among many others). No matter how it’s spun, this is a big deal and bad for Republicans. This better be a wake-up call or 2026 will be a blood bath.
Later we discuss the why and how we can prevent this from happening again. Democrats were motivated: voters wanted to vote against Republicans because of Trump and leaders within Illinois’ Democrat Party were aggressively involved in these races. Until Republicans realize these “non-partisan” races are partisan, we will continue to lose. And plain and simple, Democrats outworked Republicans. From paid voter outreach to grassroots to vote by mail efforts to the GOP’s lack of messaging, the Democrats were taking advantage of every opportunity.
We close our election recap discussing the lessons we need to carry into 2026 and how there is still hope for Republicans with Democrats not having a message beyond attacking Trump and how they keep getting more and more progressive (and out of the mainstream).
We close out this jam-packed episode sharing information on home insurance premiums in IL jumping 50% in the past 3 years, Illinois losing 11,000 jobs in January and February, and more in the News You Can Use section.
00:00: Introductions03:50: Center-Right Candidates Got Demolished in Tuesday's Local Elections28:50: Republicans, This Is a Big Deal and We Blew It35:57: Why Did Republicans and Conservatives Lose So Badly on Tuesday?57:43: What Lessons Can Be Learned from Tuesday So We Can Do Better?01:20:38: Is There Any Hope for Republicans in Illinois?01:36:39: Illinois Home Insurance Premiums Jumped 50% in Past Three Years01:37:39: Illinois Lost 11k Jobs January Through February01:41:06: Illinois Ranked Last in Nation for Ability to Withstand a Financial Crisis01:43:52: The Middle Class is Shrinking Because They're Becoming Upper Class01:46:51: OG & Clown of the Week 01:55:31: Closing Thoughts

New Poll Shows a Record Number of IL Voters Concerned About Pocketbook Issues—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 97

Between baseball’s Opening Day, the Sweet 16, the Consolidated Elections in 4 days, and the latest out of Springfield, there’s a lot to keep track of, but we have you covered in the Smoke-Filled Room.
Joining host Collin Corbett is State Senator Erica Harriss, Chairman of the Will County Republican Central Committee Christina Clausen, Chairman for Make Illinois Great Again PAC Matthew Rauschert, Executive Director of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Illinois Philippe Melin, along with Cor’s political expert Michael Butler (Chris got the afternoon off for Opening Day).
We begin discussing the looming elections—both on Tuesday and in 2026. We start highlighting races to watch throughout Illinois and talk about the Democrats’ continued involvement in the local elections. Then looking ahead to 2026, we break down the Civil War brewing within the Democrat Party as somehow, Jan Schakowsky isn’t progressive enough anymore as she faces a primary challenger. Will we see the same in districts like IL-10?
While some Republicans may be pessimistic about our chances in 2026, as Democrats move even further to the left, there will be opportunities. Between now and when petitions begin circulating in August, we need to find candidates who can speak effectively on the issues impacting the working families of this state.
Then we release results from EmpowerToWin’s Q1 Tracking Poll and give our viewers exclusive insights on where Illinoisans stand right now. The key takeways:-Half of voters, a record, are most concerned about pocketbook issues.-Illinois voters believe our state is headed in the wrong direction.-Only 20% of Illinoisans say it’s affordable to live here.-More residents want to leave Illinois than stay—something we’ve rarely seen in our polling across the country.
Later Erica gives insight into the Illinois Senate and the bills she and other Republicans have introduced that aren’t getting the attention they deserve; Philippe highlights how trial lawyers have donated over $1 million to Democrats; and Christina talks about a crazy story out of Will County where a Democrat board member was involved in a hit and run…with a kid (and is trying to cover it up).
00:00: Introductions03:11: Illinois' 2025 Local Elections End on Tuesday10:09: Schakowsky Draws Primary Challenger from Her Left as Democrat Civil War Intensifies21:35: Are Illinois Republicans “Screwed” in 2026 as Some Claim?37:27: Latest Illinois Tracking Poll Shows Voters' Moods Souring as State Becomes Even More Expensive54:59: Springfield Democrats Silencing Republicans By Cutting Off Their Mic and Burying Their Bills01:00:53: Trial Lawyers Spending Big in Illinois to Continue Lawsuit Abuse01:08:52: Democrat Will County Board Member Hit Kid on Bicycle and Fled the Scene01:11:27: Illinois and Other Blue States Raised Tax Rates Since 2000 While Red States Lowered Taxes 01:13:24: SAFE-T Act Increased Costs for Kane County, Leading to Potential Sales Tax Increase01:15:02: Careful, Republicans: TMA Survey of Manufacturers Shows Frustration Over Tariff Uncertainty01:19:08: OG & Clown of the Week 01:33:13: Closing Thoughts

Grassroots in Action: 40k Witness Slips Filed in Opposition to the Homeschool Act —Smoke-Filled Room

Hopefully your March Madness bracket isn’t already busted by the time you’re reading this. But if you’re like many politicos, between session and the upcoming municipal elections, you may have been too busy to even fill out a bracket this year.
To make sure you’re caught up on all things happening inside Illinois politics, Collin Corbett is joined by Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler, policy expert Sharon Langlotz-Johnson, chair of the Illinois Center-Right Coalition Katie Clancy, and later former State Representative Dan Caulkins.
We start with the biggest issue in Illinois right now that gained national news: the Homeschool Act. Thousands of homeschool children and parents traveled to Springfield and over 40,000 witness slips were filed in opposition to the homeschool legislation. While the bill was advanced out of committee, clearly it has struck a nerve and Republicans are capitalizing.
Then we talk about Pritzker and the Democrats stoking the flame of political violence as they rachet up their rhetoric even further. They’re intentionally making people afraid, then act shocked (and blame Republicans) when that leads to violent acts. Even they’re paying the price now at their town halls.
Later we bemoan how Illinois has real problems, yet all Pritzker cares to do is go on media tours and make a name for himself in Washington. Meanwhile, towns in Central Illinois are devastated from this week’s storms, DCFS is failing our state’s kids, and Pritzker administration employees keep getting caught defrauding taxpayers. Illinois residents have an empty chair for a governor right now, and Collin has had enough—he ends his rant calling for Pritzker to resign.
We then get into politics and campaigns, especially looking ahead to 2026. We discuss the game of musical chairs Durbin, Pritzker, and Stratton are playing. We then analyze Jim Mendrick’s announcement of Aurora businessman Robert Renteria as his running mate. We also discuss Tom DeVore’s new “RINO Removal PAC” targeting Tony McCombie, Norrine Hammond, and Charlie Meier.
We close this week’s SFR covering some of the latest bad bills and insights you should know that you can share on social media, in fundraising emails, or when talking to voters, including legislation making sure college kids can get contraception and abortions on college campuses and how Illinois has fewer jobs in the private sector now than in 2019. Plus, of course, our OGs and clowns of the week.
00:00: Introductions02:38: Homeschool Act Passes Committee Despite Massive Opposition14:45: Pritzker Continues to Stoke the Fire as the Left Gets Increasingly Violent23:20: JB Pritzker Doesn't Care About Illinois40:58: Pritzker, Stratton, Durbin...Who Runs for What in 2026?49:22: GOP Governor Candidate Jim Mendrick Chooses Robert Renteria as Running Mate54:51: Tom Devore Forms "RINO Removal PAC" Targeting McCombie, Hammond, and Meier01:06:39: Springfield Democrats Want Contraception and Abortion Available on Campus for College Kids 01:09:41: Harmon Joins Senate Democrats Trying to Weaken Crime Free Housing 01:13:41: Waukegan and Chicago Democrats Pushing to Increase Auto Insurance Rates 01:16:59: Illinois Has Fewer Private Sector Jobs Now than in 201901:18:24: Left-Leaning Organizations Pushing for Expanded Sales Tax in Illinois01:20:15: OG & Clown of the Week01:31:55: Closing Thoughts

Republicans Need to Go On Offense—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 95

Ahh…we’re back with another Smoke-Filled Room and, happily, with a cigar in hand for Collin. With early voting kicking off on Monday for local elections and Springfield being in the dead heat of session, we’re going to dive right in.
Joining Collin Corbett this week is State Senator Andrew Chesney, DuPage County Board Member Jim Zay, Illinois Freedom Caucus Director Collin Moseley, and Cor’s political experts Chris Jackowiak and Michael Butler. 
They start by discussing poll results showing voters starting to show unhappiness with Trump’s handling of the economy. It’s early, but what’s lacking is a consistent message all Republicans can get behind. Instead of silence, Republicans should be going on offense. We’re not saying anything, and the narrative is being painted against us.
Early voting begins on Monday, vote by mail ballots will be sent out…eventually…and Election Day is right around the corner. Our guests from around the state highlight which races they’re following. And we close this topic with a good back-and-forth about Richard Irvin in Aurora and other center-right local leaders who are being targeted by Pritzker and the Democrats, who love watching us fight while they elect far-left progressive local officials.
We discussed the homeschool legislation last week but it’s an issue that’s not going away and witness slips are flying. Over 25,000 witness slips have been submitted in opposition. Senator Chesney brings up a great perspective that’s not being talked about enough—homeschool families are still paying taxes, just not using the service. So why is there an issue? This isn’t going away as the next committee hearing will be next week and we’re sure there will be news.
We then discuss the latest announcements and speculations of Republicans running for governor and senate, including one line used by a new candidate that (finally!) has Collin speechless.
Then we dip our toes in the water of what will be a big topic on a future SFR: the potential federal budget cuts. Republicans don’t know what to say so we’re hiding from the issue while we let Pritzker and the Democrats lie and say these are massive cuts to poor and working class families all at the behest of the rich. If we don’t engage, we will lose the message on this fight and that will cost us in 2026.
With session in full force, we’re seeing even more crazy legislation get pushed, so we highlight some bad bills you should be talking about, including Democrats wanting to allow people to attack police, allow child sex offenders to live closer to schools, add a milage tax on top of gas taxes and tolls, and more.
00:00: Introductions02:20: Voters Starting to Sour on Trump's Handling of the Economy15:47: Illinois Democrats Pushing Hard for Progressive Candidates in April 1st Local Elections31:20: Over 25,000 Witness Slips Filed Against Homeschool Act38:57: Richard Porter Exploring Run for Governor, John Goodman Announces for IL Senate52:04: Democrats and Media Breathlessly Oppose Every Hint of Cuts to Federal Budget01:10:46: Chicago Democrats Calling to Legalize Attacks on Police Officers01:13:30: Three Senate Democrats Want to Help Child Sex Offenders Live Closer to Schools 01:15:46: Senate Democrats Trying to Add Mileage Tax on Top of Gas Taxes and Tolls 01:19:08: Democrats Hide Provision Outlawing Gas Cars and Trucks in Transit Funding Bill 01:22:08: CTA Caught Giving Out Massive Salaries While Crying Poor01:23:14: Progressive Democrats Propose Huge Cost Increases for State Government Contractors01:25:40: Two Vulnerable Democrats Side with Trial Lawyers Over Illinois Foster Kids01:27:02: Illinois Families Now Pay the Highest Combined State & Local Taxes in the Nation01:30:51: OG & Clown of the Week01:40:20: Closing Thoughts

Illinois’ #1 Export: Bad Politicians—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 94

In Illinois, it’s always campaign season and we’re just over 3 weeks out from the local elections. How Republicans can and should get involved is a big topic of conversation.
Cor’s political experts and weekly SFR guests Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak join host Collin Corbett, as well as Chairman of the DuPage County Republicans Kevin Coyne, Vice Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans Corey Allen, and candidate for the 36th Senate District Patrick Harlan to discuss the latest in Illinois politics.
Have Democrats not learned their lesson? Their antics during President Trump’s address to Congress shows they still haven’t figured out why they lost. We discuss how this is another example of how out of touch the left has become. And, inspired by the Democrats, Collin brought signs to hold up as everyone else spoke during this segment.
As we said, it’s always campaign season in Illinois. Our guests from around the state give insight into local races in their region. One common theme was how Democrats are getting increasingly involved in local elections and how Republicans need to follow suit. Later, we discuss the latest in the race for US Senate as some Republicans are coming to the surface. Collin implores Republicans to stop holding others to different standards than they hold themselves—we should be welcoming people smart enough to leave the Democratic Party. And we close our campaign talk laughing about former failed Illinois Republican candidates now running for office in Florida.
We all knew the “balanced” budget proposal Pritzker sold was too good to be true, and yet again we were proven right as the state is facing a $1.2 billion deficit above what Pritzker claimed.
Collin then gives major kudos to a package of Republican bills focused on relief for working families. It’s good politics and good policy—Republicans are showing how we would lead if given the opportunity. And when the Democrats bury the bills, we must hold them accountable.
We close out this week’s SFR discussing parental rights, the latest on the CTU/CPS contract fight, News You Can Use, and our OGs & Clowns of the Week.
00:00: Introductions03:20: Democrats Still Haven't Figured Out Why They Lost20:57: Illinois' Local Elections Are April 1st, 3 Weeks Away32:20: Dave Nayak Laying Groundwork to Run for US Senate41:06: Jim Oberweis Files to Run for Congress in Florida46:17Pritzker Inflated Revenue Projections to Fake a Balanced Budget53:35: House Republicans Push Relief for Working Families Legislative Package01:02:12: Democrats Poke the Homeschoolers Bear01:07:46: Chicago Teachers Union Can Strike Starting Friday01:12:47: Democrats Continue Pushing to Increase Energy Costs01:15:06: Senate Democrats Want to Raise Department of Labor Fees on Businesses 01:17:46: Illinois About to Set National Record for Latest Financial Report Filing01:19:41: OG & Clown of the Week01:29:06: Closing Thoughts

Tuesday’s Primary Results and the First Official GOP Candidate for Governor—Smoke-Filled Room—Ep. 93

It’s not spring in the air (sadly), it’s election season. Primary voting in certain municipalities and townships took place on Tuesday and we’re just 32 days away from the April 1st Consolidated Election. Add everything coming out of Springfield, and we have plenty to cover in this week’s Smoke-Filled Room.
Former House Republican Floor Leader Mark Batinick, State Central Committeeman Aaron Del Mar, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak join host Collin Corbett for this week’s episode.
Some big elections took place on Tuesday, including new leadership in Homer Township and Tiffany Henyard being ousted in a blowout in Dolton. And Aurora and Waukegan now have their ballots set for what will be two of the biggest races to watch on April 1st. 
Buckle up because announcements for 2026 have begun. DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick announced this week he is running for governor, which will likely start the domino of other announcements. We already had Aaron scheduled to be on this episode before Mendrick announced, which allowed us to get his reaction as he has made no secret he is also exploring a run.
We then get into the audit uncovering $1.6 billion in spending on healthcare for non-citizens over the past few years. Pritzker and his staff are trying to brush it off, yet that’s half the previously projected $3.2 billion deficit. Mark later provides insight on his company’s latest polling showing Brandon Johnson with historically low approval numbers, as well as some early number on who Chicagoans want as their next mayor.
We close out our main topics discussing how Republicans continue to make gains nationwide and how we can see that same momentum in Illinois, and Trump’s pollster released polling emphasizing the need to focus on cost-of-living and working families.
Then in this week’s News You Can Use section, a Democrat wants pediatricians to ask children if their parents have guns, another Democrat wants to allow municipalities to impose an additional gas tax, and an audit that’s been swept under the rug finds Pritzker’s IDNR suffers from “significant financial mismanagement.”
00:00: Introductions2:57: Surprising and Unsurprising Results from This Week's Consolidated Primary Election17:15: DuPage Sheriff James Mendrick First Republican to Officially Announce for Governor31:46: Audit Uncovers Runaway Spending by Pritzker on Healthcare for Non-Citizens41:46: New Poll Shows Brandon Johnson with Record Low Approval Rating49:20: Republicans Continuing to Make Gains Nationwide58:46: Trump's Pollster Emphasizes Need to Focus on Cost-of-Living and Working Families01:08:38: West Chicago Democrat Would Force Pediatricians to Ask Children If Their Parents Have Guns 01:09:36: Chicago Democrats Want to Allow State Pensions to Invest in Companies Boycotting Israel 01:11:31: While Directly Raising Energy Costs, Chicago Democrats Claim Bills Will Lower Energy Costs01:13:30: Dems Try to Remove Training Requirement for School Officials on Domestic and Sexual Violence01:15:15: Chicago Heights Democrat Wants to Allow Municipalities to Impose an Additional Gas Tax01:15:56: Audit of Pritzker's IDNR Finds "Significant Financial Mismanagement and Internal Control Deficiencies"01:18:24: Pritzker's Raid of Transportation Funding Comes from the State's Double Tax on Gas01:19:46: OG & Clown of the Week 01:27:20: Closing Thoughts

Is JB fighting for Illinois or the viewers on MSNBC?—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 92

This is the type of week we’re glad to have a podcast to talk through everything that’s happening in Illinois politics. From Pritzker’s budget address to the drama in Senate District 26, we have a lot of expertise to share.
Joining Collin Corbett on the Smoke-Filled Room is State Representative Kyle Moore, The Illinoize’s Patrick Pfingsten, policy expert John Lopez, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak.
Pritzker unveiled his 2025 budget this week and we break it down. Representative Moore kicks off the episode sharing what the atmosphere was like inside the House chambers, and we discuss how the $55.2 billion budget continues to increase spending. We talk about how the $3.2 billion deficit miraculously disappeared. We caution that praise for “no new taxes” is premature. And we close out our budget analysis calling out Pritzker’s brazen attempt to appeal to MSNBC’s audience by comparing Republicans to Nazis.
Other big political news this week was Darby Hills being picked over Marty McLaughlin to fill Dan McConchie’s seat in Senate District 26. We give the full back story on the appointment process, including a number of details people have missed in their reporting. We also talk about the lawsuit filed to block Hills’ appointment. It’s another week of Republicans infighting instead of fighting the Democrats.
Chris and John debate Trump’s pick for Labor Secretary before we hit on the latest News You Can Use which includes a bill that outlaws private health insurance, another that reduces safety by de-incentivizing people from reporting if their firearms are lost or stolen, and Brandon Johnson’s “brilliant” new borrowing plan that would cost Chicago taxpayers over $2 billion.
Finally, as always, we have a lot of fun with our OG and Clown of the Week nominations, including some submitted by our viewers and listeners. Bet you didn’t know that LEGO bricks were anti-LGBTQ+, did you?
00:00: Introductions03:34: Pritzker Proposes $55.2 Billion Budget that Continues Increasing Spending14:16: $3.2 Billion Deficit Curiously Disappears, Filled with Half Billion in Budget Gimmicks18:55: Praise for No New Tax Hikes Way Premature24:50: In Speech Aimed Mostly at Rachel Maddow, Pritzker Likens Trump to Hitler and GOP to Nazis38:15: Darby Hills Chosen Over Marty McLaughlin to Fill Dan McConchie's SD2601:08:21: Boy, that Escalated Quickly: Fight Intensifies Over Trump's Pick for Labor Secretary01:19:21: Aurora Democrat Proposes Bill that Outlaws Private Health Insurance01:20:17: Northbrook Democrat's Bill De-Incentivizes Gun Owners from Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms01:22:03: Republican and Democrat Join Forces to Lift Restriction on Nuclear Reactors01:23:16: Brandon Johnson's Ridiculous Borrowing Plan Would Cost $2 Billion01:24:49: OG & Clown of the Week01:38:04: Closing Thoughts

Madigan’s Hell: Getting Convicted as Blago Is Pardoned—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 91

Trust us, it’s not actually 2009, even though we kick off this week’s Smoke-Filled Room discussing Mike Madigan and Rod Blagojevich.
Joining Collin Corbett to break down the craziness of Illinois politics are former State Representatives Tom Demmer and John Anthony (though John had some internet issues and unfortunately was only with us for a short while), former McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak.
Illinois’ corruption was center stage this week with Mike Madigan being found guilty and Rod Blagojevich receiving a full pardon from President Trump. Republicans rightfully pounced, though it remains to be seen if corruption will be an issue that plays for us in November of 2026.
Where Republicans can make gains is by highlighting how the Democrats’ handling of the state’s $3.2 billion deficit will increase the cost-of-living for residents. They’re going to have to make up for their overspending, which typically means you should hide your wallet. 
Then we highlight how Democrats’ short-sighted actions could end up costing them. Lion Electric filed for bankruptcy, proving government picking winners and losers is not an effective strategy in a horrible business climate that is chasing businesses out of Illinois. And Democrat-run DuPage County pushed extreme partisanship to the max by removing Henry Hyde’s name from the county courthouse—a move that could end up backfiring.
Then, in our News You Can Use section, Collin covers some of the more outlandish legislation coming out of Springfield, such as bills that would allow 97 more counties to impose additional gas taxes, further restrict law enforcement from working to deport criminal illegal immigrants, and provide free abortions for non-citizens.
We close this week’s episode with another full slate of OGs & Clowns. This week it was mostly clowns, including thieves who stole the catalytic converters from high school busses in a suburban school district, keeping kids from being able to get to school…those are the types of clowns we have this week.
00:00: Introductions02:36: Mike Madigan Found Guilty of Corruption23:03: Trump Grants Rod Blagojevich Full Pardon38:45: How Will Springfield Address the $3.2 Billion Budget Deficit?54:29: Lion Electric Proves Government Is Bad at Picking Winners and Losers01:01:31: Democrat-Run DuPage County Board Cancels Henry Hyde01:09:33: 97 More Counties Can Impose Additional Gas Taxes if Chicago Democrat Has His Way01:12:17: Elgin Democrat Wants Free Abortions for Non-Citizens01:13:33: Chicago Democrat Proposes Bill to Make It Even Harder to Deport Criminal Illegal Immigrants01:15:47: Glenview Democrat Introduces Bill to Ban Crime-Free Housing 01:16:57: Grayslake Democrat Wants to Police Political Speech and "Misinformation"01:19:15: Car Rental Prices Will Skyrocket Under Northbrook Democrat’s Bill01:21:14: Be Ready for Chaos in Scheduling Doctor Appointments if Joliet Democrat's Bill Passes01:23:15: Chicagoland Cost-of-Living Increasing Fastest in the Country01:24:38: OG & Clown of the Week01:33:45: Closing Thoughts