* There’s an important court hearing today on the General Assembly’s ridiculous inclusion of language in the constitutional amendment referendum reminding voters that the question lost badly twenty years ago…
State officials chose to include that factoid in the ballot question and now the Chicago Bar Association questions its legality while pro-rewrite groups are crying foul, claiming the wording stacks the deck against them. […]
The Chicago Bar Association claims that the explanation on the ballot and several other aspects are unconstitutional and, if not fixed, could result in the entire process having to be done again.
* Here’s the statement which will be presented to voters…
In 1988 the electors rejected the call for a constitutional convention, with 75 percent voting against calling a convention and 25 percent voting in favor of calling a convention.
* The Tribune editorial board, which is so far neutral on the referendum itself, is rightly outraged…
The connivers must have been so proud. So sure no one would notice their mischief. Yes, the Illinois Constitution does give those pesky citizens the right to demand a constitutional convention every 20 years—with the next vote scheduled for the Nov. 4 general election. Could be bad for this state’s arrogant political class in a year when voters are so furious over failed leadership. You can almost hear the insiders who concocted this year’s referendum murmur the secret, sacred words to one another: “Let’s rig the question!”
And they did. Peek inside this fiasco and it’s obvious that the folks who benefit mightily from the way the current constitution distributes power are desperate to keep things just as they are.
This exercise in chicanery is scheduled to get scrutiny Wednesday afternoon from Cook County Circuit Judge Nathaniel Howse Jr. The Chicago Bar Association, among other plaintiffs, is asking him to block what would be a cheesy injustice to the voters of this state. We hope the judge doesn’t let the people who plotted this scheme get away with it. It appears that he can order a correction of ballots—or delay the convention referendum until a subsequent election. There may be other remedies.
* But GOP State Sen. Dale Righter is not impressed...
(S)tate Senator Dale Righter defends how the referendum is worded. He says the lawyers taking the matter to court are, quote, “looking for something to do.”
* Meanwhile, I told you late yesterday afternoon that Cook County Assessor Houlihan supports the con-con question. From Houlihan’s press release…
Opponents of the convention talk out of both sides of their mouths. On the one hand, they want you to be afraid it will be hijacked by out-of-touch, irresponsible extremists. On the other hand, they say it would be controlled by the same powerful leaders who run things now. But the reality is, the 1969-1970 convention launched a new generation of political leaders, reviving the state’s political culture with an influx of new, fresh, young talent.
Reasoned opponents agree that education funding is a constitutional issue, but argue that a constitutional convention would be a disaster. But Illinois has had four different constitutions in its history. With each new constitution, the state has flourished.
To those people and groups who oppose a constitutional convention, I pose a few simple questions: What are you afraid of? Why does democracy terrify you? What is it about a fresh constitutional convention that frightens you? As Thomas Jefferson said, “We are a people capable of self-government, and worthy of it.”
Let us put our confidence in the people of Illinois and support this call for a constitutional convention.
Thoughts?