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The libertarian-leaning Illinois Policy Institute has tried reaching out more to Democratic legislators since Gov. Bruce Rauner lost his reelection bid. Rauner at one point was so close to the group that he fired several of his longtime staffers and replaced some of them with IPI staff, which did not work out well, to say the least.

The organizations political wing has contributed money to more than a few legislative Democrats campaign funds in recent months, and they were able to introduce some bipartisan legislation last year and this year although the spring session is now mostly a bust because, as I write this, the General Assembly has no set plans to return amid the pandemic.

An IPI staffer even posed for a picture with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and posted it on Twitter last year. Looking forward to working with his administration, the caption read. Its been on a serious mission to change its image.

If you go to its website, youll see the IPI has devoted an entire section to empathetic interviews with small business owners about how theyre faring during the pandemic. Theyre well-written, including one featuring the owner of a Chicago restaurant.

In general, everyone is standing, waiting in the wings until were allowed to open back up regularly, which obviously no one knows when thats going to be yet, the owner was quoted as saying.

The organization claimed this week in a private Facebook group it runs that it wants the state to begin planning to reopen the economy and give people visibility on what that might look like.

But then it tipped its hand in the comment section.

As an owner of 2 small businesses, one essential (radon mitigation), one a restaurant ... nothing I can say will express the absolute disdain I have for this man or his policies, a commenter complained about Pritzker.

A Policy Institute staffer replied to her comment asking if she would be open to speaking to a member of the IPI team. Weve been doing our best to give our community a voice on our site and pressure JB to reopen the states economy.

Another commenter predicted that Pritzker and his boss lori lightfoot will kill Illinois. An IPI staffer replied with the same request to speak with her about her story. Weve been featuring small business owners on our site to try to pressure the governor to reopen the states economy.

The IPIs privately admitted agenda did not go over well with the governors press secretary, as you might imagine. She let it fly.

COVID-19 has left a trail of devastation across the globe. There is no country, no city, no community that is immune, wrote Jordan Abudayyeh. Every day, we grieve with the families who have lost loved ones in this battle. And we yearn for the time when life can return to normal.

We usually ignore the Illinois Policy Institutes institutionalized and reflexive partisanship, but in this time of crisis, we cannot afford to let this dangerous ideology go unanswered. We all want the economy to reopen no one more than the Governor, Abudayyeh continued. But to suggest that should happen before the science says it is safe is not only foolish, its dangerous.

In Illinois, more than 500 people have succumbed to the virus and more than 16,000 people have been sickened. Those numbers climb every single day and because of that fact, an overwhelming majority of Illinoisans are working together to flatten the curve. The IPI has lobbied for some atrocious policies in the past, but this time their efforts could mean the difference between life and death for many Illinoisans. They need to stop lying to people about whats at stake in this crisis and own up to the public responsibility we all have to be committed to a truthful and honest conversation about our collective public health.

Yikes.

A spokesperson for the IPI said they want the governor to establish a process and timeline to safely and effectively open the economy, so we are not only protecting lives but also safeguarding livelihoods.

But a timeline simply isnt possible right now because literally nobody can say with certainty when this will all end.

The spokesperson went on to say that the governors refusal to discuss this is causing uncertainty, which is making residents wary.

Wary of what, he didnt say.

We will continue to tell their story, he said. And continuing the pressure, no doubt.

Im thinking there will be no more photo-ops with the governor.

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.

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Libertarian Illinois Policy Institute wants a timeline for reopening businesses thats just not possible - Chicago Sun-Times

Governor Murphy: Extend Democracy To The

Green, Libertarian, Socialist Parties and

All Independent Candidates

During This Crisis

For Immediate Release For Immediate Release

April 7th, 2020

The Covid-19 crisis continues to unravel and put a heavy strain on our society, critical medical care system and overall resources. On March 19th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 105, allowing for Democratic and Republican Partiesto submit their petitions online, in addition to in person, and the Secretary of State to create an online form that allows voters to submit their signatures on petitions electronically.

Set up for independent candidates the same protocol for filing electronically that was established for the Democrats and Republicans for the rest of the campaigns that will take place this year, including the presidential race.

Craig Cayetano, State Co-Chair said, This battle isnt just in New Jersey. Greens across the country are facing a stone-wall on this critical issue. We want equal and fair consideration for all parties and Independents especially during this pandemic. We have to work 2-3 times as hard to get signatures and are losing out on our main pathway which is door-to-door. For the safety of our signature gatherers, candidates and the populace I hope each state, especially New Jersey comes around on this immediately!

Madelyn Hoffman, NJ Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020 who garnered 25,150 votes in 2018 and came in third in that U.S. Senate race added, All too often, those outside the two mainstream political parties get treated like second-class citizens when it comes to applying principles of democracy. I urge Governor Murphy to address the issue of independent political parties in the same way he addressed the difficulties and obstacles faced by Democrats and Republicans during these uncertain and potentially dangerous times. It is impossible for the Greens to safely gather the signatures needed to be placed on the ballot, either by going door-to-door or at large events or gatherings.We had to shut down that part of our campaign weeks ago. For our health and the health of people who would sign our petition, and to allow us to compete on at least a somewhat level playing field, we ask that you do the right and the fair thing allow all independent candidates to file their signatures electronically.

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Governor Murphy: Extend Democracy To The Green, Libertarian, Socialist Parties and All Independent Candidates During This Crisis - InsiderNJ

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban said Sunday that he would not rule out running for president this year. Cuban owns the Dallas Mavericks professional basketball team and is one of the shark investors on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank.

I would've never considered it prior to a month ago. Now things are changing rapidly and dramatically, Cuban said on the Fox News Sunday program. Im not saying no, but it's not something Im actively pursuing. Im just keeping the door open.

Cuban, who is worth an estimated $4.1billion according to Forbes, has previously described himself as somewhat of a libertarian.

"Not so much libertarian as much as I'd like to be libertarian, he told ABC Dallas-based affiliate WFAA in 2015. "When I think libertarian, it's 'as small of a government as we can get, right now you just cut right through it and you make it [smaller] right now.' That's not real. There's got to be a process. There's got to be a transition. As a country, we make decisions. We make decisions that we're going to provide healthcare, right? We don't just let people die on the street. You can go into any hospital and they have to treat you."

Cuban has also said that while he would be interested in joining the Republican party, he feels the party is too rigid.

"I'm a Republican in the respect that I like smaller government and I like less intrusion in some areas. But there's sometimes where I think we have to intrude. I think there's sometimes when you have to do things," he continued.

The November election will likely be a race between Republicanincumbent Donald Trump, who is seeking a second term, and Democratic rival former Vice President Joe Biden. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders exited the race last week, leaving Biden as the almost certain Democratic nominee.

Cuban and Trump have feuded since 2016. Cuba, who endorsed Hillary Clinton,had harsh words for Trump at a Clinton campaign stop in Pittsburgh.

"You know what we call a person like that in Pittsburgh? A jagoff," Cuban said. "Is there any bigger jagoff in the world than Donald Trump?"

Trump would later callCubandopey" andnot smart.

The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has canceled in-person campaign rallies, forcing candidates to resort to digital events. As of Monday at 2:15 p.m. ET, there have been560,891 cases and 22,681-coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S.

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Mark Cuban To Run For President? Billionaire Dallas Mavericks Owner Does Not Rule Out 2020 White House Bid - International Business Times

As the filing deadline ended Friday most seats had multiple candidates, meaning a campaign trail ahead. Two incumbents, however, ran unopposed; they will retain their positions. In the race for Pottawatomie County Clerk, Democratic Incumbent Raeshel Flewallen, 57, of Shawnee, garnered no challenger. Also, Republican incumbent Danny Sterling, 64, of Tecumseh, received no opposition for state Rep. District 27; he will retain his seat.

The race is on.

As the filing deadline ended at 5 p.m. Friday, most seats had multiple candidates, meaning a campaign trail ahead. Two incumbents, however, ran unopposed; they will retain their positions.

In the race for Pottawatomie County Clerk, Democratic Incumbent Raeshel Flewallen, 57, of Shawnee, garnered no challenger. Also, Republican incumbent Danny Sterling, 64, of Tecumseh, received no opposition for state Rep. District 27; he will retain his seat.

Other races shaped up as follows:

CITY

Up for election this cycle are Mayor and three seats on the Shawnee City Commission: Wards 2, 3 and 4. Those seats are currently held by Richard Finley, Ron Gillham Sr., James Harrod and Darren Rutherford, respectively.

Four area residents are running for mayor. They are

Ward 1 City Commissioner Ed Bolt; Shawnee resident Dean Hudlow; downtown business owner Theresa Cody; and Ward 2 City Commissioner Ron Gillham Sr.

Vying for the Ward 2 City Commissioner seat are Bob Weaver and Elliot Shuler.

Running for Ward 3 City Commissioner are incumbent James Harrod and Travis Flood.

Seeking to keep his Ward 4 City Commissioner chair is incumbent Darren Rutherford. He is being challenged by LaDonna Bryce.

COUNTY

Republican Incumbent Valerie Ueltzen, 37, of Shawnee and Libertarian Bud Jeffrey, 77, of Shawnee are looking to fill the seat for County Court Clerk.

In the race for Pottawatomie County Sheriff, three Republicans will go toe to toe: incumbent Mike Booth, 63, of McLoud; Jeff Griffith, 61, of Shawnee; and Ben Henderson, 44, of Shawnee.

Three candidates have filed to run for Pottawatomie County Commissioner, District 2. They are Republican Jason Evans, 45, of Tecumseh; Republican Incumbent Randy Thomas, 58, of Macomb; and Democrat Norman Smith, 68, of Macomb.

STATE

Two Republicans and a Libertarian are running for Corporation Commission. Republican candidates are Harold D. Spradling, 85, of Cherokee and Todd Hiett, 52, of Kellyville. The Libertarian candidate is Todd Hagopian, 40 of Bixby.

Two Democrats and a Republican are seeking the stae Rep. District 26 seat. Republican incumbent Dell Kerbs, 46, of Shawnee will go head-to-head against whichever Democrat wins in their runoff: Bryce Barfield, 55, of Shawnee or Chris Odneal, 41, of Shawnee.

A Democrat and two Republicans are running for state Rep. District 28. The Democratic candidate is Yasminda Choate, 40, of Sasakwa. Republican candidates are Danny Williams, 70, of Seminole and Jerri Parker, 58, of Okemah.

Four Republicans and a Libertarian are running for state Senate District 17. Republican candidates are incumbent Ron Sharp, 67, of Shawnee; Brandon Baumgarten, 28, of Shawnee; Caleb Foshee, 39, of Choctaw; and Shane David Jett, 45, of Shawnee. The Libertarian candidate is Greg Sadler, 47, of Newalla.

To fill a vacancy left by Jason Smalley, three Republicans are running to represent state Senate District 28 Mike Haines, 49, of Stroud; Zack Taylor, 36, of Seminole; and Christian Ford, 24, of Chandler.

U.S. HOUSE

Two Democrats and nine Republicans are vying for the U.S. Congressional 5th District seat. Democratic candidates are incumbent Kendra Horn, 43, of Oklahoma City and Tom Guild, 65, of Edmond. Republican candidates are Janet Barresi, 68, of Oklahoma City; Charles Tuffy Pringle, 83, of McLoud; David Hill, 52, of Edmond; Terry Neese, 72, of Oklahoma City; Michael Ballard, 50, of Tecumseh; Miles V. Rahimi, 30, of Edmond; Shelli Landon, 62, Tulsa; Stephanie Bice, 46, of Edmond; and Jake A. Merrick, 38, of Yukon.

U.S. SENATE

Four Democrats, four Republicans, a Libertarian and two Independents are running for the U.S. Senate seat.

Democratic candidates are Sheila Bilyeu, 76, of Freedom; Abby Broyles, 30, of Oklahoma City; Elysabeth Britt, 41, of Oklahoma City; and R.O. Joe Cassity Jr., 76, of Ponca City. Republican candidates are incumbent Jim Inhofe, 85, of Tulsa; JJ Stitt, 46, of Kingfisher; John Tompkins, 63, of Oklahoma City; and Neil Mavis, 57, of Tulsa. The Libertarian candidate is Robert Murphy, 72, of Norman. Independent candidates are Joan Farr, 64, of Tulsa and A.D. Nesbit, 39, of Ada.

Filing, elections

Most of the races in the area drew opponents; they will face off in coming months.

Primary/Special elections are being held Tuesday, June 30. The last day to register to vote is June 5. The last day to request an absentee ballot is June 24.

Runoff Primary/Special Elections are being held Tuesday, Aug. 25. The last day to register to vote is July 31. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Aug. 19.

General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 9. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 28.

For more election-related information, visit http://www.elections.ok.gov.

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Election filings Day 3: Two win unopposed; others gear up for runoffs - Shawnee News Star

After the coronavirus spread, left-leaning writers began declaringthat no one is a libertarian during a pandemic. We all need collective action to save us from this frightening health risk, they say.

But a funny thing happened on the way to big-government Nirvana, as officials try to ramp up testing and assure that we all have access to vital medical and other services.

The first thing that state officials did was grab various executive powers to order us to stay at home. Now, the federal government is pumping$2 trillionin taxpayer funds into the economy in the form of various bailoutssomething that might help ease the economic pain in the short term, but will cause more harm (exploding debt) in the long run.

These governmentresponsesgrab headlines, but offer little relief. Most serious approaches to the crisis, however, are decidedly libertarian. They involve reducing regulations that keep industries from responding rapidly in an emergency situation.

I recentlyexplainedhow the market economyand its sophisticated supply chainsis keeping us fed in these isolated times. Now we're seeing that government is more of an obstacle than a help. Pretty soon, we'll all be libertarians during a pandemic. The question is why more of us aren't libertarians the rest of the time, given what we're learning about the nature of government.

Let's start at the federal level. AsReason'sJohn Stossel recently explained, the Centers for Disease Control's COVID-19 tests were woefully inaccurate, but private companies were forbidden from developing tests unless they went through the long process of Food and Drug Administration approval. The Trump administration has temporarily waived those rules, but they left our country in a precarious position when a pandemic struck.

"The federal government regulates and monitors practically every activity that takes place in the US economy, from where and when truck drivers drop off their deliveries, to what tests hospitals and labs can use on patients," CNNreports. That's an eye-popping statement about the degree to which government controls everything. (So much for America being the land of unbridled capitalism!)

Because of the delays these rules cause, the Department of Transportation now iswaiving restrictionson how many hours truck drivers can work. The Department of Health and Human Services is waiving privacy laws so more Americans can use telehealth servicesallowing them to access medical advice from home. During good times, few people notice the burdens. They are more obvious when the chips are down.

At the local level, police departments are suspending the enforcement of picayune infractions. Some cities, such as Philadelphia, are not making minor drug and prostitution busts. Los Angeles isreleasingsome low-level inmates from its jails. It makes you wonder why law enforcement focuses on such things during normal times.

California state officials, however, have been resistant to eliminating the nonsensical rules that are making it tough for hospitals to treat increasing numbers of coronavirus patients. The state already has a vastnursing shortage, caused largely by the bureaucracy's limits on nursing-school attendeessomething designed to reduce the numbers and boost salaries.

As The Orange County Register reported, a number of hospitals are discontinuing clinical rotations during the crisis, which will delay nursing graduations because students are required to spend 75 percent of their clinical education in a hospital. The other 25 percent is done through simulations. The schools are asking the governor to reduce that requirement to 50 percent. He has yet to give an OK, but relaxing that rule will reduce nursing shortages.

Meanwhile, California is in a minority of states that does not recognize nurse-licensure compactsagreements that allow qualified and licensed nurses from other states to work here. Licensing rules in general impose steep barriers to entryfor workersand mostly are about established industries artificially boosting pay by reducing competition. They unquestionably create shortages, which create real dangers in a health emergency.

Sen. John Moorlach (RCosta Mesa) has introduced Senate Bill 1053, which would include our state in a 34-state nursing compact. It's a sensible reform, especially in these dire times. If the Legislature were serious about assuring that we have enough trained staff to deal with coronavirus patients, they ought to pass this measure as soon as possible. Remember this when you hear lawmakers complain about healthcare shortages.

If the governor were serious about improving resilience during the current mess, he should immediately postpone enforcement ofAssembly Bill 5, which forbids many industries from using contractors as workers. The law impoverishes freelancers during a time of hardship, discourages people from working at home and imposes hurdles on those providing vital delivery services. It creates a real impediment.

Government has a role, but a lot of what it does isharmful. We need to suspend counterproductive rules nowand then think twice before we reinstitute them after the crisis has passed.

This column was first published in the Orange County Register.

See the article here:
The Coronavirus Outbreak Is Exposing Government Follies on Many Levels - Reason