Publicly, party leaders made a show of unity. Lightford, who is Senate majority leader, hugged Harmon on the Senate floor Sunday afternoon as she nominated him to become the next Senate president. Harmon, who is white, was elected unanimously after hours of negotiations. But afterward, accusations flew of personal betrayal, and long-time simmering feuds bubbled over.

Lightford, D-Maywood, blamed former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., and his son, Emil Jones III, who is currently in the Senate, for her loss. She would have been the first female black Senate president. She thinks their opposition may stem from

Comment: A particularly good summary of what should be obvious.

Over the last year, the City Council pushed Decatur’s boundaries outward, annexing hundreds of properties despite vehement objections from new residents whose spacious houses and half-acre lots contrast sharply with the smaller, aging homes in neighborhoods closer to downtown.

Illinois’ problem isn’t the form of taxation, it’s the level. Illinois government is simply spending at a rate its dwindling number of taxpaying residents cannot afford.

On the graduated income tax proposal, Brady says:

“Pritzker has sold it in a way that some people might believe—and he might even believe. But the truth of the matter is, if you look at the history of politicians, particularly Democrats, you’ll find they are more than willing to reach into the taxpayers’ pocket and take more money,” Brady said. “And there were other circumstances surrounding his election victory. Gov. Pritzker spent a record $180 million on his campaign. Gov. Rauner spent less than $50 million. It was a very lopsided appeal.

“I believe the voters will reject—when they’re informed