Progress Illinois

Senate Expected To Pass Wall Street Bailout
Now dubbed a "rescue plan," it appears backers of the $700 billion Wall Street bailout in the Senate will bring a slightly revised version up for a vote today, where support for the package is stronger. Sources say the new bill would include tax breaks for businesses and alternative energy and higher government insurance for bank deposits. According to Politico, "there is an expectation on both sides of the aisle that the bailout could receive 60 votes in the Senate, enough to overcome any potential filibuster."

House GOP Leadership In Disarray
After failing to muster enough support for the original bailout plan, House Republican leaders were left shellshocked Tuesday, trying to explain away their divided caucus. Aides blamed congressmen who privately said they would back the bill only to vote no, while others pointed fingers at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's pre-vote speech and John McCain and President Bush's failure to influence a single GOP member from Arizona or Texas, respectively. The Washington Post's Dan Balz wrote that the vote "underscored the political disarray within the party."

Kirk Rejects Palin VP Pick
In an interview with the Tribune editorial board, Rep. Mark Kirk would not say whether he believed Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had the qualifications to become president. "Quite frankly, I don't know," said Kirk, when asked if Palin could step into the job. After repeated inquiries regarding Palin's experience, Kirk answered, "I would have picked someone different." Late last month, Kirk told reporters he was "encouraged" by McCain's choice of Palin and he credited conservative political parties around the world as the ones that break through "key barriers," such as gender.

Midway Airport Privatized for $2.5 Billion
Yesterday, City Hall announced they had reached a historic $2.5 billion, 99-year agreement to privatize Midway Airport. About $1.5 billion will be used to pay off the airport's debt, leaving $1 billion for the administration. But few of those dollars could go towards the current budget crisis; a 2006 state law allowing the privatization of Midway dictates that 90 percent of that billion be spent on infrastructure improvements or pension obligations. The City Council is expected to vote on the agreement Oct. 8.

Sox, Cubs Both In Postseason
The White Sox 1-0 win in a one-game playoff with Minnesota last night ensured both Chicago clubs will play in the postseason this season, the first time since 1906. The Cubs begin their divisional series at 5:30 pm tonight, where fans will be met by hundreds of school funding reformers protesting Illinois' unequal  funding system. Meanwhile, Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Tuesday he finds a kindred spirit in Cubs manager Lou Piniella. "Sometimes when I'm arguing with the Legislature, I feel like Lou Piniella arguing with the umpires," Blagojevich -- a lifelong Cubs fan -- said. "Some of the times I have to make decisions as governor, I ask myself, 'What would Lou do?' Then I make some decisions." The Sox start their series Thursday afternoon in Tampa.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user tlindenbaum.