Illinois Briefs - 12/8/11

Topinka:  Blagojevich Deserved 14 Year Sentence

(Chicago, IL)  --  The woman who lost the 2006 governor's race to Rod Blagojevich says the former Illinois governor earned his 14 year prison sentence.  Judy Baar Topinka, now Illinois   Comptroller, said Blagojevich was true to form until the end, and that his apology was not very real.  Topinka says she feels bad for Blagojevich's family, his two young daughters in particular.  But she is quick to say that 14 years is fair for the crimes Blagojevich was convicted of.  The former governor will likely serve 12 years of his sentence in federal prison.

Police: Teens Beat Mom

(Belleville, IL)  --  A Metro East mom said her daughter and son were too young to drink, but the kids disagreed and took their fists to their mother's face.  Police in Belleville arrested 20-year-old Brittany Ferguson and 18-year-old Lindell Ferguson on multiple counts of domestic battery after the two allegedly pummeled

their mother over beer.  The "Belleville News Democrat" reports that the mother threw out some beer that Brittany Ferguson was drinking, that sparked a fight. Police say the attack left the mother bleeding with a black eye.

Joe Walsh: Decision On Thursday

(Chicago, IL)  --  A suburban Chicago Republican says he'll let voters know on Thursday where he'll be running in 2012.  Congressman Joe Walsh says he'll announce his decision at a meeting of Tea Party supporters.  Walsh is a darling of the Tea Party.  Walsh was drawn into the 14th Congressional District in Illinois' new political map, but that would force him to run against GOP incumbent Randy Hultgren.  Walsh could run in his old district, the 8th, but that district was drawn to favor a Democrat.  Walsh has been beset by troubles this campaign season, including a nasty spat with his ex-wfie over child support payments.

Galesburg Okays Phone Taxes For 911 Upgrades

(Galesburg, IL)  --  Anyone who uses the phone in Galesburg is going to pay a bit more starting in July.  City leaders in Galesburg have okayed a phone tax to support the 911 system in the city.  Both land line and cell phone users are going to have to pay more.  The city hopes to generate 500-thousand-dollars in a year with the new tax.  The phone tax ends discussion of a planned property tax increase to help balance the city's budget.