Illinois Briefs - 12/03/12

Veto Session Continues

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers are in Springfield again tomorrow, rounding out the final week of veto session. Several big ticket items are on the docket, including proposals to legalize marijuana for medical purposes and to give illegal immigrants the right to drive.  The House is expected to override Governor Quinn's veto on funding for state prisons.  The Senate overrode the veto last week.  Some called it the first step toward keeping Tamms and Dwight prisons open.  

Rutherford Mulls Run For Governor

(Springfield, IL)  --  State Treasurer Dan Rutherford wants to see if voters would support his bid for governor in 2014.  He launched an online survey yesterday, asking voters to chime in.  In a statement on his website, Rutherford says the state is broke but not beyond repair.  He says wise stewardship can eliminate the massive debt, fund liabilities, create jobs, and provide financial security for tax payers.  Rutherford says the survey is not an official announcement.  If he chooses to run, he'll face GOP State Senator Kirk Dillard in the primary.

Jackson Election Pushed To April 9th

(Chicago, IL)  --  The person who'll replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. will be determined April 9th.   Governor Quinn signed a bill yesterday, pushing the general election back from March 19.  He says having the election later will save money because it will coincide with previously scheduled local elections.  Taxpayers will still be on the hook to pay for the election but it shouldn't cost the two-and-a-half million dollars as originally expected.  The primary will be February 26th.  

Northern Illinois Going To Orange Bowl

(Undated)  --  Northern Illinois is bowl bound.  The MAC champion will face ACC champion Florida State in the Orange Bowl on January 2nd.  It's the first BCS bowl the Huskies' have ever been invited to.

Man Killed In Hunting Incident

(Chambersburg, IL)  --  One man is dead after a hunting accident this weekend.  Jacksonville's John Ware was shot and killed in rural Chambersburg, in Pike County early Saturday morning.  He was hunting at a duck-lodge near the Illinois River.   Ware was pronounced dead at the scene.  An investigation is ongoing.

Doctors Recommend Flu Vaccination

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's National Flu Vaccination Week and Illinois officials are urging residents to get their shot in order to stay healthy for the holidays.  Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says many people don't get the shot because they think it'll actually make them get the flu.  He says that's a myth and calls the vaccination the  single best way for people to protect themselves and others against the virus.  It's recommended that anyone over six months get the shot.