Bruno Behrend, a radio talk-show host (WKRS,1220 AM) and spokesman for the Illinois Citizens Coalition, argued in favor of the question, while Dan Proft, a media consultant and frequent guest on radio and television shows like “Beyond the Beltway” with Bruce Dumont, pressed the opposing case. TAPROOT members enjoyed the lively interchange at the Old Country Buffet, off Roosevelt Rd, in Lombard.

Chairman Dave Diersen moderated the debate. He kicked off the proceedings with a general review of what a constitutional convention requires. The Illinois General Assembly will determine the time and place of the convention. The elected delegates will themselves decide on the leadership, committees and agenda. The final product will go to the citizens of Illinois for a 2/3’s vote of ratification.

Currently, polls show weak opposition to such a ballot proposal. The weakest opposition comes from Republicans. Forty percent of the Democrats backed the plan.

Bruno Behrend

Bruno Behrend made a forceful presentation, promising from the outset an iron-clad argument for a con-con. He certainly delivered a provocative and educational affirmative case. This reported found some statements difficult to refute, for example, that the current Constitution, enacted in 1970, amounts to a pile of “unmitigated poop.”

The Constitution has failed the citizens of Illinois, because it failed to prevent the Governor, Rod Blagojevich, from raiding pension funds, even though the Constitution demands a balanced budget. Furthermore, it not only failed to thwart the depredations of the of the “political class,” a combine of Democrats and Republicans who do not stand for Republican principles but also has given it a place to thrive, according to Behrend.

He envisions a new Constitution, which specifies term limits, a balanced budget, property tax reform, eminent domain reform and an end to gerrymandering. He called the con-con an “unbelievable opportunity” for Republicans.

Dan Proft

A con-con constitutes the ‘misapplication of the wrong remedy,’ Dan Proft retorted. Nine Democrats control 700,000 jobs and billions of dollars in Illinois. They have simply ignored the constitutional requirements for a balanced budget, eminent domain and the other issues. They will simply ignore a new constitution. The problem does not reside so much in a constitution as in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, he explained.

Republican candidates for Governor have won in the past. Republicans had control over all the state-wide offices. It is still possible, Proft said, to change the government with a change in personnel.

He went on to accuse Behrend’s exhortation of “wistfulness” rather than specifics. Behrend wants Republicans “to give themselves permission to believe” and to “hope” for a better future. How can a coalition hold together? Proft asked. The reality is that the con-con will offer a venue where “conservative nut-jobs” will vie against other “conservative nut-jobs,” a comment that provoked knowing laughter from the group.

“You will not see the policy changes you want, Proft predicted. In 1970, the elder Mayor, Richard J. Daley, went 4 for 4 on the constitutional changes he wanted. Republican candidate for State Representative (83rd District), against Democrat Linda Chapa LaVia, made a short presentation to the crowd. Joan Solms, a long-time pro-life and pro-family activist, explained that she agrees with conservatives on everything except the war in Iraq. She wants to ensure a Republican presence in the State legislature.

Contact:
Bruno Behrend, Illinois Citizens Coalition, 823 Forest Ave., River Forest, IL 60305; phone 847-343-4250; fax 708-488-8909; info@illinoiscitizenscoalition.com.

Dan Proft, 312-575-9500; cell 312-446-6488; www.Urqmedia.com; dan@urqmedia.com.

Joan Solms, 620 S. Calumet Ave., Aurora, IL 60506; 630-631-5072; www.joansolms.com; JoanSolms@att.net