Deedee, I find your response somewhat amusing for the following reasons:  #1.  You have Chicago, then everything else is 'down state.'  News, weather, sports, etal.  They have Chicago news, then downstate news in their broadcasts.  I lived in Peoria for about 2 years and am very familiar how Chicago treats the rest of the state.  #2.  If 'Hot Rod' has been such an a-hole, how come this is his 2nd term in office?  Could it be that the Chicago incubator [Mayor Daley and friends] wielded their corrupt friends ie: politians, to continue this chrade?  How much influence does the "Toddling Town" hold over our 'clown'?  Illinioans may believe he went through the 'system' and came out polly pure, but I sure as hell don't.  The sit-com has just begun.  Every day now, something has to be denied or defended that has come out of Chicago.  Gimme a break.