Paul On Politics with Paul Lisnek

Collin Corbett is an independent candidate for Governor of Illinois. A Palatine based political consultant and strategist, Corbett’s campaign emphasizes affordability, property tax relief, government and ethics reform, education and local control and his goal to build an independent majority in Illinois.

In this conversation, Collin discusses health care reform, education, the upcoming SCOTUS case on assault weapons and even the Chicago Bears. If you are open to voting for or learning about an independent candidate for Governor, then you’ll want to check out this informative and direct conversation.

A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host of the Sisters In Law Podcast, Professor Barbrara McQuade whose new book, In The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government argues that Donald Trump’s approach to governing mirrors organized crime, using corruption, cruelty, and chaos to demand loyalty, reward allies, punish opponents, and weaken democratic safeguards.

Drawing on her experience prosecuting corruption cases, she combines courtroom stories, historical examples, and legal analysis to explain how public power can be turned toward personal interests.

The book also offers a prescription for change: stronger ethics rules, protections for independent law enforcement, electoral reforms, and citizen action through voting, organizing, protest, and public service. Ultimately, McQuade presents both a warning about authoritarianism and a call for Americans to restore accountability and the rule of law.

A lively and in-depth conversation with attorney, author and host Jill Wine-Banks, the only female member of the Watergate prosecution team handling the corruption of the Nixon administration.

In addition, Jill talks about when government investigations are politically motivated, when the department of justice is weaponized, when law firms capitulate to pressure at the cost of their

reputation, when executive orders go too far, whether the Supreme Court has become a political entity, and whether the country can still course-correct or have things gone too far these days?

A fun and insightful chat with a respected and seasoned attorney and analyst.

Who Killed the American Dream?: The Greatest Political Crime Ever Told is Thom Hartmann’s sharp and aggressive investigation into what he argues is the legal and political origin of modern corporate power in the United States.

Hartmann traces today’s economic inequality, weakened labor protections, political spending, and shrinking access to housing and health care to the disputed treatment of corporations as constitutional “persons,” beginning with an 1886 Supreme Court case, Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He contends that a misleading case headnote—not the Court’s actual ruling—became a foundation for expanding corporate rights, culminating in decisions such as Citizens United.

The book also calls for reform, including efforts to limit corporate influence and restore democratic power to ordinary citizens.

Christian Mitchell, IL Dem Nominee for Lt Gov discusses the ticket’s view on plans to address affordability and taxes for Illinoisans. In addition, safety, ethics, immigration, energy, pensions the Chicago Mayor’s race and even the Chicago Bears are all on the front burner for discussion. Plus, does Mitchell expect Pritzker will run for President and is he ready to become Governor?

Paul Kendrick is the democratic nominee for the position of IL House of Representatives (12 th District). The interview covers Kendrick’s views on his pledge of safer streets, lower costs and stronger communities.

He discussed how Illinois can become more economically competitive, how to get property taxes under control, address safety, housing affordability, transportation and more. He also asks what would be different if he takes over the office from his predecessor who shares similar views.

For more information: www.PaulForIllinois.com

Court reform is not just a lawyers’ issue, but a democracy, transparency, and public-trust issue. As the founder (in 2014) and executive director of Fix the Court, Gabe Roth has spent more than a decade advocating for reforms like stronger ethics and recusal rules, expanded public access, term limits, disclosures, and greater scrutiny of judicial conduct. The level of gifts accepted by Supreme Court Justices is astounding and the political nature of the body may need to be addressed perhaps through term limits, and less so, according to Roth, by an expansion of the Court. Why have people lost faith in the Supreme Court? What are the consequences of a decision that empowers a President for the future and will there ever be cameras in the high court?

This is a fascinating discussion that non-lawyers will enjoy as much as, if not more, than lawyers who tune in.

For more information, go to: www.FixTheCourt.com

Richard Gordon explores the impact and strategy of recent tariffs imposed on Canada, the shake up of the democratic party as a result of the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), state of the economy, how Trump is wanting to shape his legacy, the connection between DOJ and the Executive Branch and the state of the war in Iran.

Republican nominee for Lt Governor Aaron Del Mar discusses the issues facing Illinois in the coming year: property taxes, K-12 education, SAFE-T Act and pension benefits among other topics and how a Republican Governor and Lt Governor can work with a likely Democratic super majority in the legislature. In addition, Del Mar addresses national issues and Trump administration policies that may impact Illinois and begins the interview by answering the question no Republican seeking an appointment or position will answer: Who won the 2020 election?

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL 5th) talks to Paul on the economy and affordability and what the Democrat’s specific plans are to address it, Democrat's chances of winning the House back, Save America Act, ICE Deportation efforts and finally, Quigley’s thoughts on running for Mayor of the City of Chicago and some of this specific plans for the city in a crowded field of candidates.