Political rhetoric nationally is heated, divisive and becoming personal. But it's happening locally, too – from the vandalism of a Republican Party office in Rockford to a state senator accosting a constituent in the north shore. Why is it getting to that point? On this installment of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Illinois Policy writer Joe Kaiser discuss intensifying political rhetoric and how it doesn't get to the core of policy issues. They also discuss the continued distorted political attacks from House Speaker Mike Madigan's political operation, lying about conservative reform candidates' records.

Illinoisans pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. How much is that burden motivating them to vote out the offending pols in the 2018 Midterms? Upstream Ideas went to Glen Ellyn to see if voters could Follow the Logic.

How the state’s political culture impacted voters faith in politicians? How has machine politics affected the way in which political messages are received? Upstream Ideas asked voters in Elmhurst to Follow the Logic.

Has Nikki Haley been one of the few stars in the Trump administration? How was her tenure in the hotbed of anti-Americanism otherwise known as the UN? Who has the diplomatic chops to replace her? After the Kavanaugh hearing, who is going to want to go through a nomination process? Former Pentagon official, Jed Babbin joins Dan and Lauren Cohn to discuss.

How do voters encapsulate the IL gubernatorial race? What do the candidates mean when they say “middle class”? Does JB not want to take a position on anything while Rauner has taken different positions on every issue? Would JB be prosecuted if there was a serious Attorney General? Dan and Lauren Cohn discuss the Illinois governor’s race.

Is it time for climate change scientists to dictate the way we run our economy? How is the United Nations going to be able to change the global temperature? Is it inhumane to deny fossil fuels to impoverished people all over the world? Was last week the best economic week in Trump’s presidency? Chief Economist for CNN, Steve Moore joins Dan and Lauren Cohn to discuss.

Are the Kavanaugh hearings affecting state and local races? Is Susana Mendoza trying to win one election to only vacate it and run for another? Despite what’s happened to the state, why are Republicans still losing ground in the suburbs? How can Republicans get voters to connect the dots to understand a vote for any Democrat is a vote for Madigan? Candidate for state Comptroller, Darlene Senger joins Dan and Lauren Cohn to discuss.

In the four years between the MacDonald shooting and Van Dyke’s conviction, there have been 2,500 murders, and more than 11,000 people shot and wounded in Chicago. What's the future of policing in Chicago? What about Trump’s idea to reinstate stop and frisk? Did Tiny Dancer buy the silence of black Alderman in exchange for campaign cash payoffs during his election runoff? Chicago FOP President, Kevin Graham joins Dan and Amy to discuss the Van Dyke verdict.

Should Republicans be allowed to celebrate the Kavanaugh confirmation? Is the U.S. at risk of being governed by five lawyers? Are leftist elites shrieking because they are afraid of democracy? If the Democrats take over the House, will they spend the full two years trying to impeach Trump? Should there be investigations into those who may have testified untruthfully in the Kavanaugh hearings? Writer and editor at stream.org (http://stream.org/), John Zmirak joins Dan and Amy to discuss.

Have shrill Democratic Socialists ensured "The Great Revolt" continues through November 6? How has Republican enthusiasm changed since the Kavanaugh hearings? Should Republicans consider pursuing perjury charges against those who testified under oath? Has Russia been messing with the 2018 elections yet? Is there a bigger divide in Washington than amongst “typical” voters? Reporter at the WashingtonExaminer.com, Salena Zito joins Dan and Amy to discuss.