As a recently released U.S. Census Bureau report shows that Chicago's population continues to drop for the third year in a row, the Republican candidate for Illinois House District 98 says a lack of job and economic opportunities are what is driving people away from the state.

Rick Laib, Republican candidate for the 86th House District, will soon kick off his first fundraiser for the general election.

The controversial bailout of Exelon by Illinois taxpayers has come to the forefront again in the wake of the recent primaries and a recent article in Crain's Chicago Business about a former top Exelon executive revealing the company's lobbying power.

As Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith calls for a $50 billion increase in public school funding for next year, Will County Board candidate Steve Balich is criticizing the idea, saying yet another state tax increase would continue to allow seniors and those on a fixed budget to have their income "legally stolen."

Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Mokena) decried the recently passed state budget as "booby-trapped" in her explanation to constituents as to why she voted against it.

Rep. David Olsen (R-Downers Grove) told his constituents via a letter on his website that he was disappointed in the Legislature for passing a new budget that raised taxes once again on Illinoisans.