The Blog

What makes Daniel Biss different is not that he made the rounds of the Yearly Kos last week, but that he has been working to support candidates and progressive change for years. You can count on him standing up and doing the right thing regardless of it advances his own political future, and he has shown a selfless commitment toward bettering our politics and public policy here in IL. He has earned the support and respect of many who have worked beside him, and he will be an outstanding state representative in our state legislature. With such competent, ethical, and smart young people like Daniel stepping forward as a new generation of leadership in the Democratic party, it gives me hope that we indeed will have a better future. I wish my friend all the luck in his bid, and have every confidence he will be successful. Biss in 08!

Go Daniel!!!!!!! We need more math professors in Springfield, who better to figure out the budget?

Julie Hamos - Lou Lang - now a Harvard educated good guy like Daniel Biss!!! With a little luck, they can show the city that keeping it all in the family isn't the best policy. Go Daniel!!!

Wow a Democrat that wants to spend more money, how innovative! What a unique and independent thinker in the Illinois Democrats that wants to dump more money on schools that don't teach, empty busses and El Trains, and insurance schemes. Are there any Democrats remaining in Illinois that did not turn off their brain in about 1979? Bliss sounds much more regressive than progressive. Progress anyone? JBP

Chris Lawrence is right: Daniel has paid his dues in election after election by banging on doors, calling people, and doing everything else he can do to support candidates he believes in. As far as the comment from John Powers is concerned: it's called "paying your bills" -- something people on your side of the aisle -- the "free lunch crowd" -- apparently have never learned to do.

Wow another Republican whose attacks are as bankrupt as their commitment and investment in our kids. How innovative! Here we have someone in Mr. Biss who was educated at Harvard and MIT, teaches at arguably the best university in the Midwest, and volunteers to assist at risk kids in Lawndale too boot! And Mr. Powers seems to think after decades of Republicans in the Governors mansion before the feds stepped in and exposed what a fraud they were, we should except the old GOP attack of doing everything on the cheap is what’s best for Illinois’ future? Get a life Mr. Powers!

Two points, John: First, spending more money was not the first thing he said when I asked about taxes. Fixing corruption was. Second, perhaps it would help to consider all the things government does -- including that stupendous sinkhole of Republican corruption and waste in Iraq -- and rank them in terms of which directions might accomplish something for a change. Biss has been involved personally in specific programs (training middle school Chicago math teachers, for one) that he thinks could be productively upscaled with government funds. And he's not too happy with the effects of the kind of national standards imposed by No Child Left Behind. I'm not endorsing his proposals in either direction (don't know enough), but this is more concrete than just throwing money at an existing bureaucracy.

The voters of the 17th legislative district need to decide whether they want to continue being represented by someone whose selling point is that she's not bad for a Republican or whether they want to have a young, dynamic, LEADER with real ideas and the ability to inspire others fighting for them in the State Legislature.

Harold et al, 1) I am not a Republican 2) State Government typically does not control spending in Iraq. 3) As the Democrats now control Chicago, Cook County, the State Legislative and Executive offices, I fail to see how the Democrats do not have some responsibilty for the mess the State of Illinois is in. Perhaps a good way to reduce corruption would be to allow some competition in healthcare and education, so that the bad apples will be driven out of the market, rather than yet another State Commission, Ethics Bill, Standards Plan, Training Program for Middle School Teachers...don't we have enough of these already failing as fast as they can? JBP

JBP, Ah yes, you're what we call a 'libertarian'. See this is the problem, government has all these responsibilities. To close your eyes and kick your heels and wish them away through "competition" -- just doesn't work. You get dead bodies, and kids with lousy school facilities, and a whole host of other problems that we Democrats and, to be fair, a good number of Independents and Republicans -- simply don't have the stomach to ignore. The best way to make sure that government runs as effectively as possible is to make Ethics the first priority. It's great that the first thing out of Daniel's mouth was precisely this.

CLARIFICATION: Biss's $31,000-and-counting is the cumulative total that he's raised in his campaign; his campaign is distinguished by the large number of contributions.

leo, Your pronouncement of "dead bodies, and kids with lousy school facilities" is the result of what..a government monopoly in education or competition? How do you know competition does not work? We are in a mandated government run monopoly in education in Illinois. We are in a corpratists government run monopoly in Healthcare in Illinois, with the added charm of organized crime running the Health Care Facilities Planning Board. How about 1 idea from Daniel Bliss that does not involve expanding government? Ethics-Smethics, there is not a politician out there (save William Beavers) that claims to be against ethics, what good does it do? If you keep expanding government, you are setting up a system just like we have now of earmarks and votebuying. Why not take away the resources from the crooks and give resources back to the people? JBP

John, your arguments would be more persuasive if I had seen a privatization decision that offered something more than contempt for the people who were hurt by it, usually those with the least resources to begin with. In principle, we need to do some things collectively, so there's no avoiding government. Deciding which things is something reasonable people can disagree on. But anyone who asserts that competition is always destructive, or that government is always destructive, isn't reasonable. And it's "Biss," not "Bliss."

H, How about airline privatization in Europe? You can fly from Malta to London for $14, giving mass democratization to what was a government mandated luxury for the rich. Doing things collectively, like letting Organized Crime decide where healthcare facilities can be built or when roads need repaired (or casinos built) does not sound reasonable to me. How about privatizing just one mob/state controlled industry...liquor distribution? Let Dan Bliss (or any Illinois politician) champion a no-lose proposition, lower booze prices for the consumer, and taking an industry out of the hands of organized crime. JBP

It seems to me that Mr. Biss is championing what he believes in, and with over 400 people willing to support him with financial contributions, is building support among a constituency for that. What is preventing you from championing your proposal and building support among a constituency? Get out there and circulate petitions, register to run for office, and seek the same the same kind of financial support from a constituency. If you want to get control away from the mob/state party control, it starts with decent folks like Dan Biss and people like you willing to step forward.

Mr. Biss can believe what he likes, but the reckless cheerleaders claiming he offers something new merit nothing but scorn. And no, starting with bigger government does not get away from mob/party State, it reinforces it. JBP

"In a phone interview Biss told me he doesn't support Governor Rod Blagojevich's gross receipts tax proposal. Although he says education, transit, and health care need more money, he wouldn't support a tax increase without serious tightening of ethics laws to make sure the money goes where it's supposed to, significant additional tightening of corporate tax loopholes, and provisions like enlarged personal exemptions and increased earned income tax credit to make sure that the burden falls more on those who can afford it." Where exactly is Mr. Biss acting like a reckless cheerleader for bigger government? It sounds to me like he is saying that unless there are fundamental reforms, he will not advocate more moneys into education, transit, or health care. Instead a knee jerk reaction opposing someone based on stereotypes’ of your own perception, why not be open to see if Mr. Biss merits support? Otherwise, as I suggested in my previous post, step up to the plate and advocate for some solutions you believe have merit.

As mentioned, Biss can have all the 1970's positions he likes (tax hikes etc); these are not stereotypes, rather they are his stated positions. The reckless cheerleaders are the folks like yourself posting on this blog claiming that some pre-Reagan big government mush is innovative. Here is the opening that any right minded person should allow, Mr Biss or any other politician should pick 1 program that reduces the size of government, and campaign for it. JBP

OK - I get it now. Not supporting the GRT or any additional tax increase until meaningful reform of the CPS, CTA, RTA, Cook County health care system (Stroger Hospital) isn't enough for our Reagan fan. Here's an idea - (besides deregulating the liquor industry and handing it over to some well connected mob bosses) – why don’t you suggest which program should we reduce? And then put in the hard work of forming a platform and gaining support. It seems to me the inaction of the present leadership is reducing the availability of health services, public transportation (which our financial and convention industry relies heavily upon), and educational opportunity of any kid who lives within a rural or inner city. I'm sure the business community is going to step up after the Renaissance 2010 plan failed, the CREATE project seems dead in the water, and BP is living up to its environmentally friendly corporate image (I'm being sarcastic). John, my friend, the public has moved well beyond the Reagan era and its simple cold war mentality. You should as well.

I'm used to left-wingers making the invalid argument that because a position is old it is therefore invalid; it's instructive to see John assume that something "pre-Reagan" is also therefore invalid. Of course age has nothing to do with it, one way or the other.

Harold, Age may not, but experience certainly does. After a generation or two of failed left-wing economic policies (with a occasional gasp of common sense under Bill Clinton), perhaps the Democrats could come up with something different than -let's raise taxes on those troublemakers earning more than $60K, and pour some more money down the ratholes of Government- Leftist economics were wretched before and after Reagan. I just chose him as a convenient time flag. JBP

Rather than rally back and forth, I strongly suggest Mr. Powers personally meet Mr. Biss before condemning him. As for Democrats, I agree that, thanks to the Daley/Stroger machine, "Chicago Democrat" isn't necessarily a label to carry with pride. All the more reason to support Mr. Biss as he is not one of them. Isn't it time that we had a candidate who's a true breath of fresh air?

I could happily live the rest of my life without meeting another politician (and vice versa, I am sure), but what exactly is the "fresh air" that Dan Biss brings to the atmosphere? Higher taxes? Higher spending? Bigger government? Another litany of "ethics" laws? JBP

The breath of "fresh air" is that a well educated, committed citizen who has given selfless service to our community and wasn't born into the "Family Business" (I completely agree with Judy that any label of "Chicago Democrat" is an almost shameful distinction) is stepping up to reclaim our citizen legislature. I only hope that more follow him instead of hearing that another Mell (Dick's Daughter) will be joining Kevin Joyce (Jeremiah’s son) Toddy Stroger (he got his start out of the crib and into the state Legislature) AG Madigan (those six months teaching in South Africa sure paid off) Dan Hynes (too bad he’s so boring – he’s stuck with a constitutional state office) Harry Osterman (Mommy’s hats sheltered more than her head) The list goes on and on………..and I have things to do. Go Dan! The peoples business should be conducted by the people, not an elite group of morons born into the right family. Don’t worry about a naysayer like John Powers, they haven’t got the courage you do to get into the mix and reclaim our governments. I'm only sorry you will have to work with so many of these morons.

Good Advice NSDR, As someone who lives in Dan's District and votes in the Democratic Primary, we need more candidates who ignore their constituents like we need another Blagojevich. How about a bit less cheerleading and condemnations and tiny bit of focus on the issues? JBP

Then we are on the same page. Less condemnation and focus on issues. I believe Daniel Biss is the best democrat, and for that matter, the best candidate in either party who can address the issues facing the voters in the 17th District. I hope you will stop your unwarranted condemnation of such a capable and well intentioned young man.

NSDR, Going back to Rhetoric 101, why is he the best candidate? Because you say so? He can address the issues how? How do Dan's tax increases and increase in spending differ from other tax and spending increases? Does penalizing everyone who is upper middle income + make the El run on time? JBP

Did you bother to link to the Firedoglake interview? Besides my knowing Daniel and that I have the impression that your condemnation comes from a perception rather than a logical reaction toward any position that Daniel Biss has taken, I think you should either ask Daniel what his positions on issues are, or at the very least, read through the interview and Daniel's responses to questions from those on the blog site linked above. Going back to Rhetoric 101 - how can anyone address the issues if you refuse to listen and have displayed a knee jerk reaction of condemnation? Dose rising property taxes in the 17th district, who are largely upper middle income, qualify as tax and spending increases? Does the state have a responsibility to share the burden of funding education in areas that lack large industrial property tax bases (they require few services and offset the property taxes contributed by homeowners and farmers)? At the very least, you can be a little more open minded and give this guy a chance to address the issues before you resort to condemning him.

If there were no market failures, and all governments always failed, then an open mind wouldn't be required. Unfortunately too many well-funded libertarians are committed to rewriting and ignoring history to fulfil their specifications.

Wow. I wonder how much Dan would be raising if he moved back home to Indiana and ran for Congress there like he originally planned.

I went to Daniel's kickoff today, and it was great. He spoke to just the sort of stuff in the above posts. He is not about "spend more money, spend less money, propose this, propose that... ." He is about results, he is about vision, he is about making Illinois better. Let's focus on the issue that Illinois is 48th out of 50 states in per student spending on education, and that our educational system is a mess. We need to invest in education. Daniel Biss will solve that problem.

Beautifully put, You start with it is not about spending, then make the leap of faith to "We need ot invest in education". I am glad to see it is not about spending. Does Daniel have any ideas that do not enlarge the government? Spend more money? Put more power in the State? JBP

I'm so sick of folks blaming Democrats as "tax and spend" and lauding Republicans as "fiscally responsable," especially when the facts are entirely OPPOSITE to this. Since 1950, the US National Debt as a % of GDP has DROPPED UNDER EVERY SINGLE DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION. Read that again. EVERY SINGLE ONE. (Yes, even Jimmy Carter!) Since 1976, EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN administration has increased the US National Debt as a % of GDP. In fact, Reagan and Bush I managed to raise the national debt to the higest level since 1953, when the US was still paying off WWII. Mr. Clinton managed to decrease the national debt, but Bush II has raised those levels again to the highest they have been in 53 YEARS. Yeah, I guess that shows that Democrats "tax and spend" and Republicans are "fiscally responsable." Just to be a little clearer on what than means, this means that Reagan, Bush I and Bush II SPENT MORE THAN THEY HAD, and supported their administrations by BORROWING and putting the US into huge, unsustainable debt. Here's a pretty graph which shows this data: http://zfacts.com/metaPage/lib/National-Debt-GDP-L.gif Note that this data is taken directly from whitehouse.gov, not some Democratic think tank. The Democrats have the facts on their side: they have consistantly managed to run the finances of the Federal Government better than the Republicans have. What the Democrats should do better is to get these facts out there--- that is, they have an IMAGE problem, not a FACT problem. So, pardon me John Powers, but your "facts" are simply untrue. Sorry about that.

Unfortunately, it is also true that Daniel Biss' mathematics and integrity have been put into serious question in the past few days. His main academic work, for which he was awarded his Ph.D thesis, prestigious fellowships, and presumably his tenure track job at Chicago, have been shown to have fatal flaws in their proofs, see the note by the well established mathematician Mnev: http://arxiv.org/pdf/0709.1291 What's more disturbing, is that Mnev essentially asserts that Biss has known the flaw in his two main papers for at least two years and has said nothing about it. In mathematics, this is considered a serious no no. In the field of math, truth is everything, and yet, he has shown nothing but lies and deceit. Now, knowing that his mathematical reputation is essentially finished, he wants to move on to poltics, where probably this kind of character, combined with a bright smile rule the day.

I may be the person who knows Daniel Biss's Ph.D thesis and its history most closely, and John Dee's comments are completely out of line. The error in his thesis is a subtle mistake deep in a technical argument. I am quite certain it's an honest mistake, both because I was in contact with him throughout the development of his thesis and because I've known him since he was 16 years old, and he has always shown an outstanding degree of honesty and integrity. It is not unusual for technical errors to be found in large mathematical works. Two years ago, when the mistake was first uncovered, Daniel had moved on to focus on quite different areas of research, whereas I was in the middle of thinking hard about his thesis, and so, with Daniel's blessing, I took on the task of fixing the mistake. I thought I had fixed it and announced so privately to experts in the field (including Daniel), intending to publish my correction as part of an upcoming book. Mnev later found yet another subtle technical flaw in my correction. There followed a private correspondence between myself and Mnev as I tried to fix the flaw -- a discussion which, in retrospect, we should have kept Biss apprised of. I had no success in my correction, hence Mnev's public announcement of the mistake. I deeply regret not keeping Daniel informed of the ups and downs of my efforts. Since he thought a correction had been made and was headed for publication, there was no reason for him to announce the error. Any blame here rests with myself.

Even if the mistake was an honest one at the time, any mistake which is so severe as to "vanish the proof of the theorem" ought to be acknowledged publicly -- submitted as an erratum to the journal or posted online. Why hasn't Biss done this by now? Surely an author whose standards on mathematical writing are as exacting as those expressed by Biss here www.ams.org/notices/200410/comm-biss.pdf would feel it his duty to correct/withdraw a published paper with a fatal flaw.

For God's sake, don't you have something better to do with your time than criticize insignificant mathematical typos for a political purpose? You undoubtedly don't have the standing to be making an opinion on this topic. Please do not vandalize this blog, or any other blog about Daniel Biss, again.

I'm with r2d2. While Laura's efforts are noble, and I agree mistakes happen, a fatal mistake for a paper of this magnitude has to be reported in reasonable time. While I respect Laura for assuming responsibility for the non-action of the author, it doesn't obviate said author's duty. As for Seth, I don't know who you are speaking to, but every sentence you wrote is irrelevant.

We already have a professor in Springfield - the incumbant Rep. Beth Coulson. I don't see that Dan Biss has any issues against her -she's a proven leader who has taken tough votes (actually done things rather than just talk about things)on ethics, education, health care, transit, etc. So why is Biss running? Most of the D's in the District cross-over and vote for Coulson anyway? All Biss seems to say is "I'm a hard D, so vote for me".