Illinois Committee for Honest Government President Phyllis A. Sherman (left) is seen with Cook County States Attorney Cecil Partee, as she hosts the very first eidtion of "Political Forum," the first program produced by the ICHG on the Chicago Access Network's Hotline 21 Channel in early October, 1990. This 25-minute-long live call-in program marked the start of the ICHG's 18 years on the Chicago Access Network (making the ICHG one of the senior organizations on CAN-TV).
In late 1991, ICHG Vice President Tony Joyce interviewed Rod Blagojevich on "Political Forum." The program marked the first TV appearance of any kind for Blagojevich, then an Assistant States Attorney who was seeking the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 1992 Primary election, his first elective office.
During the 1990s, when the Illinois Committee for Honest Government was hosting live call-in programs on CAN-TV, there was always a concern about the scheduled guest arriving at the studios on time. This photo, taken after the conclusion of the "Focus on Politics" program with Cong. Luis Guiterrez (D-4th) in the mid-1990s, belies the fact that the Congressman had made it into the studio with just seconds to spare. About five minutes before the show was to start, he was seen in his car (by himself), driving around trying to find an elusive parking space. After this program, the ICHG made a point of telling guests who were coming on for a live broadcast to plan on arriving at least 20 minutes before the show was to start.
ICHG Treasurer Randall Sherman (left) interviews Tom Dart, now the Cook County Sheriff, on "Political Forum" during Dart's 1992 campaign for State Representative.
Phyllis A. Sherman serves as host of one of the first broadcasts of "Political Forum" in October 1990, with her guest, Chicago Alderman Danny K. Davis (29th), now the Congressman of Illinois' 7th District, during his campaign for a seat on the Cook County Board.
Phyllis A. Sherman hosting an edition of "Political Forum" during the 1992 Democratic Primary campaign. Her guest was State Rep. Jesse White, now Illinois Secretary of State, during his successful campaign to become Cook County Recorder of Deeds.
A 1991 edition of "Political Forum," hosted by Phyllis A. Sherman, with Illinois Appellate Court Justice R. Eugene Pincham as that week's guest.
Tony Joyce is seen interviewing Chicago Ald. Larry Bloom (5th) on "Political Forum" in 1994. Then considered to be the darling of the progressives and independents in Chicago, Ald. Bloom would later be convicted of federal corruption charges.
ICHG Secretary/Treasurer Randall Sherman hosts "Focus on Politics" during the 1995 Chicago Aldermanic Election campaign, with his guest, 27th Ward Aldermanic hopeful Walter Burnett, Jr. Even though Burnett had served time for robbery as a youth, he was elected in 1995 and continues to represent the 27th Ward to this day.
Tony Joyce interviews William Beavers, then Alderman of Chicago's South Side 7th Ward, on "Political Forum" in 1993. Beavers, who had served as Chairman of the Chicago city Council's powerful Police & Fire Committee for more than a decade, was elected to the Cook County Board (4th District) in 2006, where he currently helps "guide" Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Since leaving the City Council for the County Board, Beavers has seen his political fortunes wane. His daughter lost his old City Council seat to Sandi Jackson in 2007, who then defeated Beavers in his re-election bid as 7th Ward Democratic Committeeman in February 2008.
ICHG Chairman Tony Joyce hosts "Focus on Politics," where his guest was former State Representative Clem Balanoff, during Balanoff's unsuccessful race as the Democratic candidate for 11th District Congressman in 1996.
From early 1994, Tony Joyce interviews Chicago Alderman Virginia Rugai (19th) on "Political Forum."
On a 1996 broadcast of "Focus on Politics," Tony Joyce is the host, with State Senator Rickey Hendon (D-5th) as his guest. Senator Hendon is usually to be a good guest on these program, as he never seems to be at a loss for words.
Tony Joyce and his guest, former 44th Ward Alderman Dick Simpson (now a University of Illinois-Chicago professor), on a "Focus on Politics" broadcast in the mid-1990s.
In 1998, Tony Joyce interviewed Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Terrence O'Brien on "Focus on Politics" during O'Brien's successful 1998 re-election campaign.
On "Political Forum" in 1994, Tony Joyce interviews Chicago Alderman Thomas Murphy (18th), who now serves as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
On a 1992 edition of "Political Forum," Tony Joyce interviewed the late Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Joseph Gardner.
In 1993, Tony Joyce is hosting "Political Forum," where his guest is then Chicago Alderman James J. Laski (23rd). Laski would win election as Chicago City Clerk in 1995, but would have to plea guilty in federal court to one count of bribery in 2006. Laski served an 11-month sentence, and then wrote My Fall From Grace, his account of his rise and political fall.
Tony Joyce interviews Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-4th) on "Focus on Politics." Note the map of the Chicago-area Congressional districts on the wall behind Cong. Gutierrez.
Tony Joyce interviews one term Alderman Ted Mazola from the First Ward
Tony Joyce interviews the late Author David Fremon about his book "Chicago Politics Ward by Ward"
TV program with J.B. Pritzker was from the fall of 1997, prior to the 1998 Democratic Primary for 9th District Congressman, in which Pritzker finished third in a three-candidate race, State Rep. Jan Schakowsky Won the race, State Senator Howard Carroll also ran for the nomination to succeed Sidney Yates.
Randall Sherman interviews Al Salvi currently a radio show host.
