Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ gift to the pope was on brand. He delivered the pontiff a certificate to reclaim $8.65 of his own money, a sum the successor of St. Peter had held in a now-closed PayPal account.

Democrats sweep statewide races, with state Sen. Kwame Raoul winning the race for Illinois attorney general; and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Secretary of State Jesse White retaining their seats.

“The treasurer should be an independent financial leader who represents the people of our state, not special interests,” says Mike Leheney. Learn more about this candidate.

The state's credit rating takes another couple of punches to the gut. We talk with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.