From the Jim Dodge for Comptroller campaign…
Jim Dodge, Republican Candidate for Illinois Comptroller, will appear on WTTW Channel 11’s ‘Chicago Tonight’ Monday, January 18 at 7 p.m., but his opponent Judy Baar Topinka has refused to appear on the show.
“‘ChicagoTonight’ producers said they invited Ms. Topinka and opened up any day of the week that would fit her schedule, but she has stated she will not appear on the program because her own schedule will not permit,” said Dean Casper, Dodge Campaign Manager. “We were willing to be flexible with ‘Chicago Tonight’ so as to get all Republican Comptroller Candidates on the show to discuss the issues. Ms. Topinka is avoiding debating us on television because in various forums for endorsements from Republican Townships and Counties, Jim Dodge has solidly beaten her winning more than a dozen. She is worried the public will see she is conducting business as usual and will not bring the necessary reform needed in Springfield like Jim Dodge will.”
Jim’s message of making a “clean break with the politics of the past” is hitting home with rank-and-file Republican organizations across the state.
“Many Republicans have told Jim they agree that if we are going to move the Party forward, we have to do it with newer, younger blood,” said Casper. “On the statewide campaign trail, we have not seen Ms. Topinka at any Republican events more than a short drive from her home. It is clear from the number of endorsements we have won against the former candidate for governor and Treasurer that Republicans want to move forward, not backwards.”
Ford County along with Cuba, Libertyville and Vernon Townships in Lake County; Barrington, New Trier, Wheeling, Worth, Orland and Schaumburg Townships in Cook County have already endorsed Dodge’s candidacy. Dodge came in first in the Palos Township vote. Lockport Township GOP organization announced they are recommending Dodge, as well.
He is supported by Monroe County Republican Party Chairman, Myron Neff. The Illinois Center Right Coalition, Eagle Forum, the Republican Assembly of West Suburban Cook County and the Republican Assembly of Lake County endorsed Dodge.
Dodge also defeated Topinka in the St. Clair County and Milton Township straw polls. Milton Township, located in DuPage County, was carried by Topinka in her failed 2006 gubernatorial run.