Did a Big Dem Donor Turned Obama Medical Records Czar Hoodwink Members of Congress?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Did Obama’s medical record czar, Judy Faulkner, hoodwink five members of Congress into pushing her own medical records company as the solution for the problem of electronic medical records for all government contracts? That’s what some wonder as Obama’s search for an electronic medical records solution evolves.

In a likely earnest effort to bring jobs to Wisconsin and help improve the fortunes of a home state company, five members of Congress signed onto a letter urging the Department of Defense to seriously consider EPIC Systems medical records computer architecture. (Download PDF of letter)

The letter, signed by Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl (D) and Ron Johnson (R), as well as Representatives Paul Ryan (R), Tammy Baldwin (D), and Ron Kind (D), was written some two years after EPIC Systems CEO, Judith Faulkner was appointed (April 3, 2009) to Obama’s Health Information Technology Policy Committee. This is a committee established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will, “make recommendations on creating a policy framework for the development and adoption of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure,” for electronic medical records.
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Did a Big Dem Donor Turned Obama Medical Records Czar Hoodwink Members of Congress?”


Ill. State Senator Chris Lauzen Friends: We Need your Survey Vote Now!‏

From the office of Ill. State Senator Chris Lauzen (24th District)…

Can you help us out? There is an online “non-scientific” poll being conducted for the next few hours. Here’s what you need to do: cut and paste www.geneva.patch.com, and you’ll see the “Patch Poll: If GOP Primary were today who would you vote for in the Kane County Chairman race?” VOTE for CHRIS LAUZEN.

On August 13, before more than 850 friends and supporters at our annual Porky Picnic, I announced that I would run for Kane County Board Chairman. I explained that my State Senate responsibilities will continue for the next year and a quarter and my focus remains on representing the 350,000 constituents within the 25th Senate District.

Just as I pledged in my first campaign, I promise to continue to “work hard, stay honest and use the same common sense that you do in your home and business.” My top three priorities, if elected to the Chairman role, will be to Freeze the County Property Tax Levy; Treat People Respectfully; and Honest Competent Administration through Innovation and Austerity.

Our campaign momentum continues to build. Email us at campaign@Lauzen.com to volunteer for a yard sign, telephone calls or Friend-to-Friend cards. There’s still time to help circulate Nominating Petitions, too.

Chris Lauzen
Ill. State Senate, 24th District

http://www.lauzen.com/


Senator Kirk, Congressman Kinzinger Respond to Super Committee’s Spectrum Question: “BRAC” the Spectrum

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, Illinois 11th District)…

Proposal Would Use Successful Military Base Closure Process to Identify and Auction Federal Spectrum for Deficit Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, four members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), and Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA)) sent a letter to President Obama, requesting a review of how Federally-owned spectrum can be used more effectively to increase public broadband access while paying down our debt.

In response, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) urged the Joint Select Committee Chairmen Patty Murray (D-WA) and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) to establish a process similar to the successful Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) procedure in order to identify which Federal spectrum should be auctioned for use by the private sector.
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Senator Kirk, Congressman Kinzinger Respond to Super Committee’s Spectrum Question: “BRAC” the Spectrum”


Video Spotlight: Rep. Dold on Helping Small Businesses

From the office of Rep. Robert Dold (Ill., 10th District)…

WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold (IL-10) released a video on five bills that passed through the Financial Services Subcommittee that will empower small businesses to gain more access to capital, which will in turn help them to expand and create jobs.

http://dold.house.gov/


Albracht for Senate Fundraising Success

From the Albracht for Senate campaign…

Raises $33,048.05 in 3rd Quarter Campaign nearly triples 2nd quarter fundraising totals

MOLINE, IL–The Albracht for Senate campaign bolstered their momentum with an impressive third quarter fundraising haul.

After kicking off the campaign with an $11,043.01 fundraising total in the second quarter, the Albracht for Senate campaign nearly tripled that in the third quarter, raising $33.048.05.

Bill Albracht, Republican candidate for Illinois Senate in the 36th District, said he remains focused on winning next November.

“Once again, our campaign has shown impressive fundraising numbers,” Albracht said. “We will continue to work hard to raise money, but frankly, I’m prouder of the outreach we’ve done this quarter. We’ve met hundreds of people across the district, and they are begging for new representation in Springfield. They’re tired of high taxes, high unemployment, and fiscal irresponsibility. When I’m elected to the Illinois Senate next November, I will bring common sense leadership to Springfield so we can finally tackle these issues and save our state.”

Jon Schweppe, campaign manager for Albracht for Senate, said Albracht connects with voters on many different levels.

“I never cease to be amazed by how well Bill connects with the folks,” Schweppe said. “His message of job creation and fiscal responsibility speaks to both Republicans and Democrats alike, and his record of courage, leadership, and integrity is very impressive. I’m confident that if our campaign continues to put in the hard work of raising money and meeting the people of this district several times over, we will win this race next November.”

Schweppe also pointed out that Albracht has incredible grassroots support.

“The support for this campaign is very organic and real,” Schweppe said. “The vast majority of our donations come from individuals, while Senator Jacobs received nearly all of his money this quarter from special interest groups. It’s clear that while Springfield lobbyists may be fighting for Senator Jacobs, the people of the 36th District are behind Bill Albracht.”

For more information about Bill Albracht, visit our website at http://www.albrachtforsenate.com.


Roskam Applauds House Passage of the Coal Residuals and Management Act

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Illinois 6th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2273 – the Coal Residuals and Management Act – a bill with bipartisan support that will allow coal combustion residuals to be used effectively and efficiently while protecting jobs:

“This bipartisan legislation is another commonsense solution to restore confidence in American businesses and workers. This is a regulatory solution that would protect jobs, keep electricity costs low, and keep construction material costs low. The construction and energy industries can’t grow and expand with regulations as these excessive these.

“Americans are looking for answers on how we can turn this economy around, and excessive regulations from Washington are only adding to that frustration. It is initiatives like these that will provide for the kind of certainty and pro-growth environment needed to get businesses hiring again and move our economy in the right direction.”

http://roskam.house.gov/


Hultgren Statement in Response to President Obama’s Refusal to Acknowledge House GOP Jobs Plan

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) issued the following statement today in response to President Obama’s claim that he has yet to see the House Republican Plan for America’s Job Creators.

“I was surprised by the President’s claim tonight that he has not seen a jobs plan from House Republicans; clearly, he hasn’t been paying attention. Long before the President introduced his American Jobs Act – which members of its own party are keeping at arm’s length – we unveiled our Plan for America’s Job Creators.

“Unlike the President’s proposal – which is far too much of failed ‘stimulus’ recipe of more spending and higher taxes – we’re focused on cutting red tape to unleash the potential of America’s private sector, and that’s been our focus since Day One.

“If the President is serious about getting Americans back to work, he should refrain from taking baseless, juvenile potshots and instead work with Senator Harry Reid to get the dozen pro-growth, pro-jobs bills we’ve passed through the Senate.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/


Occupy Boston Ruins Food Bank Fundraiser, Conservatives Step in With $3,700 Fund Drive

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Greater Boston Food Bank intended to have a fundraising event in Boston’s Dewey Square over the weekend of the 14th of October. It was to be called the “Greenway Mobile Food Fest” and was supposed to help raise funds to feed the poor and needy. But due to the tantrums being thrown by the Occupy Boston protestors the event had to be canceled.

Despite the selfishness of these pointless, clueless protesters, though, conservative bloggers stepped in and raised over $3,000 for the food bank. An important question is, where is the media on this story? Isn’t this a perfect sort of human-interest story that media types usually love?

The media should love this. It’s got clueless, uninformed, cretins hurting an organization that helps feed the needy. It has a more caring group rising to the challenge to help replace those lost donations. Perfect story, right?

Ah, except that it is conservatives in the role of good guy and the Old Media can’t have that, now can they?
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Occupy Boston Ruins Food Bank Fundraiser, Conservatives Step in With $3,700 Fund Drive”


Roskam Applauds House Passage of the EPA Regulatory Relief Act

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Illinois 6th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2250 – the EPA Regulatory Relief Act – legislation that will stop the EPA’s excessive Boiler MACT regulations from burdening employers and replace them with common-sense rules to protect jobs:

“The House has taken an important step to relieve an excessive regulatory barrier to job creation. Sensible regulations are important but the EPA’s Boiler MACT rules would force businesses to comply with unnecessarily difficult and complex standards and tests. That would cost American job creators billions and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

“That’s no way to get our economy moving again. We need to create an environment that promotes private-sector job creation, innovation, and growth. I strongly urge the Senate to take up this legislation and help instill confidence in American businesses.”

http://roskam.house.gov/


Ill. House GOP Update

From the office of Rep. Tom Cross, Ill GOP House Leader…

After we filed bills to address some of the gross abuses being reported by the media in regard to the Chicago Pension funds, there have been many media outlets following the story. In the last few days I’ve talked to many reporters including Roe and Roeper on WLS radio, Mike McConnell on WGN radio and Brian Byers and Co. on WSOY in Decatur. The Chicago Tribune and Chicago News Cooperative have been following the story closely as well.

If you have a few minutes, check out the media clips below. We will be working hard to pass this legislation as soon as possible.

Chicago News Cooperative: Pension Fund Bill Causes Uproar

Click here to listen to my conversation with Mike McConnell on WGN, Thursday.

‘Insane’ even by Illinois standards? Union official to get $500,000 in pensions, http://news.ilhousegop.org/


Kinzinger Supports Bipartisan Regulatory Relief Legislation to Prevent Job Loss

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, Illinois 11th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, welcomed House passage of H.R. 2250, the EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011.

Kinzinger, a co-sponsor of H.R. 2250, says the legislation would provide businesses with adequate time to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new rules in order to prevent rising costs and destroying jobs or sending jobs overseas.

“Enforcing these current rules could endanger hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional costs to manufacturers during a time of great economic uncertainty,” said Kinzinger. “The EPA Regulatory Relief Act does not repeal regulations that protect our economy or our environment. Rather, these bills extend deadlines to provide manufacturers with the time they need to comply with new regulations so they are not forced to shut down, which would in turn destroy jobs.”

In February, Congressman Kinzinger led a group of 61 freshmen in sending a letter to the EPA, expressing concern over the Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule for industrial boilers (Boiler MACT). The letter reiterates concerns expressed by a bipartisan group of 114 Representatives during the 111th Congress on the EPA’s proposed Boiler MACT.

“The retrofitting requirements necessary for operators to comply with these stringent standards, at facilities from universities to food processors, and a wide range of industries across the spectrum, will undoubtedly cause the shuttering of domestic manufacturing capacity and associated job losses,” said Kinzinger.

The EPA estimates that capital costs for implementation of these rules would amount to $9.5 billion. According to IHS Global Insight, however, the final Boiler MACT rules could mean more than $14 billion in compliance costs with over 230,000 jobs at risk.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


The Dold-Championed ‘Supporting Economic and National Security by Maintains U.S. Leadership in Multilateral Development Banks Act’ Advances through Committee

From the office of Rep. Robert Dold (Ill., 10th District)…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during the Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, the “Supporting Economic and National Security by Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) Act” advanced through the committee. U.S. Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10) has helped lead this effort to ensure that the MDBs enact policies that are aligned with American interests, to encourage economic growth in developing counties, and to aid in U.S. national security.

“I am pleased to see this bill pass through Committee with bipartisan support,” said Dold. “Maintaining our nation’s leadership with Multilateral Development Banks is vital to promoting American export markets, job growth, and economic prosperity. Furthermore, our involvement ensures these MDBs implement policies that are aligned with our economic and humanitarian values while enhancing global and national security by helping to create stable countries throughout the world.”

Background Information on the Multilateral Development Banks Act:

  • By maintaining our MDB leadership, our nation’s priorities and policies will remain influential in the global economic and security system while allowing our nation’s entrepreneurs to continue playing a critical role in financial and natural resource development abroad.
  • MDBs also promote corruption-free projects in developing countries, which allow American businesses the opportunities to invest abroad and access new markets. This helps to create new jobs here at home as job creators can expand into growing markets.
  • America’s MDB leadership also strengthens global and national security by helping to other nations improve their own political stability, institutions, infrastructure, and general economic prosperity.
  • The MDB Act will increase transparency and accountability, enhance anti-corruption measures, and maintains strong standards for international competitive bidding on projects while ensuring that American favorably influences foreign country policies, including policies relating to national security, representative government, human rights, and the environment.

http://dold.house.gov/


Nancy Pelosi Says Republicans Want to Kill Women — But Who Are Really the Killers?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Nancy Pelosi has a message for you: Republicans want to kill women. Yes, there it is, another fine example of the Democrat “new tone.”

All one can say to that is, “Nancy, you ignorant slut.” (If you’ll excuse my channeling an SNL era Dan Aykroyd?)

What’s all her hypocritical fury being directed at? The Protect Life Act that passed the House 251-172 on Thursday.
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Nancy Pelosi Says Republicans Want to Kill Women — But Who Are Really the Killers?”


Roskam Floor Speech in Support of Pro-Export FTAs

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Illinois 6th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, gave the following remarks on the House Floor in support of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.

Transcript:

Thank you, Madame Speaker. Madame Speaker, as the public is listening to this, I think they’re kind of collectively going: whew. Finally there’s something that’s going on in Congress. Finally there’s something going with the other body. Finally there’s something going on with the White House that is common ground around a very simple premise and that’s this: no-cost job creation. It doesn’t cost a single dime.
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Roskam Floor Speech in Support of Pro-Export FTAs”


Hultgren Applauds House Passage Of Free Trade Agreements

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) tonight applauded the passage of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, by the House of Representatives. Hultgren voted for the three FTAs.

“Tonight’s votes are long-overdue victories for manufacturers and farmers in Illinois and across the country,” said Hultgren. “By passing these Free Trade Agreements, we have secured American exporters new markets for their goods, enabling them to expand and hire here at home. Already, exports have an enormous impact in the 14th District, supporting almost 26,000 jobs. The benefits to our agricultural sector will also be substantial – last year alone, Illinois’s agricultural exports were an estimated $5.8 billion, supporting almost 49,000 jobs statewide. I hope the Senate acts promptly on these FTAs and sends them to President Obama as soon as possible.”

“Congressional passage of the Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Columbia and South Korea is long overdue. Eliminating trade barriers and boosting U.S. export trade is key to furthering the nation’s economic recovery. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce supports passage of the Free Trade Agreements because we know that facilitating the expansion of international trade is critical to the state’s economic future. We thank Congressman Hultgren for his leadership on this issue.” – Doug Whitley, President and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce

“Trade is important to Illinois and American agriculture, and passage of the FTA’s is a big step in the right direction for agriculture and the entire economy. These agreements will open new markets to Illinois’ agricultural exports, leading to job creation and economic expansion; that is critically important in these tough economic times. The Illinois Farm Bureau thanks Congressman Hultgren for his support of these agreements.” – Philip Nelson, President, Illinois Farm Bureau

Illinois employers supporting the FTAs include Boeing, Caterpillar, Kraft Foods and Navistar.

http://hultgren.house.gov/


Dold Votes to Approve Three Free Trade Agreements, 3 Agreements to Benefit Illinois Small Businesses

From the office of Rep. Robert Dold (Ill., 10th District)…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10) voted to approve three free trade agreements. The three agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea have bipartisan support in Congress and are part of President Obama’s jobs plan.
“Small businesses throughout the 10th District of Illinois depend on our ability to export to other countries,” said Dold. “I voted to approve these trade agreements so that we can give local job creators an opportunity to expand and create new jobs. Right here in our district over 58,000 jobs rely on exports- the approval of these agreements will help increase exports and create new business right here at home.”

Background Information on the Free Trade Agreements:

http://dold.house.gov/


How Did Obama Know About Fast & Furious Before Attny Gen Holder Did?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Here is a question: Attorney General Eric Holder has said that he didn’t learn of Fast and Furious until May of 2011. Yet in a March interview, Obama said he already knew about it months before Holder claimed he did.

See the video at RightPundits.com.


Flip Flop: Romney Now Accepting Occupy Wall Streeter’s Premise?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Only days ago Mitt Romney was saying that the Occupy Wall Streeters were dangerous. But, true to his penchant to “grow” in his opinion (“growing” is what the rest of us call flip floping), Romney is now beginning to accept the OWS theme of “the 99%.”

The OWSers — I call them the Occupy-Whatevers because they really have no idea what they want or what they are doing — have taken to calling themselves the “99%.” This class warfare battle cry casts anyone with a few shekels to rub together in the role of the eeeevil rich.

As I mentioned, during the first week of October Romney was pounding the Occupy-Whatevers as “dangerous.” He was right about these anti-Semitic, anti-American protesters, too. At the same appearance Romney also said that the whole series of protests were exercises in “class warfare.”

But that was then.
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Flip Flop: Romney Now Accepting Occupy Wall Streeter’s Premise?”


Peter Roskam: Consummate Conservative Warrior

-By Steven Foley

I’d like to introduce, or re-aquatint, you to Illinois Congressman and U.S. House of Representatives Chief Deputy Majority Whip Peter Roskam. Roskam represents the Sixth District of Illinois and is not only the party’s future but a consummate conservative warrior with real solutions on issues ranging from the economy and jobs to taxes, government spending and health care.

Let me give you some examples. He’s been one of the most outspoken advocates for passing the three long-stalled trade agreements – the same agreements President Obama finally sent to Congress last week.

On taxes, just recently, he introduced legislation to permanently make the capital gains and dividends tax rates 15%. Right now, President Obama is threatening to let them expire in 2013. Frankly that would be devastating. Keeping these rates low is just one aspect of comprehensive tax reform Roskam is fighting for.

He’s also leading the expedition on stopping the Obama Administration’s most excessive job-killing regulations. A few weeks ago Peter delivered the GOP’s weekly address and bodily called Washington “a red-tape factory.” This is the voice people need in Washington…

Read the rest at The Minority Report.


Cross Files Bill to Protect Taxpayers from Double Dipping

From the office of Rep. Tom Cross, Ill GOP House Leader…

“Can you name any place in the world where someone can get two pensions for the same job?” said state Rep. Tom Cross, a Republican from Oswego who has been pushing for statewide pension reform. “Even by our standards here in Illinois, it’s beyond belief. It’s insane.”

This was part of a story uncovered by the Chicago Tribune and WGN-TV in the last 24 hours taking a look at union leaders exploitation of a loophole created by a questionable interpretation of state statute in the Chicago pension funds.

As the media continues to uncover gross abuses in the Chicago’s pension funds, Cross filed legislation today to ensure that Chicago union officials cannot collect multiple pensions, one through the City of Chicago and one through other labor organizations for pension credit earned for the same period of service.
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Cross Files Bill to Protect Taxpayers from Double Dipping”


Illinois GOP to hold first-ever online/in-person Presidential Straw Poll on Nov. 5

From the Illinois GOP…

The Illinois Republican Party will host a unique opportunity for Republican voters to participate in the first-ever in-person/online presidential straw poll held by a state Republican Party.

Complete with early voting online and in person locations, the Illinois Republican Straw Poll allows any Illinois resident a chance to participate.

“Other states have had straw polls at one location and websites have had online polls but no one has ever done what we’re doing,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady. “Republican voters in Illinois from Chicago to Cairo and anywhere in between can participate without traveling very far and they can even do so without leaving their house. We’ll even have early voting just like a regular election to maximize convenience.”
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Illinois GOP to hold first-ever online/in-person Presidential Straw Poll on Nov. 5″


Attny Gen Holder Faces Subpoena in Fast & Furious Investigation

-By Warner Todd Huston

Rep. Darrell Issa has finally done what he threatened to do. Namely, issue U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder a subpoena in the Fast and Furious investigation. Now, I have sort of avoided some of the latest happenings in the F&F case because, well, I’m becoming F&F all the time here lately. But this one I can’t ignore.

Rep. Issa (R, Calif.) is heading the congressional investigation into F&F and he’s been stonewalled, lied to, and attacked by Obama, Eric Holder, and the entire administration. Apparently he’s had quite enough of it, too…

Read the rest at RightPundits.com.


Chris Nybo Running for Ill. State Senate, 24th District

-By Warner Todd Huston

At the recent TeaCon 2011 event, I had a chance to speak to Chris Nybo, currently a state representative for the 41st district. Nybo is running against State Senator Kirk Dillard of the 24th District in the upcoming GOP primary.

As he is already a State Rep., the big question is why the run to upset Dillard? According to Nybo, he didn’t want to run against his colleagues Patti Bellock or Sandy Pihos, both of whom are state reps that are now in Nybo’s district due to redistricting.

Let’s allow Mr. Nybo take it from here…

So where do we stand with Mr. Chris Nybo?
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Chris Nybo Running for Ill. State Senate, 24th District”


Kinzinger Launches 2012 Campaign for U.S. Congress

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, Illinois 11th District)…

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger, along with hundreds of supporters, launched his 2012 election campaign. Kinzinger cited that Washington needs a fresh approach, with strong, conservative voices that will fight to create an environment where more private-sector jobs can be created and where government will become less relevant in people’s everyday life.

“We must have strong voices in Washington who will carry out the people’s agenda,” Kinzinger said. “We need people who remember they work for you – not those who have been in Congress for decades and believe Washington knows best. Government doesn’t know best – the small business owners who know what it’s like to sign the front of a paycheck, rather than the back, do.”

Kinzinger outlined several straightforward steps Washington must take to create an environment that encourages job growth, rather than one that hampers their development, including:
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Kinzinger Launches 2012 Campaign for U.S. Congress”


VIDEO: EPA Regulations Jeopardize IL Manufacturing Jobs

From the Republican Study Committee…

The Republican Study Committee today released a new AmericanJobCreators.com video – “Voices of Recovery: Eric’s Story” – highlighting the cost of federal government regulations on Bensenville, Illinois job creator Chicago White Metal Die Casting (CWM). A privately held family small business since 1937, CWM is struggling to remain competitive under the burden of new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations which restrict energy use at manufacturing facilities.

In business for nearly 75 years, CWM supports about 250 jobs, but faces growing challenges from mounting Washington rules and regulations.
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VIDEO: EPA Regulations Jeopardize IL Manufacturing Jobs”


The Hultgren Huddle – October 7, 2011‏

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

This week marked the 888th day since the Senate has passed a budget. To mark this occasion, I joined 35 other freshman members of Congress to tell the do-nothing Senate that, “Enough is enough, do your job – pass a budget.”

Not only have they failed to pass a budget for 888 days, spending recklessly the whole time, they have also failed to vote on any of the dozen pro-growth, pro-jobs bills the House has passed with bipartisan support. It’s time for Harry Reid and Dick Durbin to get serious, pass a budget, and pass our bills that will get Washington bureaucrats off the backs of America’s small business owners and let them hire and expand.

However, I did receive some good news this week: President Obama, at long last, has formally submitted to Congress free trade agreements with the nations of Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
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The Hultgren Huddle – October 7, 2011‏”


Joe The Plumber for Ohio’s 9th District!

-By Warner Todd Huston

Looks like Samuel Joesph Wurzelbacher, better known as “Joe the Plumber,” is getting closer to running for Congress. He’ll be taking on long-time left-wing Congresswoman Marcia Kaptur in Ohio’s Ninth District.

The Federal Election Commission has listed a registration for “Joe for Congress 2012” in Wurzelbacher’s name. This adds to the discussion that Joe was going to jump into the political arena back during the 2010 midterms.

You’ll remember Joe as being the fellow to whom then candidate Obama revealed his inner socialist in 2008. Joe asked Obama about taxes and, like the true socialist he is, Obama replied that he wanted to “spread the wealth” around.
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Joe The Plumber for Ohio’s 9th District!”


How Obama Is Bypassing Democracy, Congress and YOU

-By Warner Todd Huston

Phil Kerpen has a warning for you, America. He wants to alert you to the fact that Barack Obama is using his powers to create regulations to undermine Congress, ignore voters, and “radically transform America.” But Kerpen also has some good news. There’s a way to stop this left-wing assault on our country. You can find out what that something is in his new book, Democracy Denied: How Obama is Ignoring You and Bypassing Congress to Radically Transform America — and How to Stop Him.

For this book — his first if I am not mistaken — Kerpen, the Vice President for Policy at Americans for Prosperity, has decided no less than to save the Republic. Of course, it’s an uphill battle to beat back the war that has been launched against America for sure.

Why is it an uphill battle? Because the way our country is being torn down is happening in the most subtle way possible. Worse, it is all being done with such ersatz legality, a legitimacy so seemingly ironclad, that most Americans are completely unaware of what is happening. And when they are aware of it they imagine there is nothing wrong with it all.
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How Obama Is Bypassing Democracy, Congress and YOU”


ILLINOIS IMPACT ALERT: How the Trade Agreements Will Affect Illinois’ Economy

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Illinois 6th District)…

Next week, the House will vote on the long-stalled Colombia, Panama, and Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTA).These no-cost job-creating pacts will make it easier for American manufacturers to sell our products abroad and in turn create more jobs here. Note: If passed, these Agreements are expected to become law.

BY THE NUMBERS: What do these FTAs mean for Illinois? More American exports, more economic growth, more jobs

  • Exports directly support 145,903 jobs in Illinois (60,137 of those in the 6th District alone) in 650 companies – once the new FTA’s become law more markets will open, incentivizing local companies to grow and hire. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Accessed 10/6/11)
  • Almost 25% of all manufacturing jobs in Illinois are dependent on exports. That is one in every four workers. (U.S. Department of Commerce, Accessed 10/6/11)
  • FTA’s will directly impact the engines of Illinois’ economy – small and medium businesses. These enterprises with less than 500 employees account for 15,170 of Illinois exporting firms, and generated over one-fifth of our state’s total merchandise exports in 2008. (U.S. Department of Commerce, Accessed 10/6/11)
  • Last year, Illinois exported over $48.4 billion worth of goods – new trade agreements will open up new markets to increase the amount of goods sold. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Accessed 10/6/11)
  • Illinois has benefitted from trade agreements. For example, the U.S.-Chile agreement in 2004 grew Illinois’s exports to Chile by 400%. (U.S. Department of Commerce, Accessed 10/6/11)

ILLINOIS COMPANIES SPEAK OUT: These Agreements Will Help Local Companies Grow and Create Private-Sector Jobs
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ILLINOIS IMPACT ALERT: How the Trade Agreements Will Affect Illinois’ Economy”


Hultgren Statement on September Jobs Report

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement regarding the September unemployment report released by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“With this disappointing report the unemployment rate has been at or above 8 percent for 32 straight months, a level that President Obama said unemployment would never reach if the ‘stimulus’ was approved,” said Hultgren. “Even more discouraging is that only two out of the last 30 months have seen unemployment below 9 percent. This is a clear failure of the Administration’s deficit-spending, tax-hiking policies.

“I’ve heard over and over again from our small business owners that uncertainty, the threat of higher taxes, and more ‘stimulus’ proposals are not going to restore the confidence they need to start hiring and expanding again. To restore that confidence, House Republicans are focused on a pro-jobs agenda to eliminate onerous government regulations, cut government spending, and remove the threat of higher taxes. We invite President Obama and the do-nothing Senate to join us as we work to turn our economy around and get Americans working again.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/