14th District Race: Sen. Lauzen Asks About All That Outside $$ For Ethan Hastert

-By Warner Todd Huston

During the January 14 Republican meeting and candidate forum in Geneva Township a question was raised by speaker Chris Lauzen (R, Aurora), State Senator from the 25th State Senate District. That question focused on all the support not only from outside the district but outside the entire state that is streaming in to shore up the campaign for Congress of the young Ethan Hastert. Senator Lauzen questioned the propriety of all this outside money pouring into the 14th District when there was already a worthy, proven candidate in the person of Randy Hultgren running for that seat. (Note: I’d have gotten this reported sooner, but was waiting on a few sources to confirm events)

This is a question that I have echoed and one that has formed one of the main reasons why I chose to endorse Randy Hultgren for the 14th District instead of Ethan Hastert.

At the event, Senator Lauzen stood before the audience and wondered aloud if there was a candidate from the 14h District that deserved the voter’s support based on “merit” or should the voters lean toward the candidate of “privilege”? Lauzen wondered whether the voters should support a man with a record of service or whether that support should be bestowed on the candidate with a mountain of outside support? Lauzen was primed to ask this question because of a campaign flyer being passed out by candidate Ethan Hastert that advertised an upcoming appearance by Georgia Congressman Tom Price who was in Illinois to stump for Hastert.
Continue reading


14th District Race: Sen. Lauzen Asks About All That Outside $$ For Ethan Hastert”


8th District: Candidate Walsh Sued by Frmr Campaign Manager

-By Warner Todd Huston

8th District Congressional candidate Joe Walsh seems to be in a bit of a legal jam. His one-time campaign manager, Keith Lisico, has filed a lawsuit against Walsh for not paying his campaign managing bills.

Lisico left the Walsh campaign in December of 2009 over a dispute with Walsh’s less than timely payment of contracted consulting fees and has filed suit over the dispute. The suit alleges that Walsh owes the firm of Patrickson-Hirsh Associates $20,000 for services rendered.
Continue reading


8th District: Candidate Walsh Sued by Frmr Campaign Manager”


Adam Andrzejewski: “A Breath of Fresh Air for Illinois”

From the Adam Andrzejewski for Governor campaign…

At a press conference on Tuesday, January 19, at the University Club of Chicago, former conservative State Senator and gubernatorial candidate, Patrick O’Malley issued his endorsement of my campaign.

Mr. O’Malley served as a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate, having been elected three times in a swing district that went to the Democrats after his retirement in 2003. While a State Senator, he was a member of a group of conservative state senators elected in 1992 who often challenged the leadership of the Illinois Republican Party and were dubbed the “Fab Five.”
Continue reading


Adam Andrzejewski: “A Breath of Fresh Air for Illinois””


Comptroller: Dodge Rates an ‘A’ from Tea Party Organization

From the Jim Dodge for comptroller campaign…

Jim Dodge, Republican candidate for Illinois Comptroller, has earned an “A” from the Rockford Tea Party organization.

Coordinated by David Hale, The Rockford Tea Party grades were issued to various candidates across the state based on the candidates’ platforms and stances on various social and political issues.
Continue reading


Comptroller: Dodge Rates an ‘A’ from Tea Party Organization”


Ill. Policy Institute: It’s Brown 41!

Let the Spinning Begin
One would think that Tuesday’s historic upset in Massachusetts (largely fueled by voters unhappy with partisan health care “reform”, according to exit polls) would give the current D.C. establishment pause. Apparently, not yet. Watch as David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs spin their way into denial in the video above.
Continue reading


Ill. Policy Institute: It’s Brown 41!”


Dillard for Governor: Leading Tort Reform Advocate Backs Dillard

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

Republican candidate for Illinois governor Kirk Dillard today picked up another key endorsement in his bid for the GOP nomination on February 2. Leading tort reform advocate Ed Murnane, President of the Illinois Civil Justice League and chairman of the board of the American Tort Reform Association, is backing Dillard’s candidacy. “Ed’s endorsement is one more sign that my campaign has great momentum,” Dillard said.
Continue reading


Dillard for Governor: Leading Tort Reform Advocate Backs Dillard”


5th District: David Ratowitz Stands Strong for Social Security Fairness

From the David Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

Republican U.S. House candidate (IL-5) assures frustrated retires: “Bad policies cannot be solved by cheating.”

CHICAGO – January 21, 2010 – Republican U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz (IL-5) shares seniors’ widespread worries about deep cuts to Social Security benefits brought by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and similar modifications. Ratowitz addressed the concerns of hundreds of frustrated beneficiaries Saturday at a Polish American Congress candidate forum in Niles.
Continue reading


5th District: David Ratowitz Stands Strong for Social Security Fairness”


GOP Chair Brady, Are We Eating Our Own, Now?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Wednesday morning the Illinois GOP held a conference call in order to buck up the troops after the momentous victory for Republican Scott Brown who won election to the Senate in the very blue state of Massachusetts. When I got the notice of the call late on Tuesday night, I thought it was a great idea. Unfortunately, during the call the next day one little phase escaped our Chairman’s lips that I think was not only uncalled for, but was counter productive to our unity goal. For that matter, it was a slight to mere civility.

During the call, Chairman Pat Brady said that the folks in our party that oppose Mark Kirk’s candidacy for the Senate, those that are part of the “dump Kirk movement,” are the “fringe” of the party. Really? In a call for unity, one of Chairman Brady’s first thoughts is to cast names at folks in our own party?

It seems as if Chairman Brady learned the wrong lessons from Scott Brown’s win in Massachusetts.

Chairman Brady talked about the split seen nationally in the GOP between conservatives and moderates and claimed he didn’t “accept the premise.” He said that there is no split in Illinois and that conservatives are the “fringe” if they stand against the liberal Kirk.

On the call Brady said, “The ‘Dump Kirk’ movement is a fringe movement. There’s not one candidate that’s pulled above 5 percent except Mark Kirk. So if there’s a split, it’s sure not a strong one.”

In a state like Illinois where the sort of independents that helped Senator elect Scott Brown to win in Massachusetts don’t exist in such numbers, Chairman Brady makes a major mistake to start calling his own conservative base a “fringe” element in the party.
Continue reading


GOP Chair Brady, Are We Eating Our Own, Now?”


Andrzejewski Congratulates Senator-Elect Scott Brown,

From the Adam Andrzejewski for Governor campaign…

Elmhurst, Illinois – Conservative Republican candidate for Governor, Adam Andrzejewski, released the following statement in response to Senator-Elect Scott Brown’s victory last night in the Massachusetts special election for United States Senate:

“Congratulations to Senator-Elect Scott Brown, the citizens of Massachusetts, and the tea party patriots on their historic victory tonight. The voters sent a strong message that the “Kennedy” seat belongs to the people and the people will not stand for big government.” The downstate Herscher, IL native issued a congratulatory video response, which can be found on his YouTube Channel or by visiting http://bit.ly/5uCUIg.

James Madison in 1788, speaking to the Virginia Convention, stated: “Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

The victory in Massachusetts is a referendum on government encroachment and draws a line in the sand that Congress dare not cross.

As Dr. Edwin Feulner, President of The Heritage Foundation warns, “There are no permanent victories in Washington.”

We must remain vigilant and continue to fight big government at all levels.

With Republican victories in New Jersey and Massachusetts, we must now turn our attention to our own state. We have the opportunity to make Illinois the beacon of conservative values and principles in the United States.

We are no longer the silent majority. It is time to forge a new day in Illinois.

A New Day video can be found on Andrzejewski’s WhyVoteAdam.com YouTube Channel.

www.adamforillinois.com


5th District: Ratowitz Slams Sun-Times Endorsement of Opponent

From the David Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz has released the following statement in response to the Chicago Sun-Times endorsement of his Illinois District 5 opponent Ashvin Lad.

“Today of all days, with its high-profile Senate contest in Massachusetts tipped in favor of the limited-government Republican, it is highly ironic that the Chicago Sun-Times would choose ‘moderate’ Ashvin Lad as a ‘best bet’ in any race. That ‘firebrand’ Republican reformer Tony Peraica enthusiastically endorsed my campaign, along with Tax Accountability (NTUI), will resonate with voters seeking an absolute end to all federal bailouts and stimulus schemes that are being foisted upon the public quite obviously to enrich special interests.
Continue reading


5th District: Ratowitz Slams Sun-Times Endorsement of Opponent”


Jim Dodge for Comptroller: Topinka’s ‘Business as Usual’ Won’t Cut It‏

From the Jim Dodge for Comptroller campaign…

Voters No Longer Putting Up With Business as Usual and that includes Topinka

Jim Dodge, Republican Candidate for Illinois Comptroller issued a statement today saying Senator-elect Brown’s Massachusetts victory along with the wins in New Jersey and Virginia explicitly show that voters no longer want “political insiders” or individuals who will conduct business as usual. And that includes Illinois voters who will be going to the polls for the February 2 primary. Dodge directly mentioned voter reaction to his opponent, three-time Treasurer and failed gubernatorial candidate, Judy Baar Topinka.
Continue reading


Jim Dodge for Comptroller: Topinka’s ‘Business as Usual’ Won’t Cut It‏”


8th District: Dirk Beveridge Cautions Republicans

From the Dirk Beveridge for Congress campaign…

Conservative Congressional Candidate Warns Against Complacency

Last night at a voter rally for Beveridge for Congress, Dirk Beveridge, Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional Seat, surprised some voters with his comments about Republican Scott Brown’s epic Senate victory in Massachusetts.
Continue reading


8th District: Dirk Beveridge Cautions Republicans”


14th District: The Ethan Hastert Candidacy Mystery

-By Warner Todd Huston

14th District voter Steve Youhanaie had a few thoughts on the 14th District race between newbie pol Ethan Hastert, son of former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and current State Senator Randy Hultgren. Like myself, Mr. Youhanaie is irked by the outsiders that have flooded into the 14th District to shower money and support on Ethan Hastert and Youhanaie wonders why they are doing it when we have a perfectly good candidate in the person of Randy Hultgren? Hultgren is a candidate that has a proven record of electability in the very district in which he’s running. So, Ethan’s support from outside the district is somewhat of a mystery to Mr. Youhanaie:

When I found out that Ethan Hastert would appear on the ballot for the GOP nomination in the14th Congressional District, I thought to myself, “This doesn’t make sense.” Could it be true that people with a lot of money believe that a 31-year-old with no background in the community could move into the district and in less than two years become the Republican nominee for the United States House of Representatives? Additionally, do they honestly believe that this 31-year-old could defeat an incumbent Congressman in a near 50/50 Congressional District just because of a name, a party affiliation, and a few well chosen words?
Continue reading


14th District: The Ethan Hastert Candidacy Mystery”


Two Comptroller Candidates debate on WTTW TV

Two of the three candidates for comptroller, Jim Dodge and William Kelly, sat down on the TV show Chicago Tonight on Channel 11 (PBS). The debate was lively and highlighted the differences between these two candidates rather well.

If the video isn’t working, go to WTTW’s website.


10th District: Dold Receives Key Endorsements from Chicago Tribune & Sen. Richard Lugar‏

From the Bob Dold for congress campaign…

It’s only Tuesday, and Dold for Congress is already having an outstanding week. Today we received two major endorsements that have catapulted us into the media spotlight. The first endorsement is from the Chicago Tribune, who announced this morning their support of Robert Dold. We are thrilled to have the endorsement of Illinois’ number one newspaper. Dold was also endorsed today by U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, the most senior Republican in the Senate.
Continue reading


10th District: Dold Receives Key Endorsements from Chicago Tribune & Sen. Richard Lugar‏”


5th Districtt: Chicago Sun-Times Rebuffs Conservative “Firebrand” Candidate Ratowitz

From the David Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

“I embrace the conservative banner,” Ratowitz retorts. “The people are calling for substantial reform; moderation will only bring us more of the same.”

CHICAGO – January 19, 2010 – U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz has released the following statement in response to the Chicago Sun-Times endorsement of his Illinois District 5 opponent Ashvin Lad.
Continue reading


5th Districtt: Chicago Sun-Times Rebuffs Conservative “Firebrand” Candidate Ratowitz”


8th District: Dirk Beveridge EARNS Chicago Tribune Endorsement

From the Dirk Beveridge for congress Campaign…

Republican Candidate for Illinois’ 8th Congressional Seat Builds electability Profile for Battle Against Democrat Incumbent, Melissa Bean

Today, the Dirk Beveridge for Congress campaign earned the Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board endorsement.
Continue reading


8th District: Dirk Beveridge EARNS Chicago Tribune Endorsement”


8th District: Joe Walsh Announces Three More Conservative Endorsements

From the Joe Walsh for Congress campaign…

Joe Walsh, candidate for congress in the 8th Congressional District, is announcing support from three separate conservative sources.

  • Family PAC Federal, headed by Paul Caprio
  • Illinois Conservative Action Network
  • Talk Radio host and Conservative Icon Tom Roeser

Continue reading


8th District: Joe Walsh Announces Three More Conservative Endorsements”


Dan Proft: Renounce that Union Endorsement, Kirk

-By Warner Todd Huston

I asked the same question as Mr. Proft… just what did the teachers union the Illinois Education Association (IEA) see in Mr Dillard so that they felt comfortable endorsing him?

Dan Proft wants Dillard to renounce the union endorsement. Proft says we need someone to “take the fight to the IEA,” not bend to their desires.

I agree.

Continue reading


Dan Proft: Renounce that Union Endorsement, Kirk”


Zaruba Endorses Lt. Governor Candidate Dennis Cook

From the Dennis Cook for Lt. Gov. campaign…

DuPage County Sheriff Joins Long List in Endorsing Cook

DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba has endorsed Illinois Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dennis Cook. Sheriff Zaruba is the latest important Republican official to endorse Cook, signaling a change in Republican leadership in the state.
Continue reading


Zaruba Endorses Lt. Governor Candidate Dennis Cook”


Dillard: More Endorsements

The Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign is announcing two more endorsements for his campaign for Governor.

Illinois Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-13) today endorsed Republican candidate for governor Kirk Dillard. “I believe in his vision for Illinois,” Biggert said at a joint news conference.

“Senator Dillard has the experience to be the next governor of Illinois,” Biggert continued. “His plan to make our state a ‘Destination Economy’ is right on track to create jobs and transform Illinois’ economy from worst to first.”
Continue reading


Dillard: More Endorsements”


We-Do-Care Founders and Military Supporters Endorse Joe Walsh for 8th

From the Joe Walsh for Congress campaign…

Lake Zurich, Illinois -January 18, 2010 – Joe Walsh, Candidate for Congress in the 8th Congressional district, today received the endorsement of We-Do-Care founders Jeanmarie Kapp, and Tom & Cara Kretz, along with We-Do-Care military supporters Joe Cantafio and Capt. Mike Saubert (Ret.). Miss Kapp and Mr & Ms. Kretz are three of the five Barrington residents who started We-Do-Care in 2004 with its first and biggest Barrington Freedom Festival, created to support and honor the troops.
Continue reading


We-Do-Care Founders and Military Supporters Endorse Joe Walsh for 8th”


Jim Ryan: Let Me Be Clear — Taxes Would be a Poison Pill for Our Economy

From the Jim Ryan for Governor campaign…

While some candidates try to distort my position on taxes — I made my intentions perfectly clear in last week’s gubernatorial debate: I won’t raise taxes, because it would be disastrous for our economy.

We have a major spending problem in this state — a problem that would not have occurred had I been elected in 2002. At that time, I proposed a common sense Constitutional amendment that would have capped Illinois government spending.
Continue reading


Jim Ryan: Let Me Be Clear — Taxes Would be a Poison Pill for Our Economy”


Another Fake Republican On the Ballot in Illinois

-By Warner Todd Huston

So, with a headline like that above perhaps you might imagine that I, a conservative, will launch into another attack on a Republican that just isn’t Republicany enough for me, right? You might think that this will be just another hard-line blogger attacking another “moderate” Republican, right? Well, by “fake Republican” I mean just that: fake.

Putting fake candidates on the ballot is a game that Chicago Democrats play in every election. Every election they put fake Republicans up against real Republicans in primary elections. What the Democrat Party does is put several shill candidates on ballots to drain votes from the real Republican candidate and to confuse voters. Sometimes Democrats even float fake Democrat opponents in order to make sure a particular Democrat wins by splitting away dissident votes to shill candidates.
Continue reading


Another Fake Republican On the Ballot in Illinois”


Is New 24 Co-Star Really Chicago’s Mancow Muller?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Wow, not only is WLS radio personality Mancow Muller hard at work on the radio in Chicago, but he’s also apparently working on the new season of Kiefer Sutherland’s 24!

Take a look…

 

To the left is radio guy Muller, to the right is what the TV show 24 claims is actor Anil Kapoor who is staring as Middle Eastern leader Omar Hassan.

Has anyone ever seen Muller and Kapoor in a room at the same time? Hmmmmm. HAVE they? Weeeelllll?


10th District: Fmr VP Quayle Endorses Dold

From the Bob Dold for Congress campaign…

As many of you know, Robert Dold was honored to receive the endorsement of former Vice President Dan Quayle this week. Quayle, who traveled to Northbrook Thursday on Robert’s behalf, told friends and supporters that he is confident that Robert’s goal of bringing small business common sense change to Washington is exactly what the people of the 10th District need. Quayle said Bob’s background in small business and in Washington, combined with his fiscally conservative values and deep roots in the 10th District, make him the best candidate for Congress. A seasoned veteran of not only the White House, but also the House and Senate, Quayle invested his faith in Robert as the next great Republican Congressman from Illinois.

Continue reading


10th District: Fmr VP Quayle Endorses Dold”


Topinka Dodges Debate With Dodge

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.”
Continue reading


Topinka Dodges Debate With Dodge”