GOP

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ryan Slaps McKenna: Andy McKenna Needs to Come Clean — or Withdraw

January 28, 2010 by

I don’t support Mr. Ryan’s bid for Governor, but I sure as heck sign onto THIS question he’s asking. From the Ryan for Governor campaign…

Why Illinois voters should be concerned about this issue

Andy McKenna needs to answer all questions related to an ongoing ethics probe — or withdraw from the race.
We have learned that Andy declined to answer questions posed to him as part of an ethics inquiry that ultimately concluded he violated the Illinois Republican Party’s code of ethics by ordering a $28,000 self-serving poll while he was party chairman.
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Ryan Slaps McKenna: Andy McKenna Needs to Come Clean — or Withdraw”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

14th District: Left-Wing, Anti-Tea Party Group Attacks Hultgren

January 28, 2010 by 1 Comment

From the Randy Hultgren for Congress campaign…

Just a few days before the Illinois Primary on February 2nd, a group calling itself “The Tea Party is Over” identified 14th Congressional District Candidate Randy Hultgren as possessing “dangerous ideas of the Tea Party.”

“If your enemies are any indication of your standing in the world, Randy’s honored with being labeled an enemy of these special interest, big government unions like the SEIU and AFL-CIO who have backed this radical-left group with tens of millions of dollars.” said Hultgren Campaign Manager John Cooney.
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14th District: Left-Wing, Anti-Tea Party Group Attacks Hultgren”

Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Comptroller: Homer Lockport Tea Party Endorses Jim Dodge

January 28, 2010 by

From the Dodge for Comptroller campaign…

Jim Dodge, Republican candidate for Illinois Comptroller, is proud to announce he has received the endorsement of the Homer Lockport Tea Party.

“I would like to thank the members of the Homer Lockport Tea Party for their support,” Dodge said. “This group held one of the largest Tea Party gatherings in the country on Labor Day of last year. They know what is at stake this election for our state and our country, they are working very hard to get the word out, and I couldn’t be happier to have their support.”
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Comptroller: Homer Lockport Tea Party Endorses Jim Dodge”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

8th District: WALSH VS WALSH, II – The Candidate Defends the Tea Party Movement

January 28, 2010 by

For those unaware, candidate Joe Walsh made a parody of a song by rock star Joe Walsh of the Eagles and the singer has sent a threatening letter from his lawyer over it. So, candidate Walsh is replying. From the Joe Walsh for Congress campaign…
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8th District: WALSH VS WALSH, II – The Candidate Defends the Tea Party Movement”

Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Will County Mayors Endorse Cook for Lt. Gov.

January 28, 2010 by

From the Dennis Cook for Lt. Gov. campaign….

Channahon, Lemont and Romeoville Lead Widespread Support for Cook

Heading into the final week before the primary, Republican Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dennis Cook continues to pile up the endorsements from top Will County leaders. Among those coming out recently to endorse him are the mayors of Channahon, Lemont and Romeoville, giving Cook widespread support throughout Will County.
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Will County Mayors Endorse Cook for Lt. Gov.”

Elections - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

62nd State Rep: ICE-PAC Endorses Paul Mitchell for State Rep

January 28, 2010 by

From the Paul Mitchell for State Rep campaign…

J Kevin Costello, the Chairman for Illinois Citizens for Ethics (ICE-PAC) told Mitchell in the endorsement notice, “On behalf of everyone here at Illinois Citizens for Ethics, I’m happy to inform you that our Board feels you are an exemplary candidate for public service as an Illinois State Representative. Your commitment to ethics and to representing the views of the Illinois voter in public service with respect to the role of government in the social and moral issues facing our State make you the type of candidate that Illinois Citizens for Ethics is intended to support.”
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62nd State Rep: ICE-PAC Endorses Paul Mitchell for State Rep”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

8th District: Joe Walsh on State of the Union Speech

January 28, 2010 by

From the Joe Walsh for Congress campaign…

Tonight, as required by our Constitution, President Obama gave the annual State of the Union Address to both houses of Congress.

The President and I agree on some of his ideas, and disagree on others. Firstly, I must applaud the President when he said “I do not accept second place for the United States of America.” Further I completely agree with the President that we the voters should “Give our people the government they deserve.” You, the voters of the 8th deserve so much more than Melissa Bean. You deserve a voice!
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8th District: Joe Walsh on State of the Union Speech”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

U.S. House Candidate David Ratowitz (IL-5) Responds to SOTU Address

January 28, 2010 by

From the David Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

“The president’s proposals are like a surgeon only using the dullest and rustiest of scalpels.”

Like many Americans, I enjoyed the introductory comments of President Obama’s first State of the Union address. The president is absolutely correct in his assertion that Americans working together have overcome our greatest challenges. However, that is about where our agreement ends.
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U.S. House Candidate David Ratowitz (IL-5) Responds to SOTU Address”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

10th District: Dold’s ‘Get America Back to Work’ Bus Tour Thursday‏

January 27, 2010 by 1 Comment

From the Robert Dold for Congress campaign…

Today Dold for Congress will embark on a mission that will take us throughout the district to meet face-to-face with thousands of voters over the next six days leading up to Election Day. As part of the Get America Back to Work Tour, Robert and his supporters will ride around the district in a giant Dold-themed tour bus visiting small businesses, restaurants, train stations, senior communities, and anywhere and everywhere voters can be found. We will be making more than 60 stops during the tour, and will be picking up supporters along the way. We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at any time during the tour for this very special event. To view the bus tour schedule click here.
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10th District: Dold’s ‘Get America Back to Work’ Bus Tour Thursday‏”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

David Ratowitz Pushes Across-the-board Tax Cut Agenda

January 27, 2010 by

From the David Ratowitz for Congress campaign…

CHICAGO – January 27, 2010 – U.S. House candidate David Ratowitz’s tax proposals resonated with 5th District entrepreneurs and community leaders who attended the Asian American Coalition candidate forum on Saturday at the Hyatt Rosemont.

Ratowitz, a Republican candidate in Tuesday’s gubernatorial primary election, fielded numerous questions regarding the impact of burdensome federal regulations and taxes on the 5th District’s small business community, which includes Albany Park’s Koreatown.
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David Ratowitz Pushes Across-the-board Tax Cut Agenda”

Blogging - Chicago - Cook County - Elections - Government - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

Cao Responds to Kelly Accusations of Links to Topinka/Paid Blogger Claim

January 27, 2010 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

There’s been a swirl of charges and counter charges with some of the operatives of several different campaigns here that we’ve only had a few posts about — mostly because I think these charges are tangential to the actual issues. It basically concerns charges made by the William Kelly for Comptroller campaign that operatives of the Dodge campaign are actually working for Topinka in a sort of typical Chicago dirty tricks campaign effort. These charges have been returned by the Dodge folks that it is in reality Kelly who is the false front candidate.

On Jan. 25 I posted D2s Prove Jim Dodge Dirty Tricks in IL Comptroller Race written by Tom Mannis of Chicago News Bench because it was a pretty good summation of the charges from his camp (he’s a Kelly man). Right after that 62nd District candidate Paul Mitchel responded to the claims. I posted that address the very same day.

Lynn has also responded to the Kelly camp’s claims (she’s a Dodge supporter) on her blog, Cao’s Blog and I think her voice should also be heard here. Among other things, she disputes that she makes money from Jack Roeser and that she’s a “paid blogger.”
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Cao Responds to Kelly Accusations of Links to Topinka/Paid Blogger Claim”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

Andrzejewski is Top Favorite of Illinois Tea Party Organizers Gets Support of Polish President

January 26, 2010 by

On top of the fact that Lech Walesa hopped a flight from Warsaw, Poland to do some stumping for Adam and has announced his support of his gubernatorial campaign, Adam has picked up the support of some of the tea party groups. From the Adam Andrzejewski for Governor campaign…

Elmhurst, Illinois – Since announcing his candidacy in March of 2009, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Adam Andrzejewski (And-GEE-EFF-Ski) has led his opponents in grassroots efforts throughout Illinois, having gone from being an unknown outsider to a virtual household name. Indicative of the expansive grassroots support Andrzejewski has received, the Illinois Tea Party reported earlier today in a press release that “a straw poll involving the Tea Party Organizers across the State shows results that strongly favor Adam Andrzejewski for Governor…” Straw poll results reveal overwhelming support for Andrzejewski at 93%.
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Andrzejewski is Top Favorite of Illinois Tea Party Organizers Gets Support of Polish President”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Radio - Republicans - State Government - States - TV News - Warner Todd Huston

Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Debate on WLS-AM & WTTW-TV

January 26, 2010 by

A note from ChicagolandRadioAndMedia.com, the great Chicago radio message board and entertainment news site.

Tomorrow afternoon will be a special airing of the Roe & Cisco Show on WLS-AM 890. The show will not be coming from within WLS’ studio walls, but instead will be broadcast live from the Chase Bank Auditorium. This is because WLS will be hosting an Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Debate, moderated by Roe Conn & Cisco Cotto. The debate will begin at 4:00pm and will feature five of the six Republican candidates for Governor: Adam Andrzejewski, Bill Brady, Kirk Dillard, Dan Proft and Jim Ryan. (Andy McKenna has chosen to not do any debates this week.) This debate is open to the public for all who wish to be there — no tickets or reservations needed. The Chase Bank Auditorium is located in Downtown Chicago at 10 S. Dearborn.

Before tomorrow afternoon’s debate, the same five out of six Republican candidates will take part in a one-hour forum on WTTW Channel 11’s “Chicago Tonight” program this evening. The live show will not have a studio audience and will be more subdued in comparison. The forum begins tonight at 7:00pm. (“Chicago Tonight” had the Democratic Candidates for IL Governor on last night.)

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Edgar: Stop the Negative Ads

January 26, 2010 by

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…..

Calls it “Silly Season” on Campaign Trail

Former Governor Jim Edgar today said he was disappointed in the negative tone of the governor’s race, and urged candidates to talk about the issues. “There’s a lot at stake in this year’s election,” Edgar said at a joint news conference with Republican hopeful Kirk Dillard. “I think the voters deserve better.”
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Edgar: Stop the Negative Ads”

Chicago - Cook County - GOP - Government - Illinois - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

McKenna Slammed in Party Ethics Investigation

January 25, 2010 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

Early this month Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady revealed that the state party decided to officially reprimand former GOP Chairman Andy McKenna for misuse of party funds and ethics violations.

Despite his ethics violations as chairman, McKenna went ahead and launched his bid to become our next Illinois Governor anyway. Should McKenna win office we’ll have gone from one ethically ignorant Governor (George Ryan), to a second (Rod Blagojevich) to a third (McKenna). Illinois is already a laughing stock of corruption, why vote for McKenna and make it worse?
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McKenna Slammed in Party Ethics Investigation”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - Society/Culture - Warner Todd Huston

Republican Dirk Beveridge Soars to the Top of the List

January 25, 2010 by

From the Dirk Beveridge for Congress campaign…

The 8th Congressional Candidate Scores a New Endorsement

(Barrington, Ill.) January 25, 2010…This weekend, 8th Congressional District Republican candidate Dirk Beveridge further differentiated himself as the leader. On Sunday, Dirk Beveridge earned the endorsement of the Daily Herald and significantly over-achieved the Republican field in fundraising as revealed in federal Election Commission financial reporting.
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Republican Dirk Beveridge Soars to the Top of the List”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - Senate - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

US Senate: Arrington Challenges Mark Kirk To Debate‏

January 25, 2010 by

From the John Arrington for Senate campaign…

U.S. Senate candidate John Arrington has challenged front runner Mark Kirk to a serious debate to discuss critical issues facing Illinois and the nation. “Mark Kirk has not participated in one debate to discuss challenges facing Illinois residents and this is unacceptable” stated Arrington. Arrington strongly believes that a debate focusing on the serious issues of job creation, revitalizing our economy, stances on education, health care, corporate bailouts, and taxes is vital. Without a fair and balanced debate for candidates to discuss their platform and express their differences, Illinois voters will once again be kept in the dark and uninformed on the critical issues facing our nation. Mr. Kirk has thus far has not been involved in a single debate with any other candidates, and John Arrington feels this is an offensive breach of the electoral process.

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US Senate: Arrington Challenges Mark Kirk To Debate‏”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - States - Warner Todd Huston

Candidate Paul Mitchell Responds to Kelly’s Claims of ‘Dirty Tricks’

January 25, 2010 by 1 Comment

Paul Mitchell is one of the parties mentioned in accusations made by the William Kelly campaign that the Jim Dodge campaign is involved in some classic Chicago-styled “dirty tricks” campaign tactics. Mitchell has responded to these accusations that have descended upon his camaign. Mitchell is a State Rep candidate for the 62nd District whose website can be seen at paulfor62.com.

There are some accusations flying around that I’d like to clear up.

On his blog, William Kelly wrote, “A $5,000 contribution from Jack Roeser’s Renaissance PAC to Committee to Elect Paul Mitchell. Mitchell’s campaign manager, Lynn Thomas, pens a blog that has been deeply involved in the smear campaign against Kelly’s campaign.”

It’s truth time, Bill!
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Candidate Paul Mitchell Responds to Kelly’s Claims of ‘Dirty Tricks’”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

D2s Prove Jim Dodge Dirty Tricks in IL Comptroller Race

January 25, 2010 by 1 Comment

-By Tom Mannis, Chicago News Bench

(Editor’s note: This is some very interesting stuff. I am a Dodge supporter, but I am also as interested in having all the pertinent news reported. So, here is my friend Tom Mannis’ post From Chicago News Bench from the Kelly campaign perspective. To be sure Mr. Mannis writes in an impassioned style, so be aware of that, and he has endorsed William Kelly.)

January 25, 2010 – I will have much more about this in the coming days, but for now I just want to get the word out. William J. Kelly, Republican candidate for Comptroller, released what may be his most important press release to date, because it gives proof to Kelly’s claim that his opponent, Jim Dodge, has been operating a campaign of lies and smears. The release, reproduced below, is titled “D-2 ELECTION DISCLOSURES REVEAL TRUTH ABOUT TOPINKA-DODGE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST KELLY.”

Jim Dodge’s campaign has been using the worst of Saul Alinsky-style tactics against conservative William J. Kelly.
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D2s Prove Jim Dodge Dirty Tricks in IL Comptroller Race”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Conservative FaceBook Group Switches Comptroller Endorsement

January 24, 2010 by

The new FaceBook Group called Illinois Conservatives has switched their endorsement for the Comptroller’s race. Initially they picked William Kelly for Comptroller, but now they are switching to Jim Dodge.

This from the Rockford, Ill. based group:

The Illinois Conservatives Facebook group would like to announce a change in endorsement for the office of Comptroller in the 2010 Primary Election. Instead of endorsing William J. Kelly, we have collaboratively voted to switch our endorsement to Jim Dodge of Orland Park, Illinois.

Jim’s service in the National Guard as a Sergeant in the 178th Infantry Battalion and 44th RAOC from 1988-1998 shows his love for his country and that is one of many qualities we admire about Jim. His experience in marketing research, consulting, and technology shows he has interest in the people of Illinois aiming all of his efforts to pleasing them. Jim is a family man and his values are rooted deep within his family. There is no doubt that Jim Dodge is a candidate we would endorse.

The comptroller office is the one responsible for Illinois’ checkbook. This office is in charge of the state budget information, which includes state revenues, expenditures, and vendor payments. We want Jim Dodge in this office because he cares about our money here in Illinois. He will make sure that our money will be spent correctly as he says:

“Illinois needs a strong leader with the right business skills to accurately keep track of the state’s finances and call to task the legislature and governor when they inappropriately spend your money. One of my goals is to make sure that you, the residents of Illinois, have the facts about what is happening to your money because it is your money.”

The Illinois Conservatives Facebook Group wants Jim Dodge for Comptroller 2010. We urge you to exercise your right to vote on February 2, 2010.

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - Senate - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

U.S. Senate: Arrington Defends Educational Choice

January 23, 2010 by

From the John Arrington for Senate campaign…

John Arrington, Republican candidate for US Senate (IL), supports the rights of parents to make educational choices for their children, be it through public, private, charter, or home schools. With a varied background that includes private and public school teaching and Illinois certification in educational administration with a superintendent of schools certification, John Arrington has a unique perspective among the senatorial candidates. He deems the choice of educational venue to be the right of parents—the first and foremost educators of their children.
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U.S. Senate: Arrington Defends Educational Choice”

Campaign Finance - Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2010 by

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

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

8th District: Candidate Walsh Sued by Frmr Campaign Manager

January 21, 2010 by 3 Comments

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

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2010 by 1 Comment

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

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2010 by

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

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Dillard for Governor: Leading Tort Reform Advocate Backs Dillard

January 21, 2010 by

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.
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Dillard for Governor: Leading Tort Reform Advocate Backs Dillard”

Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2010 by

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

Chicago - Conservatives - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2010 by

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