Hey Illinois Republicans, Run for GOP Precinct Committeeman

-By Doug Ibendahl

In 2010 there were a total of 6,705 precincts in Illinois. (That’s across the state’s 101 counties other than Cook County. Cook has a unique legal structure and neither political party elects Precinct Committeemen there as explained below.)

Of those 6,705 precincts: 3,440 had no one running for Republican Precinct Committeeman in 2010. That’s a 51% statewide vacancy rate.

It also represents a major lost opportunity for thousands of Republicans and our entire Party. It’s unacceptable, and it’s a big reason why good Republican candidates are losing winnable races to the Democrats in Illinois.

The Illinois GOP is not coming close to matching the ground troops the Democrats field every election.

The goal of the Republican Precinct Project is to reduce the vacancy rate from 51% to below 20% next year. In 2014 our goal is to have it down to below 5%.

Every Precinct Committeeman spot is up for election in the March Primary. It’s an all-volunteer position with a two-year term. And since this is a party office as opposed to a public office, the March Primary is the election. The Democrats elect their own Precinct Committeemen in March…

Read the rest at RepublicanNewsWatch.com.


Five Small Business Bills Supported by Rep. Dold Advance Through the Financial Services Subcommittee

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

WASHINGTON, DC – In yesterday’s Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises, five bills that will empower small businesses advanced through the subcommittee. U.S. Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10) has co-sponsored each of these bills as they make it easier for small businesses to gain access to capital so they can expand and create new jobs.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy,” said Rep. Dold. “Two thirds of all net new jobs are created by small businesses. In order to help bring our economy back on solid footing, we need to create an environment in which small businesses can grow.

“Yesterday, five bills advanced through the Financial Services Committee that will help to do just that. These bills assist small business capital formation which has been restricted both by general economic conditions and by excessively restrictive, outdated, and burdensome regulations. Furthermore, this legislation is bipartisan and aligns with President Obama’s goal to cut the red tape that prevents small businesses from raising capital and going public.
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Five Small Business Bills Supported by Rep. Dold Advance Through the Financial Services Subcommittee”


Friedman for State Senate Fundraiser Announced

From the Friedman for State Senate campaign…

A www.FriedmanForSenate.com, by calling 847/220-7337, or by sending a check and reservation request to Friedman for Senate, P.O. Box 831, Northbrook, IL 60065.

Arie Friedman is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat opened by the retirement this summer of State Sen. Susan Garrett (D). The newly drawn district takes in southeast Lake County and, in northern Cook County, parts of Glencoe, Northbrook, Palatine and several communities in Wheeling Township.
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Friedman for State Senate Fundraiser Announced”


Video: Mitt Flops

-By Warner Todd Huston

So…. do we believe all the things Mitt Romney said then or do we believe that today he is suddenly Mt. Conservative?

This is why I cannot support Romney in this primary. I didn’t support him in the last one, for that matter.

This video was made by The Campaign to Defeat Barack Obama, but it also has targeted

The Hill had more info on that group recently:

The Campaign to Defeat Barack Obama will launch a major ad campaign in Iowa accusing Mitt Romney for being a flip-flopping liberal in disguise.

The group has a long version of the ad, titled “Liberal Mitt’s greatest hits,” with clips of Romney taking positions that are anathema to many conservatives today.

Spokesman Ryan Gill described the initial video as a “roadmap” for the ads that will be aired, and said the group will run a six-figure ad buy in Iowa on cable and broadcast television to knock down Romney’s numbers there and damage his “inevitability argument.”…

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Video: Mitt Flops”


Kinzinger Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent U.S. Cement Plant Closings and Save Jobs

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the House passage of H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011. Kinzinger is an original co-sponsor and says the bill would protect domestic cement manufacturing and tens of thousands of American jobs.

Watch Congressman Kinzinger’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 2681:
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Kinzinger Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent U.S. Cement Plant Closings and Save Jobs”


Taxpayers Receive Unwelcome News

Dr. Arie Friedman for Illinois State Senate (29th District)…

“Many Cook County property taxpayers received unwelcome news in the mail early this week, news of a tax hike,” said Dr. Arie Friedman, Republican State Senate candidate in the 29th District, “delivered in the form of their second installment real estate tax bills.”

Friedman noted the mailing from the Cook County treasurer included “a catchy little insert called ‘Want to Know Why Your Taxes Are So High?’ It offers an interesting argument – that the hikes in taxes for the various local governments were caused by ‘mounting debts,’ but that approach goes only so far,” he said.

“More fundamentally, why are local governments facing ‘mounting debts?’” asked Friedman. “And why the dramatic increase all at once?”

Friedman encouraged taxpayers to examine the spending and labor relations practices of their local units of government and school districts. “But look, too,” he said, “to the actions of your legislators in Springfield.”
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Taxpayers Receive Unwelcome News”


Rep. Dold on Finding Solutions to the Housing Crisis

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

During today’s Financial Services Subcommittee Hearing on Housing and Community Opportunity, U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold spoke about the serious housing crisis in the nation and the need to find cost-effective solutions that take into account all of the potential consequences and risks.

http://dold.house.gov/


Roskam Applauds FTA Passage In Ways & Means Committee And Passage of Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Ill)…

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip and member of the House Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement after the long-stalled Colombia, Panama, and Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) passed out of the Ways & Means Committee today. Roskam has traveled to South Korea, Panama, and Colombia in support of these three agreements:

“Today was an important step forward to implementing no-cost job creating policies. These pro-export policies will open up more markets for American products to be sold, and in turn create more American jobs. Furthermore, they will be important strategic tools for our foreign policy. Republicans have been advocating for these commonsense policies for years. With unemployment at 9.1% nationally, Washington has to be embracing commonsense solutions that remove barriers to private-sector job creation.”
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Roskam Applauds FTA Passage In Ways & Means Committee And Passage of Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act”


Hultgren To Senate: Pass Bipartisan Bill Easing Regulatory Burdens On Agricultural Community

Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Ill. 14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement calling on the Senate to take up H.R. 872, The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, which the House passed with bipartisan support on March 31.

“I am beyond disappointed by the inaction of the do-nothing Senate. Their refusal to consider the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, a commonsense, bipartisan bill, is threatening our agricultural community with a new avalanche of red tape as soon as the end of this month.

“I recently joined nineteen of my colleagues in sending a letter to Senate leadership, urging them to quickly consider H.R. 872 or similar legislation, and reminding them of the impending regulatory consequences. If they fail to act by the end of this month, the Environmental Protection Agency will hit farmers, ranchers and others who use safe, registered pesticides in the regular course of their business with burdensome new rules.

“If the Senate is serious about getting our economy moving, they should take the commonsense step of passing H.R. 872 to help create regulatory certainty for a critical sector of our economy.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/


Ill. GOP House Leader Tom Cross: Reforming Chicago and Cook Co. Pension Boards‏

From Illinois GOP House Leader Tom Cross…

In a speech at the City Club of Chicago this afternoon, Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross announced that he filed a bill that will help give more accountability to taxpayers by reconstituting the City of Chicago and Cook County pension boards. The bill, which will be sponsored by Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) in the Senate, will also require pension boards statewide to refer any suspected fraud to the local authorities.

“Recent media reports have unveiled abuses in the Chicago Pension systems that were not reported to the proper authorities for punishment or investigation. We believe these matters should have and still should be reported to law enforcement. We mandate that in our bill,” said Cross. “We also believe the pension boards in the City of Chicago and Cook County need a fresh start—that’s why we are seeking reconstitution.”
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Ill. GOP House Leader Tom Cross: Reforming Chicago and Cook Co. Pension Boards‏”


Roskam Introduces Bill for Permanent Cap Gains Limits

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Ill)…

Roskam Introduces Legislation to Permanently Cap Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates at 15%

Broad coalition of American job creators send letter in support; impending tax-hike would hit seniors, businesses, investors of all sizes

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), Chief Deputy Whip and member of the Ways & Means Committee, introduced legislation today to permanently cap the Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates at 15% to avoid an impending tax hike that would particularly affect American businesses, seniors, and investors of all sizes. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), member of the Senate Finance Committee, is introducing companion Senate legislation.
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Roskam Introduces Bill for Permanent Cap Gains Limits”


Roskam Discusses Excessive Cement Regulations at Stakeout

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Ill)…

Roskam: “…if the Cement MACT proposal goes into place, with certainty, it will have an adverse impact on job creation.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, gave the following remarks at the GOP leadership stakeout

“Well as you’ve heard there’s two types of actions being taken up this week and next week by the House of Representatives. The good news is the White House seems to get one of those. That is this notion of the expert opportunities for American manufacturers to get into markets abroad. As someone who has traveled to South Korea, and to Panama, and to Colombia it is without question clear to me – and I think most folks on Capitol Hill – that those opportunities are inextricably linked to our long-term prosperity.

Where the White House doesn’t seem to get it and where there’s an opportunity maybe to change their minds is on these two issues that you’ve heard described: Boiler MACT and Cement MACT. We’ve had two job creators in here for the past day or so. They are Brad Slabaugh with Hilltop Basic Resources and Karl Watson of CEMEX USA. Both of which described situations that if the Cement MACT proposal goes into place, with certainty, it will have an adverse impact on job creation. With certainty, it will have an adverse impact on cement kilns here in the United States. We can do better. The Administration needs to join us to turn this situation around quickly.”

http://roskam.house.gov/


State Rep Tom Morrison: The Results Are In!‏

From the office of Rep. Tom Morrison (R, Palatine, 54th District)…

A few weeks ago, I asked for your input on several questions regarding our community and our state and I wanted to share the results. As your representative in Springfield, I rely heavily on the input from my constituents. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to share your viewpoint/opinions with me. I am thrilled by receiving over 400 completed surveys from residents within our district, thank you.

Here are the results!

1. What issue/s in state government is/are most important to you?

Topping the list were government spending/borrowing, taxes, public mistrust in government and corrupt elected officials. Also, many social issues were addressed as well as firearm regulations.

2. Do you support legislation that will repeal the 66% income tax rate increase signed by Governor Quinn in January 2011?
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State Rep Tom Morrison: The Results Are In!‏”


Albracht for Senate to Host Open House at Moline Headquarters Sat., Oct. 8 from 12-4pm

From Citizens for Albrecht…

MOLINE, IL–The Albracht for Senate campaign will be hosting an open house at its headquarters, located at 331 8th Street in Moline, on Saturday, October 8 from 12-4pm.

Both the media and the public are invited to attend. Food and beverage will be provided.

Bill Albracht will give a brief speech at 1pm.

For more information about Bill Albracht, visit our website at


Roskam Applauds Progress on Long-Stalled Trade Agreements

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Ill)…

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip and member of the House Ways & Means Committee, issued the following statement after the Obama Administration sent the long-stalled Columbia, Panama, and Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTA) to Congress today. Roskam has traveled to South Korea, Panama, and Colombia to meet with the respective countries’ leaders in support of these three agreements:

“These three pro-export policies will make it easier for American manufacturers to sell our products overseas and in turn create jobs here. Republicans have been advocating for these commonsense no-cost job-creation policies for years. While our economy has unfortunately suffered as the Administration stalled on these agreements for the last years, it is very welcome news that the Administration is finally supporting them. With unemployment at 9.1% nationally, Washington has to be embracing commonsense solutions that remove barriers to private-sector job creation.”


Cain Rises at TeaCon 2011: Straw Poll Win, Communications Director Loss, Disagreements With Jack Roeser

-By Warner Todd Huston

Herman Cain wins yet another straw poll of conservative activists. This time at Teacon 2011 held in a northwestern suburb of Chicago. There was no surprise that Cain won the straw poll, but there was some surprise fireworks in the media room and another surprise elsewhere in the Cain campaign as his long-serving Communications Director resigned over the weekend.

Herman Cain was the only candidate that decided to come in person, but to be honest, this crowd was a Cain hotspot even before that. Rep. Michele Bachmann sent in a video address that found favor with the crowd, too. But Cain and she were the only ones to give TeaCon 2011 the time of day.

The results, with over 77% of the vote, put Herman Cain in the lead. And in descending order was Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum — oddly enough President Obama came in next — and Jon Huntsman and Gary Johnson came in last.

As Erik Telford said on Twitter, “If you can’t beat Obama in a tea party straw poll, it’s probably time to end your campaign. (cc: Huntsman and Johnson).”

Ouch, indeed.
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Cain Rises at TeaCon 2011: Straw Poll Win, Communications Director Loss, Disagreements With Jack Roeser”


The Consequence of US Leadership Failure at the UN

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

In the coming weeks the United Nations Security Council is expected to take a series of misguided procedural steps towards allowing the Palestinian Authority (PA) to unilaterally declare independence (UDI). If they happen they will mark a step backwards from any potentially genuine Middle East peace and illustrate yet another failure of the Obama Administration’s “leading from behind” approach.

This did not have to be a foregone conclusion. This past May, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and I called on the Administration to stand united with the American people, and with Israel, opposing this UN action. The State Department has heard a similar chorus in the months since.
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The Consequence of US Leadership Failure at the UN”


Dirty Tricks in the 52nd District State Senate Race?

-By Warner Todd Huston

One question has arisen in the race for the Illinois State Senate in the 52nd District: why is GOP Sen. Leader Christine Radogno getting involved in a local primary to the reported tune of some very tall cash? And why is she supporting a guy that supports civil unions and tax hikes?

The GOP primary race is between activist Champaign small business owner John Bambenek and 63-year-old Champaign County Board Member Al Nudo. And in this race there are some clear differences between the two candidates.

For instance, Bambenek is much more in line than Nudo with the ideals of the last crop of GOP Congressmen that were elected from Illinois in 2010. Bambenek’s ideas would find echos in Randy Hultgren or Bobbie Shilling. Nudo, on the hand is much more a social and fiscal “moderate.”

Certainly Al Nudo, running claiming the need for “bipartisanship” in Springfield, is thought of as the “moderate” candidate in the race. “I work with both sides. There’s issues you can take from both sides,” he recently told the Daily Illini.
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Dirty Tricks in the 52nd District State Senate Race?”


Does Government Regulate Too Much?‏

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

Recently, I spoke on the House floor about what regulatory uncertainty is doing to small business owners like Rock Katschnig, a farmer and resident of the 14th District.

Unfortunately, Rock’s situation isn’t unique – I’ve heard similar stories over and over again as I travel throughout the area.

That’s why this fall, I’m joining my colleagues to fight for a pro-growth environment where small businesses and job-creators can hire new workers and invest without fearing what Washington will do to them. Our efforts are focused on creating a reasonable, stable regulatory environment that gives our economy the confidence it needs to grow.
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Does Government Regulate Too Much?‏”


The $14,000 Question: Was Senator Jacobs Bought by Big Energy?

Albracht: “If Governor Quinn has a dog in this fight, Senator Jacobs has four.”

MOLINE, IL–Despite a veto from Governor Quinn, Senator Jacobs continues to lobby for SB1652, also known as the “Smart Grid” bill, which would allow energy companies to automatically raise their rates over the next ten years without oversight from the Citizen’s Utility Board. Opponents to this bill have argued that this would put an unfair burden on the consumer.

Senator Jacobs recently told Continue reading


The $14,000 Question: Was Senator Jacobs Bought by Big Energy?”


New Lenox: Reenlistment Ceremony of Luis Mejia, Officiated by Congressman Adam Kinzinger

-By Warner Todd Huston

Over the weekend I was invited to the reenlistment ceremony of Aviation Structural Mechanic, Third Class Petty Officer (AM3) Luis Mejia, a resident of New Lennox. Coming off eight years, Meija, 43, reenlisted for another six and for his ceremony he asked 11th District Congressman Adam Kinzinger to conduct his Monday ceremony.

Mejia served one year at Camp Bucca, Iraq in 2007 and as the congressman and he were talking they realized they served at the same time in the same place in Iraq. “We probably saw each other,” Kinzinger said.

Currently, Mejia serves out of Great Lakes Naval base.

As Congressman Knizinger addressed the friends and family gathered to witness Meija’s reenlistment he noted that this county has “been at war for a decade.”
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New Lenox: Reenlistment Ceremony of Luis Mejia, Officiated by Congressman Adam Kinzinger”


Assistant Republican House Leader Jim Durkin Endorses Dillard

From the campaign to re-elect Kirk Dillard, Illinois State Senate…

At a recent Republican meeting, Illinois State Representative and Assistant Republican House Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) endorsed Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) in Dillard’s race for re-election to the 24th Senatorial District.

Citing several pieces of landmark legislation sponsored by Sen. Dillard, including most recently a Internet Portal Act to disclose, on-line and in real-time (www.OpentheBooks.com), every salary, contract, tax break and tax deadbeat, Durkin said, “Sen. Kirk Dillard is the voice of families in Illinois and we must return Kirk Dillard to Springfield so we can draw on his valuable experience in creating jobs to get Illinois working again, protecting our families, controlling our out-of-control state budget and providing accountability in state government.”

Durkin then added, “Kirk knows Western Springs and our area well. He was instrumental in garnering the funds to replace the dilapidated Oak Street Bridge so that area residents have access to Hinsdale Hospital in case of emergency.”
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Assistant Republican House Leader Jim Durkin Endorses Dillard”


Ron Paul: NOT a Serious Candidate

-By Warner Todd Huston

Ron Paul is not serious about running for president nor is he a serious candidate even were he to be so inclined. But serious or no, he is a horrible candidate regardless.

Now, there may have been a time a decade or so ago when Ron Paul really thought he had a shot at being elected the president of the United States but that time has long ago passed into history. His last several campaigns were not serious efforts.

Let’s take Paul’s unserious campaign effort first, before I get to his amazing unsuitability for the White House.

The idea of having a national campaign organization to propel a candidate to winning primaries is predicated on reaching out to local state and country party organizations, working with them on ideas, and bringing some of those local political operatives into your own primary effort. This practice then extends your influence and helps bring ground troops to your game, folks that are influential in each sector of the country, folks that will presumably bring voters to your candidacy.
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Ron Paul: NOT a Serious Candidate”


Cross Files Bill to End Pension Perks‏

From Illinois GOP House Leader Tom Cross…

In response to a series of news reports in the Chicago Tribune on WGN-TV this week, uncovering huge pension hikes under the guise of public service, we filed a bill (HB3813) to close the little known loophole that nets some Chicago city workers tens of millions in pension bumps at the end of their careers.

Click here to watch WGN-TV’s coverage of our bill filling.

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune’s story.

“This is a huge slap in the face to taxpayers that government in cooperation with its employees comes up with a scheme, that is currently allowable under state law, to boost pensions sky-high,” said Cross. “This practice needs to stop—immediately—and we will file a bill today, so that this provision in state law cannot be abused.”
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Cross Files Bill to End Pension Perks‏”


Video: Speak Out And Support A Balanced Budget Amendment‏

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

A balanced budget amendment (BBA) to our Constitution is a permanent solution to our nation’s fiscal crisis to legally force future Congresses and Presidents to stop spending money they don’t have. Earlier this week I sat down to share my thoughts about a BBA and why it’s so important for the future of our country.

America Speaking Out (ASO), www.americaspeakingout.com, is an online community aimed at giving you a voice and the power to set the agenda in Congress. Through ASO, you can express your opinion about the BBA, which will be voted on in the House this fall.

I encourage you to visit www.americaspeakingout.com now to express your opinion about a BBA. It is through the support of the citizens like you that a BBA will become a reality – bringing much-needed certainty to the small business community, putting an end to the out-of-control spending, and restoring accountability to Congress.
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Video: Speak Out And Support A Balanced Budget Amendment‏”


Kinzinger/Gonzalez Amendment Adopted into TRAIN Act Forces Agencies

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill., 11the District)…

To Assess Consequences of EPA Regulations for U.S. Energy, Manufacturing & Jobs

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-11) along with Congressman Charles Gonzalez (D-TX) today offered a bipartisan amendment to the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts to the Nation (TRAIN) Act, H.R. 2401. The Kinzinger/Gonzalez Amendment would give Americans the opportunity to receive an explanation of the costs and job impacts associated with a new EPA regulation on gasoline before it can be enforced. The amendment was adopted and the TRAIN Act passed the House with bipartisan support.

Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a “Tier 3” rulemaking that would further reduce sulfur levels in gasoline to an average of 10ppm – this is a 70 percent change from today’s already low levels. In 2004, Tier 2 rules reduced sulfur by 90 percent from 100ppm to 30ppm. The Kinzinger/Gonzalez Amendment forces the EPA to ensure that the economic and job impacts of the Tier 3 regulations are thoroughly analyzed and reviewed.
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Kinzinger/Gonzalez Amendment Adopted into TRAIN Act Forces Agencies”


Former Elmhurst Police Chief Millner Endorses Dillard

From the reelection campaign of Senator Kirk Dillard…

At the York Township Republican Committeemen meeting, Illinois State Senator and long-time Elmhurst Police Chief John Millner (R-Carol Stream) endorsed Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) in Dillard’s race for re-election to the 24th Senatorial District. Millner is also a Past President of the Illinois Police Chiefs Association.

Calling Dillard one of Illinois finest legislators, and a friend of all of the communities in DuPage County, Millner cited Dillard’s accomplishments, especially in the areas of accountability/transparency, fiscal policies and law enforcement.

“Sen. Kirk Dillard is the voice of DuPage County in Springfield and we must have his valuable experience in stopping the tax, spend and borrowing agenda,” Millner said.
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Former Elmhurst Police Chief Millner Endorses Dillard”