Governor

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

Dillard: Election Day is just 28 days away – are you Registered to Vote?

January 4, 2010 by

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

Tuesday, January 5, is the last day to register to vote in the February Primary. If you are already registered and have not moved, you don’t have to do a thing. But, if you have never signed up to vote or if have moved since the last election, you need to register in order to cast a ballot on February 2.

You need to register to vote if:

  • You are a first time voter,
  • You have recently moved,
  • You are unsure whether or not you are registered to vote!

As you know, this is one of the most important elections in recent memory. We must elect a Republican nominee who can win in November and begin the difficult task of making Illinois work again. I’m encouraged that my campaign continues to build strong momentum and by voter’s enthusiastic support for my unique experience as former Governor Jim Edgar’s Chief of Staff and as a state senator since 1994.
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Dillard: Election Day is just 28 days away – are you Registered to Vote?”

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

Dillard Blasts Quinn Over Prison Early Release Program

December 30, 2009 by

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

What did he know and when did he know it?

Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard today called on Governor Quinn to come clean and tell the truth about his secret program that released inmates from prison early. According to a hastily arranged announcement, the Quinn administration acknowledges that 64 former inmates have allegedly committed new crimes, some violent, since the Administration ordered the secret release without notifying victims or law enforcement. New crimes include assault, domestic violence, and firearm possession by a felon.
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Dillard Blasts Quinn Over Prison Early Release Program”

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

Dillard Campaign: Reminder That Absentee Voting Begins

December 29, 2009 by

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign:

With just 35 days left until the Primary Election Day, the Dillard for Governor Team is in full swing, leading the with most aggressive grassroots operation throughout the entire state! I have been extremely encouraged by the enthusiastic reception my television ad featuring former governor Jim Edgar has received. The faith and confidence my friend and mentor has in my candidacy is both a very humbling experience and a tremendous responsibility.

Republicans finally have an opportunity to elect a candidate who can win the Governor’s office in 2010. Chicago Magazine said I am a Republican who can win a general election — but I need your help!
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Dillard Campaign: Reminder That Absentee Voting Begins”

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

The Good News About Springfield, Merry Christmas

December 24, 2009 by

A Christmas message from Adam Andrzejewski, Republican candidate for Illinois Governor:

In the coming weeks, you’ll most likely share time with friends and family to celebrate Christmas—an end-of-year festival tradition rooted in the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This Christmas, I encourage you to give yourself an extra moment of pause to take inventory of the blessings that have been bestowed upon you by our Creator.

I also encourage you to remember the brave men and women who risk their lives to forge our great nation, and those who have paid the ultimate price for Freedom in America.

It is quite likely that someone you know—a family member or a neighbor—perhaps even yourself, has been laid off and dealt with challenging circumstances as a result. In Illinois, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average, our former governor’s impeachment still looms in recent memory, and our state is hemorrhaging money from a massive budget deficit. In spite of the dark cloud overhead, I encourage you to give thanks and celebrate Our Lord’s birth with rejoicing. And I’d like to suggest there is good news in the New Year. I submit to you that there is good news about Springfield.
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The Good News About Springfield, Merry Christmas”

2nd Amendment - Abortion - Anti-Americanism - Chicago - Constitution - Cook County - Elections - Free Trade - GOP - Illinois - Religion - Rights - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

My Last Straw With Bob Schillerstrom for Governor

December 21, 2009 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

For the most part I want my writing, opining and reporting of the GOP field of candidates in Illinois to be relatively even handed. I have avoided too much high strung rhetoric and have not made any obvious endorsements because I want all of our Republican candidates to have this forum and to get their message to Illinois Republican voters. But I will not from this point forward be loaning my forum to Bob Schillerstrom in his quest for the GOP nomination for Governor.

There are some things with which I agree with Mr. Schilelrstrom. He is generally a fiscal conservative which is good. However, he is also a pro-abortion candidate and an anti-Constitutional rights candidate. These two things are enough for me to jettison any further reporting on his campaign.

The final straw comes for me with Schillerstrom’s announcement of getting endorsed by a radical abortion advocacy group, the Personal PAC. This group claims to be “bi-partisan” but is far from it.
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My Last Straw With Bob Schillerstrom for Governor”

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

Dillard Gets More Kane County Support

December 21, 2009 by

From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…

Over the weekend, Republican candidate for Illinois governor Kirk Dillard won the endorsement of the St. Charles Township Republicans, expanding his support throughout Kane County.

“Senator Dillard’s leadership and plans to bring jobs to Illinois, balance the budget and clean up Springfield demonstrate he is the best candidate, and we are proud to endorse him,” said St. Charles Township Republican Chairman Ken Shepro. Dillard was also enthusiastic. “I’m delighted my friends in Kane County are backing my campaign, and it shows how my unique experience as former Governor Edgar’s chief of staff, my plan to make Illinois a “Destination Economy” and my legislative record are resonating with voters.”
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Dillard Gets More Kane County Support”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Governor Candidates on Taxes and State Spending

December 19, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Associated Press asked the Illinois Gubernatorial candidates where they stand on both taxes and state spending this week. Interestingly, they asked what programs the candidates would cut to save money. With this question it was telling that the Republicans had specific programs that they’d cut while both Democrats dithered, hemmed and hawed on any cuts. Nearly all of them said “Medicaid spending” should be cut, but that doesn’t really answer to the question in my opinion. Of course Medicaid spending should be reformed as it is filled to the brim with waste and fraud, but no one is going to cut the program and cutting of programs was the question.

The AP’s questions on spending can be seen on the CBS Channel 2 website.

The AP also did one on taxes and that one can be seen on bnd.com, here the GOP contenders are interesting for one thing all but one of them said they’d hold the line. Only Dan Proft said he cut the state income tax. Naturally, both big spending Democrats (Dan Hynes and Pat Quinn) said they’d raise taxes.

In any case, both these AP pieces really shows the difference between the GOP and Democrat candidates. The Republicans want to cut spending and at least hold the line on taxes rates if not cut them and Democrats want to hike taxes and spend, spend, spend.

And let me say this about Dan Proft. He is always dead right on his answers to these issues. His points on these two AP pieces are perfect pitch.
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Ill. Governor Candidates on Taxes and State Spending”

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

Lt. Governor Race: Dennis Cook Gets Two South Suburban Republican Endorsements

December 17, 2009 by

From the Cook for Lt. Governor campaign:

(Orland Park, IL) – Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dennis Cook announced today that he has received the endorsements of Cook County and Palos GOP Chairman Lee Roupas, and Cook County Commissioner and Orland Township Chairman Liz Gorman.

Cook, Consolidated District 230 School Board President, said it is a great honor to have the endorsement of these two well-respected members of the Republican Party.
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Lt. Governor Race: Dennis Cook Gets Two South Suburban Republican Endorsements”

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

GOP Questions McKenna’s Use of Party Funds for His Own Polling

December 17, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

I meant to mention this story yesterday and didn’t get to it. I guess the reason why I wasn’t so all fired up to highlight it is that it all seemed as no surprise, it seemed like ho-hum news.

Don’t get me wrong, certainly it is big news that Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna is being investigated by the State Party over possible misuse of party money to fund his own first poll to ascertain whether or not his run for Gov. would be viable. No question that this is interesting news on several levels.

It is interesting, for instance, that the state GOP would even bother to investigate their fair hared boy in the first place, so, yes, that is interesting right there.

But it isn’t startling that Andy McKenna might be suspected of doing something underhanded. Here’s what happened:

Back in the summer when McKenna was still the Illinois Republican Party Chairman the party funded a $28,000 poll to flesh out the standing of the various folks on the Republican side that were close to announcing or had announced their intent to run for the party’s nomination for governor.
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GOP Questions McKenna’s Use of Party Funds for His Own Polling”

Budget - California - Campaign Finance - Elections - GOP - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

With Another $15 Million, Poizner is Poizner’s Biggest Contributor

December 15, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

California Insurance Commissioner and candidate for the GOP nomination for Governor, Steve Poizner, has announced that he’ll donate another $15 million of his own fortune to float his flagging Gubernatorial campaign making himself his biggest contributor.

Once the transfer is complete, Mr. Poizner will have donated a total of just over $19 million of his own cash to his campaign. And it should be noted that this is being termed a donation, not a loan.

Let’s be clear, though, Poizner is not the only major candidate for governor that is using his own fortune to fund his race. Chief opponent Meg Whitman has loaned about $15 million of her own money to her campaign, as well. It is expected that she will dip into her own pocket even more as the race rolls on.
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With Another $15 Million, Poizner is Poizner’s Biggest Contributor”

2nd Amendment - Budget - Chicago - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Guns - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Jim Ryan: Cut Aid to Township Governments

December 11, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

At a sit down with the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board this week, former States Attorney Jim Ryan, candidate for the GOP nod for governor, said that one of his cost-cutting measures would be a state-wide cut back on state grants to local township governments.

The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, in a report last February, said capping revenue sharing and grants to local governments could save up to $300 million a year. Ryan said state cutbacks on income-tax revenue to cities and counties “will put them on a diet and also save us money.”

I say, good idea! As The Better Government Association discovered last month, many of these Townships aren’t in any way needy of more tax money. In fact, many are awash in large, surpluses in their bank accounts even as they continue to tax us to death.

In fact ABC 7 and the BGA discovered that many of these fat-cat townships don’t even spend their large surpluses on the actual, lawful purpose for which townships were created for in the first place.
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Jim Ryan: Cut Aid to Township Governments”

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

Guv’s Race: Rauschie Picks Proft!

December 9, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston


This is a bit of a shocker. Former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger (R, Elgin), famed as one of the “fab five” conservative Senators from the late 1990s , has endorsed Dan Proft for governor.

On the Don Wade and Roma radio show on WLS on Dec. 8, Rauschie said Proft is his man.

“I am proud to endorse Dan Proft’s candidacy for Governor because Proft is the only candidate who has properly diagnosed what afflicts state government and is prescribing the right policy remedies,” said Rauschenberger, who is seeking to regain his old senate seat currently held by State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin)

“The other candidates believe we have a management problem in state government. Proft correctly understands that it is a system problem.”

I have to say this is a bit shocking to me. I didn’t expect Steve to go for Proft, not because of his positions (most of which is very straight line conservative) but because of the whisper campaign launched against Proft’s Cicero baggage.
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Guv’s Race: Rauschie Picks Proft!”

Chicago - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - State Government

Et tu Adam?

December 8, 2009 by

-By Megan Fox

A few weeks ago I interviewed Dan Proft, Republican candidate for the IL governorship. I ran out of time on the air and asked him to please answer the rest of my questions over email. He agreed and I will have those for you soon. (I’m still typing them up between cleaning up spit up and red and green Christmas glitter that seems to be all over everything)

I want to share something with you about one of the other candidates in the race, Adam Andrejlakidjferjeski (as I like to call him because I CANNOT spell or say his last name). I gave Adam the opportunity to come on Clash Radio with me the same week Proft was on. I emailed him on Facebook. He directed me to his scheduling person who agreed he would be on with me. To be fair, and to make sure Adam had a chance to come up with a rebuttal for what I said about him that wasn’t flattering, I sent him a copy of the article I wrote about my impressions of the Tea Party debate. This was the one where I said Adam’s pants were too short, I had doubts about his ability to win this race, but I liked his responses and he was in my top three picks. Just hours after forwarding my article to Adam’s campaign, the interview was cancelled.
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Et tu Adam?”

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

Brady Announces 14 GOP Legislators Endorsing Him for Governor

December 7, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady (R, Bloomington) announced at a campaign stop at the Willard Airport in Savoy, Illinois that he has the support of 14 out of 70 Republican members of the Legislature.

Brady is also calling for a 10 percent across the board cut in the state’s budget.

“I have called for a 10 percent cut across the board in every area of state government. We’ve got to rein in government spending.”

The 14 Legislators that have endorsed Brady are as follows:
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Brady Announces 14 GOP Legislators Endorsing Him for Governor”

2nd Amendment - Anti-Americanism - Chicago - Constitution - Cook County - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Republicans - Security/Safety - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Rifle Assoc.: Oh, No We Didn’t Endorse Jim Ryan in 2002

December 2, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

On the Ryan FaceBook page the claim was recently made that Jim Ryan was endorsed by the Illinois State Rifle Association’s political action arm for his 2002 race against Rod Blagojevich for governor. Au contraire, says the ISRA-PVF. They didn’t endorse anyone in 2002, they say.

The ISRA-PVF issued a news release to correct the record:

ISRA-PVF Calls Upon Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Ryan to Retract Endorsement Claims

CHICAGO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following was released today by the ISRA Political Victory Fund (ISRA-PVF):

The ISRA-PVF is today calling upon Illinois gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan to retract claims that he received the group’s endorsement during his failed 2002 run for governor against Rod Blagojevich. Such misleading claims have surfaced on Ryan’s social networking internet sites in recent days. Additionally, individuals have made reports to the ISRA-PVF that Ryan campaign staffers have made similar endorsement claims when questioned about Ryan’s stands on issues important to law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

The fact of the matter is, the ISRA-PVF declined to make an endorsement in the 2002 race for Illinois governor as neither the Republican candidate, Jim Ryan, nor his Democratic opponent, Rod Blagojevich, were deemed suitable for endorsement.

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Ill. Rifle Assoc.: Oh, No We Didn’t Endorse Jim Ryan in 2002″

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Congress - Cook County - Economy/Finances - Elections - Health - Illinois - Jobs - Liberals - Socialism - Society/Culture - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

10th District, Robert Dold: Government Run Health Care is Bad Medicine‏

November 30, 2009 by

From the Dold campaign…

The end of 2009 is almost here, and as Election Day, February 2nd, quickly approaches, it is time to look forward to electing a new Congressional leader who will bring your concerns and ideas to Washington. I believe that healthcare, an issue at the forefront of our minds this election season, needs to be reformed the right way—without a government takeover.

The current Democrat-backed health care plan will increase government health expenditures by an estimated $1 trillion over a ten year period. While the consequences of the enormous bill will affect us on a national level, it will also make things worse for Illinois. A recent report released by the Illinois Policy Institute revealed the nationalized health care plan will lower economic growth by costing Illinois 169,000 jobs, impose $57 billion in costs for Illinois taxpayers to bear, and shrink our state’s economy by 5.1 percent.
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10th District, Robert Dold: Government Run Health Care is Bad Medicine‏”

Chicago - Conservatives - Constitution - Cook County - Elections - Illinois - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Constitution Party: Randall Stufflebeam for Ill. Governor

November 30, 2009 by

From the Stufflebeam campaign…

We had a great time in Alton yesterday (Saturday, November 28) and I am really proud of the organizers of this tea party that had a focus on the youth. You can read the Alton Telegraphs report below.

I had the opportunity to speak, not as a candidate, but as a “Constitutionalist.” I opened my speech with this phrase, “In just a little over three years from now, we will be celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the day that tyranny got it’s foothold here in America.” On February 3, 1913 the 16th Amendment (Known to most people as the “Income Tax Amendment”) was declared to have been ratified. Then on April 8, 1913, the 17th Amendment was declared to have been ratified. Interestingly, in October of the same year, the Federal Reserve Act was ratified. Can you connect the dots?
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Constitution Party: Randall Stufflebeam for Ill. Governor”

Budget - Business - Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Chgo Trib: Remembering Why the ILl. GOP Backed Blago

November 30, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

John Kass, he of the rail against “the combine,” has another column reminding us of why the Illinois GOP has become the laughing stalk of the GOP nation wide. It’s because up until this very day, the Illinois Republican Party has been but a weaker arm of the Illinois Democrat Party. Too many in the state GOP have been so intertwined with the criminal Democrats that they are indistinguishable one from the other, hence why Kass calls them “the combine.”

Kass reminded us of how the Illinois GOP establishment under past Party Chair Andy McKenna worked hand in glove with the corrupt Democrats. As Kass interviewed Jim Ryan, GOP candidate for Governor, he detailed just some of combine’s nefarious actions in 2006 when Ryan faced now indicted ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich.
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Chgo Trib: Remembering Why the ILl. GOP Backed Blago”

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

McKenna the ‘Outsider’?

November 23, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Andy McKenna recently vacated the Chairmanship of the Illinois Republican Party where he presided over the loss to the GOP of every statewide office. He was its Chairman for four years. It was recently hinted by new GOP Chair Pat Brady that McKenna is the favored candidate of the National Party in the race for Governor. It seems like Andy McKenna has the inside track on his late-emerged campaign for governor.

… yet McKenna is styling himself as an “outsider”?

In his newest ad appearing on both TV and radio, McKenna calls himself “Honest, outsider businessman Andy McKenna.”
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McKenna the ‘Outsider’?”

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

You’re Invited to a Lunch With Adam Andrzejewski, GOP Candidate for Gov.

November 17, 2009 by

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski will be hosting a luncheon at the University Club of Chicago tomorrow from 11:30 AM to 1:30PM.

University Club of Chicago
76 E Monroe Street

Chicago, IL

If you can’t make it, though, you can watch it all on the Internet webcast, or listen in by phone conference call.

Phone: (507) 726-4200
Passcode: 119275#
www.ustream.tv/adamforillinois

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

The Fix is In: State GOP Leader Backs Andy McKenna for Guv

November 14, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Until this Summer Andy McKenna was the Chairman of the Illinois GOP. He presided over a party that saw every single state wide office lost to it. He presided over a party that tried as hard as it could to make sure that Illinois’ Republican voters would be barred from voting their own leaders into place (even though Democrat voters do elect their leaders). McKenna presided over a GOP that seemed little more than a junior partner to the corruption plagued Democrats.

…and now McKena’s running for governor.

And guess what? House Republican leader Tom Cross is backing McKenna.

Yep, looks like the fix is in for McKenna as far as the state party is concerned and because of that you can bet that we will see Governor Pat Quinn win his own full term by November. Either that or we will see Quinn’s Democrat challenger, Dan Hynes, become the next governor. Which ever Democrat we are talking about here, the point is if McKenna is the face of the GOP for the 2010 election, a Democrat will win.
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The Fix is In: State GOP Leader Backs Andy McKenna for Guv”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Cook County - Crime - Economy/Finances - GOP - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Guvs Race: Adam Andrzejewski Says Repeal Video Gambling

November 13, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski says if he’s elected Illinois Governor he’d work to repeal the video gambling law recently passed by the state legislature.

On WBBM 780AM radio (Chicago), Andrzejewski said, “It is bad public policy. It wasn’t vetted by the people.”

Andrzejewski said he will make repeal of the law a priority if elected and in order to do that he plans to stop funding for road, school or transit improvements backed by the gambling expansion. The measure signed by Quinn also uses liquor tax increases and expanding the lottery to the Internet, among other things, to fund the projects.

At least two other GOP candidates have expressed their distaste with the video gambling law. Bob Schillerstrom came out against the bill early in his campaign and Kirk Dillard claimed he was unhappy with the law. Of course, Dillard voted for the video gambling law in his role as a state Senator, so his claim of being unhappy with the bill seems a mixed message juxtaposed with his actual vote on the issue.

Andrzejewski has been a popular campaigner with the rank and file thus far on the hustings. He’s won at least four straw polls in carious parts of the state, three in a row of late. Andrzejewski is a true outsider never having held public office before.

Visit AdamforIllinois.com.

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

It’s 3 Straw Poll Wins in a Row for Andrzejewski

November 10, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Over the weekend the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans (FIYR) held its annual convention in Bolingbrook. There a straw poll of members was conducted and once again outsider candidate Adam Andrzejewski won. This is the third straw poll in a row that Andrzejewski has won.

On October 19, Andrzejewski won the McLean County Freedom Coalition Straw Poll in Bloomington and on Nov. 2 he won the Concerned Citizens of America straw poll held in Rockford. Andrzejewski also won the September straw poll held at the governor forum sponsored by the United Republican Fund.

For information on the campaign visit www.adamforillinois.com/.
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It’s 3 Straw Poll Wins in a Row for Andrzejewski”

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

Ill. Governor’s Debate Video

November 9, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Watch the Illinois GOP Governor’s debate from November 5, courtesy of the Illinois GOP.

Pat Brady, Ill. State Party Chairman, opened with a statement on the state of the state and what the Illinois GOP intends to do henceforth. After that the party began to the tune of the Alan Parson’s Project classic, “Eye in the Sky.” (A bit corny, but it’s all in good fun) Finally WGN Radio’s Chris Roebling, debate moderator, started the night’s event.

Participating are Adam Andrzejewski, Bill Brady, Kirk Dillard, Andy McKenna, Dan Proft, Jim Ryan, and Bob Schillerstrom.

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

Jobs, Education Highlight State GOP Debate

November 6, 2009 by

From the Kirk Dillard camp:

(Chicago, IL) – Jobs, healthcare, education and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln highlighted Thursday’s debate among the Republican candidates for Illinois governor. The debate was sponsored by the Illinois State Republican Party and held in Chicago.

Senator Kirk Dillard championed his “Destination Economy” plan to attract new business to the state. “It will be the most ambitious job creation plan in state history,” he said, reminding the audience one out of every 10 Illinois workers is out of a job.

Dillard also suggested healthcare would be part of his budget reforms in Springfield if elected governor. “My first budget will have a bad dose of medicine for Medicaid,” said Dillard, talking about some of the places he will look for significant budget cuts. Other areas include the state pension system. “We need pension reform,” he said.
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Jobs, Education Highlight State GOP Debate”

Budget - Conservatives - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - Illinois - Republicans - State Government - Warner Todd Huston

Big Wigs

November 1, 2009 by

Dan Proft whacks away at newcomer to the Governor’s race, Andy McKenna:

Andy, if the wig fits, wear it

Illinois is in a quiet state of crisis. I say a quiet crisis because through years of corruption and neglect, the conditions have been created for Illinois’ financial collapse. The day of reckoning has not yet come but the numbers clearly indicate that it is coming if evasive policy action is not taken.

When it comes and those left in Illinois are forced to confront $20 billion in structural debt and $80 billion in unfunded pension obligations, the consequences won’t be quiet at all. The cacophony will be heard in every business and every home in Illinois, its percussion will be felt by every family and it will resonate through generations.

This campaign has been beating the drum to call attention to the quiet crisis that has been cultivated by Chicago Democrats and ignored or papered over by go-along-to-get-along Springfield Republicans, and I will do so again.
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Big Wigs”

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

Former Ill. GOP Chair McKenna Announces Bid for Guv

October 29, 2009 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Well, he’s done it. Yesterday former State GOP Party Chairman Andy McKenna formally announced his bid to snare the GOP nomination for governor.

McKenna has launched his campaign with a video he is calling “Hair Today,” a slam on former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s well-known, finely-coiffed hair. The ad also highlights the governors that have ended up in prison for their corruption.

Yucking it up, for sure.

Ask me, McKenna is no solution to Illinois’ troubles. As the past GOP party chairman, McKenna presided over the loss to the party of every major state office and he led the party to a new level of irrelevancy in the Land of Lincoln. And the way he’s handled this campaign is already suspect.
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Former Ill. GOP Chair McKenna Announces Bid for Guv”