Chicago Republicans

Democrat Lt. Governor Candidate Scott Lee Cohen Resigns Amid Scandal

Statement by William J. Kelly, Executive Director of Rebuild Illinois

Scotty, we hardly knew ye!

Scott Lee Cohen, the Democrat nominee for lieutenant governor never even got elected to a full term and Second City’s already working on the musical. The Democrats were so eager to get rid of him, they did everything but hold a knife to his throat.

Aside from the reports of Cohen’s abuse of his ex-wife and the accusations that he held a knife to his ex-girlfriend’s throat (prostitute or not), I don’t know why Governor Pat Quinn is complaining. He has proven this year that he doesn’t really want reform. Having Cohen on the Democratic ticket could have had some positive upsides. If Quinn was really desperate for a bridge loan, he could have just had Scotty taken him down to the pawn shop on Clark Street. How much are Abe Lincoln artifacts going for these days? I mean, at Cohen’s pawn shop, you wouldn’t get market value but still. With Illinois on the brink of insolvency, these times call for creativity.

In terms of creativity though, Scott Lee Cohen also falls short. Cohen’s a betting man. He used two million of his pawn shop proceeds to buy the lieutenant governor’s seat and won the primary with no media scrutiny. However, in terms of pioneering pay-to-play politics, Blagojevich beat him to it. It is a good thing Rod Blagojevich didn’t know Scott Lee Cohen in 2008. Blago wouldn’t have sold Obama’s seat, he probably could have pawned it instead.

Illinois needs campaign finance reform now. We need to enact laws that prevent pay-to-play politics and spending caps across the board. We need full transparency and an end to all legal loop holes that circumvent campaign finance laws. In Illinois, state Republicans have proposed HB5008 to limit campaign contributions from legislative leaders and their caucus committees and political parties. Quinn’s reform bill only made House Speaker Michael Madigan and other elites even more powerful. This law puts no monetary limit on leaders and political parties during the general election. Governor Quinn, what kind of reform is that?

Unless Pat Quinn is ready to pass a real reform bill, he may want to keep Scott Lee Cohen’s pawn shop number handy for future reference.

Sen. Bill Brady has claimed victory in the Illinois Republican Primary, stating with all precincts reported he holds a 450 vote advantage over Sen. Kirk Dillard.

No official results have been reported.

State Senator Kirk Dillard, Republican candidate for governor, today released the following statement in response to the current status of the Republican gubernatorial race: 

“Yesterday was a real testament to the strength and power of our grassroots.  Both Senator Brady and I were vastly outspent in this primary, but we are the ones still standing today.  The strength of that grassroots support is how Republicans are going to take back the Governor’s seat this November.

But a winner has not been decided yet.  Yesterday’s election was really close and the simple fact is that they are still counting the votes.  There are hundreds of provisional and absentee ballots left to be counted along with several precincts votes to be reported. We believe every Illinoisan’s voice needs and deserves to be heard. We do not know who won yet and we probably won’t for several more days. 

Rumors of a victory are not legitimate when votes are still being counted.  I’m confident that when all of the ballots have been counted, I will be the Republican nominee for Governor.”

It is Primary Election Day and we as Republicans have some choices. After several months of coffees, meet and greets and cocktail parties designed to get to know the office seeking hopefuls, I have finally found my barometer for choosing a candidate: can he/she intellectualize the principles upon which his/her issues are based and articulate them clearly and persuasively? One of the pitfalls the Republican party needs to avoid is jumping on the populist bandwagon and failing to explain and apply the core principles that have defined the party. These principles include individual liberty, limited government and the security of our citizens to ensure the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. All too often, Republicans buy into straw man arguments in order to garner votes without respecting the intelligence and desire of voters to understand the issues. When we do that, we run the risk of sounding either unthinking, uncaring or just condescending. One example is the approach many have taken against Wall Street, all too willing to blame it as greedy, corrupt or uncontrolled. This approach fails to consider the nuances that are necessary for understanding our social, economic and political institutions. Human institutions are not that simple and history and economics show that Wall Street is just as important as Main Street and we need legislators who understand and can explain that with the voters. It is equally popular to bash the profit driven health insurance companies without recognizing their role in enabling the United States to be the best place on earth for health care. The point is that we are a party of ideas, not just labels and it is up to Republicans to be able to explain and persuade why we believe in the principles we do. When a candidate states that he is a "Reagan Republican" we need to ask what that means, does he believe in the principles that drove Reagan or is it meant to be a catchphrase for tax cuts, national security and statesmanship. How come no one says they are a Gingrich/Contract with America Republican? Like Reagan, Gingrich developed a philosophy and a plan based on certain principles which to its peril, Republicans abandoned. In today's election, I have seen some hope for the thinking in our party. Dan Proft (running for Governor) and Arie Friedman (for 10^th Congressional District) demonstrate the insight into issues and can relate their policies to the principles they support and provide solutions that respect the intelligence of voters. If today does not work out for either of them, I hope and pray they stay on to develop the future of our party. Let's make thinking sexy and bring the sexy back in politics!

You are invited to join Senator Kirk Dillard tomorrow for a very special announcement and press conference at 3:30pm at the Sheridan Hotel located at 301 N Water Street in Chicago.  

The event will be held in Studio A and B.  Refreshments will be served.  

With one day left until Election Day, Senator Dillard looks forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Sheridan.  Please bring a friend!

Sean P. Murphy
Field Director

202 422 2407       Cell
630 369 VOTE     Office

Over the past two weeks, we've been bringing you the top ten reasons to vote for Bill Brady, the true conservative candidate for Governor. Here's a recap of the list thus far, and the number one reason you, your friends and family should vote Bill Brady the Republican nominee for Illinois Governor.

Reason #10: Second Amendment Advocate Reason #9: Less Education Bureaucracy, Greater
Educational Choice and Opportunity
Reason #8: A Businessman for All of Illinois
Reason #7: A Real Republican Reason #6: Pro-Life Supporter Reason #5: A Governor for All of Illinois Reason #4: Giving Citizens Back Their Government Reason #3: An Electable Republican Reason #2: Lower Taxes and More Jobs

And, the number one reason to vote for Bill Brady is: A Man of Character.
Bill Brady is a man of true integrity and honor, loyalty and trust, faith and family.

In both his personal and professional lives, he has made his mark as someone who cares deeply for others. He has devoted his life working to make a difference in the lives of Illinois families, whether it be building affordable quality homes for them or working in his community and the General Assembly to give them a better quality of life and a brighter future.

Bill Brady is dedicated to doing what is right. After getting his bachelor's degree, he abandoned plans to attend law school and instead joined his family's struggling home construction business. As Governor, Bill Brady will show the same commitment to the citizens of Illinois and their families.

Bill is a family man. He and his wife Nancy have been married for 27 years, and they have three children -- Katie, William and Duncan. He made it a priority to attend his son's sporting events, and when legislative or political business interfered, he was on the phone immediately after the games asking for a complete recap. Sunday night potluck dinners in Bloomington with family, neighbors and close friends are another tradition to be missed only when absolutely necessary. And what are Nancy and the kids doing in their free time? They're making phone calls, walking precincts and helping Dad win this election.

His values are the values of Downstate Illinois. Hard work. Family. Neighbor helping neighbor. Right and wrong. Conservative values. Tea Party values.

Bill Brady is held in the highest regard by his peers in both the public and private sectors. He has been honored by such organizations as the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, which named him a "Champion of Free Enterprise," and the Illinois Farm Bureau for his legislative efforts. The United Republican Fund has named him a LIFT Leader for his voting record on LIFT principles -- Less government, Individual liberty, Free enterprise and Traditional values. He has been honored by a score of charitable organizations for his community work and involvement.

More than a hundred Republican senators, representatives, mayors, committeemen, county chairmen and organizations -- from Cook County to Cairo -- have endorsed his candidacy for Governor. He also has the largest grass-roots organization of any candidate, with hundreds of volunteers throughout the state working feverishly in the field to get him elected. They believe in him because he believes in them.

Bill Brady is a man of his word. He means what he says and follows through on his promises. He listens as well as leads; he trusts as well as verifies.

When he is elected Governor, Bill Brady will make Illinois proud again. He will run a transparent and trustworthy government, restoring Illinois' integrity and image. He will end the culture of greed and corruption in Illinois politics, and make our state a place we can be proud to call home again.

New VA Gov Proposes to Eliminate Corporate Tax

Conservatives, Republicans and Independents Looking for Reform,

Every private business competes for resources and competes for customers. This is the free market dynamic that increases choice and quality while it lowers prices. We all enjoy a better quality of life because of it. In fact, one of my favorite humorists, P.J. O’Rourke, maintained that communism failed, not for the big geopolitical reasons, but for the pedestrian reality that nobody wanted to wear Bulgarian shoes.

The information and logistics transformation that the free market brought us over the past two decades has now begun to apply its lessons to a new target, rich for reform: state government. The speed and ease that an end consumer can obtain information about and purchase products from across the country is now matched by the speed and ease that the companies that produce those goods and services can move from state to state. Illinois is now one of fifty players in a hypercompetitive marketplace for businesses and brainpower.

And we’re getting our heads kicked in. Businesses and families flee this state like it is on fire. United Van Lines ranked us second in the country in outward migration last year. We’re on your heels, Michigan! Nearly 750,000 more people chose to leave Illinois than to move to Illinois in the last decade and we are 45th in where college graduates choose to live.

Why? Because people go where the jobs are, and the jobs are produced where the tax burden is low.

That is why I am the only candidate in this race, in either political party, to propose to do what must be done: lower taxes to keep existing businesses and attract new ones.

Today, I did battle on this very topic on MSNBC as part of a conversation about President Obama’s State of the Union address:

Never mind the Democrats, not one of my Republican competitors wants to lower the corporate income tax, the personal income tax, and eliminate the estate tax. I can understand the reluctance from an Obama-nomics fan and teachers’ union flack like Kirk Dillard, but the rest of these guys better get with the program.

Specifically, I propose to cut the corporate tax and the personal income tax in half and to eliminate the estate tax.

Unfortunately, I am not the only one who has cracked the code and figured out that lowering taxes on work and investment produces more of it.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, fresh off his election in November of last year, is proposing to do me one better by eliminating Virginia’s corporate tax all together.

Steve Moore writes in The Wall Street Journal that “Virginia may become the first state perhaps ever to abolish its state corporate income tax”. He reports that Governor McDonnell is considering this strategy as a way to generate new jobs and that the revenue from this new economic activity might replace the lost revenue from the tax in the very first year.

Now, with this deal on the table, why would a company stay in Illinois? And with companies fleeing to low-tax states, why would college graduates move here? And with no new businesses and a declining population, who will pay for the huge pension liability two decades of tax and spend policies have created?

When you cast your ballot on Tuesday, remember which candidate’s policies will transform our state economy into a growth economy and which candidates’ policies will simply manage the decline of our state.

Are you content for your party to offer nothing but a more orderly going out of business sale for the State of Illinois or would you like to see a Republican governor advancing free market economic policies that will stimulate capital formation and job creation?

Are you ready to turn Springfield upside down?

While you think about that, now that Governor McDonnell has raised the stakes, I’ll think about whether or not my 50% cut is enough to compete with Virginia.

Deputy Republican Leader Tim Schmitz today announced his endorsement of Andy McKenna for governor and State Senator Matt Murphy for Lt. Governor. Schmitz is the 4th member of House Republican Leadership to endorse the campaign.
"Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the team best equipped to handle the state's issues and I enthusiastically add my name to the growing list of supporters backing their campaign,” said Schmitz. "I look forward to working with both Andy and Matt to continue fighting for fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and returning good-paying jobs to Illinois.”

Representative Schmitz has severed in the Illinois General Assembly since 1998, and represents Illinois’ 49th House District. Schmitz currently serves as the Deputy Republican Leader.

“I am grateful for Representative Schmitz’s endorsement,” said McKenna. “The momentum for our campaign continues to grow and with support from leaders like Tim Schmitz we will secure victory on February 2nd.”
McKenna and Murphy have also received the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune, noting McKenna would “aggressively push new ideas for education and job creation” and highlighted Murphy as “a guy who has made a name for himself in a short time by questioning the status quo.”

“Receiving Representative Schmitz’s endorsement is an honor and I proudly accept it,” said Murphy. “We are seeing positive results around Illinois as we continue campaigning across the state, talking about our message of cutting spending and lower taxes."

The McKenna-Murphy campaign has previously been endorsed by Republican leaders, Tom Cross - House Republican Leader, Mark Beaubien - Assistant Republican Leader and JoAnn Osmond - House Republican Caucus Chairperson.

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.

This morning, we called on the Illinois Republican Party to release almost 100 pages of documents related to this inquiry, which we believe will prove his lack of cooperation.

This afternoon, he still refused to answer questions, and instead hid behind a statement from his lawyer.

Why should Illinois voters be concerned about this issue?

Simple:  if we can't trust Andy McKenna to act ethically as party chairman, how can trust him as Ilinois Governor?

He has skipped the past three debates, and is refusing to answer direct questions about his role in this ethics probe.

If he is afraid of answering questions on this issue — will he have the courage to stand up to Mike Madigan and the Democrats as Governor?

Since announcing my campaign last November, I've traveled the state, talking about our agenda for jobs and growth, our commitment to holding the line on taxes, and our plan to restore ethics, integrity and authentic leadership to Illinois government.

We aren't ducking debates.  We aren't dodging the tough questions.

Please watch this video, in which Andy once again ducks and dodges questions about this scandal on this morning's "Don Wade & Roma Show" on WLS-AM 890.

The Illinois voters deserve better than a candidate who simply hides behind million dollar attack ads.  

Haven't we had enough of deceit and ethical lapses from Illinois politicians?

Thank you for your time and interest, and for closely watching this important issue.

I would be honored to have your vote next Tuesday — so that we can bring integrity and honesty back to the Governor's Mansion.

Sincerely,

Jim Ryan

Republican candidate for Illinois governor Kirk Dillard today stood with Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) Executive Director, Richard Pearson and formally accepted the backing of the National Rifle Association and the ISRA.

“I am so honored to receive the endorsements of the National Rifle Association and the Illinois State Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund,” Dillard said at a news conference. “Throughout my career in public service, I have been a major advocate of the 2^nd amendment and have fought hard to protect these rights.  As governor, that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do.”

Dillard highlighted his record on conceal-carry legislation in Springfield and the fact that he sponsored the first and only conceal and carry bill to hit the floor of the Illinois Senate. “Forty-eight states have some form of “concealed carry” and Illinois should join their ranks,” he said.

For Dillard, it was another sign of upward momentum with less than a week to go until the February 2^nd Primary. Earlier today, Dillard was in Springfield to accept the endorsement of the Sangamon County Republican Central Committee. He has also been backed by State Senator Larry Bomke of Springfield.

Newspapers across the state are lining up behind Dillard, including the Chicago Sun-Times, the Springfield State-Register Journal, the Peoria Journal-Star, and Crain’s Chicago Business. Dillard has also been endorsed by the Southtown Star, Southwest Herald, Rockford Register-Star, Rock Island Argus/Moline Dispatch, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Herald News, Naperville Sun, Elgin Courier and the Aurora Beacon News (additional endorsements below).

Who:               State Senator Kirk Dillard, Republican candidate for governor

James Sweeney – President, IUOE Local 150

What:             Dillard for Governor Press Conference

When:             Friday, January 29^th at 11:00 a.m.

Where:            Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers                

Parlor C

                        301 East North Water Street

Chicago, IL 60611

Jeffrey L. Junkas (R-Tinley Park), Republican candidate for State Representative in the 37^th District, challenged his opponent to stop playing dirty politics after she disseminated literature that attacked his primary voting record and his 66-year old retired father.

“I am disappointed my opponent has chosen to spend her time criticizing members of my family from the shadows rather than step into the spotlight and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them, such as jobs and the state’s economic future,” said Jeffrey Junkas. “I am also surprised to hear her question my party affiliation when her sole endorser called her a Democrat in a recent interview and her sole donor has contributed thousands to Democratic candidates.”

Junkas, 36, is a first-time candidate for public office who independently launched his campaign earlier this summer with the help of family and friends.  Since then, he has met thousands of voters across the district and earned the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, House Republican Organization, the Frankfort Township and Bremen Township Republican organizations, the Rich Township Republican committeeman and the Homer/Lockport Tea Party.

“Unlike my opponent, who had volunteers out posting signs for Democratic judicial candidates after distributing her literature, I am the genuine Republican candidate who is in this race to give voters a real choice in November,” added Junkas.  “My views are conservative, my endorsements speak for themselves, and my positions on a wide range of issues are available on my website for all to see, unlike my reclusive opponent.”

Here’s what just some of Junkas’ supporters had to say about him:

• Edward Ronkowski, Frankfort Township Republican Committeeman said: ““Jeff Junkas…will make an outstanding legislator. Jeff’s opponent has absolutely no Republican credentials.”

• Patrick Rea, Bremen Township Republican Committeeman:  “Jeff has demonstrated to us the knowledge, passion and character to be a fine legislator.  He is the genuine candidate in this primary race…”

• Patrice Barr, Rich Township Republican Committeeman: “I’m a lifelong Republican and Party official.  I’ve met Jeff and his family and he is the kind of person we need in Springfield.  He has earned my endorsement.”

Junkas is currently the director of public affairs for the Midwest Region of the American Insurance Association – a public policy advocacy organization for property/casualty insurers.  He received a BA in political science and speech communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He resides in Tinley Park with his wife Michelle and their two young children.

Bill Brady has earned the Republican nomination for Governor, not only because he's the best person for the job, but also because he has proven to be the only candidate who can defeat the Democrats in November.

Brady's opponents on the other hand, have shown time and time again that questions in judgment and ethical challenges show they cannot withstand the scrutiny of a general election.

Like Jim Ryan, for example who took $800,000 in campaign contributions from close friend Stuart Levine, all along claiming he didn't know Levine -- who was pleaded guilty in the Blagojevich scandal and now sits in prison -- was corrupt.

Like Kirk Dillard who embarrassed the Republican party when he supported Barack Obama in a televised campaign ad during the 2008 presidential election. And who caved to labor unions and business groups, voting to legalize video poker machines, saying "he had a gun to his head." And who took $250,000 from the Illinois Education Association and $250,000 from one of the union's largest critics.

Like Andy McKenna, who admitted to violating the Illinois Republican Party ethics code by using $28,000 in party funds for a poll that benefitted him politically.

Bill Brady is the clean break Illinois needs from the Chicago-style politics and politicians of the past.

Illinois voters need a Republican nominee like Bill Brady who will put the people's interests ahead of lobbyists, unions and special interest groups. They need a true conservative, like Senator Brady, who stands on the right side of the issues that matter most to Republican voters.

Bill Brady will run a transparent and trustworthy government, ending the culture of greed and corruption that has stained Illinois' integrity and image and that has given too much power to too few. As the only Downstate candidate not tied to the Chicago insiders, Bill Brady can best fight the Democrats in November. He offers the change Illinois desperately needs.

There's just a few days left to contribute to our campaign and help Bill Brady win the nomination for Governor and go on to defeat the Democrats in November!

TONY PERAICA FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAUL FROEHLICH (D-IL56) ALLEGING VIOLATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

CHICAGO, IL- Today Tony Peraica filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois State Representative Paul Froehlich on behalf of his client, Judy McCurdy, a former employee of Mr. Froehlich who was terminated for political reasons.

Ms. McCurdy, who was employed as a member of Mr. Froehlich’s District Office Director, was terminated in 2008 due to her allegiance to the Republican Party. Mr. Froehlich, who was originally elected to office as a Republican, switched to the Democratic Party in 2007. The suit (attached) alleges that by his actions, Mr. Froehlich violated McCurdy’s First Amendment Constitutional Rights. Political party affiliation is protected by the First Amendment.

“Mr. Froehlich acted improperly in terminating Ms. McCurdy, as her job was administrative in nature and not in any way impacted by her political beliefs or affiliations,” Mr. Peraica said. “The people who elected Mr. Froehlich expect and deserve from their state representative. His actions against Ms. McCurdy are reprehensible.”

Armed with a message for establishment, tax-hiking, pay-to-play, patronage politicians who have presided over Illinois’ decline, our movement stands ready to return the Republican Party to its base and the Founding Principles on which our nation was built.   This unprecedented grassroots movement of free enterprise, limited government, individual liberty, and traditional American values has taken root in Illinois and has created a groundswell, poised to take Springfield by storm.
I owe no favors, have made no deals, and stand ready to lead as the next governor of Illinois.

While Illinoisans are demanding transparency and accountability in Government, my opponents fear my proposed forensic audit. During last night’s debate on WTTW-TV, every one of my fellow contenders either attacked the idea of an audit or my experience as a political outsider—or both. Only those with something to protect and hide oppose this type of deep and evidentiary audit of state government. Your Liberty is under assault and patronage armies are desperate to stop our movement of reform.
The people of Illinois are at a crossroads. Consider the establishment the Red Coats and our movement a group of rag-tag warriors, fighting for a conservative reformation. It was surely good enough for George Washington and it’s good enough for victory in Illinois!    

Chris Christie in New Jersey. Scott Brown in Massachusetts. Who Will Lead the Revolution in Illinois?

I have an answer.

You too will answer that question on Tuesday.

If we get the answer wrong, Illinois may be one of the few states that misses the incredible opportunity to swing the pendulum of political power back in the direction of free minds, free markets and a free society.

If we get the answer wrong, Illinois will continue its path to Destination Detroit.

If we get the answer wrong, tax burdens will increase and employment will decrease.

If we get the answer wrong, predatory public sector unions will continue to chew up small businesses.

If we get the answer wrong, the Illinois Republican Party will be lost in the wilderness for at least another generation.

Opportunities like the one before us do not come along often. We must capitalize on them when they do. We missed the Reagan Revolution in the 1980s because of big government Republicans who raised taxes. Let’s learn from that history and not make the same mistake.

To do so we must embrace the policy revolution needed to rethink and reorder the big-ticket systems in state government that are supposed to enhance our quality of life but instead game the folks who pay the bills in this state and who see very little back from a government they pay for in terms of either benefits or services.

Those who fear policy revolution should instead fear a continuation of the status quo policies that have destroyed our state’s economy.

Those who fear ushering in a new generation of leadership for our party should instead fear what will happen if we nominate a go-along-get-along establishment Republican in an election cycle where people are looking for qualitatively different leadership and real solutions to their economic anxieties.

If we are willing to take on the Chicago Democrats, this is the year we can take them out.

What will you embrace, fear or policy revolution?

Are you finally ready to turn Springfield upside down?

Your vote on February 2 will answer those questions. Your vote on February 2 will determine the future success of our party and future economic viability of our state.

Sincerely,

Dan Proft

One week from today voters across Illinois will proceed to the polls to choose the Republican and Democratic nominees for Governor.   
Approaching the last week it has become clear that Andy McKenna has the momentum heading into February 2nd.  Based upon our internal polling, the Chicago Tribune, and last night’s Rasmussen survey, Republican voters are responding overwhelmingly to Andy’s message of cutting spending and saying no to tax increases.     
From the day he launched his campaign, Andy declared that in this campaign he would specifically address how to fix our outrageous debt, high taxes, out-of-control spending and ethics.  He has done just that, which is why the Tribune endorsed him saying they see him as “a just-the-facts executive who could set, and sustain, a course to ethical and financial stability.”   
Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy will spend the final days of this campaign crisscrossing Illinois reminding Illinois families that they have a fundamental choice of sending 20-year political insiders, with a history of increasing taxes, to Springfield or breaking from the past by choosing a family businessman who has pledged to cut spending and not raise taxes. 

Republican candidate for Illinois governor Kirk Dillard has earned support from several suburban leaders in his bid for the GOP nomination. Dillard stood with Du Page County Treasurer Gwen Henry, Du Page County Auditor Bob Grogan, State Senator Chris Lauzen, State Representative Jim Meyer, Romeoville Mayor John Noak, Channahon Mayor Joe Cook, Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves, Kane County Board Chairwoman Karen McConnaughay, Lisle Township GOP Chairman Mike Prueter and Du Page Township GOP Chairman Bill Mayer at his campaign headquarters in Lisle, today.

“With friends like these, you can win elections,” Dillard said. “I am so thrilled to have all of you here, and it shows the support that I continue to receive every day.”

Henry, who is the campaign Treasurer, talked of Dillard’s long record of support for Du Page residents. “Kirk Dillard has always been there for Du Page County,” said Henry. “His commitment to Du Page County taxpayers has never wavered. We need him as our next Governor.”

Dillard stressed that the support adds to the growing momentum of his campaign, including the endorsements of nearly every major newspaper statewide. “I believe these endorsements…demonstrate the belief that I have the unique experience and the right plans to lead this state.”

Dillard also previewed the campaign’s latest ad which highlights Andy McKenna’s record on ethics. The commercial can be viewed here. “I am happy to engage in a debate about our records, but I doubt that Andy McKenna is,” said Dillard.

Dillard has been endorsed by multiple newspapers statewide in his bid for governor, including the Chicago Sun Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Southtown Star, Peoria Journal Star, State Journal Register, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Herald News, Naperville Sun, Elgin Courier and the Aurora Beacon News.

Dillard has also won the backing of the Illinois Education Association, Illinois State Rifle Association, Family Pac, Illinois Congresswoman Judy Biggert and Ed Murnane, President of the Illinois Civil Justice League and Chairman of the Board of the American Tort Reform Association.

Dillard was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 1994. He and his wife Stephanie have two daughters, ages eight and six. Edgar served as Illinois Governor from 1991 to 1999.

With just a few days left before Primary Election Day, I am energized — debating the important issues with most of my fellow challengers in this race.

We are gladly discussing our plans to revive Illinois' jobs climate and bring authentic, honest leadership to Springfield.

Unfortunately, one of our challengers — Andy McKenna — is ducking three major debates this week, and avoiding questions about his involvement in an ethics probe of his questionable behavior while chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

If he can't take tough questions during the Primary — how will he stand up to Mike Madigan and the Democrats in Springfield?

If he can't act ethically as state Republican chairman, how can we trust him to be our Governor?

Please watch the disturbing video below, in which Andy ducks and dodges his way out of answering direct questions about this troubling scandal:

Haven't we had enough of deceit and ethical lapses from Illinois politicians?

Thank you for your time and interest.  

I would be honored to have your vote next Tuesday — and I know that this is the year Illinois Republicans take our great state back.

Sincerely,

Jim Ryan

The former Polish president Lech Walesa will be the keynote speaker Friday at a Chicago luncheon fundraiser for Adam Andrzejewski.

Definitely one cannot think of Walesa without mentioning Reagan for it was this political tandem that dealt o severe blow to totalitarian communist in Poland and the domino effect destabilized the entire Eastern European communist political systems. Which are free today due to the political vision, courage and determination of these two mega statesman.

It seems that Mr. Andrzejewski has succeeded in securing Mr. Walesa's endorsement. Evidently, Adam Andrzejewski is running as an outsider and that seems to resonate well with some voters since Washington and Springfield experience has not always proved to be the right kind of experience. Personally my concern is not limited to Washington, Springfield or outside experience. I do not pre judge so , basically I am only interested in the experience that serves and represents the interest of the constituents and only some elite interest groups.

Here is a copy of the letter form Mr. Walesa to the people of Illinois.

To the People of the Great State of Illinois:a

It is with great pleasure that I wholeheartedly endorse Adam Andrzejewski for the office of Governor of the State of Illinois. In writing these words I feel particularly touched because, sadly, it is so seldom in the United States that a Polish son becomes involved in politics. But I do not endorse Adam only because of his Polish roots.
 
I applaud Mr. Andrzejewski’s commendable effort to bring real reform to politics. His insistence on transparency in public life are badly needed not only in the great state of Illinois, but in any democracy. I have heard that Adam’s opponents criticize his lack of political experience. I still remember when some 30 years ago, my opponents were similarly critical of my lack of political background. History has shown, however, that in order to create real change, new factors are sometimes necessary. Adam Andrzejewski can be that factor for the State of Illinois.
 
I do hope, that what Adam Andrzejewski can bring change when elected for the office of Governor of the State of Illinois.

Triple P polling shows the GOP race for Illinois Governori si tight. Eight points seperate 5 candidates.

Surprisingly, the leader is Kirk Dillard. We must oppose him.

Dillard endorsed Barack Obama. He even shot a commercial for Obama. When McCain became the nominee for the GOP, Dillard shut up, but the record is still there.

We must oppose this guy.

I know folks in the McKenna camp. He’s a rather establishment fella, but not bad and would be much more acceptable than Dillard.

Then there is the intriguing choice of Adam Andrzejewski. He just got endorsed by Lech Walesa who said, “I applaud Mr. Andrzejewski’s commendable effort to bring real reform to politics. His insistence on transparency in public life is badly needed not only in the great state of Illinois, but in any democracy.”

Walesa also seems to feel Andrzejewski talks like Reagan. That’s a heck of a compliment

If you think that the education of Illinois’ poor and middle class children is a moral and economic necessity, there are 250,000 reasons not to vote for Kirk Dillard for Governor. One reason for every dollar he just accepted from the teachers’ unions and education bureaucracies that adamantly resist reform and sentence our most vulnerable children to a lifetime of second class citizenship.

When it comes to raising money from teachers’ unions and education bureaucrats, it is fair to say that Kirk Dillard is “Best in Class”. That, not coincidentally, is the name of Dillard’s education plan for Illinois which boldly promises to “implement a strategic pilot program to test innovative approaches throughout the state to learn . . . “, well you get the idea, or lack of one.

If you do not know what works in K-12 and, after 15 years in the General Assembly, cannot see what has not worked, then you should not be running for Governor.

During Sen. Dillard’s time in the General Assembly, state spending on K-12 in Illinois has increased by 32% in real terms. What do we have to show for it?

Chicago’s public schools graduate only half of their students. In Rockford, the high school graduation rate is 40%! That’s not only failure, it is child abuse and should be called out as such.

And it is happening all over our state. In addition to Chicago and Rockford, the children of low to middle income families in the Quad Cities, Peoria, Decatur, Springfield, Cahokia, East St. Louis and other mid-sized urban centers are being relegated to schools we know will fail them leaving them disproportionately likely to live lives of dependency or worse because they were never even provided the opportunity to acquire the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed to be successful, independent adults.

And yet, while no one wants to defend these systems, no one seems to want to change them either. Why? Because the teachers unions (as distinguished from rank-and-file teachers) and the Chicago Democrats they finance benefit from the status quo.

To be endorsed by the IEA, as Sen. Dillard has been, is to be endorsed by the Chicago Democrat machine. The IEA is the funding arm of the status quo in Springfield.

The IEA knows Dillard. And for $250,000, they know exactly what they are buying.

If we are to have any hope of saving the next generation of our state’s children, we must start a policy revolution in education. We must change the way money is channeled, away from politicians, unions, and bureaucracies and toward parents and children.

I am the only candidate proposing a state-wide scholarship program for every child who qualifies for the state’s free or reduced price lunch program. My “Universal Clout” program for K-12 will put parents and children first.

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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.”

Edgar reaffirmed his support for Dillard, who served as Edgar’s first Chief of Staff. The former Governor said instead of discussing the issues, opponents have spent money on television to distort Dillard’s record.

“Let me be clear,” said Edgar. “Kirk Dillard opposes higher taxes. He’s never voted for a general tax increase.” Edgar said Dillard has been running a positive campaign with a real vision to create jobs, cut spending, eliminate red tape and end politics as usual.

“I’m supporting Kirk Dillard because he can turn this state around as Governor. Edgar went on to suggest that negative attacks are not unexpected in the final days of a campaign. “It’s unfortunate that we are again in the “Silly Season” of the campaign,” Edgar said.

Dillard pointed out that Edgar taught him how to make the state live within its means. “Governor Edgar taught me how to prioritize, how to make tough, ethical decisions and most important, how to say, no,” Dillard said. “I want to put the people first, the Taxpayer first, not the special interests and not the bureaucrats.”

Dillard has been endorsed by multiple newspapers statewide in his bid for governor, including the Chicago Sun Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Southtown Star, Peoria Journal Star, State Journal Register, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Herald News, Naperville Sun, Elgin Courier and the Aurora Beacon News.

Dillard has also won the backing of the Illinois Education Association, Illinois State Rifle Association, Family Pac, Illinois Congresswoman Judy Biggert and Ed Murnane, President of the Illinois Civil Justice League and Chairman of the Board of the American Tort Reform Association.

Dillard was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 1994. Edgar served as Illinois Governor from 1991 to 1999.