Holiday Greetings to Governor Edgar from Dillard Campaign?

At least that's what our friend Super Abe says:

Kirk Dillard Presents a Holiday Tribute to Jim Edgar: http://t.co/h2Pbt8AoVk via @youtube This is one for the ages. Thoughts @BrunoBehrend ?
— Super Abe (@SuperAbe2014) December 19, 2013

Hilarious.

You're a Mean One, Mr. Caprio

Post by Ron Sandack.

Sending out robocalls - which Rich Miller has a copy of you can listen to here - a week before Christmas is, as Rep. Ron Sandack points out, not exactly 'family' material.

Photo from Cal Skinner's dealio

Pardon our French, but who shit in Caprio's Cheerios when he was a kid?  Something *must* have happened to him, right?

This jabroni is on a crusade to make the ILGOP so insignificant and small-minded.  This robocall is him flailing about for relevancy.  Shame to see him waste all his money fighting a guy like Ron Sandack who has done a heckuva job representing his District and needs to be re-elected to Springfield.

The time has come for Republicans to stand up to these bullies who are drawing hard lines as one-issue advocates.  Republicans can and should do better and that starts by beating back Mr. Paul Caprio and supporting Ron Sandack.

Democrat Mike Frerichs and "Great" Turnouts

We're thinking that someone might need to help Democrat Candidate for Treasurer Mike Frerichs understand what "great" means when it comes to turning out people.  You'll recall that earlier this month, he took to Facebook to boast about his "great crowd" that appeared to only have about six in total numbers.  Yesterday, he took to the Twitters to crow about an event he hosted in Aurora.  8 people.  Eight.

Had a great turnout and time in #Aurora tonight. Thanks to all who came out in the snowy weather. #twill #WaynesWorld pic.twitter.com/TU8gr53TQy
— Mike Frerichs (@MikeforIllinois) December 17, 2013

Listen...we sympathize with the need to churn out content for social channels.  But...lets call things the way they are:  great?  Really?

We suppose this is good news for the GOP.  His campaign's ability to gauge turnout numbers doesn't bode well for his operation on Election Day.  Hopefully, his turnout that day will be "great", too!

Are We Trying to REALLY Kill the ILGOP?!?

Exhibit 1104 in the effort to kill the ILGOP:  Apparently, some crackpot has convinced his relative to challenge the petition of an 18 year old woman who is trying to become a Republican Precinct Committeeman.

Really? Bonnie and Richard Duresa?  Really?!? 

Challenging the 18 year old?  Won't let her get on the ballot?  Scaredy Cats?  

We have NO idea what the politics of Jenna Wing from Fox River Grove are, but the fact that an 18 year old woman would want to get involved in the awful business of being a Precinct Committeeman by itself is an amazing notion.  

And we're going to throw her away by getting her kicked off the ballot? Come on, Man.  

If that happens (for shame), the County Chairman better well find an empty precinct and appoint Jenna Wing as fast as he/she can.  

If we want the ILGOP to survive, we need not just one Jenna Wings.  We need thousands of them.  

Darlene Senger: How can Sebelius be in charge of the investigation of a program that she bungled?

Darlene Senger - Republican for Congress - has come out swinging (repeatedly) on Obamacare. This time, she's rightfully questioning how effective Kathleen Sebelius can be in "investigating" the problems with the launch of Obamacare.

From Darlene Senger's site:

Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius said, "I’ve determined it’s the right time to better understand the structural and managerial policies that lead to the flawed launch." 

Everyday Americans are losing healthcare coverage due to Obamacare, and more transparent answers are needed to understand the implications this act will have.

Senger is pushing DelayandDisclose.com - a petition that would demand more transparency around Obamacare.  

Nobel Prize Winner: Illinois In *much* worse shape than people think

There's been lots of crowing - and complaining - about the recently passed (and signed) Pension "Reform" legislation by the Illinois General Assembly.   There were plenty of folks who said that the bill doesn't go far enough and compared it to putting a 'band-aid on a bullet hole'.  

Everyday, we learn more and that analogy might end up being appropriate.  And that the 'reform' that passed was a step in the right direction - but clearly was NOT enough.  

First, it was the news that the State income tax hike - passed in 2009 - as a "temporary" income tax hike appears to be headed to being a permanent 67% increase.  

Now, news is coming out that we weren't getting the full story on the breath of the pension problem.  

Everybody is an expert these days, but some are a bit smarter than others.  Chicago Magazine recently sat down with University of Chicago "Market Maven" and Nobel Prize winner Eugene Fama where they talked about Illinois and the state of bonds.

More bad news for Illinois as Dr. Fama 'lifts the kimono' a bit in talking about how Illinois discounts liabilities and what the implications are for Illinois' pensions problem:

How do you feel about buying Illinois bonds?Well, in the short term, they’re OK. In the long term, I wouldn’t touch them. The [state’s] pension liability is much worse than [the reported $100 billion that] people think. 

How so?States discount their liabilities—I think Illinois uses a discount of 7.5 percent [it’s between 7 and 8]—arguing that’s the expected [annual] return on their portfolio. But the expected return on a portfolio is totally irrelevant. What counts is, How risky are the claims that you have to meet? You’ve made a promise to your employees that you’ll pay them a certain fraction of their income that is usually indexed. Which means it’s a risk-free real outcome. What’s the risk-free real rate? Is it anywhere near 7.5 percent? It isn’t. Historically, it’s like 2 percent. A 2 percent discount rate would approximately triple Illinois’s pension liabilities.

Ghostwriting in the IL Treasurer's Race

More on the Frerichs/Grogan spelling stuff.  Line of the day goes to Super Abe.  Hilarious.

Is @VoteGrogan ghost-writing @MikeforIllinois emails? How can you balance the budget if you can't spell? #ESL
— Super Abe (@SuperAbe2014) December 10, 2013

IL Treasurer's Race: Most Spell-Checked Race in History?

First it was Treasurer's candidate Bob Grogan who couldn't even spell his own name.  Now it is Democrat Mike Frerichs who can't even spell the name of the office he is running for in 2014.

First, it’s Capitol, with an “o.” 

Second, Fahner was for the bill, not against it. 

Third, Frerichs also voted against it. 

Fourth, it’s “Treasurer’s office,” not “Treasures’ office.”

We realize everyone can't be perfect (we're certainly not), but is there not a staffer proofing these things before they go out?

We make our share of spelling and grammar errors, but we're NOT running for statewide office.  These guys want to be Treasurer.

And...the comments on CapFax aren't taking any mercy.  It seems...they think that candidates should do better:

More #BillBradyIsPleased Memes

Some of the submission's we've received this morning on our #BillBradyIsPleased meme are pasted below.

Remember...you can make your own by adding text here.

Make sure you share them with us via email (tipthetruthteam@gmail.com) or by posting on Twitter with the #BillBradyIsPleased hashtag.

Illinois Governor's Candidate #BillBradyIsPleased

Screenshot of this Illinois Review Story

I think we have the makings of a meme, here people.  Thanks, Illinois Review for this bountiful opportunity with a headline that reads like something from the Onion.

What do you think Bill Brady is pleased with today?  We've shared a few our own this morning.

You can make your own #BillBradyIsPleased meme here on Imgur.

Dave Diersen: Political Wingnut and Paul Walker Fan?!?

We were forwarded Dave Diersen's daily email this am and it is too funny NOT to share.  Weaved in between the (as our tipster called it) typical Dave Diersen crazy talk was this link to a story about Paul Walker and the car rally they hosted for his memorial.  As the tipster said:

"Who knew Dave Diersen was so into "The Fast and the Furious"?!?  Wonder if he knows this guy?"

Lisa Madigan Can't Help Herself With the Passing of Nelson Mandela

A tipster just forwarded an email they received from the Lisa Madigan campaign regarding Attorney General Madigan's take on the passing of Nelson Mandela.

Man...we sure hope Lisa doesn't injure herself too bad.  All that patting she's doing on her own back can't be good for her health.  

We mean...come on.  People - even Lisa Madigan supporters - can see right through this stuff, right?  How self-important can one be to have the courage to order staffers around to get "her" Nelson Mandela story up on the web.  

How very out of touch.

How very...."Fill it up with petroleum distillate, and re-vulcanize my tires post haste."

She didn't stop with the email.  She posted it on her site:

And she couldn't resist posting her congratulatory message on her Facebook.  I mean...come on guys...what else is Facebook for but selfies and stuff you want people to see to make them think more highly of you, right?

But, our Attorney General wasn't the only one to glom on to the passing of Nelson Mandela.  Treasurer's candidate Mike Frerichs took some time away from pimping out his website to everybody he could to do a little bit of glomming-on to the Mandela newshole, too.

Some Republicans even got in on the game.  Congressional candidate Erika Harold took the Mandela-plunge with this Facebook post.  

Former Congressman Joe Walsh "Gets It" (We Think)

Image from Illinois Observer

Former Congressman-Turned-Rush-Lite Joe Walsh has done something that we applaud.  Now...we don't want to be too harsh, because frankly we don't know that much about Joe Walsh aside from what we see on YouTube (it ain't "Congressional" if you ask us...), but we're guessing that this is one of the times we're on the same page as him.  

Here's what we know about good 'ole Joe:

1.  He's passionate.

2.  Some people really like him and believe in him.

3.  He has the ability to marshall *some* votes.  

Those are all good traits for the ILGOP.  

So, we here at the Illinois Truth Team are applauding him for taking a step back and realizing that we need to focus on winning MORE seats in every form of Government in Illinois.  Not spend time fighting each other. 

Illinois Review is reporting that he's backing away from an endorsement he made in a GOP Primary race.  

Former Congressman and radio talk show host Joe Walsh withdrew his endorsement of Dr. Barbara Bellar who is running in the GOP primary for Cook County Commissioner against incumbent Republican Liz Doody-Gorman. 

Walsh, who named Bellar in his first endorsment list released in September, told Illinois Review that the reason he withdrew the endorsment was because he couldn't see a path for her to win. 

"Yes, I really like Dr. Bellar," Walsh said in an email. "But she hasn't done what she's needed to do to put together a campaign that can actually win. [Cook County Board of Reviews Commissioner] Dan Patlak told her the same thing."

Liz Doody-Gorman is a Republican.  She's been a Cook County Commissioner since 2002.  Know how many Cook County Commissioners are Republicans?  Just 4.  13 Democrats.

Joe Walsh is doing the right thing here and backing off of a primary.

Joe Walsh (in this case) is pulling down his weapon and walking away from the circular firing squad.  We need more of this.

Think what you want about Doody-Gorman.  Bottom line, she's a Republican.  And...if the party has a future here, we need to accept that, and support her.

Why the @ILGOP needs @edsullivanforil In order to have a future

Back in November, we covered State Representative Ed Sullivan Jr's potential 2014 GOP Primary and how a few folks (I'd hate to call them Republicans based on their actions) are flailing about in an attempt for relevancy.  "Nothing but class there" is how Cap Fax's Rich Miller put it.

At that time, Sullivan's opponent wasn't officially on the ballot.  Now, according to the Illinois Review, he official is a candidate.  And what do they mention in the lede?  Sullivan's vote for gay marriage in Illinois:

State Rep. Ed Sullivan - one of three GOP House members that voted to legalize same sex marriage last month - will face a primary contest. Sullivan and State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) were moved into GOP House leadership positions when State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) took over as caucus leader this fall.

Bob Bednar, also of Mundelein, filed Monday morning to challenge Sullivan on the March 18, 2014 primary ballot.

Now, Bob Bednar *might* be a fine guy. Might even make a good State Representative. But, guess what, folks? The 51st District already has a GREAT State Representative in the form of Eddie Sullivan Jr.

(Funny to think that if Bednar won, he's would likely join the 'kids table' for tantrums along with Jeannie Ives...)
 

Back to the matter at hand:  Re-Electing Ed Sullivan.

So...if we're reading things correctly, Sullivan draws this primary because he voted for gay marriage?  That's what the Illinois Republican Party has come to.  If that's the case, we might as well fold up the shop, pull down the ILGOP.org website and call it a day.

If we EVER want to have anything close to majorities in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate, as Republicans, we need to stand BEHIND folks like Ed Sullivan Jr.   

For those "holier-than-though" nutjobs, let me fill you in on a little secret:  Let's play a game of addition, not subtraction in the party.  Let's focus on what really matters - which is changing the direction of Illinois.  What's the biggest issue?  The State's finances.  The pension bill just passed this week.  Does it fix things?  Not really.  

What's that mean?  The budget and finances are going to continue to be front and center.  51st District voters....Guess what you have?  A guy - in Ed Sullivan - who been recognized as a leading expert on revenue and budget issues. In addition, Sullivan currently serves as the Republican Spokesman on the Consumer Protection Committee and a member on the Revenue & Finance Committee.

Come on, ILGOP.  Let's do what is right here.  Let's have a future for our party.  Together.  Starts with Sullivan.  And Sandack.  And Pihos.  And Kinzinger.  

Throwback Thursday: "Tax Hike Mike Frerichs"

While we're on the topic of Mike Frerichs, we were tipped this hilarious video about "Tax Hike Mike" Frerichs.  As the video says, Illinois Treasurer Candidate Mike Frerichs voted to "raise a lot of taxes"...

There's a compaion #throwbackthursday piece that you should revisit if you want to know more about Mike Frerichs here on the Prairie State Report courtesy of John Bambenek.  The video goes on to say (and source) the fact that Illinois Treasurer Candidate Mike Frerichs voted to tax:

• Cable Television Service (HB 174)
• Internet Service (HB 174)
• Laundry Service (HB 174)
• Bicycles (HB 174)
• Wheelchairs. Really?!?!  Too much, isn't it?  
• Diapers (HB 174)
• Bowling Alleys (HB 174)
• Movie Theatres (HB 174)
• Agricultural Fairs (HB 174)
• Youth Clubs (HB 174)
• Camps (HB 174)
• School Buses (HB 174)
• Special Needs Services (HB 174)

State Senator Mike Frerichs is now running for Illinois Treasurer.  On this #ThrowbackThursday let's not forget his past. 

"Great Crowd" for Treasurer Candidate Mike Frerichs

 

We were sent these two screenshots from a tipster who follows Tall Guy Mike Frerichs on Facebook.  They sent over this line:  "Guess we have different interpretations of great crowds!  LOL!"

Have to agree with the tipster.  We count six people in one of the photos if we're being generous with the folks on the edges of the images.

If you have something you see and want us to cover, send it over to tipthetruthteam@gmail.com.

Good Guy Aaron Schock - and Good Guy Rocky Wirtz - Deliver $200K for Washington Storm Victims

We saw this story over on Illinois Review about Congressman Aaron Schock doing his part to deliver for his district by doing a great job of supporting the community in Washington.

They included a line about a $200K donation.  We thought that was interesting.  Turns out, with a little bit of digging, turns out that the $200K came from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Congressman Schock and Washington Mayor Gary Manier are especially grateful to the Chicago Blackhawks Charities, which has announced that it will generously donate $200,000 to help underwrite the cost of this luncheon and help the victims and their families recover from this tragedy. “Illinois is our home, and when one of our communities suffers a loss as tragically as the people of Washington did, we want to do all that we can to help them,” said Rocky Wirtz, Chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks. 

This is EXACTLY what a good, committeed Congressman should do.  Good on you, Congressman Aaron Schock.  Marshaling resources to help people in trouble is an example of the best work our elected officials can do.   There are others in DC that would have been THERE (in DC) over the weekend.  Where was Congressman Aaron Schock?  At home, in his District.

Dem Watch: Will Sheila Simon Get on the Ballot?

Rich Miller at CapFax points out that as of this am, current Lt. Governor and Illinois Comptroller (supposed?) candidate Sheila Simon has NOT submitted her petitions.

We experienced her problem first hand late last week.  As we were hustling home for the Thanksgiving holiday, a guy standing in Olgivie Metra Station asked us if we could sign a petition.  Being politically-minded, I always enjoy finding out which candidate they're asking for.

Turns out, it was for Sheila Simon.  I passed on signing, but as I walked by, I turned around to watch for a minute or two.  The guy (likely with a patronage job) was turned down by like 10 more people right after me.  She's in a tough spot if they're trying to get people to sign on the WAY HOME at the Train Station.  If most people are like me, that's not a great spot.  I'm rushing to just try to make my train.  Don't have much time for stopping to sign.

Good luck to Sheila's organization.  Would love to see Judy Baar Topinka get a pass, so she can get out and drum up support for the rest of the ILGOP ticket.

Adam Kinzinger Didn't Stand with Nutjob Cruz. His punishment? A primary.

According to the fine folks over at Illinois Review, Congressman Adam Kinzinger is getting a primary challenge from the Tea Party.  They've put up a guy named David Hale - who looks weirdly comical in this photo (below) to run against him because (from what we here at the Truth Team can gather) Kinzinger didn't support nutjob Ted Cruz and his prattling on around Obamacare.

On his site, he invokes what likely is the Tea Party Holy Trinity of Paul Ryan, Rand Paul and Ronald Reagan.  (are the tea party faithful fainting at the mention of all three?!?!  Isn't it like Ghostbusters?  You aren't supposed to cross the Ryan/Paul/Reagan streams?!?!?!):

"My first rule as a Congressman...practice the Paul Ryan approach to government. Steady, planned, strategic. (Process) My second rule as a Congressman...apply the policies of Rand Paul. Clear, conservative, responsible. (Policy) My third rule as a Congressman...honor the Reagan approach to the other side. Humor, strength, grace. (Polity) My fourth rule as a Congressman...never run from, shrink from or abandon the Tea Party message or principals. (Principal)

Come on now, folks.  Going after Adam Kinzinger?  Because he thinks the crazies in the GOP are actually that:  crazy?  And because he worked to get things done via compromise?  We all can only be so lucky to have representatives in government who will work with colleagues across the aisle to accomplish things for the betterment of our country and state.

We're with Kinzinger in this one.

Getting Under Bob Grogan's Skin?

Guess our little Meme from yesterday about Bob Grogan securing endorsements from the very elected officials that he audits has gotten to him a bit?  He's gone ahead and blocked the Truth Team on Twitter.    Bummer.  Now we won't know what he's up to.  Oh wait...we can just look at his timeline.

But...getting blocked at least warrants a little bit of a celebration, right?  And how does the Truth Team celebrate?  With a Meme, of course.

Another Needless GOP Primary: Sandy Pihos

Peter Breen (who I think is trying to one of those 'Obama Hope'-ish things with this weird photo) has decided to take on 10 year incumbent Sandy Pihos for State Representative.

Why?  Because 'Washington just prints money when it runs out'.  Seems like a good reason to waste everyone's time, money, and effort on an unnecessary GOP Primary.

Let's help Sandy Pihos get re-elected.  Let's hope that the House GOP Caucus will rally around one of their own and stand with Sandy, too!

Bob Grogan: I Don't Always Get Endorsements....

Bob Grogan is (apparently) REALLY great at securing endorsements from politicians who he audits during his day job as the DuPage County Auditor.

Make your own Bob Grogan - The World's Best Endorsement Getter - at MemeGenerator here.

Bob Grogan for Illinois Treasurer: Conflict of Interest on DuPage Endorsements?

Rut-Roh.  We here at the Illinois Truth Team think there's trouble abound at the Bob Grogan for Illinois Treasurer's campaign.  Rich Miller from Capitol Fax points out something troubling about where Bob is getting his support from in DuPage County:

Grogan, by the way, loves to trumpet the fact that he’s a “certified fraud examiner.” From the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner’s code of ethics… 

A Certified Fraud Examiner shall not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct, or any activity which would constitute a conflict of interest. [Emphasis added.] 

But if you look at Grogan’s endorsement list, you’ll see that the vast majority are officials whom Grogan audits. 

Conflict perhaps?

Here's a screenshot of the post from CapitolFax:

That seems to jive a bit with this Tweet from "Super Abe".

Who was at @JoinTomCross funder tonight? A lot of people who are "endorsing" @VoteGrogan #voteforgoodgrammer
— Super Abe (@SuperAbe2014) November 19, 2013

Is Bob Grogan 'leaning' on DuPage County elected officials in his bid for Treasurer?  Seems interesting to us that the DuPage County State's Attorney, Treasurer, Recorder, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, and President of the DuPage Forest Preserve all are backing Grogan against Tom Cross.

Seems like Bob Grogan, CPA has some explaining.  Probably best to (for now, at least) change that name tag to be "Bob Grogan, CYA" until you get this figured out, Bob.

(and...yes...in case you were wondering....we're absolutely homers for Tom Cross.  No hiding that.  We believe in him and think he'll make a great State Treasurer.  We also are supporting other GOP Candidates up and down the ballot.  If we haven't talked about you, tell us your story.  Tipthetruthteam@gmail.com)

Rep. Mike McAuliffe Draws Primary. What are we doing, Republicans?

Image from Illinois Review

The Illinois Review has a story about regarding how State Representative MichaelMcAuliffe has drawn a primary challenge from Michael Yorty.  What in the world is happening here?  Something nefarious from the Illinois Democrats and games from Speaker Mike Madigan?

Or is this Yorty guy legitimate?  If so, we really need to have a talk, Mr. Yorty.  This is exactly the wrong move if we want the Illinois Republican Party to survive.  As the Illinois Review points out, Representative Mike McAuliffe is the LONE State Representative who sits on the Republican side from Chicago.  Read that again.  He's the ONLY one.  From the biggest city in our state.

And...he's getting a primary challenge?  Illinois Review says that "Most certainly Michael Yorty of Schiller Park expects to have the petition signatures examined, if not challenged."

His petitions aren't the only thing that needs examining.  We here at the Illinois Truth Team offer up a free 'head examination' for Mr. Yorty.  Just let us know the time/place.

Roundup: Best Filing Day Tweets

Rounding up some of the best Tweets about filing petitions this morning in Springfield.

Candidates, surrogates, and reporters have chimed in with some great updates.  See anything worth sharing?  Tweet us @iltruthteam and we'll include it here!

We'll be updating this post as they come in...

@VoteGrogan It is petition time. As your friend, please spell check. #ESL
— Super Abe (@SuperAbe2014) November 25, 2013

GOP gov candidate Bill Brady, 1 of 2 Repub gov hopefuls to file in person, talks to reporters at Bd of Elex. pic.twitter.com/f7Ob6TqZPT
— Dave McKinney (@davemckinney123) November 25, 2013

Our 10,000 petitions were just filed! Thank you all for your support! http://t.co/XmXBJNLiiV #PeoplePoweredPolitics

— Tom Cross (@JoinTomCross) November 25, 2013

Big day! In my hands is the hard work of 31 volunteers and signatures of support from hundreds of… http://t.co/AgJEXCODk8
— Kristin Williamson (@KristinforIL103) November 25, 2013

My Lt Gov Steve Kim will be filing our petitions to run for Gov tomorrow in Spfld, collected 1000's more than max allowed to file #twill
— Dan Rutherford (@RutherfordDan) November 24, 2013

For candidates who filed for the same nomination simultaneously, we'll have a ballot position lottery at 10 AM on 12/10 at our office.
— ChampaignCountyClerk (@ChampCtyClerk) November 25, 2013

First petitions in line. #CookVotes pic.twitter.com/DCriRg11c2
— David Orr (@cookcountyclerk) November 25, 2013

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Candidate filing season, that is. http://t.co/yyUlxj3Gcc
— Jessica Reynolds (@reynoldsjessica) November 25, 2013

Shout-out to those in line (outside!) waiting to file nominating petitions for elective office. Especially those in the cold in Springfield!
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) November 25, 2013

GOP gov hopeful Kirk Dillard and running mate Jil Tracy wait to file signatures at St Bd of Elex in SPI. pic.twitter.com/kXGXsdPNDH
— Dave McKinney (@davemckinney123) November 25, 2013

Just submitted 10,000 signatures & officially filed for governor! Special thanks to 250+ volunteers who circulated petitions. #BringBackIL
— Bruce Rauner (@BruceRauner) November 25, 2013

A special thank you to all that helped collect petitions to get me on the ballot for the honor of running for State Representative.
— Ed Sullivan (@EdSullivanforIL) November 25, 2013

I'm in line in Springfield to file my nomination petitions. Thanks to everyone who nominated me for Congress in #IL10
— Robert Dold (@ROBERTDOLD) November 25, 2013

By 9:50, line that had stretched entire length of ISBE building was nearly clear, everyone at least indoors pic.twitter.com/0Ot5UgGhxc
— Amanda Vinicky (@AmandaVinicky) November 25, 2013

#DuPage County Board hopeful beats the crowd to enter March primary http://t.co/A5BcgbrfSj
— dailyherald (@dailyherald) November 25, 2013

Thank you, Illinois! #CrossForTreasurer #BalanceReformProtect pic.twitter.com/vAuhV8DnlY

— Tom Cross (@JoinTomCross) November 25, 2013

Officially filed my petitions for U.S. Senate IN PERSON. #ILSEN

— Doug Truax (@DougTruax) November 25, 2013

Standing in line at the IL State Board of Elections waiting to file my petitions. pic.twitter.com/L4aj6mmzmd

— Erika Harold (@erika4congress) November 25, 2013

Curious who has filed petitions for the March primary? The State Board of Elections is running a real-time list... http://t.co/m2iwIsjyEH

— LC Republican Fed (@LCRepublicanFed) November 25, 2013

Jim Oberweis is "In" for US Senate. Let's Hope He's Sane This Time

3rd times the charm, right?  State Senator Jim Oberweis announced he's running for US Senate (again), but this time with what appears to be a little bit of a softer Jim Oberweis.  He's admitting to past mistakes and talks about bi-partisanship.

That's easy to do in an announcement video.  It is a lot harder once a consultant convinces you to get up in a chopper and fly over Solider Field, isn't it, Jim?

He's pushing hard to position himself against Dick Durbin.  But, first he has to beat a Doug Truax in the primary.  They're both reading from the same anti-Durbin playbook.

We here at the Truth Team aren't sure quite yet who we think is best, but what we do know is that having someone 'sane' at the top of the ballot is going to serve everyone better come next November.

The Chicago Tribune is running a series of pieces about wealthy businessman Bruce Rauner and his many multi-million-dollar homes across the country.  Saying...he's campaigning as a guy who understands budgeting, while at the same time living this lavish lifestyle.

Certainly, some folks are going to latch on to this.  Some conservatives will point to Dillard or Brady or Rutherford being 'more like us'.  That's the Sarah Palin mentality.  For some reason, she (along with LOTS of other Tea Party folks) have decided that they don't like "elites".  They point out that these "elites" have big Ivy League degrees and these houses all around the country.

Well, guess what folks?  We want our leaders  (That means President, but also Governor) to be an elite!  That's right...we said it.  The job of leading our state is tough and demanding.  We want someone who's up to the challenge.

Jim Oberweis is a very successful businessman, too.  Let's not hold that against him.

Unless he goes anywhere near a helicopter.

The Machine is Alive and Well

Just take a look at this photo posted by Amanda Vinicky of Illinois Public Radio.  150 candidates?  We bet there's also going to be a lot of turkeys delivered this week by Speaker Madigan's office.

#Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's right-hand man wheel in petitions for ~150 candidates. pic.twitter.com/iI7nd1AnaF
— Amanda Vinicky (@AmandaVinicky) November 25, 2013

That, folks, is how you keep control of the State of Illinois for decades.

Dold, Shilling, Senger, Bost Announced by NRCC "Young Guns" Program

Yesterday, the National Republican Congressional Committee announced their first round of ‘On the Radar’ candidates ahead of the 2014 elections. The Young Guns program supports and mentors challenger and open-seat candidates in races across the country.

This 'On the Radar' stage is the 1st round.  Think of it like American Idol.  You can see the process laid out on the GOPYoungGuns.com site.

From the press release:

“These 36 candidates all provide a stark contrast to their liberal opponents, whose support of ObamaCare and this Administration’s big-government, job-destroying agenda has taken a toll on the American people,” said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “With ObamaCare’s bad policies and botched rollout affecting families across our nation, and our country diving deeper into debt each and every day, it’s time to bring real change backed by conservative principles and priorities to Washington. I am confident that these candidates will continue to work hard for their communities and their campaigns as we head into the 2014 election year.”

This is particularly good news for Darlene Senger.  She's running in a contested primary for the Illinois 11th Congressional District, but getting this nod says that she has the organization in place and is doing everything right in terms of moving her campaign in the right direction.  The advise/counsel part of this is invaluable and Darlene Senger getting this recognition is going to help her fundraising, we would think.   Illinois Review covers the Senger angle and gets Katie Prill of the NRCC to discuss the Senger race in particular.

At the end of the day, Darlene Senger has (what appears to be) the support of the program.  See her "page" here on their site.    We don't see Burt Miller or Chris Balkema up there...

Bruce Dold and Bobby Shilling are both on the "Former Member" list, so they appear to be on a different track.   We'll be watching them and their campaigns closer this Spring.

Poll: Tom Cross Leading Bob Grogan for Illinois Treasurer By Large Margin

Battleground Polling is out with a memo this morning filled with results from their latest poll of Illinois voters.  While there are a large amount of undecideds in the race for the GOP Nomination for Illinois Treasurer, Battleground Polling found that Former Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross has a commanding lead among all voters.  He has more than 2x the support and is leading 27% to just 13% for Bob Grogan.  And, Tom Cross' lead amongst the hard core "Tea Party" members is even bigger.  From the memo:

Undecided voters also are leading the way in the contest for the Republican nomination for State Treasurer, with 60% of voters still undecided. Of voters who have made a decision, former House Minority Leader Tom Cross is opening up a lead over Dupage County Auditor Bob Grogan, with Mr. Cross earning the support of 27% of voters, and Mr. Grogan earning the support of 13% of voters. 

“Certainly, Tom Cross is in a solid position as we move into the winter campaign season,” said Cook. “But, with 60% of voters still undecided, Bob Grogan still has room to pick up more support as the campaign moves into full swing.” 

Among Tea Party members, Tom Cross expands his lead over Bob Grogan to 31% to 9%.

The full results of the poll can be found here.

Bruce Rauner Wins Palatine Township GOP Endorsement

Last night, the Palatine Township GOP organization endorsed Bruce Rauner in the Governor's race.  Significant because Palatine Township is in Cook County but also because Rauner absolutely STOMPED everybody in this race.  It was interesting to see it play out over Twitter last night.

First, Senator Kirk Dillard tweeted about the "Huge Crowd" at 10:13 PM.

Huge crowd tonight at #Palatine Township's Republican Organization Endorsement Session.It's time to #MakeILworkagain pic.twitter.com/IrBzMiC3Bk
— Kirk Dillard (@KirkDillard) November 21, 2013

Then...just a minute later Bruce Rauner tweeted this:

Honored to receive Palatine Township Republican Organization endorsement tonight with 65% of the vote! #BringBackIL #twill
— Bruce Rauner (@BruceRauner) November 21, 2013

Funny the timing on that, isn't it?  Guessing the news came out right then and both campaigns had tweets tee'd up.  Dillard's guys had to change the copy to talk about the crowd.

The final results show Bruce Rauner dominated.  Dillard, who showed up (based on Twitter) didn't even finish second.  That was Dan Rutherford.  Who...we can't tell if was even there.

Final results

Governor
Bill Brady – 4%
Kirk Dillard – 11%
Bruce Rauner – 65%
Dan Rutherford – 20%

Senate Candidate Doug Truax Attacking Durbin in Digital Ads

A tipster sent the Truth Team this mobile screenshot that shows a "Don't Let Dick Durbin Hide From His Failures" ad on the right rail of this sports website.

See it there near the top?

Clicking on it takes you to a page for US Senate Candidate Doug Truax.   We didn't get the full URL of the landing page and we can't find it online?

He's recruiting folks in Illinois by picking on Durbin.  Not...his likely primary opponent Jim Oberweis.  Taking a page right from the Bruce Rauner book of attacking Quinn.

Either way, it is clear that Truax has someone doing something right for him in terms of digital.  Oberweis might be in for a fight here.  And, you know what?  That might be a good thing for the party.  Having Oberweis being our standard bearer in 2014 is trouble.  I, frankly, don't want to be a called a Jim Oberweis Republican when there are winnable races in 2014.  Let's beat Shelia Simon and Mike Frerichs and Pat Quinn.  That's harder to do with Oberweis at the top of the ticket, don't you think?

Let's Re-Elect Ed Sullivan as State Representative. Because We Need Him in Springfield.

Ed Sullivan, the State Representative from Mundelein is under fire and has a primary election this Spring.  First elected to the Illinois General Assembly back in 2002, he's been a solid performer in Springfield both for his district and for the Illinois Republican Party.  During his time there, he's focused on establishing a strong record on fiscal responsibility, public safety, education, domestic violence, and property tax issues.  He's helped his district - which is important.  But, because of his courageous - and PERSONAL - vote on marriage equity, he's under fire from some of the crazies in the Republican Party.  Seems the Lake County GOP and a guy named Jack Koenig are going after Ed Sullivan.  Here's an email he sent attacking Sullivan for standing up for Gay Marriage and even kind-of digging Sullivan's mother in law (who is gay) unnecessarily?

Rich Miller (who had the letter) described it as "Nothing but class there".

We say:   Shame on this guy.  We can almost guarantee that there's no way he'd say this stuff to Ed Sullivan's face.  But while he's hiding behind his computer?  He'll lob bombs all day long.

Sullivan has been a good, loyal Republican, folks.  We need to support him for that, first.  He's been the Chairman of the Illinois House Republican Organization where he's raised money and supported candidates from around Illinois for State Representative.

As for Republicans who voted for Gay Marriage.  Come on.  The folks who voted for it (including Ron Sandack), did the right thing.  If we (by **we**, we're talking about Republicans in Illinois), we need to support these folks and stop attacking them for doing the right thing.

We're going to be supporting Ed Sullivan for State Representative this Spring.  Not just because he stood up for marriage equity as a Republican.  But, because he's a good, honest, elected official who did what was right for Illinois.  You can learn about his campaign here.  You can donate to his campaign here.

The point here of the Illinois Truth Team is simple.  See it up there at the top of the site?

We're trying to be the voice of reason, both in the ILGOP, but also around the State of Illinois.  We want to get you the facts.  We want to support good candidates.  (Ed Sullivan being one of those!).  And...we want to help 'Turn Illinois Around.'  

If we work against Sullivan because of his one vote for Gay Marriage, we, as a party are wasting our resources.  Let's work together to turn the House over to the GOP and get rid of Speaker Madigan.

Tom Cross Up Big in Illinois Treasurer's Race

Rich Miller, in the Daily Southtown writes that Tom Cross has a big lead in the Illinois Treasurer's race after kicking off his campaign late in Q3 of this year.  Miller posted about a poll he took in the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, former Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross is leading DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan for state treasurer 29-18, in that same Capitol Fax/We Ask America poll of Republican primary voters. 

But 54 percent remain undecided, about the same as in June, when the firm found that 56 percent were unsure of their choice. 

Cross’ people have to be somewhat relieved by these numbers. They’re polling higher than any Republican gubernatorial candidate just days after Cross received a ton of press for voting for a gay marriage bill.

Tom Cross polling HIGHER than any Republican Governor's candidate is the biggest news here.  Bill Brady tops out at 25% and he's been on the ballot statewide in both the previous primary and general election where he lost out to Governor Pat Quinn.  Cross has NEVER been on a ballot statewide.  

Really speaks to all the work he's done over the last decade supporting candidates up and down the ballot all across Illinois.  He's stood with incumbents and challengers for State House in all four corners of Illinois.  They're going to be standing with him and have built a strong base of support heading into the holidays.

The Cross campaign is also going up with media.  We've covered his campaign's first radio buy, which featured a 60 second spot.  You can hear the Tom Cross for Treasurer radio commercial here.

You can find out more about Tom Cross and his campaign for Illinois Treasurer at www.jointomcross.com.

Congressman Roskam "Cleared" of Wrongdoing

According to the Tribune, Congressman Peter Roskam has been 'cleared' in a probe around 'improper' travel to Taiwan with his wife.  Good news, for the Congressman, we suppose.  But...so much for that squeaky clean reputation. Right or wrong...Congressman Roskam will be looked at differently now.

Did he do something wrong?  Sounds like it is a bit of 'shades of grey' here.  You know what that means?  For better or for worse, everyone now has the right to think that "He's just like the rest of these guys in DC."

At issue was who picked up the tab for Roskam and his wife and whether the congressman violated House rules or federal law. 

The case became public in July. Roskam, who entered Congress in 2007, had insisted he complied with all laws, rules and procedures on privately sponsored travel. 

He told House officials the Chinese Culture University paid the couple’s expenses, which reached $25,653 on the trip, Oct.15-22, 2011. The journey occurred while their daughter taught English in Taiwan.

The Ethics Committee began examining the trip at the urging of the independent Office of Congressional Ethics, which began its own review in January. 

In May, the board of the ethics office said in a 6-0 vote there was “substantial reason to believe” that Roskam accepted travel expenses “from an impermissible source, resulting in an impermissible gift, in violation of federal law and House rules.” 

His trip, the board said, “appears to have been organized and conducted by the government of Taiwan, with little to no involvement by the university.” 

Except in certain cases, foreign governments may not bankroll travel by U.S. lawmakers.

Being an elected official is hard.  We ask a lot of our elected officials.  Sounds like Congressman Roskam 'technically' did things the right way.  We like Congressman Roskam.  Let's hope he doesn't get too close to the line going forward, ok?

Governor Quinn Goes To West Central Illinois with $9M in Hand and Leaves with Votes?

Governor Quinn went out to Spring Valley Illinois - out west on I-80 on the Illinois River in Bureau County to deliver a $9.5M grant to Mayor Walt Marini and the Spring Valley City Council.

Mayor Walt Marini has some coverage on his blog.

Yesterday, Governor Quinn came to town to announce that the city of Spring Valley will receive a $9.5 million grant to help repair the city’s wastewater treatment plant that was damaged by the April flood. 

Special thanks to the efforts from State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) who helped make this happen for Spring Valley. 

“The results of their efforts will provide a new wastewater treatment plant that will be constructed to safeguard the facility from future flooding and be designed to service our city for many years to come,” Marini said.

Interesting that there's both a Democrat State Representative and a Republican State Senator.  A bit of a swing district?  Wonder if that had anything to do with Quinn's decision to head to Spring Valley?  Can't hurt his re-election bid, right?  

Kirk Dillard 2014: The Hard-Core Conservative. For Now. (We hope.)

Tom Kacich, over at the Champaign News-Gazette has a story up titled:  Dillard's Positions Take Hard Right Turn.

(BTW...Tom is on Twitter.   Go follow him here.)

In it, he documents how Dillard was viewed as the moderate in the race back when he ran in 2010 has talked-the-Conservative-talk this time around.

Dillard is a state senator from Hinsdale and a disciple of former Gov. Jim Edgar. But unlike Edgar, his gubernatorial campaign has taken a hard right turn this year, and he spoke out Wednesday against gay marriage, gun control and welfare spending.

Rich Miller at CapitolFax also posted on Kirk Dillard's stop this week at a place called "Guns Save Lives" calling it "Not exactly a moderate, centrist group."  Here's the tweet of Senator Kirk Dillard at the event.

This evening I talked with a very energetic crowd in #Rantoul about 2nd Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/gTnMiwMPFF
— Kirk Dillard (@KirkDillard) November 13, 2013

All this begs the question of what, exactly will happen when (and if) Kirk Dillard actually wins the primary?  He recently picked up the endorsement of the DuPage GOP - the largest GOP County in Illinois - so winning this thing isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Are all of us in the suburbs, who want to get rid of Pat Quinn and the Chicago Democrats just going to forget that he acted crazy *just to win the primary*?

That he was so focused on the tea party triumvirate of guns, gays, and abortions?

Is Kirk Dillard going to change his tune if he wins the primary?

I hope so.  I know you have to do what you have to do to win in politics, so I'm hoping (for once) that Kirk Dillard is doing what he needs to do to win in March.  When (if?) he does, he'll come back to being a normal person who is like the guy he worked for back in the day.  Who was that again?  I can't quite seem to remember....Dillard says it almost every day...but I can't quite seem to remember?  Jim Edgar?  Oh...that's right!