Mike Bost Nabs Jim Edgar Endorsement In His Congressional Campaign

Former Governor Jim Edgar has come out - in the final weekend - and endorsed Mike Bost in his bid to unseat Bill Enyart for the 12th Illinois Congressional District.

“It is truly an honor to have the endorsement of Governor Jim Edgar, one of Illinois’s most honest and dedicated public servants,” said Mike Bost. “Having served with him in Springfield, I saw Governor Edgar set an example for integrity and leadership that we all aspired to match, and that has remained an inspiration to me throughout my time representing the people of Southern Illinois. With his leadership, we were able to work across the aisle to achieve great things for Illinois.”

“Mike Bost exemplifies the best of Southern Illinois, and he will be an outstanding member of Congress,” said Governor Jim Edgar. “Mike’s track record is proven. He puts the interests of his constituents first and works hard to deliver for them. As Governor, Mike worked with me to help tackle the tough issues ― balancing the state budget and creating a good climate for jobs. With his integrity and work ethic, Mike will be an effective leader in Washington and he will work to promote policies that will bring more jobs to Southern Illinois. That’s why I am endorsing him today.”

Congressman Bill Enyart Is 'Part Of The Problem In Washington'

From the script:

Bill Enyart is part of the problem in Washington. 

He’s voted with his party almost 90%. 

Enyart voted to raise the debt ceiling 3 times. 

To reward himself, he voted to keep first class airfare and special health care perks for Congress. 

Bill Enyart, another politician wasting our tax dollars helping himself.

Former State Rep. Ron Stephens Takes On Congressman Bill Enyart

Looks like former State Representative (and former colleague of Mike Bost) isn't sitting back and stepping out of politics in his retirement.  Instead, he is stepping up and pointing out how Congressman Bill Enyart is so out of touch he ended up on the one side of a 407-1 vote in Congress.  Yes...407 to 1.  Enyart was the 1.  

From Ron Stephens in the Madison County Record:

I’m writing today to express my disbelief that Congressman Bill Enyart would say that his proudest moment of his brief Congressional career was to vote against military chaplains. 

H. Con. Res 58, was a measure sponsored by Georgia Congressman Doug Collins, which would have enabled military chaplains to continue their ministry to our service personnel, during last year’s government shut down. 

Congressmen Enyart was the only member of Congress to vote against our men and women in uniform, by a vote 407 – 1, and he proved that he is out of touch. Even the most liberal members of Congress supported our soldiers with that vote. 

As a Vietnam-era veteran, I know how important our military chaplains are, their services provide a spiritual uplifting on the battlefield and here at home. Enyart’s terrible vote is underscored by the fact that he continues to harp on it. 

Congressmen Enyart, shame on you for being “proud” of such an asinine vote and by continuing to talk about it – you only dig yourself a bigger hole. During my tenure as an Illinois state representative, I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and that means upholding a freedom of religion and speech.