SJ-R Endorses Congressman Rodney Davis For Re-Election

The Springfield State Journal-Register comes out swinging with a *very* strong endorsement of Congressman Rodney Davis this morning.  They say that Davis is knowledgeable and deserves another term and that he's far-and-away a better candidate that his challenger Ann Callis.

When Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis starts talking about issues affecting the United States or Illinois' 13th Congressional District, it's hard not to stop and listen to what he has to say. 

That's because the first-term Congressman from Taylorville knows his stuff. 

He can explain complicated issues, he understands the needs of the 14 counties that make up the 13th, he works hard at the role he was elected to in 2012, and he's happy to stop and visit with anyone about what's happening in Congress — and not just during campaign season. 

...But he has shown a desire to set aside partisanship and instead work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get things done. He points to his work on the controversial Farm Bill last year as an example, saying he was criticized by the right for his vote. 

“I believe no bill is perfect and there are times when you have to sit around a table and work toward a common sense solution,” he told The State Journal-Register editorial board last week. 

He noted that the 13th is split among Democrats and Republicans, something that is reflected in his voting record. Indeed, based on his votes, Ballotpedia identifies him as a moderate, right-of-center Republican. 

Davis also exhibited thoughtfulness and growth as a public servant when he admitted he learned a lot from last year's frustrating 16-day government shutdown. 

“I think many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle learned a lot, too, and it's something I never want to see again. Don't get me wrong, it took both parties to cause the government to shut down, but it took both parties to end it,” he said. 

“I'm also proud that we avoided even the discussion of another shutdown, because it wasn't helpful and all it did was solidify for the American people that Washington is too polarized.” 

Much of Davis' confidence and knowledge of national and local issues comes from the 16 years he worked as an aide to U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.

 #Guardiansofthe13th FTW!

Confirmed: 'Frerichs Vortex' Takes Down Callis For Congress Campaign

Welp...it is official.  After weeks of us warning all the parties involved to stay clear of The 'Frerichs Vortex', news this week is that the DCCC is proclaiming the Ann Callis for Congress Campaign to be DOA.  They're outta there.

The DCCC is revamping its campaign investment plan. Instead of spending money to attack Republican incumbents, they'll be focusing on protecting endangered Democrat incumbents, a Politico story says Monday.

The change in plans is bad news for Democrat challenger Ann Callis, who will be on her own as the DCC is reportedly cancelling attack ads in Republican Congressman Rodney Davis' 13th race.

Emphasis, ours.

We told her.  We told her.  We told her.

But...Anne probably was too busy shuttling back and forth between her home in St. Louis in Missouri and her rental townhome *in* the District to hear our warnings on Mike Frerichs and The 'Frerichs Vortex'.  

On to the next victim.

Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL13) Grabs Coal Miners Union Endorsement

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis continues to run a strong campaign as he trots out a new endorsement yesterday from an important group in the 13th District: the Coal Miners Labor Group.

The news for his opponent, Ann Callis, keeps getting worse.  First, she is still trying to explain away the fact that she might not live in Illinois and now a key labor organization sides with Davis.

From Rodney Davis' campaign Facebook Wall:

Tonight I received the endorsement of the United Mine Workers of America’s Coal Miners Political Action Committee (COMPAC). 

When it comes to coal and coal jobs, it’s personal to me. Throughout the years, I’ve seen how some of the biggest employers in this area have been forced to close due to the decisions and regulations coming from Washington and the devastation that has on area families and the local economy. So, I’m honored and humbled to have the support of area coal miners and their families, and will continue to fight on their behalf in Washington.

#Guardiansofthe13th FTW!

Ann Callis Tries To Explain Away Her Residency Issue in Congressional Campaign

They say: "When you're explaining in a campaign, you're losing."

And...so with this dump of information on the Ann Callis for Congress site, we know that Ann Callis is losing - the perception battle - not just for where the voting public *thinks* she lives (that's nuts in the first place, right?!?) but she's also clearly losing the perception battle on the campaign against Rodney Davis at large.

You can read Ann's explanation of where exactly she lives, but we thought we would show you the reaction of our focus group of voters in the 13th District when we walked them through the pickle that Ann Callis is in and how she's trying to 'show' voters the 'truth'.   We laid out the facts and then showed them Callis' long blathering response on her site.

Here's the reaction of one of the members of the focus group:

That's not the reaction you'd want if you were in the Ann Callis for Congress camp.

But...there's always the hashtag victory right?  #Guardiansofthe13th FTW.

Code Blue: Ann Callis Congressional Campaign Flatlines, Down by 20%

We warned her.  She shouldn't have gotten too close to the Mike Frerichs Votex, but she didn't listen.  First it was 'joint events', then sharing campaign office/staff, then it was the voter registration scam they pulled together on high school kids in Champaign.

That Frerichs Vortex is powerful.  And...Ann Callis and her long-shot campaign for Congress suffered because of it.

News today shows the latest polling data and it isn't pretty for Ann Callis and the #Guardiansofthe13th:  According to RollCall, Rodney Davis is up almost 20 points on Callis and he isn't letting up.

Freshman Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., a top Democratic target this cycle, had a 19-point lead over his opponent with six weeks to go until Election Day, according to a poll conducted for his campaign and provided first to CQ Roll Call. 

Davis led Democratic rival Ann Callis, 55 percent to 36 percent, in the survey of the 13th District conducted by the GOP firm Public Opinion Strategies. Just 7 percent of voters were undecided. 

The poll found atmospherics in the district are also stacked against Callis, making it tougher for her to make up ground in the short amount of time left until the election.
President Barack Obama’s approval rating stood at just 38 percent in this Springfield-based seat in his home state. 

At the same time, the gubernatorial contest in the Land of Lincoln could also drag Callis down. 

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn badly trailed Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner, with 30 percent to Rauner’s 47 percent, according to the 13th District survey.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Bost, Davis, Senger, Kirk, Bansal, Simon, Duckworth, Unes

With 42 Days and 22 hours until the polls open, let's look around Illinois (Facebook) to see what the candidates were up to this weekend.

Starting with Congressional Candidate Mike Bost:  He spoke at what looks like an outdoor Candidates Forum in Randolph County.  He loves that blue shirt!

Congressman Rodney Davis played Emcee and introduced an actor playing President Abraham Lincoln.  Look at that blue dress!  Mary Todd never looked so fine!

Congressional candidate Darlene Senger hooked up with US Senator Mark Kirk and State Representative Candidate Krishna Bansal at the Indidan Cultural Festival.

Comptroller candidate Sheila Simon had tea with Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth in Elk Grove Village.

And State Representative Mike Unes had a big turnout for the Friendship Festival Parade in Canton.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Bellock, Davis, Manar, Unes, Senger, Rutherford

Just 50 some-odd days left before the General Election.  As we do every Monday morning, let's do a check-in of what the candidates/electeds were up to this weekend.

First, State Representative Patti Bellock - the great granddaughter (we think?!?) of Charles Comiskey spent some time hanging with a Ringo Starr impersonator.  We think that had something to do with Comiskey Park hosting the Beatles?

Congressman Rodney Davis took his football team out for a post-game celebration.  Good news!

The bad news?  He keeps taking his photos in portrait mode.  Turn the camera to the side, Congressman.  Take photos in landscape mode.  They'll look better here on FB.

Looks like State senator Andy Manar taught some Boy Scouts how to set a forest fire?!?

 Congressional candidate Darlene Senger put together a nice crew for the Joliet Fiesta Patrias Parade.

State Representative Mike Unes turned out a big crowd for the Pekin Marigold Festival parade.

And....Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford spent some time at a senior home.

Congressman Rodney Davis Up With 2nd Ad: Daughter

Congressman Rodney Davis is up with a well-produced ad featuring his daughter (with a cameo by his two sons).  From Davis' Facebook Page:

Here's the ad:

Good stuff, Congressman.

Candidate Facebook (Labor Day) Weekend: Anthony, Davis, Sandack, Schimpf, Senger, Rutherford

It isn't Monday, but since this is the first day of the week that the editorial team is back in the saddle here at the Truth Team, we still wanted to run through the weekend on Facebook.  Labor Day is a time for parades and a time to formally kick-off the campaign season!  Let's get after it.

State Representative John Anthony had a big crowd at the Lisbon Labor Day Parade.

Congressman Rodney Davis continues to hit the parade circuit hard, this time in Pana for their Labor Day Parade.

State Representative and rising star Ron Sandack put together a nice crew (in the rain!) for Naperville's Last Fling parade.  Nice orange!  Glad to see Senator Mark Kirk out at the parade, too!

GOP AG candidate Paul Schimpf continues to barnstorm the state with his team.  They look like they put together a nice showing in Millstadt.

Congressional Candidate Darlene Senger knows where the voters are:  they're at the critical JCA vs. Providence football game.  Pretty smart move to be there, in our opinion.

Finally, we're excited to see Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford back in the political saddle:  this time in his hometown parade.

Ut-Oh! Ann Callis Fades and Rodney Davis Begins To Pull Away

Depressing news for Ann Callis, the College Dems who have worked so hard on her behalf, and the Democrat faithful:  She's fading.  Fast.

From Roll Call:

Freshman Rep. Rodney Davis entered the midterms as one of the most vulnerable Republicans on the map.

Not anymore.

In 2012, the former staffer for Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., won the 13th District by a mere 1,002 votes to a perennial Democrat panned by party operatives. This cycle, Democrats in Illinois and Washington, D.C., recruited former judge Ann Callis, billing her as a top-tier challenger who could win this Springfield-based swing seat. 

But nearly two months from Election Day, Republican operatives in the Land of Lincoln and Washington, D.C., are cautiously optimistic about Davis’ chances, thanks to his adept political skills and favorable tail winds behind the GOP in the midterms. At the same time, Republicans and, privately, Democrats say Callis has not lived up to her candidacy’s hype and or made the necessary inroads to win the district.

Instead Of Going To Class, IWU College Dems Protest Congressman Davis

Over on their Facebook Wall, the Illinois Wesleyan College Democrats - hot on the heels of being named Democrat Chapter of the Year for 2014 - are showing off how they're protesting in front of Congressman Rodney Davis' office on the first day of class.

From their wall:

Seems they can't quite settle on a slogan.  Some of the signs say "Dump Davis".  Some "Ditch Davis".

Listen...If we were in charge, we'd probably go with something like "Hey. Ho.  Rodney's Got To Go!".  But...that's just us.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Bost, Davis, Schimpf, Simon and Rutherford

Monday!  So that means, we take a tour around Facebook to see what some of the candidates and campaigns were up to as they meet voters and connect with residents.

First up, Congressional candidate Mike Bost took the Ice Bucket Challenge.  That's fine and good, but the most important part is that they filmed it in landscape mode. Landscape mode, people.  See how nice it looks?

Contrast that with Rodney Davis and his portrait mode video.  So glad he took the challenge, but...come on Rodney.  Portrait mode?  Srsly??

Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General Paul Schimpf continues to hit the trail hard with a stop at the Dundee Township Republican Picnic.

Illinois Comptroller candidate Sheila Simon hung out with Wrassler Jerry The King Lawler.  Really.

And....Treasurer Dan Rutherford hung out on his back deck with family and friends.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Rodney Davis, Judy Topinka, Larry Kaifesh, Paul Schimpf, Darlene Senger

We're back in the saddle here at the Illinois Truth Team and it is Monday, so that means we take some time to look around on Facebook and see what the campaigns have been up to the past few days.

Here are the highlights:

Congressman Rodney Davis walked in the the Mt. Auburn Farmer's Picnic Parade.

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka hung out with some beauties and llamas.

Congressional candidate Larry Kaifesh 'suited up' in Gilberts.  Pretty impressive.

Paul Schimpf was out in DeKalb County for their local Republican Party Pig Roast.

Congressional candidate Darlene Senger - along with a HUGE crowd - walked with the Kendall County GOP in the Montgomery Fest Parade.

And Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford went for a jog and spotted this cute deer.

Congressman Rodney Davis Is a Real Man

We mean...he *had* a mustache at age 16.  Age 16.

Congressman Rodney Davis Gets Backing from George P. Bush

Congressman Rodney Davis, along with Maverick PAC is hosting a fundraiser tomorrow up in Chicago along with the Chicago Young Republicans.

Who's Maverick PAC? Well...it was organized to get the next generation of conservatives more involved in politics. And...it's Chairman Emeritus is George P. Bush.  You can learn more and RSVP for the Davis event here.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Michael McAuliffe, Rodney Davis, Sheila Simon, Dan Rutherford

It is Monday morning, that means it's time to do a round-up of what happened over on Facebook this weekend.  Our weekly round-up shows candidates from State Representative to Comptroller and how they're trying to win votes this fall.  You can see the "Weekend on Facebook" archives here on the Illinois Truth Team.

- - -

State Representative Mike McAuliffe was out and about (and even manning his table!) at the Taste of Park Ridge this weekend.  

Congressman Rodney Davis continues to hit the parade circuit across his district - this time in Nakomis where he was joined by his dad Marty.  (who...appears to be a Shriner!  Awesome.  Do you think he has one of those tiny cars?  If so...it's over.  Let's call the election, folks.  Rodney wins big.  All he has to do is get his dad to do donuts in front of polling places telling people that his son is running for Congress.  Everyone - and we mean everyone - will vote for Rodney Davis for Congress....)

Current Lt. Governor and Illinois Comptroller Candidate Sheila Simon appears to have officiated a same-sex marriage.  Good for her and congrats to the happy couple!  Looks like they got some great weather and a beautiful spot.

And...State Treasurer Dan Rutherford appears to be 'still working' at the State Capitol.  He didn't update his Facebook page this weekend leaving us to assume he's still bunkered down doing the people's business.

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Peter Roskam, Rodney Davis, Mike Bost, Dan Rutherford, Charlie Meier

As we do each week, let's kick off the political week with a roundup of some of the what-have-yous from elected officials and candidates around the State.

State Representative Charlie Meier didn't rest over the holiday weekend.  He got busy working on the straw.

Post by Charlie Meier State Representative 108th District.

Congressman Peter Roskam joined US Senator Mark Kirk and Governor's candidate Bruce Rauner at the Palatine Independence Day Parade.

Post by Peter Roskam.

Congressman Rodney Davis walked in both the Bunker Hill and Rochester parades.  Looks like his little dog got a bit tired and got a Congressional escort...

Post by Rodney Davis.

State Representative and Congressional Candidate Mike Bost was out and about the district meeting voters.

Post by Mike Bost

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford kept busy by picking up garbage along his jog.

Post by Dan Rutherford.

Herman Cain Working to Repair Image With Women - Endorses Erika Harold for Congress

If Herman Cain thinks he has a future in politics, he's making at least a few smart moves.  He's working to endorse a slew of women including Erika Harold - who is running for Congress here in Illinois in the 13th Congressional District against incumbent Rodney Davis.

You'll remember that Herman Cain's Presidential Campaign derailed after some sexual harassment allegations came to light from several women.  From a story around that time:

In a matter of a week, Herman Cain referred to the House Democratic leader as "Princess Nancy" Pelosi, said presidential rival Michele Bachmann would be "tutti-frutti" ice cream and shrugged off a joke about Anita Hill. 

The Republican presidential candidate also has denied allegations that he sexually harassed several women and, through his lawyer, threatened to investigate anyone else who makes such a claim. 

Now, as Cain struggles to stabilize his campaign, the Republican presidential candidate is rolling out his wife to defend him – and help shore up female support for his bid for the GOP nomination.

Now...back to today.  Illinois Review is saying that Cain will endorse Erika Harold for Congress.

Businessman and former Presidential candidate Herman Cain will announce his support for Erika Harold's this Friday in St. Louis and Saturday in Edwardsville and Champaign. 

Harold is challenging GOP incumbent Congressman Rodney Davis for the Republican Party's 13th CD nomination on March 18th.

Cain is probably a great guy and if we're reading this correctly, he knows what he's doing.  I'm sure Erika Harold will get a little big of a boost out of this.  If Cain harvests his email list and does some radio for her, it'll earn her some Conservative Bonafides.  But...does she understand that she's getting used by Cain, too?  Everytime he appears with a woman politician, he inches back his reputation on women's issues. What better woman to utilize than a former Miss America?  

Anyone who has been in politics knows this isn't unique.  Think any endorsements aren't given with a "well...you owe me" kind of thing?  They all are. Or mostly, all are.

Who knows.  Maybe we're wrong.  Maybe, just maybe Cain is doing this because he's totally altruistic.  Time will tell, we suppose.