Vince Kolber Challenges Incumbent Mike Quigley For Congress (5th IL District)

A tipster sent us this mailer that she received at her home TODAY from Vince Kolber who is running against Congressman Mike Quigley for Congress.  The tipster lives in the city and is a swing voter (voted in the GOP primary this year), so perhaps that why she got the piece?

While we know Kolber is a long shot here against Quigley, we really like to see this action out of Kolber.  Gotta put up a fight, ya know?!?

Kolber has a stong agenda that includes job creation, term limits, curtailing some of the NSA stuff (we like that!) and cutting spending.

The 5th District stretches from the shores of Lake Michigan in Lincoln Park all the way out to O'Hare Airport, then creeps into DuPage County and (unbelievably!) includes Oak Brook Mall.  So...whomever wins, is NEVER...we repeat NEVER...going to be able to truly represent that district properly.  The interests are just so diverse.

Some folks care about noise pollution out of O'Hare while others worry about mass transit in Lincoln Park.

Quigley does an admirable job, but he knows where the power in his district lies and it ain't Dupage County.

If you live in the 5th, cast a vote for Kolber.  Even if it is a protest vote against how the district map was drawn.

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 Randy Hultgren Boosts Mike Bost in Southern Illinois

From Congressman Randy Hultgren's Facebook wall:

I’ve known Mike Bost for more than 15 years, and we served together in the General Assembly where we pushed back against Mike Madigan’s irresponsible policies. I was happy to join him down in the 12th District. We need to rebuild the ranks of Illinois Republicans in Congress—and Mike can help get us there.

Congressman Peter Roskam "Sweeps Endorsements"

He has an opponent?!?

From Roskam's site:

Thrilled to see our pro-growth agenda to jumpstart the economy getting a clean sweep of local newspaper endorsements. Click here to read more from theChicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Kane County Chronicle, and Northwest Herald.

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!

Senator John McCain Coming To Illinois To Support Congressman Adam Kinzinger

Just as we were lamenting the fact that the 'best' Illinois Republicans can do is to drum up a visit from Ted Cruz, we were sent this invitation on an event Congressman Adam Kinzinger is having with Senator John McCain.

From Kinzinger's Facebook wall:

Are you sick of watching America sit on the bench while the world spirals into chaos? I know I am, and I know Senator John McCain is, too. He and I are going to be talking about the need for American leadership on October 24th in Rockford- and you can join us. America should be the star player, but right now we're on the sidelines. RSVP here to meet one of America's greatest heroes: http://bit.ly/1nZIA5X

This is great!  Love to see Senator McCain out there supporting candidates and with their shared military background, this is a perfect fit for Kinzinger.  We'd love to see more of this stuff and we think the 'bench' of GOP stars needs to get deeper.  And...deeper with the types of leaders that really draw independent voters out and rally the bulk of the Republican base.

Want to attend the Kinzinger/McCain event?  You can RSVP here.

Bob Dold Rolls Out Senator Mark Kirk Endorsement "As A Great Team"

There may be no more powerful voice to voters in the 10th Congressional District here in Illinois than from our US Senator Mark Kirk.  After all, the voters in the 10th voted repeatedly to send him back to Congress to represent their interests.

That's why, it is so important to the Bob Dold for Congress campaign for Senator Kirk to come out so strongly not just *for* Dold, but importantly, *against* incumbent Congressman Brad Schneider.

Saying "Dold is like me", Mark Kirk says that he and Dold "Make a Great Team".  Kirk also points out to voters that Schneider is "part of the problem in DC".

With the Kirk appearance and message, this spot will surely make voters all across the District pick up their eyes away from their phones and pay attention.

Congressman Aaron Schock Rocks A Mullet?

From his freshly-launched new campaign site comes this photo:

Who knew?

Business up front, party in the back?

Mike Bost Spots A "Double Rainbow"

'Woah, man.  That's so intense'.

'What does this mean?!?  It is so bright and vivid.'

Bob Dold Secures Endorsement From Daily Herald

In the big race up in the 10th Congressional District on the North Shore, this is a big endorsement for Bob Dold and his campaign against Congressman Brad Schneider.

The Daily Herald picks Dold and says he's a better fit for the independent 10th:

But the reality is this: When Dold held the office, he maintained the district's tradition of independent representation, with a voting record that was one of the most bipartisan in Congress. In the two years that Schneider has held office, he has not. His voting record is considerably more party line, as a comparative review of The Washington Post's Congress Votes Database indicates. 

And unlike Rep. Tammy Duckworth, also a first-term Democrat in a neighboring district, he has not sought to forge the across-the-aisle relationships that can make him truly effective, particularly given his party's minority status in the House. 

Voters have a difficult choice between two capable candidates, but only one of these two candidates carries on the dynamic independent tradition of Mark Kirk and John Porter. That candidate is former Rep. Bob Dold, and we give him our endorsement.

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.

What Is Congressman Brad Schneider Hiding?

That's a question on the minds of voters all across the 10th District.  Why is our Congressman - Brad Schneider - not being honest with us?

“Brad Schneider has been trying to hide his family’s income because they invest in companies that are dangerous to America. We now know Brad invests in companies that send jobs to China and uranium companies that do business with Iran. It’s clear we can’t trust Brad Schneider’s judgment.”

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.

Darlene Senger 'Closing The Gap' on Incumbent Do-Nothing Congressman Bill Foster

Some real momentum is showing up in the 11th Congressional District race as challenger Darlene Senger continues propels her campaign forward in the race to beat incumbent Congressman Bill Foster.

If you are a subscriber to Rich Miller's Capitol Fax, you've read this morning some important news on the race.

But...for us...The latest data point on campaign mo-jo is Senger's campaign having some real organization muscle via phone banking.

From her Facebook Wall, check out that table of folks who made almost 10K calls on Saturday ALONE.  Pretty good peek at the true diversity of the kinds of folks the right Republican candidate can pull together.

We had a HUGE weekend at our call center this past week. Over 9,500 calls made on Saturday alone. If you haven't done so yet, sign up for a call shift today. Contact Tim@sengerforcongress.com

If you live up there in Aurora, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Naperville, Plainfield, and even portions of New Lenox, go ahead...email Tim at the address above or go over to Darlene Senger's site and get involved.

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Refuses To Be Accountable To Voters

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos made a promise back in 2012 that she'd give up 10% of her salary if she was elected.  

Well...guess what?  She got elected.

And what didn't she do?

That's right:  give up her 10%.  Now...she's saying that she made a 'mistake' by even promising that she'd take the pay cut.

She didn't make a mistake.  Cheri Bustos made a promise to voters.

“Congresswoman Bustos is wrong,” Schweppe said. “Her word isn’t good. She didn’t make a mistake—she made a promise. She made a promise and she broke it. If she wants to make good, she should give back the money. Period. 

“And to say her word is good after everything she has ‘misspoken’ about—the shutdown pay, the investment in a Chinese company that ships American jobs overseas, the veterans cuts, the slanderous statements about Bobby Schilling’s employer—is almost laughable but mostly just sad at this point.”

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.

Ann Callis Lives In Missouri, But Is Running For Congress In Illinois?

Ann Callis and her husband.  Both residents of Missouri.

There are dozens of stories about a Congressional candidate running for office and living slightly outside the district.  

But, Ann Callis?  Who is running for Congress?  Her story isn't one of those.  Nope...her story is about living in an entire different State!

From the Post-Dispatch: (which you'll note is in St. Louis, MO)

A review of real estate records shows Illinois congressional candidate Ann Callis signed documents listing her as a resident of Missouri at the same time she was a judge in Illinois. 

According to copies of mortgage records obtained by the Lee Enterprises Springfield bureau, the former chief judge of Madison County signed multiple mortgage papers identifying her residence as a home on Forest Street in Kirkwood. 

It is not the first time Callis has faced questions about her real estate dealings. In November 2013, the Lee bureau reported the former chief circuit judge had previously failed to pay property taxes on her Troy home, as well as two homes owned by Holloran or the couple in Arizona. 

The records show her signature appearing on a notarized 2008 mortgage agreement for one of the couple’s Arizona homes, as well as a 2006 deed transfer for property in Laguna Beach, Calif. 

The latter includes a statement identifying Callis and Holloran as “residents of the County of St. Louis, State of Missouri.” A 2005 deed for a second home in Scottsdale, Ariz., also lists their address as in Kirkwood. 

In 2004, records show Callis was added to the Forest Street deed. The document begins, “I, Ann Callis, of the County of St. Louis, State of Missouri ...”

And she wants to be your representative in Congress???

First Darlene Senger vs Bill Foster Congressional Debate Set For WTTW On October 23

Looks like do-nothing Congressman Bill Foster will finally come out of the shadows and face his hard-charging Republican opponent Darlene Senger in a public debate.  While Foster continues to refuse to 'face the music' by having actual voters ask questions of the candidates in an open forum, at least Senger and the public will be able to call Congresman Bill Foster on his do-nothingness in Washington DC.

From the Joliet Herald:

The first confirmed debate for the 11th Congressional District race is a candidate forum Oct. 23 on WTTW

The forum is scheduled to air live at 7 p.m. on WTTW-Channel 11, the public television station out of Chicago. The participants are incumbent Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and opponent state Rep. Darlene Senger, R-Naperville.

The candidates will be interviewed live by a moderator who is yet to be determined, WTTW Manager of Media Relations Julia Maish confirmed in an email. 

The forum will also have no studio audience, although that could change, Maish said.
“We’re happy to do the debate with WTTW,” said Anthony Barry, Senger’s campaign manager. “But the constant issue is we want to do open debates in front of the voters who can ask questions. That has been the battle with Congressman Foster from the get-go.”