Sam McCann Stays Out of the Govenor's Race. Wisely.

News out this morning that State Senator Sam McCann wised up and decided to stay on the sidelines in the fall Governor's race.

From the SJ-R:

State Sen. Sam McCann, after apparently working to have petitions distributed, issued a statement Tuesday saying he is not running for governor. 

“I am humbled and honored,” said the statement, issued in late afternoon. “However, despite rumors to the contrary, I am not an independent candidate for governor.”

These politicians are funny beings.  They crave attention.  Not all of it ends up - in the long run - being good attention.  Time will tell for Sam.

Darlene Senger Right In the Race Against Bill Foster For Congress

Big news coming out of the Western Suburbs:  Congressional candidate Darlene Senger - having fought through a tough primary this Spring - is going to give Congressman Bill Foster a run for his money.  

In an email newsletter sent out today with the subject line "Too Close to Call", Senger implores her supporters to double down their efforts to win this important seat in Congress:

Have you heard the news?  Today the National Republican Congressional Committee named me to the "Young Guns" list. This is a BIG deal because they only do this for the challenger races they think they can win and plan on working in.

This is great news for the campaign but it gets better from here. 

My race for Congress is already starting to tighten and it is still June!  Just yesterday Crain’s released a poll showing that Bill Foster and I are neck and neck.  It is clear that voters are dissatisfied will Bill Foster’s record of more government, more taxes and more spending and are ready for a change.  

This Morning on Capitol Fax, Rich Miller reported on the poll saying "That’s not good news for Foster at all" 

This is HUGE news for our campaign and more reason why we need to get out there NOW!  

And that is why I need your help today!  Your donation of $100 will help get my message of reducing spending, cutting taxes and balancing the budget out all over the 11^th District.  Voters know it’s time for a change, electing the same people who created our country’s problems won’t be able to fix them.  Can I count on your support today?  A donation of $100 will go a long way in helping me defeat Bill Foster in November.

Congressman Aaron Schock Shows Mike Frerichs How It is Done with Habitat For Humanity

Congressman Aaron Schock took a break from his amazing Instagram life to lend a hand with a local Habitat for Humanity home build.

And guess what?  He actually got involved.  He rolled up his sleeves, wore work clothes and actually swung a hammer.  Good on him.

Pics to prove it happened from Schock's Facebook Wall:

Why is this even worth mentioning?  Because...Congressman Aaron Schock did what almost EVERYONE would do in this situation:  show up in the right clothes and get involved.

What did Democrat Candidate for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs do when he had the same situation?  He used the disaster in his hometown and the Habitat for Humanity build as a photo opportunity and a chance to 'post this on Facebook' by showing up in a suit.  And wingtips.

Yes.  A suit.  At a Habitat for Humanity Build.

Talk about a guy who is totally out of touch with reality.  And he wants to be our State Treasurer?  Come on.

We're calling this #SuitGate.  Check out the full details and background here.  Or, start where it all began with Frerichs Facebook post showing him in a suit here.

An Explanation from the Mike Frerichs for Illinois Treasurer Camp On #SuitGate

Turns out...we might not have considered all the factors in #SuitGate.  The Mike Frerichs' for Illinois Treasurer "Standing Tall" camp has released a statement.  And oddly enough...it surfaced in our inbox in the form of a Meme.

Is that a good enough explanation for you?  I'm sure you'll tell us via email if it isn't.  Vote with your photoshop jobs.  We'll post more if we get 'em.

Mike Frerichs the Tough Mudder? That Suit Had To Weigh Him Down on the Twinkle Toes Bridge, Right?

Wearing a suit to a Tough Mudder race is about the same thing as wearing a suit to a Habitat For Humanity build site.  Sounds strange, right?  But that's exactly what Mike Frerichs did last week.  

Talk about a tone deaf politician.  And now he's running for Illinois State Treasurer.    A real 'man of the people' eh?  Oh, what's that?  He voted to raise his own salary last week, too?  Sounds about right.  

Where else have you spotted Mike Frerichs?  Was he wearing his signature earmuffs?  

Drop us a line at tipthetruthteam@ gmail.com if you have come across any other photos of Mike Frerichs wearing a suit in the wrong place...

President Obama Chimes in on #SuitGate AKA the Mike Frerichs Tone-Deaf Story

You know it is bad when Mike Frerichs' idol is goofing on him for the suit at a Habitat build.

Full backstory here on #SuitGate on the Truth Team.

Who Knew @MikeforIllinois Was a Parrothead?

One of our readers sent us this photo they found on their iPhone of Mike Frerichs in the parking lot of a Jimmy Buffet concert.  Who knew Earmuffs Mike Frerichs was a Parrothead?  He sure hasn't been tweeting about his love for Margaritaville?!?

Look who snuck in there?  Guess the Leis don't go with his suit.

For those of you just checking in on this, you can get up to speed by reading about how the politically tone-deaf Mike Frerichs - who is running for Illinois Treasurer - wore a suit - and wingtips to a Habitat for Humanity build in his hometown.

Then check out where else Mike Frerichs showed up in a suit?

Where Else Can Treasurer's Candidate Mike Frerichs Show Up Dressed Inappropriately?

We already know Democrat candidate for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs is politically tone deaf.

He votes for his own raise.  He votes for an unbalanced budget.  Both bad moves politically.

But...what else does he do?  He shows up at a Habitat for Humanity build event in a suit.  A suit.

Check out our post here on the details and photos.

That got us wondering...where else have you seen Democrat Mike Frerichs show up dressed inappropriately?

Here's a .psd file with a transparent background of Mike 'Earmuffs' Frerichs in a suit that can help in your adventures.    Download it at this link.  Drop us a line at tipthetruthteam@gmail.com with your best work.

As luck would have it, one of our dear readers of the Illinois Truth Team was looking through their recent Spring Break photos and came across an odd photo.  Somehow - while they were taking photos of their kids at the waterpark - Mike Frerichs popped in there.  Guess what he was wearing?  It wasn't a "Swim" suit...  Look at that?!?  Looks like Mike even got a little bit of sunburn on his face out at the water park.  Good thing he was covered up otherwise.

Got any other ideas for where we could find Mike Fererichs these days?  Tell us via email.

Who Shows Up at a Habitat For Humanity Build Event in a Suit? Mike Frerichs Does.

Habitat for Humana does some incredible things.  They rebuild communities.  They rebuild lives.  They energize local organizations.  They marshall a lot of resources.  They also get used from time-to-time by politicians who want a little piece of the spotlight.

Democrat Mike Frerichs isn't afraid of trying to glom on to things.  Especially when there are 'social media opportunities' to be had.  There isn't a camera-ready-opp that goes by that Mike Frerichs doesn't seem to take.

Last week, he was out at a Habitat build in his home town.  Very admirable for him to participate.  Oh wait.  He showed up wearing what?  A suit?  SRSLY?

Come on.

Pics or it didn't happen.

Oh...It is pics you want?  Don't mind if I do!

From his Facebook Wall comes this doozy of a gallery.

Talk about a guy who is out of touch?

Call Bruce Rauner a phony all you want, at least he *gets it* with the Carhart jacket-schtick.  Dressing appropriately for the occasion is politics 101.

Hey...on the brightside...at least he's lost those embarrassing earmuffs.

Congressman/Secretary Ray LaHood Heads Home to CAT

Nice pickup by Big Yellow.

From the Pekin Times:

Caterpillar Inc. has hired former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood to be its representative on policy matters, the company announced Thursday.

LaHood, who served as transportation secretary from 2009 to 2013, will serve as a consultant, providing advice on policy-related matters.

Describing LaHood as “one of the most accomplished and respected political leaders of Illinois,” Caterpillar spokeswoman Molly Donahue said LaHood, a Peoria Republican with nearly 40 years of government experience, “was a tremendous advocate for issues that promoted economic growth.”

“(LaHood) will assist Caterpillar in developing corporate strategies focused on identifying solutions to specific policy and communications challenges Caterpillar faces in the increasingly complex policy and business environment,” noted Caterpillar in a release.
LaHood, who served as transportation secretary from 2009 to 2013, will serve as a consultant, providing advice on policy-related matters.
Describing LaHood as “one of the most accomplished and respected political leaders of Illinois,” Caterpillar spokeswoman Molly Donahue said LaHood, a Peoria Republican with nearly 40 years of government experience, “was a tremendous advocate for issues that promoted economic growth.” 

“(LaHood) will assist Caterpillar in developing corporate strategies focused on identifying solutions to specific policy and communications challenges Caterpillar faces in the increasingly complex policy and business environment,” noted Caterpillar in a release.