tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51946089645362380032024-03-13T13:34:09.450-05:00Team America's 10th District BlogA refined, intelligent open forum for discussion about (mostly) local politics in the Tenth Congressional District and Lake County, Illinois.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.comBlogger1043125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-73974844247981588212013-04-24T11:04:00.003-05:002013-04-24T11:04:56.529-05:00Former Governor and Fox Political Commentator Mike Huckabee to Headline Lake County Republican Federation's 51st Annual Spring Gala<br />
<br />
From a press release from the Lake County Republican Federation:<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lake County Republican Federation Announces Governor Mike Huckabee</b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>as Keynote Speaker for 51st Anniversary Spring Gala</b></div>
</b></h2>
<br />
Libertyville, IL – The Lake County Republican Federation is pleased to announce that Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) will be the Keynote Speaker for its 51st Anniversary Spring Gala. The event takes place on Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and $1,250 for a table of ten. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available.<br />
<br />
"We could not be more excited to welcome Governor Mike Huckabee as the keynote speaker for this year's Spring Gala," said Federation President Larry Falbe. "Governor Huckabee's vast experience in politics, both as a governor and a presidential candidate, as well as his other endeavors such as his top-rated show on the Fox network, will no doubt provide many entertaining and insightful anecdotes for our supporters and guests."<br />
<br />
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is the host of “HUCKABEE” on the Fox News Channel, is heard three times daily across the nation on the “Huckabee Report,” syndicated on almost 600 stations, and is heard on “The Mike Huckabee Show” each weekday. After his campaign for the Republican nomination for President in 2008, he formed HuckPac to assist conservative Republicans running for office nationwide and has amassed a volunteer team with thousands of activists.<br />
<br />
From 1996-2007, Huckabee served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas and was recognized nationally for his leadership. He served as Chairman of the prestigious National Governors Association as well as the Education Commission of the States and the Interstate Oil and Gas Commission.<br />
<br />
The goal of the Lake County Republican Federation's Annual Spring Gala is to raise the funds necessary for a successful 2014 election campaign. Proceeds will be used towards grassroots organizing efforts, upgrading technology, maintaining Lake County Republican Headquarters, and providing staff support for the Lake County GOP.<br />
<br />
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-59196536102071118312013-03-06T18:49:00.000-06:002013-03-09T12:48:27.333-06:00Escaping from the Illinois GOP Central Committee's Trick Box on Pat Brady (UPDATED x2- Meeting Postponed))<em>[<strong>UPDATE 3/9/13 7:00 am</strong> - late yesterday, the State Central Committee - or at least the group of committeemen who called the special meeting -</em><a href="http://capitolfax.com/2013/03/08/this-just-in-gop-meeting-to-oust-chairman-brady-canceled/"><em> postponed the meeting</em></a><em>, obstensively because Brady had not confirmed his attendence by either phone or being in person. It sounds like a dodge to save face to me, since they knew from the get-go that Brady was not going to attend, at least in person, but the important thing is it looks like perhaps cooler heads will prevail. Original story below</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em><strong>Second Update 3/9/13 12:00 pm</strong> - In the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-illinois-republicans-pat-brady-20130309,0,2910142.story">Chicago Tribune's article today</a>, they also note that it was long known that Brady was not going to be at the meeting. But the Tribune also asserts that the folks behind the movement to oust Pat Brady are having trouble rounding up the votes. Stay tuned...]</em><br />
<br />
<br />
As much as I wanted to stay away from posting on this, I found that with the increasing news coverage, it's not an issue that any Illinois Republican can simply wish away. I'm talking, of course, about the issue of GOP Chairman Pat Brady, and the calls of several Committeemen from the Illinois GOP Central Committee to hold a special meeting to consider just what to do about Chairman Brady in light of his recent statements on single-sex marriage (SSM).<br />
<br />
If you are somehow not aware, Pat Brady came out publicly in support of the proposed legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to legalize "gay marriage." The problem with this, as a fair number of Republicans see it, is that the State GOP Platform embraces marriage as only between a man and a woman. Having Pat Brady take a public stand in favor of legalizing SSM, given the opposing view as espoused in the state GOP party platform, is anathema to many Republicans. However, many other Republicans don't feel nearly as strongly about strict adherence to the platform, considering there are plenty of pro-choice Republicans (including many elected officials) just to name one issue that many Republicans don't unwaveringly adopt the party platform on.<br />
<br />
In any case, whatever you might think about any individual's right to disagree with various planks of the party platform, the issue for many is that the Chairman simply doesn't have the unfettered freedom to disregard the platform -- at least, not without checking in first with members of the State Central Committee, which perhaps is really the root of the current bru-haha. To be fair, many on the State Central Committee, and indeed the party at large, are less than complimentary on Brady's tenure as chairman, citing the drubbing we took last election, as just one concern. However, for many, the straw that broke the camel's back is Brady's stance on SSM, despite the fact that he stated he was expressing his 'personal' viewpoint, and not taking a position as party chairman. That explanation just doesn't cut it for many folks, however, as some feel you can't divorce yourself from your party position as a matter of convenience. I think that has a certain about of truth to it, as no one would care about Pat Brady's position from the media perspective, if in fact he were not chairman.<br />
<br />
But having said all that, from my perspective, the immediate issue is how to salvage the already tarnished issue of the State Republican Party and escape from the trick box that the Central Committee has put itself in by calling for a special meeting to discuss the issue. If a vote is taken to oust Pat Brady, no matter what the Central Committee says to justify its vote -- such as the procedural issue of Brady not clearing his actions with the other members of the committee first, or having gone off the reservation just too many times -- you know that the media spin on this is that the GOP is the party of old, rich, narrow-minded white men, who are homo-phobic and wish to deny equal rights to others. -- not to mention the irony of the typical Republican mindset that big government should stay out of people's lives and bedrooms, but some GOPers wish to regulate marriage from a state perspective.<br />
<br />
I spoke at some length with Mark Shaw, our State Central Committeeman here in the 10th District, and he told me clearly that if the vote at the special meeting (scheduled for this Saturday March 9th) is to oust Chairman Brady strictly because of his personal support of SSM, Shaw will vote against ousting Brady. However, Shaw is less certain of how he would vote if the question is broadened to include other alleged malfeasance of Brady, since Shaw says he does not yet have all the facts and history, being relatively new to the Central Committee.<br />
<br />
Regardless, I think there are some on the Central Committee who would indeed vote to remove Brady on that basis. I think that would be wrong, but I don't get a vote. But, I can give them some friendly advice, which is that if a vote is taken at the special meeting to remove Brady, NO MATTER WHAT the justification is given, the media will condemn the party for being close-minded and stuck a few centuries behind the times.<br />
<br />
What to do? I told Shaw I thought the only way out of this trick box is to have a vote on Saturday, and have the vote be specifically to remove Brady because of his stance on SSM, and have the vote total not be sufficient to remove him. Given where Shaw and I expect at least a few others would lie, I would be hopeful Brady would survive that vote. The story the next day then would be that the GOP did not in fact fire Brady over the SSM issue. However, Brady's future could be determined in a more reasoned, less heated environment, hopefully, at the next regularly scheduled meeting in April. Who can say if the vote might not then be different, presuming it was focused on Brady's track record and actions overall, but at least the GOP would have credibility to say that his ouster was not simply the reactionary, homophobic vote that the media will say it is.<br />
<br />
I have no idea how open-minded the State Central Committee is to a little friendly advice, but one can always hope, I suppose.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-8360575054933087772013-01-08T21:18:00.001-06:002013-01-08T21:18:27.859-06:00Never, Ever Give Up: Inspiring Video From Senator Mark KirkU.S. Senator Mark Kirk has released a video chronicling his journey from suffering a massive stroke to him fight to recover and return to the Senate:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y5icG6AFX7Q" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Definitely an inspiration to us all. h/t <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2013/01/sen_mark_kirk_video_about_his_.html">Lynn Sweet</a>.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-7148664866812443282013-01-03T07:19:00.003-06:002013-01-03T07:19:55.557-06:00Today's the Day: Senator Mark Kirk ReturnsAfter almost a year of recovery and hard work, Senator Mark Kirk plans to make his return to the U.S. Senate. It's not a moment too soon, given how Congress seems to have conducted itself over the last year during his absence. Check out coverage from the Tribune <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-mark-kirk-returns-0103-20130103,0,2132697.story">here</a> and the Daily Herald <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130102/news/701029938/">here</a>. I looked at the Sun-Times, but their coverage was scant, and then when I scanned some of the comments over there, I was appalled. Not even going to dignify it or their readers with a link.<br />
<br />
It's great news that Kirk is back. He's going to be slower and more deliberate in his communications, I think, but his mind is intact and we need him back, now more than ever.<br />
<br />
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-29424752699100483302012-12-22T08:32:00.001-06:002012-12-31T11:33:12.754-06:00Senator Mark Kirk Visits Office in Gearing Up for Return to Work (UPDATED)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWMzdVOblgU/UNXEelbAYbI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/j83iaYglzKY/s1600/Early_Summer_08_019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWMzdVOblgU/UNXEelbAYbI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/j83iaYglzKY/s1600/Early_Summer_08_019.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a nice Christmas present (and a belated Hanukkah present) for fans of Senator Mark Kirk - the <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121221/news/712219659/">AP reports</a> that he visited his U.S Senate office briefly as part of his preparation for his return to work at the Senate, about a year after suffering a major stroke. Great news, and we are really looking forward to Mark getting back in the ring.<br />
<br />
<strong>UPDATE 12/31/12:</strong> Things still seem to be on schedule for Senator Kirk's return to DC, <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/17311130-452/biden-to-greet-kirk-at-senate-return.html?fb_action_ids=10100176318857452&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=s%3DshowShareBarUI%3Ap%3Dfacebook-like&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210100176318857452%22%3A306983139420424%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210100176318857452%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%7B%2210100176318857452%22%3A%22s%3DshowShareBarUI%3Ap%3Dfacebook-like%22%7D">according to the Sun Times</a>. And guess who will be there at the Senate to greet him on his return. None other than "Uncle" Joe Biden. Of course, as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_Senate#United_States">President of the Senate</a>, Biden gets to swear and re-swear the Senate members, so it's not like Biden is making a special trip. But it's almost enough to make you want to stay away...Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-15257024630915367692012-12-20T13:04:00.001-06:002012-12-20T13:21:00.151-06:00Is the Lake County News-Sun on the Chopping Block?<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR3ZA5PZ2qc/UNNjus4DthI/AAAAAAAAB5E/H4gpwJraAkA/s1600/19_NewsSun_dailies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR3ZA5PZ2qc/UNNjus4DthI/AAAAAAAAB5E/H4gpwJraAkA/s320/19_NewsSun_dailies.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
Word from the Sun Times is that it <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121220/business/712209880/">may be closing all of its suburban offices</a>; whether that means not ending the various suburban publications (or some of them?) and trying to carry on their local coverages from downtown Chicago (ugh), or just abandoning them altogether is a little less clear.</div>
<br />
I would miss the News-Sun if it closed; back in the heyday of Waukegan, it was quite a paper, and even now, it's nice to have additional local coverage beyond what the Daily Herald can provide, especially the goings-on in the northeast part of the county, including the center of county government in Waukegan.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-67394324977418533642012-12-17T19:40:00.000-06:002012-12-17T19:49:57.938-06:00Comic Book Drive for Children of Newtown, ConnecticutEveryone I know seems to be walking around in just a little bit of a fog lately, in the wake of the horrendous tragedy of the Sandy Hook School shooting, trying to make sense of the senseless. While it's challenging to think of anything to say or do that would have any helpful effect in response to such an incredibly sad and tragic event, one person I know is trying hard to help, namely <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/lissau.dailyherald?fref=ts">Russell Lissau of the Daily Herald</a>. In his off hours, Russell is a devoted comic book writer/illustrator (I know, I have been to one of his seminars) and he began with an idea to donate some of his Strawberry Shortcake comic books to the children of the area. That idea was picked up by a group known as Reading with Pictures, which is organizing a nationwide comic book drive. Here is <a href="http://www.readingwithpictures.org/">the link</a> to Reading with Pictures and a description of how you can help:<br />
<br />
<em>We at Reading With Pictures reacted to the tragic news coming from Newtown, CT with the same sense of loss and sadness that everyone else felt. As a nonprofit organization with a special tie to education and schools, to see the bond of safety and trust punctured was absolutely heartbreaking.</em><br />
<br />
<em>The outpouring of support all across the nation has been inspirational and we want to help in our own small way. An important time of happiness between families is reading together and we want to put together a collection of kid friendly comic books to send to the families in Newtown, CT.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>We’ll be working with connections we have in that community to coordinate the best possible direction for this donation but we wanted to ask for your own help in this comic book drive.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>If you have any children’s comic books to donate or want to assist in this, please email </em><a href="mailto:info@readingwithpictures.org"><em>info@readingwithpictures.org</em></a><br />
<br />
<em><br /></em><em>We will accept donations through the end of 2012. Please keep the following in mind:</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>1. We want children’s comic books only. Nothing scary, violent, suggestive in anyway. We will be scanning all donations to ensure the content is appropriate.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>2. If possible, try to donate a few sets so we can spread them out among families</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>3. Your donations are tax deductible and we will provide all donors with a tax receipt</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>4. Reading With Pictures will attempt to document as much as possible the donation’s progress up until we send it but after that, we will want to respect the Newtown, CT community’s privacy</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em>From all of us at Reading With Pictures, thank you so much for not only your compassion and caring but also believing in the power of comic books in creating community.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><em><br /></em>Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-30540272104338985762012-12-12T05:37:00.001-06:002012-12-12T09:12:24.831-06:00Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran Wants to Be Illinois Attorney General<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smDzSmGEH28/UMiew4v6nVI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/lK5DZXxn45A/s1600/Curran%2520122011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smDzSmGEH28/UMiew4v6nVI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/lK5DZXxn45A/s320/Curran%2520122011.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
Rumors on this have been circulating for months, and Sheriff Mark Curran himself was talking it up over the past weekend, but now I guess it's <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121212/news/712129930/">official -- he wants to challenge</a> incumbent Democrat Lisa Madigan to be Illinois' next attorney general. Well, it might be more accurate to say that Curran wants to be AG and would probably just as soon LMadigan runs for guv or gets herself put on the Illinois Supreme Court. Last I checked in, she had millions in her political campaign war chest compared to less than $100K for Curran according to the Daily Herald article. <br />
<br />
I'm a big Curran fan, but I find myself wishing he was planning to run for Lake County Sheriff again. There's plenty to do right here....Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-77592052508730971912012-12-11T14:20:00.001-06:002012-12-11T14:24:20.707-06:00Lake County Republican Federation Taps Erin Westphal as New Executive Director<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTNJAvpUlPQ/UMeWFxh72WI/AAAAAAAAB08/aDJnE3QduJY/s1600/westphal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTNJAvpUlPQ/UMeWFxh72WI/AAAAAAAAB08/aDJnE3QduJY/s200/westphal.jpg" width="122" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Libertyville, IL - The Lake County Republican Federation announced today that Erin Westphal will join the organization as its new executive director in 2013. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
No stranger to the Lake County Republican Party, Westphal, of Grayslake, comes to the Federation from U.S. Congressman Joe Walsh’s district congressional office, where she currently works as a congressional constituent representative. She has also served as a Lake County GOP precinct committeeman and as president of the Lake County Young Republicans in recent years. Prior to entering the political field, Westphal spent over ten years in the pharmaceuticals industry. She is a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. </div>
<br />
"We are extremely pleased that Erin has agreed to serve as our Executive Director," said Lake County Republican Federation President Larry Falbe, who headed the six-member search committee. "Our Board is confident that Erin will be able to carry on the Executive Director's role and responsibilities that Chelsea Stanley has so ably performed for the past several years. Erin's enthusiasm, experience and leadership ability will serve her well in meeting and overcoming the challenges that the Federation, and Lake County Republicans as a whole, will face in this next election cycle. The Federation stands with our partner, the Lake County Republican Central Committee, in supporting and promoting Republican ideals and candidates, and Erin will play a key role in meeting our joint goals.”<br />
<br />
Westphal takes the reigns from Chelsea Stanley, who has served in the position for just over three years. Stanley is stepping down to stay at home with her first child due early next year. “It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Lake County GOP in this capacity,” said Stanley who hopes to remain active in politics. “I am thrilled to pass the torch into such capable hands."<br />
<br />
Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman Robert Cook, who served on the search committee, said, “Although I will miss Chelsea, I look forward to working as closely with Erin, and I’m sure she’ll do a great job. My hope is to build upon the strong relationship between the Federation and the Central Committee that we have established over the past few years. ”<br />
<br />
Westphal will finish her term with Congressman Walsh and will begin working at the Federation in January. “I am grateful to be finishing up my term with Congressman Walsh’s office, “ Westphal said. “I wish Chelsea all the best with her new baby and look forward to serving the Lake County Republican Federation.”<br />
<br />
The Lake County Republican Federation has served the Republican Party in Lake County for over 50 years. To learn more about how you can contribute with your time, talent or treasure, visit <a href="http://www.lcgop.org/">www.lcgop.org</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTNJAvpUlPQ/UMeWFxh72WI/AAAAAAAAB08/aDJnE3QduJY/s1600/westphal.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 178px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 87px; visibility: hidden;" width="59" /><img height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTNJAvpUlPQ/UMeWFxh72WI/AAAAAAAAB08/aDJnE3QduJY/s1600/westphal.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 33px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden;" width="59" />Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-53531647716027906902012-12-06T14:06:00.001-06:002012-12-06T14:06:03.684-06:00Senator Mark Kirk to Return to U.S. SenateI'd heard this was the tenative plan some time ago, but it's nice to see it more or less <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-kirk-to-return-to-senate-on-jan-3-20121206,0,7181037.story">confirmed</a> in the press -- Senator Mark Kirk plans to be back on the job in the U.S. Senate after the first of the year.<br />
<br />
Great news for all of Illinois -- Mark has been gone far too long, and we need him back.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-32215775116247159822012-12-03T12:50:00.002-06:002012-12-03T12:50:46.554-06:00Aaron Lawlor Elected Chairman of Lake County BoardAaron Lawlor was elected Chairman of the Lake County Board this morning in a special meeting. I wasn't able to make it in person, but I watched the news feed on the Lake County website. Russell Lissau of the Daily Herald covers it <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121203/news/712039838/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I wish Aaron the very best with the challenges ahead -- not only does Lawlor need to manage the business of the county and keep its triple AAA bond rating, we need to defend against losing jobs from competition across the border in Wisconsin, when our own state increasingly seems hostile to business.<br />
<br />
On the political side, Aaron is going to have to defend Republican dominance of the Board, as the GOP majority has been slipping over the past decade. 2014 will once again be a tough year for the GOP, so the campaign starts today, folks.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-3684093455153401632012-11-29T06:57:00.002-06:002012-11-29T07:01:06.130-06:00A Cure for What Ails the Illinois Republican Party: Guest EditorialRecently, some of those of us in Illinois have been looking somewhat wistfully across the border to Wisconsin to see how Governor Scott Walker (who was the keynote speaker at the Lake County Republican Federation Spring dinner this past May) is taking his state in a new direction, from both the policy and the political perspectives. A recent acquaintance of mine, Andrew Welhouse, who moved to Chicago after eight years in the Wisconsin Legislature, including stints with the Assembly Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and as communication director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, offered some thoughts and perspective on what the Illinois Republicans need to do to get back on track:<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>By Andrew Welhouse:</em><br />
<br />
Election Day gives us one of two outcomes: confetti for the winners and questions for the losers.<br />
<br />
Republicans in Illinois have seen plenty of both in recent years. But for the good of our country, there’s so much more at stake behind “who won” and “who lost.” <br />
<br />
Republicans have pushed for years to call attention to the very real problems threatening our country and future generations. In Washington: massive debt, runaway government and a shaky recovery. In Illinois: a pension crisis and the single worst budget of any state.<br />
<br />
And in the fallout of the 2012 elections, we’re left on the “questions” side of the equation. <br />
<br />
For example, how did such major Republican issues get pushed to the back burner? How did a $16 trillion debt, a disastrous budget, and a broken status quo somehow become less important than Big Bird and tax returns? How did two wrongheaded comments about abortion by senate candidates mean more than four years of failed leadership by the president?<br />
<br />
And all the while, the problems get worse. The deficit keeps growing, the government keeps getting bigger and we lie awake at night worrying about the country our kids will inherit. We said this election is the most important of our lifetimes... 2012 might be nothing compared to what the next generations will face.<br />
<br />
We have practical questions too, like what’s next for Joe Walsh? For those of you who don’t know Congressman Walsh, his congressional seat was redistricted out from under him, specifically to elect the challenger who beat him on Tuesday, Tammy Duckworth.<br />
<br />
Joe Walsh, as you might know, is one of those rare legislators who votes his conscience and actually put his money where his mouth is. On his own, he turned down his congressional pension and health care benefits, something unheard-of in this day and age. He held more Town Hall meetings than any other member of Congress, and he spoke his mind, even when he knew people didn’t agree with him.<br />
<br />
His defeat might have a lesson in it: sometimes it’s more important to speak your mind and be true to what you believe, even if it means losing an election.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of lessons to take away from Election Day. First, no matter what the outcome, it’s clear that there’s an appetite in this country for economic freedom. Mitt Romney never would have gotten as close as he did if it weren’t for deep, resonant concerns about the state of our economy.<br />
<br />
Second, redistricting played a role. We saw it in Illinois and across the country.<br />
Third, we’re still a center-right country. Even with a second-term President Obama and a Democrat Senate, Republicans still elected 30 governors, the highest total for either party in a decade. The Middle Class doesn’t act as a voting bloc - it’s made up of families like yours and mine, concerned about the next generation.<br />
<br />
Fourth, the Republican party has challenges and opportunities in front of it. On the one hand, Obama’s second term finally forces him to close the book on blaming President Bush for every ill, and guilting the rest of the party by association. Paul Ryan’s spot on the ticket reinforced the party’s break with its big-government past, as does its deep bench of young talent like Bobby Jindal, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, Nikki Haley and Ted Cruz, among others. Compare that to the Democrats’ bench: Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden?<br />
<br />
But Fifth, Republicans have reason to worry about their long-term prospects. Nearly every demographic the Democrats carried strongly in in the last two presidential years are growing: Hispanic voters, women voters, urban voters and young voters. The Republican bloc of southern, white, married evangelicals is not a growing base.<br />
<br />
But there will always be new rounds of confetti and questions. In two years, Republicans will have another midterm election to fight, on a Senate map of incumbents elected on the 2008 Democrat wave. We’ve got strong, principled candidates who are motivated and eager to out-work the opposition: if someone like Joe Walsh can perform that well in a district specifically drawn to elect his opponent... imagine what he could do statewide?<br />
<br />
And perhaps most importantly, we know in our hearts that this country is worth saving. We’re facing big problems: in the short term with the Fiscal Cliff, and in the long term with Big Government and a culture that values entertainment above problem solving.<br />
<br />
But America still works best when we focus on our freedoms and opportunities, and the Republican Party still has plenty of both. <br />
<br />
If we’re willing to take a hard look at ourselves, and remember that our fight is still worth fighting, our day for confetti will come again soon enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-29970419650578963122012-11-07T08:47:00.003-06:002012-11-07T09:01:34.094-06:00A Mixed Election Bag for Lake County - And a New Era for the 10th Congressional DistrictI have to admit, I was feeling pretty good last night while making the rounds of the election night parties, that is, until the Early Vote totals got dumped in at the end on the Lake County Clerk's website. I guess I won't complain anymore that Willard has taken all the suspense out of election night since she gets the vote totals in so soon. I guess since there is now so much early voting, nothing is for sure until we see the whole enchilada.<br />
<br />
In any event, it wasn't all bad -- the Lake County Board is solidly Republican, although David Barkhausen's loss was a little unexpected. Also, Joe Neal's loss to Melinda Bush was a tough one. Add in Friedman losing to Morrison, Mathias losing to Sente, and Cole losing to Yingling, it all contributes to what is now a <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/politics/2012/11/a_bloodbath_for_republicans_at_the_statehouse_dems_gain_veto-proof_majorities.html">veto-proof majority for the Dems in both the state House and Senate</a>. Well, Illinois, if you liked the direction the state was headed before, you're going to LOVE it now. Thanks, folks.<br />
<br />
On the bright side, Mike Nerheim won State's Attorney, and Keith Brin won Circuit Court Clerk; Mary Ellen Vanderventer's win over Bob Bednar was no surprise, but I really thought that Steve Newton was going to prevail over Dem Thomas Rudd for Coroner.<br />
<br />
Don Castella got crushed by Terry Link, but I really respect Don for giving it a go and hanging in there. I've been resigned to the fact that we're not going to defeat Link in that district ever since Keith Gray failed to pull it off in the face of Link's massive petition scandal a few years back.<br />
<br />
My friend Dan Shanes won for Circuit Judge, as did Tom Schippers. Pat Fix won over Lou Berrones in a squeaker.<br />
<br />
And, of course, the biggest tragedy (besides the Presidential race, of course), is that Congressman Bob Dold was narrowly defeated by lackluster candidate Brad Schneider. That guy better have a bang-up freshman year or he's going to get crushed in the next primary by any other Dem with a pulse.<br />
<br />
This will be the first time since this Tenth District Blog's inception that we do not have a Republican leading the 10th District. But, hey, Ellen persevered for years as an opposition watchdog, so that's the role I guess we will have to assume here.<br />
<br />
Of course, now that the election has been over for all of 12 or 14 hours, it's now time to look ahead to 2014, and see how the Illinois Governor and Durbin senate seat races are going to evolve.<br />
<br />
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-58180354366714349822012-11-06T08:57:00.003-06:002012-11-06T08:57:53.229-06:00Voting Open in Lake County Amid a Sea of GOP Signs - And a Sighting of the Dold Bus!I voted this morning at Lamb's Farm in Libertyville, and while I knew that the enthusiasm of Lake County Republicans was up, and the Dems seemed a bit down, I was not prepared to see a veritable sea of GOP election signs, but not ONE Dem sign. Wow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIjNHhMougc/UJkk6uuzpkI/AAAAAAAABzk/iC6oF58o_Zo/s1600/electionday2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIjNHhMougc/UJkk6uuzpkI/AAAAAAAABzk/iC6oF58o_Zo/s320/electionday2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And to top it all off, on the way home, I drove by the DOLD BUS and the NERHEIM FIRETRUCK! I waved and honked my horn, and was rewarded with a horn blast from the bus and the truck, which was packed with supporters.<br />
<br />
I think it's going to be a good day.<br />
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-51261045533791588462012-11-04T14:47:00.001-06:002012-11-04T17:01:16.799-06:00Senator Mark Kirk Does First Post-Stroke Interview with Mary Ann Ahern (UPDATE with Kirk Skyscaper climb)I got a tip from long-time TA fan and zealous Mark Kirk supporter "B&B Mom" that Mary Ann Ahern has an exclusive interview that will air this evening. I will post the exact time when I get it. Meanwhile, check out the NBC-5 blog post <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Kirk-Does-First-Post-Stroke-Interview-177167841.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Kirk watchers will note that he has done several endorsement videos for Congresscritters <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/sns-ap-il--kirk-campaign-video-20121101,0,6443256.story">Bob Dold</a> and <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Kirk-Endorses-Biggert-in-New-Video-177114291.html">Judy Biggert</a>, so it seems like Kirk is gearing up to come roaring back to the U.S. Senate, which will be a welcome development. We need Mark Kirk back on the job now more than ever.<br />
<br />
<strong>UPDATED:</strong> Kirk climbs <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-mark-kirk-stair-climb,0,151044.story">multiple stories</a> at skyscaper climbing event. Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-74977000319853359862012-10-25T08:54:00.002-05:002012-10-25T09:07:24.266-05:00Chicago Tribune Gets Lake County Judge Endorsement Right, Second Time AroundThe Chicago Tribune is generally pretty accurate and reliable, at least in my experience, but in yesterday's endorsements for collar county judges, they messed up big time and transposed the names of the candidates for the "A" vacancy in the 3rd judicial subcircuit in Lake County, thereby making it appear on the surface that Buffalo Grove Mayor Jeffrey Brainman, an attorney with no judicial experience, was endorsed over incumbent Judge Daniel B. Shanes. Oops.<br />
<br />
The Tribune quickly corrected the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-judges-20121024,0,5218847.story">online version</a> and I believe a correction ran on the editorial page this morning, as well as the usual <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/corrections/ct-claris-102512-20121025,0,4337894.story?track=rss">errors and omissions</a> section, so not much harm done. However, it probably embarrassed Mr. Braiman a bit, considering that it simply highlighted the fact that he failed to earn the Trib's endorsement. The corrected endorsement now reads:<br />
<br />
<em><strong><u>3rd Subcircuit A vacancy</u>: Daniel Shanes, who has been a judge for five years and is highly recommended by the Lake County Bar Association, is the choice over attorney Jeffrey Braiman, the village president of Buffalo Grove.</strong></em><br />
<br />
Since the Daily Herald apparently has no plans to endorse in the judicial races (why, I don't know), the Trib endorsement is the only game in town. Look for a mailing from Judge Shanes touting the endorsement coming soon, no doubt.<br />
<br />
The Trib also endorsed the two other Republican incumbent judges for the remaining seats:<br />
<br />
<u>2nd Subcircuit A vacancy</u>: <strong>Judge Luis Berrones</strong>, of Gurnee, who was appointed to the bench in 2007 and gets very high marks for integrity, impartiality and legal ability, is endorsed over attorney Patricia Fix, also of Gurnee. Fix has an excellent record of advocacy for victims, but she did not score well enough on a poll of attorneys to be recommended by the Illinois State Bar Association.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>3rd Subcircuit B vacancy</u>: Voters have two very strong choices here: Judge Nancy Waites and Judge <strong>Thomas Schippers</strong>, both of Mundelein. Both have experience as prosecutors and on the bench. We give the edge to Schippers, who gets higher marks from attorneys for legal ability and temperament.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-63052086522567427372012-10-24T20:40:00.000-05:002012-10-24T20:40:29.741-05:00Julie Morrison - Another High-Spending Democrat We Don't Need in SpringfieldDr. Arie Friedman is locked in a tough race against Deerfield Township Supervisor Julie Morrison, to succeed retiring State Senator Susan Garrett. But, wouldn't you like to know something about Morrison's fiscal track record at Deerfield Township before you might consider sending her to Springfield? Dr. Friedman thinks you should:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RjiEv3cbGV4?list=UUSMZt-BfCjqr5WokhzY3S0A&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-61080231559574301972012-10-23T08:25:00.001-05:002012-10-23T08:25:49.081-05:00Lake County Republican Candidates Win Tribune EndorsementsIn a stunning repeat of last week's Lake County election endorsements <a href="http://www.teamamerica10th.blogspot.com/2012/10/county-wide-republican-races-snag-3-of.html">by the Daily Herald</a>, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-collarendorse-1023-20121023,0,5916492.story">the Chicago Tribune</a> has matched the DH endorsement-for-endorsement, giving the nod to Republicans Mike Nerheim for State's Attorney, Keith Brin for Circuit Court Clerk, and Steve Newton for Coroner.<br />
<br />
The Tribune also went with Democrat Mary Ellen Vanderventer for Recorder of Deeds, as had the DH, but the Trib gives a thumbs-up to Republican Bob Bednar's idea to merge the office with that of County Clerk.<br />
<br />
Early voting has already started, so put down that sub sandwich and go vote!Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-77070409375876706082012-10-22T13:37:00.001-05:002012-10-22T13:37:48.031-05:00Lake County Republican Federation Rolls Out New WebsiteThe Lake County Republican Federation is rolling out its new website, featuring great links, a more modern interface, news updates and much more! <a href="http://www.lcgop.org/Home.aspx">Check it out...</a><br />
<br />
Also, we have Romney signs at the office, 320 Peterson Rd. in Libertyville, but they are going fast, so get your today.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-64492678342726820482012-10-18T06:54:00.001-05:002012-10-18T09:59:47.134-05:00County-Wide Republican Candidates Snag 3 of 4 Endorsements from the Daily HeraldWaking up to the Daily Herald endorsements this morning for the county-wide races, the re-energized Lake County Republicans did pretty well. We got three out of four, as follows:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121018/discuss/710189955/">Mike Nerheim</a> over Chris Kennedy for State's Attorney<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121018/discuss/710189962/">Keith Brin</a> over Rupam Dave for Lake County Circuit Court Clerk<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121018/discuss/710189957/">Steve Newton</a> over Tom Rudd for Coroner<br />
<br />
The only Republican not to receive the DH endorsement was <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121018/discuss/710189953/">Bob Bednar</a>, who is up against long-time Record of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer.<br />
<br />
A few observations. First, I will admit that I am quite relieved about Nerheim's endorsement over Kennedy. There's certainly no doubt in my mind that Nerheim is the better man for the job, but I was quite concerned that given the criticism of retiring State's Attorney Michael Waller on handling DNA evidence and the like, the press was going to tar Republicans in general, and Nerheim in particular, with what the press saw as the failings of the Waller administration, even though both Nerheim and Kennedy are former prosecutors who worked for Waller, and both candidates have been gone from Waller's office for some time.<br />
<br />
I had little doubt about the Brin endorsement; I'm still scratching my head that the unimpressive Rupam Dave was the best candidate Terry Link could scrape up.<br />
<br />
Steve Newton's earning the endorsement over Dr. Tom Rudd is a bit of a coup; I think the DH looked at Newton's prior experience in the office and they also mentioned 'temperment': which you can basically read to mean that they thought Rudd was a jerk.<br />
<br />
Finally, it's probably no surprise about Bednar losing the endorsement to Mary Ellen Vanderventer. Of all the Dems in office, she's probably the most competent, and Bednar's signature issue of consolidating the office of Recorder of Deeds with the County Clerk's office did not appear to resonate with the DH editors; at least, not as a campaign issue that should be decided by choosing between elected officials. But, given the strength of the GOP ticket overall, I would not say that a surprise victory is out of the question for Bednar.<br />
<br />
Let's see what our friends at the Chicago Tribune now have to say....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-84289873368546892552012-10-15T08:00:00.001-05:002012-10-15T08:10:47.534-05:00Economics v. Social Issues: Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald Split Endorsements in Three Key Lake County RacesWhile we can debate the importance and relevance of newspaper endorsements in an age when anyone with a computer has the ability to make their voice heard across the Internet (often in a manner as effective or more than traditional print media, a la Matt Drudge), we still pay some measure of attention to the print media endorsements, at least on a local level. That's why we were interested to see that in three key races for Lake County, the Tribune and the Daily Herald wound up on the exact opposite sides of their endorsements for State Senate.<br />
<br />
In the 29th District (an open seat to replace retiring State Senator Susan Garrett), the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-senate2-1015-bd-20121015,0,26217.story">Tribune picked Dr. Arie Friedman</a> over Julie Morrison, who was endorsed by the <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121015/discuss/710159945/">Herald</a>. The Herald noted Friedman's "effort this year to move himself more toward the center" -- read: Friedman is too conservative for us, even though he's pro-choice, a doctor and a veteran). In the 30th, the Tribune <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-senate2-1015-bd-20121015,0,26217.story">smacked down</a> incumbent Democrat Terry Link in favor of Republican Don Castella. The Herald had <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121015/discuss/710159947/">little good</a> to say about Link, but felt Castella was too scary on social issues (read: Castella is opposed to gay marriage) to win their endorsement, and so went with Link anyway. And in the 31st Senate race, another open seat, the Tribune picked Republican <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-senate2-1015-bd-20121015,0,26217.story">Joe Neal</a> over Melinda Bush, who was<a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121014/discuss/710149898/"> endorsed by the Herald</a>.<br />
<br />
So, what can we read into all of this? Perhaps nothing more than the Herald is trying for a political balance in its endorsements... after all, it did endorse <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121011/discuss/710119722/">Sid Mathias over Carol Sente</a>. But I think on the whole, the Herald is weighting candidates who tend to have more liberal views on 'social issues' more favorably than the Tribune, which is concentrating on economics. Given the state of the State of Illinois, we might suggest that issues like pension reform ought to be taking a higher priority.<br />
<br />
The DH also has a reputation for wanting to be on the winning side of the elections whenever it makes its endorsements... witness how it came out on the Link-Castella race, which notably did not deter the Trib from going with Castella. That probably bodes well for Mathias, who is in the race of his life against another incumbent, but who I think is going to win out in the end.Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-66409848456473827182012-10-14T15:31:00.003-05:002012-10-14T21:08:41.382-05:00ABC 7 Hosts 10th Congressional District Sparring Session Between Congressman Bob Dold and Challenger Brad SchneiderABC 7 hosted Congressman Bob Dold and his challenger, Democrat Brad Schneider, for a half-hour sit-down discussion this past Saturday, which aired Sunday morning. ABC 7 has the video available, and the Daily Herald covers it <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121013/news/710139762/">here</a>; the Tribune story is <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/chi-suburban-congressional-candidates-square-off-in-debate-20121013,0,668022.story">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are the video clips courtesy of Channel 7 (in two parts): <object height="268" id="otvPlayer" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=wls§ion=&mediaId=8846839&parentId=null&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site=" ></param>
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param>
<param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<embed id="otvPlayer" width="400" height="268" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=wls§ion=&mediaId=8846839&parentId=null&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site="></embed></object><object height="268" id="otvPlayer" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=wls§ion=&mediaId=8846839&parentId=null&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site=" ></param>
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param>
<param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<embed id="otvPlayer" width="400" height="268" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=fw1000&station=wls§ion=&mediaId=8846839&parentId=null&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&configPath=/util/&site="></embed></object>Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-21718974946966051832012-10-09T08:23:00.001-05:002012-10-09T08:23:14.513-05:00Two for Two: Congressman Bob Dold Earns Endorsement of the Daily HeraldGiven Democrat Brad Schneider's lackluster (to put it charitably) performance before the Daily Herald editorial board a few weeks ago, I had little doubt that Bob Dold would win <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121009/discuss/710099946/">over the editors at the Daily Herald</a> (much as he did the <a href="http://www.teamamerica10th.blogspot.com/2012/10/congressman-bob-dold-nabs-chicago.html">Chicago Tribune editors</a>), but the DH really goes off on the Schneider campaign's misrepresentations of the Dold record, and team Schneider's sad attempt to pejoratively paint Dold with the 'tea party' brush:<br />
<br />
<em>"While Schneider seems personable and, on the surface, well intended, his campaign’s willingness to blatantly misrepresent Dold’s positions and candidacy is troubling to say the least. It suggests that if elected, he would fall into the same reflexive partisanship that stops Washington from addressing real problems. Schneider should demand better of his campaign. And certainly, the voters should in the 10th District, which takes in much of eastern Lake County and the top tier of townships in eastern Cook County." </em><br />
<br />
Wow. As the DH concludes, "<em>Dold is the clear choice</em>."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-27983968164161336322012-10-08T10:16:00.003-05:002012-10-08T10:17:02.439-05:00Congressman Bob Dold Nabs Chicago Tribune EndorsementIn a big boost for the campaign of incumbent Congressman Bob Dold in the newly-redrawn 10th Congressional District, the Chicago Tribune has come out with a <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-intro-1007-20121007,0,4787522.story">strong endorsement</a> of Bob Dold's independence -- a key issue, it seems, for proud ticket-splitters and independent voters in the 10th.<br />
<br />
The Tribune stated, "Dold's record shows that he can think for himself and bridge political divides, two qualities that are in short supply in Congress. He has earned a second term, and he is endorsed." <br />
<br />
Conversely, the Trib laughed off suggestions from Dold's opponent, Brad Schneider, that Dold was a tea party advocate and too extreme for the 10th District.<br />
<br />
Schneider has also been reeling under jabs from the Dold campaign that he has exaggerated his 'business experience,' and in fact, has derived little or no income from it, which has been picked up by the <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121004/news/710049928/">Daily Herald</a> and the <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-05/news/ct-met-10th-congressional-district-taxes-20121005_1_tax-returns-rose-pest-solutions-democratic-challenger-brad-schneider">Tribune</a>.<br />
<br />
The Dems may have been ready to measure the curtains for Schneider's DC office, but it would appear that such a move might be premature.<br />
<br />
I'm waiting eagerly for the Daily Herald endorsements to come out, but based on Schneider's performance in the <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121004/news/710049813/">DH interview session</a>, I would not hold my breath if I were Schneider.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-72463781067334734862012-09-10T21:54:00.001-05:002012-09-11T10:01:51.881-05:00Is the Democratic Lake County Circuit Court Clerk Candidate's Triple DUI Arrest Record a Legitimate Campaign Issue? (UPDATED: Rep. Rita Mayfield Won't Answer Arrest Question)When should a political candidate's prior arrest record become an issue to be considered in the course of a campaign for public office?<br />
<br />
That question is something the Daily Herald recently decided to confront, and their request to candidates to reveal any arrests is already bearing some interesting fruit.<br />
<br />
While an arrest record might be seem to be <i>per se</i> relevant to a political candidate's credibility, I think the DH wrestled with that issue a bit, since an arrest just by itself obviously doesn't necessarily lead to a conviction. But sometimes it does, or it may lead to some admission of guilt, and the DH editorial board seemed to feel pretty strongly that such a record, if it exists for a candidate, is something the voters ought to know about.<br />
<br />
Case in point: Rupam Davé, the Democratic candidate for Lake County Circuit Court Clerk (an office currently held by long-time Circuit Court Clerk Sally Coffelt) w<a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120908/news/709089913/">as revealed by the Daily Herald</a> to have not just one or two, but THREE arrests for DUI. Davé offered a couple explanations for this, citing family issues and hardships, and asserted that if elected to office, she would make a point of trying to help others benefit by her mistakes. While that all sounds like the politically-wise position to take, she went a bit too far, it seems, and also asserted that the only three times she ever drank alcohol in the past 20 years <i>just happened to be the same three times she got busted for DUI.</i><br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
That story really strains the bounds of credibility. If I were Davé, I would think about trying to walk that one back, as no one with any brains is going to believe it.<br />
<br />
Leaving aside her weak explanations for why she got arrested three times for DUI, another extremely serious issue is that one occurred while she was driving on a suspended license.<br />
<br />
Just to ease your concerns, the Republican candidate, current Chief Deputy Circuit Court Clerk Keith Brin, told the DH he's never been arrested.<br />
<br />
Other <a href="http://www.roundlakeareanews.com/2012/09/09/did-rupam-dave-candidacy-just-implode-over-dui-arrests/#.UEz4dEIZ5vA">Lake County blogs</a> and political blogs like <a href="http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2012/09/lake-county-candidate-rupam-dave-has-three-dui-arrests.html">Illinois Review</a> are picking up on this story. As most of you probably know, Davé was appointed to fill the Democratic nominee slot vacated by Cythia Pruim Haran, who left the race citing personal/family reasons. I'm not sure if it's too late for Lake County Dem Chairman Terry Link to axe Davé and try to get yet another fill-in candidate, but if that's not an option, I think Link can kiss goodbye this chance to snap up a county-wide office. However, Link told the DH, hey it's over, it's been a few years, move on, there's nothing to see here. So maybe he really doesn't see an issue here. I guess overall, that would not surprise me.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATED 9/11/12 10:00 am: </b> What's the only thing worse than answering the "arrest question" with an affirmative response? Perhaps refusing to answer it altogether. This morning, the Daily Herald follows up its 'Quest for Arrests' <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120911/news/709119951/">with an article</a> revealing that Democratic State Representative Rita Mayfield from the 60th Legislative District won't answer the DH's question of whether she was ever arrested. Her opponent, Jackie Burleson of Waukegan, told the DH he'd never been arrested.<br />
<br />
Mayfield told the Herald, “I have an issue with the question itself. I don’t feel that question is fair to the people of my district.”<br />
<div class="p402_premium">
<br /></div>
<div class="p402_premium">
Sorry, it's not fair to the PEOPLE of your district? How is that not fair to let them know of anything in your past such as an arrest record?</div>
<div class="p402_premium">
<br /></div>
<div class="p402_premium">
Watching these politicians (all of whom are Democrats, so far, by the way) bob and weave over this question is really starting to be amusing.</div>
Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.com4