2004

Good Article Summarizing the Process the GOP Is using to Replace Ryan

ArchPundit July 7, 2004 1 Comment

Nathaniel Zimmer writes the piece every major paper should have written already on how the GOP is going to replace Jack Ryan on the ballot.

An interesting note is here:

But Dam brought up the possibility that powerful Republicans who do not sit on the committee, such as Hastert, could use their influence to put a candidate over the top. “If Hastert strongly pushes for somebody, I will respect that,” he said. “I don’t want to ignore the reality that without (national support) we will have a difficult, uphill battle.” Others, such as Smith, bridle at the prospect of intervention. “There’s a little bit of resentment of some people who don’t have a vote on the committee saying this is who it should be, almost as if they had a vote,” Smith said. “I don’t like outsiders saying this is who it should be.”

What should be noted here is that while Hastert didn’t endorse Rauschenberger he was generally supportive and said early on that Rauschenberger should be considered in the primary race. While the situation is certainly different now, one can assume the Speaker has no serious objections to Rauschenberger.

I don’t fawn over many press accounts, but I think this is an excellent nuts and bolts article that gives some good insight into how the process will work. Everyone’s been reading tea leaves (including me–that isn’t a jab at most of the print media), but this puts it into the context of how the decision is actually made.

Sign The Petition

ArchPundit July 6, 2004 4 Comments

Really, I mean, could Democrats or Political Satirists be any happier than Jack Ryan’s return to the Senate race?

Still To Come

ArchPundit July 6, 2004 No Comments

Ryan’s interview on 20/20. Haven’t had time to get to watch it through. The full bit and a brief overview is available at the ABC 20/20 site.

Statement of Support from the Family of Former Illinois U.S. Senate Candidate Jack Ryan

ArchPundit July 6, 2004 1 Comment

The Jack! comeback trail continues–for the record, he isn’t going to try and stay in this race, but he’s clearly angling for a comeback.

CHICAGO–July 6, 2004–The family of former Illinois U.S. Senate
candidate Jack Ryan has issued the following statement of support
regarding recent events:

“After witnessing the recent events and the ensuing media
coverage, we feel compelled to try to help correct some of the
allegation and innuendo surrounding this issue.

“Jack has dedicated much of his life to helping others. He is
steadfast in his desire and drive to serve the public. Despite recent
events, he will continue to contribute to the lives of Illinois
children and to the betterment of our state and nation.

“We are proud of Jack’s victory in the primary and believe the
campaign would have been a vigorous, deliberative discussion between
two respectable candidates focused on the issues that matter.
Fundamentally, this election could have set a benchmark for our
democracy, with an honest dialogue between two honorable public
servants.

“Jack understood the consequences of putting himself in the public
eye, but is deeply disappointed that allegations made during an
emotionally charged custody case have eclipsed his drive to be a force
for good for the people of Illinois. We support his position that
these allegations should have nothing to do with his right to serve,
and that this is a sad testament to the state of our current political
system.

“To be clear, Jack’s overarching desire was to protect his son
from the contents of the court records and focus the campaign on a
dialogue about the issues that truly matter. While Jack could
certainly withstand the overzealous and salacious media sideshow that
ensued, he could not – as would any caring parent – bear to have his
child and his family repeatedly confronted with this.

“Ten-second sound bites and six-word headlines do not reflect the
love and commitment Jack has shown to our family and especially his
son. Jack’s commitment to being a great parent is beyond reproach.
Anyone who casts doubts on his devotion to his son is simply out of
touch.

“Senator Fitzgerald demonstrated integrity and respect for Jack,
our democracy and the political process during this difficult period.
He and individuals like him represent what is good and hopeful in our
democracy.

“To all of Jack’s supporters, friends, and well-wishers, we thank
you for the tremendous support you’ve given to him, and us, during
this difficult time. Jack remains undeterred in his belief that public
service is the noblest of callings, and he will continue to actively
seek ways to support his community and his country.”