Iraq Veteran Trevor Montgomery for Pera
ArchPundit
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Illinois Congressional Races
AFSCME, Planned Parenthood, & SEIU Endorse Foster in IL-14
Illinois Planned Parenthood Council Endorses Foster in 14th
Geneva, IL– Today the campaign of Bill Foster for Congress announced its 3rd major endorsement this week with the backing of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council capping off a major shift in the race to replace former Speaker Dennis J. Hastert.
“Planned Parenthood is proud to endorse Bill Foster for Congress in the 14th District,” said Steve Trombley of Planned Parenthood Votes Illinois. “Planned Parenthood stands with Bill Foster because he stands with the families of Illinois, making sure women have the health care they need and the freedom to make their own choices.”
Foster was pleased to receive their support.
“As I travel around the district, people have told me that they want Washington to focus on solving problems instead of fighting the same old fights. In Congress, I’ll focus on expanding access to health care services for women and keeping government out of the personal lives of its citizens.”
In addition, this week Foster received the endorsements of Assistant Senate Majority Leader Richard J. Durbin and the American Federation of State Council and Municipal Employees.
The Illinois Planned Parenthood Council (IPPC) is Planned Parenthood’s statewide legislative and political office. IPPC is the state and federal legislative representative for the seven Planned Parenthood affiliates serving Illinois residents in 25 clinics. Through IPPC, the Planned Parenthood Affiliates speak as a unified voice to all elected officials, policy makers and the public.
Others below the flip
Bennett on S-CHIP
Statement of Mayor Jerry Bennett (Candidate for Congress, IL-3) re Bush Veto of SCHIP Bill "As a small business owner and Mayor, I have always made sure my employees and those working for the City of Palos Hills have quality, affordable health care because it is devastating to be without coverage. George W. Bush’s veto of health insurance for children is outrageous and an all-too-familiar example of why we need experienced leaders in Congress who can be effective on key issues such as comprehensive health care – especially for the youngest and most vulnerable in America."
Also, missed this one in the inbox about Mayoral Endorsements for Bennett after the flip
66 Mayors Endorse Jerry Bennett for Congress Mayors in 3rd CD, Southside and Across Chicagoland Join Bennett, Call for Change in Congress [HOMETOWN, Illinois] – Surrounded by local leaders at the VFW Hall in Hometown – one of Chicago’s southwest suburbs – Palos Hills Mayor and 3rd Congressional District candidate Jerry Bennett today announces 66 mayors from across the region and state of Illinois endorse his campaign for the February 5th Democratic Primary Election to bring much-needed change to Washington, DC. A driving force among municipal leaders throughout the Southland, greater Chicago region and entire state, Bennett is serving his 27th year in office, he leads the Southwest Conference of Mayors, he chairs the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and he is President-elect of the Illinois Municipal League. “Mayors, municipal leaders and voters are supporting my campaign in large numbers because we need a change in Congress,” says Bennett. “I have lived and worked my entire life on Chicago’s South Side and suburbs with no ambition other than to serve our community. Congressman Lipinski is letting us down. We need a true Democrat in Congress and I’m running to bring real change to Washington, DC.” No other candidate running for the United States House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District can match the decades of service and civic accomplishments of Mayor Bennett. "Jerry Bennett is a proven leader and he will be a strong voice for our cities and communities in Congress," says Oak Lawn Mayor Dan Heilmann. Joining Bennett today are mayors from across the 3rd Congressional District and the region, including Mayor Don Roberton (Hometown), Mayor Robert Straz (Palos Heights), Mayor Irene Brody (Robbins), Mayor Alan Nowaczyk (Willow Springs) and Mayor Ed Zabrocki (Tinley Park). Mayor Don Roberton of Hometown says, "I've worked with Jerry on economic development projects for our community. He understands our area's needs, and will be an effective voice in Congress." Another Mayor from the Congressional District – Mayor Alan Nowaczyk of Willow Springs – adds, "local and federal officials will need to work together to face the challenges of the future. Bennett has a clear vision for making our region a vibrant, healthy, and safe place to live and work." During his tenure as mayor, Jerry Bennett founded Southwest Central Dispatch – a life-saving emergency action center that coordinates police, fire and EMT response. As founder of the Southwest Conference of Mayors and President of the Illinois Municipal League, Bennett leads the way on coordinating critical public works, infrastructure and economic development initiatives benefitting residents and businesses regionally and statewide. “Mayors are on the front lines of all public policy matters, delivering services and ensuring the quality of life for the very communities in which they live,” says Orland Park Mayor and Bennett Campaign Co-Chair Dan McLaughlin. “We need a mayor like Jerry Bennett in Congress to fight for real change.”
Footlik Endorsed by IFT Local 504
IFT Local 504 Endorses Footlik in the 10th District
Local President: “Footlik has the experience and political savvy to beat Mark Kirk”
Highland Park – The Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504 endorsed Jay Footlik today for the democratic nomination in Illinois’ 10th congressional district. Local 504 represents over 6,000 teachers and education paraprofessionals within the 10th district, making it the largest union operating within the district.
“After meeting with both candidates, it was clear to me that Jay Footlik has the experience, commitment and political savvy necessary to beat Mark Kirk,” said Mike McGue, Local 504’s President. “We endorsed Dan Seals last time, but this time we are proud to stand with Jay Footlik. Jay will be able to hit the ground running in Washington and deliver education solutions that are in line with our values.”
Local 504 has a history of standing up for electable and experienced candidates before the rest of the political establishment recognizes their viability. In 2003, Local 504 supported Barack Obama in the race for the democratic nomination for Senate. Like Senator Obama’s run, there were few unions willing to meet with both candidates prior to their endorsement. And like Senator Obama’s run, Local 504 met with both candidates and made their recommendation based on the quality and electability of each.
“We ask a lot from our teachers and education workers, and they deserve a Representative in Congress who supports them,” Footlik said. “I am proud to have earned the support of Local 504, and proud to stand with them as we move forward.”
The Lake County Federation of Teachers, Local 504, is an affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.
Pera: Pain at the Pump
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When Parody Can’t Match Reality
The lawyers of the 14th have to be salivating at the business coming their way.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
December 10, 2007
To the Editors and Congressman Hastert,
Congressman Hastert, I respect you and appreciate your more than 25 years of public service. As one of the recently most powerful men in America, I ask that, rather than taking a predominant role in the coming Republican Primary election by endorsing any individual, please let the people decide.
Any candidate running for the Republican nomination to succeed you would feel honored by your endorsement. However, out of respect for the people whom we all serve and for the future unity of the Republican Party in this area, I respectfully request that you remain neutral before the primary and support whomever the Republican voters select after the Primary on February 5, 2008.
You have demonstrated through your recent action of early resignation that you wish to set aside the public duty to which we elected you. At first, I was very concerned that your health was failing somehow, and I sympathized with you and your family. But, you have assured us repeatedly that there is no health problem and we are relieved on your behalf.
Many folks express their wonder to me about the apparent necessity to spend
$1 Million of taxpayer funds that could better be spent on national security, healthcare, or education, on the March 8, 2008 Special Election. Now that you are stepping away from your official duties, I believe that citizens and voters would be distressed if you reassert yourself and use your considerable clout to influence the outcome of an impending primary.
Most people to whom I listen are pretty sick these days of the results that have been produced by big money and big clout in Washington, D.C. and Springfield. You can provide leadership by letting the people decide and using your very substantial experience and skills to coach your successor. In this way, you are a winner no matter whom the people choose.
Again, thank you for your service; we respect you.
Very sincerely,
Christopher J. Lauzen
I believe the response forthcoming if fuck you too.
The Problem of the Goo-Goos
They never really work together.
Until now 😉
A trio of political mavericks – Chicago Aldermen Manuel “Manny” Flores, 1st Ward; Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward; and Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward – are supporting Democrat Mark Pera’s bid for Congress by hosting an upcoming fund-raiser.
These three aldermen represent the changing face of Chicago politics. Each was elected to office on a pledge to bring transparent government to the City Council and they’ve fulfilled voters’ expectations by delivering strong, independent voices to the council floor.
Joining Flores, Reilly and Waguespack in their efforts are state Sen. Dan Kotowski, D-33rd, Rep. John Fritchey, D-11th, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore, Stephen Blandin, Emilia DiMenco, Amy Evans and Gail Morse.
All ten have signed on to host a fund-raising event for Pera at Cleo’s on Thursday, Dec. 13 in Chicago. To learn more, or to RSVP for the event, click here.
Keep reading to learn more about the host committee members.
Illinois Sen. Dan Kotowski was elected to office last year in a district that had been Republican-controlled since 1860. The 33rd District includes portions of Chicago, Elk Grove, Niles, Park Ridge and Skokie.
Illinois Rep. John Fritchey is considered to be one of the more progressive members of the Illinois General Assembly. The 11th District, which Fritchey has represented since 1996, includes a large piece of Chicago’s North Side.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commission Debra Shore is an award-winning writer, the founder of Chicago Wilderness Magazine and a founding member of Friends of the Cook County Forest Preserves. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is responsible for treating wastewater and to managing storm water in an area that includes the five million residents and tens of thousands of businesses.
Chicago Ald. Manuel “Manny” Flores is currently serving his second term on the City Council. He defeated Jesse Granato, a Daley-backed incumbent, to win his seat in 2003. The 1st Ward includes Bucktown, East Village, Logan Square, Westown and Wicker Park.
Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly won his seat in February by defeating longtime incumbent Burt Natarus. The 42nd Ward includes the Gold Coast, the Chicago Loop, River North and the Near North neighborhoods.
Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack took office in May after defeating Daley appointee Ted Matlak during the February run-off election. His victory effectively ended a century of control of the ward by the Rostenkowski family and its surrogates. The 32nd Ward includes Bucktown, East Village, Goose Island, Hamlin Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park.
Fritchey, Kotowski, Shore, Claypool, and Flores are regularly mentioned here and Reilly and Waguespack are especially impressive on the Board of Alderman that I don’t cover a lot. All of them work their butts off. Kotowski is targeted by ISRA, Flores has issues with HDO, Claypool is hated by the entire machine, Shore the machine doesn’t know what the hell do to do with, and the idiot Governor hates Fritchey. Those are great enemies to have.
I just imagine 5 guys sitting around the 23 Ward Office with no windows going on about those damn goo goos and how useless they are.
I hope they keep sitting and bitching.
Daily Dolt: I Thought Abortion Rights Groups Were Too Divisive?
Laesch and his people attack the Planned Parenthood endorsement of Bill Foster:
Down the thread:
The endorsement that we worked hardest for was the AFL-CIO’s and that means a lot to our campaign.Additionally, I did have words with PP in 2006 that dated back to a 2004 race.
When I worked for Dr. David Gill in 2004, Planned Parenthood endorsed, but was nowhere to be seen when it came to real support.
I couldn’t believe that they didn’t want to fight to get a progressive, single-payer Doc who actually volunteered for Planned Parenthood elected. During my first run, I didn’t feel the need to chase an empty PP endorsement.
Beltway thinking will get you beltway results. Main Street thinking and campaigning will get you results that benefit Main St.
John
But let’s remember this quote:
Laesch is making his own campaign more difficult by depriving it of some of its traditional channels of support. Even though Laesch says he is pro-abortion rights, he refuses to accept donations from pro-abortion rights political action committees.
“It’s too divisive,” he said.
Errr…pissing on someone’s leg and telling them it’s rainiing….
Versace Out
Personal reasons…running for Congress is completely crazy so while there’s always cynicism about personal reasons, spending time with the family, etc., I tend to give them a break and believe them–unless their hand is caught in the cookie jar while announcing the decision.
October 24th, 2007 eI thought Zahm was the Village idiot in Maple Park….
December 12th, 2007 eGood try, anonymous.
Lost by 19 votes as a 1.5 year resident versus a
60 year resident after getting smeared by an anonymous lie piece 3 days before the election.
My libel case is still in court despite two powerful law firms trying to have it dismissed.
Who are you, anonymous chicken?