Business Roundtable: Regulations Are Killing Business

October 28, 2011 | Filed Under Anti-Americanism, Banks, Budget, Business, Capitalism, Congress, Conservatives, Democracy, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Elections, EPA, Ethics, Financial Reform, Free Trade, Freedom, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, Government, Ill. County, House of Representatives, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Jobs, Liberals, Policy, President, Public Employees Unions, Regulation, Republicans, Senate, Taxes, The Law, Unemployment, Unions, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

On Friday I attended an informative business roundtable meeting of Chicago-area small businessmen who came together to discuss how government intervention and its avalanche of regulations are killing jobs and businesses not only in Illinois, but nation wide. Some of the stories were chilling, to say the least. These trials go to show how anti-business the most famously capitalist country in the world has become. No wonder we can’t get out of this second great depression!

The event was held at the headquarters of The Rabine Group in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Rabine Group is a group of nationwide companies that specializes in driveway paving, roofing, and other contracting work. The company is headed by owner and CEO Gary Rabine.

Filling out the panel was Moderator, Brian Kelly of Bulk Lift International; Gary Rabine, The Rabine Group; Garrett Patten, Patten Industries; Randy Truckenbrodt, Randall Industries, Inc, and Former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger, Rauschenberger Partners.

The panel began with some of the regulatory horror stories experienced by the panel. Each story illustrated how government stands in the way of job creation, small business, and expansion, and how government is not working hand-in-hand with small business but actually fosters an inimical relationship. The panel showed how the oppressiveness of these regulations actually tempts business to break laws just to be able to carry on with business.
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Ill. Policy Institute CEO Tillman Is Just Plain Wrong About ‘Occupy’

October 28, 2011 | Filed Under Anti-Americanism, Banks, Budget, Business, Capitalism, Chicago, Communism, Conservatives, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Jobs, Liberals, Regulation, Republicans, Socialism, Stimulus, Taxes, Tea Party, Warner Todd Huston | 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, penned an op ed in the Chicago Tribune touting what he claims is the common ground between conservatives and the Occupy Wall Street leftists who have trickled into the streets across the country. I hate to say it, but his op ed was puzzling and its base concept — that conservatives and these Occupy nuts should work together — is incredibly off base.

Before I get into Tillman’s points, though, let me say that I generally support the good works of the Illinois Policy Institute. I’ve covered many of its events in the past, I’ve worked closely with some of its members, and I’ve met Mr. Tillman many times at many events. I repost the Institute’s email blasts on my sites, as well.

I will continue with my support of the Illinois Policy Institute (don’t call them IPI because some other organization has that trademarked and they get mad) despite this disagreement with Mr. Tillman. They often do very good work.

OK, now that that’s out of the way… Tillman, my friend, you are soooo wrong!
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Is Rep. Walsh Supporter’s Facebook Page ‘Cyber Bullying’ of Rep. Hultgren?

October 27, 2011 | Filed Under Congress, Conservatives, Elections, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, Joe Walsh, Randy Hultgren, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

One of the Daily Herald’s bloggers is wondering if the attack page against Congressman Randy Hultgren put on Facebook by a Rep. Walsh supporter qualifies as “cyberbullying.” It is an absurd charge, but the page in question is an interesting page of which to take note.

For those unaware, because of Democrat’s having redisticted Illinois and because the state lost a congressman because we lost residents in the last census, Rep. Joe Walsh (currently elected to the 8th District) announced that he will run against Rep. Randy Hultgren (currently of the 14th District). Instead or running again in the newly reconfigured 8th District, Walsh is challenging Hultgren in the 14th District.

Walsh feels he has to do this because his District was turned from a moderately GOp District to a leans Democrat District and because a lot of his constituents were switched over to the 14th district. This out come, where it is Republican against Republican, is precisely what the Democrats wanted. And boy are they getting it.
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Illinois: Beloved Doctor Benched For Not Being Proficient with Electronic Medical Records System

October 26, 2011 | Filed Under Anti-Americanism, Barack Obama, Democrats/Leftists, Government, Corruption, Health, Illinois, Liberals, Obamacare, Regulation, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

A popular, longtime Doctor from central Illinois has been sidelined by employer Springfield-based Memorial Health System because he has not become proficient with the electronic medical records system, named EPIC Systems, that they purchased and implemented. Patients are so incensed that they’ve started a Facebook page as well as a blog to rally to his defense.

This situation brings into focus the problem of top-down medical solutions, calling into question the efficacy of healthcare by committee, not to mention Obmacare itself. Do we really want to sacrifice good doctors in favor of good followers of top-down rules? Do we want good users of computers or excellent doctors?
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Union Organizers Work 1 Day As Teachers, Get $100K+ in State Pensions

October 24, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Pensions, Public Employees Unions, Taxes, Teachers Unions, Warner Todd Huston | 5 Comments

-By Warner Todd Huston

Two union organizers that represent the Illinois Federation of Teachers were able to secure millions in state pensions by working one day as a teacher here in Illinois. This outrageous abuse of the state pension system is exactly why government unions should not be allowed to exist.

The Chicago Tribune has the story of Steven Preckwinkle and David Piccioli who took advantage of a loophole to enrich themselves off the backs of the taxpayers written into law just for them by pliant Democrat politicians.

The crony legislation enabled the unionistas to quickly get state teaching certificates, work one day as a substitute teacher, then count their years as union operatives to qualify them for pension benefits from the state.
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HB 3027 Will Promote Abortion, Force out Abstinence in Sex Education

October 23, 2011 | Filed Under Abortion, Hate Crimes, Illinois, Lake County Right To Life, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From Lake County Right to Life…

(Grayslake, IL—October 19, 2011) Lake County Right to Life joins the Illinois Family Institute and numerous other pro-life, pro-family organizations in opposing Illinois HB 3027, the new sex education bill. The bill is supported by Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, NOW, and numerous other Illinois pro-abortion organizations. The bill will be taken up in the fall veto session, which begins on October 25. HB 3027 has already been passed by the Illinois Senate.

HB 3027 mandates that every public school teaching sex education in grades 6 – 12 must teach comprehensive sex education. Lake County Right to Life has numerous major problems with this bill, including:

It mandates curriculum promoting abortion, stating that it is legal, safe, and parents don’t have to know about it.

It calls for “medically accurate” sex education, but the curriculum misinforms students by telling them that “morning after pills” don’t cause abortion.
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Arie Friedman Comments on Disappointing Illinois Jobs Report

October 22, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Capitalism, Congress, Conservatives, Elections, GOP, Government, Illinois, Jobs, Republicans, Senate, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | 1 Comment

From the Friedman for State Senate campaign…

“Illinois continues to lead the nation in jobs lost since Springfield Democrats raised the state income tax in January,” Dr. Arie Friedman, said Friday, commenting on the latest statistics released by the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Friedman is seeking the Republican nomination for the State Senate in the 29th District, which extends through southeast Lake County and takes in parts of Northfield and Wheeling Townships and a small section of Palatine in Cook County. The district’s senator, Susan Garrett, announced her retirement this summer.

“From the time those tax hikes on families and employers passed in January,” Friedman said, “Illinois’s employment picture has demonstrated shocking weakness. We led the nation with 24,900 job losses in the month of July and continue to lead in the overall number of jobs lost this year. Illinois has lost 92,785 jobs during the first nine months of 2011,” he noted.
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Grabowski Announces for Ill. 3rd Congressional District

October 22, 2011 | Filed Under Congress, Conservatives, Elections, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, President, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

Richard Grabowski has announced that he will seek to unseat Dan Lipinski in the Third Congressional District in 2012.

Grabinski, from Hometown, Illinois a south suburb of Chicago, is a first time candidate. He says he’s from the “real world working class” and works as a Materials Supervisor at a suburban manufacturing company.

His campaign website says that Grabowski, “cares deeply about the uncertain path our state and federal government leaders have chosen to lead us down. He’s stepping up to the plate for our state, our southland communities and our 3rd congressional district at a time when we are in dire need of good, uncorrupted leadership in Washington DC and here in Illinois.”
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Bad News for Obama: His Big Lead in Illinois Narrowing

October 21, 2011 | Filed Under Barack Obama, Democrats/Leftists, Elections, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois State Government, President, Warner Todd Huston | 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

A Southern Illinois newspaper reports what should be an ominous warning for Obama occurring in Illinois, his homestate. His margin of victory is narrowing in the one state that everyone assumes he should have in the bag.

In 2008 Obama won his homestate by 25 points against John McCain. That is landslide proportions, for sure. But a new phone survey cuts that huge lead to only 8 points when measured against Mitt Romney, for one, a little more against the other GOP candidates.

Obama did best against Perry, with 50.8 percent of respondents reelecting the president and 32.8 percent choosing the Texas governor.

Obama did the worst again Romney, with 46.1 percent to 38.5. Against Cain, the former chief executive officer of Godfather’s Pizza, the percentage was 46.3 percent for Obama against 34 percent for Cain.

Finally against Ron Paul, Obama had a showing of 49.3 percent against 30.3 percent.

Sure Obama is still winning handily against the GOP nominees but that once monumental lead is now cut more than in half in many cases.
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Rep. Paul Ryan To Headline Roskam Fundraiser

October 21, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Campaign Finance, Capitalism, Congress, Conservatives, Elections, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, Paul Ryan, Peter Roskam, Republicans, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

Representative Paul Ryan (R, Wis) will be headlining a fundraising event next week for Peter Roskam’s re-election campaign. Ryan is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee.

Rep. Ryan is best known for his A Roadmap for America’s Future, a budget proposal favored by many Republicans and conservatives. Ryan has become something of a rock star among conservatives.

Roskam is the Representative of the Sixth Illinois District and is running for reelection. No challenger has announced an effort to face him.

Only in his third term, Roskam rose quickly in the ranks of the GOP and is now the third in line of the House GOP leadership serving as the Chief Deputy Whip.

Tickets for the Oct. 29 cocktail reception and private dinner at Naperville’s Hotel Arista range from $100 (reception) to $2,500 (reception, dinner, photo with the congressmen and “preferential seating”) a piece.

For more information see Roskam’s campaign website: http://www.roskamforcongress.com/.
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Hultgren Statement on September Illinois Jobs Report

October 21, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Capitalism, Congress, Conservatives, GOP, House of Representatives, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Jobs, Randy Hultgren, Republicans, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement regarding the September unemployment report released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“Today’s report that unemployment has increased to 10 percent is a clear sign that the state’s private sector has lost faith in the tax-and-spend policies espoused by leaders in both Washington, DC, and Springfield,” said Hultgren. “At the state level, I encourage leaders to work quickly to address the ever-growing pension crisis, the budget deficit, and late payments to state contractors.

“In Washington, I urge Harry Reid and the Senate to pass their first budget in more than 900 days and for them to act on the more than a dozen pro-growth, pro-job bills that have been passed by the House. We must restore the confidence of the private sector so small businesses will begin to grow and hire once again. ”

http://hultgren.house.gov/

Ill. Policy Institute: A Direct Encounter with Occupy Wall Street Protesters‏

October 21, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Capitalism, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Jobs, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

I had a direct encounter with the Occupy Wall Street protesters as I was on my way home the other night. The Illinois Policy Institute’s office is a block north of their Chicago base at Jackson Boulevard and LaSalle Street, so I’ve been walking through the crowd almost daily as I go about my business. But I recently stopped and had a real discussion.

It was delightful.

I asked what it is they were upset with and why were they vilifying corporations, noting that their umbrellas, cardboard signs and the ink used to write their anti-corporation messages all were made by corporations.

Like others, I’ve seen the news reports about their supposed demands: a $20 minimum wage, forgiveness of all debt and a socialist-style health care system. As the leader of a free market think tank, it will come as no surprise that I do not support those solutions; they are not economically sound.
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A Hate Crimes Double-Standard‏ in Illinois

October 21, 2011 | Filed Under Bible, Catholicism, Chicago, Christianity, Crime, Democrats/Leftists, Ethics, Gays, Illinois, Liberals, PCism, Religion, Society/Culture, Warner Todd Huston, Western Civilization | Comments Off

From Liberty Counsel…

Pro-Family Leaders Question Double-Standard on Hate Crimes – Homosexual Attackers Threaten More Violence against Illinois Christian School

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois – A coalition of ministers and pro-family advocates is questioning the double-standard on “hate crimes” in the wake of an attack Saturday against Christian Liberty Academy (CLA) – which was threatened with more violence if it continues to host conservative groups like Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH).

Assailants threw two large paver bricks through the glass doors of CLA with a note, “This is just a sample of what we will do if you don’t shut down Scott Lively and AFTAH.” On a left-wing Chicago website, the alleged attackers took credit for the crime and wrote:
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Assassination Threat Against Illinois Congressman?

October 20, 2011 | Filed Under Bobby Schilling, Congress, Conservatives, Crime, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

Why would anyone want to kill 17th District, Illinois Congressman Bobby Schilling? The shocking threat against Schilling’s life was revealed this week as the FBI has been called in to investigate.

The Hill reports that Schilling received an email threat that featured an offer of $75,000 reward for his assassination.

The email threat against Schilling states, “I will pay $75,000 for ASSASSINATING Illinois Congresswoman (sic) Bobby Schilling and any US Congressman, US Senator and FBI, CIA and NSA DIRECTORS and their FAMILY MEMBERS regardless of their age,” according to local news reports.

Schilling is the father of ten children and owns a successful pizza business in Moline, Illinois. This is his first term in office.
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Dold Announces the Creation of an Economic Innovation Zone at Naval Station Great Lakes and Lovell Center

October 20, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Congress, Free Trade, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, Republicans, Robert Dold, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Robert Dold (Ill., 10th District)…

NORTH CHICAGO, IL – Today, U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold (IL-10), Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman, members of Lake County Partners and Naval Station Great Lakes, announced a new project at Naval Station Great Lakes and Lovell Center that would create an innovation zone designed to address the high unemployment throughout the region.

“I am pleased to announce today that with the help of Lake County Partners, North Chicago will be at the center of an economic innovation zone,” said Dold. “This will help to address the high unemployment throughout the local community and be a resource in which local officials, businesses, and community leaders can come together and implement an effective strategy to bring jobs to North Chicago residents.”

Rep. Dold is a third-generation resident of the 10th District of Illinois. As a small business owner, he has faced many of the challenges confronting business leaders today and is using that firsthand experience in Washington to help find ways to create more jobs and strengthen the economy. For more information on his work in Congress, visit: http://dold.house.gov/

Herman Cain Leading in Palatine Straw Poll

October 19, 2011 | Filed Under Conservatives, Elections, Government, Herman Cain, Illinois, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Republicans, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Tea Party, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

A gathering of Tea Partiers in Palatine, Illinois held a straw poll of 38 attendees and Herman Cain came out on top. The group met to watch Tuesday’s GOP debate.

38 Republican primary voters attended a “viewing party” in Palatine, IL on Oct. 18, 2011 for the Republican presidential candidate debate in Las Vegas on CNN. Compare these results to the straw poll for a very similar group last week after the debate in New Hampshire. Herman Cain expanded his lead with this group. Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich remain close to each other, and Michele Bachmann picked up some support. Rick Perry continued to decline.

This poll of a small group of Tea Partiers may seem sort of meaningless. Maybe on its face it is but this poll seems to reflect what Tea Partiers and conservatives are feeling throughout the movement, so this is a pretty good snapshot of where we stand today.
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Reform Illinois Pensions Now!

October 19, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Education, Ethics, Government, Corruption, Government, Ill. County, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Pat Quinn, Pensions, Public Employees Unions, Taxes, Teachers Unions, Unions, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

-By Warner Todd Huston

Springfield must reform pensions now or our children will pay.

According to Illinois Is Broke, “The 30-second spots, in English and Spanish, will begin airing on Tuesday, October 18th and are scheduled to run through the veto sessions, which begin October 25th. The television campaign will be supplemented with a billboard, print and radio campaign, timed to coincide with the legislative sessions. In addition to nightly newscasts, the spots will run during sporting events, and programming such as 60 Minutes.”

Connect with Illinis is Broke on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IllinoisIsBroke

Follow them on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/IllinoisIsBroke
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Hultgren Out-Raises Walsh in 3rd Quarter, Receives Major Endorsement

October 19, 2011 | Filed Under Campaign Finance, Congress, Elections, GOP, House of Representatives, Illinois, Randy Hultgren, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced that he out-raised U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (IL-8) during the 3rd quarter fundraising period and that he has received the endorsement of a local
Pro-Life group.

“Joe Walsh’s support is clearly eroding as marked by his worst fundraising quarter of the year,” said Andrew Flach, campaign spokesperson. “It’s also no coincidence that we were able to out-raise Mr. Walsh in the same quarter that he announced his intentions to run against Congressman Hultgren.”

According to recent filings with the Federal Election Commission, Hultgren reported raising $186,945 during the months of July, August, and September, compared to only $156,099 for Walsh.

Also over the weekend, Hultgren was endorsed over Walsh by The Right to Life McHenry County Pro-Life Victory PAC. In a press release issued on Friday, the group stated, “Randy Hultgren should not have to face opposition in the primary from U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh. We continue in our efforts to encourage Joe to run as the pro-life candidate in the 8th Congressional District.”

“We are very proud and honored to receive the endorsement of The Right to Life McHenry County Pro-Life Victory PAC,” said Flach. “Congressman Hultgren has been and will continue to be a leader and a tireless fighter for the sanctity of human life.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/

Citing Elmhurst Dillard Calls for Pressure on ComEd

October 19, 2011 | Filed Under Business, Chicago, DuPage County, Electric, Energy, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Kirk Dillard, Republicans, Senate, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Ill. State Senator Kirk Dillard (24th District)…

In a Friday, October 14, 2011 interview on WLS radio’s Don Wade and Roma Show, Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) outlined his concerns about the SmartGrid legislation being pushed by Commonwealth Edison.

Voicing concerns relayed to him by local citizens and elected officials, Dillard said on the radio station that the SmartGrid legislation needs improvement. “The status quo is not enough,” Dillard said. “Cities like Elmhurst, which is right in my area, have had severe power outages. We need reliability. We’ve got to do something and we need to look at our electrical grid. In some places it’s old and decaying, so the status quo is not acceptable.”

In response to a question about how Quinn thinks raising electric rates are bad for businesses but thinks a 66% increase in income tax is okay, Dillard said, “I don’t believe in guaranteed rate increases [for utilities] by the Commerce Commission.”

GOP to Illinois State Leaders: There Will Be No Federal Pension Bailout‏

October 18, 2011 | Filed Under Aaron Schock, Adam Kinzinger, Bobby Schilling, Budget, Business, Congress, Democrats/Leftists, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, House of Representatives, Illinois, Joe Walsh, Liberals, Mark Kirk, Peter Roskam, President, Randy Hultgren, Republicans, Robert Dold, Stimulus, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

This morning, Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (IL-06), 8 House GOP Committee Chairs, and the entire Illinois GOP Delegation sent a letter to Illinois’ legislative leaders and Gov. Quinn in advance of next week’s Veto Session. Gov. Quinn wrote in his FY 2012 Budget earlier this year that his Administration was considering “seeking a federal guarantee of the debt” for Illinois’ $85 billion unfunded pension liability.

They write, “we urge you to seize the opportunity to appropriately reform the State’s public pension systems to address their massive unfunded liabilities,” but “we can say with clarity: there will be no legislative bailouts from the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Roskam was joined by the Illinois GOP congressional delegation and Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers, Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, Education & Workforce Chairman John Kline, Energy & Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, Financial Services Chairman Spencer Bachus, Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith, Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa and Ways & Means Chairman Dave Camp.
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The Hultgren Huddle – October 16, 2011‏

October 18, 2011 | Filed Under Congress, Elections, GOP, House of Representatives, Illinois, Randy Hultgren, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (R, Illinois 14th District)…

I’m back in Illinois after another busy, but also productive, week working on your behalf in Washington, DC.

The biggest news out of the Capitol this week is that, after a long delay, Congress finally ratified three Free Trade Agreements. These FTAs, with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, promise to open valuable new markets for American manufacturers and farmers. They will also help create jobs in Illinois and across the country.

In Illinois alone, exports support almost 146,000 jobs, with 26,000 of those in our 14th District. Free trade is also hugely beneficial to our farmers: in 2010, the state’s agricultural exports were estimated at $5.8 billion, supporting almost 49,000 jobs statewide. To learn more about these FTAs, and what local stakeholders have to say about them, read my statement applauding their passage.
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Downers Grove Republicans Endorse Dillard

October 18, 2011 | Filed Under DuPage County, Elections, GOP, Government, Illinois, Illinois State Government, Republicans, Senate, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Tom Cross, Ill GOP House Leader…

After tallying the ballots, the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization (DGTRO) voted to endorse Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) in his bid for re-election to the 24th Senatorial District.

Held at Ashyana Banquets on 75th Street in Downers Grove, the vote took place after extensive presentations by Dillard and his opponent. Citing his opponent’s lack of experience and inability to work within the Republican caucus and with Democrats across the aisle, Dillard called for Republicans to unite to bring Illinois back to fiscal responsibility. There were almost 100 Precinct Committeemen from throughout the township voting, and over 30 elected officials from around DuPage County attending. To endorse, the DGTRO required an extraordinary75% of committeemen to agree.
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Another Strong Fundraising Quarter‏

October 18, 2011 | Filed Under Campaign Finance, Congress, Elections, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, House of Representatives, Illinois, Joe Walsh, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Joe Walsh (R, Illinois 8th District)…

Rep. Walsh on another strong fundraising quarter
“This continued support tells me that people are happy that I have kept my promises to cut the size of government, cut taxes, cut red tape and kill Obamacare.”

McHenry– Last night Congressman Joe Walsh released his third quarter fund-raising numbers. As of September 31st, Congressman Walsh has now raised over $800,000 dollars. This latest quarter now puts him on pace for raising over one million dollars for the year. These numbers contrast with his potential opponent Randy Hultgren who has only raised roughly $650,000 for the year. Other highlights from this reporting period are:
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William J. Kelly Forms Exploratory Committee for Illinois State Senate

October 17, 2011 | Filed Under Congress, Dick Durbin, Elections, GOP, Illinois, Republicans, Senate, Warner Todd Huston, William J. Kelly | Comments Off

William J. Kelly announces today that he will form an exploratory committee in a bid for Illinois State Senate in Chicago. “2012 is too important to just stand on the sidelines. We have to get in the ring and fight back – whether than means in the media or in the political arena,” said Kelly, who ran for Illinois Comptroller in 2010.

In that statewide race, Kelly came in second in the GOP primary with 157,000 votes, more than any Republican candidate for Illinois governor (Proft, 59,000; Andrzejewski, 111,000; McKenna, 148,000; and Brady, 155,300).

Political commentator and columnist William J. Kelly pens the “Kelly Truth Squad” and “The Tea Party Report” for the Washington Times Communities and is a contributor to publications such as the American Spectator and Breitbart.com. He is a producer of Emmy award-winning TV and received an Emmy nomination for outstanding achievement on-camera. Kelly was previously the Executive Director of the National Taxpayers United of Illinois, a taxpayer watchdog group. A native Southsider, he currently resides in Chicago with his wife, Laura.

For more information, visit the website at www.williamjkelly4senate.com.

(Originally posted at Chicago Republican Party)

Ill. State Senator Chris Lauzen Friends: We Need your Survey Vote Now!‏

October 17, 2011 | Filed Under Chris Lauzen, Elections, GOP, Illinois, Republicans, Senate, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Ill. State Senator Chris Lauzen (24th District)…

Can you help us out? There is an online “non-scientific” poll being conducted for the next few hours. Here’s what you need to do: cut and paste www.geneva.patch.com, and you’ll see the “Patch Poll: If GOP Primary were today who would you vote for in the Kane County Chairman race?” VOTE for CHRIS LAUZEN.

On August 13, before more than 850 friends and supporters at our annual Porky Picnic, I announced that I would run for Kane County Board Chairman. I explained that my State Senate responsibilities will continue for the next year and a quarter and my focus remains on representing the 350,000 constituents within the 25th Senate District.

Just as I pledged in my first campaign, I promise to continue to “work hard, stay honest and use the same common sense that you do in your home and business.” My top three priorities, if elected to the Chairman role, will be to Freeze the County Property Tax Levy; Treat People Respectfully; and Honest Competent Administration through Innovation and Austerity.

Our campaign momentum continues to build. Email us at campaign@Lauzen.com to volunteer for a yard sign, telephone calls or Friend-to-Friend cards. There’s still time to help circulate Nominating Petitions, too.

Chris Lauzen
Ill. State Senate, 24th District

http://www.lauzen.com/

Senator Kirk, Congressman Kinzinger Respond to Super Committee’s Spectrum Question: “BRAC” the Spectrum

October 17, 2011 | Filed Under Adam Kinzinger, Business, Capitalism, Congress, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, GOP, Government, House of Representatives, Illinois, Jobs, Mark Kirk, Republicans, Senate, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, Illinois 11th District)…

Proposal Would Use Successful Military Base Closure Process to Identify and Auction Federal Spectrum for Deficit Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, four members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), and Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA)) sent a letter to President Obama, requesting a review of how Federally-owned spectrum can be used more effectively to increase public broadband access while paying down our debt.

In response, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) urged the Joint Select Committee Chairmen Patty Murray (D-WA) and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) to establish a process similar to the successful Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) procedure in order to identify which Federal spectrum should be auctioned for use by the private sector.
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Video Spotlight: Rep. Dold on Helping Small Businesses

October 17, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Congress, GOP, House of Representatives, Illinois, Jobs, Republicans, Robert Dold, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Robert Dold (Ill., 10th District)…

WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold (IL-10) released a video on five bills that passed through the Financial Services Subcommittee that will empower small businesses to gain more access to capital, which will in turn help them to expand and create jobs.

http://dold.house.gov/

Albracht for Senate Fundraising Success

October 17, 2011 | Filed Under Campaign Finance, GOP, Illinois, Republicans, Senate, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Albracht for Senate campaign…

Raises $33,048.05 in 3rd Quarter Campaign nearly triples 2nd quarter fundraising totals

MOLINE, IL–The Albracht for Senate campaign bolstered their momentum with an impressive third quarter fundraising haul.

After kicking off the campaign with an $11,043.01 fundraising total in the second quarter, the Albracht for Senate campaign nearly tripled that in the third quarter, raising $33.048.05.

Bill Albracht, Republican candidate for Illinois Senate in the 36th District, said he remains focused on winning next November.

“Once again, our campaign has shown impressive fundraising numbers,” Albracht said. “We will continue to work hard to raise money, but frankly, I’m prouder of the outreach we’ve done this quarter. We’ve met hundreds of people across the district, and they are begging for new representation in Springfield. They’re tired of high taxes, high unemployment, and fiscal irresponsibility. When I’m elected to the Illinois Senate next November, I will bring common sense leadership to Springfield so we can finally tackle these issues and save our state.”

Jon Schweppe, campaign manager for Albracht for Senate, said Albracht connects with voters on many different levels.

“I never cease to be amazed by how well Bill connects with the folks,” Schweppe said. “His message of job creation and fiscal responsibility speaks to both Republicans and Democrats alike, and his record of courage, leadership, and integrity is very impressive. I’m confident that if our campaign continues to put in the hard work of raising money and meeting the people of this district several times over, we will win this race next November.”

Schweppe also pointed out that Albracht has incredible grassroots support.

“The support for this campaign is very organic and real,” Schweppe said. “The vast majority of our donations come from individuals, while Senator Jacobs received nearly all of his money this quarter from special interest groups. It’s clear that while Springfield lobbyists may be fighting for Senator Jacobs, the people of the 36th District are behind Bill Albracht.”

For more information about Bill Albracht, visit our website at http://www.albrachtforsenate.com.

Roskam Applauds House Passage of the Coal Residuals and Management Act

October 16, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Coal, Congress, Energy, GOP, House of Representatives, Illinois, Peter Roskam, Republicans, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, Illinois 6th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2273 – the Coal Residuals and Management Act – a bill with bipartisan support that will allow coal combustion residuals to be used effectively and efficiently while protecting jobs:

“This bipartisan legislation is another commonsense solution to restore confidence in American businesses and workers. This is a regulatory solution that would protect jobs, keep electricity costs low, and keep construction material costs low. The construction and energy industries can’t grow and expand with regulations as these excessive these.

“Americans are looking for answers on how we can turn this economy around, and excessive regulations from Washington are only adding to that frustration. It is initiatives like these that will provide for the kind of certainty and pro-growth environment needed to get businesses hiring again and move our economy in the right direction.”

http://roskam.house.gov/

Ill. Policy Institute: Nearly 1/2 of IL teachers contribute nothing toward pensions‏

October 16, 2011 | Filed Under Budget, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

Did you know that when it comes to public school teachers in Illinois, paying their own way to retirement isn’t the norm? We took on the task to find out just how much taxpayers can save if all teachers were to pay their required share into the state pension system.

An investigation by the Illinois Policy Institute found that as the state grapples with a public pension shortfall in excess of $86 billion, teachers in nearly half of the state’s 867 public school districts contributed nothing from their weekly paychecks to their pensions. Instead, school districts – and by extension, taxpayers – paid the entire 9.4 percent employee contribution toward these teachers’ pensions, as well as the required employer contribution.

During the 2009-2010 school year alone, taxpayers across Illinois could have saved more than $400 million if teachers had paid their legally required share. Taxpayers deserve to have this $400 million back in their pockets. If you agree, go to our facebook page and like our latest post and leave a comment too. Click here and it will take you there.
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