Articles Archive
Schilling campaign’s poll shows him over Hare
07/21/2010
A poll conducted by Magellan Strategies for Bobby Schilling’s congressional campaign has him leading U.S. Rep. Phil Hare 45 percent to 32 percent.
The automated survey was conducted July 12 and more than 700 responses were then weighted to reflect historic county turnouts for the November election. The result is supposed to have a statistical margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
Hare’s campaign may question whether the poll was worded in a way that would tend to push responses in a specific direction. They also do not care for Magellan Strategies, which is considered a Republican firm.
The poll results still should be troubling for the incumbent. Even if this was not a toss-up polling unit, the Democrat leaning 17th District has been seen for the past eight years as a safe place for U.S. Rep. Lane Evans and now his successor. If a poll of any type can show a 13-point lead for a first-time GOP challenger, this represents a major sea change in the district's politics.
Source: http://www3.whig.com/whig/blogs/politicalblog/2010/07/schilling-campaigns-poll-shows-him-over-hare
The automated survey was conducted July 12 and more than 700 responses were then weighted to reflect historic county turnouts for the November election. The result is supposed to have a statistical margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
Hare’s campaign may question whether the poll was worded in a way that would tend to push responses in a specific direction. They also do not care for Magellan Strategies, which is considered a Republican firm.
The poll results still should be troubling for the incumbent. Even if this was not a toss-up polling unit, the Democrat leaning 17th District has been seen for the past eight years as a safe place for U.S. Rep. Lane Evans and now his successor. If a poll of any type can show a 13-point lead for a first-time GOP challenger, this represents a major sea change in the district's politics.
Source: http://www3.whig.com/whig/blogs/politicalblog/2010/07/schilling-campaigns-poll-shows-him-over-hare
Don't vote straight Democrat; take time get to know Schilling
07/13/2010
I am a 54-year-old registered Democrat. When I first started voting, I would always vote straight ticket. The union I belonged to always recommended that you vote Democrat. As I look back to my early years of voting, the Democratic Party was looking out for the good of the middle-class working man.
I do look at the individual now and I can see that all Democratic politicians are not looking out for the good of the working class. Phil Hare is a prime example. This man tells you of the jobs he has brought to the 17th District, when in fact we have lost jobs. Hare has never showed any fiscal responsibility and continues to vote on reckless spending bills. Hare is a proponent of cap & trade. If this passes, it will devastate business. Phil will vote any way his party wants him to, whether it is right or wrong. I do not know Phil personally; he may be a great guy, but his policies are not in the best interest of his people. That is why I urge all voters to look at the person, look at how he voted. Ask if our district and country are better off today and I think you will see it is time for a change. Take time to look at a man who has belonged to a union and is a small business owner: Bobby Schilling. I urge you to go ask Bobby the tough questions. I did askand I liked what he had to say. That is why I am a Democrat backing Schilling and I truly believe this man can get us back on track to jobs and fiscal responsibility.
Kevin Diederich,
East Moline
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=500598&query=bobby schilling
I do look at the individual now and I can see that all Democratic politicians are not looking out for the good of the working class. Phil Hare is a prime example. This man tells you of the jobs he has brought to the 17th District, when in fact we have lost jobs. Hare has never showed any fiscal responsibility and continues to vote on reckless spending bills. Hare is a proponent of cap & trade. If this passes, it will devastate business. Phil will vote any way his party wants him to, whether it is right or wrong. I do not know Phil personally; he may be a great guy, but his policies are not in the best interest of his people. That is why I urge all voters to look at the person, look at how he voted. Ask if our district and country are better off today and I think you will see it is time for a change. Take time to look at a man who has belonged to a union and is a small business owner: Bobby Schilling. I urge you to go ask Bobby the tough questions. I did askand I liked what he had to say. That is why I am a Democrat backing Schilling and I truly believe this man can get us back on track to jobs and fiscal responsibility.
Kevin Diederich,
East Moline
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=500598&query=bobby schilling
Union members says it's time for change; he's backing Schilling
06/26/2010
In response to the June 13 leter, "Demonstrate solidarity, support Hare in November," I would like to submit the following:
I 'm also a member of a union, however I have lived in the 17th Congressional District for more than 40 years. During that time Phil Hare's party has controlled our district. In those 40 years we have lost union jobs at the Rock Island railroad, International Harvester, J. I. Case, Case-New Holland, Eagle Food Stores, Eagle Warehouse, Maytag, Quad Cities Die Casting, Seaford Clothing, John Deere Foundry and a number of other union jobs at John Deere. This is just to name a few.
Therefore, as a union member I cannot see that Mr. Hare and his party have done much for the unions. Maybe it is time we try someone new. Therefore, I support Bobby Schilling and ask other union members to join me. Schilling is a small business owner with good moral values who will help change the status quo.
Jerry Jeter,
Silvis
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=498817&query=bobby schilling
I 'm also a member of a union, however I have lived in the 17th Congressional District for more than 40 years. During that time Phil Hare's party has controlled our district. In those 40 years we have lost union jobs at the Rock Island railroad, International Harvester, J. I. Case, Case-New Holland, Eagle Food Stores, Eagle Warehouse, Maytag, Quad Cities Die Casting, Seaford Clothing, John Deere Foundry and a number of other union jobs at John Deere. This is just to name a few.
Therefore, as a union member I cannot see that Mr. Hare and his party have done much for the unions. Maybe it is time we try someone new. Therefore, I support Bobby Schilling and ask other union members to join me. Schilling is a small business owner with good moral values who will help change the status quo.
Jerry Jeter,
Silvis
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=498817&query=bobby schilling
Schilling says he's sure winner in congressional race
06/04/2010
Republican candidate Bobby Schilling declared Wednesday he's a sure winner in this fall's 17th Congressional District race.
His opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, is not ready to hand over that seat.
Both candidates sat down Wednesday for separate sessions with the editorial board at The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.
"I do believe I will get elected," Mr. Schilling said early on, asserting his campaign will present "a ground game like no one has ever seen."
Rep. Hare said he is poised for the challenge, whatever the outcome.
"I love this work, and if Ican walk out with my head up knowing I did the best I could possibly do, I'm in a very good place...," he said. "I'm proud of what we've done, and we have more to do."
Mr. Schilling said he will challenge Rep. Hare to three debates during August, September and October, as long as they're held on "neutral ground," specifically outside of any local union hall, he said. He said he has not yet contacted Rep. Hare about debates.
Rep. Hare welcomes the opportunity, but not necessarily on Mr. Schilling's timeline or terms, and he's only interested in discussing "the issues," he said.
"I have no trouble debating Mr. Schilling. I don't know what my schedule will be in September or October, because Ihave a job to do," he said. "But I would hope by that time he actually starts focusing on issues. I haven't heard anything yet. I'm happy to talk to him about issues if he has them.
"I've never met him and don't have anything bad to say about (Mr. Schilling) as a person, but I wish we could just get to the issues."
The issues Rep. Hare said are important to him include job creation, veterans affairs, cutting spending and improving his district's crumbling infrastructure, such as its aging bridges and locks along the Mississippi River.
Congress can and is spearheading growth in these areas, he said.
It does so with legislation that creates jobs, for instance, by providing tax incentives to corporations and small businesses that expand and hire new employees and providing grants to local municipalities to hire emergency personnel.
He also highlighted legislation that would create aid for homeless veterans and those returning home with stress disorders and legislation that bankrolls new veterans clinics like the one Rep. Hare said is coming to Sterling-Rock Falls this year.
Mr. Schilling said the federal government needs to step out of the way.
"We have watched our liberties and freedoms being stripped away," he said. "We are coming to take our government back. I continue to look for anything the government does that has not ended up bankrupt and broke."
Regarding job creation, "The government needs to get out of the way and let the private sector fix it," he said. "I believe in a small government with a small role."
Mr. Schilling's top priorities in Congress would be to cut federal spending and create jobs, he said. The committees he would like to serve on include those dedicated to job creation, veterans and/or agriculture, he said.
The general election is Nov. 2. Roger Davis, a Green Party candidate, will be on the congressional ballot along with Rep. Hare and Mr. Schilling.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=495600
His opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, is not ready to hand over that seat.
Both candidates sat down Wednesday for separate sessions with the editorial board at The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.
"I do believe I will get elected," Mr. Schilling said early on, asserting his campaign will present "a ground game like no one has ever seen."
Rep. Hare said he is poised for the challenge, whatever the outcome.
"I love this work, and if Ican walk out with my head up knowing I did the best I could possibly do, I'm in a very good place...," he said. "I'm proud of what we've done, and we have more to do."
Mr. Schilling said he will challenge Rep. Hare to three debates during August, September and October, as long as they're held on "neutral ground," specifically outside of any local union hall, he said. He said he has not yet contacted Rep. Hare about debates.
Rep. Hare welcomes the opportunity, but not necessarily on Mr. Schilling's timeline or terms, and he's only interested in discussing "the issues," he said.
"I have no trouble debating Mr. Schilling. I don't know what my schedule will be in September or October, because Ihave a job to do," he said. "But I would hope by that time he actually starts focusing on issues. I haven't heard anything yet. I'm happy to talk to him about issues if he has them.
"I've never met him and don't have anything bad to say about (Mr. Schilling) as a person, but I wish we could just get to the issues."
The issues Rep. Hare said are important to him include job creation, veterans affairs, cutting spending and improving his district's crumbling infrastructure, such as its aging bridges and locks along the Mississippi River.
Congress can and is spearheading growth in these areas, he said.
It does so with legislation that creates jobs, for instance, by providing tax incentives to corporations and small businesses that expand and hire new employees and providing grants to local municipalities to hire emergency personnel.
He also highlighted legislation that would create aid for homeless veterans and those returning home with stress disorders and legislation that bankrolls new veterans clinics like the one Rep. Hare said is coming to Sterling-Rock Falls this year.
Mr. Schilling said the federal government needs to step out of the way.
"We have watched our liberties and freedoms being stripped away," he said. "We are coming to take our government back. I continue to look for anything the government does that has not ended up bankrupt and broke."
Regarding job creation, "The government needs to get out of the way and let the private sector fix it," he said. "I believe in a small government with a small role."
Mr. Schilling's top priorities in Congress would be to cut federal spending and create jobs, he said. The committees he would like to serve on include those dedicated to job creation, veterans and/or agriculture, he said.
The general election is Nov. 2. Roger Davis, a Green Party candidate, will be on the congressional ballot along with Rep. Hare and Mr. Schilling.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=495600
Joe the Plumber draws a crowd in New Windsor
05/31/2010
NEW WINDSOR — More than 200 people attended a fundraiser in New Windsor for the Bobby Schilling campaign Saturday that featured Joe the Plumber as the guest of honor.
Schilling is the Republican candidate for the 17th Congressional District seat that will be contested in the November general Election. He will face the incumbent Phil Hare, D-Rock Island.
Joe the Plumber, whose real name is Samuel Wurzelbacher, endorsed Schilling at the New Windsor fundraiser. Tickets for the event, which was at the Big Red Barn, were priced at $100 a person or $150 for a couple.
Wurzelbacher said he supports Schilling and that voters need “to get educated about their choices in November,” according to the Schilling campaign.
“Bobby wants to do his best to fix this country,” Wurzelbacher said. “I vetted him quite heavily and I know that he is a mover and a shaker. He can get things done in Washington.”
Schilling, a political newcomer who owns a pizzeria and is a native of Rock Island, said he was happy to have received Wurzelbacher’s backing.
“Joe represents the average American and the typical voter of the 17th District,” Schilling said in a prepared statement. “Our values match up well. I’m glad to get his support. We are going to work our fingers to the bone to get this job done. This is just too important to let our nation continue down the same path of higher debt, higher taxes and less jobs.”
Wurzelbacher, a resident of Ohio, came to prominence during the 2008 presidential campaign when he questioned then-candidate Barack Obama about his tax policies in an exchange that was caught by TV cameras.
He then campaigned for Republican candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain and has also published a book about his experiences and is often invited to speak at conservative events.
Schilling’s campaign manager, Terry Schilling, said the campaign picked New Windsor as a venue for the fundraiser as it was in between the Quad Cities and Galesburg, making it easy for supporters from around the district to travel to the event.
Source: http://www.galesburg.com/news/x289837379/Joe-the-Plumber-draws-a-crowd-in-New-Windsor
Schilling is the Republican candidate for the 17th Congressional District seat that will be contested in the November general Election. He will face the incumbent Phil Hare, D-Rock Island.
Joe the Plumber, whose real name is Samuel Wurzelbacher, endorsed Schilling at the New Windsor fundraiser. Tickets for the event, which was at the Big Red Barn, were priced at $100 a person or $150 for a couple.
Wurzelbacher said he supports Schilling and that voters need “to get educated about their choices in November,” according to the Schilling campaign.
“Bobby wants to do his best to fix this country,” Wurzelbacher said. “I vetted him quite heavily and I know that he is a mover and a shaker. He can get things done in Washington.”
Schilling, a political newcomer who owns a pizzeria and is a native of Rock Island, said he was happy to have received Wurzelbacher’s backing.
“Joe represents the average American and the typical voter of the 17th District,” Schilling said in a prepared statement. “Our values match up well. I’m glad to get his support. We are going to work our fingers to the bone to get this job done. This is just too important to let our nation continue down the same path of higher debt, higher taxes and less jobs.”
Wurzelbacher, a resident of Ohio, came to prominence during the 2008 presidential campaign when he questioned then-candidate Barack Obama about his tax policies in an exchange that was caught by TV cameras.
He then campaigned for Republican candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain and has also published a book about his experiences and is often invited to speak at conservative events.
Schilling’s campaign manager, Terry Schilling, said the campaign picked New Windsor as a venue for the fundraiser as it was in between the Quad Cities and Galesburg, making it easy for supporters from around the district to travel to the event.
Source: http://www.galesburg.com/news/x289837379/Joe-the-Plumber-draws-a-crowd-in-New-Windsor
Letter: We can't replace Obama, but we can replace Congress this fall
05/31/2010
Most of us have heard the phrase "fundamental transformation of America." President Obama first used it while running for election and he has used it several times since. Passage of the stimulus bill and health care reform, against the will of the public, has taught us what transformation of America really means. The unmistakable lesson is our representative republic is on life support when the people we send to Washington become disconnected from those they are sworn to serve.
While Obama takes credit for fundamentally transforming America, the truth is liberals/progressives have been doing it for decades. No president can do this alone. It takes a Congress to incrementally transform America and since the election of 2008, the process has been running at hyper speed, demonstrating that ideology trumps the will of the people. When members of the Senate and House of Representatives are there too long, they become detached from the public and we see how the will of the people is ignored.
We can't replace Obama until 2012, but we can replace Congress this fall, including here in the 17th District by electing Bobby Schilling as our representative in Washington. Mr. Schilling will act to reverse exploding deficits accompanied by runaway spending. He will listen to his constituents and he will introduce legislation to limit the terms members of Congress can serve.
No matter what your kitchen table politics might be, I urge you to elect Bobby Schilling to Congress this November in order to get this nation back to the foundation of a representative republic.
Jeffrey H. Rice,
Rock Island
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=494326&query=bobby schilling
While Obama takes credit for fundamentally transforming America, the truth is liberals/progressives have been doing it for decades. No president can do this alone. It takes a Congress to incrementally transform America and since the election of 2008, the process has been running at hyper speed, demonstrating that ideology trumps the will of the people. When members of the Senate and House of Representatives are there too long, they become detached from the public and we see how the will of the people is ignored.
We can't replace Obama until 2012, but we can replace Congress this fall, including here in the 17th District by electing Bobby Schilling as our representative in Washington. Mr. Schilling will act to reverse exploding deficits accompanied by runaway spending. He will listen to his constituents and he will introduce legislation to limit the terms members of Congress can serve.
No matter what your kitchen table politics might be, I urge you to elect Bobby Schilling to Congress this November in order to get this nation back to the foundation of a representative republic.
Jeffrey H. Rice,
Rock Island
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=494326&query=bobby schilling
Ranking Those 99 House Races by Degree of Difficulty for GOP Challengers
05/06/2010
Here are my 99 races, grouped into five levels of difficulty. I’ve used three different measurements – the Department of Homeland Security’s old color-code alert system, a comparable degree of difficulty to beating NFL teams, and a quick assessment.
BLUE/AS HARD AS BEATING THE ST. LOUIS RAMS/CHALLENGERS CAN THINK ABOUT OFFICE DRAPES:
Paul Hodes’s open seat in New Hampshire, Eric Massa’s open seat in New York, John Tanner’s open seat in Tennessee, Bart Gordon’s open seat in Tennessee, Marion Berry’s open seat in Arkansas, Vic Snyder’s open seat in Arkansas, Charlie Melancon’s open seat in Louisiana, Betsy Markey in Colorado, Suzanne Kosmas in Florida, Phil Hare in Illinois, Frank Kratovil in Maryland, Carol Shea-Porter in New Hampshire, Earl Pomeroy in North Dakota. (13)
GREEN/AS HARD AS BEATING THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS/SHOULD BE GOP WINS:
Dennis Moore’s open seat in Kansas, Bobby Bright in Alabama, Dave Obey’s open seat in Wisconsin, Ann Kirkpatrick in Arizona, John Salazar in Colorado, Allen Boyd in Florida, Alan Grayson in Florida, Walt Minnick in Idaho, Debbie Halvorson in Illinois, Baron Hill in Indiana, Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Travis Childers in Mississippi, Dina Titus in Nevada, Harry Teague in New Mexico, John Boccieri in Ohio, Zach Space in Ohio, Charlie Wilson in Ohio, Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio, Steve Driehaus in Ohio, Paul Kanjorski in Pennsylvania, Kathy Dahlkemper in Pennsylvania, John Spratt in South Carolina, Glenn Nye in Virginia, Rick Boucher in Virginia, Tom Perriello in Virginia, Allan Mollohan in West Virginia. (26)
YELLOW/AS HARD AS BEATING THE CAROLINA PANTHERS/PROBABLY CLOSE TO 50/50 RIGHT NOW:
The special election for John Murtha’s district in Pennsylvania, the special election for Neil Abercrombie’s seat in Hawaii, Brad Ellsworth’s open seat in Indiana, Joe Sestak’s open seat in Pennsylvania, Gabby Giffords in Arizona, Harry Mitchell in Arizona, Ron Klein in Florida, John Barrow in Georgia, Jim Marshall in Georgia, Bill Foster in Illinois, Ben Chandler in Kentucky, Mark Schauer in Michigan, Gary Peters in Michigan, Ike Skelton in Missouri, Shelley Berkeley in Nevada, John Adler in New Jersey, Martin Heinrich in New Mexico, Michael Arcuri in New York, John Hall in New York, Bill Owens in New York, Tim Bishop in New York, Larry Kissell in North Carolina, Mike McIntyre in North Carolina, Heath Shuler in North Carolina, Betty Sutton in Ohio, Jason Altmire in Pennsylvania, Chris Carney in Pennsylvania, Patrick Murphy in Pennsylvania, Tim Holden in Pennsylvania, Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin in South Dakota, Lincoln Davis in Tennessee, Nick Rahall in West Virginia, Steve Kagen in Wisconsin. (33)
ORANGE/AS HARD AS BEATING THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES/AT THIS POINT, COULD USE SOME LUCK:
Bill Delahunt’s open seat in Massachusetts, Brian Baird’s open seat in Washington, Bart Stupak’s open seat in Michigan, Mike Ross in Arkansas, Loretta Sanchez in California, Jerry McNerney in California, Bob Filner in California, Ed Perlmutter in Colorado, Jim Himes in Connecticut, Chris Murphy in Connecticut, Melissa Bean in Illinois, Leonard Boswell in Iowa, Dave Loebsack in Iowa, Gene Taylor in Mississippi, Rush Holt in New Jersey, Mike McMahon in New York, Kurt Schrader in Oregon, Chet Edwards in Texas, Ciro Rodriguez in Texas, Jim Matheson in Utah, Gerry Connolly in Virginia. (21)
RED/AS HARD AS BEATING THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS/NEED A WAVE AND SOME LUCK:
Patrick Kennedy’s open seat in Rhode Island, Stephen Lynch in Massachusetts, Frank Pallone in New Jersey, Dan Maffei in New York, Dan Boren in Oklahoma, David Wu in Oregon. (6)
Obviously, someone will quibble about the rankings, and argue that this race could be up a notch or down a notch. This is my gut assessment based on what we know at this moment; there’s still six months of changing events and campaigning to go. Inevitably, every GOP challenger in a blue-level race will insist they’re not thinking about office drapes yet; every one in an orange or red race will argue they’re closer to victory than the above grouping would suggest.
And yes, Redskins fans, all NFL team assessments are based on last year’s editions.
Source: http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/47049/ranking-those-99-house-races-degree-difficulty-gop-challengers
BLUE/AS HARD AS BEATING THE ST. LOUIS RAMS/CHALLENGERS CAN THINK ABOUT OFFICE DRAPES:
Paul Hodes’s open seat in New Hampshire, Eric Massa’s open seat in New York, John Tanner’s open seat in Tennessee, Bart Gordon’s open seat in Tennessee, Marion Berry’s open seat in Arkansas, Vic Snyder’s open seat in Arkansas, Charlie Melancon’s open seat in Louisiana, Betsy Markey in Colorado, Suzanne Kosmas in Florida, Phil Hare in Illinois, Frank Kratovil in Maryland, Carol Shea-Porter in New Hampshire, Earl Pomeroy in North Dakota. (13)
GREEN/AS HARD AS BEATING THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS/SHOULD BE GOP WINS:
Dennis Moore’s open seat in Kansas, Bobby Bright in Alabama, Dave Obey’s open seat in Wisconsin, Ann Kirkpatrick in Arizona, John Salazar in Colorado, Allen Boyd in Florida, Alan Grayson in Florida, Walt Minnick in Idaho, Debbie Halvorson in Illinois, Baron Hill in Indiana, Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Travis Childers in Mississippi, Dina Titus in Nevada, Harry Teague in New Mexico, John Boccieri in Ohio, Zach Space in Ohio, Charlie Wilson in Ohio, Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio, Steve Driehaus in Ohio, Paul Kanjorski in Pennsylvania, Kathy Dahlkemper in Pennsylvania, John Spratt in South Carolina, Glenn Nye in Virginia, Rick Boucher in Virginia, Tom Perriello in Virginia, Allan Mollohan in West Virginia. (26)
YELLOW/AS HARD AS BEATING THE CAROLINA PANTHERS/PROBABLY CLOSE TO 50/50 RIGHT NOW:
The special election for John Murtha’s district in Pennsylvania, the special election for Neil Abercrombie’s seat in Hawaii, Brad Ellsworth’s open seat in Indiana, Joe Sestak’s open seat in Pennsylvania, Gabby Giffords in Arizona, Harry Mitchell in Arizona, Ron Klein in Florida, John Barrow in Georgia, Jim Marshall in Georgia, Bill Foster in Illinois, Ben Chandler in Kentucky, Mark Schauer in Michigan, Gary Peters in Michigan, Ike Skelton in Missouri, Shelley Berkeley in Nevada, John Adler in New Jersey, Martin Heinrich in New Mexico, Michael Arcuri in New York, John Hall in New York, Bill Owens in New York, Tim Bishop in New York, Larry Kissell in North Carolina, Mike McIntyre in North Carolina, Heath Shuler in North Carolina, Betty Sutton in Ohio, Jason Altmire in Pennsylvania, Chris Carney in Pennsylvania, Patrick Murphy in Pennsylvania, Tim Holden in Pennsylvania, Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin in South Dakota, Lincoln Davis in Tennessee, Nick Rahall in West Virginia, Steve Kagen in Wisconsin. (33)
ORANGE/AS HARD AS BEATING THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES/AT THIS POINT, COULD USE SOME LUCK:
Bill Delahunt’s open seat in Massachusetts, Brian Baird’s open seat in Washington, Bart Stupak’s open seat in Michigan, Mike Ross in Arkansas, Loretta Sanchez in California, Jerry McNerney in California, Bob Filner in California, Ed Perlmutter in Colorado, Jim Himes in Connecticut, Chris Murphy in Connecticut, Melissa Bean in Illinois, Leonard Boswell in Iowa, Dave Loebsack in Iowa, Gene Taylor in Mississippi, Rush Holt in New Jersey, Mike McMahon in New York, Kurt Schrader in Oregon, Chet Edwards in Texas, Ciro Rodriguez in Texas, Jim Matheson in Utah, Gerry Connolly in Virginia. (21)
RED/AS HARD AS BEATING THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS/NEED A WAVE AND SOME LUCK:
Patrick Kennedy’s open seat in Rhode Island, Stephen Lynch in Massachusetts, Frank Pallone in New Jersey, Dan Maffei in New York, Dan Boren in Oklahoma, David Wu in Oregon. (6)
Obviously, someone will quibble about the rankings, and argue that this race could be up a notch or down a notch. This is my gut assessment based on what we know at this moment; there’s still six months of changing events and campaigning to go. Inevitably, every GOP challenger in a blue-level race will insist they’re not thinking about office drapes yet; every one in an orange or red race will argue they’re closer to victory than the above grouping would suggest.
And yes, Redskins fans, all NFL team assessments are based on last year’s editions.
Source: http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/47049/ranking-those-99-house-races-degree-difficulty-gop-challengers
Residents rally at Tax Day Tea Party: About 175 gather to voice concern about the future of nation
04/17/2010
STERLING – Sauk Valley Tea Party enthusiasts were blessed with picture-perfect weather Thursday evening as they gathered in downtown Sterling to voice their unhappiness with the current state of government.
About 175 tea partiers rallied at Dale Park near the Depot in the 200 block of Locust Street. Some carried signs, others waved flags. A handful wore red, white and blue, with patriotic garlands draped around their necks.
Tea Party members rallied here and nationwide on April 15, Tax Day, primarily because of their discontent with the pace of local, state and federal government spending.
Unlike the Tea Party rally in Rockford last week, many present for the Sauk Valley gathering expressed a common message and voiced similar concerns. There seemed to be a united message of support for returning to the principles of the Constitution – what many in attendance said the Founding Fathers intended.
Amanda Norris, a Sauk Valley Tea Party coordinator, said she is not happy with the view of either the current and or former administration. She fears the path the nation is on is leading the country away from what was intended, she said.
“The Constitution is what the country was founded on. It is an incredible document, and our Founding Fathers were absolutely brilliant,” Norris said. “It’s time to go back to those core principles, and put us back on the right track.”
Bobby Schilling is a Colona Republican seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Phil Hare in the 17th District come November. Local Tea Party organizers invited him to attend.
The sentiments expressed by the Tea Party are part of a grass-roots movement that is stirring the nation, Schilling said.
He said he hopes to see the creation of long-term, private-sector jobs to improve the economy and establish lasting economic change.
“We need to create jobs which create taxes, and put people back to work and get the economy thriving,” Schilling said.
Rallygoer Craig Dusing, of Sterling, said he favors cutting spending and reducing the federal deficit, a message that was displayed on the sign he carried.
“Deficits are unsustainable, debt is unsustainable,” Dusing said. “Everybody knows. You can’t spend five dollars when you only bring in three.”
He said he supports political candidates who respect the Constitution and believe in limiting government.
Norris said the group’s e-mail lists reaches 300 registered users. She expects that number to grow, as the group attracted new supporters at Thursday’s event, she said.
Source: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2010/04/16/32168905/index.xml
About 175 tea partiers rallied at Dale Park near the Depot in the 200 block of Locust Street. Some carried signs, others waved flags. A handful wore red, white and blue, with patriotic garlands draped around their necks.
Tea Party members rallied here and nationwide on April 15, Tax Day, primarily because of their discontent with the pace of local, state and federal government spending.
Unlike the Tea Party rally in Rockford last week, many present for the Sauk Valley gathering expressed a common message and voiced similar concerns. There seemed to be a united message of support for returning to the principles of the Constitution – what many in attendance said the Founding Fathers intended.
Amanda Norris, a Sauk Valley Tea Party coordinator, said she is not happy with the view of either the current and or former administration. She fears the path the nation is on is leading the country away from what was intended, she said.
“The Constitution is what the country was founded on. It is an incredible document, and our Founding Fathers were absolutely brilliant,” Norris said. “It’s time to go back to those core principles, and put us back on the right track.”
Bobby Schilling is a Colona Republican seeking to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Phil Hare in the 17th District come November. Local Tea Party organizers invited him to attend.
The sentiments expressed by the Tea Party are part of a grass-roots movement that is stirring the nation, Schilling said.
He said he hopes to see the creation of long-term, private-sector jobs to improve the economy and establish lasting economic change.
“We need to create jobs which create taxes, and put people back to work and get the economy thriving,” Schilling said.
Rallygoer Craig Dusing, of Sterling, said he favors cutting spending and reducing the federal deficit, a message that was displayed on the sign he carried.
“Deficits are unsustainable, debt is unsustainable,” Dusing said. “Everybody knows. You can’t spend five dollars when you only bring in three.”
He said he supports political candidates who respect the Constitution and believe in limiting government.
Norris said the group’s e-mail lists reaches 300 registered users. She expects that number to grow, as the group attracted new supporters at Thursday’s event, she said.
Source: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2010/04/16/32168905/index.xml
Schilling cuts gap on Hare
04/17/2010
U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., raised more money in the first quarter than his Republican opponent, Bobby Schilling. But the gap has narrowed.
Hare raised $114,598 in contributions, while Schilling took in $72,402. The $42,000 gap is about half what it was in the fourth quarter of 2009.
All but about $14,000 of Hare's money came from political action committees, while Schilling got practically all of his from individuals.
Hare continues to hold a sizeable lead in cash on hand.
Hare had $745,079 in the bank as of March 30, compared with $109,685 for Schilling.
In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, raised $210,192 for the quarter.
He had $623,736 in the bank.
He continues to hold a healthy lead over the four Republicans who want to replace him.
In that group, Ben Lange is the leader. He raised $34,310 for the quarter and had $27,713 in the bank. Jim Budde, of Bellevue, raised $2,535 and had $1,791 in the bank. There were no reports on the FEC Web site Friday for Will Johnson, of Dubuque, or Mike LaCoste, of Waterloo.
Reports are required if a candidate raises or spends at least $5,000.
Source: http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/article_fd2aab18-49d5-11df-96cd-001cc4c03286.html
Hare raised $114,598 in contributions, while Schilling took in $72,402. The $42,000 gap is about half what it was in the fourth quarter of 2009.
All but about $14,000 of Hare's money came from political action committees, while Schilling got practically all of his from individuals.
Hare continues to hold a sizeable lead in cash on hand.
Hare had $745,079 in the bank as of March 30, compared with $109,685 for Schilling.
In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, raised $210,192 for the quarter.
He had $623,736 in the bank.
He continues to hold a healthy lead over the four Republicans who want to replace him.
In that group, Ben Lange is the leader. He raised $34,310 for the quarter and had $27,713 in the bank. Jim Budde, of Bellevue, raised $2,535 and had $1,791 in the bank. There were no reports on the FEC Web site Friday for Will Johnson, of Dubuque, or Mike LaCoste, of Waterloo.
Reports are required if a candidate raises or spends at least $5,000.
Source: http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/article_fd2aab18-49d5-11df-96cd-001cc4c03286.html
Schilling Candidacy Spurs Involvement
04/17/2010
I’ve never been involved in politics. However, after more than a year of seeing what’s being done to our country with the government takeover of health care, wasteful spending of money with the stimulus bill that didn’t create jobs as we were told it would, possible legal rights for non-U.S. citizen terrorists, and the possible move of those terrorists to our state or our country, just to name a few issues, it’s motivated me to get involved to do anything I can to stop this madness.
Fortunately, for our district, District 17, I found out that we have a choice this coming November and that is for Bobby Schilling, (www.bobby2010.com). I recently met Schilling and I’m going to do what I can to help him defeat our current congressman, Phil Hare, who didn’t “worry” about the Constitution when he voted for this government takeover of health care that would for the first time require us to buy something (health insurance) and have the IRS as the agency to verify it, enforce it, and confiscate tax returns.
James Sprakties
Morrison
Source: http://qctimes.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_b9ab1e7c-4917-11df-96cf-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story
Fortunately, for our district, District 17, I found out that we have a choice this coming November and that is for Bobby Schilling, (www.bobby2010.com). I recently met Schilling and I’m going to do what I can to help him defeat our current congressman, Phil Hare, who didn’t “worry” about the Constitution when he voted for this government takeover of health care that would for the first time require us to buy something (health insurance) and have the IRS as the agency to verify it, enforce it, and confiscate tax returns.
James Sprakties
Morrison
Source: http://qctimes.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_b9ab1e7c-4917-11df-96cf-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story
GITMO North is the Worst Option on the Table
03/27/2010
By Bobby Schilling
On Monday, Politico reported that South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham was in negotiations with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on a plan to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and transfer the terrorist detainees to a prison in Thomson, Illinois. With all due respect to the Senator, there are some particular details about Illinois facility he should know.
On January 6, 2010, three prisoners escaped from the Tri-County Detention Center in Ullin, IL. Local schools were immediately closed and communities were put on alert, as the federal prisoners were considered “armed and dangerous.” It seems these three prisoners are still free and on the run.
Yet, just two months prior, Illinois liberals in Congress were pushing to move Guantanamo Bay detainees to a prison in Thomson, Illinois. With three inmates escaping from a federal prison in the same state, one would think that it would make the Thomson prison deal radioactive.
If this issue isn’t radioactive now, it should be.
Press reports about the Thomson facility note repeatedly that it is in “rural” Illinois. What they don’t mention is the Thomson prison is just 25 miles away from a nuclear power plant. Worse, the prison is only 50 miles away from one of the largest military arsenals in the United States.
I could think of a few better places to put Al-Qaeda terrorists.
I know that politicians like to jump into things without thinking about it first, especially when federal dollars are involved, but we as citizens should have a few questions answered before they decide to put terrorists within 25 miles of a nuclear plant.
First, Guantanamo Bay is almost impossible to get to. If one were to actually break out of the facility, there is just about nowhere to go. Still, we should know if there have been prison-break attempts. Have allies of the terrorists tried to organize a strike against the facility? Why does it make sense to move terrorists to the middle of America, where there is easy access and open country to flee into?
Second, Kansas and Michigan chose to turn the same deal down. What was their reasoning for their rejection of Gitmo North? What information were they given that made them turn down the claimed 3,000 high-paying jobs? After all, isn’t Michigan’s economy much worse than that of Illinois?
Third, why is Illinois selling the prison to the feds at a fraction of the cost of its worth? Especially during a time when Gov. Quinn is releasing prisoners due to overcrowding. Aren’t we going to have to build another prison to fix the overcrowding problem? How much will that cost?
Furthermore, the politicians have coated this proposal in honey, by promising 3,000 high paid jobs. Providing 3,000 jobs is going to cost a lot of money. The median pay for a federal prison guard is around $30,000 a year. That means that this plan is going to cost taxpayers over $90 million a year to house terrorists on our own soil.
Even more, according to a public memo released from Congressman Don Manzullo’s office, the 3,000 jobs will not be given out to locals or people in the surrounding area. In fact, it is estimated that 1,500 of these jobs will be filled by the U.S. Army. The politicians are also not telling the public about the special requirements needed to be a federal prison guard. Instead they act like these jobs are going to be handed out like candy at the Fourth of July parade.
Last, how will transferring prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to Illinois, make our country safer? Is a name and location change going to make our enemies hate us less? Even if Guantanamo Bay is erased from history, Al-Qaeda terrorists will still be busy recruiting more and more terrorists to attack America.
In a recent statement, Rep. Phil Hare, my opponent in November, smeared me for choosing “fear mongering” over a promised 3,000 jobs. Am I fear mongering? I guess you could call it that. I fear putting a terrorist prison next to a nuclear power plant and a massive military arsenal. I fear surrendering one of our state prisons to the feds could result in more criminals being turned loose because of overcrowding in other facilities. And, I fear for my ten children and wonder what kind of America they will inherit from my generation.
It is sad to note that some politicians are more concerned with making a headline about bringing jobs, rather than our own security.
Bottom line: even if the promised 3,000 jobs actually materialized, it is not worth the thousands of lives we are putting at risk by bringing Al Queda terrorists onto our turf.
Again, Sen. Graham, please stop trying to negotiate away our security in Illinois. In return, when I’m elected to Congress in November, I promise to not try to move terrorists to Charleston.
Source: http://biggovernment.com/bschilling/2010/03/03/gitmo-north-is-the-worst-option-on-the-table/#more-83726
On Monday, Politico reported that South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham was in negotiations with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on a plan to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and transfer the terrorist detainees to a prison in Thomson, Illinois. With all due respect to the Senator, there are some particular details about Illinois facility he should know.
On January 6, 2010, three prisoners escaped from the Tri-County Detention Center in Ullin, IL. Local schools were immediately closed and communities were put on alert, as the federal prisoners were considered “armed and dangerous.” It seems these three prisoners are still free and on the run.
Yet, just two months prior, Illinois liberals in Congress were pushing to move Guantanamo Bay detainees to a prison in Thomson, Illinois. With three inmates escaping from a federal prison in the same state, one would think that it would make the Thomson prison deal radioactive.
If this issue isn’t radioactive now, it should be.
Press reports about the Thomson facility note repeatedly that it is in “rural” Illinois. What they don’t mention is the Thomson prison is just 25 miles away from a nuclear power plant. Worse, the prison is only 50 miles away from one of the largest military arsenals in the United States.
I could think of a few better places to put Al-Qaeda terrorists.
I know that politicians like to jump into things without thinking about it first, especially when federal dollars are involved, but we as citizens should have a few questions answered before they decide to put terrorists within 25 miles of a nuclear plant.
First, Guantanamo Bay is almost impossible to get to. If one were to actually break out of the facility, there is just about nowhere to go. Still, we should know if there have been prison-break attempts. Have allies of the terrorists tried to organize a strike against the facility? Why does it make sense to move terrorists to the middle of America, where there is easy access and open country to flee into?
Second, Kansas and Michigan chose to turn the same deal down. What was their reasoning for their rejection of Gitmo North? What information were they given that made them turn down the claimed 3,000 high-paying jobs? After all, isn’t Michigan’s economy much worse than that of Illinois?
Third, why is Illinois selling the prison to the feds at a fraction of the cost of its worth? Especially during a time when Gov. Quinn is releasing prisoners due to overcrowding. Aren’t we going to have to build another prison to fix the overcrowding problem? How much will that cost?
Furthermore, the politicians have coated this proposal in honey, by promising 3,000 high paid jobs. Providing 3,000 jobs is going to cost a lot of money. The median pay for a federal prison guard is around $30,000 a year. That means that this plan is going to cost taxpayers over $90 million a year to house terrorists on our own soil.
Even more, according to a public memo released from Congressman Don Manzullo’s office, the 3,000 jobs will not be given out to locals or people in the surrounding area. In fact, it is estimated that 1,500 of these jobs will be filled by the U.S. Army. The politicians are also not telling the public about the special requirements needed to be a federal prison guard. Instead they act like these jobs are going to be handed out like candy at the Fourth of July parade.
Last, how will transferring prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to Illinois, make our country safer? Is a name and location change going to make our enemies hate us less? Even if Guantanamo Bay is erased from history, Al-Qaeda terrorists will still be busy recruiting more and more terrorists to attack America.
In a recent statement, Rep. Phil Hare, my opponent in November, smeared me for choosing “fear mongering” over a promised 3,000 jobs. Am I fear mongering? I guess you could call it that. I fear putting a terrorist prison next to a nuclear power plant and a massive military arsenal. I fear surrendering one of our state prisons to the feds could result in more criminals being turned loose because of overcrowding in other facilities. And, I fear for my ten children and wonder what kind of America they will inherit from my generation.
It is sad to note that some politicians are more concerned with making a headline about bringing jobs, rather than our own security.
Bottom line: even if the promised 3,000 jobs actually materialized, it is not worth the thousands of lives we are putting at risk by bringing Al Queda terrorists onto our turf.
Again, Sen. Graham, please stop trying to negotiate away our security in Illinois. In return, when I’m elected to Congress in November, I promise to not try to move terrorists to Charleston.
Source: http://biggovernment.com/bschilling/2010/03/03/gitmo-north-is-the-worst-option-on-the-table/#more-83726
Don't 'Slaughter" the Healthcare Bill - Kill it!
03/27/2010
By Bobby Schilling
All over the country, voters have been flooding their representatives with calls, letters and emails urging them to kill the current healthcare bill. Instead of killing the healthcare bill, Congress is now talking about the “Slaughter solution.”
Don’t be confused. The “Slaughter solution” has nothing to do with killing the bill. It is actually named after Democratic congresswoman Louise Slaughter, chair of the House Rules Committee. It is a backdoor, parliamentary procedure in which the House can pass the healthcare bill without even voting on it. Certain members of Congress think that the American people are so stupid that this backdoor trick will actually work in fooling them.
It won’t work.
In 1994, the Democrat controlled Congress tried to pass the same type of healthcare overhaul, except this time they called it “Hillarycare.” While Hillarycare didn’t pass, it led to the biggest overturn in power since President Truman. Voters were outraged that Congress even tried such a power grab. I can’t imagine they will react any differently if Congress actually goes through with this overhaul—let alone pass it through a cowardly backhanded technique.
If the liberals in Congress plan on using a backdoor option to push this monstrosity through, then they better start packing their bags right now.
Is this the type of “change” that Americans voted for in 2008? Is this the quality and type of “leadership” that we expect of our representatives? Heck, I don’t expect this type of cowardice from my 2-year old daughter Sophia, let alone grown men and women in Congress.
Our Congressional leaders need to be just that: Leaders. We didn’t elect our representatives to go to Congress and hide behind an unconstitutional parliamentary procedure and a kooky congresswoman from San Francisco. We elected them to vote on our behalf and represent us. If our elected representatives are truly doing their job and representing their constituents, then they should be proud of the votes that they cast.
I am going to challenge all members of Congress, including my opponent Rep. Phil Hare, to cast an up or down vote on Healthcare. Not only am I going to challenge them to cast a vote on healthcare, I challenge them to fight against the “Slaughter solution.” Prove that you are not just a rank and file “yes-man.” Have the courage to stand up for what is right. This is your chance to prove that Nancy Pelosi doesn’t control every decision that you make on the floor.
If you are going to shove this down the throats of the American people, then you should at least have the guts to put your name to it.
This Sunday, 3/21, is the deadline that leaders in Congress have set for the Healthcare bill. This Sunday, 3/21, is also the deadline for our campaign’s money-bomb fundraising drive against this health care monstrosity. We have been petitioning our supporters and people across the country to show their opposition to this healthcare overhaul by donating money to our campaign. Why? Because we are going to Congress to stop this egregious piece of legislation. We have already reached our first goal of $10,000. We have increased our goal to $13,210. Check out the money-bomb fundraising drive at www.bobby321.com
Source: http://biggovernment.com/bschilling/2010/03/19/dont-slaughter-the-healthcare-bill-kill-it/#more-91418
All over the country, voters have been flooding their representatives with calls, letters and emails urging them to kill the current healthcare bill. Instead of killing the healthcare bill, Congress is now talking about the “Slaughter solution.”
Don’t be confused. The “Slaughter solution” has nothing to do with killing the bill. It is actually named after Democratic congresswoman Louise Slaughter, chair of the House Rules Committee. It is a backdoor, parliamentary procedure in which the House can pass the healthcare bill without even voting on it. Certain members of Congress think that the American people are so stupid that this backdoor trick will actually work in fooling them.
It won’t work.
In 1994, the Democrat controlled Congress tried to pass the same type of healthcare overhaul, except this time they called it “Hillarycare.” While Hillarycare didn’t pass, it led to the biggest overturn in power since President Truman. Voters were outraged that Congress even tried such a power grab. I can’t imagine they will react any differently if Congress actually goes through with this overhaul—let alone pass it through a cowardly backhanded technique.
If the liberals in Congress plan on using a backdoor option to push this monstrosity through, then they better start packing their bags right now.
Is this the type of “change” that Americans voted for in 2008? Is this the quality and type of “leadership” that we expect of our representatives? Heck, I don’t expect this type of cowardice from my 2-year old daughter Sophia, let alone grown men and women in Congress.
Our Congressional leaders need to be just that: Leaders. We didn’t elect our representatives to go to Congress and hide behind an unconstitutional parliamentary procedure and a kooky congresswoman from San Francisco. We elected them to vote on our behalf and represent us. If our elected representatives are truly doing their job and representing their constituents, then they should be proud of the votes that they cast.
I am going to challenge all members of Congress, including my opponent Rep. Phil Hare, to cast an up or down vote on Healthcare. Not only am I going to challenge them to cast a vote on healthcare, I challenge them to fight against the “Slaughter solution.” Prove that you are not just a rank and file “yes-man.” Have the courage to stand up for what is right. This is your chance to prove that Nancy Pelosi doesn’t control every decision that you make on the floor.
If you are going to shove this down the throats of the American people, then you should at least have the guts to put your name to it.
This Sunday, 3/21, is the deadline that leaders in Congress have set for the Healthcare bill. This Sunday, 3/21, is also the deadline for our campaign’s money-bomb fundraising drive against this health care monstrosity. We have been petitioning our supporters and people across the country to show their opposition to this healthcare overhaul by donating money to our campaign. Why? Because we are going to Congress to stop this egregious piece of legislation. We have already reached our first goal of $10,000. We have increased our goal to $13,210. Check out the money-bomb fundraising drive at www.bobby321.com
Source: http://biggovernment.com/bschilling/2010/03/19/dont-slaughter-the-healthcare-bill-kill-it/#more-91418
Candidates split on health bill
03/27/2010
By Brandy Donaldson, bdonaldson@qconline.com
Health care reform will likely be a key issue in the 17th District race for U.S. Congress.
The incumbent, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, said he voted for the $938 billion health care reform bill, not to score political points, but to benefit his constituents.
"This was not a hard vote for me," he said Tuesday shortly after President Barack Obama signed the bill into law. "If someone told me, 'if this bill passes you will lose in November,' I would still be OK with it."
Republican candidate Bobby Schilling said his campaign won't center around the bill, but he feels its passage did open the eyes of many voters, in his favor.
"It helped shine light on what the other party has been doing for the last year or so," he said. "After the vote Sunday, I got e-mail after e-mail. It took people who were riding the fence and got them involved. This got a lot of people motivated for our campaign."
It would be a mistake for the Republican Party to use this bill to try to score votes, Rep. Hare said.
"There are a lot of good things in this bill. If (Republicans) want to hang their hat on this, they do so at their own risk," he said. "When people see the benefits that will go into effect immediately, they will be happy with it.
"My guess is (the Republicans) will use the typical talking points. If they want to try to capitalize and pick up some votes based on fear-mongering, that's their problem, not mine."
Green Party candidate Roger Davis, of Quincy, will make the bill a major facet of his campaign, he said.
"I will tell (voters), if elected, I am their employee," he said. "You're elected to represent the people. Mr. Hare, through his infinite wisdom, decided he doesn't have to do what the boss says. When Republicans had control, we had no health care. The Democrats put through a bill that just lacks common sense.
Rep. Hare said he is ready to refute the campaign trail "talking points."
"Immediately, we're going to put younger people on their parents' policies. We're going to cover young people immediately who have pre-existing conditions," he explained. "In the first year alone, my district is going to get $67 million to help the hospitals that have had to eat the uncompensated care. ..
"Not one person in my district or across this country will have to give up their coverage. There is money in this bill for 19 new community health care centers in my district alone. These are wonderful places where people can take themselves and their children without having to go the emergency room."
Mr. Schilling's campaign is touting "Kill the Bill" in fundraising efforts. His "Kill the Bill" money drive brought in $25,215 in two weeks, his camp announced.
"The idea with 'Kill the Bill' is that a lot of things that need to be addressed aren't being addressed," he said. "I think we need reform, but it needs to be done on a two-party system. We want to kill this bill because this isn't about reform, it's about control."
What party chairmen in the district are hearing from voters about the bill seems to depend on which party they represent.
The Democratic Party will use the time between now and the general election Nov. 2 to cut through the rhetoric, said Rock Island County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Ballard.
"There's no doubt the Republicans will try to use it as a negative thing, but they're wrong," he said. "When people realize all the benefits Americans are going to get out of this, I think it's going to be a positive thing. It's going to be a major talking point in the upcoming election. As Democrats, we'll have to make sure we do a good job of promoting the benefits."
Knox County Democratic Party Chairman Norm Winnick agreed.
"The Republicans, as the party of no, it will backfire on them once people realize the world is not coming to an end and most of what's in this bill will do good things," he said.
Momentum is building day by day for the GOP, Rock Island County Republican Party Chairman Susie Carpentier said.
"I have fielded questions and comments in the last 24 hours from people who want to get involved and get engaged, and they know the one thing they can do is go to the ballot box on Nov. 2 and change Congress," she said. "People are asking me, 'how do Iget engaged now?' I think that resonates with public opinion. We will take it from here and see how it plays out."
Rep. Hare's affirmative vote on the health care reform bill is not the only pressing issue facing the 17th Congressional District, Adams County Republican Party Chairman Randy Frese said.
"I do feel Bobby Schilling would've been on the other side of that vote. And as far as Adams County is concerned,I think that will play a small part," he said. "But we are in double digits in our unemployment, so jobs is going to be at the top of the list. That's a hard issue that's going to take precedence in this election."
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=485285&query=bobby schilling
Health care reform will likely be a key issue in the 17th District race for U.S. Congress.
The incumbent, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, said he voted for the $938 billion health care reform bill, not to score political points, but to benefit his constituents.
"This was not a hard vote for me," he said Tuesday shortly after President Barack Obama signed the bill into law. "If someone told me, 'if this bill passes you will lose in November,' I would still be OK with it."
Republican candidate Bobby Schilling said his campaign won't center around the bill, but he feels its passage did open the eyes of many voters, in his favor.
"It helped shine light on what the other party has been doing for the last year or so," he said. "After the vote Sunday, I got e-mail after e-mail. It took people who were riding the fence and got them involved. This got a lot of people motivated for our campaign."
It would be a mistake for the Republican Party to use this bill to try to score votes, Rep. Hare said.
"There are a lot of good things in this bill. If (Republicans) want to hang their hat on this, they do so at their own risk," he said. "When people see the benefits that will go into effect immediately, they will be happy with it.
"My guess is (the Republicans) will use the typical talking points. If they want to try to capitalize and pick up some votes based on fear-mongering, that's their problem, not mine."
Green Party candidate Roger Davis, of Quincy, will make the bill a major facet of his campaign, he said.
"I will tell (voters), if elected, I am their employee," he said. "You're elected to represent the people. Mr. Hare, through his infinite wisdom, decided he doesn't have to do what the boss says. When Republicans had control, we had no health care. The Democrats put through a bill that just lacks common sense.
Rep. Hare said he is ready to refute the campaign trail "talking points."
"Immediately, we're going to put younger people on their parents' policies. We're going to cover young people immediately who have pre-existing conditions," he explained. "In the first year alone, my district is going to get $67 million to help the hospitals that have had to eat the uncompensated care. ..
"Not one person in my district or across this country will have to give up their coverage. There is money in this bill for 19 new community health care centers in my district alone. These are wonderful places where people can take themselves and their children without having to go the emergency room."
Mr. Schilling's campaign is touting "Kill the Bill" in fundraising efforts. His "Kill the Bill" money drive brought in $25,215 in two weeks, his camp announced.
"The idea with 'Kill the Bill' is that a lot of things that need to be addressed aren't being addressed," he said. "I think we need reform, but it needs to be done on a two-party system. We want to kill this bill because this isn't about reform, it's about control."
What party chairmen in the district are hearing from voters about the bill seems to depend on which party they represent.
The Democratic Party will use the time between now and the general election Nov. 2 to cut through the rhetoric, said Rock Island County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Ballard.
"There's no doubt the Republicans will try to use it as a negative thing, but they're wrong," he said. "When people realize all the benefits Americans are going to get out of this, I think it's going to be a positive thing. It's going to be a major talking point in the upcoming election. As Democrats, we'll have to make sure we do a good job of promoting the benefits."
Knox County Democratic Party Chairman Norm Winnick agreed.
"The Republicans, as the party of no, it will backfire on them once people realize the world is not coming to an end and most of what's in this bill will do good things," he said.
Momentum is building day by day for the GOP, Rock Island County Republican Party Chairman Susie Carpentier said.
"I have fielded questions and comments in the last 24 hours from people who want to get involved and get engaged, and they know the one thing they can do is go to the ballot box on Nov. 2 and change Congress," she said. "People are asking me, 'how do Iget engaged now?' I think that resonates with public opinion. We will take it from here and see how it plays out."
Rep. Hare's affirmative vote on the health care reform bill is not the only pressing issue facing the 17th Congressional District, Adams County Republican Party Chairman Randy Frese said.
"I do feel Bobby Schilling would've been on the other side of that vote. And as far as Adams County is concerned,I think that will play a small part," he said. "But we are in double digits in our unemployment, so jobs is going to be at the top of the list. That's a hard issue that's going to take precedence in this election."
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=485285&query=bobby schilling
Letter: 'Statesman' Schilling brings reluctant campaigner into politics
12/07/2009
When I was a youngster growing up, my Dad reminded me of two things. Don't talk about religion and politics. For the most part, I listened to that advice. However, as I get older and hopefully wiser, I just can't sit back and not share my ideals or opinion, especially on the direction politicians today are taking this country.
There is a man that I have known for close to 30 years whom I respect and trust as a man of his word. His name is Bobby Schilling. He is a family man and by any measure, he is a good father, husband and friend. He has worked diligently to provide for his family, worked for wages (like most of us) and operated a successful business. To me, this qualifies him on a level of experience that many, if not most, politicians fall short. The politicians who have been getting elected seem to be able to convince an electorate of how well they could run a county, region or state, but they can't seem to balance their own checkbook! I think we have had about all we can endure of that kind of leadership! How about you?
The man I would like to introduce to you is Bobby Schilling. I don't think he is a politician! I think he is a statesman!
Butch Hugart,
Port Byron
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=470138&query=Schilling
There is a man that I have known for close to 30 years whom I respect and trust as a man of his word. His name is Bobby Schilling. He is a family man and by any measure, he is a good father, husband and friend. He has worked diligently to provide for his family, worked for wages (like most of us) and operated a successful business. To me, this qualifies him on a level of experience that many, if not most, politicians fall short. The politicians who have been getting elected seem to be able to convince an electorate of how well they could run a county, region or state, but they can't seem to balance their own checkbook! I think we have had about all we can endure of that kind of leadership! How about you?
The man I would like to introduce to you is Bobby Schilling. I don't think he is a politician! I think he is a statesman!
Butch Hugart,
Port Byron
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=470138&query=Schilling
Politicians split on terrorists at Thomson
12/07/2009
Quad-Cities area legislators and legislative candidates are split on the idea of housing Guantanamo Bay prisoners at the Thomson Correctional Center, less than 50 miles north of the Quad-Cities.
The prison lies within Illinois House District 71, whose incumbent, Mike Boland, D-East Moline, is lauding the possibility. Rep. Boland, who is running for lieutenant governor, said "The jobs created by a more full use of Thomson prison are welcome to the communities surrounding Thomson," he said.
Gov. Pat Quinn's office estimates between 2,500 and 3,500 jobs could be created at Thomson if those prisoners are moved there.
The three men seeking the Democratic nomination to replace Rep. Boland took thee differing views.
"I think it's a great economic opportunity, not only for Thomson, but for the entire Quad-Cities region," Jerry Lack, of East Moline, said. "I definitely support this opportunity."
Dennis Ahern, of Moline, said, "I'm opposed to it. We have a 32 percent overcrowding issue right now in our state prisons. Those prisoners need to be transferred to Thomson," he said.
"And because we have an overcrowding situation in our Illinois prisons, I don't think we need to be entertaining this idea. There is a prison in Afghanistan and a prison in Iraq that can house them."
Porter McNeil, of Moline, said he still is weighing the issue.
"The prospect for 2,000 high-paying jobs represents a real boost for the local economy, but public safety has to be the paramount consideration," he said. "I'm continuing to gather information.
"The people of Carroll County have to be the top concern. I want to spend some time and listen to people. I plan to do that as I gather information."
Republican Rock Island County Board member Rich Morthland, who will face whichever Demorat wins their party's nod in the district, said people from both Carroll and Whiteside counties have told him they are "deeply concerned about the associates of the Guantanamo detainees. Whether or not the people of Carroll County want to have those prisoners come into their community is up to them. I'll follow their lead on that."
U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., is calling on President Barack Obama to block the move. Thomson is within his congressional district. He said he supports a federal takeover of Thomson, but that Guantanamo prisoners ought not be moved there.
"The federal prison system is way overcrowded and is in dire need of more space, and Thomson offers an ideal solution," he said. "Moving Gitmo north to Thomson should not be part of the package. I'm calling on the president to separate the two issues.
"Opening Thomson as a federal prison without the terrorists would be a home run for the people who need jobs in northwest Illinois."
Republican Bobby Schilling of East Moline, who is running for U.S. Congress in the neighboring 17th District, is adamantly opposed to the move, which is being supported by his opponent, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island.
"This shouldn't even be an option," Mr. Schilling said. "I can think of at least 10 better ways to bring jobs back to Illinois other than sacrificing our security by bringing terrorists here.
"This will put al-Qaida terrorists within 50 miles of our children. It is unacceptable. ... With skyrocketing debt and corrupt politicians, the last thing that Illinois is in need of is al-Qaida terrorists."
Such a view is shortsighted, Rep. Boland said.
"Jobs have to be our No. 1 priority. While the Republicans peddle fear, we choose jobs," he said. "Apparently Republicans do not think it is possible to chew gum and walk at the same time. We can create jobs by opening Thomson prison and do it safely, regardless of who is imprisoned there."
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=467228&query=Schilling
The prison lies within Illinois House District 71, whose incumbent, Mike Boland, D-East Moline, is lauding the possibility. Rep. Boland, who is running for lieutenant governor, said "The jobs created by a more full use of Thomson prison are welcome to the communities surrounding Thomson," he said.
Gov. Pat Quinn's office estimates between 2,500 and 3,500 jobs could be created at Thomson if those prisoners are moved there.
The three men seeking the Democratic nomination to replace Rep. Boland took thee differing views.
"I think it's a great economic opportunity, not only for Thomson, but for the entire Quad-Cities region," Jerry Lack, of East Moline, said. "I definitely support this opportunity."
Dennis Ahern, of Moline, said, "I'm opposed to it. We have a 32 percent overcrowding issue right now in our state prisons. Those prisoners need to be transferred to Thomson," he said.
"And because we have an overcrowding situation in our Illinois prisons, I don't think we need to be entertaining this idea. There is a prison in Afghanistan and a prison in Iraq that can house them."
Porter McNeil, of Moline, said he still is weighing the issue.
"The prospect for 2,000 high-paying jobs represents a real boost for the local economy, but public safety has to be the paramount consideration," he said. "I'm continuing to gather information.
"The people of Carroll County have to be the top concern. I want to spend some time and listen to people. I plan to do that as I gather information."
Republican Rock Island County Board member Rich Morthland, who will face whichever Demorat wins their party's nod in the district, said people from both Carroll and Whiteside counties have told him they are "deeply concerned about the associates of the Guantanamo detainees. Whether or not the people of Carroll County want to have those prisoners come into their community is up to them. I'll follow their lead on that."
U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., is calling on President Barack Obama to block the move. Thomson is within his congressional district. He said he supports a federal takeover of Thomson, but that Guantanamo prisoners ought not be moved there.
"The federal prison system is way overcrowded and is in dire need of more space, and Thomson offers an ideal solution," he said. "Moving Gitmo north to Thomson should not be part of the package. I'm calling on the president to separate the two issues.
"Opening Thomson as a federal prison without the terrorists would be a home run for the people who need jobs in northwest Illinois."
Republican Bobby Schilling of East Moline, who is running for U.S. Congress in the neighboring 17th District, is adamantly opposed to the move, which is being supported by his opponent, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island.
"This shouldn't even be an option," Mr. Schilling said. "I can think of at least 10 better ways to bring jobs back to Illinois other than sacrificing our security by bringing terrorists here.
"This will put al-Qaida terrorists within 50 miles of our children. It is unacceptable. ... With skyrocketing debt and corrupt politicians, the last thing that Illinois is in need of is al-Qaida terrorists."
Such a view is shortsighted, Rep. Boland said.
"Jobs have to be our No. 1 priority. While the Republicans peddle fear, we choose jobs," he said. "Apparently Republicans do not think it is possible to chew gum and walk at the same time. We can create jobs by opening Thomson prison and do it safely, regardless of who is imprisoned there."
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=467228&query=Schilling
Schilling criticizes Hare's support of bringing Guantanamo detainees to Thomson
12/07/2009
Schilling Criticizes Hare's Support of Bringing Guantanamo Detainees to Thomson
EAST MOLINE, IL-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th Congressional District, criticized Congressman Hare's support of bringing Guantanamo Bay detainees to the Thomson Correctional Center:
"It is quite sad, that the only way in which Congressman Hare can create jobs is by filling an empty prison with Islamic terrorists. This shouldn't even be an option. There are plenty of states across the country that don't need a terrorist prison to create jobs. I can think of at least 10 better ways to bring jobs back to Illinois, other than sacrificing our security by bringing terrorists here.
"More than being sad, it is quite disappointing that Congressman Hare supports this measure. This will put Al-Qaeda terrorists within 50 miles of our children. It is unacceptable.
"I have been traveling the district, meeting with employers and workers, for a little less than a year now. Jobs aren't coming to the district because employers are punished at every turn they take. Congressman Hare should take a tour across the district to meet with employers and find out why they can't create more jobs, instead of bringing terrorists into our state.
"With skyrocketing debt and corrupt politicians, the last thing that Illinois is in need of is Al-Qaeda terrorists."
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=467113
Campaigns heating up for both parties
12/07/2009
After close to 10 years of stagnation, the powers-that-be at The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus have decided to dust off the weekly political feature known as the "Campaign Notebook." And I'm the lucky reporter who gets to resurrect this dinosaur.
My editor said he sees this feature as a "clever commentary" on the week's happenings in local politics, to be written by someone who is keen on what's going on out there. To that, I responded, "Are you sure want me to write this?" He laughed, and here we are. I'm writing this.
In flipping through our archives, I came to realize I have some pretty big shoes to fill as author of the Campaign Notebook.
Sonja West last tackled it in 1999. She just so happens to now be a published author on the topics of media and constitutional law. She has served as executive editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif honor society. She also once clerked for a U.S. Supreme Court justice — big shoes indeed.
But I've been told to make this my own, so here goes.
On the right:
Republican Bobby Schilling of East Moline, who is opposing U.S. Rep Phil Hare, D-Rock Island for the 17th District seat in the U.S. Congress, is quite busy on the campaign trail, as well he should be. Although he's unopposed in the Feb. 2 primary, he is nonetheless the underdog in this particular congressional race.
He has been hosting or appearing at innumerable events since announcing his candidacy back in April. Last week, he held a meet-and-greet in Hancock County and hosted a "Cut the Pork" hog roast in Quincy. He has hosted several health care town halls, commanding pretty significant crowds along the way. The most recent was in Milan.
On the campaign trail, Mr. Schilling is, as to be expected, honing in on issues such as health care, jobs and the economy.
Elsewhere in the state, Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and his running mate, lieutenant governor candidate Matt Murphy, announced last week receiving "the coveted endorsement" of Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
"This election is pivotal to our future, and I am confident Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the right team to lead our state out of the fiscal nightmare the Democrats have created," Mr. Cross said.
On the left:
Of the six Democrats seeking the party's nomination for lieutenant governor in the Feb. 2 primary, four, including state Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, have had objections filed against their nomination petitions.
Kevin Bartholomae of Lake Barrington and Robert Juarez of Moline both filed objections last Monday against Rep. Boland.
Both objections still are pending. Democratic lieutenant governor candidates Arthur Turner, Terry Link and Thomas Castillo also have objections pending against their nomination petitions.
"We are obtaining (copies of the objections), then we're going to have a meeting to see what's going on there," Rep. Boland said Friday. "We're not really worried. We had twice the number of the 5,000 needed signatures.
"We're pretty confident in our ability to stay on the ballot. This must be the season for challenges. It seems like everybody running for everything statewide is facing attempts to knock them off the ballot."
-- Statewide primary candidates are starting to filter through the area on a regular basis. The Rock Island County Democrats hosted a who's who of statewide candidates at a forum Thursday night, including Gov. Pat Quinn and his closest primary opponent, state Comptroller Dan Hynes.
There is obviously no love lost between these two. They traded jabs and dirty looks while sparring on issues such as the state budget and tax hikes in front of a captivated crowd of party-mates at the Laborers Local #309 Union Hall in Rock Island.
Perhaps the most entertaining quip of the night came from Gov. Quinn, directed at Mr. Hynes. "I'm a Democrat, you're not," Gov. Quinn said under his breath, questioning Mr. Hynes' loyalty to the party. Sitting in the front row, I could hear the flabbergasted gasps coming from behind me after that comment.
Most of the crowd departed after Mr. Hynes and Gov. Quinn left the building, but several remained to hear from the other candidates in attendance, including Jacob Meister, U.S. Senate; Pat O'Brien, representing U.S. Rep. Hare; Ed Scanlan, governor; Terry Link, Scott Lee Cohen and Mary Boland, representing Rep. Boland, all lieutenant governor; David Miller and Raja Krishnamoorth, both for comptroller, and more than a dozen local candidates for county and legislative positions.
On Friday, U.S. Senate candidate Robert Marshall of Burr Ridge briefly landed in Moline to make himself available to the press.
He commands far less fanfare than state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the standout candidate, but I'll give Mr. Marshall at least a C-plus for making the effort. They are just two of the six vying for the seat once occupied by President Barack Obama.
Candidate Cheryle Jackson of Chicago campaigned in Rockford and Chicago over the weekend.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=467068
My editor said he sees this feature as a "clever commentary" on the week's happenings in local politics, to be written by someone who is keen on what's going on out there. To that, I responded, "Are you sure want me to write this?" He laughed, and here we are. I'm writing this.
In flipping through our archives, I came to realize I have some pretty big shoes to fill as author of the Campaign Notebook.
Sonja West last tackled it in 1999. She just so happens to now be a published author on the topics of media and constitutional law. She has served as executive editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif honor society. She also once clerked for a U.S. Supreme Court justice — big shoes indeed.
But I've been told to make this my own, so here goes.
On the right:
Republican Bobby Schilling of East Moline, who is opposing U.S. Rep Phil Hare, D-Rock Island for the 17th District seat in the U.S. Congress, is quite busy on the campaign trail, as well he should be. Although he's unopposed in the Feb. 2 primary, he is nonetheless the underdog in this particular congressional race.
He has been hosting or appearing at innumerable events since announcing his candidacy back in April. Last week, he held a meet-and-greet in Hancock County and hosted a "Cut the Pork" hog roast in Quincy. He has hosted several health care town halls, commanding pretty significant crowds along the way. The most recent was in Milan.
On the campaign trail, Mr. Schilling is, as to be expected, honing in on issues such as health care, jobs and the economy.
Elsewhere in the state, Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and his running mate, lieutenant governor candidate Matt Murphy, announced last week receiving "the coveted endorsement" of Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
"This election is pivotal to our future, and I am confident Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the right team to lead our state out of the fiscal nightmare the Democrats have created," Mr. Cross said.
On the left:
Of the six Democrats seeking the party's nomination for lieutenant governor in the Feb. 2 primary, four, including state Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, have had objections filed against their nomination petitions.
Kevin Bartholomae of Lake Barrington and Robert Juarez of Moline both filed objections last Monday against Rep. Boland.
Both objections still are pending. Democratic lieutenant governor candidates Arthur Turner, Terry Link and Thomas Castillo also have objections pending against their nomination petitions.
"We are obtaining (copies of the objections), then we're going to have a meeting to see what's going on there," Rep. Boland said Friday. "We're not really worried. We had twice the number of the 5,000 needed signatures.
"We're pretty confident in our ability to stay on the ballot. This must be the season for challenges. It seems like everybody running for everything statewide is facing attempts to knock them off the ballot."
-- Statewide primary candidates are starting to filter through the area on a regular basis. The Rock Island County Democrats hosted a who's who of statewide candidates at a forum Thursday night, including Gov. Pat Quinn and his closest primary opponent, state Comptroller Dan Hynes.
There is obviously no love lost between these two. They traded jabs and dirty looks while sparring on issues such as the state budget and tax hikes in front of a captivated crowd of party-mates at the Laborers Local #309 Union Hall in Rock Island.
Perhaps the most entertaining quip of the night came from Gov. Quinn, directed at Mr. Hynes. "I'm a Democrat, you're not," Gov. Quinn said under his breath, questioning Mr. Hynes' loyalty to the party. Sitting in the front row, I could hear the flabbergasted gasps coming from behind me after that comment.
Most of the crowd departed after Mr. Hynes and Gov. Quinn left the building, but several remained to hear from the other candidates in attendance, including Jacob Meister, U.S. Senate; Pat O'Brien, representing U.S. Rep. Hare; Ed Scanlan, governor; Terry Link, Scott Lee Cohen and Mary Boland, representing Rep. Boland, all lieutenant governor; David Miller and Raja Krishnamoorth, both for comptroller, and more than a dozen local candidates for county and legislative positions.
On Friday, U.S. Senate candidate Robert Marshall of Burr Ridge briefly landed in Moline to make himself available to the press.
He commands far less fanfare than state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the standout candidate, but I'll give Mr. Marshall at least a C-plus for making the effort. They are just two of the six vying for the seat once occupied by President Barack Obama.
Candidate Cheryle Jackson of Chicago campaigned in Rockford and Chicago over the weekend.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=467068
Letter: Given jobless rate, how did Hare save, create jobs?
12/07/2009
I received a flier in the mail from Congressman Phil Hare claiming that he had created or "saved" 7,000 jobs in our district. This is a complete fabrication.
How could Congressman Hare have created or saved 7,000 jobs when the unemployment rate is higher than it ever has been? Doesn't that mean that we have lost more jobs that we have gained? Phil Hare supports job-destructive policies such as cap and trade, higher taxes and toxic spending in the form of earmarks.
Furthermore, it has already been proven that there is no standard to measure, "jobs saved." If someone misrepresents or twists the truth, it is the same thing as a lie. We have a candidate who is running against Phil Hare and his name is Bobby Schilling. Mr. Schilling knows how to create jobs, not kill them with higher taxes. He is also a working man who has over 13 years of union experience.
We need an honest hardworking person to lead our district, we don't need another Washington insider that misleads our district.
Michael Moehlenhof,
East Moline
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466808
How could Congressman Hare have created or saved 7,000 jobs when the unemployment rate is higher than it ever has been? Doesn't that mean that we have lost more jobs that we have gained? Phil Hare supports job-destructive policies such as cap and trade, higher taxes and toxic spending in the form of earmarks.
Furthermore, it has already been proven that there is no standard to measure, "jobs saved." If someone misrepresents or twists the truth, it is the same thing as a lie. We have a candidate who is running against Phil Hare and his name is Bobby Schilling. Mr. Schilling knows how to create jobs, not kill them with higher taxes. He is also a working man who has over 13 years of union experience.
We need an honest hardworking person to lead our district, we don't need another Washington insider that misleads our district.
Michael Moehlenhof,
East Moline
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466808
Letter: Schilling needs voters' support to turn around mess in Washington
12/07/2009
The congressional elections of 2010 are now less than a year away.
In the 17th Congressional District we have Bobby Schilling running to represent the people in the House of Representatives and he needs your support in order to turn around the mess in Washington. Mr. Schilling is a positive man who knows how to win and reverse the trends in Washington that are costing so many private sector jobs.
Most people get up in the morning and go about their business with a positive attitude. When they come home at night they find out about bailouts and runaway deficit spending. Now we see the specter of government take over of health care. If health care reform becomes law, no matter what spin words are used to deny higher taxes, we are going to get exactly that, higher taxes.
It's OK to be fed up with major legislation that runs thousands of pages consisting of "conceptual language." We have cap and trade and health care reform that was passed in the House with conceptual language. After legislation gets signed, unaccountable bureaucrats mold and shape what becomes the law under which we live. Think about conceptual language the next time you buy a car, lease an apartment, enter into a business deal, or a consumer purchase of any size. Only in Washington does this happen and it's time to sweep out the career politicians.
What are we to do, those of us who prefer to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative? We have Bobby on the ballot and all we have to do is go vote next November. Vote for a positive man with a winning record, who has created private sector jobs and wants to bring jobs here as your member of Congress. Don't get mad at what is happening in Congress. Instead stay positive and vote for a winner, Bobby Schilling.
Jeffrey H. Rice,
Rock Island
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466637
In the 17th Congressional District we have Bobby Schilling running to represent the people in the House of Representatives and he needs your support in order to turn around the mess in Washington. Mr. Schilling is a positive man who knows how to win and reverse the trends in Washington that are costing so many private sector jobs.
Most people get up in the morning and go about their business with a positive attitude. When they come home at night they find out about bailouts and runaway deficit spending. Now we see the specter of government take over of health care. If health care reform becomes law, no matter what spin words are used to deny higher taxes, we are going to get exactly that, higher taxes.
It's OK to be fed up with major legislation that runs thousands of pages consisting of "conceptual language." We have cap and trade and health care reform that was passed in the House with conceptual language. After legislation gets signed, unaccountable bureaucrats mold and shape what becomes the law under which we live. Think about conceptual language the next time you buy a car, lease an apartment, enter into a business deal, or a consumer purchase of any size. Only in Washington does this happen and it's time to sweep out the career politicians.
What are we to do, those of us who prefer to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative? We have Bobby on the ballot and all we have to do is go vote next November. Vote for a positive man with a winning record, who has created private sector jobs and wants to bring jobs here as your member of Congress. Don't get mad at what is happening in Congress. Instead stay positive and vote for a winner, Bobby Schilling.
Jeffrey H. Rice,
Rock Island
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466637
Letter: Schilling right, government takeover wrong prescription
12/07/2009
I am writing in response to the letter about Bobby Schilling and his views on health care.
The writer suggested that Schilling's support of tort reform and interstate competition was naive because health insurance companies are only concerned with money.
I believe that we have a simple case of the kettle calling the pot black. It is the writer's own naivete to believe that the government is going to come in and care for everyone. Government is a bureaucracy, not a charity. All government takeovers of health care are done with good intentions, but they always lead to rationing, worse care, and more people dying.
This health care bill is going to kill jobs and create disincentives for employers to hire new employees. This coupled with cap and trade is going to crush our workforce and our economy.
Bobby Schilling is running for Congress and he believes in promoting liberty, not government. He understands that more regulation leads to higher unemployment and that a government takeover is not the correct prescription for this country.
Paula DeWild,
Milan
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466314
The writer suggested that Schilling's support of tort reform and interstate competition was naive because health insurance companies are only concerned with money.
I believe that we have a simple case of the kettle calling the pot black. It is the writer's own naivete to believe that the government is going to come in and care for everyone. Government is a bureaucracy, not a charity. All government takeovers of health care are done with good intentions, but they always lead to rationing, worse care, and more people dying.
This health care bill is going to kill jobs and create disincentives for employers to hire new employees. This coupled with cap and trade is going to crush our workforce and our economy.
Bobby Schilling is running for Congress and he believes in promoting liberty, not government. He understands that more regulation leads to higher unemployment and that a government takeover is not the correct prescription for this country.
Paula DeWild,
Milan
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466314
Schilling 'Cut the Pork' Hog Roast in Quincy
12/07/2009
Schilling 'Cut the Pork' Hog Roast in Quincy
EAST MOLINE, IL-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th Congressional District, will host a 'Cut the Pork' Hog Roast fundraiser in Quincy this Saturday, November 14th. The fundraiser will take place from 5pm until 7pm at the Twin Oaks Club.
"This fundraiser was a creative way of trying to get a message across," said Schilling. "It's a protest against wasteful spending. People need to understand that toxic spending, increases the deficit and leads to tax increases. It is a proven fact that tax increases kill jobs. If pork is supposed to help with jobs, then why is Illinois unemployment stuck at 10.5%? My campaign is about creating permanent and stable jobs, not handing out other people's money."
Below are the details for the event:
Saturday, November 14
5pm until 7pm
Twin Oaks Club
2707 Bonansinga Drive
Quincy, IL 62305
$15 per person, $25 per couple, and $30 per family
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466275
EAST MOLINE, IL-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th Congressional District, will host a 'Cut the Pork' Hog Roast fundraiser in Quincy this Saturday, November 14th. The fundraiser will take place from 5pm until 7pm at the Twin Oaks Club.
"This fundraiser was a creative way of trying to get a message across," said Schilling. "It's a protest against wasteful spending. People need to understand that toxic spending, increases the deficit and leads to tax increases. It is a proven fact that tax increases kill jobs. If pork is supposed to help with jobs, then why is Illinois unemployment stuck at 10.5%? My campaign is about creating permanent and stable jobs, not handing out other people's money."
Below are the details for the event:
Saturday, November 14
5pm until 7pm
Twin Oaks Club
2707 Bonansinga Drive
Quincy, IL 62305
$15 per person, $25 per couple, and $30 per family
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466275
Bobby Schilling to host meet and greet in La Harpe
12/07/2009
EAST MOLINE, IL-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th Congressional District, will be hosting a meet and greet in Hancock County, at The Annex in La Harpe. The event will take place on November 12th, from 6pm until 8pm. Schilling will focus on many issues including health care, jobs and the economy. Below are the event details:
November 12, 2009
6pm-8pm
The Annex
710 East Main St.
La Harpe, Illinois
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466098
November 12, 2009
6pm-8pm
The Annex
710 East Main St.
La Harpe, Illinois
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466098
Schilling to Keynote First Annual Veterans Lasagna Supper
12/07/2009
EAST MOLINE, IL-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th Congressional District, will be the keynote speaker at the First Annual Veterans Day Lasagna Supper. The event will be hosted by Adrian Madunic at the Croatian Club on Wednesday, November 11. All are welcome to attend. There will be a free will offering for dinner.
"I am honored to be the keynote speaker at this event for our veterans," said Schilling. "Our veterans have made this country what it is today and we can never repay them enough for the service that they have given to our Nation. We need more events like this, that are simply aimed at giving back to those who have served us."
Below are details for the event:
First Annual Veterans Lasagna Supper hosted by Adrian Madunic
Wednesday, November 11
6pm until 8:30pm
Croatian Club
3600 N Shore Dr
Moline, IL 61265
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466097
"I am honored to be the keynote speaker at this event for our veterans," said Schilling. "Our veterans have made this country what it is today and we can never repay them enough for the service that they have given to our Nation. We need more events like this, that are simply aimed at giving back to those who have served us."
Below are details for the event:
First Annual Veterans Lasagna Supper hosted by Adrian Madunic
Wednesday, November 11
6pm until 8:30pm
Croatian Club
3600 N Shore Dr
Moline, IL 61265
Schilling, a native of Rock Island, has served as a local union steward and also has 13 years of union experience. Schilling, a local business owner and father of nine children, is running on a platform of bringing jobs and real representation back to the 17th district.
For more information about Bobby Schilling please visit his website at www.bobby2010.com
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=466097
Congressional candidate Schilling criticizes health care bill
12/07/2009
MILAN — Bobby Schilling said the definition of reform does not describe ripping up something, tearing it down or throwing it to the side.
Mr. Schilling, Republican candidate for the 17th Congressional District of Illinois, doesn't want the federal government to do any of those things with the health care system.
Sunday, he held a health care town hall meeting at the Milan Community Center, and more than 100 people turned out to hear his views on the health care reform being proposed in Washington, D.C.
"What we have to remember is 85 percent of Americans with health care coverage today are happy with their coverage," Mr. Schilling said. "We have a minute amount of folks who are not happy and we're going to tear the whole system down. Do we need reform? Of course."
However, he said, it's how the reform is done that's important. "Whenever we make big changes to any part of our system, we have to be able to move slowly, gradually, and do it the right way."
Cyndee Wildemuth, an emergency room nurse at Trinity Medical Center and women's health nurse for the Rock Island County Health Department, launched the meeting with her views on a system she feels is broken.
She said the topic has been avoided for too long and at a huge expense to taxpayers. Americans who retire in 2016 will need at least $200,000 to cover retirement health care costs, and that's with Medicare benefits, she said.
If the United States were to get 50 million new people on the insurance rolls, where would they go, Ms. Wildermuth asked, adding that the system already is overcrowded and private care physicians are retiring or moving to hospitals.
She asked if it's the government's responsibility to pay for people who are sedentary, or smoke or drink to excess, despite good health and prevention information being easily accessible. If the government is paying for those people's health care, that means taxpayers are, too, she said.
Mr. Schilling said there are many health care misrepresentations. He said the belief is people will be able to keep their current health care coverage if they choose. The most recent wording in the bill is "may," he said. "You may be able to, or may not. I'll say maybe not."
The government could do things to reduce the cost of health insurance, including instituting tort reform and letting insurance companies compete nationally, Mr. Schilling said. "Then, force the senators and Congressmen in on the plan they are going to shove down our throats."
Barbara Chiles of Aledo wondered if the proposed health care plan is even constitutional. "Can the federal government make me buy anything?" she asked, adding that the proposed bill does not address tort reform, does not allow insurance to be sold over state lines, and does not encompass wellness prevention.
"If you get to the crux of it, it is not to help people out with health insurance. It is to take over all of the health insurance industry and 1/6th of the economy," she said.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=465081
Mr. Schilling, Republican candidate for the 17th Congressional District of Illinois, doesn't want the federal government to do any of those things with the health care system.
Sunday, he held a health care town hall meeting at the Milan Community Center, and more than 100 people turned out to hear his views on the health care reform being proposed in Washington, D.C.
"What we have to remember is 85 percent of Americans with health care coverage today are happy with their coverage," Mr. Schilling said. "We have a minute amount of folks who are not happy and we're going to tear the whole system down. Do we need reform? Of course."
However, he said, it's how the reform is done that's important. "Whenever we make big changes to any part of our system, we have to be able to move slowly, gradually, and do it the right way."
Cyndee Wildemuth, an emergency room nurse at Trinity Medical Center and women's health nurse for the Rock Island County Health Department, launched the meeting with her views on a system she feels is broken.
She said the topic has been avoided for too long and at a huge expense to taxpayers. Americans who retire in 2016 will need at least $200,000 to cover retirement health care costs, and that's with Medicare benefits, she said.
If the United States were to get 50 million new people on the insurance rolls, where would they go, Ms. Wildermuth asked, adding that the system already is overcrowded and private care physicians are retiring or moving to hospitals.
She asked if it's the government's responsibility to pay for people who are sedentary, or smoke or drink to excess, despite good health and prevention information being easily accessible. If the government is paying for those people's health care, that means taxpayers are, too, she said.
Mr. Schilling said there are many health care misrepresentations. He said the belief is people will be able to keep their current health care coverage if they choose. The most recent wording in the bill is "may," he said. "You may be able to, or may not. I'll say maybe not."
The government could do things to reduce the cost of health insurance, including instituting tort reform and letting insurance companies compete nationally, Mr. Schilling said. "Then, force the senators and Congressmen in on the plan they are going to shove down our throats."
Barbara Chiles of Aledo wondered if the proposed health care plan is even constitutional. "Can the federal government make me buy anything?" she asked, adding that the proposed bill does not address tort reform, does not allow insurance to be sold over state lines, and does not encompass wellness prevention.
"If you get to the crux of it, it is not to help people out with health insurance. It is to take over all of the health insurance industry and 1/6th of the economy," she said.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=465081
Schilling to Host Health Care Town Halls
08/24/2009
EAST MOLINE-- Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the 17th Congressional District of Illinois, will host a series of town hall events, concerning health care, across the Illinois 17th Congressional district.
"This is going to be great opportunity to hear the health care concerns of voters in the 17th district," said Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress. "Health care reform will effect everyone and we want to make sure that everyone is heard. Whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, their concerns and questions are all very important."
Bobby continued, "As the father of nine, with another child on the way, lowering health care costs is a primary objective."
Bobby Schilling is the father of nine, a local business owner and a candidate for the Illinois 17th Congressional District.
Below are confirmed town hall locations and times:
Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.
Mercer County Town Hall
Livermore Restaurant, in the Mercer Room
101 N College Avenue
Aledo, IL 61231
Wednesday, August 26th from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Adams County Town Hall
Quincy Holiday Inn
4821 Oak Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Questions? Contact Terry at 309-230-3909
Forward email
This email was sent to press@qconline.com by bobby@bobby2010.com.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=454043
"This is going to be great opportunity to hear the health care concerns of voters in the 17th district," said Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress. "Health care reform will effect everyone and we want to make sure that everyone is heard. Whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, their concerns and questions are all very important."
Bobby continued, "As the father of nine, with another child on the way, lowering health care costs is a primary objective."
Bobby Schilling is the father of nine, a local business owner and a candidate for the Illinois 17th Congressional District.
Below are confirmed town hall locations and times:
Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.
Mercer County Town Hall
Livermore Restaurant, in the Mercer Room
101 N College Avenue
Aledo, IL 61231
Wednesday, August 26th from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Adams County Town Hall
Quincy Holiday Inn
4821 Oak Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Questions? Contact Terry at 309-230-3909
Forward email
This email was sent to press@qconline.com by bobby@bobby2010.com.
Source: http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=454043
Schilling Running for 17th District Congressional Seat
05/16/2009
Radio Interview with WIUM Radio
The next Congressional election is more than one year away, but a Republican has already declared his plans to run for office.
Bobby Schilling is from Rock Island. Schilling says he is running because he feels there is fiscal irresponsibility in Washington.
"I think a lot of our lawmakers have lost touch," says Schilling. "They have forgotten that they are servants to the people. This is something as a business person who knows how to run a budget, meet a payroll, and pay taxes. I get it."
Schilling says he was against the bailout. "I do not believe you can just go tossing money around," Schilling says. "If your car is leaking oil, you don't just keep dumping oil into the car. You bring it in and you find out what the problem is. You fix it and then you put the oil in. That's one thing we're not doing. There is no accountability for this money."
"We need to fix things properly," Schilling says. "I believe that the market will correct itself. When you tear it down and force it to build back up, you are just giving it a temporary fix. By forcing it to fix itself it comes out a lot stronger."
Schilling says if elected one of the first things he wants to do is set term limits. "I believe that Congress was set up for average people like you and I," Schilling says. "We sit down our tool belt and go in and serve this great nation for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years and get out."
He's running for the seat now held by Democrat Phil Hare. To hear more with Schilling click the audio link above. © Copyright 2009, wium
Source: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1506409
The next Congressional election is more than one year away, but a Republican has already declared his plans to run for office.
Bobby Schilling is from Rock Island. Schilling says he is running because he feels there is fiscal irresponsibility in Washington.
"I think a lot of our lawmakers have lost touch," says Schilling. "They have forgotten that they are servants to the people. This is something as a business person who knows how to run a budget, meet a payroll, and pay taxes. I get it."
Schilling says he was against the bailout. "I do not believe you can just go tossing money around," Schilling says. "If your car is leaking oil, you don't just keep dumping oil into the car. You bring it in and you find out what the problem is. You fix it and then you put the oil in. That's one thing we're not doing. There is no accountability for this money."
"We need to fix things properly," Schilling says. "I believe that the market will correct itself. When you tear it down and force it to build back up, you are just giving it a temporary fix. By forcing it to fix itself it comes out a lot stronger."
Schilling says if elected one of the first things he wants to do is set term limits. "I believe that Congress was set up for average people like you and I," Schilling says. "We sit down our tool belt and go in and serve this great nation for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years and get out."
He's running for the seat now held by Democrat Phil Hare. To hear more with Schilling click the audio link above. © Copyright 2009, wium
Source: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1506409
Bobby Schilling takes fight to Hare
05/14/2009
Republican starts campaigning early
The Register-Mail (Galesburg, IL)
By ERIC TIMMONS
May 11, 2009
Bobby Schilling, a Moline pizzeria owner, from Colona, is challenging Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, for the 17th Congressional seat in the November 2010 election.
On paper, Bobby Schilling’s chances of unseating 17th Congressional Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, don’t look good.
But, well over a year ahead of the 2010 congressional elections, he’s brimming with confidence and already taking his campaign on the road.
Asked how he plans to beat Hare, Schilling replied, “I will outperform him; I will secure the base down south. I will work Rock Island County harder than it’s ever been worked. It will happen.”
Hare already has an impressive pot of campaign cash — about $465,000 — in the bank and can rely on strong Democratic support in District 17, which includes Knox County. Schilling’s campaign had $9,800 in cash at the end of the first quarter.
However, Schilling, a Republican who is new to national politics, has already shown that he won’t allow Hare an easy return to Washington.
“My greatest concern is looking at his fundraising data,” Schilling, who visited Galesburg on Monday, said of his opponent. “When you receive over 80 percent of your campaign
contributions from individuals and political action committees from outside the district, who are you working for?”
Hare’s response to Schilling’s criticism was that he was focused on creating jobs rather than politics. “There will be a time and a place to respond to campaign attacks, but now is not it,” Hare’s spokesman said. “The congressman’s top priority is to help the people of Galesburg, the 17th District, and the entire nation make ends meet during these tough economic times.”
Hare’s office added that the bulk of individual contributors to his campaign are local. “He was proud to receive contributions from 211 individuals during the first quarter and a number of PACs that represent America’s workers and their interests,” Hare’s spokesman said. “The overwhelming majority of individual contributors live in the 17th District.”
Schilling, who runs a pizzeria in Moline and is from Colona, is a fiscal conservative and says he won’t accept pay increases if elected. He also said it was “wrong” that congressmen qualify for a taxpayer funded pension after five years in office. If lobbyists offer to contribute to his campaign, he said he will only accept the money if he can funnel it back to worthy causes in District 17.
Schilling has traveled throughout the district to solicit support and has opened a campaign office. He said, contrary to media reports, the Republican Party is alive and well, especially in Illinois where years of Democratic rule had made people “tired of politics as usual.”
He did acknowledge that the Republican leadership had made mistakes over the past eight years. “I think he spent too much money,” he said of President George W. Bush’s reign. That’s something Schilling promised he will not do.
Even though he thinks District 17 is “gerrymandered” to suit Democrats, Schilling believes his approach can bring victory. The mid-term congressional elections will take place in November 2010. To date, no other Republican candidates have come forward to contest Schilling’s position on the party ticket.
Source: http://www.galesburg.com/news/x342391525/Bobby-Schilling-takes-fight-to-Hare
The Register-Mail (Galesburg, IL)
By ERIC TIMMONS
May 11, 2009
Bobby Schilling, a Moline pizzeria owner, from Colona, is challenging Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, for the 17th Congressional seat in the November 2010 election.
On paper, Bobby Schilling’s chances of unseating 17th Congressional Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, don’t look good.
But, well over a year ahead of the 2010 congressional elections, he’s brimming with confidence and already taking his campaign on the road.
Asked how he plans to beat Hare, Schilling replied, “I will outperform him; I will secure the base down south. I will work Rock Island County harder than it’s ever been worked. It will happen.”
Hare already has an impressive pot of campaign cash — about $465,000 — in the bank and can rely on strong Democratic support in District 17, which includes Knox County. Schilling’s campaign had $9,800 in cash at the end of the first quarter.
However, Schilling, a Republican who is new to national politics, has already shown that he won’t allow Hare an easy return to Washington.
“My greatest concern is looking at his fundraising data,” Schilling, who visited Galesburg on Monday, said of his opponent. “When you receive over 80 percent of your campaign
contributions from individuals and political action committees from outside the district, who are you working for?”
Hare’s response to Schilling’s criticism was that he was focused on creating jobs rather than politics. “There will be a time and a place to respond to campaign attacks, but now is not it,” Hare’s spokesman said. “The congressman’s top priority is to help the people of Galesburg, the 17th District, and the entire nation make ends meet during these tough economic times.”
Hare’s office added that the bulk of individual contributors to his campaign are local. “He was proud to receive contributions from 211 individuals during the first quarter and a number of PACs that represent America’s workers and their interests,” Hare’s spokesman said. “The overwhelming majority of individual contributors live in the 17th District.”
Schilling, who runs a pizzeria in Moline and is from Colona, is a fiscal conservative and says he won’t accept pay increases if elected. He also said it was “wrong” that congressmen qualify for a taxpayer funded pension after five years in office. If lobbyists offer to contribute to his campaign, he said he will only accept the money if he can funnel it back to worthy causes in District 17.
Schilling has traveled throughout the district to solicit support and has opened a campaign office. He said, contrary to media reports, the Republican Party is alive and well, especially in Illinois where years of Democratic rule had made people “tired of politics as usual.”
He did acknowledge that the Republican leadership had made mistakes over the past eight years. “I think he spent too much money,” he said of President George W. Bush’s reign. That’s something Schilling promised he will not do.
Even though he thinks District 17 is “gerrymandered” to suit Democrats, Schilling believes his approach can bring victory. The mid-term congressional elections will take place in November 2010. To date, no other Republican candidates have come forward to contest Schilling’s position on the party ticket.
Source: http://www.galesburg.com/news/x342391525/Bobby-Schilling-takes-fight-to-Hare
Pizza shop owner Bobby Schilling to challenge Phil Hare
05/14/2009
The Quad-City Times (Davenport, IA)
Ed Tibbetts
Friday, April 10, 2009
A 45-year-old pizzeria owner from Colona, Ill., says he intends to seek the Republican nomination in the 17th Congressional District in 2010.
Bobby Schilling, who owns St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in Moline, is critical of congressional spending and the political culture he says is aimed at the "self-preservation" of office holders.
The 17th District seat is currently held by Rep. Phil Hare, a Democrat who won a second term unopposed last year.
Schilling, who lives in Colona, said he intends to make a formal announcement in May. In the meantime, he is making the rounds of GOP meetings.
In an interview Friday, Schilling complained the 17th Congressional District, whose boundaries meander through Illinois, is a symbol of politicians seeking to protect their turf. The district boundaries, which was part of a bipartisan compromise after the 2000 Census, has been criticized for its shape.
"I'm coming in to be a servant of the people," Schilling said. "We need to get more people involved who aren't part of the good-old-boy system."
He added that he would have voted against the $787 billion stimulus plan, and he believes in term limits.
He also said congressmen who boast of bringing money back to their district ought to "explain to us how we're going to pay it back."
Source: http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/article_df034690-2622-11de-a22c-001cc4c002e0.html
Ed Tibbetts
Friday, April 10, 2009
A 45-year-old pizzeria owner from Colona, Ill., says he intends to seek the Republican nomination in the 17th Congressional District in 2010.
Bobby Schilling, who owns St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in Moline, is critical of congressional spending and the political culture he says is aimed at the "self-preservation" of office holders.
The 17th District seat is currently held by Rep. Phil Hare, a Democrat who won a second term unopposed last year.
Schilling, who lives in Colona, said he intends to make a formal announcement in May. In the meantime, he is making the rounds of GOP meetings.
In an interview Friday, Schilling complained the 17th Congressional District, whose boundaries meander through Illinois, is a symbol of politicians seeking to protect their turf. The district boundaries, which was part of a bipartisan compromise after the 2000 Census, has been criticized for its shape.
"I'm coming in to be a servant of the people," Schilling said. "We need to get more people involved who aren't part of the good-old-boy system."
He added that he would have voted against the $787 billion stimulus plan, and he believes in term limits.
He also said congressmen who boast of bringing money back to their district ought to "explain to us how we're going to pay it back."
Source: http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/article_df034690-2622-11de-a22c-001cc4c002e0.html
Downstate congressmen raising lots of cash
05/14/2009
The Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL)
By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net
SPRINGFIELD -- Downstate members of Illinois’ congressional delegation have amassed campaign funds ranging from the low six-figures to over $2 million, according to new fundraising reports.
In the 11th Congressional District, which stretches from Will County to Bloomington-Normal, freshman Democrat Debbie Halvorson of Crete reported having $302,831 in her account as she preps for a re-election bid in 2010.
Halvorson already has picked up at least one challenger in Henry Meers Jr., a Will County Republican.
Former McLean County Board member Adam Kinzinger also is being touted as a potential challenger. But, neither Kinzinger or Meers reported raising any money in the most recent quarter.
Halvorson, a former state senator, won the open-seat race for the post formerly held by Republican Jerry Weller of Morris.
The reports, filed with the Federal Election Commission, cover fundraising during the first quarter of the year.
Illinois’ other freshman lawmaker, Republican Aaron Schock of Peoria, reported having $168,837 in his campaign account. For now, no one has formally filed to challenge the former state lawmaker from Peoria for the 18th Congressional District post once held by Ray LaHood.
Analysts say there may be some hesitancy among challengers to launch bids this year because of the upcoming redistricting process. After the 2010 census, Illinois’ legislative boundaries will be redrawn, with the possibility that the state will lose one of its 19 congressional districts.
Often, districts represented by newcomers are drawn out of existence.
“I think redistricting has to be in the calculus for potential challengers,” said Frank Mackaman, director of the Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin.
In the 17th Congressional District, meanwhile, second term Democratic U.S. Rep. Phil Hare of Rock Island reported having $465,768 in the bank. One potential challenger, Republican pizzeria owner Bobby Schilling of Colona, reported having $9,842 in his campaign account.
Schilling earlier seeded his campaign with a $10,000 loan from himself. Thus far, he’s spent some of his money on software, office supplies and a $481 laptop computer, records show.
The 17th district stretches from the Quad-Cities to Decatur.
Longtime downstate lawmakers reported having healthy campaign accounts.
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican representing the 19th district, had $1.2 million. In the 15th district, Republican Tim Johnson of Urbana had $116,780.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello of Belleville reported a campaign account in excess of $2 million.
Source: http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/04/16/news/doc49e7a91c2aed1948290849.txt
By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net
SPRINGFIELD -- Downstate members of Illinois’ congressional delegation have amassed campaign funds ranging from the low six-figures to over $2 million, according to new fundraising reports.
In the 11th Congressional District, which stretches from Will County to Bloomington-Normal, freshman Democrat Debbie Halvorson of Crete reported having $302,831 in her account as she preps for a re-election bid in 2010.
Halvorson already has picked up at least one challenger in Henry Meers Jr., a Will County Republican.
Former McLean County Board member Adam Kinzinger also is being touted as a potential challenger. But, neither Kinzinger or Meers reported raising any money in the most recent quarter.
Halvorson, a former state senator, won the open-seat race for the post formerly held by Republican Jerry Weller of Morris.
The reports, filed with the Federal Election Commission, cover fundraising during the first quarter of the year.
Illinois’ other freshman lawmaker, Republican Aaron Schock of Peoria, reported having $168,837 in his campaign account. For now, no one has formally filed to challenge the former state lawmaker from Peoria for the 18th Congressional District post once held by Ray LaHood.
Analysts say there may be some hesitancy among challengers to launch bids this year because of the upcoming redistricting process. After the 2010 census, Illinois’ legislative boundaries will be redrawn, with the possibility that the state will lose one of its 19 congressional districts.
Often, districts represented by newcomers are drawn out of existence.
“I think redistricting has to be in the calculus for potential challengers,” said Frank Mackaman, director of the Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin.
In the 17th Congressional District, meanwhile, second term Democratic U.S. Rep. Phil Hare of Rock Island reported having $465,768 in the bank. One potential challenger, Republican pizzeria owner Bobby Schilling of Colona, reported having $9,842 in his campaign account.
Schilling earlier seeded his campaign with a $10,000 loan from himself. Thus far, he’s spent some of his money on software, office supplies and a $481 laptop computer, records show.
The 17th district stretches from the Quad-Cities to Decatur.
Longtime downstate lawmakers reported having healthy campaign accounts.
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, a Collinsville Republican representing the 19th district, had $1.2 million. In the 15th district, Republican Tim Johnson of Urbana had $116,780.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello of Belleville reported a campaign account in excess of $2 million.
Source: http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/04/16/news/doc49e7a91c2aed1948290849.txt
Bernard Schoenburg: Hare concerned by high-profile Schock’s early votes
05/14/2009
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER (Springfield, IL)
Bernard Schoenburg
U.S. Rep. PHIL HARE, D-Rock Island, was a congressional aide for a long time. He finally got into the House in 2007, elected to take the place of his former boss, LANE EVANS.
U.S. Rep. AARON SCHOCK, R-Peoria, took his oath of office this January. He has been on somewhat of a media tear ever since — generally because at 27, he’s the youngest member of Congress.
While Hare has been on TV from time to time, the national attention he’s received doesn’t come anywhere close to what Schock has gotten.
Asked at a Statehouse news conference this week what he thinks of the spotlight being aimed at his young colleague, Hare, 60, had a little fun with it.
“He has much better abs than I do,” Hare said.
“Look, to me, it doesn’t bother me at all,” Hare added. “The attention that Aaron gets I think he gets because he is the youngest member of the House and because he is a prolific fundraiser. I wish he would spend more time legislating than he would worrying about who’s got the nicest abs in Congress.”
All this “abs” talk is a result, apparently, of the celebrity-focused Web site www.TMZ.com, which recently found and posted a 2007 photo of a poolside Schock on a lounge chair, with abdominal muscles well defined.
“He is much better looking than me and he does have better abs, but I’m working out … so I’ll catch up with him maybe in a year,” Hare said.
Hare said he’s lost about 40 pounds in his current effort. Though he didn’t start at his top weight this time around, he said he has weighed as much as 305 in the past.
His apartment in Washington, D.C., has a fitness center, he said, “So after votes, even though I don’t want to, I go downstairs and get my stuff on and work out. Or I’ll do it in the morning. I’ll get up at 5 and work out from maybe 5:30 to 6:30 and then get cleaned up and go to work.”
“I feel better,” Hare added. “It’s a stress reliever for me.”
In the past, he said, he’s lost 75 pounds at a stretch, but this time he said the key is to keep it off. And he’s imparting some wisdom he’s gained over the years.
“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t drink very much, but I do love to eat,” Hare said. “I always thought that when you ordered a pizza, it meant you got to eat the whole thing, not just a couple slices. We had taco day. People would have three, and I’d eat, like, several.”
Now, he said, “I’m eating better.” A staff member, he says, “brings me water and rice cakes. Yum, yum. But, you know, it’s good for me. I like being able to do it. You just have to make the commitment.”
Back to Schock, Hare clearly has philosophical differences with the Republican.
“He’s not a bad guy,” Hare said. “But I have to tell you, his votes trouble me deeply.
“I’m not worried about how good looking he is or what great shape he’s in. I’m more worried about why he decided twice to vote against the stimulus bill, but yet rode on Air Force One to have a photo op with the president. And I told him on the floor, I said, ‘Look, I’ll be candid with you. I think that was disingenuous to do. Because if you aren’t going to vote for the bill, then what was the whole point of the trip?’”
“Look,” Hare added. “He’ll learn. He’s new. … I’ve certainly made some mistakes, and I’ll keep making a few, I’m sure.”
DAVE NATONSKI, spokesman for Schock, said Schock did not provide TMZ with the poolside picture. It was taken from someone’s MySpace page, he said.
Schock, who is out of the country this week, also said in a recent interview that he didn’t think he was overdoing the publicity circuit.
“I think that’s part of my job as a congressman,” he said, “to speak on behalf of my constituents on the floor of the House and also to the national forum at large through the media. I mean, the media is my forum of being able to communicate to the constituents. And so, I have to be on C-SPAN, I have to be on FOX, and so on.
“I’m ready to give up the youngest-member crown and give that to whomever wants it next, whoever will run and be elected. But I’m not going to shy away from opportunities to promote legislation that I’m working (on) or policies that are important to my district in Illinois.”
Hare, by the way, was very critical of former Gov. ROD BLAGOJEVICH in the past, for many reasons, of course, but one was the fact that Blagojevich never returned any of 18 phone calls Hare made in one period of time.
Hare said things are much better with new Gov. PAT QUINN, who has agreed to join Hare in the Quad Cities in late April to discuss green technology.
“His scheduler actually returned my phone call,” Quinn said. “It was an amazing thing.”
Possible foes
Both Schock and Hare are facing possible opponents in the 2010 race.
CARL RAY, 43, of the Peoria-area town of Washington, works for Caterpillar Inc. and spent 4½ years in the Air Force, including six months duty in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War in 1990-91.
Ray said he voted for RONALD REAGAN for president and was a Republican years ago, but in his view, the “steady movement to the right” of the GOP “kind of left me behind.”
He said he is a moderate Democrat, but is more progressive on economic issues.
“Socially, I’m still on the conservative side,” he said.
One reason Ray decided to take on Schock was Schock’s vote against the LILLY LEDBETTER Fair Pay Act of 2009, which would give workers more time to file lawsuits claiming job discrimination. It is named for a woman who a jury found was paid less than men for her job at Goodyear. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later voted 5-4 that she should have filed her claim within 180 days of the decision to pay her less than men. The law extended the time a claim could be filed to within 180 days of a person receiving any discriminatory paycheck, not just the first one.
Ray also said he supports the stimulus legislation Schock opposed and favors expansion of a children’s health insurance program finally signed into law this year by President Barack Obama.
Ray said Schock campaigned as a moderate, but “since he’s been there, he’s gone hard right.”
STEVEN SHEARER, Schock’s chief of staff, said the 2010 election is a long way away, and, “We’re not going to be responding to hypothetical Democratic candidates” yet.
Ray, a married father of two, backs a single-payer national health insurance system, which would work with private, not-for-profit hospitals, similar to a Canadian system. He also thinks Social Security payments should be increased, with a fee on stock transactions helping to pay for the added benefits.
Hare, who was unopposed for re-election in 2008, could face Republican BOBBY SCHILLING, 45, of Colona in 2010.
Schilling and his wife have nine children, and he owns a Moline business, St. Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza Restaurant.
He already has a campaign headquarters set up in East Moline, and said his experience as a businessman, as union steward in a plant that made corrugated boxes, and as a Prudential agent, would combine to give Congress a dose of what it needs — fiscal discipline.
“We need people running the country who know how to work with fiscal responsibility,” Schilling said.
Schilling said the contorted map of the 17th Congressional District — widely viewed as a prime example of gerrymandering — “tells the story of our entire country right now. It’s called self-service. It’s called politicians on both sides taking care of one another and not taking care of the people.”
Schilling is pro-life and said he is “totally against gun control” and supports allowing citizens to carry concealed guns.
“I believe that some of the things that are going on throughout our county could be limited if people were packing some heat,” he said.
Bunch interested
Add Sangamon County Board member CLYDE BUNCH, 73, to the list of potential candidates for Sangamon County Democratic chairman.
“I get along with people,” said Bunch, who says he plans to seek the post if the floor leader of Democrats on the Sangamon County Board, DORIS TURNER, does not.
Last week, the chairman for seven years, TIM TIMONEY, announced that he plans to step down from that leadership post next month. One name he put forward as a possible replacement was JIM DONELAN, executive assistant to Springfield Mayor TIM DAVLIN.
But it doesn’t appear to be a done deal. The party’s second-vice chairman, BILLY EARL, said he’s in the running, and its treasurer, NEIL CALDERON, said he’d consider a run.
Bunch said he makes $11.01 per hour working full time handling parts at the city’s Public Works Department. That works out to just under $23,000 per year.
Bunch recalled days past when the party sponsored dances, and he’d like to see a resurgence of area clubs and social events.
“It seems like the only time we meet is committee call,” Bunch said.
Bernard Schoenburg is political columnist for The State Journal-Register. He can be reached at 788-1540 or bernard.schoenburg@sj-r.com.
Source: http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1098993273/Bernard-Schoenburg-Hare-concerned-by-high-profile-Schock-s-early-votes
Bernard Schoenburg
U.S. Rep. PHIL HARE, D-Rock Island, was a congressional aide for a long time. He finally got into the House in 2007, elected to take the place of his former boss, LANE EVANS.
U.S. Rep. AARON SCHOCK, R-Peoria, took his oath of office this January. He has been on somewhat of a media tear ever since — generally because at 27, he’s the youngest member of Congress.
While Hare has been on TV from time to time, the national attention he’s received doesn’t come anywhere close to what Schock has gotten.
Asked at a Statehouse news conference this week what he thinks of the spotlight being aimed at his young colleague, Hare, 60, had a little fun with it.
“He has much better abs than I do,” Hare said.
“Look, to me, it doesn’t bother me at all,” Hare added. “The attention that Aaron gets I think he gets because he is the youngest member of the House and because he is a prolific fundraiser. I wish he would spend more time legislating than he would worrying about who’s got the nicest abs in Congress.”
All this “abs” talk is a result, apparently, of the celebrity-focused Web site www.TMZ.com, which recently found and posted a 2007 photo of a poolside Schock on a lounge chair, with abdominal muscles well defined.
“He is much better looking than me and he does have better abs, but I’m working out … so I’ll catch up with him maybe in a year,” Hare said.
Hare said he’s lost about 40 pounds in his current effort. Though he didn’t start at his top weight this time around, he said he has weighed as much as 305 in the past.
His apartment in Washington, D.C., has a fitness center, he said, “So after votes, even though I don’t want to, I go downstairs and get my stuff on and work out. Or I’ll do it in the morning. I’ll get up at 5 and work out from maybe 5:30 to 6:30 and then get cleaned up and go to work.”
“I feel better,” Hare added. “It’s a stress reliever for me.”
In the past, he said, he’s lost 75 pounds at a stretch, but this time he said the key is to keep it off. And he’s imparting some wisdom he’s gained over the years.
“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t drink very much, but I do love to eat,” Hare said. “I always thought that when you ordered a pizza, it meant you got to eat the whole thing, not just a couple slices. We had taco day. People would have three, and I’d eat, like, several.”
Now, he said, “I’m eating better.” A staff member, he says, “brings me water and rice cakes. Yum, yum. But, you know, it’s good for me. I like being able to do it. You just have to make the commitment.”
Back to Schock, Hare clearly has philosophical differences with the Republican.
“He’s not a bad guy,” Hare said. “But I have to tell you, his votes trouble me deeply.
“I’m not worried about how good looking he is or what great shape he’s in. I’m more worried about why he decided twice to vote against the stimulus bill, but yet rode on Air Force One to have a photo op with the president. And I told him on the floor, I said, ‘Look, I’ll be candid with you. I think that was disingenuous to do. Because if you aren’t going to vote for the bill, then what was the whole point of the trip?’”
“Look,” Hare added. “He’ll learn. He’s new. … I’ve certainly made some mistakes, and I’ll keep making a few, I’m sure.”
DAVE NATONSKI, spokesman for Schock, said Schock did not provide TMZ with the poolside picture. It was taken from someone’s MySpace page, he said.
Schock, who is out of the country this week, also said in a recent interview that he didn’t think he was overdoing the publicity circuit.
“I think that’s part of my job as a congressman,” he said, “to speak on behalf of my constituents on the floor of the House and also to the national forum at large through the media. I mean, the media is my forum of being able to communicate to the constituents. And so, I have to be on C-SPAN, I have to be on FOX, and so on.
“I’m ready to give up the youngest-member crown and give that to whomever wants it next, whoever will run and be elected. But I’m not going to shy away from opportunities to promote legislation that I’m working (on) or policies that are important to my district in Illinois.”
Hare, by the way, was very critical of former Gov. ROD BLAGOJEVICH in the past, for many reasons, of course, but one was the fact that Blagojevich never returned any of 18 phone calls Hare made in one period of time.
Hare said things are much better with new Gov. PAT QUINN, who has agreed to join Hare in the Quad Cities in late April to discuss green technology.
“His scheduler actually returned my phone call,” Quinn said. “It was an amazing thing.”
Possible foes
Both Schock and Hare are facing possible opponents in the 2010 race.
CARL RAY, 43, of the Peoria-area town of Washington, works for Caterpillar Inc. and spent 4½ years in the Air Force, including six months duty in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War in 1990-91.
Ray said he voted for RONALD REAGAN for president and was a Republican years ago, but in his view, the “steady movement to the right” of the GOP “kind of left me behind.”
He said he is a moderate Democrat, but is more progressive on economic issues.
“Socially, I’m still on the conservative side,” he said.
One reason Ray decided to take on Schock was Schock’s vote against the LILLY LEDBETTER Fair Pay Act of 2009, which would give workers more time to file lawsuits claiming job discrimination. It is named for a woman who a jury found was paid less than men for her job at Goodyear. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later voted 5-4 that she should have filed her claim within 180 days of the decision to pay her less than men. The law extended the time a claim could be filed to within 180 days of a person receiving any discriminatory paycheck, not just the first one.
Ray also said he supports the stimulus legislation Schock opposed and favors expansion of a children’s health insurance program finally signed into law this year by President Barack Obama.
Ray said Schock campaigned as a moderate, but “since he’s been there, he’s gone hard right.”
STEVEN SHEARER, Schock’s chief of staff, said the 2010 election is a long way away, and, “We’re not going to be responding to hypothetical Democratic candidates” yet.
Ray, a married father of two, backs a single-payer national health insurance system, which would work with private, not-for-profit hospitals, similar to a Canadian system. He also thinks Social Security payments should be increased, with a fee on stock transactions helping to pay for the added benefits.
Hare, who was unopposed for re-election in 2008, could face Republican BOBBY SCHILLING, 45, of Colona in 2010.
Schilling and his wife have nine children, and he owns a Moline business, St. Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza Restaurant.
He already has a campaign headquarters set up in East Moline, and said his experience as a businessman, as union steward in a plant that made corrugated boxes, and as a Prudential agent, would combine to give Congress a dose of what it needs — fiscal discipline.
“We need people running the country who know how to work with fiscal responsibility,” Schilling said.
Schilling said the contorted map of the 17th Congressional District — widely viewed as a prime example of gerrymandering — “tells the story of our entire country right now. It’s called self-service. It’s called politicians on both sides taking care of one another and not taking care of the people.”
Schilling is pro-life and said he is “totally against gun control” and supports allowing citizens to carry concealed guns.
“I believe that some of the things that are going on throughout our county could be limited if people were packing some heat,” he said.
Bunch interested
Add Sangamon County Board member CLYDE BUNCH, 73, to the list of potential candidates for Sangamon County Democratic chairman.
“I get along with people,” said Bunch, who says he plans to seek the post if the floor leader of Democrats on the Sangamon County Board, DORIS TURNER, does not.
Last week, the chairman for seven years, TIM TIMONEY, announced that he plans to step down from that leadership post next month. One name he put forward as a possible replacement was JIM DONELAN, executive assistant to Springfield Mayor TIM DAVLIN.
But it doesn’t appear to be a done deal. The party’s second-vice chairman, BILLY EARL, said he’s in the running, and its treasurer, NEIL CALDERON, said he’d consider a run.
Bunch said he makes $11.01 per hour working full time handling parts at the city’s Public Works Department. That works out to just under $23,000 per year.
Bunch recalled days past when the party sponsored dances, and he’d like to see a resurgence of area clubs and social events.
“It seems like the only time we meet is committee call,” Bunch said.
Bernard Schoenburg is political columnist for The State Journal-Register. He can be reached at 788-1540 or bernard.schoenburg@sj-r.com.
Source: http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1098993273/Bernard-Schoenburg-Hare-concerned-by-high-profile-Schock-s-early-votes
Lincoln Reagan Day brings Republican candidates to Quincy
05/14/2009
Herald-Whig (Quincy, IL)
By RODNEY HART
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Quincy Republicans are gearing up for municipal elections next month, but several out-of-town guests at Thursday's Lincoln Reagan Day event have their eyes on statewide offices.
Doug Whitley, longtime executive director of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and state Sen. Bill Brady are testing the waters for the next gubernatorial campaign, and Moline restaurant owner Bobby Schilling says he's ready to take on U.S. Rep. Phil Hare for the 17th District House seat.
Hamilton resident Randy White, a pastor, says he soon will officially launch a campaign for lieutenant governor.
Those candidates, as well as local candidates, made pitches during the annual Lincoln Reagan Day dinner at the Holiday Inn.
"The No. 1 issues are jobs, growth and prosperity," Whitley said. "Political leadership in this state has taken their eye off that ball. One of the reasons they are talking about tax increases today is that they failed to nurture job growth."
Whitley formerly ran Ameritech and was director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. He also directed the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois.
He says Illinois lost 175,000 jobs last year and has seen 750,000 people leave the state in the past decade.
"The Democrats had their chance. The people in the state of Illinois elected Democrats to every statewide office, and they control both houses of the General Assembly," he said. "Not only did they fail miserably, I think the public is much more conscious of our serious need to go forward."
Brady is a former homebuilder from Bloomington who lost to Judy Baar-Topinka in the 2006 gubernatorial primary. He says Illinois has the assets to overcome staggering debt and financial issues.
"We are the most centrally located state in the nation for commerce and industry. We should be leading, not following," Brady said. "My goal is to lay out a new blueprint for a new Illinois. The old one isn't working."
Brady says Illinois has far more assets than liabilities and that the state budget can be balanced.
"Unfortunately, in the last six years, we've seen the Chicago Democrats in control, and they have leveraged our state in a way in which we are going to have to pay the price," Brady said.
Adams County Republican Chairman Larry Ehmen touted this year's local Republican candidates, including mayoral candidate Dave Bellis. Ehmen says the demise of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and trying economic times could help Republicans.
"If we are smart, it will. If we stick to our principles, it will," Ehmen said. "If we start acting like we are Democrat-light, it won't."
Schilling is a father of nine from Moline and owns St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza restaurant. He says one of his sons is now running the business, giving him time to become better known and take on the heavily favored Hare.
"I was watching what was happening to our country, the fiscal irresponsibility, and I just got tired of sitting around and watching it," Schilling said. "I'm going to give Phil Hare the toughest race he's ever had."
-- rhart@whig.com/221-3370
Source: http://www.whig.com/printerfriendly/Lincoln-Reagan-Day--FRI
By RODNEY HART
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Quincy Republicans are gearing up for municipal elections next month, but several out-of-town guests at Thursday's Lincoln Reagan Day event have their eyes on statewide offices.
Doug Whitley, longtime executive director of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and state Sen. Bill Brady are testing the waters for the next gubernatorial campaign, and Moline restaurant owner Bobby Schilling says he's ready to take on U.S. Rep. Phil Hare for the 17th District House seat.
Hamilton resident Randy White, a pastor, says he soon will officially launch a campaign for lieutenant governor.
Those candidates, as well as local candidates, made pitches during the annual Lincoln Reagan Day dinner at the Holiday Inn.
"The No. 1 issues are jobs, growth and prosperity," Whitley said. "Political leadership in this state has taken their eye off that ball. One of the reasons they are talking about tax increases today is that they failed to nurture job growth."
Whitley formerly ran Ameritech and was director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. He also directed the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois.
He says Illinois lost 175,000 jobs last year and has seen 750,000 people leave the state in the past decade.
"The Democrats had their chance. The people in the state of Illinois elected Democrats to every statewide office, and they control both houses of the General Assembly," he said. "Not only did they fail miserably, I think the public is much more conscious of our serious need to go forward."
Brady is a former homebuilder from Bloomington who lost to Judy Baar-Topinka in the 2006 gubernatorial primary. He says Illinois has the assets to overcome staggering debt and financial issues.
"We are the most centrally located state in the nation for commerce and industry. We should be leading, not following," Brady said. "My goal is to lay out a new blueprint for a new Illinois. The old one isn't working."
Brady says Illinois has far more assets than liabilities and that the state budget can be balanced.
"Unfortunately, in the last six years, we've seen the Chicago Democrats in control, and they have leveraged our state in a way in which we are going to have to pay the price," Brady said.
Adams County Republican Chairman Larry Ehmen touted this year's local Republican candidates, including mayoral candidate Dave Bellis. Ehmen says the demise of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and trying economic times could help Republicans.
"If we are smart, it will. If we stick to our principles, it will," Ehmen said. "If we start acting like we are Democrat-light, it won't."
Schilling is a father of nine from Moline and owns St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza restaurant. He says one of his sons is now running the business, giving him time to become better known and take on the heavily favored Hare.
"I was watching what was happening to our country, the fiscal irresponsibility, and I just got tired of sitting around and watching it," Schilling said. "I'm going to give Phil Hare the toughest race he's ever had."
-- rhart@whig.com/221-3370
Source: http://www.whig.com/printerfriendly/Lincoln-Reagan-Day--FRI
Moline Republican vies for Illinois seat
05/14/2009
The Hawk Eye (Burlington, IA)
Moline, Ill., businessman Bobby Schilling, a Republican, has thrown his hat in the ring for Illinois' 17th Congressional District seat.
The seat is currently held by Democratic Rep. Phil Hare.
Advertisement
Schilling, owner of Saint Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in Moline, said he is running for the seat because as a father of nine, business owner and community member, he cannot wait any longer for someone to come forward who shares his values on the nation's potential to be even greater.
"I am not a politician, and now more than ever, we need elected officials who put the greater good of the people ahead of their own personal gain," Schilling said in a release announcing his candidacy. "Out of control and out of touch lawmakers are bankrupting our country."
He said elected officials need to be held accountable and he supports transparency in government.
Schilling opened headquarters in East Moline and has spent the past couple months traveling the 17th District -- which covers more than 20 counties -- to meet with people who he hopes to represent.
According to Schilling's release, he is aware of the hard work ahead of him but is confident that the people of the district want to see high-paying jobs, growth and prosperity return to their hometowns.
"What Americans need is to keep as much of their hard-earned money in their pockets as possible," Schilling said. "By lowering taxes, we ignite the economy and in the process bring back good-paying jobs."
He said further that citizens have seen that raising taxes on businesses in the state only chases quality jobs to other states and countries.
"With the current economic crisis, lawmakers must understand that we cannot tax and spend our way out of the problem," Schilling said. "We need true leadership to make difficult decisions that are in the best interest of all."
More information about Schilling is online at www.bobby2010.com.
Although Hare, a sophomore congressman, has not officially announced his campaign, his committee sent out a release after filing its first quarter report with the Federal Elections Commission, noting receipt of more than $100,000.
According to the release, the amount is a record for non-election year fundraising in the 17th District.
"It is notable that people are willing to contribute so much in this tough economy," said Maggie Depoorter, political director for the Hare campaign. "It shows their understanding that Phil is fighting every day in Washington (D.C.) to help them make ends meet. This bodes well for 2010."
Source: http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/challenger-041609
Moline, Ill., businessman Bobby Schilling, a Republican, has thrown his hat in the ring for Illinois' 17th Congressional District seat.
The seat is currently held by Democratic Rep. Phil Hare.
Advertisement
Schilling, owner of Saint Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza in Moline, said he is running for the seat because as a father of nine, business owner and community member, he cannot wait any longer for someone to come forward who shares his values on the nation's potential to be even greater.
"I am not a politician, and now more than ever, we need elected officials who put the greater good of the people ahead of their own personal gain," Schilling said in a release announcing his candidacy. "Out of control and out of touch lawmakers are bankrupting our country."
He said elected officials need to be held accountable and he supports transparency in government.
Schilling opened headquarters in East Moline and has spent the past couple months traveling the 17th District -- which covers more than 20 counties -- to meet with people who he hopes to represent.
According to Schilling's release, he is aware of the hard work ahead of him but is confident that the people of the district want to see high-paying jobs, growth and prosperity return to their hometowns.
"What Americans need is to keep as much of their hard-earned money in their pockets as possible," Schilling said. "By lowering taxes, we ignite the economy and in the process bring back good-paying jobs."
He said further that citizens have seen that raising taxes on businesses in the state only chases quality jobs to other states and countries.
"With the current economic crisis, lawmakers must understand that we cannot tax and spend our way out of the problem," Schilling said. "We need true leadership to make difficult decisions that are in the best interest of all."
More information about Schilling is online at www.bobby2010.com.
Although Hare, a sophomore congressman, has not officially announced his campaign, his committee sent out a release after filing its first quarter report with the Federal Elections Commission, noting receipt of more than $100,000.
According to the release, the amount is a record for non-election year fundraising in the 17th District.
"It is notable that people are willing to contribute so much in this tough economy," said Maggie Depoorter, political director for the Hare campaign. "It shows their understanding that Phil is fighting every day in Washington (D.C.) to help them make ends meet. This bodes well for 2010."
Source: http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/challenger-041609
Hare gets his first challenger
05/14/2009
Daily Review Atlas
Fri Apr 17, 2009, 05:23 PM CDT
MONMOUTH — Republican Bobby Schilling has announced he will challenge Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, in the 2010 mid-term congressional elections.
Schilling is from Colona and runs Saint Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza in Moline. Schilling is pro-gun rights, pro-life, and wants to keep taxes low while promoting fiscal responsibility. “What Americans need is to keep as much of their hard earned money in their pockets. By lowering taxes, we ignite the economy and in the process bring back good paying, high quality jobs,” he said. “We have seen in this state that raising the taxes on businesses only chases these quality jobs to other states and countries.”
Schilling served as a union shop steward for Local 191 of the International Paper Workers Union when he worked at Container Corporation of America in the 1980s.
“I am not a politician, I am not running for Congress to further my own personal agenda and my own selfish desires, nor to get my family government jobs,” he said. “I am running for Congress because as a father of nine, a local business owner and a member of the community, I cannot sit back any longer waiting for someone to come forward who shares my values and views on our nation’s potential to be even greater.”
The magnitude of the task Schilling faces to win election, however, was illustrated this week when Hare’s fundraising committee announced it amassed $109,791 during the first quarter of 2009 alone.
According to Maggie Depoorter, political director for the Hare campaign, that figure is a record for non-election year fundraising in the 17th District. As of March 31, Hare had $465,768 cash on hand to be used toward his re-election bid in 2010.
“This report is very promising,” Depoorter said. “It is notable that people are willing to contribute so much in this tough economy. It shows their understanding that Phil is fighting every day in Washington to help them make ends meet; this bodes well for 2010.”
Schilling’s first quarter financial report was not available on the Federal Election Commission Web site Thursday, although his fundraising committee has filed with the commission.
Schilling said he wanted people to vote for the person rather than the party when they next get the chance to go to the polls. “The time has come for the people of this district to vote not for any particular party, but rather to vote for the person,” he said. “Those who already know me know that I am an honest and hard working man and now my job is to show the rest of those in the 17th who I am and what I am made of.”
The congressional elections will take place on the first Tuesday in November 2010. Schilling has already begun to build his campaign. He has established a campaign Web site and is travelling to events around the district to build support.
“As Illinoisans we have had the great misfortune of seeing up close what corruption and pay to play politics gets the people,” he said. “It is my desire to be a man of the people from every corner of the 17th District.”
Source: http://www.reviewatlas.com/news/x718259451/Hare-gets-his-first-challenger
Fri Apr 17, 2009, 05:23 PM CDT
MONMOUTH — Republican Bobby Schilling has announced he will challenge Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, in the 2010 mid-term congressional elections.
Schilling is from Colona and runs Saint Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza in Moline. Schilling is pro-gun rights, pro-life, and wants to keep taxes low while promoting fiscal responsibility. “What Americans need is to keep as much of their hard earned money in their pockets. By lowering taxes, we ignite the economy and in the process bring back good paying, high quality jobs,” he said. “We have seen in this state that raising the taxes on businesses only chases these quality jobs to other states and countries.”
Schilling served as a union shop steward for Local 191 of the International Paper Workers Union when he worked at Container Corporation of America in the 1980s.
“I am not a politician, I am not running for Congress to further my own personal agenda and my own selfish desires, nor to get my family government jobs,” he said. “I am running for Congress because as a father of nine, a local business owner and a member of the community, I cannot sit back any longer waiting for someone to come forward who shares my values and views on our nation’s potential to be even greater.”
The magnitude of the task Schilling faces to win election, however, was illustrated this week when Hare’s fundraising committee announced it amassed $109,791 during the first quarter of 2009 alone.
According to Maggie Depoorter, political director for the Hare campaign, that figure is a record for non-election year fundraising in the 17th District. As of March 31, Hare had $465,768 cash on hand to be used toward his re-election bid in 2010.
“This report is very promising,” Depoorter said. “It is notable that people are willing to contribute so much in this tough economy. It shows their understanding that Phil is fighting every day in Washington to help them make ends meet; this bodes well for 2010.”
Schilling’s first quarter financial report was not available on the Federal Election Commission Web site Thursday, although his fundraising committee has filed with the commission.
Schilling said he wanted people to vote for the person rather than the party when they next get the chance to go to the polls. “The time has come for the people of this district to vote not for any particular party, but rather to vote for the person,” he said. “Those who already know me know that I am an honest and hard working man and now my job is to show the rest of those in the 17th who I am and what I am made of.”
The congressional elections will take place on the first Tuesday in November 2010. Schilling has already begun to build his campaign. He has established a campaign Web site and is travelling to events around the district to build support.
“As Illinoisans we have had the great misfortune of seeing up close what corruption and pay to play politics gets the people,” he said. “It is my desire to be a man of the people from every corner of the 17th District.”
Source: http://www.reviewatlas.com/news/x718259451/Hare-gets-his-first-challenger
Colona Man Stepping Up to Challenge Congressman Phil Hare
05/14/2009
WGIL News Radio (Galesburg, IL)
The first Republican has gotten in line to challenge the Democratic incumbent for the congressional seat covering most of the area in next year's elections.
Bobby Schilling is a pizzeria owner in Moline and a resident of Colona in Henry County. He formally announced on Thursday he's running against incumbent Phil Hare.
Schilling, a father of nine children and grandfather of one, says he will make a formal campaign announcements later in the spring throughout the district that stretches from Quincy to Moline. Schilling says in a news release that while he's no politician, the public needs "elected officials who put the greater good of the people ahead of their own personal gain."
Without mentioning Hare by name, Schilling's statement says some lawmakers are, in his words, out of control and out of touch and are bankrupting the country.
Schilling is the first Republican to announce a run in next April's primary.
In the meantime, Hare's campaign office announced Wednesday the Galesburg native raised nearly $110,000 in the first quarter of this year toward his own re-election bid.
You can find links to both Hare's campaign site, and Schilling's, here www.bobby2010.com www.friendsofphilhare.com.
Source: http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=042009&newsid=201
The first Republican has gotten in line to challenge the Democratic incumbent for the congressional seat covering most of the area in next year's elections.
Bobby Schilling is a pizzeria owner in Moline and a resident of Colona in Henry County. He formally announced on Thursday he's running against incumbent Phil Hare.
Schilling, a father of nine children and grandfather of one, says he will make a formal campaign announcements later in the spring throughout the district that stretches from Quincy to Moline. Schilling says in a news release that while he's no politician, the public needs "elected officials who put the greater good of the people ahead of their own personal gain."
Without mentioning Hare by name, Schilling's statement says some lawmakers are, in his words, out of control and out of touch and are bankrupting the country.
Schilling is the first Republican to announce a run in next April's primary.
In the meantime, Hare's campaign office announced Wednesday the Galesburg native raised nearly $110,000 in the first quarter of this year toward his own re-election bid.
You can find links to both Hare's campaign site, and Schilling's, here www.bobby2010.com www.friendsofphilhare.com.
Source: http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=042009&newsid=201