Back on January 26th, McHenry County State’s Attorney candidate Patrick Kenneally held a fundraiser at Turnberry Country Club. I had to hurry off to the League of Women Voters’ County Board Districts 4, 5 and 6 Forum, so missed the speech.
Kenneally’s speech and some photos I took follow:
As Lou’s successor, there is one indispensable responsibility that I believe I have the solemn duty to uphold as State’s Attorney. And that is, beginning any speech with a corny joke. [Joke, which I found quite funny, is omitted.]
Today is a wonderful day for me and my family.
I look around this room and I know that I have been blessed beyond anything I deserve.
I have a wife. A beautiful and incredible wife who I love beyond any measure and who loves me.
A wife who has been willing to bear the weight and, sometimes, adversity of this political campaign with me.
I have two little sons, Patrick and John.
Though little Patrick has shown no interest in picking up the mantle of his father’s impressive athletic career (at least in my own mind) and little John seems to be pop fully awake and want to play at 2 a.m.…I look at them and feel nothing but gratitude.
I have two affectionate and self-sacrificing parents and two wonderful and accomplished sisters.
They say you can’t choose your family, but the truth is if I had a choice, they are who I would have chosen.
I have Lou Bianchi standing behind me.
This truly remarkable man who’s tenure as State’s Attorney has been epitome of fortitude, courage, and resilience. This man who has restored the State’s Attorney to its rightful owners…the people.
I hope to not just be your next State’s Attorney…I hope to be your next Republican State’s Attorney.
Here’s what I think that means.
Being a Republican state’s attorney means recognizing that there is no higher purpose for government than first and foremost to keep the public safe to exercise freedoms this country so graciously imparts.
Being a Republican state’s attorney means understanding that the purpose of the criminal justice system is not to be a surrogate parent or caretaker.
The purpose of the criminal justice is to turn criminals into self-governing people and, if this is not possible, remove them from society.
Do this with rehabilitation through limited and cost-effective services.
Also do this by creating a culture of unwavering accountability in courtrooms.
By not allowing criminals to blame society or concoct some other cop-out/sob-story to evade responsibility.
This does not happen as the result of a speech or good intentions; holding criminals accountable must be fought for…day in and day out.
That is especially true in the society we live in today that is increasingly defined by relativism, universal victimhood, and overriding commitment to self.
Now you may have noticed we are playing up the Irish theme in this campaign. J.K Chesterton said of the Irish:
For the Great Gales of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad
For all their wars are merry
And all their songs are sad.
Truth be told, as an Irishman, I get misty listening to sad Irish ballads. And, truth be told as an Irishman, I am a little pugnacious. I am willing to fight wars and to fight merrily.
“Merrily,” not in the sense that I enjoy high-stakes courtroom battles proceeding from some human tragedy.
Merrily in the sense that I know as a State’s Attorney, I am fighting for the right and the just side.
I think we owe Lou another round of applause.
But I think we owe Lou more than that.
I think we also owe Lou the peace of mind of knowing that the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office he has worked for, been indicted for, and fought back for will remain with a new generation of leaders that will keep it as a public trust.
I hope to be one of these leaders, I thank you all for being here in support of this campaign, and I ask for your vote on March 15, 2016.
As you look at the picture of Joe Gottemoller above, think of the following quote from the NWH 02/06/2016 (I purchased a hard copy):
“He also called Walkup’s hands-on plans micromanagement that run contrary to how county government works. As for the idea that the minority bloc could end up with conrol, Gottemoller said they will stay a minority because they are “spectacularly inept at working with other people.””
Insofar as voting for him now – quoting Donnie Brasco: fuhgeddaboudit
Cautious- Joe went to EVERYONE’S and still goes to EVERYONE’S fundraisers. Just to see the lay of the land. Go to Dan Regna’s websit and Facebook. Nice picture of Dan with Joe G.
A wonderful sight is seeing Jean and Lou Bianchi looking so happy and relaxed. Jean looks beautiful and Lou you look like your having fun…..again.
May God bless the Bianchi’s for standing tall during a most difficult time, and, for placing forth a positive legacy for this highly important office.
Thank you.
Cautious, you are correct about Joe G. Walkup is the best person for the Chairmanship.
old timer – In other words he supports Regna?
The voters made a huge error approving the election of Chairman-at-large.
I pray they do not make another mistake electing Joe. Anyone who openly denigrates the opposition does not belong in the position of McHenry County Board chairman. IMO Joe is telling you openly that if he is elected, Peter Austin will run the County. Not the Board, not Joe but the County Manager. Anyone who disagrees with Peter will be ostracized.
I totally agree with David’s comment!!
Cal: Relative to your caption under the pic of the former County Board Chairperson, do you know something the rest of us do not?
Great speech, Patrick Kenneally!
And, thank you for acknowledging that the States Attorney’s office belongs to the people and will remain with the people!
Election Day march 15, 2016 for the General Primary.
Gottemoller’s dismissal and disrespect of numerous board members that seek reform and sound fiscal decision making is deplorable. Vote for Walkup.
Agreed.
Mike Walkups family has been in this County for decades.
His Great Great Great Grandfather was the first Sheriff of McHenry County.
Gottemoller is a “CAMELEON” He changes his opinions or behavior according to the situation.
Sadly I see a room full of people I want to support, but who learned nothing from the Lt. Glinewicz situation in Fox Lake.
Not a single one brave enough to take a stand against a politically appointed police commander with an ugly criminal record.
No stand takers here, no not a single one who will even take direct questions around a specific criminal record at the highest ranks in our courthouse.
There is a letter to the editor at nwherald.com
this woman says we should put an end to political dynasties.
I could not agree more.
Michael Walkup has been running on his family as if this is birth right.
He has been a democrat up until this last election now he is conveniently a republican running on his family name.
He has aligned himself with what he calls the minority but what he has aligned himself with is people who want
To control who gets elected when it is there turn he just wants the power associated with what he claims he does
Not support.
He would hire his friends who help him and say it was
Not Patronage and it would never be nepotism because he does not have anyone to hire his wife divorced him so does not even have that support.
The so called Catholics who stand with him should be asking was
This done with the church’s blessing.
Oh we won’t judge him lest you be judged but your self serving righteousness will
Judge
Others
You chose
To put the quilt upon.
lol…..You are so ridiculous.
I hardly think that Walkups could be considered a political dynasty.
Go look at yourself in the mirror, and keep standing there until your’e tired of laughing at yourself.
“lest?’…lol…lol…lol…
Now, if there was ever a “Political Dynasty” it belonged to the Nygren Circus.
Gottemoller, is one big fat red flag!
I for one am voting for Mike Walkup!
Mike Walkup you look like someone who is desperate talking to prim.
prim deserves respect for his accomplishment you do not even come close to deserving respect from your ancestors.
What’s the back story about Schuch shoving the camera in your face?
Playful, aggressive, something else?
Walkup and his minority caucus are looking for government checks, either for themselves because their law practice is failing, or to bolster Democrat Party interest groups, which depend on government funding.
Scratch a Walkup supporter you will find, like Walkup, they are really Democrats.
Gottemoller, continues to be one big fat red flag!
Walkup is a reformer!
The right guy for the job!
“Boethius” look the other direction because you have something up your…….
You instigator of imaginary battles!