Again, from Former Quigley Supporter:
(Note: Much of today’s update might be good discussion with James Marter in Huntley tomorrow night.)
6th and 14th Congressional Districts Updates 6/26/19
All the media’s eyes are on the Democratic presidential candidates’ debates tonight and tomorrow night. Additionally for members of Congress and both congressional and presidential candidates, eyes are on Sunday’s FEC deadline to report fundraising progress by July 15 for the calendar quarter April 1-June 30. The issues facing our nation in the 2020 6th & 14th congressional districts may take a back seat to fundraising through Sunday. But discerning voters want to know how the Republicans running next year stand on major issues.
Taxes: SALT Deduction Cap, Underwood’s Legislation on SALT, and SALT Limits Impacts
Yesterday, the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction cap was the topic of the House Ways & Means Committee’s Select Revenues Measures Subcommittee. Witnesses included local officials from across the county, including a fire department lieutenant from Wisconsin, a mayor from Virginia, a local school superintendent, and others, testifying before the subcommittee on the negative impact of the SALT deduction cap which was critical to paying for President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts of 2017 (TCJA). Members of the subcommittee questioned the witnesses, too.
Currently, H.R. 1757, sponsored by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and vigorously supported by Congressman Sean Casten, is one of many bills before Congress to change components of the TCJA. The Underwood Bill would make increases of SALT deduction cap retroactive to January 1, 2019. Underwood’s legislation does not outline how to pay for increasing the SALT deduction cap. Underwood legislation link is below. Republicans are usually known as the champions for taxpayers and the TCJA is under attack. It’s time for the Republican candidates for the 6th and 14th districts to fight for TCJA, especially when objective analytics backs the TCJA and Republicans.
Put another way, if the Republicans cannot stand firm on TCJA and let Underwood and Casten win the public opinion battle in their respective districts on the basic Republican issue of taxes, then there is no way Republicans will flip these two seats next year. While it is too early to expect full-blown position papers on taxes (but the candidates should have them written and published by Labor Day), the Republican congressional candidates need to be responding when Republican positions are challenged. If Republicans do not agree with TCJA, and specifically the SALT deduction cap, then they need to explain this to primary voters, as well as their alternative and how to pay for modifying the SALT deduction cap.
The C-SPAN video (link below) from yesterday’s subcommittee meeting is nearly 2 1/2 hours long. Some highlights can be found at:
— 1:04:09 Congressman Tom Rice (R, SC) points out any adjustment to SALT deduction cap benefits the wealthy.
— 1:14:15 Congressman Darin LaHood (R, IL) points to the success of TCJA
Democrats, and some of the witnesses, use the term “double taxation”, during the subcommittee meeting. Double taxation is illegal, and the courts would have struck down the TCJA components if there was any real double taxation. Republicans need to defend the TCJA here, too, and not let Underwood, Casten and the Democrats set the agenda on taxes.
Finally, the declared Republican candidates’ positions on the federal tax issue are either vague or nonexistent going by their campaign web sites:
–Sanguinetti: No position on her campaign’s website
–Oberweis: No specific on Taxes
–Marter: No specifics on taxes and TCJA
–Gradel: Wants to make the TCJA permanent. He needs to defend TCJA including SALT Deduction cap.
–Malouf: Takes a civil libertarian view on taxes with all broad strokes but no specifics
–Catella: Very little, except reference to the founding fathers
H.R. 1757 Link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1757/text
C-SPAN: https://www.c-span.org/video/?462072-1/ways-means-committee-examines-limits-state-local-tax-deductions
Bloomberg article referenced by LaHood: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-24/salt-cap-repeal-would-be-40-billion-windfall-for-millionaires
Bloomberg article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-25/salt-cap-spurs-squabbles-over-which-party-cares-for-middle-class
James Marter Takes Veiled Jabs at Jim Oberweis and Sue Rezin
In a Facebook post yesterday, James Marter took veiled shots at opponent Jim Oberweis and prospective opponent Sue Rezin, for their state senate votes on the Capital Bill:
“DEMOCRATS hitting Working Class People the HARDEST taxing them again & again ! ++ a few bad Republicans voting yes or lacking courage and voting ‘present’”.
Jim Oberweis was the only Republican to vote “present”, so little doubt whom Marter references.
Sue Rezin was one of the 9 Republicans to vote “yes” on the Capital Bill.
Both Oberweis and Rezin are being held accountable, and from Marter’s perspective, Oberweis’ explanation of a perceived conflict of interest is not valid to him.
What will Republican primary voters discern between now and March 17 is anybody’s guess.
Sue Rezin Named Legislator of the Year by VFW Illinois, Hosting Medicare Information Seminar, Recreational Marijuana “Present” Vote Reason Still Unknown
State Senator Sue Rezin was recognized earlier this month by the Illinois Command of the VFW as the Legislator of the Year:
This morning on her Facebook page, Rezin posted she is hosting a Medicare Informational Seminar in Newark on July 9. Whether this is coupled with her possible congressional candidacy or simply for information is unknown. The fact it is in Kendall County in the 14th district and is targeting senior citizens reduces the “coincidence” of the timing of the event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/412772942646601
In an interview with WCSJ radio in late February, Rezin said she was against legalization of recreational marijuana, but when the bill was voted on late last month, she voted “present”.
To date, she has not explained the “present” vote.
Rezin owns a real estate business with her husband, so unless some of their clients are prospective pot growers, I cannot figure out any other reason why she would have to vote “present”.
Hopefully, when she does announce for Congress, her present vote will be explained.
Danny Malouf Goes Libertarian and Supports Recreational Marijuana
Danny Malouf posted on Facebook that from a civil libertarian, he cannot support restriction on recreational marijuana.
This is the well known Libertarian view which likely drove prospective candidate Allen Skillicorn to support the recently passed Cannabis bill in the House.
Jim Oberweis Goes After Underwood’s Health Care Bill
In a Facebook post this morning, Jim Oberweis challenges Underwood’s legislation on health care, and citing the Kane County Chronicle article from last week with the Minooka pumpkin farmer’s wife where Underwood appeared:
Jim 2020
1 hr ·
Lauren Underwood has introduced a bill on health care that completely misses the point.
She wants to expand government interference in the health insurance marketplace.
This is not how to create a robust healthcare market. Jim supports increased portability and more access to Health Savings Accounts to help lower prices for health insurance and health care through the #freemarket.
We agree that we need more health care options, but NOT Underwood’s big-government prescription.#IL14 #BigGovSucks
Underwood Endorsed by Progressive Group
The Democracy for America (DFA) progressive group endorsed Lauren Underwood’s 2020 re-election yesterday. While this group’s endorsement might seem to prevent any potential primary challenge to Underwood from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, it is more about opening up fundraising opportunities among progressive campaign donors, given it was made within a week of the June 30 2nd quarter fundraising deadline.
The other Democrats endorsed by DFA include: Reps. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar(D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley(D-Mass.) and Rashida Tlaib(D-Mich.). Talk about a progressive “rogue’s gallery”. One wonders if, outside of fundraising, Underwood is going to advertise this endorsement among 14th district voters.
The Hill link: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/450269-progressive-group-endorses-three-house-freshmen
Demand a secure border now. Sign the petition below
https://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/poll/demand-secure-border-now/?source=69&utm_medium=display&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=20190110_Judicial-35565_google&utm_content=Judicial-35565&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI27LenJaI4wIVVqxpCh3flQHCEAEYASAAEgLp4_D_BwE
LAUREN UNDERWOOD for the 14th!
Really?
Who wants to vote for an advocate of killing babies?
14th Congressional District Update 6/27/19
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s “Big Announcement” in Woodstock Saturday, June 29
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood will be making a “big announcement” at the Woodstock Opera House on Saturday, June 29, from 10AM.- 11:30AM. Not sure what the “big announcement” will be, whether its actual policy or a publicity stunt to boost fundraising in advance of the Sunday night deadline for 2nd quarter fundraising for next year’s election.
The event was set up through Indivisible’s Western Lake County (IWLC) Community. “Indivisible” is, according to their web site, “The Indivisible Project’s mission is to cultivate a grassroots movement of literally thousands of local Indivisible groups to elect progressive leaders, realize bold progressive policies, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.” A video on Indivisible’s web site says the Trump agenda the President and his “Republican enablers” is “racist, sexist, xenophobic, corrupt”.
To say Indivisible is a “progressive” group is an understatement.
Underwood’s congressional office or political office have not yet sent official press releases for Saturday’s event. Given this event will be within 38 hours of the 2nd quarter fundraising deadline, it could be:
— An announcement to support an impeachment inquiry of President Trump?
— Victory Lap of the recently passed House appropriations legislation (press release link below)?
— 2nd Quarter Fundraising Status going into final 36 hours?
— Underwood buying a home in McHenry County and announcing it in Woodstock?
— Formal endorsement of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for President of the United States?
— Final salute to PRIDE month?
— (Thinking of DALA) New “Nurse Lauren Underwood” Girl Scout Cookies?
Good possibility there will be official announcements coming from Underwood or local leaders between now and Saturday.
IWLC Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iwlc-goes-to-congresswoman-underwoods-big-announcement-tickets-64330015809
Underwood press release: https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-federal-funding-local-priorities
In Underwood’s Own Words — Her Case for H.R. 1757 TCJA SALT Deduction Cap Legislation
Late yesterday, Congresswoman Underwood published on her Medium page her case for her legislation to modify the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction caps of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Per yesterday’s Congressional Update here on McHenry County Blog, a subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee discussed SALT deduction caps with expert witnesses. Please refer to yesterday’s post for additional resources.
As pointed out yesterday, the public needs to hear from all of the Republican candidates in the 14th and the 6th districts and shoot down Underwood’s reasoning she’s outlined in her article. Objective analytics published in Bloomberg shoots down Underwood’s assertions. It would prove helpful in the context of H.R. 1757 if an acceptable definition of “middle class” be established as the centerpiece of the truth on SALT deduction caps.
Medium Link: https://medium.com/@RepLaurenUnderwood/tax-relief-for-middle-class-families-14c7d942eee9?sk=b7bf044aa38c8e9e5c70747cccd18f71
McHenry County Blog H.R. 1757 Link: http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/06/26/local-congressional-district-updates
Immigration: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, Jim Oberweis Speaks Out, House & Senate Passed Different Versions of Legislation, Underwood Supports Democrats’ House Bill
Late Tuesday night, the Democratic-controlled House passed H.R. 3401, which is the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019. The final passage in the House was 230-195, and the vote was largely a party-line vote. Four Democratic liberals (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib) voted with the Republicans. Three Republicans including border Congressman William Hurd voted with the Democrats. This was NOT bipartisan passage.
Yesterday in the Senate, the Republicans rejected the House-bill, and introduced its own legislation using a “gut & replace” amendment proposed by Senator Richard Shelby (R, AL), which passed the Senate in an 84-8 Roll Call. Now THAT is a real bipartisan passage.
A conference committee will need to reconcile the House and Senate versions of this legislation.
This morning, Jim Oberweis posted this opinion of his on immigration on his campaign’s Facebook page, presumably in the face of H.R. 3401, though Oberweis’ campaign was not specific:
Jim 2020
1 hr ·
Our nation’s border security system is broken. Just this year, our nation saw illegal immigrants coming into our country across the southern border from 52 countries! Border security requires thoughtful leadership in the House — not the Democrats’ endless games on#immigration. Lauren Underwood and Nancy Pelosi prefer to ignore our nation’s immigration crisis. #IL14
H.R. 3401 Link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3401/all-actions
Senate Amendment Link: https://www.congress.gov/amendment/116th-congress/senate-amendment/901/actions
In Sue Rezin’s Own Words: Her Defense of Voting for the Capital Bill Including Gas Tax Hike and Fee Increases
Earlier this morning, State Senator Sue Rezin, who is currently a prospective candidate for the 14th congressional district, defended her vote on the Capital Bill earlier this month. Candidates Jim Oberweis (6/13/19) criticized Rezin by name for her vote, even though he voted “present”. James Marter (6/25/19) criticized the Republicans who voted for the gas tax hike as “a few bad Republicans”, but did not mention Rezin by name.
While not responding directly to Oberweis or Marter, she was interviewed by WSPY News, and Rezin’s audio responses are included in the following link:
http://www.wspynews.com/news/local/local-sen-talks-gas-tax-hike-in-effect-july/article_f2048156-98da-11e9-a348-f7a467507616.html
How Rezin’s vote on the Capital Bill on June 2nd and her explanation for her support plays with Republican primary voters for the 14th, assuming she runs for Congress, remains to be seen.
James Marter Supports Ban on Lobbying by Former Members of Congress, on Talk Radio Saturday Afternoon
James Marter posted on his Facebook page yesterday afternoon his response to a McHenry County Blog question concerning supporting the current efforts to ban members of Congress from going into lobbying after they leave office. Current efforts on this legislation is currently being championed by the Antillean Alliance of Senator Ted Cruz and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
From Marter’s campaign Facebook post:
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Marter for Congress
17 hrs ·
I am all for banning former members of Congress from lobbying. (Credit to Cal Skinnerhttp://mchenrycountyblog.com/…/trump-announcement-party-at…/)
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Per Marter’s campaign Facebook page, he will be in-studio on WLS 890AM on the Stephanie Trussell Show from 3-6PM to (from Marter’s Facebook Page):
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Republican James Marter will be in-studio with Stephanie Trussell talking about how Republicans are energized to win back the house in 2020 from the radical left, who are more interested in daily partisan attacks and theatrics instead of addressing border security. He also will discuss why the tax cuts implemented by the Trump administration last year were a big factor in unleashing the economy, along with deregulation, and how he supports wider tax cuts for the middle class. Marter is the Republican candidate in the primary race who will defend the constitution, will be a Congressman who seriously addresses the national debt crisis, and aims to be the first Republican from Illinois to join The Freedom Caucus.
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Advice to James Marter: The WLS radio appearance would be an excellent forum to discuss Congresswoman Underwood’s H.R. 1757 legislation concerning TCJA’s SALT Deduction Cap changes she wants to make, and the objective analytics published which shoots down her arguments, along with discussing the flaws in the testimonies of local government witnesses who appeared at the subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, as recorded on C-SPAN. Defining what “middle class” is would go a long way for your tax cuts discussions, too. See the link above to the 6/26/19 article on McHenry County Blog for reference.