McHenry County Blog

49th district Republican state representative challenger Jim Krenz has released a poll that shows incumbent Tim Schmitz pretty much unknown in his legislative district.

The district covers much of northern Kane County, including Sun City and a large part of Carpentersville School District 300 and stretched down to St. Charles along the western side of Kane County.

It found two-thirds of Schmitz’ constituents had no opinion of him or had never heard of him.

But neither is Krenz well known. His poll shows 75% have no opinion of him or haven’t heard of him.

So, the race could almost be considered a “blank slate” race.

I wonder if that is unusual for a suburban Chicago district.

Springfield politics does not have the importance to Chicago-area voters that it does to voters elsewhere in Illinois.

Most Downstate legislators are well-known, because they appear on TV. No such luck for most Chicago state representatives and senators.

In fact, when you see your local state legislator on Chicago TV, you know he has made the big time. That’s precisely what I thought when I first saw Crystal Lake’s two-term State Representative George Lindberg on Chicago television for the first time. Lindberg went on to be elected Illinois’ first State Comptroller.

Using that criterion, the only suburban legislator to make the “big time” today is Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks.

The poll, by the way, was taken by Carbondale’s Communication Express. Here are the questions and detailed results.

Positive opinions were found among 23% of those called for Schmitz and 15% for Krenz. Negatives were 10% and 9%, respectively, for the two.

Probably trying to find out what role former U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert could play if he endorsed Schmitz, the poll found 60% had a favorable viewpoint of the former congressman. 20% had negative feelings and 20% no opinion or had not heard of him.

Six issues were probed in the automate telephone poll, two in more depth than the rest:

1. Discounted, in-state tuition rates for non-citizens [a law that Schmitz supported]. 84% opposed the idea; 10% favored it.
2. Term limits. 69% supported term limits. [Schmitz is in his fifth term.]

In the last of six questions, people were asked to rank the importance of four more issues. Here’s how it came out:

• 36% – Taxes
• 29% – Immigration
• 21% – Education reform
• 14% – Ethics in government

Jim Krenz press release follows:

SCHMITZ LOW
APPROVAL RATING

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL January 9, 2008 A recent poll shows 49th State House incumbent, Tim Schmitz with only a 24% positive rating, and with 67% of the voters having no opinion or saying they have never heard of him.

Jim Krenz, candidate in the Republican primary for the 49th State House, states, “These numbers accurately reflect what voters have been venting as I have been walking this district since August 2007.

“Tim Schmitz is a career politician who has obviously stopped representing the people of this district and concentrated instead on keeping his job. You would not expect these numbers from an elected official in office 9 years, and in leadership.”

In another part of the survey, taxes and immigration were the issues voters feel is most important to Kane County.

Jim Krenz responded, “When Schmitz voted for State ID cards and college tuition breaks for non-citizens, he voted against the wishes of his constituents. But if he never calls them, writes them, or visits them, it is easy to see how he had no idea what was important to them.”

= = = = =
Jim Krenz is on the top left. State Rep. Tim Schmitz is on the upper left. The black and white head shot is of former State Comptroller, now Federal Judge George Lindberg, when he was state representative. Thanks to Leona Nelson for the photo. The large picture was taken at the Northwest Herald’s 2006 8th congressional district debate between Melissa Bean and Dave McSweeney. It shows State Rep. Jack Franks pitching a story about his bill to license contractors to panelist Mike Flannery, WBBM-TV’s political reporter, who was on the panel asking questions.

49th district Republican state representative challenger Jim Krenz has released a poll that shows incumbent Tim Schmitz pretty much unknown in his legislative district.

The district covers much of northern Kane County, including Sun City and a large part of Carpentersville School District 300 and stretched down to St. Charles along the western side of Kane County.

It found two-thirds of Schmitz’ constituents had no opinion of him or had never heard of him.

But neither is Krenz well known. His poll shows 75% have no opinion of him or haven’t heard of him.

So, the race could almost be considered a “blank slate” race.

I wonder if that is unusual for a suburban Chicago district.

Springfield politics does not have the importance to Chicago-area voters that it does to voters elsewhere in Illinois.

Most Downstate legislators are well-known, because they appear on TV. No such luck for most Chicago state representatives and senators.

In fact, when you see your local state legislator on Chicago TV, you know he has made the big time. That’s precisely what I thought when I first saw Crystal Lake’s two-term State Representative George Lindberg on Chicago television for the first time. Lindberg went on to be elected Illinois’ first State Comptroller.

Using that criterion, the only suburban legislator to make the “big time” today is Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks.

The poll, by the way, was taken by Carbondale’s Communication Express. Here are the questions and detailed results.

Positive opinions were found among 23% of those called for Schmitz and 15% for Krenz. Negatives were 10% and 9%, respectively, for the two.

Probably trying to find out what role former U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert could play if he endorsed Schmitz, the poll found 60% had a favorable viewpoint of the former congressman. 20% had negative feelings and 20% no opinion or had not heard of him.

Six issues were probed in the automate telephone poll, two in more depth than the rest:

1. Discounted, in-state tuition rates for non-citizens [a law that Schmitz supported]. 84% opposed the idea; 10% favored it.
2. Term limits. 69% supported term limits. [Schmitz is in his fifth term.]

In the last of six questions, people were asked to rank the importance of four more issues. Here’s how it came out:

• 36% – Taxes
• 29% – Immigration
• 21% – Education reform
• 14% – Ethics in government

Jim Krenz press release follows:

SCHMITZ LOW
APPROVAL RATING

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL January 9, 2008 A recent poll shows 49th State House incumbent, Tim Schmitz with only a 24% positive rating, and with 67% of the voters having no opinion or saying they have never heard of him.

Jim Krenz, candidate in the Republican primary for the 49th State House, states, “These numbers accurately reflect what voters have been venting as I have been walking this district since August 2007.

“Tim Schmitz is a career politician who has obviously stopped representing the people of this district and concentrated instead on keeping his job. You would not expect these numbers from an elected official in office 9 years, and in leadership.”

In another part of the survey, taxes and immigration were the issues voters feel is most important to Kane County.

Jim Krenz responded, “When Schmitz voted for State ID cards and college tuition breaks for non-citizens, he voted against the wishes of his constituents. But if he never calls them, writes them, or visits them, it is easy to see how he had no idea what was important to them.”

= = = = =
Jim Krenz is on the top left. State Rep. Tim Schmitz is on the upper left. The black and white head shot is of former State Comptroller, now Federal Judge George Lindberg, when he was state representative. Thanks to Leona Nelson for the photo. The large picture was taken at the Northwest Herald’s 2006 8th congressional district debate between Melissa Bean and Dave McSweeney. It shows State Rep. Jack Franks pitching a story about his bill to license contractors to panelist Mike Flannery, WBBM-TV’s political reporter, who was on the panel asking questions.

If newspapers catered to candidates who advertise the way they do to car dealers and home builders, then Jim Krenz ought to be getting great coverage in Elgin’s Courier News.

He is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz from the far south end of the Kane County district.

I was reading that paper at my son’s swim practice Friday and a half-page color ad below the police report.

SO, THE QUESTION IS
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEAR WEEKLY FROM YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHEN HIS ELECTION WASN’T ON THE LINE?

That was in big print under his photo, stylized name and

Below is smaller print, but at least in upper and lower case, which is easier to read than all capital letters, was the following:

Folks, here’s my bottom line; I am running for office because as a citizen of the 49th District, I feel that my voice hasn’t been heard – or cared about for that matter. I am running so that I can put into place a framework for the 49th District to talk with their representative WEEKLY. I believe the people in the district should be HEARD from and not just waved at. I live here. I work here. I had better succeed – I plan on living and working here for a long time.

Below is a signature in pale blue ink, which should have been black so it could be better read, plus his phone number, 847-844-3498, and web site address, www.VoteKrenz.com.

If a reader from Kane County wants to scan the mail in this campaign and email it to me, I’d be happy to post it. Images may be enlarged by clicking on them.

If newspapers catered to candidates who advertise the way they do to car dealers and home builders, then Jim Krenz ought to be getting great coverage in Elgin’s Courier News.

He is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz from the far south end of the Kane County district.

I was reading that paper at my son’s swim practice Friday and a half-page color ad below the police report.

SO, THE QUESTION IS
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEAR WEEKLY FROM YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE WHEN HIS ELECTION WASN’T ON THE LINE?

That was in big print under his photo, stylized name and

Below is smaller print, but at least in upper and lower case, which is easier to read than all capital letters, was the following:

Folks, here’s my bottom line; I am running for office because as a citizen of the 49th District, I feel that my voice hasn’t been heard – or cared about for that matter. I am running so that I can put into place a framework for the 49th District to talk with their representative WEEKLY. I believe the people in the district should be HEARD from and not just waved at. I live here. I work here. I had better succeed – I plan on living and working here for a long time.

Below is a signature in pale blue ink, which should have been black so it could be better read, plus his phone number, 847-844-3498, and web site address, www.VoteKrenz.com.

If a reader from Kane County wants to scan the mail in this campaign and email it to me, I’d be happy to post it. Images may be enlarged by clicking on them.

49th state representative district Republican challenger Jim Krenz has sent his answers to a newspaper questionnaire. The 49th district includes areas south of the Kane-McHenry County line, including the Kane County part of Sun City.

Krenz is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz, who is on House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ leadership team.

Here’s a candidate after my own heart. He actually wants people to know where he stands on the issues. The questions answers appear below:

Web Site: www.votekrenz.com

E-Mail: Personal J. Krenz: jamyplbg@aol.com

Campaign Director Wardin98@aol.com

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?

No, nothing more than a traffic ticket

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Business(s) owner

Previous political experience (elective and appointed positions):

Elected to (2) terms: Trustee – Gail Borden Public Library District

Resigned 2^nd term due to move outside of District

Community Involvement:

Past DCFS – LSSI Foster Parent

Member of Elgin Area Noon Rotary Club

Former Algonquin Zoning Board of Appeals member

Former Elgin Building Commission (Plumbing Committee)

Former Board Member Elgin PeeWee Football

Former Trustee St John’s Lutheran Church

Charter officer “Big Brothers of the Fox Valley (Pre-Big Bro/Sis)

Legislative Committee NIACCA

Former Officer, Director, Legislative Committee, Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Fox Valley

Former Board Member, Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Chicago & Ill.

Education: Elgin High School 1972

Elgin Community College, Pre-Engineering Courses

1. What are your top priorities if elected?

Ethical Government:

Term Limits – No Pay To Play Contracts – Transparent Campaign Funding

No Paid Lobby work after being an elected official

No Multiple State Paid Pensions

Illegal Means Illegal! No Taxpayer paid benefits or education

Illinois’ Public Sector Pension Systems:

New systems to align with private sector plans & legislation to secure the pre-existing pension obligation!

Re-focus secondary education from “College Prep Only”– College Prep or Pre-employment Based Tech

Vouchers for all Illinois Schools & Home Schoolers

Umbrella “Stop Loss” Catastrophic” medical coverage

(Not universal health!)

Restructure of DCFS

Road & infrastructure improvement in Kane County!

Pro-Life & I support traditional family values

Support 2^nd amendment

2. If you were a part of the State Legislature, what would you do to ensure that there is not

a repeat of this past year’s budget fiasco.

Elected Officials are motivated and react to phone calls and letters!

I will run my office as I have run this campaign, and my business.

I will spend seven days a week, year round, meeting the families and businesses of the District. Through the usage of a mobile office & regular posted visit dates, along with a weekly call in radio talk show, I will be able to continue the course I have followed during my walking campaign.

This approach will restore the confidence of the average taxpayer that they do have a voice and can have an impact (for the 49^th) in Springfield again.

When I leverage this power from the voters rather than the power of the “Parties Leadership Contingent”, then other elected officials may realize there is another way to gather support for legislation.

3. Would you support more casinos or expansion of gambling in Illinois?

Is there a downside to legalized gambling in Illinois?

I support use of the unused casino license.

I do not favor expansion of casinos in the State.

I favor limited consideration of machines at racetracks.

Having spent a majority of my life in the Fox Valley, I believe that gambling

has had a very negative impact upon:

1. Those at the lower economic level

2. The many with a chronic addiction to gambling

Basing future State revenues on the gambling whims of select areas of the State is just not sound business!

We must bring spending in line with revenues….even though it will be uncomfortable!

4. What would you do to address transportation needs in the State?

In Kane County we have a “procedure & process” which technically is working at the county level in concert with IDOT. State funding adequacy and reliability is still a major factor in the obvious deterioration and lack of expansion of our northern Kane County infrastructure.

I believe both portions of the State Motor Fuel Tax should be used as most taxpayers assumed it was, for transportation. This obviously then creates a hole in the General Fund, and as in #3 I believe we must bring spending in line with revenues….even though it will be uncomfortable!

5. Do you support education reforms in Illinois? If so, what changes do you support and

why?

Taxpayers have funded schools with nearly $200billion during the past decade, which amounts to nearly $12, 674.00/student.

The issue is not “lacking dollars”!

We must stop the “experimental methods” which have been evolving since the 1960’s.

It is time we return to a system of “Basic” three “R’s” in the primary grades.

School “vouchers” would foster competition among administrators, helping to control the inefficient management of our education system.

It’s time high school students had a choice of a college prep “or” a technical education readying them for a career. Lastly, discontinuing Illegal Immigrant access to public schools would be a major reduction in costs & overcrowding!

= = = = =
Jim Krenz is on the top left, Tim Schmitz on the right.

49th state representative district Republican challenger Jim Krenz has sent his answers to a newspaper questionnaire. The 49th district includes areas south of the Kane-McHenry County line, including the Kane County part of Sun City.

Krenz is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz, who is on House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ leadership team.

Here’s a candidate after my own heart. He actually wants people to know where he stands on the issues. The questions answers appear below:

Web Site: www.votekrenz.com

E-Mail: Personal J. Krenz: jamyplbg@aol.com

Campaign Director Wardin98@aol.com

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?

No, nothing more than a traffic ticket

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Business(s) owner

Previous political experience (elective and appointed positions):

Elected to (2) terms: Trustee – Gail Borden Public Library District

Resigned 2^nd term due to move outside of District

Community Involvement:

Past DCFS – LSSI Foster Parent

Member of Elgin Area Noon Rotary Club

Former Algonquin Zoning Board of Appeals member

Former Elgin Building Commission (Plumbing Committee)

Former Board Member Elgin PeeWee Football

Former Trustee St John’s Lutheran Church

Charter officer “Big Brothers of the Fox Valley (Pre-Big Bro/Sis)

Legislative Committee NIACCA

Former Officer, Director, Legislative Committee, Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Fox Valley

Former Board Member, Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Chicago & Ill.

Education: Elgin High School 1972

Elgin Community College, Pre-Engineering Courses

1. What are your top priorities if elected?

Ethical Government:

Term Limits – No Pay To Play Contracts – Transparent Campaign Funding

No Paid Lobby work after being an elected official

No Multiple State Paid Pensions

Illegal Means Illegal! No Taxpayer paid benefits or education

Illinois’ Public Sector Pension Systems:

New systems to align with private sector plans & legislation to secure the pre-existing pension obligation!

Re-focus secondary education from “College Prep Only”– College Prep or Pre-employment Based Tech

Vouchers for all Illinois Schools & Home Schoolers

Umbrella “Stop Loss” Catastrophic” medical coverage

(Not universal health!)

Restructure of DCFS

Road & infrastructure improvement in Kane County!

Pro-Life & I support traditional family values

Support 2^nd amendment

2. If you were a part of the State Legislature, what would you do to ensure that there is not

a repeat of this past year’s budget fiasco.

Elected Officials are motivated and react to phone calls and letters!

I will run my office as I have run this campaign, and my business.

I will spend seven days a week, year round, meeting the families and businesses of the District. Through the usage of a mobile office & regular posted visit dates, along with a weekly call in radio talk show, I will be able to continue the course I have followed during my walking campaign.

This approach will restore the confidence of the average taxpayer that they do have a voice and can have an impact (for the 49^th) in Springfield again.

When I leverage this power from the voters rather than the power of the “Parties Leadership Contingent”, then other elected officials may realize there is another way to gather support for legislation.

3. Would you support more casinos or expansion of gambling in Illinois?

Is there a downside to legalized gambling in Illinois?

I support use of the unused casino license.

I do not favor expansion of casinos in the State.

I favor limited consideration of machines at racetracks.

Having spent a majority of my life in the Fox Valley, I believe that gambling

has had a very negative impact upon:

1. Those at the lower economic level

2. The many with a chronic addiction to gambling

Basing future State revenues on the gambling whims of select areas of the State is just not sound business!

We must bring spending in line with revenues….even though it will be uncomfortable!

4. What would you do to address transportation needs in the State?

In Kane County we have a “procedure & process” which technically is working at the county level in concert with IDOT. State funding adequacy and reliability is still a major factor in the obvious deterioration and lack of expansion of our northern Kane County infrastructure.

I believe both portions of the State Motor Fuel Tax should be used as most taxpayers assumed it was, for transportation. This obviously then creates a hole in the General Fund, and as in #3 I believe we must bring spending in line with revenues….even though it will be uncomfortable!

5. Do you support education reforms in Illinois? If so, what changes do you support and

why?

Taxpayers have funded schools with nearly $200billion during the past decade, which amounts to nearly $12, 674.00/student.

The issue is not “lacking dollars”!

We must stop the “experimental methods” which have been evolving since the 1960’s.

It is time we return to a system of “Basic” three “R’s” in the primary grades.

School “vouchers” would foster competition among administrators, helping to control the inefficient management of our education system.

It’s time high school students had a choice of a college prep “or” a technical education readying them for a career. Lastly, discontinuing Illegal Immigrant access to public schools would be a major reduction in costs & overcrowding!

= = = = =
Jim Krenz is on the top left, Tim Schmitz on the right.

With the filing deadline for state legislator being Monday afternoon, most potentially vulnerable incumbents will probably think they vote for a CTA/RTA bailout or tax hike with impunity.

After all, no one can get 1,000 signatures after the vote and before the filing deadline.

None, but House Speaker Mike Madigan, will remember the outspoken suburban Republicans who bit the dust because of their support of the Regional Transportation Authority tax hikes in 1974.

Just to remind you, House Speaker Bob Blair, the RTA’s House sponsor, and the Senate sponsor, John Connolly, a Republican from Lake County, both lost to Democrats in the fall of 1974.

Because of their outspoken support of RTA.

Just because a suburban Republican doesn’t have a Democrat running against them yet, doesn’t mean one won’t pop up, if a suburban Republican casts the wrong vote.

Others, like Tim Schmitz, already have a primary opponent. His is Jim Krenz.

Thursday, Krenz issued the following press release warning that a “Yes” CTA bailout vote would be a primary election issue.

Other suburban Republicans rationalize they are about to “do the right thing.”

Just like Governor Rod Blagojevich in his rationalization that taking the sales tax money now collected on Motor Fuel (and, now that you mention it, on the MFT itself) won’t be labeled as a re-imposition of the RTA gas tax. (Can it really be possible that House Republican Leader Tom Cross came up with this idea and sold it to his buddy Rod?)

I don’t know where Blagojevich was in the late 1970’s as a revolution against the RTA was building statewide, but I can safely predict that someone will raise the same objections again, if he agrees to impose what amounts to another RTA gas tax to bail out the CTA.

They will point out, as my allies and I did, that when you take money from general revenue (sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, for example), it can be prorated to show how much everyone in Illinois is subsidizing the Chicago Transit Authority.

After all, the money comes right off the top.

Ask Mike McClain, the only state rep. younger than I was when he and I served in the House, why he lost his Quincy seat. I’ll bet he’ll remember the radio ads shouting that he was “taken for a ride by the CTA.”

That’s the issue that got Lynn Martin elected to the Illinois House in Rockford the only time Zeke Giorgi ran third.

Downstaters who don’t think potential opponents can figure out a similar issue to use against them are deluding themselves.

Dave Winters, who seems prepared to vote for the CTA bailout, comes to mind.

So, it doesn’t matter whether one is a suburbanite or a Downstater.

You may be thinking you are “doing the right thing.”

And, you may well get whatever you are promised for your vote.

But with Blagojevich being governor, don’t count on it.

Think about Blagojevich’s promise to re-open the Lincoln Developmental Center, both during the 2002 campaign and in a legislative deal that a certain Springfield state senator was positive would be fulfilled.

Unfortunately, if you vote for the CTA bailout, it won’t be until too late that you will realize that your tax hike bailout vote can and will be used against you.

If not next year, then in future election contests.

Suburbanites who are forced to drive to work don’t take kindly to being forced to help pay for rides to work of those fortunate enough to take the train to and from work.

Surely suburban legislators can figure out that the cost of commuting by car has increased a lot in the last year or so. I can guarantee those driving to work know that. They will not understand why train fares have not increased proportionately and they are being forced to take up the slack.

And Downstate constituents won’t like it when they are told how much they are personally being forced to pay to subsidize Chicagoans’ bus and train rides to and from work because of your vote to bail out the CTA.

Tim Schmitz’ opponent Jim Krenz’ press release follows:

KRENZ ASKS SCHMITZ
TO VOTE NO ON TAX INCREASE

MASSIVE PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
TO FUND TRANSIT FOR CHICAGO REGION

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL November 1, 2007 – Republican candidate Jim Krenz, who is running for State Representative in the 49th District, called on his opponent Tim Schmitz (R-Batavia) to vote NO on proposed legislation to increase taxes in order to fund mass transit in the Chicago region, which would help fund the CTA, Metra and PACE. The proposed legislation would increase taxes by tens of billions of dollars.

“I am calling on Schmitz to vote NO on this proposed legislation to increase taxes by billions of dollars,” said Jim Krenz. “Taxpayers should not be obligated to bailout the habitually mismanaged government agencies that have squandered taxpayers dollars and patience to this point.”

In order to bailout the CTA, Metra and PACE, Illinois lawmakers are looking at a quarter of a percent hike in the regional sales tax.

“Schmitz is being called out here because he has a past history of raising taxes,” said Krenz. “Over the years Schmitz has raised taxes over $100,000,000. I call on Schmitz to put a stop to political deal making and protect the 49th district and the rest of the Chicagoland area.”

Jim Krenz is running for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 49th District. Krenz, a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley region, is running his election on important issues such as pro-life, lower taxes, slashing government waste, opposing illegal immigration, supporting 2nd amendment rights and reforming the current health care situation. One day after his announcement to seek the Republican nomination in the 49th District, Krenz pledged to wave his legislative pension if elected because it was a waste of tax payer dollars and unfair to the general public to have to pay for it. The Primary Election will take place on February 5, 2008. The 49th District covers St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, Elgin, Hampshire, Gilberts, West Dundee, Carpentersville and other communities in Northern Kane County.

With the filing deadline for state legislator being Monday afternoon, most potentially vulnerable incumbents will probably think they vote for a CTA/RTA bailout or tax hike with impunity.

After all, no one can get 1,000 signatures after the vote and before the filing deadline.

None, but House Speaker Mike Madigan, will remember the outspoken suburban Republicans who bit the dust because of their support of the Regional Transportation Authority tax hikes in 1974.

Just to remind you, House Speaker Bob Blair, the RTA’s House sponsor, and the Senate sponsor, John Connolly, a Republican from Lake County, both lost to Democrats in the fall of 1974.

Because of their outspoken support of RTA.

Just because a suburban Republican doesn’t have a Democrat running against them yet, doesn’t mean one won’t pop up, if a suburban Republican casts the wrong vote.

Others, like Tim Schmitz, already have a primary opponent. His is Jim Krenz.

Thursday, Krenz issued the following press release warning that a “Yes” CTA bailout vote would be a primary election issue.

Other suburban Republicans rationalize they are about to “do the right thing.”

Just like Governor Rod Blagojevich in his rationalization that taking the sales tax money now collected on Motor Fuel (and, now that you mention it, on the MFT itself) won’t be labeled as a re-imposition of the RTA gas tax. (Can it really be possible that House Republican Leader Tom Cross came up with this idea and sold it to his buddy Rod?)

I don’t know where Blagojevich was in the late 1970’s as a revolution against the RTA was building statewide, but I can safely predict that someone will raise the same objections again, if he agrees to impose what amounts to another RTA gas tax to bail out the CTA.

They will point out, as my allies and I did, that when you take money from general revenue (sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, for example), it can be prorated to show how much everyone in Illinois is subsidizing the Chicago Transit Authority.

After all, the money comes right off the top.

Ask Mike McClain, the only state rep. younger than I was when he and I served in the House, why he lost his Quincy seat. I’ll bet he’ll remember the radio ads shouting that he was “taken for a ride by the CTA.”

That’s the issue that got Lynn Martin elected to the Illinois House in Rockford the only time Zeke Giorgi ran third.

Downstaters who don’t think potential opponents can figure out a similar issue to use against them are deluding themselves.

Dave Winters, who seems prepared to vote for the CTA bailout, comes to mind.

So, it doesn’t matter whether one is a suburbanite or a Downstater.

You may be thinking you are “doing the right thing.”

And, you may well get whatever you are promised for your vote.

But with Blagojevich being governor, don’t count on it.

Think about Blagojevich’s promise to re-open the Lincoln Developmental Center, both during the 2002 campaign and in a legislative deal that a certain Springfield state senator was positive would be fulfilled.

Unfortunately, if you vote for the CTA bailout, it won’t be until too late that you will realize that your tax hike bailout vote can and will be used against you.

If not next year, then in future election contests.

Suburbanites who are forced to drive to work don’t take kindly to being forced to help pay for rides to work of those fortunate enough to take the train to and from work.

Surely suburban legislators can figure out that the cost of commuting by car has increased a lot in the last year or so. I can guarantee those driving to work know that. They will not understand why train fares have not increased proportionately and they are being forced to take up the slack.

And Downstate constituents won’t like it when they are told how much they are personally being forced to pay to subsidize Chicagoans’ bus and train rides to and from work because of your vote to bail out the CTA.

Tim Schmitz’ opponent Jim Krenz’ press release follows:

KRENZ ASKS SCHMITZ
TO VOTE NO ON TAX INCREASE

MASSIVE PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
TO FUND TRANSIT FOR CHICAGO REGION

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL November 1, 2007 – Republican candidate Jim Krenz, who is running for State Representative in the 49th District, called on his opponent Tim Schmitz (R-Batavia) to vote NO on proposed legislation to increase taxes in order to fund mass transit in the Chicago region, which would help fund the CTA, Metra and PACE. The proposed legislation would increase taxes by tens of billions of dollars.

“I am calling on Schmitz to vote NO on this proposed legislation to increase taxes by billions of dollars,” said Jim Krenz. “Taxpayers should not be obligated to bailout the habitually mismanaged government agencies that have squandered taxpayers dollars and patience to this point.”

In order to bailout the CTA, Metra and PACE, Illinois lawmakers are looking at a quarter of a percent hike in the regional sales tax.

“Schmitz is being called out here because he has a past history of raising taxes,” said Krenz. “Over the years Schmitz has raised taxes over $100,000,000. I call on Schmitz to put a stop to political deal making and protect the 49th district and the rest of the Chicagoland area.”

Jim Krenz is running for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 49th District. Krenz, a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley region, is running his election on important issues such as pro-life, lower taxes, slashing government waste, opposing illegal immigration, supporting 2nd amendment rights and reforming the current health care situation. One day after his announcement to seek the Republican nomination in the 49th District, Krenz pledged to wave his legislative pension if elected because it was a waste of tax payer dollars and unfair to the general public to have to pay for it. The Primary Election will take place on February 5, 2008. The 49th District covers St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, Elgin, Hampshire, Gilberts, West Dundee, Carpentersville and other communities in Northern Kane County.

The first candidate to shoot me a press release about filing for office is state representative hopeful Jim Krenz of Carpentersville. Here is what he sent:

KRENZ SUBMITS PETITIONS AND GAINS MASSIVE MOMENTUM

KRENZ CAMPAIGN SUBMITS OVER 1,000 SIGNATURES FOR STATE HOUSE RACE

SPRINGFIELD, IL October 29, 2007 – Republican candidate Jim Krenz, who is running for Representative in the 49th District, submitted today over 1,000 signatures on his nominating petitions, which is over double the state requirement of 500.

“Collecting over double the amount of signatures required by state law shows everyone in the district that a change is what people are calling for,” said candidate Jim Krenz. “Families in this district are tired of our representative, whose voting record does not represent them and their interests. ”

By submitting his nominating petitions, Krenz will be officially on the ballot for the February 5, 2008 Election for the 49th District House seat. Krenz will be running against Tim Schmitz, who currently occupies the seat.

“I am the best opportunity for the 49th District to be represented in Springfield,” said Krenz. “The voters of the 49th District will see how Schmitz has voted to raise taxes in the amount of one hundred million dollars, sided with Planned Parenthood and liberal Democrats to make it harder for pro-life crisis pregnancy centers to counsel women and gave illegal immigrants in-state tuition at taxpayer expense.”

After declaring his intentions to run for the State House, Krenz announced that if elected, he would be decline the state pension for the part-time State House position because it is classified as a part-time job and should not qualify for a pension and it is a waste of money to the tax payers in the State of Illinois. Krenz also has made it aware that if elected, he would only serve in the State House for a total of three terms because he felt that having term limits is what is right for the people of the district.

Jim Krenz is running for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 49th District. Krenz, a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley region, is running his election on important issues such as

• pro-life,
• lower taxes,
• slashing government waste,
• opposing illegal immigration,
• supporting 2nd amendment rights and
• reforming the current health care situation.

One day after his announcement to seek the Republican nomination in the 49th District, Krenz pledged to wave his legislative pension if elected because it was a waste of tax payer dollars and unfair to the general public to have to pay for it.

The Primary Election will take place on February 5, 2008. The 49th District covers St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, Elgin, Hampshire, Gilberts, West Dundee, Carpentersville and other communities in Northern Kane County.

Krenz is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz in the GOP primary.

The first candidate to shoot me a press release about filing for office is state representative hopeful Jim Krenz of Carpentersville. Here is what he sent:

KRENZ SUBMITS PETITIONS AND GAINS MASSIVE MOMENTUM

KRENZ CAMPAIGN SUBMITS OVER 1,000 SIGNATURES FOR STATE HOUSE RACE

SPRINGFIELD, IL October 29, 2007 – Republican candidate Jim Krenz, who is running for Representative in the 49th District, submitted today over 1,000 signatures on his nominating petitions, which is over double the state requirement of 500.

“Collecting over double the amount of signatures required by state law shows everyone in the district that a change is what people are calling for,” said candidate Jim Krenz. “Families in this district are tired of our representative, whose voting record does not represent them and their interests. ”

By submitting his nominating petitions, Krenz will be officially on the ballot for the February 5, 2008 Election for the 49th District House seat. Krenz will be running against Tim Schmitz, who currently occupies the seat.

“I am the best opportunity for the 49th District to be represented in Springfield,” said Krenz. “The voters of the 49th District will see how Schmitz has voted to raise taxes in the amount of one hundred million dollars, sided with Planned Parenthood and liberal Democrats to make it harder for pro-life crisis pregnancy centers to counsel women and gave illegal immigrants in-state tuition at taxpayer expense.”

After declaring his intentions to run for the State House, Krenz announced that if elected, he would be decline the state pension for the part-time State House position because it is classified as a part-time job and should not qualify for a pension and it is a waste of money to the tax payers in the State of Illinois. Krenz also has made it aware that if elected, he would only serve in the State House for a total of three terms because he felt that having term limits is what is right for the people of the district.

Jim Krenz is running for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 49th District. Krenz, a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley region, is running his election on important issues such as

• pro-life,
• lower taxes,
• slashing government waste,
• opposing illegal immigration,
• supporting 2nd amendment rights and
• reforming the current health care situation.

One day after his announcement to seek the Republican nomination in the 49th District, Krenz pledged to wave his legislative pension if elected because it was a waste of tax payer dollars and unfair to the general public to have to pay for it.

The Primary Election will take place on February 5, 2008. The 49th District covers St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, Elgin, Hampshire, Gilberts, West Dundee, Carpentersville and other communities in Northern Kane County.

Krenz is running against incumbent Tim Schmitz in the GOP primary.