McHenry County Blog

The annual Pro-Life Pig Roast was held at Irene Napier’s Valley View Road farm northeast of Crystal Lake Sunday and there were candidates galore.

Crystal Lake Tea Party leader Mary Alger and McHenry County Pro-Life Matriarch Irene Napier listen to Congressman Randy Hultgren.

With Governor Pat Quinn’s having just signed the Democrats’ reapportionment bill for for congressional districts, the two incumbents living in the new 14th District showed up.

Joe Walsh, who lives between McHenry and Johnsburg, arrived first.

He worked the crowd, then spoke to it.

Congressman Joe Walsh auctions off golf for four at the Marengo Golf Course.

He and other elected officials were drafted to auction off donated items.

Randy Hultgren, from the DuPage County end of the new 14th District came with his family.

Congressman Randy Hultgren spoke to those attending the Pro-Life Pig Roast.

After speaking to those gathered, Hultgren also became a celebrity auctioneer.

State Senator Chris Lauzen

State Senator Dan Duffy

State Senators Dan Duffy and Chris Lauzen told what was happening in Springfield.

Then, they were also impressed to be auctioneers.

Two people whose names have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the new 64th district, which is divided about 50-50 between McHenry County and Lake County were sighted.

Barb Wheeler making a big point at the Pro-Life Pig Roast.

John O'Neill

Retiring McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler was in attendance, as was McHenry Grade School and Library Board member John O’Neill.

Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks flattered O’Neill by removing the Spring Grove precincts where O’Neil beat him last year from the boundaries of his newly-drawn 63rd District.

Both are possibilities, as is attorney Joe Gottemoller.  Wheeler and Gottemoller have Crystal Lake addresses.  O’Neill lives in McHenry.

Rich Evans (on the right) discusses a run for Congress in the new 8th District with incumbent Joe Walsh.

A potential candidate for the 8th congressional district is Rich Evans.

A CPA, Evans has contacts in the 8th District, although he now lives in Crystal Lake.

Incumbent 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh is not expected to run for re-election in the new district.

John and Josie Jung.

In addition to Barb Wheeler, three McHenry County Board
members were in attendance:

• John Hammerand of Woodstock,
• John Jung of Bull Valley and
• Nick Provenzano of McHenry

McHenry County Board member John Hammerand spoke with potential District 6 candidate Shawn Green of Coral Township.

A potential candidate for District 6, former Huntley School Board President Shawn Green, attended with his toddler and pregnant wife Angela.

Other elected officials were also chowing down.

Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney and State Senator Chris Lauzen converse.

Judge Mike Chmiel

Included were

• McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi,
• Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Trustee Cheryl Hammerand, and
• Johnsburg School District Board member Steve Rooney.

Judge Michael Chmiel was there with his wife, Marie, a former McHenry County Board member.

Newly-named Patriots United Executive Director Maria Rodriguez converses Right to Life McHenry County leader Nancy Cole at the Pig Roast.

Patriots United announced that Maria Rodriguez has been hired as Executive Director.

Out of the ordinary was the appearance of two guys not seeking office,

• physician Arie Friedman and
• former State Rep. candidate Dan Sugrue.

Arie Friedman and Dan Sugrue have a conversation.

After his run against an incumbent Democrat in Lake County last year, Mike Madigan put the woman who beat him in a district with incumbent Republican Sid Mathias.  Any chance that Sugrue could win in the Green Oaks district where he lives is minimal.  He was elected the the village board his past spring, however.

Friedman ran in the 10th congressional district Republican primary against Robert Dold.  He has often spoken in public forms against Obamacare.

It was August 10th and we were off to the annual Family PAC cruise.

This CTA train was heading toward us.

As usual, I took pictures of Kennedy Expressway traffic and CTA trains.

And, once in Chicago, skyscrapers.

Pretty amazing the shots one can get from a car when one is not driving.

Having been the last people on the boat one year, we were determined not to be in that position again.

The boat was docked on the Chicago River near the elevated track.

This year we were first.

John O'Neill and Tom Morrison re-acquaint themselves. Dan Patlak is seen behind Morrison.

The first candidates to appear were state representative candidates Tom Morrison from Palatine and John O’Neill from McHenry.  Morrison seems to have driven in with Dan Patlak, who is running for the Cook County Board of (Tax) Appeals.

The guest of honor Jim DeMint talked with Maria Rodriguez before boarding time.

As the crowd gathered, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint talking to Maria Rodriguez, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for the 8th District GOP nod.

WIND's William Kelly interviews Cedra Crenshaw.

As I was working my way to the check-in table I saw a woman being interviewed whom I didn’t know.  Turns out it was the Joliet State Senate candidate whom the Will County Democrats threw off the ballot, causing continuing Fox TV news coverage because of her TEA Party credentials, her gender and her race.

Not the type of Republican that a Joliet Democrat would want to face in a state senate race.

Although I did not know it at the time WIND’s William Kelly was interviewing Illinois political media star Cedra Crenshaw.

Steve Baer, the conservative who ran against Jim Edgar for governor, talks with Dan Patlak, GOP candidate for the Cook County Board of (Tax) Review.

Next I found former gubernatorial candidate Steve Baer talking with Dan Patlak.

More tomorrow.

Maria Rodriguez

It’s tough to find something that is newsworthy at the end of a campaign, but I think Long Grove Village President Maria Rodriguez has managed to do it.

She announces today the endorsements of the top two law enforcement officials in Lake County.

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, who switched from Democrat to Republican when it was not a popular thing to do, and State’s Attorney Mike Waller.

Rodriguez is pretty much the Lake County Establishment’s choice, so many the endorsements are not a surprise to anyone but me.

If I had such endorsements early on, I would have used them before this point in the campaign.

Rodriguez’ press release follows:

Prominent Law Enforcement Officials Come Out
for Maria Rodriguez for Congress

LONG GROVE – Today, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Waller endorsed Maria Rodriguez’s bid to win the Illinois’ 8th Congressional District Republican primary on February 2.

Mark Curran, the popular first term sheriff, stated in his endorsement,

“I’ve known Maria Rodriguez for years.  She is an effective, capable mayor with strong integrity.  When she makes a commitment, she always comes through.  Maria Rodriguez has made a commitment to the 8th district to be a strong fiscal conservative focused on protecting our nation and rebuilding our economy.  I am happy to join her team.”

Mike Waller is the Lake County State’s Attorney.  In endorsing Maria Rodriguez, Waller stated,

“We could use Mayor Rodriguez’s high level of integrity in Congress.  She will be a strong, honest voice for her constituents and put the people first, not herself.”

As the Chicago Tribune was endorsing Dirk Beveridge yesterday morning, the Chicago Sun-Times was endorsing Maria Rodriguez.

And, last night, Rodriguez sent out a letter to Melissa Bean that was so well written, that I post it below:

Congresswoman Bean,

I must admit it – you had me fooled for a while.

For years, you talked a good game.  You said all the right things.  You talked about how you were for fiscal responsibility…about how you would help those of us in local government to create new jobs and help get our constituents working again.

And then 2009 came.

I watched this year as, bill-by-bill, you started marching to the job-destroying agenda of Nancy Pelosi.

First was the incredible spending spree called the ‘stimulus’ bill.  Have you met anyone who has gotten a job thanks to the stimulus?  I haven’t yet.  In fact, I haven’t met anyone who knows anyone who has gotten a job from that bill yet.  All we got was more debt for our grandchildren to pay off.

And then there was the vote for cap-and-trade – the largest energy tax in American history on every single household in the 8th district.  Is that supposed to help get our economy moving again?  We don’t think so.

Then the health care bill came up.  And if taking over the American health care system wasn’t enough, you even voted during the debate to use our tax dollars to pay for abortion!

Obviously, you’re out of touch.

You’re out of touch with the values of the 8th district and the reason you were elected to office.  Your true colors are showing, and we aren’t going to take it anymore.

I’m looking forward to February 3 and launching the campaign that will send you back to Barrington.  Don’t get too comfortable.

Grover Norquist has managed to spread his “no tax increase” pledge nationwide.

It’s part of the gubernatorial campaign and now I see a 8th congressional district aspirant Maria Rodriguez has signed it, too.

Here is the press release:

Maria Rodriguez signs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge

PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM

Congressional candidate promises to protect taxpayers’ wallets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maria Rodriguez, a Republican running in Illinois’ 8th Congressional district, recently signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). The Pledge commits signers to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.”

ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, 33 U.S. senators and 172 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge. Additionally, seven Governors and over 1,100 state legislators have signed the Pledge.

“After the passage of the so-called ‘Stimulus Package’, better known as the Pelosi-Obama-Reid Spending Give-Away, Americans are desperately searching for candidates and politicians that will protect their livelihoods and put their wallets ahead of the federal government’s coffers,” said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.

“By signing the Pledge, Maria Rodriguez demonstrates that she understands the problems of hard-working taxpayers nationwide, but especially the taxpayers in Illinois’ 8th Congressional district.”

“I challenge all candidates for federal office to make the same commitment to taxpayers by signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge today,” Norquist continued.

The following press release from congressional candidate Joe Walsh is presented for your information:

Lake Zurich, IL, January 12, 2010. Joe Walsh Candidate for Congress in the IL  8th District is announcing support and endorsements.

Walsh continues to receive endorsements and support in his race for Congress.  The following is an initial list of endorsements, further endorsements will be forthcoming:

The following organizations have endorsed Joe Walsh:

• Illinois Federation For Right to Life
• Tea Party Palatine
• Lake County Tea Party
• Illinois Conservatives on Facebook
• National Taxpayers United of Illinois
• Republican Assembly of Illinois

The following individuals and elected officials have endorsed Joe Walsh:

• Bryan Javor, Chairman McHenry CountyYoung Republicans
• Don Castella, Chairman, Vernon Township Republicans
• Nick Provenzano, Candidate for McHenry County board, District 3
• Tom Roeser, Conservative Catholic Activist
• Louis Rofrano, Mc Henry County Right to Carry Association
• John E. Vincent, Former Wauconda Township Committeeman
• John O’Neill, Candidate for State Representative, 63rd District
• Glenn Garamoni, Precinct Committeeman, Fremont Township 121
• Bill Parrot, Chairman, Patriots United
• Peter S. Karlovics, Precinct Committeeman, Warren Township 308
• Joyce Story, Precinct Committeeman McHenry 14

Walsh has garnered lots of support from numerous committeemen throughout the district as well.

“Once again I am honored to have received the support of these organizations and these individuals.  Their support is providing crucial momentum to my campaign and has raised the energy level going into the final weeks of this election,” said Walsh.
= = = = =
I would observe that not all of these endorsements are exclusive. The Illinois Federation Right to Life, I know, endorsed more than one candidate.  Maria Rodriguez was also endorsed.

It the Northwest Herald gets its way, Maria Rodriguez will face off against 8th District Congresswoman

At least that’s what a press release (complete with link to the editorial) from Rodriguez tells me.

I don’t make a practice of reading its editorials, but I guess it’s news whom its editorial board endorses.

Rodriguez recently caught some flak on the comment board of the Daily Herald for pointing out that one of her advantages was being the same gender as Bean.

Since 1966 I can show you contests in the Northwest suburbs where women had about a five percentage point advantage when running against a man.

I first noticed it when I ran against Carla Fortier for McHenry County Treasurer in 1966. I think she was a secretary at the First National Bank of Chicago. I had finished the coursework for my master’s degree in public administration and had an economics degree from Oberlin College and had worked for the United States Bureau of the Budget (now, the Office of Management and Budget).

I ran about five percentage points behind the Republican county ticket.

There are many other examples, e.g., Betty Lou Reed regularly polled more votes that her fall running mate Don Deuster when they were both state representatives from the same district.

In any event, Rodriguez spoke the truth about there being a gender gap in electoral politics in our neck of the woods.

Bean has run against a man three times and three times has won.

I figure each male candidate spotted her five percentage points in their match-up.

Why?

Here’s my hypothesis of why women running against men have an electoral advantage.

It comes from watching crooked politicians in Illinois since 1966.

They are mainly men.

It is male faces that are showing up on the front pages of newspapers and on TV.

Sure, there have been a couple of women. Cicero’s Betty Loren-Maltese is probably the most recent. There has been at least one female Chicago Alderwoman.

But most of the crooks have been men.

So, besides those women who think women are underrepresented in the halls of government, add those men and women who think, other things being equal, a woman in government is more likely to be honest than a man.

The odds are certainly there for all to see.

The following press release has been received from 8th District Republican congressional candidate Maria Rodriguez:

Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum Endorses Maria

LONG GROVE, IL, January 4 – Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum has endorsed Maria Rodriguez to be the next U.S. Representative from the 8th district of Illinois.

In response to the news, Maria Rodriguez stated,

“I am very pleased to have the backing of Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum in my race to be the next Congresswoman from the 8th district of Illinois.  Eagle Forum is a great organization promoting pro-family values both in Congress and in state capitols across the country.  Their network of citizen-volunteers helps to ensure our elected officials are held accountable for their votes.  I look forward to working together with Eagle Forum as a Member of Congress come next year.”

Maria Rodriguez is candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 8th district.  She is the current mayor of Long Grove, Illinois. Maria and her husband Ray have lived in Lake County for nearly 25 years where they have raised their three children.

To see the list of Eagle Forum endorsed candidates, visit here.

To learn more about Maria, please visit here.

To see a complete list of Maria’s endorsements, visit here.

My computer problems have been my excuse for basically ignoring the 8th congressional district’s Republican primary election.

It’s time to start paying attention to what the candidates are saying with the election just five weeks away.

Here’s an invitation from Maria Rodriguez reminding folks of her rally tomorrow night in Long Grove. I think I attended a shower at the Long Grove Village Tavern where this event is being held. Nice place.

Reminder – Come out to the ‘Countdown to Victory’ Rally Tomorrow Night!

As we prepare the countdown to the new year… join us in counting down the 35 days to Maria’s Congressional primary victory!

Tuesday, December 29 at 6:30 p.m.

at the Long Grove Village Tavern
135 N. Old McHenry Road in Downtown Long Grove

Hors d’oeuvres provided by the Tavern

Cash Bar

Melissa Bean’s solutions to the 8th district’s problems are higher taxes, runaway spending, and a government takeover of health care.  While she claims to be a pro-business moderate, Melissa Bean votes with Speaker Pelosi’s radical job-killing agenda more than 90 percent of the time.  For all the right reasons, we need Maria in Congress.

As the village president of Long Grove, Maria knows how to balance a budget and make government live within its means.   As our Member of Congress, she’ll rein in wasteful spending, hold the line on taxes and support a legislative agenda that is pro-job creation.

= = = = =

Along side of the invitation is a list of those who have endorsed Rodriguez.  I think you might find them of interest:

• Illinois Federation for Right to Life PAC
• Libertyville Township Republican Committee
• One of Two Preferred Candidates by the Schaumburg Township Republican Committee
• Christine Radogno, State Senate Minority Leader
• Pam Althoff, State Senator
• Dan Duffy, State Senator
• Ed Sullivan, State Representative
• Joanne Osmond, State Representative
• Bill Peterson, Former State Senator
• Mike Adelizzi, Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman
• Brent Paxton, Lake County Board Member
• David Stolman, Lake County Board Member
• Linda Pederson, Lake County Board Member
• Aaron Lawlor, Lake County Board Member
• Arlene Mulder, Mayor – Arlington Heights
• Peter Breen, Thomas More Law Center
• Daniel McConchie, Americans United for Life

The group that made robo-calls on behalf of the successful fight ban on video poker in unincorporated McHenry County to county board members has released its rankings.

They are not endorsements. They are lists of how people either responded to questionnaires or what the public record shows a candidate’s positions are.

Let’s look at the contested 8th District race for the Republican nomination for Congress.

First, let’s point out that Republican Gregory Jacobs and Green Party candidate Bill Scheurer did not return a questionnaire. It appears that Melissa Bean did not either, but answers have been pulled from her public record.

So, the following prospective challengers answered the IFI questionnaire:

• Dirk Beveridge
• John Dawson
• Christopher Geissler
• Maria Rodriguez
• Joe Walsh

Disagreement among these Republicans was found on giving homosexual and transsexual individuals protected class status in the workplace on which Dawson disagreed with the opposition of the others and repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which Geissler opposed, with the others in favor.

The first issue was

“Tax Increase/Cap and Trade — will tax energy consumption to combat “global warming.” (American Clean Energy and Security Act – 2009).”

All the Republican candidates providing answers opposed the measure. Incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean supported it.

The second issue involved

H.R 1913–”Hate Crimes” legislation — allows 2 identical crimes to be prosecuted differently if one victim is homosexual, a cross dresser or transsexual.”

All the Republican candidates answering opposed the measure. Incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean supported it.

Third was H.R.3017 & S.1584:

“Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 (ENDA) — gives homosexual and transsexual individuals protected class status in the workplace.”

Four of the six candidates replying opposed this concept. John Dawson joined Bean in supporting it, the voter guide reports.

Fourth on the questionnaire was

“REPEAL of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) — the repeal of the only federal law that prevents homosexual “marriage” from becoming legal across the country (H.R.3567 – 2009)”

Again the five replying opposed repeal, while Bean’s position remains unknown to IFI.

The fifth question was

“Government Health Care — A government managed insurance plan that includes a “Public Option” similar to Medicare. (H.R.3200, H.R.3962 or U.S. Senator Max Baucus’ plan – 2009).”

Again, it was Republicans opposed, Bean in favor.

Sixth issue on the list was

“Defund A.C.O.R.N. Act (H.R.3571 – 2009).”

Everyone supported that.

Question number seven concerns the

“Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006 — requires abortionists to tell mothers about fetal development and the capacity of preborn children to feel pain. (H.R.6099 – 2006).”

This is supported by the five responding candidates in the GOP primary. Bean’s position is unknown.

Eighth on the list of issues was

“REPEAL of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — would repeal the law that prohibits openly practicing homosexuals from serving in the military. (H.R.1283 – 2009).”

our of the five Republicans said, “No.” Christopher Geissler is reported opposing repeal. No position is reported for Bean.

“Requiring the 2010 census to include the question “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” (Senate Amendment 2644 to H.R.2847 – 2009)”

is ninth on the IFI questionnaire.

Bean’s position is not known, but the five Re;publicans agreed.

Last on the list of ten questions is

“Transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to U.S. facilities. (H.R.2647, Sec. 1041 of Conference Report – 2009).”

Democrat Bean supports the move, while the Republican candidates replying were in opposition.