McHenry County Blog

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Statement on IRS Politically Motivated Scrutiny of Conservative Organizations

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) responded to the long awaited admission by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they targeted conservative-leaning groups during the 2012 campaign.

On April 23, 2012, Congressman Hultgren joined a number of his colleagues in writing a letter to IRS Commissioner Shulman, requesting more information about how and why certain nonprofit organizations were targeted for unnecessary and burdensome paperwork.

While this issue was ignored by the agency and the press for nearly a year, the IRS has finally admitted wrongdoing in this case.

The admission came after internal investigations by the Treasury Department uncovered how the IRS brought improper scrutiny on social welfare nonprofit organizations that simply stated their view on the proper role of government or focused their public awareness efforts on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Congressman Hultgren responded with the following statement:

“As if we needed further evidence of the extreme lengths this President and his Administration are willing to go in order to put their political interests above all else, this most recent scandal involving the IRS removes all doubt,” said Hultgren. “Using a taxpayer-funded government entity to target and harass private citizens and groups exercising their First Amendment rights is beyond reprehensible. The President should clean house at the IRS and hold those responsible accountable for their actions, including the White House officials who knew and allowed it to happen.”

“These actions by the IRS exacerbate the deep distrust many Americans already hold toward the agency and complicate efforts to enact comprehensive tax reform. We have a tax code that is already too complicated, and the Administration is now using it as a weapon to suppress free speech.”

“When the Department of Justice is accused of illegally obtaining telephone records to pressure journalists, EPA is being accused of giving preferential treatment for FOIA requests, and the State Department is actively withholding information and suppressing whistleblowers regarding Benghazi, the American people need answers. These actions are all emblematic of the growing arrogance and disregard for the law seen by this Administration.”

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Statement on IRS Politically Motivated Scrutiny of Conservative Organizations

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) responded to the long awaited admission by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they targeted conservative-leaning groups during the 2012 campaign.

On April 23, 2012, Congressman Hultgren joined a number of his colleagues in writing a letter to IRS Commissioner Shulman, requesting more information about how and why certain nonprofit organizations were targeted for unnecessary and burdensome paperwork. While this issue was ignored by the agency and the press for nearly a year, the IRS has finally admitted wrongdoing in this case.

The admission came after internal investigations by the Treasury Department uncovered how the IRS brought improper scrutiny on social welfare nonprofit organizations that simply stated their view on the proper role of government or focused their public awareness efforts on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Congressman Hultgren responded with the following statement:

“As if we needed further evidence of the extreme lengths this President and his Administration are willing to go in order to put their political interests above all else, this most recent scandal involving the IRS removes all doubt,” said Hultgren.

“Using a taxpayer-funded government entity to target and harass private citizens and groups exercising their First Amendment rights is beyond reprehensible.

“The President should clean house at the IRS and hold those responsible accountable for their actions, including the White House officials who knew and allowed it to happen.”

“These actions by the IRS exacerbate the deep distrust many Americans already hold toward the agency and complicate efforts to enact comprehensive tax reform.

“We have a tax code that is already too complicated, and the Administration is now using it as a weapon to suppress free speech.”

“When the Department of Justice is accused of illegally obtaining telephone records to pressure journalists, EPA is being accused of giving preferential treatment for FOIA requests, and the State Department is actively withholding information and suppressing whistleblowers regarding Benghazi, the American people need answers. These actions are all emblematic of the growing arrogance and disregard for the law seen by this Administration.”

Former Congressman Donald A. Manzullo was honored for his twenty years of service to McHenry County at a reception at Crystal Lake’s d’Andrea’s Monday night.

Sixty-some people, including the two Congressman who replaced him, gathered to offer laudatory comments.

A who’s-who of elected local elected officials were in attendance.

McHenry County Clerk Kathie Schultz, Sheriff Keith Nygren, Auditor Pam Palmer, Coroner Anne Majewski, County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill, Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager and surely others whom I’m forgetting.

Both Congressman Randy Hultgren and Congressman Peter Roskam thanked Manzullo for being their role model.

Although neither was there when the other spoke, their comments about how Manzullo had managed to balance family life, keeping his ideals and public service could have been interchangeable.

A third legislator, State Rep. Mike Tryon had a letter read which also pointed to the Egan Republican as a role model.  (I’ll try to get a copy so I can share it with you.  It really was quite insightful.)

The man Manzullo beat in the 1992 Republican Primary, former State Senator Jack Schaffer, mentioned that he watched Manzullo’s career closely and was not disappointed.

Former McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler credited Manzullo with bringing $30 million in highway money to the area, including the Western Bypass in Algonquin, which he said would be finished next year.

He told of how the Postal System was convinced to yield a slice of its parking lot.  Manzullo was a good friend of the man who ran the Post Office and had him out for a hearing on closing a regional postal facility in Rockford.  As Koehler related the story, Manzullo said that he would find a way to get the Post Office honcho to Algonquin to show him the problem.

Roskam, coming late after a 5:30 event in Elk Grove Village, brought forth something Manzullo constituents probably had never heard.

He revealed that Don Manzullo’s nickname in the U.S. House was “Mad Dog.”

Manzullo took the podium after that revelation and explained that only two Members of Congress had nicknames.

“There was a Congressman nicknamed ‘Doc’–and he wasn’t even a physician–and me,” Manzullo explained.

It was because of the intensity with which Manzullo pursued the issues about which he cared, for example, manufacturing in America.

Pretty amazing that a losing Congressional candidate would be interviewed by liberal commentator Carol Marin, but on Wednesday night, there was Joe Walsh, all alone, answering her questions on WTTW.

Under the posted interview is the following explanation:

“National star of the Republican Party, Joe Walsh, joins us to talk about the state of the GOP in Illinois, and what’s next on his agenda.”

Walsh was asked if he were running again for something.

“You wouldn’t deny that, would you?”

“Not at all,” Walsh replied in his calm TV manner.

“I don’t know if another run is in the cards. That’s in God’s hands.”

Marin interspersed comments by Walsh that made nightly news shows during the campaign.

Acknowledging the “gotcha” kind of politics we live in, Walsh replied by explaining that he had more constituent contact than any other congressman and it was impossible not to make mistakes here and there.

With regard to his lack of reaction to the attacks made on him with regard to abortion, he said that he should have pointed out that Tammy Duckworth favored using taxpayer dollars to finance abortions. [My disagreement with that approach has already been written.]

“We train our politicians to act like seals and not say anything to offend voters,” Walsh said.

Marin wanted to know if the Tea Party ship had sailed.

“Gosh, no,” Walsh replied, saying the size of government and the problem of piling debt on the back of our children was still a fervent issue.

He pointed out that Tea Party adherents came with views on social issues than spanned the spectrum, but pointed out that he was “Pro-Life without exception.”

How about the chance to be a radio talk show host on WIND syndicated by the Salem Radio Network?

“There’s an opportunity.”

“There are discussions.”

And what did he say about potential Republican gubernatorial opponents and other Republicans?

• Bill Brady – Shouldn’t run again. He’s run twice.
• Kirk Dillard – Nice man. He’s been down in Springfield forever.
• Dan Rutherford – Nice man. He’s been down in Springfield forever.
• Adan Kinzinger – You know what, not as conservative as people think, but a good congressman.
• Christine Radogno – Part of the problem. The face of the Republican Party along with Tom Cross, a Republican Party in Illinois, Carol, that has been devoid of any ideas. We haven’t stood for anything, which has enabled the Democrats to run the state into the ground.
• Judy Baar Topinka – Go to Florida and just retire and have a good life.
• Bruce Rauner – He’s a Democrat. Bruce Runner and again I know got gazillion dollars and he wants to run for governor as a Republican. He’s Rahm Emmanuel’s best friend. He’s given Democrats more money than he’s given Republicans. He gave Mike Madigan’s House candidates money. I just don’t think he’s a Republican.
• Peter Roskam – Great congressman
• Randy Hultgren – Nice man. Very good congressman.
• Mark Kirk – God, it was good to see him walk up those steps and I hope and sincerely hope and pray every day that he can stay where he is and do his job. (So you would support him?) Oh, gosh yeah. And, again, Carol, Mark Kirk and I are very different Republicans, but we’re still under that big tent.

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Named to House Financial Services Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced that he has been named to the House Financial Services Committee for the 113th Congress, which commences in January, 2013.

Hultgren is credentialed in Financial Industry Regulator Authority (FINRA) Series 6, 7 and 63. While a member of the state legislature, he served on the Illinois House Financial Institutions Committee between 1999 and 2007 and on the Illinois Senate Financial Institutions Committee between 2007 and 2010.

“The ability to have an idea and grow it through the free market is a key part of what makes this nation great,” Hultgren said. “I look forward to this new opportunity to serve my district and our state.”

Chairman-elect Jeb Hensarling said, “I look forward to working closely with all of our members as we tackle important challenges that face our economy and offer solutions that revive and strengthen America’s free enterprise system – the greatest housing and jobs program known to man.”

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren, who will be representing all of McHenry County but Algonquin Township when the January session begins:

Hultgren Accepting Intern Applications for 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) is now accepting applications for 2013 spring and summer internships in his Washington, D.C. and Geneva, IL offices.

Spring internships will run January-May and may be full or part time, depending on the intern’s availability. Summer internships will run May-August and will be full time. All internships are unpaid.

Applicants should be college students or recent graduates, and will assist staff with constituent relations, policy and outreach efforts.

Many duties will be administrative in nature, but interns may also be asked to staff Congressman Hultgren at meetings in the district or guide tours of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

“Interning has been a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at our government,” said Alex Rich, St. Charles native and current D.C. intern. “I know I’m better prepared for my next job because I worked here.”

Michael Lopatka, originally from Winfield, has worked this fall in Congressman Hultgren’s district office in Geneva.

“It is always gratifying to help a constituent with a problem, and there are a lot of opportunities to do that,” Michael said. “This is a great opportunity for anybody who likes helping people.”

Applicants should email a resume, cover letter and writing sample to hultgrenresumes@gmail.com and specify whether they seek a position for spring or summer 2013.

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Statement on Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement on recent events in Israel:

“No population should have to suffer the constant fear of having your home and your family threatened, but that is the situation millions of Israelis find themselves in today. Hamas and other militant groups are firing rockets at innocent civilians, and the world is shocked and saddened by the human cost of their actions.

“We, as a nation, stand by Israel in its time of need and reaffirm our commitment to aid them in their fight against this violent extremism.”

An email from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

“From the first shots of the Revolutionary War, to the men and women serving our country today, this nation owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to our veterans.

“We are the greatest country in the free world and I’m grateful for the freedoms we as a country have fought so hard to protect.

“On this Veterans Day, please take the time to say thank to our men and women who have served and are serving our country.

“There are so many great poems written on behalf of our veterans. I have included one of those poems today.

“In Service,

“Congressman Randy Hultgren”

Veterans Day

By Taylor Weinman

Representing the red white and blue

The colors of our flag stand out proud and true.

The white stars on blue background with red and white stripes

Remind me of these veterans, who all risked their lives.

Just so the people of the U.S. could all live in peace and be free

These are the heroes that represent you and me.

They stood up strongly, untied as one,

And kept up the fighting until they were done.

And although some have fallen, and lost their lives in war,

We pray for each one of them.

And now that their souls live on forever more,

Above in God’s hands.

They watch over our nation,

And give us strength to triumph over others with strong anticipation.

So every year, when this day comes by,

Think of all the veterans that while fighting, had to die.

And remember that they were people

With fire and passion embedded inside.

They die for this country,

So remember and honor them with pride

A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Hultgren Wins Second Term

ST. CHARLES, IL-Congressman Randy Hultgren was elected to his second term in Congress tonight with a substantial margin over his Democrat opponent Dennis Anderson.

Congressman Hultgren provided the following statement regarding his victory:

“I am humbled and appreciative for the support and faith that the voters in the 14th Congressional district have bestowed upon me.

“It’s no secret that our country and state face great challenges. Out of control government spending, high unemployment, anti-small business policies, home foreclosures and more are all hindering our opportunities at reaching the American Dream.

“I look forward to addressing those challenges and I plan on fighting harder than ever to ensure that we identify responsible solutions to the many difficult issues facing our great country.”

Just not having enough processing time for the articles I want to write.

Today, let’s play catchup with the Monday McHenry County Republican Central Committee fund raiser at Port Edward in Algonquin.

I didn’t wonder around too much, but I did get a couple of photos of Republican activists.

Arriving early was McHenry County Sheriff’s candidate Jim Harrison and his wife Carolyn. They were sitting with Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth and Tony Cundiff.

Then along came another Sheriff’s candidate, Bill Prim, with his campaign manager Matt McNamara.

And, since the third aspirant to succeed Sheriff, Andy Zinke, was in attendance, too, this, let me show you the shot I got of him and Prim against the back wall of Port Edward.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi made the rounds greeting people.

All sorts of County Board candidates were in attendance. I am sure I can’t list them all, if you know someone not mentioned, put it in a comment and I’ll add him or her.  I saw Nick Provenzano.

The speaker for the evening was the Republican State Representative candidate for eastern Algonquin. [Algonquin was split into two districts by the Illinois Democrats. Mike Tryon will represent the western part.]

The Congressman who represents Algonquin Township, Peter Roskam, was not in attendance, but Randy Hultgren, the Republican Congressman who is running in the rest of McHenry County was.

One final long shot that I took before I left early. You may be able to pick out some of those in attendance.

The event ended at 8:30.

Let me add that there were plenty of Grafton Township candidates. Besides Supervisor Linda Moore, mentioned above in a cut line, there was Supervisor candidate Marty Waitzman. The only candidate not in attendance was Pam Fender. Road Commissioner candidate Tom Poznanski and Assessor candidate Al Zielinski helped the GOP raise money for the fall campaign.