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* The Champaign News-Gazette reports that former Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Jim Allen apologized via text message to Republican congressional candidate Erika Harold for his hateful diatribe. Harold looked on the bright side…
The story broke as the former Miss America and Harvard Law School graduate was preparing for a meeting in Washington of the board of Prison Ministries Fellowship, she said.
Harold thinks the furor will end up benefiting her campaign.
“I view the episode as being one in which a lot of Republicans stopped to think about what are the values of our party and reflected that back to me in their messages of support,” she said. “It was very encouraging to feel that support from people who had never met me, but once they read the email, they went on to our website and learned a little bit more about me and now want to stay engaged in the campaign in some capacity.”
* Indeed, what are the values of the GOP, particularly the ultra-conservative, Downstate wing? Let’s look at Allen’s slightly redacted rant again…
Rodney Davis will win and the love child of the D.N.C. will be back in Sh*tcago by May of 2014 working for some law firm that needs to meet their quota for minority hires.
The truth is Nancy Pelosi and the DEMOCRAT party want this seat. So they called RINO Timmy Johnson to be their pack mule and get little queen to run.
Ann Callis gets a free ride through a primary and Rodney Davis has a battle.
The little queen touts her abstinence and she won the crown because she got bullied in school,,,boohoo..kids are cruel, life sucks and you move on..Now, miss queen is being used like a street walker and her pimps are the DEMOCRAT PARTY and RINO REPUBLICANS…These pimps want something they can’t get,,, the seat held by a conservative REPUBLICAN Rodney Davis and Nancy Pelosi can’t stand it..
Little Queenie and Nancy Pelosi have so much in common but the one thing that stands out the most.. both are FORMER QUEENS, their crowns are tarnished and time has run out on the both of them..
* I know it’s impossible to just set aside Allen’s stupendously harsh and disgusting language, but let’s try to look at the meat of his argument, such as it is.
47th Ward’s comment on the original story maintained that this is pretty standard base GOP messaging…
Let’s see: Nancy Pelosi is out to get them. Check. Affirmative action gives benefits to “others” that “we” pay for. Check. There is a conspiracy of RINOs and Democrats that is hellbent on destroying conservatism in Illinois. Check.
47th missed a couple of things: The use of Chicago hatred to discredit an opponent and the far Right’s opposition to anti-bullying legislation.
Fair or not?
…Adding… I also meant to point out that the same week Allen derisively called Harold a “little queen,” John Kass referred to Attorney General Lisa Madigan as a “princess“…
All was right with the world. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the peasants were shrieking their piteous cries of woe. The princess climbed down for breakfast with her father.
And just before a servant brought her a silver bowl of Lucky Charms, she asked Mike of Madiganistan a question:
“Daddy,” she asked, “can I be governor now?”
Again, pretty mainstream conservative messaging…
“Dear Daddy…I mean Mr. Speaker. You got me this cool Attorney General job, and that was after you got me that neat state senate seat…Thanks for having all your union friends be real nice to me, they send me tons of campaign money at Christmas time, they must be rich!”
That was written by former state party chairman Pat Brady.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:37 pm
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I kind of thought there was a good amount of sexism in there regarding the “queens” and the “streetwalker” comments. I’m pretty sure if this was a man running against Davis, he wouldn’t be referring to him as a “streetwalker,” although, who know’s there all kinds of these crazy conservative people.
It all goes back to the biggest problem the Republican party is facing is that this mindset and the things he said isn’t that unusual. This isn’t the work of a fringe member, it’s the work of people who are a large part of the party, and that is most unfortunate.
Comment by Ahoy! Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:46 pm
I don’t understand the question. What is fair, the characterization of Allen as the median downstate Republican or his allegations?
I’m pretty noncommittal on either. With regards to downstate Republicans…no offense but you’re the ones in a double superminority. Who cares what they think?
With regards to Allen’s view of how things are…slightly more vulgar version of a movie I’ve seen since moving to Chicago eleven years ago. They don’t seem to have won anything at all with it. Good luck with banging on that drum.
Comment by Will Caskey Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:49 pm
The “Jim Allen” rant happens in My Party when liked-minded individuals get together in a room, isolated from reality, and while agreeing on every possible conspiracy imaginable as to why 100% of the People don’t agree with them, 100% of the time, we get these types of individuals who “think” they speak” for all in My Party.
Jim Allen is not a “Slytherin House” Republican.
Those remarks typed by Jim Allen are racist, sexist, derrogatory sentences fed upon what - 47th Ward - put so well about a few in My Party who think its more than ok to reduce politics and humanity into words so dispicable, it is sad to see.
Others think its not only ok to think what was typed, but to type and send those words, phrases, sentences as their vessel to convey such disturbing thoughts. that is the crux of this. Not that is was typed, not that it was sent, it is the fact that its ALL of that AND thinking it to be acceptable TO be sent. All of it, period.
The utter hatred, the loathing, the intolerance, they will be the undoing. The actual beliving all those those things, that will complete the demise.
As like-minded individuals talk in phonebooths to each other, thinking they have the answers, all they are doing is adding to the problems of society, not just to My Party.
To the ===Fair or not?===,
Fair.
I have never seen a Group complain about talking points so much, and yet, from the outside, we can tick off the Group’s talking points so easily and sadly, that they can not see themselves as others see them, since their refelction is not of society, but … in the criteria to know them, is to be them, is to understand them.
A sub-group. Fair indeed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 3:56 pm
==the far Right’s opposition to anti-bullying legislation.
Fair or not?==
Look at it from their perspective. The only reason that they are opposed to it is because it interferes with all of their plans for “National Kill A (insert your favorite slur for the group that you publicly-hate-but-secretly-want-to-date) Week.” When you’ve made the kind of investment in hate-based party favors, balloons, and cake decorations that they have, it can be hard to let go.
Comment by Gunderstank Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:02 pm
To be generous to Allen, he could have been apologizing for likening Harold to a streetwalker and the presumption that she would only get hired to fill some fictional “quota for minority hires.”
The only quotas I’m aware of at Chicago law firms are billable hours and bringing in business.
As to the substance of his remarks, he hit a lot of the talking points of the Usual Suspect Victims.
Somehow he managed to raise the subjects of race and Chicago without mentioning “welfare,” “food stamps” or “urine testing,” but he seemed kind of agitated, so a few are bound to slip.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:11 pm
Too often women who disagree with the far right are either little girls with royal fantasies or of loose moral character
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:17 pm
It’s always good to apologize for clearly wronging someone, as the case here, but it DOES remind me of the hit song lyrics/refrain by One Republic from some years back in that, sometimes in life…”It’s too late to ApoloGIIIIIIIZE…it’s too laaaaaaaaaaaate…!”
Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:19 pm
Wordslinger, also no reference to voter fraud. He could have built that into the Rino/Pelosi conspiracy. He did not say they were trying to steal the seat.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:25 pm
You think that John Kass represents “mainstream conservative messaging?” I think he’s a crazy conspiracy theorist who doesn’t represent anybody except himself…
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:25 pm
A few weeks ago a poster made the comment they were tired of hearing about the accusation of dog whistling; as if that political practice didn’t exist.
Allen has just proven the need for dog whistling. Honest bigotry is no longer tolerated. Good riddance to the Archie Bunker’s of this world.
Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:28 pm
I am now calling into question the whole Allen email because there wasn’t one mention of Obama. Can’t be real. He was probably hacked by some liberal who was too lazy to cover all the bases.
Liberal hacking of county party chairman could be happening all of time, we have no evidence to suggest it is NOT happening. Do we? I am not saying this is actually happening. But wake up people…it could be. And I don’t know about you but it’s time to take our country back.
Comment by Lil Squeezy Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:36 pm
One of the points I made in the comment Rich excerpts above is that I’d heard similar things said in the comments of Illinois Review, albeit more tactfully.
While I don’t enjoy linking to that site, here is an example of the comments over there:
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2013/06/kirk-explains-vote-in-favor-of-corker-hoeven-amendment-to-immigration-bill.html#comments
Now maybe they’ll eventually learn to delete stupid stuff over there. Maybe not. But other than the sexist/racist imagery Allen used, not much else he said was all that different from what I’ve seen there and elsewhere in mainstrean ILGOP circles.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:39 pm
These episodes may be happening with more frequency, but it’s standard conservative practice: this is how many of them (not all, but too many) talk to each other when they think they’re with only people who agree with them. They do it so often, occasionally they slip up. Then comes the apology, motivated not by sincerity but expediency.
Comment by orzo Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:40 pm
I agree with 47th Ward. Allen is in the mainstream of the downstate GOP.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:44 pm
===You think that John Kass represents “mainstream conservative messaging?”===
Perhaps I should’ve noted that Pat Brady used to say a lot of the same things. One example: http://www.wbez.org/news/illinois-gop-slams-madigan-amid-pension-talks-100166
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:45 pm
Ba-da-bing.
Comment by Tim Snopes Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:46 pm
===You think that John Kass represents “mainstream conservative messaging?”===
I don’t read him, but probably.
Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:47 pm
Neither Party has a lock on racism. I seem to recall the Council wars. Ugly, racist remarks by Bobby Rush and Donne Trotter. And let us never forget Jesse Jackson Sr.’s immortal words about Jewish residents of New York City.
What Mr. Allen said was atrocious. To his credit, he got on the phone, talked to a reporter, apologized, and resigned. That we have now reached a point where the apology has to be analyzed is amazing to me. At least it wasn’t one of the typical, “If anyone was offended” that too many throw out there these days.
Perhaps Mr. Allen was frustrated like I am that someone I believed to be a rising star who should be showcased as such has chosen to take on an incumbent in a primary. A struggling Party will have to waste time, resources, and money in a race that she will lose.
Finally, let us not forget the role of the “messenger” in this — something I haven’t seen reported in any media outlets. A lot of us are exhausted with Mr. Ibendahl’s self-serving shenanigans. Fired from his position as party counsel, a candidate for state party chairman who was laughed out of the room (for a job nobody wants), his constant stream of vituperative attacks on Republicans who actually get elected, his representation of Illinois Constitution Party candidates against Republicans, and his vicious personal attacks on those with whom he disagrees have worn many of us down. Trust me. It still doesn’t make what Mr. Allen said acceptable and shame on him for handing Ibendahl ammunition, but I can see the possibility for Mr. Allen losing his temper and foolishly firing off an ill-conceived message aimed more at Ibendahl than Harold.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 4:57 pm
I doubt that Kass feels the need to apologize for his sexist caricature of Lisa Madigan.
But give him a chance. The Tribbies have only published the “princess” column about a dozen times. Let’s see if he feels some remorse the next dozen times they trot it out there.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:01 pm
For the benefit of younger readers:
• Council Wars lasted from 1983-1986.
• Jessie Jackson called New York City “Hymietown” in 1984.
• Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Jim Allen made his remarks in 2013.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:09 pm
“The utter hatred, the loathing, the intolerance, they will be the undoing.”
On the bright side, Sen. Oberweis will see to it that there will be plenty of ice cream.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:13 pm
What this tells me is that John Kass doesn’t have a daughter. What message does this give the real daughters out there? I suppose “if you want to run for office, you better be prepared to be reduced to snide comments like “princess”, and “street-walker” or “daddy’s little girl”.
All of this smacks of misogyny. Because if you have a daughter, you want her to be able to compete “toe-to-toe” in any arena, even politics. But when folks like Kass act as if they are the chairmen of the “he-man-woman-haters club”, it’s hard to be taken seriously, I guess.
Comment by Knome Sane Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:18 pm
First paragraph of the Tribune editorial on Allen’s e-mail:
“It took a while, but Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois finally got it. When your political friends spew hate, you had better call it for what it is.”
When will the Trib “get it” about Kass?
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:26 pm
So, MrJM, when did Bobby Rush call Sen. Mark Kirk’s proposal to clean up the gangs a “white boy” solution? That’s right, about 10 days ago.
If your point is that there is an expiration date on racism, you might give Paula Deen a call.
Comment by LincolnLounger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:46 pm
Anonymous at 4:57 p.m. Mr. Allen`s opinion is the norm down here as I`m not sure where you come from but in this area you might as well get used to it. We had a real good Republian rep here and the tea party ran him off and got an idiot elected in the last election. Just a normal day in south central Il.
Comment by South of Effingham Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:54 pm
Opinion piece about Jim Allen at http://www.smilepolitely.com/opinion/who_is_jim_allen/
Comment by wayward Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:55 pm
@Mr.JM: For the benefit of younger readers:
• Council Wars lasted from 1983-1986.
• Jessie Jackson called New York City “Hymietown” in 1984.
• Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Jim Allen made his remarks in 2013.
Good points indeed, but just today A Democratic lawmaker from Minnesota criticized Tuesday’s Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act by calling Justice Clarence Thomas “Uncle Thomas,” then saying he didn’t know “Uncle Tom” was a racist epithet.
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 5:56 pm
Allen apologizes, but for what?
Allen could be apologizing to the Illinois Montgomery County Republican Party for making comments that will eventually cause a flood of campaign contributions to Ericka Harold and help elect her to the US Congress.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 6:04 pm
Interesting link in Wayward’s link. Harold has already acquired a tracker.
Kind of early, isn’t it? Anyone want to take credit?
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-06-09/tom-kacich-harold-campaign-gains-early-follower.html
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 6:20 pm
Make no mistake, everyone reading this knows that every day powerful men suffer immeasurably from Democratic racism.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 6:47 pm
@MrJM,
Touché…
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:14 pm
===Touché===
Indeed.
It is always thus with MrJM. Ever see his twitter page? Hilarious stuff.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:17 pm
==Ever see his twitter page? Hilarious stuff.==
Yeah, I’m a follower and an avid fan. We are well acquainted.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:29 pm
MrJM - what’s your username on twitter?
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 7:41 pm
“But wake up people…it could be. And I don’t know about you but it’s time to take our country back.”
Good joke or good sarcasm. Please, please tell me it was a joke or sarcasm.
Comment by wishbone Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 8:42 pm
“Interesting link in Wayward’s link. Harold has already acquired a tracker.
Kind of early, isn’t it? Anyone want to take credit?”
The tracker story ran before Mr. Allen’s infamous email, and Harold didn’t seem to have much money or name recognition in IL-13 (per Rich’s poll). Why would the Dems bother to mess with Harold? Can’t imagine Davis’s campaign wanting to be directly involved in sending a tracker after Harold, so the NRCC seemed like the most likely possibility at this point.
Comment by wayward Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:20 pm
The princess tag may apply more properly to Lisa Madigan who was minimally qualified to serve as Illinois Attorney General when she was first nominated. Her primal scream victory speech (which aired well after midnight) was something to behold. After three terms in office as AG, however such a jibe is getting tired.
As for hating Chicago, Pate Philip made a livelihood out of that. Times have changed and the GOP needs to find a different message.
Comment by Esquire Tuesday, Jun 25, 13 @ 9:34 pm
Except Lisa’s dad is the most powerful person in Illinois. Heck, I never made an Andy McKenna joke without starting with “Father, can I have…”
Comment by Kj Wednesday, Jun 26, 13 @ 12:26 am
You think that John Kass represents “mainstream conservative messaging?” I think he’s a crazy conspiracy theorist who doesn’t represent anybody except himself… …
Hey Anon crazy conspiracy IS “mainstream” for the right wing Whack Jobs that dominate the GOPie movement. Kassamoron is their bugle boy. All of that combines the series of loses over the past decade. Keep up the good work
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Jun 26, 13 @ 6:16 am
Allen gets shamed out of his non-paying position for doing what he did to one minority citizen.
The Conservative majority on the Supreme Court gets lauded by Republicans for using “nicer” language to do much worse to minorities in several states.
Interesting timing. From this perspective, looks like Allen and the “gang of 5″ on SCOTUS drink from the same well.
Comment by A. Nonymous Wednesday, Jun 26, 13 @ 9:03 am
South of Effingham: FWIW: I’m south of Effingham too and that is not the normal behavior or thought process of any of the conservatives I know.
Comment by Logic not emotion Wednesday, Jun 26, 13 @ 9:15 am
Jim Allen is an embarrassment to the Republican Party. There is nothing mainstream about him. He is clueless. Anyone who would put an e-mail out there like he did has no place in the Republican Party.
Comment by SCR Wednesday, Jun 26, 13 @ 9:21 am