* A Decatur talk radio station posted a statement from Republican congressional candidate Erika Harold on its Facebook page this morning…
Members of the Republican establishment continue their attempts to make this primary a coronation. From day one, party leaders have angled to ensure that Congressman Rodney Davis is the only person on the Republican primary ballot. This is despite the fact that he received the nomination last time through an appointment by county chairmen and not by an election of primary voters.
Elections are not coronations. They are the Constitutionally protected right of voters to compare candidates’ ideas and qualifications. Unfortunately, party leaders have sought to deprive voters of this right. Party leaders have barred me from speaking at Republican Day at the state fair, denied my campaign access to the voter data contained in the Data Center/Voter Vault, and attempted to discourage people who wanted to support or contribute to my candidacy. Party leaders have sought to ensure that Congressman Davis does not have to compete against anyone else for votes in the primary. But votes must be earned; no one is entitled to a nomination.
I am calling upon the Republican leadership to end the political obstructionism and allow the voters of the 13th District to make their own choice regarding who would best represent their interests and defend the Constitution. The voters of the 13th District are more than capable of thinking for themselves. Voters routinely tell me that they are looking forward to hearing where each candidate stands on the key issues and comparing our leadership skills through the process of debates. I commit to giving them that opportunity and hope that Congressman Davis will do the same.
* The statement came after a former supporter urged her to drop out…
Earlier this week former Macon County Republican Chairman John Davis urged Harold to drop out of the 13th District race, saying that her campaign had proven to be “inexperienced.”
But Phil Bloomer, a spokesman for Harold, said she issued the statement Thursday “to clarify her position and her resolve” to stay in the race.
Discuss.
- Skeptic - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:17 am:
Sounds like reason enough to go Independent to me.
- A guy... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:19 am:
Ms. Harold, the horse has left the barn on this one. You’re young, smart and talented. There’s still time to be gracious and wait for the merry go round to come around again for you in the near future. In your heart of hearts, you can’t feel good about this.
- Confused - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:21 am:
Didn’t realize that Primary Elections were covered in the Constitution.
- MrJM - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:24 am:
I guess that if you’re gonna go down, you might as well go down in flames.
– MrJM
- Skeeter - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:27 am:
It sounds like Harold wants other people to give her free stuff.
I thought Republicans were against that sort of thing.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:27 am:
–Party leaders have barred me from speaking at Republican Day at the state fair,–
Is that correct? If so, that’s not cool, and pretty small to boot.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:27 am:
=== Elections are not coronations. ===
No kidding. And she is getting clobbered in every regard.
Fundraising, public support and institutional support - none of it has materialized as much as she was promised by those ex-Johnson staffers whispering in her ear.
That is also the first I’ve heard of her being “blocked” from Speaking at the State Fair. She was present, as were many others.
But was she asking to speak with the nominees for Governor? I don’t believe any other candidates spoke then, either.
- 10th ward - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:31 am:
Welcome to the Big Leagues Erika
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:32 am:
Waving the Constitution is fine, but last I checked she will be on the ballot.
This is what comes with launching a primary challenge against a party-supported incumbent. You’re on your own. Not sure why the party has to make it easier for her to weaken or even beat their own guy. Parties are about the acquisition and retention of political power. Her run is potentially making it harder for them to retain that seat. She or her advisers didn’t know this is how it would be going in? Seems pretty naive.
- LincolnLounger - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:34 am:
It is correct, but think of it from the State GOP’s point of view. They have all those candidates for Governor and statewide office, state legislators, and Party officials who need to speak. (Dillard alone droned on and on.) Where does it end, and aren’t there some advantages to incumbency? If the people were disturbed by Davis’ manner of being chosen for the ballot, he still managed to win when Republicans elsewhere were going down in the Democrat-drawn maps.
Cry not for Evita — she made quite the splash doing the rounds in her television make-up with an ABC network television crew. Nobody didn’t know she was there, trust me.
Come to think of it, “Evita” may be the perfect moniker for Ms. Harold.
- phocion - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:38 am:
-But votes must be earned; no one is entitled to a nomination.-
Perhaps you should take heed of your own words, Ms. Harold.
- horse w/ no name - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:38 am:
Naomi Jakobsson is retiring, the Dems don’t have a good candidate. She should play the good party soldier role and take a shot at the state House. Not as high profile for sure but she could gain some chits with people who actually can help her in the future, unlike the go-nowhere gang she’s rolling with now.
- GOPGal - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:40 am:
Definitely true wordslinger. Not only was she barred from speaking at the IL GOP event at the Director’s Lawn, but was also barred from speaking at the IL GOP breakfast that same morning.
A friend of mine (who is also a PC in the 13th District) said her county chairman advised them at their last meeting that Erika is a not invited to speak at any of their upcoming events.
- Raising Kane - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:47 am:
She isn’t raising money, she is getting crushed in the polls. Yep, double down on that stupidity! Glad to see that Johnson brain-trust is giving her such “expert” advice.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:48 am:
=== If the people were disturbed by Davis’ manner of being chosen for the ballot ===
Remember, Harold was in the running for that as well. This is her second attempt at this seat.
As for her being the only one there with an ABC news crew? Poor Davis didn’t even get a documentary film maker tagging along with him.
So unfair.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:55 am:
=== Not only was she barred from speaking at the IL GOP event===
Poor thing.
Davis is a Tier One target. He has the only seat in Illinois which might flip to the Democrats. The IL GOP has a duty to protect that incumbent. It’s politics. Get over it.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 11:58 am:
Also, new House GOP Leader Jim Durkin recently pledged to protect any of his members who are primaried. Only the fringe types would slam him for that.
You dance with the one what brung you.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 12:08 pm:
===Elections are not coronations===
As a Beauty Queen she should know!
I mock, because, honestly, you are taking on one of the most visable targets in the Nation, becuase of Hubris and because the Johnson Ex-Staffers are bitter a “Champaign” congressman is not there to get them a job.
This ain’t bean bag, and incumbants have all the advantages. What, is rodney only suppose to work against you on “odd numbered” days so you can catch up?
Pathetic that thinking a “level” playing field is suppose to be awarded to anyone who thinks they can file petitons to be a candidate.
Now, I have tried to be somewhat … nice … somewhat helping to find an exit strategy …
Now, Erika, go away until you understand the game, how its played, or until you figure out you are being manipulated by people more willing to harm you for their own good and spite, then help you to make you a relevent player in Republican politics.
Dopes!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 12:19 pm:
I understand caucus leaders protecting incumbents, but barring someone who’s on the ballot from speaking at a party event?
No, I don’t go for that. That’s small.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 12:31 pm:
- horse w/ no name -,
Great point, like it…
However, I am guessing one or things are at play here;
1) Erika does not live in Naomi’s district.
2) Erika does live in Namoi’s district, just hasn’t “lived” there long enough, since coming back from Chicago.
Further,
Like Jason Plummer, once you drink that “Office” kool-aid, going back to the IL Statehouse is “small” for her?
“I get on National ‘Fox and Friends’ and you want me to run for state Representative? I am a National figurehead for the GOP! I can’t waste away …in …Springfield?”
that could also be where the Johnson Ex-Staffers played up the race to Erika, and her self-importance that Springifield … is just to small for a National Brand like Erika Harold.
I agree with you, - horse w/ no name -, I even asked the same thing when this all began, but there is more afoot here, either residency, timing, Kool-aid drinking … all the above(?)
- just sayin - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 12:32 pm:
Voter data is available here. I understand she is short on funds, but surely someone can cough up $75 to get the data free from all the extra information generated by Rodney Davis last year in his race.
A former county clerk who runs her campaign knows that. He doesn’t want the data, he wants the news story.
- LisleMike - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 12:58 pm:
I was at the Lincoln Day event. She was very present with cameras and a tiara to boot. I have nothing against her, but as has been shared in previous, she’s in with the big boys in a high profile race, nationally. If she had no beauty queen profile prior would she be getting or damanding more attention? Sorry, she seems like a nice enough person, underqualified and over her head.
- wayward - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 1:01 pm:
Harold can’t run for Jakobsson’s seat in the state legislature because she hasn’t lived in the district long enough.
- Juvenal - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 1:26 pm:
Whiners are rarely winners.
A challenger is deprived of the resources of incumbency?
Stop the presses.
Next move: be “outraged” that Republican precinct committeemen are carrying Rodney’s petitions but not yours.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
Cue press releases from all the other aggrieved candidates who didn’t get to speak on stage with the Gov candidates in 3…2…1…
The fact that 1 hour of speeches wasn’t dragged into 3 or 4 hours so every candidate could get up there next to Brady, Dillard, Rauner and Rutherford isn’t a crime.
It is common sense.
How many families attending the fair that day would have preferred speeches from Doug Truax, Diane Harris, Fred White, Manju Goel, David Williams III, Tim Wolfe, Chris Balkema, Ian Bayne, Craig Robbins, Darlene Senger, Mike Bost, Erika Harold, David Hale and Eric Reyes before hearing from Brady, Dillard, Rauner and Rutherford?
It is difficult to tell if this is a byproduct of very thin skin, shrewd P.R., or an unrealistic sense of entitlement.
Or perhaps when your platform focuses on bullying, you tend to see others as bullies and yourself as the victim.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
Either way, not speaking on stage with the Gov candidates is hardly a crime or conspiracy against Ms. Harold. It is common sense.
If anything, it seems odd one candidate would expect special treatment over others.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 1:28 pm:
Party leaders are individuals, able to support whoever they want. And the parties are not publicly owned.
- John Boch - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 2:04 pm:
I think I smell a whiff of desperation from Miss Harold.
I thought she was classy and sophisticated. Now that the rubber is meeting the road, she’s not exactly exhibiting either class or sophistication.
I’d say “stay classy Erika” but she already fell off the high road.
John
- Lil Squeezy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 2:11 pm:
I don’t understand the criticisms of her. I am guessing she fully understands how silly all of this is. Are people really criticizing her for trying to dangle some red meat in front of the tea partiers?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 2:19 pm:
===I don’t understand the criticisms of her… Are people really criticizing her for trying to dangle some red meat in front of the tea partiers? ===
The problem I have with tea partiers is that too many of them believe they are victims of some grand evil conspiracy. So, maybe you just connected the dots quite well. She loves to play the victim card. That really rubs me the wrong way.
- Amuzing Myself - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 2:26 pm:
Constitutional rights? Hey, Republicans! Take those chains and locks off the polling place doors! What? There’s still an election? I expect next she will want ballot access without petition signatures just because she wants it. Wah!
Welcome to primary politics, Erika. You took on an incumbent Congressman with money in a primary. What did you expect? You’re either exceptionally naive, playing all of this up for the press pop or were innocently misled by some folks that know better. I think it may be a combination of all three.
With so many other opportunities to run either locally or statewide, she managed to make the absolutely worst choice available to her. Great start. Not exactly inspiring leadership or decision-making in someone running for public office. I think she’s now managed to not only destroy herself for this election cycle, she might just be well on her way to destroying any political future she might otherwise have had. Such a shame.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 2:39 pm:
- Lil Squeezy -,
Last cycle, Erika attempts to be the Nominee after Tim Johnson bows out. Erika Harold, up to “10 minutes” before jumping in, was in Chicago, Erika gets passed over.
Ok, now.
What is lost on Erika, today, is that Erika is not entitled to anything, except to ballot access if she gets her signatures. Ok?
Now, how does Erika handle this idea that the National Republicna Congressional Campaign Committee, and the ILGOP back Rodney Davis, the incumbent, who is one of the biggest targets for House Democrats?
Erika whines. Erika blames. Erika picks fights to seem like everyone is personally out to get her, (see race/gender/background/outsider card(s), take yer pick!)
Add to all this, and all “that”, the mere fact the Tim Johnson Ex-Staffers and their “entitlement” of a congressman must be from Champaign, (And hire all of them to boot!), yeah, Erika is getting exactly what she is serving up about herself.
If Erika Harold was really about helping the National GOP and the ILGOP, she would be with the National Congressional Committee, the ILGOP, local officals, and it appears the vast numbers polled, and support Rodney Davis and his attempt to keep the seat he is holding.
Nope.
Hubris, entitlement of … “equality” … in a campaign(?), and honest anger and resentment towards the non-Champaign congressman is fueling all this waste of money and resources.
So yeah, I get al lil upset, and a bit angry, considering My party has other things to worry about than Johnson Ex-Staffers, their feelings, and Erika Harold and her idea of who she is, in something she has no clue to to be a part of, campaign-wise.
That help?
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 4:09 pm:
=== If Erika Harold was really about helping the National GOP and the ILGOP, she would be with the National Congressional Committee, the ILGOP, local officals, and it appears the vast numbers polled, and support Rodney Davis and his attempt to keep the seat he is holding. ===
Someone buy this man a cannoli.
A former Miss America in a large state like Illinois could and should be a superstar. Spend a year or two, show up at 1-2 small events a year for people you like as candidates or want to support, and by the time you are ready to run for office every Republican in the state knows you, loves you for “working” for the party and is on board with your candidacy for just about anything. Your future is so bright you’ve got to wear shades.
Don’t lift a finger to help other Republicans but suddenly announce for a slating session a few weeks before the selection process? You still have decent odds. It may or may not go your way. Probably not, but stranger things have happened. Conduct yourself well, get to know people and start making plans for you next “real” run at something else. All is good. Your future is looking bright and people are still excited to see what you will run for and where you will help lead this party.
Launch an insurgent primary candidacy against the person you lost to during that slating session, who also happens to be one of the most hotly contested freshmen in the country? When the Republican party is thirsting for someone like you to come along and run for any number of offices and be a leader?
That is a recipe for disaster.
Even if your goal is to catch fire with Tea Party supporters and the anti-incumbency sentiment prevailing nationwide, it does not make sense to pick a first term freshman as the guy to run against on that basis. You are taking on a guy who hasn’t even been there a full year, not enough time to be labeled as part of the “problem” that is Washington.
This could have gone down in a million different ways. Of all those possibilities, this decision is probably the only one that could have turned out negatively, and the people who mislead her for selfish reasons owe her a deep and sincere apology.
- annon - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 4:45 pm:
Wouldn’t put too much faith in the former Macon county chairman’s political views. Didn’t exactly set the world on fire during his 1-1 1/2 year tenure. Let her run. Why not. If she can get enough signatures to get on the ballot;more power to her.
- walkinfool - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 5:28 pm:
Playing the “me against the political class” card.
Sounds like a message that could register with Tea Partyers, but they are hardly in her wheelhouse.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 5:47 pm:
As an aside, I would have chosen another word than “coronation” while crafting my complaint.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 5:49 pm:
- AA -,
Another client AWillyWord Con$ulting could have helped.
As - wordslinger - says, you are twice as smart as both of us combined
- T.J. - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 6:01 pm:
Everybody’s been honest with Erika except her inner circle of ex-Johnson staffers. If she goes on believing only them, bless her heart.
- annon - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 7:42 pm:
The Johnson-ites are trying to be relevant once again. They should accept it that it was a good run for a while but that ship has sailed. As to Ms. Harold , she surely must see the writing on the wall. Get out now & run for something else down the road with new “advisors’. Congress isn’t for everyone & not an entry level position.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 24, 13 @ 8:37 pm:
- Formerly Known As… -,
How about we split a 4 pack of Cannoli, 1 each gor us, and we give the other 2 to Erika Harold with some well intentioned advice?
Couldn’t hurt…