* Press release…

· Following the end of his congressional campaign in Illinois’ 14th congressional district, Mike Koolidge has been hired as the Communications Director and Chief Spokesman for People Who Play By The Rules PAC, effective immediately. The “PBR” PAC is a political action committee whose mission is to support gubernatorial candidates and candidates for local offices, particularly school boards, committed to ending the fleecing of people who play by the rules and are gamed by a political system they finance. It will focus especially on equal protection and accountability under the law – American ideals increasingly neglected by too many in the modern political world.

· “We are so pleased to have a talent like Mike join our team and bring his wealth of experience and creativity in crafting substantive, engaging content to the work we’re doing at PBR PAC.” – Dan Proft, President, PBR PAC.

· At the end of June, Koolidge lost his race in the Republican primary to unseat Lauren Underwood in the new Illinois 14th congressional district. Before his run for congress Koolidge hosted and owned his highly successful regionally syndicated radio program The Michael Koolidge Show for 14 years, which he retired from of his own accord in November. Prior to that he served as an active duty U.S. Army officer for six years.

· Koolidge: “I’ve been asked repeatedly if I’m coming back on the radio after my run for congress. While I haven’t ruled it out completely in some form in the future, the opportunity offered by the PBR PAC is one I couldn’t pass up. My love for talk radio and its impact on politics has never ceased, but part of why I ran for congress was to move beyond words and into real action. My role at PBR PAC allows me to do just that, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”

Koolidge finished third with 21 percent of the vote.

* CD13…

Today, Nikki Budzinski, the Democratic nominee for Illinois’ 13th Congressional district, called on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to approve the permit for construction of the Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee, Illinois.

The 1,090-megawatt natural gas-fueled facility would generate $1.53 billion in economic output during construction and create over 1,000 jobs in Sangamon County. The project has the unified support of organized labor. The plan would also help to support the stability of the Illinois electric grid by providing consistent and reliable power.

Jeff Clarke, the Mayor of Pawnee, IL made the following statement: “Lincoln Land Energy Center will help stabilize our power grid, create over a thousand jobs in our area, and bring down costs for consumers. As a small-town mayor, I need federal partners that will work across the aisle to deliver results for Pawnee residents. I know Nikki is that candidate and am glad to see her support of LLEC.”

Budzinski made the following statement: “Illinoisians across IL13 are facing the potential of dangerous power brownouts and blackouts this summer along with rising energy costs that are hurting working families. LLEC would help alleviate both problems by acting as a crucial baseload resource, stabilizing the Illinois power grid, creating over 1,000 jobs in our area, and bringing down costs by creating energy right here in Sangamon County.”

“I support the development of this plant and call on the Illinois EPA to cut the red tape and approve the permit for construction immediately.”

* Same candidate yesterday…

This morning, the Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois announced their endorsement of Nikki Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Founded in 1936, the PBPA is comprised of 189 different units and is the largest downstate police association made up of full-time and retired sworn police officers.

The endorsement comes as Nikki Budzinski enters the general election with over $1,00,000 cash on hand after a decisive win in Illinois’ Democratic primary last week.

Budzinski made the following statement: “I am honored to earn the endorsement of the Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois and their members. I am committed to working with the law enforcement community.”

“I believe we need to make our communities safer by investing in law enforcement and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. The PBPA and their members know that I will stand with them and work with them to accomplish everyone’s shared vision of making our communities safer. I look forward to working with them in Congress.”

Sean Smoot, PBPA Chief Legal Counsel and Director, made the following statement: “Nikki Budzinski has earned the support of the PBPA of Illinois because she will be an advocate for the safety and training of law enforcement officers in Washington. Her support of officers in the line of duty and off duty, along with their families, is essential to public safety. She will be a strong voice for law enforcement and the communities they protect.”

* NRCC…

Hi there –

Nancy Pelosi is endorsing Nikki Budzinski.

NRCC Comment: “Nancy Pelosi is endorsing Nikki Budzinski because she knows Budzinski will support Pelosi’s socialist agenda in Congress.” – NRCC Spokeswoman Courtney Parella

* Press release…

Monica Gordon, Democratic Primary winner for 5th District Cook County Commissioner and winner of the Bloom Township Democratic Committeeperson seat issued the following statement after her big win on Tuesday:

“I am extremely humbled by the results of this year’s primary election. I am grateful for the incredible team I have had around me the last several months, who have been tirelessly knocking doors, making phone calls, attending events, and doing so much more. I am so proud of them. I am also very lucky to have the support of the “Keep Bloom Strong” organization. Their guidance, leadership, and strength have made all the difference in the races we have been running.

“I have been fortunate enough to have earned the endorsements of several organizations and leaders in our community. My endorsements from incumbent commissioner Deborah Sims and a host of other local leaders have given me - and the public- confidence in my abilities to lead Cook County District 5. The endorsement I received from SEIU 73 is deeply appreciated and all their hard work in this race has been absolutely incredible.

“Moving forward, I am confident that we will build on the momentum of these recent wins in order to take it all the way home and win the seat of District 5 Cook County Commissioner. The district is in need of strong, ethical leadership that I am ready to provide. I will be unwavering in my support of the people of the district and I will do what it takes to ensure that the 5th district will have equitable representation on the Cook County Board.”

…Adding… Forgot about this one…

* More…

* Cook County candidate who beat incumbent sued by campaign strategist in pay dispute: Steele and her attorney did not respond to interview requests, but a Steele campaign spokesperson issued a statement saying the “claims are baseless, false and without merit. We look forward to an opportunity to present before a judge and let the facts speak for themselves.”