Campaign notebook
Monday, Aug 22, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WTTW…
Illinois’ Republican National Committeewoman, Demetra Demonte, called the FBI retrieval of classified documents from President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate an “unprecedented weaponization of law enforcement against its political opponents.”
“This is not the first time President Trump, Republicans and conservatives have been unfairly targeted by the D.O.J. and the F.B.I. We need to know why this unprecedented action was taken, we need facts, we need the affidavit, we need transparency, we need accountability and we need it now,” she said.
Demonte said she’s encouraged about Republicans’ prospects in the fall, because support and campaign contributions have increased since the raid.
* Interesting insight…
Wake up church! We’ve got work to do!
Posted by Darren Bailey on Sunday, August 21, 2022
* First it was John Catanzara of the Chicago FOP, and now SDG…
* Watch it…
* Press release…
Today, Senator Tom Cotton is endorsing Chris Dargis for Congress in Illinois’s 8th District. Cotton cited Dargis’ record of public service, success in business, and commitment to his community in the endorsement.
Senator Cotton released the following statement endorsing Dargis:
Chris Dargis is a man of action who will tackle the challenges in Washington head on. A Navy veteran, a business leader, and a family man, he exemplifies everything we want our Congressional representatives to be. I’m proud to endorse Chris Dargis, and ask the voters of the 8th district to send a problem solver to Washington.
Chris Dargis thanks Senator Cotton with the following statement:
I’m humbled by Senator Cotton’s support in my campaign. He is a fighter for our nation and I know that working together in Washington, we can fix the mess Washington Democrats have created. We will bring down the outrageous cost of living, make our streets safe again, and enact energy policy that will make us energy independent once again.
* Press release…
Going back to school has never been more challenging. From inflation to shortages, nothing about getting kids ready and dropped off at the classroom is simple – and Joe Biden and Lauren Underwood are doing nothing to change that.
Scott Gryder, Kendall County Board Chairman and Republican nominee for IL-14, knows that families deserve better. As your next U.S. Representative, Scott Gryder will deliver positive change for students and families:
“Sending kids back to school this year brings new worries and anxieties – thanks to Lauren Underwood and Joe Biden.
Democrats’ tax-and-spend agenda has caused the price of school supplies to skyrocket, costing families, on average, an additional $168. The increase in gas prices is forcing parents to pay $2,200 more at the pump, and with school bus driver shortages, driving to school is the only option for many families across our state.
Instead of focusing on relief, the Underwood-Biden agenda is digging in on higher costs and higher taxes. Earlier this month, Lauren Underwood voted in support of the Inflation Reduction Act – a massive spending bill that will raise taxes on working families, hurt our already-weak economy, and do absolutely nothing to reduce inflation.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden and his Education Department are on a mission to eliminate options for families and force every student to receive a government-issued education. Last month, Biden signed a final rule that makes it more challenging for new charter schools to form and existing ones to receive grant money – not surprisingly, it also gives the federal government greater authority over them.
I believe that every family deserves their choice of an affordable, top-notch school that will provide students with a quality education and prepare them for whatever life path they aspire to – regardless of their zip code. That’s why as your representative, I will fight to end the reckless tax-and-spend agenda Lauren Underwood has spent her time in Congress championing. And when it comes to school choice, I will work to give power back to charter schools, and I will fight for increased tax credits for families wanting to send their children to private schools.
Lauren Underwood has voted with Joe Biden 100% of the time. She’s not in Congress to work for you, she serves at Joe Biden’s beck and call. And while Underwood thinks she can dupe you with empty promises and take more of your tax dollars just to shove your kids into understaffed and failing public schools, I will always fight for you and your family. Enough is enough – it’s time to take our district back and restore the hope and promise that every first day should bring.”
* More…
* Illinois Republicans Say Issues of Safety, Economics Matter More to Voters Than Abortion
* Sen. Napoleon Harris unifies rivals in new role for Thornton Township Democrats: The standing room only crowd in the penthouse of a U.S. Bank building off Sibley Boulevard felt like a friendly reunion of the feuding Hatfield and McCoy families. Attendees included Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark and former Mayor Eric Kellogg, whom Clark replaced when Kellogg was forced from office because of term limits. Calumet City Mayor and state Rep. Thaddeus Jones mingled with guests and shared space with two of his political adversaries, city Clerk Nyota Figgs and Ald. Monet Wilson, who challenged Jones in the recent primary for the 29th District House seat. Former Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers attended, as did five Dolton Village Board members who are battling Mayor Tiffany Henyard in brutal legal and political fights. Henyard. who replaced Zuccarelli as Thornton Township supervisor, looked like a no-show but made an appearance just as Harris concluded his public remarks, 90 minutes after the event’s scheduled start. Harris delivered a clear message that even if people do not like each other, they will be expected to work together for the betterment of communities in Thornton Township.
* Frerichs trying to talk way out of pension tax hike remarks: Here’s how The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reported what Frerichs now says he never said. “Frerichs added an argument for the progressive income tax is taxing retirement income of those who can afford it. He said he knows people who receive six-figure yearly pensions and do not pay (state) income tax, but the current system doesn’t differentiate between them and retirees who barely get by on their savings and pensions.
* Historically a place to observe Illinois’ diversity, the state fairgrounds this year became a showcase of divisive politics: A couple miles away at the fairgrounds sat the Mobile Museum of Tolerance, sponsored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Midwest Region. Contained in a bus, the museum offers background and learning experiences about the expanse of civil and human rights amid a culture of growing bullying and intolerance. It gears its efforts to Illinois middle and high school students, government officials and business groups. Bailey’s visit to the Awake Illinois event gave the mobile museum added traction after the revelation of a 2017 Facebook video from the GOP candidate in which he said the Nazis’ attempted extermination of Jews in the World War II Holocaust paled in comparison to lives lost from abortion. Bailey later said no apology was needed because unnamed Jewish leaders “have told me that I’m right.”
* Gun Sense Rally in Lake Zurich: The time is ripe for reform, advocates say: “Increasing numbers of not just Democrats, but independents and moderate Republicans, want to see common sense gun reform. And that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” said U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg. … Krishnamoorthi called for a ban on the sale of what he described as assault weapons and raising the minimum age to purchase of any firearm from 18 to “much higher than 18 years old.”
* A Madison County official has split the GOP. Is he St. Louis’ Trump?: Prenzler’s critics point out that, since he was elected, the county has gone through at least 10 department heads, not counting interim hires. At least four employees appointed by Prenzler ended up suing the county, leading to $2.2 million in settlements and fees so far, with more lawsuits pending. Relationships with fellow Republicans got so bad that a bipartisan group of board members voted last month to remove most of Prenzler’s power to hire and fire people.
- Roadrager - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:43 pm:
==The Lord is a Man of War==
And so I go back to my comment from a few weeks ago: Christianity is merely the jacket they slide on the book to provide cover.
Or maybe Bailey is secretly a niche pagan with a thing for jellyfish worship. Wonder what he does each spring to ensure the corn grows.
- A Well-Regulated Commenter - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:46 pm:
Love to go to a church service where the Proud Boys unofficial logo is prominently displayed.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:48 pm:
Strange comment from Stacy Davis Gates who acted like she was elected Mayor and CTU was the city council
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:48 pm:
Frerichs wants to discuss taxing retirement income.
Frerichs is dangerous to seniors in Illinois.
Demmer thinks Bailey could be a good governor.
I lose in either, I also win.
Frerichs loses, that’s good for Illinois, and seniors, Frerichs stands tall to hurting retirees.
Demmer loses, that’s good for Illinois, another Raunerite retired, a candidate who thinks a Bailey candidate can govern as well.
Demmer have any cash to make any hay?
Can Frerichs hide and run out the clock in these waning weeks?
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:51 pm:
Darren Bailey is a perfect example why Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer” should be required reading - in grade school.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:52 pm:
The E-Van-Gel-Eye-Cal Bailey seemingly believes Jesus is an Old Testament “figure” he (Bailey) can use to have an angry God be acceptable, if one can ignore the Gospels.
- Roadrager - has/d it right.
Also, Bailey’s faith is a signal when running against Pritzker. There are no accidents, this one has convenience of history for Bailey
- Formerly Unemployed - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:55 pm:
I thought Bailey was a Christian. Huh. So much for that Prince of Peace thing.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:57 pm:
If Ronald Reagan can add Federal income taxes on social security income and still be considered a hero, surely Frerichs can get it done for Illinois.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:58 pm:
To that so-called “church” and the Baileys: Your idea of “God” is bad and wrong.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 1:59 pm:
=== Ronald Reagan can===
Frerichs ain’t no Reagan.
- H-W - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:02 pm:
When elected officials say things like, “We need to know why this unprecedented action was taken, we need facts, we need the affidavit,” it makes you wonder how they got elected.
We already have the facts. Trump took things out of the White House that he should not have taken out of the White House. I am not sure what planet some politicians live on, but the facts will not change. Trump took things out of the White House that he should not have taken out of the White House. He said in June “I do not have any more stuff.” The National Archives said, he still has some stuff. He refused to return them. The DOJ, acting on the behalf of the American people and posterity, recovered those things.
It is not rocket science, and it is not a conspiracy.
- Norseman - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:04 pm:
Quite a dystopian picture of Bailey event.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
“Who considers Reagan a hero?”
The organization that has been lobbying to name everything in the country after him - airports, expressways, etc.
Also, Darren Bailey;
https://www.tiktok.com/@baileyforillinois/video/7022385025018514694
- fs - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
Interesting, um, choice of imagery as well as the words. I believe that skull picture was listed by the doj as on of the images prominently used by far right groups, and was very present and visible on Jan 6
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
Ridiculous symbolism by a desperate candidate…Darren Bailey. Is there anyone on Bailey’s staff who might have a word with the candidate?
- Ryan - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:15 pm:
Well, the Bailey’s ’school’ is called Full Metal Christian Academy…if the shoe fits…
- Ryan - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:16 pm:
Sorry, Full Armor…my bad.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:20 pm:
-I believe that skull picture was listed by the doj as on of the images prominently used by far right groups, and was very present and visible on Jan 6-
Yes, the creator of the comic book character The Punisher is very angry about it, and of course stated that anyone who worships the character missed the point.
- vern - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:22 pm:
That Bailey picture is deranged even for him. The Punisher logo and the war quote are clear references to literal violence. And it’s not harmless cosplay, the base is listening:
https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2022/08/22/richmond-man-charged-after-allegedly-saying-he-was-ready-to-shoot-to-kill-foreigners-in-his-apartments-parking-lot/
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:28 pm:
All that’s really missing for Bailey is a few snakes, couple of elixirs, and a full “offering plate”.
The logo is a harsh reminder of Christianity losing its way while being led down paths that are the opposite of its teachings.
- Larry Bowa Jr. - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:33 pm:
How much Punisher gear would Jesus wear?
Just kidding, I know American Christians don’t care whatsoever about what Jesus would do in this world.
- Publius - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:44 pm:
I didn’t think the Punisher was the church going type. I don’t think these people have read the comic much.
- MisterJayEm - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:46 pm:
Isaiah 9:6 (emphasis added)
I wonder what Mr. Bailey’s Bible says?
– MrJM
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:52 pm:
So…they want to make war in the name of god?
And THEY think muslims are the violent ones?
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:53 pm:
===“Who considers Reagan a hero?”===
Not I. Explaining why would violate several of the ground rules here.
- West Side the Best Side - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:53 pm:
Where is the Spanish Inquisition when we need it for a heretic like Bailey who thinks we should beat our plowshares into swords and the Prince of Peace is a proud boy man of war? You would think we could expect the Spanish Inquisition for something like that.
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 2:57 pm:
“Who considers Reagan a hero?”
Well according to CSPAN’s Presidential Historians Survey of 2021. Ronald Reagan ranked 9th just ahead of Barack Obama.
https://www.c-span.org/presidentsurvey2021/?page=overall
- Roadrager - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 3:02 pm:
Well, that’s your first mistake, expecting the Spanish Inquisition.
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 3:03 pm:
Reading the comments on the fb page this the bailey pic is linked to turned my stomach. They want god to deliver an election to them. That is heretical.
Question…if bailey loses the election what does that mean god thinks of him?
- Jibba - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 3:17 pm:
Senator Tom Cotton is endorsing…
Let me stop you right there.
- Roadrager - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 3:32 pm:
==Question…if bailey loses the election what does that mean god thinks of him?==
It means the infidels are threatening to conquer and oppress God’s chosen, and the time for holy war has arrived.
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 3:50 pm:
==So much for that Prince of Peace thing.==
My thought exactly.
Replacing Jesus with the Punisher is an interesting move.
Also this: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Jesus in Mt 6: 5-6)
- FormerParatrooper - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 4:12 pm:
All I see is what the ILGOP is saying what they perceive as wrong with the State and the Country. What strikes me is I do not see what they offer as a solution and why that solution benefits society. They are not pointing to specific ideas, just generalizations of what they will fight against. I personally care more about what a individual will fight for and what that is they are promoting.
The ILGOP wants me to vote against the other candidate, but they do not offer why I should vote for them. I give credit to the Democratic Party of Illinois, I know what they say they will fight for and they even offered a solution to many things I care about when casting my vote. I may disagree with some of those solutions, but at least I know what they stand for and that gets my respect.
Looking at you ILGOP, what do you have?
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 4:21 pm:
If Bailey printed Man of War graphic tee shirts and wore a wig like the Hair Bands of the 1980s and 90s, he might raise some cash for his campaign. Nothing to lose at this point.
- Bigtwich - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 4:29 pm:
‘Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!’
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 4:46 pm:
I anticipate bailey and crew reading from the book of armaments…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOrgLj9lOwk
I think that video perfectly sums up this crew of warriors.
- Norseman - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 4:54 pm:
JS Mill, hilarious. Thank you for the priceless take of these people.
- sal-says - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 5:00 pm:
== …”unprecedented weaponization of law enforcement against its political opponents.” ==
Huh. Unprecedented, yup. Weaponization, nope.
But so is stealing SCIF level secret documents for your own devices & pleasure ain’t precedented either.
Apparently she fogot that part.
- Primate - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 5:19 pm:
I get that Frerichs made the ‘retirement’ statement and it will be an issue no matter what. However, anytime this is brought up by the Demmer Campaign his response is pretty simple - “are you seriously asking me a financial question posed from the Rauner team who runs Rep. Demmer’s campaign? I think Illinois’ citizens know what happens when these guys have any control of our governmental levers.” Obviously, a better word smith is needed to hone this in a bit. Demmer created this situation when he hired Rauner people immediately after their historic Irvin loss.
- Leslie K - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 8:41 pm:
I live in Chicago. I work in government. I try to keep abreast of the news in general. I had to Google “Stacy Davis Gates” and an informal small poll of similarly situated friends asking whether they recognized the name yielded blank stares.
So, yeah–not sure that announcement that she won’t run for Chicago mayor means much of anything. But I give her an “A” for confidence.
- Amalia - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 9:00 pm:
Demetra Demonte thinks it is ok for someone to keep HUNDREDS of classified documents at home, in an unlocked space until told to lock it up by the Feds. ridiculous. care about government.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 11:13 pm:
===I try to keep abreast of the news in general. I had to Google ===
lol
You’re obviously not trying hard enough. She’s been one of the most powerful people in Chicago for quite a bit now.
- Scott - Monday, Aug 22, 22 @ 11:54 pm:
Isn’t part of the whole “churches don’t get taxed” thing that they have to remain non-political? I wonder if evidence from that Bailey event needs to find it’s way to the IRS.