*** UPDATE 1 *** The Illinois Republican Party charges media companies for access to their convention events. So, for instance, this is from the IL GOP’s 2008 campaign finance report…
Chicago Tribune
435 N Michigan Ave Ste 250
Chicago, IL 60611 $600.00
8/28/2008 Other Receipt
Illinois Republican Party
Registration Fee […]
NBC-WMAQ
454 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60611 $1,200.00
9/2/2008 Other Receipt
Illinois Republican Party
Registration Fee […]
WLS-Radio
190 N State St
Chicago, IL 60601 $600.00
8/27/2008 Other Receipt
Illinois Republican Party
Registration Fee
The Democrats historically have not offered that option.
Pay to, um, play?
Just sayin…
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the IL GOP…
The Illinois Republican Party provides media access to convention events at no charge. The receipts you highlighted were from media that opted to pay for ILGOP-arranged meals and transportation - not for access to the events.
*** UPDATE 3 *** This was sent to media members before the 2004 GOP convention…
Illinois Delegation Service Fees– It has come to our attention that some of you have not received the information regarding the Illinois Service Fee. Toward that end, there is a $500 per person fee that is required for anyone participating in the Illinois Convention activities schedule for convention week. Those who have paid the service fee will receive a special credential will allow them access to all the activities.
What does it include?
· Access to daily delegation breakfast
· Access to evening “night cap” party
· Luncheon aboard the Bateaux on New York Harbor
· Cocktail reception prior to convention
· Convention staff office
· Taste of Illinois goodie bag, commemorative lapel pin, delegation golf shirt and much more.
If you do not have a service fee credential, you will not be admitted.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* A press release from the Illinois Republican Party arrived in my in-box at 4:39 yesterday morning…
Last night, a flurry of reporter tweets alerted the public that Illinois Democrats were banning media coverage of their events in Charlotte:
Mary Ann Ahern @MaryAnnAhernNBC:
First impressions: #ILGOP more accessible than #ILDEMS
We just got kicked out of Omni Hotel interviewing Rev Jackson #DNC #Demsdontlikeus
We made it to Charlotte, but Spkr Madigan says no media allowed at party #DNC #Madiganpartypooper http://yfrog.com/h4n5vsmj
Charles Thomas @CharlesThomas7
Now IL Dems ban reporters from delegate reception. @ilgop is party of transparency? #Madigan #DNC2012 pic.twitter.com/oSjKUEX5
Interviewed @GovernorQuinn on street ’cause IL Dem hotel bans newsies. #Madigan #DNC2012 pic.twitter.com/04rC2fo8
TV news media banned from IL delegation hotel. Can’t be serious. #DNC2012 #Madigan pic.twitter.com/qbomVei1
Carol Marin @CarolMarin
Madigan’s party closed to press. Can you imagine?
“It’s sad but not at all surprising that Mike Madigan and his corrupt cronies brought their Chicago tradition of secret backroom meetings all the way to Charlotte,” Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady said. “Voters face a clear choice in the coming election. Republicans want to make sure as many people as possible hear our ideas to lower taxes, cut spending and put our economy back on track. Democrats want to kick out the media, lock the door and make sure voters can’t hear their plans to raise taxes, increase spending and keep our country moving in the wrong direction.”
Here are today’s key questions for Illinois Democrats – in case anyone spots one sneaking out of Mike Madigan’s secret, closed-press meetings:
1) Why are you banning Illinois reporters from access to your events at the DNC?
2) What are you hiding from Illinois voters that you can’t allow reporters into your events?
3) Are you afraid of your candidates being quoted speaking about unpopular far-left economic policies like higher taxes, increased spending and exploding debt?
4) Are you afraid of voters learning about your sponsors and SEIU union bosses that may be in attendance?
5) Why do you think the Illinois Republican Party is more transparent than you are?
A bit over the top by everybody involved, apparently.
