* I get some weird press releases sometimes. For instance…

Mike Bost cancels AARP Debate - Enyart, Seniors and Bowzer from Sha-Na-NA to rally in response

Bowzer from Sha-Na-NA?

* I kid you not…

U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12), will be joined by Jon “Bowzer” Bauman, advocate for seniors, to discuss Medicare, and Social Security issues surrounding the upcoming election.

“We can’t balance the budget on the backs of our seniors,” said Enyart. “We must protect Social Security, we must protect Medicare, and we must protect retirees and seniors on fixed incomes. Since day one in office, I’ve been fighting for these programs, and I will continue fighting each day.”

“Congressman Enyart is a champion of seniors’ rights,” said Bauman. “With his leadership and advocacy, I know that the interests of Southern Illinoisans will be maintained. On the other hand I find it shameful his opponent Mike Bost has canceled a 2nd debate with AARP because he believes they are a “Special Interest Group”.

Those interested in joining the rally should arrive at approximately 1:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the event.

TIME: 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Pie Pantry, 310 E Main St # 1, Belleville

Bowzer and Enyart at the Pie Pantry. I wish I could’ve made it to that one.

…Not really, just kidding.

* Bowzer went to Columbia, so he’s no intellectual slouch, and he’s still doing his schtick…

*** UPDATE 1 *** It’s not just Enyart…

Sha Na Na Star Tours District in Support of Ann Callis, Praises Her Support for Seniors

CHAMPAIGN - Former Chief Judge and Congressional challenger Ann Callis today toured the district with Jon “Bowzer” Bauman to talk about the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicare for seniors. Bauman, known for his starring role in the group Sha Na Na, is also the co-founder of “Senior Votes Count!” a seniors’ advocacy organization that endorsed Callis’ campaign at stops today in Bloomington, Decatur, and Champaign.

“While you may associate me from the music of the 1950s and 1960s, I don’t want to see our country’s seniors go back to that time when their financial security was always in limbo,” said Bowzer. “I’m here to support Ann Callis because seniors in Illinois need a representative who will fight efforts to privatize Social Security or make Medicare into a voucher program, two proposals her opponent has supported that would be extremely harmful to seniors.”

Callis is running against Congressman Rodney Davis, who supported privatizing Social Security and voted for the Ryan budget that would end the Medicare guarantee and increase costs for seniors.

*** UPDATE 2 *** From the NRCC’s Katie Prill…

So apparently Bowzer is the DCCC’s secret endorsement weapon – that seems more like the kiss of defeat. Remember Elizabeth Colbert-Busch. And Alex Sink. And David Weprin.

But really - If you’re born after 1975 or so you probably have no idea who that is. If you’re born before 1975, you probably have no idea why anyone would care. And if you’re in Illinois’ 12th or 13th Congressional District you have to wonder why any of this is relevant.

Perhaps Callis and Enyart would be better served calling Barbara Eden from “I Dream of Jeannie” because they have a better chance of winning their elections with her magic bottle than with Sha Na Na.

That’s the best response Prill has provided all season.