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* After last night’s debate, most TV newscasts included this Bill Brady quote about former Rod Blagojevich guys Juan Ochoa and Dean Martinez, who had hosted a fundraiser for him…
“They are good people who care deeply about their community and their state. And i look forward to their guidance.”
That didn’t sit well with four people who’ve been behind Latinos for Brady. They sent out a press release this morning calling on their candidate to “sever all ties with the former Blagojevich cronies.” An excerpt…
We cannot allow our party and its standard bearer to be misled back to the days where pay-to-play politics ruled our state.
It is well known that both Dean Martinez and Juan Ochoa were major fundraisers for Governor Blagojevich. It is also well known that both organized one of the last fundraisers for Blagojevich just three days before the former Governor was arrested in December 2008. It is unconscionable to us and to the voters of Illinois that the Brady for Governor campaign accept any tainted contribution, monetary or other, from such individuals who played by Governor Blagojevich’s illicit and illegal rules.
We believe that Senator Brady was misled and misinformed about these individuals and call upon his campaign to return any funds raised by these Blagojevich associates and sever ties with them immediately. Neither Martinez nor Ochoa is Republican, but more importantly, they do not represent the hard working citizens and business owners of the Latino Community in Illinois.
Ouch.
I’ve been waiting for a Brady campaign response for a while. Nothing yet. I’ll post it here when I get it.
*** UPDATE 1 *** And here’s the response…
While the Brady campaign welcomes the vocal and public support of all volunteers and supporters, these gentlemen do not speak for our campaign, and use of our campaign letterhead was not sanctioned. We remain grateful to all Hispanics for Brady volunteers and to the Republican National Hispanic Assembly for supporting Bill Brady’s plan to bring all factions together to secure prosperity and opportunity for all.
As today’s New York Times correctly points out, Pat Quinn cannot shake his public defense of his two-time running mate Rod Blagojevich as an “honest” politician of “integrity,” and his 11th hour attempt to exploit and divide our Latino community for his political gain just won’t work.
On the eve of this important election, Bill Brady believes it’s time for supporters and volunteers alike to put aside the old divisions and come together to defeat political insider Pat Quinn.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Joseph P. Galvan, who is listed on the letter…
First let me say that Steve Galvan and I both support Bill unequivocally.
We never saw the statement until Lou sent it to me after it was sent to everyone else.
The statement is divisive and does not represent Steve nor my positions on this issue. We are working to bring everyone in the Latino community together to change the direction of this state. We just want to be on record that we disassociate ourselves from this press release.
Joseph P. Galvan,
Joseph P. Galvan, Principal Galvan and Associates
* From the bizarre to the crazy. Al Reynolds’ campaign website claims that he “helped organize the East Central Illinois Tea Party Patriots.” His network helped him run a write-in campaign that landed him on the 52nd Senate District ballot as the Republican opponent of Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign). But Reynolds went way off script last night at a candidates forum…
The Republican candidate for state Senate in the 52nd District said Wednesday night that black men “find it more lucrative to be able to do drugs or other avenues rather than do education.” […]
After the forum had ended, Reynolds repeated his comments.
“Look at the number of black men who opt out of getting a job and opt out of higher education. They don’t even make it out of high school because the lucrative drug trade is so rampant that it’s just easy for them to fall into that. What are the avenues for the black man to get out of the ghetto? He becomes a star athlete or he does drugs. I mean very few men of the black race get out of that ghetto through education.
“The women do. The women do because, number one, they’re forced to because they don’t have anybody to take care of them. They do a good job. A lot of the women are very good about getting out and getting an education. The men just have a more … you know, the lure of high money because it’s high money in drugs without having to pay the price of going to school.”
And, get this. The forum was co-sponsored by the NAACP.
[Sigh.]
You remember that big fight with the NAACP over racist elements within the tea party? Well, it looks like the NAACP found one. Heck, he came right to them.
The Champaign County GOP chairman has called on Reynolds to resign from the ballot. I think it’s too late for that. The chairman and the local party never really supported Reynolds, and it doesn’t appear that the Senate Republicans have given him any help beyond some minor early assistance from a group that is working with SGOP candidates this year.
* Speaking of tea partiers, Democratic Congressman Phil Hare has posted some audio of Republican congressional candidate Bobby Schilling agreeing to shut down as many “progressive agencies” - going all the way back to Woodrow Wilson and Teddy Roosevelt - as he can…
“It’s a great cause, man.”
* Meanwhile, the mind reels…
Mayor Jim Ardis may have committed a misdemeanor and subsequent felony by using what appeared to be official city stationery recently to request campaign donations on behalf of a judicial candidate, State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons said Wednesday.
Ardis said he didn’t know he was breaking the law.
Ardis confirmed that on Oct. 8, on paper with the city of Peoria letterhead, the city logo and “office of the Mayor” across the top, he wrote and mailed a letter requesting money for John Vespa’s campaign for 10th Judicial Circuit Judge against Democrat Chris Spanos. The letter, distributed to 200 people from Ardis’ personal campaign database, is signed by him and followed with the City Hall address.
When first asked by the Journal Star why he sent the fundraising request on city letterhead, Ardis responded, “Because I support (Vespa). I’m the mayor. Why not?”
He noted he paid for the copies, envelopes and postage and the city letterhead was from a Word document on his home computer. “That’s not the first time I’ve sent out letters asking for support. I use mayor letterhead for a lot of stuff,” Ardis said.
I’m just speechless. What elected official doesn’t know this law?
* And if this doesn’t look like a planned setup by Joe Walsh, I don’t know what does…
From the Walsh video’s description…
Americans take control of a League of Women Voters Forum much to the chagrin and dismay of the moderator.
How is it these folks who hold these forums (and who stridently choke the debate process) can be so clueless on what it means to be an American.
The League of Women Voters got schooled October 20th, 2010 in Grayslake Illinois on what it means to be an American.
The League can be goofy and inept, but I’m pretty darned sure their members are good Americans.
* The Sun-Times’ Abdon Pallasch made a wisecrack at a City Club gathering this week about Bill Brady’s infamous puppy bill. The gist of Abdon’s remark was if you kill one puppy or ten puppies at a time what’s the difference because they’re still dead. Make sure to check out the audience’s reaction. Wow. There’s no embed because the CS-T’s player wreaks havoc with my site, but click here to watch. Abdon’s comments start at just before the 23 minute mark.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 1:59 pm
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You mean there isn’t unity and harmony among the Chicago Latino community? I am shocked. If you are going to play in that political sandbox, you’d better wear your body armor.
Comment by Jaded Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:39 pm
I don’t think they sang that National Anthem either. Commmies.
By the way, I didn’t hear Walsh demand the Anthem. Sounds like Walsh hates America.
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:39 pm
still doesnt beat the Phil Hare quote regarding the health reform bill “I dont worry about the Constitution on this, to be honest”
Comment by anon Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:40 pm
re City Club lunch - earlier, Carol Marin asked how many people were undecided about either, Gov or Senate - not one hand was raised. She pointed out that none of the commercials was aimed at this crowd. Abdon must have assumed that this crowd would be above caring about animals - boy was he wrong.
Comment by justbabs Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:47 pm
I think we can all agree, whether there is one or ten of them, dead puppies aren’t much fun.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:47 pm
from WTAX
Plummer misses 3 appearances with opponents
The Republican candidate for lieutenant governor has missed three appearances with his opponents, including a forum he skipped out on just minutes before it began. Most recently, Jason Plummer missed a debate Thursday at WMAQ-TV studios in Chicago. Democrat Sheila Simon says she confirmed for Thursday’s event in August. She says she found out Monday that Plummer wasn’t coming. Instead, an empty chair sat where Plummer would’ve been. Earlier this month, Plummer was scheduled for a health care policy forum but called a few minutes before he was scheduled to speak to say he had a scheduling conflict. He also missed a forum with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence in May. Plummer’s campaign on Thursday didn’t immediately return telephone calls for comment.
Comment by I'm Just Saying Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:47 pm
–I mean very few men of the black race get out of that ghetto through education.–
How is it possible to be that ignorant? Where did you go to school, son?
Schilling’s going with old Glenn Beck playbook. Because as we all know, the U.S. has just been going down the tubes the last 100 years. Except for the unprecedented expansion of freedom, liberty, security, opportunity and wealth, stuff.
Maybe it’s the fluoride in the water — saves your teeth, but rots the brain. Maybe those Birchers were on to something…
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:48 pm
So many of these TeaBaggies are loud, rude and clueless. Yes, some of them may well get elected under the Republican Party banner…and then the fun begins - the Dems need to just sit back and watch the derailment. It’s a scenario that could damage the GOP for years to come.
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:54 pm
The contrived “patriotism” of people like Joe Walsh sickens me.
That poor guy in the 52nd might have had a point in there somewhere, but it’s too bad he couldn’t express it without repeating gross sterotypes and using offensive characterizations. There’s nothing wrong with having a debate about the problems facing African-American men in our society, and I believe he was sincere and was trying to be respectful. But it’s also clear he hasn’t studied much, done little or no research, and doesn’t know what the heck he is talking about.
It sounds like he’s watched enough television to have a warped opinion about the problem. This is what happens when amateurs get into politics. They think they’re smart enough to spout off on subjects they know absolutely nothing about. In this case, it makes him look foolish at best, and racist at worst.
And before anybody calls me elitist for making a crack about amateur politicians, please know that I’m not offended by that term. I think elitism is a necessary trait in our political leaders.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 2:59 pm
47th Ward-
I think elitism is a necessary trait in our political leaders.
So did the British.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:02 pm
All Frerichs is thinking the whole time is:
“All the opponents that could be running against me in a year like this and I get this idiot. God really does like me”
Comment by Jaded Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:05 pm
So, the candidate that said, “I would put my experience up against anyones” … won’t debate anyone???
Jason, you are running to be a heartbeat away from being our governor … and you won’t show up? Did daddy not pay off the panalists so you wouldn’g get any questions?
This is pathetic and a joke … Good for jerry hiding him … but at what cost do we get an awful choice for LG.
Corrinne Wood thinks you would make a horrible LG …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:07 pm
Guess what John, you are an elitist, just like most of the commenters here are too. We’re college educated. We’re affluent enough to own computers with inter-tube connections, and have spare time to work on political causes. We’re thoughtful enough to accept diffferent views and opinions, smart enough to think for ourselves. And we’re smart enough to know that there is plenty we don’t know.
The truly stupid people are those who are certain of what they know. Those are the people who scare me.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:15 pm
“Latinos for Brady” are the ones that have backed him all the way. Some are Brady staffers. They see the Martinez/Ochoa bunch as “Johnny-Come-Lately-Always-Back-the-Winner” types who now want to elbow aside the others to be “Bill’s Guys” in the Hispanic communities, particularly Mexican.
The Martinez/Ochoa group claim to be people fooled by Blago, who now want to be GOP (at least for now.) They feel they can do a lot more for Brady than the other group.
Both sides are raising money. This has been simmering with the “Latinos for Brady” camp for weeks, since Martinez/Ochoa first emerged in the Brady camp. The press coverage from the debate has caused it to boil over.
Comment by Bubs Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:18 pm
Official response from the Brady Campaign: No hablo espanol?
Comment by ShadyBillBrady Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:21 pm
That’s right, JB. Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Franklin were just simple country folk. Not part of any elite.
Without them, it’s likely we’d have had a dozen or more presidents who were products of Harvard, Yale or the service academies.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:40 pm
“I’m speechless what elected official doesn’t now this law” I don’t know I recently saw an attorney licensed on Illinois who has been through several state and federal elections break the law by electioneering in a polling place only to have a a spokesman claim ignorance of the law for her and that seemed like it was good enough for everyone. Seems like a double standard Rich.
Comment by Fed up Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:41 pm
–As today’s New York Times correctly points out, Pat Quinn cannot shake his public defense of his two-time running mate Rod Blagojevich as an “honest” politician of “integrity,”–
Those right-wing Republicans think they can justify anything if they see it in the New York Times…
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:43 pm
Well, we don’t know who Schilling is working for, but it sure ain’t the PEOPLE of the 17th.
Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:45 pm
If you speak to any Black folks, you wil hear similar sentiments to what Mr. Reynolds is saying. He may be a bit extreme in his “very few” language. but calling him a racist does nothing to hide the problem. I think he may have seen someone talking about it on tv, but he is not toooooo far off in his claims.
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:49 pm
– As today’s New York Times correctly points out, Pat Quinn cannot shake his public defense of his two-time running mate Rod Blagojevich as an “honest” politician of “integrity,” –
You’ve got me there, the New York Times is the go to source for the best Illinois state political coverage.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:54 pm
There was an empty chair at the LtGov debate?…how do they know Plummer wasn’t there?
Comment by D.P. Gumby Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 3:55 pm
When Brady was asked about the Latino fundraisers, he should have responded that under Quinn’s administration the Latino hiring has gone down to less than 3%. Also, Blago Latino’s get fired but Rezko’s CFO, Jack Lavin, under Quinn gets promoted to COO of the State doling out the Stimulus and Capital dollars to his close allies. What a shame?
Comment by He gone... Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:09 pm
Hi Rich!
I think the story about Schilling is a little misleading. Did he say on there that he was going to end all progressive programs? Seemed to me like he was feeling a little akward and laughing off the suggestion.
And your quote at the end is quite ridiculous he was not referring to ending all of those programs, but to the conservative group and working to change the country.
I know that you are an honorable man, and wouldn’t purposely mislead your readers.
Comment by google it Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:13 pm
DP GUmby,
Plummer is pretty tall. I think they’d notice if he was sitting in the chair.
Cheswick,
You’re right, Shilling isn’t working for the people of the 17th…yet.
Comment by Jaded Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:15 pm
Puppies sure do hit a nerve. I had a conversation last night with a fellow incensed with the Quinn office pay raises (yeah, that was stupid, and I have said before it could cost him the election). I brought up the puppy bill, and his eyes just got wide. “Why do we not know about these things?” he asked. In my neck of the woods, where the local press is republican with a huge “R”, you are not going to know. I went on to explain Brady not recusing himself on those three line-my-pocket votes. Wide eyes again. It’s just sad, but not everyone can spend hours on the computer trying to find out all the skuttlebut. Wampus, perhaps some stats would have helped Reynold’s remarks.
Comment by justsickofit Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:19 pm
If/When Plummer wins, the troopers assigned to him better like going to Great America, Chuck E. Cheeze and Go ,Karting and Daddy gets a break from taking him (whew!)… since Jason sees no need to debate, I guess the impression he left with Phil Ponce and the Editorial Board video is fueling my speculation.
No tax returns, no debates … What was Daddy thinking?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:21 pm
I hope that Quinn and his “people” watch that clip from the City Club and immediately decide to get that information out to the public! I agree with justsickofit - people are shocked by this!
Comment by dog lover Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:25 pm
dean and juan don’t lead any1. they were just rod’s point people and did what they were told. i like how they tell their rod buddies “don’t worry…ur safe when brady wins.”
oh, brady should retort that many of quinn’s people came from lavin (such as meister and kristy L) who was rezko’s guy. isn’t that worse than what quinn said about dean and ochoa? btw, quinn gave all rezko’s people pay raises. terrible.
Comment by luey g Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:26 pm
Walsh seems like a total jerk. I’ve been at lots of forums, including ones that do not include the League of Women Voters, and the pledge is not always involved. you are correct, Rich, it looks like a set up.
Is the pledge recited when the candidates go before the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune?
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:26 pm
So, we’re arguing on here about whether or not Brady should be accepting the support being thrown his way by multiple factions in the Latino community? Hmmmmmm…
Comment by Let Me Get This Straight... Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:29 pm
Lots of new names on here - are they actually different people?
Comment by George Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:35 pm
So Bill Brady throws true Republicans under the bus at the same time he teams up with Blago’s old crew. This Brady guy is shameless beyond belief.
As ineffective as Quinn has been I’ll still take him over Bill Brady a/k/a Blago The Sequel.
Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:03 pm
Hey Rich,
Charles Thomas just gave you a shout out: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7738784&pid=7738717
Comment by RMati Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:09 pm
That sound you just heard was Lou Sandoval getting thrown under the Brady Bus.
Comment by ChuckT Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:19 pm
Between Joe Galvan throwing the truth teller under the bus, and Bill Brady throwing the truth teller under the bus, this campaign is looking more and more like a George Ryan/Blago replay every day.
Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:23 pm
Juan Ochoa doesn’t represent the Latino community. It is sad to see how he flips partys for his own benefit. Maybe we wants to go back to McPier.
Comment by Phil Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:47 pm
It is a wonder why the Feds never investigated McPier.
Comment by Phil Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:52 pm
It sounds like Juan and Dean are non-ideological political operatives whose clout got impeached; unwelcome in Quinn’s camp, where else but Brady can they go? Chicago HDO latinos flipped on their party, worked the precincts for George Ryan against Poshard, and got jobs out of that deal. Winter’s coming, and a public payroll would be a place of warmth and comfort for their families. They’re like the ol Boll Weevil in the Brook Benton song: “just lookin for a ho–oo–oo–oo–oome. Lookin’ for a home.”
Comment by james Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:54 pm
You think that empty chair NBC5 showed on “NBC5 @ 5″ that Jason Plummer was to occupy during the LG Debate is
a) smarter than Plummer
b) dumber than Plummer
c) same as Plummer
or
d) a non-issue because Daddy din’t pay for it
It did look silly when they all turned to it in the B-Roll …
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 5:54 pm
Capt Fax:
We are confused
Does this mean NoTaxBil is o.k. with the Blagoof kinks raising cash for him?
We know that don’t speak for anyone, but they are very comfortable with the Rush Street lifestyle and so is NoTaxBill
BTW Daddy’s Little Deduction did slide through Central IL yesterday maybe he was rerouted to Champaign to do debate prep for the TeaPerson.
What will tomorrow bring?
Oh, that’s right Newt hits IL again.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 6:02 pm
Can somebody please explain to me how Schilling chuckling at a request from an interviewer amounts to a desire to eliminate any particular government programs?
Comment by Josh Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 6:30 pm
Rich-
Thanks for showing the desperation of the Hare campaign. I wish every media outlet in the 17th would broadcast the desperation as well.
Looks like a pizza boy who can flip pizzas, can also flip a congressional district.
Comment by Steve Gerdes Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 6:51 pm
Dean’s a stand-up guy. Quinn says he fired him, but there was no cause. Quinn would have been better off dumping other holdovers and keeping Dean.
Comment by Original Rambler Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 7:30 pm
I’m going to give the award for most annoying and immature poster in this thread to Oswego Willy. Seriously dude, did Jason Plummer take your ice cream cone when you were kids or something?
Comment by eastsider Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 8:06 pm
Original Rambler . . . Dean WAS a holdover.
Comment by Da Ship Be Sinking Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 8:59 pm
Galvan: “We just want to be on record that we disassociate ourselves from this press release.” For all the values that the GOP claims to uphold, it is interesting that they cut bait on their own kind and are quick to throw them under the bus.
By this statement- do these guys claim to support fundraising by pay-to-play fundraisers. Watch you back- you might be next!!
Comment by Statesman Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 10:29 pm
So does this mean that no one who used to raise money for Blago is raising money for Quinn. I just can’t believe the guy would be clean himself. Which just shows how absurd this is.
And yes, I’m sure plenty of Brady fundraisers also raised money for Ryan.
Comment by CU Down Friday, Oct 22, 10 @ 7:23 am
eastsider -
Annoying and immature…you mean Jason? What kind of candidate says they would stack up their experience, at 28, up against anyones and then never show up to debate ….
Seems Jason has more of that immaturity and annoying-ness … it’s like applying for a job, never having to go on any interws with the company, and expecting to get the job … but I guess with Jason’s work history for Daddy, Jason wouldn’t know too much about that …
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 22, 10 @ 8:04 am