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Cross distancing himself from Perry while Romney picks up support

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Illinois

* Yet another mixup at Rick Perry headquarters? Maybe…

When I asked the Perry campaign last week who the Illinois chairman was, I got this reply from Catherine Frazier, the deputy press secretary.

“Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross is our State Chairman, let me know if you need anything else, thanks!”

When I called Cross on Friday, I got a different story.

Are you the Perry Illinois chairman?

“No,” Cross said. “I don’t know where you got that.”

The campaign, I replied.

“I’m not in any official capacity or role in his campaign,” Cross said.

Cross did attend a fund-raiser last month for Perry in the Chicago suburbs hosted by Jack Roeser.

Don’t read that much into that, Cross said. “I’m not pledged to anybody.” […]

“I completely misspoke,'’ [Catherine Frazier] told me. She said it was a “mistake” to tell me Cross was the Illinois Perry chairman.

But Doug Ibendahl published an Oct. 10th e-mail from Leader Cross’ political guy to a Perry supporter…

We are definitely looking for Perry delegates. If you or others are interested, let me know asap. I am in and out of meetings tomorrow, so I will try to call, if not let’s connect on Wednesday.

Explanation? Perry tanked, Cross departed. There’s no sense in allying oneself with a campaign that has zero traction in Illinois.

* Mitt Romney, however, is picking up more Illinois support…

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is getting a lot of love from Republicans in Illinois’ congressional delegation. Three of them are now backing the former Massachusetts governor.

The latest endorsement comes from U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, a freshman lawmaker from Chicago’s North Shore suburbs. Romney is a relatively safe pick for Dold, who tries to project a moderate, bipartisan image.

In an interview Monday, Dold acknowledged the endorsement comes with risks: including offending his own supporters who back a competing presidential candidate. But he’s decided to pull the trigger.

* Meanwhile, Greg Hinz has the results of a study by the Center for Responsive Politics on congressional net worth…

The wealthiest, according to the report, is west suburban Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale, who is worth $2.15 million to $9.13 million, ranking her 88th of the 531 members of Congress rated.

Trailing are Representatives Robert Dold of Winnetka ($696,000 to $3.94 million); Dan Lipinski of Chicago ($1.04 million to $3.05 million); Luis Gutierrez of Chicago ($1.05 million to $2.50 million); and Tim Johnson of Sidney ($942,000 to $2.33 million). Messrs. Dold and Johnson are Republicans, the other two Democrats.

Next is Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, worth $1 million to $1.2 million; Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton ($491,00 to $1.59 million); Rep. Bobby Schilling , R-Moline ($487,000 to $1,49 million); Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Rockford ($466,000 to $1.19 million); and Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville ($40,000 to $1.13 million). […[

Working up from the other direction, Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, reported a zero net worth; Rep. Joe Walsh, R-North Barrington, a value of $3,000 to $46,000; and Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Wheaton is worth a reported $15,000 to $50,000.

Other Illinoisans are in between those two groups, with Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, for instance, reporting a net worth of $33,00 to $145,000.

* And a gentleman’s agreement between Congressman Don Manzullo and his primary rival Congressman Adam Kinzinger appears to be in some danger of falling apart…

“We fully believe we will win the [redistricting] lawsuit,” [Manzullo campaign manager Richard Carter] said. “It’s a very delicate situation with the lawsuit, so there’s an agreement we will not campaign in each other’s districts, pending results of the lawsuit.”

Kinzinger spokesman Eric Rayman said there is no such agreement.

“The Congressman hasn’t been in Winnebago and other counties outside (the current 11th District), but there wasn’t an agreement they wouldn’t campaign in each other’s territory. The Congressman has been pretty much staying in this area.” […]

[Kinzinger] admitted today he and Manzullo had “kind of a handshake agreement” to not circulate petitions in each other’s district, pending outcome of the lawsuit.

“So for the most part, we’re sticking to the current district,” he said. “We’re hoping the lawsuit wins. Ultimately, I’m running for re-election. But the agreement (pertained) more to petitions, and we’re honoring that.”

Manzullo and Congressman Randy Hultgren, who is also in a hot primary race, recently staged a joint public appearance in DeKalb County.

* Roundup…

* After Costello, GOP sees opportunity

* SW Illinois’ Post-Costello Plan: Plummer has money (and will probably get Republican National Committee cash), but his bio is arguably a little thin for a U.S. Congressman. It includes mentions of internships, like one for the Heritage Foundation, and notes that as an undergrad at the University of Illinois at Champaign, Plummer headed student opposition to a speech by Bill Ayers… Both St. Clair and Madison County Republicans are poised to support Plummer. “I feel very strongly that Plummer will get the nomination,” says Deb Detmers, chairman of the Madison County Republican Party. “He’s very energetic and intelligent and ran very strongly in the district in the primary and general election [for lieutenant governor].”

* GOP Congressional Hopefuls Visit Southern Illinois

* Tammy Duckworth’s Primary Has Shades of 2006 Race

* Press Release: Rep. Johnson will continue gun rights fight

* Manzullo to seek re-election

* VIDEO: IL-10: Ilya Sheyman on MSNBC

* Congressional Candidates Rush to Claim Front Runner Status - As Tree enters race, Schneider and Sheyman both say they are favorite for Democratic nomination to challenge Dold.

* 17th Congressional District Democratic Forum Held in Rockford

* Press Release: Gun Owners of America ‘Proud’ To Endorse Congressman Walsh

* Condoleezza Rice double booked: Rep. Schock and U of Chicago

* Latino Caucus wants 4 more wards from City Council remap - Numbers back them, but black and white counterparts would lose representation accordingly

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:19 pm

Comments

I think Dold sees the wisdom in not backing a Tea Party candidate while running in the revamped Tenth.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:42 pm
Good thing for Tom Cross no one pays attention to him that often that we have to ask OURSELVES who Tom is backing!

As for Plummer, he should be fine running in that district, but when the likes of county chairs and other “operatives” feel the need to “prop up” Plummer, or his credentials, or take the banner of, “I would match my credentials up against anyone” mantra, they are going to lose some of that goodwill.

Plummer should try a little, “I am a fresh face, I love my state, I love my country, and I will take your hopes and dreams with me to Washington to get America back on track.” Making it ABOUT Plummer will LOSE it for Plummer. It’s about the district, the people and the country … not the Bored Rich Kid looking for a 1st job.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:46 pm
So Doug Ibendahl claims that he christened Tom Cross as “Double Cross”? I’m certain I heard that back in the old Lee Daniels days.

Comment by LincolnLounger Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:47 pm
-LL-

True. I remember the Lee A. Daniels sidekick/roommate/jogging mate getting the nickname.

Then, with the Rod beginnings, early in Blago’s 1st term, Cross heard it then. The Guv’s old running partner had some of Blago’s Crew call him “Double Cross” a time or two …

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:52 pm
–Dan Lipinski of Chicago ($1.04 million to $3.05 million); Luis Gutierrez of Chicago ($1.05 million to $2.50 million);–

Reps. make $174,000. How did Lipinski develop that net worth? Wasn’t he a history teacher at some little school down in Elvis Country before Congress?

For Luis, well, I guess flipping houses went real well.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 1:54 pm
Cross sure knows how to pick ‘em. He went with Guiliani last time.

Comment by reformer Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 2:05 pm
I think Cross is chairing the Not Romney Campaign in Illinois. You know, the one favored by 75% of Republican primary voters.

Seriously, who in their right mind would hitch their wagon to any of these campaigns? None of the above is winning by a huge margin and the first law of Illinois politics is don’t back no losers.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 2:18 pm
Did anyone catch in the Patch article about the 10th that Schneider picked up the endorsements of Hoyer and Schwartz? Those have to be pretty big for his campaign.

Comment by JB Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 2:32 pm
No, JB, but we did see your comment on the Patch article itself from this yesterday touting the overall greatness of Schneider. Hope you are not on the campaign payroll, Rich doesn’t like sock puppets.

Comment by Team America Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 2:42 pm
Thanks Team America. You said it much nicer than I would have.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 3:33 pm
Anyone who has ever been dumped by their prom date knows exactly how Perry feels.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 4:29 pm
A buck says Tom Cross will get one of the “at large” delegate slots awarded to him at the gop’s state convention next year, and it will be to represent Romney at the national gop convention.

Shameless.

Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 4:55 pm
It’s hard to see how Brad Schneider (IL-10) will become the Democratic nominee considering the many donations he gave to Mark Kirk while Dan Seals was running against him. While that fact wouldn’t be a problem (and might even be a plus) in the general, I can’t see Dem primary voters choosing someone who activly worked against their candidate, especially in these very close recent elections.

From www.fec.gov (not sure why it says Mark Kirk for Senate since the dates are clearly before that):

SCHNEIDER, BRADLEY
DEERFIELD, IL 60015
BLACKMAN KALLICK & BARTELSTEIN/SE
KIRK, MARK STEVEN
VIA KIRK FOR SENATE
03/08/2004 250.00
06/27/2005 500.00
10/26/2006 250.00
06/15/2007 1000.00
10/31/2008 300.00
03/31/2009 500.00

SCHNEIDER, BRADLEY
DEERFIELD, IL 60015
DANN INSURANCE/INSURANCE SALES
KIRK, MARK STEVEN
VIA KIRK FOR SENATE
10/08/2002 500.00

Comment by Lakefront Liberal Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 4:58 pm
I apologize in advance if this is getting too far into national politics but does Rick Perry give off a Rod Blagojevich with a drawl vibe to anyone else?

Of course there’s the hair, but every time I hear Rick talk about son of a tenant farmer I think of Rod’s son of a steelworker stuff. They both have that same goofy dumb guy factor too it seems.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 5:01 pm
Tom Cross flip-flopping? I’m shocked and appalled.

After all, this is the leader with the fortitude to to win election as leader on a platform of term limits for the legislative leader. Oops..bad example.

He’s done more flip flips than Mary Lou Retton.

Comment by 1776 Tuesday, Nov 15, 11 @ 8:02 pm
Plummer should breeze through the primary, but any GOP candidate will have a tough battle in the general in that district. He’s clearly the best-positioned GOP candidate to win the general, however. If he weren’t in the race, Cook would come out of the primary, but would have a much tougher time in the general.

If Cook were smart, he’d run for St. Clair County Board Chairman, which is ripe for the picking right now with all of horrendous losses being reported from the Mid-America Airport boondoggle. Instead, the GOP once again will waste a bunch of money (both Cook & Plummer) fighting a primary battle that Plummer will easily win, instead of saving their money for the general in races they could both win. I think Cook is getting some bad advice from some re-tread advisers.

Comment by East Sider Wednesday, Nov 16, 11 @ 9:57 am
-East Sider

I think I hear more fear of a Plummer loss, than actually looking out for Cook.

Maybe Plummer should run for County Board …that seems more of a place Pluumer can do good for people directly then as on of 435. Bit I am sure Daddy doesn’t want a County official. Daddy wants a congressman after losing statewide.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 16, 11 @ 10:43 am