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Enyart fires back

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Illinois

* Jason Plummer deserves this, and more…

Bill Enyart, the Democratic nominee for the 12th Congressional District seat, on Wednesday continued to criticize GOP nominee Jason Plummer for claiming that Enyart and his wife, retired St. Clair County Circuit Judge Annette Eckert, were unethically taking advantage of state-funded pensions.

During a press conference outside his campaign headquarters in downtown Belleville, Enyart said it was “outrageous” that Plummer, in statements Tuesday, misidentified as a “pension” the $3,000 lump sum that Eckert had received upon the death of her mother, a retired public school teacher.

“And to call the death benefit that she received when her mother died a pension and an insider perk is outrageous,” Enyart said. “I find my opponent’s attacks against my wife particularly despicable because Mr. Plummer didn’t tell the truth and he made up facts to suit his agenda. He attacked my wife and my family for his own personal gain.”

In a teleconference for media members, Plummer had accused the couple of exploiting the taxpayer-funded pensions that Eckert paid into through her work as a Cook County assistant public defender in the late 1970s, as a part-time instructor at Southwestern Illinois College and as a judge who spent nearly 20 years on the St. Clair County bench.

* I wasn’t invited to join in on Plummer’s original teleconference where he made the allegations, but others were. Check out this nugget…

Plummer leveled his allegations during a conference call he ended after taking two questions from reporters.

Courage.

* Plummer has said that Mrs. Enyart’s pensions are an an example of “connected” people “gaming” the system. Hmm. Well, I’m sure he must be clean if he’s accusing others of such things. Let’s go back a couple of years…

Plummer, at 23, became Madison County Republican chairman in 2006 and served one two-year term, during which he opened an office for the organization in a strip mall owned by one of his family’s businesses. State records show the county GOP during his tenure paid more than $13,000 in rent to the family business and also had the party pay almost $500 for phone service to a firm in which Plummer was an investor. The headquarters was closed when he left the job.

Glass houses?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 6:04 am

Comments

Lt. (jg) Plummer is the worst kind of weasl-y, bully you can find.

I remember in … I think 3rd grade… there were kids who thought it was ok to just make up things about other kids… the kids that they use to be able to knock down on the playground, or pull their pigtails… but now those bullies only had the hollow words … the hollow lies to tell teachers to keep their bullying going. Those bullies were nothing … they are the adults you find now, that have no integrity … unless your Dad thinks you can bankroll … integrity… right Jason?

Jason Plummer is a weak-minded, …FEEBLE-MINDED …person whose only asset, that even the people working for him, is the asset of his father’s wallet. Jason will try to use that faux integrity with half-baked press conference, that lead to no questions answers, and more questions of Jason …increasing.

Not one ounce of integrity, as a candidate, as an Officer … as a human… does Jason hold as he continues this horrendous political tact of saying …blatent lies. These aren’t even items fair minded individuals quibble about.

Deb Detmers, please stop this, if only for your own, PERSONAL reputation. You are well respected, unlike Jason Plummer and his Dad. You, Deb, know that Jason’s weasely ways of lobbing grenades and taking no questions reek of a Jason Plummer and Dad pleading for relevence … that you, Deb Detmers actually have …real relevence and real credibility.

Think, Deb …just think. In 5 days, is your reputation worth these 5 days of utter incompetence by a candidate that you will have the misfortune to be linked to well after this election is over?

Jason Plummer. You are the worst kind of candidate. While you tout you can’t be “bought”, but who holds you … or your Dad … to any sense of honesty and credibility. You have no one to answer to, and it is now very obvious to everyone that you have no conscious, no sense of integrity taht you answer to either.

If you would have taken questions, faced the fire, defended your Dopey allegations, that can be refuted by the average Junoir High student doing their Language Arts research paper … then … maybe … I would be out of line for taking you to task. You couldn’t even stay for a 3rd question?

Who. Do. You. Think. You, ARE????

I know who you are … You are the Son of a Man who can’t buy your credibility of a stand-up guy. You are a candidate who seems to lack integrity, so much so, a death benefit for the mother of your opponent is not only fair game, but should be twisted for political points.

You have none of qualities you tout as your personal compass. Your resume reeks of falsehoods and blatent lies, from “job” to “internship” at the stroke of the keyboards, right Jason? “Call it a job until they call me on it.” That is EXACTLY who you are.

The death of mother of the wife …of your opponent.

Not your opponent… not the Decorated Officer. Nope. The Lt. (jg) goes after the General’ wife’ dead mother and the lump some YOU call a pension.

How pathetic, and how desperately low …will you go so Dad’s investment might have a “win”? How low will you sink so Dad has success in the propping up of his CHILD, Jason?

Jason seems unable to bulid a working career that doesn’t include career advancement from Dad’s personal HR department, so let’s pretend Jason can do this, and if we have to burn down the house to save our face, what will it cost me? You know we got the money to do it.

Dad and Jason … you smarmy ways will come to roost. Bet on it. One thing about politics, it always, always … ALWAYS goes lower towards you, then you can go towards others …

Let the fallout continue, since integrity is now lost, and you have nothing to lose now.

“It’s only Money, right Dad?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 7:06 am
It hurts, a lot, to type this (please go easy on me Willy) but unless the space in the strip mall was the size of a phone booth or the strip mall was a POS (not likely, Daddy usually makes things real good) the amount of rent paid was reasonable,below the going rate, and maybe even next to nothing if the Party didn’t pay utilities, taxes, insurance, etc.
I’ll be happy to post the ciphering if anyone cares about stuff like bay size, CAM, taxes and insurance.
Now, as far as the propriety or optics of renting the office from the County Chairman, not so good.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 7:08 am
It was a weak hatchet job overall, but it’s still hard to see how the death benefit hit made it out the door.

Did it occur to the Plummer folks that trying to muddy up a candidate’s wife over a $3,000 death benefit from her mother the teacher might generate a little blowback?

What was the upside of that one?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 7:37 am
Nothing surprises me from Plummer, but I am very surprised that this happened under Deb Detmers’ watch.

Comment by LincolnLounger Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 7:48 am
Breaking: Daddy’s Little Rich Boy Declares Moral Bankruptcy

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:11 am
Word, my inner real estate wonk got the best of me above.
You are right and hopefully this outreageous bit of overreach will send the ginger giant away from “Polatiks” for good.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:21 am
Did it occur to the Plummer folks that trying to muddy up a candidate’s wife over a $3,000 death benefit from her mother the teacher might generate a little blowback?

What was the upside of that one?

Well it is late and you are desperate, also not a whole lot of time to respond.

None of it changes the fact it is BS.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:27 am
I wonder if Detmers’ has lost control of that campaign? They are flailing around like desperate amateurs now. This is now the type of operation I’d expect the campaign to be if Jason and his college buddies were running the show personally.

Comment by Oh Yeah Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:29 am
You know what it is sad? That a country with so many problems is consumed with the hate that this campaign has seen. Here’s the truth. With all the accusations about who would do what, a freshman congressman doesn’t have the power to change the color of the Social Security checks, let alone “change it as we know it,” or increase benefits. If you are voting for a Congressman, you should look for someone who will call you back if your check doesn’t come. Whether this district sends a millionaire lawyer, or a millionaire lumber guy isn’t the question, the question is who will deliver for a district that is in such sad shape. Make your decision on realities. If you think Obama will win, maybe having a Democrat Congressman would help. If you think it will be Romney, then a GOP guy is going to bring home more bacon. Be selfish. If you need a job, which one is more likely to create an environment to help you get one? If you are happy just getting more benefits, which one will help you do that? If you are a Christian, maybe that is your thing. Maybe its abortion on which the two candidates’ parties have clear differences. Just don’t decided based on these ads written by people who don’t really know anything about you or this district. There’s too much at stake. Don’t vote on “gotcha.” Vote on what each guy is going to “get you.”

Comment by East Side Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:43 am
First, I think that attacking spouses just doesn’t generally work and is stupid politics. But I don’t get the questions about the TRS hit. That wasn’t part of plummer’s attack. He says that she’s receiving three pensions, which is accurate, Cook, judges, and IMRF. He’s not including TRS in his attack. It’s listed in the research, I know. But not reference in the attack

Comment by CU Voter Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:43 am
CU Voter: Part of the problem is that he said she’s receiving 7 pensions, not 3.

Comment by What planet is he from? Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:57 am
If Plummer is so concerned about pension abuse, has he promised he won’t take one himself? A lot of Republicans are this year. Just asking…

Comment by unreliable sources Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:01 am
well, he said the family is in line to receive 7 because they have an interest in other pensions. not sure if he’s including congress. I actually think his facts are largely correct, if intentionally vague to make implications that can’t be proven.

Enyart’s wife should be off limits. The more enyart talks about this, the better for him. even if Enyart’s facts are incorrect.

Comment by CU Voter Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:07 am
Just what we need, another spoiled rich kid in Congress. If you’re going to have a press conference, answer the questions and don’t lie to people.

Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:23 am
If you listen to the audio clip provided with link above, you hear Plummer say that the Enyart family would have as many as 10 pensions. Aside from the fact that it’s a lie, Bill Enyart is not currently drawing any pension and two of his wife’s pensions are pretty small amounts. But she paid into the pension systems and deserves to draw out from them. …. I think Jason is trying to shift attention away from his possible voter/tax fraud stemming from his mansion outside the district. And away from how he enriched himself as chairman of the Madison County Republican party, as Rich points out above.

Comment by David Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:32 am
If this is the kind of fit Plummer throws when the polls are down a bit, I wonder how he’d handle the pressure if he ever had to do any heavy lifting in Congress?

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:37 am
“My houses aren’t glass. They are made of pretty red bricks and lots of lumbers from the lumber yard. Well, they have windows, too, nice big ones. I always get in trouble if I write my name on the inside of the window and the nice ladies have to wash them every day. “

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:40 am
== I wonder how he’d handle the pressure if he ever had to do any heavy lifting in Congress?==

What makes you think Plummer will do any lifting heavier than voting the way the whip tells him?

Comment by chuddery Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:41 am
oh, rich. if there was anything i learned from you (ok, gotten beaten relentlessly into me by your commenters), it was that, this is illinois! it’s okay if i game the system, but offensive when my opponent does…

Comment by bored now Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:42 am
===I actually think his facts are largely correct,…===

But they are largely insane, largely innacurate and sadly pathetic.

Jason thinks being vague, will give him the wiggle room he needs to slander and candidate’s wife … and the death of the mother?

Who, with any ounce of Class, does that as a candidate.

I said it once before and I will say it again … waht Lt. (jg) can look at active duty military, retired military, and retired military that were in theatres of war …and what Lt. (jg) can look at memebers of their OWN unit after leveling these grossly false allegations upon a decorated, General, a superior Officer, unquestioned reputation by both parties … what Lt. (jg) could do that.

Jason can … Jason’s Dad even finances it.

And to that point … with no tax returns … I have to come to the conclusion Jason’s job is to indeed be a kid, no different than a grade schooler, fed and clothed by Dad, while Dad pays for the credibility Jason and Jason’s Dad craves.

So …

===I actually think his facts are largely correct,…===

Really?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:45 am
- What makes you think Plummer will do any lifting heavier than voting the way the whip tells him? -

Nothing, but I bet his supporters see it differently.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:55 am
- AA -

Too funny …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 9:55 am
bored now, I guess I am missing how they are gaming the system.

I would get that if she had worked outside of government and got pension credit for that or something.

But at least when I taught part time at a CC, the contribution to the pension system was just taken (I think I now have like $180) in that account or something.

Did she or he have a ghost job or take on 8 roles near the end to goose it or something?

Seriously, where is the ‘gaming’. Is getting a pension from more than one system gaming?

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:07 am
Amateurs indeed. I haven’t met either of these candidates, but Plummer deserves to lose on this one alone.

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:07 am
Plummer should just drop out now before he embarrasses himself more and does more damage to the GOP.

Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:08 am
Someone riddle me this …

Since we are now looking at Jason.. and Jason’s word … and Jason’s credibility a bit closer now …

I want the exact date … EXACT date … Jason became a Naval Intellegence Officer …

Not “training to be”, not “Assigned, but not be” … not, “in the middle of being sent to be…” I want DATES!!!

Not vague ….”Well, it was before ‘this’ and after ‘that’ … WHAT ARE THE DATES???

Further, How many Drill weekends has Jason gone, how many have Jason been “excused” from … How many out of state Drills has Jason gone on, where Jason is actually been with Active Military Personnel longer than a Friday night to a Sunday?

A …MAN … a military MAN … who MAY (I dunno, that is why I am asking) have claimed accolades, like how long they have been in a Unit … been part of a Divisiion … that does not jive with his TRUE military timeline … needs some serious scrutiny.

As I recall … wasn’t it days … dare, I say … hours… after filing for LG … Jason happened upon being in Naval Intellegence? Had he even gone to Drill as a Naval Intellegence OFFICER … BEFORE … those LG petitons were filed?

I am asking the question of the timeline … since we are asking all kinds of questions …

What are the Dates? Attack a General … attack a General’s Family … tell me, Lt. (jg), what is your military background …so I have a clearer understanding.

Just the DATES, Jason … just the dates … Drill dates … missed Drill Dates … week-long Intellegence Drill … Out of State Drill?

I will wait …Jason … and Dad …I will wait.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:15 am
The Democrat knock on Plummer has been wholly predicated on attacking his family. The other side shouldn’t be surprised when that strategy comes back their way. Enyart is upset someone used his wife. I don’t blame him. I would be upset, too. However, when you insult Plummers parents, you are not just insulting his father, but his mother who owns half the family business and is at every event and is just, if not more supportive than Bob. I haven’t heard anything substantive about Jason Plummer other than some convoluted guilt by party association attacks and that he’s rich. You just don’t like him because his family woke up after years of sacrifice and found their American dream came true and yours didn’t and you have nothing more productive to do than sit at a computer all day complaining about it.

I ask all of you class warriors the question a man asked me one night. I was sitting in a bar with a few friends and as we always did, we were gossiping about people we knew. Someone mentioned a guy we knew who was trying to start a business. We all came up with every reason he would fail. After a few minutes the thought of this guy succeeding sounded like the funniest thing we’d ever heard. A quiet man was sitting at the end of the bar. When our laughter died down, he put down his beer and asked, “you are all pretty quick to criticize your friend for trying something to better himself. Let me ask each of you, what have you ever done that’s so great?” That shook me to the core. He was right. I was listing along barely making it. The next morning it still bugged me. I started thinking and planning about my own future and eventually did start a business that worked out for me even exceeded my wildest dreams. I didn’t make as much as the Plummers who I’ve known long before they had a penny between the two of them, but I did pretty well. I ask all of you who are on here and other places making fun of this great family of achievers, “what have you ever done that gives you the right to judge them?”

As I said the other night. I know this family. I’ve known them for over 40 years. I consider them friends. There is a letter in my will to my daughter that should she ever need sound advice after my death, I suggest she should not hesitate to ask Bob and Donna Plummer. That’s how much I think of them. When you insult them, you also insult me and a good friend should always stand up for what he knows is the truth. You have the Constitutional right to make fools of yourselves with your insults. And I have a right to be offended by it. You will do your best to laugh this off, but at the end you will have to answer the question “what have you done that’s so great,” if only to yourself.

Comment by flyover Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:20 am
“don’t lie to people”

If we applied that standard to all politicians the legislative chambers all across the country would be echoing the sounds of emptiness.

Politics are treated as sport with the attitude that regardless of the warts ‘my’ candidate has, the ‘horns’ of the other candidate are far worse. In the end we have a system where the candidates first take care of themselves and their donors. Constituents are paid in lip service.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:21 am
Did anybody else notice that Plummer’s list of Enyart’s possible pensions includes the General’s Army pension? Do Lt. (JG) Plummer’s colleagues know that he refers to military pensions as “unethical” and part of a system of “pension abuse”? I think that if you spend 30 years of your life in service to your country, with the constant threat of people shooting at you, then it’s probably fair for your country to provide a decent pension.

Comment by soccermom Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:22 am
===When you insult them, you also insult me and a good friend should always stand up for what he knows is the truth.====

Truth:

Jason has not worked at a JOB that didn’t have DAD as the HR Department.

Jason misled voters about Heritage Foundation and Sen. Fitzgerald and his work history … Jason had to admit … “yep, they were internships”

Jason’s Cellular Company … had DAD as President and Officer according to the Secretary of State … Not Jason … Jason says it was his after all the filings … done by Jason’s DAD?

Jason Plummer did nothing but be a VP for DAD … Robert Plummer BUILT the company, and Jason’s job there is to get a paycheck, that we voters dunno what Jason’s Tax Returns show.

Jason REFUSES to show tax returns but calls upon voters to look at upon FALSE pensions and monies made by his Opponent and FAMILY MEMBERS … incuding a DEATH BENEFIT …not a pension.

Those are WEASEL MOVES - of a candidate and a candidate’s family Begging, Whining, Pleading … CRYING for relevence for a Son who can’t get, or I guess, keep a job that doesn’t have DAD as the HR Department.

That …My Frined … is the truth … about Jason, his DAD and this pathetic attempt to make Jason seem worthy of a seat in our government that men and women have given the Ultimate Sacrifice so we can be free.

Questions?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:29 am
flyover - Can you point to a single attack on Jason’s family? Perhaps you need to ask Jason your question.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:33 am
===…“what have you done that’s so great,”…===

Hey, - flyover -, Ask Jason what he has done, created, worked for … on his own …

(crickets)

Yep, that is what I thought …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:33 am
@flyover, I have paid pretty close attention to this campaign, watched every debate and viewed most of the commercials. I have heard Bill Enyart praise Bob Plummer and I have never heard him attack Bob Plummer. I’ve heard Jason Plummer’s supporters like yourself say those things, but provide a link if you can. If you’re going to make an accusation like that yourself, then prove it. I’ve not seen it.

As for DCCC ads, Bill Enyart has not approved them nor collaborated on them, which is by law. A PAC can spend as much money as it wants as long as it’s not tied to the campaign.

Speaking of such, Rich has pointed out that the Republicans have spent, what? $2.5 million attacking Bill Enyart and about $30,000 in support of Plummer. For them, it’s not about Plummer; it’s about putting an R on the seat.

Criticism has been high in this race, but Plummer crossed a big line when he attacked both Gen. Enyart’s son and wife. His own research proves he’s lying to the voters. If you can’t be honest with the voters, what would you do as a Congressman?

Comment by David Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:35 am
flyover, first of all, neither Bob nor Donna Plummer is running for congressman.

Second of all, the guy who is running, young Jason, seems to be pretty agressive in wildly attacking his elder and distinguished veteran, a Major General for crying out loud. Every family has things they can brag about, but pretty clear little respect was instilled in their kid Jason.

Thirdly, get off your high horse.

Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:35 am
Here’s the thing, flyover. I would actually consider voting for Bob Plummer. I don’t know him, but I respect what HE has built. It is the American Dream. His kid? Not so much.

He gets a job in his dad’s company and has the brass to call himself a “businessman” and “job creator.” No, Jason, you’re not. You are the direct beneficiary of your father’s hard work. That’s real hard to respect, flyover. I don’t judge Bob Plummer. I give that guy all the props in the world.

His kid, not so much.

Comment by Professor X Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:37 am
===…There is a letter in my will to my daughter that should she ever need sound advice after my death, I suggest she should not hesitate to ask Bob and Donna Plummer. …===

(Searching … looking … reading …)

No mention of Jason in there, - flyover - ….

Maybe you are quite smart, not to send your daughter to talk to Lt. (jg) Plummer …

Very wise move, indeed!

BTW, Robert and Donna Plummer ain’t running … Jason is …just so we are … um, clear.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:37 am
Dear Mr. Willy, You are still thinking about my question, aren’t you? No matter how many times you regurgitate the same stuff, you will be thinking about it. Long after the election is over you will be thinking about it. That mirror is a harsh critic.

Comment by flyover Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:38 am
–The Democrat knock on Plummer has been wholly predicated on attacking his family.–

I call Strawman.

I think it’s been youth, inexperience, resume-padding, source of wealth, property tax issues, income tax returns, right-wing positions and some questions related to the infamous Chicago Tonight brain cramp.

What you call “attacking the family” has been directed at the fact that he’s a rich kid. The Silver Spoon tactic has been in play in politics, everywhere, forever, no matter what party you belong to. See Kennedy and Bush.

Kind of early for “class warfare” references from Republicans. I usually like to crack a beer when those come up.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:39 am
Oh, um, (love that one), we were talking about using family in attack ads. um… um… um… Maybe you, um…missed that one in your attempt to spew the same stuff over and um…over.

Comment by flyover Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:40 am
===I think it’s been youth, inexperience, resume-padding, source of wealth, property tax issues, income tax returns, right-wing positions and some questions related to the infamous Chicago Tonight brain cramp.===

And here, - flyove - … Endeth the Lesson!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:41 am
The late, great, Jim White, of KMOX used to say, “never try to teach a pig to sing. It irritates the pig and wastes your time.” I’m done. I’ve actually got work to do.

Comment by flyover Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:45 am
===Dear Mr. Willy, You are still thinking about my question, aren’t you?

Your question makes no sense. In the one case you and your friends were making fun of someone doing something.

In the case of Jason, people are making fun of him doing nothing.

I always find the argument that criticizing a candidate is bad one of the more mind numbing arguments. How do you respond to an argument that in a debate over governing, you can’t criticize one party?

As Admiral Ackbar noted, IT’S A TRAP! It ignores the point that a candidate is asking voters to judge them. The reason any one of us can judge Jason Plummer is he is a candidate for public office. That gives anyone a right to judge him.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:48 am
===You are still thinking about my question, aren’t you?===

Dear Mr. - flyover -,

I ain’t running for Congress, I an’t lying about my resume to RUN for Congress … I ain’t working for my DAD and claiming to be a Job Creater, I ain’t running for Congress and hiding my tax returns …

I am actually thinking about ….

When did Jason first become a Naval Intellegnece Office?

How much money is Jason’s DAD funneling, maybe through stock buys … to the campaign …

How Deb Detmers is holding up to the weasel-like moves of a Desperate Parent, hoping for one time that his son Jason may not look like a DOPE even at the expense of Deb Detmers’ reputation …

And NOW … I am thinking …

Did my child forget anything for school?

Do I have Milk?

What will the weather be Saturday? Can I do yard work?

Your Question …

OH! … your JOKE of a defense of Jason Plummer and HIS DAD … yeah .. I sent a chaim email for giggles … thanks Bud!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:48 am
flyover, this isn’t about Oswego Willy. It’s about the Plummers. You made it so. And that’s unfortunate, because it’s not even about them. It’s about Jason Plummer. He’s the guy on the ballot.

Look, I get it. You know the Plummers personally so you take the attacks on young Jason personally. But politics ain’t beanbag, man. He’s going to take his lumps. And when the biggest thing on your resume is “heir to a lumber empire”, boy, are you gonna take some lumps.

Comment by Professor X Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:50 am
===I’ve actually got work to do.===

I am guessing … but when you see Robert … say hey for ME!

With kindest personal regards, I remain.

Sincerely yours,

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 10:51 am
The Jason “issue” reminds me a bit of the issue I had with Andy McKenna, at the end of the day Andy, who seems to have done very well at the family packaging business had very little experience working for anyone but the family business.

Nothing wrong with that, but it is different than going to work for someone who does not share his last name.

I am sure his folks are good people, I don’t really have a problem with Jason, but I really wish he had some more experience with life.

Also to be really blunt anyone who decides the first thing they want to run for is Lt. Governor sets off an alarm bell or two in my mind.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:00 am
AA thinks flyover flew over the cuckoo’s nest.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:01 am
===Did anybody else notice that Plummer’s list of Enyart’s possible pensions includes the General’s Army pension? Do Lt. (JG) Plummer’s colleagues know that he refers to military pensions as “unethical” and part of a system of “pension abuse”? ===

Great Point!

Attention Veterans! Lt. (jg) Plummer calls upon all of you to STOP GAMING the system… ‘Allegedly’ …

Signed,

Lt. (jg) Jason Plummer, UNNR

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:03 am
What an embarrassment to the party. This two-party system is condemning us to sub-par candidates.

Comment by Shemp Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:12 am
Sorry going to have to be a contrarian on flyover.

He know the guy, he knows the family and is willing to defend him. Not a whole lot of that in this world (even more so in politics) and I have to give him props for that.

Sometimes it is easy to pile on Jason, but you know he did sign up for the reserves (didn’t have to) and has put himself out there as a candidate with everything that entails. It’s not like he needs the gig. Considering what anyone running for a major office now puts themselves and their families through, you have to give the guy props for stepping up.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:13 am
This just in…
From a question posed to an active duty US Naval Aviator with recent combat experience in Operation Enduring Freedom aka the Arabian Gulf:
Q: What do JO’s (junior officers) in the Intelligence Reserves actually do during their weekend drills?
A: Make the coffee and CENSORED whine about how tough it is to be in the military.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:14 am
===..It’s about the Plummers. You made it so…===

BTW, thanks - Professor X -, gotta give credit where it is do. I think that post coming from you, then me just going back and forth on the point.

Very well done, thank you - No Snark.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:14 am
===Sometimes it is easy to pile on Jason, but you know he did sign up for the reserves (didn’t have to) and has put himself out there as a candidate with everything that entails. It’s not like he needs the gig. Considering what anyone running for a major office now puts themselves and their families through, you have to give the guy props for stepping up.===

- OneMan -, 100% concur, and great points.

However, lying on the resume … and all my above posts say about how Jason campaigns deserves all the mocking, and scrutiny, that Jason … not me … Jason … brings upon himslef in the manner he campaigns (no tax returns, as 1 example), and how he attacks (how many pension, Jason?). I never asked Jason to call himself a Job Creater, I never asked Jason to call out Enyart on Shoddy Family Allegations that hold no water. Jason did that.

So I hear ya, but Jason being Jason as he is a candidate, her persona AS a candidate and the Campaign itself and its operations gets all it deserves, and probably not enough considering the coverage.

I get ya - OneMan -, and I hope you get where I am coming from too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:20 am
- Arthur Andersen -,

Why did that make me think of the Twin Censors in “Good Morning, Vietnam.” just now?

I will say this … Jason would be real good as the “Mis-Information Officer” towards the enemy:

Lt., Just tell the enemy what you think … NO,no … you just talk away … your misinformation will be useful, … honest. Carry On.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:23 am
Jason, it’s your lucky day. You have been pre-empted by someone I thought was dead.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:25 am
Um, lots of personal mudslinging over who has how much money and where it comes from. Are there any stands on issues that might help voters choose? Don’t even know these 2 but all I’ve read is about their financial background. Is that all one needs to know about a candidate in order to pick one? Pathetic stuff. Low stuff.

Comment by geronimo Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:38 am
Oswego Willy @ 11:03
==Signed,

Lt. (jg) Jason Plummer, UNNR==

Plummer is in the United Nations Naval Reserve? How long have you been keeping this secret?

Comment by Anonymice Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:44 am
Shhhhhhh!

You caught it … let’s see if Jason catches it. It’s out there like when you played “Hidden Pictures” in the Highlights Magazine, waiting at the Doctor’s Office … Jason loves those .. or so they say Jason does …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:50 am
Hey - flyover -…

===…That mirror is a harsh critic.===

I like my haircut …Too much, or should I boxed in the back?

I hope - flyover - comes back. As Jason has been know to say:

“Bedtime stories are fun. They make the Sandman’s job easier.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 11:58 am
Something commenters seemed to have missed: Plummer attacks his opponent’s wife, then takes two questions and runs away. Such courage.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 12:00 pm
Great point, Rich …

I asked that he couldn’t stay around for a 3rd question … and how about that …

If I had “juicy” hard-hitting information that would stop my slide in the polls and sink my opponent … I would say, “I will be on this call and take every single quesition you all have for me, and make sure if you don’t have the information I have, make sure we have your email and we have your fax number, IM name … however you want it, we will get it to you.”

Bullies, with zero facts at their disposal, just run from scrutiny, and never face the bright light of facts. Jason and the Plummer campaign cut bait as soon as they “dropped” the info, almost fleeing the STENTCH of this rotten and false information.

“No questions, please. We want to rest on our assult of the Enyart Family and our false accusations, thank you.”

What is more pathetic is the idea that you only let some, not all call in. Why not Rich? Afraid of a follow-up question you can’t stop being asked? Afraid others migh ask a question that might lead the reporters to ask about you … Jason?

No 3rd Question…

“We will take a couple of questions …1, and 2 … thank you!”

Deb, send a signal that you are ok. Many like me are worried.

That’s it … Question # 3 … “Is Deb Detmers there, and can we speak to her without a Plummer around?”

Yikes, 2 questions …. Who drops off spread sheets and doesn’t want to take the time to completely clairify what the press is getting, to get the media a clear picture, so the message can sink in?

What should have Question #3 been?

How about … “Are you seriously going after General Enyart’s wife on a Death Benefit?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 12:15 pm
Why is it when people try to defend Jason Oberweis, sorry I mean Plummer, they talk about what a great guy Bob Plummer is. Bob Plummer might be a great guy, worked hard, built a successful business, made a lot of money, and is probably qualified to be a Congressman. He’s the American dream, and God bless him. However, Jason is not what’s wrong with Illinois, the GOP, Politics, or even America. He’s what’s wrong with life. Someone who feels entitled to whatever he wants, and if he doesn’t get his way will throw a temper tantrum by attacking a man’s wife and son. It’s sad and unworthy of the Costello, Poshard, Gray, and Price.

Comment by Hail 4B Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 12:20 pm
===However, Jason is not what’s wrong with Illinois, the GOP, Politics, or even America. He’s what’s wrong with life. Someone who feels entitled to whatever he wants, and if he doesn’t get his way will throw a temper tantrum …===

You have crystalized my complete thoughts of Jason, the Plummer Family thought process to get Jason whatever he wants, and what is wrong with MY party letting the “Veruca Salt” of Southern Illinois attempt to be relevent in my party.

Well said!

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 12:24 pm
Well said, indeed.

Further AA sayeth not.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 12:30 pm
OH THE HUMANITY!
There has NEVER been this level of injustice in the history of the world!

STONE THE GIANT!

Uh - isn’t that what mobs are supposed to shout?

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 1:11 pm
- VanillaMan -,

i would just like the truth, less the Hubis, less the entitlement, more of the substance, and lees of the flaky lies of a Death Benefit being listed as a Pension… and take questions about these pension claims …

And the dates of Plummer’s Military service, for the Vets, and Active military service personnel, to compare a Lt. (jg) attacking a General (ret.) on the question of integrity …

No Stoning Please.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 1:23 pm
Flyover: your loyalty to the family is admirable. It’s sometimes hard to hear political criticism when in that situation.

As far as the mirror goes, upon reflection my judgment seems clear and fair to me — he’s just not well qualified to be in Congress. His father or mother might well be.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 2:53 pm
@Oswego Willy
Nothing like making all kinds of comments on a blog, with the same readers. You should have written a letter to the Editor, with your concerns and feelings about Jason Plummer. What’s the matter? No courage to go public.

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:07 pm
- Downstater -,

Jason ain’t my Congressman. This is a political Blog. I think, no… I know my audience about the political failings of Jason Plummer and his Dad has it’s audience here, not in the District where I have no vote, like I said dozens of times.

Here is where they belong, but Golly thanks for the concern.

With kindest personal regards, I remain.

Sincerely yours,

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:15 pm
Will Jason have

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:16 pm
Will Jason have the courage to answer questions on the allegations? Nope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:17 pm
== Someone who feels entitled to whatever he wants, and if he doesn’t get his way will throw a temper tantrum … .==

Jason Plummer can’t do that. For Illinois, that franchise is held by my Congressman, Aaron Shock, who wined that the State Journal Register is “unfair” to Republicans for Bernie Schoenberg busting him on his proposal to give nuclear missiles to Taiwan. [This may be inside Springfield, but the only Republican running in Sangamon County who can complain about the SJ-r is Tony Libri.] Only one whining Congressman per state, please!

Comment by Anyone Remember? Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:30 pm
Plummer backbencher of the year, and 1st to sign the Norquist pledge.
Then never heard from til 2014. Lets hope and pray
the voters in his District can see thru this clown.

Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 3:38 pm
Laughing at someone != stoning.

Thank you. That is all.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 4:34 pm
Knowing what we know, what happens if he is elected?

Better hope the Republican leadership can reign him in.

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 4:35 pm
- Sunshine -,

Look at the Post Rich put up a few days ago regarding the Endorsement Jason got from the Southern Illinoisan. I think it was covered there what awaits Jason if he were to win, according to some of us.

Is post is about the Sham of a press conference (2 questions, Jason?) not the “after” if Jason wins.

Hope that helps?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 4:47 pm
*** Is = This!

Sorry

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 4:50 pm
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If Jason Plummer makes it to Congress, that will make John Shimkus the second doofiest member of the Illinois delegation (or possibly even third, behind Joe Walsh). And that, my friends, would be a very sad milestone. Don’t let such a thing happen!!

Comment by Steve Downstate Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 4:53 pm
Went back and read it. Fascinating.

Is it too late for him to do anything even more dumb…likely not unfortunately.

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 6:16 pm
I hope Plummer wins and we have a Republican for a change. Been Democrat to long, its time for a change. Not saying his opponent is bad, just sayin, its time for new leadership

Comment by thunder Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 7:12 pm
Hey thunder, is that you Jason?
U can tell AA I can keep a secert

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Nov 1, 12 @ 8:23 pm
@thunder

Change simply for the sake of change alone can hamper progress. Suggesting that picking Mr. Plummer is a good idea just because he is a different party fails to address the fact that he can is perhaps the least qualified serious candidate running for Congress. His statements frequently defy all logic and reality, relying solely on fabricated or exaggerated claims or attacks on his opponent. He is like Mitt Romney… minus the brains, skill at lying, and resume to back him up. Try as he might to mirror Romney’s level of articulate deceitfulness, he instead resorts to attacks on his opponents family with charges so flimsy that merely glancing at them is enough to send them tumbling over. All of this in an attempt to divert attention from a complaint of voter fraud against him.

So your argument is that it makes more sense to make the change to a dishonest brat who thinks he’s entitled to a seat in Congress just because his Dad’s rich than it does to change to man who has served his country for over half of his life and who started with very little and worked hard to earn his current station in life. Bill Enyart worked hard to earn everything he has made; he is the American Dream. For that matter, so is Robert Plummer, he built his company from the ground up. Jason Plummer did NOT.
I hold nothing against Bob Plummer for wanting to help his son succeed, that is his job as a father, and I have all the respect in the world for him for trying to help his son try to succeed. But that doesn’t make his son qualified to serve in Congress.
Best,
Moose

Comment by Moose Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 12:39 am
Well said, - Moose -, Very well said….

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 2, 12 @ 5:33 am