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* The NRCC made some fun of Democratic congressional candidate Ann Callis’s interview with a Springfield TV station this week…

The NRCC went on to slam Callis’ interview with WICS-TV in its release, saying “she forgot to get the talking points from Washington Democrats on why she is running” and had an “awkward exchange” in which it “takes Callis three times before she rattles out an incoherent answer on why she is running.”

After the news reporter asked Callis what Davis has done so wrong that she decided to leave the judiciary to run for his seat, the now-former judge said Davis “is part of the problem in Washington and not part of the solution.”

“I have a proven record of reaching across the aisle … to get things done,” Callis said.

Citing the veterans’ court and mandatory foreclosure mediation program that she instituted during her time as chief judge, a position she held since 2006, Callis said in the interview that she is “result-oriented. That’s how I am.”

She also said that while she has had previous discussions with the Democratic National Committee about a potential Congressional run, the “tipping point” for her was her son, who recently enlisted in the military and graduated from officer candidate school.

“He decided to make this big sacrifice and I am making a different sacrifice to serve my country in my way,” Callis said, later adding that she feels blessed to know her purpose “and that’s public service.”

During the interview, Callis said she is not a current resident of the 13th District, but “signed a lease” and will begin living in Edwardsville in June.

* The interview wasn’t exactly spectacular. Callis smiled and bobbed her head a lot and tried to appear very non-judicial while evading questions. But what I found most interesting about the interview was that the TV guy repeated claimed it was “three and a half years” before Republican freshman Rodney Davis was up for reelection.

The dude didn’t even know that congressional terms are two years?

Are you kidding me?

The full interview is here. Watch it at your own peril.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 9:48 am

Comments

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The dude didn’t even know that congressional terms are two years?
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Most reporters could fill volumes with what they don’t know about any given topic, which isn’t a bad thing. BUT then they shouldn’t speak with authority and be proven ignorant of the facts.

Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 9:53 am
This is a new guy that WICS brought in from New York or Philly. He has been let go throughout his career for harrassement reasons. He likes to cut people off when he interviews them. I feel for the poor guy at SMTD this guy attacked earlier this year. Like the beginning of this interview he left uncut the two of them talking prior to the intervewee knowing the camera was rolling. Amatuer to say the least.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 9:57 am
She’ll be fine. The camera just on her face is what makes it awkward.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:11 am
A candidate roll plan out that has been hasty prepared and under-developed, all with a (probably) over-eager timeline and an candidate that’s unpreped for the spot light will probably get the same results every time. [head scratching]

To all you kids out there, see what they did…

Comment by Mr. Jim Lahey Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:15 am
case and point…typos. *facepalm*

Comment by Mr. Jim Lahey Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:16 am
She needed some media practice…

Also we get it, you started the vet court.

Also Wall Street is not looking for government majors BTW.

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:19 am
Gee, Rich. You claim to know all about politics, and you totally missed the creation of “Double Bubble Four-Year Congressional Terms”?

Comment by soccermom Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:34 am
As was mentioned yesterday - NOBODY is paying attention to this race until we get 60 days from the election…….the general election.

That said, Obamacare (Pelosi and Obama’s albatross) will be in full swing. Barring a miracle, unlike we’ve seen in 2013 years, Obamacare will be the only issue that Davis needs to put this election away.

Remember when Obama went before Congress to pitch Obamacare? He said he wanted to also bring about tort reform as well. (Cue birds chirping)

Davis can tie it in a nice neat package and ask his opponent how she feels about tort and malpractise reform.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:35 am
So a candidate is criticized by the NRCC for not using the “talking points from Washington” during an interview.

That says volumes about the NRCC.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:48 am
Just amazing that somebody who has been thinking of running for Congress for years and who has all kinds of high powered advice would come out looking like the classic deer in the headlights.

Comment by Jake Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 10:58 am
–…Obamacare will be the only issue that Davis needs to put this election away.–

If the election is held in Fox News studios.

The Illinois unemployment rate remains at 9.5%. I think jobs and the economy might be on people’s minds a little bit.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:13 am
=== After the news reporter asked Callis what Davis has done so wrong that she decided to leave the judiciary to run for his seat, the now-former judge said Davis “is part of the problem in Washington and not part of the solution.” ===

Davis has been there roughly 4 full months.

After replacing a Congressman who had been there 12 full years.

And all of a sudden Callis resigns from the bench because she sees the sitting Congressman as “part of the problem in Washington”?

Too funny.

Comment by Keep Calm and Carry On Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:13 am
=== Like the beginning of this interview he left uncut the two of them talking prior to the intervewee knowing the camera was rolling. Amatuer to say the least. ===

That was probably the decision of a producer.

Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:16 am
=== So a candidate is criticized by the NRCC for not using the “talking points from Washington” during an interview. That says volumes about the NRCC. ===

I think the NRCC was being sarcastic.

Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:16 am
It was a sad interview on her part, but she’ll practice her media skills and be fine.

Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:18 am
In light of the Sanford election, how does Nancy Pelosi poll in the district?

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:25 am
This district is gonna be a tough pickup for any Dem in a midterm cycle. Best case would be with a very unpopular Repub at the top of the ticket who would generate some backlash and spur more Dem turnout, especially among younger college voters whom you need to mobilize to win this seat. And they are a tough nut to crack in off years. It’s worth making a challenge I get it before Davis can really start locking himself in with 4 years of constituent service, but this is a pretty thankless job for Callis.

Comment by ZC Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:34 am
@JustObserving: You’re probably right. I’m often too quick with reactions.

Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 11:41 am
Callis has never had to run for a thing. She was appointed with the strong influence of her Dad, a powerful Democratic trial lawyer in Madison county. she is going to need lots of help. I remember lots of criticism by Oswego Willy, after the Plummer interview in Chicago. Come on, Oswego.

Comment by Downstater Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 12:38 pm
For Callis’ sake, I hope she is placing multiple calls to Lisa begging her to get into the Governor’s race so she can try to ride some coattails.

Comment by Hardly Noticed Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 1:56 pm
===Obamacare will be the only issue that Davis needs to put this election away.===

Downstate- The GOP should be careful not to fall into the trap you are about to enter.

The GOP needs to begin some self-branding by articulating how their policies will help people with uncovered illnesses rather than again going with, Obamacare is the bogeyman.

A lot of voters are leery of the notion that health insurance companies are looking out for their best interests. To be fair, many are also leery about the government’s ability to manage such a national program.

It would be a breath of fresh air if a GOP congressman could take a position recognizing the challenges faced by many people rather than a position demonizing the Affordable Health Care Act.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 1:57 pm
A TV guy who doesn’t know the length of Congressional terms would just be par for the course–the only reporters who seem to know anything are experienced beat reporters who have been covering their beat for several years

Comment by Harry Wednesday, May 8, 13 @ 2:45 pm
This lady wsa a judge?

Seeing her performance, could it be that the local Dems are trying to kick her upstairs?

Comment by Non-ISRA Member Thursday, May 9, 13 @ 6:30 am