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* From the Twitters…
Prelude to challenge Kirk? Republican @DougTruax re-enters politics w/conservative Super PAC #ilgop #twill http://t.co/rGl6twdDoH
— Illinois Review (@IllinoisReview) January 28, 2015
* The full press release…
Former U.S. Senate candidate Doug Truax is continuing his attempt to reshape America with formation of Restoration Action, a conservative federal 501(c)4 issue advocacy entity and companion Restoration PAC, a super PAC.
Restoration Action will promote an agenda to restore prosperity, individual freedom and international security to America. Restoration PAC will support candidates and office holders who adhere to those principles and oppose those who do not.
“As a candidate, my objective was to help change the direction of the country,” Truax said. “By forming Restoration Action and Restoration PAC, I have the same objective. Our country has steered off course and we need to right the ship.”
Truax is a 44-year-old West Point graduate, Army veteran and health care reform expert. He owns a successful health care consulting business and lives in west suburban Downers Grove, IL.
As a political newcomer in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in IL last year, Truax came out of nowhere to outpoll an established conservative politician in the Chicago metropolitan area and gain 44% of the statewide vote. Along the way he picked up glowing endorsements from Newt Gingrich, the Chicago Tribune and others. He has been characterized as one of Illinois’ rising political stars by a national cable network.
Truax said he has gained funding from several major donors to start the entities. He said the political arm will concentrate on high-level federal races and will issue candidate ratings.
* Meanwhile, after raising a ruckus with environmental groups by suggesting that climate change isn’t cased by humans, Sen. Mark Kirk appears to be moving back to those groups again…
For instance, he was the only Senate Republican to back regulations on petroleum coke, a byproduct of oil refining.
Then he was one of five Republicans to vote for an amendment declaring that “climate change is real and human activity significantly contributes to climate change.”
Now comes word that the senator has been elected co-chair, along with Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow, of the Senate’s Great Lakes Task Force.
“As co-chairs, my colleague Sen. Stabenow and I are committed to cleaning up toxic hot spots, removing the threat of invasive species and ending sewage dumping in the Great Lakes, the crown jewel of the Midwest’s ecosystem, once and for all,” Kirk said in a statement. “It is crucial that we work together with this bipartisan task force to protect the reverence of the lakes and ensure they remain clean and contaminant-free for the next generation.”
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:50 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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One of the only races Oberweiss was won in his
Comment by White Denim Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:53 am
Traux needs to realize a simple truth;
Rauner and his money network are out there, and they are out there to make sure Kirk beats you, or anyone else.
Here is where I love the loyalty. Rauner is with Kirk, Kirk is with Rauner. That’s the ball game.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:54 am
Whoops. One of the only things Oberweiss has won in his career was a race against this guy. Couldn’t even beat the perennial loser in his own wing of the party. I doubt he stands much of a chance against Kirk.
Comment by White Denim Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:54 am
Kirk has been sending several polls to his constituents with questions about priorities such as protecting the Lakes. Perhaps this is not so much a case of moving to the left as it is representing the expressed thoughts of those he represents (and those who are likely to be voting.)
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:58 am
===One of the only things Oberweiss has won in his career was a race against this guy. ===
Except for that state Senate race, defeating Corinne Pierog, 57.5%-42.5%.
That’s kinda a big deal, winning a seat in the Illinois Senate.
BTW, “Oberweiss”…
It’s Oberweis. If you wabt to be Dopey and dig Oberweis, spell his name right.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:59 am
I met Truax and actually liked him. Didn’t seem like a right winger in person, but did seem pretty sharp.
Then he lost to Oberweis. So there you go.
Comment by Toure's Latte Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:01 pm
One out of seven ain’t so bad I guess, huh?
Typing from a cellphone here, Willy. Both technology and humans are prone to error.
Relax.
Comment by White Denim Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Why do the Conservatives seem to tout a dozen new “rising stars” on the horizon each year?
American Idols?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:05 pm
How can we miss you if you won’t go away?
Comment by Nick Naylor Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:08 pm
- White Denim -
This from a person who used a word to describe my take as you did?
Your hyperbole is as comical as your lack of self.
I see facts and optics are new to you. Blaming a cell phone and being human don’t explain those misses.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:08 pm
What exactly are the “individual freedoms” that need protecting? And he can’t seriously be thinking about taking Kirk to task on international security can he?
Comment by pundent Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:09 pm
Kirk put out an e-mail blast today about outsourcing U.S. foreign policy to the Likud Party or something. Maybe he should run for a seat in the Knesset.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:09 pm
Ah don’t forget this is a primary in Illinois. Yes money is important but Kirk has done much to aggravate the base.
Comment by Empty Suit Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Kirk’s move to the left is also an indicator that while he could very we’ll be Primaried, Rauner has his back through both tough races, so stake positions to think beyond the primary whenever he can…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:11 pm
We’ll see if Truax can shake the national funder tree. Given who the Club for Growth types have primaried in the past, you’d think Kirk would be a target.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Sen. Kirk has always been a pretty big defender of Lake Michigan. He was in the House, and has been in the Senate. Wasn’t it a campaign commercial in 2010? It’s hardly moving anywhere if he has always firmly been there.
Truax would be a good candidate for CD11, especially if Foster opts to run for Senate. A senate primary would be a disaster for him, given the relationship between Kirk and Rauner. Hopefully he doesn’t take the gadfly approach.
Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:14 pm
Also Mr. Truax might learn something from Mr. Oberweis (which it took him a while to learn), that there is such a thing as not trying to start at the top. Paying some dues and getting some legislative experience might be a good thing.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:15 pm
Funny how being a successful insurance broker, makes you a “health care reform expert.”
Plenty of company with that one.
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:19 pm
===Ah don’t forget this is a primary in Illinois===
When was the last time a moderate statewide Republican incumbent lost a primary race to a conservative?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:20 pm
===Truax would be a good candidate for CD11===
In the primary, maybe. That ain’t exactly a conservative GOP district.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Smart move by Truax starting a PAC. It would be suicide challenging Kirk and he’s going to be locked out of running for governor til 2022 and Durbin won’t be up til 2020. Keep your name out there and build up some chits.
Comment by Lunchbox Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:23 pm
Agree with ChrisB. The Lake Michigan protection is an issue Kirk has been big on for years. Not sure it’s a shift there
Comment by Anonymoiis Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:38 pm
Chill out Willie. For someone as critical as you are, you sure do have a thin skin.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:43 pm
- phocion -,
I reflect what I’m given.
To the Post,
When Senger lost to Foster, the formula to beat Foster isn’t going further Right, unless you want to solidify the seat for Foster more.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:47 pm
Word has it right. As much as I love Senator Kirk, he is ripe for a serious challenge from Mr. Truax if the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation decide to play ball. Jim DeMint is no fan of Mark Kirk.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Oberweis has lost 3 races for US Senate, one for Governor and one for Congress (well 2 if you count the special), is being one of the few people to lose to Oberweis really a resume builder?
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:16 pm
==- The Captain - Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:16 pm:==
I think it can be a resume builder. The Club for Growth and Jim DeMint types don’t necessarily know how much of a clown Oberweis is viewed as here in Illinois. Truax can use his previous run to say, “at least I’m not a first time candidate and I have learned x, y, z about fundraising, field, time management, etc.”
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:25 pm
@PC
Fair enough, your points are well taken.
Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Being against dumping garbage will only help him.
However, his global warming vote might cost him dearly in the primaries.
In terms of the general election the average person pays little attention to this issue.
Comment by Federalist Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:45 pm
In today’s world its almost better to run a super PAC than be elected.
Comment by Come on man! Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Watch for kirk to follow Tom cross into lower land.
Comment by nicky Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 2:08 pm
“Omygod! Say it ain’t so! Sen. Kirk has taken a leadership role in trying to save the Great Lakes??
Obviously, for such an outrage we must try to defeat him in a primary.” Sad that there are Republicans who actually think this way. I’m not one of them. Good for you, Sen. Kirk!
Comment by Formerpol Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 2:23 pm
Formerpol, where in this or any article do you glean that Republicans want to defeat him in the primary due to his stance on the Great Lakes. His overtures to the environmental groups/voters will not cost Kirk votes. Kirk can only get hurt in a primary if he supports cap and trade or something like the Keystone pipeline which have other impacts beyond the environmental ones. Republicans are not out to destroy the Earth.
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 3:45 pm
should read “or opposes something like the Keystone Pipeline…”
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 3:46 pm
How many US Senate races has the Club For Growth gone after establishment Republicans in recent cycles?
I don’t know the answer off top of my head, but in seems like they put out feelers in six to ten races and then get seriously involved in a few.
The Israel Lobby & Military Industrial Complex love Kirk. I assume the financial sector guys consider him on their team. Kirk was not tight with the oil guys last I checked, but the nuclear industry loves him.
I think gay marriage is off-the-table as an issue outside of Dixie.
The base of the challenge is going to be gun nuts, anti-abortion zealots & who else?
Any Club for Growth billionaire starts making noise about going after Kirk, he’s gonna get some pushback from Right Wing billionaires who are quite happy with Kirk.
Truax should prepare to run but know what his sale price is. Once Rauner & other Kirk allies are willing to pay, Truax should take the deal.
Maybe Club For Growth can’t help but challenge Kirk, but I suspect they’ll go elsewhere to meddle in GOP primaries.
What about that RWNJ in DuPage? The GOP based seems to have a thing for Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann & Joni Ernst. A Right Wing female legislator who is a military veteran? Might be hard not to get involved.
I don’t see them doing it for Truax.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 5:17 pm
I had a chance to meet and talk with Doug Traux when he was running against Jim Oberweis. Traux came across as a decent and thoughtful candidate. He wasn’t rabid about anything. He definitely wasn’t a “right-winger’s right-winger” by any stretch of the imagination. Traux was simply at a disadvantage compared to Jim based by not having the same huge name recognition that Jim Oberweis had which was required back then. And, the fact that Truax lacked having the same big wallet that Jim had going for him put Mr. Truax at a decided disadvantage. If Truax is given the financial backing and if he is taken under the wing of an experienced conservative Republican player, I think that Mark Kirk will have his hands full should they oppose each other come the next D-11 GOP Primary.
Comment by Rowdy Yates Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 5:18 pm
Rowdy, what’s a D-11 GOP primary?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 5:23 pm
Willie Wilson could run for US Senate in GOP primary. B/c it would make as much sense as running for Mayor & Rickey Hendon would like the work.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 5:24 pm
===Rowdy, what’s a D-11 GOP primary?===
It’s one greater than a D-10 primary…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 5:26 pm
Don’t know anything about Truax but Kirk more and more comes across as a guy who stands for nothing in particular and can change his mind like changing his shoes. There’s no there there.
Comment by DuPage Dave Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 7:18 pm
Worth It, but plenty of GOPers in Washington and their bankrollers are out to destroy EPA and don’t look too kindly at all those fussy regulations about clean water and air.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 7:30 pm
The GOP created the EPA. I think they just want to stop it from being twisted into another Federal agency that destroys people like the IRS had been doing during the current administration.
Oh wait, your sources of news claims that stuff never happened. Nevermind…
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jan 28, 15 @ 11:12 pm
VMan, I’m sure your fair and balanced news sources have been chock full of news about efforts in recent years by many GOPers to gut or abolish the EPA.
I imagine it’s in the regular lineup of Benghazi, War on Christmas, birth certificates, and Donald Trump insights.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Jan 29, 15 @ 12:11 am