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* Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) on Facebook this morning…
Here in Illinois, friends, this whole situation with this illegal voting, this voter fraud, friends, it’s real. Its very real. I am really encouraged because there are several Republicans who have run and were narrowly defeated up in the, I’ll call it the Chicagoland area, the northern part of the state, who are going to be calling for some recounts. This is good. I’m glad to hear this, they’ve found proof that has taken this many days, that they believe that something is off, something is wrong, so you’re going to be reading about that.
This all in the midst of the very same time we’ve got many Illinois Republican leaders throughout the state calling for Donald Trump to step down, calling for him to give up. That’s appalling. Adam Kinzinger, the US Congressman from the northern part of the state, seems to be leading this charge. Last night, he tweeted that Donald Trump should delete his Twitter account and he’s been calling for quite some time for Donald Trump to just give up, concede, and get out of the way. This man has never been a fan of the president. This man has been part of the problem with Illinois politics. So keep that name in mind, don’t forget that. Get on his Twitter and Facebook accounts and tell him to get his priorities straight if he’s a Republican, otherwise change his party. There’s several others that are joining this as well and we shouldn’t put up with this. If we want a healthy Illinois, if we want a healthy conservative movement, we’ve got to get real and we’ve got to get involved.
Recounts? Right. OK.
Anyway, on to Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who is widely rumored to be eyeing a 2022 run for governor. Bailey, you will recall, said months ago that he was thinking about a gubernatorial bid.
* Kinzinger appears to be trying to protect his right flank with an attack on Gov. Pritzker over the administration’s horrible response to the preventable disaster at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. From a WCMY radio interview today…
Kinzinger: The federal government, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, came in, did an assessment, found a whole number of things wrong. And then from that point on began offering daily help to the LaSalle Veterans Home into the state of Illinois and was denied all November, basically. Every day they would call and ask ‘Do you want federal government help?’”
That comes with money. We passed $150 million in the CARES Act for this kind of situation. And the state of Illinois kept saying ‘No’ and I want to look at the… Okay, you have things like hand sanitizer that doesn’t kill COVID because it has no alcohol in it. Okay, well that’s just a dumb clerical error or was that somebody to attempt to save money at the cost of the veterans?
And then you look at things like how come you would not take federal government support? And while I don’t want to level this accusation, I do think it’s kind of interesting that in the middle of the federal government offering help to the state of Illinois, you have the situation where the governor would constantly talk about how the federal government’s failing because we’re in the middle of an election.
So I think there’s a lot of questions that you’ve answered and that starts with the governor. This is on the governor to explain, or fire or hold accountable those responsible, if it’s not him.
Q: When somebody from Washington called, who said ‘No’?
Kinzinger: Well, you know, it’s basically every day at the veterans’ home, at the state of Illinois, they said ‘No.’ And I think that’s part of the question. Who’s not just saying ‘No,’ who’s making the decision that we won’t take federal government help?
Look, you can think that you have it under control, and you can think that maybe somehow you know more than the federal government, but let’s keep in mind the resources, the federal government comes. Anytime you get an extra set of eyes or ears, or in the federal government’s case, you have 50 other states or 49 other states and territories basically under your jurisdiction where you can see, and have examples of what worked and what didn’t. So why that happened for a month, I have no clue.
And the problem is the governor has decided to do an IG investigation, which is going to take six months, Jay. We’re not going to get any answers before that. We need answers now. And like I said, the one thing that really concerns me is the eagerness that Governor Pritzker was the entire time of the election to take on President Trump on COVID and everything else. And I hope that certainly didn’t come into play, but we need to know.
I followed up with Kinzinger’s office a few hours ago to ask who in the federal government was calling the veterans’ home and have not yet heard back.
* From Jordan Abudayyeh at the governor’s office…
It is unclear what federal help Congressman Kinzinger is referring to. At the beginning of November, as the first positive cases were discovered at the LaSalle Veterans Home, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) was in regular communication with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA).
In fact, on November 5, USVA asked if the home needed assistance with PPE and the home administrator asked for additional N95 masks. USVA provided thousands of masks to be used at LaSalle and other veterans homes.
On November 9, USVA asked IDVA if they would like to have an infection control consultation and IDVA responded yes. IDVA also asked for IDPH to conduct an onsite consultation as well. Both of those visits were completed just three days later, the recommendations were implemented and the reports were made public.
After the site visit, USVA offered to make infection control experts available for further assistance and IDVA has requested that assistance. Dr. Amelia Bumstead with USVA is spending four to six weeks visiting all state veterans homes to improve infection control protocols and practices.
Throughout this process both IDVA and USVA have continued their communication and the IDVA appreciates the help and support offered by their federal partners. An independent investigation is also currently underway, and as the Governor has said, if that investigation uncovers malfeasance, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Maura Gillespie at Kinzinger’s office…
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was offering assistance to the LaSalle Veterans’ Home, operated by the State of Illinois, to send infection control experts to assist. Our staff was briefed on that, as was Sue Rezin, on November 19th during a phone call with the VISN Network Director who confirmed that the USVA had been checking in daily to see if the State needed help. They were not taken up on their offer until the State finally requested that help at the end of November.
Well, somebody isn’t telling the truth. Stay tuned.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Back to Jordan…
As soon as the offer was presented by USVA to IDVA on November 19, IDVA said that day they were interested in additional help and began discussions regarding the scope of work and began the process to formalize the request for an intergovernmental agreement. Conversations between the USVA and IDPH doctors took place as the intergovernmental agreement was put together and was formally submitted to USVA on November 27.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:15 pm
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Shuddered at the thought of Kinzinger, Bailey, and who knows who else in the GOP 2022 primary. Things are going to get more and more ridiculous around here…
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:23 pm
When it mattered, Kinzinger voted with Trump.
Kinzinger can change people’s minds about him, but Kinzinger can’t change his Trump voting record.
That said;
Kinzinger has my curiosity, I’ll watch further and see them if he gets my attention.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:26 pm
So, the IL GOP is pretty much a laughingstock, right?
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:29 pm
If Republicans choose not to vote for someone like Kinzinger against Pritzker, simply because he isn’t Darren Bailey, then we can only presume they secretly enjoy Pritzker’s governance.
Comment by JB13 Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:31 pm
Also, every day Chapa LaVia has the support of the governor is a day not unlike those where a Chapa LaVia or Pritzker blamed Rauner for deaths at a Veterans Home
What exactly will constitute something you can be removed by this administration? Chapa LaVia has put the bar quite high.
Kinzinger talking about the Veterans Home shines a pointed light to an overall response. Kinzinger is right to ask questions to the now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:33 pm
Mark this date and time for it is the day that I predict that Ken Griffin and the uber-wealthy Republicans rally behind Kinzinger to prop him up against Pritzker in 2 years.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:33 pm
I’m looking forward to the GOP primaries.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:36 pm
It is good to hear that the federal VA is on the ground. Hearing a lot of good things about this Dr. Bumstead. Hopefully the outside help is what is needed to turn this around. Still have a total lack of confidence in IDVA and Administration leadership on this issue. Senator Rezin said another veteran died there again today. Absolute tragedy.
Comment by Citizen Kane Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:39 pm
==Well, you know==
Geez, at least Jan was able to come up with George Glass. /S
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:41 pm
“When it mattered, Kinzinger voted with Trump.”
Where it mattered is more important. Voted against Trump by voting to fund key federal agencies and separately funding Gov without money for a border wall (helpful to point out in an Illinois Gubernatorial race), voted against lifting sanctions on Russia (vote was a rebuke against Trump) and voted to put sanctions on NK, Iran, and Russia originally, voting for Puerto Rico hurricane relief, opposed withdrawing troops from Syria.
538 has him at 86% voting with Trump the last 2 years which is the bottom quartile of house republicans. Still plenty to attack but some key vote differences which will help if he decides to run. Publicly calling him out is also a plus if he decides to run.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/adam-kinzinger/
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/house/
Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:42 pm
=== Where it mattered is more important.===
How about impeachment?
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:44 pm
Kinzinger supported Trump, can’t walk away from it, Kinzinger is now trying to “seem” thoughtful, but when it mattered, Kinzinger supported Trump.
Like I said, Kinzinger has my curiosity, will he get my attention.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:46 pm
“How about impeachment?”
Impeachment passed the house which he is a member of. If he was a Senator than that would be an issue.
Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:48 pm
=== Impeachment passed the house===
Kinzinger voted against impeachment.
Keep up.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:49 pm
“Washington, DC – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after voting against H.Res. 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, the two articles of impeachment that were introduced last week”
When it mattered, Kinzinger voted with Trump.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:51 pm
The worst mistake I ever made in the voting booth was voting for adam when he first ran for congressman.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 2:55 pm
“Kinzinger voted against impeachment”
His no vote doesn’t matter given impeachment passed the house. He isn’t a Senator where his no vote would have mattered given the controlling party of the chamber. Further, I missed all the attack ads by the Dems in swing districts/states on impeachment being an issue that they ran on. Collins Kavanaugh vote was what she was attacked on. Given the events of 2020 and current state of the State I don’t see a “no” vote on a President that’s no longer President impacting voters in collar counties. The voters that do care about this issue weren’t voting for him anyway. Who cares.
Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:00 pm
I’ll never understood why the 16th chose Kinzinger over Manzullo in the 2012 Primary. They pitted these two against each other by consolidating the district but the better choice was Manzullo by far.
Comment by Citizen Kane Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:04 pm
Kinzinger has been doing his best to appear to be as close to the middle as possible. He occasionally chides Trump or votes to overturn a Trump policy, but he has generally voted to support Trump. He is pretty quick to jump on issues where he can look good, but the question to ask is where was he when the spotlight was elsewhere? (I live in the district and we do not see Rep. Kinzinger very often, nor does he seem to have much in the way of district initiatives.)
With respect to making political hay on the LaSalle Vets home, how much support has he provided for the Veteran’s home in the past? Has he done anything to ID needs at the home and then find federal funding sources and direct it to address those needs? I’m guessing the oppo research folks are looking at his record right now.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:05 pm
=== vote doesn’t matter===
Then none of his votes matter that he went against Trump.
Can’t have it both ways, sport.
=== Who cares.===
LOL, you do, apparently, since you can’t get over the mental gymnastics that Kinzinger, when faced the vote for impeachment…
… Adam Kinzinger voted against impeaching Donald Trump.
It’s a fact, or if you’d like, we can pretend “doesn’t matter” or “who cares” are real positions, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:05 pm
==I don’t see a “no” vote on a President that’s no longer President impacting voters ==
Your assuming Trump will go away. If only.
Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:16 pm
=== Your assuming Trump will go away===
Yep.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:16 pm
For the love of everything sacred, will these people put up proof or shut up? Not “wow, this looks kinda fishy” or “many people have found some very interesting things”… Actual proof, like “John Smith of Chicago was caught voting at two different locations in one day and both counts were part of the official tally, and here’s the proof”.
All of these vague, empty BS statements remind me of the birther issue.
Comment by TheUpperRoom Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:31 pm
“LOL, you do, apparently, since you can’t get over the mental gymnastics that Kinzinger, when faced the vote for impeachment…”
Underwood’s margin of victory was lower in 2020 compared to 2018. Trump was publicly promoting Oberweis at rally’s in the final month or so and Oberweis was on stage with him at a rally, maskless, during a pandemic, in Kenosha of all places. Oberweis a continued failed candidate. All of these factors seems like it should have been a lay-up in the 14th. Did people really not know how Jim Oberweis would vote in an impeachment vote or again does it not matter?
Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:39 pm
=== Underwood’s===
We’re not talking about Underwood.
We’re talking about Adam Kinzinger, when it mattered, supported Donald Trump.
=== Did people really not know how Jim Oberweis would vote in an impeachment===
When you need Dorm Room ridiculousness with unicorns and rainbows…
You’re actually turning me away from Kinzinger, if this is the thinking to play off bad votes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:43 pm
===What exactly will constitute something you can be removed by this administration? Chapa LaVia has put the bar quite high.===
Ask John Sullivan.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:44 pm
=== Ask John Sullivan.===
Sullivan should be asking why he was measured differently than Chapa LaVia, being given a pass, with public support no less
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:49 pm
==*** UPDATE *** Maura Gillespie at Kinzinger’s office…==
Which VISN? Illinois is part of 3.
https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/contactus/visn.asp
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:51 pm
To the update;
=== Well, somebody isn’t telling the truth.===
Should be real easy to check.
Emails, phone calls, etc.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 3:53 pm
=== Which VISN? Illinois is part of 3. ===
VISN 12 headquartered in Westchester.
Comment by Citizen Kane Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 4:09 pm
If Kinzinger wants to play at this level then he needs to get his facts straight from the get-go. And to other comments on this post, his support of Trump will come back to haunt him when he plays the moderate repub card.
Comment by Shytown Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 5:40 pm
== I’m guessing the oppo research folks are looking at his record right now.==
You’re fomenting “oppo research” while the veterans’ calamity is on fire at LaSalle? Oppo research on a politician is a priority right now? SMH.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 8:05 pm
The timelines that are being presented by the USVA, IDVA, and Governor’s Office still aren’t making sense. They’re not talking apples-to-apples. Which is exactly why there needs to be a truly independent investigation.
Comment by Citizen Kane Thursday, Dec 3, 20 @ 8:35 pm