pekau says he won't take pension benefit

The high profile battle for the office of mayor of Orland Park in southwest suburban Chicago is fueled by the board's decision to give the 23 year incumbent Mayor Dan McLaughlin a massive salary boost and huge pension after only one term in office. The salary and pension spike has outraged many voters and for the first term in many years a challenger, Keith Pekau, appears on the verge of winning

By Ray Hanania

Public anger that Orland Park's mayor  will benefit from a huge pension is fueling the anger and tensions that have turned Orland Park's Mayoral Dan McLaughlin's re-election bid into one of the most contested elections in years.

The issue hits hard because so many people in our society today are facing retirement with either little or no pension to support their retirement, an issue that is especially sensitive to senior citizens who happen to be the largest voting block not just in Illinois but in Orland Park.

McLaughlin has said he did not push for the pay hike and that making him full-time would save the village millions. But his critics including a former mayor and trustee, Ed Schussler, insist that the pay hike plan was always McLaughlin's idea and that the board, which rarely votes against the mayor, just went along.

Tragically for Mayor McLaughlin, had he not accepted the huge pension, he would have been easily re-elected as many voters say they are content with the direction of the village. But finances and taxes and spending are too critical to voters and the mayor's pension spike controversy has turned the election upside-down.

About 100 Residents of Orland Park filled the board meeting room Monday Oct. 17, 2016 to protest increasing Mayor Dan McLaughlin's salary 375 percent from $40,000 to $150,000 a year. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania.

Opponent says he will reject pension if he wins

Keith Pekau, who never ran for office before, said he was as outraged as everyone else when the Orland Park Board approved the pay hike and the pension spike which would raise McLaughlin's pension from $30,000 a year to $110,000 a year. The salary hike increases his salary fro $40,000 to $150,000 a year.

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Pekau said that he got in the race not just out of anger
but with the promise that if he is elected
he will not take the pension benefits
and will do everything he can to repeal the salary hike.

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But a point that angers many is that the salary and pension spike was only intended to help McLaughlin and only takes effect during the next four years of the term of the next mayor, whom the board said they expected to be McLaughlin.

But the pension spike issue has changed everything.

And Pekau said that he got in the race not just out of anger but with the promise that if he is elected, he will not take the pension benefits and will do everything he can to repeal the salary hike.

"I didn't get into the race until right after the board voted," Pekau said. "I was angry about the salary and about the huge increase the mayor would get in his pension. There are so many voters out there who don't have a pension and it just didn't seem right."

Pekau said that if he is elected on April 4, he will refuse the pension benefits and save the taxpayers millions, whether he serves one term or more than four years.

"I will not take any pension benefits. I will opt out of the pension. That's my commitment to the voters," Pekau said.

I asked Pekau about this when a follower on Facebook asked me what Pekau would do.

"Some argue that I can't opt out of the pension and that I must take it," Pekau said. "But that's not true at all. Full time employees can't opt out of the pension but elected officials can if they have never been in the pension system before."

When you look at all the issues facing both candidates there are positives and negatives, but no single issue stands out more than the issue of the pension.

Voters who support McLaughlin are criticizing the influx of outside funding from the Liberty Principles PAC, a conservative Republican PAC.

But Pekau's supporters point out that McLaughlin is a Democrat who has received similar support from the Democratic Party.

The Republican-Democratic issue is of some importance especially since Orland Park voter overwhelmingly to break from the Illinois trend in the last Presidential Election to support Republican Donald Trump. Trump received 50.4 percent of the vote while Hillary Clinton received on 44.4 percent of the vote.

Click here to read how Democrats and Republicans are battling in the McLaughlin-Pekau race.

Orland mayoral race has state's attention

The battle between Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin and challenger Keith Pekau has the attention of the entire state apparently creating a wild election contest filled with a lot of unusual issues, supporters and claims

By Ray Hanania

The battle to lead Orland Park, one of the fastest growing suburbs in Chicagoland, has never been as heated and as close as is this contest April 4 between 23-year incumbent Dan McLaughlin and his Republican challenger Keith Pekau.

McLaughlin has had challenges in the past but never as tough and as strong as Pekau is mustering this time around.

The battle is all out war.

Pekau's candidacy is fueled by a move made by McLaughlin last year to boost his salary from $40,000 a year -- which was already high for a part-time mayor -- to more than $150,000, the largest salary increase any incumbent politician has ever given themselves.

Keith Pekau

But more significantly, it's not just about a pay hike and a monthly wage. It's also about the pension McLaughlin will receive as a result of this record pay hike. McLaughlin has no pension with the Village of Orland Park because he was always part-time, and his primary fulltime job has always been with the unions.

Under the pay hike approved last year, McLaughlin will immediately qualify for a pension of more than $100,000 a year if he is re-elected April 4 and begins taking the record $150,000 annual mayoral salary.

In the past, the battles have been about policies. This time it's personal for many voters in Orland Park who are struggling with the still slow economy and changes in healthcare and retirement concerns. The issue of pension abuse has so bruised Illinois residents because this state tops the list of the worst government pension abuses on record.

McLaughlin's pension grab has fueled Pekau's candidacy and clearly has caused McLaughlin and his allies to shudder in some fear of what might happen Tuesday April 4.

That's why so many unusual things have happened. Here is a look at the few of the unusual issues at hand.

Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin

Jim Dodge the Republican Democrat

McLaughlin is a hardcore Democrat but one of his supporters is a former Republican Committeeman and ally on the Village Board Jim Dodge. Dodge, who hasn't done much in the Republican Party in a long time sent a letter  hoping that his support will weaken the support Pekau is receiving from Republicans.

The Republican vote is important. Republican Donald Trump won Orland Park in the presidential election with over 50 percent of the vote over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, who received only 44.4 percent.

Yet in his letter, despite supporting one of the region's strongest Democratic mayors, Dodge noted how he previously ran as a Republican for Illinois State Comptroller in 2010 and served as Republican Township committeeman.

Of course, Dodge didn't mention in his letter that in his bid, he tried to torpedo one of the most respected Republican office holders in the state, Judy Baar Topinka. Many people viewed Dodge's run for Comptroller not as an effort to win as a Republican but to weaken Topinka, the only Republican to hold a statewide office. She previously served as Illinois Treasurer, ran unsuccessfully for Governor, and then ran for Comptroller in 2010.

Topinka trounced Dodge with nearly 60 percent of the vote and criticized Dodge for entering the race rather than backing a Republican Party incumbent. She believed that Dodge's candidacy was intended to weaken her in the 2010 Republican Primary to make it easier for
a Democrat to defeat her in the November 2010 General Election.

But Topinka won anyway and was re-elected in 2014. Unfortunately Topinka, one of the most beloved Republican leaders in Illinois, died a month later on Dec. 10, 2014.

Reminding Republican voters of how he tanked Topinka probably wouldn't do his support for McLaughlin a lot of good.

Senator Durbin jumps into the fray

How often does a U.S. Senator jump into a local mayoral election. But that's exactly what U.S. Senator Dick Durbin did this past week,

Durbin sent an email to voters in Orland Park that urged them to support McLaughlin, which to me only reinforced the growing perception that Mayor McLaughlin is in real serious trouble.

If you thought Pekau had no chance of beating McLaughlin, Durbin's letter puts the nail in that coffin. Unofficial polling shows Pekau and McLaughlin running neck-and-neck and that is shocking for someone who has been in office 23 years and easily defeated every past challenger.

What's the issue this time?

Well, it's the issue Durbin's letter didn't address, the issue of the $110,000 pay hike and the corresponding pension boost that the mayor will receive.

You see, Durbin is one of those Illinois politicians who could be blamed for the huge pension turmoil that Illinois is experiencing, a pension crisis that has dragged Illinois to the lowest levels of the economic scale. Illinois ranks as the worst state in the nation economically and you can't blame that on Gov. Bruce Rauner. It was that way before he even stepped in the door.

Durbin's email talked about all the good things Orland Park has achieved but avoided any mention of the salary hike and the pension boost.

Durbin wrote:

"In Illinois many municipalities are in financial crisis, and have seen their credit and bond ratings tumble."

Yea, you should know Senator!

Durbin goes on to detail McLaughlin's assets and in and of themselves, they pretty good. Orland is one of the best communities in Chicagoland. That's true. There are some economic issues but the retail base is strong.

Yet, after listing all of McLaughlin's benefits, Durbin just couldn't get himself to acknowledge that his "pal of 20 years" made a huge mistake in ratcheting up his salary from $40,000 to $150,000, and gifting himself a pension of a record $80,000 a year after only a few years of service?

No wonder this country is so screwed up in Washington D.C.

Bill Daley explains his decision to withdraw from Governor's race

Bill Daley explains his decision to withdraw from Governor's race

Dear Friend --

This morning I spoke to the media and announced that I will no longer be a candidate for Governor.  I did so with a heavy heart.

We all know that Illinois faces many difficult challenges and that it will take the next Governor a while to dig Illinois out of the hole it's in.

I've lost sleep thinking about whether, at age 65, this what I want to do with my life.

Because of that, I felt the voters of Illinois deserve someone as their Governor who will commit not just to a tough campaign, but to the more difficult job of governing.

As I've surveyed both the rigors of the campaign and the enormity of the challenge of fixing Illinois' problems, I concluded that I can't commit to what the voters need.

I didn't get into this campaign with any illusions.  I knew it would be tough.

But, I also believe I could have won because I have a vision for our state that takes us from the bottom to the top.  I felt we built a great team and had bold visions for where we wanted to take the state.

As part of a family that has public service in its blood, I've always been motivated to serve.  I've been honored to serve our nation and two of our Presidents in leadership positions, and I've also been given the opportunity to succeed at the highest levels in the business world.

However, those responsibilities also taught me that if I was to serve you as your Governor, I needed to give it 110%.  At this stage in my life, I couldn't make that commitment to you.  Throughout my life, I have looked forward to serving as an elected official, but I discovered, it isn't to be.

To those who have supported my campaign so far, I want to say thank you.  I've been touched by your support -- whether it's through a commitment to volunteer, give me advice or financial support, or stand with me to bring change to Illinois.

I thank you.

Bill

P.S. If you made a financial contribution to the campaign, we will be returning your contribution as swiftly as possible as we perform a final audit and reconciliation of our records.

Quinn responds with his own Harold Washington videos

Gov. Pat Quinn was stung by the campaign commercial released by rival and comptroller Dan Hynes in which the late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, a week before he died, savaged Quinn in an interview.

Quinn was just a young opportunist back in the 1980s, thin and with a full head of hair and promises of frugal grandeur. Quinn's most destructive act was to mislead voters into believing he was a reformer, rather than a big mouthed opportunist, and rallied a drive to cut back the 3rd seat in the Illinois legislative districts that we now know crippled party diversity.

Quinn's people blasted Hynes for the use of Washington's powerful and devastating words, and then, came back with an attack of their own in which Washington attacked Hynes three times. Not Dan Hynes, but Dan Hynes' popular and brilliant father Tom Hynes.

It's typical of the vicious nature of the Quinn campaign. Quinn has a hate list that he keeps targeting journalists who have criticized him, and is blind to corruption and questionable conduct by people around him. Some of Tony Rezko's closest activists found their way in to state government and controversy through Quinn who associates with some questionable characters in the American Arab and Islamic community. Quinn is no friend of moderation and has helped the most extreme, anti-Israel elements rise in state power. They're all around him and recently some of them were involved in forums to showcase their preferred candidates.

As an American Arab involved in fighting for moderation for years, I would not want to be in the same room as some of the fanatics that Quinn has allied himself and I have spent the past two decades distancing myself from those questionable characters. There is a battle between moderates and extremists in the American Arab and Muslim community and Quinn has not associated himself with the moderates.

Dan Hynes, however, responded that Quinn's attack ads focus on his father, Tom Hynes, at a time when Dan Hynes was only a teenager.

Quinn's biggest complaint about Hynes is the narrowly focused controversy over the Alsip cemetery. In truth, it's terrible but every state agency was duped by the operators. Public sector fraud is committed by criminals, not the government officials whose agencies monitor the public sectors. The fact is Quinn as the twice-running mate of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has more to answer to than Hynes. What did he do to protect Illinois citizens.

I knew Tom Hynes well. He is a great man. Dan Hynes will undoubtedly be even greater.

Quinn, well, he has been one big disappointment. A self-serving hypocrite with a grudge and that's not the kind of person who should be running our state.

I covered Harold Washington during my 17 years as City Hall reporter including for the Chicago Sin-Times. Washington really disliked Quinn. And although Hynes challenged Washington for mayor, many thought Hynes' real focus was on the sinister Ed Vrdolyak. Washington actually liked Hynes very much and although they had their political squabbles, it wasn't a personal fight, but always professional between Hynes and Washington. You can't say the same for Quinn.

Ray Hanania
www.RadioChicagoland.com

The Scoop: Jim Dodge will announce for Illinois Comptroller

Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge is expected to formally announce his candidacy next week for the office of Illinois Comptroller, the seat vacated by 19th Ward Democrat Dan Hynes who is running for Governor against Pat Quinn in the February 2 Democratic Primary.

Hynes' move creates an open race. Dodge, who has strong ties in the Republican Party and years of experience in government, will be able to take advantage of several factors that give him an edge in his run. The major media will be focussed will be on the top three races of U.S. Senate, Illinois Governor and Cook County Board president. With no incumbent in the comptroller's office, it comes down to which candidate will have the best name recognition in second-tier offices.

Dodge has both a great name and strong party backing. And he's going to reach out beyond party lines, noting that the hardships caused by today's economy nationally and Illinois do not distinguish among party affiliation.

Dodge and his wife Linda have two children, Ashley and Jimmy. A technology consultant by profession, Dodge has proven leadership experience in government and community.

He was re-elected last April to his 6th term on the Village of Orland Park Board as a trustee. Orland Park remains one of the state’s leading municipalities.

He has served on the METRA board as a director since 2004. Dodge doesn't talk from two sides of his mouth. He serves on the METRA board and he rides the METRA train from his Orland Park home to his office downtown. Practicing what you preach is a unique qualification in Illinois politics that will help him.

Dodge served as the Orland Township Republican Chairman from 1994 to 1996.

He served as the Cook County Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Young Republicans.

Dodge has a BS Degree in Psychology from DePaul in the Honors Program. He has an MBA in Economics and Finance from the University of Chicago.

A veteran, Dodge served in the Illinois Army National Guard as a Sergeant 178th Infantry Battalion, 44th RAOC, from 1988-1996.

Click to read Dodge's bio?

--Ray Hanania

www.RadioChicagoland.com

Nick Valadez announces candidacy to challenge Sales Tax Hike Champion Joan Murphy in 6th Cook County District

For Immediate Release

July 16, 2009

VALADEZ ANNOUNCES COUNTY BOARD CANDIDACY AT REFORM GATHERING

Nick Valadez Chairman of Fix Cook County a grassroots organization created to reform

Cook County Government will announce he is a candidate for Cook County Commissioner in the 6^th District on Saturday, July 18, 2009.

Valadez will make his announcement before over 100 supporters at what is being described as a “Reform Fest” hosted by Sharon Miller at 17419 Parkside Avenue in unincorporated Tinley Park. Several groups are expected to be in attendance to promote causes ranging from recreational vehicle parking rights, repeal of the County sales tax hike and the Crestwood tainted water scandal.

“We found in talking to people throughout the District there were many issues of concern with the current County Commissioner. We decided to bring them together for a “Reform Cook County Lollapalooza” said Valadez.

The event will run from 1 p.m. through 10 p.m. with activities scheduled throughout the day including food, music, horseshoes and even Karaoke. Valadez will address his supporters at 2:30 p.m. The event is expected to be unprecedented for a County Board seat campaign announcement.

end

Don't rule out Hillary Clinton so quickly

I want change as much as anyone else, but despite Barack Obama's lead in the Democratic race for the presidential nomination, he's still only in the stretch with a slightly better lead than Hillary Clinton.

Neither candidate has secured the locked delegates to win the nomination, and the popular vote has been frighteningly split almost equally in half. I think the enthusiasm to end this contest contradicts the primary season itself which has dragged on more than six months since Jan. 3 in Iowa.

The Democratic convention is not until August, more than two months away. That's where we will know or not know the real intent of the so-called "Super" delegates. The term "super" delegates is a phrase coined to described the gaggle of insiders who have been given "unpledged" delegate positions. They can change their minds and support any candidate they want, crossing back and forth from one candidate to another as often as they want.

What that means is that Obama does lead in pledged delegates and allegedly in unpledged delegates, but the reality of those unpledged delegates does not become final until the convention.

So why rush it? Why circumvent the very Democratic process we embrace and try to use numbers, and statistics that can be twisted in many ways to come up with many answers? Why not celebrate the power of the Democratic Party having two powerful and charismatic leaders, Obama and Clinton, and allow that leadership now to move towards the convention where the pledged delegates MUST cast their vote for the candidate they have been assigned to by the will of the American voters, and unpledged delegates can still weigh the real challenge: who is the best candidate to win the nomination and defeat Republican John McCain.

McCain is not a real choice for most Democrats who voted in the heated Obama-Clinton fracass. But, Hillary Clinton remains a real choice for nearly 50 percent of the Democrats who voted. Are we that sure that Obama can blow the doors off McCain in November that we can afford to tell those Americans who supported Clinton that their intentions are basically dimpled chads that can discarded, too?

I say slow down. I say take pause. I say build the Democratic Party and don't allow it to be torn down as we move towards the Democratic Convention. This race is still close and if Hillary Clinton does not drop out -- a right she has and has earned through a phenomenal performance that so closely matches Obama's own campaign showing -- we should work with both.

The Dream Ticket of Obama and Clinton is one that would be powerful. In fact, that is what Democratic voters have said very clearly as we turn the corner to the final stretch into the Democratic Convention. Let's not turn Denver into Chicago by ignoring the feelings of so many.

Ray Hananiahttp://www.themediaoasis.com/

Chicago Reader picks up on Pera media conflict

The Chicago Reader has a more detailed story of the controversy involving Mark Pera's spokesman, Patrick Corcoran, who has been writing bylined news stories about Pera's campaign challenge to U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski in the "Trib Local," (http://www.triblocal.com/) the weekly community tabloid published every Thursday in some 21 suburban communities, many on the Southwest Side and suburbs.

Here's the link to Michael Miner's story:

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/hottype/080124/

The story coincidentally comes out the same week I wrote a similar column, appearing this week in the Southwest News-Herald on the same topic. Both of us have deadlines the previous week. And, at the same time, according to the Trib-Local web site, the "news stories" bylined by Patrick Corcoran have been rebranded to relfect what was not reflected in more than 12 past news stories byt he writer, that Pat Corcoran works for the Mark Pera campaign.

Here's the link to my column:

http://swnewsherald.com/news_inside/2008/01/012508cs_rh_shellgame.php

What was missed in the Chicago Reader story is the manipulation of the Corcoran bylined stories by the Pera campaign. Pera has repeatedly asserted that former Congressman Bill Lipinski has been "running" his son Dan's re-election campaign, arguing that is something wrong with that "fact." Pera cited "press accounts," placing the blame for the charge on the news media.

Of course, the only place that made that accusation was in the Trib Local, in a "news story" bylined by Patrick Corcoran.

The Chicago Reader goes into more details about the the Trib Local managing editor, Kyle Leonard, was an editor at the Pioneer Press, the same time Corcoran worked there.

You won't see the downtown mainstream media hammer away at that one!

Ray Hanania

Illinois Civil Justice League issues judicial endorsements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Curt Mercadante
January 25, 2008 (312) 301-9055

Illinois Civil Justice League Issues Judicial Endorsements for February 5 Primary Election

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Civil Justice League, through JUSTPAC, the organization’s political action committee, has issued its endorsements for circuit court vacancies in the February 5th Primary Election.

“We are proud to endorse these candidates, each of whom has exhibited a commitment to a fair and impartial legal system,” said Ed Murnane, president of ICJL. “The voters should know that casting a vote for these candidates is a vote for honest and common sense – and in favor of a civil justice system that is fair to all sides.”

Following are the circuit court candidates endorsed for the Primary Election:
For Cook County Circuit Court (Montelione Vacancy):Debra Walker (Democrat)For Cook County Circuit Court (Nowicki Vacancy):Michael B. Hyman (Democrat)For 10th Subcircuit (Cook County – Pucinski Vacancy):Eileen O’Neill Burke (Democrat)For 13th Subcircuit (Cook County - Republican Nomination):Margarita Kulys HoffmanFor 1st Circuit (Stewart Vacancy, Republican Nomination):James “Randy” MooreFor 12th Circuit 2nd Subcircuit (New Seat, Republican Nomination):Elizabeth DowFor 18th Circuit (Moy Vacancy, Republican Nomination):Dorothy French
The ICJL and JUSTPAC intend to endorse additional candidates in the 2008 General Election and candidates who are unopposed in the primary were not evaluated for this first endorsement. All candidates for judicial office in Illinois were invited – twice – to respond to the Illinois Civil Justice League’s candidate questionnaire and to provide additional information about themselves and their qualifications.Only candidates who responded were considered for endorsement. All the information provided by the candidates, including their response to the ICJL questionnaire, is available on IllinoisJudges.net. Information about the candidates may be found by following the links to their pages on www.IllinoisJudges.net.

The Illinois Civil Justice League is a coalition of Illinois citizens, small and large businesses, associations, professional societies, not-for-profit organizations and local governments that have joined together to work for fairness in the Illinois civil justice system. Learn more at www.ICJL.org.

# # #

Elected officials who have endorsed Dan Lipinski for Congress

Elected officials who have endorsed Congressman Dan Lipinski in the 3rd Congressional District:

Elected officials who have endorsed Congressman Dan Lipinski’s re-election campaign include: James Balcer--Alderman, City of Chicago, 11th Ward
Frank Olivo--Alderman, City of Chicago, 13th Ward
Edward Burke--Alderman, City of Chicago, 14th Ward
Ginger Rugai--Alderman, City of Chicago, 19th Ward
Lona Lane--Alderman, City of Chicago, 18th Ward
Michael Zalewski – Alderman, City of Chicago 23rd Ward
Samuel Simone--Committeeman, Palos Township
John Thoman--Committeeman, Riverside Township
Bob Lovero – Committeeman, Berwyn Township
Charlie Hernandez – Committeeman Cicero Township
John Daley--Committeeman, City of Chicago
Michael Madigan--Committeeman, City of Chicago, 13th Ward
Matthew O'Shea--Committeeman, City of Chicago, 19th Ward
John Joiner--Committeeman, City of Chicago, 18th Ward
Luis Gutierrez—Congressman, Illinois 4th District
Michael O'Connor--Mayor, City of Berwyn
Gene Siegel--Mayor, Village of Chicago Ridge
Michael Howley--Mayor, City of Hickory Hills
Harry Klein--Mayor, City of Burbank
Ed Guzdziol--Mayor, Village of Worth
Jeffrey Tobolski--Mayor, Village of McCook
Robert Conrad--Mayor, Village of Countryside
Richard Scheck--Mayor, Village of North Riverside
Paul Gatusso--President, Village of Westchester
Donald Tabor--President, Village of Stickney
Steve Landek--President, Village of Bridgeview
Krzysztof Wasowicz--President, Village of Justice
David Brady--President, Village of Bedford Park
Joseph Strzelczyk--President, Village of Summit
Michael Garvey--President, Village of Brookfield
Richard Andrews--President, Village of Indian Head Park
Noel Cummings--President, Village of Hodgkins
James Discipio--President, Village of LaGrange Park
David Visk--President, Village of Lyons
Harold Wiaduck--President, Village of Riverside
John Lynch--President, Village of Western Springs
Dennis Magee--President, Village of Merrionette Park J
ames Brosnahan--State Representative
Mary Flowers--State Representative
Kevin Joyce--State Representative
Robert Molaro--State Representative
Jacqueline Collins--State Senator
Edward Maloney--State Senator
Martin Sandoval--State Senator
Louis Viverito--State Senator

Jerry Bennett fundraiser draws 19th ward supporters

Contact Information:
Alex Behrend, 708-907-5063

Bennett Bash at Bourbon Street

19th Ward Operations Shaping up for Bennett’s Bid to Oust Lipinski

[CHICAGO, Illinois] -- Demonstrating his growing support in key regions of the Third Congressional District, supporters in the 19th Ward communities of Beverly and Mount Greenwood are hosting a campaign event today at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park for Democratic challenger to Dan Lipinski, Mayor Jerry Bennett.

“We are building a grassroots network of local leaders and elected officials in this campaign to bring renewed pride to our Congressional District and change to Washington, DC,” says Jerry Bennett of his network of support in the 19th Ward and throughout the 3rd CD.
“Our support is homegrown in the district and we have the momentum in these final days before the election.”

Last month, Bennett enjoyed a strong turnout of supporters at an event in Berwyn at Michael Anthony’s restaurant. The campaign has also held house parties in La Grange, Palos Hills, as well as lined up ground operations in Worth, Lyons, Stickney and the 11th, 13th and 23rd Wards of Chicago.

Bennett’s energetic leadership and proven accomplishments for Southland communities stem from his life-long roots and record in the area. Born and raised in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, Bennett went to school in Beverly and also lived in the community right after he and his wife, Christine, were married in 1970. Both sides of Bennett’s family are from the District … his wife grew up in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge near Midway Airport.

19th Ward leaders, including John Sullivan who ran against Dan Lipinski in 2006 and Maureen Kelly, co-hosted the event along with Bennett’s sisters Kathy Guitierrez and Barb Bennett.

ABOUT JERRY BENNETT

A proven leader with a proven record to change Washington DC, Jerry Bennett is running for Congress to get the U.S. out of Iraq, get the economy back on track and pass universal health care. As Mayor of Palos Hills for 27 years and a small business owner, Bennett is the only candidate running in the Third Congressional District who has the experience providing good jobs with real benefits and standing up for what is right for our region.

A lifelong resident of the Third Congressional District, Bennett’s roots and record run deep. Born and raised in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of the City of Chicago, Bennett went to school in Mt.
Greenwood and lived in Beverly with his wife Christine when they were first married. Christine grew up in Garfield Heights near Midway Airport. They moved to Palos Hills to raise their three daughters - Sara, Rebecca and Kristen.

As President of the Illinois Municipal League and Chair of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Jerry Bennett has worked with leaders across the region to implement and deliver critical economic development initiatives and quality of life proposals.
Many of the suburban towns of the Third Congressional District are represented by the Southwest Conference of Mayors, which Bennett founded to provide a strong, united voice in Washington, DC and Springfield.
Bennett also started Southwest Central Dispatch – covering this area and beyond – which coordinates critical first-responders such as fire, police and EMT in life-saving emergencies

- END -

Mayor Bennett statement on Bush veto of Schip bill

For Immediate Release: December 12, 2006

Contact: Alex Behrend, 708-907-5063

Statement of Mayor Jerry Bennett (Candidate for Congress, IL-3) re Bush Veto of SCHIP Bill

"As a small business owner and Mayor, I have always made sure my employees and those working for the City of Palos Hills have quality, affordable health care because it is devastating to be without coverage.

George W. Bush’s veto of health insurance for children is outrageous and an all-too-familiar example of why we need experienced leaders in Congress who can be effective on key issues such as comprehensive health care – especially for the youngest and most vulnerable in America."

- END -

Fred Thompson names Illinois campaign leadership

Thompson Campaign Announces Illinois State Leadership

October 16, 2007

McLean, VA - Senator Fred Thompson’s campaign today announced its top leadership for its operation in the State of Illinois. State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington will serve as the Chairman of the campaign’s state organization and Congressman Don Manzullo will serve as its Vice-Chairman.

“The groundswell of support that we’re seeing among Illinois Republicans makes me very excited to be a part of this organization,” Senator Brady said. “Senator Thompson's consistently conservative record and his willingness to take on America's most pressing challenges uniquely prepares him to not only lead our party, but also win a general election, ensuring that our nation's military will remain strong, our families safe, and our taxes low."

"I'm honored to serve as Vice Chairman of Fred Thompson's Illinois operation. Fred Thompson has the clear vision and common sense conservative principles that we need in Washington to address the modern challenges facing our nation,” said Congressman Manzullo.

“These two leaders bring a wealth of experience to our Illinois organization,” said National Political Director Randy Enwright. “Senator Brady and Congressman Manzullo and their combined experience in the state will help us lead a strong campaign in the state of Illinois.”

Senator Brady has served in the Illinois Senate since 2002 and previously served in the state House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2006 and has continued to travel throughout Illinois to help build a stronger state Republican Party. He has been a leader in urging stronger state ethics laws, promoting a stronger business climate in Illinois and in defeating massive tax increases proposed by the current Democratic administration.

Congressman Manzullo was first elected in 1992 to serve the people of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes the counties of Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Carroll, the majority of McHenry County and parts of DeKalb and Whiteside counties. In the 110th Congress, he sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment and a member of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade. He continues to serve on the Financial Services Committee, where he sits on the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises and the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology.

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Pera campaign in Southwest SIde Congressional district takes off on the Internet

Tuesday, Sept. 24 2007
Mark Pera already a hit with the netroots

The Mark Pera for Congress campaign started this week with a bang.

First, Mark visited his cousin U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California, in her home district for a successful weekend fundraising trip.

Upon his return Monday, the Internet was bursting with news about his campaign in IL-03 against Congressman Dan Lipinski.

That coverage translated into almost $9,000 via Act Blue in less than 24 hours.

Mark’s campaign has also been added to the influential Blue Majority group on Act Blue, which is also backing Democratic candidates Al Franken, Darcy Burner and Donna Edwards. For more information, visit click here. With that boost, we once again made Act Blue’s Top Five list alongside Presidential candidate John Edwards and Senate candidates John Warner and Jeanne Shaheen.

If 2006 was any indication, a candidate like Mark, who is receiving this tremendous netroots support, will fare well in his bid to unseat Congressman Lipinski on Feb. 5

Please take a look at the following entries below. As always, feel free to contact the campaign with your questions. Let me know if you’d like to make arrangements to talk with Mark.

www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/24/195020/099

www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/24/181720/244

www.faithfullyliberal.com/?p=739

www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1545

www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=853

www.mydd.com/story/2007/9/24/201131/525

www.prairiestateblue.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3459

www.archpundit.com/blog/2007/09/24/30-by-30-for-mark-p

Patrick Corcoran
Media director
Mark Pera for Congress
www.PERA08.com
(847) 687-7579
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