65% in Illinois Are Angry at Federal Government’s Policies
from Rasmussen Reports
Sixty-five percent (65%) of Likely Voters in Illinois are at least somewhat angry at the current policies of the federal government, according to a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey.
That finding matches the level measured nationally, and includes 41% who are Very Angry at the government’s policies.
Just 32% of voters are not angry at the government’s policies.
Fifty-four percent (54%) of Illinois voters believe that neither party’s political leaders have a good understanding of what is needed today. Twenty-nine percent (29%) disagree with that assessment, while 17% are not sure.
While strong majorities of Republicans and voters not affiliated with either party are angry at the current policies of the government, over half of Democrats (54%) say they are not angry with the federal government.
The survey of 750 Likely Voters in Illinois was conducted on August 23, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/-4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
Sixty percent (60%) of all voters in the state believe most members of Congress don’t care what their constituents think. Twenty-one percent (21%) disagree and feel congressmen do care. Nineteen percent (19%) are not sure.
An overwhelming majority of GOP voters feel most members of Congress neglect their constituents, while Democrats are more evenly divided.
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk remain in a near-tie in Illinois’ race for the U.S. Senate.
Republican Bill Brady continues to hold a modest lead over Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn in Illinois’ gubernatorial race.
Another Macoupin County Miracle!
As a Republican County Chairman in a County that is perceived to be a very solid Democrat stronghold, I have been extremely encouraged by what I have witnessed over the past several months.
We have a great batch of local candidates running on the Republican ticket this November. We even have a County Clerk Candidate for the first time in almost three decades. I am seeing the impossible as possible for the first time in years.
Proof of the strides we are making here in my county occurred last Sunday during our First Annual Family Fun Day. A small miracle occurred when we managed to gather together over 160 Republicans for a picnic lunch in Benld, Illinois. Folks, I know that 160 people doesn’t sound like a lot, but trust me, this was a wonderful sign for Republicans in Macoupin County!
Benld has typically been a very Democrat area. How Democrat, you may ask? Less than 40 Republican ballots were pulled out of the almost 300 ballots cast during the February Primary in Benld.
The most encouraging part of this turnout of support for the Republicans was not just the number of people attending, but all the new people attending that day. There were a number of our faithful supporters, but looking around that day, I saw faces that I had never seen at a Republican event in the past six years that I have been a Precinct Committeeman.
So keep your fingers crossed and the prayers headed our way for an even bigger miracle in Macoupin County on November 2, 2010. We are believing for a Republican victory in Macoupin County!
10 Ways Anyone of Hispanic Heritage Could Be a Republican
An Open Letter to Sen. Reid from Rafael Rivadeneira
Dear Sen. Harry Reid:
You say you would like to know “how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican.” Allow me to be of assistance. Below are “10 Ways Anyone of Hispanic Heritage Could Be a Republican.”
Uno: A Hispanic could believe that this country offers more opportunities to work hard and provide for his or her family than any other place on earth, in any other time in history. And that economic empowerment, not dependence on government, is a key component of freedom.
Dos: A Hispanic could find it unjust to have to hand over a third or a half of his or her income in taxes to a wasteful government simply because he or she achieved the American Dream.
Tres: A Hispanic could believe that education vouchers and school choice offer the best opportunity for his or her children to be properly educated.
Cuatro: A Hispanic could believe that putting the demands of the teachers unions over the needs of the students is upside-down and lacks compassion.
Cinco: A Hispanic could believe that marriage consists of one man married to one woman. And that family should be the bedrock of society.
Seis: A Hispanic could believe that life begins at conception and that destruction of unborn children is murder.
Siete: A Hispanic could believe that the best ways to help the less fortunate are through private giving and providing increased opportunities to be educated and to work.
Ocho: A Hispanic could believe that gun control bans make them less safe and have been ineffective, ala Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Nueve: A Hispanic could believe that having secure borders is essential to immigration reform.
Diez: A Hispanic could believe that President Obama and the Democrats are destroying the economic free enterprise system that attracted many Hispanics to America in favor of a quasi-socialist economic model of wealth redistribution that many Hispanics immigrants left behind.
Does that help at all? Still confused? Perhaps this means you believe Hispanics have such limited intellects that all we care about are amnesty and handouts, which of course are two things that Democrats “excel” at.
I understand how this can be hard to imagine for people like you. You are obviously blinded by your own racial assumptions and stereotypes (When a Republican is like this, you call them “racist”). You obviously see Hispanics as caricatures or as a desperate, lazy class of people needing rescue from White Men in Big Government like you.
Otherwise, why on earth would it be so hard to imagine “why anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican”?
Believe it or not, Sen. Reid, the Hispanic citizens of this country have come here like any other immigrant class—ready to learn, ready to provide, ready to become Americans. Not to be enslaved and entrapped by a government that thinks we are less capable than our fellow Anglo citizens.
If you’re still confused, Sen. Reid, you should understand that we Hispanics do have our own thoughts, our own beliefs, our own individual values. Just like any other ethnic group, as a matter of fact!
We don’t all cook our beans the same way, and we don’t all vote the same way. Because even if we all look alike to you, Sen. Reid, on the inside we are actually quite different—with whole different brains, hearts, and souls at work within us. Each cranking out different views and convictions.
Hispanics are a wonderfully diverse and dynamic group of people, but I’ll venture a guess on something we probably can all agree on: we don’t need YOU, yet another White Man, to speak for us. Contrary to what you might imagine, most of us speak (even English!) just fine.
I hope this has been helpful.
Best–
Rafael Rivadeneira
The Illinois Conservatives take great pride in helping local, state, and national conservative politicians get elected. See what some of the candidates we have helped say about us below…
Michael Harn says “I would like to tell everyone how much of a hard working backer Zack is once his TEAM jumps on board. I could of never WON OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF with Zack and the Illinois Conservatives on my backside !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Zack and Crew !!!!!!!”
Isaac Hayes says “I want to thank the Illinois Conservatives for your endorsement of my candidacy for IL-2. My opponent is a founding member of the radical Apollo Alliance. Continue to champion Conservative principles.”
Jason Plummer says “Congratulations to Zach and everyone at the Illinois Conservatives for surpassing 2,000 members! Thanks for all you do. In order to win it takes a strong team and the Illinois Conservatives are an important part of our team!”
Brady leads by 13
Category: Polls
Rasmussen Illinois Gubernatorial Survey
•Bill Brady (R) 48% [44%] {43%} (47%) [45%] {45%} (47%)
•Pat Quinn (D) 35% [37%] {40%} (36%) [38%] {38%} (37%)
Favorable / Unfavorable {Net}
•Bill Brady 46% [47%] {49%} (47%) [47%] {48%} (51%) / 39% [35%] {35%} (33%) [32%] {35%} (30%) {+7%}
•Pat Quinn 39% [41%] {42%} (42%) [43%] {37%} (44%) / 54% [55%] {54%} (52%) [50%] {59%} (51%) {-15%}
How would you rate the job Pat Quinn has been doing as Governor?
•Strongly approve 10% [7%] {10%} (8%) [7%] {9%} (10%)
•Somewhat approve 26% [30%] {34%} (34%) [33%] {34%} (33%)
•Somewhat disapprove 23% [27%] {23%} (23%) [30%] {23%} (28%)
•Strongly disapprove 37% [34%] {31%} (34%) [28%] {33%} (27%)
In political terms, please tell me whether Bill Brady is very conservative, somewhat conservative, moderate, somewhat liberal or very liberal.
•Very conservative 28%
•Somewhat conservative 36%
•Moderate 16%
•Somewhat liberal 3%
•Very liberal 4%
In political terms, please tell me whether Pat Quinn is very conservative, somewhat conservative, moderate, somewhat liberal or very liberal.
•Very conservative 2%
•Somewhat conservative 12%
•Moderate 31%
•Somewhat liberal 32%
•Very liberal 15%
Would it be more accurate to describe Bill Brady’s views as mainstream or extreme?
•Mainstream 42%
•Extreme 32%
Would it be more accurate to describe Pat Quinn’s views as mainstream or extreme?
•Mainstream 41%
•Extreme 38%
Survey of 750 Likely Voters was conducted August 9, 2010. The margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted July 26, 2010 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted July 7, 2010 are in curly brackets. Results from the poll conducted June 7, 2010 are in parentheses. Results from the poll conducted April 28, 2010 are in square brackets. Results from the poll conducted April 5, 2010 are in curly brackets. Results from the poll conducted March 8, 2010 are in parentheses.
Inside the numbers:
Brady gets 83% of the GOP vote, but just 57% of Democrats support Quinn. Among voters not affiliated with either major party, the Republican leads by better than two-to-one.
Help keep the Bush Tax Cuts in place
Many of you may have seen this already, but I wanted to pass along just in case you hadn’t.
Raising taxes is not an option in a recession, and that is exactly what will happen at 12:01 a.m. on January 1st unless we can get Congress to extend these tax cuts. We are middle-class and I know we are going to be hurting April 15th if the marriage penalty comes back and the child tax credit goes back down. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but we, the working middle class cannot afford to continue paying for the spending addiction of the career politicians driving the bus.
Please go to the attached website and add your name to the 100,000+ names on the petition.
Thank You,
Terri Koyne
http://leagueofamericanvoters.com/
We are excited!
In 2008 the Democrats were excited about the elections, they knew they were going to win large majorities and even the White House. Barack Obama had them fired up. Now, just two years later, we the conservatives/Republicans are the excited ones. We are ready for this election.
In late June, I walked a parade in my hometown for Sam McCann who is running for state senate. Republicans also had walkers for Wayne Rosenthal, the next State Representative from my district, as well as a few local candidates. All the Democrats had was one lousy truck advertising Charles Landers who is running against Rosenthal, and that truck left the parade early, because he knew the Republicans had stolen the day.
During the July 4th weekend, I was in Iowa and went to a 4th of July parade and the Republicans had a large float supporting all of their candidates. The Democrats had nothing!
In my town/district there are signs in yards and on the roadside supporting Rosenthal and McCann, but nobody has any Democratic signs up.
Now I know it may still be early in the campaign season, but I can already tell Republicans/conservatives are excited about this election and we will win many seats. We need to help these candidates who have donated so much of their time to run as “common sense” conservatives who are nervous about the way our state and nation are heading. So please in this crucial time in our nation’s history, donate some of your time to help these guys win: you can stuff envelopes, make phone calls, walk your town and district, donate a few bucks, etc… but please, help us take our country and state back!
FEC Report gives clues to November races (15-19)
15th Congressional District (-R- Tim Johnson)
Many few Tim Johnson as the most moderate Republican from Illinois outside the Chicago area. This district has been represented by the GOP since 1977. This district also voted for Bush both times and McCain in 2008. Tim Johnson is being challenged by David Gill. The GOP is poised to hold this seat. Johnson holds the money advantage $192,497 to Gill’s $17,114. Not a real strong conservative in the race but Johnson would be better then another yes vote for Obama.
16th Congressional District (-R- Don Manzullo)
Don Manzullo looking strong as usual in the 16th. The Incumbent Manzullo has $429,324 on hand. Democrat challenger George Gaulrapp has only $5,302 on hand. George has gotten very little help from the Democratic Party as well. Manzullo has served this district since 1993. He has stood opposed to moving suspected Terrorist to the Thompson Prison. Manzullo has gotten over 66% of the vote since 2000. An easy win for Manzullo and the GOP. Great win for conservatives!
17th Congressional District (-D- Phil Hare)
The 17th district is another district here in Illinois that the GOP hopes to pick up. A new poll came out showing GOP Challenger Robert Schilling beating the Incumbent Hare 45-32. Hare is a big Pro-Choice democrat. Him and the Speaker work hand and hand on most issues. During the Obamacare drama Hare was caught saying “I don’t worry about the constitution on this to be honest.” This shows just how far out there Mr. Hare is. As conservatives we need to elect Bobby Schilling.
18th Congressional District (-R- Aaron Schock)
Aaron Schock looks like a lock to win re-election. Also, this district hasn’t been represented by a Democrat since 1939. Most consider Aaron to be a fiscal conservative but more moderate on the social issues. Aaron is facing Deidre Hirner. Hirner has $16,727 to the Incumbents $430,736.
19th Congressional District (-R- John Shimkus)
John Shimkus looks like another safe Republican here in Illinois. He is facing a very light challenger in Tim Bagwell. The FEC report shows that Bagwell has $4,546 in the bank compared to the Incumbents $1.4 million. Bagwell and Shimkus faced off back in 2004 with Shimkus prevailing 69%-31%. Look for Shimkus to easily be re-elected in the 19th.
FEC Report gives clues to November races (11-14)
11th Congressional District (-D- Debbie Halvorson)
This is a seat here in Illinois that the GOP can take! President Bush won this district in 2000 and 2004. This district was represented by the GOP from 1995-2009. Debbie Halvorson does have $1.4 million on hand in her first re-election bid. Her GOP challenger is U.S. Air Force Capitan Adam Kinzinger. Kinsinger’s campaign reports that he has $480,046 in the bank. Kinsinger is 32 years old and a defendant bright star in the GOP’s future. This is a district to look at for the GOP to pick up a seat.
12th Congressional District (-D- Jerry Costello)
This district was held by the GOP for 30 years until a special election was held in 1993 to fill a vacancy was won by Jerry Costello. Jerry had previously been serving the now defunct 21st Congressional District start in 1988. He was unopposed in 2006 and won easily in 2008. This year he faces GOP challenger Teri Newman. Teri Newman is strongly opposed to Obamacare. Jerry Castello voted for Obamacare. This could turn into a surprisingly very competitive race. Castello has 2.5 million in the bank. Teri Newman’s FEC report was not available.
13th Congressional District (-R- Judy Biggert)
This district is a strong GOP district that went for President Bush in 2000 and 2004. This district also hasn’t seen a democrat represent it since 1895. This district has a rematch from 2008. Democratic challenger Scott Harper lost by 10% in 2008 and will give it a go again this time around. Judy Biggert is a moderate Republican. But she is better then a Scott Harper type in DC. Judy has $869,396 in cash and the Democratic challenger has $198,405 in the bank. The GOP incumbent looks pretty safe here in the 13th.
14th Congressional District (-D- Bill Foster)
This is another district that the GOP is targeting to take over this November. This is the former house district of Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. From 1939-2007 the district was represented by the GOP. The GOP is putting Randy Hultgren up agaist the incumbent Foster. Incumbent Foster has 1.5 million in the bank to Hultgren’s $244,669. However, Foster has over $900,000 in outstanding debt. Foster is notorious for not reaching out to the people he represents. I believe Hultgren prevails in this race come November.
FEC Report gives clues to November races (7-10)
7th Congressional District (-D- Danny Davis)
Another strong democratic district. In fact, I cant find anything on the FEC website for any Republican having any cash on hand to oppose Danny Davis. Mark Weiman is the GOP nominee. This district has not been in GOP control since 1948. Danny Davis has $366,621 on hand in his re-election bid. Between the unorganized Republican and the strong democratic voting record of this district it doesn’t look good for the GOP.
8th Congressional District (-D- Melissa Bean)
This is a district that has a very vulnerable incumbent in Melissa Bean. This is a district the voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004. Melissa Bean is being challenged by Joe Walsh. Bean voted for Obamacare. Walsh has used that against her throughout the election to date. The Walsh campaign is having a lot of trouble raising cash. Reports have surfaced that employees are not being paid. Also, other reports are out there about other misconduct through out the election process. Bean is leading big time in the money race 1,170,672 to Walsh’s $30,293. This is a seat the GOP should have been able to pick up but it seems to be slipping out of the GOP’s hands.
9th Congressional District (-D- Jan Schakowsky)
This is another one of those districts that it will be hard to get a conservative elected. In saying that though I have to give Joel Pollak a lot of credit in getting organized. Although, this seat hasn’t been in GOP control since 1949 so its going to be a big hill to climb for Joel. The FEC is reporting that Schakowsky is leading the cash on hand battle $535,580 to just $50,304 for Pollak. I would love to see Jan go because she is one of the most liberal members of the entire congress.
10th Congressional District (-R- Mark Kirk)
Since Mark Kirk is running for U.S. Senate this seat becomes open. Bob Dold won the GOP Primary and currently has $725,468 in the bank. His Democratic competition is Dan Seals. Dan Seals has $792,021. Seals has been the Democratic nominee the past two election cycles. He was able to get about 47% both times against Congressmen Kirk. The 10th District went for Topinka in 2006 but has gone democratic in the last three Presidential cycles. In the 10th it will be hard for a true (fiscal and social) conservative to win that is why the GOP never puts a true conservative up in this district. Normally, its either one or the other.
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