Author: AC4508

Well the New York Times might not get involved, but Chicagoland’s premier newspaper weighed in today on Mark Kirk’s distortions: http://www.chicagotribune.com/…

Considering the Trib’s conservative bent, it is very noteworthy that they took Kirk to task like this. I dont expect that this will sway the race one way or another, but what it does do is prove Kirk to be a flawed candidate. Unfortunately, Kirk’s Senate opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, is also flawed as his family bank gave loans to felons and ultimately collapsed. Yet, instead of a “corrupt vs. honest” narrative, Kirk’s misrepresentations may make this a “lesser of two evils” race. And in Illinois (see: Blagojevich, Rod) that race will be won by a Democrat 9 times out of 10.

Police have arrested Illinois’s governor, Rod Blagojevich, on corruption charges: http://www.chicagobreakingnews…

What does this mean for the vacancy in the Senate? And the 2010 Governor’s race? We’ll find out.  

I thought this Washington Post story on how much the entire New Jersey delegation hates Rep. Andrews to be very, very fascinating. I must admit, after reading this Andrews seems like quite a tool.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…

Well this is a shocker. This fall, the corrupt Rep. Jerry Weller announced that he would retire from his seat. IL-11 has a PVI of just R+1, so this was marked to be a huge battleground. Just a few weeks ago, New Lenox mayor Tim Baldermann won the GOP primary against two lesser challengers, but now it appears he’s suddenly ready to drop out.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/… 208/GOP_nominee_for_Weller_seat_to_withd raw_from_race.html

All I can say is wow. What a blow. Why would you run for a primary if you didnt want to stay in the race? I believe the GOP has the ability to hand-pick his successor, but that person will start at a huge organization disadvantage. The Democrat in this race is State Senator Debbie Halvorson.

http://www.debbiehalvorson.com/

 

The 11^th District Democrats are pleased to invite you to:

 

 

 

Our first annual organizational dinner on Friday, August 17^th 7:30 PM at Aurelio’s on 310 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, IL.

 

Please join us for food, drink, and a discussion of the state of Democratic politics in the 11^th District.

 

Only $20 to participate in this inaugural gathering.

 

Additional contributions welcome.

 

Expected attendees include 2006 11^th Congressional District candidate John Pavich and presumptive 2008 candidate Jerry Weber

 

 

 

            The 11^th District Democrats is an organization which has recently been created to further the cause of Democratic politics within our district.  Our goal is to help raise volunteers, money, and awareness to aid those running in local, state, and federal elections.   Also, we hope to facilitate coordination between local and county Democratic organizations.  Obviously, in order to build a permanent party infrastructure, we need individuals interested in our cause to actively participate in the process.   To this end, we would be pleased if you joined us at our dinner to learn more about the organization, as well as offer any ideas or suggestions.

 

 

 

Please pay either by cash or check at the event.  Make checks payable to the “11^th District Democrats”. 

 

If you are unable to attend, but still would like to join the organization, please send your contact information to Nikhil Bhatia via email or telephone.  Donations for those unable to attend can be mailed to 580 Butternut Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423.

 

PLEASE RSVP by August 10.

 

Email: nbhatia3@uiuc.edu

 

Telephone: (815) 557-3528.