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Democrat Daniel Biss’ Grassroots Campaign Getting Green In IL House District 17

Daniel Biss has got the Wall Street Journal talking about his campaign. He’s got the New York Times talking about his campaign. Daniel’s in the top political blogs (including one just yesterday). I’ve talked about Daniel Biss’ campaign before - it’s been an amazing one to follow - and they’re just continuing to exceed expectations. Amazing.

From Daniel Biss for State Representative:

THOUSANDS OF REAL INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS RAISE OVER $280,000 FOR BISS

Skokie, IL — Democrat Daniel Biss today announced that his campaign for State Representative has raised an unprecedented $289,000 since he entered the race for Illinois’ 17th District in 2007. The finance report showed Biss raised more than $133,000 since the last reporting period in December 2007 and has over $219,000 cash on hand.

The report, filed with the Illinois Board of Elections, shows that the overwhelming majority of Biss’s contributions have come from individuals. Over 2,000 individuals have given an average of $130 to the Biss campaign, with 1,200 contributing $200 or less.

“I am overwhelmed at the wide and deep support of the hard-working men and women in the 17th District, and across the country, who have taken it upon themselves to become partners in our campaign for change,” Biss said. “When this race began, I vowed to make our campaign a model of inclusiveness and grassroots support.

“Today, we are emboldened in our commitment to progressive, independent reform. By coupling technological innovation with tried and true organizing principles, our supporters are empowering themselves to change the way politics is done in Illinois.

“I continue to stress that as a State Representative, I will answer to the people of our district, not to lobbyists, special interests or the traditional power brokers,” Biss said. “Our campaign for change continues to grow, gaining volunteers, collecting endorsements and building support throughout the district.”

“While I’m gratified that our campaign’s financial bottom line is able to keep pace with my opponent’s,” Biss said, “money is just a small part of what this campaign is about. Getting out every day in the district, talking and listening to voters, and gaining support from all the different areas of the community ultimately will be the thing that matters in November.”

Posted 01 July 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Change § Democratic Party § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication ‡ Comments (0) °

King Sunny Okosuns (1947-2008)

I only had a couple of Nigerian musician Sunny Okosun(s) albums, but he was an important part of my reggae collection. He has a great, upbeat (in the sense of uplifting) sound. He also pioneered reggae in Nigeria and Africa as I understand it. He was known for considering messages essential to his music, and his music was revolutionary in more than one sense. Later in life he was successful in gospel.

I can’t find (quickly) many good videos - but here’s a song I know well:

I’ll always remember the CD cover of my first album of his - a guy in (what I take to be) traditional African/Nigerian garb/headdress and high heeled cowboy boots backed up by less ostentatiously African/Nigerian dressed musicians wearing sneakers.

Posted 26 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Political Communication ‡ Comments (0) °

Congresswoman Judy Biggert Calls Her Vote “Hard To Explain” - Challenger Scott Harper Calls It “Out Of Touch”

Congresswoman Judy Biggert called her recent vote against economic relief “hard to explain” given the high unemployment rate in the 13th Congressional District. But Judy Biggert still voted against the bi-partisan unemployment benefits bill supported by 49 of her fellow Republicans, including fellow Illinois Congressional Republican Tim Johnson.

From the Scott Harper for Congress Campaign:

“HARPER SLAMS BIGGERT ON UNEMPLOYMENT VOTE
Democratic candidate criticizes ‘hard to explain’ rationale

Naperville, IL - Scott Harper, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the IL-13, today blasted Judy Biggert for her vote last week against granting emergency benefits to the growing number of unemployed. In a strong show of bi-partisan support for economic relief, forty-nine Republicans joined with House Democrats to pass these benefits.

‘With unemployment rates climbing and with families suffering from rising gas prices and home foreclosure costs, Judy Biggert continues to be out of touch with the people of this district,’ said Harper (D-Lockport.) ‘She has been part of the problem in Washington and her latest vote against giving relief to people who’ve lost their job is simply unconscionable. Unfortunately, though, this vote is indicative of the real Judy Biggert.’

Biggert voted against legislation that would provide up to thirteen weeks of extended unemployment benefits to every state, benefiting the 190,000 out-of-work Illinoisans. She later admitted in an interview published today by Politico that it was “hard to explain” her vote because of the high jobless rate in the 13th district.

‘Congresswoman Biggert’s vote is hard to explain because it’s the wrong vote for the district,’ said Harper. ‘It’s hard to explain to the people of this district who are struggling; it’s hard to explain why she voted against thousands of working families right here in our community while giving herself seven pay raises during her time in Washington. But when you look deeper, maybe it’s not that hard to explain. Time after time, instead of providing relief for our families, she has been nothing but a rubber stamp for George Bush and his failed agenda in Congress.’

Harper continued, ‘Judy Biggert’s votes in Congress continue to be hard to explain but she will have to explain her record to voters this fall. And when they learn the truth, they will seek a new direction and elect leadership who will fight for change in Washington.’

The U.S. Jobless Rate increased to 5.5 percent in May up from 5 percent in April, the largest monthly increase since 1986.”

If you’re looking for change in the 13th Congressional District, then please consider a donation to Scott Harper’s Campaign. The reason isn’t “hard to explain.”

Posted 25 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Party § DuPage Political Campaigns § DuPage Politics § Economy § IL - 13th Congressional District § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication § Republican Party ‡ Comments (5) °

Ezra Klein On The American Troop Surge In Iraq

Very worth reading.

Posted 25 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Bush Administration § Iraq War § Media Watch § Political Communication § Terrorism ‡ Comments (0) °

Sporadic Blogging Ahead…

I’ve got a tremendous amount on my plate of late, so blogging has had to take a back seat. I’ll have a bunch of quick posts today. Going forward, this summer looks quite busy, but I’ll try to blog as much as I can.

Posted 25 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § WurfWhile Housekeeping ‡ Comments (0) °

Rifat Sivisoglu Raising Competitive Funds In DuPage County Board District 1

Following a fundraiser last Thursday, DuPage County Board Democratic Candidate Rifat Sivisoglu’s Campaign reports that he has raised $25,000 in the race. While that amount may not make Rifat a top fund raiser for the board any time soon, one GOP opponent had about double that in the bank at the end of the year, it is enough at this stage to say Sivisoglu’s fundraising can permit him to wage a serious, competitive campaign.

Rifat Sivisoglu is a faculty member at Elmhurst College who holds an engineering degree and an MBA, with honors, from Boston University. Rifat also has over 25 years of business management experience, including with major corporations at the director level. Rifat Sivisoglu is an example of the quality candidates DuPage Democrats have attracted to run in local elections this year.

As well as he is doing, Rifat could still use your help funding his campaign. Please donate - make a difference locally this year!

Posted 10 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Change § Democratic Party § DuPage Political Campaigns § DuPage Politics § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication ‡ Comments (0) °

Scott Harper For Congress Fundraiser With Alexi Giannoulias June 10

If you haven’t been to Meson Sabika, you’ll like it, and if you have been then you know you’ll like it. From the Scott Harper Congressional Campaign in the 13th District:

Please join Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
When: Tuesday, June 10th, 2008; 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL, 60540
Why: Help raise funds for Scott Harper, Candidate for Congress (IL-13)
Cost: ‘host’ $1000*; ’sponsor’ $500; ‘guest’ $250, ’supporter’ $50

Please RSVP to Geoff Alberti by phone (630) 848-2111
or email Geoff@scottharperforcongress.com
to purchase tickets online, visit www.scottharperforcongress.com

Posted 04 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Dem Dates § Democratic Party § DuPage Political Campaigns § DuPage Politics § IL - 13th Congressional District § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication ‡ Comments (1) °

Halvorson Campaign Poll Says She’s Beating Ozinga In 11th Congressional Race

According to the poll Democratic State Senator Debbie Halvorson has an 11 point lead over GOP businessman Martin Ozinga. While the questions weren’t released, in a district that’s been Republican for a long, long time that strikes me as impressive.

The Ozinga campaign has countered the impressive news with the following criticisms:

“Shouldn’t Senate Majority Leader Halvorson be leading by more than 11 points against someone who was a private citizen two months ago?
She’s been in this race for several months - Marty’s been in it for several weeks.
She’s been an elected official in this district for 15 years.
She’s arguably the most powerful woman in Illinois.
She’s the quasi-incumbent in this race.
So the fact that she’s well under 50 percent with all of those initial advantages - and before our campaign has spent one dime on paid media - makes me question why she released these numbers as if they were good news.”

Color me unconvinced by the Ozinga campaign’s arguments - here’s what I’m thinking point by point.

Ozinga is a “[p]rivate citizen” who has been in the race only “several weeks?”
Martin Ozinga’s cement business, the only supplier to Chicago, is pretty visible (the red and white trucks are not only on the roads - they’re at school events too) and he is not only politically active, a major campaign donor, and connected himself, but Ozinga comes from a local political family including his father and his uncle, who was a congressman. In short, Martin Ozinga is an active, notable public figure even though he wasn’t in office or (until recently) running for office.

Debbie Halvorson has “been an elected official in this district for 15 years.”
Actually Debbie’s been an elected state senator in the 40th District - which is in the 11th Congressional District - but is far from encompassing the congressional district. Does that mean Debbie has served residents of the congressional district and knows them? Yes. Does it mean that Debbie has to meet a lot of residents she’s never served? Yes. Debbie’s got an advantage in her senatorial experience, there’s no doubt, but it’s hardly the advantage of knowing everyone in the congressional district.

Debbie Halvorson is “arguably the most powerful woman in Illinois [and]…[s]he’s the quasi-incumbent in this race.”
There’s no doubt Debbie is one of the more powerful women in Illinois (I’d also include Lisa Madigan among other elected officials) - but power in this sense isn’t necessarily the same as name recognition, which matters in polls. Truthfully, how many average Illinois residents are likely to be able to name their state senator (and I’m saying both parties, and throughout the state)? Debbie Halvorson hasn’t served as a higher name recognition congresswoman, but as a state senator. Additionally, Debbie hasn’t represented a big chunk (possibly a majority of the land mass and maybe the voters) of the district. Those are two big differences - she’s not the incumbent in the way the Ozinga campaign suggests.

Polling “before [the Ozinga]campaign has spent one dime on paid media?”
Well, perhaps technically - but it is interesting how Ozinga’s namesake cement supply company started radio ads around February. Very interesting.

In the end we’re left with Democrat Debbie Halvorson, a state senator in part of the district, running against Republican Martin Ozinga, a businessman with political connections and some long-time name recognition, in a traditionally Republican congressional district. Does it sound like Debbie Halvorson’s initial 11 point polling lead in this GOP-leaning district is pretty good? With the caveat that it’s still early, yes, it sounds pretty good.

Posted 03 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Party § IL - 11th Congressional District § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication § Republican Party ‡ Comments (1) °

State Senate Harmon, More Than Bi-Partisan, Garnering Unanimous Votes

It’s great when positive things get done in state government. It’s even better if we can get positive things done in a bi-partisan way, where both Democrats and Republicans support a good bill. What can you say about good bills that get unanimous votes - where everyone voting supports the bill? Pretty amazing!

I don’t track every bill, but State Senator Don Harmon deserves tremendous credit for two recent bills he sponsored that received unanimous votes in the State Senate and, better yet, also passed the State House (one unanimously, the other with a majority). Senator Harmon’s recent ethics bill, sponsored in the House by Representative John Fritchey, passed the General Assembly unanimously yesterday. On Friday, the day before, Senator Harmon’s Senate Bill 1872 (SB1872), on DuPage nominating petition signature requirements for elections, passed the House with a majority under Representative Paul Froehlich’s sponsorship. The State Senate previously voted unanimously to pass SB1872.

Not every bill, nor every worthy bill, can command a unanimous vote. But when two worthy bills, including one neutralizing a partisan ballot issue, can command unanimous votes you need to take your hat off to the legislator leading the charge. Congratulations Senator Don Harmon!

Posted 01 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Change § Democratic Party § DuPage Political Campaigns § DuPage Politics § Ethics § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication § Republican Party ‡ Comments (0) °

Harmon, Froehlich Bill Provides DuPage Candidates With Equal Ballot Access

Overturning Republican State Senator Dan Cronin’s efforts to restrict DuPage County candidate ballot access, Democratic State Senator Don Harmon and Democratic State Representative Paul Froehlich sponsored a bill passed in the Illinois General Assembly last Friday that requires DuPage candidates to collect the same number of signatures to get on the ballot as is required by every other county in Illinois. The legislation moves to Governor Rod Blagojevich’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.

Senator Cronin’s legislation that passed last year, but hasn’t yet affected elections, tripled the number of required petition signatures to get on the ballot in DuPage compared to the rest of Illinois’ 101 counties. The move was seen as a partisan effort by Senator Dan Cronin, who serves as Chair of the DuPage Republican Party, to hamper the then growing and as of last primary now officially dominant DuPage Democratic Party, by leveraging the more established Republican Party infrastructure in DuPage.

The Daily Herald quotes DuPage Democratic Party Chairman Bob Peickert saying that having “a different formula for DuPage County than anywhere else [in Illinois]…makes no sense.” State Representative Paul Froehlich said of his and Harmon’s efforts, “We are now going to have equality in DuPage.”

On a personal (and public) note, I know that Don Harmon and Paul Froehlich worked hard on this one to make sure that candidates in DuPage had at least the same ballot access as candidates in other Illinois counties. This is a fundamental issue of providing more candidate choices for DuPage voters to choose their democratically elected representatives. Both Don and Paul deserve both our thanks and support for being on the side of greater democracy (small “d”) in DuPage and Illinois.

Posted 01 June 2008 † Hiram Wurf § Democratic Change § Democratic Party § DuPage Political Campaigns § DuPage Politics § Illinois Political Campaigns § Illinois Politics § Political Communication § Republican Party ‡ Comments (3) °