McHenry County Blog

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee. They are meeting Thursday night and it won't features tales from the crypt.

Instead, there will be tales from folks who went to other states to work for the campaign of Barack Obama.

COUNTY DEMS TO HEAR TALES FROM THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN TRAIL

CRYSTAL LAKE—The Democratic Party of McHenry County will hold its regular monthly meeting Wednesday November 19 at 7 PM at the McHenry County Farm Bureau, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Meg Murray-Bradshaw, Larry Glowacki and other local Democrats who volunteered to work in the Obama campaign in other states will make special presentations sharing their experiences.

The party will discuss the results of the November election and look forward to the spring township, municipal and local elections.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information call the Party at 815 788-9540 or e-mail info@mchenrydems.com.

Labels: Larry Gowacki, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Meg Murray Bradshaw

Here's the details, straight from the McHenry County Democratic Party:

Democrats Victory Rally at Govnor’s Pub Tuesday Night

Crystal Lake—McHenry Party Democrats will rally at Govnor’s Pub. 220 N Randall Road in Lake in the Hills Tuesday night to watch election returns roll in and celebrate victory.

“Polls close at 7 pm and many of our volunteers will be poll watching and monitoring results in the precincts,” according to McHenry County Democratic Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt, we expect thing to get rolling at Govnor’s about 8 PM.”

McHenry County candidates will be on hand along with, Precinct Representatives, volunteers, and supporters of Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Candidates will keep up with local races via computer connection.

There will be a cash bar. The event is free and open to the public.

And, Republicans will be celebrating in their Crystal Lake headquarters across Route 14 from Target.

The Republicans didn't send me a press release, but, thanks to the McHenry County Young Republicans, who seem to be more techno-savvy than their elders, we learn the Republicans will not be charging for drinks:

There is an election gathering tonight at Republican HQ on Rt. 14 across from Barnes and Noble at 7PM. There will be complimentary food and beverages provided. Alcoholic beverages will be available for those of legal age.

Our regularly scheduled weekly membership email will continue tomorrow after elections.

Thank you to everyone who attended the sign and literature distribution event last night!

Remember to vote today!

Very truly yours,

Bryan Javor-Chairman
Erica Poremba-Vice Chairwoman
Greg Austin-Treasurer
Garret Hill-Secretary

Labels: Bryan Javor, Erica Poremba, Garret Hill, Govnor's Pub, Greg Austin, Lake In the Hills, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Young Republicans

Great planning or great luck has resulted in Bob Ludwig's campaign post card arriving the day before the election.

Here it is:

On the address side is Ludwig's photo.

Labels: Bob Ludwig, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats

McHenry County Democrats have sent out an imaginative post card based on the game of Monopoly.

They obviously want people to think that McHenry County Republicans have a monopoly on local office.

While that is not true—think of the Democrats on school boards—the partisan offices at the county level are dominated by Republicans, even though at least one used to be a Democrat.

All of the countywide officials are Republicans and only one of twenty-four county board members is a Democrat (Jim Kennedy of Lake in the Hills in District 5).

This article will address where your town has been placed on the McHenry County Monopoly board.

What town is where Boardwalk is? Who's Park Place?

I would have thought Boardwalk would have been Bull Valley or Barrington Hills and Park Place one of those two as well.

But, that's not the case.

So, this isn't exactly a reality game.

Marengo is where Boardwalk usually appears and Ringwood is identified as McHenry County's Park Place.

Crystal Lake, Huntley and Lakewood are the placed where the next most valuable lots are on the real Monopoly board.

The yellow lots just before where the “Go To Jail” sign on regular Monopoly appears are Algonquin, Hebron and Lake in the Hills.

McHenry, Trout Valley and Prairie Grove are the red lots next to where free parking.

Do you notice a lack of uniformity in what appears to be almost a random placement of village and city names?

The orange ones are labeled McCullom Lake, Cary and Woodstock.

Oakwood Hills, Richmond and Harvard are on the same side next to the jail.

Spring Grove, Union and Johnsburg are right before the jail, but they aren't the color I remember on the original board (but I'm color blind to some extent, maybe I'm wrong).

The two cheapest properties on the regular Monopoly board were named Wonder Lake and Fox River Grove. I wonder if residents there will take offense.

Labels: Fox River Grove, Marengo, McHenry County, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Monoploy, Monopoly, Ringwood, Wonder Lake

In the parts of McHenry County I have been, only one Republican candidate has been invisible.

Long-time county board candidate Virginia Peschke, who can be counted upon to be an independent thinker and actually ran against Ken Koehler for McHenry County Board Chairman, was no where to be seen.

Sure, she ran first four years ago, but Democrat Paula Yensen has been working hard going door-to-door in her end of the district (the more populated Lake in the Hills and Huntley), while there were no reports of Peschke doing anything.

I saw none of Peschke's pamphlets earlier this month at GOP headquarters on literature distribution day.

Meanwhile John Jung seemed to be working hard.

And, well he should be given the history of extremely negative campaigning by Democrats in District 5.

(See

Picking of Perry – Part 1,
Picking on Perry – Part 2,
Picking on Perry – Part 3,
Perry Takes Another Hit, and
Negative Campaigning Apparently Works.)

Frankly, I expected Jung to bear the brunt of similar negative attacks. I figured he was in the Democrats' bull's eye, since women are typically seen more favorably at the polls than guys.

Muddying the waters is the candidacy of Woodstock's Frank Wedig. He is running on the Green Party ticket.

Today driving down Fleming Road I saw a

“Re-Elect Peschke - McHenry County Board”

sign. After that I saw a few others.

I don't know if she is going to make a last week mailing to make up for not having given the precinct committeemen anything to pass out.

She certainly should.

Besides Peschke's signs, I saw one for Yensen, her Lake in the Hills village Trustee opponent. I saw some for Green Party candidate Frank Gedig and yard sign

There were 4X4's for Peschke's running mate John Jung near Ridgefield.

Labels: Frank Wedig, Green Party, John Jung, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republicans, Paul Yensen, Virginia Peschke

The following postcard is showing up in McHenry County mailboxes.

It is imaginative in the extreme and may well be effective. It attacks the one-party nature of McHenry County's Republican-dominated partisan offices. (No mention of all the Democrats on school boards, which levy the largest proportion of local taxes or municipal governments--think the 75% Aaron Shepley Crystal Lake city sales tax hike that went into effect on July 1st.)

On the address side are the names of all of the Democratic Party candidates.



Nice touch for those who might want to get more information.

On the back, however, is the

Whoever put this imaginative piece together had a lot of fun.

Lot names are local towns. I wonder how people will take where the Dems have placed their hometowns on the board.

Who gets to be Boardway and Park Place?

I encourage you to click on the image to enlarge it so you can better read the descriptions on.

I wonder if they were alert enough to list the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax.

Regardless, there are mentions of pretty much every McHenry County Republican mistake and abuse of power that I can remember.

In type probably big enough for you to read without enlargement are newspaper quotes with what appear to be fake headlines:

County officers get huge raises

• McCullom Lake cancer study: fatally flawed


• County wants $177 million for new offices


• Valley Hi Nursing Home mismanagement


• Regional land us planning boondoggle

On top is the headline:
Below the newspaper quotes appearsIt must be fun to be a Democrat.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, Monopoly

While my family was playing Bugopoly at the kitchen table, McHenry County Democrats gathered last night in Woodstock's too appropriately named Stage Left Cafe to watch the last presidential debate. To learn more about what they did, you can read the party's press release below.

I wonder if they had “Energized Democrat” tee shirts the way the Republicans do.

ENERGIZED McHENRY COUNTY DEMS PACK WOODSTOCK RALLY

CRYSTAL LAKE—Local Democrats and Barack Obama supporters packed the Stage Left Café in Woodstock to capacity Wednesday evening for an old fashion political rally before The Presidential Debates.

Representative Jack Franks opened the evening with an acknowledgment that Obama had energized the electorate and helped transform the political landscape of McHenry County. He called on the audience to take that energy and apply it to candidates all down the ticket on the local level.

Robert Kaempfe, candidate for the General Assembly from the 64th District pledged to “lead by example” on issues like energy independence. Pointing to the incumbent state’s attorney’s billing of personal expenses to tax payers Auditor candidate Kerry Jullian and State’s Attorney candidate Thomas Cynor each attacked the culture of arrogance and entitlement of entrenched Republican leadership. They pledged fiscal responsibility, transparency and integrity in office.

Candidates for County Board paraded to the microphone to call for diversity of opinion on the Board. James McTague (D-1), Jill Mawhinney and Anita Harmon (D-2), Kathy Bergan Schmidt (D-3), Paula Yensen (D-5), and Bob Ludwig (D-6) hammered away on issues of accountability to tax payers, land use planning, groundwater preservation, and better government.

Meg Murray Bradshaw of Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for Obama called for volunteers to phone bank and travel to battleground states for Obama. Several attendees signed up for trips to Wisconsin.

16th Congressional District Candidate Robert Abboud arrived from a Rockford newspaper endorsement interview just in time to fire up the crowd with an impassioned call to arms. He said that the magnitude of the country’s problems in the face of the current economic emergency truly made this “the most critical election of our lifetimes.” Change, he said, must be secured from the “top of the ticket down t o the most local race.” Abboud told his cheering listeners to each find “at least 16 Republicans or uncommitted independents” and convince them to vote for that change.

A highlight of the rally was a special auction.

Noting the ugly turn of the campaign as John McCain’s fortunes have waned, Cynor, who has coordinated the Democratic Party’s yard sign operation, noted that many of the more than 500 Obama campaign signs placed in the county have been stolen or vandalized. In one case, signs were vandalized three times and the home of the sign host was broken into and defaced. One of those vandalized signs was framed and put up for auction “to show that we cannot be intimidated.” The spirited auction ran up the price to $2,000 and was won by Cynor himself. Proceeds will go to supporting local Democratic candidates.

The crowd stayed to watch the Presidential debate on a big screen TV. They cheered Obama when he landed telling points and hooted at McCain’s perceived misstatements and attacks on Obama.

Members of the crowd departed with unabashed enthusiasm taking with them buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs and a renewed commitment.

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Photos were provided by Patrick Murfin. At the top is State Rep. Jack Franks. Next is 64 District state rep. candidate Robert Kaempfe. Below the crowd seen is 16th District congressional candidate Robert Abboud and state's attorney candidate Tom Cynor.

Labels: Bob Ludwig, Jack Franks, James McTague, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Kerry Jullian, McHenry County Democrats, Meg Murray Bradshaw, Paula Yensen, Robert Abboud, Robert Kaempfe, Tom Cynor

County research attorney and former McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Tom Cynor has put thirty-five big ones into his campaign fund.

That's at least one countywide mailing with money left over for radio and TV.

Without a doubt, this will be the main topic of conversation as Democrats gather at the Stage Left Cafe next to the Woodstock Opera House Wednesday night.

The Democrats sent out this press release on the event:

McHENRY COUNTY DEMS TO RALLY IN WOODSTOCK BEFORE DEBATE

CRYSTAL LAKE—McHenry County Democrats will stage an old fashion political rally at the Stage Left Café, next to the Opera House in Woodstock, beginning at 6:30 this Wednesday, October 15. Led by incumbent Representative Jack Franks (D-63) legislative, county-wide, and county board candidates will be on hand.

The rally will lead up to the last Presidential Debate at 8 PM when local Democrats will cheer on Senator Barack Obama.

Among the candidates slated to appear at the rally are Bob Kaempfe, State Representative 64th District; Thomas Cynor, State’s Attorney; Kerry Julian, County Auditor; David Bachmann, County Coroner; and a raft of County Board candidates.

The rally will feature an opportunity an auction of a unique memento of the Obama campaign in McHenry County.

Pizza will be provided by Citizens for Cynor.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be a cash bar.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom Cynor

That's what the Obama-Biden web site says.

Here are the details:

McHenry County Campaign Trip to Wisconsin (Canvass)

Obama supporters from McHenry County and beyond will travel to the metro-Milwaukee area in Wisconsin to campaign/canvass for Barack Obama. Wisconsin is a swing state in the November election, and the surrounding Milwaukee area will determine whether Wisconsin ends up as a "red state" or "blue state." Meet at Nippersink Middle School, 10006 North Main St. (Rt. 31) in Richmond, Illinois. The school is on Rt. 31, 2 miles north of Rt. 12, and 1 mile south of Rt. 173. We will meet between 8:45 and 9:00 am and then carpool to Wisconsin. Staffers will train/review canvassing technique at one of several Milwaukee area Obama Field Offices. Bring friends and family. There are only five remaining weekends before the general election, with 10 electoral votes at stake!

Crystal Lake's Lawrence Glowacki is heading up the effort.

Labels: Barack Obama, Lawrence Glowacki, McHenry County Democrats

Democratic Party candidates for McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom and Auditor will be holding a fund raiser at Stage Left, 125 Van Buren Street in Woodstock from 7:30-9:30 on Tuesday, September 23rd.

No word as to the cost.

Draw your own conclusions about the location's name.

Personally, I had my fund raisers at Crystal Lake's 1776, whose first menu, lest you think its owner Andy Andresky does not have a sense of humor, charged Republicans more for steak than Democrats.

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Tom Cynor is on the left; Kerry Julian on the right.

Labels: 1776, Andy Andresky, Kerry Julian, McHenry County Auditor, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County State's Attorney, Stage Left Cafe, Thomas Cynor

I'm confused.

I thought the McHenry County Democratic Party moved its annual Jefferson Day Dinner last spring from Crystal Lake's Holiday Inn to Sun City's Prairie Lodge to protest the Holiday Inn's not having workers who belonged to a labor union.

It just occurred to me that last night McHenry County Democrats gathered at the same Holiday Inn to watch U.S. Senator Barack Obama accept his party's nomination for president.

But, I'm confused.

Why was it unacceptable to hold the Thomas Jefferson Day Dinner at the Holiday Inn this past spring, but it is OK to hold the Barack Obama nomination blow-out there a couple of months later?

One holdout from the McHenry County Dem party is Dave Bachmann, candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann provided this statement to McHenry County Blog:

“Strong 'Core Beliefs' are not beliefs that you stand on from time to time based on a 'Political Wind' or for photo or press opportunities.

“The facts that caused the McHenry County Democratic party to pull out of its plans for its annual Jefferson Dinner Party Fundraiser to be held at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn are still in play today.

“It is 'unconscionable' to me that Kathy Bergan Schmidt, the McHenry County Democratic Party Chair, has shifted her position, so soon and so easily, by supporting this Historic Event being held at a facility she just months ago chastised for its lack of supporting a Democratic cause.

"She allowed the official McHenry County Democratic web sight as access for publication of this incredible, historic national event. The same web sight, just four short months ago, she utilized to publicize her distaste for the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn venue.

"This election is about Integrity and standing firm on core beliefs that the American workers should be supported unconditionally." Bachmann stated.”Rather than sacrifice my core beliefs and values towards our hard working American men and women, I will not attend this event.”

I confirmed that the Holiday Inn is still a non-union employer.

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Any image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Barack Obama, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Dave Bachmann, Jefferson Day Dinner, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, McHenry County Democrats

The third party to have a booth at the McHenry County Fair was the Libertarian Party.

Members of both power parties were courting those staffing the booth.

It has no local candidates on the ballot, but its presidential candidate and Larry Stafford, its candidate for U.S. Senate, will be on the fall ballot. Although the latter visited the fair on Saturday at noon, I guess no one took a photo. At least no one sent it to me.

Greeting me was Jim Young, the man who gave the Libertarian Party “established party” status in 2002 by winning more than 5% of the vote for state representative. In fact, he got 11%.

Also at the booth was the new chairman of the McHenry County Libertarians, Mike Brady.

Rounding off the crew was Bill Baruth, who ran for McHenry County Board from Crystal Lake in 2004.

Pointing to the row of pennies in which people could express their level of trust of government, Young told me that the money has been shifting toward the don’t trust government side of the table.

You will not that the trust government ”ALWAYS” bottle only has two cents in it.

This year's penny poll did not seem to attract as much attention as the one run by McHenry County Democrats last year.

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In the shot of the booth, Jim Young is in the foreground, Bill Baruth sits in the background and Mike Brady is sitting to the left. All photos may be enlarged by clicking on them. The photo on top is of a garden tractor pulling something heavy. I watched a couple. Not all made it across the finish line.

Labels: Bill Baruth, Garden Tractor, Jim Young, Larry Stafford, Libertarian Party, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Libertarian Party, Mike Brady

Finally made it to the McHenry County Fair Sunday afternoon.

Should have gone earlier. The price for us old geezers was only $3.

Naturally, I decided to find all the political booths. I went by the two power party booths, not once, but twice, to see if I could pick up more candidates.

Not counting candidates with booths financed by tax dollars (these are the folks the Algonquin Founders Day Parade committee call "office holders"), the Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians were represented.

Because the Democrats had the most candidates, I’ll start with their booth.

It was a double wide one.

Standing there to welcome folks was Democratic Party state’s attorney candidate Tom Cynor.

Also greeting voters were county board candidates Jeff Thirtyacre and Cathy Began Schmidt. Schmidt is chair of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee as well.

Chair Schmidt got me to pose with the Barack Obama cardboard cutout—a duplicate of the one my wife posed with on Navy Pier last week while we were waiting to board the Family PAC cruise boat.

Obama's image was brought out so I could have my picture taken with it.

How bold these Democrats are!

But, I might be bold, too, if my party had gotten more primary votes that the established power party for the first time since that power party was founded and took control of McHenry County government.

They printed out a copy, but, with my scanner on the fritz, I asked that it be emailed to me. I’ll turn it into a message of the day.

Think Wilson in “Home Improvements.”

On the way out of the building, I found a man wearing a Kerry Julian, Auditor, McHenry County tee shirt walking toward the Democratic Party booth. He is challenging Republican County Auditor Pam Palmer.

It turns out it was the candidate himself.

When I came back, there was another candidate.

Robert Kaempfe was chatting with Huntley residents Diane Ayers, a Democratic Party precinct committeeman, and her husband Rusty. Kaempfe is running against Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon.

A good turnout of candidates, I would say.

Tomorrow, it's the Republicans' turn.

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The Holstein cows at the top expressed no political preference.

Labels: Barack Obama, Cardboard Cutout, Cathy Bergan Schmidt, Cow, Diane Ayers, Kerry Julian, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair, Robert Kaempfe, Rusty Ayers, Tom Cynor

McHenry County Democratic Party candidates have sent our a press release announcing their appearance on You-Tub:

LOCAL CANDIDATES UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

WOODSTOCK Il. – From YouTube videos to campaign websites, local Democratic Candidates have unleashed the power of the internet. This week, Citizens for Cynor and others have made available a number of videotaped interviews on their campaign websites and the popular video sharing site – YouTube.

"It's time traditional campaigns re-examined their methods," said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury. "By utilizing available technology we are able to reach out to an entirely new generation of voters. YouTube estimates that there are more than 100 million videos being watched every day. We, of course, only need capture a very small percentage of that viewership to be highly effective."

Overall, the candidates seem extremely pleased with the YouTube interviews.

"There is no substitute for the personal videotaped interview when a candidate is attempting to convey a message" said Thomas Cynor, McHenry county candidate for State's Attorney. "This technology is a cost effective and efficient way for our campaign to connect with the voters and get that message out." A link to Thomas J. Cynor's video interview can be found at the Citizens for Cynor website at www.CitizensforCynor.com.

Other candidates participating in the YouTube video interview enterprise include: Bill Gentes (26th Illinois Senate), Richard Garling (52nd Illinois Representative), Robert Kaempfe (64th Illinois Representative), Kerry Julian (McHenry County Auditor), David Bachmann (McHenry County Coroner) and Dr. James McTague (McHenry County Board, District One).

Video footage and interview was provided by Grant Crowell, Project Director of Grantastic Designs located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Labels: Bill Gentes, Dave Bachmann, Grant Crowell, Grantastic Designs, James McTague, Kerry Julian, Laura Asbury, McHenry County Democrats, Richard Garling, Robert Kaempfe, Thomas Cynor

Below you can read the latest email from Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee Chairman Karla Dobbeck seeking volunteers to walk with the big elephant in Algonquin's Founders Day Parade Saturday.

This morning I received a similar email from the Democrats. It's from
Laura Asbury, the Field Director for Citizens for Cynor. Here is what it says:

"Dear Friends and Volunteers:

"I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the current status of our involvement in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade.

"As you are aware, Citizens for Cynor was denied an opportunity to participate in this year's Algonquin Founders Day Parade. The application denial was based upon an unwritten and previously unenforced committee rule. Furthermore, the local Democratic Party was notified that all other Democratic Candidates were prohibited from participating in this year's Algonquin Founders Day Parade by e-mail from Chairman Alan P. Kirk (full text printed below).

"Since submitting a press release on the details of the denial there has been some position changes by Mr. Kirk. In a phone conference with Tim Kane, reporter for the Northwest Herald, Mr. Kirk attempted to clarify the language in his e-mail to the party. Mr. Kirk now takes the position that he committed a 'typo' when he wrote, 'Please understand that you cannot have any candidates in the parade.' It yet remains unclear what Mr. Kirk intended. We do, however, appreciate Mr. Kane's efforts in trying to understand Mr. Kirk's e-mail and subsequent retraction.

"For many years various Democratic Candidates and the local Democratic Party have enjoyed the privilege of participating in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade. The Algonquin Parade Committee is to be commended for a great job consistently putting together a grade A event. It is no wonder businesses, community groups and politicians wish to participate and everybody loves to watch. It really is an event which should not be missed.

"Accordingly, the campaign is encouraging all volunteers and interested parties to attend the parade and march with the local Democratic Party (http://www.mchenrydems.com). If you don't already have a 'Proud to be a McHenry County Democrat' shirt please contact the local party prior to the parade.

"We will see you all on Saturday. Before line up, stop by and say hi to our candidate, Tom. He'll be one of the guys with the blue, 'Proud to be a McHenry County Democrat' shirts on. And while you're out at the parade please make sure to stop by and thank Republican Party Chairman, Mike Tryon, for supporting our efforts to be included in the event. If you don't know Mike, he will be easy to spot. He'll be wearing his brand new campaign shirt.

"Thanks for all your time, efforts and support.

"Sincerely,

"Laura Asbury, Citizens for Cynor Field Director"

One minor correction to what is stated in the email. As I pointed out Monday when McHenry County Blog broke this story, in 1992 when I was emerging from my 12 year remission from running for elective office, I was prohibited from being in the parade. While parade organizers apparently allowed McHenry County Democrats to promote candidates in 2004 and 2006, there certainly is a long-standing tradition against that practice.

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The photo, supplied by Ashbury, shows candidates wearing campaign shirts in Algonquin in 2006. She wrote me that she is "in the picture, behind one group of hundreds of balloons I assisted in blowing up that day."

The picture can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Algonquin Founders Day Parade, Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Allan P. Kirk, Karla Dobbeck, Laura Asbury, McHenry County Democrats, Thomas Cynor

Algonquin Township Republicans seem to be preparing to rub incumbency in the noses of McHenry County Democrats.

The Algonquin Founders Day Parade folks have this interesting, but long-standing rule saying that candidates campaign be in the parade.

The organizers don't want it be political, don't you know?

I wrote about that two days ago. (I did manage to circumvent the rule, by the way, and, after the parade I may reveal how.)

From this photo provided by McHenry County Democrats, the rule was apparently not enforced in 2006.

Here is a second email from Algonquin Township Central Committee Chairman Karla Dobbeck. Compare it with her first and see if you can see the shift in emphasis.

Good Morning,

Just in case you have not caught the article in today's NW Herald, we will be walking on Saturday in the Founder's Days parade on behalf of our local, state and national Elected Officials. Please don't wear your Energized Republican shirt - all of the elected officials have shirts and a proper one will be available to you!

We will be meeting at St. Margaret Mary school (formerly Eastgate) around 10:00. If you want to park in town or at Port Eds, it will probably be easier for you to get back to your car after the parade is complete. Step off is at 11:00 and all Elected Officials are welcoming walkers!

Then, at 2:00 PM, please join McHenry County Central Committee for a Bar-B-Que as we officially open our new campaign headquarters on Northwest Highway across the street from Target. Many elected officials and dignitaries will be on hand to help us celebrate and your presence is most requested!

If you have a chance to check out the aforementioned article on line, quite a stir and some enjoyable reading!!

Thanks and see you Saturday -

Karla

The sign for McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, seen here in McHenry's Fiesta Days Parade last weekend, ought to make the cut in Algonquin. It doesn't say, "Elect," anywhere.

CORRECTION; A friend of the blog with better eyes than I called to say the Bianchi sign has "RE-ELECT" on it. So, I guess that will have to be covered up to meet Algonquin's rules.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Founders Day Parade, Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Karla Dobbeck, McHenry County Democrats, Republican

With all the stir created by McHenry County Democrats about not being allowed to campaign in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade this weekend, I thought maybe those planning to attend might like to see what they might be missing.

The photos here are from the last weekend’s apparently no - political - holds - barred McHenry Fiesta Days Parade. They were supplied by GOP parade walker recruiter, McHenry precinct committeeman and District 15 Grade School Board member John O’Neill.

244 Republicans, he reports.

First, let’s look at the front of the Democrats’ contingent.


Kids can be seen on the Democratic Party float under a kicking donkey. I imagine the symbolism might have something to do with more people have taken Democratic Party primary ballots than voting on the GOP ticket this spring.

From the tee shirt on the girl to the right carrying the banner, which I looked at first, this looks like State Rep. Jack Franks’ entry.

Looking closer, I see it is a joint marching unit for Franks and Republican Pam Althoff. (No wonder Republicans didn’t come up with an opponent for Franks this year.)

I can’t tell you whether this unit marched with the Republicans, Democrats or far from both contingents. This appears to be a continuation of the cross- promotion that someone sighted a year ago at the McHenry County Fair, where the two shared a tent. Althoff does describe herself as "a social liberal." She also wants to be known as "a fiscal conservative."

In any event, it would seem to be allowed in the Algonquin parade, because office numbers on listed. In fact, McHenry County Board member Tina Hill, who is State Rep. Mike Tryon's administrative assistance is standing behind the banner. I can't remember if she works for Althoff, too.

Democratic Party Central Committee Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt, one of the folks from both parties who urged me to run for Republican precinct committeeman again, can be seen promoting her District 3 McHenry County Board candidacy. She wouldn’t meet the Founders Day Parade rule requirements, but, because she heads the local party, she’ll undoubtedly be on Route 62 Saturday.

State Rep. Mike Tryon drove a red (no, a commenter writes; it's blue) convertible with Althoff’s name and incumbent office on the door. Tryon is the chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee.

Tomorrow: More Republicans.

Labels: Cathy Bergan Schmidt, Fiesta Days, Jack Franks, John O'Neill, McHenry County Democrats, Pam Althoff

During the first half of 2008, the McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee raised $2,300 more than the Republican Party Central Committee.

The GOP took in $19,351, while the Dems raised $21,648.

While raising less, the Republicans spent $1,629 more.

The GOP spent $18,691, while local Democrats expended $17,062.

And, where do they stand as of July 1st?

The Democrats had $14,016 in the bank, while the Republicans reported $2,749.

Not included in the Republican total, of course, were net receipts from Play Day, held last week.

Republicans spent $9,186 on fund raising expenses for the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Operating Engineers Local 150 Lakemoor Banquet Hall, plus $3,600 on salary for its Executive Director Geri Davis.

Democrats spent $7,030 I can identify on their Jefferson Day Dinner. None that I can identify was spent for salaries.

About $5,400 was reimbursed to Lake in the Hills’ Michael Bissett for various printing, mailing, and other expenses. Bissett is District 5 McHenry County Board candidate Paula Yensen’s husband. He apparently plays the unpaid role of “work horse” for local Democrats.

Interestingly, $1,145 of the amount reimbursed Bissett was spent on literature, presumably for the benefit of candidates, although that is not supported by the report.

I can find no similar expenditure that would directly assist candidates in the GOP totals for the first half of the year.

Labels: Geri Davis, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republicans, Michael Bissett, Paula Yensen

I remember chaffing under the Algonquin Founders Day parade rules against candidate participation in 1992.

Oh, if you were an incumbent running for re-election, you could participate.

But no candidates.

Although Democratic Party candidates were allowed to participate in 2004 and 2006, this year's parade committee has lowered the boom.

Hard to know why, but let me assure the rejected Democratic Party candidates that the rule has been applied to this Republican in the past.

Here is the press release and what appears to be a 2006 Algonquin Founders Day parade float photograph which accompanied it:

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN ALGONQUIN FOUNDER'S DAY PARADE

WOODSTOCK Il. – From Harvard to Island Lake, Candidate for McHenry County State's Attorney, Thomas J. Cynor, and his campaign volunteers have participated in all the summer community parades. That streak comes to an end, however, on July 26, 2008 at the Algonquin Founder's Day Parade in Algonquin, Illinois.

The Citizens for Cynor Campaign was notified earlier this month by Algonquin Parade Chairman Alan P. Kirk that their timely parade application was being denied and the tendered check for the entry fee was being destroyed. Chairman Kirk based his denial on what he termed an "unwritten, long standing rule" prohibiting candidates from participating in the parade.

The denial prompted Citizens for Cynor representatives to inquire about the rule with the local Democratic Party.

Party representatives did confirm that Chairman Alan P. Kirk has denied participation of all Democratic Candidates in the parade. In an e-mail to party representatives on May 19, 2008 Kirk states,

"Please understand that you cannot have any candidates in the parade. This is a long standing rule of the parade. You cannot pass out info on them or have any banners. If someone is caught violating this rule, they may be escorted off the parade route and it could be very embarrassing for the candidate."

The nature of the unwritten rule and the particular method of enforcement took campaign volunteers and organizers by surprise.

"I've reviewed the parade application and all the other website information and could not find any reference to this rule,"

said parade volunteer, Barbara Rendine of Crystal Lake,

"If we had participated with the party float and had volunteers show up to the parade with an OBAMA for President sign or a Citizens for Cynor banner, I had no idea that they were prepared to make a scene and escort us off the street."

Although the rule may be "long standing" it has not been enforced in the recent past.

"We had a great time and were well received in Algonquin in 2006 when I marched with the Democratic Party Float,"

said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury;

"at that time we walked with Dick Auman, who was a candidate for U.S. Congress, Alexi Giannoulious who was running for State Treasurer and a host of candidates for County Board."

The McHenry County Democratic Party was even fortunate enough to be awarded a trophy for "Exceptional Community Group – 2nd Place", by that year's parade committee.

Not only did Democratic Candidates participate in 2006, they also participated in the parade in 2004 without incident or comment from that year's parade committee. Both Democratic Candidates Paula Yensen (State Representative) and Patrick Ouimet (State Senate) appeared in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade that year, each with signs, a vehicle and their own marching volunteers.

Volunteers and candidates were left to speculate as to why Chairman Kirk was choosing to enforce such an open ended restrictive rule this particular election year.

"Although some might speculate that Mr. Kirk's party affiliation might have something to do with his decision making, I am willing to give him a pass," said Asbury, "but inconsistently prohibiting people from participating in community parades citing ill-defined, "unwritten" rules is just simply un-American."

Note the slogans on the signs in the photo:

• Water Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Sprawl Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• People Matter
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Traffic Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC

Labels: Algonquin, Founders' Days, McHenry County Democrats

"Ask and you shall receive."

Jesus said that, but it’s pretty good advice, regardless of what you want.

It is obvious that if one does not ask, one will not get.

So, when I saw on Capitol Fax Blog that Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Chicago) was attacking State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), I called the governor’s press office.

I asked for the memo.

And I got it.
Daily Herald reporter John Patterson started his story this way:

“On the same day a suburban lawmaker suggested it's time to officially consider whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be impeached, the governor produced a memo showing that lawmaker recommended family and friends for state jobs.”

Let’s remember the high hopes that Democrats statewide had when Blagojevich took office.

He had picked up on Franks’ bulk purchase of prescription drugs campaign. Franks told me at about the same time this memo was sent that he was working closely with the governor’s office on legislative language.

So, it is not surprising at all that Franks would have sent a memo with names of supporters for whom he wanted the governor to give appointments.

I have published above a copy of the memo FAXed to me by the governor’s press office. You can enlarge it by clicking on it.

But, I’ll re-type it to make its contents easier to read.

M E M O

To: Margaret Houlihan

From: St. Rep. Jack D. Franks

RE: Positions with Gov. Blagojevich Administration

DATE: February 27, 2003

The following are individuals who we had requested be considered for jobs with the Blagojevich administration. They are prioritized as follows:

1. Deborah Wolf Franks for a commission;
2. Herbert H. Franks for a commission;
3. David B. Franks, a non-paid position with Boxing Commission;
4. John Bartman, a position with IDOT;
5. Michael Dalessandro, position as Highway Maintainer with IDOT;
6. Judge Erin O’Connell-Diaz, position with the Illinois Commission;
7. Nancy Vazzano, managerial position with any public service department;
8. Fred Shay, management position, primarily Info Technology and IDOT Aviation;
9. Susan Van Weelden, Commission;
10. Bill Clow, any public service department;
11. Mary Kennedy, any public service department

Patterson wrote,

“Franks said three of the 12 were appointed to posts or got a job, including his father, who was named to an unpaid post on the Illinois Courts Commission. Franks' father is the former president of the Illinois State Bar Association and Rep. Franks said he's ‘eminently qualified.’

“Franks was unsuccessful in recommending his wife and brother for state posts.”

Erin O’Connell-Diaz, a Bull Valley resident was appointed and reappointed to the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Former McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman John Bartman got a job with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Click to enlarge the memo's image.

Labels: Bill Clow, Erin O’Connell-Diaz, Fred Shay, Jack Franks, John Bartman, Mary Kennedy, McHenry County Democrats, Michael Dalessandro, Nancy Vazzano, Patronage, Rod Blagojevich, Susan Van Weelden

Not only did McHenry County Democrats get more votes in this spring’s primary election than Republicans, but they have begun marking their territory.

The mark is in code, just like other gangs, but, with proper manipulation, one can clearly see that it represents the Democratic Party.

And, it is not benign.

Not only does the Democratic Party want to destroy the hegemony Republicans have enjoyed in McHenry County since the party was created in the mid-1800’s, but it is out to leave its mark on the landscape.

They aren’t doing the dirty work themselves any more than donkey droppings at mislabeled "pony rides" can be directly attributed to volunteers going door-to-door in Lake in the Hills last weekend.

Oh, no.

Their little agents don’t leave harmless, if misleading, leaflets about party candidates.

See if you can decode the sign that the Democrats’ latest messengers have begun leaving in very unlikely places.

OK.

Let me make it easy for you.

Look at this mark on Stan Gladbach’s ash tree.

It’s in the shape of a “D.”

And, when was it discovered?

This year.

And how long had it been there before anyone noticed?

A state employee told me 2000, but, he did get his current job about the time Governor Rod Blagojevich took office, so we’ll take everything he says with a grain of salt.

And, speaking of salt, didn’t the Republican Party turn into a pillar of salt about that time?

Still can’t see the “D?”

We know those Democrats are sneaky.

They don’t want Republicans to know what they are doing until after the votes are counted and they have won a county board seat here, maybe a coroner’s or state’s attorney’s race there.

But, in an attempt to provide early warning to Republicans who are interesting in reforming the local party, published here is the exit hole of the emerald ash borer.

It is clearly shaped like a “D.”

So, Republicans, be forewarned.

The first ash trees were just across the street from Kane County.

We know what happened there two years ago.

The Democratic Party candidate for sheriff beat the Republican.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Labels: Emerald Ash Borer, McHenry County Democrats

Last Saturday, it was Democrats approaching homeowners in Lake in the Hills on behalf of Paula Yensen, McHenry County Democratic Party candidate for county board in the 65th district.

Today, it is 6th district candidate Robert Ludwig.

Accompanying him with be the Democratic Party for McHenry County State’s Attorney, Tom Cynor.

They are meeting at Culver’s at 11 AM. They will knock on doors until 3, when treats at Culver’s

I wish I could be there to take a picture when they meet, but I’ll be at the First Methodist Church of Crystal Lake at our 11 o’clock service looking at some of the hundreds of pictures I and others took at Vacation Bible School this past week. They will appear on the big screens before each church service.

And, I’m sure my wife and weekend scheduler has me doing something in mid-afternoon as well.

But, maybe someone will send me a picture I can show you.

Free publicity, folks, and both candidates certainly need more name identification, if they are to have a chance of victory.

I was going to run a story entitled, "Democrats Invade McHenry County," but it will have to wait until tomorrow. One Democratic Party invasion story a day is sufficient.

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Democratic Party District 6 McHenry County Board candidate Bob Ludwig is in the top photo. State's attorney candidate Thomas Cynor appears below.

Labels: Culver's, Huntley, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Ludwig, Sun City, Thomas Cynor

It's hard to believe that McHenry County Republicans haven't discovered they can use McHenry County Blog the way McHenry County Democrats have.

The Democrats know I love political photographs.

They sent four from Harvard's Milk Day, plus some copy that I can copy:

“More than 30 adults and several children made up the Democratic Party contingent in Saturday’s Harvard Milk Day Parade. The unit consisted of a party float, a Tom Cynor for State’s Attorney trailer, and several candidates.

“Democrats were warmly received with cheers and waves throughout to whole march. Many parade watchers called out encouragement and support for Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.”

The best photo was taken by Linda DiGregor. It is of 16 district congressional candidate Robert Abboud campaigning on the parade route. Really good composition, I'd say.

There is another taken by public relations mavin Patrick Murfin of the participating candidates. They are

Robert Ludwig , County Board Dist. 6; James McTague , County Board Dist. 1; Tom Cynor, State’s Attorney; Robert Abboud , 16th Congressional District; Kerry Julian, Auditor; and Jeff Thirtyacer, County Board Dist. 4.

Murffin even provided the links to the campaign web sites. How's that for making it easy on me?

There's one by Tom Cynor of the folks, most dressed in identical tee shirts.

There is even humor in the press release.

The Democrats have even reported on the Republican entry with another photo by Lisa Georgi. It is described as

"one lonely, rusty old police car with campaign yard signs duct taped to the sides.“

It looks like a car people would be interested in, but I don't see a John McCain for President sign taped to the car, but maybe it was on the back.

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All photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them. The picture of Harmilda at the top of the article obviously was not taken on Milk Day.

Labels: Harvard Milk Day,