Polling Results are in!

For Immediate Release                                          
July 15, 2008
 
Contact: Chris Barron
Office - (630) 424-3490
Cell - (630) 215-9118 or (202) 297-9807
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New Polling Shows Sauerberg within Striking Distance of Durbin
 
Durbin Barely over 50% in Ballot Test against Sauerberg
 
(Lombard, IL) - The campaign of U.S. Senate nominee Steve Sauerberg, MD, today released new polling on his race against long-time incumbent Senator Dick Durbin.  "This polling confirms what we have long believed," said Christopher Hage, Sauerberg's Campaign Manager.  "No amount of money from Washington special interest groups will be able to change Dick Durbin's disastrous 25-year record in D.C."
 
The polling, conducted by Southern Outreach, an Atlanta-based firm, shows Durbin struggling to break 50% in the uninformed ballot matchup against Sauerberg.  In a head to head with Dr. Sauerberg, Durbin leads 52% to 35%.  Outside of the Chicago-metro area, Durbin fails to garner 50% and only leads Sauerberg 47% to 40%.
 
"Senator Durbin is a household name in Illinois with an $8 million war chest and is the second-ranking member of the United States Senate," continued Hage.  "The fact that he starts this campaign barely over 50% is a sign of real weakness."
 
The automated poll of more than 1,500 likely voters was conducted on Saturday, July 12th.; 53% of respondents were Democrats, 35% were Republicans, and 12% were unaffiliated voters.
 
In addition to showing a tighter-than-expected race, the poll also revealed that Dr. Sauerberg has tremendous opportunity for growth.  Almost 60% of respondents did not know enough about Dr. Sauerberg to form a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him.  "Clearly our campaign has a real opportunity to close the gap with Durbin," said Hage.  "We are confident that as more people hear about Dr. Sauerberg's prescription for change, that our numbers will continue to improve."
 
 "If Dick Durbin was hoping for a free pass this November, he was sadly mistaken.  This campaign is just beginning, and we intend on giving Dick Durbin all he can handle," concluded Hage.
 
Sauerberg for U.S. Senate - P.O. Box 667 Lombard, IL 60148.  For more information on Steve's campaign please visit our website at www.sauerberg2008.com

Kennison Calls on Walsh to Step Down as Will County Liquor Commissioner

Joliet, Illinois - Dan Kennison, challenger to incumbent Will County Executive Larry Walsh in the November general election, issued the following statement in response to Mr. Walsh's arrest by Will County Sheriff's police 10 days ago on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and his subsequent statements and actions since that arrest:

I have not spoken about Mr. Walsh's arrest since it happened because I wanted to give him the opportunity to do the right thing relative to his terrible lapse in judgment (for which he has publicly apologized).

Instead, since he effectively admitted he was in error--a point highlighted by the results of his Breathalyzer test--Mr. Walsh has been widely complaining to county employees and local media that he was "set up". I am not quite sure how Mr. Walsh rationalizes that statement but it is embarrassing for him to attempt to offload the responsibility for his DUI arrest.

Additionally, both he and his surrogates have sought to trivialize this matter.

DUI is a serious charge. Through education and tougher law enforcement, Illinois has been able to substantially reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities in recent years. However, it remains the case that hundreds of Illinois residents die each year as the result of alcohol-related recklessness on our roads.

I am thankful that Mr. Walsh was not hurt and that he did not hurt another motorist or pedestrian but his actions as the county's top elected official require more than an apology.

Thus, I am today calling on Larry Walsh to demonstrate the leadership we expect from our Will County Executive by resigning his pa id post as the county's Liquor Control Commissioner as a consequence of his DUI arrest.

Please note that I am not calling on him to resign his post as County Executive, particularly since he has not yet had his day in court. But Mr. Walsh's moral authority as Liquor Control Commissioner, a position incidental to the job of County Executive, is clearly compromised by his DUI arrest.

If Mr. Walsh resigns as the county's Liquor Control Commissioner then he will have at least sent an important signal to Will County families that he understands that, as the county's top elected official, there is a heightened standard of conduct to which he must adhere and substantive consequences to which he must submit when he fails to do so.

Steve Sauerberg's Campaign 

We are proud to announce that Steve has received endorsements from the Chicago Tribune, the Sun-Times, the Pioneer Press, the Daily Herald and the Peoria Journal Star.   Steve would like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of support over the previous months leading up to the primary election.  The campaign is very excited for February 5th, but we still need your help.  Please contribute to Steve's campaign by clicking on the link below: 

Donate

To find out more about Steve, or if you would like to volunteer on election day.  Please visit him on-line at www.Sauerberg2008.com or contact the office at (630) 424-3490.

Thanks again for your support, and we look forward to a victorious 2008.  

Statement By Pat Robertson At Press Conference Announcing His Endorsement Of Rudy Giuliani For President 

November 7, 2007-PAT ROBERTSON: “In less than two months, American voters will begin choosing the nominees of their respective political parties for the office of the presidency of the United States. To me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists. Our second goal should be the control of massive government waste and crushing federal deficits. Upper most in the minds of social conservatives is a selection of future Supreme Court justices and lower court judges who will sit in both the federal circuit courts and the district courts. Our world faces deadly peril: nuclear armed North Korea and the foreboding of nuclear arms in Iran, deadly violence from Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, the possible overthrow of Pakistan’s government, and drawn-out wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“In all of the crises which confront our nation and the world, we need a leader with a bold vision who is not afraid to tackle the challenges ahead. For months I have contemplated our future and the outstanding group of men who are offering themselves to the Republican Party to be its standard bearer in the 2008 presidential election. Today, it is my pleasure to announce my support for a mayor, America’s mayor, Rudy Giuliani, and a proven leader, who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans.

“Rudy Giuliani stood tall as his city was rocked by the worst terrorist act in America’s history. Rudy Giuliani took a city that was in decline and considered ungovernable and reduced its violent crime, revitalized its core, dramatically lowered its taxes, cut through a wealth of bureaucratic regulations and did so in the spirit of bipartisanship, which is so urgently needed in Washington today. He proved time and again that he is a true fiscal conservative. Rudy served as a high official in the Justice Department of Ronald Reagan and later as a United States attorney. Won acclaim as a valiant crime fighter. Justice triumphed as he took down mafia dons, drug traffickers, and corrupt politicians. He understands the need for a conservative judiciary and with the help of the distinguished Ted Olson, who’s here today, and other members of his team has assured the American people that his choices for judicial appointments will be men and women who share the judicial philosophy of John Roberts and Antonin Scalia.

“Today I wish Rudy Giuliani success in the caucuses and primaries which will take place in a few months. And beyond that, it is my hope and prayer that he will lead the Republican Party to victory in November of 2008.”  

Veterans Appreciation Month Proclaimed for Will County

JOLIET, Ill. – Will County Board Members proclaimed at their most recent Board Meeting that November will be designated as Veterans Appreciation Month in the county.  Members of The Disabled Patriot Fund were on-hand to accept the proclamation on behalf of local U.S. military families that have been adversely affected by the “War on Terror.”

Board Member Chuck Maher (R-Napervillle) stressed the need to recognize the life-long sacrifice made by those who have been disabled both physically and mentally particularly during America’s most recent conflict.  He pointed to The Disabled Patriot Fund as one organization recognizing this sacrifice by providing financial relief to veterans.

“Illinois veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and gratitude for their dedicated service to our country.  The stress of battle is far more impacting than many realize.  We need to do all we can to support disabled veterans and their families, and I applaud the efforts of organizations seeking to relieve their financial burden,” Maher said.

According to the 2000 Census, Illinois ranks seventh in veteran population by state, with 1,003,572 veterans.  Based on 2005 figures, Will County has 39,616 veterans.  As a part of the proclamation, board members urged all citizens to recognize the valor and sacrifice of disabled veterans and encouraged them to participate in patriotic activities throughout their communities.

“I believe the timing of this proclamation is very fitting, as men and women in uniform return home from war to face an uncertain future.  They need our appreciation, and they certainly need our unwavering support.  Their contribution to our nation is unmatched,” remarked Board Member Joe Babich (D-Joliet).

The Disabled Patriot Fund is an organization of area business people and local officials who have come together to help disabled American veterans who have fought in the War on Terrorism.  Their slogan is “Land of the free, because of the brave.”  The group calls upon the community to assist in providing financial support to supplement the assistance provided by existing governmental agencies.

McKenna Calls on Blagojevich to Return Wight Contributions

CHICAGO - Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna today called on Rod Blagojevich to return the nearly $100,000 in contributions from Mark T. Wight's firm, a politically connected business which has landed millions of dollars in no-bid contracts with the state.

"Rod Blagojevich claims he has changed business as usual in Springfield but it’s clearly hollow rhetoric," said McKenna.  "A change to business as usual would be returning the nearly $100,000 in questionable contributions he received from Mark Wight’s firm."

The Chicago Tribune disclosed yesterday that Mark Wight's firm has received millions of dollars in no-bid contracts, while giving nearly $100,000 to Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund throughout the last 5 years.

"It's apparent at this point in his administration that Rod Blagojevich cares nothing about reforming the way business is done in Illinois government," added McKenna.  "If he truly cared about changing business as usual he would encourage his pal Emil Jones to pass the comprehensive ethics reform legislation stalled in the Senate."

Illinois YRs Elect New Leadership 

Monday, October 29th 2007 - This afternoon, the FIYR State Convention elected a new leadership team that will guide the FIYR into the 2008 election cycle. Your new Board of Directors includes a lot of new faces, as well as some old ones - but all of us are committed to building a stronger statewide organization so that YRs can continue to play a meaningful role in helping to elect Illinois Republicans and to grow our party.  

After four years as your State Chairman, I am happy to turn the reigns of the organization over to Dennis Cook. Dennis is the President of School District 230 in Cook County and has been active YR for many years. He previously served as a State Regional Vice Chairman and President of the Cook County YRs, as well as its predecessor organizations, the Suburban Cook County YRs and the Orland Township. Dennis, and his Co-Chairman John Noak of Will County, will bring new energy, enthusiasm, and experience to Illinois YRs. 

On a personal note, I sincerely appreciate your participation as a Young Republican and the opportunity to have served as the Chairman of the Illinois Young Republicans. To be sure, it hasn't always been easy to be an Illinois Republican in recent years, but seeing the energy and enthusiasm of Republicans of our generation throughout this state has convinced me that better days are not too far off.

With best wishes,

Rick Veenstra, National Committeeman
Federation of Illinois Young Republicans, Inc.

DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett Endorses Steve Sauerberg, M.D. for U.S. Senate

(Western Springs, IL) - Today, Steve Sauerberg M.D., announced the endorsement of Joe Birkett, DuPage County State's Attorney.  "I am proud to have the support of one of the strongest champions of public safety in our state.  Joe Birkett understands that the first priority of the government is the protection of the public and I look forward to working with him on matters of public safety," said Sauerberg.

In offering his endorsement, Birkett praised Sauerberg, "Steve Sauerberg brings a new vision and energy to the Illinois Republican Party.  Steve will fight for what is important to everyday Illinoisans:  lower taxes, real healthcare reform, public safety and secure borders.  I am confident that Steve Sauerberg can defeat Dick Durbin and return Illinois values to Washington."