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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2010

Contact:                  

Kelly Klopp

312-952-1108

Dold:  Seals’s Support for Higher Taxes Will Not Get People Back to Work

Dold Opposes Tax Hikes that Would Stunt Economic Growth and Increase Unemployment

Winnetka, IL – Today, Tenth District Congressional candidate Robert Dold denounced his opponent Dan Seals’s six-year record of supporting tax increases that will hurt families and small businesses.  Next year the largest tax hike in history will hit Americans if Congress does not act to stop it. 

“Dan Seals supports the largest tax increase in history,” said Dold campaign spokesperson Kelly Klopp.  “This is the worst possible time to raise taxes, yet for six years Seals has stated his support for higher taxes.”

1.      A Seals for Congress press release dated December 5, 2009 says “Dan has continuously opposed the Bush tax cuts.  He believes they are unfair and should be corrected.  In fact, he has repeatedly called for Congress to roll back these cuts.”

2.      A 2008 Daily Herald article says, “Seals also said he would roll back most of the Bush tax cuts…” (Rivals Outline Economic Ideas, Daily Herald, January 12, 2008)

3.       

4.      In a 2006 newsletter by the 10^th Congressional District Democrats, Seals said, “We have to roll back the Bush tax cuts.”

“Robert Dold opposes any income tax hike because higher taxes would hurt families and small businesses,” said Klopp.  “What Seals fails to understand is that a majority of small business owners pay taxes on their businesses through their personal income tax form, and so personal income taxes are often the same thing as small business taxes.” 

Klopp continued, “Seals calls himself a ‘business consultant’ yet fails to have a basic understanding of how small businesses work.  Tax increases would be a fatal blow to many small businesses, just at the time we are relying on small business to pull the country out of recession.”   

Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'

Air Defense Site: 'You are in IRANIAN airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter.  Send 'em up, I'll wait!'

Air Defense Site: ( .... total silence)

It's pure soap opera. After a year and a half of battering the business community, the Obama administration attempts to woo it back with a round-the-clock charm offensive. It would be mildly entertaining if the issue weren't so dead serious.

For much of President Obama's term, it was convenient to vilify businesses when the White House needed a bogeyman to help pass its legislative agenda (see health care, financial reform). But now the administration and Democratic leaders in Congress have a mighty political predicament on their hands.

They have spent unprecedented sums of money — piling onto an increasingly unsustainable debt burden — yet have very little to show for it.

Anemic private-sector job growth has spurred top administration and House Democratic officials to issue dire warnings about their party's fate in the upcoming fall elections.

Meanwhile, the private businesses America relies on for job creation are making clear that the hostile rhetoric and anticompetitive policies emanating from Washington have been a severe disincentive for hiring more workers.

That's why the administration now comes crawling back. The White House has hosted some of the most prominent business leaders over the past month. It has pledged "an open door" and solicited their input and ideas. Meanwhile, top representatives of the White House have made their rounds on financial television and Sunday talk shows to put a business-friendly gloss on the administration's controversial economic program.

The problem for the White House is that its PR push is not backed up with any substance — and words are no substitute for deeds. How could anyone construe this as a sincere effort to encourage new investment and job creation — or, much less, to reassure businesses of all sizes that they won't be hit with massive new tax hikes at the end of the year?

Businesses won't simply forget the damage done over the past 18 months. Amid a historically sluggish economic recovery, the Obama administration has pursued cap-and-trade, card check, health care mandates and burdensome financial regulation.

Beyond the uncertainty relating to taxes, business owners of all sizes don't know what to expect from the next wave of government regulations. Investors and lenders, who are essential to getting credit moving again, don't know what the new rules will be and cannot calculate their return on investment.

As a result, according to the Federal Reserve, U.S. businesses are sitting on top of a record $1.8 trillion in cash — dollars that could translate into droves of jobs if only pulled from the sidelines and invested.

Committeemen,

Thank you to all committeemen who attended for Pizza and Politics at Giordano’s last night.    It was fun!  We had a great turn out!

A presentation was given detailing procedures for recruiting judges of elections, changes in procedures regarding judges of elections, and legislative changes in election laws.

The following are some of the points covered:

• Election Judges. The last day for Committeeman appointment of Election judges is 9/20/10.  After that the Board must accept over the counter applications.
• Precinct Polling Assistants will be in use again this year.  Applications will be available starting on August 25, 2010.
• Voter Registration.  The last day for voter registration is October 5, 2010. Any mailed registration applications postmarked on October 5 will be considered timely.  If a voter misses October  5, there is a short two week grace period to register, but it can only be done in person at the Board of Elections office at 69 West Washington or the three university polling places.  The registrant must immediately vote at the site.
• Early Voting.  Early voting will be from October  12 through October 28, 2010, 9am to 5 pm.    There will be 54 sites across the City, including UIC, Chicago State, and Northeastern University.   The Ward polling places will not be open on Sunday, but the three college polls will be open.
• To be an Election Judge for Early Voting you must agree to serve all the days your polling station is open, from 9am to 5pm, in effect becoming an employee of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners for two and one-half weeks.  Please contact Patty Battista on applications.
• Absentee Ballots.  In a big change, no excuse at all is required for an absentee ballot application.  Military and overseas voters can apply online to receive an absentee ballot.  It will be sent to them electronically, but they must mail the ballot back.  The legislature refused to extend the electronic bit to submission of the actual ballot.
• Quinn Amendatory Veto.  Governor Quinn engaged in an amendatory veto to eliminate the procedure of a primary voter declaring a ballot preference to the judges.  Under the Quinn proposal, the voter will get a ballot of all the parties, and fills out one, returning the rest.  There is some question on whether the amendatory veto was proper, and Commissioner Cowen predicts that it will not be passed by the Legislature.
• Special  Senator Election.  It will happen on November 2, 2010 because of the Constitution, and the recent Court of Appeals ruling.  The November ballot will have TWO senate races on it, one for the 60 days or so of the remaining Obama/Burris term, and one for the new six year term.  The details have yet to be approved, but it looks like the State Central Committees are going to be given the power to slate candidates for the rump term.  It is expected that each party will slate their current nominee to keep things simple.  So Mark Kirk and Alexi Giannoulias will appear twice. 
• Constitutional Amendment on Recall.  This referendum to amend the State Constitution to add recall will be on the November 2 ballot.  But the recall provision approved by the Legislature only applies to the post of Governor.  The Illinois proposal tracks the procedure in California.
• Primary Date Changed Back.  Beginning in 2012, the Illinois Primary will revert to its March date.   Some wanted a later date to shorten the election season, but were defeated in the Legislature.  Also, ballot petition dates will move back in time at least 14 days, to give the challenge process more time.  Keep an eye out.
• Changes in Ballot Access Challenge Cases.   In a major change, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners have been given additional jurisdiction, to hear all challenge cases involving State Rep. or State Senate candidates in all of Cook County, regardless of whether the district includes any part of the City of Chicago.   A challenge case in a completely suburban district will still be heard by the Chicago Board.  Also, appeal in a challenge case must be made to the Circuit Court in FIVE DAYS, down from the current TEN DAYS.
• Governor / Lt.  Governor.  Beginning with the next election for Governor, candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor in a party primary must run as a team.  No individual candidates will be allowed. 

Hard copies from the Chicago Board of Elections are available in the office.  Contact Executive Director Peter V. Bella if you need them.

Executive Director Peter Bella raised a few business points to close the meeting.

The Chicago GOP has Voter Vault access with February Primary information loaded.   Committeemen who want printouts of “R” voters in their wards should contact Pete Bella.   The Voter Vault printout will have most, but not all phone numbers of Hard or Soft Rs for Committeemen to call for volunteers and Precinct Captains.

A short discussion was held on recruiting volunteers and precinct captains.    

We would like to meet with Committeemen individually at the Blackhawk office to discuss their Wards, their election effort, and their volunteer and precinct captain efforts.  Each Ward is different, and each Committeeman faces different challenges based upon geography, demographics, and experience.  Some will need a lot of advice and help, some not.   Pete will be looking to schedule sessions in the next two weeks.

The Chicago GOP would like to move the monthly meetings around the City, to various Wards.  Requirements are a big enough room, some off street parking, and a relatively inexpensive menu.  If you have a spot in mind in your Ward, please contact Pete Bella, who will make the arrangements.   We are also thinking of establishing a set monthly date, like the last Tuesday or first Wednesday or such, but may start that after the Election.  One other option is an occasional Saturday morning meeting.

We have been working on two projects involving minority outreach.  One for the Hispanic community and one for the African American Community.  Both of these projects have required some hard work, overcoming obstacles put in our way, and very delicate negotiations.  We are very close to a final determination on them.  If the Hispanic project is approved, Chicago Republican Party Headquarters will be the Chicago Hispanic Republican Outreach Center.  Negotiations are still in progress and we hope to have a final answer very soon.

The project for African American outreach is progressing slowly and is still in the negotiation phase.  Like most political activities there are many different factions to satisfy.  We are working hard to bring this to fruition.

Both of these projects, if executed, will go beyond November and into the 2012 election cycle.  These projects will further enhance the Chicago Republican Party as the Republican presence and home in the City of Chicago.

Social event:   We will be planning a social event at the Blue Star Wine Bar on the 1200 block of Noble in the next 45 days.  Other events are in planning for the Fall.

August meeting details will be forwarded when a location and date are set.  Election 2010 efforts will be the big topic.

REMINDER:
Bill Brady is having a grand opening at his Chicago Campaign Office today.                                   
Location: 1201 N. Clark St. (Enter on Division)                                    Time:        5PM-7PM                                     Complimentary Drinks and appetizers will be available next door at Butch McGuires

Stay Cool All!

Eloise Gerson

Chairman Chicago Republican Party

Illinois Democrats plan to raise the state income tax by 66 percent in January, Governor Pat Quinn's budget director has told Bloomberg Businessweek.

“We’re going to pass a tax increase in January. We expect it is going to be substantial,” Quinn budget director David Vaught is quoted as telling the national business publication.

Vaught said an increase from the current 3 percent to 5 percent is likely. It would cost taxpayers $6 billion and would be the largest tax hike in Illinois history.

In 2009, Democrats in the Illinois Senate approved a similarly-sized tax increase, but the House has not acted on that increase. It's unclear from Vaught's remarks if he was referring to that increase – which could yet be passed by the House – or if he was referring to a new proposal.

Senate Republicans have consistently said raising taxes would hurt consumers and could have a deadly effect on job-creation at a time when Illinois is already suffering from some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Republicans also point out that any tax increase, without core reforms to state government, will only offer temporary relief and lead to even more tax hikes in the future.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2010

Contact:                  

Kelly Klopp

312-952-1108

Dold: Seals Attends Conference of Extreme Liberal Activists Who Push for More Government Spending

Seals Participates in Liberal Netroots Nation Convention with Pelosi, Reid, and Al Franken

Winnetka, IL – Today, Tenth District Congressional Candidate Robert Dold denounced opponent Dan Seals’s participation in the extreme, left-wing Netroots Nation, a conference of 2,100 liberal activists in Las Vegas founded by the writer of the left-wing Daily Kos blog.

“In Las Vegas, Dan Seals tells liberal bloggers what he knows voters in the 10th District don’t want to hear:  he supports more stimulus spending and the public option for health care,” said Dold campaign spokesperson Kelly Klopp. 

“These liberal activists are completely out of step with the moderate values of the 10^th  District, yet for the six-years Seals has run for Congress he has been in lock step with Netroots Nation,” Klopp said.

Seals was named a 2008 Netroots All-Star.  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-pelosi/netroots-all-stars-need-y_b_114130.html)

Seals not only attended, but was a panelist at the 2007 and 2008 Netroots conventions . 

Seals is a blogger for the extremely liberal Daily Kos, and has a “Seals for Congress Diary” on the Daily Kos website right now.        

Emily Shultheis

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0710/40348.html

For Illinois state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, this year’s Democratic Senate primary isn’t dead and buried – financially, it isn’t even past.

Giannoulias, already facing questions about his fundraising after bringing in less than $900,000 for his general election campaign last quarter, finished June with more than $200,000 in debt left over from a competitive fight for the Democratic nomination.

The candidate owes a total of $208,438 to vendors and staffers, according to his most recent Federal Election Commission filing. Over $61,000 of the debt is owed to consulting firm Adelstein Liston, which produces Giannoulias’ television ads. Another $41,450 covers unpaid bonuses to staff members and consultants left over from the primary.

It’s not uncommon for candidates to emerge from contested primaries with campaign debt. In Kentucky, Democratic Attorney General and Senate candidate Jack Conway owed $331,000 at the end of last month, including $250,000 to himself. In Indiana, Republican Senate candidate Dan Coats owes himself $200,000 after putting personal resources into his late-starting campaign.

Giannoulias has held onto his debt for months now, though: the Illinois primary was the first of the year, back in February. And his fundraising contrasts sharply with Republican nominee Mark Kirk’s. The congressman raised $2.3 million last quarter and ended June with $3.9 million in the bank compared with $1 million for Giannoulias.

Kathleen Strand, a spokeswoman for Giannoulias, said the campaign would pay off its debt “in due time” and waved off concerns about its financial position.

“We’re confident we’re going to have the resources we need to compete,” she said, adding that Giannoulias had experienced “a real surge of momentum in fundraising” amid a string of campaign appearances by White House officials including Vice President Joe Biden and senior adviser David Axelrod.

President Barack Obama is due in Chicago for a Giannoulias fundraiser on Aug. 5. Obama’s former campaign manager, David Plouffe, headlined an event for Giannoulias this week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2010

Contact:                  

Kelly Klopp

312-952-1108

Robert Dold Launches Second Radio Ad

Winnetka, IL - Tenth District Congressional candidate Robert Dold launched the campaign’s second radio ad this week.  The 60-second ad titled “There is a Better Way” began running on Chicagoland radio this week along with the first ad called “Meet Robert Dold.”

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“Meet Robert Dold, candidate for Illinois 10^th Congressional District.  He thinks Congress is headed in the wrong direction, and he wants to do something about it.” 

“I was born and raised in the 10^th District.  I run a business here.  And this is where my wife Danielle and I have chosen to put down our roots and raise our three children.  As a business owner in the 10^th District, I believe Washington is taking us in the wrong direction.  I employ just under a hundred people, which to me is a hundred families.  And that is an awesome responsibility and one I take very seriously. Washington is taxing and spending us to the tipping point.  They make it harder and harder for me to put the key in the door and open up our business each and every day. They’re not listening.  We have to focus on creating private-sector jobs, on reining in the out-of-control spending.  There is a better way.  I believe we can create that private-sector growth and move our country forward.  But I need your help.  I’m Robert Dold and I approve this message.  Please join me.  Go to doldforcongress.com.  And let’s get back to work.”  

"Paid for by Dold for Congress."

As jurors begin deliberating the fate of former Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois State Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady today questioned whether pay-to-play politics is still part of Governor Quinn’s game plan.

“Campaign finance disclosure reports now available show us that Pat Quinn received more than $500,000 from two labor unions which benefited from the unprecedented, heavy-handed intervention of his Illinois Department of Transportation into the labor dispute with private road contractors,” Chairman Brady said.

“Did Governor Quinn inappropriately use his influence on their behalf - reminiscent of the pay-to-play politics already on trial in Illinois and driving up costs for taxpayers? I think it’s a legitimate question to ask,” Chairman Brady said.

Quinn received $500,000 in a late June fundraising scramble from the Operating Engineers and Laborers unions. In mid-July IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig effectively threatened contractors to force a settlement. In its July 19 letter to the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, IDOT announced it would “take steps” including re-bidding the contracts, imposing penalties for missed deadlines and imposing Project Labor Agreements which would have re-started the contract.

“Despite its claims, IDOT was anything but impartial,” said State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Naperville), a leader in ethics reform and who made transportation and road projects a center-piece of his campaign for governor earlier this year. Dillard noted the pattern emerging with Governor Pat Quinn is strikingly similar to that of Blagojevich, Quinn’s two-time running mate.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen extensive media coverage of abuse,” Dillard said. “Pat Quinn took $75,000 from the Teamsters and then vetoed a bipartisan agreement on McCormick Place in order to benefit that union. He’s been flying around the state – and according to reports – campaigning on the taxpayers’ dime. Now campaign finance reports show he’s getting a half million dollars – or more -- from labor unions which benefitted from his apparent intervention into a labor dispute.”

Chairman Brady added that Quinn is tone deaf when it comes to Illinois taxpayers. “It’s sickening that citizens could again be subjected to the same pay-to-play politics that rocked Illinois. This certainly seems like an abuse of power and it’s got to stop.”

Details of Quinn's $500K in contributions from unions Copy of IDOT Letter

Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes & the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.
In order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem).
What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.
So, here is my question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their BUTT----doing drugs while I work.

 Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could call the program "URINE OR YOU'RE OUT"!
P.S. Just a thought, all politicians should have to pass a urine test too!

Closing Arguments Over; Deliberations Next

The prosecution tossed jurors a light-hearted moment during closing arguments Tuesday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar said Blagojevich’s defense could simply be summed up as “I didn’t do it, and if I did it, I didn’t mean to do it.”

Schar encouraged jurors to use their “common sense” as they consider the evidence, the tapes and the arguments presented at trial. The defense, meantime, tried to portray Blagojevich as a buffoon.  “No one’s going to say he’s the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he’s not corrupt,” said attorney Sam Adam, Jr.

Schar countered that it was Blagojevich who held up a Medicaid rate increase for Children’s Memorial Hospital in exchange for a hefty donation from Children’s head Patrick Mcgoon.  Schar quotes Blago as saying, “I’m doing Children’s Memorial Hospital for $8 million, I want him for $50,000.”

Jury deliberations are expected to begin Wednesday.

News Coverage

Blago case not just talk

Blagojevich "is the accidentally corrupt governor? I mean, come on."

Sam Adam Jr. on Patti allegations: "Kickbacks for work is a job, man!"

Blagojevich is "broke, man, BROKE!"

Blagojevich to supporter: "That's in case I run for office again"

Sam Adam Jr. accuses Barack Obama's transition team of negotiating with Rod Blagojevich

Sam Adam Jr: "You know who didn't get arrested? Jesse Jackson Jr."

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Prediction: Fearmongering will be useless. Brady wins by at least 8 points. (Its the economy stupid!)

Closing Arguments Zero in on “Dirty Schemes”

Prosecutors pounded away at Blago during closing arguments Monday. They argued his attempt to sell the Obama Senate seat was just the “culmination of years of dirty schemes” that came out during testimony and wiretaps. It was another stark reminder of Pat Quinn’s and Mike Madigan’s tacit support during all those years.

Jurors were also reminded of the signature quote from the trial, when Blago could be heard on tape saying, “I’ve got this thing (Senate seat) and it’s (expletive) golden.”

The government also went after defense arguments that Blago never received any illegal money. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Niewoehner said, "The law doesn't require you to be a successful crook, it just requires you to be a crook.”

News Coverage

Judge Zagel to Sam Adam Jr.: You have a "profound misunderstanding of the legal rules"

The landfill and Blagojevich's fall

Prosecutor in closing argument: "In politics, money is power"

Prosecutor: Case is "simple" — governor can't exchange state action for personal benefit. "You do — that's a bribe."

Ex-governor expressionless as government begins closing statement

Closing arguments to begin in Blagojevich trial

It's now or never for ex-gov's stuff

NJP Editor Lila Pifer recently interviewed Chicago GOP Committeeman Diane Shapiro on the timely subject of illegal immigration: 

LP:  Diane, thank you for being with us today.

DS:  My pleasure.

LP:  You have told me that Chicago’s problem with criminal illegals and illegals in general is just as bad as the problem in Arizona.  Can you elaborate on this from the prospective of your job in law enforcement?

DS: Illegal aliens reside throughout Illinois. Not all are criminals, but they are effectively squatting in the state. If you go to the western border along the Mississippi River in small towns they are setting up stores, restaurants and the like and "hiding in plain sight". I saw it for myself during my travels. I cannot verify that they are ALL illegal, but nary a one spoke English. I can say with certitude that here in Chicago we have a huge illegal population because we are a sanctuary city. This means that the police, even if they know that the person they have arrested for a crime may be or is here illegally, cannot call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to verify their legal status in this country. When I was an Investigator (7 years as the only Spanish speaking person in that unit in the whole of Cook County), I saw the problem first hand. The county has the prerogative to verify the status of defendants in custody at Cook County Jail. However, verification is not conducted normally in the course of court proceedings in which foreigners of any stripe on bond have been charged with criminal charges which range from minor to severe. I would always conduct background checks as my position and constitutional oath of office required me to. Illegal residents of this country are in violation of federal laws and I swore to uphold the Constitution. It is also a department policy to file a request for immigration status with ICE for all charged offenders born in foreign lands. I came to find after time that I was almost the only officer in the department who actually filed the form, much less notified ICE that they had a foreign client serving a sentence of probation. I followed all of my cases and was infuriated that my hard work had been for naught as many, many serious criminals were effectively being protected by certain officers who felt that notification to ICE was somehow racist. Our Chief Probation Officer, Jesus Reyes, I believe, turned a blind eye to official infractions such as failure to notify ICE, as did most supervisors. It is not hard to pretend that you sent the form and then say you never received a response from ICE. Cute, eh? Let's not discuss how many offenders I interviewed who were charged with possession of fraudulent IDs and multiple DUI’s.

LP:  Illinois is not a border state like Arizona so what is it about Chicago that makes it worthwhile for illegals to make the extra effort to travel here?  Do illegal border crossings in the southwestern states account for most of the illegals in northern cities or are they able to sneak in by other means using false documents? 

DS:  Illegals from many countries come here because we are a sanctuary city. Chicago has lots of jobs, and although our climate is far from perfect it seems that little if any verification of legal status is ever conducted. I encountered many instances of the use of fraudulent ID. Interestingly, the family of a woman I worked with (she was in a clerical not an officer position) whose father-in-law is an alderman who owned a photo store on 26th St. and was busted for making and selling false IDs. Apparently that case fell off the radar screen after receiving a lot of media coverage. The name is Munoz. Also, many illegals come here, find jobs, earn lots of money and pay for their family members to come here. They enter legally but overstay their visas. Nobody goes looking for them, by the way, if they don't leave the country. It's "don't ask, don't tell" where immigration status is concerned when hiring employees. Let us not omit the ones who come here and have children who are regarded as citizens and are known as "anchor babies". I tried to get Social Security numbers verified but was stymied in the attempt. Life is good in Chicago for criminal aliens. Sorry, but when you violate federal law you are a criminal. Incidentally, should we not prosecute our own government for refusing to enforce our national laws? Obama, Holder etc. are flagrantly encouraging the violation of the immigration laws of our country, and they're trying to make Jan Brewer look like a fool! Impeachment, in my opinion, should not be out of the question.

LP:  We know that Mexicans account for the highest number of illegals.  Are there other nationalities that have similar high numbers?

DS:  I cannot state statistics, only use my own experience. Because I spoke Spanish I had to interview foreign nationals from Mexico, Puerto Rico (considered to be US citizens), Peru, Uruguay, Ecuador, El Salvador, Venezuela, Honduras, Cuba (technically not deportable but could be sent to various penal institutions). Pretty much name your Spanish speaking country and I interviewed them. However, we are all aware of the fact that we have illegals living here from many, many countries but because of our lax enforcement of immigration law they become "lost" in the country. My old boyfriend, Ron, was an Australian who chose to retain his Australian citizenship but lived here legally as a Permanent Resident.  I'm not sure if you recall, but I do, that there was a time when it was the law for ALL aliens to register their whereabouts on the 1st of January annually in this country. There used to be ads on TV reminding them to register. I don't know what happened to cause a change in our national policy.

Approximately 20 years ago when I was working at Belmont and Western it came to my attention that an unusual number of Pakistanis were reporting their passports as lost or stolen. It piqued my curiosity and a few of us contacted INS, as it was then called, to report the thefts and were told that it was probably just a coincidence and there was nothing to worry about. Hmmm.  I wonder how many of those passports have since fallen into the hands of terrorists.

LP: You have indicated that you consider profiling to be a legitimate tool of law enforcement.  Is there any way that immigration laws could be enforced without it?

DS:  Profiling is something we all do consciously and unconsciously. It's a form of self preservation and protection. "Sizing someone up" is profiling. Somehow political correctness has gone way out of control by insisting we are supposed to magically go against all of our natural instincts. Whenever anyone is stopped by the police for any reason they need to produce identification, and if they don't have identification what is

the officer supposed to do? If a law enforcement person-- or any sentient human being --isn't profiling 100% of the time they are either lying or stupid. The laws are counter-intuitive. Immigration laws could easily be enforced if employers required ALL of their employees to have valid, verifiable identification. The burden could be shifted to the employer, but if an employee can be shown to have provided false ID they must be charged with a crime.

LP:  What is your best estimate as to the percentage of illegal aliens that are criminal?  In what areas of criminal activity are they most active?

DS:  I cannot estimate the percentage of illegal aliens who are criminals and do no have access to those statistics. I can only base things on my own experience. I found that most of the crimes committed by illegal aliens were multiple DUI offenses (many in which someone was killed), fraudulent ID, theft, robbery and violent crimes including murder. They commit essentially the same crimes Americans do, but the preponderance of DUI’s was rather atrocious since it was guaranteed that they had no driver's license or insurance.

LP:  With regard to non-criminal illegal aliens, our politicians and liberal media would have us believe that they are only doing the jobs such as domestic and farm work that Americans don't want to do.  Have you observed this to be true or have you seen indications that mainstream employers are hiring them in violation of the law? 

DS: I don't want to go into territory which would cause me to make affirmative statements which are not supported with firm data, so if I may I will speak from my personal experience. I don't believe with all honesty that the non-criminal illegal aliens are doing jobs that we supposedly won't do. I well recall when I was young that the kids I went to school with (whose parents couldn't afford to send them to summer camp like mine did) worked in the landscaping business, washed dishes, did construction, waited on tables and took other jobs for the summer to pay for their bills during the school year. Those jobs have been usurped by mostly illegals who will work for much less than even a kid would want to take or his/her parents would allow them to. I must differ with some who think that working in the fields is somehow beneath them as agriculture is what our nation was first built upon. In truth, we really don't need "temporary" foreign labor. If the companies paid a fair wage I promise you that people who are in search of work—especially their first job—would happily work picking fruits, vegetables etc. I have other ideas which would obviate the need for foreign labor, but that would be another subject. As regards mainstream employers hiring illegals, they absolutely do. I know for a fact because when I did employment verifications I contacted the employers directly. Oh, they'd dance around the subject but clearly illegals are being employed in violation of federal law. 
LP:  Are "sanctuary" churches and organizations breaking federal law?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2010

Contact:         

Kelly Klopp

312-952-1108

Dold Calls on Seals to Return Tainted Rangel Contribution

Winnetka, IL - Tenth District Congressional candidate Robert Dold called on opponent Dan Seals today to return his $41,217 contribution from the Rangel Victory Fund.   Yesterday it was disclosed and widely reported that the House Ethics Committee will charge New York Representative Charles Rangel with multiple ethics violations.    Rep. Rangel is among Seals's largest contributors.  In March 2010, after the House began its initial probe into Rangel's alleged ethics violations, Seals gave $14,000 in contributions from Rangel to charity.  Despite Dold's urging, Seals has thus far refused to return the full $55,217 he has received from Rangel during his six-year run for the 10th District Congressional seat. 

On August 20, 2008, Seals received $41,217 from the Rangel Victory Fund.    "Dan Seals should know that the right thing to do is to return the tainted Rangel money," said Dold.  "Illinois voters have had enough of unethical politicians."     

 The following are Rangel's known contributions to Dan Seals:

9/30/06: $2,000 from Rangel for Congress
9/30/06: $5,000 from Rangel's "National Leadership PAC"
4/30/08: $2,000 from Rangel for Congress
4/30/08: $5,000 from Rangel's "National Leadership PAC"
8/20/08: $41,217.45 from Rangel Victory Fund

Total Contributions: $55,217.45

The House Ethics Committee will reveal the specific charges next Thursday at a public meeting.  Dold called on Seals to return Rangel's contributions before then.

GOP Day at State Fair

I’m thrilled to see the growing interest in Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair on August 19. If you haven’t registered, go to GOPDay.com to get your complimentary tickets. This is your chance to hear from our winning team of candidates and learn more about what you can do to help insure victory in November.

This year’s activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include the 1980s cover band The Brat Pack and the first-ever kids’ area, complete with a bounce house, games and face-painting. Come spend the day with us.

Illinois Victory

Our Illinois Victory voter ID and get-out-the-vote campaign continues to lead the nation among all statewide GOP organizations when it comes to outreach calls. We still need your help. Find out how you can get involved at ILVictory.org

Cedra Crenshaw Back on Ballot

As we expected, a Will County judge has ruled Republican Cedra Crenshaw’s petitions are valid, and is entitled to be back on the ballot as a candidate for the Illinois State Senate. Democratic leaders were hoping to pave the way for an incumbent victory in the 43rd District, but the judge saw through their hollow challenge. Way to go Cedra!

Blago Trial

Here’s what I wrote last week about the Blago trial: “One can only wonder what the Defense will argue when it begins to present its evidence on Monday.”

Little did we know Blago would decide not to testify and the defense would rest so quickly. And yet, why should we be surprised? As I said earlier this week, this is vintage Rod. He promised to tell the truth under oath, but now hides behind his attorneys.

Rod ran as a reformer, with the full support of Pat Quinn and Mike Madigan. Clearly, the only thing he wants to reform is the truth.

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