Mike Frerichs Isn't Sure If He Should Save Taxpayer's Money As Treasurer And State Senator

Mike Frerichs isn't sure where he stands on how we can save Illinois taxpayer's over $10M annually.  He's been all over the place on the idea of 'combining' the offices of Illinois State Comptroller and Illinois State Treasurer.  First...as a State Senator, Mike Frerichs voted for it.  Then..he was suddenly against the merger:

During an interview on WBBM’s “At Issue”, Frerichs opposed merging the offices of state comptroller and treasurer, even though it would save taxpayer’s over $12 million annually.

Even more bizarre, Frerichs had voted for the merger in the past and even bragged about supporting it a few months ago. 

Mike Frerichs’ new-found opposition to streamlining these offices reveals a troubling lack of consistency and fortitude, which will cost Illinois taxpayers more despite already being victims of the Quinn/Frerichs tax and spend regime.

And...what did his hometown newspaper have to say about this about-face times two?

“But [Frerichs] clearly doesn’t know what he really thinks, and, when candidates don’t know what they believe, they say whatever seems convenient at the moment.”

Is This About Money, Guys?

There's a story over on Illinois Review about how 'values voters' are 'in a quandary' that quotes crazyman David E. Smith of the Illinois Family Hatred Action.  It talks a bit about how Bruce Rauner is 'ignoring' the base of social conservative voters and details how Rauner has funded the Illinois Republican party which is now flush with cash.

The Illinois Republican Party's base is solidly socially conservative, says Smith. Rauner could be making a huge mistake in ignoring or avoiding the base. It's happened before.

"It is all well and good to reach out to independents, but ignoring the base may backfire. In 2012, Mitt Romney won more independent voters than Barack Obama, but he failed to excite and activate the Republican base of values voters. It seems to me that the Republicans are content repeating this failed strategy."

Rauner is investing heavily in organizing the Illinois Republican Party, having transferred another $525,000 from his governor's campaign coffers to the party at the end of June. In the meantime, Illinois "values voters" seem without a home, and in a quandary when it comes to the upcoming election.

We can't help but read this story as this creep David E. Smith having his 'hand out' to Rauner.

"Hey...where's my piece of the action!?!" is what it screams to us.  He saw the big cash flowing to the ILGOP and figured he should be horning in on some of that good stuff.

We sure hope Rauner's folks don't cave and give this guy and his so-called "Family" bullshit organization a penny.   Rauner can win this fall without David Smith's help and by doing so, we further reduce him and his hatred to further obscurity.

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Mike Frerichs And Tainted Campaign Contributions

Democrat Mike Frerichs - candidate for Illinois State Treasurer - is turning into a big-time "Watch what I say, but don't look at what I do" kinda guy.

After loudly proclaiming that he wants to 'reform the office' of Illinois State Treasurer, he takes shady, tainted campaign cash that his campaign had to (after being roundly embarrassed) donate to charity.

You can read the full back story on Mike Frerichs and tainted campaign contributions here on the Illinois Truth Team.

Illinois Women: This Mike Frerichs Guy Must Be Joking, Amirite?

Over on SaukValley.com, they have a piece that you have to read!  It is one woman's take on how electing Mike Frerichs would effect her family.  She speaks for women all across Illinois who say:  "Mike Frerichs must be joking".

When Mike Frerichs, the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, announced he was trying to raise taxes on services in Illinois, I thought at first he must be joking.

Unfortunately, “Tax Hike” Mike Frerichs just can’t control himself when it comes to raising taxes.

Illinois is already one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, and we don’t get a great return on our investment. Now Frerichs wants to raise taxes on services in Illinois. 

That means he wants to tax us every time we go to a yoga class or the beauty salon. 

The idea of raising taxes when Illinois families are already struggling, and good-paying jobs are leaving our state, is just wrong. I, for one, cannot afford to pay an additional tax to go to yoga or to get my hair done.

DuPage Chairman Dan Cronin and State Senator Michael Connelly Hosting Health Fair TODAY!

DuPage seniors are getting a two-for-one deal here as DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin teams up with Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly to host a "Senior Health Fair" today!  If you're out in Wheaton, make sure you head there.

On Wednesday, July 30th State Senator Michael Connelly and I will be hosting a Senior Health Fair at the DuPage County Administration Building from 9 AM until noon in the auditorium. The health fair aims to help seniors live happier and healthier lives. Brochures will be available that outline state programs that benefit seniors, and dozens of organizations will be on hand to provide information on state, local, and private programs. Topics will include financial security, nutrition, cancer prevention, I-Cash, transportation, scam prevention, healthcare options, veterans assistance and MUCH more.

Illinois Nets Two on The Hill's "Most Beautiful" List of 2014

Looks like Illinois got more than our fair share when it comes to 'beauties' in Washington DC.  In their annual "50 Most Beautiful People of 2014", Illinois was represented twice.  What???  Does The Hill consider Congressman Aaron Schock an 'old face' at this point?!?  (We suppose that his abs would dominate this list every year, so taking him out of the running is the fair thing to do!)

First, Mazon Illinois native Benjamin Paulsen who works for Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth.  (psst...he's done '20 or 30 runway shows'?!?!)

And our other representative, Celeste Wallander from Chicago who is the senior director for Russia and Eurasia on the National Security Council has "clocked three ultra-marathons, 36 marathons and more half-marathons than she can count."

You Can't Believe *Anything* That Mike Frerichs Says These Days

Today, in his favorite venue of Facebook, Democrat Candidate for Illinois State Treasurer is flailing about with a quote about how he 'wants to remove politics from the Treasurer's office'.  

See it here with our highlight on the quote:

Unfortunately for Mike, the facts indicate otherwise.  It was just last week, the Tax Hike Mike Frerichs insisted to Crain's Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz that he was serious about injecting his own personal politics into the State of Illinois' investment strategy.  From the CCB story:

But — without prompting — he then went on to say that the state should divest itself of any pension investments in companies “that move jobs overseas out of Illinois.” 

Mr. Frerichs gave no examples, but as treasurer he would be a voting member of the Illinois State Board of Investments, which handles money management for some of the state’s pension funds. 

Asked whether he would divest shares of Deerfield-based Walgreen if it indeed moves its headquarters to Switzerland, Mr. Frerichs said he’d wait for a while “to see how they manage this…what is the number of jobs they move out of the state.” 

So...once again, Mike says one thing one day, but says something totally different another day.  In order to get out of the mess he created on his criticism of Israeli bonds, he claimed politics would rule the day.  But...down in Effingham he totally forgot about it and said 'no politics' at all.

What is it going to be Mike?  Are you going to be an activist investor that your supporters claim is good for the State?  Or...are you going to get rid of politics totally?  Can we trust your answer?

2nd Annual Ron Sandack State Representative BBQ Fundraiser @ Q BBQ in LaGrange

Get out and support State Representative Ron Sandack on Tuesday, August 12th at Q BBQ in LaGrange.  (Get the sausage and the burnt ends.  Trust us.)

The details:

Tuesday, August 12, 20146:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tickets: $50 per person, Kids under 18 eat free!Sponsorship Available 

Hosted by:
House Minority Leader, Representative Jim DurkinSenate Minority Leader, Senator Christine RadognoJohn Rot, Hortons Home LightingMichael LaPidus, Q-BBQ 

Click the link to purchase tickets online or mail your information to:
Citizens to Elect Ron Sandack1202N 75th Street, #113Downers Grove, IL 60516
Make Checks Payable to: Citizens to Elect Ron Sandack
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Van Holt at elizabethvanholt@gmail.com

Sandack, Durkin and Radogno Hosting Property Tax Appeals Seminars

Three hard-working elected officials are bringing to bear some resources for residents of their district who want to demystify the property tax appeals process.  State Representative Ron Sandack, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno are hosting two seminars this week in Lisle and Darien.

Do you wonder if you are paying too much in property taxes? Area state lawmakers Christine Radogno, Jim Durkin and Ron Sandack will be hosting a couple of FREE seminars on July 31, 2014 to help Lisle and Darien residents to better understand their tax bill and how to appeal a property tax over assessment.

“If you went into sticker shock when you opened your property tax bill, and feel your property is being over assessed – this is the seminar for you,” said Durkin. “This seminar is very informative as we reveal the mystery behind the process of how your property tax bill is determined and how to appeal if you believe your assessment is too high.” 

The first seminar will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Lisle Township Tax Assessors Office, 4721 Indiana in Lisle. There will be a presentation explaining how taxes are assessed and how property owners can seek an appeal. Lisle Assessor John Trowbridge will assist in the presentation.

Darien residents are encouraged to attend the second seminar at 6:00 p.m. at the Darien Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Road in Darien. Theresa Cockrell, the Downers Grove Tax Assessor will assist with the Darien presentation. The Darien location is limited to 43 participants, so if you are interested in attending you will have to RSVP by calling Rep. Ron Sandack’s district office at 630-737-0504; or Jim Durkin’s District office at 630-325-2028 or Senator Christine Radogno’s Office at 630-243-0800.

“My office receives calls regularly from constituents who believe their property assessments are too high,” said Sandack. “I would encourage any resident who is concerned with their tax bill to attend one of these informational sessions so they can learn how assessments are determined and how they may appeal those assessments if they believe they are too high.”

Congressman Mike Quigley: Roving Reporter for WGN?

In this story up on the Sun-Times, it appears that Congressman Mike Quigley is holding the WGN TV microphone up to ensure that it captures all the audio.  New side gig for him?

And Now...Mike Frerichs' *Own* Campaign Staff Spell His Name Wrong As Part of "Rapid Response"

Looks like the Mike Frerichs campaign staffer tasked with 'triage' in the Capitol Fax comments fat-fingered his own boss' name.  Yes: His.Own.Boss.

Based on the content of the comment, it is VERY clear that either someone directly ON the Frerichs for Treasurer payroll or a big, big supporter of his posted this.  No one else would go to these lengths.

Might help bolster your point next time if you actually spell the big guy's name right, DateNight aka Frerichs campaign sock puppets.

Senator Mark Kirk Fundraising Off Michelle Obama Rumor

One of our readers sent us over this photo of a fundraising letter they received over the weekend from United States Senator Mark Kirk.  

The Senator's team is using the 'rumor' of First Lady Michelle Obama possibly running for his US Senate Seat in 2016 as a fundraising device. And...a good one at that!  He points out the similarities between what Michelle Obama has said to what was said about Hillary Clinton before she ran for US Senate from New York.

From the letter:

I'm not one to believe rumors or engage in political gossip, but when it comes to defending the Illinois Senate seat that I'm honored to hold, I take any and all potential threads seriously...all Illinois Republicans should.   

While the press and rumor mills ponder the "will she or won't she?" question with regard to Michelle Obama...and the circumstances (and denials) are reminiscent of 1999 when First Lady Hillary Clinton was the subject of whirlwind speculation about a run for the United State Senate...we must build up my campaign so we can vigorously defend this seat -- no matter whose name is on the ballot on the Democrat side.  

Sad Jack White Reflects On Illinois Politics & Campaign Donations

As you have likely seen, he's making the rounds, but the folks on WGN caught Jack White as he contemplated what all those folks have done with their donations to the Mike Frerichs for Illinois State Treasurer campaign.  We'd be bummed, too, Jack.

Frerichs Campaign Blaming The Truth Team For Their Problems?!?

Looks like one of the Mike Frerichs for Treasurer campaign staffer is venting after what must have been a tough morning at campaign headquarters.  And...guess who they're blaming?  Us!

To be perfectly fair, we've only talked about his height a few times.  We *have* however gassed up on how he held his own "Meet Mike Frerichs" sign a bunch.

This Is NOT The Way Mike Frerichs Wanted To Celebrate His Birthday

 Our favorite latex salesman candidate for Illinois State Treasurer woke up this morning - on his 41st birthday - and took a long, hot shower.  He had to keep his 'crying face' away from everyone.  Our sources sent us this footage:

A birthday is supposed to be a happy day, right?  But, when you're running for State Treasurer and you wake up to reading this complete dismantling of your campaign by Capitol Fax's Rich Miller in Crains, you can't help but take a shower-cry.

From Crains' Chicago Business:

Back in January, state Sen. Michael Frerichs formally kicked off his campaign for Illinois state treasurer and posted a video online touting the fact the he’d ended “free, lifetime health care for state legislators.” 

Actually, Frerichs had voted against that bill in the General Assembly. Frerichs’ campaign had to pull the video and replace it with a new one, even though he’d been planning his formal launch for at least a year. 

In April, Frerichs appeared to flip-flop on his long-standing position that the comptroller’s and treasurer’s offices should be merged. 

“People have said to me,” Frerichs told a WBBM Radio interviewer, “‘Wouldn’t it just be a lot more efficient if we just had one financial officer?’ And I’ve said yes, we could become very efficient, efficient like the city of Dixon, Illinois, who just had one chief financial officer and she was able, from this small little town, over several years to take something like $52 million away from them.” 

Frerichs was quickly forced to restate his support for the office merger.

Then...the Truth Team's video of IEA's 'endorsement' (we use that term lightly based on what they said at the event) made the piece.  You can go read the whole thing yourself.  If you're backing Mike Frerichs, it isn't pretty.  

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Senger, Cross, Webster, Cuba Township GOP, Bost, Rutherford

This weekend was a busy time out on the trail for candidates and Republican political organizations.  With less than 100 days to go to Election Day, folks are starting to get fired up!

As we do every Monday, let's take a look around Facebook to see what some candidates and organizations have been up to.

First up, Congressional candidate Darlene Senger walked along with Illinois State Treasurer's candidate Tom Cross and Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner out in Aurora at the Puerto Rican Heritage Festival Parade.

Illinois Secretary of State candidate Mike Webster stopped in New Lenox at Proud American Days and lent a hand at the grill with the New Lenox Republican Organization.

Tom Weber, Nick Sauer, Steve Mountsier from Cuba Township helped man the Republican Booth at the Lake County Fair.

Congressional candidate Mike Bost shook some hands out in Smithton at their Homecoming Parade.  

And...For the third weekend in a row, State Treasurer Dan Rutherford didn't post anything about his whereabouts over the weekend.  Bummer.

According to Social Media Friend, Mike Frerichs for Treasurer Campaign "Going Nowhere"

The Twitter handle Illinois Majority - who has been flailing about recently on behalf of all the statewide candidates - tweeted this beauty last night on behalf of Tax Hike Mike Frerichs:

But...when you go to that page, it only lists a bunch of old events.  As in...they already happened.

We suppose that's EXACTLY where "Mike Frerichs is headed next in his run for Treasurer":  nowhere.

Another social media mistake for the worst.campaign.ever in Illinois.

Reason #12 To Back Paul Schimpf for AG: He'll Protect Veteran's Access to VA Hospitals

This morning, Republican Candidate for Illinois Attorney General Paul Schimpf released the 3rd (or 12th if you're counting down!) reason to support him this fall over Lisa Madigan.  

We've already covered reason #14: He'll protect Illinois residents medical and financial privacy when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (aka 'Obamacare').

And reason #13: He'll Protect Pensions Under Constitution.

From the Schimpf campaign, the #12 reason to support Paul is that he'll protect veteran's access to VA hospitals:

Republican Attorney General candidate Paul Schimpf unveiled Reason #12 of the 14 Reasons to Trust a Retired Marine in 2014 on WTAD’s Morning Meeting hosted by Bryan Nichols and Sean Secrease. Schimpf, who is counting down these reasons leading up to the election in November, stated:

“Having been on the receiving end of socialized medicine and medical rationing for 24 years of service in the Navy and the Marine Corps, I can understand and empathize with what Illinois veterans are facing when trying to access their promised medical care. I believe that the Illinois Attorney General’s mandate to protect consumers includes helping veterans get access to their health benefits. Based on this perspective and my experience, I can do a better job than Lisa Madigan of addressing abuses in the care of Illinois veterans by the Veterans Administration.”

Darlene Senger Debuts New Ad in Race Against "Do-Nothing" Congressman Bill Foster

In an email blast, Congressional Candidate Darlene Senger told her supporters about the debut of her new web video that contrasts her opponent Bill Foster with her record and goals in Washington.

Here's the email intro:

The rest of the note includes:

My campaign is going to work tirelessly till the election to help get my message of lower taxes, smaller government and more opportunity to voters within the district. And with your help, after the election I will be working to make those ideas a reality. Can I count on you today for a contribution of $50 so that 1,000 more people can see our new video?

And here's the video you can watch:

Illinois Review Goes With Ron Burgundy?!?

Heeeeey!  That's *our* thing!  We're the guys who use Ron Burgundy to make our political points here in Illinois!  You guys are the ones who write about immigration and use the word 'aliens' in your stories.

Let's keep it that way?  Deal?

Effingham Pub Confuses Polar Vortex for "Mike Frerichs Vortex"

Over on Twitter, a place called Two21 Pub down in Effingham remarked about the weather that they were experiencing this week and blamed the 'Polar Vortex' for the change.  But...take a closer look.  Check out who's following the pub on Twitter.   You guessed it:  the one and only Mike Frerichs.  Owner of the "Frerichs Vortex".

And...guess what?  Tax Hike Mike Frerichs was at the pub earlier this week!  Coincidence?  We don't think so.

Have some news for you, Two21 Pub and Visit Effingham:  You just experienced the "Frerichs Vortex"!

Congressman Rodney Davis Is a Real Man

We mean...he *had* a mustache at age 16.  Age 16.

Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza Is Hipper Than You Are

If we were residents of Chicago, where would we want our City Clerk to be on a Thursday night?

This seems about right to us:

But one post isn't enough.

Good for you, Susana.  Hope Jack put on a good show.

Enjoy that City of yours.

After Israel Gaffe, Did 10th Dems Organization Turn Their Back on Frerichs Campaign?

As Rich Miller over at Capitol Fax said about the 10th Congressional District in Illinois:

The North Shore is a crucial battleground area. Mark Kirk did well there and won statewide. Bill Brady fared poorly and lost. The area’s 10th Congressional District always features candidates attempting to outdo each other on pro-Israeli policies.

And by now, you've read how Democrat candidate for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs supports a plan to end investment in Israel, while touting his so-called Illinois-centric investment strategy:

Over the last five months, Frerichs has delivered stinging criticism directed at the office of the Treasurer’s investment portfolio, specifically Illinois’ investment in other states and overseas. Frerichs countered with his own plan of exclusively Illinois investments, although he has not outlined how that plan would work or how it would meet the statutes restricting investments by the office of the Treasurer. One country singled out under Frerichs’ plan: Israel. The office of Treasurer currently has a total of $25 million invested in foreign bonds, all with the country of Israel.

Thus we hardly find it surprising that the 10th Illinois Congressional District Democrats - a group based in that *very* North Shore that aims to "help elect Democrats at all levels of government within Illinois’ 10th Congressional District" - would fail to display a Mike Frerichs for State Treasurer Sign in their booth at the Lake County Fair.

Check out their latest photo on their Facebook wall.  Note the Dick Durbin for US Senate, Pat Quinn for Governor and Lisa Madigan for Attorney General signs?  (we've put arrows next to them all in red for you)

Frerichs is notably absent.   Think the two events are related?  Has all of his support in the North Shore - even within a Democrat organization - dried up?

Frerichs Campaign Them Song: "If You Take a Walk, I'll Tax Your Feet"

As sent in from one of our readers:  An update to the Beatles' hit Taxman courtesy of Democrat candidate for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs that fits with his new campaign theme song.

New Mike Frerichs Treasurer's Campaign Theme Song: Taxman

Wish we could take credit for it, but SuperAbe has given Mike Frerichs some help with his new campaign theme song.  And it is spot-on.

We covered the Frerichs Campaign Theme Song saga when they released the news that they were claiming "All By Myself" By Celine Dion as their campaign song earlier this month.

Also, back in March, the Truth Team covered the GOP Governor's candidates theme songs here.

But...with the news of Mike's "Taxman" license plates coming out, the "Mike for Illinois" theme song choice was easy:

Frerichs' License Plate News Leads To Falling Out With Earmuff Investor?

We just got word here at the Illinois Truth Team newsroom that there's been a fracture between Democrat candidate for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs and one of his strongest supporters Frank.

They were going to go in on a side investment in what Mike believes to be a *VERY* lucrative market:  earmuffs for men.  

Turns out, it was over the naming rights of their newly proposed line of "Earmuffs for Men".  Mike Frerichs favored calling them "Bruffs" for "bro-earmuffs", but Frank insisted on "ManMuffs".  

It all came to a boil after word has gotten around about Mike Frerichs "Taxman" license plates.  

Check out this transcript that was provided to us from someone who was at the breakfast this am:

Mike Frerich:  Hey there, supporter Frank! 

Frerichs Donor Frank:  Don't 'supporter Frank' me.  I know what you did.  How dare you propose a Service Tax in Illinois.   

MF:  Come on, Frank.  I don't even know what you're talking about? 

FDF:  You think I don't know?  *TAXMAN*!!!  To think...I almost split the profits of the ManMuffs with you.   

MF:  Bruffs. 

FDF:  ManMuffs! 

MF:  Bruffs. 

FDF:  ManMuffs!  

And see how it all went down in this video:

Is The "Frerichs Vortex" The Real Reason For The Recent Weather?

Are you as confused about the weather as we are?

Leave the house wearing a jumper.  Walk home from work sweating our balls off.

Next day, we need to put the jumper back on for our walk home.   Nothing seems consistent.

For most of us in Central Illinois, it was super hot on Monday and Tuesday followed by a few days of unseasonably cool - almost fall-like - weather might not just be a coincidence?

Could it be?  Could it really be?  A sighting?    Looks like some folks including Super Abe on Twitter have spotted the "Frerichs Vortex" and are blaming the recent weather on it?

We have to admit, this isn't all that surprising.  This week has been the epicenter of the "Frerichs Vortex".

Aren't familiar with The Frerichs Vortex phenomenon?  Check out this post that shows how Wikipedia thinks about it.

From definition from Wikipedia:

The "Mike Frerichs Vortex" is a whirling mass of air caused by Illinois State Treasurer's Candidate Mike Frerichs as he flounders around in interviews and on social media.  It has been known to pull down candidates and campaigns who get too close.

How To Solve Illinois' Credit Problems? It Starts With Balancing The Budget

More bad news for Illinois taxpayers as Standard & Poor's downgraded Illinois credit outlook to 'negative' and pointed to an unbalanced budget as the reason.

That means that the state's credit rating could be downgraded within the next two years unless its finances improve, S&P said. A lower credit rating translates into higher borrowing costs.

How do we solve this? It starts with balancing the state's budget. Sounds easy, right?
Illinois Treasurer's Candidate Tom Cross has been pushing to force the State of Illinois to balanced the budget every year.

“The unbalanced budget approved by the Quinn/Frerichs team is the primary reason behind Standard & Poor’s downgrading Illinois’ credit outlook to negative. Standard & Poor’s identified the state budget as ‘not structurally balanced and will contribute to growing deficits and payables that will likely pressure the state’s liquidity.’ 

The Quinn/Frerichs budget was completely irresponsible, including $500,000 in legislative pay raises, $10 million in funding for a private Chicago theater and other outrageously wasteful and unnecessary spending. I opposed this unbalanced budget as I believed it violated the state constitution and if I am fortunate enough to be elected as Treasurer, my first act will be to challenge the legality of this budget.”

You can join the legion of Illinois voters by standing with politicians like Tom Cross who are demanding an #honestbalancedbudget by visiting http://www.honestbalancedbudget.com/ and signing the letter.

Confirmed: Mike Frerichs *Is* The Taxman (Check Our His License Plates!)

Well, well, well.  Check out what one of our tipsters sent us late last night.  They were leaving the Illinois Education Association meeting in Normal last night when they saw Mike Frerichs get into his car.  They snapped this pic with their iphone.  Check out his license plates!

We imagine it went something like this at the Secretary of State:

Mike Frerichs:  (pulls license plates from envelope) Taxman?  No, No...these don't belong to me. I'm not the Taxman.  I think there's been a mistake. 

Clerk:  What's your name again?   

MF:  Mike Frerichs.   Candidate for Illinois State Treasurer.

Clerk: (nodding her head) Yes...Mike Frerichs.  You are the Taxman.   

MF:  No...I'm not the Taxman 

Clerk:  Well, as far as the State of Illinois and voters are concerned, you are.

DuPage Democrats Website Down

Must have been all that traffic, right?

Fourth Time's The Charm For Mike Frerichs On Social Media Fundraising Plea?

It takes some folks four times to get things right.   And in most cases, that's ok.  For instance...

My wife goes to the Home Depot and picks four different samples of paint and tries a little bit of each on the wall.

When my college roommate was 'experimenting' with growing fungii in our apartment, it took him four times to get it 'right' and have them survive.

The Cleveland Browns have changed coaches four times in just six years.  

Hell...This guy tried to steal televisions four times just this month from ShopRite.

But...Mike Frerichs, Democrat Candidate for Illinois Treasurer?  

It takes him four times just to get a simple fundraising plea posted to Twitter.  Yep.  Fourth Time appears to be the charm as it has stayed active, while the previous three attempts were aborted.  

It seems that he's always asking for a second chance.  Second chance to cut his campaign video.  Second chance to respond on Israeli bonds.  Second chance to answer on merging the Treasurer/Comptroller in Illinois.  

Apparently...he needs a 'fourth' chance on social these days.

Here it is as it currently sits:

Let us explain:

On Monday afternoon, the Frerichs campaign posted this ridiculous image with these totally unnecessary errors.  Clearly...no one is proof reading things down in Champaign.  

After we pointed out the errors, the folks in charge of social media (we use the phrase 'in charge' pretty lightly because it is clear that it is a bunch of mopes over there), they pulled it down.  

Then..Tuesday, they tried again.  Not once.  But twice more.  Yeah...that means they posted it, deleted it.  Then posted it again.  And deleted it again.  Check out the evidence:

And then they went silent.  A full 24 hours later, they lifted the 'shutdown' directive and tried again by posting the image with some fixes made.  (Note...they still haven't fixed one of the errors, though.  Check out the donation page.  Frozen 'snicker' with no 's' at the bottom.  Smooth move guys!)

And this guy wants to be in charge of our state finances?  Please.  We won't be able to give him four chances to get those investments right will we?  

Mike Frerichs always needs at least two chances to get things right.  Illinois can't afford this many mistakes.  

GOP Attorney General Candidate Paul Schimpf Forms 2nd Amendment Advisory Council

More news coming out of the Paul Schimpf campaign as they become more active as the summer goes on. This time, around guns:

Republican Attorney General candidate Paul Schimpf formed a Second Amendment Advisory Council to examine areas in which the Attorney General can act to protect the Second Amendment rights of Illinois citizens. The initial five members of the Council include: J.D. Barter, Eric Dowd, Blair Garber, Lee Groharing, and Tuck Marshall.

J.D. Barter is an Army veteran, a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with the Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the owner of Tombstone Gun Range & Training in Marion. Eric Dowd is the Vice President of the McHenry County Sportsmen’s Association and an NRA Certified Instructor who resides in McHenry. Blair Garber lives in Evanston and is a Certified Pistol Instructor for the NRA and an Illinois State Police Concealed Carry Instructor. Lee Groharing is an Air Force veteran, a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Rifle Association, and the Chairman of Three Rivers Friends of NRA. Lee lives in New Lenox. Tuck Marshall is an Army veteran, an Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor, and a Licensed Private Investigator who resides in Frankfort. 

We are very excited to have this experienced group advising the next Attorney General of Illinois.

Looks Like the "Lockdown" On Social Media For Mike Frerichs Is Over?

We have to give Mike Frerichs some credit.  He's jumped right back in the saddle as he flails about aimlessly on Facebook and Twitter with photos of his whereabouts and what-have-yous.  Late yesterday, he posted a few photos after a period of a series of aborted posts and silence.

We were, however, tipped some footage from a campaign tracker that shows how liberated Mike Frerichs campaign staff felt yesterday afternoon after they decided they could - once again - post on social.  Check it out - Mike's team sure is geeked up about being able to wield his camera phone:

The Foundation Is Crumbling: A Rough Six Months For Mike Frerichs

Talk about a foundation crumbling underneath you.  Pfew...we're sure glad we're not down at Frerichs HQ this week.  It surely wasn't a pleasant place to be.

This week caps a very troubling six month performance for Illinois Candidate for State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. He has - without question - had the worst campaign rollout in modern Illinois campaign history.

Let's hit recap on Frerichs thus far:

Six months ago, Democrat Sen. Mike Frerichs launched his campaign for Treasurer. Let’s take a moment to look at some of the highlights from his campaign so far.

• January, 2014: Misleading from the beginning: Frerichs launched his campaign with a video touting his record of reform by ending legislative perks and voting to cut his own pay. Within 24 hours, he was forced to remove the video because he actually voted against ending legislative perks and voted formultiple pay raises. (Source: Capitol Fax, Video)

• April, 2014: Flip-Flop on merging the offices of Comptroller & Treasurer: After voting to merge the offices in 2011, Frerichs told WBBM News in April that he was against the merger. This flip-flop invited his hometown newspaper, the Champaign News-Gazette to write this about Frerichs:

“But [Frerichs] clearly doesn’t know what he really thinks, and, when candidates don’t know what they believe, they say whatever seems convenient at the moment.” (Source: Champaign News-Gazette, WBBM)

• May 2014: Frerichs supports unbalanced budget: Fox News Political Editor Mike Flannery described the budget this way: “I can’t recall seeing as irresponsible budget as was just approved… You’d think that the whole General Assembly was on medical marijuana when they were passing this thing. It’s grotesquely out of balance… They emptied their whole dirty bag of tricks to make it look balanced.” (Official Illinois Senate Records, Fox News)

• June 2014: Democrat Paul Vallas criticizes Frerichs budget, while Frerichs looks on. “We’ve had decades of bad practices: borrowing, deferring, not funding your pensions, not paying your bills, not being willing to make the tough decisions on the revenue side,” Vallas told about 160 Democrats including Mike Frerichs at a dinner at the Laborer’s Union Hall in Urbana. 

• June 2014: Frerichs ducks debate with Cross: Democrat Senator Mike Frerichs ducked out of the first scheduled debate between himself and Republican Tom Cross. Frerichs had agreed to participate in the debate, hosted by Bill Cameron of WLS, but then ducked out.

• July 2014: Frerichs endorsed by IEA, but IEA struggles to explain why. The IEA spokesman struggled for an excruciatingly uncomfortable 25 seconds to explain why the IEA endorsed Frerichs and then touted his strength at raising taxes. Listen by clicking here.

• July 2014: Frerichs supports plan to end investment in Israel, touts Illinois-centric investment strategy: Over the last five months, Frerichs has delivered stinging criticism directed at the office of the Treasurer’s investment portfolio, specifically Illinois’ investment in other states and overseas. Frerichs countered with his own plan of exclusively Illinois investments, although he has not outlined how that plan would work or how it would meet the statutes restricting investments by the office of the Treasurer. One country singled out under Frerichs’ plan: Israel. The office of Treasurer currently has a total of $25 million invested in foreign bonds, all with the country of Israel.

“That’s really stupid.” (WLS Lauren Cohn, July 22, 2014)

Meet Mike Frerichs - Candidate for Illinois State Treasurer

Illinois State Senator Mike Frerichs - Democrat from Gifford, Illinois - wants to be the Illinois State Treasurer. Check out what he's been up to and we think you'll agree with us that we need to keep this guy as far away from our state's finances as possible.

Six months ago, Democrat Illinois State Senator Mike Frerichs launched his campaign for Treasurer.

Let’s take a moment to look at some of the highlights from his campaign so far and you can decide for yourself if he's fit for office.

• January, 2014: Misleading from the beginning: Frerichs launched his campaign with a video touting his record of reform by ending legislative perks and voting to cut his own pay. Within 24 hours, he was forced to remove the video because he actually voted against ending legislative perks and voted formultiple pay raises. (Source: Capitol Fax, Video)

• April, 2014: Flip-Flop on merging the offices of Comptroller & Treasurer: After voting to merge the offices in 2011, Frerichs told WBBM News in April that he was against the merger. This flip-flop invited his hometown newspaper, the Champaign News-Gazette to write this about Frerichs:

“But [Frerichs] clearly doesn’t know what he really thinks, and, when candidates don’t know what they believe, they say whatever seems convenient at the moment.” (Source: Champaign News-Gazette, WBBM)

• May 2014: Frerichs supports unbalanced budget: Fox News Political Editor Mike Flannery described the budget this way: “I can’t recall seeing as irresponsible budget as was just approved… You’d think that the whole General Assembly was on medical marijuana when they were passing this thing. It’s grotesquely out of balance… They emptied their whole dirty bag of tricks to make it look balanced.” (Official Illinois Senate Records, Fox News)

• June 2014: Democrat Paul Vallas criticizes Frerichs budget, while Frerichs looks on. “We’ve had decades of bad practices: borrowing, deferring, not funding your pensions, not paying your bills, not being willing to make the tough decisions on the revenue side,” Vallas told about 160 Democrats including Mike Frerichs at a dinner at the Laborer’s Union Hall in Urbana.

• June 2014: Frerichs ducks debate with Cross: Democrat Senator Mike Frerichs ducked out of the first scheduled debate between himself and Republican Tom Cross. Frerichs had agreed to participate in the debate, hosted by Bill Cameron of WLS, but then ducked out.

• July 2014: Frerichs endorsed by IEA, but IEA struggles to explain why. The IEA spokesman struggled for an excruciatingly uncomfortable 25 seconds to explain why the IEA endorsed Frerichs and then touted his strength at raising taxes. Listen by clicking here.

• July 2014: Frerichs supports plan to end investment in Israel, touts Illinois-centric investment strategy: Over the last five months, Frerichs has delivered stinging criticism directed at the office of the Treasurer’s investment portfolio, specifically Illinois’ investment in other states and overseas. Frerichs countered with his own plan of exclusively Illinois investments, although he has not outlined how that plan would work or how it would meet the statutes restricting investments by the office of the Treasurer. One country singled out under Frerichs’ plan: Israel. The office of Treasurer currently has a total of $25 million invested in foreign bonds, all with the country of Israel.

“That’s really stupid.” (WLS Lauren Cohn, July 22, 2014)

Heard enough?  If you've gotten down to this point and want to read more about this guy and why he's so wrong for Illinois, check out our "Mike Frerichs for Illinois State Treasurer Archives".  There, you'll find everything we've written about "Tax Hike Mike" in one easy, convenient place.