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Taproot Christmas Party, December 13, 2009

While I may not have seen everyone who was there (at the Lisle/Naperville Hilton), it seemed to me there were more politicians running for office than TAPROOT members.

As Christmas parties go, it was “different,” to say the least. No one seemed to know what was supposed to happen, or where. TAPROOT seemed to have two-and-one-half small, narrow rooms, none of which was set up for a meeting. George Kocan was seated at a table in an alcove off the hotel lounge. He was sitting in for the TAPROOT Treasurer, taking annual membership fees and writing receipts. A few feet to his left was the doorway to a narrow room lined with tables long the walls, where the candidates’ literature was displayed.

About two-thirds along that room, there was a door into another room. That room was also long and narrow and was largely empty, except for two restaurant tables with chairs and a small buffet table with hors d’oeuvres. (Almost half of that table was filled with silverware and napkins.) Dave Diersen was seen talking with a guy with a Hilton nametag, possibly the Food & Beverage Manager. Not long afterward, chairs were brought into that last room and placed along the walls. There still wasn’t nearly enough seating for all attendees.

Dave began the meeting at about 4 pm, with a prayer by Randy White and a Pledge of Allegiance. With no Treasurer’s report, Dave went right to presentations by the candidates, starting with those who had other commitments for which they needed to leave.

Jason Plummer, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, was the first to speak. I was taking notes, and what impressed me – though he was playing to his audience – was his saying the GOP needs to give voters a clear choice, and that “democrat lite” doesn’t work. If offered an authentic Democrat and a “clone,” someone who changes his positions on the issues to gain poll ratings, voters will pick the real thing. We need candidates who can be relied upon to adhere to traditional conservative Republican principles. He wished everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

The next to speak was Dan Proft, who began by citing newly-elected New Jersey Governor John Corzine, who stated his intent to turn the capitol upside down. Dan feels the GOP needs to do the same, saying, “…holding the line on taxes isn’t good enough. We have to cut spending, define our constituency and serve that constituency.” It may be the cynic in me, but I notice that his statement depends on his definition of “our constituency.”

Earlier, Dan had come over to introduce himself, and I noticed that he did a double-take when he read my name tag. I am fairly sure he was recalling his recent argument with our friend, the writer behind caosblog about his article at URQmedia “as seen at La Raza’. Though he objected to the posting, he could not deny the information. If he includes illegal aliens as part of his constituency …¹

Jim Dodge spoke next, emphasizing that the GOP has a great opportunity this time, but that we need to pick the best possible candidates, pointing out that – more than ever – we need candidates with a record of fiscal responsibility. Voters are angry at profligate spending and the GOP can exploit that, by playing its cards right.

The next speaker was Kirk Dillard, who started right off, and repeatedly alluded to, his being Gov. Jim Edgar’s Chief of Staff. He mentioned that Edgar’s Administration inherited a deficit in a recession, but turned that around to a surplus. He proposed cutting taxes, especially on small business, and pointed out that government corruption is VERY costly. He mentioned that he favors concealed carry, feels we need to address our high taxes driving jobs out of Illinois, our having 50% more women in colleges here than man, and that he supports the tax equivalent of “school vouchers,” a legally sensitive term.

John Arrington spoke next, starting with the fact that he is a preacher’s kid, and was a candidate for Senator in the 2004 Primary, but lost to Jim Ryan. When Ryan withdrew, the Illinois GOP imported Alan Keyes to be our “nominee.” (In my opinion, Alan is a GREAT guy, but that was a BIG mistake.) John is a Moline businessman. He receives strong support from blacks, many of whom are disillusioned and disappointed by the President and his pushing socialism. John pointed out that Dick Durbin repeatedly bring up his “Dream Act” for illegal aliens, supports socialized medicine, “cap & trade,” etc., which John correctly says will DESTROY the U.S.

The next speaker was Andy Martin, who is considered by many to be a firebrand. Andy described the GOP’s problem is candidates who “sell the sizzle” without any steak. He has fought in Washington for good government for 40 years, and mentioned that NBC is to fly him to New York for an interview, because he is the most viable opponent of Mark Kirk. He told about challenging Cardinal George on allowing Dick Durbin to take communion. Picking up on Dan Proft’s comments, Andy promised to turn the Illinois GOP upside down.

Pat Hughes was the next speaker, so he is apparently running again. He said the country’s situation is the most serious of his lifetime. (I am old enough to vividly remember World War II, but I would say the same thing.) He alluded to Mark Kirk as a liberal Democrat, saying the Illinois GOP (“leadership”) tried to have Mark unopposed for the senatorial nomination. He pointed out that we are fighting for the soul of the GOP, and that there are many good, serious candidates who can WIN on February 2nd. He said he has consistently supported SB600 and mentioned that Andy Martin called him a “racist,” regarding John Arrington.

In my opinion, we should look into that comment, if only because “racist” is now a term in the communist dialectic for “anti-communist,” i.e., the enemy. It may be innocent, but I am sure Jimmy Carter was not innocent when he called Joe Wilson a “racist.”

The next speaker was Robert Enriquez, who is unopposed as the GOP candidate for Secretary of State. He pointed out that Jesse White won’t reveal who is on his payroll or what they are being paid. He described himself as a former Marine who runs a business and has even been able to bring some jobs back from Mexico. He “blew it” at the end, though, when a lady asked him if he supports making English the official language of the U.S. He assiduously avoided answering the question, talking about the vast majority of Americans being descended from immigrants who couldn’t speak English, and saying that immigrants need to be able to read signs, etc., to drive a car and function. (Obviously, most immigrants are not Hispanic.)

Debra Olson, candidate for Chairman of the Du Page County Board, was the next speaker. During her time on the Board, they have reduced staff, balanced the budget and reduced taxes. She is running on a “fiscal responsibility” platform.

The next speaker was Bill Kelly, candidate for State Comptroller. He said he is a life-long conservative, and has been an activist conservative since 1992. He said the GOP has let us down. He pointed out that Dan Hynes, the current comptroller, has demonstrated the value of the office of the Comptroller, by invariably signing debt instruments, e.g., bridge loans. Because his signature is required by statute, he could have declined to sign.

Randy Hultgren was the next speaker, saying he has been a Precinct Committeeman for 20 years, that he is the only candidate in the 14th with legislative experience. He called “cap & trade” yet another tax and redistribute the wealth program (on an international basis) and said we HAVE TO stop and reverse socialism.

The next speaker was Don Tracy, candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He mentioned that he is one of 11 kids, and his youngest brother is Dick Tracy. They own and operate a small business in Central Illinois. Don is a lawyer and now their attorney. He gave us his Christmas wish list – good Republican office-holders, concealed carry, Roe vs. Wade reversed, etc.

Randy White was the next speaker, pointing out that the Lieutenant Governor in Illinois DOES have a job. Several statutory tasks are assigned to him. He suggested that we “follow the money” when evaluating candidates. Randy is a preacher and is not wealthy. Some of his opponents aren’t wealthy, but have made commitments to wealthy interests. Randy has the enthusiastic support of John Arrington.

The next speaker was Ann Jorgensen, candidate for Judge in the 2nd Appellate District of Illinois. (That covers all of northern Illinois, from the Mississippi to Lake Michigan and from the Wisconsin line to Kendall County, except for Crook County.) Ann has been a Judge in Du Page County for 19 years, was instrumental in starting the Drug Court there. She pointed out that judges often influence life in America more than legislatures. Whereas all the other candidates had been exiting by saying, “Marry Christmas,” Ann wished us “Happy Groundhog Day,” after wishing us “Merry Christmas.”

The last speaker is running for Circuit Court Judge in Du Page County, but I must have gotten his name wrong, because he is not listed as a candidate there.

It was after 6 pm when the “party” broke up. This is my “take” on it.

1. To add insult to injury, Dan Proft also made an emotional speech about his story in relation to the abortion issue when he spoke at the Lake County Right To Life PAC-sponsored candidate forum not too long ago. If Roe V. Wade, he said, had happened just a bit earlier, he may never have been born and we may never have had the opportunity to be graced with his brilliance. (That is somewhat paraphrased, but that is the essence of what he said.) It should be noted that Dan Proft worked as a lead on Beth Coulsen’s campaign and Coulsen is PRO CHOICE. He said on the stage at that forum that abortion is one issue he would never waver on because to do so would be to deny his personal story. Yet, during a question and answer session before the Republican Assembly of Lake County, he was asked to commit to not working for any pro choice candidates in the future, and he declined. It would appear his claims to ‘advance the flag for republican interests’ really depends on who he’s working with/for at the time. This opens a theoretical pandora’s box regarding every single stand he professes to take.
   Where any candidate is concerned, it’s a good idea to follow the rhetoric, follow through, and compare it to reality to see if they match.