Blog

Please see Rodger and Kathy’s Tax Returns posted below.

The Obama and Democratic stimulus was promised to bring jobs back to Illinois. This turned out to be nothing but hope. In fact, Caterpillar, based in Peoria, Il, is “exploring its options” in regards to moving some operations out of the state.

The National Right to Work Committee said: “Caterpillar has been a mainstay Illinois-based company for generations but no longer. The power and influence of big labor has impacted the company for too long, damaging its bottom-line and hurting workers.”

Unfortunately, this trend does not seem to be stopping any time soon.

“Back in 2009, Barack Obama announced that Caterpillar had promised to rehire some of its laid-off workforce if his stimulus proposal passed. This week, the nation’s largest manufacturer of mining and construction equipment announced that it would be moving a factory from Canada to Indiana. In the process, it will create 450 new jobs in the state.”

This loss of jobs in Illinois is felt right here at home in the 12^th Congressional District. As someone who has lived in the district his entire life, Rodger has personally seen the effects that the poor Illinois economy has had on our citizens. It is Rodger’s goal to reverse these effects that the Democrats have imposed on us at both a state and national level. Only true reform of Washington will succeed in this lofty goal.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/02/wrong-again-obama-said-his-stimulus-would-bring-caterpillar-jobs-back-to-illinois-nope/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gatewaypundit2+%28Gateway+Pundit%29

Caterpillar,  a cornerstone of Illinois business culture, has announced that it plans to build its new plant outside of Illinois citing the negative business climate of the state.

“Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman last year complained to Gov. Pat Quinn about the state’s business climate after Illinois raised income taxes. Oberhelman noted that Caterpillar is regularly courted by other states trying to lure away the company’s headquarters, though he later said the company has no plans to leave.”

Instead of bringing thousands of jobs into Illinois, the state government has driven off these jobs to the east coast.

“The company will instead focus on a location closer to its division headquarters in Cary, N.C., Peoria County officials were told in an email sent to them shortly after the close of business and later obtained by the Journal Star. The plant stood to bring with it from Japan roughly 1,000 jobs manufacturing track-type tractors and mini hydraulic excavators.”

This comes during the news that Illinois out-migration has caused huge financial loss for the state.

“A stunning new report by the Illinois Policy Institute revealed how Illinois lost one resident every 10 minutes during the past fifteen years. As Illinois lost residents to migration the state also lost out on a net of $26 billion in taxable income to out-migration from 1995 to 2010.”

The anti-business atmosphere of our state is being spread across the country by the Obama administration. We need to turn this economy around by being business friendly, encouraging business growth, and increasing jobs in this country. These national issues are affecting us directly here in the Illinois 12^th Congressional District.

Sources: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/02/caterpillar-says-it-will-not-build-new-north-american-plant-in-illinois/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gatewaypundit2+%28Gateway+Pundit%29

http://legalinsurrection.com/2012/02/caterpillar-will-build-new-plant-outside-illinois-due-to-negative-business-climate/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LegalInsurrection+%28Le%C2%B7gal+In%C2%B7sur%C2%B7rec%C2%B7tion%29

The Second Amendment is an aspect of the Constitution that almost all states respect. However, Illinois remains the only state who has not legalized concealed carry. This nonpartisan issue that has been passed by 49 states, is something that the Democratic-led government in Illinois refuses to pass. The Illinois organization of the NRA is critical of this approach:

“Unfortunately, the governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, has turned the Right to Carry into a political issue. Rather than listening to the voice of law-abiding Illinois citizens, in May Gov. Quinn, an anti-gun advocate, made phone calls at the eleventh hour to sway Illinois Democrats to block vital legislation brought to the state legislature that would permit concealed carry in Illinois.  Evidently, Gov. Quinn knows better than 49 other states, and knows better than top law enforcement organizations such as the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, the Chicago Police Lieutenants’ Association and the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association.”

While traveling around the 12^th Illinois Congressional District, it is clear that the people want this law passed. Everyone from local leaders to enthusiasts at gun shows recognize the importance of security and protecting our freedoms that the Constitution gives.

“Illinois must follow the example set by every other state in this nation and allow law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms.  We must restore, defend and preserve this constitutional right at all levels of government.”

Source: http://www.nraila.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=479&issue=003

Clean coal technology has been on the forefront of American innovation in recent years. During these tough economic times, expanding our sources of clean energy is the right thing to do. The Illinois 12^th District is abundant with this natural resource and the jobs that an aggressive clean coal policy could create are staggering. Not only would it provide much needed jobs for our district, but it would save energy consumers money.

“One-half of American households will spend 20 percent of their after-tax income on energy costs this year, according to a study released today by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. The study outlined how increases in energy costs since 2001 are disproportionately hurting low- and fixed-income families, who must devote an ever-growing percentage of their family budget to residential and transportation energy.”

It is clear that clean coal is one important factor in recovering the economy.

“To grow our economy and help American families meet their budgets, it is critical that the government enact policies that will contain energy costs,” said Steve Miller, president and CEO of ACCCE. “Regulations that significantly increase energy costs are going to take the greatest toll on low-income families.”

These issues are not only affecting the nation as a whole, but they are affecting the people of Illinois too.

“Energy costs are consuming the after-tax household incomes of Illinois’s low- and middle-income families at levels usually spent on other necessities such as food, housing, or health care.  In 2010, Illinois families spent an average of 10% of their after-tax incomes on energy. The 2.2 million Illinois households earning less than $50,000, representing 47% of households, allocated an estimated 20% of their after-tax incomes to energy.”

Clean coal technology will not only help the struggling economy, but will help us end our reliance on foreign sources of energy and Middle Eastern oil. It is important that pursue these policies as soon as possible to strengthen America.

Sources:

http://www.americaspower.org/sites/all/themes/americaspower/images/pdf/Illinois-Energy-Analysis-2010.pdf

http://www.americaspower.org/news/energy-cost-burdens-american-families-0

On Tuesday, January 24^th, I watched the annual State of the Union address from my home with fellow friends and supporters. As the President was about to be announced, Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution began to play in my head:

“He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”

This thought reminded me of how far we have strayed from the Constitution in the last four years. I began to think of how our first president would react if he would see the unproductive and gridlocked manner our government was operating in the nation’s capital that bears his name.

President Obama talked about the tax code. The government cannot, and should not, tax the country out of a recession. Our Democratic president needs to understand that it will not be higher taxes that will increase revenue, but economic growth. We need more businesses coming to our country, to our state, and to our district. We do not need to drive them away by raising their taxes, imposing burdensome healthcare laws, and increasing federal regulations.

President Obama talked about education. He talked of expanding resources to schools and of rewarding good teachers. While these are superb goals to reach for, the President seems to be blind to the thousands of teachers laid off across the country because of a slow economy and state budget cuts. Democratic leaders in Illinois are not only slashing school bussing funds, but are slashing special education programs, art, music, and other extracurricular activities. This is happening right here at home, in the 12^th district. When will the future be a priority for these career politicians?

Finally, President Obama talked about energy independence. Only days after cutting an oil pipeline that will directly create thousands of jobs, Obama suggests spending money on imperfect technologies that are inefficient for the price. I hope that these technologies become more fruitful in the near future. Until then, America needs to harvest the vast coal and oil fields right under our own feet. We should no longer be subject to Middle Eastern countries and prices. By mining the coal in the 12^th district, we could create countless jobs for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Our government is broken. Obama is ignoring our issues and focusing on what can get him reelected. We need someone to stand up for the Illinois 12^th.

Rodger Cook’s message continues to be heard and received throughout the Illinois’ 12^th Congressional District. On January 14^th and 15^th, Rodger, and many supporters, met with voters at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds during the annual gun show. With a table in the front, Rodger spoke with hundreds of visitors about the importance of the 2^nd Amendment. Cook said, “Talking with like minded individuals never gets old!” His message was well heard.

Rodger, as a former Belleville police officer, saw all too often the outcome of a crime scene where the end result could have been dramatically different had the right to carry been instituted. Rodger listened to personal stories and ensured voters that he would fight to bring this constitutional right to the only state in the nation that has not recognized the importance of personal protection.

Only a few days later, Rodger Cook met with an eager group of volunteers and supporters at Big Mamma’s BBQ in Swansea, IL. The reoccurring question throughout the afternoon was, “What can I do to help?” These meet and greets will not end here. Rodger plans to set up several more meet and greets throughout the district, meeting voters and listening to concerns. By meeting new voters every day, Rodger Cook will show that he is the right Republican to start the reform process in Washington with his experience and conservatism.

If the elections in Iowa and New Hampshire have told us anything about the upcoming battles between Republicans and Democrats around the country, it is that Democrats are in trouble. Large Republican turnouts in both the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary have shown that independents are tired of the failed Democratic policies of this White House, and are ready for change. With record debts, high unemployment, and a staggering economy, who can blame them?

CNN predicted the turnout in the Republican Iowa caucus up to 125,000 while the turnout in 2008 was only 119,000. Similarly, turnout in the New Hampshire Republican primary was predicted to be over 250,000 while in 2008 it was only 241,000.

What does this mean for the Illinois 12^th?

It is clear that the district, which traditionally leans Democratic, is clearly a place for a Republican victory in 2012. The national trends are clear. Voters throughout the district are tired of self-serving politicians and big money controlling their lives. They are tired of a government that creates economic uncertainty and over-burdening regulations. Most of all, they are tired of a government they cannot trust.

Rodger Cook has had a life dedicated to public service. Again in 2012, Cook is willing to leave the small-town quiet life and step up for what he believes is right. It will only be through grassroots support and personal connections, not big money and party bosses, which will ensure Rodger Cook is sent to Washington D.C. as your representative!

Sources:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/10/live-blog-of-the-new-hampshire-primary/
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/03/live-blog-from-the-iowa-caucuses/

By Fanna Haile-Selassie & Randy Livingston at WSIL/ABC

[For video, click on the link above.]

WSIL TV — He’s a former pro football player, police detective, Belleville mayor, and businessman. Now, Rodger Cook wants to be a Congressman.

“I’m the most conservative person in this race, both fiscally and socially,” says Cook.

The Republican is running for the 12th district seat being vacated by Jerry Costello.

“We need to send a big message to DC,” explains Cook. “We need to send people like me that don’t care about if you’re democrat or a republican. I’m a conservative.”

Cook has worn many hats in his nearly 55 years; first playing for the St. Louis Cardinals football team, then becoming a homicide detective. In 1993, Cook became the mayor of Belleville, then spent the rest of his years as a banking and consulting businessman.

“I’ve worked in small business. I’ve protected people as a police officer. I’ve worked and seen first hand what this government has done to small businesses,” Cook cites. “You know, I’ve lived it. I can go there and I have a position because I’ve lived it, not because I’ve read it.”

Cook supports domestic oil drilling and coal mining, especially in southern Illinois. Easing energy regulations is one of his top goals, along with growing jobs, and cutting taxes to stimulate the economy.

“You know what happens when you cut taxes? The people that earn it get to keep the money, spend it, invest it, create jobs with it,” he explains.

Cook’s goals fall very much in line with the Republican Party agenda. In fact, he believes like-minded conservatives will take over the 2012 election.

“We keep the house, take the senate, take the presidency, and we’re going to be able to do this and get this economy roaring in 2012. I believe that.”

When asked how he plans to handle Congress’s low approval rating and improve party politics, he says a republican take-over in Washington is the solution, just like the democrats had in 2008.

“Give us two years of that and watch what’s done,” Cook says. “That’s exactly what I’m telling people.”

Cook is running against Theresa Kormos, Terri Newman, and Jason Plummer for the 12th district republican nomination. On the democratic side, the candidates so far are Brad Harriman, Kenneth Wiezer, and Chris Miller. The primary election is March 20th.

By Dennis Grubaugh of The Telegraph

ALTON – A man who says he took on criminals and corruption both as a cop and a mayor now is setting his sights on the U.S. Congress.

Read more: http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/belleville-62563-mayor-people.html#ixzz1f6v6a8Ze