Vying for a U.S. House seat suddenly in play on the 2012 map, three Republican candidates hoping to represent Carbondale and southwestern Illinois in Congress met Jan. 21 for a forum aimed squarely at tried-and-true conservatives.

In the hour-long forum Saturday evening at the Pavilion in Marion, Rodger Cook, Theresa Kormos and Jason Plummer all struck similar tones on issues of reducing the federal deficit, loosening business regulations imposed by agencies including the EPA and overturning “Obamacare,” the sweeping health care mandate championed by President Barack Obama and passed into law against vociferous Republican opposition. A fourth Republican candidate, Teri Newman, did not attend the forum.

Sponsored by the Shawnee Tea Party Patriots, the event served as a stage for candidates hoping to win back a Southern Illinois congressional district long held securely by Democratic Rep. Jerry Costello, who has represented the district since 1993 and announced late last year that he would not seek reelection.

Three Democrats also are running for the seat in the March 20 primary election, including Chris Miller of Carbondale, Kenneth Wiezer of Granite City and Brad Harriman of O’Fallon. In addition, Retha Daugherty of Carbondale is seeking the seat as an independent.

The event was an undiluted dose of tea party politics. Rodger Cook, a former mayor of Belleville, law enforcement officer and player for the former St. Louis Cardinals football team, repeatedly claimed ground as the most conservative choice in the race.

“I’m fed up,” Cook told the crowd of gathered voters. “I’m worried about my kids. I’m worried about my grandchildren. We need to send people to Washington to represent the people of the 12th District, not a party.”

Theresa Kormos of O’Fallon, a longtime nurse, is making her second run at the 12th District seat and stressed that reorganizing the nation’s tax code is one of her top priorities if she wins the seat. She said reducing the role of the federal government is imperative in maintaining personal freedoms.

“The federal government is growing too big, and they are becoming too powerful,” Kormos said.

Plummer, a product of Fairview Heights who serves as vice president of his family’s lumber business and ran for state lieutenant governor in 2010, said residents of Southern Illinois have a lot at stake in the coming election cycle.

“We’re struggling as a whole nationally, but Illinois has been struggling a lot longer than just the recession we’ve been going through lately,” Plummer said. “Illinois is struggling because of poor public policy.”

On the issues

During the forum, which lasted just short of an hour, the candidates touched on a range of topics, although there were few contrasts offered among a field vying for conservative votes in a partisan primary.

Not surprisingly, economic issues took center stage, with the candidates arguing in favor reduced funding to public agencies and programs, loosened restrictions on environmental regulations and a rewritten tax code as means toward reviving the sluggish economy and confronting the substantial federal deficit. Most of all, they agreed, government needs to get out of the way of recovery.

“The government is never responsible for job creation, but they do need to change the environment to allow businesses to grow and entrepreneurs to create new jobs, such as changing the tax code, getting rid of overregulation from the EPA, getting the government out of the way,” Kormos said. “The federal government always makes things worse.”

The government made the recent economic downturn worse, the candidates argued, by issuing bailouts to the auto industry and economic institutions. Cook, who made strides to define himself as the most purely conservative candidate on the stage, called the bailouts “absolutely crazy” and said the marketplace needs to be free for businesses to rise and fall on their own merits.

“The bailouts to the large Wall Street banks, the bailout of the auto companies is absolutely crazy,” Cook said. “This is a free-market economy. It depends who you are in this administration, who they’re going to take care of. We need to get government out of the free market and let businesses rise and fall on their own.”

Cook also called the EPA “out of control” and contended the federal government currently is being run by “left-wing wackos.” Plummer struck a similar tone, saying that environmental regulations imposed by the EPA makes it more difficult for American businesses to compete globally. In fact, he said, the EPA now far exceeds its mandate.

“This administration makes it harder to compete with folks,” Plummer said. “When you tell farmers you’re going to regulate how much dust their tractors can kick up when they’re combining a field, I think clearly they’ve gotten a little too big for their britches, and we need politicians who can rein them in. I aim to do that.”

The candidates all expressed support for expanding domestic oil production as a way of increasing American jobs and providing support to the economy, and all said that increased coal mining in Southern Illinois and further development of “clean-coal” technology could pay myriad dividends for the region.

“I would do all I can to support energy independence and repealing and fighting the EPA,” Kormos said.

The candidates touched on themes touted by Republicans on the national stage, including cutting illegal immigration and maintaining the integrity of gun rights.

“We have to enforce the federal laws we have on the books,” Cook said of immigration problems. “No amnesty. I don’t think that people who are here illegally that we ought to give them benefits.”

The candidates also sounded off on “Obamacare,” the sweeping health care overhaul proposed by Obama and ushered into law by a narrow Democratic majority that is expected to continue as a lightning rod in this year’s presidential and congressional elections. All the candidates said they opposed its passage and would make repealing the entire package a priority if elected.

“It’s unconstitutional what they’re doing, and if elected to Congress, I will go to Washington and repeal Obamacare because it is an infringement upon our states’ powers and us as people, our rights,” Cook said.

Kormos, citing her decades spent in the nursing profession, said the law has little to do with expanding health care coverage and more to do with consolidating liberal power.

“(Obamacare) is the worst piece of legislation ever in history,” Kormos said. “As a nurse for 34 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes, and it has nothing to do with patient care. It has everything to do with taking away power.”

Plummer contended that the continuing health care debate speaks to the theme that the federal government has grown far too large to be properly responsive to its citizens.

“We have to take government away from Washington, D.C., and we have to make it more local,” Plummer said. “I’d like to take more power from Springfield and bring it home to Williamson County, or Jackson County. The closer to you power is, the more responsive it will be.”

The road forward

Illinois, long considered a Democratic stronghold on the national stage, has showed cracks in its façade ever since Republican Mark Kirk won election to Obama’s former U.S. Senate seat in 2010. Now, with Costello stepping down after about 25 years in the House, a usually sleepy congressional district could attract some national media attention.

Organizers of last weekend’s event indicated another similar forum was in the works for the three Democratic candidates for the seat, but no concrete detail have been announced. So far in that race, Brad Harriman has garnered the endorsements of both Costello and the powerful union AFL-CIO.

The primary election to select one Democrat and one Republican for this fall’s election will be held March 20.

Source: http://carbondaletimes.com/012612gop

“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 firmly believes that this proposed pipeline is one step closer towards securing one of his primary goals: making American energy independent. Cook said,  ”We should be drilling and mining at home, and working closely with North American allies like Canada.”

Full blog post and press release can be read here: http://rebootcongress.blogspot.com/2012/01/il-republican-roger-cook-on-xl-pipeline.html

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.

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/

[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.

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

America has but one political party capable of winning races on a scale large enough to change government practices: the Republican Party.

However, the party does not always stay faithful to that message.  It takes the efforts of ordinary people, not insiders, to keep the party on point.  Hennessy goes on to describe the establishment view of grassroots conservatives:

Kingmakers laugh at grassroots candidates and activists.  We amuse them with our principles and idealism, our willingness to work for free, knocking on doors, sweating in the summer, shivering in the winter.

Kingmakers don’t deign to knock doors and meet ordinary people–they have deals to cut. They have staff to do the dirty work of meeting voters.

One thing is for certain; Rodger Cook will build his campaign from the ground, up…he will not rely on ‘kingmakers’ to build his campaign.  And the work will be intense, from the primary through the general.

Hennessy then identifies some of the grassroots candidates in the current election cycle:

Candidates like Ed Martin and Todd Akin in Missouri, Richard Mourdock in Indiana, and Rodger Cook in Illinois. These candidates don’t have money with which to buy allies. They don’t get invitations to royal balls.  Instead, they rely on ordinary men and women to walk neighborhoods, banging doors, and asking relatives to vote. (emphasis added)

If these  conservatives are to win their primaries, though, the grassroots must remain strong against the seductions of the establishment.  In tough economic times, those seductions–almost always monetary–will be strong.

Rodger Cook has every intention of of earning the respect & support of grassroots conservatives in Illinois-12.  Whether it be his distinction as the most conservative candidate in the GOP field, his dedication to meeting with all of the essential grassroots conservatives in the district, or his commitment to a hard-working, hard-fought campaign, Cook will make every effort to represent the district’s values in Washington, D.C. and to keep the GOP on message.

If you want to join this effort, please sign up to volunteer through the website.

Job creation was the recurring theme Thursday at a debate for candidates who hope to replace Jerry Costello as southwestern Illinois’ congressman.

Cook’s response to job creation focuses on getting government out of the way:

Cook said the federal government needs to loosen regulations to allow more coal mining and drilling for natural gas in the region. He also said the health care law commonly referred to as “Obamacare” needs to be repealed. He said employers don’t want to hire “because they don’t know what it’s going to cost.”

As we all know, government only really creates government jobs, and Cook’s focus on loosening job-killing regulations reflects that understanding.  As Brueggemann reports, Cook was one of only two candidates to address out-of-control spending with specifics:

Cook said the only way to seriously cut spending is to address Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He said the three programs have to be revised so that they remain viable for future generations. He said he opposes cutting retirement benefits for people who are already retired or about to retire, but for young people, “you might have to work a little longer.”

As for raising taxes, Cook said: “The worst thing you can do is raise taxes.”

All in all, Cook had a fantastic showing, and he exemplified his political acuteness by noting that all 6 candidates agreed on the issue of taxes, but that the Democrats would be beholden to the party in Washington, D.C.  Of course, one of the main themes in Cook’s candidacy centers on cutting taxes as a first-step to jump-starting the economy; both Presidents Kennedy & Reagan were rewarded with greater treasury revenues by cutting taxes across the board.

Walk-lists will be prepared in advance, and someone will be on site all day.  Come out, bring a friend, and help Rodger get the signatures he needs to get on the ballot for March 20!