Okay, that headline is needlessly provocative, but hey, I haven’t gotten many angry comments lately. 🙂
Journal Star reporter Karen McDonald covered Aaron Schock’s candidacy announcement event, but didn’t mention his proposal to sell nuclear arms to Taiwan. Then, when a Springfield reporter picked up the story, she attended challenger Jim McConoughey’s press conference reacting to the news, but didn’t write about it. Instead, the event was covered by Adrianna Colindres of Gatehouse News Service.
McDonald, on the other hand, wrote an article on Schock visiting public schools yesterday, but apparently didn’t ask about (or if she did ask, didn’t report on) Schock’s response to the foreign policy controversy. Yes, Schock had issued a press release that was in Colindres’s report, and yes Colindres did a phone interview with Schock’s campaign manager Steve Shearer. But McDonald had access to the man himself, and could have gotten a candid, rather than canned, answer. In fact, she could have followed up on his press release, pressing him on his clear flip-flop on this issue (he says in the press release that he doesn’t favor selling nukes to Taiwan). Instead, all we got was a puff piece.
Maybe I’m being too critical, but I think the local reporting on Schock’s campaign lately has been dismal and a disservice to those who are paying over $200 a year for Peoria’s only daily.
UPDATE: Great minds think alike. Independently, Billy Dennis and Rich Miller each commented on basically the same thing.
UPDATE 2: The Pantagraph has a much better report than the Journal Star on this story.
I agree that political coverage in the Journal Star has taken a nosedive since McDonald took over the political beat.
Maybe she was too busy writing her WOTS column.
I didn’t see any bloggers at the speech doing any coverage. You therefore missed the entire context of “the quote”, the research and the suggested political strategy in resolving current and potential future problems in this area. But then there has been little to no support in the blogs for him anyway. Additionally other candidates reponded with name calling, etc. I failed to see either of them present for the event either.
Oddly, I thought Mcougheney’s comments to be most interesting. He attacks Schock for his “youth” and reported “inexperience”, yet who did he primarily support in the last city election, a young man with little political experience, who ironically was also attacked in the blogs. Someone who appears to giving that support in return. Kinda of a face slap on that one.
Schock, however, has gotten bills passed in a minority party in an arena where clearly it is next to impossible among the internal squabbling in Springfield to get anything done. I would submit Congress is not much different. No other candidate has that experience. I have not heard their speeches or comments directly regarding their proposed policies. Perhaps their comments were taken out of context as well.
In Karen’s defense, several news agencies attended the original conference and didn’t report the Taiwan comments. However, attending the other presser specifically about those comments and not reporting it is a little concerning.
Paul- I have heard Aaron boast about “passing bills” in the Illinois house etc. Would you be able to shed more light on the bills he and you are referring to and of what significance “passing bills” has on the issue of whether he is the best candidate to represent the 18th district in the United States House of Representatives. I would like the specific bill #’s and I’m interested in your view as to why they are relevant. I know you are a Schock supporter and I am not, but I must admit I do wonder why you are. More details would be helpful.
I recall the bills being the kind giving some aid to Peoris-land and not being controversial at all. At least he is trying to do something, and not giving millions dollar land to ICC like Leitch did. Are Billy D. and C.J. going to go at it throughout this entire election?
Paul — I’m not defending the responses of Schock’s challengers; I found them to be pretty weak and opportunistic. But that’s really beside the point of my post.
Paul & Meghan — I agree that everyone pretty much missed the Taiwan thing. If that’s all that happened, I would not have written this post. We’re all guilty of the same thing. I think it was good that Karen was at the press conference for McConoughey, and (unlike Billy Dennis) I thought she asked a very good question, as I’ve commented over on his blog. So far so good.
But then look at the paper today. There’s the Gatehouse story on McConoughey and there’s Karen’s puff piece on Schock. That’s what has me scratching my head. I did call Schock’s headquarters yesterday and try to get a comment from him, but only got his staffer “Eric” who was pretty unhelpful. Karen was in the same room with Schock covering his campaign. Why were no questions about this story asked of him then; and if they were, why was there no report on it in the paper? Even if he said “no comment, read my press release” — that in itself would be pretty telling.
Like I said, maybe I’m being too critical.
George & Roman II: I can tell you one bill he was instrumental in passing, and that’s SB2477. That’s the bill that will allow District 150 to take money from the taxpayers for school buildings without having to get the taxpayers’ okay through a referendum. Furthermore, when that bill came up for debate, he stood on the house floor and said on the record that the Peoria City Council supported the bill; I know for a fact that the council did not take any position on that bill, and several council members were actually against it.
Paul: One more thing. Schock’s entire speech was published by the State Journal-Register, so rest assured I read “the quote” in context.
George,
http://www.ilga.gov
you can do a search for any legislation that Aaron either sponsored or supported. Why this is relevant. The job sought is for the House of Representatives in the legislative branch. That’s a chunk of what they do, make laws, so it would be most relevant to have experience in the law making process. Why do I support Schock, specifically he is the only candidate that has taken the time to work with several projects within my specific neighborhood. He has walked in other neighborhoods, speaking with people directly about concerns and most significantly NOT when running for an office. I call either him or his staff and I get quick, efficient information or services. Constintuent services are an important part of being a representative. I could go on but each reason is based on concrete experience rather than on someones’ opinion. Regarding the other candidates. Dick Versace was coach when I was BU. but I had no interactions personally with him. McConenhey I have met a couple of times, mostly related to Spain’s campaign, but have little opinion other than the recent comments. Morris, I have been active in city events for about four years. Morris was in my area once and that was with Marcella Teplitz to issue a proclamation to the association. I think he is a very nice guy, but don’t see him able to “fight” for what is needed.
Cj, I have no idea why Karen did not ask the questions you wanted asked, ask her. The speech was a lot of information to digest. I thought it was well researched and had to think a lot about what was saida as it was pretty a comprehensive presentation. I haven’t read the Springfield article, I would assume from your comments that it was a transcript. If you read Karen’s “puff piece” then Schock wouldn’t have been at campaign headquarters, but at Roosevelt. I didn’t think it was a puff piece. I was glad to see a leader in that role in the school. Too many children idolize people who teach them to “smack that b*…” or who play sports and then are caught in some nasty scandle….I wish more of our leaders, especially the younger ones would invest some time with the youth…perhaps it would keep them “off the streets”.
Dismal reporting from Karen McDonald? As someone who followed her “work” in Pekin for a year, I’m not surprised. That’s what the JS gets for taking someone who had a lackluster performance on one of their secondary beats and promoting them to the prime time in the “big city.”
Paul: I agree that Schock’s office is very responsive. As you are aware, I remain concerned about SB2477 and the process Schock used to get that passed. The lack of City Council support and Schock representing that they had given their support on the house floor is disturbing and not what I want to see in an elected official. It seems that that behavior is to be accepted. State level now. What happens at the federal level?
CJ – which Councilpeople were against SB2477?
I also worry about SB2477. Allowing government to take tax money from the people who elected you to allow the government to do with as they please, without the people’s consent, seems to me as in INCREASE in the power of government. This (tell me if I am wrong) seems to contradict the traditional platform of the Republican Party. Is Aaron Schock running because he cares about the constituency or because it is a part of the “plan” to achieve higher political power? Either way, I hope the candidates do not reduce themselves to mudslinging tactics…and Aaron, if you are reading this: Please, whatever you do, spare us from those commercials of you running to the “Chariots of Fire” theme music with your record scrolling on the screen!!!!
On more tidbit: I remember sitting through a very emotional Morris speech during the swearing in ceremony for the City Council. In that speech (and once again, tell me if I am wrong), I remember Honorable Morris commenting on how he was looking forward to spending time with his family and how that even went into his thought process with regard to not seeking re-election to the council. So, now he is running for Congress which puts him in out in Washington D.C., instead of City Hall, for part of the year and is easily 100 times more of a time commitment. Now I like Morris…I really do, but does anyone remember that or find that odd?
And Paul: It is McConoughey…you got to get it right brother. And you are right, the blogs are far from an indicator of candidate performance considering Ryan Spain was murdered on here and mopped up the at-large election. That being said, I think the logic is a little different here with regard to a Congressional election where way more is at stake. And I am curious what Schock did (and maybe I am ignorant of the issue) on tough issues like the recent budget crisis. I didn’t hear Schock saving the day there. Please correct me if I am wrong.
EVERYBODY: Let’s drop the “flip-flop” of Schock. As you can pick up in the innuendos of my rant here, I am far from a Schock supporter or “Jock Supporter” (nice headline C.J.) but I hated it when the GOP labeled Kerry a flip-flopper at every turn so I must say I do not agree with it here. That being said, before you think I am a Dick “Disgrace” supporter, I can assure you I am not that either.
JB
js — They spoke to me off the record. But here’s what Schock said:
So, call up a few council members and ask them if they ever supported SB2477. If you find one who didn’t, then you know Schock was lying. I only had to make one call, although I subsequently found out a couple others didn’t support it either.
Jazzbass
I was also there at the Installation ceremony to hear Morris good bye to politics speech, dont think he will make a good candidate for congress.
Also remembering the blogs bashing Ryan Spain big time & he showed them in the long run.
My observation is that the comment that Paul made wasnt a slam again Ryan Spain but a slap in his face from his boss becuase of the comments McConoughey made about Aaron Schock being young & inexpericenced when Ryan is just a year younger & doesnt have that much expericence.
As for right now Im actually divided between McConoughey & Schock but would have to hear a debate to see which is the better of the two candidates as Versace & Morris definetly wont get my vote.
Also JB if you say you arent Ryan then you are someone who knows him very well.
Everyone: On these elections when the mudslinging the candidates that do it (examples Sandberg-the trouble he caused for Ryan Spain & George Jacob when he was appointed & Ricca Sloan when she was up against Schock) they will definetly loose my vote….If McConoughey doesnt stop the slamming not going to get my vote PERIOD…..all he has to do is buy the election with his money
To everyone
Want to go on record saying that I was a Spain supporter & voted for him in the last election but I also supported Schock…they both are great guys..
MYBT1,
I don’t remember the blogs “bashing” Ryan Spain, although if you’re a Spain supporter, I suppose you would take it that way.
The way I see it, there’s mudslinging, and there are serious concerns. We shouldn’t confuse the two. Schock saying that he would sell nuclear weapons to Taiwan to try to muscle China into seeing things our way should be a serious concern to everyone. Pointing out that this would be a serious foreign policy blunder, that it would mean violating the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and that Pershing missiles were destroyed by the early 1990s, is all relevant information that should be considered when deciding for which candidate to vote. I believe pointing out that he lied to the Illinois House of Representatives about local support of SB2477 is also a serious concern and is not merely “mudslinging.”
McConoughy and Morris each have their own obstacles to overcome. But they haven’t made any embarrassing statements that hold a candle to advocating we give nuclear weapons to Taiwan.
MYBT-
Agreed, that Paul didn’t slam Spain. Not what I was saying…just comparing City Council to Congress is like apples to oranges.
JB
CJ –
Well, I guess we could argue opinion all day. Maybe I will change “bash” to mudsling. And C.J., you can’t honestly tell me that there were not personal attacks against Spain on the blogs, including your very own blog here at the Chronicle. Not picking a fight with you brother but I remember commenting to them all.
Also, for those that continue to think I am Spain, I invite you to see me play bass tonight at the Radison (old Jumers) on Western in P-town. Great Jazz…we’ll talk.
JB
JB.
I do remember Morris’ speech at council. Also know that LaHood’s announcement of not seeking re-election opened up an opportunity that obvioulsy would not have been there if he stayed. This means that a variety of people considered running for the spot as noted by those who thought they would and have since already dropped out.
Aaron has been accused of being a “career politician” openly or at least insinuated in recent campaign lit from the guy apparantly you and your roomie support. He has been accused of being inexperienced, ironically by same said candidate who has NO experience. He has been accused of being too young.
These three arguments caused my thought of his support of someone younger and less experienced and of course leads me to wonder what the gain was for this?
Arguement #1: a career polician. Would a good businessman hire a. someone who has done a very similiar job as the one for which the slot is open, or b. someone who has not done before. My guess A.
Additionally this job is no different than anyone elses. If you chose to be vet, this is your career. No one says gosh I won’t bring Spot to you because you’re career vet. That’s absolutely ridicilous. We used to hear children say, “I’m going to grow up to be president some day”. Has anyone every discouraged that dream. In this country that dream can come true for much of the population.
2. Inexperience, very similiar to above, but the odd thing is that an incumbent totes his experience when seeking re-election. So is your candidate only seeking one term. If so then he would be a career politician and would be saying his experience is what should keep him in office. Additionaly Aaron has legislative experience. Jim doesn’t. John has city council experience, but didn’t really sponsor legisation. Call that yourself.
3. Youth. In today’s society growing old is no more of an accomplishment that popping out kids. Neither guarentees wisdom. If it did, I would be doing something else for a living. I don’t remember the Cuban Missle Crisis, nor the civil war. I have read about each though, so therefore I can apparantly glean nothing.
Also noted was much more was at stake with a Congressional seat, yes and no. I would submit that what the City Council does or does not do will effect your daily life much more that much of Congress does. A councilmen who makes promises and fails to follow through with them has considerable ramifications that one has to deal with daily. Therefore it is just as important to chose wisely in that area.
Re: “Allowing government to take tax money from the people who elected you to allow the government to do with as they please, without the people’s consent, seems to me as in INCREASE in the power of government.” SORE TOPIC given that your much newer neighborhood will get a $1 million face lift to improve the value of their already valuable homes and mine will once again have an erosion project, which is tearing land away from homes where people have lived and worked to pay them off every storm, put off. In fact it was rated 29/32 and didn’t even get the small amount of money approved for the engineering of said project. Also noted was the only person to bring this project up was George Jacob, despite several others on the council having toured it. Citizens are allowed no input into the capital budget process. This will sit in limbo until someone’s house gets washed away (no time soon), then the fingerpointing will start.
I support Aaron because I can count on him. Karrie, I understand your concerns, we have talked much on this. I also know that you have will vote for the person you believe will do the best job.
CJ
I agree with JB there was some bashing or questioning of Ryan Spain’s big time throughout his campaign even about his personal life as like Aaron’s is none of the publics business .
JB
I know comparing city council to congress is apples to oranges but they both (Aaron & Ryan) & there experience is the same comparison & lets leave it at that becuase I have the highest respect for both of them.
Apologize about accusing you of being Ryan Spain I remembered he is a drummer & that info is listed on his website.
Am a big Jazz fan how can people find out when & where you play?
Will just have to see how the race between the 4 candidates plays out without the dirty politicing.
Paul
All I can say for you is when are you going to run for a public office? Or you are some effective person as you are in the media alot…Keep up the good work.
Remember all this is a free country & that’s why we have the freedoms like posting on these blogs.
Its kinda funny how this string got off of the original post.
Schock still said he wanted to give Taiwan nuclear weapons, than he said he didn’t when he realized how boneheaded an idea it was, but he’s totally fine with investing in Iran…
I don’t think he shouldn’t be a congressman becuase of his age, I think he shouldn’t become a congressman because he is either completely ignorant on foreign policy or is just plain deranged.
Either way a trigger happy 26 year old with nothing to lose, but his political career, is not who I want representing me in Congress.