From a press release:
Congressman Ray LaHood calls on Colleen Callahan to pull TV ad
LaHood “irritated” Callahan is using his name to smear Schock in a “dishonest” ad
(SPRINGFIELD) In news conferences today in Peoria and Springfield, Congressman Ray LaHood expressed his irritation with Colleen Callahan’s latest TV ad using his name and that of his predecessor Bob Michel to attack Aaron Schock.
“The ad is dishonest and I am calling on Colleen to pull it,” said LaHood. “Honesty requires you to tell the truth and Colleen Callahan is not telling the truth in this ad.”
LaHood continued, “If people want to carry on the legacy of honesty and integrity in the 18th District then Aaron Schock is the person who should be elected. The Chicago Tribune said that today. Bob Michel has said it and I am saying right here and now.”
“Using my name to insult the integrity of Aaron Schock really irritates me and it’s just not true. Colleen’s ad cites the Chicago Tribune which today strongly endorsed Aaron Schock for Congress in a lengthy, well-reasoned editorial. Using Bob Michel’s and my names to say that Aaron is dishonest is a dishonest attack itself. To that I say, Colleen Callahan pull that ad.”
LaHood said the notary issue that Callahan’s ad focuses on is a non-issue, “It was a clerical error eight years ago and it didn’t take long for a Democrat State’s Attorney to find no merit to the allegation.”
LaHood said the campaign ought to focus on the issues confronting our country now instead of “October Surprises”. LaHood noted Schock has aired ads on the economy and jobs, agriculture, energy, the environment and saving the river, while Callahan has only aired ads attacking Aaron Schock. LaHood said, “Colleen’s ads are not only negative attacks, they are dishonest and this one needs to be pulled off the air.”
“I strongly support Aaron, his integrity is rock solid and he has been an outstanding State Representative who is fully prepared to step up to represent the district in Congress. I want everyone to be clear on this,” said LaHood.
LaHood said, “Colleen Callahan should talk about what she is going to do, where she stands on the issues and how she wants to represent the people instead of attacking her opponent all the time and not picturing him in a way that is just plain not factual.”
When asked about Callahan’s calls for candidates to release tax returns, LaHood said in his 14 years he has not released his tax returns and that Bob Michel did not release his tax returns during his 38 years in office. LaHood said the reason is that there already are tough financial disclosures required by candidates and Members of Congress and these disclosures are far more detailed than a tax return. “Unlike a tax return, these financial disclosures list all assets, income and debts,” said LaHood.
Schock noted he has had to file financial disclosures for the past eight years as a school board member and state representative. He urged his opponents to catch up to him by filing disclosures for the past eight years.
In response to Callahan saying Schock has not addressed the notary issue, Schock said, “While I keep hearing I have not addressed this, I have repeatedly responded in numerous media interviews saying the first time I was aware of the issue was in press coverage this summer, that I made a mistake eight years ago and that I’m sorry. With that said, all three of my opponent’s television ads are negative attacks, and the lion’s share of her news releases and news conferences have been nothing more than attacks on me. It is certainly fair then to ask why Colleen’s campaign has been so completely negative.”
Schock said that in keeping with his past campaigns, he would remain focused on the issues and not attack his opponent. “People do want a change from our broken political system and the politics of personal destruction. Regardless what others do, I will stay positive and provide voters with yet another example of what a campaign should be.”
LaHood concluded by saying, “This is desperation on the part of a candidate who knows she is way behind but it’s not going to fool the people.”
A clerical error? Seriously???
Stay classy, ‘Crats…
Integrity. Honesty. You be the judge.
From Feb. 6, 2006 Word on the Street by Jennifer Davis & Molly Parker entitled LaHood flip-flops on Ethics. When Tom DeLay’s corruption began to be publicized, Lahood voted to weaken the Ethics rules to protect his Majority Leader.
I quote :
When asked about these votes, LaHood said he couldn’t recall the particulars. But one things for sure, he said, “Any vote I ever made was not to stick up for Tom DeLay, I guarantee you that.”
How come these Republicans can only remember the good stuff. How about those golf outings in Idaho or the trip to Paris, Ray?
Just another Republican caught covering for another.
Gee, Brian, and Democrats never do that, do they?
Or do I need to list some of the “ethical lapses” of Democrats?
Don’t let me stop you. Make sure it has to do with the subjects of this post. Go right ahead.
Schock has had a lot to say in a positive manner in this campaign while Callahan has only attacked Schock.
What compelled her to run in the first place, just to defeat Schock for the sake of it? Doesn’t she stand for anything? Her acid campaign is an indicator of what type of representative she would be–polarizing, abrasive, arrogant, conniving and full of herself, while always attacking the opposition with well-rehearsed sound bites. She has no depth and no warmth.
Callahan obviously was motivated to run for personal fulfillment of her ego thinking she is superbly qualified to be in such a position of power. She also obviously was not motivated to run becuase of a burning desire to address the challenges confronting our country or she would be using her ads to tell about what she wants to do and where she stands and what proposals she intends to make.
She thought she could use her wiles to use LaHood and his good name for her own selfish reasons. She thought because she had a fundraiser for him in the past that she could use his name in attacking Schock. Well, he clearly saw through that and said what he thought about her attempt to try to jump on his back to coast to victory. He just threw that parasite off. He owes her nothing other than serving the term she supported him for.
She has not offered single reason to vote FOR her, instead she just visciously gloms onto anything she can to attack Schock. Her campaign is intellectually bankrupt, exhibiting a shocking lack of belief in her as a candidate. Think about it, her campaign is NOT trying to compel voters to want to vote FOR her, she is not even pretending to inspire people about her accomplishments in life. It is all the same old broken playbook of attack, attack, attack, attack, attack and attack and absolutely nothing more. A souless campaign.
Seth: Ditto. If Callahan is that nasty now, what would she be like with more power. Nastier!
She has offered one reason. If you’re for the draft then she’s your candidate.
Where was Colleen During the Primary? Did she collect petitions to be on the ballot NO. Did she work in the political community prior to her rise in name recognition, for example run for precinct level or county board level office to get some experience in how the party personalities operate and how elections are conducted? Not to my knowledge. Putting on a fund raiser for a candidate for Congress does not bring level of experience you need to be competitive.
A quick look at the stats for the past 90 years will tell you that picking the Democrat label to run on is difficult at best and all the hype about Wash DC insiders being associated thru other asssociates of a third party does not make a lot of difference to the voter who is only concerned about making their way of life a littl more sane.
People do not go to the ballot box with stacks of comments from bloggers of unknown identity and pull a level or press a screen that is directly connected to those comments.
Issue like lowering the dependence on foreign oil and using our own backyard sources is much more cogent to the everyday voter.
LaHood and Schlock talking about ethics… what next? Blagojevich talking about competency? George W. Bush talking about intelligence? Ted Kennedy talking about sobriety? Bill Clinton talking about marital fidelity? Sarah Palin talking about gravitas? John McCain talking about what he is going to do as President?
Point of Order,
Are you still on that tripe? The draft? Callahan mirrors Obama’s plan for community service [one form or another]. Don’t make yourself look ridiculous claiming Cal [or anyone else] is for the ‘draft.’
Callahan has quite a list of ‘grass roots’ supporters. Her claim of not being a “career politician” speaks volumes to me. Shock’s campaign is typical Republican rhetoric. I have said before that Shock’s only concern is Shock. I am sure most of us writing on this blog are not ‘critically’ naive. We cannot always pass judgement based on Party stereotypes.
Still, tell me that Shock is anything but a Republican ‘Tabula Rasa’, his ‘blank’ slate waiting to be filled with Republican Party pomposity as soon as he hits the Washington streets. He does have a ‘serious’ mentor in Ray LaHood…I will give hime that. Just kidding.
I am sure Schock will pull this one out. Anyone willing to burn the kind of money he did for the 18th Congressional Seat must want it REAL bad. Give me Callahan’s sincere desire to move Peoria ahead over Schock’s empty ambition anytime.
Point of Order,
“Give me Callahan’s sincere desire to move Peoria ahead over Schock’s empty ambition anytime”. Move Peoria forward??? What about the other 160 municpalites and other 19 counties in the 18th Congressional district. Schock wants to work tirelessly for the WHOLE 18th Congressional district, not just Peoria. Point of Order, you need to get out of Peoria sometime. The is alot out there.
SCR? Who pays your salary? “work tirelessly”?????
Shlock is a self aggrandizing opportunist and career civic leech.
How much has he raised on this campaign for which he is a Republican in a totally Republican district? Has he spent a million? 5 millions? How badly does he want to be Vice President? President? How much of what he raised went into the National Committee as a down payment on his future plans?
kcdad,
Who pays my salary? What kind of question is that? I am not a paid political operative if that is what you are asking? Is employment disclossure a requirewment to comment on this blog? I have not seen others list where they work to comment here.
And yes I think Aaron does work hard . Tirelessly as I said. Is that a bad thing? I think his collegues in the House or Representatives in Springfield will attest to that, Republicans and Democrats alike. Find me one person that has worked with Aaron Schock in Springfield who disputs my contention he works tirelessly. Name names and give quotes. You people who spew nothing but emotion and anger and name call have no credibility. Not one comment you left spoke of issues or public policy debate. I like Schock, you don’t. Ok I accept that.
Obviously you have issues with Aaron Schock. Here is an idea ,vote for Callahn .
too funny.
Of course I have issues with Shlock, I am thoughtful and reasonable. I don’t buy this “garsh folks, I grew up in a rural community and I am just plain folk” garbage.
I also attended Kellar (spelled with an “A”, by the way) I didn’t have a Doctor for a father, mine was an engineer. I do know the meaning of the word tirelessly. Apparently you do not.
dj.
Not yielding to fatigue; untiring or indefatigable.
tireless·ly adv.
tireless·ness n.
Synonyms: tireless, indefatigable, unflagging, untiring, unwearied, weariless
These adjectives mean having or showing a capacity for prolonged and laborious effort: a tireless worker; an indefatigable advocate of human rights; unflagging pursuit of excellence; untiring energy; an unwearied researcher; a weariless defender of freedom of the press.
He spent 2 years in Springfield… is he tired of it? Did he get tired of being on the school board?
Prolonged and laborious effort…. hmmmmmmmm
kcdad,
Thanks for the dictionary lesson. I still maintain Aaron works tirelessly.
Win or lose this election he is finishing 4 years in Springfield, not 2.
2 terms . 2 x 2 is four isn’t it?
What does what school you went to or what your Dad did have to do with this discussion?
kc, please name 10 people you do not have issues with….
I am sure I am some issue with everyone who is living. If I were in complete agreement with anyone, I would be very surprised. Can you honestly say there is anyone that you don’t have some issue with?
“I am sure I am some issue with everyone who is living.” kcdad
You lead a sad life…..
SCR,
I wrote the above blog, not Point of Order. Now…if you are going to make fun of KCDAD for his “dictionary lesson,” I will have to jab you for your knit -picky comment about Peoria vs. the “160 municpalites and other 19 counties in the 18th Congressional district.” Yes, I meant the ENTIRE 18th District……good?
NOW. I know state reps who like/dislike, respect/disrespect, etc. Schock. Their ‘opinions’ of him, good or bad, are hardly the issue. Is he a tireless worker? Maybe. Why not when your having fun playing at being a politician.
You obviously see something in Schock’s policies others don’t. I would love to see Schock develop an original thought outside of the same old Republican rhetoric.
OK new voice, I’ve got one for you, Public Act 95-112.
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires that the Department of Human Services by rule establish the maximum annual household income for eligibility for the Family Assistance and Support Program, which may not be less than $65,000 and must be adjusted annually for inflation. Effective immediately.
He initiated the bill which is now law, setting a new floor for eligibility for the program to benefit families of children afflicted with severe autism, severe mental retardation, sever mental illness and severe and multiple disabilities. Explain to me please how helping more people afflicted with mental and physical disabilities right out of the republican playbook? What evil rich business oriented special interest benefits from this kind of right-wing legislation? How does big oil, big insurance, big pharma or “big” anything else benefit from this program. I understand that in the closing days of a campaign, its easy to demonize our opponents, but fundamental fairness demands that you give “the devil” his due and acknowledge that even Aaron Schock promoted a policy that isn’t out of the “same old republican rhetoric”. If you can’t acknowledge even that, then Obama’s call for a post-partisan climate is doomed, not just from those on the right but from those on the left (or perhaps center).
G[uy]falkes,
Relax. Let me understand you. You are calling PA 95-0112 “right-wing legislation?” Whoa. What, in your opinion, is left-wing legislation?
Your right Schock did pass an amendment to the original Act. Schock also wanted to sell nukes to Taiwan, arm the general public, etc!
Rightly so, Aaron did pass some good stuff. I WILL give credit where it is due.
The real question is……..does any of this qualify him for the U.S. Congress? Look at the big picture. Tell me Schock isn’t the stereotypical Republican political mover & shaker. I am not saying Callahan is any more/less qualified than Schock. If you think I am getting all dem-liberal on you, your wrong. Indy!
Imaswede… are you saying there are people that you are in complete accord with? You agree on everything? The only way I can conceive of that being possible is if one had no opinions or thoughts of their own.
hmmmmmmmm…. yes… like a California Variegated Mutant, perhaps.
I am the owner of California Variegated Mutant Sheep on my farm. I know CVM’s and what they are capable of producing.
I have the products of their year’s worth of growth.
Sheep do not have traits or characteristics that lend itself to politcal and ideological thought. They do have a few concerns that they are experts on, but not on the level of human cognition.
my web page has few of our sheep on them, CVMs there as well.
http://www.blacksockssheep.com
kc, I am saying you go off about everything. I have never seen you agree with anyone and your posts are more often than not, condescending. I feel the proof is in the pudding by your name calling.
New Voice,
Thank you for correcting me on my response in error to Point of Order when in fact it was your post I intended to respond to.
I was asking for someone to identify to me a sitting member of the state house that said Aaron Schock was not a hard worker in his job. I did not ask the more political question of who does and does not “respect” him.
This is the first election I have got into the blogs. It is a lot of fun and intellectually challenging and fullfilling. It is a very good thing. It is just so hard to keep emotions in check and dwell on the issues.
Damn human nature always gets in the way.
I was talking about work ethic. I think work ethic is important.
You seem reasoned and creative. I would like to banter more.
All we like sheep have gone a stray
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa… vote for Schock
SCR,
Sure thing. The only problem is that the elcetions will soon come and go. We will ALL have to find something new to “banter” about.
If Schock does win, I say we through him a victory party in Big Al’s “New Digs!”
kcdad,
We are mindless sheep if we do not agree with you. Hmmmm. Now that is a strong intellectual argument. Fact based, issue driven, well thought out. I guess you win.
New Voice,
The election won’t deter us from further banter. This office, just like the State House, is up every two years. I suspect about nine weeks after Aaron’s election, Campaign 2010 will be in full force on the Blogs . We get past inauguration day and the campaign for 2010 starts!!!
Way to go SCR! You missed the target, the barn and the farmyard.
The sheep comment referred to not have any issues with anyone. It was about being in total agreement with someone about everything. I honestly said I don’t believe there is anyone with whom I am in complete agreement.
RIF