Is the Schock campaign diverting services from battered women?

October 19, 2006
By Billy Dennis

Willy Nilly has some very interesting inside-baseball type revelations and insights about the Aaron Schock campaign. It turns out his campaign manager is a former house mate of a woman who resigned as director of Freedom House in Princeton after being accused of misuse of funds and sexually harassing some male employees. The misuse of funds included having taken a car donated to the shelter and giving it to one of her daughters.

It also turns out that the Schock campaign is paying Freedom House for the use of it’s PR person, Stephanie Cartwright. The shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault just sends the Schock campaign a bill for her services, which they gladly pay. Steve Shearer, Schock’s campaignh manager, is also on the Board of Directors of Freedom House, Willy says, which means he was one of the people responsible for policing Mary Carla Grube, former director of Freedom House.

Why is this important? Remember that Schock has already been accused of insensitivity to women because of his acceptance of donations from former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood, who resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment. This only serves to cement the feeling that Schock is less than concerned about women’s issues.

Willy also discusses articles from Rich Miller of Capitol Fax describing serious problems with the Journal Star’s coverage of the Schock/Spears campaign. Hey, what am I? Chopped liver? Willy bets that this news will never, ever see the light of day in the Journal Star, which prefers that all its coverage of the 92nd District Illinois House race be about what a mean-spirited fellow challenger Bill Spears is for having the audacity to criticize Schock for taking money from oil companies during a time Illinoisans are facing 50 percent jumps in heating bills. The nerve.

In an earlier post, Willy commented on relatively mild criticism in the Journal Star towards Ernie Russell’s laughably harsh negative ads directed at Dave Koehler in the 42nd State Senate race.

My two cents: Most people will read this and go “eh.” It’s all too “inside baseball” to most people. I think it reveals that it’s shortsighted for the locals to assume the anyone with a “D” next to their name on the ballot is a tool of the so-called Chicago Machine, while letting Republicans get away with all sorts of nonsense, including being associated with people with ethical problems. Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan might be lending support to the Spears campaign, but at least Madigan and company aren’t diverting goods and services intended for domestic violence victims.

Full disclosure: Bill Spears is a friend of mine and I’m a supporter of his campaign.

Aaron Schock,Bill Spears,Ernie Russell,Willy Nilly,Dave Koehler

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39 Responses to “ Is the Schock campaign diverting services from battered women? ”

  1. screwed on October 19, 2006 at 8:48 am

    Was it not you Billy who just a week or so ago claimed that even though Kathleen Teegarden was a member of West Bluff NHS, and NHS is being sued by the city for not providing any information on where the city provided $150,000 has gone, as well as many other complaints, none the less there was no problen putting her on the Ren Park board through 2011. I belive that Spears voted for that appointement knowing all this. So how about some concern as to how that $150,000 in taxpayer money has gone poof. Or is this only a problem when it is done by a house mate of someone who is helping Schock.

  2. Vonster on October 19, 2006 at 9:03 am

    Willy and Billy have a “thing” for Schock. Willy just hates all Republicans. Billy has different reasons. In either case, consider the source.

  3. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 9:44 am

    Bill screeches in the Headline: “Is the Schock campaign diverting services from battered women?” and then goes on to describe how the Schock campaign does “gladly pay” for said services.

    This is the hypocracy Bill. You commit the sin you hate in others. You have said the PJS does the same thing – headlines disproven in the article.

    Bill also sez: “Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?”

    I sez: No, I don’t think you rate chopped liver. I don’t think you even rate as high as generic hot dogs on this issue.
    You want to be treated seriously but you don’t ACT seriously. We get the screeching tabloid headline. We get the guilt by six degrees of association. We get slanted views that favor your friend. We get your finger pointing in whatever the direction wind (or the donations to your blog) blows.

    So you ask, “Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?”
    no, this isn’t chopped liver…it is “just a blog.”

  4. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 9:52 am

    BS alarm is going off again. Illinoisans are NOT facing a 50% increase in heating bills. It is an increase in electric rate only. Natural gas will be WAY down this winter compared to last year. Not only that, a lot of your bill is made up by regulatory fees and such, which are not going to change. Total increase will be somewhere around $20 a month. Of course, this all doesn’t fit in to your yellow journalism and scare tactics.

    Of COURSE Schock must be evil. Billy says so, and he is always right.

    Please.

  5. Biased Media on October 19, 2006 at 10:32 am

    Mouse: If you donate to a non-profit, do you want their employees doing political work? Bill’s Headline may not be accurate but the content appears to be. It looks like Shearer lived with the gal that quit a job before she could get fired for sexual harassment.

    Tony: Where did Bill say anything about power bills in this post. Nice spin. Your boy Schock sure surrounds himself with sleazy folks.

    Why do you think Republican Jim Ardis is supporting Spears instead of Schock? He knows that the public Schock does not match the private one.

  6. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 10:47 am

    Biased Media sez: “If you donate to a non-profit, do you want their employees doing political work? ”

    I sez: Nope, not gratis. This isn’t free, though. The Schock campaign isSounds to me like this is a deal where the non-profit is benefiting. I wouldn’t be surprised if Freedom House is getting back their cost plus a little more. This is a non-issue.

  7. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 10:51 am

    Bill sez in Paragraph 4: ” …during a time Illinoisans are facing 50 percent jumps in heating bills.”

    So, Biased Media – you owe someone an apology.

  8. cgiselle12 on October 19, 2006 at 10:52 am

    Could it be that you, Billy, are trying to combat the overblown nonsense the the PJS is pumping out for Schock with a little bit of sensationalism yourself?

    And I mean this as a compliment to your intelligence as a writer – and the hypocrisy some of the commenters are themselves spouting above.

    Schock indeed seems to be surrounding himself with some shady folks. And, that Ardis is supporting the Dem over his own party boy (pun intended) speaks volumes to me.

  9. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 10:52 am

    Let me unmangle my editing error:

    I sez: The Schock campaign “gladly pays.” Sounds to me like this is a deal where the non-profit is benefiting. I wouldn’t be surprised if Freedom House is getting back their cost plus a little more.

  10. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 10:59 am

    CGiselle12 sez: “And I mean this as a compliment to your intelligence as a writer – and the hypocrisy some of the commenters are themselves spouting above.”

    I sez: Point out the hipocricy. Cut and paste it. I double-dog-dare you.

    …and “sensationalism” is a compliment to intelligence and writing skill?
    So, in you equation, Mud + Mud = Clean? Two wrongs make a right? Maybe you aren’t the best person to call someone else a hypocrit.

  11. cgiselle12 on October 19, 2006 at 11:50 am

    Anon – let he without sin cast the first stone. I sure as hell ain’t lily white. We all know Billy isn’t. I doubt you, or vonster are. That’s the hypocricy I see.

    Schock is not lily white. Why try to paint him as such? Sure he’s paying for the services – but that person is not doing work for the non-profit at the same time, unless they’ve given up sleep. I’ve worked for non-profits and political campaigns. Both are big energy jobs. So it is something of a diversion of not necessarily funds, but time – which is a big deal for a non-profit, trust me. SHe’s not working for them while she’s working for Schock.

    Also the whole trail of his campaign manager on their board and the campaign hiring the PR person and the ousted thieving director is really pretty damn buddy-buddy, friends giving friends jobs, don’t you think?

  12. Billy Dennis on October 19, 2006 at 12:01 pm

    Mouse: The stated purpose of this blog is to cover politics AND the media. The issue here is not only the facts of the case, but the lack of coverage by the local media. A lot of this is inside baseball, but it does concern me that ANY candidate would benefit from services diverted from a shelter. And it concerns me that Schock’s backers have behaved in a way I find corrupt. I’d feel that way were I not a friend of Bill Spears.

    You have the right to assume I’m just being biased, but I think you can read my blog — which you claim to have done — you’d find that I do tend to object to this sort of thing.

    If the Bill Spears campaign was doing this, it would be all over the front page of the Journal Star. Period. Anyone who thinks otherwise just isn’t paying attention.

  13. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 12:14 pm

    Biased Media:
    Billy said “Willy bets that this news will never, ever see the light of day in the Journal Star, which prefers that all its coverage of the 92nd District Illinois House race be about what a mean-spirited fellow challenger Bill Spears is for having the audacity to criticize Schock for taking money from oil companies during a time Illinoisans are facing 50 percent jumps in heating bills. “.

    Nice job, why don’t you try reading the post before you call someone out on it.

    Note to all: Ardis and Spears go way back. THAT is the reason why Ardis is supporting Spears. Not to say that there is anything wrong with that, because it is a perfectly valid reason. Let’s not all go the Bill Dennis Conjecture route and ASSUME that Ardis’ support of Spears means that Schock is shady.

    CGiselle: Who here is saying that Schock is “lilly white” or Spears is a “bad guy” for that matter? They are both politicians. My only beef with Spears all along has been his use of his wife’s cancer struggle as a campaign tool, which is a very very sad way to gain support. The trouble is that people are trying to smear Schock by using flawed logic and conspiracy theories.

    Bill: You are so biased that you have convinced yourself that you aren’t. Nice. What has Schock done wrong? He is paying a person for publicity work who also happens to work for a not-for-profit agency doing the same type of publicity work for them. His campaign manager happens to be a person who lived with a former employee of the same said not-for-profit. I am struggling to find the problem.

    What has Schock done in his 1 term that is SOOOO bad? Anyone?

  14. Billy Dennis on October 19, 2006 at 12:29 pm

    This. Aaron Schook stood before his fellow legislators and urged passage of Senate Bill Senate Bill 2477, a bill that would allow Peoria School District 150 to borrow money to build new schools through the Public Building Commission (PBC) without having to get approval from voters through a referendum.

    Both Schock and State Sen. George Shadid supported this bill.

    But this is what Schock said: “I rise in support of Senate Bill 2477 not only as the Representative from Peoria, but also the past president of the Peoria School System. This is a piece of legislation that is not only supported by our school board, but also our entire city council.”

    In other words: He lied.

    Believe me, were Shadid running again, I’d let him have it over support of SB2477. But Schock misrepresented the views of the Peoria City Council, some of whom I understand were quite upset at their views being misrepresented.

  15. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 12:44 pm

    When during the whole process did Schock make that statement? Was it before some of the Council members changed their view on the whole thing or after? After all, if the Council was willing to divert City funds to the project then, by default, they are in support of letting District 150 borrow money to build the schools.

    Gotta have ALL the details before you call someone a liar. I am not suprised that you omitted some.

  16. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 12:52 pm

    Previously, I sez to CGiselle: Point out the hipocricy. Cut and paste it. I double-dog-dare you.

    CGiselle sez: “I sure as hell ain’t lily white…I doubt you…are. That’s the hypocricy I see. ”

    I sez: In other words, you can’t find one. OK, I know this is a slight breach of etiquette, but I am going straight to the Triple Dog Dare. Point out my hipocricy. Prove me wrong.

  17. C. J. Summers on October 19, 2006 at 1:10 pm

    Tony says, “…if the Council was willing to divert City funds to the project then, by default, they are in support of letting District 150 borrow money to build the schools.”

    Non sequitur. Schock was specific. He said this “piece of legislation” was supported by “our entire city council.” The council never at any time expressed support for SB2477, which would give the Public Building Commission the ability to bond up to $60 million for school construction. Whether or not Bob Manning was willing to use $500,000 of capital funds earmarked for his district to help with land acquisition at the Glen Oak site is completely immaterial on its face; it has nothing to do with the legislation before the Illinois General Assembly. But even if you were to try to draw a comparison, it still falls flat. Manning’s plan never went before the entire city council nor was it unanimously approved by the council. Thus, no one can say that the “entire city council” even supported that plan, let alone SB2477.

    Schock lied. There’s no denying it on this one, Tony.

  18. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 1:17 pm

    Billy Dennis Says:
    August 28th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
    And this makes him different than other politicians in what way?

  19. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 1:27 pm

    I will concede to CJ on this one, because CJ used facts and evidence to back up his position.

    Mr. Mouse has Bill taken care of it seems.

  20. Billy Dennis on October 19, 2006 at 1:39 pm

    Well, let’s look at the tape, shall we:

    “# Anon E. Mouse Says:
    August 28th, 2006 at 2:36 pm e

    Bill sez: “It also seems to me that putting the issue before voters will involve them in the effort from the beginning. By getting people out to the polls on this issue, the public becomes emotionally invested in the program, making it’s odds of success even greater. Anything that gets people to stop complaining and start working is good.”

    I sez: Bullshit!

    “The referendum is not needed for the City of Peoria to apply for the funds…”

    If it is such a good idea and there is such a groundswell of support, then apply for the grant NOW.
    Your arguement about getting voters involved doesn’t hold water either. The 25%-35% that will turn out for this election are the ones already engaged and involved.
    I have no opinion of Mr. Spears, either way, but this IS grandstanding, pure and simple.
    # Billy Dennis Says:
    August 28th, 2006 at 2:40 pm e

    “I have no opinion of Mr. Spears, either way, but this IS grandstanding, pure and simple.”

    And this makes him different than other politicians in what way?”

    I simply agreed that if Spears was “grandstanding” with the CeaseFire petition, than he was doing somethign all politicians do.

    I do not eqate lying about the Peoria City Council’s position — actually the lack thereof — to be grandstanding. He lied. And he lied to the detriment of district taxpayers — who would face higher school taxes without benefit of a referendum should this legislation become law.

  21. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 2:14 pm

    For someone who claims to fight against ‘business as usual politics’ you sure were laissez faire when it came to Bill Spears grandstanding on the CeaseFire thing. Then, you called it politics. Maybe Shadid set up Schock. Maybe it is all a huge Left Wing Conspiracy. Maybe he was misinformed. Maybe he lied on purpose. One thing is certain, we won’t get the whole story from PeoriaPundit.

    Maybe you are just a tool (and I mean that in many ways) of the Spears campaign.

    Then again, there is no maybe about it.

  22. black helicopter on October 19, 2006 at 2:40 pm

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    LANDWIRTH, MICHAEL 121 NE JEFFERSON
    SUITE 200
    PEORIA, IL 61602 $500.00
    3/6/2006 Individual Contribution
    Friends of William R Spears
    Landwirth, Michael 121 NE Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    2/18/2005 Individual Contribution
    Friends of Bob Manning
    Landwirth, Michael 121 NE Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    3/29/2005 Individual Contribution
    Friends of Bob Manning
    Landwirth, Michael A 121 Ne Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    10/6/1996 Individual Contribution
    Friends of Michael J Madigan
    Landwirth, Michael A 121 Ne Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    10/22/1997 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A 121 Ne Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    6/30/1998 Individual Contribution
    Poshard For Governor
    Landwirth, Michael A 121 Ne Jefferson, Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $400.00
    9/27/1994 Individual Contribution
    Dawn Clark Netsch Campaign Comm
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson St. Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    2/11/2000 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Hawkinson
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    3/20/2001 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: Real Estate Developer
    Employer: Wald-Land Corporation $1,000.00
    6/7/2002 Individual Contribution
    Friends of James E Shadid
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $100.00
    3/19/2002 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Lisa Madigan
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    3/27/2002 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: President
    Employer: Wald Land Corp $500.00
    9/17/2001 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: President
    Employer: Wald Land Corp $100.00
    10/31/2001 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    6/21/2001 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for George Ryan
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    8/21/2003 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    11/20/2003 Individual Contribution
    Progressive Peoria PAC, Inc
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    10/28/2003 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    3/10/2003 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    9/3/2002 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    4/11/2005 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    9/8/2006 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    3/3/2006 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: Developer
    Employer: Wald/Land Corp $1,000.00
    10/7/2005 Individual Contribution
    Progressive Peoria PAC, Inc
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    8/24/2005 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: Real Estate Developer
    Employer: Self employed $500.00
    10/15/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602
    Occupation: Real Estate Developer
    Employer: Self employed $500.00
    8/2/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    3/10/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N. E. Jefferson
    Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    8/24/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Leitch (David)
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N.E. Jefferson Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    7/20/2002 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Mike Smith
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson
    Ste. 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    4/23/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Slone
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 N.E. Jefferson Suite 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    6/8/2004 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Mike Smith
    Landwirth, Mike 121 NE Jefferson
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    8/16/2002 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for Jesse White
    Landwirth, Mike 6113 N. Wickwood Rd.
    Peoria, IL 61614 $200.00
    6/29/2001 Individual Contribution
    Friends of George P Shadid
    LANDWIRTH, MICHAEL 121 NE JEFFERSON STE 200
    PEORIA, IL 61602 $500.00
    12/20/2000 Individual Contribution
    Dave Ransburg for Mayor
    Landwirth, Michael 121 NE Jefferson
    Peoria, IL 61614 $100.00
    8/21/2001 Individual Contribution
    Committee to Elect Carl E Hawkinson
    Landwirth, Michael 121 NE Jefferson
    Peoria, IL 61614 $250.00
    12/21/2001 Individual Contribution
    Committee to Elect Carl E Hawkinson
    LANDWIRTH, MICHAEL 121 NE JEFFERSON STE 200
    PEORIA, IL 61602 $250.00
    11/24/2003 Individual Contribution
    Dave Ransburg for Mayor
    LANDWIRTH, MICHAEL 121 NE JEFFERSON STE 200
    PEORIA, IL 61602 $250.00
    2/11/2005 Individual Contribution
    Dave Ransburg for Mayor
    LANDWIRTH, MICHAEL 121 NE JEFFERSON STE 200
    PEORIA, IL 61602 $250.00
    3/21/2005 Individual Contribution
    Dave Ransburg for Mayor
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson #200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $200.00
    8/27/2002 Individual Contribution
    Leaders for a Republican Majority
    Landwirth, Michael A. 121 NE Jefferson #200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $250.00
    9/10/2001 Individual Contribution
    House Republican Campaign Comm
    Landwirth, Richard S & Michael A 121 Ne Jefferson Ste 200
    Peoria, IL 61602 $500.00
    9/29/1998 Individual Contribution
    Citizens for George Ryan
    AND SOME SUPRISES YET TO COME. BILL YOU BETTER HOLD YOUR HORSES LOL

  23. Peo Proud on October 19, 2006 at 3:20 pm

    I think that using Bill’s logic, if Shadid were wrong on this legislation (which he has been pushing hard), then maybe he was also wrong on who he should “crown” as his replacement. The fact is, some people disagree with his (and Schock’s) position on this issue…okay, let it go. We can’t agree 100% with any politician.

    And I say, let Billy continue his shameless support of Bill Spears (by committing the same type of offenses that he accuses the PJS of using). I think that the dialogue occurring on here will hurt his campaign more than help it.

    But even more importantly, if Billy wants to see his vision achieved as he stated in a previous blog:

    “Not only have I stopped posting eye candy, I deleted it. All of it. There are no Drew Barrymore Updates and no more Gratuitous Scarlett Johansson Pictures.

    This is in keeping with my stated goal of making sure Peoria Pundit is considered a serious online journal of news and opinion. That other stuff is fine for a blog.

    I have yet to hear any serious blogger disagree with this decision. It made the site look trashy and tabloid. I should have done it years ago. But when I started to get complaints, I got my back up about the topic, and kept it simply because I didn’t like anyone telling me what to do.”

    then he needs to seriously consider how he approaches the Bill Spears campaign. It’s fine to support a candidate with an endorsement — but the blatant partisanship and twisted logic used to support Spears and denigrate Schock is bringing the blog down to a level where it can’t be considered:

    “a serious online journal of news and opinion”….an entertaining online tabloid is becoming closer. I for one, liked the more serious approach. Don’t take it personally Billy, I know you put a lot of effort into this for little reward, (and I obviously come here frequently) but you’ll never achieve the vision you want if you continue the existing direction. You won’t be able to take the high road you so often take when pointing out your perceptions of the PJS’s biases.

  24. Anon E. Mouse on October 19, 2006 at 3:25 pm

    You can’t hear it – but I am applauding right now…
    Bravo Peo Proud!

  25. Billy Dennis on October 19, 2006 at 3:29 pm

    I’m biased. I’m at least honest in my biases. I like Bill Spears. He’s a friend. I think he’ll make a fine state rep. I have NO animosity toward Aaron Schock. I like the guy. He’s not a kid anymore. I don’t like how be stated something untrue to support this bill. And I really dislike how the JS is carrying his water to the detriment of Bill Spears.

  26. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 3:41 pm

    So to combat the JS, you are carrying Spears’ water, thus committing the same crime?

    Brought to you by “a serious online journal of news and opinion”.

  27. some guy on October 19, 2006 at 4:06 pm

    All I have to say is, If someone in South Africa slips on a banana peel, is that too…Aaron Schock’s fault? Its funny that when it comes down to election time, everybody loses their mind.

    News Flash!! Someone in rural Peoria was wearing a support Aaron Schock bumper sticker and was caught stealing a candy bar from Wal-Mart, now…lets band together and arrest Aaron Schock for stealing. Ha

  28. Tony on October 19, 2006 at 4:27 pm

    Some guy, that is exactly the logic used on most of this stuff.

  29. Karrie E. Alms on October 19, 2006 at 7:11 pm

    Tony: Rep. Schock made those comments on 11 April 2006 —- pages 27-28 — IL House Floor Debate – SB2477

    http://www.ilga.gov/house/transcripts/htrans94/09400118.pdf which were

    that would be 13 days after the 29 March 2006 announcement of this joint venture between D150 and PPD to build a school in the park. I have reams of information on this topic —- all FOIA’d, even obtained the audio recording of the actual debate because the House transcript was not available during that time period where now it is on line.

    That would be prior to COP putting in any $ in the kitty to build at the current GOS site.

    Also, FOIA’d docs from COP and no resolution introduced on the floor ever therefore not passed cy city council per Mary Haynes, City Clerk, and on and on and on …….. Merle’s not the only one who does research ……

  30. some guy on October 19, 2006 at 8:40 pm

    Do you know if he prefers Coke or Pepsi?

  31. Kermit on October 19, 2006 at 8:42 pm

    No, he’s not diverting services, He actually has resorted to just straight up bitch-slapping women and he just joined the band 2 Live Crew.

  32. Peo Proud on October 20, 2006 at 1:45 pm

    Anon:

    I heard the applause but thought it was a herd of elephants coming for me so I took cover. :)

    Seriously though, promoting your candidate is the legitimate right of any news (serious or tabloid) organization. I just wanted to point out that those wishing to be considered different from the other group need to not commit the same offenses. While I’m no longer distracted by buxom babes on the site (there are plenty more sites to visit if I wished to see that), I’m not seeing the even-handed representation of some issues that I think is possible to set this site apart from others. Which is also okay, let’s just not be hypocritical when we commit the same offense — who know that Blago’s “new way of dong business” in Springfield only meant giving the money for jobs/contracts/etc to Dems instead of Republicans.

  33. Peo Proud on October 20, 2006 at 1:48 pm

    Probably should have said “herd of donkeys” (if they herd) for a more appropriate analogy.

  34. Billy Dennis on October 20, 2006 at 3:54 pm

    Peo Proud: Let’s be fair, here. I quite often tell folks when I write about the Spears Schock campaign that I’m a friend of Spears and I want him to win. But I’ve also been critical of some of Spears’ positions in the past, including the recent votes on the council to buy ethanol powered vehicle. I consider it pandering to voters and I’ve said so.

  35. Tony on October 20, 2006 at 4:05 pm

    You mean you don’t support Spears just because you think that Schock is evil?

    That is precisley the story whoever “Biased Media” is tried to portray regarding Ardis supporting Spears.

  36. Peo Proud on October 20, 2006 at 7:47 pm

    Billy,

    Please don’t take the defensive and take my points as all negative towards your actions. It’s fine that you support Spears personally and with your site, though it detracts from your self-professed view of what this site can be, but I find it hard to swallow your continued beating on the JS for doing the same thing. I just don’t see the difference between either of you other than the positions you take.

    You and others have been critical of them for not reporting on actions taken by certain candidates, but then turn around and only report/blog/comment positively on your candidate and have a decidedly negative spin on anything related to the opposition. I don’t see what is setting you apart from them and the response “I’ll print ANY newsrelease sent to me by a candidate” doesn’t cut it with me — WHY would Schock or any other candidate you support feed your fire?

    Why not take the Karrie Alms approach and send both candidates a questionannaire on some key issues and then post their responses. That would at least provide a balanced into to the likely lengthly and vehement discussion that will follow.

    Enough on this topic for me and thanks for providing the forum for the discussion!

  37. Billy Dennis on October 20, 2006 at 8:39 pm

    PP: Allow me to address your comment:

    The Journal Star has dozens of reporters and editors who can devote up to 40 hours a week to reporting and covering the news.

    I am just one guy, who spends 8 hours a day working, 8 hours a day sleeping and other eight hours a day doing other things, one of which is keeping this and ogther blogs going. I OCCASIONALLY do original reporting, some of which does including pooring over documents.

    Back when I was, shall we say, between assignments, I did a lot more original reporting. Not so much more.

    The Journal Star is the newspaper of record for central Illinois. As such it sends out reporters who are supposed to maintain objectivity. The JS has an editorial page that is supposed to be seperate from the news side. For this most part, this is what happens. Hey, the JS is NOT a bad newspaper on most days.

    But they’ve got a few bad tendencies. One of which is that they run edits that mangle the truth and ignore facts that don’t support their editorial page positions.

    When that happens, I write about it. I’m not trying to replace the Journal Star, or try to compete with them. I am not. That’s foolish. When I pick up the JS, I really want to see some kick-ass reporting. I want to see honest commentary, whether I disagree with it or not. You cannot read this blog for any length of time and say that I do not toss out the praise when I think it’s warranted.

    I used to work at the JS — as an intern — and once delivered the paper. I grew up reading it. My feelings for the paper are warmer than one might suspect.

    As far as the Bill Spears thing is concerned, this is MY site and I’ll continue to lay into the JS when I feel my friend is being handed the dirty end of the stick. There’s no one else’s name on this blog but my own and I’ll stand by it. All I feel I owe my readers is honesty about the situation, in that Spears is a friend — not a close friend, but a “drinking buddy” sort of friend (there’s a joke there for those who know me).

    As to Karrie Alms, more power to her. I wish I had her energy. I do not.

    My opinion of Aaron Schock is this: He’s seems like a nice guy. The exactly one time we spoke personally, I expressed my regret at calling him “Little Aaron” all the time and said that as state rep seeking his second term, he doesn’t deserve to be treated like a child anymore. He invited me to visit his office should I visit Springfield. I might take him up on it, should he win re-election.

    Do I think Rep. Schock has done a BAD job in Springfield? Eh. I strongly disagree with his support of SB 2477, and his innacurate statements in support of it. I think he’s likely to use his position to support the closing of one of Peoria’s high schools, a position I understand he supported while on the school board.

    But do I think he’s EVIL, as someone earlier suggested was my opinion of him? God, no. I reserve that adjective for, well, really evil people. Aaron Schock is just a guy I’m not going to vote for.

    Anyway, thanks for the input.

  38. Anon E. Mouse on October 21, 2006 at 6:49 pm

    Bill sez: “I’ve also been critical of some of Spears’ positions in the past, including the recent votes on the council to buy ethanol powered vehicle. ”

    I sez: An issue for which you were wrong. You didn’t want the City to buy these vehicles because E-85 wasn’t worth it, all the while forgetting that were capable of running on straight gasoline, as well. So, in other words, you were wrong to criticize Spears and the other supporters.

    Bill Sez: “I OCCASIONALLY do original reporting”

    I sez: I can’t believe you even mentioned this. I happened to be someplace today, waiting. The only thing to read was a Community Word. I flip through it and find your column, in which the first THIRD of it is an apology for the previous column.
    Remember the earth-shattering breaking news that Bill advertised that turned out to be simply a surplus FEMA trailer sold to a bargain-hunting resident of his trailer park?
    You don’t need the bike trails, Bill. You get plenty of exercise jumping to conclusions and leaping before you look.

    Bill Sez: “Let’s be fair, here. I quite often tell folks when I write about the Spears Schock campaign that I’m a friend of Spears and I want him to win.”

    I sez: That doesn’t give you free license to depart from ore stretch the truth. “Is Bill Spear Still Beating His Wife?” “Is Bill Dennis Diverting Pundit Funds for Cocaine-Fueled Orgies in Las Vegas?” The answer is the same as to the question you posed in the headline for this article.

    Bill Sez: “Hey, the JS is NOT a bad newspaper on most days. But they’ve got a few bad tendencies. One of which is that they run edits that mangle the truth and ignore facts that don’t support their editorial page positions. When that happens, I write about it.”

    I sez: So here is us, on the raggedy edge.
    You bird-dog the PJS and other local media. We bird-dog you.

    Someone once told me you were “an idiot with a keyboard.” My reply was, “Aren’t we all?” I was very wrong about that. I have met some very intelligent folks on this board. Some of them I agree with, some I do not. They tend to back up their arguments with facts. They tend to acknowledge the facts presented by others. They concede points as well a make them. They agree to disagree. They admit when they are wrong or perhaps have gone too far. They apologize when they are wrong and accept apologies gracefully when they are in the right.
    Yes, I have met some very intelligent folks on this board. Maybe some day I can add your name to that list.

  39. [...] Molly Parker of the Journal Star did get around to reporting on the Carla Grube/Freedom House controversy in the Aaron Schock campaign. That story is at the bottom of today’s Word on the Street column I’ve written about it after having read about it at Willy Nilly’s site. I don’t believe for one second that they found out about this from the Bureau County Republican. [...]