Politics: 18th District candidate Morris taking leave of absense from WTVP
From a press release:
Republican John Morris, candidate for the 18th District Congressional seat announced today he will be taking a leave of absence as Vice President for Development from WTVP-TV. He will be concentrating his efforts on his campaign for the Congressional seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Ray LaHood. His leave is effective today, Monday, September 17, 2007.
“As the conservative Republican running in this race, I felt it was right to dedicate all of my energies to telling our story to the people of the 18th Congressional District in the next five months. On February 5, the voters will have a clear choice for John Morris as an experienced political leader, but they need to know that have that choice,” states Morris. “My goal is to meet as many people as possible, talk with them about their beliefs, values, and concerns, and share our common conservative Midwestern thinking. I plan to take our values back to Washington.”
Morris, 39, served as a member of the Peoria City Council for eight years, representing 120,000 citizens as an at-large councilman. Born and raised in Peoria, Morris studied and worked in Washington, D.C. in numerous Republican volunteer and staff positions including in Congress and the Reagan White House. H holds a bachelor of arts and a master of public administration degree from The George Washington University in D.C. Morris has been employed for the last 10 years by WTVP, the public television station serving Central Illinois, where he has served as vice president for development.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
“Right now, the most important thing for me is to spend more time with my family.” — John Morris, May 1, 2007, on why he chose not to run for reelection to the city council.
“I felt it was right to dedicate all of my energies to telling our story to the people of the 18th Congressional District in the next five months.” — John Morris, September 17, 2007 (emphasis added), on why he’s taking a leave of absence from his job to run for Congress.
C.J. what are you suggesting, that the rapid turn-around in priorities may belie a lack of candor and sincerity?
I’m just getting a kick out of the continuous stream of press releases. WE were treated on Friday to the “full Morris” for Morton’s Pumpkin fest.
I guess its one way of building name I.D., but whats next, Morris announcing his campaign colors? Eventually I want to hear something newsworthy from him, like say a policy or project he supports. Supporting the “conservative midwestern values” and “putting his white house internship and council experience to work for the people” only goes so far in justifying a candidacy. When I see a press release on that, I’ll stop snickering.
I thought “public tv” and “liberal” went hand in hand. Isn’t that what the right is always whining about?
“Pointing out”, Stoner.
I not sure which is the bigger oxy moron, John Morris calling himself “the CONSERVATIVE Republican in this race,” or “John Morris as an experienced political LEADER” Of course the bit about his desire to “share our common conservative Midwestern thinking†is pretty damn funny too. Let’s remember this guy’s BFFs on the former City Council, Marcella Teplitz and Gale Thetford – the three of them couldn’t tax and spend enough. The real reason Morris didn’t run for re-election: HE WOULD HAVE LOST.