FeedPolitics: McConoughey Opens Campaign Office; Appoints Full Time Staff
October 5, 2007 in Statehouse & Capitol
From a press release:
Peoria, IL – Jim McConoughey, candidate for the 18th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives says meeting voters in the 20 county region of Illinois has been the most enjoyable part of his campaign. The Peoria Republican recently named his full-time staff and opened his headquarters, all while maintaining an active campaign schedule.
“Listening to the voters is the most important thing I can do as a candidate for Congress,” said McConoughey. “In the last week, I have been to Sparland, Lincoln, Maroa, Beardstown and beyond, and I am finding that people are very concerned about our Country’s policies on the Iraq War, immigration, gas prices and health care. But they are also needing help with late Social Security checks, potholes on their highway, Veteran’s benefits and obtaining new emergency equipment for their community. Basically, they need someone they can talk to that can help them with the variety of everyday issues with which they are forced to contend.”
McConoughey continued, “Just this past week, I have hired a full-time campaign staff. This group of individuals brings a great amount of campaign experience. With their help, I will actively campaign throughout this District and make certain to listen to all voters who want to share with me their opinions, their needs from government or simply just want to talk about football. I am anxious to continue meeting voters every chance I get.”
The Jim McConoughey for Congress staff includes:
- Matt Bisbee, Campaign Manager: Most recently, Bisbee directed the political office for retiring Congressman Ray LaHood. Matt is a campaign consultant who has worked with campaigns at every level; local, state and federal. Additionally, he spent five years on the federal staff for Congressman Tim Johnson (IL-15) as Communications Director.
- Suzy Amiano, Finance Director: Amiano spent six years as fundraising director for State Senator Dan Rutherford, and formerly worked for retired Congressman Tom Ewing. Amiano works in development for her church and is the mother of two children.
- Ginger Hermann, Field Director/Peoria Office Manager: A Morton resident and community leader, Hermann has a long resume. Currently a Village Trustee in Morton, she is an active Rotarian, legislative committee member for the Illinois Municipal League, Tazewell County Republican Central Committee Executive, and county coordinator for Congressman Ray LaHood.
- Steve Schoeffel, Field Director, Springfield: Formerly staff in Sangamon Circuit Clerk Tony Libri’s office, Schoffel brings campaign experience from managing the victorious, Aldermanic race in April for Steve Dove in Springfield Ward 9. He also worked for State Senator Dan Rutherford in his statewide campaign and Sen. Bill Brady’s gubernatorial. Previously he was on Illinois House Republican staff.
McConoughey has opened his campaign office in Peoria. He invites supporters and friends to visit the new facility located at 1200 West Main Street, Suite 9 – in Bradley University’s Campustown. The phone number is (309) 229-4871. The Jim McConoughey for Congress campaign office is open from 8:30-5 daily, with regular hours on evenings and weekends.
The Illinois Primary Election is coming up on February 5, 2008, Jim McConoughey is seeking the Republican nomination to the seat currently held by retiring Congressman Ray LaHood. McConoughey has spent a career in public service, helping Peoria and other communities create jobs and improve infrastructure. He is married to Gina and they have two children.
October 5th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Bradley University’s Campustown??? When did that happen?
October 5th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Bradley bought Campustown?
October 5th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
That’s a whole lot of pricey staff and no one on media, pr, or communication. Sure hope they can do some damage on the ground with two field directors.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:57 am
A “career in public service”? Beyond the Heartland thing… which I’m still not certain what they do or have done… what else has Jim been involved in? What has been his career that he’s earned a living in? What ideas does he have that might bring jobs to Central Illinois? What separates him from Aaron and John? Anything? I really don’t care that he’s been listening as he goes door to door… the kid selling candy for his school can do that, too… and it’s really not too important that he’s willing to talk football with Grandpa, as well.
What’s he got that the others don’t?
October 6th, 2007 at 6:40 am
I wonder if this is the same Matt Bisbee who used to be involved in radio in Chicago.
October 6th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Wonderboy,
Doesn’t the press release say Bisbee did communications for another congressman? And I personally know of one other on that list with pretty extensive communications experience. That looks like a serious staff to me … especially for a guy just getting out of the gate.
October 6th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Prego,
Get real, you chide Jim and John for the same things you show no interest for in Schock. Your attempt to discredit the two by asking a bunch of random questions, of which you intend to find no answers to because you’ve made up your made, is a weak attempt at deflecting the question of who in fact has the most experience in this race.
Let’s break down a couple of your questions with answers Schock would likely give based on his record:
What else has Aaron been involved in?
Answer: Basically, I have spent the last few years doing whatever it takes to keep me in office.
What has been his career that he’s earned a living in?
Answer: Running for office.
What ideas does he have that might bring jobs to Central Illinois?
Answer: I have no experience in economic development, but I do have a lot of experience with bloated budgets with D150 and the State of Illinois.
October 7th, 2007 at 2:58 am
11Bravo, pal, YOU get real. I don’t give a rat’s arse WHO gets the Republican nomination cause I ain’t voting for him. I’ll hold my nose and vote Versace. Just because Aaron hasn’t brought much to the table doesn’t mean that Jim or John should run with NOTHING in their platform. Aaron certainly has run on a cult of personality, with a healthy dose of smoke and mirrors, but again, that doesn’t mean that the other two should be let off just because… well, just because.
You’ve got this vendetta against anything I post regarding the Republicans because you think I’m some Aaron boy. For the ten thousandth time, I ain’t. But, as a person watching from the sidelines, I don’t know what either Jim or John bring to the game against him, unless you’re just anti-Aaron, as you are. I already KNOW where Aaron comes from… THAT’S why I ask the questions of John and Jim. Now, YOU are trying to deflect any legitimate questions one might have of ‘em by saying, “Nyah nyah nyah… they ain’t Aaron and that’s ENOUGH.”
October 10th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Rayfan-
If the campaign manager is responsible for media, pr, and communications, then this campaign is going to struggle out of the gate. Having experience in something from past campaigns doesn’t really matter if no one is given the task on the staff. Having worked on a campaign or two I can tell you that the manager simply doesn’t have time to fulfill the role of spokesperson, pr, etc. And if your “other” you are referring to is Steve…great guy and has some great experience, but I think he may agree that his strength lies elsewhere.
I agree that the staff is formidable for a guy just getting started, but it is going to take a concentrated message and tactical brilliance to take out Schock. I am not a fan of Schock and hope that Jim can take him down in the primary, but I fear that spending money on an experienced staff may not be sufficient if the strengths of the staff are not properly considered. Again, I certainly read the same posting…but I have enough time in the trenches to know that a manager can’t fulfill that role.