Politics: McConoughey picks up endorsement
From a press release:
Retired Western Illinois Senator Laura Kent Donahue Endorses McConoughey for Congress
Quincy, IL – Less than two weeks before the February 5th Primary, Jim McConoughey has received the valuable endorsement of retired State Senator Laura Kent Donahue. Donahue served several terms in the State Senate covering much of the western portion of the 18th Congressional District.
“I met Jim late last year, and I was impressed by his knowledge of the job of Congressman and his realistic view of what he’s getting into in this contest, his determination as a business leader to come from outside the political system to get to work on difficult challenges we face as a nation, and his overall thoughtful, well-articulated vision of what he wants to do for Central Illinois,†said Donahue. “Jim’s resolve and steady leadership is exactly what we need in these uncertain times.â€
McConoughey has steadily added respected leaders from throughout the 18th District to the list of those endorsing his campaign for Congress. In addition to Sen. Donahue, Sen. Dale Risinger, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Toulon Mayor Kyle Ham, former Springfield Mayor Mike Houston, 18th District State Central Committeewoman Mary Alice Erickson, and Woodford County GOP Chairman Bill Christ have already endorsed McConoughey.
“One of the most humbling parts of this campaign has been the support I have received from respected leaders like Sen. Donahue,†McConoughey said. “Her confidence in me to best represent the needs of our part of the state means a great deal, and I am grateful for that support.â€
Sen. Donahue emphasizes how important she thinks this choice is. “This is an extremely important election. This congressional seat has not had a wide-open race for a half-century, and who we elect in this primary could very well be our Representative in Congress for many years to come,†she added. “Jim McConoughey has my support to carry on the tradition of leadership and statesmanship we have seen in Ray LaHood.â€
Jim McConoughey is a business leader and economic development professional with 26 years of experience creating jobs and opportunities for communities. His values of hard work and integrity started during his childhood on the family farm. Today, he and his wife Gina are raising their two teenagers in Dunlap in addition to balancing professional careers. Jim is not a professional politician; he is a leader in public service waging his first campaign for elective office. He is a Republican running for Congress in the 18th District; the Primary Election will take place on February 5, 2008.
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 
thats good judgment. always a great idea to jump ON a sinking ship.
Toulon Mayor Kyle Ham endorsed him.. Good move on his part since he works for McConoughney…
Hop on board Mayor Ham! The Titanic is heading out to sea. Don’t worry about all that water flooding in–Cap’n Jim is at the helm!
Laura Donohue was a state senator who was defeated 6 years ago because she didn’t raise any money and didn’t work hard. Perfect fit for Mac. Listing Mac’s employee Kyle Ham is just pathetic.
sad,
Your depth of political knowledge is stunning – and not in a good way – for someone so want to post as an expert.
Donahue, like a few others, was a victim of a hostile remap, along with about a perfect candidate on the Dem side and an absolutely horrendous year for Republicans statewide.
You can pretty much always say anyone who loses didn’t work hard enough, but, regardless, Donahue was really popular with a lot of people she represented for a long time as evidenced by how long she served. Good move on McConoughey’s part to pick up her help.
Of course, I guess it’s ONLY nearly all of the western part of the district that she represented. Guess it really doesn’t matter to go after those votes. After all, with Schock getting first-termer Jil Tracy, it’s all over for everybody else! LOL
There’s an interesting trend in McConoughey’s endorsements. A bit of maturity. Seasoned people that have been around the block, and a most top leaders from Schock’s base as well as their newspaper. That speaks volumes.
Seems like there was another candidate in the race, but I forget….
Im McConoughey will not win the seat so stop wringing your hands. His life long goal is the senate or congress which is admirable. Just wish he did it in his own backyard. We have plenty of good candidates right here in Peoria. Schock will walk away with this and John Morris will be right at his heels.