PAC PRESS CONFERENCE

October 28, 2006

 Jeff Arseneau, Chairman

 Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Jeff Arseneau, Chairman of the Political Action Committee for the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. Joining me at this evening’s event are:

·        Board of Directors members for SouthPAC

·        Joe Christofanelli, Chairman of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

·        Board of Directors for the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

·        Members of both groups  - along with many guests and supporters of business in the Southland

Tonight we are pleased to announce our endorsements for the upcoming state election in November. In a few weeks, we will also be announcing our endorsed candidates for Cook County elections representing the Southland.

SouthPAC invited every senate and house candidate within the Southland to appear before the PAC. We also invited all candidates for Constitutional Office.  The Board of Directors of SouthPAC interviewed 23 candidates for office over four (4) days. As is our practice, ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES THAT APPEARED BEFORE THE PAC BOARD COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR ENDORSEMENT

Before I announce our endorsements, I would like to thank the members of the PAC for their commitment and the time spent interviewing the many qualified candidates.  Finally, a complete copy of our endorsement list is available to the press from the Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the PAC – Tammy Matthews.

 And now for our 2006 endorsements

 1.         For State Representative from the 81st District –    SouthPAC endorses

            Representative Renee Kosel

We appreciate Renee’s understanding of our business issues and her leadership in the House and within her party. Renee has actively worked with the Chamber over the years on issues of importance to business. We believe that Renee’s equal understanding of education and business is a unique background that can bring leadership to the education funding and real estate tax dilemma in Illinois.  We look forward to working with her for another term.

 2.         For State Representative from the 38th District       SouthPAC endorses

          Representative Robin Kelly

Robin is a strong representative for our region and has shown independence on a number of issues of interest to the business community. We appreciate her ability to communicate and willingness to study complex issues facing our region. She has supported a number of Chamber initiatives and brings a unique understand of not only state government but the needs of municipalities based on her past experience in municipal government. We look forward to working with her on issues facing the Southland

 3.         For Representative from the 30th District                       SouthPAC endorses

          Representative Will Davis           

Representative Davis is a strong advocate for his constituents and one who stays in regular communication with the Chamber. He works hard to understand our positions on issues impacting the business community and strives to find a balanced view when considering complex issues. We encourage Representative Davis to continue to work closely with the Chamber on business issues facing our region.

 4.         For Representative from the 43rd District                       SouthPAC endorses

Representative A.J. Wilhelmi

Representative Wilhelmi is an exceptional new legislator with a good grasp of the issues facing business in Illinois. We appreciate is efforts since recently becoming representative for the 43rd District and his knowledge of business issues during our interview. We view Representative Wilhelmi and someone who can lead in Springfield and advocate for the Southland in the years ahead.

 5.         For Senator from the 19th District                      SouthPAC endorses

          Senator Maggie Crotty

Representative Crotty has been an advocate for education and health care during her term as Senator. She regularly communicates with the business community of the Southland and has demonstrated a strong “open-door” policy when approached about the concerns of her district. The PAC and Chamber looks forward to working with Maggie in support of pro-business issues in the years ahead

 6.         For Senator from the 18th District                      SouthPAC endorses

Senator Ed Maloney

Senator Maloney has worked with the Chamber during his term and has demonstrated his ability to listen, sort out issues and become an advocate for pro-business positions. We consider him a straight shoot with a balanced point of view. His background in education is a compliment to his overall understanding of the issues we face and positions him to lead in a number of areas concerning the State and the Southland.

7.      For Senator from the 14th District                    SouthPAC endorses

Senator Debbie Halvorson

 Senator Halvorson has been a strong supporter of the chamber and a leader in Springfield, demonstrating a mastery of the issues facing the state. Her leadership in building consensus on the third airport, support for economic development in the region and promotion of Illinois products globally demonstrate her commitment to business.  She is a champion for our region who not only leads but does her homework on every issue facing the region. We strongly endorse her candidacy for Senator from the 14th District and look forward to working with her in her role as Senate Majority Leader

 8.         For State Treasurer                                          SouthPAC endorses

Senator Christine Radogno

Senator Radogno has proven her ability to understand, advocate and promote a pro-business environment for the State of Illinois. Having represented a portion of the Southland as Senator she will be a strong advocate for the region. Her understanding of the financial complexities of the State of Illinois and the need to right the financial ship of the state is significant to our support for her candidacy.

 9.         For State Comptroller                                       SouthPAC endorses

Comptroller Dan Hynes

Dan has clearly demonstrate ability to not only understand the financial situation facing Illinois but had acted on behalf of the citizens of Illinois in an independent way that is critical to his role as comptroller. His candid assessments of the financial situation facing the state are a breath of fresh air and his growth in office was evident over the past term and during his interview with the PAC. 

10.       For Secretary of State                                      SouthPAC endorses

Senator Dan Rutherford

Dan has demonstrated his leadership in the Illinois Senate over the past years and brings an innovative vision to his candidacy for Secretary of State. His belief that Illinois will benefit from the latest business technology and his commitment to creating ultimate in customer service in the Secretary of State’s office demonstrates his understanding of business. As a business person he will bring a high standard of performance to his role as Secretary of State.

11.       For Attorney General                                        SouthPAC endorses

County States Attorney Stu Umholtz

As a 20-year prosecutor and legal advisor Stu has demonstrate his balanced, fair and aggressive approach to the laws of the State of Illinois. He has proven to be a politically independent county State’s Attorney using the constitution and Illinois law as the basis for his work in Tazewell County. His concern over various fund-sweeping practices in the State and his strong position on public corruption are positive reasons to support his candidacy. We look forward to the pragmatic approach he will bring to the office of Attorney General. 

12.       For Lt. Governor                                  SouthPAC endorses

Mr. Joe Birkett

We support Mr. Birkett’s understanding of the issues facing the State of Illinois and the clarity with which he assesses potential solutions to problems facing the state. We believe he also brings a legal perspective to the office leading to natural advocacy of good government. We believe he will be a watchdog against public corruption in the state an issue that is important to fair and professional delivery of public service. Joe has a vision of what the Lt. Governor’s office can do - including a vision for homeland security in the State of Illinois which so important today. We believe he brings a good balance to the strengths of gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka.

13.       For Governor                                       SouthPAC endorses

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka

SouthPAC believes that Illinois can once again be viewed as a business friendly state under the leadership of Judy Baar Topinka. Her opposition to increased business fees and taxes demonstrate her understanding that business owners are the job generators of the state and need to compete against other more business friendly states. Her experience as Treasurer is seen as a plus in dealing mechanics needed to improve the State’s fiscal condition. The innovation and operational efficiency she has brought to the Treasurer’s office demonstrates her keen ability to manage and get the best return for the taxpayer’s dollar. We hope that the customer friendly efficiency she has demonstrated in the Treasurer’s offices permeates all agencies for the state under her leadership. SouthPAC encourages Treasurer Topinka to take on the challenges in Illinois and raise the state’s ranking as a strong pro-business state.