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  Dan's Diary

July  2008

 

 

 

Bonnie's new shoes

 

 

As you know, the Pontiac Bonneville recently hit the 300,000 mile mark. Well, a few days later I took her to the shop for an oil change and tire rotation, the usual things. A couple minutes after leaving, I received a call that the Bonneville needed new tires. I told them to go ahead and replace them while they had it. Here are her new shoes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

At an Upscale Restaurant that Specializes in Fish and Seafood


I am in New Orleans for the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). This is my first time at such a national legislative conference, and there are many reasons why I have not attended in the past. Needless to say these large group gatherings are not my favorite.
 
Neither tax dollars nor campaign funds paid for the trip. The company I am with, ServiceMaster, was hosing a reception for Legislators at NCSL and asked that I attend. 

 

Juvenile Spotted Drum fish. This was one of the many fish I saw when Scuba Diving in Curacao. To see more pictures from my trip, Click Here!

As you know, I am an avid scuba diver........ and now the story begins.
 
While in New Orleans I went out for dinner with a small group of colleagues. We went to an upscale restaurant. Several fish selections were on the menu. As I read down the options I saw Drum fish. I couldn't believe it and asked the waitress if this was caught or farm raised.
 
She explained that it was a light, white fish caught in the Gulf. It bothered me because when I scuba dive, I love watching juvenile Drum fish around the coral heads. They are so different from the mature Drum. When I learned that the restaurant was serving wild, caught, mature Drum I said no way (now, maybe they are presenting a different kind of Drum fish, but it really jolted me) and I asked what they had on the menu that was farm raised fish.
 
This was the first time it really hit me and I questioned an establishment about the fish they served. To catch fish out of the ocean and ship it to the innumerable restaurants around the world has to dramatically reduce the population, in my opinion.
 
While in the midst of ordering I declined all of the caught fish and requested the very nice waitress to ask the kitchen what my options were. They had four fish dishes that were farm raised which was only about 20 percent of their fish selections. I was shocked and somewhat disappointed that there was so much wild catch on the menu, especially in what, I hope, is becoming a more Eco-friendly society.
 
I ordered Lemon Fish, farm raised. It was outstanding and I enjoyed it.

 

My point is, let's not fish out the oceans if we can have farm raised!!!!

 

We can individually make a difference by asking what the origin of the fish is and make decisions from that. I have no problem telling a restaurant owner why I do not order an 'ocean raised' product.

 

I do try to be a good steward, both as a Legislator and in my personal life.

 

*Pick up garbage from the farm ditches when I am jogging and put it in recycle,

 

*Conserve water and not let the faucet run when I am shaving,

 

*Utilize cottage cheese containers or spread margin tubs to put left overs in rather than a plastic baggie,

 

*Ask for paper rather than plastic at the grocery story and then use the paper bag for collecting recycle items at home,

 

*And for the benefit of this story.....: Question the menu and order seafood that is NOT taken from the Sea!!!!

 

Check out some of my dive photos from Saba or Curacao.

 

 

 

Our Campaign Fundraising is recognized as Bright Spot!

 

There was an article in Capitol Fax recently, reporting on fundraising and the 2010 races. We have a long way to go as Republicans and to get a two party system back on track in Illinois.

 

Our Dan Rutherford Campaign Committee has worked very hard and for that I am appreciative. There is still a long way to go if we are to perform well on the statewide stage. I appreciate all of you that have donated to our fundraising events and for your financial contributions. Part of the article follows and it notes that we are a ‘standout’. Thank you, again, for your support.

 

CAPITOL FAX
by Rich Miller                       
thecapitolfaxblog.com
TUESDAY, July 22, 2008

 

(emphasis added)

bullet

Meanwhile, things are pretty grim on the Republican side.  Several Senate Repubs have floated their names for governor and only one stood out.  Sen. Bill Brady was not the bright light.  Brady brought in just $55,730 and had $67K left over.  This is worse than it looks because Brady has been so confident with GOP insiders about his fundraising abilities. 

Sen. Christine Radogno leaked her name to Sneed as a possible gubernatorial candidate, but she raised about $112K.  That's pretty darned good for a suburban Republican legislator with no real November opposition.  But it's not stellar for a wannabe guv. 

I already told you yesterday that Joe Birkett gathered just $64K.  Sen. Kirk Dillard has also been floating his name and he raised less than Birkett: $60K.  Sen. Dan Rutherford continues to raise a bunch of cash year in and year out.  The unsuccessful 2006 secretary of state candidate pulled in about $220K.  Rutherford was the bright spot.

 

 

While we are at it, if you would care to make a contribution to our Campaign Committee, Please Click Here.

 

 

Events this year

 

I wanted to give you advance notice so you can plan to attend one or all of our Dan Rutherford Campaign Committee events this year. Here are the events that the dates and times are finalized for.
  

 

October 13, 2008-Annual Chicken Dinner at the

Pontiac Elk's Country Club

 

 

 

By: Mike Riopell

The Southern, Springfield Bureau

 

SPRINGFIELD -- Most voters have to still get through the political overload of a presidential election in November before thinking about who's going to be Illinois' next governor.

But some possible candidates are wielding sums of money that could indicate their interest in running for the state's high office in 2010.
 

 

2010 governor race is already heating up

 

Bloomington Pantagraph

Kurt Erickson

 

It's 2008. There's a presidential election under way. One of the candidates is from Illinois.

 

You'd think that'd be enough fodder to keep us busy.

 

But what have we been hearing about lately?

The 2010 governor's race.

 

Already, people are prognosticating on who will run.

 

The latest name to surface is state Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont, who has attempted to carve out a niche among the Senate GOP as a budget expert.

 

Lately, Radogno has been traveling around the state with state Sen. Dan Rutherford of Chenoa in a push to bring some sanity to the process the state uses to open and close prisons.

 

Speaking of Rutherford, he also has signaled that he's up for another statewide run after having lost a bid for secretary of state in 2006.

 

Perhaps the two of them are working out a deal as they travel from prison town to prison town.

 

 

 

 

 

Devon, a past road warrior is back at it again

 

Devon helped out a few years ago when he was a student at Parkland College. Now he is a student at ISU, and his schedule permits him to get back in the driver's seat.

 

 

 

Harry Caray's Networking Party

 

We held our annual Chicago Networking Party on July 15th at the famed Harry Caray's Restaurant. We had an outstanding turnout and everyone seemed to have a great time. We have posted the pictures we took at the event on our 2008 Harry Caray's Photo Page. Thank you to everyone who attended!

 

Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair

 

Every year after Republican Day at the State Fair I have a get together at Franny's just outside of the State Fairgrounds. This year is no different, on August 14th (Republican Day) I will be hosting a free event at Franny's if you would like more information about this event, Please Click Here!

300,000 miles on the Pontiac Bonneville

 

Bonnie has officially reached the 300,000 mile mark! She reached the milestone on July 15th at 9:45 am. I was in Chicago for some legislative meetings followed by my annual Harry Caray's networking party. As you know, we have been running a contest in which people guess the location of Bonnie when she hit 300,000. We will post the name of the winner and other details in the next few days.

 

 

Not yet...

Almost there...

300,000!!!

 

************************

 

The winner of the contest and the recipient of two tickets to the Pontiac Chicken Dinner and Sponsors' Reception is:

 

Daniel from Princeton

"I would have to guess that Senator Rutherford's Pontiac will turn 300,000 on July 15, 2008, on the way to Harry Caray's Networking party. I would have to estimate the more precise area that it will turn 300,000 miles will be on I-55 Northbound past the I-80 interchange, but no further than the exit to Cicero."

 

We will be getting a hold of Daniel soon. Thanks to everyone who played!

 

 

************************

 

Here is what others around the state had to say about where the Bonneville would hit 300,000 miles.

 

Gwen
I think Chenoa (rural) on Dan's way home or in to the office.


Judy
I think Dan will reach 300,000 miles on his way home from the Reception in Normal on July 16th.


Kim
I-55 @ Wilmington


Ken
Bonnie will hit 300,000 on the way to Harry Caray’s


Todd
Let him know I think the 17th of July she’ll roll 300,000. Tell him Bonnie’s little brother Avalanche (my truck) born in Oct 2001 has 181,000 miles today. Say hello to Dan for me!


John
My guess - on the way to the special session in Springfield.


Mike
Unless you have a lot of errands to run in Chicago or get lost,,,

You are scheduled to hit 300,000 in Pontiac Illinois at or around the
i-55 and Pontiac exit interchange. Good luck.


Dan
The big 300,000 mile event will take place on I-55 at mile marker 182.


David
33 West Kinzie Street Chicago, IL


Lisa
Dan: I am guessing my birthday 7/11


Cindy
I think Bonny will hit 300 on Montgomery St. in Chicago!!


Gordon
In the parking lot of Dan's HQ in Pontiac, at Dan's residence rural Chenoa, or
(most probably) at Biaggis Italian in Bloomington.


Debbie
My Guess is the State Complex


Wm. Stacey
Howdy Kaleb, Ok, I'll offer my guess . . .

I think it will turn over 300,000 miles on I-55 southbound between Chicago and Normal.


Lisa

I think the Bonneville will hit 300,00 on July 17th, on I-55! If Dan decides to do some joy riding on the 11th-13th, I may move my date up a day or two!! I am assuming that he will stay in Chicago from the legislative session on the 14th to the Harry Caray fundraiser on the 15th.?, and in Springfield the 9th to 10th for the special session. Take care.


Jean
I think it will hit 300,000 on I-55 close to mile marker 188, northbound.


Shirley
I think the Bonneville will hit the 300,000 mark on Sept. 27th


Cindy
My guess for the 300,000 miles is 3200 Singer Avenue - Springfield, IL (Red Roof Inn's address)


Kathleen
My best guess is that Bonnie will hit 300,000 miles on the way to Harry Carry's in Gardner, IL


Warren
On Route 55 at North side of Dwight


Mark
In Springfield Illinois, probably still working on the budget.


Sharon & Ron
Dan: We think it will hit the mile marker on the car in Pontiac, IL. Also we wanted to let you know my seniors citizens wanted to know if i could email you with a message. They want you to run for govern they think you will make a good one. Also i would like to say hello again we seen you in Chenoa at the parade. I would of liked to grab you and talk to you for a minute. But I knew that was impossible. I had some questions for you. Thanks For your time.


Jeni
July 14th - Downtown Chicago


Bill and Pat
I think the car will be in Chicago while Dan goes there for a legislative hearing.


Kathy
I guess Chicago Harry Caray's!!


Kathy
Here's my guess ~ Bonnie will hit 300,000 miles in Normal on July 16 because Normal is one of the best towns in Illinois, and the residents here know how to celebrate! I have about 38,000 miles on my 1999 Chrysler LHS. I guess I know how to save money with these high gas prices.


Nancy
Our guess::: July 14th


James
My guess is mile marker 247 on Interstate 55 July 14th on the way to Chicago.


Nick & Jean
I think the odometer will turn over somewhere around Coal City on I-55 on July 15th or 16th.


Travis
I call: 33 W. Kinzie Street Chicago, IL 60610 for the 300k mile mark.


Robert and Kathy
I believe the Bonneville will hit 300,000 miles on I-55 north of Dwight 3 miles on July 15.


Margaret
Dan, I think you will hit your 300 thousand on the way home from the trip on July 14 To Chicago for Legislative Hearing. I hope Pontiac will give you a new vehicle when this one expires. WOW.


Mike
Hey everyone! I 55, Dwight IL is where it will hit.


Mike
I predict right in front of Petersen Chevrolet in Fairbury. We would make a good retirement home for Bonnie.


Kenton
SEPTEMBER 12TH


Sharon
Dan we think the car will have the mileage on it in normal, IL


Leon
I believe the magic mile will be on I 55 passing the Ill State facility just north of Lexington.


Sharon
We believe at the July 14 to Chicago for a legislative hearing that's when she will meet her miles.


Loren
Your car will hit 300,000 on July 15th at 10:25am.


Jeremy and Michelle
Our guess is July 15th around 1:00 P.M.


Theresa
I predict that the Bonneville will turn 300,000 on the trip back from Chicago. Probably on July 17th when headed to Normal.


Derick
The 300 thousand mark will be met on July 14 at Harry Carry's in Chicago.


Roy
Somewhere around Pontiac.

Marilyn
Just for the fun of it I will project a turnover point.... I say around Lincoln or Atlanta going or coming from Springfield.


Patricia
July 16th....Normal reception


Laura
Here is my bonnie guess: 300,000 at route 66 and route 24 intersection on July 12, 2008.


Dean
Dan will hit it on the way to Normal somewhere on I55.
 


Derick
I think you will reach 300thousand miles on July14 in Chicago.


Kathy
I predict the Senator's car will reach the 300,000 mark on Weds. July 16, 2008 on Interstate 55 near Morris by exit 248 around 2 p.m.


Daniel
I would have to guess that Senator Rutherford's Pontiac will turn 300,000 on July 15, 2008, on the way to Harry Caray's Networking party. I would have to estimate the more precise area that it will turn 300,000 miles will be on I-55 Northbound past the I-80 interchange, but no further than the exit to Cicero.


Derick
Dan, I think you will hit the 300mark on July 15 at Harry Carays fundraiser in Chicago.


Margaret
Your great Pontiac will reach the 300mark on July 15 on the way home from the Harry Carary fundraiser in Chicago.


Art
It will happen while you are on the road.


Laura
Chenoa is where it will be.

 

 

Dean

Thanks Dan! It looks good , You will hit 300 on the way to Normal unless your cruising today!! Hope and pray all is well with you!!

 

 

Gary

Had to chuckle at this one. I bought a Catalina Pontiac new in 1971. In 1975 I went on staff with the State Cooperative Extension Service in Florida. As such I did a ton of driving. Finally traded it when it got to 270,000+ miles. it never had a wrench on the engine. I got tears in my eyes when I walked away from it - given the nature of the driving miles - and some of the areas I had to be in - I owe my life to that piece of machinery. I'll say the 300,000 date will be August 29.

 

 

Sue & Chip

Where - let's say Normal, IL! Good luck to the Pontiac achievement.

Pat Brickhouse

 

 

I recently had dinner with Pat Brickhouse. Pat is the wife of the late Jack Brickhouse. Jack was a great announcer for the Chicago Cubs and a very good friend of mine. We sat down at the Supper Club in the Seneca Hotel of Chicago and had a wonderful meal. We tried the Brickhouse Chicken, one of their signature recipes, and it was outstanding! Overall, a very enjoyable evening.

Moving On

 

 

My assistant, George Daglas, is moving on to bigger and better things. George will be transitioning out of my office over the next few weeks. He has been with us since March, 2007. George is moving back to the Chicago area where he is originally from. The other day I went over to his apartment after work and helped him load some of the larger items into his truck. George has been an invaluable member of the team and he will be hard to replace. Good luck George!

The 300,000 mile mark

 

Where will she be when she turns 300?

 

 

As you may know, my 2002 Pontiac Bonneville will be hitting the 300,000 mile mark some time soon.

 

We have come up with a contest to see who can guess where she will be when she hits that 300. The winner will receive two tickets to the Annual Chicken Dinner and Private Sponsors' Reception ($150 Value) on the night of October 13, 2008 at the Pontiac Elk's Country Club.

 

Send an email with your full name and U.S. Postal address along with the city name and street address  where you think the Bonneville will hit this memorable mile mark. E-mail your guess to: Kaleb@danrutherford.org.

 

Guess as many times as you like, but your most current email will be the one that counts. We will give you mileage status reports and clues on what the Bonneville's schedule might be.

 

When and where the Bonneville hits 300,000 miles nobody knows, but as soon as it happens it will be posted along with the winner's name. The winner will be contacted by email.

 

 

 

 

 

Batman Kelley

 

My good friend Eric Kelley stopped by the office one evening with his new motorcycle. When I came outside to see it, it was really odd to see a three-wheeled motorcycle. It turns out that he won it in a raffle! It is one of the nine limited edition Piaggio motorcycle's actually used in the new Batman movie. I told him he should get a Batman mask and cape so he would fit the part when he was riding around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independence Day

 

One of my favorite parts about the Independence Day is always the parades. I walked in four of them this year. On the 3rd I was in Emington's final parade. I am sad to see it discontinued. On the 4th I did three separate parades. I started off in Towanda, then went to Downs, and finished off the day in Chenoa. Four parades, four different shirts!

 

Luckily it was not too hot this year. I have walked in some that were so warm I got tar all over my shoes and pants from the road. Definitely glad that was not the case this year.

 

Emington - July 3rd

Towanda - July 4th

 

Downs - July 4th

Chenoa - July 4th

Morning Jog

 

 

As you may know I go for a jog every morning. It gets the blood flowing and helps me get focused on the day. I was recently in Springfield for Special Session. I woke up for my morning jog and found it to be incredibly humid out. After much inner debate about how much an extra half hour of sleep would help get me ready for the day, I sucked it up and went for my jog. I couldn’t believe how much the heat and humidity made me sweat. It was like running with a wet blanket wrapped around me!

 

 

When I got back to the Red Roof I knocked on my assistant George’s door so he could take a picture. After a minute or so he finally answered. Needless to say, it does not appear that he was up early exercising!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of Pontiac Daily Leader

No Status Change

 

Pontiac Daily Leader

Erich Murphy

 

CHENOA — While people celebrated the Fourth of July, nothing has really changed in the status of Pontiac Correctional Center.

Still, Sen. Dan Rutherford said it was good to be able to voice an opinion on matters such as the potential closing of PCC.

"This is the birthday of the freedoms of America," said Rutherford, R-Chenoa (53rd District). "This is what the celebration of freedom is all about.

Up, Up and Away

As you may know, Sen. Radogno and I have embarked on a statewide tour of communities that host correctional facilities. We recently traveled to facilities in south central Illinois. For this particular trip we had the use of one of the state planes. It really helped expedite the journey, and allowed myself and Sen. Radogno to continue working while we traveled.

The purpose of this tour is to bring light to the idea of establishing a moratorium on prison closures and long range planning for the Illinois Department of Corrections. To learn more about this important issue visit my legislative website: www.DanRutherford.com

Reviewing the days schedule.

   The view out the window of the plane

Grandma's Convertible Ride

On Sunday I stopped by the nursing home to see Grandma. She will be 97 on August 31st. Since it was such a nice day we went for a ride in my 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Convertible. We drove around Fairbury and stopped by my Uncle Ken and Aunt Linda's house. Here are a couple of the pictures from that day.

What a View

I went out for my daily jog so I could enjoy the great summer morning. Coming down the lane back toward my house I had a great view of my property. When I got home I grabbed my camera and went back out so I could take this picture.  Right in the middle of the picture you can see my house with a wheat field in the foreground. To the left is the ravine, and to the right is my timber

Critter Condo

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon so I took the opportunity to get out 'Big Blue; my Ford Tractor and move an old rabbit hutch that my sister and I had as kids. I moved it into the timber and put straw inside so wildlife can have shelter. I will report any new occupants to you later this fall.

Northfield Township GOP Wine and Cheese Party

My friends from Northfield Township invited me to attend their GOP Wine and Cheese Party. Here are some of the GOP Chairs that were in attendance.

(From left to right) Myself, Wheeling Township GOP Chairwoman Ruth O'Connell, Evanston Township GOP Chairwoman Linda LaFianza, Northfield Township GOP Chairwoman June O'Donohue, and New Trier Township GOP Chairman Tolbert Chisum.

Rutland Firemen and American Legion Chicken Dinner

 

  

I recently had the opportunity to visit some good friends in Rutland for the annual Rutland Firemen and American Legion Chicken Dinner. Great food, and great company…who could ask for more on a beautiful summer day! A special thanks to Duane Knepp (pictured above) for the help coordinating my stop at the event.

Events this year

 

I wanted to give you advance notice so you can plan to attend one or all of our Dan Rutherford Campaign Committee events this year. Here are the events that the dates and times are finalized for.

 

August 13, 2008 - Cocktail Reception at

the home of Bob and Julie Dobski

 

 

August 14, 2008 - Franny's at the Illinois State Fair

 

 

 

 

October 13, 2008-Annual Chicken Dinner at the

Pontiac Elk's Country Club

 

 

Diary Dates

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for Legislative and Public Policy matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.com

 

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for political matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.org

Senator Rutherford is the Chairman of the Committee for Legislative Action. Its primary purpose is to bring sunlight to attempts to raise Taxes, Fees and increase Government Regulations in Illinois. Their website is:
http://www.CommitteeForLegislativeAction.org

 

 

 

2009

January '09 Diary

February '09 Diary

March '09 Diary

April '09 Diary

 

2008

January '08 Diary

February '08 Diary

March '08 Diary

April '08 Diary

May '08 Diary

June '08 Diary

July '08 Diary

August '08 Diary

September '08 Diary

October '08 Diary

November '08 Diary

December '08 Diary

2007

 

January '07 Diary

February '07 Diary

March '07 Diary

April '07 Diary

May '07 Diary

June '07 Diary

2006

 

January '06 Diary

February '06 Diary

March '06 Diary

April '06 Diary

May '06 Diary

June '06 Diary

July '06 Diary

August '06 Diary

September '06 Diary

October '06 Diary

November '06 Diary

December '06 Diary

2005

 

January '05 Diary

February '05 Diary

March '05 Diary

April '05 Diary

May '05 Diary

June '05 Diary

July '05 Diary

August '05 Diary

September '05 Diary

October '05 Diary

November '05 Diary

December '05 Diary

 

      

 

 

 
   
 
The development, hosting and maintenance of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars. The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's calls and e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.