September 2005

The Southern and Eastern Illinois swing for the announcement was outstanding. Took three days on the road with Suzy, Lisa & Deb. Ken flew us down to Alton on his plane from Kankakee and then we were off to Edwardsville, Bellville, Salem, Marion, Carterville, Carbondale, Rend Lake, Effingham & White, Hamilton, Edgar, Clark and Cumberland Counties.

Times are defined by a power greater than us. September brought the passing of a good Republican and friend of mine, Phil Frakes of Salem. Phil served as GOP Chairman of Marion County and was an early advisor and supporter. I did visit Phil at his home before he became too ill, always smiling!! PHOTO: Phil, Dan, son Steve and present GOP Chair Jerry Cooper.

Kept the state-wide tour going with a trip to Southern Illinois! Media and meeting in St. Clair, Madison, Jackson, Marion, & Williamson Counties. Jumped in the car and toured White, Hamilton, Edgar, Cumberland, Clark, Coles & Effingham Counties.

Announcement Day

September 12 was our big day…the Announcement for Secretary of State. Started off the morning with live call in on Scott & Colleen’s Radio Show on Bloomington’s WJBC. Our Chicago press conference was at the W Hotel Lake Shore Drive and scores of friends & supporters showed up mid-morning. My Legislative seatmate, Sen. Kirk Dillard did the introduction and the camera’s rolled.

Off to Springfield and had even more supporters there to cheer us on as we announced in my favorite Capitol City restaurant, Saputo’s. Long time friend Rep. Ron Stephens did the intro, the press corp was responsive and the spirit was up. Keeping on time, because I think that is important, headed back north to the home area of Central Illinois.

When I got to the Pontiac Elk’s Club there were hundreds of friends and supporters having a raucous rally: fight song music, homemade posters, cheers of  “Dan-For-S-O-S”. I knew I was home. Mom, Sis, nephew, brother-in-law and family were right there with me with friends from all over. I could not have had a greater launch than that evening.

Kept on going, off to Peoria for Live TV in studio at 10pm. Next Day, back to Chicago and then to Rockford for more radio, TV, newspaper and gathering with supporters. Really appreciate Sen. Dave Syverson’s gracious introduction and Rep. Jim Sacia’s glowing words of support.

Read about Sen. Rutherford in his hometown paper, the Pontiac Daily Leader:

Pontiac Leader 9-12-05

Pontiac Leader 9-13-05

Pontiac Leader 9-14-05

I am a Gemini and dear friend recently wrote: “Doubt if you have time to read your horoscope but the one in today's News Gazette is too appropriate to miss.  It says, Don't be hesitant about going after a lofty objective, even though it may sound a bit farfetched to attain.  You'll be amazed at how resourceful you can get in achieving the impossible."……..Gwen, thank you, DAN

Dan with Chicago's finest

September started out with a boost. We are going to officially announce for Secretary of State later this month, but I got this e mail (reprinted with permission) from Patrick Durante, Chairman of Addison Township Republicans (of DuPage County):

“Congratulations Dan.  You were endorsed by the Addison Township GOP Thursday night.  That means you are now officially, a winner ... Dan, First you were recommended by our 20 member Executive Committee for endorsement, then you were endorsed by the whole Organization, UNANIMOUSLY, for the office of SOS.  I hope we are the first in the State to do so.  We were the first with Thompson, and he won.  We were the first with Edgar, and he won.  We were the first with Jim Ryan for Attorney Genenal, and he won.  We were the first with Peter Fitzgerald and he won.  It's like an omen.  By the way we had about 150 in attendance.”

Addison Township has over 42,000 registered voters! Thank you Addison, thank you Patrick!!

David Haynes, 45th Ward GOP Committeeman & Dan
Taste of Polonia (festival for Polish community in Chicago) was a highlight. On Lawrence Avenue in Chicago thousands of great people gathered and had fun. The Chicago GOP had a booth and kudos to Dave Haynes of the 45th Ward GOP for putting it all together!