From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
“Nearly one year after Governor Quinn took office we are still facing the same problems on a much larger scale; a state on the brink of bankruptcy, fewer jobs, the prospect of higher taxes, and no substantive ethics reform.
“Governor Quinn’s speech today only reinforces how out of touch he is with the Illinois families and how we are in desperate need of new leadership.
“Matt Murphy and I have a plan to solve this budget crisis without a tax increase and bring more good-paying jobs to Illinois.”
Showing posts with label mckenna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mckenna. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on Sale of Thomson Prison and Escape of Prisoners in Southern Illinois
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Thursday, January 7, 2010
“Today’s escape of prisoners in southern Illinois is a stark reminder of the dangers Illinoisans could face if Governor Quinn allows GITMO detainees into northwest Illinois.
“This plan, much like Governor Quinn’s early prisoner release program, is another ill-conceived, hastily arranged Blagojevich-style scheme that could put our families in jeopardy.
“I call on President Obama and Governor Quinn to seriously rethink this dangerous plan.”
Thursday, January 7, 2010
“Today’s escape of prisoners in southern Illinois is a stark reminder of the dangers Illinoisans could face if Governor Quinn allows GITMO detainees into northwest Illinois.
“This plan, much like Governor Quinn’s early prisoner release program, is another ill-conceived, hastily arranged Blagojevich-style scheme that could put our families in jeopardy.
“I call on President Obama and Governor Quinn to seriously rethink this dangerous plan.”
Monday, January 4, 2010
McKenna Signs Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge; Challenges Opponents to do the Same
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
CHICAGO – Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna announced today that he signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge, vowing as Governor to “oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes.”
“I am pleased to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge because it is wrong to ask the taxpayers of Illinois to do more when their government has done so little,” said McKenna. “I challenge my opponents to sign this pledge and make a commitment to the hardworking men and women of this state that they will not raise taxes.”
While some of his opponents continue to flip-flop on whether they will raise taxes, McKenna’s opposition to tax hikes has been clear for years including his collaboration with Republican Leaders Tom Cross and Christine Radogno to defeat Governor Quinn’s jobs-killing income tax hike.
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) opposes all tax increases as a matter of principle. It was founded in 1985 by Grover Norquist at the request of President Ronald Reagan. Since ATR first sponsored the Pledge in 1986, hundreds of U.S. Representatives, more than fifty U.S. Senators and every successful Republican Presidential candidate have all signed the Pledge.
See Andy McKenna’s pledge here.
CHICAGO – Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna announced today that he signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge, vowing as Governor to “oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes.”
“I am pleased to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge because it is wrong to ask the taxpayers of Illinois to do more when their government has done so little,” said McKenna. “I challenge my opponents to sign this pledge and make a commitment to the hardworking men and women of this state that they will not raise taxes.”
While some of his opponents continue to flip-flop on whether they will raise taxes, McKenna’s opposition to tax hikes has been clear for years including his collaboration with Republican Leaders Tom Cross and Christine Radogno to defeat Governor Quinn’s jobs-killing income tax hike.
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) opposes all tax increases as a matter of principle. It was founded in 1985 by Grover Norquist at the request of President Ronald Reagan. Since ATR first sponsored the Pledge in 1986, hundreds of U.S. Representatives, more than fifty U.S. Senators and every successful Republican Presidential candidate have all signed the Pledge.
See Andy McKenna’s pledge here.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on Thomson Prison Issue
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
“Neither Governor Quinn nor President Obama has sufficiently articulated a reason as to why moving GITMO detainees, who are the center of the Al Qaeda network, is a good idea and, unfortunately, rather than tending to the state’s real problems, including a budget spiraling out of control and record unemployment, Governor Quinn is distracted with a plan to bring terrorists to our neighborhoods all in the name of job creation.”
“Neither Governor Quinn nor President Obama has sufficiently articulated a reason as to why moving GITMO detainees, who are the center of the Al Qaeda network, is a good idea and, unfortunately, rather than tending to the state’s real problems, including a budget spiraling out of control and record unemployment, Governor Quinn is distracted with a plan to bring terrorists to our neighborhoods all in the name of job creation.”
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
McKenna to Air Budget Plan Today
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and his running mate, Sen. Matt Murphy, will hold a press conference in Chicago today at 10:30 in which McKenna and Murphy will lay out how they plan to cut state spending, and reduce the state's budget deficit.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on the Gitmo Detainees Moving to Illinois
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009
“It appears that Governor Quinn’s only plan to cut spending and create jobs is free prisoners and bring terrorists to Illinois. I wholeheartedly oppose Governor Quinn and President Obama's efforts to move Gitmo detainees to our neighborhoods. This shows how out of touch Governor Quinn really is."
Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy recognize that the Thomson Correctional Center is underutilized, but this is not the direction we should take to maximize the facilities operations.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
“It appears that Governor Quinn’s only plan to cut spending and create jobs is free prisoners and bring terrorists to Illinois. I wholeheartedly oppose Governor Quinn and President Obama's efforts to move Gitmo detainees to our neighborhoods. This shows how out of touch Governor Quinn really is."
Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy recognize that the Thomson Correctional Center is underutilized, but this is not the direction we should take to maximize the facilities operations.
New Trier Township Republicans Endorse McKenna for Governor
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009
CHICAGO – The New Trier Township Republican Organization today endorsed Andy McKenna for Governor.
“We are thrilled to receive the endorsement of the New Trier Township Republicans,” said McKenna. “It’s clear that Tolbert Chisum and his organization agree with our message of putting Illinois’ fiscal house in order and we thank them for their support.”
The McKenna campaign also secured House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ endorsement this week. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi has also personally endorsed McKenna.
Andy is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 29 years, and they have raised four children. Mary is a longtime schoolteacher, and two of their children have followed her into that profession.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
CHICAGO – The New Trier Township Republican Organization today endorsed Andy McKenna for Governor.
“We are thrilled to receive the endorsement of the New Trier Township Republicans,” said McKenna. “It’s clear that Tolbert Chisum and his organization agree with our message of putting Illinois’ fiscal house in order and we thank them for their support.”
The McKenna campaign also secured House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ endorsement this week. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi has also personally endorsed McKenna.
Andy is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 29 years, and they have raised four children. Mary is a longtime schoolteacher, and two of their children have followed her into that profession.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
House Republican Leader Tom Cross Endorses McKenna/Murphy
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
CHICAGO – Republican Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and Lieutenant Governor candidate Matt Murphy announced today they have secured the coveted endorsement of Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
“This election is pivotal to our future and I am confident Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the right team to lead our state out of the fiscal nightmare the Democrats have created,” said Cross.
Cross, who led the fight to defeat the Democrats’ plans to increase taxes during the last legislative session, will serve as a Co-Chairman of the McKenna/Murphy ticket in part due to their shared view of opposing tax hikes.
“Leader Cross’ endorsement underscores the momentum that grows each day with our message of cutting spending, lowering taxes and creating jobs in Illinois,” said McKenna.
Leader Cross is the second major endorsement of the McKenna/Murphy ticket. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi personally endorsed the team last week.
“I am honored to have Leader Cross’ support of our campaign to create jobs and ease the tax burden on the hardworking families in Illinois,” added Murphy.
Cross, McKenna and Murphy announced the endorsement at stops in both Chicago and Springfield.
Tom Cross represents the 84th State House District which encompasses portions of Kendall, Will and DuPage Counties. He has been House Republican Leader since 2003.
CHICAGO – Republican Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna and Lieutenant Governor candidate Matt Murphy announced today they have secured the coveted endorsement of Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
“This election is pivotal to our future and I am confident Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the right team to lead our state out of the fiscal nightmare the Democrats have created,” said Cross.
Cross, who led the fight to defeat the Democrats’ plans to increase taxes during the last legislative session, will serve as a Co-Chairman of the McKenna/Murphy ticket in part due to their shared view of opposing tax hikes.
“Leader Cross’ endorsement underscores the momentum that grows each day with our message of cutting spending, lowering taxes and creating jobs in Illinois,” said McKenna.
Leader Cross is the second major endorsement of the McKenna/Murphy ticket. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi personally endorsed the team last week.
“I am honored to have Leader Cross’ support of our campaign to create jobs and ease the tax burden on the hardworking families in Illinois,” added Murphy.
Cross, McKenna and Murphy announced the endorsement at stops in both Chicago and Springfield.
Tom Cross represents the 84th State House District which encompasses portions of Kendall, Will and DuPage Counties. He has been House Republican Leader since 2003.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on Veteran’s Day
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
“Today we honor those soldiers who have bravely served our country and all those around the world and at home who continue the fight to protect our country and freedom.
“Our gratitude for their sacrifice is deep and one that continues throughout every day of the year.”
“Today we honor those soldiers who have bravely served our country and all those around the world and at home who continue the fight to protect our country and freedom.
“Our gratitude for their sacrifice is deep and one that continues throughout every day of the year.”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
McKenna Launches Gubernatorial Bid
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
October 27, 2009
CHICAGO – Family businessman and community leader Andy McKenna launched his bid for Illinois Governor today, calling for a drastic change in the way Springfield does business.
“It is time to put our house back in order,” said McKenna. “We need to hold the line on taxes, reign in out of control spending and put a stop to the corrupt practices which have plagued our government for far too long.”
McKenna kicked off a three-day statewide tour in Chicago at City Escape, the first business created with the help of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an organization in which McKenna is a founding co-chair.
In conjunction with today’s public announcement, the McKenna for Illinois campaign unveiled “Hair Today,” a short film highlighting the culture of corruption and fiscal irresponsibility that has prevailed in Springfield for decades and McKenna’s ability to bring real change to Illinois.
“The politicians in charge of our state continue making commitments they simply cannot keep,” added McKenna. “It will take someone from outside Springfield to hold our government accountable and bring the fiscal responsibility and tools for job creation that Illinois needs.”
McKenna was joined by his running mate, State Senator Matt Murphy, who has spent the last three years in Springfield fighting to lower taxes.
“Springfield is a tax and spend budgetary mess,” said Murphy. “I’ve been down there three years offering alternatives, but with Andy McKenna and me in charge, we will get it done.”
Andy McKenna is a family businessman and community leader who resides in Chicago with his wife, Mary. They have four children.
October 27, 2009
CHICAGO – Family businessman and community leader Andy McKenna launched his bid for Illinois Governor today, calling for a drastic change in the way Springfield does business.
“It is time to put our house back in order,” said McKenna. “We need to hold the line on taxes, reign in out of control spending and put a stop to the corrupt practices which have plagued our government for far too long.”
McKenna kicked off a three-day statewide tour in Chicago at City Escape, the first business created with the help of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an organization in which McKenna is a founding co-chair.
In conjunction with today’s public announcement, the McKenna for Illinois campaign unveiled “Hair Today,” a short film highlighting the culture of corruption and fiscal irresponsibility that has prevailed in Springfield for decades and McKenna’s ability to bring real change to Illinois.
“The politicians in charge of our state continue making commitments they simply cannot keep,” added McKenna. “It will take someone from outside Springfield to hold our government accountable and bring the fiscal responsibility and tools for job creation that Illinois needs.”
McKenna was joined by his running mate, State Senator Matt Murphy, who has spent the last three years in Springfield fighting to lower taxes.
“Springfield is a tax and spend budgetary mess,” said Murphy. “I’ve been down there three years offering alternatives, but with Andy McKenna and me in charge, we will get it done.”
Andy McKenna is a family businessman and community leader who resides in Chicago with his wife, Mary. They have four children.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Family Businessman Andy McKenna Files for Governor
From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
CHICAGO - Community leader and family businessman Andy McKenna announced today that he has filed a statement of organization to run for Illinois Governor.
"It's time to put our house in order. A culture of corruption, a mindless irresponsibility towards taxes and spending and a hostile climate toward the creation of new jobs illustrates just how far Springfield has strayed. It won't be easy, but we can turn those around," said McKenna.
"Illinois faces serious problems, but these problems can only be solved by leading a sea change in ethics, confronting some hard choices on behalf of Illinois taxpayers, setting aside the needs of special interests and career politicians and creating a laser focus on the interests of Illinois families. Only then will we be able to provide the people of Illinois the opportunities they need to succeed."
McKenna is a business and civic leader who resides in Chicago with his wife, Mary. He is the father of four and will formally launch his campaign next month.
CHICAGO - Community leader and family businessman Andy McKenna announced today that he has filed a statement of organization to run for Illinois Governor.
"It's time to put our house in order. A culture of corruption, a mindless irresponsibility towards taxes and spending and a hostile climate toward the creation of new jobs illustrates just how far Springfield has strayed. It won't be easy, but we can turn those around," said McKenna.
"Illinois faces serious problems, but these problems can only be solved by leading a sea change in ethics, confronting some hard choices on behalf of Illinois taxpayers, setting aside the needs of special interests and career politicians and creating a laser focus on the interests of Illinois families. Only then will we be able to provide the people of Illinois the opportunities they need to succeed."
McKenna is a business and civic leader who resides in Chicago with his wife, Mary. He is the father of four and will formally launch his campaign next month.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Statement from ILGOP Chairman Andy McKenna
From the Illinois Republican Party
“As Party Chairman my goal has been to build Party unity. Mark Kirk and I met last evening as part of an ongoing discussion about the U. S. Senate race. I reassured Mark that if he chooses to be a candidate, I will not oppose him.”
“As Party Chairman my goal has been to build Party unity. Mark Kirk and I met last evening as part of an ongoing discussion about the U. S. Senate race. I reassured Mark that if he chooses to be a candidate, I will not oppose him.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Statement from Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna on Gov. Quinn's Budget Address
From the Illinois Republican Party
“The efforts by Blagojevich Democrats to enact massive, job-killing tax hikes in the midst of an economic crisis, while the people of Illinois are already struggling to find good-paying jobs, are wrong.
“It is outrageous that the Party of Blagojevich, currently led by his running-mate Pat Quinn, has put Illinois eleven billion dollars in debt and now expects the hardworking men and women of this state to bail them out with job-killing tax hikes.
“Governor Quinn’s job-killing tax hikes will reach directly into the pockets of middle class families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“Six years ago, Blagojevich Democrats promised to change the way Illinois does business but gave us the most corrupt governor in our history, out-of-control spending, lost jobs, and now want to give us our largest income tax increase in forty years.
“The people of Illinois are hungry for change and the massive tax increases proposed by Blagojevich Democrats are further proof that the current leadership is taking our state in the wrong direction.”
“The efforts by Blagojevich Democrats to enact massive, job-killing tax hikes in the midst of an economic crisis, while the people of Illinois are already struggling to find good-paying jobs, are wrong.
“It is outrageous that the Party of Blagojevich, currently led by his running-mate Pat Quinn, has put Illinois eleven billion dollars in debt and now expects the hardworking men and women of this state to bail them out with job-killing tax hikes.
“Governor Quinn’s job-killing tax hikes will reach directly into the pockets of middle class families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“Six years ago, Blagojevich Democrats promised to change the way Illinois does business but gave us the most corrupt governor in our history, out-of-control spending, lost jobs, and now want to give us our largest income tax increase in forty years.
“The people of Illinois are hungry for change and the massive tax increases proposed by Blagojevich Democrats are further proof that the current leadership is taking our state in the wrong direction.”
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
McKenna Backs Michael Steele for National GOP Chairman
From Andy McKenna, Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party
On February 12 we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Abraham Lincoln founded the Republican Party during a time of dramatic economic change because he believed it was the work of government to expand opportunity but it was the work of people to turn opportunity into prosperity.
Two weeks before we celebrate this great leader, Republicans will have an opportunity to discuss our Party’s future, expand our Party’s vision, and remind people of the values Lincoln believed were the core of the Party he helped create.
On January 30, Republicans from all over the United States will assemble in Washington DC to select a new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. I will be there, and I will cast my vote proudly for Michael Steele. The Republican Party faces many challenges in the coming years, and Michael Steele is the man to address them.
America’s faith in its political process has never been lower, and both parties are responsible. Corrupt politicians in both parties have shaken the people’s confidence in their elected officials.
Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich embarrassed Illinois and shocked the nation when he tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat. But instead of immediately stripping Blagojevich of his appointment power, Democrats in Springfield and in Washington endorsed Blagojevich’s choice for Senate, fearing they would lose if they let the people decide. All too often, insiders excuse and protect the corrupt when they should denounce them.
Michael Steele has been an outsider his entire career. He is not afraid to speak out against corruption. As Chairman he would take the ethical high ground and help restore the people’s faith in government.
Not only was Steele the first African American Lieutenant Governor in Maryland’s history, but he was also the first Republican. He won by reaching out to the Republican faithful, and by articulating an inclusive message that appealed to Independents and Democrats. Michael Steele will represent a Republican Party committed to competing for votes in every city, county and town in the country.
I am proud to be part of a Republican Party in Illinois that worked as hard for Mark Kirk as it did for Peter Roskam. I am a pro-life, Irish-Catholic, yet on our most important questions we gain more from discovering common values than from debating private differences. Litmus tests for candidates do not move us forward. Michael Steele realizes that. Michael Steele ran an inclusive party in Maryland and he will aggressively pursue a policy of outreach as National Chairman. Steele knows we need to focus on growing our Party despite our differences.
Finally, our Party’s greatest strength has always been its local organizations with their legions of grassroots volunteers. Our Party is always most effective when we are inspired not from the top down, but from the ground up. Michael Steele has traveled the country to train, support and inspire these local organizations and as Party Chairman his efforts would only increase.
Michael Steele is an exceptional and charismatic leader. He will maintain the Party where it is strong and grow the Party where it is weak. His enthusiasm, integrity and ideas will renew the Republican Party and keep it the Party that Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan were all proud to call their own.
Andy McKenna
Chairman, Illinois Republican Party
On February 12 we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Abraham Lincoln founded the Republican Party during a time of dramatic economic change because he believed it was the work of government to expand opportunity but it was the work of people to turn opportunity into prosperity.
Two weeks before we celebrate this great leader, Republicans will have an opportunity to discuss our Party’s future, expand our Party’s vision, and remind people of the values Lincoln believed were the core of the Party he helped create.
On January 30, Republicans from all over the United States will assemble in Washington DC to select a new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. I will be there, and I will cast my vote proudly for Michael Steele. The Republican Party faces many challenges in the coming years, and Michael Steele is the man to address them.
America’s faith in its political process has never been lower, and both parties are responsible. Corrupt politicians in both parties have shaken the people’s confidence in their elected officials.
Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich embarrassed Illinois and shocked the nation when he tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat. But instead of immediately stripping Blagojevich of his appointment power, Democrats in Springfield and in Washington endorsed Blagojevich’s choice for Senate, fearing they would lose if they let the people decide. All too often, insiders excuse and protect the corrupt when they should denounce them.
Michael Steele has been an outsider his entire career. He is not afraid to speak out against corruption. As Chairman he would take the ethical high ground and help restore the people’s faith in government.
Not only was Steele the first African American Lieutenant Governor in Maryland’s history, but he was also the first Republican. He won by reaching out to the Republican faithful, and by articulating an inclusive message that appealed to Independents and Democrats. Michael Steele will represent a Republican Party committed to competing for votes in every city, county and town in the country.
I am proud to be part of a Republican Party in Illinois that worked as hard for Mark Kirk as it did for Peter Roskam. I am a pro-life, Irish-Catholic, yet on our most important questions we gain more from discovering common values than from debating private differences. Litmus tests for candidates do not move us forward. Michael Steele realizes that. Michael Steele ran an inclusive party in Maryland and he will aggressively pursue a policy of outreach as National Chairman. Steele knows we need to focus on growing our Party despite our differences.
Finally, our Party’s greatest strength has always been its local organizations with their legions of grassroots volunteers. Our Party is always most effective when we are inspired not from the top down, but from the ground up. Michael Steele has traveled the country to train, support and inspire these local organizations and as Party Chairman his efforts would only increase.
Michael Steele is an exceptional and charismatic leader. He will maintain the Party where it is strong and grow the Party where it is weak. His enthusiasm, integrity and ideas will renew the Republican Party and keep it the Party that Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan were all proud to call their own.
Andy McKenna
Chairman, Illinois Republican Party
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