NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
SAUERBERG EXPOSÉ: DOCTOR/CANDIDATE WANTS TO ABOLISH JURY TRIALS FOR MALPRACTICE VICTIMS
ANDY MARTIN CALLS SAUERBERG’S PROPOSAL “THE DEATH KNELL TO SAUERBERG’S CAMPAIGN; THE LAST AND FINAL ACT OF INCOMPETENCE”
IS STEVE SAUERBERG A MEDICAL QUACK, OR JUST AN INSINCERE CANDIDATE WHO WANTS TO MAKE DOCTORS RICHER AND ORDINARY PEOPLE POORER, BY TAKING AWAY ACCESS TO JURY TRIALS AND JUDGES?
(CHICAGO)(November 29, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin exposed his primary opponent, Dr. Steve Sauerberg, as sponsoring a “health” plan proposing an end to jury trials and judges in malpractice cases. Under Sauerberg’s “health” plan, victims of malpractice would be denied access to courts to collect damages. The right to a jury trial would be abolished.
“We promised a ‘Demolition Day’ for Steve Sauerberg and Andy McKenna, and I believe we are delivering. The only ‘health’ that would be improved by Sauerberg’s proposal is the health of his colleagues’ bank balances,” Martin chortled.
“If this were a medical proposal, Sauerberg would be prosecuted for quackery,” Martin said. “Sauerberg neglects to tell people his ‘plan’ to abolish jury trials and judges requires an amendment to the U.S. Constitutions. An amendment that will never happen.
“If someone told you that a doctor was going to run for statewide office with a ‘health plan’ protecting his friends and colleagues by abolishing jury trials and abolishing courts to resolve malpractice claims, you would have to say no one could imagine such an outrageous candidate and campaign. Meet Steve Sauerberg.
“Sauerberg’s plan is loony. He wants to create a form of doctors’ royalty. Like kings, doctors would enjoy immunity from lawsuits in courts of law, and jury trials would be abolished. Doctors could buy more expensive cars and homes with all the money they saved by not having to pay for injuring their patients.
“Sauerberg would require that victims who want to appeal to an appellate court guarantee in advance to pay the doctors’ appellate legal bills. Since only 3% of appeals succeed, and most victims of malpractice are incapacitated, victims could not guarantee to pay massive legal bills in advance. The public would be excluded from the judicial system. It’s all there in black-and-white in Sauerberg’s ‘plan.’ (links and text below)
“In my humble opinion, Sauerberg’s plan is an embarrassment to Andy McKenna who recruited him, an embarrassment to Illinois Republicans who have endorsed this medical quack, and an embarrassment to anyone who takes Sauerberg seriously. His health plan is the death knell of his campaign.
“First he barely collected enough petition signatures, embarrassing party officials who had endorsed him. Then he held a news conference to discuss immigration, without knowing what 'Anchor babies' were.
“Now he wants to immunize doctors from liability for their malpractice. Any Republican county or township organization that endorses Sauerberg is embarrassing itself and endangering public support for the Republican Party.
“I have run a positive campaign,” Martin concluded. “I have campaigned on the issues and on the breadth of my experience in foreign policy and public policy. I have not attacked Sauerberg's personal life or peccadilloes. But exposing the quackery of his ‘health plan,’ which is solely designed to improve doctors’ bank balances and endow them with royal immunity from jury trials and judges, exposes Sauerberg for what he is: an incompetent candidate who has run an incompetent campaign and who is an embarrassment to Illinois Republicans.
“Truly, today is Demolition day for ‘Combine Candidate’ Sauerberg and his endorser, Andy McKenna.
“As for me, I work for the People of Illinois. I am not a front man for rich doctors,” Martin concluded.
DOCUMENTATION (from Sauerberg’s web site):
Establish Administrative Health Courts to reduce the tax burden of crowded state courts, reduce healthcare fees and ensure a fair decision making process.Under the Sauerberg Your Healthcare – Your Choice plan, the federal government will offer financial assistance to states to establish Administrative Health Courts tasked with determining whether a healthcare provider is responsible for a patient’s injury in each medical malpractice case, and if so, what remedy is appropriate. Administrative Health Courts will be chaired by a citizen’s advocate and consist of a panel of six independent experts – three legal experts and three medical experts – that will be tasked with making a determination about the case. Access to state appellate courts will be available if either party is unhappy with decisions made by Administrative Health Courts. However, a party appealing a decision of the Administrative Health Court will have to agree to pay the costs associated with defending the appeal if the appeal failed in state court.
LINK (to Sauerberg’s “health plan”):
http://www.sauerbergforussenate.com/newsDetail.aspx?newsID=2435
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Andy Martin continues battle to protect safety of meat supply
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT/DAYBOOK EDITORS
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN VOWS TO CONTINUE CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THE PUBLIC MEAT SUPPLY.
LATEST E. COLI CONTAMINATION IN WISCONSIN SUPPORTS HIS CLAIM THAT THERE MUST BE “ZERO TOLERANCE” FOR PATHOGENS EITHER IN PACKING PLANTS OR INTERSTATE SHIPMENTS, CANDIDATE SAYS
(CHICAGO)(November 26, 2007) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a toll-free telephone news conference Sunday, November 25th to announce that he will follow up with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to see that the latest E. coli contamination at a Wisconsin meat packing plant is not ignored or treated lightly. Martin is conducting a nationwide campaign to make the U. S. food supply chain completely E. coli free.
Journalists are free to call in from Illinois and around the United States.
“On November 14th I told a Springfield news conference that we were launching a nationwide effort to pursue a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for E. coli infestation in our meat supply chain. As if on cue, a new E. coli contamination has now arisen in the neighboring state of Wisconsin. The foundations for action are in place; I have been in contact with the Secretary of Agriculture. Based on his response I will decide on an appropriate approach. Initially, I sought to ban the sale or shipment of ‘cook only’ E. coli-contaminated beef.
“What makes the case of American Foods Group of Green Bay apodictic is the fact that after processing the contaminated meat, the product was shipped out of state for final packaging. In other words, contaminated meat was moving in interstate commerce. Our standards for processing meat are too lax and present too great a danger to public health.
“As someone with over a third of a century in public advocacy and consumer protection, I will carry that experience into the campaign against Dick Durbin and into the U. S. Senate in January, 2009. I am committed to making our food supply safe for every Illinoisan and every American,” Martin will state.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Telephone news conference:
Toll-free call-in number: (866) 295-5950
Participant code: 2090340
WHEN: Sunday, November 25, 2007 2:00 P.M. (CDT)
WHAT: Andy Martin will follow up on latest E coli
contamination in Wisconsin
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITES: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT/DAYBOOK EDITORS
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN VOWS TO CONTINUE CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THE PUBLIC MEAT SUPPLY.
LATEST E. COLI CONTAMINATION IN WISCONSIN SUPPORTS HIS CLAIM THAT THERE MUST BE “ZERO TOLERANCE” FOR PATHOGENS EITHER IN PACKING PLANTS OR INTERSTATE SHIPMENTS, CANDIDATE SAYS
(CHICAGO)(November 26, 2007) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a toll-free telephone news conference Sunday, November 25th to announce that he will follow up with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to see that the latest E. coli contamination at a Wisconsin meat packing plant is not ignored or treated lightly. Martin is conducting a nationwide campaign to make the U. S. food supply chain completely E. coli free.
Journalists are free to call in from Illinois and around the United States.
“On November 14th I told a Springfield news conference that we were launching a nationwide effort to pursue a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for E. coli infestation in our meat supply chain. As if on cue, a new E. coli contamination has now arisen in the neighboring state of Wisconsin. The foundations for action are in place; I have been in contact with the Secretary of Agriculture. Based on his response I will decide on an appropriate approach. Initially, I sought to ban the sale or shipment of ‘cook only’ E. coli-contaminated beef.
“What makes the case of American Foods Group of Green Bay apodictic is the fact that after processing the contaminated meat, the product was shipped out of state for final packaging. In other words, contaminated meat was moving in interstate commerce. Our standards for processing meat are too lax and present too great a danger to public health.
“As someone with over a third of a century in public advocacy and consumer protection, I will carry that experience into the campaign against Dick Durbin and into the U. S. Senate in January, 2009. I am committed to making our food supply safe for every Illinoisan and every American,” Martin will state.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Telephone news conference:
Toll-free call-in number: (866) 295-5950
Participant code: 2090340
WHEN: Sunday, November 25, 2007 2:00 P.M. (CDT)
WHAT: Andy Martin will follow up on latest E coli
contamination in Wisconsin
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITES: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Chicago Tribune invites Andy Martin to debate primary opponents on December 3rd
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN
ACCEPTS CHICAGO TRIBUNE INVITATION
TO DEBATE PRIMARY OPPONENTS DECEMBER 3RD
(CHICAGO)(November 19, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Monday, November 19th that he has accepted an invitation from the Chicago Tribune to debate his primary campaign opponents on December 3rd.
"The Tribune Editorial Board contacted me and very graciously invited me to their debate," Martin said. "And I have accepted. I will be at the Tribune on December 3rd to debate my primary opponents. I will be answering the Tribune's campaign questionnaire shortly. Because there are not going to be a lot of senate primary debates, the Tribune's debate will take on added importance," he added.
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN
ACCEPTS CHICAGO TRIBUNE INVITATION
TO DEBATE PRIMARY OPPONENTS DECEMBER 3RD
(CHICAGO)(November 19, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Monday, November 19th that he has accepted an invitation from the Chicago Tribune to debate his primary campaign opponents on December 3rd.
"The Tribune Editorial Board contacted me and very graciously invited me to their debate," Martin said. "And I have accepted. I will be at the Tribune on December 3rd to debate my primary opponents. I will be answering the Tribune's campaign questionnaire shortly. Because there are not going to be a lot of senate primary debates, the Tribune's debate will take on added importance," he added.
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
Andy Martin begins "Countdown" to "Combine Candidate Demolition Day," November 29th
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
PUBLIC NOTICE:
ANDY MARTIN BEGINS "COUNTDOWN" TO
"COMBINE CANDIDATE DEMOLITION DAY"
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 29, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN BEGINS COUNTDOWN TO "COMBINE CANDIDATE" ANDY MCKENNA/STEVE SAUERBERG "DEMOLITION DAY"
(CHICAGO)(November 19, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Monday, November 19th that he has begun a 10-day "countdown" to November 29th, when he will "demolish" the "Combine Candidate" running against him. Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Thursday, November 29th at 1:00 P.M. to disclose what he believes will be sufficient evidence to make Andy McKenna and Steve Sauerberg political laughingstocks in American politics.
Each day Martin will issue a small clue to the nature of his "Combine Candidate Demolition Day" news conference.
"Thirty years ago," Martin stated Monday, November 19th, "The Chicago Tribune called me an 'absolutely brilliant campaigner,' whose 'public relations skills are masterly.' [February 25, 1978]. Sadly, since then The Tribune and I have had a difficult period of strained relations. But, I want to make it clear, because I quote the Tribune's comments regularly, that I have a reputation to live up to, and I intend to maintain that reputation as a brilliant campaigner right through February 5th and beyond.
"I have not lost any of my speed or creativity or campaign power with the years. I am at the top of my game, which is why many Republicans and media will finally decide, however reluctantly, that I am the only credible candidate to oppose Senator Dick Durbin next November.
"My latest strategy is to begin a 10-day 'countdown' to humiliating Sauerberg and McKenna, or as we call them 'McKennaberg.' There is no question that Andy McKenna and I have had past issues. I tried to move beyond our old differences and I have treated McKenna with respect, and avoided personal conflicts since he became Chairman. But it is sadly clear that Sauerberg is McKenna's stalking horse to harass me in the primary.
"There is also little doubt that on February 6th I will lead a united Republican Party on the war path against Durbin. Other than a few 'regime remnants' of the 'Combine,' who will not accept defeat on February 5th, Republicans want and Republicans will get a real fighter to be their U. S. Senate candidate.
"Tomorrow, the 20th, we will issue our first 'clue' to 'Combine Candidate Demolition Day.' There will be a clue each day. I don't know if anyone will figure out what the 'demolition' issue will be, but if anyone wants to tell me after they read the clues we will acknowledge them on the 29th.
"There is no doubt that there is a corrupt bipartisan 'Combine' in this state that has reduced the Republican Party to ridicule and rubble. We no longer have a two-party state. We have been reduced to a 1-1/2 party political process.
"I did not start my senate campaign to become the successor to U. S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald. But McKennaberg, who constantly and relentlessly play dirty tricks to defeat me, have wrapped me in Fitzgerald's mantle of reformer in the Illinois Republican Party. Fitzgerald was less of a fighter than I am. The 'Combine' forced the senator out of public office, but McKennaberg won’t keep me from running for the Senate in November, 2008.
"After all, I have the Tribune's old editorial to live up to, and I will. I know how to fight, and I will.
"Sauerberg may still be on the primary ballot. But after November 29th he will be considered a fringe candidate, and no longer be seen as a serious contender to compete for national office.
"Stay tuned tomorrow for Clue #1," Martin stated. "It's going to be a doozy."
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Southeast corner of Wabash and Huron Streets,
Chicago, (St. James Cathedral)(weather
permitting, or indoors)
WHEN: Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: Andy Martin "demolishes" the McKenna/Sauerberg
"senate" campaign as Martin takes on the corrupt
bipartisan "Combine" in Illinois politics
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
PUBLIC NOTICE:
ANDY MARTIN BEGINS "COUNTDOWN" TO
"COMBINE CANDIDATE DEMOLITION DAY"
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 29, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN BEGINS COUNTDOWN TO "COMBINE CANDIDATE" ANDY MCKENNA/STEVE SAUERBERG "DEMOLITION DAY"
(CHICAGO)(November 19, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Monday, November 19th that he has begun a 10-day "countdown" to November 29th, when he will "demolish" the "Combine Candidate" running against him. Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Thursday, November 29th at 1:00 P.M. to disclose what he believes will be sufficient evidence to make Andy McKenna and Steve Sauerberg political laughingstocks in American politics.
Each day Martin will issue a small clue to the nature of his "Combine Candidate Demolition Day" news conference.
"Thirty years ago," Martin stated Monday, November 19th, "The Chicago Tribune called me an 'absolutely brilliant campaigner,' whose 'public relations skills are masterly.' [February 25, 1978]. Sadly, since then The Tribune and I have had a difficult period of strained relations. But, I want to make it clear, because I quote the Tribune's comments regularly, that I have a reputation to live up to, and I intend to maintain that reputation as a brilliant campaigner right through February 5th and beyond.
"I have not lost any of my speed or creativity or campaign power with the years. I am at the top of my game, which is why many Republicans and media will finally decide, however reluctantly, that I am the only credible candidate to oppose Senator Dick Durbin next November.
"My latest strategy is to begin a 10-day 'countdown' to humiliating Sauerberg and McKenna, or as we call them 'McKennaberg.' There is no question that Andy McKenna and I have had past issues. I tried to move beyond our old differences and I have treated McKenna with respect, and avoided personal conflicts since he became Chairman. But it is sadly clear that Sauerberg is McKenna's stalking horse to harass me in the primary.
"There is also little doubt that on February 6th I will lead a united Republican Party on the war path against Durbin. Other than a few 'regime remnants' of the 'Combine,' who will not accept defeat on February 5th, Republicans want and Republicans will get a real fighter to be their U. S. Senate candidate.
"Tomorrow, the 20th, we will issue our first 'clue' to 'Combine Candidate Demolition Day.' There will be a clue each day. I don't know if anyone will figure out what the 'demolition' issue will be, but if anyone wants to tell me after they read the clues we will acknowledge them on the 29th.
"There is no doubt that there is a corrupt bipartisan 'Combine' in this state that has reduced the Republican Party to ridicule and rubble. We no longer have a two-party state. We have been reduced to a 1-1/2 party political process.
"I did not start my senate campaign to become the successor to U. S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald. But McKennaberg, who constantly and relentlessly play dirty tricks to defeat me, have wrapped me in Fitzgerald's mantle of reformer in the Illinois Republican Party. Fitzgerald was less of a fighter than I am. The 'Combine' forced the senator out of public office, but McKennaberg won’t keep me from running for the Senate in November, 2008.
"After all, I have the Tribune's old editorial to live up to, and I will. I know how to fight, and I will.
"Sauerberg may still be on the primary ballot. But after November 29th he will be considered a fringe candidate, and no longer be seen as a serious contender to compete for national office.
"Stay tuned tomorrow for Clue #1," Martin stated. "It's going to be a doozy."
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Southeast corner of Wabash and Huron Streets,
Chicago, (St. James Cathedral)(weather
permitting, or indoors)
WHEN: Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: Andy Martin "demolishes" the McKenna/Sauerberg
"senate" campaign as Martin takes on the corrupt
bipartisan "Combine" in Illinois politics
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Andy Martin hires independent Special Legal Counsel for Illinois investigation
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN CHARGES MCKENNA AND SAUERBERG WITH FEDERAL AND STATE CAMPAIGN LAW VIOLATIONS, RELEASES DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM ACCUSATIONS
MARTIN HIRES INDEPENDENT SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE MCKENNA/SAUERBERG CAMPAIGN LAW VIOLATIONS
(OAK BROOK, IL)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin told a news conference Saturday, November 17th at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott that Illinois GOP State Chairman Andy McKenna and insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg were breaking federal and state campaign laws in running a campaign to defeat Martin. Martin released documents to confirm his allegations.
"The record reflects that in prior correspondence in May and again in October, I have treated State Chairman Andy McKenna with the utmost deference," Martin said. "I also warned McKenna not to commingle his public role as a de facto state official as state chairman, with his personal role as a private citizen. That was George Ryan's downfall. I am saddened to announce that McKenna and his acolyte Sauerberg have become the two latest recruits to the George Ryan School of Illinois Politics: breaking the law.
"I am now distributing documents which confirm my accusations that McKenna and Sauerberg have violated federal and state campaign laws. [The documents are available after the news conference on written request.]
"The documents reflect that McKenna is using the facilities and resources of the Illinois Republican Party to conduct his own personal political business. The State Central Committee has not endorsed any candidate and so far as I am aware the committee has not authorized McKenna to use State Committee Property as his own. McKenna has used the assets and resources of the State GOP to conduct his personal political activity on behalf of Sauerberg. Violation Number One.
"McKenna has also issued e-mails which fraudulently claim that they were not authorized by Sauerberg, when they were not only authorized by 'Berg they were coordinated with his campaign. Violation Number Two.
"There has been a steady stream of illegal documents and abuse of state Committee resources. My documents are illustrative and not exhaustive.
"I realize that because I am engaged in a primary election, some people might think I am making 'political' accusations that have no basis in law. To avoid any appearance of impropriety on my part, and to ensure that this controversy is prosecuted by an independent special counsel, although one paid by me, I have retained a Special Legal Counsel to conduct his own independent investigation of my allegations and to prosecute the claims as he sees fit. While I am paying the Special Counsel I obviously do not control the attorney and I have given his complete independence.
"I would point out that because Illinois Republicans currently have more adherents in federal prison than they have in statewide office, they ought to be scrupulously clean and above board in how they conduct the party's affairs. McKenna and Sauerberg have abysmally failed that test. Sleazy politics has no place in a campaign for federal office.
"McKenna is also endangering other Republicans. The State Party's General Counsel is personally engaged in a primary. As an attorney, he either has to ratify or condemn McKenna's illegal actions. That puts the party's counsel on the hot seat. I will be contacting counsel to put him on record.
"By default, the mantle of leadership as the conscience of the Republican Party, and the leadership of reform efforts to oust the "Republicrat Combine" from control of the party's apparatus, has fallen to me. I will work diligently to see that Republicans have a party and U. S. Senate candidate of which they can be proud, and that election law violations are promptly brought to the attention of legal authorities," Martin stated.
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN CHARGES MCKENNA AND SAUERBERG WITH FEDERAL AND STATE CAMPAIGN LAW VIOLATIONS, RELEASES DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM ACCUSATIONS
MARTIN HIRES INDEPENDENT SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE MCKENNA/SAUERBERG CAMPAIGN LAW VIOLATIONS
(OAK BROOK, IL)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin told a news conference Saturday, November 17th at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott that Illinois GOP State Chairman Andy McKenna and insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg were breaking federal and state campaign laws in running a campaign to defeat Martin. Martin released documents to confirm his allegations.
"The record reflects that in prior correspondence in May and again in October, I have treated State Chairman Andy McKenna with the utmost deference," Martin said. "I also warned McKenna not to commingle his public role as a de facto state official as state chairman, with his personal role as a private citizen. That was George Ryan's downfall. I am saddened to announce that McKenna and his acolyte Sauerberg have become the two latest recruits to the George Ryan School of Illinois Politics: breaking the law.
"I am now distributing documents which confirm my accusations that McKenna and Sauerberg have violated federal and state campaign laws. [The documents are available after the news conference on written request.]
"The documents reflect that McKenna is using the facilities and resources of the Illinois Republican Party to conduct his own personal political business. The State Central Committee has not endorsed any candidate and so far as I am aware the committee has not authorized McKenna to use State Committee Property as his own. McKenna has used the assets and resources of the State GOP to conduct his personal political activity on behalf of Sauerberg. Violation Number One.
"McKenna has also issued e-mails which fraudulently claim that they were not authorized by Sauerberg, when they were not only authorized by 'Berg they were coordinated with his campaign. Violation Number Two.
"There has been a steady stream of illegal documents and abuse of state Committee resources. My documents are illustrative and not exhaustive.
"I realize that because I am engaged in a primary election, some people might think I am making 'political' accusations that have no basis in law. To avoid any appearance of impropriety on my part, and to ensure that this controversy is prosecuted by an independent special counsel, although one paid by me, I have retained a Special Legal Counsel to conduct his own independent investigation of my allegations and to prosecute the claims as he sees fit. While I am paying the Special Counsel I obviously do not control the attorney and I have given his complete independence.
"I would point out that because Illinois Republicans currently have more adherents in federal prison than they have in statewide office, they ought to be scrupulously clean and above board in how they conduct the party's affairs. McKenna and Sauerberg have abysmally failed that test. Sleazy politics has no place in a campaign for federal office.
"McKenna is also endangering other Republicans. The State Party's General Counsel is personally engaged in a primary. As an attorney, he either has to ratify or condemn McKenna's illegal actions. That puts the party's counsel on the hot seat. I will be contacting counsel to put him on record.
"By default, the mantle of leadership as the conscience of the Republican Party, and the leadership of reform efforts to oust the "Republicrat Combine" from control of the party's apparatus, has fallen to me. I will work diligently to see that Republicans have a party and U. S. Senate candidate of which they can be proud, and that election law violations are promptly brought to the attention of legal authorities," Martin stated.
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.com.
Andy Martin asks State GOP counsel to investigate State Chairman
ANDY MARTIN
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-2639
Toll-free fax (866) 707-2639
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: mailto:AndyforIllinois@aol.com
November 18, 2007
Brien Sheahan, Esq.
5 St. Regis Court
Elmhurst, IL 60126
via fax (866) 796-5676
Re: Andy McKenna illegal and fraudulent use
of Illinois Republican Party resources
in Federal election
Dear Brien:
I held a news conference yesterday in which I indicated Andy McKenna and Steve Sauerberg were violating state and federal election laws by their use of Illinois Republican party resources and instrumentalities.
My understanding is that you serve as General Counsel to the State GOP and in that capacity you advise the state committee as opposed to being McKenna's personal attorney.
I am in the process of retaining an independent Special Legal Counsel to conduct an investigation on my behalf, based on the documents I have in my possession and other uncontroverted evidence.
I would like to respectfully request that you conduct your own independent investigation of McKenna's abuses. Federal elections have very strict standards of behavior for state political committees. I understand (and I have acknowledged in public letters) that McKenna as a private individual is free to endorse whom he wants for the senate primary. However, McKenna is not free to use state GOP resources to assist Sauerberg without violating federal law. Likewise, such tactics in a federal election would violate state law as well. Serious issues are presented by McKenna's conduct.
Out of an abundance of caution and so that you will not be blindsided by this controversy in your own reelection, I am legally advising you of the matter and formally requesting that you conduct an independent investigation on behalf of the committee.
I would also like prompt access to the state party voter vault. Please contact me to make arrangements for access to the voter vault.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have further questions.
Sincerely yours,
ANDY
AM:sp
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-2639
Toll-free fax (866) 707-2639
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: mailto:AndyforIllinois@aol.com
November 18, 2007
Brien Sheahan, Esq.
5 St. Regis Court
Elmhurst, IL 60126
via fax (866) 796-5676
Re: Andy McKenna illegal and fraudulent use
of Illinois Republican Party resources
in Federal election
Dear Brien:
I held a news conference yesterday in which I indicated Andy McKenna and Steve Sauerberg were violating state and federal election laws by their use of Illinois Republican party resources and instrumentalities.
My understanding is that you serve as General Counsel to the State GOP and in that capacity you advise the state committee as opposed to being McKenna's personal attorney.
I am in the process of retaining an independent Special Legal Counsel to conduct an investigation on my behalf, based on the documents I have in my possession and other uncontroverted evidence.
I would like to respectfully request that you conduct your own independent investigation of McKenna's abuses. Federal elections have very strict standards of behavior for state political committees. I understand (and I have acknowledged in public letters) that McKenna as a private individual is free to endorse whom he wants for the senate primary. However, McKenna is not free to use state GOP resources to assist Sauerberg without violating federal law. Likewise, such tactics in a federal election would violate state law as well. Serious issues are presented by McKenna's conduct.
Out of an abundance of caution and so that you will not be blindsided by this controversy in your own reelection, I am legally advising you of the matter and formally requesting that you conduct an independent investigation on behalf of the committee.
I would also like prompt access to the state party voter vault. Please contact me to make arrangements for access to the voter vault.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have further questions.
Sincerely yours,
ANDY
AM:sp
Saturday, November 17, 2007
U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin is barred from Republican Party “retreat” in Illinois
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 17, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN IS BARRED FROM REPUBLICAN “RETREAT” BY “MIDWEST MUSHARRAF” ANDY MCKENNA
MARTIN SAYS REPUBLICAN PARTY CANNOT SURVIVE AS LONG AS MCKENNA IS AT THE HEAD
“I AM NOW FREE TO LEAD REPUBLICANS TO VICTORY, INSTEAD OF LEADING THEM TO SLAUGHTER AS PART OF ANDY MCKENNA’S REPUBLICRAT COMBINE,” MARTIN SAYS.
(CHICAGO)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a news conference Saturday, November 17th at 10:00 A.M., at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott, to announce that he was barred Saturday morning from a Republican Party “Leadership Retreat” for issuing a news release critical of state party Chairman Andy McKenna.
McKenna is supporting Martin’s primary opponent, insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg.
“Yesterday I called Andy McKenna a ‘Midwest Musharraf,’” Martin will charge. “Today he acted like one, and barred me from the state party’s ‘Leadership Retreat.’
“Well, I supposed ‘Retreat’ is the right word for what McKenna is conducting in Oak Brook. The Republican Party has been in retreat since he took over. And I saved my $25 registration fee. Party munchkin Jason Hefly returned my check and told me I was not welcome to ‘retreat’ along with McKenna and Sauerberg. That I should retreat to my suite. Whew.
“I am thankful to Chairman McKenna for excluding me from his ‘retreat,’ because ordinary, Main Street Republicans in Illinois are tried of ‘retreating’ from Democratic Power. We have become a 1-1/2 party state under McKenna’s Republicrat Combine leadership.
“Two years ago, McKenna conducted a relatively honest and open primary. This time around he thinks he can get away with dirty tricks and abuses promoting the candidacy of his clown candidate for the U. S. Senate, insurance company witness Sauerberg.
“Today Mr. McKenna made it clear that behind all his pablum and sweet talk, he wants to run the Republican Party as his own personal political machine. But by disassociating me from his Republicrat Combine, McKenna has made it clear and certified me as an honest and independent Republican who will move ahead on February 6th as the Republican Party’s candidate, not the Republicrat Combine’s designated loser, to fight for a Republican victory in November, 2008.
“I am now free to lead Republicans to victory, instead of leading them to slaughter as part of Andy McKenna’s Republicrat Combine,” Martin will state. “The bottom line: Republicrat Combine member Andy McKenna has to go if Republicans are ever again going to have a chance to win statewide office in Illinois.
“McKenna doesn’t want an honest and open primary; he
wants a rigged coronation for his designated loser Sauerberg. And he’s not going to get it. Real Republicans are going to rise up on February 5th and vote against Combine control of their party.”
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Oak Brook Hills Marriott, 3500 Midwest Road
ANDY MARTIN’S SUITE (Penthouse Suite 1107)
Hotel tel. (630) 850-5555
WHEN: Saturday, November 17th, 10:00 A.M.
WHAT: ANDY MCKENNA BARS U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY
MARTIN FROM REPUBLICAN PARTY “LEADERSHIP RETREAT”
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124 Cell phone (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 17, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN IS BARRED FROM REPUBLICAN “RETREAT” BY “MIDWEST MUSHARRAF” ANDY MCKENNA
MARTIN SAYS REPUBLICAN PARTY CANNOT SURVIVE AS LONG AS MCKENNA IS AT THE HEAD
“I AM NOW FREE TO LEAD REPUBLICANS TO VICTORY, INSTEAD OF LEADING THEM TO SLAUGHTER AS PART OF ANDY MCKENNA’S REPUBLICRAT COMBINE,” MARTIN SAYS.
(CHICAGO)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a news conference Saturday, November 17th at 10:00 A.M., at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott, to announce that he was barred Saturday morning from a Republican Party “Leadership Retreat” for issuing a news release critical of state party Chairman Andy McKenna.
McKenna is supporting Martin’s primary opponent, insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg.
“Yesterday I called Andy McKenna a ‘Midwest Musharraf,’” Martin will charge. “Today he acted like one, and barred me from the state party’s ‘Leadership Retreat.’
“Well, I supposed ‘Retreat’ is the right word for what McKenna is conducting in Oak Brook. The Republican Party has been in retreat since he took over. And I saved my $25 registration fee. Party munchkin Jason Hefly returned my check and told me I was not welcome to ‘retreat’ along with McKenna and Sauerberg. That I should retreat to my suite. Whew.
“I am thankful to Chairman McKenna for excluding me from his ‘retreat,’ because ordinary, Main Street Republicans in Illinois are tried of ‘retreating’ from Democratic Power. We have become a 1-1/2 party state under McKenna’s Republicrat Combine leadership.
“Two years ago, McKenna conducted a relatively honest and open primary. This time around he thinks he can get away with dirty tricks and abuses promoting the candidacy of his clown candidate for the U. S. Senate, insurance company witness Sauerberg.
“Today Mr. McKenna made it clear that behind all his pablum and sweet talk, he wants to run the Republican Party as his own personal political machine. But by disassociating me from his Republicrat Combine, McKenna has made it clear and certified me as an honest and independent Republican who will move ahead on February 6th as the Republican Party’s candidate, not the Republicrat Combine’s designated loser, to fight for a Republican victory in November, 2008.
“I am now free to lead Republicans to victory, instead of leading them to slaughter as part of Andy McKenna’s Republicrat Combine,” Martin will state. “The bottom line: Republicrat Combine member Andy McKenna has to go if Republicans are ever again going to have a chance to win statewide office in Illinois.
“McKenna doesn’t want an honest and open primary; he
wants a rigged coronation for his designated loser Sauerberg. And he’s not going to get it. Real Republicans are going to rise up on February 5th and vote against Combine control of their party.”
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Oak Brook Hills Marriott, 3500 Midwest Road
ANDY MARTIN’S SUITE (Penthouse Suite 1107)
Hotel tel. (630) 850-5555
WHEN: Saturday, November 17th, 10:00 A.M.
WHAT: ANDY MCKENNA BARS U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY
MARTIN FROM REPUBLICAN PARTY “LEADERSHIP RETREAT”
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124 Cell phone (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Andy Martin charges McKenna and Sauerberg violate federal/state election laws
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 17, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN CHARGES THAT ILLINOIS GOP CHAIRMAN ANDY MCKENNA AND INSURANCE COMPANY WITNESS STEVE SAUERBERG ARE VIOLATING STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTION LAWS WITH ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
MARTIN CALLS MCKENNA A “MIDWEST MUSHARRAF” WHO IS TREATING THE STATE GOP AS HIS PRIVATE PERSONAL PIGGY BANK
(CHICAGO)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a news conference Saturday, November 17th at 10:00 A.M. at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott to demand that Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna and insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg stop violating state and federal election laws. Martin will call McKenna and Sauerberg “hypocrites” who are “endangering and embarrassing the Republican Party by their incompetence and hypocrisy.”
The State GOP has scheduled an “Illinois Republican Leadership Retreat” at the tony Oak Brook Hills Marriott resort. Martin is critical of the venue: “Why aren’t we meeting downtown, in Chicago, where we need more votes, and where we should be doing outreach to urban communities? Why is Andy McKenna reinforcing the party’s image as ‘Country Club Republicans?’ I speak and work for all the People of Illinois, not just the rich and privileged. The party is making a serious mistake in failing to meet where we need to do missionary work.
“On May 17th I warned McKenna not to violate state and federal election laws in supporting Sauerberg. Individually, McKenna can support whom he wishes. As state leader he is barred from using party funds for his personal purposes, to support the candidate he favors. He ignored me. On October 16th I again warned McKenna that he should avoid confusion between his individual or personal activity, and using state Republican Party resources to support my opponent. McKenna has ignored these gentle and polite reminders.
"I find it grossly hypocritical that McKenna is hosting a ‘Leadership Retreat’ with experts who are advising candidates how
to obey campaign laws when McKenna himself, and his Mortimer Snerd Steve Sauerberg, are themselves violating state and federal campaign laws. We will release evidence Saturday that McKenna has engaged in wire fraud, and issued fraudulent claims in violation of state and federal laws.
“McKenna is treating the Illinois Republican Party as his personal property. It is not. Before the primary the party’s resources cannot be used or appropriated for the benefit of one candidate. McKenna may fancy himself a ‘Midwest Musharraf’ who can rule Republicans as a dictator but I am here to tell him he is not going get away with it.
“There are serious questions about my opponent’s links to the insurance industry, and his lax standards of patient care. We have even bigger blockbusters to unfold in the next couple of weeks. For McKenna to be supporting my opponent risks embarrassing the entire Republican Party. That’s wrong,” Martin will charge. “The only thing McKenna is doing to help me is letting Steve Sauerberg speak. The more people hear Sauerberg, the less they like him. You can’t make a silk purse out of a Sauerberg. Steve is not a serious opponent for Dick Durbin. I am.
“I will be ready to speak on Saturday if I am called on. I have not been invited to speak but I bought a ticket to the event. McKenna only favors one candidate. McKenna and Sauerberg are the new Edger Bergen and Mortimer Snerd of Illinois politics. But they should not be allowed to make a comedy of the entire party.”
Martin has rented his own suite at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott and his news conference will be paid for with his campaign funds, not the state party’s. His suite number will be issued as an e-mail advisory.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Oak Brook Hills Marriott, 3500 Midwest Road
ANDY MARTIN’S SUITE (Ask at Desk)
WHEN: Saturday, November 17th, 10:00 A.M.
WHAT: ANDY MARTIN CHARES THAT ANDY MCKENNA AND STEVE
SAUERBERG ARE VIOLATING FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTION
LAWS TO SUPPORT SAUERBERG’S CAMPAIGN
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124 Cell phone (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 17, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN CHARGES THAT ILLINOIS GOP CHAIRMAN ANDY MCKENNA AND INSURANCE COMPANY WITNESS STEVE SAUERBERG ARE VIOLATING STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTION LAWS WITH ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
MARTIN CALLS MCKENNA A “MIDWEST MUSHARRAF” WHO IS TREATING THE STATE GOP AS HIS PRIVATE PERSONAL PIGGY BANK
(CHICAGO)(November 17, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a news conference Saturday, November 17th at 10:00 A.M. at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott to demand that Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna and insurance company witness Steve Sauerberg stop violating state and federal election laws. Martin will call McKenna and Sauerberg “hypocrites” who are “endangering and embarrassing the Republican Party by their incompetence and hypocrisy.”
The State GOP has scheduled an “Illinois Republican Leadership Retreat” at the tony Oak Brook Hills Marriott resort. Martin is critical of the venue: “Why aren’t we meeting downtown, in Chicago, where we need more votes, and where we should be doing outreach to urban communities? Why is Andy McKenna reinforcing the party’s image as ‘Country Club Republicans?’ I speak and work for all the People of Illinois, not just the rich and privileged. The party is making a serious mistake in failing to meet where we need to do missionary work.
“On May 17th I warned McKenna not to violate state and federal election laws in supporting Sauerberg. Individually, McKenna can support whom he wishes. As state leader he is barred from using party funds for his personal purposes, to support the candidate he favors. He ignored me. On October 16th I again warned McKenna that he should avoid confusion between his individual or personal activity, and using state Republican Party resources to support my opponent. McKenna has ignored these gentle and polite reminders.
"I find it grossly hypocritical that McKenna is hosting a ‘Leadership Retreat’ with experts who are advising candidates how
to obey campaign laws when McKenna himself, and his Mortimer Snerd Steve Sauerberg, are themselves violating state and federal campaign laws. We will release evidence Saturday that McKenna has engaged in wire fraud, and issued fraudulent claims in violation of state and federal laws.
“McKenna is treating the Illinois Republican Party as his personal property. It is not. Before the primary the party’s resources cannot be used or appropriated for the benefit of one candidate. McKenna may fancy himself a ‘Midwest Musharraf’ who can rule Republicans as a dictator but I am here to tell him he is not going get away with it.
“There are serious questions about my opponent’s links to the insurance industry, and his lax standards of patient care. We have even bigger blockbusters to unfold in the next couple of weeks. For McKenna to be supporting my opponent risks embarrassing the entire Republican Party. That’s wrong,” Martin will charge. “The only thing McKenna is doing to help me is letting Steve Sauerberg speak. The more people hear Sauerberg, the less they like him. You can’t make a silk purse out of a Sauerberg. Steve is not a serious opponent for Dick Durbin. I am.
“I will be ready to speak on Saturday if I am called on. I have not been invited to speak but I bought a ticket to the event. McKenna only favors one candidate. McKenna and Sauerberg are the new Edger Bergen and Mortimer Snerd of Illinois politics. But they should not be allowed to make a comedy of the entire party.”
Martin has rented his own suite at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott and his news conference will be paid for with his campaign funds, not the state party’s. His suite number will be issued as an e-mail advisory.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Oak Brook Hills Marriott, 3500 Midwest Road
ANDY MARTIN’S SUITE (Ask at Desk)
WHEN: Saturday, November 17th, 10:00 A.M.
WHAT: ANDY MARTIN CHARES THAT ANDY MCKENNA AND STEVE
SAUERBERG ARE VIOLATING FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTION
LAWS TO SUPPORT SAUERBERG’S CAMPAIGN
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124 Cell phone (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Andy Martin news conference demands Steve "Let Her Die" Sauerberg tell the truth
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 16, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN DEMANDS THAT “STEVE ‘LET HER DIE’ SAUERBERG COME CLEAN ABOUT THE WAY HE MADE HIS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FORTUNE FROM INSURANCE COMPANY LINKS
(CHICAGO)(November 15, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Friday, November 16th at 1:00 P.M. to demand that his campaign opponent Steve Sauerberg make a full and complete disclosure of all of his testimony for doctors who have been sued, insurance companies, and other lawsuits in which Sauerberg has been involved in any way as a party, witness or in any other capacity.
“Steve Sauerberg became a multi-millionaire,” says Martin, “And he did not become wealthy by asking patients to say ‘ahhhh.’ He became rich by testifying for insurance companies and taking the side of insurance companies in litigation.
“Since Sauerberg’s own website describes him as a ‘medical expert,’ Sauerberg owes Republican voters a full and complete disclosure of all of his links to insurance companies, his testimony and his fees involving medical matters and other cases where he was either sued or a paid witness.
“Based on the tragic case of Vivian O’Rourke which is published in law books, no woman would trust her life to Sauerberg. His abandoned a breast cancer patient to side with an insurance company, while the woman was terrified and in agony. This kind of ‘medical expert’ has more in common with Joseph Mengele than the Hippocratic Oath. We should call him ‘Steve, Let Her Die, Sauerberg.’ Sauerberg is about to become America’s Public Enemy Number One for breast cancer patients and survivors.
“Everything I am demanding would be demanded by Dick Durbin if Sauerberg beats me in the primary. He sold Andy McKenna a pig in a poke, but Sauerberg should not be allowed to defraud Republican voters into thinking he is an ‘expert’ when the only thing Sauerberg is an expert at is making piles of money from the suffering of his patients. Sauerberg has made a fortune being an insurance company hired gun and hit man.
“That Sauerberg thinks he can get away with masquerading as a ‘family physician’ is ludicrous. Family physicians do not become multi-millionaires. Sauerberg is a big embarrassment to those Illinois Republicans he has inveigled into supporting him.
“Steve, let all the facts come out yourself, about your links, fees and testimony for insurance companies, before your opponents force the truth out,” Martin will demand.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Southeast corner of Wabash and Huron Streets,
Chicago, (St. James Cathedral)
WHEN: Friday, November 16, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: ANDY MARTIN DEMANDS THAT STEVE SAUERBERG MAKE
FULL DISCLOSURE OF HIS LINKS TO AND FEES FROM
INSURANCE COMPANIES
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: November 16, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN DEMANDS THAT “STEVE ‘LET HER DIE’ SAUERBERG COME CLEAN ABOUT THE WAY HE MADE HIS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FORTUNE FROM INSURANCE COMPANY LINKS
(CHICAGO)(November 15, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Friday, November 16th at 1:00 P.M. to demand that his campaign opponent Steve Sauerberg make a full and complete disclosure of all of his testimony for doctors who have been sued, insurance companies, and other lawsuits in which Sauerberg has been involved in any way as a party, witness or in any other capacity.
“Steve Sauerberg became a multi-millionaire,” says Martin, “And he did not become wealthy by asking patients to say ‘ahhhh.’ He became rich by testifying for insurance companies and taking the side of insurance companies in litigation.
“Since Sauerberg’s own website describes him as a ‘medical expert,’ Sauerberg owes Republican voters a full and complete disclosure of all of his links to insurance companies, his testimony and his fees involving medical matters and other cases where he was either sued or a paid witness.
“Based on the tragic case of Vivian O’Rourke which is published in law books, no woman would trust her life to Sauerberg. His abandoned a breast cancer patient to side with an insurance company, while the woman was terrified and in agony. This kind of ‘medical expert’ has more in common with Joseph Mengele than the Hippocratic Oath. We should call him ‘Steve, Let Her Die, Sauerberg.’ Sauerberg is about to become America’s Public Enemy Number One for breast cancer patients and survivors.
“Everything I am demanding would be demanded by Dick Durbin if Sauerberg beats me in the primary. He sold Andy McKenna a pig in a poke, but Sauerberg should not be allowed to defraud Republican voters into thinking he is an ‘expert’ when the only thing Sauerberg is an expert at is making piles of money from the suffering of his patients. Sauerberg has made a fortune being an insurance company hired gun and hit man.
“That Sauerberg thinks he can get away with masquerading as a ‘family physician’ is ludicrous. Family physicians do not become multi-millionaires. Sauerberg is a big embarrassment to those Illinois Republicans he has inveigled into supporting him.
“Steve, let all the facts come out yourself, about your links, fees and testimony for insurance companies, before your opponents force the truth out,” Martin will demand.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: Southeast corner of Wabash and Huron Streets,
Chicago, (St. James Cathedral)
WHEN: Friday, November 16, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: ANDY MARTIN DEMANDS THAT STEVE SAUERBERG MAKE
FULL DISCLOSURE OF HIS LINKS TO AND FEES FROM
INSURANCE COMPANIES
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: AndyforUSSenator.com, ContrarianCommentary.com. Comments and columns also posted at AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com, AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com, ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Andy Martin demands that Steve Sauerberg disclose insurance company fees
ANDY MARTIN
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
November 15, 2007
Steve Sauerberg
Suite 47, PMB 249
4700 Gilbert Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
Dear Steve:
Welcome to electoral politics, where we live and work in a fishbowl, and where secrecy is futile and concealment is fatal.
Your new website says you are campaigning on the claim that you are a “recognized medical expert.” Indeed, your former web site stated you were an expert witness in medical cases, a claim that for some reason you dumped when you adopted the new website.
Well, the published research indicates you betrayed your patient when you had to choose between your patient and your checkbook.
We are going to be conducting an intensive investigation of (i) cases where you were sued for malpractice or other forms of nonperformance, and (ii) cases where you testified as an expert witness for insurance companies, including dates, docket numbers and, when you were a witness, fees paid for your testimony. I would like to offer you the courtesy of releasing this detailed information on your own, voluntarily, before the data comes out in dribs and drabs over a period of time.
As a legal expert, I can tell you that in the law, as in politics, the public is allowed to draw an adverse inference from silence and/or concealment. For you to campaign as a “medical expert” and then to fail to disclose the detailed factual basis for that claim, as well as conflicting or contradictory evidence, would allow me, and Republican voters, to believe that you made your multi-million dollar fortune and funded your “Sauerberg Family Foundation” (a topic for another day) with the ill-gotten loot of being a hired gun and hit man for insurance companies. Realistically, “family doctors” don’t make millions of dollars by seeing patients, so the massive fortune that you have promised to spend during the election obviously did not come from telling patients to “say ahhhh.”
I am going to educate you in the political process. The first lesson is that you should come forward on your own with detailed, full disclosure before I come forward in steps with redacted disclosure. In the meantime, I will be asking voters to draw an adverse inference from your silence, and to realize that you use the term “medical expert” to reflect operating a money machine as a hit man and hired gun for insurance companies, not to reflect services as a treating physician.
I will afford you up to and including Monday, November 26th to make your voluntary, full, true and complete disclosures about cases in which you have testified as a medical expert either on behalf of doctors who were sued or insurance companies who were engaged in litigation with claimants (detailed dates, docket numbers and fees included) as well as all other cases where you were sued for malpractice or other nonperformance.
I am sure that when it dawns on Republicans across Illinois that you were “endorsed” by one man, Andy McKenna, who is himself a neophyte at electoral politics, voters will realize that McKenna endorsed, and you sold him, a pig in a poke. Furthermore, it is frivolous to suggest that if you were to win the primary Dick Durbin & Company would ignore the very issues I am raising now. So, disclose now, or pay later.
If you are indeed a serious candidate for senator, which based on your performance to date I doubt, you should realize I am 100% correct and work fast to disclose the full list of cases, fees, etc. which I am requesting before either I or Durbin disclose it for you.
You left your patient Vivian O’Rourke to die; I will not let the memory of her agony die while you campaign as a “family physician” and conceal your history as an insurance company hit man and hired gun.
Sincerely yours,
ANDY
AM:sp
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
November 15, 2007
Steve Sauerberg
Suite 47, PMB 249
4700 Gilbert Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
Dear Steve:
Welcome to electoral politics, where we live and work in a fishbowl, and where secrecy is futile and concealment is fatal.
Your new website says you are campaigning on the claim that you are a “recognized medical expert.” Indeed, your former web site stated you were an expert witness in medical cases, a claim that for some reason you dumped when you adopted the new website.
Well, the published research indicates you betrayed your patient when you had to choose between your patient and your checkbook.
We are going to be conducting an intensive investigation of (i) cases where you were sued for malpractice or other forms of nonperformance, and (ii) cases where you testified as an expert witness for insurance companies, including dates, docket numbers and, when you were a witness, fees paid for your testimony. I would like to offer you the courtesy of releasing this detailed information on your own, voluntarily, before the data comes out in dribs and drabs over a period of time.
As a legal expert, I can tell you that in the law, as in politics, the public is allowed to draw an adverse inference from silence and/or concealment. For you to campaign as a “medical expert” and then to fail to disclose the detailed factual basis for that claim, as well as conflicting or contradictory evidence, would allow me, and Republican voters, to believe that you made your multi-million dollar fortune and funded your “Sauerberg Family Foundation” (a topic for another day) with the ill-gotten loot of being a hired gun and hit man for insurance companies. Realistically, “family doctors” don’t make millions of dollars by seeing patients, so the massive fortune that you have promised to spend during the election obviously did not come from telling patients to “say ahhhh.”
I am going to educate you in the political process. The first lesson is that you should come forward on your own with detailed, full disclosure before I come forward in steps with redacted disclosure. In the meantime, I will be asking voters to draw an adverse inference from your silence, and to realize that you use the term “medical expert” to reflect operating a money machine as a hit man and hired gun for insurance companies, not to reflect services as a treating physician.
I will afford you up to and including Monday, November 26th to make your voluntary, full, true and complete disclosures about cases in which you have testified as a medical expert either on behalf of doctors who were sued or insurance companies who were engaged in litigation with claimants (detailed dates, docket numbers and fees included) as well as all other cases where you were sued for malpractice or other nonperformance.
I am sure that when it dawns on Republicans across Illinois that you were “endorsed” by one man, Andy McKenna, who is himself a neophyte at electoral politics, voters will realize that McKenna endorsed, and you sold him, a pig in a poke. Furthermore, it is frivolous to suggest that if you were to win the primary Dick Durbin & Company would ignore the very issues I am raising now. So, disclose now, or pay later.
If you are indeed a serious candidate for senator, which based on your performance to date I doubt, you should realize I am 100% correct and work fast to disclose the full list of cases, fees, etc. which I am requesting before either I or Durbin disclose it for you.
You left your patient Vivian O’Rourke to die; I will not let the memory of her agony die while you campaign as a “family physician” and conceal your history as an insurance company hit man and hired gun.
Sincerely yours,
ANDY
AM:sp
Andy Martin calls Steve Sauerberg insurance company "hit man and hired gun"
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SLASHES PRIMARY OPPONENT FOR BEING “INSURANCE COMPANY DOCTOR”
MARTIN SAYS STEVE SAUERBERG ACCUMULATED A $1 MILLION SLUSH FUND BY BEING A “HIT MAN AND HIRED GUN” FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES FIGHTING THEIR POLICY HOLDERS, SAYS SAUERBERG REPRESENTS A “REPUBLICRAT COMBINE” THAT CONTROLS AND CORRUPTS ILLINOIS POLITICS
CANDIDATE SAYS SAUERBERG OPENLY WANTS TO PROTECT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, SO THAT WEALTHY DOCTORS WILL BE IMMUNE FROM LIABILITY FOR BUTCHERING THEIR PATIENTS
(Antioch, IL)(November 15, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin slashed his primary opponent, insurance company doctor Steve Sauerberg, at a Lake County political forum held in Antioch Wednesday evening.
Martin said that Sauerberg’s offer to personally contribute $1 million to his campaign came from a “slush fund that had been created by being a shill for insurance companies.” Martin compared Sauerberg, who was absent, to the comic book character Uncle Scrooge, “who swims in a vault of his own money; Sauerberg is probably home swimming in the cash from his $1 million slush fund right now.”
“Sauerberg calls himself a ‘family practice’ physician,” Martin said afterwards. “But family physicians do not accumulate $1 million in free cash by looking at children’s tonsils. Sauerberg is a hit man and a hired gun for insurance companies. The case of O’Rourke v. Access Health, 668 N.E.2d 214 (Ill.App. 1st Dist. 1996) is instructive. When Sauerberg had to choose between his patient and the insurance company, his deposition chose to support the insurance company. He’s probably home swimming in all of his ill-gotten cash right now, just like to comic book character Uncle Scrooge.
Martin stated “I represent the Republican Party wing of the Illinois Republican Party; Sauerberg is the candidate recruited to run against me by the ‘Republicrat Combine’ that has devastated Illinois politics. I am not for sale, and the party’s nomination should not be for sale to the highest bidder. Sauerberg has offered to contribute $1 million in cash to his campaign, see http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2008/senate/?state=IL.
“Where does someone who sees ‘family patients’ accumulate that kind of wealth? Obviously not from family patients. Some rich doctors buy expensive cars; Sauerberg wants a senate nomination to assuage his ego. It’s despicable that the Chicago media even treat this insurance company charlatan as a serious candidate.
“Sauerberg is living in a dream world if he thinks the Democrats are going to let him get away with his butchery. He is Public Enemy Number One to every woman concerned about breast cancer. Vivian O’Rourke will haunt him to his dying day. When he had to choose between his patient and the insurance company’s hidden ‘staff,’ he chose the anonymous staff and put his patient through hell to save the company’s cash. For shame. ‘Managed care’ worked for Steve Sauerberg; it made him a multi-millionaire. It didn’t work for Vivian O’Rourke.”
Martin expects to continue his attacks on Sauerberg’s medical history and business practices as a “family physician.”
------------------------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Columns also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: ContrarianCommentary.com; AndyforUSSenator.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SLASHES PRIMARY OPPONENT FOR BEING “INSURANCE COMPANY DOCTOR”
MARTIN SAYS STEVE SAUERBERG ACCUMULATED A $1 MILLION SLUSH FUND BY BEING A “HIT MAN AND HIRED GUN” FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES FIGHTING THEIR POLICY HOLDERS, SAYS SAUERBERG REPRESENTS A “REPUBLICRAT COMBINE” THAT CONTROLS AND CORRUPTS ILLINOIS POLITICS
CANDIDATE SAYS SAUERBERG OPENLY WANTS TO PROTECT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, SO THAT WEALTHY DOCTORS WILL BE IMMUNE FROM LIABILITY FOR BUTCHERING THEIR PATIENTS
(Antioch, IL)(November 15, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin slashed his primary opponent, insurance company doctor Steve Sauerberg, at a Lake County political forum held in Antioch Wednesday evening.
Martin said that Sauerberg’s offer to personally contribute $1 million to his campaign came from a “slush fund that had been created by being a shill for insurance companies.” Martin compared Sauerberg, who was absent, to the comic book character Uncle Scrooge, “who swims in a vault of his own money; Sauerberg is probably home swimming in the cash from his $1 million slush fund right now.”
“Sauerberg calls himself a ‘family practice’ physician,” Martin said afterwards. “But family physicians do not accumulate $1 million in free cash by looking at children’s tonsils. Sauerberg is a hit man and a hired gun for insurance companies. The case of O’Rourke v. Access Health, 668 N.E.2d 214 (Ill.App. 1st Dist. 1996) is instructive. When Sauerberg had to choose between his patient and the insurance company, his deposition chose to support the insurance company. He’s probably home swimming in all of his ill-gotten cash right now, just like to comic book character Uncle Scrooge.
Martin stated “I represent the Republican Party wing of the Illinois Republican Party; Sauerberg is the candidate recruited to run against me by the ‘Republicrat Combine’ that has devastated Illinois politics. I am not for sale, and the party’s nomination should not be for sale to the highest bidder. Sauerberg has offered to contribute $1 million in cash to his campaign, see http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2008/senate/?state=IL.
“Where does someone who sees ‘family patients’ accumulate that kind of wealth? Obviously not from family patients. Some rich doctors buy expensive cars; Sauerberg wants a senate nomination to assuage his ego. It’s despicable that the Chicago media even treat this insurance company charlatan as a serious candidate.
“Sauerberg is living in a dream world if he thinks the Democrats are going to let him get away with his butchery. He is Public Enemy Number One to every woman concerned about breast cancer. Vivian O’Rourke will haunt him to his dying day. When he had to choose between his patient and the insurance company’s hidden ‘staff,’ he chose the anonymous staff and put his patient through hell to save the company’s cash. For shame. ‘Managed care’ worked for Steve Sauerberg; it made him a multi-millionaire. It didn’t work for Vivian O’Rourke.”
Martin expects to continue his attacks on Sauerberg’s medical history and business practices as a “family physician.”
------------------------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Columns also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com. Comments? E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com. Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web sites: ContrarianCommentary.com; AndyforUSSenator.com.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Andy Martin sets Petition Circulator Appreciation Reception
ANDY MARTIN
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
November 14, 2007
Dear Member of the
Andy Martin Petition
Circulator Family:
Thank you! We made political history in Illinois!
The corrupt political Republicrat “Combine” that controls Illinois politics only managed to file slightly more than 5,000 valid signatures for my Combine opponent, insurance company doctor Steve Sauerberg (he filed a total of 7,000 names but some were invalid).
We filed the legal maximum: 10,000 signatures. We had more valid signatures left over than any of my primary opponents managed to collect in total! I owe it all to you.
I have scheduled an appreciation reception for all of you who submitted 100 or more valid signatures.
The reception is scheduled as follows: The Grotto, 1030 N. State Street (Newberry Plaza), Chicago, Wednesday, November 28th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The food is on me. (There is a cash bar.)
Petition circulators are the unsung heroes of the Illinois political process. So far as I am aware this is the first time in history that any statewide Republican candidate has scheduled a special appreciation reception for petition circulators.
Unlike the Republicrats, who are composed of rich heirs to inherited fortunes, crooked politicians, lobbyists, and the lawyers who serve all of them, our organization is made up of the salt of the earth, ordinary citizens who came together and were molded into a campaign team.
The Chicago Tribune has called me an “absolutely brilliant campaigner.” I know how to organize a campaign. You proved it all over again, by making a powerful statement with your mountain of petition signatures. I am proud to have worked with all of you.
Your petition signatures are going to help work miracles in Illinois politics. First we are going to win the primary on February 5th. No one expects us to win; when we do, the corrupt system and its media sycophants will be shaken.
Then we are going to rebuild and reform the Republican Party, to make it a party that welcomes and serves all the People of Illinois and not just the privileged few. I believe in a strong two party system. Today Illinois suffers from a 1-1/2 party structure.
Finally, we are going to score an upset victory in November, 2008 and remove the Combine’s senator in Washington. He is the finest public official that money can buy. He is for sale to the highest bidder, if you are rich enough to afford him. I am not for sale to anyone for any sum of money. I work for the People of Illinois, not the Combine, not the special interests and not the crooks who have embarrassed us at home and abroad.
You must respond by e-mail (preferred) or phone by Friday, November 16th to see if your name is on our list, so we can plan definite arrangements. I hope you can make it. Dress: coat and tie for men, appropriate for women. We hope to take pictures.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your outstanding service.
With all best wishes,
ANDY
AM:sp
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
November 14, 2007
Dear Member of the
Andy Martin Petition
Circulator Family:
Thank you! We made political history in Illinois!
The corrupt political Republicrat “Combine” that controls Illinois politics only managed to file slightly more than 5,000 valid signatures for my Combine opponent, insurance company doctor Steve Sauerberg (he filed a total of 7,000 names but some were invalid).
We filed the legal maximum: 10,000 signatures. We had more valid signatures left over than any of my primary opponents managed to collect in total! I owe it all to you.
I have scheduled an appreciation reception for all of you who submitted 100 or more valid signatures.
The reception is scheduled as follows: The Grotto, 1030 N. State Street (Newberry Plaza), Chicago, Wednesday, November 28th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The food is on me. (There is a cash bar.)
Petition circulators are the unsung heroes of the Illinois political process. So far as I am aware this is the first time in history that any statewide Republican candidate has scheduled a special appreciation reception for petition circulators.
Unlike the Republicrats, who are composed of rich heirs to inherited fortunes, crooked politicians, lobbyists, and the lawyers who serve all of them, our organization is made up of the salt of the earth, ordinary citizens who came together and were molded into a campaign team.
The Chicago Tribune has called me an “absolutely brilliant campaigner.” I know how to organize a campaign. You proved it all over again, by making a powerful statement with your mountain of petition signatures. I am proud to have worked with all of you.
Your petition signatures are going to help work miracles in Illinois politics. First we are going to win the primary on February 5th. No one expects us to win; when we do, the corrupt system and its media sycophants will be shaken.
Then we are going to rebuild and reform the Republican Party, to make it a party that welcomes and serves all the People of Illinois and not just the privileged few. I believe in a strong two party system. Today Illinois suffers from a 1-1/2 party structure.
Finally, we are going to score an upset victory in November, 2008 and remove the Combine’s senator in Washington. He is the finest public official that money can buy. He is for sale to the highest bidder, if you are rich enough to afford him. I am not for sale to anyone for any sum of money. I work for the People of Illinois, not the Combine, not the special interests and not the crooks who have embarrassed us at home and abroad.
You must respond by e-mail (preferred) or phone by Friday, November 16th to see if your name is on our list, so we can plan definite arrangements. I hope you can make it. Dress: coat and tie for men, appropriate for women. We hope to take pictures.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your outstanding service.
With all best wishes,
ANDY
AM:sp
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Andy Martin asks Agriculture Department to act on contaminated meat
ANDY MARTIN
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: mailto:AndyforIllinois@aol.com
November 14, 2004
Hon. Chuck Conner
Secretary of Agriculture
U. S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Re: Suspension of “Cook Only” meat rules
Dear Secretary Conner:
I am writing to ask you to suspend and thereafter to cancel the “Cook Only” meat rules that allow contaminated meat to be sold and transferred in interstate commerce while bearing evidence of E. coli infection.
While I am sure that reasonable minds can differ on whether “cooking” the meat (or as one industry represented suggested, “cooking the books” to avoid losses) poses a risk to public health. Frankly, we don’t know what the long-term consequences are.
I believe the USDA should err on the side of public health and safety, not industry protection and preservation. That is why I am writing to urge you to temporarily suspend the “Cook Only” provisions of the agency’s rules, and thereafter to conduct appropriate administrative proceedings for the purpose of determining whether the rules should be permanently eliminated.
I am going to be contacting representatives of the meat industry, and food processors, to gather additional information.
I am also evaluating a nationwide consumer boycott. I hope USDA will make much of this public interest action unnecessary by immediately suspending the applicable rules and thereafter taking steps to eliminate any exceptions which allow either any E. coli in any meatpacking facility, or any sale and/or resale of contaminated meat for cooking purposes or any other purposes whatsoever.
Given the spate of recent health scares involving both cooked meat and processed meat, USDA and the meat industry owe American consumers a higher standard, the highest standard of care. I hope you agree.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY
AM:sp
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: mailto:AndyforIllinois@aol.com
November 14, 2004
Hon. Chuck Conner
Secretary of Agriculture
U. S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Re: Suspension of “Cook Only” meat rules
Dear Secretary Conner:
I am writing to ask you to suspend and thereafter to cancel the “Cook Only” meat rules that allow contaminated meat to be sold and transferred in interstate commerce while bearing evidence of E. coli infection.
While I am sure that reasonable minds can differ on whether “cooking” the meat (or as one industry represented suggested, “cooking the books” to avoid losses) poses a risk to public health. Frankly, we don’t know what the long-term consequences are.
I believe the USDA should err on the side of public health and safety, not industry protection and preservation. That is why I am writing to urge you to temporarily suspend the “Cook Only” provisions of the agency’s rules, and thereafter to conduct appropriate administrative proceedings for the purpose of determining whether the rules should be permanently eliminated.
I am going to be contacting representatives of the meat industry, and food processors, to gather additional information.
I am also evaluating a nationwide consumer boycott. I hope USDA will make much of this public interest action unnecessary by immediately suspending the applicable rules and thereafter taking steps to eliminate any exceptions which allow either any E. coli in any meatpacking facility, or any sale and/or resale of contaminated meat for cooking purposes or any other purposes whatsoever.
Given the spate of recent health scares involving both cooked meat and processed meat, USDA and the meat industry owe American consumers a higher standard, the highest standard of care. I hope you agree.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY
AM:sp
U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin fights to protect food supply
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT/DAYBOOK EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: NOVEMBER 14, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SUSPEND E. COLI CONTAMINATION “LOOPHOLE” IN MEAT INDUSTRY
MARTIN CHALLENGES MANUFACTURERS TO END PROCESSING AND SALE OF CONTAMINATED BEEF
CANDIDATE SAYS U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SHOULD END “COOK ONLY” EXCEPTION FOR CONTAMINATED BEEF, CITES TRANSPORTATION RISKS
(Springfield, IL)(November 14, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Springfield, Illinois news conference at the State Capitol Press Room, Wednesday, November 14th at 1:00 P.M. to announce that he has opened a nationwide campaign to eliminate E. coli-contaminated meat from the United States food supply.
“Recent media reports that E. coli-contaminated beef is being traded and processed in America’s slaughterhouses is cause for grave concern,” Martin will state. “Our tolerance for serious pathogens should be 0%. Although ‘cook only’ contaminated beef may, and I say may, be safe to consume, this contaminated beef apparently moves in interstate commerce and is actively traded between meat processing and food processing firms. The potential to spread contamination and to develop resistant bacteria is very significant.
“I have asked Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner to suspend ‘cook only’ regulations pending further examination of the issue. The problem lies not only in ‘cooking’ itself, but also in transportation. Contaminated beef goes between slaughterhouses and processing plants, leaving open the potential for external contamination. I strongly believe USDA should adopt a zero tolerance policy for E. coli contamination at every stage of meat processing. We will be announcing further steps in the days ahead, including a possible nationwide boycott of manufacturers that purchase and process ‘cook only’ carcasses.
“To paraphrase the old 1984 campaign commercial, ‘Where’s the beef?’ I would ask, ‘Where’s the E. coli and why isn’t it being eliminated from every stage of the meat processing industry?’ Americans should not be hostages to corporate agriculture and mass production that creates massive public health risks.”
Since Andy Martin formed the Illinois Consumer Counsel in 1970 he has been Illinois’ leading consumer advocate. Although Martin specializes in judicial and political corruption, he became the first consumer advocate in cyberspace when he formed the Committee to Fight Microsoft. Martin’s actions helped trigger significant legal restraints on Microsoft Corporation. [See andymartin.com for more detail.] Andy is the leading Republican Party candidate for U. S. Senator to oppose incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: State Capitol Press Room, Springfield, Illinois
WHEN: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: Andy Martin opens campaign to protect
America’s meat supply
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Columns also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com. Comments? E-mail: AndyMart20@aol.com. Media contact: (866) 706-2639. Web sites: ContrarianCommentary.com.
ANDY MARTIN
“He works for
the People of Illinois”
Republican for U. S. Senator
Suite 4406
30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(312) 440-4124
ATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT/DAYBOOK EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: NOVEMBER 14, 2007
U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SUSPEND E. COLI CONTAMINATION “LOOPHOLE” IN MEAT INDUSTRY
MARTIN CHALLENGES MANUFACTURERS TO END PROCESSING AND SALE OF CONTAMINATED BEEF
CANDIDATE SAYS U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SHOULD END “COOK ONLY” EXCEPTION FOR CONTAMINATED BEEF, CITES TRANSPORTATION RISKS
(Springfield, IL)(November 14, 2007) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Springfield, Illinois news conference at the State Capitol Press Room, Wednesday, November 14th at 1:00 P.M. to announce that he has opened a nationwide campaign to eliminate E. coli-contaminated meat from the United States food supply.
“Recent media reports that E. coli-contaminated beef is being traded and processed in America’s slaughterhouses is cause for grave concern,” Martin will state. “Our tolerance for serious pathogens should be 0%. Although ‘cook only’ contaminated beef may, and I say may, be safe to consume, this contaminated beef apparently moves in interstate commerce and is actively traded between meat processing and food processing firms. The potential to spread contamination and to develop resistant bacteria is very significant.
“I have asked Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner to suspend ‘cook only’ regulations pending further examination of the issue. The problem lies not only in ‘cooking’ itself, but also in transportation. Contaminated beef goes between slaughterhouses and processing plants, leaving open the potential for external contamination. I strongly believe USDA should adopt a zero tolerance policy for E. coli contamination at every stage of meat processing. We will be announcing further steps in the days ahead, including a possible nationwide boycott of manufacturers that purchase and process ‘cook only’ carcasses.
“To paraphrase the old 1984 campaign commercial, ‘Where’s the beef?’ I would ask, ‘Where’s the E. coli and why isn’t it being eliminated from every stage of the meat processing industry?’ Americans should not be hostages to corporate agriculture and mass production that creates massive public health risks.”
Since Andy Martin formed the Illinois Consumer Counsel in 1970 he has been Illinois’ leading consumer advocate. Although Martin specializes in judicial and political corruption, he became the first consumer advocate in cyberspace when he formed the Committee to Fight Microsoft. Martin’s actions helped trigger significant legal restraints on Microsoft Corporation. [See andymartin.com for more detail.] Andy is the leading Republican Party candidate for U. S. Senator to oppose incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin.
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin
WHERE: State Capitol Press Room, Springfield, Illinois
WHEN: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:00 P.M.
WHAT: Andy Martin opens campaign to protect
America’s meat supply
MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124
WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Columns also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com. Comments? E-mail: AndyMart20@aol.com. Media contact: (866) 706-2639. Web sites: ContrarianCommentary.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)