Thursday, January 31, 2008

Governor Blagojevich dumps Attorney General to defend Andy Martin lawsuit

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 – TODAY - THURSDAY

GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH DUMPS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE, HIRES PRIVATE LAW FIRM, TO DEFEND SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN’S LAWSUIT CHALLENGING ILLEGAL RTA FUND TRANSFERS AND BUDGET

(CHICAGO)(January 31, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a sidewalk news conference Thursday, January 31st at 2:00 P.M. to disclose that Governor Rod Blagojevich has dumped the Illinois Attorney General’s office and hired a private law firm to defend the governor in a lawsuit filed by U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin. Taxpayers will foot the bill for Blagojevich’s private law firm.

Martin filed his case in DuPage County Circuit Court. Docket Number 2007 MR 1310.

Martin is challenging Blagojevich’s illegal fund transfers to the RTA, and the RTA’s violation of its governing statute by approving fictitious budgets that do not reflect either economic or accounting reality.

The governor has hired the Elmhurst law firm of Kubiesa, Spiroff, Gosselar to defend him.

“The governor is obviously taking this legal challenge to his authority very seriously,” Martin stated.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Sidewalk news conference, SE corner of Huron and
Wabash (St. James Cathedral)(indoors at 30 E. Huron if
weather requires), Chicago


WHEN: Thursday, January 31st, 2008 2:00 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin discloses Governor Blagojevich
dumps Attorney General to defend Martin’s
lawsuit against illegal RTA expenditures

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124; Cell (917) 664-9329

WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. See also AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Andy Martin charges that Chicago Board of Election Commissioners lied to U. S. Attorney’s Office over illegal presidential voting favoring Obama

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 - TODAY

MASSIVE NEW CHICAGO VOTE FRAUD CASE

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN DISCLOSES THE CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS MAY HAVE LIED TO THE U. S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE WHEN IT STATED IT WAS TAKING REMEDIAL MEASURES TO END ILLEGAL VOTING

THE REMEDIAL MEASURES ARE NOT IN EFFECT, MARTIN SAYS HE FOUND WHEN HE EARLY VOTED TODAY

“WHY ARE THE LOCAL NEWS MEDIA SUPPRESSING THIS STORY?” MARTIN ASKS.

BARACK OBAMA, AS WELL AS MARTIN’S OPPONENT, MAY BE RECEIVING THOUSANDS OF ILLEGAL VOTES

MARTIN ASKS TO TESTIFY BEFORE COOK COUNTY GRAND JURY

[NOTE: ELECTRONIC COPIES OF THIS RELEASE HAVE DOCUMENTS ATTACHED; DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST]

(CHICAGO)(January 30, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold an informal sidewalk news conference Wednesday, January 30th at 5:00 P.M. to disclose that the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners may have lied to the U. S. Attorney’s office when it stated in a January 16th letter that stylus voting would replace finger voting to end illegal votes that were programmed into the City of Chicago’s voting machines. The illegal voting procedures could cast phony votes for Senator Barack Obama in the presidential primary are still in place.

“I spoke to the attorney for the CBEC moments ago [today, Wednesday], and he seemed surprised that the changes which he premised were not in effect,” Martin stated in announcing his news conference.

“The CBEC’s letter of January 16th said that finger voting was being eliminated and stylus voting would be required. Today, there was not a stylus in sight, and everyone was still using finger voting, which can cast illegal votes in the Democratic Party’s presidential primary and the Republican Party’s U. S. Senate primary.

“By now, tens of thousands of tainted ballots may have been cast,” Martin stated.

Martin is asking to testify before the Cook County Grand Jury on Friday about these voting irregularities and misleading communications to federal officials.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Sidewalk news conference, SE corner of Huron and
Wabash (St. James Cathedral)(indoors at 30 E. Huron if
Weather requires), Chicago


WHEN: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 5:00 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin says Chicago Board of Election
Commissioners lied to U. S. Attorney’s office, failed
to make voting changes promised in January 16th
letter, illegal voting procedures still in effect

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124; Cell (917) 664-9329

WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. See also AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Andy Martin exposes Chicago voting machines are rigged to vote for Barack Obama

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

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SAYS CHICAGO ELECTION MACHINES HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED TO RECORD ILLEGAL VOTES FOR BARACK OBAMA AND MARTIN’S OPPONENT, AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO DISABLE DEFECTIVE CODE

“WHY ARE THE LOCAL NEWS MEDIA SUPPRESSING THIS STORY?” MARTIN ASKS

THE CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONS ADMITS MACHINES WERE RIGGED TO RECORD ILLEGAL VOTES, BUT NO ONE DOES ANYTHING TO REMOVE THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT

MARTIN TO “EARLY VOTE” AFTER LOOP NEWS CONFERENCE

(CHICAGO)(January 230, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold an informal sidewalk news conference Wednesday, January 30th at 12:30 P.M. in front of the offices of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, 69 W. Washington Street, to warn voters there is no indication that rigged voting machines have actually been reprogrammed.

“The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners (CBEC) sent out hundreds of thousands of postcards showing voters how to use finger voting,” Martin will state. “Then they told their employees to have voters use a stylus to avoid the fixed votes programmed into the machines. But finger voting is still operational. The machines were programmed to illegally record votes for Obama in the Democratic primary and my opponent in the Republican primary, when voters used finger voting. Strange, huh? Different parties, different fixed races.

“In any other city, newspapers would be full of editorials criticizing such lassitude and corruption, breathless TV reports would question the fraud, etc. But in Chicago, vote fraud receives a great big yawn. And they wonder why people hold the mainstream media in contempt and are tuning them out and refusing to buy the product. I guess it is all right to steal votes when Obama is the beneficiary and I am the victim.

“For forty years I have been fighting election fraud in Illinois, and working to end corrupt voting in Chicago. I will keep fighting for good government and reform even if the media want to bury the story,” Martin will state. “On February 6th, everything changes. We are going to end ‘Combine’ control of the election process.”

After his news conference, Martin will proceed to the lower level of 69 W. Washington to “early vote” and, in the process, to confirm if the Election Commission machines are still rigged in favor of his opponent.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Sidewalk news conference, 69 W. Washington St.
Downtown Chicago

WHEN: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:30 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin says Chicago news media suppress
illegal votes for Obama and Martin’s opponent;
Andy will also “early vote” to check
rigged Election Commission machines

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124; Cell (917) 664-9329

WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. See also AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Media crisis grows as Chicago Sun-Times withholds Sauerberg “Mediscare” tape

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

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SAYS SAUERBERG MUST WITHDRAW AS CANDIDATE BECAUSE OF HIS “PATTERN OF DECEPTION”

CHICAGO MEDIA CRISIS GROWS AS SUN-TIMES CONCEALS SAUERBERG’S “MEDISCARE TAPE;” MARTIN SAYS SUN-TIMES SHOULD “RELEASE THE TAPE!”

MARTIN SAYS SAUERBERG’S MEDICAL “PLANS” JEOPARDIZE EVERY STATE AND LOCAL REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN NOVEMBER

(CHICAGO)(January 29, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a sidewalk news conference Tuesday, January 29th at 2:00 P.M. to call on Steve Sauerberg to withdraw as a candidate because of his “pattern of deception” as a candidate. Martin says that Sauerberg will jeopardize every state and local Republican candidate in Illinois.


Martin also says the Chicago Sun-Times should release Sauerberg’s “Mediscare Tape” and explain why it modified a news story after publication. He will suggest the STNG’s “endorsement” may have influenced “news management.”

“It is time for Mr. Sauerberg to bring down the curtain on his catastrophic and cadaverous campaign for office,” Martin will state. “We now see a recurring pattern of deception in his behavior.

“Originally, Sauerberg proposed a ‘health plan’, which on closer inspection was not a health plan at all. Sauerberg proposed to abolish jury trials only in medical malpractice cases, to protect the assets of wealthy physicians. When I challenged Sauerberg on his proposal, he denied in public that he was advocating a denial of jury trials when such a denial was apparent on the face of his own paperwork. Then, last week at a forum taped by the Illinois Family Institute, Sauerberg was taped repeating his lie. See IllinoisFamily.org for the tape.

“Sauerberg then told the Sun-Times he wanted to abolish Medicare. When I attacked Sauerberg for his latest crackpot scheme, he rescinded his proposal and said he had been ‘misquoted.’ Sauerberg clearly advocated abolishing Medicare and substituting ‘vouchers’ for social insurance. The Sun-Times taped the Sauerberg interview. The public has a right to hear and read a transcript of this taped interview to decide for itself.

“Sauerberg advocated converting Medicare into a welfare program, where means-tested recipients would receive ‘vouchers’ similar to food stamps. I cannot think of anything more degrading or dehumanizing than for our vulnerable senior population to stand in line to receive their Sauerberg ‘health vouchers.’ For shame. Equally shameful is the silence of Republican Party leaders at Sauerberg’s incompetent and malicious plan to strip senior citizens of their dignity and security.

“The ‘deceptive pattern' which is now evident is that Sauerberg has repeatedly professed to be protecting the public while in reality and on closer inspection he was actually advocating and advancing ‘plans' that would strip the public of basic protections in our current health care system. What a way to endanger every local and state and federal Republican candidate in November. What hath McKenna wrought?

“What remains to be asked is ‘Why did the Sun-Times change its internal headline on a published Sunday story from Sauerberg’s advocacy of ‘Favors end of Medicare’ to its revised web site of ‘Favors health insurance vouchers?’ Did the respected reporter make a mistake, or did he correctly report Sauerberg's statements? The public has a right to know, and the newspaper owes a duty of candor and trust to its readers to make full disclosure.

“Is there a conflict of interest because some members of the Sun-Times News Group ‘endorsed’ Sauerberg? Is the newspaper chain trying to avoid embarrassment? We have a full-blown media crisis on our hands. But the tape will resolve the question of who said what. I say: ‘Release The Tape!’

“Republicans are naturally suspicious of the print media. But I have never seen the kind of print media deception and distortion that has occurred in the way liberals have tried to portray Sad Sack Sauerberg as a serious candidate for the nation’s third highest office. Now we have a highly respected newspaper changing headlines, and ‘clarifying’ reports by one of its reporters. It is time for the Sun-Times to ‘come clean,’ or leave the impression that its own staffer Dave Newbart misrepresented Sauerberg’s views. I don’t think that is the case. Truth will tell,” Martin will state. “I think the media are trying to sell Republican voters a ‘designated loser,’ a pig in a poke for Dick Durbin to roast in November”

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Sidewalk news conference, Southeast Corner
of Huron & Wabash Streets (St. James Cathedral)
(weather permitting, or inside if necessary)

WHEN: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 2:00 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin says Sauerberg should withdraw as
candidate after “pattern of deception,”
Sun-Times should release “Mediscare” tape

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124; Cell (917) 664-9329

WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Sauerberg campaign in chaos as Andy Martin "draws blood" from “Doctor Steve”

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


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2008

SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN “DRAWS BLOOD” FROM “DOCTOR” SAUERBERG

“SAD SACK” SAUERBERG CAMPAIGN IN CRISIS AS ANDY MARTIN’S ATTACKS TAKE THEIR TOLL

SAUERBERG CONVINCES CHICAGO SUN-TIMES TO REVISE NEWS REPORT WITH “CLARIFICATION”

SAUERBERG STRATEGY THROWN INTO CHAOS AS MARTIN UNLEASHES HARD-HITTING BROADCAST ADS AGAINST DURBIN AND “COMBINE”

NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL BOARDS LOSE READER CONFIDENCE AS THEY ENDORSE THE HOPELESS, HAPLESS CANDIDATE

(CHICAGO)(January 29, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin “drew blood” Monday from his non-ready-for-prime-time opponent, “Sad Sack” Steve Sauerberg. The Sauerberg campaign has been in chaos since Martin launched attacks Saturday evening disclosing that Sunday’s editions of the Chicago Sun-Times carried the headline “Favors End of Medicare” for Sauerberg.

Sauerberg’s campaign descended into disorder and disorganization Monday morning when Martin's hard hitting broadcast ads began airing across Illinois.

“What is this man doing here?” Martin asked Monday afternoon at a Chicago news conference. “Andy McKenna’s dummy is compounding the embarrassment of the Illinois Republican Party with every passing day.

“And, if anyone wonders why newspapers are losing readers and print media have lost any credibility with their former audience, the dorks at the Peoria Journal Star and Daily Herald editorials boards ‘endorsed’ this comical candidate and his campaign charade. So much for the intelligence of newspaper editors and their promethean pronouncements. These editors are complete jerks.

“The good doctor may have finally realized that politics is not as easy as it looks,” Martin said. “Saturday we exposed that Sauerberg wanted to end Medicare. We were told the Sun-Times interviews were tape-recorded. Nevertheless, after the Sun-Times apparently reported his views accurately, Sauerberg said he was ‘misquoted.’ Misquoted? He is against fraud and abuse? Who is ‘for’ fraud and abuse? Sauerberg said what he meant, and then had to eat his words. Steve is a compete ‘Sad Sack.’

“Sauerberg was quoted accurately. He wants to abolish Medicare and convert the program into a means-tested welfare program where seniors are given ‘vouchers.’ Vouchers for what? Running against senior citizens is not exactly the way to win elections in Illinois. The Sun-Times was forced to post a ‘clarification’ on its web site. Embarrassing. I don’t think the newspaper should have capitulated.

“When does it end? Although some reporters mistakenly refer to me as a ‘rookie,’ I am no rookie. I am a seasoned, experienced, hard-hitting, media-savvy candidate with a lot of experience fighting heavyweights such as Dick Durbin. Sauerberg is a dork who wandered into the gym and immediately demanded to start boxing in the heavyweight ring. The chaos shows. The idea that any newspaper editor would ‘endorse’ this clown to go against heavyweight Dick Durbin only confirms my suspicions that newspapers are run by Democrats who are working overtime to reelect Durbin and humiliate the Republican Party.

“These goofy editors do not have to apologize to me. But they at least owe their shrinking reader base an apology for supporting such a clown. Unless, of course, the editors are really Democrats in disguise, in which case they performed their sabotage duties admirably. Durbin must be smiling that anyone would support Sauerberg to run for anything; Sauerberg’s campaign is something Republicans should be running from. And they will be, on February 5th.

“This year I celebrate forty (40) years in broadcasting. My experience shows. Sauerberg’s incompetence, which I have been documenting for months, also shows. Steve hired the notorious ‘Swift Boat’ advertising agency to attack me, and ended up Swift Boating himself. Boomerang. Boom,” Martin said at his news conference. “Who wants to step up and endorse Sauerberg next?”

------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Andy Martin attack ads draw immediate counterattacks from “Combine” opponents

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

ANDY MARTIN RADIO ADS DRAW IMMEDIATE “COMBINE” ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2008

Republican Party’s “David,” Andy Martin, challenges Democrat “Goliath” Senator Dick Durbin, as Martin begins statewide advertising blitz attacking incumbent as part of a “culture of corruption” in Washington.

Andy Martin features “Combine” attacks in broadcast ads for the first time in Illinois politics

“Why do Democratic presidential candidates attack ‘lobbyists’ and neglect to mention Senator Durbin’s wife is a lobbyist?” Martin asks

(CHICAGO)(January 28, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin Monday began a statewide advertising blitz attacking his November opponent, incumbent Senator Dick Durbin. For the first time in Illinois politics, the Chicago-based “Combine” that corrupts and controls politics in both political parties is also attacked.

“It is time that Senator had a real opponent for reelection, instead of a ‘designated loser’ as contemplated by the Republican Party’s leadership and various newspaper editorial boards,” Martin said in announcing his media blitz. “Today my campaign begins attacking Durbin in a statewide advertising campaign. The ‘Combine’ that controls and corrupts Illinois politics, and which is centered in the Chicago Mayor’s office, where the Andy McKenna family pays tens of thousands of dollars in ‘dues,’ is also targeted.

“Unless my campaign can break the choke-hold which the Combine currently has on the Republican Party’s leadership, there is no hope. We are going for broke in this primary, and we plan to effect a change in leadership beginning on February 6th. The Combine’s ‘designated loser for Durbin’ who is being run against me in the primary must be defeated if the Republican Party is to have any hopes in November.

“I am not running to lose, even though I concede that Dick Durbin is a very formidable opponent. I am running to win, Fighting Illini-style. The Democratic Party’s Goliath should know that the Republican Party’s David has targeted him, and we have a very creative bag of tricks ready to throw at the incumbent,” Martin chortled in announcing his media blitz. “Dick Durbin is part of a culture of corruption in Washington and newspaper editorial boards in Illinois. He must be challenged by a real candidate, not a newspaper-supported patsy. Today we serve notice that we are ready to attack Durbin right on through November.

“I think it is significant that the three Democratic presidential candidates have grown hoarse attacking Washington lobbyists, when Durbin’s wife is a registered lobbyist. Are the Democrats proposing to end Mrs. Durbin’s ‘influence?’” Martin questions.

Martin also announced that his radio ads drew immediate attacks Monday morning from someone in Washington. “Well, well, well, the first day we start advertising and the opposition is already running scared.”
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Andy Martin says his opponent is humiliating Illinois Republican Party

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

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SAYS STEVE SAUERBERG IS HUMILIATING THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY

MARTIN SAYS SAUERBERG'S "HEALTH PLAN" TO ABOLISH MEDICARE (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES) WILL BECOME DEMOCRATS' "MEDISCARE"

(CHICAGO)(January 28, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a sidewalk news conference Monday, January 28th at 1:00 P.M. to suggest the Republican State Central Committee regain control of the Illinois Republican Party and revoke the "endorsement" of a madcap doctor who wants to abolish Medicare.

"I have been warning that Steve Sauerberg is a nut case and an incompetent candidate, but I did not realize just how nutty he was until I read the Sunday Chicago Sun-Times and saw that Sauerberg wants to eliminate Medicare.

"Sauerberg was 'endorsed' by a State Central Committee that was given no agenda and had no warning of this illegal act. An Independent Legal Counsel who reviewed the facts has come to the conclusion that while the endorsement was technically permissible, financial support by the Party for the Sauerberg campaign was unauthorized and unlawful (ultra vires).

"Steve Sauerberg is going to embarrass every Republican candidate running in Illinois," Martin will state. "His latest crackpot proposal, to abolish Medicare, will become 'Mediscare' in the hands of every Democratic candidate in Illinois.

"The fact that the State Central Committee endorsed this foolishness is making a compete laughingstock of the entire Republican party, and supports my claim that on February 6th when I am the nominee for U. S. Senator I will take steps to effect the prompt removal of the McKenna Family from any connection with the Republican Party.

"The State Committee members have the defensible position that they were not warned of Sauerberg's kooky positions and were given no warning that such an 'endorsement' would be made. Only Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune was tipped off in advance.

"By remaining silent, SCC members across the state, in every county and district, are endorsing Sauerberg's crackpot view that the head of the Republican ticket in Illinois will campaign on abolishing Medicare. What a disgrace. What an embarrassment. What a humiliation. Illinois Democrats are probably salivating at the prospect that they could face Sauerberg, instead of me, in November. I cannot let this catastrophe happen. I must win.

"We will have a second major announcement on Monday," Martin stated.

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Sidewalk news conference, Southeast Corner
of Huron & Wabash Streets (St. James Cathedral)
(weather permitting, or inside if necessary)

WHEN: Monday, January 28, 2008 1:00 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin says Sauerberg is humiliating
the Republican Party

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124; Cell (917) 664-9329

WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Andy Martin accuses primary opponent of committing blasphemy in church by lying about "health plan"

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


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2008

STEVE SAUERBERG COMMITS BLASPHEMY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

ANDY MARTIN CALLS SAUERBERG THE MCKENNA FAMILY'S "DESIGNATED LOSER" TO REELECT DICK DURBIN

(CHICAGO)(January 26, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin charged Saturday that Steve Sauerberg committed blasphemy at a candidate's forum held at the Independent Baptist Church in Bolingbrook on January 22nd.

"I have been saying for some time that Steve Sauerberg is lying about his crackpot 'health plans,' but voters can now hear his dishonest and despicable lies for themselves, on the Internet," Martin announced.

"I congratulate the Illinois Family Institute for posting the debate on the Internet. http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=33719

Now, anyone can hear Sauerberg lie about his health plan by listening to the answers on Medical/Healthcare. In the exchange, I accuse Sauerberg of taking away the right to jury trial in medial malpractice cases, and he denies my claim. Sauerberg has lied before, but this is the first time be has lied in a church. In my opinion, going into a church and bearing false witness is blasphemy.

"Sauerberg's 'health plan' is available on his web site.
http://www.sauerberg2008.com/newsDetail.aspx?newsID=2435

"Sauerberg says he can save 35% on the entire health care budget by eliminating 'frivolous lawsuits.' This man is in lala land.

"First, his plan eliminates the constitutional right to a jury trial, but only in medical malpractice cases. To protect wealthy doctors. There is nothing voluntary about his proposal. No one would voluntarily give up the right to a jury trial. We fought a revolution to preserve the protections of trial by jury. Juries protect the poor and weak against the rich and powerful.

Sauerberg has repeatedly lied in candidate forums and said he does not want to eliminate jury trials. But a plain reading of his 'plan' contradicts him. It is sad that the news media have swallowed Sauerberg's nonsense without ever pinning him down.

Second, Sauerberg seems to suggest that the entire judicial system is corrupt. How else could 'frivolous' lawsuits survive in the courts? Don't insurance companies move to dismiss them? Don't judges conduct hearings? Don't losers appeal to higher courts? Does the whole legal system become corrupt when a doctor is involved as a party? That's nonsense.

"Sauerberg's entire thesis is ridiculous. He is reading words from a stale playbook. He is a man obsessed with having been sued for malpractice, and he has poured thousands of dollars into his crackpot scheme to clandestinely remove jury trials in medical malpractice cases. Now, thanks to the Illinois Family Institute, anyone with a computer linkup can hear his lies and prevarications.

"Sauerberg is a man consumed by his own righteousness, to the point of going into a church and blatantly lying. I will not let him get away with it. Sauerberg makes appeals to Christian voters, but what voter can support a candidate who blatantly lies? In a church?

"Steve Sauerberg is an embarrassment to the Illinois Republican Party. He is the McKenna's Family's 'designated loser' to reelect Combine Senator Dick Durbin. This weekend Andy McKenna is parading around Sauerberg to Young Republicans as a serious candidate. The Sauerberg/McKenna charade is merely the 'Combine's' attempt to protect Durbin by nominating an incompetent opponent.

"When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?" Martin said in leveling his charges.

------------------------------------------© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Independent counsel finds Illinois Republican leaders are violating state party rules, bylaws

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


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2008

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL FINDS ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE VIOLATING STATE PARTY RULES, BYLAWS

(CHICAGO)(January 26, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Saturday that an investigation by an Independent Legal Counsel which he commissioned has found that the Illinois Republican Party is violating party rules and bylaws in using its funds on hand and tangible resources to support the federal election campaign of Martin's opponent.

The Independent Counsel concluded after reviewing the facts and Party's governing documents that:

Dear Mr. Martin:I have considered your inquiry as to whether the resources of the Illinois Republican Party can be arrogated and directed for the benefit of a specific candidate. There is no doubt that the Party has the right to endorse specific candidates, which it has done. However, contributors to the Party enable it to acquire resources, and these resources should be shared with all Republican candidates. These include email and mailing lists, contribution lists, and volunteer lists. If chairman McKenna is using these resources to benefit the candidate Sauerberg, then he is violating not only the spirit and intent of party rules, which mandate fair play, but also the party's by-laws.

Russ Stewart
Attorney At Law

RS/mm


"I have notified Chairman Andy McKenna that we plan to file a lawsuit on January 31st if he continues to deny all candidates access to the records and resources of the Illinois Republican Party," Andy Martin stated. "My letter is self-explanatory.

"While my campaign paid the attorney to review the matter, we did not in any way control or predetermine his conclusions. Counsel acted independently.

"In addition, the Party may be violating federal and state election laws. Sheahan and McKenna are on the hot seat.

"I am hopeful that the Party's General Counsel, Brien Sheahan will come to his senses and see that a negotiated settlement, not a lawsuit, is the preferred resolution. My attorneys will be reasonable in seeking to settle the matter. Nevertheless, if we need to sue, we will. We are entitled to restitution for damages to date. Otherwise, people who contribute to the Republican Party will be subsidizing Andy McKenna's corruption of office and funding his frivolous litigation."

A faxed hard copy of counsel's letter is available upon request.

Martin's letter follows below:

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: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com


January 25, 2008

Andy McKenna
Illinois Republican Party
205 W. Randolph
Chicago, IL 60606
Via fax (312) 201-0181

Dear Andy:

I have now obtained an Opinion of Legal Counsel from my Independent Legal Counsel that your use of the financial and tangible resources of the Illinois Republican Party to support Steve Sauerberg is unlawful. The opinion letter speaks for itself. A copy accompanies this letter.

Your actions also appear to violate federal and state election laws.

Based on the independent legal counsel's opinion, I am asking for access to and copies of the same e-mail lists that you are using to disseminate your support of Sauerberg. I am also asking for access to mailing lists, contribution lists and volunteer lists as stated in the legal counsel's letter.

I also want to condemn in the strongest possible terms the way you have manipulated and corrupted the College Young Republicans Convention in Chicago this weekend. All of the U. S. Senate candidates should have been welcomed to appear and present their credentials. You are showing the college students "Combine" tactics that only undermine the strength and unity of the Republican Party.

If the requested information is not produced on or before Wednesday, January 30th, I plan to file suit and to seek money damages as well as other declaratory and injunctive relief, claims that would survive the primary election.

I also plan to sue the General Counsel of the party for aiding and abetting in your conduct. I think you should also notify him forthwith.

Sincerely yours,

ANDY MARTIN

AM:sp
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin says the "Combine-controlled" Illinois Republican Party is now corrupting even College Young Republicans

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2008

ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN LEADER ANDY MCKENNA IS NOW CORRUPTING COLLEGE YOUNG REPUBLICANS

THE MCKENNA FAMILY'S "COMBINE" CREW CONTINUES TO SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROY THE INTEGRITY OF EVERY ASPECT OF THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY

(CHICAGO)(January 24, 2008) What is Republican Chairman Andy McKenna teaching Illinois College Republicans? How to be just as crooked and petty as the McKenna Family "Combine" crew that controls and corrupts Illinois politics in both parties.

This weekend (January 25-26) the "College" Young Republicans are holding a "convention" in Chicago. Sadly, the college crew seems to be acting like a pale imitation of Andy McKenna's dirty tricks squad that is slowly destroying the foundations of the Illinois Republican Party. There are three candidates for United States Senator in the February 5th primary. Two of them have been locked out of the Young Republicans convention.

Instead of encouraging college students to invite all three senate candidates to engage in a vigorous debate, Andy McKenna is trying to sell young people his personal stooge, backed by the McKenna business empire, as the only "Republican" candidate to be the designated loser for Senator Dick Durbin. What a lesson to teach young people. Money talks and Republicans walk. For shame. The crooked "Combine" that corrupts and controls Illinois politics, lives.

In another act of Richie Rich pettiness, McKenna has also removed any information about other U. S. Senate candidates from the Party's web site, WeAreIllinois.org.

What are McKenna Senior (the billionaire businessman) and Junior (the hapless heir and Republican Party Chairman) teaching young people? That when your daddy is billionaire businessman Andy McKenna, Sr., he can buy a political party and Junior, the underachieving scion, can use the people's trust as a plaything to single-handedly sabotage the future of every Illinois Republican candidate.

On February 6th, everything changes. The Andy McKennas go. McKenna, senior can take his dirty, Daley-influenced dollars and depart the Republican Party under cover of darkness. And he can take his worthless son, "Junior," with him. (Note: there are actually four (4) Andy McKennas, but that family juggles numbers the same way they juggle everything else.)

As for the College Republicans, we will begin a rebuilding program that reintroduces them to the enduring principles of democracy that have been be defiled by the Andy McKennas (all of them) and their "Combine" crew. We will teach Young Republicans how to fight to win, not how to prepare to surrender to Dick Durbin and the diktats of the corrupt "Combine" the McKenna family supports.
------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Crime-fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin plans to demolish his opponent for the Illinois U. S. Senate nomination

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2008

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SET TO “EVISCERATE” STEVE SAUERBERG AT BOLINGBROKE BAPTIST FORUM TUESDAY

(CHICAGO)(January 21, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin announced Monday that as Super Tuesday approaches and the primary campaign reaches a crescendo, he is preparing to “eviscerate” Steve Sauerberg at a Bolingbroke Baptist forum on Tuesday the 22nd.

“During this campaign I have had to teach my opponents constitutional law, procedural law, and now Politics 101,” Martin says. “Steve Sauerberg goes around the state attacking Dick Durbin. Dick Durbin is not the issue in the Republican primary. There are two issues in the Republican primary.

The first issue is which of the Republican candidates is the best qualified by experience, credibility and media presence to be the strongest opponent for Mr. Durbin? The second issue is, are Illinois Republicans going to allow the billionaire McKenna family to buy and own the Republican Party when the McKenna family ‘Combine’ is giving tens of thousands of dollars to the Daley machine? Not surprisingly, the Daley Machine tried to rig Chicago’s voting machines in Sauerberg’s favor. It goes against the grain of democracy for Daley Machine supporters such as the McKenna family to pick Republican candidates.

“I have been warning Republicans since last May that Steve Sauerberg was a rookie and an incompetent candidate. Sauerberg got tongue-tied in a recent interview with Fran Eaton of the Illinois review: http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/01/sauerbergs-posi.html

“If Sauerberg can’t take the pressure from Fran Eaton, how is Sauerberg going to stand up to Dick Durbin, the Democrats’ best debater, when the TV studio lights are on and the pressure is immense? Obviously, Sauerberg blundered into politics. He thought he could buy a senate nomination the same way wealthy doctors purchase a Mercedes. Life’s not like that. Sauerberg is the same candidate who proposed a ‘health reform’ plan to make doctors richer by taking away jury trials only in medical malpractice lawsuits, and failed to realize that constitutional amendments were required to deny Americans a jury trial. Steve should have stayed in medicine.

“It is time for reality to intrude in ‘Sauerberg’s World,’ and Tuesday, in Bolingbroke, I will give Mr. Sauerberg a dose of political reality. I hope he’s wearing his trademark stethoscope; he may need to use it on himself,” Martin chortled in announcing the candidate confrontation. “Mr. Sauerberg should step down, today, before he embarrasses himself any further.”

Advance copies of Martin’s speech will be available early Tuesday upon request; copies will also be available in Bolingbroke.

EVENT DETAILS:

Where:
Independent Baptist Church 380 W. Boughton RoadBolingbrook, IL 60440630-759-1900

When:Tuesday, January 22nd at 7 P.M.

------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com. Also: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Crime-fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will disclose new pieces of the Obama-Rezko puzzle at a Sunday news conference

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: January 20, 2008

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SAYS BARACK OBAMA IS “FEELING THE HEAT” OF RELENTLESS INVESTIGATION AND THE UPCOMING FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIAL OF SUPPORTER TONY REZKO

AFTER AN ANDY MARTIN NEWS CONFERENCE SATURDAY DISCLOSING NEW SCANDALS INVOLVING OBAMA AND REZKO, OBAMA TOLD THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE HE IS COUGHING UP MORE TAINTED 2004 CAMPAIGN CASH

“WHAT TOOK HIM SO LONG?” MARTIN ASKS

MARTIN SAYS MEDIA BOOSTERISM AND A SENSE OF CHICAGO’S INFERIORITY HAVE LED LOCAL MEDIA TO FAIL TO VET OBAMA PROPERLY AND THOROUGHLY

(CHICAGO)(January 20, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Sunday, January 20th at 12:00 noon to comment on Senator Barack Obama’s latest disclosures in the Sunday Chicago Tribune that Obama is disgorging over $40,000 in tainted campaign cash. Martin will also disclose new pieces of the Obama-Rezko puzzle. Obama acted to disgorge campaign within hours after Martin announced a Chicago news conference disclosing new links between Obama, indicted influence peddler Tony Rezko and Rezko’s forthcoming federal criminal trial where Obama is still only an anonymous, but significant, factor.

“He who lives by the corruption of the Chicago Democratic Machine and the corrupt Illinois ‘Combine’ (hint: Barack Obama) dies by the Chicago Democratic Machine and corrupt Illinois ‘Combine,’ Martin will state. “One cut at a time.

“Rezko was indicted months ago; what took Obama so long to ‘check his records?’ Obama’s own admission is that disclosures in the Chicago Sun-Times forced him to conduct these new reviews on Saturday, in January, 2008? Of the 2004 election? In the midst of a presidential election?

“Obama has been in the U.S. Senate for three years. And he is still giving back 2004 campaign cash? Whoa.

“Maybe Hilary Clinton was right when she said this man had not been properly ‘vetted.’ How many more skeletons is Obama going to disclose and disgorge in response to newspaper headlines and my news conferences, and what happens when the Rezko trial begins and Obama is sucked into the vortex?” Martin will demand at his Sunday news conference.

“Obama has been playing a game of ‘fast and loose’ with the nation’s media for years, and I have been disclosing his shenanigans piece by piece. Last week I disclosed Obama’s links to the Rezko trial; this week the Sun-Times followed up on my disclosures. Then I scheduled another news conference for the 19th. And Obama coughed up another $40,000 in tainted cash. Sounds suspicious, doesn’t it?

“After almost forty years in Chicago’s courts I can state unequivocally what it means: Obama is ‘feelin’ the heat’ of the Rezko criminal trial.

“Obama’s rise to prominence has been fueled by and riddled with Chicago corruption for years. Yet local media keep trying to suppress this evidence of impropriety because in a spasm of misguided boosterism and Babbitry they want to promote a ‘Chicago’ candidate for president. On the Contrary, Chicago’s media are disgracing the people of this City and state by putting forward a paper maché candidate for president. Obama is a slick talker, but the only walking he has done is with his palms open to Chicago’s legendary influence peddling elite,” Martin will state.

“America’s Third City is looking incredibly Third World in its media coverage of a local candidate. A city with a legendary inferiority complex is looking decidedly inferior in the way it presents the truth about a local politico to the world.

“Sunday I will disclose yet another piece of the Obama-Rezko puzzle. And, one is constrained to ask, who has a better batting average of accuracy and telling the truth abut Obama? Chicago’s mainstream media, or ContrarianCommentary.com and my own campaign? The answer is embarrassingly obvious.

“And in that spirit, Sunday we’ll keep embarrassing our colleagues and competitors in the so-called mainstream. ‘Mainstream’ should not be a synonym for stupid. But in covering up and in failing to discover and disclose the truth abut Obama in a timely manner, Chicago’s mainstream media have been just plain stupid.”

[After the news conference Martin will head for a candidate’s forum in Champaign, Illinois.]

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate/Internet
Columnist-editor/media critic Andy Martin on the
Chicago Tribune Sunday story and
Barack Obama’s tainted 2004 campaign cash

WHERE: 30 E. Huron Street

WHEN: Sunday, January 20, 12:00 noon

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124

WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com

BLOGS: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com;
AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and media critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin covers regional, national and world events with more than forty years of experience. Martin is currently a candidate for United States senator. AndyforUSSenator.com. He 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.

Crime-fighting senate candidate Andy Martin discusses Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times disclosures concerning Barack Obama

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: Today, January 19, 2008

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN EXPLAINS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES STORY (JANUARY 20 EDITIONS) IDENTIFYING BARACK OBAMA AS THE “POLITICAL CANDIDATE” IN THE TONY REZKO CRIMINAL TRIAL

“AS I PREDICTED AT A NEWS CONFERENCE A WEEK AGO,” MARTIN WILL STATE, “FEDERAL PROSECUTORS ARE PUTTING SQUEEZE ON BOTH REZKO AND OBAMA”

SINCE 2006 ANDY MARTIN HAS LED THE WAY IN EXPOSING THE CRIMINAL IMPLICATIONS OF OBAMA’S LINKS TO TONY REZKO

(CHICAGO)(January 19, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Saturday, January 19th at 7:00 P.M. to explain the context and significance of the Chicago Sun-Times’ story in Sunday’s editions identifying Senator Barack Obama as the “political candidate” in the forthcoming Tony Rezko criminal trial.

“A week ago I held a news conference and disclosed that Barack Obama was linked to Tony Rezko’s criminal trial. No one paid attention. It took the somnolent Chicago media a week to pick upon my scent. Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times confirms my claim that Obama was linked to the forthcoming Rezko trial.

“For the past fourteen (14) months I have been both breaking news and making news concerning Barack Obama's links to the corrupt criminal syndicate that controls Chicago and Illinois politics. Some columnists call it a ‘Combine.’ Is it is in effect a crime syndicate (though not directly part of the ‘Outfit’ or 'mob').

“Tonight I will put the Sun-Times Sunday story in context, both with my prior disclosures at my news conference last week, and the overall context of what is unfolding at 219 S. Dearborn. I will disclose that the ‘squeeze is on’ both Rezko and Obama, directly and indirectly, to deal with federal prosecutors.

“In November, 2006 I sent a communication to the foreperson of the U. S. Grand Jury and outlined why further investigation was necessary.

“A few days ago the Chicago Tribune called me a ‘crusader’ who takes action against ‘perceived wrongdoers.’ Thank you Chicago Tribune. For fourteen months I have been exposing the Obama/Rezko links and leading the way with links and analysis to the criminal trial. Tonight I will follow up on my commentary and analysis,” Martin states.

“It is a biblical proposition that there are ‘none so blind as those who will not see; none so deaf as those who will not hear.’ The Chicago media have tried to ignore and avoid what I have been disclosing, but the developments and actions of federal prosecutors are gradually revealing the dimensions of the case I have been making since 2006.

“Obama’s local boosters in the media can try to ignore me in the short run; they can’t ignore the coming explosion in the long run. The Rezko case is a time bomb that is coming closer to exploding.”

Andy Martin has been an expert in Chicago criminal law and trials for over thirty years and previously taught criminal law as an adjunct professor.

[Note: Some of Martin’s prior statements are attached to e-mailed versions of this release.]

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate/Internet
Columnist-editor/critic Andy Martin on the
Chicago Sun-Times Sunday story and
steps to “squeeze” Tony Rezko and Barack Obama

WHERE: 30 E. Huron Street

WHEN: Saturday, January 19, 7:00 P. M.

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124

WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com

BLOGS: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com;
AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and media critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin covers regional, national and world events with more than forty years of experience. Martin is currently a candidate for United States senator. AndyforUSSenator.com. He 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.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Corruption-fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin seeks Cook County Grand Jury probe of Chicago voting "irregularities"

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

January 17, 2008

Lynn McCarthy, Esq.
Assistant State Attorney
2650 S. California
Chicago, IL 60608
via fax (773) 869-5574

James M. Scanlon, Esq.
Chicago Board of Election
Commissioners
69 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60602
via fax (312) 269-0003

with copy to:

Hon Lisa Madigan
Illinois Attorney General
100 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
via fax (312) 814-5024

Re: [1] Voting fraud/irregularities in U. S. Senate primary

[2] Freedom of information Request to Chicago Board

Dear ASA McCarthy and
Attorney Scanlon:

I am writing to express my reservations about your responses yesterday to the now agreed-upon voting irregularities in Chicago early voting locations. This is a two part letter: (1) asking for further review of the situation and an immediate grand jury appearance; and (2) submitting a Freedom of Information request to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ("CBEC").

I.

GRAND JURY ACCESS REQUEST

We agree (I assume these are the agreed facts) that the voting machines had programming glitches in them that caused votes to be cast if someone rested their finger on the touch screen for more than a second. Sequoia Voting and the CBEC have apparently known of these glitches for some time. Rather suspiciously, the surreptitious votes were cast in a Democratic Party race for President and in a Republican Party race for U. S. Senator.

These irregularities would have fallen most heavily on non-English-speaking voters who would have been confused by the pre-votes already reflected on the machine. Such problems violate the Voting Rights Act. As a strong supporter of minority voting rights I cannot let the matter rest.

The potential for these glitches has apparently been known for some time, but no one took action to remedy the programming prior to 2008, and no one disclosed this potential to candidates who engaged in pre-primary examination of the election machinery. Therefore at a minimum we have concealment and possible negligence concerning the conduct of an election. With intent we also have probable cause for criminal activity.

We do not know how many tainted votes were cast in the first two days, but in a close race these votes could be decisive. Thus, left hanging is (i) who decided to proceed with defectively programmed machines, (ii) what the Commissioners knew and when, and (iii) what the impact of these defective machines has been on a federal election and possibly even prior elections.

You appear content to assume the good faith of the CBEC and to ignore the potential that tainted votes were cast. On the contrary, on the record as it exists there is a rebuttable presumption of official misconduct and election fraud.

I also note again that the "rigged" votes came in two hotly contested elections of intense local interest, the presidential race (where Democratic ballots received an Obama vote) and Republican ballots where my opponent relieved a vote. Well. It is well known that a "Combine" controls state and local government in Illinois, and that the Combine supports Obama and opposes me (or supports my opponent).

I would like to testify immediately (i.e. pre-primary) about these facts before the Cook County Grand Jury concerning these irregularities. I believe there was fraudulent concealment in failing to disclose the potential problems to candidates and voters until I filed my complaint after voting had begun.

I also ask that we tally who cast votes and how many votes were cast during the first two days, so these votes can potentially be challenged and invalidated. Please advise me how to communicate with the Cook County Grand Jury concerning this matter, to whom I should address my request, and how it should be communicated (fax, mail, etc.) At a minimum the Grand Jury can conduct a thorough review and issue some form of report concerning what went wrong.

Government should be working to cast sunlight on activity that went seriously wrong, not seeking to sweep the matter under the carpet with incantations that "everything is fine now," when everything is not fine and answers are lacking.

II.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

I am formally requesting that the CBEC make available no later than the close of business tomorrow a full Freedom of Information file containing all documents, records and other forms of recorded information internally at the CBEC and between the CBEC and Cook County Clerk, Sequoia Voting Systems and any other agency concerning the programming problems with the Sequoia Voting Systems including, but not limited to, the touch screen/votes cast difficulties.

Respectfully submitted,

ANDY MARTIN

AM:sp

Crime-fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin submits Chicago voting machine fraud complaint to U. S. Department of Justice

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

January 17, 2008

Hon. Michael B. Mukasey
Attorney General
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
via fax (202) 514-4507

with copy to:

Hon. Patrick Fitzgerald
United States Attorney
219 S. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60604
Via fax (312) 353-4322
ATTENTION, AUSA Gilum Ferguson

Re: Voting machine "malfunctions" in Chicago

Request for emergency action

Dear General Mukasey:

I am writing to ask that you take action to order an immediate emergency investigation concerning possible vote fraud in Chicago, and admitted voting machine malfunctions.

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ("CBEC") has admitted that machines in Chicago were mis-programmed to record votes in two hotly contested races, in favor of Barack Obama for President and in favor of S. Sauerberg for U. S. Senator (my opponent). It is simply not credible that these two races were picked out for random programming errors. Therefore, there is at least a rebuttable presumption of vote fraud at this point.

Two days of tainted voting was conducted at dozens of locations across the city (because we are still in the "early voting" period at a limited number of locations, the number of tainted machines is relatively small, probably around 500). The CBEC has refused to reprogram the machines citywide before the February 5th primary.

In addition, it appears that the manufacturer, Sequoia Voting Systems, was aware of the potential glitch and did nothing to alert jurisdictions using Sequoia machines.

All of the facts remain to be disclosed, which us why DOJ needs to take urgent action.

Furthermore since the "defect" in Chicago's voting system would appear to expose non-English-speaking voters to the most confusion, since they would be likely to keep their fingers on the touch screen until their languages appeared, this "error" appears to have been directed at taking votes from vulnerable people who would be the least likely to protest.

The response of state officials has been tepid. They admit there were programming errors and erroneous voting, but they claim they have remedied the problem, but only prospectively. They have taken no steps to undo two (2) days of tainted voting, as well as not explaining why the machines must be used on February 5th with tainted programming.

Because both of the races in which votes were miscounted are hotly contested, even small errors (two days of tainted voting) could affect the outcome. Moreover the refusal of local/state officials to act expeditiously to remove the tainted code suggests that the overall election results will also come under a cloud.

Because my race and Senator Obama's races are both federal elections, the Department has plenary jurisdiction to act under both criminal and civil law.

Most respectfully I urge the Department to take immediate action to impound the tainted machines, and to take steps to ensure that voting on February 5th is not conducted with tainted programming code that could skew the results.

Respectfully submitted,

ANDY MARTIN

AM:sp
W/encl.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Crime-fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin exposes nationwide voting machine scandal involving Sequoia Voting Systems

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2008

ATTENTION DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY

ANDY MARTIN WINS FIRST ELECTION VICTORY AS CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS ("CBEC") ADMITS THERE ARE SYSTEMIC GLITCHES IN CHICAGO VOTING MACHINES.

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE EXPOSES NATIONWIDE VOTER SCANDAL INVOLVING SEQUOIA VOTING SYSTEMS

CRIME-FIGHTING U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE EXPOSES PROGRAMMING GLITCHES IN CHICAGO VOTING, CBEC TO ADVISE VOTERS HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS WHILE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING CHANGES ARE MADE

MARTIN ASKS FOR FEDERAL/STATE GRAND JURY INVESTIGATIONS OF SEQUOIA VOTING SYSTEMS

(CHICAGO)(January 16, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a news telephone conference today, January 16th at 4:00 P.M. to announce that based on his complaint the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ("CBEC"), the CBEC has found programming glitches in Chicago voting machines and is taking emergency steps to remedy the discrepancy. Voting machines were automatically "voting" for Martin's opponent as well as presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

"Wow. We caught'em," Martin will state. "Despite the fact that the Cook County Clerk has previously experienced the same programming glitches, the left hand had not told the right hand that there were problems with voting machines in Chicago. It took my senate campaign to expose the problem and force CBEC to make emergency and permanent repairs.

"That these machines were being used when public officials in Cook County were aware of programming glitches is a major scandal. I am proud to have exposed it. I have a question for the manufacturer Sequoia: if you knew that Cook County machines were plagued with problems, why didn’t you notify the CBEC? This is disgraceful behavior by the voting machines manufacturer. How many other jurisdictions across the United States have the same programming glitches and are not aware of the problem?

"I am asking both the State's Attorney and U. S. Attorney
to open federal criminal investigations for criminal negligence and election obstruction. How many more tainted machines are out there? What did Sequoia Voting Systems (Sequoiavote.com) know and when did they know it? And why did they do nothing? This is a nationwide scandal that compromises every Sequoia-tainted election in the past or present.

"I just got off the phone with Linda McCarthy of the State Attorney's Voting Fraud division. She spearheaded the investigation and resolution. I have also left a message for CBEC General Counsel Jim Scanlon but he has not yet returned my call.

"Once again, I have proven to be both an effective candidate and effective public servant in receiving a complaint, initiating a thorough investigation and achieving a prompt resolution in the public interest. In the process I have uncovered and exposed a nationwide voting scandal.

"Two years ago I forced the County Clerk to open more 'early voting' locations for suburban township voting. Over and over again I have proven my effectiveness as an advocate for honest elections. I have a thirty-year record of successfully fighting to improve Chicago/Cook County voting and elections. That is why I am the only serious and substantial candidate in the Republican Party for United States Senator."

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: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:00 P.M.

WHAT: Andy Martin successfully exposes Chicago voting
irregularities, Chicago Board agrees to make reforms; Martin's investigation exposes nationwide voting scandal involving Sequoia Voting Systems

MEDIA
CONTACT: (866) 706-2639

WEBSITES: AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com

------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Chicago-based Martin holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Comments? Media contact: (312) 440-4124. Web site: AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Crime fighting U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin asks federal/state investigation of vote fraud in Chicago

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

January 15, 2008

Lynn McCarthy, Esq.
Assistant State Attorney
2650 S. California
Chicago, IL 60608
via fax (773) 869-5574

Chicago Board of Election
Commissioners
69 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60602
via fax (312) 269-0626

Hon. Patrick Fitzgerald
United States Attorney
219 S. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60604
via fax (312) 353-4322

Hon Lisa Madigan
Illinois Attorney General
100 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
via fax (312) 814-5024

Re: Voting fraud/irregularities in U. S. Senate primary

Dear Public officials:

At approximately 1:43 P. M. today I received a call from [redacted]. Mr. [redacted] is an attorney. Mr. [redacted] told me he had gone to vote, and was assigned to voting machine 009827 at Site 51, 69 W. Washington. When he inserted his card, he found that the machine had already voted for Mitt Romney and Steve Sauerberg.

Mr. [redacted] said he spoke with the supervisor (phon: "Latisha" and she gave him a new machine). [Redacted] can be contacted at (312) [redacted]. Mr. [Redacted] authorized me to release his name to law enforcement and investigative agencies but has not yet authorized me to release his name to the media.

Mr. [redacted's] allegation is obviously a very serious one, particularly since we have no idea how prevalent the fraud/glitch is, and particularly since it comes after many ballots have already been cast on day #1.

Most respectfully I would ask that you open an emergency investigation of how prevalent these irregularities are, so that the vote fraud can stop.

As a federal candidate, I am protected by the full extent of federal criminal and civil remedies.

Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Please be advised I have no personal knowledge of the situation and have relied on Mr. [redacted's] status as an officer of the court to validate his credibility in this matter.

Respectfully submitted,

ANDY MARTIN

AM:sp

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Andy Martin slashes Sauerberg, Pioneer Press for greed, incompetence

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2008

ANDY MARTIN CALLS STEVE SAUERBERG THE “CANDIDATE OF GREED,” SAYS SUPPORT FOR SAUERBERG COULD DEFEAT REPRESENTATIVE MARK KIRK FOR REELECTION

MARTIN RIDICULES PIONEER PRESS FOR “ENDORSING” A CANDIDATE WHO WANTS TO CHANGE THE U. S. CONSTITUTION AND DOESN’T EVEN REALIZE THAT FACT

(CHICAGO)(January 12, 2008) U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin slashed Steve Sauerberg Saturday as the “candidate of greed,” and ridiculed the Pioneer Press for endorsing a candidate who wants to abolish the right to jury trial in medical malpractice cases without even realizing that his proposal would require constitutional amendments.

“Sauerberg is a rich doctor who promised to spend $1 million to buy himself a senate seat,” Martin said.

“The first ‘plan’ Sauerberg announced was ‘health care’ that protected the assets of wealthy doctors from medical malpractice lawsuits. Sauerberg proposed to amend the U. S. and Illinois Constitutions to deny victims of medical malpractice jury trials. More greed. The only health Sauerberg cares about is the health of doctors’ bank balances. Sauerberg has been sued six (6) times for malpractice, so he has good reason to want to eliminate jury trials in medical malpractice cases.

“The embarrassing situation is that Sauerberg was proposing to amend our Constitutions without even realizing that constitutional amendments were required to implement his plan-- until I pointed that out! That’s what happens when amateurs start playing politics. It’s the adult equivalent of children playing with matches. What is even more amazing is that Pioneer Press editors have endorsed a candidate who proposes constitutional amendments without even realizing he has done that. Talk about stupidity.

“To suggest amending the U. S. and Illinois Constitutions to do away with jury trials only for medical malpractice victims is so far out in left field that a vote to endorse Sauerberg is a vote to embarrass the Republican Party and could help defeat Congressman Mark Kirk for reelection,” Martin said. “Democrats will attempt to tar and feather every suburban Republican candidate with Sauerberg’s wacky ‘no jury trials’ plan to make the entire party look stupid for supporting him. Greed could boomerang.

“Sauerberg was the candidate of greed who betrayed Vivian O’Rourke [668 N.E.2d 214 (Ill.App. 1st Dist. 1996)] and left his stricken breast cancer patient to die when he sided with an HMO and denied O’Rourke coverage after telling her he supported her coverage. Sickening, two-faced behavior. More greed, groveling to an HMO.

“Sauerberg has become a puppet for the ‘McKenna family,’ a billion-dollar corporate clan that gives more money to Democrats than it does to Republicans in Illinois. Do we really want Senator Dick Durbin’s contributors choosing his ‘opponent.’ More greed.

“Tolbert Chisum helped engineer a rigged SCC ‘endorsement’ for Sauerberg in December, without any prior notice to Republicans and without any opportunity for any candidate to present their credentials. The dirty deed was all done in secret. This is the way the corrupt ‘Combine’ operates. Business before politics. Chisum is obviously not an impartial and above-board leader for New Trier Republicans. It’s disgraceful. Tolbert Chisum’s banking empire probably does business with the McKenna family’s billion-dollar fortune. That’s the way the Combine operates. More greed.

“I am the candidate who fights greed and corruption in government. I am the candidate for ordinary Main Street Republicans and working families, who want to fight Durbin, not contribute to his reelection campaign,” Martin told suburban Republicans.

------------------------------------------
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. 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. AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com; AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com.

Friday, January 11, 2008

An open letter to Illinois’ Second Amendment community

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


January 12, 2008

AN OPEN LETTER TO ILLINOIS’ SECOND AMENDMENT COMMUNITY

Dear Second Amendment supporter:

There is a sheep running in wolf’s clothing in the February 5th Republican Party primary for U. S. Senator. My opponent, Steve Sauerberg, has bought the liberal Democratic line about “assault weapons” and related malarkey. My source? Sauerberg himself: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=11341

I note that Sauerberg has been invited to appear before the Will County NRA chapter January 16th. I did not receive the invitation or a NRA questionnaire. You should find out why.

I just wanted you to know the facts: I have owned all sorts of firearms: pistols, rifles, shotguns, and yes, “assault weapons.” In point of fact, there is no such thing as an assault weapon. There are criminals who use firearms to assault law-abiding citizens. Period. People assault, weapons do not. I have also had a Florida concealed carry permit, and I favor nationwide concealed carry legislation. I doubt if Sauerberg has ever owned any firearm.

I hope you will spread this letter near and far, because Mr. Sauerberg is trying to bamboozle the Second Amendment Community into supporting him. It will be a sad day for the Second Amendment if he succeeds.

Call me personally if you have any questions.

With best wishes,


ANDY

AM:sp

Andy Martin asks Illinois Republicans to support him for United States Senator

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


[Web link:
http://www.pr-inside.com/andy-martin-asks-illinois-republicans-to-r382898.htm]

January 12, 2007


Dear Illinois Republican:

In a few days you will be called on to pick a candidate for United States Senator. You will occasionally read insulting remarks about me because I am not a professional politician and a career politician. I have lived a full life in the real world.

Newspaper editors, a remarkably cloistered group, think only professional politicians are fit to seek office and to serve in office. On the contrary, I believe that citizen soldiers make the best public servants.

But, you don’t have to take me on my word. Unlike my opponents in the primary, who have no experience and avoid no opportunity to advertise that fact, I have a public record you can examine.

A year ago, the Republican Party was fearful. The Democrats were in ascendancy. President Bush was proposing an unpopular “surge” in Iraq.

Senator John McCain saw that the surge could save our policy and permit us to eventually withdraw. So did I.

If you read my column for January 27, 2007, you will see that I saw a way to success for President Bush. The president has been following my prescription like a road map. Like us or dislike us, what Senator McCain and I share in common is deep experience. Experience in war, and experience in peace. Experience in fighting entrenched interests. I am not supporting McCain and this letter is not intended to be support for him; it is just a recitation of our mutual experience and record of predicting the future. And courage to do so.

Aren’t you proud that Illinois Republicans can actually offer a serious, experienced opponent to Dick Durbin? Aren’t you proud that Illinois Republicans have a pragmatic, progressive Republican senate candidate whose foreign policy experience will save lives and bring our troops home? When I say that I have a worldwide reputation for integrity and competence in foreign policy and intelligence analysis, I am not exaggerating. I have a published, proven record you can review. As Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know the rest of the story.” Just read part of it below.

I hope that after reading my public record, and especially what I wrote one year ago, you will agree that I am the only candidate for United States Senator on February 5th. You need a candidate with wisdom and judgment and experience to expose the phoniness of Dick Durbin. Can you trust any other Republican to represent you against Dick Durbin? Please be there for me on February 5th; I will be there for you on November 4th.

And please feel free to share this letter with family, friends, neighbors and other Republicans, and all of my critics and detractors in the mainstream media. Maybe the liberal media know something you may not have yet realized: I am the strongest, the only opponent to run against Durbin. Maybe that’s why the liberals don’t want me to win. Think about it.


For victory on November 4th,



ANDY

AM:sp

"Kabuki Democrats" may save President Bush's surge in Baghdad

Category: Politics International Posted Thu Jan 25,2007 5:32 PM Last Edited:
CONTRARIAN COMMENTARY FOR JANUARY 25, 2007INSIDE THE BUSH WHITE HOUSE, PART TWO: HOW BUSH CAN WIN THE WAR IN IRAQ AND DEFEAT THE DEMOCRATSTHE “KABUKI ARMY” ON CAPITOL HILL MAY YET SAVE GEORGE BUSH IN BAGHDAD
(CHICAGO)(January 25, 2007) The Republican Party Army of the Potomac is dispirited and demoralized. There are murmurs of rebellion in the ranks. Washington has just fallen to the Democratic Party Army. Is there no hope? Well, yes, there is.
In politics, it pays to be lucky. Just ask Barack Obama. And George Bush. Both men went from obscurity to national office due to happenstance and sheer luck. But they made it.
And Bush may be on the verge of becoming lucky again. Only this time he will have to make his own luck, not inherit it.
Republicans are trembling at the imminent passage of the “non-binding resolution” decrying Bush’s “surge” in Baghdad. Georgie, you’re a lucky boy.
The Democratic Party Army is inexorably morphing into the Kabuki Army. If you feel “Kabuki” is too stereotyping a term, please substitute the “Alphonse and Gaston Army.”
Why is Bush lucky? Because if he has to have an adversary on Capitol Hill, the Kabuki Army is the best adversary possible.
“Cognitive dissonance” is the condition where someone believes one thing and does another. We might also call this the Cognitive Dissonance Congress. Or the Contradiction Congress.Senator James Webb went on TV to rebut Bush’s state of the nation and said “If Bush doesn’t do it, we will.” Well.
Congress indeed has the power to “do it,” by law. But no one is expecting imminent passage of a law to order the troops withdrawn or to suspend funding for their mission as part of the withdrawal process. Instead, Democrats are trying to have it both ways, trying to claim a belief in the wrongness of the surge while taking limp-wristed steps to stop the same program. (This reminds me of Barack Obama's religious beliefs, but I won't go there today.)
Is it any wonder this weekend we are likely to see the left protesting in Washington? Against the Democrats?
We all know politicians are hypocrites. But the Kabuki Congress is taking duplicity to new levels of artistic performance. Like a carefully choreographed Kabuki dance, Democrats are simultaneously mouthing “support for the troops” and opposition, though a “non-binding opposition,” for the policy the troops are there to enforce.
The U. S. senate is confirming a new commander in Baghdad, and promoting him to four stars, while telling the good General David Petraeus that his mission is malarkey. Talk about support. And cognitive dissonance.
I feel the Democrats are about to “swift boat” themselves. And they don’t even know it. Talk about repeating the past.
If Bushie came to me (and he hasn’t called yet) I would say, “Bushie (no obsequious “Mr. President” for me), give’em hell.” Do a Truman. Attack, attack, attack. Point out the gross inconsistency and world-class hypocrisy in praising a general and condemning his mission, in saying the mission is wrong but not having the guts to stop it.
Luckily, our men and women in Iraq have more guts and, one hopes, more brains that their Kabuki Army detractors in Congress.
As Joan Rivers would say, Bushie, “Can we talk?”
I marched against the invasion of Iraq in Washington on January 18, 2003. I marched in New York. I couldn't believe Bush would be stupid enough to invade. I couldn’t believe Powell would believe the nonsense he was being spoon fed. I couldn’t, I couldn’t, I couldn’t. But they did. And I ended up in Baghdad a few days after Saddam went undercover.I preached from the minarets: this is wrong, and going wrong. And getting worse. I exposed corruption and incompetence. My payback: Bushie and Bremer trashed me while lifting weights together in the White House. Bremer got my award. Life’s not fair.
So why am I now predicting Bush could win his war against the Kabuki Army? Have I switched sides? Not really. We call’em the way we see’em. And right now the Kabuki Democrats (not to be confused with the Atari Democrats) look primed for a big fall--if only Bush will seize the initiative and become a bold leader. We were reminded a few days ago that our late President Ford once said, “I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln.” It is time for a President who is a Lincoln. I come from the Land of Lincoln. I know. Just ask me.
How does Bush counterattack and defeat the Kabukis on Capitol Hill? First, just keep telling the people the truth.
Bushie, I know it’s painful. But just keep saying “I got bad advice.” Everyone will believe you because no one thinks you know anything about foreign affairs. Just say “We made mistakes. Big mistakes.” Mean it.
But then say “What the Kabuki Democrats are doing is a disgrace to America. We can and will get it right.”
And remember, you live in an American Idol era. Be entertaining, be forceful, be dramatic and most of all be persistent and repetitive. My professor in undergraduate school who got me started in politics, Louis Volpp, used to say “There is no repetition for undergraduates.” And there is no repetition for Americans. We have a short attention span. We want instant gratification. And we are lazy. We want it bite-sized and digestible. We have the attention span of (insert choice, but please abuse no animals). So say it over and over again.
Tell the people what another great American statesman (who shall remain anonymous in the interests of computer decency laws) once said: “Help is on the way.” Tell’em “I will not abandon General Petraeus and neither should the American people.” Over and over again.
Why do I feel for Bushie? Because I have always liked the man, even on my talk radio program, while I hated and condemned his policies. And, in the hour of danger and disaster, I will not abandon my president. Bushie, invite me to the White House and I will give you a big, fat kick in the butt, and say ”Just do it.” And, “Be a Lincoln.”
Yes, we are in a big, big mess in Baghdad and Iraq. But the realty is that we are stuck there. The mendacious Kabuki Democrats realize that. Which is why their calls for withdrawal are always hedged with more weasel words than a Wall Street lawyer’s, such as “not precipitously” or “phased?”Bushie, here’s how you win:
1. Attack the Kabuki Democrats as I have just stated.
2. Put an end to Palestinian/Israeli bickering and adopt the Andy Martin Peace Plan, which I first announced in 2000. Just do it. Officially recognize the State of Palestine as encompassing the 1967 borders, and send an Arabic-speaking Foreign Service Officer as ambassador to Abu Mazen, to be accredited in Jerusalem. Next week. Within hours, you will be a hero in the Arab world. “Abu Bush” will be the new caliph. We will have moved from “Help is on the way” to “Help has arrived” using the awesome powers of our Constitution. Within hours.
3. Go to Baghdad. Again. Only this time no phony turkeys and posed shots. Do a “President Reagan-at-the- Brandenburg Gate” (“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall”) and tell the Iraqi people we have made mistakes and we will help them to recover. Be humble. Do it in person, and be sincere and at risk. You need to leave the Green Zone. (Visit my old apartment in Baghdad.) More hurrahs from the Arab world.
4. Recognize that the war you are fighting, that you hideously brought on yourself, will not be won at “Fort Apache The White House.” It will be won on the streets of the Middle East. Period. No exceptions. Be there.
5. Finally, send Vice President Cheney to an undisclosed location and lock him in a closet. The man does not help the cause. He is a hopelessly counterproductive supporter.
You can’t win the war militarily, but with the surge and bold, decisive political actions in the Middle East you can reverse field and win the war psychologically.
Then bring our fighting men and women home and hug all of them from me and from every American. We love’em.
Now about that medal you gave Bremer, Bushie.
Editorial note: Inside the Bush White House, Part Two: The Saudi Connection, was scheduled for today; that has been rescheduled for tomorrow as Inside the Bush White House, Part Three.________________________________________________Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2007. Martin covers national and world politics with forty years of personal experience; he is America’s most respected independent foreign policy, military and intelligence analyst. Columns also posted at politicalgateway.com; contrariancommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com. Web sites: AndyMartin.com, AndyforUSSenator.com. Comments? E-mail: AndyMart20@aol.com. Media contact: (866) 706-2639

WEB LINK:
http://bill.politicalgateway.com/main/columns/read.html?col=721

Senate candidate Andy Martin says President Bush is on right track to Middle East peace

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE: January 12, 2008

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN SALUTES PRESIDENT BUSH FOR MOVING FORWARD ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE

“THE ANDY MARTIN PEACE PLAN OF 2000 IS CLOSE TO BECOMING REALITY,” MARTIN SAYS


(CHICAGO)(January 11, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Saturday, January 12th at 1:00 P.M. to announce that he congratulates President Bush on his renewed Middle East peace efforts and looks forward to supporting the president in his endeavors to bring Israelis and Palestinians together.

“President Bush has changed,” Martin will state. “He has learned from his mistakes in the Middle East. I can only say I am thrilled by the president’s progress in seeking to impose a settlement on the Israelis and Palestinians this year.

“Eight (8) years ago, I proposed the Andy Martin Peace Plan for the Middle East. My family’s roots go back over 100 years in that part of the world. I know the area well. It has been a part of my life. And step-by-step the State Department and President have come to accept the broad outlines of my peace plan. I am ecstatic. I saw the solution in 2000. Now president Bush shares my vision.

“I spent New Year’s Eve with my Jewish friends who are like ‘family.’ Truth be told many of them were downbeat about the prospects for peace. I was not. I believed that peace is inevitable. But even I am stunned at President Bush’s new reality.

“He has stated flatly that the ‘occupation’ must end. Yes, occupation. He has told the Israelis in the most polite terms that the settlement activity just end. End. He has told the Palestinian people that many will receive compensation; I have always felt that if we offered a reasonable program of compensation we could whittle down the ‘return’ issues to manageable proportions. And President Bush saw an Israeli roadblock. That must have been a sobering experience. President Bush has exploded the myth that Palestine is going to be a ‘nation’ of Bantustans. He used the words ‘sovereign and independent.’ I will hold him to his word. Palestine’s water resources will be returned to Palestinian control.

“Personally, I believe that the Gaza Strip will not be an impediment to peace. Gaza is part of Palestine, and it will be incorporated in the borders of the new state. But wise heads will recognize that leaving Gaza to the new Palestinian state will provide a practical solution while still allowing an overall peace plan to be signed by 2009. The borders of Gaza are not in dispute. Gaza’s chaotic conditions have largely been created by Israelis and the U. S. boycott. Once we acquire an interest in a peaceful Gaza, we can and will take steps to make that happen. Rockets and bombs and killings are no solution for two civilized peoples.

“I am glad the president made this trip. He got a dose of reaction and intransigence on both sides. The very essence of my plan was that until the United States saw and treated both parties as equals, peace could never be achieved. Bush has gradually begun to accept that principle, and to implement it. By treating both sides as equals we create the conditions for mutual acceptance.

“I stand ready to help the president in any way possible. The American Jewish community overwhelmingly supports the peace process. The same is true for American Arab community. We must mobilize public opinion; the partisans of peace can and will succeed now that the president has taken up the cause. Peace will not be easy, and violence on both sides will not disappear overnight. Occupation and repression have established constituencies. But we will prevail because we must prevail. I am delighted to stand with the president in his crucial mission.

“What a tonic on the eve of the Illinois primary. Thank you, Mr. President.

“Now if he would only listen to me on Iraq,” Martin will conclude. “I want to help him bring or troops home.”

NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin

WHERE: Southeast corner of Wabash and Huron Streets,
Chicago, (St. James Cathedral)

WHEN: Saturday, January 12, 2008 1:00 P.M.

WHAT: ANDY MARTIN salutes President Bush for moving
forward on Middle East peace

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124

WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com

------------------------------------------
Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and media critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin covers regional, national and world events with forty years of experience. He has almost forty years of experience in the Middle East, and is America’s most respected independent foreign policy and intelligence analyst. He 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.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin says Tony Rezko’s sweetheart real estate deal with Senator Barack Obama was a de facto bribe

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: January 11, 2008

U. S. SENATE CANDIDATE ANDY MARTIN EXPLAINS BASIS FOR ACCUSATION THAT CHICAGO INFLUENCE PEDDLER TONY REZKO PAID SENATOR BARACK OBAMA AN ILLEGAL BRIBE IN HOUSING TRANSACTION

WEB LINK:

http://www.pr-inside.com/andy-martin-news-conference-will-explain-r381538.htm

(CHICAGO)(January 11, 2008) Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a Chicago news conference Friday, January 11th at 4:00 P.M. to explain the factual and legal basis for his claim that indicted Chicago influence peddler Tony Rezko paid and intended to pay a bribe to Senator Barack Obama.

“There has been a great deal of confusion over what Obama did and what Rezko did, and how their combination and action in concert to purchase Obama’s home in Chicago constituted a federal criminal offense,” Martin will state. “I am here today to clarify and explain the legal theories behind the accusations and behind their structured and coordinated real estate transactions.

“It is also critical to place the Rezko-Obama relationship in context. Obama sent letters on his Illinois State senate stationary on Rezko’s behalf. Obama cannot take refuge in what federal courts call the ‘Ostrich defense,’ where Obama merely says he was ‘boneheaded’ and gets away with criminal actions.

“But while the machinations of Obama and Rezko may be confusing to a lay person, they are nothing out of the ordinary to experienced criminal and political investigators in Illinois,” Martin will state. “I stand by my view that Tony Rezko is going to try to implicate Barack Obama in criminal activity as a means of escaping punishment for his own behavior.”



NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:

WHO: U. S. Senate candidate/Internet
Columnist-editor/critic Andy Martin

WHERE: Southeast corner of Huron and Wabash Streets, Chicago
(St. James cathedral)

WHEN: Friday, January 11, 4:00 P. M.

MEDIA
CONTACT: (312) 440-4124

WEBSITE: AndyforUSSenator.com

E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com

-----------------------------------------------------------
Chicago-based Internet journalist, broadcaster and media critic Andy Martin is the Executive Editor and publisher of ContrarianCommentary.com. © Copyright by Andy Martin 2008. Martin covers regional, national and world events with more than forty years of experience. Martin is currently a candidate for United States senator. AndyforUSSenator.com. He 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.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin says the era of newspaper endorsements may have passed

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

January 10, 2008

Mr. Sam Zell
CEO
Chicago Tribune
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

WHY NEWSPAPERS ARE LOSING READERS

Dear Sam:

I thought I would send you an open letter as the new CEO of the Chicago Tribune to explain why newspapers are losing readers and losing credibility with the American public and the People of Illinois.

Newspapers often complain that not enough people run for office. Papers decry the fact that successful business people avoid politics like the plague. But when individuals with some experience in life actually do run for office, they are abused and insulted by the print media. Consequently, only a complete idiot or someone who cares very deeply about our democracy will run the gauntlet of being a candidate for office.

Let me compare and contrast the way newspapers treat candidates, with the way they are increasingly treated by broadcasters.

Recently your competitor for advertising dollars, Channel 7, ABC Chicago decided voters wanted more information and less filtered information about candidates. They invited me (and others) to either submit a prepared 5-minute statement or offered to produce one for free at the station. I accepted the free offer.

The three candidates who are running are now juxtaposed on a web site:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/feature?section=news/politics&id=5778052

You can get a sense of who the candidates are, how they present themselves, and what is important to them, since the candidates obviously prepared their own unfiltered presentation. I hope voters like me and decide to vote for me. But anyone and everyone can compare and contrast me to my opponents, and also get some answers to questions which the station created.

I don’t know when print media started “endorsing” candidates for office, but they have persisted with this practice long after the public has lost any confidence in newspaper endorsements. Why is that?

Perhaps my experience as a senate candidate will offer you and other publishers, and ordinary citizens, some perspectives on the flawed and very likely outdated process of endorsing candidates.

I was invited to a debate at the Chicago Tribune in December and appeared. One of my opponents was “too busy” and failed to make the date, although his campaign schedule (on the web) showed it was vacant on that day. The Tribune editors could not have been more gracious and professional. But wait. How will I appear on the day of judgment (endorsement)? As an ignorant buffoon with the temerity to challenge the corrupt Combine? As a caricature? No one knows.

As a young law student, my professor Roger Finley said “Nothing is so unrecognizable as your own case when it is being regurgitated by a reviewing court that is ruling against you.” I guess the same is true for newspaper endorsements.

Last month I also appeared at the Pioneer Press for an editorial interview. They kept me for 1-1/2 hours and we had a spirited and intelligent debate. But when the Pioneer press decided to endorse my opponent, I was reduced to an epithet. There was no mention of my worldwide reputation, my experience in the Middle East, my year in Baghdad, or my successful battles against corruption in Illinois [see AndyMartin.com]. Reading the Pioneer paper you would have thought I was something of a jerk who wanted to ride on a train. Is that a reasonable portrayal? Most people would say no.

Last month I also had to break an appointment with the Peoria Journal Star. I offered to reschedule, but they said they were too busy. To date I have not heard. Running a statewide campaign in a state 400 miles long, in bad weather, is a challenging process, especially given Illinois highways. Add normal family challenges and you often need to revamp a schedule. If a newspaper is too busy to hear from a candidate for statewide office, what are they too busy doing? A few days ago a Journal Star reporter reduced my campaign to an epithet. Maybe that’s what readers in Peoria want and expect. Maybe Peoria voters will go on the net and find the Channel 7 videos. The information is there for them to access.

Yesterday I was interviewed at the Daily Herald. The editorial page editor seemed to be in a hurry, even though I was the invitee, not the initiator. He was interested in a 25 year-old lawsuit. As a public interest lawyer I have filed hundreds of public interest lawsuits. These cases are designed to vindicate public rights. I have one pending to block the budget shenanigans by the Governor concerning the RTA/CTA. There were no questions about that case, which is of vital concern to Herald readers.

And so it goes.

Here are my conclusions. People today expect facts, unfiltered, so they can make their own decisions about politics and candidates. “Editorials” that smear and abuse candidates for office turn people off. The Pioneer Press reported in deadpan fashion that one of my opponents wants to take away jury trials to protect the assets of wealthy doctors, as though that was a rational suggestion. What? As Senator Bob Dole would have said, “Where’s the outrage?” The Pioneer papers endorsed the comic book candidate-to be cannon fodder for the Democrats in November.

On the issue of the First Amendment, I take a very liberal approach, despite my generally conservative views in other areas. I am close to an absolutist. Let people publish. But hold publishers accountable for the truth. I do not favor censorship. But, on the other hand, if publishers persist in abusing participants in the political process, it won’t be long before more and more readers turn off, and tune out the newspaper channel.

For myself, I love print media. I read the Tribune, Sun-Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal every day for starters. Frankly, despite my conflicts with a small number of Tribune reporters, I think the Tribune is an outstanding editorial product. I hope that you make changes gradually, and only on a very measured basis. I’ll have more on that later.

My guess is that unless the print media start telling their readers the truth, and reporting factually and accurately about candidates for office, without “endorsements” that reduce successful individuals to rubble, qualified candidates will continue to avoid entering the political arena, and newspaper readership will continue to decline. That would be sad.

You and I are alike in many ways. We have both survived by defying the conventional wisdom. And perhaps in this letter I am again suggesting where you may again defy the conventional wisdom of newspaper editors of yesteryear, so that future newspaper readers will have access to candidates on a more reasonable and unfiltered basis.

Voters as well as writers are free to disagree with me, but no one can erase my outstanding career of 40 years public service. Trying to do so only undermines confidence in the publishing industry.

See you on February 6th.

With personal regards,

ANDY MARTIN

AM:sp


P.S. Thirty years ago, Tribune editors wrote that I was an “absolutely brilliant campaigner.” The views of that era did stand the test of time. You will be happy to know that the Durbin/Martin race is going to sell a lot of newspapers between February and November.