Oberweis on Immigration and more; Hastert to resign; Watch 14th CD candidates on YouTube.
Jeff Berkowitz: How important is immigration to the race, to the primary nomination?
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Jim Oberweis: Jeff... I can honestly tell you that I get more questions about illegal immigration than all other issues combined and that has been a surprise. I expected...
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Jim Oberweis: To me, it is crazy to say you can only vote if you are an American citizen [and] to become an American citizen, you must be fluent in English but if you are not fluent in English and going to vote, we’ll provide a translator for you at taxpayer expense. Crazy.
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Jeff Berkowitz: Does that suggest in some respects you are basically a libertarian?
Jim Oberweis: Again, you are the political handicapper. I’ll let you describe that, as you like. I like the description of “strong, American values Republican.”
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Jim Oberweis, 14th CD Republican Primary Candidate, held a telephone press conference this afternoon to discuss his plan to “Secure America,” which is basically an eight-step plan: Secure the Borders, No Amnesty, Create a National Database, Create a Tamper-Proof Biometric Identity Card, Identify Those Who Have Left, Toughen Employer Sanctions, Strengthen Employment Verification and Make English the Official Language
Although the 30 minute press conference focused mostly on explanations and nuances of Oberweis’ proposal to control illegal immigration, the dairy magnate and wealth management/financial asset entrepreneur was asked about a few other items, as well. [See here for much more detail about Jim Oberweis’ plan to Secure America].
Perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, former Speaker and the 21 year incumbent congressman in that District, J. Dennis Hastert, announced today (Speaker Pelosi presiding, at Speaker Hastert’s request) he will resign before his term is up (some of his aides are reported to have said Speaker Hastert will leave by the end of this month; Fox News’ Brit Hume said on Special Report late this afternoon the resignation would occur by the end of this year), thus creating the need for a special election to replace Cong. Hastert, which could affect the tactics, or even strategic campaign plans, in the Republican and Democratic Primaries, scheduled for February 5, 2007, to choose Fall, 2008, 14th CD General Election candidates.
Further, some Republicans have been concerned that the timing of the long anticipated Hastert resignation, if done too early, could result in a Special General Election to fill the 14th CD seat on Illinois’ Presidential Super Tuesday Primary day, giving the Democrats an advantage due to Obama and Clinton being on the ballot, which should “drive-up,” Democratic turn-out. (Gov. Blagojevich, within the constraints of the statute, has some discretion regarding setting the primary and general election dates for the Special Election).
Of course, if the Democrats were to win the Special Election, that would make their nominee the incumbent in the Fall, 2008, helping them perhaps “take back,” the District for the long term. See generally, here.
And, then there are conservatives who are concerned about a conspiracy afoot from other conservatives, in terms of the timing of the Coach Hastert resignation, and the decision not to announce today when exactly the Speaker will finally hang up his spikes, or more appropriately, take off his wrestling shoes, and leave them on the mat, as he told Speaker Pelosi and us today, is the custom for wrestlers completing their last match.
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A partial transcript of today’s Oberweis presser is included, below:
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Likely endorsement by Speaker Hastert?
Jim Oberweis [14th CD Republican Primary candidate]: …I am running for this office to maintain our Midwestern values in Washington: Less government interference in our life and more freedom; lower taxes and a stronger economy.
Jeff Berkowitz: Do you expect Hastert to endorse you?
Jim Oberweis: I would be delighted to win Denny Hastert’s endorsement, as would any of the candidates. But, at this time I am focused on winning the support of the people in the 14th Cong. District.
Jeff Berkowitz: Does that mean you are not taking a position on whether you expect him to endorse you, or not.
Jim Oberweis: I think that is a question you should ask Denny.
Jeff Berkowitz: What impact would it be if he did endorse you? Would you say that would—would that give you the primary nomination?
Jim Oberweis: I believe that Denny is extremely well liked through-out the 14th District-- for that reason any candidate would love to have his endorsement.
Importance of illegal immigration issue:
Jeff Berkowitz: How important is immigration to the race, to the primary nomination?
Jim Oberweis: It sounds like Jeff, is it Jeff?
Jeff Berkowitz: That’s it, Jeff Berkowitz.
Jim Oberweis: Jeff, I have been out almost every day knocking on doors in every one of the eight counties throughout this district. Most people don’t want to talk about any issues, but of those that do, I can honestly tell you that I get more questions about illegal immigration than all other issues combined and that has been a surprise. I expected Iraq to be the No. 1 issue. Instead, it has been illegal immigration and I hear it consistently.
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Oberweis/Lauzen comparison?
Jeff Berkowitz: On the specific issue of immigration, how do you think [one of your primary opponents,] Senator Lauzen (R-Aurora) and you differ on that issue?
Jim Oberweis: I can tell you what my position is—you should confer with him to determine his position.
Jeff Berkowitz: But, you must have some sense. You have interacted with him a bit. Do you have any sense in which you would differ significantly from Senator Lauzen on immigration? [Go to YouTube to watch Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, featuring shows with 14th CD Republican candidates Sen. Lauzen and Mayor Burns, 14th CD Democrat candidates Laesch and Stein, but not Democrat Bill Foster, who so far has declined to appear on Public Affairs. Republican Oberweis is scheduled to tape Public Affairs this Sunday] [Go here for more about the show with Lauzen, including a partial transcript of the show. ] You may also watch other "Public Affairs," shows on YouTube, including our show with Presidential candidate Bill Richardson.
Jim Oberweis: I am outlining as clearly as I can my position on the issues. You are the political analyst and you can analyze the differences in positions.
Jeff Berkowitz: So, you are going to make us do the heavy lifting. Huh?
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Impact of English as the nation’s official language:
Jeff Berkowitz: Jim, what does that mean-- English as the official language? How will life differ markedly, if that is the law, from the current situation?
Jim Oberweis: Well, first of all, I think it makes an important statement, and secondly at the same time, I believe that the real difference is it would mean that government documents would be printed only in English. It would mean that when people go to vote, it would mean that the voting information would be in English and, if in fact, someone voting wanted some interpretation or translation, they would have to bring a translator along for that instead of government having to provide translators under those circumstances. To me, it is crazy to say you can only vote if you are an American citizen [and] to become an American citizen, you must be fluent in English but if you are not fluent in English and going to vote, we’ll provide a translator for you at taxpayer expense. Crazy.
Jeff Berkowitz: Well, would one [relevant] example be where somebody was born in the U. S., that person is then a legal citizen under the U. S. Constitution, but that citizen grew up in a home where, say, Spanish, was spoken-- so that citizen never mastered the English language well enough to transact in it. Is that a possibility and is that something that would concern you?
Jim Oberweis: Well, that is exactly the situation where making English our official language would make a statement that if you are an American citizen, it would behoove you to learn English. And, by the way, it is not just Spanish. Realize that there were sections of Chicago where fifty years ago people might have grown up speaking Polish. There were sections where they might have grown up speaking Italian. There were other sections of the country where they might have grown up speaking German, but the point is English is and should be our official—English should be our official language and everyone in this country in order to become a part of this melting pot, to assimilate into our country, our society, should be able to speak English.
Jeff Berkowitz: Would it [making English the official language] affect private companies? Currently, as you know, some companies, when you dial their number, you get—
Jim Oberweis: No.
Jeff Berkowitz: You get an offer to have the discussion in either Spanish or English. That could continue?
Jim Oberweis: Every company should be free to make the decision whether they want to offer that or not. And, certainly some companies who are appealing to folks who are more comfortable in Spanish—companies have the right to do that!
Jeff Berkowitz: Does that suggest in some respects you are basically a libertarian?
Jim Oberweis: Again, you are the political handicapper. I’ll let you describe that, as you like. I like the description of “strong, American values Republican.”
Bill Pascoe [Oberweis General Consultant and media guru]: And, I think that is a great place to end this unless we have any more “pressing,” questions, guys.
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Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. You may watch "Public Affairs," shows with Presidential Candidates Richardson, Obama, McCain, Giuliani and Cox and many other pols at www.PublicAffairsTv.com
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Jim Oberweis: Jeff... I can honestly tell you that I get more questions about illegal immigration than all other issues combined and that has been a surprise. I expected...
************************************
Jim Oberweis: To me, it is crazy to say you can only vote if you are an American citizen [and] to become an American citizen, you must be fluent in English but if you are not fluent in English and going to vote, we’ll provide a translator for you at taxpayer expense. Crazy.
******************************
Jeff Berkowitz: Does that suggest in some respects you are basically a libertarian?
Jim Oberweis: Again, you are the political handicapper. I’ll let you describe that, as you like. I like the description of “strong, American values Republican.”
******************************
Jim Oberweis, 14th CD Republican Primary Candidate, held a telephone press conference this afternoon to discuss his plan to “Secure America,” which is basically an eight-step plan: Secure the Borders, No Amnesty, Create a National Database, Create a Tamper-Proof Biometric Identity Card, Identify Those Who Have Left, Toughen Employer Sanctions, Strengthen Employment Verification and Make English the Official Language
Although the 30 minute press conference focused mostly on explanations and nuances of Oberweis’ proposal to control illegal immigration, the dairy magnate and wealth management/financial asset entrepreneur was asked about a few other items, as well. [See here for much more detail about Jim Oberweis’ plan to Secure America].
Perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, former Speaker and the 21 year incumbent congressman in that District, J. Dennis Hastert, announced today (Speaker Pelosi presiding, at Speaker Hastert’s request) he will resign before his term is up (some of his aides are reported to have said Speaker Hastert will leave by the end of this month; Fox News’ Brit Hume said on Special Report late this afternoon the resignation would occur by the end of this year), thus creating the need for a special election to replace Cong. Hastert, which could affect the tactics, or even strategic campaign plans, in the Republican and Democratic Primaries, scheduled for February 5, 2007, to choose Fall, 2008, 14th CD General Election candidates.
Further, some Republicans have been concerned that the timing of the long anticipated Hastert resignation, if done too early, could result in a Special General Election to fill the 14th CD seat on Illinois’ Presidential Super Tuesday Primary day, giving the Democrats an advantage due to Obama and Clinton being on the ballot, which should “drive-up,” Democratic turn-out. (Gov. Blagojevich, within the constraints of the statute, has some discretion regarding setting the primary and general election dates for the Special Election).
Of course, if the Democrats were to win the Special Election, that would make their nominee the incumbent in the Fall, 2008, helping them perhaps “take back,” the District for the long term. See generally, here.
And, then there are conservatives who are concerned about a conspiracy afoot from other conservatives, in terms of the timing of the Coach Hastert resignation, and the decision not to announce today when exactly the Speaker will finally hang up his spikes, or more appropriately, take off his wrestling shoes, and leave them on the mat, as he told Speaker Pelosi and us today, is the custom for wrestlers completing their last match.
*************************************************************
A partial transcript of today’s Oberweis presser is included, below:
******************************************
Likely endorsement by Speaker Hastert?
Jim Oberweis [14th CD Republican Primary candidate]: …I am running for this office to maintain our Midwestern values in Washington: Less government interference in our life and more freedom; lower taxes and a stronger economy.
Jeff Berkowitz: Do you expect Hastert to endorse you?
Jim Oberweis: I would be delighted to win Denny Hastert’s endorsement, as would any of the candidates. But, at this time I am focused on winning the support of the people in the 14th Cong. District.
Jeff Berkowitz: Does that mean you are not taking a position on whether you expect him to endorse you, or not.
Jim Oberweis: I think that is a question you should ask Denny.
Jeff Berkowitz: What impact would it be if he did endorse you? Would you say that would—would that give you the primary nomination?
Jim Oberweis: I believe that Denny is extremely well liked through-out the 14th District-- for that reason any candidate would love to have his endorsement.
Importance of illegal immigration issue:
Jeff Berkowitz: How important is immigration to the race, to the primary nomination?
Jim Oberweis: It sounds like Jeff, is it Jeff?
Jeff Berkowitz: That’s it, Jeff Berkowitz.
Jim Oberweis: Jeff, I have been out almost every day knocking on doors in every one of the eight counties throughout this district. Most people don’t want to talk about any issues, but of those that do, I can honestly tell you that I get more questions about illegal immigration than all other issues combined and that has been a surprise. I expected Iraq to be the No. 1 issue. Instead, it has been illegal immigration and I hear it consistently.
***********************************************************
Oberweis/Lauzen comparison?
Jeff Berkowitz: On the specific issue of immigration, how do you think [one of your primary opponents,] Senator Lauzen (R-Aurora) and you differ on that issue?
Jim Oberweis: I can tell you what my position is—you should confer with him to determine his position.
Jeff Berkowitz: But, you must have some sense. You have interacted with him a bit. Do you have any sense in which you would differ significantly from Senator Lauzen on immigration? [Go to YouTube to watch Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, featuring shows with 14th CD Republican candidates Sen. Lauzen and Mayor Burns, 14th CD Democrat candidates Laesch and Stein, but not Democrat Bill Foster, who so far has declined to appear on Public Affairs. Republican Oberweis is scheduled to tape Public Affairs this Sunday] [Go here for more about the show with Lauzen, including a partial transcript of the show. ] You may also watch other "Public Affairs," shows on YouTube, including our show with Presidential candidate Bill Richardson.
Jim Oberweis: I am outlining as clearly as I can my position on the issues. You are the political analyst and you can analyze the differences in positions.
Jeff Berkowitz: So, you are going to make us do the heavy lifting. Huh?
***************************************************
Impact of English as the nation’s official language:
Jeff Berkowitz: Jim, what does that mean-- English as the official language? How will life differ markedly, if that is the law, from the current situation?
Jim Oberweis: Well, first of all, I think it makes an important statement, and secondly at the same time, I believe that the real difference is it would mean that government documents would be printed only in English. It would mean that when people go to vote, it would mean that the voting information would be in English and, if in fact, someone voting wanted some interpretation or translation, they would have to bring a translator along for that instead of government having to provide translators under those circumstances. To me, it is crazy to say you can only vote if you are an American citizen [and] to become an American citizen, you must be fluent in English but if you are not fluent in English and going to vote, we’ll provide a translator for you at taxpayer expense. Crazy.
Jeff Berkowitz: Well, would one [relevant] example be where somebody was born in the U. S., that person is then a legal citizen under the U. S. Constitution, but that citizen grew up in a home where, say, Spanish, was spoken-- so that citizen never mastered the English language well enough to transact in it. Is that a possibility and is that something that would concern you?
Jim Oberweis: Well, that is exactly the situation where making English our official language would make a statement that if you are an American citizen, it would behoove you to learn English. And, by the way, it is not just Spanish. Realize that there were sections of Chicago where fifty years ago people might have grown up speaking Polish. There were sections where they might have grown up speaking Italian. There were other sections of the country where they might have grown up speaking German, but the point is English is and should be our official—English should be our official language and everyone in this country in order to become a part of this melting pot, to assimilate into our country, our society, should be able to speak English.
Jeff Berkowitz: Would it [making English the official language] affect private companies? Currently, as you know, some companies, when you dial their number, you get—
Jim Oberweis: No.
Jeff Berkowitz: You get an offer to have the discussion in either Spanish or English. That could continue?
Jim Oberweis: Every company should be free to make the decision whether they want to offer that or not. And, certainly some companies who are appealing to folks who are more comfortable in Spanish—companies have the right to do that!
Jeff Berkowitz: Does that suggest in some respects you are basically a libertarian?
Jim Oberweis: Again, you are the political handicapper. I’ll let you describe that, as you like. I like the description of “strong, American values Republican.”
Bill Pascoe [Oberweis General Consultant and media guru]: And, I think that is a great place to end this unless we have any more “pressing,” questions, guys.
***********************************************
Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com. You may watch "Public Affairs," shows with Presidential Candidates Richardson, Obama, McCain, Giuliani and Cox and many other pols at www.PublicAffairsTv.com
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