01 Aug 2014

Dave Loebsack - working for you

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

Dear Friend,

Since coming into office, I have set out to change the culture of Washington. I have been working to put Iowans first and make sure Members of Congress are working for you, the people we are chosen to represent, not special interests.

Starting in 2007, I worked to pass the largest ethics reform package since Watergate. But I haven't stopped there. I have also pushed to cut member's pay, which hasn't been cut in over 80 years, end the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress, get budgets passed on time, and have fought to hold members of Congress accountable for actually doing what they were sent to Washington to do.

This is also why I recently unveiled a package of bills that I have either written or helped introduce to restore the American people's faith in their government. It's called the "Holding Congress Accountable" plan. I recorded a quick video about it.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Click here if you want to learn more about the specific bills included in my "Holding Congress Accountable" plan.

The American people deserve better. It's time for Congress to show it is serious about making good choices for the country. It's time Congress is held accountable and does what's right so the American people can have trust in the work that their government is doing.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack

Iowa's Second District

PS- I hope you take a second to watch my video.

31 Jul 2014

Is Bustos Really Taking Medicare Away from IL-17 Seniors?

By Bobby Schilling

Yes.  Bustos supports a law that cut $700 billion from Medicare and will kick 7.4 million seniors off their Medicare Advantage plans by 2016.

EAST MOLINE, Ill.?Congresswoman and Obamacare supporter Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has mostly avoided discussing her support for the President's failed health care law during her first term. However, her campaign manager, Jeremy Jansen, couldn't help himself on Monday as he defended Obamacare and argued that we need to "move forward" on implementing the law.

Jansen plead ignorance to the increased cost of health insurance that hard-working taxpayers are now facing, instead launching into a series of generic talking points against Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) in an effort to change the subject. 

Jansen should be praised for his noble effort at damage control by trying to deflect attention from Bustos' support for Obamacare?after all, his boss not only supports higher insurance rates for hard-working taxpayers, but she also supports taking Medicare away from seniors living on a fixed income.

Politifact famously called President Obama's empty promise "if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan" the 2013 Lie of the Year. That's because millions of Americans are losing their health insurance under Obamacare. This empty promise is now affecting seniors on Medicare Advantage as well because of the $700 billion in cuts to Medicare written into the President's failed health care law. Nearly half of the 15 million seniors on Medicare Advantage are projected to lose their coverage by 2017.

Bobby Schilling, candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that Medicare should be preserved and protected from politicians like Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) who are hellbent on destroying it.

"Medicare is on a collision course with bankruptcy, and Cheri Bustos is driving the car right toward it," Schilling said. "I disagree with the Congresswoman?I do not support cutting $700 billion from Medicare to promote the President's failed health care law. I do not support destroying Medicare Advantage as we know it. A promise made is a promise kept, and I am committed to keeping Medicare and Social Security solvent for current and future generations."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Bustos has the wrong priorities and is displaying a complete lack of regard for her struggling constituents.

"It's bad enough that Cheri Bustos wants to crush hard-working taxpayers with ridiculous health insurance rate increases, but now she's going after seniors living on a fixed income, too," Schweppe said. "Why hasn't Cheri Bustos introduced a bill to reverse the $700 billion to Medicare cuts? Why won't she help the more than seven million seniors who are set to lose their Medicare Advantage coverage? Cheri Bustos continues to put loyalty to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama first, while displaying a complete disregard for seniors living on a fixed income and hard-working taxpayers living paycheck to paycheck."

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 27 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline).


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30 Jul 2014

Will you walk with Bobby Schilling this weekend?

By Bobby Schilling
We are participating in the Coal Valley Days parade on Saturday and we would love for you to join us.

WHAT: Walk with Bobby Schilling at the Coal Valley Days Parade
WHEN: Saturday, August 2nd with line-up at 10:00 A.M and a start of 11:00 A.M. 
WHERE: The staging area is at the corner of 1st Street and 17th Avenue in Coal Valley near Trimble Funeral Home.

Be sure to wear your Bobby Schilling t-shirt! Let's get a big crowd out to Coal Valley.

In Liberty,

Team Schilling
30 Jul 2014

Ernst's "Perfect World" Would Eliminate RFS, Threaten Nearly 75,000 Iowa Jobs

By Rick Martin
Ernst spokesperson: "In a perfect world, in a free market, [Ernst] would support doing away with (the RFS)"
Des Moines, IA - After two days of trying to explain away her "philosophical opposition" to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that supports nearly 75,000 Iowa jobs and her attendance tonight at a DC fundraiser sponsored by big oil special interests who want to gut the RFS, last night Ernst's campaign offered some much-needed clarification on Ernst's position:
"In a perfect world, in a free market, [Ernst] would support doing away with (the RFS)" -Sioux City Journal

To clarify, this is what is included in Ernst's "perfect world:"
  • The Renewable Fuel Standard would be eliminated
  • 75,000 Iowa jobs, and more than $5 billion in annual wages, would be threatened
  • Ernst's big oil supporters like the Koch Brothers and ExonnMobil would benefit, while Iowa workers and rural communities would suffer
  • Important innovation promoted by the RFS would be halted, and America's dependence on foreign oil would be increased

"Joni Ernst's 'perfect world' is a nightmare for Iowa's economy and the nearly 75,000 Iowans whose jobs are supported by the Renewable Fuel Standard in the real world," said Braley for Iowa spokesman Sam Lau. "It's clear that neither Ernst nor her campaign can explain away her philosophical opposition to the RFS, or why tonight she will attend a fundraiser hosted by big oil special interests who want to gut Iowa's energy industry.  While Bruce Braley is fighting to protect the RFS and strengthen Iowa's economy, Ernst continues to put the big oil special interests before Iowa."

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30 Jul 2014

Narcisse Qualifies for 2014 Governor Race in Iowa

By AdMospheres News Release Services

As an independent, if the candidate wins only 2% of ballots cast, this election will launch the state-wide Iowa Party

Des Moines, Iowa - July 29, 2014 - Jonathan R. Narcisse was certified by the secretary of state's office this morning for the November 4th General Election Gubernatorial contest as the Iowa Party candidate.

Narcisse ran for governor as an independent in 2010. Against an incumbent Culver and returing Branstad, and spending less than $50,000 he garnered 1.84% of the votes. His message and solutions received support at the polls from all 99 counties, all 100 House districts, all 50 Senate districts and 1720 out of 1774 Iowa precincts.

In March 2014, Narcisse was denied primary ballot access on the Democratic ticket where he would have run against an un-challenged Jack Hatch. Despite securing enough signatures and meeting the Iowa standard based on the 2012 Joe Seng Ruling of Fact and Conclusion of Law, a Polk County judge based his decision on a 2012 ruling in Arizona. The Iowa Supreme Court upheld the decision without comment.

"Now that we are certified on the ballot it's time to get to work. With 99 days left in the race we will begin our campaign with a 99 county tour of Iowa. It's very important to let Iowans know, face to face, that we have a real and viable alternative to the two sides of the coin that has been the joint governance of Republican Terry Branstad and the Democratic controlled Senate," said Narcisse.

"I've known Governor Branstad for nearly three decades. I served on his inauguration committee in the mid 1980s and was made a state commission chair by him shortly thereafter. I've known Senator Hatch for as many years. Hatch actually introduced me when I ran for Polk County school board in 2005, and he worked closely with our education initiative a decade ago."

Narcisse, and his supporters, assert neither has proven they have solutions for the waste, fraud and cronyism that has prevailed on their three decade watch in the statehouse.

"While the rhetoric of Gov. Branstad and Sen. Hatch differs they are the same politician," said Narcisse.

The Narcisse 2014 campaign is providing Iowa voters the independent choice they deserve. [Click here for Narcisse Issues & Positions: http://www.narcisseforgovernor.com/issues/]

Each of the three gubernatorial candidates spoke at the Iowa Newspaper Association convention in February, 2014. The seven minute videos of each can be found at: http://www.narcisseforgovernor.com/gubernatorial-candidates-at-the-iowa-newspaper-association-convention-in-des-moines/

"I understand the job of Iowa's next governor - it isn't to have all the answers. The number one job of our next governor will be to appoint efficient, effective, competent men and women to office and boards and commissions - public servants who will put the interests of Iowans, our taxpayers, our citizens, our children and families, above the vested interests that have controlled the statehouse and leadership of both parties. And then hold them accountable."

During the 99 county tour for Narcisse 2014, the campaign will be releasing its solutions on restoring education, growing our state and its economy, and fixing government.

"We have solutions - answers to the challenges that face this state. Most of all Iowans deserve leadership that will place the needs of our taxpayers and citizens above the interests of contributors and cronies," said Narcisse.

"With a Chief Accountability Officer in the executive, Iowans will have the protections that our oaths of office require."

For more information visit: www.NarcisseForGovernor.com

28 Jul 2014

The Real Impact of Obamacare on IL-17

By Jan Schweppe

Forbes analysis shows young men, elderly women hit hardest; average 64 year old Galena woman paying $2,688 more in health insurance premiums annually. Cheri Bustos offers no solutions, no condolences

EAST MOLINE, IL?Congresswoman and Obamacare-apologist Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has so far refused to address the specific impact President Obama's health care law has had on her constituents, but that may be more difficult as new reports surface illustrating Obamacare's negative impact on health care consumers inside the Illinois 17th District.

According to a new analysis by Forbes, the Affordable Care Act is proving to be completely unaffordable. Obamacare has increased individual-market health insurance premiums by an average of 41 percent nationally. The Forbes study looked at 3,137 counties across the country?including all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District?to determine Obamacare's impact on individuals.

The Forbes study looked at six cohorts: men ages 27, 40, and 64, and women ages 27, 40, and 64. Five of the six groups saw premium increases across the board in all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District, while the remaining group?40 year old women?saw mixed results, with six counties seeing marginally cheaper premiums while the other eight counties saw large increases.

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign put together a document that shows the premium increases for each cohort in each county. That document is attached.

Obamacare's Impact on IL-17 By The Numbers:
  • Average individual health insurance premiums increased $768/annually

  • Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties were hit the hardest?these counties saw an average individual health insurance premium increase of $1,356/annually.

  • Elderly women were absolutely crushed?the average 64 year old women in all 14 counties saw at least a $1,000 premium increase, with 64 year old women seeing a $2,688 premium increase in Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties, a $2,136 premium increase in Knox and Fulton Counties, and a $1,956 premium increase in Winnebago County.

  • This study only looked at individual plans. Family plans saw even larger increases, as Forbes reported last year?the average family of four will see annual health care spending increase by $7,450.

Bobby Schilling (R-Colona), candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that he's focused on health care solutions.

"We need real health care reform that lowers costs for all Americans. Obamacare doesn't do that, and the Forbes analysis shows that. Obamacare is hurting everyone in our district?young people, elderly people, and middle class families. It's time to stop with the politics and start working to fix our broken health care system.

"I've proposed five concrete solutions to help reform health care, increase access to care, and lower costs. I've stood up, put myself out there, and led on this issue, as well as countless others. Where is my opponent? Where does she stand? Why won't Cheri Bustos answer to her constituents who can't afford to pay for their health insurance premiums? We need to roll our sleeves up, work together, and do everything we can to alleviate the financial pain Obamacare has caused people in our district."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Congresswoman Bustos needs to answer some questions.

"What has Congresswoman Cheri Bustos done to help struggling seniors with their health care costs? Where are her solutions? Why is she not taking a stand? Why is she defending what Obamacare has done to thousands of hard-working folks in her district? Will she work to pass real health care reform that helps people, or will she continue to stay to the Nancy Pelosi-Barack Obama party line, as she has on every other issue during her time in office? Only time will tell.

"But one thing is clear: Obamacare is unequivocally devastating people in the Illinois 17th District, and Cheri Bustos doesn't seem to care. It's shameful that Cheri Bustos refuses to empathize with her struggling constituents."

Bobby Schilling will be available throughout the day to discuss health care policy and how Obamacare's rate increases are impacting the Illinois 17th District. To schedule an interview contact Jon Schweppe at 309-749-7009.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

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25 Jul 2014

We're putting boots on the ground this weekend. Are you ready to go door to door?

By Bobby Schilling
We're launching a Quad Cities walk this Friday at 2:00 P.M. at our East Moline office, located at 367 Avenue of the Cities in the Hignight Florist Building. Come learn how to go door to door and what you can do to help Bobby get elected!

Are you looking to walk in other parts of the district? We're going to win this race on the ground, but we can't do it without you.

Let's pound the pavement!
22 Jul 2014

Schilling Camp Receiving Support

By Bobby Schilling

On Sunday, House Majority Leader-Elect Kevin McCarthy was in the district to talk about our race and campaign for us in Peoria.

McCarthy said he viewed our race as "a top priority." Check out the story on WEEK Peoria's website here.

Congressman Aaron Schock and Congressman Adam Kinzinger have also aggressively campaigned for us in recent weeks.

This is an exciting time. We are one of the highest targeted races in the country. We're raising money, knocking on doors, and reaching voters.

17 Jul 2014

Illinois Freedom PAC Releases New Ad, "Privilege"

By Rick Martin

As Billionaire Bruce Rauner's tax avoidance schemes come to light, middle class families will know he's a candidate they can't trust

Chicago, IL - Today Illinois Freedom PAC released a new television commercial  highlighting billionaire Bruce Rauner's exploitation of the tax code, which ultimately places a higher burden on Illinois' working families.

The 30-second spot underscores the shocking fact that the Republican gubernatorial candidate used loopholes now under scrutiny by the IRS to slash his tax obligation, despite earning $53 million in 2012.

The ad points out that Rauner not only used a loophole to avoid contributing a single penny to Social Security and Medicare for two straight years, in 2010 and 2011, he now says he's open to taxing retirement income including Social Security. Other schemes employed by Rauner lowered his tax rate to below that of what millions of middle class families pay.

"As Bruce Rauner's tax avoidance schemes come further to light, middle class families will know he's a candidate they can't trust," says Neal Waltmire, Communications Director for Illinois Freedom PAC, regarding the ad's anticipated impact.  "Billionaire Bruce Rauner may believe it's okay for him to play by a different set of rules, but hard-working Illinoisans are sure to disagree."

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Watch the commercial on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?
15 Jul 2014

Loebsack's Representative to Hold Office Hours

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton and Scott Counties for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692)

Marquard's schedule is as follows.

Tuesday, July 22

  • DeWitt Community Center

512 10th St.

9:00 - 10:00 AM

  • Clinton City Hall

611 S. 3rd St.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Eldridge City Hall

305 N. 3rd St.

2:00 - 3:00 PM

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