Latest Campaign News

Illinois Governor Race Focuses on Ailing Finances

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

Illinois is in such bad fiscal shape that former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was indicted on wide-ranging corruption charges less than a year ago, has been only a footnote in the heated primary campaign for governor.

Statement from Andy McKenna on the passing of Edward Dillard

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Visits Quincy

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

McKenna: State can close deficit in 5 years

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

New Poll Shows McKenna Leads in GOP Primary

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Change the Game

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Marion's Butler Endorses Andy McKenna

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

McKenna, Ryan, Dillard Atop Republican Governor Field

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

In addition to Hynes' attack ads, Quinn also has been targeted by McKenna, the most prolific advertiser on the Republican side. McKenna's ad blitz helped him achieve support from 19 percent of Republican voters compared to 18 percent for Elmhurst's Ryan and 14 percent for Dillard, of Hinsdale.

GOP Governor Hopeful McKenna Outlines Plans

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Journal Gazette, January 17, 2010

“I have taken a pledge not to raise taxes,” McKenna said, adding a tax increase would place too great of a burden on families during difficult economic times.

McKenna said the state should focus on reforming its spending, not increasing taxes. In particular, he said the state could save money by expanding the use of managed care for its Medicaid system. This idea is suggested in the fiscal plan presented by McKenna and lieutenant governor runningmate Matt Murphy.

For the GOP, McKenna

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Chicago Tribune, January 10, 2010

But this primary race has convinced us that businessmanAndy McKenna has the best skills set -- disciplined policy proposals,but also a level demeanor -- to pull Illinoisans together.

Splurge. Borrow. Repeat.

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Chicago Tribune, January 3, 2010

What suffuses these comments is a businesslike understanding thatMcKenna put succinctly: The people of Illinois deserve to be told that,"Every day, we're living beyond our means. . . . The old preconceptionshave to be thrown out."

Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Americans for Tax Reform, January 4, 2010

Andy McKenna of Illinois has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge inthe race for Governor. With this, he has made the commitment to"oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." To see ATR'sofficial press release regarding McKenna's signing of the Pledge, clickhere.

McKenna the Wild Card in GOP Race for Guv

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

Crain's Chicago Business, December 14, 2009

He takes credit for working hard behind the scenes to keep Springfield Republicans solidly against an income-tax increase this year, and indeed both House GOP Leader Tom Cross and Senate Republican Leader Chris Radogno give credit to him and his running mate for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine.

Guv Hopeful McKenna Urges Budget Cuts, Spending Freeze

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

December 8, 2009, Chicago Business

"... start by rolling back spending to the 2006 level — anaction that would require nearly a 20% cut of about $5 billion. Thenhe'd hold spending at that level at least until 2012 or 2013 — "untilrevenues have grown enough for us to pay down some of the state's debt,unpaid bills and unfunded pension liabilities."

Gov. Candidates React to State's Lowered Credit Rating

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

ABC 7 Chicago, December 8, 2009

Our financial position has gotten worse than it was a year ago," said Andy McKenna, Candidate for Governor (R).

Republican Andy McKenna spoke at least three hours before Moody's downgraded the state of Illinois' debt. He is one voice in a chorus of would-be governors of both parties who accuse Governor Pat Quinn of downplaying the seriousness of the state's financial problems.
"Governor Quinn is not being straightforward. We could run out of cash," said McKenna.

Video after the jump.

McKenna: Fix State Budget Without Tax Hike

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

Associated Press, December 8, 2009

Republican candidate for Illinois governor Andy McKenna says he has aplan to rescue the state's finances without an income tax increase. McKenna said Tuesday that the state needs to return to 2006 spending levels. His running mate for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Matt Murphy, saysthat will mean "short-term pain" until the state's finances can turnaround.

Quinn Blames Hynes for State's Budget Crisis

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

ABC Chicago, December 3, 2009

View the video on the next page.

McKenna Adds Hair to Quinn

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

NBC Chicago, December 2, 2009

Former Illinois GOP Chairman McKenna started running his “hair” ads inOctober when he launched his campaign for governor. The first ad was asix-minute long send-up of a long line of corrupt Illinois politicians,all decked out in wigs that resemble the famous coif of Governor Rod Blagojevich.

McKenna Banks on Business Experience

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 1, 2009

Chicago businessman and former Illinois Republican Party ChairmanAndy McKenna was in Edwardsville Wednesday as his campaign to win theparty’s nomination for gubernatorial candidate in the Feb. 2, 2010Primary election heats up.

McKenna Receives Suburban Endorsement

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Daily Herald, December 2, 2009

The new TV and radio ad launch takes a direct shot at Quinn's response to an earlier ad run by McKenna. Quinn was quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying, "I think the people of Illinois are a lot happier today, in November of 2009, than they were at the beginning of this
The announcer on McKenna's new ad says "Bah Humbug" to that and then points to the massive budget deficit and claims the state is "facingbankruptcy."