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The contributions in question were made by [[International Profit Associates]], its owner [[John R. Burgess]] and his family over the past 9 years. Lauzen stated that Burgess and IPA had no conflicts of interest or state contracts. Several other politicians have recently returned contributions from Burgess and IPA, including Illinois Senator [[Barack Obama]], Illinois Governor [[Rod Blagojevich]], Wisconsin Governor [[Jim Doyle]], United States Senator [[Hillary Rodham Clinton]] and New York State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Salles, Andre|publisher=''[[The Beacon News]]''|title=Lauzen giving back money from contributor under state investigation|url=http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/709191,2_1_AU22_LAUZEN_S1.article|date=2007-12-22|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=McIntire, Mike|title=Rubbing Shoulders With Trouble, and Presidents|publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/nyregion/07company.html?pagewanted=print|date=2006-05-07|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref>
The contributions in question were made by [[International Profit Associates]], its owner [[John R. Burgess]] and his family over the past 9 years. Lauzen stated that Burgess and IPA had no conflicts of interest or state contracts. Several other politicians have recently returned contributions from Burgess and IPA, including Illinois Senator [[Barack Obama]], Illinois Governor [[Rod Blagojevich]], Wisconsin Governor [[Jim Doyle]], United States Senator [[Hillary Rodham Clinton]] and New York State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Salles, Andre|publisher=''[[The Beacon News]]''|title=Lauzen giving back money from contributor under state investigation|url=http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/709191,2_1_AU22_LAUZEN_S1.article|date=2007-12-22|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=McIntire, Mike|title=Rubbing Shoulders With Trouble, and Presidents|publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/nyregion/07company.html?pagewanted=print|date=2006-05-07|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref>


⚫
Many years ago, Lauzen returned campaign contributions from Illinois Governor George Ryan. Lauzen frequently notes that the return of the Ryan contributions has parallels to his decision to return IPA's donations. Much like the IPA situation, Lauzen initiated the return of George Ryan's donations entirely on his own and did not wait for a challenge from a political opponent. Lauzen began the process of returning $10,000 in contributions after then-Governor Ryan questioned Lauzen's opposition to the scandal-ridden Illinois FIRST program and wondered why he would contribute money only to get opposition in return.<ref>http://www.lauzen2008.com/article.asp?a=42</ref> Ryan was later convicted on numerous felony counts. Lauzen has noted that his well-known opposition to Ryan is a sign of his long-time independence from the Illinois GOP establishment.
⚫
Lauzen's opponent in the GOP primary, Jim Oberweis, has removed numerous press releases from his campaign's website which labeled Burgess a "convicted felon." No news agencies have been able to confirm the accuracy of Mr. Oberweis' previous characterization of Mr. Burgess in both print and radio advertisements.


⚫
Lauzen's opponent in the GOP primary, Oberweis, has removed numerous press releases from his campaign's website which labeled Burgess a "convicted felon." No news agencies have been able to confirm the accuracy of Oberweis' previous characterization of Burgess as a "convicted felon" in both print and radio advertisements. An independent conservative blog, the Illinois Review, inquired as to why the press releases were removed and received many days later a non-responsive answer from Oberweis' campaign spokesman, Bill Pascoe.<ref>http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/01/oberweis-campai.html</ref>
⚫
Many years ago, Lauzen returned campaign contributions from Illinois Governor George Ryan. Much like the IPA situation, Lauzen initiated the return of donations entirely on his own and did not wait for a challenge from a political opponent. Lauzen began the process of returning $10,000 in contributions after then-Governor Ryan questioned Lauzen's opposition to the scandal-ridden Illinois FIRST program and wondered why he would contribute money only to get opposition in return.<ref>http://www.lauzen2008.com/article.asp?a=42</ref> Ryan was later convicted on numerous felony counts. Lauzen has noted that his well-known opposition to Ryan is a sign of his long-time independence from the Illinois GOP establishment.

Pascoe previously ran Alan Keyes' failed 2004 U.S. Senate campaign to Senator Barack Obama and took credit for the idea of recruiting Keyes to run against Obama when GOP nominee, Jack Ryan, had to drop out.<ref>http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2005/11/column_gone_and.html</ref> Oddly enough, the runner-up to Ryan in 2004 was Oberweis, who was passed over in favor of Keyes.


==Aurora Beacon News/CBS 2 Chicago Debate==
==Aurora Beacon News/CBS 2 Chicago Debate==

Revision as of 03:25, 23 January 2008

Chris Lauzen
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 25th district
In office
1993 -
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
SpouseSarah Lauzen
ProfessionCPA, businessman

Chris Lauzen is a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate, representing the 25th district since 1993. He was elected to the state senate in 1992, as part of a group of conservative state senators who were dubbed the "Fab Five", and who often challenged the leadership of the Illinois Republican Party; other members of this group include: Peter Fitzgerald, Patrick O'Malley, Steve Rauschenberger, and Dave Syverson.[1] Previously he has served on the board of directors for the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and Holy Angels School, and was a Kane County Building Commissioner.[2]

Lauzen officially began his campaign for congress in Illinois' 14th congressional district on September 19, 2007.[3] Lauzen is running to succeed Dennis Hastert, who has announced he will not be seeking another term.[4] Lauzen will likely face businessman Jim Oberweis in the Republican primary.

Political Philosophy and Legislative Achievements

Lauzen is known as an independent, conservative Republican, who is unambiguously pro-life, pro-Constitution (including the 2nd Amendment) and pro-traditional family. He is widely viewed as a fiscal conservative willing to fight against wasteful government spending and opposes tax increases. As a public servant, Lauzen has relied on four legislative priorities: (1) creatin a business climate in Illinois where private sector can maintain and create more jobs paying higher wages; (2) cutting waste in government spending; (3) consistently opposing increases in major state taxes, perks, and pay increases for politicians, and increases to the size of state government; and (4) placing principles ahead of “politics”, fostering solutions to the big problems, and being responsive to every constituent.[5] Lauzen is known throughout his State Senate district for returning every phone call and piece of correspondence personally. Conservative commentators have frequently described Lauzen's independence from the Illinois Republican establishment, the following comment being just one such example: "Chris is noteworthy for doing what he thinks is right no matter what the political consequences."[6]

Lauzen has been a leader in women's health issues, such as his sponsorship of the Breast Cancer Research voluntary check-off on the state income tax return, an initiative which has raised over $2.5 million from Illinois contributors. He also was the lead sponsor on the ban on partial-birth abortion, which was passed into law by a pro-choice governor. Lauzen started the Illinois Porkbuster's program, which seeks to cut $5 million each year in waste from the state budget. He also launched a prescription drug pilot program to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Lauzen's record also confirms that he voted against providing public college tuition discounts to illegal immigrants and led the charge to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining driver's licenses in Illinois.[7] Lauzen has received several awards from anti-tax watchdog groups, and is a recipient of the Illinois Farm Bureau's Activator Award. Finally, Lauzen has made education reform a top priority during his tenure in Springfield and has written extensively on legislative measures that impact public education through his "Voice from the Senate Floor" papers.[8]

Personal History

All four of Lauzen's grandparents immigrated from what is now Romania to the United States in the early 20th century, coming from Istrău village and Satu Mare, in Satu Mare County (then part of Austria-Hungary).[9]

Lauzen received his B.A. in Management Science and English from Duke University in 1974, and graduated with an MBA degree from Harvard University in 1978.[1]

Lauzen is a Certified Public Accountant and is the owner of Comprehensive Accounting Services in Geneva, Illinois. He previously was assistant to the corporate president of Gould Corporation from 1978 to 1979, and later served as President of Comprehensive Accounting Corporation in Aurora, Illinois from 1979 to 1984.[2] His reference to being a CPA grew to such proportions as to request his name be legally changed to "Chris Lauzen CPA." A judge, however, ruled that he cannot do such a thing. [10]

Chris Lauzen and his wife, Sarah, have four boys, named Ted, Elliot, Hans, and Robbie.[1] Lauzen admitted that the effort was a mistake and that he received poor advice from a consultant.

On July 28, 2006, Romanian President Traian Băsescu awarded Lauzen the Order of the Star of Romania Medal, Commander Rank (the highest commendation granted to a foreign citizen by Romania), in recognition of his work to promote relations between Romania and the United States.[9]

Race for Illinois State Comptroller

In 1998 Senator Lauzen ran for Illinois State Comptroller to replace retiring Republican Comptroller Loleta Didrickson. Chris Lauzen won the Republican primary defeating Harry J. Seigle of East Dundee, but lost in the general election to Democrat Dan Hynes. After losing to Hynes, Lauzen turned his attention to suing his primary opponent for libel. The lawsuit resulted in a $2,000 donation to the United Way. [11]

Controversies

Some observers claim that Lauzen ran as an “outsider” for his 2008 Congressional bid despite holding an Illinois State Senate office since 1992. Lauzen calls himself an independent, conservative Republican, while his opponent, Jim Oberweis, has labeled him a "career politician" in virtually every public forum and advertisement. Prior to declaring his candidacy for Congress, Oberweis lost 3 statewide campaigns in 2002 (U.S. Senate), 2004 (U.S. Senate) and 2006 (Governor), and also was defeated at the local level on three other occasions. Critics claim that Lauzen's "outsider" campaign was also compromised by the method he used to obtain Rose Bowl tickets. On Dec 21st the Chicago Tribune revealed that he obtained six highly coveted tickets to the Rose Bowl by calling the President of the University directly. [12] Lauzen paid for the tickets in full but decided to relinquish the tickets to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in a hyper-political environment. Other Illinois public servants did not relinquish their tickets as Lauzen did.

On December 21, 2007, Lauzen announced that he would return $99,800 in campaign contributions from a business that is under investigation by the Illinois general attorney's office for deceptive marketing practices. The Aurora Beacon News gave credit to Senator Lauzen for doing "the right thing" in returning the money. [13]

The contributions in question were made by International Profit Associates, its owner John R. Burgess and his family over the past 9 years. Lauzen stated that Burgess and IPA had no conflicts of interest or state contracts. Several other politicians have recently returned contributions from Burgess and IPA, including Illinois Senator Barack Obama, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.[14][15]

Many years ago, Lauzen returned campaign contributions from Illinois Governor George Ryan. Lauzen frequently notes that the return of the Ryan contributions has parallels to his decision to return IPA's donations. Much like the IPA situation, Lauzen initiated the return of George Ryan's donations entirely on his own and did not wait for a challenge from a political opponent. Lauzen began the process of returning $10,000 in contributions after then-Governor Ryan questioned Lauzen's opposition to the scandal-ridden Illinois FIRST program and wondered why he would contribute money only to get opposition in return.[16] Ryan was later convicted on numerous felony counts. Lauzen has noted that his well-known opposition to Ryan is a sign of his long-time independence from the Illinois GOP establishment.

Lauzen's opponent in the GOP primary, Oberweis, has removed numerous press releases from his campaign's website which labeled Burgess a "convicted felon." No news agencies have been able to confirm the accuracy of Oberweis' previous characterization of Burgess as a "convicted felon" in both print and radio advertisements. An independent conservative blog, the Illinois Review, inquired as to why the press releases were removed and received many days later a non-responsive answer from Oberweis' campaign spokesman, Bill Pascoe.[17]

Pascoe previously ran Alan Keyes' failed 2004 U.S. Senate campaign to Senator Barack Obama and took credit for the idea of recruiting Keyes to run against Obama when GOP nominee, Jack Ryan, had to drop out.[18] Oddly enough, the runner-up to Ryan in 2004 was Oberweis, who was passed over in favor of Keyes.

Aurora Beacon News/CBS 2 Chicago Debate

On January 15, 2008, Lauzen and Oberweis participated in a well-attended candidate debate at Aurora University, moderated by CBS 2 Chicago anchor Rob Johnson. The event was also sponsored by the Aurora Beacon News. The Beacon News editors declared Lauzen the unanimous winner the following day.[19] The forum was notable for Oberweis' 2-minute opening statement, where he launched what was described by the Chicago Tribune as a "blistering attack" against Lauzen.[20] The Managing Editor of the Beacon News called Oberweis' performance and strategy in attacking Lauzen "downright embarassing."[21] The Beacon News/CBS 2 forum was the most high-profile of numerous debates conducted among the Congressional candidates. Other forums have included the Democratic challengers.

Key Endorsements in Race for Congress

On January 5, 2008, Lauzen hosted an event of more than 500 grassroots supporters where former United States Senator Peter Fitzgerald was the keynote speaker. Fitzgerald endorsed Lauzen enthusiastically, stating: "I can honestly say, having served with Chris Lauzen, this man is steel...He will never break his promise to you. He will never sell you out."[22] Fitzgerald, who served Illinois from 1998-2004 in the United States Senate, had previously clashed with former Rep. Dennis Hastert over the appointment of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald (no relation) and is widely viewed as an independent willing to buck the party establishment. Former State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger also spoke at the event, endorsing Lauzen and introducing Fitzgerald. The Chicago Tribune has called Rauschenberger "one of the most independent, creative members of the [Illinois] legislature."[23]

On January 20, 2008, Lauzen earned the endorsements of the Aurora Beacon News, the Kane County Chronicle and the Daily Chronicle (DeKalb, Illinois). In particular, the Aurora Beacon noted that "Lauzen has always stood for frugal spending, smaller government and conservative family values. He has not wavered from his convictions at any time in his career." [24] The Aurora Beacon emphasized Lauzen's independence within the GOP, noting "Lauzen's independent thinking has the potential to help change the culture in Washington."[25]

The Kane County Chronicle, which is widely read in the vote-rich Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles areas, stated the following: "Lauzen has presented himself as an everyman candidate who sticks by his guns and who reaches across the aisle when it is in keeping with his values and when it will benefit his constituents."[26]

In issuing its endorsement, the Daily Chronicle described Lauzen's work ethic and commitment by stating that he "appears to have a proper appreciation for the amount of hard work that goes into making policy and the painstaking pace at which even the most incremental change often occurs. It is easy to see Lauzen as a bridge-builder for getting things done in Washington because he's already done it in Springfield."[27]

Lauzen also notes endorsements of several current and former state legislators within the 14th Congressional District and many issue-based advocacy and grassroots conservative groups.[28]

Development of Policy Issues in Race for Congress

Previously, sources have noted that Lauzen has "clearly developed more issue positions than [GOP primary opponent Jim] Oberweis."[29]

Lauzen's campaign website boasts detailed policy statements on 16 issues important to voters in the 14th Congressional District, ranging from National Security, Veterans' Affairs and Illegal Immigration reform to Taxes, Energy and Health Care.[30] Lauzen's primary opponent has put forth just 5 position statements.[31]

Lauzen and Oberweis differ in their positions on trade policy, with Lauzen favoring a fair trade approach while his opponent speaks of "open and unfettered" free trade. Lauzen also disagrees with Oberweis on the Prairie Parkway/Route 47+ issue, a hot topic in the 14th District. This dispute concerns the most effecient and proper use of allocated funds to alleviate traffic congestion. Oberweis supports the Prairie Parkway, while Lauzen favors using the money to expand a more robust system of roads throughout the area.

Lauzen has called Dennis Hastert's early retirement from Congress a mistake, while Oberweis applauds the former Speaker's decision to leave early. The March 8 special election to fill the remaining term for ex-Rep. Hastert is suffering from logistical problems because polling places must be moved, has resulted in a federal lawsuit and is estimated to cost taxpayers in excess of $1 million.

Electoral history

  • 2006 Race for Illinois 25th Senate District
    • (R) Chris Lauzen 65.0%
    • (D) Frank Craig 35.0%
  • 2002 Race for Illinois 25th Senate District
    • (R) Chris Lauzen 100.0%
  • 2000 Race for Illinois 21st Senate District
    • (R) Chris Lauzen 64.9%
    • (D) Stephanie Downs Hughes 35.1%
  • 1998 Race for Comptroller
    • (D) Dan Hynes 58.6%
    • (R) Chris Lauzen 39.6%
    • (Ref.) Houstoun McIntosh Sadler II 1.7%

References

  1. ^ a b c About Chris Retrieved May 25, 2007
  2. ^ a b Meet Senator Lauzen Illinois Senate Republicans. Retrieved May 25, 2007
  3. ^ "Conservative Enters Race For Hastert's Seat", CBS News, September 15, 2007. Retrieved September 17, 2007
  4. ^ "Rep. Dennis Hastert Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election", Fox News, August 17, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2007
  5. ^ http://www.lauzen08.com/article.asp?a=30
  6. ^ http://www.tomroeser.com/sectionlist.asp?Month=6&Day=11&Year=2007
  7. ^ http://www.lauzen08.com/article.asp?a=30
  8. ^ http://www.lauzen.com/issues/
  9. ^ a b "Visiting President of Romania Awards National Medal of Romania to State Senator Chris Lauzen", July 28, 2006
  10. ^ Why Kathuria's lawsuit should have been predicted ArchPundit Retrieved December 8, 2007.
  11. ^ Why Kathuria's lawsuit should have been predicted ArchPundit Retrieved December 8, 2007.
  12. ^ Long, Ray (2007-12-21). "U of I puts VIPs at front of Rose Bowl ticket line". The Chicago Tribune. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/749152,2_4_AU20_EDIT_S1.article
  14. ^ Salles, Andre (2007-12-22). "Lauzen giving back money from contributor under state investigation". The Beacon News. Retrieved 2008-01-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ McIntire, Mike (2006-05-07). "Rubbing Shoulders With Trouble, and Presidents". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-01-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ http://www.lauzen2008.com/article.asp?a=42
  17. ^ http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/01/oberweis-campai.html
  18. ^ http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2005/11/column_gone_and.html
  19. ^ http://www.lauzen2008.com/article.asp?a=122
  20. ^ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-oberweis_16jan16,1,5962746.story
  21. ^ http://www.lauzen2008.com/article.asp?a=122
  22. ^ http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2008/01/06/news/local/doc4780b92da5218779175406.txt
  23. ^ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0603050422mar05,0,3090305.story?coll=chi-newsopinion-hed
  24. ^ http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/749152,2_4_AU20_EDIT_S1.article
  25. ^ http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/749152,2_4_AU20_EDIT_S1.article
  26. ^ http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2008/01/21/opinion/editorials/doc4792ae3043894092109075.txt
  27. ^ http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/01/20/opinions/opinions01.txt
  28. ^ http://www.lauzen2008.com/endorsements.asp
  29. ^ http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/01/07/in-the-gutter/
  30. ^ http://www.lauzen2008.com/issues.asp
  31. ^ http://jimoberweis.com/issues/
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