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==State Senate== |
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Lauzen has a [[dualism| dualistic]] political carreer. To a large number of his constituents, he has been known as an conservative Republican who has answered every correspondence. To a large number of legislators, and reporters, he has been known as minimally effective. <ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0116edit2jan16,0,1151742.story "More choices for Congress"] by ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2007]].</ref> This has stemmed from his alienation from other legislators, and his front of fighting against wasteful spending, yet secured $10,000 for stained-glass windows in Naperville. <ref>[http://www.johncullerton.com/Press/Chicago%20Tribune%20news%20--%202006%20Endorsements.pdf "Endorsements for Illinois"] by ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. Retreived [[January 22]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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He has been known as a [[lone wolf]] in the Senate, having been the only Senator to vote against various legislative issues, including a law that would allow [[breastfeeding]] in public <ref>[http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/search/homesubmitForm.do "Senate passes bill to allow breastfeeding"] by ''Copley News Services'' on [[March 26]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2007]].</ref>. |
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Various issues he has pushed while in the State Senate include, term limits to 12 years for state legislators <ref>[http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2889766464&format=GNBFI&sort=BOOLEAN&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2889766468&cisb=22_T2889766467&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=144580&docNo=4 "GOP taking up cause of term limits in General Assembly"] by ''Copley News Services'' on [[February 13]], [[1995]]. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2007]]. </ref>, disclosure of spending in the General Assembly, and reduced deficit spending in Illinois. |
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Lauzen has also been known for speaking against various issues nation-wide, including mental healthcare reform for children. When asked about a recommendation by the Illinois Mental Health Commission calling for universal screening for mental illness for all children, Lauzen criticized it, telling the ''Tribune'' in [[Fort Pierce, Florida]], "If I were going to err, I would err on the side of the person who loves that child and not the person who knows what's best for that child." <ref>[http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2889790724&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2889790727&cisb=22_T2889790726&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&selRCNodeID=6&nodeStateId=411en_US,1,22&docsInCategory=1&csi=222065&docNo=1 "Science tries to find secrets of teen brains"] by Tina Hesman and Matthew Franck of the ''Tribune'' on [[December 23]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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==State Comptroller race== |
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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, Illinois|East Dundee]], but lost in the general election to [[Democratic Party (United States)|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 of America|United Way]]. <ref>[http://archpundit.com/blog/2004/02/20/why-kathurias-lawsuit-should-have-been-predicted/ Why Kathuria's lawsuit should have been predicted] ArchPundit Retrieved [[December 8]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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==Controversies== |
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On December 21, 2007, Lauzen announced that he would return $99,800 in campaign contributions from a business that has been under investigation by the Illinois general attorney's office for deceptive marketing practices. 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 returned contributions from Burgess and IPA between [[2002]] and [[2006]], 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> When asked about returning the money after others returned the donations in 2006, Lauzen refused to do so, stating that "neither John Burgess nor IPA have ever asked me for a thing. The company employs thousands of people. They have helped tens of thousands of small businesses in this country." <ref>[http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/search/homesubmitForm.do "Officials differ on ditching campaign money from troubled firm"] by Mike Colias of ''[[Associated Press]]'' on [[May 10]], [[2006]]. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2008]].</ref> |
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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 after Lauzen's refusal to support Illinois FIRST, an education proposal that Lauzen criticized as too costly. Lauzen announced he was returning $10,000 in contributions after then-Governor Ryan questioned Lauzen's opposition to the program.<ref>[http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2889876587&format=GNBFI&sort=BOOLEAN&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2889876590&cisb=22_T2889876589&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=144580&docNo=21 "Senator returns $10,000 donation to Gov. Ryan"] by Dean Olson of The State Journal-Register on [[August 5]], [[1999]]. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2008]]</ref> |
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==Congressional Campaign== |
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Lauzen officially began his campaign for congress in [[Illinois' 14th congressional district]] on [[September 19]], [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/15/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3263647.shtml "Conservative Enters Race For Hastert's Seat"], ''[[CBS News]]'', [[September 15]], [[2007]]. Retrieved [[September 17]], [[2007]]</ref> Lauzen is running to succeed [[Dennis Hastert]], who has announced he will not be seeking another term.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293576,00.html "Rep. Dennis Hastert Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election"], ''[[Fox News]]'', [[August 17]], [[2007]]. Retrieved [[August 17]], [[2007]]</ref> Lauzen's main opponent is businessman [[James D. Oberweis|Jim Oberweis]] in the Republican primary. |
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The race has been a fierce competition between the two main candidates, with accusations flying against both men. On [[January 15]], [[2008]], Lauzen and Oberweis participated in debate at [[Aurora University]]. 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 regarding questions Oberweis' campaign has raised regarding IPA.<ref>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-oberweis_16jan16,1,5962746.story</ref> |
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Lauzen has also been criticized for his thoughts on national issues. <ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0116edit2jan16,0,1151742.story More choices for Congress] by ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. Retrieved [[January 22]], [[2007]].</ref> His lack of knowledge on national issues was seen on Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVG6oZ_14O0], where he didn't know what position to take on national issues, including wiretapping, the war in Iraq, and trade, although he later developed a position in favor of [[Fair Trade]] policies. |
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Lauzen has received endorsements from the Aurora Beacon News, the Kane County Chronicle and the Daily Chronicle (DeKalb, Illinois). |
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==Personal History== |
==Personal History== |
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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.<ref name="Ab. Chris"/> |
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.<ref name="Ab. Chris"/> |
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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.<ref name="Meet Lauzen">[http://www.senategop.state.il.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=92 Meet Senator Lauzen] Illinois Senate Republicans. Retrieved [[May 25]], [[2007]]</ref> |
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.<ref name="Meet Lauzen">[http://www.senategop.state.il.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=92 Meet Senator Lauzen] Illinois Senate Republicans. Retrieved [[May 25]], [[2007]]</ref> |
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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. <ref>[http://archpundit.com/blog/2004/02/20/why-kathurias-lawsuit-should-have-been-predicted/ Why Kathuria's lawsuit should have been predicted] ArchPundit Retrieved [[December 8]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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Chris Lauzen and his wife Sarah have four boys, Ted, Elliot, Hans, and Robbie. Lauzen is a second-generation American, his family immigrating from present-day [[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]]).<ref name="lauzen">[http://www.lauzen.com/mediacenter/view_press_release.cfm?id=21 "Visiting President of Romania Awards National Medal of Romania to State Senator Chris Lauzen"], [[July 28]], [[2006]]</ref> |
Chris Lauzen and his wife Sarah have four boys, Ted, Elliot, Hans, and Robbie. Lauzen is a second-generation American, his family immigrating from present-day [[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]]).<ref name="lauzen">[http://www.lauzen.com/mediacenter/view_press_release.cfm?id=21 "Visiting President of Romania Awards National Medal of Romania to State Senator Chris Lauzen"], [[July 28]], [[2006]]</ref> |
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Revision as of 05:02, 24 January 2008
Chris Lauzen | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 25th district | |
| In office 1993 - | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Sarah Lauzen |
| Profession | CPA, businessman |
Chris Lauzen is a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate, having been first elected in 1992. He is also a current candidate for Congress in Illinois' 14th congressional district. Lauzen is running to succeed Dennis Hastert, who has announced he will not be seeking another term.[1] Lauzen will likely face businessman Jim Oberweis in the Republican primary.
"Fab Five"
In 1992, Lauzen was elected to the Illinois State Senate, grouped together after the election with a group of conservative state senators who were dubbed the Fab Five. The Fab Five, along with Dave Syverson, Steve Rauschenberger, Patrick O'Malley, and Peter Fitzgerald, were known for countering with the Republican leadership. Of the five senators, only Lauzen and Syverson remain in the Senate. Fitzgerald ran successfully for the United States Senate in 1998 and served one term. Rauschenberger lost the 2004 primary for U.S. Senate to Jack Ryan and later the 2006 primary for Lieutenant Governor (after dropping from the race as a gubernatorial candidate). O'Malley lost the 2002 Republican primary for governor to Jim Ryan.
Personal History
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.[2]
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.[3]
Chris Lauzen and his wife Sarah have four boys, Ted, Elliot, Hans, and Robbie. Lauzen is a second-generation American, his family immigrating from present-day 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).[4]
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.[4]
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
- ^ "Rep. Dennis Hastert Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election", Fox News, August 17, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2007
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Ab. Chriswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Meet Senator Lauzen Illinois Senate Republicans. Retrieved May 25, 2007
- ^ a b "Visiting President of Romania Awards National Medal of Romania to State Senator Chris Lauzen", July 28, 2006
External links
- State Senator Lauzen Senator Chris Lauzen official websites
- Lauzen for Congress congressional campaign website
- Illinois General Assembly - Senator Chris Lauzen (R) 25th District official IL Senate website
- Follow the Money - Chris Lauzen
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Christopher J. 'Chris' Lauzen (IL) profile
- Illinois State Senate Republicans - Chris Lauzen profile
- Media articles
- Lauzen finds Rose Bowl ticket questions thorny, Ray Long, The Chicago Tribune, December 21, 2007
- Illinois 14: New Lauzen Poll Shows Dead Heat, Stuart Rothenberg, The Rothenberg Political Report , November 6, 2007
- "I Should Have Known", Senator Chris Lauzen, Aurora Beacon News, November 16, 2004
- Name game's just silly Chicago Sun-Times, March 5, 2001
- Everyone will know legislator's a CPA Chicago Sun-Times, February 3, 2001
- Lauzen Doesn't Know YouTube, January 8, 2008