ACTIVATOR, the "political involvement fund" of the Illinois Farm Bureau, endorsed U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, at Kenny and Marilyn Bush's farm in Rock Island County on Thursday.

"In a very short time, Bobby has complied an impressive voting record and demonstrated a strong commitment to agriculture," said said Steven Fricke, a Stephenson County farmer and chair of the 17th Congressional District ACTIVATOR Trustee Committee.

The endorsement noted Rep. Schilling's support of free trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia and Panama. A statement from his Democratic challenger, Cheri Bustos of East Moline, said the agreements "offshore American jobs and hurt farmers" and were opposed by the National Farmers Union.

Reagan BBQ

Republican State Treasurer Dan Rutherford will be the keynote speaker at the annual Ronald Reagan barbeque on Sept. 6.

The barbeque will be held at Kenny and Marily Bush's farm on Illinois 92 between Milan and Andalusia. Tickets are $25 for adults; children are free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (309) 764-6262 or emailing ricogop@aol.com.

The pulled pork dinner starts at 4 p.m. and will be served by Vietnam Veterans of America, Rock Island Chapter 299. The Tony Hamilton Orchestra will play 4-6 p.m. Republican candidates for state, local and federal office will attend.



Anderson's money

Moline firefighter Neil Anderson is starting to attract some considerable money to his campaign for District 72 state representative. He's running against State Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross's fundraising committee cut a check for $10,000 to Mr. Anderson's campaign on Aug. 27. The Illinois House Republican Organization also recently spent $8,500 on a poll for Mr. Anderson's campaign and $3,000 to produce a campaign commercial. Mr. Anderson also has reported collecting $15,000 from various conservative political action committees in the past week.

Firefighters for Jacobs

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Political Action Committee has endorsed state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, in the Illinois 36th Senate District.

The AFFI represents more than 15,000 members in 213 communities across the state. Sen. Jacobs is being challenged in the November elections by Republican Bill Albracht.

"Senator Jacobs has always impressed us with his depth of knowledge on issues important not only to firefighters, but to all working men and women in his district and the state," said AFFI Legislative Representative Chuck Sullivan.

Crabby's GOP meeting

A host of Republican candidates will attend a "meet and greet" at Crabby's Bar and Grill in Coal Valley at 4 p.m. Friday, including Rep. Schilling, Mr. Albracht and GOP state's attorney candidate Jim Wozniak.

The event is being organized by Republican Rock Island County Board District 22 candidate Drue Mielke.



Quote of the week

State Rep. Rich Morthland, R-Cordova, speaking at a Republican fundraiser in Port Byron on Monday, described his time as a member of the Rock Island County Board before being elected to serve in Springfield.

"We were working to bring the Rock Island County Board to heel and we did it, and people took notice, and people saw that a handful of strong individuals who are standing for the right can make the difference even in a place as corrupt and as crooked as Rock Island County. It can happen," he said.