“Our endorsement goes to Gregory Bedell, a Chicago attorney who is making his first run for office. Bedell, 49, says the Republican Party in recent years lost its way because it abandoned its bedrock values: low taxes, responsible spending and reasonable regulation. He wants government to take a careful, restrained approach to health care, financial regulation, trade and other issues.”

“Bedell says the government should provide a safety net for Americans who are hurting in the economic downturn by extending jobless benefits and providing emergency funding for Medicaid and Medicare. But he says Congress shouldn’t try to fix the domestic auto industry with a huge commitment of taxpayer dollars and has to avoid the temptation to resort to trade protectionism.”

See the Editorial Board Interviews:

To the Editorial Board:

As one of the non-Democratic Party candidates in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat, I was disheartened, not by your selection of Mr. Quigley, but what can only be seen as the Sun-Times’ endorsement of a one party system.

The Blagojevich scandal, the pay-to-play scandals (which your paper headlined on its front page just last week) and what seems to be the never ending stream of corruption surrounding our local governments, are testimony to the inevitable abuses inherent in a one party system. It is clear that this situation will not change until the party in power is truly challenged and, if merited, removed.

Notwithstanding that the Sun-Times sees a statistical inevitability in this election, the people of the 5th District have many choices available to them across several parties. The Sun-Times has done a disservice to its readers, and has failed in its public trust, by failing to inform people of their choices and guide them, if it sees fit, through thoughtful endorsements. This is unfortunate; and a city with the stature of Chicago deserves better.

Chicago, IL (Feb. 9, 2009) –

Greg Bedell, Republican candidate for Congress in the Illinois 5th District Special Election, today received the endorsement of Tony Peraica, Cook County Commissioner, 16th District.

In announcing his endorsement of Mr. Bedell, Mr. Peraica said, “Greg Bedell is one of the new, energetic Republicans who can make a difference by leading with traditional principles. He’ll fight for all the citizens of the 5th District, without ties to the political machine or special interest groups.”

Mr. Bedell, 49, said he is running for Congress to support a return to Republican fundamentals. His campaign is focused on developing creative solutions to the current challenges citizens face – solutions grounded in traditional Republican beliefs of fiscal responsibility and strong national security. “The country needs to find direction in the Republican basics of low taxes, responsible spending and reasonable regulation.  My experience and my character have prepared me to take on this fight, and now is the time to do it,” said Mr. Bedell, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District of Illinois.

About Greg Bedell

An attorney for more than 23 years, Mr. Bedell’s focus has been to help individuals and small businesses solve problems. In describing his qualifications for office, Mr. Bedell said, “I believe that the strength of the individual, not the government, is the greatest resource we have to solve problems.”

In order to leverage the power of individual contributions, he said, “I want to know what people think about the issues, and what they need, in order to thoroughly understand them.  This absolutely applies to people with views different from mine. By listening, you can reach common ground, which will provide ideas that will work for the district.”

Mr. Bedell and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Yvonne (7) and Conner (4). A 1982 graduate of the University of Chicago, he has been practicing law in Chicago since 1985. He started his career as a staff attorney with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In 1987, he went into private practice. Over the years, he has also volunteered with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and has taught constitutional and commercial law.

For more information on the candidate and his stance on issues, please visit http://www.bedellforcongress.org

About Tony Peraica

A true American success story, Mr. Peraica was born in Croatia in 1957, and was orphaned at the age of 11. He came to the United States when he was 13.   He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned his B.A., and went on to earn his law degree from the John Marshall Law School.  He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1984, and continues to work as a lawyer in private practice at Anthony J. Peraica & Associates.

As an underdog candidate, he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 2002 as a Republican. Mr. Peraica was a member of the alliance of mostly-freshman commissioners that defeated Stroger’s proposed 2004 budget.  Since that time, he has championed a reform agenda on the Cook County Board.

In 2006, running a reform campaign for the Cook County Board, Mr. Peraica secured more votes than any other Republican in Cook County history - narrowly losing to now-President Todd Stroger.

Mr. Peraica did win re-election to the County Board - and continues to fight for reform.  He is up for re-election in 2010 - a must-win race for Democrats, Republicans and Independents interested in reform.

For more information about Mr. Peraica, please visit http://www.peraica.com

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION

press@bedellforcongress.org

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However, the bill proposed and passed by Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leadership lacked the President’s insight, discipline and bi-partisan spirit. Rather than pass a bill that the President called for, including tax cuts and infrastructure investment (bridges, roads, power grid, etc.) only about a third of the spending was directed to these needed programs; the rest was big government spending on special interest programs. By now we’ve all heard the stories of the pet projects, totaling billions of dollars, which were put in the bill but which would have no stimulative effect; they would only create further government program dependence and increase the deficit and national debt. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office’s own analysis suggested that most of the affect of the Democrats’ bill would not been seen by workers for a few years. This is not what is needed.

I credit the Republican Party for standing up for tax payers, now and for generations into the future. If the other programs are worthy, let them be debated on their own merits, stand under the light of day and not be hidden as “stimulus” when the entire country knows this is not the case.

I agree with, and would support, the proposals of the Republicans in Congress. I believe the most effective and rapid stimulation comes from putting money directly back into people’s pockets; I fear the waste and inefficiency that can come from routing it through Washington. I support an immediate suspension of payroll taxes; I would support a tax credit for home buyers and, perhaps, new car buyers; I would support an extension of the Bush administration’s tax cuts as well as keeping the capital gains tax at its current rate.

On the spending side, I do support the infrastructure proposals of President Obama, recognizing, however, that their stimulative effects will not be immediate. I would support loan guarantees to companies investing in technological innovations and I would support the Federal Housing Administration and Federal Reserve programs which help qualified homeowners in mortgage trouble. And, because I believe that at times like this, government must provide a safety net, I would support extension of jobless benefits as well as any emergency funding for Medicaid and Medicare so that those in need of medical treatment can get it.

Jennifer and I decided that this was an important event not just in my life but in our family’s. My family is with me, and I need that. It was important that we took that first part of the journey together.

Plus, the kids got to see Springfield, the beautiful capitol of our state. By that time, though, the kids were more interested in McDonalds. (Yes, we stopped.)

At one event, I had the good fortune to listen to a financial professional who very clearly outlined the sequence of events, literally dating back over a decade, which lead up to our current financial crisis. There are many lessons to be taken from this situation but one is clear: we all must take responsibility for the financial decisions we make. From top to bottom, from the United States government to our personal credit card use, we must re-examine what we need and what we can afford. My wife always asks herself (as I do now) “is this a want or a need?” Sometimes wants need to be postponed so we can be sure to have the means to buy the needs.

This lesson was confirmed by another presentation that night on the chaos of the Federal government’s finances. Between the size of the national debt ($59 trillion) and the inability of the GAO to account for where it has all gone, we must change our ways. We must be creative and learn to do more with less; identify problems which are not solved simply by money (education for example) and stop just throwing money at them. We must devote our resources to where they will do the most good. President Obama pleaded as much yesterday. I don’t know if Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Congress will cooperate with him in cutting programs that don’t work; they’ve got too much vested in the system. I want to bring my belief in the Republican basics, which includes responsible spending, to Washington to help President Obama cut unnecessary spending.

Last week, I and some very dear friends spent more than a few hours standing in the cold and snow asking people to sign my nominating petitions. This was an incredible experience. I met new people and I listened to what they had to say (even if a few said “you’re all crooks!”). A candidate must earn the privilege of representing the community. The petition process was just the first step.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, we obtained more than the required number of signatures to be placed on the ballot. I personally came away from the process with a deeper appreciation for the diverse group of people I one day hope to call my constituents. It was an experience I will never forget.

The country and the Republican party need to get back to the Republican Fundamentals of low taxes, responsible spending and reasonable regulation.  My experience and my character have prepared me to take on this fight and now is the time to do it.

Why me?

I Listen, I Understand and I Lead

My experience, who I am and what I believe in has prepared me to bring these essential skills to the service of the People of the 5th Congressional District of Illinois.

I have the experience to know the problems people in this District face.  I’ve been an attorney for over 23 years and during this time I’ve helped individuals and businesses solve their problems.  I’ve helped people start new businesses and I’ve helped people that can’t afford to pay their bills.  I understand the issues people face everyday.

• I have Unique Experiences that give me a fresh and important perspective:
• I have International Experience working with and teaching people abroad.
• I have been a teacher and Professor of Law
• I was a supporting spouse who had the role of Mr. Mom

I deeply believe in the principles that made our Nation great: Opportunity; Equality; The Power of the Individual; and, above all, Liberty. I don’t believe in labels: ask me about the issues.

I am committed to listening and understanding: I want to know what people think about the issues and what they need and I want to understand them.  This applies to my constituents and to people with views different from mine

My experience has proven that by listening to others (and understanding their needs, concerns and fears) you can reach common ground; very few issues are black and white or zero sum games.  It all begins with listening, not shouting.

Because I believe in Liberty, I believe that Government has an important role in many aspects of life but it should not be involved everywhere and it cannot solve every problem.

I will bring both creative solutions as well as a traditional Republican belief in fiscal responsibility and strong national security to the job.

I can and will say NO: NO earmarks; NO surrendering our government to special interests (like “Card Check” and Tort Lawyers); NO abdication of our Leadership in the world.  NO protectionism that will only ruin our economy.  NO class warfare policies that divide our nation.   NO to tax policies that will destroy job creation.

Why Republican?

I believe in the strength of the individual, the power of the private sector and the importance of family.

• I believe that the strength of the individual, and not the government, is the greatest resource we have to solve problems;
• I believe the private sector, and not the government, is the provider of opportunities for our society;
• I believe the power of the private sector, in cooperation with the government, can provide better and more lasting solutions to today’s problems - and it should be given the chance to solve the problems; (e.g., education, health care, retirement security, poverty);
• I believe the family unit is the strength of our society and that that institution must be recognized, respected and given full support of government, and society;
• I believe the security of our nation is the Federal government’s primary function;

What can Government do?

The role of government is first and foremost to keep us safe.  It then must ensure a fair and level playing field so that all may have the opportunity to succeed.

The responsibility of the government depends on the level, Federal, state or local.  Each has its own role to play; and sometimes they overlap and must work together.

Neither individuals nor business alone can solve all problems.  The government must be the “net;” and the government must be the watchdog and referee to ensure our rights, especially equal opportunity.  I recognize both individuals and businesses can be prone to abuses.  The government must act to restrain abuses and punish those who stray.  To some extent, government can set a tone of what is right and acceptable and provide a voice to the People to guide business on what can and cannot be done in business, and society in general.

It is a philosophy of not only government but of life; we have become dependent on government to fix every ill; it can’t and is shouldn’t try.  It simply cannot do it and we would bankrupt the country trying.  More importantly, if we try to fix everything, and financially we can’t, aren’t we acting unfairly?  How do we chose?  Whose cause is more needy or just?  Is clean water and air more important than supporting an orphan drug?  Are work programs more important than fixing a bridge over which thousands cross daily?  Are children more deserving then the old, the infirm, the veterans?  Is taking care of peoples health more important than insuring they are safe?  How do we make these choices?  Democrats believe government can and should fix all; Republicans know better, and history is on our side.

After national security, the Federal government’s most important roles are the establishment of a responsible, predictable fiscal policy and the enforcement of civil rights.

GUIDING THEMES:

1. INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE IS THE STRENGTH OF THE NATION
2. PARTNERSHIPS: Government and the private sector must work together on education; health; family; energy and the environment.  Government can’t do it alone.
3. WE CAN DO BETTER!