Greg Bedell

Greg and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Yvonne Lillian, who is 7 (“7 ½!” she always reminds) and Connor Martin, who is 4.   They live in an apartment in the District which they have owned for almost 10 years.

A 1982 graduate of the College of the University of Chicago, Greg has been practicing law in Chicago since 1985.  Greg started his career as a Staff Attorney with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and then, in 1987, went into private practice, which was devoted to helping individuals and small businesses solve their problems.  Greg helped start many of the businesses he represents and has worked closely with them as they grew.  Over the years Greg also volunteered his time with the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services organization.  Working with less fortunate individuals, Greg helped people facing the challenges presented by drug abuse, debt and broken homes.   Greg received a Distinguished Service Award from the CVLS for his work.

In 2005, Greg and his family embarked on what they call their “Amazing Adventure.”  Jennifer was asked to join the Chicago-based company, Navteq, as its Paris-based European Marketing Director.  Greg took this opportunity to follow a long held dream of teaching and for two years taught Constitutional and Commercial law at several French universities, including the prestigious School of Political Science of Paris.  The family returned this summer and Greg rejoined his Loop law firm of Knabe, Kroning & Mainzer.

Besides being with his family, Greg loves to row on the Lincoln Park Lagoon. (He started the first modern era pubic high school rowing program at Hyde Park’s Kenwood Academy.)  Greg also loves to ride his bike along the Lake Front and follow his passion of studying the history and development of the United States Constitution.

Why am I running?

I have the experience and character to support a return to Republican Fundamentals

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!