Rebel Media: Three versions of Sullivan's Liberty Town Hall stop

Rebel Media: Three versions of Sullivan's Liberty Town Hall stop

1 year, 1 month ago

Here's what State Sen. John Sullivan's office released regarding his town hall stop in Liberty earlier this week:

State Senator John Sullivan (D‐Rushville) spoke to a crowd of approximately 35 people Monday night at the Liberty Village Hall. The event, at which Sen. Sullivan discussed the
state’s budget and took questions from the audience, was one of four town hall meetings the senator is hosting throughout the 47th District this week. In Liberty, the topics included responsible budget cuts, gun owners’ rights, and Sen. Sullivan’s plan to give an incentive to businesses that hire unemployed veterans.

Here's what one person who attended had to say:

About 25 people altogether.  I counted 8 from the Quincy Tea party alone. Frese's campaign manager - Jim Reis, is it? (EDITOR'S NOTE: Reis is a paid staffer for Randy Frese, Sullivan's Republican opponent in November.)

Liberty cross country team showed up to ask him to oppose the pending legislation that calls for fees to use State Parks.  That will cause them and other organizations some
hardship when they use SP's for fundraising events and meets.

Lot's of questions about budget issues, drug testing for welfare and aid, and fraud that drives up the cost of every entitlement..

I pressed him on a couple second amendment issues, and specifically asked him to join Sam McCann (Carlinville) and co-sponsor the bill to do away with the FOID card.  He said he'd "look into it."  (That means "no but thanks for being a #@$!#@ and bringing it up in front of my supporters!")

I asked him, specifically, if John Cullerton gets retained by his district - considering his anti-second amendment stance in most instances - would he (Sullivan) still vote for Cullerton for Senate President.  His answer was basically that since Cullerton had agreed to allow a vote on CCW *if* it made it through the House, that he (Sullivan) considered him less in opposition to 2A issues and so yes, he *would* vote for him to stay on as Senate President.  Groans throughout the room.....

It's typical that Sullivan tries to sound middle of the road, speaking to downstate conservative audiences, advocating cutting expenses before passing tax increase, and all that rot but then votes with Chicago consistently.  Not surprising since he raises so much money up there.  Last I heard it was over $300K.

Here's how the folks at Whig.com spun it. Remember, regionalism is the rule:

State Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, told an audience in Liberty Monday night that divisions in the Illinois Legislature revolve around regionalism more than politics most of the time.
“It’s not so much politics on 90 percent of what we deal with. It’s regionalism and trying to get our fair share” of services and funding, Sullivan said.
His comments came after several questioners had opined that liberalism or Chicago’s influence in the state capitol had put Illinois in its current financial straights. Sullivan said he often does not agree with other members of the Senate Democratic leadership, choosing to seek what he sees as best for those living in Western Illinois.
Likewise, Sullivan said the lawmakers who are in Chicago or any other area, try to look out for their constituents’ interests.
It’s a different world, with Sullivan representing about 210,000 residents of a district that measures 6,000 square miles in Western Illinois, while one Senator in Chicago represents 6 square miles, with a similar number of constituents.