Dan Farley
(Chicago, IL) — December 29, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Dan Farley today rolled out a new and improved endorsement quote from U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL-Chicago).
“I support Dan Farley because of his commitment to advocate for property tax relief and reform, reduce wasteful spending, and fight for what’s right for our community and all of Illinois,” said Quigley.
Last week, the Farley campaign issued an e-mail and a printed brochure that announced Quigley’s endorsement and attributed a quote in the congressman’s name that took a scarcely veiled jab at Farley opponent Ann Williams, a former lobbyist at Wyeth.
“Dan Farley is not a special interest lobbyist. We need a State Representative who will fight for us and against the special interests who try to control our State. I enthusiastically support Dan Farley to fight the status quo in Illinois.”
Quigley disavowed the quote.
Meanwhile, Farley today also moved to squash another misattribution on his campaign materials that was poised to wreak havoc with his credibility. On both the campaign Web site and on a printed brochure, the Farley campaign claimed that he had been the Chairman of the IVI-IPO Tax Rollback Committee.
According to a source at the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization, no such committee or chairmanship had ever existed or had been empanelled. Oops.
Farley ascribes the error to a campaign intern assembling candidate biographical information.
In an e-mail, Farley, a former Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney, wrote:
“In addition, regarding the IVI-IPO issue regarding some tax committee, that was a mistake made by an intern that was working on my web page when I was getting started. I am a member and/or chairman of numerous groups, and the wrong language was attached next to member of IVI-IPO.”
Farley dodged a bullet.
By proactively addressing the IVI-IPO tax committee chairmanship hoo-ha now, Farley heads off a potential shoot-out tonight as he enters an IVI-IPO endorsement re-vote along with Williams and a third candidate, Ed Mullen, in the race to succeed State Rep. John Fritchey for the state House seat on Chicago’s north side.
The IVI-IPO state board of directors last week rejected the local IVI endorsement of Farley after determining some of the voters were ineligible and, thus, a quorum not present.
Farley is expected, however, to win tonight the IVI endorsement on a second try, provided a quorum of eligible voters are present, according to sources.
Farley, who has rounded up some big endorsements including Personal PAC, Planned Parenthood, Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), and Alderman Tom Tunney (D-44), needs to get a stronger grip on his campaign because his credibility with allies and voters is on the line.
The buses only run over so often.
Gov. Pat Quinn
Do we believe him this time? How many errors can be attributed to staff? Even if an intern made an error, did Farley, his campaign manager (other than Schulter) or communication specialist not approve his web site or mail pieces (which both had the tax rollback committee chairmanship listed)? Was it really a mistake stating the Quigley quote? If so, why did he put out a mail piece with the quote, after Quigley had disavowed the quote? Why did he wait until the day of the re-vote to make these statements? Lots of questions! What additional stories will he tell us next?
Posted by Real Reformer | December 29, 2009, 1:18 PMThe reference to the Tax Rollback Committee was removed from Farley’s site nearly two months ago. And yet the same false claim re-appeared in a mailer sent out last week. Farley’s got some slow-learners interning for him.
Posted by Mom Squad | December 29, 2009, 2:37 PMThe board did not send the Farley endorsement back because there wasn’t a quorum. It was rejected because the board found it unacceptable that a candidate would appropriate the IVIs reputation and then, even as he was seeking the IVI-IPO endorsement, not bother to step up and explain what he now calls a screw up. Worse, he went used a U.S. Congressman to voice an attack on an opponent. Besides all that, from what I’ve heard, Farley became an IVI member only AFTER this shit hit the fan. No bullets have been dodged, David. On the contrary, members are locked and loaded for tonight’s meeting. He might get recommended again, that’s true, but if that happens it will be because Alderman Schulter is really good about buying memberships for his precict guys and making sure they come and vote as their told.
Posted by Libby | December 29, 2009, 6:03 PMDear Libby-why the hell would the board entertain another endorsement session if those are the real reasons he was rejected. If they find him unacceptable then they won’t endorse him right? Libby you are VERY misinformed. He just joined last week right? C’mon Libby!!
Posted by ralph silvestri | December 29, 2009, 11:03 PMFrankly I am tired of Shulter’s goons putting huge signs up all over the neighborhood for all of his “favorite candidates”. They are the size of godzilla and are distracting to everyone driving they are so large.
Posted by m. LaBrant | December 29, 2009, 11:06 PMMost of the people who allow Shulter’s patronage elves to hang them don’t know jack about the candidates, they just don’t want to say no to any of these thugs for fear of Shulter’s heavy handed, whiney retribution.
Dan Farley is former state rep. Bruce Farley’s son and he wants his kid to follow in his footsteps….just like Richard Mell wanted Blago to follow in his footsteps… aren’t we DONE with family dynasty’s already? Enough is enough. I’m not gonna take it anymore. Say no to family dynasty’s !!!!!!!
Ralph, you are the one that’s misinformed. They should change the name to SVI (Schulter Voters of Illinois). They certainly do not represent the Independent Voters of Illinois in this neck of the woods.
Posted by Real Reformer | December 30, 2009, 10:51 AM