http://rockisland.weareillinois.org Rock Island County Republicans en-us
In a recent article in the Moline Dispatch, Rich stated, "...the reason I ran for office is to make sure there were two active voices in Rock Island County government". "It's inherently unhealthy for government to have only one voice. It's wrong to have a single-party government".
Rich, along with his wife Betsy and his campaign aide Steven Stern, worked tirelessly to keep this seat in Republican hands.

The Rock Island County Republican Party is grateful for Rich's unselfish service to other candidates and their campaigns. The Party also wants to thank the Morthland family for hosting an upper-county barbeque this past June and helping us to reach out to the northern part of the county.

Congratulations Rich on a much-deserved win!

to view photos of Rich Morthland, click on Flickr page below


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5379 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5379 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:36:04 GMT
County Board Candidate Rich Morthland from Cordova gave the introductory speech and fired up the crowd for the need for a new direction in Rock Island County. Rich is one of two county board candidates for 2008 and encouraged the supporters to get more involved.

State Senator Dale Righter confirmed that the problem with our state government is that all of our statewide officials live in Chicago, so they are out-of-touch with down-state concerns.

State Senate Candidate Mike Bertelsen restated his platform of fiscal constraint and reigning in excessive state spending. Mike is the Treasurer from Mercer County, giving him the keen sense to manage fiscal budgets.

Many of the attendees were very appreciative that RI County Republicans hosted this first ever event for folks in the lower end, who otherwise have felt neglected. Special thanks go to Ruth Lenser for her support. The party is planning to make this an annual October event.

To see photos of this event, go to Flickr page below.


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5269 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5269 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:10:22 GMT (to view photos of this event, click on Flickr page below)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4969 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4969 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:45:32 GMT
163 supporters were on hand for the event. Blackhawk College Jazz Band did a wonderful job entertaining before the program. Reverend David Gustafson from the Homewood Evangelical Free Church gave the invocation.

United States Senate Candidate Dr. Steve Sauerberg, the featured speaker started things off. He energized the crowd when he talked about how out-of-touch Senator Dick Durbin, his opponent, is with mainstream Illinois voters.

State Senate Candidate Mike Bertelsen gave a rousing speech stating how the people of the 36th District deserve a candidate who will put their interests ahead of the Chicago politicians.

State Representative Candidate Lawrence Bruckner spoke about the need to open the Thomson prison. County Board Candidate Emmett Granado's son Arsenio applauded the Republican Party for reaching out to the Hispanic community.

County Board Candidate Rich Morthland closed the evening festivities with enthusiasm and "fire in the belly." As county chairmen Susie Carpentier put it, "We saved the best for last!". Rich reiterated how one-party rule both in the county and in the state has gotten us nowhere.

Much thanks goes out to Brad Carroll, Bill Long and Ray Myers for bringing some fresh new ideas to make the BBQ such a huge success.

To view photos from the BBQ click on Flickr page below



]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4753 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4753 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:59:18 GMT
The consensus was change in state government. Most people I talked to don't feel that they're represented. Taxpayers don't feel like they are in charge. Too bad, because they are. If only they had a voice in government. If elected I will be that voice.

On Saturday there were the "tugs" and the motorcycle show along with plenty of food, including Gaybo's Grill on Wheels, owned by Richard Gay of East Moline. Richard's motto is: "Cooking is my passion, serving you will be my pleasure." His pulled pork bar-b-q is the best I've ever had! Give Richard a call if you are in need of catering at 309-755-6821. Tell him Mike Bertelsen, the senate candidate told you to call. That's Richard and I above. Richard also wants a voice in Springfield for business owners just like him.

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 8/15/2008 01:24:00 PM

(for photos of Mike at the Tugfest, see Flickr page below)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4519 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4519 Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:40:29 GMT Lawrence Bruckner Endorses "Agenda for Action"


Moline, IL…Candidate for State Representative of the 71st District Lawrence Bruckner joined 51 Republican House members and a dozen key challenger candidates in endorsing the "Agenda for Action" to get Illinois back on track. The seven point agenda will create jobs, reign in Democrats' reckless spending, hold the line on taxes, and offer relief from Democrats' six years of governmental failure. The House Republicans held six press conferences and three town halls across Illinois yesterday introduce the Agenda to voters and listen to their suggestions and concerns.

"Time and again, people have told me that Illinois government has performed terribly," said Bruckner. "Democrats have hurt our families with their infighting, pay raises, and record amounts of pork barrel spending."

The "Agenda for Action" outlines seven key legislative goals that Republicans will focus and work on to aid Illinois families. The agenda includes the following goals:

Creating Jobs While Repairing And Rebuilding Illinois
Demanding Fiscal Responsibility And A True Balanced Budget
Delivering Real Property Tax Relief
Enacting The Nation's Toughest Anti-Corruption Laws
Providing Security And Safety For Victims Of Domestic Violence
Creating Cyber-Safety Laws That Protect Children From Online Predators
Aiding Families In Affording A College Education

"It's time to put people before politics and the 'Agenda for Action' embodies the values and needs of Illinois residents," said Bruckner. "Just like our gas tanks, Illinois politicians are running on empty. We need to fill up with new ideas and new candidates from our revitalized and reinvigorated Republican party," Bruckner stated.

Bruckner continued, "Our 'Agenda for Action' is a blueprint for positive change. Illinois will be transformed into a state of opportunity."

In addition to press conferences, House Republicans hosted a successful, live Town Hall meeting via the Internet at www.ilhro.com at 6:30 PM last night.


More information and detail is available at www.ilhro.com and www.bruckner71.com





]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4248 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4248 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:19:09 GMT
The picture on the Flickr page from left to right: Bob Vickrey, Mercer County Board member and Mercer County GOP vice-chair, Marty Edwards, Warren County Sheriff, Mike Bertelsen, Mercer County Treasurer, County GOP Chair and candidate for the State Senate 36th District and Lewis Wiley, candidate for Mercer County Coroner.

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 7/16/2008 10:01:00 AM

(to see a photo of Mike at the Mercer County Fair, click on Flickr page below)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4247 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4247 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:10:11 GMT
They are not satisfied. For your info, Illinois, California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania did not have budgets in by the start of their fiscal years as of July 8, 2008. This could now be different....but NOT for Illinois. Still NO finalized budget and with that, the shutdown of State government is a real possibility. But the pay raise the state Senate wouldn't reject is still a go!

I support legislation requiring the State Comptroller to release the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) within six months after the close of the fiscal year. The deadline for that would be December 31. That would be ready for the state legislature's new session which begins around the 10th of January. This info is crucial when considering the new fiscal year budget. As it stands now, the report is released generally one year after the close of the fiscal year.

The situation now is not suitable to good legislative fiscal management. Simply put, the House and Senate do not have enough information going into the new fiscal year budget process, and when they do receive information, they don't have enough time to discern it.

This seems simple enough, but we need to get back to basics so Illinois can function properly once again. Is the legislative pay raise deserved? I'll let you be the judge. But Illinois' taxpayers deserve better from their legislators and timelier fiscal information is one way to make that happen.

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 7/19/2008 12:17:00 PM

(to see a photo of Mike at the Rock Island County Fair, click on Flickr page below)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4246 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4246 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:02:52 GMT
Thiergart said, “State Senate Candidate Mike Bertelsen opened the evening with a spirited discussion about Illinois’ financial problems. Mike is the treasurer of Mercer County. He also recently spearheaded a bottled water flood relief project that helped residents of Mercer County. State Representative Candidate Lawrence Bruckner was represented by Moline Alderman Lori Turner.”

Featured speaker Rich Morthland closed the evening's proceedings with a talk about the need for two party government in Rock Island County. The Rock Island County Board has a power balance of 24:1. Morthland is running to hold the seat that Republican James Sallows has occupied. Sallows stepped down late last year due to time constraints. Sharon Sallows, wife of James, is completing his term.

Famous Dave's BBQ catered the meal. Left-over food was donated to Christian Care, a homeless and domestic violence shelter in Rock Island. Firefighters from both Port Byron and Cordova attended. Reverend Kathy Remley of First Baptist Church of Cordova offered the invocation. Mark Archibald led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.

“Everyone in attendance was very pleased that the Rock Island County Republican Party had an event in the upper end of the County,” said Thiergart. “We look forward to doing this again next June. Many thanks go out to Rich and wife Betsey for making this event such a huge success. If you were unable to attend we hope you can make it next year. If you were able to attend, please tell your friends how exciting it was to have met these outstanding candidates.”




]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4130 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4130 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:08:26 GMT
The folks were great and I gave out plenty of candy. Response was very positive, which made me feel good. The temperature was a bit hot, but not too bad. I walked the entire route, shaking a few hands along the way.

Before the parade I met Senator Tim Bivens who serves in the 45th District. He took over from retiring Senator Todd Sieben. I asked Tim how he was getting aong and he said fine. He is very concerned, as am I, about the unbalanced FY 09 state budget. He voted against the budget passage, since it was unbalanced. Remember that Illinois must have a balanced budget since the state constitution requires it. Tim reminded me that legislators took an oath to uphold the state constitution, but most Senate Democrats voted for the budget, which threw it to the House. The House then passed it and it went back to the Governor. The Governor has sixty days to sign it or line item veto parts of it.

Senator Bivens has a feeling that the state legislature will be back in session. I'll keep you posted.

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 6/15/2008 09:19:00 PM


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4047 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4047 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:10:26 GMT
However is this program being held hostage so that the Illinois Works capital bill goes through? Milton Sees, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary stated that without the additional infrastructure investment provided by the Illinois Works program, the transportation plan would remain on the shelf. The capital plan is much talked about, however the two revenue streams remain very controversial. Those are sale or lease of the state lottery and the expansion of gambling.

All the people I have talked to are not in favor of gambling expansion. The sale or lease of the lottery is also very unpopular. What to do? The capital plan allies are moving the pieces on the chessboard. The capital plan proponents may use other programs to help sell the it. The consensus I get is that without the capital plan, the State of Illinois will come to a complete standstill. This shouldn't have to be.

Budget components should include enough highway and bridge projects to keep Illinois moving forward. Match money of $1.5 billion should be appropriated so that Illinois can receive $6 billion in federal road and bridge money. As far as I know, this match money is not in the current FY 09 budget.

Opponents to the capital plan are on ice that's getting thinner by the moment if the Governor keeps saying that certain programs aren't going to fly without the Illinois Works capital plan.

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 6/16/2008 01:03:00 PM


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4046 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4046 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:08:19 GMT
What did lawmakers do? Nothing. The Blagojevich Administration and the Senate Democrats wants another 16 billion dollar bond issue to pay down the debt. That would then free up money destined for pensions to be spent elsewhere: education, health care and the like. The idea is to put the borrowed money into the pension systems. This would cut the debt and reduce interest costs. The Governor is hoping that the bond debt interest would be 6%, compared to the pension debt of 8.5%, thus saving money.

Well and good you say? There was a catch....the Senate Democrats, and only the Democrats voted for it, but when it went to the House, Speaker Madigan didn't call it for a vote. Keep in mind that some House Republicans would have to vote for this if it's to pass the House.

So what's the problem? Well for starters, converting pension debt (which can be paid off any time) into bond debt puts the payment plan on a strict schedule. With the state financial situation on shaky ground, with help from the volatile stock market, should Illinois be obligated to such a plan? Those for it see that the required pension systems payment would be knocked down to 300 million dollars from 800 million dollars, thus giving the state an additional 500 million dollars to spend elsewhere. That's the money I mentioned in the second paragraph that would be freed up. That's not all.... the proposed FY 09 budget the Governor submitted assumed that the pension bond issue would have passed, thus leaving the 500 million hole that's part of the 2.1 billion dollar deficit total.

I would advise to cut 500 million dollars of spending out of the budget along with the matching revenue stream (the leftover). That still leaves us with 1.6 billion dollars to cut. Oh well....it's a start!

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]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4045 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4045 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:54:37 GMT
The consensus was for voters to wait until 2010 to rid Illinois of a "tumor", as Speaker Madigan so affectionately called the Governor in his memo to Democrat House candidates. But voters are finding out that the future is now, and they can do something about one-party rule in Illinois on November 4, 2008.

That is VOTE REPUBLICAN. Steve mentioned that could be a hard sell in Illinois. But perhaps not. A year ago the message for the Republican Party was nowhere to be found. Today the message is getting clearer by the day. Bring good, efficient government back to Illinois with decreased business fees and taxes. Also we must remember the best way to raise money IS NOT to spend it.

I am a candidate for the Illinois Senate in the 36th District. If elected I will call for a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of state government for waste, fraud and abuse. I would sponsor legislation to call for the Governor to present the proposed budget to the legislature at least 30 days before it could be voted on. I support the three-fifths majority vote of both the House and the Senate before a tax increase can be sent to the Governor.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross has called for this "super majority" as far back as April of 2005.




]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4044 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4044 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:51:31 GMT
The work in Keithsburg is just beginning and several items are needed. My emphasis is on water, since the community will certainly need it. Bob Vickrey and myself will take the water to Keithsburg tomorrow (June 20). Thanks also to the Trinity Presbyterian Church for the use of their fellowship area. The storage is great!! Thanks Rev. Darren!

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Posted By Mike Bertelsen to The Mike Bertelsen Project at 6/19/2008 03:08:00 PM

(click on Flickr page below to view photos)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4043 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=4043 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:35:17 GMT
Please be sure to click on the YouTube link below to view the stirring opening video for the convention.


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3964 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3964 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:25:25 GMT
Receiving awards were Larry Briggs from Wabash County in Zone 1, Nancy Krumwiede, 2001 ICTA President from Ford County in Zone 2, Victoria Harper, 2008 ICTA President from Fulton County in Zone 3 and Mike Bertelsen, ICTA President from Mercer County in Zone 4


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3963 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3963 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:12:40 GMT Contact: Rich Morthland 309/781-4070 (cell)

For immediate release:

Three Campaigns Host Joint Event

The campaigns of Rich Morthland for County Board, Mike Bertelsen for Illinois State Senate, and Lawrence Bruckner for Illinois House of Representatives will jointly participate in a “Meet the Candidates Night” at 6 P.M. on Friday, June 20 at the Cordova Civic Center. Attendees will enjoy a barbecue pork or chicken sandwich, baked beans, and coleslaw all catered by Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que. Drinks and desserts will be included as well. The cost for the event is just $8 dollars in advance or $10 at the door.
“This is a great opportunity for local residents to meet their candidates for the State Legislature,” said Morthland. “It’s exciting that we’re able to get these candidates to come to Cordova. With Governor Bagojevich under such a cloud of scandal, many citizens are looking to replace the Legislators who have been associated with him for all these years.” Activities for the evening will include a 50-50 raffle, an opportunity to register to vote, and brief presentations by the campaigns.
Reservations may be made by mailing to: Rich Morthland for County Board, 14225 265th St. North, Cordova, Il 61242. Call 309/654-2229 for more information or to make reservations by phone. Reservations are requested by June 10.

(to see photo, click on Flickr page below)


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3875 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3875 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:02:32 GMT Written by Guillermo Trevino
gtrevino@holaamericanews.com
Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Emmett Granado is running for Rock Island county board because he says he can make a difference and believes more people should get involved in the political process. “This is a great country, vote for the person who can do more good,” he said.

He is the Republican nominee for county board in the 13th district. He’s been the manager of the Floreciente Market, 835 5th Ave., in Moline for four years and is the vice-president of the Floreciente Association. He has been a Republican Election Day judge as well. Grandado said he wasn’t anybody special but he hopes to open doors. He is also trying to register as many new voters as possible.
Noting that there are a lot of registered voters that can vote, but don’t, he said that he’s only missed two elections, both were because of medical issue. “All of us should be involved. It’s up to us, we’re allowing it, if we take it,” he said.

Granado wants to be an example in the neighborhood. “I want to show these kids, you can be anybody who you want to be, people that have been in jail can change” he said. “The guy that’s been deported three times says he loves his family. Why would you hurt them like that?”

He also wants everybody to help clean up the neighborhood. He mentioned that though he doesn’t have a lot of money to pay for cleanup, his family has always helped in neighborhood cleanups. “If you care, why won’t you help it? My dad would always say anybody can talk. There’s a lot of neglect here,” he said.

Asked on why he is a Republican, he said former President Abraham Lincoln was one too. “Lincoln was a Republican,” he said. “The kids are trained to be Democrats. People jump to conclusions; someone says they don’t like fat people, that does not mean they don’t like Santa Claus. If you hate me because I’m Republican, remember it should be about the person not the party.”

Other local Republican candidates throughout the area running are Rich Morthland for Rock Island County Board in the First District, Lawrence Bruckner for state representative, Mike Bertelsen for state senate, and Steve Sauerberg for U.S. Senate.

(click on Flickr page for photo)




]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3806 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3806 Thu, 22 May 2008 18:46:31 GMT
Thursday, May 8 turned out to be a big day for Lawrence Bruckner. The Thomson native and businessman recently announced his bid for State Representative in the 71st District, and picked up some key endorsements during two press conferences in Carroll and Rock Island Counties.

At Bruckner's Thomson House Cafe Thursday morning, the Republican candidate and guests I. Ron Lawfer, former State Rep, and Kim Sturtevant, President of the Carroll County Republicans, were introduced to the media and an audience of 20 people by his Carroll County Campaign Coordinator, Venita McConnel of Mt. Carroll.

"My opponent in November, Mike Boland, has continued his 'policy of appeasement' with Gov. Blagojevich and the Democratic leadership in Springfield," Bruckner stated. "Let's end this appeasement. We've got to stand up for ourselves here in the 71st District. WE, not ME, is the new order of business."

In the afternoon, a second press conference was held at the Rock Island Republican Party headquarters in Moline. Introduced by Susie Carpentier, RI County Republican Party Chairperson, Bruckner picked up another key endorsement. Lori Turner, Moline 5th Ward Alderman and RI County coordinator for the Bruckner campaign, introduced Moline Mayor Don Welvaert, who is supporting Bruckner's campaign.

"Competition is needed in the 71st District," Welvaert told those assembled. "Rep. Boland has been asleep at the switch, and he has not performed well for our district, and in fact, has voted in many cases against downstate Illinois. "We are looking for an individual who will support us, who will work for jobs for this district, and in my case, the City of Moline. We believe we have that with Lawrence Bruckner."

Welvaert added that Bruckner is an excellent candidate, and is well-schooled in the affairs of Springfield and local government. "I support this man strongly, and I ask for you to support him," Welvaert stated. "It's just time for a change. Mr. Boland has not supported the district very well at all, and we're looking for an excellent change with Lawrence Bruckner."


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3755 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3755 Thu, 15 May 2008 18:33:24 GMT
Other speakers included State Senate candidate Mike Bertelsen, State Rep candidate Lawrence Bruckner, and County Board candidates Richard Morthland and Emmett Granado.

Mike Bertelsen informed the party faithful that being the Treasurer of Mercer County uniquely qualifies him to be a state senator. He knows what it takes to keep a county budget balanced. Lawrence Bruckner is running against long-incumbent Mike Boland and encouraged those present to support him. County board candidate Richard Morthland fired up the crowd with his enthusiastic "Republican, Victory" slogan. County board candidate Emmett Granado was unable to speak, but his son Arsenio spoke briefly.



to view photos of the Lincoln Day Dinner event click on Flickr page below.


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3600 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=3600 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:08:16 GMT
Next meeting of BHC Republicans will be Monday, January 26th at 1:30 in Building One room 303.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend. This group normally meets every two weeks, usually on Monday. For more information, contact Betsy Morthland at 309-796-5285 or by e-mail at morthlandb@bhc.edu.


]]> http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/eventdetail.aspx?eventid=1424 http://rockisland.weareillinois.org/eventdetail.aspx?eventid=1424 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:58:30 GMT