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9 D E The The Working Families Voice Democrat October 2012 For Congress: Schilling vs Bustos? Nomination to Congress was given n this election for Congress, many proud Democrats are crossing over to vote for Bobby Schilling because he is a rare representative of the people who is doing exactly what he to Ipromised. Upon taking office, Schilling immediately REFUSED n the January 18, 2012 edition of the Prairie Advocate Congressional health benefits. News, publisher Tom Kocal details an interview with Schilling has also REFUSED to participate in the Congressional Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp, who challenged pension system. CIheri Bustos in the Democratic Primary. In that article, Mayor Gaulrapp relays the story of how Senator Dick He voluntarily took a pledge of term limit s— he will serve no Durbin tried to elbow him out of the primary to clear the more than twelve years. way for Bustos. Gaulrapp noted Durbin said: Schilling is walking the walk in staying well-grounded as a man of 1. Cheri Bustos was the daughter of one of his best friends. the people. That refreshing to many Democratic Voters. 2. Cheri Bustos babysat his kids. Schilling stepped up to run for Congress in 2010 because he was 3. Durbin’s “wife’s dream is to see more women in politics.” scared for our country’s future. He said then that before a debt crisis similar to what is happening in Greece explodes in our own country, BUT, Mayor Gaulrapp noted we need to act to control spending. NEVER ONCE did Senator Durbin say Cheri Bustos was Helping to get our country’s finances in order is what Bobby the “better candidate.” Schilling promised in 2010 and it is exactly what he’s done in office. To Gaulrapp’s credit, he resisted the high-powered arm-twisting In the two years before Schilling was elected, Congress voted to and remained in the race. increase federal spending by an astonishing 40 percent. But things Another candidate from the changed when Bobby Schilling came to Congres s— our , Eric Reyes, got so government actually spent fewer dollars than the year befor e— angry with the -style something that had happened only twice in 60 years. strong-arm tactics that he Bobby Schilling’s top priority in Congress is to generate economic withdrew from the Democratic Primary and decided to run growth. Only then will our government collect enough revenue to as an independent. . sustain proper funding of essential programs. Only then will our people have jobs to choose from. Only then will personal incomes rise. Only then will the working poor and the middle class see prosperity again. Continued on page 2

The front-runner in the race as of last December, State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria, succumbed to the heavy beltway Medicare… pressure to bow out. That made things awkward for Koehler obby Schilling supports a plan to save Medicare. It leaves because once he announced his run for Congress, a county board member announced he was running for Koehler’s the current Medicare system exactly as-is for people 55 seat. A firefighter then announced he was running for the years and older, and protects the system for future county board seat. generations. It stops the government health care takeover’s more B Koehler’s abrupt withdrawal came only three days before than $700 billion raid on the Medicare trust fund, increases the petition filing deadline to run for reelection as a state funding for those who are poor and sick, and comes along with senator. That produced a mad scramble to collect all the a bipartisan plan to fight Medicare waste and fraud. Schilling signatures on petitions to run for State Senate instead of believes we must address the problem now, because without any Congress. changes, Medicare will be bankrupt in the next ten years. Continued on page 2 Congressman Bobby Schilling — A Voice for Working Families Schilling also stood with workers to renew the Davis- Bustos Schilling vs Bustos Bacon Act, which guarantees that workers on Federal (Continued from page 1) projects are paid the same as the prevailing local wage. It has been said in the media that “Cheri Bustos has (Continued from page 1) While in the private sector, Schilling and Bustos couldn’t proven herself.” In reality, the only thing that has Income growth for the average American cannot happen possibly have been more different. Schilling and his wife, been proven is that the beltway elite will stop at while our federal government is spending far beyond its Christie, opened their own busines s— Saint Giuseppe’s nothing to get their handpicked candidate into Congress. means. Growth is also slowed by higher taxes and Heavenly Pizz a— and earned an average salary of unnecessary government regulations. $45,000 per year. Bustos, on the other hand, made over Bustos was first appointed as an East Moline City $300,000 per year as a PR executive at Iowa Health Council member in 2007. She quit that position last In this campaign, Cheri Bustos is trying to blame our Systems. summer—only two weeks before the city had to deal country’s problems on one Congressman who hasn’t yet with a million-dollar budget shortfall and a half-million served two full years. Schilling’s bipartisan record extends to the recently passed American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, dollars in “misplaced” TIF funds. Indeed, Bustos indicated her desire to run for Congress which Schilling co-sponsored with Rep. She quit the city council because she said she wanted to before Schilling was even sworn into office; proving that (D-Western Springs). This is a bipartisan plan directed at focus on her race for Congress. But party leaders have she didn’t choose to run because of differences with making American manufacturing more competitive by kept her tightly controlled and largely unavailable to be Schilling’s record. She chose to run because party bosses establishing a Manufacturing Strategy Board within the questioned on the issues. She hasn’t held a single told her they would strong-arm good Democrat s— such Department of Commerce. More manufacturing is good unscripted, open-to-the-public town hall meeting. as State Senator Dave Koehler, Eric Reyes, and Mayor for workers. It’s good for the economy. It’s good for Contrast that with Congressman Schilling, who has George Gaulrap p— out of the race to clear the field for America. held 47 town hall meetings, listening as much as talking her nomination. Bobby Schilling has proven himself to be thoughtful and and giving constituents the vital opportunity to let their In just a few short years on the East Moline City Council, independent. He’s worked with Rep. Dave Loebsack (D- voices be heard and question their representative. Bustos went from making $60,000 per year in her day Iowa) to get work done on any number of project s— While on the East Moline City Council, Bustos went job to over $300,000 per year as a PR executive for a big including for a new I-74 Bridge. He’s worked with Rep. from making $60,000 a year during her day job to health care firm. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) on the SOS Child Abuse Act, making over $300,000 per year. Now, friends of which requires people to report knowledge of child Senator Durbin are determined to give her a seat in Required financial disclosures of candidates for Congress sexual abuse or face a criminal penalty. show her net worth is over five times that of Schilling’s. Congress. Yes, at up to $6 million in net worth, Cheri Bustos is Schilling went to work in a bi-partisan manner and Bestowing elected offices on close friends and chosen officially a member of the 1%. succeeded in passing legislatio n— as a freshma n— to candidates is the discredited Chicago way of politics. It help the Rock Island Arsenal, and new work for district is part and parcel of why our state is so badly failing to Bustos has craftily twisted the facts to claim Schilling residents has followed that success. serve the people of Illinois with clean and efficient wants to “ship jobs overseas.” As our Representative in Congress, Schilling has government that fosters job creation. That’s a convenient distraction from the real truth: Cheri excelled at providing outstanding constituent service by Cheri Bustos likes to portray herself as a healthcare Bustos invested her money in a company called Li and helping people in need with problems far beyond their executive—as though she has deep insights regarding Fung; a Hong Kong-based company that helps outsource own capabilities. healthcare. In fact, she is not and has never been an American jobs to countries like China. Bustos has tens The nonpartisan rating group, GovTrack.us, ranks executive in management of the hospital she works at, of thousands of dollars invested in a group called the Schilling in the middle of all the legislators in Congress but rather at a highly paid PR marketer. Her college Janus Overseas Fund, which specializes in putting —indicating a moderate, centrist, independent voting degrees are in political science and journalism—not American money overseas. Bustos’ assertions against record. The well respected also affirms healthcare. Schilling are hypocritical. this. We have a new congressman on the job with across- Bobby Schilling is a down-to-earth person who went to Bobby Schilling isn’t beholden to a partisan ideolog y— the-board successes to show for his first term in office. Washington to represent us, and he is doing exactly what he’s just loyal to the people. he promised. Regarding jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal, Bustos says It’s rare to see a politician who’s not in it for personal she “wants to continue looking into public-private The notion that this family man, this father of ten children gain. Bobby Schilling represents the kind of “citizen partnerships.” Well, after 20 years with no results, we would go to extreme lengths of running for Congress so legislator” that this country is supposed to have. Again, finally have a congressman who passed that into law he could ship jobs overseas is ludicrous. he has refused the congressional pension and healthcare during his first year and already has astounding Schilling was a member of the local 191 Paperworkers plans. He’s cut his office budget by more than 11 percent achievements with new jobs as a result. and returned $110,000 to the taxpayers. Union from 1983-1987, and he was the Treasurer of the There is no need to change your representative when United Food and Commercial Workers Union from 1987- We’ve finally got an exceptional congressman he is doing a good job. One good term deserves another, 1995. But Schilling has more than experience; he’s also representing us who leads by example and works across and Bobby Schilling is doing a great job. shown leadership. the aisle. We ought to keep him. We ought to keep him.

— 2— Who Connects More with the Middle Class? Bobby Schilling Cheri Bustos

13 years Union Experience 0 years Union Experience Family Man. Working Man. Multi-millionaire Official member of the 1% Avg. Salary from family pizza store Last Salary from Iowa Health System $45,000 $306,000 Cheri Bustos: Cheri Bustos’ Wrong Priorities, Middle Class Tax Hike Middle Class Tax Hikes Working Families can’t afford Cheri Bustos 57% Water Rate Hike

The Cheri Bustos record is a laundry list of reckless spending on the ‡ backs of the poor and middle class. During her time on the East Moline City Council, she never encountered a tax hike or fee increase she didn’t like. She voted to raise the cost of living for working families—not once, not twice… but TEN TIMES. Food Permit We can’t afford to send Cheri Bustos to Washington. She quit her job 125 % in East Moline with ten fresh tax and fee hikes and a million-dollar Fee Hike deficit. It’s scary to think what she’d do in Washington with a few extra zeroes to play with. ‡

Bobby Schilling has never voted to raise taxes on the working poor or the middle class but Cheri Bustos has time and again. Some of those tax and fee hikes that Alderwoman Bustos voted to approve include: • A 57% increase on water fees Garbage Fee Hike • A 12% increase on sewer fees 19 % • A 19% increase on garbage fees

• A 50% increase on bulky item collection fees ‡ • A 125% increase on food permit fees • A 33% increase on park shelter fees • A 20% increase on contractor fees • A 5% increase on property taxes • An increase on the temporary event fee • An increase on the non-home rule sales tax Bobby Schilling, meanwhile, voted to extend the payroll tax credit for 5% Property Tax Hike a full year, even while leaders of both parties tried to minimize that to just two months. Dealing with budget problems on the East Moline City Council, Cheri Bustos regularly passed the burden of dealing with ‡ tight budgets onto the backs of the people she was supposed to serve. She took the easy way out by raising taxes to cover her overspending. Congressman Bobby Schilling — Looking out for the Middle Class

— 3— An Independent Voice Bobby Schilling: Fighting for the Middle Class

— 4— Cheri Bustos Record

• As an Alderwoman in East Moline, Cheri Bustos voted to spend $625,000 on an earmarked pet project to build a luxurious parkway right outside her home. Meanwhile, the city struggled with a million dollar budget deficit and higher taxes across the board. • Cheri Bustos supports the government takeover of health care law that raids $716 billion from Medicare spending and gives fifteen unelected bureaucrats the power to restrict seniors’ access to medical treatments and care. • Cheri Bustos has proudly accepted an endorsement from Governor Quinn’s administration, and she plans to take Springfield’s policies of higher taxation and higher spending to Washington, D.C. • While on the East Moline City Council, Cheri Bustos’ salary in her job as a public relations marketer for a hospital went from $60,000 per year to over $300,000 per year. • In the same year she earned over $300,000 as a public relations director, Cheri Bustos said that raising water and sewer bills was the right thing to do even though the economy is hurting. • Cheri Bustos voted to raise water rates in East Moline by 57 percent over a three year period. • Cheri Bustos has called government grants, which are paid for with taxpayer dollars, “free money.”

heri Busto s says Bobby onl Schilling y represents “m illionaires” and “billionaires ” and “The Tea A Party.” Cctually, Cheri B u stos is a memb 1% as her f er of the inancial disclo net w sures show he orth between 1 r and 6 million while Bobby dollars, Schilling is now here near that. The facts are that Congr pu essional Quart blished the non erly -partisan GovT reflecting rack graph each Represen tative’s record. Bobby Sc hilling is right in the middle.

According to GovTrack’s own nonpartisan analysis of bill sponsorships, Bobby Schilling falls as a “Centrist,” when compared to other members of the House of Representatives on leadership and ideology. Source: www.GovTrack.us Each dot is a member of Congress Blue dots are Democrats Red dots are Republicans Left and right represent the extremes. Bobby Schilling — Right in the Middle.

— 5— Who is Bobby Schilling? …exactly who we need now in Congress

FAMILY MAN BORN AND RAISED IN ROCK ISLAND ity in Washington, and has helped move the discussion to cutting Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He and his wife, spending and increasing savings. Christie, have been married for 26 years and have 10 children. Bobby graduated from Alleman High School and attended . Sooner or later the bills will come due, with compounded interest. Eco - UNION STEWARD - UNITED PAPERWORKERS nomic opportunity in the future will INTERNATIONAL UNION Bobby and Christie at son Terry’s wedding be diminished as a result, and the After college, Bobby worked at the Container Corporation of America. During his middle class and working poor’s way of life will be badly damaged with a much time there, from 1983 to 1987, he served as a union steward in Local 191 United lower standard of living. Paperworkers International Union. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our federal govern - TREASURER - UNITED FOOD AND ment needs to live within its means and be disci - COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION, plined in prioritizing spending and spending only UFCWU as much as we have—just as your family does. Just as Bobby and Christie Schilling manage their own From 1987 until 1995, Bobby worked in the small business and their own household. insurance and financial services industry for Prudential. While there, he served as Treas - Bobby Schilling profoundly disagrees with the belief urer for the United Food and Commercial that we can spend our way out of our economic prob - Workers Union, UFCWU. lems. That goes against all of Bobby Schilling’s prin - ciples. Overspending only makes the hole deeper and RECOGNIZED FOR PROFESSIONAL the problem more insurmountable. It does so for fam - ACHIEVEMENT ilies and small businesses—and it certainly also does As a Prudential agent, Bobby Schilling was so for our government. ranked for his performance at 315 out of Learning that each of his children has a $45,000—and 13,000 agents in his last year with the com - rising—debt burden upon birth, Bobby Schilling and pany. Bobby and his family being sworn into office. his family made the decision to run for Congress. SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS Bobby Schilling has stood up to Washington insiders to OWNER—JOB CREATOR combat overspending, unsustainable debt, and new taxes. Fifteen years ago, Bobby and Christie decided to go into business for themselves as owner/operators of an Italian restaurant, Saint Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza in Everything Bobby Schilling has, he Moline. The business has been going strong ever since. achieved through plain old hard work. He has been a workingman, a union Shortly after opening the restaurant, Bobby and Christie decided to close their man, a financial planner, a small busi - restaurant on Sundays, in order to give more time off for their employees and to ness operator, and a family man all his spend more time with their own family. People warned them that this would doom life. their business to failure, but with faith and persistence, the business has continued to grow. Bobby understands that in order to achieve economic prosperity in the 17th District, BUILT HIS OWN HOME— an energy efficient “green” home ahead of the we need to focus on bringing jobs back times home. Too much time and effort of our Bobby Schilling built his own home, where the family now resides. He built it with Congress is spent on shelling out taxpayer concrete blocks with energy insulation inside the holes of the blocks, along with dollars on wasteful government programs rebar. This has saved the Schillings money every year with enormous energy sav - and not enough effort is focused on creat - ings and has been environmentally friendly. ing an economic environment favorable for small businesses to be created and expand. Starting out on their own—with no inherited wealth and nothing handed to That is how most of the jobs in the country Bobby and his daughter Isabel them—Bobby and Christie grew their pizza restaurant while also investing in are created—by small businesses, something Bobby Schilling is experienced in real estate. The combination of a successful small business, plus smart and dis - doing. ciplined investing have allowed them to have financial stability while raising a large family, even with all the ups and downs of business. Living within their Bobby Schilling values American principles and means is a value Bobby and Christie cherish. It is also what originally liberties and is committed to protecting them in prompted Bobby to step up to the cause of running for Congress. Congress. He has proven his willingness to rise above the fray and fight for the interests of his Like everyone else, Bobby Schilling watched the federal government spend far constituents; he has no interest in outmoded po - more than it took in. It was alarming to see overspending rocket to exponentially litical games. Instead, Bobby’s commitment is to higher levels, with annual spending deficits topping $1.6 trillion per year. With a creating smarter, more effective government that background in financial planning, Bobby knows this reckless behavior is unsus - works for the people he represents, instead of tainable for the American people. That’s why he has pushed for fiscal accountabil- against them.

Grace and Reagan Schilling

Bobby and his family before the swearing in

Bobby Schilling: Working for the next generation

Bobby’s grandma Ruth and wife Christie

— 6— Bobby’s boys

SBUILTeveral years ago, HISBobby built OWNthe home he an HOMEd his family live in. He built it with concrete blocks filled with insulation. This “green” technique saves the Schilling family enormously on heating and cooling expenses.

Bobby’s girls

Grandpa Hank

— 7— IMPORTANT Constituent Service Work The resourcefulness and relentless follow-up by Bobby Schilling has paid off with successful outcomes for the people he serves.

T OF BOBBY DORSEMEN ION EN R RE-ELECT LING FO nty SCHIL enderson Cou n Mayor in H ort, IL Small tow rat from Gulfp a Democ We h Myers, a major flood. ayor Ric dly damaged by M , Illinois was ba lected officials wn of Gulfport ral officials. E 08, my hometo er state or fede ld ever get In 20 help from eith n nothing wou ved little to no s story and the resent had recei to op, and a new s elected to rep own, get a pho by Schilling wa would come d gressman Bob success. nged when Con ith tremendous ne. That all cha presented us w do has actively re with us to m Day One he es and worked us. Fro us multiple tim e been ing has visited chilling, we’v We’ve got a new Bobby Schill Congressman S g Congressman e. Because of so been workin sea of red tap very. He has al Congressman who in igate through a o start the reco by Schilling nav rials we need t ee system. Bob secure the mate ation of our lev only 16 months in able to ng the recertific t closer to starti to help us ge covery efforts. an office has already ental in our re nd Congressm as been instrum m firmly behi h Democrat, I a g local com- done a great job and ppens to be a g about helpin ayor who ha not just talkin t Bobby As a M orts. Bobby’s irst-hand tha we ought to keep him. re-election eff . I’ve seen f h of Schilling’s ually doing it bby is a breat ours, he’s act ashington. Bo unities like like most in W — Mayor Rich Myers, m eer politicians ery hard. ling isn’t a car e and works v Gulfport, IL Schil Earth, genuin ction and He is down to rse your re-ele fresh air. chilling! I endo orse ongressman S such a workh ou have done C s to vote for hanks for all y d independent s in office has T epublicans an only 16 month Democrats, R ssman who in urge t a new Congre man. We’ve go ep him. Congress we ought to ke a great job and already done Schilling Secures Wheelchair for Quadriplegic Constituent Bureaucratic red tape prevented London Mills man from getting adequate medical care When Illinois residents find themselves in need of services from the federal govern - ment, they are all too often greeted with a sea of red tape and a wall of bureaucracy. That’s exactly what happened to Randall Burkiett of London Mills, Ill., a quadriple - gic man who was forced into a fight with Medicare. Burkiett needed a new wheelchair, but not just any new wheelchair. Special require - ments included a chin guard so that Burkiett could operate the chair and special tires to increase the durability of the wheels. “I went to both sides of the aisle—Republicans and Democrats—writing letters for help, and I was pretty pleased that Congressman Schilling was the first to respond and get Medicare moving,” Burkiett said. Medicare approved a new wheelchair for Burkiett, but because of changes to codes on certain Medicare forms, the wheelchair would not have included the special accessories required for a patient in Burkiett’s condition. Burkiett said that he appreciated how quickly Schilling’s office responded to his needs and communicated with Medicare and United Seating and Mobility on his behalf. “Medicare had been giving me the runaround for about a year,” Burkiett said. “All it took was Schilling’s office making some inquiries on my behalf to get them moving.” Thanks to Congressman Schilling’s help, Burkiett will have his wheelchair by the end of March. Bobby Schilling…

— 8— The Story of Cam Af iel Van Oote ter a 47 year searc ghem h for answers, a s knows his fathe on finally r’s heroic legacy. Ch arlie Van Ooteghem knew his dad was a hero. He just wa “I tried everyth nted to know why. ing,” Ooteghem r visited La ecalled. “I spoke ne Evans’ and Phi to former Senator l Hare’s office. No Obama directly. Ca thing. Nobody offe I miel Van Ooteghem red me any help,” received a Great W I for his heroic ac ar Victory Medal d tions on the battlef uring his service in him. And th ield. General Pers World War at was the extent hing personally pin Bobby with Charlie Van Ooteghem of what Charlie kn ned the award on “I r ew about his dad’ emember a lady in s service. ’s office Van Ooteghem s told me to ‘just b aid. “Well of cours e proud of what yo he actually e I was proud of him ur dad did,’” did!” , but I wanted to k now what the heck The story of Camiel Va n Ooteghem is ver migrated to the U y American. In 190 nited States from t 5, Camiel and his They ended heir home country brother im- up settling in Ghe of Belgium lookin nt, Minnesota, a po g for a better life. Cam pular destination f iel found work as or Belgian immig a farm hand, dropp rants. ther read nor wr ing out of school i ite. At the age of 1 n the third grade. H a poor Bel 3, Camiel’s brothe e could nei- gian immigrant alo r passed away. Cam ne without family iel found himself Wh in the United State en the “Great War” s. broke out,, Van Oo tioned in the Arg teghem decided to onne Forest in nort enlist in the Army served as hern France. While . He was sta- an advanced night in the Argonne Fo patrolman. rest, Van Ooteghem On the n ight of October 6, wh 1918, Van Ootegh ile patrolling “Hill em came upon a 269,” the tallest hi German machine g guard and his gu ll in the forest. Van un nest ard dog, and in the Ooteghem capture there. process noticed a d the German large group of Germ an soldiers camped Van O oteghem alerted h is commanding of underway. Ameri ficer, and the last m can forces engaged ajor battle of Wor . M the 1,600 German ld War I was any Germans esc soldiers and quick whe aped and headed d ly chased them off re the most famous own the road tow soldier of World W ards “Hill 243.” T Sgt. York procee ar I, Sgt. Alvin Yo his is ded to kill several rk, earned his Me soldiers. Germans before f dal of Honor. orcing their surren der, capturing 132 Ha d Camiel Van Oote ghem not discover the German mac ed the Germans ca hine gun nest, the mping at Hill 269 eventually Americans might n and captured end the war. He w ot have been able t as a hero. o win the battle and Cam iel’s son, Charlie, didn’t know any o Schilling’s Molin f this until he step e office shortly af ped into Congress ter his election last man Bobby “I was run January. ning out of options ,” Van Ooteghem Wi said. th the help of the Rock Island Ars Ooteghem’s Silv enal, a historical er Star citation wa reconstruction of years look s created. It took ju Camiel Van ing for answers. st four months aft er Charlie spent 47 “If it hadn’t bee n for Congressma know my n Schilling, I’m n dad’s legacy,” Van ot sure I would’ve Ooteghem said. “N ever been able to Inde ow I have an incre ed he does. dible story to tell.”

"Congressman Schilling was able to get done Bobby presenting Charlie with in four months what other representatives medals for his father. were either unable to do or unwilling to do." - Charlie Van Ooteghem assists constituents in every way possible

— 9— Schilling with an NAACP member in Moline Schilling attends NAACP Convention in Moline

Schilling was a keynote speaker at the Kewanee Black History Month program

Bobby attending the 2nd Baptist Church in Rock Island, IL NAACP Convention in Moline VETERANS

ince he took office, U.S. Rep. Bobby letter from Schilling’s congressional office what he says he will do, follows through and Schilling (R-Colona) has worked hard informing him of their veterans’ services, gets it done.” to serve veterans. Graves reached out to receive help getting his Schilling has also fought for veterans by S“These guys fought and bled for our country,” disability claims. Graves had filed for introducing new legislation that would reform Schilling said. “They put themselves in harm’s disability several years after leaving the the VA system to allow veterans the ability to way to defend our freedom. They’re heroes, military, but continued to hit bureaucratic road use their own doctors in their own home and I’m honored to be able to serve them.” blocks. Within a few weeks of having reached towns. out to Schilling’s office, Graves was awarded Schilling’s congressional office has worked on disability and received his combat action “Our heroes deserve our gratitude, and I’m hundreds of veterans cases since he took office badge. proud to help them out in any way I can,” in January 2011. Schilling said. “I think we’ve done a pretty Graves wrote a letter to the Rock Island good job these first two years.” One such case involved Mark Graves, an Iraqi Argus/Dispatch, saying that Schilling “does war veteran from Aledo, Ill. After receiving a

Congressman Bobby Schilling Standing up for our veterans

— 10 — Bobby Schilling has 13 years of Union Experience

In order to stand up for working Americans, it helps to have stood alongside working Americans. Bobby Schilling has done just that. Schilling’s background makes him a great voice for the working class. For example, Schilling served as a union steward in the Local 191 United Paperworkers International Union from 1983 to 1987. He also served as Treasurer for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union from 1987 to 1995. “I’ve served with organized labor; I know how important it is for workers to have collective rights,” Schilling said. “I have respect for the jobs of the individuals and for the power of the group. What’s right is right.” Unlike his opponent, Cheri Bustos, Schilling used his knowledge of working American families to open a small business. Bustos, meanwhile, was content to rake in $300,000 per year as a public relations executive. “I’ve been on the workers’ side of things, and I’ve run a business,” Schilling said. “I know how to create jobs and start to get this economy moving again.” Bobby Schilling Supports Davis-Bacon Law

As you can imagine, in today’s hyper-partisan atmosphere, when Bobby Schilling first got to Congress, he faced enormous pressure to bend to the extreme outer reaches of his party. Just as many moderate Democrats do when they first get to congress. Of course, the extremes never counted on a man like Bobby Schilling. One of his first votes in Congress was to reauthorize the Davis-Bacon Act. This was a move that would anger some in his party, but Bobby never doubted for a moment that it was the right choice—both for his district and for the American worker. “I always say that jobs aren’t a Democrat or a Republican issue, they’re a red, white, and blue issue,” Schilling said. “In addition to securing those jobs, we have a responsibility to ensure basic fairness within those jobs. It’s just the right thing to do.” Davis-Bacon is a law that has been on the books since 1931. It requires that federal workers and workers contracted for federal projects be paid no less than the locally prevailing wage. “People sometimes forget that it was a Republican president who first signed Davis-Bacon into law, not to mention that the Act’s namesakes were both Republican legislators,” Schilling said. “Being pro-business and being pro-worker should not be contradictions. In my mind, they go hand-in-hand.” Taking stands like he did on Davis-Bacon give Schilling a strong independent record in Congress, a record which he wears as a badge of honor. Bobby Schilling…Union Member

— 11 — SCHILLING BI-PARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND WORK AT EconomicR BOoonC fKor QIuSaLd ACiNtieDs a nAd RGaSleEsbNurAg LAl rePadAy SSED INTO LAW

Rock Island, Ill. —The minute Congressman most active advocate for small business Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) took office, he that I’ve seen.” worked to prioritize expanding jobs at the It all began with a new Congressman deter - Rock Island Arsenal. mined to be a successful advocate for the Schilling already has a great deal of success economic interests of the people he was to show for five months of intense efforts to elected to represent. Bobby Schilling expand jobs at the Arsenal and related area stepped up to run for Congress to help small businesses. change the culture of Washington and to turn the economy around. Jobs are the key Arsenal leaders told Schilling of some spe - issue. Once in office he rolled up his sleeves cific problems they faced in getting more and went to work. work for the Arsenal and supplier employers in the region. One was an artificial and “I went over to the Arsenal immediately counterproductive statutory cap on the num - after my election and asked them what they ber of public-private partnerships that could needed,” Schilling said. “They gave me a do business at the Arsenal. few great ideas, and I told them we would do everything we could.” Congressman Schilling worked with the House Armed Services Committee and Schilling’s first task was getting on the ultimately drafted a comprehensive bill House Armed Services Committee, a lofty to address these obstacles. He then ap - ambition for a freshman Congressman. proached Iowa Congressman Dave “I knew that getting on the House Armed Loebsack, a Democrat across the bor - Services Committee would be critical to der in Iowa to introduce the bill helping the Arsenal,” Schilling said. with him, making it a bipartisan bill “Several folks out in Washington told me I and one involving Representatives wouldn’t be able to get on the committee – on both sides of the Mississippi only tenured politicians with decades of River. experience got on there. I said we’ll see As a result of five months of intense bi - about that.” partisan work to boost economic activ - Schilling explained the importance of the ity at the Arsenal by Congressmen Rock Island Arsenal to his district to Con - Schilling and Loebsack, they were suc - gressional leaders and succeeded in becom - cessful in including the provisions of ing one of the few freshman to earn an their bill into the National Defense Au - appointment on such a distinguished com - thorization Act that was passed into law mittee. by Congress. Schilling quickly realized that gridlock in With artificial statutory obstacles now Washington would make progress for the removed and red tape severely cur - Rock Island Arsenal difficult. However, tailed, the economic benefits to people Schilling refused to give up. in the Quad Cities and Knox County were swift. “Obviously I was frustrated with how diffi - cult it was to get things done,” Schilling Schilling helped Honsa Ergonomic Tech - said. “So I decided to do something about it. nologies Inc. slash through mountains of I called up my Democrat colleague from red tape and as a result, Honsa was awarded across the river, Dave Loebsack, and said a large U.S. Navy competitively bid contract look, we need to work together to help out to build American-made tools— the largest the Arsenal.” Naval contract of its kind. In a bipartisan effort, Schilling and Loeb - Honsa will be upgrading the Navy’s tools sack (D-IA) teamed up to author provisions with their ergonomic technology in an effort for the National Defense Authorization Act. to improve workers’ safety and health. This The key provision permanently lifted the contract will result in more business for Fos - cap on the number of public-private part - binder Fabrication and Boymun Machine nerships, allowing the Arsenal to bring an Company, two machine shops in the unlimited amount of manufacturing to the Quad Cities . It will also provide new work Quad Cities. These provisions were passed for Aluminum Castings Co., a foundry in by both the House and Senate and signed Galesburg . into law by the President. On March 16, 2012, in the Illinois Review, Vicky Miller, Director at the Illinois In just five months, Schilling Procurement Technical Assistance Center at managed to get something done Black Hawk College, praised Congressman that his predecessors were unable Bobby Schilling (IL-17) for his record of to do in more than two decades . promoting small business growth. “Small businesses in this area have received “I love serving the people of this area, and wonderful and meaningful support from representing the Arsenal is a big part of Congressman Schilling,” Miller said. that,” Schilling said. “I was happy to help “Schilling understands that government’s strengthen one of our largest employers to role in job creation is to create a pro- help bring jobs back to western Illinois.” growth environment favorable to small business, and he has been a tireless advo - Indeed, the results are already showing. cate for economic expansion in this area. ” Mack Trucks, Inc. recently announced an expansion onto the Rock Island Arsenal, and On March 17, 2012, in the Galesburg several new public-private partnerships are Register-Mail newspaper, Honsa Presi - already being negotiated. With such dent and CEO Thomas Honsa said: “My growth potential for manufacturing on politics are all over the place,” and cred - display in the Quad Cities, Rockford, and ited Congressman Bobby Schilling for his even Peoria, it appears a manufacturing help. The news article went on to say: renaissance could be on the horizon for “Honsa called Schilling ‘In my view, the th Illinois’ 17 Congressional District.

— 12 — Schilling successfully pushes for I-74 bridge

acing gridlock and a state government In a letter to Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann refusing to commit to the I-74 bridge Schneider, Schilling said, “I understand that project, U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R- Illinois received $1,475 million in federal funds in FColona) refused to back down and successfully Fiscal Year 2011, and that projects totaling pushed to prioritize the bridge. millions of dollars around the state – especially in the Chicago area – continue to be funded. This Earlier this year, the Iowa Department of suggests the state is capable of moving forward Transportation warned that they might recommit on projects it deems a priority. However it is hard their funding for the bridge because of inaction to imagine a higher priority than a bridge that is from the Illinois Department of Transportation. functionally obsolete and handles 70,000 vehicles Despite an earlier commitment to the project, the crossings per day when it was built for 48,000 Illinois DOT seemed to be backing away from such crossings.” committing any funding to the bridge before 2019, which would result in the bridge By working across the aisle together, Schilling construction being postponed to that date. and Loebsack also managed to bring the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, to the “This is really pretty frustrating,” Schilling Quad Cities to highlight the importance of getting told the Rock Island Argus and Dispatch in the bridge funded and prioritized. April. “This is a bridge that is vital to our economy.” After weeks of pressure and meetings, the Illinois Department of Transportation finally gave in to Schilling partnered up with his colleague across Schilling’s request. Governor Quinn announced the river, fellow U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D- in May that $72 million would be prioritized Iowa), in order to put pressure on their states’ towards the I-74 bridge project, bringing the Quad respective Departments of Transportation to Cities even closer to receiving a functional and prioritize the project. safe I-74 bridge.

— 13 — — 14 — Why Cheri Bustos is WRONG for Illinois —

Cheri Bustos profits from overseas investments — including companies that 8 help business outsource jobs to China.

Cheri Bustos supports a “Bring Back Tax” on companies that reshore jobs back to 8 America — resulting in less American jobs.

Cheri Bustos raised taxes on middle class families during the same time she saw her 8 salary rise from $60,000 to over $300,000.

Cheri Bustos’ top accomplishment was to spend $40,000 in taxpayer money on a light up welcome sign — meanwhile she quit the 8 City Council early with a $1 million deficit.

Cheri Bustos supports a law that 8 cuts over $700 billion from Medicare.

— 15 — Humble Beginnings By Christie Schilling All of our children are (wife of U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling) very independent with a strong sense of empathy t’s been three years since towards others. They have Bobby and I took on this new taught Bobby and me to Ichallenge of campaigning and be very flexible with our being a congressional family. From time and talents, but firm the very beginning, the people of with rules and love. this area have been warm and welcoming. Democrats, It is Bobby’s drive to fix Independents, and Republicans things and to show respect alike have made a wonderful and towards others that positive impact on our family. inspired him to run for Congress. Our country has Our family life isn’t that different reached a tipping point. from other families. The obvious difference is There are only so many times you can take a the sheer number of us—Bobby and I have 10 swing at Bobby before he fights back. We saw wonderful children and two grandchildren. We an out of control government in Washington work hard, we love God, we love America, that kept taking swings at our liberties, taking and we love each other. swings at America’s job creators, and taking Bobby is really good at fixing things. He has a swings at future generations by irresponsibly mechanical and mathematical mind. He loves spending money we don’t have. Bobby and I to study how things work and how to fix decided it was time to fight back. them, and he loves adding up the savings of Serving in Congress has meant more to Bobby fixing things himself. He always did our car than just a chance to fight for our American repairs, even replacing an engine. Our kids ideals. It’s also been a chance to help people. love watching him work on our car—they love Many people don’t realize the amount of one- to hand him the tools he needs. Because on-one good a Member of Congress can do Bobby has done most of our repairs, it has through constituent services. Bobby has made kept our heads above water. communicating with constituents a high Bobby and I will be married for 26 years this priority, and he loves that he can use his May. We started out in a small duplex in Rock office to help cut through government Island. Bobby was a union steward at a box bureaucracy to help people who depend on manufacturing plant called Container things like Social Security, Medicare, or Corporation of America. Money was tight and especially veterans’ benefits. It’s humbling to we struggled to make ends meet. Thankfully, think of the incredible service our men and our duplex turned out to be a great women in uniform did for our country, and it’s investment as we lived in one side while rent an honor for Bobby to help them wherever he from the other side paid our house payment. can. We couldn’t have made it any other way. In our home, there is a constant low roar of Bobby did all the repairs, replacing water activity and commotion. Bobby and I often heaters, toilets, light fixtures, faucets—he stay up late after the kids are in bed just so even fixed a water line that was six feet we can sit and look at each other. We often under our sidewalk. marvel at how far we’ve come, from owning a Bobby and our boys built our home. We call it small duplex in Rock Island to owning our own our yellow-green home because the walls are business and building a beautiful home out in made from ICF, insulated concrete forms, with the country. Our daily challenges of raising a R50 insulation. They look like big Legos. I love family and running a business has prepared us how thick the walls are because it makes a for being a congressional family without us really nice windowsill. We also built our even realizing it. restaurant from the ground up—literally from We’ve accomplished a great deal through hard the ground up. Remember that broken water work and perseverance. We thank God every line Bobby fixed? That prepared him for the day for our children and the successes that three-foot wide, six-foot deep, and 15-foot we’ve been blessed with so graciously. Our long trench that he dug for a drainage pipe for humble beginnings have taught us to our restaurant. He saved us about $8,000 persevere and strive for the best. American doing this. It has been through his hard work ideals are everything that is right in the and through his hands that he and our boys world—only in America can such humble have built equity into our home and our beginnings be blessed with success. business. He has done a wonderful job of instilling a hard work ethic in his family. Christie Christie Schilling is the wife of U.S. Representative Bobby Schilling, mother of their ten children, owner of St. Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizza in Moline, photographer and blogger for Catholic Vote, and runs her own website at www.10kidsofonemom.com.

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Paid for by Bobby Schilling for Congress