Illinois Republican State Central Committee
Title: Address To The Illinois Republican State Central Committee.
June 27, 2009
Oak Brook, IL
Thank you very much for the kind introduction.
My name is Adam Andrzejewski- As I’ve traveled the state, it has been a distinct pleasure to teach the citizens of Illinois, what my last name means in Polish. Do we have any Polish speakers in the room? No? O’kay. Well, in Polish Andrzejewski means… “Governor!”
Thank you.
All of my announced Republican competitors have made a career in government or Illinois politics. As you know, I haven’t, as I am an entrepreneur.
In 1997, my brother and I founded a publishing company. We took on the monopoly of the big yellow pages. At the end of 9 years, in 200 markets in 3 states, we had greater market share then the big guys. The Big Guys were over-charging and under-delivering on service… kind of like Springfield.
This morning, I am going to give you my perspective from the campaign trail. I have been campaigning hard with nearly 300 events over the course of the last 3 months. Face to face, we have distributed over 20,000 palm cards.
So, Here is the FIRST message that we as Republicans must communicate:
The people of Illinois want Workable Policies not Platitudes.
The people want policies that stem from… the Republican values of individual freedom and liberty and limited government. The foundation of my campaign- is a workable policy.
“Every Dime. Online. In Real Time.” It’s 100% financial transparency.
Our Democratic opponents tell us that in their budgets there is no place to cut spending, yet they refuse to open up their books. WE protect the taxpayer. But, holding the line on taxes Requires spending cuts and spending cuts Will Require 100% financial transparency. If we can see the wasteful spending, we can cut the wasteful spending and hold the line on taxes.
As I travel across this state and talk about bold policy’s, I’m finding that this message resonates with voters.
Here is the SECOND message that we as Republicans must communicate:
New Ideas Require New People.
Everybody has heard the political joke with the line, “We don’t want nobody, who nobody sent.” We must end that philosophy. We must end the philosophy of telling our future leaders to “wait your turn”. Before my announcement for Governor, I did not ask for permission nor did I genuflect to party leadership.
If there ever was a year to put a Republican in EVERY district vs. the Democrat- every House and every Senate race vs. the democrat- this is the year. The best I can tell, four of every ten precinct committeeman spots are vacant. We need to fill every vacant spot. You are the State Central Committee and this is your job. My campaign is doing this job as well. Together, We have six months until early voting starts. We have time, but… Time is of the essence!
Here is the THIRD message: We Republicans HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE-
Are we the party of business-as-usual, or the party of true reform?
If we are going to start WINNING elections again, the Republican Party must embrace the REFORM wing of our party- not the status quo wing.
The media likes to characterize the split in our party as moderates vs. social conservatives, and as you know, I am a social conservative. But, the true split in our party is the patronage wing vs. the reform wing. Now many of you may not like this theme.
But we Republicans have an incredible opportunity to win this election, it is no time for business-as-usual. The People of Illinois have had it with established Illinois politicians. My theme of Patronage vs. reform has resonated across the state on the campaign trail.
And the State Central Committee needs to know this.
For Governor- We need to nominate a REAL REPUBLICAN REFORMER to beat that Chicago Patronage Democrat.
My family’s reform roots run deep: 30 years ago, in 1976 and 1978, my father ran against George Ryan for State Representative. In fact, we ran against the entire corrupt Kankakee County Republican political machine.
No apologies. I am a REAL REPUBLICAN REFORMER.
I’m dedicated to building this party. I’m not anyone’s enemy.
I will be on the ballot come February and if I don’t win, I will endorse the nominee. I EXPECT nothing less of my opponents if I’m the nominee.
The People of Illinois care about winning… I’m playing to win, because playing NOT to win hasn’t worked for the last 12 years. I’m here to help this party.
Illinois is the birthplace of Reagan and the Land of Lincoln. Let's restore that pride and that history by turning this state around- together.
I aim to take this state from the worst to the best. And that’s only in my first term.
God Bless You. God Bless Illinois.