Here's a shocker: Schock campaigning via helicopter

PEORIA -- You never know what you will learn when the Peoria County Democratic Women host a candidate meeting.  So here's what came down at the group's meeting today, Sept. 4: US Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, has been arriving at campaign events in a helicopter!

Schock's Democratic opponent, D.K. Hirner spoke to the Demo women about her candidacy and told of a parade in small town that was delayed until a helicopter landed and Aaron arrived to walk in the parade.  Hirner said she asked him about the helicopter, and he responded "It's cheaper than driving."

Really?  Inquiring minds want to know more.  LIke what it costs and who is paying for it. Trust me, no helicopter is cheaper to operate than an car, even the biggest gas-guzzling SUV. 

This was not an isolated instance.  Someone told  then Hirner about another event, where she was not present, where he also arrived in a helicopter.

Hirner said she searched campaign disclosure forms on the web but could not find any expense or donation listings for the helicopter. Which brings up an interesting question:  Does the high cost violate campaign finance laws, which limit gifts to candidates?  Or is Schock renting the helicopter himself?

Come on members of the mainstream media:  time to call your pal Aaron and ask him about this campaign expenditure.  And do more research -- namely is he the only member of Congress using a helicopter? 

Hirner used the helicopter to make her point that Schock is out of touch with ordinary people. He votes 'no' on everything, she said. "He's not about the business of the people. He's about the business of himself."

D.K. Hirner                  (photo by Al Harkrader)

Two judicial candidates up for retention in downstate districts also were discussed.  Illinois Supreme Court justice Tom Kilbride is being targeted for removal because he was one of several on a panel that threw out as unconstitutional the General Assembly's cap on malpractice insurance awards.  

Others on the panel were from Chicago, but Kilbride is being targeted in hopes downstate conservatives will vote against his retention. He ran for the court as a Democrat.

Judge Mary McDade attended the meeting, and said she has ruled on 3,000 cases in 10 years.  She's running for retention on the 3rd District Appellate Court, and also was elected as a Democrat. Both judicial candidates  were elected in 2000.  The retention races are non-partisan.

Illinois Controller candidate David Miller, a state representative and dentist, spoke to the group and said he wants to put the state budget on the web, so it's more available and transparent. He also promised to set up a system of priorities to pay state bills first to "front line providers" such as certain hospitals.

The Democrat running for Peoria County Recorder of Deeds, Evonne Fleming, also spoke, telling of her 21 years of experience in the recorders office.  The elected Recorder, Brad Horton, died last spring and the Republican party appointed his wife Nancy to the post. She's running against Fleming. The winner will fill out Brad Hortons' term.

Fleming said Nancy Horton has been redecorating the office and spent $15,000 on unnecessary bookshelves, at a time when Peoria County's finances are strained. The redecoration appears to be for looks instead of efficient work spaces, Fleming said.

Other candidates will appear the group's October meeting.

 -- Elaine Hopkins