Bickering begins in 16th Congressional race
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| U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, talks with Randy and Kathy Faber of Sublette during an event Wednesday at Dixon’s Loveland Community House. (David Rauch/Shaw Media) |
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The war of words in the Republican primary for Illinois' 16th Congressional District has started, but it isn't between the two candidates.
Instead, a grassroots conservative organization – Illinois Conservatives – and Congressman Adam Kinzinger are bickering over an endorsement made this week by Illinois Conservatives.
Kinzinger represents Illinois' 11th Congressional District but is running against incumbent Don Manzullo in the 16th Congressional District because of how Democrats drew the legislative map.
On Wednesday, Illinois Conservatives endorsed Manzullo in the race for the GOP nomination in the 16th. But on Tuesday – before the endorsement was made public – Kinzinger's campaign issued the following statement:
"In anticipation of Congressman Don Manzullo’s 'major announcement' tomorrow morning in conjunction with the Illinois Conservatives Facebook Group, it is important to note that that the Illinois Conservatives Facebook Group is run by a 20 year old from Congressman Manzullo’s home county and is not an influential voice within the Republican electorate."
Illinois Conservatives responded with a statement of its own:
“I believe Lennie Jarratt, John Bambenek, Michael Harn, Jason Plummer, Don Manzullo, and other conservatives would disagree that our endorsement means nothing,” Illinois Conservatives President Zach Oltmanns said. “If we are not influential then why has [Congressman Kinzinger] spent the last couple days attacking us?”
It doesn't end there.
Kinzinger's campaign also disputed an endorsement the group did (or didn't) make in 2010.
"Also of note, the Illinois Conservatives Facebook Group is reportedly telling news outlets that Congressman Adam Kinzinger received their endorsement in the 2010 Republican Primary. This is completely inaccurate. In fact, the Illinois Conservatives Facebook Group backed David McAloon, who earned 9.6 percent of the vote to Kinzinger’s 63.7 percent in the 2010 five-way Republican Primary."
Responded Illinois Conservatives:
"We tried to endorse him in the general election in 2010 but just like most of the tea party groups are numerous calls were not returned by Kinzinger,” Oltmanns said.
Welcome to election season.
