By John Biver

What does Dennis Hastert have to do with Chris Lauzen's primary race for state senate? Lauzen's district overlaps Hastert's old district. Principled guys like Lauzen are an irritant to all the same old folks who just loved and were empowered by Denny even as he wrecked the Illinois GOP and paved the way for Nancy Pelosi to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

I addressed the political consultant problem last time, as well as those in the crowd who could be Democrats as easily as they are Republicans. They're not in politics because they care about the GOP Platform. They're in it because it's good for their business and their own personal bottom line.

Then there are politicians like state Representative Tim Schmitz, who is supporting Lauzen's primary opponent and was billed as a "special invited guest" at a recent event for the guy. One of the baloney gripes against Chris Lauzen by the empty-headed Republicans is that "he's not effective." You have to give these shallow folks credit for knowing how to memorize talking points, as you hear that charge repeated.

I'll address Lauzen's work as a state senator in the final installment in a day or so. But as a comparison, let's look at state Rep. Tim Schmitz's effectiveness. He's a part of the state house leadership team headed by the guy that is becoming known statewide as Tom "Double" Cross (you can search our archives to learn more about him).

That Republican House Caucus has been one big abysmal failure for the past seven years. So much for leadership. So much for effectiveness.

They've lost seats, not gained seats. It's been a flat-line operation to say the least. What do I mean by that? After seven years Illinois voters should know how those Republican state house members would govern differently. But the public does not even hear from them. Tim and friends' criticism of Chris Lauzen is therefore laughable.

Another shot that gets taken at Chris is that he didn't endorse Jim Oberweis after the special Congressional election primary back in 2008. Listen, I can dispense with that entire thing very easily. Jim Oberweis foolishly took very bad advice from his hack consultants during that campaign and he falsely accused Lauzen of being corrupt.

First, if Oberweis lied about me and called me corrupt I wouldn't endorse his sorry candidacy either. Second, why in the world would Oberweis want Lauzen's endorsement if Chris was so tainted by the "culture of Springfield" (a laughable statement for anyone knowledgeable about Lauzen's record)?

Champion News has done more than any website to chronicle the idiocy and dysfunction of the Hastert legacy and the politics of the 14th congressional district. A Republican Party that is about to nominate Ethan Hastert - Denny's son - for his father's old seat - is not a party establishment that is about reform.

Oh, and big shock - Oberweis is supporting Lauzen's opponent. That alone is a great reason for reformers, TEA party types, and 9/12 Project supporters to come out in droves to support Lauzen on February 2nd.

To learn more about Hastert-the-elder's record, a good summary is found here:

Would YOU honor Hastert?

For Denny's recent activities - read the following article from last fall:

Dennis Hastert still gorging at the public trough

To really understand the atmosphere that surrounds Chris Lauzen's primary for state senate - here is a partial archive of articles Champion News has penned so reformers would understand what the problems have been. Note that last one - it's dated six years ago, so the problem outlined is nothing new.

Up next: Senator Chris Lauzen's opponent.

John Biver is the Editor of Champion News.