Will My Army of Davids Beat Boardroom Goliaths?
by Adam AndrzejewskiAs the clock winds down on the Illinois Governor’s race, the question on everyone’s mind is whether a newcomer like me, running on robust policy and an American success story, can beat a gaggle of Country Club Republicans and also-rans.
I’m Adam Andrzejewski, the entrepreneur who grew up in central Illinois, worked hard, and ended up successful enough to retire at age 37. Instead of hanging out the beach while managing my portfolio, I started up a non-profit focusing on transparency, and quickly got over $1 billion of public spending placed on-line. That kind of ‘Every Dime on Line, in Real Time” transparency, coupled with my aggressive ethics reform modeled after those passed in Louisiana by Bobby Jindal, are the foundation of my policy agenda to reform Illinois.
The question is, can I pull this off? I was written off early by the cynical and jaundiced political press, but I perservered through months of Lincoln Day Dinners, radio interviews, and candidate forums, all of which were fantastic opportunities to meet the people of Illinois. I noticed something interesting every time I was out on the campaign trail. When people saw me and heard my message they liked what they heard – a lot. No matter how much money was dumped into the campaign by the connected donors financing the other 5 establishment candidates, I was always within striking distance.
Then, just in the last 2 weeks, our campaign started to capture the imagination. With just over one week to go, it was announced that Lech Walesa was coming to Chicago to endorse me. That set off a firestorm of press coverage and interest in the blogosphere. Now, the level of national interest has brought in a flood of small donations and volunteers from around the country. As you read this, people from across the country have offered to log in to call centers and send e-mails, all to assist the my Campaign.
All of this is culminating in the potential for a big upset. Here, in the last hours of this campaign, both Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh have mentioned this campaign here in Illinois. This may be the next potential “Scott Brown” upset. With your help, I can pull off that upset. But I know that no matter what the outcome of this race might be, a great and powerful spirit has been awakened in the souls of Americans and Illinoisians. I will continue to kindle that spirit in every avenue of my life. I hope that you will help me.
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146 Comments
You have my vote! I can't wait to get out of work to go to the polling booth!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Adam.
I already voted for Adam. It was definitely Lech Walesa's endorsement that captured my attention. If he's good enough for the Polish Reagan, he's good enough for me.
Good luck Adam.
I sure hope you make history, and turn them upside down.
Andrew, I actually hope you win, I won't be voting as I am not an Illinois resident. But I take issue with taking political support form non Americans.
I will not celebrate Lech Walesa endorsing you any more than I would celebrate Margret Thatcher endorsing Ronald Reagan. He should keep his nose out of American politics.
Shame on you for inviting him in.
I don't see much difference between accepting campaign cash from foreign nationals and taking direct political support. In fact it is very closely related, As the Former President of a country he charges a speakers fee ( because when he speaks he makes money for those he speaks to/for) so his contributions have a monetary value.
its just too bad i don't live in chicago. here in the burbs we only get to vote once, and there are no dead people voting here either. so i will put one vote for you, and hope the few republicans in chicago get to vote a few extra times for you.
How would that differ, from Barrack Obama going to Kenya last year, and campaigning and supporting a communist for President there? Do you feel the same about that?
Let me be clear, I like Walesa, and so far I like what I see from you, I simply don't like the precedent of foreign dignitaries meddling in American politics in such a direct fashion being set here.
I voted for you last Tuesday at Early Voting. Good luck!!! Lech has given you national coverage, so hopefully otherwise apathetic Illinoisans will have seen you on the news and head out to vote for you today. A little snow never stops Illinois citizens, especially those of Polish descent!
No different than BHO supporting a foreign candidate??
I agree with Cowboy. And how does it differ from Obama actually going overseas (hello – Germany?) to campaign as "citizen of the world"?? And him getting foreign campaign funding?
Absolutely… have you read my posts?
Good luck to you Adam. Your win will add to and strengthen the resolve of America to clean house. Turn on the lights in Illinois!
Godspeed to you Mr. Andrzejewski…
We're pulling for an upset…!!!
Come on guys, If Gordon Brown were here campaigning for the Democrat in the General election you guys would be screaming bloody murder ( me too) and rightfully so!
Kosciuszko and Pulaski also "meddled" in American politics, in an even more direct fashion. The precedent has already been set, in blook.
Sorry, not Andrew… ADAM! It's Andrew's site!
Should have spell-checked. I meant blood.
I just voted for Dan Proft. He's been a great defender of Conservative principles for years and I really like the way he conducts himself. No matter who wins, they have to beat the latest Democrat to not be able to pass the smell test. This guy's bank lost $75 million in the last few years and it's the only real job he's ever held. I really thought they'd have to look hard to find a less attractive candidate than Roland Burris, but they managed to succeed. Despite that, I'm sure he'll get the endorsement of every Democrat in the state just like Blagojevich did.
This state really does suck.
I couldn't agree more. Who cares what the former leader of Poland thinks about who would be best for our Governor? For that matter, why should I care what Beck or Limbaugh think about it? National support is fine, but I really hope this coming election doesn't turn into a popularity contest based on who can get the most high profile pat on the back (with none of us knowing if the person doing the patting really knows the issues or has another reason for their endorsement).
People need to do their homework and vote for who they think is the best candidate.
Good luck to you! When Scott Brown won, my gut instinct was that it was no one time "fluke", I knew at that moment there is a very real movement to return this country to a constitutional republic, and we are seeing that now in FL, IL and here in Texas we have Debra Medina as the non-establishment Republican candidate.
I know I do. No foreign leaders should have any effect on how our elections go. Obama should have been investigated for his obscene campaign finances, but with a Democratic Congress that was never going to happen. The single most dishonest campaign in the nation's history. Gee, who could have predicted that from the Chicago politician? {/sarcasm}
Comparing Lech Walesa to Gordon Brown is like comparing A Porsche to a wheelbarrow. Can't do it. Not the same ball field. Not the same league. Not even the same sport. Gordon Brown can't even campaign in his own country at this point without hurting the Labour candidate, he's so unpopular.
Here in Florida, I recently changed party affiliation from Libertarian to Republican, just in case Rubio needed another vote in a primary. Clearly, Illinois needs a man like Adam Andrzejewski as Governor!
Sorry Todd, I could not think of a Popular Socialist to use as an example.
Good luck Adam. I can't vote for you since I live in the people's republic of Maryland but I do wish you Godspeed.
I hope this man is a true conservative. I was SO very happy to see Brown get elected, but then……… "if it's too good to be true……." He NOW says that he is a "fiscal conservative, but a social moderate" (AKA: pro-choice). Talk about a cold splash of water to wake one up from a dream! So, Mr. Brown, if the healthcare is met "fiscally" you would support a social healthcare plan??? True conservative: we need to be VERY VERY careful about whom we back! Compromising our virtues will not bring forth the turn around we hope for in this country; staying true to our core beliefs will. I have not given hope that we will find TRUE conservatives – but I will be cautious in whom I support.
Please take note of the Texas govenors race. We have a "one of us" candidate – Debra Medina – a true conservative that needs the help of national recognition. She is a woman with some punch, and when you ask her a question, she has a straight answer! How 'bout that! Check her out for the next "upset" – NO more RINOs – Hutchinson is one, and Perry will only be re-elected with a HUGE load of baggage – which will bring some stench along with it. NO MORE PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS!!! Best wishes to you Illinois!
I grew up in communist Eastern Europe. I have a great respect for Valesa. It is sad that today in America I have to argue with the same socialistic creepy ideas that seems to be embraced by many. I hope people will stand for freedom like we did twenty years ago in Europe. Good luck on the elections!
Unfortunately the political reality is that these "moderates" are needed to win enough Democrat support to get elected to statewide office in places like MA and IL.
In Florida we are not hindered in the same fashion. Meeks doesn't stand a chance, another "Dynasty" or legacy politician, his mommy held the seat he now holds, so he feels entitled to it, and got it, now he wants to reach higher, Rubio will steam roll that snot nosed Meeks.
With Rush Limbaugh and Lech Walesa behind you. You're already a winner. Good Luck to you and Keep on Punching Brother all things are possible. Ask Senator Scott Brown.
Check out the new version of "Mmm Mmm Mmm Barack Hussein Obama" at: http://www.myspace.com/rogerweber
You'll get a laugh!
Best of luck to you Mr. Andrzejewski.
Go Adam go! Good luck and Godspeed!
good luck, kid. you'll need it to win and if you win, you'll need it to survive the machine.
And von Steuben and Lafayette.
I find it disturbing that Kirk has the lead he does – he has been there too long and is definately part of the problem. I don't agree with the post that suggests he has to be moderate to gain the Dem support, that's not going to wash anymore, it's a new day here and it's way over-due.
Scott Brown is exactly my kind of Republican. He might be moderate on some issues, but he's conservative on the ones that matter to me. Kirk just kind of sucks on everything. I wouldn't call him a Moderate. I'd call him a Scozzafava Republican.
I think a Scott Brown Republican could easily win here. The problem is, between corruption and people who aren't well known enough, there are few really good candidates.
Plow ahead. The peoples seat awaits you. Once in it, be HONEST, HARD WORKING, and never forget about the CONSTITUTION.
There is nothing wrong with foreign leaders supporting candidates here – it just adds to voter knowledge to know what type of leaders and people various candidates will attract. Hearing how Chavez and Castro voiced their support for Obama during 2008 helped me decide for sure that Obama was not for me.
I'll be voting for you in a couple of hours!
Let's see now,
Andy is as Polish as a pireogi (sp).
Illinois has a metropolitan area that has more Poles than Warsaw.
Lech is the most popular Pole, next to former Pope John, in the world.
And this kid is fighting for his political life and he should what? Shun his endorsement?
Come on folks let's keep our eye on the prize.
Thank you!
Keep slapping Americans to their senses. We need all the help we can get. Unfortunately in this country we have been weakened by our comfort. Because the majority of us want for little and go about our lives unfettered, we lose touch with the fact that our freedoms require constant vigilance to protect them from the incessant creep of big government in the name of "Social Justice". We fail to remember the lessons of history and find solace in the false belief that "it could never happen here.
With the successful election of Rubio, Florida will be extremely envied.
In Illinois, the "BEST Candidate is anyone that is NOT a DEMOCRAT……
GET Real….. what have the Democrats done for Illinois/Chicago which controls the State…???
GANG Democratic CRIME, GANG UNION Crime, Democratic VOTER Fraud, and FANTASTIC Poverty areas (especially South Chicago) Controlled by Democrats, shows their Socialistic ideas, puts minorities in POVERTY and if Democratic Control continues, Chicago will look like DETROIT.
from a person who had lived in Chicago years ago….tired of CORRUPTION
I hope you make it. If you do PLEASE do not screw it up!
If you live in Cook County you can vote multiple times – so I have heard…….
Best of luck to you Mr. Andrzejewski. I cannot vote for you, but I can sent best wishes and my prayers.
As a fromer resident of Cook County- very funny, but sadly true.
I'll be voting for you today. We need to clean up this cesspool that is Illinois politics. It is getting to the point that we should be taking fingerprints and mugshots whenever a governor is sworn in. I hope you make a difference down there.
http://factsarestubbornthings.net
Great God Almighty ! Finally the flat landers have the real deal. Now just step up to the plate and drive Adam home. Conservative Americans will take back this country.
I get your point, but unfortunately the terms of engagement are dictated by the enemy. The Socialist/Progressive agenda is truly global and will result in a planet under government control, with lowered standards of living etc. Observe the Copenhagen circus and Obama's pandering to this global movement. This is global freedom vs. global serfdom. And, we did not start it……
Class Warfare that is pushed by Democrats is a dangerous tool to get to power. Many were killed in Eastern Europe when communism was installed just because they owned a property or business that "people" wanted to nationalize. It starts with "taxing the rich" then more and more folks are condemned to be rich like they are some kind of an "enemy of the people". We need to stand against class warfare – it is not the American way. It was the soviet way.
That's what I'm thinking. I see xhristopherus' point about foreign meddling, but the precedent was set long ago, good or bad. I live in Chicago, which unfortunately sways the whole state in a big way. There are TONS of Poles here that remember what communism is, and who came here to get away from it. Walesa is famous for fighting against it in Poland. I'm hoping the Polish vote will come out to counter-balance the welfare-state vote all too prevalent in Chicago (and probably being bused to the polls by unions today).
.
You are on your way — God bless you. Socialism can go to hell.
I would have to say I would take a KIRK for senator if he can win. The Tea Party contract can push him to the right,
so better to have that than get stuck with an ideologically locked in progressive.
Better to have Scott in MA than a Coakley, no? Besides KIRK would deal a devastating psychological blow taking the "OBAMA" seat — priceless.
We can get someone more conservative later.
.
I would love to see the Rubio campaign receive the national attention that Scott Brown received. If the American people could see and hear Marco speak for even ten minutes they would be reminded of how an honorable representative looks and sounds. Then maybe the rest of the country could use that as the benchmark for all elected officials.
Hope and change has never meant so much before. Adam represents the kind of hope and change Americans want. Not some personal agenda by those who think Americans are so stupid they cannot ever understand. Odumblo is the type of hope and change wanted anti american interests whether they are americans or not they have no interest in continuing the amierican ideals. One needn't be a wizard to figure out people like odumblo, reid, pelosi, frank, schemer, and notable others.
Well, after Walesa, Limbaugh and Beck, I know my endorsement means less than nothing, but you have it.
BTW: I had an official Solidarnosc (Sorry, my keyboard doesn't do the Polish characters) tee back in the 80's, and in Europe it was a babe magnet. Who could have known?
I just posted some youtube videos of your speeches and interviews last night. I cannot vote for you but you have my full support. We will triumph. Good luck.
If any representative is truly a fiscal conservative, I wouldn't worry about them supporting "health care reform" in its present form (or anything like it), since any honest look at its economic impact would stop those bills dead in their tracks.
I can't say that I know enough about Perry to comment on him, but I will say this; if any incumbent official from a border state hasn't dedicated themselves to absolute border security, I would be seeking to replace them with someone who has.
Good luck today Mr. Andrzejewski. People are pulling for you all over this great nation.
That's fine and all, but isn't the Florida primary in, like, August?
Vote Patrick Hughes for US Senate while you're at it!
Sorry, that horse has left the barn. Look at all the foreign money that went into the Obama campaign and then his justice dept. decided not to look into it. Sometimes one must fight fire with fire. Lech Walesa has a message for us and it's important, since he grew up under communism. He's telling us we're heading down the same path. We need to listen and we need to do something about it. This is a good second step!
I think we'll have to win the abortion issue in hearts and minds – and we're doing it. As long as he won't vote for my money going toward abortion, I'll take fiscal conservative first. The problem is education. The conservative's have been so demonized by the government education establishment that we're going to have to pick our battles carefully. I wouldn't have said that a few years ago. I'm not saying I'm rolling over, just that right now our priorities have to be on winning with fiscally and constitutional-adhering candidates.
America has lost its principles. America is at a moment in history where there is great need for eaders nationally or internationally who hold our principles dear will help in our time of need.
Heck, I left Chicago 30 years ago, and I
would bet, they are still voting for me….
I would probrably win the bet too…
Yeah. Good point. I guess we should focus on the imminent elections.
Yes, thank you. I remember watching the Soviet tanks plowing over the Hungarians who stood in their way with shovels and pitchforks and turning to my dad and asking why we weren't helping them. He just sadly shook his head.
Your country of birth has suffered so much – I don't understand our "leaders" rush down that path, either.
So after Illinois, what's next then? What races do we need to be contributing our money to? Texas is when, May?
Going to polling place now and will cast my vote for Adam.
Very well put…If Lech opened up some eyes as to
what's happening in our country (soft socialism),
I think his endorsement might have been what was
needed…..GO ADAM!!
And, remember, in the words of Hugh Hewitt, "If It's Not Close, They Can't Cheat: Crushing the Democrats in Every Election and Why Your Life Depends on It."
Good luck Adam. If you get elected you have a tough job ahead of you that may not score ANY points with your EXISTING colleagues, but will win the faith of your constituents. I hope you have iron fortitude and eyes in the back of your head.
I didn't know who Adam was until two weeks ago. I had already made up my mind who I was voting for, and was lukewarm about my choice, at best! Now, after a little research, I'm on the Andrzejewski bandwagon!
GO ADAM!!!
My friends in Chicago will be voting for you, Adam. You have the support of the country behind you! Good luck and best wishes from Virginia!
This nationalizing of local elections is starting to catch on, certainly in bloggovia.
what we need is the MS [Conservative] M to pick up on this ahead of the curve.
Come on Rush, Glen, Savage, Levin, you guys need to get on board with our anti RINO / Liberal / Democrat campaigns.
Mr. Andrzejewski, best of luck sir, I see you as an honest man in a crooked state, I am FROM one (Michigan) and now in another (Cali). Bless you and Mr. Walesa – I heard his speech in polski, which I do not understand, but I understood his passion.
Like Walesa would come to America for some guy named Adam Smith…
Being Polish has nothing to do with this…Yeah, right.
Good luck whipping it up on a liberal though. I always enjoy seeing that happen.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum! Our prayers are with you, always. It's a bit of an understatement, but thank you!
Worth noting here that Walesa is NOT a current Polish officholder and makes this endorsement as a private citizen representing only himself. I would have proudly accepteeducatd this endorsment were I in Adam's shoes – and frankly there's absolutely no way to stop someone from expressing his or her opinion. This Walesa vist has really captured national attention with the comments about socialism, and I thank Adam Andrzejewski for bringing him in and reminding younger generations that he is a hero.
Go get 'em, Adam!
Good luck, Adam Andzumtinski… I'm a California resident but you can send me an absentee ballot. Thanks.
You are so right about the danger of class warfare. One of my frustrations with the Republican Party is they have let this class warfare narrative, which has really taken off with Obama, to continue without a response. I don't mean in the sense of a rebuke, but in continuously putting forth the narrative that the Republican agenda is that every American succeed.
Well said Des. I agree. Politicians bank on the fact that the citizenry becomes so easily enamored with a candidate because of charm, popular endorsements etc….hence, BHO. Be a responsible citizen and know what and for whom you are voting. I am jazzed about the national outpouring but please do tread lightly and make sure you're not voting for more of the same.
I am a 7th generation Illinoisian. My husband and I were both proud to cast our vote for you today. I was very touched when I read your statement on why you are pro-life, an issue that is very important to me. It feels wonderful to be able to finally vote for someone in Illinois who I feel is a true conservative and not a George Ryan Republican. It is time to end the MASSIVE corruption in this beautiful state!
Republicans don't have the guts to stand up against the class warfare, because they immediately are called racists and hating the poor, fat cats and so on. We the people have to call the free riders in our community – politicians will not – it is not popular.
I voted for Adam but I have little hope. That's what happens when you live in a state where probably 70% of the people are fools.
Last Sat., I was talking with someone who's involved with the League of Women Voters. She told me that while she was in the dentist's chair, her dentist was talking politics as he knows she's politically active (great tactic–one way conversation). He mentions Hillary Clinton…Secretary of State and the dental assistant, a woman in her fifties, expresses surprise that Hillary is SoS. It gets worse……..
She asks, what happened to Jesse White?
He's the Secretary of State of Illinois.
We're doomed.
Mark Kirk is a progressive. I was sooo emabrassed that he voted for Cap and Tax. My parents went to a town hall he held in my home town. My mom asked him why he voted for the bill, and he said it was because a power company told him it would be good. What?! He also voted against a partial-birth abortion ban. Disguesting!
Adam,
Im a Georgia resident who sent a small campaign donation a couple of weeks ago. I wish I could do more. You are gaining support, but my concern is the ACORN thugs and voter fraud.
PLEASE ensure you have volunteers at every voting place and people that can oversee the count.
I have my fingers crossed and will say a little prayer. You're a trooper!
The buzz is deafening Adam. I'm on my way to cast my vote, for you.
As far as I am concerned Lech Walesa is an honorary American. He would be embraced by our "Founders" as a true patriot for ALL of humankind. I think it speaks volumes to anyone in this country who he would take the time to support. I doubt our "Founders" would feel the same way about the gangsters running our country today. Its ironic that so many leaders, like Lech Walesa and Viktor Yushchenko, who know first hand of tyranny are the one's that we have to rely upon to protect our liberty.
I forgot to add, that men like Lech Walesa are courageous heroes, the complete antithesis of posturing cowards like Barack Obama.
Those of us who love freedom, could use someone like Walesa, who has tasted the loss of freedom, to campaign for our candidates. He knows what it's like to fight for freedom, and our population could stand a good wake up call. We are losing ours everyday. Thank you Lech, and good luck to this candidate.
As someone who was born and raised in Illinois, xhristopherus, I'm happy for Walesa's support. Walesa isn't credible because he's a foreign politico, he's credible because he took personal risks to stand up to a bloated, tyrannical and unjust bureaucracy that our enemy as much as his. That's more than I can say for the weasels in most of the positions of political influence in Illinois right now, and I don't really see why we should give them some moral authority, knowing what they are, but deny it to Walesa.
As Americans, we celebrate freedom of speech as an inalienable right and the marketplace of ideas as one of the great institutions of humanity. It's your right to take Walesa's opinion however you like, and Walesa's right, speaking to freely assembled crowds before a free press, to give it. Is there really "shame" in that?
Good luck Adam! Kick tail brother, America is watching!
Congressman Kirk voted for Cap and Trade!!!!!! and I am not going to vote for him.
Hope the Republican nominee is anyone but Kirk.
Unfortunately Illinois is a basket case and come November we may have to take a baby step and vote for this RINO against any body the Dems. put up.
The Dem. nominee can be a monkey and he will be formidable opponent.
Never forget the Spirit that inspires you, unless it is the same one that inspires Ob/sama!!! There are two Spirits that inspire, one encourages mangod governing of the people, the other teaches self governorship with little need for mandated government by mangods (Os/bama types)!!!!!!!!
Okay, consider my vote as your proxy. As for Lech, I have no problem as this was a local election and thus without foreign policy ramifications. Plenty of right thinking Europeans are afraid that we are going down their road, so I welcome the "I speak from experience" aspect here. Vaclav Klaus isn't American, but I sure appreciate his views on "Global Warming". And Geert Wilders is right on when he speaks out against Islam. I alright with any friend of freedom aiding the cause.
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