One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot
by Cedra CrenshawDuring the 1996 Illinois Senate race, an aspiring Chicago politician hired skilled attorneys to exploit election rules and challenge his primary opponents’ right to be placed on the ballot. This novice politician was Barack Obama who cut his teeth on Chicago politics and effectively removed his opponents from the ballot.
Not much has changed in Chicago since 1996 – politicians are still looking out for special interests, increasing taxes, and creating hurdles to keep legitimate candidates from the ballot.
I am Cedra Crenshaw and I am running for the Illinois Senate in the 43rd District. Until a few months ago, I was just one mom in a process of political evolution. After a brief career in auditing, my husband and I started a family and thus began the trifecta of marriage, mortgage, and motherhood which catapulted me into the conservative that I am today. I stepped from being reactive to pro-active when I ran for Precinct Committeeman this past February. I wanted to carry the message of conservatism to my neighbors and help influence my local party with my principles and values – but I’m just one mom. I’m one mom who waited for someone to step forward and challenge incumbent State Senator Arthur Wilhelmi and force him to defend his record, which has helped to decimate this state. But no one came forward and I’m not waiting any longer. I’m going on offense. And today I’m one mom who is taking on the machine of Chicago patronage politics as represented by Senator Arthur Wilhelmi.
When I arrived on the scene as one mom against the Chicago political machine, it didn’t take career politicians and their hired help long to line up a challenge to my candidacy.
The Will County Electoral Board has heard a frivolous objection filed by Joliet resident Robert L. Davis which challenges the signatures on my nominating petitions. My opponent, State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi is represented by Michael Kasper, who is one of the country’s top election attorneys. Kasper’s client list includes former President Bill Clinton, Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Michael Madigan, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Phil Hare and, that once aspiring Chicago politician, President Barack Obama.
Referred to as “one of Michael Madigan’s favorite weapons.”, Kasper has a new screwdriver in his tool box with a state law dated January 1, 2010, which regulates placing candidates in vacancies. The new law deems that candidates must collect the same amount of signatures from residents as the candidate who ran in the primary. Additionally, the candidate must be chosen by their party and collect the signatures within a 75-day time period that begins the day after the primary.
While Kasper baselessly contends that some of my signatures were collected prior to the moment I officially became a candidate, the fact remains that I have met all of the requirements of the new law.
This stands as another example of career politicians avoiding the will of the people by denying them the right to select their state senator. By eliminating an expensive race, incumbents are able to preserve their war chest and glide unopposed into another four-years of tax and spend politics.
Wilhelmi is part of the Chicago political machine that has decimated Illinois. He voted to hike the income tax by 66 percent. And when he wasn’t voting for more taxes, Wilhelmi stood in the way of reform, as he voted “present” on giving the people of Illinois the option to recall former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. And now, his actions clearly indicate that he is running scared from his voting record, the electorate, and myself.
The fate of my candidacy rest in the hands of the Will County Electoral Board. The Board is comprised of one Republican and two Democrats. Following a May 24 hearing, the board stated they would consider the issue and announce their decision in writing at an unspecified date. The citizens of the 43rd Senate District still don’t know if they will get a competition for their vote this Fall, or a coronation for a cog in the Chicago Democrat Machine. As I await their decision, I continue my quest to put more accountants and fewer lawyers in Springfield.
[Ed Note: If you're interested in helping Crenshaw in her fight against the Chicago machine now spread to Will County, Board members numbers are Mary Petro -- 815 727 8453; Pamela McGuire -- 815 727 8592; and Sandra Schultz Voots -- 815 740 7615.]
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541 Comments
Keep fighting the good fight Cedra. All you can do is keep waging war against the machine and bringing the people the truth about what their government have been doing to them as well as to the generations not yet born.
Keep fighting the good fight, but don't be surprised when the corrupt Daley/Obama Chicago machine votes with the politics rather than the merits.
Thanks to the corruption of the National Socialist Democrat Party (NSDP) we are no longer a nation of laws but a nation of politics. Hell, here in West Virginia, the state government is blatantly violating the law, which clearly says that there has to be a special election to fill the rest of Robert Byrd's Senate term because he died more than 2.5 years before it's end. But they are going to ignore it because it's not in the best interest of the NSDP to put this seat up for election in a year they are going to get steamrolled.
Cendra, I'm glad you found a way to get your message out! We need to retake government from the bottom up, the top down and every other way we can find. I wish you all the best.
i suppose if you get screwed by the machine, you could stage a write in campaign. if you worked with the tea party, i would hope they would support you. i do not really know what happened here in illionois, when i was a kid, this was a red state. for the last few election cycles it has turned bluer, and bluer. we need to do a color change, and get us back to red. i hope you get on the ballot, or do a write in campaign, so we can send yet another tax and spender to the unemployment line.
What is it with these horrifying pictures every morning? Either Kagan or oblahma.
Best of luck, Ms. Crenshaw.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Hope you can play a role in the Comeback that we must make this November.
Cendra…I hope you have a strong will, a strong heart, and a strong understanding of what you are putting yourself into. This will be a sacrifice like none other you have ever endeavored before. The Chicago machine may not want you, like you, or even recognize you…But the citizens of this country are, and will be inspired by your fortitude. Keep up the good fight and never loose sight of your principles. This country needs more moms, dads, and every other 'normal' citizen to stand up as you have. And lastly, I hope that you will be an inspiration to the many others in this land, that are teetering on the precipice of a major decision like yours. Godspeed to you, Mrs. Crenshaw. And God bless you!
It's all about knowing your enemy.
If you possess the truth, if you believe the convictions of the Founding of this country and if you can honestly put forward a common sense platform the "Machine" will be doomed to defend criminal activity, dishonest ambition and be shown for what it really is……….broken. i admire your sacrifice and your courage to open yourself to the obvious smear that is headed your way. God, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are tenants the left cannot defend.
You go, Girl!!!! This is further evidence that the resistance stands firm!
You deserve to be on the ballot Cedra and we need you to win in November!
The level of foulness in these tactics is absolutely abhorrent and run counter to the principle of citizens voting for the candidates and representatives THEY CHOOSE. This is going to be a spectacular year for black conservatives in the house and senate and I look forward to the black congressional caucus (assuming they actually let you and other conservatives in) finally having to face the fact that they no longer hold a lock on the black vote!
The only reason they are doing this to you is because the only words more frightening to the liberal machine than "liberal congressman loses" are "black conservative wins"! It doesn't fit with their "republicans are racists" narrative and it would go a long way to throwing off the shackles of liberal plantation politics aimed squarely at blacks.
They have turned reality on its head for the past 100 years in the name of power and control over blacks, it is high time they learn that the DNC doesn't "own" anyone any longer.
You can do it!
This is the ONLY way for the citizens of the USA to take our country back form the corruption in Washington D.C.!!! Don't give up or give in to the Chicago mob mentality!! Good luck and ,God bless you!
Is anyone challenging this in the courts?
Cedra Crenshaw………your words, "I'm not waiting any longer, I'm going on offense", gave me chills.
May ALL we conservatives be motivated by Cedra's words and her bravery, for she is truly 'in the belly
of the beast', and is willing to risk much for the benefit of ALL.
Good Luck & God Speed !
The more light that is shed on the corruption of Chicago politics the quicker the citizens can clean house of the scum that are suppose to be representing them. They may take this opportunity away from you Cedra, but your time will come. Keep up the good fight!
Illinois Conservatives – she will need your support! Volunteer, Give, do everything you can to help her win her campaign. Even one person can make a difference at the State Senate level.
Go Cendra!!!
Take it to 'em, Cedra! The Chicago machine is formidible, but they're also fat, lazy, and arrogant from so many years of having it their way. That's their vulnerability. You are an inspiration. As a mother and homeowner you already have your hands full and have ample 'excuses' to not get involved. If you can take on this fight, you'll be showing so many other folks that they can fight as well. Best of luck and God bless…
Cedra for president, from a wasp male in Texas!
In corrupt states like Illinois and New Jersey, to cite two examples, going to the courts and expecting them to side with election law when it conflicts with the interests of the National Socialist Democrat Party is futile. They decide on politics, not the law.
Remember the case of Senator Robert "The Torch" Torricelli in New Jersey?
The NSDP removed him from the ballot and replaced him with Frank Lautenberg. Why? because his many MANY corruption scandals had caught up with him and it was clear that he was going to lose. Well, the NSDP isn't going to stand for losing a seat, so they replaced him as a candidate DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE DEADLINES HAD PASSED. No problem, the New Jersey Supreme Court rewrote election law from the bench to allow Lautenberg to replace the Torch on the ballot, and the seat was saved for the NSDP.
A similar thing happened in Florida, during the Bush vs Gore recount fiasco, the Florida Supreme Court (dominated by the NSDP) re-wrote election law from the bench and changed the standards for vote counting (this allowed for the "hanging chad" madness that happened). Their ruling was so egregious that the US Supreme Court intervened…
Courts being political is a very bad thing. They are supposed to be referees who go by the rule book, not the comissioner, not the maker of the rules.
You are one inspiring Mom!
It saddens me know that the RNC leadership doesn't have the courage this woman has in her little finger. I fear for Cenra, knowing what a vicious adversary she's challenging. No doubt, she's recieved threats and intimidation, and half-hearted support from Mr Steele.
More accountants and fewer lawyers.
Good campaign slogan.
Steele is a POS.
He is too stupid to realize he is a token.
They think WE are too stupid to realize he is a tool with no brain, a puppett.
But we know.
Unfortunately, I couldn't agree more. I live in Illinois and I donate to political campaigns elsewhere, where they actually have a chance of doing some good. I may make an exception in this case, because I think people are so fed up with the Chicago Machine and Illinois being the most corrupt state in the US, that now may be a really good time to hit them really hard.
If you look at a county by county map of election results Illinois is still more red than blue. The problem is Cook county (or as we here affectionally call then Crook County). If you took that out of the equation, things would be way different.
The very best of luck to you, Cedra. I have heard of you, as I have family in your District, and all I have heard is GOOD. They are excited about your campaign, and are hoping they will get the chance to vote for you.
The criminal Democrats cells in Chicago are scared.
You go, Cedra! I know it's a really tough climb to fight thru the crooked politics, but who said it would be easy? Like the patriots of the revolutionary war, you will have to fight the odds, the thugs in politics and the political machine to win, but it can be done! God bless you (and all of us) as the fight to take back our country continues!
Looks like the Chicago political machine just met an unfamiliar enemy, one they don't know, one they have never dealt with before, and one they don't understand.
The Mama Grizzly!
My money's on you, Mom.
First of all, I apologize for misspelling her name. Cedra makes Steele look like a traitor to his race, he'd be more suited to packing her groceries than the position he presenly holds.
I am glad I do not live in Chicago, now. But if Cedra prevails in this David and Goliath fight, I will consider her constituents one of the most fortunate in this country and possibly much more enlightened.
Actually, in my biased opinion, Steele would be better suited as a catcher, while Al Gore pitched………
Cedra, Hopefully you can re-direct the skewed thinking of obama followers who are enslaved by the etitlement mentality.
If one lives on Entitlement programs, there is no incentive to become someone like you; ambitious, accomplished and
driven to be independent. Show them the way to true American Prosperity!
Ms. Crenshaw, keep championing the truth against the evil democratic conspiracy that has enslaved your city. We admire the painstaking work you're taking in this endeavor and may you be victorious. Truth must prevail in the end. May God bless and protect you.
sumbuddy said chi-town politicians are fat lazy arrogant….they forgot that they also have guns….whaaaaa??? yep…. only criminals have guns in chi-town……
Cendra Crenshaw–another Mama Grizzly! You go girl!
It's inspiring when a smart, fed-up person decides they can no ,longer sit on the sidelines and challenges the political machine.
We seriously need reform in IL. Madigan has got to go or at least be neutered. Good luck to you.
Conservatives have been accused of having a small tent. This is true, because we refuse to accept the idiocy that the democrats pander to. I am so excited to share space in this tent with these new candidates, white, black,and brown who have invested their time and energy for We The People. I support you. Thank you.
It'll take a while to get that image out of my head. God, the rutting sexpoodle…
Go Cedra! My family moved from that district to IN to escape the ridiculousness of IL. I have many relatives in that district who will vote for you if given the chance. My sister was very excited after hearing you at the last Will County Tea Party event. You are an inspiration for us all! The Democrats had better prepare for all the Mama Grizzlies who are spoiling for a fight come November!
Woo Hoo! One mom at a time! With you all the way!
Three humorous cartoons on Chicago and the corruption there.
"Made in Chicago" at http://drawfortruth.wordpress.com/2010/05/02/made...
"Three Men" at http://drawfortruth.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/thre... on the Chicago
"How Conservatives See the President" at http://drawfortruth.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/one-...
I would say the Chicago MOB is alive and well and runs IL. Obama sent a message to Blogo through a labor leader????
So the MOB just morphed into labor? Which morphed into politicians. Which morphed into a president?
Good luck with that group Cedra.
Keep at it. How about this for a campaign slogan:
More light, fewer cockroaches
[...] » One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big … [...]
Prior to the Republican takeover in Congress in 1994, Democrats had over fifty years of virtually unbroken power in Congress with substantial majorities most of the time. With all the time and money in the world — trillions spent — they couldn’t fix a single thing, not one. Today’s liberal or Progressive has the same complaints, and the same old tired solutions. Can a group of smart people, studying issue after issue for years on end, with virtually unlimited resources at their command, not come up with a single policy that works? Why are they chronically incapable?
As a resident of the city of Chicago, I heartily applaud Cedra Crenshaw!! I only wish I lived her in district so I could vote for her. The Chicago political machine is very powerful and oppressive. Example 1: Chicago has elected a Democrat for mayor in every election since 1931!!! That's almost 80 years, rivaling the length of time the Soviets/USSR were in power!
Cedra, one way to gather support is to publish his voting record on the Web along with his not so legal shenanigans. If possible do some town Hall meeting exposing his not so legal activities. It's difficult to get the couch potatoes of their duffs, but this is the year to go for it. The American public is angry.
Just keep in mind that Moms are one tough opponent. I gather you are a Mom, so good hunting.
Wish you the best of luck and hope that you get the opportunity to run November. Competition in elections are great for this country.
However, you say that incumbents use tools like challenging petitions to keep challengers out. While this is certainly true, it is also true that challengers can use this tool against incumbents. This is a tool that is used across the country by candidates across the political spectrum to both make the race easier, but also to prevent election fraud. A fact you fail to mention is that one of the candidates whose petitions President Obama challenged in 1996 was the incumbent Democrat. Being someone who has carried petitions for several candidates, it is not that hard to get it right. We always went in assuming our petitions would be challenged, so we got at least twice as many as we actually needed. Challenges were par for the course and if a candidate petitions properly, shouldn't be much of an issue.
Once again, good luck in the challenge. I hope you get on the ballot in November.
Two of the names given for the electoral board are incorrect. It should be Will County Assistant State's Attorney Mary Tatro and Nancy Schultz Voots.
Not that it means much, but my family knows her through Voots and McGuire. I haven't met her personally yet, but the word is that she is definitely a stand up canidate…………. But, because she comes from a county that has an awful lot to do with the "evil oil industry" I would not be surprised to see her attacked as a friend of big oil (read as BP)………..
People in her county should expect an influx of Chicago Democrat Ward workers, disguised as concerned locals, saying all sorts of nasty things about her………………..Happens all the time……………Welcome to Illinois…..
[...] » One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big Government [...]
Good luck and Godspeed!
Well it certainly will not be long before this courageous woman is visited by PURPLE SHIRTS on Obama's orders to silence her. Fighting against career politicians is more dangerous than people believe especially if you are against the Chicago thugs.
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Illinois is a cesspool of corruption. It's good to see someone trying to change things. May God bless you, your family, and your campaign, Cedra.
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Removed his opponents from the ballot … hmmm, wonder if he is up to doing it at a national level.
Your an auditor ?
Oh lord, they are going to pull out all the stops to get rid of you ma'm, I hope you prevail, and if you do I hope use those skills to pull back the ugly curtain of corruptcian on every last dang one of them.
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A brief career in auditing? Oh. You are way too overqualified. Please get the job!
[...] Petro — 815 727 8453; Pamela McGuire — 815 727 8592; and Sandra Schultz Voots — 815 740 7615.] One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big Government STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, AND TAKE CHARGE!! STOP ALLOWING THE LIBTARD CAREER POLITICIANS A FREE RIDE! [...]
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Good Luck Cedra, I know you are in a tough fight against a Dem machine that's been there
for almost forever….Will be keeping my fingers crossed that you prevail…..
A thought to ponder. Looking at the video of Mrs. Crenshaw standing on the podium, clearly with a TEA Party sign behind her, where is the rampant "racism" the left and lame stream media claim is there. Mrs. Crenshaw is obviously an educated and intelligent woman and not a "red neck" that the Hollywood elites lay claim to be at these rallies. Why isn't this being shown on LSM news outlets? Oh yeah, because it goes against there mission. Keep throwing those haymakers Mrs. Crenshaw!!!!
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I am in awe of this woman!
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Wait a minute. . . . I thought that Andrew Breitbart was a racist? And aren't the tea parties racist also? What is SHE doing speaking there!!! Keep fighting Cedra. We (conservatives) will be following you and your career in politics.
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The Ballot Fight from one Chicago Mom…
It is surprising how many people actually forget that Barak Obama was in Illinois State Senator prior to becoming a U. S. Senator. Of course, this could be because all of this was incredibly short lived and only a blip on the radar of President. . …….
Cedra-
Why haven't you denounced the petition challenge of Christopher Pedersen? He is an independent conservative candidate in your race against Wilhelmi as well. Are you worried that he might take votes from you? Is it a coincidence that the person challenging the petitions lives across the street from you? It's hard for me to vote for a hypocrite and a fraud.
Hey, faggedaboutit', it's Chicago, right? You should be able to vote anywhere and as many times as you want, no? Isn't that how the thugs stay in power in Chicago? Just kidding, sort of…have a nice day!
I do not know Christopher Pederson or what he stands for, but I did see his petitions. And yes I mean petitions. He filed for several offices — governor, secretary of state, us senator, and state senator. He must be quite the multi-tasker!
Also, out of the thousands of signatures that were needed for any of these races, the petitions I saw had 0 signatures. ZERO. Wgroenke1 — you are a plant that believes in tyranny instead of democracy. You are a disgrace to this country and the American way. The country is now seeing how the chicago machine operates. I am fighting it, you are part of it.
God Bless.
I had the pleasure of seeing her speech live in Homer Glen, IL on Tax day this year. She is the real deal and very VERY nice. Chicago has a large Conservative group but the Republican party is just as bad as the Democrats. It's definitely exciting to see Cedra and many others waking up and taking action.
May God bless you, your family and your campaign with success. Go Get THEM!
http://www.cafepress.com/eyeconshirts
[...] » One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big Government [...]
[...] » One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big Government [...]
[...] Currently the Democrat elite are trying to keep Cedra off of the ballot. [...]
[...] » One Mom Fights the Chicago Machine to Stay On the Ballot – Big Government [...]
[...] week, I reported how the Chicago Democrat machine had injected itself into neighboring Will County in attempt to [...]
[...] week, I reported how the Chicago Democrat machine had injected itself into neighboring Will County in attempt to [...]
Cedra
You need to post where people could contibute to your campaign. I grew up in the 25th Ward, the fifedom of Vito Marzullo. I said I could never contribute to candidate in the city. It used to be that the opposition was connected to the Democrats. You have changed that. Thanks for your honesty and backbone.
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