Continue reading »]]> NORTHBROOK, IL – Democratic frontrunner Brad Schneider announced more local endorsements this week.

Former Buffalo Grove Mayor Elliot Hartstein announced his endorsement of Brad’s candidacy. “Brad Schneider is an experienced progressive Democratic voice with over 20 years of varied business experiences that gives him the best foundation to go to Congress to credibly fight to implement and maintain our Democratic values and strengthen our economy,” Hartstein stated.

Joining Former Mayor Hartstein in endorsing Brad is Warren Township Democratic Chair Jim Neel and Former Lake Villa Township Democratic Chair Gail Spencer.

“We are honored to have the endorsements of local leaders from all across the district.  From Des Plaines to Waukegan and from Round Lake to Glencoe, our broad-based grassroots support shows why we have built such a formidable campaign,” said Schneider.  “With over 25 state and local endorsements, it has become quite clear our campaign has the most grassroots support.”

These announcements come on the heels of a recent poll showing Schneider with a 15 percentage point lead over his nearest opponent.

The latest endorsements follow a slate of progressive local groups and unions who have previously endorsed Schneider, including the Maine Township Democrats, IBEW Local 134, Ironworkers Local 63, Bricklayers and Allied Workers District Council of Illinois, Chicago Painters Local 163 and the Transport Workers Union Illinois-Indiana State Conference.

Continue reading »]]> From WTTW’s Chicago Tonight 

Brad Schneider is a self-described progressive father of two, who, according to the latest internal polls, has pulled into the lead in the 10^thDistrict Democratic primary. But the district is still widely undecided. The 10^th District is the most Democratic district in the country currently held by a Republican, according to Normington Petts. So what does Schneider have to offer that the other candidates don’t, and how would he fare against Rep. Dold in the general election? 

Chicago Tonight spoke with Schneider to learn more. And don’t forget to watch Schneider alongside his three opponents for a special candidate forum on March 8, 2012, on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm. Excerpts:

1) What are the major issues in your district?

The issues in the district are at a starting point similar to our country. People have trouble finding work. So getting the economy going and creating jobs where people can earn a living and provide a home and education for their kids. Education is also a critical issue. Some of the best schools are in our district. But also, depending on where you live, it determines your quality of education. People have been struggling with their safety nets—Medicare and Social Security. We need to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks. The promise of Social Security and Medicare is kept for this generation and promised for the next generation.

2) Former U.S. Rep Melissa Bean endorses you; what does that mean to you?

All the support I get means a lot. Melissa is a supporter because of what she’s doing in her current position. She is a mentor to me. I’ve received a broad base of endorsements, from unions, too. It’s a diverse district, and I have a broad and diverse experience, so it’s a good match.

3) It has been about 32 years since the district was represented by a Democrat – do you just want a Democrat to win?

I think, more than anything, it’s about getting good representation in Washington, D.C. What we’ve seen with the Tea Party is them putting it in gridlock and not moving at all. The Tea Party is Joe Walsh and Bob Dold. All the people running in the 10^th District, I think we share a common view of what’s socially right and just, and it’s a different view of Rep. Dold. In that sense, it matters to have more responsible representation and have people who are willing to work to share a goal to move the country forward.

4) At the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, federal records show you were second in fundraising?

I think you have to look at the whole picture. At the end of the full year, I raised about $635,000 and Ilya Sheyman raised about two-thirds of that, but he has spent substantially more than I have. That’s the number you have to focus on. We’ve been in peoples’ mailboxes since January 10^th about eight times. We marshaled our resources. I believe we’re the only ones in the mail, so to speak. We have a communication strategy that will allow us to reach out to people at their door, their mailbox, and their phones.

5) You broke with your party and voted Republican in the primaries in 2000?

I didn’t break with my party. In 2000, Al Gore and Bill Bradley were running against each other in the presidential primary. I was supporting Bill Bradley. By the time the primary election got to Illinois, Al Gore had secured the nomination and there was technically no reason to vote in the Democratic presidential primary. As well, the Democratic ones were decided. My dear friend for over 20 something years, Andy Hochberg was running in the Republican primary against Mark Kirk. So because there wasn’t any reason to vote in the primary, I took a Republican ballot and voted for my friend Andy, but he knew I wouldn’t be voting for him in the general.

6) But you also broke with your party in 2002?

That is not true. The only time I ever took a Republican ballot was in 2000. I have no recollection voting in the 2002 primary. There were no contested races on the Democratic side, so we’re looking into that.

7) What makes you more qualified than the other Democrats in the race?

I think the 10^th District is very diverse. My life experience and work experience set me apart. As far as life experience, I’ve lived in the district since 1990. My wife, Julie, and I have raised two kids. The experience of navigating them through the education system and coaching their soccer teams gives me an appreciation that’s distinctive. My work experience involves me being a boss, manager, small business owner and management consultant. I’ve worked with companies as small as three people to fortune 10 companies—some of the largest in the world. That diversity of experience helps me understand the world and gives me a perspective the other candidates don’t have. As people are struggling to find jobs, I’ve been in their shoes, not knowing if I could provide for my family. I was laid off six weeks before my first son was born. I looked for a new job, and it turns out, in hindsight, that it was a great gift.

8 ) You’ve voted in more 10^th District primaries than any other candidate in the race. How do you think that factors in?

I think the fact that I vote whenever I have a chance to vote—it’s something I take very seriously—I’ve been around longer than the other candidates. It means I’m older. But I do think we have responsibility to vote, that we can’t disassociate ourselves from the vote.

9) How do you think you would stack up against Rep. Dold in the general election?

Great. In fact, I think I will have an easier chance of separating from the pack, if you will. Bob Dold talks about his experience in business, but mine is broader and deeper. I’ve worked with more of a variety of industries and different business sizes, not just rapid growth but those also struggling. I have a better sense of knowing what the economy needs, whereas Bob Dold is out of sync with the district. I think people are starving for a different type of representation in Washington.

10) And why are you choosing to run now?

A few years ago, I was raising two boys. I made a decision before we had our first child. Early in my career, I traveled extensively. I wanted to be around, and for me it was important to be an engaged father, to work with them and help them with their homework. I wanted to be around. I could not have run for office anytime before now. It is a fortuitous time to be running as a Democrat now.

11) What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

Thoughtful, progressive, and nice.

Continue reading »]]> The Daily Herald, suburban Chicago’s largest daily newspaper, announced their endorsement of Brad Schneider for the 10th Congressional District of Illinois.  They are “strongly” supporting Brad Schneider’s candidacy over his three Democratic rivals, saying, “Schneider has known personally the struggle of finding a job in recessionary times.  He strikes us as the most well-rounded.”
“We are extremely pleased with the Daily Herald endorsement and their support gives another example of our campaign’s momentum,” said Schneider.   The Daily Herald endorsement echoes our grassroots support around the district and among Democratic organizations that Brad is the best candidate to defeat Bob Dold in November.   This first newspaper endorsement comes on the heels of the most recent poll showing Schneider leading 29% to 14% over his nearest opponent.

Continue reading »]]> From the Daily Herald

Schneider for 10th District, Congress

The borders of the 10th congressional district have changed somewhat, but this eastern Lake and Northwest Cook district continues its history of producing well-qualified candidates.

Four of the five Democrats running are well-versed on the challenges facing the nation.They are: lawyer Vivek Bavda, 34, of Mundelein, management consultant Brad Schneider, 50, of Deerfield, community organizer Ilya Sheyman, 25, of Waukegan, and Air Force Reserve Col. and food industry executive John Tree, 45, of Long Grove. A fifth candidate, Aloys Rutagwibira of Hainesville, is waging a write-in campaign, but declined to answer questions. The winner will face Congressman Robert Dold, a Kenilworth Republican, in November. Sheyman has wide labor union support and says the federal government must hire directly to cut unemployment. Tree says he ran because he was so angered by how the Tea Party has pulled governing to the right. Bavda is most passionate about fixing education. Our strong endorsement goes to Schneider. He has known personally the struggle of finding a job in recessionary times. He strikes us as the most well-rounded, independent candidate likely to work across the aisle to break down what he called the “ossification” of Congress.

Continue reading »]]> From Roll Call

New Democrat Coalition Seeks Influence 

The New Democrat Coalition is preparing to fire up its political arm this year in an attempt to widen its ranks and become the go-to group for moderates next year.

With a litany of retirements from the Blue Dog Coalition, the New Democrats see an opening to flex their muscles in the next Congress and grow their ranks after losing several Members in the 2010 elections.

“I do think it’s poised to be more influential than ever in part because we’ve seen serious decimation of the Blue Bog membership, and that creates some openings for the New Dems to partner with more like-minded Members and have their voice strengthened in the next Congress,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly(Va.), a New Democrat who was also backed by its political action committee when he first ran in 2008.

The PAC, which raised more than $1 million last year, is endorsing Ami Bera in California, Brad Schneider in Illinois, Rob Garagiola in Maryland, Denny Heck in Washington, Paul Hirschbiel in Virginia, Christie Vilsack in Iowa and Jamie Wall in Wisconsin as well as former Reps. Bill Foster (Ill.) and Dan Maffei (N.Y.). Each of those candidates will receive $10,000 from the PAC and gain exposure to a broad swath of downtown supporters, who are also asked to write checks and host fundraisers for the chosen candidates.

The New Democrats’ PAC, led by Rep. Jason Altmire (Pa.), was first launched in 2005, and the Keystone program that harvests K Street support was later developed to connect candidates with fundraisers and political consultants. Aides remember the PAC as a sleepy operation in its early years, known simply for cutting checks. And rather than supporting potential new members during the 2010 cycle, the PAC spent the bulk of its $1.9 million war chest on protecting incumbents.

The coalition still has several endangered members this year, and seven from its ranks are part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s incumbent retention program.

One New Democrat, Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (Texas), is retiring. Two, Reps. Shelley Berkley (Nev.) and Christopher Murphy (Conn.),  are running for Senate, and one, Rep. Jay Inslee (Wash.),  is running for governor.

Three of the coalition’s members, including its chairman, Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), hold leadership positions at the DCCC. Crowley serves as the DCCC’s chairman of finance, and Rep. Allyson Schwartz (Pa.) leads DCCC efforts on recruitment and candidate services. Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.) leads the DCCC’s Frontline operation, while Rep. Jared Polis (Colo.) is chairman of the DCCC’s Red to Blue program.

Crowley said the PAC’s efforts will help the party win the 25 seats needed to take back the majority in November. In an interview, he said, “I’m very excited about our prospects,” in part because of the recruitment of moderate, pro-business Members who fit the New Democrat mold.

“I don’t think there’s any question that our profile will be uplifted,” Crowley said of the coalition that he has chaired since 2009. “I think we have an awful lot of talent to offer to our general Caucus. And the one thing I think we’re focused on is this isn’t about the New Dems; this is about the Democratic Caucus. And when we win, we’ll be in the position to govern.”

Observers note that Crowley is interested in House leadership positions, and growing the coalition’s ranks helps line up support for such a run. DCCC Chairman Steve Israel (N.Y.) and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) are former New Democrats.

“I think Joe Crowley is going to get high marks for bringing the coalition to where it is today — basically in recovering mode from the last cycle and making sure it stayed critical and relevant,” one Democratic lobbyist said.

If Democrats can win even a slim majority in 2012, “I think Crowley’s going to get credit for all of that. That can help him.”

Each of the nine districts that are home to New Democrat-backed candidates falls under the DCCC’s Red to Blue program and is considered crucial in the party’s efforts to win the majority. Of those nine candidates, Garagiola and Schneider are facing contentious primaries.

Although party leaders don’t always like getting into messy primary fights, the New Democrats saw a pickup opportunity not just for the party but for their coalition.

The coalition’s PAC will likely back more candidates, but aides say it is waiting for more state maps to be finalized before making further announcements. Any future endorsements would likely match the first tranche of moderate, pro-business types who fall under the New Democrats’ political ideology.

“They are definitely trying to make themselves more cohesive and get people who are willing to vote pro-business,” a senior Democratic aide said, adding that the coalition could use more moderates in its ranks. “It would be a good thing for New Dems to do strategically, to have someone interested in growing the moderate brand.”

Correction, Feb. 14

A previous version of this story listed Rep. Jared Polis as the chairman of the New Democrats’ PAC. Polis is chairman of the Keystone group, a subset of the PAC.

Continue reading »]]> From Journal Online

U.S. Candidate Schneider Earns Maine Dem Backing

Maine Township Democrats made their endorsements last month for those running in Mar. 20 Primary Election races.

The most difficult choice for Maine Democrats was the pick of who should challenge U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (R-10th).

Congressional candidates Brad Schneider and Ilya Sheyman ran neck-in-neck in two rounds of voting before Schneider won out, said Maine Township Democratic Committeewoman Laura Murphy. Congressional candidates John Tree and Vivek Bavda did not attend the endorsement session while Schneider and Sheyman did.

The first vote was tied, Murphy said, leading to a second vote in which Schneider edged Sheyman by just two votes to earn the township endorsement.

In neighboring Northfield Township, recent debate among Sheyman and Schneider supporters became heated and in the end no Congressional candidate was given an endorsement.

Sheyman supporters have been critical of donations made to then U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R-10th) campaign.

Schneider supporters are critical of the 25-year-old Sheyman’s age and history as a national organizer for the liberal group MoveOn.org.

Sheyman says his days with MoveOn have left him with a strong organization and a lot of campaign cash to fight Dold in the coming general election.

In other races, Maine Democrats are backing Deborah Shore, Patrick Thompson and Stella Black for Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dist. commissioner, State Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Thise and Appellate Court justices Nathan Howse, Margaret Quinn and Jim McGing, Murphy said.

No choice was made in the race for clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court because Murphy said neither incumbent Dorothy Brown nor her challenger Chicago Ald. Rick Munoz (D-22nd) were able to attend.

Murphy said Democratic state house and senate candidates in Maine Township are unopposed in their primary races.

She said where other township Democratic organizations endorse with a 60% majority, Maine uses only a simple majority.

Maine Township Republican Committeewoman Rosemary Mulligan said she is not holding a meeting for all township Republicans but would hold a meeting with two other top officials to make her picks soon.

On the presidential primary, Mulligan said Maine Township Republicans were free to support whom ever they wished.

Continue reading »]]> From Lynn Sweet’s Blog at the Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois House Ten: Poll puts Schneider ahead

WASHINGTON–Democratic Illinois House hopeful Brad Schneider is ahead of his three rivals, in their tenth congressional district primary contest, according to a poll from his campaign. The survey puts Schneider at 29 percent, Ilya Sheyman at 14 percent, John Tree at 4 percent and Vivek Bavda at 2 percent. The Democratic March 20 primary winner in the north suburban district takes on freshman Rep. Bob Dold (R-Ill.).

NORMINGTON PETTS SURVEY MEMO FOR SCHNEIDER CAMPAIGN

Continue reading »]]> NORTHBROOK, IL – Democratic Congressional Candidate Brad Schneider announced his campaign received more local endorsements in the recent week.

The Vernon Township Democrats representing an area including 40 precincts and over 41,000 voters endorsed Brad Schneider on Sunday.  “Vernon Township is an important area in this election and we are excited that our message of progressive values and job creation is resonating with the Democratic voters,” said Schneider.
Brad also received the endorsement of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Michael Alvarez. Prior to becoming a MWRD commissioner, Alvarez was a senior advisor to then-Senator Barack Obama and in this capacity, provided strategic and political counsel to the Senator and his staff.

“These latest endorsements continue the momentum we have built since the start of the campaign,” said Schneider.  With over 21 endorsements from locally elected officials, local democratic organizations, and local unions, there is no question that Brad is the candidate with the most local and grassroots support.

These most recent announcements follow a slate of progressive local groups and unions who have previously endorsed Schneider, including the Maine Township Democrats, IBEW Local 134, Ironworkers Local 63, Bricklayers and Allied Workers District Council of Illinois, Chicago Painters Local 163 and the Transport Workers Union Illinois-Indiana State Conference.

Continue reading »]]> From the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board

Four Democrats face off for chance against Dold in 10th District

Democrats in the 10th Congressional District have an enviable problem:

No matter whom they vote for in the March primary, they’ll be voting against several other highly credible candidates.

It’s the kind of solid field that a party on the outs in a district sometimes produces when it smells blood.

The 10th has been redrawn to include more Democratic turf — 61 percent of the new district’s voters went for Barack Obama in 2008 — making incumbent Republican Bob Dold more vulnerable in November.

The district stretches from Glenview on the south to Waukegan on the north.

There is Brad Schneider, 50, a Deerfield industrial engineer and management consultant, who is running as a voice of business experience.

Schneider has the key endorsements of several North Shore Democratic state senators and representatives, former or current, and former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, which arguably makes him the most establishment candidate. But other candidates also boast significant endorsements.

There is Ilya Sheyman, at 25 just old enough to serve in Congress. He’s a community organizer and is allied with the strongly liberal wing of the Democratic Party. He was national mobilization director for the liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org, and he received a $10,000 donation from Democracy for America, the PAC founded by Howard Dean, the lefty former governor of Vermont.

There is John Tree, 45, a full colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and a businessman, who says he came by his Democratic politics while working as a missionary in Haiti as a young man. He was struck by the lack of a basic government safety net for the poor in such an impoverished country, he told the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board.

“Every man for himself leads to Haiti,” he said, whereas the Democratic Party believes “we’re all in this together.”

And there is Vivek Bavda, 34, a lawyer with a master’s degree in public administration who describes himself as a pragmatist committed to finding “evidence-based” solutions to problems.

As for the problem with Congress, he told the Editorial Board, it’s that too many elected officials are “ideologically driven.”

Sheyman, the first candidate to air TV ads, disagreed. Washington is not too ideological, he said, but “too partisan.” Especially on the Republican side of the fence, he said, folks are far more interested in scoring political points than in working together to get things done.

Schneider, who has two sons, said he’s running for Congress because his generation “has an obligation to pass to the younger generation a better world” — and that’s not happening.

Specifically with respect to improving the economy, he said, he would promote investment in infrastructure, green energy and high-skilled manufacturing jobs, and he would work to “restore” a culture of innovation.

And, as a “pragmatic progressive,” he would seek bipartisanship by identifying “areas we can collaborate.”

Tree, asked how he would cope with Washington’s toxic atmosphere, replied, “For me, it’s a question of leadership.

“I’ve been promoted many times. We all need to bring a more enlightened discussion to Washington,” he said.

The defining issue in this race may be how willing Democrats in the 10th District are to roll the dice with Sheyman, the most idealistic and progressive candidate, rather than with Schneider or Tree, either of whom would be a safer bet in the November general election, more likely to draw independent voters.

Adding to that calculation may be the degree of importance voters place on professional and life experience. The Russian-born Sheyman, whose family were Jewish refugees, is just a few years out of McGill University and single, while Schneider and Tree are family men with longer work resumes.

It’s tempting to describe this election as a contest between the heart and the brain, which may be how it shakes out for many voters. But among the candidates, we see no shortage of either.

Continue reading »]]> NORTHBROOK, IL – Democratic Congressional Candidate Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced today that he earned the endorsement of the pro-growth New Democrat Coalition.

“We are proud to endorse Brad in his bid for Congress,” said Congressman Joe Crowley, New Democrat Coalition chair.  “Brad’s Democratic values, extensive business experience and strong leadership make him a great fit for the New Democrats and we look forward to welcoming him to Congress in November.”
The 43 member New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. The New Dems firmly believe in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.

“I am pleased to have the backing of the New Democrat Coalition,” said Schneider.  “It’s an honor to have the support of New Democrat Coalition leadership members like Chairman Joe Crowley and Vice Chairs Jim Himes, Rick Larsen, Ron Kind and Allyson Schwartz.  I look forward to working alongside them.”

This week’s endorsement follows other local and national officials who have previously endorsed Schneider including House Democratic Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer, State Senators Susan Garrett and Jeff Schoenberg and former State Representative Julie Hamos.  Brad also has the backing of labor groups such as the IBEW 134, Ironworkers 63, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers District Council of Illinois, the Chicago Painters Local 147, and the Transport Workers Union Illinois-Indiana State Conference.