Bruckner Picks Up Endorsements For State Rep Bid

By Tom Kocal, TKocal@prairie-advocate-news.com

Last Thursday turned out to be a big day for Lawrence Bruckner. The Thomson native and businessman recently announced his bid for State Representative in the 71st District, and picked up some key endorsements during two press conferences May 8.

At Bruckner's Thomson House Cafe Thursday morning, the Republican candidate and guests I. Ron Lawfer, former State Rep, and Kim Sturtevant, President of the Carroll County Republicans, were introduced to the media and an audience of 20 people by his Carroll County Campaign Coordinator, Venita McConnel of Mt. Carroll.

"My opponent in November, Mike Boland, has continued his 'policy of appeasement' with Gov. Blagojevich and the Democratic leadership in Springfield," Bruckner stated. "Let's end this appeasement. We've got to stand up for ourselves here in the 71st District. WE, not ME, is the new order of business."

Lawfer, a state representative for ten years in Northwest Illinois, reminded the crowd that "A state rep himself can't win an election. He needs your help."

Endorsing Bruckner, Lawfer said, "If you don't want change in Springfield, don't vote. If you do, Lawrence Bruckner has stepped forward for change, not only in the 71st district, but statewide. Help him bring forth this much-needed change in Illinois."

Dr. Diptia U. Patel and her brother, Kevin Patel, also lent their support to Bruckner. Their parents own the Executive Inn Motel in Thomson, and have felt the negative economic effects from the governor's refusal to close other old, outdated maximum- security prisons in Illinois and open the Thomson Correctional Center.

"My parents have owned the motel for almost 2 years. We have heard many promises in that time, but the prison is still not being utilized," Dr. Patel said. "The motel is a family-owned business, and my brother and I are here to help our parents."

"Just one customer a year from the prison? That's suicidal," said Kevin. "Open the prison. A lot has been said, and nothing's been done. Vote for change. Vote for someone who will help the economy here in Carroll County. Mr. Bruckner will do that."

In the afternoon, a second press conference was held at the Rock Island Republican Party headquarters in Moline. Introduced by Susie Carpentier, RI County Republican Party Chairperson, Bruckner re-stated his objectives, and picked up another key endorsement.

Lori Turner, Moline 5th Ward Alderman and RI County coordinator for the Bruckner campaign, introduced Moline Mayor Don Welvaert. He promptly lent his full support toward Bruckner.

"Competition is needed in the 71st District," Welvaert told those assembled. "Rep. Boland has been asleep at the switch, and he has not performed well for our district, and in fact, has voted in many cases against downstate Illinois.

"We are looking for an individual who will support us, who will work for jobs for this district, and in my case, the City of Moline. We believe we have that with Lawrence Bruckner."

Welvaert added that Bruckner is an excellent candidate, and is well-schooled in the affairs of Springfield and local government.

"I support this man strongly, and I ask for you to support him," Welvaert stated. "It's just time for a change. Mr. Boland has not supported the district very well at all, and we're looking for an excellent change with Lawrence Bruckner."

Also lending his support to Bruckner was Rich Morthland, Republican candidate for a District 1 RI County Board seat.

Comment on this story

Go back to Prairie Advocate Home Page