Update from 2009 Cook GOP Convention

[Isaac Hayes]

We had a great time at the 2009 Cook GOP Convention. Our Friday night speech gave us a big boost to securing the Republican nomination for IL-2. The Illinois Review posted this commentary after our speech:

"Next up is US Congressional candidate Isaac Hayes, who is running against Jesse Jackson Jr. in 2010. ‘Our commitment to family, fairness and freedom make our bond unbreakable, despite our differing backgrounds,’ Hayes said. Jackson is one of the corrupt members other of Congress, we're to oppose evil, Hayes said. ‘We want to give pay to play politics the boot,’ he said. The crowd rose to their feet as Hayes left the stage.’”

Most of the attendees commented that our speech was the highlight of the entire convention and provided hope for the future of the IL GOP.

I want to thank you for your support. Because of you, we were able to host a hospitality suite at the convention and distribute campaign material.

More importantly, because of your support, despite the challenge we face many believe we can win; something they haven't said in decades.

But we can't stop now because the election is more than a year away. We must run harder, faster, and longer to bring honesty and integrity to our national politics. My yes means yes, and my no means no.

Also, don't forget our first fundraising event of the campaign will be held this Wednesday from Noon to 2 PM at the Midway Club of the University of Chicago's Gleacher Center, 450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, 5th Flr. If you cannot attend, please visit http://ww.isaac4honesty.com or mail your contribution to: Citizens for Isaac Hayes, P.O. Box 996, Richton Park, IL 60471.

Finally, many wonder can a Republican win in such a heavily Democratic stronghold. The answer is yes. First, Congressman Cao won in 2008 against similar odds. Second, Congressman Schock won reelection in 2008 against similar odds, while increasing his percentage of votes from the urban areas of his district. And I can win also.

My latest example comes from a visit I made to the Thompson Instructional Center, an alternative school. After telling approximately fifty junior high students about my struggles growing up and how I was able to overcome those struggles, I took their prepared questions. One question was, “Why are you a Republican?”

I told him that my values as a Christian are not consistent with some of the positions of the Democratic Party. I also, asked three questions: (1) Do you want to keep more of your money or give it to the government? (2) Do you want to have the choice of going to a school like yours or be forced to go to your local school where you face bullying and intimidation? (3) Would you like to have a chance to start your own businesses so that you can work for yourself?

From one statement and three questions, we actually changed the minds of many of the adults who were concerned about a Republican coming to address their students. You see, I have lived the struggles and successes of the inner-city. I understand how they feel and can speak to their issues. I am not seen as an outsider because I begin with the mistakes I made in life and conclude with how we need Conservative solutions to lift us out of the rut we are in.

This is the honesty and integrity that will take us to victory in 2010

Sincerely,
Isaac Hayes