Just minutes after interviewing GOP Rep. Peter Roskam's former boss -- Tom DeLay -- on Hardball last night, host Chris Matthews briefly reported that Roskam has launched a website intended to lure 6th District supporters of Barack Obama, which we noted on Tuesday. Watch it:
Roll Call reported on Roskam's website today, under the headline: "Nervous Roskam Eyes Possible Ticket-Splitter." The Sun-Times' Abdon Pallasch also devotes an article to the site, getting responses from Democratic challenger Jill Morgenthaler as well as the Obama campaign:
The Web site opens with an Obama quote: "I'm a member of the mutual admiration society with Sen. Roskam. He is always terrific."
Roskam's opponent, former U.S. Army Reserve Col. Jill Morgenthaler, notes the quote is part of a larger one in which Obama explains he disagrees with Roskam.
Roskam is on the opposite side of "virtually every issue" -- the Iraq war, abortion, tax cuts for the wealthy, the bank bailout -- from Obama and Morgenthaler, she said.
"Roskam would continue President Bush's failed policies and [Obama] is supporting Jill Morgenthaler for Congress," Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said.
(H/T Prairie State Blue)
UPDATE: In his article on Roskam's website, the Daily Herald's Joseph Ryan points to the problem with the 2004 Obama quote that appears there
[Roskam spokesman Matt] Vriesema said the flier and Web site are not meant to indicate an Obama endorsement. However, the Web site does feature an Obama quote from a debate on the state Senate floor in 2004.
The Obama quote says, "First of all, I am a member of the mutual admiration society with Senator Roskam. He is always terrific."
The quote came from a sparring match between Roskam and Obama over legislation the Chicago Democrat proposed to protect workers' overtime rights.
After praising Roskam - typical form for Senate floor debate - Obama said, "Having said that, have I said that he's wrong? I love him, but he's wrong."
Roskam opposed the overtime rules because he said they would chase businesses out of Illinois.
Al Flug (not verified) on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 17:38
Peter Roskam, a shill for George Bush, doesn't deserve to be re-elected. This desperate attempt to cling to Obama's coattail should tell voters that Roskam would rather be re-elected thn stand behind his shameful voting record. His opponent Jill Morgenthaler, who actually supports Obama's agenda and vision, deserves to win.
Ignatz Farquad (not verified) on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 19:04
Only Republican scum would stoop so low. These fiends have no shame, they are the bottom feeders of politics, and rek of desperation as they are shown the door. These people need some jail time, which hopefully they will receive after the election once the full length and breath of their corruption is unveiled.
JAIL FOR THE GOP!!!!!!
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/30/2008 - 19:45
Last election, this clown was bad mouthing Iraq war vetran who lost both legs "Tammy Duckworth". He is nothing but a troll. send him packing, he is in a safe district for the rethugs, where church pulpits are used to propogate republican agenda. Never been a help for the working class. Scammer....
Cody Jarrett (not verified) on Fri, 10/31/2008 - 16:33
Roskam owes his election to Rahm and Barack. If they had gotten behind Christine Ciegelis instead of Tammy Duckworth there would have been a different result in the 6th District two years ago. As Belushi used to say back in the day, "But nooooooooooo."
andrew (not verified) on Tue, 01/06/2009 - 10:12
the video has been removed. It would have been nice to see it.
I would say that the republicans tactics are somewhat questionable.
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