Dr. Tom Tarter

Julie and I and our son Nikolai came to Laguna Beach for my brother Lou’s memorial service. He was a championship surfer, great businessman, and he loved God and his family. I made it through a tribute at his memorial service. His children are grown, and we were fortunate to spend meaningful time with them and my brothers wife Joanne. We will have pizza at the pool at the Ritz Carleton Dana Point tomorrow where we are staying with my family including the youngest great nephews. Family is everything, and being home where I was born and lived so much of my life means a great deal. I promised before everyone at the service and before God that I would be attentive to my family and to be with then several times a year. Pic is sunset with Santa Catalina in the distance. God Bless all of you.

RIP General and Mr. Secretary.

Had a great day at IL GOP luncheon with National Republican Committee Chairman Ronna McDaniel. I spent the afternoon with my elected friends in Congress, Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis, and in the Illinois statehouse. I love politics when it stands for good government and supporting the needs of our citizens and neighbors. Tammy Duckworth is a US Senator who is is up for re-election. No Senator in this seat has won re-election since 1986. She is horrible and vulnerable. I am betting on Robert Cruz. He’s a championship athlete, Hispanic, businessman, cancer survivor, and has dealt with mental health problems in his family. He is family man. All of these complex parts of Rob’s life inform his decision for this campaign. He is educated, clean to a tee (unlike some of his competition), articulate, and smart. I think he is going to be the breakout candidate. As you learn more about the candidates, I hope you will pay attention to this unique and qualified candidate to be our next US Senator. I spent the day making introductions in Springfield and Decatur. He was on his own after that, and he was great. Attached is a pic of Rob and Congressmen LaHood and Davis. Please help me get behind Rob Cruz to defeat Tammy Duckworth. Pics are of Rob with National RNC Chairwoman Rhonda McDaniel and with Rob and Congressmen LaHood and Davis. For every one who supported my campaign, I am grateful. I supported Mark Curran, who beat me. It’s now a new day, and frankly, a better opportunity for Republicans in Illinois. More to come.