Watch the Elections Unfold

Debate at The Hilton

(108TH DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVES DAVID REIS AND JASON WARFEL FLANK MODERATOR JEFF BLOEMKER AT THURSDAY NIGHT`S CANDIDATE DEBATE)

Debate at The Hilton

(54TH DISTRICT STATE SENATE CANDIDATES JOHN O. JONES AND HENRY KIJONKA FLANK MODERATOR JEFF BLOEMKER AT THURSDAY NIGHT`S CANDIDATE DEBATE, SPONSORED BY THE GREATER EFFINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

Re-Elect Ed Deters State's Attorney

Ed Deters - Effingham County State's Attorney

Working with you for a safer community!

· Recognized by peers in law enforcement and legal circles as a tough, but fair prosecutor of our laws.

· Addressed crime-victim services through utilization of full-time victim-witness coordinator, helping crime victims understand the criminal justice system.

· Improved accessibility by opening office during lunch hour for the first time, allowing citizens and police alike convenient opportunity to meet with attorneys.

· Earned reputation of working together in cooperation with Effingham County’s domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and other social service agencies, to better assist victims.

“As your State’s Attorney, it has been my privilege to represent the interest of Effingham’s law abiding citizens in our criminal justice system. If entrusted with this responsibility again, I will continue to balance firmness with fairness, toughness with compassion as I enforce the Laws of Illinois. I will continue to listen to the concerns of citizens and parents, police officers and community leaders, regarding issues as diverse as methamphetamine manufacture and speeding tickets. I will again bring with me to the office each day the values of this community, the community in which I was raised.”

I ask for your vote on November 4th!

Re-Elect Ed Deters State's Attorney

Karen Luchtefeld For County Board

Hello, I am Karen Luchtefeld candidate for Effingham County Board in District C. I am a fourth generation and lifelong resident of Effingham. My husband of 36 years is Charles Luchtefeld. He is a 30 year employee of St. Anthony Memorial Hospital as a staff pharmacist. We have two children: Jason, wife Vicky and Amanda, husband Tony Willenborg. We are proud grandparents of Sidney Willenborg. My parents are Patricia and John Kirby and my parents-in-law are Frances and Harry Luchtefeld. I graduated from Effingham High School in 1970 and from Lake Land College in 1972 with an associate degree in applied science with a specialty in Dental Hygiene.

I am currently employed by the Effingham Park District as an assistant manager at the Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool. I also have my own seasonal swim lesson business and am certified as a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Training Instructor.

As a community volunteer, I am an active member of Effingham County FISH Human Services Board, Rotary, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, P.E.O. Philanthropic Educational Organization, TREC-Trails Recreation Effingham County, United Way Board, STAR-Strategic Training and Restoration through the Effingham County Probation Department, Chamber of Commerce volunteer, Helen Matthes Library Board member, Effingham County Community Foundation Board and a 2008 recipient of the Jefferson Award for community service. I am a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, currently serving on the Church Council and Building Committee.

I was on the Effingham County Board from 1998-2002 and served on the Legislative and Tax and Finance Committees. I also served as the chairperson of the Health Committee. With my Effingham government experience I have knowledge of the budget process. I have experience in managing an office and employees. While on the County Board, I helped balance and maintain a business budget in a fiscally responsible manner.

I have spent my adult years committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Effingham County. I care about all people and believe that each person has the right to be treated in a respectful and professional manner. I am running for public office because I have the time to devote to board responsibilities. I know I can make a positive contribution to the operation of County Government.

My goal on the board is trustworthy, responsible budgeting, and management of County funds as well as cooperation with the citizens of District C and all the communities within our county. I care and am committed to the precincts I will serve.

Re-Elect Becky Jansen Circuit Clerk

Becky Jansen-Effingham
County Circuit Clerk

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE CIRCUIT CLERKS OFFICE

ELECTED AS EFFINGHAM COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK IN 2004

Elected in Dec. 2005 to the Illinois Association of Circuit Clerks Board. Starting as Secretary moving up to Treasurer and now Second Vice President.

One of two Circuit Clerks in the State of Illinois to be appointed to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Board.

In my first four years as Circuit Clerk I have continued to be involved in Effingham County.

I AM HONORED TO SERVE EFFINGHAM COUNTY

I belong to Effingham Sunrise Rotary, Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Business and Professional Women, as well as other organizations and volunteer work.

In my position of Circuit Clerk I have...

* added the on-line judicic.com. This helps both the public and the staff.
* upgraded the computer system to make the work more efficient
* added a program to show the docket entries of a file on the computer.
* made changes in the office that have helped in the everyday operations of the office.
* added a program that reimburses the Circuit Clerks Office over $10,000 a year.
* collected many fees that have been past due for many years.

Thank You for your continued support.

PLEASE VOTE TO RE-ELECT
BECKY JANSEN
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
CIRCUIT CLERK

Re-Elect Leonard Waldhoff - County Board District A

Effingham County is a dynamic community that continually works toward a better life for its citizens through quality of life and economic development projects. Leonard Waldhoff is proud of this fact and has been an active contributor to the successes seen within the community.
Leonard is an experienced leader in Effingham County. He has been a resident of the Effingham area all his life, except for time served in Vietnam and three years as a State Police officer in northern Illinois until his position relocated here.
Leonard knows the goals and concerns of Effingham County and wishes to continue working to meet them.
As a member of the County Board for ten years, Leonard has gained valuable experience in handling County tasks. He is currently representing District A.
To serve the County, Leonard graduated from the University of Illinois Leadership Academy.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve District A and the good people of Effingham County. I am proud of the accomplishments I have directed and supported as a member of the County Board to benefit the citizens of our progressive communities.
We have a very positive future ahead. It is a remarkable experience to be one of the Leaders in a County like ours. Our County is filled with people who have a vision for a better tomorrow. We are willing to work hard and cooperate with each other to achieve that success. Yes, together we will work for an improved County rather than have an attitude of against.
I promise, I will continue to work hard to achieve the strong goals we all desire, including improved County services and cost-effective operations. I would appreciate your vote on November 4.”

National Education Association Endorsement of Obama

http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=v4cs226y

Re-Elect Leigh Hammer, Effingham County Coroner

• Member of the Illinois Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s Association (ICMEA)


• Executive Board ICMEA serving as District 4 Director


• Appointed by the Department of Child and Family Services to the Southern Illinois Region Child Death Review Team


• Business and Professional Women


• St. Anthony of Padua Church


• Appointed Coroner in 2003; elected in 2004

“I would like for the citizens of Effingham County to understand that even though I am running unopposed in this year’s election I do not take my job for granted or the trust that my constituents placed in me four years ago. I will continue to work hard, be sincere and remain committed to the task of serving Effingham County. As a medical professional my entire working career, 12 of those years as a registered nurse, I will use that working knowledge and training to perform the duties of coroner. I will use my knowledge of the state laws to direct my authority as coroner. I will continue to educate the general public and other government entities in regards to the responsibility and protocol of the coroner’s office."

"With the relocation of the coroner’s office to county building in April 2008, the office has become more efficient than ever before and more accessible to the public and staff. I am proud of the strides that have been made within the staff and the physical office, but there is still more to be done. The safety of my staff, as first responders, while providing essential services to the citizens of county will be one of the focuses of my next term of office. I will continue to modernize the coroner’s office, saving time and taxpayers dollars. I would appreciate your continued support on November 4th.”

Jason Warfel Campaign Commercial

Colin Powell Endorses Obama

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will break with his party and vote for Sen. Barack Obama. "He has both style and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press.
"I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities -- and you have to take that into account -- as well as his substance -- he has both style and substance," Powell said. "He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."

Obama Draws 100,000

Barack Obama's rally in St. Louis draws 100,000!

Earlier today, Barack spoke in front of a record crowd of over 100,000 people underneath the Gatway Arch in St. Louis. "All I can say is, wow," Barack said as he took the stage.

Dates To Remember

TUESDAY November 18 - Effingham County Democrats monthly meeting @ 7pm

STATEWIDE

November 9 – Whiteside Co. Big Bucks Bonanza - Arnies Happy Spot, 10 miles South of Rock Falls on Route 40, 1 - 5pm. Tickets $50.00, grand prize $2500.00. Contact Lowell Jacobs, Chairman at 815-631-7038. Each ticket gets 2 people in for lunch, serving from 2:00 - 3:30pm.

Golf Outing Winners

The winning team at our 2008 Golf Outing. Pictured Left to Right - Matt Mitchell, Grant White, Jason Warfel (presenting trophies),Eric Althoff, Ed Deters

Closest to the pin - Karen Luchtefeld

Longest putt - Leigh Hammer

Longest drive - Grant White

Biden decries 'unbecoming personal attacks'

Bidens and Clintons campaign together Pennsylvania.

Democratic VP hopeful accuses McCain camp of trying to distract voters

SCRANTON, Pa. - Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday accused the McCain campaign of trying to distract Americans from their economic woes by launching "unbecoming personal attacks" at Barack Obama.
Appearing at a boisterous rally near his childhood home, Biden said John McCain's campaign is desperate to change the subject from the financial crisis that has wiped out many Americans' college and retirement savings. He said McCain has resorted to making "ugly inferences" about Obama in the waning days of the campaign.

Full Article... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27153120/

Obama: McCain plan rewards bad behavior

WASHINGTON - Democrat Barack Obama derided Republican opponent John McCain's mortgage buyout plan on Thursday as a misdirected effort that rewards bad behavior by lenders and takes billions of dollars from taxpayers, already suffering a heavy burden as the country's financial system teeters on the brink of a meltdown.

Speaking at the start of a two-day bus tour through swing-state Ohio, Obama charged that McCain's plan would force the government to absorb the full cost of renegotiating mortgages to prevent borrowers from losing their homes. He said lenders should share some of the costs of any program that attempts to stem the American financial crisis that grew out of questionable home-mortgage practices.

Full Article....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27097748/

McCain, Obama clash over economic crisis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Barack Obama and John McCain clashed repeatedly over the causes and cures for the worst economic crisis in 80 years Tuesday night in a debate in which Republican McCain called for a sweeping $300 billion program to shield homeowners from mortgage foreclosure.
"It's my proposal. It's not Sen. Obama's proposal, it's not President Bush's proposal," McCain said in the debate that he hoped could revive his fortunes in a presidential race trending toward his rival.
In one pointed confrontation on foreign policy, Obama bluntly challenged McCain's steadiness. "This is a guy who sang bomb, bomb, bomb Iran, who called for the annihilation of North Korea — that I don't think is an example of speaking softly."

Full Article... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/presidential_debate

Vote "NO" to the Constitutional Convention

VOTING INFO

2008 ILLINOIS GENERAL ELECTION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2008:First day for voters who qualify to make application to the Election Authority, by mail or in person, for an official absentee ballot.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 2008:Last day for registration or transfer of registration for voters to complete address change or register with all deputy registrars and the County Clerk’s office. (Exception: Grace Period registration.)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2008-THURSDAY- OCTOBER 30, 2008: In-person Early Voting conducted at The County Clerk’s office .

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2008:Last day for the Election Authority to receive by mail an application for an absentee ballot, and last day for the election authority to mail such ballot.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd, 2008:Last day registered voters may cast an absentee ballot in person at the County Clerk’s office.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th, 2008:GENERAL ELECTION, POLLS OPEN 6AM– 7PM

Candidates at Headquarters

Front row L to R- Karen Luchtefeld, Candidate for County Board in District C, Incumbent Coroner Leigh Hammer

Back row L to R-
Incumbent State's Attorney Ed Deters,
Greg Beccue,candidate for County Board in District G,
Incumbent Circuit Clerk Becky Jansen
Incumbent County Board District A Leonard Waldhoff ,
Jason Warfel, candidate for State Representative 108th District

Effingham County Democrat Headquarters
106 W. Washington St.
Effingham, IL 62401
Hours - Monday thru Friday 2PM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 1PM
For more information call
Call 217-868-2526 or 217-685-1850