Rockford Register Star
October 28, 2008
Personal touch makes Manzullo best for Congress
"U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo comes to Editorial Board meetings prepared with
visual aids. He’ll take a hammer made by Estwing Manufacturing Co. of
Rockford out of his briefcase and talk about how he’s protected the
“Made in America” label.
He’ll bring out the beret that U.S. soldiers wear and talk about how he
stopped those berets from being made in China and how that reinforced his
defense of the “Buy America Act.”
He’ll talk about how he’s visited warehouses so he can understand how
manufacturers work.
Manzullo cares about the 16th Congressional District and those who work
in it. The personal touch he uses when dealing with local companies earns
him our endorsement for re-election.
He’s still “Mr. Fix-It,” as The Manufacturer magazine called him in
2004. He says he spends 60 percent to 75 percent of his time on
manufacturing issues, and local companies have benefited.
He intervened for Aqua-Aerobic Systems when a Chinese company was awarded
a patent based on intellectual property stolen from Aqua-Aerobic. The case
was resolved in favor of the local company.
He steered $750,000 in earmarks to a research-and-development venture run
by Camcar Aerospace and Northern Illinois University.
He secured more than $9 million in public funds to start the EIGERlab, a
manufacturing research center in Rockford that we think redefines the
future of manufacturing.
Those are just three examples of Manzullo’s commitment to
manufacturing, which provides about a quarter of the jobs in the Rock River
Valley.
He’s recognized nationally as well. Earlier this month, the National
Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small-business
association, honored him as a guardian of small business because of his
voting record.
Even with his focus on manufacturing, Manzullo has been able to work in a
bipartisan manner to deliver on other local issues. He and U.S. Sen. Dick
Durbin helped secure money to build the federal courthouse in downtown
Rockford and for local flood-control projects. He also helped secure a
$750,000 Community Oriented Policing Services grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice. Rockford will use the money to hire 10 police
officers. ...
...we think Manzullo’s
familiarity with the region, his strong advocacy for manufacturing and his
ability to work across party lines make him the best choice Nov. 4."
Freeport Journal Standard
October 28, 2008
Don Manzullo 16th Congressional District
"There is no better asset for any Congressional District than a veteran
incumbent. It takes years to build the relationships and connections in
Washington to get results for the folks at home.
The Journal-Standard believes Rep. Don Manzullo has earned a return to the
halls of Congress to represent the 16th District. ...
Manzullo has a history of spreading himself well over the diverse
interests and regional needs of the 16th District and has been cited for
his non-partisan approach to addressing issues in our area. He has been an
activist for small business in a region that in part has not been able to
find its way economically. His continued presence as a supporter of small
to medium manufacturers and commercial interests would behoove a region
slow to move into the high-tech arena.
The Journal-Standard recommends that the 16th District continue to keep
Don Manzullo on the asset side of its balance sheet."
Northwest Herald
October 25, 2008
Endorsement: Manzullo in 16th Congressional District
"In the 16th Congressional District, long-time incumbent Republican Don Manzullo is facing challenges from Democrat Robert Abboud and Green Party candidate Scott Summers.
We are endorsing Manzullo.
Manzullo has served since 1992. He continues to be a champion of small businesses and fiscal responsibility in Congress. Manzullo voted against the $700 billion economic rescue plan.
Manzullo supports the American Energy Act that would allow Americans to drill on and offshore to produce more domestic oil and help the country become less dependent on foreign oil. Manzullo has developed a 12-point energy plan that focuses on conservation, innovation and exploration.
Manzullo has delivered millions in federal dollars for local road improvements, including $10 million to widen Route 31, $5.72 million to widen Rakow Road to four lanes between Route 31 and Ackman Road, and $5.72 million to widen Route 47 to five lanes between Kreutzer and Reed roads in Huntley.
McHenry County has transportation issues, but it is not because of a lack of federal support. Rather, it can be traced to the state’s inability to pass a capital bill and fund its share of the projects.
Manzullo has served the district well. He deserves another term."
Daily Herald Editorial Board
October 24, 2008
Our Pick: Retain Manzullo in 16th District
"... no one can question his exhaustive commitment to his constituents, and in particular, his zestful work on behalf of 16th District manufacturing companies. In fact, he's one of the leading manufacturing proponents in the country with impressive expertise on trade and other business-related subjects."
Chicago Tribune
October 22, 2008
"16th District: Republican Rep. Don Manzullo, a champion for small business, is the pick..."
Beloit Daily News
October 20, 2008
EDITORIAL: Ryan, Manzullo two of the best
Competent voices for the loyal opposition.
"Throughout his years in Congress, Manzullo has devoted the majority of his efforts to promoting small businesses and American manufacturing. He is recognized as a powerful advocate for American enterprise and jobs. In the present economic environment, we cannot imagine a more important subject to continue pushing hard."
Pioneer Press
October 9, 2008
Endorsement: We choose Manzullo
"While this area is a small part of Manzullo's district, he has treated it well and paid attention to its needs while serving in Washington."
