Illinois Tea Party endorses Manzullo

STERLING – The Illinois Tea Party has chosen its candidate.

On Monday, the statewide organization announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Egan, for election in the 16th Congressional District.

Manzullo is running against Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, in the redrawn 16th District.

In a letter, David Hale of the Illinois Tea Party said Manzullo has an “excellent voting record of fiscal responsibility, limited government and free markets; not only in this Congress, but as a longstanding representative in the House.”

Jane Carrell is the coordinator of the Northern Illinois Tea Party. Although she understands the appeal of a candidate with a “very fresh face” like Kinzinger, Manzullo’s fiscal responsibility made the difference, she said.

“I believe the difference of some 20-plus percentage points in their conservative ratings would account for it,” Carrell said. “According to bills that authorize spending, that’s where it comes down.”

The Illinois Tea Party is an umbrella group for other tea party organizations in the state, said Rich Carter, a spokesman for Manzullo.

He said this is the first time the group is making an endorsement as a statewide organization.

Some members of the state Tea Party belong to the Republican Party, some are independent and some are Democratic. Its members believe in smaller government, Carter said.

“They are very active people who are concerned about the future of the country, especially growth in spending and debt and out-of-control government,” he said. “The significance is that we have yet another strong conservative organization stepping forward to endorse Congressman Manzullo.”

Carter said Manzullo has received endorsements from Illinois Conservatives and the Illinois Family political action committee.

Kinzinger spokeswoman Brook Hougesen said he was “proud of the strong support he’s received districtwide.”

Kinzinger was endorsed by state Rep. Dave Winters, R-Rockford.

“We need a break from the past – no more bailouts, earmarks or Obama spending projects like Congressman Manzullo has supported,” Hougesen said in an email statement.